A Step Above the Same Old!

Check out parts one and two of this series, Green Rings Vol. 1 - Reduce and Green Rings Vol. 2 - Reuse.

One of our couples recently brought an amazing local resource to my attention.  Maria and Peter, a May Bride and Groom, were looking for something more than a simple gold band.  They had some big ideas about what they wanted, and they were able to find a unique opportunity to participate in the design and creation of their own wedding bands!

A Custom Commission by TAP Studios

A Custom Commission by TAP Studios

A Custom Commission by TAP Studios

A Custom Commission by TAP Studios

TAP Studios, known for its superior-quality custom design work (some of their commissions appear above), is making this opportunity accessible to everyone.  In addition to designing and forging custom commissioned pieces, TAP Studios, located at 1667 East Fortieth Street, Suite Three B in Cleveland, offers a fantastic two-day make-your-own rings workshop called "Forging Your Own Way."  Couples are able to actually forge their own gorgeous custom rings from beautiful recycled precious metals, conflict-free diamonds, and fair-trade gemstones, again reducing mining and pollution.  How green of you!

The TAP Studio workshop and tools

This workshop is a perfect opportunity to incorporate heirlooms that may not quite fit your more modern style by restyling them into a setting that suits you better, or perhaps simply recycling cast-off of broken jewelry already in your jewelry box.  Best of all, you can gift your new spouse with a unique and special reminder of your commitment to one another that you made yourself especially for him or her.

No experience with goldsmithing is necessary, though of course more advanced participants are certainly welcome.  TAP Studios will provide all the tools you need, as well as advice and technical support.  They offer a number of different approaches including beginning from ingots and using the lost wax technique.

For those worried about how "home made" rings will look, remember that these are professional instructors who will ensure that you achieve professional results.  Rest assured that under the guidance of founders and instructors Debra Rosen and Todd Pownell, you will create couture-quality rings, extremely well-made and finished, even surpassing the quality of mass-produced rings.  Just check out Maria and Peter's process below:

Stones from Mars, the Moon, and an Asteroid.

It all started with a vision.

In addition to recycled gold and conflict-free diamonds, Maria and Peter had some very special stones they wanted to incorporate into their designs -- a moon rock (yes, really!), a rock from mars (yes, really!), and a meteorite. Want some cool rocks from space of your own.  Check out Wandering Star Meteorites online, e-mail Greg Catteron, or call 828-773-1864.

The two-day workshop begins with wax ring tube sized to fit each ring's destination finger.  To hold the delicate engraving that Maria and Peter desired, they chose the hardest grade of wax tubing.  Wax tubing comes in two other grades -- Purple, which is medium-hard, and Blue, which is soft and flexible.  Depending upon your project, you might use one of these softer grades for your rings.

Green Wax Ring Tubes

Cutting the wax ring tube to width

The wax ring, after shaping

Peter begins engraving the wax ring

After the initial shaping, Maria and Peter checked the placement of the stones.  Then, the wax ring is encased in a mold made of a fireproof material with a melting point higher than the precious metal being used, often a Chrystobolite solution.   A wax "stem" is included extending from the rear of the piece in order to allow passage into the mold.  The mold is then heated in a kiln until the wax itself  is vaporized, and a hollow space remains.  The molten metal is then poured into the mold and allowed to cool before being removed.

The engraved wax rings and placement of stones

The cast metal rings, before finishing

The cast metal rings, before finishing

Unfinished cast metal rings with stones placed

When the cast metal rings are removed from the mold, they often have a rough exterior and seams that still need to be finished.  Holes for stones may also need to be deepened or shaped.

The finished product!

Engraving inside the bands.

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Ooooh. Aaaah. Impressive and totally unique!

After the ceremony.

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To read part one of this series, Green Rings Vol. 1 - Reduce, click here.

Re use is, of course, by far the most ecological approach in most situations, including the purchase of wedding and engagement rings, since it requires no mining nor any energy of any kind to melt down metals, cut stones, transport materials, etc., so choosing to re use is a particularly earth-friendly choice.  How green of you!

If your wedding style is more traditional, consider an heirloom or antique ring as a green alternative to mass-produced wedding bands.  You may well have a relative or close family friend who has been hoping to be able to pass down a cherished piece, so make sure to ask around.  If you feel uncomfortable, recruit a trusted relative or friend to spread the word that you're interested in an heirloom piece for your wedding bands or engagement ring.

