{ FEATURES }
21
SUMMER FUN
Swing into the sizzling season with 25-plus things to do.
38
TOP DOCTORS
See who made the list, and find a special report on cancer care.
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Akron Life at an Akron RubberDucks game
The Akron Life team recently enjoyed a suite at an Akron RubberDucks game, met mascot Webster and noshed on ballpark eats.
FOUNDER
Don Baker Jr [ 1940-2018 ]
PUBLISHER
Colin Baker
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Kelly Petryszyn kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com
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xbaker@bakermediagroup.com
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CONTRIBUTING
PHOTOGRAPHER Mal McCrea
SALES
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INTERNS
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JUNE 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 6 (ISSN No. 74470 57871)
akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2025© by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed envelope and sufficient postage. Baker Media Group, LLC and akronlife accept no responsibility for unsolicited material. Subscription rates: Continental U.S., One year —$19.95, Two years —$34.95. Call for Alaska, Hawaii or international rates. Single issues available by calling the circulation department or visiting akronlife.com/store. $4.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling. Editorial, advertising and business offices: (330) 253-0056, fax (330) 253-5868.
{ Publisher | Colin Baker | cbaker@bakermediagroup.com }
I have vivid memories of growing up at racetracks — not the kind for horses, but the kind filled with gasoline, rubber and noise. To me, there’s something visceral about the whole experience: the smells, the sounds, the energy. It all feels like home.
The smell of racing fuel is the first thing that hits me. It’s not like gas from the gas station. It has this sweet, sharp scent — especially when mixed with oil for two-stroke engines. Then there’s the smell of ethanol, or what we used to just call alcohol. Most of the fastest go-karts ran on it. And there’s that early morning combo of dew-covered grass and warm asphalt. Or the distant sound of an engine firing up for the first time that day.
All of it brings me back to a time when nothing else mattered. That kind of memory sits deep in your bones.
Now, I’m trying to pass a bit of it on to my son, Bodhi. He’s shown interest in racing go-karts, which makes sense — he loves cars, watches races on TV and has grown up with the background noise of engines. Last year, we took him out to watch the Kid Kart races to see if they were something he’d want to try. He was excited. He said he wanted to do it.
Park in Salem, Ohio. They’d just built a beautiful new karting facility, and Thursday nights were reserved for Kid Karts only — ages 5 to 8.
I’m not a baseball dad or a soccer dad. I can’t teach Bodhi to throw a curveball. But I can teach him how to drive a race line.
My dad, my brother and I spent a lot of time at the track when I was a kid. That’s where I had my dad’s full attention. It’s where we bonded. That’s something I want to re-create with Bodhi.
This past winter, we started collecting gear — helmet, suit, gloves — the works. He had everything I didn’t. Most of my stuff as a kid was secondhand. My first quarter midget — a small starter race car — came from a trade my dad made. We didn’t have a lot of money. When we asked for the expensive stuff — like matching suits or custom helmets — my dad had a stock answer: Do you want to look good or go fast? We always chose speed.
Fast-forward to Bodhi’s first real outing: a Thursday night test session at the new track at Quaker City Motorsports
It was spring, and the weather was hit or miss. I saw storm clouds creeping in, so I got Bodhi suited up quickly, hoping we could squeeze in 30 minutes of seat time. I pushed him up the pit lane, reviewing the brake routine one last time. He was ready. We fired up the engine.
I looked at him and gave the nod. Go for it.
He looked back at me and said, I don’t want to do it. It’s too loud.
My first thought was, We just drove an hour for this? But I caught myself. For him, it wasn’t just a little noise. It was overwhelming. And honestly, those small two-stroke engines do scream like oversized Weedwackers. He said if he had earplugs, he’d do it next time.
So that’s the plan — We’ll ease into it. Start slow. We can try earplugs or maybe a quiet test run in a parking lot with cones. I’ll keep you posted on how it goes. Who knows — there may be another racer in the Baker family soon.
In June 1935 in Akron, Dr. Bob Smith co-founded what would become one of the most well-known addiction support groups in history — Alcoholics Anonymous. Honor this milestone with the 90th annual Founder’s Day weekend June 6 to 8. The celebration includes performances of the Actors Guild play, “Gift to the World,” historic site bus tours, panels, a dance party and more. On Friday, stop by Dr. Bob’s Home for an Ambassador Breakfast. Throughout the weekend, visit Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens — the location of the co-founders’ meeting that led to the start of AA — for free admission to the Gate Lodge. There, guests can tour an exhibit on Henrietta Seiberling, who arranged that meeting. On Sunday, catch a motorcade to Dr. Bob’s grave, followed by a graveside tribute to the doctor and his wife, Anne. Akron, 330-227-4369, foundersday.org
Facing a challenging period in life — including a health scare, the loss of her grandfather and the near-loss of her mother — Akron-based singer-songwriter Shelby Olive turned to music. The end result was “Brace for the Changes,” a three-part album that explores resilience, grief and healing through 20 songs. “‘Brace for the Changes’ is definitely me coming back to my roots. All of these songs were written with just my voice and ukulele,” says Olive via a social media message. “To be able to share this journey with people now that I’m on the other side, it’s really healing for me.” Hear Olive, backed by a full band, perform the album at a release show June 28 at the Knight Stage. “The first track on the record, ‘A Lotta Bit Sad,’ puts it best: We’re all searching for a way to feel a little less alone,” Olive shares. “I really hope this record does that for people.” akroncivic.com
Come face-to-face with some of history’s most fearsome creatures with DinoTrek at the Akron Zoo through Sept. 14. Twenty dinosaur figures — many of them animatronic — are on display, offering visitors a chance to learn about the lives and adaptations of the triceratops, velociraptor, ankylosaurus and other species. “DinoTrek gives our guests the opportunity to go back in time and learn more about amazing creatures that are no longer among us,” says director of marketing and events Elena Bell via an email. Take photos with a baby dino puppet or a costumed T-Rex character with the Dino Up-Close experience. At the Dino Lab and Nursery, kids can pretend to be scientists or care for baby dinosaurs. “[By] allowing people to experience animals that have gone extinct,” says Bell, “they can learn more about how they can save the endangered animals that are still here on Earth.” 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org
{ Editor-in-Chief | Kelly Petryszyn | kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com,
right photo by Mal McCrea }
FIND YOUR MOMENT OF ESCAPE THROUGHOUT THE 330.
Don Drumm’s “Sun Tracker” sculpture first drew me to check out Summit Metro Park’s new Valley View area in October 2022. Towering at 19-feet-tall, the sun-inspired piece has nods to mechanical farming equipment and the property’s roots as Akron’s last dairy farm. You couldn’t tell it was previously Valley View Golf Club — it had transformed into a vibrant natural space.
As my husband, Tony, and I hiked the temporary Celebration Trail with our 10-month-old daughter, Izzy, the area was lush with colorful leafy trees and tall native grasses. The land reclaimed its natural roots.
Learn more about the restoration efforts at Valley View in our summer fun guide, which also includes festivals, markets, swimming, sports, shows and more. Check out an interview with Cleveland Guardians No. 1 overall draft pick Travis Bazzana on his time with the Akron RubberDucks. Peruse the Top Doctors list to find out who made it, and read our special report on cancer treatments, care and screenings in the area. In the Canton guide, discover food, arts and entertainment. Plus, don’t miss our spotlight on new upscale Italian restaurant Luciano’s Cucina Italiana. After the Cuyahoga River area of Valley View opened in summer 2024, Tony, Izzy and I went to check it out that fall. Past new bathrooms and changing areas — and an expansive picnic shelter — there is a nature play area
overlooking the river. It has a log climbing structure, rope net and steep metal slide. Izzy went down several times with delight and encouraged me to go down too. Wow — it was fast! We hiked Missing Link Trail and, afterward, headed down to the new kayak and canoe put-in at the river’s edge. You could see fish swimming in the transparent water and a family playing by the water’s edge. The picturesque area has been attracting paddlers on this part of the recreational Cuyahoga River Water Trail. On the far riverbank, a bald eagle’s nest has been spotted. The fact that its biodiversity skyrocketed from a bit over 100 to about 800 species in only two to three years is astounding. The area creates a natural oasis in the city.
“Just a few minutes away from downtown Akron, we have this gorgeous natural space,” says Claire Merrick, Summit Metro Parks marketing and public relations manager. “You’re transported.”
Uncover these moments of escape all over The 330. Whether it’s drinking in the incredible view at the Winery at Wolf Creek, seeing a re-staging of “Dearest Enemy,” a century-old musical comedy, or wandering Hale Farm & Village to find pop-up folk performances during the Music in the Valley Folk & Wine Festival, find your place this summer. Let’s make the most of these sweet, fleeting warm days.
6/26 Morgan Myles Concert
Hear vocalist Morgan Myles, a top three finisher on the 2022 season of NBC’s “The Voice,” at this concert, part of the Gervasi Musica Concert Series in the Vineyard. With a five-octave range, Myles has garnered over 30 million views across social media and recently debuted at the Grand Ole Opry. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8 p.m. $41 premium, $31 general. gervasivineyard.com
Through 6/8 “Figure as Memento: New Ceramic & Mixed Media Artwork by Tom Bartel”
See ceramic and mixed-media artwork from artist Tom Bartel at the Massillon Museum. Bartel’s evocative, fragmented figures are the product of inspiration ranging from antiquity to pop culture. Massillon Museum, Studio M Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org
Through 6/14 “Spring Exhibitions”
View new spring exhibitions at Summit Artspace, including Michael Marras’ solo exhibition, “The Bottom of Reality,” Janoi Daley’s solo exhibition, “New Chapter,” and more. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Fridays noon-7 p.m. & Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org
Through 6/22 “John Paul Morabito: Madonna Dei Femminellə”
Browse artwork by the head of Kent State University’s School of Art textiles program at this exhibit. A solo presentation of works by John
Paul Morabito, the exhibit includes 14 woven tapestries. Kent State University Museum, Higbee Gallery, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff & all on Sundays, otherwise general admission $10. kent. edu/museum
Through 7/27 “Oliver Jeffers: 15 Years of Picturing Books”
View a collection of the works of artist, illustrator and author Oliver Jeffers. Those who visit the exhibit will see original artworks from books such as “The Day the Crayons Quit,” “Stuck” and “Here We Are.” When you finish browsing, read through copies of his books. 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 on Thursdays, otherwise $12 nonmember general adult admission. akronartmuseum.org
Through 8/3 “Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir Jónsson: Micro/ Macro” Ohio-based artist Hildur Ásgeirsdóttir
Jónsson, a Kent State alumna, creates beautiful painted weavings — their designs are reflections of the landscapes of her home country, Iceland. This show is a solo presentation of her work. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff & all on Sundays, otherwise general admission $10. kent.edu/museum
Through 8/10 “She Said, She Said: Contemporary Women Artists” Take in a multitude of works from contemporary female artists, such as Genesis Tramaine, Natalie Czech and Cindy Sherman, at this Akron Art Museum exhibit. The show celebrates work from women dating from the late 1960s to the present and includes over 30 artists. 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 on Thursdays, otherwise $12 nonmember general adult admission. akronartmuseum.org
Through 9/28 “The Hepburn Style: Katharine and Her Designers” Peruse a showcase of actress Katharine Hepburn’s style with this immersive exhibit. It includes examples of Hepburn’s personal wardrobe, costumes worn by the actress and items from the Kent State University Museum collection made by designers she admired. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff & all on Sundays, otherwise general admission $10. kent.edu/museum
Through 10/30 Kids in the Garden
In collaboration with Let’s Grow Akron, Summit Metro Parks presents Kids in the Garden, a series in which kids complete hands-on gardening activities. From sowing seeds to harvesting and cooking fresh produce, this program helps kids understand the origin of their food. Each week includes a game or craft, a garden activity and a snack. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron. 3:30-4:30 p.m. summitmetroparks.org
Thurs, Jun 26,2025,12pm
Guest Presenters:
, Director of Planning & Urban Technology, Sasaki , Co-founder and Creative Director, ThirdSpace Action Lab , Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, City of Akron , Designer + Social Justice Activist
Presentation Title:
Celebrate Akron! Series Sponsors: Huntington Bank, and Billow’s Celebrations, Cremations & Funerals
Luncheon Sponsor:
6/3 Pierce the Veil: “I Can’t Hear You World Tour”
Rock out to the music of posthardcore band Pierce the Veil — and enjoy performances from Sleeping with Sirens and Beach Weather as well. Fans have the opportunity to hear hits such as “Bulls in the Bronx,” “Hell Above” and “Circles.” Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7 p.m. $42 & up. livenation.com
6/5, 6/22 & 6/26 Summer Serenades in the Park
Enjoy listening to music in the open air with the 11th annual Summer Serenades in the Park concert series, brought to you by Stark Parks and the Canton Symphony Orchestra. June 5: Plain Township Amphitheater, 2616 Easton St. NE., Canton. 6:30-7:30 p.m. June 22: Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Avenue, Hartville. 3:304:30 p.m. June 26: Bimeler Park, 105 Wabash Ave. N., Brewster. 6:30-7:30 p.m. starkparks.com For more information, and to register visit akronroundtable.org or call 330.247.8682
In a city shaped by industry, innovation, and resilience, few institutions have stood the test of time like The Billow Company. In 2025, this family-owned fixture will celebrate a rare milestone — 150 years of service to the Akron community. It’s not just a story of longevity; it’s a story of deep-rooted devotion, tradition, and an unwavering commitment to helping families through life’s most difficult moments.
Founded in 1875 by U.S. Army Captain George Billow, a German Immigrant and an already establish Akron businessman, the Billow Company as we know it began humbly in downtown Akron.
The undertaking business started as an offshoot of Captain George’s thriving livery business, which handled and received precious cargo, supplies, and dry goods being delivered to Akron on the Ohio & Erie Canal. City leaders, encouraged the respected veteran of the Civil War to expand his offerings and venture into the dismal trade of undertaking, as the city needed a reliable undertaker at the time. Captain George responded to the call, and The Billow Undertaking Co., as we know it, was formed. Trust in Billow grew quickly, and by 1881, the Billow Company’s reputation became one of the most trusted in the state of Ohio, and nationally within the funeral profession. The reputation was built on trust, standards of care, honest transparent business dealings, and respect for each family’s budget and religious beliefs.
As Akron evolved into a thriving hub of rubber and industry, The Billow Company expanded alongside it, meeting the needs of a growing, diverse population while holding fast to its family-first values. Chapels were added over the years in Cuyahoga Falls, the Portage Lakes, and recently, in Kent.
Through great depressions, great recessions, two world wars, and sweeping cultural change, The Billow Company remained a steady presence in the region. With each passing decade, the business embraced necessary change — adopting innovations like
embalming, motorized hearses, and later, digital tributes and livestreamed services — all while preserving the dignity, care, and tradition that defined its beginnings.
The funeral home’s mission has always gone beyond ceremony. It’s about honoring lives in personal, meaningful ways and delivering healing experiences as the staff walk alongside families with grace, kindness, and empathy.
What sets the Billow Company apart isn’t just legacy — it’s their heart. Over the years, the Billow family has been deeply involved in local service organizations, churches, and charitable causes. From founding organizations like the Rotary Club of Akron, the state’s funeral association (OFDA), and multiple area fraternal organizations, the company was also instrumental in helping start the area’s first hospice, and still hosts annual community remembrance services. They’ve created a space where healing and connection can flourish in Akron, promoting quality of life.
As Akron continues to grow and change, Billows remains committed to meeting the moment. The funeral home now offers eco-friendly burial options, personalized estate and funeral planning, and grief resources tailored to individuals and families from all walks of life.
The upcoming 150-year anniversary isn’t just a celebration of the past — it’s a step into the future. In 2025, the funeral home will host a series of community events, historical retrospectives, and celebrations that honor the thousands of families they’ve served. It’s a moment to reflect on where they’ve been — and reaffirm where they’re going.
In a world where change is constant, the Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory remains a source of steadiness and care. For 150 years, they’ve built a legacy of helping Akron families find comfort and hope in the midst of sorrow. And with the sixth generation of the family already stepping into leadership, that legacy is only just beginning its next chapter.
6/5-10/12 “Juxtaposed: Honoring the Past, Inspiring the Future”
View ceramics, paintings and drawings by artists who are connected to the Columbus College of Art & Design, the Cranbrook Academy of Art, Kent State University and The University of Akron. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way East, Massillon. 9:30 a.m.–5 p.m. Tuesday–Saturday, Sunday 2–5 p.m. Free admission. massillonmuseum.org
6/7 Art & Wine Festival
Sip wine from Ohio wineries such as Cherry Road Winery, CLE Urban Winery, Crafted Artisan Meadery and Nauti Vine Winery as you stroll and browse the wares of 60 unique artists — including woodworks, felt work and works of clay. Also enjoy local food and live music. Downtown Kent. 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $25 or $18 presale tickets. mainstreetkent.org
&
Complimentary Live Streaming. Virtual Arrangements. Digital Tribute Wall and Guestbook
Summit DD coordinates essential services for more than 5,000 children and adults with developmental disabilities. Whether it’s early intervention services for a newborn child or employment supports for adults, Summit DD empowers people of all abilities.
