Akron Life November 2023

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 11

NOVEMBER 2023

Hand

Crafted Shop artisanal wonders in Canton

GLASS PUMPKIN from THE GLASS GARDEN photo by Talia Hodge

NOV. 2023 $4.95

MUSICAL LEGACY CHILDREN’S CONCERT SOCIETY TURNS 75

GIFT GIVING DONATE TIME & MONEY TO CHARITIES

NEW WAVE UNCOVER DAVID GIFFELS’ LATEST DEVO BOOK

PAGES

NOVEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 11

Pages start here

On The Cover | 24 Canton | photo by Talia Hodge

[ FEATURE ] 24 HAND CRAFTED

Discover artisanal wonders in Canton. Taste from-scratch gnocchi, treat yourself to lotions created with organic oils and local beeswax and showcase nostalgic photos of Canton landmarks. Shop for one-of-a-kind food, products and art made by hand this holiday season.

Cantonology photo by Talia Hodge

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42 PHILANTHROPY Charitable giving

10 AGENDA [ the essential social digest ]

67 CHILDREN’S CONCERT SOCIETY Celebrating 75 years

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

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

06 MAIL BONDING

Special Sections

42 PHILANTHROPY Gift your time and money this holiday season. 59 THE PATH TO HOME OWNERSHIP Akron Cleveland Association of Realtors 67 CHILDREN’S CONCERT SOCIETY The music education nonprofit celebrates 75 years.

07 FROM THE PUBLISHER Colorful Life

52 GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] 52 Restaurant listings

08 RADAR [ seen + heard ]

54 Uncorked: The Winery at Versailles 57 Untapped: Thanksgiving pairings

71 PARTING SHOT Mustill Store

09 UPFRONT Guide Book

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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 SALES Bunny Lacey Steve Tyson Ben DiCola Neil Sudhakaran sales@bakermediagroup.com CIRCULATION circulation@bakermediagroup.com 330-253-0056, ext. 104 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Talia Hodge

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 ]

Colorful Life

Here’s a look back at my stepmom’s accomplishments.

I have spent most of my life with two moms. I am saddened to share that my stepmom, Nancy Nierman-Baker, died recently. It doesn’t come as a complete surprise because she has spent the last year at Ohio Living Rockynol in West Akron. This is an unofficial tribute. She has had a profound impact on my life. Many people in the Akron community knew Nancy well. She was very accomplished, and looking back, it seems like she had multiple full lives. It was always a joke among us kids that we could be at a rest stop in Kalamazoo, Michigan, and she would run into an old friend. We moved very slowly because she stopped to talk with everyone. She was a hippie in the true sense. She came of age in the ’60s and drove around in a ’70s Volkswagen bus. It feels like I spent half my childhood riding around in the back seat of a VW bus. It was a fitting car for her. She was also an artist and a longtime member of the Akron Society of Artists. There was always a group of colorful artists around the house, and I saw life from a different perspective. Although I am not an artist, I have had plenty of opportunities. I used to take classes from her friend, Jack Richard, but not even he could help me draw. It seemed like she was in school during most of my life. Nancy received her bachelor’s degree in fine arts from Kent State University, which took her many years to finish. I understand now when you are raising kids, it’s very hard to get that degree completed. Once she finished that, she gravitated toward psychology. She wanted to mix in her art background, so she pursued a master’s degree

Nancy Nierman-Baker

in art therapy at Ursuline College and later a master’s degree in counseling from Walsh University. She was very passionate about art therapy, and it was always a joke among us kids to not let her see your drawings or she would analyze your artwork. With her art therapy and counseling degrees, she spent the rest of her working life at Cleveland Clinic Akron General in the partial hospitalization department as an art therapist and also taught at Ursuline College. Many of the art therapists in the area were trained by her or had her as a teacher. Nancy also really enjoyed writing for Akron Life and was always pitching story ideas. Most of what she wrote about was art, and the last piece she wrote was in February 2020, about the grief of losing a spouse. I always appreci ate extra helping hands at the magazine, but she was such a perfectionist about her story that she had draft after draft. For a monthly magazine, it took her almost too long to finish. Before my dad died in 2018, he was encouraging her to write a book about art

therapy, and as far as I know, there wasn’t a more knowledgeable person around when it came to the subject. Not long after my dad died, she started hav ing memory issues, which concerned all of us. The thing about dementia is that it can be easy to fall into denial by saying, Well, she has always kind of been that way, or, Grief has been very hard on her. But the signs were becoming clearer, and last year we moved her to Rockynol. Not too long after that, she was placed in the memory care unit. It’s almost impossible to wrap up someone’s life in one page, and I am sure I missed tons. But what I do know is she is deeply loved by our family and friends, and she is missed by all. [ Publisher Colin Baker is a retired racing driver and gearhead. ] Comments? Email them to Kelly Petryszyn [kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com].

