June 2025

TOP DOCTORS: 290+ DOCTORS IN 45+ SPECIALTIES

VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 6

JUNE 2025

Summer SWING INTO

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PAGES

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 21 Summer Fun | photo by Mal McCrea

{ 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.

Travis Bazzana photo by Mal McCrea

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akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

PAGES

56 NEW BITE

Luciano’s Cucina Italiana

10 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ]

63 CANTON LIVING

Finney’s Arcade & Parlor

[ DEPARTMENTS ] 06

MAIL BONDING

07

FROM THE PUBLISHER Like Father, Like Son

08

RADAR [ seen + heard ]

09

UPFRONT

10

Special Section

[ the essential social digest ] 11 Entertainment listings

CANTON LIVING

AGENDA

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63

Eat, drink and have fun in the Hall of Fame City.

GOOD EATS [ notable food & drink ] 54 Restaurant listings 56 New Bite: Luciano’s Cucina Italiana

75

PARTING SHOT Summer Reading

Summer Retreat

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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PAGES

MAIL BONDING

Tell us what's on your mind.

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in Akron Life? Or maybe you want to tell us about something great happening in the area. Send comments and suggestions to: Akron Life, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313, and please include your name and address. Or email them to editor@ bakermediagroup.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

FOUNDER

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Mal McCrea SALES

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.

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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©

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akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

FROM THE PUBLISHER

PAGES

{ Publisher | Colin Baker | cbaker@bakermediagroup.com }

Like Father, Like Son A DAD LOOKS TO PASS DOWN HIS LOVE OF RACING.

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.

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

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.

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.

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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RADAR { by Cameron Gorman, photos provided by Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, Shelby Olive and Akron Zoo}

seen + heard

CELEBRATING PERSEVERANCE

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

WINDS OF CHANGE

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

JURASSIC PARK

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 8

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UPFRONT { Editor-in-Chief | Kelly Petryszyn | kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com, right photo by Mal McCrea }

Summer Retreat 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.

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

JUNE 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 6

Agenda

the essential social digest

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

Morgan Myles photo provided by Gervasi Vineyard 10

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

AGENDA 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

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AGENDA

JUNE 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 6

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akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

AGENDA 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 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

Thurs, Jun 26, 2025, 12pm

2025 Title Sponsor

SPECIAL DATE and LOCATION

John S. Knight Center, 77 E Mill St, Akron, OH Guest Presenters:

Akron Innerbelt

Siqi Zhu, Director of Planning & Urban Technology, Sasaki Mordecai Cargill, Co-founder and Creative Director, ThirdSpace Action Lab Esther Thomas, Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion, City of Akron Liz Ogbu, Designer + Social Justice Activist

Presentation Title:

Reimagine Akron, After the Innerbelt Celebrate Akron! Series Sponsors: Huntington Bank, and Billow’s Celebrations, Cremations & Funerals

Luncheon Sponsor: SeibertKeck

For more information, and to register visit akronroundtable.org or call 330.247.8682

BUTLERART.COM

JUNE 8 - AUGUST 31 THIS EXHIBITION WAS ORGANIZED BY THE LANDAU TRAVELING EXHIBITIONS, LOS ANGELES, CA, IN ASSOCIATION WITH OBEY GIANT ART

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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SPONSORED CONTENT

A Legacy of Care: The Billow Company Marks 150 Years in Akron 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.

85 N Miller Rd, Akron, OH 44333 330-867-4141 www.billowfuneralhomes.com

AGENDA 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

The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory

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

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

Fairlawn • Cuyahoga Falls • 330-867-4141 • www.billowfuneralhomes.com

who is

GET TO KNOW US

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.

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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AGENDA

JUNE 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 6

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

NATIONAL LIFELINE, LOCALLY ANSWERED BY

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AGENDA 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

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AGENDA

JUNE 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 6

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 18

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AGENDA 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

7 7 th Annual Hudson Garden Club

HOME & GARDEN TOUR

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 • Preview party Thursday evening, June 12. Premium ticket required Visit www.hudsonhomeandgardentour.org for Tour details

TAYLOR MADE JEWELRY

CRUISE-IN SALE

20% OFF EVERYTHING, ADDITIONAL 10% OFF SALE ITEMS & NO SALES TAX IN STOCK ITEMS ONLY

JULY 1-JULY 31, 2025 | TaylorMadeJewelry.com 2492 Wedgewood Drive, Akron, OH 44312 | 330-733-8000

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AGENDA

JUNE 2025 | VOLUME 23 | ISSUE 6

6/21 Stark Parks Ranger Bass Tournament 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: Flat Affect” See paintings from an artist selected for a “CAN Triennial Award Exhibition.”

His paintings allude to the tension, dread and fear experienced by his generation. Massillon Museum, Studio M Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon.

Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free admission. massillonmuseum.org 6/27 Firefly Night Hike Hike the 1.3-mile Firefly Trail and spot glowing insects of the summer.

Munroe Falls Metro Park, lake area, 521 S. River Road, Munroe Falls. 7:30-9 p.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org

Don Drumm

6/28 Bicentennial Kickball Tournament Organized by the Young Black Professionals Coalition, this kickball tournament is sure to bring the summer fun. Firestone Stadium, 1575 Firestone Parkway, Akron. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. akron200.org

Studios & Gallery 437 CROUSE STREET, AKRON

Don Drumm

Akron Bicentennial Wallhanging SKU# SWH888

Leandra Drumm Akron Bicentennial

6/28 Shelby Olive: “Brace for the Changes” Full Album Release Show Experience the debut of local singersongwriter Shelby Olive’s new album with this performance. Akron Civic Theatre, the Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com

Ornament

SKU# DRUMLE POR445

Celebrating 200 Years of Akron 330.253.6268 | dondrummstudios.com | @dondrummstudios 20

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Submit your events on akronlife.com or email cgorman@bakermediagroup.com.

