Northeast Ohio Boomer & Beyond | November December 2021

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Mr. Jingeling Returns NEO Grandparent

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ON THE COVER

Boomer Impact Awward winner Tom Hlavin and Simply Virtual employees photographed at Knickerbocker Apartments in Bay Village.

Photo by Kim Stahnke

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Cleveland’s Confection Connection

Terry Pluto

Painfully Obvious

On God, Sports & NEO Fans

Arthritis, Of Course

b.a. Sweetie

DEPA RTMENTS 8

WORTH NOTING Mr. Jingeling, Local Books & Old Ornaments

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Better Living After 50

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TECH TALK Use What You Need

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NEO GRANDPARENT The Gift of Giving

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COMMUNITY FOCUS Cuyahoga Falls

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WORK/ VOLUNTEER They Want You

EDITOR´S NOTE

Boomer Northeast Ohio

A Star-Struck Introduction

and Beyond

AT THE ROCK HALL INDUCTION

VOL. 7 ISSUE 6

M

Live,” was relaxed. Rapper y first record and inductee LL Cool J was a shoe came across as gracious, store giveaway exhilarated and, yes, cool.

— a 45 of “Momma He sparkled from head to Told Me Not to Come” toe. Jennifer Hudson looked

by Three Dog Night. I tall; Lionel Richie looked listened to it on a console tired. Angela Bassett, who stereo until it got too inducted Tina Turner, was scratched up to play. stunningly glamorous.

I owned only three Inductees The Go-Go’s, albums: Helen Reddy’s Editor Marie Elium who also performed, wore with LL Cool J (sort of) “Long Hard Climb,” “John aggressively uncoordinated Denver’s Greatest Hits,” outfits. If they were any other group of and The Carpenter’s “A Song for You.” 60-something women, like my book My parents never played music at club, you’d describe them as quirkyhome, not even the radio. No older boho. They were terrific. siblings influenced my musical taste; After seeing celebrities close up, I I was the older sibling. realized they really are better looking I’ve evolved very little, music-wise. than us. It’s not fancy filters, skillful My iPhone has 112 downloaded editing and extraordinary lighting. songs — from musicals, the ‘70s and They’re called “stars” because songs TikTok videos. and movies and TV shows make them So imagine my surprise when the famiiliar to us, yet as untouchable and Rock Hall folks gave me Media Work unknowable as actual stars up above.

Room credentials for the Hall of My foray into rock & roll was short Fame Induction at Rocket Mortgage (about eight hours), and I’m glad I did it.

Fieldhouse. I didn’t know if I’d be I’m fine remembering Carole King in her hobnobbing with stars or staring at a “Tapestry” days, and Paul McCartney trash can. I did a little of both. as a Beatle. Stars are most impressive when they’re out of reach, both here BETTER THAN US and in the night sky.

The reporters and photographers in the Back to Earth, we’ve got a jamWork Room were a combo of local and packed issue for you. Stories about our national media representatives. The 2021 Boomer Impact Award winner, induction was streamed live into the sportswriter Terry Pluto, and the media room, just a short distance from founder of the world’s largest candy the main stage. J.Lo was there, as was company highlight just how diverse and Taylor Swift, the Foo Fighters, Jay-Z, interesting life can be here in NEO. Keith Urban, Dave Chappelle, Sir Paul Speaking of diverse and interesting, McCartney and other A-list celebrities.

I’m going to download a couple of Jay-Z My takeaway: Paul McCartney and LL Cool J songs. I need to keep up, shouldn’t sing anymore and Taylor even though I’m about 20 years behind.

Swift didn’t sound that great. But Seeing stars has that effect; their songs that’s just me; remember, I don’t know will have to do for now. It’s too cloudy much about music. around here to see real ones.

Throughout the long night,

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Better Living After 50

Happy holidays,

Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond is a property of Mitchell Media LLC

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

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

M​arie Elium​

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PHOTO: MARIE ELIUM

celebrities came into our room and posed for photos. A few answered questions and then quickly left. We were only 10 or 15 feet from them.

