Brunswick is a Hit!

The past several months have proved to be an educational experience for me, spent exploring the sights and sounds of Brunswick, OH, the city I call my hometown.  I have learned it is true that one does not always realize what is right in front of them.  The City of Brunswick has limitless opportunities to offer all it's residents.

  Upcoming events planned by the City of Brunswick government include:

• May 8 Mother's Day, Free admission for all moms to the Recreation Center
• May 20 Spring Kick Off Concert, with the Medina County Orchestra
• May 30, Memorial Day parade
• June 19 Father's Day, Free admission for all fathers to the Recreation Center 
• June 22 - 26, Brunswick Old Fashioned Days
• June 26 Parade
• July 3 Concert and Fireworks

  Parks and Recreation Department planned activites:

• Youth - Karate, golf, soccer, softball, baseball, basketball, lacrosse, tennis, swimming and summer camp
• Adult - Softball, baseball, soccer, tennis, and swimming
• Seniors - Free lunches, exercise classes, water aerobics, line dancing, hiking, bowling, bingo, movies, book clubs, and bus trips
• After school and summer camp for children
• The Zone dance events for 6th to 8th grade teenagers

 It's time to get out the baseballs, frisbees and swimsuits.  Brunswick has a park system encompassing 20 park sites with 335 acres that are available to all city residents and their guests.

Besides all the events sponsored by the city, the private sector of Brunswick also has limitless opportunities to offer residents.

 There truly is something for everyone in the city of Brunswick, OH!

More information about the city of Brunswick, Ohio is available at http://www.brunswick.oh.us/.

Senior Scam

Seniors in the city of Brunswick are being targeted by a scam.  Police are investigating instances where seniors have been called or notified by mail that they have won a lottery.  The senior citizens are then told to mail $2,000 for expenses by Western Union to an address outside of the country.  It is difficult to prosecute crimes when currency is sent outside of the United States.  All residents of Brunswick need to be aware of scam alerts, not just senior citizens.   

Their Last Text

The City of Brunswick Division of Police is concerned about drivers who are distracted while on the road.  Studies have shown there is a 37% reduction in brain power relating to the driving activity when someone is using a cell phone while driving.  Texting while driving increases the possibility of being in an accident by 23 times more than not texting.  These odds are not worth using a cell phone at the expense of a human life. Check out the attached video produced by AT&T and provided by the Brunswick Division of Police as a public service message about texting while driving.

<iframe width="560" height="349" src="http://www.youtube.com/embed/DebhWD6ljZs" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe>

Dining With Ammo

Last night I stopped in for a bite to eat at a local Mexican restaurant.  While sipping on a margarita, I glanced around the room and wondered if anyone there was packing a concealed weapon.  Permitted gun owners will be able to take concealed firearms into local bars and restaurants if HB 45 legislation is passed.  Ohio's Senate recently passed legislation and now a house bill is waiting for final vote in the House.  What are legislators in our state government thinking?  Permit holders caught drinking while carrying may face a felony conviction, but that is little comfort to someone shot and lying on the floor as part of their dining experience.  Mixing alcohol and guns is absurd and it is the innocent bystanders in restaurants and bars that are going to get hurt.  There are enough fights in bars already, why add guns to the alcohol?!! 

What does everyone think?  Would you feel comfortable dining out or having a drink in a bar if you spotted a gun on the person at the table next to you?       

Courage and Persistence on a Wet Night!

"We’re gonna march in the rain and take back the night!” exclaimed program
 coordinator Amanda Roder. The group then went out and marched around
Kent campus chanting slogans and waving banners.
 Photo by Sam Verbulecz.
Despite the rain, Take Back The Night was a success on Thursday night, 4/28, at Kent State University.  This event gives victims the courage to speak out against the violence inflicted on them.  Click on the link to read more about this empowering event.

http://kentwired.com/rape-victims-take-back-the-night/

Take Back The Night is Today

 

 Take Back The Night is an international march and rally that was started in the 1970's.  The march supports survivors of sexual violence and acts as a united front against fear and violence.  The event takes place today at locations throughout the United States, including Kent State University, OH at 8:00pm.

