Northeast Ohio Boomer & Beyond | July August 2020

Boomer Northeast Ohio

BETTER LIVING AFTER 50

FREE

and Beyond JULY/AUGUST 2020

Build a Wardrobe on the Cheap

Tee Ties

Golf Across the Generations

When Times are Tough

The Kent Stage Aging with a Local Legend

GREG AND LINDA HUTH TAKE AN EVENING RIDE ALONG THE TOWPATH TRAIL IN DOWNTOWN CLEVELAND.

Best Biking Trails Plus

Back to Class, Recycling Tech Stuff

NEO Grandparent Backyard Bubbles, Creek Crawls NortheastOhioBoomer.com

Where do Boomers go for a Smile Makeover?

They go to Dr. Steve Marsh! »

Restorative/ Cosmetic Procedures

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Porcelain Veneers/ Implants

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Zoom 2 Laser Whitening

Before

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Gum Contouring and Tooth Reshaping

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Experienced/ Personable Team

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Gift Certificates Available

After

ACTUAL PATIENT OF DR. MARSH

Check out our Facebook page: Facebook.com/StevenMarshDDS

and remember ...

"Smiles are contagious, too!"”

ClevelandSmiles.com 440-461-1003

29001 Cedar Road, Suite 540, Lyndhurst, Ohio

INSIDE

July/August 17

NEO Grandparent Fostering Nature Lovers Just Good, Clean Fun

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Build a Wardrobe With Resale

32

Tee Ties Golf for All Ages

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Student Counsel Take a Class This Fall

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Let’s Go for a Ride

The Kent Stage A Legend, Interrupted

Tempting Trails for Everyone ON THE COVER Here’s a front view of our cover subjects Greg and Linda Huth, avid cyclists who’ve explored dozens of the region’s bike trails. From their home, they can easily reach the Scranton Flats section of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail shown here.

Photos by Kim Stahnke

DEPA RTMENTS 8

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WORTH NOTING

TECH TALK

FOOD

WHAT’S HAPPENING

Negro Leagues' Centennial, Amusement Park Redux

New Homes for Old Electronics

Cooking with Herbs Fantastic & Fresh

A Spotlight on Tiffany, Manor House Yoga

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Better Living After 50

A Seedy State, A Comfortable Fit

When she’s not going to seed, editor Marie Elium enjoys riding her bike.

M

om called it “Going to Seed.”

She, my grandmother, three siblings and assorted cousins spent a week or so each summer at my uncles’ cabin outside of Penn Run, Pennsylvania. The accommodations were basic, the scenery beautiful.

While we unloaded the station wagon, Mom invariably announced that we all were just going to “go to seed” for the week. We didn’t have much of a choice. I don’t remember bathing in any conventional sense of the word. The cabin had a cobwebfilled bathtub. Creek walks and swimming in the pond were good enough — even for my elegant grandmother. Mom wasn’t above a late-night skinny dip. And, true to her prediction, we went to seed with carefree abandon, a ratty group of scruffy kids, a barely-pulled-together grandmother and a bathing-suit optional mom.

I’ve gone to seed since COVID19 hit. It turns out that Mom’s description fits many scenarios. It’s been nearly four months since I’ve been to a hairdresser. A few weeks ago, I watched a YouTube video and trimmed my hair with sewing scissors. My nails look like they

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Better Living After 50

belong to a 10-year-old boy. A grubby one. I no longer change clothes for Zoom meetings.

We planned our “Nature” theme for this issue a year ago, and I think it’s both coincidental and appropriate because of the way COVID-19 has affected how many of us manage life now. Hygiene aside, with some of our usual social outlets curtailed, we’re looking for things to do close to home and outdoors. If you need a few ideas, we’ve got them here: from mothing (yes, it’s a thing) to bubbles.

Cycling is big, as anyone who’s tried to buy a bike or helmet lately may know. Our cycling blogger Diane Jenks gives us a list of favorite trails and equipment if you want to get started (see page 28) On the cover are her friends, Greg and Linda Huth of Cleveland, avid cyclists who were kind enough to be our cover subjects.

You may recognize Greg; he’s Cuyahoga County’s new law director and a bike builder.

Another socially-distance-friendly activity is golf, especially when paired with a grandchild. If you love golf, we’ve got a couple of experts who can tell you how to introduce the game to a younger generation of players.

Read about it on page 32.

If you’re feeling left out with all of the online learning going on around you, we have a story about how to take advantage of the area’s college courses. Most are free; all of them are interesting. That story starts on page 36.

I have a hair appointment next week, but as I write this, there’s a major line break down the street and we don’t have any water. I’m going to seed. It’s okay; I’ve been there before.

Boomer Northeast Ohio

and Beyond

VOL. 6 ISSUE 4

July/August 2020 Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond is a property of Mitchell Media LLC

PO Box 1088 Hudson, OH 44236 330-822-4011 NortheastOhioBoomer.com /NEOhio​Boomer

​/​NEOhio​Boomer​

PUBLISHER - Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohio​boomer.com 330-714-7712 EDITOR​- M​arie Elium​ ​marie@northeastohio​boomer.com COPY EDITOR/DIGITAL/ ASSISTANT EDITOR​ - Estelle Rodis-Brown estelle@northeastohio​boomer.com EDITORIAL SUGGESTIONS editor@​​northeastohio​boomer.com CALENDAR LISTING SUBMISSIONS calendar@​​northeastohio​boomer.com CONTRIBUTORS Margaret Briller, Dr. Ardeshir Hashmi, Diane Jenks, Kathryn Kilpatrick, Traci McBride, Mike Olszewski, Estelle Rodis-Brown, Laurie G. Steiner, Tak Sato, John Selick, Karen Shadrach ART DIRECTOR- Laura Chadwick laura@northeastohio​boomer​.com ADVERTISING SALES Chris Geer, 330-614-8471 chris@northeastohio​boomer.com Janyse Heidy, 330-671-3886 janyse@northeastohio​boomer.com Sherrie Kantarovich, 216-299-5455 sherriek@northeastohio​boomer.com Samantha Olp, 330-636-6127 sam@northeastohio​boomer.com Yvonne Pelino, 440-971-0595 yvonne@northeastohio​boomer.com Michelle Vacha, 440-463-0146 michelle@northeastohio​boomer.com OFFICE MANAGER Kathleen Mitchell, 440-533-1208 kathleen@northeastohio​boomer.com EVENT MANAGER​ Tara Tonsetic tara@northeastohioboomer.com DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES info@northeastohio​boomer.com PUBLISHERS OF

M​arie Elium​

​marie@northeastohio​boomer.com

PHOTO: ELIZABETH ELIUM

EDITOR´S NOTE

Boomer Northeast Ohio

BOOMER EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

and Beyond

Mindi Axner Executive Director National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland

Coming in the

Sept/October Issue beginning 9/14

Sharon Dundee Director of Marketing & Communications Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center Dr. Ardeshir Z. Hashmi Cleveland Clinic Director - Center for Geriatric Medicine Kathy M. Hirko Owner KAZ Company

• Our 5th Anniversary Issue!

• Blended Family Basics

• Boomer Impact Award Winners

• Keepsakes

Special Section: Medicare Enrollment Guide

Jeanne Hoban Marketing Communications Director Benjamin Rose Institute

Kelsey Loushin President Eldercare Professionals of Ohio

Kathryn Kilpatrick President Memory Fitness Matters, LLC

Stephanie Manning The American Heart Association, Cleveland

Susan Lieberman Director of Marketing & Public Relations Montefiore and The Weils

Steven Marsh Dr. Steve Marsh, DDS

Fatima Perkins Director of Community Outreach Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging

Laurie G. Steiner Partner, Solomon, Steiner & Peck, Ltd. Candyce Traci Vice President All Media Design Group

Bob Pontius Director of External Relations Danbury Senior Living

Nancy Udelson Former President and CEO Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter

Leslie Royce Resnik President Royce Public Relations

July/August 2020

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WORTH NOTING Compiled by Marie Elium

Wing Watch Mothing: It’s a Thing

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f you’ve got the Too-Much-Time-AtHome Blues, here’s an idea: mothing.

Yes, it’s a thing. You can do it in your backyard, provided it’s dark enough, and the cost is minimal: a sheet and a flashlight.

National Moth Week is July 18-24.

Seems that warm, muggy summer nights are perfect for seeing these nightflying insects.

Mothing is easy and cheap. Hang a sheet in the darkest area of your yard

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Better Living After 50

You’ve planted a garden, cleaned the garage and kept the hummingbird feeders filled. Now what?

at night, shine a light on it (a black light is best, but a flashlight is fine) and wait. You may lure a luna, royal walnut or modest sphinx moth.

If you think the names are exotic, wait until you see them. Then again, you might just get a few lightning bugs and mosquitoes.

That’s part of the fun of mothing; seeing who accepts your invitation.

For more moth trivia, go to nationalmothweek.org.

Negro Leagues Centennial The Original Buckeye Champs

Y

ears ago, The Ohio State hijacked an article for its name and claimed “Buckeyes” for its teams, but this summer there’s another championship Buckeye team in the spotlight.

The year was 1945. The team was the Cleveland Buckeyes of the Negro American League. They made it back to the World Series two years later but lost to New York’s Cuban Giants. The team folded in 1950.

This summer marks the 100th anniversary of baseball’s Negro Leagues. Formed in 1920, the teams of African American and a handful of Latin American players were professional baseball teams with their own leagues and vibrant fan base that lasted well into the 1940s. They began fading out when Jackie Robinson broke the Major League color barrier in 1947. Three months later, Larry Doby joined the Cleveland Indians, becoming the first Black American League player.

You can read more about the Buckeyes at Cleveland State University’s clevelandhistorical.org.

Long-Term Care Extra Eyes (and Volunteers) Needed

PHOTO PROVIDED BY WAYNE PEARSALL

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or someone in a long-term care facility, visits from friends and family can be an important factor in the quality of care they receive. But what if there’s no one to help manage that care, or if an issue isn’t resolved by the staff?

Volunteers are needed for the state’s Long-Term Care Ombudsman program, says volunteer coordinator Barb Prociak, whose region covers Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain and Medina counties. Volunteers go to more than 650 facilities such as nursing homes, assisted living facilities and group homes to advocate for residents and investigate complaints. For those who receive care in their own homes, the volunteers talk to them about their caregivers and the services they receive.

To learn more, visit ltco.org or call 1-800-365-3112. You can email Prociak directly at bprociak@ltco.org.

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WORTH NOTING The Ferris wheel serves as a sentinel at the former Chippewa Lake Amusement Park.

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ortheast Ohio is littered with old amusement parks and summertime dance halls. Look carefully and you’ll see a battered ticket stand or weedy parking lot (Geauga Lake in Aurora), former summer cottages around a lake (Kent’s Brady Lake), or a restored gate entrance (Euclid Beach Park).

Most of the dance halls burned down or were demolished, and prime lakeside land has been converted into parks or homesites. Joining

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Chippewa Lake Park Reboot

the amusement park reboot is Medina County’s Chippewa Lake Amusement Park. The Medina County Park District, which already owned Ohio’s largest inland glacial lake, recently purchased the 95-acre site. The development of the park will take at least two years after input from area residents.

Park officials said they’ll preserve the remnants of the Ferris wheel and other historical relics that remain on the property and install interpretive panels and sponsor programs that

celebrate the site’s iconic past. As a destination for entertainment, family vacations, and company picnics from 1878 to 1978, Chippewa Lake Park had not only amusement park rides and games but also a hotel and a ballroom that featured bandleaders Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and Lawrence Welk.

After a long intermission, it looks like Chippewa Lake Park will be back in the amusement business; this time, only quieter.

