our town north canton - june 2014

JUNE 2014

www.ourtownnorthcanton.com June 2014

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June 2014 www.ourtownnorthcanton.com

• Educator Award (grades 6-12) TJ Roach

• Classified Award Theanna Orr

• Educator Award (grades preK – grade 5) Jen Tarbet

• Citizen Award Todd Davy

L to R TJ Roach, Theanna Orr,

Jen Tarbet and Todd Davy

Walsh senior class speaker Kelley Manning ‘14, Tower of Excellence and Outstanding Student Award Recipient

PUBLISHERJim Dansizen

EDITORSDan MucciKris Lackey

STAFF WRITERSCR Rae

Jeremy WattsTammy Proctor

Patricia FaulhaberSarah Weidner

Dawn LaRay CampanelliAlyssa West

Dr. Bob Roden

ONLINE CONTRIBUTORSDr. Bob Roden

SALES REPTerri McArthur

GRAPHIC DESIGNNick Conley

PHOTOGRAPHYCover: Dr. Bob Roden

Page 3: Walsh UniversityJulie Mathie Cross

PRINTING BYDansizen Printing

www.ourtownnorthcanton.comemail:[email protected] JU

NE

CALENDAR

1 Dogwood Park is open for swimming

9 to

14 North Canton Jaycees Fair, Memorial Stadium

15 Father’s Day - spend time with dad

21 First day of summer

Calendar of Events . . . . . . . . 3North Canton Parks

Dogwood . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 5Hoover Park . . . . . . . . . . . . 7Price Park. . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9Rotary Park . . . . . . . . . . . 11Father’s Day . . . . . . . . . . . 12

Dr . Roden . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 13Cultural Corner . . . . . . . . . . 14Our Town Cooks . . . . . . . . . 16Literary Review . . . . . . . . . . 18Sports . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 20Travel . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 22


The Main Street Lesson Center is a unique and fun learning environment that coaches children and adults of all ages, showing students how to find and nurture their inner talent!

Summer workshops such as computer game development are available. Call (330) 494-8110 for more information

on the ten-week programming workshop.

The Main Street Lesson Center1664 North Main StreetNorth Canton, OH 44720

(In the Marc’s Plaza)(330) 494-8110

Where Music & Art Begin

Piano & Keyboard • Voice Lessons • Drums & PercussionGuitar • Flute • Violin • Cello • Audio Engineering

Painting • Drawing • Water ColorBasic Computer Skills • Computer Programing


Dogwood

CR Rae Staff Writer

Pack the cooler with food and drinks and load the entire family in the minivan for a fun day at this park. It is ideal for all ages.

Dogwood Park is located on the eastern side of the city, 241 Seventh St. N.W., and offers plenty of outdoor entertainment options from dawn to dusk.

It is a family park that has something for all ages from toddlers to grandmas. While the little ones are on the playground, the teens can hit a few balls around one of the four baseball fields or shoot hoops on the basketball court. Mom and dad can take a walk and grandpa can throw some shoes at one of the horseshoe pits. Activities range from fishing and nature walks to a skate park and all the activities in between.

The land, eight acres, now known as Dogwood Park, was originally the Sheetz (also spelled Sheets) farm or Sheetz Woods. It was donated to what was the village of North Canton in a land swap by The Hoover Co. in May 1954.

H e r i t a g e Society volunteer, Marilyn Gray Smith remembers what it was like to play in the woods as a child in the late 1920’s to 1930’s. She tried to ice skate in the low swampy area; she said it was always too rough.

Acquiring the park was part of a much larger plan that included the land (the Noaker tract) for the new Hoover High School, now the Middle School on Fair Oaks Drive. The donation of land was the main reason the school was renamed Hoover High School from North Canton High

School. Also included was land for a small playground off Glenwood Street Northwest. In return, the company took ownership of the old Witwer Park, east of the plant where the company eventually built factory buildings. Now AlterCare and Stark State have their offices there and to confuse things even more, a small park was created near the Fair Oaks School and was/is named Witwer Park.

The company retained the rights to connect to the B&O Railroad west of town between Seventh and Ninth streets. When Witwer Park and its swimming pool was vacated a new pool was built in Dogwood Park.

The city of North Canton offers a variety of parks including eight neighborhood parks and two larger community parks which includes Dogwood Park-- very popular among local residents. The parks are maintained by the North Canton Park and Recreation Department with a goal to provide a clean, safe and fun environment for visitors.

The Dogwood swimming pool is next to the park, 365 Seventh St. N.E. and a great place for families to chill in the warm summer months.

The pool has 15,000 square feet of water fun and activities including a diving well with two boards and a water slide. The younger crowd will have a blast at the spray park with spray arches, palm tree and dumping buckets--just for the eight and under water hounds.

A concession stand is on site serving snacks, hotdogs, pizza, pretzels, sodas and more. The pool area has plenty of trees and umbrellas to get a break from the sun when needed.

Memberships to the park are open to residents living in the limits of North Canton or in the city’s school district or anyone paying city taxes. Daily passes are also available. The pool is open seven days a week from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Also within walking distance of Dogwood Park is the North Canton Skateboard Park, 241 Seventh St. N.W., a 14,000 square foot playground for those on wheels. It has a variety of ramps, ramps with

platforms and two grind rails. It is open all year weather permitting.

