Fort Laurens to host reenactors
BOLIVAR – Fort Laurens Museum, 11067 Fort Laurens Road, will host World War I reenactors from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 11.
The reenactors will make a small encampment on the site and guests can interact with the reenactors to learn more about the American army during the conflict. Visitors can also see presentations from the Bolivar Historical Society and the MAPS Air Museum throughout the event.
The museum and gift shop will also be open on this day from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
For more information, contact Fort Laurens at 330.874.2059 or visit the website at www.fortlaurensmuseum.org.
Learn about ‘freedom trains’
CANTON – The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum’s Train Curator David Ziegler will present the Soup at Six series program “The Freedom Train: Steam of Democracy” at 6 p.m. April 9.
Guests will learn about Ross Rowland Jr. and his precious freight. Ziegler will cover the 1946 and 1976 freedom trains that were traveling museums with 26 galleries curated from all over the United States. Some of the hundreds of American treasures aboard were a moon rock, the Louisiana purchase and Jesse Owen’s gold medals. The trains traveled 26,000 miles with 138 stops.
Preregistration is required. Tickets are available online at qrco.de/bgMTnx or by calling 330-455-7043 during regular business hours. The deadline for reservations is April 2. The cost is $25 per person and includes the program, soup, bread, beverage, and dessert.
CommQuest fundraiser
CANTON – The CommQuest fundraiser Taste of Hope will be from 6 to 9 p.m. April 16 at 601 Cleveland Ave. NW with local restaurants, entertainment and an auction.
The event supports CommQuest’s mission to provide collaborative care and advocacy through mental health, addiction recovery and social support.
The event features special guest Food Network chef and Canton native Stephan C. Baity and his award-winning sculpting artistry. Baity will share his talent live at the event, and two guests will win the chance to sculpt alongside him that evening. For tickets ($125), sponsorships and more information, visit https://e.givesmart.com/events/N28/.
New pregnancy resource center to open
CARROLLTON – Appalachian Hills Pregnancy & Parenting Center, a nonprofit organization at 351 Park Ave., will open April 7. The center will serve pregnant women and families in Carroll County and surrounding areas. A ribbon-cutting ceremony and open house will be held in May.
The center provides free pregnancy tests, support, prenatal planning, maternity clothes and infant gear, prenatal and postpartum education, and mentors for mothers and fathers.
The mission is to offer Christ-centered pregnancy and parenting wellness services. The nonprofit is supported by local churches, individual donors and the community.
Anyone who may be or is pregnant can call, text or request an appointment online. It is free and confidential. For more information, visit www.AHPPC.org, phone or text 330-401-3947, email info@ahppc.org or visit https://facebook.com/AppHillsPPC.
Massillon Museum exhibits art finalists
MASSILLON – The 2026 Art Educator of the Year Finalists’ Exhibition is on view at the Massillon Museum through April 19.
Educators Brian Robinson, Tuslaw Local School District; Hope Haney, Strasburg Local School District; Jessica Wiley, North Canton City School District; Matthew Ferrell, Massillon City School District; and Robyn Peterson, Lake Local School District, are represented in the lower level lobby. All works were created by finalists or students of the finalists.
The award is sponsored in part by Michael and Judi Krew.
Historical Society reopens
NAVARRE – The Bethlehem Township Historical Society, 123 High St., has reopened for the season, with hours of 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays.
President Tom Diehl recognized two retiring officers at the March 11 meeting: Marilyn Adams for 14 years as treasurer and Janie Talbott for past service as secretary. The next meeting will be at 10 a.m. April 8 in the education building.
The annual garage sale will be from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 14 through 16. To donate items (no clothing), drop them off 9 to 11:30 a.m. Wednesdays. If you need the items picked up, call 330-879-5938.
Drop off aluminum cans in the barrels outside the education building behind the Mathews Museum. The money from the cans helps pay the utilities. Cat food containers cannot be accepted.
The Bethlehem Township Historical Society’s three buildings need two new furnaces and two roofs. The wood fence needs to be repaired or replaced with vinyl fencing. Any donations or suggestions would be appreciated. The organization is working on a grant to help.
Inclusion Fair
NORTH CANTON – The North Canton Public Library’s biennial Inclusion Fair will be from 1 to 4 p.m. April 4.
Discover how people with disabilities experience the world. Explore hands-on stations featuring adaptive toys, communication devices, therapy animals, and Braille books. The event is designed to foster understanding and connection. Complete your Inclusion Fair Passport for a chance to win a $100 gift card.
Walsh University hosts health clinic
NORTH CANTON – Walsh University will host its annual Community Health and Wellness Clinic from April 15 to 17 at the Barrette Business & Community Center, 2020 E. Maple St., on the campus. Appointments begin at 8 a.m. each day. Advance registration is required.
This free event offers adults the chance to receive a comprehensive health and wellness assessment that includes screenings of movement, strength, balance, and vision. Walsh physical therapy, occupational therapy and nursing students conduct the evaluations under the supervision of licensed physical therapists, occupational therapists, and nurses.
Participants should print and complete the clinic appointment intake form prior to arrival. To schedule an appointment or for more details, visit www.walsh.edu/dptclinic or email walshdptclinic@walsh.edu.
Stark Parks programs
Stark Parks will offer the following events and programs. Visit StarkParks.com for class information and registration for all events and programs.
Historic Zoar Village to open for season
ZOAR – Historic Zoar Village opens for the 2026 season at 10 a.m. April 4.
“As we celebrate America’s 250th, Zoar offers a special opportunity to connect with our nation’s past and reflect on the people, ideals and perseverance that helped shape the American experience,” site director Tammi Shrum said.
April 4 also marks the kickoff of Zoar’s Speaker Series featuring Brandon Downing, assistant professor of history at Marietta College, at 11 a.m. at the Schoolhouse. The event is free and open to the public.
The Zoar Store and Bakery will also be open to visitors on opening day.
Museum hours in April are Saturdays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. May through September hours are expanded to 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m.
General admission is $12 for adults, $6 for children ages 5 to 17 and free for kids 4 and under. Admission is free for members of Ohio History Connection and the Zoar Community Association.
Visit www.historiczoarvillage.com or call 330-874-3011 for more information.
This article originally appeared on The Repository: News from around the Canton region | Stark County community briefs
Reporting by Canton Repository / The Repository
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
