If you haven't already heard, the Torchbearers, young and upcoming city leaders, are creating a great name for themselves throughout the community through their intense involvement and volunteer work. Their relationship with charities like St. Bernard's/St. Mary's Hunger Program, the Autism Family Foundation's Charity Corn hole Tournament, and Akron/Canton Regional Foodbank (ACRF), continues to grow, as well as with others.
Dan Flowers, President and CEO of the ACRF, shared his thanks, saying "The Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank believes that leadership is vital to the fight against hunger, and celebrates the work of Torchbearers in developing the next generation of community leaders. We are thrilled when this group takes time out of their busy schedules to volunteer. Their regular commitment to our organization is a demonstration of the outstanding youth in our area."
The Akron Digital Media Center is the first of its kind in the Akron area, providing free classes on journalism, video and more! After taking classes, citizens can post their very own stories on www.akronist.com. You won't want to miss their open house from 4 to 6 p.m. to get the scoop. The center is located in the Main Library Downtown, in Room 2AB, across the hall from the auditorium. For more info. www./akrondmc.com/ or www.akronist.com
The Center for Community Solutions 70th Annual Human Services Institute, May 18
The Institute's 70th anniversary will include a unique exploration of opportunities and challenges in addressing health, social, and economic issues in the 16-county Northeast Ohio region. The keynote speaker will be John Kania, Managing Director of FSG & Co-Author of 'Collective Impact'. This will be from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. at the John S. Knight Center. You can register at www.communitysolutions.com
Family Drop in: Spark! Family Fest @ Art Museum, May 19
If you need a break from the regular family offerings at your local multiplex, bring the family to the museum's annual Spark! Family Film Fest for a variety of fresh features. The event will begin with collection of cool, zany and funny shots from the New York International Children's Film Fest. Then, put your own creative skills to work with a film-centric hands-on art activity in the lobby. Finally, the fest will conclude with a special selection of films curated by the expert eyes at Akron Film. Stay for the day or pick and choose which of the activities work best for you and your little movie-goers. This will be from 12 – 3 p.m.
Leadership Akron presents Progressive Akron, May 19
Save the date! Don't miss your chance to have exclusive access to a behind-the-scenes look at the city's newest jewels enjoyed with a progressive style dinner! Visit www.leadershipakron.org for more info.!
"Interced 4 Life" 2011 Walk for Akron Pregnancy Services, May 19
By walking in the APS Intercede 4 Life Walk, or supporting a walker, you become a partner in providing positive answers to unplanned pregnancies faced by man teens, women and men in our community. The APS has been providing help, counsel and resources since 1984. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. For more information and to register please visit www.apsatwork.com.
Torchbearers Membership Recruitment Event, May 24
Torchbearers is a group of emerging community leaders, ages 25-39, that seeks to grow. If you are interested in applying to join this group, get to know current members of the Torchbearers and have your questions answered at this recruiting event. It starts at 5:30 p.m. Check out their website for more info.: www.torchbearersakron.com.or Register here: http://jointb.eventbrite.com
Aquaponics Local Year-Round Food Market, May 24
Have you ever heard of Aquaponics? Are you interested in finding out more about it? Aquaponics is a sustainable food production system that combines a traditional aquaculture (raising aquatic animals such as snails, fish, crayfish or prawns in tanks) with hydroponics (cultivating plants in water) in a symbiotic environment. A food market will be held today at The Junction (211 Cherry St., Kent) or contact The Ecoponics Group on FB. If you would like an outline prior to the meeting please email pjmyers@sbcglobal.net to get a copy and RSVP.
Summit County Reentry Resource Seminar, May 25
Attention: Anyone with a felony who needs reentry information and support- this is the place for you! Once a month, the Summit Country Reentry Network has seminars providing helpful information for those on supervision and not on supervision, plus those who have been released from incarceration within the last 90 days. This month's topic is "Start Your Own Company". It will be held at the Job Center (1040 E. Tallmadge Avenue in Akron) from 10 a.m. to noon, in room 119. For more info. please call 330.643.2003.
Akron Public Schools Kick-Off Event, May 30
From the unique to the extraordinary, Akron Public Schools staff, students and graduates are enriching their communities and advancing the school district's goals of raising the bar on student achievement. They invite you to come and get reconnected with APS by sharing what makes you APS PROUD. There will be food, games and prizes! The event will be from 6-9 p.m. at Lock 3 in Downtown Akron. Free parking will be available in the State Street deck.
Summit County Children's Services Foster Care and Adoption Info. Meeting, May 31
By walking in the APS Intercede 4 Life Walk, or supporting a walker, you become a partner in providing positive answers to unplanned pregnancies faced by man teens, women and men in our community. The APS has been providing help, counsel and resources since 1984. The walk will begin at 10 a.m. For more information and to register please visit www.apsatwork.com.
Guided Walks on the Towpath, June 2
Enjoy a guided walk with an expert guide and learn about Akron's canal-era and the mills that put Akron on the map. Learn about that big red wheel and what it represents. Then visit the Mustill Store for a cold beverage or ice cream treat, and checkout the 1800's canal and general store/museum. The Mustill Store is located at 248 Ferndale St., Akron. The course is mostly flat and a short distance. A group will gather at 11 a.m. at the Mustill Store located in the Cascade Valley Park, Mustill Area, off W. North Street.
Adopt a Trail Workshop and Trail Sweep, June 2
Are you interested in improving our national park's trails? Learn trail maintenance techniques and volunteer on an actual trail sweep. This will take place at Ledges Shelter (701 Truxtell Road) at 8:00 a.m. To register please contact the volunteer office at (330)657-2299 or volunteer@forcvnp.
