Akron Life September 2023

EXCLUSIVE !

LEBRON JAMES’ I PROMISE SCHOOL GETS FRESH START

VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 9

SEPTEMBER 2023

ARTISTS TEAM UP TO CRAFT MEANINGFUL WORKS CREATE TOGETHER

NATURAL BEAUTY OUTDOOR ART IN AMISH COUNTRY BRIGHT SIGHT DRAGONFLY

MURAL LANDS AT AKRON ZOO

CRISP SIPS SIX FALL

SEP. 2023 $4.95

BEERS TO TRY

ELISA GARGARELLA & MARISSA MCCLELLAN photo by Talia Hodge

PAGES

SEPTEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 9

Pages start here

On The Cover | 34 Arts | photo by Talia Hodge

[ FEATURES ] !"

EXCLUSIVE: CHANGE LEADER New principal Stephanie Davis steps up to the challenge of leading LeBron James’ I Promise School into a fresh era. #" GROUP PROJECTS Creativity flourishes when we work together. From teaming up for public art that honors history to partnering on innovative pieces, these artists show collaboration leads to inspired and meaningful art.

“Knitting Beyond the Body” installation by Sean Ahlquist

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#% AMISH COUNTRY Art in nature

$% AGENDA [ the essential social digest ]

&! UNTAPPED Fall beers

[ DEPARTMENTS ]

%( FROM THE PUBLISHER School Days and Football Plays

$% AGENDA [ the essential social digest ] $! Entertainment listings + Calendar of events

Special Sections

#% AMISH COUNTRY See art in nature.

%) RADAR [ seen + heard ]

") FOREVER YOUNG Enroll in Medicare with expert tips.

&$ GOOD EATS [ notable food + drink ] &$ Restaurant listings &! Untapped: Fall beers &" Uncorked: Bully Hill Vineyards

%' UPFRONT Helping Hand

&' PARTING SHOT Artist Don Getz

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FOUNDER Don Baker Jr . [ 1940-2018 ]

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

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER Talia Hodge

SALES Bunny Lacey Steve Tyson Ben DiCola sales@bakermediagroup.com CIRCULATION circulation@bakermediagroup.com 330-253-0056, ext. 104

EDITORIAL/PHOTOGRAPHY INTERNS Maggie Harris Kaitlyn Murray

SEPTEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 9 (ISSN No. 74470 57871) akronlife is published monthly by

Baker Media Group, LLC, 1653 Merriman Road, Suite 116, Akron, OH 44313. Copyright 2023© by Baker Media Group, LLC, All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited without written permission. Unsolicited manuscripts will not be returned unless accompanied by an addressed envelope and sufficient postage. Baker Media Group, LLC and akronlife accept no responsibility for unsolicited material. Subscription rates: Continental U.S., One year —$19.95, Two years —$34.95. Call for Alaska, Hawaii or international rates. Single issues available by calling the circulation department or visiting akronlife.com/store . $3.95 each plus $3.50 shipping & handling. Editorial, adver tising and business offices: (330) 253-0056, fax (330) 253-5868.

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FROM THE PUBLISHER

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

School Days and Football Plays

Fall brings memories of going back to school and engaging in fun football rivalries.

Justin Herbert, the quarterback of the Los Angeles Chargers. It’s fascinating how he honed his skills in flag football, transform ing those early lessons into professional prowess; but with me, nothing. Maybe it’s because he is 6-foot-6 and has a cannon for an arm while I have neither of those attri butes. My hometown allegiance was always with the Oregon Ducks. Autzen Stadium, where the Ducks play, was a stone’s throw from my home. I have memories of cheer ing them on during the 1980s. Marital alliances sometimes shift our sport ing allegiances. My wife, a native of the Columbus area, and her family are die-hard Ohio State Buckeyes fans. Over time, her enthusiasm rubbed off on me, and we began cheering for the Buckeyes together. Working together to reach a common goal can be powerful. Check out stories about locals who are collaborating on art projects on pg. 34. Eventually, the Ducks faded into the background as the Buckeyes took center stage in our household. The 2015 national championship was memorable. It saw the Ducks and the Buckeyes go head-to-head. Tensions ran high in our home, but it was all in good spirits. The Buckeyes took that one. But I’ve always believed in enjoying the game rather than agonizing over out comes. Intriguingly, the upcoming 2024 season promises even more excitement, with the Ducks set to join the same divi sion as the Buckeyes — the Big Ten. Next year promises spirited rivalry in the Baker household. I might have to retrieve my old Ducks jersey and layer it atop my Buckeyes one, as rivalry will begin again.

