The 300 protesters gathered at Casacade Locks Park on West North Street for the “March Against Monsanto.” They walked to Highland Square and back to Cascade Locks.

Similar protests were held across the country against the St. Louis-based seed and agriculture company.

Some T-shirts and signs read: “Hell No GMO,” a reference to genetically modified organisms and food.

Bill Baker, 52, of Mansfield, wearing a hard hat with plastic skull affixed on top, said his gripe with the company was “global control, corporate control over our food supply.”

Leah Szarka, 35, of Westlake brought her two children and husband to the Akron protest.

“I am concerned they are going to take over the whole food system,” she said.

Julie Costell, owner of Ms. Julie’s Kitchen, a vegan and organic restaurant in Akron, charged that Monsanto is “leading the way in genetically modifying our food.”

Thomas Helscher, director of corporate affairs for Monsanto, said claims made by protesters “are not accurate, not true, and there is a huge amount of evidence to the contrary.”

In fact, Helscher said, “the safety of genetically modified crops being grown today is well established.”

The 21,000 people who work at Monsanto, Helscher said, “are proud of our efforts to help improve farm productivity and food quality.”

Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.

Ravenna police charged Brian L. Weems III of Cleveland with two counts of felonious assault.

Both victims were taken to Robinson Memorial Hospital and one victim was later transferred to Summa Akron City Hospital. Their names were not released pending notification of family members.

Police said they determined the altercation occurred at 12:36 a.m. in the parking lot of the Den Lounge. Authorities are asking anyone who has information about the incident to call police at 330-296-6486.

The group hacked into the Akron-Canton Airport website Saturday morning and leaked personal information about customers online. But airport officials said sensitive details such as credit card information weren’t compromised.

Kristie VanAuken, the airport’s senior vice president, said the attackers went after about 15,000 online contest entries for travel giveaways. The only information that was exposed included names, email addresses, phone numbers and city of residence, she said.

“We are notifying our customers as quickly as we can,” she said.

The airport, located in Green, is advising people who signed up for a contest in the past two years to change email passwords as a precaution. Officials also are working with consultants to find out how the attack occurred.

The hacking did not affect regular airport operations and flight information wasn’t affected, the airport said.

The FBI is investigating the cyber attack. FBI spokeswoman Vicki Anderson confirmed that the agency is involved but she would not comment further.

A little over a week ago, Turkish Ajan claimed credit for hacking into the city of Akron’s website and internal server and posting sensitive information, including Social Security numbers and account numbers, of about 35,000 taxpayers on another website where anyone could access it.

Turkish Ajan is part of the Anonymous’ OpUSA Campaign, which has been trying to hack into various U.S. government websites. Mayor Don Plusquellic has called the hacking “a terrorist attack” and has said the city will cut off diplomatic ties with Turkey if the country fails to cooperate with the investigation by Akron and the FBI.

VanAuken said the website was attacked at 8 a.m. and shut down by the airport for security reasons.

The airport website displayed a message from the Turkish Ajan group when hacked, the website Hackread.com reported. The message, which appeared in both Turkish and English, said, in part: “We are not terrorists, we are working for justice and freedom for the Suppressed Muslim countries! FREE PALESTINE, FREE MYANMAR, FREE AFGHANISTAN, FREE IRAQ!”

Hackread.com posted the full message.

VanAuken could not confirm that the message appeared on the airport website, which was back online at 10:30 a.m.

The airport takes personal information of customers “very seriously,” VanAuken said. “We are going to work hard to get this rectified. We want to restore trust with our customers.”

The airport, she said, “will take every measure in the future to prevent this from happening” again.

She also praised the work of the FBI.

“They were terrific,” she said. “They acted immediately.”

Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.

Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.

The hourlong session, called “Know the 10 Signs: Early Detection Matters,” will include an explanation and examples of warning signs of Alzheimer’s and related dementia; benefits of early detection and early diagnosis and research updates. It will be presented by the Greater East Ohio Chapter of the Alzheimer’s Association.

Those in attendance will also learn the differences between Alzheimer’s and typical aging.

The deadline to reserve a spot for the workshop is Wednesday. To register, call 330-699-3554. More information about the church can be found at www.cometonewlife.org.

In other religion news:

Events

The Chapel, Green Campus — 1800 Raber Road, Green. 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. June 1. There will be a special 10-year anniversary celebration. A picnic, live entertainment and kids’ games are included. It will be open to the community. 330-315-5911.

Christ Is The Answer Ministries — 379 E. South St., Akron. 4 p.m. Sunday. Bless the Lord worship service with speaker Phyllis Alexander of World Harvest Christian Church. At 7 p.m. Friday, the Rev. Bryndon Glass and Shepherd’s Pasture for All Nations Ministries will be featured guests for a worship service. 330-376-1869.

Diocese of Youngstown — at St. Columba Cathedral, 159 W. Rayen Ave., Youngstown. 2 p.m. June 2. The Office of Pro-Life, Marriage and Family Life will sponsor a wedding celebration to honor couples observing their 25th, 40th, 50th or over anniversaries in 2013. Couples planning to attend should register at their parish. A second similar celebration will be held on Oct. 20 at St. John the Baptist Parish in Canton. 330-744-8451.

Family of Faith United Methodist Church — 800 E. Market St., Akron. 5 to 6:30 p.m. June 7. Creamed chicken/biscuits and Swiss steak dinner. Adults $9, ages 4-12 $5. Carryout available. 330-376-2141.

Good Shepherd Baptist Church — 853 Copley Road, Akron. Annual Women & Men Day services on Sunday. At 11 a.m., the Women Day speaker will be Tivoli Smith of Mount Lebanon Baptist Church. At 4 p.m., the Men Day guests will be the Rev. Joseph Harkless, and choirs and congregation from Mount Calvary Baptist Church. 330-762-6795.

Greater Bethel Baptist Church — 404 S. Arlington St., Akron. Celebrating the 12th pastoral anniversary of the Rev. Melford J. Elliott at three services Sunday. The Rev. James Elliott, pastor of New Jerusalem Baptist Church in Louisville, Ky., will speak during the 8 a.m. service. The Rev. Charles Elliott, pastor of King Solomon Missionary Baptist Church — also in Louisville — will speak during the 11 a.m. service. And the Rev. Leroy Elliott, pastor of New Greater St. John Community Church in Chicago, Ill., will speak at 4 p.m. Colors are linen, white and yellow. 330-724-0718.

Interval Brotherhood Home — at Fairlawn Country Club, 200 N. Wheaton Road, Fairlawn. The IBH 27th Annual Golf Outing will be held June 24. Luncheon, golf, hors d’oeuvres and prizes. Sponsorship opportunities available from $150 to $15,000. 330-644-4095, ext. 306.

Manchester United Methodist Church — 5625 Manchester Road, New Franklin. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. June 1. Flea Market & Spring Fair. Bounce house, games and raffle baskets. Concessions available, baked goods and more. Also from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., the third annual Cruz-In Car Show will be held. All makes, models and years welcome to participate. Motorcycles will not be judged. Registration $5. For information on either event, call 330-882-4818.

Maranatha Church — 14289 Edison St., Alliance. 10 a.m. Sunday. Memorial Day service, presenting The Soldiers of History. This is a live performance, not a movie. It goes from the Revolutionary War up to Afghanistan. For all ages. Free. 330-877-1046.

Phillips Chapel Christian Methodist Episcopal Church — 413 Iroquois Ave., Akron. 7 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Women’s Day Revival will be both nights. Theme is Women of Prayer, Praise and Purpose. The Rev. Charlotte Wade will give the sermons. The Arlington Youth Choir will perform Thursday and pianist Esterline Jones on Friday. 330-784-8964,

Queen of Heaven Church — 1800 Steese Road, Green. 8:30 a.m. Monday. Outdoor Memorial Day Mass will be celebrated in the pavilion, weather permitting. It is a tribute to our fallen servicemen and women and all our deceased. A doughnut social will follow. 330-896-2345.

St. Mark Lutheran Church — 158 North Ave., Tallmadge. 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday and June 1. Annual Rummage and Bake Sale. Treasures, baked goods and food available. Cash only. Open to all. 330-633-3718.

Performances

New Beginning Fellowship Church — 4567 state Route 43, Brimfield Township. 6 p.m. today. Nora Hunt’s Southern Gospel Singing will host New Prophet’s Quartet from Nitro, W.Va., and The Andersons from North Olmsted. 330-673-0700.

Trinity Lutheran Church — 600 S. Water St., Kent. 3 p.m. Sunday. The Trinity chancel and cantate choirs and ringers will present Marching Order, a program of Civil War music with narration using words of Abraham Lincoln. The concert pays homage to the 150th anniversary commemorations of the Civil War and Emancipation Proclamation. Patriotic, marching and folk songs as well as spirituals will be presented, including audience participation songs. Re-enactments presented by Denny Reiser. Program is in the Great Hall of Trinity and is free. 330-673-5445.

Speakers, classes,
workshops

Community Fellowship Ministries — 951 Virginia Ave., Akron. 1 to 5 p.m. June 13. A Building Community workshop will be held. It is designed to enhance knowledge and skill base of social workers, community outreach workers, educators and nonprofit, human service and faith-based organizations. Cost is $50 per person. Facilitator is author Lathardus Goggins II. Contact Earl Thomas at 330-724-2454.

First Friday Club of Greater Akron — at University of Akron Quaker Station, 135 S. Broadway. Noon June 7. Akron native Ann Amer Brennan, an attorney, community leader and philanthropist, will address the topic The Joy of Philanthropy: What Could Be More Fun Than Giving Money Away. Cost of the luncheon is $15. Doors open at 11:15 a.m. 330-535-7668.

Trinity United Church of Christ — 3909 Blackburn Road NW, Plain Township. 7 to 8:30 p.m. every Thursday in June. A four-week class, Exploring the Text Under the Text: An Introduction to Biblical Greek, will be offered by the Rev. Kristen Caldwell. It will examine various translations in English and provide lessons in beginning Greek. Free and open to all. To register or for more information, call 330-492-3383.

Westminster Presbyterian Church — 1250 W. Exchange St., Akron. 6 p.m. June 2 and 7 p.m. June 3. Matthew L. Skinner, associate professor of New Testament at Luther Seminary, St. Paul, Minn., will speak on Where Did Our Bible Come From? Free dinner at 5 p.m. June 2. The public is welcome. 330-836-2226.

The deadline for Religion Notes is noon Tuesday. Items must be in writing. Please fax information to 330-996-3033, email it to religion@thebeaconjournal.com or send it to Religion, Akron Beacon Journal, 44 E. Exchange St., Akron OH 44309

A mile into the Rite Aid Cleveland Marathon last weekend, Richard Strain felt a bad case of heartburn coming on.

He kept running, determined to finish his half-marathon.

Strain, who had been running for nearly a year, made it another five miles before the pain became so great he was forced to walk.

He doesn’t remember much more.

Strain, 45, woke up in a hospital emergency room gasping for air, coughing up blood and surrounded by hurried doctors and nurses.

“I was like, ‘What the hell happened to me?’ ” he said Friday.

Strain, of Canton, had collapsed in cardiac arrest and had to be shocked with an automated external defibrillator by emergency personnel at the scene. That quick action probably saved his life.

Wearing a heart monitor and special bracelets, including one indicating he’s at risk of falling when walking, Strain recalled the experience Friday while sitting in the cardiac intensive care unit at MetroHealth Medical Center.

Surrounded by his girlfriend, Milisa Fabian of Canton, and his parents, Bob and Kathleen Strain of North Canton, he said he wants to find the emergency workers who treated him on the race course so he can thank them for saving his life.

He has no memory of them or what happened just after collapsing — an ordeal that included being shocked again at the hospital and being on a ventilator.

Strain, who works as a deputy fiscal officer for Summit County, is a living miracle of sorts. It’s rare that long-distance runners suffer cardiac arrest during a race.

A study published in the New England Journal of Medicine last year noted that only 59 out of 10.9 million long-distance runners between January 2000 and May 31, 2010, experienced cardiac arrest.

Of those 59, only 17 survived.

His physician, Dr. Sanjay Gandhi, attributed Strain’s survival to the quick actions of emergency workers at the race.

Unknown to Strain, he had 100 percent blockage in one of his arteries. He now has a stent in that artery.

“It was inevitable,” Strain said. “It was a matter of when, not if.”

He has little damage to the heart muscle and is expected to make a full recovery — and even to run again someday, the doctor said.

Strain, who still has chest pain from the compressions, was expected to be released sometime over the Memorial Day weekend. He is itching to leave the hospital.

“This is the longest I’ve sat around for two years now,” he said, referring to an exercise regimen that helped him lose 60 pounds.

Believe it or not, a 46-year-old Doylestown man collapsed in cardiac arrest at last year’s Akron Marathon and survived.

Strain and Fabian, who also ran the half-marathon, had talked about that incident just before the Cleveland race began.

Fabian had passed Strain while he was walking. She asked how he was doing, but he waved her on, wanting her to complete the race.

So she had no clue what happened to him until well after she finished.

She waited and waited at the finish line — alternating between panic and trying to convince herself everything was OK.

Marathon volunteer and Cleveland Clinic Sports Health Center coordinator Garry Miller helped her find out what happened, which hospital Strain was taken to, drove her to the hospital and even paid for a meal.

At the time, Fabian had no money and no car, and her cellphone had gone dead. Miller stayed with her at the hospital until Strain’s father arrived.

“He’s an angel,” Bob Strain said.

The younger Strain maintained his sense of humor even while he struggled at the hospital.

He and Fabian had seen a T-shirt earlier that read “If I collapse, please stop my Garmin” — a reference to the GPS device that runners use to track distance and time.

At that point, Strain and Fabian were forced to communicate by writing on pieces of paper because he couldn’t talk.

“He wrote to me: ‘Did you stop my Garmin?’ ” Fabian said. “I busted up laughing. In his worst time, he’s there to make me laugh and smile.”

The family also jokingly blamed the cardiac arrest on a planned trip to China.

Bob Strain has always dreamed of visiting China and started learning Chinese. Richard, not wanting his father to travel around the world alone, agreed to go with him.

The trip, after four years of planning, was set up for last year. But before they were to leave, Bob Strain had a heart attack.

The trip was postponed to this week. Then Kathleen Strain got pneumonia, and the travel plans were off. She recovered enough that the trip was back on.

Then the younger Strain collapsed at the marathon.

The tickets are nonrefundable, but the trip can be rescheduled.

The Strains and Fabian, though, aren’t so sure that rescheduling is a good idea.

“We’re not going to China anymore,” Bob Strain said.

Rick Armon can be reached at 330-996-3569 or rarmon@thebeaconjournal.com.

Reward offered

AKRON: A reward has been offered for the identity of a man who tried to shoot an Ohio Adult Parole Authority officer Thursday night in Akron.

The U.S. Marshals Office Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force is offering a reward of up to $10,000 for information that helps police identify the man.

According to Akron police, the parole officer was working in the Spring Hill apartments when he was confronted in the hallway by the gunman about 6 p.m. The suspect pulled out a handgun, pointed it at the officer and squeezed the trigger during a struggle. The gun, however, only clicked and did not fire.

The Akron Police SWAT team was called to the scene, but failed to locate the gunman. He is described as a black male, with a stocky build and corn-row style hair.

Anyone with information is asked to call Akron police at 330-375-2490. Tipsters may also call the Northern Ohio Violent Fugitive Task Force at 1-866-492-6833 or send a text message to T-I-P-4-1-1 using keyword WANTED. Callers can remain anonymous and still collect the reward.

Retrial in murder

AKRON: A 22-year-old Akron man was sentenced to life in prison Friday after a jury convicted him of murder in a retrial in Summit County Common Pleas Court, authorities said.

Larrence Major Clay, of Whitney Avenue, was convicted of one count of murder in the July 19 shooting death of 24-year-old Derek Edwards, who was walking with three friends on a sidewalk at Park Lane Manor apartments, near the intersection of Clifford and Hammel streets.

Prosecutors said Clay came up from behind and shot Edwards in the neck. He was taken to Summa Akron City Hospital, where he died of his injuries.

Witnesses placed Clay at the scene of the shooting, and he later was found by police washing himself with bleach, prosecutors said.

In Clay’s first trial in February, a jury convicted him of possessing a weapon under felony disability, but he was found not guilty of aggravated murder. Prosecutors said the jury was hung on the murder charge, leading to the retrial.

Judge Alison McCarty sentenced Clay to life in prison following Friday’s verdict.

He will not be eligible for parole until 2031, prosecutors said.

CAMPAIGN TRAIL

Fusco fundraiser

AKRON: Akron Councilman-at-large Jeff Fusco will hold a fundraiser from 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. Thursday at the Knights of Columbus, 2055 Glenmount Ave.

Tickets are $25, or $10 for seniors and Young Democrats.

For more information, call 330-322-6009.

