
Oldest Richfield organization still thriving after 200 years
by Dan Holland and Sue Serdinak Freemasonry was founded in the Middle Ages by stonemasons who traveled from town to town to build lodges. They established rituals and passwords so non-masons could not pass themselves off as experienced stonemasons. Rituals and secrecy became part of the character of Freemasonry in the following centuries. With titles […]

Kiwanis helps park visitors know their trees
Mike Marks grows tropical bonsai trees in his house, and that’s not all. “I have trees from four continents, 18 kinds of rainforest ficuses,’’ he said. “I like growing things, so yes, I like trees.’’ Marks turned his love of plants into a project for the Bath-Richfield Kiwanis. He branched out, pardon the expression, from […]

Correction
The last name of Michelle Zkiab, owner of Michelle Renee Beauty, was incorrect in the November Richfield Times. We apologize for the error.

Incumbents were challenged in the Nov. 7 election
by Sue Serdinak As chaos reigns around the world, the majority of registered voters in Richfield fulfilled their civic duty and voted on November 7. Summit County Board of Elections data shows that over 62% of registered voters in Richfield Village and Township and in the Revere School District cast their vote. Village and township […]

Revere pays tribute to veterans
by Laura Bednar Revere High School students and first-graders from Richfield Elementary participated in the Nov. 10 Veterans Day program, celebrating with a breakfast, presentations and musical tributes. The day began with a breakfast for veterans and their families, followed by a presentation from the first-graders, who sang three songs and read two poems recognizing […]

Mayor’s Corner by Mayor Michael Wheeler
The Holiday Season is upon us. I wish everyone a very merry and happy holiday season. If you are traveling to another destination for the holidays, please drive safely and sanely. Please welcome Brett Lee as our newest full-time police officer, Nori as a full-time K-9 police officer and Cody Widlak as our newest full-time […]

Giving the community a holiday look
Sheila Schreiner (on the ground) directsservice department employee Jeff Teccoto places on the community Christmastree where lights are needed. Photo byS. Serdinak.

