Akron Life December 2022

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 12

DECEMBER 2022

JUST A DAD FROM AKRON Kenny Lambert lifts up Kenmore

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KENNY AND AMELIA LAMBERT photo by Alan Chavez

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DECEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 12

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On The Cover | 26 Just A Dad From Akron | photo by Alan Chavez

[ FEATURES ]

26 AMAZING GRACE Kenny Lambert is more than his past. He is sober and Just A Dad From Akron, using the business to uplift his community. 38 BARRIER BREAKERS These hospitals are working to resolve inequalities and close gaps. Plus, discover 160 Elite Physicians in more than 45 specialities.

Kenny Lambert photo by Alan Chavez

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&% UNCORKED Ferrari-Carano Winery

%! AGENDA [ the essential social digest ]

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%! AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] %# Entertainment listings + Calendar of events %$ Flash: Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame !! Flash: Butterfly Gala

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%' RADAR [ seen + heard ]

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VALUE BOOST HOME EQUITY CAN UNLOCK DREAMS

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DECEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 12 ( ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1 ) akronlife is published monthly by Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2022© 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.

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F R O M T H E P U B L I S H E R

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

Life Saver

Learning about our hospitals firsthand inspires gratitude.

into the floor, the saw jumped away from me. To paraphrase the band the Clash with a little artistic license, “I fought the saw, and the saw won.” Both of my legs were hit, one on the thigh and the other on the calf. I stood up and thought, I better get myself to the urgent care or something , but it was worse than I thought. My phone was in my car about 50 feet away. I hobbled to my phone and thought I could drive, but after looking at my leg, I called 911. I didn’t know the address where I was and was feeling lightheaded. I stayed on the phone and was in shock. They must have used my cellphone location to find me, because within 5 minutes, an ambulance was there. They loaded me up, and I was on my way. I called my wife to say I was going to the hospital, and she knew some thing was wrong because I would have never gone to the hospital on my own accord. I was taken right to the emergency department and was stitched up. These are the moments that everything changes — I could see it was close to an artery, and what I was doing was care less and could have been much worse. I feel very blessed to have had such urgent and quality care. It is easy to take for granted what resources in medicine we have around us until we need them. You can learn more about elite physicians in The 330 on pg. 38. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for those who save lives and saved mine. Going through an experience like that is eye-opening, and I think I will just hire someone to replace the trailer floor. I’m done with that project.

Our health care issues have been a staple at Akron Life for %$ years. They have been a way to connect with our readers and showcase the best doctors in our area. We have had many changes in our local health care industry, including new technologies and treatments that can help people live healthier. Over the summer, I unfortunately visited some of our finest local providers. As a kid, I was what you would call “accident prone.” I usually had a yearly visit for stitches or some other mishap. As I got older, this became less and less frequent, and I was moving closer to a life of safety. But the truth is, I probably wasn’t all that safe; rather, I was lucky. This all started when I decided I was going to replace some flooring in a travel trailer that I purchased from my brother. I was thinking, Wouldn’t it be great to take my 2-year-old camping and get out and enjoy the outdoors? I consider myself com petent at fixing things and thought, This shouldn’t be too hard . I needed a saw that could cut around tight corners and a circular saw wouldn’t work. So, I put a saw blade on an angle grinder and thought it would do the trick. It was a Saturday morning, and I had a few hours to myself, so I decided I would head over to a storage facility where the trailer was parked and work on it. I immediately broke many safety rules, so it wasn’t off to a good start. After the first cut

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

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R A D A R

3 +

by Kelly Petryszyn

LOCAL GIFTS

seen + heard

FOR TWEENS: “Play Like a Girl” Despite pushback from other kids, including male players, Misty Wilson joined her seventh-grade football team in Wadsworth. In this debut graphic memoir for 8- to 12-year-olds, Wilson cap tures what it was like being the only girl and charging through gender stereotypes. With nostal gic illustrations by her husband, David Wilson, and its status as a Junior Library Gold Standard Selection, it’s a winning pick to inspire young adolescents to fol low their passions and be true to themselves. Paperback $12.99, Harper Collins/Balzer & Bray FOR FOODIES: “Akron Family Recipes” With a whole chapter on quintes sential Akron sauerkraut balls, retired Akron librarian Judy Orr James helps home cooks discover recipes brought to Akron as people of different ethnicities made it their homes. Enjoy historical res taurant photos alongside local reci pes like Italian-style city chicken or Polish Easter bread. Paperback Billed as a snapshot of the local music scene, this compilation of songs recorded at Akron Recording Co. brings all the vibes. Through various genres, tracks offer a rich mix of local music ranging from queer Akron singer songwriter Samantha Grace’s “Light it Up” that rocks out with soft defiance to Akron hip-hop duo Free Black’s soulful “Don’t Make Me” that tackles societal issues and features Akron front man Wesley Bright. Vinyl $25, akronrecordingcompany.com $23.99, The History Pres s FOR MUSIC LOVERS: “Where in the Hell is Akron, OH?” Vol. 4

