
Let's be honest — these last few weeks have been tough on everyone.
To say that COVID-19, also known as the coronavirus, has disrupted life around the world is an understatement. Within a matter of weeks, our everyday lifestyles were completely altered in unprecedented ways — so much so that the CDC recommends that all men, women, and children wear protective masks over their mouth and nose when leaving the house. This is, understandably, a scary reality for all of us, but it's an especially frightening way of life that our essential workers have to adopt.
At Cutler Real Estate, we want to support our family members, friends, neighbors, and service workers in the communities throughout Northeast Ohio in any way we can. One way that we can unite and proactively slow the spread of coronavirus is to make, wear, and donate homemade masks. You can make these masks from many items that you already have in your home. Let's go over a few ways that you can make these masks at home, why you can protect yourself by wearing them in public, and how do donate these masks and other vital medical supplies to facilities around Northeast Ohio.
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Sadly, there are thousands of confirmed coronavirus cases in Ohio. Until widespread accessibility to testing, more effective treatment options, and a better understanding of the virus itself become a reality, we need to take every opportunity we can to slow the spread. This means practicing social distancing by staying in our homes as much as possible and always wearing a protective mask whenever we leave home.
Although the virus itself is microscopic and can pass through most face coverings, the virus often attaches itself to water molecules that come out of our noses and mouths when we sneeze or cough. Many types of fabric can effectively contain most of these molecules, which means any type of face covering is better than none at all.
While officials ask that all non-medical personnel refrain from purchasing the N95 surgical masks and procedure masks so that our healthcare workers who come in contact with this virus on a daily basis have access to them, the CDC encourages all individuals to make their own face masks. Currently, JOANN fabric and craft stores across the nation have free tools, supplies, and guidance available for anyone wanting to make masks. Many other businesses and organizations around Northeast Ohio are also providing supplies to those who want to join the effort and support the community.
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There are two ways that you can make a homemade mask, the first of which is to sew one. Here are the abridged UH-approved steps to make your own (full directions and materials needed available at this link).
An alternative way that you can make a mask is with a simple pair of scissors. While you can use any fabric on-hand, it's suggested that you use at least two layers of cotton. A bandana, old shirt, or pillowcase are good options. You can fold and tie these fabrics around your face, with or without a filter inserted into the center. You can also cut out ear holes or use ties, rubber bands, or other straps to secure it around your face.
Ideally, this fabric will completely cover your face from the bridge of your nose down underneath your chin. It shouldn't restrict your breathing or speaking, but it must be thick enough to prevent water molecules from passing through the fabric. Please also remember to refrain from touching the front of your mask as that could place your hands in contact with the virus, which you could potentially spread to other parts of your face or to others you come in contact with.
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You have the option of either disposing of your mask or washing it in the washing machine for safe reuse. If you're social distancing, you'll ideally only need to wear your mask a limited number of times throughout our quarantine. Unfortunately, our healthcare workers are constantly exposed to potentially infected patients which means their supply usage is drastically higher.
Believe it or not, healthcare workers in Ohio will use 13 N95 face masks, 14 protective gowns, and 36 pairs of medical gloves while caring for a patient in the Intensive Care Unit over a 24-hour period. As potential new coronavirus cases continue to rise, as well as the daily need for medical care not associated with the virus, our healthcare workers will need more masks than ever before.
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There are dozens of medical facilities around the area that desperately need masks. Here are a few that you can send homemade masks and other supplies to right now:
If you know of any other healthcare or frontline facilities that need masks or other vital medical supplies for their essential workers, please tell us in the comments below.

Are you feeling cooped up at home and need a bit of fresh air? Take advantage of Stark County's beautiful outdoor spaces and go for a relaxing walk. We're surrounded by picturesque trails that offer unspoiled areas where we can clear our heads and forget about life for a while. Spend a few hours strolling these Northeast Ohio walking trails and parks.
1305 Stadium Park Dr. NW, Canton, OH 44708
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The West Branch Trail, running along the West Branch of the Nimishillen Creek, is a fantastic trail to walk if you want to get up close and personal with a few Stark County landmarks. This trail is just under four-and-a-half miles long and connects to seven parks, including what once was Mother Goose Land and Covered Bridge Park. Great for running, biking, hiking, or walking your dog the West Branch Trail
Lake Lucerne Trailhead, 7975 Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton, OH 44614
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While you may not want to walk the full 25 miles of the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, you can explore the Congressman Ralph Regula trail at one of 14 trailheads. We suggest taking on the Canal Fulton northern section at the Lake Lucerne Trailhead. This trailhead offers a convenient place to park and walk then cast a line when your return.
