“Spring – A time for new beginnings and a lovely reminder of how beautiful change truly can be.” -Unknown
A Wild Goats love story
I was recently intrigued by an article about Rogers Secret Recipes (RSR), reasonably priced upscale prix fixe meals (full course meal for one price) being served from 3-9 p.m. on Wednesdays at Wild Goats Restaurant in Kent. Of course, we had to check it out!
Our attentive server happened to be Betsy Weckerly Rogers, a young woman who grew up in Brimfield and had a new beginning not long ago when she married the restaurant’s manager, Justin. They met in 2016 when she worked at Wild Goats as a server. They were attracted to each other, but as manager, Justin remained professional until, as Betsy explained, they were in downtown Kent with co-workers, and she blurted out, “’I think you’re really cute!’ Then I kissed him!” That was the beginning of an eight-year courtship culminating in their marriage this past July. Justin is just as darling as Betsy; both have broad smiles! He exudes a passion for developing culinary creations, loves making his Secret Family Recipes, and often comes out of the kitchen to make sure his customers are pleased.
Another new beginning and change came when, after 17 years operating Wild Goats, Charlie Johnson decided it was time to hang up his apron and offered to turn the restaurant over to Justin and Betsy, an offer they could not refuse. The special SRS Wednesday dinners have been successful and will continue, and they hope to plan a few family-friendly activities this summer to bring community members together.
Now, as owners, they hired Justin’s brother, Bryant, to be the general manager. Funny story- Bryant is getting married in May to Brittany. They also met when they worked at Wild Goats together. And Brittany’s brother, Tim, and his wife, Spencer, also met while working at Wild Goats. There seems to be some kind of magic in the air there! Appropriately, the hashtag for Justin and Betsy’s wedding was “From Wild Goats to Wedding Toasts.”
We have now enjoyed two creative RSR prix fixe dinners, the latest being perfectly seasoned chicken fried rice with roasted broccoli, a lovely side salad with sesame ginger dressing, a delicious lemon square for dessert, and a refreshing passion pear lemonade. While you won’t find fancy tablecloths and candles, the food is upscale, and the prices are reasonable. Wild Goats’ hours are Monday through Saturday 7:30 a.m.-9 p.m. and Sunday 7:30 a.m.-3 p.m.
Happy anniversary
It seems that every storybook and Disney movie ends with two people getting married and “living happily ever after”. Bill and I will celebrate our 57th anniversary on April 12, and we have found that “happily ever after” does not just happen, you must create it, and “IT” takes work, commitment, tenacity, forgiveness, kindness, and love unfeigned. One of my favorite anniversary memories is from about 20 years ago when our two youngest children, Marissa and Ben, were somewhere between ages 8 and 12. We were going to be gone for a few hours, and they decided to give us a surprise party upon our return. As soon as we left, they got busy calling many of our friends and invited them to the surprise celebration. They neglected two major details. Number 1: You should really clean a messy house before a party. And number 2: You should probably have food to feed the people you invited. We were most assuredly surprised, horrified, and embarrassed when we drove up our car-lined driveway and walked into a “party” in a still messy house.
Fortunately, my dear friend, Lou Ann, quickly ran to the store to purchase food for the masses. I am happy to report that every person who attended the surprise party is still our friend, and the memory of that anniversary now brings laughter (and possibly the hope that their children will surprise them one day).
Brimfield Lions Club
April 12, 6 p.m. – Night at the Races, brought to you by Brimfield and Randolph Lions Clubs. Held at St. Joseph K of C Hall, 2697 Waterloo Rd. Doors open at 5:30, dinner at 6 p.m., Races start at 7 p.m. Tickets are still available at $45 each, which includes dinner, two beverage tickets, and a horse. There will also be a bake sale, 50-50, $20 for $200, and raffle baskets. Attendees are encouraged to wear race- themed hats for a chance to win a prize. For tickets or more information, call 330-552-7240.
