Northeast Ohio Boomer | March April 2022 by Mitchell Media LLC: Northeast Ohio Parent & Northeast Ohio Boomer Magazines

Boomer Northeast Ohio

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MARCH/APRIL 2022

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Fantastic Family Reunions

Place &Time Make the Most of Where You Are

Social Media Guardrails

Spring Gardens

Music Man Alex Bevan

INSIDE

March/April

ON THE COVER

Jump-start spring with a visit to one of Northeast Ohio’s lovely public gardens. Springtime at Wade Oval Lagoon in University Circle is featured in an original watercolor by Virginia Phillips.

Family Reunions

Ick! Why Do I Know This?

Alex Bevan

Good Planning, Great Gatherings

Common Sense Social Media

Still Has a Lot to Say

Mentor Community Focus Better in Mentor

DEPA RTMENTS 8

WORTH NOTING A Medical Marijuana Primer

Better Living After 50

FOOD Meatless and Liking It

FITNESS The GoodEnough Exercise

LEGAL A Will is the First Step

POP CULTURE CHRONICLES History’s Eyewitness

EDITOR´S NOTE

“The_____ Man is Here!” AND WHY THAT WAS A GOOD THING

COMMUNITY TIES A lot of people in a lot of jobs kept households running, even a home as modest as the one Dad grew up in. I’m struck by the communities these men created in neighborhoods far beyond the Akron of Dad’s youth. People depended on others for basics: heat, cold food, butter, sharp knives — connections that nurtured a community.

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While I like hearing about the men that came to Dad’s neighborhood, I’m not nostalgic for a time softened by years and memory. Being a white, working-class family in the ‘30s and ‘40s was far different for my family than it was for Black families, Jews, and others who weren’t like us, or who lived somewhere else. Instead, Dad’s ___Man prompt reminds me of the importance of making connections today, as we slowly work our way out of a pandemic, connections that may have been tenuous two years ago, and have all but dissolved since. I know my mailman’s name — Tim — but I haven’t met the people who live up the hill from me. I need to do something about that. On the other hand, I have a cable guy, but I’m not eager to have another conversation with him. We’re celebrating our Place & Time in this issue. Connecting with family is part of that, and our Family Reunion story can get you started. Nature is always grounding. Visit Northeast Ohio’s public gardens to celebrate spring. Our garden list is inside. I’m not sure what’s next for Dad’s book. He’s 88, and there’s a lot of ground to cover. I’m not even confident my siblings and I will make the cut. Podcasts may be taking the place of the men who visited dad’s neighborhood. I need a sleepman, and there’s a podcast that tells boring stories that does that job. Maybe, if my grandkids get me a gift like Dad’s, I’ll write about the podcasts I listened to, or the apps that connected me with friends across the country. Will it seem as quaint as a visit from a junkman? I’ll let you know when I’m 88.

March/April 2022 Northeast Ohio Boomer is a property of Mitchell Media LLC

PO Box 1088 Hudson, OH 44236 330-822-4011 NortheastOhioBoomer.com /NEOhioBoomer

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PUBLISHER - Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioboomer.com 330-714-7712 EDITOR- Marie Elium marie@northeastohioboomer.com COPY EDITOR/DIGITAL/ ASSISTANT EDITOR - Estelle Rodis-Brown estelle@northeastohioboomer.com EDITORIAL SUGGESTIONS editor@northeastohioboomer.com CALENDAR LISTING SUBMISSIONS calendar@northeastohioboomer.com CONTRIBUTORS Jennifer Beach, Estelle Rodis-Brown, Kathryn Kilpatrick, John Matuszak, Joseph L. Motta, Mike Olszewski, Tak Sato, John Selick, Karen Shadrach, Michael Ungar, Paris Wolfe ART DIRECTOR- Laura Chadwick laura@northeastohioboomer.com ADVERTISING SALES Chris Geer, 330-614-8471 chris@northeastohioboomer.com Janyse Heidy, 330-671-3886 janyse@northeastohioboomer.com Sherrie Kantarovich, 216-299-5455 sherriek@northeastohioboomer.com Samantha Olp, 330-636-6127 sam@northeastohioboomer.com Yvonne Pelino, 440-971-0595 yvonne@northeastohioboomer.com Michelle Vacha, 440-463-0146 michelle@northeastohioboomer.com OFFICE MANAGER Kathleen Mitchell, 440-533-1208 kathleen@northeastohioboomer.com EVENTS MANAGER Lilia Lipps lilia@northeastohioboomer.com DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES info@northeastohioboomer.com PUBLISHERS OF

Marie Elium

marie@northeastohioboomer.com

PHOTO: MARIE ELIUM

ad’s been giving us stories for eight decades. They’ve finally found a home. The grandkids gifted him a subscription to a storytelling program that sends writing prompts to his computer each week. His responses and photos will later get uploaded and committed to print. We’ll get the book sometime next year. These treasures are tales that Dad’s been telling us for years: How he stood on a street corner hawking The Akron Beacon Journal’s special D-Day Invasion edition. Or going to the movies with his mom on Thursday nights for the free dish giveaways. A recent prompt was especially interesting: “The ___ Man is Here.” It’s about all the people who peddled wares and services to the working-class city neighborhood of Dad’s childhood. A small army of workers visited the dead-end, cinder-paved street, sometimes daily, others monthly. The knifeman brought a grindstone to sharpen cutlery. The junkman came by in a horse-drawn wagon and collected newspapers, rags and metal. The iceman delivered blocks for the icebox (and chipped pieces for the kids). There was the coalman, the milkman and the postman. An insurance man stopped by to collect premiums on small policies that covered my grandparents and their three kids.

VOL. 8 ISSUE 2

BOOMER EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

Coming in the

Mindi Axner Executive Director National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland

May/June Issue beginning May 15

Sharon Dundee Director of Marketing & Communications Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center Dr. Ardeshir Z. Hashmi Cleveland Clinic Director Center for Geriatric Medicine

LOCATION, LOCATION, LOCATION Celebrating Northeast Ohio

• Car Shows, Festivals & Fairs Roundup • Our Summer Fun Guide: Where to

Go, What to Do When You Get There

• Thrift Shops: a Primer for Wannabe

Cheapskates

Kathy M. Hirko Owner KAZ Company Kathryn Kilpatrick President Communication Connection LLC

Steven Marsh Dr. Steve Marsh, DDS

Kelsey Loushin President Eldercare Professionals of Ohio

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

Stephanie Manning The American Heart Association, Cleveland

Bob Pontius Director of External Relations Danbury Senior Living

Leslie Royce Resnik President Royce Public Relations

Candyce Traci Vice President All Media Design Group

Beth Silver Director of Public Relations and Marketing Menorah Park

Nancy Udelson Project Manager Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health

Laurie G. Steiner Partner Solomon, Steiner & Peck, Ltd.

March/April 2022

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WORTH NOTING

Get Back

to the Rock Hall FOR A NEW BEATLES EXHIBIT

he Beatles take center stage at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame beginning March 18 in “The Beatles: Get Back to Let It Be.” Complementing Peter Jackson’s docu-series, “The Beatles: Get Back” streaming on Disney+, the exhibit transports fans into the group’s 1969 studio sessions that concluded in their final live performance that led to the film and LP titled “Let It Be.” A trio of screening rooms at the Rock Hall feature footage from each location in Jackson’s biopic: Twickenham Film Studios and Apple Corps, The Beatles London headquarters where rehearsals were held and where their final concert took place on the roof on Jan. 30, 1969.

Better Living After 50

The exhibit also features original instruments, lyrics and clothing, including John Lennon’s Epiphone electric guitar and Ringo Starr’s maple Ludwig drum kit; Paul McCartney’s handwritten lyrics for “I’ve Got a Feeling” and George Harrison’s pink pinstripe suit. Other can’t-miss items are photos by Ethan Russell, of the band’s rehearsal sessions and rooftop concert and album art for “Let It Be,” as well as images captured by Linda McCartney. For more information, visit rockhall.com.

PHOTO: THE BEATLES-APPLE CORPS ROOFTOP-JAN 30 1969_ETHAN A. RUSSELL©APPLE CORPS LTD

Compiled by Linda Feagler, Estelle Rodis-Brown and Marie Elium

Dazed & Confused? A MEDICAL MARIJUANA PRIMER

oomers’ marijuana party days may be mostly over, but our interest in medical marijuana has been growing since Ohio became the 25th state to legalize it six years ago. For those eager to know which medical conditions may qualify them for medical marijuana, Ohio recognizes AIDS, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Alzheimer’s disease, cachexia, cancer, chronic traumatic encephalopathy, Crohn’s disease, epilepsy or another seizure disorder, fibromyalgia, glaucoma, hepatitis C,

Huntington’s disease, inflammatory bowel disease, multiple sclerosis, pain that is either chronic and severe or intractable (including arthritis, chronic migraines and complex regional pain syndrome), Parkinson’s disease, positive status for HIV, post-traumatic stress disorder, sickle cell anemia, spasticity, spinal cord disease or injury, terminal illness, Tourette syndrome, traumatic brain injury and ulcerative colitis. If you or a loved one has one of these qualifying conditions, see medicalmarijuana.ohio.gov to find answers to your questions about getting a card, finding a dispensary, fee reductions and other details.

Details & More HOW DO I REGISTER AS A PATIENT IN THE OHIO MEDICAL MARIJUANA CONTROL PROGRAM AND RECEIVE A PATIENT CARD? Visit a certified physician who can confirm that you have a qualifying condition for medical marijuana. The physician will create your profile in the Patient & Caregiver Registry at ohiomedicalmarijuanaregistry.com, where you will confirm and complete your registration. HOW DO I REGISTER AS A CAREGIVER? A patient must notify a certified physician to have you serve as their caregiver. The physician will then create your profile in the Patient & Caregiver Registry. Confirm and complete your registration for the program through the Patient & Caregiver Registry. Caregiver registration will be activated after approval by the Board of Pharmacy. HOW DO I FIND A PHYSICIAN? See the Medical Board’s list of Ohio-licensed physicians certified to recommend medical marijuana at med.ohio.gov/ Publications/CTR-Search. WHAT CAN I GET THROUGH AN APPROVED MEDICAL MARIJUANA DISPENSARY? You can buy medical marijuana oils, tinctures, plant material, edibles, lotions, creams and patches. The law bans the use of medical marijuana by smoking or combustion but does permit vaping. The Ohio Medical Marijuana Control Program’s toll-free helpline is 1-833-464-6627.

March/April 2022

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WORTH NOTING

Grab a Seat FILM FESTIVAL RETURNS, IN PERSON

he 46th Cleveland International Film Festival runs from March 30-April 9 at Playhouse Square, followed by CIFF46 Streams from April 10-17 on the CIFF streaming platforms. More than 300 films, along with the popular filmmaker Q & As, and other events are scheduled for the festival’s long-awaited, inperson return. Tickets go on sale for the public on March 18. Northeast Ohio Boomer magazine is a proud CIFF Media Partner this year. For tickets and other information, go to clevelandfilm.org.

Easy Listening With RADIO ON THE LAKE

f you’re bored with the podcast scene, make your way over to the Shaker Heights-based Radio on the Lake Theatre (radioonthelaketheatre.org). Listen to classic plays such as “The Birds,” “I Remember Mama” and others directly from the website for free. Or subscribe to their Sixty Second Stories for $25 a year to get minute-long plays by Cleveland-based playwrights sent to your email inbox each week.

Better Living After 50

TECH TALK

Screen Test

lthough I enthusiastically and confidentially mark off technology tasks on my chore list, I’m a lost cause when the task involves fixing things around the house — a leaky faucet, for example. Lately, with help from my friend Wally, I’m enjoying learning about and doing household repairs. Yes, you can teach an old dog new tricks. You may think Wally is a retired handyman, which he is not. He had many mentors while growing up, and when he was not jetting around the globe on his job, he volunteered at Habitat for Humanity for many years. Now retired, Wally hasn’t stopped learning. He keeps the digital world at his fingertips, always connected to the internet through his smartphone. While TikTok, YouTube, Instagram and other social media destinations provide bottomless entertainment, Wally relies on YouTube videos to satiate his craving for discovering new ways to fix things. I recently mentioned to Wally that it was going to cost more than $50 to replace a pair of range top hood filters, a task that had been on my to-do list for years. The next morning, Wally told me that we should try something he saw on YouTube: cleaning the filters instead of replacing them. We did, and it worked. We cleaned the decade-old exhaust filters with hot water, baking soda and dish detergent. It cost less than $5.

