“Could anything be better than this — waking up every day knowing that lots of people are smiling because you chose to impact lives, making the world a better place.” -Author, Anyaele Sam Chiyson
If you live in Brimfield, Patti Harjung has likely impacted your life in some way, even if you do not know who she is. Let me introduce you to her.
Patti began working as the administrative assistant of the Brimfield Police Department 33 years ago. I first met her in 1990, when I had a meeting with the chief at the time. I was eight months pregnant with our 10th child. Patti and I immediately connected because she also had an eight months pregnant belly. Both of our baby boys were born on the same day in January 1991. Little did I know that my “belly buddy” would become a lifelong friend.
Throughout her long career with the Brimfield Police Department, Patti has been the driving force for many community engagement programs, including Breakfast with Santa, Shop with a Cop, senior citizen breakfasts, senior citizen birthday and Christmas cards, Fill-A-Cruiser, Shred-It events, and Safety School. This year’s Safety School marked 16 years of preparing pre-kindergarteners to practice safety at home, in the community, on the bus, and at school.
Patti has also been actively involved with the Brimfield Food Cupboard. If you have ever called the police department during the day, you likely spoke with Patti.
Her official retirement date is Sept. 30. There is no doubt that her service has impacted our world by making Brimfield a safer and better community. Many thanks to Patti for 33 years of stellar dedicated service.
You never know when and where you will meet new people who may become your “forever friends,” and with some festivals coming up in Brimfield, opportunities abound. One study showed that festivals are important, as they promote diversity, bring neighbors together to socialize, increase creativity, offer opportunities for civic pride, and improve our general psychological well-being. In short, they make communities better places to live.
People come far and wide to attend the Annual German Family Society Oktoberfest held at Donau Park, 3871 Ranfield Rd., Brimfield. In its 49th year, the popular Oktoberfest is a cultural event you won’t want to miss, even if you have no German ancestry. Be prepared for all things German — an abundance of authentic food, music, dancing, activities, and beverages. The entrance fee is $5 for ages 12 and above. Parking is free. The schedule is as follows:
Friday, Sept. 8 — 6-11p.m.
Saturday, Sept. 9 — 3-11 p.m.
Sunday, Sept. 10 — Noon – 7 p.m.
The most attended Brimfield-sponsored event of the year is coming on Friday, Sept. 22 and Saturday, Sept. 23, so make plans now to participate in the Brimfest.
Fri., Sept. 22, 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. — Brimfest Drive-Thru Paper Shredding Event at the Brimfield Police Department parking lot. Generously sponsored by Hometown Bank and RJ’s Auto Pros, the Protect-N-Shred truck will shred up to four grocery bags of paper per vehicle. Portage County Recycling also shreds paper at its facility every Friday between 11 a.m. and 1 p.m.
Fri., Sept. 22, 4:30-10 p.m. — Day 1 of the annual Brimfest celebration at the Brimfield Historical Society (4158 State Route 43). Held on the Brimfield Historical Society grounds, Brimfest is packed with fun for the whole family – from food vendors to live music and entertainment, there’s something for everyone to enjoy!
Sat., Sept. 23, 9-11 a.m. – Free pancake breakfast for all township residents on the Brimfield Historical Society grounds, sponsored by the Brimfield Lions Club, Brimfield Historical Society, and Mike’s Place.
Noon – Brimfest Veterans Parade at Brimfield Town Center. The parade route will start on Route 43 near the entrance of McDonalds, go south down 43 and will turn east onto Route 18, then turn north onto Pembroke Drive, west onto Kelso Drive, then cross 43 and end in the cemetery. This is the same parade route as the last parade in 2019. See attached picture for reference.
2-1p.m. – Day 2 of Brimfest at the Brimfield Historical Society (4158 State Route 43). Food vendors, live music and entertainment. Stick around for a spectacular fireworks finale sponsored by Meijer of Brimfield at 9 p.m.
The return of political campaigning is upon us. Groucho Marx said, “Politics is the art of looking for trouble, finding it everywhere, diagnosing it incorrectly, and applying the wrong remedies.”
A brief synopsis of what Brimfield residents will be considering in November is as follows:
Fiscal Officer, John Dalziel, is unopposed in his bid for re-election.
Trustee Sue Fields is being challenged by Bob Losey for a seat on the Board of Trustees.
On the Field Board of Education, incumbent Larry Stewart is the only candidate for two seats on the board. (One board spot will be appointed by the current board to fill the vacancy since no one else turned in a petition to run.)
Field Local School District is seeking two issues. One is a 10.75 mill renewal levy for current operating expenses, combined with 1 mill for ongoing permanent improvements, for a total of 11.75 mills. The second is a 7.3 mill renewal levy for current operating expenses. Both issues would be for five years, starting in 2024.
There will be more information in my October column, but for now, take time to enjoy the last days and weeks of summer.
With school now in session, please avoid a tragedy by being especially mindful of children getting on and off buses.
Until next time. Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at [email protected].