CATCH

ESCAPE INTO THE SIZZLING SEASON WITH 25+ THINGS TO DO. Travis Bazzana photo by Mal McCrea stories by Kelly Petryszyn & Cameron Gorman JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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Grand Slam

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.”

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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

photos by Mal McCrea

+ 3 Activities photos by Ed Rich, NE Ohio Drone

m portrait by Leigh Bacho

J.E. Good Park Golf Course 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

Sluggers and Putters 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

Wadsworth Grizzly Outdoor Pool 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 JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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play area and hike photos by Erin Krumpe

Total Restoration

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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

photos by Mal McCrea JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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+ 3 Parks

Allardale Park 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

Croghan Park 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

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

Trail Lake Park 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 26

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photos by Erin Gulling

photo by Heath Smith

photo provided by the Winery at Wolf Creek

Drink in the View

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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

Top left and middle: photos by Mal McCrea, top right and bottom right: photos provided by the Winery at Wolf Creek, bottom left: photo by Jef Blevins 28

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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

photos by Mal McCrea Twin Oast Brewing photo by Kelly Petryszyn

+ 3 Patios Twin Oast Brewing 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

Raven’s Glenn Winery & Restaurant 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

Lost Trail Winery 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

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Into the Blue photos by Itamar Gat, Eyes of the World Photography

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

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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

White Star Quarry photos provided by Sandusky County Park District

+ 3 Swim Spots Atwood Lake 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

West Branch State Park White Star Quarry 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

Sat. June 7 8 am to

9 pm

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. FOOD. VENDORS. KIDS ZONE. COMMUNITY. KENMORE BLVD.

FIRST FRIDAY 6 pm to 9 pm

July 11 second friday due to holiday

Aug. 1 Sept. 5

WWW.BETTERKENMORE.ORG/EVENTS JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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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, 32

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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

photos by Nancy Balluck

Dog Days of Summer photo by Nicole Latina, Lock 3 photo by Jeanne Tassiello-Jordan

Jam Sessions

Dog Days of Summer photo by Nicole Latina, Lock 3 photo by Jeanne Tassiello-Jordan

+ 3 Festivals Dog Days of Summer

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

Akron Art Expo

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

Summit County ItalianAmerican Festival

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

Fourth Annual

Paul & Norma Tikkanen Painting Prize

First-Round Submissions open June 1-July 18, 2025 Go to ashtabulaartscenter.org for prospectus and entry form.

Open to

2025 jurors

Ohio artists living in Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Summit, & Trumbull Counties Pennsylvania artists living in Crawford, Erie, Lawrence, & Mercer counties

Pip Brant Francesco Lo Castro Gavin Perry 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

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

33

Revolutionary REVIVAL

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

Images provided by American Musical Productions 34

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

+ 3 Arts Events

Downtown@Dusk

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

GeekFest Returns Saturday, August 9, 2025!

A FREE all-ages event for fans of comics, movies, manga, gaming and television shows.

Saturday, August 9 Main Library 10 am - 4 pm akronlibrary.org/geekfest

“School of Rock: The Musical”

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

Akron History Center NOW OPEN!

Rubber City Jazz & Blues Festival

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

172 S. Main Street, Akron Wed – Sat, 10:00 am – 2:00 pm For special Bicentennial hours and parking information, go to akronhistorycenter.org

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

35

MOONLIT

Market

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

photos provided by 720 Market 36

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

Howe Meadow photos by Ken Love Photography, photos provided by Haymaker Farmers’ Market and photo provided by Peninsula Flea

+ 3 Markets

Summer Market at Howe Meadow

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

Haymaker Farmers’ Market

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

Peninsula Flea at Heritage Farms

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

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

37

TOP DOCTORS

Facing the

FIGHT

Meet doctors and advocates combating cancer.

Plus, see who made the Top Doctors list.

{ by Cameron Gorman, photo by Erin Gulling }

SupportNETWORK 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

38

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

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.”

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.”

Jason Casey

Following up can also improve patient health outcomes.

“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.”

TOP DOCTORS { by Cameron Gorman, photos by Erin Gulling }

Z A I N L G B TRAIL

Treatment

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.”

Top: Tim, Kelly and Colin Campbell, Middle: Dr. Vanisha Patel JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

39

TOP DOCTORS

Top 2025 Doctors

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

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.

ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY

Joseph Rinaldi

James F. Libecco

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

CARDIOTHORACIC SURGERY

Julie Mark

Ravi Karnani 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

Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7989

Eric Espinal

Summa Health Cardiovascular Thoracic Surgery | 330-384-9001

Joseph Lahorra

Akron General | 330-344-1400

COLON AND RECTAL SURGERY Michael Cullado

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

Schield M. Wikas

Neera Agarwal-Antal

Hudson Dermatology | 330-650-4200

Nely Aldrich

Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center | 330-653-3376

Christina Cernik

Joseph Restivo

Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7989

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akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

Trillium Creek Dermatology | 330-725-0569

Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-3043

Kevin Pan

Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-3043

Yun Robert Sheu

Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-3043

Jonathan R. Sugano

Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-7879 Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-3043

Valerie Fuller

Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-3043

Ann R. Kooken

Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery | 866-337-6631

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

Kevin Miller

Lauren B. Kinsell

Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center | 234-274-7546

Akron Dermatology | 330-535-7100

Ashley Heaney

DIAGNOSTIC RADIOLOGY

Alison Durham

Jacqueline Graham

Akron General | 330-344-6326

Mehr Khan

James Andrew Spain

Angela L. Funovits

Steven Brooks

Tri County Dermatology | 330-492-2327

Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery | 234-365-8228

Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery | 866-337-6631

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

Thomas Myers

Kellen Welch

Otfried Niedermaier Ramana Podugu

Eliot Mostow

Helen M. Torok

Fairlawn Dermatology LLC | 330-864-9000

Summa Health Cardiology | 330-376-7000

Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery | 866-337-6631

Unity Health Network | 330-926-3495

Loretta Isada

Summa Health Cardiology | 330-376-7000

Allison J. Moosally

Summa Health Colorectal Surgery | 330-434-5978

DERMATOLOGY

Summa Health Cardiology | 330-745-7634

Apex Dermatology & Skin Surgery Center | 234-274-7546

Truong Ma

CARDIOLOGY Roger Chaffee

Shannon McKeen

Akron Dermatology | 330-535-7100

Akron General | 330-344-6294

Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7989

Summa Health Dermatology | 330-835-9158

Summa Health Colorectal Surgery | 330-434-5978

Summa Health Colorectal Surgery | 330-434-5978

Michael Bage

Allied Dermatology and Skin Surgery | 866-337-6631

Jeffrey Unger

EMERGENCY MEDICINE Rudd J. Bare III

Western Reserve Hospital | 234-466-8500

Michael Beeson

Western Reserve Hospital | 330-650-5110 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