FREE & CONVENIENT As a teenager growing up in the ’80s, the mother of disruptive innovation that we now know as the internet had not yet gone from the government/military/university sector into consumers’ hands. I had other sources of entertainment and time-wasters that were the bane of my teenage life, just like screen time is for many people today. We should practice good habits that keep us from wasting time online while still taking advantage of all of its benefits. Racking up too much screen time can be detrimental to your productivity and can hurt your real-world social interactions. A daily glass of wine can be good for your health; a bottle a day can be bad. But why are some people prone to racking up too much screen time in the first place? Many websites use sophisticated algorithms to keep viewers on their platform as long as they can, usually to see advertisements and other clever product placements within entertainment videos. When my son asked to use TikTok, I tested it first to see if what I read about it being addictive was true. It was. My screen time tripled that week. Even though I knew I was testing it, I was drawn into the video clips pushed to me, one after the other. I just couldn’t put down my smartphone.

WHY TOO MUCH OF A GOOD THING MAY BE A BAD THING By Tak Sato

Needless to say, my teenage son didn’t get to use TikTok. Although as a geek Dad, I know he can see plenty of TikTok video clips without the app; I trust his self-control even though I couldn’t trust mine. If you are disciplined like my friend Wally, building good habits to limit your screen time, the internet’s benefits outweigh its pitfalls. The key is to resist the sophisticated algorithms and stick to the task at hand. So, how exactly can you do that? You can learn all about algorithms on the documentary/ docudrama “The Social Dilemma,” available at archive.org/details/ the-social-dilemma-2020. Your smartphone records your screen time based on app usage. For iPhone or iPad (Apple), tap the “Settings” app icon and choose “Screen Time.” For Android smartphones or tablets (Google, Samsung, etc.), tap the “Settings” icon and select “Digital Wellbeing & Parental Controls.” Screen time can be time well spent; just make sure it doesn’t take up too much of your time. Tak Sato is a founder of the Cleveland-area nonprofit, Center for Aging in the Digital World (empowerseniors. org), that teaches digital literacy to people 60+ through the free Discover Digital Literacy program.

March/April 2022

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FOOD

Meatless & Liking It Set a Plate for Plant-Based Burgers By John Selick

o you recall the first time you had a veggie burger? I don’t know the history of veggie burgers (a burger patty made of non-meat products) or how long they have been around, but I do remember my first one. It was a late night after work in the early 1990s at the old Fulton Bar & Grill. I frequented the place often and usually had a regular ol’ cheeseburger, but they hired a new chef and veggie burgers were one of his menu items. I figured I’d give it a try, and if I hated it, I could always order my usual burger the next day. I wasn’t sure what I was getting myself into when my order arrived, but I took a bite. I loved it. GROWING TREND I suppose that was my first experience with Plant Forward Cuisine; back then we just called it vegetarian. Now the Plant Forward Movement is one of the hottest food trends for the past few years with no sign of slowing down. Vegan options

Better Living After 50

are more abundant than ever. Food movements like Meatless Mondays promote this healthy lifestyle and force chefs across the nation to get creative with vegetables. If you have been a lifelong vegetarian, you no longer have to settle for ordering a bunch of side dishes at a restaurant to make a meal. Veggie burgers have come a long way in the 30 years since I had my first one. Veggie burgers today resemble ground beef and, if cooked properly, have the characteristics of a medium-rare beef burger. There are a variety of popular plant-based burgers on the market. The original veggie burgers are still out there, too, but I prefer the ones made with grains and legumes. Plant-based chicken tenders are becoming popular as well, and if you compared them with a real chicken tender, it would be hard to tell the difference in taste or appearance. Incorporating plant-forward cuisine into your lifestyle makes sense for many reasons, one of them

being the current high cost of beef and chicken. Moving away from cowboy-sized steaks to smaller portions is not only easier on your bank account, but it’s also better for your health. Doctors have been telling us for years to eat more vegetables. Here’s our chance. When you fire up the grill this spring, there are plenty of plantbased burger options to add to your repertoire. Personally, I’m going to stick with the old-fashioned way of going plant forward: Marinate zucchini and portobello mushrooms in balsamic vinegar, fresh herbs, garlic and olive oil. Grill them over a hot grill and serve on a toasted ciabatta bun with fresh spinach and a vegan mayonnaise spread mixed with fresh chopped herbs. Enjoy!

John Selick is a Certified Executive Chef and president of the American Culinary Federation Cleveland chapter.

FITNESS

Walk This Way The Good-Enough Exercise By Michael Ungar

aking a walk has been a top activity for older adults during the pandemic. As spring approaches — and icy sidewalks aren’t an issue — this is one of the best ways to get out of the house, be out in the open air and face a low risk for viral transmission. Many people ask if walking really counts as exercise, or whether it is “good enough” to provide health benefits. There are a number of ways to answer this.

STEPS First, if you are tracking your exercise using a device like an Apple Watch or Fitbit, walking definitely counts; they will record any kind of walking (around the block or to the fridge!). Most other apps on a smartphone or other fitness programs certainly include this activity. The use of these tools has been a godsend for those who aim for 10,000 steps a day. By the way, where does that number come from? A Japanese company in the 1960s came up with that figure to market its pedometers. The Journal of the American Medical Association says the same benefits can usually be derived with just 7,000 steps daily. Second, walking can help our overall physical well-being. A recent study showed that a 30-minute walk five times per week can lower the risk of heart disease by nearly 20 percent. A 15-minute walk after a meal can lower blood sugar levels. Overall, there is a strong correlation between walking and a strengthened immune system. Third, keeping active in bursts during the day can have benefits. Those of us who are stuck at home most of the day (working or otherwise) can break things up with a quick walk outside or around the house. If you are back at the office,

the same holds true. The last thing we want as we age is to become sedentary. Even if a longer walk is not possible, several shorter ones are beneficial. Fourth, to be successful in any kind of fitness endeavor, it is crucial that we enjoy what we are doing. Not every kind of exercise appeals to everyone. Some like to swim. Others like biking. Choose what you like and you will be more likely to succeed. If you enjoy walking, go for it. JUST START I advise folks that moving is definitely better than not moving. That being said, activities that involve more intensity are usually better than those that do not. Walking at a slow pace and making frequent stops (like taking a dog for a walk) is better than sitting on the couch, but walking without the pet (alone or

with a friend/family member) at a brisker pace is even better. There is also the option to do a kind of High-Intensity Interval Training (HIIT), which sounds a lot scarier than it is. I do this with nearly all of my personal training clients in one form or another. An example would be walking for two minutes at a regular pace, then going fast for 20 seconds, then going back to the regular pace for two minutes, and repeating the cycle. The length of time and intensity can be tailored to your own abilities. Start out with short bursts and add to the level of difficulty as you are able. Beautiful weather is on the way. Let’s get on those good walking shoes and do something healthy for ourselves.

Michael Ungar owns At Home Senior Fitness serving Cleveland’s eastern suburbs. He also offers online coaching. He’s a Certified Personal Trainer, a Functional Aging Specialist and a rabbi. Contact him at athomeseniorfitness.net, 614-579-1336. March/April 2022

NortheastOhioBoomer.com

Family

GAMES/MIXERS

These downloadable, printable games can be found on Etsy, Pinterest or other websites for a nominal price. • Family Reunion Bingo Cards (downloadable). As you mix and mingle with family members, have them sign the square(s) that best fits them. The person with the most signatures wins. • Or you can make your own Get-to-Know-You Bingo Game. Prepare custom cards where players must find a family member who fits the category box, such as: Find a family member who played baseball in high school, find a family member whose favorite dessert is ice cream, find two cousins who are their family’s eldest, etc. • Virtual Game Family Reunion Jep-arty! This interactive PowerPoint game is an editable family reunion party game via Zoom or in-person on TV. • Family Friendly Feud (Version 2) - A fun party game of guessing top answers (printable group game).

Better Living After 50

Reunions GOOD PLANNING = A GREAT GATHERING

By Paris Wolfe

fter two years of social restrictions and painful separations, family reunion hugs and sharing are needed more than ever, and are starting to feel safer than they have in months. For a 2022 or 2023

event, dates and locations must be chosen early… as in now. That way, you can lock in rates and venues. There’s a lot of pent-up planning going on, and places are going fast. “From a cost standpoint, the best hotel rates will be during the non-peak season. So, you’re looking at February, March, April events,” says Kristin Augusta, owner/partner in DRIVE Marketing & Events in Chagrin Falls. DRIVE specializes in event planning, including family reunions. “For the best weather and outdoor activities and for folks on summer break, consider June through mid-October.” Whatever the season, pick three or four dates then use email or a tool like SurveyMonkey to build consensus. Email and social media — a private Facebook group or e-vite, for example—simplify communication and planning.

YOUR FAMILY, YOUR STYLE The gathering can be as basic or as complicated as your family. Host a backyard potluck or work with a lodge/conference center. Head to a local metropark or outsource everything to planners and caterers. “We cannot recommend the Cleveland Metroparks and Geauga County Parks districts’ amenities enough. These are not the dodgy lodges of yesteryear,” says Augusta. “The local Greater Cleveland parks have some of the most modern amenities and well-appointed buildings. Spacious, high ceilings, outdoor access, trails, grills, you name it. They are extremely affordable, and you can rent the entire day.”

March/April 2022

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MEMORY MAKERS

READY, SET, GO! The best-planned events start with a checklist. Here’s one to get you started.

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

ow that you’ve gathered everyone together, how can you make the most of your shared family time? When I was young, we didn’t have family reunions. All my aunts and uncles lived within driving distance — as did our grandparents — so we spent weekends, holidays and summer vacations with extended family… no official reunions required. Things are different now. I don’t even live in the same state as any of my siblings — let alone my cousins, nieces, nephews, surviving aunts and uncles — so, if we want to reunite with loved ones and graft the younger generations into the family tree, a big family reunion is in order. If you’re in a similar situation and you’ve already got reunion plans in motion, be sure to make the big day or weekend truly meaningful. In addition to organizing the invitations, venue and shared meal(s), you can maximize interactions and further strengthen the family ties that bind with pre-planned activities, presentations and games. They will keep people from staying within tight cliques, will strengthen shared understanding of family history, and reinforce ethnic and other meaningful family traditions. One of my friends travels to Indiana every summer for their annual family reunion, which provides an opportunity for four generations to reconvene from across the country and throughout the world. She and her siblings take turns pairing up and planning the big weekend event, which is usually held at a state park where people can choose to overstay in rented cabins, campsites or a lodge. The location is chosen based on its convenience for her parents, the patriarch and matriarch of the sprawling clan. In between casual chatter, impromptu volleyball games, playground time and meals, time is set aside for shared presentations. Each household lines up in front of the crowd and displays a poster board showing how their nuclear family fits into the family tree. A spokesperson introduces everyone and gives a brief update on what/how each family member has been doing the past year. Then the organizers break people into teams of older and younger family members mixed together to play a game or go on a scavenger hunt together, with puzzles to solve based upon their shared family history. Unexpected alliances and new bonds are formed as everyone has fun together.

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a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a a

Open a Facebook page and invite family to join Solicit planners and volunteers Set a date Secure a location — backyard, park, party center Collect mail and email addresses Contact lodging options for availability Plan the main meal— caterer, potluck. Cover the costs — donations, fee-per-person, fundraiser/auction? Send “save the date” cards or emails Assign coordinators for food, games, activities, history, fundraising Schedule activities for the day or weekend Order T-shirts, hats, etc. Mail/email final invitations with schedule, lodging information, directions, details Confirm lodging and dining arrangements Gather dining products, chairs, tables, grills and other items Buy name tags and decorations Set up the event At the reunion, gather information for next year Post photos to social media Start planning for the next reunion

NIBBLE, GAB & OTHER STUFF TO DO • Potluck & Family Recipe Share - Have your meal plan include a potluck of traditional family recipes. Everyone bringing food to share also brings recipe cards for every attending family, indicating who originated the recipe and why the food is special. • Mealtime Conversation Starters - Provide question cards at each person’s chair at the start of every meal, such as: Where was your favorite vacation, what was your favorite subject in school or who was your best friend growing up? Be sure to shuffle and reassign cards for the next meal, and change around place card holders to encourage family members to sit in different places each time. • Photo Display - Ask families to scan 10-20 photos stretching as far back as possible over the generations. Then email them to the party planner to compile and display on a wall or screen throughout the day. Share the photos through an online folder such as Google Photos. • “Who’s Who” Baby Picture Contest - Everyone brings a baby picture with their name labeled on the back. Number and pin each photo onto a bulletin board and see who can get the most correct. • Music Mix - Play grandma’s and grandpa’s favorite songs/music. If family members are musicians, ask them to perform traditional folk music from your ethnic backgrounds. • Show & Tell - Encourage each family to bring an item to share, such as an antique instrument your great-grandfather used to play, an obsolete farm tool or an heirloom related to your heritage. • Talent Show - Bet you never knew grandma used to twirl a baton! Discover your family’s secret skills and hidden talents and showcase your own. • Family Map - Especially great for families with relatives spread across the country or world, mark a large map with all the locations where family members live and have each family share something interesting about their community. Find more at signupgenius.com

“Large-scale family reunions often span an entire weekend,” says Augusta. For that, consider places that include lodging, like Punderson State Park and Manor Lodge or The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Both offer rooms, dining and activities. “There are so many things to do at The Lodge,” says Daisy Hall, its Director of Sales and Marketing. “Families can always find just the right getaway for their group. Some families choose to stay on property and relax by the lakeside fire pits, stargazing and making s’mores — while others choose to venture off-site, discovering Geneva-on-the-Lake’s well-known entertainment strip.” “Families delight in relaxing by the indoor and outdoor pools, enjoying lawn games, or renting bikes, golf carts or kayaks for daily activities,” Hall says.“Reunions are also big on the wine shuttle and zipline courses, where they can spend time as a group in a fun atmosphere, exploring the area.”

