June 8, 2013

Award-winning writer Ron Tanner, author of From Animal House to Our House: A Love Story, will be at the Akron-Summit County Public Library on Wednesday, June 19, from 6:30 to 7:30 p.m. at the Main Library, 60 S. High St., in downtown Akron.  Ron and his wife Jill (both writing professors at Loyola University in Maryland) purchased a condemned property -- a notorious Baltimore fraternity house -- and restored it to its original Victorian splendor. Their story drew more than 400,000 readers to the website of This Old House magazine.  Visit their blogs, HouseLove or  Ron Tanner.  Librarian Janice Radl says that the library's Science & Technology Division, where she works, has many resources for homeowners to complete their do-it-yourself projects. There will be a display of the library's unique resources at the event. A book signing will follow Ron Tanner's talk. Reservations are encouraged for the free talk. Call the Science & Technology Division at 330.643.9075 to reserve a seat. For more information about the library, visit the website. www.akronlibrary.org

Dave McNair, owner of the Handyman Connection in Akron, says that you can spruce up your kitchen and bath relatively inexpensively by painting, changing light fixtures and faucets, and doing other small projects. Handyman Connection is available to take care of the simple tasks on your "honey do" list or the more complex projects such as complete renovations inside or out. Did you know that many homes have seven broken things that cost homeowners money? Find out what they are on Handyman's website. When it comes to keeping your home running smoothly and cost-effectively, Handyman Connection is your partner in getting the jobs done. Give Handyman Dave a call at 330.724.9300. Handyman Connection is located at 2858 S. Arlington Rd, Suite 201, Akron. Visit Handyman Connection Akron, Ohio

Doreen Lazurus loves cats, so that's why she's a big supporter of  Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary. Doreen volunteers for the nonprofit organization, which depends totally on donations. No one who works there draws a salary, and everything goes to take care of cats in need. Happy Tails is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year, and one of its celebratory events is its "Wine, Beer and Whiskers" wine and beer tasting at at Colonial Beverage, 8389 Mayfield Rd., in Chesterland. It takes place on June 22 from 6 to 9 p.m. There also will be a hot and cold appetizer buffet, salads, soft drinks and dessert, as well as a silent auction, raffles and door prizes.  Tickets are available for $35 per person; $30 for designated drivers.  For more information or tickets: 440.759.0076 or Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary.

 An inspiring story from the sanctuary's relatively recent history involves Zelda, 12, who survived the fire at Happy Tails in 2010. She was in the only area of the director's house that didn't get filled with smoke or flames. Zelda is quite spry and pretty for her age, and is up for adoption. She ignores other cats, but loves people. (Zelda's photo was taken before her original owners relocated out of state and couldn't take her with them.) Interested potential adopters can call 440.759-0076 or email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

The second annual Bath Community Garage Sale will be held next Saturday, June 15 from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m.  Maps and additional information will be available this week in the Westside Leader.  Maps to the garage sale locations will be available from 8 a.m. until noon at Bath Elementary School, 3851 W. Bath Road.  For more information 330.666.4007 or Bath Business Association.

June 1, 2013

 Dave Halaby says that Heather's Heat & Flavor has great barbecue sauces for your summer outdoor cooking. From exotic mixtures of flavors to unique rubs and a range of hot and mild sauces and salsas, Heather's Heat & Flavor offers the perfect way to jazz up your menu options. It's also an excellent place to find unique gifts for Father's Day or any other occasion. You can sample many of Heather's edibles at the store, located in First & Main in Hudson. Gift baskets and shipping are available. Heather's Heat & Flavor, 94 First St., Hudson. For more information: 330.653.5131 Heather's Heat and Flavor, Facebook.

Brooke Kelly is a restoration artist who can reproduce antique paint and plaster effects. She can reproduce any modern paint or plaster, too. Brooke also handpaints wine glasses (as well as martini and pilsner glasses), and she transforms old furniture with paint and other artistic touches. Her latest projects include beautiful coffee tables enhanced with colorful bottle caps set in resin so that the top is as smooth as glass. To contact Brooke, call 304.281.6661, email This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or you can find her on Facebook at Covered.

