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West Side News & Notes



METRO RTA offering free rides

GREATER AKRON — METRO Regional Transit Authority, the public transportation provider in Summit County, is offering free rides for all services, including line-service, SCAT, Call-A-Bus and Northcoast Express, until further notice.
“These are challenging times for everyone,” said METRO Executive Director Dawn Distler. “By offering free fares we hope to alleviate the financial burden so many folks are unexpectedly faced with in the communities we proudly serve.”
Officials stated METRO will continue to provide transportation service through this period, but passengers are being encouraged to stay home if a trip is not medically or otherwise necessary. All passengers are encouraged to follow the health guidelines to prevent the spread of germs, including washing hands often and avoiding close physical contact.
For updates regarding bus service, visit akronmetro.org or sign up for e-alerts at akronmetro.org/metro-enews.aspx.

 

Humane Society teaching compassion for animals, people

Shown above is Kristen Branagan talking about safely interacting with pets with students while holding Mitzi, a dog who was rescued by and adopted from the Humane Society of Summit County. Photo courtesy of the Humane Society of Summit County

SOUTH AKRON — The Humane Society of Summit County (HSSC), in partnership with Akron Public Schools (APS), has launched the No More Bullying! Program to teach students empathy and good citizenship in an effort to improve their relationships to others and animals. Before APS temporarily closed due to COVID-19 concerns, the program was being offered to fourth-graders at Ritzman Community Learning Center, located on Canton Road in South Akron near the Springfield border.
The HSSC is a no time-limit animal shelter whose mission focuses on helping animals most in need, those suffering from cruelty and neglect, as well as strengthening the bond between people and animals to prevent animal abuse entirely. The organization provides veterinary care to rescued animals, animal adoptions and humane law enforcement, as well as community education programs and support for pet owners.
According to HSSC officials, No More Bullying! was developed by Wayside Waifs, an animal welfare organization located in Kansas City, Missouri. Through a grant from The Kenneth A. Scott Charitable Trust, No More Bullying!, which is led by trained facilitators, is being offered at no cost to schools in Summit County.
HSSC officials added the evidence-based program is aligned with Ohio’s Learning Standards, including the newer social-emotional competencies. Students participate in five one-hour lessons to learn and practice core values of responsibility, self-control, compassion and being humane, with the understanding that these values are incompatible with bullying behavior. Through the interactive lessons, they practice using these skills in their interactions in the classroom, with their families and in the community, as well as with animals such as dogs, kittens and rabbits brought to classes.
Officials stated the opportunity to interact with a real pet can help students recognize the similarities between healthy interactions with animals and humans. While the pet featured in each classroom varies, children will practice how to safely meet a new pet and understand its body language. Students also will learn about proper care and feeding pets, the importance of spaying/neutering to prevent pet overpopulation, and what to do if they find a stray animal.
The program is spearheaded by the HSSC’s Judi Zala, who has 30 years of teaching experience.
“I am passionate about two things — pets and children,” said Zala. “I understand the pressure teachers are under to meet students’ academic needs, along with supporting social and emotional development, and I’m so glad to be able to provide this tool that gives them a framework to have these conversations with students. When kids feel safe and respected and have the language to talk about these issues, they are better prepared to learn. When we help them understand and extend those skills in the context of pets, it’s a win-win. We hope that by teaching these skills early, children will grow to be responsible pet owners and animal advocates in the future.”
Schools in Summit County interested in hosting this program for third-, fourth- or fifth-grade classes can contact Zala via email at jzala@summithumane.org.

 

Maria Lindsay contributed to these reports.