January 2024 Akron Life Magazine

DINE CITY

VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 1

JANUARY 2024

in the

INTERESTS EXPLORED 5 COOL CLASSES AT PRIVATE SCHOOLS

HIT 5 AR EA DOWNTOWNS FOR DINING & NIGHTS OUT

DRINK AT MOE’S VISIT A “SIMPSONS” POP - UP BAR

JAN. 2024 $4.95

CHERISHED MOMENTS 5 WEDDINGS TO REMEMBER CASHMER E CR ICKET, BUR R ATA photo by Talia Hodge

001-008 front jan24.indd 1

12/19/23 11:53 AM

001-008 front jan24.indd 2

12/18/23 3:54 PM

PAGES

JANUARY 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 1

Pages start here

On The Cover

| 32 Food | photo by Talia Hodge

[ FEATURES ]

15 CHERISHED MOMENTS After years together, these couples finally said “I do.”

Read about their unforgettable weddings. Plus, get tips on flowers for your big day.

32 DINE IN THE CITY Hit area downtowns for delicious meals and exciting nights out.

Also find fun stops for while you’re out on the town.

photo by Lindzy Lee Photography

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

001-008 front jan24.indd 3

3

12/18/23 3:41 PM

PAGES MAIL BONDING

Tell us what's on your mind.

DECEMBER 2023 VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 12

SHAMMAS MALIK AKRON’S

CHANGE LEADER tirelessly Mayor-elect works future to create a thriving for his hometown

COUNT DOWN 3 PARTIES TO RING IN THE NEW YEAR

TOP DOCTORS 2023 LIFE CHANGING PATIENTS GET CUTTING-EDGE TREATMENTS AKRON MAYOR-ELECT SHAMMAS MALIK photo by Meghan Winkler

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in Akron Life?

Or maybe you want to tell us about something great happening in the area.

Send comments and suggestions to: Akron Life, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313, and please include your name and address.

Or email them to editor@bakermediagroup.com.

We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

HAVE AKRON, WILL TRAVEL

FOUNDER

Don Baker Jr. [ 1940-2018 ] PUBLISHER

Colin Baker cbaker@bakermediagroup.com C R E AT I V E D I R E C T O R

William L. Teckmyer III w teckmyer@bakermediagroup.com MANAGING EDITOR

Get Your Face In Our Magazine Send us pics of yourself with a copy of Akron Life and end up on this page!

Images and descriptions can be sent to editor@bakermediagroup.com.

Kelly Petryszyn kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com A S S I S TA N T E D I T O R

Alexandra Sobczak asobczak@bakermediagroup.com E D I T O R I A L A S S I S TA N T

Xaverie Baker xbaker@bakermediagroup.com CO N T R I B U T I N G W R I T E R S

Aaron Fowler Eric Van Sant CO N T R I B U T I N G P H O T O G R A P H E R

Talia Hodge POWERED BY

SALES

Bunny Lacey Steve Tyson Ben DiCola Neil Sudhakaran sales@bakermediagroup.com C I R C U L AT I O N

circulation@bakermediagroup.com 330-253-0056, ext. 104 EDITORIAL /PHOTOGR APHY INTERN

WHE T HER YO U

Kaitlyn Murray

WANT TO HOS T O R AT T E N D A

EDITORIAL INTERN

V I R T U A L E V E N T,

Ashley Caudill

33 0 T IX O F F E R S BOTH EASE AND

JANUARY 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 1

E N T E R TA I N M E N T .

(ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1)

YO U R T I CKE T TO LO C A L E V E N T S

330tix.com 4

akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2024© by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed envelope and sufficient postage. Baker Media Group, LLC and akronlife accept no responsibility for unsolicited material.

Subscription rates: Continental U.S., One year —$19.95, Two years —$34.95. Call for Alaska, Hawaii or international rates. Single issues available by calling the circulation department or visiting akronlife.com/store. $3.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling. Editorial, advertising and business offices: (330) 253-0056, fax (330) 253-5868.

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

001-008 front jan24.indd 4

12/18/23 3:41 PM

PAGES

44

09

54

EDUCATION

AGENDA

UNTAPPED

Cool classes

[ the essential social digest ]

Nonalcoholic beers

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

04 MAIL BONDING 06 FROM THE PUBLISHER Puppy Love

07 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

08 UPFRONT Fresh Adventure

09 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 10 Entertainment listings

+ Calendar of events

Special Section 44 EDUCATION Private school students explore their interests in cool classes.

52 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 52 Restaurant listings 53 Uncorked:

Mawby Winery 54 Untapped: Nonalcoholic beers

55 PARTING SHOT Majorettes

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

001-008 front jan24.indd 5

5

12/18/23 3:41 PM

PAGES FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

Puppy Love We welcomed a new member into our family.

As we enter the new year, the Baker family is embracing an exciting new addition — a puppy that has brought a whirlwind of joy and chaos into our lives. Deciding to get a puppy wasn’t an impromptu decision. We weighed all the reasons why it might not be the best idea — the relentless need for attention, the inevitable indoor accidents, the playful yet painful nips with those sharp teeth, the commitment to walks in less-than-ideal weather and the challenge of finding pet care during vacations. Despite these daunting prospects, our love for dogs and the happiness they bring overrode all concerns.

The thought of getting a dog had been in the air, especially after my wife mentioned it as a post-cancer treatment plan. Her frequent sharing of adorable dog videos on Instagram was a clear indicator of what was to come. Previously, we had a Boston terrier, cherished for her ornery and stubborn personality, which might not be the traits one actively seeks in a pet, but they were endearing. This time around, we gravitated toward a French bulldog, a breed known for its bold personality. That led us to Fudge, our more than 12-week-old puppy.

Choosing his name was an adventure. We debated over hundreds of options, finally settling on Fudge, a name that resonated with the sweetness he brought into our household. This was an important decision for us, recalling how our last dog, a Brussels griffon, ended up with the default name Puppy, due to our indecision.

Puppies, for all their cuteness, could really

use warning labels about the impending chaos they bring. There is relentless energy and a penchant for mischief that comes bundled with their adorable exteriors. Despite the challenges, we dove right in, and I’m glad we did. Fudge has been a delightful addition to our family, fitting in seamlessly with our daily routines and bringing smiles to everyone’s faces.

What’s remarkable about Fudge is his calm demeanor. He’s not prone to incessant barking, which is a relief. He’s also receiving a lot of attention, which seems to have a positive effect on him. My wife, who works from home, has become his constant companion. Fudge is often nestled comfortably under her desk. Additionally, Fudge has shown an impressive ability to adapt, as

he’s been learning to use a cat box for his bathroom needs, a habit that has been both surprising and helpful.

As Fudge becomes more entrenched in our family life, my initial reservations are fading. The joy and love he brings to our home are irreplaceable, and his playful presence has become a source of daily happiness for us all. There’s an undeniable bond forming, one that I anticipate will only deepen with time. I’m confident that by the time this column is printed, my affection for Fudge will have grown exponentially, making it hard to envision our family without him.

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

6

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

001-008 front jan24.indd 6

12/18/23 3:41 PM

PAGES RADAR

by Ashley Caudill, photo provided by Moe’s Pop-up

seen + heard

Toon In Rock Hard The Replacements’ and Guns N’ Roses’ Tommy Stinson and Akron’s the Waitress’ Chris Butler cut the ribbon on the newly relocated Buzzbin venue this past fall. After the Canton rock scene staple closed in 2022, Buzzbin was recruited to join Akron’s Music Row in Kenmore that’s also home to instrument shops, recording studios and the Rialto Theatre. With loud DIY rock and punk as its focus, Buzzbin also features blues, hip-hop and hardcore acts like First Jason, the heavy metal band led

by Ari Lehman, who portrayed young Jason Voorhees in the “Friday the 13th” films. Encounter the unexpected Jan. 20 with Milwaukee dream pop band SleeperSound. 952 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, buzzbinkenmore.com

Straight out of Springfield, Moe’s Tavern is taking over Missing Falls Brewery, transforming it into the ultimate “Simpsons”-inspired pop-up bar Jan. 19 to 28. Step into the tavern with orange and green diamond-patterned windows and belly up to the bar — complete with Duff beer signs — where Homer slung frosty brews after working at the nuclear plant.

Dig into a double Krusty cheeseburger inspired by Krusty the Clown’s fastfood joint or go for the Drunkin’ D’Ohnuts dessert that includes a Homer-sized pink-frosted doughnut surrounding a Moe’s glass filled with wafers, mini doughnuts and cookies. Sip on exclusive beer and pose with photo props to remember your trip.

Tickets required, 540 S. Main St., Akron, moespopup.com

Surf & Turf Pork osso bucco ($39) with microgreens stands atop a mountain of garlic-roasted mashed potatoes with swirled herbed demiglace and a pile of roasted carrots. It’s one of the exquisite entrees at the reimagined Valley’s Edge restaurant at MGM Northfield Park casino and entertainment venue with a new look paying homage to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park decorated with rustic wooden planks and acclaimed Akron sculptor Don Drumm’s nature-inspired metalworks. The elevated menu features Midwestern wood-fired steaks and flavorful global seafood, including the Faroe Island salmon ($39) topped with Cajun seasoning, whiskey sweet tea glaze, squash succotash and a Parmesan grit cake. Toast your night out with a cocktail like the Towpath Bramble ($14) with gin, blackberry brandy and fresh blackberries. MGM Northfield Park, 10777 Northfield Road, Northfield, mgmnorthfieldpark.mgmresorts.com

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

001-008 front jan24.indd 7

7

12/18/23 3:41 PM

PAGES UPFRONT

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

Fresh Adventure Have an unexpected night out in an area downtown.

nearby lobby and happened upon the secret entrance, which I won’t reveal. Entering the Watson led to a delightfully surprising night out.

Liven up your winter by heading to an area downtown and dining at the spots in our guide on pg. 32. Plus, find suggestions of nearby stops to make while you’re out.

The art behind the cocktails at the Watson is impressive. My husband, Tony, got the Doctor’s Orders with bourbon, cinnamon, honey, fresh lemon and orange bitters. He got it smoked, and it came with a glass bottle labeled Dr. Thomas Watson’s lung and cough syrup because it was inspired by olden prescriptions for sore throats. I was shocked when my Manchester Falls cocktail came out with cloudy bubbles over it that burst into smoke. It has raspberry vodka, blackberry liqueur, pomegranate liqueur, freshly squeezed lemon, muddled berries and orange bitters. The amazing presentations made it an experience. Plus, the atmosphere of blue velvet sofas, gray privacy curtains and dim Edison bulb fixtures made it intimate, whisking us away to the Age of Invention.

We went without a plan. It was my husband and I’s seventh wedding anniversary this past Labor Day, and we dropped our toddler off with my in-laws and embarked on a celebratory date night in Cuyahoga Falls.

After parking on a side street, we started walking Front Street. We wandered into Butcher & Sprout to ask about the hidden Watson speakeasy I wrote about for a previous issue of Akron Life. We stumbled into a

was also celebrating. We decided to split appetizers and ordered the breaded chicken sliders smothered in hot honey and served with buttermilk ranch and pickles; the huge crispy tater tots that come with chipotle barbecue and buttermilk ranch; and the crispy shrimp tacos with Cajun-dusted shrimp, slaw, queso fresco, crispy jalapenos, pico de gallo and cilantro lime crema. All were yummy, but the shrimp tacos were especially mouthwatering.

Following our meal, we walked back along the river and Front Street, taking in nature and the unusually quiet city. Our date night ended up being an adventure.

