Some say “when the going get tough, the tough get going.” The going has been tough lately, but it might be more fitting to say “the kind-hearted get going!” Through the trials that have been experienced with the recent pandemic, one silver lining is comprised of those kind individuals who think of others and act for the sake of their community.
Although there are hundreds of examples of North Royalton residents who have gone the extra mile, big and small, here are a few examples:
Resident, Terri Long is participating in the “million mask challenge”, which matches up sewing volunteers and facilities in need of masks. Long, who is a retired manager of Pins and Needles, responded to the store’s owner asking for help to make the masks. She was quoted as noted that “we are all connected together like threads in an embroidery.” She and her neighbor, Lori Breyley have teamed up to produce the masks.
A North Royalton student was thanked by a resident, who was wheelchair-bound. She was walking her dog when the girl got out of her car and offered to help get groceries for the woman. She gave the woman her telephone number and told her to call when she needed anything.
Resident, Dawn Carbone-McDonald participated in the recent “light the night” initiative, making thank you lanterns and placing them outside the North Royalton Fire and Police Departments. The initiative of placing the lanterns and luminaries outside was a positive effort to bring everyone together, through this social distancing period.
Ward 3 Councilman Dan Langshaw launched the Neighborhood Buddy Program, establishing a “buddy” system for elderly residents, residents with health conditions, and those living alone. The program promotes the sharing of news, food and other services through the pandemic. Those interested in having a buddy or in volunteering to be a buddy can contact Langshaw at ward3@northroyalton.org, http://www.danlangshaw.com/contact or by calling 440-785-4240. Langshaw is also helping “ #NRWard3MaskUp and getting masks not only out in my ward but city wide to at risk community members. I am lucky to have some ‘Mask Angels’ making and donating masks I am able to get out to people who have requested one for FREE.
The North Royalton Fire Department has been busy collecting personal protective equipment for first responders, as well as donations for the North Royalton Food Bank. Donations have been coming in, but they are in need of non-perishable items. Terry Close, Food Bank official, noted that “it would be a great help to us if members of the community would bring donations directly to Royal Redeemer’s church entrance off of Abbey Road during business hours 8-4 M-F. We will have a place to leave donations marked with signage. At this point any shelf stable item would be welcomed. They are also accepting hygiene products. Royal Redeemer is located at 11680 Royalton Rd, North Royalton, and can be reached at (440)237-7958, extension 200.
Donations have been coming in daily for both the Fire and Police Departments. As of April 7, the North Royalton Police and Fire Departments have received a great deal of donations, in the form of meals and snacks, from Subway, Royal Park Fine Wine, Arby’s, Chick-fil-A Strongsville, Stancato’s Italian Restaurant, Augie’s Pizza & Ribs, Mission BBQ, Domino’s Pizza, the NRCS Athletic Director, Bo Kuntz, Ken Dawson and an anonymous person. They have received cleaning supplies from Ward 3 Councilman Dan Langshaw and the Langshaw family, Ward 4 Councilman Jeremy Dietrich and the Dietrich family, The Albert family, Kelley family, Tarnai family and Visocky family. Donations of hand sanitizer came from Stephani Prause and the B’later Corporation. Donations of masks were received from Dr. Papandreas, Hop Hing, Southwest Dispatch, Larry and Barb Strauss, Ultrasteel Corporation and Oil Skimmers, Incorporated. Masters of Disaster also donated their services.
“We are very grateful for the acts of kindness that have been shown to us,” said North Royalton Fire Chief Bob Chegan.
Niko’s Bar and Gyros donated 100 lunches to workers at the Cleveland Clinic and planned to donate to a hospital each week. Augie’s Pizza delivered over 400 bagged lunches for St. Herman’s Homeless Shelter on April 3 and was planning another delivery on Good Friday, April 10. Family First has reduced the hourly rate they charge for people who need assistance for family members.
Council President Paul Marnecheck has been helping North Royalton restaurants and businesses by his patronage, highlighting it on Twitter. Marnecheck has noted that he has had a lot of response from people, who are looking to help. “That’s the nice thing about being on Council for a spell. People reach out to me and want to help, but want to remain anonymous and don’t want that public recognition. He is quick to note that North Royalton is a very generous community!”
By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK
Contributing Writer