Senior programs are held on Mondays and Thursdays from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Dogwood Park shelter located at 241 Seventh St. N.E.

Whether you are a nature lover, like to walk or run, skate or like to swim, you will find a fun activity to do at Dogwood Park. •

Dogwood Park offers more than swimmingNORTH CANTON PARKS

The Dogwood Park shelter in the late 1950s or early 1960s.

Courtesy of North Canton Heritage Society


By Tammy Proctor Staff Writer

Hoover Park, a place created by Boss Hoover in 1926 for the benefit of Hoover employees, is open to the public for rentals.

“On weekends, the park was strictly for use by the employees,” said Ann Haines, operations coordinator. “The park was open to the public during the weekdays, but had to be secured by a Hoover employee.”

That’s all changed now. The 36-acre property, which was donated to Walsh University by The Hoover Co., is available for rental.

“We call it our north campus,” said Haines.

Located on the campus of Walsh University, next to Washington Square, the park features an open air lodge, playgrounds, a baseball field, basketball, sand volleyball and bocce courts.

In addition to the outdoor recreational venues, the park features five facilities that are open to the public for rent. The facilities include the Hoover Banquet Hall and Patio, the Western Room, the East and West Pavilions and the Cottage.

The Hoover Banquet Hall and Patio features an open rustic air lodge with a spectacular view of the park. It seats up to 400 guests. There is a performance stage and a dance floor. The two-tiered patio, complete with 10 round umbrella tables, features a scenic waterfall.

“The seating on the patio is beautiful with the waterfall,” said Haines.

The lodge, perfect for weddings and wedding receptions, offers an in-house full-service catering. The catering tailors the menu to fit the event. Professional bartenders are also available when the party supplies the alcohol and beverages.

“The property has been beautifully maintained through the years,” said Haines.

The Western Room, available for rentals, features a decorative fireplace in a masculine saloon setting that is equipped with a refrigerator and wet bar. It seats up to 34 guests. The room is air conditioned. There’s an outdoor grill available for use too. This setting is perfect for a small gathering of men for business meetings and conferences.

Hoover Park recently added a new pavilion. The park features the East Pavilion and the West Pavilion. Both pavilions offer awnings that can be lowered to protect guests from inclement weather. Electric outlets and outdoor lighting make the pavilions perfect for family reunions and birthday parties. They seat up to 160 guests.

“What is beneficial to renting the park is the security,” said Haines, adding that when a family rents the facility, they are the only ones using it. The children can play on the playground without interference from other parties.

Perfect for small bridal showers, baby showers and intimate gatherings is the quaint cottage. The cottage is made cozy by a beautiful fireplace. It seats up to 30 guests. The cottage is air conditioned and outfitted with a refrigerator and sink. An outdoor grill and a patio complete the Cottage’s charm.

“The facilities have been open to the public since 2004,” said Haines. “Reservations are necessary.”

To make a reservation for use of the park’s facilities, call Jackie Manser, the director of campus and community programs at 330-490-7117 or Patty Garber at 330-490-7189.

“The park is a gem on the campus,” said Haines.

Hoover Park is the perfect place for graduation parties, family picnics, weddings and family and class reunions.

“There is ample parking,” said Haines.

“What’s nice about it is the versatility of the park – we have smaller buildings to accommodate smaller parties and the banquet hall to accommodate larger parties and receptions,” said Haines. “It’s a wonderful park for both adults and children to enjoy.”

Hoover Park is located at 1879 E. Maple St. •

Hoover Park is perfect place for private partiesNORTH CANTON PARKS

“What’s nice about it is the versatility of the park – we have smaller buildings to accommodate smaller parties and the banquet

hall to accommodate larger parties and receptions. It’s a wonderful park for both

adults and children to enjoy.”- Ann Haines

Hoover

Photos courtesy of Walsh University


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Price Park

Price Park offers a variety of activitiesNORTH CANTON PARKS

By: Alyssa West Staff Writer

Price Park, located at 1000 W. Maple Street, offers 18.5 acres of amenities for community members and their pets.

There is something for all ages at Price Park; whether it is the catch and release finishing, feeding the ducks at the pond, enjoying a walk on the one mile path or watching the passer-goers on a bench.

The park is open daily 5 a.m. to dusk. The abundance of out door activities available is what makes Price Park North Canton’s most active park.

A large playground with slides, monkey bars and play structures is the main attraction of Price Park. The toddler structure, infant & regular swings with a drinking fountain and restrooms near by make it a perfect setting for families of all ages. If baseball, volleyball,

basketball or tennis is not your thing, you can enjoy a picnic on the green space next to the courts or rent one of the four outdoor covered picnic pavilions.

The pavilions are open for public use; however those who obtain a rental permit have priority. To obtain a $40 permit for your next event you may contact the Mayor’s Office at 145 N. Main Street between the hours of 8 am and 4:30 p.m. Monday through Friday. Approved non-profit groups can rent the picnic pavilion for free. The pavilions at Price Park are the setting for many events that include graduation parties, wedding receptions, baby showers and family reunions.

The city of North Canton holds free events for the community at the park. The Mayor’s Fishing Rodeo, on June 7, is open to children in the North Canton School District ages 2 to 12.

