It's Movie Time!

Where have I been? Making a short movie with Blue. It's called Spirits and we're showing it at the Highland Theater at the end of November to anyone willing to pay $5. Despite a complete script rewrite, losing all the original footage due to hard drive failure, having to re-shoot the entire first half of the film with a different mix of cast and crew, hours and hours (and hours and hours) of watching Blue staring at a computer screen editing and fine-tuning, it was great fun.

Speaking of cast and crew, everyone volunteered and the set locations were completely donated. We had some out-of-pocket expenses. It's polite to at least feed people, especially when you're not paying them. And we'll probably spend more on the premiere party than the entire film cost in hard dollars. But it's worth it. We're completely thrilled with how far we've come.

Now for the plug. (You can also watch the trailer or read the press release.)

The Spirits Premiere Party takes place at 9:30 pm on Friday, November 30th at Akron's Highland Square (826 W. Market Street). Doors open at 9:15 pm. Tickets are only $5 each and they're available for pre-sale or at the door. Sponsorship opportunities available - we're just trying to cover the cost of the party, have some food and give away at least one great raffle prize. Sponsorship opportunities include tickets and other incentives. All the details and online ticket ordering are available on the Spirits website.

For Blue and I, Spirits was a great experience. We look at it as somewhat of an experiment in producing high-quality, low-cost Akron-based films by finding ways to collaborate with local businesses and dedicated, local citizens.  It was also intended as a stepping stone for some larger, more complicated projects that are in development. For Blue, it was a chance to do something he loves and really start to hone his core production crew before embarking on some big projects he's been wanting to complete for some time. It's an exciting time in the Green household.

Ultimately, Blue and I are thrilled with the final product, grateful for all the support we had, and excited to share Spirits with our friends. We hope you will consider coming out and telling a few of your friends.

Special thanks must be given to Dan McCoy for his generous support securing a preview venue; The Office Bistro and Lounge for its generous use of space and time during filming; our entire cast and crew for your adaptability and willingness to stick it out; and even our extras that didn't make it in the final cut because of massive hard drive failure.

Dog Days of Summer

Okay, so I totally suck. But that's just because I can't think of any good excuses for ignoring this blog. All I can do is try harder. I don't know, maybe if I called it Pitt Bull Post I'd stay on top of it more and follow up regularly. And that conveniently brings us right around to today's topic - irresponsible neighbors with crazy dogs - and why I'm thinking about moving.

What is wrong with people? You live in the city - and I'm not talking about the outskirts, I'm talking about a city plot, not far out of downtown, where you know there are kids and families and other people with dogs. Are you stupid, oblivious, or just don't care? Although I'm talking about our new neighbor, it could be so many people's neighbors in Akron - or any other city out there.

I'm sure the owners are quite nice. It's just too bad that we may never find out. Our first encounters with them have been through their dogs, two pitt bull mixes, one of which has been terrorizing the neighborhood. Both dogs are left outside on relatively flimsy tethers all day and evening, and they bark pretty much constantly, but I would probably be able to tolerate it if that's all it was. But one dog has broke off its tether several times - and the last straw for us was the day it came after my 3-year-old daughter while she was in our yard playing.

The dog in question is younger, newer to their family, from an abused situation, and does not like men, according to the owner with whom we spoke before this whole situation erupted. The owners also know that it keeps breaking its leash, but they act like it's no big deal and even questioned its ability to get loose. We held off contacting authorities about the dogs barking constantly at all hours and the one dog standing in our driveway barking and growling at me as I tried to pull in. We wanted to be good neighbors and we tried to talk to the owners to keep it between us. But when the dog started threatening us directly, trying to get at us, pulling through the bushes that divide our properties and coming onto our driveway, and even viciously growling at us, that's when I called the authorities. It was unfortunate that it took until it broke its chain (for the 3rd or 4th time) and tried to get at my daughter and mother-in-law, for them to come out and attempt to enforce the law. I do understand that there are rules and protocol they must follow.

Oh and did I mention that the dog ran up and down the neighborhood, threatening anyone who was outside in their own yards. I've never encountered anything quite like it. And the owners? Even though their trucks are usually in the yard (not driveway) and their doors and windows are wide open, they are never anywhere to be seen. We've yelled, put notes on the door and talked to them directly. Seems like a visit from the dog warden was the only thing that got the situation to change.

I'm not looking to condemn an entire breed and I don't believe most cases of craziness are incurable. I think animals mostly get a really bad reputation due to the actions - or inaction - of us humans. We demand way more from our pets than they are often able to give. We think they are more-or-less human and can understand us. Then we get mad when they don't. We think we're doing a righteous thing when we rescue a cute animal from a bad situation, then we don't do anything to rehabilitate it - and we wonder why it's not thankful and happy and well-adjusted. We tie them up and we keep them in cages or basements. We don't let them run out their energy and give them jobs that reflect their breeds and personalities. Then we wonder why they tear up our houses or can't be around people. Sometimes, I think people believe dogs are just as happy sitting around a house watching TV and growing fat just like their owners. But most often, they are not. And they try to tell us in the only ways they know how. We just tend to ignore the signs.

And that's one of the most fascinating hypocrisies to me. If most humans really do think our animals are just like us, why would we treat them this way? I mean, would you want to be kept indoors all day, locked in a cage, put on a leash in the yard for hours on end with little to no attention or affection? If you were abused your entire life, how trusting would you be?

So I'm happy to say that my daughter is fine and we have a big, dopey dog, so she's not afraid of dogs due to this situation. My husband and I, on the other hand, are a little more leery about people and pups, and we recently started reconsidering our decision to stay in our Akron neighborhood. We are now actively looking at homes, some of which are in Akron. We love our city and even our neighborhood, and we really wanted to stay. However, we're no longer under the illusion that our neighborhood is improving, and that's a real shame.

There are some good things that came out of this. I now know my rights and responsibilities better when it comes to my own dog, as well as others. I got to know my local dog warden. My awesome friends at the Humane Society were a big comfort and helpful throughout. I even appreciate my dog a little more.

The Blight at the End of the Tunnel

I can't figure out why the City of Akron does nothing about some of its most obviously blighted areas. Not that I think that government can solve all problems, but surely the City could at least find a way to knock down some buildings and plant some grass if private entities aren't willing to rehab the spaces or sell them to someone that will. I understand there's more to it than that. But why? It's not like it's a big secret where the worst problems areas are located. If you pay attention for a few minutes, it's pretty obvious. Wouldn't green space be preferable to rotting, boarded up old buildings that aren't likely to sell in any real estate market? Buildings that are prime targets for criminal activity? Buildings that do nothing to improve property values?

I've looked online for signs that positive change is on the horizon in my neighborhood. I've read of vague plans, heard talk of potential, and seen nothing meaningful happen over the last decade. A beautiful new school recently rose amidst blighted buildings. Young trees are planted along busy thoroughfares. We have a great library, parks and community services. Some families, businesses and organizations invest in their properties in the hope that their neighbors will take the hint. Yet, the same major eyesores continue to exist - everyone knows where they are - and nothing seems to move anyone with real power or money to do anything more than necessary.


The sad thing is that it wouldn't take much time or money to reap immediate rewards. A few strategically placed bulldozers and some grass seed would go a long way to making significant improvements. I'm not usually one to advocate for demolishing old buildings. I'm a proponent of rehab and recycling where possible. But I also know that not everything can be saved. Sometimes you just have to cut your losses and wipe the slate clean. I'd love to see a practical neighborhood redevelopment plan that brings private and public interests together to address the biggest problem areas in a way that encourages business and community investment. But knocking down a few buildings isn't a bad place to start.

With a little bit of effort by local leaders, new and established businesses might then be able to envision opportunity where they now see poverty. Young professionals and families might look twice at this urban neighborhood and decide that they can call it home - a place perfectly situated between downtown Akron and the Cascade Valley MetroPark (north and south). This is the potential we envisioned when we bought our home in North Hill. But now our optimism is starting to fade, and for the first time we are starting to open our minds to the possibility of somewhere other than Akron.

If the Akron truly wants to remain relevant to the people that want to call it home, it would be worth the time to make some meaningful efforts in its core neighborhoods. Most of us don't expect much more than a sign of progress. If even this is too much to ask, then the City shouldn't be surprised if people continue to leave.

And the Winner Is...(Not Us)

At a recent Akron Film contest that we entered (but didn't win), I was pleasantly (sort of) surprised to go up against so many good independent films. In past contests, relatively few well-produced short films have been sprinkled among a collection of average and lackluster films, several of which probably shouldn't have even been made. But this year was quite different, and the talent pool made drowning a little easier, for me at least.

I really don't like to lose (who does). But I'm proud to have encountered so many young, enthusiastic, talented, independent filmmakers right here in my community. I figure if I'm going to lose, I'd much rather lose to someone who deserves it than to lose to a stacked deck. Not that our film was bad. It was good; and in past years, it would have won. This time, we took a risk, did things a little different, and the gamble just didn't pay off. (Sounds familiar.) But that's life. We'll compete again. We always do.

It's important to keep getting back up, pushing the boundaries, challenging the status quo. If you don't play the game, you have no chance of winning. So don't count the Screamingreens out yet. We're just getting started.

All Good Things...

After committing to posting more regularly, I went completely the other way and posted nothing at all for about the last month and a half. It's been a strange, but not unpleasant, couple of years. A lot has transpired in little time, none of which is interesting to more than a handful of people, so I won't bore you with unnecessary drama. It's only worth mentioning to understand that it has all led to the crossroad at which I'm now standing. Most of us come to many of these throughout life and not all of them are unpleasant. It's just that the paths at this particular crossroad are a bit strange and unexpected. I've probably been more fortunate than most that I have a few minutes to stop and consider each path before choosing one and barrel down it. That doesn't happen often, and I'm still not sure which direction I'll end up traveling. All I know is that no matter which path I choose, I am committed to taking my voice with me - and hopefully the voices of others. So I'm refocusing VocalLocals to dedicate less effort to me and my content and more effort to:

• encouraging constructive dialogue about the local people, places, things and ideas that don't get discussed as much or as honestly as they deserve.
• helping local citizens organize around issues that are as important to me as they are to them.
• helping community members document the stories of the Akron community for current and future generations.
• encouraging action that stimulates pride and investment in Akron and in my North Hill neighborhood.

It's important that others participate. Come together to share ideas - similar and different. Organize around shared interests. Take action to create positive change. It won't work without all of you. Thanks for your time. I look forward to talking with you.

Jo.

Snow Days

I'm not much of a winter weather person. I appreciate winter, but prefer to admire it through a window from under a warm blanket while sipping hot cocoa. Fortunately, there are days like today to make me find joy in a season I respect, but rarely regard as enjoyable. Blue, Zoey and I went to Boston Mills ski resort in Boston Heights, a small community north of Akron, to scout locations and meet a friend of ours about doing a video about three generations that ski. It was a great time, even though neither Zoey nor I were dressed properly.

I shot and edited this quick little video of Zoey on my iPod while we were waiting for Blue to get some great shots of the slopes. Zoey helped me forget about the cold for a little while and reflect on the simple joys of being outside in the snow and just wanting to play, play, play until our fingers, toes and noses were about to freeze off. Chasing her everywhere helped, too.

Here's to winter in Northeast Ohio. You never really know what you're going to get each year, but there's truly nothing like it. It's part of who we are and at least it gives us something to talk about.

Opportunity Knocks.

Building the Akron Digital Media Center has helped open a few  doors. I enjoy walking through these doors even though I don't always know what's on the other side. But my favorite doors to open are the seemingly small ones - the doors you would probably walk past or never see if it weren't for opportunities that put those doors right in front of your path. It was one of those doors that led to Kwame and Alchemy.

