Akron Today Magazine

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Interesting Facts About Akron

Akron, Ohio is known for putting out some of the greatest professionals we’ve seen today. LeBron James, the king of basketball, was born here and has since remained active in the community. The LeBron James Family Foundation has helped rebuild homes, educate children and will open a school in Akron this summer. It plans to house first through eighth graders by 2022.

Akron also has a history in the Civil Rights Movement. The famous abolitionist John Brown lived in the city and worked in the area as a wool expert until vowing to destroy slavery after the murder of Elijah P. Lovejoy, a journalist, and fellow abolitionist. The John Brown House still stands in Akron today owned by the Summit County Historical Society of Akron, Ohio.

In 1851 Akron hosted the Ohio Women’s Rights Convention, where Sojourner Truth, an escaped slave, delivered the improvised speech “Ain’t I a Woman?” With she spoke on rights for all women, even those of color, and slammed the civil rights movement for not seeking black women’s rights like men’s. A line from this incredible speech is, “If the first woman God ever made was strong enough to turn the world upside down all alone, these women together ought to be able to turn it back, and get it right side up again!”

The National Museum of Psychology calls Akron home and strives to show what it means to be human. The museum features documents, videos and artifacts from history’s leading psychologists, like Freud and Skinner. Thought provoking and full of information, this museum is a must-see for anyone. The material displayed is well explained and features interactive exhibits. The exhibits take you through the beginning of the profession, the science of it and the social changes that have progressed from psychology.

The Akron Zoo is home to one of the rarest big cats in the world, the snow leopard. There are between 3,000 and 7,000 snow leopards left in the wild, but the zoo has been welcoming snow leopard cubs since 2014. In March 2016 the first set of triplets were born at the Akron Zoo and have been winning the hearts of zoo-goers since.

Hilarious “Will There Be Free Appetizers?” Interview with Don Ake

What is different about being a humor writer in Northeast Ohio?

I am a middle-age guy in the Midwest writing about common subjects from my odd perspective.  My essays reflect Midwest values to which people living here can easily relate to.  There is one titled “The Chicago Cubs Suck” about how I felt right after the Indians lost the World Series. All Cleveland sports fans can relate to that one. There is another about having to walk my dog in sub-zero temperatures. While the book is not about Northeast Ohio, most of the stories happen here and there are numerous local references.

Some of your topics appear fairly mundane, how do they become funny?

I have the ability to find the humor in simple, everyday things. Many people compared my first book to the television show Seinfeld.  The first essay in the book is about rice cakes.  It’s like almost 900 words on just rice cakes. But people love that one, because it’s funny and if you have ever failed at a diet, you know how it feels.

How is this book different from your first one, “Just Make Me A Sammich”?

It is smoother and more consistent. My writing style has evolved over time so what you get is a more cohesive read from beginning to end.  I worked closely with my editor to smooth out the rough edges and make this one more digestible to a wider audience.

Why the change?

As my writing has changed, so has my audience.  My blog probably has more female readers than male readers now.  Also, my readers are very diverse.  I can’t believe how many enjoy my writing.  And I have a world wide audience.

How do you write humor that is not always politically correct to a diverse audience in 2018?

I’m not really sure how I do it. It goes back to those Midwest values. I don’t make fun of people for who they are, only what they do. I am writing from the perspective of a middle-age guy, so not everyone is going to get my humor. And that’s okay, lots of people do, and it’s great that a wide range of people find my stuff hilarious.

Where did the title come from?

From a story about a meeting that advertised free appetizers but didn’t have any and how upset I got because of this. Everyone loves free food, so they can relate.  The quest for my desire of free appetizers is a running theme throughout the book.

You have written two, funny, off-beat books. Not an easy process. What motivates you?

I write to make people laugh and brighten their day. Often people will tell me that they had a tough day at work and they come home and read my stuff and feel so much better.  The best compliment I get is from people who tell me they very rarely laugh out loud, but they did when they read my book.

Being funny comes naturally to me. That’s why I can find humor in almost any appropriate subject.  Writing well enough to do a book and the editing process, that’s what is difficult.

How do get readers to literally laugh out loud at your writing?

