March 2016 Akron Life Magazine

Homeschoolers Get Inventive / Spicing up Dumplings

volume 14 / issue 3

march 2016

10 for

James Hardy, Deputy Mayor for Administration of the City of Akron

TOMORROW Young leaders forging the future of The 330

+ Top Dentists

Summer Camps to Consider

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74470 57871

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Indoor/Outdoor Remodel Tips

Dogfish Head’s Romantic Chemistry

Long-view Tax Prep photo by Natalie Spencer

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march 2016 / vol. 14 / issue 3

PAGES start here

On The Cover / 28 Ten for Tomorrow / James Hardy / photo by Natalie Spencer

Feature

28 Ten for Tomorrow Forging the Future of The 330.

Jonathan Houk Photo by Natalie Spencer

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pages

12 gamut

71 uncorked

14

agenda

Departments

6

/ Mail Bonding

7

/ From the Editor

8

/ Radar (Seen + Heard)

9

/ Up Front

10

/ The Interview Nick Frank Akron Celtic Guards Hurling Club

12

/ The Gamut The Fommy’s Tale

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/ Agenda

Special Sections

16 Entertainment listings & Calendar of events 20 Spotlight: Summit Metro Parks Homeschoolers Program 22 FLASH: Red & White on Thursday Night

/ 36 Summer Camps

/ Good Eats (notable food & drink) 70 Restaurant listings 70 Untapped: Dogfish Head: Romantic Chemistry 71 Uncorked: Chateau St. Jean Winery 72 Big Bite: 3 Sisters Momo

Finding the right summer experience for your child

/ 42 Summit DD Creating a community of support

/ 50 Top Dentists The 2016 list and dentist profiles

/ 60 Home and Garden Remodeling your space for spring—inside and out

/ 68 Financial Planning The long view on tax prep

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mail bonding

Tell us what's on your mind.

The 100-year legacy of Henry B. Ball / We are North Hill

volume 14 / issue 2

februar y 2016

Sip & Savor

Warm up your winter at these tea rooms

FACES OF THE 330

+

Piccadilly Parlour Victorian Tea Room in Canfield photo by Natalie Spencer

The Ladies Behind the Leaders

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in akronlife? Or maybe you want to tell us about something great happening in the area. Send comments and suggestions to: akronlife, 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.

Publisher Colin Baker cbaker@bakermediagroup.com

Editor-in-Chief Don Baker Jr. dbakerjr@bakermediagroup.com

Creative Director William L. Teckmyer III wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com

Get Your Face In Our Magazine HAVE AKRON, WILL TRAVEL - Send us pics of yourself with a copy of akronlife magazine from your travels around the globe and end up on this page!

Managing Editor Molly Gase mgase@bakermediagroup.com

Editorial Associate Sharon Cebula

Akron in Asia

scebula@bakermediagroup.com

Contributing Writers Jessica Burkhart Aaron Fowler Rick Rodger Rodney Wilson Photographers Shane Wynn swynn@bakermediagroup.com

Natalie Spencer Sales Colin Baker Bunny Lacey Steve Tyson Ben DiCola sales@bakermediagroup.com

Circulation Jessica Burkhart jburkhart@bakermediagroup.com

330-253-0056 ext. 112

During our recent trip to Southeast Asia, Drew Hood and I were able to experience one of the worlds more amazing buildings—the Marina Bay Sands in Singapore.

We traveled from Singapore to Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and finished the utterly amazing trip in Hong Kong.

William Teckmyer Creative Director, akronlife magazine.

Look for these special features in upcoming issues.

In April, look for our Pets feature, Camp Directory and Go Red for Women and Amish Country section.

In May, look for our Food feature, Cosmetic Enhancement, Travel Beyond The 330 and Medina County section.

In June, look for our Outdoors in The 330 feature, Home & Garden, Downtown Akron, and Canton Living sections.

To advertise in one of these special issues, contact Colin Baker at 330-253-0056 ext. 104 t cbaker@bakermediagroup.com 6

akronlife

march 2016

Interns Photography - Emily Vaeth Design Intern - Caitlin Jones March 2016, Volume 14, Issue 3 (ISSN No. 74470 57871) akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2016© by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission.

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from the editor

There’s no show like a trade show

Somewhere along the line between you and every product and service you buy is a trade show. I have probably attended at least 100 of them. On a recent trip to the PGA Golf Merchandise Show in Orlando, I was getting on the elevator with my PGA badge around my neck, wearing shorts and a golf shirt. Standing in the back of the elevator was a man in a suit with a big briefcase in his left hand. He too was wearing a trade show badge which I couldn’t make out.

“Are you going to the Golf Show?” I asked.

“I wish,” he answered dejectedly. “The HVAC,” he added and lifted up his badge for me to see.

I have been fortunate enough to mostly go only to trade shows in industries in which I am interested. I was a car lover long before I attended the first SEMA (Speed Equipment Manufacturers Association) show on the mezzanine level of Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in 1966. And I had been a golfer long before I attended my first PGA Golf Merchandise Show in Orlando in January. I did cover an automatic transmission rebuilder’s trade show and a local sail boat show in the depths of winter in Milwaukee. But then I got to go to a boat show as an exhibitor in Chicago during the Browns game known solely by “The Fumble.” Our booth for Great Lakes Sailor magazine at the Chicago Boat Show was small and located in the back of the hall. We were selling magazine subscriptions, and business had been slow. I had brought with me a two-inch-by-two-inch black-andwhite television that fit in my shirt pocket.

When I turned the tiny TV on to the game, more and more people came into our booth.

By the second half, there was almost no room for my partner, Steve France, to get in and by the time “The Fumble” actually happened, people in our booth, who couldn’t even see the tiny TV screen, were asking, “What’s the score?” and “What are they doing now?”

By the time the news of that fumble reached the back of that gigantic crowd, it had cleared to just Steve and me in a matter of seconds.

That one event was so much fun it made up for all the hours I had stood in small booths all around the Great Lakes bored to my hair roots.

But mostly, I was attracted to the products and the personalities who dominated the industry. I met Ed Iskenderian, the maker of Isky camshafts; Dean Moon, the inventor of Mooneyes products and decals; and others who were part of the beginning of a multibillion dollar industry. During the times that I attended the SEMA (now the Specialty Equipment Manufacturers Association) and other automotive trade shows, I met many celebrities, including NASCAR’s Bill Elliott and Richard Petty; IndyCar’s Mario, Michael and John Andretti; Formula One’s Dan Gurney, Jack Brabham and Denny Hulme; NHRA legend Don Garlits; MLB’s Reggie Jackson; NFL’s O.J. Simpson; and America’s Cup winning skipper, Buddy Melges. I’m sure none of these celebrities remember me, but I remember them.

In the last few months, I’ve gone to two industry trade shows. In November of last year, I signed up for the 2015 SEMA Show.

This show, which started on the mezzanine level of Dodger Stadium at Chavez Ravine in Los Angeles, has now expanded into all three halls at the Las Vegas Convention Center. It would take several days to walk it.

In January of his year, I attended the 2016 PGA Golf Merchandise Show in Orlando.

A few friends and I go south every year to play golf. This year we coordinated playing golf with the PGA Golf Merchandise Show where we were allowed to hit and test all of the new drivers, irons, wedges, golf balls, putters and gadgets to our heart’s content. More importantly, I got into an interesting conversation with legendary putter designer, Scotty Cameron. As you may know from past columns, I have invented a putter. Cameron was kind enough to interrupt his signing of posters to talk putter design with me and offer his advice on my putter idea. (See photo above).

During my many years of attending trade shows, I have learned a lot, stayed in some of the nicest hotels from Honolulu to Frankfurt, Germany and eaten in the best restaurants.

The downside of all of this is the time away from family, unless you can bring them with you.

My son, Brendan, and I attended the latest SEMA Show in Las Vegas last November.

We were supposed to fly out from Cleveland together, but we missed the flight and had to take the next one. Then we wanted to meet that night for dinner, but we got in so late that he was already in bed in his own hotel.

From that Tuesday through Friday, we made repeated plans to meet for breakfast, lunch, dinner or drinks later at night. He represents an automotive trade magazine and is called upon to not only cover the largest automotive trade show in the world, but also entertain at night, which is common at most trade shows. He worked straight through the show, morning, noon and night. Nancy and I, on the other hand, visited with my high school friend, Joe Zucchero, and his wife, Josey and visited nearby Hoover Dam. Poor Brendan got home Saturday exhausted, but we were able to get together for dinner at home. So, the next time your spouse or partner says they have to attend a three-day trade show in Las Vegas, don’t be so envious.

Don Baker, Jr., Founder and Editor-in-Chief dbakerjr@bakermediagroup.com

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march 2016 / vol. 14 / issue 3

RADAR seen+heard

$2.19 million Raised by Akron Community Foundation

New funds include the Towpath Trail Endowment Fund, the Eugene and Arlene True Memorial Scholarship Fund, NAMI Summit County Endowment Fund, the Jones Group Interiors Charitable Fund, and the Silver Bullet Fund, created from an anonymous donation as an homage to TV’s “The Lone Ranger.”

Keep Akron Beautiful Earns President’s Circle Award Recognition The appearance of litter, graffiti, junk vehicles and other eyesores decreased in Akron in 2015.

For this reason and more, Keep Akron Beautiful recently received the 2015 Keep America Beautiful President’s Circle Award at the National Conference in Orlando, Florida.

“Keep Akron Beautiful is honored to receive the President’s Circle Award, which is the highest honor 8

awarded in the National Network,” said Jacqui FlahertyRicchiuti, Executive Director and CEO of Keep Akron Beautiful. The conference brought together 350 leaders from over 600 national affiliates who brainstormed how to end littering, improve recycling, and beautify America’s communities.

akronlife

MassMu in D.C.

city watch

by Rodney Wilson

The University of Akron Faculty Senate delivered an overwhelming vote of no confidence in President Scarborough’s administration. Scarborough

responded by eliminating tenure from the university.

An Akron man crashed a Super Bowl party and, when asked to leave, shot the host in the stomach. The shooter’s

story was bought by Vince Vaughn for a new, darker installment in the Wedding Crashers series.

An Akron Gold’s Gym manager was charged with selling steroids in the establishment’s parking lot. The

suspect raised authorities’ suspicion after a customer complained he manually deconstructed an elliptical in under 20 seconds.

Massillon Museum Executive Director Alexandra Nicholis Coon and Operations Officer Scot Phillips were among more than 250 museum professionals from across the country participating in the eighth annual Museums Advocacy Day February 23. The Washington, D.C. event was organized by the American Alliance of Museums (AAM) to support America’s museums.

march 2016

A man was caught on video stealing shrimp from an Akron Acme grocer.

The suspect, one Gumbo Dave of Chapel Hill, has a history of similar infractions.

A human skull was found sitting on the sidewalk of Akron’s residential Macy Street. The skull’s story was bought

by Vince Vaughn for a new, lighter season of the television show, True Detective.

up front

An Invisible Man Named Work Ethic Lessons learned, one river bed rock at a time

Creating something you can be proud of isn’t the easiest task. It takes years of hard work. It means getting your hands dirty. However, no matter how difficult, it’s a beautiful thing when you can look at your accomplishment and smile.

Growing up, we were always working on our home. An older house, the floors slanted—making a game of marbles hellish—the windows leaked and there was always another project. Inside and out, the checklist of improvements never seemed to shrink.

I griped about it every weekend that my parents led us out to the backyard for that season’s work. Each spring, we gathered loose tree limbs, weeded garden beds, stained our hands with colored mulch and trimmed back the tall prickly prairie grasses. If you have never had that pleasure, trust me, you need duct tape, long sleeves and a lot of Band-Aids.

All of the work prepped the yard for summer, when we could spend time soaking up the sunlight in our beautiful space. I loved it out there when I was little. Many days were happily spent in my tree house—sans tree—pretending the yard was a magical realm of endless possibility. We played whiffle-ball in the side yard, slid down the semidangerous Slip ‘N Slide and feasted at picnics. It was glorious.

The summer between third and fourth grades, my family decided to completely remodel—“ruin” according to my brother— our side yard by installing an in-ground pool. The lazy-L-shaped aquamarine piece of paradise was awesome. I swam so much that by the end of the summer, my hair was bleached white blonde.

Unfortunately, pool installations are extremely destructive to your yard. My parents decided to seize this opportunity to do some extra landscaping. We built a large deck off the back of the house and a lower deck next to the pool. As a whole family, we spent the summer working like crazy to get the yard back in great shape. This experience ended up sticking in my mind as a childhood crash-course in developing a work ethic.

We all laugh about it now, but during the landscaping, the decision was made to put a two- or three-foot border of river bed rock around the whole pool. Lovely when wet, the irregularly shaped rocks are rather hefty in bulk. Dad sent mom to get about 5 tons of the stuff— the original number is still in contention—and she returned with about 10 tons. Apparently, there was a sale. The result was a mountain of rock in the front corner of the yard.

Moving them around the pool, and eventually all over the yard, in new creative uses of river bed rock was a nightmare. If you grabbed too many at once, you couldn’t move. Instead of the wheelbarrow, we grabbed multi-colored sand buckets. The neon colored pails were still incredibly heavy, but manageable. I’ll be honest, it was miserable.

However, the whole time I was picking up each stupid rock and putting it in the pail, I was sitting next to the pool that would later be the best reward ever for a sweaty kid. The work was difficult and at times toilsome, but there was a greater purpose for it. A reward that, in the long-term, would mean more to me than the back-ache gained by the work.

Not every goal is visible. Often it is just a distant goal that we hope to one day enjoy. That doesn’t make it any less valuable. It is still worth the blood, sweat and tears that were shed along the road. As a kid it was a yard, a pool, a place to play. As an adult the goals reflect values, like creating a wonderful community for future kids to play in.

In this issue of the magazine, we feature 10 individuals in our community who understand the value of hard work. They each have their own goals that drive them forward and get them out of bed each day. Whether it’s changing things legislatively, socially, or physically through volunteer work, they are all making an impact on The 330. In years to come, they may be leaders, or they may be a part of the collective talent that makes this place a good one to call home.

/ Managing editor Molly Gase has been pacing around the office non-stop since Christmas, trying to make her Fitbit happy with her daily step count.

Comments? Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

the interview

by Sharon Cebula and photo by Emily Vaeth

Nick Frank

/ Irish sport competes for lawyer's time. /

Nick Frank is looking for women. Not just because he’s single, and not just any women.

He’s looking for strong, competitive, athletic women to join the Akron Celtic Guards Hurling Club, of which Frank is the Chairman. Though the team generally includes six or seven women, who train and play right alongside the men, they need about a dozen women to fill out a full Camogie team—the female equivalent of a hurling team.

Hurling is one of the national sports of Ireland. No, it’s not the one with the brooms and the ice, and no, it’s not what the guys do after drinking too much on St. Patrick’s Day. Known as “the fastest sport on grass,” hurling combines skills from soccer, football, baseball and field hockey into a fast-paced, high-scoring adrenaline rush.

Originally from Medina and now living in Cuyahoga Falls, Frank runs a marketing team at a Solon firm and practices small business law when he’s not crushing splitters with his hurly stick.

How did you get into hurling?

NF: I learned about the sport at the Ancient Order of Hibernians on Brown Street. I went there in my third year of law school, about five years ago, and ran into some Irish guys who said they had this hurling team. [They] talked me into coming to a practice the next day, Sunday.

I [had] spent the summer studying for the bar exam, and I needed an outlet. It gave me a way to get active and have fun while I was doing it.

How did the Akron club get started?

NF: In 2002, it was essentially a couple guys who had some hurly sticks and balls, which are called splitters, and they were just hitting them around the park. That’s how it got started, people playing outside, other people noticing and asking what it was and starting to introduce the game to the community. We are adamant about practicing in locations where there’s a lot of foot traffic, so we can promote while we’re practicing. We are the only registered team with the North American Gaelic Athletic Association in the state of Ohio.

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NF: When you’re not working at your job, practicing law, hurling, or playing drums in your bands, do you have other interests?

Where are the other teams, and where do you play?

NF: In our Midwest Division, we play teams from Pittsburgh and Kalamazoo. We have to travel a lot to play this sport. There’s a national tournament every year in different locations. Last year was in Chicago; the year before was in Boston. This year’s [is in] Seattle. We also go to a tournament every year in Minneapolis [and] Orlando.

What are your teammates like?

NF: I’m partially Irish, but a big portion of the team are not Irish—[they are from] all backgrounds and ethnicities. The biggest thing we tell people is you don’t need to be Irish to play. We have everybody from all walks of life on our team: college students, teachers, laborers, business people, an EMT. It’s a very communal and social sport. These people are my best friends; I hang out with them more than anybody else I know, so it’s really become a family.

Were you always into sports?

NF: Yeah, I grew up playing basketball, baseball, everything. In high school, I played football for two years, and then I started playing in a band. That’s another fun part about this club: we have a lot of musicians. That may be the Irish heritage in us. I’m in two different bands with players from this team.

NF: What instrument do you play?

Drums. And a little bit of singing. But not well.

NF: What are the names of your bands, and where do you play?

The one that plays the most is All But Violet.

Two weekends ago, we played the Grog Shop in Cleveland. We’ve got a couple of gigs coming up at the Vortex in Akron, and at the Empire Concert Club we’re headlining a show in March. [The other one] is kind of an Irishfolk-rock kind of deal: Doug Case and the Route 8 Rebels.

I’m by nature a very passionate person, [but] I am running out of space for passions. I’m the chairman of this club, and I love that. We are closely affiliated with the Ancient Order of Hibernians, on Main Street and on Brown Street. Through them, especially on St. Pat’s Day, we do a pancake breakfast, bar tending, a parade day and a chili cook-off. We also participate in Irish Appreciation Day at the Rubber Ducks. The biggest thing is at the Dublin [Ohio] Irish Festival, we do a youth skills camp, teaching kids the sport of hurling, for free, over three days. That has turned into a youth program we’re forming in Akron for younger kids to start picking up the game.

NF: Where can readers learn more about the club and hurling?

Our website is akronhurling.com, [and] our Facebook address is facebook.com/hurling.

Our membership fees are really reasonable; I just need more players, especially girls. / Editorial Associate Sharon Cebula lives in West Akron with her very patient husband, two obnoxious cats, and an enormous collection of owl paraphernalia.

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Celebrating 65 years WKSU, an equal oopportunity, affirmative action employer, is committed to attaining excellence through the recruitment and retention of a diverse workforce. 15-UR-00125-135

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the gamut

by Rodney Wilson and illustration by Carla Wilson

The Fommy’s Tale / A family movie stirs up thoughts of identity /

Some time back, my 11-year-old impressed upon us, her father and mother, an intense desire that we watch a film she’d seen at her grandparents’. I’d heard of the title: A vehicle for a popular comedic actor based on a classic children’s book, the film did not appeal to me, but parental engagement with onscreen subject matter is hardly the point of family movie night, so we replied as we often do when the stakes are so low: “Sure, go ahead.”

I’m not here to review this movie. That’s not my job and, in all honesty, I didn’t watch it.

But there was one moment that stuck with me, a scene where, while at a baby yoga class or something, the stay-at-home dad character was addressed by one of the other parents, all young mothers, as a “fommy,” quickly defined as a “father/mommy.” While I suspect unpacking this term would reveal a Pandora’s box of social and gender issues, what struck me most was the character’s affirming acceptance of the label: The redefinition of his identity from out-of-work dad to “fommy” was enough to spread a big, goofy smile across his face.

I’m a fommy. Or, more to the point, as a writer, I perform my work at our family home and...oh, whatever, I’m a fommy. I cook, I clean, I attend to soiled derrieres, I shuttle kids to programs at the gym, the library, downtown. I have bags in a variety of sizes that can fit everything from a pair of shorts to a three-course meal. I bake bread. I’m a good stay-at-home dad but, like the movie character, I benefit from labeling this aspect of my identity: “HELLO, I’m Fommy.”

Identity’s a tricky thing. Defined simply as “your story you tell yourself,” it’s a concept our culture places inordinate value upon without evidencing much understanding at all. We’re tolerant of some identity fluidity in the younger years—a four-year-old in specific headwear is totally a cowboy (though I recently heard a little boy publicly dressed 12

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down for wanting a pink room, so I suppose some have parameters), while teenage struggles with identity are more tenuous and, as a result, often bombastic—but by the time one makes way into the world, the resulting adult’s identity is expected to be fairly fixed: “Hi, I’m __. I go to work here and like doing these things when I’m awake but not working.”

I know that sounds simplistic and trite, but consider this: If you woke up tomorrow with a deep, unexplainable desire to wear a very floppy and overly colorful hat to the park, would you? Could you? My children could and would, but I’m fairly certain that’s not the case for me. Even when my actions deviate from cultural norms, I’m forced to admit march 2016

these digressions fit neatly into the set of expectations I have of myself. They are very believably things I would do. But why? Why did I take comfort when, just the other day, a friend jokingly said to me, “You lead a conventionally rural life way out in the country, but you wear slim fit jeans and drive a hybrid car and read books. It’s weird.” He merely listed what was in front of him, but in doing so, he conjured up tension, and that tension (he well knew) was central to my identity.

“Nobody was talking about needing identity 50 years ago,” anthropologist Margaret Mead said in 1970, publicly conversing with writer James Baldwin. “We’ve started to worry about identity since people began losing it.” I sup-

pose that makes sense. It’s only very recently that our culture has moved from titular identifiers like “cobbler” and “tinsmith,” skills once passed down generationally, to such adjectival logjams as “senior social media expert” and “chief digital prophet.” I once interviewed for a copywriting job that turned into a “national PR manager” by the time I was denied the role. If Mead’s right, we’re so overly concerned with identity because it’s increasingly difficult to know who or what the hell we are anymore—HR can rebrand us overnight.

As we’ve moved away from easy identifiers, we’ve had to reach for other aspects of self to discuss in our internal monologs.

“In every age there have been people who considered that an individual had one overriding affiliation so much more important in every circumstance to all others that it might legitimately be called his ‘identity.’” That’s Amin Maalouf in his book In the Name of Identity, and in this, an election year, we have an excellent opportunity to watch this play out as people reduce existence to “one overriding affiliation.” Come November, I suspect a good many of us will display this reductionist tendency.

Floppy hats, pink rooms. A hybrid-driving, pig-farming fommy. What is one to make of all this? For me, I like to think of identity in terms of landforms: We can build/demolish/ rebuild cities on top of the crust, but underneath a solid, stolid tectonic plate resists change. For me, I know my mantle identity is composed of words, written and read.

Tomorrow I may drive a Tesla or a pickup truck over it, but that’s who I am beneath everything. And it’s this deeper, more stable piece of me that’s currently engaged in reading Samuel Beckett’s “Molloy,” in which the lanky Irishman says, “And even my sense of identity was wrapped in a namelessness often hard to penetrate…Yes, even then, when already all was fading, waves and particles, there could be no things but nameless things, no names but thingless names.”

