Today is March 31, 2023.

• It looks like March is going to go out like a lion. Expect morning rain then a thunderstorm today, with temps holding steady in the mid-50s. April Fool's Day will be no joke either, with the forecast calling for heavy midday thunderstorms Saturday and a wild temperature fluctuation of a high of 62 and low of 27. The rain will finally move out Sunday, with temps warming all the way up to 75 by Wednesday. Yardwork season has begun.

• Today's the day! The grand opening for The Basement Sports Bar & Grill's new Stow location is scheduled for 11 a.m. The Basement, located in the former Beef 'O' Brady's space at 3732 Darrow Rd., is open 365 days a year, with the kitchen open until 2 a.m. every day. Welcome to Stow!

Latest news in brief

Water color doesn't look right? Don't worry, it's just hydrant-flushing season in Stow again

If the water in Stow doesn't look quite right, there's a good reason for it: The City of Stow Water Department began its biannual hydrant-flushing program this week. The program is expected to last several months, ending in the fall.

The hydrant flushing began around the Marsh Road pump station at Marsh and North River roads and will fan out from there. Signs will be posted in work areas as the program moves from one section of the city to another; all residential and commercial areas will be flushed between the hours of 8 a.m. and 3 p.m. The water department advises that residents refrain from doing laundry as well as running water for cooking or medical needs while crews are in your immediate area.

Now, about that water color: Residents are advised to observe changes in water clarity during this program. If water is discolored, let a cold-water tap run for several minutes until clear. If water does not clear within a few minutes, wait one to two hours and repeat the process. Pressure fluctuations may also be experienced during this time; it will return to normal as lines stabilize.

For more information, call the City of Stow Water Department at 330-689-2911.

More local news:

• The City of Stow has extended the hours for its brush drop-off program due to the recent storms that knocked out power to some residents and left the area strewn with downed trees, limbs and other debris. Stow residents may bring their brush from cleaning up their yard to the drop-off site at 5070 Stow Rd. (across from Silver Springs Park) from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. weekdays until further notice. Weekend hours remain the same: 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the second and fourth Saturday of each month. Acceptable brush items that can be dropped off are trees, trunks, branches and shrubs; items that will not be accepted are grass, leaves, trash, bags, wire, twine, railroad ties, pallets, lumber, construction debris, bricks, blocks, root balls, decayed firewood, annual and perennial flowers, and ornamental grasses. Here are some other guidelines: the brush drop-off program is available to Stow residents only; a photo ID is required for proof of residence; residential and commercial contractors are prohibited from using the drop-off site; residents are responsible for unloading their own tree and shrub debris; material over 8 inches in diameter must be separated and deposited in the designated areas; mulch is available free of charge on a first-come, first-served basis and must be hand loaded. More information and updates on the brush drop-off program can be found here.

• Saturday, April 22 is Earth Day -- and you can celebrate the home planet by participating in the Stow Parks & Recreation Department's Earth Fest event from 10 a.m. to noon that day at Adell Durbin Park at 3300 Darrow Rd. Earth Fest will include guided hikes at 10:30 and 11:30 a.m. to explore signs of spring and marvel at the beauty of nature, and there will be representatives on hand from Summit County Master Gardeners, Rubber City Reuse, Summit Soil and Water Conservation District, and City of Stow Urban Forestry to share information. Attendees can also make seed balls with the Master Gardeners and learn about the Summit Metro Parks' Wild Back Yards Incentive Program. Oh, and there'll be a scavenger hunt for the kiddos! Earth Fest is free for all ages, and there's no need to register.

• Bow Wow Beach, which just opened for the 2023 season March 22, will be under construction for the next couple weeks -- but don't worry, it'll still be open. The construction project, which began March 30 and is scheduled to run through Sunday, April 16, is for the demolition of the remaining buildings at the dog park in Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.). Bow Wow Beach's main entrance will be closed during this time; all visitors will need to enter through the small-dog entrance on the north side of the dog park near the basketball courts. There will be no water available at the park during the construction period and for the remainder of the spring season. Additionally, be advised that during this construction, visitors will not be able to loop completely around the lake due to the blocking off of the construction area. The Stow Parks and Recreation Department asks that all visitors, especially those with large and active dogs, be sensitive to small dogs when entering through the small-dog area. And as always, keep your dog leashed per Stow city ordinance as you travel from your vehicle to inside the dog park.

