June 2024

VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 6

20 WAYS TO

JUNE 2024

EXPERIENCE SUMMER

JUN. 2024 $4.95

GAME PLAN SEE WHAT’S NEW IN CANTON PORTAGE LAKES CRUISES photo by Talia Hodge

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TOP DOCTORS 2024

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PAGES

JUNE 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 6

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 28 Summer Fun | photo by Talia Hodge

[ FEATURES ]

28 20 WAYS TO EXPERIENCE SUMMER Find fun in your home state this season.

44 HELPING HANDS Meet five doctors who give back.

Portage Lakes Cruises photo by Talia Hodge

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PAGES

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INTERVIEW

AGENDA

UNCORKED

“False Positive” filmmaker Isma’il Al-Amin

[ the essential social digest ]

Paso Robles wines

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

06 MAIL BONDING 07 FROM THE PUBLISHER Play Ball

08 RADAR

12 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 13 Entertainment listings

+ Calendar of events 19 Art Form: Musicians Rachel Brown and Cathy Towns Grady

[ seen + heard ]

60 GOOD EATS

09 UPFRONT

[ notable food + drink ] 60 Restaurant listings 61 Untapped:

Make A Splash

10 INTERVIEW “False Positive” filmmaker Isma’il Al-Amin

Special Sections 49 TOP DOCTORS See which physicians were voted to the Top Doctors list.

67 CANTON LIVING Plan summer fun, meet prominent locals and visit new places.

Beers for Dad 62 Uncorked: Paso Robles wines

83 PARTING SHOT Farmers market

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PAGES MAIL BONDING

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JUNE 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 6 (ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1)

After a treacherous fall, sales associate Bunny Lacey and her beagle, Tippi, rallied for the sake of a good photo.

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PAGES FROM THE PUBLISHER

[ Publisher | Colin Baker | cbaker@bakermediagroup.com ]

Play Ball Baseball has taught my family about working together and overcoming obstacles.

Recently, as I attended an Akron RubberDucks game with my family, I was reminded how much I enjoy baseball. When we went last year, my toddler, Bodhi, was a bit overwhelmed — the heat, startling noises, loud cheering and fireworks proved too much. Now that he’s 4 years old, however, we decided to give it another try. (Plan your summer fun using our new travel and entertainment guide on pg. 28.) This time, he was plenty amused — not so much by the game but by discovering all the junk food. From hot dogs to popcorn and several rounds of Cracker Jack bags, I walked out of Canal Park having spent a small fortune. We didn’t pay for tickets — that was all on food.

My older son, Liam, was into baseball when he was younger. I spent many hours at West Akron Baseball League games — those days were a lot of fun. The teams were never very good, comprised of players of varying talent, but the kids had a lot of heart — and, at 8 to 10 years old, always seemed to have a fun time. If one of them could hit it out of the infield, it was basically a home run. (It was rare that anyone in the outfield could catch a fly ball or throw it to the cutoff.) One year, Liam’s team, the Orioles, went almost all season without a victory.

Still, I got into it. I just wanted them to win a game that year — the same way I felt about the Cleveland Browns in 2016.

Finally, the Orioles clinched a single victory.

would try to make it to both games. It was a virtually impossible task — I had to drive back and forth between two fields. Later, Xaverie abandoned her softball career for theater, which made Saturday afternoons a little easier.

Liam was pretty good at the sport and decided he wanted to play travel baseball.

You would think, from their rigorous practices and team structures, that these kids were trying out for the MLB. I personally thought the joy of baseball was dampened for them — the parents were much more invested than the players. All the coaching, expensive bats and travel seemed like a big investment. I spent many hours parked in a lot in Brunswick, waiting for practice to be over. I always tried to avoid overanalyzing my son’s hitting and throwing or trying to make him into a better player. The best thing I could do was just enjoy watching him play.

Eventually, Liam went on to play a little high school baseball, but in the end, didn’t have the passion to play much more than that. He later switched to soccer. Though I thought all those coaches and lessons had gone to waste, I realized something: The teamwork and adversity you face become the real lesson.

Now, whenever I drive down West Market Street and see the small baseball field in front of Judith A. Resnik Community Learning Center, I reminisce over the West Akron Orioles’ one-win season. Those kids were happy to win that game. The celebratory ice cream didn’t hurt.

Liam Baker

At one point, while my daughter, Xaverie, played softball and Liam played baseball, I

[ Publisher Colin Baker is a retired racing driver and gearhead. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

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PAGES RADAR

by Brianna Phillips and photos provided by Akron T-Shirt Club

seen + heard TO A TEE Strut around the Rubber City in style with an artistic tee from Akron T-Shirt Club.

A collaboration between Sabertooth Public Art and Monochrome Canvas, this project features screenprinted T-shirts designed by local artists, such as Akron painter Sylvia Sykes, Akron graphic designer Kim Lavery and more. Every month, subscribers are given a new shirt, collecting 11 T-shirts from June to April. In a surprise double drop, the club’s first two pieces consist of designs

by Monochrome Canvas founder Joëlle Zellman — one with a cat and another featuring two women with flowers sprouting from their intertwined hair, facing the world together with feminine strength. The last day to sign up is June 14, so don’t miss the opportunity to support — and wear — local art! $250, monochromecanvas.com

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SEEDS OF CHANGE

BOARD MEETING

Akron is losing about 6,540 trees a year. It’s an alarming figure — one that Keep Akron Beautiful plans to combat by planting 100,000 trees throughout the community by 2034. The presence of trees produces clean air, increases surrounding economic value, prevents soil erosion and water runoff, and more. The organization is calling on residents and businesses to help plant — native trees such as dogwoods and river birches are already in the ground. Assist in laying the groundwork for a sustainable and resilient city, as well as a beautiful green landscape. keepakronbeautiful.org

From the classic board game Sorry! to the lesserknown survival game Eruption, new tabletop lounge Board and Bevy has nearly 300 games to try. The spot has given new life to a 100-yearold Kent building, now complete with stylish green suede benches and hanging exposed lights.

Opened in April, it offers craft sodas, mocktails and cocktails — such as a spicy bloody mary, chocolate soda and Bent Tree coffee — plus freeze-dried candy, hot pretzel twists and other snacks. Whether you prefer a heated game of Catan or a more relaxed game of Yahtzee, find your perfect pastime within. 141 E. Summit St., Kent. $5 table fee per person, boardandbevy.com

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PAGES UPFRONT

[ Managing Editor | Kelly Petryszyn | kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com ]

Make A Splash Add adventure near and far to your summer.

As I step onto the Miller Ferry, I feel a sense of anticipation. Aboard the ferry departing to South Bass Island — known to many as Put-in-Bay — the breeze is strong. Sometimes Lake Erie waves crash over the metal sides of the boat, splashing me. Soon, the island edges into sight, and I feel like I’m on vacation — even though I’m still in Ohio. Once the ferry docks, my family often rents a golf cart to leisurely cruise the isle. It’s fun to ride by the lakeshore, catching glimpses of beautiful, colorful houses.

On past trips, we’ve parked our golf cart at an amazing spot around the Scheeff East Point Nature Preserve, located at the end of a street along the lakeshore. It features large rock slabs painted with ever-changing slogans like “Evolve” and “Don’t Give up the Ship.” We often snapped pictures on the rocks and gazed at the lake — but we uncovered an even more awe-inspiring view.

At the nearby beach, pebbles disappeared into a point under the water — there, waves crashed into each other, creating an astonishing sight. It’s still one of my favorite places to be, and it captures the magic of being whisked away to a Lake Erie island.

Read about Put-in-Bay in our new summer travel and entertainment guide on pg. 28.

This issue also features a Canton guide, stories of doctors giving back and our annual Top Doctors list.

We spotlight the island’s Heineman’s Winery and its attached Crystal Cave — the world’s largest celestite geode. My parents took me into the cave as a child, but

I don’t remember it — I’m overdue for a repeat visit.

We often boated up to the island and stayed overnight in the downtown marina, spending many sunsets swinging in DeRivera Park.

It hosts the Pyrate Fest, from June 28 to 30 this year. I remember hearing booming cannon firings and being locked in a cage — hoisted up by pirate actors as part of a stunt.

Kelly Petryszyn

My entire family often visits together, including Our summer guide also features the parents, siblings, relatives and kids. We Cleveland Orchestra’s Blossom Music pass the time splitting bottles of wine at Festival. Coordinated with a screening, the Heineman’s or Put-in-Bay Winery, which orchestra is set to play the score of “The is located on the picturesque Doller Estate Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” along the harbor. Typically, we eat at the — we already bought our tickets. We had an Keys for its beachy fare and lakeside patio. incredible time last year, enjoying a picnic We’ve climbed the steps to the top of Perry’s on a blanket as we took in the thrilling live Victory and International Peace Memorial, score to “Jurassic Park.” Taking a ride on left awestruck by the panoramic view. Once, a pontoon boat at Portage Lakes is still on at the Aquatic Visitors Center, many of us my bucket list, but I have gone swimming got to hold snakes. (Not me, though. I’m at the Portage Lakes State Park beach. Izzy terrified of them.) On adult-only trips, and I crossed PorchRokr Music and Art we sit on wooden swings at Mojito Bay. Festival off our list in 2022 — we had fun Barefoot in the sand with mojitos in hand, seeing the musicians play in surprising we listen to the music of singers perched places and lounging on a blanket as Indré above the bar. rocked a main stage.

Last year, my husband Tony and I took our What’s on your bucket list this season? Use daughter, Izzy — then 1 — on her first our summer guide, along with our jamisland trip. We strapped a car seat in a golf packed Canton guide, as inspiration. Here’s cart and cruised around. For the first time, to a summer filled with adventures, epic we went to the Butterfly House, part of memories and golf carts.

Perry’s Cave Family Fun Center. She loved chasing the butterflies, which got close to us, sometimes even landing on our backs.

[ Managing Editor Kelly Petryszyn is an adventure seeker, forever a dreamer and an avid supporter of #TeamFiona. ] JUNE 2024 | akronlife.com

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INTERVIEW

by Cameron Gorman photos provided by Isma’il Al-Amin and Cleveland International Film Festival

Isma’il Al-Amin Filmmaker

In the summer of 1988, Akronborn track-and-field athlete Butch Reynolds was on top of the world. He’d broken the 400-meter world record in Switzerland and competed in the summer Olympics in Seoul, South Korea, scoring gold and silver medals. For a kid from Akron, it was life-changing.

Then, dramatically, his rising star began to plummet. The International Amateur Athletic Federation suspended him for two years, citing a positive result on a steroid test. Reynolds maintained his innocence. Testing results were later found to be flawed, and at one point during the lengthy ensuing legal battle, his argument was supported by the Athletics Congress. Reynolds was eventually awarded $27.3 million in damages by a federal judge in Ohio — but never saw a dime.

“It’s one of the biggest injustices in American sports history,” says Akronbased filmmaker Isma’il Al-Amin.

“We’re talking about an athlete that reached the highest heights of his sport … who didn’t get a chance to reach his potential from a popularity standpoint.”

Al-Amin met Reynolds around 2003 after the athlete recruited him to work at his nonprofit, the Butch Reynolds Care for Kids Foundation. After coldcalling the head of development for ESPN Films, talking to cinematographer Bradford Young and contacting documentarian Jonathan Hock, the first-time director obtained backing to make an ESPN 30 for 30 documentary — beginning work on “False Positive” in 2021.

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Filmmaker Isma’il Al-Amin

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INTERVIEW Butch Reynolds in “False Positive”

“This is a real track-and-field film. It’s an Akron story,” Al-Amin says. “It’s also an African American story, all in one. This is a story about faith. It’s a story about family … It will resonate with anybody that’s ever been a victim of systematic injustice on any level.”

Catch the premiere of “False Positive” on ESPN June 11 at 7 p.m., and see news footage, an interview with Reynolds and more. We spoke to Al-Amin about what it was like to work with a legendary athlete and why the true story of Reynolds’ career is long overdue.

What made you want to tell Reynolds’ story?

Isma’il Al-Amin: Getting to know him … me and Butch clicked. We bonded kind of fast because Butch is a very inspirational person. … I was very inquisitive. I would ask him all the time, pick his brain, like, What happened? And initially, he wasn’t open to talk about everything — rightfully so. But I think once we bonded and became more familiar with each other, he opened up.

What about his story is so captivating?

IA: It’s a classic individual versus society

story. David versus Goliath, a man versus an international authoritarian federation with unchecked power. … People always root for the underdog.

What was it like working with Reynolds?

IA: He’s very strong-headed. I guess you have to be to reach the heights [he did]. …

I always was humbled and honored that he believed in me to tell his story … I look forward to working with him in the future — we’re possibly looking to do a scripted feature film around this story.

Was there a point when you knew Reynolds was innocent?

IA: It was when I was interviewing. I was doing some research, and I got access to some court documents from his lawyer. I was reading some testimony. I was like, Oh my goodness. This is ridiculous. Why is this even still an issue?

Do you have a favorite interview in the film?

Was it difficult to transition to the role of interviewer?

IA: Yeah, because I grew to care about him over the years. I was poking and prodding at him — I was trying to evoke certain emotions out of him. Could I move him to anger? … I moved him into tears, just talking about his mom, who is not with us anymore. He broke down, and this is somebody I care about. So, I’m sitting there, having to compose myself. … He’s a very proud man. A strong man. Just to see him broken down into tears, we had to stop. … At that time, he wasn’t Butch Reynolds the gold medalist. At this time, he was his mother’s child.

What do you hope this film will do for Reynolds?

IA: He lost his reputation. So, I’m hoping that this reactivates his life. I hope for those people who think or who thought he was a dirty athlete — I hope their minds are changed. … He accomplished a lot in this world, in his time. He deserves his just due.

IA: Butch, no question. … I was very attentive. When I was interviewing, I was looking at his eyes, his body language. That was a very emotionally exhausting interview.

We shot it over three [and a half ] days.

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AGENDA

JUNE 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 6

Agenda

the essential social digest

photo by Sanjay Suchak

6/25 Dave Matthews Band Blossom Music Center serves as a beautiful, natural backdrop for a performance from this longtime favorite.

Grab a lawn ticket to lounge while you listen. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steel Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls.

7:30 p.m. $68 and up. livenation.com

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AGENDA

SUBMIT YOUR EVENTS on akronlife.com or email cgorman@bakermediagroup.com.

NOTE: Dates, events, locations, times and prices are subject to change. Please call ahead.

Through 6/15 2024 Spring Exhibitions

Take in the works of five Through 6/6 “Membership new exhibits featuring Exhibition” Peruse this artists such as Sylvia “Membership Exhibition,” Sykes and Matt Miller, presented by Cuyahoga Valley Art as well as several group Center and featuring a diverse exhibitions. Summit arrangement of paintings, sculptures, ceramics and works Artspace, 140 E. Market on paper. Play a critical role St., Akron. Fridays noonin recognition of these artists’ 7 p.m. & Saturdays talents by voting in the People’s 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

Choice selection process.

Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, summitartspace.org

Through 7/1 “ O-bit-u-ary

by Peter Jones” This exhibit

highlights the grave issue of 5,800 murdered or missing Native women in the United States and Canada, aiming to increase public awareness. Renowned potter and sculptor Peter B. Jones supports this initiative.

The University of Akron’s Institute for Human Science and Culture, 73 S. College St., Akron. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m., Wednesday 1-8 pm.

Free-$20. uakron.edu

2131 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls.

Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 a.m.- 3 p.m., Wednesday 1-6 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.- 2 p.m. Free. cvart.org

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AGENDA

Through 7/14 Through 7/28 “A “Marilyn Stafford: A Material World: Life in Photography” Janice Jakielski’s Born in Northeast Impossible Objects” Ohio in 1925, Marilyn Stafford’s notable photography career spans from the 1940s to 1980, capturing key 20th-century figures and events. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wednesday, Friday, Saturday & Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m. Free-$12. akronartmuseum.org

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Through 8/4 “Knitting Beyond the Body” Browse

pieces that highlight View the colorful, innovation and inventive works technological advances of sculptor Janice in relation to textiles Jakielski. This artist and knitting. Kent State uses ultra-thin porcelain University Museum, sheets to inject whimsy 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. into familiar shapes.

Tuesday-Saturday 11 Canton Museum of a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday Art, 1001 Market Ave. noon-4 p.m. Free, N, Canton. Free-$8. students, staff & all on cantonart.org Sundays, otherwise $10 general public. kent. edu/museum

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AGENDA

Through 8/4 “Massillon’s Baseball Pros: An Inning in History”

Learn about Massillon baseball players who made it to both the big leagues and the semipros in this exhibit.