Fire department at full strength; 2024 appointments made
by Sue Serdinak Nov. 8 village council meeting Following the swearing in of Cody Widlak as a full-time fire medic, Richfield Village Fire Chief George Seifert announced that all of the positions in the department are filled for the first time in 11 years. Seifert said the department has retained competent fire medics because the […]
Tennis, pickleball courts to proceed; projects dropped in reduced budget
by Sue Serdinak Nov. 21 village council meeting In a busy meeting, Richfield Village Council approved advertising for bids for two tennis courts and six pickleball courts south of Town Hall. Mayor Michael Wheeler said there is about $750,000 in the budget for the courts, and the village engineer estimates the cost to be $732,000. […]
Township Corner by Trustee Janet Jankura
I wish you and your loved ones a happy and blessed holiday season. I hope you enjoy quality time with family and friends. This is a time for unity and peace, which we are fortunate to have here in Richfield. I pray that other parts of the world experience them as well. At the township, […]
New canine officer visits trustees; park district appointment made
by Dan Holland Nov. 2 township trustees meeting Richfield Village Police Officer Jake Totten attended the meeting with his newly-trained canine officer, Nori, a two-year-old Dutch Shepherd. Totten and Nori concluded 200 hours of training at Tri-State Canine Services in Warren on Sept. 29 and were certified by the state as a canine patrol team. […]
Town Trust grant applications available
The Richfield Town Trust will award business grants in 2024 to properties located in the Richfield Historic District. Using money that was raised by the Chamber of Commerce Sweet Corn Bike Ride, the nonprofit will award up to $7,000 in 2024 for properties in the historic district that are used commercially. The Town Trust will […]
About 900 people enjoyed Trick or Treat on the Trail at Richfield Heritage Preserve
Trick or Treat on the Trail and Spooky Tales brought about 900 people to the Richfield Heritage Preserve on October 22 over a three-hour period. The annual event, sponsored by Richfield Joint Recreation District and the Village of Richfield Parks and Recreation offered a variety of activities, such as candy stations, a spooky story walk, […]
Board approves champion program; Friends submit first application
by Dan Holland Oct. 23 RJRD board meeting Richfield Joint Recreation District board members passed a resolution accepting a final version of a modified structure champion program. The program, developed during a number of strategic planning sessions, allows an individual or group to renovate and restore one or more of 15 designated structures in Richfield […]
Revere Superintendent’s Corner by Dr. Michael Tefs
Analyzing State-Level Business Metrics Operating a public school system is often a heavy, but extremely gratifying lift. Balancing public assets with the education of our community’s youth takes deep analysis, strategy, and vision. Revere’s last operating levy was passed in May 2011. The school district has not had to request additional millage (revenue) for the […]
Solar eclipse hot topic for Revere board of education
by Sheldon Ocker Oct. 17 board of education meeting A rare solar eclipse will occur on April 8, 2024, offering both an educational opportunity and a logistical problem for the Revere school district. “It is the topic among schools,” Superintendent Michael Tefs said. “We have been talking in the community and with the PTA, and […]
Property reappraisal good news for Revere
by Sheldon Ocker Nov. 14 school board work session Rick Berdine characterized Summit County’s property reappraisal as good news, bad news for him personally, saying I don’t like it as a taxpayer, but I really like it as treasurer of Revere schools. In previewing his twice yearly five-year financial forecast for the board of education, […]
Letter to the Editor
Congratulating voters and elected official To the Editor, Now that the election is behind us, it is time for congratulations to the victors. But first, allow me to recognize the voters of Richfield Township, who had an astounding turnout greater than 62% of registered voters. I’m proud to live and work in a community where […]
Letter to the Editor
Grateful to restaurant To the Editor, I enjoyed reading the article in the November issue of The Richfield Times: “Teschner’s opens its door to avant-garde filming.” Teshner’s was absolutely wonderful in hosting me in the making: Is This All A Dream? And it’s a great place to dine as well. A big thank you to Michelle Teschner and […]
Order Richfield sweatshirts
2024 will be a notable year in Richfield as the tallest water tower in the country should be completed and, on April 8, the community will be in the path of a total solar eclipse. The Richfield Chamber of Commerce is selling commemorative sweatshirts and t-shirts to celebrate the events. Make your holiday shopping easier […]
Residents and officials discuss vision for north end of town
by Dan Holland More than 120 residents turned out for the Village of Richfield’s North End Public Input Workshop Nov. 9 held in the banquet room of the Quality Inn & Suites. The meeting addressed concerns and sought input to devise strategies for redevelopment and planning along the stretch of Brecksville Road between Boston Mills […]
Pavilion was built to serve many
by Sue Serdinak Members of the Richfield United Church of Christ and its designated pastor, Allan Lane, thought for a couple of years about how a pavilion on the grounds of the church would serve the congregation, Hobbits Pre-school classes, the senior apartment dwellers, the AA groups and the Boy Scouts that meet in the […]
Local youth work at food bank
Local youth work at food bankMembers of the Richfield United Church of Christ Youth Group Nolan Luther, Wade Luther, Emery Banks, Tegan Sobieraj and Grace Moses are repackaging 858 pounds of Triscuits at the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank. Photo submitted.
Kids and older adults benefit from time shared
by Sue Serdinak The Richfield Branch Library and Regina Health Center collaborated to have a multi-generational story time and trick-or-treat event. Children’s Librarian Diane Nagy works part-time in the dietary department of Regina Health Center. She asked the parents of the children in her library story hour to bring the children to Regina for a […]
Senior Center activities
The Christmas in the Manor English Tea will be held on Dec. 10 at the senior center. This beautiful, elegant affair has become a family tradition for many. It features delicious finger sandwiches, decadent desserts, wassail and tea. Tickets must be purchased in advance for $15 at the senior center. Reservations will not be taken […]
Bath Elementary Students of the Month
Bath Elementary Students of the Month Grade 3: Hannah Hill Hannah is an absolute ray of sunshine. She strives to do her best and it shows by the pride she takes in her work every day. Hannah is friendly, polite and cares for others around her. She is a leader in the classroom and approaches her work […]
Revere soccer team has near miss, but there’s always next year
by Sheldon Ocker It’s not an exaggeration to say that preparation for the Division II state soccer championship begins in kindergarten for kids in the Revere school district. By the time they’re in fourth or fifth grade, athletes in the Revere youth soccer program are ready to give voice to their thoughts. Nick DePompei, head […]
Police Beat
Information provided by the Richfield Police Department compiled by Ken Miles At a gas station on Wheatley Road a woman grabbed an armload of Four Loko Malt Liquor beverages and said to the clerk, “I’m stealing these,” as she walked out the door. The clerk was unable to read the license plate. Time 6:02 a.m. […]
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Holiday events scheduled at Revere schools
The Bath School orchestra will have its first performance Dec. 7 in the high school auditorium. The Revere Middle School spelling bee is scheduled for Dec. 8. The Revere high school/middle school holiday choir concert will be Dec. 13 at 7 p.m. at the high school. The Revere Middle School holiday band concert is scheduled […]
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Protect Your Family with CO Detectors
by Tom Olecki, Owner, Broadview Heating Carbon Monoxide. Unfortunately, each year it seems these words are used to describe the cause of death for a local family. Not only do 400 people die each year as a result of carbon monoxide poisoning, another 20,000 visit the emergency room and over 4,000 are hospitalized. What bothers […]
Open Arms Adoptions hosts informational open house
Open Arms Adoptions is hosting an informational open house at Northside Marketplace, 21 Furnace St., in Akron, on National Adoption Day, Saturday, Nov. 18, from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. This gathering offers attendees the chance to interact with the Open Arms Adoptions staff, gain in-depth insights into adoption programs, pose questions and enjoy light refreshments while […]
Officer Nori arrives from Holland to serve community
by Wendy Turrell The Richfield Police Department’s newest member was born in Holland and began his new duties the first week in October at the tender age of two years. Nori is a Dutch Shephard and Officer Jake Totten’s new canine partner. Nori is the first police dog Richfield has had in almost a decade. […]
Revere invites veterans to breakfast and program
Revere High School is hosting an in-person breakfast and program at the high school from 8:45-11 a.m. on Veterans Day, Friday, Nov. 10. The school would like to invite and honor all veterans who wish to attend. RSVP for the program by scanning the barcode, completing theonline RSVP form at revereschools.org, or contacting Jessica Baird […]
Local candidates are scant for November election; Village and township to vote on park levy replacement
by Sue Serdinak Ohio election issues have been prominent in the news for several months. The August 8 special election for State Issue 1 drew an unprecedented number of voters casting their ballot. On November 7, Ohio voters will decide if an abortion-rights amendment to the Ohio constitution and legalization of marijuana are approved. The […]
Holiday season opens with Tree Lighting on Nov. 24
“Come Home for the Holidays” and participate in Richfield’s Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony on Friday, Nov. 24. The festivities, sponsored by the Richfield Civic Organization, will begin on the southeast corner of Broadview Road and W. Streetsboro Road at 6 p.m., where attendees will each receive a miniature lantern to help illuminate the night for […]

