Banish the winter doldrums and beautify your space at the same time by heading over to Chestnut Hill’s Green House Gallery for some amazing bargains. ‘The Great Art Clearance Sale’ offers art lovers original art at 35%-75% off the original prices .The local artists have slashed their prices to make room in their studios to create more art. The sale will run January 11-28.

Art lovers will recognize the local artists. Christine Benner specializes in mixed media paintings and bold, statement-making jewelry. L. Grace Fife Harbert works in watercolors and found-object assemblages. Judi Krew’s easily-recognizable ‘Painted Ladies’ series paintings will be available. Sara Winther Shumaker’s work in ceramics and mixed media will be for sale, and Chris Triner will round out the show with his creations in oil and mixed media paintings. Do you love pottery? Sari Sponhour’s pieces will be available as well. All of her pieces relate to each other in design or glaze.

The Green House Gallery is a relatively new addition to Chestnut Hill, a gift and accessory shop that has been a North Canton staple for many years. Hours are Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Chestnut Hill is located at 441 N. Main Street. Just look for the green house!

During the past three decades, three teams have controlled the Federal League. In the 1980s, North Canton owned that distinction. In the late 1990s, Lake was the dominate team. In the 2000s, Perry has dominated the league race. This year, the Vikings are looking to move in and begin to reclaim what was once theirs. North Canton is off to an 8-0 start, 1-0 in the Federal League. League matches against Lake and Perry are to come later this month.

The orange and black are led by four senior wrestlers. They also boast a nice mix of junior, sophomore and freshman wrestlers, with the most improvement being made in the heavyweight division. “We have strong senior leadership,” said head coach John Grasinger, a 1979 graduate. “This group has been wrestling together for 10 years.”

The quad captains’ senior class includes Sam Wakser, at 126 pounds, Mike Ratay, 138 pounds, Conner Grasinger, 145 pounds, and Spencer Keeler, 152 pounds. The seniors are providing great leadership for the five juniors, waiting in the wings to be leaders next season.

Hoover’s junior class is led by Andy Fausnight, 113 pounds, who is undefeated in dual meets this year and placed at the Medina and North Canton Invitationals; Jordan Wakser, 132 pounds, who was 10 seconds away from placing at the Medina Invitational, which would have placed him in the Top 20 in the state; Joey Howard, 160 pounds; Tyler Stolz, 195 pounds, who is talented, growing and should be good next year; and Jim Hammontree, Heavyweight (HWT), who is really maturing into a young man and is holding his own. Hammontree wrestles at 250 pounds.

Grasinger, in his second season at the helm, talked about returning to the program he wrestled in a few years back. “I am honored to coach such a great program. The infrastructure is great. We have a great fan base, terrific booster club and outstanding administration. I am proud to be a part of this program.” This season, Hoover is facing the toughest schedule they have had in the last 10 seasons. “This is a difficult schedule.” said the mentor of the orange and black. “Our competition is state level. The schedule was designed that way.”

The Federal League will also provide strong competition. A year ago, Hoover’s only losses were to Jackson, Perry and Lake. They have already beaten Jackson this year. They wrestled Lake on Jan. 12. Perry is looming on Jan. 26. In between, the Vikings wrestle GlenOak on Jan. 19.

“One of our big objectives this year is to beat Lake,” said Grasinger. “We have not beaten Lake in the past 10 years. Perry is heavily favored to win the Federal League. They are a strong team –ranked nationally. It puts us in a tough place. Last year, we were shut out at Perry. I would like to win multiple matches and give them a run.” To help that run, the sophomore and freshmen wrestlers will have to make their mark. Two key sophomores are Nathan Burns, 106 pounds, who has good technique and is developing to compete on a state level; Jake Evanich, 120 pounds, who placed at the North Canton Invitational; and Tyler Maloy, who in just his third year of wrestling is a state level wrestler. The freshmen wrestlers are Winter Andrews at 220 and Vince Popa.