Local wineries with gathering rooms are another option for reunions. Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens in Chagrin Falls, for example, has hosted family reunions. “We are skilled in hosting events ranging from small, intimate gatherings to very large-scale events,” owner Kathleen D’Angelo says. “Our guests love our indoor and outdoor spaces which give them a lot of flexibility in planning a reunion.” Venues like The Lodge and wineries offer food, while potluck is popular in backyards and parks. When everyone is bringing a dish, use a signup sheet to balance contributions. Caterers can also develop a menu of family favorites. “Families want to share memories and things of the past with the new generations,” says Chris Hodgson, president of Driftwood Restaurants and Catering. “There is no better way to do that than with food.” “We always ask if there are any memories the family has together. Often there are holiday dishes that

stand out,” he says. “Grandma’s ramen noodle salad, for example. We’ve even done a balsamic, caramelized onion and peanut butter toast which was grandpa’s favorite.” Hodgson knows food isn’t the main event, although it’s a big part of the gathering. “Families having reunions want to see each other and catch up. We don’t want to intrude on the real purpose of the day: to bring the family together. Through menus, design, food placement and creativity, we seamlessly blend into the event.” He adds, “In my personal opinion, limit the bar options. Make the day about family and reconnecting, not the gin and tonic.” Whatever you choose for this year, Hall advises, “Gather as much information as you can at this year’s reunion to help plan for next year.” Paris Wolfe blogs about food and travel at pariswolfe1.com/pariswolfe-on-travel-and-food/ .

March/April 2022

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LEGAL

Your Will… Just the First Step to a Good Estate Plan

By Joseph L. Motta

ost people believe that estate planning consists of nothing more than preparing a will to designate how your assets are to be distributed upon your death. Proper estate planning, however, deals with protecting your family and assets, both during and after your lifetime. A comprehensive estate plan covers three key areas: preparing for your disability or incapacity, planning for your potential long-term care needs, and protecting your children’s inheritance even after your death. THE BASICS A will takes effect only upon your death. If you become incapacitated, a will does nothing to provide for the management of your assets during your lifetime. For example, if you have a severe stroke and are unable to handle your own affairs, someone must have legal authority to manage your assets and to make personal and health-care decisions on your behalf. Without proper planning, a relative or friend must apply to the probate court to be appointed your legal guardian. Once the guardianship is established, your guardian is supervised by the probate court. The guardian must periodically file reports and accountings to demonstrate how you are being cared for and how your assets are being managed. The guardian also is required to get the court’s permission to spend money on your behalf. The process is burdensome and requires the assistance of an attorney who is familiar with the probate court’s procedures. Although a will identifies the persons you want to receive your assets at death, there is a legal process involved in the way they’re distributed. The administration of an estate is covered by Ohio law and is performed under the supervision of the probate

Better Living After 50

court. This is a time-consuming and expensive process. Notices must be provided to all next of kin. It may be necessary to obtain appraisals of property, and estate receipts and expenses must be accounted for and approved by the court. It usually takes at least six months to complete the probate process, although it can often take longer. Expenses associated with probate can consume five percent or more of an estate’s value. When your assets are distributed under a will, the property received by your beneficiaries is exposed to significant risk. For example, if one of your children is divorced a few years after receiving his or her inheritance, the divorcing spouse may acquire one-half of the inheritance in the divorce proceeding. If a child is involved in a lawsuit and a judgment is entered against him, all of the inheritance may be used to satisfy the judgment. If a child has creditor problems, assets received under a will are available to satisfy the claims of those creditors. Proper estate planning can address these and other issues. Carefully drafted powers of attorney, trusts, transfer-on-death affidavits and other documents can help you avoid probate and protect you and your family from problems that may occur, both now and after your death. Joseph L. Motta, LPA, is an estate planning and elder law attorney based in Avon Lake. You can reach him at 440-930-2826 or visit josephlmotta.com.

Grand Northeast Ohio

Fun With the Grandkids SUNDAYS Family FUNdays at the Community Arts Center. Featuring familyfriendly games, movement-based activities, art making, and even a family parade. Every first Sunday of the month. 1-4 p.m. 2937 West 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandart.org. FREE

3/24 Scooby-Doo Live! “Scooby-Doo! and The Lost City of Gold” is an all-new live stage spectacular coming to Akron in March. Featuring an original story, new characters, acrobatics, puppets, and stage magic, this show is perfect for all ages. 7:30 p.m. The University of Akron, E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron, uakron.edu.ej. $26-38

3/26 World Water Day. Travel the blue planet at this family-friendly event. Grab a passport to explore the global importance of fresh water. Learn about traditional crafts, folk music and ethnic foods. Noon-4 p.m. West Creek Reservation, Watershed Stewardship Center, 2277 W. Ridgewood Dr., Parma, 440-887-1968, clevelandmetroparks.com. FREE

4/2-3, 4/9-10, 4/16 Egg-stra Wild Egg Hunt. The zoo is hosting a wild egg hunt, perfect for the kiddos. All participants receive a bag of holiday treats. Tickets include admission to the zoo following the event. 8:30-10 a.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org. $7-18

4/5 Preschoolers in the Garden: Plants need Clean Water, too! Join a Master Gardener to learn how plants use water and how humans can conserve more of it. 10-11:30 a. m. Chippewa Lake, Krabill Lodge, 7597 Ballash Road, Medina, medinacountyparks.com. FREE

4/8-10 Snow White Ballet. It tells the story of Snow White from birth to age 16 and is complete with snowflakes, forest animals, secretive birds and even dancing cupcakes! And of course, it ends with a kiss! Friday and Saturday at 2:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2:30 p.m. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, beckcenter.org. $10-12

4/13 Family Fishing Derby. Fish together with your family, hook some memories and win prizes. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Buffalo Creek Retreat, Hubbard Valley Road, Seville, medinacountyparks.com. FREE

4/23 Spring Fling. Visit with lambs, ducklings and bunnies, watch the flock be sheared, see sheep herding demonstrations, and see a short theater performance. Noon-4 p.m. The Spicy Lamb Farm, 6560 Akron-Peninsula Road, Peninsula, thespicylamb.com

4/30 Jack Cullen Memorial Trout Derby. For children ages 4-15, takes place at the Lock 4 Trailhead along the Towpath Trail. Bait, beverages and food for sale. Bring your own pole. 8-11 a.m. 6575 Erie Ave. NW, Canal Fulton, starkparks.com. FREE Supplement to

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5/13-15 The Wizard of Oz. North Pointe Ballet premieres Janet Dziak’s new ballet interpretation of the story of Dorothy and her new friends as they dance their way down the yellow brick road to find there’s no place like home. 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway, Lorain, lorainpalace.com

March/April 2022

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Grand H

elp grandchildren love and appreciate science by performing simple experiments with them at home. It will nurture their intellectual curiosity and encourage them to ask questions about the world around them. Kids love reactions that are explosive and colorful. The following experiments will definitely grab their attention, plus they use items you probably already have available in your kitchen. IT’S A BLAST Perform an acid/base experiment by making a snow volcano. Heap up a cone-shaped snow pile around a water bottle. For the base, drop 1 spoonful of dish soap and 2 spoonfuls of baking soda into the bottom of the bottle. Add a few drops of food coloring and mix well. For the boom (acid), add about 1/8th-cup of vinegar and stand back for the volcanic eruption — an explosion of foam! Add a different color and more vinegar to repeat the reaction. Because you are doing this outside, cleanup is easy. A lava lamp is also a favorite. Fill a water bottle with half oil and half water. Add a few drops of food coloring and glitter. The water and oil separate because of their differences in density. Next, add Alka-Seltzer tablets. These are large, so break them into fourths. Drop into the bottle and watch for the fizzy bubble formations. The Alka-Seltzer provides carbon dioxide, which pushes the colored water droplets up through the oil. When the gas is released at the top, the water droplets fall back down to the bottom and get re-carried up to the top. You can keep adding more Alka-Seltzer tabs to repeat the performance. Our kids wanted to keep lava lamp, so they saved it until the next day and added even more Alka-Seltzer.

Better Living After 50

Fizzy Volcanos, Magic Rainbows Science is Golden By Karen Shadrach

COLOR CRAZY In addition to explosions, kids love rainbows. Rainbows are a great subject for St. Patrick’s Day and you can use these experiments for them to create their own rainbow colors with science. Start with M&M’s and Skittles. Place 5-6 candies in water. Try to keep the letters facing up in the cup. Wait 5-10 minutes. First, the colors dissolve off the candy, then slowly, the letters peel off and float on top of the water. Why? The M’s and S’s are made out of edible paper. Kids love this experiment. They like to see how many intact letters they can get to float, plus they’re allowed to eat the extras we don’t use.

How about making rainbow rain? Use a tall water glass or wine glass and fill ¾-full of water. In a separate cup, pour about ¼-cup of olive or vegetable oil with 4-6 drops of food coloring. (Lighter colors are best) Whisk, breaking up all the colored droplets. Pour the oil into the water — it will float on top. Then, watch closely as the droplets slowly begin to fall down into the water portion, creating beautiful rainbow rain. Set up a rainbow in clear plastic cups. Begin by placing seven clear plastic cups in a row and fill every other cup ½-full with water. Following the sequence below, add food coloring to the appropriate cup and mix well: RED — BLANK (no food coloring) — BLUE — BLANK — YELLOW — BLANK — RED. Next, fold paper towels lengthwise and insert them into the cups. Each towel should be bent in half and extended from a colored cup into a blank cup. You will need a total of six folded towels. Watch these for a few hours, then leave them overnight. The empty cups will now contain water that has been colored purple, green and orange. The empty cups will contain water and the mixed colors from their neighboring cups, making a rainbow of colors. Science mystery revealed: This is not magic, (I had them wave their magic wands over the experiment after set-up) but is accomplished by capillary action of the movement of water along the paper towels. This experiment is great for teaching the kids to learn the primary colors and how to make secondary colors. I encourage you to try one or more of these science experiments with your grandkids. Teach them to see that learning is exciting and spark their interest in science. Try to show an interest in it yourself. There is no need to know everything in advance. Search for answers and learn together. Karen Shadrach is a Northeast Ohio on-the-go, in-theknow grandmother of two sets of twins. Read her grandparenting blog at northeastohioboomer.com.

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAREN SHADRACH

Northeast Ohio

Ick!

Why Do I Know This?

Common-Sense Social Media By Marie Elium

rom pics, first steps and playground tumbles. It’s fun keeping up with friends and acquaintances through Facebook, Instagram and other social media feeds. Who doesn’t like a cute grandparent/grandchild photo? Then there’s the occasional cringeworthy post that makes us wonder: What were they thinking? Did we need to know that a grandkid is no longer wetting the bed? Or that a child finally doesn’t need a tutor anymore? Potty training updates, stitches in the E.R. — almost nothing is off limits on social media, but maybe some of it should be. GUARDRAILS It’s normal to want to share good and fun things on social media, says Dr. Michael Redovian, a pediatric psychiatrist at Akron Children’s Hospital. “But always view (posts) from the perspective that this has the potential to live forever; is it worth it? Before posting an item about a grandchild to social media, consider who will see it, Dr. Redovian says. Is it for family and friends, or can someone outside of your circle see it? Who will repost it, and where? How will the child respond to it? “If you’re posting a silly thing a teen did and if cousin Bob mentions it to him at the next gathering, will that lead to (an argument) or will he be mortified?” Different situations call for different guardrails, he says. A milestone to grandparents may be something a teen has struggled

Marie Elium has never successfully gotten her 2-year-old grandson to sit still long enough to post a decent photo with him on social media.

with and didn’t want to share with his peers, or the achievement doesn’t fit with his reputation at school. The best option is to talk to the teen first, and then post it (or not). Another example is when a grandparent posts a photo of a zoo trip with a grandchild. If there’s an ongoing custody issue, the custodial parent may not want the other to know where they are. And those emergency room photos? Don’t violate the privacy of other people or children by inadvertently including them in the shot. With younger children, talk to parents about their boundaries for social media posts, Dr. Redovian says. Social media lives forever. “If your (grandkid) is potty trained, 12-13 years down the line, is someone going to find that, use that, rip on them? As you move into middle school, is that something your friends will print out and post on your locker? To learn more about social media boundaries, risks and benefits, Dr. Redovian recommends the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry’s Facts for Families at aacap.org.

