8/30/2012 - West Side Leader
     

Village Square Chiropractic Center celebrates 20th year

FAIRLAWN — Village Square Chiropractic Center staff gathered Aug. 14 to celebrate the business’ 20th anniversary.

On hand at the celebration was owner Michael Gruich and his wife and office manager, Traci; Craig Milidin, who is certified and advanced proficiency-rated in activator and impulse instrument adjusting; Kim Fox, a licensed massage therapist; and Pam Doyne, the front desk manager of the business, which is located at 55 Shiawassee Ave.

According to center officials, Michael Gruich graduated from Copley High School in 1983 and attended The University of Akron (UA) and Life Chiropractic College in Atlanta, where he received his doctor of chiropractic degree in 1988. While there, he served as class officer and played basketball, according to center officials.

He worked for his father-in-law, Russel Pavkov, from 1989 to 1992, where he said he learned the art of listening to patients, proper diagnostic skills and patient education and care. Pavkov still serves as office coach and trainer to Village Square Chiropractic Center, according to Gruich.

Gruich said he specializes in instrument adjusting, served with Activator Methods Inc. in instructing other chiropractors toward proficiency and has assisted in presenting seminars in Atlanta, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, Chicago and Phoenix. He said he strives to educate clinic patients on the benefits of a healthy nervous system and spinal alignment, and how those work together to affect quality of life. He added he works with other care providers in the community when joint problems are not resolved with conservative chiropractic means.

Gruich said he served as team chiropractor for Buchtel High School from 1994 to 1999 and presented lectures at several area senior centers, businesses and schools. He began as an adjunct professor at Stark State College and UA in the fall of 2008, teaching anatomy and physiology. In the fall of 2010, he accepted a full-time position at Stark State and received the 2011-12 Distinguished Teacher of the Year award from the college.

Village Square Chiropractic Center can be reached at 330-836-5000.

ATHENA event celebrates women’s leadership, encourages mentoring

WEST AKRON — Emerging women leaders in Greater Akron will have the opportunity to learn from female mentors and trailblazers at the ATHENA International Women’s Leadership Day Luncheon Sept. 18 from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Portage Country Club, 240 N. Portage Path.

Now in its fourth year, the event encourages mentoring and relationship building among area women, according to event officials.

Established women leaders in the community are encouraged to invite an emerging woman leader to be their guest at the luncheon. Attendees will hear a keynote address by The University of Akron (UA) Vice President and Chief of Staff Candace Campbell Jackson. Campbell Jackson was selected as the 2012 Akron ATHENA Leadership Award recipient for her ingenuity and accomplishments at UA, where she leverages her legal and nonprofit leadership expertise, according to event officials.

Event proceeds will benefit the Women’s Endowment Fund, according to event officials. An affiliate of Akron Community Foundation, a 501(c)(3) public charity, the fund improves the quality of life for women and girls in Summit County and encourages philanthropy among them, according to event officials.

“The Women’s Endowment Fund welcomes the opportunity to convene women leaders at the ATHENA event to discuss unique leadership challenges and opportunities,” said fund President Tracy Carter. “The fund partnered with women representing diverse interests to plan this event, which will strengthen the potential and power of women leaders in the Akron region.”

Tickets to the event are $80 ($10 tax deductible) and include admission for one established and one emerging woman leader. Additional emerging leader tickets may be purchased for $40 ($5 tax deductible).

To make a reservation, contact Diane Bray at 330-571-9461, or to pay by credit card, call the Akron Community Foundation at 330-376-8522.

Sponsorships are still available; for information, contact Katie Smucker at 330-671-5468 or Megann Eberhart at 330-237-1262.

Founded in 1982, ATHENA International is known for supporting, honoring and developing women leaders and recognizing leadership initiatives among women, according to event officials. For more information, visit www.athena international.org.

Maria Lindsay contributed to these reports.

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