As the season of Thanksgiving gives us pause to ponder our blessings and express gratitude, consider that 2026 marks 250 years since America’s Founding Fathers wrote the Declaration of Independence. In 1776, our Founding Fathers began by declaring…
“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of happiness. That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed. That whenever any Form of Government becomes destructive of these ends, it is the Right of the People to alter or to abolish it, and to institute new Government, laying its foundation on such principles and organizing its powers in such form, as to them shall seem most likely to effect their Safety and Happiness…”
Kudos to Carter Lumber for outfitting one of their trucks and displaying it in front of their offices to remind us of our country’s 250th birthday!
Remember to use your “super-power” and vote on November 3. Brimfield will consider Issue 27, a 5-year, 1.95 mill additional tax to fund fire and emergency services. Should township voters approve the levy, the county auditor estimates it would raise $930,323 annually and would cost property owners $68 per $100,000 of market value. Vote responsibly and then plan to attend the traditional Election Day Dinner at the Brimfield Historical Society (details below)
Brimfield’s Hometown Christmas celebration will be from 5-7 p.m. on Sunday, November 29 with the traditional tree lighting, family activities, refreshments, and of course, Santa!
New this year will be a beautiful new Nativity creche. Community groups, businesses, churches, and individuals are providing funds to replace the one that has been displayed since at least the 1970’s. Anyone who would like to donate can contact me at 330-715-7544 for more information. There will be a dedication of the new creche at 6 p.m. on Saturday, November 28 at Town Center. All are welcome!
Even though Cher’s song, “If I Could Turn Back Time”, laments that it can’t be done, we know that once a year, time really does fall back. On Sunday, November 1, at 2:00 a.m. clocks move back to 1:00 a.m. It gets a little confusing because some clocks automatically make the change, while some do not, causing one to wonder what time it really is!
Brimfield Historical Society
Nov. 3, 4-7 p.m. – Annual Election Day Dinner – Dine in or carry-out. The menu, consisting of creamed chicken and biscuits, green beans, mashed potatoes, applesauce, coleslaw, homemade tomato juice, and pies, remains the same as it was in the early days of Brimfield. Once again, Mike’s Place generously provides the meal. Meals are $14 for adults and $5 for children. Proceeds benefit the Brimfield Historical Society.
Brimfield Township – All township meetings are held at Town Hall, 1333 Tallmadge Rd.
Trustee meeting items of interest:
An issue with a growing rat population in the Beechcrest Allotment has been a hot topic as residents continue to express frustration over an increasingly difficult problem. Trustee Kevin Scott has met with residents, called various agencies, and involved State Representative Heidi Workman. A packed special trustee meeting held on October 28 included representatives from Portage Co. Health Dept., Ohio Dept. of Natural Resources, Portage County Engineer’s Office, Portage Co. Commissioners Sabrina Christian Bennett and Mike Tinlin, and State Representative Heidi Workman, along with Brimfield Trustees and Road Supt. Dave Rufener. The health department plans to send out fliers to affected residents, and Heidi Workman committed to following up with potential state resources.
The township acquired the property at 1203 Dora Lee Dr. from the Portage County Land Bank.
Trustees unanimously voted to authorize the issuance and sale of not-to-exceed $900,000 building construction bonds Series 2026 in one or more federally tax-exempt and/or taxable series.
Trustees unanimously voted to use NOPEC grant funds to fund three projects, door sealing, HVAC updates, and electric and lighting upgrades.
Trustees unanimously voted to switch from Spectrum Business to using Direct TV for the Road Dept., which will result in cost savings.
Trustees voted to accept a package proposal from a lighting company. While the proposal passed with two votes, Trustee Keven Scott voted “no”. He explained that he was not against the lighting at town center, his issue was that the package was not what was originally presented. His understanding was that the community donation of $5,000 would be matched dollar for dollar, but the final proposed package did not equal $10,000. He asked for the issue to be tabled, but the vote went forward.
In my October column, I mentioned that the Waffle House project was scrapped, but now we learn that the project is currently moving forward again. Sounds like a lot of “waffling” going on there.
Trustee Meetings
- Nov. 2, 6:45 p.m. – Public hearing
- Nov. 2, 7 p.m. – Trustee Meeting
- Nov. 16, 7 p.m. – Trustee Meeting
Board of Zoning Appeals
- Nov. 11, 7 p.m.
Zoning Commission Meeting
- Nov. 12, 7 p.m.
