Akron Today Magazine

Akron Lifestyle and Entertainment

Medina

Cold Weather Activities To Keep Kids Active

You need to get creative when cold weather hits so your kids don’t just sit in front of a device all day long.

One of the hardest things about a four season climate like Akron, Ohio is the changes in season disrupt good habits.  Maybe in the warm months you hike, and in the cold months you binge on Netflix.  Maybe not.  But kids need to have good cold weather habits to stay healthy and be social.  Sure, school has gym for the younger kids but are you providing enough additional activities to keep the colder months active and engaging?

We assembled this list of possible things you can have your kids do during colder months.  Enjoy.

  • Swimming – Many indoor pools have swim teams during the Winter months, including the Kent Seariders.
  • Indoor Tennis – available in many locations such as Stow, Fairlawn, Medina, Hudson, Aurora and Green.
  • Karate – Lots of local martial arts studios.
  • Basketball – This time of year most community centers and YMCA’s are going to have Basketball going on.
  • Dance – year round exercise in every town.
  • Theater – You might not think of this as a physical activity but if it is a musical they will spend hours a week working on dance moves, as well as singing and memorizing lines.  Many community theaters exist around Akron.
  • Indoor Volleyball – popular with adults and older kids.
  • Pickle-ball – Sure there is going to be an older crowd, but they usually love getting younger people in there too.  Pickle-ball is all over the Akron area.
  • Gymnastics – There are many gymnastics centers in the Akron area, including Flytz in Cuyahoga Falls.  They not only have more advanced gymnastics training but also tumbling classes for the younger kids.
  • Yoga and Zumba – Classes kids can participate in are all around.
  • And finally, there is always the option of hooking your laptop to the computer, going on YouTube and finding workout videos the whole family, or a group of friends together after school, can do together.  A great workout and zero cost.

Whatever you decide, now is the time to develop good cold weather habits so you maintain good health and fitness all Winter long.

Does Your Cat Need To See The Vet?

Cats can be great pets.  Less fuss and often fairly hands off.  But how do you know when they need to go to a veterinarian if they are not obviously sick?  We went to a local Medina veterinarian to find out what to look for.  Here is what he had to say.

These are the signs your cat needs to go to the vet:

1. If your cat is experiencing chronic weight loss. (in older cats, could be a sign of kidney disease or thyroid disease)

2. No longer grooming itself.

3. Hiding, sleeping in strange places

4. Not using the litter box

Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary HospitalChanges in a cat's patterns can be cause for alarm. Your cat should be very predictable and you will notice changes in behavior.

Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary Hospital

5. Increased amounts of urine in litter box (occurs with diabetes and kidney disease)

6. Increase in vomiting (most cats vomit occasionally, especially hairballs, but an increase in the pattern could be a sign of a bigger problem)

7. Decreased appetite

8. Drooling, rubbing face (could be a sign of dental disease)

Our cat has done some of these things for years and it is often not a sign to panic.  For example, our cat stopped using the litter box for a bit, we took it to a vet in Kent and it turned out to be because we changed which litter we use.  I learned that cats are very picky about changes and something as small as changing brands can cause this.  We switched back and the problem was solved.

Our cat also has always liked to go up in the basement ceiling when it gets sick of us and wants to get away.  Now that she is older she has stopped, but it was an issue for years but never meant we needed to take her to the vet.  Just her personal space I guess.

The key is being aware of the signs and not hesitating to take your cat to a veterinarian if you notice these kinds of issues arising and worrying you because they are not a one-time thing.

Hidden Signs Your Dog Is Sick

There are obvious times your dog may be sick.  It is vomiting repeatedly.  It is not eating at all.  It is sleeping a lot more.  It is whimpering when you touch them or they get up.  But often times there are more subtle signs your dog needs to be taken to the veterinarian’s office.  Remember they cannot talk to you so you need to keep an eye on them for obvious, and less obvious signs of problems.

We talked to Dr. Steve Hicks of Akron Medina Veterinary Hospital, located in the Medina, Montrose, Fairlwawn area to find out 10 hidden signs your dog may need to go to the veterinarian.

