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.

The city of Akron will commemorate the events of Sept. 11 for the 10th straight year with ceremonies that will also memorialize the Akron Marine corporal who died in Afghanistan last December.

"The events of Sept. 11, 2001 touched something deep in all of us," said Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic. "Over the years, many residents have joined with us annually to be sure that we never forget the horror of that day and that we remember the bravery of the first responders who put themselves in harm's way to serve others, as well as the men and women who still serve in uniform overseas." More than 3,000 people died at the World Trade Center, the Pentagon and on Flight 93 over Pennsylvania on that single day.

Akron's official commemoration will take place Sunday, Sept. 11, at 2 p.m. at the baseball field in Goodyear Heights adjacent to the Reservoir Park Community Center at 1735 Hillside Terrace.

Neighbors who know one another better tend to build safer overall neighborhoods, according to the city of Akron, which encourages each area to promote their own event for the fifth annual Neighbors Day. The celebration takes place May 28, Memorial Day weekend, and centers around residents getting to know their neighbors better.

This year's theme is Living Together Better: 5 Years of Strengthening Neighborhoods. Once residents decide their preferred activity,  city officials encourage organizers to choose a location, adding they may want to host it on their porch, front yard or driveway. Neighbors Day Akron is designed to help residents get to know one another, especially those in closest proximity.

City hosts ribbon-cutting to celebrate the Village at New Seasons

The site at the corner of Vernon Odom Boulevard and Hawkins Avenue sat vacant for years, collecting trash and graffiti. Now, the space houses the Village at New Seasons, a new $11.4 million complex with senior living apartments, retail space and a health center.

The city recently hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony to celebrate the official opening of the development.

The more than 115,000-square-foot facility was developed through the combined efforts of the House of the Lord, who owns the land; the East Akron Neighborhood Development Corporation; Testa Companies; and Summa Health System, among other investors.

The Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company officially broke ground on its new global headquarters complex earlier this week.

Goodyear Chairman, CEO and President Richard J. Kramer, Ohio Gov. John Kasich, Akron Mayor Don Plusquellic, and Summit County Executive Russ Pry made brief remarks, then were joined by a number of federal, state and local officials – all who helped negotiate the deal – and together, shovels in hand, they helped start construction at the worksite.

“This was truly a remarkable team effort and a good example of the public and private sectors working together for the common good,” said Kramer. “Goodyear is proud to be a global company headquartered in Akron, Ohio. Both Goodyear and the city have changed and grown over the years, but our commitment to Akron remains constant. Goodyear will continue to be a vital part of this community’s future.”

The Boys & Girls Clubs of the Western Reserve will renovate 3,800 square feet of the Joy Park Community Center into dedicated club space for homework and programs, an art and music room, game room, technology lab, and teen lounge.

The announcement, made by Akron Mayor Donald Plusquellic and teen representatives of current Boys & Girls Club members on Monday, is the result of a lead gift from the LeBron James Family Foundation and a partnership with the City of Akron. The Joy Park Community Center is located at 825 Fuller St. in Akron.

Akron donors join together to support the Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs

(Editor's note: written by Bonnie Lass Wojno, Dreamweaver, Akron Rotary Camp)

On the shores of Rex Lake in Akron, Ohio, there is a shining star where abilities are allowed to shine.

That star is the Akron Rotary Camp for Children with Special Needs. Imagine a place where you can be accepted for who you are, a place where you are encouraged to develop your unique talents and abilities. This year, almost 2,000 campers participated in activities, including one camper with autism, who left camp speaking his first independent sentences. Another camper overcame his aversion to water. These are just two examples of the impact that camp has on the children who attend. This year, the camp is transforming its facilities to better meet the needs of today’s children with special needs.

While the city focuses on job growth and creation, a recent study asserts that attention should be given to passion and love of place instead.

Social offerings, aesthetics and openness are more critical to residents than basic services and economy, according to a three-year Gallup study of Akron in coordination with the Knight Foundation.

As northeast Ohioans experience yet another winter-driving season, safety is of the utmost importance. Drivers, especially those with small children, take every precaution to avoid accidents. But one area agency recognizes that not all drivers have the knowledge or the means to fully protect children, and it is working hard to change that. Summit County Safe Kids Coalition, one of 280 Safe Kids programs nationally, works with local agencies to protect children from preventable, unintentional injuries.

“When owners drop off their dogs during the day or for overnight boarding, they leave knowing their pets are in good hands. At the same time, they are supporting the development of jobs for people with disabilities.”