Understanding the relationship between community, economic and environmental outcomes while achieving equitable distribution of resources and opportunities in our neighborhoods will be the topic of the next GAINS (Greater Akron Innovation Network for Sustainability) Wednesday, June 13, at the Summit Lake Community Center, 380 W. Crosier St. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the free … [Read more...]
Wednesday’s GAINS meeting explores lessons from trees, eco-technology
Nature offers guideposts and lessons for a number of people: from artists, business owners and environmentalists to neighborhood leaders and others looking to build healthier communities. For example, sculptor Michael Marras’ Akron Tree Project is a recycled steel sculpture that in a way is a reclamation of nature. About 75 percent of the giant tree affixed to the west wall … [Read more...]
Placemaking, ‘tactical urbanism’ discussed at Aug. 10 GAINS meeting
Transforming and reimagining urban spaces through “tactical urbanism” will be the subject of the next GAINS (Greater Akron Innovation Network for Sustainability) meeting Aug. 10 at Musica, in Akron. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. and the free program begins at 6:15 p.m. The evening's discussion will focus on creative popup and semi-permanent placemaking strategies such as Better … [Read more...]
GAINS year-end celebration features ‘Tree of Knowledge’ (VIDEO)
The Greater Akron Innovation Network for Sustainability (GAINS) recently celebrated its 2015 wrap-up at Musica, which included a slightly different format than past meetings. Participants offered ideas for Akron Mayor Dan Horrigan’s Blue Ribbon Task Force, along with a creative exercise called the “GAINS Tree of Knowledge,” on which attendees posted messages describing what … [Read more...]
Karen Starr discusses building relationships, communities (Akronist TV)
Akron Shero Karen Starr takes time to sit down with Zach and discuss community-building and how to create your own reality. Starr wears many hats in Akron and is a creative force to be reckoned with. She's an author, interior designer, artist, musician and community organizer. When it comes to community-building, it’s all about relationships to help one another achieve … [Read more...]
Community activists discuss using design for sustainable improvements (Article and Video)
Many Akron residents are working diligently toward a sustainable community, but the tools we need could already be around us, with potential ideas like front-yard gardens and edible landscapes to help sustain healthy neighborhoods. At last week's Greater Akron Innovation Network for Sustainability (GAINS) meeting at Uncorked Wine Bar in the Musica Complex on Market Street, … [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...]
Local business owner is force for positive change in the community
There’s a bundle of energy sitting on a contemporary sofa inside Hazel Tree Interiors near downtown Akron. Her name is Karen Starr, an Akron resident whose effervescence at times would make a flute of champagne blush. Along with her husband, Jon Haidet, Starr owns Hazel Tree Interiors, a studio store and custom picture-framing outfit that features art, furniture and … [Read more...]
