HOME for the Holidays
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
Capture this Holiday Season ‘In Lights’ By Rose Nemunaitis editor@geaugamapleleaf.com Just as the first snowfall recently cast its delight on Northeast Ohio, so will the new lightshow at Great Lakes Cheese in Hiram. The corporate headquarters, at 17955 Great Lakes Parkway, will host “In Lights,” a holiday light display showcasing the company’s history, as well as classic holiday movie themes. “It will take approximately 20 minutes to walk through the displays,” event coordinator Alexandra McCallister said. “There will be six different decades featured to celebrate our 63 years in business.” Great Lakes Cheese announced plans to expand existing manufacturing operations and build a new corporate headquarters in January 2019. The company is an award-winning, premier manufacturer and packager of natural and processed bulk, shredded and sliced cheeses and serves grocery, club and super stores, as well as restaurant chains and foodservice distributors. Besides Ohio, Great Lakes Cheese has facilities in New York, Tennessee, Utah, Wisconsin and one under construction in Texas. In 2018, the company celebrated its 60th year in business. The plant expansion included an additional 290,000 square feet of manufacturing and warehouse space, doubling the size of the existing facility. “The Hiram plant is now the largest natural cheese packaging facility in the world,” McCallister said. “The company has hired approximately 300 new employee-owners since
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The public is invited to walk through Great Lakes Cheese history and holiday movie classics in the company’s new “In Lights” holiday light display at its headquarters in Hiram.
2019 as a direct result of these projects.” The company wanted to celebrate its first year of expanded operations with the elaborate holiday lights display.
Preregistered visitors will be able to visit the display during the weekends of Dec. 1012 and Dec. 17-19 from 5 – 8 p.m. The campus’s paved, ADA (Americans with Disabilities Act) accessible walking path will illuminate decades’ worth of holiday movie favorites, such as “Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer,” “Frosty the Snowman,” “A Christmas Story,” “Toy Story,” “The Polar Express” and “Frozen.” Those attending need to pre-register online using the Eventbrite QR Code. Search “In Lights” to book a time and complete the waiver for each person attending.
“When you pull into Great Lakes Parkway, drive to the back round-about and enter the driveway on the left,” McCallister said. “Please park in our headquarters parking lot, located to the right as you drive in. From there, please walk to the front of the building where you will be greeted to begin your experience.” Hot chocolate and coffee will be available for purchase. People may also bring non-perishable food items to place under the Giving Tree, which will be donated to the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, December 2, 2021
GPD Hosts Family Fun Giveaway Submitted What would it be like to win cross country skis, boots and bindings for up to four people, allowing you the freedom to explore so many awesome trails within Geauga Park District when the winter is cold and white? Geauga Park District’s new Family Fun Giveaway can give you the chance to find out! Geauga County residents who sign up for personalized email updates from the parks at bit.ly/gpdgiveaway2021 now through December 31 will also be entered to win this grand prize, plus cross country ski poles courtesy of co-presenter Geiger’s. “Our email lists allow us to send out only useful updates according to your family’s specific interests, whether you enjoy special events or Nature hikes, have kids in your home, or want to hear more about opportunities for seniors,” said Executive Director
ADVENT CALENDAR BLANKET CANDLES CENTERPIECE CROSS DECORATE FIGURINES GARLAND
John Oros. “Giveaways like this one also help us connect families with activities they might not otherwise try without specific equipment or circumstances. I hope you’ll participate this year for a shot to get out on some cross country skis in 2022. Best of luck to you and your family!” Already signed up for emails from the parks? Don’t worry – you will not receive duplicate emails when you enter this year’s giveaway, too. Read official rules for this year’s giveaway at bit.ly/gpdwhatsnew. Or find paper sign-up forms and official rules at The West Woods Nature Center and Big Creek Park’s Meyer Center. For more on Geauga Park District offerings, call 440-286-9516 or visit Geauga Park District online via www.geaugaparkdistrict. org, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram or YouTube.
