BRUNSWICK, Ohio — I guess you could call it exciting.
It was Veterans Day, and suddenly all of our lights went out, our computers shut down and the electricity totally powered off.
We walked to the front window to see if we were the only ones. That’s when we spotted the problem.
A huge tree had fallen across our street and onto all the wires — which were keeping the tree from crashing to the ground.
Of course, it was a holiday for many businesses and the offices of Ohio Edison were closed. I called and left a message and called the Brunswick Service Department.
Other neighbors had been on the phone, too, and the Fire Department came out to block people from using that part of the road.
It took awhile, but an Ohio Edison truck finally came. One poor guy on a very cold day lifting himself up over the tree and, with a small chainsaw, cutting off the branches.
But he couldn’t tackle all of the branches.
A little while later, a larger truck came, with a larger chainsaw, and workers finished the job. Then they went down the street and, shortly after, the lights on the east side of the street were on.
It took awhile, but finally ours also came back on — and we didn’t have to worry about moving our refrigerator items out into the snow to keep them from spoiling.
Thanksgiving: Before I forget, I want to say thanks to all of you who continue to read my column.
It’s hard to believe it’s been so long. While I started with the Leader Post newspaper in March 1959, I didn’t start writing until 1961 and my column didn’t start until a few years later.
I still remember Mary Murray calling it whims and whamseys!
Free symphony concert: The historic Medina Symphony Orchestra will present its free fall concert at 2 p.m. Nov. 23 in the Brunswick Community Recreation Center auditorium.
The wonderful band will be sure to delight everyone who enjoys great music.
If you need more information, contact conductor Shirley Ann Walker at Sa_walker426@yahoo.com or call the recreation center at 330-273-8000.
Be sure to check: Did you remember that Medina County has a specialty license plate available through the Ohio Department of Motor Vehicles that benefits local historical societies in the county?
All of the historical societies are preserving our history for future generations, so think of them when purchasing your plates in person or online.
I’ve had mine since 2018 — the celebration of Medina County’s founding in 1818.
The $25-a-year cost includes a $15 contribution to the historical societies in addition to your standard tag renewal fee.
Speaking of history: A big thank you goes to the Medina Breakfast Kiwanis, who granted the Brunswick Area Historical Society $1,000 to provide field trips for Brunswick third-graders to Heritage Farm this spring.
Everyone is looking forward to showing the youngsters how different life was for people who settled the community.
It’s so much better when they can see everything in person and kind of step into the shoes of those settlers.
With America’s 250th birthday programs going on throughout the area, it should be a great year for learning about our ancestors.
Innovative: I really get a kick out of seeing what people are doing with their huge Halloween skeletons.
I saw one recently dressed as a pilgrim. Skinny Santa Claus is a pretty popular theme.
I imagine dressing the skeleton in different holiday outfits is easier than putting it in storage for a year.
Get your tickets: It’s just $10 for the Festival of Trees, presented by the HANDS Foundation at 6 p.m. Dec. 5 at Echelon of Medina Independent Living.
I was there last year and it was fantastic. You’ll want to stop in for some light refreshments and beautiful décor.
RSVP to chrissywallerhandsfound@gmail.com.
And don’t forget Medina High School’s fifth annual Encore Holiday Extravaganza. The concert starts at 7 p.m. Dec. 6.
Come early for a fun pre-show in the lobby of the Performing Arts Center at 6 p.m..
I’m always so impressed by these talented high schoolers that I’m telling you in advance I know it will be wonderful.
Get tickets online at www.medinachoir.com — or take your chance that there will still be some seating left that evening.
Foster a pet: Foster homes are desperately needed by Save Ohio Strays.
They are stiill welcoming and supporting anyone who might want to consider fostering after 20 years of saving pets.
With being in it this long, they can tell you that the rescue world is more grim than ever. The only way we can save lives is with foster homes, and shelters are begging for help.
Consider being a furry friend’s guardian angel and lifeline while Save Ohio Strays helps them get vetted and find a new home!
They will give you everything you need and cover all expenses — food, toys, treats and veterinarian care.
For more information, visit Info@saveohiostrays.org.
Hope Church is helping: This Christmas, Hope Church in Brunswick is excited to partner with Medina Creative Housing to support its Giving Tree project for its residents.
A Christmas tree with gift tags is set up in the church’s kitchen lobby near the café. Choose a tag, purchase the items requested and place unwrapped gifts under the tree no later than Dec. 7.
The suggested donation is $25 per resident. Gifts will be distributed at Medina Creative Housing’s Christmas dinner.
Great news! The plaque for the National Register of Historic Sites is now on the McDowell-Phillips House at 205 S. Prospect St. in Medina.
This process started during the COVID pandemic with Joann King writing the history of the house and room-by-room descriptions and photos to complete the application.
It took time to get everything through the government channels, but the Medina County Historical Society members are very proud to have this house listed.