6/7 Curtain Call
Join Weathervane Playhouse for a special benefit for its Archival Project. Celebrate 90 seasons of theater with appetizers, a silent auction and raffle prizes. The evening concludes with a performance featuring talent from across the decades. All proceeds go toward Weathervane’s Archival Project. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. 6 p.m. weathervaneplayhouse.com
6/7-6/8 Sow & Grow
Learn more about the farming history of the Western Reserve at Hale Farm & Village. Take in the sights, sounds and activities of a 19th-century farm. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Akron. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $15 adults, $8 children 3-12, Western Reserve Historical Society members free. wrhs.org
6/7, 6/28, 7/5, 7/26 & 8/9 Peninsula Flea at Heritage Farms
Browse handmade, repurposed and vintage items from artists, craftspeople and collectors at the Peninsula Flea. This event takes place
rain or shine. No pets are allowed. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. heritagefarms.com/peninsula-flea
6/10 Kent Blossom Art Intensives Lecture Series: Kimberly Thomas
Take a class on glass — as part of the Kent Blossom Art Intensives program — led by interdisciplinary sculptor and flameworker Kimberly Thomas. Her narrative works are “sculptural illustrations of a re-imagined world.” Kent State University Center for the Visual Arts, 325 Terrace Drive, Kent. 5:30 p.m. kent.edu/art/kbai-2025
6/10 Forgotten History Forum Series
Learn more about the role Akron’s Deaf community played in shaping the city’s legacy — both as the Rubber Capital of the World and the “Crossroads of the Deaf.” AkronSummit County Public Library, Main Auditorium. 60 S. High St., Akron. 6-8 p.m. Free. akron200.org
6/10 Music by the Lake
Enjoy the summer weather as you take in a performance by the Metro
Parks Ensemble. Bring your own blankets and chairs, as well as a picnic. The concert will be canceled in the event of rain. Silver Creek Metro Park, Sherman Shelter, 5000 Hametown Road, Norton. 7-8 p.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org
6/12 Kent Blossom Art Intensives
Lecture Series: Leslie Smith III
Take a class on painting, part of the Kent Blossom Art Intensives program, led by abstract painter Leslie Smith III. He exhibits both nationally and internationally, and his work is included in the permanent collections of the High Museum of Art in Atlanta, the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts in Richmond, the Birmingham Museum of Art, the FRAC Auvergne in France and more. Kent State University Center for the Visual Arts, 325 Terrace Drive, Kent. 5 p.m. kent.edu/art/kbai-2025
6/12 Soup at Six: “Pop Culture & WWII Propaganda”
Using cartoons, movies, comic books and radio shows, McKinley Presidential Library & Museum associate director
of education and membership Baillie Mosier explores the effects of pop culture and propaganda during the World War II era. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 6-8 p.m. $25 per person, reservation deadline 6/5. mckinleymuseum.org
6/12 Akron Bicentennial ArtWalk
Celebrate art, music and food at this edition of Akron ArtWalk. This quarterly celebration is themed after the Akron Bicentennial and includes the chance to get up close with local arts. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. 5-9 p.m. Free. summitartspace.org
6/13 Halsey: “For My Last Trick Tour”
Hear the music of pop star Halsey at this concert, featuring special guests Royel Otis and Sir Chloe. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 7 p.m. $43 & up. livenation.com
6/13 Savor the Season: Five-Course Wine Dinner
Pair early summer with a five-course wine dinner in Gervasi Vineyard’s Villa Grande. Savor spring gazpacho, paired with Amore wine, lemon ricotta tortellini, paired with Lucello, chilled seared tuna, paired with Fioretto and more. While you dine, hear live music by Rolando. Gervasi Vineyard, the Villa Grande, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6 p.m. $125. gervasivineyard.com
6/13-6/28 “Fiddler on the Roof”
See a show about family, tradition and community with Porthouse Theatre’s production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” The story of Tevye, a poor milkman, and his five daughters, the show explores a tight-knit Jewish community and the meaning of tradition in a changing world. Porthouse Theatre, 3143 O’Neil Road, Cuyahoga Falls. Various times. $18 & up. kent.edu/ porthouse
6/14 Tommy James and the Shondells
Groove to the music of Tommy James and the Shondells at this concert, and hear hits such as “Crystal Blue Persuasion,” “Crimson & Clover” and “I Think We’re Alone Now.” Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 7 p.m. $55 & up. goodyeartheater.com
6/14-6/15 All-City Musical
Presents Disney’s “Newsies: The Broadway Musical”
This musical, by Alan Menken and Jack Feldman, is inspired by the true story of the 1899 Newsboy Strike. Join a band of brave newsboys as they fight against powerful publishers in this toetapping show. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. June 14: 2:30 p.m. & 7:30 p.m., June 15: 2:30 p.m. $15 & up. akroncivic.com
6/15 Father’s Day Car Show
Mark Father’s Day with the 67th classic, antique and collector car show at Stan Hywet. View 400 cars dating from 1915 to 2000 — the feature category is the 70th anniversary of the Ford Thunderbird. All parking is free and off-site, with a free shuttle available. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 9 a.m.- 3 p.m. $16 adults, $8 youth. stanhywet.org
6/15 Bourbon and BBQ Father’s Day Event
Celebrate dad with a bourbon and BBQ pairing. Sample four small bites, paired with four bourbon tastings, led by Gervasi Vineyard cave operations manager Eric Rabin. Try crispy chicken wings paired with Wine Barrel Bourbon, a pulled pork slider paired with Straight Bourbon Whiskey, braised beef rib paired with Maple Barrel Bourbon and more. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 12:30 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com
6/15 Father’s Day
Take your dad or grandpa to the Akron Zoo, where admission is free for all fathers and grandfathers! Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. akronzoo.org
6/18 Juneteenth: Freedom Stories
Join Curator of Black History Dr. Tameka Ellington — and the Stark County Underground Railroad Sites and Historical Societies — for a journey through heroic ancestral stories. As part of the event, view historical archives and objects from various sites. A portion of the proceeds support the development of the Stark County Black History Museum. Catering by Ed and Bert’s SmokeHouse and Sweet Lemon Creations. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 6-8 p.m. $25 per person. mckinleymuseum.org
6/21 Outlaw Music Festival
Get out your best jean jacket and jam to the tunes of Willie Nelson, Bob Dylan, Nathaniel Rateliff & the Night Sweats and more. This festival presents some of the most popular musicians of our time. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 5 p.m. $46 & up. livenation.com
Hudson Garden Club
HOURS
Friday, June 13, 2025 • 10:00 a.m. - 7:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 14, 2025 • 10:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
To benefit Community/School Projects, Scholarships & Grants Like us on at Hudson Garden Club-Ohio hudsongardenclubohio
Spend a day in Historic Hudson, OH
• Tour several beautiful homes, fabulous gardens, unique outdoor spaces
• Visit the Garden Shop (no ticket needed)
• Stop in the Tea Room for homemade treats and iced tea
Grab your fishing rod and get ready for this bass boat tournament at Walborn Reservoir. Participants can be individual or partnered. There is a five bass limit, largemouth or smallmouth. Walborn Reservoir, 11324 Price St. NE, Alliance. Registration begins at 6 a.m., fishing is from 7 a.m.-3 p.m., weighin 3 p.m. Cash only, $60 per boat. starkparks.com/fishing
6/21–8/3 “Maxmillian Peralta: for a “CAN Triennial Award Exhibition.” M Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon.
521 S. River Road, Munroe Falls. 7:30-9
ESCAPE INTO THE SIZZLING SEASON WITH 25+ THINGS TO DO.
Watching the MLB draft surrounded by friends and family in Corvallis, Oregon, in mid-July 2024, Sydney area native and Oregon State University infielder Travis Bazzana was shocked when the Cleveland Guardians used their first and only No. 1 overall pick to draft him. Instantly, he became Australia’s first baseball player to be selected in the first round.
“It was one of the most amazing feelings of my life,” says the now 22-year-old second baseman, who started playing for the Akron RubberDucks in April. “I don’t know how many times I’ve been speechless in my life, but that was definitely one of the first. A lot of time and effort was spent to get to that point, and that was a real accomplishment.”
While baseball isn’t the top sport in Australia, Bazzana found his way to it as a very young kid after watching his dad and two brothers play.
“I ended up being a bat boy and seeing them play, watching all the games at a field on a Saturday,” he says. “I fell in love with the game and always wanted to be practicing and playing baseball. I took it on 3,4,5 years old. I really found a passion for it.”
Growing up, Bazzana played other sports, including soccer, track and field, basketball, touch rugby and tennis.
He even won his Sydney area high school’s first New South Wales state championship in cricket. But baseball was his main sport.
“I’ve always envisioned a career in baseball and playing baseball in the USA,” he says. “With baseball, it’s a battle between you and the pitcher, but then it’s a whole team game.”
He attributes the other sports for helping develop his baseball game.
“In cricket, you’re seeing a ball and hitting it,” he says. “The more reps I got across the sports helped my hand-eye coordination and ability to hit a baseball.”
He played for the Sydney Blue Sox from 2018 to 2020 and at Oregon State for three seasons starting in 2022. In 2024, Bazzana was named Pac-12 Conference Player of the Year and led the Pac-12 Conference in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging percentage, home runs, walks and runs.
In Ohio, he joined the Lake County Captains in late July 2024 and helped his team win the 2024 Midwest League title.
Bazzana attended his first professional spring training in early 2025, working out among his big league counterparts and hoping to join the Guardians one day.
“I definitely look up to Steven Kwan. He has the character and the identity of what it means to be a Guardian and how to be a quality professional
athlete,” he says. “José Ramírez is a pleasure to watch day in and day out.
… He cares about every single pitch in every single game more than anyone and plays with lots of intensity and competitiveness. I really aspire to do similar things.”
Since he debuted with the RubberDucks this season, they’ve shot up in standings — tied for leading the Eastern League in mid-May 2025.
“We got a really solid team. A lot of my teammates from last year with Lake County are on the field together this year,” he says. “It’s a really fun group.” The team bonds by playing golf, poker and other card games — as well as dancing in the clubhouse. As of mid-May, Bazzana has had 29 runs and 17 RBIs with the RubberDucks. He thrives on competition and works hard to cultivate a winning edge to keep ascending within the Guardians system.
“I’m focusing on having the best process and being the best prepared every day,” he says. “The longer term goals of moving toward Columbus and then to Cleveland — they will hopefully be taken care of by putting in the work the right way, continuing to trust.” //KP milb.com/akron
Since 1925, golfers have brought their clubs to the green expanse of J.E. Good Park Golf Course, hoping to be met with a challenge. The course is celebrating 100 years.
“In 1924, a local businessman named J. Edward Good donated 180 acres to the city of Akron, and the course was completed and opened in April of 1925,” says golf course manager Jim Harris. “We get a lot of play, a lot of repeat customers. It’s a friendly environment.”
Designed by Bertie Way, architect of Akron’s Firestone South golf course, Good Park features a host of mature trees — making the 18-hole municipal course a favorite among locals. Golfers grab quick, casual bites from 1925 Grill or dine on upscale global fare at Edgar’s restaurant. There are leagues at Good Park, which run for 20 weeks — as well as several tournaments, including the 86th annual Good Park Jr. Tournament that’s hosted July 9 to 11.
“Golf is timeless — as long as you’re physically able, you can play in your 90s,” says Harris. “Any skill level, any age, you can play Good Park.” 530 Nome Ave., Akron, goodparkgolf.com //CG
Strategize at Ohio’s largest outdoor tactical laser tag field, dodge squirt guns on bumper boats and ride the sky on a Ferris wheel at this classic family fun park. Teens 16 or older can ride F-22 go-karts, and kids 7 and older can steer junior karts. Take a spin on vintage amusement rides such as the Lil’Dipper coaster and a dizzying scrambler. Family members can compete by playing 19-hole “Wizard of Oz”- and Mother Goose-themed mini golf or Olde’ Skool Golf — complete with a groovy ‘60s soundtrack. 333 Lafayette Drive NW, Canal Fulton, sluggers-putters.com //KP
Bring the kids to splash around in a zero-depth-entry pool with play structures, spray guns, a vortex pool, two small slides and more. Adults can plunge off the diving board, slip down a drop slide and relax in a 12-foot-deep pool. Lay back under shaded structures or face off in sand volleyball courts. Open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 624 School Drive, Wadsworth, akronymca.org //KP
The presence of the river chub fish is indicative of clean water. But the small minnow species was a rare sight in the Cuyahoga River on the Valley View Golf Club property when the Summit Metro Parks purchased it in 2016.
At the former golf course, there were about 18 species of fish inventoried, and 90 fish per kilometer was the lowest amount of abundance of fish. After a complete restoration to a natural habitat, that statistic — and the presence of river chubs — has dramatically increased. “Today, they’re one of the more dominant fish at the site,” says Mike Johnson, chief of conservation. “We’ve got about 31 species documented for this stretch of river, and the abundance of fish really shot up — our best site had over 800 fish per kilometer.”
A portion of the Metro Parks’ Valley View area opened in 2021, and the rest followed in 2024, with the full area drawing 136,316 visitors last year.
The 200-acre property invites guests to hike its 1.1-mile Missing Link Trail or 1-mile Prather Trail, interact with the nature play area — which includes a tall slide — gaze at its towering 19-foot stainless-steel Don Drumm sculpture, rent out the restored historic Himelright Lodge, access the river, picnic in the new shelter with a fireplace and more.
Obtaining the land accomplishes a longtime goal: connecting Gorge,
Cascade Valley and Sand Run metro parks, creating 1,800 continuous acres of green space. It took almost a century to realize this goal for the land, which was first identified as significant by Metro Parks master planners in 1925. “It really was the crown jewel,” says Johnson.
Starting as the Himelright dairy farm in the late 1800s, the property later became the ahead-of-its-time racially integrated Wheelock neighborhood from around the 1940s to ’70s. Beginning in the mid-‘50s, portions turned into the golf course.
Fueled by about $2.5 million in funding from the Clean Ohio Conservation Fund, National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and Great Lakes Commission Regional Partnership, the restoration started with workers taking the property down to soil.
The golf course lacked biodiversity, with only a bit over 100 species found there. Workers removed the non-native turf and non-native plants — such as 350 Norway spruce trees. Over two days, about 600 volunteers planted 120,000 native seeds and nuts, including red oak acorns, white oak acorns, native cherry seeds and walnuts.
Golf course management drained the wetlands and channelized and levied the Cuyahoga River, cutting off access to floodplains. The Metro Parks restored 40 acres of wetlands and about 3,300 linear feet of headwater — smaller streams that flow into the river. It also restored about 60 acres of floodplains. Workers formed wood structures and brought in large boulders to develop the river’s underwater habitat. Baby endangered lake sturgeon were released in the river last year
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Created when Stan and Esther Allard donated their family farm to the Medina County Park District in 1992, Allardale Park now covers 502 acres and boasts five trails, ranging from a 0.5-mile paved trail to a 1.8-mile equestrian trail. Fish in a 0.67-acre pond, view native beech trees and take the kids to a new farm-themed playscape — featuring a 30-foot slide, a giant tire swing, a tractor-like structure to climb on and more. 401 Remsen Road, Medina, medinacountyparks.com
Set to reopen in early June in Fairlawn, the recently renovated Croghan Park is 7.5 acres of fun. Walk a 0.36-mile path, try your hand at tennis on one of three courts and get the family together for a game of handball or basketball — Croghan has two courts for each sport. Plus, keep the kids busy with an impressive new playground featuring corkscrew slides, climbing structures and more. It features a sensory-friendly Nido Spinner, ergonomically designed swings and other inclusive amenities for those of all abilities. Bring a packed lunch and eat at one of the park’s picnic tables. At the intersection of North Miller Road and Sand Run Parkway, Fairlawn, cityoffairlawn.com
Hike, bike, complete a mindfulness walk and more at the 222-acre Trail Lake Park. Encircled by both 1.62-mile and 1.48mile trails, the park’s 30-acre lake offers kayakers, fishers and canoers ample space to paddle and cast. Named after the historic Mahoning Path Trail, once used by Indigenous peoples, the park’s mix of meadows, wetlands and woodlands attracts wildlife such as belted kingfishers and blackpoll warblers. 605 Ravenna Road, Streetsboro, portagecounty-oh.gov //CG
and this year in partnership with the US Fish and Wildlife Service. Along the riparian corridor bordering the riverbanks, workers got the invasive Japanese knotwood under control and planted native bluestem grasses, Indian grasses, willows, maples and more. Now, 180 acres have been restored to natural areas and 20 acres are recreational. The Metro Parks opened the canoe and kayak river put-in last year. “As soon as it opened, people were very excited to paddle the river again,” says Claire Merrick, marketing and public relations manager. “It’s gorgeous.” This year, the Metro Parks and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park are opening a takeout 6 miles downstream in the CVNP.
