Downtown Developments - Feb-Mar-Apr 2014

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he Eric Snow Family YMCA, a branch of the YMCA of Central Stark County,

Downtown Canton’s streetscape comes alive with fun festivals!

Thanks to the hard work and dedication of the board and staff, plus donations from hundreds of individuals, local businesses and community foundations, Canton has a new downtown Y facility designed to promote healthy living, youth development and social responsibility. The address is 420 Third St NW and the website is www.ymcastark.org which details the programs highlighted in this article.

M A R C H

2014 Downtown Event Schedule

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opened in downtown Canton on January 27.

F E B R U A R Y

Eric Snow Family YMCA Open in downtown Canton

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Adult Programs

WHATWHEREWHEN

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SPACE AVAILABLE

I s s u e

• New Restaurants • First Friday • smARTSplash • First Annual Genius Awards • In the Round moves downtown • Canton Farmers’ Market Recap

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SPECIAL FEATURES

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PARTNERSHIP REPORT

The second floor of the Y facility is geared to health and wellness. It’s a relaxing environment because of all the natural light, as well as views into the pool.

YMCA Jumpstart will be available for those who want to participate in a comprehensive orientation program. Group exercise classes will be held in the water and on land. There’s a noon group exercise class, as well as classes in the evenings. Personal training services will be offered similar to other Ys in the area. For adults 65 years and older, the Silver Sneakers® program will be available. Sports programming in the gym will be developed for an adult basketball league, dodgeball league and volleyball programs. Classes will be added to the roster as community feedback is received and processed. Contact the Y service desk for a schedule of current programs and services.

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May 21 & May 22

A P R I L

First Friday of every month

Memberships at the new Y are considered regional, which means they are good at 17 different locations throughout Stark and Summit counties. Permanent lockers as well as laundry services are also available to make it easier for the downtown business community to use the Y. One thing that makes the YMCA unique is the promise to never turn anyone away due to an inability to pay. Thanks to donations from the United Way, local businesses and community members, the Y is able to keep this promise when someone can’t afford the cost of a membership or program.

Downtown Developments is published quarterly by Canton Development Partnership, a department of Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce in cooperation with Downtown Canton Special Improvement District

Michael P. Gill

Partnership Report 222 Market Ave. N. Canton, OH 44702 (330) 456-0468 fax (330) 452-7786 cdp@cantonchamber.org www.DowntownCanton.com Dennis P. Saunier President & CEO Michael P. Gill Director Annette Rosenberger Office Manager Denise Burton Membership Director Collyn Floyd Marketing Director & Editor Erin Thompson Downtown Events Manager Sarah Lutz Graphics Manager The Canton Development Partnership is a coalition of area development organizations and city government that share an interest in downtown Canton’s continual improvement, revitalization, image, and quality of life for its citizens.

Its mission is to support and coordinate the activities and programs of its partner organizations in order to encourage and sustain community and economic development in downtown Canton.

The partnering organizations include: Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce, Downtown Canton Special Improvement District, Downtown Canton Land Bank, Canton Tomorrow, Inc., and City of Canton.

Information regarding downtown events and news can be submitted for reprint at the discretion of the Partnership director and publication editor.

The Canton Development Partnership reserves the right to edit all copy. Deadlines are the 15th of the month, two months prior to publication (i.e., May 15 for the July/August issue).

Statements of fact and opinion within Downtown Developments are the responsibility of the authors alone and do not imply the opinion of the members of Canton Development Partnership or its partnering organizations.

Advertising rates and specifications are available by contacting the Chamber sales department at (330) 458-2067.

2014 marks the 100th anniversary of the Canton Regional Chamber of Commerce.

Of course, we’ll be doing some fun things to celebrate this achievement, such as holding our Annual Dinner Gala on Feb. 28 at the Canton Civic Center. (If you haven’t heard the exciting news already, ALL attendees will receive a $100 travel voucher from Southwest Airlines!)

But we’re also getting down to business, taking this milestone year as an opportunity to begin better serving our members and the larger community in the years to come.

In 2013, we embarked on a months-long process to listen, gather information, refine that information, and in the end, draft a five-year strategic plan that will serve as a guiding document for the Chamber in the years to come.

The strategic plan is now approved by our board of directors, and we’re already in the early stages of implementation.

The strategic plan is comprised of six key goals, and while ALL of the goals directly or indirectly impact downtown Canton, I’d like to share one goal in particular because of its dedicated focus on our city center: Support the Development of the Canton “Urban Core” Within this goal, we are tackling a wide range of objectives - from exploring the feasibility of more downtown living projects, to more

unified collaboration on our downtown marketing efforts, to implementation of the 2013 Downtown Canton Master Plan. And that is just scratching the surface.