4679 South Blvd. NW, Canton, OH 44718
Get off of the beaten path and get close to wildlife at the Devonshire Park and Trail. This trail extends only a little longer than a half of a mile and runs on mowed grass to offer an easy opportunity for wildlife viewing and birdwatching. Fishing is also permitted at this park, but these conservation lands are also great for children to enjoy with their parents.
Hoover Community Recreational Complex, 1325 E. Maple St., North Canton, OH 44720
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Although the recreation complexes may be unavailable, you can still find plenty of space to roam on the Hoover Trail. Park at the Hoover Community Recreational Complex and walk along the 5-mile trail that connects with other areas of the Hoover District. Animal sightings are common along this trail during all seasons, so be sure to take it slow and keep your eyes open!
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If you've ever wanted to get a closer look at the Mahoning River, head over to the Mahoning Valley Trail. You can start your hike on this scenic trail at the Deer Creek Reservoir and enjoy a 4-mile walk over boardwalks, bridges, and along the Mahoning River. There are a few picnic areas around the trailhead as well where you can have lunch as well.
2923 Pinevale Ave. NE, Louisville, OH 44641
The Nickel Plate Trail is a great mix of urban and rural landscapes. Stretching four miles with its recently added section, most of this trail is unpaved gravel or unimproved natural surface, making it a little more of a challenge than a typical stroll would entail. There are often horses on the trail, and with private property surrounding much of the area, it's best to remain on the trail and stay visible to other passersby.
2600 Harvard Ave. NW, Canton, OH 44709
Another small trail in the Canton area, the Pioneer Trail is just over one-mile long and takes hikers towards the campus of Malone University. Unlike some of the flatter trails of the area, the Pioneer Trail features inclines and declines throughout, making it a good trail for runners, more active hikers, and bikers.
262 Maple St., Waynesburg, OH 44688
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For those who would like to get a few laps in, the Waynesburg Park Loop Trail is perfect. Short and sweet, this trail circles the park. You can add three-quarters-of-a-mile to your exercise by walking the Sandy Valley Trail.
2069 Skyland Ave. NW, Massillon, OH 44647
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A much longer trail that connects to the Towpath Trail, the Sippo Valley Trail stretches ten miles. It begins as an asphalt trail but does transition to limestone farther down. You'll walk parallel to Sippo Creek, and most of the trail is relatively flat, offering a simple but long trek between the trailheads.
1141 W. Beech St., Alliance, OH 44601
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Once a railroad right-of-way, the Iron Horse Trail now offers four-and-a-half miles of biking and hiking space for people and their pets. With a trailhead at the First Christian Church and an adjacent neighborhood, the Iron Horse Trail is convenient for Alliance families to access.
1819 Mahoning Road NE, Canton, OH 44705
Cook's Lagoon is a popular fishing hole, but it's a nice walking trail with benches and an easy walk for those who want to stroll at their own pace.
7900 Columbus Rd. NE, Louisville, OH 44641
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Get your fill of trails at Molly Stark Park. In the process of becoming a 35-acre park with hiking trails, gardens, and plenty of outdoor space to explore, Molly Stark Park is a great place to find fresh air close to home. Be sure to research the history and mysteries of the Molly Stark Park building to understand why it was a significant hospital for the treatment of Tuberculosis.
Where do you love to get away and embrace a nature hike? Tell us in the comments below.

With stay-at-home directives and social distancing in place, the real estate market needs to get creative with facilitating the buying and selling of homes. Cutler Real Estate is doing just that by offering virtual open houses that allow sellers to showcase their properties online and enable buyers to get an inside look at homes for sale—all while complying with efforts to slow the spread of COVID-19.
Learn more about virtual showings and open houses, how your home is marketed online, and ways to get your home ready for the best results.

Cooking at home is a wonderful way to try new recipes, but let's face it — no one wants to spend hours in the kitchen after a long day of work! Don't worry — your favorite Summit County restaurants are ready to make your dinner dynamite! Pick up or have dinner delivered from one of these awesome Northeast Ohio eateries.
