“Showing gratitude is one of the simplest yet most powerful things humans can do for each other.” -Randy Pausch
Did you remember to set your clocks back? There has been talk for years of doing away with that practice, but thus far, it has been all talk. Looking forward to tomorrow, remember it is Election Day, so get out and vote. Polls open at 6:30 a.m. and close at 7:30 p.m.
Some of my favorite memories of our children’s high school years were made at cross country meets, so it was especially exciting to see that our Field High School Cross Country boys team placed fourth at the regional CC meet to secure a spot at the State Cross Country meet. Field has a tradition of producing good runners, good teams, and good kids. Congratulations to the boys cross country team.
Research has consistently shown that gratitude is consistently associated with greater happiness. As part of one particular study, participants were asked to write and personally deliver a letter of gratitude to someone who had never been properly thanked for his or her kindness. Those who completed the assignment immediately exhibited a huge increase in happiness scores, with benefits lasting for a month. The effects of gratitude include more positive emotions, improved health, stronger relationships and an increased ability to deal with adversity. You are as happy as you are grateful. What and who are you grateful for?
There are many good people in our community who don’t get properly thanked for their kindness, compassion, and service. They do good things, not for applause, but because they are genuinely good and desire to make our community better for all. The Brimfield Lions Club is full of this kind of person. Enough cannot be said for the service they render to our community. Some of their projects this year include assisting the Brimfield Food Cupboard, providing meals for The Haven of Portage County, collecting unused eyeglasses for those in need, volunteering for humanitarian service projects, and sponsoring the Field Leo Club to help students learn leadership skills and give them opportunities to help others. They also provide scholarships to Field High School seniors and present quarterly ‘Good Awards’ to Brimfield Elementary students. The Lions Club’s mission is “to create and foster a spirit of understanding among all people for humanitarian needs by providing voluntary services through community involvement and international cooperation.” Anyone interested in joining the Lions Club can call and leave a message at 330-552-7240.
Recently, the Brimfield Lions Club co-hosted a candidates’ night at Field Middle School. Representatives and candidates came to discuss each issue that will be on the ballot tomorrow, Nov. 7. Many who attended the meeting expressed disappointment that no one from the school district accepted the invitation to speak about the two school renewal levies on the ballot, Issue 21 and Issue 22. I reached out to the school administration and the auditor’s office to learn all I could about the specific cost of the levies and how people’s tax bills might be affected.
I received the following statement from Field’s Treasurer, Todd Carpenter: “The two renewal levies on the ballot for the Field Local School district will provide the same revenue as when they were passed except for new residential construction. As you probably remember from your time on the board, this is a result of H.B. 920, which was established in 1976. (O.R.C. Section 319.301) Depending on valuation changes, some people’s tax bills could go up and some people’s tax bills could go down. However, the amount of money collected will be the same as the tax duplicate at the time of the original passage except for new residential construction.”
I also reached out to the auditor’s office and was told that Issue 21 costs $352 per $100,000 appraised value and Issue 22 costs $179 per $100,000 appraised value. I am grateful for the opportunity to exercise my right to vote. I hope you are too! Vote Tuesday, Nov. 7!
Traditions are practices which foster unity by connecting people to their history. They preserve the uniqueness and identity of a community and are the means through which values, customs, and practices of a community are passed down from generation to generation. One such tradition dates back to the early days of Brimfield’s history when community members gathered on election day to share a dinner comprised of creamed chicken and biscuits, ham, applesauce, sweet potatoes, green beans, pickled beets, tomato juice, coffee, punch, water, and desserts. Hosted by the Brimfield Historical Society (BHS), this long-standing annual tradition continues tomorrow, on Election Day (Nov. 7), with that same meal being served from 4-7 p.m. Dinners are $12 for adults and $5 for children under 12. Meals are available for dine-in or carry out. Some good people ensure that this tradition carries on. Mike Kostensky, owner of Mike’s Place Restaurant, generously donates the food, so all proceeds benefit the historical society. Mike and his good family help cook and serve the meal. They do not ask for thanks, but they deserve many thanks. Consider making this event a tradition for your family. It is a great meal, at a great price, for a great organization. Hope to see you there!
For those attending the Election Day Dinner, small two-foot Christmas trees will be available for purchase. Anyone can purchase a tree to decorate and donate it back to the historical society to be auctioned at the Brimfield Historical Society on Dec. 7. The BHS annual membership drive is currently underway. Individual memberships cost $15 per year.
