Baby Carriers, Reviews and Information

Baby Carriers are essential - not only to the modern hippy parent -  but also to those who want to get anything done in those precious first weeks of a newborn's life.

As we were preparing for baby Gremlin, we reviewed a number of different carriers and decided on two for our first little one. I'll share here what we learned in hopes of helping you with your decision.

Baby Bjorn

The Baby Bjorn carrier is not unlike a backpack you wear on the front of your body... with a baby inside

Pricing: $$$$

Pros: 

• Baby Bjorn carriers can be found anywhere: Target, Babys R Us, Bye Bye Baby, Amazon.com, Craigslist, you name it
• Baby Bjorn is a trusted name, their products seem to hold-up quite well
• Bjorn offers a number of color and fabric options to suit all sorts of climates and personalities
• Small, convenient
• Classy

Cons:

• Some claim that the way the baby hangs from the Bjorn can be damaging or painful for the little one's hips, as all weight is essentially carried in their crotch
• The Bjorn is designed for smaller children. After a few months of age you will not be able to use the Bjorn to tote your bundle of joy around town
• Cost per months of use seems a bit steep. Children over 25lbs are not recommended for this carrier

Moby or Sleepy Wrap 

The Moby Wrap carrier is essentially  a long piece of fabric that you tie around your body in a tidy fashion. You slip the baby inside the wraps of the fabric and he is then 'tied' to you

Pricing: $$ ($ if you make your own)

Pros:

• I found the moby wrap particularly helpful as we established breast feeding. The fact that you can 'tie' your baby to you 'skin-to-skin' and not show the world that you are topless (around the house or hospital room) is very valuable in my opinion
• The moby comes in a variety of fabrics, colors, textures
• Also available just about anywhere: Walmart, Target, on-line, craigslist, you name it
• The moby allows for carry of the tiniest preemie through a much larger baby
• Videos all over youtube to help you build confidence on different carry options
• You can wrap it inside a jacket and pop the baby from a car to the carrier seamlessly during errands because you don't have to take off the moby between stops
• If you take 5 yards of fabric, cut it in half length-wise, you can make your own at home (Alternatively, I took two pieces of 2 1/2 yd of fabric, sewed them together with some jazzy stitches and you are also all set)

Cons

• It is a long-ole' piece of fabric (this is understandably intimidating at first and - honestly - a real turn-off for my husband as he simply didn't want to contend with the wrapping)
• The stretchy versions, while wonderful when the baby is young, are not as helpful as they grow - for longer use opt for a linen or other non-stretch variety
• It would be cool if the 'Moby tag' (read marker for middle of fabric length) was sown flat so that it didn't pop up and scratch baby in the face or on the back of the head

Ring Sling

The ring sling is just what it sounds to be - a length of fabric with a pair of rings at one end. Don't worry, the rings are sown in, you don't have to worry about loosing them.  :)

Price: $$ ($ if you make your own)

Pros:

• For me, this was a hand-me-down, so I didn't have to buy it -- extra bonus!
• The ring sling has slipped from the spotlight in recent years, so you can find even the coolest ones for cheap! For example, a friend and I stumbled across a gorgeous embroidered one at T.J.Maxx for a steal a couple months ago!
• I found the ring sling particularly helpful around the three month mark, baby could hold his head up a bit
• The donning of the ring sling is extremely quick and easy
• I hear the ring sling can be helpful for nursing, though I have not mastered this combination others have raved about it
• Patterns are available everywhere for making your own ring sling, if you are brave. Just google ring sling pattern, some are even free

Cons

• This, like the moby wrap, was too much fabric for the man of the house to entertain. Not that it is not possible, but heads up for all the new families out there. If your man is into the stream-line, he may not embrace this option
• I was uncomfortable using this when baby had no head control, but many do not have this concern, so approach as you like

Ergo Carrier

The Ergo, not unlike the Bjorn, is a back-pack-type infant and child carrier. 

