The Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation staff and Board of Directors have named seasoned runner Verrelle L. Wyatt their new race director, succeeding Brian Polen in the role. Wyatt, an Akron resident, will be responsible for planning, organizing and staging the Akron Marathon events. He joins the Akron Marathon team from Physio Balance and Sports Performance, LLC where … [Read more...]
Katie Beck named Executive Director of North Akron CDC
North Akron Community Development Corp. (NACDC) has named Katie Beck as its new executive director. Beck, who formerly managed the Exchange House for Better Block Foundation, along with directing NACDC activities since July 2019, will lead the neighborhood-based nonprofit by building organizational capacity and increasing community participation in the new role. “I am … [Read more...]
Weathervane acting experience helps challenge gender roles, notion of ‘fitting in’
Editor’s note: Laura Niehaus is an Education and Outreach advocate at Hope & Healing Survivor Resource Center. Niehaus appears in Margaret Atwood’s “Alias Grace” through Feb. 2 at Weathervane Playhouse. “I used to think that if I could hug myself tight enough I could make myself smaller, because there was never enough room for me, at home or anywhere, but if I was … [Read more...]
‘Outlaw Ink’ at UA’s Emily Davis Gallery captures dark humor of hillbillies, urban dystopia
“Outlaw Ink: Hück and Hogarth,” currently on view at the Emily Davis Gallery, in the University of Akron’s Myers School of Art, consists of everything from “hillbillies doing bad stuff” in Middle America to the urban dystopia of 18th century England. On display through Feb. 14, the exhibit features works by American printmaker Tom Hück accompanied by one of his major … [Read more...]
Bounce Innovation Hub selects Ace Epps as Director of Inclusive Entrepreneurship
Ace Epps has been named director of inclusive entrepreneurship for Bounce Innovation Hub, effective Jan. 1. Epps has served as an entrepreneur-in-residence and business advisor at Bounce since July 2019. A certified facilitator for the Ice House Entrepreneur Program, he brings 20 years of experience in the areas of workforce development, black male engagement and minority … [Read more...]
Nicole Walker named Akron Municipal Court presiding judge for 2020
Judge Nicole Walker will serve as the administrative/presiding judge of the Akron Municipal Court for 2020. In this role, Walker will oversee the court’s administration, docket and court calendar, as well as the observance of the rules of superintendence and the timely reporting and termination of all cases in the court. Walker, who was elected to the bench in November … [Read more...]
Clyde Alan Hensley – Two Poems
Editor's note: Clyde Alan Hensley is a local songwriter, performer and poet. Shoebox I stumbled upon a shoebox, full of pictures and memories. I dubbed them confessions of my life.Still frames in black and white ... people who touched my very soul.Some good and some not as much. Nonetheless...each bestowed a lesson. Words on faded paper, where the ink no … [Read more...]
Wandering Aesthetics to host auditions for youth talent competition Dec. 15 and 16
Wandering Aesthetics and The Akron Center for Art, Music, & Performance announce auditions for the second annual Lil' Loaves (A Youth Talent Showcase Showdown). Auditions for Lil’ Loaves will be held on Sunday, Dec. 15 from 12 p.m. - 5 p.m. and Monday, Dec. 16 from 3 p.m. - 8 p.m. Each audition will last approximately 15 minutes. Auditions are open to individuals or … [Read more...]
UA alum takes the reins as bandleader of Danjo Jazz Orchestra
Band establishes 2020 residency at Jilly’s Music Room --- On a recent weeknight at Jilly’s Music Room, the nearly 20 members of Danjo Jazz Orchestra filled the club with a timeless big band sound, the power of horns and wind instruments a refreshing change from garage rock bands. This iteration of the jazz orchestra also was under the new leadership of Andrew … [Read more...]
Second annual Highland Square Film Fest offers cash prizes, open to all skill levels
Submissions open through Nov. 17 After a successful inaugural year that drew more than 500 residents, the Highland Square Neighborhood Association will present the 2nd Annual Highland Square Film Festival, Saturday, Dec. 7, at 1 p.m., at The Highland Theatre, 826 W. Market St. The film fest encourages local filmmakers of all ranges of expertise to tell their … [Read more...]