Winter can be dark and dreary, but The 330’s restaurants are often full of life and energy. I hope you can use this guide to have some unexpected nights out, whether they include enjoying the daring globally inspired cuisine at Crave in Akron or dishes flipped on their heads at Cashmere Cricket in Cuyahoga Falls. Plus, with stops like the Knight Stage for live music or theater or the Workz for arcade games, the night can take an exciting turn, making your winter brighter.

We were ready for a meal, so we set out on Front Street to find a restaurant, which was challenging since many were closed for the holiday. We went down the path along the Cuyahoga River, taking in the beautiful scenery. I even dipped my toes in the river.

Back from Front Street, we finally discovered Burntwood Tavern was open and snagged a seat on the edge of the elevated patio that overlooks the rushing river below.

It was fun that we ran into Jessica, who worked in circulation at Akron Life and

[ Managing Editor Kelly Petryszyn is an adventure seeker, forever a dreamer and an avid supporter of #TeamFiona. ] 8

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

001-008 front jan24.indd 8

12/18/23 3:41 PM

AGENDA

JANUARY 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 1

Agenda

the essential social digest

“Je Ne Sais Plus [What Is This Feeling]” by Kristin Reeves

1/26-3/1 “Still/Moving: Framing New Media”

Visit the exhibit curated by Jamie Hahn, featuring works by Jason Bernagozzi, Jamie Hahn, Evelyne Leblanc-Roberge, Kristin Reeves and Eric Souther. Kent State University, Center for Visual Arts Gallery, 325 Terrace Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. & Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. kent.edu/galleries

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

009-014 agenda jan24.indd 9

9

12/18/23 3:42 PM

AGENDA

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

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

Through 1/6 Centennial Christmas The Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio, is turning 100 and celebrating with this look back at holiday memorabilia and decor. 550 Copley Road, Akron.

Wednesday-Saturday tours at 1, 2 & 3 p.m. summithistory.org Through 1/7 “Artwork by Members of the Boys and Girls Club of Massillon” View artworks in mediums like watercolor, pastel, acrylic paint, collage, mixed-media and more by young artists. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org Through 1/7 “A Way to Win: Paul Brown’s Innovations” Catch this exhibit at the Paul Brown Museum. Massillon Museum, Paul Brown Museum, 121 Lincoln Way

10

E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org Through 1/14 “Elena Masrour: Bingo!

I’m the King Now!” See ink drawings

by Elena Masrour. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. TuesdaySaturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org Through 1/14 “Stark County Artists Exhibition” Browse two- and threedimensional artwork at this annual juried exhibit. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum. org Through 1/15 Winter Blitz Tube through the goalpost to the 20-yard line, rent an igloo, enjoy cocoa and cookies and more on select dates. 2014 Champions Gateway, Canton. Select Fridays-Sundays. $6-$150. hofvillage.com

Through 2/19 Winterblast Enjoy the season with an ice skating rink, ice bumper cars, ice bikes, Archie the Snowman and more family-friendly fun. Between the State Street bridge and Canal Park Stadium, Akron.

Wednesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., FridaySaturday 11 a.m.-11 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. lock3live.com Through 3/30 “Habitat” This exhibit examines the need for diverse habitats and what we can do to protect them.

McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. mckinleymuseum.org Through 4/24 “A Life in Style: The Wardrobe of James E. Mulholland” Follow the personal story of fashion industry insider James Mulholland’s life through selections from his wardrobe. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent.

Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

009-014 agenda jan24.indd 10

12/18/23 3:42 PM

AGENDA Sunday, otherwise $6 general public. kent. edu/museum Through 4/27 “Beyond Camelot: The Life and Legacy of Jacqueline Kennedy Onassis” Peruse never-before-seen artifacts that provide perspective on the life of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. First Ladies National Historical Site, 205 Market Ave. S, Canton.

Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. firstladies.org Through 8/1 “Knitting Beyond the Body” Browse pieces that highlight innovation and technological advances in relation to textiles and knitting. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. TuesdaySaturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/ museum 1/5-2/10 Akron Soul Train Double Exhibition See Gina Washington’s exhibit “Universal Child,” which examines Black identity through nursery rhymes, and Nyki Fetterman’s exhibit “Mysticism | Between,” which focuses on joyful and fleeting moments. Akron Soul Train, 191 S. Main St., Akron. Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m.

Free. akronsoultrain.org

1/6 UA Horn Day Attend a day full of hornrelated activities, ranging from a community master class to a concert, featuring social media sensation Scott Leger. Guzzetta Hall, 228 E. Buchtel Ave., Akron. 1-6 p.m. Free. uakron.edu 1/6, 1/13, 1/20 & 1/27 Coffee with the Birds Fetch your mug from home and prepare to have your questions about birds answered by a naturalist. Warm beverages are provided. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 10-11 a.m.

Free. summitmetroparks.org 1/6, 1/8, 1/13 & 1/15 (S) Words (S) Words (S) Words Sign up for a Shakespeare verse workshop and stage combat class hosted

by Ohio Shakespeare Festival. Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., Akron. Saturday noon & Monday 7 p.m. $25 per class. ohioshakespearefestival.com 1/7, 1/14, 1/21 & 1/28 Distillery Tasting Tour Go behind the scenes of the distillery at Gervasi Vineyard during a tour, then enjoy three spirit tastings and take home a shot glass. Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 3 p.m. $21. gervasivineyard.com

1/9 STEAM Teens: Bird feeder Workshop Teens can explore science, technology, engineering, arts and math by building bird feeders to take home. Sippo Lake Park, Exploration Gateway, 5712 12th St. NW, Canton. 6 p.m. $5 Stark County residents. starkparks.com 1/11-1/15 Award Nominated Film Series: “Barbie” Watch the award-nominated film “Barbie,” directed by Greta Gerwig. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton.

Jan. 11 & 12 7:30 p.m., Jan. 14 2 p.m. & Jan. 15 1 p.m. $7. cantonpalacetheatre.org 1/11-3/7 Acrylic Still Lifes Join local artist Nick Lee on select dates for still life painting.

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Thursdays 6-9 p.m. Members $145, nonmembers $160 (includes all nine classes and supplies). massillonmuseum.org 1/12 Owls & Howls Investigate the Summit Metro Parks after dark alongside a naturalist and University of Akron field station director Lara Roketenetz. There is a quick presentation followed by a hike, and it is recommended to bring a small flashlight.

Bath Nature Preserve, 4160 Ira Road, Akron.

7-8:30 p.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

009-014 agenda jan24.indd 11

11

12/18/23 3:42 PM

AGENDA 1/12-1/28 “Legally Blonde: The Musical” Get inspired by Elle’s journey from sorority girl to Harvard Law School graduate with a night of singing, dancing and lots of laughs during this performance by Millennial Theatre Project. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. FridaysSaturdays 7:30 p.m. & Sundays 2:30 p.m. $25. akroncivic.com 1/12-3/16 Winter Exhibitions Explore the works of five new exhibits featuring artists such as Katherine Strobel and David Kruk, as well as several group exhibitions. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Jan. 12 5-8 p.m., Fridays noon-7 p.m. & Saturdays 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org

The Billow Funeral Homes & Crematory

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

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

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

1/12 Navigating the Night Sky Look through a telescope and learn about the stars, planets, constellations and more. Fry Family Park, 2533 Farber St. SE, Magnolia. 7 p.m. starkparks.com 1/14 Winter Walk Set out on a morning stroll and admire the beauty that Akron has to offer. Don’t forget to dress for the weather.

Cascade Valley Metro Park, Valley View Area, 1212 Cuyahoga St., Akron. 9-10:30 a.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org 1/15 School’s Out: Tracks & Scat Identify animals by what they leave behind at this kids’ event. Dress for the weather. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, Seneca Deck, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10-11:30 a.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org 1/15 Environmental Justice & Equity Gather to discuss issues pertaining to environmental justice, the impact it has on people, greenery and Northeast Ohio policy.

Goodyear Heights Metro Park, Goodyear Lodge, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 11 a.m.12:30 p.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org 1/17 Vino Versity at the Cave Discover more about wine at this hands-on experience featuring a side-by-side comparison of Gervasi Vineyard’s Italian and Classic collections. Gervasi Vineyard, the Cave, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7 p.m. $29. gervasivineyard.com 1/18 Intro to Archery Learn internationalstyle target archery and flex your marksmanship skills at an indoor range.

Must be at least 9 years old and 50 inches tall. Registration required. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 4:30-6 p.m. & 6:30-8 p.m. $10. summitmetroparks.org

12

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

009-014 agenda jan24.indd 12

12/19/23 11:17 AM

AGENDA 1/18-1/21 “Trial By Fire” Watch the world premiere of local playwright Eric Mansfield’s newest work, “Trial by Fire,” featuring themes such as banned books and reputation. Black Box Theatre, Akron School for the Arts at Firestone Community Learning Center, 470 Castle Blvd., Akron.

Jan. 18 & 19 7 p.m., Jan. 20 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. & Jan. 21 2 p.m. $10. firestonetheatre.com 1/19 Circumpolar Express Help navigate the night sky on this hike to view year-round constellations. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 6-7:30 p.m.

Free. summitmetroparks.org 1/19-3/16 “The Truth Is Out There (No, Really...)” Tour the works of Christine Zuercher. KSU Downtown Gallery, 141 E. Main St., Kent. Monday-Friday 10 a.m-6 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Reception Jan. 19 5-7 p.m. kent.edu/galleries 1/20 “The Wandering Minstrels: Anna O’Connell and Friends” Enjoy performances by harpist-troubadour Anna O’Connell and others performing song and dance from medieval times to Baroque at this Apollo’s Fire concert. Blu Jazz, 47 E. Market St., Akron. 8 p.m. $25. apollosfire.org 1/20 & 1/21 “The Frozen Realm” Discover beautiful music and dancing in this professionally choreographed piece performed by Stabrova Youth Ballet. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton.

Jan. 20 6:30 p.m. & Jan. 21 2 p.m. $22-$31. cantonpalacetheatre.org 1/20-2/11 Epiphany Arts Festival View art by over 200 local artists at this 24th annual show that features paintings, drawings, sculptures, ceramics, jewelry, photography and more. The Bath Church UCC, 3980 W. Bath Road, Akron. Sunday noon-3 p.m., Wednesday 1-4 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. bathucc.org 1/24 Cucina Demonstration: Winter Decadence Learn to cook grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce, coconut flan and more at this class taught by Meg Feller, owner of Lemon Leaf Catering. Also enjoy each course and a glass of wine.

Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande Ballroom, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7:30 p.m. $75. gervasivineyard.com 1/24 Senior Saunter Take a short half-mile walk around Overlook Trail and experience astounding views of the Cuyahoga River.

Cascade Valley Metro Park, Overlook Trail, 354 Sackett Ave., Akron. Noon-1 p.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

009-014 agenda jan24.indd 13

13

12/18/23 3:42 PM

AGENDA

1/25 & 1/27 Award Nominated Film Series: “Oppenheimer” Attend a screening of the award-nominated “Oppenheimer,” directed by Christopher Nolan. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $7. cantonpalacetheatre.org

1/26 Hot Chocolate Hike Drink some provided hot chocolate and hike the 1.4mile Seneca Trail on a winter morning.

Dress for the weather. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, visitors center, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10-11:30 a.m. Free. summitmetroparks.org

1/26-3/1 “Still/Moving: Framing New Media” Visit the exhibit curated by Jamie Hahn, featuring works by Jason Bernagozzi, Jamie Hahn, Evelyne LeblancRoberge, Kristin Reeves and Eric Souther.

Kent State University, Center for Visual Arts Gallery, 325 Terrace Drive, Kent.

Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. & Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Free. kent.edu/galleries

1/27 McKinley/Pet Appreciation Day Celebrate former President William McKinley’s birthday and his lifelong love of animals with pet-themed story times and crafts, a Civil War reenactment, a wreath laying ceremony and other activities. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free with the price of admission. mckinleymuseum.org

1/26 Rodney Carrington Laugh the night away alongside comedian Rodney Carrington. Recommended for mature audiences only. Guests 14 and under are not permitted in the first five rows.

Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7 p.m. $49.50-$199.50. cantonpalacetheatre.org

14

1/31 Kinderealm: Snowflakes Learn all about snow through a craft, story and short lesson for ages 3 to 6. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron.

10:30 a.m.-noon. Advance registration is required. summitmetroparks.org 2/1-2/23 “Curtains” Prepare to be captivated by this evocative goldenage mystery musical that boasts the same creative team as “Chicago” and “Cabaret”. Hudson Players, 41 S. Oviatt St., Hudson. 2 p.m. or 8 p.m. $15, group, senior and student discounts available. hudsonplayers.com

1/28 The University of Akron Steel Drum Band Bask in the summer sounds of The University of Akron’s steel drum band in spite of the chill outside. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2:30 p.m.

Free. uakron.edu

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

009-014 agenda jan24.indd 14

12/18/23 3:42 PM

by Ashley Caudill, Kaitlyn Murray, Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak

CHERISHED MOMENTS

After years together, these couples finally said “I do.” From a live painter that captured the first dance to a black-and-white photo backdrop that created a fun photo booth, these brides and grooms made their weddings unforgettable.

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 15

15

12/18/23 3:43 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE

Katie + Alec Kuzmishin Mast photographer: Justin Gamble, Justin Gamble Photography justingamblephotography.com

For the self-described homebodies who enjoy quiet nights in with their cats, a sweet, cozy proposal was perfect. Alec Mast surprised Katie Kuzmishin by coming home a day early from a work trip in 2020, and they enjoyed a drink together.

“She made a comment that was like, If you proposed to me right now on the couch, I’d say yes,” Alec says, adding that he immediately retrieved a ring from his sock drawer. “I got down on one knee. We were both in our jammies. I proposed.”

Katie said yes. The two, who met through mutual friends, became a couple after messaging for over a year and finally meeting in person. Their personalities click.

“It was such a pleasant surprise once we started dating that he became my best friend,” Katie says. “It’s so easy to laugh with him, and I don’t think anyone makes me belly laugh like he does.”

The West Akron residents got married Sept. 2 during a gorgeous backyard ceremony at Katie’s family friend’s Bath home that has stunning gardens, with a first look and private vow ceremony before16

hand. The reception, where the couple danced the night away in a large patio tent, was at Katie’s mom and stepdad’s nearby elegant Bath home.

Then my mom lent me a tennis bracelet. I remember as a little girl seeing her wear that. … My goal was to look like my mom.

From the Bride

Couple Joy: It was just us in the backyard before walking into the tent. We were grabbing a drink together. …

We were cheesing it up. We kept saying, Can you believe this? We’re so happy. That’s my favorite part — just that moment of quiet happiness together before all the partying started.

Yes to the Dress: She pulled it out not thinking I would like it. She said, This is such a wild card, but try it out. I was like, That is gorgeous. … I felt really beautiful and very pretty in it.

Classic Beauty: My sisters and I all wore matching stacked pearl earrings. That was a tradition that my oldest sister, Lexi, started at her wedding. …

My mom loaned me her pearl choker, which she inherited from my great-grandmother, so that was very special to me.

From the Groom Part of Her: The guy who did my initial fitting for my tux threw out the idea that I take a little square of fabric from

Katie’s dress and use that as a pocket square that day, which I did. I still have the pocket square. I’m glad we did that.

So Emotional: Probably a minute before she got there [for the first look and vows], I took my vows out. … I was reading my vows … to help calm my nerves a little bit. But I started tearing up, as I was reading my vows. I was like, Oh my gosh, I’m gonna be crying before she even gets to me. So I was like, Pull it together, Alec. … Then she gave me a little tap on my shoulder. I turned around, and there she was. She was beautiful. It was amazing. // AS

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 16

12/18/23 3:43 PM

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 17

12/18/23 3:43 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE

continued from pg. 17

Meltons Event Center THE NEW Meltons Event Center is an exciting and contemporary wedding and reception venue that unites elegance with imagination to bring your dream wedding vision to life. Our venue has become known as one of the best places to host a small wedding, birthday party or private event in Northeast Ohio because of our beautiful facility and central location.

You can have an elegant ceremony that flows into cocktail hour in our pre-function area, followed by a fun and exciting reception. We are located near downtown Canton, where there are many hotels. In the bar area, a dozen black luxury velvet chairs adorned with chrome lion’s head door knockers sit in a line along the bar. The back room features large mirrors on the wall, a small stage for a DJ, chandeliers and

18

a disco ball. An ornate mantel with two silver and ivory throne chairs sit in a lounge space just off the back room. It’s an elegant space that’s not going to break the bank.

The space, which can be rented for $1,500 for weddings and $700 for smaller events, can hold up to 150 people standing. The backroom can seat 80 chairs — 40 chairs on each side — for a wedding. For a setup with tables, the back room can comfortably accommodate up to 60 people.

Contact us today at 330-575-7726 to speak with our experienced inhouse wedding specialists, and let us start planning the wedding you’ve been waiting for!

2546 Winfield Way NE, Canton, 330-575-7726

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 18

12/18/23 3:43 PM

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 19

19

12/18/23 3:43 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE

20

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 20

12/18/23 3:43 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE

Kiaunna + Frank Pachan photographer: Jessica Guzman, Jessica Grace Photography, jessicagracephotos.com

On their three-year anniversary in July 2021, Minerva High School sweethearts Kiaunna Brown and Frank Pachan were at 91 Wood Fired Oven in Canton when Frank slid a white-gold princess-cut diamond ring across the table and asked Kiaunna to marry him.

“I wanted her to be completely surprised by it,” says Frank. “It was really hard keeping the secret.”

The pair spent four years as friends in school and then became a couple. It felt meant to be.

“We had very similar thoughts and values in life,” Kiaunna says. “Everything came very easy and natural to us.”

The Minerva residents said “I do” Sept. 2, a little more than two years after the proposal.

They had a first look and exchanged private vows on Medina’s square with the picturesque gazebo as the backdrop.

They had a ceremony at Blue Heron Brewery & Event Center in Medina in front of an emerald green pond. Afterward, they danced on a fog-covered dance floor and celebrated with family and friends.

From the Bride Simple Vision: We wanted it to be really classy and elegant, so for our color scheme, we chose black and white.

Perfect Venue: Frank was so excited about it. He loved the pond. He loved the fountain. I really liked the ballroom. It was the little details.

Quick Find: My dress was tight-fitting, and it had spaghetti straps. I went into the bridal shop and knew what I

wanted, but I was open and tried on a large variety. The dress I got ended up being the second one I put on. It was exactly what I went in envisioning.

Piece of History: I wore a family heirloom ring on my other hand, so that was our big personal touch on my side. It’s just something that my great-grandma and grandma had, and my aunt passed it to my sister. She gave it to me to wear on my wedding day.

Private Vows: I don’t really love to speak in front of people … so it felt more meaningful for us to have that moment alone.

Most Memorable: I would say seeing how many people showed up for us and knowing that they all came together to celebrate us because of how

much we mean to them.

Reflecting Back: I was so happy and full; I guess full of love. I could just feel it from everybody — from Frank, from our family and friends. There was love and excitement.

From the Groom First Look: I was very excited, waiting to see all day what she looked like in her wedding dress. … [I was] stunned, in awe. // KM

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 21

21

12/18/23 3:43 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE

Abbie Swaino Miller + Braun Miller photographer: Lindzy Nava, Lindzy Lee Photography, lindzyleephoto.com

Malone University volleyball player Abbie Swaino and Malone University baseball player Braun Miller bonded over their mutual love for sports when they met in 2017 and then became a couple.

The night before a golf outing in her late father’s honor in 2022, Braun popped the question.

“Braun took me to hole No.17 because that was my dad’s baseball number,” Abbie says.

“That’s where he proposed. Then all of our family ended up joining us afterward to set up for the golf outing and to celebrate.”

The couple wed Sept. 30 at St. Mary Catholic Church in Massillon. The Canal Fulton residents each had 11 bridesmaids and groomsmen and around 400 people at the large cathedral for the ceremony before they headed to the DoubleTree by Hilton Canton Downtown for the reception.

From the Bride One-of-a-Kind: My dress was custom-made. When I found one of the dresses, I was obsessed with the bottom. It was tight-fitting with all tulle at the bottom with a pretty long train. The designer took the 22

top of another dress I liked and sewed it onto the bottom of the first dress. It was awesome!

Say Cheese: Our backdrop for our photo booth, one of our family members made it, and it’s these little black-and-white pictures of us and a neon sign.

We have all the pictures, so it’s cool.

This is It: The doors were closed right before I went down the aisle. In the church, there was a huge organ. When the doors opened and the organ started, it was one of those moments you want to remember. That would be my moment where I was like, OK, we’re really doing it.

Misty Eyes: My stepdad ended up walking me down the aisle, and he held a picture of my dad. That’s when everyone was like, Oh my God. Lots of tears.

Heartfelt Dances: My stepdad ended up doing a speech as from my dad and we did a father-daughter dance. My cousin sang in Nashville. He wrote a song to me and my stepdad as a letter from my dad from heaven that my stepdad and I danced to. Then we ended up doing another fatherdaughter dance, and I was able to dance with his brothers, my grandparents and my dad’s best friend — the guys who raised me with him.

From the Groom Party on Wheels: My favorite part of the day would be the time we spent on the party bus going from the ceremony to the [McKinley] monument to take pictures. We had each 11 of our favorite people, some of our best friends, some people that we hadn’t seen in maybe months or even years. We got to celebrate and have that moment before all the craziness.

Immediate Awe: When I saw Abbie walk down the aisle, I’d say it was definitely emotional.

The previous two nights, I wasn’t with her. I was with a lot of my friends, people from out of state. So it built up emotions, and I was excited overall. // AC

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 22

12/18/23 3:43 PM

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 23

12/18/23 3:43 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE continued from pg. 23

24

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 24

12/18/23 3:43 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE

by Kaitlyn Murray, photos by Kayleigh Ruszkiewicz

Time Stopped

PRESSED ARROW PRESERVES WEDDING BOUQUETS AND MORE FOR YEARS TO COME.

After her 2013 wedding, Kayleigh Ruszkiewicz collaborated with a jeweler to make necklaces, bracelets, rings and keychains out of her blue hydrangea, baby’s breath and white stock wedding bouquet.

She then found her passion for pressing flowers by experimenting and attending craft shows, leading her to launch her Pressed Arrow Etsy store in 2016 to create longlasting art from flowers that freeze a special day in time.

“Every time I would go for a walk, I would bring home handfuls of flowers, and I would press them,” says Ruszkiewicz. “I would try new things and different techniques with different flowers.”

In November 2022, she opened a brick-and-mortar store in the Common Ground warehouse in Medina. In addition to framing bouquets, she also makes resin-preserved flower pieces, such as trays and trinket bowls, and inclusion jewelry, which can contain cremation inclusions or breast milk mixed with resin.

Ruszkiewicz explains how pressing and framing a wedding bouquet works.