Inductee Carole King seemed excited and humbled and talked about the environment. Brandi Carlile, fresh off a gig on “Saturday Night

November/December 2021

Boomer Northeast Ohio

BOOMER EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD

and Beyond

Mindi Axner Executive Director National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland

Coming in the

January/February Issue beginning January 15

Sharon Dundee Director of Marketing & Communications Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center

It’s Go Time FAMILY REUNIONS HEALTH CHECKLISTS & RETIREMENT

Dr. Ardeshir Z. Hashmi Cleveland Clinic Director Center for Geriatric Medicine Kathy M. Hirko Owner KAZ Company Kathryn Kilpatrick President Memory Fitness Matters, LLC Kelsey Loushin President Eldercare Professionals of Ohio Stephanie Manning The American Heart Association, Cleveland

COMMUNITY PROS & CONS

Steven Marsh Dr. Steve Marsh, DDS Fatima Perkins Director of Community Outreach Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging 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.

November/December 2021

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WORTH NOTING Compiled by Marie Elium

Shiny & Bright VINTAGE DECOR FINDS A HOME

’60

s aluminum Christmas trees, Putz cardboard houses, glass bead garlands... you name it, NEO folks are collecting it.

Fairview Park’s Jeanne Clayton, 57, caught the collecting bug years ago, scouring yard and estate sales and auctions for pieces of Christmas past.

Clayton’s impressive collection grew from familty items she inherited.

“There’s a lot more interest in (vintage Christmas) now, which means when we go to garage sales and estate sales, you have to get there early. I’ve gone... to a lot of live auctions, and you can’t believe how much people pay for things. It’s not so much the availability of things but the pricing has just climbed through the roof the last few years.”

Her advice for would-be Christmas collectors?

“Keep your eyes open at garage sales and thrift stores. Sometimes you find some good deals. I love the stuff from the ‘50s and even the ‘40s, which would be the stuff that was probably around when I was a kid.”

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He’s Back: Keys & Song, Too! MR. JINGELING

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ack when Northeast Ohio Boomers and Gen Xers were kids, the best thing about those long weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas was a daily dose of Mr. Jingeling on “Captain Penny.”

The popular kids’ TV show on WEWS-Channel 5 ran from 1955-1971 with NEO classics like Jungle Larry, Pooch Parade and The Clean Plate Club. But nothing compared to the excitement of Mr. Jingeling, who first made his appearance in 1957 as “Keeper of the Keys” to Santa’s workshop.

Mr. Jingeling was sponsored by Halle’s department store, and kids could visit him in person on the seventh floor of Halle’s in downtown Cleveland. When Halle’s closed two decades ago, Mr. Jingeling’s reign ended.

Mr. Kringle & Company recently bought the rights of the character and has relaunched Mr. Jingeling (the seventh) in the form of Medina resident and popular Santa, Don Beck, 67. The new gig came with a caveat: he had to shave his long, white beard to match Mr. Jingeling’s familiar face.

Beck has played Santa for more than 26 years throughout Northeast Ohio. But nothing compares to being Keeper of the Keys.

“I’m not nervous at all, but I am extremely excited,” Beck says. “This is a memory for so many people in Cleveland.”

The semi-retired human services worker says, “You just can’t help but be excited when you talk about Mr. Jingeling. Seeing people with the memories (reflected) in their faces... I am so looking forward to it.”

Mr. Jingeling makes his debut at the I-X Center Christmas Connection, November 19-21.

Eat & Run LOCAL BOOKS FOR DISTINCT APPETITES

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ocal authors Janice Mitchell and Bette Lou Higgins have new books out that share a common theme: appetites.

Mitchell, the author of “My Ticket to Ride,” has an appetite for adventure. Her book’s subtitle, “How I Ran Away to England to Meet the Beatles and Got Rock and Roll Banned from Cleveland (A True Story from 1964),” almost says it all.

Higgins’ “Lost Restaurants of Downtown Cleveland” satisfies an appetite of another variety.

Her culinary cabaret will make you hungry to revisit long-gone restaurants.

Janice Hawkins (Mitchell) was 16 and living in Cleveland Heights when she talked a friend into running away with her to London to find the Beatles and make new lives for themselves in England. They almost got away with it. Their Fab Four Adventure led to a highly-publicized search for the

Author Bette Lou Higgins

teen runaways who eventually were brought back to Northeast Ohio to face the music.