“Our team has struggled with the upper weights in the past,” said Grasinger. “I’m proud of this team. They are good, honest kids.” Grasinger credits his staff for the Vikings’ success. His staff includes Nick Gamble and Dave Grasinger.

On December 19, Dr. Weirdo, A.K.A. Jamie Ely, amazed and dazzled the students of Orchard Hill Elementary with his science and magic. Orchard Hill Principal Renee Manse said, “We were very excited to have the opportunity to have Dr. Weirdo (Jamie Ely) from the Mad Science Program present to our students.  The assembly provided information that reinforced our academic science standards, as well as provided many different opportunities for the students to understand science while having fun.”

The Orchard Hill After School Enrichment Program will be offering a 6-weeks Mad Science Class which will expand upon some of the concepts that were presented at the assembly.  The After School Enrichment began shortly after students returned from winter break. Many students have expressed interest in this enrichment class.  “We are pleased to be able to offer an after school program that reinforces acedemics,” said Mrs. Manse.

The After School Enrichment sessions explore topics such as laboratory techniques, chemical reactions, adhesives, acids and bases, dry ice, and a universal favorite: polymers, better known as

…slime. The children are given hands-on activities combined with discussion and demonstrations to meet specific learning objectives in a fun and challenging environment.

Art from the Classroom will be on view at The Little Art Gallery of the North Canton Public Library January 21 through April 8, 2012.  This annual exhibit highlights artwork created by students of the North Canton School District.

The first exhibit will feature the work of students from Hoover High School and will be on display from January 21 through February 12.  Curator Elizabeth Blakemore said, “It’s a great way for students to experience an exhibit in a gallery. Having their work shown in a gallery can really impact a student, especially if they are going to pursue further education in art.”

The middle school students follow with their work on display from February 18 through March 11. Blakemore observed, “When the parents come, they are so proud and the students feel like their work has more merit. It’s ten times better than having their work displayed at home. Their work is just full of life and energy.”

The Art from the Classroom exhibit ends with the artistic endeavors of the elementary school children of Greentown, Northwood, Clearmount, Orchard Hill and the Mary L. Evans Early Childhood Center on display March 17 through April 8. “This show is just so full of happiness it’s like taking a step back to when you were a little kid and remembering how you saw the world. You just can’t help but smile,” commented Blakemore.

While Art in the Classroom highlights the work of students, the commitment of the teachers is evident. “There are a lot of talented students and teachers in the school district, and everyone is invited to the exhibition to see for themselves,” said Little Art Gallery Curator, Elizabeth Blakemore.

The students of Northwood Elementary started the year off on the right foot January 3 with an assembly promoting the importance of persistance, kindness, dilligence and excellence. They enjoyed listening to a lovable story about a cartoon character, Ned, told by an enjoyable yoyoist, Chad, who entertained with humor and amazed with his yo-yo tricks.

Teaching three critical skills, the story of Ned is designed to give students the tools they need to become Champions at school and in life.  Ned’s name serves as an acronym that makes the message easy to remember-Never give up, Encourage others, and Do your best.

This simple, yet impactful message was introduced through the NED Show, a 45-minute assembly that served as a catalyst to enhance school climate for the new year. Humor, audience participation, storytelling and amazing yo-yo tricks all combine to make it a truly NEDucational experience. www.theNEDshow.com

North Canton Playhouse

(located inside of Hoover High School)

January 13-29 (No show on Saturday Jan 28.)

northcantonplayhouse.com or call (330)494-1613 for ticket information

“Rapunzel and the Witch” from the story by the Brothers Grimm

The Players Guild of Canton

1001 Market Avenue North, Canton

January 13-29

playersguildtheatre.com or call (330)453-7617 for ticket information

Audition:

“Into the Woods”  youth production for ages 14-21

January 15 at 2:30 p.m.

North Canton Playhouse (located inside of Hoover High School)

northcantonplayhouse.com or call (330) 494-1613 for details

“Spring Awakening”

Saturday, January 21 at the North Canton Playhouse

(located inside of Hoover High School)

525 7th St NE

Time slots available between 12-5 p.m.

