Akron dance experience and lunar phenomenon mingle for an enigmatic evening

When someone asks you to cover a piece on a group of women in Akron who get together to dance with no boys, no booze and no judgment, you have to be intrigued. Then when they tell you that they dance to homemade music mixes with no teacher, no talking and not even looking at one another, you have to wonder what you have gotten yourself into!

Dance Dance Party Party (DDPP©) is a national organization of women with regional clubs in cities such as New York City, Chicago and even Toronto. It caters to women of all ages, shapes and sizes who want to come to a safe and comfortable environment to dance without the pressure or awkwardness of dealing with men in the bar or nightclub scene. One wears what makes you happy, whether it is a gym outfit or dressed up for a Friday night. This club asks for a donation of $2 to cover the studio rental and snacks were available for under $1.

Interesting Akron is a bi-weekly blog by Rob Lucas about the fun, quirky, unique, and historical places in and around the Akron area. Find more at http://interestingakron.wordpress.com.

It's difficult to imagine that in in this digital age a shoe repair shop would receive much business in the greater Akron area, but cobbler/philosopher/humorist Bob Ferguson has made it happen in Highland Square since 1993.

Ferguson, who was born in Akron and attended Ellet High, studied to be an editorial cartoonist after leaving the Army. With few prospects he found a job with a chain shoe shop, but found himself dissatisfied with his position and decided to purchase the space next to the Highland Theater.

MOMS Club of Akron-West will hold its annual preschool fair at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church on Thursday, January 13 from 4:30 to 6:30pm. The fair will showcase preschool programs in and around the west side of Akron including Fairlawn, Copley and Bath. The fair is open to all parents and caregivers. Preschool representatives will be on hand to describe their programs and explain the registration process.

As a retired Akron police officer, John Bailey has seen his share of criminal activity. Much of this activity is the result of repeat offenders with tumultuous backgrounds, some stretching as far back as childhood. Now, as a part-time deputy with the Juvenile Diversion Program, Bailey spends his time working with teens that have put themselves on that same dangerous path, helping them turn their lives around.

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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.

Do you know what your calling is? Every person on Earth has one – something unique, something only you were born to do. That’s your real job: to figure out what your calling is and begin to honor it.

The Pajama Program is a New York-based charity that was founded in 2001 by Genevieve Piturro. For Genevieve, realizing her passion took a little bit of soul searching. As a marketing executive and single woman in her 30s, she focused on climbing the corporate ladder. Then at age 38, she met her husband, and the pair started settling into a life together – but something was missing.