    1. Eating Less – If your dog is eating less than usual for more than a day or two it could be a sign of something more serious.
    2. Eye / Vision Change – If you notice the eyes changing or notice your dog is having trouble finding treats or food, it is time to see a vet.
    3. Change in Exercise – If your dog is not interested in the same level of exercise it is time to go to a vets.
    4. Signs of Aging – Just because a dog is getting older and exhibiting signs of aging does not mean the dog cannot bounce back with some medical care or treatment.  Often people think this is not treatable but at the very least dogs can be made more comfortable.
    5. More Frequent Urination – Dogs that start urinating more could have a kidney problem and should be looked at by a veterinarian to check for kidney disease.
    6. Low Grade Cough – One sign that is often overlooked is a low grade cough.  It does not have to be a loud cough.  Even an infrequent cough can be a sign of heart disease and should be checked out.
    7. Not liking hard food anymore – If your dog seems to no longer like harder food and treats this is often a sign of gum disease.  Poor dental health can lead to losing teeth and other issues and should be treated by a vet.
    8. Slower Movement – If your dog is moving more slowly it could be a sign of arthritis.  There are over the counter and prescribed treatments for this and you should not let your dog suffer when there is a treatment that can relieve the pain.
Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary HospitalDogs can have thyroid problems just like people do. Any weight gain or loss without change in diet should be checked.

Dr. Steve Hicks - Akron Medina Veterinary Hospital

  1. Panting More – A dog that is panting more but otherwise still looks happy might be in pain.  This is one of the ways dogs exhibit pain or stress.
  2. Any Change In Habit – Ultimately, being on the look out for any change in habit is important.  Losing weight could be serious.  Gaining Weight could be serious.  Not responding to sounds like before could be serious.  Changes should always be taken seriously and discussed with a veterinarian.

If you are not sure, you can always give your veterinarian a call and ask about worrying symptoms and see if they think your dog needs to be seen.  Catching a problem early can save you and your dog more serious problems later on.  And saves you the uncertainty and worry when you notice something just not right but at the same time not an obvious sign of distress.

Indoor Tennis in Akron Ohio Area

Tennis is a great sport for any age.  One key to enjoying the game is to win more, and this means sharpening your skills year round.  Serious players know there are indoor courts to play in the Winter months, but a more causal tennis player or someone just starting may not know these indoor tennis courts are available in the Akron area.  We have assembled this list of indoor tennis courts around Akron so that you can play this Winter.

  1. Latuchie Tennis Center – Stow, Ohio – 6 Indoor and 4 outdoor tennis courts and unlimited options.
  2. Towpath Tennis – Akron, Ohio – 10 Indoor and 4 outdoor tennis courts.
  3. Springside Racquet & Fitness Club – Akron, Ohio – 5 Indoor and 6 outdoor tennis courts.
  4. Paramount Tennis Club – Medina, Ohio – 8 Indoor tennis courts.
  5. Western Reserve Racquet & Fitness Club – Hudson, Ohio – 10 Indoor and 5 outdoor tennis courts.

Check out video on YouTube

If you have a junior tennis player that enjoys the sport and wants to compete for a position on a high school team, playing year round is critical.  The junior players that play year round keep advancing their skills and improving, while those that only play in warmer months have to start over each year and do not make as much progress.  That is why the top players on most high school tennis teams in Akron Ohio as well as everywhere else play year round.

Many of these locations have regular times for different skill levels to meet and play.  Early mornings, evening men’s and women’s leagues, junior tennis clinics and regular tournaments all make playing tennis year round easy.

With five places close by to play at, you have no reason to let your game get rusty this Winter.  Give one of these Akron indoor tennis clubs a call and find out what you have been missing.

Akron Area Country Club Now Open To Public

If you live in the greater Akron area, you need to check out Rustic Hills Country Club located in Medina.  This very exclusive golf course and stunning restaurant feels private but is open to everyone.

Country clubs have been adapting to changes in society by changing the way how they operate and Rustic Hills Country Club is a leader in opening up it’s wonderful 9-hole golf course, banquet facilities and Fireside Restaurant & Lounge to the public.  It is the kind of place you can take your family for a country club golf outing and enjoy a family dinner afterward or  meet up with buddies for 9 holes and happy hour from 3:00 PM to 6:00 PM in the lounge.

What makes it a special place to visit for golf and dinner?

The 9-hole course is the perfect course for all golfers including men, women and young golf enthusiasts.  An advantage is that it allows golfers to play a stimulating game without taking up their whole day. If golfers want to play 18 holes they can, with two different sets of tees.

The course is challenging but accessible to all levels.  The second hole is 206 yards and is one of the toughest par 3s in northeast Ohio.  The ninth hole is one of the great finishing holes at 190 yards uphill.  Your round is not over until you sink that last putt.  Click here and call them to set up a tee time.

 

The Fireside Restaurant & Lounge then offers you a posh country club dining experience overlooking the grounds.  Whether you want to dine with your family, a group of friends or have a business lunch, it is the perfect setting to relax and enjoy great food.

What else can you expect from Rustic Hills Country Club?

