It's no secret, most of us would like to stay in our own home as we age. Yet, sometimes our loved ones just need a little extra help to remain comfortable at home. That's where Always Best Care can help....we are dedicated to exceeding expectations....always.
They say that your golden years are the best years of your life. For most older Americans, that's how it should be - a time to relax, reflect, and live life in a familiar place. After all, senior citizens in the U.S. have worked tirelessly to build a better economy, serve their communities, and raise families.
However, as seniors grow older, completing daily tasks like showering and enjoying activities such as visiting the historic Lawrence Grist Mill gets harder without someone by their side. Unfortunately, many older Americans aren't able to rely on their adult children for help. The reality in today's world is that family members do not have the skills or time to dedicate to caring for their parents. That's where Always Best Care Senior Services comes in.
Our in-home care services are for people who prefer to stay at home as they grow older but need ongoing care that family or friends cannot provide. More and more older adults prefer to live far away from long-term, institutionalized facilities and closer to the place where they feel most comfortable - their home. Home care in Brook Park, OH is a safe, effective way to give your loved ones the care they need when they need it the most.
Home Care Services
Service AreasSince 1996, Always Best Care has provided non-medical in-home care for seniors to help them maintain a healthy lifestyle as they get older. We are proud to have helped more than 25,000 seniors maintain higher levels of dignity and respect. We focus on providing seniors with the highest level of in-home care available so that they may live happily and independently.
Unlike some senior care companies, we genuinely want to be included in our clients' lives. We believe that personalized care is always the better option over a "one size fits all" approach. To make sure our senior clients receive the best care possible, we pair them with compassionate caregivers who understand their unique needs. That way, they may provide care accordingly without compromising their wellbeing.
The Always Best Care difference lies in life's little moments - where compassionate care and trustworthy experience come together to help seniors live a fruitful, healthy life. Whether you are an aging adult that can't quite keep up with life's daily tasks or the child of a senior who needs regular in-home services, Always Best Care is here to help.
“I am surprised to read poor reviews on ABC. We were 100% satisfied with”
“Great home care experience all around! Between the nursing, therapy, and caregivers I couldn't ask”
“I switched to Always Best Care from another visiting nurse association and I’m so glad”
“The representatives are always professional! You can tell they love what they do!”
“I love working for this company . I've been working for about a year and”
“I am very pleased to recommend Always Best Care Cleveland South. The staff of ABC”
“I am very pleased to recommend Always Best Care Cleveland South. The staff of ABC”
“I retired my full time job two years ago but still wanted to work part”
“My husband passed away on 4/11/17. His life was extended greatly because of the”
“Mr. McCurdy our family thanks you for the wonderful care you provided to our parents.”
“Hello Keith, Want to thank you for sending us the help we needed. Stephanie &”
“I am surprised to read poor reviews on ABC. We were 100% satisfied with all the care our mother received from ABC after a fall and related surgery last year. We had a nurse, physical therapist, occupational therapist and home health aide for showering. Each staff member was exceptional. We would definitely use them again.”
“Great home care experience all around! Between the nursing, therapy, and caregivers I couldn't ask for a better company! Keep up the great work!!”
“I switched to Always Best Care from another visiting nurse association and I’m so glad I did. The staff was great and made every effort to help my mom recover from her stroke. They always gave us 1 or 2 days notice on appointments and were always on time. If we had to reschedule, they were understanding. Most importantly, they helped quite a lot! I highly recommend them over VNA. Thanks for helping our family.”
“The representatives are always professional! You can tell they love what they do!”
“I love working for this company . I've been working for about a year and a half . I highly recommend this company to caregivers as well as people in need of good quality service and standards . 5 stars is a true rating and it's an honor to be a part of the team.”
“I am very pleased to recommend Always Best Care Cleveland South. The staff of ABC are hardworking, genuine and wonderful individuals that truly have a passion for caring for others. I cannot say better things about their management as they are quick to respond, deliver excellent customer services and genuinely care about giving excellent service. They are very understanding of delicate situations and handle issues with sensitivity. I wouldn’t trust the care of my loved ones with anyone else. Excellent organization!”
“I am very pleased to recommend Always Best Care Cleveland South. The staff of ABC are hardworking, genuine and wonderful individuals that truly have a passion for caring for others. I cannot say better things about their management as they are quick to respond, deliver excellent customer services and genuinely care about giving excellent service. They are very understanding of delicate situations and handle issues with sensitivity. I wouldn’t trust the care of my loved ones with anyone else. Excellent organization!”
