14 ON THE COVER TECHNOLOGY
Marji Kolesar of Medina illustrates the mix of frustration and satisfaction many people have with technology. One solution: take a class. The Medina County Office for Older Adults sponsors Tech Tuesdays with group and one-on-one sessions.
Photo by Kim Stahnke
Ineed to cut back on my scream time but I’m not having much success.
The problem is, Alexa’s gone rogue; I haven’t yelled this much in the morning since the kids moved out a decade ago.
Alexa is the artificial intelligence service, the brain and voice driving my Amazon Echo, a device that responds to verbal commands to play music, set alarms, read news, answer questions and do other tasks that we used to do ourselves.
As gadgets go, it’s a handy one, and Alexa and I were on good terms until, suddenly, we weren’t. Every morning at 7 a.m., she blasts the local National Public Radio station from her perch on our kitchen table. I’m usually upstairs getting dressed when it happens, so I scream, “Alexa, stop!” in a voice much too loud for a house without children or a dog. Sometimes she makes me yell it a few times before complying. It’s a loud way to start the day.
I’ve gone through the settings, I’ve checked the app and I still don’t know why Alexa is doing what she does. So, mornings progress predictably: coffee, strolling around the garden, (I wake up early), and then screaming at Alexa. It’s our thing.
The other sticky tech issue that frustrates me is the uneasy relationship between my iPhone and Prius. Sometimes they sync but it seems accidental, like finding a $5 bill in a pocket, or hitting every green light on Lorain Road.
Without warning, a phone conversation or podcast makes its way from my phone to the car speakers, but only as an afterthought. I guess any car newer than my 2015 model would make a better match, but I’m not willing to invest money to improve their relationship. They’ll have to remain in the could-benefit-fromdecent-marriage-counseling category. Despite the screaming and annoying car thing, I like technology
and its gadgets and eagerly embrace them. I don’t confidently tap my iPhone on the card reader at stores, but I don’t use an abacus, either. I fall somewhere in between.
Frustration with technology is something people of all ages deal with, but older adults like us tend to be harder on themselves than necessary. Giving up on it isn’t something that 20- or 30-year-olds consider; they know it’s part of life, no more frustrating than getting a bad restaurant meal.
My friends and I, on the other hand, blame ourselves when tech gets glitchy. “No more!” we proclaim. We’re done with fussy passwords and online-only options for news, shopping, banking and other daily activities. Here’s the catch: The rest of the world isn’t done with technology. It’s hurtling faster into it by the minute.
Opting out is a lazy and limiting option. Figuring out the Uber app to get to places you no longer want to drive to, or reviewing medical test results the instant they’re done can be both physically and mentally freeing; it gives us control when our world starts to shrink. Why not take the time to master tech and be generous with ourselves while working through the commands, settings and multi-step passwords?
Most of this magazine issue is about technology; how to use it and why. We’ve only scratched the surface. We hope the stories will move you into the not-hate arena if you’re resisting technology and into the wow, that’s cool category if you’ve been enjoying it all along.
I need to wrap this up. I got an early start today and Alexa is stirring. I feel extra assertive this morning. The neighbors may wonder what all the screaming is about. But Alexa knows; she always knows.
VOL. 10, ISSUE 3
July/August 2024
Northeast Ohio Boomer is a property of Mitchell Media LLC
PO Box 1088 Hudson, OH 44236 330-822-4011 NortheastOhioBoomer.com
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PUBLISHER - Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioboomer.com 330-714-7712
EDITOR - Marie Elium marie@northeastohioboomer.com
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CONTRIBUTORS
Jennifer Beach, Estelle Rodis-Brown, Bill DeMarco, Traci McBride, Mike Olszewski, Michael Pane, Linda Peavy
Tak Sato, Karen Shadrach
ART DIRECTOR - Laura Chadwick laura@northeastohioboomer.com
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PUBLISHER OF
NEO BOOMER EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD
Mindi Axner
Executive Director National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland
Dr. Ardeshir Z. Hashmi Cleveland Clinic Director Center for Geriatric Medicine
Julienne Hayes Content Manager Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging
Kathy M. Hirko Owner KAZ Company
Kathryn Kilpatrick President Communication Connection LLC
Kelsey Loushin President Eldercare Professionals of Ohio
Stephanie Manning The American Heart Association, Cleveland
Steven Marsh Dr. Steve Marsh, DDS
Fatima Perkins Director of Community Outreach Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging
Northeast Ohio
Thrive After 55
Coming in the Sept/Oct Issue beginning September 19
FALL ADVENTURES
Rediscover passions, build confidence, and meditate your way to successful aging.
Bob Pontius Director of External Relations Danbury Senior Living
Leslie Royce Resnik President Royce Public Relations
Beth Silver Director of Public Relations and Marketing Menorah Park
Candyce Traci Vice President All Media Design Group
Nancy Udelson Retired CEO Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Area Chapter
Compiled by Marie Elium
Step aside, deepfried Oreos, cheesy corn dogs and blooming onions. You’re so last year.
Next up: chocolate deviled eggs, gelato tacos and crawfish bowls. They’re debuting at the Ohio State Fair (July 24-Aug. 4), and likely headed to other festivals this summer and fall. Tasty? We’ll see. It’s tough to beat an elephant-ear-pork-chopon-a-stick dinner.
The next two months comprise festival and fair season in Ohio. Aside from the big one in Columbus, a few of our favorites are Fairview Park Summerfest July 25-28, the Cuyahoga County Fair in Berea Aug. 6-11 and The Great Geauga County Fair Aug. 29-Sept. 2.
Grab a milkshake near the cow barn, unwrap a steaming sausage sandwich, and celebrate the sights, sounds and tastes of summer.
In a world filled with worthy causes, this has to be one of the worthiest: the Independence Kiwanis Club Annual Golf Outing to raise scholarship money for Children of Fallen Patriots.
The annual event is Aug. 16 at Briarwood Golf Club.
Now in its fourth year, the outing includes gift baskets, a raffle, breakfast, lunch and dinner along with 18 holes of golf. Packages are available for non-golfers and businesses.
Proceeds provide scholarships and counseling to military children from all branches of the armed forces who have died as a result of combat casualties, military training accidents, service-related illnesses, suicide, and other dutyrelated deaths as determined by the Department of Veterans Affairs. For ticket and donation information, call chairperson Jackie Horn at 216-5246297 or email independence. kiwanisgolf@gmail. com.
Get your leashes ready! The 17th annual Paw Fest is Sunday, Sept. 15 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at Stow’s Bow Wow Beach Dog Park, sponsored by the Stow-Munroe Falls Lions Club.
Hundreds of dogs and their owners are expected for a day filled with contests, speakers,
rescue group events, food trucks and more. The cost is $1 per car OR a pair(s) of used eyeglasses donated to the Lions Club. They’re also collecting non-perishable foods for local schoolchildren. Groups that want to participate should contact chairman Marty Dennis at Duhstoy2@gmail.com.
Compiled by Marie Elium
Nominees are:
Four extraordinary people who defy aging stereotypes and inspire others to rethink aging are in the running for the Golden Achievement
BARBARA ANDERSON
Barbara Anderson is a visionary leader dedicated to enhancing neighborhood quality of life, nationwide. A survivor of predatory lending, Anderson leveraged her role as treasurer and president of Empowering and Strengthening Ohio’s People to negotiate with banks to reinvest millions into low-income neighborhoods. She now sits on the board of Third Federal, continuing to put her financial activism into practice. Anderson is the founder of Another Chance of Ohio, a nonprofit that provides donated clothing, furniture, appliances and housewares to people in need at no cost. Her dedication extends to numerous committees and organizations; her efforts have earned her recognition as a “Cleveland Hero” and a leader in fair lending and community reinvestment.
DENNA REEVES
Denna Reeves, a lifelong resident of Hough in Ward 7, embodies an unchanging dedication to service. Reeves not only actively engages in community meetings, service projects and local events, but can also be found leading their planning and organizing committees. Her unwavering commitment is evident in her volunteer work at the food pantry, where she helps unload deliveries, stock food, prepare food bags and distribute them. She is also known for encouraging youth involvement in the community, and helping them use their talents to support others. Her resilience in the face of gentrification and her lifelong dedication to cultivating the voices of the next generation make her a cornerstone of her community.
Award sponsored by the Cleveland-based nonprofit organization, Benjamin Rose. The organization, which supports the aging journeys of adults and those who care for them through wellness, housing and financial services, as well as
research and advocacy, accepted nominations from throughout the community during a months-long campaign. The winner will be announced Aug. 2 at the Triumph: Benjamin Rose Celebrates You! luncheon and awards ceremony.
MARK MCNAMARA
Mark McNamara, a Community Engagement Specialist with LakewoodAlive, has an enduring passion for community service. Rather than retiring after years of service as a social worker with the Cuyahoga County Department of Children and Family Services, McNamara began this second career, working tirelessly with low-income residents, especially older adults, as a certified Aging in Place Specialist, assisting elderly residents by recommending and installing home improvements, providing mattresses, helping hoarders, installing smoke alarms and connecting residents to essential services. His dedication to the community extends to coaching youth baseball and establishing community gardens. McNamara’s passion for community service and relationship building continues to make a lasting difference in the lives of Lakewood’s most vulnerable residents.
Semanthie Brooks is a tireless advocate for older adults and individuals with disabilities, challenging stereotypes about aging by promoting active engagement and support. Her work includes organizing events like Senior Night Out with the Cavs, ensuring over 1,000 seniors experience their first game, regardless of mobility challenges. A former Benjamin Rose employee, Brooks continues to educate and strengthen relationships with public policy groups and older adult organizations, advocating for healthcare and social welfare. Brooks’ extensive involvement with organizations like AARP and local committees highlights her commitment to improving the lives of older adults, leaving a legacy of integrity, wisdom and strength in Cleveland and beyond.
