1986 – The North Royalton school district was hoping the voters would approve a 4.75 mil, two-year levy on February 4. The school district expected a $1.5 million short fall for the 1986 – 87 school year. The fully accredited school system with innovative nationally recognized programs takes years to develop. Once cutting of essential maintenance, essential and special programs begins there is no way to catch up. There was no tax increase since 1980 and revenue had fallen due to inflation, increases in insurance coverage, cost of supplies, maintenance, and low state funding. The School Board cited real need; supporters including the Chamber of Commerce agreed. The excellent school system that North Royalton maintains is one of the attractive reasons Royalton is a good place to live and do business. North Royalton School System needs the voters help.
All the school children in America were watching the launch of the Space Shuttle Challenger, January 28, 1986. One of the astronauts was Chista McAuliffe, a teacher, just like the ones in every classroom in North Royalton. The shock and pain of the Challenger explosion less than ninety seconds into the launch was particularly felt by Royal View School students who had just recently completed a simulation on Space Shuttle Fantasy I.
The February 19 Recorder reported the school district had three words to say to the people of North Royalton, “Thank You Voters.” The 4.75 mil school levy did pass.
Royal Redeemer Lutheran announced an expansion. The congregation began to move ahead with several new classrooms, office space, and a new pipe organ.
Bea Santoro, Director of the Office on Aging, saluted nearly 100 volunteers for their outstanding service. The volunteers helped at Blood Mobiles, community events and hospitals. Special Recognition was given to Catherine Kelleher, 98, who volunteered three days a week at the Brecksville VA hospital.
On July 3, the nation watched as President Reagan unveiled the Statue of Liberty after an intense two and a half year renovation. The 4th of July weekend was named Liberty Weekend celebrating the renovation and 100th birthday of the Great Lady.
Cleveland Metroparks builds a new picnic shelter at Stuhr Woods, on the park way just west of Ridge Road.
The October 1st issue of the Recorder reported the Chamber of Commerce heard Safety Director, Earl Zimlich, talk about the impact and increased use of narcotics. Marijuana has gone from a “big sentence crime (jail) to a point where there is talk of legalizing marijuana.”
Cuyahoga Valley Joint Vocational students working on a remote controlled mini-tank during the 1985-86 school year sent their proposal to the U.S. Army. The Delta V2 (Defense, Elite, Light Tactical Attack Vehicle) proposal and designs caught the attention of the Defense Department. The June 1986 graduates came back to CVJV for a demonstration on October 9 for the U. S. Army Tank Automotive Command. The Delta V2 designs had “technical merit.”
The 102 member NRHS Marching Band received an ‘Excellent’ rating at the state competition held in Lancaster, Ohio. Twenty three bands in class ‘A’ competed after qualifying for the event on November 2.
Royalton residents were reminded that especially during the holidays, the food bank at the Office on Aging could use donations of food items and cash. There are many families receiving food Baskets for the holidays. Help another, share your abundance.
1987 – The January 14 issue of the Recorder reported that the City Council had a hangover on January 1, 1987. An emergency council meeting was held at 4pm to pass an ordinance making temporary appropriations for running the city in 1987. With the temporary appropriations came accusations that Mayor Halak caused undo distress and bad publicity for North Royalton by not telling the City Council on December 17 that he intended to shut down the city if Council did not pass his budget. “Councilman Sevel put the whole thing into light when he said the whole fiasco could have been avoided if there was better cooperation between Council and administration.”
Sewer rates are going up. Increased housing meant increased need. Sewer plant A needs increased capacity. It was originally built to handle one million gallons per day; it was up to 1.3 million gallons per day. Sewer plant B would also have to be increased. Everyone wants clean water.
They city mausoleum in the cemetery got a facelift during the month of April. The sandstone structure built in 1879 is actually a vault built to house bodies when the temperature was too cold to dig the grave at the cemetery. The vault cost $241.70 to build – not a small sum in those days. An eight grave plot cost eight dollars at the time. In 1868 the first 1 mil. levy was approved for the care of the cemeteries.
The new octagonal press box and concession stand, improvements at the York Road Baseball complex was completed in May. The improvements were made by the City Recreation Dept. and the Baseball Boosters.
In March residents were informed that there were 244 new homes built in 1986, 1987 was on track to match or exceed those housing starts. The new homes being built and new young families moving in put pressure on the elementary schools for overcrowding.
The school system received the news in late June that they received an ‘A’ grade from the State Department of Education. Of the 443 areas of evaluation only four were found to be lacking and they were already being addressed. In July the School District unveiled building expansion plans. The school district had 2700 students enrolled with an expectation of increases near 4000 within the next five years; more housing, more youngsters, more need. The school board turned to the voters for building program funds. The request was defeated putting expansion on hold.