Price: $$$$$

Pros:

• The Ergo suits the youngest preemie through a much larger child
• This carrier can be worn in the front, the back, or on your hip
• There are attachments that include a fanny-type and a back-pack-type attachment that can allow for carrying of a diaper, etc. These attachments are sold separately
• With the carrier comes a zippered pocket for parent, perfect for a wallet as you walk to market or paci, chapstick, etc
• The carrier also comes with a hood that you can snap over baby's head to block sun, hold baby's head up as he naps
• A water resistant cover is available for rainy climates
• A winter muff is available for cool climates
• Ergo is available in organic options
• Ergo has paired with Petunia Picklebottom for custom designs
• Ergo is ergonomic and keeps child's weight all across their bottom, not in their crotch, supposedly more comfortable and safer than some other carriers
• Teething pads are available for the straps nearest baby, so that they can goo all over the strap and you can clean them easily
• Ergo is a domestic company, out of Hawaii, always good to support jobs on the home front
• Daddy's like the Ergo
• While the cost among all carriers reviewed, the Ergo is highest, it is suitable for the longest durration of child carrying months. Children up to 45 lbs can be safely carried in the Ergo
• We opted for the performance Ergo due to the lighter material and could not be more pleased with this carrier

Cons:

• You will want to have an extra set of hands around as you learn to put this on with an infant, it is entirely possible, but takes a little learning
• At four months, my son and I were able to master the back carry, but I wouldn't have dared to try it sooner due to his neck strength
• Whether front or back carry, the child always faces the parent. For some this is no issue, as it is said to promote parent-child interaction - always a good thing.
• You can't reach the pocket if the carrier is worn on your back. Sounds self-explanatory, but relevant.
• Most stores in Summit County do not carry the Ergo. In-fact, we headed down to Columbus to try it out at Bye-Bye Baby. Hopefully local retailers will get hip to this awesome carrier (or Bye Bye Baby will open a store nearby)

Hope this helps you in your decision-making!

Cheers-

--The Rubber City Homestead

Finally Snowing!

It is
      
    F*I*N*A*L*L*Y

          ****SNOWING*** !!!!!

Sunshine! In Akron, Ohio

Can you believe this sunshine? Perhaps we will get a break from 'old man winter' afterall!

Enjoy the fresh breeze and the warmth of the sun today, Akron.

--The Rubber City Homestead

Valentine's Goodies Right Here In Akron!

Alright friends, you may believe it or not, but
Valentine's Day is actually upon us...

I will admit that there were years of my life where I hosted a *U** Valentine's Day party. The tone was silliness and good sippers. On occasion I was known to bake a cake and paint the words omitted above across the top of the chocolaty goodness.

ha ha ha

While my perspective on love and life has certainly shifted into a more fulfilling direction, my affiliation with Valentine's Day has also taken a new tone.

Whether you wish to openly down-cast this particular greeting card holiday, or embrace it openly for the sake of someone you hold dear-- by all means HAVE SOME FUN WITH IT!!!

If you are in the market for some favors for your fiesta, or a treasure for your treasured one, know that you need not travel beyond Akron's city limits.

Yes, Rubber City folks, there are a few key contributors who would love to enhance your heart-filled holiday!

If chocolate is what your heart desires, step on into
Temo's Chocolates
(495 West Exchange Street - they are just around the corner from the Krispy Kreme near the Akron Zoo).  While I am certain that I have sampled Temo's chocolates a number of times over the years, I can honestly say that I had not visited their charming establishment until I decided to pen this post. Just last Thursday, I ventured through the chilling air, and into the cozy shop-- and boy am I glad I did!

Temo's Chocolates is an Akron classic!

Temo's offered a number of beautiful red heart boxes filled with succulent treasures. Also, you can find chocolate lips covered in luscious red foil (sure to set the mood) and traditional roses (made of chocolate, of-course)!

Personally, I opted for a mixed collection. My favorite truffle of them all? The Black Forest!!!!!
This particular truffle boasts subtle hints of cherry inside of a buttery smooth dark chocolate exterior. One bite of this truffle and I was literally returned to the charming hillsides of Germany, craving good wine, cuckoo clocks, spatzle, schnitzel and maybe a warm pretzel with mustard for good measure. Charming that a treasure as small as this darling truffle could overwhelm my senses in such a way! Beautiful!

