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Akron Boxing and Kickboxing

For a lot of people, boxing paints a mental image of two individuals beating each other into a square ring on national TV. Recently however, the sport of boxing has become more available and tapered to any kind of individual. Kickboxing first seemed to spur the initial boxing trend, but then eventually, boxing and kickboxing clubs started popping up everywhere. On social media, you began to see your favorite stars donning boxing gloves and posing by bags. It’s all for a good reason too, boxing has some major mental and physical benefits that can burn a ton of calories as well.

  1. Boxing helps lower stress levels. The amount of adrenaline you get from punching a bag after a long, stressful day is incredibly rewarding. The hormones and chemicals released afterwards are a great way to boosting your mood and feeling incredibly productive.
  2. Boxing is a great workout, and works the entire body. Not only does it work your arms and shoulders. But continuously hitting the bag, and rotating your body, works out your entire core, and makes your heart rate skyrocket. All of this results in a killer workout for your entire body, and ends up burning a ton of calories. This is also great for keeping a healthy heart and mind.
  3. Boxing is a great way to improve hand-eye coordination. Many of the moves in boxing require a focused eye and a good mind and body connection. Constant drills, and routines that have set moves are great for this, and continuous practice will really help improve these skills.

Now that boxing has become more available, and friendly for everyday people, it is a great way to mix up your workout routine, and get yourself in a friendly environment with people who are trying something new, and trying to improve themselves.

Remember to check with your doctor before trying anything new like boxing or kickboxing.  You want to be sure you are ready for a good workout and you do not have any issues that might be made worse by the repetitive motion or the types of movements you will be making.  Most clubs ease you into the sport and make sure you are ready, so do not worry that you are going to be fighting people.  You move at your own pace.

Accounting Checklist for Business Startups in Akron

There are a few steps that you should take to ensure that your small business is successful. Organizing your accounting practices early will assist you to concentrate on the important work of growing your company. You will realize that there are a number of finance software applications that you can use for your accounting practices.

Bookkeeping is an essential part of any company because it helps in controlling the operations of your company and avoids an audit by offering the IRS what they require. Therefore, in order to attain your long-term objectives, increase your sales and organize your company’s accounting practices, ensure that you consider the following factors;

  • Make sure that your small business is legally registered and thereafter open a bank account for your company. The bank account for your business should be separate from your personal account including checking and credit card. Separating your company and personal expenses will give you peace of mind in the future.
  • It is critical for you to keep a record of all your expenses so that you can be certain that your business will be successful. This activity will assist you to track the development of the organization, organize your financial statements and also the deductible expenses. Therefore, keep all the important receipts of your business.
  • Develop a bookkeeping system through the different kinds of software that are available or simply an Excel worksheet if you have a very small number of monthly transactions. Additionally, you can hire a temporary bookkeeper that is based near your business.
  • The next step is to create a payroll system that will assist you to assign different roles in your small business and then compensate them for their input. Create a payroll system for all employees including permanent staff members and independent contractors. There are many companies that offer payroll solutions and your accountant can recommend one.
  • You should produce accurate and detailed invoicing so that you can easily answer questions from your clients in case of a misunderstanding. In addition, you should consider online payments so that you can automate your bookkeeping process.
  • You need to be ready to receive large expenses such as computer upgrades and equipment repair. These kinds of major expenses can come up in a slow month and therefore, you should be ready to avoid a cash crisis.
  • Devote some time to update your books. Dedicate a few hours per week to clear out your paperwork so that you can avoid a long pile up. It is important that you stick to the days that you have set aside so that your books can be updated at all times.  If you have hired a bookkeeper this is easier for you as you just need to be organized and get information to them, and keep an eye on their work.
  • Re-evaluate your accounting practices regularly. At the start, you will only use an Excel worksheet; however, as your company grows you will need to use more improved methods. Therefore, when you realize that an Excel worksheet is not adequate for you and needs a lot of effort; you should begin to look at the Internet-based bookkeeping platforms. Continue to reassess the effort and time that you use for your company’s bookkeeping so that you can save time for other more relevant activities.