With the arrival of September and the crispness of the morning air, I’m immediately transported back to the anticipation of the back-to school days. Those final moments of summer were invariably marked by a frenzy — a last-minute dash to secure every item on the teacher’s school supply list. I often found myself musing, Where did all those crayons and colored pencils vanish to? It seemed as if I was purchasing hundreds annually, and I’m confi dent I wasn’t the only parent caught in this loop. Such memories often spark laughter between my wife and me. We share a quirky connection — a recurring dream. In it, we are high school students again, wan dering aimlessly through hallways, desper ately searching for our new classes. There’s always that one elusive class that we never attend. The fear of inevitable failure looms large, yet we never muster the courage to attend or drop the subject. It’s amusing how, even several decades since graduating, that dream revisits us, echoing the anxiety of youth. My household is momentarily free from the back-to-school rush — my youngest isn’t school-age yet — so I cherish the respite from that annual chaos. September, however, isn’t just about school. It also kicks off the regular football sea son. Growing up in Oregon, my time as a football player was limited. Our school system only permitted flag football until junior high. By the time tackle football was an option, my interest had waned. Interestingly, I shared this system with

[ 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 Maggie Harris and photo provided by Akron Zoo

seen + heard

Artist Mac Love and Akron Zoo president and CEO Doug Piekarz

Bright Sight A vibrant dragonfly mural has landed at the Akron Zoo. Designed and painted by Mac Love of Art x Love, it’s in the main fountain in the Lehner Family Zoo Gardens. The mural, which took 100 hours to complete, consists of 11 colors and thousands of shapes such as diamonds, hearts, houses, stars, water lilies, waves and fish that create a mosaic appearance. The gardens already have a butterfly maze and a caterpillar center piece, and now the wetland polli nators — a symbol of life, change and new beginnings — are rep resented too. 500 Edgewood Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

Beat Goes On Catch the new Downtown Canton Music Fest with more than a dozen bands and musicians Sept. 7 and 8. Replacing the Canton Blues Fest, the free festival’s lineup includes alt-rock band Ravenwood featuring Canton native and former Eagles percussionist Joe Vitale Sr., acclaimed Rust Belt honky-tonk band the Shootouts and local favorite indie pop-rock band the Scenic Route. Plus, find tribute bands to Tom Petty, Rush, the Temptations and more. There are plenty of tunes to keep you groov ing all day. Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton, facebook.com/ downtowncantonmusicfest

Sip Anywhere Get the taste of local cocktails with top-shelf spirits — in cans. After the owners of Lager & Vine GastroPub & Wine Bar in Hudson began selling their popular cocktails for takeout in 2020, their kids in college created canned North Shore Crafted Cocktails. Find preservative-free options like El Diablo Margatini with agave spirit, fresh lime juice and jalapeno-infused honey, and pomegranate martini with vodka and fresh pomegranate and orange juices and orange wine on shelves at Acme Fresh Market and Lager & Vine. 30 W. Streetsboro St., Hudson, northshorecrafted.com

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UP F RON T

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

Helping Hand

The I Promise School is giving struggling students the chance they need.

To “Waste of taxpayer’s money” and “They need to stop spending money on this failed experiment,” a commenter wrote, “How is education a waste of taxpayer’s money? Education is progress. We need schools. Schools are NEVER a waste. … You are just looking at achievement instead of progress.” Some praised Akron Life for not relying on shock value and digging deeper into the school’s wraparound model. “This is the whole story. My students matter in entirety. These children are more than a test score,” an educator commented. The students are just kids and don’t deserve hateful online comments. We must remember that the students come in about two grade levels behind academically because they are chosen from a lottery pool of the lowest 25th percentile of Akron Public Schools students in reading and math. More than two-thirds of the students are from low-income families, and some have faced trauma from violence, homelessness and more. James picked the lowest performers because he was a struggling student who didn’t have a stable place to live and famously missed 82 school days in fourth grade. The school uses social-emotional learning to build trust with students, check on how they’re feeling and fill gaps. “If I trust you I can say, I had a really bad night last night. I haven’t eaten anything, and I’m starving. I can’t focus ,” says Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation, which helps fund and operate the school. “It’s our job to help figure out what’s happening outside of school that might affect their learning in a negative way and fix it.”

Davis was an intervention specialist and prin cipal of the nontraditional Bridges Learning Center, so she is confident and enthusiastic to take on a challenge. “What an opportunity for growth if your kids are coming in not performing at grade level,” she says. You feel that encouragement as you walk the school’s halls and enter classrooms, filled with vivid murals and graphics that say “Believe,” “Dream Big” and “We Are Family.” The school takes students who have been counted out and treats them like they are worthy. It needs time for that kind of transformation. The students are not just learning. Some of them are getting food from the food pantry, their parents have found jobs at House Three Thirty and their families have found housing at the I Promise Village or I Promise Housing. It’s more than a school. It’s a way to change lives. Why not give kids and families in need a better chance at thriving? I’m a parent, and when your child struggles, you don’t give up and walk away — you help them try again. Davis is here for as many tries as it takes to get students caught up. When students get full support, she has seen them flourish. “I don’t ever want a child to think that they have failed,” she says. “I have seen firsthand the impact of not only telling a child that I love them unconditionally but continuing to show up for them every day unconditionally because that’s what they deserve.”

photo by Maggie Harris

“LeBron’s School Flop Proves Money Can’t Buy Student Success.” “Why LeBron James’s I Promise School Has Failed to Live Up to Its Potential.” We’ve all seen the harsh headlines that sent shock waves throughout the country after an Akron Board of Education meeting revealed not a single I Promise School eighth grader passed the Ohio math test in the last three years. With an exclusive interview with new I Promise School principal Stephanie Davis, we strived to tell the full story behind the headlines on pg. 24 and show why Davis may very well be the right leader to bring change. Plus, we compare the numbers to districtwide data that reveals other Akron Public Schools students are struggling too and show encour aging I Promise School student growth data that demonstrates progress. The story went online after school started July 31, and the comments started coming in. It was heartening to see readers respectfully counter negative comments. To “I Promise to give your children nothing,” one commenter responded, “Give them a chance!”

