Around Brimfield: Getting ready for voting

Nov. 4, 2025, General Election Day, is about a month away. Studies have shown that healthy democracies, where people vote in higher numbers, lead to healthy communities because elected officials are accountable to voters. I consider voting a privilege and a responsibility. It is my “super-power”! The official general election ballot for Brimfield is not long, but the results of the election will affect every person who lives in Brimfield. The ballot consists of candidates running for:

Portage County Municipal Court Judge – Wesley Buchanan and Melissa Roubic

Candidates for Brimfield Township Trustee (vote for not more than 2) – Kevin Scott, Robert C. Zacher, Nicholas Coia, Thomas Johnson, Bruce W. Knippenberg, Daniel Mars, James McKey, and Charles Prather (Note: Bruce Knippenberg has officially withdrawn, but the ballots have already been printed, so his name is still listed.)

Township Fiscal Officer – Jasmine Golden and Blake Johnson

Field Local School District Board of Education (vote for not more than 3) – Steven J. Calcei, William G. Evans, and Randy M. Porter

Member of Board of Education (Unexpired term ending 12/31/2027) – Matthew Slaven

Today, it is more important than ever that we exercise our right to vote in every election. On Nov. 4 (or earlier), vote responsibly and don’t waste your super-power!

Brimfield Lions Club

The Brimfield and Suffield Lions are hosting two Candidate Nights. The first will be from 6-9 p.m. on Sept. 30 at the Field Middle School cafeteria and will feature Brimfield trustee and fiscal officer candidates only. The second will be from 6-9 p.m. on Oct. 23 at the Field Middle School Library and will feature county candidates and issues, Suffield candidates and issues, and school board candidates.

The Lion’s Club youth organization, Field Leo Club, is taking orders for mums at $10 each. Orders must be called in by Oct. 2 for pick-up at Pizzute’s Plant-N-Thyme, 4987 St. Rt. 43 from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Oct. 4. Colors available include red, purple, yellow, orange, rust, and white. Pay at pickup. To place an order, call 330-552-7240.

Big Red Community Foundation

On Sep. 11, the Big Red Community Foundation sponsored the first-ever class of Field High School Athletic Hall of Fame inductees with a lovely dinner and ceremony. Our daughter, Emily Raymond (Mars), one of the inaugural inductees, was recognized for her achievements in cross country and track. Other inductees included Bill Huntington, Bandele Adeniyi-Bada, Bill Atha, Marge Carlson, Amy Densevich (Cheney), Julie Meyers (Kline), Kenneth Lohr, Chris Sinick, and Larry Wiles. It was wonderful to see their incredible accomplishments be recognized as a significant part of Field’s proud athletic history. To read about each impressive inductee, visit https://www.fieldlocalschools.org/athletics/athletic-hall-of-fame

The Big Red Community Foundation also funded new athletic records boards in the Field High School cafeteria. The boards showcase the achievements of Falcon athletes through the years and are now on full display for all to see.

Oct. 18 – 4-7 p.m. – Falcon Fall Frenzy III – Big Red Trunk or Treat, Haunted Hallway, food trucks, inflatables, face painting and Treat Trail at the Field Main Campus. This is a free community-wide event that gets bigger and better every year. Whether you’re decorating a trunk, passing out candy, or just coming to enjoy the festivities— there’s something for everyone!

Interested in setting up a trunk? Join the fun and help make this a night to remember!

YOU MUST REGISTER TO PARTICIPATE IN TRUNK OR TREAT.

https://forms.gle/FUKuuJa3Srvkrpvi9

Field High School NHS

The Field High School National Honor Society is hosting a blood drive on Oct. 16 in the FHS gymnasium. Your donation not only helps meet the Red Cross’s critical need for blood, but also gives NHS students the opportunity to earn scholarship consideration through their service efforts. To schedule your donation, call 1-800-RED CROSS, visit RedCrossBlood.org, or use the Red Cross Blood Donor App. Be sure to use the sponsor keyword: FieldHS.

