Akron Life February 2023

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2

FEBRUARY 2023

SISTERHOOD PERSISTS

Akron Woman's City Club celebrates 100 years and endures as the last of its kind in Akron

ROMANCE AWAI TS A NEW DATE NIGHT SPOT IN KENT

FACES OF THE 330

MIRACLE WORKERS VISITING ANGELS BRING SUPPORT HOME

FEB. 2023 $4.95

HELEN WOLLE, FIRST PRESIDENT OF THE AKRON WOMAN’S CITY CLUB

photo by Alexandra Sobczak

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FEBRUARY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2

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On The Cover | 26 Woman’s Club | photo by Alexandra Sobczak

[ FEATURE ]

26 100 YEARS YOUNG The Akron Woman’s City Club celebrates a century and its status as the last social dining club for women in Akron. The centennial comes with a fight to survive, and the ladies are up to the task.

photo provided by Akron Woman’s City Club archives

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39 UNCORKED Terra d’Oro

10 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ]

40 UNTAPPED Stone Brewing

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

10 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] 11 Entertainment listings + Calendar of events

06 MAIL BONDING

Special Sections

18 FACES OF THE 330

07 FROM THE PUBLISHER Yada Yada

38 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 38 Restaurant listings 39 Uncorked: Terra d’Oro 40 Untapped: Stone Brewing Delicious Mixed Pack

34 FOREVER YOUNG Home care gives older adults extra support.

08 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

09 UPFRONT Super Women

43 BBB TRUST GUIDE

75 PARTING SHOT Furnace Street Mission

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M A I L B O N D I N G

Tell us what's on your mind.

VOLUME 20 | ISSUE 12

DECEMBER 2022 JUST A DAD FROM AKRON Kenny Lambert lifts up Kenmore

330 FLAVOR AWARDS

SHOP LOCAL FIND GIFTS AT 12 HUDSON STORES EL I TE PHYSICIANS 2022

FOUNDER Don Baker Jr . [ 1940-2018 ]

JANUARY 2023

GIVE BACK DONATE TO THESE CHARITIES THIS SEASON

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 1

Comments? Got something to say about an article you read in Akron Life ? Or maybe you want to tel l 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.

MEANT TO BE 4 DREAM WEDDINGS EXUDE CHARM

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5 E V I BES GOOD R E S T A U R A N T S

PUBL I SHER Colin Baker cbaker@bakermediagroup.com CREAT IVE DIRECTOR William L. Teckmyer III wteckmyer@bakermediagroup.com MANAGING EDI TOR Kelly Petryszyn kpet ryszyn@bakermediagroup.com ASS I STANT EDI TOR Alexandra Sobczak asobczak@bakermediagroup.com GRAPHIC DES IGNER Tylar Calhoun tsut ton@bakermediagroup.com CONTRIBUT ING WRI TERS Aaron Fowler Eric Van Sant

KENNY AND AMELIA LAMBERT photo by Alan Chavez

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

GREAT RESI L IENCE PRIVATE SCHOOLS BOUNCE BACK

MÉLANGE PORK TENDERLOIN photo by Meghan Winkler

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CONTRIBUT ING PHOTOGRAPHER Talia Hodge

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FEBRUARY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2

( ISSN No. 74 470 5787 1 ) akronlife is published monthly by

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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 ]

Yada Yada

Here’s how I overcome writer’s block and embrace the “Seinfeld” mentality.

Writing can be challenging. Whenever I struggle to think of what to write about for this column, I often think of my late dad, Don Baker Jr., who wrote a column for Akron Life as well as various other magazines for well over 40 years. He said to me, Resist writing the monthly column, because once you start, it never stops. Yet here I am. I have always sat on the business side of the table and gladly let others write the stories. It’s not that I don’t have a lot to say — I do, but I struggle to reach the word counts. Sometimes I think I have plenty to say on the topic, and then I look down at the word count just to see that it was only a 50-word thought. When my dad was writing the publisher’s page, I would often get on him about being late and coming in with his column minutes before we went to press. He is probably looking down at me laughing because my deadline for this article was a couple of days before I turned it in. Now I know how he must have felt at that time. It’s one thing to start writing because you are inspired and totally another if you aren’t inspired at all. Most of the time I have an idea or a theme in mind, and I just throw it all down on paper. Later I look at it — sometimes I keep it, and sometimes

I start over. But throwing it all down on paper is the problem this month. This isn’t the first time I have started a column about nothing. I have several drafts in my folder about nothing. The truth is, I have a few topics in my back pocket that I have felt I could use if I am ever in a jam, and the topic about noth ing is one of them. If you are a “Seinfeld” fan, then you are probably familiar with them discussing a “show about nothing.”