Polka music has a long history in Cleveland. Remember “Polka Varieties” on WEWS when we were kids? You can still catch the familiar, upbeat music from 8 a.m. to noon on The Saturday Morning Polka Show on WZIP, The University of Akron’s radio station.
Why are we talking about polka music? The show—run by Matt Schafer, Fred Carty, Tracy Stevanov and John Snelick— celebrates its 35th anniversary this year.
The first hour is offered as a podcast and has 26,000 downloads reaching all 50 states and more than 50 countries.
“A lot of people enjoy polka music. We play a variety of polka music… Polish, Slovakian, Italian, German. Our listeners have these backgrounds, and we try to serve that need. Some of the lyrics are even in the ethnic tongue and people relate to that,” says Schafer.
“There are people who appreciate us showcasing ethnic backgrounds and the various styles of polka music. There was one caller who called to tell us we are her ‘entertainment lifeline’ every time she listens to the radio. There’s a real need for it and we do have quite a following.”
“We will continue to be on the air as long as the University will have us,” he says.
By Karen Shadrach
there’s something special about summer concerts. The warm weather, outdoor setting and lively music are the perfect recipe for creating unforgettable memories with our grandkids.
From classic rock, pop, jazz, blues and tribute bands to children’s music, you’re sure to find something that will appeal to both you and your grandkids. Many
summer concerts take place in parks or other outdoor venues, serving up an opportunity to enjoy beautiful weather and fresh air.
Unlike more formal indoor concerts, summer concerts have a relaxed atmosphere with blankets, picnic baskets, and often room to dance. Many are free or low-cost, making them an accessible activity for families on a budget.
If your grandkids are young, look for concerts featuring children’s musicians or family-friendly bands. If they’re older, explore concerts with music from a variety of genres. Opt for concerts held in parks or other outdoor venues with space to run around; avoid places with limited seating or restrictive rules.
Evening concerts can be fun, but if your grandkids are young, a daytime or early evening concert might be more suitable. Some concerts offer additional activities like face painting, crafts or play areas. Look for these extras to keep your grandkids entertained before the music starts.
For a fun and stress-free concert, bring a basket with your grandkids’ favorite snacks and drinks. Don’t forget water and sunscreen. Most venues have lawn seating, so grab comfortable chairs and blankets to sit on. The most important thing is to have fun. Dance, sing along, and enjoy the music together.
Check your local community board or online event calendars to find summer concerts near you.
A few local neighborhood concerts include the Independence Summer
Concerts at the Independence Town Hall Bandstand on Brecksville Road. There are different bands every Friday evening from 7-9 p.m. Food trucks will be available from 6-9 p.m. The Bandstand in Lakewood Park on Lake Avenue hosts concerts on Sundays through Aug.11. The Recreation Center Park in Westlake on Hilliard Boulevard hosts concerts on Sundays through Aug. 4.
Many more communities offer single concerts or summer concert series. A large summer concert venue is Wade Oval Wednesdays (WOW!), Cleveland’s favorite free summer concert series. The concerts are in Wade Oval at 10820 East Boulevard through Aug. 14 from 5:30-8:30 pm. Food trucks are onsite. The concerts include both a pre-show and a halftime show. Check out the University Circle website for their 2024 lineup. WOW! is a rain-or-shine event, but will be canceled if the weather turns severe.
Another large concert venue we are fortunate to have in Northeast Ohio is Blossom Music Center in Cuyahoga Falls, located within the Cuyahoga Valley National Park.
Blossom is a fantastic place to introduce your grandchild to classical
music. Blossom Music Center, the summer home of the Cleveland Orchestra, combines two key ingredients—excellent acoustics and a stunning natural park setting—to create one of the most recognizable music venues in America.
Blossom hosts live music shows, including both rock and pop festivals. When you purchase a lawn ticket, you can request two free youth lawn passes for children under 18. Upcoming performances include Lord of the Rings on Aug. 2-4 and Cirque Goes Broadway on Aug. 31 and Sept. 1. What a pleasant way to spend a summer evening: under the stars with fantastic music.
Summer concerts offer a unique opportunity to create memories with your grandkids. So, find an outdoor concert near you, grab the grandkids, pack a picnic, and get ready to bond over music on pleasantly sunny days and gentle summer evenings.
Karen Shadrach is a Northeast Ohio on-the-go, in-the-know grandmother of two sets of twins. Read her grandparenting blog at northeastohioboomer.com.
By Tak Sato
Welcome to our first technology issue. We’ve worked hard to come up with a way to make the topic approachable and, dare we say it … fun. Even with summer’s sweltering heat, tech can be a cold subject for many people.
Technology continues to intimidate many people 55 and older for a few key reasons, based on data and conversations I’ve had with students in my nonprofit’s Discover Digital Literacy! classes.
For starters, they don’t know who to ask about a tech question. They also have the incorrect perception that technology isn’t for them. As digital immigrants, they’re unsure why and how smartphones, laptops, and other devices benefit them.
This same group of people 55 and older made their way through earlier tech advances in the 20th Century with relative ease. If they had a question and
didn’t know who to ask, they at least had a printed manual in the box that their cell phone came in.
Fast forward to the 21st Century. Suddenly, their digital literacy hit a wall. Smartphones and tablets don’t come with a printed manual anymore. Manufacturers instead put a little card in the box, referring buyers to browse their website for tips. That’s a straightforward task for younger people, digital natives, but a catch-22 for digital immigrants, especially if they are trying to embrace digital literacy for the first time through a smartphone they purchased.
Even when they get help, it isn’t that helpful. Younger family members and friends are quick to fix a problem for them but do not have the patience or empathy to teach them why and how to fix or use their devices. This interaction, however well-meaning, makes older adults reluctant to ask questions. They want to know the how and the why.
Borrowing a page from how I teach digital literacy at my nonprofit, we settled on the FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions) format below. There’s no such thing as a stupid question, and that’s especially true with technology. Digital immigrants, you’ve landed in a safe place. We hope you’ll find something helpful in our technology issue.
What are smartwatches good for?
All tell time, of course, but do so much more. Most track health vitals like heart rate. A sidekick to your smartphone, it notifies you of incoming calls, text messages, emails, and notifications from apps so you don’t have to whip out your smartphone. It will let you answer calls or text messages straight from your smartwatch. Some smartwatches are geared towards fitness. For a person prone to falls, choosing a smartwatch (not the fitness type) with fall detection is like investing in an insurance policy. Why? In case you fall, the smartwatch will ask you "Are you okay?" (like how security systems work). If you answer "no" or can't answer within a set time, it alerts the preset emergency contacts you’ve chosen from your Contacts app. It can also call the emergency services with the GPS location of where the fall was detected. If you want a true Dick Tracy watch that works without having your smartphone nearby, you can pay an additional monthly fee to your carrier.
Which smartwatch should I buy?
Stay with the same make (brand) as your smartphone for the most compatibility. If you carry an iPhone, buy the Apple Watch. If you carry a Galaxy smartphone from Samsung, buy the Galaxy Watch. If you carry a Pixel smartphone from Google, buy a Pixel Watch. If you carry an Android-based smartphone but the make/brand does not make a smartwatch, buy Galaxy Watch or Pixel Watch if fall detection is important, or a smartwatch from other brands, depending on your needs.
Wait, do you need a Windows or Mac computer? What do you want to do with it? I've learned that many older adults use their computers to
access the internet (the cloud) for simple tasks like checking email, browsing for information, online shopping and banking and streaming entertainment. But a Windows or Mac computer is capable of far more. People often overpay for more computer power than they need. A less-expensive tablet or budgetfriendly Chromebook may be a good option if you have simple computer needs, saving you money and headaches from mastering complex operating systems like Windows and MacOS.
Is it safe to buy non-Apple-branded (non-OEM) accessories to save money?
Sure, but I would strongly recommend that the third-party products you buy are MFi certified. This means that the accessories are tested and endorsed by Apple. MFi stands for "made
for iPhone/iPad" and is Apple's certification program. Buy only MFicertified or Apple-branded products. I was raised to be frugal but when I’ve invested in a $1,000 iPhone, I'd rather not sweat the little things by using non-MFi-certified accessories to save a few bucks.
Which browser should I use?
All browsers let you travel, figuratively, the information superhighway known as the internet (cloud). A browser, like a car, takes you from point A to point B. The main ones are Chrome (Google), Edge (Microsoft), and Firefox (Mozilla Foundation). It
depends on what you prefer. On my Windows laptop, I have Chrome, Edge and Firefox installed, and use all three, depending on my mood/need.
On my Apple Macbook, I have four browsers installed because Apple has the Apple-device-exclusive Safari browser. That said, if you are hard of hearing, which I am, I've been recommending the Chrome or Edge browsers that let you enable realtime captions (closed captions) for whatever is playing on your computer. It’s a handy feature because not all videos have a standard closed caption (CC) button. You'll find this under the "Accessibility" category of Chrome or Edge settings menu. The "Settings" menu item shows up when you click on the three horizontal or vertical dots or bars (they keep changing the icon so you should think like an Egyptian, reading hieroglyphics).
I canceled cable TV because it became too expensive. Since I still have internet and Wi-Fi service, can I get entertainment through the internet?
Many free streaming services play commercials to cover their costs. Also, there are many paid subscriptionbased streaming services with few or no commercials, depending on your plan. Count yourself as a cardcarrying member of the "cutting-thecord" posse, which I have been in for more than a decade.
To find popular, free streaming services, point your favorite web browser on any device that is connected to the internet, and type in pluto.tv, tubitv.com or play.xumo.com, to name a few.
Smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks have dedicated apps available for free in the Play Store (Android-based devices) and App Store (Apple devices). There's also an interesting free streaming project going on at Stanford University on the West Coast. Visit puffer.stanford.edu, where the project streams stations affiliated with NBC, CBS, ABC, PBS, Fox and CW networks in the Palo Alto, California area to anyone in the USA.
when shopping for a smartTV, image quality should be the priority. You can even apply the same logic and buy a streamer for your five-year-old smartTV that has become slower, more cumbersome, or cannot connect to the newer free/paid streaming services. Funny that five years is considered old but technology ages like a dog—seven years in dog years for one human year. Be a smartCONSUMER.
How did I get hit by a computer virus even though I pay annually for an antivirus program?
Whether you pay for an antivirus program or use the antivirus feature that is already baked into Windows 10 or 11, antivirus programs cannot protect you from your bad computer habits. Security programs are like your wingman, trying to protect you when you make the wrong judgment call, such as opening an email attachment that is inside an unsolicited email that you should have just deleted without opening in the first place. Your best protection is your judgment, and
that means building good computer habits. Doing so minimizes the risk of being phished, getting a virus, or getting infected with less harmful but very annoying adware, or worse ransomware.
Do I need a smartTV to stream? My TV is flat like a smartTV but old.
The prefix "smart" before the word TV or before any noun such as “phone” means it can connect to the internet. Traditionally, "broadcasting" meant you either used an antenna to receive TV broadcasted through the air or a cable TV service relaying the same programs and premium channels through a thick cable. "Streaming" is receiving entertainment broadcasted through the internet, instead of the air or cable. Most modern computers and tablets, by default, can connect to the internet so they don't get that prefix but cell phones and TVs, because they traditionally didn't need to connect to the internet for their intended uses, need that prefix. If you like the image you see on your flat but dumbTV, as long as you have Wi-Fi in the home and an available HDMI connection port on your dumbTV, you can convert that dummy into a smarty starting at $20 by buying a "streamer." If you have Wi-Fi but there are no available HDMI ports on your dumbTV, there are even converters and HDMI switches on marketplaces like Amazon that may do the trick for a fraction of the cost of buying a new smartTV. Again, if you like the image quality of your dumbTV, why buy a new smartTV when $20 can give it a new life?
My friend showed me her smartphone’s vacation pictures on her smartTV. I can't find the "Cast" button on my Samsung phone that she said her Google Pixel phone has. Help!
The industry standard lingo for doing what she did is called "mirroring" because she was mirroring her smartphone's tiny screen onto the smartTV's bigger screen. The basic premise for mirroring to work is that the two devices are on the same network and the Wi-Fi router doesn't have the feature to block the devices from seeing each. What is annoying, from a consumer perspective, is that different smartphone manufacturers of Android-based smartphones— which Google built Android and licenses to companies like Motorola, Samsung, and many others—may give it a different name than what Google calls casting. Since you have a Samsung smartphone, they are one of those companies who call it "SmartView.” Apple calls the mirroring "Airplay" or "Airplay2." Not all smart TVs or streamers can mirror both Android and/or Apple devices.
I have an iPhone (smartphone), iPad (tablet), and an iMac (computer) from Apple. I have device fatigue. Recently, my husband gave me ebooks on my Amazon account. As much as I want to start reading them, I am leery of having to buy yet another device, an Amazon Kindle ebook reader, and learn how to use it. Do I have to? Although I have my own problems and Tech Talk does not give marital advice, I believe you must appreciate your husband's thoughtfulness. Amazon has the free "Kindle app" for Android-based smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks, Apple iPhones and iPads, and Kindle applications for Windows and MacOS personal computers. Enjoy reading your ebooks.
I have Windows 10 and the Windows Update tells me that I cannot upgrade my 10-year-old computer to Windows 11. Do I need a new computer?
If Microsoft doesn't exercise the stay-of-execution option as they did with Windows 7 to delay the inevitable, Windows 10 will be put out to pasture on October 14, 2025. It's not that Windows 10 will cease to operate as the clock turns to October 15, but you take on more risk using an unsupported operating system, especially connected to the cloud.
My Windows 10 computer was upgraded to Windows 11. I know I need to adapt to the new look, but it annoys me to see the little flag (the Windows start button) in the middle of the taskbar. Are there free programs for Windows 11 to look like Windows 10?
You can do better than using a free program. Open the Settings application, select Personalization, select Taskbar, select Taskbar behaviors, find Taskbar alignment and from the dropdown menu on the right end of that entry, choose your preference (currently Center or Left). Or if you right-mouse/touchpad click on your taskbar, select Taskbar settings and follow the above from selecting Taskbar behavior. The latter shortcut saved you a whopping seven seconds... You're welcome.
Is FaceTime good?
FaceTime is an easy-to-use videochat app, especially if you are an Apple device holder (iPhone, iPad or Mac computer) holding video chats with other Apple device holders. If you have the right operating system on your Apple device—iOS15, iPadOS15 or MacOS Monterey or newer—you can now invite Android and Windows device users. They can join, not initiate, a video chat using their favorite web browser. Other video chat apps that work with both Apple and Android-based smartphones and tablets include Google Meet, Zoom, or Signal.
My friend, whose email address ends in @gmail.com, says she creates documents for free in the cloud. How does she do that?
Free email service providers like Google (@gmail.com) and Microsoft (@hotmail.com or @outlook.com) have enhanced their services with office productivity applications like a word processor, spreadsheet
Whether
you pay for an antivirus program or use the antivirus feature that is already baked into Windows 10 or 11, antivirus programs cannot protect you from your bad computer habits.
and presentation. For Google and Microsoft, Docs, Sheets, Slides or Word, Excel, PowerPoint respectively. These free offerings have apps installable from mutually exclusive Apps Store (Apple) and Play Store (Android) respectively for smartphones, tablets and Chromebooks. You can also use a web browser on your computer. The documents, spreadsheets and presentations you create are saved in the cloud as default but you can download them to your devices or convert them into a PDF file that can be opened in a web browser or with an app from Adobe called "Acrobat Reader.”
I paid to increase my iCloud space but it only increased it on my phone; not on my laptop. I have an iPhone and a Dell laptop.
When you pay to increase your iCloud space, you are paying monthly to increase your storage space in the cloud and not on your iPhone. Your iPhone in your hand is always connected to your storage space in the cloud (internet). Apple brands its users' cloud storage space as iCloud. Refer to the May/June 2024 issue of the Tech Talk column in Boomer magazine for a detailed explanation.
When I buy a smart bulb, why can’t I get it to work with my Alexa?
For digital assistants like Alexa to be able to control your smart bulb, you need to go through the initial "pairing" of the devices. These steps assume you already have Alexa on your home's Wi-Fi (wireless) network. If you haven't already, download the Alexa app from the App Store (iPhone/iPad) or the Play Store (Android-based smartphone/tablet), start it, and sign into your Amazon account using the Alexa app. Tap on "Devices," tap on the "+" icon (think like an Egyptian reading hieroglyphics to decode what an icon may mean, which in this case a plus sign icon means to add something), answer questions that follow after tapping "Add Device." Now you are ready to pair the two. Many times, the smart bulb itself automatically goes into the "pairing mode" when you put the smart bulb into the socket and turn the fixture on
(if it does, you'll notice the smart bulb blinking). Refer to the instructions that came with your smart bulb to put it in pairing mode if it doesn't do it automatically. Once you pair the smart bulb with Alexa, you can give voice commands to Alexa and control the smart device, in this example the smartbulb.
Do I need a smart bulb with a smart plug or both?
A smartplug, which is plugged into a wall outlet, can turn on/off "notsmart" devices like a plain old floor lamp fixture that is plugged into the smartplug, by using the smartplug's app on your smartphone or by giving voice commands to digital assistants like Alexa. Staying with this plain old floor lamp fixture example, you can opt to replace the not-smart light bulb of the floor lamp with a smartbulb instead and you can achieve the same thing. It's fun to make a dumb object smart. No one's stopping you from using both: a plain, old floor lamp with a smartbulb plugged into a smartplug that is plugged into the wall outlet. I was at a party and saw someone with a large phone that she folded in half and put in her purse. Could I get that and still be compatible with my iPad or Dell computer?
Have you noticed the muscle cars of the late ‘60s and early ‘70s giving very strong design cues to the reincarnated muscle cars in the 21st Century? Think of foldable smartphones as following the same pattern of revival. For a while, a “bigger [screen] is better” was the industry motto for a smartphone, but like my wife and many of my alumni with smaller hands, they prefer the size of the iPhone SE over the regular iPhones. It was a matter of time before they brought back the iconic branding and design, not to mention shape-shifting foldable phones like that Motorola Razr, but this time when you open it up, it becomes a smartphone with a big screen. These foldable smartphones are Androidbased. Can you share or copy files from the foldable smartphone to an iPad or a Dell computer? Sure. Android-based smartphones are compatible with both Apple and other non-Apple devices for sharing files.
Do I need to turn off my phone and laptop at night? Is it bad to keep them on all the time?
Over the decades, I've listened to electrical engineers heatedly debate on your second question. Risking that one of my electrical engineer college buddies will hate me, I believe it's not bad and it's not any better to keep them on all the time. I rarely turn any of my devices—smartphones, tablets or computers—off. They are set to sleep, sipping little energy when not used. I never turned off my dumbphone or even the cordless phone that was connected to my landline (remember those?) because doing so defeats the purpose of what the devices do. I do encourage people to turn on, manually or on a daily preset schedule, the "Do Not Disturb" (DND) feature of a smartphone when they’re sleeping or don’t want to be contacted. Calls are sent to voicemail, texts just go unread, and notifications show up on the screen but the screen is not lit. If the same caller calls several times in succession, the artificial intelligence will let the call through since it deems the call might be important enough to break the DND.
Is there a difference between texting and messaging?
Yes, there is but it may not matter too much, especially if you are on a smartphone plan since talking and texting, or as I affectionately call those communication methodologies "yapping and tapping," is free and unlimited. If the phone has a texting feature, you just need the 10-digit phone number of the recipient to send a text message. Messaging, on the other hand, requires that both parties use the same messaging app. Signal (my preference due to privacy), WhatsUp and Messenger from Meta (parent company of social media platforms Facebook and Instagram), iMessage (from Apple) which is part of Apple's Message app can do messaging.