Beauty Captured: By reservation, she accepts local bouquets one to three days after the wedding,

bouquets from anywhere in the country with overnight shipping and even pre-dried bouquets. Then, she typically deconstructs the flowers and presses each flower between sheets of paper and cardboard inside a wooden press she and her husband handmade.

“I will take the petals apart, and I’ll press every piece of the flower separately,” says Ruszkiewicz. This process ensures all the moisture is pressed out of the flowers to avoid molding and discoloration.

Artful Design: After reconstructing the dried flowers, Ruszkiewicz arranges the flowers within unique frames made by a local woodworker and requests the bride’s approval before sealing the frames and completing the pieces. After an average of 16 to 20 weeks, the couple will receive their framed bouquet.

“I love the reactions from the brides or even the grooms when they’re picking up their finished pieces,” she says.

Preserving Memories: All preserved flowers will eventually fade, but Ruszkiewicz says to ensure the best preservation, keep the pieces out of the sun and in a dry area. She often recommends keeping them in the living room.

Ruszkiewicz values honoring customers’ memories and stories with each piece.

“What means the most to me is how much I know that they’re going to cherish these items,” she says.

At the Common Ground, 220 N. State Road, Medina, pressedarrow.com JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 25

25

12/18/23 3:44 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE

26

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 26

12/18/23 3:44 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE

Vanessa + Tyler Adkins photographer: Jessica Guzman, Jessica Grace Photography, jessicagracephotos.com

On their last day vacationing in the Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore in Michigan in July 2021, Vanessa Hepler and Tyler Adkins hiked up the sand dunes to see a breathtaking view of the crystal blue lake.

Then during sunset, Tyler got down on one knee.

After getting engaged, the couple bought a house in the Suffield area with their two dogs, Izzy and Hazel, and began saving for their dream wedding.

The middle school sweethearts finally tied the knot June 24 at the Parker Barn in Copley.

“You could see the pretty blue lake. It was so blue,” Vanessa says. “And the sunset — it was just gorgeous!”

Fairy-tale Princess: The dress I picked was so sparkly and had a long train. I have always wanted a Cinderella wedding. I felt like a princess in the dress, so I knew it was the one.

The pair met in sixth grade during homeroom at Field Middle School in Mogadore and have been inseparable since. Tyler caught Vanessa’s eye, and once he heard that she liked him, they started texting each other on their flip phones before dating in September 2011.

“He has a personality that I fell in love with. He is one of the good guys,” Vanessa says.

From the Bride

Family Blessings: We were trying to find something special to incorporate into the ceremony.

Our officiant suggested some ideas. One was that we do a ring blessing, which really stuck out to us. We gave our rings to Caleb, Tyler’s brother, and he gave them to each of our family members, so they could say a blessing or prayer over the rings.

That was really special.

Scented Memories: We each picked out a cologne and perfume to wear on the wedding day. Tyler’s was the main cologne that he wore in sixth grade when we met. It’s called Curve. I’ve loved it ever since, and there is no other cologne that I’d ever have him wear.

Mine we both picked out. It’s called Miss Dior Blooming Bouquet. I chose that perfume so that I could wear it on my wedding day and on every anniversary.

Scene Setter: I had seen TikToks of live wedding painters and thought that it was so cool. My parents surprised us with a live painter as our wedding gift. The painter asked us which moment we would like her to paint, and we chose our first dance because we liked how the cross in the barn looked behind us.

Furry Guests: As I saw the farm animals, I knew I wanted to take pictures with them. It was fun, but it was challenging because of the poop on the ground and a donkey was trying to eat my veil. It was definitely unique, and we liked it a lot.

From the Groom Above and Beyond: Vanessa’s mom did all the flowers for the wedding. She spent many, many hours, months, working on the flowers. She and Vanessa planned a lot of it together and I helped along the way.

I Do, Finally: We felt a lot of love and relief that the wedding was finally there, and we could call each other husband and wife. We waited a long time for this, and it was special. // AC

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 27

27

12/18/23 3:44 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE

28

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 28

12/18/23 3:44 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE

Aditi Mittal + Michael Gardner photographer: Cassedy Brennan, Cassedy Brennan Photography, cassedybphotos.com

During each visit, longdistance lovebirds Aditi Mittal and Michael Gardner tried different adventurous things — a new restaurant, a concert, glassblowing. The two met while undergoing residencies at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland in 2017 and started dating in 2019. It felt right.

“By having so much fun together, I realized this was someone I wanted to move through life with and continue having these experiences with,” Michael says.

In April 2021, while Aditi was living in Cleveland, she visited Michael in Las Vegas. He set up a video camera in his apartment, hit record and got down on one knee, giving a heartfelt speech in an intimate proposal.

June 2022, complete with a gem blue lake with swans, and of course, roaming peacocks.

From the Bride

“I was totally taken by surprise. I Fancy Footwork: Our first was so happy and almost crying. dance [to “Bones” by Galantis featuring OneRepublic] …

Not only did he propose — he was quite entertaining for our said such beautiful words about friends. We both absolutely me,” Aditi says, adding that loved preparing for it. We got they video-called her family in formal training by a choreograIndia and talked to his family pher despite being long distance afterward as another surprise. … by meeting once a month for Amid the pandemic, the pair the prior four to six months. got married at a court in June You’re proud of pulling it off.

2021. The now doctors and Truck Stop: Food trucks were Albuquerque, New Mexico, a personal choice. … We both residents followed it with an love local food. … One truck in-person wedding, including a was Indian and the other one first look, ceremony and recepwas Italian [Two Fatt Indians and tion at the 83-acre Peacock PastaTivo]. We came up with Ridge in North Lawrence in that to keep it casual and fun.

Treasured Photo: [My dad] passed away before I moved to the United States for my residency and fellowship. I wanted to feel closer to him, so I had him in my flowers.

Divine Ceremony: I was booming with happiness to unite with Michael in front of the entire world. I really felt like love had won despite our cultural differences. I was super elated that we could now declare our love in public.

From the Groom Initial Glance: I had no idea what her hair, makeup or dress were going to look like. It really took my breath away. She was gorgeous. It was a beautiful moment having that backdrop of this stunning, sophisticated

woman with the greenery. The rustic background behind her was mind-blowing. It’s something I’ll never forget.

Colorful Bouquet: It comes back to [Aditi’s] history with India, all the colors, all the flowers at the celebrations — a kaleidoscope of different textures and colors. That is something she always brings to her style.

Here Comes the Bride: The biggest thing for me was seeing her walk in. … Seeing her and her family and friends take part in my culture and my upbringing and her looking so radiant, as joyful as she did — it was a special moment. // KP

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 29

29

12/18/23 3:45 PM

Hale Farm & Village

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

NESTLED in the beautiful Cuyahoga Valley, Hale Farm & Village, Ohio’s premier living history museum, offers rustic, elegant venues for your special day with the modern amenities you require.

Plan your dream open-air wedding in our apple orchard or on the gatehouse veranda overlooking our 90-acre site.

If you are looking for an indoor location, enjoy the vintage charm of the Mary Ann Sears Swetland Memorial Meetinghouse, a quintessential “little

white chapel.” Then consider a horseand-carriage ride to the sugar maple forests, dinner reception in the twostory historic barn and s’mores around the bonfire. Other reception facilities include rustic barns, an open-sided pavilion and a climate-controlled modern visitors center.

2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath 330-666-3711, ext. 1712 halefarm.org

Greystone Black Box Photography

ELEVATE your wedding at Greystone. Filled with history and beauty, this is the perfect location to create lifelong memories on your special day. An all-in-one venue, Greystone has elegant spaces for both your ceremony and reception. It also has exquisite on-site food and beverage services. The

30

ballroom is stunning and is large enough to seat more than 200 guests. Centrally located in downtown Akron, Greystone has hotels for your guests within walking distance. Schedule your visit today at greystonehall.org.

THE HISTORIC gardens at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens provide a stunning and unique setting for your wedding ceremony. Our locations set the stage for a ceremony that is stylish, dramatic, elegant or intimate and tailored just for you. Our picturesque grounds and versatile settings, combined with our seasoned staff of professional wedding consultants, provide all the elements you need to create a memorable event that reflects your personal tastes and meets your highest expectations.

714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-3153210, stanhywet.org

103 S. High St., Akron, 330-3747590, greystonehall.org

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 30

12/18/23 3:45 PM

BRIDAL GUIDE

By Ashley Caudill, photo provided by Dietz Floral Studio

Love Blooms

A FLOWER AND GREENERY WALL CAN ADD A WOW FACTOR TO YOUR WEDDING.

An 8-by-8-foot wall of roses, hydrangeas, ferns, rosanthas, calla lilies, nasturtiums, large, spiky Fuji cremon mums or other blooms or greenery can make an awe-inspiring wedding backdrop or photo op that stuns couples and their guests.

“They get pumped because when they see the final product after envisioning it, they are blown away,” says Danielle Kunkel, the wedding manager at Dietz Floral Studio in Cuyahoga Falls that offers flower and greenery walls.

ing a ton of money on real flowers to fill random little holes.”

Walls can cost thousands depending on the size, quality of the materials and flowers used. It’s an investment, but one that can make a huge impact on your big day like it did for one bride’s Canton wedding.

“I made a hanging installation at Gervasi [Vineyard] of baby’s breath. It was like a giant cloud,” Kunkel says. “She lost it. She was like, This is the coolest thing.”

1024 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, dietzfloralstudio.com

These consist of a wooden framed wall covered top to bottom with faux or real flowers and greenery with the optional additions of signs, photos and other decor. The flowers are tied onto chicken wire that is stapled or glued to the wooden frame that can vary in size. And the best part — most flowers and greenery are fair game.

“You can use … a base of maybe artificial hydrangeas to hold your background and then piecing in real flowers to give you a little more depth and dimension,” says Kunkel.

“It brings a different element to a wedding.

It’s something fun.”

While fresh flowers are sought out more often, they can be challenging if not taken care of properly. Kunkel uses a special water cup from florist Holly Chapple that hooks onto the chicken wire allowing the flowers to have a constant water source to keep them fresh all night long. Enduring silk flowers can be used in place of real flowers to ensure the wall will still look new on the wedding day. Silk flowers have few downsides except for the possible fading of color when they sit in the sun for too long.

“I really like to utilize artificial hydrangeas because it makes it a little more cost-effective,” Kunkel says. “Then you’re not spendJANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

015-031 bridal jan24.indd 31

31

12/18/23 3:45 PM

by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak photos by Talia Hodge

DINE CITY in the

H i t a re a d o w n t o w n s f o r d e l i c i o u s m e a l s a n d e xc i ti n g n i gh ts o ut. W h e th e r y o u’ re l o o k i n g to tr y a m e a l th at’ s a l i ttl e d a r i n g o r a s to r i e d c l a s s i c d i s h , t h e s e c i t y re s t a u r a n t s d e l i g h t . P l u s , fi n d f un s to ps f o r w h i l e y o u’ re o ut o n th e to w n .

32

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

032-043 food jan24.indd 32

12/18/23 3:50 PM

Opposite page, top and bottom: Seared tuna and airline chicken

RISK & REWARD Some of the dishes at new American restaurant Crave in downtown Akron exit the mainstream and get a little daring, like the seared tuna served with a kimchi shrimp roulade ($19.50).

“It pushes the envelope a little bit,” says co-owner Aaron Hervey. “You’ve got chilled and warm seafood, which a lot of people might find interesting or different.”

To make the shrimp roulade, shrimp get tossed with kimchi spices, ground up, wrapped in a cylinder, poached, chilled and sliced. The tuna gets dusted with togarashi chili flakes, pan-seared and sliced. It’s all topped with a crumble made from ground toasted peanuts tossed with

agave, salt, pepper and miso.

