Upon waking early last week, the sound of birds chirping reminded me that, indeed, spring had arrived. On a few rare days a strange bright orb appeared in the sky and warmed the earth, if only for a few hours. Yellow daffodils and deep purple crocuses brightened the dreariness of March and gave us hope that April was on the horizon.
The reality of living in Ohio in the springtime hit a few days later when I was reminded that we can get all four seasons in one day. Trees were downed, blocking passage on many streets. The entire side of All Pro Sports on state Route 43 was blown completely over, and many were without electricity. Anne Bradstreet, a prominent poet from the 1600s, wrote, “If we had no winter, the spring would not be so pleasant; if we did not sometimes taste of adversity, prosperity would not be so welcome.” Most, if not all of us, had a “taste of adversity” during last week’s storms, but this is Ohio, and if you don’t like the weather, wait 10 minutes, and it will change.
Amidst all the clean-up from the storms, it is nice to see the progression of the Brimfield Township Fire Department. The Brimfield Bread Oven has also received a lovely exterior renovation. Inside, it is still the best place to be in Brimfield. The smells, the people, the food…it is divine!
The other day, there was a story on the news that caught my attention about a bus driver in Amherst who pulled her school bus over and went ballistic screaming at some of the students. She later apologized and resigned. A video of it went viral. She was later interviewed by a reporter and shared what went on right before she “lost it.” It seems that a few of the students had been harassing her for a long time, even spraying strong perfume because they knew she was asthmatic, and she had reached the end of her rope. It is a sad story. Driving a school bus is not for the faint-hearted. One of our daughters-in-law is a bus driver, and like the driver who resigned, she loves it. However, it is a huge responsibility to get children safely to school, especially when a few are unruly.
A few weeks ago, I was standing with two of our grandchildren while they were waiting to board their school bus. I reminded them to watch for the driver’s signal to cross the street. His arm was raised, when suddenly his airhorn blared a long and loud warning. We turned to see a car that did not appear to be slowing down. The car finally stopped, the bus driver lowered his arm, signaling that it was safe to cross the street, and I shuddered to think of what could have happened, especially if he had been distracted by unruly children. My appreciation and gratitude for conscientious bus drivers have grown tremendously. Theirs is not an easy job.
Last month, I wrote about the wonderful new Scott Farm Market and Greenhouse at 1977 Meloy Road. Each time I visit the market to get my chocolate milk fix, more products have been added. I can attest that their meat is amazing. There is so little fat in the ground meat that you almost need to add oil to fry it. The market’s official grand opening will be from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on April 29, and meat purchases will be discounted by 10%. If you have not been to Scott Farm Market yet, it is well worth the trip.
In 2010, a group of parents, community members from Brimfield and Suffield, teachers and coaches established The Big Red Fund to support Field Schools’ athletic facilities through fundraising efforts. The group successfully provided a new high school track, funded needed equipment and uniforms, and installed refurbished bleachers in the high school gymnasium. Eight years later, the mission of The Big Red Fund was expanded to include “community pride and unity,” and The Big Red Community Foundation was formed with a focus on making the Suffield and Brimfield communities a better place by organizing fundraisers, family events, and opportunities to show school and community pride. In the past 13 years, they have raised an impressive $300,000 to benefit the students of Field Schools.
There are a number of events coming up, including a Big Red Community Day at Cedar Point beginning at 10 a.m. on Wednesday, June 21. Tickets are discounted and must be pre-ordered and paid for by May 25.
On Friday, June 30, beginning at 8 p.m., join The Big Red Community Night at the Midway Twin Drive In. There will be prizes and giveaways. Price is per carload and pre-sale tickets are encouraged so they can get an idea of how many will be coming. The movie will be selected closer to the event date and will be PG or PG13. Tickets to all events can be purchased on their website at http://bigredcommunity.com/shop/ols/products under the “shop” tab, and tickets will be mailed to you.
Finally, it is time to register for KIDS BOWL FREE. This is a free program for kids during the summer months. Spins Bowling in Springfield hosts this program, but you can choose the bowling alley closest to you. Register today at the link below. https://www.kidsbowlfree.com/referral.php?code=z1rzye
As you can see, The Big Red Foundation volunteers are very active, so check out their Facebook page or website for more information. They are an amazing group that does so many wonderful things, and they are always looking for more volunteers.
Brimfield Parks and Recreation Events
Saturday, April 22: Plant Swap – 9 a.m.-noon, Brimfield Community Center, outside (4538 Edson Road)
Looking to shake up your plant collection? Stop by the Brimfield Community Center grounds for the first ever plant swap and celebrate Earth Day! Watch social media for more updates on this NEW event. See full participation rules linked on the Parks Department page at brimfieldohio.gov.
Saturday, May 13: Spring Clean-Up – 9 a.m. – 4 p.m., Lions Community Park (4484 Edson Road)
Brimfield Township residents can take advantage of this opportunity to drop off large items at Lions Park! Participants may be asked to show ID to prove residency. Must be able to lift items into recycling bin (no lifting assistance will be provided). For a full list of accepted items, please view the Spring Clean-up event flyer at www.brimfieldohio.gov or contact the Parks and Recreation Department.
Spring has Sprung in Brimfield Parks! What to see:
Amphibians such as Spring Peepers, Wood Frogs, and Red-backed Salamanders
Reptiles such as Painted Turtles and Dekay’s Brown Snakes
Birds such as Turkey Vultures, Red-Tailed Hawks, Red-Winged Blackbirds, American Woodcocks, and Killdeer
Until next time…Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at [email protected]
