

Community Day weekend has activities for all
by Wendy Turrell Richfield Community Day marks its 50th anniversary this year, according to event chairperson Ruth Jocek, and will be celebrated for an entire weekend from Friday, August 12, to Sunday, August 14. The event, which was started by the now disbanded Richfield Jaycees, is sponsored by the Bath-Richfield Kiwanis. Community Day weekend kicks […]

Memorial Day gave honor and welcomed back community life
The Memorial Day parade was the first sign that community life in Richfield is returning, following two years of near closure because of the pandemic. The parade reminded us that some people never returned to their homes after giving their life for our country. Those veterans were respectfully honored by all who stood along the […]

Revere High School art teacher wins educator award
by Ivy Socha The Summit Artspace Arts Alive Educator Award highlights a teacher that shows a passion for their job as well as dedication to helping art students learn and succeed. The 2022 recipient of this award is Robert (Bob) Pierson, a visual arts teacher at Revere High School. Prior to obtaining his art education […]

The Big Idaho Potato Truck is coming to town
A truckload of Idaho potatoes is on its way to Richfield and the community is invited to come to Whitey’s Booze N’ Burgers on Brecksville Road on Sunday, Aug. 7, from 3-7 p.m. to be part of the fun. Whitey’s owner, John Bigadza, and his son Matt, have become vodka distillers and their main ingredient […]

Property values are impacted by neighborhoods’ property maintenance
by Dan Holland With summertime here and lawn maintenance season in full swing, residents may sometimes identify and report a home or business property not being kept up to code. These concerns are brought to the attention of Richfield officials who investigate the occurrences. According to Brian Frantz, planning and zoning director for Richfield Village, […]

Mayor’s Corner
I welcome John Piepsny as our new, shared park and recreation director. John comes to us with over 25 years of park and recreation experience. John will be an excellent addition to our outstanding staff. I have been asked several times about the installation of a chain link fence around a tree on Broadview Road […]

Cleveland water is on its way to the historic district
by Sue Serdinak June 29 village council meeting Alex Margevicius, commissioner of Cleveland Water, opened a presentation to Richfield Village Council about the public utility being delivered to Richfield Village. Margevicius said he and former village Mayor Ralph Waszak started talking about Cleveland providing water to Richfield over 25 years ago. At that time, a […]

Fire-medic promoted; fuel expenses likely to exceed budget
by Sue Serdinak June 25 village council meeting Before Cleveland Water gave a presentation on delivering water to the village, Richfield Mayor Michael Wheeler swore in fire medic Anthony Katzakis as a lieutenant in the Richfield Fire Department. Fire Chief George Seifert said Katzakis has been with the department since 2014 and has been instrumental […]