March/April 2022

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Petal Pushers

Great Gardens You Need to See By Marie Elium

Do you feel it? Daylight is lingering in the evenings, birds have revved up their chatter, and, if you look closely, bright green bulb tips are poking up through the mud. Springtime has returned to Northeast Ohio. Don’t let a few late snowfalls or flurries tell you otherwise. We’ve pulled together a list of public gardens to celebrate the season. Don’t know where to start? Pick one, and then find out what it is best-known for and start your tour there. That’s the advice from Shelley Funai, Stan Hywet’s senior horticulturist. It’s easy to get sidetracked by trails and colorful flower beds

Better Living After 50

— and there’s nothing wrong with simply following garden paths. But most gardens are known for one or two special areas, and if you want to maximize your visit, start with those, Funai says. A lot depends on the time of year. For example, at Stan Hywet, the estate’s Dell is home to delicate ephemeral wildflowers in April and May, blooming for a short time and then retreating to let showier plants take center stage. By late May or early June, the sprawling cutting gardens are awash with bold iris and peonies. No matter how you approach a garden tour, the best advice is to simply get out there and take it all in. Every garden tour is a good garden tour.

CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland cbgarden.org 216-721-1600 Don’t Miss: The Glasshouse with rainforest and desert plants. There’s an herb garden outside. Admission fee.

HOLDEN ARBORETUM holdenarb.org 9550 Sperry Road, Kirtland 440-946-4400 Don’t Miss: The extraordinary collection of rhododendrons and azaleas in June. Admission Fee.

CLEVELAND CULTURAL GARDENS 750 E. 88th St., Cleveland clevelandculturalgardens.org Don’t Miss: A springtime stroll through the 33 gardens, each a tribute to a different country, culture or nationality. Wear your walking shoes; the gardens stretch along Martin Luther King Boulevard and East Boulevard in Rockefeller Park. Free.

JAMES H. BARROW BIOLOGICAL FIELD STATION hiram.edu 11305 Wheeler Rd., Garrettsville 330-527-2142 Don’t Miss: Hiram’s Field Station has more than five miles of trails through old-growth forest, secondary forest, prairies, wetlands and streams. The visitor’s center is located at the front of the property. Download a trail map through the college website. Free.

CLEVELAND METROPARKS LAKEFRONT NATURE PRESERVE portofcleveland.com/ environment-infrastructure/ cleveland-lakefront-nature-preserve 8701 Lakeshore Blvd. NE, Cleveland 216-377-1348 Don’t Miss: The downtown Cleveland views, migrating birds, spring wildflowers and native perennials. Free. DAFFODIL TRAIL 3100 Brush Rd., Richfield summitmetroparks.org/furnace-run 330-867-5511 Don’t Miss: Celebrate the park system’s centennial with a visit to the Daffodil Trail and its 40,000+ cheery blooms. Free. HEMLOCK CREEK PICNIC AREA/ BEDFORD RESERVATION – CLEVELAND METROPARKS clevelandmetroparks.com 14800 Button Road., Walton Hills Don’t Miss: The native wildflowers along the Tinkers Creek Trail. Free.

SCHOEPFLE GARDEN lorainmetroparks.com/ schoepfle-garden 11106 Market St., Wakeman 440-965-7237 Don’t Miss: The 70-acre botanical garden and woods bordered by the Vermillion River. Collections of rhododendrons, roses, lilies, hostas and other plants. Free. STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS stanhywet.org 714 N. Portage Path, Akron 330-836-5533 Don’t Miss: The restored Japanese garden, 70 acres of formal and themed gardens, and the Birch Tree Allee. Admission fee.

MILLER NATURE PRESERVE loraincountymetroparks.com 2739 Center Rd, Avon 440-937-0764 Don’t Miss: The 145 acres of woodlands in the heart of Avon. This park also features a 5,000-squarefoot conservatory, with plants from around the world, including orchids, ferns, bonsai, palms, cycads and more. $2 admission for conservatory. NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES shakerlakes.org 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland (Shaker Heights) 216-321-5935 Don’t Miss: The Big Marsh and The Mini Marsh, with lizard-tail and swamp rose mallow, floodplain and upland forests, a vernal pool and more. Free.

Marie Elium’s favorite flower garden is the one in her backyard.

March/April 2022

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Boomer

Crooner ALEX BEVAN STILL HAS A LOT TO SAY By Joe Matuszak

“This is your land This is my land, too We come together, and we make it through.” “To me, it’s what needs to be said,” Bevan says before a performance at Sarah’s Vineyard, across the road from

Better Living After 50

Blossom Music Center, where he’s performed many times throughout his career. “There are all sorts of ways to look at a problem. There’s not just a silver bullet. There’s the laying of hands and the enduring hope.” The ability to adapt and still stay true to himself has been a hallmark of Bevan’s career.

STALLED, NOT STUCK Like the rest of us, he was blindsided by the arrival of COVID-19 in March 2020 and the subsequent restrictions that came in its wake. He had a full schedule of folk festivals, wineries and other live gigs, along with time for camping with his wife, Deidre. “It was perfectly balanced, and it went to nothing.” After the requisite period of cabin fever at his North Madison home, the man who once billed himself as the “Low-Tech Troubadour” pieced

Alex Bevan, today (above) and yesteryear (inset).

together the necessary technology to livestream concerts following Gov. Mike DeWine’s daily briefings. Those high-tech offerings continue weekly on his Facebook page, drawing admirers from across the country and as far away as Germany. It doesn’t take the place of live performances, he says. “I love live performances and the immediate feedback. That’s where the songs come from.” “A lot gets lost” when playing online, he admits. “I look at that blue

PHOTOS COURTESY OF ALEX BEVAN

e has gone from being a coffeehouse crooner to a bar-room bard, then a pandemic-era social media performer. That’s a lot of ground to cover. But after more than 50 years of writing and performing, Alex Bevan, the dean of North Coast singer-songwriters, still has something to share. A day after the January 6 Capitol riot in 2021, he penned a “drone’s-eye view” of D.C., the place where “Martin Luther King spoke to more than a few,” offering his own vision for the nation’s future:

dot and pretend it’s a person, and try to respond to the chats as best I can.” His approach to his craft remains old-school. “The three tools I like best are guitar, pencil and paper.”

SPRINGBOARD The East Cleveland native played French horn at Shaw High School but traded it for a six-string companion. “I played at every church coffee house I could get into,” and as a teenager, talked himself into tavern gigs “with everything but a note from my father.” He served his apprenticeship with such musicians as Gusty and Sean at Fagan’s in the Flats. He attended The University of Akron, but left following the Kent State shootings. He tried to launch his career in Nashville, but couldn’t get any traction. Back home, he built his reputation as a musician and songwriter, opening for acts like Jimmy Buffett, Billy Joel and others. He put himself on the map with his song about “a skinny little boy from Cleveland, Ohio, come to chase your women and drink your beer.” His profile was boosted by frequent appearances on WMMS radio’s Coffee Break Concerts and other broadcasts. His album “Springboard” and subsequent releases showcased his versatility with ballads such as “Rodeo Rider” and the love song “Grand River Lullaby.” He hilariously cataloged the woes of the Cleveland of “smoke stacks and chemical urns/ and the only damn river in the world that burns,” assuring us we could make it through “because we can laugh at ourselves.” His performances were leavened by a combination of slice-of-life observances and tall tales. Through the 1980s, Bevan played with various bands until he eventually found himself stretched too thin as a member of a group, and opted to focus on a solo career and songwriting. He’s glad he made the change. “I think I’ve become a better communicator in some ways. I’m able to tackle subjects both from a youthful perspective and a mature perspective.”

SONIC BOOMER In a recent project, Bevan looked at the legacy of his generation. “Baby… I’m a Boomer… yes I am Surfing at the edge of a Medicare plan… Should have thought of this sooner…” From his viewpoint, the ‘60s was a time when “Warhol called it a can of soup” and “Lennon sang of love and truth.” He believes their legacy is mixed. “I don’t think we did enough,” Bevan says, with a laugh. He still thinks there is time to make a difference. “It’s very easy to stand here and look back and say we dropped the ball. You can always pick up the ball. There’s the present and the future; the past is set.” Younger musicians are “creating their own opportunities,” as he did, and are building communities, “and that’s good to see.” Bevan says he feels just about ready to take on the role of teacher, using material he produced for the area Metroparks and during a stint with SeaWorld to offer environmental lessons for kids, “to point young minds in one direction” and direct their imaginations “beyond what you see on the screen.” These messages are for the grownups, too, he adds. “I want to be part of something larger. It doesn’t have to be about me.” His heart remains open to everyday experiences that he transforms into art and a continuing connection with his audience. During a visit to Lake Erie State Park, he was inspired by drawings he happened to see, and wrote these lyrics: “On a space in the middle of the old sidewalk There was grace from a child with a chip of chalk Only four letters were all she wrote Just one word – that word was Hope.” Information about Bevan’s recordings and upcoming performances can be found at alexbevan.com. John Matuszak is a Northeast Ohio native who has worked as a journalist and photographer for 32 years here and in Athens, Columbus and Michigan.

Staying Skinny A LIFE, AN ATTITUDE I REMEMBER THE VERY FIRST TIME I heard Alex Bevan’s “Skinny” (little boy from Cleveland, Ohio). It was the summer of 1977 and it was coming from a friend’s car radio, most likely tuned to WMMS. The friend was joyously singing along, waving his arms as he repeated the lyrics about “running down the road I got the back tires smokin’, the highway’s open, not a cop in sight.” Most importantly, it was about our town. I believe that you aren’t a real city until someone writes a song about you. And at a time when Cleveland was a Rust Belt joke to most of the country, Alex had found exhilaration and abandon in the heartland. I immediately went to the record section at Newberry’s department store in the Great Lakes Mall and bought the 45 of “Skinny.” I still have it. Then came the live performances in many venues, from high school auditoriums to the Mayhem outdoor festivals at Lakeland Community College, and later, bars throughout the region. He played frequently at the Frontier Room student union while I attended Ohio University in Athens. While I didn’t live in Cleveland for the next 40 years, when I returned to see family and friends, the question I always asked was, “Where is Alex playing?” He was the entertainment for the surprise 25th wedding anniversary party for longtime friends and big Alex fans, Jack and Debbie Evans. We thought she was almost as delighted with the entertainment as with renewing their vows. I told Alex that night that he had been the soundtrack of our friendships. On a poster Alex autographed for me, he wrote, “Stay skinny.” Like most of us, I’m not as skinny as I used to be. But I think he meant that being “skinny” was an attitude, a way of going lightly through the world and holding onto the joy of life from our younger days. Thanks for the laughs and the life lessons, Alex.

March/April 2022

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T UNI Y FO M

M e ntor BETTER IN MENTOR All Ages, All Stages

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Mentor Marsh

OUR NATURAL NATIONAL TREASURE By Estelle Rodis-Brown

entor Marsh is a local treasure with state- and nationwide impact. It is one of the largest natural marshes remaining along the Lake Erie shoreline, attracting huge numbers of migrating birds and breeding fish. More than 90 percent of the state’s original wetlands have been drained over time to make way for development, according to the Ohio Division of Wildlife. Mentor Marsh, however, was preserved as a National Park Service-designated National Natural Landmark in 1966 for being one of the most species-rich sites among the Great Lakes. FOWL TERRITORY Recognizing its value as a breeding area for Lake Erie fish and as a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and songbirds, Cleveland Museum of Natural History acquired the 800-acre marsh in 1965 and established it as the state’s first nature preserve in 1971. Mentor Marsh and the adjacent Headlands Dunes State Nature Preserve to the northeast comprise an ideal place to see spring migrations of songbirds and waterfowl, including blue-winged teal, American wigeon, gadwall, American black duck, Northern shoveler and hooded merganser. This unique wetland — which occupies an ancient abandoned

channel of the Grand River — is recognized as a National Audubon Society Important Birding Area and is part of the Lake Erie Birding Trail. On the western boundary of the Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve, the City of Mentor’s 230-acre Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve is also a premier birding site, featuring 1.5 miles of shoreline with rare dune plants, a riverine marsh and a mature oak bluff. More than 260 bird species have been recorded within or offshore from the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Mentor Marsh. Over three miles of hiking trails encircle the Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve, offering views of the Mentor Lagoons Marina, Mentor Marsh, upland forest and the Lake Erie shoreline. Trail maps are available at the Marina office, trailhead, or at the Recreation Department located at the Mentor Municipal Center. Kayaks can be rented to paddle throughout the lagoons’ protected waters. Call (440) 205-3625 for reservations. RECOVERY Mentor Marsh suffered a dramatic environmental setback in the 1960s when salt-mine tailings were dumped into Blackbrook Creek. By the early 1970s, most of the swamp forest trees and marsh plants were dead. The site was overtaken by reed grass

(Phragmites australis), a 15-foot-tall non-native invasive plant that choked the nearly four-mile-long marsh basin. The Cleveland Museum of Natural History began restoring Mentor Marsh in 2004. After removing polluted soil and acres of phragmites, dozens of native plant species were reintroduced. By 2017, more than 19,000 plants representing 23 species native to the marsh had been reestablished. The museum reports that these native plants have attracted rare marsh birds such as American and Least Bitterns, Virginia, King and Sora Rails, Common Gallinules and Wilson’s Snipe to nest here. Fish, including Northern Pike, are spawning, and Yellow Perch fingerlings are using the marsh as a nursery. Otter, beaver, wading birds, waterfowl and shorebird migrants are also using the restored marsh as a stopover habitat. Mentor Marsh is co-managed by the Division of Natural Areas and Preserves and the Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Four miles of hiking trails are open year-round. The Carol H. Sweet Nature Center at 5185 Corduroy Road offers nature programs and guided hikes. For more information, call 440- 257-0777. Immerse yourself in the Mentor Marsh and its ongoing story. Visit soon to make the most of this national treasure on Lake Erie’s shoreline. March/April 2022

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MENTOR’S

”

10 By Georgia Lattas

FROYO TWIST SOFT SERVE & BUBBLE TEA Mix and match any combination of frozen yogurt flavors and 60+ topping selections exactly to your liking. They also offer pineapple Dole whip, soft-serve gelato, frozen custard, smoothies and bubble tea. myfroyotwist.com

BOOKS, ART AND MORE! For book lovers, there’s Barnes and Noble (barnesandnoble.com) with a Starbucks cafe to grab a treat or sit down for a chat with friends. For those interested in the arts, Busy Bee Pottery in Mentor provides families and parents with opportunities to create art (mentor.busybeesart.com). Nearby, enjoy theater and arts at The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby on Mentor Ave. (fineartsassociation.org).

