Today is June 2, 2023.

• And … we’re back! We took a week off to recharge our batteries, and summer seems to have arrived during our absence. That trend is going to continue this weekend: It’s going to be mostly sunny and very warm today, with a high of 88 and low of 65. Then the mercury is going to hit 90 degrees Saturday before we gradually cool down to around 70 by the middle of next week. They don’t call Memorial Day the unofficial start of summer for nothing.

Latest news in brief

Silver Lake officially opens Veterans Tribute Garden with Memorial Day dedication

Once just an idea that was bandied about Village Hall, Silver Lake’s Veterans Tribute Garden is now a reality.

About a year and a half after Mayor Bernie Hovey formed a committee to begin looking for ways to honor veterans, the village formally dedicated the Veterans Tribute Garden with a public ceremony on Memorial Day.

Located adjacent to Village Hall at 2961 Kent Rd., the memorial garden includes a sculpture, a water feature, an American flag, and bricks with veterans’ names inscribed on them.

No public money was used to construct the garden. Instead, donations from Silver Lake residents and businesses funded the entire project.

More local news:

• The second installment of the City of Stow’s 2023 Team Up 2 Clean Up program, where residents can volunteer to assist with trash pickup along major roads in the city, will take place from 8 to 11 a.m. Saturday, June 24. Collecting trash along the city's roadways will help prevent pollution from entering storm drains that lead to local lakes, rivers and streams. You will be working with a small group and assigned an area to pick up trash along streets and sidewalks. If you helped last year, dig out your green safety T-shirt; if you're new to the group, advise your preferred T-shirt size when registering. Go here to register for the June 24 program. Packet pickup, which will include your T-shirt, supplies needed and the area you are assigned to work in, will be from 2 to 4:30 p.m. Thursday, June 22 and 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Friday, June 23. Trash bags, latex gloves and T-shirts will be provided; you may want to bring gardening or work gloves. Questions may be directed to Teresa at 330-689-2700. The third and final Team Up 2 Clean Up program of 2023 will take place Saturday, Aug. 26.

• Memorial Day heralded the unofficial start of summer, and with it comes the summertime events we’ve all been waiting for — like the Stow Parks & Recreation Department’s Splash Bash, one of the city’s #CelebrateStow festivities. Splash Bash, a day of free water fun for the whole family, will take place from 1 to 4 p.m. Saturday, July 1 at Stow City Center Campus at 3870 Darrow Rd. The event will feature two huge water slides, a giant slip-n-slide, a foam cannon and foam pit, Stow fire engine with water hose spray, and Kona Ice Truck ice for purchase. Bring a towel and dress accordingly, because you’re going to get wet!

• If you were part of the volunteer team that had a hand in building the SKiP Playground in 1991 and are interested in participating in the Stow Fourth of July Parade, contact Deb in the Mayor’s Office at dberkey@stow.oh.us. In your email to Deb, provide your name, email address and phone number. Participation in the parade will entail being available from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Tuesday, July 4 and either riding on a truck or walking in the parade. The City of Stow will provide details of the parade via email, so those interested in participating must provide a valid email address. The deadline to reach out is Monday, June 26.

• Munroe Falls is about to unveil its first public mural, and you can check it out at the city’s ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new mural, which will take place at 6 p.m. TODAY at Float the River at 54 N. Main St. Attendees of the unveiling can get photos with the photo-op mural and enter Float the River’s drawing to win Bipolar Butterfly prints, decals and a garden stake. If you’re looking for a little art, nature and river fun, then the Munroe Falls mural unveiling is the place to be today.
  

• We’re a long way from Christmas, but it’s going to be Christmas in July at The Griffin at 4962 Darrow Rd. Because that’s the theme for The Griffin’s Holiday Greeting Cards for the Soldiers event, which will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. Thursday, July 20. Attendees of the free program will make holiday/winter-themed cards for the soldiers and veterans with messages written inside (instructor Jackie Palumbo will provide some suggestions). These holiday cards will be sent out to various VA hospitals within the tri-state area, local veterans shelters, and area active military families and veterans through the Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT). All supplies are provided, and you can make as many cards as you want. And be sure to wear your best holiday attire to get into the spirit of the season!
  

• SPONSORED: The Stow Road Circle Sale will take place from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Friday, June 9 and Saturday, June 10. The multi-family garage sale will be held at 4355, 4359 and 4365 Stow Rd. and feature clothes, household items, furniture, tools, toys, yard equipment, and much more. And don’t worry about the weather: The sale will take place rain or shine.

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Community calendar

🦈 Sun., June 4, 2-4:30 p.m.: Summer Sunday Afternoon Movie: Jaws. What: "You're gonna need a bigger boat." Remember that famous movie line? Well, everyone's favorite great white shark is back at this screening of the iconic film that is recognized as Hollywood's first summer blockbuster -- and started a feeding frenzy. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). No registration necessary. Just when you thought it was safe ...

🐘 Mon., June 5, 6-6:45 p.m. & 7-7:45 p.m.: The Zoo Comes to You. What: Join the Akron Zoo and meet a few of their animals in this interactive learning experience. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Go here to register, or call the library at 330-688-3295 ext. 5 (registration is required).

📚 Wed., June 7, 7-8 p.m.: Kindness Rocks! What: Spread words of kindness, hope and unity by painting your own designs on some "kindness rocks," and share them throughout your neighborhood! For teens ages 12 to 17. All materials provided. Where: Stow Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Registration is required for this free event; go to this page to register. Program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

🧘 Thurs., June 8, 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 Campus (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., June 8, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Family Trivia Night: Animals Edition. What: Put on your thinking caps and join the library for some trivia about animals; families will compete for a chance to win prizes! This program is for children and their caregivers only. 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. 5, go to this page, or stop by the library. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

🎸 Fri., June 9, 6-8 p.m.: Concert on the Green: Back 2 The Future '80s Tribute Band. What: The City of Stow continues its 2023 Concerts on the Green schedule with an '80s tribute featuring an impressive repertoire of songs from iconic musicians. Where: Stow City Center Campus (3870 Darrow Rd.). Bring your lawn chair and enjoy food trucks, yard games and great music! Admission is free.