The dish, showcasing flavor and textural play, is garnished with Sriracha carrot yum yum sauce and pea shoots drizzled in avocado oil.

that has a slightly sweet orange flavor. It gets cooked in a sous vide water bath, tenderized then shocked in an ice bath. A chef adds more marinade and cooks it in the oven.

“You’ve got some spice, you’ve got some sweet, you’ve got some texture,” says Hervey. “That peanut crumble is interesting. When you have that soft seafood, you also have that crunch.”

The potato salad side goes far beyond the norm. The base is Peruvian aji Amarillo chili paste that’s bright yellow and spicy.

That’s blended with evaporated milk, feta, salt, pepper and mayo.

It coats fingerling potatoes that “You get the citrus, then you get are steamed, cut into coins, a light heat in the potato salad, cooked in the oven and cooled the black beans and chorizo till just warm. stand out, the acid in the salsa The garnishes are bursting with criolla,” he says. “You experience different flavors, including a lot.” // KP pureed black bean, onion, garlic Crave, 156 S. Main St., Akron, and chorizo chili and salsa crioeatdrinkcrave.com; Next Stop: lla, which is julienned bell pepKnight Stage, 182 S. Main St., pers, garlic and onion poached Akron, akroncivic.com in Modelo beer and a mojo crio-

Another dish, the airline chicken ($24), is familiar but has an intricate global taste.

“It’s yummy, zesty chicken and potato salad with Latin flavors,” says Hervey.

It starts with skin-on chicken breast with a wing that’s vacuum packed to deeply marinate it in a blood orange achiote marinade

llo marinade that’s then chilled.

Enjoy it at the relocated Crave in the Akron Savings & Loan building with an ornate molded ceiling and two-story lobby featuring a striking stainless-steel sculpture by Akron artist John Comunale that towers over the uplit bar up to the mezzanine level. The atmosphere inspires as much as dishes like the airline chicken do.

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

032-043 food jan24.indd 33

33

12/18/23 3:50 PM

34

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

032-043 food jan24.indd 34

12/18/23 3:50 PM

BUZZING SPOT The owners of 17 Public Square are Medina natives, and that hometown pride shows up in their restaurant on Medina’s historic square. The stuffed banana peppers dish ($13) is an homage to the one served at the previous restaurant in its building, Main Street Cafe. It features Asiago and pecorino Romano cheeses instead of the typical mozzarella and Parmesan.

“These are a little sharper, stronger flavor,” says Ryan Kasson, chef, general manager and partner.

What’s different about the dish is that Kasson makes Italian sausage using pork from Keller Meats in Medina. His recipe calls for more fennel seeds than usual and to toast them, adding crushed red pepper, paprika and black pepper for an equally sweet and salty bite with a little heat. He grinds the sausage in-house.

To make the rest of the filling, Kasson sweats onions, browns the sausage and bakes it in the oven and then adds the cheeses. He removes the seeds and piths from the banana peppers, stuffs them and puts them in the convection oven until they’re golden brown.

They’re served with marinara topped with tomato and parsley and a roll to sop it all up. Many have called the stuffed peppers the best they’ve had, and some regulars come in once a week just to drink a beer and eat them.

A tribute to Medina schools’ bee mascot and beeswax Medinabased Root Candles, a house honey vinaigrette accompanies many salads, including the arugula, bacon and fig salad ($13).

Simply, cider vinegar, olive oil, honey, salt, pepper and a little bit of Bertman Original Ball Park Mustard for emulsion create a dressing that’s not too sweet or tangy. Kasson candies pumpkin seeds with sugar, salt, pepper, cinnamon and nutmeg to add more crunch to the organic arugula salad that’s also topped with blue cheese, dried figs and hickory-smoked bacon. The dish showcases the classic pairings of fig, blue cheese and bacon with unique garnishes.

“It’s a good balance of flavor because you’re getting the sweetness of the honey vinaigrette with the sweetness of the figs, the slight peppery flavor of the arugula and the sweet saltiness and smokiness of the hickory-smoked bacon,” Kasson says.

Eating at 17 Public Square means you can enjoy dining in the historic 1800s building and tasting satisfying dishes.

“I believe in Midwestern portions,” Kasson says. “You’re gonna get a good meal here.” // KP 17 Public Square, Medina, 17publicsquare.com; Next Stop: Chill Ice Cream, 11 Public Square, Medina, chill-icecream. com

“You got contrasting flavors,” Kasson says. “It’s a sweeter tomato sauce with the salty spiciness of the peppers, stuffing and cheese.”

Opposite page: Arugula, bacon and fig salad, This page, top: Stuffed banana peppers, middle: mushroom Swiss burger, bottom: gourmet mac ‘n’ cheese JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

032-043 food jan24.indd 35

35

12/19/23 11:25 AM

36

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

032-043 food jan24.indd 36

12/18/23 3:50 PM

Top: Arugula, bacon and fig salad, Bottom: Stuffed banana peppers

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

032-043 food jan24.indd 37

37

12/18/23 3:50 PM

Opposite page: Maple pecan salmon

UNIQUE CATCH Using salted and roasted pecans in the maple pecan salmon ($27) at Nineteen 10 Restaurant & Lounge in Kent makes a difference in creating a delectable crust and elevating the dish’s taste.

“Salt amplifies all the flavors,” says Heather Supanich, executive chef of the restaurant inside the Kent State University Hotel and Conference Center. “When you’re using salted nuts and then maple syrup, it gives it a sweet and salty flavor. Then the salmon, it’s got a buttery texture, and the crunchiness of the crust goes good together.”

Supanich starts the dish by searing Atlantic salmon until it’s golden brown. To make the crust, she grinds the pecans until they’re chunky and then adds butter, salt, pepper, maple syrup and a bit of brown sugar. She then packs it on top of the salmon.

It gets more dimension from a Dijon maple glaze that’s made by mixing maple syrup, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper and a little brown sugar. She pours some over the salmon and bakes it until a solid crust forms and it’s heated all the way through. When it comes out, it gets topped with the rest of the Dijon maple glaze.

away any possible fishy taste.

It’s served with wild rice that’s made with thyme, parsley and rosemary, and asparagus that’s tossed in oil, salt and pepper and grilled, creating more levels.

“The smokiness helps tie everything together, and it goes good with the maple syrup,” says Supanich, adding that the glaze is delicious mixed into the rice.

With tall tan cushy booths, coral chairs and posh lighting, Nineteen 10, just steps away from Main Street, offers a quiet, relaxed escape where you can nosh on well-composed dishes.

“If you’re a fan of salmon and you like sweet, spicy and salty things, it’s got a whole lot of different flavors in it. They all come together,” Supanich says. “It looks nice on the plate. You get that wow factor — the green, the pink, the brown of the salmon and the herbs in the wild rice.” // KP Nineteen 10 Restaurant & Lounge, 215 S. Depeyster St., Kent, facebook.com/nineteen10; Next Stop: North Water Brewing Co., 101 Crain Ave., Kent, northwaterbrewing.com

“It’s got sweet from the maple and brown sugar, and then it’s got spiciness from the Dijon,” says Supanich, adding that those take 38

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

032-043 food jan24.indd 38

12/18/23 3:50 PM

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

032-043 food jan24.indd 39

39

12/18/23 3:50 PM

This page: Burrata, Opposite page: La mer flatbread

40

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

032-043 food jan24.indd 40

12/18/23 3:50 PM

TOPSY TURVY

At Cashmere Cricket in Cuyahoga Falls, where you might expect savory flavors, you’ll get sweet. Where you might expect a sea of cream colors, you’ll get bright colors jumping off the plate. Chef Andrew Wilk serves up the unexpected.

The burrata ($15) is a perfect example. Although featuring the Italian cow’s milk cheese appetizer at the cocktail bar was inspired by his greatgrandmother, who used to make the typically traditional dish in Italy, Wilk’s version offers some delightfully surprising flavors.

“Most people pair burrata with fresh basil and a Pomodoro or red sauce, marinara,” Wilk

says. “I choose to pair mine with something a little bit sweeter.”

dish. He found a flatbread complements seafood in an eye-catching way.

His dish has strawberry jam, purple dragon fruit and candied pecans alongside toast points and burrata, which is made by churning cream to keep the inside soft and the outer casing firm. Together, there are not only vivid colors but also contrasting textures.

A Gouda cream made inhouse from Gouda, garlic, cream and butter is put on the flatbread as a base, and it’s topped with fresh shrimp, crab meat, Asiago, goat cheese, mozzarella, provolone, scallions and Thai chili sauce.

“It kind of accentuates the texture profile. You get the sweetness from the bottom and then you get the crunchy from the pecans on top,” he says. “The dragon fruit pairs really well with the candied pecans. It brings out the nuttiness of the cheese.”

Another surprise comes with the la mer flatbread ($18).

Translating to “the sea,” it’s based on Wilk’s favorite pasta

the orange from the shrimp, while the colors from the seafood come through, the green from the scallions, the Thai chili drizzle being red,” he says.

Everything in the fromscratch kitchen is designed to pair with wine, beer and cocktails, as Cashmere Cricket has a large variety of each in the lounge-style spot.

“I really want the seafood to shine,” he says. “You can …

“I left my menu for interget the appreciation of the pretation to be able to pair crab and the shrimp, and well with anything,” Wilk then still feel a bit of heat yet says. “It’s all about the pairing sweetness from the Thai chili. and molding all the flavors … The goat cheese adds a nice, together.” // AS creamy finish.”

Cashmere Cricket, 2235 It’s the most popular flatbread, Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, and he often hears feedback cashmerecricket.com; Next about the presentation.

Stop: The Workz arcade, 2220 Front St., Cuyahoga “With the blank canvas of the Falls, playattheworkz.com Gouda cream, you get to see JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

032-043 food jan24.indd 41

41

12/18/23 3:50 PM

STORIED MEAL Some of the dishes at Basil Asian Bistro in Canton have been passed down by family. At Ricky Ly’s Chinese Gourmet in Stark County, which was owned by Luong Ly and has since closed, Luong served avocado curry during the early 2000s, a time when neither Thai food nor avocado were trendy.

“That’s the crazy part — to have that foresight that avocados would be excellent pairing with a savory dish,” says Tony Ly, Luong’s son and the owner of Basil. “I have to give kudos to my elders for even coming up with that.”

The Thai dish ($16) is one of the most popular offerings 42

at Basil, which serves up Pan Asian fare, with dishes inspired

by Chinese, Thai, Vietnamese and Korean meals. The avocado curry begins by mixing green and red curry pastes, which are made with young green chili peppers, mature red chili peppers, garlic, shallots, lemongrass and Thai basil.

“Thai basil is pretty unique,” Tony says. “It has more flavor and aroma.”

The curry pastes are cooked down in a large wok and mixed with coconut milk, salt and sugar. Fresh lemongrass and lime leaves are added for further aromatics. Veggies like Spanish onions, green peppers, red peppers and green beans are blanched and sauteed, and chicken, beef, pork, tofu or

shrimp are also added to the hot wok. Half of a fresh avocado is briefly added.

“You don’t want to cook that too long because you don’t want the natural fats in the fresh avocado to break down,” Tony says.

The dish is topped with peanuts and plated. As the flavors come together, the slight spiciness of the curries is balanced by the coconut milk and avocado.

“It’s very savory, velvety,” Tony says. “It has this flavor of freshness and uniqueness that a lot of people don’t find in a lot of other cuisines.”