Temo's is open weekdays - including Valentine's - from 11 AM to 5 PM. Plenty of time to pick up your goodies!



Another fantastic option for the last minute Akron Valentine's shopper is the
Peanut Shoppe
(203 South Main Street).

The Peanut Shoppe is deeply woven into the fabric of Akron, Ohio!

I remember my earliest days at the University of Akron (no I will not tell you when this was). At the time, the Peanut Shoppe was located on the opposite side of Main Street from where it can be found today. I would venture down through their delicate aisle while I waited between classes at the Polsky building. While I always managed to pick up some treasure or another, it was not uncommon for me to also pick up a small bag of treats to bring along to share with my friends. The Peanut Shoppe has long made visits to the Civic Theatre and sharing goodies with friends a memorable and attainable event.

When Mr. Rubber City Homestead and I navigated our way onto Main Street this Saturday, The Peanut Shoppe was in the forefront of my mind. As we passed through the front door, I was overwhelmed by the enticing scent of delicious goodness that filled my nostrils. aaaaahhhh! Fresh Carmel corn, nuts, candies and delicious wonders galore!

I will have to admit, I was thrilled to see that the place was full of goodie grabbers and those with a taste for the finest treats in town.

We picked up a pound of their ***Deluxe Mixed Nuts*** for our Grandpa's birthday (which he thoroughly enjoyed and proceeded to devour during our visit) and a half pound of almond butter.

We could have spent hours sampling all the treasures that were laid out before us, but it simply would not have been fair to monopolize the patient staff any longer. There was quite a demand for mid Saturday scruplous sweets!


Oh my goodness!

I must confess, I knew that The Peanut Shoppe offered fresh peanut butter, but somehow I overlooked the fact that they were also kind enough to offer my absolute favorite butter-- fresh almond butter! These folks pay such attention to detail that they offer salted, unsalted or mixed options to the discerning almond butter consumer. aaahhhh. I was in heaven! I barely had enough willpower to avoid sticking my finger in the tub on the short drive home.

As soon as I removed my cozy winter garb, I slathered the 'made before my eyes' almond butter across bit of bread... and let my taste buds take over. DELICIOUS!!!!!

If you are a fan, want to be a fan, or have a slight curiosity for almond butter-- GO ON DOWN TO THE PEANUT SHOPPE! Not only is it fresh, not only is it made to your personal taste, not only is it more reasonably priced than ALL the health food stores in town, it is also the single best almond butter I have ever had the pleasure of tasting! 

Keep in mind that The Peanut Shoppe will happily place your choice of sweet or salty treats into a heat-shaped box for your darling Valentine.

The Peanut Shoppe is open from 9 AM - 6 PM on Valentine's Day, so be sure to stop by!

Temo's will truffle your chocolaty lips and provide a bouquet of smooth chocolate goodness. The Peanut Shoppe will dazzle you with salty and sweet treasures that are sure to blow your mind, or that of your sweetheart!

Shop local. Shop Akron. Shop Temo's. And The Peanut Shoppe!

May your day be filled with
love and surprises that bring a smile to your face!
mmmmm...



All the best, Akron.
The Rubber City Homestead 

The Devil Is In the Details

Can you believe the sunshine today???
My goodness, it does not feel like Northeast Ohio.
It feels like... dare I say... Colorado in my front window today!

Gorgeous and refreshing!

My Better Homes and Gardens magazine came the other day and instructed that those of us in the northeast should soon begin to sow our seeds (if we choose to start them inside).

Sweet peas are on my mind. I think I will take the liberty of tossing a few in some soil so we can enjoy them soon!

Now back to the details...

I have been yearning to share the tale of a simply romantic winter wedding.

Mr. RC Homestead and I were privileged to receive an invitation to our friend's winter wedding. The event took place less than two weeks ago, right here in Summit County, Ohio.

My-oh-my was it breath-taking!

Shall I dare to say that my friend is a very lucky fellow.

His bride left no detail unattended.

