Akron Today Magazine

Akron Lifestyle and Entertainment

Akron

Replacing Heater and Air Conditioner

If your heater and air conditioner is working, but is old, how do you know it is time to replace it?

For several years, we knew our heater and air conditioner was old and inefficient, but because they worked, we did not replace them.  However, we also avoided using the air conditioning in the Akron heat because it was too costly.

Eventually we started to shop around.  The big advantage of replacing heating and air conditioning before they break is that you can take your time and shop for a good deal and not have to make a quick decision.

We were able to take about 6 weeks to talk with several Kent heating and air conditioning companies and we finally chose one that offered us 3 year financing without interest.  Had we needed to make an emergency replacement, we would have never found that deal.

Now we have enjoyed efficient AC in the Summer and it barely raised the electric bill at all.  A big chance from before when we would never use the AC for fear of adding hundreds to the bill.  I know now I will also dread allergy season in the Spring much less as we can keep the windows closed.

So if you are considering a replacement, you could save hundreds or even  thousands by not waiting till an emergency with your heater or air conditioner.

Best Experience Buying a New Car

There are a lot of people who can sell you a new car.  But in order to have the best experience, there are a number of factors which quickly disqualify many people and also help some people stand out.

This article is written to help you find the person who is the most knowledgeable, and actually capable of giving you the best pro’s and con’s – and help you get the best value on a new car.  No matter whether you are leasing or buying the car.

To begin, it is helpful to know which brand of car or cars you are interested in.  Think about the different factors that are important to you.  For us, we decided on a Honda Accord because it was the best combination of safety, price and feeling like a luxury car.  It has been a great car to take on long drives and combines reliability, good gas mileage and comfort for our family of four.

The good thing was I’d done the research in advance and had narrowed it down to this car and one other.  When we went to the other dealership we stood around for a bit, looked at some cars and when no one talked to us we left.  When we went to Great Lakes Honda near Chapel Hill Mall in Akron, we found it a much more engaging experience.

We were a bit lucky to meet Lynn Snoderly.  She is a top 1% award winner nationally for Honda for sales and service.  She never pressured us, made sure we understood everything and answered all our questions.  Plus, my wife does not like being “sold” stuff so she asked a lot of tough questions.  In the end we bought a Honda Accord from Lynn and had a great experience.  However, that alone would not be much of a story.  Two years later we were in the market for a new car for our daughter.  We’d never leased before but decided on that option so she would have a dependable car in college.

I saw a great deal at another Honda dealership.  I contacted them, and they wanted me to come in right away.  Because it was over an hour drive, I decided to call around a bit.  Lynn took my call right away and told me that was not the best deal out there.  She saved us a lot of money.  It turns out, if you call several dealerships you will get different offers and Lynn knew right away what was the best options based on our family’s needs.  She saves us a long drive as well as money on the exact same car.  Again, someone with a high degree of integrity, knowledge and experience is going to be able to match your needs better than a sales person just trying to close a deal by the end of the month.

So how do you spot a new car sales person who is experienced and able to help you better?

  • Ask them how long they have worked there. Sure, new people need a break, but a very new person may not be aware of all the possibilities for you.
  • If someone tries to rush you or force you to make a fast decision, they are probably not confident they are making the best offer to you.
  • Know what cars you are interested in and why, before you go to the dealership. If they try to steer you away from your preference, ask yourself if they are trying to help you or if they are simply trying to upsell you something you do not need.
  • Look for added fees and surprises in the offer. Make sure they clearly explain what any added expenses are and if expenses seem to be piles on, you may want to look around at another dealer.
  • Don’t trust an advertised sale to be the best offer you can get. Ask what other offers there are and call other dealerships if you do not love the offer they are giving you.
  • If you call first, remember they want you to come in so they can try to close the sale right away. That is their job, but they also should be worried about it being a win for you and a win for them.  When everyone is happy, you are more likely to come back and buy again. (And recommend your friends)

If you are buying a Honda in Northeast Ohio, compare what Lynn Snoderly – (330) 310-7376 – at Great Lakes Honda has to offer to any other offer you get.  If you are buying another type of car, use the general guidelines in this article to find someone with the same high level of caring and experience to help you get the best deal on the best car for you.

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.

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.

Demonstration Night For SCOPE Academy

Greater Summit County Early Learning Center, locally known as SCOPE Academy, is a K-4 elementary school in Akron.

Last week, the learners hosted a Demonstration Night for families. This event showcased various outdoor projects students were working on within their multi-age learning hubs. Under the guidance of their teachers, SCOPE learners seek to identify challenges within their communities and develop solutions for those problems.

One hub of learners noticed that a portion of their outdoor environment was too muddy. By re-purposing rocks that were scattered nearby, they were able to divert rainwater to a drain. Another group noticed a Killdeer bird had built her nest where many of the children played. By contacting a local ornithologist from Summit Metro Parks, this group was able to construct a safe zone for the bird family and learned much about this species of bird in the process. SCOPE learners believe that the outdoors are a place that everyone should respect, observe, wonder about, explore, and understand.

SCOPE’s staff of talented teachers incorporate science, technology, engineering, art, and math principles into each child’s instruction. If you are interested in learning more or have a kindergarten student you would like to enroll, please contact SCOPE’s administrative assistant, Jennifer Huffman at 234-718-2626.