photo by Bill Naiman

FESTIVE MISCHIEF

NEW TRADITION The Seiberlings stand in for the Stahlbaums in “The Akron Nutcracker,” which gives the popular ballet a Rubber City spin Dec. 22 and 23 at E.J. Thomas Hall. Back for a second year, this original work is set at Stan Hywet Hall. It includes 1930s set pieces of beloved local landmarks, like Polsky’s and the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, done by community artists. Diverse professional Verb Ballets dancers and University of Akron and ArtSparks students perform this reimagining of the classic that still features the mouse king, the eponymous nutcracker and Tchaikovsky’s resounding score played by the Akron Symphony Orchestra. 198 Hill St., Akron, uakron.edu/ej

Those who would rather be naughty than nice can head to the new Crafty Sirens alt maker showcase Dec. 10 at Missing Falls Brewery and R. Shea Brewing in Canal Place. Appropriately dubbed Santa’s Little Heathens, the mischievous market’s crew brings together over 50 regional makers selling wicked good gifts like Hoops and Horror embroidery art of Drew Barrymore in “Scream” or Ethereal and Enchanting healing crystal jewelry. Plus, get henna tattoos, tarot card readings and pictures with a buff Santa. And you can have devilish fun with out guilt — proceeds benefit One of a Kind Pet Rescue. 540 S. Main St., Suite 214, Akron, instagram.com/crafty.sirens

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U P F R O N T

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

Be Present

Letting go of the past can move you forward.

My daughter, Izzy, turns 1 this month. Becoming a par ent brings the highest highs and the lowest lows. The first few weeks are a slog, since you have to feed babies every two to three hours, cutting into sleep. You can often do less when the baby surpasses its birth weight. But we had to keep it up and go

When you become a parent, people often say your life is over, but in so many ways, a new life has begun. You have to stop being selfish and put your kid’s needs first. That leads to joy. Your child rewards you — it was tearful to watch Izzy crawl for the first time, and it’s the best feeling to see her happily bounce when I greet her each morning. Perhaps what is most gratifying at this stage is that she gives you grace and lov ingly smiles at you even after you make inevitable mistakes — not catching her when she tumbles after pulling up to standing and bumping her head when getting her out of the car seat. It’s beauti ful that through her eyes, you are more than your mishaps — so we should leave those in the past. The Just A Dad story discusses how Lambert worked to repair relationships hurt by addiction and how people have given him grace and forgiveness. Not let ting the past define him freed him to reha bilitate, become a present father and help so many people through Just A Dad. Wouldn’t it be transcendent if we looked at everyone beyond their pasts and saw each other for who we truly are? It may sound like a dream, and it would take a lot of work for everyone, including myself, but Lambert and his team are doing it and started a movement. Consider the article an invitation to join.

Kelly and Izzy, photo by Smilyn Photography

I began reading “What to Expect the First Year” and other books and arti cles to prep for becoming a parent. But the more you research, the more conflicting the information gets and the more you realize there is no one way to raise your child. Parenting is challenging, but the love for your child drives you to persevere. On pg. 26 read a feature story about Kenny Lambert, who was driven by the birth of his daughter to get sober. He opened the Just A Dad From Akron store that sells positive clothing and does give aways in the inner-city Kenmore neighbor hood. Learning about how he overcame his struggles has inspired others to get out of addiction and more parents and com munity members to step up.

to weekly weigh-ins since Izzy hadn’t for five weeks. Most pediatricians encourage nursing so that’s what we chose, but to fix the issue, we went with our guts and gave her formula and did combo feeds. Sure enough, on the sixth week, she gained weight, and we could dial the night feed ings back! There are other obstacles, but I’m happy to report that her weight is above average to the point that my mom calls her a “butterball.” What has been most helpful in these gray areas is hearing other parents struggle too. After Izzy rolled, she was so active that we had to rock her to sleep for hours. I reached out to my friend, who is also a new mom, and her baby started rolling and was struggling with sleeping as well. It was a relief I wasn’t alone, and a push to persist.

