As we build up to Christmas and New Year's celebrations, here is a long list of events going on all over town and the County. Enjoy! Arts / Theatre / Music 12/16/2008 Online Art Auction City of Akron Recreation Bureau 12/16/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 12/16/2008 Dreamland: By Neil MacDonald Akron Art Museum 12/16/2008 Heresies: A Retrospective Akron Art Museum 12/16/2008 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 12/16/2008 Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 12/17/2008 Online Art Auction City of Akron Recreation Bureau 12/17/2008 Heresies: A Retrospective Akron Art Museum 12/17/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 12/17/2008 Dreamland: By Neil MacDonald Akron Art Museum 12/17/2008 Creative Jewelry Design at PAA Fine Art Servic... 12/17/2008

Want to save some money???  Have you used ishopsummit yet??  If not, you definitely should check it out.  At the website you will find discounts and coupons for many local summit county businesses.  I frequently visit the website to print coupons for my favorite restaurants.  The best part is there usually isn't a limit to how many times a month you can use the coupon.  My husband and I frequently visit Mariachi Locos and we always print the coupon before going.  We love it! 12/13/2008

The picture made me start remembering the great weather we enjoyed this year in the fall around here. It was exceptionally clear, warm, and mostly dry (not a lot of rain). If you are ever in Akron, be sure to visit Stan Hywet Mansion and grounds. It is spectacular inside and out. There is a lot tot see, including an aviary with hundreds of live butterflies. This is a view as you walk through the vineyard. Lovely garden shaded path that leads to the Quarry, and retention ponds. This estate at one time was entirely self-sufficient from outside sources, growing its own food, cattle, producing its own electricity and water. One of the beautiful butterflies rsting ona a plant leaf. And finally, this is one of the terraces that overlook the Japanes Gardens.   12/09/2008

As we move closer to Christmas, there is plenty to do in Akron and Summit County Ohio to welcome the holidays. Please note, guys, that Heaven Can Wait is wrapping presents for the benefit of their pet rescue organization. They only rescue pets from the County pound that are due to be killed. A wonderful group. Arts / Theatre / Music 12/9/2008 Online Art Auction City of Akron Recreation Bureau 12/9/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 12/9/2008 Dreamland: By Neil MacDonald Akron Art Museum 12/9/2008 Heresies: A Retrospective Akron Art Museum 12/9/2008 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 12/9/2008 Messiah Sing Western Reserve Academy 12/9/2008 Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 12/10/2008 Online Art Auction City of Akron Recreation ... 12/09/2008

Here's what is happening in our city county this week, click on the link for additional information about the event. I know it's cold but we should be used to it after that record setting November, so get out there and have fun. One of the neatest things to do (especially for men) I heard about on the radio last night from Heather Nagel at Heaven Can Wait pet rescue. As you can see below they are at several locations and wrapping gifts that will benefit their animal rescue efforts. I don't know about you, but I never learned to wrap presents very well and I love animals, so I will check them out. Arts / Theatre / Music 12/2/2008 Online Art Auction City of Akron Recreation Bureau 12/2/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 12/2/2008 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula ... 12/02/2008

Portage Lakes Clock Tower is the center of Portage Lakes! Other places to visit in the area............. The Akron Art Museum has recently been rebuilt and is very modern! You can watch the nesting blue herons in Portage Lakes and also in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park! You might see the Goodyear Blimp floating over Akron and the Portage Lakes! E. J. Thomas Hall offers many different types of entertainment from symphony to jazz! A beautiful view of Turkeyfoot Lake from a home on Marina Drive! Hower Lake is one of the quieter lakes in Portage Lakes Sunrise over Long Lake, the northern most lake in Portage Lakes.   These are just a few examples of why I LOVE PORTAGE LAKES OHIO! Come for a visit stay for a lifestyle! 12/02/2008

  Akron's mayor says the city is requesting $23.5 million in federal bailout funds to help those facing foreclosure Mayor Don Plusquellic said Wednesday the city would use the money to negotiate with banks and to restructure loans to keep homeowners in their homes. Plusquellic sent a letter to U.S. Treasury Secretary Henry Paulson asking for money from the federal emergency economic stabilization fund. Akron had 1,445 foreclosures in 2007 and is expected to have a similar number this year. If you are in imminent need of help, please stay tuned for more information. 11/28/2008

