The original one-act play scripts written by four playwrights in response to Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant? and previously scheduled to be performed by Massillon Washington High School students are posted here and will be shared to MassMu's Facebook page for your reading enjoyment!

Read Lip Service by Judi Christy here

Read Pawn Star by George Nicholis here

Read All My Memories of You by Gwendolyn Kiste here

Read The Man of the Family by Craig Joseph here

*Please note that these play scripts are to be read only. They may not be reproduced or performed without the permission of the author.

April 28

Brown Bag Lunch: The Autobiographical Tradition in Comics and Graphic Novels

Dr. Mark C. Rogers from Walsh University presented "The Autobiographical Tradition in Comics and Graphic Novels" during the April 28 virtual Brown Bag Lunch. This Brown Bag Lunch is still available on MassMu's YouTube page.

May 2

Do the Mu: Family Trees, Family Portraits, and Self-Portraits

Instructor Gary Spangler provided instructions and a supplies list for participants to create their own family trees, family portraits, and self-portraits. This Do the Mu is still available on our website and Facebook page.

June 16

Behind-the-Scenes with Artist Paul Flippen

Paul Flippen, the artist behind 36days, gives viewers a glimpse into his process. 36days, an exhibition that examines the emotions and ethics of the end of life, through drawings and text describing the narrative of one family’s experience, is on display in MassMu's Fred F. Silk Community Room Gallery from June 26 through July 26 during open hours. The video is available on MassMu's YouTube page.

July 11, 1:00-3:00pm

Big Read Kickoff

Massillon Museum Lawn

121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646

The Massillon Public Library Bookmobile will be out on First Street and Library and Museum staff will distribute free copies of Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? on the lawn in front of the Museum! Bookmarks featuring Big Read programming information and literature from Big Read partners will also be available for pickup.

Free / Public

July 11 through August 13

Stark Parks Mindfulness Walk

Petros Lake Park

3519 Perry Dr. SW, Canton 44706

The Mindfulness Walk is open when the park is open, from sunrise to sunset. This project recently received the Governor’s Award at the Ohio Parks and Recreation Association Conference. Learn more at starkparks.com.

Free / Public

July 11 through August 13

In My Own Words and Drawings: Graphic Novels as Autobiographies Wall Display

Walsh University Farrell Hall Hallway

2020 E Maple St, North Canton, OH 44720

This wall display in the hallway of Farrell Hall at Walsh University will highlight graphic novels that are autobiographies and the power that can be found in telling one's story in both words and drawings. This is a wall display only.

walsh.edu

330-490-7090

July 12, July 26, and August 9 

Family Yoga

MassMu's YouTube

Join Kat Francis for an intergenerational Vinyasa yoga session. This is a beginner-friendly class. Cost is $5 total for access to 3 pre-recorded videos. One shared with registrants on July 12, one on July 26, and one on August 9. Call 330-833-4061 x104 to register. Register at any time during the Big Read and receive access to all 3 videos!

Family Yoga Video 1 "On the Farm" now available!

Family Yoga Video 2 "Nocturnal Animals" now available!

Family Yoga Video 3 "In the Jungle" now available!

July 13, July 20, and July 27, 5:00-5:30pm

Cartooning with Jerry King

Massillon Public Library - Zoom

Hey, Teens! Have you ever thought about cartooning as a career? Student going into Grades 7-12 are invited to learn about drawing and the industry and careers surrounding comics and cartoons! Professional illustrator Jerry King (a former Disney cartoonist!) will host a 30-minute Zoom Meeting on each of the above dates. One registration covers all three meeting times. All participants will receive a sketchpad and gel pens to keep! And, King’s drawings will also be given away to participants after the sessions end. Registration is required and begins at 8:00am on July 1 and closes at 11:59pm on July 11. To register for this free program or for more information, please contact Laura Klein at 330-832-9831 x319 or kleinla@massillonlibrary.org or you can visit our website at www.massillonlibrary.org. 

July 14, 6:30pm

Big Read Tuesday: Poetry with Keith Allison

Massillon Public Library -Zoom

Join us when we learn about the art of poetry with local published poet and essayist, Keith Allison! Keith will discuss his works and his process. Visit his blog at http://angrycowpoetry.blogspot.com/. Registration is required and begins at 8:00am on July 1 and closes at 11:59pm on July 12. To register for this free program or for more information, please contact Laura Klein at 330-832-9831 x319 or kleinla@massillonlibrary.org or you can visit our website at www.massillonlibrary.org.

