“We can’t heal the world today, but we can begin with a voice of compassion, a heart of love, an act of kindness.”-Mary Davis
This sentiment perfectly describes what I witnessed last Wednesday as literally hundreds of Field community members showed up to support the family of Blake Sumego, a young man who tragically lost his life way too soon. The event started at 5 p.m., but vehicles were already lined up in every direction by 4:45 p.m. Within one and a half hours, about 1,000 meals were distributed, with the help of over one hundred eager volunteers, including Blake’s classmates from the Maplewood HVAC program, Field Varsity High School football team, cheerleaders, and coaches, Rootstown’s Varsity football team, Brimfield’s police and fire department members, and many other community members.
Donations from local businesses poured in. Fire department volunteers grilled 450 Duma sausages, Joe’s BBQ donated 300 BBQ pork sandwiches, Jack’s Pizza brought lots of pizza, Sugar Cookies Shenanigans and Subway donated cookies, and Mike’s Place brought buns, chips and other goods. Two food trucks from Rootstown and Kent showed up in an amazing show of support. Zonuts & Lattes, a food truck based in Rootstown, made 400 donuts, which were gone within 20 minutes. MJs Great American Frites & Fries from Kent also showed up and made fresh fries as quickly as they could. I had to admit that I did not know what frites were, but James and Melissa Clemens kindly explained that they are Belgian fries which have been brined for 12 hours, partially flash deep-fried, cooled, then deep-fried again.
For a full list of businesses that generously contributed to the success of this fundraiser, check out the “Thank you” ad in today’s Portager. Please frequent these businesses and thank them again for their amazing generosity. At last count, about $18,500 had been collected at the event. Thanks to all who volunteered and all who came to support the Sumego fundraiser. Generosity is love in action, and there was plenty of action in Brimfield last Wednesday evening. Can I just say that I love living in Brimfield!
A fond farewell
Many of us who have lived in Brimfield for a long time will remember Brimfield Police Chief Dennis Holodnak who retired quite a few years ago. He lived most of his life in Brimfield and passed away on Sept. 12. I remember him as a kind and well-respected man who wholeheartedly served our community. Chief Holodnak is survived by his wife, Sally and son, Dennis (Amanda). Sincere condolences to the Holodnak family.
November 5 is Election Day
I will not miss the attack ads that are so prevalent during election season and wish candidates would stick to discussing plans and policies. Putting out someone’s candle does not make yours shine any brighter. Your voice is your vote, and it matters! Let your voice be heard. To help you vote responsibly, the Brimfield and Suffield Lion’s Club has organized a Candidate’s Night at Field Middle School beginning at 6 p.m. on Oct. 17. The first hour is a “meet and greet” where you can pick up information and personally speak to candidates. At 7 p.m. all candidates will be given an opportunity to speak and answer questions from the audience.
Halloween
October 26, 5-7 p.m. – Brimfield’s Trick or Treat (Some housing developments may have different days/times)
Brimfield Lions Club
October 17, 6 p.m. – Candidates Night at Field Middle School. – 6:00 p.m.-Meet and greet candidates / 7 p.m.-Candidates are given limited time to speak and answer questions.
November 28, 8 a.m. – Annual 5K Turkey Trot / 1 mile Walk/Run at Brimfield Plaza. Strollers, wagons, and pets are welcome. Registration starts at 7 a.m. Run/Walk begins at 8:30 a.m. rain or shine. Cost: 10 non-perishable food items, new toy for the Brimfield Community Cupboard, or a cash donation. Questions: call Jill Reitz at 330-931-8028.
Big Red Community Foundation
October 12, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Cinderella Ball Dress Collection at Falcon Family Closet, 1473 Saxe Rd. Accepting gently used ball dresses and shoes for children. Questions? Call Bernadette Moore at 330-524-7584.
October 19, 4-7 p.m. – Second Annual Falcon Fall Frenzy at Field Middle School – Festival 4-7 p.m. / Trunk or Treat 5-7 p.m. FREE family event.
October 26, November 9, November 23, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. – Falcon Family Closet’s 1st Annual Thanksgiving Food Drive. Bring non-perishable food to 1473 Saxe Rd., Mogadore. Refrigerated items (ham, turkey, milk, eggs, etc.) will be accepted on Nov. 23. Food will be distributed throughout the Thanksgiving season.
Brimfield Parks and Recreation
October 6 – Boo! Cruise Registration Period Ends – Halloween home decorating contest judged by fellow community members. Brimfield Township residents 18 or older may enter. To view the rules or regulations or register for the contest visit www.brimfieldohio.gov.
October 10, 1-3 p.m. – Timeless Memories Scrapbooking at the Brimfield Branch Library. Registration information can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.