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.5 p.m. & Sunday 2 p.m.-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

Through 8/4 “Jerry Kalback, Deadball Era Series: An Illustrator’s Process” See the research

of illustrator Jerry Kalback, on loan from Kent State University. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon.

Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

6/7 Gay Community Endowment Fund’s 2024 Annual Celebration The

Gay Community Endowment Fund celebrates its annual fundraiser. This year’s event, “Exhale: Advancing Lived Equality,” benefits the endowment’s scholarship fund.

Guests participate in raffles, hear talks by Akron Mayor Shammas Malik and U.S. Rep. Emilia Sykes and partake in heavy hors d’oeuvres. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 6 p.m. $50-$1,000. akroncf.org

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AGENDA

6/7-6/9 “The Little Mermaid” Dive under

the sea with All-City Musical’s production of this Disney classic. The 11th production from AllCity at Akron Civic, “The Little Mermaid” features local high-school age performers. Classics such as “Part of Your World” and “Kiss the Girl” come to life onstage. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. June 7, 2 and 7 p.m. June 8 and 2 p.m. June 9. $15-30. akroncivic.com

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6/7-7/25 “Floral and Landscape Exhibition”

Peruse works of art that capture the natural beauty of flowers and landscapes. Presented by Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, this juried exhibit features a wealth of mediums. Don’t miss the free reception July 12 — attendees have the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and meet the artists. Cuyahoga Valley Art Center, 2131 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday 10 a.m.-3 p.m., Wednesday 1-6 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. cvart.org

6/8 Jazz Echoes: Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival’s Gala of Giving

This inaugural gala features delicious food, dancing and special performances. Emceed

by Emmy Awardnominated Akron jazz pianist Kofi Boakye, the night’s festivities include performances

by Akron favorites Dan Wilson, Tommy Lehman, Theron Brown and more.

House Three Thirty, 532 W. Market St., Akron.

6-10 p.m. $150-$250. rubbercityjazz.org/ gala2024

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AGENDA

6/8 Don Sitts Auto Group 14th Annual Car Show

Join Don Sitts Auto Group for the 14th annual car show at Maps Air Museum. Proceeds from ticket sales go to the museum. See cars of all kinds and participate in a 50/50 raffle at this auto-lover’s event. The first 300 attendees receive a dash plaque. Maps Air Museum, 2260 International Parkway, North Canton.

Registration 8 a.m., show 9:30 a.m.-2 p.m. Entry fee $15, walkin fee $10. Kids 12 and under free. mapsairmuseum.org

6/11 Music by the Lake Listen in as the

sounds of nature mingle with the sounds of music.

This outdoor concert features a performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble. Bring your own blankets, chairs and snacks. The concert is canceled in the event of rain. Silver Creek Metro Park, boathouse area, 5161 S. Medina Line Road. 7-8 p.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org

6/12 Open Mic Night at Northside Marketplace Want to

try out a new comedy routine? Have a song or poem to share? Prepare your material for an open mic night at Northside Marketplace. Signups begin at 5:30 p.m. — performances of any kind are welcome. Northside Marketplace, 21 Furnace St., Akron. 6:15 p.m. Free. downtownakron.com

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6/13 Explore City Tours Presents: Akron Afternoon Canalway Food Tour Follow the

6/14 Improverbial Improv

Cleveland’s premier improv group, Improverbial, visits Akron Civic Theatre. Sit back, relax and laugh along to a “Whose Line is it Anyway?”-style show. The group is preparing for a residency in the Akron area, so give them a 330 welcome. Akron Civic Theatre, Wild Oscar’s, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $10. akroncivic.com

canal while you learn about Akron history. Visit monuments and historical sites such as the Richard Howe House, Locks 1 and 2 and the Akron 6/14 Akron ArtWalk Civic Theatre. Guests on Experience this quarterly event this walking tour learn spotlighting local artists in the Akron Historic Arts District. Visit about canalway history, rubber history, public art, places like Summit Artspace, Akron Soul Train, the Nightlight Cinema architecture and more. and others. Take in art, enjoy Enjoy samplers and small food, listen to music and more at plates from restaurants in this colorful celebration. Summit the area, such as Diamond Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron.

5-9 p.m. Free. summitartspace.org Deli, Crave and the Daily Pressed. Akron. 1-4 p.m. $45-79. explorecitytours. com

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6/14-6/16 “The Groundhog Show”

An annual pop-up art exhibit founded in 2021, “The Groundhog Show” is surfacing from June 14 to 16 at TrueNorth Akron. Hosted by Curated Storefront, the exhibits are on display in and around shipping containers located onsite. Visit for a chance to view art from LGBTQ+ artists and allies, as well as enjoy live music, live figure-drawing sessions, an open mic and more. TrueNorth Akron, 110 N. Main St., Akron. clappforart.com

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A RT F O R M

R

achel Brown’s musical journey has been twisting and turning her whole life. She grew up on a farm in Sharon Center, where — for as long as she can remember — her music-loving parents have held a weekly barn jam. By the time Brown hit her teens, she was a staple in what was then Akron’s honky tonk circuit, playing Jackie Lees five nights a week.

AGENDA

Rachel Brown photo by AlexaArt

After graduating high school early, she hit the road, playing through states such as Maryland and Pennsylvania. Now, whether solo with her piano and guitar, with the three-part harmony group Sisters in Song or in concert with her eclectic band, Rachel Brown and the Beatnik Playboys, Brown presses on with her art. Having earned a master of music degree, she’s currently a music and choir director at Elyria City Schools. The Cleveland resident has released several albums, including her latest with the Beatnik Playboys, “Full Moon Rendezvous.”

Jim Ballard: You got on the road at a young age.

Rachel Brown: I traveled in country rock bands, where we played what you might call the “truck stop” circuit. They were big, multistory complexes with a restaurant on the ground floor and hotel rooms several stories above. Below the restaurant, they would have a club that held several hundred people. The only women in the place would be the two of us in the band and the waitresses.

JB: Special memories?

RB: My aunt, Rachel, performed with many of the folks who played at the Grand Ole Opry. I’ve been there many times through the years, but when I was 11, I got to sing for Roy Acuff backstage. I’ve also opened for Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn and the Judds, to mention a few.

JB: How about our area? What venues make you happy?

RB: The G.A.R. Hall in Peninsula is practically my musical home. I love playing at Jilly’s Music Room with my band. I’m looking forward to our date at the Rialto Theatre. It’s

so great that they welcome original songs and songwriters. We’re blessed in this area because we have a self-contained support system of great recording studios, producers, backup musicians … and audiences looking for just that!

JB: Your new album strikes me as country from a golden era.

RB: That’s what we were after. And we had such a great time recording it at Suma [Recording Studio]. … It includes several

cameos by great area musicians including Robert and Jack Kidney of the Numbers Band, Paul Kovac, David Mayfield, Al Moss and Austin Walkin’ Cane.

JB: Is there a song you’ve written that connects with the audience most?

RB: People are always requesting “This Old Place.” I’m so honored that they care that much about a song I’ve written.

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6/14-6/29 “Jesus Christ Superstar”

Brush up on your biblical knowledge with Porthouse Theatre’s production of the Andrew Lloyd Webber classic “Jesus Christ Superstar.”

This rock opera, directed by Porthouse producing artistic director Terri Kent, is sure to be a crowdpleaser. Kent State University, Porthouse Theatre, 3143 O’Neil Road, Cuyahoga Falls. $15 and up. kent.edu

6/15 Canton Pickle Fest 2024 Enjoy

pickled snacks at Canton’s Pickle Fest!

Pickle-lovers can delight in games, participate in a scavenger hunt, and of course, taste a variety of pickles and pickleinspired foods. Plus, diehard pickle lovers can purchase a pass to become a judge in the festival’s best pickle contest. Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton. 11 a.m.- 6 p.m. Free-$9. cantonpicklefest.com

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AGENDA

A RT F O R M

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Cathy Towns Grady

orn in Texas and raised in Shaker Heights, Cathy Towns Grady is a luthier, music teacher, songwriter, vocalist, guitarist and fiddler who now resides in Akron’s North Hill neighborhood. Along with husband Michael Grady, she writes, records and performs in The 330 and beyond as folk, blues and Americana duo Grady Miller.

photo by Tom Apathy Photography

Jim Ballard: What got you started in music?

Cathy Towns Grady: When I was about 8 years old, I wanted to play in our school orchestra. I actually wanted to play flute — but being one of the tallest kids, they handed me a viola, which I took to right away. By the time I was 9, I knew that was where I was headed.

JB: You went to the Blair School of Music at Vanderbilt University and majored in viola performance and classical music. How did you end up playing folk, blues and Americana?

CG: Along with my school ensemble, I also got to take private lessons, so I jumped ahead.

I auditioned for and got into the Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra and got to perform under the batons of Jahja Ling and Kurt Masur. At the same time, my folk roots were on a parallel path because of my dad, who is an excellent Chet Atkins-style guitar player. … My dad sat me down, and we figured out how to play “Somewhere Over The Rainbow.”

That was when the light went on for me that I could not only read music but also improvise. By the time I headed to Vanderbilt at 18, I’d been playing for 10 years.

JB: Do you have favorite Grady Miller gigs or venues?

CG: Getting to play in Austin at South by Southwest with Chuck Auerbach. Locally, we love playing at the Rialto Theatre and at Prime Vine Winery. I love that, in our area, there’s an audience for original musicians and songwriters. Audiences are so supportive and appreciative.

JB: What projects do you have planned?

CG: We have a new Grady Miller album coming out in early fall, “Keepsakes and Reminders.” We’re pretty excited about how it turned out. We’re also going to be recording a Christmas song this year.

Cathy Towns Grady and Rachel Brown perform with Jim Ballard at his monthly First Thursday songwriter series at the Rialto Theatre in Akron July 4.

Jim Ballard is an Akron-based singersongwriter, who along with his band, the Strangs, performs often in The 330. photo by Tom Apathy Photography

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AGENDA

photo provided by Live Nation

6/22 Bonnie Raitt: “And Just Like That” Tour 2024 Take in the music of Grammy award-

winning singer-songwriter Bonnie Raitt at Akron Civic Theatre. Featuring blues musician James Hunter as the opener, this concert allows listeners to hear classics like “I Can’t Make You Love Me” and “Something To Talk About” up close. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $56 and up. akroncivic.com

6/16 Third Annual Juneteenth Celebration Mark

Juneteenth, a holiday commemorating the end of slavery in the United States, with a celebration in Kent. Attendees can participate in a kickball game, listen to music, sample offerings from food vendors and more. Plum Creek Park, 590 Plum St., Kent.

Noon-4 p.m. Free. mainstreetkent.org

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6/16 Father’s Day Fishing

Dads and kids 15 and younger can drop in for a lesson on the basics of fishing, then cast off to see what can be reeled in. Bait provided. Current Ohio fishing license required to fish. Firestone Metro Park, Little Turtle pond, 2400 Harrington Road, Akron. 10-11:30 a.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org

6/16 Father’s Day Car Show

Celebrate Father’s Day at Stan Hywet with its 66th annual car show. The classic, antique and collector car show, presented with the Ohio Region Classic Car Club of America, is one of the oldest of its kind in the country. View hundreds of antique and collector cars — those manufactured from 1915 to 1999. Guests can also relish lunch and a garden walk. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. Adults $16, children $8, under 2 free. stanhywet.org

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AGENDA

6/18 Shirin Yoku (Forest Bathing) Workshop Learn

6/19 Centennial Plaza Summer Movie Series: “Wish” Behold one of Disney’s

newest releases in the heart of

6/21 Lunchtime Yoga Use

your lunch hour to get fit with a yoga class. Certified instructors guide students through a relaxing session on the lawn of Massillon Museum. In the event of rain or cold weather, the class is moved inside the museum.

Make sure to bring your mat and any props you need. All ages and skill levels can participate.

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:30-1:15 p.m. $6 per class or $15 per three classes, register and pay upon arrival. massillonmuseum.org

about the Japanese the Hall of Fame City. Centennial Plaza’s 2024 movie series offers practice of forest free outdoor screenings — all bathing with this family-friendly. Centennial Plaza, workshop experience.

330 Court Ave. NW, Canton. 7-9:30 This activity, which p.m. Free. cantoncentennialplaza. involves an immersion com in nature, can provide 6/20 Let’s Get Crafty: health and well-being Knotted Yarn Art Tap into your benefits. Participants creative side by making art from knotted yarn with park staff while embark on a two-hour experience, culminating you learn about the history of dyes 6/22 Multicultural Day and plant fibers. This workshop is in a tea ceremony and for those 16 and older, registration Celebrate culture with the sharing circle. Shine Akron Zoo! This day devoted to required. Supplies provided in registration fee. Munroe Falls Metro diversity offers crafts, games and Education and Retreat Center, 5190 Cline Road, Park, lake area, 521 S. River Road, local art. Through a partnership with Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Munroe Falls. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $10.

Kent. 5:30-8:30 p.m. visitors can learn about humans summitmetroparks.org $40. shineakron.com and animals alike. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Free-$19. akronzoo.org

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6/25 Dave Matthews 6/25 Brown Bag Band Get ready to jam out Lunch Lecture: to some of your favorites with David Dingwell: the Dave Matthews Band.

“Beauty in Our Own Blossom Music Center serves as a beautiful, natural backdrop for a Backyard” Since

performance from this longtime 2003, the Massillon favorite. Grab a lawn ticket to Museum has provided lounge while you listen. Blossom a free lunch lecture Music Center, 1145 W. Steel series on various topics. Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7:30 Bring lunch or purchase p.m. $68 and up. livenation.com some grub from the 6/27 Senior Cycling Gather on-site Greatness Cafe with like-minded older adults to cycle your way down the trails and learn about the beauty present in one’s of Summit Metro Parks. Cyclists should expect to ride 10 to 12 backyard. Massillon miles per hour. Make sure to bring Museum, 121 Lincoln your own helmet and bicycle!

Arrive 15 minutes before the listed Way E, Massillon. start time to check in. Ohio & 12:10-12:50 p.m. Free.

Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Clinton massillonmuseum.org trailhead area. 10 a.m.-noon. Free.

6/28 A Whiskey Deemed Worthy

Taste a variety of American whiskeys at this unique whiskey sampling event. Choose from both national and Ohio-based brands, including Buffalo Trace, Four Roses, Magic Rabbit and Bridge and Main — patrons are served four standardsized pours. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $60. akroncivic.com

summitmetroparks.org

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FLASH

Moving Up This spring, State & Federal Communications moved into a new office on Main Street in downtown Akron — and celebrated the local way.

The political consulting firm upgraded its space from 17,000 to 29,000 square feet, marking the occasion with an open house for 200 people featuring catered food from Waterloo Restaurant, a performance by Akron musician Rachel Roberts and a blessing by Greek Orthodox Metropolitan Savas Zembillas and clergy.

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1. State & Federal Communications president and CEO Elizabeth Bartz and Summit County executive Ilene Shapiro 3

2. Dr. Para Jones, president of Stark State College, and Bartz 3. Compliance services manager Renae Bomba, Esq. and senior account manager Joe Wasser 4. Attendees 5. Musician Rachel Roberts

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6/28 Honeys of the Hooch: The Sordid Tales of Women Moonshiners Put on your

threads and jazz up in your favorite 1920s-style costume for a shot at winning the prize for best dressed!

Indulge in exquisite clandestine libations and savory delicacies as you learn about a bygone era.

The evening includes samples of beer, wine, cocktails, delicious appetizers and a program by the museum’s science director, Lynette Reiner, who shares the importance of women moonshiners and bootleggers. Starting at 5:30 p.m., visit the gift shop for a sip and shop. Must be 21 or over to attend. Reservations required.

McKinley Presidential Library and Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 6-8 p.m. $50. mckinleymuseum.org

6/28-6/30 Garrettsville Summerfest Explore

6/29 Akron-Summit County Public Library Grand Gala The Akron-

Summit County Public Library is marking 150 years of service with a Grand Gala at the Main Library. Guests hear music, enjoy food and take part in a silent auction — prizes include signed books. Don’t forget to stop by one of the library’s locations to purchase special themed merchandise. AkronSummit County Public Library, Main Library, 60 S. High St., Akron. akronlibrary.org

6/30 Bluecoats Party in the Plaza The internationally

known Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps, an educational performing arts organization based out of Canton, is putting on its fourth annual Party in the Plaza. Also enjoy the En-RichMent Drumline, food trucks and more. Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton. cantoncentennialplaza.com

an interactive circus, watch a family-friendly 6/30 Yoga on the West show, indulge in some Terrace Focus on your health fair food and more at while enjoying the gorgeous backdrop of Stan Hywet’s West the annual Garrettsville Terrace area. Instructors from Summerfest. This Yoga Lounge & Barre in Hudson sprawling festival guide participants through an provides a sampling all-level vinyasa flow practice. of the area’s best in Following class, guests can enjoy a walk through the gardens and entertainment and conservatory. Make sure to bring food. Those feeling your mat and water bottle, and adventurous can even pre-register by 10:15 a.m. on participate in contests, the day of the class. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage including eating Path, Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. contests. Come hungry. $12, nonmembers $16.