PHOTO: MEDINACOUNTY PARK DISTRICT

New Amusements

Mind Challenge Trivia Champions Answer: It’s Mentor, Again

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with Broadview Heights, Rocky River and Cleveland Heights.

Mentor tied Rocky River in the second half and won the tiebreaker to advance to the finals. There, they pulled away from Broadview Heights and held on to win. The Broadview Heights team won $1,500; Rocky River, the 2019 runner-up, won $1,000 and Cleveland Heights won $500. All winnings went to the teams’ respective senior centers.

This year’s tournament grew from 16 cities in 2019 to 36 cities

in 2020 (pared to 34 with Parma and Parma Heights and Chardon and Chesterland combining their teams). Seventy-five total teams and over 450 participants started out in January and continued with regional matches in February and March.

When COVID-19 hit and closed senior centers, the tournament went virtual via Facebook Live. The events were hosted by Lana Oriani.

The Mind Challenge founders are Phil Levine and Art Greenberg.

PHOTO: MIND CHALLENGE FOR THE NEW MAJORITY

he city of Mentor has some terrific trivia buffs. To prove it, a team representing the city won $2,500 and bragging rights for their senior center in the second annual Mind Challenge for the New Majority competition.

Mentor defended its title in the 2020 Mind Challenge for the New Majority championship last month with a 97-89 victory over Broadview Heights in a thrilling final round.

Mentor was over 20 points behind at halftime in their semi-final battle

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WORTH NOTING

Bookshelf HOW’S YOUR NATURE I.Q.?

We asked librarian and archivist Joe Tait of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History for a list of Ohio nature books that give an overview of our region’s natural wonders. Send your list of favorite nature books to editor@northeastohioboomer.com.

We’ll share your recommendations online in a few weeks.

Appalachian Mushrooms: A Field Guide

By Walt Sturgeon

What’s growing on that log or under that tree? Here’s a field guide to finding and identifying the mushrooms and fleshy fungi found in the Appalachian mountains from Canada to Georgia.

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Wild Ohio: The Best of Our Natural Heritage

By James S. McCormac and Gary Meszaros

Text and photos exploring 40 Ohio sites with a variety of habitats from every part of the state and a focus on our rare and threatened areas.

The Death and Life of the Great Lakes

By Dan Egan

Read the story of the Great Lakes with attention to the risks at hand and the ways that the lakes can be preserved.

A Season On the Wind: Inside the World of Spring Migration

By Kenn Kaufman

You may already know that Ohio is part of a major migratory route, thanks to our location along Lake Erie. This is a study of the complex issues that affect bird migration.

Captain Blue on the Blue Blazes: The First Solo Thru-Hike of Ohio’s 1,444 Mile Buckeye Trail

By Andy Niekamp

A veteran hiker and storyteller describes what it was like to hike the Buckeye Trail through Ohio and what he learned along the way.

TECH TALK

Recycle Those Electronics Find a New Home for E-waste

By Tak Sato RECLAIM, SIMPLIFY, ENJOY When we moved into our first home, I ferried boxes of nonessentials to the unfinished basement. My intent was to donate, recycle, eBay or toss the contents after we settled in.

That never happened. In the last decade, it became where my old electronics or e-waste went to die.

I can almost imagine the e-waste coming to life when I’m not looking, like the plot of “Toy Story,” discussing why Tak doesn’t use them anymore. My answer?

Technology’s built-in obsolescence makes them useless after several years.

Toys may carry intangible sentimental value for owners or market value for collectors but only a handful of electronics are worth keeping and no one-size-fits-all when it comes to discarding e-waste. When you’re ready to recycle your e-waste, follow these guidelines to protect your privacy.

DON’T BE A VICTIM Minimize your chance of PII (personally identifiable information) falling into the hands of criminals when dealing with e-waste. It’s easy to protect PII on paper documents — shred them. If you don’t own a shredder, many office supply stores offer it for a fee and some municipalities hold free shredding day events for residents.

E-waste, such as an old computer, keeps your data on its storage component.

Commonly referred to as an internal hard disk drive or solid-state drive, they need to be “wiped” so the data is unrecoverable when you discard the computer. Social Security numbers (from tax preparation) and other PII remain on the drive unless it’s wiped clean.

Many cities offer e-waste recycling. That’s a good place to start if you want to rid yourself of old phones, laptops, and other tech products.

If altruism is your motivation, many nonprofit organizations with a mission to refurbish older computers to give them to

If You’re an Apple User Although the “Disk Utilities” application exists in Macs and enabling the “Secure Options” will wipe the storage component clear of your data, users of Apple equipment such as Mac, iPhone or iPad can benefit from Apple’s Recycling Program from start-tofinish for step-by-step assistance. Go to apple. com to learn more.

the less fortunate may perform secure wiping as part of their refurbishing process.

Check if the organization you want to donate your e-waste to offers it.

No matter where you choose to take your broken or outdated tech products, you may want to try the doit-yourself approach to wiping your data. I’ve used the free DBAN and SystemRescueCD online downloads successfully over the years. Although not difficult, certain aspects of doing this yourself can be confusing if you’re not comfortable around computers. That said, if I didn’t scare you away, there is a lot of help online. You’ll find an abundance of YouTube tutorial videos on how to download and use DBAN with step-bystep instructions. The software I’ve mentioned only works on hard disc drives. If your computer has a solidstate drive for storage, please see the accompanying story.

If your computer doesn’t run at all and you’re unable to download one of the do-it-yourself options, simply remove the internal storage device and dispose or recycle the computer.

Smartphones and tablets also have internal storage components. You can protect handheld devices with a factory reset. Go online to learn how to do it for your particular device.

Finally, if all the above options seem like too daunting a task, the computer service department at big-box electronics stores may offer these services for a cost.

Remember that information, especially your PII, is a valuable currency in the 21st Century. Protect it.

If You’ve Got a Hard Disc Drive dban.org system-rescue-cd.org

If You’ve got a Solid State Drive SSD manufacturers typically have their own software applications to manage SSD. Check your manufacturer’s website. If it was already part of the laptop or desktop at the time of purchase, check the computer manufacturer website’s support pages first.

If Your Phone isn’t an Apple While the iPhone and iPad are Apple exclusives, multiple manufacturers license Google’s Android operating system to build their own smartphones and tablets. Check your handheld device manufacturer’s website for specific instructions to “factory reset” your device before disposal.

Tak Sato is a founder of the Clevelandarea nonprofit Center for Aging in the Digital World (empoweringseniors. org) that teaches digital literacy to people 50+ through its free Discover Digital Literacy program.

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FOOD

Chop, Dice & Pinch Fresh Herbs, Fresher Food

By John Selick

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ike many of you, I’m spending more time at home than I normally do to flatten the curve and keep my family safe from COVID-19; my garden is benefitting, too.

We’ve planted more vegetables and herbs than usual because we figured there would be time to use them. Even though the tomatoes need a few extra weeks on the vine, our herbs are ready to go and we’ve been getting a lot of use out of them. Fresh herbs are the hallmark of summer cooking, and if used correctly, they add incredible aroma and flavor to your cooking.

A Taste Jolt

“If used correctly.” That statement might confuse someone who is timid in the kitchen. If used incorrectly, nothing bad really happens, you just won’t get the maximum flavor. If you’re buying herbs from the store, a packet can cost nearly four dollars.

At that price point, I’d like to get everything I can out of them.

The general rule of thumb with fresh herbs is to add them at the end of your cooking. So, if you have a pot of tomatoes simmering on the stove for a few hours, you would add fresh chopped basil when it’s done.

I usually add it when I turn the heat off to let the flavor steep. Fresh herbs start to lose their punch and fade into the background if you use them at the beginning of the cooking process.

The way you chop herbs can also

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improve a dish, but once again, you have nothing to worry about if done differently. Chopping herbs very finely brings out more flavor, but I have to add that it’s important to make sure your knife is sharp.

Otherwise, the herbs will bruise.

Instead of being finely chopped and fluffy, they’ll be wet and clumpy.

I often tend to roughly chop herbs for many dishes; I like the rustic look it adds and doesn’t overwhelm the dish with herbaceous flavor.

Sometimes I won’t chop the herbs at all, just use the leaves whole.

This works really well with flat-leaf parsley, cilantro, tarragon, and even small basil leaves. This method is great in salads, it adds a pop of flavor instead of blending into the dish.

Dried Is Okay, Too Are dry herbs a good substitute?

Sometimes,

especially in long-cooked dishes like stews and soups. They’re also good if you’re making a spice rub for chicken or steak. Rosemary, oregano and thyme are great dry herbs, but remember, they work better if added during the cooking process. Using too much can give a dish a medicinal taste, so use caution. There is a general rule of cooking that says when substituting dried herbs for fresh, use a third less than the recipe calls for, as dried herbs are more intense because their moisture is removed. This rule seems not to apply to dried parsley or cilantro, as their flavors aren’t intensified; they actually lose flavor and what remains resembles fish food. If you have a recipe that calls for fresh cilantro, I’d advise not substituting it for the dried version.

If you don’t have the space for a backyard garden, fresh herbs do really well in pots. A potted herb garden is easy to maintain and will save you money over the grocery store’s fresh herb packets. Basil, parsley and cilantro make every dish taste like summer. Cilantro even offers an additional treat with its white blossoms. Many people often discard them, but the blossoms offer a ton of cilantro-like citrus flavor.

John Selick is the senior culinary manager at Sodexo Healthcare Services for University Hospitals in Cleveland.

AGE WISE

A Marathon, Not a Sprint Aging Care: Who Benefits and Why?

By Dr. Ardeshir Hashmi

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eriatric. Senile. Aging.

History’s lexicon has been unkind to the phenomenon common to every single living being, every passing second getting older.

Society and cinema alike lionize youth and reduce aging to a caricature, something to be feared, lamented and frowned upon. Recently, COVID-19 has underscored aging’s vulnerability.

What defines geriatric? Is it age 65, the age we are eligible for Medicare benefits? More importantly, who originally defined this? In 1883, Otto von Bismarck, the Prussian chancellor, arbitrarily appointed age 65 as the retirement age to aid the Prussian economy. Coming from someone who also said, “The great questions of time will be resolved not by…majority decision…but by iron and blood,” aging clearly needs new inspiration and redefinition.

Is aging something to be celebrated? Writer Dan Buettner certainly thought so in his seminal work on the “Blue Zones” — global longevity “hot spots” with the longest-living, healthiest populations.

Spanning a culturally diverse spectrum, from Okinawa in Japan, to Greece, Italy's Sardinia, Costa Rica and Loma Linda, California, Buettner found Blue Zone principles shared by these disparate populations.

EXAMPLES INCLUDE • Seafood and plant-based diets •A erobic exercise integrated into daily routines

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• Social connectivity • Sense of purpose in life • A slower pace of life Aging is a marathon, not a sprint, won only by those who judiciously pace themselves.

THE 4 MS While I never want to be geriatric, I do want to age successfully. Personalized successful aging care, infused with Blue Zone principles and a nuanced understanding of the 52 natural, physiological ways our bodies change between ages 50 and 80, can help us all achieve this.

It’s never too early to develop a keen awareness of how our thirst response gets blunted (losing our early warning system for dehydration causing “brain fog” and dizziness) and our muscle tissue turns to fat (engendering frailty).

A partnering geriatric specialist with dual qualifications in both geriatrics and internal medicine can help navigate our voyage toward successful aging. Akin to pediatricians understanding the unique physiology of childhood, geriatricians are well versed in harnessing the silver lining of the other end of the aging continuum.

SUCCESSFUL AGING CARE BY GERIATRICIANS IS POWERED BY 4 MS • Mind (brain health - memory, mood, social isolation, anxiety • Mobility (frailty, falls) • Medications (de-prescribing harmful medications, reducing doses as kidney clearance decreases and predicting

with genomics testing which medications are likely to be a friend or foe • Matters Most (goals, aspirations and care preferences) Core principles of high-value aging focus on age-appropriate health screens, immunizations, self-care for caregivers for older dependents, and financial counseling.