Fommy: A nameless thing, a thingless name.

What I am, but not really. / Rodney Wilson is either a pig farmer who writes or a writer who farms pigs. Either way, he’s got a freezer full of bacon and a finished manuscript, and he’s trying to sell both.

Comments? Email them to Molly Gase mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

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march 2016 / vol. 14 / issue 3

AGENDA the essential social digest

3/24 THE LIFE OF AMERICAN C OMPOSER STEPHEN FOSTER : PRESENTED BY S TEVE B ALL

Ball will present some of Stephen Foster’s famous and not-sofamous tunes on a 19th century Martin guitar and vintage tenor banjo. Foster is the composer of historic American ballads, such as “O Susanna,” “Camptown Races,” and “Swanee River.” Steve Ball has performed all over the country and at nearly every major Civil War event. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 7 p.m. Free. For tickets, visit www.peninsulahistory.org.

4/17 “WILD K RATTS LIVE!” The wildly popular PBS KIDS television show comes to life on stage in a classic Wild Kratts story. Through hilarious pratfalls and amazing animal “wow facts,” the Wild Kratts team rescues their favorite invention from Zach’s clutches so the animals of the creature world are safe once again.

The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron.

2 and 5:30 p.m. $25-$45. $100/ Meet-and-greet. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

3/11 JIM NORTON: M OUTHFUL OF S HAME TOUR Norton is a comedian, radio personality, author and actor, and the co-host of the “Opie with Jim Norton” show with Gregg Hughes, which airs on Sirius XM Radio. Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. 8 p.m. $35. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster. com.

3/29 B RIT F LOYD LIVE

Following its hugely successful 146 concert date tour around the globe in 2015, Brit Floyd, The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show, returns to North America in 2016 to continue its amazing journey through 50 years of Pink Floyd, and the vast and incredible catalogue of music they have given us. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron.

7:30 p.m. $35-$55. $100/ VIP. For tickets, visit www. akroncivic.com.

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3/1 Nature Stories Kids 18 months to 3 years, with adult companions, will enjoy this interactive, nature-inspired story time. Registration required. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 9:30-10 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

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

Through 3/6 “Moving Toward the Light”: Watercolors by Joseph Raffael Raffael manifests the intensity of nature with his contemporary, colorsaturated works. His dazzling, large-scale paintings have meticulous detail, which bloom before your eyes as you experience the pop of his lavish color palette.

Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton. $6-$8. Children under 12 are free. For gallery hours, visit www.cantonart.org.

Through 3/6 “Blue Collar”: Sculptures by Kyle & Kelly Phelps The identical twin Phelps brothers present this exhibition of expressive ceramic sculptures. Much of the twins’ work is about the working-class and the everyday struggles of the common man and woman. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton. $6-$8. Children under 12 are free. For gallery hours, visit www.cantonart. org.

Through 3/6 “Peter and the Starcatcher” A wildly theatrical, hilarious and innovative retelling of how a miserable orphan came to be The Boy Who Never Grew Up, “Peter and the Starcatcher” upends the century-old legend of Peter Pan. This show is part of the Emerging Artist Series. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. $14. For tickets and showtimes, visit www.weathervaneplayhouse.com.

Through 3/6 “Out of the Woods and Into the Ring”: Clay Sculptures by Kristen Cliffel Cliffel draws upon incidents from her home life and transmutes them into a fairy tale realm full of familiar images from unassuming cultural references.

The resulting sculptures are playful, often humorous, sometimes cynical, and reveal both the joys and hardships of living in the modern world. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton. $6-$8.

Children under 12 are free. For gallery hours, visit www.cantonart.org.

Through 3/15 “Three Artists, Three Viewpoints” This show expresses three different thoughts and feelings that are based on the same themes, presented by three area artists. Paul Jersik, watercolorist; Carolyn Lewis, Plein Air painter; and Jana Volkmer, oil and pastel artist, express their three viewpoints in this upstairs gallery show. New Studios of Jack Richard, 2250 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls. For details, call 330-929-1575.

Through 3/19 The Illusion Factory’s Winter Theatre School Children ages 5-15 will enjoy 7 weeks of theatrical training from professional theatre instructors. Classes include “Let’s Pretend,” which takes students to a world of imaginative make-believe through play acting, and “Acting Out,” a fun, handson acting class where students work on basic acting skills. Register today and make friends and lasting memories. Northwest Family Recreation Center, 1730 Shatto Ave., Akron. $70. To register, call 330-3765700.

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Through 3/26 Mark Giangaspero: “Larger Than Life Portraits and Figures” Exhibition Giangaspero’s compelling and moody paintings express the pain of the subject, while pulling the viewer into an emotional experience. His art is intriguing and expressive, and the viewer responds to the emotion and the pain that is depicted by the creative ability and power of the hand of the artist. Tregoning and Company Gallery, West 78th St., Cleveland. For gallery hours, call 216-281-8626.

Through 4/3 “The Man Who Came to Dinner” Upon arriving to dine at the Ohio home of a rich factory owner, a famously grumpy New York radio host slips on ice and breaks his hip, forcing him to stay at the house for weeks. In no time at all, the hapless houseguest proceeds to drive his hosts mad by wreaking havoc throughout the house.

Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron. $14. For tickets and showtimes, visit www. weathervaneplayhouse.com.

Through 4/17 “The Devil’s Disciple” In Revolutionary War-era America, the young “black sheep” returns and causes uproar in his Puritanical family in this play written by George Bernard Shaw.

Coach House Theatre, 732 W. Exchange St., Akron. $12-$22. For tickets and showtimes, visit www. coachhousetheatre.com.

Through 4/24 “Fashion Outlaws” This exhibition explores the social history of women’s clothing from the Industrial Revolution to World War II. Fashion outlaws are women who rebelled against tightly laced corsets and heavy, full skirts, to gain the ease of movement necessary to run, drive, bicycle, and more, all while earning greater social freedom. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E., Canton. For details, visit www.massillonmuseum.org.

Through 4/24 “Neo Geo” "NEO Geo" features recent work by artists in the surrounding region who explore the potential of geometric abstraction. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wed.-Sun., 11 a.m.-5 p.m.; Thurs., 11 a.m.-9 p.m.; $5-$7. Gallery admission is free every Thursday. www.akronartmuseum.org.

3/1 Cardio Hike Hike 2.4 miles at a vigorous pace with few, if any, rest stops. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. Cascade Valley Metro Park, Oxbow Area, 1061 Cuyahoga St., Akron. 9-10:30 a.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

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3/1 CMA Uncorked: Special Watercolor Edition CMA’s artist will make painting easy and fun by instructing you step-by-step through re-creating a Raffael-inspired painting. Whether you are an aspiring artist or just looking to explore your creative side, you are sure to go home with a painting that is uniquely yours. Must be 21 and over to register. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton. 6-8 p.m. $35. For details, visit www.cantonart.org.

3/1 Guitar Phenom Shaun Hopper Acoustic “fingerstyle” guitar wizard, Hopper, is a true southern gentleman whose humility stands in stark contrast to the prodigious talents he unveils on stage. Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus, Performing Arts Center, 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia.

7:30 p.m. $14-$18. For tickets, visit www.kent.edu/ tusc/pac.

3/2 Migration: Flycatchers & Vireos Identification tips, songs and habitats will help new birders while experienced birders can brush up on their skills. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Rd., Akron. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

3/2 Tangier presents U.F.O. U.F.O. is an English heavy metal and hard rock band who formed in 1969 and became a transitional group between early hard rock and heavy metal and the New Wave of British Heavy Metal. The Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron.

7:30 p.m. $35-$50. For tickets, visit www.thetangier. com.

3/3 Bird Walk New and experienced birdwatchers can join a naturalist for a bird walk in Liberty Park. Binoculars are recommended. Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 9-11 a.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks. org.

3/3 Gardening Through the Year: Starting Seeds Right Join us for this new monthly series in which we will explore different gardening topics. We begin this month with how to start seeds the right way. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

3/3 Voices in the Valley presents Roger Hoover’s Pasture’s of Plenty The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music.

Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall. Beer, wine and adult beverages available.

G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. For tickets and showtimes, visit www.peninsulahistory.org.

3/3 Apollo’s Fire presents St. John Passion: A Dramatic Presentation Bursting out of the gates from the agitated opening chorus, this is Bach’s most dramatic and theatrical oratorio. In Jeannette Sorrell’s acclaimed interpretation, true singer-actors perform the character roles from memory, while the renowned Apollo’s Singers evoke the wild mob with fierce intensity. Bath Church, UCC, 3980 W Bath Road, Akron. 7:30 p.m. $20-$60. Free for students.

For tickets, visit www.apollosfire.org.

3/4 Homeschoolers: Rube Goldberg Devices & Simple Machines Homeschoolers ages 7 to 10 join a naturalist to learn how simple machines make work easier, then build a simple device to perform a task.

Registration required. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10:30 a.m.-Noon and 1-2:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/4 Southside Johnny and the Asbury Jukes A Jersey Shore musical group, Southside Johnny has been recording albums since 1976 and is closely associated with Bruce Springsteen & the E Street Band. Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. 8 p.m. $30-$58. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

3/5 The Oak Ridge Boys The Oak Ridge Boys have one of the most distinctive and recognizable sounds in the music industry. Their string of hits includes “Elvira,” as well as “Bobbie Sue,” “Dream On,” and many others. Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus, Performing Arts Center, 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia. 3 and 8 p.m. $39-$58.

For tickets, visit www.kent.edu/tusc/pac.

3/4 Distance Hike Hike 7.7 miles at a continuous pace on trails that are difficult or primitive. There will be few, if any, rest stops. Please wear footwear appropriate for stream crossings. Everett Road Covered Bridge, 2370 Everett Road, Peninsula. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/4 Canton’s First Friday: “March Forth” First Friday is a monthly party in the downtown Canton Arts District featuring themed music, performances and visual arts events, as well as a few surprises for adults and children. It is a self-guided tour of local art galleries, studios, stores and restaurants. Downtown Canton, 321 Court Ave. NW, Canton. 6-10 p.m. Free. www.cantonartsdistrict.com/firstfriday.

3/4 Voices in the Valley presents Rachel Brown & The Beatnik Playboys The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music.

Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall. Beer, wine and adult beverages available.

G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. For tickets and showtimes, visit www.peninsulahistory.org.

3/5 SmArtSplash Free Family Arts Day ArtsinStark invites children and their adults to enjoy a day of free fun and educational art, inspired by the children’s book “Commotion in the Ocean.” Children will be able to make projects, enjoy live performances and have their artwork on exhibit. The Canton Museum of Art will offer free admission and host a scavenger hunt. Snacks will also be available. Cultural Center for the Arts, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Free. For details, visit www.artsinstark.com.

3/5 Rubber City Rollergirls A diverse group of women built for hard hits and speed. The Rollergirls’ bouts promise fun times and excitement for everyone. John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron. 5 p.m. doors; 6 p.m. bout. Adult tickets $9-$13; Children $5-$6. Advance tickets available. www.rubbercityrollergirls.com.

3/4 Tangier presents Steven Eugene Grove Better known as Euge Groove, Grove is an American smooth jazz saxophonist with a strong Top-40 background.

The Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron. 8:30 p.m. $45$92. For tickets, visit www.thetangier.com.

3/5 Downtown Akron’s Artwalk Experience local art, live music and fun for all ages at the awardwinning Artwalk in downtown Akron. Venues include galleries located in the Northside District, North High Street, and East and West Market Street. Free trolley service available. 5-10 p.m. Free. www. downtownakron.com.

3/4 BLU Jazz+ presents Brandon Coleman Quartet featuring Noah Preminger Cincinnati guitarist and composer returns with a high-energy modern jazz quartet featuring special guest, acclaimed Brooklyn-based tenor saxophonist, Noah Preminger. Featuring Brandon Coleman, Noah Preminger, Keigo Hirakawa, Matt Wiles and Jeff Mellot. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $12. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com. w w w. akronlife.com

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3/5 Voices in the Valley presents A Blues Gathering featuring Austin Walkin’ Cane, Mike Lenz, Kristine Jackson and Jon Mosey The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music.

Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall. Beer, wine and adult beverages available.

G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. For tickets and showtimes, visit www.peninsulahistory.org.

3/5 Point of No Return Improv An interactive comedy experience. Audience members provide inspiration in the form of suggestions from which original scenes are created. Brave volunteers may even find themselves on stage being serenaded or used as props by the cast. Quirk Cultural Center, 1201 Grant Ave, Cuyahoga Falls. 7:30 p.m. Ages 13 and over. $5. www.pnrimprov.org.

3/5 BLU Jazz+ presents Tony Cuda’s Jazz Cats Cleveland’s most heavy-hitting instrumentalists converge at BLU for a sizzlin’ night of traditional and modern jazz, featuring Tony Cuda, Dave Kasper, Chris Cuda, Dan Maier and Donnie Patterson. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $12. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

3/5 The Kent Stage presents Hard Day’s Night Since 1996, Hard Day’s Night has been entertaining Beatles fans across the country. Hailing from the rock ‘n roll city of Cleveland, Hard Day’s Night is rated among the top national Beatles tribute groups performing today. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $15-$18. For tickets, visit www.thekentstage.com.

3/5 Couch to 5K Do you want to learn how to start running in a supportive environment? Go from the couch to running your first 5K race in just 10 weeks.

Meet each week for a group run and discuss different running topics. Registration required. All participants must be registered and paid by March 2. Fee includes registration for the Mother’s Day 5K in Munroe Falls Metro Park. Sand Run Metro Park, Mingo Pavilion, 1501 Sand Run Pkwy., Akron. 10 a.m.-Noon. $35. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/5 Springfield Bog: Armchair View Springfield Bog Metro Park has been open for five years. Come and enjoy an armchair view of its history, creation and glorious growth. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 1-2:30 p.m.

Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/5, 3/6 “Pinocchio” presented by Ballet Excel Ohio Set in 1930’s Akron, then toy manufacturing capital of America, “Pinocchio” tells the heartwarming tale of a toy puppet made of wood who, through a series of misadventures, discovers the true meaning of being human and in the process becomes a real boy. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. $10-$25.

For tickets and showtimes, visit www. akroncivic.com.

3/6 Nature Drawing for Kids Children ages 6 to 12 join a naturalist-artist for this lesson in nature drawing.

Paper and pencils will be provided. Registration required. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/6 In Search of Spring Search for signs of spring, including wildflowers and insects, along the difficult Deer Run Trail. O’Neil Woods Metro Park, Trail Lot, 2550 Martin Road, Bath. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

3/6 FUZE! with Jinjoo Cho and HyunSoo Kim Winner of the 2014 Ninth Quadrennial International Violin Competition of Indianapolis, Jinjoo Choo, violin, is now preparing for her Carnegie Hall debut.

For FUZE!, she and HyunSoo Kim, piano, will perform works by Joan Tower and other contemporary composers. The University of Akron’s Guzzetta Hall, 157 University Ave., Akron. 3 p.m. $25. For tickets, visit www.tuesdaymusical.org.

3/6 Signature Series: New Sounds New Works This debut concert for both Companye Chamber Ensemble and Chamber Players features rarely performed works

by Richard Rodney Bennett, stunning new works

by American composers and works for chamber orchestra. Faith Lutheran Church, 2726 W. Market St., Akron. 4:30-5:30 p.m. $12-$15. For tickets, visit www.singerscompanye.org.

3/7 Weekday Walkers Stroll along Rock Creek Trail with frequent stops to discover nature and history along the way. Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Road, Richfield. 10-11:30 a.m.

Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/8 Link Up Concert with The Akron Symphony Link Up is a highly participatory program that invites students to learn about orchestral repertoire through a yearlong, hands-on music curriculum. Each program focuses on specific concepts, including rhythm, melody, tempo, orchestration and composition.

Registration is required. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 9:45 and 11:15 a.m. Free. www. akroncivic.com.

Canton Ballet presents

Sponsored by Sharon and William Luntz

Relive the enchantment of this timeless rags to riches tale of poignant yearning, delightful humor and fulfilled romance, a full length ballet for the whole family.

MARCH 12 & 13, 2:00 PM CANTON PALACE THEATRE

330.455.7220

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3/8 BLU Jazz+ presents Tuesday Night Jazz Party with Chris Antonik Canadian Maple Blues awardnominated guitarist, singer and songwriter brings the essence of Eric Clapton, BB King and Derek Trucks’ blues guitar with his own original twist to the BLU stage. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $10.

For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

3/8, 3/9 “Flashdance the Musical” “Flashdance the Musical” is the inspiring and unforgettable story of Alex Owens, a Pittsburgh steel mill welder by day and a club dancer by night, with dreams of one day becoming a professional performer.

When romance with her steel mill boss threatens to complicate her ambitions, Alex learns the meaning of love and its power to fuel the pursuit of her dream. The University of Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. $32-$62. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

SATURDAY

3/9, 3/16 and 3/30 Migration: Warblers Join a naturalist for this three-part series learning identification tips, songs and habitats of the returning warblers. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 7-8:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/9, 3/12 SymphonyLand Brass Trio with Hidden Hippo This series of trio performances from the Canton Symphony Orchestra introduces students to the world of the symphony in a fun, interactive and musical way. Each trio performance centers on a children’s story book and features a different instrument family. Umstattd Hall, 2331 17th St. NW, Canton. 10 and 11 a.m. $5-$15. For tickets, visit www.cantonsymphony.org/symphonyland.

3/10 Yoga in the Galleries Combine breath, flow and art in a beginner-friendly series taught by a certified Nirvana Yoga instructor. Bring your own mat. No water bottles allowed in the galleries. Registration is required. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron.

6:30 p.m. $10/Non-members; Free/Members. To register, visit www.akronartmuseum.org.

3/10 Small Footprint: Green Thumb Replace traditional herbicides with vinegar, dish soap and, yes, water. Join a naturalist to discuss all things yardwork. Bring a notebook and a head full of ideas. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 6:30-8 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

3/10 Jilly’s presents Davina and The Vagabonds This talented group of players is known in The Twin Cities, Minnesota, as being the busiest band in town because of their hard-working professionalism, highenergy stage performance and original sound. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $15. For tickets, visit www. jillysmusicroom.com.

3/11 Waterfowl Watch New and experienced birdwatchers can view ducks, geese and other water birds during the spring migration. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Manchester Road Trailhead, 2740 Manchester Road, Akron. 9-11 a.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/11 9th Annual Art & Ale Back for its 9th year, this event features locally crafted brews from Ohio’s best brewmakers, complemented by some of the region’s favorite local food. The museum galleries will be open for the first hour of the event.

Participating brewers include Thirsty Dog Brewing Company, Ohio Brewing Company, Summit Brewing and many more. Guests must be 21 years and over to attend. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6-9 p.m. $35-$50. For tickets, visit www.akronartmuseum.org.

3/11 Voices in the Valley presents Parsonsfield The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall. Beer, wine and adult beverages available. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. For tickets and showtimes, visit www. peninsulahistory.org.

MAR. 19 8:00 PM EJ THOMAS

Christopher Wilkins Music Director

Talented vocalists from Akron School for the Arts make their Akron “Broadway” debut with live orchestra. Don’t miss the glitz and glamour as young dreams come true! z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z

The Sound of Music z Carousel z West Side Story z Phantom of the Opera z The Lion King and more! z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z z

single tickets start at $25 for adults, $12.50 for students www.akronsymphony.org or 330-535-8131 w w w. akronlife.com

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By Jessica Burkhart

Learning from simple machines The home-schoolers programs engage young learners Sometimes the least-predictable route is the most logical. Rube Goldberg was a Pulitzer Prize-winning cartoonist, inventor and engineer, whose popular cartoons displayed complicated gadgets performing very simple daily tasks. His ability to think outside the box has sparked the imaginations of many since the 1930s.

head on,” says Rushboldt. All of the current instructors have an educational background and base their programs on education standards for science, math, English and social studies.

Children often have to think outside of the box, using unique methods to build their knowledge and creativity. In Akron, one way this goal can be achieved is attending the free home-schoolers programs offered by Summit Metro Parks. These programs are taught throughout the year by three Naturalist instructors: Meghan Doran, Danette Rushboldt and Dave Brumfield.

This month, home-schoolers will learn about simple machines and will be able to build a Rube Goldberg device. “Through hands-on activities, students will discover how these simple machines help humans do work and how they are used in our daily lives,” Brumfield says. “Students will learn science by actively taking part in the process: asking questions, manipulating materials, working as a member of a team, making observations, drawing conclusions, and designing and conducting experiments.”

“As an instructor, it is wonderful to bring kids—who often don’t know each other in advance—into a cohesive group that is ready to work together, to attack a ‘problem’

The home-schoolers program is based on state standards for each age group and has included subjects such as wildflowers, insect adaptations, endangered species of Ohio and

3/11 Academy of Saint Martin in the Fields with Joshua Bell Building upon the performance of the Academy of St. Martin in the Fields Chamber Ensemble in 2015, and Joshua Bell’s performance in collaboration with the Akron Symphony Orchestra in 2014, this concert will feature the Academy in its most robust composition. The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $25-$60.

For tickets, visit www.tuesdaymusical.org.

3/11 Neos Dance Theatre presents “A Knight’s Night: Media and Movement” Infusing technology into dance, Neos Dance Theatre combines imagery and animation by Emmy Award-winning artist Andy Gardner, two world premieres and new film featuring an array of local residents. This show is rated PG13 for suggested nudity and language. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $10-$25. For tickets, visit www.akroncivic.com.

3/11 Cuyahoga Valley Heritage Concert Series: Billy Strings & Don Julin With just two instruments and one voice, this duo has been tearing up stages across America and generating huge buzz with their intense live shows. Happy Days Lodge, 500 W. Streetsboro Road, Peninsula. 8-10:30 p.m. $5-$17. For tickets, visit www.conservancyforcvnp.org.

3/11 BLU Jazz+ presents Guy Mintus Trio Sensational, award-winning New York City-based Israeli pianist, improviser and composer swings into the Rubber City with all-star trio for an evening of premier live jazz. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron.

8 p.m. $12. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

3/11 Jim Norton: Mouthful of Shame Tour Norton is a comedian, radio personality, author and actor, and the co-host of the “Opie with Jim Norton” show with Gregg Hughes, which airs on Sirius XM Radio.

Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. 8 p.m. $35. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

3/11 Jilly’s presents Get On UP Get On UP is Northeast Ohio’s new funk authority, doing yesterday’s funkiest grooves, and slowly starting to scratch the surface by breaking out some new, original jams. They throw a big party each and every time they play. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 9 p.m. Free. www.jillysmusicroom.com.

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3/12 History of Maple Sugaring Discover the history of maple sugaring dating back to American Indians.