GREETING CARDS INFLATABLES LIGHTS MANTEL MENORAH MISTLETOE NATIVITY NUTCRACKER
ORNAMENTS PILLOWS PINE CONES REINDEER STOCKINGS TABLECLOTH TREE WREATH
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, December 2, 2021
How to Host a Safe and Enjoyable Holiday Office Party MetroCreative Many people look forward to annual celebrations with coworkers during the holiday season. The holiday office party is customary at many businesses, but those traditions were largely shelved in 2020. COVID-19 had a direct impact on office parties, with the majority of employers opting out due to community-wide gathering restrictions. This holiday season, thanks to the successful rollout of vaccinations for people age 12 and up, social gatherings are once again increasing in frequency. However, that doesn’t mean caution should be thrown to the wind. Safety should be priority number one as businesses return to the tradition of hosting office parties this holiday season.
Take the party outside
Weather varies across the country during the holiday season. But if concerns of congregating in tight spaces still prevail, especially with new variants of COVID-19 driving up infection rates, it may be safer to socialize outdoors. Heaters and fire pits can warm up spaces if the weather is chilly.
Opt for individually plated or prepackaged foods
Prevent the spread of germs and safely address the myriad food allergies employees may have by serving individually packaged meals. Similarly, suggest that well-meaning employees refrain from annual Christmas cookie or fudge exchanges this year.
Limit alcohol
Set parameters for how much alcohol is served, perhaps setting a drink limit for each employee. Alcohol can loosen inhibitions, which may make people engage in risky behaviors that can make them vulnerable to the virus and other threats to their health.
Provide transportation options
If the office party will include alcoholic beverages, develop a plan for getting attendees home safely afterwards. This may include hiring a ridesharing or cab company, or financing rides in a town car. In addition, ensure employees who do not feel comfortable leaving a venue alone at night can get home safely. Pair up employees who can carpool together. Allow employees to expense ride services.
Carefully consider location
Think about how location may play into overall safety risk. If there are plenty of bars or clubs nearby, then employees may indulge before or after the company party and their employer could be held responsible for their actions. Employers also must be cognizant of the neighborhood in which the event is held. Does it have a high crime rate? Is it far from public transportation? Is it desolate after certain times? Let safety be a driving force when choosing a location for the party. Holiday office parties are returning to holiday season social schedules, and there are many ways to make them safe and enjoyable.
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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5 Ways to Support Small Businesses This Holiday Season MetroCreative Small businesses long have been the heart and soul of local communities. There is something to be said about being on a first-name basis with a local restaurateur or another small business owner, as such familiarity often translates into exemplary service. According to the U.S. Small Business Administration, small businesses account for 99.9 percent of companies in the country, due in large part to the broad definition of small businesses (those with fewer than 500 employees). However, the vast majority of businesses in the United States have a staff that’s smaller than 20 workers, according to the Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. These firms employ nearly 60 million workers, says the SBA. Despite the prevalence of small businesses, fewer than 80 percent of entrepreneurial small business ventures make it beyond their first year, and only around half make it beyond five years. Consumers who want to help their favorite small businesses survive can use the holiday season and beyond to set the course for success. Consumers can make a concerted effort to fuel this important cog in their local
economic engines. • Shop local. The concept is simple but effective. Opting to shop in local stores over larger conglomerates and franchises can help small businesses take root. Before making
holiday shopping lists, visit local stores and base gift ideas on items they have in stock. Chances are those gifts will be one-of-a-kind. • Purchase gift cards/certificates. All businesses have slow periods, and post-holi-