Mitchell, a Cleveland resident, is a retired federal investigator, adjunct professor and lifelong Beatles fan.

Elyria author Higgins takes readers on a historical tour of the restaurants that used to keep Clevelanders well fed, watered and entertained in “Lost Restaurants of Downtown Cleveland.“

With detailed research and first-person accounts, Higgins tells the colorful backstories of beloved eateries at Public Square, the Terminal Tower, the theater district and more. Vintage photographs, obscure details and fun anecdotes revive the long-lost gathering places – and colorful characters – of downtown Cleveland’s past.

Readers may recall Captain Frank’s, the New York Spaghetti House, and The Rusty Scupper at Playhouse Square.

Higgins says that restaurants are often overlooked when people consider the history of a city. “I found that the story of a city’s eateries actually illuminates the life of its residents. What could be more important to the life of a town, than feeding its residents?”

November/December 2021

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WORTH NOTING

Podcast-Worthy Stories THEIR LIFE, YOUR LEGACY

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ou’ve heard their stories, sometimes more than once. Wouldn’t it be great to pass those older family members’ tales down to future generations?

Posterity Podcasts by PodPopuli has brought its technical expertise and editing skills to Northeast Ohio. Now older loved ones and friends can share their stories, wisdom and life lessons in an eight-episode podcast series, all captured neatly in one place.

Using questions to spur in-person conversations, PodPopuli producers make audio recordings that are divided into chapters. History truly repeats itself in each person’s own words.

PodPopuli is located at 238 N. Main St. in Hudson. Learn more at posteritypodcasts.com.

Park Poetry RHYMING IS OPTIONAL

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ave you ever been in the woods and thought, “I should write a poem about this?”

Now you can.

Cuyahoga Valley National Park and The Wick Poetry Center at Kent State University have put together a website that encourages visitors to write and contribute to poems about their park experience.

Rocks, rivers, trees and critters. If you see it, say it. Then share it with others.

Take a look at cvnp. travelingstanzas.com to learn how to paint a picture with words.

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Better Living After 50

Senior Shelter HAVEN & HELP AT ELIZA BRYANT VILLAGE

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liza Bryant Village celebrated its 125th anniversary this year with a focus on its traditional African-American values.

Established in 1896 as The Cleveland Home for Aged Colored People, Eliza Bryant has since expanded into serving the community with affordable housing for older adults and related services.

Its newest endeavor is The Elder Justice Center, which opened in December 2019 to help people who have experienced or are at risk of experiencing some sort of abuse. What makes the center different is that it serves referred clients who are 62 or older and need a temporary safe space and services to keep them from further or threatened abuse. It’s the only provider of its kind in Ohio.

Visit elizabryant.org to learn more about the center.

The center’s hotline is 844-352-7233.

November/December 2021

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WORTH NOTING

Local Foundation Promotes

PET POWER

By Paris Wolfe

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inda Dlugo, 69, of Parma Heights, calls her Jack Russell Terrier mix her “personal trainer.” Moko, a 12-year-old she adopted in July from the Cleveland APL, requires frequent walks. It’s helped Dlugo lose a significant amount of weight.

Weight management isn’t the only benefit this dog brings to his owner. “He’s so much fun,” says the former social worker. “He puts a warmth in my heart and a zip in my step.”

Dlugo chose Moko because he reminded her of her previous dog who had passed away two years earlier.

Though their initial meeting was lukewarm, she thought she’d give Moko a two-week trial. Minutes later, in the car heading to his new home, Moko was “Velcroed” to his new owner. He hasn’t left her side since then.

“He’s a cute, sweet little dog,” she says. “Thankfully, he is older so I can keep up with him.”

Linda Klann, 65, of Cleveland, adopted a mature cat to help her overcome grief from the recent

passing of her dog. The emotional support has been invaluable. A friendly stray, Sasha was a skinny tabby whose cross-eyed affection won Klann’s heart when they met at the Cleveland APL. She’s proud that she and Sasha found each other.

“I’m putting energy into a cat that wouldn’t have had a home at all. I feel like these guys deserve just as much love as kittens.”

