Features (37)
An in-depth look at the stories and events that shape our community
Are urban gardens a good option for your neighborhood?
Written by Chris Miller
Finding local, healthy and affordable food is but one of many problems facing the inner city. So to address this challenge, community gardens have sprung up so residents can use a dedicated plot of land to grow their own food.
But are urban gardens always the answer? In order for community gardens to be a success, the “community element” must be firmly in place, said Denise Ellsworth, educator for The Ohio State University Extension in Summit County.
Local creamery produces cheese from pasture to plate
Written by Kristen Ashby
“I just want people to think about food a little differently.”
That’s the dream of local cheese guru Abbe Turner, who last year turned her passion for raising goats into a full-blown community project for farm-fresh food. The self-proclaimed “entrepreneur and optimist” spent five months renovating a former labor temple in Kent into a goat cheese creamery that produces unbelievably fresh, delicious cheese.
Ice formations ‘something to behold’ in Gorge Metro Park
Winter visitors who venture to Gorge Metro Park, 1160 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, are treated to breathtaking views like no other in Summit County.
Huge, colorful icicles drip from the rock cliffs – some of which drop 60 feet or more into the Cuyahoga River Gorge – to the delight of hardy folks who hike to see what naturalists have dubbed the Crystal Palace.
Naturalist Mike Greene has been leading winter hikes here for 15 years. In 2011, he led two hikes to the ‘palace’ in early February.
Living Legacy Project completes first round of interviews
Written by Yvonne Brake
BLACK HISTORY MONTH SPECIAL COVERAGE:
Program documents African Americans who have made a significant impact to local history
Have you ever wondered why certain streets or buildings carry certain names or why Helen Arnold had a community learning center named after her? Have you ever thought about how events like the Harold K. Stubbs Humanitarian Awards dinner or the annual “Gospel Meets Symphony” concert got their start?
Because He Cares Ministry is providing answers to questions like these through its Living Legacy project. The project worked with high school student Stephen Gough Jr. to research local individuals and University of Akron student, Ryan Keeper to digitally document the lives of African Americans who have made significant contributions to local history. “These recordings enable people to tell their own stories in their own words," said Darryl Brake, project director. “We are completing final production on the first round of interviews, which took longer than expected. The second round of interviews will begin shortly.”
Firestone Park Home & Garden Club cooks up comaraderie, refreshments
Written by Dan Stefancik
The Firestone Park Home & Garden Club isn’t just another casual group of gardeners with dirty fingernails. The club, established in 2001, is a social group that places importance on camaraderie as well as chrysanthemums. Club President Linda Benson emphasized that "home" is an important part of both the name of the club and the underlying focus of activities. Under the direction of Hospitality Coordinator Teresa Alexoff, the refreshment table became a smorgasbord of home cooking. Hot shredded beef with noodles and homemade strawberry fudge were just two of the tasty choices generous members made available this month.
Akron donors join together to support the Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs
(Editor's note: written by Bonnie Lass Wojno, Dreamweaver, Akron Rotary Camp)
On the shores of Rex Lake in Akron, Ohio, there is a shining star where abilities are allowed to shine.
That star is the Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. Imagine a place where you can be accepted for who you are, a place where you are encouraged to develop your unique talents and abilities. This year, almost 2,000 campers participated in activities, including one camper with autism, who left camp speaking his first independent sentences. Another camper overcame his aversion to water. These are just two examples of the impact that camp has on the children who attend. This year, the camp is transforming its facilities to better meet the needs of today’s children with special needs.
Mobile Moms gives homeless families new lease on life
Written by Kristen Ashby
Imagine waking up at 3 a.m. every day to get to work. This is a reality for many of the clients at H.M. Life Opportunity Services in Akron who have recently escaped homelessness and have no individual method of transportation.
Doggie Day Care brings joy to people with disabilities
Written by Kristen Ashby
“When owners drop off their dogs during the day or for overnight boarding, they leave knowing their pets are in good hands. At the same time, they are supporting the development of jobs for people with disabilities.”
Akron program shows the power of PJs
Written by Patricia A. Gillespie
Do you know what your calling is?Every person on Earth has one – something unique, something only you were born to do.That’s your real job: to figure out what your calling is and begin to honor it.
The Pajama Program is a New York-based charity that was founded in 2001 by Genevieve Piturro.For Genevieve, realizing her passion took a little bit of soul searching.As a marketing executive and single woman in her 30s, she focused on climbing the corporate ladder.Then at age 38, she met her husband, and the pair started settling into a life together – but something was missing.