Afterward, enjoy hot pancakes and a beverage, while supplies last. Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 10 a.m.-Noon. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

3/12 Tots Create: Dough Nests & Sprinkle Eggs Prepare to punch, pinch, roll and coil as wee ones explore the properties of dough and clay. Wear clothes for making messes (and maybe bring an extra set to go home in). For toddlers ages 2 and 3 with their grown-ups. Registration required. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 10:30 a.m.Noon. $10/Non-members; Free/Members. www. akronartmuseum.org.

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migration in its curriculum. “Our programs have allowed families to come together and be with like-minded people. It has also provided home-schoolers with the opportunity to meet other children and for the adults to make friends, too.” says Doran.

The children can also relax and enjoy the educational experience. Of the program itself, Rushboldt speaks passionately. “We engage and excite children about learning. We open their eyes to the wonders of nature and their connection to the natural world. We offer a safe place for students to gain social and team-building skills in an educational setting.”

For more information on the Homeschoolers: Rube Goldberg Devices & Simple Machines programs in March, visit www.summitmetroparks.org, or call 330-865-8065.

3/12 Big Love Fest Big Love Fest is a celebration of the Akron community gathering to celebrate culture, art, and music, as well as local businesses and organizations. Musicians, artists, performers, yogis, kids, foodies, dancers and actors join together within a sustainable and zero-waste frame work.

There will be community art and lots of collaboration and co-creation. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. 11 a.m.- Midnight. For details, visit www. bigloveakron.wordpress.com.

3/12 35th Annual St. Patrick’s Parade Watch the Akron Celtic Guard Hurling Club in the parade down Main Street ending at Bowery Street with floats, Irish dancers, honor guard and drill teams. The parade is organized by the Mark Heffernan Division and the Margaret Judge Ladies Division of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and steps off at Noon.

3/12 Ledges Trail Throughout the Year Hike the 1.1-mile Ledges Trail each month this year, taking a photographic record of the seasonal changes that happen. In December, come in from the cold and review the year in pictures. You can take your own pictures or just enjoy the hikes. Trail not recommended for strollers. Liberty Park, Twinsburg Ledges Area, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 1-2 p.m.

Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/12 Voices in the Valley presents An Evening of Grateful Dead Music The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music.

Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall. Beer, wine and adult beverages available.

G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. For tickets and showtimes, visit www.peninsulahistory.org.

3/12 The Club @ the Civic presents An Evening with Neil Zaza Akron’s own Neil Zaza is bringing his melodically-charged brand of instrumental guitar to the intimate cabaret setting of the Civic stage. Hot off the release of his latest recording, “Peach,” this special performance will feature new material as well as the songs and techniques that have made him a defining voice of modern-day guitar playing. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $25. For tickets, visit www.akroncivic.com.

3/12 The Kent Stage presents David Cook Cook’s powerful voice and dynamic guitar work through vibrant soundscapes boldly juxtapose man-made grooves and electronic textures. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $20-$75. For tickets, visit www.thekentstage.com.

3/12, 3/13 Canton Ballet’s “Cinderella” Relive the enchantment of this timeless rags-to-riches tale of poignant yearning, delightful humor and fulfilled romance with ugly stepsisters, a fairy godmother and a handsome prince. This everlasting love story has been turned into a renowned ballet with Prokofiev’s high-spirited score and features elaborate costumes and outstanding virtuoso performances. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N., Canton. 2 p.m. $11.-$54. For tickets, visit www.cantonballet.com.

3/12, 3/13, 3/19, 3/20 Hale Farm & Village Maple Sugar Festival & Pancake Breakfast Enjoy a hearty pancake breakfast and then head out into the Sugaring Camp to learn about tree tapping, the maple sugar process and experience oxen demonstrations.

View period arts and crafts such as glassblowing, blacksmithing, pottery, spinning and weaving. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. $10-$15. For details, visit www.wrhs.org.

3/12, 3/13, 3/19, 3/20 Hale Farm & Village Maple Sugar Express Climb aboard and take the train to Hale Farm and Village and explore the Maple Sugar festival. You will have the chance to help the staff with sap collection during this fun, family event that blends history and agriculture with science. Guests also receive a complimentary pancake breakfast with the price of admission, courtesy of Bob Evans Restaurants. Akron Northside Station, 27 Ridge St., Akron. $20-$25. For departure times, visit www.cvsr. com.

3/12, 3/13, 3/19, 3/20, 3/26 Breakfast with the Bunny Join Akron Zoo for a breakfast buffet, crafts, activities, visits with the Easter Bunny and an egg hunt. Bring your own camera for pictures.

All activities are held indoors except the egg hunt, which is outdoors. Please come dressed appropriately for the weather as this event takes place rain, snow or shine. Registration is required. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron. 9-11 a.m. $15-$28. www. akronzoo.org.

3/13 Skunk Cabbage Discover the unique odorous and chemical properties of one of spring’s earliest bloomers. Cascade Valley Metro Park, Oxbow Area, 1061 Cuyahoga St., Akron. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/13 Heron Watch Celebrate the return of great blue herons to Northeast Ohio while viewing them through spotting scopes. Hampton Hills Metro Park, Bath Road Heronry, Intersection of Bath and Riverview roads, Akron. 1-3 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

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Red & White on Thursday Night The 19th annual Red & White on Thursday Night, presented by Cleveland Clinic Akron General, was held on January 28, 2016. The lively wine and food event is a benefit for the Arthritis Foundation, Great Lakes Region, Northeastern Ohio. Held at Quaker Station at The University of Akron, the evening featured many wonderful local food and wine vendors.

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2. Melt Bar and Grilled Akron: Matt and Jessica Fish 3. (Right-left) JoAnn Larson, Stephanie Markovic, Andrea Schepis, Stephan Ashley, Dian Swarm attending the Wine Bottle Raffle table 4. Totiyona Vincent (left) & Larry Watson enjoying a glass 5. akronlife’s Steve Tyson with Barmacy Bar & Grill owner, Walid Loutfi 6. Heidleberg Distributing Company raises a glass: (left-right) Donna Hoover, Rick Rodger, Patty and Robert Wood, Richard Dalic, Katy Landers, Kristen Glaspell 7. Mackenzie Viscomi and Jacob Craine 8. Fred and Marcie Deemer 9. David Blankenbeker displaying fine wines of Heidelberg Distributing Co. 10. (left-right) Event Co-Chairs, Keith Busch and Dr. Nick DiNicola; Master of Ceremonies, T.K. O’Grady 11. Erica Glazer and Brittany Maaghul 12. Many wonderful items were on display for the event’s silent auction.

13. BJ’s Brewhouse: (left-right) Liana Corio, Elizabeth Kempf, Clifford Bujak

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3/14 Cardio Hike Join a naturalist for healthy outdoor exercise by hiking the 1-mile Old Mill Trail and the 1.2-mile Rock Creek Trail twice each at a vigorous pace. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Road, Richfield. 1-2 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/15 3rd Annual Vintner Wine Pairing Dinner Meet Gervasi’s Winemaker, Andrew Codispoti, as he leads you through his selection of Gervasi wines and their history for this exclusive dining experience in Gervasi’s Bistro. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6 p.m. $90. For tickets, visit www. gervasivineyard.com.

3/15 Experience Hendrix Tour Featuring Buddy Guy, Zakk Wylde, Kenny Wayne Shepherd, Jonny Lang, Dweezil Zappa, Eric Johnson and more, this special concert performance presents legendary artists who join together to pay homage to Jimi Hendrix. Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. 7:30 p.m. $65-$95. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster. com.

3/16 Nature Stories Children ages 18 months to 3 years with adult companions join a naturalist for an interactive, nature-inspired story time. Registration required. Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 9:30-10 a.m. and 10:30-11 a.m.

Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/16 The Women’s History Project of the Akron Area’s Woman of the Year Awards Hosted by the Summit County Historical Society and sponsored by Summa Health, the Woman of the Year Awards will be presented during a special luncheon, featuring guest speaker, Leila L. Vespoli, Executive Vice President, Markets and Chief Legal Officer at FirstEnergy Corp.

Hilton Garden Inn Akron, 1307 E. Market St., Akron.

Noon. $30. For tickets, visit www.summithistory.org.

3/16 Nature Drawing for Adults Join a naturalistartist for this entertaining lesson in nature drawing.

Bring a sketchbook, pencil and a sense of humor.

Beginners are welcome. Registration required. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10 a.m.-Noon and 1-3 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

3/16 CMA UnTapped: Coloring Books and Beer!

Untap your creativity and join the adult coloring book craze at the Canton Museum of Art. Enjoy craft beer flights, music and friends while coloring your stress away. Additional beverages available for purchase.

Ticket price includes one craft beer flight and all coloring supplies. Copies of books will be available at the gift shop for purchase. Must be 21 and over.

Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton.

6-8 p.m. $20. To register, call 330-453-7666, Ext. 104.

3/16 Latshaw Productions presents Air Supply The soft rock duo, Air Supply, celebrates 40 years of hit making. Known for their ballads, “Lost in Love,” “All Out of Love,” and “The One That You Love,” this is one of pop music’s most enduring powerhouse bands. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N., Canton. 7:30 p.m. $57-$90. For tickets, visit www. cantonpalacetheatre.org.

3/17 Art Tales: An Extraordinary, Ordinary Box Engage your tiny book-lover in an interactive storytelling experience where art and story become one through song, rhyme and pictures. After the book ends, keep the story going with related art activities in the lobby. Art Tales are recommended for all ages and their grown-ups. Registration required. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. $10/Non-members; Free/Members. 11:15 a.m.-12:30 p.m. To register, visit www.akronartmuseum.org.

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3/17 Akron Roundtable presents Dorothy S. Ridings Ms. Ridings is the former president and chief executive officer of the Council on Foundations, a national association of some 2,000 foundations and corporations that will make charitable grants of about $18 billion this year.

Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron. Noon. Doors open at 11:30. $20.

For tickets, visit www.akronroundtable.org.

3/17 Small Footprint: Green Thumb Replace traditional herbicides with vinegar, dish soap and, yes, water. Join a naturalist to discuss all things yardwork.

Bring a notebook and a head full of ideas. Liberty Park, Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg.

6:30-8 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/17 The Club @ the Civic presents Maia Sharp with Angie Haze Sharp has six solo releases and one collaborative project with Art Garfunkel and Buddy Mondlock that have all been critically acclaimed and enthusiastically embraced by press and radio. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20. For tickets, visit www.akroncivic.com.

3/18 Cuyahoga Valley Heritage Concert Series: Della Mae Since its formation in 2009, this multitalented female quintet has established a reputation as a charismatic live act, building a large and enthusiastic fan base while garnering extensive critical acclaim. Happy Days Lodge, 500 W. Streetsboro Road, Peninsula. 8-10:30 p.m. $5-$17. For tickets, visit www.conservancyforcvnp.org.

3/18 Jilly’s presents Diane Chittester with Mo’ Mojo Chittester’s solo show is brought to life by her signature percussive multi-part playing, mimicking a full band on a solo acoustic guitar, blended with intelligent and articulate lyrics. Mo’ Mojo takes Zydeco music and infuses it with Americana, Cajun, reggae, rock & roll and funk. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 5:30-Midnight. Free. www. jillysmusicroom.com.

3/18 Voices in the Valley presents Up ‘Til 4 The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall. Beer, wine and adult beverages available. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. For tickets and showtimes, visit www. peninsulahistory.org.

3/17 Jilly’s presents The Mickeys Founded in 1994, The Mickeys combines traditional Celtic sounds with rock ’n’ roll versions of old favorites. Live performances consist of melodic Celtic covers, as well as originals penned by the band’s very talented members. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron.

8 p.m. Free. www.jillysmusicroom.com.

3/18 FRESH Art Juried Exhibition Regional artists submit their “freshest ideas” according to exhibit officials, with the emphasis on searching for novel thinking about subject matter and technique, as well as incorporation of new or different materials into their art. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. For gallery hours and details, visit www. summitartspace.org.

3/18 Waterfowl Watch New and experienced birdwatchers can view ducks, geese and other water birds during the spring migration. Bring binoculars or a spotting scope. Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park, 5531 S. Main St., Green. 9 - 11 a.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

3/18 Homeschoolers: Rube Goldberg Devices & Simple Machines Homeschoolers, ages 11 to 14, join a naturalist to learn how simple machines make work easier, then build a simple device to perform a task. Registration required. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 1-3 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/18 Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy: “We’ve Been Thinking” Superstar comedians Jeff Foxworthy and Larry the Cable Guy will reunite to bring an unforgettable night of comedy to Akron.

Both comedians will deliver a laughter-packed evening of all new material before they come together on stage for an uproarious encore you won’t want to miss. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 and 9:30 p.m. $55. VIP/$199. For tickets, visit www. akroncivic.com.

3/18 BLU Jazz+ presents Michael Eaton Quartet Acclaimed versatile Brooklyn-based saxophonist brings elements of jazz, free improvised music, soul, rock, western classical, funk, reggae, and more into a progressive ensemble sound for BLU debut. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $12. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

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3/18 BLU Jazz+ presents UA Bittle Legacy Concert Afterparty & Jam Session Akron-native bassist and The University of Akron Jazz Studies alumnus, Mike Forfia, leads a swingin’ trio for a special afterparty and jam session at BLU following the Bittle Legacy Concert at E.J. Thomas Hall. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 11 p.m. $5-10. Free for jam session musicians. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

3/18, 3/19, 3/20 Archery Open Shoot Register for a half-hour time slot to improve your shot. Participants must have already taken the Intro to Archery and Archery Games programs. All equipment provided.

Registration begins 3/1. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. Free. For times, visit www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/19 Hike & Breakfast Shake off winter by joining in for a hike and breakfast. Participants will be asked to contribute to the feast. Registration begins 3/4. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pavilion, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 8-10:30 a.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

3/19 Family Day: Spark Family Film Fest The Akron Art Museum and the Nightlight Cinema invite parents to bring their young film connoisseurs to the museum for an afternoon of engaging, high-quality family films in the Charles and Jane Lehner Auditorium. Hands-on, film-inspired art activities in between the films are also part of the day’s festivities. For all ages and their grown-ups. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron.

Noon-4 p.m. Free. For a list of films, visit www. akronartmuseum.org.

3/19 Voices in the Valley presents The Stumpy Basin Volunteers The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall.

Beer, wine and adult beverages available. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. For tickets and showtimes, visit www.peninsulahistory.org.

3/19 BLU Jazz+ presents “Duo Art: New Folks” with Philip Catherine & Martin Wind On the forefront of the European jazz scene since the 1960’s, jazz guitar legend, Philip Catherine, teams up with NYC-based German bassist extraordinaire, Martin Wind, in a melodic jazz duo setting for an intimate concert at BLU. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 7 and 9:30 p.m. $15. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

3/19 VOCI presents The Sounds of “Silents” Drift back to a time when films had no sound - just music.

For one night only, Voices of Canton will perform as a live choral soundtrack, alongside the Kilgen Organ, to a newly-restored, 1920s classic, “Beyond the Rocks,” featuring two stars of the silent film era, Rudolph Valentino and Gloria Swanson. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N., Canton. 7:30 p.m. $12$20. For tickets, visit www.voicesofcanton.org.

3/19 “Akron on Broadway” Akron Symphony Orchestra presents songs, choruses and orchestral showpieces from the greatest Broadway shows in history. Enjoy music by Rodgers and Hammerstein, George Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Stephen Schwartz, Andrew Lloyd Webber and more. Christopher Wilkins conducts. The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $12.50-$55. For tickets, visit www.akronsymphony.org.

3/19, 3/20 Seek the Light Expo Gifted light workers provide visitors with spiritual direction.

From astrology, palm reading, clairvoyants, tarot cards, mediums and more, Seek the Light Expo has something for everyone in search of enlightenment.

Available at the Metaphysical Marketplace are crystals, gemstones, books, candles, cards, jewelry and other items of interest. John S. Knight Center, 77 East Mill St., Akron. 11 a.m.-6 p.m. Free. www. seekthelightexpo.com.

3/20 Metro Parks Book Club “The Cotton Kingdom” is a true account of Frederick Law Olmsted’s observations of cotton and slavery in the South.

Before he was the master planner of many city parks like Central Park in NYC, and the grounds of the Washington Capitol, Olmsted was a correspondent for the New York Times and wrote about the true economics and attitudes he discovered on his journey. Bring a mug for refreshments. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks. org.

3/20 First Day of Spring Hike Get out and explore on the first day of spring while hiking the vigorous Chuckery Trail. Cascade Valley Metro Park, Chuckery Area, 837 Cuyahoga St., Akron. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/20 Rain Barrels Rain barrels can reduce your water bill and your ecological footprint. Enjoy a hands-on workshop to build your own rain barrel. Single barrels are $70; linking barrels are $35 each. Fees must be paid by 3/13. Registration required. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 2-4 p.m. $35-$70. www.summitmetroparks. org.

3/20 Cuyahoga Valley House Concerts Fiddler Ed Caner has performed as a sideman for over 50 major acts. He is also a founding member of his own band, Hey Mavis. Ed invites different guest musicians to perform with him each month. Hines Hill Conference Center, 1403 W. Hines Hill Road, Peninsula. 7 p.m. $8-$10. www.conservancyforcvnp.org.

3/21-3/27 College ID Days: Spring Break 2016 Show your school pride and celebrate spring break by coming to the Akron zoo. College students with a valid school ID will receive buy-one-get-one-free admission. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $7. Free/Members. www.akronzoo.org.

3/23 BLU Jazz+ presents Rock Wehrmann: Solo Piano Jazz pianist, Rock Wehrmann, is a performer, producer, musical director and accompanist. A firstcall musician for Playhouse Square, the Cleveland Jazz Orchestra and the Cleveland Pops, Rock has established himself as both a well-respected and talented performer and educator. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. For tickets, visit www. blujazzakron.com.

3/23 Meet Me in the Garden Join the Master Gardeners of Summit County to assess and improve your soil’s health. Learn about soil biology as an ecosystem, how to test your soil and how to make it healthier. Presented by Ann Brandt, owner of Walnut Creek Seeds, LLC. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 7-9 p.m.

Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/23-3/26 The Akron School for the Arts presents Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” In a magical kingdom beneath the sea, the beautiful young mermaid, Ariel, longs to leave her ocean home to live in the world above. Based on one of Hans Christian Andersen’s most beloved stories, the classic animated film, Disney’s “The Little Mermaid,” is a hauntingly beautiful love story for the ages. Firestone High School Theatre, Linda Kersker Auditorium, 333 Rampart Ave., Akron. $10-$13. VIP/$16. For tickets and showtimes, visit www.firestonetheatre.com.

3/24 Weekday Walkers Enjoy a stroll on both Pheasant Run and Chippewa trails with stops to discover nature and history. Silver Creek Metro Park, Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Road, Norton.

1-3 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/24 The Life of American Composer Stephen Foster: presented by Steve Ball Ball will present some of Stephen Foster’s famous and not-so-famous tunes on a 19th century Martin guitar and vintage tenor banjo. Foster is the composer of historic American ballads, such as “O Susanna,” “Camptown Races,” and “Swanee River.” Steve Ball has performed all over the country and at nearly every major Civil War event.

G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. 7 p.m. Free. For tickets, visit www.peninsulahistory.org.

3/24 The Kent Stage presents Ron Holloway Band Holloway combines passion and a broad dynamic range to generate an exciting and distinctive sound.

Holloway strives to push the tenor sax beyond the limits of its dynamic range. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $10. For tickets, visit www. thekentstage.com.

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3/25 Cardio Hike Join a naturalist for healthy outdoor exercise by hiking the 3.2-mile Adam Run Trail at a vigorous pace. Beginners are welcome, but talk to a doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. Hampton Hills Metro Park, Main Entrance, 2925 Akron-Peninsula Road, Akron. 11 a.m.-Noon.

Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/25 Animal Enrichment Day: Eggstravaganza Start your holiday weekend celebrating with the animals, giving them Papier-mâché eggs, hard-boiled eggs and more. Enrichment is anything given to the animals to stimulate their natural behaviors. Enrichment Days give the animal care staff the opportunity to showcase to the public what they do for the animals.

Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $7. Free/Members. www.akronzoo.org.

3/25 Jilly’s presents Anne DeChant with The Record Party DeChant has performed at Lilith Fair, The White House, The Bluebird Cafe and has opened for Nora Jones, Stevie Nicks and Joan Jett, to name a few. The Record Party is a 60s, 70s and 80s cover band from Akron. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 6:30-Midnight. Free. www.jillysmusicroom. com.

3/25 Voices in the Valley presents Becky Boyd The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall. Beer, wine and adult beverages available. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. For tickets and showtimes, visit www. peninsulahistory.org.

3/26 Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast Enjoy a hot buffet breakfast with the Easter Bunny and friends, hop aboard the Easter Eggspress for a fun ride, and listen to Mother Goose tell stories with her friends, Little Bo Peep, Red Riding Hood and Little Miss Muffet.

The Egg Hunt takes place on the grounds outside the Manor House, rain or shine. For children ages 0-9 years old. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Breakfast is from 9-11 a.m.; Egghunt is from 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. For details and tickets, visit www.stanhywet.org.

3/26 Coffee with the Birds Have a peaceful morning discussion at the wildlife viewing area and learn how to get prepared for spring bird feeding. Bring a mug.

Coffee is provided. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10 a.m.Noon. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/26 Honeybees Discover what honeybees are doing in spring. Program includes a craft. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 1-2:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks. org.

3/26 Voices in the Valley presents The Numbers Band The Peninsula Foundation supports the arts community by presenting Voices in the Valley, a showcase of traditional roots music. Kick back and relax for a night of music in the Historic G.A.R. Hall.

Beer, wine and adult beverages available. G.A.R. Hall, 1785 Main St., Peninsula. For tickets and showtimes, visit www.peninsulahistory.org.

3/26 BLU Jazz+ presents JD Allen Trio Internationally-acclaimed contemporary jazz saxophonist and chart-topping recording artist brings all-star trio to Akron in BLU debut. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20. For tickets, visit www. blujazzakron.com.

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3/26 The Kent Stage presents Lucinda Williams with Buick 6 Williams is a formidable singersongwriter ruminating on disappointments, fretting over lost friends and celebrating the subtlest of life’s joys. Buick 6 links traditional music with modern blues and folk. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $42.50-$60. For tickets, visit www. thekentstage.com.

3/26 Tangier presents Wish You Were Here This Pink Floyd tribute band has gained international recognition for its detailed recreations of Floyd’s greatest albums and tours. This exclusive Akron appearance will be celebrating the 40th anniversary of Pink Floyd’s 1975 release of their album, “Wish You Were Here.” The Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron. 9 p.m. $32. For tickets, visit www.thetangier.com.

3/27 Egg Zooprise The first 100 people to arrive at the zoo on Easter will select one colorful egg with a zooper-worthy surprise. Akron Zoo, 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. $7. Free/Members. www. akronzoo.org.

3/28 Cardio Hike Hike more than five miles at a vigorous pace with few, if any, rest stops. Beginners are welcome, but talk to your doctor before beginning a new exercise routine. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Pioneer Area, 550 Frazier Ave., Akron.

