1993 – The year got off to a real trashy start. The very first Recorder of the year announced that as of February 1st, residents would indeed be paying a Buck-a-Bag for their trash. The 33-gallon bags came in the fashion color of gaudy orange with the city emblem embossed on the bag, selling in packages of ten for $10. Large items would still be removed for free as they are too difficult to stuff in bags. Senior citizens would be exempt from the fee if they got their bags from Bea Santoro at the Senior Citizens Center.
Residents were warned not to throw trash in empty lots, because when you are caught, there’s criminal charges; third degree misdemeanor.
The recyclables would be placed in blue or clear bags. One bag each for cans, #1 or # 2 plastics, and glass. Newspaper, when the Plain Dealer was actually delivered on a daily basis, would be accepted in brown paper bags. Absolutely no advertising inserts were allowed. If you do not conform to the requirements, your trash and recyclables would be left on your tree lawn with a polite, “no thank you” note. In addition, there would be no newspaper pick up on rainy or snowy days because the papers get wet; no pick up on windy days either.
Royalton resident Malinda Elko had a very well trained Doberman named Nikki. Nikki was a certified therapy dog who worked with the burn unit and psychiatric unit at Metro General. Therapy dogs help patients, especially trauma patients interact. Blood pressure goes down after working with a therapy dog. “Once when Nikki heard a woman crying, she tugged on the leash until she was able to nuzzle the woman’s hands.” Elko recounted how thrilled the hospital staff was when “a formerly speechless stroke victim began speaking to Nikki.” Nikki is a canine good citizen.
Amnesty week announced for June 7- 11 so residents could do spring cleaning; throw all sorts of stuff out, and NOT have to put them in the Bag-a-Buck.
A science field trip in late May netted an incredible find. Students participating in Project G.R.E.E.N. were wading in the Cuyahoga River under the Rt. 82 Bridge. Sophomore Karrie Karpinski saw a shiny fishing lure caught on a duffle bag. She hauled it all to shore then went back to look for fish. A few minutes later her fellow students started yelling and jumping up and down. Karrie had found a machine gun; a 1908 WW I vintage 7.92 mm. German water cooled machine gun from 1917. Police and other experts said the gun was not in the water long as it was not rusty. Sagamore Hills police submitted papers to the ATF so they could keep the vintage gun in their collection instead of melting it down.
On Sunday June 13, Memorial park welcomed little kids, their parents, everybody who worked on the project and even a few city politicians. The greatly anticipated Community Playground was officially open for anything but business.
On June 23, the bomb squad was called to a residence on Albion Road. A live – pin intact- WWII pineapple grenade was found by six-year-old Michael Early who thought it might be a rock. He showed it to his older sister who showed it to their dad. It wasn’t a rock. The yard of the Early Residence was swept with a mine sweeping device. Thirty hot spots were found, all were investigated; there were no more munitions.
Three-year-old Johnny Simonski was learning the fine art of fishing when he caught the all-time big one in Memorial Park pond at the beginning of August. As a first catch, this one was a real trophy. At a mere 8.5 inches and weighing about a pound, Johnny caught a red-bellied piranha with strong jaws and razor teeth. The South American piranha swam all the way from someone’s aquarium.
In August NR received a ten-pound first responder born on the 4th of July. He is already being trained to take commands. The German shepherd puppy, Buster, is partnered with Patrolman Bruce Vinicky. Buster goes through all his puppy training then police training. All his commands will be in German to insure that he will take commands only from Officer Vinicky. Buster will grow to be 100 pounds and weigh in as NR’s first K-9 officer.
The October 7 issue reported that NR avid baseball fan, Lou Gardini, saw the very first Indians’ ball game at the Cleveland Municipal Stadium on July 31, 1932 when over 80,000 fans saw the game. He was 17; it cost half-a-buck for a bleacher seat. Lou attended the last Indians’ game on October 3rd with his wife, daughter, and son-in-law. Now it’s on to Jacob’s field for the 1994 season.
Marianne Zarlinga, owner of Skin Secrets, 8527 Ridge Road, licensed in electrolysis, a micro surgery for facial hair removal made an appearance on Channel 5’s Morning Exchange to talk about beautiful skin and advanced skin care.
The year 1993 was an interesting one in North Royalton. The December 9 issue reported that the holiday rush at post office was interrupted by an evacuation because a brown manila envelope had a hand written note, “Please hand stamp, Bomb.” The addressee was a woman in Florida. Nothing was found, no one was hurt, no charges were filed because it is still not illegal to be stupid.
Christmas approaches, The City Green is festive, the orange trash bags contrast with December snow, and North Royalton merchants remind everyone that they can supply all of your holiday needs. Please remember North Royalton residents who may be in need and contribute to the annual holiday food drive.
