Santa’s Elves are Hard at Work . . .and Santa is waiting for your Letters

Since it has been such a hectic year, Santa asked the North Royalton Lions and the Royalton Hills Lions to assist him.  Santa knows all the good work the clubs perform in the community all year round, including scholarships, adopt a highway, a veteran’s breakfast as well as an Olde Timers Banquet and working with the North Royalton Food Bank to name a few.  The two Clubs eagerly agreed to help, following their motto “We Serve!”  A special red mailbox has been placed at the North Royalton Fire Station on the City Green to receive all of your letters.  It is quite a sight to see it li ....

The ‘Great’ battle against Covid-19

The line was not quiet during a recent telephone interview with Saint Albert the Great School Principal Ed Vittardi. In the background and from his open office window, children could be heard at recess playfully shouting and noisily chatting outside. It’s exactly the noise Vittardi wants to hear. He recently released a letter to school families alerting them that classes will remain in-person and face-to-face despite recommendations from the county to transition to remote learning. When making these decisions, Vittardi always aims to serve the best interests of his school community (which ....

On Tuesday, November 10, a presentation was given at City Hall on the North Royalton Community Report of the Rocky River Stormwater Master Plan. The presentation was given by members of the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District. About fifteen residents attended. Donna Friedman, Watershed Team Leader and Matthew Scharver, Deputy Director of Watershed Programs presented the plan, specifically highlighting some of this effort as it pertains to North Royalton. Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz said that “one of my top concerns is to address the numerous stormwater issues that we have continued to de ....

School Board updates teachers union contract

The North Royalton Board of Education unanimously approved a contract at their November 16 meeting with the North Royalton Education Association (NREA), extending and updating their current thee-year contract. The contract is set to expire at the end of the current school year, on July 31, 2021. Also, at that meeting, the Board approved an updated Memorandum of Understanding with the union, relating to COVID-19 re-opening plans. The NREA is the union that represents the district’s teachers. The new contract, for the 2021-22 school year, will begin on August 1, 2021. The new agreement wi ....

Spreading kindness: Individuals, groups on a mission to help others during pandemic

“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” – Fred “Mister” Rogers The pandemic is entering its ninth month, and, in that time, many local “helpers” have stepped up to the plate to lend a hand to those in need. The pandemic has also strengthened and revitalized existing efforts to help those less fortunate. These “helpers” come from all walks of life: some are business owners, some are local leaders with large networks, but many are ordinary folks who simply want ....

This year, Small Business Saturday is more important than ever

Small Business Saturday will be taking place on November 28 and, this year, in the midst of a pandemic, it may be more important than ever. Small Business Saturday, usually held in late November, is a day where communities can come together to shop locally and support local businesses. It’s a day to celebrate local businesses and all they do for their communities. “I think small, independently owned businesses, you know, they have a positive social, economic and environmental impact and they are essential to every community,” said Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz. Small businesses offer a lev ....

Local schools commemorate Veterans Day

Local events honoring military personnel looked different this Veterans Day, but the message of reverence and gratitude was still evident. At the district’s three elementary schools, virtual Veterans Day presentations and videos took the place of annual in-person assemblies and receptions. School children were asked to submit names and photos of veterans in their families for a special video tribute, including parents, aunts/uncles, grandparents, cousins, and other relatives who served. Students at North Royalton High School performed a range of special projects, depending on their grade ....

City asks residents for input on park upgrade

City administrators are looking for the opinions of residents regarding the upgrading of Memorial Park. The park is located on the west side of State Road, between Akins Road and Royalton Road. The City is in the midst of preparing a Master Improvement Plan for Memorial Park. City administrators have commissioned Cleveland-based Behnke Landscape Architecture for the project. Behnke is a “ leader in planning and designing award-winning outdoor places. As landscape architects and planners focused on improving the communities we touch, we specialize in Active Transportation, Athletics, E ....

Several states delay calling of election due to questions

By GLORIA PLEVA KACIK Contributing Writer Although most of the races from the November 3 election have been completed for all intents and purposes, the Presidential race, at the time of this writing, is still up for grabs between Donald Trump/Michael Pence and Joseph Biden/Kamala Harris. At this time, there are several states where the final vote is in question. Of course, the popular vote does not necessarily determine the election. According to the Library of Congress, “when citizens cast their ballots for president in the popular vote, they elect a slate of electors. Electors then ca ....

Parade and holiday lighting ceremony canceled, but Santa is waiting for Christmas wish letters

The pandemic has claimed another beloved city tradition: the annual Lighting of the City Green and Christmas Parade event that typically takes place the Sunday after Thanksgiving and helps usher in the holiday season. The City Green will still be adorned in its traditional show of sparkling twinkle lights and holiday displays, but no ceremonial “flipping of the switch” will take place or event festivities, according to Mayor Larry Antoskiewicz. However, there is still Christmas magic in North Royalton. Eighty-six year old Don Ray has been playing Santa at Maria Gardens Center since 2008, ....