FAMILY MEDICINE 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

Summa Health Emergency Medicine | 330-375-3000

J. Matthew Chase

Michelle Blanda

David Dulle

Western Reserve Hospital | 234-466-8500

Unity Health Network | 330-688-9501 University Hospitals Sharon Family Physicians | 330-239-4455

SPONSORED CONTENT

Dr. Richard F. Lavi, MD, FAAAAI, FAAP 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

330-423-4444

Twinsburg Location: 8054 Darrow Road Suite 2 Twinsburg, Oh 44087

Hours: Monday, 9am-5pm; Thursday, 9am6:30pm; Saturday (alternating), 9am-12pm

TOP DOCTORS { by Cameron Gorman, photos by Erin Gulling }

Love

Loss to

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 42

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

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.”

Top: Pam Matheny Dietrich and Edward Dietrich, Bottom: Sarah Vojtek

SPONSORED CONTENT

Dr. Jessica Headley 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.

PRESIDENT & CEO

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

TOP DOCTORS Joshua P. Harbert

Andrew Esterle

Douglas Harley

Derek Klaus

Unity Health Network | 330-926-3235 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

Karen Hummel

Paul Hartzfeld

Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533

Zachary Jerusalem

Akron General | 800-223-2273

NEUROLOGY

Mollie Manley

Valerie Johnson

Summa Health Neuroscience | 330-375-7055

Akron General | 330-344-2663

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

Robert Spittler

Nicholas Satariano

Ruchi Taliwal

Rafal Z. Stachowicz

Unity Health Network | 330-688-9501 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

Akron General Physician Office | 330-344-2663 Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4055

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

Summa Health Infectious Disease | 330-375-3894

Summa Health Trauma | 330-535-1536

Victoria Van Fossen

Shanu Agarwal

Donald Dumford III

Akron General | 330-344-6000

Rajiv Sahni

Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7147

Nikole Scalera

Summa Health General Surgery | 330-564-2438

Summa Health Infectious Disease | 330-375-3894

GERIATRIC MEDICINE

Michael Tan

Summa Health Seniors | 330-375-4100

Summa Health Infectious Disease | 330-375-3894

GYNECOLOGIC ONCOLOGY

Natalie Kayani

Todd Lisy

OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY

Nathan R. Lucardie

Summa Health Obstetrics and Gynecology | 330-869-9777

Pioneer Physicians Network - South Main Street Medical Center | 330-644-2700 Unity Health Network | 330-678-7782

Scott Mabee

Unity Health Network | 330-678-7782 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

INTERVENTIONAL CARDIOLOGY Peter Bittenbender

Summa Health Cardiology | 330-376-7000

David Hedrick

Kelley T. Cerroni

Unity Health Network | 330-678-7782

Michael Gedeon

Pioneer Physicians Network - Springside Internal Medicine | 330-376-1071

Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533

Emily George

John W. Dietrich

Paul Gibbons

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4055

Drew Engles

Akron Children’s Orthopedics | 330-543-3500

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akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

Community Health Care Inc. | 330-875-5544 Unity Health Network | 330-688-9501

Mateen Haque

Unity Health Network | 330-929-2685

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

Aultman Cancer Center | 330-438-6333

OPHTHALMOLOGY Richard Ellison

Cleveland Clinic | 330-864-8060

Thomas P. Hull

Donald Charles Stephens

MATERNAL AND FETAL MEDICINE

Thomas J. Tsai

Akron General | 330-344-7400

Katherine Wolfe

Valerie Jorge Cabrera 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

Walter

Akron General Physician Office | 330-344-6505

Khaled Sleik

Robin Laskey-Jobkar Clarrisa Polen-De

John N. Hutzler Jr.

