Akron Life August 2023

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 8

AUGUST 2023

20 PLACES FOR DELICIOUS HEALTHY EATING FRESH PLATE

SMART MONEY DISCOVER LEADERS IN FINANCE DOWNTOWN AKRON EXPERIENCE CULTURAL EVENTS & FESTIVALS

AUG. 2023 $4.95

NEW SKILLS CAREER TECHNICAL SCHOOLS OFFER

HANDS-ON LEARNING

PAGES

AUGUST 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 8

Pages start here

On The Cover | 22 Fresh Food | photo by Meghan Winkler

[ FEATURE ]

!! CLEAN PLATE

In the summer in The 330, there are bountiful fresh, healthy dishes and drinks that pop with flavor. From cooking an Ohio pork chop over fire to using Ohio hydroponic greens in dynamic salads, these restaurants and cafes make nutritious eating delicious.

The Fruit Stand photo by Meghan Winkler

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32 EDUCATION Career technical schools

10 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ]

41 UNTAPPED Country Boy Brewing

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

10 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 11 Entertainment listings + Calendar of events 14 High Notes: The Vindys 21 Flash: Celebrity Cuisine

06 MAIL BONDING

Special Sections

32 EDUCATION Career technical schools offer experiential learning.

07 FROM THE PUBLISHER Stay Strong

36 LEADERS IN FINANCE

08 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

40 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 40 Restaurant listings 41 Untapped: Country Boy Brewing 42 Uncorked: St. James Winery

47 DOWNTOWN AKRON Gather for cultural events and fun.

09 UPFRONT Home Grown

59 PARTING SHOT Summit County Fair

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MAIL BONDING

Tell us what's on your mind.

FOUNDER Don Baker Jr . [ 1940-2018 ]

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.

PUBLISHER Colin Baker cbaker@bakermediagroup.com CREATIVE DIRECTOR William L. Teckmyer III wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com MANAGING EDITOR Kelly Petryszyn kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com ASSISTANT EDITOR Alexandra Sobczak asobczak@bakermediagroup.com GRAPHIC DESIGNER Tylar Calhoun tsutton@bakermediagroup.com CONTRIBUTING WRITERS Aaron Fowler Eric Van Sant

Or email them to editor@bakermediagroup.com. We reserve the right to edit letters for length and clarity.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

Stay Strong

Here’s how I wrestle with kale while dreaming of a milkshake.

and apple and Boston cream pies sat in the conference room. I thought several times about getting up to look at the doughnut selection, but if I stood over them, I would have had no defense against that first doughnut, which would most likely have led to another. I realized it’s better to not even look. Eating healthy when dining out is like walking a tightrope. The balancing act between succumbing to temptation and sticking to your health goals is a perilous journey, but I make healthy choices most of the time. Restaurants sometimes priori tize taste and not what’s healthy, and why wouldn’t they? Their jobs are to make you happy, and that is likely going to include lots of butter instead of some kale. Last year, I went through a stretch of time when I was dining out a lot. I thought I was making healthy choices, but unfortu nately during a routine physical, the num bers were telling me something else. The doctor said my cholesterol was high. I was baffled and thought that it must be inac curate. I made some adjustments between then and my next test, and one was not eat ing out as much. My cholesterol came back down into range. But that doesn’t mean I have to cut out eating out entirely. Find healthier restaurants on pg. 22. In the end, my healthy eating journey isn’t about perfection. It’s about persever ance. And if sometimes that perseverance is wrapped in a tortilla and smothered in salsa, well, at least I can say I’m enjoying the journey.

As someone striving to live a health ier lifestyle, I struggle with the inev itable temptations during a night out at a restaurant. That’s when my promises to myself to eat healthier turn into a comedy of errors and my inner fast food junkie masquerading as a dedicated vegetarian is revealed for the world to see. Going to a restaurant has become akin to stepping into a labyrinth where every path leads to a plate of fries or dessert. Often it takes everything in me to resist the dessert menu or choose greens as a side instead of fries. If I am at Yours Truly Restaurant, I get the Notso fries with cheese — I have no defense over them. I’m glad I don’t live close to one of its locations. I’ve begun to dread the server’s approach, their notepad poised for action. Do I stick to my guns and order a salad? Or do I sur render to the allure of a milkshake with peanut butter and hot fudge? It’s a predica ment worthy of a Greek tragedy. There have been many nights when my family has come together for a late din ner, and we have wanted something fast and easy. In my head, I am thinking about Swensons Drive-In, but I know the health ier choice is a salad from Aladdin’s Eatery. I try to tell myself, If we go to Swensons, I’ll get the veggie burger, and that has to be healthy . But the veggies on top of the Salad Boy probably don’t cancel out the cheese and two sauces. As I sat in our office writing this column, a staffer brought in a box of doughnuts,