People often stop by Basil before a Canton Palace Theatre show, and Tony says they sometimes aren’t too familiar with Asian fare. He often suggests

the avocado curry since its ingredients aren’t too unusual or spicy. He has seen people fall in love with it, becoming regulars over the last decade-plus and ordering it each time they come in.

“The avocado curry I would recommend as a gateway dish into Thai cuisine,” he says. “The spices from the green curry and the red curry, and the avocado, it’s a nice way that brings it all together.” // AS Basil Asian Bistro, 585 Market Ave. N, Canton, basilasianrestaurant.com; Next Stop: WERC nightclub, 304 Cherry Ave. NE, Canton, facebook.com/ wercanton

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

032-043 food jan24.indd 42

12/18/23 3:50 PM

Avocado curry

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

032-043 food jan24.indd 43

43

12/18/23 3:50 PM

EDUCATION

by Ashley Caudill, Kelly Petryszyn, Kaitlyn Murray and Alexandra Sobczak

Cool Classes Private school students explore their interests in nontraditional courses. They get hands-on by designing video games, hiking trails to find natural samples and more.

photos provided by Spring Garden Waldorf School

HARD DAY’S WORK Third grade students spent an hour several days a week for several months using measuring tapes, saws, hammers, levels, screwdrivers and more with adult supervision to construct a playhouse last year as part of Spring Garden Waldorf School’s practical life curriculum.

“This is hard work humans have been doing for thousands of years,” says Miriam Daniel, who taught the subject last school year and is now a fourth grade teacher at the Copley school. “We live in nice houses, and we take that for granted. This is a long, arduous process.”

The practical life curriculum focuses on what humans need to provide for themselves and survive including shelter, clothing 44

and food. For shelter, they learned about historical shelters in the area, starting with indigenous settlers who built temporary shelters and how those and other shelters evolved.

As a project, students chose to build a new playhouse. A parent created a blueprint that each student got a copy of, and students used their math skills to measure pieces and then label them before cutting them and putting them together with adult help.

They put a few coats of paint on the playhouse, and adults helped finish painting the gray yellow-rimmed playhouse with yellow heart-shaped windows. Students also learned about how shelters are built for their environments, so they added a pitched

roof to withstand the rain, snow and wind of Northeast Ohio. It’s rewarding seeing kids play in the structure at recess.

“They’re very proud,” Daniel says. “They recognize it’s something that they would expect an adult had done yet they were able to do as a 9-year-old.”

For clothing, a teacher sheered wool from sheep. Students carted it in, washed it several times and used drop spindles to pull the fibers out and form yarn and then make it two-ply. From that, students wove together pouches.

To learn about providing food, students planted beans, peas, head lettuce and radishes in a hoop house and planted butternut

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

044-051 education jan24.indd 44

12/18/23 3:45 PM

squash, kale, tomatoes, green beans and carrots in a garden. Students picked and washed them, making salads to eat. They learned that the better you care for crops, the more abundant the harvest is, as is the same for all aspects of practical life.

“They’ve seen how much work it is to grow foods,” Daniel says. “There’s a lot of work that goes into making clothing. There’s an appreciation for those things and a real honoring of what our place is in the world.” // KP

044-051 education jan24.indd 45

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

45

12/18/23 3:45 PM

EDUCATION

LAB REPORT Students in Shawna Russell’s Mini Mad Scientist elective class at Sacred Heart of Jesus School in Wadsworth get their hands dirty. In a recent experiment, they made Oobleck, a mixture of cornstarch and water, to learn about the states of matter — solids, liquids and gases.

“It’s fun,” says Russell, who worked with teacher Christine McMillan on the class. “They get excited about learning.”

Every Tuesday this quarter, 10 fourth to sixth graders meet for the class in a science lab to learn lessons and participate in many engaging science experiments and activities such as making huge bubbles and designing lab coats. The class is part of Sacred Heart’s enrichment program that creates joy by allowing students to pick one unique elective they’re interested in per quarter.

“When they come into the elective, they have a smile on their face,” Russell says.

Not only are the students learning about biology and other sciences in the Mini Mad Scientist class, but they are also improving their reading skills and learning how to follow directions and collaborate with partners and groups.

“They’re learning to communicate and use critical thinking in a group,” Russell says.

Previously, Mad Scientist was offered to seventh and eighth graders who did activities like performing dissections and using polymers to create magnets. While dissecting frogs, the students learned about anatomy and related the frogs’ organs to their own.

“They could easily identify the heart, lungs or stomach,” she says.

“Some things you can pick out because of what we know about our bodies. ... Kids thought that was pretty cool.”

WILDERNESS CHALLENGE With a grass-covered slanted roof wedged in a hillside and fir wooden beams, Old Trail School’s Merryweather Outdoor Classroom blends into the beautiful scenery of Cuyahoga Valley National Park — so much so that you have to get closer to realize what it is.

“It was designed … with the intention of incorporating the surrounding space into the architecture thoughtfully.

The purpose of this space is to connect us to the outside world,” says Erin McNamara, director of experiential and nature-based learning for the Bath school.

The outdoor classroom was created in 2020 to help students immerse themselves in the natural environment while learning about nature. Strategically placed between its organic working farm and hiking trails, the classroom is close to the main campus but still in the center of nature. The indoor classroom portion of the building holds up to 50 students, and there is a covered outdoor patio where an additional 49 students can gather for class when the weather permits.

Students participate in different activities based on their grade level once a week year-round in the outdoor classroom. Early education students through third graders focus on plants, trees, animals and naturalist science that is shaped around the ecology of the park and collect natural findings like leaves and bark. Third graders partake in a yearlong project to identify native species in the park using the Ohio Department of Natural Resources guidebook, and then they create a unique hybrid animal with different characteristics of the species they identify.

With it being a small class, there’s more time for labs and interaction, and that makes a difference in how they can connect what they learn with real life.

Fourth grade students focus on navigation and wayfinding on the trails, while fifth-grade students focus on survival techniques with a special camping night where they put their skills to the test.

“[They’re] able to apply some of the science they learned, things they know about acids and bases, what they know about fossils, what they know about biology,” says Russell. “Being able to see those concepts in real-time is really great for them and having the opportunity to explore those hands-on.” // KM

Middle school students have longer class times to take what they learned in science and apply it to aspects of nature education through hands-on investigations. They also talk about mental health and wellness and how nature can play a big role in staying grounded.

“Feeling that you are both small and big, you are both insignificant and significant, for the middle schoolers goes a long way,” McNamara says.

Through all the hiking, exploring and nature lessons, students are challenged to build their physical strength endurance, mental awareness and naturalist science skills.

“They have a different respect for our place, both in the park and as shared members of our global community,” McNamara says. “They have opportunities to see themselves as something with a longer history and a long future.” // AC

photo by Shawna Russell 46

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

044-051 education jan24.indd 46

12/18/23 3:45 PM

EDUCATION

Private Schools

BY THE NUMBERS SCHOOL NAME

Canton Country Day School (Pre-K to Eighth Grade)

Seton Catholic School (Pre-K to Eighth Grade)

Spring Garden Waldorf School

Class Size

Teacherto-Student Ratio

Graduation Rate

Pre-K: 20 Jr.-K: 12 K-8: 8

Pre-K: 1:7 Jr.-K: 1:6 K-8: 1:8

100%

1:12

100%

25

Pre-K-K:

Pre-K-K:

15

2:15

100%

Tuition

$5,775-$18,795 (Tuition assistance and scholarships available)

$6,525

(Financial aid available)

$5,241-$13,147

(Financial aid and EdChoice scholarships available)

(Pre-K to Eighth Grade)

1-8:

1-8:

20

1:20

St. Hilary School

20

1:20

100%

$5,500-$7,900

Julie Billiart Schools

K-2: 12 3-8: 16

K-2: 1:6 3-8: 1:8

100%

(Jon Peterson and autism scholarship providers.

Financial aid available.)

(Kindergarten to Eighth Grade)

(Kindergarten to Eighth Grade)

$32,445

Open House Dates

Feb. 15, 5:30-7 p.m.

Tours available year-round by appointment

Jan. 28, 2-4 p.m.

Tours available year-round by appointment

Feb. 14, 9 a.m.

April 10, 9 a.m.

Tours available year-round by request

Jan. 28, noon-2 p.m.

Tours available year-round by appointment

Feb. 14, 9 a.m.

Tours available by appointment

LET TER FROM THE MAIN OFFICE

SETON CATHOLIC SCHOOL Inspired by Saint Elizabeth Ann Seton and rooted in our Catholic faith, Seton Catholic School fosters spiritual development, academic excellence, responsibility to self and service to others.

From principal Karen Alestock: Seton Catholic School, which is a pre-K to eighth grade school, is a community of educators and families committed to the common goal of providing a rich, faith-filled school experience for students.

Seton was founded by families with a clear vision to create a strong, independent and culturally- and spiritually-rich home for their

children and future students. Seton provides a faith-based education in which academic excellence, citizenship and service define the experience for every student.

Our comprehensive curriculum engages students in active, personal learning with an emphasis on problem-solving, creativity and discovery that fosters a lifelong love of learning. Immersed in the humanities, arts and sciences, foreign languages, mathematics and environmental education, students are nurtured in a setting of constructive and personalized learning. Innovation and tradition unite with guided responsible use of technology, successfully integrated with time-honored instruction.

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

044-051 education jan24.indd 47

47

12/18/23 3:45 PM

NEXT LEVEL A deep-sea diver explores underground caves and fights creatures like giant squids in one game, and a Kirby-like character battles tomatoes, carrots and other vegetables underground in another. These are just two of the video games in development in the game design class at Archbishop Hoban High School in Akron.

work by Derek Kraft

“Game design combines several art forms into one. They’re doing character design, they’re doing story development, they’re doing coding, they’re animating their characters, they’re adding sound,” says Zachary Feador, the chair of the fine arts department at Hoban, who teaches art classes, including game design. “For students who are interested in art, you are gonna be developing a lot of skills that will translate to other forms of artwork.”

Each of the 10th through 12th grade students develops a threelevel desktop video game throughout the semester. Feador leads them through brainstorming sessions for the game’s setting and characters, teaches them coding on the GameSalad platform to make the characters move and jump, coaches them on Photoshop use to create graphics for the game and more. He gives students a checklist of things their game must include but allows for personalization, so they can focus more on coding, graphics or storylines. One student, focusing on the story, is working on a game where zombies and vampires have taken over a school. The user plays as a zombie, fighting off vampires with items, such as garlic, in different areas of the school as the player advances through levels.

Students inevitably make some mistakes while coding, causing their game to crash or not work properly. They then have to go back through their work, find their mistake and correct it.

work by Logan Miavez

“The biggest strong point of the class, more so than any other art class that I teach, is the opportunity to learn through trial and error,” Feador says.

With so many students interested in video games, the class has been successful for the past six-plus years, Feador says, and he has had students continue with game design in college. He’s glad students can explore their interests in such niche classes.

“It’s opportunities to figure out who you are, what you’re interested in,” he says. “It provides lots of opportunities for small successes, as well as learning perseverance. … It’s really rewarding to be able to interact with your art in a direct way.” // AS

CANTON COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL At Canton Country Day School, students are empowered to recognize and optimize their full potential by cultivating an environment that prepares them to meet challenges in a rapidly changing world with openness, enthusiasm and a willingness to problem-solve, while developing respect for individual differences and community values.

From interim head of school Claudia Sommers: Designated a Wild School Site by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, as well as a Tree Campus by the Arbor Day Foundation, Canton Country Day School is a unique 40-acre campus that extends education into an outdoor classroom. The only premier, 48

private, nonprofit, independent Pre-K to eighth grade school in Canton, it delivers an education of academic excellence that has high academic standards coupled with a distinctive visual, performance and musical arts curriculum.