Marc F. Jones

Summa Health Cardiology | 330-376-7000

Northeast Ohio Nephrology Associates Inc. | 330-252-0600

Unity Health Network | 330-929-2685

Women’s Health Group | 330-633-1350

Kevin Silver

Unity Health Network | 330-929-2685

Patrick Blakeslee

Steven Gorsuch

Retina Associates of Cleveland Inc. | 330-996-9800

INTERNAL MEDICINE

Summa Health Gynecologic Oncology | 330-379-3514

NOMS Healthcare Network | 330-869-3900

Akron General | 330-344-7400

Summa Health Gynecologic Oncology | 330-379-3514

Vera Bicak-Odak

Summa Health Urogynecology | 330-434-0543

Jennifer Payne

Pioneer Physicians Network - Northeast Family Health Care | 330-633-6601

NEPHROLOGY

Dylan Childs

Women’s Health Group | 330-633-1350

Susan Tucker

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

HAND SURGERY

Sarah Babai

Laurie Matt-Amaral

Cleveland Clinic Akron General | 330-344-6000

Summa Health Gynecologic Oncology | 330-379-3514

Christine Arnold

Pioneer Physicians Network - Internal Medicine of Green | 330-899-9070

David Watkins

Stephen Andrews

Unity Health Network | 330-572-1011

Sameer Mahesh

Arthur Dalton

Aleksandar Geube

Lawrence M. Saltis

Bryan O’connell

Walter J. Chlysta

Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7753

Unity Health Network | 330-633-3883

Unity Health Network | 330-572-1011

Barry J. Fish

Summa Health Center Akron | 330-376-1043

INFECTIOUS DISEASE

Rick A. Gemma

Brennan David Kruszewski

Roswell B. Dorsett III

Bradley Clifford

Catherine Kelly-Langen

Summa Health General Surgery | 330-564-2438

Pioneer Physicians Network - Internal Medicine West | 330-864-4488

Kevin Mineo

HEMATOLOGY

Corey Sievers

Western Reserve Hospital | 330-926-3443

Garimah Jones

Susana Bowling

Jenifer Byrnes

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

GENERAL SURGERY

Unity Health Network | 330-926-3235

Summa Health Spine and Neuroscience Center | 330-576-3500

University Hospitals Fairlawn Internal Medicine | 234-365-4349

Western Reserve Hospital | 330-926-3313 Western Reserve Hospital | 330-926-3313

University Hospitals Medina Family and Internal Medicine/Pediatrics | 330-952-4944

Northeast Ohio Eye Surgeons | 330-594-9105 Novus Clinic | 330-630-9699

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

O

RANKED AMONG AKRON LIFE MAGAZINE’S

TOP DOCTORS

TOP DOCTORS OF 2025

Congratulations

TO OUR WESTERN RESERVE HOSPITAL PHYSICIANS WHO ARE THE BEST IN THEIR FIELD

Costas Apostolis, MD, FACOG, FPMRS Urology

Michael Bage, MD, FACC Cardiology

Sonny Bare, MD Emergency Medicine

Gordon Bennett, MD, FAOA Orthopedic Surgery

Michelle Blanda, MD Emergency Medicine

Meghan S. Brown, MD Plastic And Reconstructive Surgery

Walter Chlysta, MD, FACS, FASMBS General Surgery

Kevin Cox, DO Anesthesiology

Damian Garcher, MD Urology

Rick Gemma, DO, FACOS General Surgery

Zane Giffen, MD Urology

Koan Joseph Heindel, DO Orthopedics

Steven Jackson, DO Orthopedics

Manjinder Kaur, DO Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Mehr Khan, MD Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Stacy McCallion, MD Emergency Medicine

John Park, MD Gastroenterology

Nicole Ramon, DO, FACOS Vascular Surgery

Eric Regula, MD Anesthesiology

Joseph Restivo, MD, FACC Cardiology

Joseph Rinaldi, MD Cardiology

Tim Sable, MD Pain Management

Rajiv Sahni, MD Infectious Disease

Julie Shott, MD Sports Medicine

Corey Sievers, MD Gastroenterology

Martin Smilek, DO Anesthesiology

Dmitri Souza, MD, PhD Pain Management

Jeffrey Stanley, DO, FACOS Vascular Surgery

Amy Tucker, MD Orthopedic Surgery

Jennifer Wojtowicz, DO, MS Endocrinology, Diabetes and Metabolism

Our physicians and specialists are leading the region in healthcare delivery and patient satisfaction through a one-of-a-kind care experience.

westernreservehospital.org

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

45

TOP DOCTORS { by Kelly Petryszyn, photos by Erin Gulling }

BarrierBreaker

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.”

Left: Cleveland Clinic staffers, Right: Oak St. Health staffers 46

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

C

Vi

Ros

Bre

TOP DOCTORS

RANKED AMONG AKRON LIFE MAGAZINE’S

Top Doctors of 2025

Congratulations

to our Unity Health Network Physicians named among the best in their field

Victoria Alexander, DO Family Medicine

Vera Bicak-Odak, DO Internal Medicine

Dustin K. Blakeslee, DO Psychiatry

Patrick Blakeslee, DO Internal Medicine

Nicholas Campitelli, DPM, FACFAS Podiatry

Kelley Cerroni, MD Internal Medicine

J. Matthew Chase, MD Family Medicine

Roswell B. Dorsett, III, DO Neurology

Charles Fuenning, MD Pulmonology

Paul Gibbons, MD Internal Medicine

Mateen Haque, DO Internal Medicine

Joshua Harbert, DO Family Medicine

Gregory Hill, DO, FAOAO Orthopedics

Valerie Johnson, MD Internal Medicine

Brennan Kruszewski, MD Internal Medicine

Nathan Lucardie, MD Internal Medicine

Matthew Lutz, DO Otolaryngology / Ear, Nose & Throat

Kevin Mineo, MD Internal Medicine

Matthew J. Mivsek, DO Family Medicine

Thomas Myers, DO, FACOI Dermatology

Brian Pollock, DO Internal Medicine

Richard J. Rasper, DPM, FACFAS Podiatry

Lawrence M. Saltis, MD Neurology

Robert Spittler, MD Family Medicine

John P. Wagner, DO Family Medicine

Rachel Waldman, MD Rheumatology

Mark Weidenbecher, MD Otolaryngology / Ear, Nose & Throat

Seth Willen, MD Otolaryngology / Ear, Nose & Throat

With primary care and specialty physicians providing the best locally-led healthcare services, Unity Health Network is ready to take care of you and your family for life.

unityhealthnetwork.org JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

47

TOP DOCTORS { by Kelly Petryszyn, photos by Mal McCrea }

Great

STRIDES

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.”

Top: Dr. Claudine Siegert, Bottom: Dr. Siegert, Jim Fleming and Dr. Edward Bury 48

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

Board certified care for every layer of you.