The 17,000 square-foot City Service Center garages and office space, located on five acres of land on Royalton Road officially opened its doors at the dedication and ribbon cutting on October 3. The facility was named after former mayor, Lester Edgerton.
Once again the NRHS marching band was given a “Superior” rating by the Ohio Music Education Association state finals on November 7.
Kiwanis and the Office on Aging encourage donations to the local food pantry to assist families with food baskets for the upcoming holidays. Anyone in need of a food basket could contact the Office on Aging or the Kiwanis.
Mayor John Halak is unseated by President of Council, Gary Skorepa by a 2 to 1 margin in the November election.
December 9 issue of the Recorder introduced Conrad’s Goodyear Tire at 5118 Royalton Rd. The grand opening was celebrated December 9 thru 12 at all twelve Conrad’s locations.
Once again urged everyone to shop locally first for all the holiday needs.
1988 – Thank You North Royalton. The voters approved a 1.5 mil. school operating levy and the $7.5 million bond issue for expansion. The law prohibits bond money to be used for operating expenses so the funds must stay separate. The levy was passed February 2, 1988.
April 6 Recorder reported that the lead in the drinking water was within EPA limits. The water consistently tested at 0.005 parts per million, below the EPA standard of 0.050 parts per million. The lead notification stuffer would go out with the Cleveland Division of Water Billing for the March 15th to June 17th quarterly billing.
Father Michael Conrad became pastor of Christ the Savior American Orthodox Church on State Road. Father Conrad succeeded Rev. Dr. Stephan Jula founder, and pastor emeritus.
The OEMA Superior rated NRHS marching band took their spring break in Florida, marching in the Walt Disney World Electric Light Parade. They marched down “Main Street USA” in front of a crowd of 50,000. “The students’ hard work in rehearsing and fund raising made the trip and the new uniforms possible,” said Marty Lydecker, band director. One hundred four band members and twenty eight chaperones made the trip.
At the end of May, the NRHS varsity Bears baseball, and Lady Bears softball teams both had winning seasons. Bears had a total of 11 wins and 3 losses. The Lady Bears were overall 19 and 3 with a 14 – 0 record capturing the Pioneer conference title. Go Bears!
Back before there was a Jake, now called Progressive Field, North Royalton had a community day at Cleveland Stadium. The Tribe vs. the California Angels on Sunday, July 10. Reserved seats were $6.
The North Royalton Baptist Church celebrated the final phase of their 9300 sq. ft. expansion on July 3 with a ground breaking ceremony and 300 colorful balloons soaring heavenward. The Baptist church was established here in 1818 and was formally organized in 1828. The first church was constructed in 1850.
The North Royalton Library celebrated its tenth anniversary at its State Road location on Sunday, August 27, with a cake cutting and remarks by Mayor Skorepa, Irish dancers, a Magic show and appearance by Barnaby (Lynn Sheldon) from channel 43 TV.
Every issue of the Recorder has the pictures of Royalton’s newest and cutest residents. Usually there are two, three, or four babies. However, September 21 Royalton’s Beautiful Babies hit the jackpot – eleven new residents made their appearance, six boys and five girls.
The October 5 Recorder had this headline: Local Merchants are Great Athletic Supporters.
North Royalton was saddened by the news of their friend, Mama Carrie Cerino, had passed away November 16, 1988. Carrie and her husband Dominic established Carrie Cerino’s Ristorante on Ridge Road in the ‘60s. Mama Carrie always delighted in treating customers like they were friends enjoying good food at her own dining room table. Mama Carrie’s specially made pastas and sauces are still enjoyed at the very same restaurant prepared by her grandkids.
The December 7 issue reported the Brecksville V.A. hospital held a birthday extravaganza for “Mom” Kelleher on her 100th birthday. Catherine Kelleher began volunteering after the death of her 22-year-old son, James, during his 9th Air Force mission over Germany in 1944. Mrs. Kelleher volunteered two or three days a week for 43 years. “Mom” was awarded every volunteer recognition over the years for her 34,271 hours of service to veterans at the Broadview Hts. and Brecksville V.A. hospitals; she includes a picture with Lady Bird Johnson in 1966, and four smooches from Bob Hope when he visited the Brecksville hospital. She and her husband, who passed away in 1965, had six boys and three girls. She had 23 grandchildren, 35 great-grandchildren and six great-great-grandchildren with the newest great-great-grandson born on her birthday.
Santa Sightings were reported regularly as shoppers visited Royalton’s merchants for holiday needs.

By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer