Brunswick High School grad awarded Folds of Honor scholarship: Whit & Whimsey

BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- Congratulations to 2018 Brunswick High School graduate Olivia Anderson. The junior at Bowling Green State University majoring in philosophy, politics, economics and law, with a minor in American cultural studies, was awarded a Folds of Honor KidCents educational scholarship totaling $5,000.

She accepted her scholarship during a special scholarship ceremony Tuesday (Nov. 5) at the Rite Aid pharmacy in Brook Park.

Her father, Kurt Eric Anderson, was an E-7 chief petty officer in the Navy and was disabled in the line of duty. He had served several tours of duty in Iraq and Afghanistan prior to his injury.

“There was a time in my life where I questioned whether continuing my education was worth the money,” Olivia said. “While I loved learning, I knew my biggest obstacle would be financing thousands of dollars per year. It was at this moment that I had to decide if my dream of becoming a lawyer was worth the financial burden.

"After months of contemplation, I finally decided that my goal in life was to serve others just like my father, Kurt Anderson, and Folds of Honor made this dream possible.

“The Folds of Honor scholarship enabled me to pursue the career of my dreams; a career path to serve all in need by providing an educational scholarship. I have dedicated my life to serving others because of my father, who sacrificed over 20 years of his life protecting and serving America during his military service.

"He taught me to live a life that goes beyond myself. If I can be half as amazing a person as my father is, then that will be my greatest achievement in life. My heart swells with pride for those who serve and have served, because every day I see the struggles that service had on my dad and family as a whole.

"Folds of Honor and all who support this organization lessen the struggles for service members and children of disabled or deceased parents, like myself. No amount of gratitude will ever be able to express how much I appreciate Folds of Honor and all who support the organization.”

This year’s round of scholarships, which total more than $1.9 million, begin a new three-year, $6 million commitment by The Rite Aid Foundation to Folds of Honor, a nonprofit organization that provides educational scholarships to children and spouses of fallen or disabled service members.

In all, The Rite Aid Foundation’s KidCents program is awarding 390 scholarships across the nation. Since first partnering with Folds of Honor in 2015, The Rite Aid Foundation has awarded more than 1,900 educational scholarships, totaling more than $9.1 million.

For more information on Folds of Honor, go to www.foldsofhonor.org.

Yikes! Snow? On Nov. 8? Really? Well, that was a surprise, wasn’t it? Now, I remember a lot of Nov. 8s, because my daughter was born that day in 1958 -- and it was warm enough that there were roses still blooming on the bush in our yard.

This was no measly fluffy stuff, either. I think the roses would have a rough time this year, don’t you? My optimistic view is early winter, early spring! (Fingers crossed.)

Did you get caught? My brother-in-law and I were caught in the traffic jam caused by the slow-moving, giant transformer headed north on Pearl Road last week. We were coming to Brunswick from Medina and, luckily, got close enough to Hamilton Road to do a U-turn and go home the back way.

BUT he called me the next day and, believe it or not, he was stuck behind that same truck in Strongsville! Wouldn’t it have been cheaper to rent one of those huge helicopters and take it that way? Sure would have been faster.

Tea, cookies and more: St. Paul’s Episcopal Church will hold its annual St. Nicholas Tea and Santa Shop starting at 11:30 a.m. Friday, Dec. 6. The Santa Shop comes to the church, 317 E. Liberty St., Medina, featuring homemade Christmas cookies and other yummy baked goodies, along with handmade craft items.

It will open at 11:30 a.m., and a generous selection of tea sweets and savories will be served at 12:30 p.m. Ticket donations are $20; pre-paid reservations are required and seating is limited. Contact Mary Jane Brewer at 330-722-1386 to purchase tickets.

It’s a musical Matilda: The Highland Choir Boosters will present “Matilda,” directed and produced by Emily Miller, with pit orchestra led by Rachel Gamin, at 7 p.m. Nov. 21-23 and a special matinee performance at 2 p.m. Nov. 23.

The audience can look forward to entertaining dance numbers choreographed by Julie Malone, catchy songs and full concessions. Come and appreciate the on-stage magic created by the high school crew and technical directors Bryan Mravec and Gabe Kirik.

All performances will be held in the Highland High School auditorium at 4150 Ridge Road. To purchase tickets, visit showTix4u.com

Inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl, the Tony Award-winning “Matilda The Musical” is a captivating masterpiece that revels in the anarchy of childhood, the power of imagination and the inspiring story of a girl who dreams of a better life.