During “The Pitch” episode, Jerry Seinfeld and George Costanza pitched a TV execu tive on a sitcom about nothing. The dilemma I am having now is whether this is a good time to use this theme about nothing. I’m wondering, Is this a good time to pull the get-out-of-jail free card? I guess it’s as good a time as any. I am extremely busy with lots of new and exciting projects we are working on for Akron Life and Baker Media Group overall. Stay tuned.

[ 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

by Kelly Petryszyn

seen + heard

IGNITE ROMANCE This Valentine’s Day, go beyond drugstore chocolates and raise the bar with an evening at the Standard. The swanky new Kent restau rant aims to elevate the Tree City with refined small plates such as Korean barbecue octopus over jicama slaw and a poached lobster BLT with lemon truffle aioli, as well as craft cock tails like the dirty martini with squid ink. The clientele often dresses nicer for the lower level spot that exudes speakeasy vibes with a dark wood bar, candles, barrels and a performance area where blues or jazz acts like saxophonist Bobby Selvaggio play every Friday as couples dance the night away. 176 E. Main St., Unit B, Kent, thestandardko.wixsite.com/the-standard

photos provided by the Standard and Towpath Distillery

Visit akronlife.com for Towpath

ASTOUNDING FEATS Find an extreme cure for cabin fever at Ninja Hub Gym in North Canton. Swoop across long rings, muscle through cliff hanger suspended ledges and fly down the ring slider. For the ulti mate test, get a running start and scale the 18-foot warped wall. With classes or open gym time, you might be ready for competi tions or maybe even aim to be the next American Ninja Warrior . 6207 Dressler Road NW, North Canton, ninjahubgym.com

STOLEN AWAY Bootlegger Rocco Piscazzi dis tilled moonshine and whiskey in Akron during Prohibition and set up networks of warehouses, stills and transports via the Ohio & Erie Canal to run his sought after spirits. Now Piscazzi’s descendants are carrying on that tradition with the new Towpath Distillery located inside the fam ily’s Merchant Tavern. It mixes old family recipes with new techniques to produce high quality bourbon, gin, vodka and rum. Toast with craft cocktails made using Towpath spirits like a tart grapefruit rum daiquiri at Merchant Tavern or shake up your home cocktail bar with Towpath recipes like a frothy bourbon sour. Bottoms up! 1824 Merriman Road, Akron, towpath distillery.com

Distillery cocktail recipes.

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U P F R O N T

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

Super Women

Join us in celebrating female friendship and empowerment.

In this issue, we feature influential women who have been honored as part of the Women’s History Project of the Akron Area and commemorate the centennial of the Akron Woman’s City Club. Rather than saying they are self-made, peo ple I’ve interviewed typically credit their achievements to the help of others. When I wrote a piece on former U.S. poet laure ate Rita Dove, I discovered that a teacher at her alma mater, Buchtel High School, introduced her to a poet, and that helped spark her interest in poetry. I’ve always known that I wanted to be a journalist, and many people got me here. I started pursuing my dream as a part of my high school newspaper staff under the guidance of my teacher, Stacie Leatherman. My stories were painfully fluffy — students’ takes on their dream careers and parking lot traffic — but it cemented that I could do this as a career. My Kent State University journalism professors have been huge influences. Carl Schierhorn was a helpful guide on the Daily Kent Stater staff, and his wife, Ann Schierhorn, taught a magazine class through which I submitted my story on record stores’ comebacks that made an Akron Life cover in 2011. Barb Hipsman Springer pushed me out of my comfort zone when it came to hard news, and she remains supportive. My photography professor David LaBelle and lecturer Gary Harwood deepened my passion for visual storytelling, and Harwood helped me on a special project that made the Record-Courier . I’m in city and regional magazines because professor Jacquie Marino introduced me to them and advised me on producing my