Tak Sato is the founder of the Clevelandarea nonprofit, Center for Aging in the Digital World (empowerseniors.org), which teaches digital literacy to people 60+ through the free Discover Digital Literacy program.
FITNESS TRACKERS By Estelle Rodis-Brown
Ilove staying active but I don’t want to drop what I’m doing, get dressed for the gym, drive there, wait for a class or my turn on the equipment, then finally return home to my growing to-do list. I’m pragmatic. I want to accomplish a task while raising my heart rate. So instead of hitting the gym, I do things around the house the hard way, like push-mowing our three-acre lawn. I know it sounds crazy, but I’ve always felt it’s the best way to stay strong, healthy and able. My Fitbit agrees.
I no longer have to guess that I’m getting good exercise by working hard a few days a week. My Fitbit Versa 4 smartwatch/fitness tracker proves that I’m getting double the recommended cardio/active zone minutes (150 per week). I also know that I’ve averaged 8,350 steps per day this past month, so I’m in the zone for optimum fitness. Recent research suggests that 7,000-10,000 steps per day for adults 18-59 years old; 6,000-8,000 steps per day for
adults aged 60+ years; and 7,500 steps per day for women aged 62-101 years reduce mortality risks.
The Fitbit tracks my resting heart rate, potential irregular heart rhythms, skin temperatures and oxygen saturation rates. These quiet readings detect and predict when my body is stressed out or fighting illness.
I also know how well I sleep each night, since the app spits out an assessment each morning, detailing how long I’ve slept overall, plus a breakdown of minutes spent restless, in deep sleep, in light sleep and REM (rapid eye movement) stages of sleep.
Because we no longer have to guesstimate if we’re doing enough to maintain physical fitness for optimum health as we age. Thanks to easy-to-use wearable technology including Fitbit, Apple Watch, Oura Ring and other fitness trackers, we can seamlessly gather personal data to guide our exercise, sleep and stressreduction habits to improve our health.
Maintaining physical fitness is the best insurance policy we have against deadly chronic diseases. When it comes to dodging the leading causes of death—including cancer, diabetes and diseases of the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys, cerebrovascular and respiratory systems—the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) says we can bolster our immune systems and stave off chronic disease and mortality with regular exercise, a healthy diet, avoiding smoking and getting regular screenings. Exercise can be as simple as taking a brisk walk after dinner every evening. For more of a challenge and increased health benefits, add two to three sessions of weight-bearing/strength training to your weekly routine.
Even short bursts of regular exercise reduce cancer risk. A 2023 study published in JAMA Oncology found that those who walked briskly for at least four to five minutes daily—even if they didn’t otherwise exercise—were 31 percent less likely to die of 13 different types of cancer than people
who strolled throughout the day. When it comes to heart disease, one person dies every 33 seconds in the U.S. The average age for a first heart attack is the mid-60s for men and early 70s for women, with the average 50-year-old having some plaque buildup in their coronary arteries. This atherosclerosis accumulates between the ages of 40 and 50, doctors say.
And yet, it’s not inevitable. Regular exercise can improve your heart health. Brisk walks can be as effective as taking a statin. For the most benefit, quicken your pace so you can carry on a conversation but you’re breathing harder than usual.
Between the ages of 50 and 64, your chance of dying from a respiratory illness like COVID-19, pneumonia or influenza is four times higher than for those in their 40s. Strengthen your immune system and the muscles around your lungs by taking long, slow breaths through your
nose. Studies have found that deep breathing exercises protect the lungs from infection, improve sleep, and decrease stress and depression.
In each of these cases, wearable technology can guide you through the steps, heart rates and breathing exercises to incorporate into your daily life while tracking your progress. The devices can motivate you to get up and go, with hourly nudges to stand up and walk around or suggested routines for deep breathing, yoga, guided meditation, weight training, walking, or other exercise.
Rewards are built in to keep you motivated. It’s surprisingly satisfying to see alerts on your tracker and phone, congratulating you for meeting your fitness goals. For even more feedback, join online fitness challenges, support groups and other interactive communities.
Fitness technology doesn’t just monitor and track your health metrics but can significantly improve your overall well-being. A 2022 review published in The Lancet examined the effectiveness of activity trackers and found that they improve physical activity, body composition and fitness. The 163,992 participants averaged approximately 1,800 extra steps per day, 40 extra minutes of walking, and a daily six-minute increase in moderate to vigorous physical activity.
Personalized data allows you to customize your approach to fitness and health management. You don’t need to hit the gym or push-mow your yard to get your daily dose of physical activity. Strap on a fitness tracker and find your own way forward.
By Jennifer Beach
Today’s tech devices and gadgets are incredible and plentiful, and each of us thinks and feels differently about them, from telling Alexa to turn on our air conditioners and play our favorite tunes, to the cell phones and tablets we use to video chat.
We can grocery-shop while sitting on the beach. Our watches monitor our heart rates and glucose spikes. We’ve got GPS in our shoes so we don’t lose track of each other. The choices are amazing and, to many older adults, overwhelming.
Learning a new tech device is more frightening than hearing a strange noise at night, a dental visit and a doctor appointment combined, according to a survey of adults 60+ by Candoo Tech (2021). Fifty-seven percent of older
adults fear internet scams, hacks and computer viruses.
Despite their unease, older adults want to be connected. In another survey, 46% chose “someone to help me learn or personal tech coach” as the number one item on their wish list. That’s more than twice the number who want a new tech device (21%).
As technology advances and becomes a bigger part of everyday life, many older adults understand the benefits it brings and are eager to learn.
Have you watched a young person show an older adult how to use a cell phone, TV remote or computer? Typically, the young person is scrolling, clicking or moving so fast that you hardly have time to review how to turn the device on and off, let alone follow what they are showing you. I see this when adult children give their parents a wonderful new gadget such as a
smartTV, cell phone or tablet. We want our loved ones to reach and see us (and vice versa) but mastering the tech can be complicated. Safety is another issue. Older adults are prime targets for cyber-criminals. The FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center (IC3), received 101,068 complaints in 2023 from victims over age 60 who were ripped off of over $3.4 billion, an 11% increase from 2022. The average loss was $33,915; nearly 6,000 victims lost more than $100,000.
The main reasons older adults shy away from tech involve figuring out how to use smartphones and other devices, and vulnerability to scams.
1. Understand that it takes time to master a new device. Inexperience can make individuals feel uncomfortable or fearful. If you have rarely used a computer or the internet, it can be tough to learn to use them later in life. Cognitive impairments complicate learning and memory, especially something new involving multiple steps.
2. Start with the basics. Take small steps until each step is mastered.
3. Use simple language. Avoid jargon.
4. Give positive reinforcement. This builds confidence.
5. Consider a gift of tech lessons. Help them log onto online lessons or access video tutorials. Spend time teaching a new skill, keeping lessons brief, with one or two new steps per session. Review the steps and make sure they understand them before moving on.
Technology constantly changes and improves. Many older adults want to experience it but fear it’s too advanced for them. Why not take the time to help an older adult in your life unlock the world of technology?
Jennifer Beach is an Advanced Aging Life Care Professional. She established Advocate for Elders (advocate4elders.com) in Rocky River, where she works with and advocates for older adults and their families.
By Traci McBride
STechnology and style go hand-in-hand with form and function plus concealment and camouflage.
tyling is my superpower; technology is not. Yet, I enjoy its efficiency. Here are ways I’ve found to introduce tech into stylish spaces:
When my collection of photos of my adorable grand-kiddos grew, it was challenging to find space to display them. After I downsized, I had even less room.
My solution was a digital frame with hundreds of pictures and short videos. Adding pictures from anywhere with my phone was a timesaver. Gone is clutter on every surface, and now I easily choose a few to frame. I enjoy photos at a glance as they rotate through the frame, and also enjoy an unexpected bonus: the kids can see themselves and their faraway cousins and recall the fun we’ve had over the years. It has inspired conversations we wouldn’t have had if the pictures stayed on my phone or computer.
Another techie item people enjoy, yet I’m too paranoid to own, is a voice command device such as Alexa, Dot or Echo. My sisters use them to control
lights, play music, read books, remind them of things they must do, etc. The challenge is when something goes awry; a power outage, for example. They aren’t sure how to reconfigure their devices and call someone to help. These tricky little marvels are small and easy to hide inside or behind decorative items on a shelf or table.
Hand-in-hand with form and function are concealment and camouflage. Begin with choosing products with excellent design, such as sleek air purifiers, bladeless floor fans or ceiling fans with invisible blades. Add a frame to a wall-mounted TV to add style and clever camouflage to an otherwise black hole.
Technology necessarily generates cords, which can be messy. Try tying them together and tucking them into decorative items like boxes, vases and plants. Fabric cord covers, like those that hide chandelier chains, are another way to get them out of sight.
Plastic cord conduit can blend cords into a wall. Try painting conduit to match the wall or shelf to help erase cord clutter.
Technology and style come at a cost, so choosing where to invest in each is a personal matter. When I needed custom window shades, I opted for cordless top-down, bottomup manual shades in our bedroom and pleated, cordless pull-downs in the living room. I now wish I had remote shades in the living room because, with a new furniture configuration, it’s tough to reach the shades.
Music speakers aren’t attractive, so use curtains, plants and other objects to disguise them, set them into a cabinet, or paint the wall behind them the same color so they blend into the background.
Many of our day-to-day workhorses have become IRobots, Ring security, Nest thermostats, and WI-FI routers. We hide our WI-FI router up high and out of our sightline while ensuring it gets a clear signal. Our Ring doorbell and cameras offer security and are designed to blend into any aesthetic. Favorite tech creature comforts are cordless and rechargeable lamps and wall sconces. With no complicated wiring, we put them anywhere we want to introduce style through lighting. Remote candles look authentic, with melted “wax” and realistic, flickering flames. Since these items have remote controls, consider how and where to use them and if they need to be kept out of children’s hands. Almost anything can be used for a remote charging station that’s both practical and aesthetically pleasing, such as a basket, box or bowl. Remember to label the remotes. Consider time, energy and efficiency when incorporating technology into your decor. Take it step by step as you retrofit into your current space with tech.
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Traci McBride is a Northeast Ohio lifestylist of wardrobes and homes who helps people create spaces that reflect their evolved style. You can find her at Zspaces. TeeMcBee.com or contact her at Traci@TeeMcBee.com.
By Bill DeMarco
After years of development, robo advisors have entered the world of investment management. Still, many investors may not fully understand exactly what robos do or how they do it. Robo advisors are automated investment platforms that use artificial intelligence (AI) and its algorithms to guide investors with little or no human interaction. For that reason, robo advisors cost less than traditional advisors, which is part of their appeal. It’s too early to understand the potential risks of investing with robo advisors during an economic downturn or extreme market volatility when panicked or inexperienced investors may be more inclined to abandon their investment strategies without a familiar, actual person to guide them through the storm.
A financial professional can provide personalized, face-to-face guidance to clients as they accumulate wealth and their needs become more complex. Put simply, there are still some critical things that people can do better than computers.
The true value of a financial professional may lie in emotional intelligence and interaction. When personal relationships are formed, advisors gain insight into each client's unique financial picture, including their priorities, pressing concerns and psychological tendencies. When challenges arise, a financial professional can step in to help clients overcome impulses and biases that
could prevent them from achieving their objectives.
A robo advisor may not ask the right questions or gather enough information to accurately assess the investor's needs and appetite for risk. An investor's psychological risk tolerance can be difficult to assess. Some people who describe their personality a certain way on a questionnaire may act differently under real-life conditions.
While robo advisors are cheaper than personal financial professors, their services are typically limited to portfolio management. Their reliance on ETFs and mutual funds means that investors may not have access to individual stocks and bonds or to alternative investments and strategies. A financial professional typically has a wider range of asset classes to choose from and may be able to build a broader investment portfolio—or a more focused one—depending on the client's goals and risk profile.
Some financial professionals use a digital platform for investment management purposes. Even so, a full-service practice can help meet additional financial needs and provide customized advice that is much wider in scope. Recommendations might incorporate debt management, insurance protection, college funding, gifting, tax strategies, wealth transfer, Social Security claiming options, and retirement income planning.
What happens when an investor veers off track and isn’t making sufficient progress toward his or her stated financial goals? While it may be easy to ignore the recommendations of a robo advisor, it might be more difficult to disregard a trusted financial professional. The prospect of regular checkups with a real person who cares about a client's future might inspire more realistic decisions about spending and saving.
A financial professional typically can keep clients better informed by discussing the financial issues that matter to them, which may help give them more confidence in their decisions.
Finally, one strength of a financial professional is the ability to listen and lend emotional support through life's transitions, some of which may call for a shift in financial strategies. Having a dedicated person to call in difficult times could help ensure that shortterm issues don't derail an effective long-term strategy.
Of course, there is no guarantee that working with a financial professional will improve investment results. All investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principal, and there is no guarantee that any investment strategy will be successful.
As with any investment account, investors who use a robo advisor should understand the specific services that may or may not be included (such as rebalancing and tax-loss issues) and how and when these services will be performed. Investors should also be aware of costs associated with the services (including third parties).
Bill DeMarco is an investment advisor representative with A&M Financial Group in Westlake. You can reach him at 440-249-0397, ext. 106 or go to amfinancialgroup. com. Advisory Services are offered through AMFG Wealth Management LLC, a Registered Investment Advisor.
Note: You should not decide which investment options are appropriate for you based on tax considerations alone. Nor should you decide when (or if) to sell an asset solely based on the tax consequence. A financial or tax professional can help you decide what choices are right for your specific situation.
TIPS FOR WOMEN
By Linda Peavy
Style evolves as we age, often reflecting our confidence, elegance and comfort. Women in their 50s and older can stay fashionable by using trends sparingly, expressing individuality fully, and feeling fabulous forever. Technology offers tools that make it easier than ever to discover and refine our style.
VIRTUAL STYLING SERVICES
One of the most significant technological advancements in fashion is virtual styling services. Platforms like Stitch Fix and Short Story Box (for petites) offer homebased personalized styling. After completing a detailed style quiz, professional stylists curate outfits tailored to your preferences, body shape and lifestyle. You get the convenience of trying on clothes in the comfort of your home. You keep what you love and return what you don’t.
ONLINE SHOPPING WITH AI RECOMMENDATIONS
Online shopping has revolutionized the way we buy clothes. Amazon, Nordstrom and Zappos websites use artificial intelligence to recommend products based on your previous purchases and browsing history.
Online retailers offer virtual fitting rooms that use augmented reality (AR) so you can see how an outfit looks on your body type. True Fit provides personalized size and style recommendations across various brands. Look for shops that offer True Fit for a better fit and fewer returns.
Fashion apps like Stylebook allow you to create a digital wardrobe by photographing and organizing your clothes into categories. Apps like Cladwell provide daily outfit suggestions based on the weather and your personal style preferences. The Pureple app offers virtual closet management and outfit planning.
Keeping up with trends is easier with virtual reality (VR) fashion shows that you can attend from the comfort of your home. Websites like YouTube and brand-specific platforms like Tommy Hilfiger’s VR Fashion Show often host VR fashion shows, making them easily accessible.
Social media platforms like Instagram and Pinterest are treasure troves of style inspiration. Following fashion influencers who cater to women over 50 can provide daily outfit ideas and styling tips. Influencers share where they purchased their clothing, how to style pieces, and offer discount codes for favorite brands. Notable influencers include 50 is not Old (Tania Stephens) and this column writer, Cultured Curves (Linda Peavy)
Reddit and Facebook have groups dedicated to fashion for mature women, where members share tips, outfit ideas and support. These communities provide a space to ask for advice, share your style journey, and connect with like-minded individuals who appreciate fashion at any age. Groups like The Mature Fashionista and Cultured Curves Guide to Stylish Living on Facebook, or the Over 50 Style on Reddit are great places to start.
For a more personalized touch, digital wardrobe consultants offer virtual consultations via video calls. Services like The Wardrobe Consultant (Cleveland local Hallie Abrams) provide one-on-one sessions to help you identify your style, declutter your wardrobe, and shop for new pieces.
A Personal Stylist (such as Kristen Blake, who serves Cleveland) offers personalized fashion advice and wardrobe planning. Another local consultant is Tee McBee of Tee McBee Image Consulting.
Technology helps you discover new styles, refine your look and continue to express your unique fashion sense with grace and confidence.
Linda Peavy is a Cleveland-based fashion influencer with a global reach, providing body positivity presentations internationally as the founder of Cultured Curves (culturedcurves. com). Linda’s Style Stop is your one-stop source of fashion tips to keep you looking sensational at any age.
By Michael Pane
Next year could get complicated for folks with a Medicare Advantage or a Stand Alone Part D Prescription Drug Plan.
While it’s always good to pay attention to your Annual Notice of Changes (ANOC) that arrives in your mailbox in September, give it an extra look this year. With the changes coming in 2025, this is the year to talk to a Medicare insurance agent to guide you through the details if you haven’t used one before.
NEW & POSSIBLY BETTER
So, what’s the deal and why should you be concerned? In 2022, the Inflation Reduction Act (IRA), tackled Medicare Part D and prescription drug affordability. Drug costs will have a lower cap in 2025 for Medicare beneficiaries enrolled in Medicare Advantage or Stand Alone Part D Prescription Drug plans. The cap drops from $8,000 in 2024 to $2,000 next year. That’s great news for people with high-cost prescriptions. After meeting your $2,000 out-of-pocket costs for the year, you’ll pay nothing.
Also new for 2025 will be the option for older adults to go on a payment plan with their carrier to purchase their medications. If you spend more than $600 monthly on prescriptions, you can cap your monthly expenses by spreading the cost throughout the year.
One more change that will make a big difference to a small percentage of people has to do with a deadline. Companies that employ Medicare-eligible employees and cover them and their dependents on their
plans must notify them in writing by mail before Oct. 15 if the company’s medical coverage falls short of Medicare’s basic coverage. The letter is called a Notice of Creditable Coverage (NOCC).
Most company insurance plans meet the standard. But for the few that don’t, Medicare-eligible employees were left scrambling for coverage because they often didn’t receive timely notice. That meant that some missed crucial Medicare enrollment windows. The new notification requirement extends to employees and dependents covered through a company’s COBRA plan, and disabled, working employees.
Looking to 2026, the federal government is negotiating with drug companies to control the cost of medicines commonly used by older adults such as Jardiance, Ozempic, Trelegy and Humira. If the cost goes down, as expected, Medicare insurance providers may no longer cover some of the drugs to keep their operating expenses in check. In short, what’s covered by Medicare prescription plans is likely to change.
While you may be comfortable now with your Medicare coverage and supplemental coverage, providers and prescriptions fluctuate within plans. Everyone should review their coverage annually with a licensed Medicare insurance provider. Don’t get caught by surprise.
Michael Pane is a Certified American Medicare Disabilities Advocate agent and owner of The Pane Agency. You can reach him at 716526-8450 or email him at mp@ thepaneagency.com
We want to thank everyone who came to Boomer Bash Lake on June 27 at the beautiful LaMalfa event center for a Rad ’80s theme party.
You came dressed to celebrate with eye-popping colors, legwarmers and other ’80s garb. We hope you had plenty of time to visit with our vendors and also to sing, dance, sample food
and mix and mingle with other guests. We had a great time meeting Boomer readers and hearing your ideas for upcoming magazine stories.