Three-year Bachelor's Degree Programs

Lorain County Community College has a local branch in the city of Brunswick which I attend as a transient student.  I enjoy attending class at a facility near home, but changes are in the future.  Gov. John Kasich's budget will cut funding for public colleges by $8 billion.  LCCC is anticipating a $4 million cut in state funding and is looking for ways to save money.  An idea first presented in 1987 by Oberlin College appears in Kasich's budget plan that would condense a four-year bachelor's degree program into three years.  It would be interesting to know how such a plan would work.  What do you think?  Would anyone be interested in completing their college bachelor's degree in three years?         

Chocolate For All!

Brunswick Recreation Center hosted the annual visit of the Easter Bunny to the delight of the young and old at heart.  Children happily danced and sang with the bunny, while a band, played before having their picture taken with the bunny.  Face painting and an inflatable bounce house were popular activities in the gymnasium, along with other games and crafts.  Of course there was also plenty of food and chocolate on hand.

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes

Walk a Mile in Her Shoes, The International Men's March to Stop Rape, Sexual Assault & Gender Violence was recently held on college campuses, including Kent State University.  Men wore women's heels and flip-flops while women wore tennis shoes for the mile walk.  Check out the video to see the overwhelming support of the event held for the first time on Kent's campus. 

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fkentwired.com%2Fwalk-a-mile-in-her-shoes-puts-men-in-heels%2F&h=b16d4

Tim Hetherington killed today in Libya

Photojournalist Tim Hetherington was killed in Libya today when a vehicle he was riding in with three other journalists was attacked by rocket propelled grenades.  The British born 41 year old co-directed "Restrepo", an academy award nominated documentary about a platoon of U.S. solders who spent 15 months at an outpost in Afghanistan with no running water during 2007 - 2008.   Hetherington tweeted yesterday that he was in the city of Misrata where there was indiscriminate shelling by Qaddafi Forces.

It has been so long since there was a time of peace in this world.  War has become more common place than a time without it.  American soldiers that are only 19 and 20 years old are fighting and dying on the other side of the world. So sad.  Enough already!!

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/42682853/ns/world_news-mideastn_africa/



Photographer Chris Hondros                     Photojournalist Tim Hetherington

Facebook Scam

Whether you are from Brunswick, Ohio or live across the country, Facebook reaches around the globe.  A woman in Santa Cruz, California answered a Facebook inquiry from a stranger who appeared to be a United States soldier in Afghanistan.  When a relationship developed between the unemployed woman and the stranger, she sent him $150 for a telephone.  The stranger told the woman how much he loved her and wanted to be with her so she wired him $500 for an administrative fee so he could visit her on military leave.  Emails were filled with military photographs, love letters, instant messages, and official looking military documents.  The woman sent an additional $1,300 to cover fees.  When she received a request for another $1,300 to pay for his airfare she realized she had been scammed.  The woman had joined a Facebook "cause" page to help soldiers get free airfare home.  Anyone had access to the woman's personal information because she had no privacy controls set on her Facebook profile.  The woman's bank account is now empty and the Santa Cruz District Attorney's Office cannot help her because  international wire transfers were used.  The woman should not feel alone since the District Attorney's Office reports that 50 to 100 people a month claim they have been scammed.

Something to think about when putting personal information online for the world to see!

Donna

Governor's proposed budget cuts funds to Brunswick

Governor John Kasich recently proposed devastating budget cuts to Ohio communities to help offset a large state budget deficit.  State revenue sharing through the Local Government Fund, which includes municipalities, townships, park districts and Ohio's 88 counties, would see a loss of almost 50% in funds.  Brunswick residents may see severe service cutbacks as a result of losing between $364,000 and $416,000 in local government funds.  Concern is growing over safety services including police, fire and ambulances that would feel the effect of stretched budgets.  Services from public health clinics, homeland security, natural disaster response, parks and recreation, the criminal justice system, and maintaining roads would all be affected. 