Not taking accounting seriously is a huge risk for businesses.  It can lead to lost money, paying too much in taxes, poor business performance and even large penalties and fees simply by not paying things on time. If you are not able to conduct the bookkeeping process on your own then you should seek the assistance of an expert. That way, you will have a chance to concentrate on running your small Akron, Stow or Fairlawn business and try to get ahead of your competitors.

 

 

 

Kids Art In and Around Akron Ohio

The educational system in the United states has for many years now shifted resources to teach and test children in common core areas like reading,writing and math, while leaving art and music education behind.  And while many people do not appreciated the impact music and art education have in a child, these teachings constitute some of the most important building blocks in their development. From motor skills, decision making, and language development to visual learning, and cultural awareness, art and music education provide the child with the tools necessary to succeed in life. That said, this is a list of art instructions facilities in and around Akron that can be of interest to you and your family.

Canton Museum of Art

Address: 1001 Market Avenue North Canton, Ohio 44702

Tel: 330.453.7666

Website: http://www.cantonart.org/

The Canton Museum of Art offers classes weekdays and weekends throughout the day and evening to fit your busy schedule.  They offer classes geared to all ages, and all budgets. They offer classes in drawing, jewelry,painting and textiles.  If you are planning ahead and want to enroll your child in a summer art camp, then the Canton Museum of Art is a very good choice for you.

Palladian Palette

Address: 106 N Main St, Akron, OH 44308

Phone:(330) 730-0334

Website: http://www.palladianpalette.com/open-studio-membership.html

A beautiful place where memberships can be tailored to the  individual or families, and walk-Ins are welcome. A place where five days a week offers you a 2-3 hours of painting, clay, wood working, or stamping experience with a local artist.  Do you have questions or want to visit their site to learn more? Then follow the link above.

Akron Art Museum

address: One South High, Akron, Ohio 44308

Tel: 330.376.9185

website: https://akronartmuseum.org/calendar/list/demos-workshops-classes/10/

Cuyahoga Valley Art Center

Address: 2131 Front Street, Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio 44221

Tel: (330) 928-8092

website: http://www.cvartcenter.org/classdescriptions.html

The Cuyahoga Valley Art Center is a wonderful place for adults to learn a variety of art expressions. From  acrylic, mixed media, collage journaling, drawing, ceramics and painting, the center truly offers a wide range of art instruction.  They seem to geared more to the adult population, although they do say they can accept responsible 12 year olds, and do have classes for 13-18 years old. But, if you are looking for a younger child art instruction class, this may not be the place for you.

All fired Up

Address:  30 Rothrock Loop, Copley, OH 44231

Tel: 330-865-5858

website: http://www.allfiredupakron.com/  contact: allfiredupakron@gmail.com

All Fired Up is  creative studio located in the Akron/Montrose/Fairlawn area.They have called this area their home for the last 15 years, and they offer classes for all ages and all skills levels. When considering classes for your young ones, this is a bit of information you appreciate when researching art classes and studios in the area.They offer painting, pottery, glass fusing and canvas painting classes for you and your children to explore.

Art in Action

http://artinaction.org/#pricing

Art online? You bet!  If you don’t have the time to take your child to an art class outside the home? No problem. Art in Action provides an online curriculum with a nine level program, and  age appropriate lessons for your child.  From Kindergartner to 8th. Grade, this place is sure to provide some alternatives for you and your child.

 

We sincerely hope you have found the art place you’ve looking for, and to email us if you would like to be included.

What is Probate and why should you care?

Many people do not know about probate until a person has died. When a person dies, their will and other legal assets have to go through the probate process. This is often done by a probate lawyer because the process can become very complicated. When family members are involved it can create tension so having a neutral third party can help the process along.

