Around Brimfield: How to help your community, even when you're snowed in

Ben Wolford’s thoughtful comments about “values that we should be able to agree on” reminded me of why I allowed him to talk me into reviving the Around Brimfield column a few years ago. Freedom, safety, respect, dignity, decency, diversity and seeing others as neighbors – I share those values and find comfort in knowing that most of The Portager readers share them as well. If we are to “hold the line” as Ben suggests, we cannot be complacent or naïve.

The lack of civility is creeping into our county through those who have been elected to protect us, and it weighs heavily on my heart. What is happening in Minneapolis and Columbus could easily happen here. On Dec. 19, a Columbus NBC4 News headline read, “They fled the Taliban and were allowed in the U.S.; now, ICE is arresting them in Columbus”. This was personal to us, because it was about one of our Afghani friends. J (name withheld) and his family fled to Iran after the Taliban terrorist group seized control of Afghanistan in 2021. The full story of their journey would make an intense and harrowing movie, but they finally thought it would be a “happily ever after” ending when they made it to the U.S. and applied for asylum. Instead, a week before Christmas, it turned into a horror movie plot when J received a summons with little explanation to report to the ICE office with his family’s passports and documentation of legal residence.

J had entered the U.S. legally via CBP1 (Customs and Border Protection One), a program started toward the end of Trump’s first term to make international travel easier for those going through U.S. customs, and then the program was expanded under the Biden administration to allow migrants to be vetted by federal officers at the southern border. They were then allowed to enter the country legally and work while they applied for asylum, a temporary legal status for immigrants who cannot return to their homes due to documented safety concerns. J has a pending asylum case, no criminal record, has regular check-ins every few months, is employed and paying taxes. Yet, upon arrival at the Columbus office, he was arrested and remains so today. (To read more of J’s story, click here) ICE claims that it is targeting the “worst of the worst”.

J’s wife lives in constant fear. She said, “When we were fleeing the Taliban, fear and anxiety filled the car for all of us. I don’t know why it feels like there is no escape from fear and stress. We came all this way to experience a life free from fear, but now I am even afraid to go to the store to buy something for the kids. I ask myself, what is the difference between Afghanistan and America right now? We were only looking for a peaceful life. Please pray for us—my heart feels like it’s going to burst from all this stress.”

Our family has been struggling to find calm amongst chaos, but I believe it begins with me and my ability to find personal peace, which can be achieved despite the anger, contention, and devastating actions that surround us. A quote by John Lennon hangs in my house, “Peace is not something you wish for; it’s something you make, something you do, something you are, and something you give away.” It has never been more important to seek personal peace and then share it widely. “Holding the line” begins with me doing something.

My daughter, Karyn, who lives in Columbus and is actively working to help this family, posted the following on Facebook: “I am also feeling the heaviness of the world (mostly USA though) right now. If you feel so inclined, here is a list of things you can do (even if you are snowed in):

• Schedule an appointment to give blood! (Redcross.org) We are all made of the same stuff, and there is a critical shortage of blood supply right now.
• Call or email your local and state politicians. This is bonkers authoritarian stuff going on. Make it stop.
• Make a treat for a neighbor, maybe clear snow on your way over.
• Give a hug. Give a compliment. Tell someone they are loved.
• Read a book. Expand your horizons! If you are snowed in, check out your local library's online collection.
• Donate to a good cause.
• Sending love and warm hugs to you all!”

To Karyn’s list, I might add:

• Do SOMETHING!
• Vote responsibly in EVERY election!
• Donate to the local food pantry.
• Smile and thank every cashier you encounter.
• If your restaurant server did a good job, leave a nice note on the bill, along with a generous tip.
• As Dolly Parton says, “If you see someone without a smile, give them one of yours.”
• Pray for our country and for those who are being treated unfairly.
• Show love and kindness; be an instrument of peace! It is more powerful than hate!

BIG SHOUT-OUT

Dave Rufener, Brimfield road superintendent, deserves all the accolades and shout-outs that he has been getting on Facebook. He and his crew did an amazing job clearing township roads during the recent snowstorms. At the last trustee meeting, Dave mentioned that some people are pushing their snow onto the roads, creating a dangerous situation. Please do not park cars on the roads during snowstorms and keep your snow on your own property! Let’s hope that rascal groundhog, Punxsutawney Phil, does not see his shadow today!

Brimfield Township

At the Jan. 20 trustees meeting, it was announced that because of a scheduling conflict with evening meetings, Pastor Whetsel will no longer be available to offer prayer at the beginning of each meeting. His thoughtful and sincere prayers will be missed. It was decided that the annual scrap drive that Sue Fields started years ago will be held May 9. Residents can bring large items to be disposed of at no cost. New Trustee Kevin Scott volunteered to help with the event. In new business, it was announced that officer Cody Dumont was the 2025 Officer of the Year Award recipient and that a new K9 will be coming in March or April. After two consecutive executive sessions, the trustees voted to approve the collective bargaining agreement with the police department for a one-year pay increase. They also voted to amend vacation and compensation for the time that Chief Mosley spends on administrative duties. It was announced that the parks & rec director position will not be filled in the near future.

