News from all over the canton region

New genealogy resource
in the Rodman Public Library

ALLIANCE – Rodman Public Library has a new database, Heritage Hub, which will support research by genealogists and historians.

As a complement to NewsBank, HeritageHub allows you to explore your family history with a collection of US obituaries and obituaries from around the country, enabling in-depth genealogical research from 1704 to the present day. HeritageHub helps you easily identify relatives, uncover new information, and potentially unfamiliar family members. The database contains extensive coverage from all 50 states, hard-to-find content from the mid-19th century, and original obituary images. It’s free, and access is available 24/7 from home.

HeritageHub users can create a personal folder to save searches and make research easier and more productive.

In total, the Rodman Public Library has more than 75 databases in various categories on its website (rodmanlibrary.com). One of the databases is free to use, but some may require an active library card and PIN to log in. To access RPL’s databases, visit rodmanlibrary.com and hover over the information tab in the blue navigation bar below, locate the library logo. Click Research Databases, the first category in the drop-down menu. From there, users can search for categories and all databases are listed alphabetically.

For help accessing the Rodman Library databases or for more information, call the Reference Department at 330-821-2665, ext. 217.

One Book One Community
Selection made in alliance

ALLIANCE – “A Most Beautiful Thing” was chosen as the One Book One Community selection for 2022.

Arshay Cooper grew up on Chicago’s west side in the 1990s and needed a positive influence in his life. He found it in the sport known as Crew, as part of a squad that made history as America’s first all-black high school rowing team. Cooper tells the story in “A Most Beautiful Thing,” selected by the One Book One Community in 2022. Originally published as “Suga Water,” the book became an award-winning documentary by filmmaker Mary Mazzio, telling about Common and about Grant Hill, Dwyane Wade and 9th Wonder was produced.

Cooper was awarded the Golden Oar for his services to rowing and is also a Benjamin Franklin-winning writer, motivational speaker, and activist, particularly with regard to accessibility for low-income families.

“A Most Beautiful Thing” is the inspiring true story about the most unusual band of brothers who start a family and change a sport and life for the better forever. Cooper tells of his teenage life in Chicago, where the street corners were filled with gangways and the hallways of his apartment complex were ravaged by drug addicts. His mother was a recovering addict, and his three siblings all slept in a one-room apartment.

Cooper will visit Alliance on March 31st. Additional One Book One community programs in advance of the author’s visit will be announced at a later date. For more information, visit One Book One Community Alliance Ohio on Facebook, @AllianceOBOC on Twitter, or rodmanlibrary.com.

New Year’s Eve party at lunchtime
in the library of Canal Fulton

CANAL FULTON – Canal Fulton Public Library is hosting a New Year’s Eve party at noon on Friday from 11:00 AM to 12:00 PM. Guests will do handicrafts, eat snacks, and play games. Register by phone at 330-854-4148 or visit the children’s section.

ABCD elects public officials for 2022-23

CANTON – ABCD has elected the following officers for 2022-23:

• Lydia Lee, a computer training specialist at Stark State College, has been elected chairman of the board of directors of ABCD.
• Tomier Davenport, Assistant Principal, Vocational and Technical Education, Canton City Schools, was elected Vice Chairman.
• LaToya Dickens Jones, a registered nurse, was elected secretary.
• John Cihon, retired general manager of MPW Industrial Services, has been elected treasurer.

ABCD is a 48-year-old non-profit community development company running programs in the fields of economic development, energy conservation, housing, and transportation.

Harlem Globetrotters in Canton

CANTON – The Harlem Globetrotters are bringing their brand new show back to the Canton Memorial Civic Center on January 2nd. Early admission for “Magic Pass” holders at 1:30 pm. Entry is at 2 p.m. The event starts at 3:00 p.m. Ticket prices are $ 99, $ 79, $ 69, $ 49, $ 37, and $ 27. Additional fees may apply. Buy tickets at https://www.ticketmaster.com/event/05005B23C47D35D8

Planetarium shows in the museum

CANTON – The World Cup. The McKinley Presidential Library and Museum is hosting shows at the Cosmic Kids Planetarium on Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m. to 11:15 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. this week. The show will include constellations, planets, light shows and music. It is intended for children from 3 years of age.

The World Cup. The McKinley Presidential Library and Museum will host Universe at Large Planetarium shows Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, and Fridays from 1:00 pm to 1:30 pm and 2:00 pm to 2:30 pm. The show features monthly highlights, breaking news, and a night sky tour. It is intended for children from 7 years of age.

Free ticket with museum entry. In order to be able to participate in the presentation, you need a separate planetarium ticket. Seating is limited and guests should arrive at the planetarium entrance five minutes prior to the performance.

Guests and moderator must wear a mask. Guests will be seated 6 feet away from other groups. Surfaces are cleaned after each program. There will be a rotation of the morning and afternoon seating arrangements so that each section of the seating can be cleaned after both the morning and afternoon shows. The planetarium is well ventilated.

Belden Village Bridal Show
Find local exhibitors

JACKSON TWP. – The 25th Annual Belden Village Bridal Show takes place January 15-16 at the Belden Village Mall. The show provides information on how to create the perfect wedding experience for local couples.

Brides and grooms can win prizes, play the honeymoon hunt, sign up for the chance to participate in the Price is Right Game Show and Nearly Newlywed Game. Every day there are fashion shows with wedding dresses, tuxedos and bridesmaid dresses. The expo includes local vendors sharing wedding planning information including formal wear, photographers, rental services, bakeries, DJ services, reception venues, salons and spas, caterers, travel agents, beauty consultants and more.

Any local business interested in participating please call 330-556-9974 or email [email protected] for more information.

Noon of the year in the library of Massillon

MASSILLON – The Children’s Department of the Massillon Public Library is hosting a New Year’s Eve party at noon in the MPL Auditorium from 11am to 12pm. Children are invited to celebrate the New Year without staying up late. Make a New Year’s hat and other handicrafts. In the library rotunda there will be a countdown to noon and a balloon will drop. Also, get a take-away party bag to party at home later. For more information on this free children’s program, please contact [email protected] or call 330-832-9831 ext. 317

Share your family history

MASSILLON – Massillon Public Library, in partnership with the Massillon Local History and Genealogy Society, is hosting the Family History Adventure program from 1pm to 2pm in the library’s auditorium. Participants are invited to “show and tell” their greatest family history research stories. Registration is required by January 3rd. For more information about this free program, contact Christine Bowman at 330-832-9831, ext. 150, or [email protected]. A meeting of the Massillon Local History and Genealogy Society and election of new officers will take place from 2pm to 3pm

Decorated trees on display in
Lobby window of the Massillon Museum

MASSILLON – The lobby windows of the Massillon Museum are adorned with trees that have been adorned by representatives of local businesses and organizations. The themes of the trees reflect the companies and organizations. That year Massillon Public Library; Bailey Platek Group Cutler Real Estate; Schools of the City of Massillon; Bonnie’s Engraver Gallery; Becky’s obsessions; Paradigm shift brows; Tremont Coffee Co .; and The Attic have decorated trees with themes that reflect their businesses or organizations.

Meet poetry writing group

MASSILLON – A poem writing group will meet local writer Cat Russell in the Auditorium of the Massillon Public Library on January 5th, from 6pm to 7.30pm. All poets are welcome, from beginners to experienced writers. Bring several copies of your favorite poems and share them with the group. Participants share poems, provide feedback, and share tips on creating poetry. For more information on this free program, contact Miranda Greathouse at [email protected] or extension 330-832-9831. 304