Yolanda Walker, executive director of Summit/Akron Solid Waste Management Authority, says that her organization's new name, ReWorks, better describes what they do. ReWorks' Household Hazardous Waste Recyling Center, located at 1201 Graham Rd. in Stow, opens for the season on June 6. The center will be open from 2 to 8 p.m. every Thursday, except for the Fourth of July, through Sept. 26. It's a great place to recycle household cleaners, oil-based paint, tires, batteries and fluorescent light bulbs. Tires cost $1 apiece; the rest is free for Summit County residents. As the name implies, the recycling center is for household waste only, but businesses can participate in ReWorks' shredding days. The first one takes place Saturday, June 8, at the Fairlawn Service Department, 3300 Fairlawn Service Drive, Fairlawn. Shredding days give Summit County residents and businesses a chance to have their sensitive documents shredded safely and for free. For more information about ReWorks go to:Summit County ReWorks.

May 25, 2013

Erin Vick, a financial services professional and expert in retirement planning, says that it's worth your while to learn about all the possibilities with your Social Security benefits. It's not universally known that there are ways to maximize your benefits so that you and your spouse can realize significantly more income per year. For more information, you can call or email Erin: 440.785.3118; This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .

Mike Wyatt, a Cuyahoga County Master Gardener, says that the Plants in the Park Master Gardener Plant Sale and Garden Day is an opportunity to find interesting and unusual plants grown by Master Gardeners who spend 60 hours in training to earn that designation. One of this year's unusual plants in the sale are the fern leaf peonies. Admission is free.  Master Gardeners will be available during the sale to answer any questions you might have. The one-day sale takes place Saturday, June 1, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Kiwanis Pavilion, in the Independence Civic Center, 6363 Selig Dr. in Independence. Take 77 to the Rockside or Pleasant Valley exit and watch for the signs. For more information: 216.429.8200 or Plants in the Park

Jessica Paris redesigns and upholsters furniture.  She says that the dusty old chair in the attic can become the centerpiece of your home. Getting started is easy: Take a picture of the piece with your cell phone and send it to Jessica.  She will get back to you with a price and the fabric selections that are available. Check out some of the outstanding transformations at J. Paris Designs or visit the J. Paris Designs Redesigns Home Furnishings and Accessories showroom at 1835 4th St., Cuyahoga Falls 44221. For more information: 330.808.4270 or J. Paris Designs

May 18, 2013

Margie and Ray Toombs, owners of Maid Brigade of Northeast Ohio, know that people have better things to do than clean their homes. Getting a thorough housecleaning by Maid Brigade, which uses no toxic chemicals, is not only great for you and your home environment, it gives you the gift of time. And that's priceless. Call 330.453.6000 or for more information: Maid Brigade.

Rick Menozzi says that once you use Coat of Armor Grout Solutions, your grout will not mildew, collect dirt or  discolor again. Coat of Armor Grout Solutions comes in a variety of colors and can be used indoors or out. It even works on the mortar on stone fireplaces. Coat of Armor was featured on "Around the House with Matt and Sheri." To see how easy it is to use, go to Coat of Armor Grout Solutions, YouTube. For more information or to purchase a kit, call 800-543-8021 or Coat of Armor Grout Solutions.

Women's Art League of Akron is celebrating its 80th anniversary with an art show. Immediate Past President Deanna Clucas says the show, titled Brushstrokes: Then and Now, includes 67 works from more than 40 professional women artists. The show is open Thursday, Friday, and Saturday through June 1, noon to 5 p.m., at Summit Artspace, 140 E. Market St., Akron. There is a "Pastel Landscape Demonstration" on June 1 from 1 to 3 p.m. For more information: 330.376.8480 or Akron Area Art Alliance.