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RADAR

[ by Ashley Caudill and photo provided by Whiskers & Wine Cat Lounge ]

seen + heard

Cool Cats Even if you don’t have a feline of your own, experience heartwarming cat cuddles at Whiskers & Wine Cat Lounge. Book a half-hour or hour cuddling session to snuggle up to Just Cats Rescue adoptable cats, like shorthaired black cat Pogo who loves head scratches or shorthaired tabby Cherry who enjoys basking in sunlight. The Akron spot offers mocktails and a self-serve coffee bar, aiming to have wine available soon. Shop handmade organic catnip mouse toys in the bright, groovy atmosphere, and stop in for monthly events like a kid’s day with a drag story time. Consider a monthly membership or adopt a furry friend for all the sweet cat cuddles you want. 932 Kenmore Blvd., Akron, whiskersandwine.co

Punk Art Devo could have only come from Ohio. In the new book “The Beginning Was the End” (The University of Akron Press, $35.95), acclaimed Akron author David Giffels and Florida art gallery director Jade Dellinger make the argument that the industrial Midwest surroundings, the May 4, 1970, Kent State University shootings and more shaped the proto punk “Whip It” band that got its name from the concept of de-evolution. Take in over 80 never-before-seen images includ ing handwritten lyrics to “Be Stiff.” The authors delve into the band’s early Akron and Kent history and how it pioneered the use of music videos, defined the ’80s new wave era aesthetic, challenged soci etal norms and made history by merging music and visual art. uakron.edu/uapress

Top Table At one of the oldest street corners in downtown Akron — Main and Exchange streets — history was made in September when DeJuan’s opened in the former Bricco space and became the first Black-owned fine dining restaurant in Akron. With white tablecloths, exposed brick walls and a wraparound bar, the elegant spot serves refined steaks and seafood. Dine on presidential red snapper ($69), served with long-grain rice and sauteed julienned vegetables. Also find casual fare with an upscale spin, like the PB&J burger ($21) with wagyu beef served on Texas toast topped with a Thai peanut sauce, raspberry coulis and grape jelly barbecue sauce. 1 W. Exchange St., Suite 100, Akron, dejuansdining.com

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UP F RON T

[ Managing Editor | Kelly Petryszyn | kpetryszyn@bakermediagroup.com | photo provided by Comet Wanderer Studios ]

Guide Book

Be an explorer in our community.

“The whole point for the Canton Light Festival for us was to ... put a new light on an old space and make people appreciate the surroundings that they see every day,” says Megan Wanderer, Comet Wanderer Studios co-owner. Read our guide on pg. 24 for handmade products, art and food to discover in Canton. It includes a story on Comet Wanderer Studios and holiday gift recommendations. I have enjoyed browsing Cantonology, which sells primarily handmade Canton and local pride items like prints, jewelry and more, and I got a “Home is Where the Heart Is” magnet. In our feature, owner Barb Resch shares a story about how her mother would bring cameras and take her on tours of the community. It’s such a won derful idea to be a tourist in your backyard. I’d love to do that with my toddler, Izzy. It makes me think, How can we all explore our community with that curiosity? Perhaps there’s a local destination you’ve never been to. A few years back I visited the Pro Football Hall of Fame in Canton for the first time. It was fascinating to see Harry Robb’s 1920s red Canton Bulldogs warmup jacket, Paul Brown’s football with Brownie, “Browns” written out and a crown on it that was awarded to him for the team’s 1955 championship win, Jim Brown’s jersey and more. There is a reverence about tak ing in the bronze busts of inductees in the Hall of Fame Gallery that prompts every one to go silent. My husband, Tony, is a Pennsylvania native and a huge Philadelphia Eagles fan, so watching the film about their stunning underdog Super Bowl victory was

emotional, and I remember getting misty eyed at the sheer show of grit and joy. I was blown away by the multisensory “A Game for Life” presentation that had holograms of former quarterback Joe Namath and other legends. That was my first time seeing a hologram like that, and it amazed me. First Fridays are an excellent way to check out city shops and spots you’ve never visited in one night. At a Canton First Friday, I saw ice sculptures all over downtown. It was cool to watch someone working on the printing press at Print & Press Shop & Studios, and we enjoyed the witty cards and Tony got a fun sticker for his beer fridge. Miss Larana’s Alchemical Apothecary was giving away free bath bombs too, and you can read about her interesting journey and products in our Canton feature. Another way to see our community in a different light is to volunteer. I’ve found that it’s always rewarding. Our new philan thropy guide on pg. 42 connects you with some local options and gives you a picture of what to expect. I’ve cooked and served meals at the Ronald McDonald House, and people were so thankful. I assisted kids with disabilities in riding horses at Camp Cheerful, and their smiles made it worth it. I’ve served homeless people food in down town Cleveland, and seeing them get a hot meal meant everything. I hope our guide helps you be a tourist in Canton, appreciate the community and find

Red curtains opened to blue-hued kaleidoscopic patterns as a chicken walked across a light projection on a wall at the Cultural Center for the Arts in Canton. A hand inserted a cassette into a magenta-outlined boom box as black and purple squares pulsed. Asteroids flew at the audience through a purple, pink and blue galactic sky as a black cat peeked into the picture. These images completely immersed me as I sat on the floor engrossed in the digital installation from Massillon based Comet Wanderer Studios at the 2021 Illumination: Canton Light Festival. It was one of the first times I was encompassed in digital art, and it made me see Canton in a way I never had before.

