Scenic Snapshots: Oxbow, Cascade Valley MetroPark

From my home on Akron's North Hill, I can get into the heart of Akron or get far from the city in about five minutes. So many people take this for granted, but it's one of the reasons we love our city.

This is one of my favorite places to visit, especially if I only have a little time to get away and enjoy nature. It's amazing that we can experience such a different world in our backyard - almost literally. It's easy to forget how close you are to downtown.


Scenic Snapshots: Oxbow Trail, Cascade Valley MetroPark from Joanne Green on Vimeo.

Akron Peace Week

It wasn't surprising that the people involved in creating Akron Peace Week are motivated, passionate and enthusiastic about something greater than themselves. The fact that the week was so well organized was only surprising if you didn't know those who orchestrated it. I filmed a story about Akron Peace Week in part because I knew many people would dismiss it and make assumptions about it before ever giving it a chance. It was a fun, inspiring experience. I'm glad I had a chance to be a small part of it. Thanks to Zach and Bekey, co-founders of the Akron Peace Project and Akron Peace Week, for being so open and inviting. Thanks also to Courtney and Mark for contributing your words. I hope you enjoy this piece.


Akron Peace Week 2010 from Joanne Green on Vimeo.

I'm glad Akron Peace Week ended on Gandhi's birthday. I know it's kind of cliche, but he's one of my heroes. He understood, better than maybe anyone else I've encountered, how to combine non-violent resistance with the the power of the media to challenge the powers-that-be and change the status quo. He walked the talk. I admire that and would like to think I could possess that kind of strength, but not many do.

Jo.

Circus of Lights

When I heard about this lantern festival in the University Park neighborhood, I didn't think much of it. It was the end of a busy week, so I was really just going along for the family time. So it was a pleasant surprise to encounter such a well-organized, elaborately costumed, beautifully orchestrated event in the street in front of Don Drumm Studios. It made for a whimsical backdrop. Did you go? What did you think?

As day turned quickly to night, it was easy to become immersed in the bohemian/gypsy/old-world circus atmosphere. I'm not really sure what else to call it, though I'm sure it has a better name. My nearly 2-year-old daughter Zoey was somewhat awestruck as she went between staring and pointing and giggling at all the lights and the bustle of activity that took place all around her. I wish we could have stayed for the fire finale, but Zoey just couldn't make it that long. It was still one of my favorite events ever, and I'm impressed that my city hosted it. Can't wait for next year. We'll be ready.

In the meantime, here's a short, rough, dark video I shot and edited completely on my iPod just for fun while pushing Zoey around in a stroller and dodging ladies on stilts, clowns on carts and other assorted silly sights. Enjoy!

Jo.

Howard Street Documentaries

I'm co-producing a documentary film about Akron's Howard Street with Blue Green, an amazing visual storyteller (and my husband).

I find Howard Street's history as fascinating as its lingering reputation, and I still kind of get a kick out of the reactions I get when I tell people I own a home on North Howard. I love my home and my neighborhood for all its beauty and its flaws. It was my personal curiosity that got me started researching Howard Street. I wanted to better understand the area and become more connected to the community that we decided to call home. It quickly became clear that although Howard Street's story is fractured, nearly lost, and in desperate need of salvation, it's a story that needs to be told. It is our goal to to document the history and culture of Howard Street to document our past, enrich our understanding and appreciation of our community's heritage, and to encourage more business and community investment in the area as it enjoys a rebirth.

Here's a teaser/clip I put together with his editing assistance:


Historic Howard Street Project from Blue Green on Vimeo.

Visit The Howard Street Project for more details and to watch teasers.
Join The Howard Street Project Facebook group to share information, upload photos and videos, and participate in online discussions.

Have information to share or stories to tell about Howard Street?
Are you willing to be interviewed on-camera?
Do you have old pictures or documents?
Let me know. Drop me a note.
Thanks.

Jo.

Have Peace Mobile. Will Travel.

A mobile exhibit focused on peace and non-violence made a trip to Highland Square as part of Akron Peace Week. I went out to get some b-roll for a broader story about Akron Peace Week and ended up meeting a couple of great volunteers with the Dayton International Peace Mobile who were willing to talk and open their exhibit to my camera. This is what I ended up with after a very short time with them.

Jo.


The Peace Mobile Stops in Akron from Joanne Green on Vimeo.

Scenic Snapshots

I decided to start producing this series of local photo slide shows. I just want to give people a glimpse of the scenic side of the Akron-area and demonstrate how easy it is to tell a story doing things you love with relatively little effort. This series was shot while we were hiking The Quarry Trail at Deep Lock Quarry MetroPark with our 2-year-old. It was my first time using this particular camera.


Scenic Snapshots: Deep Lock Quarry MetroPark from Joanne Green on Vimeo.

These slide shows are edited using Apple iMovie, a basic video editing program for Macs. The Windows equivalent is Movie Maker. I usually use Adobe Premiere, but Apple iMovie does a good job with something like this, and frankly, most people aren't going to spend the time or money on a more sophisticated program than what comes with their computer. Now go out and create.

Jo.

Welcome

This is intended to be a place for Akron-area locals to have constructive conversations about local people, places, things, ideas and issues. Although I'm no more politically neutral than anyone else, I'm not politically motivated. I don't claim any political affiliation and have no set agenda for this forum. I'm interested in encouraging constructive dialogue that includes different perspectives. I'm sure I'll do most of the talking at first, but I hope you'll feel comfortable contributing to the conversation. Debate is healthy. Let's just keep it friendly. We're neighbors after all.

Jo.