Governor Kasich's plan would place a huge burden on local governments and tax districts to balance the state budget deficit.   Some localities would see funding for local services cut in half.   Is this fair?  Should local governments be crippled because of the state deficit? 

What do you think?

Visit http://www.everyohioan.com/ for more information on the Local Government Fund Coalition.

Thanks,
Donna     

Manzo's

I have again confirmed there is nightlife in Brunswick by making a return trip to Manzo's, a sports bar I visited formerly to see the band Bangkok Train Wreck.  Last night I danced to the music of another local band, Renegade.  I am glad there are live bands playing in Brunswick, proof again that the sidewalks don't roll up at 9:30 on weekends. 

Until my next adventure out, take care,

Donna

Finally an Amphitheater!

Finally an amphitheater is coming to the City of Brunswick!  As part of the development of the Brunswick Lake Park area, the Architectural Justice Amphitheater is scheduled to be built in the near future.  Permanent seating will provide visitors a beautiful view of the amphitheater and Brunswick Lake behind it.  Concerts and other summer events are already being planned for the site.  Residents can become a part of the history by purchasing etched granite inlays that would hold their name or personal sentiment as part of the stone structure. 

The beautification and development of the lake area has been in the works for quite a while and it is great to see it actually happening.  Bring on the summer concerts!!

Donna      

Choice or Requirement

Legislation has been enacted in the State of Ohio with the purpose to promote healthy lifestyles and combat childhood obesity.  Substitute Senate Bill #210 will affect the nutritional standards of food and beverages sold in schools, it will provide for the periodic monitoring of students' body mass index, and schools must institute 30 minutes of physical activity daily for students.  The Brunswick City Schools decided to request a waiver from the state that would delay the implementation of the new state law based on a vote by the school board on Monday, March 21, 2011.  State legislators approved the Healthy Choices for Healthy Children Act last year.   The Act requires body mass indexing be done for kindergarten students, as well as the third, fifth and ninth grades.  The school district claims it does not have the adequate resources to implement the program and has received complaints from parents who do not want their children tested.  Ohio statistics show one in three children are overweight by the third grade.  The state government is accepting responsibility for the health of children, shouldn't the parents and schools also?  The requirement of physical activity for 30 minutes a day has already been dropped from the legislation.    Parents can choose to have the testing done by their family physician or elsewhere outside of the school system.  All testing results are kept private.  Currently state required hearing and vision screenings are being done on students.  Couldn't the BMI testing be included as part of this screening process?  A healthy weight is important to the overall health of a body and there is no harm in having the test done.

If young children do not learn how to live a healthy active lifestyle from their parents and the school system, how are they going to learn it?  What do you think?  The BMI testing is mandated by state law for a reason.  Shouldn't it be enforced?! 

A complete summary of the Act can be found on the State of Ohio General Assembly web page
http://www.legislature.state.oh.us/bills.cfm?ID=128_SB_210.

Thanks,
Donna
    

Under The Mechanic's Thumb

Recently I took my car in for repair to a local shop to have the muffler replaced.  I had used the shop's services a couple of times in the past and thought them to be reputable.  I asked them to take a look at the serpentine belt also.  The mechanic said the belt might last a couple more months, but since it had been making noise since last fall I told him to go ahead and replace it.  I was concerned about the cost because my clothes dryer had died that same morning, but did not want the car to unexpectedly break-down somewhere.  The mechanic calls again to tell me the belt tensioner assembly broke while they were taking off the belt, and needed to be replaced.  The car was now inoperable so I had no choice.   The tensioner was the most expensive part and now the bill was more than double the original cost. 