1994 – Harley Hills is named after Royalton Farmer. In January 1994, there were still a few farms left in Royalton. Farmer Gordon Cartwright, 75, still raised chickens, geese, and ducks on his three-acre farm right on York Road. Farming has been the Cartwrights’ life blood since Richard Cartwright arrived from England in 1836. He worked the land for others until he could buy land of his own. The Cartwrights once owned 336 acres of farmland in the York, Bennett, Royalton Road area. Richard passed the farm to George who passed it to Harley, Gordon Cartwright’s father. Some of the land was sold to developers. One of the developments is named after Gordon’s father. Urban development continues to erode the rural character of Royalton which once had the largest dairy industry in Cuyahoga County. A few stalwart farmers remained in 1994. They are an endangered species.
Royalton is shocked by the demise of a beloved business. Fisher BIG WHEEL filed for Federal Bankruptcy and closed all of its 54 stores including the one at 5500 Wallings Road. There was a going out of business sale; then there was a wake.
Take these orange bags and ……. Give us our money back! The Buck-a-Bag program ended the previous November when the voters said, “No More.” The February 10 Recorder reported that the city dished out $2,077 to buy back the bags during the middle week of January.
Turkey buzzards circle wounded budgets of the city, and schools as Supreme Court votes in favor of MCI’s request to a change in tax status from public utility to general business. The decision brings tax relief to MCI and revenue woes to Royalton as MCI intends to seek restitution of all the extra money it paid in taxes since 1987.
The School Bond issue of February 8 for a new middle school went down to defeat; 2,205 in favor, 2,209 against; a four vote failure. The vote was recounted; the Bond issue won by two votes 2,212 in favor to 2,210 against. Some residents contested the vote and asked a court to set aside the entire election charging that the vote did not reflect the opinion of the people. The matter ended in the court room of Judge Patricia Anne Gaughan. After a two-hour hearing on April 18, Judge Gaughan dismissed the residents’ complaint, and accepted the recount as 2,210 against and 2,212 for the middle school. Ground breaking for the middle school is planned for Sunday September 12.
The Wroblewski brothers, Mark and Ralph, celebrated their third year as owners of Tracy’s Karate Studio, March 1, one of 22 franchised studios throughout Northeaster Ohio. Chinese Kenpo Karate is a tough sport, but the focus for the Wroblewski brothers is family oriented fun with practical self-defense techniques. Mark, the younger of the two is the head instructor with a fourth degree black belt. Ralph, the older brother, is a little behind with a third degree black belt. Both brothers are certified Kenpo instructors. The Wroblewskis value nurturing family, academics, self-confidence and self-esteem.
“Who’s the leader of the band that’s made for you and me?”….M-a-r…t-y Lydecker is! Music Director Lydecker, his staff and all the band members led the Spectro-Magic Parade on April 7 at Disney World Magic Kingdom, Orlando Florida.
Discount Drug Mart plans to move into the Big Wheel building on Wallings Road bringing 50 new jobs to the city.
K-9 Officer Buster received his state certification on September 13. Officer Buster was born on July 4, 1993 and came to the NR Police Department as ten pounds of fur, and is now 14 months old, 75 pounds; three fourths of his full size weight. Officer Buster is certified by the North American Police Work Dog Association with narcotics certification. Patrolman Bruce Vinicky is Buster’s police partner, his trainer and his pal.
St. Paul’s Greek Orthodox Church holds an Oktoberfest – Greek style. Four days of Greek food, dancing, and music can be enjoyed at the October celebration of Greek faith, life, and heritage. OPA!
Royal Redeemer Lutheran Church hosts the annual Care and Share Thanksgiving Dinner to provide companionship and a great meal to those who find themselves alone for the holiday. Everybody is welcome full handicap accessibility.
Have an exquisite centerpiece for your holiday dinner table from Beaconhill Florist, serving North Royalton for 40 years, 11450 Ridge Road.
Quilters skilled in stitch craft meet once a month to stitch and sew 42 x 45 inch lap quilts they donate to organizations to help those in need. Julia Bobby, chairman of the group said, “About 175 quilts have been sewn and donated.” Quilters donated their handiwork to St. Augustine Crisis Center on W. 14, Salvation Army, Lutheran Aid Society, and Holy Family Cancer Home as well as many others. “Keep Us in Stitches” donates $200 to pay for filler and backing material but the quilters make the top by cutting quilt shapes from hand-me-down donated materials.
The Holiday lighting program, just three years old, almost died at four for the cash strapped city, but for the holiday heroics of two residents and businessmen, John Rowlen and Ivan Hach. The two heroes and many other volunteers worked well into the morning hours to decorate and turn the City Green into a wonderland of white lights and red bows. Tags were placed on every tree indicating the many sponsors that pledged $35. More than 200 people enjoyed the NRHS Brass Ensemble and Choir and were thrilled Saturday, December 3, when the lights went on and the City Green was officially merry and bright, all through the donations of time, talent and money from the good people of NR.
By LINDA KWARCIANY
Contributing Writer