OLMSTED FALLS, Ohio -- A light rain did not dampen the spirits of little goblins, princesses and Spiderman heroes at Sunday’s Fall-O-Ween festivities.
A steady and lengthy line of costumed children and their parents paraded around the Grand Pacific Junction parking lot receiving treats from local organizations, businesses and others who wanted to be involved in this festive event.
Ava Fonseca was with other Olmsted Falls High School Key Club members who handed out candy. She was enjoying the moment.
“I love the smiles of the kids when we give them candy,” said the Bulldog sophomore. “It’s been fun.”
Dan and Sara Wendt attended the event with their children Autumn and Thea. They were glad they came.
“It’s nice to see the community coming together again,” Dan said. “It’s been a rough year.”
The event was not held last year due to, yes, Covid 19. It was scaled down minus the “haunted” pedestrian bridge over Plum Creek and a few others, but the city’s Park and Recreation Board brought it back co-sponsoring it with Grand Pacific Junction.
Amy Gaffney helped spearhead this year’s event. She said the number of people “amazed” her as the line wrapped the Junction’s parking lot onto Mill Street.
“This is an excellent turnout,” she said. “We just want to give back to the community like in past years. Yes, there was a little rain, but so many people looked forward to this. I think we all need something like this after the year (Covid) we’ve had.”
Magician Magic Blake, Imaginos Dinosaur and Dough Daddy Donuts Food Truck added to the festivities. Local photographer Amy Quinlan offered no-charge photo sessions for the revelers, which families could order from her website.
It may seem like a long Halloween season, but I agree with Amy that it was something we have been longing to be part of and celebrate this year. A special thanks to all those who helped organize the event and those who handed out tricks or treats. You all are very much appreciated.
Final voting! You have until 11:59 p.m. Sunday (Oct. 31) to vote for your top three contestants in the Olmsted Chamber of Commerce Fright Fight Decorating Competition.
Be sure to check out all the 21 competitors throughout Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township. Some have received amazing attention in social media.
The address list with a map and voting link are on the chamber’s website, olmstedchamber.org.
It has been such great fun to see all the competitors and visitors to each of them.
Costume contest: Olmsted Township has a costume contest occurring on its Facebook page.
The Spooktacular Costume Contest includes those who attended the township’s drive-thru Halloween Safety Open House Oct. 17 and had their pictures taken at the photo op straw bale site.
Simply go to the Olmsted Township Facebook page and “like” the photo of your favorite costume. The photo with the most “likes” is the winner. Voting remains open until noon this Friday (Oct. 29.) Winners will be announced later that day.
New Eagle Scouts: Congratulations to five members of Olmsted Falls Boy Scout Troop 201 who just celebrated their Eagle Scout Court of Honor.
The Eagle Scout rank is the highest attainable as a scout and requires much work, dedication – and fun. The troop’s most recent Eagle Scouts are Rafael Lofton, Jacob Lambert, Kyle Mallory, Jonathan Hubeny and Thomas Williams. They recently gathered for their Eagle Court, a ceremony that has been postponed due to Covid 19. Listed below are descriptions of their Eagle Scout projects.
Rafael achieved his Eagle Rank in August 2020. He is a Bulldog sophomore. He built a gaga ball pit at Olmsted Falls Middle School for his Eagle Project. This involved the construction of a 20-foot octagon that the students use to play gaga ball during recess.
Jacob reached his Eagle in September 2020. He is an Olmsted Falls High grad and currently serving in the U.S. Navy. He renovated the children’s room in Olmsted Bible Church for his program. This included building activity tables, painting the walls and refinishing the floors.
Kyle achieved his Eagle in November 2020. He is an Olmsted Falls sophomore. His Eagle Project was renovating the Sacred Heart Grotto at St. Mary of the Falls Church. This involved extensive cleaning of the rock walls and patio as well as landscaping around the grotto.
Jonathan reached Eagle in September 2021. He is a Bulldog senior. He rehabilitated the school’s tennis courts, built a new practice wall and landscaped the grounds for his project.
Thomas achieved Eagle in September 2021. He is a freshman at St. Ignatius High School. For his Eagle Project he built picnic tables for the courtyard at Olmsted Falls High School so students may eat lunch outdoors.
Congratulations to these fine Eagle Scouts, their family and the troop.
Book signing: David E. Grogan, 1977 Bulldog grad, will sign his latest book, “The Hidden Key,” from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday (Oct. 30) at Angelina’s Pizza, 8155 Columbia Road, in the Mill River Plaza.
Dave was active duty in the U. S. Navy for more than 26 years as a Navy Judge Advocate. His books involve Steve Stilwell, a Navy JAG attorney, who finds himself in various daring situations around the world. His previous books are “The Siegel Dispositions” and “Sapphire Pavilion.”
Why not stop by Saturday, say hello to a Bulldog author and buy one, or all, of his books. They will keep you in suspense and wanting to hear more of Stilwell’s adventures.
Dave, who now lives in Savoy, Illinois, is the son of Mike Grogan, a St. Mary of the Falls parishioner. Mike lives in Olmsted Township.
Community meal: Saint Innocent Orthodox Church offers a free monthly meal. Each is served at 5 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month. One does not have to register. Just come into the church and sign in at the meal.
The church is located at 8526 Usher Road. For more details, call 440-235-4558 or go to its website, saintinnocent.org.
Helping others: Crossroads Hospice & Palliative Care in Cleveland is seeking positive, energetic and compassionate volunteers.
Volunteers provide direct comfort, companionship and a helping hand to terminally-ill patients and their families in their homes, assisted living and nursing facilities. Volunteers may help in running errands for a patient, sharing in favorite activities or just providing company. The role of a Crossroads volunteer is needed and fulfilling, according to its news release. First-time volunteers receive ample support, including a training program and regular feedback. There are also administrative assignments for those who prefer this type of volunteerism. Volunteers may be as young as 16. Students are welcomed.
For more details about volunteering at Crossroads, contact Pamela Richey McClain, 216-654-9300 or go to crossroadshopice.com/volunteering.
Leaf raking: Be sure to put your name on the list for this year’s Yard Charge that is set for Nov. 13.
This free community contribution involves local youth groups and adults donating their time in raking leaves for those who need help in this endeavor.
Residents of Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township may contact Sandra Graham at 440-235-2588 or email her at slgwhit81@gmail.com to sign up for this program. Olmsted Township also has a list. Add your name by calling 440-235-3099 or email cbert@olmstedtownship.org.
Information, please: To include news, tidbits, honors or activities in Olmsted Falls and Olmsted Township, contact Joanne DuMound at jdumound@yahoo.com. She is also on Twitter, @JoanneDuMound. The column’s online version at cleveland.com/olmsted has direct links for many news items.
Ad Choices