Recordpub.com - Around Brimfield by Shirley Mars

"We can only be said to be alive in those moments when our hearts are conscious of our treasures." -- Thornton Wilder

The amount of money one has may determine wealth, but real treasures are those things for which you would not take money. It is especially appropriate that we reflect upon our treasures as we prepare for this Thanksgiving season.

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Last month I wrote about a fund-raiser that Mike Kostensky, owner of Mike's Place Restaurant, was sponsoring for my 24-year-old niece, Frieda Tompkins, who is desperately battling brain cancer. Through the generous donations of many people, we were able to raise more than $2,000.

My heart was touched to see so many friends and strangers reach into their pockets to help someone who many did not even know.

To everyone who participated in any way, I thank you from the depths of my heart. Kind people are a precious treasure.

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Even after the event, customers continued to put money into a donation jar. I was deeply saddened to get a call from Mike informing me that the donation jar had been stolen.

In reviewing the security tape from the restaurant, the details unfolded.

A man came into the restaurant asking for water for his radiator. While waiting, he appears to be reading the label on the donation jar with my niece and her family's picture and story on it. After getting the water, he went out then came back in, asking for more water. While the host went to get the second jug of water, the man took off his jacket, threw it over the donation jar, and scooped it up.

As he turned to leave, the jar dropped to the floor. He quickly picked it up and put it back under his jacket. The noise of the jar dropping caught the attention of the host. The thief told the host that he saw a man grab the jar and run out the door.

The man then turned and walked out with the jar under his jacket.

Stealing money from someone who is dying of cancer is unconscionable. This incident has reminded me that our personal morals, values and integrity are treasures that cannot be purchased.

We are putting another donation jar at Mike's Place, but it will be chained. Donations to the Frieda Tompkins Benevolent Fund can be made at any First Merit Bank.

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According to Harry and Diane Bowman, spending a month enjoying the beauty of Scotland and Ireland with someone you love is a treasure that "superlatives cannot adequately describe." They tried to capture their incredible trip in more than 1,700 pictures they took along the way.

Their adventure included visits to the Book of Kells in Dublin, Ireland, and then on to Scotland to enjoy Dunoon and the River Clyde, Stirling Castle, the Falkirk Wheel, the Borders Abbeys Ruins, Jefburgh, Dryburgh, Melrose, and Kelso, Bowhill House and Abbotsford (home of Sir Walter Scott). One highlight was eating an angus burger in Edinburgh. They arrived in Scotland with two 50-pound suitcases and returned home with four 50-pound suitcases!

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The treasure of health can be shared by donating blood at the Red Cross Blood Drive that will be held Nov. 18 in the Conference Center at the Northeastern Ohio Univerisities Colleges of Medicine and Pharmacy in Rootstown. For more information, call 330-325-6241.

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Having a police department that is actively involved in helping the residents of Brimfield is a treasure that should not be taken for granted.

I enjoyed talking to Officer Rafferty at the Friday night football game. As the Field Schools' resource officer, he truly cares about the children of our community and goes above and beyond his duties to serve.

I also spoke with Officer Knarr and Reserve Officer Beth Holmes during the game and learned that we have two new canine officers. Officer Knarr's new sidekick is a beautiful black German shepherd named Havoc. Officer Allen is in the process of training his dog, Drogen. Canine Officer Joker is the fully certified veteran of the threesome and serves alongside Officer Chris Adkins.

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Those who serve in the military are a great national treasure. On Nov. 11, Veterans Day, the Brimfield Applebee's is offering a complimentary meal to anyone who has served in or is currently serving in the military. Proof of military service must be shown.

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The Brimfield Police Department is sponsoring the following holiday events:

Nov. 14 -- Thanksgiving Fill-A-Cruiser from 8 a.m. to 11 p.m. at the Brimfield Walmart on Tallmadge Road and at the Speedway Service Station on S.R. 43 near I-76. Items to be collected include nonperishable food, personal care products and cash donations. All proceeds will be distributed by the Brimfield Food Cupboard.

Nov. 29 -- Community "Carols in the Park" in Town Center Park at 7 p.m. Along with a visit from Santa, the Field High School Choir will perform.

Dec. 3 -- DARE Dinner with Santa from 6 to 8:30 p.m. at Brimfield Elementary School, 4182 S.R. 43. Dinner includes roast beef, chicken, green beans, mashed potatoes, gravy, salad, rolls, dessert and soft drinks. The meal is free for children ages 4 and under; $6 for children ages 5 to 12; and $12.50 for adults. Tickets can be purchased at the Brimfield Police Department, 1287 Tallmadge Road, no later than Dec. 1. All proceeds benefit Shop with a Cop and DARE. For more information, call the Brimfield Police Department at 330-673-7716.

Dec. 5 -- DARE Breakfast with Santa from 8 to 10 a.m. at the Brimfield Applebee's, 220 Tallmadge Road. Breakfast includes French toast, scrambled eggs, bacon, toast, juice and coffee. The meal is free for children ages 2 and under; $6 for ages 3 to 12; and $9 for adults. Tickets must be purchased from the Brimfield Police Department by Dec. 4. All proceeds benefit Shop with a Cop and DARE.

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I challenge you to make a list of your greatest treasures and take the opportunity to express gratitude for them!

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