The Grapevine

Jim Hower, former Bath Firefighter. Photo submitted.

The late Jim Hower, a longtime Bath Fire Department member and community leader, left a $3.8 million estate to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Conservancy, the largest individual gift in its history. The donation will support maintenance and improvements to the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath Trail, a treasured resource for millions of visitors.

Hower, who served 47 years with the Bath Fire Department – 32 as assistant fire chief – was known for his dedication to service, leadership and mentoring. Even after retiring, he continued serving through the Bath Township Zoning Commission. His family’s impact on the Akron area is evident, from Central Hower High School to the Hower House Museum.

In the Conservancy’s magazine, CVNP Superintendent Lisa Petit said, “We are honored this gift comes from someone who truly loved the park and the Towpath Trail, ensuring its care well into the future.” Jim’s generosity and commitment leave a lasting legacy for the community he loved.

Revere High School’s “R Leadership Club,” founded three years ago by varsity baseball coach and math teacher Steve Wido, continues to empower student-athletes with leadership skills and foster unity across the Revere sports program. 

The club gathers around 50 athletes monthly from all sports, including football, volleyball, baseball, softball, soccer and more, with the goal of uniting Revere’s teams and building a stronger, connected athletic community. Each meeting features guest speakers, often Revere alumni, who share how their high school athletic experiences have shaped their personal and professional lives.

Colton Carmichael speaks to a new generation of Revere athletes. Photo submitted.

At a recent meeting, 2022 Revere graduate Colton Carmichael returned to speak. Now a junior at Morehead State University in Kentucky, Colton studies accounting and is a long snapper on the university football team. In his speech, he emphasized qualities he believes are vital to leadership: being approachable, demonstrating commitment and fostering belief in oneself and others.

Colton, the son of Bart and Lisa Carmichael, expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying he was honored to give back to his alma mater. He enjoyed seeing current students who reminded him of where he was just a few years ago and valued the chance to offer insight and inspire the next generation of Revere athletes. His brother, Logan, is a sophomore in college, and his sister, Halen, is a sixth-grader at Revere Middle School.

Revere High School graduate Erin Brown Thomas ’22 is making waves in the film industry as a writer, director and producer. Her latest project CHASERS, a 31-minute episodic pilot, premiered at the Sundance Film Festival. Out of 16,000 submissions, only 150 were selected, and CHASERS was one of just three in its category. It is also the first narrative project to be selected for both the Sundance and Slamdance festivals. In addition to CHASERS, Erin wrote three other films that were also screened at Sundance.

Erin Brown Thomas. Photo submitted.

CHASERS is filmed in one continuous shot, a technique known as a “oner,” which adds an element of suspense and creates an immersive experience for the audience. The story explores the exploitation of hope, wrapped in dark humor. Erin has long been passionate about telling this particular story, and her approach highlights her bold vision and dedication to pushing the boundaries of filmmaking. Her goal is for CHASERS to evolve into a TV series.

Erin credits her Revere School teachers and the community for their role in her creative journey. Laurie Russell,librarian and theater teacher, inspired Erin to explore theater and storytelling. Suzanne Foster, a longtime substitute teacher, encouraged Erin’s passion for creative writing. Paulette Colantone, her graphic art and photography teacher, and Ed Wilson, who gave Erin her first camera, both provided guidance in visual storytelling. Throughout this time, Erin said Wade Vantrease has also been a source of support.

Erin is the daughter of Lauren Reed Brown and Thomas Brown, who supported her artistic passions from an early age. Growing up with her sister Kelly Brown, a sought-after photographer in L.A., Erin was constantly inspired to explore creative pursuits. Together, Erin and Kelly filmed dance routines and plays, laying the foundation for Erin’s future in filmmaking.

Erin graduated from Malone University. She now lives in Los Angeles with her husband, Jake Thomas, and their cats. Her journey from Bath to Hollywood is a testament to the power of community, mentorship and the nurturing of creative passion. To view the CHASERS trailer, visit erinbrownthomas.com.

Over 80 local “Swifties,” ranging from kindergarten to sixth grade, gathered for an unforgettable Taylor Swift-themed party hosted by the Revere High School softball team. The event featured games, music and plenty of excitement, all while raising funds for the team’s upcoming spring trip to Orlando. Thank you all for sharing and inspiring our readers with your exciting accomplishments and kind commitments to the community and others. I would love to tell more stories and celebrate your good news, so please continue to send them to me at avukoder@gmail.com