So the question is whether or not the tensioner actually broke, and if so was it because of wear, by accident, or on purpose.  I asked to see the broken part but was told they couldn't find it because the part had been thrown into a dumpster.  When in a position like this how do you know whether or not you can trust what you are being told?  The economy is bad and everyone needs the business but I felt like I was under the mechanic's thumb so to speak and he was applying pressure.  Do businesses wait until they have your trust and then maybe stretch the truth a bit?  When a single woman walks into the door of a repair shop it is more likely she will be taken advantage of more than a man who walks in the door.  I have talked to enough people to know this to be true.  Does anyone have any suggestions on how to handle the situation?  Names and phone numbers of trustworthy reliable mechanics are also welcome.
Thanks,
Donna            

Spring Is In The Air!

Spring is in the air at the Medina County Home and Flower Show.  Everyone attending the show had the chance to win a mini English garden valued at over $2,000.00.  I already have a place picked out for it in my backyard!  A 2,000-square-foot English garden with stone walls was the featured garden this year.  It was like being in a small park with all the colorful spring flowers and curved walkways.  Besides the gardens, there were over 130 exhibitors from the extended Medina County area that had products and services that would interest probably just about everyone.  My hands were pampered at a Spa Escape booth, I had a five minute back massage, and tasted a delicious frozen wine frappe that was very tempting.  I also had my blood-pressure and adrenaline levels checked.  It was a fun time visiting with the exhibitors and I gained new ideas for things I would like to try myself.  I am an outdoors type of person and days like today make me even more anxious for the spring and summer weather. 

Spring is on the way!

Donna     

Brunswick Brought It On!

The Bring On Brunswick and Health Fair held yesterday at the high school had something of interest for everyone.  Kudos to the Brunswick Area Chamber Of Commerce for a successful event.  Booths and displays lined the halls of the high school with information from local businesses and groups of all kinds.  Set up like a maze, there was something of interest around every corner.  Children were greeted by costumed cartoon characters, there was the sights and smells of different kinds of food everywhere, and over 140 businesses had their products and services on display.  There were also churches, schools, day care centers and medical groups represented.  Karate demonstrations and dog shows were held in the gymnasium.  It was great to see the community come together for the event.  It made me feel proud to be from Brunswick and I am looking forward to next year's event on March 31, 2012.

This event proved there is something for everyone in the City of Brunswick!

Donna   

World Clock

Fellow Bloggers,

Check out the web site below.  It is so astonishing I had to post it to my blog.

http://www.facebook.com/l.php?u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.poodwaddle.com%2Fclocks%2Fworldclock%2F&h=5ae1d

Have a great day,
Donna

Bring On Brunswick & Health Fair

The Bring On Brunswick & Health Fair will be held this year on Saturday, March 26, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Brunswick High School.   The free event is sponsored by the Brunswick Area Chamber of Commerce and Cuyahoga Community College. 

The high school is located at 3581 Center Road, Brunswick, OH 44212.  Attendees are encouraged to bring a donation of canned or dry goods for the Brunswick food pantry.  

Come and check out vendors from local Brunswick businesses and share in the Brunswick spirit!

Medina County Home & Garden Show

The Medina County Home & Garden Show will be held on March 26 and 27 at the Medina County Community Center at 735 W. Lafayette Rd. (US 2) in Medina, Ohio.  The show will run on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.  An English garden will be the main focus of the gardens this year, and all attendess will have the chance to win the grand prize of a mini English garden planted at their home.  Besides the beautiful gardens, there will be over 140 exhibitors, mini-seminars and delicious food.  Admission is $5.00 for adults, $4.00 for seniors 60 and over, and free for children under 12. 