As new research highlights the role of underlying sleep disorders, hearing loss and macular degeneration on memory, it is imperative to adopt proactive successful aging care. All of this takes time, which traditional primary care visits do not allow for.

It also requires a team, a village of geriatricians, geriatric pharmacists, social workers, nutritionists and audiologists, working together on a unified platform.

Finally, access to this nextgeneration care must be quick, timely and simple. Precise, technologypowered and cost-effective care is the need of the hour. We have worked hard toward this all our lives. With apologies to Eleanor Roosevelt, we all aspire to be “works of art,” living both longer and better. And great art, like good wine, takes time to be fully appreciated.

Dr. Ardeshir Z. Hashmi is the Endowed Chair for Geriatric Innovation and Director of the Center for Geriatric Medicine at Cleveland Clinic.

Grand Northeast Ohio

PHOTO BY KAREN SHADRACH

Blown Away Unbelie-bubble Fun for Everyone

Supplement to

Boomer Northeast Ohio

Let's Go Outside - Fresh Air Adventures

and Beyond

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Let ’s Go

Outside Fresh Air Adventures

By Margaret Briller

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Read More About the Outdoors • “Here We Are” by Oliver Jeffers • “How to Raise a Wild Child” by Scott Sampson • “Last Child in the Woods” by Richard Louv • “Nature Anatomy” by Julia Rothman

small pail and a small shovel,” she recommends.

“For older kids, teach them about ‘lucky stones,’ the pearly bone-like otolith from sheepshead fish.

They are hard to find and super cool."

Northeast Ohio has thousands of acres and miles of trails to explore with grandkids.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

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he Boomer generation may be the last to pass on to our children an attachment to the land— the simple joy of playing outside in nature. That makes it so important to get our grandkids curious about the outside world and become nature explorers. Along the way, we may rediscover our own sense of joy, excitement and mystery outdoors.

The real gift grandparents can give to their grandkids is the gift of time spent together, says Teece Lester, preschool coordinator at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center.

Don’t manage experiences

when they’re in nature— simply let them explore, touch and smell anything that interests them (as long as they’re safe, of course.)

“Some of my own children and grandchildren’s favorite memories are times spent in nature with their grandparents,” Lester says. “When she was about four years old, my granddaughter said to me, ‘Thank you for never being too busy to take me to the beach. Some people don’t understand. My feet need sand.’ ” “Take your grandkids beachcombing for shells and beach glass with a

NATURE WAYS Skipping stones on the water is an easy skill to teach grandkids of all ages. You can have a contest to see who has the most skips. Find a creek and discover plenty of surprises when you turn over stones and dig in the mud with a small trowel.

Scoop up creek water in a jar and see what living creatures are swimming in it.

Make a simple, ageappropriate, nature scavenger hunt. Search for a pinecone, green leaf, brown leaf, wildflower, spider web, feather, ant, seed, grass, pine needles, a bird, water, cloud, flying insect, round rock, fallen branch, butterfly, tree bark and so on. You can also look online for scavenger hunt ideas.

Take a walk around the neighborhood at night with flashlights. Then turn off the flashlights and observe the night sky. If you check in advance for the International Space

May/June 2020

Station, you might be able to track it across the sky.

Take a walk after the rain and count worms. Explain that they’re coming up to get air since their air holes are clogged with water.

Make a homemade rain gauge together using a one-liter water bottle marked with halfinch increments. After a rainstorm, call each other and report which gauge recorded the most rainfall.

Create landscape art by drawing or writing names with twigs, stones or leaves, and then photograph your designs.

To help grandparents get creative, Lake Erie Nature & Science Center offers Nature-To-Go kits.

Each kit is curated by the center’s program staff to include a nature-themed craft or experiment, educational instructions, fun activities, book suggestions and topic information for at-home learning. Nature To-Go Kits must be ordered in advance. Pre-purchased kits are available for contactless curbside pickup. Visit lensc.org to order.

Margaret Briller is a freelance writer based in Northeast Ohio who has one grandcat, Belle.

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B• l• o•w•n Away

Unbelie-bubble Fun

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he grandkids will love an oldfashioned activity that has been shared throughout the generations — bubbles. What is summer without bubbles? It’s an inexpensive, simple activity at home that the grandkids will enjoy doing while creating memories with you.

SIMPLY, SOAPY & SILLY Children of all ages enjoy blowing bubbles. The youngest child will squeal with delight at seeing bubbles float in the air. Storepurchased bubbles are inexpensive,

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Better Living After 50

come in all sizes, and wands are included inside the containers.

There are bubble makers now available that will deliver thousands of bubbles at a time.

The children love to run through the bubbles and try to catch them before they burst. You can purchase an inexpensive, small bottle of bubbles and replace the solution when depleted with your own homemade bubble version. Older children will enjoy helping to make their own bubble solutions and a variety of sized wands.

A simple homemade bubble solution consists of the following three ingredients: 6 cups of water, 1 cup of dish soap and ¼ cup of corn syrup. Add the soap last and stir carefully, trying not to let foam or bubbles form. The trick to making bubbles is to let them “marinate” and let the solution just sit overnight or for a few days before using it.

Make small wands by wrapping pipe cleaners around the top of sticks to form a circle. Popsicle sticks, a dowel rod, or even sticks from your yard will work well. You

PHOTO BY KAREN SHADRACH

By Karen Shadrach

Basic Bubbles • 6 cups of water • 1 cup of dish soap (such as Dawn) • ¼ cup of corn syrup Add the soap last and stir carefully, trying not to let foam or bubbles form. Let marinate overnight or for a few days before using to ensure sturdy bubbles.

can get fancier and have the grandkids use beads to string onto the pipe cleaners to decorate before attaching to the wand stick.

WAND WAYS Create huge bubbles! These super-giant bubbles are fun to make and to watch to see how far they will float before they burst. Follow this recipe for giant bubbles, which will create a much stronger bubble: 6 cups

of water, ½ cup of dish soap, ½ cup of corn starch, 1 tablespoon baking powder and 1 tablespoon glycerine.

Dissolve the cornstarch with water and stir well. Then add the remaining ingredients, being careful not to create froth. Of course, you now need a larger wand to form your giant bubbles.

Make a homemade one using two drinking straws. Thread yarn through the straws (6-8 times the length of one straw) and tie a knot to connect all together. You should end up with a rectangle, approximately 12 inches by 24 inches. Pour your bubble solution into a shallow baking pan or an 11inch by 14-inch Pyrex baking dish to load your giant bubble.

Bubbles are used more than just for playing; they can be an art form. Add some paint to your bubble solution and blow the bubbles onto a sheet of paper to create a unique art project. For colored bubbles, using the basic bubble solution recipe, make sure to use light corn syrup and Dawn Pure Essentials dish soap. Both

of these will give the final solution a clear color. Separate into small containers if you want multiple colors and add 3-5 drops of food coloring to each. I suggest doing your bubble art outdoors and place newspapers underneath or do it on the grass; this can be messy.

MORE IDEAS Our favorite bubbles are the bouncing bubbles. Tell the grandkids to bring along their winter mittens; they’ll need to wear them to play with these bubbles.

This recipe makes a small quantity of solution but it goes a long way.

Again, just a few ingredients: 4 tablespoons water, 1 tablespoon concentrated dish soap and 2 tablespoons of sugar. Yes, sugar.

The sugar slows down the water evaporation and the gloves keep the bubbles from coming in contact with the oils in our skin. These bubbles will bounce, stick on tables and plants for a long time without bursting, and you can gently bounce them back and forth with your gloved hands.

Enjoy your summer and spend a special day making bubbles.

Karen Shadrach is an on-the-go, in-the-know grandmother of two sets of twins. Read her grandparenting blog at northeastohioboomer.com

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Better Living After 50

center with a sink, refrigerator, microwave and cabinet storage. The Extra Suite+ also includes its very own entryway for ultimate privacy.

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Clothes

It’s Easy with NEO’s Resale Shops

C

By Traci McBride

onsignment and resale have exploded with fantastic options over the last decade — and it’s not just for the younger, trend-chasing crowd.

Recycling your cash is fun, and great selections of clothing and accessories exist for people of all shapes, sizes, ages and genders.

If you love the boutique experience or prefer an online approach, you too can build a great wardrobe that you love!

As a local wardrobe stylist, I have been in closets all over Cleveland.

Below are my favorite tips to build an affordable wardrobe that makes you look and feel your best, seven days a week.

Steps to Style

#1 DO AN INVENTORY

What do you have now that you love, fits well and want to build upon? List every category. You will see patterns of your dressing habits. Too many tops and not enough bottoms or too much dark, or no prints? Take note of what you want to elevate.

Click It eBay - The original online seller of everything. New, new with tags, gently used — the choice is yours.

Esty - Leans more handmade or vintage Poshmark - Think of it as social media selling from a virtual closet that you set up. thredUP - They do all the work for pictures, listing and shipping.

The Real Real - Buy or sell high-end luxury items.

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Better Living After 50

#2 RECOGNIZE YOUR

POWER PALETTE Why invest in colors that don’t flatter you when worn next to your face? It’s harder to create great color combos if you have multiple undertones in your closet.

#3 KNOW YOUR

MEASUREMENTS & PROPORTIONS Go beyond size. Learn your body shape. Sizes vary by brand.

Don’t get hung up on a number.

Proportions are the most common way to look either fabulous or frumpy. Getting to understand your sweet spot of where jackets, coats, dresses and skirts hit you can make or break great style.

Knowing your measurements is especially important when ordering online. Use the vendor sizing charts to minimize returns.

Sell It • Research vendors. Are you prepared to manage shipping and comments?

• Good photos are key.

• Provide measurements of each garment to avoid questions once you list it.

• Quick responses build loyalty and secure good reviews.

These are the measurements you need: • Current height (we are shrinking) • Shoulders • Armhole • Arm Length • Bust • Natural waist • Hips • Thigh •C ircumference and height (to determine how tall boots will fit)

#4

PHOTOGRAPH ITEMS IN YOUR CLOSET This is especially helpful to avoid buying more of the same, which is a common habit. This trick will keep you on track to focus on what you’re building upon.

#5 CREATE A SHOPPING LIST

Do you need more polished, casual pieces for activities with the grandkids? Did you buy an RV and find you need clothing for camping?

Perhaps you feel as though you are too casual when attending luncheons or game night with friends. It is easier to focus on one or two areas of your wardrobe that are lacking alignment with your current lifestyle. Where are you spending time each day?

Perhaps you have remnants of your work-life wardrobe but are now retired. The blazer from a power suit you loved wearing can now be worn with a casual pant or great-fitting dark-wash jeans. As our lifestyle evolves, our wardrobe needs to keep up.

#6 PAY ATTENTION TO RETURN &

EXCHANGE POLICIES AND SHIPPING COSTS

#7

DON’T BUY SOMETHING JUST BECAUSE IT’S A GREAT DEAL Those items usually become ‘garment orphans’ Instead, consider how many ways you can wear each item with what you already own. Get more looks with fewer garments.

#8 HOW’S THE FIT & FABRIC?

Consider tailoring to tweak for a great fit. Avoid maintenance monsters by reading fabric content.

Resources Around Town & What Locals Have to Say About Them Clothes Mentor: North Olmsted, Strongsville & Warrensville Heights Melissa Rice says,“They organize by item, size and ... color, which makes it easy to shop quickly. I mostly buy vacation clothes and special-occasion dresses, which typically don’t get worn much.”

