08 aug 2014 proof

AUGUST 2014

North Canton’s first high school

Page 2 www.ourtownnorthcanton.com August 2014

Thanks to all of our loyal customersfor making us the Best Carpet and

Best Flooring Store once again!• Since 1979• No subcontractors • Non-commissioned design/sales personnel• Visit our North Canton showroom to see our

extensive selection of carpet, hardwood, tile, laminate, and vinyl, including cork, bamboo, LVT, and other specialty products

1440 North Main St., North Canton • 330-497-1280 • 1-888-497-1280

Open: Monday & Thursday 9:00 – 9:00 • Tuesday & Wednesday, Friday & Saturday 9:00 – 5:30

Visit our website: www.heritage-carpet.com and facebook page: Heritage Carpet North Canton

Voted Best Carpet/

Flooring Store!

FREE FINANCING

NOW AVAILABLE!

We’re also the builderschoice for the JacksonTwp. Parade of Homes!

We thank these builders for their loyalty andsupport. Please view our products in these

beautiful homes by these great builders:

2014

9:00am - 1:00pm

September 20, 2014

WHERE

7th Annual Community Shred Day A FREE community event for anyone interested in shredding important documents. All paper you bring will be shredded on the spot and later recycled! This is a safe and secure way to destroy sensitive material.

8200 Cleveland Ave NW North Canton, OH 44720 (330) 494-8775

time

date

www.firstohiocfcu.org Save a Tree by Shredding for FREE!

Please bring at least one non-perishable item per bag (limit of 5 bags) to donate to the Akron/Canton Regional Food Bank.

August 2014 www.ourtownnorthcanton.com Page 3

PUBLISHERJim Dansizen

EDITORSDan MucciKris Lackey

STAFF WRITERSCR Rae

Jeremy WattsTammy Proctor

Patricia FaulhaberSarah Weidner

Dawn LaRay CampanelliAlyssa West

Dr. Bob RodenMorgan LackeySerena Mucci

ONLINE CONTRIBUTORSDr. Bob Roden

SALES REPTerri McArthur

GRAPHIC DESIGNNick Conley

PHOTOGRAPHYCover: Photo from the collection of

North Canton Heritage Society

PRINTING BYDansizen Printing

www.ourtownnorthcanton.comemail:[email protected]

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 3North Canton Schools

Charlotte School Memories . . 5Hoover High School . . . . . . 7North Canton Middle School . . 8Greentown & Orchard Hill . . 11Clearmount & Northwood . . . 12

Dr . Roden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Cultural Corner . . . . . . . . . . 14Main Street Festival . . . . . . . 16Book Review . . . . . . . . . . . . 18Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22

AU

GU

ST

CALENDAR

16 to

17 Main Street Festival

21Alzheimer’s Meeting - 1 p.m. Faith United Methodist Church

21 North Canton City Schools - First day of school

Correction - Editor’s Note

In the July edition of the Our Town magazine, Walsh University President Richard Jusseaume’s name was misspelled. Our Town regrets the error.

- The Editors

The YMCA annual Fourth of July race

Right: Race Start

Right: Firecracker Dash

Left: Ron Russell award winner (Don Williams) Russell Family and past winners

Photos courtesy of the North Canton YMCA


330-497-90006811 WISE AVENUE, NORTH CANTON

ACCEPTING NEW CLIENTS!

4660 Massillon Rd, GREEN, OH 330-896-2600

STOP IN! Monday-Thursday

July 28th-August 14th 3:00-7:00

New students can always try

a class for FREE!

2014 Senior National Grand Champions!

BALLET TAP JAZZ

CONTEMPORARY ACROBATICS

HIP HOP COMBO CLASSES

[email protected] www.bourndancer.com

Family owned and operated Over 50 years serving the community Saturday classes available 2 year olds welcome Nationally recognized competitive program





a class for FREE!


BALLET TAP JAZZ









a class for FREE!


BALLET TAP JAZZ









a class for FREE!


BALLET TAP JAZZ









a class for FREE!


BALLET TAP JAZZ









a class for FREE!


BALLET TAP JAZZ









a class for FREE!


BALLET TAP JAZZ









a class for FREE!


BALLET TAP JAZZ






Charlotte

Graduate of Charlotte Street School shares memoriesNORTH CANTON SCHOOLSBy Patricia Faulhaber Staff Writer

There are many moments we all remember about our lives including first jobs, weddings, the birth of our children and high school. Most people can readily remember the name of their favorite teacher or they can relate a favorite story from their high school years.

Marilyn (Gray) Smith is one of those people. She is a 1940 graduate of NoCaHi (North Canton High School) also known in the past few years as the Charlotte Street School. The school was torn down last October. The demolition brought back lots of memories for those who attended the school during their high school years.

“I started at NoCaHi in seventh grade and when I graduated in 1940, we had approximately 80 students in my class,” Smith said.

“The school was built in 1929 and had its first graduating class in 1930. The school was well built and I remember there were Terrazzo floors in the hallways. One of the things I remember most is we had a chemistry teacher that came from another school and he said he thought it was one of the only schools he knew of that had a chemistry lab,” she said.

According to a timeline provided by the North Canton Heritage Society, the school was built for seventh through 12 grade students. It was used as a high school by the North Canton School district until 1957 when the Hoover High School South Campus opened on Fair Oaks. It then became the junior high and middle school.

Todd Henne, director of business for the district, said the school was used for students until the new high school was opened in 1997. The Fair Oaks School was then used as the middle school.

“The last time we had students in that building was in the spring of 1997,” Henne said.

The building was then used for offices for the YMCA child development center and for the North Canton Heritage Society until it was torn down last year. The district has plans to keep the area as a green space. Henne said the YMCA uses part of the property as a playground for the daycare center

and for soccer. Plus, the eighth grade football program uses the area as a practice field.

