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🔦 Stow business update

🔦 Stow business update

Pribonic briefs the community on the lates. Plus, local history, pancakes and more

February 17, 2023

Today is Feb. 17, 2023.

Morning, all! We're going to get a touch of winter today -- a high of 32, a low of 21 and a snow shower this morning -- but after that, we're back to the springtime feel we've been having. Beginning Saturday, we'll have highs in the mid-40s to the mid-50s all the way through next Thursday. A mild winter, indeed -- so far.

Latest news in brief

Coming soon: Plans finalized, projects underway to fill Stow's vacant retail and industrial spaces

Last week, The Spotlight detailed a newsletter circulated in the community by Stow City Council Vice President and Ward 2 Council Member Sindi Harrison that in part outlined economic plans in the city for 2023.

Mayor John Pribonic recently provided a fuller picture in a post on his Facebook page based on a report given to city council by Stow Economic Development Director Nathan Leppo.

Regarding Stow's retail and industrial spaces, Pribonic posted:

El Campesino is moving from its current restaurant location at 4360 Kent Rd. to the former On Tap building next door at 4396 Kent Rd.

The existing El Campesino site will be filled by another restaurant.

The project at the former Sto-Kent Family Entertainment site at 3870 Fishcreek Rd. is moving along smoothly with a new, "very updated" recreation facility. "This is going to be really neat," Pribonic said.

The Twisted Tomato Pizzeria restaurant, which is moving into the former Pony Express Pizza location at 3031 Graham Rd. in the Crossroads at Fishcreek Shopping Center, will be opening shortly.

A new restaurant will be opening next to the Twisted Tomato in the former Moe's Southwest Grill space at 3029 Graham Rd.

The developer will soon be announcing the new retail that will be built at the former Macy's site at 4301 Kent Rd. in the Stow-Kent Shopping Center.

A new plan will be announced shortly regarding the previous Stow Glen Retirement Village property at 4285 Kent Rd. Council is currently mulling zoning options for the site.

Pribonic indicated that he would provide more specifics as 2023 progresses.

More local news:

Attention local history buffs: The Munroe Falls Historical Society recently launched its new website and Facebook page. Learn more about the rich history of this small community at munroefallshistory.com and follow the MFHS @munroefallshistory for weekly highlights. See fascinating old photos, discover local historical sites and a whole lot more that the historical society has to offer.

St. Patrick's Day is just around the corner, so it's time to try your luck of the Irish at the Stow Parks & Recreation Department's St. Patty's Day Trivia event. The program, for adults 21 and over, will take place from 7-9 p.m. Friday, March 10 at Leona Farris Lodge (Silver Springs Lodge) at Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.). You can sign up with friends on a team of six players or be randomly assigned to a team. And feel free to bring a six-pack of your favorite beverage to swap with other attendees (not required to attend). Go here to register for this free event. This program is in collaboration with the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library.

The 12U Gold Bulldogs baseball team will hold a fundraiser from 5-9 p.m. Friday, Feb. 24 at Super Ninja Zone (69 Graham Rd., Ste. A) in Cuyahoga Falls. Admission is $20 and includes four hours of play, access to Ninja Warrior obstacles and game room, and pizza and drinks sold at $1 apiece. Attendees 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult. Online waivers must be signed prior to use of the gym equipment. Go here or call 330-203-1441 to register and for more information.

St. Stephen Lutheran Church (3725 Kent Rd.) in Stow will hold a pancake dinner from 5:30-7 p.m. Tuesday, Feb. 21. Buckwheat, blueberry and chocolate chip will be among the pancake selections available. Cost is $5 for adults and $3 for kids.

In The Spotlight's continuing series highlighting support services provided by the Munroe Falls Fire Department, the Munroe Falls Fire Rescue Association is offering reflective address markers for your home. Marking your home's address is not just for the pizza delivery person, it's for your family's safety. As the MFFD slogan says: "If We Can't Find You, We Can't Help You." Reflective address signs cost $10 each and can be ordered by calling the Munroe Falls Fire Department at 330-688-7493. Markers may be installed for free for those who need help. Go here for more information.

Community calendar

🫅 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! What: 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.

🕰️ Mon., Feb. 27, 7-8:30 p.m.: Timepieces from History: Webb C. Ball and the Railroad Watch. What: Join local expert Don Barrett of City Bank Antiques in Kent as he recounts the history of the railroad watch, invented by the Webb C. Ball Co. of Cleveland. Barrett has been featured on PBS and is a member of the National Association of Watch and Clock Collectors. He specializes in men's wristwatches and pocket watches, and attendees are invited to bring these types of personal timepieces to the event for a free appraisal. 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.

💸 Wed., March 1, 6-7 p.m.: Understanding Your Credit. What: Everyone has a credit score, but what does it actually mean? Wendi Wilhelm from BFG Credit Union will explain how your credit impacts your finances and what you can do to manage it effectively. 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.

🧒 Fri., March 3, 10:30-11:30 a.m.: Preschool Bingo. What: Children ages 3 to 5 can practice their letters, numbers, shapes and colors while playing bingo. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Register for this free program here, in person at the Children’s Desk, or by calling 330-688-3295 ext. 5. Register each age-appropriate child who wishes to attend.

🎨 Fri., March 3, 6:30-9 p.m.: Paint N' Pour. What: Do a little artistic painting while enjoying your favorite drink at this adults-only event (ages 21 and over), sponsored by the Stow Parks and Recreation Department. The program 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 to enjoy while you paint! Where: Leona Farris Lodge (Silver Springs Lodge) in Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.). Go here to register.

🎨 Sat., March 4, 10:30-11:30 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. March’s artist will be Georges Seurat. Participants will learn about Seurat’s pointillism technique to create their own landscape scene. Although washable paints and markers will be used, 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.). Register for this free program here, in person at the Children’s Desk, or by calling 330-688-3295 ext. 5.

Obituaries for Feb. 10-16

Margaret L. Denholm (Cook)Margaret L. Denholm, (Cook), age 96, spent the last possible ounce of love left in her heart and passed away peacefully in the early hours of February 12, 2023.Read more

Sandra L. BentSandra L. Bent, 78, died February 15, 2023. Read more

Wayne L. ReeseWayne L. Reese, 57, passed away February 13, 2023.Read more

Roy W. RogersRoy W. Rogers, 95, passed away peacefully on February 10, 2023.Read more

Roy H. DePaloRoy H. DePalo, 90, died February 9, 2023.Read more

Frances (Fran) WaybrightFrances (Fran) Waybright was born in Yolyn, West Virginia on November 15, 1941, and passed away in the loving company of her family on February 9, 2023.Read more

David E. WattDavid E. Watt, 72, passed away on Friday, February 10, 2023 at Western Reserve Hospital. He was born in Ravenna on October 10, 1950 to the late Walter W. Sr. and Davida (Reischman) Watt. Read more