Falcon Family Closet
- April 5, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Easter Donation Drive (Non-perishable food)
- April 12, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Easter Donation Drive (Perishable food)
Also collecting Easter basket items (baskets, candy, coloring books, crayons, bubbles, small toys, egg coloring kits). All donations benefit families of Field Local Schools. For more information, contact Bernadette Moore at 330-524-7584.
Brimfield Township Meetings/News
- April 2, 8 a.m. – Brimfield Township Trustee Meeting
- April 16, 8 a.m. – Brimfield Township Trustee Meeting
- April 30, 8 a.m. – Brimfield Township Trustee Meeting
The grading and excavating work for Discount Drug Mart in front of the elementary school is well underway.
Building material is stacked and ready for the construction of Joe’s BBQ to begin.
ODOT approved a traffic light on Route 43 in front of the elementary school. The current flashing school lights will be removed.
Chief Mosley reported that all officers have completed CPR/AED training. He also noted the 2025 year-to-date police calls as of March 18 were 6,421 (compared to 2024 – 5,199). The Brimfield Police Dept. also assisted with the helicopter crash at the Mogadore Reservoir using their drone.
Fire Chief Mullaly reported their year-to-date calls at 426 (compared to 420 for 2024). We are fortunate to have first-class police and fire departments.
After a couple years hiatus due to construction of the new fire station, the Brimfield Fire Department will host the annual Senior Citizens Luncheon at 11:30 a.m. on April 30 at the fire department. Hamburgers and hot dogs will be provided, and seniors are invited to bring a dish to share. For questions, contact the fire station at 330-678-9244.
2025 NOPEC Community Event Sponsorship Grant
The Northeast Ohio Public Energy Council (NOPEC) Community Event Sponsorship Program provides financial support to organizations within the Brimfield Township community. Brimfield Township is seeking applications from nonprofit organizations for the 2025 Community Event Sponsorship Grant in the amount of $1,500. If selected for this grant, the funds received must be used to sponsor a one-time event that is free and open to the public and takes place in Brimfield Township during the 2025 calendar year.
Applications must be submitted in person or via email on or before Friday, April 11, 2025, at 4 p.m. Applicants will be notified of approval or denial on or before Wednesday, April 16, 2025. Grant funds will be disbursed in the third quarter of 2025. For more information, visit www.NOPEC.org. Applications may be emailed to Holly Woods at [email protected].
To download the application, go to https://www.brimfieldohio.gov/DocumentCenter/View/1213.
Brimfield Parks and Recreation
April 3, 10 a.m. – Chair Yoga at the Brimfield Community Center. Open to all skill levels. Bring a water bottle and any preferred props. Payment and registration information can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.
April 10, 1 p.m.–Timeless Memories Scrapbooking at the Brimfield Branch Library. Open to all skill levels. Payment and registration information can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.
April 12, 10 a.m.-12:30 p.m. – Easter Egg Hunt at Town Center Fields – Bring your basket! Event will continue rain or shine. Eggs and candy available while supplies last. No registration required. Egg hunting periods:
Ages 0-2 – 10:15 a.m.-10:45 a.m.
Ages 3-5 – 10:50 a.m.-11:20 a.m.
Ages 6-8 – 11:25 a.m.-11:55a.m.
Ages 9-12 – noon.-12:30p.m.
April 22, 4 p.m. – Rooted in Nature at the Brimfield Branch Library – Ohio’s native plants and their vital role in the local ecosystem. Participants will learn how to identify key native plants, understand their ecological impact, and explore ways to incorporate them into gardens and landscapes for conservation and sustainability.
April 25, 6-8 p.m. – Puzzle Face Off Night at the Brimfield Community Center – A fast-paced competition where teams race against the clock to complete a puzzle! The price of admission includes light refreshments, a 300-pc. puzzle to take home (one puzzle per group), and prizes. Payment and registration information can be found at
https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.
April 27, 2 p.m. – Wildflower Hike at McGuire Park – Guided hike for nature enthusiasts of all ages.