1-2:30 p.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/30 Indian Spring in the Spring Hike the 2.2-mile Indian Spring Trail to see and learn about what is reemerging after another Ohio winter. Munroe Falls Metro Park, Lake Area, 521 S. River Road, Munroe Falls. 10-11:30 a.m. Free. www.summitmetroparks. org.

3/30 BLU Jazz+ presents Cliff Barnes: Solo Piano Pittsburgh-based pianist, organist and bassist, Cliff Barnes, is an accomplished and versatile musician in genres ranging from gospel to jazz. Barnes has performed with some of the biggest names in the industry, including David Sanborn and Pieces of a Dream, to name a few. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. For tickets, visit www. blujazzakron.com.

3/31 Adventure Day Camp Children ages 7 to 10 can register for this early spring adventure with fun, hands-on experiences and explore the park, create a craft and learn basic archery. Pack a lunch and dress to be outside for long periods of time. Registration begins 3/5. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $10. www. summitmetroparks.org.

3/29 Kids Basket Weaving Children ages 9 to 12 will learn basic weaving techniques to complete a small basket. Please bring a small flathead screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, towel and 2-gallon bucket, if you can. Registration begins 3/6. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 10 a.m.12:30 p.m. $10. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/29 Teens Basket Weaving Teens ages 13 to 17 will learn basic weaving techniques to complete a small basket. Please bring a small flathead screwdriver, needle-nose pliers, towel and 2-gallon bucket, if you can. Registration begins 3/6. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 1:30-4 p.m. $10. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/29 Yoga for Kids Children ages 6 to 10 join a naturalist and a certified yoga instructor for this fun and exciting program. Kids will mimic animals and other natural movements to connect to nature.

Please wear comfortable clothing and bring a mat.

Registration begins 3/5. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 2-3 p.m.

Free. www.summitmetroparks.org.

3/29 Brit Floyd Live Following it’s hugely successful 146 concert date tour around the globe in 2015, Brit Floyd, The World’s Greatest Pink Floyd Show, returns to North America in 2016 to continue its amazing journey through fifty years of Pink Floyd, and the vast and incredible catalogue of music they have given us. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron.

7:30 p.m. $35-$55. $100/VIP. For tickets, visit www. akroncivic.com.

3/29 The Cult Formed in 1983, The Cult, a postpunk/gothic rock band, gained a dedicated following in the US in the late 1980s with singles such as “Love Removal Machine” and “Fire Woman.” Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. 7:30 p.m. $33-$50. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

3/30 Adventure Day Camp Kids ages 7 to 10 can register for this early spring adventure with fun, hands-on experiences. We will be exploring the park, doing a craft and learning basic archery. Pack a lunch and dress to be outside for long periods of time. Registration begins 3/5. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $10. www.summitmetroparks.org. march 2016

3/31 Artists’ Dialogue: Gianna Commito, Erik Neff, Amy Sinbondit and Amy Yoes Join three NEO Geo artists and New York artist, Amy Yoes, for a conversation on the role of geometric abstraction in their artistic practices. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. www. akronartmuseum.org.

3/31 Yoga in the Park Enjoy an energizing yoga practice with a certified yoga instructor. Registration begins 3/11. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Visitors Center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 7-8 p.m. Free. www. summitmetroparks.org.

3/31 BLU Jazz+ presents Phil Markowitz, Zach Brock, Jay Anderson & Clarence Penn Two virtuosic and critically-acclaimed violinists and pianists from New York City boast a breadth of musical experience as they bring their original compositions to BLU with an all-star quartet. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron.

8 p.m. $15. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

3/31 Jilly’s presents The Punknecks A highenergy punk-country show, fronted by Jason and Polly Punkneck, The Punknecks bring a raw guy/girl harmony sound, backed by hard-driven, acoustic music. Jilly’s Music Room, 111 N. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. Free. www.jillysmusicroom.com.

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4/1 Late Night Catechism This is an uproarious piece of theater that takes audience members back to the children they once were. The irrepressible Sister teaches an adult catechism class to a roomful of “students” (the audience). Over the course of the play, Sister goes from benevolent instructor to authoritative drill sergeant. Kent State University Tuscarawas Campus, Performing Arts Center, 330 University Drive NE, New Philadelphia. 7:30 p.m. $25-$34. For tickets, visit www.kent.edu/tusc/pac.

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4/1 BLU Jazz+ presents Fred Hirsch Trio Legendary jazz innovator and eight-time Grammy-nominated pianist and composer blazes into BLU with an all-star trio for a must-hear concert event. Co-presented by Steinway Piano Gallery Cleveland. BLU Jazz+, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 7 and 9:30 p.m. $20. For tickets, visit www.blujazzakron.com.

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4/1 The Kent Stage presents Ani DiFranco DiFranco is a singer, songwriter, activist and independent entrepreneur setting her own pace and encouraging countless admirers to do the same for more than 20 years. The Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent. 8 p.m. $38-$65.50. For tickets, visit www.thekentstage.com.

4/2 Michael Carbonaro: Star of “The Carbonaro Effect” Michael Carbonaro is an actor, magician, comedian and improv artist known for his original hidden camera magic series, “The Carbonaro Effect,” on truTV. Hard Rock Rocksino, Northfield Park, Hard Rock Live, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield. 8 p.m. $29-$40. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

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4/3 Akron Symphony Chorus: Vivaldi’s “Gloria” Maria Sensi Sellner leads the Akron Symphony Chorus in Vivaldi’s “Gloria” and other choral selections in its annual Spring Concert. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron. 3 p.m. $7.50-$15. For tickets, visit www. akronsymphony.org.

4/7 Latshaw Productions presents Cesar Millan Live Free from the limitations of TV and the internet, Cesar is truly the pack leader you’ve imagined.

He is more animated, spontaneous and fun than you expect, connecting with the audience in a conversation about his values, principles and dogtraining methods. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N., Canton. 7:30 p.m. $60-$90. $100/VIP. For tickets, visit www.cantonpalacetheatre.org.

Where Every Pet is a Celebrity !

Knowledgeable & Caring Groomers with Over 38 Years Combined Experience

4/9 Tangier presents Blue Oyster Cult One of the most influential hard rock ensembles returns to The Tangier for two power-packed shows, featuring such classic hits as “The Reaper,” and “Burnin’ for You.” The Tangier, 532 W. Market St., Akron. 7:30 and 9:30 p.m. $40-$92. For tickets, visit www.thetangier.com.

Visit Our Boutique for Unique Pet Apparel, Toys, and Pet Care Items

4/17 “Wild Kratts Live!” The wildly popular PBS KIDS television show comes to life on stage in a classic Wild Kratts story. Through hilarious pratfalls and amazing animal “wow facts,” the Wild Kratts team rescues their favorite invention from Zach’s clutches so the animals of the creature world are safe once again. The University of Akron’s EJ Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 2 and 5:30 p.m. $25-$45. $100/Meetand-greet. For tickets, visit www.ticketmaster.com.

Hours: Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday & Saturday: 8am-5pm

330-869-4660 1834 Merriman Rd. Akron, OH 44313 Like us on

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330-733-8000 2492 Wedgewood Drive, Akron, OH 44312 taylormadejewelry.com

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by Molly Gase and Sharon Cebula photos by Natalie Spencer

10

»ÄÇ ©ÄÂÄÇÇÄÌ Yesterday is a memory; tomorrow is a dream; all we have is right now. Or so the saying goes. For many of Akron’s young professionals, however, tomorrow is more than a dream. It’s a promise, a possibility, a powerful gift of potential.

Ten of the Akron area’s most promising up-and-comers have much to say about our community. They are starting new

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businesses and fostering creativity here.

They are inspired by the community’s past and hopeful for its future.

Other than all being members of the Torchbearers 2016 class, these 10 people have little in common other than their focus on leading the way to a bright, exciting tomorrow for The 330.

¶ÂºÈ ¶Ç¹Î Many people dream of changing society, but James Hardy works daily to actually make changes. “I decided that if I wanted to make change in my community, I should put myself out there and put my ideas out there,” says Hardy, the Deputy Mayor for Administration and Chief of Staff for the City of Akron.

Hardy first got the political bug as a teenager and connected with his city councilman, Dan Horrigan.

“I’ve had the privilege of knowing Mayor Horrigan since I was 15 or 16 years old.” Horrigan has been a mentor to him throughout his life, leading to his current position in the Mayor’s office. “It really is an honor and privilege to come to work every day at the Mayor’s office. You have the ability to impact so many things in the city and I’ve only scratched the surface.”

His desire to drive change led him to run for the Akron Public School Board at age 20. When he won, he became the youngest person to do so. “I like to tell people I have two degrees from Akron Public: a high school diploma and then a degree from the school of hard knocks of serving on that board for six years, but I absolutely loved it.”

Hardy is very involved in the Community AIDS Network Akron Pride Initiative (CANAPI), which helps those living with HIV/AIDS in the Akron area, an organization close to his heart—Hardy’s uncle suffered from AIDS. “That has impacted me for the rest of my life to always be a supporter of LGBTQ equality, and make sure folks living with HIV/AIDS get what they need so they can live a wonderful life,” says Hardy.

When not working in the community, the 31-year-old is home with his young family. Every now and again, he even finds time to sing or pick up a bass guitar to play with friends—an old hobby from his days at Firestone High School.

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¡¶ÊǶ ¢ºÇÀÁ¾Ã The need for family is a vital one. Laura Merklin herself says that missing her family drew her back to the Akron area after four years working in York, Penn. After finishing her master’s degree in social work, she started down a path unrelated to her current destination. “I actually went to school thinking I would be a Jewish Communal Professional,” she says. “While working in York, I realized that though I am still passionate about the field, I wasn’t sure it was the right career path for me.”

Now 30, Merklin currently works for Caring for Kids Inc. as a Wendy's Wonderful Kids recruiter in Cuyahoga Falls, where she helps youth who are at risk of aging out of foster care find an adoptive or forever family.

She works with children of all ages throughout Cuyahoga County, even those over 18. She says that the need for a family isn’t restricted by age. “We do adult adoptions because who is going to walk someone down the aisle or be the first person they call to ask a question—you always need someone to call and talk to.”

Returning home, Merklin found her passion working with children. “I firmly believe that everything happens for a reason because I couldn’t be happier.”

The decision to return to the place she was born and raised couldn’t have been a better one for her, she says, as she is now discovering all the community has to offer. “I really love how everyone is so passionate about Akron and everyone works together so well to make this community great. I always just enjoy calling Akron home.”

-MG

ÁºÈ½¶ ¬¶ÁÀºÇ Growing up the daughter of a factory worker father and a mother who never finished high school sounds like the back-story of a fictional politician from a movie. But it’s the real history of Alesha Walker, Akron native and aspiring legislator.

When Walker was young and watched episodes of “Law & Order” with her dad, he always said she would make a great lawyer. “I realized that legislation is the way to really affect change,” Walker says. At 26, she is poised to do exactly that with her non-profit organization, Reach Then Grow, designed to offer resources and services to ex-felons and the homeless. “I desire to speak on behalf of those who are not clearly heard,” she says, which is why she plans to run for City Council in Akron and, eventually, the state legislature.

Currently the director of communications at the Summit County Probate Court, Walker has worked on several local political campaigns and cannot see herself ever leaving this area. “Big cities can be overwhelming,” she says. “Akron is home; [it’s] big enough to accomplish my goals.”

When not campaigning or working, Walker enjoys singing in various local church groups and playing pool—a pastime for which she won a championship in college. It seems she never does things halfway, a quality necessary to support her lofty dreams. “My goal is to link everyone, the heard and the unheard, in unity,” she says. “That is the only way to make Akron even bigger than what it is.”

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ÃöÁ «Î¶È “I’ve never been accused of being cool,” says Annal Vyas, professor of Clinical Law at The University of Akron and legal advisor for The Bit Factory, a software start-up accelerator in downtown.

“Who creates cool? Artists and entrepreneurs,” he says, emphasizing the importance of linking the arts with economic development. “Create cool, and you have a place where people want to be.”

That place is downtown Akron, the 35-year-old’s adopted home.

Growing up in Stow, the younger of two children of Indian immigrants, Vyas didn’t worry too much about being cool, except for a brief association with some eighth-graders who coerced him into smashing pumpkins on neighbors’ porches. Since then, he has mostly made his parents proud, apart from not supplying them with grandchildren. “I’m in a relationship with Akron,” he says. “I’ve fallen in love!”

Vyas doesn’t deny the economic troubles our region has experienced, but he sees a parallel growth of culture here. And if you mention the term ‘rust belt,’ he goes into lawyer mode: “I categorically reject the foundational premise of that assertion,” he says. “We aren’t the rust belt; we’re the creativity belt, the arts belt, the inspiration belt, the innovation belt, the entrepreneur belt!”

To illustrate his point, Vyas refers to PechaKucha, a series of short presentations by artists, scientists, scholars and entrepreneurs in a festive atmosphere that the Bit Factory hosted in November and February. The interdisciplinary nature of the event is meant to spark innovation and collaboration, something Vyas feels is vital to Akron’s continuing evolution.

“If you cultivate a culture of possibility,” he says, “it’s amazing what tremendous things can occur.”

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¢¶ÇÎ ÄÈÅŶÇÈÀÎ Mary Hospodarsky’s husband says that her motto should be “Oh, yeah?” because she is stubborn and loves a challenge. Rather than deny it, Hospodarsky embraces her stubbornness, adding, “If someone tells me I can’t do something, it will be my goal to prove them wrong.” What better quality is there for an entrepreneur?

Hospodarsky opened Sweet Mary’s Bakery on Mill St. in 2015, bringing her nine-year-old online business to brick-and-mortar fruition.

Hospodarsky’s parents still live in the house near Buchtel High School where she and her sister learned to bake at an early age, and where their father home-schooled them. “We used to get out of school work if we told my dad we’d bake cookies,” she says.

But baking didn’t seem like a career option for Hospodarsky, who studied everything from ballet and Russian to

microbiology and military intelligence in college, until her husband challenged her to take business courses through SCORE, a nonprofit small business support network.

Now 35, Hospodarsky hopes her success will help dispel the myths about downtown Akron that keep some people away. “Everyone has such [an] ‘80s-‘90s view of how Akron was,” she says. “And that is not how [it] is anymore.” The tremendous traffic at her shop on Saturdays and during events like First Night is proving her right.

Hospodarsky gets choked up talking about the help she’s had in getting on her feet, and she returns the favor whenever possible, featuring local products like Bent Tree Coffee and Not Yo’ Daddy’s Hot Sauce in her shop. “I just really love this city,” she says.

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¡¾È¶ ¶Ë¶Á¶ People often have a hard time seeing the potential in a thing or place.

They can’t peal back the layers to see the gem underneath. Whether it is literally stripping the paint off of an old piece of furniture or uncovering a great local restaurant, Lisa Davala is working to rejuvenate The 330.

Originally from North Canton, the 27-year-old is currently the marketing coordinator at Akron-Canton Airport. The ability to share information is vital in her profession, and Davala fully embraced it when she started doing more online marketing.

“I saw that it had so many opportunities, so I stuck with that as my career path.”

The ability to adapt within her industry is one that Davala says has been helpful in her current position.

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“In the airline industry, everything is so fluid,” she says. “Since I’ve been here, there have been mergers of airlines, new airlines, new air routes and a lot of community involvement. It’s always exciting, and it’s always something new.”

When not in the office, Davala is still online, working on the blog she co-authors. “We find new places to go to or little-known places that we really enjoy, and we share them with people,” she says. By informing her digital readers about what Akron and Canton have to offer, she hopes to retain young professionals. “It’s always sad when you see people leave for Cleveland because in their eyes it’s bigger and better. [I try] to show people how great our community is and why they should stay.”

-MG

march 2016

¶ù¶ ¥¶ÇÀºÇ For most people, insurance law sounds like an excellent cure for insomnia. But for Amanda Parker, 27-year-old associate litigator with Brouse McDowell, it’s an opportunity to link the past to the future.

Cases like one her firm worked on recently involving EPA laws from the 1970s “are helping to create the law that will impact not only my son’s life, but his kids, and his kids’ kids,” Parker says. The future is a main focus for Parker, single mom of an 18-month-old and life-long resident of the Akron area.

She sees a very bright future for herself and her son here, and for the city itself, with new residents, restaurants and businesses, like The Bit Factory, re-energizing the downtown area. “I’m so happy that I’m able to stay here and raise my son in the community that I know he can flourish in.” Parker says that “he’ll have the same opportunities I had and even more.”

The oldest of three sisters, Parker was born and raised on the West Side and now lives in Goodyear Heights, walking distance from the church her close-knit family has always been active in.

“I have passion for my job, but I never expected to find fulfillment in my job only,” she says, reflecting on the volunteer and pro bono legal work she does. Whether it’s through litigation, mentoring, or raising her son, Parker keeps her life facing forward. “I love to be able to dig deeper,” she says, “and always find something new.”

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£º¾Á £¶¼Î Take a risk and follow your dream. Create your own place in the world.

This advice comes from Neil Nagy, the 31-year-old graphic designer with Val Mark Securities, Inc. And it’s not just empty talk.

After completing a Bachelor’s degree in Finance and Economics and working as an investment analyst, Nagy decided to embrace his creative side and return to school for another degree, this time in Graphic Design. “It was kind of a scary thing,” he says, because he wasn’t sure it would pay off.

As it turns out, he found his niche, largely by marketing himself and believing that creativity and business were not mutually exclusive fields. Now, having work that integrates his right and left brains feels more balanced for Nagy, who grew up in Green with a crafty, creative mother. “That creativity has really shaped how I’m involved in the community,” he says, like his design work with the Akron Civic Theater’s Mask of the Red Death Halloween celebration.

“My love for Akron continues to grow every year,” he says, reflecting on why he and his wife stay here rather than relocating to a larger city. “You can pursue any ideas, and there’s opportunity,” he says. And if you haven’t yet found your niche, keep looking because, as Nagy believes, “everything needs a catalyst, and rather than sit around and wait for it, you can be that catalyst.”

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Golfer, scholar, research assistant, hot sauce entrepreneur—Cristina Gonzalez Alcala traveled many paths so far in her life. The smiling, energetic woman says the journey has been worth it so far. “I wouldn’t change it for the world either. Where I’m at right now is pretty awesome.”

Originally from Durango, Mexico, Alcala left at age 17 for a golf scholarship at the University of Louisville.

Upon graduation, she was drawn to The University of Akron by a graduate assistant coaching position with the women’s golf team. While at UA, she completed not only one masters, but two, and began a Ph.D. in Urban Studies and Public Affairs that is currently in progress.

Hunting for a full-time job was made even more challenging because of her international status—leading her to take a position three hours away for several months— 34

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but she eventually landed at the Summit Education Initiative as a research associate.

After attending a Better Block event, she says it really hit her that they had a business. “My wife and I started pursuing that. We did another event and were selling out of the product.” The hot sauce is her father’s recipe, inspiring the name. “It’s Not Yo’ Daddy’s Hot Sauce, because it’s my daddy, not yours,” says Alcala.

In her early thirties, Alcala lives in North Hill with her wife, where she says they are truly comfortable. “Being able to actually stay here in Akron so we can see the impact of what we’re doing—if we get involved enough, there are things you can do where you see results right away. That’s just pretty priceless.”

Äöɽ¶Ã ÄÊÀ Jonathan Houk has always had a personal motto when it comes to his career. “[I want to] be able to say that I had a significant positive impact on the lives of those I served.” The 30-year-old director of retirement services at PRLKW & Co. isn’t only referring to his work inside the office, but also in the greater community.

Away from the work his firm is doing to secure their clients’ financial futures, Houk is a member of the Knights of Columbus at St. Hilary Church in Fairlawn.

The Knights of Columbus is a fraternal organization of Catholic men who work in the community for its betterment. Through them, Houk has become involved in working with Valor Home and Habitat for Humanity.

The men in KOC might be older than Houk and his peers, but he finds that to be an asset. “Spending time with men who are older than me, but have walked the path for 20 and 30 years, [allows me] to learn from them,” says Houk.

Born and raised in Akron, Houk married his high school sweetheart and the two now live in Medina.

“We’re two young professionals that really can have an impact in a community that’s right on a knife’s edge—you keep positive momentum going forward, and Akron is going to do great things.

You take some of that positive momentum away, and it could revert to the last 20 years.”

-MG

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education

by Molly Gase

Camps to Consider / Summer fun comes in many shapes and sizes. /

Planning summer activities for your young ones can be a challenge. There are a lot of options out there that keep them off the couch, away from a touch screen and engaged with their peers.

The traditional image of summer camps is one full of children riding horses, loosing arrows at colorful targets, paddling across crystal blue lakes and weaving pot holders. These are all things found at general interest camps throughout The 330. Exposing children to wide spaces and exciting activities can keep them moving all summer long.

Athletics

If your child is intrigued by a specific topic, however, there are also many unique offerings for them in the area. Whether you have a young athlete, scientist, language aficionado or musician, there are summer camps for each interest.

“I think that every child should have a summer camp experience because the need to continue outof-school education over the summer is absolutely paramount to the life of a child, and there is no better way to do it than a camp experience, whether it’s ours or anybody’s,” says Rich Garbinsky, the president and general manager of Pinnacle Sports in Medina and Twinsburg.

The second camp option focuses on specific sports, with children gaining skills and confidence within their chosen sport. “Some of those get very specific where you’re doing a pitching camp or a hitting camp,” says Garbinsky.

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Organized sports are a great way to keep children happy, healthy and energized throughout the summer months. Pinnacle Sports offers two camp options at both their Medina and Twinsburg locations. The Pinnacle Sports Summer Day Camp is an eight-week day camp for children ages 5-13.

This option has week-to-week registration, allowing children to participate all summer long or only select weeks. “We highlight a different sport each week,” says Rich Garbinsky. Basketball, soccer, baseball, softball and other sports are all included.

The 2016 Pinnacle Sports Summer Day Camp begins June 6 and runs for eight weeks. For more information, and dates for specific instructional camps, visit pinnaclesports.org.

march 2016

General Interest Camps

Akron Area YMCA Day Camps (multiple locations) Akron Area YMCA Day Camps offer fun adventure while forming new memories and lasting friendships for children who have completed kindergarten through age 12. Check out Gotcamp.org or call 330-376-1335 to find the YMCA location nearest you and get all the details.

Camp Ledgewood All girls are invited to have fun, make friends and try new things—like archery, horseback riding and astronomy—at themed camps in Peninsula. Visit gsneo.org or email camp@ gsneo.org for more information.

Camp JCC The Shaw JCC of Akron offers kids in grades one through 11 exciting adventures all summer, with specialty camps in gymnastics, culinary creations, various sports, and more. For more information, call 330-867-7850 or visit shawjcc.org.

Arts Camps

Summer Piano Institute at Kent State University

Global perspective. Individual focus.

This eleven-day program for talented piano students in grades 7 through 12 immerses your child in musical study, with one-on-one instruction from university faculty, master classes with guest artists, and a final performance at Severance Hall’s Reinberger Hall.

Contact Monica Brately at mbratel1@kent. edu or 330-672-3100 for all the details.

Weathervane Playhouse Summer Theater Academy Weathervane Playhouse offers children ages four to 18 a variety of classes in acting, singing, dancing and visual arts all summer long.

Visit weathervaneplayhouse.com for more info and to register online.

Magical Theater Company This professional theater offers overnight and day camp options for kids of all ages to hone their public speaking skills, physical awareness and fitness, self-confidence, and teamwork abilities. Go to magicaltheater.org or call 330848-3708 for more information.

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Language Learning a new language can be a challenge. However, if you can integrate the lessons with fun, it becomes a great way to pass the summer months.

Camp Globo is a language immersion camp that envelopes young campers in Spanish. While playing and enjoying traditional camp activities, children learn through repetitive use of vocabulary words and songs. “It’s really fascinating to see how quickly they learn and that they have fun and enjoy it,” says Lisa Canterbury, the owner and founder of Camp Globo. “They don’t even really know that they are learning.”

The camp is available in both Hudson and Richfield and is in its third summer. This year, the day camp will run all day, once a week for six weeks. For more information, including dates and location specifics, visit www.campglobo.com.

STEM There is little that makes you feel more like an Akronite than the Soap Box Derby. This summer, children can fuel their need for speed by attending the Soap Box Derby STEM Summer Program at Derby Downs. The fiveday program has grown in popularity the last few years and allows campers to test not only their racing skills, but their scientific minds with STEM projects. Under the guidance of local teachers, campers learn about simple machines, work on their math and craft miniderby cars to test out. They also get to race down the famous track each day.

“Where can you go, race every single day, go 30-35 mph in a gravity car and meet other great kids?” asks Joe Mazur, the president and CEO of the Soap Box Derby. “It’s a racing camp that kids normally wouldn’t have even thought about doing and once they do, they’re hooked.”

The 2016 Soap Box Derby STEM Summer Program is held in two sessions. The first is June 6 through June 10, and the second is June 13 through June 17. For more information, visit www.soapboxderby.org/educationprogram/summer-camps.aspx.

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The Illusion Factory Summer Theater Camp Kids ages 5 and up get a hands-on theater experience, learning set and costume design, memorizing lines, and performing for a live audience in this interactive day camp, held at the Northwest Family Recreation Center at 1730 Shatto Ave. For questions or to enroll, contact Matt Wilkes at 330-376-5700 or email him at theillusionfactoryakron@gmail. com.

Education

Camp Invention Children learn about science while having hands-on fun as part of a team in these camps located throughout Summit and Stark Counties. Find one close to you at inventnow-web.ungerboeck.com/programsearch/ program_map.aspx, or call 800-968-4332 for more info.

Sylvan Learning Center Make sure your child is ready for fall with camps and flexible programs in study skills, test prep, robotics, and more for grades K-12.

For more information and to register, call 330-867-7031 in Fairlawn, or 330-487-5820 in Twinsburg.

Akron Zoo Camp Kids ages two to 15 can get in touch with their wild side at Zoo Camp while learning about wildlife and animal behaviors from zoo staff and animal trainers. For details and registration, call 330-375-2550 or email info@ akronzoo.org.

Sports Camps

The University of Akron Basketball Camps These camps for boys and girls of all ages offer skilled instruction from players and coaches on fundamentals, defense and the hard work it takes to win. Visit akronbasketballcamps. com for details and to register online.

Blue Streak All-Sports Camp With a ratio of just seven campers per staff member, Blue Streak Camps offer personalized attention for kids ages 4 to 13 looking to try archery, football, basketball, soccer, floor hockey, Frisbee, golf, and many other sports in a non-competitive atmosphere that focuses on sportsmanship and skill building. Campers meet at East Woods Elementary School in Hudson. Go to bluestreakcamps.com to register online, or call 216-373-5431 for more information.

Where can you go to have an adventure?

To create your own movie? To improve your English?

To perfect your lacrosse skills?

The answer is Western Reserve Academy.

WRA Adventure Camp Action-packed day camp, weekly sessions Ages 8–14 | June 13–July 22, 2016 Classroom Antics Tech Camp Technology day camp Ages 7–13 years old | July 5–8, 2016 Game On! Sports 4 Girls Weekly sports day camp for girls Ages 4–14 | June 6–July 1, 2016 Lacrosse, football and soccer summer camps Various dates in June 2016

To learn more and register visit WRA.net/summerprograms or call 330.342.9661

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Public Library Summer Programs

Music

by Sharon Cebula

Music is not only good for the soul, it is a wonderful way to engage your children over summer break. Musical Fingers Summer Rock Camp offers week-long camps that run from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with a concert showcasing the campers’ talent on Friday. There are two types of camps for children to explore: classic rock and contemporary Christian. Though it is helpful, campers need no previous experience with an instrument before beginning.

The camp is offered to a range of children, welcoming those with special needs. “It’s really great because it gives kids the chance to perform together under a common banner, which is music,” says Kitrael Chin, the owner, creator and founder of the camp.

Those participating in the contemporary Christian camp get the chance to take over for a church service. “I’m very big in not simply playing music, but playing music with a purpose—it’s showing them what they can actually do with it and how they can impact the community,” says Chin.

For more information about the Musical Fingers Summer Rock Camp, dates and locations, visit musicalfingers.org.

/ Managing editor Molly Gase has been pacing around the office non-stop since Christmas, trying to make her Fitbit happy with her daily step count.

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Keep the kids busy for free this summer with these programs at public libraries The end of the school year can be joyous for school kids. Until they start complaining about how bored they are.

Without a plan, summer can seem like an endless void to fill.

Look no further than the local branch of your public library for fun, instructional programs for the kids this summer, and family events, too.

Each county in The 330 has a main library and several branches, so there’s bound to be some library summer fun near you.

Akron-Summit County Main Library

From the end of May to the end of July, Story Time captivates babies, toddlers, tweens and families with tales on various topics. Emerging shutterbugs in grades five through eight who enter the 9th Annual Photo Contest by picking up an entry form and rules in the Children’s Room, beginning June 1, will see their photos displayed in July. Other diversions include crafts and experiments for tweens, board games for teens, the prize-filled Summer Reading Program and Friday Movies for all ages. Check out kentfreelibrary.org for more details, or contact Shelley Hall, Youth Services Manager, in the library at 312 W. Main St, 330-673-4414.

Stark County District Library

Keep your mind and body active this summer with the Akron-Summit County Public Library’s reading/wellness experience for the whole family that runs from June 6-July 30. Receive a free reading/ exercise log when you register, then read, bike, walk, and play your way to a free T-shirt and other great prizes.

Find more information and a resource list at www.akronlibrary.org, or go to 60 S. High Street and talk to Carolyn Burrier, Youth Services Coordinator. All 17 branch locations will offer similar programs, so find the one that fits your family.

Calling all tech enthusiasts, crafters, tinkerers, hobbyists, engineers, authors, and artists! Stark Library celebrates you all at their first annual Stark Mini Maker Faire® on May 6. Contact Marianna DiGiacomo at 330-452-0665 or mdigiacomo@starklibrary.org if you want to exhibit, or just come to the event to see the new dedicated Maker Space and explore the technology Smart Spot.

Other summer events include free seeds from the Heirloom Seed Bank partnership with Stark County Master Gardener Volunteers through June 15 and the Summer Reading Challenge from June 6 to July 30. Visit starklibrary.org for all the details on these and other summer library fun at all 10 Stark Library locations.

Medina County District Library

Wayne County Public Library

Medina Public Library’s Summer Reading theme this year is Make, Create, Discover, Learn! Programs will cater to science, technology, art, electronics, and math, including robotics and cooking programs. Kids are asked to read for at least 20 minutes per day for 30 days. After 10 days, they’ll get to pick a prize from the treasure box. After 20 days, they’ll win another prize, and after 30 days they’ll win a free book.

Special reading lists and prizes are available for teens, as well. All programs at the Medina County libraries are free.

Visit www.mcdl.info/summerreading for details, or go to mcdl.info for the branch nearest you to learn more.

The seven branches of the Wayne County Library all have great activities in store this summer. The Wooster branch features a Pokemon Trading Card Club and PAWS to Read, where kids can share a book with a therapy pet. Kids looking to improve listening or teamwork skills at the West Salem Branch can express themselves at Theater Is a Team Sport. The Dalton and Creston branches include the whole family in their Whiz Bang Science of Sports event. Educational artist and teacher Jeff Nichols will spin stories while teaching simple draw-along techniques at the Rittman branch. Visit www.wcpl.info for phone numbers and locations of all branches, and check out wcpl.evanced.info/signup/eventcalendar.aspx for specifics on all these activities.

Mind, Body & Sole: On Your Mark, Get Set…Read!

Portage County—Kent Free Library Kids of all ages can find fun summer activities at the Kent Free Library.

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Summit DD

Jacob’s World / A story of friendship and community /

Have you ever met someone so endearing that they made you reflect on your own life? Am I the best I can be? Do I treat everyone with respect and loyalty?

Do I make it a mission to improve the lives of those around me? If you haven’t experienced this self-reflection yet, be prepared to.

In the heart of Summit County, there’s an Akron resident named Jacob. For many years, he has utilized the services of Summit DD to contribute to his hometown. “Jacob is aware he has a developmental disability. But it never stops him. He’s not afraid to step out and do it!” shared Nick McCoy, Jacob’s Service and Support Administrator (SSA) at Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board.

As an SSA, Nick listens to Jacob’s needs and connects him with a network of service options in Summit County. From early on, Jacob wanted to work in the community and earn a paycheck. When he expressed those needs, Jacob received training to use the Metro bus line independently. “He was openminded and now knows the bus routes better than me,” commented Nick. This level of independence has also contributed to 12 years of successful employment at Concordia at Sumner, a senior assisted living facility.

“He’s very, very kind-hearted—he will go to extreme lengths to make someone happy, 42

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and it’s a great trait,” commented Chef John Cetorelli, Jacob’s boss at Concordia. “Once he learns something, he can repeat that procedure a thousand times the same exact way—that’s a nice thing about Jacob,” Chef John continued.

Outside of work, Jacob uses Metro to attend numerous activities in the community with his family, peers and his girlfriend of 15 years.

“Sarah has got a crush on me. She loves me very much. I’m very loyal to her and she’s loyal to me,” said Jacob with a grin. When asked if they’re going to get married in the future, Jacob replied “…too soon to tell. I got to get approval from my mom and her parents. I don’t like to rush into judgement for myself and for Sarah you know.”

For years, Jacob has also made it his mission to support the efforts of Summit DD. He’s volunteered during the levy campaigns, and on a quarterly basis he enjoys luncheons with various staff. “I like to keep everything alive with Summit DD,” shared Jacob. “They’re respectful, loyal to the support, and very march 2016

excellent staff.”

“He has such a strong feeling towards being part of Summit DD as a whole. He helps out in any way, shape and form…it’s very important to him. He’s one of the best volunteers, best workers—that’s all Jacob. He cares about everyone. He’s a very heart-felt individual,” commented Jacob’s SSA Nick.

Jacob’s successes are built on a strong premise—a foundation of friendship in our community. “Community is to support and help people out a lot…like a team,” shared Jacob.

“Friendship is loyalty to each other—to look out for each other.”

So when you embark on your day, take into consideration Jacob’s ideals. Because not only will you begin to see the world differently, you will also help make it a better place for all.

Visit SummitDD.org/My-Story for Jacob’s video.

Summit DD

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Summit DD believes that all children should have access to quality, inclusive child care. Their Community Partnership for Inclusion (CPI) program supports a variety of childcare options across Summit County. From children who need a little extra support to little ones with specialized medical needs, Summit DD staff can help families find support in their communities.

Partnering for Families

Looking for support for her daughter, Destiny, local mom Gerika met with Summit DD’s staff to express her family’s goals. Together, they identified Destiny’s needs and created a list of childcare centers to tour. Gerika chose Kozmic Korner in Akron.

A nurse, contracted with Summit DD, worked with Kozmic Korner to demonstrate tube feeding techniques. Summit DD staff and Gerika were also on hand to address questions or concerns and help Destiny’s teachers feel confident.

“We will continue to provide nursing support when needed,” explained Summit DD Inclusion Specialist Erin Pemberton.

“And make sure she thrives at Kozmic Korner.”

Thanks to this partnership, Destiny will now have the opportunity to be with her peers in a fully inclusive setting. She’ll get the chance to play and make friends, all while working toward the developmental milestones that come with preschool.

From Kent State to Career

Leaving college and entering the workforce can be tough for anyone, but Elizabeth, who has Down Syndrome, wasn’t going to leave anything to chance. She was prepared for the transition from school life to the working world by completing the Career and Community Studies program at Kent State University and staying connected with her Service and Support Administrator (SSA) at Summit DD. Summit DD service coordinators, or SSAs, connect people with disabilities to supports and providers in the community that can help them achieve their vision of a happy, satisfying life. Throughout her program at Kent State, Elizabeth stayed in touch with her SSA, Ronda Barth, who offered support she needed.

“Liz is a great self-advocate and will call or email me if there are issues,” stated Barth. The SSA said she has helped connect Elizabeth to various community activities and groups that fit her interest while attending Kent State. Elizabeth agreed, saying that she found her SSA helpful and easy to stay connected with through email.

Summit DD has connected several students to Kent State and other colleges, and continues to support them throughout their higher education experience.

For more information about Summit DD’s service coordination visit SummitDD.org/SSA.

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ADM Board Offers Hope Alcoholism, drug addiction and mental illness are real medical conditions that can affect anyone. One in four families experiences either a mental health or substance abuse problem. The County of Summit Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services Board (ADM Board) system of services provides opportunities for recovery and hope for a better life.

The ADM Board is responsible for planning, funding, monitoring, and evaluating treatment and prevention services for people who experience alcoholism, drug addiction and/or mental illness. The ADM Board contracts with community agencies to provide quality, affordable services for people at critical times in their lives.

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Thanks to strong community support, Summit County residents have a comprehensive range of services and supports available to them through the ADM Board system. Each year, over 26,000 Summit County residents and their families benefit from treatment and supportive services funded by the ADM Board. More than 70 percent of the ADM’s system resources come from the property tax levy approved by Summit County voters. It is through those levy dollars that people can access effective services and supports.

Recovery from mental illnesses or addictive disorders requires a variety of treatment and support services. The continuum of care includes preventative and treatment services, housing supports, employment assistance, transportation, respite, peer support, recreation and educational services. Effective treatments are available and people do recover.

For 24 hour emergency assistance, call 330-762-6110 for a mental health emergency or 330-996-7730 for an addiction emergency. For information about the ADM Board’s network of services, please call 330-762-3500 or visit www. admboard.org.

Summit DD’s History Summit County has a rich history of supporting adults and children with intellectual and developmental disabilities and connecting them with the services needed to lead happy, satisfying lives.

Through the efforts of parent advocacy groups, Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board (Summit DD) was created in 1967 to administer and fund local programs in people’s own communities.

Summit DD’s Weaver School and Workshop opened at a time when there were no school or vocational services for children or adults with developmental disabilities. In 1979, group homes provided new residential options for people whose only other option was institutionalized living.

Summit DD’s role has been ever-evolving as services for individuals with disabilities become more community-minded. It successfully transitioned all school-age children into their local school districts in 2007, where they could receive support and learn with their friends. Today, Summit DD supports more children in the community than ever, including early intervention services and community-based child care centers throughout the county.

From its early roots of advocacy and support, Summit DD’s role has grown to meet the needs of people with disabilities. Their 50 year history is testimony to the support of advocates and the greater community. Visit SummitDD.org to learn more.

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Super Joe

Meet Joey. This energetic, fun-loving five-year-old has a smile that can melt your heart and a swagger that tells you he’s going places. Joey’s parents, Tom and Jennifer Towell, call him their super hero. You’d never guess that Joey, who has Down Syndrome, has faced a multitude of challenges in his mere five years because each time he faces adversity, he comes out stronger and more determined—like a super hero, you could say.

“For Joe we would go to the moon and back.

He’s amazing!” beamed Joey’s mom, Jennifer.

“He’d had seven surgeries by the time he was three. He’s this funny little boy and he just makes us so proud every day,” she said.

“Given the opportunity, there’s no ceiling on what he can do!”

Tom and Jennifer say that when they first learned that Joey had Down Syndrome they were a little apprehensive and wondered if they had what it took to be great parents for him. “At first it was scary,” Tom acknowledged. “And now it is a blessing. It’s really no different than what you would do for a typical kid.”

“When you have a child with a disability or special needs, sometimes it’s hard to ask for help,” Joey’s mom explained. “You want to figure it out yourself, but I think once you realize that there are people and places like Summit DD that are there to help you, that’s part of the battle,” she added. “Just being able to accept the help and being OK with it. I think Joe’s really taught us that it’s OK to not be able to do everything and provide everything—get these other resources.”

The Towells will tell you that through Summit DD’s Early Intervention (EI) program, they got the support, the tools and the connections needed for his development.

“The best benefit of Early Intervention for Joe and for us was having that contact,” recalled Jennifer. “It was all so new. It was scary and intimidating and so much to keep straight.

It was helpful to have someone to talk to, bounce ideas off of and get resources from.”

When Joey was ready for preschool, the Towells thought it would be a simple search.

They wanted Joey and his brother together and were dismayed when they talked to several preschools who told them they would not be able to support Joey’s needs. After numerous preschools said no, the Towells again turned to Summit DD for help.

Helping individuals prepare for, find and retain employment.

570 East Waterloo Road, Akron, OH 44319 800-989-842/ www.goodwillakron.org 48

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Summit DD’s Community Partnership for Inclusion (CPI) program helped the family find a preschool that was a good fit for both boys. Summit DD staff offered support to the preschool through education and on-site learning methods and provided training for the preschool’s teachers, making the room accessible for Joey and his classmates.

“We go into a classroom and observe,” Lisa Gibson, Inclusion Support Specialist, explained about Summit DD’s role to support local preschools. “We help the teacher with strategies, help them with inclusion, and we get to know the entire classroom. It’s not just the child.” Lisa enjoys her role with the CPI program and the many great children and families she’s met along the way. “Working with Joey has been an awesome experience. He’s selfmotivated,” she said with a warm smile.

“Joey’s going to do great things!”

Since being part of their inclusive community preschools, the Towells have seen Joey’s language and motor skills take off.

They couldn’t be happier with the progress they are seeing.

Summit DD’s Journey Forward Summit County Developmental Disabilities Board, or Summit DD, connects individuals with developmental disabilities to supports for living a healthy and satisfying life. By listening, creating person-centered plans tailored to each individual, and identifying the right-fit supports, they help more than 4,000 children and adults achieve greatness.

Summit DD’s role will continue to evolve and transition over the next four years, as they transition out of directly providing services to comply with a federal mandate. They will continue to focus on their core competencies of providing service coordination, early intervention, and oversight as they partner with over 400 providers and organizations to provide quality employment, residential, transportation, volunteer, and in-home living services.

These partnerships create a team approach for finding the best services to support individuals with developmental disabilities and their families as they continue to work toward their personal goals.

This essential community resource is built on the support of advocates, families, staff and community who believe in their mission and vision. Together with the community and all its partners, Summit DD will continue to foster inclusion and create a community built by the abilities of ALL citizens. Find out more at SummitDD.org.

The Towell family is looking forward to what the future holds. As their little super hero reaches each new milestone in his life, his parents will continue to be there to love him, support him and make sure that he is connected to resources like Summit DD to help him succeed.

“That’s always been our goal for Joe, to help him be as independent as he can be,” Jennifer reflected. “And just kind of being there in the background supporting him as needed and using community resources out there to help us help him. We want to help him achieve his dreams, whatever they might be.”

Visit SummitDD.org/My-Story for Joey’s video.

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We provide services for children and adults with special needs. This is done through funding assistance, and community outreach and educational programs.

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top dentists 2016

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Your family’s smile is a precious commodity. A giant grin usually accompanies the best moments in life. Having a dentist that you can trust with those precious smiles is a vital part of a healthy, happy life.

The Greater Akron area offers some of the best dental professionals for your family. There is no need to fear going to the dentist’s office.

These professionals work hard to make the experience as painless as possible. No matter what prompted the visit, these professionals will take excellent care of your loved ones.

This list is excerpted from the 2016 topDentists™ list, a database which includes listings for more than 60 dentists and specialists in the Akron Metropolitan Area. The Akron list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at www.usatopdentists.com.

dental academies can play a factor in our decisions.

For more information call 706-364-0853; email info@usatopdentists.com or visit www. usatopdentists.com.

Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in the United States. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere.

SELECTION PROCESS “If you had a patient in need of a dentist, which dentist would you refer them to?”

This is the question we’ve asked thousands of dentists to help us determine who the topDentists should be. Dentists and specialists are asked to take into consideration years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients, use of new techniques and of course physical results.

The nomination pool of dentists consists of dentists listed online with the American Dental Association, as well as dentists listed online with their local dental societies, thus allowing virtually every dentist the opportunity to participate. Dentists are also given the opportunity to nominate other dentists that they feel should be included in our list. Respondents are asked to put aside any personal bias or political motivations and to use only their knowledge of their peer’s work when evaluating the other nominees.

Voters are asked to individually evaluate the practitioners on their ballot whose work they are familiar with. Once the balloting is completed, the scores are compiled and then averaged. The numerical average required for inclusion varies depending on the average for all the nominees within the specialty and the geographic area. Borderline cases are given a careful consideration by the editors. Voting characteristics and comments are taken into consideration while making decisions. Past awards a dentist has received, status in various

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Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.

DISCLAIMER This list is excerpted from the 2016 topDentists™ list, which includes listings for more than 60 dentists and specialists in the vicinity of Akron. For more information call 706-364-0853; or write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; or email info@usatopdentists.com or visit www. usatopdentists.com. topDentists has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and 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. Copyright 2010-2016 by topDentists, LLC of Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists, LLC. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.

Dental Profiles

PROMOTIONAL EDITORIAL

Bringing Dental Care to a New Level

Dr. Petry, Dr. Walton, and their skilled team are dedicated to making sure you experience dental care the way it is supposed to be—with an emphasis on care. On a daily basis, they strive to care for patients in a way that is different than any other practice.

Your comfort is their goal.

From the moment you step into the office, you are greeted by name with a smile. They value your busy schedule, and your appointments will be kept on time. They review what is planned for your appointment with you to make sure everyone is on the same page. Then it’s time to relax… t .BTTBHJOH IFBU JO UIF EFOUBM DIBJS t 1FSTPOBM GMBU TDSFFO UFMFWJTJPOT XJUI IFBEQIPOFT t " OFDL QJMMPX t #PUUMFE XBUFS BOE MJQ CBMN UP TPPUIF ZPVS MJQT QPTU USFBUNFOU 1MVT PUIFS TQFDJBM UPVDIFT EFTJHOFE UP FOTVSF ZPVS NBYJNVN comfort.

