“The threat from extreme weather events highlights the importance of investing in preparedness.” -Sheri Fink
Although tornadoes can occur anytime, tornado season is between March and June, with May typically being the peak. According to the National Weather Service, nearly 70% of all tornadoes occur during this period. Natural and human-caused disasters can strike suddenly, at anytime and anywhere.
Portage County is at risk of damaging storms, train derailments, hazardous chemical spills, flooding, and power outages. Generally, when a disaster hits, it can easily take three days before emergency responders can get to the general masses, as the focus is on those injured, elderly and infirm. Both the Red Cross and Homeland Security stress the importance of being prepared for emergencies and disasters by having a 72-hour emergency preparedness kit. This is the time of year when I check our kit for outdated items and take time to refresh it. Most people have many of the suggested items, but they may not be where they can be easily accessed if evacuation is necessary.
Suggested items for an emergency preparedness kit are water, non-perishable, easy to prepare food, flashlight, battery powered radio, extra batteries, first aid kit, medications and medical items, multi-purpose tool, sanitation and personal hygiene items, copies of personal documents, cell phone with charger, family and emergency contact information, extra cash, and an emergency blanket. An easy to carry backpack, suitcase, or plastic bin works well to store items in. We consider our 72-hour kit as important as having home insurance.
Portage Prepares is a county preparedness education program to help citizens “prepare for and survive the challenges of major events, disasters, health emergencies and other types of incidents while being a resource for learning to thrive and recover from a disaster”. Its’ website is a goldmine of valuable resources and links and can be accessed at https://www.portagecounty-oh.gov/portage-prepares.
Brimfield residents can stay informed of local public safety issues, severe weather, criminal activities, traffic disruptions, missing persons, and more by signing up for Nixle text/email notifications. Sign up at https://www.everbridge.com/products/nixle/
A unique service sponsored by the Brimfield Police Department is a Senior Citizen Program whereby they keep a record of seniors’ names, addresses, phone numbers, along with emergency contacts. This information can help in making timely connections with those whom the senior desires in the event of an emergency.
The BPD also offers a “house watch” for all township residents when they will be out of town.
After a hiatus to build the new fire station, the Brimfield Fire Department once again hosted their popular annual Senior Luncheon. Department personnel grilled hamburgers and hot dogs and Fire Chief Craig Mullaly and Police Chief Roy Mosley welcomed participants. Vendors filled one of the bays offering information on available services for senior citizens.
Brimfield Township Meetings / News
May/June Trustee Meetings (at Town Hall)
- May 2, 8 a.m. -Special Trustee Mtg. to approve/swear in a new hire
- May 14, 8 a.m. – Trustee Mtg.
- May 28, 8 a.m.– Trustee Mtg.
- June 11, 8 a.m. – Trustee Mtg.
- June 24, 6 p.m. – Trustee Mtg.
As a result of legislative changes in HB 315, the Board of Trustees approved changes to how public notices are made. “Public notices will now be posted on Facebook and on the Township’s website (https://www.brimfieldohio.gov/265/Public-Notices) instead of being printed in the newspaper. If you want to be alerted when new public notices are posted to the website, you can use the Notify Me® feature on the township website to receive an e-mail or text message. Click on Notification under “How Do I” on the website to see all the topics you can subscribe to; public notices are toward the end of the list.”
Economic Development and Zoning Department
May 8, 7 p.m. – Zoning Commission meeting at Town Hall
Highlights from the past meeting include, discussing the progress of the following businesses and housing developments: Farfield Inn by Marriott (variances on temporary fencing), Dollar General (zoning certificate), Villas at Wyles Farm Apartment homes on Town Square Dr. (site work/construction under way), Woodland Reserve Condominium Development at 5036 S.R.43 (site work./construction), Pleasant Lakes of Ohio (approval to continue with Condominium Development on Sanctuary Drive), Celebration Church purchased 4494 S.R 43 and will start renovations in the spring (Cleveland Clinic will continue renting its space.), Joe’s BBQ’s new building under roof, new retail plaza across from McDonald’s. (construction starting soon), Hill church (framing for a new addition). Discount Drug Mart in front of the elementary school under construction, ODOT has approved a light on S.R. 43, and The Village of Saint Edwards Assisted Living will start construction soon (next to Aldi’s).
Brimfield Parks and Recreation
- May 4, 9:30 a.m. – Warbler Hike at Brimfield Lions Park – Guided hike to spot and learn about vibrant warblers. For bird enthusiasts of all levels.
- May 8, 10 a.m. – University Hospital presents S.A.I.L. (Stay Active & Independent for Life) at ‘Brimfield Town Hall, 1333 Tallmadge Rd. Free, registration required.
- May 8, 1 p.m. – Timeless Memories Scrapbooking at the Brimfield Branch Library – Class participants will complete two double-page layouts. Open to all skill levels! Payment and registration information can be found online.
