Lorain County, Ohio
In this season of pomp and circumstance celebrating graduates from preschool and beyond, it’s never too late in life to continue to keep learning and growing.
Retired Avon Lake teacher, Kathy Leopold, will graduate from Lorain County Community College (LCCC) May 17, one day before she turns 80-years-old.Lorain County Community College
Retired Avon Lake teacher, Kathy Leopold, will graduate from Lorain County Community College (LCCC) May 17, one day before she turns 80 years old.
The associate of arts degree Leopold will earn is not her first. It’s not her second. She has a bachelor’s degree from Albion College (Michigan) and a master’s degree from Cleveland State University.
She’s simply the definition of a lifelong learner.
“I think this is a big accomplishment for somebody of my age,” said Leopold in a press release. “I want to be around for a long time. And learning helps to keep my brain going.”
A few years ago, with her two sons grown and out of the house, Leopold began taking classes through LCCC’s Center for Lifelong Learning. The Center offers programming that is designed especially for those who are at least 50-years-old and/or retired. She took courses on religion, folklore and creative writing, according to the press release.
Those writing classes transformed her life experiences into stories. Guatemala became the setting for her fable. A quetzal, the national bird of Guatemala, became the main character of her fairy tale.
The story has a deep meaning for her as it follows a lone quetzal named Q on his journey through adoption. She wrote it for her two sons, both of whom were adopted.
“I recently found out my book is going to be used by Lorain County Children Services as a learning tool and story of hope for children who are hoping to be adopted,” she said. “I’m very honored.”
The book, entitled, “The Lost Box, ” features illustrations from her granddaughter, Claire Leopold.
In addition to her academic accomplishments, Leopold has also attended the 1968 summer Olympics and the 1970 World Cup. She also traveled by herself to a village in Taiwan in 1977 to visit her parents, and all she had to find her way was a photo of the house they lived in.
She has gone on more than a dozen mission trips to Nicaragua and Guatemala. She just recently returned from Guatemala where she spent 10 days as part of a medical team that provided general medicine, pediatric, eye and dental health care to indigenous people.
AVON
STEM grant: Representatives from the American Heart Association recently presented Avon Middle School technology teacher Michelle Hurrelbrink with a $2,100 check as part of the organization’s third annual Mentors with Heart fundraising campaign.
Hurrelbrink will use the money to launch an after-school club featuring book studies, field trips, and hands-on activities to spark curiosity and build confidence in STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) fields, according to the press release.
Hurrelbrink brought her students to the American Heart Association’s STEM Goes Red event last October. While attending, she filled out a survey with a chance to win 10% of the proceeds raised by the Mentors with Heart program.
The group is made up of more than 30 women who work in STEM fields. A small selection committee found her vision both impressive and inspiring.
While at the school last week to present the check, the representatives also brought a hands-only CPR training kit that was donated by Sarah Cachat, a donor with the Townsend Group.
The kit will help bring additional awareness and education to learning this life-saving technique.
For more information, go to ahacleveland.ejoinme.org.
Beautification awards: Nominations are currently being accepted for the biennial Beautification Awards, presented by the Avon Garden Club, to recognize the beautiful residential gardens in the city.
The club began the awards in 2003 to support its mission and goal of contributing to the beautification of the community. Eligible gardens must be attended to and maintained by the homeowners; professionally manicured gardens are not eligible. Only front yards will be considered.
Winners will be publicly announced and honored during a ceremony to be held Oct. 21 at the Miller Nature Preserve.
Residents may suggest for consideration a neighbor’s or their own garden by emailing avongcbeautificationawards@gmail.com. The deadline to nominate gardens is June 15.
For more information, go to avonohiogardenclub.org.
Cross country camp: Avon High School coaches and runners are hosting a summer Cross Country Skills Camp for students entering grades 1-6.
The camp is from 9:30 to 11 a.m. July 14-17 at Schwartz Road Park, 35001 Schwartz Road. Cost is $75.
To register, go to avonrec.activityreg.com.
Blessing Box location: A Blessing Box was recently installed at the Avon-Avon Lake VFW Post 7035, 36950 Mills Road, in appreciation for the service and sacrifice of veterans who have done so much for our country.
Resident and Vietnam veteran Jerry Galant constructed the box.
There are currently nine such boxes in the county, including two other locations in Avon — at the Senior Center, 36786 Detroit Road, and the original which is behind the fire department building on Detroit Road.
The Blessing Boxes were created by Renee Collins several years ago after her husband passed away from a rare brain disease.
The boxes contain free food and other nonperishable items for those in need.
Drop-off boxes for non-perishable food donations are located at City Hall, 36080 Chester Road.
Board offices moving, district purchases: It appears the Avon Local Schools are moving their administrative offices from the historic Avon Village School building, 36600 Detroit Road, to Heritage Elementary School (south entrance), 35600 Bentley Drive.
School officials had announced the possibility of the move when the district placed a 3.98-mill bond issue on the ballot last November.
The bond issue failed, but the school board recently approved $11,275 for Eyring Movers to move the Board of Education offices to Heritage Elementary School. A timetable was not listed on the April 14 agenda.
The Avon Village building also houses Kim’s Martial Arts School.
The city is looking to possibly purchase the historic Avon Village School building, but that deal is not yet finalized. The plans would be to move City Hall from Chester Road to the Detroit Road site.
Built in 1924, the brick three-story Village School building once housed grades 1-12 back in the day.
The school board also approved $14,500 for PlayCore Group, Inc. for the installation of bleachers at the Avon Middle School stadium.
An additional $103,527 was approved for Radio Engineering Industries for cameras on buses, as well as $134,526 for a new SPED (special education) bus.
Community fitness challenge: Kick off your summer with fitness and participate in the annual Community Challenge between the residents (ages 15 and older) of Avon and Avon Lake.
Now in its 10th year, the event is hosted by the Fitness Center at UH Avon Health Center, 1997 Healthway Drive.
Registration is open now through June 12, but pre-program wellness assessments are May 19-June 12.
Cost is $25 and gives participants access to the facility all summer on Tuesdays or Thursdays, as well as select other days for specialty classes.
For more information, go to uhhospitals.org/.../fitness.../group-exercise.
Shout-outs: Congratulations to Avon Middle School seventh-grader Stella Lattimer. Her artwork was selected this month for the Mayor’s Choice Award and is currently on display at City Hall.
— Avon High School senior Erin Till’s artwork was recently selected as an Ohio Governor’s Art Show winner. Only 300 works are selected from throughout the state.
—Avon High School senior Sarah Mossbruger’s Regional Scholastic Art Show artwork went on to win a National Silver Medal. Her work will be published in the online galleries. To view, go to artandwriting.org.
—Avon High School senior lacrosse player Grace Herbert has surpassed the state record for career saves of 701. The team finishes the regular season this week and begins the playoffs at 7 p.m. May 17 against Cleveland Heights at home.
—Congratulations and welcome to Deacon Anthony Donatelli who will be ordained to the priesthood May 17 and will be assigned to the Avon Catholic Community (Holy Trinity and St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception).
AVON LAKE
Church moving: Lake Shore United Methodist Church (UMC) celebrated its last service (May 11) in the original church building at 33119 Electric Blvd.
The building was recently sold to another church named, Local Church.
Lake Shore UMC is moving to 388 Avon Belden Road (former Church on the North Coast building).
Patriotic concert: TrueNorth Cultural Arts will present a Patriotic Concert at 7:30 p.m. May 17 at Avon Lake Presbyterian Church, 32340 Electric Blvd.
The free concert is open to the community. There will be a love offering to help offset costs.
A special tribute will take place for those who served in the Armed Services and they will be asked to stand and be recognized.
New coffee shop: Gitta’s Table closed its doors last month, 32457 Lake Road. The former owner recently posted that she turned the keys over on the 100-year-old building to the new owners Irena and Ilir Lamaj, who plan to open Elysium Coffee Company in a few months.
Ward 1 meeting: Councilman Rob Shahmir will host his monthly Ward 1 resident meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. May 27 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd.
For more information, email rshahmir@avonlake.org
Pickleball equipment sets: Avon Lake Public Library offers paddles and balls available to check out. Patrons will soon be able to use them at the newly renovated pickleball/tennis courts directly next door to the library.
DiscoveryWorks updates: Since opening the newly renovated DiscoveryWorks at the Avon Lake Public Library (ALPL) a few months ago, guests have been enjoying the new displays and exhibits.