Registration for this event begins at 8 a.m. and the competition will be held from 9 a.m. to 10:30 a.m., refreshments and prizes will be provided.

There will be a Blue Star Memorial Dedication at the Glenwood entrance on June 11 at 7 p.m. The Canton Concert Band will be performing free concerts in the park at 7 p.m. on June 18 and 25 and July 23 and 30. Attendees of the concerts must bring their own chairs. Visit the city of North Canton’s website at http://northcantonohio.gov for more information about events at Price Park.

Price Park is an excellent location to spend a day outdoors in North Canton. You are sure to enjoy yourself in this serene setting. The Park offers something for everyone, whether it is entraining your family, walking the dog, exercising or hosting an event. •

Photo by Alyssa West


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Megan LanthripWelcomes


Hoover

setting of the park,” she added. Both agreed that the park is a treasure within the city but not well known.

North Canton Rotary Park is officially dedicated in honor of Paul Basner. “When he joined the club in 1956 he was the youngest member of the club!” said DeChellis. “He joined because his father-in-law was involved and he was very active in the projects that helped better the community. He and his wife were dedicated to preserving the history of the community for future generations through the North Canton Heritage Society. At the end of his time with the North Canton Rotary, he became the oldest member – much like me today,” laughed DeChellis.

For his lifetime of service as a North Canton Rotarian for 50 years, the park was officially opened with a dedication ceremony in September 2006 that honored Mr. Basner’s legacy with a permanent marker that was placed at the start of the trail from Applegrove Street. •

By Dawn LaRay Campanelli Staff Writer

Need to escape the hustle and bustle of the city? Want to avoid the sounds of automobiles, the sights of billboards and the inflexible feeling of concrete under your feet as you walk along sidewalks?

Then plan your next exit at the midpoint of Applegrove Street on the north side of the city beautifully marked by the North Canton Rotary Park sign. While the parking lot is small in comparison to the other 11 parks available throughout the city, you won’t be disappointed as you step a few hundred feet into a nature paradise along the well-kept mulched walking path. Immediately your view will be directed upwards to see the sky peeking through rows of tree tops that stretch 40 to 50 feet high. A tranquil feeling immediately overtakes you, inviting you to forget the stress of life and breath-in the fresh air. It calms your spirit and provides for a much needed break from daily routines.

Funded and developed by the North Canton Rotary, this city park was gifted to the city from the club in September, 2006. In addition to the walking path, the club also installed a Rotary Park Bench and proudly honors the dedicated service of its

members on plaques throughout the trail. Upkeep of the 10.2 acres park is the responsibility of the city of North Canton.

Mark DeChellis, a long-time member of the North Canton Rotary Club, which is celebrating its 85th year of service this year, explained the project. “We first had decided on an idea to host a Chili Open Golf Classic as the club’s major annual fundraiser,” he said. “And every fundraiser needs a cause. We just happened upon the area land for sale on Applegrove in the 1990s and we decided as a club to purchase the land and preserve its natural state. This enabled us to add a new, different kind of park to the northern part of the city so more residents could benefit from it.”

An additional five acres of land was gift to the Girl Scouts which was looking for a location to house their new regional headquarters. “We heard about their project, so we stepped up and donated the land to them.”

Over the past three years, North Canton residents Mardi Bercsick and her daughter Emily, along with the family pet BoBo, frequently walked the mile long trail. It conveniently connects with their neighborhood. “It’s a great walking park,” commented Mardi. “We see a lot of deer through here.”

Emily agreed. “I see a lot of people when I’m walking my dog, but not always the same people. It is always busy with walkers and runners, but mostly people with their pets.”

A senior at North Canton Hoover, she is anxiously waiting for graduation in June. “I like the peaceful, nature

North Canton Rotary Park offers tranquilityNORTH CANTON PARKS

Photos by Dawn LaRay Campanelli


CR Rae Staff Writer

Father’s Day is just around the corner and many men will be hauling out the grill and grilling a big steak, their own special hamburgers or even veggies.

There are some things you must know before the flames touch the food.

It has been a long winter and that grill, charcoal, lighter fluid and propane container have been sitting idle so think like a Girl Scout and “be prepared”(Girl Scout motto).

Before the family comes over, anticipating a great Father’s Day meal, check and make sure the left over charcoal from last year did not get wet, there is lighter fluid in the can and the propane container is full or at least has enough fuel to cook your dinner all the way through. It is never a good thing to have everyone standing around drooling over a steak that can’t be cooked.

Charcoal is said to produce a better tasting food, but that is a personal decision. Hardwood charcoal has a better flavor and there are no chemicals involved. According to bonappetit.com there are a series of mistakes often made by grillers and the first one is using briquettes instead of hardwood charcoal. Also included in that list of mistakes is the use of lighter fluid. It adds a chemical flavor on anything you grill and according to the site will ruin the use of the hardwood. They suggest using newspaper and a match to get that fire going.

So what is better gas or charcoal? It is kind of a preference for each individual. The gas grill is more convenient as all you have to do is turn a knob and you are cookin’. Turn the grill off, run the brush over the grilling surface for clean up and you are done.

Grilling over the gas burner does not impact the flavor of the food, but it burns clean. Gas grilles are very “heat” adjustable where charcoal the heat --well it is what it is.

