Mental health discussion at Mount Union

ALLIANCE – The University of Mount Union will host a moderated discussion featuring mental health advocates Ginger Zee and Dan Harris for the 2023 Schooler Lecture at 8 p. m. April 27 in the University’s Timken Gymnasium.

Zee is the chief meteorologist at ABC News and the managing editor of ABC’s Climate Unit. She covers the nation’s weather headlines on “Good Morning America” and across all ABC News broadcasts and digital platforms, and put a very relatable if surprising face on depression, helping to lessen the stigma surrounding mental health issues through her books “Natural Disaster: I Cover Them. I am One.” and “A Little Closer to Home: How I Found the Calm After the Storm.”

Harris is a former co-anchor for the weekend edition of “Good Morning America” on ABC News, as well as a former correspondent for such broadcasts as “Nightline” and “World News Tonight.” He has earned Murrow and Emmy awards for his reporting.

Harris is also the author of the No. 1 “New York Times” best-selling book “10% Happier,” a book about a fidgety, skeptical news anchor who stumbles upon meditation. He has become a leading voice for pushing for the practice into the mainstream and has spoken about the topic across corporations, health and wellness organizations and schools and universities. “10% Happier” is available as a meditation app and in podcast form. Harris’ most recent book, “Meditation for Fidgety Skeptics,” is also on the best-selling list.

The lecture will be moderated by Kevin Meyer, associate professor of psychology and neuroscience at Mount Union, who has used Harris’ works in his classes. In addition to his work as a professor, Meyer is a marriage and family therapist.

Tickets for the lecture will be available Feb. 27. To learn more, visit mountunion.edu/boxoffice.

Canal Fulton Library plans children’s events

CANAL FULTON – The Canal Fulton Public Library, 154 E. Market St., has scheduled several children’s events for January. Registration is required. For more information or to register, call 330-854-4148 or visit www.canalfultonlibrary.org.

Wintery Bingo, 6-7 p.m. Jan. 5: An evening of hot chocolate and bingo for grades K-5.

Teddy Bear Sleepover, 6-7 p.m. Jan. 10: Bring your favorite stuffed animal and join us for a pajama night. For ages up to 12.

DNA, Strawberries and You! 6-7 p.m. Jan. 12: Learn about (and see) DNA using strawberries! Create your own edible version of a DNA strain. For grades K-5.

Diverse Designs: Multicultural Art, 5-6 p.m. Jan. 13: Learn about an artist from a diverse background and create your own artwork motivated from the artist’s style. This month, we will discuss the artist Marc Chagall. Recommended for ages 3 and up, adults welcome.

SymphonyLand concert series for kids starts Jan. 14

CANTON – Canton Symphony Orchestra will present The SymphonyLand concert series, a trio of performances for students (ages 3-6) to introduce the world of classical music in a fun, interactive, and educational way. Each trio performance is programmed around a children’s storybook and features a different instrument family (strings, brass, woodwinds) performing a variety of classical repertoire.

The concerts will be at Zimmermann Symphony Center-Umstattd Hall, 2331 17th St. NW, at 10 and 11 a.m. on the following dates:

• SymphonyLand Strings: Jan. 14. Featured storybook: “Here and There” by Tamara Ellis Smith.
• SymphonyLand Brass: Feb. 11. Featured storybook: “Listen” by Gabi Snyder.
• SymphonyLand Woodwinds: March 11. Featured storybook: “The Sound of Silence” by Katrina Goldsaito.

To register, check out VisitCanton online.

History Discussion Group to meet

MASSILLON – The Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, will have a History Discussion Group session from 10 a.m. to noon on Tuesday. The event is free and open to the public. No reservation is needed. Coffee and sweets will be available for a donation. Attendees are invited to bring stories and treasures to share. For more information, contact Christopher Craft at 330-833-4061 or ccraft@massillonmuseum.org.

Do the Mu: Cartooning with Character

MASSILLON – Massillon Museum’s Do the Mu will feature instructor Douglas Laubacher on Saturday. Guests can drop in anytime between noon and 2 p.m. Participants will learn from a pro and have fun with others while using an assortment of specially designed prompts to spur creativity forward in drawing cartoon characters from their imagination. All ages are welcome. Pencils and paper will be provided, but attendees are encouraged to bring their favorite sketchbook.

Laubacher is a cartoonist and art educator from Northeast Ohio. His comic strip, Unbound, can be read in the Tuscarawas County Bargain Hunter. He is a member of the National Cartoonist Society.

Genealogy Show & Tell at library

MASSILLON – The Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, will have a Genealogy Show & Tell session at 1 p.m. Wednesday in the Main Library auditorium. Share your greatest family history research stories. Props are optional, but encouraged. A Massillon Local History & Genealogical Society business meeting will take place in the Duncan Room immediately following Show & Tell. Registration is optional, but recommended. All are welcome to attend. For more information, contact Christine Bowman at 330-832-9831, ext. 350.

Library cancels Family Movie Nights

MASSILLON − The Massillon Public Library, 208 Lincoln Way E, has canceled Family Movie Nights, on the third Tuesday of the month, until further notice. For more information, call 330-832-9831.

Two members of Board of Park Commissioners retire

PERRY TWP. – Two members of the Board of Park Commissioners recently retired after several years of volunteer service. Denise Freeland of Minerva and Patricia Quick of Canton have left the Stark Parks board. Freeland served nine years (2014-2022) as a board member and several as chairperson. Quick served six years on the board (2017-2022).

Major accomplishments during their time included the opening of the Joseph J. and Helen M. Sommer Wildlife Conservation Center, a 50th anniversary celebration, the final connection of the Towpath Trail in Massillon, management and trail and park upgrades to the Sippo Valley Trail and Quail Hollow Park facilities, the addition of Tam O’Shanter Park, the Mindfulness Walk debut at Petros Lake Park including the Governor’s Award for 2020 park project in Ohio, the connection of the Iron Horse Trail through the City of Alliance, the hiring and transition of new park leadership, and opening Fry Family Park.

Ham dinner benefits Wilmot Fire & Rescue

WILMOT – Wilmot Fire & Rescue will have a curbside carryout ham dinner from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Jan. 8. There will be drive-thru pickup in the front of the Wilmot Fire Department, with volunteers bringing meals to your vehicle. Dinners are $10 each and include ham, scalloped potatoes, green beans, applesauce, coleslaw and dinner roll.

Wilmot Fire Department is at 204 Mill St. Delivery within the village of Wilmot is available; call 330-359-5995. Please bring correct change if possible. All proceeds benefit Wilmot Fire & Rescue, a volunteer department.