The Buzz Around Town
with Editor Kevin McManus
Photo by KEVIN MCMANUS A copy of The Medina Sentinel newspaper, dated Oct. 2, 1914, was one of a few salvageable items found in the time capsule recovered from the former Pythian Sisters Home.
It’s not quite the hot water Hobby Lobby currently finds itself in with Iraqi artifacts, but the Medina County Historical Society was surprised to find itself in a unique position after opening a donated time capsule last weekend.
I just happened to be there for the dispute by sheer coincidence.
I met with the society’s president, Brian Feron, July 17 to go through the contents of a small copper box recovered from the cornerstone of the former Pythian Sisters Home after it was razed earlier this month. The capsule was formally opened two days prior at the Historical Society’s John Smart House on North Elmwood Avenue, a ceremony I was unable to attend, so I met up with Feron after the fact for my own private viewing.
Damaged documents and newspapers, a pendant and a few coins were spread out on a table for my examining when in walks in two representatives of the property’s owners, Eschelon Senior Living Group LLC., heated over the capsule being opened without their permission or inclusion whatsoever. Neither Feron or I expected the visit.
While the capsule and its contents are likely worth next to nothing, Eschelon representatives, with their attorney on speakerphone, argued the property was legally theirs to open based on the demolition agreement with the contractor who found it. Eschelon planned to use the time capsule materials in their new senior living community currently being constructed on the same site as a way to honor the Pythians’ long local legacy.
They considered taking the property right then and there, while Feron contended the materials are in the possession of the Historical Society now and would need to be “de-assessed” by the board.
“People bring stuff into our door every week and we assess them into our collection,” Feron said. “We have issues sometimes where stuff is donated and relatives come out of the blue saying ‘that was great-grandma’s; I want it.’”
Read more about the situation inside.
Classy move
Once passionately opposed to the idea of an addiction treatment being close to their homes, going as far as speaking out at public meetings and thoroughly researching alternative locations, the Bankers Row Historic Neighborhood Association has now extended a gesture of peace.
Robby’s, the county’s newest recovery resource center and eventual restaurant, opened July 17 in the former Medina Steak & Seafood building on West Liberty Street, a controversial location given the building’s 159-year history and proximity to two contrasting neighborhoods.
Robby’s director, Dave Caperton, a 40-year recovering alcoholic, read a note that was sent to him during the facility’s ribbon cutting ceremony:
Dear Robby’s, We welcome you to our neighborhood and wish you success as you work to preserve lives and historical stewardship in our community. – Bankers Row Historic Neighborhood Association
Medina County Court of Common Pleas Judge Joyce Kimbler – whose court, along with the county probation department, is working with Robby’s to help offenders – spoke to this point during Robby’s dedication.
“Medina County is a community that supports the community within,” Kimbler said. “I’m told downstate in Columbus there’s something called the ‘Medina model,’ which is that, as a community, we come together and we look for ways to solve problems and then look for ways collaboratively to get it done and we don’t spend our time fighting, we don’t spend our time hand-wringing. We spend our time problem solving, cooperating.”
Read more inside.
Singin’ Jr.
Step into Grauman’s Chinese Theatre this summer as 33 young actors, ranging in age from 10-16, take to the stage for “Singin’ in the Rain, Jr.,” a fitting selection with the passing of the great Debbie Reynolds late last year.
“This production celebrates three years of collaboration between the Medina County Arts Foundation’s Fred Hargrove Young Artists and Buckeye Community Theatre,” said Amy Partee, president of Buckeye Community Theatre. “Partnering on two shows a year provides unparalleled opportunity for local youth to experience live theatre and further develop their skills and passion, from beginners to ‘old’ pros.”
Curtain goes up at Medina High School’s middle stage Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and continues Aug. 5 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. They are available for purchase now online at bctohio.org and at the door starting one hour before show time.
“When it comes to the classics, the imagery and sound of Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds really are what make this great film, and the stage adaptation, iconic,” said Mike Sferro, president of the Medina County Arts Foundation. “Getting to partner with Buckeye Community Theatre to combine our strengths to support and engage young artists, and to showcase entertaining and timeless stories, is really what it’s all about.”