Meeting schedule:

• Trustee meetings are held at Brimfield Town Hall at 1333 Tallmadge Rd. Upcoming meetings: 7 p.m. Feb. 2, Feb. 17, March 2 and March 16.
• Zoning commission meetings are held at Brimfield Town Hall at 7 p.m. the second Thursday of each month. Upcoming meetings: Feb. 12, March 12.
• The upcoming board of zoning appeals (BZA) meeting begins at 7 p.m. Feb. 11 at Town Hall.

All meeting agendas and minutes can be found at www.brimfieldohio.gov.

Economic development and zoning news

The zoning commission is currently working on updating the Comprehensive Land Use Plan. Trustees approved a request to send a questionnaire that was created by the zoning commission to property owners of parcels of 20 acres or larger within the R-3 and R-4 districts.

Also:

• The City of Tallmadge gave Brimfield Township the portion of McGuire Park that it owned.
• Brimfield Plaza will be getting several new occupancies, including Wing Warehouse, All Pro Sports & Creations, and Portage County Republican Headquarters.
• According to its website, Joe’s Barbecue at 1293 Tallmadge Rd. is now open for business from 11 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. (or until sold out) every Friday, Saturday and Sunday. For now, the restaurant is take-out only.
• Plato’s Closet is going into 3975 Cascades Blvd., Units 8 & 10. Interior renovation will begin soon.
• A popular coffee shop, 7 Brew Coffee, will be built in the lot in front of The Village of St. Edward and next to Aldi. It offers a “unique, double-lane drive-thru model for speed, personalized service with friendly ‘Brew Crew’ staff, extensive menu of customizable drinks beyond coffee (teas, smoothies, energy drinks) and a focus on Cultivating Kindness.”

Brimfield Historical Society

Feb. 15, 1-4 p.m. – The Kelso House Museum will be open to the public.

Young at Heart Club

• Feb. 9, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place
• Feb. 13, noon – Bag lunch at the Brimfield Township Community Center at 4538 Edson Rd. Bring your lunch, a drink and a friend.
• Feb. 23, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place

New members are welcome. For more information, contact BYH President DonnaRae Flanary at 330-592-4318.

Dynamics Community Theater

While Dynamics Theater is not in Brimfield, it is only minutes away and is a hidden gem. We are looking forward to their next play, “Sherlock Holmes and the 1st Baker St. Irregular,” a fast-paced twist on a classic mystery which will be performed at 7 p.m. March 6-7 at Tallmadge High School. It’s a theatrical adventure you won’t want to miss. For ticket information, visit https://www.dynamicstheater.org/.

Brimfield Branch Library

• Feb. 3, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Yoga with Judith - Beginner’s Yoga for adults. Bring a mat, water and comfortable clothing. Limited to 12 participants.
• Feb. 6, 5-5:45 p.m. – Movie Talk: Love Stories. Get together with fellow film lovers and talk about your favorite romance movies.
• Feb. 7, 10:30-11 a.m. – Winter Family Storytime. Cozy up with your little ones (ages 0-5) for enchanting tales and fun activities.
• Feb. 9, 12:30-1:30 p.m. – Lego Free-build (STEAM). Whether you’re a master builder or just starting out, there’s room for everyone to have fun and show off their creativity! Limited to 10 participants. For children/tweens.
• Feb. 9, 5-6 p.m. – Lego Free-build (STEAM). Whether you’re a master builder or just starting out, there’s room for everyone to have fun and show off their creativity! Limited to 10 participants. For children/tweens.
• Feb. 10, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Brimfield Book Club for adults - “Part of Your World” by Abby Jimenez.
• Feb. 11, 10:30-11 a.m. – Baby & Me Storytime. Bring your little one to sing along, and explore the joy of reading and learning together.
• Feb. 13, 10:30-11 a.m. – Winter Family Storytime. Cozy up with your little ones (ages 0-5) for enchanting tales and fun activities.
• Feb. 13, 1-2 p.m. – Sweetheart Bingo event for kids. Come play, win prizes and make new friends at this heart-filled library event! Limited to 10 participants.
• Feb. 14, noon-2 p.m. – Learn to Paint Miniatures. Learn the tricks of model making and painting miniature figures for adults.
• Feb. 16, 12:30-1 p.m. – Slime Time. Make cloud slime to make a cloudy day a little less gray! Intended for those in grades 3-8. Limited to 10 participants.
• Feb. 17, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Genealogy with Roger Marble. Get ready to start your journey of tracing your family’s roots efficiently. For adults.
• Feb. 20, 4-5:45 p.m. – Beloved Book Portraits. Painting event for adults. Participants will create artwork inspired by their favorite book or a memorable scene from a story they love.
• Feb. 21, 10:30-11 a.m. – Winter Family Storytime. Cozy up with your little ones (ages 0-5) for enchanting tales and fun activities.
• Feb. 24, 4-6:45 p.m. – Dungeons and Dragons with Dave - Learn D&D. Explore dungeons, fight monsters, solve puzzles and complete quests! Limited to 8 participants.
• Feb. 26, all day – Puzzle Swap. Trade your old puzzles for new. For adults.
• Feb. 27, all day – Puzzle Swap. Trade your old puzzles for new. For adults.
• Feb. 27, 10:30-11 a.m. – Winter Family Storytime. Cozy up with your little ones (ages 0-5) for enchanting tales and fun activities.
• Feb. 28, all day – Puzzle Swap. Trade your old puzzles for new. For adults.
• Feb. 28, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. – Timeless Memories Scrapbooking. All-day scrapbooking event. Limited to 8 participants.

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