CUYAHOGA FALLS

Third bomb threat

CUYAHOGA FALLS: For the third time this school year, Cuyahoga Falls school officials shut down the high school as law enforcement agencies investigated a bomb threat sent via email.

Superintendent Todd Nichols said the high school principal noticed the email at 7 a.m. Friday. Students were immediately dismissed, and authorities, including Falls police, fire and the FBI, where notified.

The threat was similar to previous emails in that it gave an indiscriminate time that the device would explode.

The superintendent said the message stated that “between 9 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. that there would be a combustible device at the high school.”

Nichols did say that “this one is different than the first two” as the source of the email was different.

Today was to have been the last day for seniors at the high school.

MEDINA COUNTY

Meeting Thursday

MEDINA: Due to Memorial Day and another scheduling conflict, the next meeting of the Medina County commissioners has been scheduled for Thursday.

The board will convene at 9:30 a.m. in the Commissioners Hearing Room, 144 N. Broadway St.

STARK COUNTY

Firearms charge

CLEVELAND: A Canton man with a prior murder conviction has been indicted by a federal grand jury after authorities found him with six firearms.

Torrey T. Gross, 39, was indicted on one count of being a felon in possession of a firearm.

Steven M. Dettelbach, U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Ohio, said Gross was banned from possessing firearms or ammunition following his 1997 murder conviction in Oakland County, Mich.

A team of local and federal law enforcement officers, acting on an outstanding warrant for Gross in Stark County Common Pleas Court, obtained a search warrant and arrested Gross on April 17 in Canton.

Dettelbach said the weapons seized were an SKS semiautomatic rifle, two Glock handguns, two Smith & Wesson pistols and a Ruger SR40c handgun, along with various types of ammunition.

Time change

PLAIN TWP: Township trustees have changed the scheduled start time for their meeting Thursday from 5:30 p.m. to noon at Township Hall, 2600 Easton St. NE.

They will discuss properties that are potential nuisance abatements.

Fraud alleged

COLUMBUS: The Ohio Department of Commerce is accusing a Stark County businessman of up to $7.9 million in securities fraud and has obtained a court order restraining his operations.

The order against Geoffrey Nehrenz and his Keystone Capital Management, LLC and Keystone Active Trader, LLC, both of Lake Township, prevents selling or offering to sell securities without a court’s approval; buying, selling or transferring real estate without a court’s approval; engaging in any deceptive, fraudulent or manipulative act; and destroying or altering records.

“The state’s complaint alleges that Nehrenz and his companies made false representations in the sale of securities and engaged in securities fraud,” according to a Commerce Department news release.

The release said investors from Northeast Ohio and Pennsylvania were told the money would be invested in short-term positions in stock markets and day trading.

Investigators say they found Nehrenz spent money on country club fees, an automobile, a South Carolina resort, health care and more than $500,000 in withdrawals. On May 15, only $13,213 remained.

SUMMIT COUNTY

Meetings Tuesday

Because of the Memorial Day holiday, the regular meetings for both the Barberton and Norton councils will be held on Tuesday next week.

The start times are the same as usual: Barberton at 7:30 p.m., and Norton at 7 p.m.

Office hours

CUYAHOGA FALLS: Summit County Council member John Schmidt, District 2, will hold public office hours from 7 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday at the Cuyahoga Falls Public Library, 2015 Third St.

Schmidt will be available to answer questions and hear concerns from constituents.

For more information, call 330-643-2725.

Lane restriction

STOW: The right lane of state Route 8 southbound from the Stow-Hudson border to about the Steels Corners Road exit is expected to be closed much of this morning for emergency repairs.

The other two lanes will be open to motorists.

The Seasons Road on-ramp to Route 8 southbound will remain open.

WATERLOO SCHOOLS

Special meeting

AKRON: The Board of Education will hold a special meeting at 6 p.m. Thursday in the high school media center.

The agenda includes discussion of a contract for the elementary school principal.

Also, a tree dedication ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. June 1 in front of the high school, 1464 Industry Road.

Jeff Freeman, a 1979 Waterloo graduate, has donated a tree and marker stone on behalf of the class of 1979 in memory of all Waterloo students and staff who have died over the years.

The public is invited.

STATE NEWS

Warning posted

ST. MARYS: Advisories are back up at Ohio’s largest inland lake, warning some visitors to stay out of the water because of high levels of toxic algae.

A spokesman for the Ohio Department of Natural Resources said recent test results showed toxin levels higher than the recommended threshold at Grand Lake St. Marys in western Ohio.

Signs at four beaches warn seniors, children and those with compromised immune systems to stay out of the water.

Cleaning up the lake has been a priority for the state since 2010, when a toxic algae bloom forced officials to urge visitors not to touch the water or eat fish caught there.

Natural resources spokesman Matt Eiselstein said Friday the agency was frustrated by the news, which he said served as a reminder of the lake’s challenges.

— Associated Press

Derrick Brantley, 21, and Deshanon Haywood, 21, made their initial appearance Friday in Akron Municipal Court via video from the Summit County Jail.

Each is charged with four counts of aggravated murder and four counts of aggravated robbery. They tentatively are scheduled to be formally arraigned June 7.

Neither man entered a plea during the hearing before Judge John Holcomb. Their attorneys say they intend to plead not guilty during the upcoming arraignment hearing.

Based on the circumstances, they are eligible to be indicted on death penalty specifications. Prosecutors are expected to present the case to a grand jury in the coming weeks.

The suspects were charged this week by Akron police detectives. They are accused in the April 18 shooting deaths of Ronald Roberts, 24; Kem Rashad Delaney, 23; Maria Nash, 19; and Kiana Welch, 19.

Each victim was shot multiple times in the head. Their bodies were found in the basement of a Kimlyn Circle townhouse where Roberts had been staying with his sister.

Police detectives have released few details on the evidence collected since the shooting that links the defendants. They have said Brantley, a childhood friend of Roberts, and Haywood were identified as suspects early in the investigation.

Police also said two different guns were used in the shootings, and multiple shell casings were found on two levels of the townhouse. Despite the number of shots fired, no neighbors in the Akron Metropolitan Housing Authority complex, off Independence Avenue, reported hearing gunfire.

The four had been dead for a couple of hours before their bodies were discovered about 2:30 p.m.

So, it is fitting that as he looks back over the 49 years of his priesthood, he recites the lyrics of Mahalia Jackson’s If I Can Help Somebody, hoping they reflect what his legacy will be.

“If I can help somebody, as I pass along; if I can cheer somebody, with a word or song; if I can show somebody, how they’re traveling wrong, then my living shall not be in vain. If I can do my duty, as a good man ought; if I can bring back beauty, to a world up wrought; if I can spread love’s message, as the Master taught, then my living shall not be in vain,” recalled Kraker, who is retiring as pastor of Akron’s St. Vincent de Paul Parish, effective June 9.

The people in the parish community have come to know Kraker as a good man who is dedicated to helping anyone in need. As they prepare for his departure, they echo sentiments of love for all that he has done to help them grow spiritually.

“He has such a warm, inviting personality and an amazing storytelling ability that helps the kids — and us adults — embrace their faith and make better sense of what it all means. He truly lives his faith and is a great example of how to live a Christian life,” said Pierre Ferrer, after attending Kraker’s final all-school Mass this week.

Ferrer is a 1984 graduate of St Vincent Elementary School who (along with his wife, Sonji) has three children currently enrolled at the school — Tristan, 5; Marcel, 7 and Dominique, 13.

“Father Kraker has had a tremendous impact on this parish,” Ferrer said. “It’s difficult to put into words how much he means to this parish, but I can tell you that he will be sorely missed.”

Kraker came to the parish in Akron’s West Hill community 18 years ago. Under his leadership, the parish built a new family center, which includes a gymnasium; razed the old high school and convent buildings; cleaned the surface of the church building, which had been dirtied by industrial smoke; installed air conditioning and expanded the school and playground.

Eileen Halaiko, who is now retired, worked as the parish secretary during most of Kraker’s tenure as pastor of St. Vincent. She describes him as a man who exudes peace.

“He is very pastoral. I never saw him get angry or rattled about anything. No matter who comes to him and no matter what comes across his desk, he just says ‘OK’ and deals with it,” said Halaiko, who along with her husband, Stephen, has been a parishioner at St. Vincent for nearly 38 years. “There’s just something special about him. He has a kind heart. He sees a need and he finds a way to meet it.”

Both Halaiko and her husband agree that Kraker has a knack for saying something they need to hear during each of his homilies. They said that the songs he shares in his rich baritone voice enhance his delivery.