IF YOU’RE LOOKING TO SPEND TIME IN MENTOR, THERE ARE PLENTY OF FAMILY-FRIENDLY PLACES TO VISIT. HERE ARE 10 DESTINATIONS TO TRY:

HEADLANDS BEACH STATE PARK Headlands Beach State Park is a public beach in Mentor and the longest natural beach in Ohio. It attracts 2 million visitors annually. The park features a 35acre beach for sunbathing and swimming, along with picnicking facilities and a seasonal concessionaire. ohiodnr.gov MENTOR LAGOONS NATURE PRESERVE & MARINA Located on the shores of Lake Erie with multiple hiking and biking trails giving views to the Mentor Marsh, marina, shoreline and rare dune plants. The property encompasses 450 acres and includes a 230-acre nature preserve with rare dune plants, a riverine marsh and oak bluff. The marina can accommodate up to 500 boats. cityofmentor.com

JAMES A. GARFIELD NATIONAL HISTORIC SITE The site preserves the Lawnfield estate and surrounding property of James Abram Garfield, the 20th president of the United States, and includes the first presidential library established in the United States. nps.gov/jaga REYNOLDS ROAD AND MENTOR AVE. RESTAURANTS There’s an abundance of restaurants in the city for every palate, from Quaker Steak and Lube (Reynolds Road), Melt Bar and Grill (Mentor Ave.), BJ’s Restaurant and Brewery (Mentor Ave.), Mission BBQ (Reynolds Road), Smokey Bones (Reynolds Road) and Don Tequila (Mentor Ave.), to name a few. Visit cityofmentor.com for more options beyond these streets.

Mentor offers a great overall quality of life, excellent schools, attractive & affordable housing, responsive city services, and a wealth of recreational opportunities. We think it’s a great place to call home. We think you will too. Learn more at cityofmentor.com

Living After 50 30CityBetter of Mentor - A Great Place to Call Home.indd

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GREAT LAKES MALL Great Lakes Mall has lots of shopping and food options, a Planet Fitness, Round 1 Bowling, Cleveland Clinic Children’s Play Area (which is a newly renovated indoor kids’ space area), events and more family-friendly fun. shopgreatlakesmall.com ESCAPE IN MENTOR Escape Room in Mentor (7468 Tyler Blvd., escaperoomclev. com/escape-room-mentor/) and Escapology. (7300 Palisades Pkwy, escapology.com/en/mentoroh), provide opportunities for family-friendly groups to solve mysteries within the rooms.

CRUMBL COOKIES Crumbl Cookies is a popular national cookie chain known for their cute pink boxes, their popularity on TikTok (3.5 million TikTok followers), and their weekly rotating menu (new cookie flavors every week). None of the flavors remain the same each week besides two flavors. crumblcookies.com/ohmentor

WONDER CLEVELAND IN GREAT LAKES MALL The Cleveland-themed museum now includes 16 full sensoryinteractive art exhibits. It invites guests to explore, touch, climb, solve. This experiential museum is at the Great Lakes Mall in Mentor. For tickets and info, wondercleveland.com

March/April 2022

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No Better Place AT HOME IN MENTOR By Marie Elium

im and Sharon House don’t work for the Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce — not officially, at least. The Houses are at home in Mentor, the place they’ve lived all their lives and where they raised their son, Jeff. They can’t imagine living anywhere else, or any better, for that matter.

Better Living After 50

Jim, 74, and Sharon, 68, said the city’s senior-friendly services, tax rates and abundant natural resources make it a place they want to stay, and they encourage others to join them. Their love of nearby Lake Erie (they live just two miles from the shoreline) is reflected in their email, which has “Walleye” in the

address. When Jim retired from Lincoln Electric in 2009, both he and Sharon had more time for walks at Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve & Marina and Mentor Headlands State Park, and fishing at Veterans Memorial Park. “We mostly just sightsee and go down to the lake and smell the water,” Jim says.

LOTS TO DO With more time on their hands, the Houses quickly discovered The Mentor Senior Center and its many activities. The vibrant, busy center has more than 5,000 members and dozens of programs, trips and classes. The Houses teach American Sign Language at the center, a popular class that draws 8-12 people each session. Jim shoots pool at the center almost daily; Sharon takes exercise classes. They recently went on three trips offered through the center, to

Hartville, Columbiana and Medina. The convenience of letting someone else plan a trip — and do all the driving — can’t be beat. Mentor is an especially friendly city for older adults. People over 60 get free admission to high school games, something Jim enjoys attending. From their yard, they can see the fireworks in the summer. “The services are good, the streets are beautiful, the sidewalks are clear. We have Laketran if we need a ride,” he says. Laketran, which serves Lake County, is the region’s third-largest

Mentor Public Library has Convenience on ‘Lock’

ife has never been simple, but it’s been spectacularly unpredictable for the last two years. So, Mentor Public Library has added a new service to make it as convenient as possible for all patrons, including parents, to pick up their next book or movie. The library recently installed hold lockers outside of Mentor High School that are available 24/7. That means no more rushing to beat closing time! The lockers are ideal for busy souls who have no idea when they’ll have free time.

transit system, offering inexpensive and convenient transportation by bus. It’s one of several services available to older adults. Through the senior center, members can get free tech help. Students from Mentor High School are there several times a month to troubleshoot smartphones, tablets, computers and other devices. In conjunction with the Cleveland Food Bank, the Mentor Senior Center sponsors monthly produce distribution for limited-income seniors. Also, the City of Mentor and Waste Management offer walkup collection services for those who are unable to move their garbage or recycling containers to the curb on collection day. Go to the center’s website, mentorseniorcenter.com, to learn more about its support groups, volunteer opportunities, daily lunch program, classes and more.

By Jason Lea

Anyone with a CLEVNET library card can have their holds sent to a locker. All they need to do is pick “Mentor High School lockers” as their pick-up location when putting something on hold, either in person or online, at mentorpl.

org. And the lockers are secure. They can only be opened with a patron’s librarycard number. It’s convenient, too. Once your locker’s open, the items are automatically checked out to your card. Visit mentorpl.org for more information.

March/April 2022

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MENTOR Businesses and Organizations Special Advertiser Listings

GENERAL FAMILY AND COSMETIC DENTISTRY General Family and Cosmetic Dentistry with Joseph Greiner, DDS; Anna Visger, DDS and Elizabeth Visger, DDS has served the Mentor area since 1989 with skilled, knowledgeable and friendly staff. It offers state-of-the-art equipment and advanced technology for implant crowns, same-day crowns with Cerec technology, SureSmile invisible aligners and Zoom! in-office teeth whitening. Office hours are Monday-Saturday (evening hours available), drgv.net, 440-255-2600.

INDIAN MUSEUM OF LAKE COUNTY

AMERICAN HOME & ENERGY PRODUCTS Create the perfect fireplace: traditional gas, wood, or an outdoor fireplace. Regency also installs gas stoves and electric fireplaces. In addition, they carry all the things that go around the hearth, such as fire starters and tools. 1270 Mentor Avenue, Painesville Twp., americanhome.com, 440-358-5858.

CARDINAL CREDIT UNION

Organized in 1953, Cardinal Credit Union has been providing financial services to employees of various companies and organizations in the Mentor/Cleveland area for more than half a century. Cardinal members always have a financial counselor in their corner to help make sound financial decisions. Visit cardinalcu. com to apply for Instant Membership in three simple steps and learn more about the ways Cardinal supports you.

Better Living After 50

See prehistoric Native American items from 12,000 B.C.-1650 A.D. and historic artifacts from throughout North America; try the handson activities. Visit the Indian Museum at 7519 Mentor Ave., Suite A112, lower level in the back. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. on weekdays and 1-4 p.m. on weekends. Adults $4, Seniors $3, K-12 students $2, Preschoolers free. Reservations required for organized groups. Special programs available. indianmuseumoflakecounty.org, 440-951-3813.

LAKE COUNTY COUNCIL ON AGING The Lake County Council on Aging offers programs for those age 60 and over: Information and Referral, Social Work Services, Meals on Wheels, Homemaker Services and more. This non-profit agency is also the area’s Aging and Disability Resource Center, serving individuals with disabilities, 18 and older. The Council on Aging celebrates its 50th Anniversary this year as Lake County’s trusted resource

for seniors, their families and caregivers. See the ad for more information. lccoa.org, 440-205-8111.

LAKE METROPARKS FARMPARK Don’t miss the National Parks & Historic Sites Spring Art Show, March 19 – May 15, 9 a.m.-5 p.m, Penitentiary Glen Reservation. Experience National Parks and Historic Sites in this show featuring photography by members of the Western Reserve Photographic Society, creatively designed walking sticks by local artists, and more. And don’t miss Quilts 2022, April 1-May 1 at Lake Metroparks Farmpark, with 200+ quilts and related works. Quilt Vendor Days April 23 – May 1. Go to lakemetroparks.com/events.

LAKETRAN

Each year, Laketran provides 750,000 trips, getting people to work, school, appointments, shopping and recreation. Whatever your transportation needs, Laketran strives to meet them in a safe, reliable and affordable way. Laketran’s door-to-door Dial-a-Ride service provides assisted transportation that can take you anywhere in Lake County and select medical facilities in Cuyahoga County. Primarily used by seniors and people with disabilities, Laketran offers special transportation programs for veterans, volunteers and senior center participants. laketran.com, 1-888-LAKETRAN.

RSM EVENTS RSM Events presents the best in dinner shows. Great entertainment, food and service satisfy customers with outstanding value for their entertainment dollar. Come to RSM’s Neil Diamond Tribute dinner show, April 22, at LaMalfa, 5783 Heisley Rd. in Mentor. Or try the lunch & show at 12 p.m.; show only at 1 p.m. or 7:30 p.m.; dinner & show at 6:30 p.m. To order tickets, call 216-744-7090.

WALKER ROOFING & CONSTRUCTION, LLC

Looking for a roofing company in Mentor? Consider all the details before making a final decision. Walker Roofing & Construction, LLC is the right roofing contractor for

you: Experienced - The company’s founder has 20+ years of industry experience as a general contractor and an insurance adjuster. Versatile Walker handles both residential and commercial roofing projects, from leaf guard installation to complete roof replacement. Customer Oriented - Walker Roofing & Construction, LLC offers free roof evaluations and always returns phone calls. walkerroofingandconstruction.com, 440-527-3039.

THE AMERICANCROATIAN LODGE The American-Croatian Lodge has been a premier spot for elegant events since 1982. The full-service facility offers Eastern European and American dining at the Dubrovnik Garden restaurant. The Main and West End Hall are perfect for weddings, rehearsal dinners, proms, corporate events, bereavement gatherings, holiday and birthday celebrations, luncheons, concerts and fundraisers. From appetizers to family-style sit-down dinners, enjoy an unforgettable dining experience in state-ofthe-art kitchens. Plan your next event with the American-Croatian Lodge’s commitment to excellence. 440-946-3366.

March/April 2022

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Sponsored Content

Presented by Truehold

This New Service Helps Homeowners Unlock an Easier, Debt-Free Retirement at Home THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE YOUR HOME Cherished memories, daily rituals, backyard gatherings. It’s no wonder 92% of older Americans want to keep living in their homes and communities for life. More than just a source of comfort and familiarity, home is also a source of wealth— oftentimes representing the majority of one’s net worth. As people age, unexpected challenges can arise that lead to financial strain. Given that most of their hard-earned wealth is tied up in their home, they face a difficult choice: stay and struggle financially with debt, or sell and move from the home they love.