Charcoal grilling is not so convenient, but does add a “grilled” flavor to the food. Also using a charcoal grill will take more time and effort on the grillers part.

Gas grills are more expensive, but the cost of charcoal adds up over time. However, you can easily load a charcoal grill and a bag of charcoal in the back of the car and go to the lake or park for a picnic.

You have probably heard that when cooking on a grill you should place the items you are cooking away from the direct heat and let them cook. The method of indirect heat is best used for larger items such as roasts and thick steaks. Using the indirect method on a gas grill is as simple as firing up the outside burners and placing your to be cooked items on the middle burner. For charcoal, the coals should go to both sides and the meat in the middle. This method usually takes items a little longer to cook. Placing a disposable drip pan under the meat on the turned off burner will help to prevent flare ups.

A couple of cooking tips--1)Cut the fat to avoid curling of steaks or chops by slicing through it every 2 to 3 inches. 2)When using sauces note that those with sugar, such as barbeque sauce, should not be applied until the last few minutes as they tend to burn in a short amount of time--others can be applied any time. 3)Turn the meat with tongs instead of a fork or knife which causes the juices to go into the fire, this keeps the meats more moist.

Some general tools you may need are long handled spatula and tongs, disposable drip pans to be used under food being cooked through in direct heat to prevent flare ups, skewers for kabobs, basting brushes, wire brush for clean up and even a squirt gun for those occasional flare ups.

Of course, if you like, you can become a grill master and get into smokers, fire chimneys and many other must haves for the more serious griller.

Be safe and enjoy your Father’s Day barbeque. •

Grilling tips for the perfect Father’s Day dinnerFATHER’S DAYTips from Bradley Rook,

Banquet Chef Portage Country Club:

• When grilling pork or chicken brine them in a salt sugar blend. Good recipes on line.

• Use hot spots and cool spots when using charcoal--sear the meat on hot spots move to cool spot for cooking.

• Same for gas grills. Put the chicken on the hot side to get a little caramelizing and then move to the center burner which would be turned off. You are using it like an oven.

• Pull steaks out of the refrigerator about 15 minutes before cooking so the centers become room temperature. Give them a five minute rest after cooking.

• For seafood, use a lot of cooking spray on a grill that is extra clean. Don’t turn it a lot or it will begin falling apart.

• When you are making a kabob - use a larger herb steam such as rosemary or basil stem it will help with the flavor. Peel the leaves off and push the meat onto the stem.

• Add a little Italian dressing or balsamic dressing to mushrooms before grilling.

• Always use a clean preheated grill—preheat for 10 to 15 minutes and you will get a nice sear on your meat.

• He likes to grill larger pieces of meat and slice them rather than use smaller pieces as they may over cook.

Fathers Day


Dr . Roden

Kemp and Hursh are seniors at Hoover High School. They have been friends since meeting through Troop 12 in the sixth grade and both have attained the rank of Eagle Scout. Hursh adds, “We have both been on many ‘camp outs’ together—earning merit badges along the way.” One of Troop 12’s ongoing service commitments involves clean-up days at Price Park.

After high school, Kemp plans to attend Walsh University for a degree in computer sciences while continuing to help out in scouting. Hursh will attend the University of Akron majoring in biomedical sciences.

Check out the patios and benches by the pond: observe the waterfowl, fish, play with a child or just relax. Then, stroll over to the flag pole, patio and sitting wall near Glenwood. Reflect and give thanks to those who served and continue to help insure that the stars and stripes still wave. •

Dr. Bob Roden Staff Writer

North Canton is a community with numerous strengths. Our 11 beautiful parks represent one of our most valuable assets. The many acres of green space situated in various neighborhoods are a tribute to the foresight and planning of the community’s founding fathers.

Our parks provide numerous hours of fun and relaxation for children of all ages. Beyond enjoyment and tranquility, however, research indicates that green spaces are essential to physical and mental health. According to the University of Washington/USDA Forest Service, “Encounters with nearby nature help alleviate mental fatigue by relaxing and restoring the mind. Within built environments, parks and green spaces are settings for cognitive respite, as they encourage social interaction and de-stressing through exercise or conversation, and provide calming settings.”

Another of the community’s strengths, arguably our most valuable, lies within our youth. Two local young men have chosen to enhance the splendor and mental health value of one of our parks as they pursued their trail to the rank of Eagle Scout. Zach Kemp and Ben Hursh of Troop 12 (Faith United Methodist Church) organized projects that will be valued by current and subsequent generations.

Kemp’s project involved creating the patio and sitting wall to surround the already existing flag pole in the parking lot near Glenwood Street Southwest. After determining supplies needed, he coordinated the ordering and delivery of the materials. The undertaking involved numerous youth and adult volunteers.

Executing the task provided significant life skills, such as “how to lead a group of people and

how stressful it can be at times.” Kemp added, “I had to practice communication skills to make sure that I had everything ready for when I had help coming for the project.”

Building three stone patios with stone benches encompassing the Price Park pond was the substance of Hursh’s project. “My role as the Eagle Scout candidate was to make all product orders, relay information to the parks department, set up work days and have them approved by the city and maintain proper safety guidelines throughout the project,” he explained. “My project spanned over 2.5 months since school had started and there were other events taking place at the park.”

