News from around the Canton region
Honor loved ones on Memory Tree
CANTON – The Aultman Foundation is offering community members the chance to honor those they care for and remember those who are no longer here at this year’s “Light Up a Life Memory Tree” program. The virtual event will be at 6 p.m. Dec. 7 via Zoom.
Families, friends and local businesses are invited to sponsor a light in memory or in honor of a loved one with a $20 contribution. Tribute wreath sponsorships also are available for a $250 donation.
The names of those sponsored with a light and/or wreath will be prominently displayed in Aultman’s Bedford lobby, Aultman Alliance Community Hospital and the Compassionate Care Center lobby throughout the holiday season. Sponsors may choose whether they would like their tribute wreaths displayed in the Aultman Hospital or Aultman Alliance lobby. They will also be highlighted during Aultman’s virtual Memory Tree program and on Aultman’s social media platforms.
Proceeds from this event will benefit all Aultman hospice patients and grief support programs. Sponsorships will be accepted through Nov. 29. Make a donation to receive the invitation to attend the Zoom program and watch with family and friends. For more information or to contribute to the event, visit www.aultmanfoundation.org or call 330-363-4908.
Hall of Fame to Host ‘Free Kids Friday’
CANTON – The Pro Football Hall of Fame’s 20th Free Kids Friday event will be 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday. Every child will receive a grab bag filled with football merchandise provided by the Hall’s NFL-licensed partners, while supplies last.
Many kid-friendly activities will take place in the Nash Family Event & Conference Center throughout the day, including interactive docent presentations and games with prizes. Santa and Goldy will be available for photos with visitors from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. There will be free hot chocolate and candy canes for all guests.
All kids ages 12 and younger accompanied by an adult purchasing an admission at the regular rate of $28 will be admitted into the Hall of Fame free. There must be one adult admission purchased for every four children. Additional children 12 and younger are $21, and kids age 13-18 who want to receive an NFL grab bag are $28.
This Free Kids Friday admission offer is not valid with any other discounts or coupons. There is no parking at the Pro Football Hall of Fame for this event. Parking will be at McKinley High School (set GPS to 1776 Clarendon Ave. NW, Canton). A $10 parking fee will be charged per vehicle.
Toys for Tots will be collecting new toys during Free Kids Friday for the annual “Stuff the Bus Toy Drive.” Guests can bring a new, unwrapped toy, game or puzzle.
More information about Free Kids Friday is at https://www.profootballhof.com/events/free-kids-friday-2021.
Stark County Job and Family Services has new look, improved website
CANTON – Stark County Job and Family Services has launched a new visual identity and improved website.
“After careful consideration, we chose to change our look to more clearly convey the mission of our agency,” said Deborah Forkas, M.Ed, executive director. “Stark JFS is deeply committed to the people of our community, and we want this to be seen in our visual identity. When residents view our website, social media pages or printed materials, they should see that we are a partner, we care, and we are here to help.”
The new visual identity includes a redesigned logo, color palette, and typeface. The vocabulary used during the design process included words such as safe, welcoming, and accessible. Friendly colors were selected for the color palette, and the curved lines of the logo show the approachability of the agency.
To streamline services and reduce costs, Stark County Job and Family Services has joined other county offices to combine their website design and hosting services. The new website offers tools to improve usability, functionality, and security, such as an emergency alert banner system, fully mobile responsive design (adjusts to the screen size of all devices), ADA checker to ensure compliance, and CAPTCHA security measure to block spammers and bots.
While Stark County Job and Family Services has changed the way they look, they remain committed to their mission to partner with customers, the community and other service providers to protect children and vulnerable adults, stabilize and strengthen families, and encourage self-sufficiency and personal responsibility. To view Stark County Job and Family Services’ new look and website, visit StarkJFS.org.
McCook House upcoming hours
CARROLLTON – Hours at the McCook House Civil War Museum will be 10 a.m.-5 p.m. this Friday and Saturday. The Open House, “the Unveiling of the Trees,” will be Friday from 6:30-8:30 p.m. A Christmas concert featuring Tim Tilmant and Kathleen Horn will be Saturday at 6:30 p.m. On Dec. 3 and 4, the museum will be open for tours 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Visits or activities are free during this time.
Legacy of Honor fundraising gala
GREEN – Legacy of Honor will host a fundraising gala Nov. 27 at MAPS Air Museum, 2260 International Parkway. The event will include dinner, dancing, raffles, a silent auction and music from the Akron Big Band. Doors open at 5 p.m. All are welcome.
The funds raised from this event will be used to support needs that arise among veterans, active-duty military, first responders and their families within the community. Tickets are $75 and can be purchased through www.honorthelegacy.org. To learn more about Legacy of Honor, or to volunteer or donate, visit www.honorthelegacy.org.
Strolling Nutcracker
at Massillon Woman’s Club
MASSILLON – The Strolling Nutcracker performed at the Massillon Woman’s Club is back this year. This show has local dancers and actors performing throughout the mansion, which is decorated for the holidays. Performance times are Friday at 7 p.m., Saturday at 2 and 8 p.m., and Sunday at 12:30 and 5:30 p.m. For more information and ticket availability, call the Massillon Woman’s Club at 330-833-4896.
Kids can learn about family crests
MASSILLON – The Massillon Public Library’s Children’s Department will host a “Kids’ Coat of Arms and Family Crest Open House” in the library auditorium from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday. Children will learn about the history and creation of family crests and coats of arms with crafts, stories, and games. For more information, contact the Children’s Department at 330-832-9831, ext. 317.
Holiday MASKerade Party at library
MASSILLON – The Massillon Local History and Genealogy Society in partnership with the Massillon Public Library invites the public to celebrate the season at a free Holiday MASKerade Party from 1-3 p.m. Dec. 1. There will be prizes for face masks that are the most creative, funniest, festive and more.
In keeping with family history, bring cookies made from a favorite family recipe to share.
Registration is required and closes at 11:59 p.m. Nov. 29. For more information, contact Christine Bowman at 330-832-9831, ext. 350.
Terrarium workshop Saturday
MASSILLON – Brianna Marshall of the Lepley & Co. team will present a terrarium workshop Saturday from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. The Museum will remain open that evening until 7 as part of Massillon’s monthly Last Saturday event.
Register at www.MassillonMuseum.org/Tickets or call 330-833-4061 by 4 p.m. Wednesday. The $35 fee ($32 per Massillon Museum member) includes materials. Masks will be required for workshop attendees 3 and older.
Lepley & Co, located in Massillon’s historic Pennsylvania Railroad station, offers plants, local artwork, handmade goods from other Ohio small businesses, and complete florist shop services.
Nature A-Glow at Beech Creek
WASHINGTON TWP. – Beech Creek Gardens, 11929 Beech St. NE, invites the public to visit Nature A-Glow to celebrate the holiday season. The botanical garden will be transformed into a natural winter wonderland of light displays for guests to wander through.
Nature A-Glow is Friday through Dec. 19, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays from 5-9 p.m., as well as Dec. 26-29, Monday through Thursday from 5-9 p.m. Admission to Nature’s A-Glow is $8. Beech Creek Members and children 2 and younger receive free admission. For more information, visit https://www.beechcreekgardens.org/natures-a-glow.