“We’ve been very blessed to have him here for as long as we have. He’s built a rich tradition of reaching out to the community and building relationships with other faith groups in the community through his affiliation with the West Hill clergy association,” Stephen Halaiko said. “He’s just a great man of faith and it is evident in the way he meets people and greets people.”

Kraker has helped develop relationships in the neighborhood via his three-mile daily walks with his canine companion, Minnie. The mixed lab is the third rescued dog that Kraker has owned since coming to St. Vincent.

“When I’m out, people will come up and ask if they can pet the dog and many times that leads to a conversation,” Kraker said. “Over the years, Minnie, Vinnie and Timmie have helped introduce me to a lot of people, which has helped me with a better understanding of the needs in the community.”

Kraker, an Akron native, grew up at neighboring St. Sebastian Parish. He and three of his classmates from the 1952 (eighth grade) graduating class of the church school – the late Rev. Francis C. LaRocca and the now retired Revs. William D. Karg and David L. McCafferty — were ordained priests on May 23, 1964.

Before his assignment as pastor at St. Vincent’s, Kraker spent 17 years as pastor of the former St. Timothy Parish in Garfield Heights. He also served as chaplain at the former Villa San Bernardo in Bedford and as assistant chancellor and director of communications in the Catholic Diocese of Cleveland offices. His first assignment as a priest was as associate pastor at St. Jude Parish in Elyria.

While serving in the diocesan offices, Kraker initiated the television Mass for shut-ins on Cleveland’s Channel 8. Kraker was the main celebrant for the TV Mass from the time it was established in 1968 until 1994. He has also authored two books based on experiences with his previous dog, Vinnie.

Kraker reached the mandatory diocesan retirement age of 75 in March. Although he could have requested to continue serving in active ministry, he said that he knew it was time for a change. The Rev. Timothy J. O’Connor, who currently serves as pastor at St. Joseph Parish in Avon Lake, has been assigned as the new pastor at St. Vincent.

During his retirement, Kraker will live in a private residence and serve where he is needed in the diocese.

“There is no doubt that he has made our parish a better place. He knows how to break down barriers and bond with people,” said Harry A. Tipping, a local attorney and St. Vincent parishioner since 1969. “He’s just a likable, good guy who happens to be a priest. He’s the guy you can call on for anything and we’re going to miss him.”

A celebration to honor Kraker will be 4 to 7 p.m. June 2 in the St. Vincent Family Center gymnasium, 17 S. Maple St., Akron. Messages for Kraker can be posted on the church website (www.stvincentchurch.com) by clicking on the “Memories and Well-Wishes for Fr. Kraker” link.

“Leaving the parish is going to be difficult because I am going to miss the people and the community,” Kraker said. “But, as I leave, I certainly hope that I have done something to empower people to take their rightful place in the church, ministering to those in need.”

Colette Jenkins can be reached at 330-996-3731 or cjenkins@thebeaconjournal.com. She can be followed at https://twitter.com/ColetteMJenkins.

The opportunity to paint the space was eagerly embraced by the 18-year-old former Lake High School student who finished her final classes online in the spring with Lincoln Academy and plans to attend the University of Akron in the fall.

“The mural is 6x10 [feet] and is located in our dilation room,” said Stephanie Knox, the center’s operations supervisor.

“We recently remodeled and now have a very large open wall space. We decided that it would be nice to have someone paint a mural on the wall … I asked our expressive therapy department if they know of any patients or students who would be interested. They referred us to Robyn who came in to look at the space and to get ideas from us. We had no ideas at all and told her she could do whatever she wanted.”

Robbi’s vision for the space was Winnie the Pooh, her favorite character since she was an infant.

Given that the mural was going on the wall of an eye center, Robbi, in her wisdom, elected to put glasses on the characters. With the obvious blessings of the staff there.

By the way, Robbi studied art in high school and at the Canton Museum of Art.

According to Knox, the mural is a huge hit with patients.

The Vision Center — led by Dr. Richard Hertle, director, pediatric ophthalmology — specializes in the treatment of various eye diseases and visual system disorders in infants, children and teens, including amblyopia, astigmatism, ataxia telangiectasia, blindness, cataracts, congenital glaucoma, crossed eyes, drooping eyelid, myopia, Marfan syndrome, retinoblastoma and more.

Dr. Hertle is one of the only physicians in the world to perform the horizontal tenotomy to improve congenital nystagmus, or rapid, uncontrollable eye movements.

Happy 108th birthday!

Bravo and happy birthday to Winifred “Winnie” Wilson who turns 108 Sunday.

I met the lovely lady — a resident of Essex Healthcare of Tallmadge nursing home, 563 Colony Park Drive — two years ago on the occasion of her 106th birthday.

She still is, as I said then, hard of hearing in her left ear but still mentally active, and at times a little too physically active for her family’s liking.

“Her eyesight is failing but not her spirt,” son John McDonald of Rootstown said. “And she still likes cards and visits.”

In addition to John, the twice-widowed Winnie also has another equally devoted son, Stanley McDonald of Springfield Township; three other children are deceased. She has several grandchildren, great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren.

Browns help out

Major kudos to Browns players T.J. Ward and Phil Taylor who donated their time to the second annual Jacob’s Warriors, a fund-raiser last weekend at Sto-Kent Family Entertainment Center. They helped raise $1,200 for Akron Children’s Hospital’s hematology department for childhood blood disorders research and an additional $3,000 to assist Northeast Ohio families affected by childhood blood disorders.

Jacob’s Warriors is named for 11-year-old Jacob Whiteman of Streetsboro who was born with Diamond-Blackfan anemia, a rare blood disorder.

Nominate teachers

Calling all students, fellow teachers, school administrators, parents and others to nominate an outstanding teacher to the 2013 Summit County All-County Teaching Team, made up of 21 teachers.

Candidates must have taught full time, grades K-12 during the 2012-13 school year. Deadline for nominations is May 31. Forms are available at www.cybersummit.org and www.wkdd.com.

One teacher from each Summit County school district, one from Summit County parochial schools and one from Summit County private schools will be tapped for the high honor.

Each member of the teaching team will be announced at the sixth annual Education Celebration banquet (to be announced at a later date) and one teacher will be recognized as the 2013 Teacher of the Year.

For more information, please call 330-433-2888.

Group supports women

Zonta Club of Akron, Barberton & Cuyahoga Falls — which last month celebrated its 60th anniversary — recently presented donations of $2,500 each to three local charities: Harvest Home, the women’s division of Haven of Rest Ministries; Adult Focus, which houses the Verna Trushel Displaced Homemakers’ Scholarship at the University of Akron; and the Battered Women’s Shelter of Summit & Medina Counties.

Additionally, Zonta contributed $2,500 to Zonta International’s service program, which has supported for more than 50 years education, health, agricultural and micro-credit assistance to women in more than 20 countries. It’s all about advancing the status of women. The name itself — Zonta — comes from the Lakota Sioux Indian nation, meaning “honest and trustworthy.” For more information about Zonta International, please visit www.zonta.org or email abczonta@yahoo.com about local membership opportunities.

Golf event for children

Love in Neglected Communities (LINC) — a nonprofit founded by two Stow cousins, Erin and Amanda Clark, following their volunteer experience with 94 impoverished orphans at Estel Children’s Centre in Kenya — has as its mission to improve the lives of suffering children worldwide.

The organization is raising funds to purchase land and build an adequate facility for the children at the Estel Children’s Centre and to empower their self-sufficiency by honing their farming skills.

To that end, LINC is hosting its inaugural “Fore the Kids” golf outing, Aug. 10 at Paradise Lake Country Club, 1900 Randolph Road, Mogadore. Ohio Health Benefits is the sponsor.

Golfers, other sponsors (businesses and families) and prize donations are being sought.

What is firm is the time of the shotgun start — 2 p.m. And the cost — $80 per person/$320 per foursome (includes 18 holes, golf cart, drinks, lunch and steak dinner); $30 per person (steak dinner only). A 50/50 raffle is planned along with other raffles, skill games and more. Reservation deadline is July 31; please call Melissa Clark at 330-807-6682 or email her at melissac1989@gmail.com. To donate or to volunteer, please call 717-469-5462 (LINC).

Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.

Poling, Oral T., 94, of Wadsworth. Died Thursday. Hilliard-Rospert.

STARK

Charlton, David A., 59, of Alliance. Died Thursday. Cassaday-Turkle-Christian.

Rittenhouse Jr., James S., 83, of Alliance. Died Thursday. Cassaday-Turkle-Christian.

WAYNE

Chewning, Mary H., 89, of Wooster. Died Thursday, McIntire, Bradham & Sleek.

Horst, Russell, 54, of Dalton. Died Thursday. Auble, Orrville.

Phelps, Gene, 78, of Wooster. Died Thursday. McIntire, Bradham & Sleek.

Vanata, Steve G., 80, of Wooster. Died Thursday. McIntire, Bradham & Sleek.

TODAY

Bath Township — 1 p.m. wreath-laying ceremony at Rose Hill Burial Park, 3653 W. Market St. Refreshments will be served.

SUNDAY

Akron — 1 p.m. service at Civil War Memorial Chapel in Glendale Cemetery, 150 Glendale Ave.

Rittman — 3 p.m., service at Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery, 10175 Rawiga Road, with rifle salute, wreath-laying and music. Spectators should bring lawn chairs. Keynote speaker: Diana Ohman, executive director of Memorial Service Network in Indianapolis.

Streetsboro — Noon parade will leave the Campus Elementary School parking lot, progress down Kirby Lane, turn left onto state Route 303 and end at the Streetsboro Plaza parking lot.

SUNDAY-MONDAY

Cuyahoga Falls — Weather permitting, more than 480 full-size flags will be flown over Northlawn Memorial Gardens, 4724 State Road, in memory of veterans buried there. More than 2,500 small flags will be placed on graves. A service will be held 1 p.m. Monday. Hot dogs and refreshments available.

MONDAY

Akron — An 11 a.m. service at Greenlawn Cemetery, 2580 Romig Road, at the Veterans Monument between the two mausoleums. Rifle salute, taps, laying of wreaths at base of flag by Kenmore American Legion Post.

Akron — 2 p.m. flagpole ceremony at American Legion Wendell L. Willkie Post 19, 783 W. Market St.

Alliance — 10 a.m., parade from Linden Avenue and East Main Street to Alliance City Cemetery on West Vine Street; ceremony at 11 a.m.

Aurora — 9:30 a.m. parade from Veterans Memorial Park, 40 W. Garfield Road, to Aurora Cemetery for service.

Barberton — 10 a.m. service at Lake Anna Park at the Military Honor Roll. Speaker: U.S. Marine Lt. Col. Kevin Holcomb. Barberton High School Magic Singers and band, firing of memorial salute and taps.

Bath Township — Noon service at the Veterans War Memorial at West Bath and North Cleveland-Massillon roads. Keynote speaker: retired Maj. Gen. Dan Hahn, a 36-year veteran. Revere High School band will perform. Bath Elementary auditorium will be used in case of inclement weather.

Boston Heights — 8:30 a.m., the Woodridge High School band steps off from the fire station, marching to Fairview Cemetery (next to the Village Hall), where a service will be held.

Brimfield Township — 8 to 11 a.m., Lions pancake breakfast. 11:30 a.m. service at Restland Cemetery.

Brunswick — 10 a.m., ceremony at Visintainer Middle School grounds, 1459 Pearl Road, with a parade to Westview Cemetery immediately following, ending with an 11 a.m. service.

Canal Fulton — 1 p.m. parade from Lindsey Concrete, 6845 Erie Ave. N., north on Canal Street to East Market Street, ending at City Hall for a short ceremony, with rifle squadron and Northwest High School band.

Canton — 10 a.m. parade starts at Timken High School on McKinley Avenue Northwest, marches down Tuscarawas Street to Elgin Avenue and Seventh Street Northwest, ending at Monument Park for a ceremony at the McKinley National Memorial.

Copley Township — 10 a.m. parade from Copley-Fairlawn Middle School, 1531 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, to Copley Veterans Cemetery, 3788 Copley Road, followed by a service. Copley High School marching band and Celtic Eagles Pipe Band will perform. Speaker: former U.S. Army Special Forces member and current Ohio Sen. Frank LaRose Jr.

Cuyahoga Falls — 9 a.m. parade from State Road and Schiller Drive, marching east on Portage Trail and north on Fourth Street to Oakwood Drive for an 11 a.m. ceremony at Oakwood Cemetery.

Dalton — 9:45 a.m. service at the cemetery. 10 a.m. parade starts at the high school on Mill Street, south to Main Street, west on Main to the cemetery for a service.

Deerfield Township — 9 a.m. parade steps off at the fire station, 9482 U.S. 224, marching east to Deerfield Cemetery.

Doylestown — 9 to 11 a.m. Chippewa High School band and area veterans and military groups march to cemeteries in the village. They will finish at the Doughboy statue, followed by a community lunch at American Legion Post 407, 49 Black Drive.

Edinburg Township — 10 a.m. parade starts at Edinburg United Church, 4081 Rock Spring Road, marching along Tallmadge Road and state Route 14 to the cemetery for a service.

Fairlawn — 9 a.m. tribute at Memorial Monument in Bicentennial Park across from City Hall, 3482 S. Smith Road.

Garrettsville — 9:45 a.m. parade from Baptist Cemetery on Maple Avenue to Park Cemetery on Center Street, followed by a service.

Granger Township — 9 a.m. parade from Highland Middle School, 3880 Ridge Road, to Fairview Cemetery on Wilbur Road, followed by a short program. Speaker: John Lohn, Medina County probate and juvenile court judge. Highland High School band will perform. Following the service, there will be open houses at the fire station, 3737 Ridge Road, and at the library and historical society, 1261 Granger Road.

Green — 7 to 9:30 a.m. pancake breakfast at Fire Station No. 1, 4200 Massillon Road. 9 a.m. parade from Green High School, 1474 Boettler Road, marching east on Boettler, south on Massillon Road, west on Steese Road to and back to the high school, followed by a ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park, 4224 Massillon Road. Green resident and Korean War veteran Leonard Falcone will be honored. Community picnic at 11:30 a.m. at John Torok Community Center, adjacent to Veterans Memorial Park.

Hinckley Township — 9 a.m. parade starts at Our Lady of Grace Catholic Church, 1088 Ridge Road, and proceeds to the center of town, stopping at the Memorial Park, then on to the back of the fire station for the remaining program.

Hiram — 11:30 a.m. parade from the post office on Hayden Street to Fairview Cemetery on state Route 82, followed by a service.

Hudson — 11 a.m. parade starts at Milford Road and state Route 303, proceeds north on state Route 91 to Markillie Cemetery at 410 N. Main St., followed by a service.

Kent — 10 a.m. parade, starting at DePeyster and East Main streets downtown and ending at Standing Rock Cemetery for an 11 a.m. ceremony.

Lake Township — 1:30 p.m. program honoring three World War II veterans and one Civil War veteran at the All Veterans Memorial in Uniontown Community Park. The World War II veterans are Ben Rochford (deceased) and Thomas A. Harman and Robert L. Keener, both living. The Civil War veteran was David Wilson Mount. The ceremony will be conducted by the Honor Guard from McKinley Detachment 277 Marine Corps League in Canton. Refreshments served afterward in the community center.

Lakemore — Pancake breakfast, 9 a.m. to noon, at the fire station. 1 p.m. parade from Springfield High School, 2966 Sanitarium Road, to the triangle at Park and Lake roads, followed by a service.

Lodi — 9 a.m. parade from American Legion Post 523, 120 Bank St., through the center of town to Woodlawn Cemetery flag area for a service, then back to the American Legion.

Mantua Village — 9:30 a.m. parade from University Hospitals Mantua Health Center to Hillside Cemetery.

Mantua Township — 10:45 a.m. parade, immediately after village’s parade. It begins at the park, marching to Westlawn Cemetery.

Marlboro Township — 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Lunch in the Square at the fire station, 9587 Edison St. At 1 p.m., parade steps off from St. Peter’s Church Road and marches north to Marlboro Cemetery for a 2 p.m. program. Speaker: Andrew Zumbar, Alliance law director.

Massillon — 9:30 a.m. parade lines up at Veteran’s Memorial Park on First Street Southeast and proceeds north, turns west onto Lincoln Way East, then south on Erie Street to Massillon Cemetery, followed by a service.

Medina — 10 a.m. parade from Medina County Courthouse on Public Square to Spring Grove Cemetery, followed by a ceremony.

Mogadore — 10 a.m. parade from James Street and South Cleveland Avenue, marching north on state Route 532 to Mogadore Road and then west to Greenwood Cemetery for a 10:30 a.m. ceremony. Pancake breakfast from 8 to 11 a.m. at Mogadore Christian Church, 106 S. Cleveland Ave.

Navarre — 1 p.m. parade starting on Main Street and ending at the cemetery for a service.