first student publication when I was editor of The Burr Magazine. She’s still a resource for career advice and recruiting interns. A number of my friends work in journalism, including Kelly, Regina and Nicole, and it means a lot to be able to talk with other journalists and trade notes on stories. The support of female mentors and friends has helped me develop confidence in being a leader in a time when men still hold the majority of leadership positions and I’m navigating the challenges of being a working mom. I found these bonds are key when I interviewed Schultz in 2020 about her spec tacular novel, “The Daughters of Erietown,” which I highly recommend. The protagonist developed female friendships, and that helped her escape the weight of the past and regain a sense of self to move forward. The Woman’s City Club story discusses sis terhood. The club has helped its members create relationships that have carried them through their lives. It’s vital to the commu nity, but its membership is down. It needs more support from the younger generation. That downward trend is nationwide, as there are far fewer social dining clubs for women than there were decades ago. Still, the Woman’s City Club has persevered. It turns 100 this month, making it one of the oldest in the country and the last in Akron. With Women’s History Month in March, it’s important to pay tribute to the legacy of the club and the notable women we featured. Our area has produced groundbreaking women, and like me, they wouldn’t have found success without the support of others.

Kelly and Nicole

I’ve been fortunate to speak with Pulitzer Prize-winning columnist Connie Schultz a few times. We became Facebook friends after she shared an article I wrote about her appearance at Brews & Prose in Cleveland. But a comment she made when I spoke to her after an arts panel I covered during the Republican National Convention has stayed with me. After I told her I was then a Cleveland Magazine associate editor, she encouraged me, saying something to the tune of, We need more female editors in journalism . It helped me reflect on the fact that I am a woman in leadership, which is meaningful. As Akron Life managing editor, I’m thankful to lead the edit team with assistant editor Alexandra Sobczak, and we strive to represent many perspectives.

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

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AGENDA

FEBRUARY 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 2

Agenda the essential social digest

Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol print, provided by Canton Museum of Ar t

Through 4/9 “Color Wonder from the CMA Collection” p14 Discover how color can impact you through emotions, symbolism and more. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free members, $8 adults. cantonart.org

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

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 Soul Train artists-in-residence. facebook. com/akronsoultrain 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

Akron Symphony Orchestra Theron Brown, an Akron-based jazz musician, and Thomas Moore, director of marketing for the Akron Symphony Orchestra, discuss different 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

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

Virtual Events Akron Art Museum Explore the museum’s

collections online. Kiddos and those wanting to get creative can craft via video lessons. akronartmuseum.org/at-home

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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 crafts 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 past concert videos, interviews and 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 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 livestreamed shows 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 Magical Theatre Company The Barberton theater company is offering 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. Radio on the Lake Theatre 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. Explore 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 radioonthelaketheatre.org Rubber City Theatre

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Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

The North American Reciprocal Museum Association is offering 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 Summit Metro Parks Explore many different topics, including animals, plants, different habitats, fitness and more, through virtual events. 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 Shelby Olive 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 Wandering summitmetroparks.org Up Front Art Space Facebook page for performance videos from members and fans — it could be play readings, poetry, comedy, puppets, dance or whatever else artists submit. facebook.com/watheatre Aesthetics Theatre Go on this Akron troupe’s

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AGENDA

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 In- Person Events Through 2/19 Epiphany Arts Festival View art by over 200 local artists at this 23rd annual festival hosted by and held at the Bath United Church of Christ. 3980 W. Bath Road, Akron. Sunday noon-3 p.m. Wednesday 1-4 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Free. bathucc.org

Through 2/20 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 “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 2/28 “World of Wonders” Curated Storefront is offering guided tours of this exhibit with work by sculptor Clayton Bailey. Polsky Building, 225 S. Main St., Akron. curatedstorefront.org Through 3/5 “Potion Park: The Kaleidoscopic Garden of Steve Ehret and Kat Francis” Take in collaborative mixed-media pieces inspired by the natural world. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. Tuesday Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday-Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free members, $8 adults. cantonart.org

Through 3/18 “Link Between Roots (Mexican / Mexican American Print Show)” See over 30 pieces made with printmaking techniques focused on Mexican culture. KSU Downtown Gallery, 141 E. Main St., Kent. Monday-Friday 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. & Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. kent. edu/galleries Through 3/18 Winter Exhibitions See exhibits like the “Fresh” juried exhibit, “Still Moving” by Atefeh Farajolahzadeh, “The Corner” by Chris Harvey, “Social Justice Student Art” and more. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Free. summitartspace.org Through 4/9 “Color Wonder from the CMA Collection” Discover how color can impact you through emotions, symbolism and more. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. Tuesday Thursday 10 a.m.-8 p.m., Friday Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 1-5 p.m. Free members, $8 adults. cantonart.org Through 5/14 “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 adults. akronartmusuem.org Through 5/28 “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 after 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, staff and all on Sunday, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum

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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, staff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum 2/2 Martin Luther King Jr. Celebration This annual Kent State University celebration features Dr. Bernice A. King as the keynote speaker. Kent Student Center Ballroom, 1075 Risman Drive, Kent. 5:30 p.m. Free. kent. edu/diversity/MLK 2/2 “Muse of Fire” Enjoy 17th century music performed by Alan Choo, Andrea Walker and Edward Vogel. First United Methodist Church of Akron, 263 E. Mill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $23. apollosfire.org

photo provided by Tuesday Musical

2/2 Our Song, Our Story Hear Janinah Burnett, Jacqueline Echols, Justin Austin and more celebrate those who paved the way for Black singers. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $19-$49. tuesdaymusical.org

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2/3, 2/10, 2/17 & 2/24 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 2/3-2/25 “Laughter on the 23rd Floor” Catch the Hudson Players performing this play by Neil Simon and directed by Dave Stebbins on select dates. 41 S. Oviatt St., Hudson. 2 or 8 p.m. hudsonplayers.com 2/4 Groundhog Day Meet Terra the groundhog and learn about both the history of Groundhog Day and about groundhogs as a species. William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 10-11 a.m. mckinleymuseum.org 2/4, 2/11, 2/18 & 2/25 Winery Tours Learn about Gervasi Vineyard’s winemaking facility, then enjoy four wine tastingsand 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

2/4-2/26 “Blueing of the Light: The Gloaming” View this exhibit by Jordi Rowe, with pieces including one made with oil, acrylic, pigment and spray paint on canvas. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. massillonmuseum.org 2/5 & 2/19 Healthful Hike Increase your physical and mental well being during these 3.5-, 4- or 7-mile hikes. Pine Hollow, 5465 Quick Road, Peninsula & Kendall Lake, 1000 Truxell Road, Peninsula. 9 a.m.-noon. nps.gov 2/5, 2/12, 2/19 & 2/26 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

2/10 Galentine’s Day Wine Pairing Celebrate female friendship and enjoy bites like coconut shrimp, braised pork, cheese ravioli and raspberry cream cake, all paired with wine. Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande Ballroom, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com 2/11 Black History Celebration This event highlights Black narratives through living history, music and art. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath. Noon-4 p.m. Free. halefarm.org 2/11 Wine, Cheese & Chocolate, Darling The tasting event is set to feature 55 different wines and a wide variety of cheeses and chocolates from local vendors. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7 p.m. $65. akroncivic.com 2/12 Kent Keyboard Series Check out the fourth concert in this series with a performance by faculty artist Kent McWilliams. Kent Center for the Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent. 5-7 p.m. kent.edu/music

LAST-MINUTE TAX TIPS FOR FILING 2022 RETURNS

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As the deadline for filing 2022 taxes approaches, there are several choices that may help lower your tax bill. The following are examples of strategies that we proactively address with our clients at W3 Financial Group and we recommend that you consult with your tax advisor to determine if they are a fit with your financial situation. Contribute to tax-advantaged accounts. You have until April 18, 2023 to contribute up to $20,500 to your IRA in order to reduce your taxable income. Turn investment losses into tax gains. Tax-loss harvesting allows you to sell investments that are down and replace them with reasonably similar investments, and then use those losses to offset realized investment gains plus up to $3,000 of regular income each year. The end result is that less of your money goes to taxes and more may stay invested. Bunch charitable contributions. Bunching means concentrating charitable deductions in a single year, and skipping the following year, or even several years. If you put your contributions into a donor-advised fund, you can take the charitable deduction in 2022, but spread your giving out over many years. Donate appreciated assets. You can donate appreciated assets held longer than one year to a qualified public charity and deduct the fair market value of the asset without paying capital gains tax. Donate contributions of cash and property. You can deduct cash contributions as well as property up to 60% of your Adjusted Gross Income. The IRS requires documentation, such as a qualified appraisal, for many deductions over $5,000. Looking ahead to 2023. Each person’s tax situation is unique, and inflation adjustments to tax brackets announced by the IRS for 2023 mean people may have more taxable income. So it is important to consider putting together a plan with enough flexibility to meet your financial goals for both current and future years. As always, consult with your tax advisor to construct a plan that works for you. W3 FINANCIAL GROUP  330.867.3578  W3FINANCIALGROUP.COM LAST-MINUTE TAX TIPS FOR FILING 2022 RETURNS As the deadline for filing 2022 tax s approaches, there are everal choices that may help lower your tax bill. The following are examples of strategies that we proactively address with our clients at W3 Financial Group and we recommend that you consult with your tax advisor to determine if they are a fit with your financial situation. Contribute to tax-advantaged accounts. You have until April 18, 2023 to contribute up to $20,500 to your IRA in order to reduce your taxable income. Turn investment losses into tax gains. Tax-loss harvesting allows you to sell investments that are down and replace them with reasonably similar investments, and then use those losses to offset realized investment gains plus up to $3,000 of regular income each year. The end result is that less of your money goes o taxes and mor may stay invested. Bunch charitable contributions. Bunching means concentrating charitable deductions in a single year, and skipping the following year, or even several years. If you put your contributions into a donor-advised fund, you can take the charitable deduction in 2022, but spread your giving out over many years. Donate appreciated assets. You can donate appreciat d ssets ld longer than one year to a qualified public ch rity and deduct the fair market value of the asset without paying capital gains tax. te contributions of cash and property. You can deduct ash contributions as well as property up to 60% f your Adj sted Gross Income. The IRS requires documentation, such as a qualifi d appraisal, for many deductions ver $5,000. Looking ahead to 2023. Each person’s tax situation is unique, and inflation adjustments to tax brackets announced by the IRS for 2023 mean people may have more taxable income. So it is important to consider putting together a plan with enough flexibility to meet your financial goals for both current and future years. As always, consult with your tax advisor to construct a plan that works for you. W3 FINANCIAL GROUP | 330.867.3578 | W3FINANCIALGROUP.COM

