The Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library is undergoing renovations that started on May 4 and will re-open at 9 a.m. on May 13.

The renovations will include new carpet on the first floor, new furniture that allows patrons to connect to electronic devices, a new reference desk and a check out desk that will be handicap accessible.

"Our building hasn't been renovated in 16 years," Executive Director Douglas Dotterer said. "These improvements will make the library more accessible to patrons with disabilities and we also have a staff member who is physically challenged."

Dotterer said the renovations come as part of a larger three-year plan to make the library "technologically proficient" to better serve the community.

Whether it's stilettos, kitten, sling back or wedges, strap 'em on and race to the finish the line for the third annual Kick Up Your Heels 5K, 1M walk and Stiletto Sprint on Saturday, May 11.

Registration begins at 7:30 a.m. with the event starting and finishing at Lock 3 Park in downtown Akron. The race will benefit the ACCESS homeless shelter, providing funds for costs of maintaining the shelter and programs they offer to the women and children in need.

"What we are mostly about is our programs," said Eliza R. Williams, director of advancement at ACCESS. "The programming here is cutting edge and aims at ending homelessness. We address the issues of our clients."

The City of Akron recently announced the opening of the Mogadore and LaDue Reservoir Marinas for a third season with the cooperation of Bayhill Enterprises.

The Mogadore Boathouse and Marina at 2578 SR 43, in Mogadore, will be open from approximately sunrise to sunset from May through Labor Day. Boat rentals will be available daily with the following rates: Rowboat only: $20.00 per 2 hours, $40.00 for all day, add an electric motor for $35.00 per 2 hours or $70.00 for all day. Prices are subject to change without notice.

The Mogadore Marina also offers live bait, tackle, snacks, convenience items, and concessions for sale as well as a picnic area and shoreline fishing and convenient access to the Ohio Buckeye Trail.
Akron residents will receive 10 percent off of select services with proof of residency. For more information, call the Mogadore Marina at (330) 628-3343.

Ana Paula De'Oliveira can tell you firsthand about life's obstacles and the emotions felt when you finally overcome them.

A lack of transportation, driver's license, and child care, along with limited work experience created barriers for her to reach employment. This is where Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority and Greenleaf Family Center aided her.

De'Oliveira began the Family Self Sufficiency Program program in 2006. She needed housing and programming for her kids to help her grow.

Scraps of metal pieces, all shapes and sizes, adorned Michael Marras's worktable in Firestone Park. Various machines surrounded the space and Marras jumped to each one with intense focus.

This is his studio space, small but efficient for the local artist who was born and raised in Akron, but who came home, about a year ago, from Florida. Marras earned a degree in computer animation from Full Sail University, and has a background in both 2D and 3D design. More recently, he began working with metal, creating unique and intricate metal sculptures.

The holiday season brings wonderful moments shared with family and friends, but it also can bring unnecessary stress, such as what to give to those loved ones.

Instead of waiting in long lines or spending countless hours browsing Amazon's website for that "perfect gift" for your family or friend, try a more unconventional gift giving approach. Scrap the gifts for each other, and give to others.

For example, Goodyear employes adopt familes from Greenlead Family Center. They are clients of from all of the center's departments, said Dina Younis, fund development and marketing coordinator at Greenleaf Family Center. Goodyear delivers the wrapped gifts which are distributed to the families.

Get your craft on at the fourth annual Crafty Mart which will take place Nov. 24 from 10 a.m. - 5 p.m. in downtown Akron. 

According to the press release, Crafty Mart is a gathering of uncommon crafters & artisans from the Akron area. It's a chance for the public to holiday shop in a comfy setting outside the Big Box and Mall. There will be scores of one-of-a-kind useful yet eye-catching holiday gifts that you won't find elsewhere.

Crafty Mart began four years ago when co-founders Juniper Sage and J Hudson saw a lack of art shopping in the Akron area. Hudson would visit Sage, co-owner of Square Records, at Cleveland art events and wondered why these events weren't happening in their own area. So, they made it happen.