Looking for fall color? Don’t go to the car dealership: Whit & Whimsey

BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- Well, who knew there was so much to learn about why there are so many white cars.As I mentioned in my column a couple of weeks ago, I’ve been feeling overwhelmed by the lack of color in parking lots and on the road. It was time to take my car for its first service checkup, so I asked the folks at Ken Ganley Kia in Medina, “Why are there so many white cars, especially SUVs?”The first employee said, “I’d really like to know, too.” Then Bryan said, “33 percent of cars made in America are white and they are more prevalent in the South because of the heat.” Yes, white reflects heat. But don’t we all have air-conditioning?Pete said, “I don’t have any idea, but I know what you mean -- my wife couldn’t wait for her white SUV, and my daughter also has one.” He did say that my favorite, silver, was no longer available because people got tired of it because there were so many. I’m hoping that means the white era is on the way out. Next I decided to ask artificial intelligence -- it’s usually good at statistics. And AI says that globally, 31 to 34 percent of new passenger vehicles are white, making it the most popular car color in the world. And Bryan’s statistic was backed up -- 33 percent in the USA. And as for being more popular in hot climates, it also says 37 percent of the vehicles in South America are white. It warns that gray is the fasted gaining color (wonder if my morning-haze-color qualifies?).Another reason cited? People believe it’s easier to sell a white used car than one with a brighter color. Really?Brunswick resident Carol Gannon agreed with my observations about the lack of color. “I’ve lamented the lack of colors on cars for years. Not for me! I’ve always had blue, green, red, butterscotch and teal cars. “Well, there was one white one, because it was a classic VW, but otherwise I’ve never owned a black, white or gray car. “Love my Seamist PT Cruiser, and I get compliments on it all the time. Chrysler only made that color for four months, so they’re rare.”Hooray for Carol and for color!The trees in the side lot at Ken Ganley Kia in Medina have a lot more color than the cars.Sam BoyerWow, what an honor: The Ohio Schools Council has announced that its longtime executive director (and former Brunswick resident, school board member and business manager), William Zelei, has received the Lifetime Achievement Award from the Buckeye Association of School Administrators (BASA). The award was presented Oct. 6 at BASA’s annual conference in Columbus.The prestigious award recognizes exceptional leadership and lasting contributions to public education in Ohio. Awarded selectively rather than annually, the honor reflects the significant impact of Zelei’s leadership and service to Ohio’s school districts for more than 55 years.Having covered his career for many years, it’s really exciting to hear what the BASA said about Bill.“Dr. Zelei’s more than five decades in education have been defined by a commitment to strengthening schools, supporting communities and creating better opportunities for students,” said Dr. David Axner, executive director of BASA. “His leadership has made a lasting difference, not only for the educators and school districts he has served, but for generations of students and families.” Zelei was born in Cleveland and grew up in Garfield Heights, eventually residing in Brunswick from 1974 to 1991 and in Hinckley Township from 1992 to 2019. He currently lives in Willoughby Hills. He is a graduate of Holy Name High School ‘67, John Carroll University ‘71, Urbana College ‘79, Cleveland State University ‘83 and ‘91, and the University of Akron ‘04.He began his career as a language arts teacher, instructing from 1971 to 1974 at the middle school and high school level. From 1975 to 1983, Zelei was the assistant director and director of personnel for the Ohio Lottery Commission. He then moved to the private sector. In 1983, he was elected to the Brunswick Board of Education and served as a board member from 1984 to 1987. This experience drew him back to education. In 1986, he became the business manager for Laurel School in Shaker Heights for one year before taking on the business manager role at Brunswick City Schools. There, he eventually became assistant superintendent, serving the school district from 1987 to 1994.He then held the business manager position with the South Euclid-Lyndhurst School District until 1998, then became the superintendent there from 1998 to 2011. “I am deeply honored to receive the Lifetime Achievement Award from BASA,” he said.