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

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AGENDA

NOVEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 11

Agenda the essential social digest

photo provided by Kent State University College of the Arts

11/17-11/19 FALL OPERA SCENES Take in the Kent State Opera Theatre’s fall concert. Kent State University, Center for the Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent. 3 p.m. or 7:30 p.m. kent.edu/music

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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.

THROUGH 11/12 “JOHN W. CARLSON: SET THE TWILIGHT REELING” View paintings, prints, drawings, notes and objects by late Cleveland artist John W. Carlson. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org THROUGH 11/12 “ISH ISHMAEL: MANIFESTATIONS OF THE DYSTOPIAN REVERIE” Explore this lens-based installation. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

THROUGH 11/25 “WORLD OF WONDERS: WEIRD SCIENCE LABORATORY” This exhibit with work by pop funk sculptor Clayton Bailey is open to the public on Saturdays. Polsky Building, 225 S. Main St., Akron. 4-8 p.m. curatedstorefront.org THROUGH 11/30 FALL HIKING SPREE Hike Summit Metro Parks trails ranging from easy to challenging during the 60th annual spree. Locations vary. summitmetroparks.org THROUGH 12/16 FALL EXHIBITIONS Take in exhibits such as “Anywhere” by Lizzi Aronhalt and group exhibitions “Imagine Infinite: Where Wonder Meets Transcendence,” “Blurred Lines” and “Too Dark.” Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon 7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org

photo provided by Summit Metro Parks

11/2-11/9 WINTER BIRDS During this self-guided hike on the Seneca Trail, search for winter birds while earning Fall Hiking Spree credit. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. summitmetroparks.org

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AGENDA

THROUGH 12/17 “POSING BEAUTY IN AFRICAN AMERICAN CULTURE” See 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 ff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/ museum THROUGH 1/7 “A WAY TO WIN: PAUL BROWN’S INNOVATIONS” Catch 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

THROUGH 3/30 “HABITAT” This exhibit examines the need for diverse habitats and what we can do to protect them. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive

NW, Canton. Tuesday Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. mckinleymuseum.org

THROUGH 4/27 “BEYOND CAMELOT: THE LIFE AND LEGACY OF JACQUELINE KENNEDY ONASSIS” Peruse never-before-seen artifacts that provide perspective on the life of Jackie Kennedy Onassis. First Ladies National Historic Site, 205 Market Ave. S, Canton. Tuesday-Saturday 9 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. firstladies. org THROUGH 8/1 “KNITTING BEYOND THE BODY” Browse pieces that highlight innovation and technological advances in relation to textiles and knitting. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, sta ff and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/ museum

11/3 DEREK HOUGH: SYMPHONY OF DANCE Watch Emmy Award winner Derek Hough in this performance that combines ballroom, salsa, hip-hop and more. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $42.50-125. akroncivic.com

Looking for a gift for Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) lovers in your life? Find unique national park accessories, art, apparel, local food, children’s toys and more in the Conservancy for CVNP’s stores. And when you become a member, receive 15 percent o ff your purchases (exclusions apply). Plus, all sale proceeds support CVNP programs. Conservancy Retail Stores

Trail Mix Peninsula 1600 W. Mill St., Peninsula 330-657-2091 forcvnp.org/park-stores

photo provided by Live Nation

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AGENDA

11/4 RICHARD FRY TRAIL CHALLENGE Take on a challenge and complete this 4-mile or 8-mile run or walk. Fry Family Park, 2533 Farber St. SE, Magnolia. 9:30 a.m. starkparks.com

photo provided by Stark Parks

11/2 COLLAGE & FRIENDS Hear this showcase performed by students in The University of Akron’s School of Music. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. Free students, $12 general admission. uakron.edu/music 11/3 & 11/4 CHRISTKINDL MARKT Shop at this juried fine arts and cra ft s show that has been a holiday tradition for 50 years. Canton Museum of Art and Cultural Center for the Arts, 1001 Market Ave. N, Canton. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. $8. cantonart.org 11/3 & 11/4 GROUNDWORKS DANCETHEATER Watch world premiere dance works by choreography duo Flock and GroundWorks DanceTheater’s artist in-residence Antonio Brown. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $10-$25. akroncivic.com 11/3, 11/10 & 11/17 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

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AGENDA

11/11 ADULT ART NIGHT: PET PORTRAITS

photo provided by Medina County Park District photos provided by Akron Soul Train

photo provided by Akron ArtWorks

Bring a photo of your pet and learn how to create a unique painting of it. Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $35. akronartworks.com

11/11 & 11/12 NATURE ART FEST Browse artwork inspired by nature or made using natural materials while enjoying the park at this 22nd annual event. Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Sharon Township. Saturday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. medinacountyparks.com

