Six Serbian leaders participating in the Open World Program will spend Feb. 17 through 24 in Akron examining Civil Society organizations and human rights. Akron International Friendship (AIF) is hosting the delegation for Open World.

Managed by the independent Open World Leadership Center at the Library of Congress, Open World enables emerging Eurasian political and civic leaders to work with their U.S. counterparts and experience American-style democracy at the local level.

The visiting delegates are Ms. Mirjana Zoran Bogdanovic, executive director of the Gay- Straight Alliance; Mr. Luka Zvonko Bozovic, Youth Initiative for Human Rights; Ms. Jelena Bosko Dzombic, Helsinki Committee for Human Rights; Mr. Dragon Milan Ristic, finance manager for Lawyers’ Committee for Human Rights; Ms. Jelena Boro Visnjic, program director for Feminist Culture Center BeFem. Ms. Ksenija Lazovic, from Belgrade, Serbia will accompany them as a facilitator.

Summa Western Reserve Hospital recently launched its new Lung Health Program. One of the only lung health and smoking cessation programs of its kind in the area, the program offers collaborative care for smokers (both current and those who have quit) or those exposed to secondhand smoke.

A unique feature of the program is the inclusion of a rapid, non-invasive, pain-free low-dose CT scan that produces a three-dimensional image of the lungs. This screening measure has been proven extremely accurate for early detection of cancers and abnormalities in the chest. Individual or group consultation sessions for smoking cessation are also provided.

Each year, Summit County Children Services counts on community donations to brighten up the season for children in agency custody by providing them with festive Easter baskets. This year donations are once again needed -- especially for school-aged and older boys.

Monetary donations are certainly welcome -- but for those preferring to donate already-completed baskets, here are some suggestions. For school-aged boys’ baskets: small sports balls or outdoor toys; cars and trucks; coloring/activity books and markers, books, candy and chocolate bunnies. For pre-teen boys: hand-held games, chapter books, action figures, gadgets, small games/puzzles, candy and chocolate bunnies.

Filled, wrapped baskets should be labeled with the child’s age and gender and delivered between March 23 and 26 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. to Summit County Children Services, 264. S. Arlington Street, Akron.