January 5, 2009 was the first day back to school from the Christmas break. The traffic outside of NR High School was crowded but manageable. Mother Nature cooperated; it was dry and not too cold. The School District started the year by initiating the cutbacks necessary due to the failure of the 5.9 Emergency Operating Levy on November 4. The cutbacks included eliminating bussing for the high school students, dropping some course offerings, limiting school building access, and postponing textbook and technology upgrades. In addition $100 participation fee will be required from High School and Middle School students for spring athletics.
United States Coast Guardsman created a new canvas bag that had pockets for all necessary items. The new pocketed Damage Control Kit was invented by North Royalton resident Petty Officer 3rd Class David L. Scribellito, a machinery technician on the ice-breaking tug Neah Bay. The idea for a better way of storing tools came to Petty Officer Scribellito during a disaster drill when the old tool bag produced bent and useless tools. The new DC kit is in use by the Coast Guard and the Navy. Petty Officer Scribellito received the Commendation Medal for updating and restyling the old Disaster Control kit that was in use continuously since 1790.
The Royalton Recorder has been voted the “Best Community Newspaper in northeast Ohio three years in a row,” gives you all the local news because it is about us, right here in North Royalton. Please support our community events, our schools, clubs, and our local merchants.
A fast moving fire at the Hampton Club Apartments on Royalton Road on April 27 required the quick response of the NR Fire Department and assistance from Strongsville. The fire was not intentionally set but it was caused by something igniting from a lit cigarette. The fire spread to the top two floors causing water damage to the first floor. Damages exceeded $1 million.
St. Albert the Great Parish anticipates a 50/50 celebration in May. Pastor John Viall celebrated the fiftieth anniversary of his ordination on May 17 and announced his retirement. On May 31 Bishop Lennon celebrated Mass for the golden anniversary of the parish which was founded by Fr. Anthony J. Winters, under the direction of Arch Bishop Edward F. Hoban in 1959.
The second annual Blessing of the Bikes was held at South Point Church, 13390 York Road, on May 31. The Goldwing Road Riders Chapter P-Medina held the service with Pastor Doug Aey giving the convocation and blessing.
NR High School students produced 42 cars entirely made up of recycled material. The vehicles were designed and built by high schools and included: old buggy tires, tricycle pedals, spare boards, steering wheels from toys, and anything else that was considered basement or garage recyclables. The totally recycle built cars competed in a Recycled Downhill Derby on May 29. The contestants were cheered on by hundreds of admiring fans. The cars were judged on speed, maneuverability, and creative design. The competition the spearheaded by Art teacher Brandon Speers. Six person teams used concepts from physics, engineering, biology, and art to create their vehicles. Each car had a theme with all participants dressed in costume. The winners had bragging rights and a great time.
Postage rates climb but the USPS must keep up with rising prices and falling revenue. August 6 reported that the North Royalton Post Office 44133 stands a very good chance of being closed along with five nearby post offices and ten more across Greater Cleveland. USPS processed 213 billion pieces of mail in 2006; it’s down to 180 billion pieces for 2009. Every decline of one billion pieces equals $360 million in lost revenue. City officials gather as much information as possible to support the continued operation of 44133 post office. Happily the September 24 issue of the Recorder came with a Special Delivery notice: 44133 North Royalton Post Office will stay right where it is!
As the temperatures begin to decline in October the NR Food Pantry hopes donations will increase to help those folks who could use a boost.
Long before the frost appeared on pumpkins the city was planning for a winter full of snow plowing and road salting. Mayor Stefanik reported, “We’re full to the brim with salt.” The city has been stockpiling the road clearing white grains since summer; taking advantage of a salt buying consortium and contracting for 7,000 tons of salt if needed.
You better watch out, won’t matter if you pout, you’re going to cry, I’m telling you why……. as of January 15, 2010, it will be against the law to use a cell phone while driving within North Royalton. Stay Alive Don’t Text, Call and Drive. Forewarned is forearmed.
The City Green is once again aglow with many trees, lights, and good wishes for happy holidays donated by the fine folks and merchants in and around North Royalton.
January 2010 begins with good news. The City Council voted unanimously to adopt legislation allowing the City of Cleveland Division of Water to take over the water delivery to the city. NR was the nineteenth city to forge such an agreement. The Division of H2O will take over the business of replacing the water mains within the city.