Matilda (Hannah Tramonte, freshman), is a little girl with astonishing wit, intelligence -- and psychokinetic powers. She’s unloved by her cruel parents, but impresses her schoolteacher, the highly lovable Miss Honey (Serena Naizer, senior). Over the course of her first term at school, Matilda and Miss Honey have a profound effect on each other’s lives, as Miss Honey begins not only to recognize but also appreciate Matilda’s extraordinary personality.

Matilda’s school life isn’t completely smooth sailing, however. The school’s mean headmistress, Miss Trunchbull (Eris Foutz, sophomore), hates children and just loves thinking up new punishments for those who don’t abide by her rules.

Audiences will also enjoy performances by junior Owen McInnes and senior Kennedy Shelton as Mr. and Mrs. Wormwood and senior Lily Miller as Mrs. Phelps, the librarian. Children and adults alike will be thrilled and delighted by the story of the special little girl with an extraordinary imagination.

This year’s Highland High School production is pleased to be a part of the Dazzle Awards program through Playhouse Square for the second year in a row. Presented by Pat and John Chapman, the Dazzle Awards inspire and honor excellence in high school musical theater and recognize the importance of musical theater and arts education within the Northeast Ohio community.

A panel of adjudicators attend one production at each participating school, provide educational feedback on the official evaluation form and determine nominees and awards for participating schools. This regional program culminates at the Connor Palace with the Dazzle Awards show in May of each year (modeled after the Tony Awards®), to recognize outstanding musical theater productions and students.

The Best Actor and Best Actress winners will represent Playhouse Square and Northeast Ohio at The National High School Musical Theatre Awards® (the Jimmy Awards®) in New York City.

Christmas cookie sale: The Women of Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1605 Center Road in Hinckley Township, will host the 14th annual Homemade Christmas Cookie Sale & Raffle at the church from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. (or until all the cookies are gone) Saturday, Dec. 14. All proceeds are used for church projects. For more information, call the church at 330-278-4114.

Holiday open house: Christmas at the John Smart House this holiday season will shine a light on the women of Medina County who, along with all women, worked for their vote in the early 1900s.

When you visit the museum, you will find the decorations to be a little non-traditional. Pastel colors were “fashionable” at that time, although red ran the show! The red, honeycombed bell became very popular! Short, fat Christmas trees -- more like bushes -- were decorated with small toys, packaged treats like “animal crackers," glass bulbs and a lot of glittering garlands!

After the shock of World War I, people craved the comfort of a more innocent time. They found it in Charles Dickens’ writings. Popular motifs included carriages, lanterns, English ivy and elaborate fireplace mantles. Hearth and home will be emphasized.

Come and enjoy the season from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 17, or Sunday, Dec. 1. Admission is free; donations are happily accepted.

Craft show at St. Martin: The 26th annual St. Martin of Tours craft show will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 23, at 1800 Station Road, Valley City. Admission is free. There will be 70 craft tables, a bake sale, raffles, refreshments and lunch available, including chicken noodle soup and pierogies. From 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., have pictures taken with Santa for just $5. More information is available at 330-483-3808.

Rotary sponsors INKSPOT: Superintendent William Koran, Chris Rutledge and Jacinda Yonker from the Educational Service Center of Medina County presented the 31st edition of INKSPOT to Medina Sunrise Rotary and thanked Rotary for its continued sponsorship of the Medina County Schools’ literary magazine.

First published in the 1986-1987 school year, INKSPOT showcases exceptional and unique student prose, poetry and artwork. This literary review highlights the imaginations and creative thoughts of today’s youth in Medina County.

"This 31st edition of the INKSPOT proves that the art of writing is alive and well in the schools of Medina County," Koran said.

Medina Sunrise Rotary dedicates the INKSPOT to the 27,000 students in Medina County and to Rotary International’s goal of encouraging and achieving global literacy. Whether Rotarians work to eliminate poverty, polio or hunger, it all starts with education and literacy. As B.B. King, the King of the Blues, wrote, “The beautiful thing about learning is that no one can take it away from you!”

Thanksgiving giving: St. Ambrose Parish will provide more than 6,000 people a Thanksgiving meal this year. And 800 pies are needed to complete the meal.

If you are interested in how you can help during this season of Thanksgiving, consider donating a turkey or pie. The parish will be collecting donations through Nov. 17.

If you would like to come to the meal from noon to 2 p.m. Nov. 28 at the church, 929 Pearl Road, or if you would like to volunteer, check out both opportunities at stambrose.us/thanksgiving/

Special Christmas open house: In the spirit of Christmases past, enjoy a whimsical journey through the beautiful and fascinating McDowell- Phillips home located at 205 S. Prospect, Medina, from 6 to 8 p.m. Nov. 22, 2 to 6 p.m. Nov. 23 or 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 24. Tickets at the door are $10; children 6 and younger accompanied by a hand-holding adult will be admitted free. No strollers, however.