One of the most pleasurable things I do is deep fry a turkey for my family for Thanksgiving. Besides being the most delicious, it is a great bonding experience for the guys. We gather on the concrete patio with beers and wine and spend a great hour together. I highly recommend this and here are the steps for a vey successful holiday experiance.  Deep frying a turkey may sound like a strange concept, but trust me, it doesn't come out like you'd think. Deep fried turkey is moist and delicious and not at all greasy. Of course, an idea like fried turkey originated in the south, the frying capital of the United States, but it is gaining popularity nationwide. In fact, a recent block party I attended in South Central Los Angeles had three fried turkeys going. Several groups of neighbors had g... 11/26/2008

The University of Akron men's soccer team is closing in on a national championship.  This is not a new scenario for the University's most notable sport on the national scene.  The men's soccer team has been a perennial power for several years and has been ranked high nationally during most of their past several seasons. This year they are five games from a national championship; however, last year they got this close and lost 1-0 in double overtime in a second round match of the NCAA tournament. Historically the Zip soccer team has had many notable players and outstanding coaches.  Back in the 70s Robert Dowdy led the team to several successful seasons and carried on the University's history of soccer excellence.  Following Robert Dowdy, Steve Parker took over the reigns and continued t... 11/25/2008

Take a moment this busy holiday week to reflect upon the many things we have to be thankful for. Enjoy the turkey dinner and time with family and friends.   Happy Thanksgiving!Here's what is happening in our county this week, click on the link for additional information about the event. Arts / Theatre / Music 11/25/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 11/25/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 11/25/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 11/25/2008 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 11/25/2008 Guitar with Alex Bevan Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library 11/25/2008 Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 11/26/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 11/26/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 11/26/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 11/27/2008 ... 11/25/2008

Can you believe it has been 45 years since that terrible day in Dallas, Texas? For those of you my age, you all remember where you were when you heard the news that Our President had been shot and killed in Dallas. I was in my junior high school library when my teacher came in crying. I don't know about you, but my teachers did not cry very often, so I was awestruck by this. To say it was a very momentous day for me would be an understatement. I always listen to this song on this day because it means so much to me. Brian Wilson wrote this song on the day our President was killed and I feel every note. This version is sung by Vince Gill in a tribute to Brian Wilson and it is an awesome tribute to both. Enjoy and reflect! LOVE! 11/22/2008

Ted Jackovics of the Tampa Tribune published an article on November 19, 2008 that caught the eye of a couple of my fraternity brothers living in Sebring, FL that they immediately forwarded to me. The title of the article would catch any Ohio "snowbird's" and reads: "For Real Estate, Akron Ranked No. 1 In This College Poll" Well, if you're from the Akron a poll that ranks Akron #1 is something that will catch your eye.    The article was based on a Coldwell Banker ranking that points out that The University of Akron is the top ranked college town for affordable housing.  According to the article: The five most affordable college markets for home prices fitting that criteria range from $135,780 to $155,000 are: The University of Akron (Ohio), Ball State University (Muncie, Ind.), Texas C... 11/22/2008

And our local govt. is doing something about it! Please read from The Leader........ Poda announces launch of meth awareness Web site SUMMIT COUNTY - A new countywide Web site aimed at helping to provide residents with resources about methamphetamine is now up and running. The Summit County Meth Awareness site, at www.co.summit.oh.us/SCMA.htm, provides general resources about meth as well as links to affected property searches and other tools. The site also can be found on a link labeled "Summit County Meth Awareness" on the county's main Web page, www.co.summit.oh.us under "Other Links. "I am very excited to announce that this Web site is now up and running and ready to help residents gather information on methamphetamine from one central site," said Summit County Councilman (D-at larg... 11/21/2008

"And now, the most memorable tradition in college band history--The Incomparable SCRIPT OHIO!" With that introduction, a three-and-a-half minute, single-file trek begins for the 192-piece OSUMB as the band files into the "Script" Ohio formation. First performed during the 1936 season, Script Ohio is the most identifiable trademark associated with Ohio State Football and the Ohio State Marching Band. The script is an integrated series of evolutions and formations. The band first forms a triple Block O formation which will slowly unwind to form the famous letters. The drum major leads the outside O into a peel-off movement around the curves of the script, every musician in continual motion. The middle Block O revolves counter-clockwise as the other two rotate in a clockwise manner. Slowly... 11/21/2008