• Signups are underway for the Stow Parks & Recreation Department's 2023 Summer Outdoor Basketball program. This "fun in the sun" basketball program is for boys and girls entering grades 3-12 (September 2023) who are residents of Stow and Munroe Falls or attend Holy Family School. Games will be played between 6 and 9 p.m. Tuesdays beginning June 6 and running through July 18 at the lighted outdoor basketball courts at Silver Springs Park (there are no games July 4, and the rain make-up date is July 25). This program consists of games only -- there is no practice and no coaching. All participants must register by 4:30 p.m. Saturday, May 20. Cost is $47 per player and includes a T-shirt. Go here for more information and to register.

• Registration is also open for Stow Parks & Rec's Basketball Skills Clinic. This is a new program for boys and girls in grades 2-6; it will be held Thursday nights from April 20 to May 18 at Lakeview Intermediate School at 1819 Graham Rd. In these five weekly sessions, participants will learn basic skills in a group setting, with focus on developing good fundamentals in a fun and supportive environment. Instruction will be provided by Melissa Dodds, JV/varsity assistant girls basketball coach at Stow-Munroe Falls High School. Second and third grade boys and girls instruction is from 6 to 7 p.m. each session, while fourth, fifth and sixth grade boys and girls goes from 7:15 to 8:15 p.m. Cost is $48 per child; go here for more information and to register.

With the closure of the Stow Sentry this month, The Spotlight is your only local news source. If you haven't already, please consider upgrading to a paid subscription. Thank you!

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Community calendar

🐰 Sat., April 1, 10 a.m.-1 p.m.: Bunny Trail Hop. What: Free event sponsored by the Stow Parks & Recreation Department that ends with you getting to meet the Easter Bunny! Each family will receive a map of the bunny trail when they check in at registration (park at the baseball fields). Families will follow the bunny trail, walking (hopping) a loop through Silver Springs Park; be aware that there may be portions of the trail not conducive to strollers. Churches and organizations will have booths set up along the way with games, activities and goodies. At the end of the trail, you will meet the Easter Bunny! Where: Silver Springs Park (Young Road entrance) at 5238 Young Rd. The Bunny Trail Hop, suitable for children 10 and under, is broken down into six 30-minute time slots between 10 a.m. and 1 p.m.; pick one half-hour time frame to arrive per family/group (only one registration is needed for your whole family). Go here to register (note: program is full at the moment, but call Parks & Rec at 330-689-5100 for cancellations/waiting list). Attendees should be sure to dress for the weather -- and bring a basket to fill!

🎨 Sat., April 1, 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. April’s artist will be Vasily Kandinsky. Participants will learn about abstract art and create a mobile using Kandinsky’s colorful circles. 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.

📚 Mon., April 3, 3-5 p.m.: Book Donation Day. What: Bring your good, clean, used books and puzzles to the back door of the library. Curbside pickup service will be available. Materials will be used by the library or sold at the Friends’ Book Sale. Proceeds benefit library programming, and donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Donate 10 items or more and receive a pass to the next Friends’ Presale. This free pass is only issued at the back door of the library on Book Donation Days. If you are unable to accommodate this date and time, call Joan at 330-388-0355 to schedule an appointment to drop off donations.

📚 Tues., April 4, all day: Library Giving Day. What: If you’re in a position to donate a one-time or recurring monthly gift of $10, $25, $50 or more to the Library Foundation, it will support significant projects that improve the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library building and expand services. These are projects that fall outside the library’s operating budget. To donate online, visit www.smfpl.org/givingday.

👮 Wed., April 5, 9 a.m.-2 p.m.: Meet the Ohio State Highway Patrol. What: Stop by the library's lobby to meet Trooper Pham from the Ohio State Highway Patrol. Trooper Pham will be answering questions and sharing information about public safety and the OSHP, including exciting career opportunities. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). This program is free, and registration is not required.

🧑‍⚕️ Wed., April 5, 1:30-3 p.m.: Diabetes: An Epidemic in Disguise. What: Learn the facts of diabetes, how it affects our community and what we can do to prevent it. Presented by Kayla Baxendell, pharmacy resident. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). This free program is co-sponsored by Western Reserve Hospital. Go here to register, or call 330-688-3295 ext. 4.