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

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AGENDA

SEPTEMBER 2023 | VOLUME 21 | ISSUE 9

Agenda the essential social digest

photo provided by Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens

9/13, 10/19 & 11/16 Twilight Walks pg. 19

Explore Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens during the evening, while discussing educational topics with sta ! members. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. September & October 8-9 p.m. & November 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free members, $13 nonmembers. stanhywet.org

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AGENDA

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

Through 9/30 “Brick Flicks” Check out this Lego exhibit, featuring Lego scenes from beloved movies and the work by winners of a Lego contest. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton. 6-8 p.m. $5-$15. mckinleymuseum.org Through 9/30 “World of Wonders: Weird Science Laboratory” This exhibit with work by pop funk sculptor Clayton Bailey is open to the public on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays. Polsky Building, 225 S. Main St., Akron. 4-8 p.m. curatedstorefront.org Through 10/7 Roller Skating on the Plaza Listen to music as you skate on select dates. Cascade Plaza, 1 Cascade Plaza, Akron. 5-8 p.m. $2 rental skates. downtownakron.com Through 10/15 “Ten Point Perspective” Browse pieces by the Artists of Group Ten. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

Through 9/17 “Hilary Gent: Waters of Motherhood” View latex paintings inspired by natural landscapes. Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. Tuesday-Saturday 9:30 a.m.-5 p.m. &

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

Sunday 2-5 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org

THROUGH 9/4 STARK COUNTY FAIR Enjoy rides, live music, demolition derbies and more. Stark County Fairgrounds, 305 Wertz Ave. NW, Canton. Tuesday-Sunday 8 a.m.-10:30 p.m. & Monday 8 a.m.-7 p.m. $8. starkcountyfair.com Through 9/16 Summer Exhibitions Take in exhibitions such as Patricia Zinsmeister Parker’s “I Did It My Way,” Joseph T. Dick’s “The Art of a Lifetime,” Debra DeGregorio’s “Disorganized Attachment,” Susan Yingling’s “Place,” as well as “The Art of Rex Mitchell,” “Human: Nature” and “Social Justice.” Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. Friday noon-7 p.m. & Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. summitartspace.org

Through 9/21 Workout on the Plaza Get active during outdoor workout classes like yoga, kickboxing, line dancing, Zumba, Pilates, boot camp and more. Cascade Plaza, Akron. Days and times vary. Free. downtownakron.com Through 9/29 “Holocaust Heroes: Fierce Females Tapestries and Sculpture by Linda Stein” See pieces like sculptures and tapestries depicting women who risked their lives during the Holocaust. Kent State University, Center for Visual Arts, CVA Gallery, 325 Terrace Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Thursday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. & Friday 10 a.m.-2 p.m. kent.edu/ artscollege

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AGENDA

Through 10/31 “Connections: Love & The Ties That Bind” During any tour of the Manor House, check out this exhibit about the Seiberling family, the marriages of F.A. and Gertrude’s six children and the connections they made. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Tuesday Sunday 10 a.m.-6 p.m. stanhywet.org Through 12/17 “Posing Beauty in African American Culture” View over 100 photographs spanning the 20th and 21st centuries and focusing on African and African American beauty. Kent State University Museum, 515 Hilltop Drive, Kent. Tuesday-Saturday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. & Sunday noon-4 p.m. Free, students, sta ! and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum Through 1/7/2024 “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 4/27/2024 “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 9/1-11/30 Fall Hiking Spree Hike Summit Metro Parks trails ranging from easy to challenging during the 60th annual spree. Locations vary. summitmetroparks.org 9/1-9/3 Akron Pizza Festival Sample slices from local pizza parlors, enjoy live music, play cornhole and more. Lock 3, 200 S. Main St., Akron. Friday 11 a.m.-2 p.m. and 5-10 p.m., Saturday noon-10 p.m. & Sunday noon-6 p.m. Free-$5. akronpizzafest.com 9/1-9/3 Akron RubberDucks vs. Bowie Baysox Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team a ! iliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Times and prices vary. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. akronrubberducks.com 9/1, 9/15, 9/22 & 9/29 Films with Fireflies Summit Metro Parks hosts outdoor movie screenings of “Annie,” “Horton Hears a Who,” “The Princess Bride” and “Epic.” Locations vary. 8-10:30 p.m. or 7:30-10 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/1, 9/8, 9/15, 9/22 & 9/29 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 9/2 Peninsula Flea Browse handmade and vintage items from artists and collectors at this flea market. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. heritagefarms.com 9/2, 9/9 & 9/16 Winery Pairings Tour Explore Gervasi Vineyard’s winemaking facility, then enjoy four wine tastings and four chef-selected bites. Gervasi Vineyard, the Crush House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 1 p.m. or 3 p.m. $29. gervasivineyard.com 9/2, 9/11, 9/23, 9/25 & 9/30 Down to Earth Yoga Focus on relaxation and strength during this session on select dates. Sippo Lake Park, 5712 12th St. NW, Canton. 10 a.m. or 6:30 p.m. $8. starkparks.com

illustration by Zoe Neely

ARTS IN THE 330 GUIDE

GROWING IMAGINATIONS Sept.: Tuscany on Tusc Oct.: “The Miraculous Journey of Edward Tulane” Dec.: “ Paddington Saves Christmas” Feb.: “ Twelve Angry Jurors” May: “Judy Moody & Stink: The Mad, Mad, Mad, Mad Treasure Hunt” On Tour: “ Aesop’s Fables,” “Mother Goose” and KidScripts Magical Theatre Company

