In 1916, Harvey Firestone embarked on creating a neighborhood with tree-lined boulevards curved around a central park to accommodate his growing work force. He saw many families of different income levels living together in diverse styles of homes (See pictures). He saw churches, schools and stores within walking distance. Harvey Firestone donated the land if a school, church, bank, library or any other structure would benefit the neighborhood. Harvey Firestone hired his estate landscape architect, Alling S. DeForest, to design the layout for Firestone Park. Akron officials have pushed the limits of the area beyond its original borders. City publications draw the park as far south as Firestone Country Club, annexed from Coventry Township in 1985. Firestone Park is located in south Akr... 06/11/2009

Carley, my dog and I were walking along Long Lake yesterday and I caught this blue heron waiting for his catch! They are everywhere in the Portage Lakes and every time I see one I am still in awe! This is the big fellow flying away, his wing span must be at least 5 or 6 feet across. I spooked him by taking pictures. They must have incredible hearing. I love to watch them swoop down and gulp down a fish for breakfast! 06/10/2009

  "One man's junk is another man's treasure!"  Is it time to clean out that garage, basement or spare room? Advertise your merchandise for sale, garage sale, real estate or services at www.SummitClassifieds.com for as little as $3.95! With our user friendly posting system you will have your ads posted in just minutes! Hurry, for a limited time, we are offering a 15% discount on all ads. Don't miss out on this deal; enter promo code SCC0609 to receive the discount! Here is what is happening in Akron and Summit County Ohio for the next week, click on the link for additional information about the event.   Arts / Theatre / Music 6/2/2009 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 6/3/2009 Artistry of Leo & Diane Dillon Akron Art Museum 6/3/2009 William Wegman: Fay Ak... 06/02/2009

Everyday I feed my feathered friends and everyday the "quackers" come into my yard to help themselves to the bird feed! This is the little buggers running away after their daily invasion of the bird seed that has been left on the ground under the bird feeder in the tree. In our lake community we have mallards and canadian geese running around like mice and multiplying at rapid pace. The babies are cute but there are so many that it is hard to take a walk around here without stepping in something, if you know what I mean! This is a problem all around the Portage Lakes and I am certain, most any lake community! 05/29/2009

Plenty of fun, arts, music and classes to enjoy in Akron and Summit County, Ohio. Enjoy!    Arts / Theatre / Music 5/26/2009 Spinning w/Cris Welch Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 5/26/2009 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 5/26/2009 Honoring Veterans at Quirk! Cuyahoga Falls Community Chorus 5/26/2009 The Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 5/27/2009 Artistry of Leo & Diane Dillon Akron Art Museum 5/27/2009 Friedlander's Factory Valleys Akron Art Museum 5/27/2009 William Wegman: Fay Akron Art Museum 5/27/2009 CF Community Chorus Performs! Cuyahoga Falls Community Chorus 5/27/2009 Weekly Dance and Lessons Ohio's North Coast Jitterbug Connection 5/28/2009 Friedlander's Factory Valleys Akron Art Museum 5/28/2009 William Wegman... 05/26/2009

Memorial Day is this coming Monday. Please take a moment to remember the U.S. men and women who lost their lives serving our Country. Make some plans for this weekend, here is what is happening in Akron and Summit County for the next week, click on the link for additional information about the event.   Arts / Theatre / Music 5/19/2009 Art in Business 2009 Akron Public Schools 5/19/2009 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 5/19/2009 Rise of Victorian Spiritualism Cuyahoga Falls Library 5/19/2009 The Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 5/20/2009 Art in Business 2009 Akron Public Schools 5/20/2009 Artistry of Leo & Diane Dillon Akron Art Museum 5/20/2009 William Wegman: Fay Akron Art Museum 5/20/2009 Friedlander's Factory Valleys Akron ... 05/20/2009

Wow!!!  I feel like I'm on vacation and here I am at home in Portage Lakes.  The boats are starting to come out.  The outside decks at the Harbor Landing and Hook, Line and Drinkers are overflowing w/ patrons.  Something about eating on the deck by the lake......  Today I took the kids to Biggins Big Dip for ice cream and watched the boats on the speed lane across the street.  People are out walking, biking and just enjoying the 80 degree weather.  If I didn't live here in Portage Lakes, I would be here anyway.  I have buyers who are waiting for their deal to close and they are just so excited to be on the water.  I would be too if I were them.  Looking forward to Memorial Day Weekend here in the wonderful Portage Lakes.    05/20/2009