Questions may be directed to Economic Development and Zoning Specialist Kayla Nealon at knealon@brimfieldohio.gov or (330) 548-186
Brimfield Methodist Church
- Nov. 7, 8 a.m.-12 p.m. – Veteran’s Pancake Breakfast – Veterans eat free, others by donation.
- Nov. 28, 5 p.m. – “God Provides” Free Meal
Brimfield Lions Club
Nov. 11, 6-8 p.m. – Soft plastics Trex Program Collection to earn benches for non-profits. Collection will be held at the Brimfield Methodist Church, 1235 Tallmadge Rd. where Lions Club members will meet you in the parking lot.
Nov. 26 – Brimfield Lions 5K Turkey Trot and 1 Mile Fitness Walk at the Brimfield Plaza – Registration begins at 7 a.m. with the race starting promptly at 8:30 a.m., rain or shine. Cost is 10 non-perishable items or cash donation. All items and proceeds benefit the Brimfield Community Food Cupboard. Pets, wagons and strollers welcomed!
Young at Heart Club
- Nov. 2, 10 a.m. – Brunch at Mike’s Place Restaurant
- Nov. 13, 12 p.m. – Bag lunch at Community Center
- Nov. 16, 10 a.m. – Brunch at Mike’s Place Restaurant
- Nov. 30, 10 a.m. – Brunch at Mike’s Place Restaurant
- Dec. 3, 12 p.m. – Holiday party at American Legion – Free with paid dues / $15 for unpaid dues
Akron German Family Society, 3871 Ranfield Rd, Brimfield
Nov. 21, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. - Holiday Bazaar and Craft Show
Brimfield Branch Library
- Nov. 2, All day – Anti-Social Book Club – Mysteries and Thrillers - Runs completely on your own time. Teens/Tweens. Limited to 10 participants. Register.
- Nov. 2, 5-6:45p.m. – Cocoa and Crochet a Hat – Day 1 of 3 - ages 9 and up. Limited to 6 participants. Register.
- Nov. 3, 1-2 p.m. – Slime Time (make your own)-ages 8 and up. Limited to 10 participants. Register.
- Nov. 4, 1-3 p.m. – Homeschool Group Board Games – All ages. Limited to 30 participants. Register.
- Nov. 5, 4:30-5:45 p.m. – Yoga with Yoga Judith – Beginner’s Yoga for Seniors/Adults
- Bring a yoga mat, water, and comfortable clothing. If you do not have a mat, some mats will be available for your use. Limited to 12 participants. Register.
- Nov. 6, 10:30-11 a.m. – Fall Family Storytime for ages 5 and under.
- Nov. 7, 2-4 p.m. – Learn to Paint Miniatures – for adults.
- Nov. 9, 5-6:45 p.m. – Cocoa and Crochet a Hat – Day 2 of 3 – ages 9 and up. Limited to 6 participants. Register.
- Nov. 10, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Brimfield Book Club – “College Girl, Missing” by Shawn Cohen for adults.
- Nov. 14, 10:30-11 a.m. = Fall Family Storytime – ages 5 and under
- Nov. 16, 5-6:45 p.m. – Cocoa and Crochet a Hat – Day 3 of 3 – ages 9 and up. Limited to 6 participants. Register.
- Nov. 17, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Genealogy with Roger Marble for adults
- Nov. 18, 10:3-11 a.m. – Baby & Me Storytime for baby and caregiver for children under 36 months.
- Nov. 18, 12-3 p.m. – Learn to Knit for Beginners for adults – Supplies provided. Limit 8. Register.
- Nov. 19, All day – Puzzle Swap! For adults.
- Nov. 20, All day – Puzzle Swap! For adults.
- Nov. 20, 10:30-11 a.m. – Fall Family Storytime for ages 5 and under.
- Nov. 21, All day – Puzzle Swap! For adults.
- Nov. 21, 12-2 p.m. – The Crochet Chain – Crochet Get-together for adults. Limit 8. Register
- Nov. 23, 5-6 p.m. – Lego Free-build for children/tweens. Limit to 10. Register.
- Nov. 24, 4-6:45 p.m. – Dungeons and Dragons with Dave for adults. Limit 8. Register.
- Nov. 30, 5-6:45 p.m. – Free Family Movie Night – “The Wild Robot” and popcorn. Limited to 20 participants. Register.
Register on the Portage County Library site or by calling the Brimfield Library at 330-442-4441.
Final Thought
“True patriotism springs from a belief in the dignity of the individual, freedom and equality not only for Americans but for all people on earth, universal brotherhood and good will, and a constant and earnest striving toward the principles and ideals on which this country was founded.” — Eleanor Roosevelt
Until next time. Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at mars@ohiomars.com