Around Brimfield: Meet the township trustee candidates

Each summer, I look for monarch butterfly eggs under milkweed leaves in my flower garden and watch as they hatch into tiny larvae. I cut part of the milkweed plant with the tiny creatures attached and put them in an indoor habitat so I can continue to watch them grow into fat caterpillars, crawl to the top of the habitat and attach themselves upside down in a J shape to begin the metamorphosis into a chrysalis. At this stage, the caterpillar undergoes a radical change and emerges as a beautiful butterfly. It is miraculous to watch. The poet Maya Angelou wrote, “We delight in the beauty of the butterfly, but rarely admit the changes it has gone through to achieve that beauty.” If there is no struggle, there is no progress.

Brimfield is going through some changes and struggles of late and will hopefully emerge stronger and better. A controversial fiscal officer has been hired and must run for election in November to keep her spot, and the human resource/business manager position has been dissolved. Longtime Trustee Mike Kostensky has officially announced that he will not be seeking another term. The Portage County Board of Elections has released the names of eight candidates who will be on the Nov. 4 ballot to fill two township trustee seats and two candidates who are vying for the fiscal officer position. This election will undoubtedly shape the future of our township, so do your research and vote responsibly. Listed below are the candidates and their contact information (listed in order of receipt of petitions by the PC Board of Elections).

I have posed the prompt, “In one or two sentences, tell why you are running to be a township trustee (fiscal officer), and how you can be contacted.”

Daniel Mars – “I am running because I believe that Brimfield needs fresh leadership to restore respect, trust, and integrity that will enhance our identity as a community. The skill set that I bring includes creative problem-solving, thoughtful listening, respect for diversity of thought, a strong work ethic, and I’m running because I believe in and love the Brimfield that I grew up in. Phone: 330-328-4337; website: https://sites.google.com/view/danmars; Facebook: Dan Mars for Brimfield Trustee. (Full disclosure – Dan is my son.)

Tom Johnson – “I will serve with honesty and integrity, work together with township leadership, promote responsible growth, and unite our community through mutual respect. Our township has many voices and concerns; I will openly listen and work with our community to chart the best course of action, bringing positive outcomes for Brimfield Township.” Phone: 324-430-9787; Facebook: Thomas Johnson for Brimfield Township Trustee; email: win.brimfield2025@yahoo.com.

Bruce Knippenberg – “I am running because I love living in Brimfield, and I believe that I can have a positive influence on township services and resources. While growth is necessary, it should be thoughtfully planned. I have the experience to help with this process.” Email: (bruce4brimfield@yahoo.com).

Nic Coia – “I am running for reelection to provide the stability, knowledge, and proven leadership our township needs. With my experience as a trustee, business owner, and longtime community advocate, I remain committed to building a strong financial foundation and creating a thriving Brimfield for every generation.” Phone: 330 957-3533; email: CoiaForTrustee@gmail.com.

Robert Zacher – “I am running for Trustee of Brimfield Twp. to represent the citizens of Brimfield by maintaining a safe community by supporting our Police and Fire Departments and future development of the community that will benefit ALL the citizens while maintaining financial accountability by the Township.” Email: rzacher1@hotmail.com.

Kevin Scott – “I am running because I am concerned for the truth of the township information given to the residents. I am also concerned for the future of agriculture in Brimfield, as I have a son who would love to continue farming here at home.” Email: jkscott40@yahoo.com; Facebook: Kevin Scott for Brimfield Trustee.

Charles Prather – “‘Working together to Make Brimfield Better’ I am running for trustee to serve our community. I want to do my due diligence to help Brimfield be the place to be.” Facebook: Charles Prather for Township Trustee; phone: 330-256-0530.

Dr. James McKey – “I am running for Brimfield Township Trustee because I want to make good, solid financial and management decisions, which we have been lacking. I support the fire and police departments and want to get the zoning department under control.” Cell phone: 330-329-4696.

Blake Johnson – (fiscal officer) “I’m running for Brimfield Township Fiscal Officer to restore trust, stability, and accountability to our community’s financial operations, ensuring clear oversight and a stronger future for Brimfield.” Email: blakej0480@gmail.com.