However, if you don't happen to have a family wedding or engagement ring available that suits you, local antique shops, pawn shops, flea markets, and online auction sites such as eBay are abounding with gorgeous wedding and engagement rings in a variety of styles from quirky and classic looking for a new home on the finger of your new spouse!

Online auctions or antique brokers can be found all over the internet.  If you're new to eBay, don't be afraid!   Buying online does not have to be a scary process.  Just remember to check out your seller's feedback and number of sales before you bid to ensure a smooth transaction, make sure to double-check everything about the piece, ask your seller questions before you bid, and pay with PayPal for extra protection.

If online auctions are not your thing, don't sweat it, because we Northeast Ohio Brides are lucky -- there's a booming local antique and estate jewelry community with tons of retailers to choose from.  Here are a few suggestions, but be sure to ask your family and friends if they've noticed anything special, as well.  The ring of your dreams may be waiting just around the corner!

Here's some info about a few local destinations near Akron, but there are many, many more in Cleveland, so be sure to check around to see if there might be some cool locations closer to your home!

If you're looking for a wide selection, check out the Medina Antique Mall located at 2797 Medina Road in Medina.  This is not your usual flea market experience.  The Medina Antique Mall is indoors, well-lit and climate-controlled (that means heat and AC, people!), over 50,000 sq ft, and houses over 500 different antique dealers.  In addition to jewelry, you'll find just about everything else you can imagine from fossils to furniture, including vintage china, glassware, silver, and crystal.  For more information about the Medina Antique Mall, visit their website (above) or call (330) 722-0017.

Another great Akron-Area resource for estate jewelry of all kinds (since 1946!) is Sam's Emporium on East Exchange Street near the University of Akron.  Sam's Emporium is a pawn-shop-style store with a wide variety of high-quality estate pieces from a range of time periods.  They also do custom designs and sizing right on site, have an entire room just for bridal jewelry, and they are renowned for their customer service.  For more information about Sam's Emporium, visit their website (above) or call (330) 535-1911.

If you've driven from Downtown Akron to Fairlawn or vice-versa down West Market Street, you may have noticed Stagecoach Antiques' overflowing 449 West Market Street store.  There always seems to be something interesting on the sidewalk in front of their doors, and there's even more cool stuff inside!  I got an amazing personal  tour last month by the owner, who I found out coincidentally happens to be one of our Mothers of the Bride (hi, Heidi!)!  Small world, huh?  For additional information about Stagecoach Antiques, visit their website (above) or call (330) 762-5422.

Whether you choose to buy online or offline, many sellers both on the web and locally offer returns and/or certification services, but always consider double-checking your certification.  Learn the lingo about gemology and appraisal credentials, and consider paying sixty bucks or so to have the ring re-appraised by a local independent gemologist both for insurance purposes as well as for your own peace of mind.

I have personally worked with and recommend Mitchell Dustin (GIA Independent Certified Gemologist Appraiser, American Gem Society Certified Member, National Association of Jewelry Appraisers) of Northern Appraisal Services out of Columbus who sometimes visits the Northeast Ohio Area for "appraisal day" and select local retailers.   For more information about Northern Appraisal Services, you can contact Mitchell at (614) 898-7927.  He's a straight-talker with a great eye for gems and the necessary technology to provide an accurate appraisal.

Stay tuned for the final installment of this series, "Recycle," featuring a recent Something New Bride and Groom who made their own rings (yes -- you read right!) out of recycled gold, diamonds, and some other -- shall we say -- extra-terrestrial materials that are positively out of this world.  (Maria and Peter, I hope you are laughing right now at this teaser).

I'll give you the scoop how you can do it, too, at a cool Cleveland jewelry studio specializing in guiding novices through this process in a fun two-day workshop, show you some photos of Maria and Peter's creations, and (as always) praise you for how green you are.

The New Mr. and Mrs. Mark and Heather Padgett share a slow dance with friends and family Photos by Callie Mercury and Travis Bukach of 831 Photography (limited photos by DJ AJ9)

On Saturday, May 29, 2010, DJ Justin, MC Squared, and I (DJ AJ9) had the pleasure of providing wedding ceremony music and sound support, as well as wedding reception disc jockey and master of ceremonies services for the wedding and wedding reception of Heather and Mark held at Happy Days Lodge located at 500 West Streetsboro Road (Rt 303), in Peninsula, Ohio, a beautiful rustic venue that is part of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.  The event was photographed by Callie Mercury and Travis Bukach from 831 Photography.

Heather's "so her" cowgirl boots Photo by 831 Photography

The bride wore a gorgeous sleeveless V-neck sheath gown with an embellished lace overlay by Emerald Coutouriers (style number 8118), as well as -- fulfilling what seems to be becoming a Something New Bride theme -- fabulous footwear that very much fit her individual spirit (see photo).  The bridesmaids wore J. Crew's  "Gracen", a short, strapless silk taffeta dress, in the color "spiced wine." The wedding ceremony was held on the Lodge's lovely screened-in porch area and was officiated by Pastor Joe Cameneti of Believers Christian Fellowship. Also true to a Something New Bride's style, Heather had some very specific and innovative ideas about music for the ceremony.  Preludes included A River Flows In You by Yiruma, the song originally rumored to be the first choice for "Bella's Lullaby" in twilight, as well as The Rain by Shane Walsh, and instrumental versions of Franz Schubert's Ave Maria as played by the O'Neill Brothers, and I Will be Here by Steven Curtis Chapman.  The parents were seated to an instrumental version of The Wedding Song by Noel Paul Stookey of Peter, Paul, and Mary.  Many of these songs were chosen by the bride from a compilation CD called A Day to Remember by the O'Neill Brothers.  It seemed like this CD was a particularly great resource for Heather as we discussed a play list that would bring in some more "traditional" music in to the very eclectic mix for the wedding ceremony and seating.

The Unity Candle & Family Candles decorated by the bride, herself! Photo by 831 Photography

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The couple chose Enya's Silver Inches for the processional of the bridal party and Enya's A Day Without Rain for the procession of the bride escorted by her father.  The ceremony included a unity candle lighting ceremony using a unity candle decorated by the bride, herself. Heather had hand crafted so many special little accents; it was very obvious that she had put quite a lot of effort into these beautiful homespun decorations over an extended period of time.  They looked great – like stuff you see in Magazines like Martha Stewart Weddings or Today's Bride.  Heather’s the sort of kind and modest person who would never toot her own horn, so to speak, so it’s very important to me that I brag on her.  You worked hard, Heather, and I want to make sure everyone knows what a great job you did!!! Heather paid attention to little details from the very beginning of her guest's experience to make them feel truly at home at Happy Day's Lodge.  On their way driving in, guests were encouraged along the long driveway with chalk signs declaring "Almost there" and "You made it!" before being greeted in the foyer with a cheerful arrangement of family photos.  Click below to enlarge for more detail!

"Almost there!" 831 Photography

Hand-crafted "You made it!" sign Photo by 831 Photography

Clothes lines full of family photos Photo by 831 Photography

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Wishes on the wish tree. 831 Photography

Parchment programs and calico aisle "pomanders" Photo by 831 Photography

The more "traditional" guest book was paired with a "Wish Tree"  (shown at left) hung with blank tags that guests could write a special wish for the couple upon before returning it to a branch on the tree. In addition to the previously-shown Unity Candle setup above, Heather's works for the ceremony also included the calico pomanders that decorated the aisle as well as the ceremony programs (shown at right).

A very "welcoming" clothes-pinned escort card rack made out of old shutters (shown below) directed guests to their seats in style, to tables where Heather had designed the centerpieces of galvanized steel buckets filled with seasonal wildflowers, herself, as well as chalkboard table names (in lieu of table numbers) of places and things close to the couple's hearts -- including "Ford," "Candy Apple," "Country Living," "Cowboy," "Ft. Lauderdale," and (of course!) "Happy Days Lodge" -- and more than a hundred little copper bells tied with twine for guests who wished to inspire the bride and groom to kiss.

"Welcome" escort cards rack made from shutters. Photo by 831 Photography

Cake by Michael Angelo's Bakery atop a tree slice Photo by 831 Photography

The look of the wedding reception was equally warm and unassuming.  Decor included Mason jars, a big round slab of tree trunk (shown above) where a gilded silver cake plateau just didn't fit in, simple, natural browns, wines, and greens, instead of jeweltones or pastels.  Hand-tied bouquets and other bridal party flowers were provided by Art N Flowers Florist in Garrettsville.  Butter for the bread was even served on fresh little green leaves by Robert J. Catering.