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

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AGENDA

DECEMBER 2022 | VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 12

Agenda the essential social digest

photo provided by Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

Through 12/30 Deck the Hall: Gracious Gatherings p19

Take in 1 million holiday lights and holiday decorations on select dates of Dec. 1-4, 8-23 and 26-30. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 3-8 p.m. Estate closes at 9 p.m. $16-19 members, $20-$24 nonmembers. stanhywet.org

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AGENDA

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

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

Remote Akron Art Museum Explore the museum’s collections online. Kiddos and those wanting to get creative can cra ! via video lessons. akronartmuseum. org/at-home Akron Civic Theatre Check its Facebook for local musicians, events, stage shows and other performances. facebook. com/akroncivic Akron Soul Train View video profiles from past, current and future Akron-Summit County Public Library Sit kids down for story times with children’s librarians or various book talks via videos on its Facebook page. Books are available inside or for curbside pickup. facebook.com/akronlibrary Soul Train artists-in residence. facebook. com/akronsoultrain

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AGENDA

Akron Symphony Orchestra Theron Brown, an Akron-based jazz musician, and Thomas Moore, director of marketing for the Akron Symphony Orchestra, discuss di " erent jazz-centered topics in their podcast, “Backstage at the Hi Hat,” available on Spotify, Apple Podcasts and more. akronsymphony.org Akron Zoo Visit the zoo digitally to enjoy live keeper talks, animal encounters and presentations from local experts. akronzoo.org The Americana Roundup Akron musician Ryan Humbert launched an online radio station, the Americana Roundup, which plays more than 3,000 songs he handpicked. The station plays all day and focuses on rock, country, folk and more. americanaroundup.com ArtsInStark Go to its Facebook for videos with fun things to do at home including cra ! s and dance lessons, music performances and book readings. facebook.com/artsinstark Apollo’s Fire Indulge in music, art and literature from the Cleveland Baroque orchestra with posts of past concert videos, interviews with people like the Grammy Award winning conductor Jeannette Sorrell and related readings. See shows through a digital portal or in person. apollosfire.org

Blu Jazz Jazz enthusiasts can enjoy their favorite tunes through livestreams on Blu Jazz’s Facebook page and support local artists. facebook.com/blujazzakron Canton Symphony Orchestra Watch mini concerts and learn about the issue of diversity in classical music during the “Orchestrating Change” podcast. cantonsymphony.org Cleveland Orchestra Connect with the orchestra via the streaming platform Adella to access performances recorded in Severance Hall, as well as the “On a Personal Note” podcast that’s about classical music. clevelandorchestra.com Gage House Sessions Grab your favorite drink and enjoy an evening with local musicians via Gage House’s live sessions. Check out previous shows from artists including Madison Cummins and Ben Gage, who both make for evenings of soothing tunes. facebook. com/gagehousesessions Jilly’s Music Room The Akron music venue is hosting select Streaming Fridays on its YouTube channel. Watch the livestreams and visit the online store to order dinner, tip the band, make a donation and buy merchandise. jillysmusicroom.com

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AGENDA

Magical Theatre Company The Barberton theater company is o " ering game nights and educational videos. Children can also enjoy stories read by local theater veterans during Magical Storytime. magicaltheatre.org The Nightlight Purchase tickets to rent movies online through the Akron art house cinema’s virtual screening room— you’ll have access to the films at nightlightcinema.com/ virtual-screening-room. Look up its venture, Ohio Shakespeare Festival Radio Plays, in which the troupe adapts plays and short stories for livestreaming. facebook. com/ohioshakespeare The Shaker Heights-based organization utilizes modern technology to connect with actors, directors and artists from throughout the country to perform and record radio plays. radioonthelaketheatre.org Rubber City Theatre Dive into the world of online theater with its Shakespeare in the Living Room series in which professional actors perform Shakespearean works using props they found lying around their homes. facebook. com/rubbercitytheatre Ohio Shakespeare Festival Radio on the Lake Theatre

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AGENDA

Standing Rock Cultural Arts

Enjoy a podcast of “Arcade Cheezy Town,” a play written and performed by students in the New World Children’s Theatre based in Kent. standingrock.podbean.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

