BRUNSWICK, Ohio --Those innovative teachers and students at St. Ambrose School are at it again. Students in grades 4-6 took their gratitude for those who have served in the military to a creative level in computer science class.
Students were challenged to use the Engineering Design Process in TinkerCAD to create 3D designs to enter in the Future Engineers “We Love Veterans” contest.
This contest was to create a 3D pin design showing appreciation for veterans. The top 10 winners will have their pin printed and given out at the National Veterans Memorial Museum in Columbus.
St. Ambrose students were proud to showcase their love and appreciation for our nation and veterans through this innovative project.
When asked what inspired their designs, fourth-grader Ava D. remarked, “I was really inspired because I truly love America and let my heart lead my design.”
Aubrey R. shared that the American flag was at the center of her design to express her “great honor and thanks for our veterans.”
Connor L.’s design showcased an angel. “Angels are holy and watch over our veterans,” he explained.
Connor, who designed an angel-themed pin, is 10 and in the fifth grade at St. Ambrose School in Brunswick. (Photo Courtesy of St. Ambrose School)
Keep an eye out for their designs to be made into pins for the Veterans Memorial Museum!
STEAM teacher Jennifer Collins and Technology Director Amy Morgan worked to provide this project opportunity to St. Ambrose students.
Light ‘em up: It’s time to think about the Medina County Arts Council’s Deck the House Holiday Lights Challenge and Tour. Deadlines are just around the corner.
If you go all out for the holidays -- covering your home with dancing lights, animated characters and holiday music -- you need to enter your home in the contest sponsored by the Medina County Convention & Visitors Bureau.
The contest is designed to encourage and highlight the artistic creativity of Medina County homeowners and reward residents who go above and beyond to celebrate the holiday season and bring good cheer to the community.
The Arts Council is currently looking for entries for the best residential holiday light displays in Medina County. People can nominate themselves or their neighbors by filling out a form at https://forms.gle/8Bt5KCye9gE2qAfr7 or by visiting the Medina County Arts Council Facebook page or emailing [email protected] .
If you know of an amazing holiday lighting display in the county, be sure to let the Arts Council know.
The council will also have a “non-competing” list if you would prefer to not have your display included in the voting. Nominations close on Nov. 28.
Voting for your favorite display will take place on the Medina County Arts Council Facebook page Dec. 1-19. Check the Arts Council website: https://www.medinacountyartscouncil.org/ or Facebook page for a list of decorated homes. Drive by the homes and choose your favorite, then go to www.facebook.com/MedinaCountyArtsCouncil to vote.
So, throw the jammies on the kids, grab their blankies and snacks, and pack into the car to tour the county in search of the best holiday lighting display.
A Facebook Live event during the week of Dec. 20 will surprise the winning family with a visit from Santa and presentation of the coveted Deck the House Lighting Challenge light bulb trophy. Watch Facebook posts for the date and time of the live event.
From left, Medina Sunrise Rotary Club President Kent Morgan, District Gov. Larry Lohman, Anna Guy-Leach and sponsor Kevin Lauterjung. (Photo Courtesy of David Lariviere)
Rotary inductee: Rotary District Gov. Larry Lohman was the honored guest at Medina Sunrise Rotary recently. While there, he inducted the newest member of the group, children’s advocate and development director of the Children’s Center of Medina County, Anna Guy-Leach.
“Our mission at the Children’s Center is reducing trauma by providing a pathway to healing for children and families impacted by abuse, neglect and exploitation,” Guy-Leach said.
“We are grateful to be a partner with Medina Sunrise Rotary and for the generosity of our community this past week at Art With A Heart for Children Auction & Benefit that ensured children experiencing abuse and neglect receive caring and vital services here at the Children’s Center.”
The Sunrise Rotary is a caring, busy and fun club. Partnering with The Children’s Center, Feeding Medina County, Medina Creative Housing, Empower Sports, Let’s Make a Difference and many other youth-focused organizations, members make a difference in the lives of children in our community and beyond.
Don’t hesitate to contact them, ask any question or make suggestions as they move forward with another year of adventure and “Service Above Self.” Learn more at www.medinasunriserotary.com.
Raising the roof: Medina Creative Housing started calling its signature annual fundraiser “Raising the Roof” 15 years ago. This title embodies what Medina Creative Housing does: “Raising the Roof” means not only are they putting a roof over disabled adults’ heads, they are providing a safety net community with opportunities for true integration and wrap-around services and supports.
“For 29 years, we have proudly ‘Raised the Roof’ on individuals that were often left behind and out of sight. This is what makes Medina Creative Housing so unique, why families wait for years on waiting lists and why most recently families fought for their children to remain in their Medina Creative Housing home,” explained Executive Director Dianne DePasquale-Hagerty.
“Despite the many challenges in 2020-21, we have continued to ‘Raise the Roof’ and create new opportunities. We built and opened 16 single apartment units in Middleburg Heights, along with new programs.
“The Soprema Cafe is opening soon, and zoning was recently obtained, allowing our Creative Living for Life at Ursuline Sisters in Pepper Pike to move forward. As 2021 winds down, we have much to celebrate!”
