Free game tokens among perks for startup contributors

Remember the days of the arcade, where kids carried handfuls of quarters to each machine, competing for the high score on Donkey Kong, Centipede or Galaga? David DiDomenico does, and he’s working to launch a local classic-style arcade, with video games, skeeball, pool and possibly a restaurant and bar.

“Growing up every kid wants to do something,” said DiDomenico. “I wanted to work in an arcade. We don’t have an old-fashioned classic arcade in town anywhere.”

DiDomenico, who’s also director of the Waters Park Renewal Society in North Akron, has started an Indiegogo page to try to raise startup money for the Rubber City Arcade, which could serve as a meeting place and offer young people and families a fun alternative for local entertainment.

The Akron Marathon is looking for volunteers to participate in the 10th annual race, which takes place Sept. 29. Each year since 2003, the Akron Marathon has hosted an international, world-class marathon, half marathon and team relay race the last Saturday in September.

The organization's mission is to promote health and fitness and bring national attention to the greater Akron area, and volunteers are essential to the success of the event. Organizers say that volunteers are vital in providing a safe, organized and fun race, and volunteers for the Akron Marathon will have the opportunity to make a significant contribution to the community, meet new people and to share skills and talents.

The Marathon is looking for groups, as well as individuals, to volunteer either Sept. 28 at the Health & Fitness Expo, or on race day, Sept. 29.  Opportunities to volunteer on race day include: course support, relay exchange zones and the finish line, among other opportunities. To register to volunteer, visit www.akronmarathon.org.

The Akron Civic will mark the “5th Anniversary of the Akron Hip-hop Showcase” Sept. 2, featuring De La Soul, Pete Rock & CL Smooth, Jeru tha Damaja, Special Ed, DJ Mick Boogie, and the 2012 “Akron Hip-hop On-line Talent Search” winner: Ashtabula Ohio’s own Ali tha Prince.

Doors open at 7 p.m., and the show begins promptly at 8 p.m. Tickets are $15 and $20. The official Showcase after-party will take place upstairs in the Civic immediately after the concert. After-party tickets must be purchased along with your concert tickets.

This year’s Showcase will feature two of the most cutting-edge and influential Hip-hop groups of all time – De La Soul and Pete Rock & CL Smooth. Ismail Al-Amin, executive director of Keepers of the Art, said, “We are very proud to present De La Soul and Pete Rock & CL Smooth to the city. Neither group has ever played Akron before, but many, many people here have been and continue to be influenced by their music.”

I think I’ve found the perfect brownie recipe. The brownie layer at the base of these Rocky Road Brownies is amazing. It’s a from-scratch-recipe that only used one bowl to come together. That fact alone, would make these brownies great. They’re a dense, rich and fudgy brownie. Baked for 35 minutes, then topped with chocolate chips, mini marshmallows and pecans.

Back in the oven for 5 minutes more. Just long enough to puff the marshmallows and gently toast the nuts.