Around Brimfield: Chilly weather won’t stop these November events in Brimfield
- Shirley Mars
While the leaves have not been as brilliant as in some past years, there is still plenty of beauty in Brimfield, and, for the most part, the weather has been pleasant. Nothing says fall like a 4-year-old picking out pumpkins at Dussel Farm on a perfect autumn day. My husband and I enjoyed watching Dylan McSweeney as he was laser-focused on filling his wagon with his treasured pumpkins.
November ushers in the Thanksgiving holiday when we focus on embracing gratitude. According to Henry Van Dyke, “Gratitude is the inward feeling of kindness received. Thankfulness is the natural impulse to express that feeling.” Last Thanksgiving, I placed a thank-you card at each seat, with a challenge to write a note to someone who they had received kindness from. American author Melody Beattie wrote, “Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more.”
Remember to use your “superpower” and vote on Nov. 4. A single vote may seem like a very small thing that doesn’t matter, but remember that it is by small and simple things that great things are brought to pass. Vote responsibly and then plan to attend the traditional Election Day Dinner at the Brimfield Historical Society (details below)!
The Village of St. Edward in Brimfield behind Aldi seems to be going up very quickly. The fourth Village community with 107 units (71 assisted living and 36 memory care) is scheduled to open in spring 2027. Even though construction is moving quickly, there is still a lot of work to be done. At a committee meeting that I attended, it was mentioned that each of the Village communities has a different “vibe”, so it will be interesting to see what Brimfield’s “vibe” will be like. I have visited the Green and Fairlawn Village communities and have been impressed with the quality of the staff members and dining services and the desire to be an active part of the Brimfield community.
“If I Could Turn Back Time”, a song sung by Cher, laments that it can’t be done. Actually, this coming weekend we all get to literally turn back time at 2 a.m. Sunday morning. Don’t forget to turn your clocks back before you go to bed.
BRIMFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY
The BHS is collecting Acme receipts through Feb. 25. Receipts can be dropped off at the back porch of the Saxe House.
*Nov. 4, 4-7 p.m. – Election Day Dinner – Traditional menu of cream chicken and biscuits, applesauce, coleslaw, mashed potatoes and tomato juice. Cost is $12 for adults and $5 for children. Dine-in or carry-out.
*Nov. 16, 1-4 p.m. – Kelso House Museum open
*Nov. 30, 5-7 p.m. – BHS will be serving hot chocolate at the Hometown Christmas event.
BRIMFIELD TOWNSHIP
Meetings are held at the administration building at 1333 Tallmadge Rd.
*Nov. 8, 10 a.m.-6 p.m. – Thanksgiving Fill-A-Cruiser at Walmart benefiting the Brimfield Community Cupboard
*Nov. 10, 8 a.m. – Trustee meeting
*Nov. 13, 7 p.m. – Zoning commission meeting
*Nov. 19, 7 p.m. – Board of zoning appeals meeting
*Nov. 25, 6 p.m. – Trustee meeting
BOARD OF TRUSTEES HIGHLIGHTS
At the Oct. 16 Brimfield Township Board of Trustees meeting, the trustees approved an extension of the agreement for all bargaining units for the police department until April 28, 2026. A motion passed to provide a letter of intent for the purchase of a dog and handler training. The actual purchase will be made in the first quarter of 2026. The board also approved the employment agreement between the Brimfield Township Board of Trustees and Brimfield Township Road Superintendent Dave Rufener, effective Oct. 1, 2025 through Dec. 31, 2028.
Highlights from the Oct. 29 trustees meeting included an acceptance of a donation to the police department from Apollo Heating, Cooling & Plumbing in the amount of $5,207.67. It was noted that new entry firefighters will graduate from the Ohio Fire Academy on Oct. 31 and that the fire department will once again have the “Santa on the Firetruck” event, with more details to come. It was announced that Drug Mart will open Nov. 12.
During the zoning/economic development report, it was announced that Brimfield Township will be receiving the 2025 Locate Award from the Portage County Development Board for The Village of St. Edward senior living facility due to:
*83 jobs created
*$21.2 million investment
*Roughly $4.8 million payroll
*Almost $1 million in tax revenue for our JEDD with Tallmadge
This project was in competition with the Port Authority, Portage County and Brimfield Township. This is the largest project in 2025 for Portage County development.
BRIMFIELD PARKS & RECREATION
Registration is open for the Tour of Lights Holiday Home Decorating Contest. Visit www.brimfieldohio.gov for more information.
To register for park programs, go to https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.
*Nov. 6, 6-7:30 p.m. – Your Parks, Your Voice! Community Parks Forum at Brimfield Town Hall – Help shape the future of the township’s parks and events by attending this roundtable discussion. Coffee and light refreshments will be provided. No registration required.
*Nov. 10, 2-3 p.m. – “Leave the Leaves” program and activity at the Brimfield Library – Learn about the importance of leaves to the ecosystem and biodiversity. Registration required.
*Nov. 13, 10 a.m. – S.A.I.L. Senior Fitness Class at Brimfield Town Hall – Stay Active and Independent for Life (S.A.I.L.) is a program designed to enhance strength, balance and overall fitness in adults. Instruction provided by University Hospitals. Registration required.
*Nov. 13, 1-3 p.m. – Timeless Memories Scrapbooking class at the Brimfield Library – Create an accordion photo album using Creative Memories products. Bring your photos. Program fee of $12 includes instruction and materials. Registration required by Nov. 10.
