Canfield Green needs local shops

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Denise Bayer

Age: 36

Family: I am happily married to Joshua Bayer. We have a 16-month-old daughter, Zoe Madeline and a spunky whippet mix named Yogi.

Education: I am the proud product of the Canfield Local School District. While in high school, I began taking courses at Youngstown State University for both high school and college credit. I continued my studies at Youngstown State University after high school and graduated with a Bachelor of Fine Arts. From there, I moved to Cleveland to attend Case Western Reserve’s School of Law, where I received my law degree. I also earned an Honors concentration in Law, Technology and the Arts while at Case.

Groups: I am very active in local arts organizations. I am a member of the Board of Trustees for Opera Western Reserve and have recently founded The Legal Creative, a nonprofit providing artists with the legal, business and community resources they need to creative a sustainable art career. On occasion, you can even find me on stage in community theater productions. I am also a member of the Canfield Junior Women’s League, which actively raises funds for those in need through events like the Fall Market.

Q. What do you like best about living in your town?

A. I love our neighborhood because it is so walkable. I can pick up the Mill Creek Park Hike and Bike Trail and walk up to the County Experimental Farm, or I can walk up to the Colonial Plaza for some shopping. Zoe and I also have plenty of playground areas and parks from which to choose. I love that I will be able to walk Zoe to school every day once she starts kindergarten.

Q. What one thing would you add to your town if money was not an issue?

A. I’d like to see the Green lined with locally-owned shops and businesses, similar to Chagrin Falls. We have a few, but it would be nice to have a quaint shopping destination while still keeping that hometown feel. We should utilize the Green for more community events.

Q. Describe the last community event you went to:

A. My mother-in-law and I took Zoe to the Baby Animal Shower at the County Experimental Farm. It was a beautiful day, although a bit windy. I was amazed at crowds for the event. The best part was introducing Zoe to all the unique animals at the farm, including a baby kangaroo.

Q. Where is your favorite place in town to go for a little hide-away time or bite to eat?

A. A great place in town is the Broad Street Diner. My husband and I love their hot peppers in oil — truly the best in town. It is fast, convenient and the food is always outstanding.

Q. What one place would you direct an outsider to visit to experience your town?

A. Well, I do love the Canfield Fair, but I would probably direct outsiders to White House Fruit Farm. The fresh fruits and vegetables, the apple cider, and of course, the blueberry doughnuts.