Avon, Ohio
For the seventh consecutive year, Holy Trinity School (HTS) in Avon has been selected by the Ohio Academy of Science to receive the Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards for Excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Education and Student Research.  HTS was one of only 48 schools in Ohio to receive the award for accomplishments during the 2022-2023 school year.
Holy Trinity School in Avon has been selected by the Ohio Academy of Science to receive the Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards for Excellence in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) Education and Student Research.
The Ohio Academy of Science initiated the educational partnership program in cooperation with the Office of The Governor and the Technology Division of the Ohio Development Services Agency to recognize schools and teachers for excellence in STEM education and scientific student research.
“STEM education is an integral initiative at Holy Trinity School in all grade levels as we prepare our students for jobs in the future,” said Kim Kuchta, HTS co-principal in an email. “This curriculum has become ingrained in our education model due to the ever-changing and complex world we live in. It is more important than ever for our students to be prepared to problem solve, make sense of information, gather evidence and make decisions. STEM education is necessary as we foster future leaders, workers, and educators.”
Several HTS teachers were also recognized for excellence in STEM education and scientific student research.
The HTS teachers receiving awards include: Tera Cowdin (technology), Sandy Gorenc (grades 4-5 Science), Jennifer Hess (grade 2), Matt Hess (music), Renee Hilditch (kindergarten), Sara Martin (junior high math), Jean Spinazze (enrichment), Carolyn Triplett (junior high science), Laura Waltos (grade 2), and Nancy Wild (grades 4-5 math).
According to information submitted in the press release, the criteria for the Thomas Edison Award for Excellence is: 1.) Conduct a local science fair with 12 or more students and have two or more of these students participate in the district Science Day or have six or more students participate in the district Science Day when no local has been conducted, 2.) Students must participate in at least one more youth science opportunity beyond the classroom. The Ohio Academy of Science defines STEM education as both the mastery and integration of science technology, engineering, and mathematics for all grades PK-12 students. It incorporates scientific inquiry and technological design through student-focused, project-based curricula to develop skills of communication, teamwork/collaboration, creativity/innovation, critical thinking, and problem solving.
First established in 1985, the Governor’s Thomas Edison Awards recognizes Ohio schools and teachers who stimulate scientific student research and technological design and extend experiential opportunities beyond traditional classroom activities, according to the press release.
“These schools and teachers are preparing students for the future through application-based learning,” said Michael E. Woytek, said Ohio Academy of Science’s executive director in a press release. “Their students are learning and gaining confidence by solving complex problems through inquiry and technological design.”
For more information, go to ohiosci.org.
AVON
Drive-thru expansion, other planning commission items: Matt Yanda of CESO Inc. representing Paul Donzis, owner of Arby’s, is on the city’s planning commission agenda this week (Sept. 20 meeting) requesting approval of a  Special Use Permit for the expansion of the Arby’s drive-thru and the reconstruction to include two drive-thru order points at 1331 Center Road.
Planning commission is also considering the request from Ronald and Richard Holub to build a new 2016-sq.-ft. structure to replace the existing 1465-sq.-ft structure for Railroad Brewing Company, 820 Center Road.
Aaron Appell of Bramhall Engineering, representing Kevin Urig of Route 83 Properties, is requesting planning commission approval for the creation of 11 residential lots, one residential outlot, and blocks and easements for the Stoney Acres subdivision off of Ravinia Lane (Highland Park subdivision).
Final summer concert: Come out and enjoy classic rock/blues music by Lance and Shannon Acoustic Duo from 6 to 8 p.m. Sept. 21 at the Heritage Gazebo (corner of Detroit and Stoney Ridge roads). Bathrooms and parking are available at Avon Isle, 37080 Detroit Road. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move indoors at Avon Isle.