“I retired my full time job two years ago but still wanted to work part time only in a different field. I have always enjoyed helping people and I was lucky enough to find Always Best Care and have been working for them for two years. Keith and his entire staff are very personable, are easy to contact and/or get a return call in a timely fashion and will work with you when scheduling your work hours. I have been blessed to work with quite a few elderly people and have enjoyed every minute. They are sweet, kind, gentle and so appreciative for everything you do for them. I love everyday working to help those in need of help. Debi Mick”
“My husband passed away on 4/11/17. His life was extended greatly because of the care you supplied, Keith through the VA. The caregivers gave him exercises as well as help with showering, dressing, and the most important, good company. His alzheimer's limited his talking but they always made him laugh. God bless you all.”
“Mr. McCurdy our family thanks you for the wonderful care you provided to our parents. Your caregivers were so very good and compassionate to Kenneth and Esther. They went above and beyond our expectations and provided a level of care we cannot express enough. We will highly recommend you to anyone in need of your services. Once again thank you.”
“Hello Keith, Want to thank you for sending us the help we needed. Stephanie & Desiree were wonderful- put us at ease and were so caring. Excellent. The help you all gave comforted us and got us through the worst day of our lives. Bless you all for the work you do- and it is BEST CARE- EXCELLENT COMPANY.”
Home is where the heart is. While that saying can sound a tad cliche, it is especially true for many seniors living in America. When given a choice, older adults most often prefer to grow older at home. An AARP study found that three out of four adults over the age of 50 want to stay in their homes and communities as they age.
When you begin to think about why, it makes sense. Home offers a sense of security, comfort, and familiarity.
The truth is, as we age, we begin to rely on others for help. When a family is too busy or lives too far away to fulfill this role, in-home senior care is often the best solution. Home care services allow seniors to enjoy personal independence while also receiving trustworthy assistance from a trained caregiver.
At Always Best Care, we offer a comprehensive range of home care services to help seniors stay healthy while they get the help they need to remain independent. As your senior loved one gets older, giving them the gift of senior care is one of the best ways to show your love, even if you live far away.
To give our senior clients the best care possible, we offer a full spectrum of in-home care services:
If your senior loved one has specific care needs, our personal care services are a great choice to consider. Personal care includes the standard caregiving duties associated with companion care and includes help with tasks such as dressing and grooming. Personal care can also help individuals with chronic conditions like diabetes.
Common personal care services include assistance with:
Sometimes, seniors need helpful reminders to maintain a high quality of life at home. If you or your senior has trouble with everyday tasks like cooking, our home helper services will be very beneficial.
Common home helper care services include assistance with:
Using this kind of care is a fantastic way to make life easier for you or your senior loved one. At Always Best Care, our talented caregivers often fill the role of a companion for seniors. That way, older adults can enjoy their favorite local activities, such as visiting Rocky River Reservation with friends while also receiving the care they need daily or weekly.
Common companionship services include:
According to AARP, more than 53 million adults living in the U.S. provide care to someone over 50 years old. Unfortunately, these caregivers experience stress, exhaustion, and even depression. Our respite care services help family caregivers address urgent obligations, spend time with their children, and enjoy nearby activities. Perhaps more importantly, respite care gives family members time to recharge and regroup. Taking personal time to de-stress reduces the risk of caregiver burnout. So, if you've always wanted to eat at the local Nak's Eatery & Drinkery or visit Phillip Henninger House - Historic Site, don't feel bad. Doing so is great for both you and your loved one.
At the end of the day, our goal is to become a valuable part of your senior's daily routine. That way, we may help give them the highest quality of life possible. We know that staying at home is important for your loved one, and we are here to help make sure that is possible.
If you have been on the fence about non-medical home care, there has never been a better time than now to give your senior the care, assistance, and companionship they deserve.
Always Best Care in-home services are for older adults who prefer to stay at home but need ongoing care that friends and family cannot provide. In-home care is a safe, effective way for seniors to age gracefully in a familiar place and live independent, non-institutionalized lives. The benefits of non-medical home care are numerous. Here are just a few reasons to consider senior care services from Always Best Care:
According to AARP, 9 out of 10 seniors prefer to age in place within the comfort of their own home. With in-home care, seniors have a way to stay at home, receive the care they need, and maintain a sense of independence, improving overall wellness.
If you or a member of your family have assumed the role of caregiver for your senior loved one, you know how stressful the job can be. Between caregiver burnout and constant worry, being a family caregiver is hard. In-home care relieves your burden and gives you peace of mind knowing that your older family member is in expert hands.
Unlike nursing homes, where the staff and residents rotate frequently, seniors can foster new friendships and build bonds with their caregiver. Seniors who socialize on a regular basis are often happier, which fosters positivity and leads to increased wellbeing.
No two seniors need the same kind of in-home care assistance. That is why each of our Care Plans is tailored to meet our client's individual needs. We offer plans that cover everything from light housekeeping to more involved duties like transportation to doctor's appointments. Our Care Coordinators will work closely with you to develop a personalized plan to ensure your senior's needs are exceeded.