Exceptional Accents O ! ers Unique Art & Upcycled Furniture SPONSORED CONTENT

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

If you are looking for a unique gift or an accent piece for your home, Exceptional Accents features original art, upcycled and vintage furniture and rare collectibles that are truly one of a kind. Just a short drive from Amish Country, Exceptional Accents features paintings, sculptures and functional art pieces such as hand painted jewelry, jewelry boxes, clocks and lamps by artist and owner Susan Stuck and pottery by artist Susan Nolt-Banks

The North American Reciprocal Museum Association is o " ering virtual tours of the first floor of the manor house at Stan Hywet. Guests can tour the most impressive floor without leaving their homes. stanhywet.org Summit County Historical Society of Akron, OH Learn about historical figures on their birthdays, join virtual book talks, view artifacts and more on its Facebook page. facebook.com/ summitcountyhistoricalsociety

Open Friday noon- " p.m., Saturday #$ a.m.-4 p.m. & Sunday #$ a.m.- % p.m., closed January

#$# Canal St. W, Navarre, facebook.com/exceptionalaccents

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AGENDA

Summit Metro Parks Explore many di " erent topics, including animals, plants, di " erent habitats, fitness and more, through virtual events. summitmetroparks.org Up Front Art Space This Cuyahoga Falls gallery is sharing photos and videos of artwork for sale to support local creatives. facebook. com/upfrontartspace Virtual Jukebox Dance and sing along to videos made by local artists. You may have heard some of these 330 artists, like Jim Ballard, Shelby Olive and Adrian Labra on 90.7 and 91.3 Summit FM radio waves. Browse the 50-plus videos to enjoy your favorites and discover new sounds. the330.net/virtual-jukebox Facebook page for performance videos frommembers and fans — it could be play readings, poetry, comedy, puppets, dance or whatever else artists submit. facebook.com/watheatre Weathervane Playhouse Sign up for virtual workshops and classes for all ages that focus on dancing, acting and more. Also view short films on the theater’s YouTube channel. weathervaneplayhouse.com Wandering Aesthetics Theatre Go on this Akron troupe’s

photo provided by Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

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AGENDA

F L A S H

Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank hosted the 15th annual Taste of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Sept. 13 at the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton. Hall of Famers Isaac Bruce, Steve Largent and Randall McDaniel attended and shared stories from their time playing during a panel discussion moderated by Dan Flowers, president and CEO of the foodbank. Guests enjoyed food and drink from spots like Canton Brewing Co. and Gervasi Vineyard, and they had the chance to bid on live and silent auction items like a ride in the Goodyear blimp. The nearly 400 guests helped raise more than $214,000, which is the equivalent of giving about 800,000 meals to local residents facing food insecurity.

1

2

3

photos courtesy of Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank

4

1. Planning committee members took a moment with Hall of Famers.

2. Nearly 400 guests attended the event.

3. Auction committee member Patty Spinelli met football legend Randall McDaniel.

4. A bidding war ensued over the Goodyear blimp.

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Events Through 12/3 “Here, There and Everywhere” See new work based on locals’ stories about the redevelopment of Akron by Akron Soul Train residency artist Drew Ippoliti, a local sculptor and assistant professor in the ceramics department at The University of Akron. Akron Soul Train, 191 King James Way, Akron. Wednesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. akronsoultrain.org Through 12/14 North Canton Farmers’ Market Browse fresh produce, meats, baked goods and more at this year-round market. North Canton Civic Center, 845 W. Maple St., North Canton. Wednesday 3-6 p.m. ncantonfarmersmarket.com Through 12/17 Fall Exhibits View exhibits at Summit Artspace, including group exhibits “Kaleidoscope Juried Exhibition” and “Group 10 Member Exhibition” and solo exhibits “little by little and was by was,” “Caught in the Branches” and “In Bloom.” Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org Through 12/30 Wild Lights Celebrate the holidays at the wildest lighting display around on select dates including Dec. 2-4, 9-11, 16-23 and 26 30 at the Akron Zoo. Surround yourself with dazzling lights, animals, special entertainment and the sounds of the holidays. Tell Santa your holiday wishes and treat yourself to delicious goodies and warm beverages. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 5-9 p.m. $14 members, $18 nonmembers. akronzoo.org Through 12/30 Deck the Hall: Gracious Gatherings Take in 1 million holiday lights and holiday decorations on select dates of Dec. 1-4, 8-23 and 26-30. Stan Hywet Hall

& Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 3-8 p.m. Estate closes at 9 p.m. $16-$19 members, $20-$24 nonmembers. stanhywet.org