Both young men gave credit to the many volunteers and city workers who provided exhaustive hours to assist with the work. Kemp said, “I had help from multiple scouts from Boy Scout Troop 12 and some of my friends with guidance from my Grandpa.” His father also provided significant help.

Hursh stated, “I would like to thank my father who contributed the most during my project.” He also credited Brian Hill of the North Canton City Parks Department, Mathie Supply, General Rental and Ohio Beauty Stone for their help and generous donations. Eagle Scouts Zach Kemp and Ben Hursh.

Friends earn Eagle Scout status by enhancing Price ParkDR. RODEN

“I had to practice communication skills to make sure that I had everything ready for when I had help coming for the project,”

- Zach Kemp

Photo by Dr . Bob Roden


Cultural Corner

Playhouse tackles tough subject in Next to NormalCULTURAL CORNER

JUNE• Canton Museum of Art - Art

Deco Ceramics and Atomic Impulse through July

• Carnation Playhouse - Forever Plaid, June 6-8

• Enjoy any Stark County Museum this month

Kris Lackey Associate Editor

On stage at the North Canton Playhouse this June is a contemporary musical that captures the difficulty of living in a household with someone battling bipolar disorder. Next to Normal, winner of three Tony Awards and the 2010 Pulitzer Prize for drama, will be directed by Andrea Hartman and performed on the Mainstage of the NCP from June 13th to the 22nd.

Next to Normal is Hartman’s directorial debut at the NCP and she is excited for the opportunity to direct at the Playhouse where she has been involved in shows since 2006. Some of Hartman’s past shows include RENT, Sweeney Todd, Shrek the Musical and Spring Awakening. Hartman said, “My favorite was Spring Awakening because I really connected with the music and I enjoyed the challenge of performing it.” When speaking of the challenges and delights of directing musicals versus plays Hartman commented, “I love how music enhances the plot and how it pulls out emotions that straight plays cannot do.”

Hartman is a third and fourth grade intervention specialist for Barberton City Schools where she has taught for the last four years. She has been directing shows for the district for the past three years. Originally from Tiffin, Ohio, Hartman now lives in North Canton.

In talking about the show Hartman said, “Next to Normal is an emotional show that centers around a family who is coping with mental illness. I chose to direct Next to Normal because I connected with the material. I saw the original cast in NYC and fell in love. The music is very powerful and I like the awareness the show brings to mental illness.”

When Hartman decided to take on this directing project she went about researching the musical in a new way. She says it was the lyrics that drew her in. “When I first decided to direct N2N, I listened to the soundtrack in a way I hadn’t before; with my eyes closed. I sat on my couch, closed my eyes and really listened. For the first time, I truly paid attention to the lyrics and felt a personal connection to each of the characters.”

The story follows Diana Goodman, a mother who has battled hallucinations and bipolar disorder for 16 years. Her disorder takes a turn for the worst as she strives to balance her happiness, family commitments and her sanity. Her family, including her husband, a son and a daughter, each try to keep their family from falling apart.

This award winning musical is full of emotion and follows the family as they cope with loss, pain and the struggle to keep their family intact despite the emotional turmoil they face daily. In regard to the characters, Hartman said, “Each one goes through so much and their journeys are incredible to watch. It is hard for me to choose

something that stands out because each character is written and performed beautifully and N2N is truly an ensemble show.”

The NCP cast of Next to Normal features Tara Corkery as Diana, Frank Lucas as Henry, Brian Jackson as Dan, Lindsay Cardy as Natalie, Jeremy Clarke as Gabe, and Adam Klusty as Dr. Madden. “What makes this cast so special,” said Hartman,” is not just their outstanding vocals but their passion. Their characters are so natural and genuine that a rare and magical connection is made not only with each other but the audience.”

Next to Normal is billed as a rock musical. The story and lyrics were written by Brian Yorkey with music by Tom Kitt. The musical first appeared on Broadway in 2009 and won three Tony Awards that year for Best Original Score Written for the Theatre, Best Actress in a Musical – Alice Ripley, and Best Orchestrations.

Tickets for Next to Normal are available by calling the NCP box office at 330.494.1613 or by ordering online at www.northcantonplayhouse.com. Tickets prices are $13 for adults and $12 for seniors and children under 17. Performance dates are Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays June 13, 14, 19, 20, 21 at 8 p.m. and Sundays, June 15 and 22 at 2:30 p.m. •

“‘Next to Normal’ is an emotional show that centers

around a family who is coping with mental illness. I chose to direct “Next to Normal”

because I connected with the material. I saw the original cast in New York City and fell in love. The music is

very powerful and I like the awareness the show brings to

mental illness,”- Andrea Hartman, director


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Our Town Cooks

Gourmet hot sauce made locallyOUR TOWN COOKS

By Patricia Faulhaber Staff Writer

Dave and Toni Rorick from North Canton like hot sauce, especially their own Original Homemade Hot Sauce.

The Roricks have created a hot sauce that tastes good and is good for you. The gourmet product is homemade using fresh, natural ingredients including tomatoes, carrots, onions, garlic, spinach and habanera peppers.

“I’ve always wanted to start my own business and when I talked with Dave about it a few years ago, we started thinking about creating a gourmet hot sauce and started working on the recipe,” Toni said.