                    
For more information, visit http://www.medinahomegardenshow.com/

                                                     Spring is finally here, come out and enjoy it!!
                                                                                 Donna

 

Green Energy Blowing Into Ohio

Renewable energy in the form of wind turbines, solar panels and animal waste is being discussed throughout the farm land of Ohio.  Currently Bowling Green has one of the largest operating wind farms in the Midwest and within 10 years there may be hundreds more found throughout Ohio.  According to Ohio law, by the year 2025 alternative energy sources must be used to generate at least 50 percent of  electricity distributed, up from the current rate of 25 percent.  Several counties in Ohio, including Medina, may see commercial windmill projects that would reap the benefits of the required 15-mile-per-hour winds blowing through the state.
  We need to start planning for the future now by accepting some of the responsibility for alternate energy sources that do not depend completely on utility companies and traditional sources of electrical power.  With the passing of Ohio Senate Bill 221 in July of 2008, legislative policy is moving towards major changes in Ohio's energy industry. For more information about energy requirements, the construction of solar ready schools, and greenhouse gas emission reporting throughout the state, log on to Ohio State University's web site at http://ohioline.osu.edu/. 
Go Green!!
Donna    

 
   

Brunswick University Center is now open!

After much anticipation, the Brunswick University Center is now open.  Residents watched as the University Center was built next to the Brunswick Recreation Center and adjacent to the high school.  Classes offered at the Center, which is an extension of the Tri-C Western Campus, are transferable to four year colleges and will help students earn associate degrees, bachelor's degrees and master's degrees.  Other universities have signed on as partners, including Cleveland State University and Tiffin University.  Four other colleges are expected to join the Center in the near future.  The $10 million, 30,000 square foot building has 20 classrooms and includes computer and science labs.  Students of all ages are welcome to participate in college courses, summer camps for children, college credit classes for high school students, certification and self-improvement classes.  The new educational presence is a huge asset to the community, not only to students, but also to surrounding businesses that will reap financial benefits.

The Brunswick University Center is located at 3605 Center Road, less than a mile from Interstate 71.  If you would like more information or register for classes the website is www.tri-c.edu/brunswick.  The phone number is 866-933-5182.
Good luck!
Donna
  

Internet Sweepstakes Gaming

Controversy continues in Brunswick over internet cafes and whether or not they should be allowed to operate in the city.  No new Internet cafes may move into the city until City Council and the Planning and Zoning Committee have determined the best way to regulate the influx of these business into the community.  Applications are streaming into the city at about two or three a week so the issue is a top priority in regulating new business activity.  While a six-month moratorium is in affect, the four cafes already in the city limits can continue to operate.  Licensing fees and annual fees for each computer terminal on which gaming would be done can have a large impact on the financial income the city would generate when the gaming ordinance takes affect.  Acccording to law the city council can not outlaw these businesses, but can control the physical locations in the city limits where the cafes would operate.  It is a concern cafes should not be located near areas frequented by children and families, such as  schools, day care centers, parks, playgrounds and places where families worship.  The cafes sell phone cards to customers who then use them to play online games that look like video slots.  Customers are then entered into sweepstakes offered by the individual cafes according to how much money they pay for the phone cards.  The big question is whether the cafes are promoting gaming or gambling.  The more internet time a customer purchases, the more sweepstakes points they accumulate.  The results of the sweepstakes are pre-determined by computer, not by skill or chance, making them legal in the State of Ohio.  Cafes are appearing throughout Northeast Ohio in Brook Park, Garfield Heights, Cleveland, Seven Hills, Cuyahoga Heights, Bedford and Brunswick.  So is it gaming or gambling when people use money to buy phone cards with the hope of winning money through a sweepstakes?  It sounds similar to playing the lottery to me.  It also sounds like something people could become addicted to, especially children.  What do you think, yeah or nay?
Donna          

Secondary Snowbelt Sunset

Living in the secondary snowbelt, we do put up with a lot of snow in Brunswick.  It's all worth it though when I stand on my patio in winter, and see this view of the sunset over my backyard!

Donna

North Park

I just wanted to add that North Park has a playground, pavillion and public restrooms.
Donna

National Ice Carving Association

To learn more about the art of ice sculpture, visit the National Ice Carving Association (NICA) website at http://www.nica.org/.