The Metroparks will expand the all-purpose trail to link Mill Stream Run Reservation in Strongsville and the Brecksville Reservation area in Brecksville. The connection would complete an important link in the regional parkway loop. The completion of a trail for non-motorized pedestrian use would add value to the cities of North Royalton, Broadview Hts., and Brecksville.
Happy News in the January 28 issue. Officials of the YMCA of Greater Cleveland and the City of North Royalton will be moving ahead with plans for a “Y” within the city. “We’ve enjoyed a great relationship with the “Y.” We’re very close to making an announcement,” stated Mayor Stefanik. Glenn Haley, President of the Greater Cleveland YMCA added, “We do have major money that’s already been pledged.”
The City of North Royalton bought the Avalon building which became the new home to a regional YMCA, a 50,000 square foot facility. The targeted date for opening was late fall 2011.
April 22 issue reported that Forbes Magazine ranked North Royalton fifth in a category of ten schools that the magazine called “The Best Schools for Your Housing Buck.” In the article Christina Settimi noted that, “Finding a great place to live and a great education for your kids at the right price can be tough.” Bill Jacson, CEO of Great Schools agrees, “Finding a great place to live and an excellent school for your kids are two of the biggest decisions a family will ever make, and they are very closely related.” According to Great Schools, “academically, North Royalton makes the best of good teachers and high parent involvement.” Superintendent Ed Vittardi was ecstatic over the news. “We never submitted anything. They pulled up all the information through EMIS (Educational Management Information Systems) and other national data. School Board President, Len Reinhard said, “I emailed everyone I know. Good news from good people.”
Excitement builds in June. North Royalton is getting a family regional YMCA and a brand new expanded library on property adjacent to the “Y.” According to the Cuyahoga County Library, the condition of the library on State Road “relative to the other branches…has been classified as ‘poor’.” The 30,000 sq. ft. facility is expected to cost $11.7 million dollars. They Cuyahoga County library which received a half mill levy in 2008 funded the construction. The North Royalton branch is the fifth busiest library in the system.
Fourteen-year-old Anamika Veeramani was National Scripts Howard Spelling Champion. Anamika was a finalist in 2009 and triumphed over 271 other contestants in the three-day competition in Washington D.C. She made an appearance on “Live with Regis and Kelly” in New York, then flew to L.A. for a spot on “Jimmy Kimmel Live.” Anamika, who was an eighth grader at Incarnate Word Academy, received $30,000 in prize money plus a $5,000 scholarship from the Sigma Phi Epsilon Education Foundation.
On June 26, a bronze historical marker was dedicated to honor John Shepherd (1729–1847) who was believed to have been the oldest survivor of both the French and Indian War and the Revolutionary war. John witnessed Gen. Edward Braddock’s defeat, death, and eventual burial in the middle of a Pennsylvania road by the command of Colonel George Washington. John later served under the Command of General Washington. He saw action at Brandywine, Germantown, and survived the winter at Valley Forge. He was at the Battle of Monmouth Courthouse in 1778. His son John Shepard Jr. died in the War of 1812. At the age of 88 he moved with his daughter and son-in-law Margaret and Robert Engle to the area that became (North) Royalton. The Engles were two of Royalton’s original settlers. At the age of 89 he witnessed the founding of Royalton in 1818. Endowed with incredible strength and good health, at the age of 112 he cut two acres of wheat by hand. John Shepard died at the remarkable age of 117 years, nine months and 18 days.
In August the NRPD received new police radios. The purchase was funded through a grant that purchased the 25 mobile radios and 60 portable radios. The new state-of-the-art Motorola radios brings NRPD in compliance with the communications mandates to take effect 2012.

In the fall NR began a new recycling program. All plastic code 1 through 7, paper, metal, and glass will be co-mingled in blue plastic recycle bags or in a blue recycling bins and placed on the lawn for collection. The city will be saving $100,000 on tipping fees for things that do not go into the landfill.
Troops are grateful for packages sent to Afghanistan. Sgt. Rachel Garcowski sends a letter of thanks for the 30 care packages sent from North Royalton.
Just in time for the Christmas holiday, Royal View Elementary students donated 200 pairs of pajamas for underprivileged children. The President of the Ohio Chapter of the Pajama Program, Patty Gillespie, thanked the children for making a difference, “One pair of pajamas at a time.”

By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer