Around Brimfield: Positivity and resilience against the odds

“Negative people need drama like oxygen. Stay positive, it will take their breath away.” — Unknown

Negativity seems to be rampant in these uncertain times and can feel quite overwhelming. While social media can be a great way to stay connected to people, it is also a purveyor of negativity. Many studies have proven that choosing to consume a diet rich in negativity can be harmful to one’s mental health. Food rich in nutrients is vital to our physical health, and a dessert here and there is fine in moderation. Equally, our mental health needs a balance of moderation, positivity and resilience, “the ability to adapt and thrive in the face of change and challenges, being flexible and resourceful.”

These qualities may seem to come more naturally to some, but we can all learn to cultivate them.

One person who has taught me about positivity and resilience is our 15-year-old granddaughter, Phoebe. I will spare the gruesome details, but as the result of a horrific sledding accident a few months ago, she found herself in an emergency surgery that required an ostomy, a surgically created opening on the abdomen that allows waste to exit the body. Can you imagine how a young teenage girl might respond to this? Phoebe is a black belt in taekwondo and an avid adventure skier and mountain biker, and we were concerned how she would deal with her predicament. It seems that we were more traumatized than Phoebe, who has to be one of the most positive and resilient persons I have ever known. While we adults were bemoaning her injury, she refused to let it get her down. She did not feel sorry for herself but met the challenge with confidence and even humor. After surgery, Phoebe decided to make a list of possible names for her ostomy bag so we could vote for our favorite one. She seriously came up with 17 hilarious names, such as Poo Purse, Crap Sack, Stool Satchel, and Dump Depot — to name a few. She proudly wore a shirt that one of her uncles sent to her with a graphic of a person walking a dog and holding a doggie poo bag, with the slogan “Now we both bag our poop.” Her ability to cope with, adapt and recover from trauma was nothing short of amazing. After six months, Phoebe is completely healed, more active than ever, and she has been added to my list of heroes.

When I grow up, I want to be like Phoebe. She taught me that attitude determines altitude, that you can find “joy in the journey” regardless of adversities, and that humor can help maintain well-being, despite difficulties. Ways to practice resiliency can include reducing stress, embracing change, cultivating a positive outlook, keeping a gratitude journal, improving physical health, finding power in mindfulness and stillness, surrounding yourself with supportive people, and limiting social media consumption. I often remind myself that “blessed are the flexible, for they will never be bent out of shape.” Practice resiliency by ridding yourself of negativity. Be a little kinder to yourself!

Be kind to others! Regardless of political views, religion, nationality or gender, remember that we are all fellow travelers on planet Earth!

Brimfield Township

Brimfield Township Trustee meetings are held at Town Hall at1333 Tallmadge Rd.:
– June 11, 8 a.m.
– June 24, 6 p.m.
– July 9, 8 a.m.

– At the May 14 township trustee meeting, it was announced that former township Trustee Bob Ebie passed away at home May 10 at the age of 91. He left a positive impact on his large family and on our township.

– Karen Upson expressed dismay that without any public discussion or community input, the Field Local School Board voted at its March 10 meeting to tear down the building that formerly housed Central Elementary and the Falcon Academy. According to a school board member that Upson spoke with, there is no solid plan as to what will be done with the property. She also talked about the Field Community Foundation, which started many years ago, being reinstated.

– It was reported that the call volume for the police department has increased from last year by about 800 calls. With the increased use of body cameras, there has also been a significant rise in public record requests. The board approved a request to enter into an agreement with Focal Forensics for video forensic services. It was noted that the Ohio Legislature recently passed a law that police can charge citizens for body cam footage.

– Fire department calls for 2025 have increased by 100 calls over this time last year. The department is currently interviewing for three new hires. A new ambulance is scheduled to arrive during the last quarter of 2026. Once ordered, it takes 2 1/2 years until delivery. The Senior Luncheon and Showcase, hosted by the department, was a tremendous success.

– The board approved the purchase for ARC Contracting of Ohio in the amount of $9,573.47 to replace siding and gutters on the garage at Town Hall. NOPEC fund reimbursement will be requested.

– The board approved the ODNR Lake Management contract for McGuire Park at no cost to Brimfield.

– The trustees accepted the resignation of Scott Etling as a member of the board of zoning appeals (BZA). They approved moving BZA alternate member Clayton Popik to BZA member and gave approval to advertise for BZA alternate member. The BZA is now looking to fill the position of alternate member. For more information, go to https://brimfieldohio.gov/Jobs.aspx?UniqueId=102&From=All&CommunityJobs=False&JobID=Board-of-Zoning-Appeals-Alternate-13

Brimfield Parks and Recreation

– June 5, 10 a.m. – Senior Yoga Series: Chair Yoga at the Brimfield Community Center – Join SHINE Ohio to discover the benefits of yoga – for all skill levels. Bring a water bottle and any preferred props. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – see link below.

– June 7, 10 a.m.-noon – McGuire Park Grand Opening, 3822 Cascades Blvd. – Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 10:15 a.m., followed by giveaways and guided or self-guided tours. The guided-tour schedule will be posted on the parks and recreation website and social media pages. The rain date for this event is June 8.

– June 12, 10 a.m. – Senior Yoga Series: S.A.I.L. at Brimfield Town Hall – Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a program designed to enhance strength, balance, and overall fitness in adults. In partnership with University Hospitals. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – see link below.

– June 12, 1 p.m. – Timeless Memories Scrapbooking at the Brimfield Branch Library. Learn the cascading-pages technique. Pictures are optional but strongly recommended. All skill levels. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – see link below.

– June 14, 9 a.m. – Portage Park District Birding Basics at McGuire Park – Explore, observe and learn about local birds, identification tips, bird calls and habitat insights.

– June 17, 6 p.m. – Senior Yoga Series: Gentle Flow Yoga at Brimfield Community Center – Combines slow, mindful movements with breath awareness to promote relaxation, flexibility and balance. Ideal for beginners. Bring a water bottle and any preferred props. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – see link below. Senior Yoga Series: Gentle Flow Yoga is made possible by a generous donation from The Village of Saint Edwards. Instructor provided by SHINE Ohio.

– June 21, 11 a.m.-2 p.m. – Touch-A-Truck at Lions Community Park – Over 20 construction, emergency and service vehicles from Brimfield Township, Portage County, the State of Ohio and surrounding businesses and organizations. Free inflatables, local food trucks, carnival games, and a special visit from Spiderman and Moana!

– June 26, 10 a.m. – Senior Yoga Series: S.A.I.L. at Brimfield Town Hall – Stay Active and Independent for Life (SAIL) is a program designed to enhance strength, balance, and overall fitness in adults. In partnership with University Hospitals. REGISTRATION REQUIRED – see link below.

– June 26, 7 – 9 p.m. – Boomers 330 Concert at the Gazebo at Town Center Park – Sponsored by Hometown Bank. Timeless classics. Bring lawn chairs and blankets.

REGISTRATION – https://brimfieldparks.ezfacility.com/OnlineRegistration

June Summer Day Camp Sessions

– June 24, 9 a.m.– 2 p.m. – Junior Adventures Day Camp at Brimfield Community Center – Through hands-on activities, campers will discover the wonders of plants, animals and ecosystems. Registration closes June 15.

– June 25, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Junior Splash & Dash Day Camp at Brimfield Community Center – Kids will race, strategize and compete in games, obstacle courses, water activities and relays. Registration closes June 15.

– June 26, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Insect Investigators Day Camp at Brimfield Community Center – Campers will become junior entomologists as they catch, observe and learn about bugs like butterflies, beetles and bees. Through games and exploration, they’ll discover the important roles bugs play in nature while having tons of creepy-crawly fun! Registration closes June 15.

– June 27, 9 a.m.-2 p.m. – Splash, Jump & Dash Day Camp at Brimfield Community Center – Campers will engage in fast-paced races, strategic challenges and competitions. Every moment is filled with action, teamwork and friendly rivalry. Registration closes June 15.