The bride and groom rejoin the party in style Bouquet by Art N Flowers Florist, Garrettsville Photo by 831 Photography

DJ Justin announces members of the bridal party & the happy couple as they make their entrance. Photo by 831 Photography

The parents and bridal party made a VERY grand entrance to a custom mix of several songs, before the bride and groom returned in style to Electric Feel by MGMT.  Both the best man and maid of honor made very moving toasts before we heard a few words from the father of the groom and a blessing for the meal was given by the father of the bride.

"Newlywed Special" chalkboard menu for BBQ buffet Photo by 831 Photography

The couple cuts their Michael Angelo's cake Photo by 831 Photography

Robert J. Catering staged a country bar-be-que fit for a king (and queen -- or maybe just a sweet Northeast Ohio couple who wanted a simple country feel for their wedding!).  The buffet included fire-grilled bar-be-que chicken, salad, green beans amandine, yams, and more. The food was prepared fresh and with a flair right on-site; Robert J. brought in a HUGE bar-be-que grill and cooked just outside the screened-in porch. After dinner, Heather and Mark cut their cake, a towering raspberry-filled confection by Michael Angelo's Bakery, before feeding it to each other very sweetly without even a hint of smash.  It was "Aww" inspiring.

The traditional first dance as husband & wife Photo by 831 Photography

The traditional first dance as husband & wife Photo by 831 Photography

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The bride and groom shared their traditional first dance as husband and wife to Green Eyes by Coldplay, (a song that became special to the couple because of Heather's green eyes) followed by the Father-Daughter Dance to Have I Told You Lately? by Rod Stewart (Heather chose this song because her father always says this to her "have I told you lately that I love you?"), and then the Mother-Son dance to The Man You've Become by Molly Pastutti chosen by Mark's mother.

Check out some of the other fun times we had later in the evening in the photos below!

A fun shot of the Couple's Grand Entrance Photo by 831 Photography.

Father-Daughter Dance "Have I Told You Lately?" Photo by 831 Photography.

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Photo by 831 Photography.

Photo by 831 Photography.

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Photo by 831 Photography.

Photo by 831 Photography.

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Something New Entertainment video testimonial

Wedding Date: May 29th 2010

Location: Happy Days Lodge, Peninsula, OH

Something New Entertainment video testimonial
Wedding Date: June 12th 2010
Location: Conrad Botzum Farmstead, Cuyahoga Falls, OH

The masses have spoken, and I'm happy to announce that Something New Entertainment has been named one of the top five best DJs on the Akron-Canton HOT LIST!  Second place --hey -- not too shabby for the underdog!  We're small, but our excellent record of client satisfaction obviously won out over our size.

We were narrowly bested by a larger entertainment company that has been on the Fox 8's Akron-Canton HOT LIST for disc jockeys for much longer than us. At the time that standings were hidden, we trailed them by a only a single percentage point, and since I know several of you who indeed voted after that point, we know  that the DJ competition must have remained very close up until the end! From where I stand, I've got to tell you: it's a tremendous accomplishment!  We are so moved by the loyalty of our past clients, fans, and wedding vendor colleagues.

Looking over the results of this contest, I see representatives of several very, very different styles of DJing, and I can see why each of us has risen to the top of our category, appealing to the select needs of a certain niche of the market.  We look forward to continued excellence, and we feel so privileged to work in a market where we have so many very worthy competitors such as these, since it means that each bride has the opportunity to select a DJ company that best suits her needs and her personality.

Something New's unique mix of interdisciplinary studies in live music and theatrical sound and lighting tech/design and computer engineering paired with a deep belief in the power of music as a driving force and the importance of having a DJ who is personally available to you for consult prior to your event has certainly set us apart in the market as a champion pioneer for comprehensive customer service.  In addition, we believe that our equal opportunity employment practice of encouraging all DJs (including female DJs such as myself) to excel through the same opportunities has afforded us a broader perspective to continually assist our clients in crystallizing their goals for their wedding ceremonies and receptions both musically and through our coordination efforts.

A special congratulations to all nominees, especially the folks at Hats Off Entertainment (1st Place), as well as to the DJ Crew (3rd Place), Beach Boyz Entertainment (4th Place), and DJ Larry's All-Occasion Sound (5th Place).  Good show!