Jasmine Golden – (fiscal officer) “I saw a need in my community, and I knew I could help. I have a vision for the fiscal office, and I believe it can only be fulfilled if I’m here beyond the end of this year.” Email: jgolden@brimfieldohio.gov.

BRIMFIELD TOWNSHIP NEWS

– The fire department will soon pick up a new Ford Explorer. The department is currently housing a Portage County hazmat trailer that staff is helping to convert to assist the dive team. Three entry-level firefighters are progressing and are at Fire Academy for 12 weeks.

– The Brimfield Township Trustees voted unanimously to dissolve the HR/business manager position effective immediately.

– Two public hearings are set for 7:30 and 7:45 a.m. Sept. 3 regarding proposed amendments to Chapter 7, Sign Code and proposed amendments to Chapter 3 and Appendix E, which will clarify the ties between the uses listed in Chapter 3 and those in Appendix E.

– Approval was given to move forward “seeking validation of proceedings proposed to be taken in connection with the issuance of fire station and administration building bonds in a principal sum presently estimated not to exceed $1,000,000.” The trustees are not asking for a million, just setting a ceiling.

– The trustees approved a five-year contract with Portage County Recycling Management.

– The trustees approved the use of the Town Center storage unit to store field-liner spray paint for Field Youth Soccer.

– Brimfield Trustee Meetings – Town Hall, 1333 Tallmadge Rd.: 8 a.m. Sept. 3; 6 p.m. Sept. 16; 8 a.m. Oct. 1.

— Drive-thru paper shredding will be available from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sept. 12 at the Brimfield Police Department parking lot. Sponsored by RJ’s Auto Pros and Hometown Bank. Volunteers will accept and unload up to four bags per vehicle.

BIG RED COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

The Big Red Community Foundation enhances the experience of every Field student. School has just begun, but the Big Red fund has already bought football pads for the high school, treated new sixth-grade students at the middle school to goodies from the Kona Ice Cream Truck, provided new Big Red spirit T-shirts to all freshmen at the high school, and donated $2,000 to high school volleyball. The foundation’s generosity continues throughout the year. The Big Red website has an impressive list of past and current donations. Volunteers are busy planning this year’s lineup of fundraisers that almost always sell out. Buy your tickets early. All tickets are available at BigRedCommunity.com. The fundraisers are:

*Oct. 3 – Homecoming BBQ at Kenneth Lohr Stadium, Brisket or pulled pork dinners will be catered by Joe’s BBQ. Carry-out or dine in. Limited number of tickets. Proceeds will benefit the Falcon Family Closet.

*Nov. 21 – Monte Carlo dinner event at The Event on Sunnybrook. Gambling, games & glamour. Limited number of tickets.

*March 13, 2026 – Annual Big Red Fund dinner event – “A Fright to Remember”. Tables are currently sold out, but you can join the online waiting list.

BRIMFIELD HISTORICAL SOCIETY

The historical society is collecting Acme receipts from Aug. 1-Feb. 15. There is a container on the back porch of the Saxe House (in front of the Kelso House) to put receipts.

*Sept. 15, 7 p.m. – Blimp talk in the Heritage Room.

*Sept. 21, 1-4 p.m. – Kelso House Museum will be open for tours.

YOUNG AT HEART CLUB

*Sept. 8, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place

*Sept. 12, noon – Bag lunch at Brimfield Community Center, 4538 Edson Rd.

*Sept. 22, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place

*Oct. 16 – Hartville Kitchen. Make reservations early. Contact Audrey Stillwell at 339-356-3149.

For more information, contact President DonnaRae Flanary at donnaraeflanary@yahoo.com or 330-592-4318.

BRIMFIELD PARKS AND RECREATION

Register for all programs at https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration.

– The 7 17 Credit Union presents the five-class Teen Financial Education Series at the Brimfield Library on Sept. 8, 15, 22, 29 and Oct. 6. Refreshments provided by 7 17 Credit Union. Classes are free, but registration is required.

– Sept. 8, 7 p.m.: Teen Financial Education Series: “Budgeting” – How to build a budget by defining expenses and balancing income, how certain tools can make budgeting easier, how to build savings into a budget, and how to set a budget that will put teens on a path to financial wellness. Refreshments. Registration required.

