School Superintendent Gurka announces retirement
North Royalton School District Superintendent Greg Gurka announced his retirement effective June 1, 2021. At the December 14 North Royalton Board of Education meeting, Gurka announced his resignation. In an emotional statement, he said “I had a wonderful experience in my time with the district, beginning in 2002 as Principal of Albion Elementary School. My role in the district has changed a few times from Principal to Director of Personnel in 2006, and finally to School Superintendent in July, 2013. Through all my 19 years in the District, I have found that this is a special place bec ....
Winter Breaks offer options for making great memories
This is our last issue of 2020 and like most of you, I am shouting “Hallelujah!” as I leave this year in the rearview mirror without a second glance. Though we’re all more than ready for a new year, let’s make sure we end this one on a high note. Winter Break starts next week for school families. The days between Christmas and New Year can be a great time to recharge with your loved ones with some simple yet memorable activities. Here are some easy ideas to get you started. Hot Cocoa Bar - Clear off the kitchen counter and make a hot cocoa bar that lets the kids concoct their own sp ....
COVID could not stop Care and Share’s Thanksgiving tradition
By JOE JASTRZEMSKI Contributing Writer Thanksgiving was celebrated by the Care and Share program at Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church, although it looked and operated differently than in other years. For the past 30 years, the dining hall at the Church was filled with families and with those who had nowhere else to go on Thanksgiving Day. Year number 31, because of the pandemic, took on a different look, although the dedication of the volunteers stayed the same. The dinners served to 1,300 people on Thanksgiving Day came in a white container and were delivered to those who requested a ....
Santa Claus is coming to town
In past years, there has been a variety of things and events that help to celebrate the Christmas season. There have been events, such as holiday craft fairs, concerts, visits to Santa, the lighting of the City Green and a parade offered by the city administration, churches, schools and organizations throughout the community. All of these things have served to make happy memories and have become a part of the holiday tradition. Unfortunately, the pandemic has caused many of these traditions to be set aside this year. Although the foregoing of some of these time-honored traditions, albeit ....
Service clubs feel effects of pandemic
Despite the challenges a global pandemic brings, members of North Royalton’s service clubs continue to make an impact on their community and the agencies they help. Activities, regular meetings and fundraising events that raise thousands of dollars each year for scholarships and other worthy causes may have been canceled for most, but members’ desire to help and serve remains stronger than ever – and brings with it a renewed vigor for the New Year. The North Royalton Lions Club has seen an increase in membership, said President Keith Gruber. After canceling their annual fundraisers, me ....