days is often a time when sales stagnate. Gift cards may bring new customers into local businesses who might otherwise not have patronized them, potentially creating new repeat customers. • Cater holiday meals and gatherings. The holiday season is chock-full of entertainment opportunities. Individuals can rely on nearby restaurants and other food and beverage businesses to cater holiday parties. Some businesses also may be willing to discount or donate food for nonprofit group activities, such as church holiday bazaars, school holiday concerts or fundraising fairs. • Mention small businesses on social media. The holiday season breeds excitement. Therefore, when shoppers are in local stores, they can snap pictures of products and overflowing shopping bags and post them online while praising local businesses. • Think about subscription gifts. Enrollment in a health club or a massage therapy service are gifts that keep on giving for the recipient, but also help ensure consistent incoming cash for the business providing the service. When shopping this holiday season, consumers can look to the small, local businesses in their communities that help make towns and cities unique.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
How to Reduce Risk of House Fires this Holiday Season MetroCreative
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Safety might not be the first thing people think of as the holiday season approaches. Faith, celebrations, decorations, and holiday dinners all come to mind when considering the holiday season. But that doesn’t mean safety should be left out of holiday planning. Fire safety bears special consideration during the holiday season, when the prevalence of fire hazards like Christmas trees, holiday lighting displays and other decorative items increase the risk for home fires. Such tragedies can be averted with a few simple safety measures. • Tend to your tree. Live Christmas trees are awe-inspiring, but they also pose a significant fire risk. The National Fire Protection Association urges celebrants to purchase only healthy trees with fresh, green needles that do not fall off when touched. Such trees are less likely to dry out, especially when well-watered throughout the season. Dry trees can catch fire more easily than healthy trees if embers from nearby fireplaces or candles drift in their direction. • Recognize that location matters when decorating. The NFPA notes that Christmas trees should always be placed at least three feet away from any heat source, including fireplaces, space heaters, heat vents, candles, and even overhead lights. If decorating with candles, never place them on the tree or on tables where other flammable decorations
have already been placed. Chanukah menorahs should never be placed near curtains or other decorations. • Turn off all lights and extinguish all lit decorative items when leaving the home or going to bed. Lit candles and menorahs should never be left unattended. The NFPA recommends turning tree lights and exterior decorative lights off when leaving the home or going to bed. • Utilize a fire screen on fireplaces. Embers can catch on trees, decorations or anything else that’s flammable if they escape the fireplace. Fire screens prevent that from happening by ensuring embers from burning logs stay in the fireplace. Like candles and menorahs, fires burning in a fireplace should never be left unattended. Make sure all embers have been extinguished before leaving the home or going to bed. • Keep discarded trees away from your home. A 2014 analysis from the NFPA found that none of the ten days with the largest share of Christmas tree fires were before Christmas. Dried out trees still pose a fire risk even after they’ve been removed from a home. When discarding a tree at the end of the holiday season, place it at the curb or keep it a safe distance away from your home and garage until you can. Fire safety measures are an important component of the holiday season that can prevent this joyous time of year from turning tragic.
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
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Breakfast With Santa
Dec. 4, 8:30-10 a.m. Parkman Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring Breakfast with Santa at the Parkman Community House, 16295 state Route 422. Bring a camera to take a picture with Santa Claus. Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, sausage and pancakes. Cost is $3 for kids and $5 for each accompanying adult. For reservations, call Sandy, 440548-5740, or Denise, 440-548-2939.
GGP Holiday Networking Event
Dec. 9, 5:30-7:30 p.m. Geauga Growth Partnership will host its annual holiday member networking event at the Welshfield Inn, 14001 Main Market Road in Burton. Enjoy a cash bar; appetizers and raffle prizes. Call 440-564-1060 or email info@geaugagrowth.com to register.
Meal Delivery Volunteers Needed
The Geauga County Department on Aging is in need of Home Delivered Meal drivers in the Chardon and Middlefield areas. The meal routes start at the Chardon and Middlefield senior centers. The program delivers warm, nutritious lunches from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Monday through Friday to homebound seniors in the community. To sign up, or for any questions, contact Kristen Bibby at 440-279-2138 or email at kbibby@co.geauga.oh.us .