Donna

Medina Ice Festival

It is amazing what some people can do with a block of ice.  Just look at the town square in the middle of downtown Medina, and you will see the proof.  Each sculpture is unique from the others and stands on its own merits.  Ice carving is a form of art where even the tiniest details are seen in the intricate carvings of the sculptures.  There was a fitting end to the carving competition yesterday as it became very cold, and the snow began to fall heavily.  No one seemed to care, adults or children, as they stared in amazement at the sculptures on the square.  It looked like a fun time for all.
Donna

Bangcock Train Wreck Photos

Bangkock Train Wreck

There is nightlife in Brunswick. Last night I met some friends at Manzos Spirits on Pearl Rd., a place I had never been to before. I enjoyed listening to the music of the band Bangkock Train Wreck and even stepped out on the dance floor for a few. It was a lot of fun visiting with old friends and making new friends too. I will add Manzos to my list of places to visit in Brunswick, and keep my eye on Bangkock Train Wreck as a band I definitely want to see again in the future. It was a good thing to find life after dark on a cold winter night in Brunswick!
Donna

North Park

A hidden treasure in Brunswick is North Park.  Located off of Grafton Road, the park has 65 acres of forest, lake and picnic area.  It is beautiful any time of year.  People of all ages visit to walk around the lake, run, play, fish and picnic.  It is one of my favorite places in the city. Yesterday I took advantage of the warmer temperatures and did a couple of laps around the lake.  The lake was still mostly frozen solid, but had some ribbons of water running through it where the ice had melted.  The ducks were also taking advantage of the spring like day and braving the ice to bask in the water wherever they could.
     

Upcoming Events

THE MEDINA ICE FESTIVAL is happening this weekend, in the Medina Historic District, located in the center of downtown Medina, OH. Ice carving competitions will be going on all weekend, weather permitting.  The final event of the festival will be the crowning of the Ice Prince and Princess at 3 p.m. Sunday, Feb. 20th. 

HEALTH AND WELLNESS FAIR to be held on March 5 & 6 at Saint Ambrose Church. The event will be held from 9 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in Hilkert Hall, located at 929 Pearl Rd., Brunswick, OH 44212.  The FREE event is a great way to meet area vendors promoting health and wellness.
 For more information go to www.stambrose.us/. 

Brunswick Statistics

More statistics and information about Brunswick can be found at the following websites:
http://brunswickoh.areaconnect.com/statistics.htm

http://maps-n-stats.com/us_oh/us_oh_brunswick_i.html

Thanks,
Donna

Brunswick

Hi Everyone,
Just a bit of information about Brunswick:
Population is around 33,388 with about 49% being male and 51% being female.

Ages 
About 33% of residents are 24 years old and younger
About 52% of residents are 25 to 54 years old
About 15% are age 55 and older.

Households
About 99% of the population lives in households
About 78% of the households are family households, and about 42% of the family households have childen under the age of 18
About 22% of the households are non family households, (single parent, homeowner lives alone, etc.)
These statistics support my theory that Brunswick is a family town, and many of the social activities are geared toward families.  So where do the single and older residents fit in?  Where do they go to have fun?  Okay Brunswick residents out there, let me know your thoughts.
Thanks,
Donna
 

Valentine's Day

Happy Valentine's Day everyone!  I was searching for a restaurant in Brunswick to have dinner tonight for Valentine's Day and only one restaurant came up, Bob's Big Boy.  That's quite interesting since the restaurant has been closed for years, and actually, the building has been torn down.  So moving on, I began to think about what I would REALLY like to do on Valentine's Day.  My special day would be on a tropical beach starting with the sunrise and ending with the sunset, with lots of play time inbetween.  So if you could do anything you wanted, go anywhere you wanted, and money was not an issue, how would you spend  your ideal Valentine's Day?  So let our imaginations fly, and see where we all end up.
Talk to you soon,
Donna

Brunswick & Beyond

Hi Everyone,
I am new to blogging but ready for the experience.  Brunswick, Ohio and surrounding communities will be the focus of my blog posts.  My goal is to prove the community has something to offer everyone.  Suggestions are welcome from experienced bloggers.  Talk to you soon.
Donna