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November 19, 2011

Abraham Wescott Jr., development manager for the City of Akron's Department of Planning & Urban Development, says that City of Akron Residential Home Construction Energy Efficient Rebate Program has been extended. With this program, people who want to build a home in Akron can receive a $15,000 to $25,000 rebate and have an extraordinarily energy-efficient home that will save them money and help the environment. Visit akronliving.org to see details of the program and how you can qualify.

At any one time, 500 to 700 North American artists are represented at Don Drumm Studios and Gallery, a longtime gem in theUniversity Park area of Akron. You'll find jewelry, home decor and thousands of other beautiful items there. Acme shoppers also can take a little bit of Don Drumm's work home with them by buying a reusable grocery bag that Don designed. A specialist in environmental art, Don recently won an award from the Gardeners of Greater Akron for landscape design. Among his many other artistic pursuits, Don makes jewelry, plaques and other items with religious symbols. (See the photo on the left with Don and co-host Kathy DeLong, who's wearing a pewter cross made by Don.) The Don Drumm Studios and Gallery, located at 437 Crouse Street near the University of Akron, has extended hours for the holidays (Mon.-Fri. 10 a.m. to 8 p.m., Sat. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sun. noon to 5 p.m.). When you get to the southeast corner of University of Akron's new stadium, you are at Spicer Street. Turn down Spicer (going behind Sam's Emporium) and turn right at Crouse. Look for the stunningly painted frame homes, color selections by Drumm. Don Drumm Studio.330.253.6268.

November 12, 2011

With the holidays just around the corner, you probably want to have your house cleaned before you open your doors to friends and relatives. Margie and Ray Toombs, owners of Maid Brigade of Northeast Ohio, say they take such good care of your home that they clean it the way you would clean it if you wanted to clean. Maid Brigade is one of the first maid services to use green cleaning techniques that ensure that you, your family and pets are not exposed to harmful chemicals. Maid Brigade is on the Rachael Ray website with green tips for holiday cleaning. Margie shared with us a formula for green kitchen disinfectant with no harmful chemicals. Combine 2 cups of water with 3 tablespoons of liquid (dishwashing) soap and 20 to 30 drops of tea tree oil. This makes the perfect countertop cleaner. Margie and Ray focus on the relationship-building aspect of their business, but a one-time cleaning for the holidays is not problem. To schedule a free consultation, contact Margie and Ray at 330.453.6000 or visit Maid Brigade

The Holiday Tree Festival, in its 30th year, will be a holiday wonderland with more than 100 trees, wreaths and other holiday items. Heather Jalbert, Holiday Tree Festival chairman, says the event is a project of the Volunteers of Akron Children's Hospital. Liz Lenke, the volunteer chairman, says that more than 1,200 volunteers help make the show a success. The Tree Festival takes place through Nov. 27 at the John S. Knight Center at the corner of Mill and High Streets. Admission is free. Hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. daily, 11 a.m to 6 p.m. Sundays and 2 to 6 p.m Thanksgiving Day. The Holiday Tree Festival parking is free every evening in any municipal parking deck.

November 5, 2011

Irv Korman, actor, teacher, speech therapist and now author, interviewed dozens of celebrities over 30 years, getting a glimpse into their interesting and sometimes quirky personalities. As a theater critic for local newspapers, Irv had the opportunity to interview many well-known actors who traveled to Akron. His book, I was Jerry Lewis' Bodyguard for 10 Minutes and Other Celebrity

Cover of I was Jerry Lewis' bodyguard for 10 minutes

Encounters, is a series of interviews with 24 actors. Irv's personal favorite was Red Skelton. According to Irv, Red was a down-to-earth, intrinsicly funny man who, while growing up in tough times, never lost his humanity. He talked to any fan who wanted to speak to him, had plenty of time to sign autographs, and truly enjoyed engaging his fans.

Irv says that this book was something that he knew he had to do, but never seemed to have the time to sit down and write. His solution was to have a writing date with another author. Every Thursday morning, the two of them met at one or the other's home, set up their laptops and wrote for three hours at a time. Irv's book will be available at local bookstores, Barnes & Noble and Amazon.com. An autographed copy of the book will be available online until November 18 (official release date) at Loconeal.com. You can see Irv in person, and get a signed copy of the book at the Cleveland Christmas Connection at the IX Center, Nov. 18, 19 and 20 at booth #1266. Hours are Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., and Sunday 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Cleveland Christmas Connection

Andy's co-host while Kathryn DeLong is vacationing is Angela Arnold, owner MagnaVaria LLC. MagnaVaria is a marketing firm that specializes in helping small businesses thrive. Most small businessed need help in social media, TV, radio, print and other areas but don't have the manpower or talent available in house to do it. MagnaVaria is a company that does. One of MagnaVaria's clients has been a guest on My Beautiful Home. That would be Vivesan, a natural plant-based line of cleaning products. To reach Angela, call 440.836.3350 or visit her website. Magnavaria.com

