Around Brimfield: Meet local artist Christine Ambrose, plus events, programs and construction news

Famous American artist Georgia O’Keeffe said about art, “I found I could say things with color and shapes that I couldn’t say any other way – things I had no words for.”

These words reminded me of Christine (Tina) Ambrose, an amazing artist that I have had the privilege of developing a friendship with. Having met her at a birthday party that I was hosting, I was awed when she presented the birthday honoree with a beautiful ceramic bowl that she made, and I felt compelled to get to know more about her. To my surprise, Tina was raised a couple miles from my home and is currently living there while she prepares to sell her childhood home in Brimfield. I was excited when she invited me to tour her home to see more of her artwork. Upon arriving at her home, I was immediately greeted with bright colors and shapes. There was “eye candy” everywhere I looked, and I could not get enough. Hand-painted tile baseboards lined the walls, and colorful tile mosaics adorned the walls. The house tour was delightful and fun.

Tina’s life has been colorful, and she “lives out loud” through her art. She has traveled extensively throughout the world, taught art at public schools, painted silk scarves for the Smithsonian Institute gift shop, quilted beaded wall hangings, and found a passion for clay. Her current ceramic work has been carried at Don Drumm Studio. After Tina sells her house, she plans to move to Washington to be near her daughter. To avoid moving her large collection of work, Tina is selling many pieces of her art at very reasonable prices. For more information, Tina Ambrose can be contacted by email at [email protected].

Brimfield Facts

Lately, Facebook has been ablaze with many people giving “facts” about what is being built in Brimfield and where. The problem is that everyone’s “facts” are not the same. In a quest to get correct information, I went to township officials to get the real facts. They are as follows:

– Discount Drug Mart will be breaking ground soon on Route 43 on the empty lot in front of Field Elementary School.

– Sheetz has broken ground in front of the Holiday Inn on 43. There will be a new traffic light installed at Sanctuary View for easier access.

– Single-family apartments are being built behind the Sterling Green Development and Field Elementary School. There will be 103 single-family units that will be similar in style to the Redwood apartments near Tallmadge Road.

– A Veterans Affairs (VA) Cancer Infusion Center has broken ground by Kohl’s. It’s not known yet when this facility will be open.

– On Route 43 between Bob Evans and Sherman Road, there will be townhome-style condos for sale in the near future. Groundbreaking will take place soon.

– Brimfield Township administration is in the process of finalizing plans and paperwork to put in an access road for the new McGuire Park near the new VA Cancer Infusion Center and Sutton Crossing apartments. More details to follow regarding when the park will be open for use. Tim and Mildred McGuire donated 40 acres to the township right off Tallmadge Road behind Kohl’s to be used as park land. The property has woodlands, meadows and a six-acre lake.

So, there you have it, the facts and nothing but the facts!

Brimfield Bread Oven Update

For those who are suffering from Brimfield Bread Oven withdrawals, good news! As of July 31, the Brimfield Bread Oven is up and running again. The oven swap and the test baking went smoothly. Unfortunately, they had to throw away the test-baked goods to ensure there was no contamination from weird new oven materials, such as insulation or bits of whatever. According to co-owner Genevieve Smith, “We haven’t changed our bake schedule yet, so we will adjust on the fly and will know more after we bake for a week in the oven.” Pizza nights are still planned for Saturdays, as usual.

Ohio Sales Tax Holiday

In case you missed it, there is a sales tax holiday from July 30–Aug. 8. It includes all tangible personal property that is selling for $500 or less (with a few exclusions). This also includes dine-in restaurant bills of $500 or less. In past years, it was for items used for school, but this year it covers most anything that is taxable.

Neighborhood Bridges and more

Neighborhood Bridges is a 501c3 charitable organization with the “mission to bridge communities with schools in providing basic needs, removing barriers and seeking equity for students so they can engage and succeed in school and life.” Long-time volunteer Bernadette Moore is the Field Local representative. She can be reached at 330-524-7584 or at [email protected].

– Aug. 10, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: The first annual “Say Yes to the (Homecoming) Dress Collection Drive” will be held at the Falcon Family Closet, 1473 Saxe Rd. (formerly Central Elementary/Falcon Academy). Items being collected include new or gently used formal dresses, shoes, jewelry and hair accessories.

– Aug. 17, 11 a.m.-1 p.m.: Girls will be invited to a free “shopping event” to pick out Homecoming attire.

Field Local School Calendar

– Aug. 28: First day of school for Field Local

– Sept. 2: Labor Day – No school

Link to the 2024-2025 Field School Calendar

Brimfield Branch/Portage County Library

To register for events, please call the library at 330-442-4441:

– Aug. 1, 2-3 p.m.: REGISTERED EVENT – Build your own board game. Limited to 15 participants. Tweens, children.