Looking for something fun to do this summer in the Akron Area?  Downtown Akron is HoPPiN!! Here is the schedule for Lock 3 concerts for the Summer of 2009: WONE's Rock the Lock Friday - May 22 Free Admission The JiMiller Band - A Tribute to the Grateful Dead   Friday - May 29 Free Admission Jonah Koslen's Stage Pass Now - Original Michael Stanley Band Member   Friday - June 5 Free Admission Full Moon Fever - A tribute to Tom Petty & the Heartbreakers   Friday - June 12 Free Admission The Dave Matthews Tribute Band   Friday - June 19 Free Admission SUMMER KICK-OFF Gypsies in the Palace - Jimmy Buffett Tribute Band   Friday - June 26 Free Admission Slowhand, The Original Eric Clapton Tribute   Saturday - June 27 - OLD SCHOOL SOUL Early Start Time 6 p.m. - $5 Admission 6 p.m. - Meditation ... 05/18/2009

Today was a lovely sunny day in Portage Lakes and I would like to share with you the photos I took around the Portage Lakes Drive area. The Portage Lakes Clock Tower is facing East Reservoir in the Portage Lakes State Park system of Ohio. The clock chimes at noon and plays a nice tune. There are bricks in the base of the tower with names of people and business in the area. The Olde Harbor Inn is one of the oldest establisments on the Portage Lakes. It has fine dining and the Lighthouse Lounge on the lakeside. The Olde Harbor Inn lakeside area features a dock over the lake where they will serve you dinner and refreshments. It is a popular meeting place on the "Lakes" in the spring/summer/fall season! Just minutes after I took this photo the dock was packed with diners soaking up the sun ... 05/15/2009

Please enjoy todays beauty on Portage Lakes......... It always gives me  a good start to the day! When you go about your day remember to be kind, gentle and knowing! Find faith in all things nature has so generously given us! Live like it is your last day on earth.............. There is no place like Portage Lakes to find a lifestyle in Ohio!   05/13/2009

Firestone Park dream home! 5bedrooms, 3 full baths, 2 kitchens, finished basement, 3 car garage and more! You'll enjoy this spacious brick Cape Cod located in Firestone Park. Property includes a double lot. Firestone Park is located in south Akron and is part of the rubber industry neighborhoods established in the early years of the Firetone Tire and Rubber Company. Firestone Country Club is located nearby and is also connected with the early years of Akron's Rubber Industry. http://www.JonWHome.com 05/13/2009

Now that the Cav's have made history by sweeping their first two opponents in the playoff series AND by double digits, we have time off to enjoy many other events going on in our town. Enjoy! Arts / Theatre / Music 5/12/2009 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 5/12/2009 The Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 5/13/2009 Friedlander's Factory Valleys Akron Art Museum 5/13/2009 Artistry of Leo & Diane Dillon Akron Art Museum 5/13/2009 Weekly Dance and Lessons Ohio's North Coast Jitterbug Connection 5/13/2009 Movies With Rex - Star Trek Cuyahoga Falls Library 5/14/2009 "Glass Art" at PAA Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 5/14/2009 Friedlander's Factory Valleys Akron Art Museum 5/14/2009 Artistry of Leo & Diane Dillon Akron Art Muse... 05/12/2009

Leaves are back, flowers are blooming and there is plenty to do in Akron and Summit County, Ohio. Enjoy! Arts / Theatre / Music 5/5/2009 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 5/5/2009 Hausmann Quartet in Concert Akron-Summit County Public Library 5/5/2009 The Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 5/6/2009 Artistry of Leo & Diane Dillon Akron Art Museum 5/6/2009 Friedlander's Factory Valleys Akron Art Museum 5/6/2009 Weekly Dance and Lessons Ohio's North Coast Jitterbug Connection 5/6/2009 Garfield Cluster Concert Akron Public Schools - Garfield Cluster Schools 5/7/2009 Friedlander's Factory Valleys Akron Art Museum 5/7/2009 Artistry of Leo & Diane Dillon Akron Art Museum 5/7/2009 "Glass Art" at PAA Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academ... 05/05/2009

Good Morning Portage Lakes, Ohio! The leaves are appearing on the trees, the sun is out and it is time to come to the "lakes" to boat, swim, fish and sail! Oh and don't forget all the wonderful restaurants and bars on the lake that you can drive your boat up to and dine in the sun and fun on the "lakes". We come out of hibernation and meet and greet our neighbors at the Harbor Inn, Hook Line and Drinkers, Deitz's, Howie's on the Lake, Dusty's, and Dano's. Come to the "lakes" and stay for a lifestyle! We are the friendliest people you will meet in any tiny sleepy community!    04/30/2009