Akron families can protect themselves with planning and finding an Akron probate lawyer.

When a person dies they leave behind debts, tax bills, property, and other assets. All of this is called a person’s estate. When a person dies with a will in place, by law the estate needs to be administered. This is done by a person called an executor. The executor will read the will and notify the beneficiaries that the process has begun.

Many people do not understand that even if they die with a paid off home and cars that their debts still need to be resolved. This is why most probate lawyers ask people to give a specific percentage of their estate’s value to each beneficiary. This way it does not become too confusing to administer after the debts are paid off.

This process can be lengthy because creditors need to be notified of the deceased person’s death. Some creditors will even ask for a death certificate as proof that the person has in fact passed away. If the person has a life insurance policy then that needs to be administered either by the insurance company itself or the executor. Some people decide to leave their life insurance proceeds to one person or to their estate so that it is divided equally among the beneficiaries.

The first thing that needs to be done is to submit the will to the court in the state where the will was filed. A petition will need to be filed with the court that states the deceased person’s full name, if there is a will, and when the death occurred. Then, the court will review the information, appoint the executor of the estate, and see if a bond needs to be given to the estate. After this process is completed, people who are related to the deceased, those individuals named in the will, and creditors will be notified by mail that the court has received the will and that the estate is now being dealt with.

After this, the probate process begins; it can take more than a year to get a will through this process. It depends on how well the parties that are involved deal with each other. If someone challenges the will then it can take years to close the probate process. When dealing with the probate process it is a good idea to consult a probate lawyer. They can help guide people through the process to make it easier and much less stressful.

How To Keep Germs Away This Flu Season

During a school flu outbreak, it is very likely your child will come home sick and will get the other members of your home sick as well. The Center for Disease Control (CDC) http://www.cdc.gov/flu/pdf/freeresources/updated/everyday_preventive.pdf offers some guidelines to help you deal with a flu outbreak at school or at work, and here are 7 concise easy steps to follow if you are home with a sick child or spouse.

  1. Wash your hands and your children’s hands with soap and water every time you enter your home. Keeping germs away from the outside world is a good tip for anyone dealing with small and school age children.
  2. Change linens and bathroom towels daily when you are sick. Contaminating each other by using the same towels or sharing a pillow will ensure that everyone gets sick, and stay sick for a longer period of time.
  3. Disinfecting kitchen and bathroom counters thorough out the day will ensure that you’ll encounter less germs going forward.
  4. Believe it or not, feeding your children chicken noodle soup will get them through their illness a bit faster
  5. Covering their mouths on their sleeves instead of their hands should decrease the number of germs they spread around the home.
  6. Cleaning door knobs around the home will greatly decrease the germs that get passed around.
  7. A diet full of fruits and vegetables can do a lot of good to your child. The old saying of “An apple a day will keep the doctor away” hasn’t survived this long for no reason.

Whether you are in Akron or anywhere, this is great advice.

For more about flu outbreaks and what to do about them, check the CDC for more information.

Programming Classes For Kids In Akron

A Google search for computer programming classes for children  will give you a very good starting point if you are interested in signing up your little Einstein for computer programming classes, Lego robotics, video game design, or other programs that they are interested in learning.

Many of the companies advertising these programs offer age appropriate programs tailored to your child’s age and in some instances your child’s skills. So, whether your child is a novice or an expert in computer programming and wants to learn more, some of these programs may be the solution for you.  Here are two companies that offer summer camps, winter camps and after-class courses for your children.  They are not free, and if your child wants to try them, make sure you check reviews and testimonials from other parents to see if that is what you’re looking for.

  • Classroom Antics – Cleveland-Akron Area

http://www.classroomantics.com/cleveland-akron-ohio/

  • iD Tech-Summer Technology Camps in Ohio

https://www.idtech.com/locations/ohio-summer-camps/

Do you want your child to try coding for free before you commit to other paid programs?  Then, this is the place you need to be.  Check these sites, and encourage your child to try some of them before deciding which summer camp they will be attending next year.