Colin’s son, Bodhi, with kale

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

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RADAR

words and photo by Maggie Harris

seen + heard

Flavor Pack Pav’s Creamery knows choosing a flavor is tough, so it makes it easier with ice cream flights. Pick four flavors from its 30-plus options made on-site daily. Try classic strawberry with fresh berries, mint chocolate chip with dark chocolate chips, birthday cake with sprinkles and chunks of white cake, and double dark raspberry with dark chocolate raspberry truffles. Or go for max imum flavor with Nutella s’mores — Nutella ice cream swirled with marshmallow fluff, dark chocolate flakes and crushed gra ham crackers. Bath, Cuyahoga Falls, Green, North Canton and Portage Lakes, pavscreamery.com Hoop Dreams Akron has its own “Fab 5.” The tight-knit friendships of St. Vincent-St. Mary High School basketball teammates get spotlighted in the new LeBron James origin story movie, “Shooting Stars,” which in July became the most streamed original movie on Peacock. The inspirational coming-of-age film tells the story of James, Dru Joyce III, Willie McGee, Sian Cotton and Romeo Travis battling obstacles to put Akron on the map and claim victories, with the team winning three state championships and a national championship. Locals can recognize film locations including Spring Hill Apartments, The University of Akron, St. Vincent-St. Mary, Buchtel, Kenmore and Garfield high schools and Swensons Drive-In. See how the Fab 5’s success forged James’ path to becoming the top pick in the 2003 NBA draft and how he has kept those friendships despite the fame. peacocktv.com

Global Taste Fans of the former northern Indian restau rant Jaipur Junction can enjoy its rebirth as Blu Basil in Hudson with a new owner and updated space. Take in renovated features like fresh blue walls, elegant lighting and leather seating in the 15-year-old spot. Dig into new dishes like Indian-inspired sizzling fries poutine and fried chunky spinach chaat that has onions, tomatoes and chutneys, or stick with traditional tandoori chicken mari nated in yogurt, garlic, ginger and lemon juice. Don’t forget a dessert of savory gulab jamun cake balls soaked in honey syrup. 180 W. Streetsboro St., Suite 5, Hudson, theblubasil.com

photo provided by Blu Basil

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UP F RON T

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

Home Grown

Eating fresh is challenging but rewarding.

When you start feeding a baby solid food, the pediatrician tells you to avoid processed food and added sugars. While I didn’t have the energy to puree fruits and veggies, a lot of what we give Izzy is preservative-free, organic, no sugar added or fresh. I am not as strict about my food. It’s fascinating how we start with a clean diet and muck it up with processed and fried food. The healthi est I’ve ever eaten was when I was pregnant. I had to avoid alcohol as well as processed foods like lunch meats and hot dogs. I stayed on a diet into the second trimester and picked it up for a while a few months after Izzy’s birth. A few hacks that have worked for me are eating vegetables as sides with dinners — they really fill you up — and having salads for lunch and snacking on fruit. What I struggle with is grabbing packaged foods when I’m on the go and nighttime snack ing. But if I haven’t kicked it already, it’s likely not happening. I try to buy lower calorie options, but often sweets end up in the house, and I’m a goner. Plus, if there’s wine in the fridge, I’m often having a glass at night. In the summer, it can be harder with parties and cookouts filled with tantalizing options. I have no control when it comes to cheesy dishes and the dessert table. And when I eat out, I order what looks best, which often isn’t the healthiest, so I try to eat healthier at home and give myself a free pass when I’m out. And I’ve realized I can give Izzy veggies, but like most kids, she’s more likely to choose fries and mac and cheese. But I can keep offering fresh food. A wonder ful thing about summer in Ohio is there are fresh peaches, berries, ears of corn and more. Plus, eating peppers and tomatoes from my garden is so rewarding after the

care I put into them. What I’ve learned is it’s not about never treating yourself, but it’s about starting fresh with each meal, trying to work in cleaner foods, exercising modera tion and celebrating good choices. It helps when healthy options taste great, and our feature points you to restaurants and cafes that source cleaner ingredients and serve fresh, from-scratch dishes like the Fresh Summer Veg salad I had from Butcher & Sprout. The house-made cucum ber-lime vinaigrette gave it a citrusy pop, and the kale blend wasn’t bitter. I ate it all up and felt great after. “They’re a little lighter, lower calorie,” says executive chef Logan Johnson on why you should choose a salad. “In the summertime, it’s a great not-heavy meal.” At Pitchfork, many proteins come from the owners’ Ashland farm. “The stuff from their farm — you can tell the difference,” says executive chef Mary Clarke Morris. “They’re not factory-farmed animals. They live freely on the farm.” She says when your ingredients are sustain able, it not only tastes better but you feel better about eating it. With recipes and 20 spots, including juice bars, smoothie cafes and farm-to-table restaurants, our guide helps you make healthy choices and celebrate places in our community that are leading the way.

photo by Meghan Winkler

My 17-month-old, Izzy, was running around my friends Mark and Anja’s backyard at a cookout in early sum mer, and she stopped at the straw berries in the garden. Anja plucked some berries off the vine and gave them to Izzy, who promptly devoured them with red juice drib bling down her face and onto her white floral romper! Anja walked away, but Izzy wanted more. She sat in the grass by the strawberry patch, signaling Anja to pick a few more for Izzy to wolf down. It was so sweet to see Izzy learn how delicious it is to eat food from the source at such a young age, and it’s a big responsibility to set a good example when it comes to healthy eating. Get some help with eating local and clean from our feature on pg. 22 that’s full of res taurants and cafes that strive to follow the farm-to-table model.

