🔦 Play + learn

New library room for kids. Plus, Chamber news, book sale, Stow construction projects and more

Today is April 21, 2023.

  • Good morning! It's going to be cloudy and not as warm today, with a high of 73 and low of 48 as well as a heavy thunderstorm in the afternoon that could bring isolated damaging wind gusts. Then we're going to have morning rain Saturday, which has already forced the cancelation of Stow's Earth Fest (see Community Calendar below). And beginning Saturday night, we're going to have lows in the 30s all the way through next Wednesday. In other words ... it's April.

Latest news in brief

You're going to need a bigger room: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library to debut new children's space next week

Add the Story Time Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library to the list of things that children outgrow.

And to accommodate that growth, the library is set to unveil a new and improved -- and bigger -- room for the kiddos called the Play & Learn Place. The new room will open Monday, April 24, during National Library Week.

The Play & Learn Place is a space for families with children under 5 to engage in creative and imaginative play, as well as play with selective toys which support early literacy skills.

“As time has passed, our children’s programs have become so popular that we have outgrown the Story Time Room," Lydia Gamble, librarian and head of Children’s Services at the SMF Public Library, said. "Many of our other programs are also too big to put into the room. This gave us the perfect opportunity to create the Play & Learn Place as an early literacy center.”

The Play & Learn Place is designed to help children develop the skills they need to become successful readers. Children and their caregivers can play with a rotating set of activities and toys which build language skills such as vocabulary, self-expression and understanding. These skills help children make sense of printed words and give them the tools they need to become successful readers and lifelong learners. They also help a young child enter kindergarten with a love of books and a readiness to learn.

“We know that play is an essential part of early literacy and child development," Gamble said. "The Play & Learn Place is an amazing, interactive and educational experience for children and their caregivers.”

More local news:

  • Sure, we can visually identify many of the species of birds that gather at our feeders and flit about the trees in our yards, but how about identifying them based on the sounds they make? Sorting out the singers in the chorus is a little more challenging, but you can learn to pick out who's singing what at Connect with Nature: The Music of Birdsong, a program presented by the Stow Parks & Recreation Department in partnership with the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library. Join Lisa Rainsong, a professional musician, educator and naturalist, as she guides adults and teens ages 12 and up in the identification of birds and their musical repertoire. The Music of Birdsong will take place from 7 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, May 16 at the Heritage Barn at Silver Springs Park at 5238 Young Rd. Cost is $5 per person for Stow residents and $8 per person for non-residents. Go here to register.

  • For some more quality outdoors time, the Munroe Falls Park Board and Wick Poetry Center will present their Hike and Write program at 10 a.m. Saturday, June 10 at Brust Park. Attendees will enjoy a guided hike through Brust Park to reflect on and write about the beauty of the Cuyahoga River and our place within the natural landscape. This 90-minute program is open to all ages (be sure to bring a notebook and something to write with). Brust Park is located on Route 91 along the north bank of the Cuyahoga River.

  • You can do your part to help keep Stow beautiful through the city's Adopt-A-Spot: Blooming In Style! beautification project. Sponsored by the City of Stow, Adopt-A-Spot is a volunteer activity for individuals or families, groups, civic organizations and businesses. The city has a continued need for volunteers who are interested in keeping Stow beautiful, and anyone of any age can become part of the solution. Volunteers are responsible for planting the annual flowers and weeding, removing spent/dead flowers from the annuals, and breaking up soil in the flower bed on a weekly basis as needed. Participants are also required to be available on planting day to plant their sites. Planting day is Saturday, May 20, and plants will be available for pickup that day from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. The City of Stow will post signs at each site to recognize the service of the volunteers who are responsible for adopting the area. Go to this page to register. For more information, contact City of Stow Landscape Arborist Sue Mottl at 330-689-5121 or [email protected].

