Today is Aug. 4, 2023.

• Good morning! It’s going to be a humid one today, so we could get a thunderstorm in parts of the area this afternoon. Otherwise, we’ll have clouds and breaks of sun with a high of 83 and low of 62. Keep your eye on Monday, though, when we could get strong to severe thunderstorms. It’s summer in Northeast Ohio, so we know the drill.
  

• Happy birthday to us! The Spotlight turned 1 year old Aug. 2. Many thanks to each and every one of you who has supported us this first year. Our subscriptions continue to increase, and we can’t wait to see what Year 2 brings!
  

• Well, the summer fun is almost over: Stow-Munroe Falls students go back to school beginning Tuesday, Aug. 22. The Spotlight probably speaks for kids everywhere when we ask: Didn’t school just let out?
  

• And speaking of going back to school, Ohio’s tax-free shopping weekend started today and runs through 11:59 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 6. Here are the items that are tax free this weekend when you’re doing your school shopping: clothing priced at $75 or less, school supplies priced at $20 or less, and school instructional material priced at $20 or less. According to the Ohio Department of Taxation, “clothing” is defined as all human-wearing apparel suitable for general use. Tax-free shopping weekend in Ohio takes place annually the first weekend of August.
  

• If you just subscribed or missed something in an earlier newsletter, don’t fret: Subscribers have access to every edition of The Spotlight at www.stowmunroefalls.com. Check out back issues to catch up on everything that’s going on in our communities — you never know what you might have missed!
  

• And one more thing: If you missed that incredible supermoon Aug. 1, you’ll get another chance later this month with the super blue moon Aug. 30. Two supermoons in one month are rare — NASA says it won’t happen again until January 2037. The Aug. 30 supermoon will be our natural satellite’s closest approach to Earth this year — about 222,043 miles away — and will reach its peak at 9:36 p.m. ET. Happy viewing!

Latest news in brief

Ready for the world: SMF student Felicity Baxter travels to South Korea for World Scout Jamboree

Felicity Baxter, a senior-to-be at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, is on the trip of a lifetime at the 25th World Scout Jamboree in Saemangeum, South Korea. She joins over 50,000 scouts from more than 150 countries for the 12-day adventure, which started Aug. 1.

Baxter, 16, is an active member of Scouts BSA Troop 7153, sponsored by The Church in Silver Lake. She is the daughter of SMF school board member Mark Baxter, who is also at the Jamboree as a volunteer on the BSA’s Contingent Management Team.

“I can’t wait. I am excited and nervous at the same time,” Felicity said prior to the Jamboree. “There will be so many great activities and things to do, but I am most looking forward to meeting other Scouts from all over the world.”

World Jamboree sites become instant cities with banks, medical facilities, snack bars, convenience stores and restaurants to go along with activities and events. The Scouts are camping together in a purpose-built tent city — encompassing nearly 3½ square miles — for 12 days following a whirlwind pre-Jamboree tour of South Korea. The Jamboree, which has more than 200 activities planned under the theme of “Draw Your Dream,” ends Aug. 12.

“I hadn’t even met my troop’s other Scouts in person as we are spread all over the United States,” she said, “but we have been making friends and getting to know each other with regular Zoom meetings and social media groups.”

World Jamborees are held every four years in a different country, with this summer’s event being hosted by the Scouts of South Korea. “I just love the adventure and friendships I have made in Scouts,” Felicity, who is working toward her Eagle Scout Award, said. “I love camping and being outdoors.”

More local news:

• The big construction project at the Kent State University Airport got underway Aug. 1. The KSU Airport, located at 4020 Kent Rd. in Stow, will be closed for approximately two months for the restoration of the airport’s runway. The project will include milling and replacement of the pavement, with more extensive repairs to the north end of the runway. The project will also include grading around the runway to improve drainage but will not involve lengthening or widening of the pavement. Expect construction traffic on the Kent Road entrance for the duration of the project.
  

• For those of you in Silver Lake, here’s something to mark on your calendar: The village’s Fall Leaf and Limb Clean-Up Program will begin Monday, Oct. 30 and run through Sunday, Dec. 3. Leaves and limbs must be in separate piles and cannot 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 Silver Lake Service Department.
  

• The new tennis courts and pickleball courts are now open at Guise Park in Munroe Falls. So grab your racquet or paddle and get your game on at the city’s sparkling new courts! The park is located at 38 Guise Park Dr. next to City Hall.

• Speaking of openings, Silver Lake held its first Concert at the Gazebo on July 30. Music was by The Originals, and the food truck was provided by Darby’s. The village’s Concert at the Gazebo series will continue Sunday, Aug. 20 with music by Spicy Rhyme and food truck from Brooks Homestyle BBQ. The third and final Concert at the Gazebo will take place Sunday, Sept. 10 with K Street on stage and the Dreamsicle Ice Cream Truck. Concerts are held from 5 to 7 p.m. at the gazebo on Silver Lake Boulevard.
  

• The 2023 Local Crafter & Artist Showcase will take place from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17 at VFW Post 4738 at 3733 Fishcreek Rd. in Stow. If you’re an artist or crafter interested in booking a table for the event, the table fee is $35 and includes one table and two chairs (tables will be 6 feet long; you will need to provide your own tablecloth). Reserve your table ASAP by contacting Stow Youth Football Fundraising Chair Deona Lynda on Facebook. All funds raised above the cost of the facility will be donated to Stow Youth Football & Cheer.
  

• A reminder that ReWorks’ household hazardous waste collection is open from 2 to 7 p.m. Thursdays through Sept. 28. The program is for Summit County residents only (no businesses). ReWorks is located at 1201 Graham Rd. in Stow. For a list of accepted items, go to this page or call (330) 374-0383.
  

• Want some cool Stow-Munroe Falls High School Band swag? Then go to this page to order your 2023 Band Spirit Wear shirts through Saturday, Aug. 5. Shirt styles come in multiple options, including two new designs. At the close of the online order period, you will receive an invoice by email for the amount of your order. Pay within a week by credit card, debit card or electronic bank transfer. Shirts will be available for pickup at the high school by early September (place and time to be determined). Shipping is not available.
  

• The Summit County Fiscal Office has concluded its 2023 triennial update appraisal, which means we’re about to get our new property value notices in the mail. The county started mailing the notices Aug. 1. Since taxes are paid one year in arrears, value changes from the 2023 triennial update will be reflected on tax bills mailed in January 2024. Fiscal office staff will be available to address questions and concerns in one of three ways: virtually, via phone call or in person at one of the community meeting locations. Appointments can be made by going to this page and selecting 2023 Reappraisal Meeting. Property owners will have the ability to attach any documents or files they would like an appraiser to review in advance of their scheduled meeting.
  

• Attention animal lovers: Summit County Animal Control’s Clear the Shelter Adoption Event launched Aug. 1 and runs through Thursday, Aug. 31 at its facility at 250 Opportunity Pkwy. in Akron. Hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, noon to 3 p.m. Saturday, and 1 to 3 p.m. Sunday. Clear the Shelters is an annual national pet adoption drive that helps animals in need find new, loving homes. During the event, adoption costs are reduced to $28 for dogs (regularly $94) and $5 for cats (regularly $60). The animals will be fully vetted (bloodwork, flea treatments, intestinal deworming, spay/neuter and vaccinations), microchipped and ready to be taken home. Those who adopt a dog will receive a 2023 Summit County Dog License included in the adoption cost. Call (330) 643-2845 for more information.

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Community calendar

🔥 Mon., Aug. 7, 6-7:30 p.m.: Connect with Nature: Cooked Up Fun: Campfire Cooking in Cast Iron. What: Bring your lawn chair for a how-to program led by professional caterer and camper Jeff Kline. Attendees will be hands-on, assisting Jeff with recipes he has created for open-fire cooking with cast iron pots. Where: Silver Springs Campground at Silver Springs Park (5238 Young Rd.); parking is available at the Heritage Barn near the campground. Cost for the program is $5 per person; go to this page to register. Samples will be plentiful, so there’s no need to eat before you come with multiple recipes to try!

🌳 Tues., Aug. 8, 6-7:30 p.m.: Connect with Nature: Playing and Pages Pop Up in the Park. What: Stow Parks & Recreation Department event for kids featuring games, frozen treats, music, water balloons, and a free book (donated by the Rotary Club of Stow-Munroe Falls) for each child. Joining the fun will be Mayor John Pribonic, the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, Stow Fire Department, Stow Police Department, Stow Commission on Inclusion, Stow Arts Commission and Stow Law Director Jaime Syx. Where: Partridge Highlands Neighborhood Park (3020 Stockbridge Dr.). Admission is free for all ages, and there’s no need to register. Rain date is Wednesday, Aug. 9. This is the third and final Playing and Pages Pop Up in the Park event of the summer.

🎸 Wed., Aug. 9, 6-8 p.m.: Open House & Carnival. What: Community event put on by SarahCare of Stow featuring live music, prizes and snacks. Where: SarahCare of Stow senior living facility (4472 Darrow Rd. in the Stow Professional Center). This event is free and open to the public.

🧘 Thurs., Aug. 10, 6-7 p.m.: Yoga on the Green. What: Embrace your wellness with this yoga program presented by the Stow Parks & Recreation Department. Instruction will be provided by Flourish Yoga and Wellness of Stow — just make sure to bring your own yoga mat and water. Where: On the Green at Stow City Center (3870 Darrow Rd.; parking at SKiP Playground). Program is free for the community and will take place every Thursday from June 8 to Aug. 10. Go to this page to register. Note: For inclement weather, the program will be moved to Flourish Yoga and Wellness at 3037 Graham Rd. in Stow. Registrants will be notified of this change by email.

📻 Thurs., Aug. 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: The Golden Age of Radio. What: Dr. Max Grubb, senior lecturer of communication at Youngstown State University, returns to discuss the central role played by radio during the 1930s, 1940s and 1950s. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Registration for this free program is required; to register, go to this page or call (330) 688-3295 ext. 4.

🎸 Fri., Aug. 11, 6-8 p.m.: Concert on the Green: My Friend Jack. What: The City of Stow continues its 2023 Concerts on the Green schedule with the band My Friend Jack performing pop and classic rock music. Where: Stow City Center (3870 Darrow Rd.). Bring your lawn chair and enjoy food trucks, yard games and great music! Admission is free.

🚒 Sat., Aug. 12, 9-10 a.m.: Touch-A-Truck Autism-Friendly Hour. What: All ages can sit in and explore more than a dozen Summit Metro Parks and local emergency response vehicles, free of horns and flashing lights. Later in the day, Air Bear from Akron Children’s Hospital will make a special appearance, and food will be available for purchase. Where: Munroe Falls Metro Park - Lake Area (521 S. River Rd.). The presence of emergency response vehicles, including Air Bear, is subject to availability. Presented by Wayside Furniture.

🚒 Sat., Aug. 12, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Touch-A-Truck. What: All ages can sit in and explore more than a dozen Summit Metro Parks and local emergency response vehicles. Air Bear from Akron Children’s Hospital will make a special appearance, and food will be available for purchase. Where: Munroe Falls Metro Park - Lake Area (521 S. River Rd.). The presence of emergency response vehicles, including Air Bear, is subject to availability. Presented by Wayside Furniture.

📜 Sun., Aug. 13, 2-4 p.m.: Museum Open House. What: The Stow Historical Society invites the community to see what life was like for early Stow residents by touring the fully furnished Heritage House Museum (once a stagecoach stop that was built circa 1849) and visiting the other historic houses and one-room schoolhouse. Where: Heritage Reserve Park (5120 Young Rd.) inside Silver Springs Park in Stow. This event is free and open to the public.

🇺🇸 Thurs., Aug. 17, 7-8:45 p.m.: Famous Ohioans. What: Paul Newman, Clark Gable and Erma Bombeck were all born in Ohio. Join Susan Cannavino as she shares a fascinating look into the personal lives of these Ohioans. Susan is a graduate of John Carroll University, a poet and a retired high school English teacher. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). To register for this free program, call (330) 688-3295 ext. 4 or go to this page.

🧩 Sat., Aug. 19, 9 a.m.-noon. Puzzle Sale at the Stow Farmers Market. What: The Friends of Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library will sell pre-owned puzzles at the Stow Farmers Market. These puzzles are in excellent condition and are priced to sell. Where: Stow Community Church (1567 Pilgrim Dr.). All money raised will be used for programming at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library.

Obituaries

Robert Charles Morris
Robert Charles Morris, 82, died July 29, 2023.
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Business

Easier than on the field? Browns call on Stow firm to shore up their cybersecurity defense

A Stow company is going to help beef up the Cleveland Browns’ defense — off the field.

Binary Defense, located at 600 Alpha Pkwy. in Stow, has partnered with the Browns to provide expanded cybersecurity services for the team's brand, data and people. In fact, the Browns’ players are sporting the Binary Defense logo on the left chest of their practice jerseys this summer.

“Cybersecurity is of critical importance to the Cleveland Browns and we look forward to our new partnership with Binary Defense, which will bring next-level cyber defense to our team and our fans,” Brandon Covert, the Browns’ vice president of information technology, told Crain’s Cleveland Business in an article published Aug. 1.

• Binary Defense, founded in 2014, provides advanced cybersecurity for Fortune 500 companies and others in industries such as health care, energy and professional sports.
  

• It completed its first fundraising campaign in November 2022, bringing in $36 million that the company said it would use, in part, to expand its sales and marketing efforts.
  

• “Partnering with the Cleveland Browns is a genuine testament to our dedication to safeguarding their digital presence,” Binary Defense CEO Bob Meindl said.

That’s a wrap! We had a lot at the top of this issue, so we’ll keep this brief and just say thank you again to everyone for your support this first year (and, of course, feel free to recruit new members to The Spotlight family). See you next Friday!

Tom Hardesty
[email protected]