New Franklin — 10 a.m. parade from Grace Bible Church, 5781 Manchester Road, to Manchester Cemetery, 1030 W. Nimisila Road, followed by a service. Trophies will be awarded for best decorated bicycles, floats and vehicles.

North Canton — 9 a.m. parade from the north side of the parking lot at Hoover High School Stadium on Seventh Street, proceeding south on Main Street to the square, turning east on Maple Street to Bitzer Park, followed by a ceremony.

Northfield Center Township — 10 a.m. parade at St. Barnabas Church, 9451 Brandywine Road, heading north on Olde Eight Road to the Northfield-Macedonia Cemetery, followed by a service.

Orrville — 9:15 a.m. parade from Orrville Public Library, 315 N. Main St., marching west on Church Avenue to Main Street, south to Market Street, west on Market to Crown Hill Road and north to Crown Hill Cemetery for a service.

Peninsula/Boston Township — 11 a.m. parade from Boston Township Hall, 1775 Main St., to Cedar Grove Cemetery, followed by a service. Another ceremony will follow at Boston Cemetery on Main Street in Boston Township.

Ravenna — 10 a.m. parade from the American Legion, Main and Elm streets, proceeding west on Main Street to Chestnut Street, ending with a service at Maple Grove Cemetery.

Richfield — 9:45 a.m. parade will begin at Richfield Historical Society and end at West Richfield Cemetery for services.

Rittman — 10:30 a.m. parade from South Main and Erie streets to the shopping center on Sunset Street and North Main Street, followed by a service at Rittman Cemetery.

Rootstown Township — 10 a.m. parade starts at Marks Avenue, and marches east to Homeland Cemetery on Tallmadge Road.

Seville — 1 p.m. parade from Market and Main streets to Mount Hill Cemetery.

Shalersville Township — 10 a.m. parade starts at Save 4 Store on state Route 303 and proceeds to Riverside Cemetery for a service.

Sharon Township — 9 a.m. parade begins at Ruhlin Construction and ends at the gazebo.

Shreve — 9:30 a.m. parade will begin at the elementary school on High Street and proceed to Oak Grove Cemetery, then to the Wood Street bridge for a gun salute and wreath laying. Chicken barbecue will follow the parade at American Legion Post 67.

Smithville — 8:15 a.m. parade starts from the elementary school and will be followed by a service at the gym behind the middle school.

Spencer — 9 a.m. parade from the Old School on Washington Street to Spencer Cemetery, followed by a service.

Stow — 10:15 a.m. program at Stow Cemetery, 3162 Kent Road, with performances by Stow-Munroe Falls High School symphonic band and presentation of the Poppy Princess and Prince. Ceremony will include local scouts, color guard, veterans and firing squad, followed by a wreath dedication at the Doughboy in front of City Hall. A reception will be at Acker-Moore Memorial Post, 3733 Fishcreek Road.

Suffield Township — 8 to 11 a.m., pancake breakfast in Town Hall, 1273 State Route 43, sponsored by Boy Scouts. 1 p.m. service at Town Hall, followed by parade at 2 p.m. starting at Waterloo and Congress Lake roads, west on Waterloo to the elementary school. Children are encouraged to decorate and ride their bicycles in the parade.

Tallmadge — 10 a.m. parade from Our Lady of Victory Church on North Avenue to the new entrance of Tallmadge Cemetery, followed by a ceremony.

Twinsburg — 10:30 a.m. parade from Twinsburg High School, 10084 Ravenna Road, to Veterans Monument on the square, followed by a service. Decorated floats, vehicles and bicycles welcome.

Valley City — 11 a.m. parade from Liverpool Community Center on West River Road, marching along Center Road (state Route 303) to the VFW, 6731 Center Road, followed by a ceremony. Hot dogs and refreshments provided.

Wadsworth — 10:30 a.m. parade from the American Legion/VFW Hall on Main Street, around the square, west of College Street, stopping at St. Mark’s Church for tolling of the bell, then continues to Woodlawn Cemetery for a service.

Waynesburg — 9 a.m. parade starts at American Legion, 166 E. Lisbon St, and ends at Sandy Valley Cemetery for a service.

Westfield Center — 11 a.m. parade begins at the new Park Drive, off Leroy Road, and ends at Westfield Center Cemetery, followed by a service.

Wooster — 9 a.m. parade from Wayne County Fairgrounds, heading west on West Liberty Street to Public Square, south on Market Street to Madison Avenue and the overpass bridge. Services follow at Wooster Cemetery.

Stephanie Gallagher of Tozzi’s Restaurant served broccolini, veggie penne pasta and giant meatballs to guests; while Kyle Esber offered samples of Sugardale brats to Patti and Len Brown. At the Fisher Foods booth, Harry Karalis offered magic pops, a snack made with brown rice, wheat and corn, while Chris Tarter offered a new Jif whipped peanut butter spread. Later Karalis took a break to enjoy a beef brisket sandwich with his wife, Brenda.

Carol Barr and Mary Lou Wolfe came to have lunch after playing 18 holes of golf, “and we’re hungry,” Barr said as they eyed a chocolate torte. Gary and Mary Ann Miday joined Marsha Bredenberg, Roger Gillespie and Mike Walpole for a meal at a shady picnic table.

At the Bender’s Tavern booth Jon Jacob served sea scallops over Parmesan polenta with sun-dried tomato beurre blanc. “This is the dish we served at Taste of the NFL during the Super Bowl in New Orleans,” Jacobs said. Tom and Sue Mason liked the roast pork loin with baby root vegetables, served with a sour cherry sauce from the Canton Club.

Dayna Jurkovich said the event, presented by the Canton Development Partnership has grown over the past five years, and has expanded to two days to accommodate the crowds.

“It’s great to be able to come here for lunch” said Canton City Schools Superintendent Adrian Allison as he ate with Assistant Superintendent Faith Kittoe.

Brian Homer and Jason Roberts served Danny Boys’ cheese and pepperoni pizza. Cathy LaMonica enjoyed an ice cream cone from Almost Heaven, while her daughter Jamie liked the mac and cheese from Loby’s restaurant.

The youngest person enjoying the event was 2-month old Lila Shaffer, in the arms of her mother, Lindsay Shaffer, with friends Rachel Henderson and Amanda Farhat.

“I’m having exactly what I had yesterday, it was so good,” Billy Ludwig told Holly Moritz at the Baja Pizzafish booth, manned by Michael Minocchi and Paige Lautzenheiser as they served fish tacos.

No one went hungry as they enjoyed entertainment by the Jeff Poulos Blues Revue Wednesday evening, and the Ryan Humbert Band Thursday evening.

Temperatures never climbed into the 50s today as predicted, and with clearing skies over night, the mercury could plunge to as low as 32, the weather service says. Frost is expected to begin forming as early as midnight.

Today has been unseasonably brisk, with a high so far of 45. However, with winds of 15-17 miles an hour, the wind chill has been in the 30s all day.

The normal temperatures for May 24 are a high of 71 and low of 51.

The unseasonably cold weather puts certain plants at risk.

Graf Growers in Akron recommends moving container gardens and hanging plants into garages and carefully covering vegetable and annual gardens with tents made from stakes and old bed sheets (the cover should not come into contact with the plants). Especially sensitive plants include sweet basil, pepper, sweet potato vine and New Guinea impatiens. Perennials and shrubs should not require cover.

A photographer of architecture and buildings, Lile sees beauty in bricks, windows, roof lines, downspouts, fire escapes and doorways.

He gets excited about taking pictures of obscure abandoned houses and buildings off the beaten track, as well as big and busy structures.

After he was diagnosed with leukemia 3½ years ago, his desire to express himself through his photography grew.

He uses computer techniques to intensify colors that can turn a picture of a brick wall into something that looks like a colorful painting.

His diagnosis came after he and his wife, Kathy, were at a wedding before Christmas 2009. They had their picture taken in a wedding photo booth.

His wife looked at the picture and said she thought her husband looked anemic. The next day, two family friends in the medical profession visited the Liles at their Cuyahoga Falls home and they both agreed that David did not look well.

At their encouragement, he got blood work done and was called at home two days before Christmas Eve to immediately go to Akron City Hospital because his white blood count was off the charts.

At the hospital, he was diagnosed with chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) with the Philadelphia chromosome by Dr. Douglas Trochelman.

Since then he has been treated by taking two pills of the drug Sprycel every day, a medicine that sells for nearly $9,000 a month retail.

He said he is in complete remission.

He works full time in information technology at the Pastoral Counseling Service of Summit County. He also continues to build his photo business known as David B Design.