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

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AGENDA

AUGUST 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 8

Agenda the essential social digest

photo provided by Summit Metro Parks

8/19 & 8/30 Beginner Stand-up Paddleboarding

Get a workout while trying this quickly growing water sport. Aug. 19 Silver Creek Metro Park, Lake House and Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Road, Norton, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Aug. 30 Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park, Lot C6, 6194 Christman Road, Green, 4-6 p.m. $15. summitmetroparks.org

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

Through 8/13 “Twelfth Night” Watch this Ohio Shakespeare Festival performance of this comedy on select nights. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 7:30 p.m. green show, 8 p.m. performance. $15-$35. ohioshakespearefestival. com Through 8/27 “As the World Weds: Global Wedding Traditions” This Kent State University Museum exhibit features pieces of clothing beyond white dresses that are incorporated in wedding ceremonies around the world. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, sta ! and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum “I Did It My Way,” Joseph T. Dick’s “The Art of a Lifetime,” Debra DeGregorio’s “Disorganized Attachment,” Susan Yingling’s “Place,” “The Art of Rex Mitchell,” “Human: Nature” and “Social Justice.” Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org Through 9/21 Workout on the Plaza Get active during outdoor workout classes like yoga, kickboxing, line dancing, Zumba, Pilates, boot camp and more. Cascade Plaza, Akron. Days and times vary. Free. downtownakron.com Through 9/30 “Brick Flicks” Check out this Lego exhibit, featuring Lego scenes from beloved movies and work by winners of a Lego contest. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 6-8 p.m. $5- $15. mckinleymuseum.org Through 9/16 Summer Exhibitions Take in exhibitions such as Patricia Zinsmeister Parker’s Through 9/30 “World of Wonders: Weird Science Laboratory” This exhibit with work by pop funk sculptor Clayton Bailey is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Polsky Building, 225 S. Main St., Akron. 4-8 p.m. curatedstorefront.org Through 10/7 Roller Skating on the Plaza Listen to music as you skate on select dates. Cascade Plaza, 1 Cascade Plaza, Akron. 5-8 p.m. $2 rental skates. downtownakron.com Through 10/31 “Connections: Love & The Ties That Bind” During any tour of the Manor House, check out this exhibit about the Seiberling family, the marriages of F.A. and Gertrude’s six children and the connections they made. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Tuesday Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. stanhywet.org Through 1/7/2024 “A Way to Win: Paul Brown’s Innovations” View this new exhibit at the Paul Brown Museum. Massillon Museum, Paul Brown Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

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AGENDA

8/1 & 8/8 Music by the Lake Listen to a performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble while enjoying nature. Munroe Falls Metro Park, Lake Area, 521 S. River Road, Munroe Falls & Silver Creek Metro Park, Lake House and Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Road, Norton. 7-8 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 8/1 ! 8/6 AKRON RUBBERDUCKS VS. SOMERSET PATRIOTS Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team a ! iliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Times and prices vary. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. akronrubberducks.com 8/1-8/7 Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Festival Celebrate enshrinement week at a parade, a Bluecoats performance, a fashion show and more engaging events. Times and prices vary. profootballhofef.com 8/2 Jim Ballard and the Strangs Jam to this rock band during the Live & Local series. Cascade Plaza, 1 Cascade Plaza, Akron. 7-9 p.m. lock3live.com 8/3 Inlet Dance Theater Watch this performance with dance themes from the Philippines as a part of the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. 6:30 p.m. Free. akronartmuseum.org

8/3-8/5 Summit County Italian-American Festival Take in live music, a fireworks show and more. West Bowery Street, Akron. 11 a.m.-11 p.m. Free. lock3live.com 8/4 & 8/5 GroundWorks DanceTheater View a performance during the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival that honors the legacy of the founding artistic director of Ohio Ballet. Firestone Park, 1480 Girard St., Akron. 8:45 p.m. groundworksdance.org 8/4 & 8/11 Friday Matinee Escape the heat and watch “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” and “DC League of Super-Pets.” Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., Barberton. 2 p.m. Free. barbertonlibrary.org 8/4, 8/5, 8/11, 8/12, 8/18 & 8/20 “All Shook Up” Elvis’s music comes to life in this show inspired by Shakespeare’s “Twel " h Night” and performed by the Millennial Theatre Project. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $20-$25. akroncivic.com 8/4, 8/11, 8/18 & 8/25 Lunchtime Yoga Relax with some beginner-friendly yoga at the Massillon Museum each Friday. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:30-1:15 p.m. $6 class, $15 three classes. massillonmuseum.org 8/5 Concert for Legends: Zac Brown Band Catch this Grammy Award-winning country band during its From the Fire Tour. Tom Benson Hall of Fame Stadium, 1835 Harrison Ave. NW, Canton. 8 p.m. $49- $240. hofvillage.com

8/5 Jazz under the Stars Hear Cleveland based performer Nick Puin and his band, including Dave Zamos, Jim Noel, Steve Stanziano and Karen Casey, during this event hosted by Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach. Uptown Park, Medina. 7-9 p.m. Free. ormaco.org 8/5 KENT BLOSSOM MUSIC FESTIVAL CONCERT The Kent Blossom Chamber Orchestra performs and then does a side by-side performance with the Cleveland Orchestra. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls. 6 p.m. Free-$30. kent.edu/blossom 8/5-8/28 Down to Earth Yoga Focus on relaxation and strength during these sessions on select dates. Sippo Lake Park, 5712 12th St. NW, Canton. 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. $8. starkparks.com 8/5-9/17 “Hilary Gent: Waters of Motherhood” View latex paintings inspired by natural landscapes. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org 8/5 & 9/2 Peninsula Flea Browse handmade and vintage items from artists and collectors at this flea market. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. heritagefarms.com