Garrettsville Summerfest, Members stanhywet.org 8311 Windham St., Garrettsville. Free. garettsvillesummerfest. com 26

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by Cameron Gorman, Kelly Petryszyn and Brianna Phillips

20 WAYS TO

EXPERIENCE SUMMER FIND FUN IN YOUR HOME STATE THIS SEASON.

photos courtesy of Shores & Islands Ohio and Heineman’s Winery 28

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Island Wonder Get close to 1.5to 3-feet-wide blueish crystals in the Crystal Cave. Spanning 40 feet at its widest point, the cave is the world’s largest celestite geode.

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“You are actually inside of the geode, so you’re surrounded by beautiful celestite crystals,” says Dustin Heineman, president and operations manager for the Crystal Cave and Heineman’s Winery — located on the same property on South Bass Island, also known as Put-in-Bay. Visitors descend 40 feet underground to explore the cave’s celestite crystals, containing strontium sulfate. “Kids love it. People say it’s beautiful,” he says. “I’ve said it should be a wonder of the world.”

The geode was discovered in 1897 while digging for a well. Its crystals, which burn red, were mined for fireworks and flares.

Today, only small pieces of brittle crystals are removed to craft jewelry sold in the gift shop.

Above: Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial, right: Crystal Cave

grown on 15 acres of island vineyards or nearby Lake Erie shores.

The island has more than 20 caves, but many are private — including the largest, Mammoth Cave. You can, however, venture into the limestone Perry’s Cave, which features an underground lake. On that property, enjoy gemstone mining, mini golf and the Butterfly House.

Head to Put-in-Bay during a festival, like Bash on the Bay Aug. 21 and 22, and jam to a concert by Jelly Roll and others.

Heineman recommends getting a sunset picture by the new Put-in-Bay sign in South Bass Island State Park, hiking at a park like the Massie Cliffside Preserve or visiting Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial. Walking up the curving steps of the 352-foot-tall monument to the viewing platform is well worth it. “On clear days, you can see Canada,” he says. //KP

visitputinbay.com

The cave tour includes a tour of Heineman’s, Ohio’s oldest familyowned-and-operated winery, and a glass of wine — such as the award-winning tart Pink Catawba — or grape juice. Heineman’s wines are made from grapes JUNE 2024 | akronlife.com

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NATURAL GETAWAY With over 10,000 acres of land, including unbroken forests, Hocking Hills is a hiker’s dream. From wheelchair-accessible paths, such as the .75-mile gorge trail at Conkles Hollow State Nature Preserve, to more strenuous excursions — like the roughly 5-mile Old Man’s Cave to Whispering Cave loop, featuring a waterfall and swinging bridge — there are options for all at Hocking Hills State Park and beyond. More mustvisit spots are Ash Cave and Cedar Falls, visible from the 6-mile Grandma Gatewood trail.

The Butterfly Trail, a 14-stop self-guided driving tour, features large painted butterfly wings celebrating various local species — including silver-spotted skippers and red-spotted purple butterflies. Pop by the Hocking Hills Regional Welcome Center to see a monarch way station and butterfly garden. If you’re lucky, you may be able to witness a stage of the life cycle of monarchs there.

Partake in other outdoor activities, from fishing and kayaking to zip lining and horseback riding.

Kick back with a trip from Cork and Tap Excursions — a shuttle takes guests to area wineries and breweries — and end your day at the new Hocking Hills State Park Lodge & Conference Center.

Relax with a dip in the indoor or outdoor pool. Stay in the lodge or opt for on-site cabins, outfitted with a kitchen, bathroom and patio to bask in the stunning scenery.

Top left: Hocking Hills Treehouse Cabin, top right: Dunlap Hollow Cave bedroom, waterfall above: Old Man’s Cave, cliffs below: Conkles Hollow, waterfall below: Cedar Falls, photos provided by Explore Hocking Hills

“It doesn’t look like anywhere else in the Midwest,” Raymore says.

“It is a really unique landscape.” //BP

explorehockinghills.com

“Cedar Falls is spectacular,” says Karen Raymore, executive director of Explore Hocking Hills.

“The waterfall is incredible.”

Formed from the park’s abundant sandstone, Old Man’s Cave is unique — unlike a typical enclosed cave, it’s completely open on top, spotlighting upper and lower falls. A nearby visitor center provides a deeper look at the area.

“It’s a very interactive, hands-on visitor center that gives you the geological history of the park, of the whole region,” Raymore says.

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“An Evening With The Pretenders” Any Akron music fan worth their salt knows one of the city’s most famous exports: Chrissie Hynde of the Pretenders. A graduate of Firestone High School, Hynde is back in Akron for “An Evening With The Pretenders” tour July 23 and 24 at the Goodyear Theater. Listen to the famed group’s unique rock sound, and get the chance to experience favorites such as “Brass in Pocket” and “Message of Love.” Tickets for both nights are at resale rates — so don’t miss out on scooping them up to experience this once-in-a-lifetime tour. 1201 E. Market St., Akron, 330659-7118, goodyeartheater.com

BALLOON FESTIVALS

There’s something magical about the sight of hot air balloons. Huge, colorful and seemingly weightless, they capture the imaginations of all ages during summer events. Set your sights on the sky at the Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic July 26 to 28. It includes flights, fireworks and a night balloon glow. Balloons Over Wadsworth promises activities and entertainment alongside a balloon show, helicopter rides and a night balloon glow Aug. 10. Be amazed at the Ravenna Balloon A-Fair, celebrating its 45th anniversary Sept. 19 to 22 with live music, launches and, of course, a jaw-dropping dusk balloon glow. Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Balloon Classic, Kent State University, Stark Campus, 6000 Frank Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-456-7253, profootballhoffestival.com; Balloons Over Wadsworth, Wadsworth Municipal Airport, 840 Airport Drive, Wadsworth, 330-3349861, balloonsoverwadsworth.com; Ravenna Balloon A-Fair, Sunbeau Valley Farm, 3248 Brady Lake Road, Ravenna, 330-296-3247, ravennaballoonafair.com

Ravenna Balloon A-Fair photos by JW Photography

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BEECH CREEK BOTANICAL GARDEN & NATURE PRESERVE

Step into a nature-lover’s wonderland with Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve. Get artsy with natural art exhibit “Woven,” in which woven tree saplings form a walk-through, open-air art display. Visitors can create their own earthy art and add it to the hollow structure. Stop and smell the flowers at the Amazing Garden Plant & Animal Science Center, hike one of the preserve’s various trails, visit an on-site raptor sanctuary or tour the butterfly house. Make sure to check out the preserve’s newest addition: the Wings of Wonder Aviary. Host to three habitats, including grassland, woodland and wetland areas, the aviary puts you face to beak with an assortment of colorful and unique birds like ringed-neck pheasants and diamond doves. 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, 330-829-7050, beechcreekgardens. org Cedar Point’s Top Thrill 2 Even if you’ve braved the previous iteration of this daring Cedar Point strata coaster, conquering the newest version is the ultimate daredevil feat. As of press time in mid-May, it’s undergoing an extended closure, so look out for updates this summer. The park’s signature ride now features a second peak, allowing riders to be launched three times, reach speeds of 120 miles per hour and experience triple sensations of free fall. This record-breaking ride is among the tallest in the world, scraping the sky at a jawdropping 420 feet. The real kicker? Stomach a guaranteed rollback as you plunge backward down the track, only to be launched into the sky again. 1 Cedar Point Drive, Sandusky, 419627-2350, cedarpoint.com

photos provided by Beech Creek Botanical Garden & Nature Preserve and by Colleen Dinan Civil War photo by Nancy Balluck

CIVIL WAR WEEKEND

Immerse yourself in the 19th century with the annual Civil War reenactment at Hale Farm & Village. From Aug. 10 to 11, experience the restaging of a battle — as well as sights and sounds, such as artillery demonstrations — from the war that shaped the U.S. Spread over 90 acres of land, with Union and Confederate camps dotting the area, visitors can witness the daily lives of uniformed soldiers and meet reenactors portraying figures like late President Abraham Lincoln — as well as learn about the effects of the war on women and enslaved people. Hear horses neigh, drums beat and fires crackle as you explore life during wartime America. 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, 330-6663711, whrs.org

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Blossom Music Festival photos provided by Roger Mastroianni

SILVER SCREEN SYMPHONY Every summer, Blossom Music Center swells with orchestral music as families dine on the lawn alfresco — framed by the natural beauty of Cuyahoga Valley National Park.

“The open-air environment is so inviting,” says Michael Gandlmayr, artistic administrator for the Cleveland Orchestra. “It’s a place not only for people to experience a world-class ensemble and a world-class venue but also connect with each other and make musical memories together in a really beautiful environment.”

From a performance of Rachmaninoff ’s Third Symphony July 13 to an evening with Tony Award-winning vocalist Leslie Odom Jr. July 21, the Cleveland Orchestra’s Blossom Music Festival has something for everyone — including movie lovers.

From Aug. 2 to 4, the festival screens “The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King” with a live orchestral score from the Cleveland Orchestra. Attendees can bring a picnic meal and wine. Plus, with the purchase of an adult ticket, two youths under 18 can attend for free.

The orchestra is joined by the Blossom Festival Chorus, an audition-based volunteer ensemble, for some concerts.

“It’s visually one of the most spectacular things because you see close to 200 or more people onstage performing the score. This is one of the most epic stories ever told on screen,” Gandlmayr says.

“It heightens that experience.”

The vocal performance includes lyrics in Elvish, fully transporting listeners to Middle Earth.

“The audience … they see how interesting and intricate these scores are,” says Gandlmayr. “They have a new appreciation for how the music being played does a lot of the storytelling.” //

CG

1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-8040, clevelandorchestra.com

“It’s a great entry point for people who are new to classical music because they get to experience the orchestra along with something that they’re already familiar with,” says Gandlmayr.

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WINE DOWN

“You’d have to go to California to get a like experience. There’s no winery in Ohio, Michigan or New York that will give you the same feel and the same quality,” says co-owner Jim Pulk.

“Our wines are some of the best California wines you’ll drink.”

Taste the West Coast at Prime Vine with Venture Wines — sourced from the Napa, California, vineyard Jim and his wife, Julie Pulk, own.

“It’s all made to taste. Every bottle feels like it’s been worked on specifically by the sommeliers,” says general manager John C. Bahas.

“It comes out with such personality.”

Julie says. The winery also offers sweet Ohio wines and beer selections, along with a charcuterie board, a hummus platter and a seafood board.

Opened last year, the tasting room is in the renovated 30-seat carriage house. The Pulks also revamped the main house, adding modern amenities — as well as exquisite stained glass by artisan Richard L. White Jr. — while keeping the original floors, woodwork, 9-foot ceilings and more.

photo by Talia Hodge

In the heart of the Portage Lakes, sip exclusive California wines on Prime Vine Winery’s picturesque 16-acre property. Complete with a vineyard and carriage house, the location’s 7,000-square-foot Colonial Revival mansion is on the National Register of Historic Places.

This summer, in addition to live music on Fridays, the 100-seat patio comes alive with the VineStock Music Festival — a monthly event featuring local artists, original music, food trucks and art vendors. Catch three acts on each date, including Jim Ballard and the Strangs June 15, Up ‘Til 4 July 13 and the 15 60 75 Numbers Band Aug. 10. With string lights overhead, a blazing firepit nearby and California wine in hand, get whisked away to wine country.

“We wanted a place where people can enjoy good wine and a beautiful property,” Julie says. //KP

provided by Prime Vine Winery

4332 Manchester Road, New Franklin, 330-807-1317, primevinewinery.com

Find unique library wines or older vintages — like a 2013 Venture Russian River Valley chardonnay. “It has a nice flavor. It always surprises me,”

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Prime Vine Winery J U N E 2photo 0 2 4 | aby k r oTalia n l i f e Hodge .com

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FAIRY KINGDOM

At Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace, performer Johnny Phoenix plays with fire. From walking on a live gas blaze contained in a metal beam to eating flames, his act is a mix of comedy, astonishing stunts and audience interaction.

“I get burned at times, and things happen. It’s live fire,” he says. “I do a straitjacket escape. I do lots of bullwhip tricks. I do a fire walk, and there’s a lot of improvisational bits as well. ... It’s based on the audience and the experience that we’re having in the moment. That’s the real show.”

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Phoenix has been performing at the Great Lakes Medieval Faire, an annual summer attraction in Rock Creek, for nearly 30 years.

mundane into the magical. Nixie chirps to visitors from a manmade pond, flipping a blue-green tail and interacting mischievously with guests in her own trilling language.

A sprawling assortment of merchants, stages and more, the fair has been “She likes to try to eat running since its founding things that are not edible in 1993 — attracting those … if people give me a ready to travel to a land of flower … she’ll try to eat pirates, fairies and sword it,” says Culwell, who is fighters. scheduled to perform for the entire fair.

“You’re outside under beautiful trees,” Phoenix says.

Whether attendees are He’s set to perform during seeking water or fire, the the entire fair — which is fair delivers — surprises open on weekends from included.

July 6 to Aug. 11. “You “I enjoy when patrons dress come there with the idea up and come interact with that you’re going to play us. We had a reverse merand have a good time.” maid one year — that was Grab a turkey leg, take in delightful,” she says. “The Celtic games, get fitted for unpredictability is sort of elf ears and more as you the best part.” //CG wander the fictional shire Rock Creek, of Avaloch. Performers like 440-474-4280, Aurora Culwell, who pormedievalfaire.com trays freshwater mermaid Nixie, help transform the

Top: Johnny Phoenix photo by Eric L. Silvi Center: provided by Corinne Woods Bottom: by Ray Feather Photography

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STAFF PICK: MIDOHIO SPORTS CAR COURSE

Adrenaline junkies don’t need to travel out of state to get a taste of natural terrain racing. Lexington, Ohio’s 380-acre Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course hosts several races. This summer, catch the Permco Grand Prix of Mid-Ohio June 21 to 23, the Honda Indy 200 at MidOhio July 5 to 7 and MotoAmerica Superbikes at Mid-Ohio Aug. 16 to 18. “I grew up going there. My dad raced there. I’ve raced there,” says publisher Colin Baker. “It’s known across the country as one of the great road courses.” 7721 Steam Corners Road, Lexington, 419-884-4000, midohio.com

STAFF PICK: MIDWAY DRIVE-IN THEATRE

Turn back the clock, recline your car seat and enjoy a classic American pastime at Midway Drive-In Theatre, built in 1955. From anticipated blockbusters like “Deadpool & Wolverine” and “Twisters” to classics like the “Star Wars” films and “The Goonies,” this two-screen venue offers double features for all ages. Grab a buttery popcorn and tune in to the movie’s audio via your car radio or a portable radio. “We sit outside our car in lawn chairs with a radio and blankets under the stars and hear the crickets as action bursts onto the screen,” says managing editor Kelly Petryszyn. 237 state Route 50, Ravenna, 330-296-9829, funflick.com

NEON NIGHTS AT CLAY’S PARK

From Aug. 9 to 10 at Clay’s Resort Jellystone Park in North Lawrence, Neon Nights Country Music Festival revelers can boogie down to big acts such as Brad Paisley, Trace Adkins, ZZ Top, Lynyrd Skynyrd and others. Attendees can also grab a festival camping pass for access to the Clay’s Park swimming lake — this 10-acre manmade attraction features slides, inflatables and more. 12951 Patterson St. NW, North Lawrence, 330-854-6691, clayspark.com Top: photo provided by Mid-Ohio Sports Car Course, Center photos: provided by Midway Drive-In Theatre, Bottom: Emily Ruth Photography

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STAFF PICK: PORCHROKR MUSIC AND ART FESTIVAL

Fenced porches, cement doorsteps, stoops — houses offer stages for the Rubber City’s annual bastion of Midwest music, PorchRokr Music and Art Festival.

Since 2012, the communityoriented event has attracted music lovers, local bands and up-and-coming musicians — from rockers to folk singers. Last year’s performers included punk headliner Detention, singer-songwriter Shelby Olive, electronic musician Mo Turk and more.

Rock out in the Highland Square neighborhood Aug. 17 with free concerts, art vendors and food trucks — there are few venues as intimate as front porches.