Westside Flea: Shop hundreds of local vendors during the Westside Flea from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 23 at Mercy Health Stadium (home of the Lake Erie Crushers) 2009 Baseball Blvd. Items for sale include handmade bath and body products, home décor, homemade desserts, pet accessories, vintage finds, jewelry, local produce, art, plants and more. Stop by for lunch at the Crushers concession stand. Alcoholic beverages will be available for purchase. Listen to live music from the Victor Samalot Duo from 10 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.; and the Michelle Romary Band from 1:30 to 4 p.m. The Pacific Paradise Polynesian dancers will also perform. Kids can take a free train ride on the Little Roaming Railroad set up outside of the entrance to the stadium. Free face painting for kids will also be onsite. Visitors who donate two or more canned goods for Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services (CRS) will receive a free Westside Flea tote bag. Pets are not permitted at the stadium. Follow Westside Flea on Facebook @westsideflea.
AVON LAKE
Proclamation: Kudos to the city and Mayor Greg Zilka for recognizing and honoring first responders and family members working to combat Ohio’s opioid epidemic. The mayor read a proclamation during last week’s city council meeting stating that this week (Sept. 17-23) is dedicated to these individuals on the front lines of the opioid crisis. Within the proclamation it states that in Lorain County there were 112 accidental overdose deaths in 2022, and 147 overdoses in 2021.  In the nation, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) reported  that everyday,  292 individuals die from accidental overdose and/or illicit drugs.
Happy anniversary: Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services (CRS) recently celebrated 35 years of serving residents in Avon and Avon Lake who are struggling financially or are experiencing food insecurity. On this occasion, CRS celebrates not only the achievements and progress the organization has made over the years, but the dedication and commitment of so many that have played a crucial role in shaping our journey from humble beginnings to the impactful organization CRS has become today, as noted by the organization. Thank you CRS for all you do in our communities.
Blood drive: The American Red Cross will host a blood drive from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Oct. 2 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd. To donate, sign up at redcrossblood.org.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Council seat: Bob Holub was named by the Central Committee of the North Ridgeville Democratic Party to run as the Democratic nominee for the Ward 2 council seat. He will face Eric Todd Shaffer (Republican) in the Nov. 7 election. The late Councilman Dennis Boose was on the ballot before his passing in August.
City council will vote soon on a replacement to fulfill Boose’s term, which ends on Dec. 31. The city closed applications for the position last week.
School open house: The public is invited to a free open house from 2 to 5 p.m. Sept. 24 at the District #9 Schoolhouse at 5064 Jaycox Road. The building opened in 1859 as a one-room school and served as a school until 1924. It was a farm storage building until 1988, and is now a museum operated by the North Ridgeville Historical Society.  The interior has been restored to its original look and all ages will enjoy this look into the past.
Senior fundraiser: Help support the senior center during a special FUNdraiser from 1 to 3 p.m. Sept. 24 at O’Neill Healthcare of North Ridgeville, 38600 Center Ridge Road.  The event includes music and dancing provided by Frank & Dean, and refreshments. Guests are encouraged to dress in Rat Pack attire.  Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door (if available). Tickets are available for purchase at North Ridgeville Senior Center, 7327 Avon Belden Road.
Spaghetti dinner: North Ridgeville Senior Center will host a spaghetti dinner, sponsored by the North Ridgeville Lions Club, from 5 to 7 p.m.  Sept. 29 at the senior center,  7327 Avon Belden Road. Tickets are $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children 10 and under. Dinner includes spaghetti and meatballs, side salad and bread. Pop and dessert are available for $1 each. Take out is also available. Proceeds benefit programs at the senior center.
LORAIN COUNTY
Fall fest: Lorain County Community College (LCCC) is hosting a series of Family Fall Fests this season. The free events are open to the public and include food, children’s activities, raffles, music and more. Come out from 4 to 7 p.m. Sept. 28 at the LCCC Lorain Learning Center at City Center, 201 West Erie Ave,, Lorain. Another fest will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. Oct. 11 at the LCCC University Partnership Ridge Campus, 32121 Lorain Road, North Ridgeville. Registration is encouraged, but not required. Go to lorainccc.edu/fallfest.
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