To each and every one of you readers out there, and to your friends, family, and coworkers: thanks for voting.  Your support made this possible!

Celebration Lighting

Celebration Lighting and UpLighting

Thanks for visiting us this past weekend while we were DJing at the Akron area singles mixer!  We had a great time playing with some of our newest DJ lights, including the newest components for Light Emitting Diode (L.E.D.) Celebration Lighting (dance floor lighting) and L.E.D. uplighting (aka up-lighting or up lighting)!

You might have already heard my opinion about L.E.D. UpLighting and Celebration Lighting if you've been following this blog or if you read Northeast Ohio Wedding Expert Brandi Hamerstone's blog "A Day in the Life of a Planner."  Last week, when All Events Planned interviewed me, they caught me raving about how gorgeous the lighting is!

Giavonna's Dance Floor -- Before

Giavonna's Dance Floor -- After

These delicious lights draw as little as 3 watts per hour (that's less than 1/33 the wattage pulled by a standard light bulb!), so they are extremely environmentally-friendly.  In most cases, we could fill your entire reception hall with these lights and still pull less energy than the existing ceiling lighting!  How green of you!  ;)

Plus, with cool temperature L.E.D. technology, you'll save energy on your venue's air-conditioning system, as well.  Really: they're so cool that after 3 hours of running continuously, Heidi (one of our 2011 brides) and I put our hands right on the L.E.D.s, and they were only slightly warmer than room temperature.

Giavonna's Dance Floor -- Before

Giavonna's Dance Floor -- After

Giavonna's Dance Floor -- Before

Giavonna's Dance Floor -- After

LED If you're looking to add drama and elegance to your venue, uplighting can transform your ballroom into something magical!  Our dynamic, state-of-the-art DMX system allows us to control the saturation, hue, and intensity of these lights with the touch of a button.  Virtually every color of light is achievable, and the lights can also be programmed to respond to sound.

Limited dates are still available for 2010 wedding Celebration Lighting and UpLighting, and just a few days remain to take advantage of the Spring Special -- add any UpLighting package of 8 fixtures or greater  and get 20% off your DJ Service.  This offer applies to existing clients, as well!

If you're interested in learning more about UpLighting or Celebration Lighting, please contact DJ AJ9 by e-mail, phone, or Facebook for details!

Celebration Lighting and Uplighting

Celebration Lighting and UpLighting

Celebration Lighting and UpLighting

Celebration Lighting

Celebration Lighting

Identify where your diamond came from.

Like many products, we have a choice about exactly which wedding and engagement rings to buy and where to buy them.  Luckily, and at much thanks to the film "Blood Diamond," there are now quite a few choices of merchants who offer "conflict free" diamonds and other "green" materials, reducing the diamond trade's toll on both the environment and the local population.

Many of the most reputable sources for these diamonds are -- surprisingly -- here in North America!  The Conflict-Free Diamond Council (CFDC), a not-for-profit organization whose sole mission is to create a demand for certified conflict-free diamonds by providing the information that consumers need in order to obtain a diamond that is conflict free, currently recommends the Government Certified Canadian Diamond (GCCD) certification program and/or the the Canadian Diamond Code of Conduct (CDCC) certification program.  While mining is mining, and tearing the ground up is certainly never an environmentally "friendly" process, with a Canadian diamond at least you'll know that the necessary mining was made to adhere to the Canadian Government's strict environmental and labor policies -- policies which are comprehensive and enforced.

You'll feel more secure knowing it came from a mine with eco-humanitarian standards.

Brilliant Earth, a San Fransisco-based leading independent retailer of conflict-free jewelry, calls Ekati and Diavik Canadian diamond mines in Canada's Northwest Territory "most progressive mining operations in the world," also suggesting that other forms of industry and manufacturing should try to learn from these two mines' eco-provements over the current paradigm for mining.  This assessment was made not only for the mines' environmental impact, but also their labor and hiring practices and their integration into the local community.  They also recommend Namibian diamonds and a variety of other sustainably- and ethically-collected gemstones, pearls, and precious metals.  Check out their website (above) for more information about Brilliant Earth.

If this solution doesn't fit you, there are still lots of options for going green.  Just stay tuned!   Learn about more green wedding bands and engagement rings this month in Part Two of this series -- Reuse.