Fee-Based Planning offered through W3 Wealth Advisors, LLC, a State Registered Investment Advisor. Third Party Money Management offered through Valmark Advisers, Inc., a SEC Registered Investment Advisor. Securities offered through Valmark Securities, Inc. Member FINRA, SIPC. W3 Global Accounting provides only tax and accounting. W3 Financial Group, LLC, W3 Wealth Advisors, LLC and W3 Global Accounting are separate entities from Valmark Securities, Inc. and Valmark Advisers, Inc. This material has been prepared for informational purposes only, and is not intended to provide, and should not be relied on for accounting, legal or tax advice. The services of an appropriate professional should be sought regarding your individual situation.

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AGENDA

2/14 Valentine’s Day Dinner Enjoy a romantic four-course meal at Gervasi Vineyard, featuring dishes like creamy chicken tortellini soup, grilled fillet, chocolate torte and more. Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande Ballroom, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6:30-8 p.m. $79. gervasivineyard.com 2/16 Akron Roundtable: Stephen Satterfield Listen to food writer Stephen Satterfield, who also hosts Netflix’s “High on the Hog.” Hilton Akron/Fairlawn, 3180 W. Market St., Akron. Noon. $25. akronroundtable.org 2/17 Wine and Paint Paint a tenrec during this event led by an instructor. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron. 6-9 p.m. $35 members, $40 nonmembers. akronzoo.org 2/20 Turtle Parade Meet some box turtles and sliders and then learn about the turtles that live in Ohio. William McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 10-11 a.m. mckinleymuseum.org 2/22 “Menopause the Musical” This musical parody features classic tunes from the ‘60s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7 p.m. $45. cantonpalacetheatre.org 2/25 Winter Woods Walk Get some fresh air during this winter wonderland walk. Receive location information upon registration. 2-3:30 p.m. Free. nps.gov 2/26 GV Classics Wine Pairing Enjoy bites paired with Ciao Bella, Piove, Truscano and Abbraccio wines. Gervasi Vineyard, Villa Grande Ballroom, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 2-3 p.m. $39. gervasivineyard.com

photo provided by Gervasi Vineyard

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SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

2023

THE 330 IS A COMMUNITY OF PEOPLEWHO CARE. We care about our neighbors, education, businesses and institutions and health care. When you put a face on a business, every interaction becomes more than a transaction — it becomes a connection. Whether they’re helping us access quality health care, get a higher education or say goodbye to a loved one, the people of The 330 keep us all connected in our quests for good lives. The 2023 Faces of The 330 introduces some of the people who help build our community on expertise, service and compassion. Their names and faces reflect a wealth of talent and pride of place that make our region unique.

