I had the opportunity to attend two community events the past month, and the first was on Saturday May 29th at the Halo Foundation’s offices on Western Ave. For over 20 years ,the Halo Foundation ( Hope Always Live On) has developed student leaders by recognizing specific overlooked needs in the community and illuminating the selfless example of the hero’s of Flight 93 as their model. They Akron branch recently dedicated their first “Blessing Box”, a mini food pantry that gives 24/7 food access to people who need help in a dignified manner. Halo partnered with Ellet High Schools Construction Technology class to build the Blessing Box that is stocked with non-perishable foods at 184 Western Ave. The Blessing Box is similar to the Little Free Libraries that you see through out the city, but with food r those in need.
Halo has plans for two more Blessing Boxes by 2027 and they looking for help in keeping theBox full. Church groups, non profits ,scout groups, individuals and others are encouraged to help out 1 day a week, by bringing non perishable foods and reloading the box. I was on had for the dedication, and if you’re interested in helping out, please reach out to Matthew Turner at Halo. Here a link their site: https://www.thehalofoundation.org/ Matthew will also be at our June ward meeting too!
On June 5th I attended a ceremony recognizing 99 year old Ward 8 resident John Collver’s graduation from North High School 82 years ago on D-Day, 1944. John is a Navy Veteran, who enlisted shortly after graduating at the age of 17, and spent the final months of World War II on an aircraft carrier in the Pacific Ocean. After his service in the Navy, John enrolled at Kent State, winning a spot on the basketball team, where he supported two of the first black players on Kent’s basketball team and the segregation and racism they endured. He vividly remembers when the team was denied entry to a restaurant during a trip, and the entire team walked out.
John continued his basketball career after college with the Goodyear Wingfoots in the 1950’s and it was a pleasure to celebrate his graduation on D Day, his service to our county and 99 years of a life well lived.