It’s So You Boutique – Willoughby Cathy Warren shares, “I love their Curvy Diva selections, large beautiful dressing rooms and all the wonderful jewelry and scarf options.”

The Style Loop – Rocky River Allison Carey says, “Owners have great taste for mid-to-upscale women’s fashion. I’ve been lucky there, buying boutique chic pieces by great brands.”

River Trading Co. Rocky River – Men & Women Therese Andjeski says, “This is a mother/ daughter-owned shop with a wide generation of clothes. So friendly and helpful.”

Traditional Design Resale – Broadview Heights Jennifer Klingbeil said, “Beautifully curated boutique that is ever-changing.”

Curvy Consignments – Parma Heights – all plus-size clothing for men and women Passion for Fashion – Chesterland Piece Unique – Bainbridge Lakewood Luxury Consignment Classic Additions – Hudson Goodwill – Cleveland to Akron and many suburbs Closets Consignment Boutique – Rocky River

Traci McBride is a Northeast Ohio image consultant, author and volunteer. You can find her at teemcbee.com.

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LEGAL

Pandemic-Era Estate Planning

By Todd Bartimole

T

he COVID-19 pandemic has caused many people to come face to face with thoughts of our own mortality and potential for illness.

While Mother Nature has dealt us a harsh hand this year, there are ways we can prepare. People are pulling out their estate plans in order to make sure everything is updated and reflects our current wishes, while others who have never created an estate plan are starting the estate planning process.

If we become ill, we want to make sure our health care and financial powers of attorneys and our trusts are in good shape. If we were to pass away, we want to make sure our wills and trusts are similarly sound.

Attorneys can continue to assist people who need help during the pandemic. Virtual meetings, as well as meetings that ensure social distancing, remain available to help you prepare and sign documents.

HERE ARE SOME THINGS YOU SHOULD KNOW: Use the current crisis as a time to review or create your estate planning. Take the time to think through the planning or changes that have been on the back burner while they are fresh in your mind.

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Better Living After 50

Most estate planning can be done virtually. You can still create, update or finalize your estate plan by mail, email, telephone and video conferencing.

There are options for signing estate planning documents. Physically meeting with your attorney may not be necessary. Many estate-planning documents now can be signed online in a virtual meeting. Ohio passed a law last year allowing powers of attorney, health powers of attorney, living wills and trust agreements, among other documents to be signed online. A last will and testament, unfortunately, is not on that list. Talk to your attorney about other options for signing your will and maintaining social distancing.

With a little time and attention, you and your attorney can get all your documents finalized and signed, despite the current pandemic.

Todd Bartimole is a member of the law firm of Solomon, Steiner & Peck, Ltd. and has been practicing in the areas of Estate Planning, Elder Law and Probate Law for over 25 years. He is a member of the Ohio State Bar Association and an Accredited Attorney for the preparation, presentation and prosecution of claims for veteran’s benefits before the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA).

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Tempting

Trails

ROLL INTO SUMMER WITH A BIKE RIDE

By Diane Jenks

Fresh off our stay-at-home orders, but still a long way from jumping back into our normal routines, biking has become a popular outlet for those craving a bit of sunshine and exercise.

Must-Haves

SAFETY FIRST A helmet and rearview mirror aren't really accessories. Rather, they are necessities for your safety. Use them.

WATER, WATER EVERYWHERE...OR NOT You’ll want to have a water bottle and a water bottle cage on your bike. You never know where you’ll find water on a trail or path and hydrating is very important. There are usually at least one, or many times, two places to attach a water bottle and cage directly to the bike.

You can find water bottles that are insulated, too — they’ll keep water cold for a couple of hours, anyway. They often have wide mouths so you can add ice.

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Better Living After 50

N

ortheast Ohio is beyond fortunate to have some of the most lovely protected bicycle trails anywhere. There are three in particular that my husband Brian and I ride regularly and I’d like to share them with you.

For a relatively short, shaded, flat, and extremely wellmaintained, paved path, try the Maple Highlands Trail. It runs between Hambden, off of Route 6 at the Mountain Run Station of Geauga County Park District, south to Middlefield. There is plenty of parking at Mountain Run, too. (The Maple Highlands Trail also runs north for a short way that will eventually expand into Painesville.) There is a great spot at about 8.3 miles to rest, have a snack, and even ride down a gravel path to Headwaters Park, where we often stop to watch people paddle and picnic, then take a photo or two before we head back to the trail and finish up the last few miles into Middlefield before turning around for the final stretch.

You can download a map of the trail on the Geauga County Park District website.

Another one of our favorite rides is on the Summit County Bike and Hike Trail. Protected from traffic and also well maintained, we usually pick it up on Aurora Road, just outside the Bedford Reservation, and begin our ride south towards Hudson. You can also start anywhere along the trail, including Brandywine Falls, Peninsula, Boston Heights, Hudson, and on into Stow.

Nice Rides Avid bikers Greg and Linda Huth spend a lot of their free time cycling around Northeast Ohio.

The region’s trails have greatly expanded over the past several years, and many city streets now include bike lanes, they note.

Here are some of their favorite places to ride: CLEVELAND LAKEFRONT BIKEWAY • 17 miles • Cuyahoga County • The downtown trail connects the Cleveland Foundation Centennial Trail Lake Link to the Cleveland Lakefront Bikeway.

• Clevelandmetroparks.com MAPLE HIGHLANDS TRAIL • 21.1 miles • Geauga County • With two covered bridges and Amish farmland along the way, cyclists get a glimpse of local history and culture.

• geaugaparkdistrict.org/park/ the-maple-highlands-trail/ NORTH COAST INLAND TRAIL • 13 miles • Lorain County • The trail runs from downtown Kipton to downtown Elyria and is known as the skinniest trail in the Lorain County Metro Parks.

• loraincountymetroparks.com/ north-coast-inland-trail PORTAGE HIKE & BIKE TRAIL • 7 miles • Portage County • This asphalt trail from Kent to Ravenna is a handy east-west link to other trail systems throughout Northeast Ohio.

• co.portage.oh.us/ portage-county-park-district

COVID-19

WESTERN RESERVE GREENWAY TRAIL • 44 miles • Ashtabula/Trumbull counties • The shady trail cuts through farmland and features interpretive signs along the way that describe the history of the Underground Railroad in Ashtabula County.

• ashtabulametroparks.com

There is some medical evidence that cyclists spread respiratory particles over a very wide, cone-shaped area behind them, possibly increasing the potential for spreading the coronavirus. With this in mind, wear a mask, and try to ride on less populated trails, either solo or with someone in your household.

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Tech Rocks The route is a bit more challenging as you head south from Aurora Road, but the scenery, quiet, shade and beauty of the mostly-secluded landscape are worth the extra pedaling effort.

As you swoop down into Brandywine Falls, you can find lots of folks taking photos of the beautiful landscape or stopping to use the facilities (if they’re open) including a watering station for your dog if you’re walking the trail instead of riding.

This is one of those trails that we ride until we get about half-way to the time and/or distance we want to go, and then turn around. It always seems quicker to get back to our car, too.

My last choice for a great Northeast Ohio trail is our wildly popular Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. This trail receives over 2.5 million visitors annually who hike, bike, run and enjoy the many species of wildlife in the area. With the Cuyahoga River on one side and the Erie Canal on the other, you can see egrets, turtles, ducks and many other varieties of birds, fish and reptiles.

This trail is mostly crushed limestone, which doesn’t do your aluminum bike parts a lot of good (we recommend rinsing your bike when you get home) But the 87-mile trail now runs from downtown Cleveland (Cuyahoga County) through Summit County, into Stark County and ends in Tuscarawas County.

We usually start in either downtown Peninsula, where the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad boards, or Boston Mills Visitor’s Station and, depending upon the day and how we are feeling, will ride north toward downtown Cleveland, often stopping for breakfast or lunch at Yours Truly, right off the path on Rockside or south toward Szalay’s Farm & Market, famous for their fresh corn in season. Check first to see if they’re open.

Diane Jenks is Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond’s OutSPOKEn Cyclist blogger. She’s the host and producer of The OutSPOKEn Cyclist Podcast and authored the HubBub Guide to Cycling, a practical how-to and humorous guide about taking a bicycle tour, available online for Kindle.

Flat Attack

You really should carry everything you need to fix a flat tire. Even if you do not know how to do that yourself (although, I highly recommend that you learn to do it) you should have what it takes so that if someone kindly stops to help, you are ready. That includes: A REPLACEMENT INNER TUBE. The size you need is printed on the side of the tire; your bike shop should sell you at least one, although sometimes you might need two. When you get the tubes, tear off the flap of the box that shows the size, tuck it under the rubber band that is usually wrapped around the tube, and throw away the box — it takes up a lot of room and you won’t have to discard it when you are on the road or trail.

A PATCH KIT. This will allow you to patch a small pinhole if that is what caused the flat.The kit contains a small tube of glue, a rubber patch and some scratchy sandpaper so the glue and patch stick better.

AIR. Bring a small pump to carry on a bike or C02 cartridges for instant air.

The cartridges come with a device that pushes the C02 into the tube. The C02 cartridges can be tricky, so carry at least two.

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Better Living After 50

If you want to know how far and how fast you are going — and since we are all data junkies these days — there are many devices available from a simple bicycle computer that will give you miles traveled, both cumulatively and by trip, average speed, current speed, time of day, and elapsed time — to GPS units that will show you maps, elevation, and record everything, pairing with your phone and sending data to any number of apps, like a bicycle diary. Many of these devices also offer heart rate monitoring, too.

And More

Anticipating what you might want and or need on a ride, such as a jacket or a snack, presents an opportunity for attachments to carry your stuff.

I do not recommend that you wear a backpack or fanny pack — after all, the bike is sturdy, already carrying you, and can certainly handle some added items, leaving you free to enjoy your ride.

There are handlebar bags, seat packs to attach to the rear of your saddle, and with an added rear rack, you can have a trunk that sits on top of the rack or a set of side bags — “panniers” — or even grocery bags, if you want to shop.

I know many bike shops and some bike riders poo-poo kickstands; I love them. They make a big difference when you want to stop somewhere, maybe take a photo or just have a snack, and there is no place to lean your bike.

Lastly, your phone... there are quite a few options for attaching your phone to your handlebars in front of you. Otherwise, if you have a handlebar bag, you can just place it in the bag. Talking on the phone while riding? I would suggest stopping to take or make that call. Also, I do not recommend using earbuds or headphones when riding. It’s important to hear the traffic, other riders, walkers or even scooters coming up behind you.

Stay Safe & Independent at Home Minimize COVID-19 Exposure Risk If you’re wondering, “How do I safely access healthcare for myself or my loved one?” you’re not alone!

91-year-old Iris is exasperated by the changes in healthcare brought about by the COVID-19 pandemic. Still living in her own home, she’s uncomfortable going to the doctor’s office, where she feels exposed to contagion.

The standard response to addressing healthcare through COVID-19 safely has been telemedicine replacing in-office appointments. But older patients like Iris have difficulty hearing and seeing health professionals through their computers.

Iris senses that important details are being missed. It doesn’t feel like a thorough exam without a hands-on, inperson interaction.

“I don’t want a TeleDoc appointment — I want a home visit!” she exclaims.

If only healthcare would come to her, in the comfort of her own home!

Fortunately, if you live in Geauga County (or surrounding Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Lake, Portage, Summit or Trumbull counties), you can have a medical professional from Ohman Family Living visit your home. A highly trained team of clinicians — nurses, specialized therapists, nursing assistants or companions — follow structured infection-control protocols to safely administer care in private homes.

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Motivated by the Supremacy of Love as their guiding principle, they care for their clients with kindness and gentleness. Through compassion, they elevate their clients’ quality of life, maintaining an ideal atmosphere that provides safety, security and cleanliness within the familiarity, consistency and comfort of home.