Advanced Home Health and Hospice
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AdvoCare Clinic
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Alert Care Medical Systems
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All American Gutter Protection 216.346.9363 allamericangutterprotection.com
Amelia Grace Assisted Living 800.756.1817
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Apex Skin
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Asset Protection... your insurance connection 814.860.3101 assetprotectionltd.com
Bath Fitter
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Berson-Sokol Agency
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Better Business Bureau
216.241.7678 bbb.org
Brunner Sanden Deitrick Funeral Home & Cremation Center
440.255.3401 brunners.com
Caring Transitions of the CCV/ Eastern Suburbs 216.339.3787 caringtransitionsccv.com
Cleveland Senior Network 216 409 8140 cle-eastseniornetwork.com
Crossroads Health 440.255.1700 crossroadshealth.org
Destinations & Mouse Made Simple 440.357.7400 mousemadesimple.com
Devoted Health Plans 800.651.7925 devoted.com
Family Pride of Northeast Ohio 440.286.1553 familyprideonline.org
Floor Coverings International 440.368.5722 Mentor.floorcoveringsinternational.com
Grande Pointe Healthcare Center 216.261.9600 communicarehealth.com/location/ grande-pointe-healthcare-center/
The Health Plan 330.834.2328 healthplan.org
Humana 216.816.5645 humana.com
It’s Just Lunch Cleveland 216.328.9026 itsjustlunchcleveland.com
Jennings 216.581.2900 jenningsohio.org
Kabb Law Firm 216.991.5222 kabblaw.com
LeafFilter Gutter Protection 800.726.7703 leaffilter.com
LeafGuard 330.304.5828 LeafGuard.com
Lifeline, Inc. 440.354.2148 lclifeline.org
Long-Term Care Ombudsman 216.696.2719 ltco.org
Mentor Ridge Health and Rehabilitation 440.299.5500 mentor-ridge.net
The Niemi Team of HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum 440.218.0297 homesmart.com/real-estate-agent/ ohio/mentor/59285-brenda-niemi/ Welcome
Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol
800.293.4767 proseniors.org/ohio-smp
Ohman Family Living
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Parker Place
440.255.0828 seniorlivinginstyle.com/parker-place/ Reserve Hearing
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Road Scholar
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Slovene Home Skilled Care & Rehab
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Strachan Novak Insurance Services
330.840.7971 sn-insure.com
Thrivent 440.534.0222
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TruBlue of The Western Reserve
440.488.8332 trublueally.com/western-reserve
United Healthcare
216.407.2406
MyuhcAgent.com/CharlesJennings
Unity Catholic Federal Credit Union
440.886.2528 unitycatholiccu.org
USA Insulation
440.602.4107 usainsulation.com
Visit Mickey Vacations
440.709.4379 VisitMickey.com
Vista Senior Living; Eden Vista Stow and Maple Ridge Senior Living
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Maple Ridge
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Wellcare Health Plans 844.917.0175 wellcare.com
The Winfield at Richmond Hts. 216.289.9800 winfieldrichmondheights.com
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Eighteen years later, we proudly serve over 17,000 consumers across all 88 counties in Ohio and parts of Indiana. Our focus is steadfast in providing nutritious and delicious meals for seniors and adults with disabilities. Certified by ODA & Medicaid, we provide meals to individuals enrolled in Medicaid Waiver, MyCare Ohio, DODD, and local city levy programs.
We understand that people have diverse dietary needs; we offer meals tailored to Kosher, vegetarian, vegan, sodiumcontrolled, and gluten-restricted diets. Our menu includes frozen, refrigerated and shelf-stable meals for breakfast, lunch and dinner. We have flexible delivery options, whether customers require weekly, biweekly or monthly meals.
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If you are puzzled by Medicare, our team at Mutsko Insurance Services is your solution. We’ll put all the pieces together for you. We have been helping Ohio seniors with Medicare plans, Medicare Supplements, Medicare Advantage plans and Medicare Prescription plans since 2006. At Mutsko Insurance Services, we set ourselves apart with personal service.
Our first goal is to match each person with a plan that best covers their doctors, hospitals and medications, all at an affordable cost. But we don’t stop there. As a Mutsko Insurance client, we continue to
Presented by Mutsko Insurance Services
make sure your coverage fits your needs, even as your lifestyle or healthcare needs change.
We stay connected so you won’t have to guess if Medicare changes will affect you.
We know the best way to resolve insurance matters, so you don’t have to. Our team is ready to help you whenever you have a question about benefits or need help with a claim. It’s part of our service at no cost or obligation to you.
Let us help you find the
Medicare plan that is the best fit for you, now and in the future. Call Mutsko Insurance at 440255-5700 or visit our website at MutskoInsurance.com. We look forward to serving you.
We do not offer every plan available in your area. Currently, we represent seven organizations that offer 84 products in your area. Please contact Medicare. gov, 1-800-MEDICARE, or your local State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP) to get information about your options.
What is your favorite bagel?
With the many types of health insurance, life insurance, Medicare and supplemental benefits, it’s tempting to choose a plan and walk away. While that may work sometimes, many plans, like bagels, have holes.
Let’s start with life insurance. There’s whole, term, IUL, GUL, final expense, burial, guaranteed issue and variable. Which ones will fill the hole in your bagel?
Do you have assets to leave to family members, a charity or a friend? How can you protect your family when you die? Are you healthy enough to get life insurance? When should you start estate planning? When should you consider life insurance? The answer is now. A licensed insurance broker like me will help you understand and plan accordingly, no matter your income. The first hole of this bagel, and insurance need, is filled.
The next bagel is health insurance and Medicare. These holes can be
Presented by Michael Pane, owner of The Pane Agency
critical illness/cancer, short-term care and disability. The minimal monthly cost can insulate you and your family from potential financial catastrophe.
large. What insurance carrier fits your needs? What about out-ofpocket costs, network doctors and prescription costs? Are you covered when you travel? What’s a Medicare Advantage and Medicare supplement? Are health-sharing plans worth it? As a licensed insurance broker, I have the answers.
Review your health insurance and Medicare summary of benefits and coverage. The 2022 Inflation Reduction Act will affect costs and could reduce benefits and insurance carriers. Consider supplemental benefits to fill the hole in that bagel of health insurance and Medicare.
Supplemental benefits include dental, vision, hearing, accident, hospitalization,
The number one cause of bankruptcy in the U.S. is unpaid medical bills. Filling this bagel hole will help you pay for expenses such as housing, food, transportation, utilities and out-of-pocket medical costs.
Fill your health insurance or Medicare bagel hole by joining a Wellness Plan. Investing in your health now will pay bigger dividends later by potentially lowering healthcare costs. You may live longer and have more life insurance options because you’ve invested in your health.
The Pane Agency is dedicated to taking the pain out of insurance with a painless review and solution to your insurance needs and questions, and provide you with the most suitable, cost-effective option for you and your family
Almost everything we do— from making a purchase, to driving a car, to interacting with others—is affected by the law in some way. But clearly, we don’t need a lawyer for all of these everyday interactions. When do you need a lawyer? When can (or should) you handle a matter on your own? Some problems are not really legal— or are not exclusively legal—and can be handled, at least in part, with the help of psychologists, the clergy or other counselors. But many problems do have a legal dimension and require a lawyer's help. The following questions and answers provide guidance.
I think I might benefit from speaking to a lawyer, but I don’t have a current legal dispute. Does this mean I shouldn’t get an attorney?
No. In fact, lawyers often help clients in matters that have nothing to do with disputes. For example, people might seek their lawyer’s advice on legal aspects of starting a business or engaging in a partnership, when buying or selling a home, or for information and advice on tax matters or estate
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planning. Some clients receive regular legal checkups that, like medical checkups, are designed to catch problems early or prevent them altogether.
Are there specific cases when I should see a lawyer?
Yes, some matters are best handled by a lawyer. While these matters are sometimes hard to recognize, nearly everyone agrees that you should talk with a lawyer about major life events or changes, which might include:
• being arrested for a crime;
• being served with legal papers in a civil lawsuit;
• being involved in a serious
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ANSWER: As a person ages, they have new legal needs. Estate planning must be reviewed, making sure beneficiaries are up to date, special needs provided for, and care wishes respected. All are critical. Finding the right resources for disability and care needs through Medicaid, Medicare and Veterans Administration programs can be confusing. Many people fear they will lose their life savings to pay
accident causing personal injury or property damage;
• a change in family status such as divorce, adoption, or death; and
• a change in financial status such as obtaining or losing valuable personal property or real estate, starting a business, or filing for bankruptcy.
What is a small-claims court?
A small-claims court is a streamlined forum in which people can air their dispute and have a judge decide it promptly. Most states have procedures that allow people to represent themselves in small-claims
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court if the total amount of their claim is under a certain dollar amount—such as $2,500. The cost is minimal, procedures are relatively simple, and there is usually little delay. Keep small-claims courts in mind if your problem is not very complicated and your losses are relatively small.
For what kind of matters do Americans tend to see a lawyer?
There are many reasons that an individual might consult a lawyer. Some of the most common legal matters taken to lawyers involved:
• real estate transactions
• drawing up a will
• as a party to a lawsuit
• divorce/separation
• probate/estate settlement matters
• child support/custody matter
• draw up an agreement/contact
Other fairly common matters requiring a lawyer’s help include traffic matters, insurance claims, bankruptcy, auto accidents, and being a complainant or defendant in a criminal proceeding.
Source: American Bar Association Division for Public Education
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racticing healthy habits and using resources for extra support is a great way to maintain your independence in retirement. This is especially true for preventing and navigating falls because the chance of falling and risking injury increases as we age. There are a few ways you can prevent yourself from having a fall. Go through your home to ensure lights are accessible everywhere and remove potentially hazardous obstacles. You’ll also want to stay active by walking and choosing shoes with good support
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AmeriCorps Seniors
RSVP of Stark County is a retired senior volunteer program locally sponsored by Family & Community Services.
