Akron Velvet Cushion 2-4-10

By: Bunny Lacey
Date: 02/02/2010 Cold, wintry weather couldn’t stop Debbie Carter, Melisa Jung and Terri Lamm from attending a Cavs game at The Q. They witnessed Lebron James, Shaq, and the rest of our Cleveland Cavaliers defeat the Washington Wizards on Wednesday, January 6. It was Mo Williams bobblehead night so everyone went home with a special memento.

Parul Parikh, owner of Bollywood Fitness Studio, in Fairlawn, was featured on Cleveland Fox 8’s “Kickin’ It With Kenny” segment. They showed Kenny learning J Ho and Bollywood dance moves from instructor Jackie Gross, leading a talented group of students that included: Anjali and Madhu Gupta, Veena Khanna, Dianne Lojek, Sonia Midha, Srimathi Ramamurthy, Ketki Shah, and Lisa Sun.

Kenny dressed up for the occasion in Indian garb and was actually pretty good! Classes are taught Monday, Wednesday, and Friday evenings and all net profits are donated to women’s causes throughout the world.
This dance style was popularized in the award-winning movie “Slum Dog Millionaire.” Working mind, body and soul, with core moves and belly dancing added in, it’s a great way to shed the pounds, tone up, and have fun. To watch, check out the Bollywood website at www.BollywoodFitStudio.com.  

A record 135 guests showed up at the December 2009 meeting of the Hudson Chamber of Commerce where Tom Vince was honored as Hudson’s citizen of the year.

Three outstanding businesses were also recognized at the annual awards ceremony, held at the Country Club of Hudson. Tom treated all attendees to a 10-minute video he produced highlighting some of his favorite places in Hudson. MJ Lehman, owner of Nicky Nicole, was presented with an award for  “Outstanding Business of the Year,” while Drs. Robert and Rebecca Ault, from Ault Chiropractic and Laura Goodman of National City Bank, accepted awards for “Outstanding Customer Service.”

New Fairlawn Area Chamber of Commerce president Paula Chesser introduced Fairlawn Mayor Bill Roth at the chamber luncheon on Monday, January 11. The mayor shared news about the state of the city and how the budget is being balanced while maintaining most of the outstanding services residents and businesses rely upon.
Many thanks were given to the 2009 Holiday Auction Committee led by co-chairs Keri-Ann Kalavity and Terry Meinen. Assisted by Joe Mersnik, Doris Stewart, Linda Moran, Gary Thomas, Dave Pelland, Lenny Morella, Leslianne Love, Melissa Matthews, Wendy Windemuth, Lisa Gould, Debi Thomas, Tom Breckenridge, Dean Langfitt, Diane Wargo, Alicia Holland, Kurt Karhoff, Chrissie Beynon, Charlene Cancasci, Bill Kirk, Sara Tower, Jack Yard, Margaret Sell, and Judy Spooner, the auction took in over $17,000. Proceeds will be donated to OPEN M, Stewart’s Caring Place, and ACCESS through the United Way. Thanks also to the talented Copley Fairlawn High School Choir for entertaining guests with their festive caroling.

Downtown Hudson has been hopping lately, with Friday night wine tastings at Wine Way—the place to be. On a recent evening, Christine and Donald Jackovitz, Carol Stolecki, Martha Jacobs, and Judy and Kendall Smith enjoyed tasty homemade empanadas prepared by owner Maria Angeles Iriart. Daughter Maria Iriart kept busy trying to find everyone a seat, and a glass.

It’s also tough getting a seat at The Rosewood Grill, which opened Monday, December 21, in the old Turner Mill location. It continues to be S.R.O. on weekends.

Another brand new restaurant in the area is Gusto d’Italia (formerly Emilio’s). Owner Jimmy Selgjekaj completely remodeled the place to resemble restaurants he frequented while living in Italy. Featuring “Traditional Italian food with a new age twist,” the restaurant and head chef, Tommy Violante, are receiving rave reviews.
After recently opening Pub Bricco in the Merriman Valley, rumor has it that Bricco’s will soon be opening their newest restaurant inside the recently remodeled DoubleTree Hotel, in Fairlawn.

And congratulations to Jessica Price and Eric Samuelson on their engagement. Jessica is the assistant manager at All Brides Beautiful and is also a student at Kent State University in the fashion design program. She has been busy designing her own gown for the July ceremony.

Bunny can be reached at Bunny@MimiVanderhaven.com.