I don’t tell jokes. I am like an artist who makes you paint funny pictures in your head. While you are painting you can’t see the final product. When you do, you can’t help but laugh.  Because you have painted the picture, you find it funnier. So instead of my humor going from the outside in, lots of times it comes from the inside out.

How do you want someone to feel when they finish your book?

I want them to have a smile on their face and remember all the times they cracked up reading it.

Which essay is your favorite in Will There Be Free Appetizers?

It was easy for me to answer this question for book one, but I can’t choose a favorite in book two. There were numerous times I had to stop while editing because I was laughing out loud at my own writing. There is an essay that tells what my life would be like if every email in my spam folder was legitimate. Like if you really were going to inherit a million dollars from a lost uncle, and a young, beautiful Russian heiress really wanted to marry you.  That one probably cracks me up the most.

There is also the story of meeting my old flame after 40 years at the high school reunion.  This was the most personal and deep writing I have ever done. But it is still funny and very familiar to a lot of people.

Who will enjoy this book the most?

Middle-aged guys will laugh the most.  A lot of guys haven’t read a book in years, but my book is very easy to read because it’s all short essays that you can read one at a time.  It is a great “bathroom” or beach book. As I mentioned before, women enjoy my writing because I’m open and honest about guy stuff.  There is a chapter in the book titled “Guys Do Stupid Stuff” which is very popular with women.  But the book will be entertaining to most people older than 30.

Why should someone read this book?

This world is so stressful and we just don’t laugh enough. You need to find laughter, or some amusement in something every day.  It’s important for your mental physical health. That’s why I do what I do, and the book provides this to a bigger audience. You will relate, you will be amused and you will laugh.

Your day job is working as an economist-analyst in the trucking industry. How does that have anything to do with humor writing?

It is an odd combination, but I can work with numbers as well as words. Seeing the humor in everything just comes naturally to me. There is even a chapter in the first books with funny essays on economics.

Where can I buy your book?

You can get a personalized signed copy for a total price $13.50 (shipping included) at donake.net. It is also available on Amazon and other Internet retailers. There is also a Kindle version.

Find out more about Don Ake at https://www.facebook.com/donakeauthor/ or Twitter @theakeman
 

 

 

Akron Kayaking

Kayaking and canoeing along the Cuyahoga River is a pleasurable experience many people enjoy every spring, summer, and fall in northeast Ohio. The winding, calm river is ideal for families who want to take advantage of the summer months enjoying water activities with their small children.

There are several places around northeast Ohio that allow you to rent a canoe or kayak to enjoy the river and enjoy a fun weekend with your children. These are three of the many businesses for renting a kayak or canoe.

  1. Crooked River Adventures

100 Stow St,

Kent, OH 44240

(330) 541-7467

https://fareharbor.com/crookedriveradventures/

  1. Burning River Adventures

2025 Munroe Falls Avenue

Cuyahoga Falls, OH

(330) 969-2628

http://www.paddletheriver.com/

  1. Killinit Kayaks Inc.

3803 1/2 State Rd,

Akron, OH 44319

(330) 760-3533

https://killinitkayaks.com/

Before you decide to rent a kayak or canoe from one of these businesses, visit their website and check for availability, hours of operation and prices. Some of these businesses accept coupons and are very friendly and accommodating.

If on the other hand you own a kayak or canoe and decide to take it on the river, remember the safety precautions and rules and regulations you have to abide by before entering the waters on the Cuyahoga River.

  1. All kayak, canoes and inflatable boats must be registered in the state of Ohio. The boat registration must be carried onboard, and ID is required if you are visiting from other states where registration is not required
  2. Life jackets in wearable condition and right size are required for each person on the boat, kayak or inflatable boat. If you have children under the age of 10, they MUST wear properly sized life jacket at all times.
  3. No alcohol is permitted while on National parks or rivers
  4. No littering
  5. Children under the age of 12 MUST be supervised by an adult at all times if operating their own kayak, canoe or inflatable boat.

A fun weekend with the family will forge unforgettable memories for your children.  Safety should never be undermined, nor ignore.  A life jacket can save the life of your child. If they complain the life jacket is not comfortable, find another one that will fit them better, but do not relent about them wearing one.

Enjoy your summer.

Estate Planning Pitfalls – 5 Things You Need

“I have a will. I am covered.”