Smith has many memories of going to school in the building. She said her class helped pick the name Vikings for the district.

“Our class advisor put three names up on the board. We all knew he wanted the name Vikings so we all voted on that name and the district became the Hoover Vikings,” Smith said.

The North Canton Heritage Society has several items from the school on display. They have the wall mounted wooden plague with names of students and faculty members who served in World War II. There is also a display case with books, a yearbook, a commencement program from 1940, newspaper articles about the school and a time capsule found during demolition among other items.

“The time capsule will be opened during the Main Street Festival this year, Aug. 16 at noon,” Henne said.

Smith said she remembers the wood and metal desks, the blackboard lined walls, the gym and stage area that included a balcony. She said that the district won the state championship in basketball in 1939 and she remembers going to Columbus to watch the tournaments. She also remembers how different going to school was back then.

“We all packed our lunch or the kids in town walked home for lunch. Not many of the students drove to school in those days,” she said.

For those who would like to see the artifacts on display for the Charlotte Street School, stop by the North Canton Heritage Society, 185 Ream Ave. in North Canton. Visit the website, northcantonheritage.org, for more details. •

Marilyn (Gray) Smith looks through her senior yearbook. She is a 1940 graduate of the NoCaHi (North Canton High School) also known as the Charlotte Street School.

The North Canton Heritage Society has a display case full of memorabilia collected from inside the school or donated by past students. There are notebooks, textbooks, a time capsule and other items of interest inside the display case.

Photos by Patricia Faulhaber


SCOOP N’ CHARLIE’SEATS & SWEETS

PRE-ORDERSWELCOME!

Join us every Tuesday for our weekly Cruise-In!

We serve unigue premium ice cream flavors & food incuding Philly Cheesesteak Sandwiches,

Best Coneys in Stark County, and homemade chicken strips!

7944 Cleveland Ave. NWNorth Canton, OH

(330) 494 3444


Hoover & MS

Hoover High School started as vocational schoolNORTH CANTON SCHOOLS

By Dawn LaRay Campanelli Staff Writer

A new website launched by North Canton City Schools showcases a fresh message, Viking Strong! However, it resembles a familiar vision proudly promoted by the leaders of the school district over the last three decades – secure innovative technology resources to prepare students for emerging jobs and careers.

In July 2014, Superintendent Michael Hartenstein and his team hosted an open house that showed the latest internal changes taking place throughout North Canton Hoover High School. Updates to internal spaces, new movable classroom furniture and ENO interactive whiteboards transform classrooms into active learning environments integrated with state-of-the-art technologies to help students learn.

When the doors open for the 2014-15 school year, students in grades 9 through 12 will be greeted by exciting iSpaces, a fab lab, 3-D printing and scanning, computer-aided design and graphic design technology, a vinyl cutter and a laser engraver. Today’s tech-savvy students will be thrilled not to have to be quiet in the redesigned library that has a beat-box lab, video vault, a green screen to experiment with video, instruments, sound mixing equipment and a tinker-tank to manipulate robotics.

Smartphone usage will be encouraged and new interactive computers will enable students to plug-in and share screen time. Through a distance learning lab, courses not available at Hoover can be streamed expanding the school’s course catalog. These recent changes have been made possible through a $4.6 million Straight A Fund award from the state of Ohio and

compliment the high school’s 46 honors level courses, 17 AP courses and five dual credit classes already offered at the campus.

Hartenstein joins the ranks of previous administrators who have evolved Hoover High School at the 525 Seventh St N.E. location over the years.

First opened on Sept. 8, 1976, the building was uniquely designed to immerse 140 students in 18 vocational programs that provided early training for the high-demand growth jobs of that time period, including small engine repair, accounting/computing, stenography, graphic design, occupational health and food service.

Similar to the district’s current project, the majority of the 1976 funding came from a $1.2 million dollar grant from the State Department of Education Division of Vocational Education.

The next major change to Hoover High School occurred in 1994 with the passage of a 4.7 mill community bond

levy. This provided the resources to combine the north and south campus into one 9 through 12 grade-level building. The first classes of students who moved into the building on Jan. 7, 1997, were excited to be greeted by large windows and lots of natural light streaming through the 300,000 sq. ft. addition. Lectures and labs were designed inside the same classroom and students enjoyed the collegiate style dining commons, three computer labs, a word processing room and a spacious gymnasium and library. Teachers benefitted from technology walls in their classrooms. Everyone benefitted from the elimination of shuttle buses running between the district’s two campuses.

Past Assistant Superintendent Michael Sumser provided project oversight of the 1994-95 construction. He was quoted on Nov. 22, 1995, in the Sun Journal as stating the changes would “reach far forward as practical to position facilities to meet the demands of the 21st century.”

The balancing act he tried to tame was short lived as technology evolved more rapidly than anyone could have predicted. Viking Strong! has enabled the district to continue to secure the resources needed to sustain a tradition of high-quality, relevant education for its students.

If you would like to schedule a tour of the national recognized Hoover High School* or need more information about registration, call 330-497-5620.

North Canton Hoover High School was recognized by The Washington Post as one of the top challenging high schools in the state of Ohio. On a short list of the top 32 schools in the state, Hoover High School ranked 22 (as of 2013). •

Photos by Dawn LaRay Campanelli

Hoover High School Campus

Hoover High School


Valid only with coupon. Not valid withany other offers. Expires 5-29-14.

NORTH CANTON LANDSCAPING& SUPPLY • 330-499-1420







• Outdoor Decor by Local Artist

• Firepits• Mulch• Sand• Pond & Fish• Various Stone Pavers• Retaining Block• Sealers & Stains• Concrete Stamps• & Much More

9/15/14.