COMPANIONS Pet lovers know the value of soulful eyes and a silent listener. Research proves them out. The Journal of Mind and the Medical Sciences says that companion animals can reduce depression and loneliness in socially isolated, homebound older adults. The pandemic proved that when we can’t see each other, a pet is a worthy substitute.

Pets can also be a social lubricant, sparking conversation among strangers and providing needed human contact, especially for older adults, other studies have shown.

Heidi Corso, a social worker and community counseling supervisor at OhioGuidestone behavioral health agency, has both read about and witnessed the benefits of pets. “I know, in terms of affecting the brain, our moods and blood pressure, spending time petting a dog or any animal can have a positive effect on breathing as well as levels of serotonin and dopamine.”

Both Klann and Dlugo received small grants from The Pets for the Elderly Foundation, a national organization founded in Cleveland, to help pay for their pet adoptions. The foundation’s mission is to “provide companionship to senior individuals through pet ownership, while saving the lives of companion animals in shelters; animals which might otherwise be destroyed due to lack of appropriate homes, and space limitations.”

Since its founding with two shelters in 1992, the foundation has branched out nationally to 57 shelters in 36 states.

Through small grants, it has successfully placed more than 100,000 companion animals with senior adopters. For more information and a list of participating shelters, visit petsfortheelderly.org.

Paris Wolfe blogs about food and travel at pariswolfe1.com/pariswolfe-on-travel-and-food/ .

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WORTH NOTING

Hair Necessities HIGHLIGHTING AFRICAN AMERICAN LIFE & CULTURE

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lack hair, through the eyes and hands of artists, barbers and activists, takes the spotlight in The Kent State Museum’s ongoing exhibit: TEXTURES: the history and art of Black hair.

Enjoying terrific reviews locally, nationally and internationally, the exhibit runs now through August 7 next year. Described by curators as a “landmark exploration of Black hair and its important, complex place in the history of African American life and culture,” the exhibit displays 180 paintings, sculptures, hair artifacts, photographs, advertisements, magazine covers and other media.

The works cover three themes: Community & Memory, Hair Politics and Black Joy. Co-curators are Kent State professors Tameka Ellington, Ph.D., and Joseph Underwood, Ph.D., “I have been researching the phenomenon of Black hair since 2002. I have always been compelled

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to understand the disdain Black people had about their hair texture. I wanted to dive deeply into the root of that self-hate and try to offer a solution or means by which Black people can begin to heal,” says Ellington, former interim assistant dean of Kent State’s College of the Arts and associate professor in Kent State’s School of Fashion.

Adds Underwood, “The exhibition is ambitious in its scope, and we hope that it serves as a space where anyone, from any background, can ask questions, engage in a dialogue or just appreciate the incredible aesthetics of Black hair.”

The Kent State University Museum is located at 515 Hilltop Drive in Kent, open Tuesday through Saturday, 11 a.m.-5 p.m. and Sunday, noon-4 p.m. Visit kent.edu/museum.

TECH TALK

Let’s Use Technology FIND WHAT WORKS

By Tak Sato

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ast month, I took my mom for a drive through the Cleveland Metroparks Rocky River Reservation. The wonderful weather beckoned me to make it different from our daily FaceTime visit.

I started the hotspot on my Google Pixel smartphone, secured my wife’s old Wi-Fi-only Apple iPhone to the smartphone holder on my windshield ($20 at Amazon), connected the iPhone to Pixel’s hotspot and FaceTimed with Mom. I flipped the camera so she could see the scenery while I drove through the leaves turning golden-orange in the valley. If there’s a need, technology usually has the answer. Though we live thousands of miles apart, Mom and I shared a leisurely drive through the park near my house.

Sometimes, pulling the tech pieces together to do what you want takes a bit of research and imagination.

WHAT TO BUY Apple and Google announced their new smartphone models in the fall.

There’s enough written about the new iPhone 13 (Apple) and Pixel 6 (Google) online, so Google away to learn more.

Older adults often ask me which iPhone they should buy. I usually recommend an iPhone SE (2020), starting at $399 instead of the top-shelf iPhone 13 or last year’s iPhone 12, starting at $799 and $699 respectively. Shiny new gadgets wow us but it’s important to match your needs to the device. If you could only own one car, would you buy a rear-wheel drive Ford Mustang or an all-wheel drive Subaru Outback, knowing what to expect from a Cleveland winter?