Always Best Care offers a full array of care options for patients at all levels of health. With our trusted elderly care services, your loved one will receive the level of care necessary for them to enjoy the highest possible quality of life.
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While it's true that some seniors have complicated medical needs that prevent them from staying at home, aging in place is often the best arrangement for seniors and their families. With a trusted caregiver, seniors have the opportunity to live with a sense of dignity and do so as they see fit - something that is unavailable to many older people today.
In-home care makes it possible for millions of seniors to age in place every year. Rather than moving to a strange nursing home, seniors have the chance to stay at home where they feel the happiest and most comfortable.
How much does a senior's home truly mean to them?
A study published by the American Society on Aging found that more than half of seniors say their home's emotional value means more than how much their home is worth in monetary value. It stands to reason, then, that a senior's home is where they want to grow old.
With the help of elderly care in Brook Park, OH, seniors don't have to age in a sterilized care facility. Instead, they can age gracefully in the place they want to be most: their home. In contrast, seniors who move to a long-term care facility must adapt to new environments, new people, and new systems that the facility implements. At this stage in life, this kind of drastic change can be more harmful than helpful.
Institutional care facilities like nursing homes often put large groups of people together to live in one location. On any given day, dozens of staff members and caregivers run in and out of these facilities. Being around so many new people in a relatively small living environment can be dangerous for a seniors' health and wellbeing. When you consider that thousands of seniors passed away in nursing homes during the COVID-19 pandemic, opting for in-home care is often a safer, healthier choice for seniors.
Aging in place has been shown to improve seniors' quality of life, which helps boost physical health and also helps insulate them from viral and bacterial risks found in elderly living facilities.
For many seniors, the ability to live independently with assistance from a caregiver is a priceless option. With in-home care, seniors experience a higher level of independence and freedom - much more so than in other settings like a nursing home. When a senior has the chance to age in place, they get to live life on their own terms, inside the house that they helped make into a home. More independence means more control over their personal lives, too, which leads to increased levels of fulfillment, happiness, and personal gratification. Over time, these positive feelings can manifest into a healthier, longer life.
More independence, a healthier life, and increased comfort are only a few benefits of aging in place. You have to take into consideration the role of cost and convenience. Simply put, it's usually easier and more affordable to help seniors age in place than it is to move them into an institutional care facility. According to the US Department of Housing and Urban Development, seniors who age in the comfort of their homes can save thousands of dollars per month.
In-home care services from Always Best Care, for instance, are often less expensive than long-term solutions, which can cost upwards of six figures per year. To make matters worse, many residential care facilities are reluctant to accept long-term care insurance and other types of payment assistance.
With Always Best Care's home care services, seniors and their families have a greater level of control over their care plans. In-home care gives seniors the chance to form a bond with a trusted caregiver and also receive unmatched care that is catered to their needs. In long-term care facilities, seniors and their loved ones have much less control over their care plan and have less of a say in who provides their care.
In-home care is a valuable resource that empowers seniors to age in place on their own terms. However, a big concern for many families and their loved ones is how much in-home care costs. If you're worried that in-home care is too expensive, you may be pleasantly surprised to learn that it is one of the most affordable senior care arrangements available.
Typically, hiring an Always Best Care in-home caregiver for a few hours a week is more affordable than sending your loved one to a long-term care facility. This is true even for seniors with more complex care needs.
At Always Best Care, we will work closely with you and your family to develop a Care Plan that not only meets your care needs, but your budget requirements, too. Once we discover the level of care that you or your senior need, we develop an in-home care plan that you can afford.
In addition to our flexible care options, families should also consider the following resources to help offset potential home care costs:
When you or your senior loved one needs assistance managing daily tasks at home, finding a qualified caregiver can be challenging. It takes a special kind of person to provide reliable care for your senior loved one. However, a caregiver's role involves more than meal preparation and medication reminders. Many seniors rely on their caregivers for companionship, too.
Our companion care services give seniors the chance to socialize in a safe environment and engage in activities at home. These important efforts boost morale and provide much-needed relief from repetitive daily routines. A one-on-one, engaging conversation can sharpen seniors' minds and give them something in which to be excited.
At Always Best Care, we only hire care providers that we would trust to care for our own loved ones. Our senior caregivers in Brook Park, OH understand how important it is to listen and communicate with their seniors. A seemingly small interaction, like a short hug goodbye, can make a major difference in a senior's day. Instead of battling against feelings of isolation, seniors begin to look forward to seeing their caregiver each week.
Understanding the nuances of senior care is just one of the reasons why our care providers are so great at their job.
Unlike some senior care companies, our caregivers must undergo extensive training before they work for Always Best Care. In addition, our caregivers receive ongoing training throughout the year. This training ensures that their standard of care matches up to the high standards we've come to expect. During this training, they will brush up on their communication skills, safety awareness, and symptom spotting. That way, your loved one receives the highest level of non-medical home care from day one.
