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🧹 Love and mops

Portage County • February 4, 2025

Good morning, Portage County. In an age where love is often measured in Instagram likes and emoji hearts, one Brimfield parent's midnight dance with stomach flu reminds us that true devotion sometimes comes with a mop and bucket. This touching exploration of Gary Chapman's "Five Love Languages" arrives just as our community celebrates its own acts of service, with the Brimfield Lions Club honoring Dee Pamer's journey of hope.

Speaking of transformative spaces, Aurora's newest creative sanctuary is giving the phrase "garage goals" a whole new meaning. While most of us struggle to park our cars without hitting the recycling bins, designer Laura Yeager Smith has conjured up a "Zen Den" complete with reading pods and Lego walls - proving that sometimes the best family rooms start with clearing out the lawn mower.

🌤 Sky Skoop

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☕️ What's Brewing Locally

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❤️ Love comes in many languages, including cleaning up kid's vomit. A Brimfield columnist shares her touching discovery of her primary "love language" through an unexpected midnight parenting moment. The article explores Gary Chapman's "Five Love Languages" concept, which includes acts of service, words of affirmation, quality time, receiving gifts, and physical touch. The piece also highlights local community updates, including news about the Brimfield Lions Club honoring Dee Pamer with the Journey of Hope Award. The township newsletter rounds out with announcements about upcoming February events, including Valentine's Day activities and park programs.

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🎨 Designer transforms garage suite into magical kids' creative sanctuary. The innovative "Zen Den" in Aurora, Ohio combines a guest room with dedicated zones for Lego-building, reading, and crafting activities. Custom features include wall-mounted "reading pods" with ladders, a Lego-panel wall with building counter, and a craft table surrounded by pink stools. Designer Laura Yeager Smith created distinct areas using open shelving and a Murphy bed, while keeping the space electronics-free. The room's durability-minded details include performance fabrics and special flooring that withstands glitter and glue spills.

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⚠️ Trump's sweeping agency shakeup sparks public safety concerns. The former president ordered major health agencies like FDA, CDC, and NIH to halt all external communications and scientific updates. He also fired TSA leadership and disbanded the Aviation Security Advisory Committee, raising alarms about transportation safety oversight. An Akron resident's letter expresses deep concern about reduced transparency and eliminated safety protocols. The moves have ignited a heated local debate, with some defending Trump's actions while others warn of threats to democratic institutions.

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🏒 Hockey Scoreboard

Kent's Rough Riders lived up to their name, stampeding past Normandy 6-2 in a dominant road performance that pushed their record to an impressive 20-8. The Invaders might want to work on their defense strategy - turns out hockey sticks aren't great at stopping a cavalry charge.

TeamOpponentScore
Roosevelt (20-8)
@ Normandy
W 6-2

🏡 Real Estate Reveals

Real estate listing image Lakeside living custom home opportunity: A custom-to-be-built home priced at $257,300 offers an open layout designed for lakeside living, featuring a spacious great room, a central kitchen island, and a private owner’s suite. This home can be constructed on your own land in several states.
Real estate listing image Spacious ranch near Kent State: This charming 3-bedroom, 2-bath ranch, listed at $325,000, boasts a spacious open floor plan with a modern kitchen and cozy family room, all set in a desirable Franklin Township location near Kent State University and outdoor trails.
Real estate listing image Remodeled home near schools amenities: This beautifully remodeled home is listed at $219,900, featuring a spacious living room, a dream kitchen with stainless steel appliances, and recent updates including a new roof and HVAC system, all just minutes from top-rated schools and shopping. Don’t miss your chance to schedule a private tour.

🗓️ Happenings & Hoopla

🎨 Feb. 04 - Art Meets Nature Exhibition: Local artists bring the outdoors inside at Reed Memorial Library's Art + Nature Exhibition. Stop by to admire nature-inspired works and chat with talented creators on February 4th at 167 E Main St, Ravenna.
🍺 Feb. 05 - Bell Tower Trivia Night: Test your trivia talents every Monday night at Bell Tower Brewing Co. in Kent! Gather your crew for friendly competition, craft beer, and delicious bites starting February 5th at 310 Park Ave.
🤝 Feb. 05 - Trustee Meeting: Join your neighbors for the monthly Brimfield Township Trustee Meeting at Town Hall, where community decisions take shape. Stop by 1333 Tallmadge Rd on February 5th to stay informed and engaged.
🌿 Feb. 06 - Winter Garden Craft Workshop: Beat the winter blues at Reed Memorial Library's Garden Club, where green thumbs gather for creative seasonal crafts. Join fellow gardening enthusiasts on February 6 at 167 E Main St in Ravenna.
🎵 Feb. 06 - Justin Geraci Live: Catch rising star Justin Geraci live at Kent's cozy Blind Squirrel Pub! Warm up your February evening with great music and good vibes at this intimate local venue on February 6.
🍫 Feb. 07 - Sacred Cacao Ceremony: Experience the ancient ritual of sacred cacao at SHINE Ohio, where mindful sipping meets meditation. Join this soul-warming ceremony on February 7 at 6pm in Kent. $40 per person.
🌾 Feb. 08 - Indoor Winter Farmers Market: Warm up your winter Saturday at Kent's cozy indoor Haymaker Farmers' Market, where local vendors gather inside the UU Church's Hobbs Hall. Find fresh goods and friendly faces from 10am to 1pm.
📚 Feb. 09 - Silent Reading Hangout: Cozy up with fellow bookworms at Bean and the Baker's Silent Book Club! Bring your current read to this relaxed gathering at 107 E Main St, Ravenna, where quiet companionship meets coffee shop vibes.

🙏 In Remembrance

Joyce Elaine RileyJoyce Elaine Riley

Joyce Elaine Riley, 85, of Ravenna, OH, passed away on January 31, 2025. Born on May 19, 1939, she was known for her quick wit, generosity, and deep love for her family and faith in Jesus Christ. Joyce's warm spirit and kindness brought people together, and she treated everyone, including her daughters-in-law, as her own. She is survived by her husband, Reverend Douglas Riley, three sons, and grandchildren, along with her brother and many nieces and nephews. Funeral services will be held on February 5, 2025, at Tallmadge Lutheran Church, with burial following at Ridge Hill Memorial Park.

Joyce Elaine RileyJoyce Elaine Riley
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