Summer Camps for Kids in Akron

Last summer, my 12-year-old daughter took a speed reading course through one of our local universities.  My expectations as a parent were not met.  She, on the other hand, was very happy. The long week course was different for her; it was a classroom setting, and she enjoyed the setting tremendously. From my point of view, she got some worksheets and a very good book’s list.  She, on the other hand, realized that her vocabulary, reading speed, and reading comprehension were not only comparable to the kids at the course, but were oftentimes better. 

Summer camps are a great time for your children to experience something new, and sometimes even challenging.  Your perspective about the camps and the things she’ll learn will differ from her point of view, but at the end of the summer, you will realize her experiences are the ones that count, and perhaps they are all positive.

Sending your child or teenager to a summer camp can be an extremely positive experience for them. It can be an opportunity where your child’s self-esteem and curiosity are not only nurtured but increased by the positive feedback from counselors and campers alike. Your child or teenager may discover a new interest or rediscover the one she stopped pursuing.  A summer camp can help your child become more independent and learn how to navigate the complexity of personal relationships.

Many summer camps can be a week-long only, and they are long enough for your child to recognize whether she likes it or likes the atmosphere.  The price varies and so does the quality of many of them.  Depending on your child or teenagers’ pursuits, it is very likely that he or she can find one that best suits his needs without paying an exorbitant amount.

The local universities in the Northeast Ohio region offer many summer camps that are academically challenging while offering a friendly atmosphere for your child. From art, dance, and music summer camps to engineering camps tailored to girls, these camps are worth the money you will be spending.

For many families with more than one child, these camps offer discounts to make them affordable for them.  If attending a summer camp through a local university, they are willing and able to work with you.  

Keeping a child learning thru the summer allows them to appreciate their free time and their free space, while still learning and keeping an active mind.

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.

Best Akron Marketing Agency

Akron, Ohio is home to a number of fine marketing agencies. And which marketing agency you pick depends on what your main objective is. If you want to produce mail and print pieces, then you need to look for those older Akron marketing agencies who have specialized in that for many years. If you are more interested in growing quickly, then you need to find an Akron marketing agency that specializes in digital marketing, including pay per click and SEO.

Most businesses want to generate leads and awareness from online marketing. Lead generation via AdWords and SEO is the best way to attract new customers locally and nationally. Buzzoodle Digital Marketing Agency is the best Akron marketing agency with over 15 years of experience doing only that.

The reason this is your best bet is simple. SEO takes time, but over time attracts very high-quality buyers to your business and the cost of the click is zero, although there is an investment of time and money in advance, to attract them in the first place.

But if you need leads fast, you also want to mix in PPC. Adwords is the most common PPC 9pay per click) ad engine and it will allow you to start attracting targeted, high quality leads within 24 hours in most cases. The cost of each click is higher, but you are also getting leads quickly as well.

The combination of using Adwords for quick lead generation and SEO for longer-term, lower-cost lead generation is the best way to meet your short term and long term needs for your Akron business.

Buzzoodle has helped companies navigate this maze of opportunities for many years and grown people’s businesses. They combine Akron SEO expertise as well as Adwords management to optimize your ad campaign to test and generate the best leads for your business.

Additional services include Akron website design and development, social media marketing, native advertising and custom application development. Buzzoodle ia an Akron Marketing Agency that can provide the full scope of digital services to clients.

To reach Buzzoodle visit their Akron Marketing Agency website today and see what they can do for you.

Don’t Let Your Lifestyle Choose You

One of the most common things that make me think about moving to a different location from the Akron area is the idea of being in a place where the healthy lifestyle of people is more prevalent.  It is a legitimate thought as the healthy lifestyle indexes for Ohio are middling at best.

However, just because the averages are not where someone would like it does not mean you need to let the lifestyle of where you live pick you. 

One excuse I often think about is the seasonality of Ohio.  You cannot always do the same things year-round.  We love hiking as a family but not into Winter hiking.  So I tend to do less in Winter.

However, if you look at some of the best places for active lifestyles in the nation, some of the top cities have the same seasons.  Wisconsin, Colorado and Idaho all have highly ranked health indexes based on lifestyles.

So, what can you do to not fall into the trap of a less healthy lifestyle in Akron Ohio?

1.      It is critical to have a year-round plan.  You can choose activities that you can do year-round, such as a gym, indoor tennis, racket ball, basketball, working out on equipment you own, etc.

2.      You can also tough out an activity year-round even if it is not traditional.  One person I know who is very fit runs every day year-round with a group except for thunder storms.  All other conditions she goes out, no matter the temperature or condition.

3.      Not planning to do the same thing year-round, know what you can do in each season and have a backup plan for when the weather is not cooperating.

A healthy lifestyle is not just about the excursive.  It is also about diet and let’s face it, we have less healthy places to eat and more easy but bad places to eat.  But this is a matter of planning and doing a bit of research as well.  Places like Chipotle have healthy options for something fast and most places will have healthy options.  If you are looking for a breakfast or lunch, First Watch is a great option that is healthy and sprinkled around the Akron area.

We are not going to have all the options of a big city on the West coast any time soon but they do exist.  Plan ahead and you will be able to not just default to a bad option when you are famished. 

Plus, you can always start preparing some more things in advance and not needing to grab a meal out as often.  If you are taking care of  more meals at home and taking advantage of outdoor activities such as the wealth of walking paths and hiking trails in Akron you can save a lot of money, improve your fitness and choose the lifestyle you want, instead of defaulting to the one most common near you.