While it's true that many seniors prefer to age at home, sometimes in-home care isn't the best fit. For those seniors and their families, choosing an assisted living facility makes more sense. Unfortunately, finding the optimal care facility is easier said than done in today's day and age. That's when Always Best Care's assisted living referral services begin to make a lot of sense.
Assisted living is a form of housing intended for seniors who require varying degrees of medical and personal attention. Accommodations may include single rooms, apartments, or shared living arrangements. Assisted living communities are typically designed to resemble a home-like environment and are physically constructed to encourage the independence of residents.
At assisted living communities, seniors receive help with daily activities such as bathing, dressing, and eating. They may also benefit from coordination of services with outside healthcare providers, and monitoring of resident activities to ensure their health, safety, and well-being. Caregivers who work at assisted living communities can also provide medication administration and personal care services for older adults.
Other services offered within assisted living communities can include some or all of the following:
At Always Best Care, our representatives can match your senior's emotional, physical, and financial needs with viable assisted living communities nearby. Results are based on comparative data, so you can select the best choice for you or your loved one.
Always Best Care works closely with local senior living communities to gain valuable knowledge that we then use to help seniors and their loved ones make informed decisions. This information can include basic care and rent, resident availability, and services provided. Because Always Best Care is compensated by these communities, we provide senior living referral services at no extra cost to you.
Some of the most popular assisted living communities to consider in our area include the following:
For many seniors, moving into a senior living community revolves around how and when they want to make a transition to more involved care. Some seniors are more proactive about transitioning to independent living. Others choose to remain home until their care needs or other requirements are satisfied. Remember - our staff is here to help. Contact our office today to learn more about assisted living communities and how we can find a facility that exceeds your expectations.
The first step in getting quality in-home care starts with a personal consultation with an experienced Always Best Care Care Coordinator. This initial consultation is crucial for our team to learn more about you or your elderly loved one to discover the level of care required. Topics of this consultation typically include:
A discussion of your needs and how our trained caregivers can offer assistance in the most effective way
A draft of your care plan, which includes highly detailed notes and a framework for the care that you or your senior will receive
Discuss payment options and help coordinate billing with your insurance provider
Our caregivers are trained to spot changes that clients exhibit, like mental and physical decline. As your trusted senior care company, we will constantly assess and update your Care Plan to meet any new emotional, intellectual, physical, and emotional needs.
If you have never considered in-home care before, we understand that you and your family may have concerns about your Care Plan and its Care Coordinator. To help give you peace of mind, know that every team member and caregiver must undergo comprehensive training before being assigned to a Care Plan.
At the end of the day, we only hire the best of the best at Always Best Care. Whether you need home care in Brook Park, OH 24-hours a day or only need a respite for a couple of hours, we are here to serve you.
When you're ready, we encourage you to contact your local Always Best Care representative to set up a Care Consultation. Our Care Coordinators would be happy to meet with you in person to get to know you better, discuss your needs, and help put together a personalized Care Plan specific to your needs.
The Ohio General Assembly allocated $600 million in unclaimed funds for the Cleveland Browns domed stadium project in Brook Park as part of its approved budget.COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has called on Gov. Mike DeWine to line-item veto the $600 million in unclaimed funds approved by lawmakers for the proposed Cleveland Browns domed stadium in Brook Park.Both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly approved ...
The Ohio General Assembly allocated $600 million in unclaimed funds for the Cleveland Browns domed stadium project in Brook Park as part of its approved budget.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — Ohio Attorney General Dave Yost has called on Gov. Mike DeWine to line-item veto the $600 million in unclaimed funds approved by lawmakers for the proposed Cleveland Browns domed stadium in Brook Park.
Both chambers of the Ohio General Assembly approved the state's reconciled budget on Wednesday, which includes allocating $600 million in unclaimed funds for the Browns stadium project. The budget legislation has been sent to DeWine's desk for approval. He must decide whether to sign it or make line-item vetoes by June 30.
Yost's letter comes on the heels of the Haslam Sports Group's completed purchase of 176 acres of land in Brook Park for $76 million.
The Haslam Sports Group's plan for Brook Park calls for a $2.4 billion domed stadium to go with a mixed-use development that is slated to cost roughly another billion. HSG, along with their development partners, have committed to invest more than $2 billion in private capital and are seeking public funding for the remainder of the bill.
Following the General Assembly's reconciliation process, lawmakers opted for the Ohio Senate plan, which calls for the utilization of the state's $3.7 billion in unclaimed funds to create a "Sports and Culture Facilities Fund." The Browns' $600 million "performance grant" would be paid back to the state through tax revenues generated by the stadium and mixed-use development over 16 years.
