'Giving camel' in front of Desert Inn has coats, hats scarves for those in need

CANTON  The coats hanging from the camel in front of the Desert Inn aren't there to keep the statue warm.

Items are available to keep people in need warm.

Since last week coats, hats and gloves have been hung from the camel by Tina Shaheen, co-owner of the iconic restaurant that specializes family-style shish kebabs, as well as other business owners, customers and friends.

It's the second year coats have hung from the "giving camel."

Each year the Desert Inn, at 204 12th St. NW, has a Christmas event aimed at helping the needy. In 2019, the restaurant had a coat drive. When it was over, a box of coats was found left behind in a storage room.

Shaheen decided to hang the leftover coats on the camel. They went fast. This year, Shaneen figured she could use the camel again.

Organizing was a bit more complicated because of the coronavirus pandemic, but the effort has come together. Most of the coats have been purchased at local stores and donated.

The camel was created by local artist Patrick Buckohr and has been in front of the restaurant for more than 10 years. It's one of eight animal figures created by Buckohr in 2008 and placed around the city. The sculptures are made from round pieces of steel scrap cut while making truck tire rims.

Buckohr said the sculptures were created with the idea that children could climb on them as they might climb on a piece of playground equipment.

Hanging free coats, hats and scarves from the camel is a "great, great use" of the sculpture, Buckohr said. "I'm proud that they're using it that way."

Christian Harwell, who owns Cyrus Framing at 2645 Cleveland Ave NW, is one of the local business owners who contribute to the effort. 

"I think it's a wonderful thing they're doing," he said. The camel allows those who need help to remain anonymous and protect their privacy.

Shaheen knows there are people in the neighborhood who can use a new coat. So far most of the donations have been coats and items for children and women. She hopes more items for men might be donated.

Real estate groups make changes

Organizations representing real estate agents locally and statewide are making some changes as the year begins.

The regional multiple listing service for real estate agent in Stark and surrounding counties changed its name to MLS Now, after operating for two years as Yes MLS. 

MLS Now is Ohio’s largest multiple listing system with 13,300 members. There are no operational changes because of the name change, but MLS Now will continue to innovate for streamlined expansion.

MLS Now members belong to 13 realtor associations across 36 counties in eastern Ohio and West Virginia.

Meanwhile, the Ohio Realtors announced they have signed a memorandum of understanding with the LGBTQ+ Real Estate Alliance to promote home ownership within the LGBTQ+ community.

The agreement calls for joint efforts to share with real estate professionals the challenges LGBTQ+ home buyers face, including discrimination. It also will promote an understanding of the cultural nuances that are part of working closely with the diverse LGBTQ+ community.

Real estate associations for Ohio and Missouri are the first to sign agreements with the LBGTQ+ alliance. 

Ryan Weyandt, CEO of the LBGTQ+ Real Estate Alliance, said Ohio is one of 27 states that does not protect the LGBTQ+ community from housing discrimination. He said Ohio Realtors is committed to raising awareness and allowing sexual orientation and gender identity to be protected classes in fair housing law.

Peoples Service unit added machinery

The Jacksonville, Fla., location for Total Distribution Inc., a division of Peoples Services, has added equipment that reduces the time needed to assemble beverage 12-packs.

The company added Brewsky 500 equipment that can put together up to 35 cases per minute. The company hopes to begin packaging operations for major beverage companies.

“This equipment is a significant investment on our part, but it opens up the opportunity for more packaging in the future,” Doug Sibila, president and CEO of Peoples Services, said in a press release. “This is the type of value-added opportunities that we seek.”

Timken adds board member

Timken Co. added Sarah Lauber as a director, giving the company 12 members on its board.

Since 2017 Lauber has been chief financial officer and secretary of Milwaukee-based Douglas Dynamics, which makes work truck attachments and equipment.

A certified public accountant, Lauber has worked in a range of financial leadership roles over the past 25 years.

Board Chairman John Timken called Lauber a strong addition to the company's board because of her “expertise leading the finance function of multiple publicly traded manufacturing companies, her financial planning acumen and her experience with acquisition integration." Lauber will serve on the board’s audit and compensation committees.

Reach Edd at 330-580-8484 or edd.pritchard@cantonrep.com

On Twitter: @epritchardREP