A CHALLENGING DECISION In order to access their home equity, some homeowners take out a loan in the form of a reverse mortgage, cash-out refinancing, or a HELOC. These options only unlock a portion of one’s equity, however, and the homeowner is left with substantial debt. If someone needs to access their home’s full value and avoid debt, their best option is to sell their home. Older adults also frequently encounter medical issues that jeopardize their independent life at home. If private home care services are too expensive, many people, faced with no other choice, are forced to sell their homes and move into a senior living facility prematurely. TRUEHOLD: A NEW OPTION Truehold, a company new to the

Better Living After 50

Cleveland area, allows homeowners to enjoy their home and their wealth, rather than having to choose between the two. With their innovative Sale-Leaseback service, clients stay in their homes and retain their independence while unlocking their home equity debt-free. How it works is simple: they buy your home for 100% of its value, and you receive all your home equity in debt-free cash. You then lease your home back for as long as you’d like while Truehold covers maintenance, property tax and home insurance. Founder and CEO Brian Hardecker, a Certified Senior Advisor (CSA)®, was inspired to create Truehold after witnessing the pain of his grandfather, a POW in World War II. “At 90, he was forced to move from his family home because he

needed his equity to cover medical costs,” Hardecker said. “There needed to be a better option for those who want to stay in their home—so we created one.” MORE MONEY AND LESS HASSLE Since launching in July last year, Truehold has already helped more than 100 residents access their equity and age in place at home with a lifestyle that allows them to maintain autonomy and community—benefits linked to increased longevity. When Truehold residents complete a Sale-Leaseback, they immediately gain access to a significant amount of their wealth in cash. Clients use these funds to pay off debts, cover necessary health expenses, and afford home care to relieve family caregivers. Others

simply use it to support loved ones or fulfill their dream of living a relaxing, stress-free retirement. For those who feel burdened by home ownership, a Sale-Leaseback is a frictionless alternative to downsizing or senior living. Ron, for example, is 78 and has no family nearby to help with home maintenance. Truehold has taken over upkeep and repairs so that he can live at home without worry. If residents are concerned about their physical safety at home, Truehold will install common home modifications, from handrails and grab bars to lighting, that make it easier for them to age at home. Truehold provides a comprehensive solution through its experienced team of experts in senior living, occupational therapy, care management, real estate, financial services, and customer experience. The company is passionate about bringing an honest, human and helpful approach to an antiquated, sometimes predatory industry.

A NEW CHAPTER Hardecker says the team is thrilled about launching in Cuyahoga County: “Clevelanders have such pride in their city and such deep roots in their communities. We want to honor that by helping them stay in their homes,” Hardecker states. “We’re committed to responsibly serving seniors and always putting their interests first. We aim to only

suggest solutions that help improve their wellbeing—whether that be with us or someone else,” Hardecker added. “We’re excited to build a long-term, trusted service for older Clevelanders and their families.” If Truehold sounds like a good option for you or a loved one, call (866) 709-2825. To receive a free info kit and no-obligation offer, go to truehold.com.

March/April 2022

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CAREGIVER CORNER

Timely Advice SLOW MEDICINE, BETTER CARE By Jennifer Beach

r. Dennis McCullough gave a boost to the Slow Medicine Movement when he wrote “My Mother, Your Mother: Embracing ‘Slow Medicine,’ the Compassionate Approach to Caring for Your Aging Loved Ones.” Slow Medicine is common sense and kindness, grounded in traditional medicine while open to alternative practices, as well. Slow Medicine for Elders is a measured treatment of less-ismore that improves the quality of patients’ extended late lives without bankrupting their families financially or emotionally. In 2008, Dr. McCullough wrote in the alumni magazine of the Geisel School of Medicine at Dartmouth College that: “The vast machinery of modern medicine, which can be heroically invoked to save a premature baby, when visited upon an equally vulnerable and failing great-grandmother, may not save her life so much as torturously and inhumanely complicate her dying.” In his book, Dr. McCullough focuses on the fastest-growing

Better Living After 50

group of elders: those over age 80. This group is particularly important because they have more interaction with the medical system and use more resources per capita than any other age group, a number that is about to double with a spiraling demand for health services. Diseases that once ended lives relatively quickly have been changed into chronic illness, chronic debilitation and extended years of decline. In “My Mother, Your Mother,” he wrote: “Slow Medicine is not a plan for getting ready to die. It is a plan for understanding, for caring and for living well in the time that is left.” GENTLE DECISIONS The concept of Slow Medicine is about learning to slow down when a loved one is in the later stages of life, typically age 80 and beyond. Taking more time for reflection, asking questions, having conversations with family and friends, and researching to help understand options and potential outcomes, is important before making decisions.

One example of practicing this concept is reassessing medications. The value of a medication can change over time. What was wise and useful to take when a person is younger in hopes of a healthier future, can change as we age. Dr. McCullough points out that, instead of a yearly mammogram, a manual breast exam may suffice for the very old, and home tests for blood in the stool may replace the draining routine of a colonoscopy. The high-blood-pressure pills that are lifesaving at 75 may cause problems at 95. Another example of Slow Medicine is taking time to discuss and think about recommended tests and procedures. Often a doctor will recommend a series of tests, not considering how the test or procedure itself will affect the older adult. Is it worth the potential discomfort, anxiety and time? What is the goal of the test or procedure? If you find out your 95-year-old mother has colon cancer, will treatment be started? Expensive, state-of-the-art medical interventions do not necessarily deliver superior outcomes, Dr. McCullough says. Gentle, personal care often yields better results, not only for elders in late life, but for the families who love them. In the late stages of life, older adults begin to slow down, not only physically but in almost every other aspect of life. Interests in the world around them lessens; life becomes greatly simplified. Reassurance that everyone and everything is okay can be so important at this late stage. Learning to slow down and embrace slow medicine for our elderly is something worth learning and talking about, not only for your elderly loved one but also for letting others know what is important to you as you age.

Jennifer Beach is an Advanced Aging Life Care Professional. She established Advocate for Elders (advocate4elders.com) in Rocky River and has 25 years of experience working with and advocating for older adults and their families.

MATURE LIVING

SHOWCASE Sponsored Content

THE 7 SIGNS OF ALZHEIMER’S DISEASE

ith more than 6 million Americans living with Alzheimer’s disease, it’s easy to worry that it could happen to you or a loved one. Knowing what changes to look for is key to finding the right support. Here are seven common signs of Alzheimer’s disease and other forms of dementia: 1. MEMORY ISSUES

If a loved one regularly forgets important details like their birthdate, names of family members or where they live, seek medical attention. While this type of forgetfulness can be caused by medications, anesthesia, or an acute illness, if it lingers, it may indicate the early stages of dementia.

Presented by Ganzhorn Suites 2. ALTERED JUDGMENT

People with dementia may make poor decisions or behave in risky or uncharacteristic ways. 3. DECREASED INTEREST

If your loved one is usually social but now seems introverted or they’ve lost interest in lifelong hobbies or lack the motivation to participate, that may indicate serious cognitive changes are happening. 4. INABILITY TO DO ROUTINE TASKS

Your loved one may routinely forget to complete or take longer to do routine daily tasks like bathing, dressing, grooming or eating. 5. COMMUNICATION ISSUES

Someone with dementia may regularly confuse the names of objects (calling a cat a dog) or mix

up unrelated words (calling a cat a cantaloupe). 6. MOOD CHANGES

Mood and personality changes are common with dementia. Irritability, anxiety, aggression or depression may develop and appear intermittently or become a daily occurrence. 7. CONCENTRATION & CONFUSION

Someone with dementia may put items in the wrong place, like leaving the phone in the freezer or putting their car keys in the microwave. To learn more about common signs of dementia, community resources, or specialized care for people with dementia, contact the Ganzhorn Suites at 440-294-1500 or visit ganzhorn.com.

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Sponsored Content

HONORING LOVED ONES With a Focus on Family Presented by Sunset Funeral, Cremation, and Cemetery

or more than 90 years, Sunset Funeral, Cremation, and Cemetery has been helping families honor the memories and the lives of their loved ones. Sunset has been providing funeral and memorialization services to our community for over 30 years and has built a reputation on quality, sincerity and trust with services that celebrate the life of each individual and respect the wishes of every family. As a trusted provider within the community, they realize that they aren’t just caring for a loved one but the entire family. Sunset helps families find peace of mind, knowing their loved ones receive complete care at one convenient location. Families trust Sunset during their most difficult times, and they always respond with kindness,

40 Better Living After 50

understanding, and expertise. Have you thought about what you would want for your final arrangements? Many families have not. It is natural to protect ourselves and our loved ones in so many ways for what “might” or “could” happen; doesn’t it make sense to plan for what will happen? At Sunset, you will find knowledgeable and compassion staff to walk you through these difficult steps in a respectful and dignified manner. Pre-planning funeral and cemetery arrangements allow time to mourn a loss and not have to make the difficult, but necessary, decisions on one of the worst days of their lives. Pre-planning your funeral and cemetery with Sunset is one of the greatest gifts you can leave for your

loved ones. Sunset provides options and plans that fit all budgets and offers peace of mind to you and your family, knowing that everything is taken care of. Please call for your complimentary Pre-Planning Guide to start putting your final wishes on paper.

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How Do You Join? • Go to NortheastOhioBoomer.com/Insider • Provide email address, delivery address and other info • Join Now. Open to the first 500 respondents. Best of all - it’s FREE!

What Do You Get? • FREE home delivery of the magazine for the next issue • FREE Boomer Bash Tickets Members must provide a valid email to participate in the Boomer Insider Club. Members will receive the May/June issue in the mail. Members must reconfirm membership with each issue for future home delivery of the magazine. Offer valid for Northeast Ohio residents only. Maximum of one mailed copy per household.

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Sponsored Content

THE RESIDENCES OF MENORAH PARK ommunities are defined by the people who live there. Nowhere is this truer than at The Residences of Menorah Park. The communities are bustling with an ever-growing assortment of activities and opportunities, all driven by the interests and passions of the people who call The Residences home. A product of the community and a vital component of it as well, The Residences of Menorah Park provide a familiar landing place where experience and age are celebrated. Each week brings an expanded array of programs and experiences, speakers and services for residents and the community beyond. The residences under the Menorah Park

Better Living After 50

— Presented by Menorah Park

umbrella are not the one-size-fits-all variety. Instead, the Menorah Park team responds to the needs of the people who make their homes there. Tie-dying lessons? Sure. Outdoor entertainment. Why not? A trip to the art museum. Guest lecturers.

Book and Gardening clubs. The resident-driven activities are creative and fun, with opportunities re-opening safely, according to CDC guidelines. Menorah Park’s services include home health care, an adult day program to provide extra support for caregivers and social experiences for the people they love, an aquatic and therapy center with occupational, speech and physical therapies, including a pain-management program with experts who help clients live the lives they deserve. Schedule a tour, talk to a friendly and knowledgeable team member, and come home to Menorah Park. Call 216-360-8202 or visit MenorahPark.org.

PHOTO COURTESY OF MENORAH PARK

A Thriving Community at Home and Beyond

Sponsored Content

SCAM BUSTING: Ohio SMP Health Care Tracker Presented by Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol

hio SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol), along with SMPs nationwide, has seen an uptick in scam phone calls to Medicare beneficiaries, stating that Medicare is issuing new Medicare cards. Medicare is NOT issuing new Medicare Cards. What can you do to protect yourself and prevent Medicare fraud and medical identity theft? The most important thing you can do is guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card. Don’t give your Medicare card or number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it. Use SMP’s Health Care Tracker to record doctors’ appointments, medications, tests and bloodwork. Compare this information with your Medicare Summary Noticies (MSN) to make sure all claims and services are accurate. Contact Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) if you suspect Medicare errors, scams or fraud at 1-800-488-6070, ext 4. SMP will send you a free Health Care Tracker.

