Today is Feb. 10, 2023.

• Is it April already? It sure feels like it. Instead of being buried under a mountain of mid-winter snow, we've been dealing with rain and mild temperatures -- and that's not going to change anytime soon. Today we'll have a high of 40, a low of 24 and a rain or snow shower in the afternoon, with little to no accumulation. Then next week we'll be in the 50s from Monday on, topping out at 58 on Wednesday. Can summer be far behind?

Latest news in brief

Silver Lake residents, want your own rain barrel to recycle water? Then place your order and head to the village's conservation seminar 

Every week, we haul our recycles out to the curb for trash pick-up day. But have you ever thought about recycling water — for your own use?

Most of us haven't: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average family uses nearly 100 gallons of water per day for outdoor use, with more than half of that outdoor water being used for watering lawns and gardens.

But the Village of Silver Lake is thinking about it — and doing something about it —  because the impact on residents' water bills, along with Silver Lake and Crystal Lake water quality, could be substantial if residents captured and recycled rain water.

So to that end, the Silver Lake Watershed Committee will host a rain barrel seminar at 10 a.m. Saturday, April 29 in the Village Hall upper parking lot (2961 Kent Rd.). Sandy Barbic of the Summit Soil & Water Conservation District will conduct the seminar and demonstrate how to install diverter kits. It is recommended to bring a cordless drill to the seminar.

The village intends to purchase 55-gallon rain barrels/diverter kits and make them available to residents at cost (pricing is estimated to be approximately $70-$75 depending on volume ordered and shipping). To reserve your spot, call Village Hall at 330-923-5233 by Wednesday, March 1. Payment for rain barrels will be due by Friday, March 10.

More local news:

• Silver Lake Mayor Bernie Hovey will deliver the State of the Village address at 7 p.m. Monday, March 6. The speech will take place at the regular council meeting at Village Hall (2961 Kent Rd.) and be about 20 minutes or so in length. If you plan on attending, you don't have to leave right after the speech -- you are also welcome to stay for the council meeting.

• The second (and possibly last) paver order for the Silver Lake Veterans Tribute Garden will be placed Friday, Feb. 17. So if you want to purchase a paver to honor a veteran, you will need to do so by the end of next week. Pavers are $100 each; order forms are available in the office at Village Hall (2961 Kent Rd.) and online.

• It will be cap-and-gown time at Stow-Munroe Falls High School before you know it -- and the time to honor your graduating senior with a commemorative banner to display on the grounds of Stow City Hall is now. There are two ways to do it: You can either buy a banner for your graduating senior, or you can buy a sponsor banner for a graduating senior who will be recognized on the banner (no need to have a student in mind to sponsor). Orders must be received by April 7, and banners will be on display through June 30. Price for each banner is $65. Order your banner online at StowOhio.RecDesk.com, or stop in Stow City Hall (3760 Darrow Rd.). A high-resolution photo of the senior will be needed at registration. To support a high school senior by providing a banner for one who is in need, you can contribute online at StowOhio.RecDesk.com or call 330-689-5100. If you would like to be considered to receive a free banner, contact [email protected] or 330-689-5100.

• The Stow Parks and Recreation Department is looking for donations of merchandise, gift cards or services baskets for the raffle items for its first annual "Cocktails and Cottontails Adult Egg Hunt," which will take place from 6:30-9 p.m. Thursday, April 6 at Fox Den Golf Course (2770 Call Rd.) in Stow. Presenting-sponsor and bar-sponsor opportunities are also available for the event, which is for adults 21 and over and will feature prizes, heavy appetizers, specialty cocktails and live music. Happy hour and live music will go from 6:30-7:30 p.m., followed by the Easter egg hunt and prizes from 7:30-9 p.m. If you're interested in donating items for the raffle or buying a sponsorship, contact Chris at [email protected].

• Here's another fun one for adults courtesy of Stow Parks and Rec: Paint N' Pour, which will take place from 6:30-9 p.m. Friday, March 3 at Leona Farris Lodge (Silver Springs Lodge) in Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.). The event, for ages 21 and older, costs $25 per class and includes all materials and instruction for painting designs on a wooden board (approximately 6x16 inches) -- and you can bring your own snacks and beverages of choice. Go here to register.

