After years of devoted service, Tina Boyes will pass the torch to a new leader.
For most people within the Kenmore community, Tina Boyes hasn’t just been the executive director of Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance (KNA) for the majority of the organization’s existence – she’s been synonymous with the organization itself. Working tirelessly to transform Kenmore Boulevard from a tattered and worn business district whose glory days seemed like distant memories into Akron’s vibrant and emerging music row that’s welcomed sixteen new businesses in the past two years alone.
In late 2022, Boyes decided she wanted to begin serving the Kenmore community in a new way and informed the KNA Board that she would be transitioning out of the executive director role in order to run for the city’s Ward 9 council seat – a seat once held by her father Don Brode, and her grandfather George Brode.
Upon learning of Boyes’ intentions, the KNA board began working to identify the organization’s next leader. After an extensive search process and with significant consideration given to the skills, experiences and expertise needed to successfully guide KNA in its next phase of growth the board named Josh Gippin as executive director, effective February 20, 2023. Boyes will remain on board as outgoing executive director to aid with the transition through the end of March.
“Five years ago, the KNA board hired me to help revitalize Kenmore Boulevard at a time when most people considered it to be a net negative.” Boyes said. “Since then, we’ve cleaned up the space, filled vacant buildings with neighborhood-serving businesses and resources, and reignited a sense of community that has been missing for a long time. I’m proud of what we’ve accomplished together and I can’t wait to support Josh as he takes KNA to the next level.”
Gippin brings an impressive skillset to the position. He has a wealth of experience in the real estate arena, has been active within Akron’s Highland Square neighborhood, understands the value of networking and fundraising, and has operated his own video production company for nearly 20 years, producing independent documentaries, along with promotional and brand videos.
“Josh brings the right amount of confidence and inquisitiveness to the role, not to mention a great energy and a willingness to jump right in and offer up fresh ideas,” KNA Board Chair Eric Cooper explained. “Leading up to the hire, Josh answered the interview questions thoughtfully and thoroughly and it was obvious in our conversations that Josh brought a high level of passion and compassion to the job, both of which are key components of nonprofit work.”
Under Gippin’s leadership, KNA will continue building upon the strong foundation laid by Boyes and will remain dedicated to attracting businesses, visitors, musicians, creatives, families, and residents to The BLVD through hard work, collaboration, and events.
“My family and I are so excited to become a part of the Kenmore community. Long before accepting this position, we had invested in Kenmore real estate, so we too are stakeholders. Tina has nurtured KNA from its very inception, and it has come so far. I am honored to be entrusted with carrying KNA and The BLVD into the future, together with you all.”
Please join KNA in welcoming Josh Gippin as executive director and be sure to say hello when you see him on The BLVD!
The task force was billed as a “small and representative group of stakeholders” that would help to design a long-term operational plan that supports academic achievement, health and well being and equity goals while “most fully realizing the potential of our schools as community anchors.”
The group was indeed small, with mostly APS employees attending most meetings, and its recommendations were far from equitable.
At our second to last meeting, the former Morley Health Center was introduced as a potential site for a National Inventors Hall of Fame STEM high school. So was closing more neighborhood grade schools and leaving APS-owned Kenmore High School vacant. This made it clear to me that APS continues to value short-term expediency while giving insufficient attention to the role schools play in strengthening Akron’s residential neighborhoods.
APS’s facilities approach has weakened the fabric of our neighborhoods and people’s ties to both the school district and the city, as parents continue to move their students – and tax dollars – to the suburbs. Nowhere is this truer than in Kenmore, Akron’s second largest neighborhood. Once home to 10 APS schools, Kenmore is now left with a renovated middle school, a trio of grade schools and a vacant Kenmore High School property, located a mere block from where our agency, the city and grassroots investors are doing the hard work of revitalization. Rather than contributing to our efforts, APS is now considering the opposite: decommissioning Pfeiffer Elementary, the only remaining grade school north of Kenmore Boulevard.
Kenmore has felt the district’s shortsightedness directly as two previously decommissioned grade schools, Smith and Lawndale, were sold to someone without the capacity or capital to keep the properties secure, let alone serving as community assets. The buildings were repeatedly vandalized, set on fire and, in Lawndale’s case, razed, leaving behind only vacant land, unpaid taxes and bitter neighbors.
In 2003, APS and city leaders promised to rebuild Pfeiffer when Kenmore and the rest of Akron taxpayers passed a 0.25% income tax increase, which they did. More promises broken, but it’s a familiar refrain. Mere months ago, community leaders asked that Kenmore High School not be left vacant and were tantalized by the prospect of a STEAM school at the site. Not only is it clear the district had no intentions of bringing a STEAM school to Kenmore, it intends to retreat even further outside of Kenmore. Is this equity? Is this realizing the potential of schools as community anchors?
If APS truly believes in “encouraging kindness in our communities,” it can start with kindness to our communities. For Kenmore, that means a functional Pfeiffer Elementary School and a renovated and reused Kenmore High School building.
Mayor Horrigan has gone on record stating the city will not engage in land swaps until APS has a plan for Kenmore High School. Yet, with 10 months left in his term, APS and its Long Term Operational Task Force have no plan. With a new superintendent on the horizon and a slate of candidates vying for Akron mayorship, we ask this: Will you keep Akron’s promises to its neighborhoods? Because we’re mobilized and paying attention.
On May 29, 1851, in an area of downtown Akron that looked a whole lot more like Kenmore Boulevard than the urban area we know today, Sojourner Truth delivered her iconic speech known as “Ain’t I A Woman?” which challenged the exclusion of women of color from the Women’s Rights Movement. On Friday, Feb. 17, Sojourner Truth Project Committee Chair Towanda Mullins and Education Committee Lead Margaret Maurer will share insight into how our city is honoring this important part of Akron’s history as part of Srina Tea House & Cafe’s Black History Month Celebration.
In commemoration of the 100th anniversary of the 19th Amendment, a committee of local Summit County Women raised funds to commission local artist Woodrow Nash to create a statue of Truth. the statue will be located in what will be called Sojourner Truth Plaza, located at the United Way of Summit & Medina Counties office on South Main Street in downtown Akron. This monument will serve as an ongoing opportunity to educate the public on the progress made over the last 100 years and honor the fight for voting rights for all women — especially many women of color who were excluded from voting until the 1960s.
“Sojourner Truth being an abolitionist, suffragist, preacher, we all stand on her truths,” Mullins said. “We are very proud here in Ohio to have this rich history, and we’re simply just trying to honor the past.”
This is a free event will start at 3 p.m. with music, food, tea and drinks with The Sojourner Truth Project presentation starting at 4:30. For more information, visit the Facebook event page.
Do you and your partner love music? Have you dreamed of getting married on stage where some of your favorite musicians have performed?
If this sounds like you then you’ll get your chance on Thursday, March 30, 2023, when the Akron Municipal Court partners with Kenmore’s Rialto Theatre to host wedding ceremonies from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. with Judge David Hamilton officiating.
The Akron Municipal Court began offering wedding ceremonies in locations away from the courthouse during the peak of the COVID-19 pandemic when they were forced to stop hosting weddings inside the courtroom, and in May 2021, as social distancing continued to be a challenge, the court worked to identify outdoor venues throughout its jurisdiction.
That summer, couples were married at the Springfield Lake Gazebo, Hower House and Akron Art Museum.
“It was incredibly well-received, Judge Hamilton said. “We heard such positive feedback from both the couples and the venues [that we] continued the trend of hosting off-site weddings all year long.”
Realizing the changes the pandemic had necessitated were evolving into something positive for couples as well as local businesses and organizations, the court began looking at the many special and unique locations within the City of Akron and its surrounding townships to identify spaces that would give the couples they marry a special experience.
While the court considers practical issues such as parking and location when picking locations to host the ceremonies, the most important factor is whether or not a venue has the potential to become a place where couples can create lifelong memories and return to – especially on their anniversary.
“When we choose wedding venues, we like to think that the venue will instantly become part of the couple’s history.” Judge Hamilton explained. “The Rialto Theatre is so charming and fun and we wanted to find a special venue for March 30, also known as ‘330 Day.’”
Love will certainly be in the air at The Rialto on March 30 and it won’t be the first time vows have been exchanged at the theatre – local musician Dave Barbusci married his wife Elizabeth at The Rialto in 2020.
“If you are getting married you should definitely consider checking out the Rialto [as a venue],” Dave said. “We are glad we did – my wife had the time of her life.”
How can you book your 330 Day wedding at The Rialto Theatre?
Appointments are first-come, first-served and must be scheduled and paid for before the date of the ceremony. Time slots will not be added once all appointments are booked.
Prior to the ceremony, couples must obtain a marriage license from Summit County Probate Court. They then must pay a cash-only ceremony fee at the Akron Municipal Court in the Harold K. Stubbs Justice Center, located at 217 S. High St. in Downtown Akron between the hours of 8:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Monday through Friday.