July 16, 10:00am

Book Discussion: Accessibility and Aging

Massillon Museum - Zoom

Join discussion leader David Harding for a book discussion about accessibility, aging, and Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? To register, call 330-833-4061 x104.

July 17, 10:00-11:00am

Palliative Care and Hospice Presentation by Community Hospice

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646

Join Amy Foltz, Community Hospice Community Liaison, RN, for a presentation about palliative care and hospice.

Please call 330-833-4061 x104 to register.

July 18, 10:30am-12:30pm

Family Stories Through Art

Massillon Public Library - Zoom

Tell your family’s story through art! Join us for a special workshop presented by Sharon Santillo, a certified artist and educator from the University of New Hampshire. Santillo will teach her workshop, Family Stories Through Art, where participants develop their stories together using paint, paper, and collage before writing. The program, funded by ArtsinStark, will give participants watercolor paints, brushes, crayons, pencils, specialized glue sticks, and scissors to keep. Participants’ family stories written in prose or poetry will complete these genealogical works of art. Registration is required and begins at 8:00am on July 1 and closes at 11:59pm on July 16. To register for this free program or for more information, please contact Laura Klein at 330-832-9831 x319 or kleinla@massillonlibrary.org or you can visit our website at www.massillonlibrary.org.

July 19, July 26, & August 2, 2:30-4:30pm

Boxed Out: An Autobiographical Comic Workshop

Massillon Museum Classroom

(Note: This workshop may transition to a virtual format if deemed necessary)

121 Lincoln Way E., Massillon, OH 44646

Everyone has a story worth telling. In this 3-week workshop, artist and educator Alex Strader will guide students as they work together to develop their own unique ways of creating autobiographical comics. Exploring traditional Sunday comic strips to abstract sequential imagery, students will leave with an understanding of how to tell their visual stories for print, the web, or personal reflection. Recommended age 15 & up.

This workshop is $38 ($35 MassMu member) and includes all supplies. Please call 330-833-4061 x104 to register.

July 21, 6:30pm

Caregiver Forum

Massillon Public Library - Zoom

Are you caring for an aging parent, or are you worried about what you might face as that stage of life approaches? Learn from experts and share stories and concerns with attorney and Faith in Action Executive Director Angela Tucker-Cooper and financial planner Marshall Weinberg. They will share important information you need to know in dealing with legal and financial matters. The discussion will be moderated by Bob Sanderson, retired President of the Massillon WestStark Chamber of Commerce. Bring your questions and advice, laughter and tears, to share with others, or just listen and know you are not alone. Angela Tucker-Cooper Attorney and Executive Director of Faith in Action Marshall Weinberg Financial Planner Registration is required and begins at 8:00am on July 11 and closes at 11:59pm on July 17. To register for this free program or for more information, please contact Sherie Brown at 330-832-9831 x314 or brownsh@massillonlibrary.org or you can visit our website at www.massillonlibrary.org.

July 22, 10:00-11:00am

How to Support Someone in Grief Presentation 

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646

Join Amy Foltz, Community Hospice Community Liaison, RN, for a presentation about supporting individuals in grief.

Please call 330-833-4061 x104 to register.

July 23, July 30, and August 6, 11:00am

What Wise Women Know (and the Rest of Us Want to Find Out!)

Massillon Public Library - Zoom

Getting older doesn’t guarantee we’ll grow wiser; it takes a conscious effort. Guest presenter Gloria Miller, a former local educator and presenter at the Chautauqua Institution, will host three 45-minute interactive Zoom sessions discussing “What Wise Women Know” and help participants to learn the qualities women “of a certain age”—or anyone—can nurture to become “Wise Women.” One registration covers all three meeting times. Registration is required and begins at 8:00am on July 11 and closes at 11:59pm on July 21. To register for this free program or for more information, please contact Laura Klein at 330-832-9831 x319 or kleinla@massillonlibrary.org or you can visit our website at www.massillonlibrary.org.

July 25, 1:00-3:00pm

Workshop: The Unique, Limitless, & Extraordinary World of Zines

Massillon Museum - Zoom (Combination of Pre-Recorded and Live Workshop)

Instructor Lindsey Bryan will introduce the concept of handmade bookmaking as a means to self publish artwork and ideas. She will instruct the class on three different ways of bookmaking (folded, stapled, and sewn), and leave each student to make their own content however they like in their handmade books. Registrants will receive videos and PDFs prior to the workshop, and will then participate in a live session with the instructor during which they will learn about zines, she will show them examples, and she will answer any questions they may have. Recommended age 8 & up.