“What CML has taught me is that I must live life with a renewed passion and intensity, each and every day,” Lile said. “That in turn, has amped up my desire to capture every city that I have an opportunity to visit; to seek out the normal mundane areas of a city and bring them to a new level of life, with color and vibrancy.”

Lile, who is also an avid bicyclist who rode his bike nearly 2,000 miles last summer, has even used one of his art photos of brick work from the old B.F. Goodrich Co. in downtown Akron on a cycling shirt he designed through his clothing company called HR Max Design.

On a recent spring afternoon, the 60-year-old Lile explored a neighborhood in East Akron, not far from the Goodyear complex, taking pictures of some buildings with his Canon camera.

“I am captivated by each building,” he said. “The patina, the doors and windows, the height and expanse, the compactness of some buildings. I am always amazed by what items are in the windows of buildings. It is like looking into the soul of a living, breathing object.”

Lile worked for about 10 years at the Akron Beacon Journal in the 1970s and 1980s and spent time working in the now demolished freight building for the Erie Railroad and Erie Lackawanna Railroad on South Broadway at Exchange Street. He took a series of photographs of the old train depot a year ago.

Often, on a walk through a neighborhood, he will record the image of a building only to find it has been torn down later.

He says he came up with a term — artistic archival documentation — to explain the images he has shot of buildings that later were torn down or altered.

“When I see something that I like, when I am on the road, I simply pull over, stop and shoot,” Lile said.

While exploring a building in East Akron, he was fascinated with a graffiti design of a face he spotted on one abandoned storefront and took several images of the face.

Jessie Raynor, retired director of the Akron Area Arts Alliance, said she loves Lile’s work and there is nothing subtle about him.

“Not his ear-to-ear smile, not his buoyant personality, not his in-your-face art,” she said. “His subject matter can be subtle though. Actually it’s often what you and I would pass by every day and not notice — or try not to notice.”

Raynor said by photographing, cropping and digitally enhancing “with surreal electric colors, this man can make you visually savor gas meters, rusted pipes and boarded up storefronts.”

“His use of space age colors emphasizes texture, shape and line bringing the forgotten to the forefront,” she said. “His work is as uplifting as he is.”

Brenda Cummins, director of community engagement for the Summa Foundation, got to know Lile through Summa’s Healingarts Program.

“He is full of magnetism and charm,” she said.

She was involved in purchasing a dozen of his pictures that are on display at the Summa Center for Health Equity on South Hawkins Avenue in Akron.

“Not only was he a patient who had traveled this journey with cancer but also was an artist,” she said of Lile.

“I am fascinated with his photography. He takes what would normally be something that might be considered mundane and he transforms it.”

Lile’s advice to amateur photographers is to shoot, shoot and shoot some more.

“Do not hesitate,” he said. “Today is today.”

He encourages photographers to take time with each shot and “shoot with intention.”

Always be aware of light, he said, and how it affects the subject.

“Always be on the lookout for moments of life, with people, animals, nature and the world around you,” he said.

Through his photography, he said, he hopes to “capture the city’s unnoticed personality, architecture and elements in ways that are often lost and overlooked in the repetition of everyday living.”

Jim Carney can be reached at 330-996-3576 or jcarney@thebeaconjournal.com.

In custody are Derrick Brantley, 21, and Deshanon Haywood, 21. The Akron men are each charged with four counts of aggravated murder and four counts of aggravated robbery.

They are accused in the April 18 shooting deaths of Ronald Roberts, 24; Kem Rashad Delaney, 23; Maria Nash, 19; and Kiana Welch, 19.

Each victim was shot multiple times in the head. Their bodies were found in the basement of a Kimlyn Circle townhouse leased by Roberts’ sister.

Lt. Detective David Whiddon said robbery of one victim appears to be at least the initial motive for the two suspects visiting the townhouse. Brantley and Haywood were acquaintances of Roberts and Delaney, he said.

All four men were in the apartment for a period of time before the women arrived, Whiddon said. Why the robbery turned to murder, detectives do not yet understand. The victims were dead for some time before their bodies were found.

“Something happened to make it worse than robbery,” he said. “We don’t know what it was, but something happened inside that apartment when the suspects were in there.”

Brantley and Haywood were identified as potential suspects early on in the investigation, Whiddon said. He credited the public with providing many leads.

Detectives got a break in the case in the past week that fortified their investigation so that charges could be brought, he said.

“There was a lot of stuff coming in,” he said. “It helped a lot.”

Whiddon would not comment in detail on the evidence collected, but said he’s “very confident” of the suspects’ involvement. The investigation is ongoing, he said.

He did say the crime scene was one of the most violent he has witnessed. Each victim was shot at close range, some multiple times.

“It was a violent scene down in the basement of that address,” Whiddon said. “There was a lot of evidence recovered indicative of a lot of gunfire. … It was bad. It was brutal.”

Detectives broke news of the arrests to the victims’ family members Wednesday.

Kem Delaney, 53, a former Akron resident now living in Detroit, said he had confidence in Akron police and faith in God that whoever was responsible for his son’s death would be brought to justice. He also trusted that people who knew something would come forward and offer information to police.

“I had no doubt it would be handled in God’s time,” the father said.

The elder Delaney, who said he went to North High School with some of each suspect’s older relatives, recounted how he dressed and shaved his son’s beard in preparation for his funeral.

He also reflected on his son’s lifelong friendship with Roberts. He said both young men might have received money from college financial aid or refunds recently, which could have made them robbery targets.

Delaney said both suspects should face the harshest punishment allowable by law. In this case, the allegations could lead to a death-penalty indictment once Summit County prosecutors and a grand jury review the evidence.

“I’m not an eye-for-eye [person], but it is what it is,” Delaney said. “So, if I have anything to say, I definitely think it would be the death penalty or at least life without parole.”

April Roberts-Gilbert, the mother of Ronald Roberts, said her son was friends with Brantley when they were younger, and she remained friends with the suspect’s family. Despite that relationship, she said the death penalty would be appropriate.

“I want it to be death. I really do,” she said, her voice cracking as she began to weep during an interview Thursday. “They say an eye for an eye. It’s sad. It really is. They’re only 21 years old, but my son doesn’t have his life anymore, and I feel like, ‘Hey, you didn’t care about mine. Why should I care about yours? You didn’t care about those four people inside that house.’

“It’s heartbreaking because I know [Brantley], my son knew [him],” she added. “I just want justice to be served. They took four lives for nothing, for absolutely nothing.”

Roberts-Gilbert had held two vigils since the shooting, one as recently as Saturday to mark the one-month anniversary of the shooting. Her hope was to keep the case in the minds of the people and police detectives.

“I never gave up hope,” she said. “I’m so grateful to the Akron Police Department for what they’ve done, because we really needed closure, and my son can rest peacefully now.”

Her message at the vigils also has been a call for peace and the end of violence that has plagued the African-American community in Akron.

“It’s terrible; it really is,” she said. “And it keeps going on with killings. They don’t realize how many families they actually hurt.”

Regina Cheatham, Nash’s aunt, joined other victims’ family members who gave thanks to police detectives and to God. She said the news of the arrests was overwhelming and an answer to many prayers.

“Unfortunately, it shattered a lot of lives, but justice has been done,” she said. “And we thank God for that because it makes this easier. But we still love and miss Maria with everything we have. ”

The family of Welch could not be reached for comment.

Initial hearing scheduled

Brantley and Haywood have been jailed on obstruction of justice charges since late April, after detectives say they provided false information during the homicide investigation. On Thursday, those charges were dismissed during a brief hearing in Akron Municipal Court.

The suspects are scheduled to appear in court today for an initial hearing on the murder and robbery charges.

Joseph Gorman, who represents Haywood, said his client will plead not guilty. He declined to discuss the case.

“It would not be fair to comment on the police investigation without first reviewing it thoroughly,” he said.

Brantley’s attorney, John Greven, said he had not seen any of the evidence and could not immediately comment. He said his client will plead not guilty.

At the time of the April shooting, Brantley was free on bond awaiting trial on felony charges of heroin trafficking.

Haywood was paroled from prison in February 2012 after serving less than half of a two-year sentence he received for trafficking cocaine and heroin possession. He violated parole in February and was sentenced to 45 days of house arrest, court records show.

Phil Trexler can be reached at 330-996-3717 or ptrexler@thebeaconjournal.com. He can be followed on Twitter at www.twitter.com/PhilTrexler.

“I love my job. I love teaching, so it’s kind of bittersweet leaving the classroom,” she said of moving away from the thousands of books and mounds of materials packed into the corners of Room 106 at Copley-Fairlawn’s Herberich Primary School.