“It’s old-school community art-making,” says assistant editor Cameron Gorman. highlandsquareakron.org Water Works Park Cool off by floating through a 560-foot lazy river or plummeting down a twisting waterslide. Water Works Park in Cuyahoga Falls is a great way to beat the summer heat, complete with four large waterslides, a pool with zero-depth entry and six lap lanes and water features — such as waterfalls, sprayers and geysers. For a more private experience, visitors can rent one of Water Works’ poolside cabanas.

They contain four chairs, two loungers, a small table and a patio space to catch some rays. Stay tuned for plenty of summer fun activities, including water walking classes held in the lazy river.

2025 Munroe Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-9718433, cityofcf.com PorchRokr Music and Art Festival photos by Shane Wynn 38

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STAFF PICK: OHIO SHAKESPEARE FESTIVAL

Walk along a winding path that takes you by string lights, rippling lagoons, arched bridges and a grassy area on the breathtaking grounds of Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Featuring chairs and a stage with a castle-like set — with double sets of doors and stairs — this enchanting spot is where Ohio Shakespeare Festival actors put on a show. See “Much Ado About Nothing” on select nights from July 4 to 21. “Watching Shakespeare live outdoors, with a Tudor-themed mansion in the background, feels like I’m watching in Shakespeare’s era — the way it should be,” says senior sales associate Bunny Lacey. Pack a picnic dinner and a blanket, or order a meal and snacks from the on-site Molly’s Cafe.

(Also grab wine from an on-site bar.) Make sure to come early for a green show with bawdy, hysterical antics. Transport thyself to a time of merriment and escapades with a full garden dinner July 12, and return for “Othello” on select nights from Aug. 1 to 18. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, ohioshakespearefestival.com photo by Scott Custer

SOAP BOX DERBY

Celebrate 86 years of Akron soapbox racing this July by cheering on racers ages 7 to 20 at the famous Derby Downs. With festivities starting July 14, race week culminates with the FirstEnergy All-American Soap Box Derby World Championship July 20. Watching the competition is fun for the whole family — kids might even consider joining in by signing up to compete with their own soapbox cars in a local race next year. 789 Derby Downs Drive, Akron, 330-733-8723, soapboxderby.org

photos provided by the International Soapbox Derby, Akron, Ohio

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BODIES IN MOTION Between outdoor rehearsals at what is now Akron’s Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival, dancer David Shimotakahara often found himself in awe of the sunset — and the opportunity to perform for community members in nature.

“In the sky, there’d be this glorious God-painting,” recalls Shimotakahara, now the founding artistic director of contemporary Clevelandbased dance company GroundWorks DanceTheater.

“You were about to share this experience that was very special.”

From 1983 to 1998, Shimotakahara performed at the outdoor festival — which began in 1974 — as a member of the now-defunct Ohio Ballet. He worked with its legendary late artistic director, Heinz Poll, for 15 years.

“He had such an amazing work ethic,” he says. “He also came from a ballet background, but he had extensive modern dance training too.

He wanted to combine the two in this interesting way.”

Celebrating its 50th anniversary, the festival runs from July 26 to Aug. 10. It offers a unique glimpse of world-class

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choreography — including from GroundWorks Aug. 2 and 3 at Firestone Park in Akron — for free.

“There’s an audience there that really appreciates dance, and it’s directly related to the exposure over time, over generations,” Shimotakahara says.

GroundWorks, celebrating its 25th anniversary, creates and performs new and original pieces. Like Poll, Shimotakahara uses ballet as a base to explore more expansive and experimental works.

“It is an influence,” he says.

“It creates a clarity to the movement.”

Though the company’s plans for the 2024 festival are still under wraps, the shows are special — they’re some of GroundWorks’ last performances, as the company is nearing its grand finale. The festival has been a seminal stage for both GroundWorks and Shimotakahara. He recalls the GroundWorks premiere of his piece, “Abide,” at the 2023 festival — a commentary on the distractions and din present in everyday life.

GroundWorks DanceTheater photo by Mark Horning (top) and photo by Dale Dong (bottom)

“We got to the end, and it was like everybody was holding their breath,” he says.

“Time stopped a little bit for me. It felt very satisfying.” //CG akrondancefestival.org

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photos by Talia Hodge

PORTAGE LAKES CRUISES

At 2,034 acres, Summit County’s eight connected Portage Lakes are scenic — and so unique that they have their own PLX life subculture. Explore the expanse with one of Portage Lakes Cruises’ offerings, such as private excursions, birthday parties, sunset cruises and more — including the option to stop for a swim.

Two to six people can savor a dinner cruise that’s complete with a catered meal. Groups of up to 45 people can depart from Old State Park to set sail on the Portage Princess. Don’t miss Akron singersongwriter Jim Ballard and blues rocker Jon Mosey, who are set to play aboard the Princess Aug. 8.

330-760-0270, portagelakescruises.com JUNE 2024 | akronlife.com

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Plated Landscape photos by Lizzie Schlafer and Left of Center Photography and provided by Spice Catering Co.

SPICE OF LIFE Haus Malts vinegar, along Outside at Spice with citrusy cocktails, coleAcres, guests dine slaw and more. at long tables set The Aug. 22 and 23 Late with tablecloths Summer’s Opus affair at and china and dotSpice Acres features the best ted with vases, surof the summer harvest. While the menu shifts for seasonalrounded by fields. ity, featured ingredients may The Cuyahoga Valley include fresh tomatoes, pepNational Park farm pers, sweet corn and chanterelle mushrooms — the in Brecksville grows slated focus of the menu. asparagus, garlic, Much of the produce comes rhubarb and more. from neighboring Cuyahoga Valley farms. Guests can Just steps away, explore 9 acres and observe chefs chop local demonstrations using fresh produce and cook chanterelles and stinging meat on a large asa- nettles — while also learning about the Spice Field dor grill. Bluegrass Kitchen nonprofit, which has music fills the air educated over 9,000 people as guests relax about eating fresh. on cushy seating “People are eating conveunder string lights. nience food and not thinking about where it’s coming At these Plated from. So, to eat outdoors, to Landscape dinners, eat at the source and watch food is showcased dedicated culinarians pull it together … that is my misat its source.

“We wanted to take people out of their comfort zone, bring them into farms or extremely immersive environments and create a meal and a memory in the space so that they see the farmer as their source,” says chef Ben Bebenroth, the founder of Spice Hospitality Group.

sion,” Bebenroth says, “to change how people connect with food.” //KP

spicecaters.com

On July 26 and 27, dig into a Lake Erie fish fry at upper Edgewater Park in Cleveland, featuring Canadian Great Lakes perch battered with Great Lakes Brewing Co. beer. Enjoy house-made tartar sauce and Cleveland’s 42

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TOP DOCTORS

SMILE AGAIN MEET FIVE DOCTORS WHO GIVE BACK.

Dr. Shilpa Kapoor, photo by Kelly Petryszyn

Thanks to new dentures from AxessPointe, one patient has regained her smile for the first time since 2001. It’s stories like hers that demonstrate the immense impact of the public health dentistry performed at AxessPointe Community Health Centers, fullservice primary care clinics that accept all patients.

“They have been deprived of this service because there’s not a lot of dentists,” says AxessPointe dentist Dr. Shilpa Kapoor, “that go to people that are on Medicaid.”

Kapoor is the director of advanced dentistry at AxessPointe, which accepts those with private insurance, Medicaid and Medicare, as well as provides a sliding fee scale for those without insurance. Her advocacy for the underserved transformed AxessPointe. When she arrived in 2021, its dental clinic was only offering fillings, extractions and exams for the Medicaid population. Kapoor urged AxessPointe to add advanced services like 44

dentures, crowns, mouth guards, whitening and more at its Kent location.

But Kapoor didn’t stop there. Because many wheelchair users, geriatric patients and bedridden people have transportation issues, she advocated to get AxessPointe’s existing mobile clinic ready for dental and medical services. Now, the fully outfitted vehicle features two operatories with dental chairs and tools, a front desk, X-rays and a restroom.

The AxessPointe advanced dental team can provide the full scope of dentistry via the mobile clinic, which has the ability to visit schools and nursing homes. “I talked to the CEO, Hey, we need to reach them. They can’t reach us,” Kapoor says.

Since March, mobile clinic providers have seen over 33 patients on fourth Friday Dental Days outside the under-construction I Promise HealthQuarters, scheduled to open in July. The HealthQuarters is set to offer medical, optometry, pharmacy, lab and general and advanced dental services from AxessPointe and behavioral health resources from Coleman Health Services to

I Promise students, their families and community members — making health care accessible to all under one roof. During a recent Dental Day, Kapoor told an inquiring police sergeant that it’s open to anyone. The sergeant — whose friend had recently lost her husband, job and insurance — called it a godsend.

“You could see the relief on his face because he was lost — how to help before that,” she recalls. “There might be so many that we can get to. They don’t even know they don’t have to keep suffering.”

Kapoor is on a mission to spread the word about the importance of oral health to overall health. She cites a sinusitis patient whose dental checkup revealed an infected upper molar was contributing to her symptoms.

Once it was taken care of, the sinusitis was resolved.

“Primary health starts from oral health,” she says. “Patients need to know that oral health is equally as important as your medical exams.” // Kelly Petryszyn

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TOP DOCTORS

ACTIVATING ABILITIES Like many of his patients, Dr. Christopher Raffi Najarian lives with cerebral palsy.

“I have that experience of what it was like growing up with the mobility challenges that many of my patients share to some degree,” says the pediatric physical medicine and rehabilitation physician at Akron Children’s Hospital. “That helps provide a unique perspective.”

Patients, especially younger children, often feel a connection with Najarian because of his use of a wheelchair.

“Their faces really light up,” he says. “It’s things like that that warm my heart.”

His mobility aid also helps him get active.

About eight years ago, Najarian began playing rugby with Adaptive Sports Ohio, a nonprofit that offers community-based sports — such as power [wheelchair] soccer, sled hockey, handcycling and wheelchair football — and interscholastic sports, such as wheelchair basketball, to youths and adults with disabilities.

For rugby, he uses a special wheelchair that’s reinforced with a metal frame and protected wheels, which are necessary adjustments for the close-proximity game.

“Rugby is a sport where there’s contact, so the chairs are designed to be able to do that,” Najarian says. “The ball is different than a typical rugby ball — it’s a volleyball — but the main goal is the same.”

Now, he serves on the nonprofit’s board and advancement committee, organizing fundraising events, securing sponsors and more. Adaptive Sports Ohio offers Everyone Plays activity kits for kindergartners through sixth graders, containing sports equipment designed for different abilities — such as a kit featuring various games for children with lower limb disabilities. Najarian helped to distribute information on the kits, which have been sent to hundreds of kids so far — spreading the word about the benefits of adaptive sports to patients.

“For the kids that are involved in Adaptive Sports Ohio, before joining and participating, they may not have known many other kids — or any other kids — with their disability,” he says. “So being able to share those experiences … with each other is invaluable.”

Dr. Christopher Raffi Najarian, photo by Deana Petersen

Najarian is focused on serving as many kids as possible — such as a patient who experiences challenges when using one of her arms.

She was able to get involved in wheelchair basketball.

“In the beginning, I remember her saying that it was very hard to even move the wheelchair at all,” Najarian says. “She could walk, but playing wheelchair basketball, she

had to learn how to even move the chair — but got better and better as she went to practice. … Her mom would tell me about this.

They’d come into appointments expressing gratitude about having the opportunity to do something like that, where she had never been able to do that before.” // Cameron Gorman

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TOP DOCTORS

FIELD WORK One of the most rewarding procedures Dr. Janice McDaniel, a pediatric interventional radiologist at Akron Children’s Hospital, performs is the treatment of a bone tumor called an osteoid osteoma.

Though benign, it can cause the children she treats, including one young athlete, immense pain. Using imagery and a needle, she’s able to freeze the tumor, preventing the need for invasive surgery.

“The pain was limiting his ability to participate,” McDaniel says of the athlete. “He could have had it treated by surgical resection, but that would have probably taken him out for an entire season. With this type of procedure, he was able to get back to sports a lot sooner.”

Interventional radiology can make a huge difference for a patient, and for McDaniel, it all starts with diagnosing an issue through imaging. This expertise makes her an invaluable major in the United States Army Reserve, for which she serves as a diagnostic radiologist — primarily providing services for soldiers and their families.

“The radiologist is like the C.S.I. investigator,” McDaniel explains. “For instance, if you have a patient that comes in with belly pain, you can do an exam, you can draw some labs, but you may not come up with the exact diagnosis. However, if you get a CAT scan of that patient, and you see their gallbladder is enlarged and inflamed … we solved the case.”

Dr. Janice McDaniel, photo by Brianna Phillips

McDaniel is assigned to a field hospital unit “I got an email about serving in the military, drilling out of Columbus. Though she has and I thought, There’s no better way to serve yet to be deployed, McDaniel has practiced others than serving the men and women in setting up a 32-bed mobile hospital. She’s the military,” McDaniel says. “I’ve fulfilled also worked at stateside Army medical treat- my initial commitment of three years, but ment facilities such as Tripler Army Medical I don’t see any reason to get out or leave. I Center in Honolulu, where she read imaging, really enjoy what we do.” and Madigan Army Medical Center, near In 2022, McDaniel was awarded the Seattle, where she performed interventional Army Achievement Medal for her recruitprocedures. She says she is honored and ment efforts. She likes to talk with other privileged to be a part of the armed forces.

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physicians who are considering joining — even helping the Army to acquire another radiologist.

“If you’re good at your job, then you should want to help as many people as you can,” McDaniel says. “Being in the military allows me to help more people, and helping our soldiers that are serving us — that’s a win-win.” // CG

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TOP DOCTORS

DEDICATED SERVICE

At around 10 years old, Brian Bauman rode alongside his mom to deliver food to homebound people on her Mobile Meals route. They often drove into neighborhoods he had never entered, venturing inside homes to talk and help people unpackage their food. The experience sparked a lifetime of service.

“I got to see what other people’s lives are,” says Bauman, now a pulmonary critical care physician and the medical director of the pulmonary service line at Summa Health.

Bauman took over his mom’s route in high school — with the help of friends.

Before leaving for medical school, he joined the Jesuit Volunteer Corps and was stationed as an emergency services coordinator with the Society of St. Vincent de Paul in Yakima, Washington. There, he helped people deal with evictions, power shutoffs, medical bills and more. With volunteers only getting paid $80 a month, Bauman was touched by the generosity of neighbors who invited him in for meals.

“It really gave me this opportunity to see all the challenges people face on a day-today basis,” Bauman says. “Then, becoming a physician, it was much more easy for me to see how many other things go into people’s lives and their health — how hard it might be to pay for medications or be healthy if you can’t afford food.”

Now, he volunteers at the free clinic at Open M, an Akron nonprofit offering primary and specialty care, dental work, lab work and more to uninsured community members. “Most physicians get into medicine to help people,” he says. “Working at Open M is the purest way of doing that.”

Bauman offers internal medicinal care, such as the management of chronic conditions like diabetes and high blood pressure. As a pulmonary doctor, he also helps patients manage breathing issues like

Dr. Brian Bauman, photo

by Deana Petersen

asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. Bauman recalls one patient who was coughing up blood and losing weight.

He performed a physical exam to confirm the symptoms pointed toward lung cancer, then referred the patient to Summa (which admits uninsured patients) for a CT scan, biopsy and radiation therapy.

“Patients were so thankful,” he says. “They know you’re there out of the goodness of your heart.”

He is vocal about his service, prompting others to join him. A retired colleague followed Bauman in volunteering at Open M, and Bauman’s son runs the community service department at his high school, St. Ignatius.

“Whenever I get to tell people about places like Open M, I’m passionate about it,” Bauman says. “Volunteering gives us the opportunity to see what’s really happening in the world.” // KP

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TOP DOCTORS

STRENGTH IN NUMBERS In 2006, Sarah Woodrow learned something startling from a Ethiopian general surgeon visiting her workplace — there were only three neurosurgeons in Ethiopia to serve a population of 75 million at that time. In addition, all were based in the capital of Addis Ababa, creating a significant obstacle to care for those in remote parts of the country. The then-senior neurosurgery resident felt called to help train more of them.

“I really believe that you have to work on capacity building in places like this,” says Woodrow, a neurosurgeon and now the chair of clinical neurosciences at Cleveland Clinic Akron General. “It’s not just good enough to go over there and do a few surgeries.”

Dr. Sarah Woodrow, photos provided by Dr. Sarah Woodrow

With her most recent trip in May, Woodrow has been traveling to Ethiopia almost every year since 2006. She visits for two to three weeks, partnering with the Foundation for International Education in Neurological Surgery and Addis Ababa University’s Department of Neurosurgery to train neurosurgeons at Black Lion Hospital.

The neurosurgeons learn through listening to Woodrow’s lectures and observing her complete complex spinal surgeries.