🌳 Sat., June 10, 10 a.m.: Hike and Write. What: Outdoors program presented by the Munroe Falls Park Board and Kent State University's Wick Poetry Center. Attendees will enjoy a 90-minute guided hike to reflect on and write about the beauty of the Cuyahoga River and our place within the natural landscape. Be sure to bring a notebook and something to write with. Where: Brust Park (154 N. Main St. in Munroe Falls, along the north bank of the Cuyahoga River). This program is open to all ages.

🧘 Thurs., June 15, 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 Campus (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., June 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Family Movie Night: Puss In Boots: The Last Wish. What: Bring the whole family to watch this animated movie on the big screen. Popcorn and drinks will be provided (while supplies last). Feel free to bring blankets and pillows for the kids. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). No registration required.

🍣 Fri., June 16, 7-9 p.m.: ToshoCon 2023. What: Toshokan: The Japanese word for "library." ToshoCon: A mini-convention for anime and manga fans ages 12 to 17. Program features cosplay and art contests with prizes, panel discussions, candy sushi-making, anime trivia, and more. Anime merchandise will be available for purchase from JC Comics and Anime of Cuyahoga Falls. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Registration is required for this free after-hours event, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Library, the Hudson Library & Historical Society, and JC Comics and Anime. To enter the Anime Art Contest, be sure to register here first. Bring your hand-drawn art or a printout of your digital art with you to ToshoCon.

🧶 Sat., June 17, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Crafts at the Stow Community Farmers Market. What: Craft with the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library at the Stow Community Farmers Market. The library will lead you in a fun, nature-inspired activity as you shop. Where: Stow Community Church (1567 Pilgrim Dr.). No registration required, just drop in.

Sponsored by the Hudson Garden Club

Obituaries

Raymond Joseph Bukosky
Raymond Joseph Bukosky passed into the warm embrace of Our Lord on May 26, 2023.
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Russell M. Griesmer
Russell M. Griesmer, 92, died May 29, 2023.
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Kay Louise (Kinsey) Sinclair
Kay Louise (Kinsey) Sinclair, 85, passed away peacefully on May 25, 2023.
Read more

Yao Bo Wu
Yao Bo Wu, 84, died May 23, 2023.
Read more

Bruce Metro Yaremcho
Bruce Metro Yaremcho, age 71 of Stow, Ohio passed away on May 22, 2023 at his residence.
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Dennis Ray Eiland
Dennis R. Eiland, 74, died May 16, 2023.
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Steven L. Beale
Steven L. Beale, 68, of Stow, Ohio, went to be with his heavenly Father on May 19, 2023, after a lengthy illness.
Read more

Carolyn Marie Baird (Gruber)
Carolyn left God’s good earth on May 21st to be with the Lord and her mom and dad and all the saints.
Read more

Comments from the previous issue

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Schools

Next up: School district is about to break ground on a sprawling new field house designed to serve the entire community

The hits just keep on coming for the Stow-Munroe Falls City School District.

On the heels of passing two school levies in a span of just six months, the district is now about to begin construction on a new state-of-the-art field house that will serve not just the school’s athletic teams but community programs as well, including mental health services. The aim is for the new field house to serve as a centralized community meeting space with resources for all age groups.

Here are the details:

• The 25,000-square-foot field house will be built in the large open field between the stadium and high school building. The facility, which will feature a parking lot in the front and a large entrance, will house a weight room and multifaceted, multipurpose rooms with rubberized surfaces.

• A shell on the other side of the building could house community services, including behavioral and mental health support, once the school district finds a health partner.

• The price tag for the field house is $5.1 million, paid for through permanent improvement funds and some leftover loans. Construction will begin within the next couple weeks, with the project expected to be completed by spring 2024.

“We want to become the hub for this city,” SMF Schools Superintendent Tom Bratten told Cleveland’s WEWS Channel 5 in a story published May 24. Check out a rendering of the field house in Channel 5’s video report.

Education

Process begins anew: Another school board seat is open following Johnson-Bowers’ abrupt resignation

For the second time in about nine months, the Stow-Munroe Falls Board of Education has an open seat to fill.

Lisa Johnson-Bowers announced her resignation at the school board’s May 22 meeting, following in the footsteps of Jessica Wright, who resigned as board president in August 2022. The board was scheduled to meet June 1 to map out the appointment process for Johnson-Bowers’ replacement.

• “It is with excitement and incredible sadness that I’m here to tell you that I have accepted a very exciting career opportunity, and it’s going to take me away from being a member of the Stow-Munroe Falls school board,” Johnson-Bowers told the board and those in attendance at the meeting. “This was extremely difficult for me, and I have been honored every single day to serve the community and to support the students and the teachers.”

• Johnson-Bowers, whose resignation was effective June 1, served on the school board for nearly eight years.

• The last board shakeup was a rollercoaster. Then-Vice President Nancy Brown succeeded Wright as president last August, but filling the empty seat created by Wright's departure wasn’t easy: The board deadlocked on a 2-2 vote for the fifth seat, with Summit County Probate Judge Elinore Marsh Stormer eventually appointing Kari Suhadolnik to the board’s open seat in October.

And that wraps up our return to normal programming. Thanks for bearing with us last week during our break — it’s great to be back in the saddle bringing the news of our communities to you again. Have a great week ahead and see you next Friday!

Tom Hardesty
tom@stowmunroefalls.com