The 15th annual Raising the Roof celebration will be held Saturday, Dec. 4, at the Astrodome Event Center in Parma. This year’s theme is “Roaring Into the 20s,” and they are planning to have a whoopee of a time in support of a cause that is absolutely “the bee’s knees!”
Can’t make the date? You can still help by becoming a sponsor, buying raffle tickets, donating an auction item or telling others.
For more information and to order tickets, go to www.medinacreativehousing.com.
They counted their way to the top: Stacey Asvestas, who chairs the online auction and runs the Christmas Barn at the Brunswick Area Historical Society, held a unique contest this summer -- a Skittles Contest. The Skittles CLUE was: It is in Brunswick.
Michele B. guessed the EXACT number of Skittles-- 303! Michele won the Christmas Jar of 303 Skittles, a pink flamingo ornament, a choice of one ornament from the Ron E. Culp Christmas Barn, a candy cane, a Dove chocolate candy pack and a holiday Music CD, “Christmas Songbook ROLLER rewind featuring Organ Musician -- Johnny Sharp.”
Stan D. and Lilly H. came in second and third place and each won a candy cane, a Dove chocolate candy pack and the holiday music CD.
There were 79 entries, so congratulations to the winners.
Stacey promises that Cesar Parrot will have a new “giveaway” starting June 13, 2022 -- opening day at the Farmers Market!
Meanwhile, the Brunswick Area Historical Society Online Auction has reopened for the winter, with a lot of fabulous new items being added. One hundred percent of all sales go directly to keep the historical society running.
All items are donated to the auction by businesses and friends, and the unique pre-packaged, ready-to-go specialty gifts are sure to please! Just go to https://event.auctria.com/a67126f0-c59b-431f-b47f-b64c8438a7bc/
The auction is also featured on Facebook Marketplace.
Concerts continue: Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) continues its free Concert in the Country series with cellist Rebecca Shasberger at 2 p.m. Sunday, Nov. 14, at the Homerville Community Center, 8964 Spencer Road, Homerville.
Rebecca will present a program entitled “Bridges and Dances,” which explores how people and cultures are brought together, particularly through music used for and inspired by dance.
Music by Johann Sebastian Bach, Gaspar Cassadó, David Eby, Mark Summer and Mark O’Connor will be featured in this program.
For more information, visit www.ormaco.org or call 419-853-6016.
Blood drives: We all know that blood donations remain low, but are in great demand. So, here’s your chance to give locally in Medina County:
In Brunswick: 3 to 8 p.m. Nov. 18 at St. Ambrose Church, 929 Pearl Road; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 20 at St. Mark Lutheran Church, 1330 N. Carpenter Road; 1 to 7 p.m. Nov. 29, Brunswick United Methodist Church, 1395 Pearl Road.
In Medina: 11:15 to 5:15 p.m. Nov. 24, Medina Fire Station 1, 300 W. Reagan Parkway; 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Nov. 30, Root Candles, 640 W. Liberty St.
The 2021 Medina holiday ornament is here. (Photo Courtesy of Main Street Medina)
Holiday ornament: Don’t miss out on getting your 2021 limited edition Medina holiday ornament, this year featuring the iconic Medina Gazette Building, located at 52 Public Square. Proceeds from ornament sales benefit Main Street Medina.
You can purchase the ornament at The Gardener’s Cottage (226 S. Court St.), JK Gift Shop (207 S. Court St.), Miss Molly’s Tea Room & Gift Shop (140 W. Washington St.), Medina Visitors Bureau (32 Public Square), or Root Candle (623 W. Liberty St.).
Or order online at http://www.mainstreetmedina.com/2021-medina-holiday-ornament.html (online price includes shipping and handling).
Christmas tea: You are invited to the annual St. Paul Christmas Tea at 3 p.m. Nov. 28 at St. Paul Lutheran Church, 1377 Lester Road, Valley City. Come and celebrate “Symbols of Salvation” with the Christmas story, a program of musical gifts and favorite songs.
Beverages and finger treats will be offered after the program. An offering will be collected to benefit Feeding Medina County. Contact Sandy Turner for any questions at 330-592-9405.
Something different: Last year, of course, everything got messed up as far as school attendance, and the PTOs had to reschedule everything.
At Huntington Elementary School in Brunswick, the PTO has a new fundraiser that sounds like fun -- a BoosterThon. It’s the Huntington Elementary Fun Run, a healthy fundraiser where students will complete 30 to 35 laps around the track.
Donors make a donation to a student, paying for each lap he or she completes.
My great-grandson, Izak, is so excited about it. He’s sure he can go the distance. If you’d like to help a student you know, or one who might not have anyone to support his or her effort, I’m sure the school can direct you to a way to help.
If you do know who you’d like to help, click this link to donate: https://mybooster.com/v3/dash/
Deadlines: Just a note that our deadlines are two days earlier than normal for the holiday season, so if you have an event or something to share, please get them in as quickly as possible. We’ll do our best to help.
Contact Boyer at [email protected]