Buyers have to check carefully, even in Brunswick: Whit & Whimsey

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Even the youngest children, like those in troop 90502 can help others.

(Courtesy of Larissa Kosar)

BRUNSWICK, Ohio -- After two years living with four other people, it's time for us to have our own places again, but apartment hunting is not fun. Even worse, we found several scams in the hunt. Thankfully, we were able to check on some "too good to be true" rentals and found them to be fraudulent. Yes, it's happening right here in Brunswick."

I remembered seeing news articles about people renting places, moving in and then finding out the "owner" really was just a scammer who had their money and ran. It's usually a home that is empty or from which the owner is absent. I think we ran into one where someone was deployed. Please, if you are looking, be careful.

My move is complicated, of course, by my two cats and my hope to move further west in our community. North Carpenter is way to busy for my taste. My daughter, grandson, granddaughter and great-grandson are on the prowl for their own place, as well. Hopefully we'll be close to each other as I want to be nearby to babysit or take my granddaughter to her doctor appointments. Their move is complicated by a dog and the need for more than one bathroom.

Another good deed is done: Girl Scout Troop 90502 delivered 45 Blessing Bags (Care Kits filled with everyday necessities like toothpaste, soap, hand sanitizer, socks, bottled water, etc...) for local homeless individuals in Akron and Cleveland. Polaris Christian Church in Brunswick has a street ministry that delivers these needed items to the homeless.  The girls created these care kits as part of their work towards earning their Year of Service patch.

It was an amazing evening last night for both our Troop 90502 girls and adults. It took us about 20 minutes to drop off those 45 Care Kits for the homeless, but the things the coordinator told about people struggling so close to home really made an impact on everyone. Troop 90502 looks forward to helping this ministry noting there should not be people in this world who cannot make any sort of eye contact with others because they are in such a place of personal turmoil and self disrespect. What the girls did for these individuals is truly inspiring. We could all take a lesson from these youngsters, don't you think?

Troop co-leaders are Lisa Aycock, Donna Heinbaugh, Vanessa Skrant and Larissa Kosar.

This is a magical fundraiser: Huntington Elementary School is holding a Magic Gives Back fundraiser at 7 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Brunswick High School Performing Arts Center. You may have seen publicity for this in Medina and now it's coming here with a portion of the proceeds benefiting Huntington programs.

Magic Gives Back is a Las Vegas Style Magic Show featuring world-renowned magician, Rick Smith, Jr. and his team of dancers, jugglers, strongmen and more.  Performers have been featured on The Ellen DeGeneres Show, America's Got Talent, The Tonight Show and Shark Tank. Tickets are $25 for VIP seating; $20 for preferred seating and $15 for general admission.

Tickets can only be purchased online at:  www.magicgivesback.com so be sure to join the Huntington family and enjoy!

Inspiring performance made an impression: Brunswick grad and former teacher, Tom Rounds, underwent hernia surgery on Jan. 21 and reported he had an interesting start to his surgery day.

"I had the procedure done at St. John Medical Center in Westlake. Surgery was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. so had to be there earlier," he wrote. "At exactly 8 a.m. there was an announcement over the public announcement system. Everyone came to a stop. A woman's voice said "This is the day the Lord has made, let us rejoice and be glad in it." She went on to ask us to join her in prayer. Her prayer was for those who were having a procedure, for the staff, and family members. She asked God for successful surgeries, steady hands and peace. After she said Amen, she had a very soothing soprano voice and sang "Let There Be Peace on Earth." She finished by saying "Have a blessed day," and everyone went back to what they were doing. What a special, memorable way to start the day."

Glad to hear Tom's recovery is on track, too.

Time for the bridal fair: If a wedding is in your future, you'll want to make plans to attend "Diamond Dreams," the Seventh Annual Diamond Event Center free Bridal Open House from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 20 at Diamond Event Center, 1480 Pearl Road, Brunswick. It's free and open to all those interested. It promises to be bigger than last year and includes vendors to make a dream wedding come true. Vendors include Midnight Music; C 3 Photography; Elegant Ice; Pure Romance by Jeannie; Quality Inn; Sammy G Photo Booth; Northwest Limo; Take 1 Media; A Touch of Class Limo; Forever Florals by Carol; Vita Bella Salon and Spa; The Element Band; Diamond Event Center; Diamond Event DJ and Diamond Catering.

In addition to the vendors will be a "bridal resale sop" featuring gently used items for sale by former brides. Shopping for wedding decor just got easier with the opportunity to purchase these items at a discount.  There will be door prizes, food sampling and mini-seminars during the event. Register by Feb.17, and be eligible for the grand prize, a fee rehearsal dinner. E-mail or call [email protected], 330-225-1995. Visit the web site, www,diamondeventcenter.com.

Lent is right around the corner: Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, 1600 Pearl Road, is inviting the community to "Open Church" from 12:30-2 p.m. Ash Wednesday, Feb, 10. Just drop in for a prayer with Pastor Carolyn and imposition of ashes.

