Children in grades 2-6 are invited to free classes on three consecutive Saturdays in
January and February to learn about outstanding African-Americans who have left their mark on
Massillon, the United States and the world. This is the fourth annual series of these classes
offered by the
Massillon Public Library Board's Cultural Diversity Committee.
This project is supported in part by a grant from the unrestricted funds
of
Stark Community Foundation, made
possible by generous donors since 1964.
"The classes are open to all children of our community in grades 2-6 without charge. Children who
attend may receive extra credit in their regular classroom since the Committee will write a letter
to each participant's teacher certifying that the student has been present for one, two or three
classes," said Patricia Beane, Secretary of the Library Board and Committee Chairman.
In addition to Mrs. Beane, who retired recently from teaching third grade at Emerson Elementary School,
these Massillon educators will teach the Saturday classes: Isaac Crews, Tess Simonetti, and
Jenny Terrell. Assisting them will be Ruby Arrington, Bonnie Longshore, and Ella Relford.
Registration is required for persons wishing to attend the program. Students in grades 2-6 in the
public and private schools in Massillon will receive registration forms in their classrooms.
Registration forms will be available in the Children's
Department in the library, and after January 5 in many local churches. Persons may
also contact Mrs. Beane at 330.833.4560 to obtain a registration form.
Programs begin January 19 and continue for the following two Saturdays from 11:00 a.m. - 12:30 p.m.
All programs will be held in the Main Library Auditorium, 208 Lincoln Way East. Refreshments
will be served.
Later in 2008, the Cultural Diversity Committee plans a job shadowing program for Middle School
Students and a series of programs for adults on healthful lifestyles. A bus trip to Wilberforce
University and Central State University is scheduled for this spring.
New Cultural Diversity Committee members are welcome. Interested persons should contact Patricia
Beane or Camille Leslie at 330.832.9831, ext. 314. The Cultural Diversity Committee meets at 6:30 p.m.
the fourth Monday of each month at the library, 208 Lincoln Way East. Current committee members
are Lynda Gales, Gerry Radcliffe, Isaac Crews, Ruby Arrington, Marilyn Frazier, Patricia Hudson,
Mamie Bodiford, Jenny Terrell, Marva Dodson, Bonnie Longshore, Ella Relford,
Tess Simonetti, Camille Leslie, Renee Hye, and David Joiner.
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release date: December 20, 2007