Joshua Wallace, Vice President of Growth Strategies at Ohman Family Living, describes how one foundational value is fundamental to their approach.

“Creating a home-like environment has informed and instructed all of our services since our founding in 1965. It’s about safety, security and comfort.”

Ohman Family Living focuses on overall wellness and preventive care once shortterm acute treatment has been addressed.

Whether helping people transitioning back home from the hospital or rehab; or those who want to live at home for as long as possible, Ohman’s skilled nursing professionals offer a rare blend of specialized medical expertise combined with commitment to the supremacy of love, resulting in enhanced outcomes for their clients.

Non-medical companionship care is also available, providing housekeeping, shopping, personal hygiene/grooming and other daily functions to maintain a safe and healthy home environment.

For over 50 years, the Ohman family has kept the organization close to home and close to heart, offering people a deep sense of familiarity and belonging. They provide a high level of expertise with a sense of stability.

“Whatever level of care a patient or resident requires, our constituents know that those we care for will continue to be treated under the same, high-quality Ohman Family Standard of Living,” Wallace emphasizes.

For people like Iris — who are pursuing healthcare while maintaining independence in their own homes and minimizing exposure to COVID-19 — Ohman Family Living at Home is the ideal choice.

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Call Amanda at 330-977-7389.

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Tee Ties Linking Generations with Golf

By Marie Elium

Connecting with teens can be tough but Akron’s Ron Pressdee has found common ground on a golf course with his granddaughter, Reese.

H

e and Reese, 14, have golfed together for several years. He treasures the oneon-one time outdoors, sharing a sport that bridges ages and abilities, a seasonal sport spanning the seasons of life.

They usually golf two or three times a week, enjoying a shared interest with undeniable longevity attached to it: he was on the Stow High school golf team. She’ll play for St. Vincent-St. Mary High School in the fall.

“I’m still where I can teach her things; that’s what I really enjoy,” Pressdee, 65, says.

“It’s just one-on-one time when I get to know her better.”

Kid-Friendly Gear • SNAG Golf snaggolf.com • U.S. Kids Golf uskidsgolf.com

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Better Living After 50

RELATIONSHIPS Golf has been a multigenerational family affair for the Jeniors of Rootstown. With a makeshift driving range in the backyard, Katie Jenior and her five older brothers were introduced to the sport early.

She started hitting golf balls with a cut-down club when she was 3. Mike Jenior says his parents usually took one of the kids along with them to ride in the cart when they golfed on Sunday mornings.

Today, Katie is Barrington Golf Club’s pro and merchandise manager. Mike is head golf pro at Olde Dutch Mill Golf Course and boys’ golf coach for Southeast High School. In their professional capacities, both appreciate the value of, and the relationships forged by grandparents spending a few hours on a quiet golf course with grandchildren.

“Growing up as a multiplesport athlete, I think it’s great when kids are involved in a lot of different sports and they can pick their favorite,” Katie says.

Golf is unusual because people can play for decades, honing their skills as they age.

STARTING EARLY Jimmy Beers is a PGA professional and program director of First Tee of Akron, which teaches golf and its values to kids ages 7-18.

The international, private, non-profit organization has chapters in Canton and Cleveland.

About 1,000 kids annually take classes through First Tee of Akron, Beers says. Because the programs take place during the day, grandparents like Pressdee often volunteer when their grandkids join.

“They are finding that golfing with grandkids is keeping them young. It’s one-on-one time, it’s an awesome time,” he says. First Tee offers scholarships for children from low-income and military families.

“The reason I chose golf as a profession is, you can play it for a lifetime. I found golf and I saw these old people playing. I never saw an 80-year-old playing basketball or football.”

Ron Pressdee and granddaughter Reese play golf several days a week.

Photo courtesy of Ron Pressdee.

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PLAY NOW, TEACH LATER The key to introducing grandkids to golf is to keep it fun, keep it short and keep it simple, he says.

“Little kids just want to ride around in a cart, eat hot dogs, chase frogs and hit a shot now and then,” Beers says. “You can take a putter, a chopper and a driver and they can get out and take a shot with grandpa and grandma. It’s so different from other sports. With 2-5 hours outside together, I feel that’s why the bonds are created.”

Both Jeniors said it’s easy to find affordable clubs for kids; plastic ones are fine for those 6 and under. “When they’re really young, let them just whack at it and let them swing however they want to swing,” Katie says.

Don’t get too serious about technique. Start in the back yard for 15-20 minutes at a time and teach them how to grip the club and stand. On the golf course, let them chip and putt.

“To get a ball in the hole, for a beginning golfer to hit from the tee is like a beginning runner running a marathon. It gets discouraging and takes too much time,” Beers says.“Kids need to have fun because once they’re not having fun, it’s misery. Don’t focus on too much of the rules or the swing. Use car talk to talk about that.”

Katie Jenior says, “Two clubs are fine; a putter and a cut-down club. “They’ll be using their putter digging in a pond anyway,” she says.

Learn to Golf • First Tee of Greater Akron firstteeakron.org • First Tee of Canton firstteecanton.org • First Tee of Cleveland firstteecleveland.org

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Better Living After 50

Kid-Friendly Golf Courses • Suffield Springs Golf Course, Mogadore • Sunny Hill Golf Course, Kent • Paradise Lake Country Club, Suffield • Mud Run Golf Course, Akron • Washington Park Golf Course, Newburgh Heights • Briardale Greens Golf Course, Euclid • Grantwood Golf Course, Solon • Meadowood Golf Course, Westlake • Shawnee Hills Par Three Course, Bedford Ohio

The key to introducing grandkids to golf is to keep it fun, keep it short and keep it simple, Beers says. “Little kids just want to ride around in a cart, eat hot dogs, chase frogs and hit a shot now and then.”

Some golf courses use special kids’ tees. Others have times set aside just for kids to play free with a with family member in the late afternoons or evenings. Call ahead and ask.

Golf pros like the Jeniors have seen relationships between grandparents and grandchildren blossom on a course. “It’s something you can enjoy, no

matter what age you are,” Katie Jenior says.

Thomas Harrington, 70, of South Euclid, has played golf for 19 years.

At a family picnic two years ago, he told his granddaughters Samara, 10 and Samone, 13, how much he liked playing. They said they wanted to try it, and they enrolled in classes through First Tee of Cleveland.

Harrington takes them out at

least once a week. “Golf is a game that requires a pretty keen focus and one thing I think young people need today is focus,” he says. “You take an hour or two or three golfing, working on your craft as a golfer and getting time together to know someone better.

You don’t get that socialization with social media.”

Sharing golf “certainly has brought us a lot closer,” Harrington says. “I don’t remember having a relationship with my grandparents like I have with my granddaughters. At some point in life, if they get to be really good golfers, they won’t forget that grandpa introduced them to it.”

Marie Elium drives a decent ball but her short game stinks.

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Student Counsel It seems that the older we get, the more we realize there’s so much more to know — and want to know.

B

eing self-taught is always an option but if you really miss the structure of a formal classroom, enroll in college coursework designed for older adults. Even better, it’s free.

If you’re 60 or better, you can build skills, explore new ideas, enhance understanding and enrich life by attending any state college or university, thanks to the Ohio Department of Higher Education’s Lifelong Learning program.

(At some locations, students as young as 50 can enroll for free; marked below with an asterisk *).

LOADS OF OPTIONS A Lifelong Learning Institute (LLI), or Institute for Learning in Retirement (ILR), is a community-based organization of retirement-age people who never tire of learning. These non-credit academic programs are structured with regular semesters and coursework.

Plus, you don’t have to worry about what grade you’re earning along the way.

Note that the coronavirus pandemic has disrupted the traditional schedule of face-to-face classes and outings this fall semester. Call program offices or visit their websites for the latest updates.

And in the spirit of learning new skills, be prepared to take an online class.

Check out these Lifelong Learning Institutes in Northeast Ohio: ■ BALDWIN WALLACE UNIVERSITY: INSTITUTE FOR LEARNING IN RETIREMENT (BEREA) bw.edu/alumni/organizations/ilr/ ILR@bw.edu 440-826-3188

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Better Living After 50

lass Consider a C This Fall

By Estelle Ro

CASE WESTERN RESERVE UNIVERSITY: Senior Scholar (Cleveland) case.edu/lifelonglearning/courses/ senior-scholars Course Audit Program for Senior Citizens case.edu/seniorauditprogram/ 216-368-2090 lifelonglearning@case.edu ■

■ CUYAHOGA

COMMUNITY COLLEGE: ENCORE 55+ LEARNING (CLEVELAND) tri-c.edu/ encore-senior-adult-programs/ 216-987-2274 encore@tri-c.edu ■ LORAIN

COUNTY COMMUNITY COLLEGE: Center for Lifelong Learning (Elyria) * lorainccc.edu/community/ center-for-lifelong-learning/ 440-366-4148 bsoboslai@lorainccc.edu The ILR at Baldwin Wallace in Berea usually attracts more than 2,000 older students with its ample offering of 42-46 classes that educate, entertain and inform each semester, says ILR office manager Donnie Ipsaro.

Coursework is typically complemented by day trips, overnight tours and extended adventures to destinations like Ireland in 2019.

But due to the pandemic, all spring experiences were canceled and fall courses will be conducted online.

“We’re trying like the dickens to move everything online for fall to keep the

dis-Brown

ILR program alive here,” Ipsaro says. “I don’t know what tomorrow will bring and I can’t tell you anything definite right now, except that we have a fantastic group of people here trying to offer options online for the foreseeable future. It’s quite a task.”

Anyone interested in registering for BW’s ILR course offerings this fall semester should check the website, call the office or email Ipsaro. “We’re doing the best we can and pray that everyone stays healthy,” she says.

If you prefer to simply sit in on a regularlyscheduled college course along with the general student body, Ohio’s four-year universities and two-year technical colleges allow residents 60 and older to attend classes at no cost.

In most cases, no college credit is earned and some costs (for books, equipment and lab fees) may apply. Contact the admissions or registrar’s office of a participating institution for details, including class availability at regional campuses nearby.

THESE LOCAL COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES OFFER FREE COURSES TO OLDER OHIOANS: • University of Akron: 60 Plus (60+) Program • Cleveland State University: Project 60 • Cuyahoga Community College: Program 60 • Kent State University: Senior Guest Program • Lakeland Community College: Senior Citizen Audit • Lorain County Community College: Senior Citizen Registration • Stark State College: Senior Citizen Discount Expand your horizons with lifelong learning opportunities at a college or university in your neighborhood. While most classroom instruction this fall has been replaced by online courses due to COVID19, you can still satisfy your curiosity about technology, art, finance, science, history,… whatever interests you. You’ll be invigorated to learn something new.

Estelle Rodis-Brown is a freelance writer and photographer from Portage County who also serves as digital/ assistant editor of Boomer magazine. She is committed to lifelong learning, wellness and pursuit of better living at any age.

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Spotlight on Wesleyan Senior Living

Welcome to the NEW Wesleyan Meadows & Wesleyan Village

WESLEYAN MEADOWS Wesleyan Meadows in Sheffield Village offers the Independent Living aspect of the Wesleyan family. Spacious, attractive ranch-style homes simplify your life. No property taxes, no grass cutting, no window washing—that’s all covered in the low monthly maintenance fee. The neighborhood is complemented by a beautiful, newly remodeled Community Center where residents mingle for games— or just to enjoy the coffee and wine hour every afternoon—all in a pet-friendly, 36-acre, parklike setting with three ponds.

Hit the fitness center, take an exercise class, enjoy oil painting or woodwork in the Community Center. Attend a movie night or just read a book in the library or on the garden patio. The choice is yours.