To protect the state's investment, GOP Senate lawmakers say the Haslam Sports Group would put $50 million into escrow that could be tapped into if revenues fall short of projections. If that $50 million is used early, the Browns have also committed to providing another $50 million through a line of credit.
"Billionaires should finance their own stadiums—full stop," Yost wrote to DeWine. "The $600 million handout for a single professional sports facility raises serious concerns about fiscal sustainability and fairness. While public-private partnerships can sometimes support community development, this provision risks prioritizing one private entity over more urgent statewide needs—such as lowering childcare costs to boost workforce participation or easing the property tax burdens that weigh heavily on every Ohio homeowner. Most Ohioans will never set foot in the proposed Brook Park stadium or similar venues—whether due to lack of interest, team affiliation, or the unaffordable cost of attending professional sporting events. Too often, Ohio taxpayers are left on the sidelines while the wealthiest score with public money."
Yost specifically objects to using unclaimed funds that are at least 10 years old as of Jan. 1, 2026.
"This timeline makes Ohio an outlier nationally and risks inadvertently harming taxpayers unaware they have money in the state's unclaimed funds," he wrote.
Yost also raised questions about how the "Sports and Culture Facility Fund" will be able to handle the needs of Ohio's other major sports teams in the future. "As the saying goes, if you give a mouse a cookie, they'll want a glass of milk—public money is not the milk."
The best option right now, according to Yost, is a "thoughtful pause" in the process.
"This is an opportunity to pause and reconsider the best way to support economic development while maintaining public trust. A thoughtful pause now would allow policymakers to explore options that are more fiscally responsible and beneficial to the 11.9 million Ohioans you and I serve," he closed.
You can read the full letter from Yost to DeWine below.
BROOK PARK, Ohio — After more than three decades of service, Eric Fike has been named chief of the Brook Park Fire Department.Fike officially took over the role May 5, bringing with him 31 years of experience with the department and a deep personal connection to the job.He told the News Sun that his decision to pursue a career in fire service was shaped by a traumatic injury as a teenager and the calm professionalism of the paramedics who helped him.When I was 15 years old, I broke my leg in three spots,” Fik...
BROOK PARK, Ohio — After more than three decades of service, Eric Fike has been named chief of the Brook Park Fire Department.
Fike officially took over the role May 5, bringing with him 31 years of experience with the department and a deep personal connection to the job.
He told the News Sun that his decision to pursue a career in fire service was shaped by a traumatic injury as a teenager and the calm professionalism of the paramedics who helped him.
When I was 15 years old, I broke my leg in three spots,” Fike said. “Everything around me became so chaotic. My parents called 911, and the chaos melted away as the medics who arrived methodically stabilized me for transport and calmed my fears. I earned a new respect for that job that day and wanted to be someone people could count on during their worst days.”
Fike wrote to local departments for advice, pursued EMT and paramedic certifications at his community college, and was hired by Brook Park, which sent him through the fire academy.
Over the years, he took on new responsibilities and leadership roles.
“I have been employed by Brook Park Fire for over 30 years,” he said. “Some of the most defining moments of my career are finding new challenges to take on. I learned from a young age, if you feel you might be able to do something better, then step up and make the change yourself.”
He was promoted to lieutenant in 2007, senior lieutenant/captain in 2013, and fire chief in 2025. He said several calls have stuck with him, including one that highlighted the importance of quick decision-making and training.
“As a Lieutenant, we responded to a house fire when, upon entry to the second floor to extinguish the fire, we entered with zero visibility and extreme heat. It caused the first firefighter to get burned through his gear,” Fike said. “Even though I was at the window, I decided to pull my crew back down and called for exterior ventilation of the window. When they vented the window, it was like a scene out of ‘Backdraft’ with the fire blowing out the window and the area we just retreated from, flashed over to the floor. I realized then how important it was to be trained to be situationally aware of dangers. Without that, this situation could have turned catastrophic.”
As chief, Fike said he’s focused on leadership that supports both the firefighters and the community they serve.
“I am extremely proud to be promoted to the position to lead this fire department. It’s a combination of years of hard work, dedication and growth. It’s a commitment to serve others at the highest level,” he said. “Being a Fire Chief is about making sure our people have the training, resources and support they need to go home safely after every call. It’s about setting the tone for integrity, accountability and compassion, both inside the station and out in the community. It’s about leaving the department stronger and more capable for the next generation. I don’t take any of this lightly.”
He said his priorities include improving communication within the department, collaborating with city leadership, and ensuring the department is ready for a variety of emergencies.
“My top priority is building strong communication and trust within the department and in the community. We owe it to our firefighters and our citizens to stay sharp, adaptable, and ready for anything, from medical calls, structure fires to large-scale incidents,” Fike said. “I’ll also be working closely with city leadership and other agencies to ensure we’re aligned on long-term planning, resource management, and emergency response strategies. My focus is on listening, learnin,g and leading with purpose.”