The fee is $25 for those in the court’s jurisdiction, Akron, Fairlawn, Bath, Richfield, Springfield Township, Lakemore and the Summit County portion of Mogadore. There is a $40 fee for those residing outside the jurisdiction.
It is suggested to contact the Akron Municipal Court’s Chief Service Bailiff Patricia Williams at (330) 375-2592 to ensure space is still available before obtaining a marriage license or for any further questions regarding scheduling.
Couples are welcome to invite friends or family to witness the ceremony if they wish, however the court asks that the total number of guests be limited to ten guests or less than ten guests.
For the first time in Kenmore’s recorded history, vinyl aficionados, crate diggers, and lovers of music on physical media have a shopping destination on Kenmore Boulevard.
But Juju Bonz Records – which will celebrate its official grand opening on Saturday, Feb. 18 at noon with an open house, live music, and a ribbon cutting by City of Akron officials – is much more than just a record store. It’s a place for community music makers and creatives to come together to network, make plans, and learn from one another.
In addition to selling new and used records, tapes, CDs and even 8-track tapes, Juju Bonz offers clothing, jewelry, magazines, rock and roll memorabilia and more. Visual artists can also consign their work there.
“Juju Bonz will be whatever the Kenmore community needs it to be beyond just a record store,” co-owner Julia Bentley explained. “Our last shop changed over time. Music and art are alive and can change, and so will this.”
Formerly known as Frankenstein Records, the business is the 16th to find a home in the Kenmore Boulevard business district in the past two years, said Tina Boyes, executive director of Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance. Another, Buzzbin Art & Music Shop, relocated to Kenmore from downtown Canton, where it served as a temporary home for the record store.
Gradually, the record store became a place where musicians and concert goers would hang out and network during COVID-19 when alcohol sales ended at 10 p.m.
“So much of the revitalization of Kenmore Boulevard centers on celebrating and building on our assets,” Boyes said. “Our musicians, our music businesses: those are assets. What’s missing are the additional gathering spaces: welcoming places where art and ideas can be exchanged. Juju Bonz is exactly the right place at the right time.”
The store will serve as a place for musical discovery, whether it’s by sitting on one of their couches and listening to music you’ve never heard or by spending some time in “The Wreck Room” – a DIY recording studio located in the back of the store where artists can experiment with the recording process.
“I want this to be an engaging space for the community to try something they’ve never tried before, whether it’s art or music,” Julia said.
Julia hopes to host alcohol-free or “dry” shows at Juju Bonz to give music lovers of all ages a safe and comfortable place to enjoy live music without alcohol. It’s a fitting use for a building once home to Alcoholics Anonymous meetings.
“Or, if someone just wants to hang out and play a game or read a book or talk music, this is the space.”
Juju Bonz Records is located at 989 Kenmore Blvd. It is open noon to 9 p.m. Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday, and noon to 7 p.m. on Wednesday and Sunday. Extended hours will be available after Buzzbin and Rialto shows too. For up to date information, visit Juju Bonz on Facebook or buzzbinkenmore.com/juju-bonz-store.
JOBS Executive Director Jen Herrick, left, and chef Jen Tidwell, right, help students cook during class, Tuesday, Sept. 20, 2022, in Akron, Ohio. Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal
There are too many cooks in the kitchen.
Nearly a dozen young women bustle about NoHi Pop-Up’s test kitchen, a small space occupied on a Tuesday afternoon in November by House of Tacos. Bell peppers are being diced by some. Others assemble tacos, and a third group fills egg roll wrappers with a jerk chicken, cheese and vegetable medley before deep-frying them into soul rolls, one of the restaurant’s staples.
A new sound perseveres among all the commotion.
Click. Beep. Beep. Beep. Whirr.
It’s a noise that chefs hear in their nightmares – the mechanical drone of another order printing.
Front of house wants 15 tacos, just enough to finish off the jerk chicken, which needs to marinate overnight before more can be cooked off. After pushing out this final order, owner Chanell Cook shuts down the restaurant for the night.
None of the women return to their stations when Cook reopens the following week. The women weren’t on strike, or unhappy with their pay – in fact, they weren’t being paid at all.
They were students on a field trip with Jump On Board for Success (JOBS), a nonprofit program in Kenmore providing young and at-risk mothers with free job skills training and mentorship to help them achieve career-focused employment and self-sufficiency.