Must be 16 years or older to audition-minors must be accompanied by parent

Contact director for questions: marci@northcantonplayhouse.com or (330) 814-1661

In the Galleries

Scholastic Art Exhibit

Featuring more than 2,000 art entries from area middle schoolers and high school students.

Kent State Stark

January 17-Feb 2

Campus Center, Fine Arts Gallery

www.stark.kent.edu

Sweet Adelines International is Teaching the World to Sing

Note: Run the Sweet Adelines International article from the  1st January issue again.

Are you looking to get out of the house on a wintery Saturday night and have a little fun in the name of a good cause?  If so, the first annual East End Football Reverse raffle on February 11, 2012 at the Greentown Athletic Club is right up your alley.  A $1000 grand prize marquees the event full of music, food and fun.  Many other prizes will also be awarded and an open bar is just a $10 surcharge.

“It goes to a really good cause: it helps our kids do something they love,” said Susan Martinez, President of East Football.   All proceeds from the annual event benefits East Football, one of four city teams in the Greater North Canton Youth Football Association, and provide additional funding for youth football equipment and cheerleading supplies.  Students attending Clearmount Elementary traditionally play under the blue and yellow East end banner.

The event, which is open to the public, begins at 5:00 PM and runs until 11:00 PM; tickets are just $40 per person (accompanying tickets, which do not qualify for the raffle, may be purchased for an additional $15 per person).  A ticket entitles its bearer to enter the $1000 top prize raffle, a bevy of food and soft drink assortments, and a night of music and dancing.  Many other prizes donated by the community will also be raffled.

“We hope to get a lot of people out to support the kids,” Martinez said.  “What better way to spend a winter Saturday night than to have some fun in the name of our children?”

WHO: Everyone is welcome!  The event is open to the public and tickets are $40 per person, $15 for accompanying tickets.

WHAT: The first annual East Football Reverse Raffle; a benefit to raise funds for East football.

WHEN: Saturday February 11, 2012 from 5:00 PM to 11:00 PM.

WHERE: Greentown Athletic Club at 9944 Cleveland Ave. NW  Greentown, Ohio 44630

WHY: Benefit a great cause and have fun!

For more information and details, please visit www.EastFootballNC.com or call 330-933-8385.

By Julie Mathie-Cross

Hats and sunglasses decked out the students at the North Canton Middle School on Wednesday, December 21. These items, which are usually not permitted to be worn during the school day, were part of a program initiated by the 8^th Grade Advanced Study Skills students. Every Middle School student who donated at least one dollar to the “Cookies for Kids’ Cancer” fund was given permission to wear a hat or sunglasses for the day.

The Cookies for Kids’ Cancer activity was a leadership project for the Study Skills class.  The students themselves came up with the idea, selected the non-profit organization, and organized the entire event.  Cookies for Kids’ Cancer was founded by a mom inspired by her son’s fight against cancer. Through the concept of local bake sales, Cookies for Kids’ Cancer raises funds to support families whose children are battling cancer. To promote the project, the students made a video which aired on the school’s closed circuit TV. The video educated the other Middle School students about the project and their fundraising goals.

The students involved with this leadership project were Yabacushyanci Bennett, Blake Coulter, Aubrey David, Hunter Deshon, Brandon Harris, Dylan Harshaw, Diamond Howell, Lauren Pandera, Logan Rich, James Rutherford, Justin Spotts, Jorge Tsenekos, and Taylr Williams. A total of $675 was raised by the group.  The profit earned will go toward pediatric cancer research.

In addition to being allowed to wear hats and sunglasses, the Middle School students were rewarded for their efforts from the annual magazine fundraiser. The profits from this fundraiser help to support assemblies, purchase supplies and pay for other expenses not covered by the district.  Each student who sold at least one subscription was given a ticket to the Rick Smith Jr. Magic Show which was held in the gymnasium. Rich Smith Jr. is famous for his ability to throw a playing card. He is listed in the Guinness Book of World Records for being the only person who can throw a card 216 feet at 92 mph.