Like other suburbs, Brook Park has seen a sharp increase in call volume.
“We have seen a 43% increase of calls in the last 10 years, which is similar to surrounding communities,” he said. “Mayor Orcutt is acutely aware of our departmental needs and has been very supportive of our ability to provide superior services for Brook Park.”
Fike said the department will continue evolving to meet growing demand and public needs.
“I see the department evolving through community risk reduction to help prevent fires and reduce the risk of incidents. The department might need to increase staffing and invest more in training to handle all incidents efficiently,” he said. “We also need to improve operational efficiency by reducing response times and streamlining communication. At the same time, enhancing partnerships with healthcare and social service providers to assist vulnerable populations.”
He also wants residents to understand the full scope of work that firefighters handle.
“Many people think of firefighters only during emergencies, but the reality is that our work goes far beyond putting out fires,” Fike said. “Our department will respond to medical emergencies, technical rescues, car accidents, hazardous material spills and more. When not involved in the mitigation of the emergencies, firefighters spend time training to stay sharp, physical fitness and agility, inspecting equipment, conducting fire safety inspections, public education, and preparing for high-risk situations, that hopefully will never happen. It takes physical, mental, and emotional commitment to show up ready for any type of call.”
Fike said community involvement is key to the department’s mission. That includes education, outreach and visibility.
“We use multiple ways of outreach to involve the community. For starters, ever noticed the front doors remain open? The station is always open for our residents,” he said. “We are also a preceptor location for students to get clinical experience from the main Paramedic schools in the area. The city newsletter does a post about the FD. Social media is used to give links for information from the Fire Department.”
He added that the department has installed more than 450 smoke detectors in homes through a partnership with the American Red Cross and continues to participate in community events like Touch a Truck, block parties and safety programs in schools.
“If you want to come see us, our main fire station at 17401 Holland Rd will be having an open house with displays on Saturday, July 12th from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m.,” Fike said.
Outside of work, Fike said staying active helps him stay prepared for the physical and mental demands of the job.
“It’s important to stay physically fit, especially for firefighters. This profession has exciting moments, but you have to be ready for the 0 to 100 ramp-up when calls come in,” he said. “I’ve always tried to keep an active lifestyle outside of work, and if it involves being outside, in any weather, it is usually when I’m the happiest. I enjoy endurance road and mountain biking, hiking, snow skiing, and spending time traveling with my family.”
For those interested in joining the fire service, he encouraged early preparation and personal discipline.
“Brook Park Fire requires that the candidate has all schooling completed prior to their appointment. That would include a high school diploma, Emergency Medical Technician, Paramedic and Ohio Professional Firefighter,” he said.
Fike detailed how students can pursue EMT and firefighter programs through local high schools or community colleges and noted that the department has several openings expected in the near future.
“It is a rewarding job that stays interesting, active and provides a sustaining salary,” he said. “Keep yourself out of trouble and start working on improving your fitness.”
He also emphasized that technical skills are important, but communication and compassion set the best firefighters apart.
“Becoming a firefighter requires a combination of personal skills that help you perform under pressure, work as a team and serve the community with professionalism and compassion,” he said. “Do everything you can to learn to talk to people. Technology is important, but interpersonal skills will make you shine in every situation. Every interaction is a time you can learn things about other people. Treat every experience as if it’s an interview.”,
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Members of the Ohio House and Senate will convene to iron out differences between the two proposals. The final budget must be signed by Gov. Mike DeWine by June 30.COLUMBUS, Ohio — After nearly four hours of debate on Wednesday, the Ohio Senate approved its $60 billion budget for the next two fiscal years, including the allocation of $600 million to help the Cleveland Browns build their proposed domed stadium and mixed-use development in Brook Park....
Members of the Ohio House and Senate will convene to iron out differences between the two proposals. The final budget must be signed by Gov. Mike DeWine by June 30.
COLUMBUS, Ohio — After nearly four hours of debate on Wednesday, the Ohio Senate approved its $60 billion budget for the next two fiscal years, including the allocation of $600 million to help the Cleveland Browns build their proposed domed stadium and mixed-use development in Brook Park.
The Brook Park plan by the Haslam Sports Group, owners of the Browns, calls for a $2.4 billion domed stadium to go with a mixed-use development that is slated to cost roughly another billion. HSG, along with their development partners, have committed to invest more than $2 billion in private capital and are seeking public funding for the remainder of the bill.
The Senate's plan calls for the utilization of the state's $3.7 billion in unclaimed funds to create a "Sports and Culture Facilities Fund." The Browns' $600 million "performance grant" would be paid back to the state through tax revenues generated by the stadium and mixed-use development over 16 years.