The nature play and picnic area is surrounded by a native garden, planted with help from the Akron Garden Club. Spot native cardinal flowers, milkweeds, asters, rattlesnake masters and more. “They were carefully planned so that it would be like a long-term fireworks display of color throughout the seasons,” says Merrick. It only took a handful of years of conservation work for there to be about 800 species at the property, including common mergansers, softshell turtles, river otters and bald eagles. That number remains. Now thriving with scores of plants and wildlife, the spot’s natural beauty has been restored for all to bask in.
“It’s probably one of the best examples of an ecological restoration,” Johnson says, “that is merged with outdoor passive recreational use.” //KP 1134 Cuyahoga St., Akron, summitmetroparks.org
From atop a hill at the 35-acre Winery at Wolf Creek, you can see the approximately 200-acre Barberton Reservoir surrounded by a natural preserve below. As you sip wine, gaze upon goats, trellised grapes, sweeping views and more. “It’s a grand vista,” says co-owner Andy Troutman. “You can see downtown Akron. You can see all the way up to Cuyahoga Falls. We’ve got a spectacular view.”
With 40-plus years of experience in grape growing, Troutman now focuses on varietals, including cabernet franc, riesling, pinot grigio and chardonnay, in the winery’s 10-acre vineyard. Find a rotating dozen or so wines on the list at the 50-seat tasting room that’s open daily.
Made with Delaware grapes grown on-site, White Lies is the winery’s most popular selection — and one of its sweetest. Many dry red drinkers order Exodus, a Chianti-style wine.
Produced from traminette grapes grown on-site, white port Pandemia is a rare gem. “It’s very aromatic — a little bit of spiciness to it,” says Troutman. “It’s a fortified dessert wine.” Rotating fruit wines are in demand too, including Original Sin, which is made with apples from Geig’s Orchard in Seville. The stainlesssteel-aged chardonnay is unique as it forgoes typical oak barrel aging. “The stainless-steel is more fruit-focused, so you get a lot more of that apple, pear, melon kind of fruit nose,” he says. Below the Great Room event space, find the Distillery at Wolf Creek. Opened in 2015, the original distillery burned down in a 2017 fire. Having been rebuilt, the distillery reopened this May and now serves guests on Saturdays. Sip bourbon, apple brandy or gin, or try cocktails with those spirits.
Grab a Grandpa’s Cheesebarn meatand-cheese box — or bring takeout — and snag one of the picnic tables
scattered throughout the property. Kids and adults alike love petting and feeding crackers to the goats. There are nine, including three babies born in April. “The goats are something. They definitely bring people out. Nothing like mixing wine and farm animals,” Troutman says. “That brings a lot of joy to people.” Celebrate summer solstice with the Burning Goat Solstice late-night event, featuring Whiskey Wagon eats, music and fire June 20. Dog owners enjoy taking their pooches to yappy hours on Tuesday nights and can also participate in a dog 1K June 8. Jam to live music from Canton singer Robin Roseberry June 6 and Westfield Center singersongwriter Jim Gill July 31.
“You’ve got this great view and then you pair it with great music and a good bottle of wine,” Troutman says. “It’s a very festive, happy atmosphere.” //KP
2637 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Norton, 330-666-9285, wineryatwolfcreek.com
Take in picturesque views of the Tuscarawas River from this waterfront patio with a sophisticated restaurant. Dine on pan-seared salmon, chicken Marsala, crab cakes and more. Uncork Raven Rouge, glittery Mystic Moon Vidal wine, Wildly Cherry and other varietals made from Ohio grapes. 56183 County Road 143, West Lafayette, ravensglenn.com
With its lush wildflower grotto cascading down a hill, a waterfall and two massive stone oasts, converted into patio seating and a bar, Twin Oast Brewing has created a mesmerizing dreamscape. Scatter throughout the 60acre farm estate, on the tiered patio or its grassy lawn — complete with drink stands, lawn games and a stage. Snack on Ohio beer cheese nachos, Lake Erie perch tacos and more. With a Legitimate Swells India pale ale in hand, jam out at Rock the Oast Saturday night concerts, featuring acts such as Pop Fiction July 5 — or head there Aug. 2 for the all-day QuinStock music festival. 3630 NE Catawba Road, Port Clinton, twinoast.com
Retreat to this 13-acre Adirondack camp-inspired winery. It includes a Frontenac Gris vineyard, fruit trees and a 5-acre pond you can view from its grassy patio, which features an outdoor stage and Adirondack chairs around a firepit. Sip Center Beach chardonnay, Oxbow muscadine rose, Basecamp estate-grown Frontenac Gris and more. Nosh on tots slathered in cabernet gravy and cheese curds while listening to music Thursdays, Fridays or Saturdays. Get creative with regular workshops, such as a June 11 class on making a crushed glass crystal geode tile. 5228 State St. NE, Canton, losttrailwinery.com //KP
There’s something special about swimming in the clear blue, spring-fed quarry at Nelson Ledges Quarry Park.
“The water is fantastic,” says owner and director Evan Kelley. “Some people find that it almost has healing properties. There’s a lot of energy in it and a lot of history. It’s so clean and fresh. It feels great to jump in, look up at the sun and float on your back.”
In the 1940s and ‘50s, the quarry was mined for sandstone and quartz. In the late ‘50s, machinery hit springs — and the quarry gradually filled with water, leaving peninsulas, rock shelves and an island. A campground opened in 1972 and became notorious for partying. After working as a lifeguard and manager during the ‘80s and ‘90s, Kelley bought the struggling property, with the help of his parents, in 1997. Kelley added music festivals and expanded the camping from 20 to over 840 sites. He reworked the 320acre property, with the quarry as its core.
“The heart of this place is the water,” Kelley says.
From May until the weather permits in the fall, the sandy freshwater beach
photos by Itamar Gat, Eyes of the World Photography
has two lifeguards and a 3- to 4-footdeep roped-in children’s swimming area on a rock shelf. Adults float on rafts, kayak and use stand-up paddleboards in the on-average-30foot-deep water.
Aeration and eco-friendly water treatment make the clarity excellent for scuba diving and snorkeling.
Scuba divers might see a dark 60- to 70-foot-deep underwater canyon or a sunken cabin cruiser boat and truck. Plus, they can swim past largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill and huge catfish.
“Catfish will come and eat out of your hands,” Kelley says. “Some of them are 3 feet long.”
Daring swimmers plunge off a 15-foot-tall cliff.
“It’s a blast,” Kelley says. “I can do flips and hold a crowd.”
From walking paths throughout the park, you might spot a waterfall and wildlife, including bald eagles, ospreys, turtles and frogs.
The place really comes alive during its music festivals, which also bring vendors selling tie-dyed clothing, art
and more. Enjoy the music of Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd and more rockers at the 20th annual Classic Fest June 13 to 15 and the songs of the Grateful Dead at the 25th annual Grateful Fest July 25 to 27. From July 3 to 6, catch the park’s biggest show to date, Grassfire — the fourth iteration of its bluegrass festival. It features Grammy Award-winning performers like Molly Tuttle & Golden Highway, Del McCoury band and more. Rocking out at the stage, located right behind the beach, creates a surreal moment.
“When you catch the sunset here, watch the band, look way over the water on the beach, with food, drink and friends — it’s magic,” Kelley says. //KP 12001 Nelson Ledge Road, Garrettsville, nlqp.com
Relax on a white sand beach and dip in gem blue water at this spring-fed former limestone quarry. Scuba dive, fish, camp or stroll the 0.8-mile trail that encircles the 15acre quarry. Open Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day weekend, 925 S. Main St., Gibsonburg, lovemyparks.com
At 1,540 acres of water surface, Atwood Lake welcomes boating, fishing and swimming from a wide, sandy beach. Take Fido to a dog park, camp at a 500-plus site campground that includes cabins, hike five trails, cruise in a rented golf cart or test your athleticism in a floating inflatable obstacle course. Go kayaking under moonlight June 25, do yoga on the beach June 28, July 12 and Aug. 16, celebrate July Fourth and Christmas in July and more. Swimming Memorial Day through Labor Day, 9500 Lakeview Road, Mineral City, mwcd.org
Kick back on this 2,650-acre lake’s 700-foot sand beach, bordered by a beech-maple forest. Camp at one of 200-plus sites, play an 18-hole disc golf course, traverse 14 miles of hiking trails, rent a boat, take your pooch to a dog park with a pond and more. Swimming open Memorial Day to Labor Day, 5570 Esworthy Road, Ravenna, ohiodnr.gov //KP
Music in the Valley Folk & Wine Festival pairs folk music, which emerged as a distinct genre in the 19th century, with the bucolic setting of Hale Farm & Village — a 19th-century living history museum. Among the reenactors and 32 historic structures that re-create the nearly 100-acre Western Reserve homestead of settler Jonathan Hale, hear musicians organically play folk music as they would in bygone days. “They sit on our porches,” says Stephanie Lero, director of Hale Farm & Village. “They’ll be playing music either by themselves or bands could go all the way up to five, 10 people. Or they’ll wander like a village troubadour.”
Started in 1975 as a music festival, Music in the Valley celebrates 50 years in 2025. It has maintained a partnership with FolkNet, a Northeast Ohio-based show presenter specializing in folk, traditional music and dance. On July 12 and 13, listen to acts ranging from traditional folk musicians to modern folk bands — such as headliner Hunter Skeens and the Forerunners, playing the festival’s main stage both days. Combining bluegrass with rock, the group bills itself as “jamgrass” — members play the fiddle, banjo and upright bass, and its Stark County native frontman and singer, Hunter Skeens, plays mandolin and guitar.
Music in the Valley added the wine element in 2012. For an extra ticket, get a souvenir wine glass and enjoy five 5-ounce pours of wine, selected from 12 Ohio wine vendors. Nosh on eats from the gatehouse cafe and food trucks.
Attendees can also tour Hale’s historic structures, including an 1805 log cabin, an 1816 schoolhouse and an 1850 cottage. Encounter craftspeople demonstrating trades,
including blacksmithing, natural dyeing and cheesemaking, while learning Western Reserve history. “[You’re] seeing our potter making pottery and understanding the significance of it in this area,” says Lero. “Jonathan Hale made all of his bricks for the Hale house that is here with the clay on the property.”
Kids can make crafts, see Hale Farm’s two oxen, six sheep and nine chickens or join a wool spinning demonstration. “You can help the carding of the wool and learn how to spin,” Lero says. “We try to be as interactive as we can.”
Experiencing olden art forms within a historic landscape takes you away. “It’s cool to walk around and see different pockets of people collaborating and forgetting about the outside world and making music together,” says Lero. “You are stepping back into time. It is an awing moment, and it’s very humbling too.” //KP 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, 330-666-3711, halefarm.org
July 26 & 27
See over 100 artists at this 46th annual juried show at Hardesty Park. Last year, attendees enjoyed a Creative Zone with kids’ crafts, as well as a sip and paint. Entertainers for 2024 included Magnificent Goat Brothers, Symphonic Winds and FizzStix. Come out this July 24 for Taste of Akron. Last year, food vendors included Akron Honey Co. and Saffron Patch. Timi Funk and Eric Everett Jazz: Elation performed. 1615 W. Market St., Akron, akronartexpo.com
2025 jurors
Pip Brant
Francesco Lo Castro
Gavin Perry
August 16
Treat your pup to a doggie-themed festival — with a dog parade, canine contests and filled kiddie pools to cool off in — that’s been running for 10 years in Kent. Pet owners can enjoy live music and food and beer trucks, as well as shop vendors to help spoil their dogs — purchase pet food, bandannas and more. It’s all for a good cause — the festival benefits Madonio Animal Trust, which supports animal welfare causes in Portage County. Downtown Kent, madonio-animal-trust.org
July 10-12
Celebrate the 75th annual Summit County Italian-American Festival at the newly renovated Lock 3. Shimmy to cover bands Disco Inferno, performing ‘70s classics, Fleetwood Macked, paying tribute to the legendary group, and Roxxymoron, playing rock and pop tunes. On July 12, take the family for free children’s entertainment, face-painting and balloon animals. Stay for fireworks to finish out the festival. 200 S. Main St., Akron, it-am.org //KP
Ohio artists living in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Summit, & Trumbull Counties Pennsylvania artists living in Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, & Mercer counties Go to ashtabulaartscenter.org for
Open to
2928 W. 13th Street
Ashtabula, OH 44004 ashtabulaartscenter.org facebook.com/ashartscenter (440) 964-3396
Prizes awarded in Realism & Abstraction
2 First Place prizes: $15,000
2 Second Place prizes: $6000
Up to 6 Honorable Mention prizes (optional; jurors’ discretion): $1200
In July 1925, “Dear Enemy,” a musical comedy based on a true story from Revolutionary War-era America, premiered at the Colonial Theater as part of Akron’s centennial celebration — and became a hit.
“It’s in all the musical history books, because it was Rodgers and Hart’s first musical comedy,” says Joseph Rubin, founder and executive director of American Musical Productions, a Canton-based nonprofit specializing in the staging of historic American musical theater.
After revisions and a slight name change, to “Dearest Enemy,” the show — which follows the story of Betsy Burke, an Irishwoman who falls in love with British Capt. Sir John Copeland — ran for 286 performances on Broadway. Despite this, it’s largely unknown today.
“The materials were basically lost,” Rubin says. “It’s a part of our cultural heritage that unfortunately has been sort of left by the wayside and forgotten. And that’s been the main goal of my nonprofit organization — to make sure that that at least doesn’t happen in northern Ohio.”
Now, American Musical Productions — along with the AkronSummit County Public Library and the Akron Bicentennial — is presenting a semi-staged concert production of “Dearest Enemy” for new audiences at Goodyear Theater June 21 — allowing the rarely staged musical to shine again.
“We’re the first production in 25 years,” Rubin says. “You’ll go out of the theater humming the tunes because they’re just so great. … The rhymes are on point. Nobody writes anything like this anymore.”
Featuring a cast of 25 locals, including Amanda Medley as Betsy Burke and Spencer Boyd as Capt. Sir John Copeland, the production is backed by an 18-piece orchestra.
“The orchestra is going to be onstage. Some of the chorus will be on risers with the orchestra, but all the principals are going to be in costume and fully staged in front of the orchestra,” explains Rubin.
This production, he says, aims to be as close as possible to the show’s original Broadway premiere.
“This show is such a gem,” he says. “The lyrics are hilarious — very, very smart. And the music is … really great. You would never know that this was their first shot at writing a Broadway show. They just hit it perfectly the first time out. … We need this kind of joy in the theater today.” //CG 1201 E. Market St., Akron, akron200.org
July 10, July 17, July 24, July 31 & Aug. 7
Tap your toes to regional bands and performers at the Akron Art Museum. Listen to Akron-based rock band Wishgarden July 10, hear trailblazing local group 15 60 75 The Numbers Band July 17, catch the Surfrajettes — a Toronto- and Cleveland-based quartet of beehive-bedecked surf rockers — July 24 and hear the Akron-based Benny Lava & the Guavas July 31. On Aug. 7, take part in an interactive dance performance. 6:30-8:30 p.m., 1 S. High St., Akron, akronartmuseum.org
Select dates July 18-Aug. 3 Rock out outdoors with Porthouse Theatre’s production of “School of Rock: The Musical.” The tale of failed rocker Dewey Finn, who poses as a substitute teacher and transforms a group of kids into guitar stars, this comedy — directed by Terri J. Kent and choreographed by Martiń Ceśpedes — is sure to strum up a cacophony of fun. 3143 O’Neil Road, Cuyahoga Falls, kent.edu/porthouse
September 4-6
Hear the best of the Rubber City at this 10th annual musical festival, which celebrates the past and present of Akron’s historic jazz and blues scene. Last year’s lineup included local acts such as JT’s Electrik Blackout, Dan Bruce and Hubb’s Groove. You won’t want to miss this showcase of sonic artistry. Akron, rubbercityjazz. org //CG
As evening falls this Aug. 9, see Plain Township’s Oakwood Square light up the night — full of vendors, entertainment and refreshments. Sidestreet MKTS’ new night market allows visitors to experience a unique, open-air shopping experience at dusk from 5 to 9 p.m.
“It’s close to the … Hall of Fame enshrinement festivities, and we’re kind of tagging on to that, continuing a party in the Canton area,” says Lynn Shimko, co-owner and organizer of 720 Market, which owns and operates Sidestreet MKTS.
Sidestreet MKTS was formed in 2020, when larger 720 Market events — sprawling markets in the Canton area, filled with local vendors — could not be held due to COVID restrictions.
“We met with the owners at Oakwood Square. … They wanted us to help them bring in some more activity to the plaza. We ... put together a market similar to 720, but it was a smaller footprint,” shares Shimko. “It just gained popularity, and we’ve had it ever since on second Saturdays from May through October.”