Safety forces have few back-up personnel
by Sue Serdinak July 19 village council reports Richfield Village Police Chief Michael Swanson reported that part-time officer Shane Williamson is leaving the department to take full–time employment, leaving the chief with only two part-time officers. This creates a scheduling problem and increased overtime hours for full-time officers. Swanson said 141 children participated in Safety […]
Township Corner
I hope everyone is enjoying this beautiful summer and staying healthy. News In the past few years, the township has spent roughly $2.2 million annually from its five main funds: general, road and bridge, garbage disposal, police, and fire. We began 2022 with a cash balance across all funds of just over $2 million. This […]
Trustees weigh trash hauling options
by Dan Holland June 29 virtual township trustees meeting Richfield Township trustees discussed waste hauling and recycling options. The township is currently in the second and final extension year of a five-year contract with Rumpke for waste hauling services in conjunction with Richfield Village, explained township administrator Mindy Lott. The contract with Rumpke – a […]
Board picks new fitness center for Revere athletes
by Sheldon Ocker July 12 board of education work session After an examination of the outside strength and conditioning program for Revere athletes, Superintendent Michael Tefs recommended that the board of education end the district’s relationship with Sculpt Fitness in Bath and sign a one-year contract with ACTIV Physical Therapy in Richfield. The board ratified […]
Solution for village tax refund issue
To the Editor, The village continues to pay out more tax refund money to other communities than they take in due to employees working from home instead of in an office in Richfield. Want to solve that problem? Trucking. Richfield is a prime place for trucking due to I-271, I-77 and the yurnpike. Not only […]
Lodge rentals increasing; smash and grab repeated
by Sue Serdinak June 27 Richfield Joint Recreation District board meeting With pandemic restrictions on meeting places decreasing, rentals of the Lodge in the Richfield Heritage Preserve are increasing, according to Shari Green, event coordinator. She and Richfield Joint Recreation District Chairperson Anita Gantner met with the manager of Happy Days Lodge in the Cuyahoga […]
Ukrainian orphans benefit from sales of Whitey’s Vodka
by Sheldon Ocker Jon Bigadza leads a visitor into his office at Whitey’s Booze N’ Burgers and switches on a video entitled “The Faces of Christ,’’ depicting neglected children in physical and mental distress. “I get about halfway through then I have to quit,’’ Bigadza said, warning the visitor of the extreme sadness that’s about […]
ODOT project aimed at stemming erosion of Furnace Run under Route 303
The scenic area of Route 303 that crosses over Furnace Run at the bottom of two hills has experienced severe erosion, according to the Ohio Department of Transportation. In 2020, ODOT repaired the roadway by stabilizing the embankment with rocks and modifying the drainage on the berm of the roadway. Next, it will work on […]
Police Beat
Richfield Police activated a Nixle Community Alert at 1:06 a.m. on July 4. Medina Sheriffs were northbound on I-271 in pursuit of a stolen vehicle with four occupants. After crossing the median and travelling north in the southbound lanes, a flat tire caused them to abandon the vehicle and flee into the woods near Whitethorn […]
Revere Superintendent’s Corner
by Revere Superintendent Dr. Michael Tefs This school year the Revere Schools will deconstruct the literature and research on healthy school start times and medically appropriate student sleep schedules, while surveying students, employees, and families along the way. During its April 2022 meeting, the board of education heard from Revere alumnus and parent, Dr. Zach […]
District to examine school start times