For all Summer Camp information and registration, go to: https://brimfieldohio.gov/168/Parks-Recreation.

Field High School Alumni

– Aug. 16, 2-5 p.m. – Field High School ALL Alumni 5th Annual Gathering – Meet at the high school.

Brimfield Historical Society

– June 21, 9 a.m.-5 p.m. – Civil War Living History (music at 2 p.m.)
– June 22, 9 a.m.-3 p.m. – Civil War Living History

Civil War drills, musket firing and special museum exhibits at the Kelso House. Kent Civil War Group. Parking is available at the elementary school (both days), Victory Baptist Church (Saturday only), and Pizza Hut and library (Sunday only).

Brimfield Young At Heart Club

– June 2, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place
– June 13, noon – Bag lunch at Brimfield Community Center, 4538 Edson Rd.
– June 16, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place
– June 25, 11:30 a.m. – Free lunch at Tamarack Ridge, 5113 state Route 43. RSVP DonnaRae Flanary at 330-592-4318 or 330-673-9342.
– June 30, 10 a.m. – Breakfast at Mike’s Place
– July 11, 6:35 p.m. – Akron RubberDucks game at Canal Park in downtown Akron. There are only 20 seats reserved in Section 17. Price is $15 per ticket. Fireworks after the game. Contact Audrey Stillwell at 330-356-3149 for reservations.

Brimfield Branch Library

– June 2, 4-5 p.m. – Tie-Dye Party – Tie-dye your own library tote! Bring other items to tie-dye for even more fun. For ages 8 and up. Limited to 20 participants.
– June 2, 5-6:45 p.m. – Crafternoons – Meet other crafters, trade tips and share stories. No skill is required. Adults.
– June 5-7, All day – Puzzle Swap – Bring in your old puzzles and trade them in for a new one. Adults.
– June 10, 5:30-6:45 p.m. – Brimfield Book Club – “The Song of Achilles” by Madeline Miller – Adults.
– June 12, 5-5:45 p.m. – Trivia Night – Test your knowledge. Come solo or with a team. Adults.
– June 13, 10:30-11 a.m. – Summer Storytime – Intended for children 5 and under.
– June 13, 4-5 p.m. – Super Smash Bros. on the Nintendo Switch. Win prizes! Intended for ages 10 and up. Limited to eight participants.
– June 14, noon-2 p.m. – Paint miniature figures or get some advice painting a model you already own. Adults.
– June 16, 5-6:45 p.m. – Relax and paint on a small canvas. No experience needed. All materials will be provided. Adults.
– June 17, 5:45-6:45 p.m. – Beginner’s Yoga with Judith – Bring a yoga mat and water. Wear comfortable clothing. Some mats will be available. Limited to 15 participants.
– June 24, 5-6:45 p.m. – Dungeons and Dragons with Dave – Explore dungeons, fight monsters, solve puzzles and complete quests. Learn about and play one of the most famous games in the world. Limited to 10 participants.
– June 25, 2-3 p.m. – Paint Party – Enjoy snacks while learning how to paint with acrylic paint. Intended for ages 6-10. Limited to eight participants.
– June 26, 5-5:45 p.m. – Thursday Mystery Club – Crack the Case. Unravel a mystery through a variety of mystery-themed games and puzzles. Adults.
– June 27, 10:30-11 a.m. – Summer Storytime – Intended for children 5 and under.
– June 27, 4-5 p.m. – Mario Kart Tournament – Race your friends in Mario Kart 8 on the Nintendo Switch and win prizes. Intended for ages 10 and up. Limited to eight participants.
– June 28, noon-2 p.m. – Crafternoons – Crafting-Get-Together – Meet other crafters, trade tips and share stories. No skill required, just a willingness to share knowledge and enjoy working on your crafts.
– June 30, 1-2 p.m. – Mr. Jeff’s Music Show – Singing and dancing at the Brimfield Library. Stop by for some songs, dances and maybe some bubbles, too. Limited to 30 participants.

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Final thought – “Dwelling on the negative simply contributes to its power.” — Shirley MacLaine

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