Mayor’s Corner by Mayor Michael Wheeler
November is here already. I hope everyone will have a very Happy Thanksgiving. If you are traveling to another destination for the holiday, please drive safely and sanely. Please welcome Officer Mison Awad to the position of part-time police officer, Officer Morgan Miller to the position of part-time police officer, Officer Brett Lee from a […]
Procuring emergency vehicles becoming an emergency
by Sue Serdinak Oct. 3 village council meeting Procuring vehicles for Richfield Village safety forces has become a challenge. Village council suspended readings on an ordinance to authorize purchasing a 2025 rescue squad for $361,923. According to Fire Chief George Seifert, the anticipated delivery date of the vehicle is 2026. Finance Director Sandy Turk said […]
Officers sworn in; Economic development agreement approved
by Sue Serdinak Oct. 18 village council meeting Richfield Village Council began its meeting with the swearing in of two police officers, Brett Lee and K9 Nori. Lee has been working part time for the village, but a full-time position became available when officer Morgan Miller became part time. With handler officer Jake Totten holding […]

Correction
The name of a candidate for Richfield Village Council was typed incorrectly in the Question & Answer section of the October Richfield Times. Marty Kruszynski is the correct spelling. We apologize for the error. A name was also misspelled in the Police Beat. Ron and Nancy Auletta were celebrating their anniversary. ∞
Township Corner by Trustee Don Laubacher
I hope everyone can enjoy the crisp weather and beautiful colors of Fall. I am a fan of township government because of its efficiency and accountability; efficiency that allows us to provide essential services at a fraction of the cost of similar-sized municipalities, and our reliance on property tax levies makes every expenditure accountable to […]
Trustees approve police and fire agreements
by Dan Holland Oct. 5 township trustees meeting Richfield Township trustees approved resolutions for a three-year agreement with Richfield Village for fire/EMS and police services in the township. Under the agreement, the township will incur a 6% increase in 2024 over the current year’s cost of $609,505 for fire/EMS and $791,876 for police and a […]
Revere Superintendent’s Corner by Dr. Michael Tefs
Workforce development at Revere Middle School I am truly inspired by the philanthropy, vision, and mission of the Revere Schools Foundation. The foundation’s mission to promote experiential learning, produce leaders and protect our kids is so greatly appreciated. RSF continues to be an amazingly value-added partner for us. The Revere communities are keenly aware, I […]
School board updated on third-grade reading, writing achievement
by Sheldon Ocker Sept. 19 board of education meeting Assistant Superintendent Micki Krantz introduced third-grade teachers Brittany Mravec and Melanie Burkhart, who briefed the Revere Board of Education on the status of the third-grade reading program. The teachers presented a graph showing that 95% of Revere third-graders passed the state English Language Arts test during […]
Coming to a school near you: Chat GPT
by Sheldon Ocker Oct. 10 board of education work session Revere schools Superintendent Michael Tefs gave the board of education a heads-up about an artificial intelligence application that has dominated technology news this year. Realizing that ChatGPT and other forms of AI are destined to become educational tools for teachers and students, Tefs told the […]