Today is Jan. 13, 2023.

• Well, winter's back. A Winter Weather Advisory began at 1 a.m. this morning and will remain in effect until 1 a.m. Saturday. We're expecting total snow accumulations of 3 to 8 inches, with winds gusting as high as 30 mph. Things will then gradually improve and warm up over the next several days, with temps forecast to hit 50 degrees next Thursday. But travel could be very difficult today, so be careful out there on the roads.

Latest news in brief

A 'showcase' event: Business and Community Expo coming to Stow-Munroe Falls HS in March

It's back -- and it's got a shiny new name. The Stow-Munroe Falls Business and Community Expo (formerly the Showcase) will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 11 at Stow-Munroe Falls High School (3227 Graham Rd.). This is the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce's premier event to connect businesses and organizations from our area. This one-day extravaganza will feature business and organization exhibitors, food trucks, prize drawings and more.

“The Expo is a wonderful event and a great opportunity for the community to see the fantastic variety of local businesses and organizations that we have in our area," Chamber Executive Director Julie McLain said. "In addition, the exhibitors have the opportunity to get in front of thousands of community members face to face during this event – something that they can’t do on a daily basis. We are grateful to have Doris Stewart, former executive director of the Chamber, and Scott Campbell, director of operations of the Stow-Munroe Falls School District, as co-chairs of this refreshed event.”

Registration for booth space is still open. There is no cost to attend, and parking is free. The Expo is presented by the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce, Stow-Munroe Falls City School District, and the Cities of Stow and Munroe Falls. Main event sponsors include Western Reserve Hospital, Brandon Heating and Air Conditioning, and Unity Health Network.

"This is such an amazing opportunity to see what our local businesses and organizations have to offer as well as for those businesses and groups to connect with the community, as the event attracts thousands of visitors,” Stow Mayor John Pribonic said.

Visit SMFCC.com to sponsor and/or register for a booth, or email office@smfcc.com for more information.

More local news:

• Work on Silver Lake's Veterans Tribute Garden continues to progress. According to Mayor Bernie Hovey, the pavers have all been laid, and in the spring, the centerpiece will be installed, the benches put in place and shrubbery installed around the garden. A formal dedication of the Veterans Tribute Garden is planned for Memorial Day. Because the pavers have been laid but are not sealed permanently in place, additional pavers can still be purchased. As long as the village has an order of at least 11 pavers, a new order can be processed. Therefore, if you missed the original deadline, you still have a chance to buy a paver. Order forms are available at Village Hall (2961 Kent Rd.) or by calling 330-923-5233. Monetary donations for the garden are also still being accepted.

• You can honor a past or present member of the armed forces with a commemorative banner flying high above our community streets. Honorees are not required to be current or past residents of Stow or Munroe Falls. Sponsorship for each banner is $125, and orders must be received by March 17. Go here for more information and an application.

• Here's a sign that spring isn't as far away as it seems: The Stow Ice Cream Truck is hiring. The truck is looking for a social media manager, drivers and booking agents. The ice cream truck's season starts in March and ends in October. Private message Sara Elizabeth on her personal Facebook page for more details and to apply.

• City of Stow employees recently attended a GateKeeper class given by the Summit County Public Health Department – and you can, too. The health department's GateKeeper Program will instruct attendees to identify older friends and family members with suspected or known dementia or Alzheimer's disease who are living alone, have an intellectual developmental disability or have a caregiver in need of support. For those struggling with early dementia or Alzheimer's, it's critical that they receive proper care before their condition worsens. For more information about this program or to register for a class, contact Teresa Marie McDonnell at Stow City Hall at 330-689-2700 or the Summit County Public Health Department at 330-926-5650.

• The Stow Soccer Club's spring 2023 registration is open. Cost per player for the club's Travel program (ages 7-14) is $155, with an early registration discount of $25 until midnight Jan. 29. Cost for the Recreational program (ages 4-14) is $80, with an early registration discount of $15 until midnight Feb. 26. To register, go here and click on Programs for all Recreational and Travel age groups.

Sponsored by Brandon Heating and Air Conditioning

Ask about ads

Community calendar

❄️ Sat., Jan. 14, 10:30-11 a.m.: Special Winter Animals Story Time. What: Children and their families can join the library for a winter animals-themed Story Time. Stories, songs and rhymes will be geared toward children ages 2 to 6. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Registration for this free program is required (only register the name of the age-appropriate child). Register online at events.smfpl.org, or call the library at 330-688-3295 ext. 5.

🌳 Mon., Jan. 16, 2-3 p.m.: Winter Tree Identification for Families. What: The Stow Parks & Recreation Department's first "Connect With Nature" program of 2023 explores how to identify trees in the wintertime. School-age children and their families will explore conifers and deciduous trees and learn about identifying trees by bark, needles, shape and twig. Attendees will then explore trees outside to test their skills. This program is in collaboration with the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library. Where: Leona Farris Lodge (Silver Springs Lodge) at Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.) in Stow. Event is free, but registration is required at StowOhio.RecDesk.com (register only one member of your family).

✊ Mon., Jan. 16, 6-8:30 p.m.: MLK Day Movie: "Selma." What: Celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. with the acclaimed film "Selma." Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Register for this free program online at events.smfpl.org, or call the library at 330-688-3295 ext. 4.

🪷 Tues., Jan. 17, 7-8:30 p.m.: Korean Lotus Lantern Hybrid Program (in person or via Zoom). What: Free program in which the Korean Spirit and Culture Promotion Project (KSCPP) will teach participants ages 10 to adult how to make a lotus flower lantern using colored paper and a pre-made wire frame. Participants will also learn about Korea’s unique history and culture and view a short documentary film. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Participants can attend in person or join a live Zoom class and participate from home. If joining from home, participants must pick up a take-home kit before 5 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 15 (one kit per registered person). This program will not be recorded and will not be available to watch later. Registration is required for both the in-person and Zoom options. Register your family members who wish to attend the program by going here, or call the library at 330-688-3295 ext. 5. A link will be emailed to Zoom participants prior to the program. This program is paid for by the Friends of the Library.

❄️ Wed., Jan. 18, 7-8 p.m.: Nature in Winter. What: Local field biologist and naturalist Judy Semroc returns to discuss the wonders of nature that can be found even in the cold and frigid landscape of Northeast Ohio during the winter months. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). To register, call 330-688-3295 ext. 4, or visit events.smfpl.org. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

🍿 Fri., Jan. 20, 11-11:30 a.m.: Storybook Theater. What: Watch some of your favorite storybooks come to life on the big screen. Families with kids of all ages are welcome, but stories are geared toward kids ages 2 to 5. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Register each age-appropriate child who wishes to attend the program (registration is free). To register, call 330-688-3295 ext. 5, visit events.smfpl.org, or stop by the library.

🎭 Fri., Jan. 20, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Jan. 21, 7:30 p.m., Sun., Jan. 22, 2:30 p.m.: Cinderella or the Story of Bigfoot. What: One-act youth production (ages 8-12) presented by the Stow Players. This unique retelling of the traditional Cinderella story is full of unexpected twists, and shows that true beauty comes from within. 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., Jan. 23 through Sun., Jan. 29, all day: Children's Winter Art Exhibit. What: Children ages 2 to 11 are invited to participate in the library’s winter art show for kids. Each participating child’s submission will receive a special certificate highlighting what makes that piece of art unique. Certificates will be available to view in the exhibit, which will be open to the public from Monday, Jan. 23 to Sunday, Jan. 29 during regular library hours. Participants will also receive a small surprise for entering. Where: Community Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Entries must be submitted to the library's Children's Department by Monday, Jan. 16. Note: Submitted artwork must be two-dimensional because it will be hung on wire racks in the Children's Department. Drawings, paintings on cardstock or cut-out designs and collages are permitted. Do not submit anything 3-D.

Obituaries for Jan. 6-12

Constance S. CurentonConstance S. Curenton, 82, passed away peacefully with her family by her side on January 5, 2023.Read more

Audrey A. DiMascioAudrey A. DiMascio, 92, died January 7, 2023.Read more

Allen Robert NeffAllen Robert Neff, 87, died January 10, 2022.Read more

Mailbox

That's a wrap for this edition of The Spotlight. Be sure to send us any news or event information regarding your organization, we're always happy to include it in our Briefs or Calendar sections. Again, drive carefully in what could be hazardous conditions today, have a great week ahead, and I'll see you again next Friday!

Tom Hardestytom@stowmunroefalls.com