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Merry Middlefield Returns Dec. 11 Submitted Merry Middlefield will return to the Village of Middlefield with businesses collecting new, unwrapped toys and gift cards to be donated to local non-profit organizations. This is a group effort of Middlefield Chamber of Commerce member businesses, sponsors, volunteers and others who donate their time. The holiday season begins at 6:30 p.m. Nov. 26 with the official Village Tree Lighting ceremony with opening remarks by Mayor Garlich, a performance by the Cardinaires
and the tree lighting ceremony in Pocket Park. Be on the lookout for the Grinch and his dog Max sneaking around, trying to create mischief. On Saturday, Dec. 11, catch the thief in action between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. when he appears at various participating businesses during the day to steal the gifts that have been donated by the community. The evening starts at 6 p.m. inside Great Lakes Outdoor Supply, 14855 N. State St.,
when the Grinch and Max deliver their award-winning dramatic performance where the Grinch will have a change of heart. Meet Santa when he arrives and bring your cameras for a photo. For anyone donating to the toy collection, please consider gift cards and new unwrapped toys. A few ideas to help in selecting the toys include dolls, stuffed animals, board games, remote control cars and sporting goods. All items collected will be given to local non-profit organizations for distribution. Look for the green standing Grinch and Grinch posters at collection locations.
Deck Your Halls with Do-It-Yourself Decor Decorating is one of the joys of the holiday season. Families often decorate together, and such traditions may include dressing the Christmas tree and hanging holiday lights around the house. A day spent making homemade ornaments is another great way to decorate and spend quality time together as a family during the holiday season. Though families can let their imaginations run wild when making ornaments at home, the following are some great starting points that can serve as springboards for holiday crafting sessions. • Snowmen: The holiday season simply wouldn’t be the same without snowmen. Homemade snowmen can be made out of ping pong balls, which are the ideal size when making ornaments for the Christmas tree. Those who want to go a little bigger can glue wiffle balls or large polystyrene balls together
or create their own papier mâché snowmen to display on mantles or on console tables in a foyer or hallway. • Santa Claus: Another staple of holiday decor, Santa Claus has inspired many a DIY holiday ornament over the years. A paper plate Santa Claus with a cotton ball beard glued on can make for a fun Christmas craft, especially for young children who can’t wait for the big guy to appear on Christmas Eve. • Penguins: Though they might not have a direct link to the holiday season, penguins evoke feelings of cold weather, making them an ideal addition to holiday decor schemes. Make your own penguin family using polystyrene craft balls in assorted sizes and then hang them on the tree or place them around the house. • Reindeer: Santa would not be able to get the job done each Christmas Eve without his trustworthy team of reindeer. Popsicle stick
reindeer projects can be fun for kids of all ages and a great way for youngsters to recognize the efforts of Dasher, Dancer, Comet, Cupid, and, of course, Rudolph, among others. • Cookie cutters: Family baking sessions are a holiday tradition for millions of people. Though that often leads to batches upon batches of tasty cookies, it also means families tend to have a surplus of holiday cookie cutters around the house. Surplus cookie cutters tend to be discarded or relegated to the miscellaneous items drawer in kitchens, but a more awe-inspiring fate can await them. A coat of paint, some glitter and a little bit of string or twine is all families need to transform their extra cookie cutters into colorful tree ornaments. Holiday decorating sessions can be made even more fun when families take time to craft some DIY decorations together.
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Great Gifts for Hunters MetroCreative
Millions of people across the globe have a passion for hunting. When the time comes to find gifts for the avid hunters in your life, indulging their passion for the great outdoors can make for the perfect present. Hunters come in all shapes and sizes and from all walks of life. When shopping for gifts for hunters, it can be advantageous, particularly for consumers who don’t hunt, to think of the ages and experience levels of their loved ones and then go from there.