Today, Blue and I visited Alchemy's Myth, Muses and Scribes meeting, a youth development program for males from 6th grade through 12th grade. Alchemy's mission is "to provide leadership development in small group settings, utilizing mythological traditions, themes and motifs to introduce, interpret and integrate ancient wisdom in a contemporary context." The first class graduates this year. It's pretty exciting.

Kwame Scruggs (above) is Alchemy's Executive Director. I met him through the ADMC, but heard great things about his group before that. He conducts interactive sessions that combine myth and drumming with lecture and discussion to impart values of personal and social responsibility, self-confidence and leadership. Everyone sits in a circle according to age and everyone is expected to participate. Kwame holds their interest because he's honest, stays on their level, engages them and keeps them thinking. He helps them relate the past to the present so they can build a better future. He opens doors for these kids and shows them how to walk through with confidence so they can start to open more doors on their own.

As more doors open to me, I'm learning two things: (1) there are more good people in my community trying to do positive things than I thought ever existed - I can be pretty cynical - and (2) these people rarely get the attention they deserve - which is probably why I've been so cynical. It's great to know there are people and groups in our community that are truly passionate about helping others. These are the kind of people that fill me up. They inspire me to do better and achieve more. They help solve problems rather than just complain. They make me even prouder to call Akron my home.

Jo.

Waste Not. Want Not.

I wrote this story for the Akronist announcing the third year launch of ZeroLandfill Akron, a kind of recycling program that takes design and building material samples and recycles them for use by artists, arts educators, and other creative spirits that have vision to do something with this old stuff. It's not necessarily a new idea and it's not rocket science. But this group seems to have a good understanding about creating a replicable and sustainable model, so hopefully it will continue to grow and be successful. The girl in me also enjoys the cute labels for the ZeroLandfill concept and the people that participate - "upcycling" takes the place of recycling, those who donate materials are "pollinators" and those who reuse the materials are "harvesters". More than just another recycling program, it strives to create community, which bodes well for the brand long-term. I'm looking forward to checking it out when it opens on February 5th. It's just unfortunate that it lasts only a few Saturdays. I suppose that just leaves room for growth.

Jo.

Wishing for Warmer Weather

It's that special time of year where I almost constantly complain about the weather - not that I'm willing to actually do anything about it, like move somewhere warmer. Complaining about the weather is a Northeast Ohioan's birthright - and a way to relate to strangers without feeling obligated to have a real conversation. When it's cold, we wish for summer. When it's hot, we wish for snow. Except me. I like the snow, but not the cold. I could live without it if there was anything I could do about it. I live for Spring, sweat for Summer, and agonize over Autumn. Although it's one of my favorite seasons, it offers a constant reminder that Winter is waiting in the wings. Our weather is a lot like our people. You may not like everything about them, but at least you know what you're getting. So I was going through my photos, wishing for warmer weather, and decided to put this quick piece together - for myself more than anyone else. Just a couple more months until Akron thaws and the salt is washed away.

Jo.

Not So Vocal

I haven't posted in the last few months. My attention has been focused almost exclusively on preparing for the year-end launch of the Akronist, greater Akron's new citizen journalism website. The Akronist made its debut with a soft launch at Akron's First Night celebration in downtown Akron.

Although what we have is different from what we envisioned in the early days, but it's been a great experience building this community media site and teaching people how to use digital media tools to tell their neighborhood stories. I'm proud of what we accomplished in the last year. I'm grateful for the generous and wonderful people I've met through the Akron Digital Media Center. I look forward to tracking the progress of this new venture and continuing to train and collaborate with outstanding people that inspire me and motivate me with their passion and drive. I'm thrilled to be part of something that gives my community a place and an opportunity to make their voices heard, discuss important local issues and create positive change. I get great satisfaction from sharing knowledge, passing on skills and helping people find their voices. I look forward to seeing what people put into the Akronist and what they get out of it.

In the meantime, I'm turning a a bit inward. I'm working on fine tuning my voice and exploring more and better ways to use my skills to positively impact my community. So I'll be around more often and in more places doing what I think needs to be done to make this a better place to call home. I hope you'll feel compelled to stop by and say hi - and maybe even throw in your two cents.

Jo.

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.