330-494-5980M: 10-7 / T-Th 10-6

Fri & Sat 10-5

Kathy Bush & Jen Zeigerwww.beadboutique.us

[email protected]

BEAD BOUTIQUE6318 Market Ave. N. • Canton, OH 44721


Greentown, Orchard, Northwood, Clearmount

North Canton Middle School was district’s second high school buildingNORTH CANTON SCHOOLSBy Alyssa West Staff Writer

North Canton Middle School is located at 605 Fair Oaks S.W., North Canton, and is truly geographically in the “middle” of the community. Once North Canton Hoover High School, the school opened its doors at 8:15 a.m. on Wed., Sept. 4, 1957. Despite construction still not yet being completed on the structure, the 588 high school students and staff began the school year that September.

Construction started for the new high school on Oct. 12, 1955, after a bond issue passed in 1954. The bond issue allotted a budget of $1,125,000 to build the structure. The final construction cost for the now North Canton Middle School was $991,295.40. At the time it cost $13.22 per square foot. The final structure designed by Ralph G. Dix, Jr., was 74,980 square feet and contained 28 regular classrooms, 13 specialized department classrooms, a library, cafeteria and an auditorium/gym. The auditorium/gym was a

highlight of the new high school because it had a capacity of 1,200.

On Feb. 23, 1958 at 2 p.m., North Canton Superintendent E.R. Malone dedicated the school. The school was named as tribute to the Hoover family in honor of their contributions to the North Canton community. The president of the North Canton City Schools Board of Education Robert P. Braucher and American Association of Schools Superintendent Martin Essex also spoke at the dedication ceremony.

The high school was considered on the cutting edge of education because it offered specialized classes for its students that would prepare them for the work force. There was business education, instrumental music, chemistry, home economics, biology, industrial art and printing department. There was also a physics laboratory that was equipped with audiovisual technology.

Two more renovations were added to the main structure over the years. The first renovation, a new wing, began on Oct. 13, 1965. The new wing contained 24 classrooms and a graphic arts area. The library was also remodeled at this time. The second renovation completed in 1973. This renovation added locker rooms and wrestling space to the school.

In 1997, the structure became North Canton Middle School, which it remains today. The grade levels might have changed but the school still prides itself on being on the cutting edge of education. Today sixth to eighth grade students not only learn the fundamentals but also are prepared for today’s workforce. North Canton Middle School students develop critical skills such as collaboration, decision-making and entrepreneurship. During their time at North Canton Middle School students are prepared for not only high school but also the real world. •

Photo by Alyssa West

North Canton Middle School


GROW

WHAT DO HEALTHY KIDS DO? PLAY

Main Street Building 330 499 2587

Gymnastics Center 330 498 4082

Child Development Center 330 305 5437

NORTH CANTON YMCA

ymcastark.org

Financial Assistance Available

LEARN

Register NOW for Fall Youth Sports



Greentown Intermediate School - a tradition of innovationNORTH CANTON SCHOOLS

Orchard Hill bridges the gap between elementary and middle school learningBy Dawn LaRay Campanelli Staff Writer

Students in grades 3 through 5 gain a nationally ranked education inside the walls of the 58 year-old Orchard Hill School building. Originally built as an elementary school in 1956 to match increased enrollment in the district, this neighborhood school has always benefitted from an active volunteer group.

Orchard Hill, located at 1305 Jonathan Ave. S.W., nestled adjacent to the Arrowhead Golf Course, Orchard Hill in now known as an Intermediate School on the exterior of the building. Inside, it continues to house a caring and dedicated staff that continues to provide a strong academic curriculum ranked by US News & World Report as one of the top public schools in Ohio.

Since the 1970s, the number of students attending the school has hovered

around 400. Enrollment peaked during the 1988-89 school year when 487 students attended the building.

Parents, students, staff and the community can also follow current events at the school through its online social media Facebook Page. An updated version of the annual report that asks “how did you spend your summer?” encourages students to share photos of their exploration across America in real time through the school’s Facebook Page. Over the Fourth of July holiday, the McEwen family’s pictures of their children visiting Crater Lake in Oregon were posted.

According to the North Canton City Schools website, Orchard Hill

Intermediate School educates students in grades 3 to 5 who live in the neighborhoods on the south side of the school district. At Orchard Hill, the district’s education for this age group is to develop programs that continue building students fundamentals in reading and math while also nurturing the social skills that are essential for success. All the while, of course, our staff is setting the stage for the learning that will lead later to developing 21st century workplace skills. The principal of the school is Renee Manse. •

Photo by Dawn LaRay Campanelli

Orchard Hill Intermediate School

By Tammy Proctor Staff Writer

It’s difficult to tell the history of Greentown Intermediate School without an understanding of the Greentown community.

A farming community, education was primarily the responsibility of the parents. Greentown parents generally taught their children from November till May, with a six-week break from March to mid-April, which allowed the children to help with planting and harvesting on the family farm, according to Stark County historian Edward Thorton Heald.

Early in the state of Ohio, residents valued education and supported the 1825 Ohio and Liberal Education Act. This act brought formal education to the region.

Located in Lake Township, Greentown’s schools were organized in 1830; approximately 10 years after Hartville and Uniontown schools were organized. Lake had three distinct school districts, Hartville Schools, Greentown Special and Uniontown Special. In the early 1950s there

was a discussion to consolidate all three districts. Nothing came to fruition, therefore in 1957, Stark County Board of Education configured the schools, establishing Hartville (Lake), dividing Uniontown into portions of Lake, Green and Greentown. Greentown Schools were annexed into the North Canton School District.

Greentown was a hub of innovation. While most towns were plotted in square grids, Greentown was plotted with a town square (the current intersection of Cleveland Avenue and State Street), with eight streets meeting there. However, unlike towns on a grid, four of Greentown’s streets merged into the town square at a 45 degree angle.