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AGENDA

Through 12/31 “Sawdust and Glitter” Take in Athena Abood Brown’s solo exhibit featuring colorful and glittery wood-burned pieces. Up Front Art Space, 127 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls. Wednesday 4-7 p.m., Thursday-Friday 10 a.m.-4 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. & Sunday noon-3 p.m. upfrontartspace.com Through 1/4/23 “Into Light Project Ohio: Continuing the Conversation” This exhibit uses portraits by Heather Bullach and Theresa Clower to humanize people and remove the stigma associated with the disease of addiction. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org Through 1/8/23 “Carry On: A Century of Swing” Learn about the history of swing-style marching band. Massillon Museum, Paul Brown Museum Gallery, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org Through 1/22/23 “Stark County Artists Exhibition” Take in two- and three-dimensional pieces 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 2/20/23 Winterblast Embrace the season with ice bumper cars, ice bikes, mini golf, Archie the Snowman and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. lock3live.com Through 2/25/23 “The Me Decade” Peruse clothing and artifacts from the 1970s under a disco ball on a dance floor. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. Tuesday Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Kids $8, adults $10. mckinleymuseum.org

Through 5/14/23 “Good Hope” View wall-size pieces by a South African illustration studio. Pieces are inspired by the artists’ hometown environments. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., Akron. Wednesday, Friday-Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Thursday 11 a.m.-8 p.m. $12 adult general admission. akronartmusuem.org Through 5/28/23 “Pathfinders: Kent State University School of Fashion Alumni” Check out diverse approaches to fashion by Kent State University alumni who have at least six years of experience a ! er graduation, such as Jules Acree, Deanna First, Keama Garrett, Joshua Hupper, Miyako Nakamura and Anne Skoch. 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 Sunday, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum Through 8/27/23 “As the World Weds: Global Wedding Traditions” This Kent State University Museum exhibit features 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 12/1-4, 12/8-11 & 12/15-18 “Cinderella” See this classic fairy tale with a modern twist performed by the Ohio Shakespeare Festival. Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., Akron. 2 or 8 p.m. $5-$35. ohioshakespearefestival.com 12/2 & 12/3 Kenmore Winter Break Music Festival Listen to performances by Detention, Big Pop, Floco Torres and more during this festival hosted by the Rialto Theatre and 91.3 the Summit FM. Rialto Theatre, 1000 Kenmore Boulevard, Akron. 6 p.m. $15-$25. therialtotheatre.com

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VOLUME 19 | ISSUE 1 | JANUARY 2021

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GORGONZOLA DOLCE AT LUCCA DOWNTOWN IN CANTON photo by Tylar Calhoun

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SPONSORED CONTENT

Be the Reason for Brighter Futures

There are more than 800 children in the custody of Summit County Children Services. These children need safe, loving, caring families due to concerns of child abuse, neglect or dependency. Nearly 40 percent of these children are placed with kinship families; however, the remaining children need foster homes, and more importantly, families.

Summit County Children Services currently has about 170 foster homes, and that is not enough to meet the need. BECOME A FOSTER & TO & ADOPT PARENT Ms. Je ! erson has been a licensed foster-to-adopt parent for Summit County Children Services for over 11 years. Becoming a foster-to adopt parent has been on her heart since she was a young girl watching the “Punky Brewster” TV show. The show featured a young girl who did not have a family and was Meet the Je ! erson Family

being raised by a foster parent. From that time, Je ! erson knew in her heart that she wanted to become a foster parent one day and make a di ! erence in the life of a child. Upon becoming a foster to-adopt parent, Je ! erson has fostered nine children and maintain primary family connections for the children who enter her home. She recognizes the importance of family bonds and has been successful in building relationships that encourage reunification or that provide ongoing connections for and adopted three girls. Je ! erson strives to make

children after permanency has been achieved. She has made a di ! erence in the lives of many children and has welcomed many new extended family members. “I really love to work with Ms. Je ! erson and her family,” says Christina Horner, foster home coordinator for Summit County Children Services. “Ms. Je ! erson continues to be committed to provide love and care for the children in her home and nurtures extended family relationships.”

