Today is March 17, 2023.

• Happy St. Patrick's Day! We sprung forward to Daylight Saving Time on March 12, and spring officially arrives at 5:24 p.m. Monday, March 20. So we're on the fast track out of winter -- but not before it gives us a kiss goodbye with some cold weather over the weekend that will see temps drop into the low 20s. Today, we'll have a high of 51 and low of 28 with a little morning rain. Then spring arrives Monday with sunny skies and temps in the high 40s before warming into the high 50s through next Thursday. Lá Fhéile Pádraig sona duit!

Latest news in brief

On deck: The Basement Sports Bar & Grill is coming soon to Stow, says Pribonic

The vacant commercial spaces in Stow are filling up quickly.

Mayor John Pribonic posted on his Facebook page March 14 that The Basement Sports Bar & Grill is coming soon to the space formerly occupied by Beef 'O' Brady's at 3732 Darrow Rd. Beef 'O' Brady's closed in September 2022 after nearly 12 years in business there.

The Basement, which features its self-acclaimed "world-famous Kaluger hot sauce" and "TVs on every open space of wall," has locations throughout Northeast Ohio. In addition to the one coming to Stow, The Basement is also in Cuyahoga Falls, Akron, Brimfield, Twinsburg, the Portage Lakes, Sagamore Hills and North Canton.

Stay tuned for more on the commercial development front in Stow.

More local news:

• It's time for the kiddos to get that rod & reel ready, because the Annual Stow Fishing Derby is coming in May. This free event, presented by the Stow Parks and Recreation Department, Summit Sportsman Association and Ohio Department of Natural Resources, will take place from 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, May 6 at Heritage Lake (adjacent to the Heritage Barn) at Silver Springs Park (5238 Young Rd.). Check-in starts at 8 a.m., kids ages 1 to 8 start fishing at 9 a.m., and kids ages 9 to 15 start fishing at 10 a.m. Accompanying adults are not permitted to fish. One fishing rod per child is permitted, and the event includes bait and tackle, T-shirt, and snack. Go here to register (each child must be registered).

• Stow Mayor John Pribonic and Munroe Falls Mayor Allan Mavrides will deliver their respective State of the City addresses Tuesday, March 21, and you still have time to reserve a spot if you wish to attend. The event, part of the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce's Lunch & Learn With Leaders Series, will take place from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Acker-Moore Memorial Post at 3733 Fishcreek Rd. in Stow. Admission is $20 for Chamber members and $25 for non-members. Go here to register.

• Here's another sign that spring is about to, well, spring: Bow Wow Beach dog park is scheduled to open Wednesday, March 22 (weather permitting). Bow Wow Beach, located in Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.), will be open from 8 a.m. to sunset daily through Dec. 1 (again, weather permitting). The 7.5-acre fenced park features a 3-acre lake, a sandy beach, grassy knolls and separate areas for small dogs, among other amenities. Go here for more information.

• Speaking of Bow Wow Beach, it will once again be the site of the Stow-Munroe Falls Lions Club's annual Paw Fest fundraiser, which will take place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. Paw Fest, now in its 16th year, will include dog-related speakers and demonstrations, contests, vendors and rescue groups, and food vendors/trucks. Cost is $1 to park or a donation of used eyeglasses. A gift raffle will be available, with the drawing scheduled for 3 p.m. Interested vendors, rescue groups or those with general questions should contact Lions Club Chair Marty Dennis at [email protected] or [email protected].

• Silver Lake's Spring Leaf and Limb Clean-Up Program will begin Monday, April 3 and run through Sunday, April 30. Leaves and limbs must be placed in separate piles and can't be put in the street. Limbs must be under 10 feet long and no larger than 4 inches in diameter. The village will not pick up lumber, weeds, stumps, firewood or anything with a root system. Complete tree removal will also not be picked up by the Village Service Department. Call 330-923-5233 for more information.

• You won't want to procrastinate on this one: Registration for the Stow Parks & Recreation Department's Summer Day Camp begins at 8 a.m. Monday, March 20 -- and spots fill up fast. The camp will be held from June 12 to Aug. 4 at Silver Springs Park (5238 Young Rd.). You can register here or in person at Stow City Hall (3760 Darrow Rd.). To register by phone (330-689-5100), you must fill out, sign and send via email all required forms in the Day Camp Packet prior to calling to register. Signed forms are necessary to complete your registration. Email documents to [email protected]. If you are using the installment plan, registration will need to be in person or follow the phone procedures. Registration is on a first-come, first-served basis.

• Silver Lake Country Club will host the American Heart Association's annual Greater Akron/Canton Go Red for Women fundraiser from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, April 13. Go Red for Women raises awareness and helps fund the fight against heart disease and stroke, which claim the lives of 1 in 3 women. The event will include free blood pressure screenings, an opportunity to learn hands-only CPR, and a chance to meet local survivors personally touched by heart disease and stroke. The keynote speaker will be Dr. Jennifer Kulics, assistant vice president for philanthropy at Kent State University. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Heart.org/AkronGoRed.

With the closure of the Stow Sentry this month, The Spotlight is your only local news source. If you haven't already, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription. Thank you!

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Community calendar

☘️ Fri., March 17, all day: St. Patrick's Day Scavenger Hunt. What: Come to the Children’s Department to complete a St. Patrick’s Day scavenger hunt for a small prize. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). No registration required.

🎭 Fri., March 17, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., March 18, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., March 19, 2:30 p.m.: Matt's First Real Wedding. What: Theatre performance by the Stow Players. Original play written by Brandi Eaton (directed by Alex Nine). Where: Heritage Barn at Silver Springs Park (5238 Young Rd.) in Stow. Seating begins 30 minutes prior to performance, and attendees are asked to arrive early to avoid interrupting the show. Go here for tickets.

🎸 Mon., March 20, 7-8:30 p.m.: Bars, Bands and Rock n' Roll: Author Talk with Chas Madonio. What: Brimfield resident and local author Chas Madonio talks about his book "Bars, Bands and Rock n' Roll: The Golden Era in Kent, Ohio." Chas will recount his experiences in and around the music scene of Kent in the '60s and '70s, including his time in a band with the legendary Joe Walsh. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Register here or call 330-688-3295.

👩 Tues., March 21, 7-8:45 p.m.: Women in History: Victoria Woodhull. What: Presenter Susan Cannavino will talk about Victoria Woodhull, a women's suffrage movement leader. She was the first woman to own a brokerage firm on Wall Street, the first woman to start a weekly newspaper, and an activist for women's rights and labor reform. And even though she had not yet reached the constitutionally mandated age of 35 to serve as president, Victoria Woodhull is still regarded as the first female presidential candidate. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Register here.

🎭 Fri., March 24, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., March 25, 7:30 p.m.: Matt's First Real Wedding. What: Theatre performance by the Stow Players. Original play written by Brandi Eaton (directed by Alex Nine). Where: Heritage Barn at Silver Springs Park (5238 Young Rd.) in Stow. Seating begins 30 minutes prior to performance, and attendees are asked to arrive early to avoid interrupting the show. Go here for tickets.

🧩 Sat., March 25, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.: Friends of the Library Puzzle and Game Sale. What: Don’t miss fantastic bargains on pre-owned puzzles and games; these items are in beautiful condition and ready to incorporate into your next game night. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). This sale is free and open to the public.

🎻 Mon., March 27, 7-8:30 p.m.: Sandbox Percussion. What: Free concert at the library. Described as “exhilarating” (the New York Times) and “utterly mesmerizing” (The Guardian), Grammy-nominated ensemble Sandbox Percussion brings out the best in composers through their unwavering dedication to artistry in contemporary chamber music. Sandbox Percussion captivates audiences with performances that are both visually and aurally stunning, solidifying them as leaders in the fields of contemporary music and percussion. Brought together by their love of chamber music and the simple joy of playing together, Jonathan Allen, Victor Caccese, Ian Rosenbaum and Terry Sweeney engage a wider audience for classical music through multidisciplinary collaborations with today’s leading artists. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). To register, go here or call 330-688-3295 (there are no seats open at the moment, but a waiting list is available). This free program is sponsored by The Tuesday Musical Association.

📚 Tues., March 28, 10 a.m.-noon: Book Donation Day. What: Bring your good, clean, used books and puzzles to the back door of the library. Curbside pickup service will be available. Materials will be used by the library or sold at the Friends’ Book Sale. Proceeds benefit library programming, and donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Donate 10 items or more and receive a pass to the next Friends’ Presale. This free pass is only issued at the back door of the library on Book Donation Days. If you are unable to accommodate this date and time, call Joan at 330-388-0355 to schedule an appointment to drop off donations.

🍿 Wed., March 29, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Family Movie Night: The Bad Guys. What: Bring the whole family to watch this fun, animated movie on the big screen. Popcorn and drinks will be provided. Feel free to bring blankets and pillows for the kids. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Register your family members who wish to attend the program here, or call the library at 330-688-3295 ext. 5.