Then at 7:30 p.m. the congregations of Living Word Lutheran of Medina, Our Saviour Lutheran of Hinckley and Holy Trinity, will gather at Holy Trinity for services. A choir composed of members of all three churches will sing, there will be additional special music, imposition of ashes and Holy Communion.  All are welcome

Then from 6:30-8:30 p.m. on Saturdays Feb. 13, Feb. 27 and March 12 everyone is invited to "Experience Easter." These gatherings include two DVD segments followed by conversation at Holy Trinity. You can check out the church web site at www.htlc.org.

Molly Pfister

Celebration honored a long career: Howard Hanna Brunswick and Medina agents and a few special Realtor guests gathered to celebrate Mollie Pfister, for 38 amazing years in the real estate business.

"The words were sincere, the friends were many," Tina Grant reported, adding "We are all blessed to have you in our lives Mollie." I second that. She is one of the nicest people I've ever known.

Christian film to be shown: Brunswick Reformed Church, 3535 Grafton Road is showing the Christian film "War Room" at 7 p.m. Good Friday, Feb. 10. It's a free showing and the community is invited.  If you have questions, call the church at 330-225-5475.

Brunswick United Methodist will serve: Fish Fries at Brunswick United Methodist Church, 1395 Pearl Road will be held from 5-7 p.m. from Feb. 19 through March 18.

The church will hold Ash Wednesday Service at 7 p.m. Feb. 10. Watch for more information on Lenten services. You can also visit the church web site at www.brunswickumc.org.

Keep in mind, Brunswick United Methodist will be celebrating its 200th Anniversary on April 2017.  The church is trying to raise money for a historical marker so members will be holding a "200th Anniversary Swiss Steak Dinner and Show," from 6-90 p.m. Feb. 13.  The entertainment will be Connor Stout who is a Christian Music Director in Columbus, Ohio.  He is a very talented musician and will be singing contemporary music including praise and rock songs.  The cost of tickets are $20 per person which includes both the dinner and the entertainment.  To purchase tickets call the church office at 330-225-3179.

Valentine dinner coming up: Remsen Christian Church will hold its annual free Valentine Spaghetti Dinner from 4:30-7 p.m. Feb. 13 at the church, 1500 Remsen Road, Medina. You are asked to bring a nonperishable food item for the BASIC (brothers and sisters in Christ) food pantry at the church. Visit www.remsenchristianchurch.com for more information.

There is news about the drive-through dinners: Just for February Medina Presbyterian Church's take-out chicken dinner will not be held. Instead, church deacons are holding an all-you-can-eat pancake supper on Shrove Tuesday from 5-7 p.m. Feb. 9.  It will be a dine-in supper including pancakes, sausage and applesauce and choice of beverage.  Cost is by donation. The popular take-out chicken dinners will resume on Thursday, March 10 from 3-6 p.m. at the church, 5020 Burgundy Bay Boulevard, which is off Route 18 west of I-71.

Wednesday Evening Community Lenten Series to begin: "Disciplines for a Deeper Faith" a series designed to encourage Christians to seek a closer relationship with God is offered in collaboration with four Medina area churches. It focuses on historic spiritual disciplines that draw people closer to God, deepen faith and equip us in our walk as followers of Jesus. Each week will look at a different discipline. The schedule begins at 6:30 p.m. with dinner provided by the host church and worship at 7:15 p.m. in the style of the host church.

Topics and Hosting Churches are "Silence" on Feb. 17 at First Christian Church, 4797 Sharon Copley Road; "Prayer," on Feb. 24 at Medina Presbyterian 5020 Burgundy Bay Boulevard; "Simplicity," on March 2 at United Church of Christ, Congregational, 217 E. Liberty St.; "Service" on March 9 at St. Matthew Lutheran Church, 400 N. Broadway St. and "Study" on March 16 at Medina United Methodist, 4747 Foote Road.

Childcare will be provided at each church

It's time to enter the four-way speech contest: The Rotary Club of Brunswick is inviting all Brunswick students in grades 9-12 to compete in the Four Way Speech Contest. The contest date is scheduled for March 5 at The BEAT studio at Brunswick High School. Here's a chance to show off your skills and receive recognition. Check the school office for information.

There are concerts in the barn: Did you hear that Mapleside Farms is holding concerts at its new, 8,000 square foot barn this winter? Concerts will run from 8-11 p.m. every Friday through April 29. The schedule includes: Feb. 5: Out of Eden (a tribute to the Eagles), $5 admission; Feb. 12: Custard Pie (best of rock & roll experiences) $5; Feb. 19: Parrots of the Caribbean (Jimmy Buffet Tribute Band) $8 ; and Feb. 26: Wanted (the Bon Jovi Tribute Band) $8. There will be food and adult beverages for sale and concert-goers must be 21 years of age to enter with a valid ID.

Due to limited seating and capacity limitations these shows could possibly sell out. The January concert sold out in a few days. To guarantee admission, organizers recommend pre-purchasing tickets online ($2 online service fee will apply) at www.mapleside.com. A ticket will also grant you early entry (7 p.m.) to the show. General admission begins at 7:30 p.m.

Contact Boyer at [email protected].

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