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AGENDA

F L A S H

Butterfly Gala One of Stewart’s

Caring Place’s largest fundraisers ever, the 19th annual Butterfly Gala was sold out Sept. 10 with over 400 guests. Hosted at the home of supporters Michael Gangel Jr. and Brandi Gangel, the gala raised money for the nonprofit that offers 150 free services and programs to more than 2,000 local individuals and families impacted by cancer. Guests enjoyed music by DT & the Shakes and a live auction. This year’s Spirit Award winners were Roger and Sally Read, and board member Angela Wharton, who came to Stewart’s Caring Place after receiving a cancer diagnosis, shared that the organization taught her self advocacy skills that “saved her life.”

photos provided by Stewart’s Caring Place

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AGENDA

12/2, 12/9 & 12/15-16 Dinner & Deck the Hall: An Evening of Holiday Magic Enjoy a bu " et dinner before touring the estate decorated with 1 million holiday lights. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 5-9 p.m. $91.75-$96.02. stanhywet.org 12/2-3, 12/9-10 & 12/16-17 “Scrooge! The Musical” Boom Theater performs this musical adaptation of the timeless story by Charles Dickens. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $25. akroncivic.com 12/2, 12/9, 12/16, 12/23 & 12/30 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

12/3 JingleDog 5K Race in this annual dog-friendly 5K or 1-mile fun run. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Shelter, 2620 Harrington Road, Akron. 9 a.m.-1:05 p.m. $20-$35. runningdog.org 12/3 Jingle Dog Parade & Holiday Market Check out the most festive dogs as they parade up Front Street. Also shop at the dog-friendly holiday market. Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls. Noon-3 p.m. downtowncf.com 12/3 Woodpeckers of Wood Hollow Join a naturalist to learn about woodpecker’s lives. Wood Hollow Metro Park, 2121 Barlow Road, Hudson. 9:30-11 a.m. summitmetroparks.org 12/3 & 12/4 “The Nutcracker” Watch this classic holiday show performed by Ballet Theatre of Ohio. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. $40-$50. akroncivic.com

12/3, 12/10 & 12/17 Lunch with Santa & Carolers Enjoy lunch with Santa or listen to vintage carolers outside the Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard as you sit down to have a bite. Gervasi Vineyard, the Bistro, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Santa 11 a.m.-3 p.m. & carolers 7-9 p.m. gervasivineyard.com 12/3, 12/10 & 12/17 Winery Tours Learn about Gervasi Vineyard’s winemaking facility, then enjoy four wine tastings, a wine glass and four chef-selected bites. Gervasi Vineyard, the Crush House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 1:30-2:30 p.m. or 3:30-4:30 p.m. $27. gervasivineyard.com 12/4 Pajama Hike & Fire Take a nighttime walk and sip some cocoa by a campfire. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 6:30-7:30 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

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AGENDA

12/4 Sugar Plum Tour Stroll through five beautifully decorated homes in the Greater Akron area in person. Virtual expanded tour Dec. 10 & 11. $35. sugarplumtour.org 12/4 & 12/11 Healthful Hikes Boost your physical and mental health during these hikes on Buckeye, Stanford, O’Neil Woods and Towpath trails. Distances, trails and times vary. nps.gov/cuva 12/4, 12/11 & 12/18 Distillery Tasting Tours Go behind the scenes of the distillery at Gervasi Vineyard during a tour, then enjoy three spirit tastings and take home a shot glass and a salty snack. Gervasi Vineyard, the Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2-3 p.m. $17. gervasivineyard.com 12/6 Symphony Uncorked: Holiday Duo Celebrate the season at this concert performed by Canton Symphony Orchestra musicians Nancy Paterson on harp and Jenny Robinson on flute. Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande Ballroom, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 7 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com 12/8 Brew at the Zoo Wander the Akron Zoo after hours while enjoying a beer or glass of wine. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 6:30- 9:30 p.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. akronzoo.org 12/8 Christmas Cookie Exchange Bring two batches of homemade cookies and get some wine, cheese and cookies in return. Grande Cafe & Roastery, 4080 Creative Living Way, Medina. 5-7 p.m. $30. facebook.com/medinacreativehousing 12/8 “Handel’s Messiah” Enjoy this performance that brings storytelling, spirituality and theatricality to Handel’s layered piece. St. Paul’s Episcopal Church, 1361 W. Market St., Akron. 7 p.m. $10-$78. apollosfire.org 12/9 ArtWalk Head to the Historic Arts District to enjoy food, music, art and more. Downtown Akron. 4-9 p.m. summitartspace.org

