BRUNSWICK, Ohio — I was happy to see a familiar face when I read about the annual meeting of the Medina County Economic Development Corp. (MCEDC). There was a photo of Tom Steinke, a longtime Brunswick resident who has served on almost every committee I can think of.
We go all the way back to the Jaycees (not many of us left, I’m afraid).
He and Sandy Frommeyer received MCEDC Lifetime Membership Awards.
Steinke was a founding member of MCEDC. He was part of the team that hired Executive Director Bethany Dentler and has been a part of several committees for more 30 years.
While only his wife has used the “retirement” word, Dentler noted that MCEDC wanted to take the opportunity to recognize all Steinke has done and ensure that he can continue to work with them into the future.
Frommeyer has participated in almost every committee available at MCEDC. She is a go-to consultant on a variety of topics, and Dentler said the team could not imagine MCEDC without her.
The annual meeting looked like fun, with many laughs and words of wisdom from speaker Charles Marshall as he presented “Take Two Chuckles and Call Me in the Morning.”
And the final big news from MCEDC was that after 30 years in the same location, the office has moved! But not very far. It moved from offices on the second floor of the Medina County Administration Building to the first floor.
Dentler also noted that none of its accomplishments would be possible without the help and support of MCEDC’s membership, which has grown to over 150 companies.
The Firefighters Memorial
Fallen firefighter to be memorialized: The Medina County Fire Chiefs Association is planning to unveil the Medina County Fallen Firefighters’ Memorial at 10 a.m. June 18 at Brunswick Fire Station 1, 4383 Center Road.
The inaugural event honors county firefighters who have died doing their duty, with a memorial to Brunswick volunteer firefighter Ron Novak, who died March 24, 1969.
You may remember, I’ve written several stories about this through the years. It is still so sad to think about. The family is coming back to Brunswick from around the country for the first time in a long time to attend the ceremony.
However, as I write this, the organizers are still short of the funds needed to reach their goal. In addition to the memorial, Brunswick City Fire Chief Greg Glauner said they would love to be able to set up a Ron Novak Memorial Scholarship Fund as an additional remembrance.
If you can help with any size donation, you can send a check directly to the fire department at 4383 Center Road. Checks should be made out to the Medina County Fire Chiefs Association (MCFCA). If you need information, call 216-849-1909.
Rotarians are busy: Rotary Club of Brunswick President Carl DeForest shared a few service opportunities. The club plans to paint the bridge on the south side of Brunswick Lake at 10 a.m. June 11.
And with the Brunswick Food Pantry needing to leave its current facility after a very long time, the Rotary will help them make the move to Rolling Hills Plaza. Carl will be letting members know when he has a date and time.
If you love music: Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) presents The Tischler Klezmer Orchestra at 2 p.m. July 24.
From its founding over 20 years ago, saxophonist extraordinaire and local musical raconteur Norman Tischler was the director of the Workmen’s Circle Klezmer Orchestra. Upon Norman’s unexpected passing in 2018, the musicians rechartered the ensemble as The Tischler Klezmer Orchestra (TKO), featuring Moss Stanley.
The TKO continues the mission of preserving klezmer music, reaching out to audiences through live performances and helping local musicians learn klezmer repertoire.
The program will take place at HeARTland, 8187 Camp Road in Homerville. Please bring lawn chairs and blankets to enjoy this concert by the pond.
In the event of rain, the concert will move inside to Homerville United Methodist Church, 8964 Spencer Road in Homerville.
Tickets are $12 in advance; $15 at the door. Order online at www.ormaco.org or call 419-853-6016.
Historical Society open house: The Medina County Historical Society will have an open house from 1 to 4 p.m. June 19 at the McDowell-Phillips House Museum, 205 S. Prospect St. in Medina.
This is a guided tour through the museum. Many items have been added for display.
Admission donation prices are $10 for adults, $9 for historical society members and seniors and $7 for students ages 7-18. Children younger than 7 will be admitted free with a hand-holding adult.
Please do not park on Blake Avenue. If you have any questions, call 330-722-1341 or email mchs@zoominternet.net.
You could help: The Medina County Children’s Center asks if you know that Medina County needs additional foster families, especially for children older than 10.
If you are interested in becoming a foster parent, call Layne at 330-635-9165 or fill out an inquiry form at https://www.mcjfs.us/foster-and-adopt.
The Medina County Children’s Center has a new video on its homepage, https://medinacountychildrenscenter.org/. Check it out to learn a little about The Children’s Center and its many programs.
If you are interested in learning more, you can schedule a time to come in for a tour. To schedule a tour, email volunteers@medinacountychildrenscenter.org or call 330-764-8891.
Chamber notes: The Northern Medina County Chamber Alliance will hold a program and After Hours Social July 13.
It starts with a walking tour at 3:30 p.m. of phase 1 of the Plum Creek Greenway Trail with Nathan Eppink, director of the Medina County Park District, followed by the social from 5 to 7 p.m. at The Tangled Vine, 3511 Center Road.
Call the chamber for more information at 330-225-8411 or email info@nmccalliance.com.
Give blood, get Cedar Point tickets: The American Red Cross and Cedar Fair theme parks are teaming up to encourage blood donors to make it a summer full of life.
Those who come out to donate blood at select blood drives in the Northern Ohio region this summer will receive a free Cedar Point ticket in thanks for helping to save lives. Cedar Point blood drives are scheduled across Northern Ohio through Aug. 4.
Blood and platelet donations tend to decline during the summer months when donors are busy with vacations and outdoor fun. Unfortunately, the need for blood doesn’t take a summer break. Donors are needed every day to help make sure blood is on the shelves for patients.
All those who come to donate at select blood drives will receive one free ticket, valid for entry to Cedar Point, while supplies last. Tickets are valid during the 2022 season and other restrictions may apply. Check individual park websites for information on capacity, open dates and hours.
To find a Cedar Point blood drive near you and schedule an appointment, visit RedCrossBlood.org and enter sponsor code “CEDARPOINT” or call 1-800-RED CROSS (1-800-733-2767).
Hope to see you: Yes, farmers market season starts Sunday at Heritage Farm, 4613 Laurel Road. This year, it’s open 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Hope to see you there.
Contact Boyer at samboyersunnews@yahoo.com.