  • Khan Academy-Whether you are learning history, algebra,art or any other school subject, this is the place for you. A free, amazing site that will make you learn in a fun, easy to understand format.  Do you want to learn computer programming? Then Khan Academy is the place to start.

www.khanacademy.org

  • Apple Store-Summit Mall

A very nice, friendly place to start your child’s inquiring mind. Go to the free programming classes (call ahead) and have a great experience in Fairlawn.

http://www.apple.com/retail/summitmall/

  • Code.org is a non-profit organization dedicated to expand access to computer science, and increase minority and women participation in this science. Go visit and choose a subject for your child that they are interested in learning. Code.org gives you the option of filtering you choice by grade level, topic, experience level, and technology you will be using. This is a site you really need to go and visit, and let your child explore and learn.

https://code.org/promote/oh

Regardless of what place you choose for your child to explore coding, you cannot go wrong.  Children are inherently curious and love a challenge, and many of these places start by teaching them the logic behind the coding.  Let them have fun while learning.

Akron Business Networking

Akron is full of things to do.  But if you are starting a new business or if you want to get out and meet more people because you are in sales, you have to know where to go.

What many people do not realize is that not only is there an Akron Chamber of Commerce that provides business networking opportunities in Akron, but there are many other chambers as well in all the surrounding communities.  I have been to Fairlawn, Kent, Stow, Ravenna, Streetsboro and more different chambers.

Beyond that, Rotary is in many of these same communities.

Then you have professional networking organizations that provide specific networking opportunities.  One I was in was B to B Connect which generated a lot of referrals for our business to business marketing agency at the time.  They had groups in Kent, Stow, Akron, Streetsboro,  Aurora and more locations.  Because the same group meets every two weeks, you get to know people better and even if you do not get business, you will probably develop some good business friendships.

Network After Work puts on events in Akron and Cleveland as well and you do not have to be a member to attend and meet some new people.  The combination of events to meet new people and other events where you get to know people better is very powerful over time.

Then you can check Facebook Groups, LinkedIn and MeetUp to find even more things going on in Akron for business networking.  If you want to go to something new every few days you should be able to find something.

Some tips to networking better:

  1. Follow up the next day – nothing is more frustrating when people do not follow up after meeting.
  2. Do not expect sales – look to grow your network of connections and keep them fresh (reaching out regularly) and the sales will come over time.

Sure you can go to Cleveland which has come great events as well.  But chances are you can find all the new customers you want in the greater Akron area if you just know where to look.

Suzuki Piano Akron Ohio

We began our journey in the Akron area with the Suzuki method by chance. Finding a piano teacher I believe is quite simple. Finding one that can inspire, nurture, and teach a child is quite difficult on the other hand. For us, finding a Suzuki trained teacher for our daughters was the beginning of a learning experience that encompassed many other areas of their learning.

The Suzuki method believes that every child can learn. Dr. Shinichi Suzuki, the creator of the method was a violinist himself that believed parental involvement, repetition and loving encouragement from parents and teachers could teach a child how to play an instrument beautifully. The idea that by listening to the music taught, and practicing it every day, the child could acquire skills that no other method could teach.

Every child is different and learns things differently too, but I believe the Suzuki method approach is for every child that wants to learn to play an instrument, and play it well. The misconception that Suzuki students do not know how to read music is only that, a misconception. Before reading music, children learn how to play the instrument of their choice first. By the time sight reading and music theory are introduced, the child has learned how to play his instrument, and is ready for another skill to learn.

A Suzuki trained teacher knows these steps, and knows how to teach them. They have special Suzuki teacher training, and they put their training to use when teaching young children. Your job as a parent is to find a good teacher, but the hardest part I believe is to encourage your children to practice daily. Parental involvement is a very hard and important part when using this method, but the rewards are worth it.