Young or Inexperienced Hunters
Many areas have minimum age requirements for hunters, and nearly every region requires hunters to take courses on hunting safety before they can apply for hunting licenses. Financing such educations can be an ideal gift for young hunters, ensuring they will have a strong foundation in firearm safety and other important aspects of hunting before they come of age and go on their first hunting trip. A two-way radio makes another great gift for young hunters, especially who don’t yet have their own phones. Even those that who have phones may find it more fun to speak with their fellow hunters over their special radios than on the phones they use every day. Gear, which can include everything from attire to knives to compound bows and more, also can make for a great gift for young hunt-
ers or those just learning the ropes. However, consumers buying for youngsters who aren’t their own children should first consult the child’s parents to determine their readiness for certain gear.
Established Hunters
Established hunters who have strong passions for the sport may already have everything they need. And even those that don’t may prefer certain manufacturers. It can be difficult to learn of such preferences without speaking directly to a loved one, which can spoil the surprise. In such instances, consider gifting a hunting experience. Finance a trip to a hunting ground a loved one wants to visit but never has. Go along for the trip and you might just develop your own passion for hunting. Some additional gifts that can be great for established hunters include a rifle case; ammo cans; a bore guide, which hunters use to clean their rifles; camping gear; headlamps; and other items hunters routinely use that could be in need of an upgrade. Of course, one of the best reasons to choose a hunting-related gift for the family outdoorsman is it might compel them to share their bounty when they return home from a successful trip. A cookbook that offers tips on butchering in addition to recipes can make for the perfect gift, and one that the whole family will ultimately enjoy at the dinner table.
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, December 2, 2021
Family-Friendly Activities For New Year’s Day MetroCreative People spend so much time planning New Year’s Eve revelry that they may not consider that they have another day on the holiday calendar to enjoy after the clock strikes 12. New Year’s Day activities may differ significantly from the countdowns and parties of the night before, but that doesn’t mean it can’t be equally enjoyable. Chances are children are home from school for holiday breaks, meaning New Year’s Day activities should probably be family-friendly. Check out these family-friendly ways to spend New Year’s Day. • Catch (or play) a football game. New Year’s Day and football go hand in hand, and families can likely find a game on television to enjoy together. Of course, it’s also fun to burn off a few New Year’s Eve calories by playing a game of football in the backyard on January 1. • Host a New Year’s Day meal. Give people plenty of time to recover from last nights’s antics by inviting neighbors or friends and their children over for a brunch, late lunch or early dinner. Potlucks are great for these occasions because no one will likely want to cook for a crowd. • Enjoy a movie marathon. Spend the day in comfortable clothes and make a new family tradition. Select one movie for each family member to watch and then cue up the streaming service or dust off that DVD player. Use holiday mugs for hot cocoa and dig
into any leftovers from holiday dinners. If a marathon at home isn’t up your alley, check out the showings at a nearby theater and enjoy an afternoon at the cinema. • Take a hike. Enjoy the cold weather up close and personal with a hike in the brisk air. State parks or nearby nature preserves may not be busy on January 1, making them an even more relaxing respite. • Tackle an organizational project. Get the whole family together and take on a project that has been pushed aside, such as organizing the garage or cleaning out the refrigerator. • Volunteer with a local charity. Give back to the community and start off the new year on a positive note by volunteering as a family. New Year’s Day presents an ideal opportunity to spend time together as a family.