Chef Jen Tidwell instructs student JaQuae Blair on how to make tacos during on-site restaurant training in the kitchen at NoHi as part of Jump On Board for Success’ (JOBS) culinary program in Akron. Karen Schiely, Akron Beacon Journal
It takes a village … plus a little more
JOBS has about 30 participants annually, most ages 18 to 24 and living below the poverty line in Summit County. The major obstacles facing these women are a lack of reliable transportation, adequate child care and the welfare system’s benefit cliff, according to JOBS Executive Director Jennifer Herrick.
The benefit cliff drop occurs when someone gets a better-paying job and then loses their government assistance for food, housing or health care before their income makes up for the loss. Often, this leaves them worse off than if they had remained at a lower-paying job or unemployed altogether.
It’s as if they are being punished for making progress, which is a major discouragement for self-improvement, said Herrick.
JOBS offers free child care while students are in class through its partnership with BrightStart Early Preschool and early childhood education program, along with gas cards and bus passes.
Program participants can choose from hands-on courses in culinary arts, early childhood education, business administration, entrepreneurialism and information technology. In these classes, women gain industry skills and credentials such as HTML coding, food preparation or CPR certification that provide an advantage when applying for jobs. Most classes meet weekly, and course lengths range from six to 18 weeks.
A student slices peppers during a cooking class run by Jump On Board for Success in Akron. Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal
Soon after starting class, participants are matched with mentors, many of whom have also been through the program. Mentors provide encouragement and support while helping mentees with life skills such as time management, parenting, budgeting, setting goals and more. Often, the support system fostered between mentors, mentees and other program members creates a sort of found family – another crucial ingredient to their long-term success.
“JOBS is trying to create a village of support for those who don’t come from a family of support,” said Herrick.
A blessing in disguise
One Kenmore resident, Tiffany Gerke, 30, has transitioned from student to mentor to employee within the program since she discovered it in 2019.
In 2018, Gerke lived about an hour west of Akron in Austintown. That summer, her husband was away in rehab for a meth and heroin addiction. During his absence, with the help of her grandparents and in-laws, Tiffany and their two children moved in with her cousins-in-law, Sarah and Ben White of Akron.
At the time, Gerke didn’t know how to form healthy relationships or what a supportive community could look and feel like. That all changed after moving in with the Whites and joining JOBS, she said.
She first encountered Herrick at one of Kenmore’s First Friday events, where the director was selling goodies from that week’s culinary class. At the time, Gerke was a stay-at-home mom and didn’t know much about the culinary arts program. To her, it simply looked like a fun weekly activity where she could cook, receive culinary certificates and bring her kids along. During the first six weeks of the 18-week course, she was in the second trimester of her pregnancy with their third child, so she spent most classes feeling ill and taking breaks to sit. She finished the remaining 12 weeks of the course in spring of 2020 and graduated with a food safety and sanitation state certification. Gerke returned to the organization as a mentor in December 2021 and was recently hired part time as its mentor coordinator.
“It was a blessing that we came to Akron,” she explained. “I feel like literally this is where God wanted us to be… Some people, young moms especially, don’t have a lot of support. (In) this program we try to help them find that and help provide that for them, like love and support. I really appreciate that. I didn’t have any of that before I moved here, so it’s really helped me to build trust, to build bonds and relationships, to know what relationships should look like, like healthy relationships.”
In addition to her new title, Gerke will continue working with her latest mentee, Terah Coleman, 40, of Uniontown.
History of JOBS
JOBS was founded by Karen Lile and initially taught cosmetology to students in First Glance’s teen mom program in 2014. Two years later, Herrick, a former bakery owner with 28 years in the restaurant industry, joined and created the culinary course to teach the mothers how to cook in bulk while on a budget.
Jennifer Herrick, executive director of Jump On Board for Success (JOBS) center, instructs Nina Cameron, left, and Cassandra Collins during an on-site restaurant training in the kitchen at NoHi in Akron. Karen Schiely, Akron Beacon Journal
In 2018, JOBS began collaborating with the Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance on a $150,000 grant from nonprofit health coverage provider CareSource, which allowed the culinary program to expand from six weeks to 18 weeks. This arrangement also connected program participants directly to job openings at Kenmore Boulevard businesses such as SRINA Tea house & Café.
Around this time, the program moved to Park United Methodist Church, where all its courses, except for culinary arts, are now conducted. Because a kitchen like that of a restaurant is needed for the culinary course, those classes are held at Goss Memorial Church. By 2020, Herrick was the executive director and within two years the program’s four remaining courses were added. Jenuine Cuisines Culinary Services owner and chef Jen Tidwell took over teaching JOBS’ culinary students in 2022.