The latest technology for the best results.

Technology has changed a visit to the dentist—for the better! t $&3&$ UFDIOPMPHZ BMMPXT UIF EFOUJTUT UP NBLF DSPXOT BOE veneers in one visit—no second appointments needed. t " 8BUFSMBTF -BTFS PGGFST B QBJO GSFF BMUFSOBUJWF UP UIF traditional dental drill and typically requires no anesthetic. t 'PS UIPTF TUJMM OFSWPVT BCPVU HPJOH UP UIF EFOUJTU conscious sedation gently eases patients into a state of relaxation using a sequence of pills that are safe, easy and effective.

A tradition of excellence.

Three generations of dentists have proudly served the greater "LSPO BSFB 5IF QSBDUJDF XBT GPVOEFE CZ %S /PMBO 1FUSZ JO %S -PSFO 1FUSZ KPJOFE UIF QSBDUJDF JO BOE IJT TPO JO MBX %S 3ZBO 8BMUPO KPJOFE JO

Dr. Ryan M. Walton & Dr. Loren M. Petry Family and Cosmetic Dentistry 508 East Exchange St. Akron, OH 44304 330-434-3485 akronsmile.com

%S 1FUSZ BOE %S 8BMUPO BSF QSPVE NFNCFST PG UIF "NFSJDBO %FOUBM "TTPDJBUJPO "DBEFNZ PG (FOFSBM %FOUJTUSZ -BT 7FHBT *OTUJUVUF -7* GPS "EWBODFE $PTNFUJD %FOUJTUSZ "NFSJDBO "DBEFNZ PG $PTNFUJD %FOUJTUSZ "DBEFNZ PG $POUFNQPSBSZ %FOUJTUSZ 0IJP %FOUBM "TTPDJBUJPO BOE UIF "LSPO %FOUBM Society.

A convenient location and appointment times. &BSMZ NPSOJOH BOE FWFOJOH BQQPJOUNFOUT BSF BWBJMBCMF SBOHJOH GSPN B N UP Q N UP BDDPNNPEBUF ZPVS TDIFEVMF 5IF QSBDUJDF JT DPOWFOJFOUMZ MPDBUFE PGG PG 3PVUF OFBS 5IF 6OJWFSTJUZ PG "LSPO T DBNQVT -FBSO NPSF BU BLSPOTNJMF DPN w w w. akronlife.com

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James G. Kotapish, Jr. 4NJUI 3PBE 4VJUF Fairlawn

KLPUBQJTI!HNBJM DPN www.akronendo.com

Endodontics Stephen H. Moore 'BMMT &OEPEPOUJDT 1PSUBHF 5SBJM $VZBIPHB 'BMMT

www.fallsendo.com A. Christopher Kayafas 4NJUI 3PBE 4VJUF Fairlawn

twok_endo@frontier.com www.akronendo.com

David J. Harris, Jr. "EWBODFE $BSF &OEPEPOUJDT %BSSPX 3PBE 4VJUF Stow

endodavid@aol.com www.acendodontics.com

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Ronald M. Wolf 4VNNJU &OEPEPOUJD 4QFDJBMJTUT %BSSPX 3PBE Stow

TFT!TVNNJU FOEP DPN XXX TVNNJU FOEP DPN

Robert J. Demboski /PSUI $MFWFMBOE .BTTJMMPO 3PBE 4VJUF "LSPO

robertdemboskidds@hotmail.com www.demboskidentistry.com

General Dentistry

Kyle S. Eberhardt &CFSIBSEU %FOUJTUSZ 8FTU .BSLFU 4USFFU 4VJUF "LSPO

info@eberhardtdentistry.com www.westakrondental.com

G. Michael Appel 8IJUF 1POE %SJWF 4VJUF & "LSPO

gmadds@aol.com www.mikeappeldds.com

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Dr. Wade J. Najem II & Dr. Lisa A. Lehky Drs. Najem & Lehky Orthodontics, LLC

1MFBTF WJTJU PVS XFCTJUF UP MFBSO NPSF BCPVU BMM UIF EJGGFSFOU USFBUNFOU options today, which include Incognito, ceramic braces, traditional braces BOE *OWJTBMJHO 0VS PGGJDF BMTP GFFMT WFSZ TUSPOHMZ BCPVU PSBM IZHJFOF EVSJOH PSUIPEPOUJD USFBUNFOU XIJDI JT XIZ XF IBWF QBSUOFSFE XJUI $SFTU BOE 0SBM # JO UIFJS 0SUIP &TTFOUJBMT UISFF TUFQ QSPHSBN CZ JODMVEJOH BO 0SBM # power brush kit with every new treatment start.

4 .JMMFS 3E 4VJUF Ŕ 'BJSMBXO 0) Ŕ XXX CSBDFTCZVT DPN 52

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Dental Profiles

PROMOTIONAL EDITORIAL

Remarkable Patient Comfort, Advanced Technology

"TL BMNPTU BOZ QBUJFOU XIBU UIFZ dislike most about their dental WJTJU BOE UIFZ XJMM TBZ i(FUUJOH OVNC w 5IF GFBS PG UIF JOKFDUJPO and the wait for profound BOBMHFTJB OVNCOFTT UP PDDVS DBO be very stressful.

"U "EWBODFE $BSF &OEPEPOUJDT %S %BWJE )BSSJT DPOUJOVFT UP embrace new technology that improves the root canal treatment experience for his patients. This sometimes traumatic event can be alleviated by using what is described as the first significant BEWBODF JO UFDIOPMPHZ JO PWFS ZFBST #VGGFSFE BOFTUIFUJD This new system, called 0SBQIBSNB 0OTFU EFMJWFST UIF anesthetic with less pain, and produces the effect of profound BOBMHFTJB OVNCOFTT NPSF RVJDLMZ BOE QSFEJDUBCMZ 8F FODPVSBHF you to visit www.acendo.com to read the testimonials of patients who affirm these results. The use PG 0SBQIBSNB 0OTFU JODSFBTFT PVS patient satisfaction to a whole new level!

"EEJUJPOBMMZ %S )BSSJT DBO provide patient comfort with .JOJNBM $POTDJPVT 4FEBUJPO %S )BSSJT BOE IJT UFBN IBWF specialized training that ensures your safety during this procedure.

If an unpleasant dental experience has caused great anxiety in

your past, please schedule a consultation. The dental team at "EWBODFE $BSF &OEPEPOUJDT XJMM respect and respond to your needs.

0VS HPBM JT UP TFU UIF TUBOEBSE in endodontics for high quality, comfortable and consistent care.

"EWBODFE $BSF &OEPEPOUJDT JT POF PG GFX PGGJDFT JO /PSUIFBTU 0IJP UIBU PGGFST TUBUF PG UIF BSU UFDIOPMPHZ JODMVEJOH 1SFYJPO % $POF #FBN $5 JNBHJOH BOE 0SBQIBSNB 0OTFU 5IF acquisition of these new UFDIOPMPHJFT JT KVTU BOPUIFS XBZ %S )BSSJT BOE IJT UFBN demonstrate how they will go beyond all your expectations with compassion, teamwork, and integrity.

"T B $BTF 8FTUFSO 3FTFSWF (SBEVBUF BOE BO FOEPEPOUJD TQFDJBMJTU XJUI PWFS ZFBST FYQFSJFODF %S )BSSJT SPVUJOFMZ receives advanced training in his field; as well as provides continuing education courses for his colleagues and dental students. )F JT B NFNCFS PG UIF "NFSJDBO "TTPDJBUJPO PG &OEPEPOUJTUT "NFSJDBO %FOUBM "TTPDJBUJPO 0IJP %FOUBM "TTPDJBUJPO $IJDBHP %FOUBM 4PDJFUZ BOE UIF "LSPO %FOUBM 4PDJFUZ "T BO avid equestrian enthusiast, he is B MJGF NFNCFS PG UIF "NFSJDBO 2VBSUFS )PSTF "TTPDJBUJPO BOE UIF /BUJPOBM 3FJOJOH )PSTF "TTPDJBUJPO BOE BO BDUJWF NFNCFS PG UIF 6OJUFE 4UBUFT &RVFTUSJBO Federation.

8F JOWJUF ZPV UP UBLF B WJSUVBM tour of our office and discover for yourself what our patients are saying by visiting www.acendo. com. To learn more about the 0SBQIBSNB 0OTFU TZTUFN QMFBTF visit www.endoonset.com.

David J. Harris, DDS, MSD Advanced Care Endodontics %BSSPX 3PBE Suite 209 4UPX 0) 330-688-3800 877-STOWOHIO acendo.com

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William E. Morisak .BODIFTUFS 3PBE 4VJUF "LSPO

morisakdds@aol.com Michael E. Murphy /PSUI $MFWFMBOE .BTTJMMPO 3PBE "LSPO

NVSQIZ !GSPOUJFS DPN Gary D. Olson 8FTU $FEBS 4USFFU 4VJUF "LSPO

dro@neo.rr.com Mark W. Perko &BTU 8JMCFUI 3PBE "LSPO

info@drmarkperko.com www.drmarkperko.com Samuel N. Pupino 8IJUF 1POE %SJWF 4VJUF & "LSPO

W. Tyler Rogus 7BMMFZ %FOUBM (SPVQ .FSSJNBO 3PBE "LSPO

Karryrogus@frontier.com XXX 7BMMFZEFOUBMHSPVQBLSPO DPN Todd W. Westhafer 8FTU 5VSLFZGPPU -BLF 3PBE "LSPO

drwesthafer@sbcglobal.net www.westhaferdds.com Edward J. Denholm 1PSUBHF 5SBJM $VZBIPHB 'BMMT

denholmdds@yahoo.com www.denholmdds.com Amanda Donnelly (SBIBN 3PBE 4VJUF " $VZBIPHB 'BMMT

ESEPOOFMMZ@ !ZBIPP DPN www.dramandadonnelly.com

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Joanna R. Kleckner #SPBE #PVMFWBSE $VZBIPHB 'BMMT

JOGP!KPBOOBLMFDLOFSEET DPN XXX KPBOOBLMFDLOFSEET DPN Maria Papich-Forsyth .BSJB 1BQJDI 'PSTZUI %%4 BOE "TTPDJBUFT (SBIBN 3PBE 4VJUF $VZBIPHB 'BMMT

doctor@papichdds.com www.papichdds.com Thomas D. Semans 4FNBOT 'BNJMZ %FOUJTUSZ 8FTU .BSLFU 4USFFU 4VJUF Fairlawn

tsemans@neo.rr.com www.semansfamilydentistry.com Bryan Stephens /PSUI .JMMFS 3PBE Fairlawn

drbstephens@sbcglobal.net www.bryanstephensdds.com Keith A. Hoover %ST )PPWFS BOE :BOEB .JMGPSE %SJWF Hudson

drhoover@drshooverandyanda.com www.drshooverandyanda.com April A. Yanda %ST )PPWFS BOE :BOEB .JMGPSE %SJWF Hudson

aprilyanda@hotmail.com www.drshooverandyanda.com Marko Farian 'BSJBO $PTNFUJD 'BNJMZ %FOUJTUSZ &BTU "VSPSB 3PBE .BDFEPOJB

%SGBSJBOTPċDF!ZBIPP DPN www.markofariandds.com D. Todd Russell 7BMMFZ 7JFX 3PBE .BDFEPOJB

march 2016

Jeffrey C. Esterburg 4PVUI $PVSU %FOUBM .FEJDJOF 4PVUI $PVSU 4USFFU .FEJOB

info@southcourtdental.com www.southcourtdental.com

John F. Messina 4PVUI +FĊFSTPO 4USFFU .FEJOB

KGNEETJOD!HNBJM DPN XXX SPDLJO EPD DPN Chris S. Ruggiero &BTU 4NJUI 3PBE .FEJOB

www.csruggierodmd.com Eric R. Winders &BTU 8BTIJOHUPO 4USFFU 4VJUF .FEJOB

Eric Blemaster /PSEPOJB %FOUBM (SPVQ &BTU "VSPSB 3PBE /PSUImFME

hudsonking@aol.com www.nordoniadental.com William R. Davidson 0MEF &JHIU 3PBE /PSUImFME

wrdds@aol.com www.tomorrowsdentistry.com Philip J. Znidarsic /PSEPOJB %FOUBM (SPVQ &BTU "VSPSB 3PBE /PSUImFME

philmichelleZ@yahoo.com www.nordoniadental.com Katrina M. Suckling $MFWFMBOE .BTTJMMPO 3PBE /PSUPO

info@katrinasucklingdds.com www.katrinasucklingdds.com

Dental Profiles

PROMOTIONAL EDITORIAL

Beautiful Smiles Begin with Healthy Teeth General Dentistry…Providing Family, Cosmetic and Implant Restorative Dental Services %S (FSBME 4JTLP IBT PWFS ZFBST PG EFOUBM FYQFSJFODF %S 4JTLP B )PCBO "MVNOVT BUUFOEFE &NPSZ 6OJWFSTJUZ JO "UMBOUB (FPSHJB 5IF 6OJWFSTJUZ PG "LSPO BOE HSBEVBUFE GSPN 5IF 0IJP 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ $PMMFHF PG %FOUJTUSZ )F CFHBO IJT (FOFSBM %FOUJTUSZ QSBDUJDF JO 8FTU 1BMN #FBDI 'MB %S 4JTLP BO "LSPO OBUJWF SFTJEFT XJUI IJT XJGF +VMJF $FWBTDP BOE is proud to call Tallmadge their IPNF TJODF )F JT BO BDUJWF member of the community and is involved with the Tallmadge $IBNCFS PG $PNNFSDF 'BJUIGVM 4FSWBOUT $BSF $FOUFS BOE 0VS -BEZ PG 7JDUPSZ $IVSDI 5IF NJTTJPO BU 4JTLP %FOUJTUSZ is to provide the highest quality dental service in a comfortable, IPNF MJLF TFUUJOH CZ B IJHIMZ trained, friendly and helpful dental team. To accomplish this XF SFDFOUMZ SFMPDBUFE UP B TUBUF PG UIF BSU IJHIMZ UFDIOPMPHJDBMMZ driven and environmentally friendly dental facility in a quiet QBSL MJLF TFUUJOH JO 5BMMNBEHF )BWJOH SFDFJWFE 5IF $VTUPNFS 4FSWJDF "XBSE GSPN

UIF 5BMMNBEHF $IBNCFS PG $PNNFSDF PVS UFBN QSJEFT JUTFMG on its knowledge and service to our patients and community. The entire staff is constantly involved in continuing education to better TFSWF PVS QBUJFOUT "T B HJWF back to the community, Sisko %FOUJTUSZ IBT CFFO UIF QSPWJEFS PG professional quality mouth guards for the Tallmadge High School WBSTJUZ GPPUCBMM UFBN %S 4JTLP JT BDUJWF JO UIF 4FBUUMF 4UVEZ $MVC and is on the Spear Study Faculty $MVC )F JT B NFNCFS PG UIF "NFSJDBO %FOUBM "TTPDJBUJPO UIF 0IJP %FOUBM "TTPDJBUJPO BOE UIF "LSPO %FOUBM 4PDJFUZ XIFSF IF currently holds a council position.

4JTLP %FOUJTUSZ JT DPOWFOJFOUMZ located a quarter mile east of UIF 5BMMNBEHF $JSDMF PGG PG &BTU "WFOVF BU .FUSJD %SJWF JO 5BMMNBEHF BOE KVTU NJOVUFT GSPN "LSPO BOE UIF NBOZ TVSSPVOEJOH communities. They are proud to provide for the dental care needs of their patients and are grateful for the confidence they have shown in them.

THE Best Dental Team in O-H-I-O Welcomes YOU!

Gerald Sisko, DDS Sisko Dentistry 60 Metric Drive Tallmadge, OH 44278 330-633-9510 XXX UBMMNBEHFEFOUJTU DPN GSPOUEFTL!TJTLPEFOUJTUSZ DPN

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Mark Iati 4UPX %FOUBM (SPVQ %BSSPX 3PBE Stow

miati@neo.rr.com www.stowdental.com

Edward J. McDonnell "LSPO 0SBM .BYJMMPGBDJBM 4VSHFSZ 8IJUF 1POE %SJWF 4VJUF # "LSPO

akron@akronoralsurgerygroup.com www.akronoralsurgerygroup.com

Eric S. Schikowski 4UPX %FOUBM (SPVQ %BSSPX 3PBE Stow

e1@neo.rr.com www.stowdental.com

R. Neil Sundheimer ɨF *OTUJUVF PG +BX 'BDJBM 4VSHFSZ 8IJUF 1POE %SJWF 4VJUF # "LSPO

SOT!KBXBOEGBDJBMTVSHFSZ DPN XXX KBXBOEGBDJBMTVSHFSZ DPN

David W. Schlosser 4UPX %FOUBM (SPVQ %BSSPX 3PBE Stow

ETDIMPTTFS!/&0 33 DPN www.stowdental.com

0HGLFDO &RDWV 6FUXEV 3DWLHQW *RZQV 6KHHWV 3LOORZ &DVHV 0HGLFDO 7RZHOV

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Gerald Sisko 4JTLP %FOUJTUSZ .FUSJD %SJWF Tallmadge

frontdesk@siskodentistry.com www.tallmadgedentist.com Matthew J. Kirlough 5XJOTCVSH %FOUBM "TTPDJBUFT 7BJM %SJWF 4VJUF 0OF Twinsburg

www.twinsburgdental.com Samuel E. Taylor 5BZMPS %FOUBM 3BWFOOB 3PBE Twinsburg

taylordental@windstream.net www.twinsburgsmiles.com

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Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

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Burton W. Job "LSPO 0SBM .BYJMMPGBDJBM 4VSHFSZ (SPVQ 8IJUF 1POE %SJWF 4VJUF # "LSPO

www.akronoralsurgerygroup.com

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Edward T. Marshall, Jr. .BSTIBMM 0SBM 'BDJBM *NQMBOU 4VSHFSZ 4NJUI 3PBE 4VJUF "LSPO

info@dredwardmarshall.com www.dredwardmarshall.com

march 2016

W. Stephen Barnes II 'BMMT 0SBM 4VSHFSZ BOE %FOUBM *NQMBOU $FOUFS (SBIBN 3PBE $VZBIPHB 'BMMT

info@fallsoralsurgery.com www.fallsoralsurgery.com Michael J. Hoffman 'BMMT 0SBM 4VSHFSZ BOE %FOUBM *NQMBOU $FOUFS (SBIBN 3PBE $VZBIPHB 'BMMT

TBOEXFEHF !BPM DPN www.fallsoralsurgery.com Dominick C. Adornato III &BTU "VSPSB 3PBE 4VJUF .BDFEPOJB

QVMMFS SET!ZBIPP DPN www.drtoothout.com Gary R. Schween %ST #FOOJOHFS 4DIXFFO BOE 4DINJEU 'PPUF 3PBE .FEJOB

garyschween@gmail.com www.medinaoralsurgeons.com

Orthodontics Alex Mellion .FMMJPO 0SUIPEPOUJDT #BLFS #PVMFWBSE "LSPO

www.mellionorthodontics.com Joseph T. Mellion .FMMJPO 0SUIPEPOUJDT #BLFS #PVMFWBSE "LSPO

www.mellionorthodontics.com

Optimum Oral Health %S &SJD 4DIJLPXTLJ DIPPTFT UP TFF POMZ POF QBUJFOU BU B UJNF It’s this level of commitment and individualized focus, that allows him to provide an exceptionally high level of dental health care to his patients. %SJWFO CZ HFOVJOF DPNQBTTJPO IF BOE IJT UFBN DVMUJWBUF authentic relationships of trust, loyalty, and perpetual satisfaction with patients; many now considered friends.

Individuals and families return for not only the utmost quality in oral health care, but also for the welcoming atmosphere and confidence they receive from such attentive, personalized service.

1SBDUJDJOH GPS ZFBST %S 4DIJLPXTLJ SFNBJOT WFSTFE JO BMM aspects of general dentistry. His passion is revealing healthy, SFKVWFOBUFE TNJMFT UP UIPTF XIP NBZ IBWF CFFO TFMG DPOTDJPVT CZ something less than what they have always hoped for, in beauty, health and function.

Dr. Eric S. Schikowski

5IF CBDLESPQ JO UIF QIPUP EJTQMBZT IJT PGGJDF T HMBTT XBMMT a handwritten, continuously growing graffiti of positive testimonials by patients eager to write of their experiences.

Stow Dental Group %BSSPX 3PBE 4UPX 0) 330-688-6456 TUPXEFOUBM DPN

If this might be what you’ve been looking for too, simply call BOE BTL GPS %+ $SJT PS "NBOEB 8F MPPL GPSXBSE UP HFUUJOH UP know you.

Transform, Rejuvenate Yourself $PVME ZPV BDUVBMMZ &/+0: ZPVS EFOUBM WJTJU %S *BUJ T QBUJFOUT EP 5IFJS FYQFSJFODF JT XBSN FOKPZBCMF BOE FOHBHJOH %S .BSL " *BUJ JOWJUFT you to visit his office and experience what has taken him a lifetime to achieve.

See how modern technology and highly crafted skills can be utilized to return a smile to its optimum level of health and beauty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warm towel finish sending you away refreshed after your visit. )JT BDDPNQMJTINFOUT JODMVEF i5PQ %PDTw $MFWFMBOE .BHB[JOF "NFSJDB T 5PQ %FOUJTUT "LSPO #FBDPO +PVSOBM T i#FTU PG w BOE #PBSE PG %JSFDUPST "NFSJDBO "DBEFNZ PG $PTNFUJD %FOUJTUSZ %S *BUJ IBT USBWFMFE UP UIJSE XPSME DPVOUSJFT OVNFSPVT UJNFT UP QSPWJEF EFOUBM DBSF BOE OPX WPMVOUFFST BU 0QFO . JO "LSPO UP DPOUJOVF UP IFMQ UIPTF MFTT GPSUVOBUF )BWJOH SFDFJWFE IJT %%4 GSPN $BTF 8FTUFSO 3FTFSWF BOE DPNQMFUJOH IJT SFTJEFODZ JO :PVOHTUPXO %S *BUJ IBT BMXBZT CFFO B / & 0IJP NBO )F SFTJEFT JO /PSUIBNQUPO XJUI IJT XJGF -BVSJ %S *BUJ BOE IJT UBMFOUFE i* 5FBNw MPPL GPSXBSE UP NFFUJOH ZPV TPPO

Dr. Mark A. Iati, DDS, FAGD Stow Dental Group %BSSPX 3PBE 4UPX 0) 330-688-6456 TUPXEFOUBM DPN

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Trending: Sleep Disorder Exams %S )FJEJ 3PTFOUIBM "LSPO BSFB SFTJEFOU BOE 0IJP 4UBUF HSBEVBUF IBT QSBDUJDFE JO 4VNNJU 4UBSL BOE 1PSUBHF $PVOUJFT GPS UIF MBTU ZFBST 4IF XFMDPNFT QBUJFOUT PG BMM BHFT FTQFDJBMMZ those who are apprehensive, by creating a relaxed environment.

