PLAIN TWP ‒ Sensory Escape , a play center for neurodiverse children at 1950 Whipple Ave. NW, will host a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. Thursday and a grand opening at 11 a.m. Saturday.
There will be face painting, refreshments and giveaways during the celebration, according to the event announcement.
Sensory Escape is designed for children between the ages of 3 and 12 and has two play areas. The area for younger children has climbing blocks and a playset while the other has a climbing wall, multi-functional swings and other interactive equipment.
It was founded by Mishka Macey, whose 6-year-old daughter Gabriella was diagnosed with autism at age 3. The challenge of finding an inclusive and safe place for children with sensory processing disorders to play inspired her to create Sensory Escape.
"I built this for her," Macey said.
There's also a "calming room" with pillows and soft lighting to help children regulate their emotions, she said. Under construction is a "sensory room," which will feature tactile activities to promote fine motor skills ― such as finding objects in Play-Doh and using forceps to sort small toys by color.
"Those are things I work with her at home that she doesn't necessarily get to do at school or at occupational therapy," Macey said.
She also would like to bring in therapists for occupational or music therapy group sessions in the future. At this time, the play center caters to neurodiversity and does not have special equipment for children with physical disabilities.
Because some people with neurodivergent conditions have difficulties with spatial awareness, the floor and walls are padded and most of the equipment is soft. Macey said Gabriella tends to run and jump into things.
"Safety has always been a concern of mine because she just is unaware of her surroundings most times, so I just wanted this place to be equipped to handle kids like her," she said.
Neurotypical siblings, such as Gabriella's twin Arianna, also are welcome. Parents or guardians are required to stay with their children at Sensory Escape, which will have three staff members in addition to Macey.
Sensory Escape can permit 22 people inside at once and admission rates and times, as well as package deals, are still being determined. Macey said that information will be posted online.
Regular business hours are 10:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday. Saturdays and Sundays are reserved for events and parties, according to sensoryescape.com .
WRL Advertising celebrating 70 years
WRL Advertising in Jackson Township is celebrating its 70th anniversary this year.
The company headquartered at 4470 Dressler Road NW has more than 220 clients in 22 states and multiple countries, according to a news release. WRL Advertising serves businesses of all sizes and prides itself on advertising and marketing that builds trust and produces positive results for its clients.
"We are thrilled to celebrate this significant milestone and reflect on the journey that brought us here,” Jeff LeBeau, the president of WRL Advertising, said in a prepared statement. “One tradition has always remained ― a solid foundation of exceptional individuals. Our team is small, and we depend on each other to deliver daily, consistent work that creates results for our customers.”
The agency's motto is "think, create, design." WRL Advertising employs videographers, graphic designers, social media managers and search engine optimization strategists.
The company has invested in its people and technology systems throughout the past decade and expects to continue building upon its legacy.
Patriot Software announces new CEO
Patriot Software, a Jackson Township-based company that provides payroll, accounting and human resources software, has a new CEO.
In June, founder and former CEO Mike Kappel announced that Kyle Quinn Dreger would immediately succeed him.
"Some entrepreneurs who have the title CEO wait too long to install their replacement," Kappel said in a prepared statement. "They just can’t give up control. Staying in charge feeds their egos, but it usually limits their company’s growth. I refuse to be 'that guy' who limits Patriot Software in any way."
Dreger started at Patriot Software as a software engineering intern and served in multiple roles before his promotion to chief product officer in 2021. Kappel gave Dreger majority control of the company in 2022 and plans to work for him until retirement.
Dreger, who graduated from the University of Mount Union, said Kappel has been a leader who promoted work values of speed, quality and customer service.
"He has laid a fantastic foundation, and my stepping into this role is the opportunity of a lifetime," Dreger said in a prepared statement. "Our team is gritty, talented, and driven. Together, we’re going to deliver tremendous value for millions of American businesses, and we’re just getting started.”
Sephora opens Friday at Belden Village Mall
A standalone Sephora store will open on Friday near the north entrance of the Belden Village Mall.
The cosmetics store will host a public ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11 a.m. with refreshments and prizes to celebrate. It is located at 4199 Belden Village Mall, Suite R1.
Sephora currently has a shop inside Kohls on Dressler Road NW. More information about the mall store can be found at sephora.com/happening/stores/belden-village .
Rea & Associates merges with Florida-based company
Rhea & Associates , a public accounting firm headquartered in New Philadelphia, has merged with Florida-based Koontz & Parkin .
The merger allows the Ohio-based firm, which has an office in Massillon, to expand out of state, particularly in the construction and real estate industries. Both companies have a "people-first culture," according to a joint announcement.
“We’re excited to merge with Rea because both firms value top talent, hard work, exceptional client service, collaboration, innovation, and growth,” Jo Ann Koontz, CPA and co-founder of Koontz & Parkin, said in a prepared statement.
In addition to traditional accounting services, Rhea & Associates provides information technology, cyber security, wealth management, retirement consulting and other advisory services. Koontz & Parkin's area of expertise is tax planning, preparation and problem resolution.
“Koontz & Parkin clients will now have access to some of the greatest accounting and consulting professionals in the country," Mark McKinley, CEO of Rea & Associates, said in a prepared statement. “Coming together is a natural fit for both of our firms, since we value the same core beliefs.”
The merged firms will continue to operate out of their respective offices under the Rhea & Associates name.
Aim Transportation Solutions: 'most loved' workplace
Aim Transportation Solutions , a Youngstown-area commercial transportation company with a location in Canton Township, was named a Most Loved Workplace for the second consecutive year.
The Best Practice Institute certified the company as "most loved" based on employee responses to a survey that evaluated satisfaction, collaboration and overall culture. According to an institute survey of more than 150 employees from Fortune 1000 companies, employees who love their workplace are up to four times more likely to perform at a higher level.
“This recognition is a testament to our team’s hard work and commitment to making Aim a great place to work,” Scott Fleming, president of Aim Transportation Solutions, said in a prepared statement. “As a family-owned and -operated business, the idea of family is at the heart of everything we do, and we believe that when our employees are happy and engaged, they can provide the best possible service to our customers.”
Reach Kelly at 330-580-8323 or kelly.byer@cantonrep.com
This article originally appeared on The Repository: Sensory Escape to open in Plain Township; WRL Advertising hits milestone
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