Like other Sidestreet MKTS events, the night market is set to include 50 to 60 vendors, selling everything from permanent jewelry to clothing. Buy a bouquet of flowers from the Uniontown-based Bloom Hill Farm, a cheeky embroidered top from Youngstown-based SistaSistasCreations or an intricate door hanger from Alliance’s Nailed It Wood Projects.
“I hope they’re going to appreciate that they’re shopping local, they’re keeping their dollars with neighbors,” Shimko says.
Hungry guests can snack on fresh pickles from the Crazy Cucumber, sweets from Fat T’s Cookies, charcuterie from Curated Cart & The Girl and more. New this year is a farmers row, which is set to feature food vendors selling items such as meats and fresh vegetables. Plus, grab a local craft beer from a concession stand, and sip as you stroll.
“It’ll be something unique,” Shimko says. “It’ll be a fun activity in the summer for after hours.”
The night market also brings entertainment — hear blues music from Soulshine Blues Trio as you shop.
“It’s always such a good vibe at every one of our events. It’s good people, good vendors. The music is always really perfect,” Shimko says. “It also makes you feel good.” //CG 2610 Easton Ave. NE, Canton, eventsby720.com
Saturdays through Oct. 25
Browse food and wares from a wide range of vendors at this local market. Savor cheese from the Kent-based Old Forge Dairy, pick up a handmade piece from Marcie James Pottery, take home a handful of ramps from Champ’s Ramps, bite into a delicious pie from Black Sheep Baking Co. and more. 9 a.m.-noon, 4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula, cuyahogavalleyfarmersmarket.org
June 7, June 28, July 5, July 26 & Aug. 9
Handmade products, antiques, collectibles and art — find it all at the Peninsula Flea at Heritage Farms, hosted on the grounds of a 177-year-old, fifth-generationowned farm. Enjoy the beauty of barns, a gazebo and the farm’s growing Christmas trees as you browse — artists, vendors, dealers and food trucks vary each month, creating a unique experience. 10 a.m.–4 p.m., 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula, heritagefarms. com/peninsula-flea //CG
Saturdays through November
Shop for fresh fruits, veggies, herbs and flowers at Portage County’s oldest producers-only farmers market — and also find jams and jellies, honey, maple syrup, baked goods, locally-roasted coffee, handmade soaps and more. Plus, don’t miss Music @ the Market, a weekly free concert series featuring local acts such as Guy Pernetti, Grady Miller and Jon Mosey. 9 a.m.-1 p.m., Franklin Ave., under Haymaker overpass, Kent, haymakermarket.com
Meet
{ by Cameron Gorman, photo by Erin Gulling }
A diagnosis of prostate cancer can be terrifying — and, often, that diagnosis comes with several questions.
What are the chances of this coming back if I treat it? What are the side effects of treatment?
That’s one of the reasons why Summa Health’s Urology practice recently began a new prostate cancer survivorship program. Through the program, patients can ask questions, connect with physical therapy and mental health resources, prepare for procedures and obtain multiple contacts. “The survivorship program offers a holistic approach to prostate cancer treatment,” says Jason Casey, lead advanced practice provider for Summa Urology. “The survivorship program widens the reach and [does] not just focus on the disease, the diagnosis, but also on the person — that human element.”
Once someone is diagnosed with prostate cancer through Summa Urology, they’re set up for a cancer conference with a urologic oncologist. Treatment options are reviewed and a plan of care is decided on in that conference. A week or two later, once the patient has had time to process, they meet with an advanced practice provider to recap the conference’s outcome. This allows the patient time to ask additional questions and the provider to prepare the patient for possible side effects of treatment. This process also establishes a
core group of providers — including two urologic oncologists, two advanced practice providers who specialize in cancer, an oncology navigator and Summa clinical staffers — which the patient can utilize throughout their cancer journey.
“Survivorship is not just what to do after to treat things, but it’s getting them prepared as well,” Casey says. “They may deal with different people in their care team, but there’s this core group. … You want somebody that is involved in your care, that knows who you are, and you’re not having to explain everything all over, even after surgery is done. And so, there’s this continuum that we’re trying to build for our cancer survivors.”
Following up can also improve patient health outcomes.
It’s important for trusted providers to follow up with patients after cancer diagnosis and treatment.
“All treatment options have side effects that we want to make sure that patients are fully informed and have the tools to properly deal with them,” he says. “Sometimes, because of the sensitive nature, patients can be embarrassed about addressing these concerns — and also not knowing what questions to ask. We’re here to help guide them through that.”
“Even though you cure somebody’s cancer, there still can be a physical decline because of them not being cared for properly as a side effect of the treatment,” Casey says. “If you’re addressing questions and concerns, it will improve patient outcomes and compliance with treatment.”
Though the program is just getting started, Casey says feedback so far is positive.
“When you build that rapport, I think that that helps reduce their anxiety, their stress,” Casey says. “They know that they have a door open to them whenever they need it.”
{
In December 2024, Colin Campbell came down with a sore throat.
“We didn’t think anything of it,” says Tim Campbell, Colin’s father. “Then his got to a point where he could barely swallow.”
After visiting a doctor, Colin was sent to the emergency room. He tested positive for strep throat but negative for mononucleosis. Instead, he got a much more serious diagnosis: B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia.
“Everyone was kind of floored,” Tim says. “The last thing in the world you’re expecting when you go in for a sore throat is to hear that you have cancer.”
Colin, who is a wrestler and plays football and lacrosse, was shocked.
“It was really hard, because I was in the middle of wrestling season,” he says. “It was very scary.”
Because Colin was 12 when he was diagnosed, his leukemia was considered high-risk. He saw Dr. Vanisha Patel, a pediatric hematologist-oncologist at Akron Children’s, who included blinatumomab — a new immunotherapy treatment for certain types of leukemia — in his treatment plan.
“Before getting this blinatumomab, his overall survival and chance of being cured from leukemia would have only been 87 percent. Because this clinical trial studied this … his overall survival is going to be over 96 percent,” Patel says.
Colin’s blinatumomab is administered alongside standard chemotherapy. While chemotherapy affects noncancerous cells in the body, creating long-term side effects, blinatumomab directs immune cells, called T cells, to target a specific antibody carried in leukemia cells — CD19.
“When you have somebody who’s getting chemotherapy, they’re needing blood transfusions, they’re having lots of nausea and vomiting, they’re having a lot of side effects,” says Patel. “Blinatumomab — since it is not targeting your other cells and is really only trying to find those leukemia cells — the side effects are very, very mild, if you even have side effects.”
Based on diagnostic information, Akron Children’s patients with highrisk B cell acute lymphoblastic leukemia may be eligible for blinatumomab.
“It’s very rewarding,” says Patel, “even on some of our hardest days, to be able to know that we can offer this to our patients and know that they’re going to have a really good chance of survival.”
Colin recently completed one month of immunotherapy. He will need to complete a total of two months within his 2 1/2 years of treatment. On blinatumomab — administered through a backpack — he was able to attend school, exercise and help out his coaches. Now 13, Colin can’t wait to get back into sports once his treatment is complete.
“I’ve hung out with a couple of my buddies,” Colin says. “That really boosts me up.”
His dad notices a change. “His everyday demeanor is just more normalized. His energy levels are higher, his mood … physically, he feels better,” Tim says. “You can see it in him — a little pep in his step.”
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. 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
ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY
Ravi Karnani
Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Allergy & Immunology | 330-543-0140
Richard Lavi
Allergy Asthma & Sinus Relief Center | 330-423-4444
ANESTHESIOLOGY
Kevin D. Cox
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7133
Eric H. Regula Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7133
Brandon Roberts
Akron Children’s Pediatric Anesthesiology | 330-543-8823
Martin P. Smilek Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7133
Lance Talmage Akron General | 330-344-6294
CARDIOLOGY
Michael Bage Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7989
Roger Chaffee Summa Health Cardiology | 330-745-7634
Jennifer Cummings Mercy Hospital Medical Office | 330-588-4676
David Cutler Akron General | 330-344-7400
Emil Hayek University Hospitals Ahuja Hudson | 234-269-5219
Loretta Isada
Summa Health Cardiology | 330-376-7000
Otfried Niedermaier Summa Health Cardiology | 330-376-7000
Ramana Podugu Aultman Deuble Heart and Vascular Hospital | 330-454-8076
Joseph Restivo Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7989
Joseph Rinaldi Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7989
CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY
Eric Espinal Summa Health Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery | 330-384-9001
Joseph Lahorra Akron General | 330-344-1400
COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY
Michael Cullado
Summa Health Colorectal Surgery | 330-434-5978
Truong Ma Summa Health Colorectal Surgery | 330-434-5978
Kellen Welch
Summa Health Colorectal Surgery | 330-434-5978
Neera Agarwal-Antal Hudson Dermatology | 330-650-4200
Nely Aldrich
Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center | 330-653-3376
Christina Cernik
Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery | 234-365-8228
Alison Durham
Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center | 234-274-7546
Valerie Fuller Fairlawn Dermatology LLC | 330-864-9000
Angela L. Funovits
Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery | 866-337-6631
Jacqueline Graham Akron Dermatology | 330-535-7100
Ann R. Kooken
Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery | 866-337-6631
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.
James F. Libecco
Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery | 866-337-6631
Julie Mark Summa Health Dermatology | 330-835-9158
Shannon McKeen
Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center | 234-274-7546
Allison J. Moosally
Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery | 866-337-6631
Eliot Mostow
Akron Dermatology | 330-535-7100
Thomas Myers Unity Health Network | 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
Yun Robert Sheu
Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-3043
James Andrew Spain
Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-7879
Jonathan R. Sugano
Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-3043
Jeffrey Unger
Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-3043
EMERGENCY MEDICINE
Rudd J. Bare III
Western Reserve Hospital | 234-466-8500
Michael Beeson
Summa Health Emergency Medicine | 330-375-3000
Michelle Blanda
Western Reserve Hospital | 234-466-8500
Steven Brooks
Akron General | 330-344-6326
Ashley Heaney
Akron General | 330-344-4726
Stacy A. McCallion
Western Reserve Hospital | 234-466-8500
Vishnu Mudrakola
Summa Health Emergency Medicine | 330-375-3000
Erin Simon
Akron General | 330-253-8293
Robert Stenberg Akron General | 800-223-2273
ENDOCRINOLOGY DIABETES AND METABOLISM
Manjinder Kaur
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-650-5110
Mehr Khan
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-650-5110
Kevin Miller
Akron General | 330-896-5077
James Salem
Summa Health Endocrinology | 234-312-2111
Jennifer Wojtowicz
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-650-5110
Omar Zmeili
Summa Health Endocrinology | 234-312-2111
Victoria Alexander
Unity Health Network | 330-662-5666
Verlaine Blaser
Summa Health Family Medicine Center | 330-375-3584
Janice Camino
University Hospitals Portage Family Medicine | 330-422-6271
J. Matthew Chase
Unity Health Network | 330-688-9501
David Dulle
University Hospitals Sharon Family Physicians | 330-239-4455
Dr. Richard Lavi has been practicing in the greater Akron area for over 15 years. Dr. Lavi completed his undergraduate and medical degrees at Brown University in Providence, Rhode Island. He completed his residency at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland. Dr. Lavi went on to complete a fellowship in Allergy/Immunology at All Children’s Hospital in St. Petersburg, Florida. He serves as a Senior Clinical Instructor for Case Western Reserve University and Clinical Assistant Professor of Internal Medicine for Ohio University College of Osteopathic Medicine. He enjoys teaching medical students and residents from the surrounding hospitals. Dr. Lavi is board certified in Internal Medicine, Pediatrics and Allergy/ Immunology. This allows him to treat patients of all ages in his practice. He can accommodate seeing multiple family members at once. He is a Fellow of the both the American Academy of Allergy and Immunology and American Academy of Pediatrics. His practice specializes in indoor/outdoor allergy, pet allergy, food allergy, bee sting allergy, drug allergy, chronic hives and allergic skin reactions. He also concentrates on asthma, chronic cough, sinus issues and headaches. In addition, Dr. Lavi specializes in complex immunologic diseases such as primary immune deficiency, EOE, HAE and PANDAS/PANS. He is also able to perform food and medication desensitization. He offers in-office injection and sublingual allergy immunotherapy, rhinoscopy, lung function testing, patch testing, phlebotomy and infusion services as well. He currently has offices in Twinsburg and Fairlawn and looks forward to seeing you in Cuyahoga Falls early next year.
Fairlawn Location: 3618 W. Market Street Suite 200
Fairlawn, Oh 44333
Hours: Tuesday & Wednesday, 8am-6pm; Friday, 9am-3pm
Twinsburg Location: 8054 Darrow Road Suite 2
Twinsburg, Oh 44087
Hours: Monday, 9am-5pm; Thursday, 9am6:30pm; Saturday (alternating), 9am-12pm
She noticed his broad shoulders first. While attending tai chi classes in 2017 at Stewart’s Caring Place cancer wellness center in Fairlawn, Pam Matheny admired Edward Dietrich from afar.
“I was behind him,” Matheny says. “I thought, Oh, wow, he’s got some really nice shoulders. If he did turn to the side, I always looked the other way.”
Matheny began attending classes at Stewart’s — which provides continuous support to those with cancer and their loved ones via programs such as fitness classes and support groups — during her husband’s multiple myeloma journey. He died on Thanksgiving day 2016, just before their 51st anniversary.
Following his death, Matheny, now 78, returned to Stewart’s and took part in tai chi. About 15 months after his passing, she took off her wedding ring. Her bare ring finger caught the attention of Dietrich, now 72, who’d been attending classes at Stewart’s following his wife’s 2014 death from breast cancer. He asked Matheny to go on a walk through the nearby Summit Mall. “I was pretty nervous,” Dietrich says.
The 2018 first date went well, and soon Matheny and Dietrich drove 30 minutes regularly to see each other in Bath Township and Brunswick, respectively.
“There was a glow about me,” Dietrich says. “Like I’m just shining from being with her.”
The pair had common interests, such as keeping fit — and both knew what it was like to lose a spouse to cancer.
“You already know, in your heart, where that kind of stuff lies — the troubles and the pain,” Matheny says. “It does help strengthen.”
Creating community among those affected by cancer — as its fitness
{ by Cameron Gorman, photos by Erin Gulling }
Stewart’s also offers a children’s summer camp, outdoor activities, cancer screenings in partnership with other organizations, a food pantry, a wig and beauty room and more.
One year after their first date, in a Stewart’s strength training class, Dietrich got down on one knee and asked a crying Matheny to marry him. They wed in May 2019 — she is now Matheny Dietrich.
“I never planned to get married again,” she says. “When you love somebody, you just want to be together more and more.”
classes did for this couple — is a core goal at Stewart’s.
“There is so much that we know and are learning about stress and emotional capacity and what that does to our health. … Here at Stewart’s Caring Place, we understand. Many of us have walked the walk ourselves. I’m a survivor. We have survivors on staff,” says president and CEO Sarah Vojtek. “Things like massage, Reiki and yoga … are meant for the stress relieving component.”
“We are truly blessed as a couple,” Dietrich adds. “If you do meet somebody here … it’s going to be a good thing, for sure, especially if you’ve been through really some hard times.”
Dr. Jessica Headley has over 15 years of experience providing counseling and wellness services to individuals, couples, and families across the lifespan.
Her specialty interests include: girls’ and women’s issues, gender issues, career development, gerontology, and integrating creativity and positive psychology into counseling practice.
Under her leadership as President and CEO, Wellness Grove has swiftly grown from a humble startup in 2021 to one of the most impactful mental health and wellness organizations in the region.
To date, Wellness Grove has served over 14,000 Ohioans, offering both in-person and telehealth sessions.
Wellness Grove encompasses more than 100 clinicians in the professions of counseling, social work, and art therapy who provide specialtybased services.
All clients experience a personalized approach to matching with the right clinician through cuttingedge technology.
Wellness Grove offers more than 50 areas of counseling to children, adolescents, adults and older adults such as depression, anxiety, adjustment to life and transitions, mood issues, and trauma.