Tracey Murphy, Senior Sales Director for Wesleyan

Meadows, explains: “The Meadows community offers the opportunity to live your life and be as active as you want to be, or not—without any restrictions or expectations.

It’s an especially welcoming environment for solo seniors who don’t have a family network. This community is a family and welcomes everyone. It is a tucked-away, beautiful hidden gem.”

“It’s part of the continuum from the Meadows to the Village,” Tracey says, “Here, you’re part of the extended Wesleyan family. You will want to belong here!”

Now, Wesleyan Senior Living is more attractive than ever.

Thanks to a new financial model and competitive pricing, seniors (55+) are encouraged to plan their retirement here. “We are very excited to offer this new entry plan for prospective residents,” says Tracey.

Discover the vibrant, welcoming atmosphere at Wesleyan Senior Living. Your only regret will be that you didn’t make the move sooner!

WESLEYAN MEADOWS RESIDENT TESTIMONIAL “We made the decision to come to Wesleyan Meadows and told our four children that this was our gift to them: the thought that we have the continuum of care. What a gift! We wanted to come to the community while we were still able to enjoy and participate in the plethora of activities here. Our home surpassed all expectations; the two bedrooms and two full bathrooms are wonderful when our children come to visit.”

~ Dick and Eleanore Lehto

To learn more about vibrant independent senior living, contact: Tracey Murphy, Senior Sales Director for Wesleyan Meadows

5400 Meadow Ln Ct, Sheffield, OH 44035 • www.villageliving.org tmurphy@VillageLiving.org • (440) 934-9400 Wesleyan Senior Living is following current recommendations and protocols set forth by Gov. DeWine, CDC and Health Department

This is not your “Little Old Ladies’ Home” WESLEYAN VILLAGE

Sponsored Content

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“

place to belong!” smiles Anne Murphy, Director of Marketing and Sales for Wesleyan Village in Elyria. “A sense of belonging is a basic human need—just like food and shelter. Being a part of Wesleyan is belonging to our family.”

What began, literally, as the “Little Old Ladies Home” established by Elyria resident Mary Lilly in 1896 has become a trusted non-profit organization, embracing the aging process for over 120 years. Today, Wesleyan Village and Wesleyan Meadows are a community of 500 residents supported by 400 staff. It’s a faith-based Life Plan Community, enriching its history of care and comfort with a vibrant sense of diversity, inclusion and acceptance for all.

Anyone entering their retirement years has many thoughtful decisions and transitions to make. Finding a maintenance-free, comfortable, safe home in a vibrant, fun, caring atmosphere is top priority. But how can you know which retirement

community is right for you?

It’s the one that caters to your wants and needs with a forever home and care for life—even if you outlive your resources. Wesleyan’s Continuing Care Retirement Community (Independent, Assisted Living, Memory Care and Healthcare) fulfills its mission of inspiring joyful aging in beautiful, safe surroundings.

“We provide a welcoming home at any stage in your retirement, fulfilling your spiritual, physical, and social needs. You can bring your dog, too!” exclaims Anne.

Book a Complimentary Tour of either campus and receive an entry for a monthly iPad drawing! Place a deposit with us for a home or apartment by August 31st and receive a Free iPad with our brand-new communication software, CATIE. (Value $1000)

WESLEYAN VILLAGE RESIDENT TESTIMONIAL “Like many other couples our age, we began to ponder our future. During our search for a suitable community, we decided to check out Wesleyan Village: Comfortable lodging, yes; reasonable pricing, yes; good food, yes; spacious and secure surroundings, yes. What a perfect gift for our children! They know we are happy and that Wesleyan Village has the welfare of all their residents at heart. Life is good!”

~ Jeanette and Judson Billings

To learn more about faith-based independent and assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and rehab, contact: Anne Murphy, Director of Marketing and Sales for Wesleyan Village

807 West Ave., Elyria, OH 44035 • www.villageliving.org amurphy@VillageLiving.org • (440) 284-9025 regarding COVID-19. You can be assured it is an extremely safe and smart time to move to Wesleyan Meadows or Wesleyan Village.

The Historic Kent Stage

Shown above: The Kent Stage is a landmark in the college city. Below: Tom Simpson with his wall of autographed photographs of performers who have played on the historic stage.

40 Better Living After 50

Interrupted, for Now

By Mike Olszewski Photos by Marie Elium

Pandemic aside, downtown Kent is a fun place, but it wasn’t always that way.

Folks who graduated 20 years ago come back and rub their eyes in wonder.

It’s not the Kent they remember, and Tom Simpson is a big reason why.

T

he old Kent theater — now The Kent Stage — had lost its luster since its days hosting vaudeville performers and silent movies. And the future looked even less promising. A flashy multiplex was opening nearby; the Kent theater was showing dollar movies...if it opened at all.

In 2002, Tom Simpson came along and he had an idea.

As he says, “That Beatles song, “The Fool on the Hill?” That reminded me of me.”

Simpson envisioned a concert hall, and he had the experience to back up his dream.

When he was a student down the street at Kent State University, he booked shows as part of the All Campus Programming Board. The day after he graduated, he went to work for Belkin Productions. He moved on to United Production Services out of Los Angeles and helped book stadium concerts nationwide. When he made his way back to Northeast Ohio, opportunities Music popped up. But still, the old theater was in memorabilia bad shape, Simpson’s experience aside. lines the entrance

hall.

NEW LIFE Charlie Bowman, the community development director in Kent, wanted to bring people downtown. He set up a meeting with Simpson, other key community members, and the people who were running the theater. They wanted out so they could concentrate on their movie theater at University Plaza across town.

As Simpson recalls, “They looked at the Kent theater “like the Titanic… 99% underwater.” Simpson took it over, renamed it the Kent Stage, and gave it a quick facelift.

“The place was a dump. The dressing room area was such a mess that it looked like the floors were black, but they were really red,” he says. After a lot of elbow grease, it was time to put “meat in the seats.” You do that with great acts, and Simpson knew how to get them.

FAMILIAR ACTS At first, it was folk acts, and as Simpson remembers it, “That didn’t even last a year before we started bringing in some blues. The first band that wasn’t blues or folk was Little Feat. Huge crowd; we built on that foundation.”

Glen Campbell. Stephen Stills. Brandi Carlile. Kris Kristofferson. Richie Havens. The Main Street marquee boasted a who’s who of music’s most iconic performers.

“Graham Nash was playing nearby and he stopped in to visit with the Zombies. Joan Baez played our first anniversary show, and Leon Redbone was eccentric but fun,” Simpson says.

“Former Beatle Pete Best played there on a Halloween night, saw the crowds of kids outside and said it was wilder than his days playing the Reeperbahn (festival in Germany).”

Simpson recalled the time Leon Russell told the crowd at his show, “This is where I‘m supposed to walk off stage and look surprised that you’re calling me back. Look, I’ll play three more songs, give me 20 minutes, and I’ll be sitting out back by my bus.” Sure enough, Russell was there signing every autograph. Sadly, it was the second last show for Peter and Gordon. They started singing different lyrics for their song “Lady Godiva,” and Simpson had to print the lyrics for them on his computer. Gordon Waller died a short time later.

Simpson keeps bringing in acts that belie the small venue in a small town. He and his crew cater not only to the needs of people 50+ but also to the artists from that same generation.

Matinees are not unheard of and many of the performers are aware of how they and their audiences have changed over the years. Simpson says Spencer Davis joked, “Here’s another one that sounds just like the record,” acknowledging that the act’s former lead singer, Steve Winwood, had a voice that no one could match. He delivered a great show to an appreciative audience, nonetheless.

Simpson has not only been good at attracting talented performers to Kent, but he might also be seen as a visionary. When he was asked last year what he saw as the biggest challenge for his business, he warned about the dangers of a virus he was hearing about in China. That was months before the coronavirus hit the United States.

The virus has dealt a significant blow to the Kent Stage. Performers have postponed appearances to later this year or until people feel safe attending such events. Like the building itself, Simpson has weathered tough times before. What happens in the months or year to come is unknown. Regardless, Simpson and The Kent Stage will be waiting for the performers and the area’s music-loving audiences to return.

Mike Olszewski is the magazine’s pop culture columnist and the co-author of several books about Cleveland’s entertainment scene.

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42

Better Living After 50

Sponsored Content

Assisted Living More Affordable Than You Think ••• Presented by Lee Ann O’Brien, chief marketing officer for The McGregor Foundation/McGregor PACE

W

hile many would believe that assisted living is financially out of reach, the partnership among McGregor Senior Assisted Living, McGregor PACE and CHN Housing Partners creates an affordable living opportunity for those individuals and families who have limited financial resources.

McGregor is meeting the changing needs of Cleveland’s seniors throughout Northeast Ohio and Cuyahoga County as a leading care provider for adults through its residential care services and communitybased PACE program that keeps people connected in their neighborhoods; each is providing ways to age well and improve lives.

LIVE AT HOME PACE is a Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly.

At McGregor PACE, seniors can receive medical, social, rehabilitative and personal help in their home, in a residential care facility and at one of three centers: Forest Hill, Warrensville Heights and Old Brooklyn.

PACE centers are places for seniors to experience life enrichment activities, receive medical treatment and enjoy chef-prepared meals. Participants who are eligible for Medicare and Medicaid may receive PACE services at no cost; however, if income exceeds a set amount, the participant may be responsible for a monthly copayment. Those who are not eligible for Medicaid will pay a monthly premium. When a residential lifestyle is needed, PACE and McGregor affordable Assisted Living offers choices.

CHN is a nonprofit affordable housing developer and housing service provider that works with its partners to solve major housing challenges for low-income people, building more equitable communities, partnering with organizations like McGregor Assisted Living to deliver housing solutions and affordability for their constituents.

“We partner with people— low-income individuals, families, seniors, the disabled and the homeless—to improve their housing stability,” according to a representative. By investing in affordable housing, CHN believes in investing in families, communities and the economy.

Offering affordable apartment rentals for lowincome seniors, individuals, and families in Greater Cleveland, all apartments have income guidelines, and some are exclusively for seniors age 55+. The Power of Three: In partnership, all three organizations hope to expand the supply of affordable housing in this region and enhance available options.

McGregor’s track record among assisted living and senior retirement living experts speaks for itself. It’s rated a Top 100 Facility as awarded by U.S. News & World Report.

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HEALTH

Ask the Orthopedist

Arthritis and Stem Cell Treatments WHO BENEFITS AND WHY

By Dr. Reuben Gobezie

QUESTION: Does having bone-on-bone arthritis disqualify me from getting a stem cell treatment?

ANSWER: The short answer is no. But every patient is different and must have an individual evaluation to determine the best treatment for them. However, many patients with “bone-on-bone,” or stage four arthritis, have found pain relief with stem cell or regenerative medicine procedures. These treatments are used to stimulate healing and speed up repair for a wide range of painful bone, muscle and joint conditions, especially osteoarthritis.

Regenerative treatments work by activating the body’s natural healing process through injections of the body’s own healthy stem cells to stimulate tissue regeneration and natural healing. Using our own stem cells for therapy is the gold standard of care.

44 Better Living After 50

Avoid practices that inject donated birth tissues, as the stem cells are often dead by the time they reach the patient, and such treatments may cause infection.

Your body already has stem cells that act as the body’s “repairmen.”

With arthritis, the body’s ability to sustain healthy cartilage may have diminished. Our procedure, for example, takes healthy, regenerative cells from an area of your body in which they are more concentrated. They are then centrifuged and injected into the arthritic joint. This can activate a new healing response that will ease inflammation and may stimulate the growth of new cartilage in that area.

For many patients, these treatments have allowed them to avoid surgery, ongoing steroid injections or to stop taking regular pain medications.

