Today is June 23, 2023.

• Happy summer! The solstice occurred at 10:57 a.m. EDT June 21, and while that was the longest day of the year, we’ll keep getting later sunsets for another several days. And we’re also going to get showers and a thunderstorm today, with a high of 73 and low of 63. We could also get a thunderstorm Saturday, but keep your eye on Monday because the forecast is calling for drenching thunderstorms with hail and damaging winds. Time to batten down the hatches.

Latest news in brief

Another pandemic casualty: Fawn & Fanny forced to close after 3½ years of struggles

Fawn & Fanny is closing its doors.

The health and beauty shop at 4338 Kent Rd. Ste. 200 in Stow will cease operations Saturday, July 1 (or until supplies last), according to a June 18 email sent to customers by founder and owner Christine Benci.

“We opened the doors on Jan 1st 2020 — and 82 days later COVID shut the nation down,” Benci states in the email. “This business is an activity, a destination and a party venue. Not the best business model for 36 months of a pandemic. It has been a struggle for this little startup business since the very beginning. So, it is with a heavy heart that I must announce the closure of Fawn & Fanny.”

Benci encourages customers who have a gift card to “please come in to spend them.”

“I want to thank all of our Fawn & Fanny Community -- that includes our loyal customers, super fans and amazing family & friends that has supported us over the last 3 1/2 years,” she says in the email. “We’ve had so much fun serving you and making so many special memories.”

More local news:

• The Graham/Fishcreek Intersection Improvement Project signal work has started again. All the signal equipment has been delivered. Signal work will continue until completed (no work is scheduled for Monday, July 3 or Tuesday, July 4). Roadway construction is tentatively scheduled to begin Monday, July 10, which includes removing the traffic islands, implementing access management, improving commercial driveways, upgrading pedestrian amenities, new sidewalks, resurfacing and new pavement markings. The project is scheduled to be completed by the end of summer. The City of Stow says this project was needed for highway safety and updating signal equipment, along with roadway and sidewalk improvements. For more information, contact the City of Stow Engineering Department at (330) 689-2719 or [email protected]s.

• Parts of The Spotlight’s coverage area were on this week’s mosquito protection spray schedule. The Summit County Public Health Environmental Health Division’s Mosquito Control program began spraying in our area June 21 in Silver Lake and southwest Stow. The spray schedule and spray maps can be viewed on Summit County Public Health’s website. Spraying begins at approximately 8:30 p.m. and continues until completed. In the event of bad weather, the spray schedule may be modified; an updated schedule will be available by noon the following day by calling (330) 926-5667. For more information regarding SCPH’s Mosquito Control program, call (330) 926-5669.

• Ready to get outside and get a little dirty? Then take the kiddos to the Stow Parks & Recreation Department's Connect with Nature: Backyard Safari program Friday, July 14 at Leona Farris Lodge (Silver Springs Lodge) at Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.). This free program, the second of two Backyard Safari events this summer, will take place from 11 a.m. to noon. Children ages 8 to 11 will learn about the animals we see in our backyards with hands-on exploration (including outside), games and activities, with this program focusing on mammals. Go to this page to register. This program is in partnership with the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library. For more information, call the Stow Parks and Recreation Department at (330) 689-5100.

• The Village of Silver Lake is accepting applications to fill a full-time Service Worker opening in the service department. The position starts at $20.72 an hour with benefits. Applicants should have knowledge of and be able to perform duties pertinent to water, storm/sanitary sewer, street maintenance and repair, roadway drainage, building maintenance, and parks. Go here for more information or an application. Applications will be accepted through Friday, June 30.

• The Village of Silver Lake is also accepting applications for the position of Assistant to the Clerk-Treasurer. Pay starts at $16.79 an hour. This is a part-time position (25 to 32 hours a week) Monday through Friday and features a flexible schedule. Email your application and resume to [email protected]. For a list of the position’s duties and responsibilities as well as skills required, go to this page.

• Attention property owners: 2023 property value meetings are coming to Summit County. You will soon receive property value change notices via U.S. Mail informing you of your new appraisal value beginning in early August (if there is no change in value, property owners will not receive a notice). Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen Scalise is inviting Summit County property owners to schedule a meeting with an appraiser to discuss their new appraisal value. During the meeting, property owners will have the opportunity to ask questions and address any concerns they may have regarding their appraisal value and file an informal complaint. Property owners can meet with an appraiser in one of three ways: virtually, via phone call, or in person at one of the community meeting locations (property owners are only permitted to schedule one type of meeting). Appointments can be made by visiting this page and selecting 2023 Reappraisal Meeting. Property owners will have the ability to attach any documents or files they would like an appraiser to review in advance of their scheduled meeting. In-person meetings will be held from 1 to 8 p.m. at several locations throughout Summit County, including Wednesday, Aug. 16 at Stow City Hall Council Chambers at 3760 Darrow Rd. Additional questions can be directed to the Summit County Fiscal Office’s Appraisal Department by calling (330) 643-2710 or emailing [email protected].

• More tips for June from our friends at the Summit Soil and Water Conservation District: Brown-yellow dormant grass is normal during summer’s heat. If you require a green lawn during this time, water deeply — 1 inch of water two times a week. Relieve lawn stress by applying gentle, slow fertilizers like compost, compost tea or sea kelp. Synthetic, chemical, high-nutrient fertilizers increase stress on lawns.

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Community calendar

🦎 Fri., June 23, 11 a.m.-noon: Connect with Nature: Backyard Safari. What: This is the first of the Stow Parks & Recreation Department's two Backyard Safari events of the summer. Children ages 8 to 11 will learn about the animals we see in our backyards with hands-on exploration, games and activities, with the June 23 program focusing on amphibians and reptiles. Where: Leona Farris Lodge (Silver Springs Lodge) at Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.). This free event will have outdoor exploration components, so come ready to be outside and possibly get a little dirty! Go to this page to register. Program is in partnership with the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library. For more information, call the Stow Parks and Recreation Department at (330) 689-5100.

🧩 Sat., June 24, 9 a.m.-noon: Puzzle Sale at the Stow Farmers Market. What: The Friends of Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library will sell pre-owned puzzles at the Stow Farmers Market. These puzzles are in excellent condition and are priced to sell. Where: Stow Community Church (1567 Pilgrim Dr.). All money raised will be used for programming at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library.

🌬️ Sat., June 24, noon-1:30 p.m.: What is Wind? What: What is wind? Where does it come from? Wind affects our lives and our planet in ways we never think about. Join a naturalist to learn all about these topics and more on a short walk around the lake. Where: Munroe Falls Metro Park - Lake Area (521 S. River Rd.).

♟️ Mon., June 26, 6:30-8:30 p.m.: Chess for All Ages: Instruction and Open Play. What: Join David Bills for chess instruction for absolute beginners through players who understand basic strategies (1200 USCF). Instruction is from 6:30 to 7 p.m., followed by open play. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). No registration required.

🎻 Thurs., June 29, 5:30-8 p.m.: Fiddler and Food Trucks. What: Join the Stow Parks & Recreation Department and Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library for this free event that will feature fiddler extraordinaire Krista Solars, who began playing fiddle music when she was 6 years old and is now a four-time state fiddle champ. Krista is back from performing in Las Vegas, and she will put the fire in the hottest and fastest country and pop tunes. Where: Front lawn of the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Food will be available to purchase, and registration is not necessary. Just bring your blankets and lawn chairs and plan to have a great time!

🧘 Thurs., June 29, 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 (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.

🎸 Fri., June 30, 6-8 p.m.: Concert on the Green: Disco Express. What: The City of Stow continues its 2023 Concerts on the Green schedule with the best disco hits from the 1970s that are sure to get you on your feet dancing! Where: Stow City Center (3870 Darrow Rd.). Bring your lawn chair and enjoy food trucks, yard games and great music! Admission is free.

🌽 Sat., July 1, 9 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Patriotic Farmers Market. What: Shop for fresh seasonal vegetables, baked goods and crafts from local growers and small businesses in our area. Where: Stow Community Church (1567 Pilgrim Dr.). Market will be open rain or shine.

🌊 Sat., July 1, 1-4 p.m.: Splash Bash. What: Join the Stow Parks & Recreation Department for a day of free water fun for the whole family. Splash Bash, one of the city’s #CelebrateStow events, 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. Where: Stow City Center (3870 Darrow Rd.). Bring a towel and dress accordingly, because you’re going to get wet!

🚴‍♀️ Sat., July 1, 2-3 p.m.: Basic Bike Repair 101. What: Eddy's Bike Shop will present a basic tutorial on how to repair your bicycle. Some of the topics to be covered include: fixing a flat and inspecting tires; brake pad replacement or adjustment; reattaching a slipped chain and lubricating; bolt tightening; raising and lowering seats and handlebars. Where: Near the front entrance of the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.), weather permitting. To register, call (330) 688-3295 ext. 4 or visit this page.

