“The Reading Nook” Resident Poet
D.J. Barnett started writing in high school and has continued off and on since then.
He remembers what a big influence his mother, Marie, was on him. She was an avid poet who self-published a book of poems.
“Writing is an escape for me. I love the challenge of putting the words together in a way that hopefully gives the reader a sense of being involved. Whether it sparks a memory, emotion or feeling. My inspiration comes from my memories or a random phrase or comment I might hear in passing,” shared Barnett.
In his spare time, he enjoys riding his bike, alone or with his family, something he hopes to do more now that he has retired.
He also hopes to increase the amount of time he can spend creating. He collects old bicycles and bicycle memorabilia and uses bike parts to make art, decorations, jewelry, and useful items.
Barnett’s creations can be found at the annual Highland Alumni Art Show.
He was born and raised in Hinckley and graduated from Highland High School in 1975.
In high school, Barnett had some success as a wrestler, which led to his being a wrestling coach at various levels at Highland. In 1981, he was an assistant coach on the state champion team.
When Highland started a youth program, Barnett was a volunteer coach from 1994 to 2008.
“I guess I’ve been working since I was about 14 years old. I owe my strong work ethic to my father, Don. My first job was working on Wallace Mckee’s farm down the road from my house.”
In 1998, Barnett met his wife, April Costello, and they married in September 2000. In 2003, they took in two children through the foster child program. Skylar and Robert have been with them ever since.
Skylar currently is enrolled at Wittenberg University, and Robert attends a program at Camp Cheerful/River Rock.
Over the years, Barnett has filled a variety of job roles, including being a bartender, bouncer, various construction jobs, and a long run as a framing contractor. His last job was at Century Cycles in Medina from 2002 until his retirement at the end of 2022.
He lives in Hinckley, with his family, in the same house that he grew up in.
“I want to thank Amy Barnes and Joy of Medina County Magazine for giving me the opportunity to join this wonderful publication. I hope you all will enjoy my humble contributions,” Barnett wrote.
April and D.J. Barnett