RSVP connects volunteers (55 and over) with community organizations that are seeking support to help them serve others. Volunteers partner with over 25 agencies and organizations that, among other things, run a food pantry, distribute hot meals, provide veteran support services, transport homebound older adults, visit lonely people, mentor youth, support the local senior center, raise money for nonprofit groups,
fundraise for a local nonprofit, serve on advisory councils, assist with special events, and provide clerical support for organizations. They also work at art museums, healthcare programs, a senior center and many
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Volunteers can participate in person or virtually with schedules that meet the needs of both themselves and the organizations they support. They’ll get an orientation session and training before volunteering, and receive a welcome gift and access to accident/liability insurance at no cost to them. Volunteers may also be eligible for mileage reimbursement.
AmeriCorps Seniors RSVP of Stark County creates a safe and easy path to giving back to your community. Visit the RSVP website to learn more: rsvp. fcsserves.org/get-started
8/17
OHIO TREE IDENTIFICATION
Hike with a member of Stan Hywet’s horticulture team to identify tree species. 6-8 p.m. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org. FREE - $10
8/22
SENIOR HIKE
Slower-paced group hike. Noon-1 p.m. Towner’s Woods Park, 2264 Ravenna Road, Franklin Twp., portageparkdistrict.org. FREE
MONDAYS
Beginning American Sign
Language. Learn the fundamentals of ASL in a welcoming and supportive environment. 5-6 p.m. Jefferson Branch Library, 850 Jefferson Ave., Cleveland, cpl.org. FREE
TUESDAYS
Beginner Dog Training. You and your dog will learn the basics of obedience/manners. 7-8 p.m. Senior Center, 7327 Avon Belden Road, North Ridgeville, northridgeville.recdesk.com
$130-140
THURSDAYS
Adult Tap. Tap is a rhythmical class where the students wear tap shoes, which contain small metal plates on the heels and toes. 9/12-10/17. BW Community Arts School, 611 W. Bagley Road, Berea, community.new. edu. $95
TUESDAYS & THURSDAYS
Summer Farm Fun Days. Come out and enjoy the fresh summer air. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Through 8/18. Nickajack Farms, 2955 Manchester Ave., Canal Fulton, nickajackfarms. com. $8
WEDNESDAYS
Fun on the Farm Pony and pony cart rides, horse rides and more. Through 8/10 a.m.-8 p.m. Spring Mist Farms, 691 Pearl Road, Brunswick Hills, springmistfarms.com. $5
ONGOING
Farm to Table. Kids pick apples & vegetables and gather eggs. Next, they buy and sell from each other at a farmer’s market. Lastly, they put on a chef hat and make lunch. Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org. $7
Two-Acre Outdoor Play Park. 60-foot giant slide, four-person helicopter swing, a 200-foot zip line, a mini challenge course and an old-fashioned merry-go-round. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. ClevelandMassillon Road, Copley, akronfossils.com. $12
Hershey Children’s Garden. Search for fish, frogs and turtles in the pond, learn about veggie and herb gardens, create in the sand box, care for plants, and explore and play in nature’s playground. 11030 East Blvd., University Circle, cbgarden. org. $14-20
Shark Gallery & Sea Tube. Features three species of sharks, stingrays, eels and many other species of fish. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium. com. FREE -$19.95
8/10
Fun Fest. Free family festival with arts, crafts, music, and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Downtown Massillon, massillonmuseum.org/funfest. FREE
Balloons Over Wadsworth. A fun, family-friendly, and free community event. 5:30-8:00 p.m. Downtown Wadsworth, visitmedinacounty.com $10
8/12
Touch-A-Truck. Sit in and explore more than a dozen Summit Metro Parks and local emergency response vehicles. 10 a.m. -2 p.m. Munroe Falls Lake Area, 521 S. River Rd., summitmetroparks.org FREE
8/17-18
Milk & Honey Weekend. Learn how milk becomes ice cream, about bees and their role in pollination, and much more. Lake Metroparks Farmpark. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com FREE -$9
TUESDAYS Northeast Ohio Parent Event Series. Free, family-friendly entertainment with interactive activities for kids ages 2-9, northeastohioparent.com
PINECREST PLAY DAYS 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Pinecrest Orange Village 8/6
FUN AT FIRST & MAIN 10 a.m.-noon First and Main Hudson 8/13
CROCKER KIDS
11 a.m.-1 p.m. Crocker Park Westlake 8/20
SATURDAYS
Photography Workshop. For students new to photography as well as those wanting to refresh their skills.10 a.m.-Noon. 7/20 & 7/27. Bay Arts, 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village, bayarts.net. $68
7/28
Archery for Beginners. Archery is a great activity that almost anyone can do. Learn the basics from certified instructors. 3 p.m.. Brecksville Reservation, York Road Archery Range, clevelandmetroparks.com. $5
8/3
Wheel Throwing. Get your hands dirty in the mud room & make a work of art from a ball of clay. Busy Bees Pottery & Arts Studio, 7850 Mentor Ave., mentor.busybeesart.com. $75
8/6
Beginner Stand-Up Paddle Boarding. Learn a new skill on the water. 8-9:30 a.m. Fairport Harbor Lakefront Park, lakemetroparks.com $10-20
8/7 & 8/14
The Morgan Art of Papermaking. Learn the unique art of papermaking in this special two-day program. 6-8 p.m. 8/7-14. Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty, fairmountcenter.org. $125
8/15
Wellness Through Art: Watercolor. This workshop integrates wellness and relaxation through art. 6:30 p.m. Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Road, akronartworks.com. $27.50
8/27
Candle Creations. Use wax, essential oils, and pressed flowers to create your own votive candles. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Nordonia Hills Branch Library, 9458 Olde Eight Road, Northfield, akronlibrary.org FREE
9/9
Square Dance Lessons. Square Dancing is a social activity that keeps your body fit and your mind active. Noon. Cleveland Federation
of Square and Round Dance Clubs, 3390 S. Cleveland-Mass Road, Norton, clevelandsquaredance.org
9/10
Make Sourdough Bread. Learn how to use sourdough starter to create bread and other baked goods. 6:307:30 p.m. Middlefield Branch Library, 16167 E. High St., geaugalibrary.net FREE
MONDAYS
Closed-Knit Crochet Club. Learn knitting and looming techniques and have fun chatting. Second and fourth Monday. 6-7:30 p.m. Firestone Park Branch Library, 1486 Aster Ave, Akron, akronlibrary.org. FREE
Deaf Gathering. Open social hour for deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing people to socialize and learn more about deaf culture. Fourth Mondays. 6:30 p.m. Coventry Village Branch Library, 1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org FREE
Never Miss Monday Walking Club. Get up, get moving and stroll around the library grounds.
5:15-5:45 p.m. Memorial Nottingham Branch Library, 17109 Lake Shore Blvd., Cleveland, cpl.org FREE
TUESDAYS
Western Reserve
Spinners & Weavers
Enjoy guest speakers and workshops on spinning, weaving and textile arts. 8/27. 6:30-9 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com FREE
Tokusatsu Club. Learn about, watch, and discuss Japanese Tokusatsu films and TV shows like Ultraman and
Godzilla. Fourth Tuesdays. 6 p.m. Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., amherstpubliclibrary.org FREE
WEDNESDAYS
Pixel Photo Club. Share photos and ideas in a fun, safe and supportive environment. Last Wednesday of each month. 6-7:45 p.m. Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Road, twinsburglibrary.org FREE
Castaways. Meet with fellow fiber artists to work on projects and get ideas. Second and fourth Wednesdays. 10:30 a.m. Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch Library, 5642 Andrews Road, mentorpl.org. FREE
Riverinos. Book discussions and guest speakers on the third Wednesday of each month. 7-8:30 p.m. Rocky River Public Library, 1600 Hampton Road, rrpl.org. FREE
THURSDAYS
Invasive Plant Removal Drop-In. Help improve soil quality, restore native plants, and create better habitat for native wildlife. Second and fourth Thursdays. 1-3:30 p.m. Conservancy for CVNP, 1403 W. Hines Hill Road, Peninsula, conservancyforcvnp.org FREE
FRIDAYS
Club MLK: Line Dancing. Move and groove in the multi-generational line dance program promoting health, wellness and social skills. 4-5:30 p.m. Through 8/2. Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch Library, 1962 Stokes Blvd., Cleveland, cpl.org. FREE
SATURDAYS
Woodcarvers Club
Second and fourth Saturdays each month. 9:30 a.m.-noon. The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave. SW, Wilmot, wildernesscenter.org FREE
Chess Club. A drop-in activity for chess players of all skill levels. Through 9/21. Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Road, twinsburglibrary. org. FREE
TUESDAYS
Geauga Walkers. Join other active seniors on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month for hikes. 1-2:30 p.m. geaugaparkdistrict.org FREE
THROUGH 7/31
National Park Scenic Excursion. Board at Akron Northside or Peninsula Station and meander through nature and cityscapes in a vintage rail car while discovering local history. cvsr.org. $18-39
FRIDAYS
Matter of Balance. Take steps to make falling less likely. Through 9/13. 2 p.m. South Lorain Branch Library, 2121 Homewood Drive, lorainpubliclibrary.org. FREE
ONGOING
Murch Canopy Walk and Kalberer Emergent Tower
Enjoy a 500-foot-long elevated walkway 65 feet above the forest floor and a tower 12 stories tall for a breathtaking view. Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenarb. org. $14-20
7/22-8/13
CardioDance Sessions. A great workout to the hits of today and yesterday. 9-10 a.m. North Ridgeville Senior Center, 7327 Avon Belden Road, North Ridgeville, nridgeville.org/ SeniorCenter.aspx. $36
8/1
Senior Cycling. Ride and explore various trails while socializing. 10 a.mNoon. SR 91 Lot, 130 N. Main St., Monroe Falls, summitmetroparks.org FREE
8/2
First Fridays Garden Tours. Meet staff and enjoy a guided tour of the beautiful gardens. 9-11:30 a.m. Holden Arboretum, 9500 Sperry Road, Kirtland, holdenfg.org. $7-22
8/4
Miles for Melanoma 5K Walk/Run. Raise money for a great cause while you exercise. Form a team, join Team Grace or make a donation to register.