TOP DOCTORS

Dr. Angela Funovits, Dr. Allison Moosally, Dr. James Libecco, Dr. Ann Kooken

AKRON/FAIRLAWN

MAYFIELD HEIGHTS

3624 West Market St. AKRON 44333 330-665-0555

5915 Landerbrook Dr. Suite 120, MAYFIELD HEIGHTS 44124 216-382-3806

GREEN

MENTOR

1560 Corporate Woods Pkwy.

UNIONTOWN 44685 330-871-9300

9485 Mentor Ave. Suite 102, MENTOR 44060 440-266-5500

AlliedDerm.com

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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TOP DOCTORS Jeffrey S. Noble

Kyle R. Nelman

William A. Pakan

Curtis Noel

John Pinkowski

Kiel Pfefferle

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4040 Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-673-6299 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

Crystal Clinic Inc. | 330-673-6299 Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 800-342-7744 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

Nicholas DiNicola

Mark Weidenbecher

Jordan T. Etscheidt

Seth Willen

Akron General Physician Office | 330-344-2663

Unity Health Network | 330-923-0399

PEDIATRIC ALLERGY IMMUNOLOGY

John J. Paulowski

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

Patrick Riley

Heather Minto 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

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-670-4006

Unity Health Network | 330-923-0399

PEDIATRIC ENDOCRINOLOGY

Koan Heindel

PAIN MANAGEMENT Tony Lababidi

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

James T. Sable Jr.

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

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

Comprehensive Pain Management Specialists | 330-208-2720 Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7246

Dmitri Souza

Western Reserve Hospital | 330-971-7246

PATHOLOGY

Steven Michael Thompson

Summa Health Pathology | 330-375-3000

Dr. John C. Pedersen 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.

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akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

Jaime Haidet Ryan Heksch

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

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

Akron Children’s Hospital Pediatrics | 330-336-3539

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

plasticsurgeonsofakron.com

Akron Children’s Hospital Orthopedics | 330-543-3500

Kimberly Martin

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

(330) 443-0221

Patrick Riley Jr.

PEDIATRICS GENERAL

Naveen Uli

270 S Cleveland Massillon Rd., Suite C, Fairlawn, OH 44333

Akron Children’s Hospital Orthopedics | 330-543-3500

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

Plastic Surgeons of Akron

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

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

Sabrina Ben-Zion 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

TOP DOCTORS 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

Dermatology | Aesthetics

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

Nely Aldrich MD | FAAD

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

Alison Durham MD | FAAD

Shannon McKeen DO | FAOCD | Medical Director

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

Top Doctors in Akron Your Local Dermatology Experts

Same-Day Appointments Transforming Lives through Healthy Skin

833.279.SKIN (7546) • apexskin.com JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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TOP DOCTORS Charles Fuenning

Megan Bielawski

Chelsea Kennedy-Snodgrass

Nikita Hegde

Unity Health Network | 330-253-1411 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

Crystal Arthritis Center Inc. | 330-668-4045

Michelle Burke

Akron Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine Akron | 330-543-8260

Akron General Health and Wellness Center | 330-344-7820

Mark Cipriani

Niharika Sharma

Joseph Congeni

Akron General Health and Wellness Center | 330-344-7820

Rachel L. Waldman

Unity Health Network | 330-926-3240

Carlos Zevallos

Summa Health Sports Medicine | 330-865-5333 Akron Children’s Hospital Sports Medicine Center | 330-543-8340

Robert Crawford

Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533

Cleveland Clinic | 330-668-4045

Blossom Heindel

Summa Health Radiation Oncology | 330-375-3557

SPINE SURGERY

Aaron Lear

RADIOLOGY

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 866-870-0016

Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-3043

Douglas M. Ehrler

Desiree Doncals

Krikor Malajikian Jeffrey A Weil

Akron Radiology Inc. | 330-375-3043

REPRODUCTIVE ENDOCRINOLOGY

Carrie A. Diulus

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 866-870-0016

Matthew Jaykel

Summa Health Orthopedics and Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533

Priya B. Maseelall

Scot D. Miller

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility | 330-375-7722

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 866-870-0016

David M. Nash

Gordon Preston

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility | 330-375-7722

Akron General Medical Outpatient Center | 330-665-4100

Jessica R. Zolton

Rajiv V. Taliwal

Summa Health Sports Medicine | 330-835-5533 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

UROLOGY

Costas A. Apostolis

Western Reserve Hospital | 330-953-3414

Elizabeth Boes

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

Reproductive Gynecology & Infertility | 330-375-7722

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 866-870-0016

RHEUMATOLOGY

SPORTS MEDICINE

Akron General Urology & Pelvic Health Center | 330-535-4428

LEGACY

Crystal Arthritis Center Inc. | 330-668-4045

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-929-9136

Joseph Dankoff

Summa Health Urology | 330-374-1255

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center | 330-668-4040

David E. Bacha

Raymond W. Acus

Todd Breaux

Paul R. Fleissner

SPONSORED CONTENT

Dr. Todd Lisy

Dr. Gary Pinta

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.

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.

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South Main Street Medical Center 4880 S. Main St. Suite 4 Akron, OH 44319 (330) 644-2700

Northampton Primary Care 3239 State Rd., Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223 (330) 923-4500

SPONSORED TOP DOCTORS CONTENT

PIONEER PHYSICIANS NETWORK Dr. Michael Gedeon

Dr. Garimah Jones

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.

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

Springside Internal Medicine

Graduated: Wright State University

150 Springside Dr., Suite C320 Fairlawn, OH 44333

Residency: Akron City Hospital

(330) 376-1071

Board Certifications: Internal Medicine Graduated: Kent State University Residency: Summa Health Systems

Dr. Susan Tucker

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.

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.

Graduated: University of Arkansas for Medical Sciences Residency: Summa Health Systems

2651 W. Market St., Suite 2, Fairlawn, OH 44333 (330) 864-4488

Dr. Matthew Taylor

Board Certifications: Internal Medicine

Internal Medicine West

Internal Medicine of Green

Board Certifications: Internal Medicine

Northeast Family Health Care

3593 S. Arlington Rd., Suite A, Akron, OH 44312

Graduated: Northeast Ohio Medical University

65 Community Rd., Ste C, Tallmadge, OH 44278

(330) 899-9070

Residency: Summa Health Systems

(330) 633-6601

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

53

GOOD EATS

Restaurants VISIT AKRONLIFE.COM TO VIEW MORE AREA RESTAURANTS & EVENTS. B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner

Patio Alcohol available Takeout available Valet parking Wheelchair Accessible

$ average entrees less than $6 $$ average entrees between $6-$10 $$$ average entrees between $11-$16 $$$$ average entrees are $17 or higher Information subject to change.