12/9 Chickadee Feeding Get up close to chickadees and hand feed them. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Meadows Area, 2620 Harrington Road, Akron. 3-4:30 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 12/9 Winterfest This family event features horse-drawn carriage rides, ice carving, treats and more. Hartville 12/9, 12/16 & 12/23 Lunch with the Grinch & Carolers Enjoy lunch with the Grinch or listen to vintage carolers outside the Bistro at Gervasi Vineyard as you sit down to have a bite. Gervasi Vineyard, the Bistro, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Grinch noon-3 p.m. & carolers 7-9 p.m. gervasivineyard.com 12/10 Crafty Sirens Appropriately dubbed Santa’s Little Heathens, this mischievous new market brings together over 50 regional makers selling wicked good gifts and offering henna tattoos, tarot card readings and pictures with a buff Santa. Proceeds benefit One of a Kind Pet Rescue. R. Shea Brewing Co. and Missing Falls Brewery, 540 12/10 Saturday Adventure: Bird Watching for Beginners Discover how to use binoculars, field guides and birding apps during this walk. Boston Mill Visitor Center, 6947 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 9-10:30 a.m. nps.gov/cuva 12/10 & 12/11 Christmas in the Valley Join a singalong, run or walk in the Reindeer Dash, decorate cookies, meet Santa and more during this holiday festival. Downtown Valley City. Saturday 6 p.m. & Sunday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. $15 Reindeer Dash. nmccalliance.com 12/10-11 & 12/17-18 Breakfast with Santa Get a bite from Breakfast Box, get a photo with Santa, decorate a cookie and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. $12-$15. lock3live.com Marketplace & Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville. 5-9 p.m. Free. hartvillemarketplace.com S. Main St., Suite 214, Akron, 2-7 p.m., instagram.com/crafty.sirens

12/10-1/22/23 “Coty Gianelli: Days with Delsie” See digital photography at this Massillon Museum exhibition. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org 12/13 The Rodney Marsalis Philadelphia Big Brass Listen to a festive holiday program that combines swing, classical and jazz. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $19-$49. tuesdaymusical.org 12/14 & 12/28 Hooks & Books Discuss what you’ve been reading while you sew or knit at this event Dec. 14 at 6 p.m. or Dec. 28 at 2 p.m. White Rabbit Galleries, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. barbertonlibrary.org 12/19-22 Holiday Movies Catch the classic holiday films “Elf,” “White Christmas,” “Home Alone” and “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.” Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $10. cantonpalacetheatre.org 12/22 & 12/23 “The Akron Nutcracker: A Holiday in the Rubber City” Hear Tchaikovsky’s magical score performed by the Akron Symphony Orchestra in this local reimagining that adds Main Street, Polsky’s and Stan Hywet Hall into the classic tale. It features diverse dancers from Verb Ballets, ArtSparks and The University of Akron. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $15-$23-$43. uakron.edu/ej 12/31 New Year’s Eve Dine and drink at the Bistro, Crush House or Still House, and ring in the new year with a variety of live music including a DJ and sax performance at the Still House. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. gervasivineyard.com

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AGENDA

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Sing Stark Presents Vox Audio’s performance of “Believe” Join Sing Stark’s Vox Audio in a magical, spirited Christmas show for all ages. The beautiful a cappella harmonies, soulful vocals and thrilling beatboxing percussion will lift your hearts and inspire you to believe in the magic of the season! Shows Saturday, December 17th at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. and Sunday, December 18th at 3 p.m. on the Main Stage.

Nuts for the Holidays! The Peanut Shoppe of Akron specializes in fresh roasted peanuts, deluxe nuts and party mixes, old-fashioned candies and holiday treats. Raw nuts also available. Perfect for entertaining and corporate gift-giving. Gift packaging available.

Sing Stark Cultural Center for the Arts #$$# Market Ave. N | Canton singstark.org

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D E C E M B E R 2 0 2 2 | a k r o n l i f e . c o m Specializing in Fresh Roasted Peanuts, Deluxe Nut & Party Mixes, Old-Fashioned Candies and raw nuts. Gift packaging

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by Alexandra Sobczak

photos by Alan Chavez

AMAZING GRACE

Kenny and Amelia Lambert

Kenny Lambert is more than his past. He is sober and Just A Dad From Akron, using the business to uplift Kenmore.