– Sept. 9, 10 a.m.: 7 17 Credit Union presents “Identity Theft for Seniors” at Brimfield Town Hall – How to protect your identity, avoid credit fraud, identify threats, and what to do if theft happens. Light refreshments provided by 7 17 Credit Union. Registration required.

– Sept. 11, 10 a.m.: S.A.I.L. (Stay Active And Independent for Life) Senior Fitness Class at Brimfield Town Hall – A program designed to enhance strength, balance, and overall fitness in adults. Instruction provided by University Hospitals. Registration required.

– Sept. 11, 1-3 p.m.: Timeless Memories Scrapbooking class at the Brimfield Library – Learn techniques for incorporating geometric shapes into a six-page spread using Creative Memories Prismatic Papers. Program fee of $12 includes instruction and materials. Registration required before Sept. 8.

– Sept. 12-Oct. 5: Boo Cruise Halloween Home Decorating Contest registration period. Brimfield Township residents 18 and older can register their home to be included on a driving tour of outdoor Halloween displays in Brimfield. Displays will be voted on by the public from Oct. 11 through Oct. 31. The top three vote-getters will receive prizes from local businesses and recognition from Brimfield Township on social media and the township website. Register at www.brimfieldohio.gov. Please review all contest rules and regulations before entering.

– Sept. 15, 7 p.m.: Teen Financial Education Series: “Saving Money” – The second of a five-class series, teens will learn strategies for saving money, how to set SMART goals, and how to use their saved money to reach their goals. Registration required. Refreshments.

– Sept. 22, 7 p.m.: Teen Financial Education Series: “Credit” at the Brimfield Library – In the third of a five-class series, teens will learn how different types of credit work, the elements of their credit profile, how companies calculate credit scores, and how to use credit successfully to maintain a healthy credit profile. Registration is required. Refreshments.

– Sept. 25, 10 a.m.: S.A.I.L. (Stay Active And Independent for Life) Senior Fitness Class at Brimfield Town Hall – A program designed to enhance strength, balance, and overall fitness in adults. Instruction provided by University Hospitals. Registration required.

– Sept. 28, noon-3 p.m.: Fall-o-ween Costume and Decor Swap at the Brimfield Community Center – Donate new or gently used Halloween costumes as well as fall and Halloween indoor and outdoor decorations and exchange them for something new. Donations will be accepted by the parks and recreation department through Sept. 21. Swap is free to attend, with a suggested donation at the door to support parks and recreation programs. Visit www.brimfieldohio.gov for donation information.

– Sept. 29, 7 p.m.: Teen Financial Education Series: “Debt” at the Brimfield Library – In the fourth of a five-class series, teens will learn how debt and credit are connected and strategies for avoiding and managing debt to avoid serious financial challenges down the road. Registration is required. Refreshments.

ADOPTION SPAGHETTI DINNER FUNDRAISER

Brimfield resident Amy Minard attests to the fact that there is an abundance of kindness here in our community. What started out as a simple yard sale to raise money for an adoption quickly turned into a successful “mini flea market”. Word got around that her son and daughter-in-law, Joshua and Brianna Minard of Suffield, hope to adopt a sibling group of children through Open Arms Adoption, and people started showing up to donate items and cash, and their goal was far surpassed. The family was overwhelmed with gratitude when the community showed up. Amy shared, “I just don’t know how to thank my community. I love living in Brimfield.”

Joshua and Brianna have been married for four years, and their journey to parenthood has been long and heart-wrenching … infertility, failed pregnancies and health issues that ended in the inability to have children on their own.

Another opportunity to support Joshua and Brianna’s family is coming up Sept. 7 with an Adoption Benefit Spaghetti Dinner fundraiser that will be held from 1 to 6 p.m. at the Ravenna Eagles Club at 812 Cleveland Rd. Dinner will be $10 for adults, $5 for children, and children under 3 are free. There will be raffle baskets, a Chinese auction, raffle tickets and more. Tickets are available now or at the door. All proceeds will go toward adoption fees. Contributions of gift cards or baskets are appreciated. For more information, call Amy at 330-221-2421.

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