Choosing what to buy comes down to what you need and what you can afford. The money part is easy; that’s dictated by your budget. What’s not so clear are the many ways technology can help with day-to-day tasks.

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Recently, when I had coffee with my friend, he was visibly flustered. He said his dad, aging in place alone and in his 80s, won’t wear the emergency necklace with a button to push if he has an unexpected tumble and needs help. I shared with him that I’m thinking about getting one for myself.

Regular Tech Talk column readers may have picked up that I experienced complete hearing loss accompanied by vestibular disorder at the start of the pandemic in 2020 (not COVID-19related). I regained my hearing this summer through the wonderful medical technology of cochlear implants (CI).

By the way, if you don’t quite need CI but are still hard of hearing, with or without hearing aids — May/June 2021 issue’s Tech Talk column, also available digitally at northeastohioboomer.com — has tips on how technology can help in everyday situations.

Although CI restored my hearing, I need physical therapy to keep my vestibular disorder at bay. On several occasions, I felt that a fall detection

device would be handy. But I’m thinking about getting an Apple IWatch or Samsung GalaxyWatch that work in conjunction with a smartphone or, for a fee, as a standalone device.

The fall detection and reporting process of these smartwatches takes into consideration the possibility of the wearer losing consciousness. When it detects a fall, the wearer has to turn off the counting-down alarm by answering the smartwatch’s question. If the countdown goes to zero and the user hasn’t stopped the alarm by answering the question on the smartwatch’s screen, it will call 911 for help.

Here’s the takeaway: smart phones, tablets, Wi-Fi hotspots and tech gadgets can make life easier in many ways. Keep an open mind and allow technology to broaden your world.

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.

FOOD

Meals with Meaning SHARING RECIPES & THEIR STORIES By John Selick

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met my wife many years ago, right after the holiday season, so we had time to get to know each other. We spent our first Thanksgiving together at her family’s house, even though I really wanted to have it at my place so I could continue to woo her with a fancy meal of confit turkey legs and truffle mashed potatoes. Instead, I agreed to bring a dessert and a bottle of wine, and take the opportunity to meet her relatives.

STORIES The meal that day was a traditional turkey day feast, followed up with conversations about loved ones and then stories about the dishes our parents would make for us.

My now-mother-in-law told us about how poor her family was while growing up — a background I related to — and talked about the foods her mom used to make. It’s a story familiar to many of us in Northeast Ohio, just a generation or two from our countries of origin. Her family was newly arrived from Hungary, couldn’t speak English, and didn’t have money for food or much else.

Through all of those hardships, family traditions began, most notably around food.

The one dish mentioned that wasn’t served that Thanksgiving day was

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szalonna bread, a fancy-sounding name for toast topped with leftover bacon grease instead of butter.

Being a lover of all things pork, I was intrigued by this dish.

My future mother-in-law admitted it was delicious, even though it was served because they were so poor. At breakfast, it was eaten just with the bacon grease, but any other time of the day it was garnished with Hungarian paprika and raw onions. These must’ve been really hard times. I imagined myself when I was a child, a very picky eater, sitting down to toast with raw onions because there wasn’t much else.

A LEGACY Fortunately, both of our families are seeing much better times. The last truly cheap meal I had was probably a

50-cent package of Ramen noodles, eaten more out of convenience than thrift. I was inspired by the story of szalonna bread. I’m passing along the tradition by telling the story to our kids. That’s why we serve it each holiday, re-created to remember the struggle from years ago and to appreciate what we have today.

For holidays today, we prepare a French bread crostini with bacon fat infused with thyme and paprika, topped with caramelized onions and an array of toppings that often include goat cheese, figs or roasted tomatoes.

I’m passing on this and other recipes to our kids. When they take over the holiday meal, will they serve the family szalonna bread and tell the story of the dish to their kids? What about their mom’s favorite recipe for truffle mashed potatoes?

Food and recipes are meant to be shared. So are their stories.

John Selick is president of the American Culinary Federation Cleveland Chapter, Inc.