Magical Theatre Company !"! W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton ##$%&'&%#($& magicaltheatre.org

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AGENDA

9/3, 9/10, 9/17 & 9/24 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 9/4 Try It: Kayaking Beginners are welcome to try paddling out on the water in a relaxed and educational atmosphere. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/5 & 9/12 Pilates in the Pavilion Center yourself during this outdoor session led by Yoga Strong. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7 p.m. gervasivineyard. com 9/7 Hard Day’s Night Jam to this Beatles tribute band. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8-9:30 p.m. $19-$29. gervasivineyard.com 9/7 & 9/8 Downtown Canton Music Fest Listen to the Shootouts, Wintrip, the Scenic Route, Ravenwood and more. Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton. Thursday 3:30 10:30 p.m. & Friday noon-10:30 p.m. Free. facebook.com/ downtowncantonmusicfest 9/8 & 9/13 Kinderealm: Indigenous Peoples Children 3 to 6 and an adult can learn about indigenous culture, influences and more. F.A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/9 Bob Meister Special Needs Fishing Derby Individuals with special needs can fish and win prizes at this event hosted by Stark Parks and the Berkley Fishing Team. Sippo Lake Park East, 5300 Tyner St., Canton. 8 a.m.-noon. starkparks.com 9/9 Eliot Lewis with Marc Lee Shannon Watch multi instrumentalist Eliot Lewis, who has toured the world as a member of the Hall & Oates band, perform. Marc Lee Shannon opens the show. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com 9/9 Hope. Healing. Poetry. Hear poets from Stewart’s Caring Place’s poetry group. Akron Civic Theatre, Wild Oscar’s, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $10. akroncivic.com 9/9 SHADES OF YELLOW Learn about the yellow flowers that grow in meadows and fields in Ohio. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 1-3 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/9 Starry, Starry Nights at Letha House Use the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association’s telescopes to get a close-up view of planets and the moon. Letha House Lodge West, 5800 Richman Road, Spencer. 9-11 p.m. Free. medinacountyparks. com 9/10 Molto Bella Auto Show See 300 exotic, classic and rare cars. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. $16 members, $19 nonmembers. stanhywet.org 9/10 Music at the Lodge Relax with some live music by Steve Madewell. The Lodge at Allardale, 141 Remsen Road, Medina. 2-3 p.m. Free. medinacountyparks.com

Voted best retail therapy in the 19th annual Zenith Awards from the Akron/Summit Convention & Visitors Bureau, Zeber-Martell Gallery and Clay Studio is an urban gallery filled with original finely crafted vases, lighting, wall art, artisan jewelry and gifts by local, regional and national artists. It’s in Akron’s Northside District. See Zeber-Martell’s ceramic artwork at Ohio Mart Oct. 5-8 at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Zeber-Martell Gallery and Clay Studio

Zeber-Martell Gallery and Clay Studio 43 Furnace St., Akron 330-253-3808 zeber-martell.com

Named for the ancient god of music and the sun, Grammy Award-winning ensemble Apollo’s Fire has won international praise for its “dazzling” and “incandescent” performances ( The Sunday Times, London). Founded by harpsichordist and conductor Jeannette Sorrell, the period band brings to life music of the past for audiences of today with passion. Apollo’s Fire’s 29th season in Akron includes Handel’s celebrated Water Music, stunning works by Bach and Vivaldi, lively music from Spain and Ireland, and more! Apollo’s Fire

Tickets & Info: info@apollosfire.org

216-320-0012 800-314-2535 apollosfire.org

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AGENDA

photo provided by Stark Parks

9/10 QUICK START KAYAK This event is open to both new and experienced paddlers. Walborn Reservoir Marina, 11324 Prince St. NE, Alliance. 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. starkparks.com

9/10 Woodland Mushrooms Join a naturalist on a walk to learn about the ecology and variety of mushrooms. Liberty Park, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg. 1-3 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/12 Music in the Park Enjoy a performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble while out in nature. Cascade Valley Metro Park, Valley View Area, 1212 Cuyahoga St., Akron. 7-8 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

9/10 Sunrise Kayak Paddle Watch the sun rise while enjoying a hot cup of co ! ee and a relaxing early-morning paddle. Walborn Reservoir Marina, 11324 Prince St. NE, Alliance. 6:30-8:30 a.m. $10-$15. starkparks.com 9/10 Try It: Stand-up Paddleboarding Those 13 and older can get a workout while trying this quickly growing water sport. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. summitmetroparks.org

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AGENDA

9/22 TUSCANY ON TUSC Head to this exciting street festival on Tuscarawas Avenue that has Italian food, music, arts activities and more. Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. 6-9 p.m. Free. magicaltheatre.org

Summit Artspace

Summit Artspace is home to artist studios, creative businesses and five galleries with new exhibitions four times each year. We provide public programs to engage the community with local artists. Our hours are Fridays noon to 7 p.m. and Saturdays 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. For info about our resident artists, exhibitions, Artist Care programming, Akron ArtWalk and more, follow us on social media and visit summitartspace.org..

Summit Artspace )'$ E. Market St., Akron ##$%#("%&'&$ summitartspace.org

9/12 & 9/26 Yoga in the Pavilion Relax during this outdoor session led by Yoga Strong. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 6-7 p.m. gervasivineyard.com 9/12-9/17 Akron RubberDucks vs. Altoona Curve Cheer on the Akron RubberDucks, our minor league baseball team a ! iliate of the Cleveland Guardians. Times and prices vary. Canal Park, 300 S. Main St., Akron. akronrubberducks.com 9/13 Hooks & Books Discuss what you’ve been reading while you sew or knit. White Rabbit Galleries, 571 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton. 6 p.m. Free. barbertonlibrary.org 9/13 Try It: Archery Experience the sport of archery at this program open to both beginning and experienced archers ages 9 and over. Hampton Hills, Archery Range, 1940 W. Steels Corner Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 4:30, 5:30 & 6:30 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/13 WOMAN OF THE YEAR AWARDS LUNCHEON Celebrate the Women’s History Project’s award winners at a ceremony and listen as Maureen O’Connor, a retired Ohio Supreme Court justice, speaks. St. George Fellowship Centre, 3204 Ridgewood Road, Fairlawn. Noon-1:30 p.m. $40- $800. summithistory.org

GroundWorks DanceTheater’s 25th anniversary season continues with a program of world premiere dance works by FLOCK (Alice Klock & Florian Lochner, former dancers with Hubbard Street Dance Chicago) and GroundWorks’ artist-in-residence Antonio Brown. Plus, the company performs a revival of founding artistic director David Shimotakahara’s acclaimed 2007 duet “Sweet.” GroundWorks DanceTheater

Nov. 3 & 4, 7:30 p.m. Tickets $10-$25 Knight Stage 182 S. Main St., Akron groundworksdance.org/fall2023

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AGENDA

photo provided by Magical Theatre Company

9/13, 10/19 & 11/16 Twilight Walks Explore Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens during the evening, while discussing educational topics with sta ! members. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. September & October 8-9 p.m. & November 7:30-8:30 p.m. Free members, $13 nonmembers. stanhywet.org 9/14 Author Talk: Carl Sferrazza Anthony Historian Carl Sferrazza Anthony, author of “Camera Girl,” discusses his book, signs copies and gives a talk about Jackie Kennedy Onassis. First Ladies National Historic Site, 205 Market Ave. S, Canton. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $30-$60. firstladies. org 9/14 ASO Birthday Party Celebrate 70 years of the Akron Symphony Orchestra with games, food, prizes and more. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 5-7 p.m. Free. akronsymphony.org 9/16 Akron Independent Horror Short Film Festival Watch 20 films made by artists who currently live or have lived in Ohio, join a Q&A with local film experts, listen to live music and more. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 6 p.m. $15. akroncivic.com

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AGENDA

9/16 Concert Movie Experience: “Bohemian Rhapsody” See this film about the British rock band Queen, and enjoy immersive theatrical lighting during the concert scenes. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $10. cantonpalacetheatre.org 9/16 Gossip, Scandals & Delicious Details of Jackie O Monte Durham from TLC’s “Say Yes to the Dress Atlanta” discusses Jackie Kennedy Onassis’ life in celebration of what would have been the Kennedys’ 70th wedding anniversary. Enjoy appetizers and drinks. First Ladies National Historic Site, 205 Market Ave. S, Canton. 6:30-8:30 p.m. $50. firstladies. org 9/16-11/12 “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 9/17 Rachel Sings Dolly Rachel Brown, known as Northeast Ohio’s “Honky Tonk Queen” plays both original tunes and tributes to Dolly Parton, Patsy Cline and Linda Ronstadt. Akron Civic Theatre, Knight Stage, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 3:30 p.m. $20. akroncivic.com 9/19-9/21 Wildlife Rehabilitation Camp Those 16 to 18 can gain hands-on training related to wildlife rehabilitation. Sippo Lake Park West, 800 Genoa Ave., Massillon. 6-8 p.m. $20-$25. starkparks. com 9/21 Akron Roundtable: David Pelleg Listen to this presentation titled “The Crypto Conundrum: Breaking Down Bitcoin Basics” by David Pelleg from the department of finance at Kent State University. Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway St., Akron. Noon. $25. akronroundtable.org 9/21 An Evening with Frank & Dean Take in the greatest hits of the Rat Pack while enjoying a cannoli trio and a glass of wine. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8-9:30 p.m. $39-$49. gervasivineyard.com

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AGENDA

9/21 Life with the A ! erlife: True Tales of the Paranormal with Ghost Hunter Amy Bruni Hear tales of some of America’s most haunted locations from Amy Bruni, who is a paranormal investigator, author, podcaster and star of “Kindred Spirits” and “Ghost Hunters.” Goodyear Theater, 1201 E. Market St., Akron. 7:30 p.m. $25-$49. goodyeartheater.com 9/21 Red Carpet Spectacular Dress as your favorite movie character for a costume contest, enter a ra ! le, enjoy classic movie snacks and test your movie knowledge at this McKinley Presidential Library & Museum fundraiser. McKinley Presidential Library & Museum, 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton, 6-8 p.m. $40 members, $45 nonmembers. mckinleymuseum.org 9/22 Amy Grant Hear this gospel and pop performer. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 7:30 p.m. $40-$125. cantonpalacetheatre.org 9/23 Canal Stroll: New Portage Step back in time to experience an 1850s canal town during this walk. Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail, Barberton Trailhead, 5 Fairview Ave., Barberton. Noon-1 p.m. summitmetroparks.org 9/23 Zips Marching Band Invitational Watch as marching bands from across Ohio perform their hal " ime shows and compete. The University of Akron, InfoCision Stadium, 375 E. Exchange St., Akron. $8. uakron.edu/music 9/23 720 Market Browse goods from over 100 makers, bakers, brewers and more. St. Paul’s Catholic Church, 141 N. Main St., North Canton. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. eventsby720.com 9/23-10/22 Pumpkin Pandemonium Embark on a challenging scavenger hunt, get lost in the Harvest Maze and take a hayride around Heritage Farms. Plus, shop for pumpkins and gourds of all kinds. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula. Monday Thursday 2-6 p.m., Friday-Sunday 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Kids 2 and under free, all access $13-$17. heritagefarms.com 9/24 Fall Harvest Pavilion Dinner Taste a five-course gourmet meal with wine pairings as you listen to live music outdoors. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. Noon. $140. gervasivineyard.com

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AGENDA

9/24 VINTAGE BASE BALL Cheer on the Akron Black Stockings during a game of vintage “base ball.” Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. Noon-4 p.m. stanhywet. org 9/24 Yoga on the West Terrace Relax with a yoga class then take a stroll through the gardens. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron. 10:30-11:30 a.m. $12 members, $16 nonmembers. stanhywet.org 9/26 Brown Bag Lunch: Jamie Capuzza Listen to this presentation titled “Ohio’s Fight for Women’s Right to Vote.” Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon. 12:10-12:50 p.m. Free. massillonmuseum.org 9/28 Encanto: The Sing-Along Film Concert Watch the full “Encanto” film, hear a live band play the Grammy Award winning songs and sing along. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron. 6 p.m. $28-$143. akroncivic.com 9/28 SYMPHONY UNCORKED A Canton Symphony Orchestra French horn duo plays in the open air. Gervasi Vineyard, the Pavilion, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton. 8 p.m. $20. gervasivineyard.com 9/29 Fall Fundraiser & Casino Night Enjoy dinner, a DJ, a costume contest and more to support Zane’s Inc. and its mission to provide resources for children and adults with special needs. Tangier Restaurant & Cabaret, 507 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Fairlawn. 6-10:30 p.m. $100. zanesinc.org 9/29 Hub New Music Listen to this ensemble play works by Angélica Negrón, Kati Agócs, Jessica Meyer, and Julius Eastman during The University of Akron’s Kulas Concert Series. uakron. edu/music 9/29 & 9/30 Kristin Chenoweth Emmy and Tony-award-winning actress and singer Kristin Chenoweth performs. She is known for playing Glinda the Good Witch in “Wicked” and appearances on shows like “Glee” and “The West Wing.” A red carpet gala for E.J. Thomas Hall’s 50th anniversary kicks o ! the event at 5 p.m. E.J. Thomas Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron. 8 p.m. $56-$174. uakron.edu/ej

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AGENDA

9/29-8/1/2024 “KNITTING BEYOND THE BODY” View 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 ! and all on Sundays, otherwise $6 general public. kent.edu/museum 9/30 Canton Latino Fest Take in live music, cultural dances, Latin food trucks and more during this event celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month. Centennial Plaza, 330 Court Ave. NW, Canton. Noon-10 p.m. Free. facebook.com/ cantonlatinofest 9/30 Ranger for a Day Children can try on ballistic vests, climb in rangers’ vehicles, race in an obstacle course, watch a K-9 dog in action, earn a ranger badge and more. Sippo Lake Park North, 5712 12th St. NW, Canton. 1-4 p.m. starkparks.com 9/30 WORLD’S LARGEST GHOST HUNT Team Spectre hosts this investigation open to people with any level of experience. Bring flashlights, cameras, audio recorders and any other ghost hunting gear. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. N, Canton. 3:30-7:30 p.m. or 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. $30-$40. cantonpalacetheatre.org 9/30-11/12 “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

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by Kelly Petryszyn and photos by Maggie Harris

Change Leader New principal Stephanie Davis steps up to the challenge of leading LeBron James’ I Promise School into a fresh era.

Akron Life

Exclusive

Stephanie Davis, photo provided by LeBron James Family Foundation

“I super-duper love the tie-dyed Crocs,” says Davis, sporting thick framed brown glasses, chandelier earrings and a gray “We Are Family” T-shirt. She keeps the conversation going. Where did you go last year? Tell me something fun you did this summer. Any brothers or sisters? For the latter, the girl says she has a big and little brother. “Same-sies!” Davis exclaims and hands the girl directions she wrote on pink notebook paper, asking her to de liver it to her parents, who wait across the lobby.