$18 ($15/MassMu member) includes all supplies. Call 330-833-4061 x104 to register.

July 26, 7:00pm

Virtual Film Screening: Senior Love Triangle

Registration via Canton Palace Theatre's website

Guests will view the film, which is based on Isadora Kosofsky’s photo series, Senior Love Triangle, about an 84-year-old WWII veteran and his relationships with two elderly women. An Eventbrite registration link is available on the Palace Theatre’s website. Registration is limited to 250 people.

July 28, 10:30am

Outdoor Book Discussion

Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Canton/Stark County

Hosted at Canton Garden Center

1615 Stadium Park Dr NW, Canton, OH 44718

Bring a chair! Light refreshments will be provided. It is free to participate, but registration is required to ensure social distancing. Please call 330-833-4061 x104 to register.

There is parking available.

Sponsored by Soroptimist International of Canton/Stark County.

July 28, 6:30pm

Poetry Read-In for Young and Old

Massillon Public Library - Zoom

The Massillon Public Library invites all local poetry lovers to a virtual Poetry Read-In! Registered participants will log on to Zoom with their own original poems, share the works of a favorite poet, or just listen in! Each reader’s poems must be family-friendly and limited to five minutes. Featured readers will be: · winners of MPL’s 2020 Poetry Competition · MPL library poetry contest judge Duane Matthew Dodson · local authors · local historian Margy Vogt · Children’s Librarian Laura Klein · and more! Registration is required and begins at 8:00am on July 11 and closes at 11:59pm on July 25. To register for this free program or for more information, please contact Laura Klein at 330-832-9831 x319 or kleinla@massillonlibrary.org or you can visit our website at www.massillonlibrary.org.

July 31, 7:00pm

Play Reading: Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver

Streamed Live on MassMu's Facebook and YouTube pages

Local actors Eric Myers, Sammy Kay Smith, and Margo Tillstrom will present a virtual reading of Merri Biechler’s Confessions of a Reluctant Caregiver. Directed by Brayden Frascone. The reading will be live streamed from MassMu.

August 1, 12:00pm

Do the Mu: Pop-Up Cards

MassMu's Website, Facebook, and YouTube pages

Learn how to make pop-up cards with instructor Diane Boslett! A video featuring the instructor and activity will be shared at noon on August 1 to MassMu's Do the Mu, Facebook, and YouTube pages!

What You'll Need:

- Paper
- Coloring utensils
- Scissors
- Glue

August 2, available for 24 hours

Virtual Film Screening: Lives Well Lived

Registration via Canton Palace Theatre's website

Enjoy a virtual film viewing of Sky Bergman’s Lives Well Lived, a documentary celebrating the lives and wisdom of adults aged 75 to 100 years old. An Eventbrite registration link is available on the Palace Theatre’s website. Registration is limited to 300 people.

August 4, 6:30pm

Big Read Tuesday: Writing Styles - Are You a “Pantster?”

Massillon Public Library - Zoom

Do you fly by the seat of your pants or do you love organization? Stream-of-consciousness or completely outlined? Local author Deborah Edmisten will host a Zoom session that will encourage aspiring writers to explore their personal writing process. She will address methods of organizing yourself as you get down to the nitty-gritty of writing on a regular basis. Her work can be found at http://nothinghidden.blog/. Registration is required and begins at 8:00am on July 17 and closes at 11:59pm on August 2. To register for this free program or for more information, please contact Laura Klein at 330-832-9831, x319 or kleinla@massillonlibrary.org or you can visit our website at www.massillonlibrary.org.

August 5, 10:00-11:00am

Community Advanced Directives Tool Kit Presentation by Community Hospice

Massillon Museum, 121 Lincoln Way E, Massillon, OH 44646

Join Amy Foltz, Community Hospice Community Liaison, RN, for a presentation about Community Advanced Directives.

Please call 330-833-4061 x104 to register.

August 6, 6:00pm

Book Discussion

Perry Sippo Library - Zoom

Join the Perry Sippo Library for a virtual book discussion surrounding Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? Registration is required by contacting Perry Sippo Library at 330-477-8482 or perry@starklibrary.org.