Toni is a full time surgical nurse at Mercy Medical Center and Dave owns a construction business. They started working with an old Sicilian recipe and modified it to create a tasty product that they enjoyed eating. And, it appears others enjoy it too.

“We decided right away that we wanted to create a recipe that used all natural and fresh ingredients and we wanted a product that was thick enough to stay on chips and other foods,” Dave said.

The tasty hot sauce made its public debut at Riffils Riverside Bar & Grille in Massillon where bottles of the product are sitting on the tables. David said the bar’s owner has received tremendous feedback from customers.

“Riffils gave us our first chance to sell the hot sauce. Their customers use the hot sauce on all types of foods including breakfast foods,” Dave said.

“People have come into the bar and asked for the product and they’ve told the owner they keep coming back for it. We also get great feedback when we offer samples at local festivals. We setup regularly at Fisher Foods beer and wine tasting in the North Canton store and people really seem to enjoy the product because it is a great hot sauce,” he said.

They got the idea to develop a natural ingredient product from watching how many people in North Canton walk, spend time in the parks and seem to have an all around healthy attitude and lifestyle.

“We wanted everything about the product including the label to be enticing and promoting living healthy. The logo is not intimidating like many hot sauce labels, it has more of a gourmet look to it,” Toni said.

The Original Homemade Hot Sauce can be found for sale at five of the Fisher Foods stores around the county including the store in North Canton. Hot sauce connoisseurs will find a hot and mild version available in 9 and 64 ounce size bottles.

“There really is no after taste with our hot sauce. The heat comes on gradually and the flavor and taste stays to the end. Adults and kids both

seem to like it,” David said. The natural ingredients in the

hot sauce offer numerous health benefits. It’s gluten-free, and low in sodium. The vegetables, garlic and peppers offer important health benefits such as reducing cancer and cardiovascular diseases, lowering cholesterol, boosting metabolism and promoting circulation.

Both Dave and Toni say they will stay with the idea of using healthy ingredients for any future products they develop. They like the fact they are the only natural ingredient hot sauce being made and sold in North Canton and Stark County.

Area residents may see the company’s Original Homemade Hot Sauce truck driving around town. The truck is a Chevrolet HHR panel truck with the company’s logo, bottles of hot sauce and the natural ingredients painted on it. The Roricks take the truck to local events along with a team of Hot Sauce Girls dressed in Daisy Duke shorts, tank tops and cowgirl boots.

Look for the Roricks, the Hot Sauce Girls and the Original Homemade Hot sauce at upcoming local events including The Main Street Festival later this summer. Also look for the delicious hot sauce displayed in Fisher Foods stores.

To learn more about the hot sauce, to place an order and to find helpful recipes for using the Original Homemade Hot Sauce, visit the website, http://www.originalhomemadehotsauce.com. •

“We decided right away that we wanted to create a recipe

that used all natural and fresh ingredients and we wanted a

product that was thick enough to stay on chips and other

foods,”- Dave Rorick

L to R: Dave Rorick, Jeff Fisher and Toni Rorick

Photo by Howard Dansizen


Hello my name is Mary Kay Cornell, and on February 14, 2006, I had a TIA stroke and was admitted to the hospital. That day I promised GOD, that if he made me well I would be an advocate for the youth.

Eight years later. I am fulfilling my promise with products that are fundraisers to help college students and others with their burden of debt. I am now expanding out to clubs and organizations that love to help children. By selling these products and spreading GOD’s dream you are rewarded with a monetary gift. Win Win for Me. I am able to help my family, help others, and fulfill my promise to GOD.

GOD has given me the gift to be “His Eyes on Earth.” The French Catholic blood in me, like Joan of Arc the visionary, I take my visions to artwork and Bible verses. I have created a promotional video on You Tube Mary Kay Cornell to explain why GOD had given me the gift of the Bible and for you to see a sample of the products.

I know have the logo and name of the company Mother Father Choice LLC. As the company grows I branch out to other companies that are already established to provide heartwarming professional products for you and your love ones.

Please check out my promotional video. Everyone can be part of GOD’s Plan. The person purchasing the products will receive Awesome Message and the seller receives monetary gift to help their family, club, or organization for spreading good on earth.

You may contact me in writing at P.O Box 2784 North Canton, OH 44720 or my cell phone 330-284-8464.

GOD Bless, Mary Kay, Body Soul, Spirit, Jesus’ Way


By Patricia Faulhaber Our Town Staff Writer

Patrons of the North Canton Public Library will notice a new trend taking shape. The library has started to implement a sustainability initiative. One of the many changes is the addition of blue recycle containers around the building.

Christina Weyrick-Cooper, community relations manager, is heading up the project and said the idea came about after attending a North Canton Chamber of Commerce round table on how to green up your business.

“We take corporate social responsibility seriously at the North Canto Public Library,” Weyrick-Cooper said.

“What that means is that we work to create value inside and outside of the library by aligning our business goals with social and environmental needs. We met once a month for over two years with local businesses through the round table to learn ways we can go green,” she said.

The library applied for and was awarded a sustainability scholarship from Stark State College and the H.W. Hoover Foundation in 2013. The scholarship was used to pay for a sustainability audit to help the library determine its carbon footprint and to find ways to improve its recycling among other things.

