When Yolanda Parker moved into the Middlebury neighborhood about 10 years ago, she remembers some residents being hesitant to even leave their homes. “There was so much going on in this area, in regards to drugs and violence, to where seniors at a certain time would just not come outside,” said Parker, who runs the nonprofit LINKS Community and Family Services. Now, this … [Read more...]
Knight Foundation announces $720,000 in urban investment grants for Kenmore, North Akron, Middlebury
Organizations receiving support include The Well Community Development Corporation, North Akron Community Development Corporation and Kenmore Neighborhood Alliance -- Two community development corporations and one neighborhood alliance will launch a plan to improve neighborhood life, keep and attract talented people and advance new investments in Akron with $720,000 from the … [Read more...]
Second Chance store, village offers sanctuary, opportunities for area homeless
Numerous displaced members of the community call the Second Chance Store and Village home. Being both a retail store and a shelter for people facing homelessness, the property is run like a business and a small community, as members live in tents and must follow property rules along with a code of respect and hard work. Most importantly, this operation offers people the … [Read more...]
Storytelling, Kung Fu, LGBT protections among speaker topics for Aug. 4 PechaKucha Akron
PechaKucha Akron, a quarterly speaker series featuring a diverse group of entrepreneurs, artists, scholars and other creatives, has announced the speaker lineup for its next event Friday, Aug. 4, 7 p.m., at The Well CDC, 647 E. Market St. Speakers (listed alphabetically) and topics are: ● Amani Abraham, the power of storytelling ● Katie Beck, ties between Akron’s … [Read more...]
Coyotes, transfer station hazards, gentrification among concerns voiced by Middlebury residents at Common Threads discussion
To restore trust in an area where people have traditionally felt overlooked can prove difficult. Over 30 neighbors of the Middlebury community in Akron gathered together recently to discuss the issues their reviving neighborhood faces, from hazardous health conditions and animal nuisances, to vacant homes, crime and gentrification. The panel discussion was the most recent in … [Read more...]
Buchtel students help restore lot, mental wellness for Middlebury neighbors
Students from an Akron high school designed and implemented plans for a vacant lot in Middlebury to help create more of a sense of community where it’s often been forgotten. Tenth-graders at Buchtel CLC started by working together to make models in the classroom of what could go in a vacant lot, not only to make it look more appealing, but to also bring the community … [Read more...]
Rubber City Shakespeare presents ‘Lear’ with a twist June 2
Rubber City Shakespeare Company announces its final show of the season, William Shakespeare's "Lear," which opens June 2 and runs until June 18, at the Well CDC, 647 E. Market St. Producing Artistic Director Dane CT Leasure breathes new life into this classic show through creative concept and casting. In this production, set in the 1980s, the title character—traditionally … [Read more...]
Learn about Akron’s neighborhoods through Jane’s Walk events May 5-7
Jane’s Walk is a series of citizen-led neighborhood walking tours. Named after urban activist and writer Jane Jacobs, Jane's Walks are annually held, internationally, during the first weekend in May to coincide with her birthday. On May 5 through 7, a number of walks will be led throughout Akron. Residents are welcomed and encouraged to join in on the walk to connect with … [Read more...]
Four new neighborhoods will host Akron Art Museum’s Inside|Out this summer
Outdoor art will be installed in Ellet, Middlebury, West Akron and Sherbondy Hill May through October -- During the past two summers in and around Akron, you may have experienced a painting in an unexpected place—mounted on the side of a barber shop or café, or free-standing on posts in a neighborhood park. This summer the outdoor art encounters continue, as four new … [Read more...]
Big Love ‘Bounce Beyond’ festival offers live music, art, workshops, healing, storytelling April 1
All-day festival takes place 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. at The Well CDC -- In person, Zach Freidhof is soft spoken and kind, but underneath this calm demeanor is an intensity, one that fuels his many community efforts: from panel discussions about religion to concerts and leading zero-waste efforts at neighborhood festivals. He’s also one of the catalysts behind the Big Love … [Read more...]