Hear charming family stories, savor cookies of the season with hot cider, and enjoy a variety of local talent at various times throughout the weekend sharing musical holiday cheer. Enjoy a trolley ride or a walk through the Bankers Row historical neighborhood west of the Medina square.

This will be a stop on Lolly the Trolley during Medina’s annual Candlelight Walk Nov. 22-24. Parking is also available at Liberty Row one block north of the home.

Proceeds from this event will benefit the Medina County Historical Society’s “McDowell-Phillips House Preservation Fund.”

Auditions coming up: Medina County Show Biz Company will hold auditions for “The Wind in the Willows’ from 2 to 6 p.m. Dec. 7 or 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 8, with potential callbacks from 6 to 10 p.m. Dec. 9.

Auditions will be held at Medina United Methodist Church. 4747 Foote Road. The production is set for March 6-15 and is directed by Will C. Crosby. Musical director is Carey Knox, with choreography by Alex Craig, direction assistance by James Kovach and costume design by Kaylea Kudlaty.

There is a huge cast, and you can sign up for an audition time or learn more at signupgenius.com/go/10c0d4fafa629abf85-thewind.

Regular rehearsals will start Jan. 4. Rehearsals will be held based on actor availability. If you have questions, contact Crosby at [email protected].

This is imaginative: As we head into 2020, Diamond Event Center at 1480 Pearl Road has scheduled its New Year’s Eve party to “Ring in the Roaring 20s.” The evening will begin at 7 p.m. and everyone is encouraged to get out the spats and flapper costumes (circa 1920, of course). There will be prizes for best male and female, couple and more.

Tickets prior to Dec. 1 are $75 per person ($600 for a table of eight). After Dec. 1, tickets are $85. You can bet this will sell out early. You can purchase tickets by calling 330-225-1995 or emailing [email protected].

Music Scholarship Opportunity: Attention all high school seniors! Medina Community Band’s senior solo competition is open to any high school senior instrumentalist attending one of Medina County’s public or private high schools or home school.

Interested students should apply online at the Medina Community Band website medinacommunityband.org/events/mcb-announcing-1st-annual-senior-solo-competition-for-2020-click-on-event-for-details/

A complete listing of required selections for each instrument is provided on the website. The winner of the competition will appear as “featured soloist” in the May 3, 2020, Medina Community Band spring concert, which will take place in the middle stage auditorium of Medina High School, 777 E. Union St., Medina.

There will be a $500 cash scholarship prize presented to the winner at the concert.

Deadline for submitting applications is 11:59 p.m. Tuesday, Dec. 31. The application will include a written and signed application and a YouTube uploaded digital video of the applicant performing the solo. Compete information and instructions appear on the website and application. Notification of the winning application will be announced on or before Feb. 28. All applications will be notified by email.

Amy Muhl, flutist with Medina Community Band and vice president of the Medina Community Band Association, is chair for the competition. Questions regarding the competition should be directed to Marcus Neiman, conductor, Medina Community Band, [email protected], or 330-725-8198.

Poetry to be published: High school students have the opportunity to have their prose or poetry published in Inscape, the award-winning fine arts journal published by Ursuline College.

“Writing in the Rust Belt: A High School Writing Contest” is open to all high school students and invites them to write on the theme of community. Two winners will be published in Inscape and invited to read their work at the journal’s launch party in May 2020. Submissions are due by Dec. 1.

“Creative writing has the power to shape the way we view the world around us and to allow emerging writers to explore the power of their voice,” said Katharine G. Trostel, PhD, assistant professor of English. “The connection between storytelling and place is perfectly encapsulated by the theme, community.”

This contest is hosted by the Ursuline College English Department and Inscape, Ursuline College’s fine arts annual. Questions should be directed to [email protected].

Acts of kindness encouraged: The Medina Breakfast Kiwanis has designated November as a month when club members perform random acts of kindness. Whenever a member helps fellow Kiwanis members, a family member, a community member, gives a homeless person some money or clothes, volunteers at a community shelter or food bank, works with children and SLP members, etc., they are being asked to record what they did and send an email to Alan Penn. He will compile a list of what they did as a club and share it in December.

“We can make a difference in many ways,” Penn said. “This is one way our club members can help others in our own communities.”

Contact Boyer at [email protected].