Akron Mirror

Christine Higham, councilwoman and chair of Let’s Move Summit County, and Kent Starks, senior researcher and Let’s Move coordinator, join Keith to encourage community activity and exercise this spring.The Bike & Hike event hosted by Let’s Move Summit County is Saturday, May 16 from 8 AM to 2 PM at the Summit Lake Community Center. If you have any questions, email [email protected] or call 330-643-2074 for assistance. 

Maggie Rivera, Agriculture and Natural Resources Educator with the Summit County Master Gardeners, joins Keith to talk about how to avoid common gardening mistakes.To learn more about the Summit County Master Gardeners, visit summitmastergardeners.org.Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Sam Rubens, Manager at the Akron Regional Air Quality Management District, joins Keith to talk about the benefits of switching to electric lawn tools. To learn more and register for the MowGREENER rebate program, visit www.scph.org/air-quality/mowgreener-registration.Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Erica Banks, Akron Food Works Coordinator at the Well CDC, joins Keith to talk about local assistance for food entrepreneurs.To learn more about becoming an Akron Food Works kitchen member, www.thewellakron.com/akronfoodworks/Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

John Roszczyk and Kellie Lockemer, staff attorneys at Community Legal Aid, join Keith to discuss legal and other support services can veterans find in our community.To learn more about the Veterans Assistance Project visit www.communitylegalaid.org/vetAkron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Matt Stewart, the Transportation Planning Administrator for the Akron Metropolitan Area Transportation Study, joins Keith to talk about our changing transportation needs.To weigh in directly on transportation-related matters in our community, find out more about the AMATS Citizens Involvement Committee at www.amatsplanning.org/citizens-involvement-committeeAkron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Emma Segedy, Director of Development & Community Outreach for Keep Akron Beautiful, joins Keith to talk about taking care of our public spaces.To volunteer to help pick up litter this spring, visit www.keepakronbeautiful.org/volunteer.Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Morgan Lasher, Unify America’s Chief of U.S. Democracy Leagues, joins Keith to let Akronites know how they can join a new process to address housingTo throw your name in the hat to be a delegate at the Civic Assembly, visit unifyakron.org.Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Simon Johnson and Xul Perez, attorneys at Community Legal Aid, join Keith to discuss tax obligations for gig workers. For upcoming online and in-person legal clinics, visit https://www.communitylegalaid.orgAkron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Former Akron Mirror co-host Ris, now the Collection Development Manager at the Portage County District Library, re-joins Keith to give direction on finding your new favorite book!To chat with our other librarians about their favorite 2025 reads, call 330.643.9000.Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Ben McMillan, founder of Rubber City Reuse, joins Keith to talk about how to compost your food scraps.For more information about composting, and the services offered by Rubber City Reuse, visit www.rubbercityreuse.com.Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Arell Tee, Neighborhood Network Manager for Central Summit County, joins Keith to talk about home resources offered by Habitat for Humanity. For more information about the Neighborhood Safety Kits for Seniors, Aging in Place, and the Critical Home Repair programs mentioned by Terell, visit https://www.hfhsummitcounty.org or call 330-745-7734.Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Theresa Niewiadomski, a Family Caregiver Support Specialist from Direction Home Akron Canton Area Agency on Aging and Disabilities, joins Keith to discuss the process of ensuring safety and support for aging loved ones.To learn more about the resources offered by Direction Home Akron Canton, visit www.dhad.org. Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Summer Hall, Akron's Public Art Liaison, joins Keith to discuss how public art is chosen and placed throughout the city.To learn more about the Public Art Commission, visit www.akronpublicart.comAkron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Melissa Frangos and Scott Riley, attorneys with the Summit Legal Defenders, join Keith to discuss the process of going to court.To learn more about the Summit Legal Defenders, visit www.summitlegaldefenders.orgAkron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Elaine Marsh, Watershed Specialist with Summit Metroparks, joins Keith to preview the exciting Free the Falls project taking shape at the Gorge.To find more information, and a link to Elaine’s Free the Falls podcast, visit https://www.summitmetroparks.org/about/free-the-falls/Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Steven McGarrity, Executive Director at Community Legal Aid, joins Keith to chat about help through Akron's new right-to-council pilot program for tenants facing eviction. To find more information and an application for the right-to-council program, visit https://www.communitylegalaid.org/rtcAkron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Sara Cochrane, Environmental Health Supervisor at Summit County Public Health, joins Keith to chat about the prevalence and dangers of rabies.To learn more about the rabies vaccine clinic for pets, visit https://www.scph.org/pest-control/rabies-clinics.Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library. All information is current as of the publication date.

Katie Carver-Reed, Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of the Akron-Canton Regional Foodbank, joins Keith to chat about how to take advantage of free food programs throughout Northeast Ohio.To find a food program near you, check your eligibility, or learn about volunteer opportunities, visit akroncantonfoodbank.org or call the food bank at 330.535.6900.

Caitlyn Conley, Local History and Museum Specialist, welcomes Keith to the Akron History Center to chat about the museum’s origins, current treasures, and future plans.To learn more about the Akron History Center, visit akronhistorycenter.orgAkron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Marcie Kress, Executive Director of Reworks, joins Keith to discuss options for recycling, reusing, and safely disposing of household materials for Summit County residents.To learn more about the waste management solutions and education that Reworks offers, visit www.summitreworks.com.Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Steve Arrington, Executive Director and Co-Founder of the Akron AIDS Collaborative, and Tony Pankuch, Education and Outreach Coordinator at the Cummings Center for the History of Psychology, join Keith to discuss the past, present, and future of the area LGBTQ+ community.To learn more about the gatherings and activities at the Bayard Rustin Center for Social Justice, visit rustincenter.orgTo participate in Tony’s LGBTQ archive history project, visit libguides.uakron.edu/lgbtqarchiveAkron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Melvin Bukiet, an author and professor at Sarah Lawrence College, and Tim Boucher, an artist based in Quebec, join Keith to talk about AI - how it can be used for unique creative pursuits, and how it can create problems for finding reliable information.To view the images created by Bukiet and Boucher’s AI project, and learn more about the fake Akron Smash Group, visit https://discover.hubpages.com/art/who-were-the-akron-smash-groupAkron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Matthew Knull, Akron's City Arborist, joins Keith to talk about how the city takes care of trees, and how residents can as well.To contact the City Arborist, call 330-375-2731, or use 311 to place a request regarding a tree on a tree lawn (devil strip!).Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Christopher Chaney, biologist for the Summit Metro Parks, joins Keith to talk about how residents can help support the local ecosystem on their own land, or even apartment balcony.For more information on the Wild Back Yards program, visit www.summitmetroparks.org/grow-wild-back-yard.Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Dr. Juanita Martin and Dr. Matthew Altiere from the University of Akron Counseling and Testing Center join Keith to discuss meeting and making new friends, and how that can contribute to the health of both individuals and a community.For more information and online resources visit the University of Akron Counseling and Testing Center website.Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Brittany O'Neil and Tanya Kahl from United Way of Summit & Medina join Keith to discuss the free and confidential 211 phone service -what type of information services it provides, and how it works.To access 211, dial 211! Or visit 211summit.org. Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Dr. Juanita Martin and Dr. Matthew Altiere from the University of Akron Counseling and Testing Center join Keith to discuss what building strong romantic relationships can look like. For more information and online resources visit the Counseling and Testing Center website.Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Dr. Erika Sobolewski from Summit County Public Health and Geoffrey Westerfield from the ODNR Division of Wildlife join Keith to discuss what Northeast Ohioans should know about the bird flu (H5N1).To learn more about communicable diseases, visit scph.org/communicable-disease, or call Summit County Public Health at 330-375-2662 for more information. For wildlife diseases, check the Ohio Division of Wildlife’s website at wildohio.gov.Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Robert Klips from the Ohio Moss & Lichen Association joins Ris and Keith to discuss how moss can be found and appreciated, even during the winter months.For help with identifying moss, or more information on the Ohio Moss & Lichen Association, visit https://ohiomosslichen.org/.Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Dave Rich, an advocate for addiction recovery, joins librarians Ris and Keith to discuss local substance abuse treatment options, and the status of the opioid crisis in Summit County.For information on prevention, treatment, and recovery, contact the County of Summit ADM Board Addiction Helpline at 330-940-1133. Akron Mirror is a podcast from the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

is begonia poisonous?  what was the most Googled topic of 2024?  how to read more?  In this year-end episode, Ris and Keith discuss some interesting reference questions old and new.  To ask a reference question of your own, call 330.643.9000.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. 

Pita Brooks from Akron Soul Train and Althea Jones from the art community join Ris and Keith to discuss how local art can build community.  For information on Akron Soul Train’s exhibitions, events, and artist opportunities, visit akronsoultrain.org.  To follow Althea Jones’s work in the community, visit communitythroughart.net.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Kristen Carpenter from Summit County Public Health and Tim Tewksbary from the Ohio Department of Agriculture join librarians Ris and Keith to discuss food safety tips around the holidays and how to acquire food licenses for entrepreneurs.
To file a complaint or get information on licensing, contact Environmental Health at Summit County Public Health 330.926.5600 or visit scph.org.
For information on cottage food production operations or food recalls and alerts from the Ohio Department of Agriculture, visit agri.ohio.gov.
Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Lt. Robert Langston from the City of Akron Fire Department joins Ris and Keith to discuss fire safety habits—from alarms to bonfires to candles and more!  For a free home inspection and carbon monoxide and fire alarm installation through a partnership between the Red Cross of Greater Akron and local fire departments, call 330-535-2030.  To reach City of Akron’s non-emergency line, call 330-375-2101.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Kevin Miller and Jon Malish from the City of Akron join librarians Ris and Keith to discuss what to do with a vibrant mark of the season—fallen leaves.  For an updated schedule of leaf removal, visit akronohio.gov. To submit a service request, visit akronoh.citysourced.com/ or call 311.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. 

Amber Cupp from Ohio Senior Health Insurance Information Program and Russell Sheeler from Summit County Jobs and Family Services joins librarians Ris and Keith to discuss Medicare and Medicaid. Enroll for Medicare Parts A and B through your local Social Security office. To enroll for Medicare Advantage plans during open enrollment, October 15 to December 7, visit medicare.gov. Apply for Medicaid through Summit County Jobs and Family Services at their on-site office hours at various library locations. Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Bret Treier from the Akron Marathon Charitable Corporation joins librarians Ris and Keith to discuss the history and logistics of Akron Marathon and how you can take an active role in it.  For more information on race day volunteer opportunities and road closures, visit akronmarathon.org  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Tom Smoot and Joseph St. John from the Emergency Management Agency of the Department of Public Safety of the Office of Summit County Executive Ilene Shapiro join librarians Ris and Keith to discuss Northeast Ohio’s natural and man-made hazards and how to prepare for them. To find out more about the Emergency Management Agency and to sign up for their reverse alerts, visit https://co.summitoh.net/departments/Emergency-Management-Agency.html.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Tonja Stewart Shaw from the Office of the Ohio Consumers’ Counsel joins librarians Ris and Keith to discuss Northeast Ohio’s new natural gas distributor and what protections exist for utility customers.  To find out more about Enbridge Gas Ohio (formerly Dominion Energy Ohio), visit https://www.enbridgegas.com/ohio.  To express your opinion and concerns directly to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio’s Commissioners regarding the proposed natural gas distribution service rate increase of 30%, attend the local public hearing at the Akron-Summit County Public Library, Main (60 S. High St, Akron, OH 44326) on Thursday, September 19 at 6 pm. More information can be found by visiting https://puco.ohio.gov/news/public-hearings-on-enbridges-natural-gas-rate-application-scheduled.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.


Traci Singree from Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Market joins librarians Ris and Keith to discuss how a farmers market comes together, as both a food- and a public- resource. 
For recipes, a calendar of events, and vendor information at Cuyahoga Valley Farmers Markets, visit https://cuyahogavalleyfarmersmarket.org/. 
Be sure to visit the Bookmobile at Howe Meadow Farmers Market on Saturday, August 31 from 9 am to 12 pm and get your Library Passport stamped!
Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Shara Cocchiola from Summit Choral Society and community sing organizer Matt Watroba join Ris and Keith to discuss some methods to, and benefits of, community singing.  For information on programs and events and Summit Choral Society, visit summitchoralsociety.org.  For information on the community sings at Unitarian Universalist Church of Kent, Ohio, visit kentuu.org/ministry/music/.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Robert Fenn from Social Security Administration joins librarians Ris and Keith to discuss how social security works, and how you can get some clarity on where you stand in one of the nation’s biggest programs.  To estimate future benefits, manage the benefits you already receive, and more, visit ssa.gov/myaccount.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Dan Toth from Summit Metro Parks and Shane Good from the Akron Zoo join librarians Ris and Keith to discuss the wildlife in our backyards and how to best coexist with them.  For information on programs and events at Summit Metro Parks, visit summitmetroparks.org/ProgramsAndEvents.aspx.  For information on Akron Zoo’s Community Days, visit akronzoo.org/community-days.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Rebecca Thomas from Summa Health Sleep Lab joins librarians Ris and Keith to discuss some tips on how to get a good night's rest. For more information on health sleep, disorders, resources, and more, visit sleepeducation.org. Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library. This podcast does not constitute medical advice.

Carrie Bassett, from the Akron Zoo's FrogWatch program, joins librarians Ris and Keith to discuss area frogs, and how they're an indicator of the health of an ecosystem. For information on FrogWatch and volunteer opportunities, visit akronzoo.org/frogwatch.

Marquita Mitchell from Project Learn and Dr. Shelley Houser from The University of Akron Center for Literacy join librarians Ris and Keith to discuss some of the current research on developing literacy skills in individuals and its benefit to the community.  For information and to sign up for Summer Reading, visit akronlibrary.org/summer-reading.  For information on Project Learn’s classes and volunteer opportunities, visit projectlearnsummit.org.  For information on The University of Akron Center for Literacy's literacy projects, visit uakron.edu/literacy.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Jenn Kidd from The Nightlight joins librarians Ris and Keith to discuss Akron’s cinematic past and the present importance of cinema, and the act of watching movies with others, to a community.  For information on The Nightlight’s upcoming free community viewings, visit nightlightcinema.com.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Lauren Green-Hull from Fair Housing Contact Service joins librarians Ris and Keith to discuss Akron’s history with--and current efforts to address--housing inequality.  For information on the Just Action series, programs to address housing needs and inequalities in our community, visit https://www.akronlibrary.org/just-action.  For landlord-tenant resources and housing discrimination assistance, visit https://fairhousingakron.org/services/.  For the rental registry, contact the Department of Neighborhood Assistance Housing Division at 330-375-2366x2694.  Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.

Sam Phillips, Avery Duff, & Lisa Nunn from Let’s Grow Akron join Ris and Keith to discuss the best, and most practical ways, to grow your garden this Spring. For programs and resources for growing, visit letsgrowakron.org. Visit Main Library (60 S High St) to check out seeds from our Seed Sharing Library. Akron Mirror is a podcast of the Akron-Summit County Public Library.