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AGENDA

8/6 TRY IT: KAYAKING Test out kayaking by maneuvering on the water in a relaxed environment. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 8/7 Summer Kids Movie Series Families can watch “Turning Red,” as well as a sensory-friendly viewing that employs dimmed lights and lower sound. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. sensory cinema viewing. $2. cantonpalacetheatre.org 8/9 & 8/23 Hooks & Books Discuss what you’ve been reading while you sew or knit at this event at 6 p.m. Aug. 9 and 2 p.m. Aug. 23. White Rabbit Galleries, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. Free. barbertonlibrary.org 8/10 New Wave Nation Rock out to some ’80s tunes during this performance. Gervasi Vineyard, Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8 p.m. $19-$29. gervasivineyard.com 8/10-8/12 “The Encounter: Akron” Watch a cast of Northeast Ohio performers during this work choreographed by Kimberly Bartosik and developed in partnership with Rubber City Theatre. Guzzetta Hall, 228 E. Buchtel Ave., Akron. Thursday-Friday 7 p.m. & Saturday 3 p.m. Free-$10. nccakron.org

8/10, 8/17, 8/24 & 8/31 Summer Serenades Concerts Small groups of performers from the Canton Symphony Orchestra perform at local parks. Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Drive, Hartville; Faircrest Park, 1001 Faircrest St. SW, Canton; St. Helena Heritage Park, 125 Tuscarawas St., Canal Fulton; Stadium Park, 1305 Stadium Park Drive NW, Canton. 6:30 p.m. Free. starkparks.com 8/10 & 8/24 Forest Therapy Walk Unwind during this nonstrenuous guided walk while appreciating the natural world. River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth & Medina Marsh, 4266 Fenn Road, Medina. 6-7:30 p.m. Free. medinacountyparks.com 8/11 Growing Up Akron Attend this family-friendly fundraiser for Child Guidance & Family Solutions that includes a bu ! et, entertainment and more. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. 6-9 p.m. $35 children-$80 adults. cgfs.org 8/11 Zoso Jam out to this Led Zeppelin tribute band as well as Neil Zaza. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $5. lock3live.com 8/11 & 8/12 DAYTON CONTEMPORARY DANCE CO. Watch this performance during the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival that honors the legacy of the founding artistic director of Ohio Ballet. Goodyear Heights Metro Park, 2077 Newton St., Akron. 8:45 p.m. akrondancefestival.org

8/11 & 8/19 Intro to Archery for All Ages Try out the sport of archery at this program open to both beginning and experienced archers. Aug. 11 Silver Creek Metro Park, Archery Range, 89 Eastern Road, Doylestown, 5-6:30 p.m. and 7-8:30 p.m. Aug. 19 Liberty Park, Tinkers Creek Area, 10303 Aurora Hudson Road, Streetsboro, 10-11:30 a.m. and noon 1:30 p.m. $10. summitmetroparks.org 8/12, 8/19 & 8/26 Winery Pairings Tour Explore Gervasi Vineyard’s winemaking facility, then enjoy four wine tastings and four chef-selected bites. Gervasi Vineyard, the Crush House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. $29. gervasivineyard.com 8/12 ! 10/15 “TEN POINT PERSPECTIVE” Check out pieces by the Artists of Group Ten. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org 8/13 History Hike: Deep Lock Quarry Learn about the history of our quarries, canals and railroads while checking out the Ohio & Erie Canal and a century-old sandstone quarry. Deep Lock Quarry Metro Park, 5779 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 9-11 a.m. summitmetroparks.org 8/13 Music at the Lodge: Hip to That Listen to this Cleveland-based jazz duo while enjoying nature. The Lodge at Allardale, 141 Remsen Road, Medina. 2-3 p.m. Free. medinacountyparks.com

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words and photos by Alexandra Sobczak

High Notes: The Vindys Youngstown-based nine-piece band The Vindys delighted listeners at Stark Pride Festival in Canton’s Centennial Plaza June 10. Skillfully blending jazz into a driving rock sound on tracks from its 2021 album, “Bugs,” the band showcased its revered musicality and energy. Lead singer Jackie Popovec offered encouraging words about pride to the crowd before the band played “Wrong With Me” from its 2017 album, “Keep Going.” instagram.com/high.notes.live

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8/13, 8/20 & 8/27 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 8/15 & 8/22 MUSIC IN THE PARK Enjoy performances by the Metro Parks Ensemble while out in nature. Furnace Run Metro Park, Brushwood Area, 4955 Townsend Road, Richfield & Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park, Lot C4, 5550 Christman Road, Green. 7-8 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 8/15-8/20 Akron RubberDucks vs. Erie SeaWolves Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team a ! iliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Times and prices vary. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. akronrubberducks.com 8/15 & 8/29 Yoga in the Pavilion Relax with this outdoor flow led by Yoga Strong. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7 p.m. $15. gervasivineyard.com 8/17 Akron Roundtable: Richard J. Kramer Catch a presentation by the chairman, CEO and president of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. John S. Knight Center, 77 E. Mill St., Akron. Noon. $25. akronroundtable.org

8/17 Annika Chambers Take in a performance by this award-winning blues singer. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $25-$30. akroncivic.com 8/17 Bob James Concert Hear this Grammy Award-winning jazz keyboardist. Gervasi Vineyard, Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8 p.m. $45-$55. gervasivineyard.com 8/18 Dirty Deeds Rock out to this AC/DC tribute band and Walking in Circles. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. Free. lock3live.com 8/18 & 8/19 Monster Bash Film Festival and Expo Watch eight movies including “The War of the Worlds” and “The Blob,” shop from vendors and more. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. Friday 3 p.m.-midnight & Saturday noon-midnight. $5- $40. cantonpalacetheatre.org 8/19 PorchRokr Music and Art Festival Jam out to nearly 150 local bands and artists at this outdoor music and art festival. Highland Square, Akron. 11 a.m.- 8 p.m. highlandsquareakron.org 8/19 The Fantasy Prom Don elegant attire and re-create your perfect prom at the Akron Civic Theatre’s annual gala. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. VIP reception 5:30 p.m. & gala 6:30 p.m. $150-$250. akroncivic.com

