Today is July 28, 2023.

• The dog days of summer are finally snarling. We’re under a heat advisory today, with heat index values up to 104 degrees expected. Hot temperatures and high humidity may cause heat illnesses to occur, so be careful out there today. Our actual high will be 91 degrees, with intervals of clouds and sunshine. But we’re going to have highs in the 70s in a couple days, so relief from the angry dogs is on the way.
  

• 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!

Latest news in brief

What lies beneath? Volunteer helpers will find out at Munroe Falls’ River Clean-up Event 2023

At last year’s inaugural River Clean-up Event in Munroe Falls, more than 80 volunteers pulled everything from a toilet — that’s right, a toilet — a bicycle, and as many as 16 tires and other debris from the Cuyahoga River.

The program was such a success that sponsors Float the River and the City of Munroe Falls wanted to make it an annual event — and they are following through on that vision. River Clean-up 2023 will take place Sunday, Aug. 6, with volunteers who register for tube or kayak rentals in the 10 a.m. time slot receiving bags, gloves, etc. to retrieve items from the river.

It’s an important job: Polluted stormwater runoff enters our rivers and lakes and is one of the leading threats to water quality in the United States. Volunteers for the River Clean-Up Event can help keep our environment and our waterways clean and clear.

Registration for the clean-up is donation based. All donations received will be given to Friends of the Crooked River, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that are stewards of the Cuyahoga River. Registration and donations for this event can be made by visiting this page.

More water news: The next round of hydrant flushing in Stow will get underway next week

The City of Stow Water Department will begin its second round of hydrant flushing for the year Monday, July 31 (weather permitting), with this round of flushing taking approximately 7-8 weeks to complete. The hydrant flushing will begin around the Marsh Road pump station at Marsh and North River roads and fan out from there.

All residential and commercial areas will be flushed during the daytime hours of 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Signs will be posted in work areas prior to the start and as the program moves into adjacent sections.

The water department advises customers to refrain from doing laundry, as well as running water for cooking or medical needs, while crews are in your immediate area. Customers should also watch for changes in water clarity during this program. If water is discolored, let a cold-water tap run for several minutes until clear. If water does not clear within a few minutes, customers are advised to wait 1-2 hours and repeat the process. Pressure fluctuations may also be experienced during this time; it will return to normal as lines stabilize.

Call the Stow Water Department at (330) 689-2911 for more information.

More local news:

• Here’s your latest Graham Road/Fishcreek Road Intersection Project update: Starting Monday, July 31, the driveway entrance next to Handel’s on Graham Road will be rebuilt and will be closed to traffic. The driveway is scheduled to reopen by Friday, Aug. 4. The following week, the driveway south of Handel’s will be rebuilt. Both driveways will have signs showing alternate entrances. Once the two driveways are completed, asphalt resurfacing and striping will take place. For more information, contact the City of Stow Engineering Department at (330) 689-2719 or jmccleary@stow.oh.us. The Graham/Fishcreek project is on schedule to be completed by the end of summer.

• We hear a lot about housing prices these days, so if you’re wondering where Stow, Munroe Falls and Silver Lake fall in relation to the rest of the Akron metro area, here are the latest numbers courtesy of Zillow Group real estate: Munroe Falls comes in at No. 21 on the list (out of 36 cities and towns) with an average home value of $248,208 — up from $155,000 in January 2018. Next is Stow with an average home value of $255,088, good for No. 19 on the list; that’s up from $160,000 in January 2018. That leaves Silver Lake, which sits at No. 9 with an average home value of $325,780 — up from $205,000 in January 2018. And which community has the most expensive houses in the Akron metro area? That would be Hudson, which is No. 1 with an average home value of $492,693 — a massive jump from $310,000 in January 2018. Some context: Home prices are near record highs across the country, with the typical home value in the U.S. sitting at $348,853 in June 2023 — an increase of 1.1% from 2022.