It is an honor to preserve our buildings to the point that they can be included on the register.
A busy holiday season is planned for the McDowell-Phillips House, with holiday open houses Nov. 22 and Dec. 27.
The museum will be decorated in the holiday spirit!
Plus, they will host a special Twilight Open House with a very special guest on Dec. 13.
The John Smart House also has special holiday events. You can learn more at https://www.medinacountyhistoricalsociety.com/.
Chorus concert: Excitement is in the air! Get ready to be part of something extraordinary at Medina Chorus’ next concert, “Gloria & Joy: A Christmas Celebration.”
Performances will be held at 7 p.m. Dec. 6 and 3 p.m. Dec. 7 at Medina United Methodist church, 4747 Foote Road.
The concert will feature John Rutter’s masterpiece, “Gloria,” for chorus and brass ensemble, and additional great Christmas selections.
Tickets are $15 for adults and free for students up through 12th grade. Get your tickets at https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/gloria-and-joy-a-christmas-celebration.
Exceptional: The Brunswick City School District has announced the first round of “B” For Excellence Award winners for the 2025-2026 school year.
This recognition celebrates exceptional staff members who demonstrate outstanding commitment to the school community.
Eleven remarkable employees were selected from a pool of 31 nominations.
The selection committee — consisting of members from the Brunswick Education Association, Brunswick Education Support Professionals Association, classified staff, certified staff and administrators — reviewed nominations submitted by parents, students and fellow staff members.
Winners were chosen based on their embodiment of the Journey of a Blue Devil core values.
The following individuals received “B” For Excellence Awards:
• Kristen Baker (intervention specialist, Brunswick High School): Recognized for her exceptional communication skills, creating an environment where students feel heard and valued, and building trust through honest and respectful interactions, nominated by a student.
• Mike Blum (bus driver): Commended for his exceptional care of students with disabilities, creating a safe and positive transportation experience, and consistently maintaining a warm, welcoming approach, nominated by a parent.
• Cindy DeAngelis (food service, Brunswick High School): Honored for her outstanding work ethic, adaptability in training new staff and willingness to assist wherever needed while maintaining positive relationships with colleagues and students, nominated by an employee.
• Alison Elmhorst (teacher, Brunswick High School): Acknowledged for her dedication to struggling students, providing personalized support and encouragement, and maintaining open communication with families to ensure student success, nominated by a parent.
• Arianna Holtwick (teacher, Crestview Elementary School): Praised for her exceptional empathy and support for students with medical needs, creating a safe and inclusive classroom environment and encouraging peer support during challenging situations, nominated by a parent.
• Julie Lee (paraprofessional, Applewood Elementary School): Recognized for her adaptability, willingness to take on new challenges and unwavering dedication to supporting students with diverse needs in a multiple impairment classroom, nominated by an employee.
• Gina Marino (paraprofessional, Crestview Elementary School): Commended for her dedication to making students and staff feel valued, creating engaging learning activities and consistently fostering an inclusive, joyful learning environment, nominated by an employee.
• Jessica McClure (transition coordinator, Brunswick High School): Honored for her extraordinary empathy, ability to make others feel seen and valued and for creating a supportive environment where students know their feelings matter, nominated by a student.
• Scott Wenmoth (teacher, Brunswick Middle School): Acknowledged for creating a comfortable learning environment where students can grow, demonstrating exceptional empathy for struggling students and building meaningful relationships with all learners, nominated by an employee.
• Lisa Werner (nurse, Crestview Elementary School): Praised for her comprehensive care of students with complex medical needs, effective communication with medical professionals and staff, and going above and beyond to ensure student well-being, nominated by an employee.
• John Witthuhn (school resource officer, Brunswick Middle School): Recognized for his commitment to creating a safe learning environment, building positive relationships with students and staff and providing steady support and guidance to the school community, nominated by an employee.
“These award winners exemplify the excellence we strive for throughout our district,” said Jason Niedermeyer, Superintendent of Brunswick City School District. “Each recipient demonstrates how living our core values of effective communication, empathy, adaptability, responsibility, and critical thinking creates meaningful connections and enhances the educational experience for our students. Their dedication strengthens our entire learning community.”
The recognition program will continue with the second round of nominations open until January 16, 2026. Parents, guardians, students, community members, and staff can submit nominations on the BCSD website.
Too tired reminder: Nov. 20 is the next Too Tired To Cook Thursday, sponsored by the Brunswick Education Foundation. But you have to order by Nov. 17.
A week before Thanksgiving is the perfect time to not only give yourself a break from cooking, but also an opportunity to support a cause that will benefit both students and teachers in the Brunswick City Schools.
Profits from these evenings help to fund senior scholarships and educational grants.
The link to order is https://www.zeffy.com/en-US/ticketing/too-tired-to-cook-thursday-november–2025.
