It is no secret that Joe’s Barbecue has great food. I am one of his customers and am excited to see a “brick and mortar” restaurant on that corner someday. Recently, I have been disheartened at the response to the controversy between owner Joe Menendez and township and county officials. Social media has had an onslaught of keyboard warriors sharing opinions of who has been the cause of Menendez’ troubles, many expressing a perception of corruption, calling for a boycott of Mike’s Place Restaurant, and making allegations that are not necessarily based on facts. Bernard Baruch, who was a great statesman, wrote “The greatest deception men suffer is from their own opinions. Every man has a right to his opinion, but no man has a right to be wrong in his facts.”
Opinions do not define reality. For example, many opinions alleged that Township Trustee, Mike Kostensky, was to blame, supposedly because he did not want Joe’s Barbecue to be in competition with his restaurant. When Kostensky missed the last trustee meeting on March 20, the Portager Documenter who covered the meeting wrote, “Menendez suggested that Kostensky, who was absent from the meeting, had willfully avoided the morning’s meeting. Dalziel interjected on Kostensky’s behalf. Menendez shot back: ‘I thought this wasn’t a discussion. I think that’s why Mike’s not here.’”
The attack on Mike Kostensky’s integrity is personal to me because he is a good friend, not just to our family, but to so many. I cannot think of one community organization in Brimfield that he has not donated his time and/or resources to. The reality is that Kostensky has always supported restaurants and other large and small businesses that have opened in Brimfield. If he was worried about competition, why hasn’t he fought other, even larger, restaurants from opening here? Another reality is that Mike was out of town on a previously planned vacation. It had nothing to do with this controversy.
Wendy DiAlesandro, reporter for The Portager, recently wrote an excellent article in the Friday, March 22 issue detailing issues surrounding Joe’s dilemma. She interviewed representatives from both the Summit County and Portage County health departments, officials from Brimfield Township, as well as Joe Menendez himself. Her article was well-researched, based on facts, and written with professional integrity. If you missed it, I recommend that you read it. A big shoutout to Wendy! Responsible journalism is the number one reason why I chose to accept the invitation to write the “Around Brimfield” column in The Portager. Its mission to “help our community to thrive” aligns with my desire to cheer and celebrate the good things about the community I love.
SOLAR ECLIPSE – MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR APRIL 8 – 3:14 P.M.
The opportunity of a lifetime to see a total solar eclipse, and we are fortunate to be in the path of totality. Be sure to secure solar glasses. The Brimfield Library has them for the asking. Please stress to your children the importance of protecting their eyes during the eclipse. In the U.S., totality will begin in Texas at 1:27 pm CDT and will end in Maine at 3:35 p.m. EDT. In the Kent area, the moon will completely black out the sun for approximately three minutes at 3:14 p.m. EDT. The next total solar eclipse in the U.S. will be in August 2044, and in Northeast Ohio until September 2099. Be safe and enjoy the show!
Jack’s Pizza
Jack’s Pizza in the Brimfield Cascades finally opened their doors to a welcoming and hungry community. We were there at 11 a.m. sharp on opening day. Upon eating his first bite of pizza, our four-year-old grandson, Gordon, loudly declared it to be “THE BEST PIZZA IN THE WORLD!” Jack’s Pizza hours are Monday through Friday 11 a.m.-9 p.m., Saturday 4-9 p.m., Closed on Sundays. Orders can be placed by calling 234-233-1494.
Brimfield Elementary School
Speaking of shoutouts! The students at Brimfield Elementary School recently held a food drive to benefit The Brimfield Community Cupboard, and with the help of their parents, they delivered about 6,000 pounds of non-perishable food to the Cupboard. The students proudly helped to carry carts of donations to the truck. Our grandchildren regularly stuffed their backpacks with food from their home pantry and from mine. There are probably many pantries in Brimfield that need to be restocked. It is wonderful to see children learn the joy of helping others.
The Brimfield Elementary PTA is partnering with Clothes Bin, a recycling franchise that promotes a green environment, and provides a source of clothes and shoes in the United States and throughout the world. The PTA earns money for each pound of clothing, shoes, and textiles collected. Items can be placed in the green bin near the parking lot. Items include all clothing (including undergarments), footwear, accessories (belts, ties, scarves, hats), handbags (wallets, totes, backpacks, luggage, briefcases), and linens (towels, sheets, blankets, tablecloths). Worn out items are fine, as they will recycle them into items such as rags and playground mulch. Please bag all donations.
Field Leo Club
Another shoutout goes to the Field High School and Middle School Leo Club members. Students recently volunteered their time to create Jack Sparrow wigs and hats for young cancer patients as part of “The Magic Yarn Project”, a non-profit that “provides free whimsical, giggle-inducing character wigs and beanies that invite children into the world of imagination and play during difficult times.” Kris Titko, local chapter leader since 2019, knows how important it is to bring a little joy to childhood cancer victims. Her son, Matthew, lost his battle against cancer when he was 17 years old. Anyone interested in knowing more about this organization can contact Kris at [email protected].