  • While we're talking about springtime planting, the Summit Soil & Water Conservation District says April is a great time to plant a tree -- and there are great reasons for doing it. Trees add natural beauty to your landscape while also providing many environmental and economic benefits. Trees clean our air, reduce stormwater runoff and moderate temperatures while increasing your property value. Trees also play an important role in nutrient cycling and carbon sequestration. Native Ohio trees provide wildlife habitat, are well adapted to our climate and soils, and are available in a wide range of ornamental features. Choosing the right tree for your site is the first step to a long-lasting, healthy tree.

  • Before you start digging, though, you might want to check out the Ohio Utilities Protection Service website to learn the safe process to digging in your yard. By going to the OUPS site, you'll learn important details like how to call OHIO811, the information you’ll need to provide, how utilities respond to your request, and more. Whether you’re planting a tree, shrub or garden, aerating your yard, installing a mailbox, or building a fence or deck, calling OHIO811 before digging will help you avoid potential injury, property damage and utility disruption by following safe-digging guidelines -- and the law.

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Community calendar

🌎 Sat., April 22, 10 a.m.-noon: Connect with Nature: Earth Fest. Due to forecasted rain, the Earth Fest celebration at Adell Durbin Park has been canceled and will not be rescheduled this year.

📚 Mon., April 24, 2-4 p.m.: There's More to the Story: What's Going On at Your Library. What: Celebrate National Library Week by discovering some of the more obscure benefits the library provides. Did you know that your library offers unique items for checkout such as air quality monitors, board games and Wi-Fi hotspots? Want to know what digital resources you have access to within the library or on the go? Join a staff member from the Information Services department for this open house as they show you what's going on at the library. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). No registration necessary.

💸 Mon., April 24, 7-8 p.m.: Retirement: Making Your Money Last. What: Are you either preparing for or are already in the process of retirement planning? Join Scott Marsh from Edward Jones as he teaches us about investment strategies to last throughout your retirement. Scott will address key strategies such as inflation, health-care expenses, and how to prepare in advance for unexpected costs. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Go here to register for this free program or call 330-688-3295 ext. 4.

🕴️ Wed., April 26, 7-8 p.m.: Leveraging the Modern Resumé. What: Learn how to build an effective resume, including common resume myths, what does and does not belong on a resume, and how to put a resume in order by relevance. Additionally, attendees will learn how to create an applicant tracking system-friendly resume using both chronological and functional platforms. Note: This is an informational session, not a hands-on workshop. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). To register for this free program, go here or call 330-688-3295 ext. 4.

📚 Thurs., April 27, 7-8:30 p.m.: There's More to the Story: What's Going On at Your Library. What: Celebrate National Library Week by discovering some of the more obscure benefits the library provides. Did you know that your library offers unique items for checkout such as air quality monitors, board games and Wi-Fi hotspots? Want to know what digital resources you have access to within the library or on the go? Join a staff member from the Information Services department for this open house as they show you what's going on at the library. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). No registration necessary.

🌳 Fri., April 28, 6-8 p.m.: Stow Tree Festival Drive-Thru Event. What: Celebrate Arbor Day by getting your own seedling from the City of Stow. Mayor John Pribonic and members of the Stow Urban Forestry Commission will hand out one 3-gallon seedling (4-5 feet tall) and a City of Stow Tree Festival Tote Bag full of additional Arbor Day goodies to each vehicle -- and it's all free! Participants may take only one seedling per family/address/vehicle. Where: Stow City Hall (3760 Darrow Rd.). Go here to register (registration is required). For more information, call the urban forestry department at 330-689-5120.

🧶 Sat., April 29, 1-4 p.m.: Community Craft Supply Swap. What: Did your new hobby not work out? Well, your loss is someone else’s gain -- and vice versa. Bring your gently used craft supplies to exchange, pick up some new ones for your own collection, and mingle with other craft enthusiasts. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Registration is not required for this program.

🏃 Sun., April 30, 8-10 a.m.: 11th Annual Fishcreek Raccoon Run. What: A 5K and 1-Mile Fun Run centered through the neighborhoods of Fishcreek Elementary School in Stow. Each registrant will receive a T-shirt and sponsor packet, while all 5K finishers will receive a finishers medal. Where: The event starts from the Heritage Barn at Silver Springs Park (5238 Young Rd.). Cost is $30 for the 5K, and $25 for the 1-Mile Fun Run. Go here to register and for more information (including virtual options). The Raccoon Run supports the students of Fishcreek Elementary.

📚 Wed., May 3, 10 a.m.-noon: Friends of the Library Book Sale: Patrons' Sale. What: Annual spring book sale at the library. There is an entrance donation to the Patrons' Sale of $10 per person. The Friends members donation is $5, with memberships available for purchase at the door. Membership cost is $10 per family or $5 per person. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.).

📚 Wed., May 3, noon-2 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book Sale: Friends' Presale. What: Annual spring book sale at the library. Entrance to the Friends' Presale is for Friends members only. Memberships will be available for purchase at the door and cost $10 per family or $5 per person. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.).

📚 Wed., May 3, 2-8 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book Sale. What: Annual spring book sale at the library. Free and open to the public. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.).

📚 Thurs., May 4, 10 a.m.-8 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book Sale. What: Annual spring book sale at the library. Free and open to the public. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.).

📚 Fri., May 5, 10 a.m.-5 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book Sale. What: Annual spring book sale at the library. Free and open to the public. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.).

🦸 Sat., May 6, all day: Free Comic Book Day. What: Stop by the library to pick up a free comic book to keep, courtesy of JC's Comics and Cards in Cuyahoga Falls. Comics for all ages available while supplies last. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.).

🎣 Sat., May 6, 9 a.m.-noon: Annual Stow Fishing Derby. What: Free fishing event for kids, presented by the Stow Parks and Recreation Department, Summit Sportsman Association and Ohio Department of Natural Resources. 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. Where: Heritage Lake (adjacent to the Heritage Barn) at Silver Springs Park (5238 Young Rd.). 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).

📚 Sat., May 6, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Friends of the Library Book Sale. What: Annual spring book sale at the library. Free and open to the public. This is Bag Day, where you can fill up a bag for $5. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Following the sale, all books will be free to everyone from 2 to 3 p.m.

🎨 Sat., May 6, 10:30 a.m.-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. May’s artist will be Jackson Pollock. Participants will express themselves with an outdoor mural (weather permitting). Although children will be using washable paints and markers, be aware that this is a messy activity, so dress accordingly. Where: Story Time Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). To register for this free program, go here, call 330-688-3295 ext. 5, or stop by the library. Register each age-appropriate child who wishes to attend the program.

Obituaries for April 14-20

Russel Norman GierschRussel Norman Giersch, age 93, formerly of Hudson, died April 15 at home in Stow surrounded by his loving family.Read more

Margaret (Peggy) Elaine CloseMargaret (Peggy) Elaine Close, 91, passed away peacefully March 26, 2023.Read more

Barbara E. Filipic (nee Culek)Barbara E. Filipic, (nee Culek), 67, died April 17, 2023.Read more

John F. ConahanJohn F. Conahan, 41. Our beloved son and brother passed away on April 13, 2023. John was born at Akron, OH to Patrick and Mary (Kuntzman) Conahan.Read more

Sarah "Sally" MallorySarah "Sally" Mallory, 87, passed away on April 11, 2023 at Parma. A daughter of the late Willie and Grace (Nee Parton) Sherrill. Sally was a 40 year resident of Monroe Falls.Read more

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Stow

Off and running: Completion of pavilion and restrooms at Adell Durbin Park kicks off city's ambitious 2023 project schedule

Project season is in full swing in Stow, and Exhibit A is Mayor John Pribonic's April 19 Facebook post featuring photos of city workers finishing up construction of the new pavilion, complete with restrooms, at Adell Durbin Park. And it's just the vanguard of the many projects the city has scheduled for what looks like a busy 2023.