If this seems like something you would say, you probably are not aware that you are not covered for 80% of the life events that you need to be. Yes, a will is important. But you are far more likely to have another kind of issue that a will does not address.

In this article we will walk you through four other documents you need to protect yourself, protect your family and minimize the costs and hassles that can be experienced by your loved ones in the event that you have a medical emergency or become incapacitated.

As you read this, do not feel overwhelmed. There are attorneys who specialize in setting these all up for you and are very experienced in making sure there are no gaps or errors. In the greater Akron area, call Boone Legal at (330) 968-6003 for help with these.

Here is the list of must-haves to protect yourself and your family:

  1. Yes. An actual Will is important for distributing your assets according to your wishes. If you do not have a properly made Will that clearly states where or who your assets should go to, the State of Ohio makes a plan for you, which may or may not comply with your wishes. It is also important to note that even if you have a Will, you will most likely still need to probate the Will when you die, which is an expensive and time consuming process. The only way to avoid probate is through the use of advanced estate planning techniques that are best discussed with an attorney. Call Boone Legal at (330) 968-6003 to discuss these advanced techniques so that your assets pass to your loved in the way that you desire.
  2. A Financial Power of Attorney (also called a Durable Power of Attorney)– This is very likely to be needed in the event that you become unable to make financial transactions for yourself. This gives someone you trust the authority to complete financial transactions on your behalf. This can include renewing car tags, filing taxes, paying bills, etc.
  3. Living Will – This is needed to specify your wishes in situations of medical treatment in which you are no longer able to express informed consent to a doctor. Often referred to as the “pull the plug” document, a Living Wills names an agent to speak on your behalf should you be unable to make life ending decisions for yourself.
  4. Health Care Power of Attorney- Similar to a Living Will, a Health Care Power of Attorney names an agent to give informed consent to medical treatment should you be unable to express consent yourself. A Health Care Power of Attorney grants a broader scope of authority than a Living Will and in Ohio, it is customary to have both a Living Will and a Health Care Power of Attorney in place.
  5. HIPPA Release – This gives someone else authority to access your medical records and find out information regarding your health. Without this, your family may be left in the dark if you are experiencing medical issues.

Many families need an additional document in place called a Trust, which allows for more privacy, flexibility and if properly drafted and funded, can even be used to protect and preserves assets for heirs. Even if you think your means are modest, a trust can help facilitate the transfer of assets and reduce the costs and losses of those assets.

Failure to have any of these can result in considerable loss of money, or time, or both. With a little advanced planning you can make sure no matter what the emergency is, your family can have the resources and access they need to make good decisions on your behalf and minimize the expense and frustration when you pass.

Boone Legal helps Northeast Ohio residents plan for all these things and have greater piece of mind for their own well-being and for their family’s future security. Call (330) 968-6003 or visit https://www.boonelegal.com​ to find out more.

How To Raise a Happy, Healthy Kitten

Having a new kitten is always exciting and can bring joy to any household: Kittens are full of fun energy and will keep you on your toes. After adopting or finding the perfect kitten for you, be sure to have all the necessities before bringing them home.

Before bringing your kitten home, try to proof the house. Any cords or dangerous items should be kept out of reach. If they chew on something plugged in, they could get electrocuted. Also, keep anything breakable away from the edge of a table. As much as they play, kittens crash just as often. An hour of fun can put a kitten to sleep for twice as long so have lots of places around the house where your cat can take a nap. Throw blankets, pillows and even their own pet bed will be cozy enough.

On top of keeping your kitten comfortable, be sure they’re getting everything they need. For the first few months, your kitten will seem to always be growing and it’s important they’re getting all the nutrients that they need. Kittens normally aren’t too picky about what they eat, but they should eat twice a day. Consider a kitten formula and try to switch between wet and dry food. Or, find a natural or organic cat food to try; gluten or grain-free formulas may also do the trick. Those types of foods will keep your kitten hydrated and provide a balanced diet. If you notice your kitten is having diarrhea or vomiting, take a look at the ingredients in their food. Also, remember to always keep a bowl of water out and change it daily.

A healthy kitten is a happy one, and they’ll let you know when they are. Kittens are always ready to play and sometimes don’t think before they act. Don’t get upset when they start biting at your hands or legs, remember that kittens are just being playful. Keep lots of toys around to replace things they shouldn’t be biting for when they start. That will help them learn not to get rough with you.