Michael Hoffman | Ohio Real Estate Auctions | 614.314.0298 667 Clearview Ave, Akron, OH Bank Owned Auction of Real Estate Regardless of Price @ Absolute Auction on Thursday, April 23rd @ 6:30PM on Site 3BR/1BA Single Family House offered at $1 Year Built 1927 Sq Footage 1,248 Bedrooms 3 Bathrooms 1 full, 0 partial Floors 2 Parking Unspecified Lot Size 4,356 sqft HOA/Maint $0 per month DESCRIPTION Auction Note: Bank owned property. Bank will not be bidding at the Auction. Property Description: Three bedroom, one bath home. 1-car attached garage. Auction Terms: Property sells at absolute auction to the highest bidder regardless of price. Sold As-Is with no contingencies for inspection, financing or otherwise. Prospective bidders are strongly encouraged to arrange financing and conduct al... 04/10/2009

Many Real Estate Closing Costs ARE negotiable. A proper bid program can save thousands of dollars in both the long and short run. The role of the HBE Mortgage Advisor is: 1. Has a second informational meeting to discuss your OTHER purchase. (We at HBE feel that your mortgage loan is also a purchase, and a very important one at that) 2. Review your financial situation. 3. Help you determine your ability to achieve financing. 4. Helps make clear the tax effects of your home purchase. 5. Determines the affordable home cost. 6. Helps identify your ideal home features. 7. Bids out your mortgage to different lenders. 8. Assists in lender selection. 9. Helps you get pre-qualified. 10. Helps with final mortgage lock. 11. Available to help understand final HUD statement. 12. Annual review of fin... 04/02/2009

What a gorgeous spring day we are having in Akron Ohio! Now is the time to take advantage of all the events we have for a small town and there are so many, get out and enjoy! Arts / Theatre / Music 3/31/2009 Artist's Wanted City of Akron Recreation Bureau 3/31/2009 "Artistic Reflections" Akron Public Schools - Firestone High School 3/31/2009 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 3/31/2009 Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 4/1/2009 "Artistic Reflections" Akron Public Schools - Firestone High School 4/1/2009 Along Water Street: By Aminah Akron Art Museum 4/1/2009 Friedlander's Factory Valleys Akron Art Museum 4/1/2009 Edward Weston: Life Work Akron Art Museum 4/1/2009 Artistry of Leo & Diane Dillon Akron Art Museum 4/1/2009 Weekly Danc... 03/31/2009

Be aware of the costs associated with purchasing a home! Think it's bad to pay tax when you eat out? Wait until you're paying closing costs, which can run 2 to 7 percent of the home's purchase price. A mortgage lender should provide you with a good faith estimate of what costs will be. Keep in mind that it should include such things as origination (points) on a loan, escrow fees, title and homeowners insurance, legal costs, property taxes, fees to record your deed and notary fees. Too many people come out from closing in shock, and they don't have too. Home Buyer Experts (HBE) is a buyers only agency with 100% of it's team working for the Real Estate Buyer. If you are buying a home in the next 6 months and want to learn more about the process from an Exclusive Buyer Agent (EBA). Call Ho... 03/30/2009

March Market Report for the Portage Lakes Lakefront Properties Active listings:42 Active average Days on Market: 173 Active average list price: $401,883 Active lowest price:$60,000 Active highest price: $1,395,000 Pendings sales: 4 Pending average Days on Market: 224 Pending average list price: $298,637 Closed properties in last 6 months: 9 Closed average Days on Market: 81 Closed average list price: $338,843 Closed average sale price: $303,611 Closed average sale price to list price ratio: 89.6% Closed lowest price: $93,000 Closed highest price: $780.000 MY PERSONAL OBSERVATIONS: There are many different prices to choose from for lake living, so anyone can own! The 9 closed properties on the list sold at 89.6% of the list price...buyers getting deals!! The average of 81 days on the ma... 03/27/2009

March is American Red Cross month and the American Red Cross in Summit County  in conjunction with SummitCountyCalendar.com is happy to bring you this Red Cross "Tip of the Week":Copy all documents and important papers. Put them in a zip lock bag and store them somewhere other than in your own home. Make sure your family knows where all information is kept. Update your information a few times a year.Be Red Cross Ready!Here is what's happening this week in Akron and Summit County Ohio, click on the link for additional information about the event.   Arts / Theatre / Music 3/24/2009 Artist's Wanted City of Akron Recreation Bureau 3/24/2009 Spinning w/Cris Welch Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 3/24/2009 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 3/24/2009 Be... 03/24/2009