Patients walk out of the procedure and can return to normal activities in just a couple days after rest. Most patients

find their mobility greatly improved, with pain relief lasting as long as two to eight years. The treatments are nonsurgical and are outpatient, performed in one office visit, resulting in little downtime.

It’s important to note that stem cell treatments are not recommended for everyone. As with any medical procedure, other factors do come into play that may limit your chances of success. Make sure you see a medical doctor that has years of experience in properly diagnosing conditions and administering the procedure correctly.

They will carefully evaluate your individual situation and determine the best treatment course.

Dr. Gobezie is the founder/director of The Cleveland Shoulder Institute and Regen Orthopedics.

For more information, visit clevelandshoulder.com or regenorthopedics.com.

25501 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 200 Beachwood, 844-786-2355

HEALTH

New Techniques NATURALLY BEAUTIFUL TEETH

By Dr. Steve Marsh

One of the challenges of cosmetic dentistry is to make the smile beautiful but natural. Similar to undergoing plastic surgery, we want improvement in our appearance but want the outcome to seem as if we were blessed by Mother Nature for a youthful look. Fortunately, the dental materials and techniques that dentists have at their disposal enable them to achieve that outcome.

NATURAL LOOK Bonding is one way by which dentists can change a tooth’s appearance. It can be used when a tooth is chipped, fractured or discolored. It is achieved by the use of a composite, which is a type of plastic that comes in many shades and allows the practitioner to match or change the existing color of the tooth.

Recently, a number of dental manufacturers have produced a chameleon-like material that takes on the color of the natural tooth which is important when a tooth has broken and it needs to appear as if nothing has happened to it; this improved technology has made it much easier to get a natural look, despite the injury. And when you just need to change a tooth’s color, whether by malformation or as a

46

Better Living After 50

result of root canal treatment and/ or the lack of blood supply, bonding might be used to cover the entire surface of a tooth, not unlike the use of a primer in painting that masks the under shade of a piece of wood or drywall to prepare it for a new paint color.

Veneers and crowns, made of porcelain, can also be used to change a tooth’s shape or color.

Much like a wood veneer or Formica, this reflective material can be used very successfully to hide a tooth’s imperfections.

With minimal to no tooth preparation, the porcelain restoration masks the surface of the tooth, and with artistic staining, can mimic the natural look of the tooth.

Even when the tooth or teeth are out of alignment, careful recontouring

allows for a repositioning of the teeth, resulting in a look that historically could only be achieved by the use of braces or aligners.

These improvements allow the cosmetic dentist to make both major and minor changes in the look of a patient’s smile in a relatively short period of time, providing that the appropriate options and planning have been evaluated. This is often done through the use of a digital simulation and wax prototype, making the outcome more predictable and satisfying. In this manner, the cosmetic dentist can achieve a great result, giving the patient the smile they have always wanted, naturally.

Dr. Steve Marsh focuses on cosmetic dental procedures and general dentistry. Visit ClevelandSmiles to learn more.

Volunteer for Hospice

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Give Back to Your Community Presented by Hospice of the Western Reserve

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• Sharing your talents to f you’ve been looking for a improve the quality of life for way to give back to others patients and their families that is deeply rewarding • Making new friends while as well as flexible enough for connecting with others to your busy lifestyle, helping provide a valuable service hospice patients and their “Our volunteers contribute families may be just the right to the overall well-being of our opportunity for you. community— one person, one Hospice of the Western family at a time—making an Reserve and its affiliate, Lisa Gallagher impact in countless ways,” Hospice of Medina County, says Lisa Scotese Gallagher, are currently offering virtual Director of Staff Experience. volunteer training sessions. Those who “Volunteering with our agency complete the virtual training will be can be a life-changing experience. able to provide in-person visits as soon From helping with patients and as Ohio’s Stay-at-Home order is lifted. their caregivers to assisting at our Becoming a hospice volunteer Warehouse Sales or Life’s Treasures offers many rewards, including: thrift shop to sharing a professional • An opportunity to give back to your skill, volunteer opportunities community by paying it forward

are only limited by a person’s imagination. We’ll work with you to create a customized volunteer experience that lets you share your special passion and bring it to life to help others.”

Many volunteers enjoy crocheting lap blankets or making comfort pillows for patients. Others take great pleasure in providing companionship or sharing the gifts of music and art.

Often, volunteers are able to relieve the family’s stress by running a few errands or helping out with a few of the tasks of daily living.

For more information or to register for an upcoming volunteer training session, call 216-255-9090 or visit hospicewr.org/volunteer to fill out an online application.

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COVID-19 Basics What to Do & When to Do It

By Marie Elium

A

s the coronavirus continues its unrelenting impact on our lives, it’s

possible, stay in a specific “sick room.”

Use a separate that the pandemic has generated.

Ohio Department bathroom, if available. of Health What we know about the virus changes daily, and much about the future is Limit contact with 833-4-ASKODH unsettled. That’s why it’s a good idea to review the basics about staying safe, pets and animals.

Cleveland Clinic Although there have recognizing symptoms and knowing when to call a medical professional. The 216-697-3750 not been reports of Ohio Department of Health website, coronavirus.ohio.gov, has checklists and MetroHealth pets or other animals 440-59-COVID tips for staying healthy and what to do if you feel sick. becoming sick Southwest General with COVID-19, it is 440-816-8962 Call your healthcare provider for exposure to the virus. The recommended that VA Northeast Ohio medical advice if you think you’ve been Ohio Department of Health people with the virus Healthcare System’s exposed to COVID-19 and have the strongly recommends the limit contact with Nursing Triage line following symptoms: following if you are sick with animals until more is 888-350-3100 • Fever or chills COVID-19 or suspect you have known.

• A cough COVID-19: • If you have a •S hortness of breath or • Stay home except to medical appointment, difficulty breathing get medical care. People who call your doctor’s office or emergency • Fatigue are mildly ill with COVID-19 department, and tell them you have or •M uscle or body are able to recover at home may have COVID-19. aches but should not leave or visit Wear a cloth covering over your • Headache public areas. nose and mouth (unless you have • Sore throat • Keep in touch with your trouble breathing) if you must be •L oss of taste or doctor. Call before you get around other people or animals, smell medical care. Be sure to get including pets, even at home. You •C ongestion or care if you feel worse or you don’t need to wear the cloth face runny nose think it is an emergency. Avoid covering if you are alone. Never put • Nausea or vomiting using public transportation, ridemasks on children 2 or younger or • Diarrhea sharing, or taxis. people who cannot remove them on Symptoms may be mild or severe • Separate yourself from other their own. and may appear two to 14 days after people in your home. As much as • Try to stay at least 6 feet away from other people, even at home.

• Cover coughs and sneezes, wash hands often and avoid touching your face.

• Do not share dishes, drinking glasses, cups, eating utensils, towels or bedding with other people in your home. Wash each thoroughly after use.

• Clean and disinfect high-touch surfaces in your “sick room” and bathroom every day with household cleaners and disinfectants, using as directed on the label; ask someone else to clean and disinfect hightouch surfaces in other areas of the home. Clean and disinfect areas that may have blood, stool or body fluids on them.

• Monitor your symptoms and seek medical care if they are worsening (for example, if you have difficulty breathing). Call the doctor or emergency department before going.

easy to get overwhelmed with the flood of information and changes

NUMBERS TO KNOW

Source: Ohio Department of Health

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Better Living After 50

Your Guide

to Better Hearing

Is There a “Best” Hearing Aid? It Depends

By Dr. Laura Brady, Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center

W

hen choosing a hearing aid, there are many considerations. What will it look like? What will it do? An important consideration is, of course, your hearing loss. Your lifestyle and listening need also play a critical role. Your vision and dexterity are other factors — will you be able to see small disposable batteries, insert them properly, and clean the small components of the hearing aid?

Would a lithium-ion rechargeable product be best?

Two people can have the same hearing loss, but because they live different lifestyles and have different listening needs, an audiologist may not recommend the exact same hearing aid. Rechargeable hearing aids and aids that will directly stream phone sounds are now available at all technology levels but not in every style.

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Better Living After 50

When deciding which features or level of technology is best for you, consider factors such as: • How many different listening environments am I in over the course of a week?

• Do I spend most of my time in quiet environments or at home?

• Do I go out to restaurants frequently?

• Do I attend group meetings?

• Do I go to the theater or orchestra frequently?

• Do I want the hearing aid to make adjustments automatically, or do I want to control the hearing aid?

• Will vision or dexterity challenges limit my ability to be independent with cleaning the hearing aid or changing the battery?

• Would a rechargeable hearing aid be best for me?

• Do I use my smartphone frequently? What do I use it for – texting, calls, listening to music?

Would I want an app on my phone that would allow me to make my own adjustments to the hearing aid?

• What is my budget?

Generally, the more expensive the hearing aid, the more features the hearing aid has to address different types of listening conditions automatically.

To give a few examples, premium level hearing aids reduce background noise in different types of noise conditions; in an office work environment, at a cocktail party, family dinner, in the car, and at a restaurant. They can handle windy conditions: golfing, bicycling, bird watching, or hiking. Simply said, they detail automatically to different environments better than lower-end technologies.

There really is no best hearing aid — it’s really what’s best for you.

Your Guide

to Better Hearing

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Face Coverings Accommodating Hearing Loss Presented by Dr. Jane Kukula, Advanced Audiology Concepts, Mentor

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OVID-19 and face coverings have created new problems for people with hearing loss. Hearing aids can catch on the loops of a face mask and can be pulled out of your ear canal. The more often you put a mask on and off, the greater your risk of losing a hearing aid.

I recommend you use the type of mask that fits around your neck like a turtleneck. You simply pull the front up over your nose and then put it back down around your neck when you don’t need it. Another option is to wear a mask that has a strap around the back of your head. We recommend you check for your hearing aids when putting any mask on or off.

The brain relies on lip and facial cues when listening to someone talk. Wearing a face mask covers up the mouth and face, making it impossible to lip read. A face mask can also muffle the speaker’s voice, making it even harder to hear. Let the speaker know when you are having trouble hearing. Plus, get into the habit of repeating back what you heard. This gives the speaker a chance to verify you’ve heard correctly. Life Sounds Great!

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Showcase

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The world of health care tends to be a destination most people would prefer not to visit. Sure, health care is one of those “necessary evils” in life, and when we do need medical services, we are thankful the services are accessible. Nonetheless, most people would rather do anything else than go to the doctor.

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Better Living After 50

The year 2020 has certainly thrown us a few health care curveballs.

COVID-19 is at the top of the list. This virus has not only exacerbated our desire to avoid health care but it has also taken it to an extreme; people avoid entering a hospital or physician’s office for fear of exposure or receiving a diagnosis they do not wish to hear.

In uncertain times, one thing still holds true: ignoring health issues will not make them go away. As we age, our bodies tend to remind us of this… sometimes on a daily basis. Trust your instincts and utilize the adaptive methods of communication now available in the medical field.

Telemedicine and virtual visits have seen a massive amount of traffic and utilization. Likewise, if an elderly loved one now requires assistance or a change in living environment, I think you will find providers graciously willing to provide information and assist in any way possible.

Take our campus – The Village at Marymount – as an example.

The Village at Marymount is able to provide services including assisted living, skilled nursing care, physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy, longterm care and secured memory care. Each of our service areas received a deficiency-free survey in 2019. Most recently in the last few weeks, the Ohio Department of Health conducted an infectious disease survey (in response to COVID-19) with the result yielding yet another deficiency-free survey.

Long story short – continue to trust in the health care providers who remain true to their mission.

Do not be afraid to reach out in order to get the information or the care you need. Trust your health care provider.

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Your Needs, Your Choice

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n-home health care has become a viable option of choice for anyone seeking medical or practical assistance to optimize daily living without having to leave the comforts of home.

