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.

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.