8/19 & 8/30 Beginner Stand-up Paddleboarding Get a workout while trying this quickly growing water sport. Aug. 19 Silver Creek Metro Park, Lake House and Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Road, Norton, 10 a.m.-noon and 1-3 p.m. Aug. 30 Nimisila Reservoir Metro Park, Lot C6, 6194 Christman Road, Green, 4-6 p.m. $15. summitmetroparks.org 8/20 Skoops and Spirits Indulge with Skoops Ice Cream frozen desserts and Gervasi Vineyard spirits. Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com 8/20 & 9/24 VINTAGE BASE BALL Cheer on the Akron Black Stockings during a game of vintage “base ball.” Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Noon-4 p.m. stanhywet.org 8/22 Brown Bag Lunch: Scott Edwards Listen to this presentation titled “The Art of Jack Nicholson on Screen.” Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org 8/25 The Anniversary Film Series Mark the release of “Animal House.” Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $7. cantonpalacetheatre.org

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AGENDA

8/25 The University of Akron Marching Band Family and Friends Preview Performance Get in the Akron Zips spirit with “Ohio’s Pride” marching band. InfoCision Stadium, 375 E. Exchange St., Akron. 6 p.m. uakron.edu 8/25-12/17 “Posing Beauty in African American Culture” View over 100 photographs spanning the 20th and 21st centuries and focusing on African and African American beauty. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, sta ! and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum 8/26 Akron Pride Festival Celebrate LGBTQ plus pride while enjoying live entertainment, food trucks, a parade and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Free. akronpridefestival.org 8/26 Glow Paddle Bring your kayak, canoe or stand-up paddleboard for a fun trip a " er dark. Chippewa Yacht Club, Longacre Lane, Chippewa Lake. 8-9:30 p.m. Free. medinacountyparks.com 8/26 Glow Trail Challenge Wear glow-in-the dark accessories and run or walk 4 miles in the dark. Fry Family Park, 2533 Farber St., Magnolia. 8:15 p.m. $5-$10. starkparks.com 8/26 & 8/27 Art on the Green Peruse work by over 140 artists at this 41st annual juried fine arts and cra " s show presented by the Hudson Society of Artists. Joann Fabrics Green, corner of state Route 91 and Terex Road. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. hudsonsocietyofartists.com 8/27 Fall Hiking Spree Kickoff Hike the Seneca Trail with naturalists to get a start on the 60th annual Fall Hiking Spree. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. Noon-3 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 8/27 Yoga on the West Terrace Relax with a yoga class then take a stroll through the gardens. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. $12 members, $16 non members. stanhywet.org 8/29-9/3 Akron RubberDucks vs. Bowie Baysox Root for the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team a ! iliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Times and prices vary. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. akronrubberducks.com 8/31 In the Heartland Enjoy the music of the Michael Stanley Band. Gervasi Vineyard, Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8 p.m. $19-$29. gervasivineyard.com 8/31 “The Room” 20th Anniversary Commemorate the anniversary of this film with a special appearance by Greg Sestero. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 6 p.m. cantonpalacetheatre.org 8/31 Stanislav Golovin Faculty Recital Hear The University of Akron’s assistant professor of music perform on clarinet. Guzzetta Recital Hall, 228 E. Buchtel Ave., Akron. 7:30 p.m. uakron.edu 9/1-9/3 Akron Pizza Festival Sample slices from local pizza parlors, enjoy live music, play cornhole and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m., Saturday noon-10 p.m. & Sunday noon-6 p.m. Free-$5. akronpizzafest.com

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

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AGENDA

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AGENDA

Through 9/16 Summer Exhibitions Take in exhibitions such as Patricia Zinsmeister Parker’s “I Did It My Way,” Joseph T. Dick’s “The Art of a Lifetime,” Debra DeGregorio’s “Disorganized Attachment,” Susan Yingling’s “Place,” “The Art of Rex Mitchell,” “Human: Nature” and “Social Justice.” Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org

Joseph T. Dick, “The Arrival”

Debra DeGregorio, “Above Below”

Patricia Zinsmeister Parker, “The Mystique of Matisse”

Jean Kondo Weigl, “Dock of the Bay”

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AGENDA

F L ASH

Celebrity Cuisine Over 1,000 guests attended the 31st annual sold-out Celebrity Cuisine event hosted by the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank April 18 at the Canton Memorial Civic Center. Local celebrities like Food Network champ Stephan Baity, Crosby, Stills & Nash drummer Joe Vitale Sr. and En-rich-ment Program of Canton executive director Betty Smith donned aprons to serve attendees food and drinks from 40 restaurants and purveyors. Individual donations were matched by community members Jeanne Bauhart, Bill Lemmon and Kristen Manes. Local band Hey Monea performed. The event helped raise nearly $112,000 to provide meals for 448,000 people.

