Over the past few weeks, the Ohio trees certainly put on a vibrant color display, and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. Now the leaves are rapidly falling and reminding us that November is here, and it is the start of the holiday season when we are reminded to live in gratitude. Oprah Winfrey wisely counseled, “Be thankful for what you have; you’ll end up having more. If you concentrate on what you don’t have, you will never, ever have enough.” So, what are you thankful for?
I am thankful that the election, with all its negativity, is almost over! I am looking forward to fewer trees being cut down to make political ads, just to be tossed into my recycling bin. With that said, if you have not already done so, remember to vote tomorrow, Nov. 5! It is a privilege and a responsibility!
I am deeply grateful for my family! I am a culmination of those who came before me. I find great joy in those of the next generation and see hope for this world because of their goodness. Family is everything to me, and I love to hear other people share their love and devotion for their family.
I enjoyed talking to Catherine Cherevko the other day about her family. Her grandfather, Abraham Gild, opened his pizza shop in Akron in 1961 and brought A Gild Pizza to Brimfield in 2016. The “A” is for Abraham. I loved hearing her talk about what a hard worker he was, and she shared that he did three things every day – Farmer Boy Restaurant for breakfast, church, and pizza shop. Catherine related, “Grandpa cared more about quality food than money, and he worked at the shop until the day he was hospitalized and eventually passed away in 2021.”
Knowing that the pizza shop meant everything to her grandpa, Catherine is determined to keep his legacy alive. She and her husband have teamed up with Brimfield resident, Dale Cobbins, to soon re-open A Gild Pizza & Big DZZ House BBQ and MORE at 1064 Tallmadge Rd. Cobbins is well known for his cooking and catering skills and will be a co-owner and manager of the restaurant. Opening should be within a few weeks, as soon as all the permits are secured. Remember that “A” is for Abraham. The restaurant’s phone number is 330-677-3222.
I am thankful to live in a community where there are many family-centered activities and volunteer organizations that strive to make Brimfield a wonderful place to live. Following are perfect examples.
Brimfield Historical Society
Nov. 5, 4:00-7:00 p.m. – Annual Election Day Dinner at the historic Kelso House, 1458 State Route 43, Brimfield. Mike’s Place will cater a creamed chicken and biscuits dinner. Meals are $12 for adults and $5 for children 12 and under. Dine-in or carry-out available. New this year will be an opportunity to begin silent auction bidding on decorated mini-Christmas trees. The silent auction, benefiting the BHS, will end November 16 at their Yuletide Celebration. Questions can be directed to Kristie McMillen at 330-673-1964.
Nov. 16, 3:00 p.m. – Yuletide Celebration and Silent Mini-Tree Auction, held in the McCormick Heritage room of the BHS. Live music begins at 3:30 p.m. Appetizers, wine, and non-alcoholic beverages will be served, and the bidding on the trees will end. All are welcome.
The BHS is collecting Acme receipts, which can be placed in the container at the back of the Saxe house (green house closest to state Route 43).
Brimfield Lions Club
Nov. 28 – “Wobble Before You Gobble“ 5K Turkey Trot Walk/Run and 1 Mile Fitness Walk – Registration begins at 7:00 a.m. and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. (rain or shine) at the Brimfield Plaza in front of Subway. Cost to participate is 10 non-perishable food items or a cash donation, with all benefiting the Brimfield Community Food Cupboard. Strollers, wagons, and pets are welcome. For more information, contact Lion Jill Reitz at 330-931-8028.
Falcon Family Closet (FFC)
Nov. 9 & 23, 11:00 a.m.-1:00 p.m. – First Annual Falcon Family Closet Thanksgiving Food Drive – Non-perishable food can be brought to the Closet at 1473 Saxe Rd. (behind the football field). Refrigerated items will be accepted on Nov. 23. Food will be delivered to local families in need throughout the Thanksgiving season. For more information, contact Bernadette Moore at 330-524-7584 or at [email protected].
The FFC Winter Clothing Drive has begun and is collecting gently used winter coats, hats, mittens, gloves, boots, scarves, and socks. These items can be dropped off at the FFC during the Thanksgiving Food Drive or arrangements to drop off at other times can be made by contacting Bernadette Moore (see above).
German Family Society
Nov. 23, 9:00 a.m.-4:00 p.m. – Annual German Family Society Holiday Bazaar, 3871 Ranfield Rd. – Unique gifts and handcrafted items from over 25 artisans, along with German gifts, food and beverages. It is worth the trip if only for the authentic German cabbage rolls and homemade noodles.
Brimfield Township
Nov. 13, 8:00 a.m. – Township Trustee meeting at the Brimfield Community Center, 4538 Edosn Rd, Brimfield
Nov. 26, 6:00 p.m. – Township Trustee meeting at the Brimfield Community Center, 4538 Edosn Rd, Brimfield
Construction projects seem to be everywhere you turn in Brimfield. Here are a few updates:
- The move-in process for Brimfield’s new town hall offices is expected to begin this week.
- Joe’s BBQ finally received phased building permits to begin his restaurant.
- It appears that the vacant hotel on Route 43 by the I-76 westbound entrance ramp will be getting new life as a Fairfileld Inn by Marriott.
- Dollar General will soon be building on Tallmadge Rd. on the lot next to the Brimfield Family Restaurant.
- The Kenda Tire construction project is progressing on their new $10 million facility in the Maplecrest Industrial Park behind Meijer.
- The huge lot on Route 43, past Battaglias, is currently being graded for a condominium development.