The event took place at Happy Day's Visitor Center in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. To the best of my knowledge I have never been to a wedding at Happy Day's Visitor Center, though I certainly hope to return!

The couple had thoughtfully arranged for valet parking for their guests, as the parking lot is located across the (sometimes busy) Route 303.

Upon entering the facility, guests were dazzled by enchanted winter decor in hues of rose, snow white, and shimmering silver.  A table was coated in beautiful hand-crafted snowflake ornaments that carried the names of guests and their seating arrangement.

The ceremony took place in the right hall, with windows peering out onto the snow-covered lawn. Clad in their charming winter warmest and best, guests were swept up in the romantic tone of the au-natural local.

White lights were paired with the classical guitar tones of Steve Cipriano as the sun set and the bride had a glowing smile painted across her face.

Mr. RC Homestead and I have been honored to attend dozens of lovely weddings over the years. Be it the chill in the air, the warmth of the wood fire burning in the reception hall, the elegant treat boxes for each guest, or the tactility of love in the air... this wedding swept our hearts away!

Congratulations to our friends! May your marriage forever celebrate the elegant and alluring tone you were able to capture on your beautiful wedding day!

--All the Rubber City best

Random Acts of Gardening... Continued

Hello All.

Do you recall our early chat about 'random acts of gardening'? The general question I was posing was whether or not it is a good idea to randomly plant crops here and there through-out the city?!?!? The food would be available to anyone who may be in need of a delicious something to fill their bellies.

Well...

I just stumbled across a fantastic gardening book:  Grow Great Grub by Gayla Trail (Random House, 2010)! In her text she describes 'guerrilla gardeners' who randomly and 'rebelliously' plant a few seeds or entire gardens with or without permission around the country.

I love it! There is an entire movement! ha ha ha!

Trail goes forward to say that communities sometimes establish gardens to support the local food needs or individuals may 'take it to the streets', as she states. Both concepts are appealing.

Her main considerations were 1. whether or not the 'rebellious farmers' desired to return to and tend the crops through-out the growing season and 2. the type of crops that flourish in a given zone or region.

Check out her book: 

Trail also has a hip website that details some of her other work and awesome gardening ideas:

http://www.gaylatrail.com/



Where can you get this book ... FOR FREE???? (at least to borrow)

The Summit County Public library, of-course! Check out their site, so you can 'check out' this incredible book!

Cruise on over to your local branch. You may find some more treasures while you are there! Want to know a great thing about the library? It's always there and it's always free :) Can't beat a deal like that!

More often than not, the books that I could not imagine leaving out of my home library were first discovered on a trip around the library. Sometimes I go with a plan. Other times I roam the stacks and let my creativity take over. Stay open. You never know what might 'pop up'!

Cheers--

The Rubber City Homestead



January Grey, but We are Still OK!

Hello Rubber City!

Akron seems to be experiencing a bit of a heat wave this week -- the snow on the trees in the front yard has nearly disappeared and the roads haven't been covered in that white stuff for a few days, now! Wow!

All of this 'warm weather' has me thinking of the season ahead, but I am cautious not to overlook where we are at the moment.

January has a reputation for being the longest, grey-est, dreariest month of the Ohio winter, and I certainly understand why. On the flip side, however, January has some wonderful qualities that don't always hit the radar.

Random Acts of Gardening

Friends,

Tell me your thoughts. Our nation is in a bit of a pickle in regards to the food supply issue (at least in terms of distribution and balanced availability). We have on our hands a working class poor that cannot afford to feed themselves or their children. Add to this a certain portion of the population that is woefully malnourished.

What are your thoughts on this concept: 'random acts of gardening'???

I'll be honest. After 5 seconds of internet searching, I appreciate that the turn of phrase is not available for copyright... or even a blog title for that matter. But the CONCEPT... well it is one of community, of healthy living and supporting our own neighborhood... in my mind.

While planning my 2011 garden, I was reminded that one particular seed vendor included an extra packet of carrot seeds with my order last year. The packet read, "plant one row for the homeless" (or words to that effect). BRILLIANT, I thought! I would already be working my garden through-out the summer, why shouldn't I include one additional row for those who may need it?!?!  As it turns out the particular area I selected was not the loomy soil that carrots appreciate and there were no discernible survivors in the 'for the homeless' row. Too sad. I took other measures to support the hungry of the community.