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1. Local band Hey Monea performed. 2. Betty Smith served guests. Photos provided by the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

3. Stark County Court of Common Pleas judge Natalie Haupt, a celebrity chef for the event, chatted with Erica Banks and Charron Otis. 4. Canton TikTok star Dereck Malone, a celebrity chef for the event, posed with food bank sta ! er Faith Barbato and Shelley Meeks. 5. Food bank sta ! ers Cody Stanley and Nathan Kreis enjoyed a Milk & Honey Candy & Soda Shoppe treat. 6. The Bistro of Oakwood’s chicken dish was a fan favorite.

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by Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak photos by Meghan Winkler

Clean Plate

In the summer in The 330, there are bountiful fresh, healthy dishes and drinks that pop with ! avor. From cooking an Ohio pork chop over " re to using Ohio hydroponic greens in dynamic salads, these restaurants and cafes make nutritious eating delicious.

Counterclockwise: Apple and avocado, caprese, Fresh Summer Veg and roasted beet salads

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Go Green Less than 50 miles from Butcher & Sprout in Cuyahoga Falls, Great Lakes Growers in Burton has a hydroponic greenhouse where the kale, arugula and spinach grow that end up on your plate at the farm-to-table restaurant. These vitamin-rich superfoods are good for weight loss, heart health and lowering cholesterol, but executive chef Logan Johnson knows they can be bitter. So he tosses the greens blend in extra-virgin olive oil, salt and pepper to make it more palatable while still being nutritious. “It tones it down a little bit,” he says. “I love adding kale. It’s a great superfood to add in salads, adds a nice crunch too. … It’s really rich in antioxidants, high in fiber.” With seasoned greens and flavorful toppings, Butcher & Sprout’s nourishing salads are wholesome alternatives to heavy sandwiches. New this season is the Fresh Summer Veg salad ($13), which is inspired by a simple cucumber, red bell pepper and Vidalia onion salad Johnson’s mom used to make. He punches it up with Cleveland goat cheese and summery sunflower seeds instead of carb loaded croutons over the seasoned greens blend. He makes a cucumber-lime vinaigrette with vinegar and pulverized cucumbers and limes for striking flavor. “It reminds you of a hot summer day,” Johnson says. “It’s very bright, vibrant.” For some indulgence, the roasted beet salad ($10) features beets from Middlefield, Ohio, Cleveland goat cheese and a balsamic glaze joined by wal nuts candied in a sugary syrup and roasted. It all gets tossed with the seasoned arugula for a delectable salad. “The balsamic is a very rich flavor, and the goat cheese is very creamy. The two balance out,” says president and co-owner Cassie Testa. “The beets add more of an earthy tone.” Johnson opted for a bolder blue cheese for the new avocado and apple salad ($14) that pops with slices of red onion, which are pickled in-house for six hours, creating a garnish with a pungent flavor that “smacks you in the face,” he says. There’s a play of sweet and salty with green apples, Craisins and chopped smoked cherry bacon over the seasoned greens blend. A creamy house-made avocado vinaigrette mel lows it out, as do avocado slices in the dish that fuels you without weighing you down. “There’s a lot of crunch, a lot of freshness. … Avocado, it’s great omega-3s,” Johnson says. “It’s a nice refreshing, light salad.” KP 1846 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, butcherandsprout.com

+3 Salad Spots •

Crave, 156 S. Main St., Akron, eatdrinkcrave.com D.B.A., Dante Boccuzzi Akron, 21 Furnace St., Akron, danteakron.com Grazers, 123 N. Water St., Kent, grazerskent.com

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Liquid Boost For over a decade, Shamiko and Eddie Mealy have been juicing fruits and vegetables. “We’ve always been very health-minded,” Shamiko says. “We would work out, and then we’d do a juice.” Now, the Canton-based couple encourages others to view making healthy choices as a “diaita,” which is Greek for “a way of life,” and that is why they named their Canton store Diaita Cold-Pressed Juice. It opened in 2015 and has more than 20 healthy juices and wellness shots available 24 hours a day in vending machines. The Mealys make Diaita’s juices in-house, using a heat-free masticating juicer that grinds down organic fruits and vegetables before they press them. The no-sugar added juices include fresh ingredients like local apples, which help digestion; greens, which are beneficial for bringing the body into its natural alkalinity; and carrots, which are good for eyes, Shamiko says. “We don’t eat a lot of vegetables anymore because we fast food to death,” she says. “This way, you can just drink it and get nutrients.” Each juice serves a particular purpose. A popular pick is the Upbeet ($11), which is beets, apples, carrots and lemons, and Shamiko says people have reported it helped lower their blood pressure. Another is the Hall of Fame ($12), which is kale, collard greens, cabbage, apples, cucumbers, celery, romaine, parsley and lemons, and she says it can boost immunity and has helped customers with cancer through chemotherapy. “We’ve had a couple customers tell us if they don’t drink it, they get really sick,” she says. “But if they do the Hall of Fame during chemo, they’re fine after.” Diaita offers detoxes and cleanses like the 1 Day Reboot ($62), which includes the Upbeet and Hall of Fame juices, as well as the 24 Carrot, which contains car rots, oranges, apples, lemon, ginger and turmeric and can improve vision, and the Refresh, which contains apples, lemons and ginger and can help digestion. A drink that’s particularly popular for those nursing a hangover is the charcoal lem onade ($11), made from lemons, alkaline water, activated charcoal, clay, lavender and maple syrup. “The charcoal will help to absorb the toxins from the alcohol,” she says. Customers have stopped by around 2 a.m. when they’ve felt sick and around 3 a.m. after a late-night workout because Diaita juices help them. “It’s a great place to implement some of the things that your body is missing,” Shamiko says. AS 4919 Whipple Ave., Canton, diaitajuice.com +3 Good-for-You Drink Cafes • Fairlawn Nutrition, 55 Ghent Road, Fairlawn, instagram.com/fairlawnnutrition • Nectar Smoothie Cafe, 3939 Massillon Road, Uniontown, nectarsmoothiecafe.com • Restore Cold Pressed, 34 Park Lane, Hudson, restorecoldpressed.com

