“Fall is proof that change can be beautiful.” -Unknown
In case you haven’t noticed, leaves on the trees are beginning to change colors, hopefully ushering in another spectacular and colorful fall season. ‘Tis the season to enjoy our local Brimfield farmers markets, of which my favorites are Scott’s Farm Market and Greenhouse at 1977 Meloy Rd. and Dussel Farm and Feed Store at 1109 Old Forge Rd. Scott’s Farm is offering a pre-season leaf removal sale, which ends on November 1. Contact the farm for more information at 330-676-3285. Both family-owned farm markets offer fresh produce, pumpkins, squash, apples, other fruits and vegetables, flowers, friendly service and so much more! Dussel’s Farm Fall Festival is underway, with its annual corn maze ready to entertain all ages. This year’s maze is a tribute to America’s 250th anniversary.
Speaking of farms, Mike and Linda Dussel don’t just raise corn and pumpkins, they have “home-grown and farm raised” the newly appointed Chief Medical Officer of UH Portage Medical Center, Christopher Dussel, MD, MBA. Our daughter, Emily, who also works for UH, sent me the most recent UH newsletter that featured an article about Dr. Christopher Dussel, who is a deeply rooted Brimfield native and resident. According to the article, “Dr. Dussel has made significant contributions to the EMS community. As Medical Director of the UH Parma EMS Institute, he provided medical direction for seven fire departments. A passionate educator, he has spent many years teaching and mentoring medical students, residents, and EMS professionals throughout Northeast Ohio.
He earned his medical degree from Northeast Ohio Medical University (NEOMED), where he was recently promoted to Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine. He holds an MBA and an undergraduate degree from Youngstown State University.” Congratulations to Dr. Dussel for his stellar accomplishments.
Each year, the Kent Area Chamber of Commerce and the City of Kent present the Tree City Awards. This year, Brimfield resident and owner of Mike’s Place Restaurant, Mike Kostensky, is being honored as “Small Business Person of the Year”. The award is presented to someone who makes a positive effort to foster the betterment of a community. Mike is most certainly deserving of this prestigious honor. Congratulations!
Keith and Kristine Michaels, owners of Double O Development, LLC. are actively working to fill the last remaining spaces at the Brimfield Plaza. They recently announced a new business, Celestial Blooms Tea Room, that will open soon. It promises to be a great addition to the plaza and to our community.
A couple months ago, it was announced that Waffle House would be building next to Dunkin’, but sadly, plans have changed and the project is cancelled.
All Pro Sports & Creations did not expect the incredible response from the Field community for the George Wetzel Memorial T-shirt Sale. Underestimating the number of shirts that would be sold, they “bit off more than they could chew”. Tracey Susong and her crew worked feverishly and went above and beyond to ensure that everyone was serviced. They are to be commended for their efforts and for donating $2,000 to the George Wetzel Scholarship Fund.
On Oct. 7 from 1-4 p.m., Hometown Bank is sponsoring “Scouting for Fraud”, a free interactive community workshop at the American Legion Hall, 1945 Mogadore Rd., Kent. Experts will address how to spot and avoid scams, protecting personal information, and what to do if you have been scammed. There will be free shredding and E-waste recycling from 12-2 p.m. Register at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/scouting-for-fraud-tickets-2000994488380
Brimfield Historical Society
Oct. 25, 1 p.m. – Fireside chat with Wayne Biltz in the McCormick Heritage room. All are welcome.
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.
Halloween News
Oct. 17, 4-7 p.m. – Falcon Fall Frenzy at Field Middle School – Rain or shine, the Field community is invited to this Big Red sponsored family event featuring Trunk-or-Treat, inflatables, food trucks, games, prizes, and plenty of spooky fun for all ages.
Oct. 31, 5-7 p.m. – Brimfield Township Trick-or-Treating (Some neighborhoods are scheduling their own trick-or-treat activities.)
Brimfield Township – All township meetings are held at Town Hall, 1333 Tallmadge Rd.
Trustee Meetings
- Oct. 5 & 19
- Nov. 2 & 16
Trustee meeting highlights included Chief Craig Mullaly resigning from his position and hiring Ron Goodspeed as the new fire chief. Chief Goodspeed has been with the department for many years, most recently serving as assistant chief. The assistant chief position was eliminated. Oct. 4-10 is Fire Prevention Week.
- Oct. 5, 6-7 p.m. – Brimfield Fire Dept. Open House
- Oct. 17, 9-10 a.m. – Brimfield Fire Dept. Open House
Police Chief Chris Adkins reported that $3,076 was donated to the K9 program from the car show that the department hosted. Officer Mike Rhodes was recognized for planning, organizing and hosting the Fast and Furriest Car Show.
The first POW-MIA Observance Event with Alpha 11 Veterans Logistics was a success and the township plans to make it an annual event.
Christmas lighting in Town Center was a topic of discussion in both September trustee meetings. It was decided to move forward to hire a company to decorate town center, with the entire cost covered by secured donations.
The township sold two parcels of land (1988 Old Forge Rd, & 3761 Selnik Rd.) for a total of $47,983.
Jenny Adams, a candidate running to be a Portage County Commissioner, introduced herself at the Sept. 21st trustee meeting and mentioned that she owns a Brimfield business, Looking Glass Daycare on State Rt. 43.
Zoning Commission Meeting
Oct. 8, 2026
Questions may be directed to Economic Development and Zoning Specialist Kayla Nealon at knealon@brimfieldohio.gov or 330-678-0319.