Library officials recently announced three new and reimagined exhibits that have been installed.
The much loved ALPL mailbox and fenced garden are bigger and better with new opportunities for exploration, learning, and imagination.
ALPL also brought back the planet scale, but updated with more interactive and light-up elements. A new street lamp where Curiosity and Discovery meet was also installed.
High school reunion: Members of the Avon Lake High School Class of 1968 are invited to attend an informal gathering at 7 p.m. May 30 at John Christ Winery, 32421 Walker Road.
Shout-outs: Welcome Officer Anthony Fabrizi as the city’s newest lieutenant in the police department.
— Three Avon Lake High School Lorain County Joint Vocational School (JVS) students placed at the recent Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) contest.
Congratulations to junior Brady Holub, sophomore Earl Martin, and senior Ryleigh Parsons.
— Avon Lake High School’s Rocket League team earned second place at the state Esports championship. Team members include Cole Miller, Coby Ostrowsky, Alex Schultz, and Chase Semmelroth. The team’s advisor is Dr. Matt Williams.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Location change: The North Ridgeville Chamber of Commerce recently posted that the location to register for the city’s garage sale days has changed. The new location will be The Original Don Mould’s Garden Center, 34837 Lorain Road.
The registrations will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 29-30.
The cost to participate is $5 which includes publication of the sale. Permits from the city are not required for the event.
The City-wide Garage Sale takes place June 4-7.
For more information, contact the Chamber of Commerce/Visitors Bureau at (440) 327-3737.
Splash pad opening: It’s a sure sign summer is here as the opening of the Splash Pad at South Central Park is at 10 a.m. May 24.
Commencement: Congratulations to the North Ridgeville High School Class of 2025. This is the 100th graduating class from the school.
The North Ridgeville Historical Society currently has a display at the school. A lot has changed since 1926, when the first class of 16 students went through their commencement.
This year’s graduation ceremony will take place at 6:30 p.m. May 28 at Ranger Stadium, 34600 Bainbridge Road, with approximately 344 students participating.
Super Thursday: Seniors are invited to celebrate summer with a kick off event at 10:30 a.m. May 29 at the Senior Center, 7327 Avon Belden Road.
Guests are encouraged to dress for the occasion by wearing summer favorites. The event includes music, games, tropical food, and a program featuring Put-In-Bay information.
Cost is $5. RSVP by May 27, call 440-490-2056.
Street repairs: City officials recently identified the streets to be repaved this year within the allocated budget, according to what was recommended in the Pavement Condition Rating (PCR) report.
The city has appropriated $550,000 this year for asphalt street paving. The Public Works Department will be paving Bagley Road (Lorain Road to Turnpike overpass), Maddock Road, Birch Street, South Barton Road, Chestnut Ridge Road (from 32076, east to the city limits), Line Drive, Oak Street, Spruce Street and Fortune Court.
As each street is scheduled to be milled and/or paved, information including dates of construction will be posted on the city’s website, nridgeville.org. The dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions or unforeseen circumstances.
Additional street repairs include Mills Road, Sugar Ridge Road and Chestnut Ridge Road (west end).
The city has also appropriated $1,000,000 for concrete pavement repairs which will be competitively bid. Priority areas include Glenwood Court (including semi-circle and some centerline joints along Gatestone Road), Browning Drive, Miller Drive, Debbie Drive (from Gail Drive to Gina Drive), Firecrest Circle, Main Avenue (from Rose Street to Theresa Street), Harris Drive, Nikki Avenue and Dana Place intersection, Behm Road (east of Noll Drive), O’Henry Circle apron and Miller Drive apron to Gail Drive and curbing at the State Route 83 and Mills Road roundabout.
Rides coming: The community should be pleased to know that rides and games are coming back to the North Ridgeville Corn Festival.
Committee members recently announced that EGO Amusements will be providing the activities. Hopefully this brings more people to the festival which is celebrating its 50th anniversary.
The festival takes place Aug. 8-10 and this year features a Drone Show on Friday night (Aug. 8).
For more information, go to nrcornfest.org.
If you have news/information or a story idea you’d like to share or a ‘shout-out’, please send an email to jshortavon@aol.com. Follow me on Twitter @jshortavon.
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