Contact me
As always, I look forward to hearing from you and will gladly accept news tips at kmcmanus@thepostnewspapers.com.
Make it a great week, Medina.
I just happened to be there for the dispute by sheer coincidence.
I met with the society’s president, Brian Feron, July 17 to go through the contents of a small copper box recovered from the cornerstone of the former Pythian Sisters Home after it was razed earlier this month. The capsule was formally opened two days prior at the Historical Society’s John Smart House on North Elmwood Avenue, a ceremony I was unable to attend, so I met up with Feron after the fact for my own private viewing.
Damaged documents and newspapers, a pendant and a few coins were spread out on a table for my examining when in walks in two representatives of the property’s owners, Eschelon Senior Living Group LLC., heated over the capsule being opened without their permission or inclusion whatsoever. Neither Feron or I expected the visit.
While the capsule and its contents are likely worth next to nothing, Eschelon representatives, with their attorney on speakerphone, argued the property was legally theirs to open based on the demolition agreement with the contractor who found it. Eschelon planned to use the time capsule materials in their new senior living community currently being constructed on the same site as a way to honor the Pythians’ long local legacy.
They considered taking the property right then and there, while Feron contended the materials are in the possession of the Historical Society now and would need to be “de-assessed” by the board.
“People bring stuff into our door every week and we assess them into our collection,” Feron said. “We have issues sometimes where stuff is donated and relatives come out of the blue saying ‘that was great-grandma’s; I want it.’”
Read more about the situation inside.
Classy move
Once passionately opposed to the idea of an addiction treatment being close to their homes, going as far as speaking out at public meetings and thoroughly researching alternative locations, the Bankers Row Historic Neighborhood Association has now extended a gesture of peace.
Robby’s, the county’s newest recovery resource center and eventual restaurant, opened July 17 in the former Medina Steak & Seafood building on West Liberty Street, a controversial location given the building’s 159-year history and proximity to two contrasting neighborhoods.
Robby’s director, Dave Caperton, a 40-year recovering alcoholic, read a note that was sent to him during the facility’s ribbon cutting ceremony:
Dear Robby’s, We welcome you to our neighborhood and wish you success as you work to preserve lives and historical stewardship in our community. – Bankers Row Historic Neighborhood Association
Medina County Court of Common Pleas Judge Joyce Kimbler – whose court, along with the county probation department, is working with Robby’s to help offenders – spoke to this point during Robby’s dedication.
“Medina County is a community that supports the community within,” Kimbler said. “I’m told downstate in Columbus there’s something called the ‘Medina model,’ which is that, as a community, we come together and we look for ways to solve problems and then look for ways collaboratively to get it done and we don’t spend our time fighting, we don’t spend our time hand-wringing. We spend our time problem solving, cooperating.”
Read more inside.
Singin’ Jr.
Step into Grauman’s Chinese Theatre this summer as 33 young actors, ranging in age from 10-16, take to the stage for “Singin’ in the Rain, Jr.,” a fitting selection with the passing of the great Debbie Reynolds late last year.
“This production celebrates three years of collaboration between the Medina County Arts Foundation’s Fred Hargrove Young Artists and Buckeye Community Theatre,” said Amy Partee, president of Buckeye Community Theatre. “Partnering on two shows a year provides unparalleled opportunity for local youth to experience live theatre and further develop their skills and passion, from beginners to ‘old’ pros.”
Curtain goes up at Medina High School’s middle stage Aug. 4 at 7:30 p.m. and continues Aug. 5 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. and Aug. 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for seniors and students. They are available for purchase now online at bctohio.org and at the door starting one hour before show time.
“When it comes to the classics, the imagery and sound of Gene Kelly, Donald O’Connor and Debbie Reynolds really are what make this great film, and the stage adaptation, iconic,” said Mike Sferro, president of the Medina County Arts Foundation. “Getting to partner with Buckeye Community Theatre to combine our strengths to support and engage young artists, and to showcase entertaining and timeless stories, is really what it’s all about.”
Contact me
As always, I look forward to hearing from you and will gladly accept news tips at kmcmanus@thepostnewspapers.com.
Make it a great week, Medina.