Today is Dec. 5, 2024.

• Good morning! The calendar says it’s still fall, but the weather screams winter is here — and we’re in line for more of it today: Cloudy, breezy and cold with a couple of flurries, with a high of just 27 degrees and a low of 23. We don’t want anyone getting frostbite, so be sure to wear layers if you have to be out in this bitter cold for any length of time.
  

• PRELIMINARY RECOMMENDATIONS REPORT FOR STOW ZONING: The Preliminary Recommendations Report, which will guide the City of Stow’s Zoning Code Update, is now available for public review and comment. The city wants your feedback on the recommendations to ensure the new code addresses your issues and concerns.
  

• WANTED: STOW CHARTER REVIEW COMMISSION VOLUNTEERS: Stow Mayor John Pribonic is inviting interested and qualified electors of the city of Stow to apply for the City Charter Review Commission. This seven-member commission convenes every five years to assess and recommend updates to the city’s municipal charter. The commission operates for a limited duration, typically around six to seven months, and meets regularly. Members are appointed by the mayor and require confirmation from city council. Applicants cannot currently serve on a city board or commission or be employed by the City of Stow. The commission’s role is to propose amendments to the charter that serve the public interest. All suggested amendments will be presented to city council for approval to be placed before the Stow electorate for a vote. The term for these voluntary roles on the Charter Review Commission will begin in January 2025. For more information, contact the mayor’s office at 330-689-2800. Applicants may apply using the online form.
  

• SUMMIT ANIMAL CONTROL ‘PAWLIDAYS’: Summit County Animal Control is celebrating the “Pawlidays” this holiday season! Animal Control’s Pawlidays adoption event began Dec. 1 and runs through Monday, Jan. 6, during which adoption costs will be reduced to $28 for dogs (regularly $94) and $5 for cats (regularly $60). The animals are fully vetted, which includes bloodwork, flea treatments, intestinal de-worming, spay or neuter, vaccinations and microchipped, and are ready to be taken home. All dog adoptions through the end of 2024 will include a 2025 Summit County Dog License included in the cost. Go here for more information or call 330-643-2845. Summit County Animal Control is located at 250 Opportunity Pkwy. in Akron.
  

• “Reader Spotlight” is a forum where you can send us your comments, concerns and suggestions on anything going on in our communities of Stow, Munroe Falls and Silver Lake. Send your email to [email protected], put “Reader Spotlight” in the subject line, and please include your name and town (recommended but not required for publication). We will publish comments as we receive them.
  

• 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!

⭐ Several stories in this issue are only available to premium subscribers: The latest on Stow’s recent tragedy, Bow Wow Beach closed for now, New Year’s Eve 5K, Yoga, community events and more local news. Full access is just $2.99/month.

Sponsored by Brandon Heating and Air Conditioning

Community

3Wheel Therapy group in Summit County is looking for volunteer “pilots” to pedal adaptive tricycles

A new non-profit group is bringing a community service to Summit County in spring 2025 that is designed to enhance the quality of life for those who have suffered mobility loss — and you can help.

The group is called 3Wheel Therapy, and its purpose is to provide adaptive tricycle rides, free of charge, for people who are no longer able to ride a traditional bicycle. The group is planning to use the local bike trails in and around our area, especially the Summit County Metro Parks’ Bike & Hike Trail.

The Summit County group is an expansion of the original 3Wheel Therapy group, started in North Carolina, and came about when Stow resident Bill Sepe “heard about 3WT through a couple who I ride bikes with. I had been looking for a way to get my wife back on a bike after she had a stroke 11 years ago,” he said. “When I saw what they were doing in Carolina Beach, North Carolina, I felt that we should duplicate the effort here in Summit County.

“Our plan is to get out to assisted living and nursing facilities and offer this service to the residents who are shut in and ordinarily wouldn’t have this opportunity to get outdoors and experience nature. And it’s not just for the aged; we have had a few inquiries from parents who have children with disabilities and can’t ride a traditional bike on their own. We plan to start with two trikes here in Summit County by April 2025.”

And here’s where you can help. “Our biggest need right now is for volunteer pilots and co-pilots who would be willing to spend a couple of hours each week providing this service,” Sepe, who serves as a 3WT board member, said. “The people we are looking for genuinely want to give of themselves for others and give enjoyment to them. We have about 10 other volunteers recruited so far.”

Sepe also explained that:

• People cannot use the trikes on their own.

• All of the group’s pilots and co-pilots must undergo training and will be covered by liability insurance that 3WT has taken out for them.

• People cannot show up and take the trike for a ride. “We provide the trike, the pilot and joy of experiencing a bike ride,” Sepe said.

“My wife and I got to experience it firsthand [in October] when we went to Carolina Beach to meet the Kohlers, who founded 3WT. Nicole Kohler is a licensed recreational therapist and is the leader of the band,” he said.

Interested volunteers may email [email protected]. To learn more about 3Wheel Therapy, go to this page.

Stow

In remembrance: Annual candle lighting at the children’s memorial in Silver Springs Cemetery will be held Dec. 8

At 5 p.m. the second Sunday of every December, the annual Candle Lighting Ceremony is held at the Christmas Box Angel of Hope Children’s Memorial in Silver Springs Cemetery, located at 5080 Stow Rd. in Stow. This year’s ceremony will take place from 5 to 6 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 8 as part of the Worldwide Candle Lighting in memory of all children who died too soon.

This very moving ceremony is a special time to remember and honor our children as the holidays approach. Thousands of other bereaved parents around the world honor their children by lighting candles on this day also.

If you have purchased a brick, you will receive an invitation to this beautiful event. However, family and friends as well as the general public are also welcome to attend. Those attending are invited to bring flowers to lay at the base of the Angel; attendees are also encouraged to dress warmly.

Reader Spotlight

— From Lois Schlademan, Stow: “It would benefit those who complain about different issues in our town, to go to a council meeting. Anyone will be able to hear what it takes to get anything done. It’s called, laws, rules, regulations! If you’re not satisfied, run for your ward council. Get involved.”

Subscribe to Premium to read the rest.