Higgins, the president-elect of the Ohio Education Association, leaves behind 19 years in that same classroom to lead more than 121,000 educators, including teachers and support staff, in most of Ohio’s more than 600 school districts.

While Higgins leaves teaching, she’ll be at the center of “dynamic changes” in education as the state rolls out more rigorous content standards that demand additional teacher training.

That new curriculum also brings added accountability and logistical challenges at the same time many school administrators are cutting teachers due to reductions in state aid.

She also will take office shortly after the Ohio Legislature and Gov. John Kasich finish a new two-year budget that, from all indications, will provide no meaningful increases in school funding, let alone restore more than $1 billion in state aid that was cut two years ago.

When districts face budget shortfalls, contract negotiations can be “challenging,” Higgins said.

Amid those challenges, Higgins takes the lead at a time when teachers and public unions have become fodder for political battles.

“Up until five or six years ago, no one would be having the conversations they are having or saying the things about teachers or public education that they say now. It’s like we’re fair game. They can attack us,” Higgins, 58, said. “It’s just disheartening, because most of the teachers that I know, they are such dedicated educators and they spend so much time and money in their lives educating the children in their classroom. So, it’s very disheartening because we know how much we give.”

Strong union background

Higgins said she was raised with a strong union background. Her mother, Delphia Lowe, instilled a sense of equity.

“My mother was a social justice warrior before there was even that term. What I learned from her was to stand up for myself and stand up for whatever I believe in,” Higgins said. “There’s a reason why I grew up to be the way I am.”

That would be politically active, passionate, not afraid to take a stand and unwilling to back down when she does.

Much of her union upbringing comes from her father, William Lowe, a retired Springfield teacher and Cuyahoga Falls councilman for 26 years.

Higgins said she often would wonder as a child why her father spent so much time at school.

“I know now why,” she said of the long hours Lowe spent working after class. “He didn’t have the rights that I enjoy today ... Back then, [teachers] had to do a lot of things, because if [the administration] didn’t like you, you were gone.”

Educating educators

Higgins plans to travel the state over her three-year term, recruiting younger members in their 30s and 40s to listen to the stories of retired educators like her father, who gave her some pithy advice when she started teaching at Revere in 1994.

“Know your contract; know your course of study,” he told her.

That advice couldn’t be more poignant.

“The minute a teacher signs a contract, they’re political. You sign a contract and everything in your life is determined by what happens down in Columbus,” she said, hinting at state budgets and mandates. “We are not the ones deciding how much money comes into a district. We are here to teach, and that is what we do.”

It has been her message to friends, family, colleagues, aspiring educators and the community as she has moved up through the union ranks.

Well versed on issues

“She has a good handle on several issues,” Copley-Fairlawn Superintendent Brian Poe said. As president of the Copley Teachers Association “she had a very collaborative approach with administration. I wouldn’t expect that to change with her new position.”

Higgins later led the North Eastern Ohio Education Association — in 2011, during the debate over Senate Bill 5, the politically charged legislation that would have effectively eliminated collective bargaining for public unions.

That’s a fight she hopes her constituents will not soon forget. Union supporters galvanized against SB5, leading to its defeat.

Another battle looming

But she expects a second battle soon.

“Right-to-work is much worse than Senate Bill 5,” she said.

Legislation tabled

On May 1, Ohio Senate Republican leadership tabled right-to-work legislation, proposed by House Republicans Kristina Roegner of Hudson and Ron Maag of Lebanon.

The legislation, which would prohibit unions from requiring employees to join a union and pay dues, slumbers as Republicans focus their state budget efforts on jobs and the economy.

Higgins has a message for educators across Ohio should legislators revisit that measure.

“Stand up, be counted, be ready, take a stand,” she said. “We would fervently fight [right-to-work legislation] with every breath that I have in my body.”

Doug Livingston can be reached at 330-996-3792 or dlivingston@thebeaconjournal.com.

U.S. Attorney Steven Dettelbach in Cleveland said Thursday Kennedy Mint Inc. pleaded guilty to violating the Clean Water Act. The owner’s 74-year-old wife pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice.

Storm water from the parking lot flows into the East Branch of the Rocky River.

Dettelbach says the company will pay restitution of $30,893 — one dollar for every fish killed.

Sean Mason, president of Team 1 Marketing, said the company will invest as much as $35 million to remake the bowl for what he hopes will be a U.S. Football League franchise.

“It will go down to a shell — seats, everything,” Mason said Thursday. “Everything will be new and updated.”

The Canton company paid $38,000 for the bowl that covers 6.8 acres next to the home of the All-American Soap Box Derby and Akron-Fulton International Airport in southeast Akron.

The nearly 73-year-old bowl first was owned by the city, then UA. The university used it for football games until it opened the on-campus InfoCision Stadium in 2009.

Mason hopes the bowl’s new incarnation will include a dome, for which he’s waiting on lender approval. If the dome isn’t funded, the construction price will drop to $16 million to $18 million.

Mason also said the company has approached the city of Akron about buying 5 to 10 acres of city land for parking. Mason said Team 1 wants to pave enough land for 5,000 to 8,000 parking spaces.

Team 1 continues to be interested in the nearby John W. Heisman Lodge, a 14,000-square-foot building with stone fireplaces the university has used for pregame receptions. UA still owns the lodge, and the city has the first right of refusal on a sale, Mason said.

If all goes as Team 1 hopes, the bowl will be home to a U.S. Football League franchise called the Akron Fire in spring 2014. The Akron team would be one of eight teams in the fledgling league.

The facility no longer will be known as the Rubber Bowl, as Team 1 doesn’t own that name. So the company will be selling naming rights, Mason said.

“We’re hoping that we’ll get a local company, but right now it looks like it will be out of state,” he said.

Carol Biliczky can be reached at cbiliczky@thebeaconjournal.com or 330-996-3729.

This is the 27th year for the free, outdoor concert series, held at Falls River Square from 5 p.m. to midnight on Fridays through Aug. 30.

The opening headliner is Zoso, billed as the ultimate Led Zeppelin experience.

Performing before Zoso is Joe Vitale, Jr., whose music is “a unique style of rock and technical,” according to the Rockin’ website.

Bands begin at 5:30 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.

Vitale’s father, Joe Vitale, is a veteran rock drummer who performed with the Eagles; Joe Walsh; Crosby, Stills and Nash; and Buffalo Springfield.

Joe Vitale will be on hand to sign copies of the newly released book Backstage Pass, written by Joe Vitale and his wife, Susie.

For a full schedule, go to www.rockinontheriver.com

The city will open its interactive water fountain on Falls River Square on Saturday. The fountain will be open from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. every day.

On Monday, Don Sitts Auto Sales will continue the Riverfront Car Cruise.

Visitors can walk among vintage vehicles and enter at the VFW booth to win a 2012 Dodge Charger. Cruise-ins run through Oct. 7.

The Memorial Day theme is Military Classics and Two Seat Convertibles. Check the website at www.riverfrontcruisein.com for future themes.

The city also has the Summer Pac for sale again this year.

For $59, buyers get four admissions to the Natatorium, four rounds of miniature golf and four medium driving range baskets at Downview Sports Center and five admissions plus concession coupons for Water Works Aquatic Center.

There are also coupons for Cuyahoga Falls businesses and the Akron Zoo.

For more information about these and other Falls events, visit www.cfo.cityofcf.com.

Edward A. South, of Highpoint Lane, was sentenced by Summit County Common Pleas Judge Tammy O’Brien.

Last year, on the night after Christmas, South crashed into a pole in the Falls and walked away from the scene. No one was injured, but South was driving on a suspended license at the time and subsequently was tracked by police to a family member’s home.

Prosecutors said he registered 0.087 percent on a blood-alcohol breath test after his apprehension.

Summit County Prosecutor Sherri Bevan Walsh said South’s conviction was his 12th over the past 25 years, “but who knows how many times he risked the lives of himself and others by getting behind the wheel drunk?”

“For the sake of the community, I hope that Mr. South will spend these eight years realizing how lucky he was that no one was injured this time,’’ Walsh said.

The next time Mr. South has a few drinks, I hope he is smart enough to find a ride home.”

On May 13, a Summit County jury convicted South of two third-degree felonies for operating a vehicle under the influence of alcohol, along with a specification and an enhanced penalty for having five prior offenses in the past 20 years.

Walsh said South also had an OVI felony conviction in Portage County.

Ed Meyer can be reached at 330-996-3784 or at emeyer@thebeaconjournal.com.