Please call ahead to verify location, hours and events.

Akron Family Restaurant

The Battleground

The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard

Bombay Sitar

$$ B L D

$$$ B L D

$$$ L D

$$ L D

Aladdin’s Eatery

Beau’s Grille

The Bistro of Green

Bricco West

$$$$ B L D

$$$$ D

$$$ L D

Beau’s on the River

Bistro on Main

Brew Wall

250 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-0600

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

425 Cherry St., Kent, 330-548-9019

3180 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-5218

Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530

$$$ B L D Belgrade Gardens

$$ L D Basil Asian Bistro

585 Market Ave. N, Canton, 330-452-3888; 145 W. Liberty St., Wooster, 330-601-0885

$$$ L D

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Block 7 Bar & Grill $$ L D

Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders

Blue Canyon Kitchen & Tavern

$$ L D

$$$$ L D

Bender’s Tavern

The Blue Door Cafe & Bakery

3657 Fishcreek Road, Stow, 330-678-3000

137 Court Ave. SW, Canton, 330-453-8424

Bianca’s Ristorante Italiano

222 S. Main St., Akron, 330-374-0925

$$$ L D

$$$ L D

Arnie’s West Branch Steak House

Barley House

1313 W. Main St., Kent, 330-673-9900

524 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, 330-745-7677

$$$$ L D

$$$ D

3459 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-1434

401 E. State St., Barberton, 330-745-0113

$$ B L D 5343 state Route 14, Ravenna, 330-297-1717

1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000

8960 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, 330-486-2583

1970 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-926-9774

$$$ B L

5111 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-305-0671

3150 W. Market St., Akron, 330-835-2203

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

4284 Beverly Hills Drive, Brunswick, 330-225-0927

Berlin Farmstead

4757 Township Road 366, Berlin, 330-893-4600

$$$$ L D

$$$

$$ B

The Cabin

L

D

L

D

Big Eu’es BBQ

Bob’s Hamburg

$$ L D

$ B L D

Big Eye Japanese Cuisine & Sushi Bar

Boiling House

$$$ L D

$$$$ L D

1730 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6700

2965 W. Market St., Fairlawn, Suite L, 330-836-4433

1351 East Ave., Akron; Inside Ray’s Pub, 801. W. Market St., Akron; 330-253-2627

1 W. Exchange St., Suite 150, Akron, 234-571-9692

35 E. Garfield Road, Aurora, 330-562-9171

$$$$ B L D Cafe Tandoor

96 Barrington Town Square Drive, Aurora, 330-562-5334

$$$ L D

GOOD EATS 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

Desert Inn

Farmer Boy Restaurant

$$$$ L D

$$ B L D

Dewey’s Pizza

The Farmer’s Table

Exchange Market, 320 S. Court St., Suite 100, Medina, 330-952-2079

Green Diamond Grille & Pub

$$$ L D

$$$$ L D

$$$ L D

Diamond Deli

Fat Head’s Brewery

Grinders Above & Beyond

204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766

Summit Mall, 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330-873-4444

378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877

$$ B L

3885 Everhard Road NW, Canton, 330-244-8601

77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 (no credit cards)

Divine Food Spirits Wine

Golden Dragon

1634 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-1109

$$ L D 125 Second St. NW, Barberton, 330-745-1900

$$ L D

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

Diamond Grille $$$$ L D

1324 Canton Road, Akron, 330-784-4052

Fiesta Pizza and Chicken

1860 Newton St., Akron, 330-733-2201

2752 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-334-4400

Firehouse Grill & Pub

$$ L D

156 Cherry St., Kent, 330-673-6566

$$ L D

$$$$ D

$$ L D

Chin’s Place

Dominic’s Pizzeria & Italian Restaurant

Fisher’s Cafe & Pub

14 E. Caston Road, Akron, 330-644-8842; 5642 Wales Ave. NW, Massillon, 234-258-4800

1607 Main St., Peninsula, 330-657-2651

$$ L D

$$ L D

$$ L D

$$ L D

H2 Huth & Harris Wine Merchants

Chowder House Cafe

Dontino’s Fine Italian Cuisine

Fleming’s Prime Steakhouse & Wine Bar

China City

474 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-1998

1244 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-794-7102

$$$ L D Cilantro Thai & Sushi Restaurant

221 S. Jefferson St., Medina, 330-725-8424

555 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-9530

$$

L

D

326 S. Main St., Suite 1204, Akron, 330-434-2876

Downtown 140

$$$ L D

$$$$ L D

Circle L Steakhouse at the Galaxy

Driftwood Modern American Bistro

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

140 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-655-2940

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

2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000

$$$$ L D

4000 Medina Road, Akron, 330-670-5200

$$$$ D 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

Eddy’s Deli and Restaurant

Fresco Mexican Grill and Salsa Bar

2655 Oakwood Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-7489; 4581 Kent Road, Stow, 330-346-0551

Edgar’s

530 Nome Ave. at J.E. Good Park Golf Course, Akron, 330-869-3000

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

The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard

$$$ D

201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth, 330-334-3663

$$ L D

El Campesino Restaurante Mexicano

4360 Kent Road, Stow, 330-686-5561; 9169 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-9777

$$$ B L D

1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000, ext. 5

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

$$$ L D El Fogon Mexican Grill

1080 Interstate Parkway, Green, 330-644-7700

Garretts Mill Diner

4226 Hudson Drive, Stow, 330-926-1344

$$ B L Gasoline Alley

$$ L D

870 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-2670

El Rincon

$$$ L D

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

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 123 S. Main St., North Canton, 234-714-9000