What are some of the benefits of learning to play an instrument or to listen to classical music? There are many. A myriad of studies have shown the direct link between playing a musical instrument and better performance in math. Even listening to a Mozart Piano Sonata improves a students ability to perform reasoning and spatial skills right away.

For our daughters, the Suzuki method taught them how to play piano beautifully, but most importantly, it taught them that with consistency and daily work they can achieve almost anything.

If you are interested in learning more about this method or to find a Suzuki teacher, click on this link to take you to the Suzuki Association of the Americas to learn more.

The essentials of planning a momentous wedding in Akron, Ohio

Probably the best advice for planning your wedding, would be to have fun! Expert wedding planners all agree that setting the budget is an essential thing; yet this can also be quite challenging given each of your preferences, so a bit of ‘give and take’ — Even before budget conversations take place — can be very helpful in trying to order priorities. In a way, it’s one of the first collaborations you both will be closely engaged in, so a great attitude toward this adventure can signify your life ahead, and your love, between each of you, and among all of your family and friends for years to come.

Questions to ponder will include a list of guests, so try to think honestly about who it is that you each want to be there to share this day with you; and where and when this most memorable moment will be taking place. A traditional venue is the bride’s Church; but outdoor and indoor weddings very often occur now in other places that the couple both find to be meaningful to them.It is very useful to keep an initial list of various things to be considered, as you make the plan. Organizing items such an album or binder to gather into one place any images that represent your own taste, even if it may take some inspiration from others. Also included might be brochures of possible venues or destinations, and notes relating to services (such as catering, for example, and photography or videography, florists, cakemakers, and others), or of executing any contracts relating to the marriage. Also helpful would be notes relating to any certificates or legal documents relating to Church or State requirements for the marriage or Federal documentation for foreign travel.

A checklist of each of these items, also, along with contact information for the individual responsible for coordinating each of the deliveries and the services that will be taking place on the wedding day, itself, is also essential, as is a tentative “rainy-day” plan, just in case!

Take a few breaths before you decide on all the variables, and take time to think about your shared vision of what characterizes the best-possible wedding, for the best-possible marriage of a lifetime.

Study Tips For The Middle Schoolers

Whether your children are in the Hudson School District or the Akron School District, Middle School is a difficult time for kids because it is a big adjustment.

The grammar stage of the elementary school child begins to give way to the logic stage of their learning by the middle school years. Your child cannot be satisfied with parroting facts and figures anymore without questioning the logic behind it.  These are very fun years as parents, because our children are beginning to  question our knowledge and our answers to the questions they ask.  Taking that into consideration, they still need our help in school, and will seek help from us and from teachers alike.

What can you do at this stage to help them prepare for high school and beyond?

Here is a list to help your middle schooler achieve her/his potential.

  1. Make sure they have a place to study, keep materials handy, and have a comfortable chair and lighting available to them. Some children prefer having a quiet space, while others do not mind doing their homework on the kitchen’s table. Ask them their preference.homework
  2. Labeled folders for all their classes where they can keep materials organized is imperative. Homework,handouts, and quizzes and tests should be kept in that folder.  They can use them as study guides later in the year.
  3. A planner where they can keep their assignments’ due dates is so important for them. Make sure they write when homework due on their planners as the teacher assigns them. Forgetting it at the bottom of their back pack won’t help them at all, ask them to use it
  4. Time management. If they have a 10 page paper to write and is due in three weeks, what can they do?  Ask them and make sure they do a bit every day. It will ensure that the paper will be done and ready by the time is due. Begin by taking  a trip to the library to check out books to research the topic, ask them to read about it, and then to begin writing an outline. A bit of writing every day will make it easier and less daunting for them, and perhaps they will start understanding the power of preparation.
  5. Regardless of what their assignment is for the day, ask them to read. Remember that the more they read, the more they know.

I hope this list gives you, and your child a starting point to develop better skills to succeed in their middle schools years and beyond.