Do you have a green idea to share? e-Mail AJ9@SomethingNewEntertainment.com to share.  We love hearing from you!

Join Something New Entertainment this Friday Night, April 16, 2010, for a DJ dancing double-header!

Beginning at 8:00 PM, DJ Justin will be spinning at a laid-back dance at Giavonna's Banquet Hall at 740 Munroe Falls Avenue in Cuyahoga Falls.  Enjoy all your party favorites as well as newer tracks to get you on your feet!  This event is hosted by Akron-area singles, but this is a public event, and all are welcome and encouraged to attend!  Don't worry -- we know you're taken !

Photo by Chris Smanto Photography for Whiskey's Akron -- http://www.chrissmantophoto.com

Then, at 10:00 PM, it's DJ Triple D down at Whiskey's Akron for a high-energy dance party in the club!  Join us downtown at 1 West Exchange Street in Akron for some great drink specials and lots of excitement at the home of the "fishbowl!"

If you've been hoping for a chance to see Something New Entertainment in action or to check out Giavonna's Banquet Hall, these are excellent opportunities!  Please send AJ9 a quick note or RSVP on our Facebook Events so we can let the door know to expect you!  See you soon!

Just in case there were any lingering doubts left over from Thursday's April Fool's Day entry, I just wanted to clarify that, no, we did not actually give away any puppies (or dogs of any age, or animals of any kind) last week as add-ons to wedding reception Disc Jockey or DJ/lighting services or for any other reason.  That ending sentence about DJ AJ9 freaking out if anybody tried to take her precious pups away way very, very true, however, after last week's pet and special offer tease, I felt obligated to write to you with a remedy for both of those needs.

First and foremost, your Spring Special: prior to May 1, 2010, book any uplighting package of 8 fixtures or greater for your wedding reception and get 20% off your DJ service.  This offer is open to existing clients, too!  Add uplighting, and we will take 20% off your existing Disc Jockey Entertainment Agreement total!  This offer has no cash value and is subject to availability; first come, first served.  There are limited engagements available for lighting, so please let DJ AJ9 know via e-mail if you are interested as soon as possible.  Don't worry: expressing interest is not a commitment, just a heads-up to us if we need to acquire additional lights!

Dog #03-138

Secondly, but also very important: how to get a puppy for real.  Doggie DJs Rusty and Lily were both rescued, and they asked that I make sure you know that grown-up doggies are just as loving, loyal, and eager to learn new "tricks" as puppies, plus, they're more likely to be socialized and potty-trained.  If you are looking for a furry or fluffy friend of your own, there are many, many Akron-area animals hoping for a home.  What better wedding gift to your bride or groom than the gift of unconditional love from a loyal partner AND a loyal pet?  There are a number of great possibilities available to Akron-area prospective pet owners.  Here are just a few of my favorites:

PetFinder is one of the largest resources for pet adoption online and a great place to start your search.  They represent a number of local shelters and rescues, as well as shelters and rescues across the country.  PetFinder's reach even includes the Summit County Animal Control Department, our county-sponsored facility located at 460 East North Street in Akron, Ohio, and Dog #03-138 (left), a female hound mix.  For more information about Dog #03-138, click her picture (left), visit them online, or call (330) 643-2845.

Akron Water Bill Rabies Flyer 2009

Akron Water Bill Rabies Flyer 2009

For those of you who have pets, already, the City of Akron's Department of Environmental Health hosts several low-cost vaccination clinics in park locations around the city each summer for both dogs and cats featuring vaccines for rabies, bordatella, parvo, and many other common vaccines, as well as micro-chipping services to help your little buddy find his way home quickly should he ever get lost.  Dates for this year's clinic have not yet been announced, but keep a lookout in your Water Bill for an index card-sized flyer in May or June (2009 flyer images above), or contact the Department of Environmental Health directly at (330) 375-2405.

Spike

City of Akron Pet Clinic services are provided through local shelter and clinic PetGuards, which provides shelter, vaccinations, and clinical visits year-round.  PetGuards has two locations -- the shelter at 950 Hardy Road in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio and the clinic at 4040 State Road in Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio.  For more information on adoptable shelter animals, visit them in person or online or call (330) 849-0634.  For a list of health services and fees or to schedule a visit for your current pet, visit them online or in person or call the clinic at (330) 849-0635.  You can also see adoptable pets on PetFinder, including Spike (right), a one-year-old Shar Pei/Staffordshire Bull Terrier male.  For more information about Spike, click on his picture (right).  Photo credit: PetGuards.