Licensure:
Licensed Professional
Clinical CounselorSupervisor (LPCC-S)
Certification:
Certified Perinatal
Mental Health Provider (PMH-C)
Education: PhD, Counselor Education & Supervision, The University of Akron
Locations:
4200 Munson Street NW Suite A Canton, Ohio 44718
4522 Fulton Drive NW Canton, Ohio 44718
Hours: Monday-Friday, 7am-9pm Saturdays, 9am-5pm
Insurances:
Over 100 plans to include commercial, Medicaid, Medicare, and EAPs
Joshua P. Harbert Unity Health Network | 330-926-3235
Douglas Harley Akron General Medical Center | 330-344-6047
Tristan Henn
University Hospitals Western Reserve Physicians | 234-269-8475
Stephanie Mesko University Hospitals Sharon Family Physicians | 234-565-7064
Matthew J. Mivsek Unity Health Network | 330-662-5666
Katherine Sheridan Akron General Medical Center | 330-344-6047
Robert Spittler Unity Health Network | 330-688-9501
Ruchi Taliwal
University Hospitals Copley Medical Group | 330-664-9916
Rebecca Teagarden Summa Health Family Medicine Center | 330-375-3584
John P. Wagner Unity Health Network | 330-688-9501
GASTROENTEROLOGY
Edward Esber Akron Digestive Disease Consultants | 234-901-4292
Scott A. Fulton
The Gastroenterology Group | 330-869-0954
Costas H. Kefalas Digestive Health Center | 330-899-4194
John S. Park Western Reserve Hospital | 330-926-3313
Corey Sievers Western Reserve Hospital | 330-926-3313
GENERAL SURGERY
Walter J. Chlysta Western Reserve Hospital | 330-926-3443
Arthur Dalton
Summa Health General Surgery | 330-564-2438
Rick A. Gemma Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7753
Aleksandar Geube Summa Health Trauma | 330-535-1536
Victoria Van Fossen Summa Health General Surgery | 330-564-2438
GERIATRIC MEDICINE
Natalie Kayani
Summa Health Seniors | 330-375-4100
GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY
Stephen Andrews Summa Health Gynecologic Oncology | 330-379-3514
Robin Laskey-Jobkar Summa Health Gynecologic Oncology | 330-379-3514
Clarrisa Polen-De Summa Health Gynecologic Oncology | 330-379-3514
HAND SURGERY
Dylan Childs
Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533
John W. Dietrich
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4055
Drew Engles
Akron Children’s Orthopedics | 330-543-3500
Andrew Esterle
Akron General | 330-344-2663
Derek Klaus
Summa Health Orthopedics 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 | 330-668-4040
Nicholas Satariano
Akron General Physician Office | 330-344-2663
Rafal Z. Stachowicz
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4055
HEMATOLOGY
Bradley Clifford Summa Health Center Akron | 330-376-1043
Sameer Mahesh
Summa Health Center | 330-376-1043
Greg Manson
Summa Health Center Akron | 330-376-1043
Sunitha Vemulapalli
Aultman North Canton Medical Group | 330-438-6333
HOSPICE AND PALLIATIVE CARE
Sarah Elizabeth Friebert
Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Palliative Care | 330-543-3343
Catherine Kelly-Langen
Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Palliative Care | 330-543-3343
INFECTIOUS DISEASE
Shanu Agarwal
Summa Health Infectious Disease |
330-375-3894
Donald Dumford III
Akron General | 330-344-6000
Rajiv Sahni
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7147
Nikole Scalera
Summa Health Infectious Disease | 330-375-3894
Michael Tan
Summa Health Infectious Disease | 330-375-3894
David Watkins
Cleveland Clinic Akron General | 330-344-6000
INTERNAL MEDICINE
Vera Bicak-Odak
Unity Health Network | 330-929-2685
Patrick Blakeslee
Unity Health Network | 330-929-2685
Kelley T. Cerroni
Unity Health Network | 330-678-7782
Michael Gedeon
Pioneer Physicians Network - Springside
Internal Medicine | 330-376-1071
Emily George
Community Health Care Inc. | 330-875-5544
Paul Gibbons
Unity Health Network | 330-688-9501
Mateen Haque
Unity Health Network | 330-929-2685
Karen Hummel
University Hospitals Medina Family and Internal Medicine/Pediatrics | 330-952-4944
Zachary Jerusalem
Akron General | 800-223-2273
Valerie Johnson
Unity Health Network | 330-926-3235
Garimah Jones
Pioneer Physicians Network - Internal Medicine West | 330-864-4488
Brennan David Kruszewski
Unity Health Network | 330-633-3883
Todd Lisy
Pioneer Physicians Network - South Main Street Medical Center | 330-644-2700
Nathan R. Lucardie
Unity Health Network | 330-678-7782
Scott Mabee
University Hospitals Fairlawn Internal Medicine | 234-365-4349
Kevin Mineo
Unity Health Network | 330-678-7782
Bryan O’connell
Summa Health Internal Medicine Center | 330-375-3315
Gary Pinta
Pioneer Physicians Network - Northampton Primary Care | 330-923-4500
Brian Pollock
Unity Health Network | 330-929-2685
Michael W. Rich
Summa Health Internal Medicine Center | 330-375-3315
Matthew Taylor
Pioneer Physicians Network - Internal Medicine of Green | 330-899-9070
Susan Tucker
Pioneer Physicians Network - Northeast Family Health Care | 330-633-6601
INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY
Peter Bittenbender
Summa Health Cardiology | 330-376-7000
David Hedrick
Akron General | 330-344-7400
Kevin Silver
Summa Health Cardiology | 330-376-7000
Khaled Sleik
Akron General | 330-344-7400
MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE
Katherine Wolfe
Akron Children’s Hospital Maternal Fetal Medicine Center | 330-543-4500
NEPHROLOGY
Valerie Jorge Cabrera
Northeast Ohio Nephrology Associates Inc. | 330-252-0600
Thomas Kayani
Northeast Ohio Nephrology Associates Inc. | 330-252-0600
Rajat Maheshwari
Premier Renal Care Associates | 330-331-4466
Natthavat Tanphaichitr
Americare Kidney Institute | 330-436-3150
Miriam P. Zidehsarai
Americare Kidney Institute | 330-436-3150
NEUROLOGICAL SURGERY
Dane Donich
Summa Health Spine and Neuroscience Center | 330-576-3500
Paul Hartzfeld
Summa Health Spine and Neuroscience Center | 330-576-3500
NEUROLOGY
Susana Bowling
Summa Health Neuroscience | 330-375-7055
Roswell B. Dorsett III
Unity Health Network | 330-572-1011
Lawrence M. Saltis
Unity Health Network | 330-572-1011
OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY
Christine Arnold Summa Health Obstetrics and Gynecology | 330-869-9777
Sarah Babai
Women’s Health Group | 330-633-1350
Jenifer Byrnes
Summa Health Urogynecology | 330-434-0543
Barry J. Fish
NOMS Healthcare Network | 330-869-3900
Steven Gorsuch
Women’s Health Group | 330-633-1350
John N. Hutzler Jr. Women’s Health Group | 330-633-1350
Thomas Mendise
Summa Health Obstetrics and Gynecology | 330-869-9777
Maura K. O’Shea OBGYN Associates of Akron Inc. | 330-668-6545
ONCOLOGY
Laurie Matt-Amaral
Akron General Physician Office | 330-344-6505
Jennifer Payne Aultman Cancer Center | 330-438-6333
OPHTHALMOLOGY
Richard Ellison Cleveland Clinic | 330-864-8060
Thomas P. Hull
Retina Associates of Cleveland Inc. | 330-996-9800
Marc F. Jones
Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons | 330-594-9105
Donald Charles Stephens Novus Clinic | 330-630-9699
Thomas J. Tsai
Retina Associates of Cleveland Inc. | 330-996-9800
ORTHOPEDIC SURGERY
Gordon Bennett Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7571
Erin M. Dean
Crystal Clinic Inc. | 330-475-1631
Emily L. Exten
Crystal Clinic - Medina | 330-721-8232
Ian M. Gradisar
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4040
Jeffrey Junko
Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533
William Kurtz
Akron General Physician Office | 330-344-2663
Phillip J. Lewandowski
Crystal Clinic Inc. | 330-668-4040
Timothy Marks
Akron General Physician Office | 330-344-2663
{ by Kelly Petryszyn, photos by Erin Gulling }
Recently, during a career transition, a woman without insurance underwent a screening at a Cleveland Clinic mobile mammogram clinic. Her results were normal, and it encouraged her to get more screenings, including a colonoscopy. There were some abnormal findings from her colonoscopy, and she addressed them.
Now, she works at an agency promoting cancer screenings, especially for women in transition. Bringing screenings to harder-toreach people throughout the region — and connecting them with health care — is the mission of Cleveland Clinic’s
mobile mammogram unit.
“We know patients who have barriers to care. We can help change that dynamic,” says Ron Lloyd, director of outreach and patient navigation with the Cleveland Clinic Cancer Institute.
Launched in May 2024, the mobile unit is an RV with a state-of-the-art 3D mammography device and changing and waiting areas. Through the mobile unit, patients get their annual mammograms, which start at age 40 — or age 35 if they have a firstdegree family history of breast cancer. Since its launch, the mobile unit has served over 1,260 patients. To address transportation barriers, Cleveland Clinic partners with faith-based organizations, nonprofits, Federally Qualified Health Centers and more to reach patients from Sandusky to Ashtabula and beyond.
Between the Clinic’s mobile mammogram unit and partner units from Youngstown’s Tiffany Breast Care Center and Cleveland Heights’ Women’s Diagnostic Center, there were 109 mobile clinic events in 2024. There are nearly 130 this year — with 20 in the Akron and Canton areas. Those include clinics at Oak St. Health in Akron’s Firestone Park June 3, at Oak St. Health in Canton June 11 and at
Asian Services in Action in Akron June 6 and 13.
For those who have financial barriers, Cleveland Clinic can help pay what insurance doesn’t cover with its philanthropy dollars.
If a result is abnormal, a nurse practitioner reaches out. That happened for Medina resident Jessica. She didn’t go to the mobile unit but did a mammogram at a Cleveland Clinic location a week after her 40th birthday in 2023. Her mom and aunt had breast cancer later in their lives, so she got screened quickly. Her mammogram found calcification. A later biopsy was positive for Stage 0 DCIS — ductal carcinoma in situ, which means that there are abnormal cancer cells in the milk ducts. Bearing in mind her family history, she underwent a double mastectomy. The cancer was contained without spreading, so she didn’t need chemotherapy or radiation. Because Jessica was proactive in getting her screening on schedule, she can be present for her spouse and three kids.
“Please go and do your mammograms when they’re required, so that you can be healthy and there for your family,” she says. “Catching it this early literally saved my life.”
{ by Kelly Petryszyn, photos by Mal McCrea }
University Hospitals Portage Medical Center transport volunteer Jim Fleming was assisting a woman wearing a scarf when she shared that she had it on because she’d lost her hair to cancer. Fleming had returned to volunteering after beating breast cancer, and his badge photo pictured him post-treatment.
“I said, I’ve been there. I’m also a survivor, and here’s what I looked like. I showed her my badge, and I said, You look better than I do — that took the edge off,” recalls the now-82year-old Hudson resident and former 14-year UH volunteer.
Fleming’s personal cancer journey and volunteer role inspired him and his wife, Judy, a retired UH nurse, to donate $187,000 toward the purchase of UH Portage’s first stereotactic machine, which performs extremely precise diagnostic biopsies. It’s a part of the hospital’s new Breast Health Center that opened in July 2023. “They’re biopsing things that are 3 and 4 millimeters,” says Dr. Claudine Siegert, chair of surgery at UH Portage and medical director of the Breast Health Center. “When you find super small millimeter size abnormalities on the mammogram — that is when we want to be detecting breast cancer — not waiting until it’s a large mass we can feel.”
When Siegert came to UH Portage in October 2018, it was a goal to invest in better and more advanced breast health care in Portage County. Now more equivalent to other UH facilities, the Breast Health Center boasts advanced radiology, mammography,
ultrasound and operating equipment. This includes two new diagnostic ultrasound units to detect abnormalities better.
With the help of a new, secondary 3-D mammography unit and an extra technologist, the Breast Health Center has performed about 1,000 more mammograms since its inception. These investments led to hiring new breast care coordinator Colleen Dallke, who is a registered nurse. She follows up with mammogram patients after abnormal results.
With her help, UH Portage has decreased the amount of time from abnormal mammograms to biopsies from an average of about 23 days to eight days. Dallke has helped coordinate breast care appointments for nearly 1,000 patients.
The Breast Health Center includes a newly renovated female waiting room, which is separate from the male waiting room. One percent of breast cancer patients are male, such as Fleming. He was diagnosed at 65 in 2008. He endured a mastectomy and surgery to remove 17 lymph glands — and received four rounds of chemotherapy. Around 2020, he was diagnosed with lung cancer and had the upper lobe of his right lung removed. He is thankful to have beaten cancer twice and enjoys giving back.
“It’s always nice to help somebody else,” he says.
Fleming and Siegert emphasize the impact of the center is profound. The team at UH Portage is increasingly detecting breast cancer early and educating patients.
“Early detection is key for survival,” Siegert says. “If we can find breast cancer early enough in its early stages, it is typically about 95 percent curable if treated appropriately. We’ve made some great strides.”
Jeffrey S. Noble
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4040
William A. Pakan
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-673-6299
John Pinkowski
Akron General Physician Office | 330-344-2663
Jonathan Streit
Akron General Physician Office | 330-344-2663
Amy E. Tucker
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7571
Ryan Urchek
Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533
ORTHOPEDICS
Kenneth Bono
Akron Children’s Spine Center | 330-543-3500
Ryan Combs
Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533
Nicholas DiNicola
Akron General Physician Office | 330-344-2663
Jordan T. Etscheidt
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-670-4006
Koan Heindel
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7571
Gregory Hill
Unity Health Network | 330-922-1922
Steven B. Jackson
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7571
Jovan R. Laskovski
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-644-7436
Ronald C. Mineo
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-673-6299
Dr. John C. Pedersen, MD, FACS is a board-certified plastic surgeon and founder of Plastic Surgeons of Akron. For 25 years he has devoted 100 percent of his practice to cosmetic surgery—making him one of the few surgeons in Northeast Ohio focused exclusively on aesthetic enhancement rather than reconstruction. A former chief resident at Akron City Hospital, Dr. Pedersen is widely regarded as an authority on breast surgery and body-contouring procedures. He leads a hand-picked team that delivers a full spectrum of surgical and non-invasive options, all grounded in comprehensive, patient-centered care. Beyond the operating room, Dr. Pedersen serves on several medical and community boards and has founded multiple nonprofit organizations dedicated to advancing surgical education and patient advocacy.
Kyle R. Nelman
Crystal Clinic Inc. | 330-673-6299
Curtis Noel
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 800-342-7744
Kiel Pfefferle
Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533
William F. Scully III
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-929-9136
Scott Weiner
Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533
OTOLARYNGOLOGY EAR NOSE AND THROAT
Phillip Khalil
Summa Health ENT | 330-375-6917
Matthew Lutz
Unity Health Network | 330-923-0399
Mark Weidenbecher Unity Health Network | 330-923-0399
Seth Willen
Unity Health Network | 330-923-0399
PAIN MANAGEMENT
Tony Lababidi
Comprehensive Pain Management Specialists | 330-208-2720
James T. Sable Jr. Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7246
Dmitri Souza Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7246
PATHOLOGY
Steven Michael Thompson Summa Health Pathology | 330-375-3000
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
PEDIATRIC CARDIOLOGY
John Clark
Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center | 330-543-8521
Wasim Khan
Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center | 330-543-8521
Chandrakant R. Patel
Akron Children’s Hospital Heart Center | 330-543-8521
PEDIATRIC DERMATOLOGY
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
Rathna Mandalapu
Akron Children’s Center for Diabetes and Endocrinology | 330-543-3276
Kimberly Martin
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
John J. Paulowski
Aultman Deuble Heart and Vascular Hospital | 330-454-8076
Patrick Riley
Akron Children’s Hospital Orthopedics | 330-543-3500
Patrick Riley Jr.