Ongoing Events:
Kids Helping Kids
"Kids Helping Kids" is a special outreach where young people assist in providing toys for poor and homeless children. Are you able to purchase a new toy and donate it to Haven of Rest? If so, please do so as a part of our "Kids Helping Kids" project.
Haven of Rest invites churches, schools, youth groups, and Sunday School classes to participate in this special outreach to disadvantaged children. For more information on how you can help, please call Katrina Henry, special events coordinator, at 330-535-1563 or e-mail her at khenry@havenofrest.org.
Summit County Reentry Network's
Support Group
Every Friday The Summit County Reentry Network is a group of individuals working across the county to help ex-felons transition into society. If you are returning from incarceration, work with those who have, or know of a friend/family member, you won't want to miss this group. It is every Friday from 6:30 - 7:30 P.M. Meeting will be held at "The Front Porch" on 798 Grant Street in Akron. For more info. please call Terry Tribe Johnson at 330-643-200.
All Aboard the Cuyahoga Valley Railroad
The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad (CVSR) is one of the oldest, longest and most scenic tourist excursion railways in the country. It is a private sector, volunteer supported, not for profit 501 c3 organization operating in partnership with Cuyahoga Valley National Park and dedicated to the preservation of passenger rail transportation in Cuyahoga Valley and the historic Ohio & Erie Canalway.To purchase tickets or gift certificates or more information: www.cvsr.com
Video:
UA students reach out to nonprofits
Thanks to our friends at the Akronist for our videos. www.akronist.com/
Pictures of the Week:
Thank you to our friends at the Metro Parks, www.summitmetroparks.org for sharing these photos with us!
Seasonal Events:
Healthy Steps Kick Off, April 13 - May 31
Residents who live in Summit County are invited to participate in the Healthy Steps 2012 Kick Off sponsored by the Ohio & Erie Canalway Coalition. The program starts Friday at 11:30 a.m. at Lock 3 in downtown Akron and concludes May 31st . Participants will receive the tools and motivation to walk for better health while discovering the rich beauty of the Towpath Trail. Guided hikes sponsored by Akron General Health System called "Towpath Tuesdays" will take place during lunch on Tuesdays throughout the course of the program. Log onto www.ohioeriecanal.org for more info. or contact Sarah Gibbs at sgibbs@ohioeriecanal.org or 330.374.5657.
Akron Society of Artists Workshop,
May 17- 19
If you love to draw and are interested in the arts, this 3-day figure drawing workshop presented by Master Draftsman Michael Mentler, may be perfect for you! Please check out: www.akronsocietyofartists.com for more info.
Battered Women's Shelter Volunteer Training, June 1st, 9th and 16th
Over the past months, the Battered Women's Shelter's Outreach Department has developed a new training program referred to as "The Basics". The Basics training is a program that will prepare you, as a volunteer, to provide Crisis Intervention to survivors of domestic violence, all types of sexual assault, sexual harassment, and stalking. The design of this training will allow you to complete part of the training online, then provide you with supplemental information and activities in the classroom. At the conclusion of The Basics you be equipped to volunteer in either the Battered Women's Shelter or Rape Crisis Center. Training starts at 8 a.m. Their spring session is as follows: June 9th & June 16th, 9:00am – 6:00pm *must attend both days*. RSVP by June 1st. Held at the Medina County United Way Building. For more information or to RSVP, contact Brittany Paliswat atBrittanyP@scmcbws.org or 330-860-5635!
Teens Wanted for C.A.T.S. Program!,
August – School Year
If you are a High School student who is passionate about influencing your peers to make right choices, C.A.T.S. may be the program for you! C.A.T.S. (Concerned About Teen Success) is a group of diverse teens who travel to different middle and high schools across summit county, speaking, performing skits, songs and more, all to promote abstinence from sex, drugs and alcohol and encourage healthy lifestyles. If you are interested in joining this group for the upcoming school year please visit www.all4youth.org for more info!
Explore, Discover & Create at UA Camp Digi-Lit, Summer 2012
The University of Akron's College of Education's Center for Literacy invites 2nd-8th graders to Camp Digi-Lit. These camps are designed to develop your child's creativity, stimulate a sense of excitement about new technology, and enhance literacy skills while helping to prevent learning loss over the summer months. This year, they are offering the following two camps: Uncover the eTreasure and Forensic eFiles. For more info. visit www.uakron.edu.
CVNP Countryside Conservancy's Farmer's Market, May 12 – October 27
Did you know that there are currently 10 active Countryside Initiative farms within the national park? Products vary seasonally and the choices of fresh, locally grown produce are many. Experience two producers-only farmers' markets presented by the Countryside Conservancy. For more information call 330-657-2538 or visit www.cvcountryside.org. You can find these local farmers at Howe Meadow in the CVNP, Saturdays, May 12 through October 27. For more information about the program and a list of farms, visit www.cvcountryside.org<http://www.cvcountryside.org/>. Howe Meadow is located at 4040 Riverview Rd. in Peninsula.
Akron Digital Media Center's Open House, May 17
The Center for Community Solutions 70th Annual Human Services Institute, May 18
Family Drop in: Spark! Family Fest @ Art Museum, May 19
Torchbearers Membership Recruitment Event, May 24
Summit County Reentry Resource Seminar, May 25
Akron Public Schools Kick-Off Event, May 30
Summit County Children's Services Foster Care and Adoption Info. Meeting, May 31
Guided Walks on the Towpath, June 2