by Sheldon Ocker June 28 school board meeting Revere Superintendent Michael Tefs informed the board of education of his intention to examine school start times in the district. “There is a mile long [record of] references and research on this topic,’’ he said, citing studies by the Center for Disease Control, the American Academy of […]
Middle school updates science resources at federal expense
by Sheldon Ocker July 19 school board meeting Three members of the science faculty described to the Revere Board of Education reasons for the acquisition of new tools for middle school students. It’s been 13 years since curriculum resources have been updated at the middle school, said Ryan Fletcher, head of the middle school science […]
Kiwanis collecting for Heart of Revere at Community Day
Heart of Revere offers free used clothing, shoes, spirit wear, home goods, newly packaged personal items and school supplies to assist those who are dealing with a financial hardship and are living in the Revere schools community. The nonprofit will have a display of items that are contained in their Heart Boxes at Richfield Community […]
Local fire departments see fewer applicants, lose part-time firefighters
by Laura Bednar A nationwide firefighter shortage has spread from the U.S. Forest Service to community departments. According to a Los Angeles Times article, only 62% of federal firefighter positions were filled in California, an area known for wildfires. The lack of new recruits is also a problem in Richfield Village and Bath Township. Richfield […]
SECOND HALF 2021 REAL ESTATE TAX BILLS DUE JULY 22
Summit County Fiscal Officer Kristen M. Scalise CPA, CFE announced that second half 2021 real estate tax bills were mailed beginning June 10. The closing date for payment is July 22, with the exception of military personnel. Property taxes are deferred for military reservists who are on active duty. Call 330-643-2641 or visit fiscaloffice.summitoh.net for […]
Nominations open for new Akron Zoo awards
The Akron Zoo is hosting its first annual Community Awards to honor organizations and individuals for dedication and commitment to the greater Akron community. Nominations are open through Friday, Sept. 16 at 5 p.m. The winners will be honored at an award ceremony in spring 2023. Self-nominations are accepted. The four awards are: Be the […]
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Rational Investing Through A Down Market
by Kevin Kroskey, CFP®, MBA Investment markets have been providing investors a rough ride in 2022. While falling markets can be worrisome, a rational reminder to understand markets and risk may help keep things in perspective. Emotions & Averages A typical first response to unsettling markets is an emotional one. Taking control and selling assets […]
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Dealing with Cottonwood
by Tom Olecki, Owner, Broadview Heating If you haven’t had your air conditioning cleaned recently, I can almost guarantee you that the outdoor coil has become plugged with dirt, lint and especially cottonwood. Cottonwood, a type of poplar that is present throughout all of Ohio, is a tree native to portions of the eastern United […]
Ohio Turnpike invites travelers and residents to customer appreciation event
The Ohio Turnpike will host a customer appreciation event at Portage Service Plaza in Mantua from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Friday, July 15. The service plaza is located at milepost 197 westbound on the Ohio Turnpike in Portage County. Staff from the Ohio Turnpike and the Ohio State Highway Patrol will remind travelers […]
Richfield community life blossoms after two-year hiatus
Following two years when local organizations could not hold public events because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Richfield community was bustling in May and June 2022. The Richfield Chamber of Commerce started it off by selling breakfast foods at their new Grab n’ Go sales in front of Olesia’s Taverne of Richfield. The Bath-Richfield Kiwanis […]

Mayor’s Corner
We are currently taking applications for the part-time positions in our service, dispatch, parks and recreation departments. The complete job descriptions and applications are available on our website. The village is sponsoring four concerts this summer. The first of which was held June 24 on the Village Green. Please check the website for additional dates […]
Private fireworks banned; Water line construction beginning July 14
by Sue Serdinak June 7 village council meeting Richfield Village Council passed an ordinance to prohibit the discharge, ignition or explosion of fireworks at all times except by licensed exhibitors. This ordinance overrides the recent passage of Ohio House Bill 172 that amended the Ohio Revised Code to allow fireworks on private property by private […]
State officials recognize Richfield’s tree program
by Sue Serdinak To recognize Richfield’s 27th year as part of national Tree City USA, a celebration was held on the grounds of Richfield Town Hall. About 250 representatives from Northeast Ohio attended with breakfast and lunch catered by Olesia’s Taverne of Richfield. Councilperson Ralph Waszak was mayor when Richfield Village joined the Tree City […]
Township Corner
This spring has been an exciting time for the township and Richfield community. New homes are being built in Briarwood Estates, Richfield Heritage Preserve is renovating property in the park and Summit County is working to reduce stormwater erosion. I visited the new Briarwood Estates subdivision with 56 home sites so far. Four single-family homes […]
Doors were flung open for the first time for the Richfield Heritage Preserve
The Richfield Joint Recreation District held an open house on June 12 as a celebration of all that has been accomplished since the combined Richfield Village and Township property owners agreed to purchase the former Girl Scout camp. It was the first time since 2014 that residents were able to go into several of the […]
The Grapevine
Three Revere alumni created a scholarship in honor of their father, Dr. Richard Taylor, upon his passing last year. Matthew, Andrew and Jonathan Taylor were grateful to their parents for fully paying for their college education and wanted to honor their father’s memory by helping others gain a degree. Their mother, Becky Taylor, said when […]
Senior Center update
Thursday, July 21, the Richfield Senior Center will have a Luau during lunch featuring a steel drum band and tropical style food. The cost is $7. Pre-paid tickets are required. Bingo will not be held that day. Please refer to your newsletter for more information. Anyone 55 and older is invited to participate in the […]
Police Beat
In the south end of Richfield, a woman backing out of the driveway was so focused on yelling at her neighbor she backed into the ditch across the street. When officers arrived, her boy friend feigned ignorance as to her whereabouts but she was located in a living room closet. Neither party had outstanding warrants […]
Garage Sale returns
The popular Richfield Community Garage Sale celebrated 40 years on June 4. It was canceled for only one year, 2020, because of the pandemic. The event, which brings shoppers from a wide area, was sponsored by the Richfield Civic Organization with support from the Richfield Times. ∞
Garden Tour provided relaxing event
The Richfield Historical Society held a garden tour of home gardens and the Cleveland Roots garden on Boston Mills Road and a plant sale on June 11. Richfield historian, Linda Fleming, organized the event. ∞
Revere Superintendent’s Corner
We’ve all reflected, deeply I am sure, on last month’s horrific Robb Elementary School shooting. Yet another senseless school shooting in our country. I will never be able to make sense of national tragedies like the one in Uvalde, Texas. Designing, implementing and evaluating school security protocols are far from my original academic training. An […]
Revere analyzing success of strength and conditioning program
by Sheldon Ocker May 17 school board meeting Revere High School Principal Andy Peltz and Athletic Director Don Seeker have been engaged in an in-depth study of the school’s strength and fitness program as well as Revere’s relationship with the Crystal Clinic, which provides rehab services, and Sculpt Fitness, an off-site conditioning venue. In addition […]
Letter to the Editor
To the Editor: A big thank you to the Bath/Richfield and Revere community for welcoming us 19 years ago! My husband Art and I are both from Ohio and came back here for family and careers. We were embraced by this wonderful place and have enjoyed it immensely. The United States Marine Corps Toys for Tots, all […]
Revere Class of 1990 holding reunion
The Revere High School Class of 1990 is holding a class reunion on Aug. 19 and 20 to make up for missing the 30-year reunion and to celebrate everyone turning 50 years old. On Friday, Aug. 19, a tour of the new Revere High School will be held at 5:30 p.m., followed by the RHS football game at […]
Revere community seeks reassurance after Uvalde shootings
by Sara Hill Immediately following the Uvalde school shootings, parents and grandparents of Revere Local School District students began calling School Resource Officer Scott Dressler wanting to know if their children were safe, if students should attend school, how they could help and what leaders were doing to keep buildings secure – and if their […]
Become a certified volunteer naturalist or master gardener
The Ohio Certified Volunteer Naturalist Program seeks to train nature-loving citizens who wish to learn more about the environment and volunteer in their community. Participants will receive classroom and field-based instruction on topics such as wildlife, insects, wetlands, ecology, geology, nature interpretation and more, all taught by state and local experts. The program, offered by […]
Students in the News
Revere High participants fared well in the local business plan contest, in which students brainstorm various ideas designed to create a viable business opportunity and are judged by real entrepreneurs. Anna Freeman and Elise Jakab finished first locally and qualified for the state competition. Aja Najsztup and Mallory Tompkins finished second and also qualified for […]
Revere freshman qualifies for national debate tournament
by Sheldon Ocker David Burnett calls Anish Chandran “special.’’ Burnett is an assistant coach for the Revere High School speech and debate team, specializing in Congressional Debate. That is also Chandran’s chosen area of competitive expertise, which makes Burnett his personal coach. “What makes Anish special is that he has a terrific combination of a […]
School safety will not involve arming Revere teachers
by Sheldon Ocker June 21 school board work session Board member Mike Kahoe reported to the Revere School Board the implications of Ohio House Bill 99, which makes it easier to arm teachers and other school employees. Governor Mike DeWine signed off on the bill in mid-June. So what has changed? As Kahoe explained, those […]
School safety will not involve arming Revere teachers
by Sheldon Ocker June 21 school board work session Board member Mike Kahoe reported to the Revere School Board the implications of Ohio House Bill 99, which makes it easier to arm teachers and other school employees. Governor Mike DeWine signed off on the bill in mid-June. So what has changed? As Kahoe explained, those […]