Chef Jen Tidwell talks to students during on-site restaurant training in the kitchen at NoHi as part of the Jump On Board for Success (JOBS) program’s culinary program in Akron. Karen Schiely, Akron Beacon Journal
The Educational Foundation of America awarded the organization a $37,500 grant to hire part-time employees and fund marketing and program expansion. One avenue of growth Herrick is considering is to start offering both day and night classes.
This year, the organization plans to host a two-hour real estate seminar to teach participants about the house-buying process. Also, JOBS’ culinary course will once again host 330’s Flavor Throw Down, a “Chopped” style culinary competition fundraiser where two local chefs prepare a mocktail, appetizer, entrée and dessert without knowing what ingredients they will be using until the day of the event. The program’s culinary arts students work as their sous chefs.
How to get involved
Chef Jen Tidwell, right, works with JOBS students during class. Jeff Lange, Akron Beacon Journal
All women who apply to the program are accepted. Applications are available on the JOBS website and Facebook page.
The organization accepts monetary and physical donations but sharing its social media posts and donating one’s time as a mentor are also appreciated. More information on how to donate and the process for becoming a mentor is on the JOBS website.
Contact Beacon Journal reporter Tawney Beans at tbeans@gannett.com and on Twitter @TawneyBeans.
On Monday, Jan. 23, Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance welcomed five new members to its board. Each was elected to a three-year term and will provide guidance, oversight and support to the neighborhood’s community development corporation, the primary service area of which is the Kenmore Boulevard Historic District, the largest neighborhood business district in Akron.
Tom Fuller served as the executive director of Alpha Phi Alpha Homes, a nonprofit housing developer, for 45 years. A graduate of Akron’s St. Vincent High School and the University of Akron, Fuller worked previously for United Way, where he developed InfoLine, the county’s comprehensive information and referral resource. A longtime Summit Lake advocate, Fuller sees value in preserving Kenmore Boulevard and connecting it to its neighbors.
Recording artist Marc Lee Shannon is a musician, author and the former lead guitarist for Michael Stanley and the Resonators. An Ohio Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services Certified Peer Recovery Supporter, Shannon is a member of the Summit County Alcohol, Drug and Mental Health Board and works to reduce substance abuse in many communities, including Kenmore. “My mother is a graduate of Kenmore High School…and things just came together, like, I should be here. Maybe for her,” he said.
For more than 15 years, Dennis Reynolds was a professor of music at the Oberlin Conservatory. He is currently the artistic director of the Jazz Heritage Orchestra and an instructor with Open Tone Music Academy. Before that, Reynolds played trumpet in Count Basie’s and Clark Terry’s big bands. He is a pastor at Compass Christian Church and lives on Kenmore Boulevard. A former Ohio City resident, Reynolds has seen the positive negative sides of revitalization and is eager to share his experiences with the KNA board.
Norton High School graduate Seth Vaill, CFO of Just a Dream Entertainment, purchased and renovated the Rialto Theatre in 2010 with his brother, Nate. Today, the Rialto hosts local, regional and national acts as well as local nonprofit and community events. Vaill is a member of the Kenmore Chamber of Commerce and a recipient of the organization’s McCutchan Award for community service. While touring the country with A Band Named Ashes, Seth and his brother saw firsthand how multiple high-attraction businesses and cultural venues can bring vibrancy to a place and is eager to implement it in Kenmore.
“It’s going to help our business district if we are able to get the community involved in patronizing our places,” Vaill said. “I think Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance is key to making that happen, which is why I’m here.”
Miranda Zenner is a third-generation, lifelong Kenmore resident and owner of The Pegasus Pub. A Kenmore High School graduate, Zenner supports many neighborhood organizations, including Kenmore youth sports, and has volunteered for community causes like KNA’s 2017 Kenmore Better Block event.
In addition to building community at The Pegasus Pub, Zenner has spearheaded many successful fundraising efforts at for neighborhood victims of tragedy and loss. “I am happy to continue to serve my community and am excited to serve on the KNA board,” she said. “I plan to live my days out as a (Kenmore) cardinal, so I might as well get my hands dirty.”
In addition, the board approved the appointment of a new treasurer, Kenmore Branch Library Manager Wendy Zarara. Since joining the branch, Wendy has increased community-friendly musical, cultural and educational programming. She also serves on the board of the Maritime Museum of Sandusky. She will serve a two-year term.
