Today is Feb. 3, 2023.

• Punxsutawney Phil saw his shadow yesterday, meaning six more weeks of winter as the legend goes. But the world's most famous groundhog may have missed the mark -- at least for a week -- because our weather is going to be pretty mild for the foreseeable future. We'll start out cold, with a high of 15 degrees and low of 10 today with a snow shower in the morning, but after that it's going to steadily get warmer until we hit 55 on Tuesday. And we're forecast to have rain Tuesday through Thursday. Maybe, just maybe, Phil was wrong.

Latest news in brief

Stow-Munroe Falls Schools is putting a renewal levy on the May ballot, says it won't come with another tax increase for residents if passed

Less than three months after voters narrowly passed a 10-year general operating levy in November, the Stow-Munroe Falls Schools Board of Education voted Jan. 30 to place a renewal levy on the May 2, 2023 ballot. Unlike the Issue 6 school levy last November, this ballot issue will not increase taxes, according to the school district.

“The ballot issue, first passed in 2012, generates $7.3 million per year for the district and will help maintain important funding for current programs and opportunities for students,” Superintendent Tom Bratten said.

Funding from the levy goes toward the daily operations of the school district, including teachers in the classroom, technology, supplies and utilities.

“Our district has a strong record of maintaining a lean operating budget, and residents receive a good investment in their taxpayer dollars from our schools,” Bratten said. “This May 2 levy is a zero increase in taxes and will continue the district on a stable financial path and maintain our academic excellence.”

More local news:

• Stow-Munroe Falls City Schools welcomed Dawn Baker as its new transportation supervisor Jan. 31. Baker, who replaces the retiring Beth Hunter, comes to SMF Schools from Canton City Schools, where she started more than 20 years ago as a bus assistant and moved her way through the ranks as a driver, the secretary of transportation, and finally the assistant supervisor of transportation the past three years. “I’m so excited to start this next chapter of my career with SMF Schools and look forward to meeting everyone,” she said. Baker has completed her three-year Master Transportation Administrator course offered through the Ohio School Boards Association. “We are so excited to welcome Dawn, who has hit the ground running in this mid-year start to her role," Superintendent Tom Bratten said. "She has the experience and ability to continue to drive our transportation department in the right direction.”

• Owls are fascinating creatures that possess a mystical, almost mythical, quality about them. The Stow Parks & Recreation Department, in collaboration with the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, will give kids ages 9 to 12 a chance to discover what makes this amazing animal unique at the "Learn OWL About It!" program. This event, which features hands-on games and activities (including an owl pellet dissection!), will take place from 10:30-11:15 a.m. Saturday, Feb. 25 at Leona Farris Lodge (Silver Springs Lodge) in Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.). Go here to register. Learn OWL About It! is the perfect way to get ready for the Owl Prowl in April.

• Something to look forward to as we sit here in the middle of winter: The Silver Springs Campground opens for the season on April 13. The campground, located in Silver Springs Park (5238 Young Rd.) in Stow, has been in operation since 1976 and features 27 campsites. Campers have access to many amenities throughout the park, including fishing, hiking, SOAR playground, basketball and tennis courts, and Bow Wow Beach dog park. The campground is also adjacent to the Summit Metro Parks' Hike and Bike Trail. Go here to make your reservations for the 2023 season.

• Sponsorship opportunities for the Stow Parks & Recreation Department's 2023 events are now available for businesses and individuals looking to receive exposure throughout the year. Go here for a full list of available sponsorships (note: availability is limited on some sponsorships).

Sponsored by Brandon Heating and Air Conditioning

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Community calendar

🎭 Fri. Feb. 3, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 4, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 5, 2:30 p.m.: The Children's Hour. What: Period drama presented by the Stow Players. Plot: A serious and adult play about two women who run a school for girls. After a malicious youngster starts a rumor about the two women, the rumor soon turns to scandal. As the young girl comes to understand the power she wields, she sticks by her story, which precipitates tragedy for the women. It is later discovered that the gossip was pure invention, but it is too late. Irreparable damage has been done. Directed by Brandi Eaton. 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.

👶 Sat., Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-noon. Early Learning Fair. What: Are you expecting a baby, or do you have a child under 5 years of age? Then bring the whole family for balloon twisting, face painting and games along with information about preschools, daycares, museums, service agencies, non-profits and other groups that work with young children. Where: Story Time Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). This is a free, drop-in event, and no registration is required.