– Aug. 3, 10:30-11 a.m.: Storytime for children 5 and under.

– Aug. 5, 2-3 p.m.: REGISTERED EVENT – ESCAPE! From a Desert Island – Unlock the key to survival in this escape room. Limited to 10 participants. Tweens, teens.

– Aug. 6, 3:30-5 p.m.: REGISTERED EVENT – Chess Club – Tweens, teens.

– Aug. 8, 5-6 p.m.: REGISTERED EVENT – Yoga with Joga Judith. Bring a yoga mat, water and comfortable clothing. Limited to 15 participants. Seniors, adults.

– Aug. 9, 10:30-11 a.m.: Summer Storytime for children 5 and under.

– Aug. 10, 1-2 p.m.: Retirement by Design – Bella Marshall from Edwards Jones Investments will discuss the basics of how to start investing for your future. Adults.

– Aug. 12, 12 a.m. through Aug. 16 at 11:59 p.m.: Flash Fiction Post-It – Read the writing on the wall and add to it! Add a Post-It of your own to the growing story throughout the week. Tweens, teens.

– Aug. 12, 3:30-5 p.m.: REGISTERED EVENT – Teen Art Club – Bring your WIPs – Limited to 10 participants. Teens.

– Aug. 13, 5:30-7 p.m.: Brimfield Book Club. “Reckless Girls” by Rachel Hawkins. Books are available at the circulation desk. Adults.

– Aug. 14, 1-2 p.m.: Afternoon Book Club. Books are available at the circulation desk. Adults, seniors.

– Aug. 17, 10:30-11 a.m.: Summer Storytime for children 5 and under.

– Aug. 23, 10:30-11 a.m.: Summer Storytime for children 5 and under.

– Aug. 26, 3:30-5 p.m.: REGISTERED EVENT – Heart Healthy Bingo – Portage County Health District presents a game of Bingo with a twist. Get your heart pumping and win prizes. Limited to 20 participants. Tweens, children.

– Aug. 27, 5:30-7 p.m.: Genealogy: Getting the Most from the Census. Learn about underutilized census pages and where to find them. Adults.

Young at Heart Group

– Aug. 12, 10 a.m.: Monday Breakfast at Mike’s Place (RSVP at 330-592-4318).

– Aug. 16, 4 p.m.: Corn roast and grilled sausage sandwiches at the Brimfield Community Center, 4538 Edson Rd. – $10 paid at the door. RSVP to Mike Miller at 330-607-8873.

– Aug. 26, 10 a.m.: Monday Breakfast at Mike’s Place (RSVP at 330-592-4318).

German Family Society

– Sept. 6-8: German Family Society 50th Annual Oktoberfest – More information can be found at germanfamilysociety.com.

Brimfield Township

– Aug. 7, 8 a.m.: Township Trustee Meeting at Brimfield Community Center.

– Aug. 20, 6 p.m.: Township Trustee Meeting at Brimfield Community Center.

– Sept. 27, 4:30-10 p.m.: Brimfest 2024 will be held at the Brimfield Historical Society, 4158 OH-43. Mark your calendars! Enjoy live music, live entertainment, food trucks, vendors, a beer garden, games, inflatables, attractions, contests and more!

– Sept. 28, 11 a.m.-10 p.m.: Brimfest 2024.

Brimfield Parks and Recreation

– Aug. 3, 5-6:30 p.m.: Wildflowers & Fungi Hike at Cranberry Creek Park Pavilion – Intended for flower and fungi enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels.

– Aug. 3, 8:30-10 p.m.: Moonlight Moth Night at Lions Community Park, Carter Pavilion. Learn how to use lights and bed sheets to attract moths and other nocturnal insects and how to use field guides to identify the many moth species in Brimfield Township.

– Aug. 9, 6-9 p.m.: Summer Concert: “Off The Charts” (classic hits) will perform at the Brimfield Historical Society – Bring a lawn chair and invite a friend to this free event.

– Aug. 13-16, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. daily: “Bugging Out Summer Camp” at the Brimfield Community Center – Four fun-filled days of lessons, games, and activities about insects. Campers will learn about a variety of bugs and how to identify them. Cost and registration information can be found at brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.

– Aug. 15, 7-9 p.m.: Summer Concert sponsored by Hometown Bank: “Boomers 330” at Lions Community Park, Honeychuck Pavilion. Bring lawn chairs and invite a friend to this free event.

Brimfield Lions Club

To make it easier for emergency services to find homes, the Brimfield Lions Club is offering reflective address signs for $20. Free installation is available for Brimfield residents. To request a sign, click here.

Portage County Fair

– Aug. 20-25: Portage County Randolph Fair – For more information, check out randolphfair.com

Words to ponder

“Stay away from negative people. They have a problem for every solution.” – Albert Einstein.

Until next time. Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at [email protected].

Shirley Mars
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