Akron Children’s Hospital Orthopedics | 330-543-3500
Todd Ritzman
Akron Children’s Hospital Spine Center | 330-543-3500
PEDIATRIC OTOLARYNGOLOGY
ENT
Samuel Albert
Akron Children’s Ear Nose and Throat Center | 330-543-4930
Anton Milo
Akron Children’s Hospital Ear Nose and Throat Center | 330-543-4930
Marc Nelson
Akron Children’s Hospital Ear Nose and Throat Center | 330-543-4930
PEDIATRIC SURGERY
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
Ananth Murthy
Akron Children’s Hospital Craniofacial Center | 330-543-2778
PEDIATRICS GENERAL
Sabrina Ben-Zion
Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics | 330-336-3539
Joel Davidson
Akron Children’s Hospital Locust Pediatric Care Group | 330-543-8530
Sarah de Camps
Akron Children’s Hospital Main Campus | 330-543-1000
Amanda Gogol-Tagliaferro
Akron Children’s Hospital Locust Pediatric Care Group | 330-543-8530
David Karas
Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics | 330-336-3539
Hanna Lemerman
Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Fairlawn | 330-865-1252
Kimberly Masterson
Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics Boston Heights | 330-342-6700
William Mudd
Akron General Medical Center | 330-344-7350
James Nard
Akron Children’s Hospital Medicine Program | 330-543-4440
Nirali Patel
Canton Pediatrics Inc. | 330-494-9797
Brittany Potts
Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Global Health | 330-543-3242
Patricia Raimer
Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric Intensive Care | 330-543-8639
Erin Spies
Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics | 330342-6700
Susan Vargo
University Hospitals Rainbow Children’s Medical Group | 330-664-9899
P. Cooper White
Akron Children’s Hospital Locust Pediatric Care Group | 330-543-8530
PHYSICAL MEDICINE AND REHABILITATION
Travis Cleland
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4094
James Klejka
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4094
Bina Mehta
Akron General Spine And Pain Institute | 800-941-6672
Mark Pellegrino Cleveland Clinic | 330-498-9865
Brandon Weeks
Summa Rehab Hospital - Ernest Health | 330-572-7300
PLASTIC AND RECONSTRUCTIVE SURGERY
Meghan S. Brown Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-9730
Derek Cody
Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons | 330-668-4065
Lewis A. Diulus
Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons | 330-668-4065
Shayda Mirhaidari
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4065
John C Pedersen
Plastic Surgeons of Akron | 330-614-7002
Gary A. Pennington
Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons | 330-668-4065
Douglas Wagner
Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons | 330-668-4065
Daniel J. Yoho
Crystal Clinic Plastic Surgeons | 330-668-4065
PODIATRY
Nicholas Campitelli
Unity Health Network | 330-926-3231
Richard J. Rasper Unity Health Network | 330-662-5667
PSYCHIATRY
Dustin K. Blakeslee Unity Health Network | 330-248-5397
Rebecca Cirino
Akron General | 330-344-6525
Todd Ivan
Summa Physicians Inc. | 330-375-7474
PULMONOLOGY
Brian Bauman
Summa Health Lung Nodule Clinic | 330-319-9700
Matthew P. Chandler
Summa Health Pulmonary Disease & Critical Care Medicine | 330-375-3588
Michael Chandler
Summa Health Lung Nodule Clinic | 330-319-9700
Michael Dentler
Summa Health Internal Medicine Center | 330-375-3315
Charles Fuenning
Unity Health Network | 330-253-1411
Chelsea Kennedy-Snodgrass Summa Health Pulmonary | 330-319-9700
RADIATION ONCOLOGY
Kevin Chaung University Hospitals Portage Medical Center | 234-703-5773
Anand Desai
Summa Health Radiation Oncology | 330-375-3557
Desiree Doncals
Summa Health Radiation Oncology | 330-375-3557
RADIOLOGY
Krikor Malajikian 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
SPONSORED CONTENT
Dr. Lisy originally from Parma, Ohio attended college at Kent State University, Medical School at Northeastern Ohio College of Medicine, and residency at Summa Akron City Hospital and Children’s Hospital Medical Center of Akron where he became Board Certified in Internal Medicine and Pediatrics. He has been fortunate to be with the first and only group he joined after residency Pioneer Physicians Network. He is blessed to be with his wife and three kids who understand the challenges involved with being a physician. He is also appreciative of others that have realized his potential to teach the next generation of physicians as he serves as the Internal Medicine Residency Program Director at Western Reserve Hospital and the BOI director at Paradigm, the Akron division of Agilon Health Network.
Megan Bielawski
Crystal Arthritis Center Inc. | 330-668-4045
Nikita Hegde
Akron General Health and Wellness Center | 330-344-7820
Niharika Sharma
Akron General Health and Wellness Center | 330-344-7820
Rachel L. Waldman
Unity Health Network | 330-926-3240
Carlos Zevallos
Cleveland Clinic | 330-668-4045
SPINE SURGERY
Carrie A. Diulus
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 866-870-0016
Douglas M. Ehrler
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 866-870-0016
Matthew Jaykel
Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533
Scot D. Miller
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 866-870-0016
Gordon Preston
Akron General Medical Outpatient Center | 330-665-4100
Rajiv V. Taliwal
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 866-870-0016
SPORTS MEDICINE
Raymond W. Acus
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-929-9136
Michelle Burke
Akron Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine
Akron | 330-543-8260
Mark Cipriani
Summa Health Sports Medicine | 330-865-5333
Joseph Congeni
Akron Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine Center | 330-543-8340
Robert Crawford
Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533
Blossom Heindel
Summa Health Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533
Aaron Lear
Akron General Physician Office | 330-344-2663
Daniel M. Myer
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-929-9136
Heather Preston
Akron General Medical Center | 330-344-2663
Julie Z. Shott
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7571
Rohini Tandon
Summa Health Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533
Costas A. Apostolis
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-953-3414
Elizabeth Boes
Summa Health Urology | 330-374-1255
Todd Breaux
Akron General Urology & Pelvic Health Center | 330-535-4428
Joseph Dankoff
Summa Health Urology | 330-374-1255
Damian Garcher
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7050
Lawrence Geller
Summa Health Urology | 330-374-1255
Zane C. Giffen
Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7050
Eric Massanyi
Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatric & Adolescent Urology | 330-376-3332
Joshua Nething
Summa Health Urology | 330-374-1255
Neel Parekh
Akron General Urology | 330-535-4428
Kevin Spear Summa Health Urology | 330-374-1255
John Wegryn
Akron General Urology & Pelvic Health Center | 330-535-4428
John Zhao University Hospitals | 234-703-3141
VASCULAR SURGERY
Joseph McShannic
Summa Health Vascular - Akron | 330-434-4145
Drazen Petrinec Summa Health Vascular | 330-434-4145
Nicole Ramon Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7758
Jeffrey Stanley Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7758
LEGACY
Paul R. Fleissner
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4040
Dr. Gary Pinta is the Chief Financial Officer and former President of Pioneer Physicians Network in Akron, Ohio, where he also practices full-time as an internist. He is deeply committed to value-based care, a healthcare model that rewards keeping patients healthy rather than focusing solely on services rendered. Dr. Pinta graduated from Northeastern Ohio Medical University in 1994 and completed his internal medicine residency at Summa Health System in 1997. He has served in various leadership roles, including President of the Ohio Independent Collaborative, VP of Quality at Western Reserve Hospital, and as a board member for several organizations, including agilon health. Dr. Pinta has been married for 30 years, has three grown children, and enjoys traveling, dining out, golfing, and cheering on Cleveland sports teams.
Dr. Michael Gedeon, M.D., FACP, is a board-certified Internal Medicine physician with decades of experience in adult primary care. He earned his medical degree from Wright State University and completed his residency at Akron City Hospital. A Fellow of the American College of Physicians, Dr. Gedeon is dedicated to delivering thoughtful, evidencebased care with a focus on longterm health and wellness.
Board Certifications: Internal Medicine
Graduated: Wright State University
Residency: Akron City Hospital
Dr. Matthew Taylor is a boardcertified Internal Medicine physician focused on delivering personalized, high-quality care. He earned his medical degree from the University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences and completed his residency at Summa Health Systems. Dr. Taylor is dedicated to building strong patient relationships and promoting long-term health.
Board Certifications: Internal Medicine
Graduated:
Dr. Garimah Jones is a boardcertified Internal Medicine physician dedicated to providing comprehensive, patient-centered care. She earned her degree from Kent State University and completed her residency at Summa Health Systems. With a focus on wellness and chronic disease management, Dr. Jones is committed to helping patients achieve lasting health.
Board Certifications: Internal Medicine
Graduated: Kent State University
Residency: Summa Health Systems
Dr. Susan Tucker is a board certified Internal Medicine physician committed to compassionate and comprehensive primary care. She graduated from Northeast Ohio Medical University and completed her residency at Summa Health Systems. Dr. Tucker focuses on preventative care and chronic disease management, helping patients lead healthier lives.
Board Certifications: Internal Medicine
Graduated:
Residency: Summa
$ average entrees less than $6
$$ average entrees between $6-$10
$$$ average entrees between $11-$16
Alcohol available
Takeout available
Valet parking
Wheelchair Accessible
$$$$ average entrees are $17 or higher
Information subject to change. Please call ahead to verify location, hours and events.
Akron Family Restaurant
250 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-0600
$$ B L D
Aladdin’s Eatery
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
$$$ L D
Al’s Corner Restaurant
155 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-475-7978
$$ L
Alexander Pierce Restaurant
797 E. Market St., Akron, 330-529-2003
$$$ D
Arcadia Grill
85 years. 321 Court Ave. NW, Canton, 234-214-8940
$$ B L D
Arnie’s West Branch Steak House
5343 state Route 14, Ravenna, 330-297-1717
$$$ D
Barley House
222 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-0925
$$ L D
Basil Asian Bistro
585 Market Ave. N, Canton, 330-452-3888; 145 W. Liberty St., Wooster, 330-601-0885
$$$ L D
The Battleground
425 Cherry St., Kent, 330-548-9019
$$$ B L D
Beau’s Grille
3180 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-5218
$$$$ B L D
Beau’s on the River Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530
$$$ B L D
Belgrade Gardens
401 E. State St., Barberton, 330-745-0113
$$$ L D
Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders
3657 Fishcreek Road, Stow, 330-678-3000
$$ L D
Bender’s Tavern 137 Court Ave. SW, Canton, 330-453-8424
$$$$ L D
Bianca’s Ristorante Italiano 4284 Beverly Hills Drive, Brunswick, 330-225-0927
$$$ L D
Big Eu’es BBQ 1730 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6700
$$ L D
Big Eye Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar 2965 W. Market St., Fairlawn, Suite L, 330-836-4433
$$$ L D
The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000
$$$ L D
The Bistro of Green 3459 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-1434
$$$$ D
Bistro on Main
1313 W. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9900
$$$ L D
Block 7 Bar & Grill
524 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, 330-745-7677
$$ L D
Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern 8960 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, 330-486-2583
$$$$ L D
The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery 1970 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-926-9774
$$$ B L
Berlin Farmstead 4757 Township Road 366, Berlin, 330-893-4600
$$ B L D
Bob’s Hamburg
1351 East Ave., Akron; Inside Ray’s Pub, 801. W. Market St., Akron; 330-253-2627
$ B L D
Boiling House
1 W. Exchange St., Suite 150, Akron, 234-571-9692
$$$$ L D
Bombay Sitar
5111 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-305-0671
$$ L D
Bricco West
3150 W. Market St., Akron, 330-835-2203
$$$ L D
Brew Wall
3161 Heritage Center Drive, Copley, 330-576-6880
$$$ L D
Brubaker’s Pub
4005 Medina Road, Montrose, 330-666-8021; 5823 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-650-9401; 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-8803; 4141 Bridgewater Parkway, Stow, 330-475-1525
$$$ L D
Burntwood Tavern
2291 Riverfront Parkway, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-794-7085; 4320 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 234-209-9746; 3750 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 234-466-7372
$$$$ L D
The Cabin
35 E. Garfield Road, Aurora, 330-562-9171
$$$$ B L D
Cafe Tandoor
96 Barrington Town Square Drive, Aurora, 330-562-5334
$$$ L D
Casa Del Rio
839 High St., Wadsworth, 330-335-4001; Express location, 2927 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-849-5160
$$ L D
Caston & Main Brew Yard
5010 S. Main St., Akron, 330-882-2275
$$$ L D
Cellar 59 Wine Bar & Wine Shop
3984 Kent Road, Stow, 330-688-2684
$$$ L D
Chameleon Cafe
23 S. Main St., Akron, 234-334-3603
$$ B L D
China City
156 Cherry St., Kent, 330-673-6566
$$ L D
Chin’s Place
474 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-1998
$$ L D
Chowder House Cafe
1244 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-794-7102
$$$ L D
Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant
326 S. Main St., Suite 1204, Akron, 330-434-2876
$$$ L D
Circle L Steakhouse at the Galaxy 201 Park Centre Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663
$$$$ B L D
Cool Beans Cafe
103 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-723-7174
$$ B L D
Corkscrew Saloon
811 W. Liberty, Medina, 330-725-0220
$$$$ L D
Crave
156 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-1234
$$ L D
Crave Cantina
2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000
$$$$ L D
The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard
1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000, ext. 5
$$ L D
D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron 566 White Pond Drive, Akron, 234-678-3612
$$$ L D
Danny Boy’s
6081 Dressler Road NW, Canton, 330-499-3726; 10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330-633-7844
$$$ L D
Darby’s on Fifty-Nine 2764 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-922-7540
$$$ L D
Dean Martin’s Lanning’s 826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-1159, 330-864-2553
$$$$ D
Deli Ohio
328 Walnut Ave. NE, Canton, 330-453-7777
$$ L D
Desert Inn
204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766
$$$$ L D
Dewey’s Pizza
Summit Mall, 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-873-4444
$$$ L D
Diamond Deli
378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877
$$ B L
Diamond Grille
77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041
$$$$ L D (no credit cards)
Divine Food Spirits Wine
2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-4400
$$$$ D
Dominic’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant
221 S. Jefferson St., Medina, 330-725-8424
$$ L D
Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine
555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530
$$ L D
Downtown 140
140 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-655-2940
$$$$ L D
Driftwood Modern American Bistro
Embassy Suites by Hilton Akron-Canton Airport, 7883 Freedom Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-305-0500
$$$ D
Eadie’s Fish House Bar & Grill
6616 Wise Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-494-4000
$$$ L D
Eddy’s Deli and Restaurant
2655 Oakwood Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-7489; 4581 Kent Road, Stow, 330-346-0551
$$ B L D
Edgar’s
530 Nome Ave. at J.E. Good Park Golf Course, Akron, 330-869-3000
$$$ D
El Campesino Restaurante Mexicano
4360 Kent Road, Stow, 330-686-5561; 9169
state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-9777
$$$ L D
El Fogon Mexican Grill
1080 Interstate Parkway, Green, 330-644-7700
$$ L D
El Rincon
1485 S. Arlington St., 330-785-3724
$$ L D
Emidio & Sons
636 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-4777; 3204
State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-4282
$$ B L D
Erie Street Kitchen
163 Erie St., Kent, 330-593-5928
$$$ D
The Eye Opener
1688 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-1114
$$ B L D
Farmer Boy Restaurant
1324 Canton Road, Akron, 330-784-4052
$$ B L D
The Farmer’s Table
Exchange Market, 320 S. Court St., Suite 100, Medina, 330-952-2079
$$$$ L D
Fat Head’s Brewery
3885 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 330-244-8601
$$$ L D
Fiesta Pizza and Chicken
1860 Newton St., Akron, 330-733-2201
$$ L D
Firehouse Grill & Pub
10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330-634-9967
$$ L D
Fisher’s Cafe & Pub
1607 Main St., Peninsula, 330-657-2651
$$ L D
Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar
4000 Medina Road, Akron, 330-670-5200
$$$$ D
FlipSide
49 Village Way, Hudson, 330-655-3547
$$ L D
Foundry Social
333 Foundry St., Medina, 330-333-9000
$$ L D
Franklin Square Deli
108 S. Water St., Kent, 330-673-2942
$$$$ L
Fred’s Diner
930 Home Ave., Akron, 330-535-3733
$ B L
Fresco Mexican Grill and Salsa Bar
100 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-677-2588
$$ L D
Fronimo’s Downtown
315 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 234-640-8665
$$ D
The Galaxy Restaurant
201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663
$$$ B L D
Garretts Mill Diner
4226 Hudson Drive, Stow, 330-926-1344
$$ B L
Gasoline Alley
870 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-2670
$$$ L D
George’s Lounge
229 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-452-0029
$$ B L D
Gio’s Italian Oven
1186 Canton Road, Akron, 330-733-7586
$$$ L D
Girves Brown Derby
5051 Eastpointe Drive, Medina, 330-721-1731; 9230 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-2171
$$$$ L (only on weekends) D
Golden Dragon
1634 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-1109
$$ L D
Green Diamond Grille & Pub 125 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-745-1900
$$$ L D
Grinders Above & Beyond
1671 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-497-4800; 3114 Whipple Ave., Canton, 330-477-5411; 1212 W. Maple St., Hartville, 330-587-4280; 1820 W. State St., Alliance, 330-821-6665; 404 E. Lincolnway, Minerva, 330-868-7824; 500 W. Main St., Louisville, 330-875-9700
$$ L D
Guiseppe’s Pizza 14 E. Caston Road, Akron, 330-644-8842; 5642 Wales Ave. NW, Massillon, 234-258-4800
$$ L D
H2 Huth & Harris Wine Merchants 221 S. Court St., Medina, 330-805-3212; 427 Tuscarawas St. E, Canton: 330-815-4959
$$$$ L D
Hamad’s on Main 1826 E. Market St., Akron, 330-733-8381
$$ B L
Hartville Kitchen Restaurant & Bakery 1015 Edison St. NW, Hartville, 330-877-9353
$$$ L D
Henry Wahner’s Restaurant 1609 E. Main St., Kent, 330-678-4055
$$$$ D (No credit cards)
Hibachi Japan Steak House 1803 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-3333
$$$ L D
HiHO Brewing Co.