What if we, as a gardening, community conscious collective, began planting seeds in abandoned lots through-out the city? Perhaps we could post a small sign at the head of the row stating what was planted and on what date, "please help yourself".

I realize the concept is in the formative stages, but I certainly think it is something worth chewing on.

Open to your considerations.

Warm thoughts--

The Rubber City Homestead

Looking for More Urban Farm Blogs???

If you are in the market for more urban farming blogs, I have a treasure map for you...

Check out this site on Urban Farm Online!

They have urban farming blogs from folks all over the country!


http://www.urbanfarmonline.com/community-building-and-resources/urban-farm-bloggers/default.aspx


Cheers--

Organic Foods/Mind and Body Connection Class Offered by Akron General

This just in...

'Organic Foods/Mind and Body Connection' course

It looks like Akron General is feeling a bit 'organic'! They are offering community courses on the mind/body connection and organic foods in 2011.

Where??? may you ask? 

Very Exciting News...

Very Exciting News to Share.....

Some of you may have been hip enough to have ventured into a new local classic, Hazel Tree Interiors (the old Norka Futon shop) on Market Street. For the rest of you-- get on down there, the collection is fantastic!  Great vibe, things you want for your home!

(photo from Hazel Tree Interiors site, http://hazeltreeinteriors.com/)


Through the month of December, Hazel Tree Interiors has opened their hearts and retail space to Akron artists of all kinds!!!

Hope You (and Yours) Survived the Holiday!

Good morning!

Hope you found your way through the sticky waters of the onset of 2010's holiday season!  My goodness! We were fortunate to have some wonderful family and friends in town and even got to visit with most of them ;)

As we collectively cruise past Thanksgiving and migrate a tinge closer to (brace yourself)... Christmas, perhaps we should make a game plan. One of my girlfriends recently shared with me the Thanksgiving preparation list that her 80+ year-old grandmother had made. Not only did the list reflect what happened last year, details as to which appetizer was most appreciated, and who did not receive a full portion of left-overs to take home-- this amazing woman also logged prices for her feast purchase and time tables for the work. WOW!  May I extend myself to say, they just don't make em' like that anymore! The 70-80 y/o's are just the example that we all could learn a thing or two from! What amazing work ethic, morals, passion, perspective... and (most importantly) heart!

Back to lists. I find that lists enable me to focus on the job at hand, rather than the millions of things I need to remember. If that 'speaks' to you, let's proceed.

If you have not started already, how about we prepare a couple lists together?!?
What might the lists entail?

• Presents-- who are we buying (crafting) for, and what shall we give

• Food-- what dishes need to be prepared, where are we taking them, and when should we prep (or order) them

• Decor-- when is it going up, when is it coming down. Pencil in a good couple hours for a friend or spouse to help with the assembly or disassembly so that you don't get worn-out

• Family/Me time-- SCHEDULE (yes schedule) some time alone, with your spouse, with your children to pause this holiday. Perhaps a mani/pedi. Maybe a hockey game. Consider a hike, a game night, or a dinner together. Make some quiet memories, too.

• Appointments-- medical, dental, automotive, etc. Get the most out of your 'benefits', if you have not already done so. Let's be real, sometimes we need to squeeze the 'not-so-fun' stuff into the holidays, as well.

Alright. You've got your lists, now let's go shopping, right?!?!? Patience young Jedi.

After the lists you have at least earned yourself a cup of hot cocoa. Enjoy. Take a deep breath and enjoy the fresh air!

There are a lot of fun ways to enhance the holiday experience without adding any events to the calendar. For example, think about cutting down your own tree instead of zipping over to big Wally, pit stop for cocoa on the way home and make a memory or two. Have the kids help with cookie delivery to the neighbors and sneak in a mention of the reason for the season. Something crazy-- bring treats to a relative and when they open the box of goodies, it also becomes an appetizer-- sneaky, but good technique I learned years ago!

