Today is Aug. 26, 2022.

• It’s going to be humid today with a chance of a morning thunderstorm. We’ll have a high of 80 degrees and a low of 61 before the heat returns over the weekend, when we hit 88 on Sunday and 86 on Monday. Hard to believe it’ll start snowing in a couple months.

Latest news in brief

Honor your military loved one with a brick in Acker-Moore Post’s memorial garden

Acker-Moore Memorial Post in Stow is designing a brick memorial garden in tribute to those who have served in the military and their families. Bricks are available to purchase for $50 each and can include the name, branch and years active of your loved one. The memorial bricks will be placed at the AMMP at 3733 Fishcreek Road in Stow. AMMP is a dual post of the VFW and American Legion.

For questions or to order a brick, email [email protected]. Deadline to order is Dec. 9.

More local news:

• Silver Lake hopes to begin construction of its own Veterans Tribute Garden in the next couple weeks, but work can’t begin until the village has all the necessary funds. According to Mayor Bernie Hovey’s blog, the project needs about $20,000 more for construction to start. To buy a paver, become a sponsor or make a donation, call 330-923-5233.

• Looking for a job? Stop by the lobby of the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.) from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sept. 6 to connect with a representative from OhioMeansJobs Summit County for help with resumés, interview tips and training opportunities from entry level to executive. Registration is not necessary. Check here for more information and resources.

Sponsored by Brandon Heating and Air Conditioning

Advertise!

Community calendar

🏃 Aug. 28 – 2022 SMF Back to School Health and Wellness 5K and Fun Run. What: Fundraiser organized by Running Ritchies Racing to raise money for a scholarship fund in honor of students that have lost their lives to suicide. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls High School (3227 Graham Rd.). Register here. Note: Start time not listed.

🩸 Aug. 31, 1-7 p.m. – American Red Cross Blood Drive. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Rd. To schedule an appointment time in advance, visit redcrossblood.org or call 1-800-RED-CROSS.

🛋️ Sept. 1-7: Furniture and Equipment Silent Auction. Bidding: opens at noon Sept. 1 and closes at 7 p.m. Sept. 7. Item pickup: Sept. 7 after close of sale and Sept. 8-12. Where: Stow Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Rd. All items are sold as-is.

🗣 Sept. 8, 7-8:30 p.m.: What Not to Say: Dealing with Death, Diagnosis, and Divorce. What: Discussion with Rev. Jill Smith of Serenity Hospice in Stow about best practices for reacting supportively to another person’s bad news and being present with them in their grief. 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.

Obituaries for Aug. 22-25

Chelliah Rathinam Richmonds (C.R.R.)Chelliah Rathinam Richmonds (C.R.R.), a beloved father, husband, son, brother, grandpa, and great grandpa went home to be with his Lord on August 19, 2022.Read more

Joyce M. (Fairfax) McBrayerJoyce M. (Fairfax) McBrayer, 82, passed away August 21, 2022. Joyce was born in Akron, Ohio, to Clarence R. and Hazel O. Nutt.Read more

Janice L. BrechtelsbauerJanice L. Brechtelsbauer passed away August 7, 2022. Read more

Stow

Ready to have a Blast on Labor Day weekend?

If you live in Stow, you know what that means: the annual Summer Sunset Blast, which takes place Saturday, Sept. 3, and Sunday, Sept. 4, at Silver Springs Park. The event runs from 5 to 10 p.m. each day, and admission is free.

• In addition to live music, the Blast will have everything from ax throwing to a petting zoo to a Swenson's food truck — and even a mechanical bull. “There is something for everyone,” said Mayor John Pribonic.

• The fireworks show at the end of the festivities Sept. 4 is worth the trip to the Blast all by itself.

Business

Loss of beloved Long’s Shoes hits customers hard

When Long’s Shoes closed its doors for the final time Aug. 20, Stow lost more than just a business: It lost a community icon from a bygone era. Loyal customers loved the store’s personal touch and old-school feel that made it a lovable dinosaur in an age of faceless mega-chains.

• Long’s operated for 53 years, first at Stow-Kent Plaza and then on Route 59 in Stow.

• It was known for carrying specialty brands, functional footwear like orthopedic shoes, and tailoring to specific needs.

• “I’m really crushed that they’ve closed,” said Silver Lake customer Sue Poling, whose special-needs son, William, relied on Long’s for his shoes.

Law enforcement

Ever wonder what it’s like to be a cop? Here’s your chance

Except when we’re trying to talk our way out of a speeding ticket, most of us don’t get much of an up-close-and-personal look at the police. But you can if you sign up for the 2022 Citizens Police Academy, which is free and will be offered this fall under the sponsorship of Western Reserve Hospital in Cuyahoga Falls.

• The Stow, Munroe Falls and Silver Lake police are among the participating departments.

• Course topics include canine, DUI enforcement, use of force, narcotics trends and other police-related issues.

• Classes start Sept. 21 and will be held at 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Nov. 9. To sign up, call the Munroe Falls police at 330-688-7494, the Stow police at 330-689-3299, or the Silver Lake police at 330-928-7573. Class size is limited.

Mailbox

Reader: I so much enjoy reading about current events happening in STOW! Keeps me in the loop. Thank you kindly!

Tom: Glad to be here! The important thing about local news reporting is that it keeps not only you in the loop, but everyone else, too. A strong community requires exactly this sort of connection.

That’s it for another week of local news, The Spotlight style. Keep the story ideas coming (some great ones have come in already), tell all your friends about us (we’re growing every day), have a great weekend and see you next Tuesday!

Tom [email protected]