Several students and staff members were chosen to assist Rick Smith with his show. He amazed the students with his humor, talent and magic tricks. To wrap up the show, he tossed a card into the basketball hoop while standing over half the length of the gym from the hoop. These two successful fundraisers are examples of the Middle School students’ enthusiasm to help a good cause and support their school.

By Julie Mathie-Cross

The North Canton Middle School continues to receive reports regarding the final destinations of the balloons the students released during Red Ribbon Week. After weeks of anticipation, students were excited to finally receive the reports. The balloon traveling the furthest distance belonged to Mrs. Wackerly’s class. It traveled 197 miles and landed in Lilly, Pennsylvania. The balloon launched by Mrs. Drake’s class traveled 144 miles to Clymer, Pa., and Mrs. Roger’s balloon floated 102 miles to Freeport, Pa.  The most recent balloon discovery was Mrs. Herman’s balloon. It landed 118 miles away in Leechburg, Pa. The balloon traveling the shortest distance, other than the balloons that got stuck in the trees surrounding the school, was released by Mrs. Boulas’ class.  It traveled a grand distance of two blocks!

The balloons were released as part of Red Ribbon Week.  Red Ribbon Week is a national event honoring Enrique Camerena, a Drug Enforcement Administration special agent, who was killed in 1985 by drug traffickers. The Red Ribbon Campaign was designed to encourage healthy, drug-free, violence-free lifestyles among students. In years past, balloons were reported to have made it all the way to Canada and Massachusetts. Each balloon carried a message which stated, “This balloon is a symbol of our pledge to lead drug-free, violence-free lifestyles.” Below the statement were directions on how the ‘finder’ of the balloon should contact the Middle School to report where they had found the balloon.

The students celebrated the week by wearing daily ‘themed’ clothing, including favorite team shirts, bandanas, red clothing for “Redder the Better” day, and dressing as a ‘twin’ for “Double Up Against Drugs” day. A donut party was awarded to the class that wore the most red on “Redder the Better” day.   Students ended the week with “Winners Don’t Do Drugs” day. On this final day, students and staff were encouraged to wear Hoover gear to show support for the Vikings during the last football game of the season.

Greentown Elementary School also celebrated Red Ribbon Week.  Student Council chose to have the students collect food items, which were donated to a local food bank.  A goal was set to collect 1,500 items. Principal Brian McKenzie promised the students that if they met the goal, he would wear footed pajamas for a day. The students met the goal, and Principal McKenzie kept his promise.

Each school differed in their choice of Red Ribbon Week activities, but the message remained the same . . . students of all ages should strive to live a healthy, drug-free and violence-free lifestyle.

Laura Luikart, a teacher at the Mary L. Evans Early Childhood Center, earned the December Educator of the Month award through the Chamber of Commerce, Westfield Bank and Washington Square Starbucks. Luikart was awarded the honor in front of her students on December 19. The North Canton Area Chamber/Westfield Bank monthly “Educator of the Month” award honors a North Canton City Schools staff member who exemplifies excellence in education in their interaction with students, parents and other staff members. Previous winners were Carol Couch of Hoover High School
and Darlene Howald from the North Canton Middle School.

Luikart has been a teacher for 33 years, and 26 of those years were in the North Canton City School district. A quick visit to her classroom revealed a teacher who utilized every minute of the day to teach some concept, fact or lesson. Her calm demeanor and patience created a very ‘learning friendly’ environment. After the last student departed her classroom for the holiday break, Luikart remarked “Oh, they’re just so cute.”

During the course of the 2011-2012 award cycle persons from each of the district’s seven buildings will be honored. The Chamber has partnered with Westfield Bank and the Washington Square Starbucks on the project. Each monthly winner will receive a plaque and a Starbucks gift basket, which
includes a copy of CEO Howard Schultz’ “Onward” book. Schultz initiated Starbucks’ “Empowering Educators” program to highlight educators and school systems making a difference in the lives of their students and communities.