BRUNSWICK, Ohio — It’s going to be an exciting year.
The State of Ohio has picked a theme for each month of this, America’s 250th anniversary year, and Brunswick itself is putting together some great programs for you.
So be sure you keep an eye out, especially if you’re interested in looking back in time and learning about “the good old days.”
Linda Scarcella, program director for the Brunswick Area Historical Society, has some interesting speakers coming up on the fourth Thursday of each month.
As we highlight local businesses that have been here a long time, the Jan. 29 meeting will feature B&B Trophy and the Sinclair family.
The meeting is at 6:30 p.m. at Goodyear’s Big Barn (remember, the historical society’s big barn has no heat).
The programs are free and open to everyone, so I hope to see you there.
A couple of bus tours also are being planned, and you just may learn some things about our community that you never knew.
The City of Brunswick, Brunswick Township, Brunswick City Schools and Brunswick Area TV are all playing a part.
So, keep watching and check the website at brunswickhistory.com for the latest updates.
And also watch for events and activities throughout the Medina County and the state. There are some fantastic plans.
For example, the Medina County District Library will hold its History Day from noon to 4 p.m. Jan. 31. I’m sure all of our historical societies and sites will have information to share.
Mixed up: I don’t know if this happens to everyone, but for the past two weeks I’ve had to check my computer or clock just to see what day it is.
I swear, every morning felt like a weekend. Maybe because school’s out and we had the holidays? Perhaps just because my routine wasn’t as routine?
I’ll be glad to get back to normal days and a regular schedule.
Soup supper: It’s a perfect time for a bowl of hot soup, and Brunswick United Methodist Church has some made by members of the church at the Community Soup Dinner.
It’s served at 5 p.m. on the third Thursday of the month through March.
Come early, because when the soup runs out, they close. The church is at 1395 Pearl Road.
Special week: From Jan. 11-16, Hope Church will be focused on prayer and seeking after the Lord.
The Chapel (1881 Building) will be open from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday for prayer, and they will have a worship service in The Chapel every evening.
You are invited to start the new year seeking the Lord with them, “asking that His will be done in our lives and in the lives of our church family.”
Wine & Roses: The 27th annual Wine & Roses event benefiting The Children’s Center of Medina County, Feeding Medina County, Akron Children’s Health Center and other local children’s charities will be held at 5 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Blair Conference Center in Westfield.
The event is always popular and well thought out by the Medina Sunrise Rotary.
Learn more and get tickets at https://medinasunriserotary.org/wineandroses/
Another great event: Purses With a Purpose, an event to benefit Feeding Medina County, will be held from 4:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 3 at the Western Reserve Masonic Community Center, 4931 Nettleton Road in Medina.
Tickets are $30 and will only be sold in advance. You can pay by check, cash or money order online or by contacting Deven Diello at 330-635-7117 for more information.
The event is presented by Medina Meadows and Western Reserve Masonic Community.
I remember: Don’t know why, but I was looking through recent obituaries on cleveland.com and found a name many Brunswick residents will remember: Father Robert A. Burge.
He began his career at St. Ambrose Catholic Church, then moved on to other parishes until 2003, when he retired from St. Peter the Apostle Catholic Church in Brook Park.
He was such a wonderful person, and I know he made a big difference in a lot of lives.
The sewing lady: Jan Smolka was the wonderful seamstress who brought her old-fashioned sewing machine to Heritage Farm on Sundays where she sewed and sold her aprons and other items.
She was also active with Hinckley Township arts and crafts groups.
She wasn’t able to make it to the farmers markets all of this past summer and we missed her.
Her son called to tell us that she passed away on Dec. 24. I know all who knew her will miss her.
Step back: I know a lot of folks hate the weather we’ve been having, and it’s a pain to have to drive through it or clear it from the driveway, but I don’t mind it.
I can always add layers, and it reminds me that we’d never be able to really appreciate spring, summer and fall if we didn’t have winter as a comparison.
So hang in there.
Wing Night: The Brunswick Valkyries Rugby Club presents its 12th annual Wing Night to help support the club.
It will be held from 5 to 8 p.m. Feb. 21 at Rookies Sports Bar and Grill, 6913 W. 130th St. in Parma.
Tickets are $35 presale and $50 at the door. The tickets include all you can eat and drink.
There will be a basket raffle, a 50/50 raffle and a bourbon basket, plus door prizes. Visit https://www.brunswickrugbyclub.com/for all the information.