Juneau

The Humane Society of Greater Akron (at 4904 Quick Road in Peninsula, Ohio) is more than just a shelter, as well.  In addition to pet rescue and adoption services, they also host a variety of activities ranging from rummage sales to poker tournaments and much more with one thing in common: fun!   Since their program is so vast, the best way to find the information you're looking for about the Humane Society of Greater Akron is to visit their website and check out all of their offerings, then call (330) 657-2010‎ for more information about specific topics.  You can also view their available pets on PetFinder, including Juneau (left), a four-year-old Chow/Husky mix.  Click the picture for more information about Juneau.  Photo Credit: the Humane Society of Greater Akron.

Butterscotch

Another one for prospective and current pet-parents alike: One of a Kind Pets with it's two catty-cornered locations at the intersection of Market and Exchange in West Akron (1699 West Market Street and 1700 West Exchange Street, respectively).  You might have noticed their hot pink signs driving by.  The Market Street location is their shelter, while the Exchange Street location provides low-cost spay and neuter services, as well as a variety of vaccines and other services to pets undergoing a spay or neuter procedure.  You can also view their available pets at PetFinder, including Butterscotch (right), a red and white long-haired cat.  Click on the photo (right) for more information about Butterscotch.  Photo credit: One of a Kind Pets.

But, seriously: how cute are my dogs, huh?  Awwwww.  For more information about how much I love my dogs (or to schedule a consultation to talk about your DJ or up-lighting services for your wedding) contact DJ AJ9 at (330) 253-2900

DJ AJ9, DDJ Rusty, DJ Justin, and DDJ Lily, Christmas 2008

DJ AJ9, DDJ Rusty, DJ Justin, and DDJ Lily, Christmas 2008

With our growing demand for uplighting services and consequent growing LED lighting stock, I am sad to announce that we no longer have room for our mascots -- Prince Rusticus "Rusty" McFreckleson and Princess Tigerlily "Lily" McFreckleson (the dog registry requires a "unique" name, and I was confident that no other dogs had these, yet), therefore, we are seeking new homes for these two puppies (well -- dogs, really).  So, for today ONLY, we will be offering one free puppy (dog) with any Disc Jockey or uplighting package.

This offer is subject to availability, is while supplies last (there's only the two of them), and has no cash value.  You may be subject to barking, howling, digging, chewing, defecating in undesirable locations, and shoe theft.  Something New Entertainment cannot be held responsible for beagled-related damage caused to person or property.

Here are some photos of the two of them; click to enlarge:

Doggie DJ Prince Rusticus "Rusty" McFreckleson

Doggie DJ Princess Tigerlily "Lily" McFreckleson

Doggie DJ Prince Rusticus "Rusty" McFreckleson

Doggie DJ Princess Tigerlily "Lily" McFreckleson

They're very smart -- Rusty has recently learned to use a chair to get up to the top of a table, and they sometimes work as a team -- one will distract you while the other one steals food or shoes.  They also have a fairly wide vocabulary and understand advanced words,  phrases, and sarcasm that they have heard frequently in response to their sometimes outrageously mischievous behavior such as "really?" "are you serious?" and "are you kidding me?"

The pair are up-to-date on all shots and will come with a variety of doggie accessories which will vary based on which pup you choose, including 6 months worth of heartworm medication and flea/pest repellent, two crates, two leashes, one leash coupler (though I wouldn't recommend walking them on the same leash, as they are pretty strong ), water and food bowls, a month's supply of dog food, and outrageous number of treats (including homemade organic peanut butter biscuits, blueberry biscuits, Kong(TM) biscuits and toy, about 6 lbs of chicken basted American beefhide), a ton of chew toys (trust me -- you'll need 'em) two dog beds, one pink dog "princess" couch, several sweaters and hats, a pair of antlers, two hot dog costumes, a lobster costume, a fireman costume with hat, two tuxedos for more formal engagements, two headset microphones, and a mini-sized sound mixer (the regular-sized mixers are difficult for them to use with their small hands).

For more information, visit Topeka (formerly known as Google) and search for "April Fool's Day Jokes."  Don't contact DJ AJ9, whatever you do, because she will totally flip out if she finds out about this!