"We have worked through prioritizing where and what our comprehensive capital improvements program will entail," Pribonic said in his April city newsletter, "and we have spent a great deal of time and energy researching to make the right choices for our community."

Pribonic detailed the city's plans for 2023, including:

  • A $5,000,000 road & sidewalk improvement program

  • Renovations to Silver Springs Campground

  • A replacement playground at Meadowbrook Lake Park

  • Addition of a “Nature Play” area at Adell Durbin Park

  • Pickleball courts and a loop trail at Oregon Trail Park

  • Driving range improvements at Fox Den Golf Course, teaching tees and other enhancements (Hanson Property)

In addition, Stow City Council Member Cyle Feldman posted on his Facebook page April 13 that air conditioning has been installed at the Heritage Barn at Silver Springs Park, along with a photo showing the west shore of Heritage Lake (adjacent to the Heritage Barn) as the potential location for a kayak launch. "Good group of members and staff working together to improve our City of Stow parks in both facilities and programs," Feldman said in his post.

SPOTLIGHT ON THE CHAMBER

Sponsored by the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce

Commitment to excellence: Nominations for businesses, individuals are now being taken for the Chamber's 2nd Annual Elite Business Awards

By Julie McLain, Executive Director

The Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber spent quite a bit of time in 2022 reconnecting with members, collaborating partners, organizations and more. We refreshed events, created learning opportunities and revamped our leadership program (which kicked off April 20), in addition to many new opportunities to connect with other businesses in our community.

Part of this growth was the creation of a new signature event to celebrate all the businesses in Stow and Munroe Falls called the Elite Business Awards. This year, the 2nd Annual Elite Business Awards will be held Wednesday, May 24 at the Kent State University Hotel and Convention Center, a longtime member of our Chamber. We will be celebrating “Legacy and Leadership” in the Stow-Munroe Falls business community and will be recognizing businesses and businesspeople in the following award categories: Business(es) of the Year, Emerging Leader of the Year, the Good Neighbor Award and the Mayor(s) Awards. Businesses may self-nominate or nominate someone else for these awards.

In addition, we will be introducing a new annual award, the Bruce Redmon Legacy and Leadership Award, to that outstanding business leader who exemplifies service and leadership in all they do. Bruce Redmon was a past president of the Chamber Board of Directors and was instrumental in the creation of the Presidents Club in 1987. Since 2012, 100% of the funds collected for the Presidents Club have been designated to support scholarships for high school graduating seniors of Chamber members pursuing a post-secondary academic degree or professional certifications. For more information on the Presidents Club Scholarship Program, go HERE. We plan to introduce this year’s scholarship recipients at this year’s event.

The deadline to nominate your business or another business in Stow or Munroe Falls for the Business or the Year, Emerging Leader of the Year, the Good Neighbor Award and the Mayor(s) Award is Monday, May 1. Nomination forms can be found on the Chamber website HERE for Business of the Year, Emerging Leader of the Year and the Good Neighbor Award. Please contact the Cities of Stow or Munroe Falls regarding the Mayors Awards. The Main Event Legacy Sponsor for the Elite Business Awards is Wentz Financial Group and is a collaboration with the City of Stow, the City of Munroe Falls and the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District. Tickets and sponsorships are on sale now on the Chamber website or by calling the Chamber office at 330-688-1579.

And that's a wrap. Yeah, it's a bummer that Earth Fest has been canceled, but the City of Stow Parks & Recreation Department and the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library have partnered to present plenty of other outdoor programs throughout this spring and summer for area residents. Make sure to check The Spotlight's Local News Briefs and Community Calendar every week for all the happenings in Stow, Munroe Falls and Silver Lake. See you next Friday!