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FACES OF THE 330

N early one out of every four women have a pelvic floor disorder, including pelvic pain, urinary incontinence, pelvic organ prolapse, chronic constipation, endometriosis and fecal incontinence — and the problem impacts every part of their lives. Dr. Costas A. Apostolis and his skilled team at Summit Urogynecology can help those with these issues improve their quality of life. They provide individualized treatment that eliminates embarrassment and uncomfortable situations caused by these common women’s health issues. Dr. Apostolis has been serving patients in Akron since 2012 and has treated over 5,000 women with pelvic floor conditions throughout Summit County and Northeast Ohio. He specializes in minimally invasive techniques and is double board certified in obstetrics and gynecology and female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, of which he is also fellowship trained. Improving pelvic floor health begins with an evaluation by a specialist. Dr. Apostolis and his team offer a comfortable and private atmosphere to provide education and care so patients have the tools they need for the best possible outcome. Summit Urogynecology 330-953-3414 summiturogyn.com

THE FACE OF

UROGYNECOLOGY

photo by Tal ia Hodge Costas A. Apostol is, M.D., F.A.C.O.G., F.P.M.R.S.

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FACES OF THE 330

W hy do we serve? Serving others takes nonprofit to service through a job. The greatest acts of service come from The 330’s first responders and front-line workers. We applaud our brave doctors and nurses, as well as our beloved police, firefighters and EMS crews, who continue to serve bravely. You inspire us. many forms from volunteering at a staff at the Billow Co. reaffirm our commitment to serving you. A call goes out in the middle of the night when a death has occurred, and the staff at Billow Co. will be there on your darkest night. We will help you usher in new dawn by paying tribute to your loved one. We serve because it is our calling. It is a sacred duty. We remain humbly and loyally at your service, just as we have since our company was founded in 1875. When you need us the most, we promise you our very best. The Billow Co. 330-867-4141 billowfuneralhomes. com The pandemic has made the

THE FACES OF ETERNAL SERVICE

Stacy Bi l low, Char les Bi l low and Nathanael Bi l low

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FACES OF THE 330

O ver 200,000 Americans go through some sort of bariatric procedure each year. Weight loss surgery, also known as bariatric surgery, is a common procedure for those who struggle with weight loss from non-surgical methods such as diet and exercise. Dr. Walter Chlysta, a board-certified surgeon, was one of the first surgeons to introduce minimally invasive weight loss surgery in Summit County and has now performed over 1,000 bariatric procedures with outstanding results. Bariatric surgery helps patients conquer life’s challenges and get back to enjoying daily activities. Are you aware of lifestyle changes that need to be made relating to weight gain and retention? Are you 80 to 100 pounds overweight? Have you been diagnosed with Type 2 diabetes, heart disease, joint disease or sleep apnea as a result of excess weight? Dr. Chlysta and his team of nurses and dietitians are dedicated to supporting all patients from their first appointment through their surgical weight loss journey. Western Reserve Hospital Bariatric Center 330-926-3443 wrhpi.org/bariatric surgery

THE FACE OF BARIATRIC SURGERY

photo by Meghan Winkler Bob Pont ius, Stacy Mize, Marge Sul l ivan and Morgan Vacula photo by T l ia Hodge Wal ter J. Chlysta, M.D., F.A.C.S., F.A.S.M.B.S.

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I n 1948, Nickitas “Nick” Thomarios started a small painting company to serve Greater Akron residents. His business grew into the commercial fields and incorporated in 1969. Since the construction group was added in 1994, the development, growth and diversity of projects have expanded the company to a new level. Nick taught his son, Paul, to paint houses alongside him at an early age. After graduating from The University of Akron, Paul grew the business by adhering to the key components of quality and integrity his father instilled in him. Under Paul’s leadership, the Thomarios team has grown into an international powerhouse of construction, coatings, powder coatings and parking garage at Akron Children’s Hospital, Paul helps build his father’s vision of making Akron a great place to live, one project at a time. Thomarios recently renovated office space for Babcock & Wilcox in the former Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. headquarters in Akron. The renovations utilized existing space to house approximately 650 employees and create new office and common spaces that help them work efficiently. Thomarios historic restoration. From the Saturn V rocket to the LED-lit

330-670-9900 thomarios.com

photo by Tal ia Hodge Lef t to r ight: Mal lory Danks, Joe Hr icovec, Cindy Vel tr i , David DiPerna and Ted Whi tcomb