* Nov. 30, 5-7 p.m. – Hometown Christmas Holiday Celebration at Brimfield Town Hall/Fire Station – Bring the family to this community holiday extravaganza. Meet Santa Claus and enjoy games, activities and treats from local community groups and businesses. Event includes musical performances by Field Local Schools students. The Christmas tree lighting ceremony will take place at 6 p.m.
Volunteers are needed to assist with event setup, activities and cleanup. Donations of supplies, decorations, snacks and giveaways are also needed. If you or your organization would like to be involved in this year’s celebration, fill out the contact form in the link below or contact Cassie Weyer at 330-221-0103 no later than Monday, Nov. 3: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWVdeiaBJdMC1SRkIYOnKDnIIK4YAoqpnxO2UahvdYBiN8oQ/viewform?usp=header
BRIMFIELD LIONS CLUB
Over the past month, we have been delivering candidate door hangers and have noticed how difficult it is to find addresses on houses. Perhaps it is time to go outside and see how visible your house number is. In the event of an emergency, will first responders be able to quickly identify where you live? For many years, the Brimfield Lions Club has provided 911 address signs as a community service. The signs are blue and can accommodate up to five-digit numbers. They can be oriented either vertically or horizontally. Signs cost $20 each and can be delivered within the township. Order yours by completing the online form at https://onlinestore.brimfieldlions.org. Once your request is received, you will be contacted to confirm your order details and a delivery/pick-up date will be provided. For questions, email brimfieldlionsclub@outlook.com. Christmas is coming! An address sign would be a perfect gift and could make the difference between life and death in an emergency.
*Nov. 8, 8-11 a.m. – Brimfield Lions Club Veterans Day Pancake Breakfast – Veterans are invited to enjoy a free pancake breakfast held at the Brimfield Methodist Church at 1237 Tallmadge Rd. Donations will be accepted.
*Nov. 27, 7 a.m. – “Wobble Before You Gobble” Turkey Trot Run/Walk – Registration begins at 7 a.m. and the race begins at 8:30 a.m. at Brimfield Plaza. The cost of the one-mile or 5K run/walk is 10 non-perishable food items or a monetary donation that will benefit the Brimfield Community Food Cupboard. Strollers, wagons and pets are welcome. For more information, contact Lion Jill at 330-931-8028.
YOUNG AT HEART CLUB
*Nov. 3, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place
*Nov. 14, noon – Bag lunch at the Brimfield Township Community Center at 4538 Edson Rd.
*Nov. 17, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place
*Dec. 1, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place
*Dec. 4 – Christmas party at the American Legion at 1945 Mogadore Rd. Catered by Mike and Holly Kostensky. Free to members with paid 2025 dues ($15).
For more information about the Young at Heart Club, contact DonnaRae Flanary at 330-592-4318.
GERMAN FAMILY SOCIETY
*Nov. 22, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. – Annual Holiday Bazaar – The German Family Society, located at 3871 Ranfield Rd., is gearing up for its annual Holiday Bazaar. Over 25 artisans will have handcrafted items and gifts, with the event also featuring authentic German and Austrian ornaments, mugs, jewelry, imported chocolates, homemade egg noodles and traditional treats. Shoppers need not be present to win raffle baskets. Food includes German sausages and frank sandwiches, German potato salad, pastries, gluhwein (hot mulled wine) and a full-service bar. The GFS four-pack of frozen cabbage rolls (sarma) will be available to take home.
BRIMFIELD BRANCH LIBRARY
*Nov. 1, noon-2 p.m. – Learn to Paint Miniatures or get advice painting a model you already own. For adults.
*Nov. 3, 5-6:45 p.m. – “Coco” and Cocoa – Watch the Disney Pixar movie “Coco” while enjoying some warm cocoa. For families of all ages. Limited to 20 participants.
*Nov. 4, 4-5:30 p.m. – Mini Bookshelves – Create your own mini bookshelf and stock it with miniatures of your favorite books. For grades 6-12. Limited to 10 participants.
*Nov. 8, 10:30-11 a.m. – Fall Family Storytime – Fun-filled storytime for ages 0-5.
*Nov. 10, 2-3 p.m. – Leave the Leaves – Joint program and activities with Brimfield Parks and Rec. Learn about how important leaves are to the ecosystem and biodiversity.
*Nov. 10, 4-5:30 p.m. – Teen Art Club – Let’s get together and talk art! Bring your WIPs and hang with friends. For grades 7-12. Limited to 10 participants.
*Nov. 12, 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby & Me Storytime – Rhymes, songs, fingerplays and books for baby and caregiver. This event is intended for children under the age of 3.
*Nov. 14, 10:30-11 a.m. – Fall Family Storytime – Fun-filled story time for ages 0-5.
*Nov. 17, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – The Cleveland Grays: An Urban Military Company – Ohio history. Professor Emeritus George N. Vourlojianis, Ph.D., will discuss a Civil War-era military unit from its formation in 1837 through World War I. For adults.
*Nov. 18, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Brimfield Book Club – “The Last Devil to Die” by Richard Osman. For adults.
*Nov. 20, 5-5:45 p.m. – Yoga with Yoga Judith: Beginners’ Yoga – 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.
*Nov. 22, 10:30-11 a.m. – Fall Family Storytime – Fun-filled storytime for ages 0-5.
*Nov. 24, 4-5 p.m. – Mini Pumpkin Chunkin – Build an excellent catapult and see how far your mini pumpkin goes! Intended for grades 3-8. Limited to 10 participants.
Final thought: “To speak gratitude is courteous and pleasant, to enact gratitude is generous and noble, but to live gratitude is to touch Heaven.” – Johannes A. Gaertner
Until next time! Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at mars@ohiomars.com.
Shirley Mars