Emerging women leaders in greater Akron will have the opportunity to learn from female mentors and trailblazers at the ATHENA International Women’s Leadership Day Luncheon Sept. 20.

Now in its third year, the event encourages mentoring and relationship-building among area women. Proceeds from the luncheon benefit the Women’s Endowment Fund of Akron Community Foundation, a 501(c) (3) public charity, which makes yearly grants to nonprofit organizations that improve the quality of life for women and girls in Summit County.

Established women leaders in the community are encouraged to invite an emerging woman leader to be their guest at the luncheon. Attendees will hear a keynote address from Summit County Court of Common Pleas Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer. Stormer was selected as the 2011 Akron ATHENA Leadership Award recipient for her dedication to innovation, the community and fellow women, particularly those pursuing work in the legal profession and public office.

True North Ministry (TNM) has a big heart for troubled youth across Ohio. As a result of working one-on-one with teens through their mentoring program, activities, Bible studies and detention center/jail ministry, they've learned a lot about youth culture.

Throughout this time spent they've noticed a "unique" issue interfering with the lives of the youth that they see: gangs. They do exist, even here in Summit County. "We're seeing that the gangs are becoming more and more influential, and we want to launch a liberation initiative," Melissa Yovichin, development director of TNM, said of their goals in combatting this.

It's something most people may not normally think about, but many are born into gangs today and therefore aren't given much of a choice as to which direction they want to take with their lives. Those with family, friends, and/or many of the people on their block in a gang can be influenced to join.

The South Akron Neighborhood Council Block Club celebrated the 28th Annual National Night Out (NNO), a unique crime/drug prevention event sponsored by the National Association of Town Watch (NATW), earlier this month, along with other Southeast Akron organizations, like East Akron Community House, Byrd’s House Groceries, F. Lee’s Tax & Accounting Services, Inc., Akron Summit Community of Action, Inc., The Summit County Prosecutor’s Office, and the City of Akron and Mayor Donald L. Plusquellic.

Involved since 1984, this year’s Southeast Akron site hosted an array of activities, including an Anti-Crime Walk sponsored by the South Akron Neighborhood Council Block Club, starting from Cole Avenue and continuing throughout the neighborhood. Also provided was information about safety and health issues, along with music, activities, games, door prizes, back-to-school giveaways, food and refreshments. Anti-crime signs were available, along with Block Watch sign-up information.

First Congregational Church of Akron presents its second annual Artisan Market & Craft Fair Oct. 22, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. The church is located at 292 E. Market Street in downtown Akron (at the corner of East Market and Union streets).

All artists, crafters and shoppers are encouraged to attend, to earn some holiday cash or get a head start on holiday shopping. Vendors may rent a table in the FCC Fellowship Hall for $30, and spaces are limited, according to organizers.

For more information, contact Alauna Redfern at .