🚣 Sun., July 2, 11 a.m.-3 p.m.: Try It: Kayaking. What: Ever thought about trying your hand at kayaking? Then stop by this open house to explore the sport and try maneuvering out on the water in a relaxed atmosphere. For ages 13 and older; minors must be accompanied by an adult participant. Where: Munroe Falls Metro Park - Lake Area (521 S. River Rd.). Participants must wear closed-toe shoes and be able to swim. Also, wear clothes that can get wet and bring water, sunscreen, a hat and sunglasses. Space is limited; kayaks are available on a first-come, first-served basis.

🛝 Sun., July 2, 1-4 p.m.: Patriotic Picnic and SKiP Stow Kids’ Playground Grand Opening & Ribbon Cutting. What: Part of #CelebrateStow Week, this community event will feature free picnic food and a fun celebration, including the ribbon cutting at 2 p.m. for the new playground. Where: Stow City Center (3870 Darrow Rd.). It’s the perfect lead-in to the city’s Fourth of July Parade two days later!

🥞 Tues., July 4, 7-10 a.m.: First Christian Church Pancake Breakfast. What: A Fourth of July breakfast that includes all-you-can-eat pancakes, real maple syrup, sausage patties, coffee, tea and juice. Where: First Christian Church of Stow (3493 Darrow Rd.). Cost is $6 for adults, and $3 for children ages 4 to 12. First responders and children ages 3 and under eat for free. Proceeds benefit local outreach ministries.

🏃 Tues., July 4, 7:30-9 a.m.: 43rd Annual Stow Firecracker Run. What: 5K and 2-Mile Fun Run featuring an out-and-back course along the Stow Fourth of July Parade route on Kent Road. Where: Race starts from Holy Family Church (3179 Kent Rd.). Cost to enter the 5K is $35 pre-registration, $40 day of race; fee for the 2-Mile Fun Run is $25 pre-registration and $30 day of race (race day registration starts at 6 a.m. at Holy Family). The race includes chip timing, free T-shirt, post-race refreshments and awards ceremony. Strollers are permitted in both races, but pets are not allowed to participate with race contestants. Visit this page to register and for more information.

🎆 Tues., July 4, 10 a.m.: Stow Fourth of July Parade. What: The city’s annual parade celebrating Independence Day, sponsored by the City of Stow Parks & Recreation Department and the Kiwanis Club of Stow-Munroe Falls. This year’s event is expected to feature at least 100 entries in the parade and tens of thousands of viewers attending. Where: The parade steps off at the Stow Community Center (Target plaza parking lot, 4330 Kent Rd.). It will travel west down Kent Road past Holy Family Church and end at Park Drive. This year’s parade theme is “Show STOW Spirit!”

🍿 Wed., July 5, 2-4:30 p.m.: Movie: La La Land. What: Watch this 2016 romantic musical starring Ryan Gosling and Emma Stone as a struggling jazz pianist and an aspiring actress, respectively, who meet and fall in love while pursuing their dreams in Los Angeles. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). No registration required.

🧘 Thurs., July 6, 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 (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.

Obituaries

Kurt Gerhardstein
Kurt Gerhardstein, 76, died June 16, 2023.
Read more

Wendy Faye Brewer
Wendy Faye Brewer, 74, of Silver Lake, died on June 19, 2023 after a long illness.
Read more

Shari Ann Austin
Shari Ann (Petroski) Austin, 54, of Stow, passed away on June 20, 2023.
Read more

Comments from last week’s issue:

“Thanks much for keeping us informed!”

Stow

Going, going … (almost) gone: The last day for Tuesday Morning is Tuesday afternoon

Tuesday Morning will close its doors for good on June 27.

The chain discount retailer’s Stow location at 1614 Norton Rd. in Stow-Hudson Towne Center will cease operations at approximately 3 p.m. Tuesday. It’s one of about 200 locations in 25 states that the Texas-based store is closing.

• The 49-year-old retailer features a discounted selection of brand-name home furnishings, small appliances and gifts.

• The company announced May 1 that it is going out of business and is closing all of its remaining stores.

• Tuesday Morning filed for its second bankruptcy in three years in February and was delisted from the Nasdaq in December 2022. The company cited inflation, rising interest rates and lingering effects from the pandemic as the primary reasons for the closures.

And we’re done. We hope you enjoyed this latest edition of The Spotlight as we push toward our one-year anniversary in August. Keep sending in any news items or club announcements you have — as our reach widens, so will yours by putting your information in front of our growing readership. Have a great week ahead (be careful out there on Monday), and we’ll do this again next Friday!

Tom Hardesty
[email protected]