“We formed a green team and come up with six areas of focus. Every department has a representative on the green team. We started out by finding the low hanging fruit or areas that we could improve immediately such as printing double-sided, turning off lights

in unused areas and other improvements,” Weyrick-Cooper said.

The six areas of focus the green team came up with include: (some actions have been completed and some are in progress or are a continuing process)

1 . Purchasinga. Created limited list of standard

purchasing items

b. Researched pricing on thegreenoffice.com for purchasing green office supplies

c. Buying green cleaning products

d. Purchasing green giveaways such as recycled water bottles

e. Use upcycled items in art classes and craft programs

2 . Technologya. Now turning off computers after 9

hours

b. Invested in power strips

c. Transitioned management staff to laptops instead of using the standard CPUs

d. Implemented a web based registration for programs and for library card applications

e. Settings have been adjusted at staff machines and self-check outs to stop auto receipt printing

3 . Energya. Pricing out light dimmers and sensorsb. Continuing education for staff on how

to save on energyc. Shut off electronics such as coffee

pots, copiers and lights when not in use4 . Recycling/Waste

a. Invested in blue recycle containers where glass, cans and other items beyond paper can be recycled and then putting those next to garbage cans throughout the building

b. Changing what happens to unusable donations -- in the past the library threw out those items now they send them to Better World Books who sells them and gives the library a percentage of the sale. They are currently researching ways to recycle items such as cassette or VHS tapes.

c. Increased the size of the recycling dumpster

5 . Capital Improvementsa. Fixed leaking faucets in the bathroomsb. Developed a plan/checklist for

purchasing items such as a new HVACc. Developed a plan/checklist for building

improvements to use when they are needed

6 . Brandinga. Created a green commitment

statementb. Use green commitment statement on

new website, on signage and other promotional materials

c. Use green give away

The library also held a sustainability fair in April and is looking to make that an annual event. Local business and organizations setup displays in the library offering suggestions and tips on how patrons can green up their homes.

The Explore the World program this year will have elements of “exploring the world of sustainability.” Subjects for this year’s programs include sustainability, gardening, science and technology among many others.

“We have always done really well with the corporate social responsibility side of it by giving back to the community and we’ve worked with other organizations and businesses for collecting donations and other activities. We really wanted to expand that by implementing sustainability activities so we can continue to be good stewards of the library for North Canton residents,” Weyrick-Cooper said. •

North Canton Public Library goes greenLITERARY NEWS

Christina Weyrick-Cooper, community relations manager at North Canton Library, is heading up a new green initiative at the library.

Photo by Patricia Faulhaber

Library


Library


Daniel Okrent of The New York Times had an ingenious idea that launched Rotisserie Baseball. Through a series of stories amongst a well-connected network of newspapers, a new enterprise of magazines quickly emerge to help provide fantasy league commissioners and managers with the statistical information needed to calculate league standings and ultimately season winners. Fantasy League Commissioners relied on the post office to receive and calculate statistics to report to managers.

Just as a journalist started this new phenomenon, another one took the first step to simplify access to statistics through its extensive and easy to read box scores and statistics. In November of 1986, Ron Shandler published Baseball SuperSTATS in USA Today.

“My first experiences with fantasy leagues years ago involved waiting until the day after game day and scouring the box scores in the newspapers to do scoring by hand,” recalled Bungo. “With the online league, the scoring happens immediately. I can essentially follow my team and virtually watch the game as it happens. Technology has brought these leagues to an entirely different level.”

While monetary rewards pay big in some online fantasy leagues, the real prize is putting together a team that provides you with bragging rights and some friendly trash talk amongst your opponents during a what can oftentimes be an uneventful long, rainy six-month baseball season. •

By Dawn LaRay Campanelli Staff Writer

ESPN hit a home run with sports fans across the country with its real time, computerized fantasy baseball league that enables millions of want-to-be professional managers to have all the decision making power from drafting their team to managing daily roster decisions at their fingertips.

Instantly, modern day Fantasy Baseball Leagues have transformed family, friends and strangers into online competitors who root for individual professional baseball players’ statistics to score points in head-to-head weekly team matchups.

This real-time version for fictional baseball league play has put a new spin on the 162-day baseball season. “I always thought it would be too complicated with all the different aspects of the game that could be scored and that it would take too much time,” said Jeff Bungo, of North Canton, who joined an online league for the first time this year.

Brian West of North Canton agreed. “I like the online league because it’s easy to access and easy to start up and its fun playing for fun with friends.”

The love of baseball statistics drives every fantasy baseball managers’ decisions about team line-ups – it always has been a common denominator of the game’s evolution over the past 60 years. It just hasn’t been so easy to get the up-to-the-minute information on every MLB player as play was happening until recently.

All this is now possible due to multi-million dollar annual contracts between Major League Baseball and three companies have the licensure

rights to player’s statistics, updates, photographs and team logos. CBS Sportsline, Yahoo and ESPN use this information to automatically calculate players’ rankings. With the swift touch of a key stroke you can quickly evaluate how players stack-up against the projected probable starting pitcher of the next seven games, or review their year-to-date performance in several key categories: hits, runs, home runs, RBI and stolen bases.