229 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-452-0029

$$$ B L D

$$ B

Ido Bar & Grill

L

D

Gio’s Italian Oven

1537 S. Main St., Akron, 330-773-1724

1186 Canton Road, Akron, 330-733-7586

$$$ L D

$$$ L D

Jerzee’s Sports Grille

$$$$ D

$$$ D

Deli Ohio

5051 Eastpointe Drive, Medina, 330-721-1731; 9230 state Route 14, Streetsboro, 330-626-2171

The Eye Opener

$$$$ L (only on weekends) D

$$ L D

$$ B L D

1688 W. Market St., Akron, 330-867-1114

$$$$ L D

George’s Lounge

Erie Street Kitchen

328 Walnut Ave. NE, Canton, 330-453-7777

221 S. Court St., Medina, 330-805-3212; 427 Tuscarawas St. E, Canton: 330-815-4959

The Howlin Bird

826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330-666-1159, 330-864-2553

163 Erie St., Kent, 330-593-5928

Guiseppe’s Pizza

Hamad’s on Main

FlipSide

$$$ L D

$$ B L D

Crave Cantina

10 Tallmadge Circle, Tallmadge, 330-634-9967

Girves Brown Derby

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 JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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NEW BITE

GOOD EATS

{ by Kelly Petryszyn, photos by Erin Gulling }

LUCIANO’S CUCINA ITALIANA OFFERS DINERS GENUINE ITALIAN FARE IN AN UPSCALE SETTING. 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, JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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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.

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“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

GOOD EATS The Jetty River Bar and Grill

Lock 15 Brewing Co.

$$$ L D

$$$ L D

Jilly’s Music Room

The Lockview

$$ B D (weekends)

$$ L D

Jimmy’s Backyard BBQ

Luca’s New York Style Pizza

1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7544

111 N. Main St., Akron, 330-576-3757

526 Graham Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-349-6949

$$ L D Jimmy Bigg’s Grille

21 W. North St., Akron, 234-900-8277

Molly Brown’s Country Cafe

518 Canton Road, Akron, 330-784-4711; 493 Portage Lakes Drive, Akron, 234-312-9351

$$ B L

207 S. Main St., Akron, 330-252-5128

3451 Darrow Road, Stow, 330-688-9595

$$$ D Lucca Downtown

228 Fourth St. NW, Canton, 330-456-2534.

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

$$$$ L D

Mustard Seed Market & Cafe

$$ L D

Lucia’s Steakhouse

$$$ B L D

Kasai Japanese Restaurant

$$$$ D

Nauti Vine Winery

Lucci’s

$$$ D

1927 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-929-2444

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

4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-492-9933

3950 S. Main St., Akron, 330-644-5444

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

Kennedy’s Bar-B-Que

Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery

$ L D

$$ L D

1420 Seventh St. NW, Canton, 330-454-0193

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

867 W. Market St., Akron, 330-434-7333

6193 Edison St. NE, Hartville, 330-877-8344

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

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

$$$ 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

Missing Falls Brewery

$ B

$$$$ L D

$$$ 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 3265 W. Market St., Akron, 330-864-7245

The Ramp Restaurant

3719 S. Main St., Akron, 234-678-6370

Rasicci’s Pizza

21 Furnace St., Akron, 330-286-1315

Lizardville

2385 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-6600

1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-923-7999

Nomz Cafe

Open Door Coffee Co.

Moe’s Restaurant

Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s

$$$$ L D

$$ B L D

$$ D

$$ L D

$$$ D

$$$$ B L D

$$ L D

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

1983 Easton St. NW in Washington Square Plaza, North Canton, 330-498-9191; 5570 Fulton Drive NW, Canton, 330-497-9111

Mike’s Place

540 S. Main St., Suite 112, Akron, 234-231-1000

Papa Gyros Greek Grill

91 Wood Fired Oven

Leo’s Italian Social

21 and over only. 79 Springside Drive, Copley Township, 330-644-1782

$$$ L D

The Rail

$$ B L D 1700 S. Water St., Kent, 330-673-6501

3254 Kent Road, Stow, 330-686-6781

$$ L D

$$$$ D 2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427

Pancho & Lefty’s

$$ L D 164 N. Main St., Hudson, 330-653-5900

Pad Thai

3545 Brookwall Drive, Fairlawn, 330-668-9981; 5657 Darrow Road, Hudson, 330-650-9998

$$$ L D

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 JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

59

PARTNER SPOTLIGHT

Ruling the Tides of Taste KINGFISH & THE CHEF AT THE HELM

Voted Best Seafood Since Day One > Meet Chef Eric Wright, Akron’s Culinary Maestro

KING OF THE COAST 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.”

115 Montrose W. Ave., Akron, OH 44321 330-777-2005 kingfishakron.com

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.

GOOD EATS 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

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

Town Tavern

3900 Medina Road Unit J, Akron, 330-666-1191; 1840 Town Park Blvd., Uniontown, 330-896-4433

Trecaso’s Mary Coyle

$ B L

780 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-1511

$$ L D

Table Six Kitchen & Bar

Twiisted Burgers & Sushi

6113 Whipple Ave NW, North Canton, 330-305-1666

985 Boardman Alley, Medina, 330-661-0606

$$$ L D Sakura

$$$ L D

Twisted Citrus

$$$ L D

123 Franklin Ave., Kent, 330-677-0223

Samantha’s on Portage

4954 Portage St. NW, North Canton, 330-499-9700

Taco Tontos

$$$ D 1649 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-305-9680

$$ L D

$$ B L

Taggart’s Ice Cream Parlor and Restaurant

The Twisted Olive

5430 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0550

1401 Fulton Road NW, Canton, 330-452-6844

$$$ L D

498 South Ave., Tallmadge, 234-678-8334

$ L D

1000 Ghent Road, Akron, 330-666-6158

$$ L D

Tail Gators Sports Pub & Grille

$$ B L D Sammie’s Bar and Grill

Samosky’s Homestyle Pizzeria

469 College St., Wadsworth, 330-334-5151

$$ L D

Vaccaro’s Trattoria $$$ L D Valley Cafe

Taste of Bangkok

1212 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-865-0101; 101 High St., Wadsworth, 330-331-7555

$$ L D

$$ B L D (Wadsworth only)