Rustic Hills offers

  • Weddings, fundraisers and banquets
  • Junior Golf Camp for Children ages 6-16
  • Golf leagues, various tournaments, scrambles, and special events
  • Pool access for members
  • Special events for members and the public, fun for all ages

Anyone can go to a restaurant.  Playing golf and dining in a country club atmosphere is a higher level experience your family and friends will appreciate.  Visit their website, give them a call to book a tee time at 1-877-677-5792 or stop in any time to enjoy the Fireside Restaurant & Lounge.  You will be glad you did.

Northeast Ohio Is Tennis Hotbed

Northeastern Ohio, including the Akron area, is full of good tennis players passionate about the game.  This can be seen by the large number of indoor private tennis clubs around the Akron area in Medina, Cuyahoga Falls, Stow, Hudson, Aurora and Fairlawn.  What is especially noteworthy this year is that many teams from our area have won regionals, districts and now some are playing at the national level.

This does not take into consideration that junior players often start here and move to Florida eventually to improve their craft.

Lauren Davis is a professional tennis player from NE Ohio in the top 100 on the WTA circuit.  She grew up in Mayfield.  Now she travels the world playing tennis,  Not a bad gig.

So while Florida remains the Mecca of tennis in the US, NE Ohio is producing a lot of great players.  We recently went to Miami to get some specialized training, and had a great time.  Part of our time was at the Rick Macci academy and part in a private residence with specialist Brian Gordon.

Sports, and in particular tennis for us, has given vacations a purpose and the opportunity to meet people and have goals beyond laying on the beach or visiting tourist traps.  We still go to the beach, but between tennis matches and training.

Whether you are a junior player, a high school player, a college player or part of the adult team tennis leagues, you can get a lot of value out of the sport if you enjoy it.  There is the fitness aspect which is valuable.  If you are limited in movement, try doubles which is less running.

LaTuchie Tennis CenterIn the greater Stow area there is no better place to play indoor tennis than Latuchie Tennis Center - open year round.

LaTuchie Tennis Center

Then there is the competitive aspect.  Don’t ask my why, but we humans like to compete.  And tennis will give you competition that is fierce like combat.

If you are worried about the fact that Winter makes it hard to play year round, consider joining an indoor club where you can play under a roof and with heat.  Junior memberships can be very affordable and it is a great way to stay active during the colder months.  It is also convenient for rainy days.

Lastly, unless you live in a city where there is a lot of tennis, it is a great sport for kids who want to play on a varsity high school team but do not have one sport they are itching to play.  Tennis in many smaller communities will be easier to make the team as long as the player has some experience.  Often kids show up and try out for the team without any experience, so someone who has played in the summers during the middle school years goes out for the high school team, they have a good chance of being an athlete their freshman year.

 

 

Akron Today Magazine

Akron Today Magazine covers interesting topics for Akron area residents.

This includes Fairlawn, Medina, Cuyahoga Falls, Green, Kent, Barberton, Stow, Hudson, Twinsburg, Wadsworth, Copley, Montrose, Mogadore, Tallmadge, Munroe Falls, Uniontown, Hartville, Doylestown, Aurora, Brimfield, Ravenna, Brunswick, Kenmore, Boston Heights, Highland Square, Brecksville, Hinckley, Bath, Macedonia, Sagamore Hills, Mantua, Rootstown, Randolph, New Franklin, Portage Lakes, Clinton, Peninsula.

Yes, a big list of great communities.  If you are a business or organization that wants to connect with our readers contact us and lets discuss getting you featured in our magazine.

We have both free and paid ways to participate which are beneficial to you and your company.  We look forward to talking to you.

 

 

Akron Symphony Orchestra

Address: 92 N Main St, Akron, OH 44308, United States

Phone: 330-535-8131

Website

If your taste in music is more into the instrumental ensemble of brass, woodwind, string and percussion instruments that make up an orchestra, then you should never miss an opportunity to witness one of the live performances of the Akron Symphony Orchestra the next time you visit Akron.

The Akron Symphony Orchestra started in 1949 when the publisher of Akron Beacon Journal provided Mabel Graham with a $500 initial funding, which she was supposed to raise, to start a professional union orchestra. However, it was only in 1952 when their first season took place after three years of hard work. Since that first season, The Akron Symphony Orchestra has been continuously performing concerts featuring professional and world-class musical talents.

The Akron Symphony Orchestra of today has seen more than 60 years of experience on stage. They have been responsible for showcasing unparalleled musical talent in the Greater Akron area. They have also been recognized multiple times for their versatility on stage and have been very instrumental in exposing Akron to the wonders of music.

The orchestra is under the management of Greater Akron Musical Association. The Akron Symphony Orchestra performs in numerous locations, including E. J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, Silver Lake Country Club, Medina Performing Arts Center and many more. For tickets and inquiries on performance schedules, you may visit their website or give them a call today.