October 11 – October 31 – Boo! Cruise Voting Period – Vote on which house you think is the most terrifying masterpiece! Rules, maps and voting information can be found at www.brimfieldohio.gov. Winners will be announced Nov. 1.
October 11, 8:30 a.m. – Rescheduled Fall Warbler Hike at McGuire Park. Guided walk to search for colorful warblers as they embark on their fall migration. Note: This park is not open to the public and is only accessible during Brimfield Parks’ Programs. Primitive parking is all that is available.
October 11, 4 p.m. – Colors Changing Hike at Cranberry Creek Park –Scenic fall walk-through the forest.
October 29, 10-11 a.m. – Mushrooms for Kids at the Brimfield Branch Library – Learn about the fungus among us through hands-on crafts, games, activities, songs, and more! Recommended for children ages 4-8.
October 29, 2-3 p.m. – Mushrooms for Tots at the Brimfield Branch Library – Explore the fascinating world of fungi among us through age-appropriate sensory activities, songs, stories, and more! Recommended for children ages 1-3.
Brimfield Library
- October 9, 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby & Me Storytime – Songs and a story.
- October 9, 11-2 p.m. – Afternoon Book Club – Copies available at circulation desk. Adults
- October 12, 10:30-11:00 a.m. – Fall Storytime – Children
- October 15, 4-5:30 p.m. – Teen Art Club – Registered Event
- October 15, 5:30-6:330 p.m. – Foundations of Investing – Adults
- October 18, 10:30-11:00 a.m. – Fall Storytime – Children
- October18, 4-5 p.m. – Sweetest Day Bingo -Bingo with a candy twist. Tweens/Teens. Registered Event
- October 21, 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Art Club – Registered Event
- October 22, 5:30-6:30 p.m. – Beginning Genealogy – Adults
- October 26, 10:30-11:00 a.m. – Fall Storytime – Children
- October 29, 5-7 p.m. – Board Games – Fight aliens in a board game – Adults
- October 30, 3:30-4 p.m. – Scary Splatter Painting – Registered Event
Young At Heart Club
- October 7, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place
- October 11, noon – Monthly lunch at Brimfield Methodist Church – Halloween party, costumes welcome. Sloppy joes and chips provided
- October 21, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place
- November 2, 5 p.m. – Elvis at The Venue, Tallmadge Circle. Dinner and show – $35, RSVP Patty Yensel at 937-654-8333
- November 8, noon – Soup and Salad Lunch, Brimfield Community Center
- November 20, 10:30 a.m.–4:30 p.m. – The Rat Pack Christmas Show Paskey Bus Trip, lunch and show – $105. Must RSVP and payment by October 23. For more info, contact Annette Heiser at 330-678-5257
- December 6, noon – Christmas Holiday Party
- December 10, 2:10–8:30 p.m. – Deck the Hall Paskey Bus Trip. Visit Don Drumm Studio and Gallery, dinner at Spaghetti Warehouse, and last stop at Christmas at Stan Hywet Hall. Cost $90. RSVP and payment due by Nov. 19
Brimfield Township
- October 15, 6 p.m. – Township Trustee Meeting
- October 30, 8 a.m. – Township Trustee Meeting
2024 Live Wreath Workshops!
Presented by Carrie Paulus, Horticultural Concepts inc.
Join Brimfield resident, Carrie Paulus, Horticulturist and ISA Certified Arborist, as she leads this popular 2-2 ½ hr. hands-on workshop creating live holiday wreaths using fresh evergreen boughs, pinecones, branches, berries, seed pods, ribbon and (1) custom Artisan ornament. All materials/supplies, instruction and care are included. Finished wreaths are approximately 18”-24”. Pre-registration required. Check/follow host location(s) social media for event details, food & beverage specials and registration information. All Workshops are held from 6-8:30pm Except Sundays—see listed times:
- November 26 at Bell Tower Brewing Company, 310 Park Ave. Kent 330-663-2355
- December 3 at Bell Tower Brewing Company from *6-8:30pm
- December 5 at Halliday’s Winery, 2400 NE River Rd. Lake Milton 330-654-9463
- December 8 at Bent Ladder, 13550 Mount Eaton Rd. Doylestown 330-485-1089 1-3pm (Once filled a 2nd class may be added from 4-6pm)
- December 11 at CRAFTED Artisan Meadery, 1292 Waterloo Rd. Mogadore (Suffield) 330-628-4444 from *6-8:30pm
- December 12 at CRAFTED Artisan Meadery
- December 15 at Wolf Creek Winery, 2637 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd. Norton 330-666-9285 from *1-3:30pm and *5-7:30pm
Until next time. Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at [email protected]