We have a committee established to help achieve these goals which includes key internal staff members, as well as downtown small business owners, downtown developers, downtown residents, members of the arts community, and more. The way we see it, the broader the range of voices assisting in this effort, the broader our chances for success.

All of this is perfectly timed to coincide with our 2013 Downtown Canton Master Plan, which we plan to begin rolling out this year and which serves as a downtown “roadmap” for the next five to seven years.

We’ve done our homework. We’ve put strong teams in place. Now, we look forward to getting to work on these new, refined objectives for downtown Canton in 2014 and beyond.

Three New Spots Open in Downtown Canton Great news for area foodies: downtown Canton is home to three new diverse places for eats+drinks+coffee. We caught up with the owners of each spot for a quick look:

Next door to Cultured Coffee at 315 Cleveland Ave. is the soon-to-be-open Cheese Louise, owned by Mike Harrer and partners Cliff Cox and Monique Cox-Moore.

Cultured Coffee is a hip new coffee shop located in the arts district at 309 Cleveland Avenue N. Owned and operated by Heath Hamlin, also an arts-district resident, Cultured Coffee represents a longtime dream come true for him. “I had always wanted to open a coffee shop. Then one night I was at Buzzbin talking about it, and it turns out the guy next to me at the bar was a building owner with the perfect space available,” said Hamlin.

Within weeks, he had signed a lease.

Hamlin worked with family and handy friends to overhaul the space, which is airy, monochromatic, and vintage-modern. “Not one thing in this space has been left untouched,” he said. “This is the result of lots of weekends, good friends, and elbow grease.” The 120-year-old rustic wood floors, for instance, were under several coats of paint when he took over the space.

Hamlin orders coffee beans weekly from Coffee Tree Roasters in Pittsburgh. His shop features seven flavors of beans which are roasted fresh daily and shipped to him the next day.

“Sometimes the beans are so fresh they’re still releasing CO2, and the coffee bags occasionally burst. It’s a good problem to have because it means the beans haven’t been sitting around for weeks like you’ll find at some commercial coffee shops. You can taste the difference,” said Hamlin.

Pastries and other tasty treats, provided locally by Yummy Family Bakery, are sold at the shop, and grab-and-go sandwiches are coming soon. Hamlin plans to have live music on Thursdays, Saturdays, and on First Fridays.

Cheese Louise pays homage to an American classic: the grilled cheese sandwich. At Cheese Louise, however, you’ll find the classic version AND some not-so-classics, like the Mama Maria, featuring two raviolis smothered in marinara and Italian cheese on rustic Italian bread. In addition to sandwiches, they offer homemade soups (daily regulars include beer cheese, chili and tomato), salads, and spirits. Vegan and gluten-free options are also available, which Harrer promises aren’t just menu “throwaways.”

“The vegan black bean patty is seriously delicious, even for non-Vegans,”’ said Harrer.

“Our bread, cheese and desserts are all locally made,” he said. “We’re trying to keep it local as much as we can. We’re using Biery cheese and our desserts are made fresh daily by Dutch Valley.”

Harrer sees the restaurant serving as a local diner – quick service and a sandwich, cheese puffs, and fountain drink for around $10 per person. “We realize lots of downtown employees don’t have a full hour for lunch. They can order ahead or use our app to schedule a specific pickup time, and we’ll have their order ready.”

Harrer was inspired by the grilled-cheese concept dating back to 1994, when a cook and co-worker at the old East Side Mario’s made him a pesto cheese “melt.” “I went on to make my own ‘melts’ for the training staff when I was opening restaurants out west,” said Harrer. “They were always a huge hit.”

Harrer, a well-known local DJ and entertainer, plans to bring in plenty of unique entertainment, from comedians to karaoke.

“I want to people to enjoy our casual, laid-back atmosphere and have fun. Our motto is: it’s just coffee; enjoy it.”

Progress at Cheese Louise is well underway, and the restaurant plans to open in February.

Find them on the web at http://culturedcoffeeco.com/.

You can find them on Facebook as Cheese Louise Ohio.

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Tapas 218 is opening in February in the former Tozzi’s space at – you guessed it – 218 Court Ave. It’s Tony Ly’s new venture, and as owner of the popular Basil Asian Bistro, he’s hardly a newcomer to the downtown restaurant scene.

“This restaurant was never in the plan,” said Ly about opening a second restaurant within two years. “But I had originally looked at this space when I was opening Basil, and it’s always been in the back of my mind. Then it became available again.”