To protect the state's investment, GOP Senate lawmakers say the Haslam Sports Group would put $50 million into escrow that could be tapped into if revenues fall short of projections. If that $50 million is used early, the Browns have also committed to providing another $50 million through a line of credit.
Several other options for state support for the Brook Park project have emerged in the past few months.
In his budget rollout in February, Gov. Mike DeWine introduced a plan to double the sports gaming tax in Ohio to 40%, generating between $130 million-$180 million per year for a Sports Facilities Construction and Sports Education Fund.
In April, the Ohio House passed a budget that allocates $600 million in state-backed bonds to go towards the Brook Park development. With the Senate's plan in place, the reconciliation process now begins between the House and Senate to iron out differences in the two proposals and approve a final budget for DeWine to sign by June 30.
Last month, Forbes reported that Jimmy Haslam is worth around $8.5 billion. While detractors say that's why HSG should front the entire bill for Brook Park by themselves, many elected in officials says that's exactly why the state of Ohio should be in business with them.
"Since 2016, since they (Jimmy and Dee Haslam) got to Cleveland, they have built 16 brand-new high school stadiums in the city of Cleveland," state Sen. Tom Patton (R-Strongsville) pointed out. "Candidly, I think the Haslams have been pretty good neighbors."
Brook Park Mayor Edward Orcutt was also in Columbus Wednesday to lobby for the plan, which has the unanimous support of Brook Park City Council.
"(I'm) just very excited about what the Senate has presented," Orcutt told 3News in an interview. "We're building a destination where we'll be able to host year-round for national championships, concerts, and a lot more than what we have today."
However, not all members of the Ohio Senate agreed with the Browns' proposal.
"I don't know the Haslams personally. I wish no ill on them. But they are billionaires. They have billions of dollars in their possession, and the Senate legislature shook the couch cushions looking for money from everyday Ohioans," said Senate Minority Leader Nickie Antonio (D-Lakewood).
The Browns' domed stadium plan also called for the city of Brook Park and Cuyahoga County to provide an additional $600 million in bonds to be covered by an increased admissions tax, parking tax, bed tax and rental car surcharge. However, Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne has pushed back on the proposal, calling it everything from "a risky bet" to a "boondoggle."
Last month, the Haslam Sports Group informed Ronayne that the Browns were prepared to go forward with the project without the county's participation. In response, Ronayne accused HSG of engaging in "greed and opportunism," "distorting the facts," and "attempting to bully the public and fleece County taxpayers" for their private gain.
After the Senate rolled out its proposal last week, Ronayne called a press conference and angrily denounced the plan to give the Browns $600 million in unclaimed state funds as "piracy" and a "pocket pick."
"They're giving it ($600 million) away to the Haslam Sports Group — $600 million of your taxpayer dollars. They're picking your pocket," he said. "We see the methodology the state Senate has presented to pass through your dollars to Haslam Sports Group for the Cleveland Browns' next stadium as really a loss of their moral compass. This budget as proposed by the state Senate is morally bankrupt."
Ronayne is urging Gov. Mike DeWine to line-item veto the measure once the completed budget passes through both houses of the General Assembly.
So how can the project move forward if the county is not part of the equation?
"What we asked the county to do initially was to issue bonds — use their credit rating to issue $600 million of bonds that are largely repaid by Brook Park specific tax revenues. It was never a true $600 million ask of the county," explained HSG Chief Operating Officer Dave Jenkins. "They have since made it very clear they're not going to play if we go to Brook Park, which lessens the amount that Brook Park can issue in bonds themselves or through some other authority. So we are working to solve and have zeroed in on a solve for the remaining balance that otherwise could have been available if the county had issued the bonds."
That "solve," according to Jenkins, will be accomplished through private means. "We're taking on more risk, so that's where it would ultimately be."
Senators also signed off on a 2.75% flat state income tax for all earners, which keeps the rate the same for most citizens while lowering the current rate of 3.5% for those making more than $100,000 a year. This would amount to a $1 billion tax cut for the richest 20% of Ohioans, according to estimates.
Democrats lined up to blast the plan, as well as cuts to programs like Medicaid.
"Let's be clear: this budget is a disaster," Ohio House Minority Leader Allison Russo said in a statement. "People need solutions that put more money in their pocket, but this budget is not built for those working families — it's built to reward the wealthiest Ohioans, corporate special interests and far-right extremists. People deserve better."
Ohio lawmakers have approved a state budget that includes $600 million in public funding for the Cleveland Browns' proposed new indoor stadium in Brook Park.The state budget package, approved by both chambers on Wednesday, includes financing for the Browns' new stadium using funds drawn from Ohio's $4.8 billion Unclaimed Funds account. The legislation now heads to Governor Mike DeWine for signature....
Ohio lawmakers have approved a state budget that includes $600 million in public funding for the Cleveland Browns' proposed new indoor stadium in Brook Park.
The state budget package, approved by both chambers on Wednesday, includes financing for the Browns' new stadium using funds drawn from Ohio's $4.8 billion Unclaimed Funds account. The legislation now heads to Governor Mike DeWine for signature.
The Ohio legislature also made a significant amendment to Ohio's "Art Modell Law," which was designed to prevent professional sports teams from leaving taxpayer-funded stadiums. Under the new proposed language, the law would not apply to teams relocating within the same county, removing a major obstacle to the Browns' plans to leave Cleveland for Brook Park.
The proposed Brook Park stadium will be an enclosed, domed facility with a maximum capacity of approximately 70,000 seats. Located just outside Cleveland city limits, and near Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, the stadium is designed to be the center of a planned mixed-use sports-entertainment district.
The funding mechanism for the stadium is likely to face immediate legal challenges. Former Democratic lawmakers have threatened to file a constitutional lawsuit if the budget becomes law, arguing that using unclaimed funds for stadium construction constitutes taking private property without compensation.
The utilization of unclaimed funds has drawn sharp criticism from various entities, fueling significant controversy. Cuyahoga County officials have been vocal opponents, strongly condemning the proposal as misguided and harmful to public interest.
Cleveland's government representatives have similarly opposed the changes to the Modell Law, viewing the team's exit from Cleveland as a disservice to a city of loyal fans.
The new stadium is scheduled to open in 2029, coinciding with the expiration of the Cleveland Browns' current lease at Huntington Bank Field after the 2028 season.
BROOK PARK, Ohio -- For Margi Jay, serving others isn’t about recognition -- it’s simply a way of life.A Brook Park native and longtime volunteer, Jay has been named the city’s 2025 Citizen of the Year for her tireless work at Audrey’s Outreach, a local food pantry and clothing center ...
BROOK PARK, Ohio -- For Margi Jay, serving others isn’t about recognition -- it’s simply a way of life.
A Brook Park native and longtime volunteer, Jay has been named the city’s 2025 Citizen of the Year for her tireless work at Audrey’s Outreach, a local food pantry and clothing center that serves more than 700 families each month.
She was previously selected in 2020, but with the COVID-19 pandemic at its peak, the recognition went largely uncelebrated -- just the way she preferred.
“I don’t like recognition like this. I like to be a quiet, humble servant,” Jay said. “But I do feel honored.”
Brook Park launched the Citizen of the Year program in 1998 after City Council President Rick Salvatore witnessed a resident give his window air conditioner to a neighbor recovering from surgery.
Salvatore previously told the News Sun that he was campaigning door-to-door on what he described as a “100-degree day” when he witnessed that act of kindness. He said the award spotlights everyday acts of compassion and civic spirit.
Jay’s story fits that mission perfectly.
She moved to Brook Park with her parents at age 5 and, except for a few years after marrying her husband, Bill, in 1979, she has lived in the city ever since.
“Brook Park is a great place to live,” she said. “When I wasn’t living in Brook Park, I always wanted to move back.”
At Audrey’s Outreach, Jay helps lead a team of directors and more than 50 regular volunteers.
Her role includes running the food pantry, guiding new volunteers, organizing clothing donations, managing the Facebook page, working in the garden and even writing thank-you notes to donors, with help from Bill.
“I love working with our wonderful volunteers and meeting our pantry guests,” she said. “We do a drive-thru pantry, and I get to see a lot of them every month.”
Jay also recently participated in a national food-packing event hosted by the Pack Shack with her 13-year-old grandson.
They joined 200 volunteers to prepare more than 71,000 meals for food pantries across the region.
“It was a very meaningful experience for me and my grandson,” she said.
Her work is a continuation of a family legacy. Audrey’s Outreach is named after Jay’s mother, Audrey Telep, who helped launch the clothing giveaway effort in 1993 and was also named Citizen of the Year during her lifetime.
“My mom was Audrey,” Jay said. “She and a few ladies from the church started the clothing giveaways.
“Audrey’s Outreach has become a very useful resource for so many in our community, and I’m thankful to be a part of it.”
Jay said she was inspired by her mother’s example of service, even as her health declined.
She’s also motivated by other dedicated volunteers, including 94-year-old Juanita Reynolds, one of the original women behind the clothing program.
“She’s like my adopted mom,” Jay said. “At 94, she’s still going strong!”
Jay hopes her recognition will inspire others to discover the joy of service and find their own way to give back.
“Think about what really stirs you,” she said. “Then, once you know what’s on your heart, look for opportunities.
“There are plenty of them everywhere. Brook Park is a great place to seek out ways to volunteer.”
As for her future, Jay says she has no plans to slow down.
“I hope to continue volunteering at Audrey’s Outreach for a long time,” she said. “It certainly has been a joy for me.”
Jay will be honored at a City Council meeting later this month.
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