Upcoming events that have registrations opening up in April
- Four Summer Day Camps featuring nature-themed games and activities. Registration opens April 1. Payment, camp dates, and registration information can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.
- May 17, 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Sue Fields’ Clean-Up and Flea Market at Brimfield Lions Park – Brimfield residents can drop off unwanted scrap metal, e-waste, and large items at Lions Community Park. New this year will be a community flea market. Details, drop-off guidelines, and flea market registration can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.
Brimfield Historical Society
- April 6, 1-3 p.m. – Kelso House Museum open for tours.
- May 3, 1 p.m. – Women in History Tea featuring a portrayal of Jackie Kennedy. Cost is $25 per person. A light lunch with desserts will be served. Reservations can be made by calling the Historical Society at 330-673-1058.
- June 21 & 22 – Civil War Living History Enactment
Young at Heart Club
April 11, noon – Bag Lunch at the Brimfield Community Center, 4538 Edson Rd. Bring a friend or a potential new member. The 2025 Christmas/Holiday Party will be free with paid dues, which are $15. For more information, contact DonnaRae Flanary at 330-592-4318.
German Family Society
April 12, 5:30 p.m. – Edelweiss Masquerade Ball. Guests are encouraged to wear masks and dress formally. Buffet Dinner, dancing, live music, special performance by the Jugendgruppe, including a debutante ceremony. Tickets include dinner & entrance to be paid at the door: $22 Guests & Non-Members, $19 Passive Members, $17 Active Members. RSVP – Call/text Diane by April 7 at 330-309-9486 or email [email protected]
Brimfield Branch Library
- April 03, 4:45 – 5:45 p.m. – Trivia Night – Test your knowledge! Seniors/Adults
- April 04, 10:30 – 11 a.m. – Morning Spring Storytime. Children 5 and under.
- April 04, 4 – 5 p.m. – Mario Kart Tournament. Race your friends for the gold cup in Mario Kart 8! Grades 4-8. Limited to 8 participants, grouped 4 at a time.
- April 05, 12:00 – 2 p.m. – Model Painting – Paint miniature models and figures. Adults
- April 07, 5 – 6:45 p.m. – Crafternoons – Crafting Get-Together for Adults.
- April 08, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. – Brimfield Book Club – “The Man Who Died Twice” by Richard Osman. Adults.
- April 09, 10:30 – 11 a.m. – Baby & Me Storytime – Songs and a story for baby and caregiver! This event is intended for children under 36 months.
- April 09, 5 – 5:30 p.m. – Evening Spring Storytime – For children 5 and under.
- April 10, 5 – 5:45 p.m. – Thursday Mystery Club – Unravel a mystery through a variety of mystery-themed games and puzzles! Seniors Adults
- April 12, 10:30 – 11 a.m. – Morning Spring Storytime for children 5 and under.
- April 14, 4 – 5:30 p.m. – Teen Art Club – Bring your WIP’s, start something new with provided materials here, and hang with friends. Grades 7-12. Limited to 10 participants.
- April 15, 5:30 – 6:45 p.m. – Genealogy with Roger Marble – Learn genealogy techniques to trace your family’s roots efficiently. Adults
- April 18, 10:30 – 11 a.m. – Morning Spring Storytime for children 5 and under.
- April 19, noon – 2 p.m. – Crafternoons – Meet other crafters, trade tips, share stories. Adults
- April 21, 5 – 6:45 p.m. – Dungeons and Dragons with Dave – Learn and play one of the most famous games in the world. Limited to 10 participants. Adults
- April 23, 4 – 5 p.m. – Watercolor Painting for grades 3-6. Limited to 6 participants.
- April 26, 10:30 – 11 a.m. – Morning Spring Storytime for children 5 and under.
Mark Twain was from Missouri, but it sure sounds like he was talking about Ohio weather when he said, “In the spring, I have counted 136 different kinds of weather inside of 24 hours.”
Until next time. Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at [email protected]