The innovation of the town design was just a start. Greentown was home to several foundries. Threshing machines and new farming tools were being forged in Greentown. Ephraim Ball and Cornelius Aultman built the Hussey grain reaper. Another innovation in Greentown was the muck farming of J.A. Borst who became known as the “Celery King” because he grew and marketed celery, according to the late Elmer Yoder who researched for the Lake Township Historical Society.

Innovation reached into Greentown Schools when Dr. James E. Dougherty and sons oversaw the first mass inoculation of the Salk vaccine to 200 Greentown school children in 1956.

Greentown’s first school building was located on Jackson Street. By 1895, the school was the town hall. In the early 1900s, a new Greentown School was built on State Street. It had four classrooms and served students from first grade to high school.

One of the first Parent Teacher Organizations in Stark County was formed in Greentown Schools in 1921. When the Great Depression affected Northeast Ohio, the Greentown PTA provided clothes and food to school-age children.

In 1928, high school students moved into Greentown High School on State Street. The all brick building cost $80,000. Greentown High graduated many students who went on to become educators, lawyers, professors and doctors.

In 1955, a $150,000 addition was built onto Greentown High School. Elementary students moved into the new addition.

In 1957, the Stark County Board of Education consolidated school districts in Lake Township and Greentown High School students were sent to North Canton. Elementary students, now a part of the North Canton School District, remained in Greentown.

Today, Greentown School is Greentown Intermediate School. Located at 3330 State St. N.W., Greentown continues its tradition of innovation with specialized programs and creative teachers. The intermediate school serves students ages 8 to 11 years old in third, fourth and fifth grades.

North Canton school officials said students in Greentown Intermediate School “enjoy a robust learning environment with innovative tools and caring teachers who go above and beyond to challenge their students while at the same time making learning fun and memorable.”

A town that enjoyed regular visits by inventor Thomas Edison would require no less. •

Photo by Dan Mucci

Greentown Intermediate School


Clearmount Elementary continues to change along with its student bodyNORTH CANTON SCHOOLS


By Dan Mucci Editor

Going west from the city limits towards the center of North Canton on the left-hand side of the road, one can see beyond the bricks and mortar that embody what once was a neighborhood elementary school in Clearmount.

Like education itself and the students who pass through the doors for a short window of time before moving on towards the ladder of success, Clearmount has seen and continues to see changes.

On any given spring or fall day, motorist may see lacrosse practice taking place or even soccer practice on

Photo from the collection of the North canton Heritage Society

Northwood Elementary is a unique building inside and outBy CR Rae Staff Writer

Since Northwood Elementary School’s opening in September 1971 it has grown to become a true example of Viking Strong.

Northwood has approximately 450 students and is known as one of the best elementary schools in Ohio. It is currently a kindergarten through grade 2 elementary school and Matthew Donaldson is principal.

The school was officially dedicated at an open house for the public September 19, 1971, at the school location––1500 School Ave. N.W. At that time it was slated as the “modern, air conditioned facility.” It was built at a cost of $980,000. James Brandau was the superintendent of schools and was the master of ceremonies for the dedication.

Harold Pinney, president of the Board of Education, accepted the building on behalf of the community and Mary Cole, principal for the school

at that time, accepted the building on behalf of the school system.

There was special music for the dedication provided by the fifth and sixth grade ensemble directed by music teacher Janet Bowser. Songs included “For the Beauty of the Earth” and “He’s Got the Whole World in His Hands.”

Northwood was considered a very modern, unique building at the time of its construction. The library, located in the center of the building, allowed for easy access from each classroom pod. With no doors in the school there was free movement through all of the areas.

Steps from the gymnasium up into the cafeteria acted as risers for choral group performances and the cafeteria was hidden with a curtain during the performances.

A folding acoustical door closed off the gym when necessary. All walls were movable and de-mountable metal to permit any type of room or office arrangement. With the use of magnets,

each metal wall became a bulletin board. Blackboards were not black, but brown, dark blue and gray. The floors were carpeted for use as seating and to cut down on noise.

Uniquely, the playground was divided into grade levels by mounds. Kindergarten classes had their own playground. Recently, the school acquired new playground equipment.

Today the school boasts a caring relationship with the community and parents. The school sits on the north side of the district’s 15.5 acre campus and has a sensory room for children with sensory issues.

The approach of the school is to supply the students with strong tools, strong teachers and strong leadership. Students are engaged with teachers and fellow classmates in special activities such as the Outdoor Learning Lab. The school also has a pond, butterfly garden, herb garden and nature trail as well as a picnic shelter. •

one of the recreational fields. While many educators view learning on the athletic fields as an extension of the school, each provides valuable learning lessons.

Clearmount Elementary School, located at 150 Clearmount Ave. S.E., North Canton, first welcomed students through its doors in the fall of 1960. Clearmount is located on a 14-acre campus with

classrooms, a playground and recreational fields. An open house and dedication of the school took place on Oct.16, 1960, but no formal speeches or presentations took place. The school, built on Clearmount Avenue, which the school received its name from, had 468 students during the first school year representing students in kindergarten through sixth grade.

Clearmount Elementary was built as a neighborhood school. The student body came from east of Main Street, from Schneider Street north to Applegrove Road with the exception of an area north of Fifth Street. Students in the allotments of West Applegrove, Chatham Hills and

Hyacinth Park.

The first principal of Clearmount Elementary School was Jack Hudson. Mary Lou Williams was the school’s first secretary.

Today, Clearmount is led by Principal Matt Lle. According to the North Canton City Schools District website, the faculty and staff of Clearmount Elementary School go to work daily with a mindset that their students are going to have the best days of their young lives. They know that learning must be fun, especially at the elementary level, and anything less is simply not good enough.