🧶 Sat., Feb. 4, 10 a.m.-2 p.m.: Stitch in Public Day. What: Needle art fans, come meet members of the Stow Chapter of the Embroiderers’ Guild of America for Stitch in Public Day. Guild members will be stationed throughout the first floor of the library working on their needle art projects and displaying samples of their work. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Feel free to bring your own projects and ask questions.

🍕 Sun., Feb. 5, noon-3 p.m.: Pizza Palooza 2023. What: This event will feature pizza from 11 pizza restaurants, desserts, face painting, sponsor booths, inflatables and a whole lot more. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls High School (3227 Graham Rd.). Admission is free. Sampling tickets can be purchased here or at the door.

📸 Mon., Feb. 6, 7-8:30 p.m.: Introduction to Photo Editing. What: Do you have photos on your mobile device or camera that you would like to edit but aren't quite sure where to begin? Stop in for a basic tutorial on how to enhance your images using free photo editing software Adobe Photoshop Express and GIMP. You can bring your own laptop, if you have one, for this tutorial. Some of the topics that will be covered include: automatic filters and effects, color and lighting adjustments, layer masking, red eye removal and cloning tool. Where: Conference Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Go here to register or call 330-688-3295 ext. 4.

🍫 Tues., Feb. 7, 7-8 p.m.: Chocolate Extravaganza! What: Are you a teen who loves all things chocolate? Celebrate "Chocolate Lovers' Month" with chocolate-themed trivia and games, and win chocolate prizes to take home. This event is for ages 12 to 17. Where: Stow Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Go here to register, call 330-688-3295 ext. 4, or stop by the library. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

🏈 Fri., Feb. 10, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Super Bowl Charcuterie. What: If you're over 21, gather your family and friends and join the Stow Parks & Recreation Department for a football-themed fun night as you learn to create a perfect game-day charcuterie board, courtesy of Jackie Halay from 2 Board Sisters. Bring your beverage of choice as you learn what to include on your board. Football facts and trivia will be shared throughout the program. Where: Leona Farris Lodge (Silver Springs Lodge) in Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.). Cost is $30 per person. The event is sold out at the moment, but you can call 330-689-5100 to check on cancellations.

🎭 Fri. Feb. 10, 7:30 p.m.; Sat., Feb. 11, 7:30 p.m.; Sun., Feb. 12, 2:30 p.m.: The Children's Hour. What: Period drama presented by the Stow Players. See previous listing above for details. Go here for tickets.

❤️ Sat., Feb. 11, all day: Valentine's Day Carry-Out Craft. What: Stop by and pick up a special Valentine's Day-themed craft while supplies last. Crafts are intended for children ages 2 and up. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

❤️ Sat., Feb. 11, 10:30-11 a.m.: Special Valentine's Day Story Time. What: Children and their families can join the library for a Valentine's Day 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 and can be done by going here or by calling the library at 330-688-3295 ext. 5. Only register the name of the age-appropriate child.

❤️ Mon., Feb. 13, 1-4 p.m.: Valentine's Day Movie: Moonstruck. What: Celebrate Valentine's Day by watching this Academy Award-winning romantic comedy/drama starring the legendary actress Cher. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Registration for this free program is not required.

🪴 Tues., Feb. 14, 6-8 p.m.: Adopt a House Plant. What: Come celebrate the love between people and plants! If you have cuttings you would like to share or a house plant that needs a new home, bring it to the library's Adopt a House Plant event. Where: Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). No registration required. This free program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library. For more information, call 330-688-3295 ext. 4.

👪 Wed., Feb. 15, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Family Trivia Night. What: Put on your thinking caps and join the library for Family Trivia Night. Families will compete for a chance to win prizes. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls 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. This program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

🥁 Thurs., Feb. 16, 6:30-7:30 p.m.: Interactive Drumming. What: In honor of Black History Month, the library is hosting an interactive drum program for families, presented by the Kent State University African Ensemble. The repertoire of the KSU African Ensemble, which was created in the 1980s by university Professor Halim El-Dabh, includes traditional and modern drumming, dancing and singing from various cultural groups in Africa and its diaspora. Families will be invited to clap and dance along with the ensemble. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). To register, go here, call 330-688-3295 ext. 5, or stop by the library. Register each child and adult who wishes to attend this free program, which is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

🫅 Sat., Feb. 18, 11 a.m.-4 p.m.: An Enchanted Afternoon. What: Join the Stow Parks & Recreation Department for photos with princesses, decorating a sweet treat, craft and a game -- and wear your favorite princess attire if you like! Where: Leona Farris Lodge (Silver Springs Lodge) at Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.). The event is divided into two sessions: 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., and 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. (pick one session to attend). Cost is $25 per child, with only two adults per child permitted at the event. Go here to register. Note: The 11 a.m. session is sold out at the moment, but you can call 330-689-5100 to see about cancellations.

