Clothing from all over the world was featured at the Akron Symphony Orchestra Guild’s recent “Crescendo 2015 Kaleidoscope of Global Fashion” fundraising event. Attendees gathered at Fairlawn Country Club to not only raise money but also to celebrate the diversity of global fashion as a collection of 20 international outfits were assembled, many of them vintage. A wide … [Read more...]
Teens discuss diversity at Interfaith Council Fall Forum (Article and Video)
The Akron Area Interfaith Council recently assembled area teens to talk about diversity at its annual fall forum, held at the First Congregational Church of Akron. The forum invited seven local teens to share their experience with diversity and faith, and the discussion was moderated by columnist Bob Dyer of the Akron Beacon Journal. Each student answered questions about … [Read more...]
Akron teen center gets surprise redesign at Boys & Girls Clubs’ Eller Clubhouse
Aaron’s, Inc. retail store and The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve recently partnered to surprise teens at their Eller Clubhouse Keystone Club teen center, with all new furniture, entertainment and technology. The redesign was inspired by the teens’ desire to have more places to study, have fun and have a place to relax. The Aaron’s Foundation earlier this year … [Read more...]
Goodwill’s Downtown Akron ‘blue’ boutique helps residents stay in style on a budget
Walking into Goodwill's new 'blue' boutique, there is a positive and upbeat energy. Dee Gillespie, the store manager, explains the 'blue' experience as an "amazing and even an emotional experience." The store offers name brand designers, jewelry and a whole lot more for nearly half the price or less than average retail prices. The mission of blue/A Goodwill Boutique is to … [Read more...]
Teenager excels in early college, around the world as a musician
Akron native and proud resident Kofi Boakye shines his light as an inspiring musician and scholar. At the young age of 15, Boakye excels as a student at the The University of Akron's early college, which is an academic program that helps students earn, not only their high school diploma, but also an associate's degree. Aside from being a full time student, Boakye is a … [Read more...]
Akron sculptor finds success with lifelike style (Akronist TV)
Ron White has carved out a promising position in the local arts scene -- itself an exciting time time for all artists. White won the 2012 inaugural Akron Art Prize for his sculpture work, which is a surreal and vivid exploration of the human form. White, who's also a yoga instructor, among a number of other activities, creates renditions of comically twisted expressions, and … [Read more...]
Local music celebrated at Akron Music Scene event series (Photo Essay)
Within the past couple of years, the local arts movement has picked up steam. Nowadays you can hear live bands jamming right downtown in some of your favorite eateries and venues, some even performing outside on downtown streets. Musically, this is an exciting time for Akron. It was no surprise that on a recent Wednesday, Akron’s downtown was buzzing with music at Tear-Ez … [Read more...]
Project RISE removes barriers for students facing homelessness (Akronist TV)
“One of the most challenging issues Akron faces is homelessness; there has been an unsettling amount of families and youth that deal with poverty and as a result they are unable to support themselves with even the basic needs. The Akron area has been actively working towards closing the gap between resource and community access.” -Deb Manteghi Project RISE is a program that … [Read more...]
GAINS discusses local food access (Video)
The Greater Akron Innovation Network for Sustainability (GAINS) met in April to discuss Akron’s local food initiatives and its increasingly important impact on neighborhood revitalization and accessibility. Speakers included Lisa Nunn, director at Let's Grow Akron, who creates and supports community gardens and beautification sites in neighborhoods with limited access to fresh … [Read more...]
Bomb Shelter harbors retro goods, repurposed living items (Video and Article)
"Our guests will chuckle, stir memories, be inspired into creativity and be educated on the benefits of reusing, purposing, and up-cycling… all at The Bomb Shelter Store." Akron, if you are a vintage or retro junky or just appreciate the art of re-purposing, then the Bomb Shelter is the place you want to check out. They are your one-stop shop for anything and everything, … [Read more...]