October 29, 2011

Tony Guarino, general manager of Hairline Replacement and Transplant Clinic, says that people with thinning hair now have a new option to achieve a thicker, fuller look. Hairline Clinic in Akron and University Labs in Louisana have developed AMP Plus, a revolutionary new product that fills the voids in the hair shaft. Add heat from a hair dryer, and the hair shaft actually expands to 30 to 50 percent of its original size. This process, which takes about an hour, is available exclusively at Tony's place. And you don't have to give up your current stylist to go to Hairline Clinic for this treatment, which costs just under $70. The results last four to 12 weeks. Hairline Clinic is located near Chapel Hill Mall, 1525 Home Ave., Akron, Ohio 44310; 330.633.5225. Hairline Clinic

John Najeway is co-owner of the Thirsty Dog Brewing Co., located in the historic Burkhardt Brewery building in what is now the Wolf Ledges area near the University of Akron. Thirsty Dog beers are made in small batches, and there are many unique flavors that are hard to find in today's mass-market, "one-size-fits-all" society. Thirsty Dog beers are available at area grocery stores, or you can go to the brewery to take a tour and buy kegs or smaller quantities to take home. You also can host a birthday party or some other event at the brewery. Thirsty Dog Brewing Co., 529 Grant St. Suite B, Akron, Ohio 44311; 330.252.BREW Thirsty Dog Brewing

Want a new look for the holidays? Julie Lewis, project coordinator for Wolff Bros. Supply Inc. in Medina and Akron, says that remodeling projects require time and planning so that you end up with exactly what you want in your home. In other words, you don't want to start a kitchen remodel until after the first of the year, but there's plenty you can do to make simple changes for the holidays, like freshening a room with a new coat of paint. Julie, who's also an interior designer, is a firm believer in the power of intention. She says that by deciding on a plan for your life, you can alter your living space to help you realize your goals. To find out more, contact Julie at 330.786.4148. Wolff Brothers.com .

October 23,2011

Keep Akron Beautiful and the River Valley Paper Company are hosting the 2nd annual mixed paper drive to celebrate America Recycles Day on Nov. 15, 2011. During the month-long competition from now to Nov. 18, friends, relatives and local businesses are encouraged to bring their recyclables (junk mail, magazines, cardboard and other such paper goods) to a drop-off box (make sure it's a River Valley bin, pictured at left) at their favorite school. John Sharp, owner of River Valley Paper Company, is the major sponsor of the competition. Melissa Adams, program manager of Keep Akron Beautiful, says that the school with the most paper per pound per student will win a prize. The prize will be awarded to the students as well as to the school. Keep Akron Beautiful started this program last year, and it was adopted by Keep America Beautiful. Now, 1,100 schools across the country are participating. Melissa says that the Akron schools are also competing in the national competition. For locations of drop-off points or for more information on the mixed paper drive, contact Melissa Adams at 330.375.2116 or Keep Akron Beautiful. For more about the River Valley Paper Company, call 330.535.1001 or visit River Valley Paper Company

Go Beyond Green! Vivesan offers a suite of powerful, carcinogen-free cleaners with multiple applications for commercial and consumer use. These cleaners provide safe cleaning alternatives for humans, animals and the environment. Developed using a proprietary blend of 100 percent plant-based ingredients, Vivesan cleaners incorporate high-tech chemistry innovations that produce incredibly clean surfaces. Vivesan products are available at the Mustard Seed or on the company's website. Demonstrations of Vivebloom, the company's plant-based produce wash, will be held every Wednesday through Dec. 14 from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at both Mustard Seed locations, in Montrose and Solon. Vivesan is based in Burton, Ohio; 877.484.8372. Vivesan.com

Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, which builds 13 homes a year, is just completing a LEED-certified home in Akron. It also operates ReStore, the place to go for furniture, building supplies and appliances, at 2301 Romig Road in Akron. A destination for the thrifty and savvy shopper, ReStore is open Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. Rochelle Fisher, President and CEO of Habitat for Humanity of Summit County, says that you can get an advance look at new arrivals by signing up for the organization's weekly e-newsletter. Visit Habitat for Humanity For more information, call 330.745.9098.

The Master Gardeners of Cuyahoga County will present "Gardening Through the Seasons" on Nov. 5. Master Gardener Pat Koch says the one-day seminar will have a range of topics of interest to gardeners and homeowners. The keynote presentation will be "Pollination: A Photographic Primer for Gardening Success," featuring Judy Semroc and Larry Roshe from the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. The Nov. 5 seminar will be held from 8 a.m. - 4 p.m., at the Crowne Plaza Hotel-Cleveland Airport, 7230 Engle Rd. in Middleburg Heights. Ticket price is $50; the mail registration deadline is Oct. 29. The fall seminar is open to any individual who is interested in gardening. Walk-ins should check Master Gardeners for availability.