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On a blustery 10-degree day in December 2020, families lined Kenmore Boulevard, waiting for up to two hours, some without warm clothing to bundle in. “That’s how people are very much in need of stuff,” says Kenny Lambert, the now-32-year old founder of Just A Dad From Akron, who organized its first holiday gift giveaway. With a dyed-red mohawk and just a few of his 100-plus tattoos visible, Lambert passed out hats, gloves and blankets to some people in line, talking to as many as possible, all while carrying his then-3-year-old daughter, Amelia. She’s the reason he’s Just A Dad From Akron — both literally and figuratively — as he started the apparel company that does commu nity outreach events for Christmas, Halloween, Father’s Day, back to school and more after he finished treatment for drug and alcohol addic tion, with his daughter as his driving force. “I feel like God gave me a daughter,” Lambert says. “That’s how this all started — the inspiration behind it, how I got sober, how I have a life today.” Lambert refers to his time in addiction as his “past life,” and the change has been significant. His work, focused on Kenmore, has received great community response, including 1,500 people attending the premiere of the docu mentary about Just A Dad, “The Movement,” at the Akron Civic Theatre in October. Now accustomed to running free community events instead of self-described “running the streets,” Lambert and other volunteers passed out presents wrapped in festive red, white and green paper to 200 diverse families at the first gift giveaway. Community members donated gifts, including one who dropped off $500 worth of toys and others who wheeled more than 10 tricycles and bicycles up to a barebones Kenmore storefront decorated with gold tinsel garland that later opened as Just A Dad From Akron in 2021. Lambert gave a

stack of three presents to a woman wrapped in a blanket, and when the last people reached the storefront — an 8-year-old and 10-year-old whose parents dropped them off — he and the team filled their arms with the remaining bags of toys. He’s happy to take away some of the stress of holiday gift-giving from families who can’t afford it. He grew up in Kenmore, a neighbor hood where the median household income was about $13,000 lower than the state median, accoding to 2010 census data and the city of Akron. Parents struggling to afford presents is something Lambert saw firsthand as a kid. “We never really had much. It was, for Christmas, a heads-up, like, Hey, we’re not going to have Christmas presents unless God pro vides a way, ” Lambert says. “Those mothers or dads or whoever’s out there … to give them some relief … and give them a Christmas — that alone, it’s priceless.”

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Lambert’s part in Kenmore hasn’t always been so uplifting. Kenmore is where he hit rock bottom — homeless and struggling with addiction in spring 2018. “Sleeping in the car, eat ing fudge rounds for like a month straight because that’s all I could afford,” he says, “I didn’t see how twisted I was.” Growing up in Kenmore, he was the only one of his friends who had a dad, he recalls, and one of the only kids in the neighborhood who lived with both of his parents — things he took for granted at the time. At first, he was unaware of the drugs that were prevalent in Kenmore, as his dad, who worked three or four jobs at a time, was strict, and his mom cautioned Lambert to stay away from marijuana. And drugs weren’t common at Springfield Junior High School, where he went until eighth grade. When he switched to Kenmore High School in ninth grade, the pressure was immediate.

“Kids in Kenmore smoked cigarettes. I know a lot of kids that drank, smoked weed, all that stuff, at like 9 years old,” Lambert says. “No one could believe that I never smoked weed or drank. That’s how I got drunk the first time. It was like, Mission: Get Kenny drunk on Friday. ” Later that school year, he smoked marijuana for the first time, and when he was 16, he started running the streets with friends, skateboarding around and hanging out without parental supervision. He continued drinking and smoking marijuana, and then he began doing harder drugs. His first run-in with the law was for driving under the influence in 2009, but he was in addiction for over 10 years — a period full of alcohol, drugs, criminal charges, DUIs, jail time and homelessness. He went to jail about 20 times between 2009 and 2018 and was con victed of aggravated possession of drugs, pos session of heroin and driving under suspension. During his stints in jail, which ranged from a weekend to seven months, he kept vowing to change his life, but he wasn’t fully com mitting, often relapsing during the sickness that accompanies getting sober. He went to court-ordered rehab in 2016 but was sober on and off between then and Amelia’s birth in October 2017. “I was so selfish,” Lambert says. “Everyone that called and told me, Congratulations. Can we come meet your daughter? My response was, Not unless you have drugs. ” By spring 2018, people in his life cut him off, with his parents no longer allowing him to stay at their house and his ex not letting him be around then-10-month-old Amelia any more — his rock bottom. “I became so miserable. … My family, friends and loved ones — I had burned every bridge. And I wasn’t able to see my daughter,” he says. “I remember praying like, God, if I have a pur pose, put me in jail. ” He began going to Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous and sober support

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