11/3-11/18 “THE SAVANNAH SIPPING SOCIETY” Experience this comedy about four unique Southern women performed by the Hudson Players. Barlow Community Center, 45 S. Oviatt St., Hudson. Friday-Saturday 8 p.m. & Sunday 2 p.m. $15. hudsonplayers.com 11/4 THE LABRA BROTHERS WITH THE CANTON SYMPHONY Listen to instrumentally diverse songs at this performance that partners with the Canton Latino Festival. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $25-$55. cantonsymphony.org

11/4 SHAKESBEER: “THE LEGEND OF SLEEPY HOLLOW” Drink along with the actors in this performance with live music and silly antics. Greystone Hall, 103 S. High St., Akron. 8 p.m. $15. ohioshakespearefestival.com 11/5, 11/12, 11/19 & 11/26 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

11/7 INNOVATIVE CHAMBER ENSEMBLE The first reed quintet on the Billboard charts, Akropolis Reed Quintet plays during this Tuesday Musical performance. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $19-$49. tuesdaymusical.org 11/9 & 11/29 INTRO TO ARCHERY Learn international-style target archery at the temporary indoor range. Firestone Metro Park, Coventry Oaks Area, 40 Axline Ave., Akron. 4:30-6 p.m. or 6:30-8 p.m. $10. summitmetroparks.org

11/8-12/16 WINTER EXHIBITIONS See exhibits like poet Raja Belle Freeman’s “Consider This Your Trigger Warning” and artist Debra DeGregorio’s “co ≈ rrelate.” Akron Soul Train, 191 S. Main St., Akron. Wednesday Saturday 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Free. akronsoultrain.org

“Consider This Your Trigger Warning,” Raja Belle Freeman

“Blind Search,” Debra DeGregorio

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AGENDA

11/10 TRANSCENDER: THE HIGH FASHION RUNWAY SHOW View works by 10 Northeast Ohio designers during this event presented by Ohio Models United and Dashon Ellis Productions. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $30-$50. akroncivic.com 11/11 LANTERN HIKE Explore the park at night during a 1-mile hike. Fry Family Park, 2533 Farber St. SE, Magnolia. 6:30-8 p.m. starkparks.com 11/11 VETERANS PROGRAM This Veterans Day program features the dedication of the C-130H Hercules “Spirit of Mansfield” and the honoring of the 179th Airli ft Wing/164th Airli ft Squadron from the Ohio Mansfield Lahm Air National Guard Base. Maps Air Museum, 2260 International Parkway, North Canton. 6 p.m. $25. mapsairmuseum.org 11/11 WHO WERE THE SENECA? Learn about the Seneca, who lived in Ohio during the 18th and 19th centuries, while hiking the Seneca Trail for Fall Hiking Spree credit. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10 a.m.-noon. summitmetroparks.org 11/15 & 11/18 INDIGENOUS PEOPLES: A REFLECTION OF THEIR WORLDS THROUGH SYMBOLS Tour the Oak Gallery and the Oak Native American Ethnographic Collection at the Institute for Human Science & Culture at The University of Akron to learn about the symbols used in art and cultural objects by indigenous peoples. Institute for Human Science & Culture, 73 S. College St., Akron. Nov. 15 6-7:30 p.m. & Nov. 18 noon-1:30 p.m. summitmetroparks. org

11/16 AKRON ROUNDTABLE: STEPHEN LENN Listen to Stephen Lenn, a managing partner at Phoenix/Scottsdale Brennan Manna Diamond, give a presentation titled “Out of the Shadows: Cannabis Going Mainstream.” Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron. Noon. $25. akronroundtable.org 11/16 TWILIGHT WALK Experience Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens during the evening, while discussing educational topics with sta ff members. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free members, $13 nonmembers. stanhywet.org

11/17-11/19 FALL OPERA SCENES Take in the Kent State Opera Theatre’s fall concert. Kent State University, Center for the Performing Arts, 1325 Theatre Drive, Kent. 7:30 p.m. kent. edu/music

photos provided by Akron ArtWorks

11/18 NIGHT OUT WITH AN ARTIST: WASSILY KANDINSKY Get to know works by Wassily Kandinsky and then create a piece of your own inspired by him. Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 7:30-9:30 p.m. $30. akronartworks.com

11/17 TEEN NIGHT: SPLATTER Create an abstract piece of art through splatter painting at this event for youth 11 to 16. Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, Akron. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $30. akronartworks.com 11/17 ELVIS’ BLUE CHRISTMAS Hear fan favorite Elvis Presley songs performed by Mike Albert. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $33-$36. cantonpalacetheatre.org