Brimfield and Randolph Lions Clubs
Last call for Night at the Races, which will be held at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, April 13, at St. Joseph Knights of Columbus Hall, 2617 Waterloo Rd. in Suffield. Tickets are $40 per person (includes dinner, two beverage tickets, and a horse) or $25 per person (includes dinner and two beverage tickets). To purchase tickets or for more information, call 330-552-7240.
Young at Heart Group
April 8, 10 a.m. — Breakfast at Mike’s Place Restaurant. Reminder: Solar eclipse at 3:15 p.m.
April 12, 12:00 p.m. — Monthly bag lunch at the Brimfield Community Center, 4538 Edson Rd. Bring lunch, a drink, and a friend. RSVP Patty Yensel at 937-654-8333
April 22, 10 a.m. — Breakfast at Mike’s Place Restaurant
April 28, 12:30 p.m. – The Edward Twins show at The Venue, Tallmadge Circle, Buffet lunch at 1:00 p.m., (chicken masala, potato & cheese pierogies, rice pilaf, green beans almondine, dessert), show at 3:00 p.m., $65 per person. For more information, call Patty Yensel at 937-654-8333.
For those wishing to attend the breakfasts at Mike’s Place, RSVP DonnaRae Flanary at 330-592-4318 (call or text) by the Sunday before.
Paskey Tours offers bus tours to Cleveland’s Playhouse Square shows. Upcoming shows include Stomp, Always…Patsy Cline, Back to the Future, and MJ…The Musical. For more information, their website is www.PaskeyTours.com. Mention that you are with the Brimfield Young at Heart Group. If a trip is filled up, ask to be put on a waiting list.
Brimfield Branch Library
April 2, 3:30-5 p.m. — Chess Club — Learn to play chess (All ages & skill levels)
April 5, 10:30-11 a.m. — Storytime — Children 5 and under
April 6, 1-3 p.m. – Eclipse Information Session with KSU expert
April 8, 2-4:30 p.m. — Eclipse Watch Party – Eclipse glasses are available
April 9, 5:30-7 p.m. — Book Club — Adults – Copies of book available at circulation desk
April 10, 1-2 p.m. — Afternoon Book Club – Adults – True Biz by Sara Novic – Copies of book available at circulation desk
April 13, 10:30-11 a.m. — Storytime — Children 5 and under
April 16, 3:30-5 p.m. — Game Club — All Ages
April 19, 10:30-11 a.m. — Storytime – Children 5 and under
April 22, All Day – Earth Day Gardening – Pick out a seed packet from our seed library, take it home to plant – For those in grades 1-6. While supplies last.
April 22, 3:30-4:30 p.m. – Earth Day Seed Art – Registration required – Create a mosaic with seeds while you snack on an Earth-themed treat. Intended for those in grades 7-12.
April 23, 1:30-4 p.m. — History and Games — Learn about history, then play a game about it. Ages 8 and up
April 27, 10:30-11 a.m. – Storytime – Children 5 and under
Brimfield Parks and Recreation
April 3, 3 p.m. – Spring has Sprung Hike at McGuire Park Discover native Ohio plants with Irenne and take home your own field guide.
April 11, 1 p.m. – Timeless Memories Scrapbooking program at the Brimfield Library. Join a Creative Memories independent advisor to learn how to make clusters and banners that fit different themes. All skill levels are welcome. Cost is $10, Max class size 20. Online registration and payment due April 8.
April 17, 4 p.m. – Bat Chat and Craft with EnviroScience at the Brimfield Library. An enchanting evening discussing the fascinating world of bats and making a creative hands-on activity. Appropriate for all ages.
April 21, 1-3 p.m. – Plant and Craft Supply Swap at the Brimfield Community Center – Pre-Registration required. Cost $5.00 – For plant enthusiasts and crafters. Plant and craft supply donations will be accepted before the event. Donations are not required, but donors will be granted early entry from 12:00-1:00 p.m. All swap items are free with price of admission. For more information and pre-registration, visit www.brimfieldohio.gov.
April 26, 10 a.m. – Birding for Seniors at Brimfield Lions Community Park – On National Audubon Day, take a leisurely walk while looking for birds!
April 30, 10-11:30 a.m. – Spring Blooms for Kids at the Brimfield Library. See how flowers, trees, and other plants change from winter to spring! Recommended for children ages 4-8.
April 30, 2-3:30 p.m. – Spring Blooms for Tots at the Brimfield Library. Explore the fascinating world of Spring through interactive sensory activities. Appropriate for tots aged 1-3.
Brimfield Township Trustee Meetings
April 17, 8 a.m.
May 1, 8 a.m.
Final thought – “There is nothing in the world so easy as giving an opinion; consequently, in general, there are few things so utterly valueless.” -Charles William Day
Until next time. Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at [email protected]