10 Gifts for Auto Enthusiasts MetroCreative
The roar of the engine and the feeling of the wind in your hair is part of the magic of taking to the open road behind the wheel of a beloved vehicle. Whether a person is the ultimate gear head who needs to have the latest aftermarket accessory or someone who simply appreciates a pristine ride, auto enthusiasts come in all shapes and sizes. Luckily, there are all types of automotive gifts that can make it easy to impress car guys and gals this holiday season. 1. Dashboard cell phone holder: Using a mobile phone while driving is not a good idea. However, many people use their phones as GPS devices. Holding a phone while navigating is dangerous, but a phone mount near the dash can keep the phone visible without compromising the safety of drivers and their passengers. 2. Customized floor mats: Know an auto fanatic who’s also a sports fan? Offer a gift that mixes the two passions, such as floor mats featuring a favorite sports team’s logo. 3. Cleansing wipes: When drivers are short on time, a full car wash and wax may not be possible. Drop Wipes are a product made from a neutralizing acid that destabilizes stains or bird droppings for an easy cleaning. 4. Magazine subscription: A wide selection of publications are geared to auto enthusiasts. They provide plenty of pertinent information, and some car lovers like to collect and display certain issues. Yearly sub-
scriptions are affordable and can make ideal stocking stuffers. 5. Racing experience gift certificate: Research racing car schools and experiences where you live. Chances are you can find an opportunity for an automotive enthusiast to get behind the wheel of a race car with professional drivers offering tips for navigating the course at high speeds. 6. Car cleaning kit: Taking care of a ride means making sure it is clean inside and out. A quality car cleaning kit can ensure the job is done effectively and the car or truck always looks its best. 7. Personalized leather keychain: Ensure that a person can drive and keep their keys handy in style with leather keychains engraved with a driver’s name or initials. 8. Racing video games: A love for the open road may not end when cars pull into the driveway. Modern racing games and consoles produce incredibly realistic graphics and action that mimics real life. 9. Automotive cufflinks: As a nod to a love of driving, find quirky cufflinks that are shaped like everything from gear shifters to speedometers to steering wheels. 10. Roof or car racks: When a love of driving merges with the call of the great outdoors, drivers may need something to help haul their stuff. Various racks have been designed for toting around bicycles, kayaks, luggage, and more. When gifting automotive enthusiasts, look no further than their favorite hobby for inspiration.
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Thursday, December 2, 2021
Geauga County Maple Leaf
Tips to Keep Your Tree Fresh This Holiday Season MetroCreative Christmas trees are often the pièce de résistance of holiday decor. Few things draw the attention of holiday guests quite like an awe-inspiring Christmas tree, especially when that tree maintains its fresh, healthy sheen throughout December. Many families purchase fresh trees over Thanksgiving weekend or during the first weekend of December. Though the weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas Day may seem like a long time to keep a tree looking great, there are a handful of ways for holiday celebrants to help their trees maintain that undeniable appeal for the long haul. • Pick the right tree. Choosing the right tree is one of the simplest ways to keep a tree looking good throughout the holiday season. A freshly cut tree that buyers choose and cut down themselves or have cut down can reassure them that the tree is likely to stay strong throughout December. Trees purchased from a tree lot may have been cut down long before they made it to the lot, which can make it harder to keep them looking good until Christmas Day. • Cut an inch off the base of any tree that is not freshly cut. MSU Extension at Michigan State University notes that all Christmas trees are conifers, which means they have resin canals in their trunks. Once a tree is cut, the resin can block the pores and make it harder for the tree to take in water. Cutting an inch off the base of a tree that was not freshly cut just before putting it in the stand can help ensure it gets the water it needs to stay healthy and firm. MSU Extension notes that this approach should be taken with any tree that was not cut within six to eight hours of being put in a stand. • Replenish the water supply every day. Fresh tree veterans recognize that Christmas trees can be very thirsty, especially within the first week or so of being cut and brought home. Fill the stand with water each morning and, if necessary, refill it each night before going to bed. The more water a tree gets and
drinks, the more likely it is that the tree will look healthy all the way to Christmas Day. MSU Extension notes that many decorative or antique tree stands do not hold much water, so anyone with such a stand may need to replenish the water supply more than once or twice per day. • Keep the tree away from a heat source. For safety’s sake, trees should be kept away from heating vents, fireplaces and space heaters. But keeping trees away from such heat sources, and ensuring they are not spending the daytime in direct sunlight, also decreases the chances they will dry out before Christmas Day. A handful of simple strategies can help holiday celebrants keep their Christmas trees looking good throughout the month of December.
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Geauga County Maple Leaf
Thursday, December 2, 2021