News roundup for Feb. 5, 2021

Medina senior is February student of the month Medina High School senior Henry Allen has been named the school's February student of the month. His senior class schedule consists of College Credit Plus, Advance Placement and Honors courses. Allen is a member of the National Honor Society, a four-year member of Symphony Band and the Stardusters Jazz Ensemble, and a two-year member of the Musical Bees Marching Band, serving as a line leader for the trombone section this past season. He is also a member of the Symphony Orchestra. He volunteers in the Joyce B. Ebner Tutoring Center as a peer tutor and has volunteered at Grace Church, Medina East Campus Vacation Bible School. Also, he works at Rad Air Complete Car Care and Tire Center in Medina. After graduation, he plans on attending college to study aerospace engineering. Henry is the son of Erick and Allison Allen. Library issues kindergarten readiness challenge Children's librarians at Medina County District Library incorporate early literacy skills into everything they do, from story times to games, crafts and events. This resource is perfect for caregivers looking to get their youngsters ready for kindergarten. "In 2020, we missed the first full year of in-person engagement with many children in our community. They missed their first baby story time, silly puppet greetings and smiles for the librarians," said Brunswick Library Children's Supervisor Kelly Halleen. "We encourage parents to watch our virtual story times, read every night with your child and sing nursery rhymes at home until you are ready to visit us again. "As the parent of a preschooler, I am keenly aware of the concerns regarding social, emotional and academic skills due to COVID for our young families." The county library offers many activities to make learning fun at home and engage kids as they head to kindergarten. Activities include a virtual story time and events offered through the library's YouTube channel and Zoom, early literacy kids and discovery packs parents can pick up at local branches and parents are encouraged to enter the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten Challenge, a reading challenge with parents introducing their children to hundreds of books before heading off to school. Buckeye Library also has new Kinder Kits available for families through March. Kinder Kits were created by library associate Emily Smith because the library is unable to hold in-person Get Ready for Kindergarten events like they have in the past. "While Kindergarten Readiness programs held in person with children and caregivers are not an option this year, these kits make it easy for busy parents to just open the bag, grab a game or activity, and have fun learning with their child," Smith said. Learn more about kindergarten readiness at www.mcdl.info. Shanesville Candle Co. under new ownership Adam Hanzie purchased the Shanesville Candle Co., now known as Sterling Candle Co., in late December after the previous owner, Renee Miller, announced plans to retire. Miller was looking to sell her storefront R Classic Elements along with another business, Shanesville Candle, so she approached Wiles Hanzie Realty. Hanzie quickly learned what a great product Miller had, sold the real estate company and purchased the business himself and changed the name and is currently in the rebranding process for the now Sterling Candle Co. The Shanesville Candle Collection, based in Orrville, will continue to be a staple of the Sterling Candle Co. — from staff reports