August 7, 1:00pm

Financial Planning Discussion

Presented by the United Way of Greater Stark County Financial Prosperity Center

Zoom

Be a part of this virtual discussion as we dissect navigating finances for parents in their final years. We’ll answer your questions, and offer some practical tips to make your journey a little easier than the one Roz Chast humorously paints in her 2014 graphic novel. To register for this free virtual panel discussion, or for more information, please contact Tyron Hoisten at 330-491-0445 x434 or tyron.hoisten@uwstark.org. Feel free to send questions in advance!

August 7

CANCELED: Canton First Friday

Join MassMu at First Friday, hosted by ArtsinStark in the Canton Arts District! Learn more at downtowncanton.com.

August 8, 4:00pm

Book Discussion

John Strauss Furniture - Zoom

Join John Strauss of John Strauss Furniture for a virtual discussion of Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? Email John at john@straussfurniture.com to register.

straussfurniture.com

August 11, 6:30pm

Big Read Tuesday: Humorous Writing with Don Ake

Massillon Public Library - Zoom

Join us for an entertaining Zoom session with local humor author, Don Ake! Learn about the secrets of writing humorous stories and essays and about his process and published works. The author of Will There Be Free Appetizers? and Just Make Me A Sammich, Ake also blogs about diverse subjects, such as humor, life issues and economics. His work can be found at http://akespains.blogspot.com. Registration is required and begins at 8:00am on July 24 and closes at 11:59pm on August 9. To register for this free program or for more information, please contact Laura Klein at 330-832-9831 x319 or kleinla@massillonlibrary.org or you can visit our website at www.massillonlibrary.org.

August 12, 6:30pm

Self-Publishing with Faryl and S.T. Hoover

Massillon Public Library - Zoom

Interested in self-publishing your work, but don’t know where to begin? At this Zoom session, local authors Faryl and S.T. Hoover will speak about the ins and outs of self-publishing. S.T. Hoover was born and raised in Southern California. He enjoys writing books packed with variety and genre-bending plots. Faryl, who is from Ohio, specializes in psychological horror and dark fantasy short stories, but also has several novels in progress. Their work can be found at farylslair.com and sthoover.com. Registration is required and begins at 8:00am on July 27 and closes at 11:59pm on August 10. To register for this free program or for more information, please contact Laura Klein at 330-832-9831 x319 or kleinla@massillonlibrary.org or you can visit our website at www.massillonlibrary.org.

August 13, 7:00pm

KEYNOTE ADDRESS: An Evening with New Yorker Magazine Cartoonist Roz Chast

Massillon Museum Facebook and YouTube pages

MCTV Channels 21 and 621

Roz Chast. Photo Credit: Bill Hayes.

Cartoonist and author Roz Chast will give the NEA Big Read keynote address on Thursday, August 13, 2020, at 7:00pm. Chast’s address will be the highlight of programming for MassMu’s thirteenth-annual Big Read. This year’s book selection is Chast’s Can’t We Talk About Something More Pleasant? (2014).

This event will be pre-recorded and will air on MCTV Channels 21 and 621 and MassMu's Facebook and YouTube pages.

This event is co-sponsored by Danbury in Massillon.

August 16, 7:00pm

Q&A with Filmmaker diane estelle Vicari

Massillon Museum - Facebook Live

Join MassMu for a Facebook Live Q&A with documentary filmmaker diane estelle Vicari on the subject of her film in progress, Shadowman: The Sammy Nestico Story. Sammy Nestico is acclaimed as one of the greatest contributors to the last century’s field of music, working in classical, jazz, and big band as a composer, orchestrator, writer, arranger, and educator. Nestico’s career spans more than 70 years, and he continues to work at age 96. 

The free event will be broadcast on the Massillon Museum's Facebook page on Sunday, August 16, 7:00 p.m. Vicari will screen the extended trailer for her film, then entertain questions from viewers. For more information about Sammy Nestico and the documentary film about his life and career, visit http://www.sammynesticofilm.com or https://www.facebook.com/SammyNesticoDocumentary/.

View the Q&A on Facebook here! A YouTube link will be made available soon.

August 18, 12:00pm

Book Discussion

ATI-OSU Wooster Library - Zoom

ati.osu.edu/library

Join library staff for a virtual discussion of Can't We Talk About Something More Pleasant?

Please email fischer.798@osu.edu to register.