You know what they say about April showers: Whit & Whimsey

BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- If the weather reports hold true, by the time you read this, Brunswick will have a few new lakes (previously known as ditches.)

After those thunderous storms on Wednesday (April 2), there were already overflows all around.

We had a small pond in our front yard, which has soaked in. But I doubt there’s much more soaking room left in the ground.

At least the daffodils are beginning to bloom.

I admit I’ve been out of the loop while concentrating on Brunswick Area Historical Society work, so I drove around a bit on Thursday and was amazed at how huge the fire station on Hadcock Road is going to be.

Have you driven by? I turned down the side street and took a photo between homes.

It’s also nice to see lines of cars at the Cool Beans coffee shop drive-thru, which doesn’t hold its official grand opening until April 24.

And when I drove past the new Applewood Elementary School parking lot -- and the “pond” on the other side of the lot -- I wondered if they had planned to have a duck swimming there.

Because one lone waterfowl was occupying the puddle while I watched.

Beautiful baskets: The Brunswick Area Historical Society has 17 amazing baskets being raffled online this month.

Head over to https://www.zeffy.com/ticketing/basket-raffle-2. The raffle can also be found on our Facebook page, and it will hopefully be on the website soon.

If you’d like to see the baskets in person, stop between 6 and 8 p.m. April 10 and 15 in the “new” school building at Heritage Farm, 4613 Laurel Road.

The raffle winners will be drawn on April 24 at the historical society’s membership meeting at Goodyear’s Big Barn, 691 Pearl Road.

Again, you don’t need to be present to win.

Hooping it up: Four Kidder Elementary School students represented Ohio and brought home championship honors at a prestigious cross-regional Math Hoops Tournament in Detroit over spring break.

The students were the only Ohio team invited to participate in this special four-team tournament.

The team of Bailey Simon and Connor Blankenship earned the championship title, while Carter Catron and Tyberius Richards also went undefeated in their bracket.

They were supported by Kidder student Braylon Taylor, who traveled to Detroit to cheer on his classmates.

“Congratulations to our Math Hoops champions from Kidder Elementary,” said Brunswick City Schools Superintendent Jason Niedermeyer.

“This accomplishment is another great example of how our teachers make learning fun and meaningful for students.

“This achievement highlights the strong foundation of mathematical knowledge our students are building, combined with perseverance and dedication to mastering new skills.

“The teamwork displayed throughout this competition process also reflects the collaborative spirit we foster across our district,” he said.

“Programs like Math Hoops bring academic concepts to life in ways that engage students and help them develop the critical thinking and effective communication skills that are central to the Journey of a Blue Devil.”

The Math Hoops program combines basketball and math skills, engaging students in educational gameplay that reinforces mathematical concepts while promoting teamwork and strategic thinking.

Following the tournament, the students were treated to dinner and tickets to the Cavaliers vs. Pistons game, where they enjoyed the experience from premium gondola seating.

“Mrs. (Elizabeth) Rinkes’ dedication to creating meaningful learning experiences that connect mathematics to real-world applications exemplifies the innovative teaching happening throughout our district,” Niedermeyer.

“We are grateful for how she and teachers across our district inspire and challenge our students every day.”

One of a kind: When Myra Riggs graduated from Brunswick High School in 1966, she held the title of Miss Brunswick -- the last to be selected, as those kinds of honors are no longer given at the school.

Myra June Johnson (nee Riggs), 77, passed away March 28 after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease and lung cancer.

Myra was a longtime Brunswick and Medina County resident.

For 53 years, she was a very talented hair designer, esthetician, makeup artist and, during many of those years, a successful salon owner of Hairitage Court in Medina.

Her passion for making everyone look and feel special was a truly talented gift.

She really was a special person, and we want to add our condolences to her extended family and many friends.

Get out and walk or run: The Debbie Hopkins Memorial 5K Run, 1-Mile Walk and Kids Dash is scheduled for April 12, at Crestview Elementary School, 300 W. 130th St.

This event honors the legacy of Debbie Hopkins, a beloved educator who dedicated over 30 years of her life to teaching and positively impacting the lives of students in the Brunswick City School District.

Debbie was more than a teacher; she was a coach, adviser and mentor who created a warm, student-centered learning environment emphasizing life lessons, growth and success.

Her husband, Dale Hopkins, founded Passionate Educators to continue her legacy of inspiring and supporting educators.

This nonprofit organization works to honor extraordinary educators and make meaningful contributions to the education community.

The event, hosted in collaboration with the Crestview Elementary School PTO and Passionate Educators Inc., is an opportunity to celebrate Debbie’s impact, unite the community and support the ongoing mission of cultivating educational excellence.

For detailed race information, including registration fees, start times, packet pickup instructions and sponsorship opportunities, visit the official event website, https://runsignup.com/Race/OH/Brunswick/DebbieHopkinsMemorialRun.

Participants can register online, sign up to volunteer or donate directly through the website.

Ray of Hope: The Ray of Hope seniors at Hope Church, 1905 Pearl Road, are having lunch at noon April 17 in the Garage.