🐰 Thurs., April 6, 6:30-9 p.m.: Cocktails & Cottontails Adult Egg Hunt. What: Easter egg hunt for adults 21 or over, sponsored by the Stow Parks & Recreation Department. The event will feature "Hoppy Hour" and live music from 6:30-7:30 p.m., followed by the egg hunt and prizes from 7:30-9 p.m. Each guest will hunt for eggs filled with treats and raffle tickets to submit for prizes. Where: Fox Den Golf Course (2770 Call Rd.) in Stow. Cost is $35 per person and includes heavy appetizers and two drink tickets. Bring your basket and a flashlight, and be sure to dress for the weather because the egg hunt is outside. Register here.

🦉 Thurs., April 13, 7-8:30 p.m.: Owl Prowl. What: If you liked the Stow Parks & Recreation Department's "Learn OWL About It!" program in February, then you're going to love its Owl Prowl event. The Owl Prowl will start at the Heritage Barn with naturalist Judy Semroc giving a talk focused on owl species present in our area. You’ll also get tips for spotting owls during the day and learn about where they like to roost. After the indoor program, Judy will lead a hike to listen and look for this elusive nighttime avian predator. While two main species of owls can sometimes be heard or seen, there is no guarantee that will happen -- which is why it's especially important to maintain quiet during the walk to the woods in trying to view these amazing birds. Where: Silver Springs Park (5238 Young Rd.). The event is free, but registration is required; go here to register. The Owl Prowl is in collaboration with the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library.

📚 Sat., April 15, 10 a.m.-noon: Book Donation Day. What: Bring your good, clean, used books and puzzles to the back door of the library. Curbside pickup service will be available. Materials will be used by the library or sold at the Friends’ Book Sale. Proceeds benefit library programming, and donations are tax deductible as allowed by law. Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Donate 10 items or more and receive a pass to the next Friends’ Presale. This free pass is only issued at the back door of the library on Book Donation Days. If you are unable to accommodate this date and time, call Joan at 330-388-0355 to schedule an appointment to drop off donations.

🧏 Sat., April 15, 10 a.m.-11 a.m.: Celebrate American Sign Language Day with the Greenleaf Family Center. What: Celebrate American Sign Language Day by learning some ASL basics with the Greenleaf Family Center. Among the topics discussed at this free program will be Deaf culture, including what is appropriate and what isn’t; using polite words to refer to a Deaf or hard of hearing person; and what it means to be Deaf or deaf. Common questions that will be covered include: Why do we use a big D or a little d? What do I do if I meet a Deaf person? How do I act? Where do I look? What if there is an interpreter? Attendees will also learn the alphabet in ASL and how to spell their names. In addition, attendees will learn how to say “hello” and “goodbye”, “please”, “thank you” and “you’re welcome,” as well as some library-related words such as help, library, book, computer and more. There will also be candy rewards (let the library know of any allergies). Where: Stow-Munroe Falls Room at the Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library (3512 Darrow Rd.). Registration is required. 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 program is sponsored by the Friends of the Library.

🦸 Sat., April 15, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Superhero Training. What: Stow Parks & Recreation Department event where kids can enjoy a fun-filled day with superheroes -- and wear their favorite superhero costume! (optional). Program includes photos with superheroes, treats, games and activities. Where: Leona Farris Lodge (Silver Springs Lodge) at Silver Springs Park (5027 Stow Rd.). This event is open to Stow residents only, costs $25 per child (space is limited), and only two adults per child can attend. Go here to register.

Obituaries for March 24-30

Laura Ann (Uhle) RoscoeLaura Ann (Uhle) Roscoe, 67, died March 24, 2023, after a short illness.Read more

Wanita M. BrownWanita M. Brown, 95, died March 27, 2023.Read more

Charlotte “Charlie” EuBankCharlotte “Charlie” EuBank, a beloved member of the Hudson and Stow communities, passed away peacefully on Sunday, March 26, 2023.Read more

Allison (Ally) Rachel LowryAllison (Ally) Rachel Lowry, 18, passed away March 23, 2023.Read more

Florence Emily NutterFlorence Emily Nutter, 94, was called home by her heavenly Father on March 27,2023.Read more

Cletus Dean ThompsonCletus Dean Thompson, 79, of Stow passed away on March 27, 2023.Read more

Rosemary MuckleroyRosemary Muckleroy passed away peacefully on March 23,2023.Read more

Comments from the last issue:

“It is very nice that the city will be planting trees to make up for the tree cutting. But, do they realize old growth trees get rid of more carbon than newly planted trees? May I also add that cutting trees because you don't like to rake is so short sighted. Burning the leaves is not a way to get rid of leaves either. A huge pile will break down into soil in no time. I have to ask, do you like to breathe? Trees make oxygen.”