Rachel Itsell and her partner Mike Arteno have been keeping the spirit of the swing era alive and well at Kenmore’s Rialto Theatre by hosting “Swing Nights” twice a month for the past five years.
Rachel, a Pennsylvania native who first discovered her love of swing dancing during a night out 17 years ago, eventually decided to approach the Rialto Theatre about hosting regular “Swing Nights” after relocating to Northeast Ohio. Each Swing Night includes an hour-long lesson followed by two hours of dancing.
“[Swing Dancing] is my passion, so I like sharing it with other people,” Rachel said. “Having the opportunity to build a new scene and watching it consistently grow over the past years and knowing I play a part in its success is so exciting.”
Not only has Rachel seen support and attendance for Swing Nights grow and become more diverse during the past five years, she’s seen the Kenmore Boulevard Historic District evolve as well.
“I have seen the aesthetic build up and the street change with new parking spaces and new businesses,” Rachel said.
Swing dance first gained popularity around 100 years ago as a group of social dances developed around the swing style of jazz music. Hundreds of styles of swing dancing were developed such as Lindy Hop, Balboa, Collegiate Shag, and Charleston.
While Rachel refers to the version of swing she presents simply as “vintage swing,” the music played at Swing Nights comes from multiple eras and includes artists such as Ella Fitzgerald, Glenn Miller, The Squirrelnut Zippers, as well as some modern fusions.
Swing Nights at the Rialto are open to dancers of all skill levels, but if the thought of learning a new skill with people you don’t know scares the bejesus out of you and gives you a bad case of the heebie jeebies, don’t worry, because you are not alone.
To help overcome any anxiety you may feel about jumping in as a swing scene newbie, Rachel recommends to bring a friend with you or attend a lesson prior to dancing to help shake the jitters and get a few moves down.
“People are always pleasantly surprised by how easy swing dancing is to learn, said Rachel, “It is important to remember that you are in the same boat as everyone else in the room, everyone is learning something new.”
What you can expect when participating in a swing dance lesson at The Rialto Theatre:
Jazzy, upbeat swing dance styles like East Coast and Jitterbug
A community of friendly people expressing their passion for dance
An affordable and unique experience
A good workout!
How to prepare for swing dance lessons:
Wear comfortable shoes that glide easily on hardwood floor such as Converse or Keds
Bring a friend or come alone – everyone will be welcomed and incorporated in the dance
Wear clothes that are comfortable to move around in
Swing dancing at the Rialto Theatre is held the second and fourth Wednesday of each month. The lessons are held 7 – 8pm and the social dance is 8 – 9 pm. Lessons are only $5.00, and the social dance is $3.00 ($8.00 for both).
For a fun, affordable and unique night out with good music and friendly faces, check out swing dancing at The Rialto Theatre.
Is getting in shape one of your New Year’s resolutions? If so you’re not alone! Exercising more and leading an overall healthier life is one of the top New Year’s resolutions American’s make each year.
It’s also a resolution that can be hard to keep, which is why the Kenmore Community Center is ready to help you keep your resolution and reach your 2023 fitness goals by offering multiple workout classes designed to help Kenmore and area residents of all ages and abilities get fit.
“I’ve worked really hard for a number of years to provide fitness for all here at the center and I am proud to say on the first and third weeks of the month we offer fitness classes with live instructors six days a week,” explained Alice Incorvia, Supervisor of the Kenmore Community Center, adding, “On the second and fourth weeks of the month, we offer these same classes five days a week.”
Exercise classes include:
Monday – Friday at 9AM, get your cardio in with a one-mile indoor walk with the help of a video instructor.
Monday and Friday at 9:30AM, chair yoga with a live instructor. Chair yoga is a gentle form of yoga that can be done sitting on a chair or stand on the ground using the chair for support.
Tuesday, Thursday at 5PM, floor yoga with a live instructor. Yoga mats and blocks are provided if you don’t have your own. They are sanitized for everyone’s safety after each session.
The first and third Saturdays of the month at 10 AM, floor yoga with a live instructor is offered. Floor yoga is a great way to support stress management, mental health, weight loss and quality sleep.
Catch Zumba with a live instructor every Wednesday at 5 PM. Zumba is a fun and high-energy workout that involves choreographed movements to upbeat music.
The Kenmore Community Center is offering all exercise classes for FREE during the month of January to help you kick start your fitness goals.
For more information, visit akronrecreationandparks.com/kenmore or call 330-375-2812. The Kenmore Community Center is located at 880 Kenmore Boulevard Akron, OH 44314.