8960 Wilcox Drive, Twinsburg, OH 44087
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Blue Canyon Kitchen and Tavern will bring their fresh, exciting collections of flavors and food right to the curbside. They offer unique variations on traditional dishes by blending family favorite recipes with ethnic flavors. Let their award-winning chefs set your table. They're currently revamping their menu to ensure that they can provide the best earthy and ethnic meals possible. Give them a call and escape from the everyday leftovers.
3900 Medina Road, Akron, OH 44333
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BOMBA Taco + Rum will bring the energy and spontaneity of Puerto Rico dance right into your dining room. Featuring dishes from Cuba, the Caribbean, Central and South America, this Latin American restaurant lets you have Taco Tuesday every night of the week. If you're not hungry for tacos, try a Bomba Bowl or Cuban Sandwich. Order a side of chips and house-made salsa to share and be sure to pick up a kid platter for the little ones.
7774 Darrow Road, Hudson, OH 44236
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Follow the smoke to the oak, and you'll discover the best barbeque in Hudson. Oak and Embers invite you to stop by and grab a plate of their smoked meat for takeout. Topped with bourbon BBQ sauce and serviced with two smokin' sides and cornbread, their smoked pulled pork, beef brisket, baby back ribs, chicken, and sausage links are sure to please your entire family. We suggest adding the cheddar smashed potatoes, mac n cheese, and apple slaw — and extra napkins — to your order so you can have an amazing barbeque without the prep or cleanup!
46 N. Hawkins Ave., Akron, OH 44313
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Hawaiian-born and Ohio-raised, Poke Fresh is fresh, fast, healthy cuisine that you can get delivered instantly. Every member of your family can build their own custom poke bowl: First, choose rice or organic greens as the base then follow it up with a choice of nine different proteins. Top it with fresh vegetables and a little crunch. Finally, choose a sauce and pair it with a bubble tea. A healthy yet tasty option, Poke Fresh also has pre-constructed bowls if you want to sample their best combinations.
870 N. Cleveland Massillon Road, Bath, OH 44210
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The one-of-a-kind neighborhood deli and bar is now offering their full menu for carry-out so you can enjoy a taste of Americana at home. You could grab one of the classics like a New York Pastramius Astronmious or a Corn Beefus Gigantus, but we think you should give one of their customized combos a try. Of course, you could always order a few Fat Boy Burgers or a pizza. Whichever you choose, we insist that you add a slice of cheesecake to the order!
658 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Akron, OH 44310
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In times like these, an old-school drive-in burger joint is exactly what we need. Since the 1930s, Swensons has been there to weather any storm to provide your family with the best cheeseburgers in America. Pack up the car and drive over for burgers, sandwiches, crispy fries, and milkshakes served straight to your car window. Swensons is the best place to grab a bite and get the kids out of the house for a little while.
566 White Pond Drive, Akron, OH 44320
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Who says you can't have a romantic Italian dinner with a little take-out or delivery? D'Agnese's Trattoria and Café is serving up full dinners complete with beer and wine. They're also offering family style "Take and Bake" meals that you can heat up at home at your convenience. Everything from soups and salads to pasta, pizza, veal, and chicken are yours to bring home and enjoy over a bottle of vino.
7 Merriman Road, Akron, OH 44303
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Rockne's is ready to help you make dinner a breeze with their quick carryout options. As the #1 Casual Dining spot over the last seven years, you can count on Rockne's to hook you and your roommates up with the best pub food in town. Bring home the sampler plate with chicken tenders, mac n cheese bites, wings, drumsticks, onion rings, and fries for everyone to share. If you're dining alone, grab a taco trio, Greek gyro, or sub to keep you full for the night.
1688 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313
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Breakfast for dinner? Yes, please! Eye Opener is a mouth opener when it comes to dinner. Their breakfast items are served all day so you can devour a plate of Rubber City Cakes, Red Eye Hash, and waffles no matter how high the moon in the sky is. Of course, if you'd rather have a traditional dinner, Eye Opener won't bat an eye. Their E.O.S. (Eye Opener Sandwiches) and burgers are just as good. If we may make a suggestion, their E.O. Boughnut is back. This deep-fried biscuit with sprinkled sugar and topped with Crooked River jam should be included on every take-out order.
1682 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44313
As much as Arnie's Public House would love to treat you to a round, they're encouraging customers to grab a few drinks to go. While they're gathering your beer order, you might as well order up dinner as well. The APH burger has been a popular to-go item these days, but anything from their full menu is able to be wrapped up for takeaway.
Where's your favorite place to grab takeout or delivery? Let us know in the comments!