Whether a longtime resident of a community or just moving in, there are numerous ways to gather information particular to one's needs. Online, there are endless websites handling community bulletin boards, city hall, chambers of commerce, churches, volunteerism and on and on.

"We try to be the clearinghouse where everyone can give us their information, a sort of one-stop shop to find out what's going on," said Sharon Connor, a 27-year resident of Goodyear Heights.

Connor met recently on a snowy day at a local coffee shop to discuss the good works and strides made by R.I.G.H.T.(Residents Improving Goodyear Heights Together), a committee founded in 1997 that became a 501 c3 nonprofit organization in 2001 and for which she is currently the president.

The City of Akron Recreation Bureau is participating in the Summer Food Service Program by providing meals to all eligible youth (18 years and under) and summer day camp programs that meet the income guidelines for reduced-price meals in the National School Lunch Program.

Children who are part of households that receive foods stamps or benefits under the Food Distribution Program on Indian Reservations (FDPIR), or Temporary Assistance to Needy Families (TANF) are automatically eligible to receive free meals. Acceptance and participation requirements for the program and all activities are the same for all regardless of race, color, national origin, sex, age or disability.

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Have you ever dreamt of having your own farm? How about your very own garden? Maybe you live in an apartment and it’s just a matter of not having the space... Well, a solution to that problem may be right around the block.

Your garden dream can become a reality through Akron Grows, a community gardening program managed by the city of Akron. Before you know it, you can grow your very own fresh fruits, vegetables, herbs and/or colorful flowers.

The program uses vacant city lots to provide an opportunity for Akron residents, and residents in any of the surrounding communities, to grow their own food.

Do you remember the magic of your first book?

This question is posed by First Book-Greater Akron, part of a national nonprofit organization with a mission to give children from low-income families the opportunity to discover the magic of reading and owning their first new books.

“This program makes a tremendous impact by providing age appropriate books to children, especially pre-school. It’s important to start reading early,” said Chuck Bell, chair of the area’s advisory board.

Free performance this weekend is part of Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival

Neos Dance Theatre, of Mansfield, will perform two different programs this weekend at Goodyear Heights Metro Park as part of the Heinz Poll Summer Dance Festival. Featured this year is Heinz Poll's Schubert Waltzes, a recent addition to the Neos repertoire. Performances Aug. 12 and 13 begin at 7:45 p.m. with a children's program.

Schubert Waltzes, based on the music of Franz Schubert, will be accompanied live by Ohio Ballet's long-time music director David Fischer. Other pieces in the program include selections from Poll's Eight by Benny Goodman, Alejando Cerrudo's Lickety-Split and Bobby Wesner's own setting of Appalachian Spring. Seating will take place on the lawn. Participants are asked to bring chairs or blankets.

Little infielders, outfielders, pitchers and catchers will be lined up on South Main Street this Saturday for the annual All American Baseball and Softball Parade in downtown Akron.

Leagues from around the city -- Goodyear Heights, North Akron, Ellet, Kenmore, West Akron Little League and West Akron Baseball League -- will send a total of 1,200 youngsters to parade down Main Street and be cheered on by family and fans Saturday morning beginning at 11 a.m..

The route begins at Cedar and Main streets, heads north on Main to Bowery and then west on Bowery to finish at Lock 4.

Neighbors who know one another better tend to build safer overall neighborhoods, according to the city of Akron, which encourages each area to promote their own event for the fifth annual Neighbors Day. The celebration takes place May 28, Memorial Day weekend, and centers around residents getting to know their neighbors better.

This year's theme is Living Together Better: 5 Years of Strengthening Neighborhoods. Once residents decide their preferred activity,  city officials encourage organizers to choose a location, adding they may want to host it on their porch, front yard or driveway. Neighbors Day Akron is designed to help residents get to know one another, especially those in closest proximity.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company officially broke ground on its new global headquarters complex earlier this week.

Goodyear Chairman, CEO and President Richard J. Kramer, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, and Summit County Executive Russ Pry made brief remarks, then were joined by a number of federal, state and local officials – all who helped negotiate the deal – and together, shovels in hand, they helped start construction at the worksite.

“This was truly a remarkable team effort and a good example of the public and private sectors working together for the common good,” said Kramer. “Goodyear is proud to be a global company headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Both Goodyear and the city have changed and grown over the years, but our commitment to Akron remains constant. Goodyear will continue to be a vital part of this community’s future.”

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.