The need is urgent: There are lots of spinal trauma incidents in Ethiopia, such as those caused by cars striking pedestrians and construction workers falling from buildings, commonly due to unstable scaffolding.

“Often, as a result of these traumas, they’ve got fairly complicated broken backs, spinal cord injuries associated. We need to take them to the operating rooms for a series of screws and rods to stabilize their spines,” says Woodrow, adding that she uses donated surgical screws and rods from the U.S. for the operations.

The initiative has been wildly successful. There are now over 120 neurosurgeons throughout Ethiopia whom Woodrow and other international neurosurgeons helped to train. Some of those newer neurosurgeons are now training others, chairing the department at Black Lion and advocating internationally — including for the cause of increased folic acid in diets to cut down on neural tubal defects such as spina bifida.

Both the patients and the neurosurgeons are incredibly grateful for Woodrow’s help. A colleague from Cleveland Clinic Hillcrest Hospital joined her in May, and Woodrow hopes to inspire more to get behind the cause that’s been so rewarding to her.

“Everyone says, You’re giving so much. I actually feel like I get so much from these trips because it makes me really appreciate,” she says. “I wish people over here really appreciate how good we have it in terms of everything — but in particular, in terms of health care, because access to health care over there is such a challenge.” // KP

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ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY Sheila Cain

Medina Hospital Medical Office 330-721-5700 Ravi Karnani

2024

TOP

DOCTORS Martin P. Smilek

Stephen M. Heupler

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7133

SPI Neocs West 330-376-0500

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Mark A. Iler

Eric A. Espinal

Lance Talmage

SPI Neocs West 330-376-0500

SPI Cardiothoracic Surgery Specialists 330-384-9001

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-344-6294

Otfried N. Niedermaier

CARDIOLOGY

Summa Physicians Inc. 330-376-7000

Michael Amalfitano

Ramana Podugu

Medina Hospital Medical Office 330-721-5700

Aultman Deuble Heart and Vascular Hospital 330-454-8076

Michael Bage

Joseph Restivo

Michael J. Cullado

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7989

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7989

SHMG Colorectal 330-434-5978

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7133

Roger B. Chaffee

Joseph Rinaldi

SPI Neocs Barberton 330-745-7634

SHMG Colorectal 330-564-0728

Daniel Satariano

Jennifer Cummings

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7989

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-344-6294

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital Medical Office 330-588-4676

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Allergy & Immunology 330-543-0140 Richard Lavi

Allergy Asthma & Sinus Relief Center 330-423-4444

ANESTHESIOLOGY Kevin D. Cox

Mark S. Smilek

David Cutler

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7133

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-344-7400

Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center 440-443-0429

Joseph Lahorra

Alison Durham

Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center 234-274-7546

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-344-1400

Valerie Fuller

COLON & RECTAL SURGERY

Jorge Garcia-Zuazaga

Truong D. Ma

Kellen C. Welch

Ted F. Shaub

SHMG Colorectal 330-434-5978

Summa Physicians Inc. 330-374-0009

DERMATOLOGY

Summary. DataJoe Research is a software and research company specializing in data collection and verification, and conducts various nominations across the United States on behalf of publishers. To create the Top Doctors list, DataJoe Research facilitated an online peer-nomination process, also referencing government sources. In addition, DataJoe often conducts media analysis through Internet research to factor in public perception. DataJoe then tallied the nominations per category for each doctor to isolate the top nominees in each category. After collecting nominations and factoring additional information from the media analysis, DataJoe checked and confirmed that each published winner had a current, active license status with the state regulatory board. If we were not able to find evidence of a doctor’s current, active registration with the state regulatory board, that doctor was excluded from the list. In addition, any doctor who has been disciplined, up to the time-frame of our review process for an infraction by the state regulatory board, was excluded from the list. Finally, DataJoe presented the tallied result to the magazine staff for final review and adjustments.

Nely Aldrich

Neera Agarwal-Antal

Hudson Dermatology 330-650-4200

Fairlawn Dermatology LLC 330-864-9000 Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center 440-443-0429 Jacqueline Graham

Akron Dermatology 330-535-7100 Lauren Karpinski

Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center 234-410-7546 Ann R. Kooken

Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery LLC 866-337-6631

Final note. We recognize that there are many good doctors who are not shown in this representative list. This is only a sampling of the huge array of talented professionals within the region. Inclusion in the list is based on the opinions of responding doctors in the region and the results of our research campaign. We take time and energy to ensure fair voting, although we understand that the results of this survey nomination are not an objective metric. We certainly do not discount the fact that many, many good and effective doctors may not appear on the list.

Disclaimers. DataJoe uses best practices and exercises great care in assembling content for this list.

DataJoe does not warrant that the data contained within the list are complete or accurate. DataJoe does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. All rights reserved. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without written permission from DataJoe. Questions? For research/methodology questions, contact the research team at surveys@datajoe.com.

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TOP DOCTORS James F. Libecco

Stacy A. McCallion

Andrea Cerone

Adarsh E. Krishen

Aleksandar M. Geube

Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery 866-337-6631

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 234-466-8500

Pioneer Physicians Network 330-923-4500

Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio 330-535-2671

Summa Physicians Inc. 330-535-1536

Julie A. Mark

Erin Simon

Matthew J. Mivsek

SPI Dermatology 330-835-9158

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-253-8293

Unity Health Network LLC 330-688-9501

Unity Health Network LLC 330-655-3820

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-344-7874

Kelli R. Sabin

Steven M. Kelly

Ohio Family Practice Centers Inc. 330-836-8471

Aultman General Surgery 330-453-4300

AxessPointe Community Health Centers 330-673-1016

John P. Wagner

Unity Health Network LLC 330-688-9918

SHMG Drs Dalton & Van Fossen 330-564-2438

Michael DeRubeis

GASTROENTEROLOGY

GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Edward J. Esber

Natalie A. Kayani

Digestive Health Center 330-899-4194

SPI Summit County Geriatricians 330-375-4100

Shannon McKeen

Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center 234-274-7546 Allison J. Moosally

Robert Stenberg

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-344-6000

Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery LLC 866-337-6631

ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES & METABOLISM

Eliot Mostow

Manjinder Kaur

Akron Dermatology 330-535-7100

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-650-5110

Thomas Myers

Unity Health Network LLC 330-926-3495 Helen M. Torok

Trillium Creek Dermatology 330-725-0569 Schield M. Wikas

Tri County Dermatology 330-492-2327

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY Lauren B. Kinsell

Akron Radiology Inc. 330-375-3043 Kevin Pan

Akron Radiology Inc. 330-375-3043 James Andrew Spain

Akron Radiology Inc. 330-375-7879

EMERGENCY MEDICINE Rudd J. Bare III

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 234-466-8500 Michael Beeson

US Acute Care Solutions 800-828-0898 Nicholas Jouriles

US Acute Care Solutions 800-828-0898

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Mehr Khan

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-650-5110 Mikhail Koren

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-650-5110 Kevin Miller

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-896-5077 Jennifer Wojtowicz

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-650-5110

FAMILY MEDICINE Victoria Alexander

Unity Health Network LLC 330-662-5666 Anita Amlani

Pioneer Physicians Network 330-633-6601 Jeffrey D. Bachtel

SPI Tallmadge Family Medicine 330-630-9726 Brian R. Cain

Brian R. Cain MD And Associates LLC 330-877-3008 Janice Camino

Unity Health Network LLC 330-425-1485

J. Matthew Chase

Elliot Davidson

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-344-6047 Rosanna Dean-Scott

South Central Family Physicians Inc. 330-644-0022 Richard J. Dom Dera

Ohio Family Practice Centers Inc. 330-836-8471 Colin J. Drolshagen

SPI Tallmadge Family Medicine 330-630-9726 David Dulle

UH Sharon Family Physicians 234-565-7032 Lynn M. Hamrich

Summa Health Family Medicine Center 330-375-3584 Sean Hoynes

UH Sharon Family Physicians 234-565-7032 David L. Jackson

South Central Family Physicians Inc. 330-644-0022 Andrea A. Jopperi

Summa Health Medical Group Family Medicine 330-773-7866 Cynthia S. Kelley

SHMG Complex Care Clinic 330-375-3952 Jeffrey Kile

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Family Medicine 330-644-0022

Scott A. Fulton

The Gastroenterology Group Inc. 330-869-0954 Jeffrey D. Gellis

The Gastroenterology Group Inc. 330-869-0954

Mark Horattas

Victoria L. Van Fossen

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY Stephen J. Andrews

SPI Gynecological Oncology 330-379-3514 Robin A. Laskey-Jobkar

Digestive Health Center 330-899-4194

SPI Gynecological Oncology 330-379-3514

John Park

Clarrisa L. Polen-De

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-926-3313

SPI Gynecological Oncology 330-379-3514

Corey Sievers

HAND SURGERY

Costas H. Kefalas

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-926-3313

GENERAL SURGERY Walter Chlysta

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-926-3443

Dylan R. Childs

SPI Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533 John W. Dietrich

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4055 Drew Engles

Summa Physicians Inc. 330-564-2438

Akron Children’s Orthopedics 330-543-3500

Rick Gemma

Andrew Esterle

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7753

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-344-2663

Arthur B. Dalton

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TOP DOCTORS Gregory Hill

Catherine Kelly-Langen

Emily George

Kevin H. Silver

Lawrence M. Saltis

Unity Health Network LLC 330-922-1922

Akron Children’s Pediatric Palliative Care 330-543-3343

Community Health Care Inc. 330-875-5544

SPI Neocs Summa 330-376-7000

Unity Health Network LLC 330-572-1011

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Maternal & Fetal Medicine

Paul Gibbons

OBSTETRICS & GYNECOLOGY

Derek J. Klaus

SPI Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533 Mollie Manley

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4055 Nathan Monaco

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4055 Thomas J. Reilly

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4055 Nicholas Satariano

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Physician Office Building 330-344-2663 Rafal Z. Stachowicz

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4055

HEMATOLOGY Bradley T. Clifford

SHMG Oncology 330-376-1043 Jeffrey Hord

Akron Children’s Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders 330-353-8580 Sameer A. Mahesh

Summa Physicians Inc. 330-376-1043 Greg V. Manson

SHMG Oncology 330-376-1043 Mehool Patel

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7892

HOSPICE & PALLIATIVE CARE Sarah Elizabeth Friebert

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Palliative Care 330-543-3343

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Shanu Agarwal

SPI Care Center 330-375-4851 Thomas M. File

SPI Akron Infectious Disease 330-375-3894 Rajiv Sahni

Unity Health Network LLC 330-253-9727 Nikole M. Scalera

Summa Physicians Inc. 330-375-3894 Michael J. Tan

SPI Akron Infectious Disease 330-375-3894 Rana Wajahat

Unity Health Network LLC 234-368-8907

INTERNAL MEDICINE Patrick Blakeslee

Unity Health Network LLC 330-929-2685 Shelby Cash

UH Western Reserve Physicians 234-602-4252 Kelley Cerroni

Unity Health Network LLC 330-678-7782 Irene L. Dejak

Summa Health Weight Management Institute Bariatric Care Center 330-375-6590 David F. Fantelli

Unity Health Network LLC 330-678-7782 Michael Gedeon

Springside Internal Medicine 330-376-1071

Unity Health Network LLC 330-688-9501

Michael Krew

Jennifer Carroll

Karen Hummel

Akron Children’s Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine 330-363-6296

UH Medina Family and Internal Medicine/Pediatrics 330-721-8500

MATERNAL & FETAL MEDICINE

Prabhcharan Gill

Todd Lisy

Katherine Wolfe

Pioneer Physicians Network Inc. 330-644-2700

Akron Children’s Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine Center 330-543-4500

Nathan Lucardie

NEPHROLOGY

Unity Health Network LLC 330-678-7782 Kevin Mineo

Unity Health Network LLC 330-678-7782 Gary Pinta

Pioneer Physicians Network Inc. 330-923-4500 Michael W. Rich

Summa Health Internal Medicine Center 330-375-3315 Matthew Taylor

Pioneer Physicians Network Inc. 330-899-9070 Susan Tucker

Pioneer Physicians Network 330-633-6601

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY William B. Bauman

SPI Neocs Summa 330-376-7000 Peter M. Bittenbender

SPI Neocs Summa 330-376-7000 Anjan Gupta

UH Portage Medical Center 330-298-5329 Emil Hayek

Western Reserve Heart Care 330-342-0806

Valerie Jorge Cabrera

Northeast Ohio Nephrology Associates Inc. 330-252-0600 Thomas Kayani

Northeast Ohio Nephrology Associates Inc. 330-252-0600 Natthavat Tanphaichitr

Americare Kidney Institute 330-436-3150 Miriam P. Zidehsarai

Americare Kidney Institute 330-436-3150

NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY Tsulee Chen

Akron Children’s Hospital Neurodevelopmental Science Center 330-543-8050

NEUROLOGY Susana M. Bowling

Summa Health 330-375-7055 Bruce H. Cohen

Akron Children’s Hospital Neurodevelopmental Science Center 330-543-8050 Roswell B. Dorsett III

Unity Health Network LLC 330-572-1011 Deborah Ewing-Wilson

UH Twinsburg Health Center 330-954-7233

Northeast Ohio OB/GYN 330-626-2710 Akron Children’s Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine 330-438-6296 Christine M. Arnold

Summa Health Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology 330-869-9777 Jenifer N. Byrnes

SPI Urogynecology Ach 330-434-0543 Phillip E. Dayley

Summa Health Medical Group Behavioral Health 330-379-8190 Steven Gorsuch

Women’s Health Group 330-633-1350 John N. Hutzler Jr.

Women’s Health Group 330-633-1350 Thomas J. Mendise

Summa Health Medical Group Obstetrics & Gynecology 330-784-5406 Maura K. O’Shea

OBGYN Associates of Akron Inc. 330-668-6545

ONCOLOGY Prasad Bodas

Akron Children’s Hospital Cancer and Blood Disorders 330-543-8580 Laurie Matt-Amaral

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Physician Office 330-344-6505 Jennifer Payne

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7892

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TOP DOCTORS OPHTHALMOLOGY

William A. Pakan

Scott D. Weiner

Cole Eye Institute 330-864-8060

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-673-6299

SPI Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533

Richard Hertle

John Pinkowski

Akron Children’s Pediatric Ophthalmology & Optometry 330-543-5290

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Physician Office Building 330-344-2663

Thomas P. Hull

William F. Scully III

Retina Associates of Cleveland Inc. 330-996-9800

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-929-9136

Marc F. Jones

Jonathan Streit

Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons 330-818-7751

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Physician Office Building 330-344-2663

Richard Ellison

Thomas J. Tsai

Retina Associates of Cleveland Inc. 330-996-9800

ORTHOPAEDIC SURGERY

Amy Tucker

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7571

ORTHOPEDICS

David B. Kay

Kenneth Bono

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4040

Akron Children’s Spine Center 330-543-3500

Raymond W. Acus

Koan Joseph Heindel

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-929-9136

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7571

Jordan T. Etscheidt

Steven Jackson

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-670-4006

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7571

William Kurtz

Jeffrey T. Junko

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Physician Office 330-344-2663

SPI Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533

Jovan R. Laskovski

Ronald C. Mineo

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-644-7436

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-673-6299

Timothy Marks

Curtis Noel

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Physician Office 330-344-2663

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 800-342-7744

Daniel M. Myer

Kiel J. Pfefferle

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-929-9136

SPI Orthopaedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533

Jeffrey S. Noble

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OTOLARYNGOLOGY

PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY John Clark

Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center 330-543-8521 Wasim Khan

Ohio ENT Associates 330-297-9080

Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center 330-543-8521

Phillip L. Khalil

Chandrakant R. Patel

SHMG ENT 330-375-6917

Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center 330-543-8521

Hassan Abbass

Matthew Lutz

Unity Health Network LLC 330-923-0399 Mark Weidenbecher

Unity Health Network LLC 330-923-0399 Seth Willen

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-923-0399

PAIN MANAGEMENT Tony Lababidi

Comprehensive Pain Management Specialists 330-208-2720 Samer Narouze

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7246 Tim Sable

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7246 Dmitri Souza

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7246

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY Heather Minto

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Allergy & Immunology 330-543-0140 Lisa Sammon

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Allergy & Immunology 330-543-0140

Ashish Saini

Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center 330-543-8521

PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY Daniel Grove

Akron Children’s Hospital Dermatology 330-543-3376 Nicholas Nguyen

Akron Children’s Hospital Dermatology 330-543-3376

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY Jaime Haidet

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276 Ryan Heksch

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276 Mamatha Kambalapalli

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276 Alicia Lowes

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276

Natinder Saini

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276 Naveen Uli

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276 Bradley Van Sickle

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276

PEDIATRIC GASTROENTEROLOGY Reinaldo Garcia-Naveiro

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 330-543-2778 Christine Pasquarella

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 330-543-2778 Kevin Watson

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 330-543-2778 Matthew Wyneski

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Gastroenterology 330-543-2778

PEDIATRIC ORTHOPEDICS/ ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY Mark Adamczyk

Akron Children’s Hospital Orthopedics 330-543-3500 Paul R. Fleissner

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4040 Kerwyn Jones

Akron Children’s Hospital Orthopedics 330-543-3500

Kimberly Martin

Akron Children’s Hospital Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology 330-543-3276

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TOP DOCTORS John J. Paulowski

Ananth Murthy

Jennifer Grow

James Klejka

John A. Kasper

Aultman Deuble Heart and Vascular Hospital LLC 330-454-8076

Akron Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Center 330-543-2778

Mednax/Pediatrix Medical Group of Ohio 330-543-8350

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4094

SHMG Juve Behavioral Health Pavilion 330-379-8190

Patrick Riley Jr.