• The Munroe Falls Fire Department provides several support services to the local community. One is its Blood Pressure Screening program in which the MFFD gives free blood pressure screenings from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at Munroe Falls Fire Station 1 (43 Munroe Falls Ave.). A Blood Pressure Recorder Pocket Pal is also provided free of charge to keep track of blood pressure readings. Look for additional MFFD services in future editions of The Spotlight.

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Community calendar

🏈 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. 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. 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.

🔬 Mon., Feb. 20, 2-3 p.m.: Candy Science for Kids. What: To help celebrate National Chocolate Month, kids ages 6 to 11 can come on their day off school for Presidents' Day to do some hands-on science using chocolate and other candy. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). To register, call 330-688-3295 ext. 5, go here or stop by the library. Register each age-appropriate child who wishes to attend this free program. Note: There are no seats remaining at the moment, but a waiting list is available.

🗒️ Mon., Feb. 20, 6-8 p.m.: Igniting Inclusion: A Conversation with Journalist David Lee Morgan, Jr. What: As part of the library’s celebration of Black History Month, join local resident and current English teacher at Stow-Munroe Falls High School, David Lee Morgan, Jr., as he shares insights from his decades-long career in journalism as well as his recent pivot to education, where he co-leads the high school's Bulldogs Taking Action club and teaches a class on diverse literature. Morgan is an award-winning sportswriter, author, producer and motivational speaker. Morgan has worked at several newspapers, including 15 years with the Akron Beacon Journal, where he covered high school sports, University of Akron athletics, the Cleveland Cavaliers and helped cover the Cleveland Indians during their 1997 World Series run. Morgan also covered NBA great LeBron James extensively, from his AAU participation in sixth grade to his high school playing career at St. Vincent-St. Mary.  Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). To register, go here or call 330-688-3295 ext. 4. This event is co-sponsored by the Stow-Munroe Falls Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Initiative.

🦉 Sat., Feb. 25, 10:30-11:15 a.m.: Learn OWL About It! 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 features hands-on games and activities (including an owl pellet dissection!). Where: 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.

Obituaries for Feb. 3-9

Richard A. WillisRichard A. Willis was born in Berwyn, Illinois, on July 19, 1940, to Eleanor (Anderson) Willis and Thomas Barbee Willis, and was raised by his mother and stepfather, Otto Wayne Rinehart.Read more

Thomas Edward CrangleThomas Crangle, 79, passed away February 8, 2023. Born in 1943 in Chicago, Illinois, he lived most of his life in the Akron area.Read more

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Stow

Full speed ahead: City's comeback from Covid continues to gain momentum – with big plans on the docket for 2023

By all accounts, Stow is rebounding nicely — and quickly — from the dark days of Covid. And many of the city's successes are detailed in an official newsletter circulated in the community this week by Stow City Council Vice President and Ward 2 Council Member Sindi Harrison.

According to Harrison's letter to residents, the city income tax collected was down by 3% in 2020 due to Covid. But the last two years showed promising growth: The 2021 income tax collections were up 18% over 2020, and 2022 collections were up 10% over 2021. This rapid and significant growth has allowed the city to have a carry-over balance of almost $10 million.

Here's some more from Harrison's letter:

• Despite supply-chain delays and labor shortages, the city continued to make improvements in 2022 like: new software for the city website, emergency alert services, meeting agendas and the city planning/permitting process so that accessing information is easier for residents; completion of the Parks Master Plan for the city to use for the ongoing maintenance and future improvements of the city's parks; the 2022 road program was able to be completed within the year due to the early budgeting and bidding process implemented last year; and replacement of playgrounds at two neighborhood parks, Northport and Sherwood Acres.

• City improvements in 2023 will include: installation of SKIP Playground equipment, which has been on back order; improvements and expansion to the driving range at Fox Den Golf Course; creation of a five-year capital improvement plan per the November charter amendment; and continued park investments, including equipment replacements and path improvements.

• Harrison also detailed economic development coming in 2023, including two restaurants located side by side in the Crossroads at Fishcreek Shopping Center: Twisted Tomato Pizzeria is planning to move into the former Pony Express Pizza location at 3031 Graham Rd., while another local restaurant brand is considering the former Moe's Southwest Grill space at 3029 Graham Rd. Also, a new coffee kiosk is opening on Norton Road.

As always, stay tuned for further developments.

That's all, folks. We hope you found this to be another informative, helpful and fun issue of The Spotlight, have a great week ahead, and we'll meet here again next Friday!

Tom [email protected]