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Clockwise: Hall of Fame, 24 Carrot and Upbeet juices

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Left to right: Passion fruit margarita, black bean, beet and walnut burger, chocolate MyGlow collagen smoothie and avocado BLT

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Earth Grown When you eat at Mustard Seed Market & Cafe, the freshness you taste is a product of 40 years’ worth of strict standards — there are no artificial colors, saccharin or harmful chemical preservatives used in foods, and all meats are raised without growth hormones and antibiotics. “Trans fatty acids are not healthy for you at all,” says Abraham Nabors, the director of education and standards. “Those golden ingredient standards matter to our health.” Mustard Seed sticks to these guidelines while preparing dishes for its menu of from-scratch stir fry bowls, tacos, sandwiches and more in its upstairs Highland Square cafe. A fan favorite is the avocado BLT ($15). “It’s a tried-and-true BLT recipe that America knows and loves, but we add our healthy touch to add healthy fats and avocado to it,” Abraham says. “The reason why people love it so much is that we use quality ingredients,” adds CEO Gabe Nabors. Choose between nitrate- and nitrite-free bacon, turkey bacon and coconut bacon, which is made with marinated dried coconut flakes that are “smoky, sweet, savory and salty,” Abraham says. It comes with crisp lettuce, a juicy tomato slice, bread-and-butter pickles, mayo and soft avocado on griddled handmade sourdough. Cool off with a Berry Delicious smoothie ($6), which includes blueberries sourced from Mustard Seed’s Blueberry Hill Family Farms in Glenmont, Ohio. The protein-packed purple-hued black bean, beet and walnut burger ($13) catches eyes. Beans, beets, walnuts and brown rice combine to create a thick veggie patty that’s crispy on the outside and soft on the inside. It’s served on a whole-wheat vegan bun and topped with butter lettuce, bread-and-butter pick les, roasted red pepper aioli and garlicky greens, which combine garlic, Earth Balance butter and a blend of broccoli, snow peas, kale and Swiss chard. “It’s a very nutrient-dense garlicky green saute,” Abraham says, “that makes it packed full of vitamins and minerals.” Dine out on the patio with a passion fruit margarita ($12), made with 100 percent passion fruit puree, a house-made sour mix and tequila. “It’s really clean, flavorful and smooth,” he says. No matter what you order, you can enjoy the taste of high-quality freshness. “We’re really proud of our sourcing and of the quality of what we’re able to use,” Abraham says. “They can get food that makes the brain and tummy happy.” AS 867 W. Market St., Akron, mustardseedmarket.com +3 Vegetarian Places • Bam Healthy Cuisine, 2185 E. Maple St., North Canton, bamhealthycuisine.com • Good Roots, 2027 S. Main St., Akron, goodrootsohio.com • Soulful Vegan, 1720 Merriman Road, Suite M, Akron, the soulfulvegans.com

Ingredients 8 ounces organic coconut milk 4 ounces frozen organic bananas 2 scoops chocolate MyGlow collagen powder Instructions 1. Pour coconut milk in a blender, and put in frozen bananas. 2. Add chocolate MyGlow collagen powder. 3. Blend on high. 4. Pour into a cup, and enjoy with a glass straw! : Chocolate MyGlow Collagen Smoothie :

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Pit Stop

While attending Kent State University, Jason Carpinelli wished there was a conve nient spot that offered healthy vegan food and fresh fruit. So in 2021, he opened one — the Fruit Stand, which now has loca tions in Kent, Cleveland and Broadview Heights. “Kent needed … a quick, affordable fruit bowl,” he says. “Most college students aren’t cutting up a bunch of fruit.” The spot offers bowls ($7.99-$9.99) with a smoothie, sliced fruit, oatmeal or pound cake base, which people can then top with fresh fruit — melons are popular during the summer — crunchies like graham crackers, nuts or chia seeds and drizzles like peanut butter made from just pea nuts and sea salt or honey made in Ohio’s Amish Country. It sources fruit from a Cleveland supplier for maximum freshness. “We’re buying from the same company that sells to grocery stores, but the only difference is we’re using it the same day,” Carpinelli says. The most popular pick is the dairy-free smoothie base, which is made by blending coconut cream and fruit puree, with no added sugar. The wildberry acai smoothie, made with strawberry, blueberry, raspberry, blackberry and acai purees, shines. “Acai by itself is very tart, not sweet, kind

of tangy. So we add the other berries to make it taste a lot better and still get the health benefits of acai,” he says. “They’re loaded with antioxidants, fibers, vitamins, minerals. It’s a superfood.” One summery bowl starts with a peach smoothie base and is topped with fresh strawberries, blueberries and peaches, as well as chocolate peanut butter granola and coconut flakes. “You have the smooth texture of the smoothie base and then a crunchy gra nola,” Carpinelli says. The granola, which is made by a Millersburg bakery, also comes in flavors like birthday cake, vanilla and blueberry almond, and they’re all made with coconut oil instead of butter or margarine. More drizzles include almond butter from Nosh Butters in Cuyahoga Falls or Nutella for a healthy treat. Carpinelli has seen a cus tomer at the Kent location getting a break fast bowl and at the Cleveland store that night getting a dessert bowl for a nourish ing boost. “Fruit is an all-day type of thing,” he says. “We’re trying to be as simple and as clean as possible.” AS 175 E. Erie St., Suite 201, Kent, thefruitstandohio.com