- May 17, 10 a.m.-2 p.m. – Sue Fields’ Clean-Up and Flea Market at Brimfield Lions Park – Brimfield residents can drop off unwanted scrap metal, e-waste, and large items at Lions Community Park. New this year – Reserve a flea market spot and give your items a second chance! Visit the website for details, drop-off guidelines, and yard sale registration. Flea market registration and payment information can be found online.
REGISTRATION FOR PARKS & REC CAN BE FOUND ONLINE AT https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration
Looking ahead to summer – Summer Day Camps at Brimfield Community Center – Four exciting day camps at the Brimfield Community Center, each featuring engaging nature-themed games and activities. All summer day camps registration are now open. Payment, camp dates, and registration information can be found at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.
June 21, 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. – Touch-A-Truck at Brimfield Lions Park –A free, family-friendly event featuring fire trucks, police cruisers, construction vehicles, and more! Enjoy tasty food from local food trucks and a day of hands-on fun for all ages!
Brimfield Lions Club
May 26, 8-11 a.m. – Annual Memorial Day Pancake Breakfast at Brimfield Methodist Church, 1235 Tallmadge Rd. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children age 3-12.
Brimfield Historical Society
Mark your calendars for the Civil War Living History event coming to the BHS/Kelso House on June 29-30. The reenactment will include Civil War drills, musket firing, and special museum exhibits. The event will be from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m. on Saturday, June 29 and 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. on Sunday, June 30. Food and refreshments will be available for purchase.
Brimfield Young At Heart Club
May 5, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place
May 9, noon – Bag lunch at Brimfield Community Center, 4538 Edson Rd.
May 19, 1 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place
Questions? Contact DonnaRae Flanary, BYH president, at [email protected] or at 330-592-4318.
Brimfield Branch Library
- May 1, 4:45-5:45 p.m. – Trivia Night for adults/seniors
- May 2, 10:30-11 a.m. – Morning Spring Storytime – Children 5 and under
- May 2, 4-5 p.m. – Mario Kart 8 Tournament – REGISTERED EVENT – Race your friends for the gold cup. For grades 4-8. Limited to 8 participants, groups of 4 at a time.
- May 3, noon-2 p.m. – Model Painting miniatures. Adults
- May 5, 5- 6:45pm – Crafternoons – meet other crafters, trade tips and share stories. No skill required, just a willingness to share knowledge and enjoy working on your crafts. Adults
- May 6, 5:30 p.m.-6:30 p.m.- Foundations of Investing101 presented by Bella Marshall from Edward Jones Investments. Adults
- May 8, 5-5:45 p.m. – Thursday Mystery Club – Unravel a mystery through a variety of mystery-themed games and puzzles! Seniors, Adults
- May 10, 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. – Morning Spring Storytime – Intended for children 5 and under.
- May 12, 4-5:30 p.m. – Teen Art Club – REGISTERED EVENT – Grades 7-12. Limited to 10 participants.
- May 13, 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m. – Brimfield Book Club – Discussion of the book “Life After
- Life” by Kate Atkinson – Adults
- May 14, 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. – Baby & Me Storytime – Children under 36 months.
- May 14, 5 p.m.-5:30 p.m. – Evening Spring Storytime – Children 5 and under.
- May 16, 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. – Morning Spring Storytime – Children 5 and under.
- May 17, noon-2 p.m. – Dungeons and Dragons with Dave -REGISTERED EVENT – Limited to 10 participants. Adults
- May 20, 5:30 p.m.-6:45 p.m. – Genealogy with Roger Marble – Adults
- May 21, 4-5 p.m. – Watercolor Painting – REGISTERED EVENT – Learn how to paint with watercolors! – Grades 3-6. Limited to 6 participants. Tweens/Children
- May 24, 10:30 a.m.-11 a.m. – Morning Spring Storytime – Children 5 and under.
- May 29, 30, 31 – All Day – Craft Swap – Bring your excess craft materials and pick up some from others. Seniors, Adults
- May 31, noon-2 p.m. – Crafternoons – Meet other crafters, trade tips and share stories while working on your crafts. Adults
Big Red Community Foundation
May 29 – Last day to purchase discount tickets for Community Day at Cedar Point. Tickets are $42 for adults and $41 for students (Regular price – $90) and can be purchased online at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/2025-cedar-point-big-red-community-day.
June 20 – Community Day at Cedar Point – Kick off the first day of summer at Cedar Point!
Immediate Need for Volunteers
If you are looking for an opportunity that can change the life of an abused and neglected child for the better, look no further than being a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) volunteer. Many of these children are in foster homes. Each volunteer receives comprehensive training and continued support as you advocate for a child’s best interest in court. To learn more and apply to be a CASA volunteer, contact Ann Walden, Executive Director at 330-842-1728.
Email – [email protected].
Website -portagecountyCASA.org
Final thought – “Preparedness, when properly pursued, is a way of life, not a sudden, spectacular program. “ -Spencer W. Kimball
Until next time. Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at [email protected]