At one time, Clearmount housed six grades, today, the elementary school has lost its neighborhood status and instead houses students in kindergarten through second grade. The faculty and staff are dedicated to creating a warm and nurturing environment which is essential for children to get off to a fast start in their schooling.

Editor’s Note: Information for this article was provided by the North Canton Heritage Society and the North Canton City Schools website. •


Canton history to third graders as a Heritage Society volunteer.”

“We were blessed with outstanding administrators and a very professional staff,” says Roger Wiandt. “Most memorable was the opportunity to initiate the Marine Biology program, be involved with it for 22 years and see it continue.”

Bob Berrodin relates, “I was teaching about fossils and mentioned that when I was in junior high, I was shoveling coal into the furnace. The coal fell off the shovel and broke on the floor revealing a perfect imprint of a fern leaf. The class was shocked: ‘Shoveling coal into the furnace,’ they said, ‘Where were you born and raised?’ It just reminded me how times have changed over the years.”

Yes, “times have changed”, but the North Canton City Schools torch continues to burn brightly. Kids continue to be the reason and the motivation! •

Dr . Roden

Peggy McClain, Norma Taylor and Bob Berrodin reflect on their experiences in NCCS.

Kids are the motivationDR. RODEN

Photo by Dr . Bob Roden

Dr. Bob Roden Staff Writer

“There is nothing like the start of a school year. We always scheduled a motivational speaker for convocation. One year, after the convocation, a teacher said the speaker was very good, but ‘having the kids come back is all the motivation we need!’”remembers Peggy McClain, retired director of curriculum.

I asked retired staff members to provide reflections about North Canton City Schools (NCCS). Many reflected on the special place the district holds in their heart.

Former superintendent secretary Shirley Ruch says, “It was a pleasure to work in the NCCS. Staff/students made it one of the top schools in the area.” former Special Education Director Trudy Jones adds, “I was constantly inspired by the students who persevered despite challenges, as well as the dedicated parents, teachers and resource staff that supported them,” Former Superintendent Mike Gallina stresses, “I treasured the smiles on the students’ faces each time that their hopes and dreams landed in productive activities.”

“My years at Hoover High School were very enjoyable working with the staff and students. I worked as Ted Issue’s secretary. In his quiet way he was always fair but firm,” states Norma Taylor, high school secretary.

Others offered inspiring reflections. “For 30 years I referred to it as ‘North Camelot’ where every day was a privilege to teach and learn,” said Rich McElroy.

“The lasting friendship of teacher colleagues…began as staff members working toward a common goal,” said Dr. Carol Sandbrink. Dianna Jencks added, “Our leader (Barb Jones) never asked us to do anything that she would not do. Her expectations helped us to create/reach attainable goals.”

“When I started at Northwood, I was ecstatic to see such caring staff and parents. My mentor was Mary Brown. Principal Mary Cole helped me become a professional,” said Bev Riske. Jeanne Leed said, “I graduated from Hoover High School and started my teaching career in Columbus. I was overwhelmed by the support from the North Canton community when I moved back. People really cared about their schools.”

Others shared specific stories. Adele Berardi contributes, “One year a student was involved in gymnastics and I attended one of her meets. At the end of the year, she gave me one of her medals with a note calling me her ‘gold medal teacher’.” Berardi adds, “A first grader asked if heaven was near Florida. Although I knew his mother had passed away the year before, I didn’t know his dad was taking him to Disney World.”

Judy McLaughlin relates, “I especially trusted Barb Jones’ backing when I published my book, “The ABCs of North Canton.” I use the information to teach North


The organization began by offering Art Workshops of Inclusion. It was a day of drama, music, dance and art activities offered free and designed to meet the needs of individuals with developmental disabilities and was sponsored by the Stark County Board of Developmental Disabilities.

One day Capocci was brainstorming with her daughter and the owner of A Time to Dance, Linda Cavella, and they came up with a camp idea.

“We started talking about a play where the kids were playing in the attic and they find an old jukebox with songs on it. The storyline developed around that idea along with the songs. We decided to develop a week-long camp and called it Camp Jukebox. The camp is held every year and has a different theme, storyline and set of songs and dances,” Capocci said.

She has won numerous awards including the Volunteer of the Year from Arc of Stark County, Distinguished Alumni from Timken Vocational High School and was inducted into the YWCA Women’s Hall of Fame for the Arts.

Cultural Corner

Capocci a champion for the arts for individuals with disabilitiesCULTURAL CORNER

“I went to a play where there were enormously talented

actors in wheelchairs and a young man with Spina Bifida

was using canes, I left in tears,” - Norma Capocci

By Patricia Faulhaber Staff Writer

Take a good cup of coffee, add some great conversation to it and it all makes for a wonderful late afternoon surprise, especially when the conversation is with Norma Capocci.

Capocci has spent much of her lifetime working with performing arts and artists in North Canton and around Stark County. She continues to be the driving force in the Arts for All organization, works endlessly to organize the Camp Jukebox program and works with the Arc Premier Event held in mid-October.

Her lifelong commitment to providing a venue for artists with developmental disabilities all began with a play she attended. It was directed by a director with the VSA (Very Special Arts) Summit County.

“I went to a play where there were enormously talented actors in wheelchairs and a young man with Spina Bifida was using canes, I left in tears,” Capocci said.

“Plus, my daughter Lisa was studying to be an intervention specialist and she had a strong desire to combine her love of performing arts with her love of teaching those with developmental disabilities. I just knew I had to get involved with disability awareness plays,” she said.

The Arts for All program started as an outreach program with the North Canton Playhouse in 1995. It was the local branch of the VSA of Ohio, a group that provides art venues for individuals with development disabilities.

