The neighborhood associations of Stark County are the backbone of our community. Follow along as we feature various neighborhood associations and their leaders that are doing great work, paving the way in their areas, and continuing to demonstrate the importance of coming together in your own neighborhood.
Market Heights Neighborhood Association
Canton – 30th St NW to 37th St & Market Ave W to Frazer
Leader: Marcia Casey
Q: What made you decide to become a neighborhood association leader?
A: I love my community and have always been close to neighbors throughout my life. So many things have changed since then, but it’s still important to have community around you.
Q: What is your favorite part of leading a neighborhood association?
A: Getting to know everyone and seeing people come together to have fun or accomplish a task.
Q: What events do you have coming up for your association?
A: Annual yard sales, a concert in the park, movie in the park, a neighborhood clean-up, and our monthly meetings.
Q: Tell us about some of your hobbies and interests.
A: I love my fur babies (two puppies, two adult cats, two 6-month-old kittens, and two senior birds). I’m also very involved with Daughters of the American Revolution, and we do a lot of programs and volunteer work for veterans. I also started and maintain a homeless clothesline in downtown Canton during the winter. I enjoy my job and the people I work with. I love my family and husband of 30 years, traveling, and visiting my best friend. I also love to explore cities, museums, and shops.
Q: What goals are you looking to achieve within your association in 2026?
A: Our goal is to provide one activity each month to engage our neighbors and community partners beyond the regular meetings and to regularly use social media to improve engagement. Additionally, we would like to do one door-to-door event to meet neighbors and increase membership.
For more information about the Market Heights Neighborhood Association or to join this association, please contact Marcia Casey at cantonmarketheights@gmail.com.
Echo Lake Neighborhood Association
Jackson Township near Frank Ave. & Belden Village
Board: Carol Thatcher, Sebastian Birch, Bill Weber, Jim Blucker, Kelly Stutzman, Charlotte Swegheimer, Andrea Critchfield, & Dori Smith
Q: Tell us about your neighborhood!
A: Our neighborhood is the best kept secret. It’s a quiet rural neighborhood located right next to Belden Village. We have the best of both worlds. We are close to everything yet are isolated and have a beautiful, quiet neighborhood.
Q: When was your association created?
A: November 9, 1968
Q: Tell us about the origins of your neighborhood association.
A: Our neighborhood was built as the Frank family sold off parcels of their farm. A few of our current neighbors actually sat at the kitchen table of the Franks, purchased their building lots, and made payments directly to the Franks for the lot. The Franks’ stipulation was, “No digging a hole until your lot was paid for!”
Q: What events do you have coming up for your association?
A: Ice cream social, neighborhood yard sales, summer picnic, Christmas luncheon, chili cook-off (new this year!)
Q: What goals are you looking to achieve within your association in 2026?
A: To boost involvement and have new people step up in leadership roles
For more information about the Echo Lake Neighborhood Association or to join this association, please contact Kelly Stutzman at ckstutz02@gmail.com.
Harter Heights Neighborhood Association
Canton – Whipple Ave. N, Roslyn Ave. NW, Tuscarawas St. W, 4th St NW
Q: What year did your neighborhood association begin?
A: 1926 (celebrating 100 years!)
Q: What events do you have coming up for your association?
A: Neighborhood yard sale, annual food drive, 100th anniversary celebration, holiday light contest
Q: What goals are you looking to achieve within your association in 2026?
A: Outside of the annual events Harter Heights Neighborhood Association hosts, they would like to increase membership and attendance at the association meetings.
For more information about the Harter Heights Neighborhood Association or to join this association, please visit harterheights.org/contact.