“Where are the comments from Munroe Falls Mayor re status of our city?”

Tom: Regarding the latter comment, note that we had to cut our reporting budget to zero after we failed to reach a minimum level of financial support from subscribers. Only 50 people pay for The Spotlight out of over 1,900 readers. We would need at least 6-7% conversion rate to be able to cover city halls again.

Stow

And ... it's gone: The final print edition of the Stow Sentry published March 26

The Stow Sentry is now history.

The weekly community newspaper printed for the final time March 26 -- one of six Gannett-owned free distribution weeklies operated by the Akron Beacon Journal to cease print publication this month. The Cuyahoga Falls News-Press and Tallmadge Express also ended print operations March 26.

The final print editions of the Aurora Advocate, Twinsburg Bulletin and Nordonia Hills News-Leader published March 22. The Hudson Hub-Times was spared and will continue print publication on Sundays.

• The Beacon Journal first announced the closures Feb. 21.

• According to that announcement, news coverage for the six communities will continue online at BeaconJournal.com. However, the BJ did not indicate if that coverage would be as locally intensive as it was in the community-specific print weeklies.

• The Beacon Journal's Feb. 21 announcement also stated that weekly email newsletters will supplant the print editions in some of the six communities, but it did not specify which of those communities will receive the email newsletters.

Sponsored by the Stow-Munroe Falls Chamber of Commerce

Grand openings, Biz & Brews and collaboration highlight the Chamber's busy spring schedule

By Julie McLain, Executive Director

Spring is finally here, and with the warmer weather comes the expectation of growth and new beginnings all around us. There is a lot going on in our cities! Stow-Munroe Falls is blessed to have a strong business community and an organization in the Chamber to provide support, resources, connection and collaboration for our businesses in both of our communities. In April, we welcome several new Chamber members with grand openings and invite the public to join us at three ribbon-cutting events to welcome and support our newest local businesses! CVRK Hair & Co. at 3020 Graham Rd. in Stow will cut your hair (by appointment) and the ribbon at 4 p.m. April 6; The Basement Sports Bar and Grill at 3732 Darrow Rd. in Stow (their 9th location) will cut the ribbon at 4 p.m. Wednesday, April 12; and Blue Falls Car Wash at 3996 Fishcreek Rd. in Stow will clean your car and cut the ribbon at 11 a.m. April 26.

And speaking of The Basement Sports Bar and Grill, our upcoming Biz & Brews event will be held there Tuesday, April 18, sponsored by Russell Real Estate Services – Maria Grimm. Chamber members past, present and future ("Chamber curious") are encouraged to attend this casual, free event to connect and get to know one another at our newest hospitality partner in Stow’s City Center area. You never know who you might meet at this popular event who can propel your business to the next level or connect you with a cause you are passionate about to support in some way, either personally or professionally.

A main discussion point at our State of the Cities luncheon March 21 was “collaboration" (watch this video clip). Stow Mayor John Pribonic emphasized the spirit of collaboration in our communities and how powerful and important it is to facilitate and nurture. Collaboration is key to the growth and health of our communities, and a strong business community is an important element in their economic development. The collaborations between the Chamber and each city, the school district and the library system can be seen throughout Chamber programming. Our next key collaboration with the Cities of Stow and Munroe Falls is our signature event, The Elite Business Awards, which will take place Wednesday, May 24. This event is a celebration of the businesses and people who make Stow and Munroe Falls a great place to live, work and play. Stay tuned!

And that's it for March. It's been a bonanza of a month for The Spotlight as our subscriber numbers continue to skyrocket. Keep spreading the word about us, don't be shy about sending in any and all information about your club and organization, have a great week ahead and see you back here next Friday!

Tom [email protected]