1400 S. Arlington Road, Akron, 234-571-0802

3 Palms Pizzeria

Valley’s Edge

$$$ L D

$$$ L D

6738 Center Road, Valley City, 330-483-2000

$$$ L D Sam Sylk’s Chicken & Fish

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

514 E. Exchange St., Akron, 330-252-2270

60 Village Way, Hudson, 330-342-4545

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

$$ L D

Timber Lodge

Sisters Century House

$$$$ D

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

2809 Pearl Road, Medina, 330-725-6288

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

$$$ L D

Tomato Grill

Stricklands Frozen Custard

$$$$ L D

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

$

106 First St., Hudson, 330-342-3771

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 62

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

$$$ L D The West Side Bakery

$ L D

3900 Medina Road, Akron, 330-670-0288

67 West Ave., Tallmadge, 330-630-2888

$$$ B L D

Saffron Patch in the Valley

1238 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-836-7777

West Ave Tavern

2303 W. Market St., Akron, 330-836-4101

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

$$$$ D

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

Vasili’s Greek Cuisine

$$ L D

10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, 330-908-7602

1702 Merriman Road, Akron, 330-864-0722

$$ L D

Wise Guys Lounge & Grill

1008 N. Main St., Akron, 330-922-3006

Village Inn Chicken

4444 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Barberton, 330-825-4553

$$$$ L D Wolf Creek Tavern

$$ L D

3044 Wadsworth Road, Norton, 234-571-4531

Village Gardens Restaurant and Pub

$$$$ L D

2437 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-5751

$ B

L

D

Yours Truly

36 S. Main St., Hudson, 330-656-2900; 3725 Medina Road, Medina, 330-722-5800

Vinifera Wine-to-Whiskey

$$ B L D

$$$ D

Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com.

3236 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-571-0233

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

C A N T O N

CANTON LIVING

L I V I N G

SUMMER 2025 GET YOUR GAME ON AT FINNEY’S ARCADE & PARLOR

TAKE A TOUR OF FLAVORS AT MINT & LIME

CELEBRATE SUMMER WITH 6 FUN FESTIVALS JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

1

CANTON LIVING

FAMILY FARE

{ by Cameron Gorman, photos by Mal McCrea }

2

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

Kenny Ly

CANTON LIVING

MINT & LIME ASIAN BISTRO TAKES CUSTOMERS ON A TOUR OF FLAVOR. 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

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

3

CANTON LIVING { by Kelly Petryszyn, photos by Erin Gulling }

LEVEL UP FINNEY’S ARCADE & PARLOR CAPTURES NOSTALGIC FUN. 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.

4

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

CANTON LIVING

Micah Dorward & Ryan Miller

“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 JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

5

CANTON LIVING { words and photos by Cameron Gorman }

Artistic Flow THE CANTON ARTISTS LEAGUE’S CURRENT SHOW INVITES VISITORS TO EXPLORE WATER.

6

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

“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 Irene Tobias Rodriguez

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.

CANTON LIVING

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

Experience our Best!

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

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

330-492-9933 • luciassteakhouse.com 4769 Belpar Street, Canton

In the center of Belden Village shopping district

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

7

CANTON LIVING { by Cameron Gorman }

HEAD TO THESE SPIRITED FESTIVALS IN THE HALL OF FAME CITY.

Canton Greek Fest | June 5 -7 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 photo provided by St. Haralambos Greek Orthodox Church

First Fridays | June 6, July 11& 12 & Aug. 1 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

photos provided by Downtown Canton Partnership

CELEBRATE IT 8

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

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CANTON LIVING

Canton Pickle Fest | June 21

African American Arts & Cultural Festival | July 10

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

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

photos provided by Canton Pickle Fest

Stark Pride | June 14 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 10

akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

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Full Service Resort - You never have to leave!

.. Attached Hotel .. Valet & Transportation Service PGA Professional Staff will handle every detail .. 37 Restaurants Meeting Rooms . Voted Northern Ohio PGA of America Golf Shop Merchandiser of the Year & Salon . Spa Fitness Center

2 ROUNDS OF GOLF EACH & 1 DOUBLE-OCCUPANCY ROOM $315 PER PERSON GLENMOOR COUNTRY CLUB | CANTON, OH | GLENMOORCC.COM

CANTON LIVING

Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival, 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

photos provided by Pro Football Hall of Fame

CSE

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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CANTON LIVING

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akronlife.com | JUNE 2025

PARTING SHOT { by Cameron Gorman, photo provided by Akron-Summit County Public Library }

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Page Turners Akron, 1971

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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.

JUNE 2025 | akronlife.com

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How Can I Attend To My Personal Financial Goals While Also Growing My Business?

Andrew Lamb, CFP® Financial Advisor & Partner

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.

WEALTH MANAGEMENT | 330.836.3805

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GLOBAL ACCOUNTING | 330.867.3578

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W3FINANCIALGROUP.COM

Fee-Based Planning offered through W3 Wealth Advisors, LLC, a State Registered Investment Advisor. Third Party Money Management offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc., a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. W3 Global Accounting provides only tax and accounting. W3 Financial Group, LLC,W3 Wealth Advisors, LLC, and W3 Global Accounting are separate entities from Valmark Securities, Inc. and Valmark Advisers, Inc. Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards Center for Financial Planning, Inc. owns and licenses the certification marks CFP®, CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER®, and CFP® (with plaque design) in the United States to Certified Financial Planner Board of Standards, Inc., which authorizes individuals who successfully complete the organization’s initial and ongoing certification requirements to use the certification marks.