7:30 a.m.-noon. Edgewater Park, Cleveland, join.melanoma.org
8/13
Senior Strides. A great opportunity to make new friends and get exercise at the same time. 10 a.m. Allardale Park, 401 Remsen Road, Medina, medinaparks.com
8/16
Senior Day at Hidden Lake. Explore the wetland trails on a hike, practice your archery skills or paddle around the lake in canoes. 1-2 p.m. South 7024 Kniffen Road, Leroy, lakemetroparks.com. $5
9/13-14
Stark County Bird Quest. This 24-hour challenge has two goals in mind: get people into the outdoors using birds as a catalyst, and accumulate data about bird populations in Stark County. starkparks.com
SUNDAYS
Reggae Sundays. A different Reggae group will perform each week. 4 p.m. Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, musicboxcle.com FREE
TUESDAYS
Martinis & Music. Live music and $10 martini’s. 6-9 p.m. Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens, 16965 Park Circle Dr., Chagrin Falls, sapphirecreek.com and Orchid House Winery, 155 Treat Road, Aurora, orchidhousewinery.com. FREE
WEDNESDAYS
Lakewood Front Porch Concert Series. Free, live music in a welcoming environment. 7 p.m. Through 7/26. Lakewood Public Library, lakewoodalive.org. FREE
THURSDAYS
Sizzling Salsa Party. Dance to the best Salsa, Cha Cha, Mambo, Bachata, Kizomba & more. Viva Dance Studio, 1541 E. 38th St., Cleveland, vivadancestudio.com. $10
FRIDAYS & SATURDAYS
Summer Music Nights. Funkology, Jump the Gun, Monica Robins, Backtraxx and more. 7-9 p.m. Through 8/23. First & Main Green, Hudson, firstandmainhudson.com
FREE
7/30
Ukulele Jam. An evening of strumming, singing, and generally having a good time. 7-8 p.m. Coventry Village Branch Library, 1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org.
FREE
8/4
Chardon Square Arts Festival. Over 100 artists provide a wonderful opportunity for a day of shopping and dining in a park-like setting. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Chardon Square,
100 Short Ct. St., Chardon, chardonsquareassociation.org.FREE
8/17
Snowflake Comedy Club. Enjoy laughs and snacks from a local food truck vendor. 7 p.m. French Creek Theatre, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, loraincountymetroparks.com/ theatre. $15
8/24-25
Hudson Art on the Green. A fine arts and crafts show featuring over 140 exhibitors. The Joann Green, 5555 Darrow Rd, Hudson, hudsonsocietyofartists.com. FREE
8/31-9/1
Cirque Goes Broadway. Dizzying acrobatic heights and eye-popping feats come together. 7 p.m. Blossom Music Center, 1145 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, blossommusic.com. $25-105
THROUGH 8/25
Asian Lantern Festival. Walk or drive through an illuminated zoo after dark with live acrobatics, culturally-inspired cuisine and lantern displays. 6:30-10:30 p.m. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, clevelandmetroparks. com/zoo. $21-55
8/15-18
Little Italy’s Feast of the Assumption. Italian foods, live music and rides. Holy Rosary Church, 12021 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, holy-rosary.org. FREE
8/21-23
Auburn Art Festival. Art, home goods, live music, food and more. 17111 Ravenna Road, Chagrin Falls, auburnartsdistrict.com. FREE
8/24
Solon Pop-Up in the Park. Local artisans, delicious eats and more. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Solon Community Park, avantgardeshows.com. FREE
8/29-9/2
The Great Geauga County Fair. Truck & tractor pull, country fest, rides, games, entertainment and much more. 14373 N. Cheshire St., Burton, geaugafair.com. FREE -$10
8/30-9/1
Made in Ohio Arts & Crafts Festival. Ohio artisans, local food and entertainment. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, wrhs. org. FREE
8/31-9/2
Cleveland National AirShow. Featuring the U.S. Navy Blue Angels. Burke Lakefront Airport, downtown Cleveland between E. Ninth and E. 55th streets, clevelandairshow.com. FREE -$35
Labor Day Flea Market. Over 12 acres of outdoor vendors. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, hartvillemarketplace. com. FREE
9/6-7
Cleveland Oktoberfest. An exciting menu of activities and entertainment to delight young and old alike. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts., clevelandoktoberfest. com. FREE -$115
9/14
Waterloo Arts Fest. Multiple stages of a great mix of local music, art vendors, food trucks, street performers and unique art activities. Noon-7 p.m. Waterloo Road between Calcutta Ave. and E. 161st St., waterlooarts.org. FREE
Rocky River Arts Festival. A festival to celebrate the talents of Rocky River residents and highlight the merchants in the Old Detroit Shopping area.10 a.m.-5 p.m. rrparksandrecfoundation.com FREE
THURSDAYS
Personal Medication Review with a Pharmacist. Come meet with a Southwest General Pharmacist to review your medications and have your questions answered. 11 a.m.-noon. Southwest General, 18697 Bagley Road, Middleburg Hts., swgeneral.com. FREE
8/6
Environmentally Speaking:
Beekeeping 101. Daryl Baker discusses what beekeeping entails and talks about the value of honeybees and the impact they have on our world. 7-8 p.m. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., alpl.org. FREE
8/13
Akron Financial Empowerment Center. Learn about the free financial services available to Summit County
residents. 2-4 p.m. Akron-Summit County Public Library, 60 High St., akronlibrary.org. FREE
Grandparenting Today. This class helps transition you to the new role of a grandparent by discussing changes in infant care and what creates a safe home environment. 5:30-8:30 p.m. Zoom Interactive Session. uhhospitals.org. $10
8/17
Awesome (Jane) Austen: A Mini Film Festival and Talk. Learn and discuss her continuing relevance with the screening of two movie adaptations.10 a.m.-5 p.m. Cleveland Main Library, 325 Superior Ave., cpl. org. FREE
8/22
Adventures in Beachcombing. Learn the history of beach
glass collecting, color and rarity identification, and more. 6-7:30 p.m. Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., amherstpubliclibrary.org. FREE
8/27
Underground Railroad Walking Tour. Discover the homes, sites and people that played a significant role in the anti-slavery movement of preCivil War Hudson. 10 a.m. Hudson Library & Historical Society, 96 Library St., hudsonlibrary.org. FREE
9/7
Medicare Ins & Outs. Medicare benefits Part A, Part B, supplemental insurance policies, prescription drug coverage, and Medicare Advantage plans. 10:30 a.m. - noon. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, westlakelibrary.org. FREE
We live in a time when young people think Popeye invented fried chicken, James Dean created sausage and shopping malls are where old stores go to die. They look at the albums and photos piled up in our homes and think we’re hoarders because they store all that stuff on their cell phones.
“Get rid of it,” they say, but you’d be wise to rethink their advice—at least until you have a chance to transfer it to a digital format.
KEEPSAKES
All media is moving toward streaming. Convenient? Sure, and it frees up space around the house, but you pay for the media you stream. We’ve kept a good amount of our stuff and I suspect we’re not alone. Video stores are going by the wayside, and, despite streaming’s popularity, I don’t want to pay admission to my home theater every time I watch a favorite film. I hit a lot of pop culture conventions and pick up treasures that will never be issued commercially. Most of my DVDs fall under that category, and the same thing goes for CDs and rare LPs. All this brings up another matter: How do you play them?
VHS tapes were never a good storage medium so it’s in your best interest to get them transferred to disc or hard drives, especially if they are home movies. I recently found
By Mike Olszewski
a box of old machines and it was like looking through a time capsule: Minidisc and cassette recorders, a pager, a reel-to-reel deck, a new eight-track player that never left the box, iPods, a Walkman tape player and radio; even a film projector.
Do I use them? Rarely. I keep them around for people who want media transferred. Turntables came back with a vengeance, but they’re not like the sophisticated systems we had long ago. The vintage equipment sounds better than ever. But how many records do you really need?
You often come to that crossroads when you move, like we did a couple of years ago. Movers charge by the pound and if you’re going cross-country, you’ll pony up big time. Records are a prime example. Sentimental attachments are a factor. Maybe your grandparents gave you “Meet the Beatles” as a gift. That one gets a reprieve. But what about the same recordings you can access for free online?
Getting rid of stuff that you’ve had for ages is like doing surgery on one of your kids. I was at a film convention and saw an old friend who had a table full of equipment. I asked, “Did you buy a collection?”
He responded, “No. At my age, I asked myself if I wanted more stuff or more room, and more room won out. It’s time for someone else to enjoy it.”
The moral of the story is this: Keep the stuff that can’t be replaced but have a way to play it.
Oh, and as a public service if you have any radio shows you taped and need to be transferred, reels or cassettes, I’m your guy. Email me. I have all the equipment.
Mike Olszewski is a veteran award-winning radio, TV and print journalist. Contact him at janmike1978@gmail.com.
Last issue, I asked which renowned local band left audio instructions on their debut album for the best way to enjoy their LP. It was none other than The James Gang, who included a “locked groove” on both sides of their LP “Yer Album.” If you have the original vinyl, the words “Turn me over” repeat in a loop on Side One, and on Side Two, the words “Play me again” are repeated.
For next time, a tough one: Which of the hippie comic strip trio the fabulous Furry Freak Brothers was from Cleveland? You’ll find out the next issue.