Her advanced training affords her the ability to provide all aspects of general dentistry, including nitrous oxide sedation (laughing HBT $SPXOT CSJEHFT JNQMBOU DSPXOT SPPU DBOBMT DPTNFUJD UPPUI DPMPSFE GJMMJOHT BOE EFOUVSFT IBWF BMM UIF BUUFOUJPO UP detail that her families and friends receive.

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3PTFOUIBM IBT FYQFSUJTF JO NVMUJQMF BSFBT UIBU BSF USFOEJOH OPX in dentistry from continuing education courses she constantly attends. Her latest interest is in sleep disorders such as sleep BQOFB BOE TOPSJOH .BOZ USFBUNFOU PQUJPOT GPS TMFFQ QSPCMFNT TVDI BT $1"1 T BOE EFOUBM BQQMJBODFT BSF BWBJMBCMF GPS QBUJFOUT CZ XPSLJOH XJUI B UFBN BQQSPBDI XJUI QIZTJDJBOT 1BUJFOUT DBO request a complimentary sleep disorder screening from her. Such screenings have helped change the overall health and well being of many of her patients and family.

Heidi L. Rosenthal, D.D.S., LLC

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Milton Ntragatakis #SVOTXJDL ,J%%4 1FBSM 3PBE #SVOTXJDL

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Dental Profiles

PROMOTIONAL EDITORIAL

Excellence in Patient Care %S 3PO 8PMG JT XFMM BXBSF UIBU NPTU QFPQMF GFBS SPPU DBOBM USFBUNFOU 5IBU JT XIZ IF QBSUOFST XJUI UIF CFTU EFOUJTUT JO /PSUIFBTU 0IJP UP NBLF SPPU DBOBM USFBUNFOU B TVDDFTTGVM BOE QPTJUJWF FYQFSJFODF 8JUI B QFSDFOU QBUJFOU TBUJTGBDUJPO SBUF %S 8PMG BOE IJT 4VNNJU &OEPEPOUJD 4QFDJBMJTUT UFBN TUBOE out in patient care and successful root canal treatment. %S 3POBME 8PMG HSBEVBUFE GSPN $BTF 8FTUFSO 3FTFSWF 6OJWFSTJUZ 4DIPPM PG %FOUJTUSZ BOE UIFO BDIJFWFE IJT .BTUFST %FHSFF JO &OEPEPOUJDT GSPN 5IF 0IJP 4UBUF 6OJWFSTJUZ $PMMFHF PG %FOUJTUSZ )F IBT MJNJUFE IJT QSBDUJDF UP UIF TQFDJBMUZ PG FOEPEPOUJDT GPS ZFBST *O BEEJUJPO UP SPVUJOF BOE DPNQMJDBUFE FOEPEPOUJD DBSF %S 8PMG BMTP QSPWJEFT NJDSPTVSHJDBM FOEPEPOUJDT FOEPEPOUJD retreatment, diagnosis of complex orofacial pain, and treatment of traumatic UPPUI JOKVSJFT 5IF 4VNNJU &OEPEPOUJD 4QFDJBMJTUT UFBN VTFT TFWFSBM QSPWFO UFDIOJRVFT BOE TUBUF PG UIF BSU UFDIOPMPHZ JODMVEJOH TPOJD BOE VMUSBTPOJD instrumentation, surgical operating microscopes and digital radiography, each of which helps improve precision, efficiency and comfort for the patient during the treatment process. %S 8PMG DBO UVSO SPPU DBOBM USFBUNFOU JOUP B QMFBTBOU FYQFSJFODF )F FYQMBJOT “I thrive on surprising people with a great experience at a time when they expect JU UIF MFBTU 1BUJFOUT BSF TUSFTTFE BOE JO QBJO XIFO UIFZ DPNF JOUP NZ PGGJDF 6QPO MFBWJOH UIFZ BSF QBJO GSFF TNJMJOH BOE QMFBTBOUMZ TVSQSJTFE BU IPX DPNGPSUBCMF BOE GSJFOEMZ UIFJS FYQFSJFODF XBT 8F BSF DIBOHJOH UIF SFQVUBUJPO of root canal treatment.”

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I am grateful to have collaborative relationships with so many outstanding dentists in the area.

They are experts at knowing the best treatment plan for each patient, and together we are highly successful at saving teeth.”

Ronald M. Wolf, DDS, MS

Summit Endodontic Specialists, Inc. %BSSPX 3PBE 4UPX 0) 330-686-0080 XXX TVNNJU FOEP DPN

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home&garden

by Sharon Cebula and illustration by Cait Jones

Plants to Plan on

/ Get a jump on your summer garden with indoor starters and early plantings. / The three elements you’ll want to select for a container are:

Spring can be unpredictable in Ohio. We never know if we’ll have warm sunshine on St. Patrick’s Day or snow on April Fool’s Day. Regardless, we are all looking forward to the green season to come.

The filler: a lowergrowing, mounded plant to fill in the space around the thriller, like begonias or salvia.

The thriller: a tall, dramatic plant to create height and drama, like fountain grass or calendula.

An herb garden for the kitchen, an indoor incubator for the garden, or a showy container garden for the patio are all ways to spring into gardening while the snow lingers. Lisa Graf of Graf Garden Center on White Pond Drive weighed in on some garden staples you can plant indoors and either keep in the kitchen or move to the garden after the threat of freezing has passed. She also suggests some plants that are cold-tolerant and can be planted directly outdoors once temps reach the low 40s, even if freezing temps might return.

Indoor Starts Fresh herbs are good to have in the kitchen year-round. If you don’t already have a windowsill box of basil, thyme and oregano, early spring is a great time to start one. While you can keep these indoors indefinitely, they can also be moved to the outdoor garden sometime in April. Graf reminds us, though, that different herbs have different growing habits. Chives and oregano are perennials, so including them in the garden once can become a long-term relationship. Basil, on the other hand, is an annual, so once it goes in the ground, you’ll only get one season out of it. But don’t take that basil outdoors too soon, Graf cautions. It is not cold-tolerant, so it’ll have to stay indoors until the threat of frost has passed.

Other plants that Graf recommends you start from seeds indoors and move to the garden later are tomatoes, peppers and some squash.

Early Outdoor Starts Whether you’re interested in using containers or going right into the ground, Graf says that mid-April is not too early to get that garden growing. Most perennials, shrubs and trees can go into the ground as soon as it thaws. There are exceptions, of course, so 60

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The spiller: a plant with long tendrils to spill over the edge of the container, like heliotrope or licorice plant.

Your home is a sanctuary and should be as beautiful as you can imagine. Let California Closets design a custom system just for you and the way you live, and help make your dream home a reality with our exclusive materials and exceptional designs.

Visit our showroom or call us today to arrange your complimentary design consultation.

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ask the experts at your local garden center for details on the specific plants you’re interested in.

For some early color to brighten up your yard, Graf suggests pansies or violas, which are both cold-tolerant. That means they’ll hold up fine if a cold snap surprises us after a week or two of warmth. Snapdragons add drama to any plot, but you need to be judicious about timing with this unique flower. Graf says snapdragons are a little less cold-tolerant than other early-spring plants, so hold off on these until you’re sure the frost won’t return.

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Containing Your Enthusiasm Container gardens are a great way to show off your green thumb in strategic small doses. You can start a container indoors then move it to the patio once the weather warms up, or you can keep it in a three-season room or screened porch for an indoor/outdoor feel. You can also easily move them around your patio or yard, creating a new look whenever you like.

When crafting your container garden, you can choose from hundreds of plants to group together. Graf says the main deciding factor is whether you are going for a “flavor-cohesive or visual-cohesive” theme. For instance, nasturtiums look pretty with berries, but their tastes conflict: nasturtiums are peppery, whereas berries are sweet.

Graf recommends the BrazelBarries® varieties available at the Garden Center to create gorgeous, edible container displays. These showy blueberries and raspberries were developed specifically to grow in pots and produce fruit all summer. Pair them with other edibles, like strawberries, beets or Swiss chard for a delectable arrangement.

And don’t think you’re limited to just plastic or terra cotta planters for your moveable garden.

Get creative and use an old dresser drawer, a children’s wagon or even a shoe—so long as there are holes in the bottom for drainage.

Remember to water and fertilize your container regularly, then sit back and enjoy the show. / Editorial Associate Sharon Cebula lives in West Akron with her very patient husband, two obnoxious cats, and an enormous collection of owl paraphernalia.

Comments?

Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

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California Closets: Creating Order in Winter Chaos March always seems to be the time of the year when we can never find enough space for our coats, boots, ski pants, sleds and everything else winter. We find ourselves stuffing mittens and hats in any drawer that has room, leaving ski pants in the garage and then listening to children complain about how cold they are when they have to put them on. We stumble over wet boots when we come home and always step in the melted snow.

©2016 California Closet Company, Inc. All rights reserved.

Franchises independently owned and operated.

And we repeat this every year. The best way to combat the unorganized sopping mess that is headed our way with the start of spring is with a mudroom.

Any space can be organized to do the job of a mudroom. Functionality is always key, but we also want beauty in our homes.

That’s where California Closets comes in— beautifully designed functional spaces are their forte. A tiny closet next to the entry door can be transformed into a space that easily stores all the winter necessities and adds simplicity to a once chaotic place.

Even a stairway in a townhome can be used to organize all your outdoor essentials, making it easier to get out the door in the morning. Accessories and different finishes create a custom look to your space, making the addition seamless in your home.

Goodwill Home Pickup Service: Donate Stuff. Create Jobs.

Did you know Goodwill offers a free Home Pickup Service in Summit, Portage and Medina Counties? Generous donations from the community fund our mission to help individuals prepare for, find and retain employment. In fact, last year Goodwill Industries serving Summit, Portage, Medina, Ashland and Richland Counties helped 8,691 individuals through a number of services that offer assistance to people struggling to find employment, including: career exploration and advising, resume and interview preparation, skill identification, work experience opportunities, skills training, as well as job coaching, development and placement. The agency even provides support to local businesses in terms of recruiting, applicant screening and skill assessments. These services are possible through the generous donations of treasures received from nearly 470,000 donors.

Be a job creator and donate your gently-used items. To qualify for a Home Pickup, use the following guidelines: t

One piece of furniture, and/or

t

Three bags/boxes of clothing, household items, small electronics, shoes, toys, etc.

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View the full list of acceptable donations at www.goodwillakron.org/ donate. Call Gina Shook to schedule a pickup at 330-786-2576 or 800-989-8428.

Redefining the bathroom

Spruce up your space

Just because it’s called a bathroom, doesn’t mean it has to have a bathtub. Heinz and Douglass say that people are changing up their bathroom by eliminating the tub to make room for walk-in showers with benches. The shower doesn’t have to be boring; it can be beautified with custom ceramic patterns.

Other trends Heinz and Douglass pointed out are heated floors and large chandeliers in the bathroom.

by Molly Gase

After months of dormancy, spring is a time of rejuvenation. Buds pop into being on previously bare branches.

Lawns become lush with fresh greenery. Blue skies welcome cooped up people back into the great outdoors.

Not only is Mother Nature coming back to life, but now is the time to think about sprucing up your living space—inside and out.

Little changes mean a lot

Indoors

Sometimes the little changes are the ones that make the biggest impact. Heinz and Douglass suggest working with things you already have in your home to freshen up the spaces. Move your artwork around to create groupings of various sizes. This adds interest and variety, while still showcasing your favorite pieces. Update your lighting to create focal points in the room. Just as you added color to walls for accents, you can feature wallpaper in a bold pattern or simple texture to spice up a space.

De-cluttering and rearranging existing furniture is also a good idea. Heinz and Douglass say to try swapping pieces for other rooms.

Want a little something new? Add inexpensive seasonal accessories, like pillows, vases or area rugs to a room.

Month after month with no change, your home’s interior can start to wear on you.

Designers Katie Heinz and Amy Douglass of the Interior Design Studio in Medina have several suggestions of 2016 trends that might make you fall in love with your home all over again.

Splashes of color Who doesn’t love a bright color now and again? Heinz and Douglass say that bright accent colors that provide a pop on one wall are trending. These vibrant hues liven up your interior and add interest. On other walls, Heinz and Douglass say that shades of grey—from dark charcoal to a soft tint of grey—are popular. These shades can also be brought off the walls and integrated into the fabrics, wall coverings and accessories.

Outdoors The space outside your home can be a valuable living space for your family. As the weather turns for the better, homeowners migrate onto the lawns and begin to think about what improvements could make the experiences out there even more memorable. Design build manager, James Arch ASLA., of Vizmeg Landscape Inc. has seen four categories of exterior design trending this year. Whether it’s fire, water or a combination thereof, Arch has tips to make the outdoors great this year.

Metallic beauty Utilizing metals in your décor might not be the first thing most people think of, but Heinz and Douglass say new finishes are making an impact.

Different metals are popular, including brushed nickel, bronze and polished nickel. The newest metal finish is polished nickel—a cross between polished chrome with a hint of brass.

This gives the surface a champagne coloring. Believe it or not, brass is actually making a comeback too.

Brushed brass is an updated look on an older trend that provides a warmer, softer gold tone, according to Heinz and Douglass.

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A modern twist

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Outdoor living spaces have grown in popularity greatly. Pavilions take the best features of your home out into the yard, where homeowners can do everything from cooking with their outdoor kitchen to watching a flat-screen TV. Some even have internet access. Arch says that these spaces can vary in size from 300 square feet to 1,000 square feet. By creating a home literally outside of your house, you can spend as much time as possible in nature while the weather cooperates.

Worry-free water features Forget the days when a water feature in your landscape meant standing water, koi fish and mosquitos. Water features are now the calming things they were meant to be. Arch says that pre-cast fountains are once again popular. These types of features showcase the running water while preventing the hazards to children that standing ponds present. The soothing sounds add a serene element to the landscape as well. Arch adds that trending water features are low-maintenance, allowing homeowners more time to enjoy them rather than constantly cleaning up a mess.

People love fire. Not only is it good for warmth and, of course, roasting marshmallows, it also adds a unique design element to your landscaping. Fire pits and exterior fireplaces have gained momentum according to Arch. He also says that many people are opting to use natural gas as the fuel source instead of wood.

Creating a place to gather your family and friends outdoors, the fire feature will brighten up the night all summer long.

Fire features come in all shapes and sizes, so speak with a designer for guidance on what unique element will work best on your property.

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Taking it outside

Lighting up the landscape

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Keeping it simple with clean lines in your landscaping is one thing that Arch says is popular this year. The modern contemporary look adds a touch of elegance while not over-doing it outdoors. By utilizing materials like pavers and bricks, people can enjoy their space in a more organized way.

march 2016

Brightening up your outdoor space

by Molly Gase

Adding exterior lighting can bring new life to the great outdoors

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Your landscaped spaces can be an oasis from the hectic everyday world. The carefully manicured lawns, flower beds and trees not only take your property to the next level, but make the outdoors just as enjoyable as the indoors. Just as you can use lighting to highlight features within your home, exterior lighting can help liven up your overall design.

“At night, the landscape lighting can really make a difference. You can showcase your house in different ways with the lighting, or your entire property,” says Brian Kenny, the president of Edenscape Landscaping in Akron.

According to Kenny, lighting can be integrated into a natural setting to create something unique.

Large trees can be gorgeous additions to a home. Each day, homeowners can see the lovely foliage—a natural decoration for the property. When the sun sets, though, the greenery is concealed. With a little help, your trees can be a bright piece of the landscape in the evening, too. “We’ve done some really cool lighting with oak trees that are 50 feet tall,” says Kenny. “You get someone to climb up there and mount the lights and brighten up that canopy.” The affect is a diffuse glow high off the ground, adding an ethereal feel to your yard.

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As the warmer weather melts away your winter blues, lighted outdoor spaces welcome you into the great outdoors for some evening entertainment. No matter how you integrate lighting into your design, it can certainly liven up the area. w w w. akronlife.com

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Lighting can also be utilized closer to ground level. Combining your green-friendly inclinations with a desire to light up your space, Kenny suggests looking into LED lights. “[In the past], the LED looked a little hot and it was more of a fluorescent light. Now, they’ve gotten them back to the point where they’re softer and more subtle,” says Kenny. Whether you decide to use strings of lights, café style, or individual lighting features throughout the space, LEDs provide warmth to the area.

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financial planning

by Sharon Cebula and illustration by Cait Jones

The Long View on Taxes

/ Take these tips from the pros to make the most of your money all year long. /

What are you going to do with your tax refund this year? A vacation? A new phone? Those lipstick red stilettos you’ve been wanting? Or will yours only cover a fast food lunch?

With a little planning throughout the year, it’s not too hard to set yourself up to have exactly the refund you want.

Mark Altieri, J.D., LL.M. (in Taxation), CPA/ PFS, and Malinda Malbasa, M. Tax, are professors of accounting at Kent State University who weighed in on what taxpayers can do each quarter of the year to make tax time a little less, well, taxing.

First Quarter: Ready, Set, Organize January is typically the time that employers send out the forms employees will need to submit with their taxes. Other documentation is up to you, though, so now is the time to gather all of that paperwork. “For example,” says Altieri, “mortgage payments are in itemized deduction on Schedule A, and the taxpayer will want to make sure that he/she has all the Form 1098 documentation showing the interest expense paid to the bank.”

Malbasa also suggests developing an understanding of what is taxable and what is not, as well as tax rates on certain types of income.

“How taxpayers invest idle cash impacts the taxation of earnings related to the investment,” she says. For example, municipal bond interest is not taxed at the federal level.

Dividends—interest payments on stock holdings—and capital gains—profit from the sale of a stock—are taxed differently and in very complex ways that change frequently.

But don’t think the stock market isn’t for you because, as Malbasa says, “taxpayers in the lowest tax brackets currently enjoy dividends 68

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and capital gains tax-free.” Consult an expert to make sure you’re getting all the investment benefits you can throughout the year.

The start of a new year is also the perfect time to find and familiarize yourself with a good tax software package, so you won’t have to pay someone else to do your taxes.

Second Quarter: Preparation vs.

Perspiration “Usually the taxpayer is so exhausted after going through the tax preparation process, he isn’t in the mood to do much of anything regarding tax compliance in the following year,” Altieri says. But it’s the perfect time to set the stage for next year by noting log-in and password information for the federal, march 2016

state and local returns you just filed, and making notes about the order in which you did things. As Altieri notes, “I usually file my municipal income tax return on time but take extensions on my federal and state returns.

This gives me time to become familiar with that year’s version of the tax software program I am using, be it either TurboTax or the H&R Block tax preparation program.”

Do the prep work, then give yourself a wellearned break.

Third Quarter: Home Is Where the Tax Breaks Are “Home ownership is the last meaningful tax shelter for average Americans in that it generates itemized deductions for the mortgage

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“Helping Smart Women Become Investment Savvy” The Savvy Women Club Introduces Educational Web Events for 2016!

Paula R. Chesser, CSA® V ce P Vi Pre resi re siide d nt Seni Se nior ni or Inv Inv nves esstm men entt Co Cons nsul ns u ta ul tant nt

Continuing our tradition of educating women about current financial topics, we’re thrilled to now offer web events reaching more and more female investors.

Robert W. W Baird & Co. 3875 Embassy Parkway, Suite 300 Akron, OH 44333 330-664-5500 | 877-792-7868 6 pchesser@rwbaird.com paulachesser.com

Visit paulachesser.com for details about upcoming 2016 events and how you can participate!

Join the conversation | paulachesser.com ©2016 Robert W. Baird & Co. Incorporated. Member SIPC.

interest expense and property taxes paid on the home,” Altieri says. If you’re considering buying a house, know that it will not only improve your quality of life, but will change the way you do taxes, as well.

Additionally, workers who don’t have regular income tax withheld by an employer—mostly self-employed or seasonal workers and those accruing substantial income from investments—need to make quarterly estimated payments in June, September and January, as well as that all-important April date. Professor Malbasa recommends basing your quarterly estimates on either 90 percent of the current year’s total tax liability, or 100 percent of the prior year’s, whichever is lower. “While this doesn’t ultimately impact total taxes,” Malbasa explains, “it can greatly impact cash flow on a quarterly basis.”

Also, make sure you are taking advantage of any tax-deferred retirement programs through your employer, such as 401(k) plans.

Most employers match at least a portion of employee contributions, and as Altieri says, “This is free money, and the employee must figure out a way to take advantage of it.”

Fourth Quarter: To Itemize or Not To Itemize

Do the math, look into that crystal ball, then donate and save wisely for a win-win.

This is the time of year when a lot of people make charitable donations in order to lower their taxable income for the year. However, this strategy may not be the best for everyone.

It comes down to whether you itemize on your return or go for the simpler standard deductions, and what your particular bracket is. Altieri says, “If I am in the 15 percent marginal tax bracket for this year but anticipate being in the 25 percent marginal tax bracket next year, and I am planning on making a substantial charitable contribution toward the end of the current year, I may defer that contribution to the beginning of next year so as to deduct it against higher marginally taxed income.”

These simple tips, plus advice from experts like Professors Altieri and Malbasa, can help you get ahead of and stay on top of your taxes. Then by April 16, all you’ll have to worry about is how the Indians will do this season. / Editorial Associate Sharon Cebula lives in West Akron with her very patient husband, two obnoxious cats, and an enormous collection of owl paraphernalia.

Comments?

Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

Malbasa adds that “for taxpayers with children, there are a host of deductions and credits for expenses related to daycare and tuition.” Though the rules are complex, Malbasa recommends a 529 plan as a great way to save for college. “Earnings grow taxfree and distributions are not taxed if used for education,” she says. “So if you have children, it’s never too early to start saving—and you get a tax break.” w w w. akronlife.com

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good eats

restaurants

B Breakfast L Lunch D Dinner A Alcohol available T Takeout available V Valet parking $ 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.

/ notable food & drink /

Dogfish Head Romantic Chemistry

by Aaron Fowler

This year, Dogfish Head decided to make an abundance of calculated changes introducing a handful of new beers that have never been done before, while at the same time, saying goodbye to some beloved favorites. As we say “au revoir” to previous spring seasonal Aprihop, say hello to Romantic Chemistry.

Brewed with mangos, apricots and ginger, and then dry-hopped with three distinct hops varieties, Romantic Chemistry delivers a punch of tropical fruit on the nose and an effective hop-forwardness on the backend, resulting in a thoroughly satisfying beer to savor. Coming in at 7.2 percent alcohol by volume and an incredibly balanced 40 on the international bitterness unit, Romantic Chemistry is just the ticket for those looking to celebrate spring early.