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FACES OF THE 330

CONSTRUCTION THE FACES OF

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FACES OF THE 330

E xcess skin, fat deposits, body disproportions and other physical imperfections can make anyone feel self conscious. Cosmetic surgery helps improve or enhance overall physical appearance to increase self confidence and self esteem. Dr. Gregory M. Beddell of Serenity Hospital Physicians Inc. practice, offers an array of services to help patients reach their physical goals according to their desires and specific needs. He and his team offer surgical and non-surgical options, including body contouring, tummy tucks, liposuctions, facial rejuvenation, Botox, fillers and breast augmentation. Dr. Beddell is a fellowship-trained plastic surgeon. He has completed general and plastic surgery residencies, where he gained extensive knowledge in breast procedures, body contouring procedures, cancer management and reconstruction, and all aspects of cosmetic surgery. He has recently received multiple recognitions for his successful cosmetic practice including Cleveland Magazine ’s Top Doctors for plastic and reconstructive surgery and Akron Beacon Journal ’s Beacon’s Best cosmetic and plastic surgeon. Serenity Plastic Surgery 330-971-9730 serenityplastics.com Plastic Surgery, a Western Reserve

COSMETIC SURGERY THE FACE OF

photo by Tal ia Hodge Gregory M. Beddel l , M.D.

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FACES OF THE 330

S tark State

Dr. Para Jones (president), Morgan Maf fet t (student), Cather ine McKinley (academic advisor)

College Akron provides students

photo by Tal ia Hodge

with affordable, quality higher education that leads to immediate, rewarding employment and/or university transfer. Our accredited, transferable programs prepare students for high-demand careers in engineering technology and manufacturing, health and nursing, business, information Students attend classes at Stark State’s 68,000-square-foot facility in Akron as well as at the main campus in North Canton. Our 21st-century classrooms connect students in Akron and main campus, saving students time and money. Students can also attend online. technology, public service and more. For the second year in a row, Newsweek magazine has listed Stark State among top colleges and universities in online learning. Students of all ages benefit from the educational programs and opportunities Stark State provides – from College Credit Plus classes for high school students to employer partnerships to advance incumbent workers. A few of our partners include Akron Children’s Hospital, Summa Health System, Akron Public Schools, Cuyahoga Falls Schools, City of Akron, LeBron James Family Foundation and more. Stark State College is where students spend less, earn more and go further. Stark State College Akron 330-494-6170 starkstate.edu/akron

THE FACES OF SUCCESS

photo by Meghan Winkler

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a k r o n l i f e . c o m | F E B R U A R Y 2 0 2 3 26 YEARS YOUNG 100 by Alexandra Sobczak historical photos courtesy of Akron Woman’s City Club archives the Summit County Historical Society of Akron, OH, Summit Memory/Akron-Summit County Public Library and The University of Akron Archives & Special Collections

The AkronWoman’s City Club celebrates a century and its status as the last social dining club for women in Akron. The centennial comes with a fight to survive, and the ladies are up to the task.

photo provided by Akron Woman’s City Club archives

HISTORICAL 330

own more. … A group of very well-educated and well-traveled women … wanted a club just for women. … They started with 100 members. Their goal was to make 1,000 members, and they did that in a few years. Suzanne Shriber ( joined in 2019 and president since 2022) : They met, … a very smart group of women that just didn’t want to stay home. They wanted to learn, provide arts for children and other people, and use their skills in the community. Charlotte Buzzelli ( joined in 1980) : We had movers and shakers. Mrs. Graham started the Akron Symphony Orchestra. We had all sorts of women that were leaders in the com munity. And also, they were the wives of CEOs of rubber companies. By 1946, World War II had ended, and the club became a nonprofit. Members were dedicated to it surviving the recession. They began searching for a clubhouse they could purchase to avoid renting as they did at their previous Akron locations, the Mason House and the Pythian Temple. Known as the Grey Lodge, the Italian Renaissance Revival building they picked is as full of history as the club itself. Built in 1901, it was formerly owned by Bertram G. Work and then George M. Stadelman, the presidents of B.F. Goodrich Co. and Goodyear Tire & Rubber Co. respectively. The club purchased it for about $30,000. “The economy was not that great,” Brown says. “That was a pretty daring thing for the women to do.” The leap of faith was worth it — the Grey Lodge remains the club’s home. Social clubs gained popularity that peaked in the ’50s and ’60s, Lieberth says. Throughout the country, nearly every major industrial city had a social club. He added that there were dozens of social clubs in Akron for men and women, often of prominent social status. A common choice for men was Akron City Club, which operated from the ’20s through the late ’80s.

