Fire dept. prepping for annual Story Time

The Painesville Recreation Department will host its third annual Story Time with the Fire Department at 6 p.m. Sept. 2.

Firefighters will read stories to elementary school children and younger at the Painesville Gazebo in Veteran’s Park.

Fire Chief Tom Hummel said the event looks to bring together the community members and the fire department that protects those members.

“It’s a chance for them to see something they don’t get to see every day,” Hummel said. “It’s a chance to get up close, within reason, with the fire department and to get a chance to interact with members of the public in a nonemergency situation.”

Hummel said due to the novel coronavirus, the fire department has not been able to interact with the community as much as it generally does.

“We’ve been missing our opportunity this year to be out in the public,” Hummel said. “With COVID this year, we have had absolutely zero public interaction in a non-emergency situation.”

Recreation Supervisor Kevin Cindric, said the event takes into consideration the concerns of the virus and has been adjusted accordingly.

“We’re offering a safe environment,” Cindric said. “We’re going to have enough space for social distancing. It’s a great chance for families to come out and get a fun family experience in a safe manner. This is a safe, small event that we can run and really get the kids excited.”

Cindric said that some changes will occur this year because of COVID-19.

“In years past, we’ve actually run this event right outside the fire station, but it’s a real small area,” he said. “This year, we’re actually moving into the Veterans Park. It gives us a lot more space. The firefighters

“We’re going to place cones out in the grass so that the families can each pick a cone. … They’re going to be well-spaced, more than six feet apart.” — Painesville Recreation Supervisor Kevin Cindric

can be on the gazebo where they’re going to read.”

Cindric said there will be spots marked to ensure proper social distancing.

“We’re going to place cones out in the grass so that the families can each pick a cone,” he said. “They’re going to be well-spaced, more than six feet apart.”