Obituaries for Jan. 27 - Feb. 2

Edward Patrick MarshEdward P. Marsh, born November 9, 1953, returned home with the Lord on January 30, 2023. Born in Akron, OH he lived in the Akron & Stow area most of his life.Read more

Margaret L. BashinskyMargaret L. Bashinsky, 96, formerly of Stow, died January 21, 2023.Read more

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Stow

New lease on mayoral life: With term limits extended thanks to Issue 25, Pribonic says he will run for another term in November

It's official: John Pribonic will seek a second term as Stow's mayor. He made the announcement Feb. 2 with the following post on his personal Facebook page: "Today I Am Formally Announcing That I Pulled My Petitions To Be On This Year's November Ballot To Keep My Position As Your Mayor Of Stow!!!"

The move comes after voters overwhelmingly passed Issue 25 last November. The passage of Issue 25, a term-limits initiative, changed the city's charter so that an official who serves out someone else’s unexpired term as mayor, law director or finance director can still serve two full terms in their own right (for a maximum of 10 years in that position). If not for the passage of Issue 25, Pribonic would be in the last year of his second and final term.

• Pribonic began serving as mayor Nov. 30, 2018, when he was elected to complete predecessor Sara Kline's term as mayor after she resigned to take a job in Cuyahoga Falls as director of parks and recreation.

• After filling out the final year of Kline's term, Pribonic was elected to a full four-year term as mayor in 2019. Under the old charter rules, that would have been Pribonic's second and final term as mayor. But with the passage of Issue 25, that is now considered to be his first term, which he is finishing this year.

• And now, as of barely 24 hours ago, Pribonic has thrown his hat in the ring for a chance at a second term per the new charter rules. "Together We Have Accomplished Many Great Things Over The Past 4 Years!!!" Pribonic posted Feb. 2 on his Facebook page.

Election Day this year is Tuesday, Nov. 7.

Business

Check your judgment at the door and get an out-of-the-box workout at Stow's Tyrannosaurus Flex

It's probably No. 1 on anyone's list of New Year's resolutions: hit the gym. But it's a double-edged sword: There's a reason it's tops on your resolution list — you need to get into some semblance of shape — yet you don't want to walk in somewhere full of people who look like they're training for the Olympics.

That's where Tyrannosaurus Flex Fitness comes in. Located at 3073 Graham Rd. in Stow, Tyrannosaurus Flex prides itself on offering patrons a workout facility that's judgment free, according to founder and owner Kellie Dziemianzuk. "Everyone takes care of each other here," she told the Akron Beacon Journal in a story published Jan. 28.

• Dziemianzuk started Tyrannosaurus Flex about three years ago after working 14 years as a special education teacher. The business went from one location to another — eight in all — before landing at its current location on Graham Road. She's assisted by a dedicated staff of instructors who have been with her "since day one," she said.

• Now an exercise space as well as a community center, Tyrannosaurus Flex gets up to 300 people daily coming in for classes such as kickboxing, barre workouts, Zumba and Zumbini, gentle yoga, cardio drumming (that's right, drums), self-defense instruction, and strength training.

• You can even have your own say in what is included on the Tyrannosaurus Flex workout itinerary: Dzmiemianzuk polls the community to see what classes people might be interested in taking. She also offers an entire free week of classes every few months, and she has two or three community days each month when people can come in and take a free class to see what it's all about.

Check out more at the Tyrannosaurus Flex Facebook page.

And that's all for this Friday. This edition marks the six-month anniversary of The Spotlight, and we've really enjoyed bringing your community news to you since launching last August. We'll be able to bring more of that news to you as paid subscriptions increase, so spread the word about us and help us grow so that we can cover even more ground. Have a great week, and see you next Friday!

Tom [email protected]