Originally opened in the summer of 1995, Dogfish Head was not only the first brewery in Delaware but also the smallest commercial brewery in the country.

Settled near the water of Delaware’s scenic Rehoboth Beach, Dogfish Head Brewings & Eats gave founder Sam Calagione a chance to brew beer for a living in the place he called home.

As their popularity grew, however, Calagione realized that his 12-gallon brewing system was no match for the amount of beer the masses were asking for and decided to open the official brewery in Milton, less than 30 minutes away. While the beer, which is now distributed in over 30 states, is brewed and bottled at the Milton brewery, the original Rehoboth Beach location still serves as the testing ground for small batch brews looking to one day make their way to the bottle.

Romantic Chemistry is available in four packs ($8.99) at select Acme, Fishers Foods and Giant Eagle locations, as well as your finer craft beer stops such as Mustard Seed, World Market, Lizardville and 101 Bottles of Beer on the Wall. This new and highly anticipated release can also be found on draft at your favorite neighborhood craft-friendly bar.. / Writer Aaron Fowler is a sales representative at Cavalier Distributing.

Comments?

Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

4 packs for $8.99

Go to akronlife.com to view more area restaurants & events.

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Arnie’s West Branch Steak House Casual dining, specializing in steak, ribs and seafood. Closed Sun. 5343 State Rte. 14 (Ravenna) 330-297-1717 $$$ D, A, T Barley House Hot and cold deli sandwiches, gourmet pizzas, soups and more. 222 S. Main St. (Akron) 330-374-0925 $$ L, D, A, T Basil Asian Bistro Menu features Thai, Chinese and Korean dishes, as well as sushi and Vietnamese specialties. Closed Mon. march 2016

585 Market Ave. N. (Canton) 330-452-3888; 4195 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-915-6893 $$$ L, D, A, T Beau’s Grille Upscale, well-regarded, innovative menu at the Fairlawn Hilton. 3180 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-865-5577 $$$$ L, D, A, T Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary décor. Fusion/eclectic cuisine, lunch buffet and Sunday brunch. Sheraton Suites Akron/Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T Big Eye Japanese Cuisine and Sushi Bar Menu offers a wide variety of sushi as well as salads, soups, appetizers, cooked entrees and vegan

options to suit everyone at your table. Closed Sun. 2965 W. Market St. (Fairlawn) 330-836-4433 $$$ L, D, A, T The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard Situated on a 55-acre estate in a renovated historic barn that overlooks a beautiful lake. Serving rustic Italian fare using only fresh and seasonal ingredients. Closed Mon. Open for lunch Sat. and Sun. 1700 55th St. NE (Canton) 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A Blue Door Café and Bakery Sandwiches, quiche, soup, crepes and omelets. Open Wed.-Sun., 7 a.m.-3 p.m. Dinner served Thurs.-Sat. from 6-9 p.m. 1970 State Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-926-9774 $$ B, L, T

Bricco in Kent Menu is modeled after the original Bricco in downtown Akron. À la carte brunch on Sun. 210 S. Depeyster St. (Kent) 330-677-1335 $$$ L, D, A, T The Burntwood Tavern Owned by the same couple that runs the other Burntwood locations in Rocky River, Brecksville, Chagrin Falls and Solon, this restaurant’s menu features steaks, sliders, hand-cut fries, smoked, planked, and wood-grilled food. 2291 Riverfront Pkwy. (Cuyahoga Falls) www.burntwoodtavern. com $$$ L, D, A, T Capri Pizza Pizza, pasta, wings and barbeque ribs. 810 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330762-9131 $ L, D, T Casa Del Ranchero Authentic Mexican. Try a 44-ounce jumbo lime margarita, Arroz Con Pollo and flan for dessert. Kids’ menu and vegetarian menu. 562 W. Tuscarawas Ave. (Barberton) 330753-8494 $$ L, D, A, T Cellar 59 Wine Bar & Wine Shop The menu in this renovated 19th century farmhouse features small plates and desserts, as well as bottles of wine and craft beer.

Closed Sun. and Mon. 3984 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-688-2684 $$$ L, D, A, T China City Traditional Chinese cuisine in an elegant setting. 156 Cherry St. (Kent) 330-6736566 $$ L, D, A, T Cilantro Upscale Thai and Japanese, extensive menu, fresh ingredients, handselected sushi and no MSG. Eclectic atmosphere.

326 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-4342876 $$$ L, D, A, T Circle L Steakhouse The new menu offers a wide selection of steak cuts, and the atmosphere provides an upscale, rustic feel. Sunday brunch and live entertainment.

201 Park Centre Dr. (Wadsworth) 330-3357913 $$$$ B, L, D, A Cleats Club Seat Grille This sports pub and grill features burgers, “the official chicken wing of the Cleveland Indians” and the longest happy hour around, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Entertainment at

10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 469 College St. (Wadsworth) 330-334-5151 $$ L, D, A, T Coffee Pot Cafe Attached to the AkronSummit County Public Library downtown. Coffee, salads & sandwiches.

Open Mon. - Thurs. 8 a.m - 5 p.m,. Fri. 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., and special events.

75 S. Main St. (Akron).

330-807-8039. $ B, L, T Craft Beer Bar A large variety of craft beer, cocktails, wines and whiskeys that accompany upscale bar food. Watermark Building, 1846 Front St., Suite G (Cuyahoga Falls) 234-5711409 $$$ D, A, T, V The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery. Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. Closed Sun. Opens 11 a.m., Mon.-Sat. 1700 55th St. NE (Canton) 330-497-1000 $$ L, D, A D’Agneses Tomato Grill Wide array of entrée choices. Sunday brunch. Catering available.

106 First St. (Hudson) 330-342-3771 $$$$ L, D, A, T D’Agnese’s White Pond Contemporary Italian food served in a classy yet casual setting.

Open seven days a week for lunch and dinner.

Live entertainment in the lounge. Full service catering. 566 White Pond Dr. (Akron) 234-678-3612 $$$ L,D,A,T D.B.A. (Dante Boccuzzi Akron) Modern American food in a rock ‘n’ roll palace setting.

Several menu items can be ordered in varied portion sizes, based on your appetite. Vegetarian and vegan options available.

Order a drink and relax on the restaurant’s spacious patio. 21 Furnace St. (Akron) 330-375-5050 $$$$ D, A, T, V Desert Inn Familyowned since 1970.

Specializes in “Family Style” shish kabobs. 204 12th St. NW (Canton) 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A Eadie’s Fish House Bar & Grill All kinds of seafood, including fried

by Rick Rodger

uncorked

Chateau St Jean Winery Kenwood, Calif.

Chateau St Jean was founded in 1973 at the foot of the Sugarloaf Ridge in the Sonoma Valley near the area of Kenwood. Back in the early ‘70s, Sonoma County was just starting to be recognized for its wine producing areas. When I first visited the Sonoma area, they were known for producing very nice Chardonnays.

That all changed when, in 1999, the Wine Spectator awarded the 1996 Chateau St Jean Cinq Cépages its Wine of the Year award.

Cinq Cépages is their flagship wine and is a blend of five red Bordeaux varietals (Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot). This wine helped put Sonoma red wines on the map. The award also produced Sonoma Valley’s first winner of Wine Spectator’s Wine of The Year award.

Margo Van Staaveren is their winemaker and started at the winery in 1980, after she graduated from The University of California Davis. It’s been said if you want to know anything about Chateau St Jean, ask Margo. She and her staff have the ability to produce outstanding wines in so many different styles. Because of this, the Chateau St Jean winery is one of California’s great wineries. Margo Van Staaveren was awarded The Wine Enthusiast Winemaker of the Year in 2008. If you get a chance, try her outstanding single-vineyard Robert Young Chardonnay, Belle Terre Chardonnay, and La Petite Etoile Sauvignon Blanc.

In a different style, try her everyday easy-drinking wines, Soirée Red and North Coast Chardonnay. If you’re going to visit Sonoma Valley, put this incredible winery on your list.

Chateau St Jean Soirée is a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah and Malbec. This is a wine crafted for everyday drinking with character, which is rich in flavor that is structured to drink now. You can pair this wine with lighter pork dishes, such as a tenderloin, red-sauce pastas and barbeque ribs. This wine retails for $12.

Chateau St Jean North Coast Chardonnay is a rich fruit-forward wine that is easy to drink. The wine is aged in French American oak and then blended with a small amount of stainless steel to help give the wine a crisp fruit flavor. It pairs well with chicken, fish, shellfish, scallops, Gouda cheese and pasta dishes with white sauces.

This wine also retails for $12.

Chateau St Jean can be found at Acme Fresh Markets, Buehler’s Fresh Food, Papa Joes, Mustard Seed, 750ML, Riverside Wine & Imports, Reserve of Medina, Giant Eagle, Regency and Heinen’s.

Wine Wisdom: Read the wine label’s vintage date. The vintage date indicates the year the grapes were harvested. In order for a wine label to carry a vintage date, 95 percent of the grapes used in the making of the wine must have been harvested in that year. Remember: some years produce better grapes than others, primarily because of weather. Wine without a vintage date is referred to as a non-vintage.

/ Rick Rodger is a manager at Heidelberg Distributing Company.

Comments? Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

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big bite

by Sharon Cebula and photos by Emily Vaeth

Steamed to perfection Three Sisters Momo Offers Cross-Cultural Cuisine Dumplings are not always a part of American cuisine, unless you count the doughy lumps sometimes floating in a broth-y chicken dish. Three Sisters Momo is challenging that idea with a savory South Asian twist on the humble dumpling.

Growing up in Kent, Tiffany Ann Stacy was always the kid who made friends with the exchange students. Awkward herself, she empathized with how it must feel in a strange place on the first day of school and tried to make newcomers more comfortable. In college, Stacy was a conversation partner for international students. In her junior year, she started volunteering at the International Institute in Akron and met a handsome young interpreter from Nepal who had only been in the U.S. for six months. A romance blossomed between the two, and Stacy changed her mind about going into the Peace Corps to stay closer to her then fiancé. She has no regrets about that choice now, though, because “my

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whole life is like the Peace Corps,” Stacy says.

With a two-year-old son and two-month-old daughter, in-laws living with them and a fulltime job, it hardly seems Stacy could have time or energy to open a small business. But the communal nature of Nepali life has carried over here: childcare is shared among all family members, and large meals are always simmering for unexpected guests.

“One of the first things my sister-in-law, now business partner, gave me to eat were momo,” Stacy says of the filled dumplings her nascent company now sells. “I had never had anything so delicious in my life.”

Momo filling starts with a base of ground cabbage and a blend of seasonings. Meat can be added, but without it, they are vegan, as the wrapping contains no eggs or dairy. The dumplings are stuffed by hand, steamed in a special Nepali steamer called a maktu, and served with a tomato-based sauce. The result is a warm pillow of spicy, satisfying goodness.

Stacy realized right away that Americans would probably love the savory Nepalese staple, and set about convincing her sisters-in-law that starting their own business making and

march 2016

selling them was a good idea. It was a hard sell, as the women were newly arrived in the U.S. and a little overwhelmed just building a life in a new country. Then, in the summer of 2015, Better Block came to North Hill, and Stacy seized the opportunity.

She launched a Kickstarter campaign online to raise money and attended community meetings, where she met Charly Murphy, owner of Stray Dog Cart.

“The equipment to start a mobile business was hard to acquire and expensive,” Stacy says.

“It is also required that food be cooked in an inspected industrial kitchen, which is hard to find. Luckily, Charly Murphy loaned us a set of equipment for the season and let us use his kitchen as our commissary.”

With support and mentoring from Murphy, Stacy and her two sisters-in-law spent last summer vending dumplings at events and festivals all over The 330, babies and toddlers in tow.

“Owning our own business has given us flexibility,” Stacy says, because women so often have to choose between working and spending time with their kids.

For now, Three Sisters vends only in the summer, but they’re looking for a brick-and-mortar site in the North Hill area while awaiting the next festival season. Aquaduct Brewery, whose owner is friends with Murphy, is letting the women use his facility as a commissary, while Murphy builds them a portable sink.

They also plan to bottle their sauce and freeze the dumplings to sell at local grocery stores.

“We look forward to the day when we can hire employees and contribute to the development of the community,” Stacy says.

“We want to create jobs, especially for local women with young children who need flexible employment.”

To get a pre-season taste of Three Sisters Momo, go to Aquaduct Brewery on the last Friday in March and get a craft beer and a plate of dumplings for $10.

To learn more about Three Sisters Momo, visit their Facebook page www.facebook. com/3sistersmomo/.

Comments?

Email them to Molly Gase at mgase@bakermediagroup.com.

alligator bites, lobster tail and homemade lump crabcakes. 6616 Wise Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-494-4000 $$$ L, D, A, T Fred’s Diner Well-known North Hill stop for breakfast and lunch. 930 Home Ave. (Akron: North) 330-535-3733 $ B, L, T H2 Huth & Harris Wine Merchants With a selection of over 200 wines, this Medina-based winery serves up a sizable selection in a rustic, cellar-like atmosphere. Also offers large selection of craft beers, ciders, kombucha, meads and a large selection of tapas dishes. 221 South Court St. (Medina) 330-815-4959 $$$ L, D, A Hoppin’ Frog Brewery This spot offers 24 beers on tap and more than 50 bottles, including imports, and nightly events. Gastropub seasonal menu available. Open Tues.-Sat. 1680 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron) 234-5253764 $$ D, A Jilly’s Music Room Creative American tapas in a sophisticated setting with live music, concerts and events Wednesday through Saturday. All gluten-free menu. 111 N. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-576-5960 $$ D, A Kasai Japanese Restaurant Sushi, hibachi, noodles, don buri, agamono and more. Enjoy a glass of wine, and finish your meal with tempura cheesecake. 295 Weatherstone Dr. (Wadsworth) 330-334-7141 $$$ L, D, A, T Kennedy’s BBQ Pit-smoked ham, pork, beef, turkey, pulled pork sandwiches topped with cabbage relish, bean soup, chili and Troyer’s pie by the slice. 1420 7th St. NW (Canton) 330-454-0193 $ L, D, T Laziza High-end Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, plus steak and seafood dishes and a full bar. Acorn Alley, 195 E. Erie St. (Kent) 330-6777000 $$$ L, D, A, T The Lockview Traditional American favorites. Fresh menu with spotlight on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 207 S. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-252-5128 $$ L, D, A, T Luigi’s Restaurant An Akron icon. Open late. Serves superb Italian cuisine, salads and award-winning pizza. Voted Best Pizza and Best Italian Restaurant by akronlife readers. Party trays and sheet-pan pizzas available with 24-hour notice. Open Mon.-Thurs. 11 a.m. to Midnight, Fri. 11 a.m. to 2 a.m., Sat. 3 p.m. to 2 a.m., Sun. 3 p.m. to Midnight. 105 N. Main St. (Akron: Downtown) 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T No credit cards Maize Valley Winery Sample wine by bottle or glass, as well as craft

beer. Taste 100+ types of cheeses. Appetizers and sandwiches. Full dinner menu on Sat. evenings. 6193 Edison St. NE (Hartville) 330-877-8344 $$ L, D, A Mary Coyle Strong pasta selection. Six-time winner of Pasta Yule’s Best Red Sauce. Known for endless ice cream options. 780 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330-253-1511 $$ L, D Medina Steakhouse & Saloon Old-fashioned décor turns this once stagecoach stop into an open, casual place for food. 538 W. Liberty St. (Medina) 330-723-2853 $$$ L, D, A Mustard Seed Market Café Located on mezzanine overlooking natural foods market. Menu reflects same strict standards as the market, with naturally raised meats, free-range poultry and foods free from artificial flavors, colorings and preservatives. Full bar, juice bar and espresso. Live music on weekends. Sunday brunch. 3885 W. Market St. (Montrose) 330-666-7333; 867 W. Market St. (Akron) 330-434-7333 $$$ L, D, T Platinum Dragon A great spot for people-watching. Menu features a variety of Chinese favorites. 814 W. Market St. (Highland Square) 330434-8108 $$ L, D, A, T Russo’s Unique cuisine featuring Cajun and Italian influences. Fine-dining atmosphere. 4895 State Rd. (Peninsula) 330-923-2665 $$$$ L, D, A, T Saffron Patch Fine Indian cuisine including tandoori chicken, gingerseasoned yellow lentils and garlic naan. 1224 Weathervane Lane (Akron) 330-836-7777 $$$ L, D, A, T Sarah’s Vineyard Sample high-quality wines, appetizers and desserts in the tasting room, on the deck or in the butterfly garden. Open Wed.Sun. 1204 W. Steels Corners Rd. (Cuyahoga Falls) 330-929-8057 $$ L, D, A The Sound Garden Café Live music, spirits and burgers, hot dogs and sandwiches. 2156 E. Waterloo Rd. (Akron) 330-858-3951 $$ L, D, A, T Southern Gardens Restaurant & Tea Room Enjoy quiche, soups, sandwiches and salads, as well as Southern-style and authentic Southeast Asian cuisine. Over 50 loose leaf teas are brewed by the pot right at your table and are available for purchase to take home. Children’s menu available. Closed Mon. 497 Portage Lakes Dr. (Akron) 330-644-8363 $$ L, D, T Swensons Drive In Voted Best Burger in akronlife’s Best of the City.

Signature burger is the Galley Boy. 658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave. (Akron:

North) 330-928-8515; 40 S. Hawkins Ave. (Akron: West) 330-864-8416; 4466 Kent Rd. (Stow) 330-678-7775; 40 Brookmont Rd. (Montrose) 330665-1858; 5815 Wales Ave. (Jackson Twp.) 330-833-5454; 1558 N. Main St. (North Canton) 330-499-9494 $ L, D, T Tequila Pancho’s Many flavors of margaritas. 5893 Akron-Cleveland Rd. (Boston Heights) 330-342-9401 $$ L, D, A, T Timber Lodge Steaks are hand-selected from the finest USDA Prime and Choice aged beef. Seafood is flown in daily to assure the peak of flavor and freshness. Prime Rib is slow roasted rotisserie-style and hand-carved to your taste. Open Mon.-Thurs. 4 -10 p.m., Fri. and Sat. 4-11 p.m. , Sun. 11 a.m.-9 p.m. (brunch until 2 p.m.) and kids’ menu. 2809 Pearl Rd., Rte. 42 (Medina) 330-725-6288 $$$ D, A, T The Twisted Olive Italian American Kitchen Casual classic Italian-American fare prepared in wood-fire ovens and on grills.

Indoor and outdoor seating. 5430 Massillon Rd. (Green) 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A, T Wasabi Japanese Steakhouse Hibachi steakhouse and sushi bar. Chefs prepare food right before your eyes. 150 Montrose West Ave. (Copley) 330-666-5522; 6338 Strip Ave. NW (North Canton) 330-9668866 $$$$ L, D, T West Side Bakery Specialties include cakes, pastries and cookies.

Breakfast items include scones, muffins and yogurt parfaits. All sandwiches, wraps, salads and soups are made from scratch. 2303 W. Market St. (Akron: Pilgrim Square) 330-836-4101; 1840 Town Park Blvd.

(Green) 330-899-9968 $ B, L, T The Wine Mill Open daily for wine, craft beer, and bites made from fresh, local ingredients, The rustic Wine Mill serves salads, sliders and cheeseboards, along with Mason jar desserts. The Wine Mill is available for weddings and private events. Closed Sun. 4964 Akron Cleveland Rd. (Peninsula) 234-571-2594 $$$ L, D, A, V Wise Guys Lounge & Grill Located in the former Nick Anthe Restaurant, this spot, owned by Tom Procaccio, features steaks, seafood and pasta dishes. Closed Sun. 1008 N. Main St. (Akron) 330-922-3006 $$$$ L, D, A, T Yellowtail Japanese-style seafood and sushi buffet. 4054 Medina Rd. (Montrose) 330-666-9988 $$$$ L, D, A, T

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

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Total Ankle Replacement Offers Improved Outcomes for Arthritis Sufferers

OrthoAdvice

By David B. Kay, MD

Ankle arthritis affects millions of Americans. While ankle fusion has long been the standard for treating this condition, more patients are opting for ankle replacement.

Total ankle replacement surgery is used to treat the pain and immobility of severe, end-stage arthritis that has not responded to non-surgical treatments. The goal of this surgery is to eliminate pain and increase the mobility of the ankle joint.

Before proceeding with surgery, your doctor will first need to evaluate your ankle to determine proper diagnosis and treatment. An accurate diagnosis includes a detailed medical history and physical examination. Imaging tests, such as x-rays, Doppler and MRI, may also be conducted. Depending on individual needs, a CT scan may also be necessary to customize guides.

Like other joint replacements, this procedure involves replacing the damaged joint with a new one made of metal and plastic. During the surgery, these components are attached to the talus and tibia bones and secured with screws to ensure a tight fit of the new prosthesis. Afterwards, most patients remain in the hospital for a few days.

Recovery time is quicker than with fusion. Physical therapy usually begins soon after surgery and continues for about three months to help regain the full range of motion.

Typically, patients can move their ankle within two weeks, progressing to full weight-bearing exercises after six weeks. Because ankle replacement relies upon ingrowth of the bone into the joint, total recovery usually takes up to six months.

While no surgery is without risk, the majority of patients suffer no complications following ankle joint replacement; however, complications can occur. These may include infection, fracture of the tibia or fibula bone, dislocation of the ankle, damage to nerves or blood vessels, blood clots, loosening of artificial components, failure to relieve pain, scar tissue build-up requiring revision surgery, and instability, stiffness, or weakness of the new ankle joint.

Ankle joint replacement surgery is not appropriate in all cases of ankle arthritis. In some cases, ankle fusion may be a better option. It’s always important to thoroughly discuss any concerns you have with your doctor prior to surgery. Your surgeon will determine the best options for you based on your particular situation.

As with any surgery, success depends on your age, activity level and other factors. To find out if ankle replacement is right for you, contact the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center for a personal consultation with one of our foot and ankle specialists.

Dr. Kay is a board-certified, fellowshiptrained orthopaedic surgeon, who specializes in foot and ankle conditions. He is a graduate of the Medical College of Ohio (Toledo).

He served his residency at Akron General Medical Center and his fellowship in foot and ankle reconstruction at Wagner Institute at the University of Southern California.

He is also a professor of orthopaedic surgery at Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED). Dr. Kay is affiliated with a number of professional orthopaedics organizations and has held several teaching appointments. Dr. Kay has been a physician since 1980 and is a member of the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons.

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Pat McGrew en nded months of paiin witth a totall hip replacement at Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center, a physician-owned hospital. We were recen ntlyy ranked Northeast Ohio’s best for major orthopaed dic surgery by the nation’s largest private healthcare information service. That means you can expect feeweer complications, better inpatient quality, superior pa atientt safety…and the pain-free lifestyle you deserve.

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Call (855) 728-4660 toll-free to schedule an app pointment or visit crystalclinic.com/BestOrthoCaree.