Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 50 N. Prospect St., Akron, will open its doors at 3 p.m. Sunday for a tribute concert honoring those who have lost their lives to violence.
“There will be solo and choral works presented by a women’s ensemble, Vocielo,”said Jeannie Kienzle, the church’s music director. “These are women who are from the Akron area but who have gone to a number of different colleges throughout the country. We are calling this concert ‘Singing in the Light of Angels.’
“We will light 30 votive candles (27 for those who have died in Newtown, Conn., and 3 who died in the tragedy closer to home, Chardon High School). There will be one large pillar candle to commemorate all others who have died from senseless violence.”
A freewill offering is planned with proceeds going to help those in Newtown. “We are working through Episcopal and Lutheran parishes in Newtown so that the monies we collect will go directly to the families in need,” Kienzle noted.
Graduation gift
The Akron-Canton Barristers Association, a group of lawyers, was so impressed with Robert Dewayne Campbell’s journey that members have honored him with a thoughtful and very generous graduation gift: A $325 gift card to Jos. A. Bank Clothier to purchase a new suit.
Campbell, the subject of Monday’s column, graduated Thursday from the University of Akron School of Law, top 20 percent of his class. And he’s been legally blind since his junior year of high school.
The 25-year-old Cleveland Heights resident and Bowling Green State University graduate (cum laude) used Greyhound to get back and forth to Akron, and taxicabs to get around town. He was managing editor of the Akron Law Review and served as law clerk in the Barberton Prosecutor’s office.
His next big task? Passing the bar exam and landing a job as a trial lawyer.
Akron attorney Edward L. Gilbert is president of the Akron-Canton Barristers Association.
Akron Blind Center
Phyllis Cottle — the victim of so much, who has never acted like one — phoned to wish all those who sent her encouragement cards “a very Merry Christmas and a blessed New Year.”
Cottle was beaten, robbed, raped, blinded with a knife and left to die in a burning car March 20, 1984, by Samuel J. Herring, who at the time was on early release from prison. Several months ago, she was diagnosed with Stage IV cancer. Chemotherapy was interrupted by a massive infection but should be resuming soon.
Also, the Cuyahoga Falls woman asked if anyone is looking to make a tax-deductible donation before the end of the year to please consider the Akron Blind Center. “They were there when I desperately needed understanding and support” in learning to navigate a new life. “They really helped me to become the person I am today because of their caring and support.”
The mailing address for the Akron Blind Center is 325 E. Market St., Akron, OH 44304.
Strangers offer help
Many, many thanks to all of the kind strangers who have stepped forward to help lifelong Suffield Township residents Dan and Bessie Zinz during a very difficult time. Dan, a geologist, recently underwent the amputation of his right arm.
One woman sent in several Walmart and restaurant gift cards. Another woman, Carol A. Lee of Akron, had the couple’s four young daughters in mind and purchased several Christmas presents for them: a glitter art desk and a Tea Cup pig; Fashionista Barbie doll with an extra head; Barbie dolls with Barbie Bathroom; and a Sit-and-Snack baby doll.
Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com.