March/April 2022

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Sponsored Content

LIVING AT HOME, THE GOAL OF MANY SENIORS Presented by McGregor PACE

p until two years ago, Jeanney Lloyd spent most days alone in her Cleveland apartment, watching her favorite TV show, “Walker, Texas Ranger,” and getting around as best she could with bad arthritis and a walker. Now the 69-year-old, who worked as a doughnut maker and a housekeeper, is surrounded by friends, laughing or dancing as she plays trivia games, watches movies, has lunch and learns to speak Spanish. That’s on top of working out on exercise equipment as part of the physical therapy that keeps her legs strong. Jeanney does all that every Wednesday and Thursday at MetroHealth’s Old Brooklyn Campus inside the Adult Day Center that’s part of the McGregor Foundation’s PACE program. “This program did me good,” Jeanney says, “because it got me out of my apartment. Before this, I couldn’t walk too good.” McGregor PACE – Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly – is the only PACE program in Ohio for those who meet the nursing home level of care, allowing people to remain in their homes, says Elliot Cruz, Business Development Director, which serves more than 200 people like Jeanney. Available at little or no cost to Cuyahoga County residents 55 and older in need of services such as help with dressing, bathing and medication

44 Better Living After 50

management but who can still live safely in the community, the Adult Day Center is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. weekdays. McGregor PACE sends vans to participants’ homes to pick them up at their doorsteps and drive them to the center one to five days a week. Each day begins with a continental breakfast followed by a list of activities from exercise to art therapy to shopping trips in the community, when COVID isn’t an issue. A medical clinic exists inside each center, so clients can see a doctor or nurse if they’re not feeling well and save the trouble and cost of an Urgent Care or Emergency Department visit. The centers also provide annual flu and COVID vaccines. Physical, occupational and speech therapists are available. Podiatry, vision, hearing and dental care, medication, as well as other medical equipment, are part of the all-inclusive services. Services are customized to each person and delivered to their homes on the days clients don’t come to the center. All this comes with a price tag that clients and their families love! McGregor PACE’s Adult Day Center is free for those who qualify for the care and are covered by Medicare or Medicaid. Care is focused on one goal: to keep seniors living in their own — or their children’s — homes for as long as possible, where they’re more comfortable, happier and don’t have to spend their savings on nursing home or in-home care. “The PACE program really helps people stay in their homes longer,” says Lee Ann O’Brien, McGregor’s Chief Marketing Officer. “We know residential care is not a good fit for everyone.” “Statistically, we can tell you, people in the PACE program expand their longevity by 24 months – and it’s all about staying engaged. Our goal is to keep participants remaining as healthy and independent as possible, as well as relieve some of the burden and stress placed on their caregivers.” Research also shows that those participating in PACE programs, where services can be delivered to homes if needed, are less likely to contract COVID-19. The PACE Adult Day Center program is one of many services for seniors provided by McGregor as it works to improve the quality of life for seniors and help resolve the shortage of affordable housing for them. McGregor also offers assisted living, hospice and other services for those 55 and older. If you’re interested in the PACE program for yourself or a loved one, go to mcgregorpace.org or call Elliot Cruz at 216-205-4008 or 1-888-895-PACE.

Sponsored Content

Kids Find Hope

Presented by Western Reserve Grief Services

and Healing in Nature

re you looking for more support to help a child or teen who is grieving the death of a loved one? The children’s grief support specialists at Western Reserve Grief Services are hosting grief support camps this summer, where children can continue their healing

process in the company of their peers who have experienced similar losses. RIDING THROUGH GRIEF Riding Through Grief is held in collaboration with Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center in Chagrin Falls and utilizes the gentle, nurturing

feedback of horses to promote healing in children coping with the death of a loved one. Two camps are scheduled: June 20-24, 9 a.m.-12 noon, for children 8-12, and July 18-22, 9 a.m. to 12 noon for teens ages 13-17. Registration is $75 per camper. Scholarships are available.

CAMP RED OAK Led by trained bereavement professionals, Camp Red Oak (ages 6-13) in Kirtland will be held Aug. 9-11, 9 a.m.-3 p.m., combining art, music, play and nature exploration to help with the healing process. The camp brings together children, all of whom have experienced the death of a loved one, in a safe, supportive environment. To register or request an information packet, call 216-486-6838. For a comprehensive list of community bereavement resources, visit hospicewr. org/griefandloss.

Sponsored Content

FAMILY-OWNED SHOE STORE Features Specialty Sizes

Presented by Mar-Lou Shoes

elcome to Mar-Lou Shoes. Established by Henry “Bud” and Marcia Lou Ungar, Mar-Lou Shoes has been servicing Cleveland-area residents since 1958. Throughout the decades, Mar-Lou expanded to four stores; within the last 10 years, Mar-Lou Shoes has folded them all into one Lyndhurst location. They are proud to have grown into Ohio’s largest selection of specialty sizes and widths for men and women. What sets them apart from other family-owned stores? It’s their combination of well-known and niche brands, the wide assortment of footwear they carry, the vast knowledge of their staff, and their dedication to finding the perfect fit. Whether you need a walking shoe, boot, dress shoe or something for every day, the goal of Mar-Lou Shoes is to make your feet feel great. Your feet support your entire body; let Mar-Lou Shoes support your feet. Come in today and get measured for a perfect fit. March/April 2022

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What’s

om t isi er.c e v t m e oo -da as Ple hiob p-to s. sto t u ng ea mos listi h t r r e no r th enda fo cal

Happening 4/15 Enjoy an after-hours, adult-only egg hunt, where

you will find hidden eggs across the zoo. Everyone

ADULT receives a goody bag and a chance to win prizes. EGG Food-truck snacks and adult beverages available for HUNT

purchase. 6-9 p.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org. $23-28

CLASSES

WEDNESDAYS Introduction to Sewing. In this threepart, hands-on sewing series, learn basic sewing techniques, how to use a sewing machine, and how to tackle sewing projects. March 30, April 27 and May 25. 2 p.m. South Lorain Branch Library, 2121 Homewood Dr., 440-277-5672, lorainpubliclibrary.org. FREE THURSDAYS Adult Improv 101. A fun and lively exploration of the basic tools and techniques used in improvisational theater. For both the beginner and the experienced. 3/17-4/28. 7:15-8:15 p.m. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216521-2540, beckcenter.org. $60 3/23 Pruning Basics. Understand the basics of pruning before tackling small-scale

pruning projects on your property. 6-7 p.m. Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org. $10-25 3/29 Argentine Tango. The perfect onramp for those interested in trying the Cleveland Tango scene! Classes are designed to help students get on the floor quickly and plug into a vibrant dance community. 7-8 p.m. Cleveland Tango School, 1541 E. 38th St., Cleveland, vivadancestudio.com 3/30 & 4/27 Charcuterie Workshop at Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens. Learn how to build your own gorgeous charcuterie board for your next event or gathering, review tips and tricks, and discuss foodand-beverage pairing options. 6:30-7:30 p.m. 16965 Park Circle Dr., Chagrin Falls, sapphire-creek.com. $60

4/2 Line Dancing on the Lake. Enjoy nature while dancing outdoors and learning beginner line dances each session. 10-11 a.m. Lakeview Park, 1800 W. Erie Ave., Lorain, 440-245-1193, loraincountymetroparks.com. FREE 4/4 Glass Etching & Mocktails. Etch a glass and learn how to make a few mocktails to serve in your newly etched glass. 7-8 p.m. Olmsted Falls Branch Library, 8100 Mapleway Dr., 440-2351150, cuyahogalibrary.org. FREE 4/5 Poker 101. Introductory poker lessons for absolute beginners, including basic rules and mechanics of the game. 7-8 p.m. Thompson Branch Library, 6645 Madison Road, Thompson, divi.geauga library.net. FREE

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

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5/3 Pound Fitness Class. Exciting, exhilarating full-body workout that combines cardio, conditioning and strength training with Pilates-inspired and yoga movements led by a Pound Pro fitness instructor. 5:15-5:45 p.m. Memorial Nottingham Branch Library, 17109 Lake Shore Blvd., Cleveland, 216623-7039, cpl.org. FREE

Writers Group of Rocky River: Virtual. New writers and old hands are welcome. Fiction, nonfiction and all genres in between — even picture books, graphic novels and screenplays. Have your work critiqued and give constructive feedback to others in a fun and friendly environment. Third Tuesday of each month. 7 p.m. Rocky River Public Library, rrpl.org. FREE

5/5 Painting with Acrylics. Learn from a professional acrylics painter how to create a canvas painting of a fishbowl with fish using acrylics. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, 440-871-2600, westlakelibrary.org. FREE

THURSDAYS Twinsburg Garden Club. Open to anyone in Twinsburg and surrounding communities who enjoys gardening and nature and has an interest in expanding their knowledge. Monthly meetings feature topics on perennials, vegetables, landscaping and more. Meetings held virtually on the third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. twinsburg-garden-club.com

CLUBS

MONDAYS Lakeshore Writers Group. Writer Tina Bartish welcomes aspiring writers and authors to meet and share work on a monthly basis. 7-8:30 p.m. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., alpl. org. FREE Sketchbook Club. Bring your sketchbook for creative drawing exercises on the last Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gates Mills Branch Library, 1491 Chagrin River Road, 440-423-4808, cuyahogalibrary. org. FREE

SATURDAYS Chess Club. Players do not have to belong to a formal chess organization. Chess is played in a friendly, just-for-pleasure atmosphere. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Parma Branch Library, 6996 Powers Blvd., 440842-5599, cuyahogalibrary.org. FREE Woodcarvers Club. Take a nondescript block of wood and transform it into something useful or a work of art. Join

TWC’s Woodcarvers. Meets on the second and fourth Saturdays each month. 9:30-11:30 a.m. The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave. SW, Wilmot, wildernesscenterorg SUNDAYS Second Sunday Poets. Join in for a poetry open mic every second Sunday of the month via Zoom. Open to all poets, 18 and over. The group follows a round-robin format, beginning with a featured reader. 3-4:30 p.m. Cuyahoga County Public Library, cuyahogalibrary. org. FREE Board Game Club. Drop in on the first Sunday of each month to play board games with other adult enthusiasts. Bring a friend or make a new one. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., 330-673-4414, kentfreelibrary. org. FREE

MUSIC, THEATER & ARTS WEDNESDAYS Solo At Sarah’s. Live music every Wednesday through April 27. 6-8:30 p.m. Sarah’s Vineyard, 1204 W. Steels Corners Road, Cuyahoga Falls, 330929-8057, sarahsvineyardwinery.com. FREE

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WHAT´S HAPPENING THURSDAY-SUNDAY These Shining Lives chronicles the strength and determination of women considered expendable in their day, exploring their true story and its continued resonance. 8 p.m. ThursdaySaturday and 2 p.m. Sunday through April 3. Clague Playhouse, 1371 Clague Road, Westlake, clagueplayhouse.org. $10-18 FRIDAYS Concerts in the Barn Winter Warmup Series. Spazmatics 3/25, Boaterhead 4/1, No Show 4/15, Out of Eden - Eagles Tribute 4/22, and Tim Moon - Queen Tribute on 4/29. Mapleside Farms, 294 Pearl Road, Brunswick, mapleside.com Through April 27. $15 Third Fridays at 78th Street Studios. Join the creative businesses of 78th Street Studios as they open their doors for you to explore the arts complex every third Friday of the month from 5-9 p.m. 1300 W. 78th St., Cleveland, 78thstreetstudios.com. FREE Through 3/27 Pretty Woman: The Musical. Starring Broadway superstar and Tony Awardnominee Adam Pascal as Edward Lewis and rising star Olivia Valli as the

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charming and charismatic Vivian Ward, PRETTY WOMAN: THE MUSICAL springs to life with a powerhouse creative team. Connor Palace at Playhouse Square, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org. $10-115

Festival (CIFF46). The Cleveland International Film Festival promotes artistically and culturally significant film arts through education and exhibition to enrich the life of the community. clevelandfilm.org

3/23-4/2 Passage. Country X is dominated by Country Y. A friendship between two people is challenged in this climate of fear and distrust leading to an explosive accusation. A fantasia inspired by E.M. Forster’s A Passage to India, writer Christopher Chen creates a suspenseful story about the challenges of true connection. Cleveland Play House, Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave., clevelandplayhouse.com. $15

4/1-10 Ten Below: The One Act Festival. The beauty of a 10-minute play festival is that there is truly something for everyone. If one piece isn’t your particular cup of tea, that’s alright, the next one probably will be. Performances at 2 and 7:30 p.m. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, 440-951-7500, fineartsassociation.org. $20

3/24-3/27 Symphonic Mozart. This popular symphony by Mozart and his piano concerto, which is symphonic in style and scope, both composed at the height of his popularity and at the center of musical life in Vienna. 3, 7:30 and 8 p.m. The Cleveland Orchestra, Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com. $21-91 3/30-4/9 Cleveland International Film

4/2 Symphonic Dances. A performance of color, movement and a kaleidoscope of international styles will be capped off by Rachmaninoff’s last score, the tour-de-force “Symphonic Dances.” 8 p.m. The University of Akron, E.J. Thomas Performing Arts Hall, 198 Hill St., Akron, uakron.edu.ej. $20-60 4/7-5/1 Clue. It all begins on a dark and stormy night, as six mysterious guests arrive at Boddy Manor for a night of murder

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WHAT´S HAPPENING and blackmail that they will never forget. Thursday-Saturday 7:30 p.m. and Sunday 2:30 p.m. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-836-2626, weathervaneplayhouse.com. $12-31 4/9 Three Stooges Film Fest. A collection of four Three Stooges film shorts on Canton’s largest screen. 7:30-9 p.m. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. North, Canton, cantonpalacetheatre. org. $10 4/21-22 The Diamond Project: Neil Diamond Tribute. Winners of the Cleveland Hot List Best Band Award! They are dedicated to performing a true replication of the musical styling of a live Neil Diamond concert. Lunch & show: noon, dinner & show: 6:30 p.m, or show only: 1 and 7:30 p.m. Michaud’s, 16808 Pearl Road, Strongsville on 4/21 and LaMalfa, 5783 Heisley Road, Mentor on 4/22. RSM Events, rsmevents.com. $50-65 4/23-5/7 The World According to Snoopy. This updated musical features a brandnew song (“Husband Material”) with music by Larry Grossman and lyrics

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by Andrew Lippa, composer/lyricist of the additional material in “You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown” (Revised). Performances at 7:30 p.m. except May 1 at 2 p.m. French Creek Theatre, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, loraincountymetroparks.com/theatre. $15 4/26 Cleveland State University Jazz Showcase. Join in person or tune in virtually for a jazz-filled evening featuring CSU Jazz Ensembles and Small Combos from Cleveland State University’s School of Music. 7 p.m. BOP STOP at The Music Settlement, 2920 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, themusicsettlement.org. $5/suggested donation.