Brimfield Lions Club
Oct. 10, 10 a.m.-12 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 accept soft plastics in the parking lot.
Young at Heart Club
- Oct. 5, 10 a.m. - Brunch at Mike’s Place
- Oct. 9, 12 p.m. – Bag lunch at Brimfield Community Center
- Oct. 16, 6 p.m. – Murder Mystery & buffet dinner at The Venue, 10 Tallmadge Circle - $50 per person (RSVP to Patty Yensel at 330-235-9245 or 330-654-8333)
- Oct. 19, 10 a.m. – Brunch at Mike’s Place
- Oct. 25, 1 p.m. – Elvis Returns & buffet dinner at The Venue - $37 (RSVP to Patty Yensel at 330-235-9245 or 330-654-8333)
- Oct. 30, 12 p.m. – Halloween Party at Brimfield Methodist Church
- November 2, 10 a.m. – Brunch at Mike’s Place
Those interested in joining the Young at Heart Club can contact Camilla Taylor, membership chair, at 330-221-9253 or by email at TCamilla77@yahoo.com.
Brimfield Branch Library
To register for events, go to: https://events.portagelibrary.org/events?l=Brimfield+Branch
- Oct. 01, All day - Anti-Social Book Club - Witches - This book club runs completely on your own time. This month's theme is Witches. Intended for teens and tweens. Limited to 10 participants. Register
- Oct. 01, 5-5:45 p.m. - Bingo! - Bingo Night - Enjoy an evening of friendly competition, laughter and prizes. For adults.
- Oct. 03, 10:30-11a.m. - Fall Family Storytime - Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more. For ages 5 and under.
- Oct. 07, 1-3 p.m. - Homeschool Group Board Games - An afternoon of board games and fun! Intended for families with children of all ages. Limited to 30 participants. Register
- Oct. 09, 10:30-11 a.m. - Fall Family Storytime - Enjoy stories, songs, crafts and more. For ages 5 and under.
- Oct. 09, 4-5 p.m. - Boba and Books -Chat about your recent reads and favorite books while we enjoy boba tea! Intended for ages 9 and up. Limited to 10 participants. Register.
- Oct. 10, 2-4 p.m. - Learn to Paint Miniatures - Learn how to paint miniature figures, or get some advice painting a model you already own?
- Oct. 14, 10:30-11a.m. - Baby & Me Storytime - Songs and a story for baby and caregiver! Intended for children under 36 months.
- Oct. 14, 12-3 p.m. - New Knitter Mitts! - Learn to Knit! – For adults. Two-part event provides all materials and an experienced teacher to learn how to make a pair of mitts. Limit to 8 participants. Register
- Oct. 15, 5-5:45 p.m. - Trivia Night! - Test Your Knowledge – For adults. Come solo or with a team. Join us for a night of brain-teasing fun and prizes.
- Oct. 17, 10:30-11 a.m. - Fall Family Storytime - Enjoy stories songs, crafts and more. For ages 5 and under.
- Oct. 20, 4-6:45 p.m. - Dungeons and Dragons with Dave - Learn D&D - Explore dungeons, fight monsters, solve puzzles and complete quests! Learn about and play one of the most famous games in the world. Limited to 8 participants. Register
- Oct. 21, 5-5:45 p.m. - Building a Strong Financial Foundation - The Core Principles of Personal Finance - Discuss the core principles of personal finance, including income, expenses and financial habits. Attendees will learn how small, consistent decisions can lead to long term stability and confidence. For adults.
- Oct. 22, 23, & 24, All day - Craft Swap – For adults. Are you looking to start a new craft hobby to take a break from one? Bring your excess craft materials and pick up some from others.
- Oct. 24, 1-4 p.m. - The Crochet Chain - Crochet Get-Together - Share your current project, your knowledge and meet up with other crochet enthusiasts. Limit 8 participants. Register
- Oct. 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 & 31, All Day - Spooky Scavenger Hunt - Search the shelves for creepy creatures and solve a puzzle to earn a trick or a treat! Intended for ages 5 and up. Limited while supplies last.
- Oct. 26, 5-6 p.m. - Lego Freebuild - Whether you’re a master builder or just starting out, there’s room for everyone to have fun and show off their creativity! Limit to 10 participants. Register
- Oct. 27, 5:30-6:45 p.m. - Genealogy with Roger Marble - Learn genealogy techniques with Roger Marble! Find and trace your family's roots efficiently. For adults.
Rocktober Museum Returns
While I have never had much interest in rocks, one of my favorite Portage Parks events is coming October 8, 9, and 10 when a pop-up geology museum is set up at the park’s Morgan Operation Center at 8505 Nicodemus Rd., Ravenna (near the Portage County Airport). In addition to an amazing display of Ohio’s “rocky” history, games, and mini presentations by professional geologists, the glow-in-the-dark room is amazing! The glowing rocks room is seriously full of colorful glowing rocks that will “WOW” the youngest to the oldest among us. The museum will be open from 5-8 p.m. on Oct. 8 and 9 and from 1-4p.m. on Oct. 10. Reservations are requested for opening night. Register here: https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/portage-park-district/events/99541
One final thought: "Fall is the time when everything bursts with its last beauty, as if nature had been saving up all year for the grand finale."- Lauren Destefano
Until next time. Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at mars@ohiomars.com