Don’t like what you see? Check the free agency list to change out available players to increase the percentage of probability of winning one of the categories mentioned above. But scoring isn’t limited to just how your team hits the ball, you have to be diligent with your pitching staff too, as five of the 10 scoring categories are derived from the stats from the mound.

While the computer may have expanded how many people participate in the wide world of make-believe sports, it is not a new game.

Its origins date back to the early 1950s when your teams arrived in the mail like trading cards and had to be sorted by hand. Board games such as APBA and Strat-O-Matic continued to popularize fantasy baseball throughout the 1970s.

Nick Campanelli remembers playing it for hours. “It was fun! We created a league amongst friends. Of course everyone wanted the better players which were representative of the current players in the league. We kept the equivalent of a major league rosters, so there wasn’t as much trading, and if we did make any, we made up our own rules.”

Fantasy Baseball Lleagues took on its most recent form thousands of feet in the sky in 1979 when journalist

Want to manage your own team? Play Fantasy BaseballSPORTS

“I like the online league because it’s easy to access and

easy to start up and its fun playing for fun with friends.”-Brian West, North Canton

JUNE SPORTS• First week of June - high school

state tournaments• June 9-12 - Akron Rubber Ducks

vs. Binghampton, Canal Park• June 13-15 - Akron Rubber

Ducks vs. Portland, Canal Park• June 20-22 - Cleveland Indians

vs. Detroit, Progressive Field

Sports


Sports


Right:The USS Arizona

Memorial by air

By Tammy Proctor, Staff Writer

Hawaii is beautiful, but a trip to Oahu with friends is spectacular.

In late March, we fled the snows of Pittsburgh International Airport, crossed six time zones, and arrived in the short-sleeve weather of Honolulu, Hawaii. The more than 5,000 mile long trip was made more fun because we were with friends, catching up, sharing stories and laughing.

We stayed on the island of Oahu. We had the opportunity to travel to other islands, but we chose to explore Oahu, the home of Hanauma Bay and the famous Waikiki Beach.

There was so much to see and do we actually scheduled in “beach time.”

We stayed at the Pacific Hotel, across the street from Waikiki Beach. From our balcony, we watched humpback whales on their migration north. We had breathtaking views of Diamond Head and the beach.

Our hotel package included a buffet breakfast. Without the package, the buffet breakfast would have cost $25 per person. We simply turned in our meal tickets and enjoyed a relaxing meal while discussing our day’s plans with our travel companions. We didn’t stuff ourselves – well, most of the time – but we fueled enough that rarely did we take the time for lunch.

In our fun-packed trip we snorkeled in Hanauma Bay among sea turtles and colorful tropical fish. We took a catamaran trip out into the Pacific, giving us beautiful views of the island from the water. We picnicked on the North Shore, where surfing championships are held. We explored small towns such as Haleiwa. We did the traditional luau. We spent an entire day at the Polynesian Cultural Center. We traveled into the rainy mountains and soared to new highs with Blue Hawaii

Helicopter Tours.The helicopter tour, which we booked for

an afternoon early in our week, gave us a literal overview of the island and an appreciation for the sights we visited around the island. Our helicopter pilot, Loren, was a recently retired Blackhawk helicopter pilot. He maneuvered our helicopter into the mountains for close up views of dramatic waterfalls and he followed the exact flight pattern of Japanese pilots during the invasion of Pearl Harbor. We could actually see craters from bombings from that fateful day.

We had plans to visit Pearl Harbor and the Arizona Memorial, but the view from the air gave us a solemn vantage point of a ship entombed in the water.

Our travels on Oahu took us to scenic lookouts in the Koolau Mountains, wide beaches and to movie sets where Blue

Hawaii was filmed with Elvis, and The First 50 Dates with Drew Barrymore.

One of the most challenging things we did on our vacation was climbing Diamond Head. I remember painting a silhouette of Diamond Head in art class. I never dreamed of scaling the inactive volcano from within the crater.

The travel info we were given said, “Take a leisurely hike along the three-quarter mile trail to the peak of Diamond Head.”

That was false advertising. There was nothing leisurely about it

– unless you’re a mountain goat. The wide paved trail quickly vanished, only to be replaced by lumpy lava paths. At one point I told my friends, “This is not fun.” I pointed to a lookout ahead and said, “That’s as far as I am going.” They talked me into continuing. We scaled Diamond Head, taking water breaks along the way. Then we reached the two series of steps totaling more than 179 rungs almost straight up. We were triumphant we reached the peak. We took photos and marveled at the teenagers who raced up the trail and raced down the trail – twice!

To relax, Jim (my husband) and I rented chaise lounges and a beach umbrella on Waikiki Beach for two hours in the sun. The waters of the Pacific Ocean were cold, but felt refreshing after lying in the sun.

We did all the “touristy” things – purchased macadamia nuts, pineapples and shirts that declared “I climbed Diamond Head.”

Aloha, we learned, has three meanings – hello, goodbye or I love you.

It was a memorable adventure but it was made all the more special because we shared this trip with friends whom we love. Aloha. •

A Hawaiian vacation offers plenty of relaxation and sightseeing

Hanauma Bay, famous for its snorkeling, was the location of the Elvis film Blue Hawaii.

Left:At the peak of Diamond Head, Sandra Mills and Tammy Proctor.

TRAVEL

Travel

Photos by Tammy Procter

our town north canton - june 2014

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