There is a wide variety of independent agencies—as well as those affiliated with senior living communities—that are equipped to meet your needs, whether you are recuperating from a hospital stay, have chronic medical conditions to manage, or simply need someone to assist you with daily tasks within the home.

Choose your level of care to meet the level of help you desire.

Medical options can range from nursing care to physical, occupational or speech therapy. Social services can also be provided, as well as personal care assistance from home health aides for dressing, bathing and grooming. Homemaker or basic assistance care help maintain the household with meal preparation, laundry, grocery shopping and other housekeeping tasks. Companionship care can provide comfort and light household duties.

Maintain your independence at home with a helping hand for yourself or a loved one.

Visit Senior Living Guide at seniorlivingneo.com to review a wide variety of senior care resources in our region.

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Showcase

Curated, Convenient Care

+ + ++ + ++ + ++ + ++

WHAT ’S

Happening

Please visit northeastohioboomer.com for the most up-to-date calendar listings.

ONGOING

DAY-BY-DAY

TUESDAYS Geauga Walkers. Join other active seniors on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month for hikes in Geauga County and the surrounding area. Hikes are typically 1-1.5 miles. 1-2:30 p.m. 440-2792137, geaugaparkdistrict.org.

FREE

7/25 Summer Dance Festival.

An online festival day where participants can take an array of virtual dance classes and participate in dance events, performances, talks and more on DANCECleveland’s website.

Dancecleveland.org. FREE

WEDNESDAYS Virtual Reader Series: Combating Racism. Many people are now seeking ways to educate themselves on racial inequality and oppression in the US. In this series, we will read and discuss three popular books centered on racism in the US. July 22, Aug. 19 & Sept. 23.

Maltzmuseum.org. $30-45

7/26 & 8/30 Yoga on the West Terrace.

Participate in all levels of vinyasa flow yoga practice in the beauty of the West Terrace of the Manor House, with instruction provided by Yoga Lounge & Barre. 10:3011:30 a.m. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-863-5533, stanhywet.org. $12-16

Gervasi Vineyard CruiseIn. For car lovers of all ages, featuring a wide range of cars and trucks from the very old to the not so old.

5-8 p.m. 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000, gervasivineyard.com

7/30 Chef Matt Fish: Virtual Appearance. Chef Matt Fish, owner of Melt Bar & Grilled, will virtually demonstrate his love of creative cooking and grilled cheese magic for his fourth guest appearance.​​​​​ 7 p.m. hudsonlibrary.org. FREE

THROUGH 8/23 Asian Lantern Festival.

Back by popular demand, the Asian Lantern Festival presented by Cleveland Clinic Children’s is returning with over 70 all-new, larger-thanlife, colorful lantern displays and live performances on the Fifth Third Stage. 6:30-10:30 p.m. 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org. $15-20

THROUGH 10/4 TIFFANY IN BLOOM: STAINED GLASS LAMPS OF LOUIS COMFORT TIFFANY. Tiffany in Bloom introduces visitors to the magic that Tiffany created with thousands of shards of glass and the “newfangled” power of electric light. The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org. FREE

8/1 Peninsula Flea. An upscale market, now with booths spaced apart, featuring handmade, repurposed and vintage, high-quality items from dedicated artists, craftspeople and collectors, all wearing face coverings and excited for our market season. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. FREE

Submit an event listing to Calendar@NortheastOhioBoomer.com or go to NortheastOhioBoomer.com

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WHAT´S HAPPENING 8/4 Paddle the Parks. Join a naturalist on the water to discover tales of Chippewa Lake, past and present. Bring your own kayak, paddle, and personal flotation device. 8-9:30 a.m. Chippewa Lake, 7830 Westfield Landing Road, Medina, medinacountyparks.com. FREE

8/5-26 Developing a Writing Habit. Showing up to write isn’t half the battle – it is the battle. This remote class will help you develop writing habits that will boost your confidence, help you find your “voice” and keep your writing process in motion. Wednesdays 10 a.m.-noon. case. edu/lifelonglearning. $80-120 8/8 Drive-In Movie: Draft Day. First-ever drive-in theatre, right in downtown Canton. Come for family-friendly films on Friday nights, and classics on Saturday nights. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. North Canton, cantonpalacetheatre.org. $20/car Lakewood Summer Meltdown. This “something for everyone” event offers endless recreation and celebration opportunities, including a street festival, outdoor activities, games, food vendors, live music and more. 4-10 p.m. lakewoodsummermeltdown.com 8/12 Probate Avoidance. Zoom Webinar on your computer, smartphone or tablet presented by an attorney. 2 p.m. Register at ssandplaw.com by noon on the day prior or contact Debbie DiPenit at 216765-0123. FREE Creative Canvas for Adults. Join an interpretive artist virtually to create some amazing works of art using nature as your inspiration and repurposed materials as your medium. Prior to the day of class, you will receive a craft kit by mail, and a Zoom link, by email, to connect you to the live tutorial. 10-11:30 a.m. summitmetroparks.org. $10

Audubon Bird Walk. A guided walk through the Shaker Parklands, looking and listening for birds. Meet in the Nature Center parking lot. Six feet of social distancing between non-family participants will be required. 6:30 p.m. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 S. Park Blvd., 216-231-5935, shakerlakes.org. FREE 8/13 Lobsters on the Lawn. Gather your family and friends for an end-of-summer, New England-style seafood feast on the beautiful grounds of Sapphire Creek Winery. 6-10 p.m. 16965 Park Circle Drive, Chagrin Falls, sapphire-creek.com. $110 8/15 Wild for Wine. Grab your wine glasses and enjoy a night full of fun. 6-9 p.m.

Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330375-2550, akronzoo.org. $25-40 8/30 Best of the Bluffs. Lake Erie Bluffs provides important habitat for a variety of wildlife, but it is especially important for pollinators. Come and enjoy interaction stations, trail cart tours and guided hikes. 1-4 p.m. Lake Erie Bluffs, 3301 Lane Road, Perry Twp., lakemetroparks.com. FREE Michael Stanley & Friends. Michael Stanley’s distinctive blend of Midwest pop and heartland rock has thrilled audiences for decades. Don’t miss this rare, up-close and intimate performance with Northeast Ohio’s favorite son. 7 p.m. Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com. $65-85 9/2 Flower Power Hike. These hikes lead you to discover plants & flowers on trails, in the gardens and conservatory if inclement weather. Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Rd., Avon, 440-937-0764, loraincountymetroparks.com. FREE 9/11-13 Historic Weekend. Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial celebrates the Anniversary of Oliver Hazard Perry’s defeat of the British fleet in The Battle of Lake Erie, September 10, 1813, and the enduring peace that has bound the United States, Great Britain and Canada in peace and as allies for more than 200 years. Put-in-Bay, millerferry.com 9/12 Special Needs Fishing Derby.

Exclusively for individuals with special needs. Sponsored by Stark Parks and the Berkley Fishing Team, this event will take place on the accessible Sherban Fishing Pier and the shoreline at Sippo Lake. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Canton, starkparks.com

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MIND MATTERS Sponsored By

Brain Games UPGRADE YOUR MEMORY FITNESS ROUTINE

FILL IN THE NAME OF AN ANIMAL Many of us are spending more time outdoors than ever before. After all, there’s not much else to do, right?

Below is a list of animals you may see on your next walkabout.

Then again, it all depends on where your ambling takes you.

Example:

ANSWER: (ANT)

__ __ __ EATER

1 2 3 4 5

__ __ __ HEDRAL

6

__ __ __ __ HEARTED

__ __ __ GONE

7

__ __ __ __ __ LILY

__ __ __ __ HILL __ __ __ __ FROG __ __ __ __ __ __ HOLE

8 9 10

__ __ __ __ SKIN __ __ __ HOLE __ __ __ __ __ HAIR

MEMORY QUOTE

“A good laugh is sunshine in the house.”

— William M. Thackeray

Puzzle provided by Kathryn Kilpatrick, Memory Fitness/ Brain Health consultant, Geriatric Life Enhancement consultant and speech-language pathologist. For more games and tips, go to connectionsincommunication. com or memoryfitnessmatters.com.

ANSWERS: 1 . CAT, , 2. DOG, 3. MOLE, 4. BULL, 5. RABBIT, 6. LION, 7. TIGER, 8. DEER, 9. FOX, 10. HORSE July/August 2020

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IS THIS SOAPBOX AVAILABLE?

BOOM! POP CULTURE CHRON ICLES MIKE OLSZEWSKI

W

e’ve been aggressively spring cleaning and it’s been a real eye-opener.

We’re going room by room and with each one done, it feels like a small victory on our way to winning the war. It’s like a new house. I’m seriously thinking about moving into our laundry room. Apparently, a lot of folks have been doing the same, to Goodwill’s benefit. My wife Janice and I dropped off our first carload of clothes, collectibles and household stuff and had to wait in line to unload.

This whole intense cleaning thing has been like traveling in a time machine. Sifting through some old files, I found my first-grade report card. My teacher refers to me as a “charming lad.” Who says ‘lad’ anymore? Or charming? That’s like calling pants “slacks.” Not only that, but the teacher also wrote in cursive.

A lot of schools don’t teach that style of handwriting anymore. Nowadays, people think cursive refers to the lyrics of their favorite song.

I’ve also been binge-watching classic shows on Decades, getTV and similar channels. How did some of this stuff get on the air? The language used on “All in the Family,” “Sanford and Son” and others wouldn’t stand a chance getting past network censors today.

I’ve also been watching “The Ed Sullivan Show” reruns. George Carlin was on a lot and he used to do

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a bit (not on TV) about “The Seven Dirty Words.” One is now in common use and three others have shown up in newscasts. Times change.

One more thing: There were some pretty weird acts on Sullivan’s show, and it makes you think. Like the husband-and-wife team snapping cigarettes out of each other’s mouths with bullwhips, or the guy spinning in circles on a unicycle, spinning a plate with a pool cue on his nose. There were a lot of those acts. What were they trying to do when they found out they could do that stuff?

Joe Walsh once sang that he was an “analog man” and decried the move to digital everything. I was in radio for a lot of years and had boxes of tapes piled to the ceiling. Over the last few years, I’ve been trying to get rid of the bulk and transferring audio and video, photos and documents to a hard drive. You can pretty much fit your whole life on something the size of a wallet. On the other hand, that Last issue, I asked which landmark Cleveland theater had a pool under its stage for diving horses. It was The Hippodrome. That pool was forgotten after vaudeville died.

For next time, this Cleveland-born actor and TV veteran is probably best remembered for playing both a secret agent and a police lieutenant. We’ll have his name in the next issue.

BOOM TRIVIA

way you can also leave your whole life behind on a bus. Joe may be on to something.

I’ve long held that there’s a Northeast Ohio connection for everything. I’ve used my downtime to catch up on books; three back up that theory.

“The Office: The Untold Story of the Greatest Sitcom of the 2000s” tells the amazing story about the series that started on the BBC. It was written by Clevelander Andy Greene who graduated from Kenyon College and now writes for Rolling Stone.

“Modern Family: The Untold Oral History of One of Television’s Groundbreaking Sitcoms” features comments from veteran writer Dan O’Shannon, who grew up in Lake County. “Brother Robert: Growing Up with Robert Johnson” was written by his step-sister about the blues singer who was among the charter group of Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees. The late Cleveland blues singer Robert Jr. Lockwood knew Johnson.

Lockwood told me he’s sure Johnson played throughout Northeast Ohio because they were on the same circuit and he saw him in passing several times. It should also be pointed out that the venues might be a barn dance, a tavern or even a living room for a handful of people, but that was life on the road.

Mike Olszewski is a veteran award-winning radio, TV and print journalist and college instructor. Contact him at janmike1978@gmail.com.