The good people of the German Family Society will present their traditional Holiday Bazaar from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 18 at their facility at 3871 Ranfield Rd. Unique gifts and handcrafted items featuring over 25 artisans, plus their own German items, such as dried homemade egg noodles, German and Austrian-style ornaments, and imported chocolates along with traditional treats and raffle baskets will be available. Beginning at 9 a.m., German sausage sandwiches, goulash, pastries, hot mulled wine, and a full-service bar will be available. Frozen cabbage rolls (Sarma) will also be available for sale.
Another Brimfield tradition that occurs on Thanksgiving Day, Thursday, Nov. 23, is the annual Lions Club Turkey Trot, “Wobble Before You Gobble 5K Run/Walk and 1 Mile Fitness Walk”. Registration begins at 7 a.m. at the Brimfield Plaza in front of the Subway restaurant, and the race begins promptly at 8:30 a.m., rain or shine. The cost to participate is 10 non-perishable items or a cash donation, with all items and proceeds benefiting the Brimfield Community Food Cupboard. This family event is the perfect tradition to start off Thanksgiving Day. Strollers, wagons, and pets are welcome. For more information, contact Jill Reitz at 330-931-8028.
For those 55 years and older, the Young at Heart Club meets at 10 a.m. every other Monday at Mike’s Place Restaurant for breakfast. President of the club, DonnaRae Flanary, related that they welcome new members. Annual dues are $15. The club will hold its Christmas party luncheon at noon on Friday, Dec. 1 at the American Legion, 1945 Mogadore Rd. in Kent. Mike’s Place is catering the event, and Mike and Holly Kostensky will provide the musical entertainment. The luncheon is free for members with paid 2023 dues or $15 at the door for those who wish to join. Reservations are due by Nov. 27. For more information or to make a reservation, call Patty Yensel at 937-654-8333.
Annual Tour of Lights Holiday Lighting Contest
Monday, Nov. 13 to Friday, Dec. 1 – Registration
Saturday, Dec. 9 thru Tuesday, Jan. 2 – Voting
Winners announced the week of January 2nd. Brimfield Township’s Annual Holiday Lighting Contest is back! Register your home to compete against other residents for the best light display which will be determined by votes from the public. Visit brimfieldohio.gov or the Brimfield Parks’ social media pages for more information about this event, including how to register. Prizes will be awarded to first, second, and third place winners!
Hoot and Seek (Rain date Dec. 1)
Friday, Nov. 17, 6 p.m., 6:45p.m., 7:30p.m.
Cranberry Creek Park, 2211 Lynn Road. Cost: Free
Shh! We need to be extra quiet so we don’t scare the owls! Join the Brimfield Parks and Recreation department on their quest to find owls. These cool birds hear really well and normally sleep through the day, so trying to see them can be quite an exciting challenge! Hikes will be led at 6, 6:45 and 7:30 p.m. with a maximum of 10 people per hike.
Registration is encouraged and will guarantee your spot. To register please visit www.store.brimfieldohio.gov. Bring flashlights and dress appropriately for colder weather. Recommended for ages 7 and up. No pets, please.
Hometown Christmas at the Brimfield Historical Society
Sunday, Nov. 26, 5–7 p.m. at Brimfield Historical Society, 4158 OH-43 Cost: Free
Brimfield Township and the Brimfield Historical Society are partnering to bring you a community holiday lighting extravaganza! Walk through a beautiful lighting display on the grounds of the Brimfield Historical Society while enjoying handouts from local community groups and businesses. Note: There is no rain date for this event.
Holiday Drop N’ Shop
Friday, Dec. 8, 6-9 p.m at Brimfield Community Center, 4538 Edson Road Ages: 5-12 years
REGISTRATION REQUIRED by calling 330-678-0739 or email at [email protected].
Cost: $20/first child, plus $10/each additional child.
Registration open now until Dec. 7 (or until class fills up) Maximum class size: 20 children. Drop your child/children off at the Brimfield Community Center for pizza, games, activities, and take-home crafts while you finish your holiday errands!
Author, David Mamet, reminds us, “We must have a pie. Stress cannot exist in the presence of a pie.” With the holidays upon us, I hope you take time to enjoy old traditions and perhaps create some new ones with your families.
Until next time. Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley Mars at 330-673-0241 or at [email protected]