- The VA Cancer Imaging and Infusion Center next to Kohl’s is being framed in.
- The driveway next to the VA Center leading to McGuire Park is being worked on and should be completed soon.
- Dunkin’ Donuts at 152 Tallmadge Rd. (across the street from Arby’s) completed footers and started the framing for their new building.
- Sheetz Gas Station construction continues with interior, site concrete and asphalt work.
- The Brimfield Community Center siding project is complete.
Brimfield Parks and Recreation
Nov. 10 – Snowplow Naming Submission Period Ends – Submit a creative name that will be proudly displayed on the Brimfield Township Road Department’s snowplow during the winter of 2024-2025! Read the Rules and Regulations in full before you submit any names. Email the Parks and Recreation Department at [email protected] to submit. Names must be sent in before the deadline to be included in the voting period. To view the rules or regulations or register for the contest visit www.brimfieldohio.gov.
Nov. 11 – Dec. 6 – Fourth Annual Holiday Tour of Lights Registration Period – Register your home to compete against other residents for the best light display determined by votes from the public. Visit Brimfield Township Parks and Recreation’s social media pages or website for registration information and contest rules. Register at www.brimfieldohio.gov.
Nov. 14, 1:00-3:00 p.m. – Timeless Memories Scrapbooking at the Brimfield Library –Cost and registration information can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.
Nov. 16, 8:00 a.m. – Breakfast with the Birds at McGuire Park – Join the Parks and Recreation Department for a hike, followed by breakfast pastries and hot beverages! No registration required, breakfast and beverages available while supplies last. Parking information can be found on the township website – www.brimfieldohio.gov.
Dec. 1, 5:00-7:00 p.m. – Hometown Christmas at the Town Green and Fire Station – Bring the family to a community holiday lighting extravaganza! Walk through a beautiful holiday light display, visit Santa Claus, and enjoy activities and treats from local community groups and businesses. No registration required!
Brimfield Police Department
Dec. 6, 5:45 p.m. – Polar Express Night – Held at The Event on Sunnybrook. New this year! The Brimfield Police Department presents a festive dinner, sponsored by US Foods and Mike’s Place, and movie night. Christmas pajamas and sweaters are appropriate attire. Tickets are $10 each, with children 2 and under free, and include dinner, movie, hot cocoa, cookies, craft activity, and a visit from Santa. Tickets are available at the Brimfield Police Department or by calling 330-673-7716, Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. All proceeds benefit the Brimfield Police Shop with a Cop program.
Young at Heart Club
Nov. 4, 10:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place Restaurant – RSVP DonnaRae Flannery at 330-592-4318
Nov. 8, 12:00 p.m. – Soup and Salad Lunch at Brimfield Community Center, 4538 Edson Rd. – For those bringing a crockpot of soup, call or text Camilla Taylor at 330-221-9253 to let her know what kind you are making.
Nov. 18, 10:00 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place Restaurant – RSVP DonnaRae Flannery at 330-592-4318
Dec. 6, 12:00 p.m. – Christmas Holiday Party at the American Legion, 1945 Mogadore Rd. Free with paid 2024 dues.
FYI – The next visit to Hartville Kitchen will be in January 2025.
Brimfield Branch – PC District Library
To register for events, contact the Brimfield Library or online at events.portagelibrary.org/events
Nov. 5, 4:00-5:00 p.m. – Chess Club (Registered Event) – Intended for grades 3-12.
Nov. 9, 10:30-11:00 a.m. – Fall Storytime for children
Nov. 12, 4:00-5:30 p.m. – Teen Art Club (Registered Event) – Intended for grades 7-12
Nov. 12, 5:30-7:00 p.m. – Adult Book Club – Discussion of “True Crime Addict” by James Renner, the true crime story about the author’s investigation of the mysterious disappearance of Maura Murray.
Nov. 13, 10:30-11:30 a.m. – Baby & Me Storytime – Songs and a story for baby and caregiver.
Nov. 13, 1:00-2:00 p.m. – Afternoon Book Club for adults and seniors. Copies of the book are available at the circulation desk.
Nov. 15, 10:30-11:00 a.m. – Fall Storytime for children
Nov. 16, 12:00-1:00 p.m. – Foundations of Investing for adults – Investing 101 with Bella Marshall from Edward Jones Investments.
Nov. 18, 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Tweens Art Club (Registered Event)
Nov. 19, 5:00-7:00 p.m. – Board Games for adults – Look for clues and crack the case in a board game taught by Jeremy.
Nov. 23, 10:30-11:00 a.m. – Fall Storytime for children.
Nov. 26, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Beginning Genealogy with Roger Marble. Learn how to dig into military records. Adults.
Nov. 30, 2:00-3:00 p.m. – Home Ownership – Helps potential homeowners and buyers leverage home equity and maximize real estate value. Adults.
Scott Farm
Dec. 1, 10:00 a.m.-6:00 p.m. – Scott Farm Craft Fair at 1977 Meloy Rd. – Local artists and crafters.
Final Thoughts
Recently, one of our grandsons asked me to share a little of my life’s advice at his wedding celebration, so I thought I would end with an excerpt from my remarks. “Live together in gratitude, for you will never be happier than you are grateful. Do not compare your life with others’, for comparison is the thief of joy. Do not expect perfection from each other. Embrace being ‘flawed and fabulous,’ because perfect doesn’t exist and normal is boring!” -Grandma Shirley
Until next time. Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at [email protected]