🐰 Sat., April 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Bunny Trail Hop. What: Free event sponsored by the Stow Parks & Recreation Department that ends with you getting to meet the Easter Bunny! Each family will receive a map of the bunny trail when they check in at registration (park at the baseball fields). Families will follow the bunny trail, walking (hopping) a loop through Silver Springs Park; be aware that there may be portions of the trail not conducive to strollers. Churches and organizations will have booths set up along the way with games, activities and goodies. At the end of the trail, you will meet the Easter Bunny! Where: Silver Springs Park (Young Road entrance) at 5238 Young Rd. The Bunny Trail Hop, suitable for children 10 and under, is broken down into six 30-minute time slots between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; pick one half-hour time frame to arrive per family/group (only one registration is needed for your whole family). Go here to register (note: program is full at the moment, but call Parks & Rec at 330-689-5100 for cancellations/waiting list). Attendees should be sure to dress for the weather -- and bring a basket to fill!

🎨 Sat., April 1, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Mini Masterpieces. What: Children ages 5 to 8 are invited to learn about a famous artist and then will use what they have learned to create their own mini masterpieces. April’s artist will be Vasily Kandinsky. Participants will learn about abstract art and create a mobile using Kandinsky’s colorful circles. Where: Story Time Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Register for this free program here, in person at the Children’s Desk, or by calling 330-688-3295 ext. 5.

Obituaries for March 3-16

Robert David ScarlettRobert “Bob” David Scarlett, 80, passed away March 13, 2023. Born in Danville, Illinois he lived most of his life in Ravenna, Ohio.Read more

Barbara Ann BeckBarbara Ann Beck (nee Schmitz), age 86 of Stow, Ohio, passed away Wednesday, March 15, 2023.Read more

Terry D. OsmanTerry D. Osman, 82, died March 12, 2023.Read more

Irene Faye DeferIrene Faye Defer, 81, of Stow, passed away peacefully March 7, 2023.Read more

William “Bill” Frederick HeimWilliam “Bill” Frederick Heim, 95, died peacefully at home surrounded by family on February 27, 2023.Read more

Brian M. BanksBrian M. Banks, 70, died March 3, 2023.Read more

Patrick W. McCombsPatrick W. McCombs, 85, died March 5, 2023, surrounded by family in love and prayer.Read more

Edward James CoseoEdward James Coseo, 94, passed away at home in Stow, Ohio, on February 27, 2023. Read more

Comments from the last issue:

“Thank you for covering the City of Stow. Hopefully, The Spotlight will expand in the number of weekly articles. Keep up the good work!”

Sponsored by the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce

Western Reserve Hospital, Unity Health and Brandon headline big Expo

By Julie McLain, Executive Director

On Saturday, March 11, the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce (SMFCC), in coordination with the Cities of Stow and Munroe Falls and the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District, held our 2023 Stow-Munroe Falls Business and Community Expo at Stow-Munroe Falls High School. The event was open to the public from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and provided 120 local businesses, nonprofits and civic organizations the opportunity to showcase their products and services in a creative and attractive way for countless community members. In addition to vendors, there were food trucks, raffles and door prizes for those who participated.

Western Reserve Hospital was a main event sponsor along with Unity Health Network and Brandon Heating & Air Conditioning. Sponsoring this event allowed these organizations to be front and center and directly support other local businesses and community organizations that were in attendance.

"As a smaller, physician-owned hospital, we are grateful for events like these that allow us to be present for and get to know our community members while supporting a local chamber of commerce," Kathy Romito, community relations manager for Western Reserve Hospital and an SMFCC board member, said. "It is essential for our organization to do all we can to show our community that we truly care about their well-being, whether they receive healthcare at our facilities or not. The Stow-Munroe Falls Expo was the perfect opportunity to come out and learn about the local businesses within the region."

The 2023 Stow-Munroe Falls Business and Community Expo was the first to be held by SMFCC since the Covid-19 pandemic began, and it proved to be a great success in welcoming close to 4,000 community members back to the event. The Chamber plans to have the event every other year, so the next time will be in 2025. Learn more about the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce at www.smfcc.com.

And there's your latest edition of The Spotlight, St. Patrick's Day style. Enjoy that corned beef and cabbage, colcannon and Irish soda bread, make sure to have enough left in the tank to cheer on the Kent State men's basketball team in the NCAA Tournament tonight (9:55 p.m. on TBS), and we'll meet back here again next Friday!

Tom [email protected]