“Throughout my career, I’ve had the privilege of working alongside dedicated school leaders who are committed every day to creating stronger schools and better opportunities for Ohio’s students. “I’m grateful to have played a part in that work and to have been surrounded by colleagues and partners who share that commitment. “This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects the collective efforts of so many people who work tirelessly on behalf of public education.”Wish I could go: Many of you know that my colleague of many years, Brian Lisik, is a noted musician, especially in the Akron-Canton area. And he has a new album coming out, debuting at an event by Event by The Rialto Theatre.You can join Brian at 4:30 p.m. Nov. 7 in The Rialto Living Room for the album release show of “The Slovak Club!” with special guest Rachel Roberts. Seating is limited, so grab your tickets now! https://www.therialtotheatre.com/tickets/brian-lisik-presents-the-slovak-club-album-release-show-with-rachel-roberts-11072026 You can also learn more about Brian and his music on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/brianlisikmusicThe Chosen: This is exciting. Hope Church, 1905 Pearl Road, has been selected to host an early-access screening of the first episode of Season 6 of “The Chosen.” I know lots of you are excited for the new season, so here’s a rare chance to get a head start. The free screening will be at 6:30 p.m. Oct. 26 in the worship center. No tickets or registration are required.Entertainment: Local residents who may be in Florida Nov. 8 might want to get to the Blue Bamboo Art Center in Winter Haven for a night of Broadway and Hollywood favorites with Brunswick native Shawn Kilgore and his partner, Natalie Cordone. Think classic songs, glamorous costumes, a live three-piece band and two singers who have a pretty good time sharing the stage. STAGE TO SCREEN will be on stage at 8 p.m., and the duo always gets rave reviews. Details and ticket information can be found at https://bluebamboocenterfortheartsinc.ticketspice.com/cordone-kilgores-stage-to-screen-11-6-26?ct=t(EMAIL_CAMPAIGN_3_4_2025_18_29_COPY_02)Craft fair time: Remsen Christian Church’s annual craft fair is from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Nov. 14, featuring more than 40 crafters with no direct sales. There will be 50-plus craft baskets to raffle, along with a quilt and golf package thanks to Ridge Top Golf course. A bake sale will include the church’s famous pumpkin rolls. Lunch will also be available. No pets, please. Remsen Christian Church is located at 1500 Remsen Road in Medina. Halloween fun reminder: The annual Trunk or Treat at Brunswick United Methodist Church is from 4 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 25. It’s a fun, safe alternative for families and includes food, crafts, face painting and lots of decorated car trunks in the parking lot. So get out the costumes and stop by.And all are welcome to St. Ambrose Parish’s annual Trick or Treat event from 6 to 8 p.m. Oct. 30 on the parish grounds. Festive decorating will transform the parish into the perfect place to celebrate some Halloween fun! Invite all your friends and families and come in your best costume as you visit more than 25 candy stations, displays and stops along the way. There will be food trucks, games, lots of lights, music from a DJ and more for a safe and fun family evening. Festive holiday open houses: An annual holiday tradition, the Medina County Historical Society (MCHS) returns with holiday open houses at the John Smart House, 206 N. Elmwood Ave. in Medina, and the McDowell-Phillips House, 205 S. Prospect St. in Medina.Come visit both museums on the same day! The McDowell-Phillips House will be decorated in the holiday spirit by local businesses, groups and MCHS members. Plus, the Gingerbread House Contest entries will be on display at the John Smart House. Come vote for your favorite! Both museums will be open on the following dates and times: 1 to 4 p.m. Nov. 8, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 21, 2 to 5 p.m. Dec. 13 and 1 to 4 p.m. Dec. 27.Additionally, there will be special hours for gingerbread viewing and voting at the John Smart House: 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 13 and 20 and Dec. 4 and 18. In celebration of America 250, admission is by donations at both museums. Th society is also collecting non-perishable food for local food pantries.Any questions, email mchs@zoominternet.net or call 330-722-1341 Contact Boyer at samboyersunnews@yahoo.com