There’s no need to go out and spend every penny on toys, though; everyday items can be a cat’s best friend. Do you have an old eye mask laying around? Cut the end of one string connected to the mask and you have a new toy for your kitten to chase. A small, bouncy or soft ball serves as another option for kittens to play with and chase. Another DIY option is to cut an old piece of fabric into a square shape that’s about 8 inches long on each side, then find some cotton balls, old plastic bags or tissues and form them into a tight ball in the center of this fabric (if you add some catnip to what’s inside, you will guarantee your kitten’s interest). Tighten the fabric around the ball, until the ends of the fabric are below it, and use a rubber band or string to tighten the fabric around the ball to tie it off.

Kittens will also need clean, safe spaces to do their business. Be sure to clean your kitten’s litter box every day, or every two to three days. It’s important to keep a sanitary space for them so they can be as happy as can be. If you have more than one cat, it’s recommended to give each one their own litter box. Furthermore, once a month or so, take the time to remove all the litter from it and wash out the bin. Just like tidying up the house, its best to keep on top of things before they get too dirty.

Remember that a new pet will be a lot of work but will be rewarded in cuddles. A pet depends on you for their safety, health, and happiness. Be sure you’re prepared to bring an animal into your home and give them the best chance they have for a loving life.

LynAnne Vucovich is a journalist who studied at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She has a passion for culture, community and cats.

Support for People Caring for Aging Parents

Home Care Provides Peace of Mind

Caring for an aging parent is a major source of stress for caregivers. Trying to manage your loved one’s health, and home, while juggling a career and raising your own family, can be overwhelming. Your health, and your relationships with your spouse and other family members, can suffer. But what are your options?

For many in this situation, the solution is home care. At BAYADA Home Health Care, our nurses, aides, and therapists enable people to remain safely in their homes with comfort, independence, and dignity – and provide families with peace of mind.

Why home health care?

The clinicians come directly to your loved one’s home. Patients heal more quickly at home than in the hospital, since they are able to remain in familiar surroundings. And home care can provide you with peace of mind, knowing that all of the details are being handled for you and your loved ones are being cared for where they want to be.

How do I know what home care services are needed?

For seniors who are relatively healthy but need help to remain safely at home, services from a therapist can help your loved one with stairs, bathing or increasing or maintaining independence with daily tasks. Others may require skilled services from a nurse or therapist. Some companies, like BAYADA, provide specialized services to keep those with Alzheimer’s, Parkinson’s, and other illnesses safe in their homes.

How can I know that the caregivers are high quality and trustworthy?

You should consider only those home care providers whose caregivers are employees of the company – not part of a registry. Reputable companies have stringent hiring standards, including checking references, criminal background, and work experience. BAYADA hires only those who provide care with compassion, excellence, and reliability – our core values.

Make sure the provider is accredited.

BAYADA is accredited by the Community Health Accreditation Partner, a leader in home care accreditation.

BAYADA Home health care has been in business for over 40 years, however is new to Ohio with an office located at 2497 State Rd. Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223.

For more information about how BAYADA can help you and your loved ones find peace of mind, call 330-929-5512.

Classic Books for School Aged Children

Before children return to school, many parents are eager to have their children read a book or two before they have to go back and start their homework marathons for the school year.   Many parents suggest books to their children that they remember with fondness, or were forced to read in school and believe to be good.  But, do you know which books to truly check out and encourage them to read?  Do you know the difficulty level your child needs to be able to enjoy the book? If your child is discourage and

The Lexile method to determine a child’s ability to read is commonly used by schools.  But, it can be used by you as effectively to determine your child’s Lexile level.

Whether your child is into science fiction, adventure, mystery or fantasy, there are classic books you can choose from each genre, that will keep him turning the pages till the wee hours of the night.

Now that you have determined your child’s reading level and interests, it is time to look at some of the classic books you can choose from, and that your child will love.