The National Honor Society is also inviting all senior members of the community to attend the Senior-to-Senior Breakfast at 8 a.m. on Oct. 9 in the Field High School cafeteria.

Hosted by our National Honor Society students, this popular annual event is a wonderful opportunity to enjoy a delicious breakfast, reconnect with old friends, and make some new ones along the way. For more information, call Field High School at 330-673-9591.

Brimfield Township News

Brimfield Trustee Meetings, 1333 Tallmadge Rd, Township Town Hall

Oct. 1 – 8 a.m.

Oct. 15 – 8 a.m.

Oct. 29 – 8 a.m.

Trustee meeting items of interest: Mike Kostensky officially announced that he is not running for re-election. The Township Business Manager position was dissolved. Dollar General is now open. Schipper Group Properties and a developer are proposing a new Hilton Hotel next to McDonald’s. The hotel being renovated north of 76 is going to be a Marriott hotel. Kent City dispatch will continue servicing Brimfield with no cost increase. The Oakwood Estates housing development off Ranfield Rd. recently sold after needed approvals were denied. The neighboring property owner purchased the property and Zoning is declaring it agricultural to extend his farm. The fire pit used to retire unusable flags at Restland Cemetery was recently repaired by Jarad Krzwarich and his father.

Parks and Rec

Save the Date – Nov. 30 – 5-7 p.m. – Brimfield Township Hometown Christmas Holiday Celebration and Tree Lighting Event. The township is seeking volunteers to assist with set-up, provide activities, and clean-up and is asking for donations of supplies, decorations, snacks and give-aways. If you/your organization would like to be involved in this year’s celebration, please fill out the contact form below no later than November 3^rd. Register here: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfWVdeiaBJdMC1SRkIYOnKDnIIK4YAoqpnxO2UahvdYBiN8oQ/viewform?usp=header

Brimfield Historical Society

Oct.19, 1-4 p.m. – BHS Museum will be open

Oct. 23, 6:30-8 p.m. – Paint and Sip in the McCormick Heritage room. Each participant will paint a fall design on slate. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks will be provided. The cost is $25 with a limit of 25 people. Reservations can be made by calling 330-678-1058.

November 4, 4-7 p.m. – Election Day Dinner catered by Mike’s Place. Cost is $12 per person. For questions, contact Kristie McMillen at 330-678-1058.

Young at Heart Club

Oct. 6, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place

Oct. 10, 12 p.m. – Bag lunch at Township Community Center, 4538 Edson Rd

Oct. 16, 1:45 p.m. – Hartville Kitchen lunch. To make a reservation, contact Audrey Stillwell at 330-356-3149 by October 13.

Oct. 20, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place

Oct. 31, 12-4 p.m. – Halloween Party at Brimfield Methodist Church

For questions, contact DonnaRae Flanary at 330-592-4318.

Advisory: Falcon Drive will be closed from Sept. 29 until Oct. 13 for road work impacting Elementary School drop-off and pick-up. Families will not be able to enter/exit through the entrance near Discount Drug Mart. Busses will be entering from SR43 onto Kelso, but no cars will be permitted. The temporary route will be Tallmadge Rd., turn onto Pembroke Dr., then turn left onto Kelso Dr. and line-up there to drop off. Exit following the same route. Morning drop-off and afternoon pick-up will follow the same route.

For afternoon pick-up, all car riders will begin dismissal at 3 p.m. If you are not in the pick-up line by 3:25, please wait until 3:40 p.m. to enter the line. School busses will be loading and departing during this time. No car riders will be dismissed during this time.

Brimfield Branch Library

Oct. 1, 5 p.m.-5:45 p.m. – Book Club – Discussion of this year’s Community Read through Hiram College. Copies of this book are available at the circulation desk one month prior to the program. For teens and adults

Oct. 3, 10:30-11a.m. – Fall Family Storytime – for ages 0-5.