1707 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-7564
$$$ L D
Honeymoon Grille
3458 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-644-4355
$$$ B L D
Hopocan Gardens
4396 W. Hopocan Ave., Barberton, 330-825-9923
$$ L D (No credit cards)
House of Hunan
18 Public Square, Medina, 330-722-1899
$$ L D
Hudson’s Restaurant
80 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-650-1955
$$$ B L D
The Howlin Bird
123 S. Main St., North Canton, 234-714-9000
$$$ B L D
Ido Bar & Grill
1537 S. Main St., Akron, 330-773-1724
$$$ L D
Jerzee’s Sports Grille
1019 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Akron, 330-896-9464; 2531 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-456-9977; 5260 Dressler Road, Canton, 330-497-4100; Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton, 330-366-9800
$$ L D
{ by Kelly Petryszyn, photos by Erin Gulling }
To craft Luciano’s Cucina Italiana’s lobster ravioli, prep cook Bruce Allen rolls out housemade pasta dough, placing a piece over a metal ravioli mold. A second plastic mold is used to create six sunken pockets that he tops with a filling of freshly flown in Maine lobster, dill, tarragon, ricotta, mascarpone, sage, parsley, lemon zest and lemon juice. Allen places a second layer of pasta over top and rolls it out to reveal perforations to separate the pieces. All this work produces just six delectable pieces of lobster ravioli ($36). This labor goes into all of Luciano’s handmade pastas.
“We make 90 percent of our menu from scratch — breads, pasta dough, all of the fillings for our pastas anything we can,” says executive chef Eric Hinman.
Luciano’s owner Joel Testa, president of Testa Companies, owns the Northside District building previously occupied by Chrissie Hynde’s VegiTerranean and Dante Boccuzzi Akron, which closed in December 2024. Amid several casual local Italian American restaurants, Testa aimed to fill a void for an upscale authentic Italian option with the opening of Luciano’s in March. The restaurant reflects Testa’s heritage — his paternal grandmother and grandfather hailed from Carovilli, Italy. Testa visited — and attests true Italian food is unlike garlicky, heavily seasoned Americanized versions.
“The sauces are very light, very fresh,” says Testa, adding that he strives for this approach.
“Everything’s based on freshness and honoring the ingredients.”
From Italy, Luciano’s imports olive oil, flours and San Marzano tomatoes, which are grown in Italy in peak sunlight for enhanced flavor. The Italian flour used by the restaurant
is not enriched or bleached.
“It does create a lighter, airier product,” Hinman says. “The texture is really good — it melts in your mouth.”
Testa gave Luciano’s space a fresh, bright Italian feel with stone wall accents and Tuscanyinspired arborvitae trees — as well as a patio with a pergola, water features and breath-taking city views. A chef’s table in the kitchen hosts an elaborate five-, seven14- and 21-course tasting menu. As you arrive, sip a glass of complimentary Champagne and settle in with the menu. Locals might spot callouts to previous tenants, such as a new version of VegiTerranean’s artichokes — grilled long-stemmed artichokes drizzled with lemon tarragon aioli. Also spot DBA’s Hong Kong mussels with crab, as well as other mussels with spicy Arrabbiata sauce or white wine and capers.
Find Testa’s grandmother’s wedding and pastina soups and meatball. Try sauteed calamari served with Arrabbiata. The burrata with charred eggplant, pomegranates, walnuts and cilantro provides a unique bite. Those who order the charcuterie plate are in for a surprise as a staffer freshly shaves prosciutto tableside.
Choose from six salads, including arugula and blood orange or the Italian chopped salad, with romaine, pepperoncini, focaccia croutons and more. The four flatbreads are named after Testa’s kids, including Zoe ($20), which features arugula, prosciutto, goat cheese, truffle oil, honey and a balsamic reduction.
“They’re done with focaccia bread that we make,” Testa says. “It’s a heartier, saltier, fluffier taste.”
Enjoy house-made pasta creations or choose a type of pasta and customize it with your pick of sauce, such as pesto,
vodka or more. The cacio e pepe Parmigiano-Reggiano wheel bucatini ($25) provides a show.
“We bring it out in a saute pan with our sauce and then we put a 151 on the cheese wheel, light it on fire, and it burns. As it burns, it melts the cheese. Then we mix the pasta in the Parmesan wheel that picks up the Parmesan cheese on the pasta,” Testa says. “What we’re embracing everywhere is the experience. … It should be something that you’re like, Wow!” Dig into heartier dishes too, such as the 14-ounce veal tomahawk ($55) served with sauteed broccolini and topped with burrata and a sauce cooks make by roasting heirloom tomatoes over an open flame and pureeing them with herbs and garlic.
“You have the crispiness of the broccolini, then you have the meatiness or tenderness of the veal chop, but the burrata gives it a creamy element,” Hinman says.
The menu also showcases seafood inspired by Italy’s coastal cuisine, including the scallops ($35), another callout to DBA. The dish includes curled Israeli couscous, grilled fennel, sweet potato, a blood orange beurre blanc and U15 diver scallops basted in butter, rosemary and thyme.
“They get that nice char, nice seared outside and super tender on the inside,” Hinman says. “To complement the soft textures, we do the crispy prosciutto to give it that salty, crispy aspect and then blood orange served with that, which is brighter red around the outside of the plate — this gives it a little bit of a crisp citrus flavor.”
Pair your meal with a handcrafted cocktail, such as the Sage Advice with Effen cucumber vodka and a swirled cucumber garnish, Lavender Scape with Empress gin and a charred rosemary garnish or the Nutty professor with Buffalo Trace bourbon
and frothy egg whites.
Finish your meal with shareable cannoli dip and a dessert cocktail like the tiramisu martini with French vanilla vodka and a ladyfinger or the pistachio gelato martini with double chocolate vodka and a pistachio garnish.
Around the restaurant, find quotes about food, love and art. Luciano’s aims to combine these elements to create an authentic, elevated meal.
“If you are passionate about it, that passion comes out on the plate,” Testa says. “That’s how we share our love.”
21 Furnace St., Suite 402, Akron, 330-808-7670, lucianos.xyz
The Jetty River Bar and Grill
1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7544
$$$ L D
Jilly’s Music Room
111 N. Main St., Akron, 330-576-3757
$$ B D (weekends)
Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ
526 Graham Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-349-6949
$$ L D
Jimmy Bigg’s Grille
1927 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-2444
$$ L D
Kasai Japanese Restaurant
295 Weatherstone Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-7141; 3875 Massillon Road, Suite 300, Uniontown, 330-899-9788
$$$ L D
Ken Stewart’s Grille
1970 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-2555
$$$$ L D
Ken Stewart’s Lodge
1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-8881
$$$$ D
Ken Stewart’s Tre Belle
1911 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-9990
$$$ D
Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que
1420 Seventh St. NW, Canton, 330-454-0193
$ L D
Kingfish
15 Montrose West Ave., Copley, 330-777-2005
$$$$ D
Kozmo’s Grille
37 First St. SW, Massillon, 330-832-8807
$$$ L D
LagerHeads BBQ Smokehouse and Brewing Co.
2832 Abbeyville Road, Medina, 330-725-1947
$$$ L D
Lager & Vine Gastropub & Wine Bar
30 W. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-650-1717
$$$ L D
La Loma
459 Darrow Road, Akron, 330-784-9300
$$ L D
Laziza
Acorn Alley, 195 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-677-7000
$$$ L D
The Leopard
600 N. Aurora Road, Aurora, 330-562-2111
$$$$ D
Leo’s Italian Social
2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427
$$$$ B L D
Lizardville
21 and over only. 79 Springside Drive, Copley Township, 330-644-1782
$$ D
Lock 15 Brewing Co.
21 W. North St., Akron, 234-900-8277
$$$ L D
The Lockview
207 S. Main St., Akron, 330-252-5128
$$ L D
Luca’s New York Style Pizza
3451 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-9595
$$$ D
Lucca Downtown
228 Fourth St. NW, Canton, 330-456-2534.
$$$$ L D
Lucia’s Steakhouse
4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-492-9933
$$$$ D
Lucci’s
2457 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0053; 405 E. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9833
$$ L D
Luigi’s Restaurant
105 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2999
$$ L D (No credit cards)
Lukity Country Inn
2697 Manchester Road, Akron, 330-753-5983
$$ B L D
Magic City’s Remarkable Diner
451 Fairview Ave., Barberton, 330-983-9787
$$ B L
Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery
6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, 330-877-8344
$$ L D
Mandarin House
3201 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8157
$$ L D
Mavis Winkle’s Irish Pub
8870 Darrow Road, Twinsburg, 330-405-3663
$$$ L D
Meet Me At Irene’s
264 Kent Ave. NE, Hartville, 330-877-6477
$ B L
Menches Bros.
4887 Tuscawaras St. W, Canton, 234-410-3444; 3700 Massillon Road, Green, 330-896-2288; 235 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330-832-6200
$$ B L D
The Merchant Tavern 1824 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-865-9510
$$$ L D
Michael’s AM
1562 Akron Peninsula Road, Suite 120, Akron, 330-929-3447
$$ B L D
Mike’s Place
1700 S. Water St., Kent, 330-673-6501
$$ B L D
Missing Falls Brewery
540 S. Main St., Suite 112, Akron, 234-231-1000
$$ L D
Moe’s Restaurant
2385 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-6600
$$$$ L D
Molly Brown’s Country Cafe
518 Canton Road, Akron, 330-784-4711; 493 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, 234-312-9351
$$ B L
Mr. Zub’s Deli & Bar
795 W. Market St., Akron, 330-252-0272
$ B L D
Mulligan’s Restaurant & Pub 4118 Belden Village St. NW, Canton, 330-493-8239
$$$ B L D
Mustard Seed Market & Cafe 867 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-7333
$$$ B L D
Nauti Vine Winery
3950 S. Main St., Akron, 330-644-5444
$$$ D
Nepali Kitchen
399 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-631-1112
$$$ L D
New Era Restaurant
10 Massillon Road, Akron, 330-784-0087
$$ L D
Niko’s Sandwich Board Cafe
1947 W. Market St., Suite 104, Akron, 330-794-5444
$$ L D
91 Wood Fired Oven
1983 Easton St. NW in Washington Square Plaza, North Canton, 330-498-9191; 5570 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-497-9111
$$$ D
Nomz Cafe
21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-286-1315
$$$ B L D
North End
7542 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-342-1400
$$$$ D
Oak and Embers Tavern
7774 Darrow Road, Hudson, 234-602-1056
$$$ L D
The Oaks Lakeside 5878 Longacre Lane, Chippewa Lake, 330-769-2601
$$$$ B D
111 Bistro
2736 Medina Road, Medina, 330-952-1122
$$$$ D
One Red Door
49 Village Way, Hudson, 330-342-3667
$$$$ B L D
On Tap Grille & Bar
3263 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-922-0464; 2736 Medina Road, Medina, 330-725-1972
$$ L D
Open Door Coffee Co.
164 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-653-5900
$ B
Pad Thai
3545 Brookwall Drive, Fairlawn, 330-668-9981; 5657 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-650-9998
$$$ L D
Pancho & Lefty’s
3254 Kent Road, Stow, 330-686-6781
$$$ L D
Papa Gyros Greek Grill
3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0707; 4760 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-497-1100; 320 W. State St., Alliance, 330-823-7773; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-456-9000; 1 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-247-2475
$$ L D
Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s 1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-923-7999
$$$ L D
Parasson’s 959 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-724-9375
$$$ L D
Park Street Pizza
215 Dover Road, Sugarcreek, 330-852-2993
$$$ L D
Platinum Dragon
814 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-8108
$$ L D
Primo’s Deli
1707 Vernon Odom Blvd., Akron, 330-745-9056
$$ L D
The Rail
3265 W. Market St., Akron, 330-864-7245
$$ L D
The Ramp Restaurant
3719 S. Main St., Akron, 234-678-6370
$$$$ L D
Rasicci’s Pizza 513 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-923-1999
$ L D
Ray’s Place
135 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-673-2233
$$ L D
Rice Paper Thai Cuisine
3867 Medina Road, Fairlawn, 234-466-0499
$$$ L D
The River Merchant Restaurant & Wine Market
911 N. Mantua St., Kent, 330-968-6376
$$$$ L D
Rizzi’s Ristorante & Pizzeria
2809 Copley Road, Copley, 330-666-1221, 330-668-2626
$$ L D
Rockne’s Pub
7 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-762-7555; 1203 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-922-3663; 2914 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-836-7662; 1450 E. Main St., Kent, 330-677-0904; 155 Lincoln Way W, Massillon, 330-833-8800; 5000 Portage St., North Canton, 330-244-4212; 4240 Hudson Drive, Stow, 330-922-9960; 9406 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-422-8010
$$ L D
Rose Garden Restaurant
2033 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6630
$$ L D
Voted Best Seafood Since Day One
How Kingfish Continues to Rule Northeast Ohio’s Seafood Scene — and the Chef Behind the Vision
Since opening its doors in 2019, Kingfish has become more than a restaurant — it’s a destination.
With fresh, coastal-inspired fare, a laid-back yet polished atmosphere and a culinary team led by Chef Eric Wright, it’s no surprise Kingfish has been named “Best Seafood” every year since its debut.
Nestled in the Montrose area, Kingfish brings the spirit of a modern seafood house to Akron, serving oysters on the half shell, seasonal crudos, hearty chowders and classic grilled catches with a Midwestern twist. Its secret? A kitchen that honors the ingredients — and a chef who leads with both precision and passion.
Chef Eric Wright, a staple in Northeast Ohio’s restaurant scene, has quietly built a reputation as one of the region’s most talented and respected chefs. Now, he’s finally getting the spotlight he deserves. Named one of Akron Life’s Best Chefs in The 330, Wright brings an intuitive approach to seafood, rooted in classical technique but always pushing for innovation.
“We treat seafood with respect here,” Wright says. “That means sourcing thoughtfully, cooking with restraint and letting every ingredient shine.”
From delicate scallop dishes kissed with balsamic glaze to robust, pecan-crusted grouper, Wright’s menu balances refinement with approachability — and always delivers flavor in full force.
But it’s not just the kitchen that keeps guests coming back — it’s the bar that anchors the experience.
“The energy at our bar is something special,” says General Manager Chris Maloy. “We have a vibrant crowd of regulars who treat it like their second home. Happy hour is always buzzing, and our bar team? Absolutely top-notch. They don’t just pour drinks — they craft experiences.”
Beyond the food and cocktails, the space itself reflects Kingfish’s philosophy: unpretentious yet elevated, welcoming yet special.
It’s the kind of place where locals bring out-of-town guests to impress, or where date night turns into an unforgettable evening.
Award-winning. Hospitality driven. Endlessly praised. Kingfish isn’t just maintaining its success — it’s growing its legacy. And with Chef Wright at the helm, there’s no sign of slowing down.
115 Montrose W. Ave., Akron, OH 44321
330-777-2005
kingfishakron.com
Rosewood Grill
36 E. Streetsboro St., Hudson, 330-656-2100
$$$$ L (Fri/Sat only) D
Russo’s
4895 State Road, Peninsula, 330-923-2665
$$$$ D
Saffron Patch in the Valley 1238 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-836-7777
$$$ L D
Sakura
3900 Medina Road, Akron, 330-670-0288
$$$ L D
Samantha’s on Portage 4954 Portage St. NW, North Canton, 330-499-9700
$$ B L D
Sammie’s Bar and Grill
498 South Ave., Tallmadge, 234-678-8334
$$ L D
Samosky’s Homestyle Pizzeria
6738 Center Road, Valley City, 330-483-2000
$$$ L D
Sam Sylk’s Chicken & Fish
1400 S. Arlington Road, Akron, 234-571-0802
$$$ L D
Sarah’s Vineyard
1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8057
$$ L D
Sérénité Restaurant & Culinary Institute
538 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-952-2611
$$$$ L D
Shawarma Bros.
1808 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-3996
$$ L D
Sisters Century House
123 S. Canal St. S, Canal Fulton, 330-854-9914
$$ B L
Skyway Drive-In Restaurant 2781 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-836-2806; 951 E. Turkeyfoot Lake Road, Green, 330-896-9350
$ L D
Social at the Stone House
824 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, 330-809-0461
$$$$ L D
Spennato’s Italian Ristorante 10446 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-468-8688
$$$ L D
Stricklands Frozen Custard
1809 Triplett Blvd., Akron; 2629 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-8498; 3465 S. Arlington Road, Green, 330-899-9477; 9070 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-2750
$
Swensons Drive-In
658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-8515; 40 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-864-8416; 4466 Kent Road, Stow, 330-678-7775; 40 Brookmont Road, Montrose, 330-665-1858; 5815 Wales Ave., Massillon, 330-833-5454; 1558 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-499-9494
$ L D
Table Six Kitchen & Bar
6113 Whipple Ave NW, North Canton, 330-305-1666
$$$ L D
Taco Tontos
123 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-677-0223
$$ L D
Taggart’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant
1401 Fulton Road NW, Canton, 330-452-6844
$ L D
Tail Gators Sports Pub & Grille
469 College St., Wadsworth, 330-334-5151
$$ L D
Taste of Bangkok 514 E. Exchange St., Akron, 330-252-2270
$$ L D
3 Palms Pizzeria
60 Village Way, Hudson, 330-342-4545
$$$ L D
Thirsty Dog Brewing Co.