  • The Black Stallion by Walter Farley
  • Shane by Jack Schaefer
  • The Call of the Wild by Jack London
  • The Hound of the Baskervilles by Sir Arthur Conan Doyle
  • The Black Cauldron by Lloyd Alexander
  • A Wrinkle in Time by Madeleine L’Engle
  • The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe
  • Black Beauty by Anna Sewell
  • Little Women by Louisa May Alcott
  • The Secret Garden by Frances Hodgson Burnett

One of the most difficult tasks for parents in gauging the level of interest a child expresses when reading a book.  If the book seems not to interest your child, ask him why.  They can tell you if it’s too difficult or if they are not really “into” them.  They can tell you if it’s boring, or if that is not what they like to read. If your child does not want to continue a book and has stopped reading altogether, offer other alternatives.  A child that reads is better served in the long run, but remember to avoid the books that offer grammatical errors in every sentence trying to be “funny,” those books are not doing your child a service.

This is an extremely small list for you to choose from, considering the amount of classic books we have at our disposal, but it is a list you can start with if you do not know what book to choose for your child’s next reading.

Happy reading!

5 Things To Do With Your Aging Parents

When your parents start getting older and slowing down a bit, you have to change what you do when you want to spend quality time with them.  The best place to start is probably looking at things they have always liked but finding ways to do the same thing while lightening the load and reducing stress.

If your parent always liked going on rugged hikes, for example, finding less challenging paths and going shorter distances may be a welcome change without giving up things they like.  Here is a list of five other things you may be able to do with them, based on past activities modified to scale back on the stress.

  • Shopping – If your parent has always enjoyed shopping, it is easy to take them out and just limit the number of stores, reduce the duration and take more frequent breaks.
  • Cooking – Did one of your parents always cook big meals, make fancy cakes or plan holiday dinners? If they have gotten older, they may want to cut back on some of the work but people who enjoy cooking usually continue to enjoy cooking.  You just have to roll up your sleeves and do more of the work and let them focus on what they enjoy and make sure they are not doing a bunch of the cleanup (no one likes that).
  • Home Repairs- Do you have one of those parents who always was fixing things? Sometimes it is hard for them to let go and hire someone to do the repairs.  However, they may not be as good at fixing things and it might be dangerous for them depending on the job.  In this case, you can have them assist a pro or if it is in your wheelhouse, you can do the repair with them.  Or just limit the repairs to things like painting and not getting on ladders.  Doing a home improvement project with an older parent who has always enjoyed it is a great bonding experience.
  • Parties – If your parents used to have a lot of people over and entertain, you can still help them throw a smaller, simpler party without the stress, headache and large amount of work. Help them plan it, by more things premade and stay at the party with them.  Sure you might end up being the help as they socialize with friends, but it can be a very fun thing for them to do again, if they enjoyed entertaining when they were younger.
  • Travel – One of the most obvious things is travel. Most people still like to travel when they are older, but there is an important difference.  Chances are your parents have slowed down and will not want to do as much walking.  Nor will they want to jam pack the day with sights.  Instead, do less, and at a slower pace and enjoy the fewer things you do at a leisurely stroll.

Older parents are not too old for things, you just have to cut some of the stress and energy required out of the activity.  Get creative, bond with them and help them enjoy their golden years without feeling like they need to give up on all the things they enjoyed for so long.

Metal Roof On Your Akron Home?

Updating a home can be an exciting, but stressful project for any property owner. There’s lots of decisions to be made, like the color of a room or styles of kitchen cabinets. If your biggest concern is an old roof, consider a metal roof when making the final decision.

Metal roofs are known for withstanding years of wear and are lightweight compared to traditional asphalt roofing. They have a typical lifespan of 30-60 years and depending on the type of metal roof you choose, it can require minimal maintenance during that time. Some metal roofs available can have up to a 45-year limited warranty. Metal roofs can withstand 140 mph winds and can have minimal snow accumulation during the winter months as metal panels are patterned to be snow resistant and to have a firm, slippery surface.

Metal roofs reflect sunlight, keeping the inside of your home about 20% cooler. If you’re looking to cut utility costs, consider installing metal roofing with solar panels. Tesla recently released solar panel roofing that looks like typical tiles but has solar cells embedded throughout the material.

Metal roofs are a popular design attribution to any household. Colorful trendy metal roofs will make your home stand out from the neighbors and will give the property a fresh, new look. If your house gets too muggy in the summer, consider painting the roof a lighter shade as this will reflect the heat more effectively. For those who are more daring, a bright red or a deep blue could be the roof for you. Earthy tones like copper are also favored among homeowners. To make your house look more modern, consider a stainless steel finish. Consider the color of your home before choosing a bold look for the roof. Remember you will have the roof for many years before needing to replace it and something too bold and trendy now might not be in style in years to come.

When considering buying a metal roof or replacing the one you have now, ask yourself whether the cost of a metal roof is worth it. Metal roofs can, depending on design, cost you double compared to the traditional asphalt shingles. If this is a starter home and plan to sell in a few years, buying a metal roof might not be a financially responsible decision.

Another important factor to consider when installing a metal roof is the level of noise it will bring into your home. There is no reason why your home cannot be as quiet with a metal roof as with an asphalt roof. Consider insulation, fastening your roof, or a roof underlayment that will help keep the noise to a minimum. Also, consider an impact-resistant material when choosing the type of roof you like.

There are four basic types of metal roofing to choose from when deciding which one is the best alternative for you.

  • Standard seam ​– The most common type, are panels covering the roof and is fastened between the panels.
  • Metal slates​ – A great option for those who love the look of singles or tile roofing, as they are designed similarly.
  • Metal tile​ – An ideal replacement for concrete, metal tiles are easier to handle and aren’t as easy to damage.
  • Metal Shake ​– ​Wood shake roofs are desired by many people because of their rustic appeal, but the metal shake is a great alternative, with an authentic look that has the benefits of a steel roof.

Metal roofing offers plenty of options for the pickiest homeowners and even have room to brand out from the norm. No matter the style of roofing you choose, be sure to hire competent contractors who will help bring your vision to light.

LynAnne Vucovich is a journalist who studied at the E.W. Scripps School of Journalism at Ohio University. She has a passion for culture, community and cats.

Annual Penalty For Non-Action

Every year, in the United States, we have to file and pay federal, state and local taxes, and we have to do them because there is a due date and penalties if we failed to file. Filing taxes are chores that MUST be done every year regardless of whether you want to or have the time to do them.

In a household, there are other chores that we MUST do, but neglect to do because those chores don’t incur penalties nor do they have a due date. One of the many drawbacks to neglecting to do our household chores is the fact that we are losing money. 

Here is a short list of the household expenses you must look at every year and reevaluate to see if everything is as it should be.

  1. Homeowners Insurance – Every year, your insurance company sends you the renewal papers to find out whether anything has changed.  From the coverage of your home to other structures in your property, the coverage you have for the home has to make sense to you. If you have a $1,000 deductible, consider all the $1,000 additional coverage charges your insurance company is charging you every year.  Your deductible comes first to pay for these losses. Why pay for them every single year if at the end you will be paying out of pocket anyway?  You must have home insurance to protect your home, but you have to be vigilant about what your insurance company is charging you. If you need more information or want to find more about home insurance follow this link. https://www.usa.gov/property-insurance
  2. Car Insurance – Nowadays, many insurance companies offer accident forgiveness or accident credits if you haven’t had an accident for the last twelve months. They offer a good student credit if you have teenagers in your policy, and they can offer you great rates if you bundle your home and car insurance.  Give them a call and talk to their agents, they want your business and they will find very competitive rates to lure you over.  Those TV advertisements are not all phony gimmicks, they do want your business, and shopping around for insurance coverage can save you money. For more information about car, homeowners, renters and flood insurance follow this link to this government site. https://www.usa.gov/property-insurance#item-34897
  3. Life Insurance – According to  2017 statistics,  almost half of Americans do not have any life insurance coverage and the other half has only the basic group policy.  If you have children under the age of eighteen living at home and do not have life insurance policy, we recommend to shop around and buy a policy right away. It is very scary to think of the consequences if something bad should happen to you, but it is very irresponsible to leave children financially unprotected.  Many Americans that do not have a life insurance policy believe the price of having one is much more expensive than it is.  With too much information at your disposal, it is easy to shop for insurance and find the best possible rates.  Talk to your partner or spouse and decide what insurance policy makes sense for you and your loved ones.

On top of these, there are other things that go up frequently and you should shop around when they do.  Utilities, mobile phone and television are just some other examples.