ONGOING ATTRACTIONS

AKRON ZOO ONGOING Legends of the Wild. Travel through South America with the jaguar and capybara, Madagascar with the lemurs, and the Himalayan Mountains with the snow leopards and Himalayan tahr. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org $11-13

AKRON ART MUSEUM THROUGH 5/15/22 The 10,000 Things interweaves inspirations from traditional Chinese painting, Japanese manga and animé, video games and comic books with graphic design, iconographies, and Wong’s philosophical musings. 1 S. High St., 330-376-9185, akronartmuseum. org. FREE CANTON MUSEUM OF ART 4/26-7/24 Abandoned America: Everything Must Pass. Abandoned America captures the mesmerizing beauty and lost history of the various derelict buildings dotting our country’s landscape, by Matthew Christopher. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, 330-453-7666, cantonart.org. $6-8 CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN ONGOING Costa Rica Glasshouse. Take a trip to the tropics — in Cleveland. Experience the year-round exuberance you can only find in a Central American rainforest: towering trees, everblooming shrubs and rich vegetation lend a lovely, tropical retreat.11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org. FREE-$15

CLEVELAND HISTORY CENTER ONGOING Cleveland Starts Here. A place for Northeast Ohioans to locate their own stories and place themselves in the rich story of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. A place for schoolchildren to experience the history of Cleveland and the region. 10825 East Blvd., 216-721-5722, wrhs. org. $10-12

the artist’s personal collection and examines a central, animating aspect of his oeuvre: his extraordinary, singular concern for the human figure. 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org. $8-15

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY THROUGH 7/24 100 Years of Discovery: A Museum’s Past, Present & Future. Celebrate

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO ONGOING Australian Adventure. Visit koalas year-round, where they perch on live eucalyptus trees in both indoor and outdoor habitats. See kangaroos and wallabies roam in Wallaby Walkabout, and visit Kookaburra Station for upclose animal encounters at the contact yard with sheep, goats, miniature donkeys and other farm animals. 3900 Wildlife Way, 216-635-3391, futureforwildlife.org. FREE-$16.95 THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART THROUGH 6/12 Alberto Giacometti: Toward the Ultimate Figure. Combining all media — sculpture, painting, and drawing — the show of 60 works draws upon the deep resources of

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WHAT´S HAPPENING the museum’s centennial in their newest exhibit. Through an interactive journey, experience awe-inspiring moments in our history and get a preview of what the future will hold. 1 Wade Oval Drive, cmnh.org. FREE-$17 GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM ONGOING Shark Gallery & Sea Tube. With 230,000 gallons of water, this impressive space features three species of sharks, stingrays, eels and many other species of fish. Walk through the 175-foot underwater sea tube. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, 216-862-8803, greaterclevelandaquarium.com. $19.95 MALTZ MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE 5/11-8/28 Chagall for Children. This worldclass special exhibition is designed to engage ages 2-12, featuring 14 multi-sensory exploration stations incorporating high-quality reproductions of Marc Chagall’s works encouraging children to explore art principles such as color, composition, light and texture. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org. FREE-$10

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ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME ONGOING Cleveland Amplified. This exclusive exhibit features artifacts that speak to the longstanding connection between music and sports. 1100 Rock and Roll Blvd., Cleveland, 216-781-7625, rockhall. com. $18-28 STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS OPENING 4/1 Entertaining: You’re Invited. This showcases how the estate was used as an event space, with a deep dive into the types of parties and events that were held there, and who attended. The exhibit also explores how the staff at Stan Hywet Hall created these events, and what was going on behind-thescenes. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org. FREE-$19

OUTDOORS

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. 440-279-2137, geaugaparkdistrict.org. FREE

Hiking Seniority. Folks aged 55 and older meet year-round every Tuesday at nearby parks for nature appreciation, exercise and camaraderie. 10 a.m.-noon. 440-2561404, lakemetroparks.com. FREE FRIDAYS-SUNDAYS Golf Cart Cruise. Join a knowledgeable staff member for a 60-minute golf cart journey through the African Savanna, on a Wilderness Trek, and finishing up on the back roads of Australia. April-October. Fridays at 11 a.m., Saturdays 11 a.m. or 1:30 p.m. and Sundays at 1:30 p.m. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, 216-635-3391, futureforwildlife.org. $150-200/up to 6 riders 3/26 Embrace the Mud Hike. Join Conservancy staff as they highlight the mental and physical health benefits of getting a little muddy and being in nature. Ages 12+. 9-11 a.m. Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 1403 W. Hines Hill Road, Peninsula, 330-657-2909, conservancyforcvnp.org. $10-12

3/30 National Take a Walk in the Park Day. Celebrate this special day on a short walk with a naturalist to discover what’s happening around the lakes. 1-2 p.m. Beartown Lakes Reservation, 18870 Quinn Road, Chagrin Falls, geaugaparkdistrict.org. FREE

3/26 Spring Wildflowers of Northeast Ohio. “Spring-aComin,” what better way to prepare for this “splash of color” than a preview “photo tour” of spring wildflowers in Northeast Ohio? 10-11 a.m. The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave., SW, Wilmot, wildernesscenter.org

4/2 Humor Hike. Got cabin fever? Get out and hike the trail with a naturalist and enjoy jokes along the way. 2-3:30 p.m. Silver Creek, Pheasant Run Area, 5000 Hametown Road, Norton, summitmetroparks. org. FREE

Spring Forage Dinner. Curated food and wine foraging dinner (four courses) inspired by the flavors of spring. 6-10 p.m. ThornCreek Winery, 155 Treat Road, Aurora, thorncreekwinery.com. $100

4/13 Senior Stroll. Enjoy a short hike on the garden trails to see what is greening up. 10:30-11 a.m. Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Road, Avon, 440-937-0764, loraincountymetroparks. com. FREE 4/30 Birds & Blooms Hike. Observe the birds and spring ephemeral wildflowers along the trail. 8 a.m. Shaw Woods Park, 7075 Beery Road, Ravenna, portageparkdistrict. org. FREE 5/6 Wine and Wildflowers. Enjoy a curated selection of seasonal bites paired with an assortment of wines and beers. 6-9 p.m. South Chagrin Reservation, Look About Lodge, 37374 Miles Road, Bentleyville, clevelandmetroparks.com. $30

SPECIAL EVENTS

3/20 Sap’s-a-Risin! Visit Geauga Park District’s sugar house and sugarbush for a sweet taste of how maple sugaring methods have evolved from the Native American tradition to modern methods. Noon-4 p.m. Swine Creek Reservation, 16004 Hayes Road, Middlefield Twp, geaugaparkdistrict.org. FREE

3/29 Clearing the Clutter. In this interactive program, learn games and practical strategies for decluttering and organizing your home. 6 p.m. Highland Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Medina, 330239-2674, mcdl.info. FREE 4/1 Midwest Comedy Tour. Featuring Austin Robertson, Becky Sahlin and Jake Iannarino. 7:20 p.m. Funny Stop Comedy Club, 1757 State Road, Cuyahoga Falls, funnystop.com. $14 4/1-3 International Wine Fest. Get ready for the best wine weekend in Cleveland. Lago Custom Events, 1091 W. 10th St., Cleveland, tastecle. com. $40-100 4/2 Seed Swap. Stop by to drop off or pick up a seed packet to get started on spring planting. Euclid Public Library, 631 E 222nd St, Euclid, 216-261-5300, euclidlibrary.org. FREE

Summit Lake Centennial Bash. Celebrate the park district’s 100th anniversary at the new nature center. 10 a.m.-noon. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, summitmetroparks. org. FREE

the tastiest food fight and only mac-and-cheese festival in Cleveland with CLE’s top restaurants & food trucks during this comfort-food event. Noon-3:30 p.m. The Madison, 4601 Payne Ave., Cleveland, macncheesethrowdown.com. $35

4/21 Ladies and Gents Who Lunch. Enjoy a light lunch and meet the Lake County citizens who left small towns to make big differences. Noon-3 p.m. Lake County History Center, 415 Riverside Dr., Painesville, lakehistorycenter.org. $17-20

4/20 Primavera: Spring Wine Dinner. Enjoy an exclusive, fivecourse gourmet meal paired with award-winning Gervasi wines in The Villa Grande, . 6-8:30 p.m. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, gervasivineyard.com. $90

4/7 Rock ‘n’ Roll Bingo. Play bingo to the tunes of ‘50s and ‘60s rock ‘n’ roll. 6:307:45 p.m. Green Branch Library, 4046 Massillon Road, Uniontown, 330-8969074, akronlibrary.org. FREE 4/9 6th Annual Mac ‘n’ Cheese Throwdown. Experience

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WHAT´S HAPPENING 4/21-24 Geauga County Maple Festival. The oldest maple festival in the U.S. celebrates the production of pure maple syrup in Geauga County and Northeast Ohio. Four days of fun, food and “everything maple.” Chardon Square, 111 E. Park St., 440-2863007, maplefestival.com 4/23-24 Native American Cultural Education Weekend at Hale Farm & Village. This weekend of programs highlight the rich histories and cultures of Native peoples from our region and the state of Ohio, both past and present. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, 330666-3711, wrhs.org

TALKS

TUESDAYS Lunchtime Lecture at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Come to the CMA for a quick bite of art history. Every first Tuesday of each month, join curators, scholars and other museum staff for 30-minute talks on objects currently on display in the museum galleries. Noon. 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org. FREE 3/23 Spring Gardening: Getting Started. Learn how to assess your space, improve your soil and select the right plants to get the most from a garden space. 6-7 p.m. North Ridgeville Branch Library,

37500 Bainbridge Road, 440-327-8326, lorainpubliclibrary.org. FREE 3/30 Start Your Garden Plants from Seed. Join North Canton Community Garden experts to learn how to start your garden from seeds. 6:30-7:30 p.m. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., 330-499-4712, ncantonlibrary. com. FREE 3/31 A Senior’s Guide to Lowering Drug Costs. Drawing on extensive drug pricing research and nearly a decade of experience in the Medicare insurance industry, Andrew Preston offers practical advice on how to lower your drug costs. 6:30-7:45 p.m. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., 440255-8811, mentorpl.org 4/2 Book Talk with Author and Publisher Cori Sykes. Write and Vibe Publishing founder Cori Sykes will discuss writing and publishing her book, “Crescent Tide.” 11 a.m.-noon. Martin Luther King, Jr. Branch Library, 1962 Stokes Blvd., Cleveland, cpl.org. FREE 4/5 Lost Restaurants of Downtown Cleveland. Join Librarian Dawn Sardes as the Euclid Public Library presents Bette Lou Higgins, author of “Lost Restaurants of Downtown Cleveland,” in a virtual Zoom event. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Euclid Public Library, 631 E 222nd St, Euclid, euclidlibrary.org. FREE 4/7 Common Ground in the Age of Misinformation. Discuss how to move past misinformation and form

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connections despite differences. 7-8:30 p.m. Middleburg Heights Branch Library, 15600 E. Bagley Road, 440-234-3600, cuyahogalibrary.org. FREE 4/12 Understanding the Holocaust: Degenerate Art. Explore what led to the rise of Nazism, and how the Nazi government used propaganda and legal precedents to exclude Jews from Germany, resulting in the extermination of Jews during the Holocaust. Webinar. 7 p.m. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, maltzmuseum.org 4/25 Author Showcase: Presenting Maggie Smith. Celebrate National Poetry Month in April by welcoming critically acclaimed poet Maggie Smith for an author talk and poetry reading. 6-7 p.m. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., 330-4994712, ncantonlibrary.com 4/30 Comic Talks. Explore the theme of discourse through graphic novels and look at a variety of books that demonstrate how graphic novels are a powerful tool for communicating important issues. 10-11 a.m. Rocky River Public Library, 1600 Hampton Road, 440333-7610, rrpl.org. FREE

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Brain Games