Below find calender and events descriptions and dates for Downtown Akron... Do Downtown November 20, 2008 Newsletter   Greetings from Downtown Akron Partnership!Check out all the great promotions listed below, new promotions are being added all the time!   Lock 3 - Ice RinkLock 3 ParkNovember 21-February 1For the fifth year, Akron will operate the largest seasonal ice rink in Ohio at Lock 3.  The rink opens Friday, November 21 at 11 a.m. Rink hours will be extended this season to 10 p.m. on weekends.Hours for the Ice Rink this weekend: Friday, November 21, 11 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday, November 22,11 a.m.-10 p.m. Sunday, November 23,11 a.m.-6 p.m. The rink will re-open Friday, November 28 at 11 a.m. for a special Chriskindl Market preview, close at 5 p.m. for the lighting show and then re-o... 11/21/2008

Akron Art Museum Calender November Sat 22  Special Everyday Art: Circuit Bending with Sound Artists BEATRIX*JAR December Thu 04  Sketching in the Galleries: Additive and Reductive Approaches to Drawing with Sarah Sutton Sat 06  Studio Classes for Kids: Exploring Printmaking, Personalized Prints for the Holidays with artist and educator Cheril Walk Thu 11  Art History 101: Portraiture lecture with University of Akron art history professor Laura Gelfand Sat 13  Saturday Family Drop-In Day: 3rd Annual Island of Misfit Toys Workshop Thu 18  Third Thursdays Concert and Cocktails featuring live music by Missile Toe Sat 20  Everyday Art Workshop: The Art of Gift Wrapping with Kim Miller-Gorrell Wed 31  First Night @ the Akron Art Museum  AKRON METROPARKS NOVEMBER EVENTS  CALENDER Saturday, Nov... 11/21/2008

  Coldwell Banker has come up with a new twist on football rivalry, comparing home prices in some of the country's major college football towns, and Austin ranked 55 out of the 119 markets surveyed. Austin, home of the number 3 BCS-ranked football team, has average home prices of $241,325, according to the Coldwell Banker study. The study compared homes that are single-family, approximately 2,200 square feet, four bedrooms, two and one-half baths, have a family room or equivalent and a two-car garage in neighborhoods or zip codes within a market that is typical for corporate middle-management transferees. The most affordable college town in the overall survey was Akron, Ohio, home of the University of Akron, with homes averaging $135,780. What great news for us! I have sold several home... 11/20/2008

I know it is snowing now, but there is plenty to do in Akron and Summit County. Arts / Theatre / Music 11/18/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 11/18/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 11/18/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 11/18/2008 Teen Anime Club Barberton Public Library 11/18/2008 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 11/18/2008 The Singers Companye Singer's Companye 11/18/2008 Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 11/19/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 11/19/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 11/19/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 11/19/2008 Teen Movie Night Barberton Public Library 11/19/2008 Weekly dance & lessons Ohio's North Coast Jitterbug Connection 11/20/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 11/20/200... 11/18/2008

I was part of one of the largest Real Estate firms in NE Ohio a week ago. Realty One Real Living had almost 20% of the market share most of the time. The other largest was Howard Hanna out of Pittsburgh who aquired Smythe Cramer in Akron, Ohio around 2002 or so and made their huge presence felt. They had almost the same number of agents and market share and we went back and forth for years. There was also a lot of mutual respect between the companies and many deals were made with Realty One and Howard Hanna Realtors. It was a lot of fun. Well, Howard Hanna aquired Realty One on October 31st, 2008 and now we are definitely the largest real estate brokerage in NE Ohio with 40% of the market in listings and sales. And I cannot tell you how welcome the owners and the Howard Hanna Realtors ... 11/13/2008

The latest "To Do" list from Akron and Summit County, Ohio   Arts / Theatre / Music 11/11/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 11/11/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 11/11/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 11/11/2008 Tuesday Musical Concert Akron Art Museum 11/11/2008 Enameling with Carol Adams Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 11/11/2008 Bedtime Snack Show (featured event) Mountain Rose Concerts 11/12/2008 Heartfield vs. Nazi Akron Art Museum 11/12/2008 Machines at Play Akron Art Museum 11/12/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 11/12/2008 Creative Jewelry Design at PAA Fine Art Services/Peninsula Art Academy 11/12/2008 Weekly dance & lessons Ohio's North Coast Jitterbug Connection 11/12/2008 Jazz Pianist Joe Augustine School of Music 11/13/2008 Unveiled Akron Art Museum 11/13/... 11/11/2008