Victim Assistance Program is hoping the community, particularly members of the clergy, will turn out to show support for those who have suffered unspeakable losses of family and friends due to homicide at its 17th annual Angel Tree Ceremony and Homicide Memorial Service, 6 to 7:15 p.m. Monday in the Atrium of the Oliver Ocasek Building, 161 S. High St., Akron.It’s a way, said executive director Dr. Robert Denton, “to show that our thoughts and prayers are with the survivors and the victims of crime during this holiday season.”Featured speaker will be Russ Pry, Summit County executive.“Family members want us all to know that their loved one is never forgotten,” spokeswoman Shelly Koch said. “Victim Assistance Program supplies the victim angels for family members to place on the Angel Trees. Family members are encouraged to participate in the ceremony by reading their Angel’s name, speak in their remembrance, and place their angel on the tree.”Survivors, if they wish, may donate a photo (5x7) for permanent placement on the display by calling 330-376-0040. The Wall of Remembrance and the Angel Trees will be on display throughout the holiday season.Victim Assistance Program, a staple in our community since 1972, provides support on the scene at homicides, suicides, traffic fatalities and death notifications. “They offer a 24/7 Crisis Line providing crisis counseling, safety planning, referrals to Victim Assistance programs or other organizations, advocacy with the police and other crucial services,” Koch said. For more information, please call 330-376-0040. Hero nominationsThe American Red Cross of Summit and Portage Counties is asking for nominees for its Hero/Acts of Courage awards — someone like a passer-by who dove into a frozen lake to save a drowning child, a neighbor who administered CPR to a stranger or a firefighter who went into a burning house to save a trapped family.Nominations, due Dec. 31, can be accepted online, by mail or fax. Go to www.summitcounty.redcross.org and click on the “Acts of Courage” icon. Nominees must reside or work in Summit County. If you’re mailing, please send to 501 W. Market St., Akron, OH 44303.The Gathering of Heroes event is planned for March 6 at the Hilton Akron/Fairlawn. For more information, please call 330-535-6131.Volunteers in tuneHearing about all that’s going on at Akron’s Urban Vision School of Music really does bring sweet music to my ears. And like most successful programs, volunteers are the meat and potatoes of this operation.Volunteer Kathy Merwin of Hudson opened the door for me.“I am writing to bring your attention to the good deeds of a number of members of our local Cleveland chapter of Piano Technicians Guild, as they have been meeting monthly at Urban Vision Ministry in North Hill [formerly North United Methodist Church], volunteering their time to help bring pianos back to working order.“Spearheaded by Joe Studniarz, the group includes technicians Stu Freedman, Rex Roseman, Chester Robinson, Jerry Kleman, Gerry Paluck and Phil Buchwalter. Thanks to their efforts, the children and teens attending after-school programs at Urban Vision are now able to enjoy weekly lessons and daily practice time on pianos that are in tune and functioning properly.”In the event you’re wondering about the dedicated music teachers, as you may have guessed they’re volunteers too, teaching piano, drums and guitar.Urban Vision is fortunate to have the support of grants from the Vernon Odom Fund and the Sisler McFawn Foundation.And there’s this. Cuyahoga Falls resident Vita Hoedt — whose children no longer play — called inquiring where to donate her piano. I happily put her in touch with Urban Vision.Interested in helping this program? Please email Merwin at kmerwin@fastmail.net.Generous giftDr. W. Jeffrey Kelly, clinical director of day programs at Akron’s Blick Clinic, is saying a public thank-you for the generosity of the Tuscora Park Health and Wellness Foundation “on behalf of individuals who are not always able to speak for themselves.”Tuscora Park recently awarded a grant to the Day Program to provide programs — fitness, healthy eating, hygiene training, access to a community gym at the nearby Balch Athletic Club and more — for nearly 100 individuals who have both developmental disabilities and mental health diagnoses.101st birthdayHappy belated 101st birthday to Hazel McCombs. Her birthday was Nov. 23. “She lives in Green with her daughter, Barbara Mollohan, who is a widow and has multiple sclerosis,” writes Linda Baer, neighbor and admirer of both women.“Barb has difficulty getting around and must use a scooter both in and out of the house. Even though she has a wide range of ills, she has the most positive attitude of anyone I know. She and her mom look after each other. Hazel is a tiny lady with the biggest smile ever!”Woodchoppers BallThe Celtic Club is hoping for a strong turnout at its Woodchoppers Ball at 7 p.m. Saturday at the Kent Stage, 175 E. Main St., Kent.Proceeds from the event, hosted by Charley Brown and organized by Brian Henke, will benefit the Northeast Ohio Coalition for the Homeless and will feature nine well-known guitarists — Helen Avakian, Jimmy Deheno, Brian Henke, Michael Kelsey, Atom Lax, Kevin Richards, Mark Sganga, Shohei Toyoda and Patrick Woods. Tickets are $20 in advance and $23 day of show. For more information, please call 330-677-5005. Christmas concertThe 80-person Chorus for a Cause, under director Christine Allison, will present “The Warmth of Christmas” concert at 7 p.m. Dec. 11 at Westbrook United Methodist Church, 2521 12th St. NW, Canton.The audience, which will be treated to various styles of Christmas music, is asked to bring new mittens, scarves, gloves or hats as a donation for the Salvation Army. A free will offering also will be taken.Chairs need homeI’m searching for a small nursing home to receive small rocking chairs, made out of wooden clothespins by Akron’s Ted Williams and decorated with cushions by his wife, Karen. The couple is not in search of publicity, but I know of no other way to identify the right facility. Email me. About 25 cushioned chairs and another 20 plain ones are ready to be dropped off by the Williamses.Toy driveConnecting Touch Therapy & Wellness Center Inc., 960 Graham Road, Cuyahoga Falls, is sponsoring a toy drive through Dec. 13 to benefit the Salvation Army’s “Angel Tree” program. “The toys should be unwrapped and for children from newborn to age 14,” said Jack Hayes, Connecting Touch president. “For each toy you bring in, you will be entered in a drawing for a free half-hour massage with a paraffin hand treatment.”“Whatever you can do to help put a smile on someone’s face this Christmas will be greatly appreciated!” Hayes added. Drop-off times are 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Saturday. For more information, please call 330-945-9354. Christmas trees soughtH.M. Life Opportunity Services — a two-year transitional housing program for homeless, single-parent families — is in need of Christmas trees.“Our program not only helps with housing but also supportive services on their way to becoming independent and self-sufficient,” said Karen Stambaugh, the nonprofit’s spokeswoman.For more information, please call her at 330-376-5600, ext. 2030. Jewell Cardwell can be reached at 330-996-3567 or emailed at jcardwell@thebeaconjournal.com