Oct. 3, 4-5 p.m. – Super Smash Bros Tournament – Battle your friends on Nintendo Switch and win prizes! For ages 10 and up. Limited to 8 participants.

Oct. 4, 12-2 p.m. – Learn to Paint Miniatures – Learn the tricks of model making and painting miniatures figures. Adults.

Oct. 6, 4-5:30 p.m. – Teen Art Club – Bring your WIP’s and hang with friends. Grades 7-12. Limited to 10 participants.

Oct. 7, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Book Trivia Night – Come solo or with a team. Adults

Oct. 8, 10:30-11a.m. – Baby & Me Storytime – Rhymes, songs, fingerplays and books. Children under 36 months.

Oct. 11, 10:30-11a.m. – Fall Family Storytime – ages 0–5!

Oct. 14, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Brimfield Book Club, “The Dead Romantics” by Ashley Poston. Adults

Oct. 16, All day – Craft Swap – Bring your excess craft materials and pick up some from others. Adults

Oct. 17, All day- Craft Swap – Bring your excess craft materials and pick up some from others. Adults

Oct. 17, 10:30-11 a.m. – Fall Family Storytime – for ages 0–5! Enjoy fall tales, songs, and play.

Oct. 17, 4-5 p.m. – Mario Kart Tournament – Race your friends on Nintendo Switch and win prizes! For ages 10 and up. Limited to 8 participants.

Oct. 18, All day – Craft Swap – Adults

Oct. 18, 12-2 p,m, – Crafternoons -Crafting get-together. Adults

Oct. 20, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Cross-Stitch Frame – How to build your own. Adults

Oct. 21, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Yoga with Yoga Judith – Beginner’s yoga. Adults. Bring a mat, water, and wear comfortable clothing. Limited to 12 participants. 

Oct. 22, 4 -5 p.m. – Pumpkin Painting – join us in painting creative pumpkins! Grades 6-12. Limited to 10 participants.

Oct. 24, 10-11:30 a.m. – Flu Shot Clinic, presented by the Portage County Health District – Protect yourself and loved ones by getting your annual flu shot at the library! We’ve partnered with PCHD to make it quick, convenient, and accessible for our community.

Oct. 27, All day – Spooky Scavenger Hunt – Find all of the creepy creatures around the library and earn a trick or a treat! Ages 4-8. Limited while supplies last.

Oct. 27, 5:30 -6:45 p.m. – Genealogy with Roger Marble – Learn genealogy techniques and get ready to start your journey after learning to find and trace your family’s roots efficiently.

Oct. 28, All day – Spooky Scavenger Hunt – Find creepy creatures around the library and earn a trick or a treat! Ages 4-8. Limited while supplies last.

Oct. 28, 5 -6:45 p.m. – Dungeons and Dragons with Dave – Exlore 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.

Oct. 29, All day – Spooky Scavenger Hunt – Find creepy creatures around the library and earn a trick or a treat! Ages 4-8. Limited while supplies last.

Oct. 30, All day – Spooky Scavenger Hunt – Find creepy creatures around the library and earn a trick or a treat! Ages 4-8. Limited while supplies last.

Oct. 31, All day – Spooky Scavenger Hunt – Find creepy creatures around the library and earn a trick or a treat! Ages 4-8. Limited while supplies last.

Final thought: I have been reminded this past month of how fragile life is. Without our knowledge, our 11 year-old grandson decided to climb our 40-foot pine tree. As he stepped on the very top branch of the tree, a big cracking noise caught the attention of everyone in the yard, and they turned to watch in horror as Jacob fell straight down into a heap on the ground. Adults and children alike were in tears, 9-1-1 was quickly called, and he was immediately transported to the hospital. After a thorough examination, scans and x-rays, it was determined that NOTHING was wrong – no internal bleeding, no broken bones, no concussion! He had a couple minor scratches and bruises – that was all! No one could deny that we had witnessed a miracle! Life is fragile…enjoy it while you have it!

Until next time! Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at mars@ohiomars.com