Mark Wulkan

Donald Hackenberg

Akron Children’s Hospital Orthopedics 330-543-3500

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery 330-543-6060

UH Rainbow Children’s Medical Group 330-486-9780

PLASTIC & RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY

PULMONOLOGY

Todd Ritzman

PEDIATRICS GENERAL

David Karas

Akron Children’s Hospital Spine Center 330-543-3500 William Schrader

Akron Children’s Hospital Spine Center 330-543-3500

PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY Samuel Albert

Akron Children’s Ear Nose And Throat Center 330-543-4930

John Ahmann

Mednax/Pediatrix Medical Group of Ohio 330-543-8350 Jeffrey Archinal

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics 330-336-3539 Sarah Ayers

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics 330-676-1020 Sabrina Ben-Zion

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics 330-336-3539 Kimberly Masterson

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Boston Heights 330-342-6700 James Nard

Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program 330-543-4440

Gregory M. Beddell

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-9730 Derek Cody

Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons 330-668-4065 Lewis A. Diulus

Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons 330-668-4065 Shayda Mirhaidari

Canton Pediatrics Inc. 330-494-9797

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4065

Brittany Potts

Gary A. Pennington

Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program 330-543-4440

Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons 330-668-4065

Patricia Raimer

Douglas S. Wagner

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care 330-543-8639

Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons 330-668-4065

Nirali Patel

Brian Bauman

SHMG Pulmonary 330-319-9700 Michael Chandler

SHMG Pulmonary 330-319-9700 Matthew P. Chandler

Summa Physicians Inc. 330-375-3588 Michael Dentler

Unity Health Network LLC 330-253-1411 Charles Fuenning

Unity Health Network LLC 330-253-1411 Chelsea M. KennedySnodgrass

SPI Als Lake Medina 330-721-7604

Mercy Health 330-543-4930

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics 330-336-3539

Anton Milo

David Burke

Akron Children’s Hospital Ear Nose and Throat Center 330-543-4930

Medina Hospital Medical Office 330-721-5700

Marc Nelson

Joel Davidson

Akron Children’s Hospital Ear Nose and Throat Center 330-543-4930

Akron Children’s Hospital Locust Pediatric Care Group 330-543-8530

Erin Spies

Daniel J. Yoho

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics 330-342-6700

Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons Inc. 330-668-4065

Sarah de Camps

Susan Vargo

Akron Children’s Hospital Main Campus 330-543-1000

UH Rainbow Children’s Medical Group 234-257-3454

PODIATRY

Jennifer Dwyer

P. Cooper White

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics 330-753-0345

Akron Children’s Hospital Locust Pediatric Care Group 330-543-8530

Jordan Grossman

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Physician Office 330-344-2663

Ohiostroke/Summit Neuroendovascular Specialists 330-344-2387

PHYSICAL MEDICINE & REHABILITATION

Richard J. Rasper

Thomas Herbener

Anita S. Jeyakumar

PEDIATRIC SURGERY David Andrews

Akron Pediatric Surgical Associates 330-434-5341 Scott Boulanger

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery 330-543-6060 Nathan Heinzerling

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery 330-543-6060 Joseph Iocono

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Surgery 330-543-6060

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Douglas Fall

Medina Pediatrics 330-723-7005 Michael Forbes

Akron Children’s Hospital 330-543-3193 Amanda GogolTagliaferro

Akron Children’s Hospital Locust Pediatric Care Group 330-543-8530

Daniel Dorfman

Orthounited Omni Canton Campus 330-492-9200

Nicholas Campitelli

Unity Health Network LLC 330-926-3231

Unity Health Network LLC 330-662-5667

PSYCHIATRY Dustin K. Blakeslee

Unity Health Network LLC 330-248-5397

Anand V. Khandelwal

A & S Khandelwal MD 330-723-7999 Matthew Krauza

Hudson Express Care Clinic 330-471-5936

RADIATION ONCOLOGY Desiree E. Doncals

SPI Radiation Oncology Ach 330-375-3557

RADIOLOGY Firas Al-Ali

Cleveland Clinic Akron General 330-344-6450 Krikor Malajikian

Akron Radiology Inc. 330-375-3043

Travis Cleland

Yun Robert Sheu

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4094

Akron Radiology Inc. 330-375-3043

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TOP DOCTORS

Jeffrey Unger

Jyoti Krishna

Elizabeth A. Boes

Paul Gibbons

Akron Radiology Inc. 330-375-3043

Akron Children’s Hospital Pulmonary Medicine 330-543-8885

Summa Health Medical Group Urology 330-374-1255

Unity Health Network LLC 330-688-9501

SPINE SURGERY

Joseph S. Dankoff

Scot D. Miller

Summa Physicians Inc. 330-374-1255

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 866-870-0016

Anthony J. Ventimiglia

Akron Radiology Inc. 330-375-3043 Jeffrey A Weil

Akron Radiology Inc. 330-375-3043

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY Priya B. Maseelall

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility 330-375-7722 David M. Nash

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility 330-375-7722 Jessica R. Zolton

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility 330-375-7722

RHEUMATOLOGY David E. Bacha

Crystal Arthritis Center Inc. 330-668-4045 Megan Bielawski

Crystal Arthritis Center Inc. 330-668-4045 Nikita Hegde

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Health and Wellness Center 330-344-7820 Rachel Waldman

Unity Health Network LLC 330-926-3240

SLEEP MEDICINE Nader Botros

Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital 330-471-5936 Albert Kim

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Medical Office Building W. Market 330-471-5936

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Toomas Anton

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-926-3322 Richard S. Brower

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-535-3396 Carrie A. Diulus

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 866-870-0016 Douglas M. Ehrler

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 866-870-0016 Scot D. Miller

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 866-870-0016 Rajiv V. Taliwal

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 866-870-0016

SPORTS MEDICINE Joseph Congeni

Akron Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine Center 330-543-8260 Aaron Lear

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Physician Office 330-344-2663 Nilesh Shah

Summa Health Medical Group Orthopedics and Sports Medicine 330-835-5533 Julie Shott

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7571

UROLOGY Costas Apostolis

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-953-3414

Lawrence L. Geller

SPI Urology Akron 330-374-1255 Eric Massanyi

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric & Adolescent Urology 330-376-3332

James Nard

Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program 330-543-4440 Thomas J. Reilly

RISING STARS Elizabeth A. Boes

Summa Health Medical Group Urology 330-374-1255 Jordan T. Etscheidt

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-670-4006

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4055

Jacqueline Graham

Joshua B. Nething

Thomas J. Tsai

Clarrisa L. Polen-De

SPI Urology Wadsworth 330-374-1255

Retina Associates of Cleveland Inc. 330-996-9800

SPI Gynecological Oncology 330-379-3514

Susan Vargo

Nicholas Satariano

Kevin A. Spear

Summa Physicians Inc. 330-374-1255

VASCULAR SURGERY Joseph R. McShannic

SPI Akron Infectious Disease 330-434-4145

Children’s Medical Group 234-257-3454 P. Cooper White

Akron Children’s Hospital Locust Pediatric Care Group 330-543-8530

Akron Dermatology 330-535-7100

Cleveland Clinic Akron General Physician Office Building 330-344-2663

Drazen Petrinec

SPI Akron Infectious Disease 330-434-4145 Nicole Ramon

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7758 Jeffrey Stanley

Western Reserve Hospital Physicians 330-971-7758

LEGACY David E. Bacha

Crystal Arthritis Center Inc. 330-668-4045 John W. Dietrich

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4055 Paul R. Fleissner

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 330-668-4040

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GOOD EATS

JUNE 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 6

Restaurants [ notable food & drink ]

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner A Alcohol available T Takeout available V Valet parking W Wheelchair Accessible $ average entrees less than $6 $$ average entrees between $6-$10 $$$ average entrees between $11-$16 $$$$ average entrees are $17 or higher Information subject to change.

Please call ahead to verify location, hours and events.

Akron Family Restaurant Neighborhood meeting place, homey atmosphere, reasonable prices. 250 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-0600 $$ B, L, D, T, W

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Aladdin’s Eatery Outdoor dining area, tasty Mediterranean cuisine. 782 W. Market St., Akron, 330-535-0110; 1991 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-4640; 44 Park Lane, Hudson 330-656-0560; 3895 Medina Road, Fairlawn, 330-665-3102 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Al’s Corner Restaurant Old World comfort food served cafeteria style.

Cabbage rolls and sausage made locally are a favorite. 155 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-475-7978 $$ L, T, W Barley House Hot and cold deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, soups and more. 222 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-0925 $$ L, D, A, T, W Basil Asian Bistro Menu features Thai, Chinese and Korean dishes, as well

as sushi and Vietnamese specialties.

585 Market Ave. N, Canton, 330-4523888; 145 W Liberty St., Wooster, 330601-0885 $$$ L, D, A, T, W The Battleground Authentic Mexican food in an aesthetically pleasing atmosphere. It specializes in tortillas and salsa that are made fresh daily.

Guests can enjoy street tacos, pozole, carnitas and delicious flan for dessert. 425 Cherry St., Kent, 330548-9019 $$$ B, L, D, T, A, P Beau’s Grille Well-regarded, innovative menu at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.

3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330867-5218 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T, W, P Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Fusion eclectic cuisine, lunch buffet and

Go t

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w to vie aurants st e r a . a re ents e & v

Sun. brunch. Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Belgrade Gardens Famous for fried chicken and homestyle cooking. 401 E. State St., Barberton, 330-745-0113; 3476 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-3396 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Bellacino’s Known for grinders, pizza, pasta and fresh salads. Full bar, patio and banquet room with dance floor.

3657 Fishcreek Road, Stow, 330-6783000 $$ L, D, A, T, W Bender’s Tavern Largest restaurant wine selection in Stark County. Menu features seafood. 137 Court Ave. SW, Canton, 330-453-8424 $$$$ L, D, A, T Bianca’s Ristorante Italian Traditional Italian, juicy steaks and fresh

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GOOD EATS UNTAPPED

by Aaron Fowler

Lagers for Fathers Here are some lagers for pops to tip back this Father’s Day.

BREWDOG’S COLD BEER

NARRAGANSETT BEER’S LAGER

Originally released last year as a seasonal sixpack, BrewDog has reimagined this golden ale-style beer as a lager. Coming in at only 125 calories and available exclusively in a year-round 18-pack, Cold Beer (cans, $18.99) is great for yard work on a hot summer day.

Famously known as the beer from “Jaws” — one of the most groundbreaking films in American cinema — Narragansett Lager (12pack cans, $12.49, six-pack 16-ounce cans, $7.99) is worth seeking out. For those unfamiliar with the Rhode Island brewery, discovering this crisp and clean lager may lead to a new go-to brew. And, as any film fan would agree, you must crush it like Quint.

FAT HEAD’S BREWERY’S LEAF MAN LAGER The newest edition to this Middleburg Heights and Canton brewery’s portfolio is quite possibly its most quaffable. In what is becoming the year of the lager, Fat Head’s Brewery — in collaboration with Cleveland Metroparks — nails the style with Leaf Man Lager (15-pack cans, $17.99). Portions of the proceeds from this new year-round release go toward the Cleveland Metroparks Trails Fund, so pick up a pack today. Each sip supports the great outdoors.

These lagers are available at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s, Mustard Seed Market & Cafe, Buehler’s Fresh Foods and Fisher’s Foods locations, as well as your finer craft beer stops.

THIRSTY DOG BREWING CO.’S LAB LAGER As far as “dad beers” go, Akron’s Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. has been brewing the perfect example for decades. Though its title has changed — once known as Labrador Lager, the brewery shortened the name of this tasty selection to Lab Lager (six-pack cans, $10.99) — this German Dortmunder-style lager continues to refresh.

[ Aaron Fowler is the key account manager at Cavalier Distributing. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

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GOOD EATS UNCORKED

by Eric Van Sant and photos by Deana Petersen

On the Rise Explore a region gaining popularity among wine lovers: Paso Robles.

Paso Robles is located between San Francisco and Los Angeles, along California’s Central Coast. With over 40,000 acres under vine and more than 200 wineries, Paso Robles is California’s fastest-growing wine region and largest geographic appellation — 95 percent of Paso Robles wineries are small production and family owned.

The wine industry represents an overall economic impact of $1.9 billion for the region annually.

The Paso Robles American Viticultural Area is located in San Luis Obispo County, California.

Established in 1983, the AVA covers more than 612,000 acres and boasts 172 vineyards, over 200 wineries and 60 varietals.

The most widely planted varietals include cabernet sauvignon, merlot, syrah and chardonnay. Cabernet

franc, grenache, mourvèdre, petit verdot and others are also popular.

The region has steep western hills, south-facing slopes, valleys and mountaintops. This topography provides an optimal area for growing, both for cooler climate varietals and those that need extra warmth to become ripe.

Wine Folly writes that grapes grown in the Paso Robles AVA provide opulent, sweet-fruited red wines with a plush midpalate, high-alcohol levels and surprisingly firm backbone of acidity. Uncork these regional selections.

TAPESTRY RED BLEND This red blend ($22.99) is juicy, with notes of berries, whispers of sage and lavender, and flavors of cedar. Though it presents as rich and smooth on the palate, this wine is leveled out with tannins and a striking acidity. Enjoy with pasta dishes, sharp cheeses or red meats.

IRON AND SAND CABERNET SAUVIGNON Featuring dark fruits including cherries and blackberries, this wine ($25.99) has a rich purple tone. Cocoa powder and clove allow for a chocolaty finish. Sip it with or in lieu of dessert.

DAOU SAUVIGNON BLANC As is customary in renditions of Paso Robles whites, this sauvignon blanc ($16.99) is bright and fresh. Enjoy scents of pineapple and grapefruit, which give way to floral notes of lemongrass and acacia. Citrusy and refreshing, this wine is best served with fish, white meats or salads.

Find these wines at the Giant Eagle, Acme or bottle shops.

[ Eric Van Sant is a sales manager at Heidelberg Distributing Co. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

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Contemporary Italian food served in a classy yet casual setting. Live entertainment. Full service catering.

566 White Pond Drive, Akron, 234678-3612 $$$ L, D, A, T, P Danny Boy’s If you love the Rat Pack, you’ll love this menu. Try the Old Blue Eyes Mac & Cheese or the Chairman of the Board Calzone.

6081 Dressler Road N, Canton, 330-499-3726; 10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330-633-7844 $$$ L, D, A, T Darby’s on Fifty-Nine Rustic dining with an assortment of dishes, including crispy calamari and filet mignon sliders, complemented by craft beer. 2764 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-922-7540 $$$ L, D, A, T, P Dave’s Cosmic Subs Sign the walls at this sub shop, featuring psychedelic and music memorabilia. 186 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-342-5666 $$ L, D, T D.B.A., Dante Boccuzzi Akron Modern American food in a rock ‘n’ roll palace setting. Several menu items can be ordered in varied portion

sizes, based on your appetite.

Vegetarian and vegan options available. Order a drink and relax on the restaurant’s spacious patio.

21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-375-5050 $$$$ D, A, T, V, P Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970.

Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A DeVitis Italian Market Has used traditional recipes to bring fresh Italian food to the Akron area for the last 40 years. Offers six varieties of pasta sauce, including housemade regular, hot and Sicilian. The house-made Italian sausage is a longtime favorite, and a gourmet deli case is fully stocked with a selection of entrees that are ready to heat and eat. 560 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, 330-535-2626 $$ L, D, T Dewey’s Pizza Family-friendly pizza joint has offering gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and vegan versions of all pizzas, so that everyone can get in on the fun. Try specialty items such as the candied

walnut and grape salad. At Summit Mall, 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-873-4444 $$$ L, D, A, T Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Divine Food Spirits Wine Casual and upscale American fare, a scratch kitchen and a wide drink selection.

2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-4400 $$$$ D, A, T Dominic’s Italian Restaurant Since 1987, Dominic Carrino has been using the finest products available for his pizzas, as well as burgers, paninis and other lunch and dinner options. Carrino is also the owner of JoJo’s Sports Bar, located directly behind the Italian restaurant. 221 S. Jefferson St., Medina, 330-725-8424 $$ L, D, T, P

Driftwood Modern American Bistro Upscale casual dining featuring multi-award-winning chili, handmade pasta and more crafted in an open kitchen. Save room for made-from-scratch desserts, including our cinnamon roll cheesecake. Inside Embassy Suites

by Hilton Akron Canton Airport, 7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-305-0500 $$$ D Eadie’s Fish House Bar & Grill All kinds of seafood, including fried alligator bites, lobster tail and homemade crab cakes. 6616 Wise Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-494-4000 $$$ L, D, A, T Eddy’s Deli and Restaurant Try the banana split waffle, a corned beef sandwich or chicken paprikash.

2655 Oakwood Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-7489; 4581 Kent Road, Stow, 330-346-0551 $$ B, L, D, T Edgar’s Restaurant Serves a variety of entrees, such as chargrilled grouper, along with homemade soups, salads and starters. 530 JUNE 2024 | akronlife.com

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Cana Valley Winery Check out this winery’s 13 varieties.

Bring in your own food. 5665 Waterloo Road, Atwater, 330596-3017 $$$$ D, A Casa Del Rio Mexican dining. 839 High St., Wadsworth, 330335-4001; Express location, 2927 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-849-5160 $$ L, D, A, T Caston & Main Brew Yard This cozy, casual gastropub with a fireplace and two outdoor patios with fire features offers a large variety of craft beer including 32 taps, with wine, specialty cocktails and 140-plus bourbons, whiskeys and spirits including rare selections.

The chef-driven menu offers housemade flatbreads, sandwiches and beer cheese, as well as Sun. brunch. 5010 S. Main St., Akron, 330-882-CASK (2275) $$$ L, D, A Cellar 59 Wine Bar & Wine Shop The menu in this renovated 19thcentury farmhouse features small plates, desserts, bottles of wine and craft beer. Closed Sun. and Mon. 3984 Kent Road, Stow, 330-6882684 $$$ L, D, A, T Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant Upscale Thai and Japanese, extensive menu, fresh ingredients, hand-selected sushi and no monosodium glutamate. 326 S. Main St., Akron, 330434-2876 $$$ L, D, A, T Corkscrew Saloon Specializes in fresh seafood, steaks and chops, prepared by executive chef Ryan Marino. Live entertainment Wed. nights. 811 W. Liberty, Medina, 330-725-0220 $$$$ L, D, A, T Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold

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tastes served up in a sensational setting.

156 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V, P The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery.

Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000, ext. 5 $$ L, D, A D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron Contemporary Italian food served in a classy yet casual setting. Live entertainment. Full service catering. 566 White Pond Drive, Akron, 234-678-3612 $$$ L, D, A, T, P Danny Boy’s If you love the Rat Pack, you’ll love this menu. Try the Old Blue Eyes Mac & Cheese or the Chairman of the Board Calzone.

6081 Dressler Road N, Canton, 330-4993726; 10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330-633-7844 $$$ L, D, A, T Darby’s on Fifty-Nine Rustic dining with an assortment of dishes, including crispy calamari and filet mignon sliders, complemented by craft beer. 2764 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-922-7540 $$$ L, D, A, T, P Dave’s Cosmic Subs Sign the walls at this sub shop, featuring psychedelic and music memorabilia.

186 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-3425666 $$ L, D, T D.B.A., Dante Boccuzzi Akron Modern American food in a rock ‘n’ roll palace setting. Several menu items can be ordered in varied portion sizes, based on your appetite.

Vegetarian and vegan options available. Order a drink and relax on

akronlife.com | JUNE 2024

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GOOD EATS

the restaurant’s spacious patio. 21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-375-5050 $$$$ D, A, T, V, P Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970.

Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A DeVitis Italian Market Has used traditional recipes to bring fresh Italian food to the Akron area for the last 40 years. Offers six varieties of pasta sauce, including house-made regular, hot and Sicilian. The house-made Italian sausage is a longtime favorite, and a gourmet deli case is fully stocked with a selection of entrees that are ready to heat and eat. 560 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, 330-5352626 $$ L, D, T Dewey’s Pizza Family-friendly pizza joint has offering gluten-free, dairy-free, soy-free and vegan versions of all pizzas, so that everyone can get in on the fun.

Try specialty items such as the candied walnut and grape salad.

At Summit Mall, 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-873-4444 $$$ L, D, A, T Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378

S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Divine Food Spirits Wine Casual and upscale American fare, a scratch kitchen and a wide drink selection. 2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-4400 $$$$ D, A, T Dominic’s Italian Restaurant Since 1987, Dominic Carrino has been using the finest products available for his pizzas, as well as burgers, paninis and other lunch and dinner options. Carrino is also the owner of JoJo’s Sports Bar, located directly behind the Italian restaurant. 221 S. Jefferson St., Medina, 330-725-8424 $$ L, D, T, P Driftwood Modern American Bistro Upscale casual dining featuring multi-award-winning chili, handmade pasta and more crafted in an open kitchen. Save room for made-from-scratch desserts, including our cinnamon roll cheesecake. Inside Embassy

Suites by Hilton Akron Canton Airport, 7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-305-0500 $$$ D Eadie’s Fish House Bar & Grill All kinds of seafood, including fried alligator bites, lobster tail and homemade crab cakes. 6616 Wise Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-4944000 $$$ L, D, A, T Eddy’s Deli and Restaurant Try the banana split waffle, a corned beef sandwich or chicken paprikash.

2655 Oakwood Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-7489; 4581 Kent Road, Stow, 330-346-0551 $$ B, L, D, T Edgar’s Restaurant Serves a variety of entrees, such as chargrilled grouper, along with homemade soups, salads and starters. 530 Nome Ave. at Good Park Golf Course, Akron, 330-869-3000 $$$ D, A, T El Campesino Authentic Mexican cuisine. Carryout or delivery available. 4360 Kent Road, Stow, 330-686-5561; 9169 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-9777; 4048 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, 330-4778731 $$$ L, D, A, T El Fogon Mexican Grill Traditional Mexican fare from the owner of El

Campesino in Canton and Perry Township. Full bar and weekly margarita specials. 1080 Interstate Parkway, Green, 330-644-7700 $$ L, D, A, T El Rincon Authentic Mexican cuisine.

720 S. Main St., North Canton, 330497-2229 $$ L, D, A, T Emidio & Sons Since 1957, the familyowned Italian restaurant has been serving house-made pastas and specialty pizzas. 636 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-4777; 3204 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-9294282 $$ B, L, D, T Erie Street Kitchen The chef-driven food counter inside the historic Venice Cafe in downtown Kent serves up authentic Southern comfort food with a twist, including a Nashville hot chicken banh mi and chevre goat cheese balls. 163 Erie St., Kent, 330-5935928 $$$ D, A, W, T The Eye Opener Diner-style menu features jams and jellies from Crooked River Herb Farm. Upscale decor includes photos of historic Akron. 1688 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-1114 $$ B, L, D, T Farmer Boy Restaurant House specialties include Greek souvlaki,

The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory

Family owned and operated since 1875, with chapels in Fairlawn and Cuyahoga Falls. Now celebrating the sixth-generation of family leadership in dedicated service to the city of Akron.

Complimentary Live Streaming. Virtual Arrangements. Digital Tribute Wall and Guestbook

Fairlawn • Cuyahoga Falls • 330-867-4141 • www.billowfuneralhomes.com JUNE 2024 | akronlife.com

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broaster chicken and delicious desserts.

1324 Canton Road, Akron, 330-784-4052 $$ B, L, D, T Fiesta Pizza & Chicken It continues to be named top five best pizza shops in the Akron area. Pizzas are sold in small, large and sheet sizes with a variety of toppings to choose from. 1860 Newton St., Akron, 330-733-2201 $$ L, D, T The Galaxy Restaurant Diverse selection of dishes in a creative building. Fantastic desserts. 201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, 330-3343663 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Garretts Mill Diner Breakfast items, sandwiches, soup and house-made ice cream. 4226 Hudson Drive, Stow, 330-9261344 $$ B, L, T Gasoline Alley Eclectic menu featuring pizza, sandwiches and sauerkraut balls. 870 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-6662670 $$$ L, D, A, T George’s Lounge Handcrafted food made from fresh ingredients and house-made sauces.

Known for substantial gourmet burgers, or you can create your own. Menu also includes handscooped milkshakes that come in classic flavors like strawberry, vanilla and chocolate, along with unique flavors like maple cream, creamy mocha and Dutch apple pie.

229 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-452-0029 $$ B, L, D, T, A Girves Brown Derby An Akron favorite since 1941. Hardwoodfired fresh-cut steaks, seafood, wine, craft beer and full-service bar. 4670 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-494-4413; 5051 Eastpointe Drive, Medina, 330-721-1731; 9230 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-6262171; brownderbyusa. com $$$$ L (only on weekends), D, A, T, W Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites 66

and Lucia classics, like house-made lump crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers. 4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-492-9933 $$$$ D, A Thirsty Dog Brewing Co. Named Ohio Brewery of the Year at the 2016 New York International Beer Competition, this brewery received medals for several of their brews. These medals included gold for Siberian Night aged in Bourbon Barrels, silver for Rail Dog Smoked Black Lager and bronze for Cerasus Dog. Come and enjoy a cold one in their tasting room.

529 Grant Street, Akron,330-252-2739 $$ L, D, A Thyme2 Pub & Fine Dining Contemporary cuisine with worldly influences, served in an upscale, modern setting. 113 W. Smith Road, Medina, 330764-4114 $$$$ L, D, A, T Tim’s Pizzeria and Pub Split specialty pizzas like the ranch with bacon and green pepper along with traditional pies. The menu also has sub sandwich options, roasted chicken and pasta entrees, along with weekly specials like Monday’s 39 cent wings. 2823 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-1530 $$$ D, T, A, P Tip Top Restaurant & Catering Pleasant atmosphere with homestyle menu.

Perfect for family dining. 3428 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-6883171 $$ B, L, D, T The Twisted Olive Casual classic ItalianAmerican fare grilled or baked wood-fire ovens. Indoor and outdoor seating. 5430 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0550 $$$ L, D, A, T, P breakfast items. 36 S. Main St., Hudson, 330656-2900; 3725 Medina Road, Medina, 330722-5800 $$ B, L, D, A, T Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@ bakermediagroup.com.

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FUN STUFF: Classic Cars / Wildlife Center / Outdoor Orchestral Serenades /

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SPOTS TO DINE

CANTON LIVING

Try Something New in the Evolving

Hall of Fame City

HALL OF FAMER LEROY BUTLER & MORE VISIT CANTON MEET NEW MAYOR WILLIAM SHERER II ENTREPRENEUR STARLETT ISLES - BURNS MAKES AN IMPACT

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CANTON LIVING

by Cameron Gorman, photos provided by the Pro Football Hall of Fame

BEHIND THE GOLD JACKET

Here’s the game plan for the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s enshrinee residency program.

On Dec. 26, 1993, LeRoy Butler — then a safety for the Green Bay Packers — scored a pivotal touchdown on a freezing winter day, pushing the team into the playoffs. Butler launched himself into the stands, caught by a group of fans who hugged him back.

That moment created a celebration still performed by athletes today — the Lambeau Leap.

“I love people. That’s why I love that celebration,” says the Wisconsin resident. “When we put a statue out front by the Packers Pro Shop by the stadium, I didn’t want it to be me in the statue doing the leap. I wanted it to be the fans.”

Butler got his wish. Visitors to Lambeau Field can now snap photos of their own version of the leap, surrounded by bronze spectators.

“Without the fans, we’re nobody. Sometimes, players forget that,” he says. “That’s why Canton is so special. Because it’s football heaven.”

Butler, enshrined in Canton’s Pro Football Hall of Fame in 2022, was the first to participate in its residency program — an initiative in which enshrinees visit Canton and the hall and interact with guests. (Upcoming visitors are set to include former Minnesota 4

Right: LeRoy Butler with his bust

Vikings defensive end Carl Eller June 19 to 22, former San Diego Chargers quarterback Dan Fouts June 26 to 29, former New York Jets running back John Riggins July 10 to 13, former Oakland Raiders wide receiver Fred Biletnikoff Aug. 21 to 24 and more.) Butler’s road to the hall, however, was paved with challenges.

He grew up in a Jacksonville, Florida, housing project, and due to a foot issue, wore leg braces as a child. After discovering he was able to run, Butler began playing football in his neighborhood and later at what is now Riverside High School. He accepted a scholarship to play football at Florida State University, joined the Packers in 1990, and exploded onto the scene — playing in four Pro Bowl games from 1994 to 1999.

“They wish they had that jersey on, but they can’t. So they live through you,” Butler says of the fans. “You make the team on the front of your jersey proud, but also the name on the back.”

So, when asked to kick off the residency program, Butler accepted. He completed his stint in early April.

“It was brilliant working with the hall, because my liaison [Jonathan La] … he basically said, What do you want to do? What do you like to do? I was like, I like to speak at

schools. I like to visit nonprofits, and I like… community. I like to meet people I don’t know.

I want to be a greeter at the hall,” Butler says.

“It was a lot of fun. That’s what I love doing, so I thought it was a brilliant way to show Canton that the Hall of Famers really do visit there.”

Butler did just that. He visited restaurants like Basil Asian Bistro and Fronimo’s Downtown, spoke to athletes at McKinley High School, told stories and worked as a greeter in the hall — meeting fans of all ages and sharing anecdotes about his life and time in the NFL. “When people come up, they don’t expect a Hall of Famer to greet you. I loved doing that,” Butler recalls. “They had field trips ….

I walk in there with my gold jacket, and I tell the kids, Hey, let’s go take a picture by my bust — you should have saw their faces.”

He took time to interact with visitors individually, joking with them and even videocalling the son of an older fan. Some, of course, were starstruck.

“Think of the thousands of players who played, and out of all these thousands of players ... you are his favorite,” Butler says.

“That is amazing.” profootballhof.com

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Butler and McKinley High School football team members

JUNE 2024 | akronlife.com

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CANTON LIVING

by Cameron Gorman, photos provided by Canton Comedy Boom

LOCAL LAUGHS

Canton Comedy Boom brings a fresh take on comedy to the stage.

At the Daily Pressed in Akron, Tuesday night means laughter. The coffee and cocktail bar serves as the home of a regular open mic night hosted by K.C. Curry, one of the founders of Canton Comedy Boom — an organization that produces, supports and curates comedy performances in and around the Akron and Canton areas.

Canton Comedy Boom photo by Matthew Cutler

“It’s a very encouraging environment, whether you’re going up for the first time or you’re a newer comic,” says Lydia Carmany, a comic and co-founder of Canton Comedy Boom.

“Sometimes, we get people who’ve been doing it for years.”

One by one, comedians, amateur and seasoned alike, step onto the venue’s raised stage, grab the microphone and give it their all. From humorous anecdotes about teaching to deadpan one-liners, there’s a wide range of performance styles on display. Audience returns vary, of course, but one thing stays consistent — at this open mic, people support each other.

“I love the art form because it allows people to be vulnerable with an audience as themselves but also evokes a joy that a lot of people can share,” Carmany says, “which can be especially good as an escape but also as a mental health help.”

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Founded in 2023, Canton Comedy Boom hosts upcoming events, including a free First Friday show June 7 at Patina Arts Centre, a queer comedy show June 8 at Patina and open mic nights at Karma Social June 3 and 17. Its offerings also include headliner shows and workshops. Featuring a lineup of diverse comics doing improv, sketch comedy, standup and more, Canton Comedy Boom fills a gap in Northeast Ohio’s comedy scene, Carmany says.

“About two years ago, I realized that Canton didn’t have a venue for comedy. It didn’t even have open mics,” Carmany recalls. “I also … met some comedians, and I realized that females were very underrepresented in standup.”

Canton Comedy Boom began with performances by a group of comics known as Females of Comedy — formed to combat that lack of representation. Carmany is part

of the group, telling jokes that intentionally evoke awkwardness.

“We did a few Females of Comedy shows in 2022, and then we started hosting open mics at Patina,” Carmany says. “It grew exponentially from there. … We’re bookers and producers of shows all over Northeast Ohio, and mostly a curator of performances meant to diversify comedy and foster an inclusive and exploratory environment for local comics.”