“Moana.” In art, students are exposed to a variety of techniques that fit their age level and hone their skills such as using the pottery wheel with clay, glass fusing, woodworking and using our special space, the Collaboratory, where imagination runs wild!

The arts offerings are impressive. Every student takes dance, music and art. In music, they explore and perform hand drumming, steel pan, jazz band and regular band. In dance, they are taught various movements and drama skills to prepare them for varied performances at each grade level. Each year, students look forward to the highlight of the year, the grades fifth through eighth grade musical. This year, students performed

Fostering strong parent and family engagement along with inclusion and diversity is important to the life of the school. Each year, Canton Country Day holds various familyfriendly events, but all families await the midwinter Taste of Canton Country Day School, a cultural food fest complete with music and dances from various countries.

Explore our unique campus and see what Canton Country Day can offer your child!

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

044-051 education jan24.indd 48

12/18/23 3:45 PM

LET TERS FROM THE MAIN OFFICE

JULIE BILLIART SCHOOLS Julie Billiart Schools strive to build self-confidence, inspire Christian values and empower students with skills, knowledge and enthusiasm for lifelong learning.

From a Julie Billiart Schools representative: Julie Billiart Schools, a private, Catholic network of kindergarten to eighth grade schools in Akron, Brecksville, Lyndhurst and Westlake, educate and empower children with mild to moderate autism, ADD/ ADHD and other learning differences.

Students find success at Julie Billiart because we celebrate their potential, nurture their curiosity and customize our teaching to their unique learning styles. Each student is surrounded by strategically designed classrooms, small student-to-teacher ratios, on-site therapies, state-of-the-art technology and activities.

Julie Billiart students are supported by on-site therapists, board-certified behavior analysts and certified intervention specialists who help them learn the tools to succeed in the classroom, with their peers and at home.

ST. HILARY SCHOOL Our mission is to keep Christ at the center of all that we do. In solidarity with our parish and school community, we will inspire our students, through inclusive, innovative and challenging academic and spiritual experiences, to be leaders capable of making positive changes in the world.

From principal Jennifer Woodman: As the principal of St. Hilary School, I am extremely proud of our kindergarten to eighth grade school and everything we offer. St. Hilary School empowers students by providing them with the tools, skills and confidence they need to become the next generation of competent, career-ready leaders. This is our 63rd year shaping chil-

dren’s lives, and we continue to raise the bar ever higher.

At St. Hilary, students are fully immersed in experiential learning with courses and amenities that foster independent critical thinking, global awareness, leadership and character. Students have opportunities to learn three world languages, perform service, practice public speaking, become fluent with technology and hold leadership roles. Classes and extracurricular offerings engage and challenge students of all ages and abilities. Our makerspace STEM lab intrigues even the youngest learners, while our career elective courses prepare older students for the future.

A two-time Blue Ribbon School and a recipient of the Governor’s Thomas Edison Award for Excellence in STEM Education and Student Research, our school is a model of excellence in Catholic education for a wide range of students. Differentiated learning is in practice in every classroom, and as a Better Together School in the Diocese of Cleveland, St. Hilary is proud to welcome students with diverse learning needs.

The future begins here, and we can’t wait to show you why. Join us for our open house Jan. 28 from noon to 2 p.m., or call 330-867-8720, ext. 343 for more information.

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

044-051 education jan24.indd 49

49

12/18/23 3:46 PM

BREAK THROUGHS With incubators injected with carbon dioxide to grow cancer cells, cell culture hoods to create a sterile environment and 16 laptops running 24/7 and two supercomputers analyzing DNA sequences, the cancer research and informatics labs for Western Reserve Academy’s cancer immunology class are impressive, even to industry experts.

“My mentor at the Cleveland Clinic was completely amazed. He said, It’s like you took my lab at the Cleveland Clinic and brought it here,” says faculty master Robert Aguilar, who teaches the class. “I modeled it after what we had over there.”

Aguilar developed the class for the Hudson school while doing doctoral work at the Cleveland Clinic and developing a testicular cancer vaccine at his lab that also developed a breast cancer vaccine, which is in phase 2 clinical trials.

Now in its seventh year, three levels of the cancer immunology class have 72 sophomore through senior students, and Aguilar manages 20 student research projects.

The class starts with students learning techniques like manipulating DNA and RNA to extract it in pure quality for analysis and using the CRISPR-Cas9 gene editing system to disable mutated genes and see if they can slow or stop cancer growth. They also learn bioinformatics by running programs to analyze DNA to find mutations statistically associated with a specific form of cancer. Students spend the rest of their time developing collaborative research projects, doing presentations, and as seniors, writing research papers.

One research project is continuing work on a prostate cancer vaccine Aguilar started with colleagues at the Cleveland Clinic.

Photos provided by Western Reserve Academy

“What we’re doing is targeting a specific protein that is very highly expressed in prostate cancer cells,” he says. “We train the immune system to seek out and destroy not only this protein but whatever is producing the protein.”

Lab work teaches students valuable life skills.

“You learn a lot of different skills you can apply anywhere, from organizational skills to time management to working in a team to learning how to obtain good information,” Aguilar says.

Some students have gone on to become doctors and researchers. Perhaps the most valuable skills students can gain are a lifelong love of critical thinking and perseverance from doing challenging new experiments and making discoveries.

“It’s research. A lot of it hasn’t been done before. You’re trying new techniques, and so you really have to grow a thick skin and stay consistent,” Aguilar says. “Once they get past that, those aha moments are coming. When experiments do work … you’re the first one to see it!” // KP

044-051 education jan24.indd 50

12/18/23 3:46 PM

LET TERS FROM THE MAIN OFFICE

SPRING GARDEN WALDORF SCHOOL Spring Garden Waldorf School is part of the long-standing Waldorf tradition, a worldwide movement putting Rudolf Steiner’s educational philosophy into practice. The Waldorf method works because it addresses the whole child — cognitive, social and creative — and meets the needs of each individual through a challenging and multisensory environment. We, at Spring Garden Waldorf School, are committed to educating each child so they will contribute to the future of the world with clear and creative thinking, compassion, moral strength and courage.

From director of admissions Rocky Lewis: Spring Garden Waldorf School is one of only two accredited Waldorf schools in Ohio, and we have been educating children from the surrounding five-county area for over 40 years. Families come to

Waldorf education because they’re ready for something different.

What makes Waldorf education unique?

Whole Child Education: Waldorf education focuses on developing cognitive, social and creative capacities. In practice, this looks like play-based learning in preschool and kindergarten, a creative, multi-disciplinary approach to early academics and interrelated, experiential curriculum for older students.

Connection to Nature: Every grade goes outside for recess three times a day in all weather.

We attune students to the seasons and cycles of nature and guide them toward deeply understanding ecology and our place within it though curriculum.

Relationship Focused: Our main lesson teacher stays with the same class of 20 students from first through eighth grades. The

relationship developed with their main lesson teacher (by no means the student’s only teacher) ensures each child is truly seen and thrives.

Hands-On & Relevant: Lessons connect deeply with students. Math lessons include shelter building, woodworking and running a business. Science lessons include building engines, mixing salves and stargazing with telescopes. History and language arts come alive through world mythology and theater productions.

Waldorf education helps children become adults who appreciate learning, persevere when tasks are difficult, build relationships easily and value learning how to think over what to think. This education prepares our children for whatever the future may hold.

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

044-051 education jan24.indd 51

51

12/18/23 3:46 PM

GOOD EATS

JANUARY 2024 | VOLUME 22 | ISSUE 1

Restaurants [ notable food & drink ]

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

Please call ahead to verify location, hours and events.

Akron Family Restaurant Neighborhood meeting place, homey atmosphere, reasonable prices. 250 W. Market St., Akron, 330-376-0600 $$ B, L, D, T, W Basil Asian Bistro Menu features Thai, Chinese and Korean dishes, as well as sushi and Vietnamese specialties.

585 Market Ave. N, Canton, 330-4523888; 145 W Liberty St., Wooster, 330601-0885 $$$ L, D, A, T, W Beau’s Grille Well-regarded, innovative menu at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn.

3180 W. Market St., Fairlawn, 330867-5218 $$$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Beau’s on the River Stunning views of the falls with floor-to-ceiling windows and contemporary decor. Fusion eclectic cuisine, lunch buffet and Sun. brunch. Sheraton Suites Akron Cuyahoga Falls, 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7530 $$$ B, L, D, A, T, W Bender’s Tavern Largest restaurant wine selection in Stark County. Menu features seafood. 137 Court Ave. SW, Canton, 330-453-8424 $$$$ L, D, A, T Big Eu’es BBQ Known for delicious barbecue meals and Kool Aid pies.

The takeout spot also has a small dining area. 1730 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls, 234-706-6700 $$ L, D, T The Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard Situated on a 55-acre estate in a renovated historic barn that overlooks a beautiful lake. Serving rustic Italian fare using only fresh and seasonal ingredients. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000 $$$ L, D, A The Bistro of Green An upscale dining establishment with a diverse menu that features some of Akron’s finest cuisine and gluten-free options 52

made from fresh ingredients. Has a large selection of wine, beer and cocktails, and the inviting atmosphere offers a memorable experience. 3459 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-896-1434 $$$$ D, T, A Crave Creative comfort foods, slightly eccentric with bold tastes served up in a sensational setting. 156 S. Main St., Akron, 330-253-1234 $$ L, D, A, T, V Crave Cantina Latin fare meets global tacos at this modern, artistic eatery from the owner of Crave in downtown Akron. Pair your eclectic taco choices with a rum flight of your choice. 2097 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-940-2000 $$$$ L, D, A, T The Crush House at Gervasi Vineyard A modern industrial building that houses a state-of-the-art winery facility, wine bar and eatery. Perfect for a fun lunch, casual dinner or late snack. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330497-1000, ext. 5 $$ L, D, A D’Agnese’s at White Pond Akron Contemporary Italian food served in a classy yet casual setting. Live entertainment. Full service catering.

566 White Pond Drive, Akron, 234678-3612 $$$ L, D, A, T Desert Inn Family-owned since 1970.

Specializes in family-style shish kebabs. 204 12th St. NW, Canton, 330-456-1766 $$$$ L, D, A DeVitis Italian Market Has used traditional recipes to bring fresh Italian food to the Akron area for the last 40 years. Offers six varieties of pasta sauce, including house-made regular, hot and Sicilian. The housemade Italian sausage is a longtime favorite, and a gourmet deli case is fully stocked with a selection of entrees that are ready to heat and eat. 560 E. Tallmadge Ave., Akron, 330-535-2626 $$ L, D, T Diamond Deli A local favorite with fat sandwiches and fresh soups. 378 S. Main St., Akron, 330-762-5877 $ B, L, A, D (Saturdays only), T Diamond Grille Akron’s oldest steakhouse, 1950s-style decor. All steaks are hand-cut, and seafood is flown in fresh. 77 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-0041 $$$$ L, D, A, No credit cards Fred’s Diner Well-known North Hill stop for breakfast and lunch. 930 Home

Ave., Akron, 330-535-3733 $ B, L, T Guiseppe’s Pizza Family-owned pizzeria known for its Sicilian-style square pizza. 14 E. Caston Road, Akron, 330644-8842 $$ L, D, T H2 Huth & Harris Wine Merchants With a selection of over 200 wines, this Medina-based winery serves up a sizable selection in a rustic, cellarlike atmosphere. Also offers large selection of craft beers, ciders, kombucha, meads and a large selection of tapas dishes. 221 S. Court St., Medina, 330-805-3212; 427 Tuscarawas St. E, Canton: 330-8154959 $$$ L, D, A, T The Jetty River Bar and Grill Located on the north end of the Sheraton Suites, it is a posh place to have dinner with a view. 1989 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-920-7544 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Jilly’s Music Room All gluten-free menu of creative American tapas in a sophisticated setting. Live music, concerts and events Wed. through Sat. 111 N. Main St., Akron, 330-5763757 $$, D, A, T, W Kingfish A posh yet sleek interior features the freshest seafood of North Coast. Dress is business casual. Reservations recommended.