• The second annual Fearless Fighters 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run/Walk will take place Sunday, Sept. 17. Both races will start and end at the Heritage Barn in Silver Springs Park at 5238 Young Rd. in Stow. The Fun Run/Walk starts at 9 a.m. and costs $20 per entrant; the 5K starts at 9:30 a.m. and costs $30 per entrant. Each registrant will receive a T-shirt, and medals will be awarded to the top finishers in each age group. Packet pick-up will be from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 16 at Bellacino’s Pizza & Grinders at 3657 Fishcreek Rd. in Stow. Race-day packet pick-up will be from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. An email with more details will be sent to participants before race week. Go to this page to register or for sponsorship opportunities. The Fearless Fighters Foundation is dedicated to funding advanced pediatric cancer research, easing the financial strain of families facing pediatric cancer treatment and supplying those families with resources to help keep them connected and together throughout treatment.

• Parts of Stow and Munroe Falls were on this week’s Summit County Public Health mosquito protection spray schedule. Spraying in Summit County this week began July 24, with spraying in the southeastern portion of Stow and northeast Munroe Falls taking place July 27. The spray schedule and spray maps can be viewed by going to this page. For more information regarding SCPH’s Mosquito Control program, call (330) 926-5669.
  

• The Stow-Munroe Falls High School football team is seeking donations to supplement its meals with side dishes, desserts and drinks. Those who donate will have their name or business listed on a donor banner in the stadium this coming season. Cash, gift cards, Venmo or checks will be accepted. For more information, contact the SMFHS football team mom group/Joelle Grimsley on Facebook.
  

• SarahCare of Stow’s Open House & Carnival will take place from 6 to 8 p.m. Wednesday, Aug. 9 at its location at 4472 Darrow Rd. in Stow. The event is free and will feature snacks, prizes and live music. SarahCare is a senior living provider located in the Stow Professional Center.
  

• The 17th Annual Burning River Endurance Race will once again come through Silver Springs Park in Stow. That means the park will be busy from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. Saturday, July 29, especially near the SOAR playground, Bow Wow Beach, the ballfields and both shelters. The Burning River race is a 100-mile, 50-mile and marathon solo run and 100-mile relay in Northeast Ohio. The race travels through several of the region’s most scenic areas, including Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Summit Metro Parks.
  

• Residents are invited to the Stow Historical Society’s Museum Open House from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 13. 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. All of these historic structures are part of Heritage Reserve Park at 5120 Young Rd. in Stow. This event is free and open to the public.

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Community calendar

⛺ Sat., July 29, 1 p.m.-Sun., July 30, 11 a.m.: Tent Camping for Families. What: Families with children ages 13 and younger are invited to join naturalists for a fun and relaxing overnight tent camping experience. Activities include guided nature hikes, campfires, S'mores and games. Where: Munroe Falls Metro Park - Lake Area (521 S. River Rd.). Bring your own camping equipment, including food, sleeping gear, toiletries and chairs. No gear? No problem! Request a free camping kit with essentials during registration (available while supplies last). Advance registration is required — call (330) 865-8065 to reserve your family’s spot.

🌙 Sat., July 29, 8:30-10 p.m.: Nature Night Hike. What: Bring your flashlights for this 1-mile twilight hike. We will keep our eyes and ears open for owls, frogs and other nocturnal animals. Where: Munroe Falls Metro Park - Lake Area (521 S. River Rd.).

🪄 Mon., July 31, 6-6:45 p.m. & 7:30-8:15 p.m.: The Alans Magic Show. What: Families with children of all ages can join magicians Jason and Stacy Alan at 6 or 7:30 p.m. for a high-energy magic show with plenty of audience participation and lots of laughs.  Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Registration is required; to register, go here or call the library at (330) 688-3295 ext. 5. Register each child and adult who wishes to attend the program.

🚓 Tues., Aug. 1, 6-8 p.m.: National Night Out 2023. What: Stow and Munroe Falls residents are invited to this annual community-building campaign that promotes police-community partnerships and neighborhood camaraderie to make our communities safer, more caring places to live. Entertainment will include a Bounce House, slide, police vehicles, and raffle by Target. Where: 3800 Darrow Rd., next to Fire Station #1. National Night Out, established in 1984, is held simultaneously across the country the first Tuesday of August. For more information, visit nationalnightout.org.

🎶 Tues., Aug. 1, 7-8 p.m.: Music by the Lake. What: Sit back and enjoy a free performance by the Metro Parks Ensemble, an all-volunteer group that plays a variety of music from current and past decades such as traditional marches, big-band standards, Broadway musicals, classic TV theme songs, children’s films and more (program varies each month). Where: Maple Beach Shelter at Munroe Falls Metro Park - Lake Area (521 S. River Rd.). Bring your own chairs and blankets, and a picnic if you prefer. Presented by Wayside Furniture. Note: Performances are not held during inclement weather. If it’s raining or wet weather is in the forecast, call the ensemble’s info line at (330) 865-8060 after 4 p.m. Aug. 1 for concert status.

🎺 Wed., Aug. 2, 7-8 p.m.: Riverfront Community Band. What: Enjoy a free concert to wrap up the summer as the Riverfront Community Band, formerly the Bethany Concert Band, returns to the library. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). To register, visit this page or call the library at (330) 688-3295 ext. 4.

🦇 Wed., Aug. 2, 8:30-10 p.m.: Bat Night. What: Fantastic flying insect controllers, also known as bats, are some of the most fascinating and beneficial creatures of the night. Learn about these amazing mammals as we attempt to catch live bats with nets for observation and data collection. Where: Munroe Falls Metro Park - Lake Area (521 S. River Rd.). Meet at Shady Beach Shelter.

🧘 Thurs., Aug. 3, 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.

🔥 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 (registration deadline is Tuesday, Aug. 1 or until full). 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.

🧘 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.

Obituaries

Edwin Slusser Hibbard
Edwin Slusser Hibbard, 85, passed away July 8, 2023.
Read more

Business

Those new electronic devices sure get old fast — and that’s where Regency Technologies of Stow comes in

It’s one of the most frustrating aspects of technology: No sooner do you buy that new cellphone, laptop or smart TV, and it’s already obsolete. It’s even worse for employers, who have little choice but to keep up or get left behind. So where do those “old” electronic devices go when companies cast them aside?

Well, for those of us who work in Northeast Ohio and the surrounding region, there’s an excellent chance they’ll end up right here in Stow — at Regency Technologies at 4550 Darrow Rd. Regency dismantles and recycles used electronic devices ranging from old computers to office phones to flat-screen TVs and everything in between.

• Regency owner Jim Levine founded the company in 1998 with a single location in Solon (total number of employees: 8), and he has since expanded it to eight locations around the country with about 800 employees. The company opened its Stow plant in 2019.
  

• The Stow location is Regency’s largest operation and serves as the company’s headquarters, with around 300 employees and 70 office staff occupying a 500,000-square-foot space (the facility itself encompasses 600,000 square feet).
  

• The sheer volume of material processed by Regency is staggering: more than 100 million pounds of electronic waste and 1 million pieces of equipment annually — and 90% of that material is recycled or reused.

• To illustrate how quickly devices become obsolete these days, Regency processes well over 100,000 cellphones a month. “The volume has just gone through the roof,” Levine told Crain’s Cleveland Business in an article published July 13.

Nature

So what’s happened to all the lightning bugs? Hint: The usual suspects are to blame

Remember when the blinking lights of fireflies filled your yard every summer evening? Well, if you think you aren’t seeing as many “lightning bugs” as you used to, it’s not your imagination: Scientists say their numbers are dwindling.

Here are some of the reasons why:

• Pesticides and chemical fertilizers, which are linked to a decline in firefly populations.
  

• Land development, which destroys their preferred habitat of undisturbed soil in open fields and prairies.
  

• And, of course, climate change, which brings with it excessive heat that is dangerous to insects and just about everything else. “We can have really hot days that can be deadly to any species,” Dr. Christie Bahlai, an entomologist with Kent State University’s Department of Biological Sciences, said.

Read the full story here.

OK, that’s it for this week. On to next week, when we celebrate our 1-year anniversary! It’s hard to believe we’re turning 1 already, but here we are — and we’re looking forward to whatever the next 12 months bring. It’s been a fun ride so far, so spread the word about us so more people can join in. Try to stay cool today, have a great week ahead and see you back here next Friday!

Tom Hardesty
tom@stowmunroefalls.com