The West Side Leader offered some great notes on the trees:
http://www.akron.com/pages.asp?aID=10931

And the Beacon Journal added a great scoop on some different local activities:
http://www.ohio.com/entertainment/shinn/110562244.html

You've got this!

Happy Holidays,

The Rubber City Homestead

Frank Boulevard

Frank Boulevard is the access ramp from the west side of Akron... to the freeway... to the world.

Sadly, Frank Boulevard has been inaccessible for FAR TOO LONG (but)....

ha ha ha! the day has come...

Frank Boulevard OFFICIALLY opened for transit yesterday!!!
http://www.ohio.com/news/109731569.html

YYYYYYYYAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAYYYYYYYYYY!!!!
say the residents!




















God bless Frank Boulevard. Thank you for opening up the world again.

Go nuts. Take a sunny day spin and cruise on down to check'er out!

What's Happening in Akron this Weekend?

What to do with the final 'preholiday' weekend in 2010? If you are lucky enough to not have the next 48 hours planned to the hilt, consider some of the fun that you can share with the family-- right here in Summit County.

For example, today there is a Christmas Boutique at the Akron/Fairlawn Hilton. Though we have yet to stop over, it sounds like there will be some wonderful holiday treasures there for the taking! For more information about the boutique:   http://www.christchildsocietyakron.org/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=21&Itemid=11

Also, the Polar Express is underway. Consider giving the kids something a little different this year-- tickets to a majical journey through the valley with characters and a story that they will certainly remember for a lifetime. Want tickets? http://www.cvsr.com/polar-express.aspx

Finally, consider grabbing some tickets to the Garrison Keillor show at E.J. Thomas. The show will take place on December 14th and is sure to delight all the "Prarie Home Companion" fans out there! Need more information? http://www.ejthomashall.com/eventsearch/event_detail.php?id=953

The husband and I are headed to the backyard to pick away at the shed. Floor boards go in the this morning and we may even begin on a wall framing-- we will see how far we get ;)
More on How to Build a Shed later!!!

Enjoy the weekend and the stillness before the holiday 'storm'!!!!

All the best, friends.

It's Not Polite to Ask a Girl Out After Wednesday-- but Warren Miller could probably pull it off!

A million years ago, there was an adage that stated it was impolite to ask a girl out after Wednesday as it did not allow her enough time to get a sparkling new dress for the outing.

Well cast those words to the wind, my friends and pencil in something special for this Saturday evening.

Yes... this just in... there is something incredible happening in Akron-- this Saturday evening!

This Saturday and this Saturday only, there is a very special showing of Warren Miller's 'Wintervention' at the Akron Civic!

(Yes, the phenomenal theatre with the moving sky just got cooler... if that was possible!!!)

This is an event that winter sports enthusiasts (or those who dream of being winter sports enthusiasts, or those who are jealous of winter sports enthusiasts) DO NOT WANT TO MISS!

For those of you who may be unfamiliar with Warren Miller, he is the CHIEF of all winter sports cinematic inspiration! 

Want to get pumped for skiing or snowboarding? Jonesing for some powder mornings? Do not deceive yourself. Winter is nearly upon us. Which is why this is where you need to park your tail on Saturday night. period.

FIY- In Colorado this guy is so huge that they show his films on the side of buildings, in Vail, in Breckenridge. Yes friends, his work is appreciated in the glorious, awe-inspiring, brag-to-your-friends-because-you-had-a-cookie-in-Breck... COLORADO!!!!!! Mountain high goodness lovers... love THIS guy! (and yes, it is true. the healthiest and wealthiest singles do, in-fact, reside in CO!)

Rubber City Homestead just found out about the Akron Civic showing of Warren Miller's 'Wintervention' and we (I) could not possibly keep it from you!

http://www.akroncivic.com/eventlist/event_detail.php?id=868

Warren Miller Ski Fest

‘Wintervention’

Akron Civic Theatre

November 20^th

Tickets $11 in advance

$15 at the door

Just who is Warren Miller??

http://www.warrenmiller.net/ec/index.php

check him out here

go. go now. get your tickets. this is something you will want to see ;)   

http://www.akroncivic.com/eventlist/event_detail.php?id=868

Veteran's Day

Every Independence Day and Veteran's Day the husband and I line the driveway with miniature American flags. I am sure some who cruise past wonder why we would do such a thing, but there are others who I am sure get a smile from our efforts.