11/15 A CONVERSATION WITH NICK OFFERMAN Celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Akron Summit County Public Library with this event that features a conversation with actor, comedian and author Nick O ff erman moderated by WKYC anchor Betsy Kling. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $45-$75. akroncivic.com

photo provided by Akron Civic Theatre

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AGENDA

photo provided by Akron Civic Theatre

11/18 RILEY RICHARD Cleveland native and jazz saxophonist Riley Richard performs. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 8 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com 11/19 WINTER TREE AND SHRUB ID Hike the 2.1-mile Black Bear Trail for Fall Hiking Spree credit while learning how to identify dogwood trees, maple trees, oak trees, spicebush and more. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 1-3 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 11/22 LET’S TALK TURKEYS Learn about wild turkeys and turkey vultures from a naturalist. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 11 a.m.-noon. summitmetroparks.org 11/24-26, 11/30, 12/1-3, 12/7 23 & 12/26-30 DECK THE HALL Take in 1.2 million holiday lights and the manor house decorated for the holidays. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 3-8 p.m. Monday-Thursday $16 members, $20 nonmembers & Friday-Sunday $18 members, $24 nonmembers. stanhywet.org 11/24-2/19 WINTERBLAST Enjoy the season with an ice skating rink, ice bumper cars, ice bikes, Archie the Snowman, vintage holiday displays, a holiday parade Nov. 24 and more family-friendly holiday fun. Between the State Street bridge and Canal Park Stadium, Akron. Wednesday-Thursday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Friday-Saturday 11 a.m.- 11 p.m. & Sunday 11 a.m.-6 p.m. lock3live.com

Tuesday Musical’s 2023-24 Akron Concert Series Akropolis

Sonically daring

performing Nov. 7

Akropolis — the first reed quintet to twice reach the Billboard charts — comes to the stage of E.J. Thomas Hall on Tuesday, Nov. 7, for Tuesday Musical’s 2023-24 Akron Concert Series. A “sonically daring ensemble” ( BBC Music Magazine ) and a “collective voice driven by real excitement and a sense of adventure” ( The Wire ), Akropolis Reed Quintet has “taken the chamber music world by storm” ( Fanfare ). The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. with works ranging from “Splinter” by Marc Mellits to “An American in Paris” by George Gershwin. Tickets start at $19 at tuesdaymusical.org and 330-761-3460.

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24 HOUR ABUSE & NEGLECT HOTLINE (330) 434-KIDS (5437) 264 S. Arlington St., Akron summitkids.org believe all children, like Zy’aire, have a right to a safe, stable and permanent home. You can learn about the vital work that Summit County Children Services does by visiting summitkids.org.

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AGENDA

11/16 “FIRE AND JOY” Principal Apollo’s Fire players perform pieces by Bach and Vivaldi. First United Methodist Church, 263 E. Mill St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $10-$73. apollosfire.org

photo provided by Apollo’s Fire

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AGENDA

photo provided by Akron Civic Theatre

11/25, 11/26, 12/2 & 12/3 “NUTCRACKER” Celebrate the season with this performance of this classic holiday story by Ballet Theatre of Ohio. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 2 p.m. or 7 p.m. $45-$55. akroncivic.com 11/26 ARTWALK The Artists Sunday Edition of the ArtWalk includes open studios for the resident artists and 25 pop-up artist vendors. Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. 5-9 p.m. summitartspace.org 11/29 ZION CLARK: “NO EXCUSES” Listen to this inspirational program by Canton native Zion Clark, who is a pro athlete and author. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 8 p.m. $25-$40. cantonpalacetheatre.org 11/30 ANN WILSON Jam out as the lead singer-songwriter from Heart performs, as well as Tripsitter. Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $39.50-$275. goodyeartheater.com 11/30 LAST CHANCE SPREE HIKE Get one more hike in for Fall Hiking Spree credit at this event at the 2.1-mile Black Bear Trail. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 2-3:30 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 11/30 LIGHT UP DOWNTOWN Enjoy 14 blocks of holiday attractions like ice skating, sleigh rides, a visit from Santa, fireworks and more. Downtown Canton. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Free. cantonchamber.org

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

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

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

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by Ashley Caudill, Kaitlyn Murray,

Kelly Petryszyn and Alexandra Sobczak

Ha n d C r a ft ed

Discover artisa n al wo n ders in Ca n ton. Taste f r om-sc r atch g n occ h i, t r eat yourself to l otions c r eated with orga n ic oils a n d l ocal beeswax a n d s h o w case n ostal g ic p h otos of Ca n ton l a n d m arks. S h op for o n e-of-a-ki n d food, p r oducts a n d art m ade by h a n d t h is h o l iday season.

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photos by Talia Hodge

When Barb Resch was growing up in Canton, her late mother, Freeda Hennis, used to take her on tours. “We’d have cameras around our neck and … she would teach us everything about our community,” Resch says. “That was ingrained in me, that love of community.” Find some of those photos — featuring places like the Canton Palace Theatre and Meyers Lake — on wooden blocks and canvases and in charm jewelry at Cantonology, a store with Canton-centered prod ucts that Resch opened in November 2015 with her daughter, Mandy Morckel. The mother-daughter pair makes many of the store’s products. Resch crafts jewelry featuring vintage bus tokens ($15) from the Canton City Lines buses. Morckel etches glassware ($10-$30) such as mugs, wine glasses and football-shaped cups with phrases like “Canton Est. 1805,” “McKinley Bulldogs” and “Fawcett Stadium Forever.” They also make bead stretch bracelets ($3) that say “Canton Girl,” “Ohio Girl” and “I Love Canton” and car decals ($5) with phrases like “Canton Ohio: The Birthplace of Pro Football” and “I Willy Love Canton,” which features the whale from the former Mother Goose Land amusement park. “If you were a child in Canton between 1958 and 1989, you’ve got fond memories of going to Mother Goose Land,” says Resch. “We focus on happy memory kind of things.” Resch also illustrates her love for Canton and her mother with the “Freeda’s Footsteps” collection featuring a journal, books and free download able coloring pages that star a drawing she created of her mother depicted as a kid. The character visits Canton spots like the “Reintegration of Pro Football, 1946” mural and the McKinley Monument. “It is a way for my mom to continue her process of showing kids, in a fun way, the things that are in their community,” Resch says. “We’re all about celebrating things that make you feel good about Canton.” Gift This: Vintage McKinley Lehman print, $15, five-pack $50, holiday open house Nov. 11, 306 Fourth St. NW, Canton, cantonology.com // AS Ho m eto w n Tour

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photos by Kelly Pertryszyn

Artistry

on Disp l ay

Lori Weaver inspired women with her Pink Goose Boutique graphic T-shirts featuring slogans like “She is Strong” and “I Run on Coffee & Grace” and celebrated newborns with her Lil’ Pink Goose Boutique tutus and photo props. She was selling both lines online when she opened Blended in Belden Village Mall in 2020 to show case not only her creations but other artisans’ works too. “We want to help local artisans realize their dream of sell ing their items in a brick-and-mortar store,” says Melissa Riffle, the operations manager and human resources direc tor at Blended. It has expanded to other locations in the Toledo and Strongsville malls. There are over 100 Ohio artisans in all three Blended locations, with over 50 in Canton, including some of Weaver’s designs that she sold to a company that’s now called Elev8Apparel. Shop hand-stamped Stampin Stitchin jewelry, Doggos and Decor handmade signs and more products that artisans often rotate. North Canton-based J&J Candle Co. introduces new natu ral soy scents each season topped with realistic wax pies, flowers and more. Riffle loves Saturday Morning wax melts ($8.95) that bring you back to childhood. “She made little cereal bowls with three loops on top,” says Riffle, adding that they smell like fruity cereal. “The art istry is amazing.” A special gift for a service member is a Lumber Frog Creations flag ($154-$194), which is a hand-painted solid oak flag with a military, fire or police seal representing a branch or department made by Air Force and Navy veter ans in Medina. “It’s very personal,” says Riffle. For the holidays, Riffle recommends making gift baskets with items like Salt Creek Coffee Co. beans roasted in Apple Creek, Queen Bee Co. clipboard picture frames with cute sayings like “Auntie’s Bestie” crafted in Medina and Tommi D Expressions cupcake-shaped tins made in Fairview Park. “It’s local,” says Riffle. “It feels more like it’s from the heart.” Gift This: Petalled Peony Boutique handmade “Mama” hat, $25-$26, 4306 Belden Village Mall, Canton, blendedlocal.com // KP

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photos by Talia Hodge

Positive Vibes

Denise “Larana” Cerreta lived across the country, but her spiritual awakening led her to open Miss Larana’s Alchemical Apothecary in her hometown of Canton in 2020 to help locals capture their inner beauty on the outside. In Salt Lake City, she had a successful acupuncture practice and the pay-what-you-can One World Cafe, which led to her accepting a James Beard Humanitarian of the Year award on behalf of the One World Everybody Eats nonprofit and movement she helped pioneer. But she was called home and later started Miss Larana’s with a focus on her handmade organic bath and body products and spiritual tools. “Everything is so people can live their most authentic life,” she says. “It starts with good organic products and not putting toxins on our skin.” Find ice-dyed clothing, a build-your-own bracelet gem stone bar and preservative-free rubs, lip stains, deodor ants, cleansers and more. Aimed at customers 50 and up, fruit balm ($22.50) is made with eight organic oils and organic mango butter and moisturizes for a supple, younger look. “It helps dissolve fine lines, and it can help fade spots,” Cerreta says. Much of the store is interactive. Using rayon clothing from the shop or your own, you can ice-dye pieces by scrunching them, burying them in ice and sprinkling dyes over them. “As the ice melts, it carries dyes back into the fabric,” she says. “It’s a wonderful, intricate design.” Customers can also create a Soul Balance vibrational roll-on ($15) by putting herbs, flowers, gems and essential oils in a perfume tube with a specific inten tion in mind. Or they can fill an Enviro Vibe heart shaped glass bottle ($8.50) with dried flowers, gems and crystals, customizing it for certain goals, like ame thyst and rose quartz for opening your heart. Whether you craft your own or buy premade products, Miss Larana’s helps you nourish your physical, emotional and spiritual well-being. “The store is set up to help people live more joyful, full, vibrant, healthy lives,” Cerreta says, “and believe that their dreams will come true.” Gift This: Basecamp Inner Beauty Foundation, $22.50, holiday open house Nov. 11, 334 Fourth St. NW, Canton, misslaranas.com // KP

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Miss Larana’s Alchemical Apothecary, photos by Talia Hodge

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photos by Talia Hodge

B l o w n Away

A sea of leaves including pothos and sword ferns surround glass ornaments and seasonal glass works in the Glass Garden. Owner Jack Baker, who is also the owner of Akron Glass Works and Architectural Greenery, created the Canton store to combine his different passions. “Cool plants, hot glass,” says retail manager Nicole Rasmussen, “it’s like two extremes that get put together.” Browse household plants and tropical exotic plants including money trees, ficus, air plants, African milk trees and pink princess philoden drons. Also find stunning handblown glass works like vases, ornaments, cups and decora tions made in-store by glassblower Sebastian Shepherd, who has been practicing the art for 13 years. His process starts with heating clear glass in a 2,100-degree furnace. When the molten glass becomes a honey-like consistency, he attaches it to a steel rod to mold the glass. He adds color by rolling the glass in crushed pieces of colored glass. To stabilize and mold the glass, he uses equipment like a marver, and to manipulate the glass to take different shapes and styles, he uses sheers, jacks and tweezers. Some pieces take sev eral hours to craft. See the art of glassblowing for yourself when Shepherd does it and answers questions during Thursday demo nights. He also does weekend workshops where he demonstrates how to make seasonal-focused projects, which are ornaments and candy canes for November and December, and assists participants with making their own handblown glassworks. “It’s fun. It’s something you got to do and see to understand,” Shepherd says. “Everybody who comes in here has a great time doing it.” Gift This: Glass flowers, $26, 4330 Avondale Lane NW, Canton facebook.com/theglassgardencanton // AC

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photos provided by Comet Wanderer Studios

Lig h t

S h o w Co m et Wa n de r er Studios wo w s with p r ojection art.

During Wonder, Comet Wanderer Studios used seven projectors ranging between 5,000 and 15,000 lumens each to create multiple engaging installations, including one pro jected on the popular “Mother of Invention” mural by Canton artist Thomas Morgan, which features two painted panels of indus trial scenes surrounded by gears. Wanderer digitally traced over an existing image of the mural before putting it into a projection mapping program, animating it to make ele ments appear to be moving, including the water, smoke and many gears. “It looked like there were real gears, three dimensionally on there,” Wanderer says. “I hand drew every single one and made them move.” “We’re hearing people be like, I’ve lived here my entire life, and this has never looked so cool ,” Nonno says. The pair has also done projection mapping of a holiday light show on a Canton build ing for Light Up Downtown in 2021 and collaborations with other artists like adding

engaging visual elements to the walls behind live music and theater performances. At Illumination: Canton Light Festival in 2021, Nonno’s “Forest Fire” projected differ ent scenes, including those of a forest and a fire, onto and around an abstract sculpture of a tree on a wall. The projections were set to a woodwind quintet piece Nonno wrote to comment on the destruction of nature. On a wall at the Cultural Center for the Arts, a moving mosaic, neon outlined shapes, an interstellar scene and bubbles rising through water all appeared during an installation Wanderer created. She says she likes craft ing these interactive installations because she has seen families and people of all ages enjoy them. “Adults look at it, and they’re entertained. They think this is something cool to look at, all the way down to the smallest of kiddos,” she says. “It’s a fun combination of interact ing with the art and interacting with each other.” cometwandererstudios.com // AS

On the usually plain walls of Court Avenue in Canton, the “Wonder Windows” light projection installa tion made it look like within windows, whimsical scenes were playing out, like a kid jumping, a unicorn walking, a fish swimming and optical illusions spinning. “I wanted to … show how cool projection mapping can be, with making a flat surface that otherwise has nothing to it come to life,” says Nick Nonno, a co-owner of the Massillon-based Comet Wanderer Studios who created “Wonder Windows” for Wonder: Canton Light Festival in April 2022. “You’re looking deep into this window that doesn’t exist.” “What I really like about working with pro jections is you can’t miss it. It’s bright. It’s in your face,” says Megan Wanderer, a co owner of the studio that opened in 2017 and specializes in projection mapping to create immersive installations.

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Refi n ed Taste Get e l evated di n ing to go.

photos by Eartha L. Goodwin Photography

Wedgie

“It’s familiar to Italian seasoning but has a little more flavor,” he says. The house seasoning also finishes the lasagna ($12) that has the house red sauce. That’s made with San Marzano tomatoes, fresh garlic, onion, basil and a secret ingredient for a sauce that’s a tad sweeter without adding sugar and has less acidity. The time-consuming lasagna consists of five layers of fresh lasagna sheets, red sauce, whipped New York-style ricotta with season ings and herbs, mozzarella and provolone. The lasagna is so popular that they make pans upon pans, and some people have said it’s the best they ever had. It takes a few hours to make gnocchi by hand, ricing the potatoes and rolling out and forming the dough. A baked gnocchi dish ($14) comes with red sauce and handmade meatballs, which Hill crafts with a beef and pork blend, fresh herbs, and instead of breadcrumbs, he uses the old-school Italian method of adding Italian bread soaked in cream for a denser, moister texture.

