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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Doris Harris has been featured in the Akron Beacon Journal, as a Summit DD Champion and Supporter of Issue 25, a renewal of the Summit DD levy which is on the Nov 8 ballot.

Harris was diagnosed at an early age with mental retardation, and she lost her sight at a very young age. A 13-year resident of Twinsburg, she attends a day program at Hattie Larlham where she volunteers and participates in learning new skills that help her live a full life. Hattie Larlham is one of more than 200 businesses and nonprofit service providers that are supported by Issue 25. Harris lives independently in the community with services like residential care, transportation and service coordination from the Summit DD.

She has learned to care for herself at her congregate living home. She can wash dishes and cleans her own room, which helps Harris to live an active life.

Young people gathered in Twinsburg Township this past weekend for the inaugural Field Day event, which is targeted toward children ages 1 to 15.

The event was organized by Nicole Lewis, a 2011 graduate of the Neighborhood Leadership Institute of Summit County. The Neighborhood Leadership Institute is funded by the United Way and promotes grass root community building. The program includes an 11-session curriculum that includes classes on leadership topics ranging from strategic planning to neighborhood development.

The Institute also helps participants serve as advocates for their families and their communities, along with hosting and promoting public events. The Field Day celebration was promoted by printed posters and word-of-mouth. Lewis estimated that approximately 75 children attended. Planned activities included team-oriented games, lunch, ice cream and dancing. To apply for the Class of 2012, visit www.uwsummit.org/NLI/NLI.htm.

Simple walking also can ward off hypertension, obesity and other health problems

Richard Kratche, MD, has been a "walking doc" since October 2009, when Cleveland Clinic started its Walk with a Doc program. Every Saturday morning, Northeast Ohioans can bend a doctor’s ear while walking a 3-mile course around a woodsy reservation (or shopping mall, if it’s cold).

Walking with groups ranging from six to 50 people, Kratche has fielded questions on everything from weight-loss techniques to coping with a relative’s depression.

“When I’m walking and chatting with people, it’s on a completely different level from an office visit. It’s very comfortable and very relaxed,” he said. "Besides, it’s a pleasant way to work toward the 10,000 steps a day recommended for all Americans for good health and weight management.

Akron residents who have unused or expired prescription drugs will have the opportunity to safely dispose of them April 30. As part of Operation Medicine Cabinet, those who need to dispose of prescription drugs may visit the Metro Regional Transit Center in downtown Akron, as well as the Bath, Copley and Twinsburg police departments from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. to participate in the confidential program.

No personal information will be collected, and residents are encouraged to remove all labels from the pill bottles, according to organizers.