Pizza will be provided. Bring your favorite salad or dessert to share.

Jeff Laird, who writes and edits content for Got Questions Ministries, is the guest speaker.

The event is free to attend. Sign up today so they can save you a seat, and invite a friend! You can sign up online at https://hopebrunswick.breezechms.com/form/82bead318149087471751397947521267662276322339632730594 or in the Café (April 6-13).

Don’t forget: At 10 a.m. Palm Sunday (April 13), Brunswick United Methodist Church will have Pete the donkey from Spring Mist Farm leading the children in a Parade of Palms.

A Maundy Thursday service will be held at 7 p.m. April 17, where everyone will have an opportunity to sit at the table for the last supper and take communion.

Not Just a Pretty Dress: The Medina County Historical Society is presenting a new display at the McDowell-Phillips House Museum, 205 S. Prospect St. in Medina, starting May 18.

“Not Just A Pretty Dress” is a chance to view wedding gowns, related apparel and traditions from the 1820s to the 1970s.

More than 25 wedding gowns and apparel -- some never displayed before -- will be featured.

Open houses are from 1 to 4 p.m. on the third Sunday of the month, May through September. Private tours are available on Fridays.

Admission for non-members is $10 per adult, $9 for seniors 65 and older and $7 for those 8-18. No charge for children younger than 7.

Call 330-722-1341 or email mchs@zoominternet.net for information and to schedule.

Teens get set for success: As we get closer to summer break, many teens are applying for summer jobs to enhance their resume for college applications.

Being a summer camp counselor is a great way for teens to showcase the leadership skills many colleges and universities are looking for, as well as develop skills that can help prepare them for their future career.

Natisha Bowling, senior vice president of youth development at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland, can offer insight into how a camp counselor role can develop specific leadership skills among teens and prepare them for future success, including learning to lead, developing leadership skills, building a resume and more.

Interested candidates can apply now for summer camp counselor positions at the YMCA of Greater Cleveland. Visit https://www.clevelandymca.org/careers for more information and to apply online.

Help and be rewarded: This April, the American Red Cross urges individuals to give lifesaving blood or platelets now as seasonal travel ramps up.

Spring break and holidays can make it challenging to keep donation appointments, but each donation is critical to patient care.

All who come to give in April will be automatically entered for a chance to win a $5,000 gift card. There will be three lucky winners.

Additionally, those who come to give April 1-13 will receive a $15 Amazon.com Gift Card by email.

All who come to give later in the month -- April 14-30 -- will receive an exclusive Red Cross T-shirt, while supplies last.

See RedCrossBlood.org/Hope for details on all three offers.

The following Bloodmobiles are available close to home:

• Brunswick -- noon to 6 p.m. April 14 at Brunswick United Methodist Church, 1395 Pearl Road.

• Medina -- 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. April 11 at the Medina Community Recreation Center, 855 Weymouth Road.

Latin influences: Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) and the Wadsworth Public Library continue Live at the Library, showcasing Duo Colombiano at 2 p.m. May 4 at the Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St.

Kurt Reed (guitar) and David Londono (cello) have roots in the South American country of Colombia, bringing the musical traditions of this heritage to their performances.

They perform music from the New York City jazz clubs of the 1940s all the way to contemporary pop music, while highlighting the Latin influences.

This program is free. Seating is on a first-come, first-served basis.

To assure a seat, register at https://ormaco.org/z-duo-colombiano/.

For more information, call 419-853-6016.

Advocate program: Community members will soon be speaking up in court for local children in need, as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) program officially launches in Medina County.

The Children’s Center of Medina County will add a new local CASA program to its network of services, thanks to collaboration from the Medina County Juvenile and Probate Court, Judge Kevin W. Dunn and the Ohio CASA/GAL Association.

“As judge I am most excited to have engaged in the collaboration to form a CASA program that will be beneficial to the community, families and children that are court involved,” Dunn said.

“Kudos to The Children’s Center and Medina County Job and Family Services for their ongoing support.”

CASA volunteers are community members of all walks of life who advocate for children experiencing abuse and neglect.

Volunteers complete a screening process and undergo comprehensive training. They will be part of a larger state and national network.

In 2025, there will be 48 CASA programs serving children in 62 Ohio counties, now including Medina County.

“Our team is honored and excited to launch a CASA program in our community,” said Ashley Krause, executive director of The Children’s Center of Medina County.

“There is a need for caring adults to speak up for children, many of whom are in the foster care system.”

The Children’s Center of Medina County is currently looking for a program director to lead CASA efforts and work with volunteers.

Candidates should possess an undergraduate degree in a field related to child welfare, a passion for advocacy and a strong knowledge of the Medina County community.

Upon hiring a program director and completing the National CASA New Development Process, the CASA program will begin accepting volunteers.

If you are interested in applying for the program director position, visit medinacountychildrenscenter.org/careers/ and email a resume and cover letter to Krause at akrause@medinacountychildrenscenter.org.

Contact Boyer at samboyersunnews@yahoo.com.