“A lady said she’s very picky about her gnocchi. She was glad she chose it,” he says. “They’re perfect little pillows.” While most menu items are Italian classics, you will be rewarded if you try unfamiliar dishes with expert culinary touches like a wedgie, which is a pizza shop specialty Hill discovered while in culinary school in Pittsburgh. Hill got hooked on them and has a steak wedgie ($12) about once a week. To make that one, he stuffs fresh pizza dough with smoked provolone and sliced Italian beef that’s dipped in rosemary au jus and slowly braised. Hill then folds it over and bakes it. When it comes out, Hill brushes it with a house-made garlic oil and finishes it with house seasoning. He adds shredded lettuce, Roma tomatoes, sliced onions and mayo and cuts it into triangles for a refined casual bite. “The flavor profile, Italian seasoning, the tender beef, the melted cheese and the dough,” he says, “it’s heavenly.” 3102 Tuscarawas St. W, Canton, go4burrata.com // KP

Chef Frank Hill has cooked a $62 prime filet mignon and a $46 Bronzino sea bass at fine dining restaurants, but he wanted his high-quality food to reach the masses at affordable prices. So this summer he opened Burrata Italian Kitchen as a car ryout-only spot in Canton with generous portions for mostly under $20. “You’re getting higher-end dining in a box,” says the executive chef and co-owner. “It’s all made in house. We have our own flavor profiles.” Hill, who has Italian heritage, wants the food to evoke the comforting feel of Sunday dinners. He took some inspiration from his mom, who was in catering and who he began cooking beside at 6 years old. Hill tweaked her pasta salad recipe that uses cheese tortellini. His version has Italian meats, cheeses, black olives, giardiniera pickled vegetables and house-made Italian dress ing. The menu has fresh pizzas and pastas with build-your-own options, as well as sandwiches and salads. The distinct taste in items like pizzas and sandwiches partly comes from a top-secret oregano-based house seasoning.

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Winter Blitz Returns to Hall of Fame Village for a Second Season Hall of Fame Village is thrilled to announce Winter Blitz at Hall of Fame Village, returning every weekend from Dec. 8 to Jan. 15 with captivating attractions for all ages. The event highlights the Touchdown Tube Hill, an exciting tubing experience open with or without snow that offers a thrilling 35-foot-high ride through goal posts to the 20-yard line. Don’t miss Winter Wonderland Weekend from Dec. 15 to 17, featuring special guest appearances from Santa and Mrs. Claus, Christmas-themed craft stations, vendors, cookie decorating, lantern making and an exciting scavenger hunt.

Advanced ticket options include general admission and tubing tick ets for $17, spectator admission-only tickets for $6, a Frosty four pack for $80 that includes a 90-minute ride session and campfire hot cocoa vouchers and discounted tickets at $15 each for groups of 10 or more. Private sessions are also available upon request. For tickets and additional details about Winter Blitz, visit hofvillage.com. Hall of Fame Village • 2014 Champions Gateway, Canton

For a cozy adventure, indulge in the Igloo Village Field Experience with a 90-minute heated igloo rental, campfire s’mores and Winter Blitz tubing tickets. Enjoy delectable food and beverages available on-site, as well as hot cocoa and cookies at the Cocoa Hut in the Fan Engagement Zone, with an option for a Winter Blitz souvenir mug.

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photos by Kaitlyn Murray

Good Buzz

Between Melinda Lee’s North Canton backyard and her parents’ Canton property there are six beehives and under half a mil lion honeybees. The Lees Bees beekeeper wears a bee suit and uses smoke to calm the bees while removing frames of honey from the hives and extracting the honey for her skin care and honey products. After reading books and learning about the declining bee population due to pests, mites and the use of pesticides, Lee felt drawn to beekeeping to do her part, begin ning with two hives in 2016. “The process of keeping bees starts with a personal interest and a desire to want to help the bees,” Lee says. She harvests honey, beeswax and propolis, which is a substance bees produce from saliva, tree products and plant saps. Lee creates handmade beeswax candles, lotion bars, sugar scrubs, honey-infused lip gloss and more items that are free of harsh para bens, dyes and phthalates. To hydrate her skin daily without leaving oil behind, she

uses her Refine and Restore face serum ($16.99), which contains essential oils such as sunflower oil, hemp seed oil and tea tree oil. Her honey ($6-$65) is a best-seller because it is a tasty alternative to sugar and naturally prevents allergies. It contains pol len, propolis, vitamins, enzymes and more. Lee also offers other natural healthy rem edies like propolis throat spray. Propolis is used as a natural medicine because it helps soothe sores and decrease swelling. “It’s very healthy for us because it’s antivi ral, antifungal and antibacterial,” Lee says. Shop Lees Bees items online or in local stores such as Best Bibb and Tucker in Hartville to enjoy clean skin care and honey products that help save bees. “I love being a part of the community,” Lee says, “and supporting people with their journey having a natural lifestyle.” Gift This: Spiritual Awakening lotion, $12.99, lees-bees.square.site // KM

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