It was Davis’ first official week at the I Promise School that many students enter about two grade levels behind academically. Akron native NBA superstar LeBron James, Akron Public Schools and the LeBron James Family Foundation started the unprecedented now full-capacity third-to-eighth-grade school as an extension of the I Promise student program to raise graduation rates. APS students are chosen for the school through a lottery pool of those in the lowest 25th percentile for reading and math, according to APS. About 70 percent of I Promise School students receive assistance from the Department of Job and Family

Stephanie Davis gets down to eye level. While the new I Promise School principal pulls up directions to the July 13 Meet the Principal event at House Three Thirty for an incoming student and her family, she sits down on a bench in the school’s lobby to get to know the student. She smiles and compliments the student’s pale yellow flouncy dress and rainbow Crocs.

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Services, according to APS. Many stu dents were told they wouldn’t make it, but Davis believes they have potential. “I don’t see any kind of deficits,” says the Akron native and Hudson resident. “When I look at a kid, I see lots of opportunities to increase the likelihood they’re going to be successful.” Her work is cut out for her. Before the first day of school July 31, an Akron Board of Education meeting July 24 re vealed low I Promise School test scores that sounded an alarm nationwide. The state labeled the school as an Additional Targeted Support and Improvement school because Black students and students with disabilities tested in the lowest 5 percent in the state, accord ing to APS. About 60 percent of its 555 students are Black and 28 percent have

disabilities, including half of sixth grad ers. But Davis isn’t backing down. She is ready to step in to help students. “We will do whatever it takes academi cally, socially, emotionally, behavior ally to guarantee their success,” she says. “We are a family. We value every child.” The path to success is a tough one. The I Promise School opened in July 2018, and Davis is its third full-time principal. The school started strong. In its first year, 90 percent of third and fourth graders met or exceeded their expected

growth goals in math and reading on fall-to-winter MAP tests, outpacing many other APS schools, according to APS. Then the pandemic hit, and the school was remote for parts of two school years. During the 2021-2022 school year, the school’s founding principal resigned in a tumul tuous exit, and two interim principals followed along with a full-time one who left in late May 2023. Over the last two years, 17 teachers have left, according to APS.

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“We’ve had a change in leadership, and you have interim principals come in. You have COVID, and then you send home children that are used to getting hugs every day and learning together as a family,” says Michele Campbell, executive director of the LeBron James Family Foundation. “It was like a perfect storm for us.” The I Promise School has seen some post pandemic recovery. On the state math test, fifth graders rose from 11.5 percent to 23 percent proficient by 2022-2023. But other scores plummeted. Eighth graders started at 17 percent proficient on the Ohio math test their first year, but over the past three years, not a single one passed. It’s difficult news, but other eighth graders in the bottom 25th percentile districtwide are not far off. Only 5 percent of those students scored proficient in math, according to APS. Yet progress has been made, as 42 percent of I Promise School eighth graders met typical growth goals in math, according to APS iReady data. I Promise School gets more than $1.4 million annually from the LeBron James Family Foundation for extra teachers, tu tors and other supports in addition to the same government funding as other public schools, and at the July 24 meeting, the Akron Board of Education president posed the point that those extra resources haven’t led to better results. “We know the gap widened as kids age up. It’s a battle we fight everywhere. We know that math nationally took a dip over the pandemic, especially in urban settings,” says Keith Liechty-Clifford, director of school improvement for APS. “We’ve said a long time, It’s gonna take a while to hit those achievement marks . If we hit growth marks, and we continue to close the gap, we’ll see that achievement go up.” Davis understands pulling together the lowest performers means that achievement scores will take time to rise, so she is focus ing on growth. In English language arts, 54 percent of all I Promise School students met typical growth goals and 27 percent met stretch growth goals beyond that, and in math, 48 percent of all I Promise School students met typical growth goals and 12 percent met stretch growth goals beyond that, according to APS iReady data. “Growth data points are really encourag ing because they’re showing us that we are filling in gaps the kids have, that they are

growing at a more than expected rate in some cases,” Davis says. The I Promise School needs stable leadership, a fresh start and someone who understands the extra needs of at-risk students — Campbell says Davis is that person. With a bachelor’s degree in education and a master’s degree in special edu cation from the Ohio State Univer sity, Davis has been with APS since 1998. Her tenure includes working as an intervention specialist, teaching and leading most recently as principal of Bridges Learning Center, which serves students with emotional or

behavioral needs. Campbell observed Davis at Bridges and says her strong track record of positively educating the whole child makes her a perfect fit for the I Promise School. “That intervention specialist, that work at Bridges — all that equips her with a greater toolbox and more tools to reach all of our kids,” Campbell says. “I want every child to wake up excited to go to school … because we have a leader creating that culture.” To close gaps, Davis aims to fortify social-emotional learning, create defined intervention systems in the rigorous STEM curriculum that