Last evening we ventured out to line the drive and we shared a giggle or two about appreciative comments we have received about our patriotic gesture. This morning, as the sun shed her light across the front lawn, I began to see the frost on our line of flags.

Not unlike so many things in life, patriotism has her seasons. In recent years, there has been a degree of uneasiness in regards to patriotism. Many have shied away from hanging the flag, saying the pledge, or even thanking a veteran. Perhaps we can go so far as to say that patriotism has gone out of style a bit.

While there may be frost on the flags in the front yard, those who appreciate this great nation will not allow the trendy seasons to impact our affection for our home! Our fiery passion for freedom will not be cooled by the ignorance of those who cannot see beyond themselves. We will bond, we will serve, we will fight to preserve!

Thank you to all our veterans out there! Thank you to the VFW's, American Legion for offering a gathering place. Thank you to the employers, the churches, the families and the schools for supporting all of our patriots!

The Rubber City has her grit, and she has a passionate population of service members, both past and present. Rock on, Rubber City Veterans!

Choose to serve, choose to abstain, choose to protest, or choose to refrain. Only here do we all have the birthright to make the choice!

A seasonal 'Happy Veteran's Day' well wish!

Things for vets to consider today:

Applebee's free dinner
Bob Evans will donate 15% of meals to the USO today
Chili's has some discounted/free meals for veterans
Home Depot and Lowe's are keeping the veteran discount alive today


Enjoy a meal, enjoy a hike, enjoy the day and have peace in knowing that you are free :)

Thanksgiving and Our Community

Good Day Folks!

First I should probably mention: vote, vote, VOTE, VOTE!!!

And go ahead and vote LaRose, while you are out there! We need a local guy who has proven his drive, his desire to serve and his ability to handle variable situations on our side! Summit County is due for some fresh blood! This is the guy for the j-o-b!


Now, onto other matters.

It is not too early to consider your holiday plans, I am quickly learning.

As you pine over where to devour turkey this year, consider starting a new family tradition.

...consider doing something that will make you feel FANTASTIC as you start your Thanksgiving Day...

...consider doing something that will extend a helping hand to the less fortunate of THIS area (A-K, Baybae!)

... consider joining us for the Home Run for the Homeless!

Proceeds go directly towards an all-volunteer, nonprofit housing and soup kitchen in the heart of Akron, Gennesart. (I know it looks tricky to pronounce. Go with gen-es-ar-et).

If supporting the less fortunate of Akron is not something that gets your juices pumping, how about this???

The event is not just a money sponge. There is actually some fantastic fun available for all members of the family.

If you want to take the chill route (no seasonal pun intended), sign up for the 1 mile Fun Run/Walk.

OR if you are feeling tough (or just ran the Road Runner and need a little autumn incentive to keep on the running habit) take on the incredible 4 Mile Run! This joggeroo is amazing!

It takes you through the historic Glendale Cemetery, just down from Cadillac hill. The hilly, windy, course is captivating when the morning sunshine slips through the trees and catches your chilly cheeks!!!! The course was set up in conjunction with Olympian Butch Reynolds, who actually shows up each Thanksgiving for a little group stretch and encouragement. AWESOME!

Pencil this in as your morning activity and you will not feel bad about the extra helping of pumpkin pie, for sure!

Still need some inspiration? There are prizes awarded for each age bracket and overall race winner.

Jump on the registration and you may even make the "first 1,200 pre-registered 4-mile runner" Free Giveaway!

Check out the registration form below:

FRONT

BACK

**Please note, do not return the registration forms to Rubber City Homestead, but follow the directions on the form and send it in ASAP!



...I can hear the pitter-patter of running feet now 

Jog well and offer a bit of support to our neighbors, Rubber City-ers!