Tapas 218 is a unique and all-new concept for Canton, featuring Spanish, Latin American, and South American-inspired tapas (or “snacks,” such as olives and cheese), small plates and large plates.

During the day, the menu will feature lunch-friendly items like soups, sandwiches and salads. The chefs are two brothers from Honduras and longtime family friends of Ly’s.

While the space may be familiar to Canton foodies, Ly is giving it a new look with deep red and gold walls, new flooring and a fresh look in the downstairs bar area. When we visited, construction was well underway.

“People say that this space has the coolest bar in Canton,” said Ly. “We’re transforming the basement bar into a bourbon and whiskey bar, something no other restaurant or bar in the area offers.”

With two restaurants within a few city blocks, Ly is passionate about downtown Canton. “The local businesses represent some of the city’s best kept secrets. I hope more and more people discover the exciting scene down here.”

Stay up to date at https://www.facebook. com/tapas218.

February 7 – Twisted Tales Sometimes it’s fun to be in a tangle. When you’re entwined with a good book or an interesting conversation; even a love story that has its share of curves and climbs. And it’s this spirit of fantasy, fiction, fun, and frivolity that will come alive in the Canton Arts District. Grapes in a Glass is sponsoring a Love Story contest, while Willy the Whale makes a splash, though not to disturb those in the Children’s Reading Corner.

March 7 – Art in the 80s Whether you’re a Material Girl or more of a McGyver, this is your night to breakdance, dab on the Polo, grab your cassette player and “wear your sunglasses at night,” in the Canton Arts District. Buzzbin is going retro with music and more as they top the charts with 80s inspired music and art.

April 4 -- Games People Play This is a night to use your Cranium to make sure that your friends don’t have a Monopoly on fun as you Connect Four (and probably more!) of the Life that’s happening in the downtown Canton Arts District.

Participate in the Scavenger Hunt and win great prizes, get a Clue from Ryan Humbert as he sings from his album, Sometimes the Game Plays You, and don’t RISK the devastation (and boredom) of staying at home that evening.

SmARTSplash

Saturday, March 1 from 10 a.m. - 3 p.m.

Cultural Center for the Arts What do you get when you take a cold winter Saturday, a large group of excitable children, a couple dozen cans of modeling clay, hundreds of cardboard tubes, an art show and live music?

You get SmArtSplash!

In its eighth year at The Cultural Center for the Arts, SmArtSplash (previously known as ArtSplash) is ArtsinStark’s free family festival of arts, entertainment … and LEARNING! Tying into the SmArts program, linking arts with academics in Stark County’s schools, SmArtSplash highlights the teachers, students and projects teachers who are making a difference.

The second annual Stark County art show (grades K-8) will be on display with winners announced at 1:30 p.m. In addition, performances by the Canton Ballet, Voices of Canton and Players Guild Theatre will take the stage as well as area performers from the local schools. Companies like Aultman, Nationwide and the Timken Company will be on-site with hands-on art and learning activities for children of all ages. The Canton Museum of Art will be open, as well, with make-n-take projects for children in the Museum classrooms.

Concessions will be available for purchase.

If you need more info, check out artsinstark.com/artsplash FREE Admission and Parking!

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First Annual As part of ArtsinStark’s 2020 Vision, the Innovation committee determined that Stark County could be grown, and eventually recognized, as one of the top 10 innovative places in America for a community of its same size. A tall order? Of course, but not the type of challenge that deters the County Arts Council or stakeholders like Timken, AEP, JP Morgan, Day Ketterer, Aultman, Belden Brick, KeyBank, Mercy Medical Center, Krugliak, First Merit, Huntington, or The Repository to back away from the challenge.

These companies set out to prove that “genius” is alive and well in Stark County as they accepted a locked box “project” with the results to be unveiled and explained at the First Annual Genius Awards on Tuesday, March 18, from 6-8:30 p.m. at the Cultural Center for the Arts. The event, open to the public, includes the team presentations, plus food, drink and a mini concert by Canton’s own Hey Monea.

In addition, the evening will include the unveiling of the first ever Stark County Innovation Index, a short history of local geniuses, and remarks (and entertainment) by a man who many believe to be America’s first genius.

Intrigued?

Make your reservation: www.Artsinstark.com/ genius • 330-453-1075 The First Annual Genus Awards are sponsored by Diebold and supported by funds from the Ada & Helen Rank Charitable Trust.

In the Round Moves Downtown Each new year brings new opportunities, and there’s no shortage of them at In The Round Design Group. The turn of the calendar reveals an exciting future as the business celebrates its 15th anniversary by joining Canton’s vibrant community.

What started in a dorm room in the ‘90s quickly grew into a bricks-and-mortar establishment passionately serving ministries, non-profits, arts groups, and businesses alike. In 2009, ITR launched a website-building suite called Radius Web Tools to provide low-cost and easy-to-use online communication tools.

Acquisition by Our Sunday Visitor added fuel to the fire. Our Sunday Visitor has a rich 102 year history, and ITR offerings complement Our Sunday Visitor’s total solution products and services for Catholic and Protestant churches and organizations.

And it shows! Radius’s reach has grown exponentially since its inception, serving the United States and abroad. “This year, we are honing our focus on Radius and our print/web design services.” said David Brown, product leader for Radius.

“It’s great to be part of the downtown revitalization. We are excited to see things keep growing!”

Speaking of downtown, ITR’s new space in the Northmark building has an energetic vibe from the moment you step in. Striking colors and diverse artwork form a creative atmosphere where design and technology meet to form new solutions to ever-evolving challenges. Brad Neeley, an ITR developer, reflects on the move. “It’s nice to be rubbing shoulders with many of our current clients in the center of this historic town.”

In The Round Design Group is located at 213 Market Avenue NE, Suite 100, alongside Carpe Diem Coffee Shop, Aura Salon and Spa, and others.

In the area? Need a break or want to discuss your next project? Stop by anytime, 9 – 5, Monday through Friday for a cup of coffee and a friendly chat. For more information, visit InTheRound.com and RadiusWebTools.com.

Eric Snow Family YMCA ...

Youth Programs Youth programs have been an important focus of the Y for many years.

Sports leagues and summer day camp will continue to be offered through collaborations with the city of Canton. The Character Counts program, and the six character pillars of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship will be utilized in working with the youth.

Swimming classes will be offered for a wide range of age groups.

Parent/child, preschool, school age, and individual lessons will all be conducted in the pool. Classes will be offered Monday and Wednesday evenings, as well as Saturday morning.

A teen leaders program will be started through the Snow Y. Teens get together on a regular basis to learn about leadership and character, and participate in community service projects throughout the year. In the past, the students have assisted with the Special Olympics, Humane Society and a number of Senior Centers.

A Y nationally recognized Minority Achievers Program will be started for student-athletes in grades six through twelve. The program’s main goal is to introduce the students to different job clusters utilizing community leaders throughout the school year. Community leaders will go on to serve as mentors for the youth as the program develops.

Meet the Y Staff

Business Management. She’s worked six years for the YMCA serving most recently as Assistant Membership Director at the North Canton YMCA. Kristen remarked, “The YMCA is an amazing organization that has changed my life both professionally as well as personally”.

“We’re excited to be back downtown, and we look forward to making a significant impact on the folks living and working in the Canton community.”

Denico Buckley, Community Program Director: Denico attended Malone University where he played quarterback and wide receiver achieving All-Conference honors. While studying at Malone, Denico had an internship opportunity with the YMCA, and went on to make the Y a career. He started his full-time work with the Y at the downtown Akron Y facility. Denico currently serves the Canton community by leading many youth and adult programs. Denico said, “I’m very happy to be back in the Canton community where I began my career with the Y. My goal is to provide the community with programs for the youth that builds strong kids, families, and community together.”

Crystal Winfrey-Ellington, Health and Wellness Director: Crystal grew up in Columbus. She went on to attend Ball State University earning her Exercise Science and Sports Medicine degree. While there, she was a student-athlete in track and field as well as a member of the student-athlete advisory board. Crystal returned to Ohio and became an Exercise Physiologist working with all levels of athletes, weight loss and general fitness clients. In addition, she became an ambassador for the American Heart Association by becoming a member of their Speakers Bureau. Crystal is a Certified Personal Trainer who loves being creative with various exercise formats including circuit training, cardio intervals, and total body workouts. One of her favorite quotes is: “In order to get change, you have to make change.”

Jason Taylor, Aquatic and Teen Program Director: Jason is a lifelong resident of Canton and has been involved with swimming for many years. He also has coached swimming at a number of different levels. Jason most recently was the Aquatic Coordinator at the Meyers Lake YMCA. While there, he helped establish a school-age swim team called the Manta Rays. Jason remarked, “I’m looking forward to working with the local community to help promote the six pillars of character through the Y programs.”

Dean Gogolewski, Executive Director: Dean graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Physical Education and went on to Kent State University earning a Master’s Degree in Sport Administration. He has 11 years of experience working for the YMCA. Dean has worked in many different capacities over the years through YMCAs in both the Canton and Akron area. Most recently, he’s been serving as Associate Executive Director at the Meyers Lake YMCA. Dean says, “I’m very proud to be back in downtown Canton leading the efforts of the newest YMCA in Stark County. I look forward to working with the downtown business community, as well as the youth and families in the area, to help strengthen our community.”

Kristen Bruno, Membership Director: Kristen is a life-long resident of Stark County. She was a student in Plain Local Schools and a graduate of Heritage Christian School. Kristen also attended Stark State College of Technology earning her degrees in Office Administration and

Call 330-458-2403 for more information or questions about the Y. Feel free to also stop in and talk with the Y staff about becoming a part of the YMCA family. The YMCA is about youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.

Pictured at Left (L--R): Dean Gogolewski, Executive Director; John France, Maintenance Director; Crystal Winfrey-Ellington, Health & Wellness Director; Denico Buckley, Youth Sports & Community Program Director; Kristen Bruno, Membership Director; Jason Taylor, Aquatic & Teen Director.

Showcase your products at the 2014 Canton Farmers’ Market

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he 2014 Canton Farmers’ Market is looking for new vendors! Locally grown and produced items are needed to fill out the offerings of the

market. Favorite vendors will return and help create an incredible assortment of foods, fresh-cut flowers, baked goods and plants.

This year’s market will be hosted every Saturday morning, from June through October, in downtown Canton.

Vendor applications are available now!

Please visit www.CantonFarmersMarket.com to download.

Vendor spaces are available on a first-come, first-served basis, and a fee discount is available to early applicants through Apr. 1.

Volunteers needed!

The market is also seeking volunteers to help with a variety of activities. Please contact Erin Thompson, downtown events manager, at erint@cantonchamber.org or (330) 4582072 with vendor or volunteer inquiries.

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February 1-2

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Sleeping Beauty Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com Illuminating the Word: The St. John’s Bible Canton Museum of Art www.cantonart.org Sacred Voices Canton Museum of Art www.cantonart.org Scared Scriptless Improv Comedy Second April Galerie & Studios www.secondapril.org 3 Cellos, Clarinet & Piano Canton Symphony Orchestra www.cantonsymphony.org First Friday – Twisted Tales Downtown Canton www.cantonfirstfriday.com First Friday Family Movie – Shrek Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Spirits of the Palace Monthly Ghost Investigation Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Exhibit: Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Tea with the Curator – Chocolate McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Murder on the Red Carpet; Murder Mystery Event Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Love is Eternal – A Special Be My Valentine Package for Two National First Ladies Library www.firstladies.org

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Big Pants and Botox Second April Galerie & Studios www.secondapril.org Happy Birthday CSO Chorus Canton Symphony Orchestra www.cantonsymphony.org Presidents’ Day Activities McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Soup at Six – Black Wings McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Big Pants and Botox Second April Galerie & Studios www.secondapril.org The Diary of Ann Frank Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com The Diary of Ann Frank Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com

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The Diary of Ann Frank Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com Illuminating the Word: The St. John’s Bible Canton Museum of Art www.cantonart.org Sacred Voices Canton Museum of Art www.cantonart.org Exhibit: Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Scared Scriptless Improv Comedy Second April Galerie & Studios www.secondapril.org First Friday – Arts in the ‘80s Downtown Canton www.cantonfirstfriday.com

March

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First Friday Family Movie – Back to the Future Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Spirits of the Palace Monthly Ghost Investigation Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org The Diary of Ann Frank Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com Oboe & Piano Canton Symphony Orchestra www.cantonsymphony.org Canton Ballet – Wizard of Oz Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Rhythm in the Night; Irish Dance Spectacular Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Soup at Six – Women’s Suffrage McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org A Bela, A Bartok and a Surprise Canton Symphony Orchestra www.cantonsymphony.org Vinnie Ream: A Teenage Artist’s “Labor of Love” Tea National First Ladies Library www.firstladies.org Charlotte’s Web Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com

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April

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Exhibit: Black Wings, American Dreams of Flight McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org First Friday – Games People Play Downtown Canton www.cantonfirstfriday.com

More event information at www.DowntownCanton.com

First Friday Family Movie – Clue Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Spirits of the Palace Monthly Ghost Investigation Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org Charlotte’s Web Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com I Thee Wed Bridal Show McKinley Presidential Library & Museum www.mckinleymuseum.org Scared Scriptless Improv Comedy Second April Galerie & Studios www.secondapril.org Charlotte’s Web Players Guild Theatre www.playersguildtheatre.com Canton Symphony Presents Matt Corey with Special Guest Elec Simon Canton Palace Theatre www.cantonpalacetheatre.org The Planets-An HD Odyssey Canton Symphony Orchestra www.cantonsymphony.org