The organization is going through a transition year with a name change to Arts for All. It’s also changed locations to GentleBrook Center in Hartville. And, the public performance has changed from North Canton’s Main Street Festival to First Friday in August.

While Capocci retired from her professional life in 2000, she continues to give back to her community including serving as the silent auction chairperson for her church. She also serves on committees for the Spanish Women’s Association, the YWCA Women’s Hall of Fame and heads up the committee for the Arc of Ohio/Stark County Premier Event showcasing individuals with developmental disabilities. Plus, she is a performer herself.

Capocci does voiceovers and on-camera work and coordinates talent for local marketing production companies. She has done a national television commercial for TruBridge and leads the “The Sophisticated Ladies” tap group at A Time to Dance studio.

“Working with the Arts for All program has offered me so many opportunities to meet and work with some great local performers as well as nationally known artists like Chris Burke from the television show “Life Goes On” and Rick Boggs, Paul Williams, The World Famous Platters and Clay Aiken,” Capocci said.

As the coffee cups begin to run out of coffee, Capocci was just getting started.

This is the Sweet 16th year (which is also this year’s theme for the camp) for Camp Jukebox and Capocci was looking forward to the students coming the last week of July and performing live at First Friday in downtown Canton.

“Because of my involvement in the arts, I’ve been able to create awareness and offer opportunities for actors with developmental disabilities to perform. It’s such a proud moment to see the audience watch in awe of the abilities, not the disabilities, of the actors and performers. It is that observation that confirms that I have made a difference,” Capocci said. •

Photo by Patricia Faulhaber

AUGUST• North Canton Playhouse - Through

Aug. 17 The Wizard of Oz

• Little Art Gallery

• Visit area museums

Norma Capocci



Our Town Cooks

18th Annual Main Street Festival offers something for all visitorsMAIN STREET FESTIVAL

By Kris Lackey Associate Editor

The Square in North Canton will be overflowing with food vendors, businesses, crafters and music groups the weekend of Aug. 16 and17 for the annual Main Street Festival.

The festival is sponsored by the North Canton Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the city of North Canton, Maple Street Commerce, the North Canton YMCA and area businesses. This year the festival will mark its 18th year.

The Square will be transformed during those two days to encourage residents of North Canton to connect with their community. Family activities are a large part of the festival and North Canton Chamber of Commerce President Doug Lane says those activities will include kiddie rides, live entertainment, car shows, a variety of food, arts and crafts and the business expo tent.

“Each year we try to offer some additional activities for families, including the Pooch Parade, pet adoptions and more. This year the bike valet service will return, sponsored by Ernie’s Bicycle Shops. Visitors are encouraged to ride their bikes, park them safely and securely at the valet area and enjoy the festival. Hours of the bike valet service will be posted on our website and on signage,” said Lane.

North Canton resident Marilyn Brandt will have her Main Street Festival debut this year and will showcase her sewing talents through her business called shades of BOLD. Brandt opened her business this past year when she decided to retire from her career in the pharmaceutical business and rediscover her love for sewing. Brandt says, “My two great nieces asked me if I would teach them to sew. I haven’t put my sewing machine away since then.” Visit her blog at http://shadesofbold.blogspot.com/ to read about her experiences with sewing and to check out some of her designs.

At the festival, Brandt will have all manner of bags and purses for sale. She is excited about the Main Street Festival and said, “This will be my first year participating as a vendor. I love the feel of hometown festivals and I thought this would be a great arena to showcase some of my work.”

On the lawn of the former Hoover building area businesses will be represented in the Business

Expo tent and other activities run over into Bitzer Park. Lane feels it is important for the community to gather in such a historic part of town to celebrate the festival. “Having the event on and around the square honors the tradition of the city’s center, the Hoover facility and (for the last four decades) Bitzer Park. The festival ties in with the future as an annual event that draws people to an ever-changing city center. It’s important to bring people to the square area to see first-hand the Hoover District redevelopment and additions to the Main Street profile and to connect with new organizations, businesses and services,” said Lane.

The festival also benefits local businesses and vendors. “It gives them an opportunity to showcase their goods and services in a relaxed atmosphere. Crafters, artisans and food vendors can sell their goods directly while visitors to the business expo tent have the chance to discuss products and services one-on-one and obtain literature for future follow-ups. The businesses outside the festival area also benefit as people shop, fill up their vehicles and see what is available in North Canton,” said Lane.

Festival hours are Aug. 16 from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Aug. 17 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Visit the chamber website at www.northcantonchamber.org for all the latest information about festival participants, activities and hours. •

Editors Note: Our Town Cooks will return in the September edition.

Photos courtesy of North Canton Chamber of Commerce

2013 Main Street Festival car show

2013 Main Street Festival


CROW’SAUTOBODY, INC.

Ed Crow, Owner

330-354-65546808 Wise Ave., North Canton, OH 44720


The Fault In Our Stars - Review

By Serena Mucci Staff Writer

“The Fault In Our Stars” is a story about two teenagers who meet in a cancer support group and then fall in love. This story, written by John Green, has taken the world over with this powerful love story. The book, an easy read for teenagers and adults, is a little more than 300 pages.

Hazel Grace Lancaster is 17 years old with cancer and her mother thinks that she is depressed. She doesn’t leave the house; didn’t get out of bed much; didn’t eat like she should; and most importantly read the same book over and over again – “An Imperial Affliction.” “An Imperial Affliction” was the name of the novel written by Peter Van Houten.

Hazel was treated with something that shrunk down the tumor which bought her a few more years to live. When her doctor suggests that she should go to a cancer support group, Hazel does not like the idea, but her mother forces her to go, so she does. A few weeks later, she shows up and there’s this new person that comes to the meeting. His name is Augustus Waters. After the meeting, they talk and then go back to Augustus’s house and watch a movie called “V for Vendetta.”

Before watching this, they both promised to read each other’s favorite novel. Hazel later realizes that she likes Augustus. While waiting for a call from him she reads his favorite novel, “Prince of Dawn.”

Later, they both realize that there is a weird ending to the book “An Imperial Affliction” and they want answers. They email the team of Peter Van Houten and then go to Amsterdam to find out answers to the book “An Imperial Affiliation.” Needless to say it was not what they thought the trip would be at all.

I highly recommend reading this book. Recently, this book was made into a movie. After reading the book, I would recommend seeing the movie. I don’t think you will be disappointed with either version of “The Fault In Our Stars.”

DivergentBOOK REVIEWS

Book Review

By Morgan Lackey Staff Writer

The book series “Divergent”, by Veronica Roth, is about a girl named Tris who lives in post-apocalyptic Chicago where everyone is split up into five factions of their choosing: Candor (the honest), Abnegation (the selfless), Dauntless (the brave), Amity (the peaceful), and Erudite (the intelligent).

We first meet Tris, who is a member of Abnegation, at the Choosing ceremony where every 16 year old chooses their faction. First, in order to help them decide what faction to choose, they are put through a series of tests. The teens are given the results of their test and a recommendation is given for what faction they should join.

Most everyone who took the test had results that steered them toward a definite faction, but Tris is different. Tris’s results are inconclusive, which in their straight forward world, is one of the worst things that can happen to someone. The people who get these results are referred to as Divergent (hence the name of the book). She is immediately told by the tester to keep quiet about her results and to tell no one.

Tris walks out of the tests confused as ever and can’t reveal her results to her parents or brother, Caleb, no matter how much she trusts them. At the choosing ceremony, conflicted to stay with her parents in Abnegation, or follow her heart and join the Dauntless to be free, she chooses Dauntless, and becomes one of only two teens to ever switch between those two factions.

On the train to her newly chosen faction, she meets a few new friends before she figures out that just because you choose a faction, doesn’t mean you’re in. After running and jumping on the train; to jumping off the train; knowing that if you fail there is no hope but to become factionless; the rest of the initiates find themselves atop a huge building, where they are forced to jump into the darkness of the Pit.

While no one volunteers to go first, Tris shakily makes her way to the front, hoping to shake off the nickname she has acquired, “Stiff”, and make a new name for herself. She jumps and falls into a huge net where she is met by a rather cute instructor who has the nickname “Four”. After this, the initiates are put through many challenges and fights in order to stay in the Top 10 who make the cut and are admitted into Dauntless.


Book Review

The Rotary Club

SERVICE Above SelfProudly serving our community and world since 1929

Get Involved!

Character CountsChili Open Golf ClassicExchange Student ProgramFly the Flag Program Gold Star FamiliesHabitat for HumanityHoover High Interact Club

Hoover High ScholarshipsHoover SidelinersHoover High Speech & DebateJunior AchievementNorth Canton Public LibraryPeru Water Filtration SystemsPolio Eradication Worldwide

Together . . .we empower youth, improve health, promote peace, and advance our

communities in all corners of the globe .

of North Canton

Price Park Walking TrailRotary ParkGlobal Polio EradicationSalvation Army Bell RingersSpaghetti Dinner/Main Street FestivalVeteran’s Memorial ParkYMCA North Canton Programs

For more informationwww .northcantonohiorotary .org

or contact club president, Tim Haught 330-305-9505


a new stadium. A benefit game played by returning World War II veterans was staged with proceeds going to support the cause. North Canton’s largest employer, The Hoover Co. , and Herbert W. Hoover family also contributed monetarily and through printed flyers. Through a community effort enough funds were donated to complete the purchase.

“The boys came to our door with buckets,” Doreen Winters, a life-long resident of North Canton said. “My boys were young then, but we gave them a couple dimes. All we had. They went away smiling.”

An empty field near the original community swimming pool was selected on the south side of Seventh Street and construction started. The stadium, comprised mostly of steel, tin, and concrete, took several months to complete, but it was finished in time for the upcoming football season. The first game was held on Sept. 11, 1947, against Central Catholic. That night the stadium was dedicated and named Memorial Stadium in honor of all local war veterans.

The original grandstand still stands today nearly seven decades later with only minor alterations (there was once a tunnel burrowed into the center leading to the home team’s locker room). Additional seating on the north and south sides have been added to account for increased attendance. But, by and large, it is the same place it’s always been: a community achievement for the people of North Canton to enjoy – and a piece of history. •

Community pride built Memorial Stadium in honor of the city’s vetsSPORTS

AUGUST SPORTS• Aug. 20 - Girls tennis vs. GlenOak

• Aug. 20 - Girls soccer at Louisville

• Aug. 21 - Boys soccer vs CVCA

• Aug. 23 - Girls golf at 14th Midwest Girls Classic

• Aug. 28 - Boys golf vs. Lake

• Aug. 29 - Football at Stow-Munroe Falls

• Aug. 30 - Boys/Girls Cross Country 13th Annual Dave Clegg Invitational

Sports

By Jeremy Watts Staff Writer

Before the era of bright glowing lights on Friday nights or orange-clad fans jamming into a covered grandstand; back when a synthetic playing field could not technologically be fathomed; in a time of leather helmets and nickel concession; there was a barren field on Seventh Street in North Canton and a disused baseball stadium somewhere in Summit County.

There was also a community in a town formerly named New Berlin. North Canton was an active and energetic community vibrant with growing families and businesses. A community in desperate need of a place for their football team to call home. While their contemporaries - bigger towns like Massillon and Canton - had beaten them to the punch with professional-caliber facilities, those stadiums were the product of larger national recognized programs or Depression-era man power programs. Our town, still technically a village with a post-war population hovering around 2,500 in 1946, didn’t qualify for that type of government subsidy. Our boys of fall played their football in storm basins or on converted baseball fields - always would… unless someone stepped in.

If North Canton wanted a football stadium, they would have to get it on their own.

In those days the world was vastly different. America was emerging from a wartime period where kids went off to war and never returned; everyone sacrificed for the greater good; food was rationed; and luxuries were abolished. An era where a town’s principle manufacturing concern made more munitions for Uncle Sam than sweepers. It made for a hearty and proud citizenry.

Starting in the spring of 1946, the people of North Canton acted. At that time, most people didn’t have telephones or television sets. There were no such things as social networks like Facebook and Twitter; Kickstarter, Indigogo and the idea of ‘crowdsourcing’ didn’t exist yet. Newspapers and radio existed, but catered to larger markets. In those days, ‘leg work’ meant using your legs.

After a half dozen meetings to organize and plan a course of action, a small group of dedicated citizens began to grow with interest. In post-war America, building materials were in short supply. However, fortune and luck shined on the effort: the steel and supports of a failed Mid-Atlantic Baseball League grandstand was being dismantled and sold in nearby Summit Beach Park near Akron. If the citizens could raise enough money to purchase and reassemble the old stadium, North Canton sports would have a new 2,500-seat home.

Soon, a hundred or more volunteers combed the city in a door-to-door pledge drive to raise money for

Photo from collection of North Canton Historical Society

Memorial Stadium in 1946


Sports

Lending | Affordable Deposit Accounts | Cash ManagementLocal Decision Making ■ Experienced Local Commercial Bankers

One-Stop BankingFOR BUSINESSES

The Commercial & Savings Bank

Serving you with Banking Centers in Millersburg, Berlin, Charm, Gnadenhutten, New Philadelphia,North Canton, Orrville, Shreve, Sugarcreek, Walnut Creek, Winesburg, and Wooster.

North Canton Banking Center1210 North Main Street | 330-497-0839 | www.csb1.comFOCUSED ON BUSINESS. YOURS.

Seated left to right:Standing left to right:

Cindy Ferry and Steve StifflerMegan Siskie, Debbie Payne, Tara Bumgardner and Christine Belak


Bring your walking shoes…plenty to see touring the nation’s capital by footTRAVEL

Travel

By Serena Mucci Staff Writer

Back in May, I went to Washington, D.C. for my eighth grade trip and recently visited the capital with my family on vacation. Washington, D.C. is an easy five and a half drive from Canton, going east on Interstate 76 through Pennsylvania before heading south on Interstate 70 to 270. From there, follow the signs.

After we arrived in Washington, D.C. on my school trip, we saw a few memorials, which was really cool to see because there were statues to represent everything. This included the Thomas Jefferson Memorial. The Jefferson Memorial is circular in shape and you can walk through the outdoor memorial. From there, we walked to the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial. After walking there, we walked to see the new Martin Luther King Memorial. There was something unique about this memorial, in the fact this stood straight up.

On my eighth grade field trip, after visiting the memorials, we went to a Washington Nationals baseball game. The park was cool to see until it rained and we were delayed for about an hour. The Nationals ballpark is located in downtown Washington, D.C. After the game was over we saw three more memorials.

The World War II Memorial was the first one we saw. It was dark outside so it was all lit up. The memorial was

beautiful. The World War II Memorial is oval in shape with a reflection pool in the middle of the memorial. Surrounding the memorial are pillars, one representing each state. There are many sayings inscribed in the concrete walls. Then we walked to the Lincoln Memorial at the opposite end of the Mall area, where it started raining again. After we finished at the Lincoln Memorial, we saw the Vietnam Veterans Memorial. Everything we saw that night was lit up and it was really cool to see. The Vietnam Memorial is a black granite wall with the names of each solider who died in the war. After all of this, we went back to the hotel and got ready for the next day.

The next morning we went to the Old Country Buffet which had amazing food, so I suggest going there. From there, we went to the U.S. Capitol building and then went to some museums. First we went to the U.S. Botanic Garden. This isn’t a museum but still interesting to see all of the plants that were there. Then we walked over to Air and Space Museum and ate and saw some interesting things there including a replica of the first airplane. I suggest going to see that. After that, we went to the national gallery of art. This was not interesting for me but if you are an art person, I would suggest a visit. Then we saw the American History Museum. This museum is the only museum that has the American flag on display from the war that declared our freedom. After that, we walked to the Washington Monument which is the tallest monument in Washington, D.C. From there, we went and saw the front part of the Holocaust Museum. After eating dinner, we went to Arlington National Cemetery which was a really cool thing to go see. At Arlington Cemetery, we saw the changing of the guards. This is a neat ceremony to see. I would suggest placing this on your list of sites to see. Inside the cemetery, you can also see President John F. Kennedy’s grave site and the eternal flame that

burns. After this long day, we went back to the hotel early and went to sleep.

The next morning, we checked out and ate breakfast. After breakfast, we went to Mount Vernon to view the former home of President George Washington. On our way home, we headed north and visited Gettysburg.

I suggest bringing comfortable tennis shoes because you will be doing a lot of walking. Overall, this was a really great trip.

*Editor’s note. On the way to or from Washington, D.C. on Interstate 76 in Pennsylvania, you will pass the exit for Somerset, Pa. If you have the time, 20 minutes off this exit is where Flight 93 crashed on Sept. 11, 2001. There is a dedicated memorial to the passengers on that flight.

Photos by Dan Mucci

Lincoln Memorial

Washington Monument

WWII Memorial



Date post:	01-Apr-2016
Category:	Documents
Upload:	our-town
View:	221 times
Download:	4 times

08 aug 2014 proof

Documents