Recordpub.com - Around Brimfield by Shirley Mars

June 22 started out fine until 7 a.m. when I was ready for my morning routine of reading the Record-Courier and discovered that it was not in the paper box. About 10 o'clock I called to inquire about my paper and was informed that the press had broken, the paper had been printed elsewhere, and there was a possibility that it might not be delivered until the next morning, depending on my carrier's ability to pick it up late and deliver it.

It is easy to take for granted that the newspaper just magically appears in our paper boxes each morning, rain or shine (or through tornadoes, thunderstorms, flooding, and snowstorms). The goal is to deliver 20,000 daily newspapers before 6 a.m. Monday through Friday and by 7 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday. Since there is no such thing as the newspaper fairy, we are dependent on approximately 40 independent carriers who must have back-up vehicles and must find their own substitutes when they are ill or take a vacation. They often have other jobs as well. Carriers must purchase any rubber bands or plastic bags they use. Consider that the Record-Courier is usually rolling off the press about 1 a.m. when carriers begin lining up to pick up their bundles, literally hot off the press. All papers are picked up by 4:30 a.m. and tucked into paper boxes by the time most of us are arising. To all Record-Courier carriers -- THANK YOU VERY MUCH!

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After I wrote about new businesses that have opened in Brimfield in my last column, I received an e-mail asking why I did not write about Dussel Farm Feed Store. It did not occur to me that it was a new business, as I have bought my bird seed and duck corn there for quite a while. Perhaps since I don't have other animals, I didn't notice that Dussel's became a feed store in March and expanded their line of animal food to include poultry, horses, rabbits, swine, goats, sheep, dogs, cats, steer, and even fish food. It is such a convenience to have a "drive thru" feed store right here in Brimfield. When I stopped to get bird seed the other day, I could not help myself from asking the question that they must get sick of -- "When is the corn going to be ready?" Linda Dussel indulgently smiled and said it should be ready by August. Dussel Farm Feed Store hours are Monday through Friday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Saturday 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Sunday noon to 5 p.m.

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The Brimfield Farmers Market has been operating for a month now, and it seems that if it is going to rain in Brimfield, it will do so on Wednesdays. The rain has not dampened the enthusiasm of the vendors and customers, and each week, different vegetables make their season debut. Shop local, shop fresh at the Brimfield Farmers Market each Wednesday from 3 to 7 p.m.

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With the state budget cuts proposed for libraries, the Brimfield Branch of the Portage County District Library needs all the support it can get. The Friends of the Brimfield Library will hold sidewalk sales on July 11 and Aug. 8 from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

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Faith United Methodist Church in Brimfield's Vacation Bible School begins July 13 and runs through July 17 from 6 to 8:30 p.m. each day at 1235 Tallmadge Road. For more information, visit the church's Web site at www.brimfieldfaith.com or call 330-673-7597.

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The Northeastern Ohio Universities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy in Rootstown is sponsoring a blood drive on July 8 from 11:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Regula Conference Center. Donors can go online to www.givelife.org and use NEOUCOM for the sponsor code to schedule a time to donate, or walk-ins are welcome. Since students are gone for the summer, local support is greatly appreciated.

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I generally like to avoid using this column for political issues, but there seems to be some confusion about the Field School Levy, which will be on the Aug. 4 ballot. This levy is a RENEWAL, which means there is NO TAX INCREASE.

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With the rash of break-ins lately, remember that if you are planning a vacation this summer, the Brimfield Police Department sponsors a Vacation House Check Program where officers will check your residence while you are gone. Call the department at 330-673-7716 to register.

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Concerts in the Park are back with gospel singing on July 11 featuring Frontline Quartet, Gloryway, Gospel Echos Quartet, For God's Glory, and our own Nora Hunt. River City Jazz Band will perform on July 23.

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"Ah, summer, what power you have to make us suffer and like it." -- Russell Baker

Until next time ... Got news? Share it by contacting Shirley at 330-673-0241 or mars@ohiomars.com.