It’s evident that inclusivity is at the forefront of Canton Comedy Boom’s productions — it recently hosted shows focusing on autism awareness and sobriety. The group sets ground rules for both performers and audiences to ensure the environment remains welcoming to all.

“Comedy is an avenue for people to learn,” Carmany says, “while they laugh.”

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Canton Comedy Boom photos by Matthew Cutler and Eric Simons

The group didn’t have to guess whether audiences would be receptive to their approach — the community showed up.

Boom are coaxing laughter from audiences — and helping fellow comedians conquer the stage.

“We’ll have some people that will come to the same shows over and over, but a lot of our shows will be almost a completely new audience,” Carmany says. “It seems that people really do like seeing representation of different walks of life. … A lot of our shows work as fundraisers or donation drives for local nonprofits, so we will keep going as long as there’s an audience and comics who want to be on our stage.”

“We taught a comedy workshop for a group of teenagers,” Carmany recalls, “and one of them came to watch our free First Friday show later that week. He asked if he could go up onstage and do a set … it was his first time performing in front of an audience, and he absolutely killed it. He was hilarious. That’s the kind of thing that we like to see.” cantoncomedyboom.com

Carmany and the team behind Canton Comedy

JUNE 2024 | akronlife.com

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CANTON LIVING

words and portrait by Brianna Phillips and photos provided by Starz

RISING STAR

Entrepreneur Starlett Isles-Burns is becoming a prominent leader in Canton.

Starlett Isles-Burns has a big, inviting personality. She’s integrated little pieces of herself throughout her Starz restaurant and nightclub in Canton, from chandelier lighting that resembles a bursting star to a Starz logo on the stage where live bands perform jazz and R&B. Red velvet curtains and gold chairs set glamorous vibes.

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“I greet all the customers. I make sure, Do they need anything?” Isles-Burns says. “People have said they come to have a nice time with me because I have that personality — I enjoy the hospitality portion of the business.”

menu and serve up craft drinks. The most popular menu item at Starz is a trio of wing flavors, which allows customers to try three sauces over nine wings. Flavors range from the popular sweet chili to garlic Parmesan.

She and her father, William Friedman, opened the downtown hot spot in 2021. Growing up in Canton led IslesBurns to want to bring great food, cocktails and music to the area. The two have been in the restaurant industry since 2009, when they opened the Sandpit Cafe and Lounge in Massillon.

Isles-Burns knows how to curate a

“I like to taste everything, so that’s kind of where we came up with the trios,” says Isles-Burns. Other trios feature seafood with catfish, cod and shrimp, a mix of grilled steak, shredded pork and chicken tacos, or fried veggies, including cauliflower, onion rings and mushrooms ($10-$20).

Guests can also order veggie, pep-

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peroni or Buffalo chicken pizzas or a house salad ($9-$18). A popular drink is the chilled sweet, golden Starz house wine. Guests can also sip a namesake crystal clear cocktail, Starz ice water ($8.50).

“It’s very tasty. It really gives you a nice feeling, so when you’re here, you feel like a star,” Isles-Burns says.

Starz is not her only venture. Isles-Burns is a graduate of Stark State College with a degree in social work, of Malone University with a bachelor’s in business management and of Concordia University in St. Paul, Minnesota, with a master’s in family studies. She also owns two Fair Play Family Center child care locations, with a third on the way — and makes time to network in her community.

Isles-Burns actively participates in First Fridays and hosts events for organizations such as the Stark County Minority Business Association — which recently spotlighted her. Isles-Burns’ prowess has been recognized with a Phenomenal Women award nomination as well as a business owner of the year nomination from the Association for Better Community Development in Canton.

“My presence has been well received. I’ve been well respected,” says Isles-Burns. “I’m a good representation of the community.”

111 Cleveland Ave. SW, Canton, 330-754-6343, starzofcanton.com

Welcome to the Professional Football Hall of Fame City!

We are a Favorite Destination.

Savory Steaks Grilled to Perfection, Fresh Seafood, Chicken, Pasta and more.

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Serving Dinner: Mon.-Thurs. 4 p.m-10:00 p.m.

Fri. & Sat. 4 p.m.-10:00 p.m.

330-492-9933 • luciassteakhouse.com 4769 Belpar Street, Canton In the center of Belden Village shopping district

JUNE 2024 | akronlife.com

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by Cameron Gorman and photos provided by Joe Albert

HISTORIC LIVING

With a new apartment project in Canton, Steve Coon expands his vision.

Restoration contractor and developer Steve Coon has saved numerous historic buildings in Ohio from ruin — repurposing the spaces to give them new life.

Spanish Apartments

“When you’re in a historic building, you’ve got that sense of place — Wow, I’m somewhere really special,” says the owner and president of Coon Restoration. His company’s projects include well-known spots like the Historic Onesto in Canton, Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial in Put-in-Bay, University Circle United Methodist Church in Akron, and West Side Market and Terminal Tower in Cleveland.

Coon recently set his sights on another property in the Hall of Fame City, transforming a 1900s structure into Mediterranean-style living spaces. The historic Spanish Apartments, located near Canton’s Vassar Park neighborhood, are the newest addition to his portfolio.

Thanks to the Belden family, who made significant improvements to the building, Coon was able to then buy it at auction and finish work on it. His company updated the five units to include newer amenities like granite countertops while restoring and preserving historic details such as balconies and rounded steps.

Opened in May, the apartments are now available for rent.

Why did you embark on this project?

Steve Coon: The stucco walls and the nice clay tile roofs — it’s special and unique. They don’t build buildings like this today. This is something that I thought should be saved, and not only saved — a lot of people would gravitate to this way better than new construction — it tells a story. … It took about a year and two months to do, but we renovated it, and it’s absolutely gorgeous. Two-bedroom units and balconies.

What lifestyle do the apartments offer?

SC: You could walk to all the restaurants, the [Canton] Palace Theatre, the coffee shops, all the events going on in the downtown historic district.

Can you describe the building?

SC: Some things … we’ve modernized, but the walls and everything else are what they did over 100 years ago. We were able to patch things in and repair them, and you can’t tell where the repairs were made. The historic doors — they’re all that two-inch, first-growth wood. It gives it a very unique look and feel.

Why did you choose a building in this area?

SC: We’ve done a lot of stuff in the [nearby] downtown historic district. This was … half a block north of the historic district. It had that historic character, and I knew if I didn’t buy this building, somebody was going to do the wrong thing. … I’m looking to buy more houses in that area to fix up. [This is] how downtown neighborhoods are changed.

What’s your favorite thing to do in Canton?

SC: Walk around and look at opportunities to bring something back to life. There are such good bones in front of us. coonrestoration.com

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Newer Spots to Eat

THE BREW KETTLE

Sink a virtual hole-in-one while you tip one back at this fun spot that opened in 2023. Dine on appetizers, salads, pasta and sandwiches such as the Three Little Pigs ($15) — crafted with crispy pork belly, Korean barbecue sauce and Asian slaw and served on slider buns — while you enjoy Topgolf simulators. Grab a club and swing on a virtual golf course, slap a hockey puck into a digital net or throw a spiral on a simulated football field. Hall of Fame Village, 2018 Champions Gateway, Suite 101, Canton, 234-999-3040, thebrewkettle.com

photos provided by the Brew Kettle

JUNE 2024 | akronlife.com

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CANTON LIVING words and photo by Kelly Petryszyn

WELCOME IN

Meet new Canton Mayor William Sherer II. William Sherer II’s family has been in Canton for over 110 years — and has held leadership positions within the Ironworkers Local 550 union for nearly 85 years.

Following a six-year stint as Canton City Council President, Sherer — a Democrat and 1988 McKinley High School graduate — was elected Canton mayor. He started in January.

“I want to make a difference in the community that I grew up in,” he says. “I’ve had plenty of opportunities to leave. I’m proud to say that I raised my family here, and I never left.”

Sherer won a very close Democratic mayoral primary — clinching victory by only 56 votes. The five-candidate race included former State Rep. Thomas West and Canton City Council member Bill Smuckler. Sherer and volunteers knocked on about 20,000 doors and talked to all five of the city’s unions, highlighting his roots.

“I’ve been on the labor side my entire career,” he says. “I’m not a career politician. It’s a big deal for the guys from labor for me to be where I’m at because this has never happened.”

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One of his initial moves in office was hiring the city’s first communications director in about 18 years, Christian Turner. “We could do a much better job at communicating,” Sherer says. “How do we communicate to residents about the programs that are available and the positive things that are happening?

How do we communicate for economic development?”

He’s focusing on Canton’s 27 neighborhoods — working toward amending the city’s comprehensive plan to emphasize them more. Goals include cleaning up and paving every city alley in the first four years, increasing the city’s overall existing paving program, expanding housing grants and the demolition program, and collaborat-

ing with neighborhood associations.

“The strength of the city has to be our neighborhoods and the people that live in those neighborhoods,” he says.

‘Every neighborhood should get the respect it deserves.”

Improving safety is another aim. “The city is not going to move forward without safety,” Sherer says. He adds that, per the police chief, crime stats are down from the previous year — and that the Canton Police Department is recruiting more officers, hoping to raise its ranks from 154 to the budgeted 170 officers — with 185 as a goal.

Plus, the city has invested in 155 Wi-Fiber security cameras and is looking to add 122 more.

Elevating youth engagement is also important to Sherer, who recalls playing Little League in the summer. “I remember how impactful it was for me. … It kept me out of trouble,” he says. “We need to have programs for them while they’re in school — but if we don’t have opportunities for them when they’re done, why would they want to stay here?”

Sherer recently shared his story with McKinley High School students, stressing that success can come from taking alternative paths — like he took by participating in an ironworkers’ apprenticeship program. “I’ve been getting my hands dirty my whole career,” he says. “I’m never afraid to roll up my sleeves.”

akronlife.com | JUNE 2024

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2 SCOOPZ

David Beck, co-owner of the Birdie Shack mini golf course and ice cream shop in Ravenna, noticed something was lacking in Canton: Frosty dessert options. In 2023, he opened 2 Scoopz — a shop determined to offer ice cream so indulgent that customers crave a cone with double scoops. 2 Scoopz creates fun flavors like Puppy Chow — peanut butter ice cream with crunchy chocolate ribbons — the coffee-infused Rush Hour and even liquor-infused creations like Cherry Bomb, made with Disaronno. 138 Fifth St. NW, Canton, 330-754-6096, 2scoopz.com

WILD THYME Feast on authentic, family-owned Armenian and Georgian cuisine at Wild Thyme. Taste unique flavors of the Republic of Georgia at this restaurant, which opened in 2022. Try Khinkali ($2.69), handmade dumplings with beef and pork seasoned with tradi-

tional Georgian spices, or the beef shish kebab and rice pilaf ($10.99). For a sweet treat, indulge in a layered honey cake ($4.99) comprised of walnuts, sweet cream and, of course, honey.

2226 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330754-7973, wildthymecanton.com

THE BOURBON ROOM

Decorated with barrels and wooden wheel chandeliers, the interior of the Bourbon Room, opened in 2023, offers a rustic vibe to relax and enjoy a drink with dinner. Choose from appetizers like the corn fritters — with jalapeno, sweet corn, a Parmesan-andpanko crust and Mexican street corn sauce ($8.99) — to entrees like the slow-smoked pulled pork dinner ($13.99). Sip on specialty cocktails like the blackberry bourbon smash ($9.50), featuring Maker’s Mark, lime juice, blackberries and a mint leaf. 2710 Easton St. NE, Suite D, Canton, 330-546-0214, cantonbourbonroom.com

photo provided by Wild Thyme

DON SHULA’S AMERICAN KITCHEN

Celebrate the legacy of former Miami Dolphins coach Don Shula in the Hall of Fame City with this restaurant that opened in 2023. The interior, complete with blue accents and football memorabilia, features a large bar and several TVs playing sports.

Order the chicken piccata ($23), served with lemon-caper butter and fingerling potatoes, or try their Steak Frites ($39), a 10-ounce Long Island strip steak served with Parmesan truffle fries and a bearnaise aioli. Hall of Fame Village, 2101 Hall of Fame Way NW, Suite 1, Canton, 234-900-1972, donshula.com

LEATHER HELMET GRILL

Opened in 2023, this sports grill can’t be missed — the entrance is a giant old-school football helmet. Occupying the former Camelot restaurant space, this new spot is earning fans. With dining options such as a classic bowl of chili topped with cheese and red onion ($4-$6) coney dogs ($3.50-$13) and sausage subs ($10), this eatery serves up game day comfort food. 621 Market Ave. N, Canton, 330-323-3522, facebook.com/ theleatherhelmet JUNE 2024 | akronlife.com

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Things to Do This Summer

ALL AMERICAN BATTLE BAR

Channel your inner Viking with All American Battle Bar. Learn how to throw an axe under the guidance of a trained expert, ensuring safety while you try to hit targets. With a recently updated name and locations in both Akron and Canton, All American is a unique way for those 15 and older to land a bull’s-eye. Once you get comfortable with handling your blade, relax with a drink — both locations serve beer and liquor. 4125 Mahoning Road NE, Canton, 234-281-4012, allamericanaxethrowing.com

CANTON CLASSIC CAR MUSEUM

See an unrestored 1937 Ahrens-Fox fire truck, a 1922 Holmes Victoria Series car — once built in Canton — and other unique historical vehicles at the Canton Classic Car Museum. Explore the history of automobiles through memorabilia and displays at this recently updated spot, which was founded in 1978. From vintage advertising to classic toys, vehicles are but a fraction of the museum’s offerings. 123 Sixth St. SW, Canton, 330-455-3603, cantonclassiccar. org

CENTENNIAL PLAZA

Above: Axe photo provided by All American Battle Bar Below: Cleveland Keys photo provided by Gervasi Vineyard

Framed by the high arcs of a huge sculpture evoking a football, Canton’s Centennial Plaza offers communitywide celebrations, concert series, movie nights and more. Catch a performance from the locally founded, world-class Bluecoats Drum & Bugle Corps June 30, or get jiggy with it at a concert by ‘90s party band Fool House July 5. Plus, don’t miss the three-day Stark County Italian American Festival July 5, 6 and 7. Sample delicious Italian bites, watch bocce games and more. 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton, 330-366-9800, cantoncentennialplaza.com

GERVASI MUSICA CONCERT SERIES IN THE VINEYARD

Surrounded by the gorgeous Gervasi Vineyard, sip one of its locally grown wine selections while enjoying music.

This year’s lineup invites guests to unwind with a host of acts, including Twist on Taylor (a Taylor Swift tribute) Aug. 8 and Cleveland Keys dueling pianos Sept. 5. These 90-minute concerts take place in the vineyard’s verdant pavilion, overlooking a spring-fed lake.

1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-4971000, gervasivineyard.com

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akronlife.com | JUNE 2024

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JOSEPH J. AND HELEN M. SOMMER WILDLIFE CONSERVATION CENTER

Each year, Stark Parks’ Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer Wildlife Conservation Center helps to rehabilitate thousands of injured and orphaned animals, from hummingbirds to squirrels. The center is also home to outdoor enclosures that house wildlife ambassadors, including a striped skunk and a red fox that could not be released back into nature.

These animals visit schools, libraries and community events.

Enjoy a hike in Sippo Lake Park, then visit turtles, birds and more for free. 800 Genoa Ave. NW, Massillon, 330-477-0448, starkparks.com

photos provided

by Stark Parks

SUMMER SERENADES IN THE PARK Bring a picnic and relax with Stark Parks’ free Summer Serenades in the Park concert series. An innovative collaboration between Stark Parks and the Canton Symphony Orchestra, these events feature family-friendly music in multiple genres, from jazz to folk to pop. This summer, see a

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string quartet at Canton Garden Center June 20 and MusiCall of the Wild Small Orchestra at Sippo Lake Park July 13 — featuring a showcase of live animals. At these concerts, hear music and nature mingle. starkparks.com

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PARTING SHOT

By Brianna Phillips and photo provided by Summit Memory / Akron-Summit County Public Library

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Grown Here Cuyahoga Falls, circa early 1930s

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Around 1931 to 1935, vendors lined up in front of Falls Theater to sell their goods during the Great Depression — forming an early version of a farmers market. Though the theater is now the Workz entertainment center and the city’s market ended a few years ago, those seeking fresh produce are in luck — nearby is the large Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market at Howe Meadow in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Shop quality local goods like green onions from Front 9 Farm, grass-fed beef from Tierra Verde Farms, raw honey and natural laundry soap from Brighton Wool and Honey Co. and tasty oyster mushrooms from Bigfoot Mushrooms. Today’s farmers market offerings are more expansive, but they’re still connecting people to the source.

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