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saw him was nothing I’d ever seen be fore,” she says. “I felt it to my core: This is what I’m meant to do.” While she was principal at the nontradi tional Bridges school, she saw 10 percent of students each year reintegrate back to their home schools — which aren’t as rigorous — and compassionate relation ships made the difference. “Becoming a predictable force in their life, that builds a relationship of trust,” she says. “When a child trusts you … they begin to take risks academically, socially and behaviorally.” She saw students begin to implement coping skills and use kind words when things escalated. Bridges added a high school in 2018, and Davis has seen stu dents graduate who might have struggled at a traditional school. “I have seen firsthand the impact of not only telling a child that I love them unconditionally but continuing to show up for them every day,” says Davis, her voice breaking with emotion. “I abso lutely saw students who were marginal ized start to believe they were enough.” Poverty, domestic violence, gun violence, drugs, homelessness and food insecurity — some I Promise School students and their families have experienced trauma, says Victoria McGee, senior director of the school’s Family Resource Center. During the pandemic, needs skyrocketed. There have been higher levels of food insecurity and housing, addiction and mental health challenges, she adds. All that impacts students’ abilities to learn. “You’re worried about where you’re going to lay your head or are you going to have food at night — trauma brain works differently,” McGee says. “If you don’t have the correct resources, that student will likely have a slower process

remediate missing skills and build more wraparound services and sup port for positive behavior. The challenges don’t daunt Davis because overcoming obstacles is her background. “One of the gifts of being an in tervention specialist is the ability to see the child in front of you. … Intervention specialists come from a place of breaking down barriers to make instruction accessible,” Davis says. “I love that the mission of the school is identical to the mission in my heart.”

At just 8 years old, Davis saw her future. The King Elementary School third grader took a field trip to Weaver School and Workshop for students with disabilities. A special education teacher interact ing with a student using a wheelchair caught her attention. “The way she approached the child in a way that was not condescending and looking at him like she really

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if you didn’t. If that happens again, I want you to find the same adult and say, It’s still going on. If you feel like your message isn’t being heard, come see Mr. Ziccardi, Mrs. Pestello, Mrs. Parks or me — we’re here.” The serene, blue-painted R&R Room with natural wood, calm ing lights, plants, a chamomile diffuser, a crafting area, a sound-deadening egg chair and more helps teachers and staff ers destress. The new space was developed with a Trauma Responsive Educational Practices consultant as a place teachers and staffers can go to refresh, combat burnout and turnover and get the extra sup port they need. “Akron Public Schools is a microcosm of what’s happening nationwide with people leaving the profession,” Davis says. “I try with all my staff to bring self care and self-regulation to the forefront. … People are seeing that teachers and educators are prone to secondary post traumatic stress, compassion fatigue. [We’re] bringing light to those things and how they can be very real and creating space for working through some of those issues.” Teachers can work closely with students because the I Promise School teacher-to student ratio is smaller, 1 to 20, accord ing to Davis, versus that of the district’s lower grade levels, which is 1 to 24, ac cording to APS. Longer 9 a.m.-to-4 p.m. school days offer teachers dedicated time to work with students in small groups or individually, plus students can do extra curriculars or recently added sports such as step, basketball, soccer, cheerleading and track, and that enrichment helps with behavioral issues. Intensive summer camps help combat summer slide, and Campbell says the foundation is consid ering adding more intentional camps to help kids catch up.

Stephanie Davis

to move the needle closing that achieve ment gap.” “Struggling through a reading passage or not being able to figure out a math problem, sometimes that can be, I’ve had these horrific events happen, and I can’t recoup because my brain is in survival mode ,” Davis adds. Social-emotional learning is the heart of I Promise School, and it helps students with trauma by establishing clear rituals and routines, Davis says. Part of that is reciting the I Promise pledges daily like, I promise to go to school, to do my homework and to finish school. Each day starts with students sitting in an “I Prom ise circle” so they can process their feel ings before learning happens. Through out the day, students identify what zone of regulation they fit into based on their feelings: yellow is worry or frustration, blue is sick or sad, red is angry and green is happy and ready to learn. Teachers discuss how kids can get to green with coping tools such as using a stress ball or talking to a friend. “They learn ways to label their emo tions,” Davis says. “They learn ways to match the size of their reaction with the size of the problem.” It’s about building trusted relationships so students are more likely to open up and teachers can help remove barriers. If a student discloses an issue like abuse or hunger, teachers report it or link the

student to the proper resources. Students and their families can go to the Family Resource Center for help with access to medical care, mental health care, legal aid, Job and Family Services, financial literacy, GED classes, ESL classes, eye care, laundry and a full-time food pantry with food and household goods. It’s been so successful that there are now similar centers in other APS schools. And like other APS schools, there are free break fasts and lunches, and I Promise School students also get bikes and We Are Fam ily clothing, in addition to activities like an annual family reunion at Cedar Point. These extra opportunities help deepen bonds. Being family means teachers and staffers are there when students struggle. At the Meet the Principal event, Davis fields questions from students, guardians and parents about sports and field trips but also tackles some complex ones about bullying. On the playground, I usually get bullied. I would tell the teacher, and I think they would deal with it. The next day I always get bullied again, one student says. Davis looks her in the eyes, clutching a mic and wearing a We Are Family T-shirt. “I don’t want you to feel like that,” she says. “I believe that the teach ers probably did deal with it. Did you say, Hey, dude’s doing it again? It’s OK

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