115 Montrose West Ave., Copley. 330777-2005 $$$$ D, A Lanning’s Restaurant Elegant dining atmosphere with a beautiful view.

More than 150 types of wine. 826 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, 330666-1159, 330-864-2553 $$$$ D, A, T, V Laziza High-end Middle Eastern and Mediterranean fare, plus steak and seafood dishes and a full bar. Acorn Alley, 195 E. Erie St., Kent, 330-6777000 $$$ L, D, A, T Leo’s Italian Social Nosh on comfort food Italian favorites with a chef-driven twist. 2251 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-400-4427 $$$$ B, L, D, T, A, P The Lockview Traditional American favorites. Fresh menu with spotlight on gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches. 207 S. Main St., Akron, 330-252-5128 $$ L, D, A, T Lucca Downtown Locally sourced, seasonal ingredients. Tuscan Italianinspired menu. Now managed by Tony Ly, who also owns Basil Asian Bistro. Call for reservations. 228 Fourth St. NW, Canton, 330-456-2534.

Go t

o

om life.c re n o r ak mo

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

$$$$ L, D, A, T Lucia’s Steakhouse Fresh seafood, signature garlic butter-topped steaks, Italian favorites and Lucia classics, like house-made lump crab cakes or cubanella and long, hot peppers. 4769 Belpar St. NW, Canton, 330-492-9933 $$$$ D, A 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 Akron Life readers. 105 N. Main St., Akron, 330-253-2999 $$ L, D, A, T, No credit cards Magic City’s Remarkable Diner Chef-driven menu with surprising twists on diner classics, like the smoked salmon and Brie omelet. 451 Fairview Ave., Barberton, 330-983-9787 $$ B, L, T One Red Door Decadent menu featuring gourmet pizzas, share plates such as bacon-wrapped roasted dates and burgers. 49 Village Way, Hudson, 330342-3667 $$$$ L, D, A Papa Gyros Greek Grill Authentic Greek fare, wine and beer. 3939 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0707; 4760 Everhard Road, Canton, 330-4971100; 320 W. State St., Alliance, 330823-7773; 2045 Cleveland Ave. NW, Canton, 330-456-9000; 1 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-247-2475 $$ L, D, A, T Papa Joe’s Iacomini’s Extensive wine list, fine Italian fare, seafood and steaks.

1561 Akron Peninsula Road, Akron, 330-923-7999 $$$ L, D, A, T Serenite Restaurant Fine French dining includes oysters, escargot, duck confit and smoked salmon. Socially conscious mission with a staff made up of people in recovery from addiction. 538 W. Liberty St., Medina, 330-952-2611 $$$ L, D, A, T Shale Brewing Co. An extensive selection of alcoholic beverages.

Also has a location in Oakwood and a coffeehouse in Canton that showcases craft coffee. 7253 Whipple Ave. NW, North Canton, 330-776-8812 $$ L, D, T, A Social at Stone House Welcoming guests with craft cocktails and a global menu in a pre-Civil War mansion. Be sure to order an artfully garnished cocktail like the JD Manhattan or gimlet. 824 Lincoln Way E, Massillon,

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

052-054 good eats jan24.indd 52

12/18/23 3:46 PM

GOOD EATS UNCORKED

by Eric Van Sant

Mawby Winery Suttons Bay, Michigan

utilization of wind energy continue to move the winery forward in its efforts. With 50 years of dedication, Mawby Winery continues to produce wellpriced sparkling wines.

SEX BRUT ROSE SPARKLING The bestseller in Mawby Winery’s portfolio is a fruit-forward rose ($18.99). Made from zinfandel, Sangiovese, chardonnay, riesling and muscat grapes, with low residual sugar, this is a perfect accompaniment to Asian fare and Brie.

BLANC BRUT SPARKLING

Larry Mawby planted the first grapes at Mawby Winery on the Leelanau Peninsula in Michigan to produce still wines in 1973. Then in 1984, Mawby produced the first sparkling wine in the Methode Champenoise style, realizing that the area was prime for producing sparkling wines. Geographically, the Leelanau Peninsula lies at almost the same latitude as the sparkling-producing regions of France and Italy. The rich soil from the glacial deposits over 12,000 years ago and the climate-

moderating effect of Lake Michigan also make for ideal conditions.

In the 1990s, the winery further adopted and often used the Cuve Close method (or Charmat method), fermenting in a closed tank to capture the bubbles rather than aging in the bottle with the Methode Champenoise format. This provides for a more affordable bottle.

Focused on sustainability, the winery uses cover crops and plant diversity and a robust recycling program for all pallets, glass and cardboard, while dry farming practices and

Made in the Methode Champenoise style, this sparkling wine ($18.99) is crafted from Leelanaugrown chardonnay, pinot gris and riesling grapes.

With citrus zest notes and apple on the nose, this wine finishes with lovely “bread-iness.” It’s great for celebrations or quiet evenings with loved ones.

US BRUT SPARKLING With aromas of apricot and fresh pear, this sparkler ($18.99) is made from a blend of pinot noir, chardonnay and chambourcin grapes. Brut style, dry on the palate, it has a soft finish. Enjoy it with friends while indulging in dry cheeses.

Find Mawby Winery wines at select Meijer locations.

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

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

052-054 good eats jan24.indd 53

53

12/18/23 5:14 PM

GOOD EATS UNTAPPED

by Aaron Fowler

New Resolution Stock your fridge with these nonalcoholic beers for Dry January.

six-pa

ck

$10.9

ATHLETIC BREWING CO.’S FREE WAVE HAZY IPA Leading the nation in the rise of nonalcoholic beverages is Connecticut’s Athletic Brewing Co. Arguably Athletic Brewing’s best year-round release is the Free Wave Hazy India pale ale ($10.99, six-pack cans), which is perfectly hopped with Amarillo, Citra and Mosaic hops to create a citrus blast to please any craft beer admirer.

BREWDOG’S NONALCOHOLIC VARIETY PACK Columbus’ Brewdog mixes up the nonalcoholic category with its Nonalcoholic Variety Pack ($18.99, 12-pack cans). It features four options — Hazy AF, Punk AF, Elvis AF and Easy Street. All selections are 20 calories as well as vegan and gluten-reduced.

9

URBAN ARTIFACT’S SEEDLESS STRAWBERRY AND SEEDLESS MANGO Cincinnati’s Urban Artifact, known for its fruit-forward tart ales, has officially entered the nonalcoholic industry this month with its intriguing Seedless series ($10.99, six-pack cans). Made with real fruit and gluten-free, the Seedless line comes in strawberry and mango, and each is an absolute delight to your taste buds.

WEIHENSTEPHANER’S NONALCOHOLIC WHEAT BEER If you often peruse the import section at the grocery store, you are probably aware of Germany’s Weihenstephaner.

As the world’s oldest continuously operating brewery, Weihenstephaner is best known for its Hefeweissbier, which it also offers as a nonalcoholic

wheat beer ($12.99, six-pack bottles). Filled with aromas of clove and flavors of honey, this hefeweizen will please even the most particular of beer lovers.

These nonalcoholic options can be found at select Giant Eagle, Acme Fresh Market, Heinen’s, Mustard Seed Market & Cafe, Buehler’s Fresh Foods and Fisher’s Foods locations, as well as local craft beer stops.

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

330-809-0461 $$$ L, D, T, A, P Swensons Drive-In Voted best burger in Akron Life’s Best of the City.

Signature burger is the Galley Boy. 658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, 330-928-8515; 40 S. Hawkins Ave., Akron, 330-864-8416; 4466 Kent Road, Stow, 330-678-7775; 40 Brookmont Road, Montrose, 330665-1858; 5815 Wales Ave., Jackson Township, 330-833-5454; 1558 N. Main St., North Canton, 330-499-9494 $ L, D, T Table Six Kitchen & Bar Innovative and shareable dishes made from scratch in a gastropub where the drinks are also held to the same high standard.

Road 6113 Whipple Ave NW, North 54

Canton, 330-305-1666 $$$ L, D, W, A, T Thyme2 Pub & Fine Dining Contemporary cuisine with worldly influences, served in an upscale, modern setting.

113 W. Smith Road, Medina, 330-7644114 $$$$ L, D, A, T Timber Lodge Steaks are hand-selected from the finest USDA Prime and Choice aged beef. Seafood is flown in daily to assure the peak of flavor and freshness. Prime rib is slow roasted rotisserie-style and hand-carved to your taste. Famous for its No. 1 giant lobster tail. 2809 Pearl Road, Medina, 330-725-6288 $$$ D, A, T Totally Cooked To-Go Comfort foods, soups, made-to-order sandwiches and salads, and desserts. Menu

changes weekly. 388 S. Main St., Akron, 330-294-1102 $$ B, L, D, T Town Tavern A finer take on bar food in an upbeat atmosphere that sets the tone for a fun night or weekend brunch. 3900 Medina Road Unit J, Akron, 330-666-1191; 1840 Town Park Blvd., Uniontown, 330-896-4433, $$$ B, L, D, T, A Trecaso’s Mary Coyle Strong pasta selection. Six-time winner of Pasta Yule’s best red sauce. Highland Square spot known for several ice cream options. 780 W. Market St., Akron, 330-253-1511 $$ L, D, T The Twisted Olive Casual classic ItalianAmerican fare grilled or baked wood-fire ovens. Indoor and outdoor

seating. 5430 Massillon Road, Green, 330-899-0550 $$$ L, D, A, T Vaccaro’s Trattoria Traditional Italian cuisine with a twist on nouveau.

Famous since 1957. An Italian and Akron classic. 1000 Ghent Road, Akron, 330-666-6158 $$$ L, D, A, T Valley Cafe Owned by a five-star gourmet chef. Features friendly service, dishes made from scratch and famous cabbage soup. 1212 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-8650101; 101 High St., Wadsworth, 330331-7555 $ B, L, D (Wadsworth only), T Please send any changes or corrections to kpetryszyn@ bakermediagroup.com.

akronlife.com | JANUARY 2024

052-054 good eats jan24.indd 54

12/18/23 3:46 PM

PARTING SHOT

by Kaitlyn Murray, photo provided by Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library and Por tage Lakes Historical Society

“

Keeping the Beat Coventry Township, 1946

”

The Coventry High School band, which started as just a marching band and majorettes, who are pictured here, dates back to at least the 1940s.

The majorettes, donning purple sweaters, white skirts and white tasseled boots, performed at the 1956 Ohio State Fair in Columbus. The Coventry band program has evolved into several ensembles made up of about 100 students between ninth and 12th grades, including a concert band, symphonic band, jazz ensemble, funk band and marching band with a color guard. The marching band, which has 60 students, has competed in the Ohio Music Education Association’s finals six times and has performed at the Ohio Stadium, Disney World’s Magic Kingdom and more. Its recent repertoire includes “Feel it Still,” “Cake by the Ocean” and “Shake it Off.”

JANUARY 2024 | akronlife.com

055-056 back jan24.indd 55

55

12/18/23 3:53 PM

055-056 back jan24.indd 56

12/18/23 3:53 PM