At a table bathed in natural light inside the Akron Woman’s City Club, Patricia Brown, Suzanne Shriber, Charlotte Buzzelli and Julie Randall munch on pancakes, eggs and bacon and sip coffee, reminiscing on the combined decades they’ve spent as members. The club is known for having persevered when others haven’t and for its status as one of the oldest social dining clubs for women in the country. It’s fighting to continue for 100 more years. It got its start in 1923, just a few years after women gained the right to vote. Women were becoming more independent, and their roles were changing. With the addition of electricity to homes, household tasks took less time, so they had opportunities to embrace their education and interests. “When you look at the women who were prominent in the ’20s, most of them had college degrees, but they had no place to exercise their education,” says Akron historian Dave Lieberth. “They did that through women’s clubs.” In 1923, the club was formed when about 50 women met at the home of Helen Wolle, who was F.A. Seiberling’s niece and the club’s first president. Supported by the women-led Tuesday Musical, the Woman’s City Club spent its early years focused on the arts, educating members about current events and community fundraising for food for children, camp opportunities for girls, wheelchairs for polio patients and more. Influential members included Ethel Seiberling, who was on the board, and Mabel Graham, who was president. Patricia Brown ( joined in 1960 and became president in 2013 and 2018) : It was at a good time in history. Because in ’22, women were starting to get out, do things and be on their

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We salute local groundbreaking women, includingAkronWoman'sCity Clubmembers andWomen'sHistory Project of theAkronArea honorees.

(left to right) Charlotte Buzzelli, Patricia Brown, Suzanne Shriber, Jane Delcamp and Julie Randall

photo provided by Akron Woman’s City Club

The Woman’s City Club paid off its mortgage in 1951 and held a mortgage burning ceremony in 1952. During the ’60s, it hosted events like member weddings and had thriv ing memberships for juniors starting at 20 years old and seniors starting at 30. On a daily basis, seniors had section programs about art, music, poetry, travel, film, flowers, antique furniture, eco nomics, history and more, and they had evening sections for working women. They also hosted tea parties, fashion shows, guest lectures, fundraisers and formal dances. PB: When I joined in the ’60s, there was a two-year waiting list to become a member — 1,000 [senior] mem bers and 100 junior members. It was active all the time. … We had dinners. Every night it would be full. [The juniors] had big Monte Carlo nights, and we filled the ballroom. … Our Christmas parties, because we all had children, … the ballroom was absolutely packed with kids. SS: I remember reading about some bridge benefits with 250 people. And lots of speakers, doctors, politi cians that would travel across states to speak here. PB: As soon as you turn 30, you got at the top of the [senior] list. SS: Most [juniors] did step up. CB: A lot of them came from families that had genera tions belonging to this club. During the ’ 70s, memberships in social clubs started to decline, Lieberth says. The women’s movement was in full force in the ’70s and ’80s, and more women were working full time, leaving less time for extracurriculars. Akron was changing too, with popular restaurants lessening the need for private dining clubs.

Inspiring Innovator : SisterMary Ignatia , 1889-1966

which has a heritage center honoring Ignatia. Her Legacy: Millions worldwide have found sobriety through AA. Ignatia was recognized in a letter from former President John F. Kennedy. AA and Ignatia Hall not only helped develop an effective treatment, but they also removed the stigma. At Ignatia Hall’s start, people with alcoholism were cast out and sent to asylums. Ignatia overcame pushback of admitting hospital patients — sometimes having to sneak them in — and advocated for the treatment of alcoholism as a disease. “This is something that she and Dr. Bob did without support of others in a time when it wasn’ t recognized,” Heppner says. “It was her mission to help these individuals have better lives.”

Why She’s Notable: Known as the “Angel of Alcoholics Anonymous,” this Irish nun helped found AA with “Dr. Bob” Smith and Bill Wilson. In 1939, she established Ignatia Hall, the first treatment unit for people with alcoholism, at Akron’s St. Thomas Hospital. It became a national model, saving lives with dignified treatment. “Her strength and her belief in the human spirit is what sets her apart,” says Leianne Neff Heppner, president and CEO of Summit Historical Society of Akron, OH, which has the Women’s History Project. Her Local Impact: About 10,000 people descend upon Akron annually to celebrate AA on Founders’ Day. A 14-bed Ignatia Hall detox unit lives on at Summa Health’s new behavioral health facility,

Sister Mary Ignatia photo provided by Summa Health

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