529 Grant Street, Akron,330-252-2739
$$ L D
Thyme2
113 W. Smith Road, Medina, 330-764-4114
$$$$ L D
Tim’s Pizzeria and Pub
2823 Bailey Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-1530
$$$ D
Timber Lodge
2809 Pearl Road, Medina, 330-725-6288
$$$$ D
Tip Top Restaurant & Catering
3428 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-3171
$$ B L D
Tito’s Mexican Grill
25 Ghent Road, Fairlawn, 330-835-9801
$$$ L D
Tokyo Hibachi and Sushi 1132 N. Court St., Medina, 330-952-2818
$$$$ L D
Tomaso’s Italian Villa 3271 Barber Road, Norton, 330-745-6063
$$ L D
Tomato Grill
106 First St., Hudson, 330-342-3771
$$$$ L D
Tong-Tong 1646 Norton Road, Stow, 330-655-2550
$$ L D
Totally Cooked To-Go
388 S. Main St., Akron, 330-294-1102
$$ B L D
Town Tavern 3900 Medina Road Unit J, Akron, 330-666-1191; 1840 Town Park Blvd., Uniontown, 330-896-4433
$$$ B L D
Trecaso’s Mary Coyle
780 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-1511
$$ L D
Twiisted Burgers & Sushi
985 Boardman Alley, Medina, 330-661-0606
$$$ D
Twisted Citrus 1649 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-305-9680
$$ B L
The Twisted Olive 5430 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0550
$$$ L D
Vaccaro’s Trattoria 1000 Ghent Road, Akron, 330-666-6158
$$$ L D
Valley Cafe 1212 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-865-0101; 101 High St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7555
$$ B L D (Wadsworth only)
Valley’s Edge 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7602
$$$$ D
Vasili’s Greek Cuisine 1702 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-864-0722
$$ L D
Village Inn Chicken
4444 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Barberton, 330-825-4553
$$ L D
Village Gardens Restaurant and Pub 2437 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-5751
$ B L D
Vinifera Wine-to-Whiskey 3236 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0233
$$$ D
Virtues
525 E. Market St., Akron, 330-375-7444
$$$ B L
Wally Waffle
845 W. Market St., Akron, 330-374-4915; 100 North Ave., Tallmadge, 330-633-7400; 3997 Medina Road, Bath, 234-466-0155
$$ B L
Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse
150 Montrose West Ave., Copley, 330-666-5522; 6338 Strip Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-966-8866
$$$$ L D
Waterloo Restaurant
423 E. Waterloo Road, Akron, 330-773-5158
$$ B L D
Water Main Grille
339 Main St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7757
$$ L D
West Ave Tavern
67 West Ave., Tallmadge, 330-630-2888
$$$ L D
The West Side Bakery
2303 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-4101
$ B L
Whitehouse Chicken
180 Wooster Road N, Barberton, 330-745-0449; 4195 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-5644; 199 Great Oaks Trail, Wadsworth, 330-335-6000
$$ L D
Whitey’s Booze N’ Burgers 3600 Brecksville Road, Richfield, 330-659-3600
$$ D (No credit cards)
Wild Goats Coffee & Cafe
319 W. Main St., Kent, 330-677-2326
$$ B L D
The Wine Mill
4964 Akron Cleveland Road, Peninsula, 234-571-2594
$$$ L D
Winking Lizard Tavern
3634 Center Road, Brunswick, 330-220-9944; 5710 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-497-1133; 79 Springside Drive, Copley, 330-644-1780; 5111 E. Aurora Road, Macedonia, 330-467-6200; 2175 E. Maple St., North Canton, 330-470-6460; 1615 Main St., Peninsula, 330-467-1002
$$ L D
Wise Guys Lounge & Grill
1008 N. Main St., Akron, 330-922-3006
$$$$ L D
Wolf Creek Tavern
3044 Wadsworth Road, Norton, 234-571-4531
$$$$ L D
Yours Truly
36 S. Main St., Hudson, 330-656-2900; 3725 Medina Road, Medina, 330-722-5800
$$ B L D
Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com.
T O N L I V I N G
Find Pan-Asian cuisine, including meals from China, Thailand, Vietnam, Korea and Japan, at Mint & Lime Asian Bistro.
The menu includes a wide variety of dishes.
Taste Korean potstickers made with beef, pork and vegetables and served with ponzu sauce, pad Thai made with rice noodles, eggs, green onions, shrimp, chicken, ground peanuts and bean sprouts and Vietnamese phó, a soup of rice noodles in beef broth, topped with onions, thinly-sliced beef, bean sprouts and basil.
“I’m trying to [be] as diverse as possible,” says executive chef Kenny Ly, who opened Mint & Lime around nine years ago. “That way they have a choice, instead of just one single region of food.”
Ly had worked at his father’s Stark County restaurant, Ricky Ly’s Chinese Gourmet, since 1987. Following its closure, he worked in several other restaurants, including with his nephew, Tony Ly, owner of Basil Asian Bistro in Canton, before deciding to open his own restaurant.
“I love … seeing people happy, eating the food,” says Ly. “The smile on their face when they eat … satisfaction.”
Start your meal off with the Tom Yum soup ($4.50). Made with spicy lemongrass, mushrooms, bamboo and a choice of chicken or vegetables, its aromatic, zesty flavor highlights the Kaffir lime leaves used in its broth.
“When you taste that soup, it opens up your senses, your appetite,” says Ly.
Then, try the coconut spaghetti ($14.50), made of mandarin egg noodles tossed with vegetables, shrimp and pork. A sweet coconut sauce completes the dish.
“We have our own sauce, which is called the pataya sauce. It’s a combination of chili pepper, curry … really good combination with the coconut. It’s got a little bit of sweet and a little bit of spicy,” Ly says. “The coconut spaghetti itself is just all fresh vegetables, like green pepper, red pepper, onions and carrot.”
The spaghetti comes with a protein of the customer’s choice — choose from shrimp and pork, chicken, beef or tofu.
“Our spaghetti is different because you get an Asian twist to it,” says Ly.
Also savor the Dragon & Phoenix ($19.50), a stir-fried combination of chicken, shrimp, baby corn, carrots, water chestnuts and pea pods, all in a Cantonese white wine sauce.
“It’s a typical Chinese entree,” he says. “It’s very light and very tasty.”
Mint & Lime is a family business — Ricky, Ly’s older brother, is the restaurant’s sushi chef. “He’s phenomenal,” Ly says. “A lot of customers love him.”
Ly says he can’t wait to go to work every day. “When I see the customer happy,” he says, “I’m really happy.”
7180 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-280-3868, mintandlimeasianbistro.com
{ by Kelly Petryszyn, photos by Erin Gulling }
Before opening Finney’s Arcade & Parlor, a friend of co-owner Ryan Miller uncovered a 40s- to 50s-era print ad for Finney’s Drug Store — which, starting in 1899, occupied the downtown Canton building where the arcade is now. It was inspiration to not only name the arcade after Finney’s but to create a logo with a similar font, placing a neon sign out front to echo the original.
Miller and co-owner Micah Dorward had Canton native artist Ron Copeland create a wall art piece for the arcade, mimicking a vintage Finney’s Drug Store ad by tweaking its tagline to state: Don’t say arcade, say Finney’s. Copeland readapted the ad’s female caricature, advertising pinball, pies, beer and candy.
“With a lot of projects, we want to respect the past and then look to the future — using the past as a compass for where we are going,” says Miller, who also owns Deli Ohio and co-owns Mike’s Pizza, both in Canton.
The arcade fills a void for entertainment on their downtown block that’s near Centennial Plaza. “We noticed aside from the Palace Theatre,” Miller says, “we didn’t have a ton of family fun.”
Opened in late April, Finney’s features around 40 arcade and pinball games, candy, Akron’s Pav’s Creamery ice cream, Akron’s Gardner Pie Co. pies, brews, cocktails and more. The duo renovated the space to reveal its original hardwood floors and expose brick walls, also adding floor accents such as a black-and-white hexagon tile entryway that says Hello. Plus, as its name alludes, there are a few relaxing seating areas.
“Parlor was a play on an old-school pharmacy where they would have a soda jerk or someone scooping ice cream,” says Miller. “We wanted it to have that 1920s, 1940s feel.”
Sink your quarters into classic Frogger, Donkey Kong and Super Mario Brothers games, along with Evil Dead and Addams family pinball. Also enjoy Skee-Ball, air hockey and a claw machine. Miller’s 9- and 13-year-old daughters like old-school joystick games like Ms. PacMan and Dig Dug, while Miller enjoys NBA Jam and “Pulp Fiction” pinball.
“I really love the movie. They did a great job of incorporating sound bites and a lot of art,” says Miller, who grew up playing arcade games at New Towne Mall in New Philadelphia.
Order from around eight regional beers on tap — including Columbiana’s Birdfish Brewing Co. Louisville’s UnHitched Brewing Co. created Brew Skee Ball, an exclusive easy-drinking light cream ale for Finney’s. Enjoy ‘20s-style cocktails like a Hemingway or a sidecar. Treat yourself to nostalgic candies, such as Bazooka bubblegum and Ring Pops.
Recently, a 5-year-old and an 80-year-old were playing games near each other. Miller sees that as success — inspiring people of all ages to have some good old-fashioned fun.
“Post-COVID, it felt heavy. You felt like fun was something that used to happen,” Miller says. “The one word we’re really aiming for here is we want to be a fun place.”
417 Market Ave. N, Canton, facebook.com/finneysarcade
Diving into the Canton Artists League’s current group show, “Into the Water,” visitors enter a world of liquid inspiration.
Displayed through July 6 in the Massillon Museum’s Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery, the show — which includes the work of nearly 30 artists, all part of the Canton Artists League — features pieces in a wide variety of mediums, including photography, acrylic paint, encaustic wax, watercolor and oil paint. From a poolside scene to a portrait of a penguin, interpretations vary widely — exploring all elements of the theme.
“Water comes in so many different forms,” says Irene Tobias Rodriguez, venue co-chair for the Canton Artists League. “If you look around at the show, you’ve got lakes, you’ve got streams, you’ve got waterfalls, you’ve got snow, you’ve got ice.”
Tobias Rodriguez, a retired art teacher, has both a beachside painting and a photograph of a bathing bird in the exhibit.
“This is a camp we go to every year up in Dunkirk, New York,” she says of the beach scene. “This humongous driftwood tree was sitting there, and I thought, I have to paint that. … There are bald eagles in the area that we see once in a while, so I had to put that in.”
Growing up with a crafty mother, Tobias Rodriguez went to Bowling Green State University for art education. Now, she works in an array of mediums, producing watercolor paintings, art quilts, acrylic pieces and more.
“I get these creative ideas, and I have to do something with them,” she says.
The league, which boasts around 80 members, is open to anyone interested in art — from beginners to experienced artists.
“The ones with more experience share with the ones that don’t have as much experience, and even the ones that don’t have experience can share their ideas,” says Tobias Rodriguez. “We learn from each other.”
The group meets on the third Wednesday of each month at the Canton Museum of Art, of which it is an affiliate. It offers members workshops, movie nights, speakers, field trips and critiques — which often feature a guest artist who visits the league and makes suggestions.
“Artists need to get together, need
to share ideas, learn from each other,” Tobias Rodriguez says. “Somebody else could look at the picture and say, Oh, this is good, or maybe this can be improved.”
Tobias Rodriguez feels inspired by being part of an artists league — the opportunity to be displayed in a few shows per year, like “Into the Water,” encourages her to complete pieces.
“Art itself is an important part of our lives and our society,” Tobias Rodriguez says. “Art makes it worthwhile.”
Exhibit, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, cantonartistsleauge.org
{ by Cameron Gorman }
HEAD TO THESE SPIRITED FESTIVALS IN THE HALL OF FAME CITY.
Kick off this monthly event with Chalk the Walk June 6. Spread throughout downtown Canton, chalk artists cover walls, streets and sidewalks with colorful designs while galleries present special events. Plus, hear Disco Inferno play the Centennial Plaza stage at 6 p.m. On July 11 and 12, listen to five local and regional blues ensembles play the plaza stage while you savor the offerings of area barbecue vendors — and sip craft beer from six local breweries. August’s theme is Hall of Fame weekend — it features food trucks, vendors, a dance party and more. Canton Historic District, cantonfirstfriday.com
Savor the flavors of dishes such as chicken souvlakia, pastitsio, moussaka and more at the Canton Greek Fest. Hosted by St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, the festival includes food, entertainment, wine tasting and more. Throughout the event, see Hellenic Dancers performances, witness Greek cooking demonstrations and jam to DJs — including DJ Puff, performing on Thursday, DJ Vasilios, performing on Friday and DJ Billy Manos, performing on Saturday. From 3-11 p.m. Saturday, catch live music from the Musicians of Olympus and stay for fireworks after dark.
11 a.m.-11 p.m., St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church, 251 25th St. NW, Canton, cantongreekfest.com
Celebrate African American arts and culture with entertainment, music and local vendors at Stark County’s African American Arts & Cultural Festival — presented by the Greater Stark County Urban League, En-Rich-Ment and the Stark County Minority Business Association — at Centennial Plaza. Last year, the event featured performers such as Jéan P The MC, Nicasso Turpin and New Edition Experience. Attendees took in a cultural fashion show, snacked on Winky’s Water Ice, Smoosh Cookies and Tastebuds Popcorn, saw the work of visual artists and more.
10 a.m.-9:30 p.m., 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton, starkurbanleague.org
Salute the LGBTQ-plus community at Stark Pride on Centennial Plaza. Start with a pride march at 1 p.m., then behold an opening ceremony performance from the En-RichMent drumline and Bluecoats. Hear speakers such as Canton Mayor William Sherer II and U. S. Rep. Emilia Sykes, and groove to musical performances from pop group DreamStates, musician Siena Liggins and more. Cheer on performers, including drag artists Chelsea Enchantress, Kardi Redd Diamond, Denise Russell and Ryne Stone, and browse a wide variety of vendor wares.
1-9 p.m., 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton, starkpride.org
Relish gourmet pickles, sip pickle beer or pickle lemonade, shop cucumber-inspired items from various small businesses and more June 21 at Centennial Plaza. From pickleinfused baked goods to unique jewelry, find a quirky treat to delight. Plus, before the festival, get your exercise in with a pickleball tournament or 5K. Runners or walkers participating in the Iron Pickle Challenge carry gherkins — either real or inflatable — through the course and across the finish line.
10 a.m.-4 p.m., 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton, cantonpicklefest.com
Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement
July 20 - Aug. 3 & Enshrinement Week July 31 - Aug. 3
Pay tribute to the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Class of 2025 — Philadelphia Eagles cornerback Eric Allen, Kansas City Chiefs defensive end Jared Allen, San Diego Chargers tight end Antonio Gates and Green Bay Packers wide receiver Sterling Sharpe. On July 20, take in a community parade. Then, from July 25 to 27, see hot air balloons fly through the sky at the Balloon Classic. July 31’s Hall of Fame Game, at the Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, pits the Detroit Lions against the Los Angeles Chargers. Aug. 2 presents the Class of 2025 Enshrinement. Finally, on Aug. 3, enjoy a concert by iconic rock band Nickleback at the Hall of Fame Stadium. It’s the perfect way to cap off a legendary celebration. Canton, profootballhoffestival.com & profootballhof.com
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Akron, 1971
In 1925, the Akron-Summit County Public Library arranged a Children’s Book Week, hoping to meet parents’ and teachers’ demands for an emphasis on children’s reading. As a result, the library saw increased book withdrawals — and area stores reported higher book sales. Book Week was the inception of the library’s Summer Reading program. For over a century, it has rewarded young readers — such as those pictured here, participating in a circus-themed 1971 East Branch program. This year, readers of all ages can participate. From June 9 to Aug. 2, participants can earn tickets for local and grand-prize drawings, as well as prizes such as bookplates, stickers and T-shirts, by tracking their reading. At a Grand Finale party Aug. 14 at the Akron Art Museum, groove to the music of local children’s musician Mr. Jeff as you celebrate 100 years of the Summer Reading program.
In my years of working with successful physicians, dentists, and other business owners, I understand their tendency to treat their personal finances as an afterthought. My role as their financial advisor is to help them prioritize their personal goals while balancing business expansion through an integrated approach that includes strategies such as:
Setting Clear Financial Goals: Identify personal short-term and long-term objectives (e.g., paying off loans or building retirement savings) and align them with the business’ growth timeline so you can budget effectively for both.
Paying Yourself First: Establish a salary or regular draw from the business’ revenue and automate contributions to personal investment accounts, retirement funds, or savings plans.
Leverage Tax Benefits: Maximize tax-advantaged accounts (e.g., Health Savings Accounts, 401(k)s, SEP IRAs) to save for personal goals while reducing taxable income from the business. Take advantage of deductions and credits specific to business owners and medical professionals.
Providing personalized and integrated guidance and stewardship for both your personal finances and business needs is the cornerstone of W3’s full-service philosophy. As your personal guide, I help you define your goals, orchestrate the plan, assemble the required W3 specialists, and attend to every aspect of your plan’s development and ongoing maintenance…at every step along the way in your financial journey.