+3 Nutritious Bowl Destinations • Fresh Planet, 116 Tallmadge Circle, Suite C, Tallmadge, fresh-planet.com • Poke & Roll, 3464 Hudson Drive, Cuyahoga Falls, eatpokenroll.com • Sandy Bottom Bowls, 2345 Fourth St., Cuyahoga Falls, facebook.com/sandybottombowls

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Peach smoothie bowl with strawberries, blueberries, peaches, chocolate peanut butter granola and coconut flakes

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Fire Place

Grass-fed cows, chickens and pigs raised on pastures at Brunty Farms in Ashland are sent to the family’s Akron-area Farmer’s Rail butcher shops to become specialty meats and cuts. Those, along with extra animal cuts, are sent to the Bruntys’ new Pitchfork res taurant in Bath where executive chef Mary Clarke Morris goes to great lengths to cook as sustainably as the animals were raised. “That’s part of my job, to incorporate things you typically wouldn’t sell in the butcher shops and try them here so almost nothing goes to waste from the animals,” says Morris, giving the example of fat that renders down with herbs into herbed tallow butter ($4) for steaks. Her signature is creating demi-glaces in an intricate days-long process. She starts by roasting beef bones and onions, parsley and garlic scraps, and then boiling and reducing it overnight. Morris then strains, reduces and chills it and discards the fat that rises. She infuses the rest with pink, green and black peppercorns and bay leaves to create a peppercorn demi ($7). Add that to a two-inch, 18-ounce double-cut bone-in pork chop ($38) from Ashland that gets seasoned with salt and pepper and cooked over a flame and local cherrywood on the grill, leaving a char. Brighten it with street style Szalay’s Farm & Market corn ribs ($10), with cotija, cilantro and a house-made zesty sauce, and cleanse your palate with a white peach rosemary spritz ($12) from the in-house Eden bar.

“It’s a lot of flavor explosions,” Morris says. “You will taste that animal did eat grasses, the salt and pepper bringing that out, the cherrywood smoke, the meat resting and those juices dispersing, your different levels of that peppercorn sauce and corn.” For the decadent French-inspired pappardelle bourguignon ($38), Morris reduces a dark red wine and cognac and adds a demi glace and reduces it more. She adds New York prime filet, wild mushrooms from Alchemy Market Garden and fresh thick Ohio City pappardelle pasta and cooks it down and tops it with Brunty Farms maple bacon and fennel fronds. Pair it with Eden red blend ($9 glass), which has easy tannins and dark fruit notes that complement the sauce. Starting in August, Pitchfork’s downstairs lounge opens with a chef’s table with views of the kitchen where you can see chefs cook from-the-Earth fare over a fire. “It’s more small batch,” she says. “Doesn’t it feel good to eat some thing that’s foraged from around where you live?” KP Corner Provisions, 1070 Ghent Road, Akron, visitcornerprovisions.com/pitchfork

: Summer Gazpacho : +3

Ingredients Tomatoes Seedless cucumbers Red and yellow bell peppers Vidalia or purple onions Zucchini Red wine vinegar Kosher salt Few cracks of pepper grinder Instructions 1. Wash all vegetables, and put all ingredients in a blender or food

Clean Eating Restaurants • Blue Door Cafe &

Bakery, 1970 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, bluedoorcafebakery.com Darby’s on Fifty-Nine, 2764 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, darbyson59.com One Eleven Bistro, 2736 Medina Road, Unit 110, Medina, 111bistro.com

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processor. Puree to the thickness you want. If you want it thinner, add more tomatoes or some water. To bring the soup together more, add crostinis or crusty bread chunks. 2. Chill in the refrigerator until cold. 3. Serve in a bowl with a drizzle of olive oil and fresh herbs like basil and parsley. Enjoy it with crusty bread.

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Pappardelle bourguignon and Eden red blend

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EDUCATION

by Kelly Petryszyn

Engaged Learning Career technical schools o ! er an experiential alternative to standard universities.

photos provided by Portage Lakes Career Center

After graduating from Jackson High School, Tristan Sanderson took some time off because he didn’t think traditional classroom learning and lectures at a four year university were for him. He looked to people he knew, who are welders, for career inspiration. They are successful, and he found it fascinating how they make something new out of raw materials.

“It’s interesting hard work. It’s not just sitting at a desk,” he says. “I needed some thing a little more hands-on that required a little more critical thinking.” At age 20, he enrolled in the 10-month welding program at Portage Lakes Career Center in Green. Lisa Tripney, assistant superin tendent at the career center, says opting to pursue career technical education has sub stantial benefits for those in

myriad life stages from just graduating high school to changing a career midlife. “If you are not sure that college is right for you … come give us a try,” she says. “Within a year, we can give you a certificate, a license. You can learn an enormous amount. You will have a solid skill that you can take with you. You will not be in a massive amount of debt.”

director of Akron CNC Training Center in Akron, share insights on why stu dents should consider a career technical school and what to expect. IN DEMAND A trade can be overlooked as a career path, but the need is great. For example, there is a high demand for CNC machinists now, and the area is rich with opportunities.

Tripney, Sanderson and Laurie Norval, school

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