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Joyful Generosity GIVE KIDS THE GIFT OF GIVING

Fourth-grader Aiden Burns launched the Socks From Santa charity collection drive when he was 7.

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

W

hile our grand– children are immersed in a “gimme-gimmegimme” culture, don’t underestimate their capacity to be kind and generous, especially during the holiday season. And don’t overlook the power of your example in helping them reach that potential.

Aiden Burns, for instance, is a real-life superhero from Portage County who launched a charity for the homeless in 2018 when he was 7 years old.

It all started when Aiden was hanging out with his grandma, Teresa Bailey, while she packed up boxes of food and clothing for the homeless as part of a Thanksgiving donation drive for Akron’s Haven of Rest. This nonprofit organization has been serving homeless and hungry men, women and children in Northeast Ohio for nearly 80 years, relying on the generosity of the community to provide shelter, meals, clothing and support in times of need.

Aiden explains that his grandmother told him about how sad it was that they had no socks left to hand out. She asked him if he wanted to do something to collect the socks and, together, they created Socks From Santa.

WARM HEARTS, WARM FEET Aiden played the role of Santa and his little brothers, Camden and Landon, were his helpful elves.

Because socks are the most requested item at homeless shelters, Aiden set a goal to

collect 500 pairs of socks.

Aiden’s enthusiasm inspired the adults around him to get involved. His parents established dropoff locations at Aiden’s school, area businesses and at their workplaces.

Aiden’s mother, Angela, was working at a car dealership and his father, Zack, is the principal of Windham Jr./Sr. High School. His uncle, Mark Hatfield, helped Aiden create Socks From Santa pages on Facebook and GoFundMe.

Donate Now

If you want to support Aiden Burns’ Socks & More From Santa collection drive for the homeless this holiday season, bring new socks, hats and gloves as well as new or gently used coats to these drop-off locations: • Mantua Village Tavern - Mantua • Garrettsville IGA - Garrettsville • Shalersville Town Hall - Portage Co. • Fire House Grille and Pub - Akron • Kelley and Ferraro - Cleveland Or ship donations to: Socks & More From Santa Aiden Burns & Kyle Crisman c/o Teresa Bailey 25 First Ave. Mogadore, OH 44260

November/December 2021

In just two weeks, Aiden and his helpers collected more than 100 pairs of socks and $40 to buy more.

By Christmastime 2018, Aiden gathered 3,000 pairs of socks — 300 pounds in all — for the homeless at the Haven of Rest.

The pandemic paused the collection drive for a couple of holiday cycles, but this year, Aiden is ready to give it another go; this time even bigger.

Teamed up with his best friend, Kyle Crisman, he hopes to collect at least 1,000 pairs of socks plus hats, gloves and gently used coats for good measure. His new campaign is called Socks & More From Santa.

Why does he do it?

“I like helping people,” Aiden says. “I like to do it because I feel sad when I see homeless people without the food and clothes they need. But then it feels good when I do it and I realize it can change people’s lives. It makes me happy to make other people happy.”

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CHANGE EXPECTATIONS Every child has the capacity to be empathetic like Aiden. And considering the kink in Santa’s supply chain this holiday season, this may be a good opportunity to reevaluate expectations.

Why not change the conversation, pivoting the children’s attention away from themselves and toward others?

Altruism is not a popular concept today but it’s worth introducing a new generation to it. Very simply, it’s the virtue of unselfish concern for other people’s happiness and welfare.

Children may have an innate sense of care toward others, but cultural cues keep them more attuned to their own desires and demands.

From commercials to popular films, social media and peer pressure, kids are trained to become voracious consumers with insatiable appetites for the latest new stuff.

Rather than perpetuating that cycle, grandparents can be role models who create a generous environment that starts in the home and then extends out into the neighborhood and community.

“Our job is to raise young ones who understand their role in the world,” says Laura Gerak, Ph.D., clinical director of psychology at Akron Children’s Hospital.

“It’s human nature (and developmentally appropriate) to be self-centered. We shouldn’t be surprised that children are selfinvolved. But we can provide the direction and support they need to see beyond themselves and nurture a sense of empathy for those around them,” she explains.

So, is it nature or nurture that makes a child altruistic? Aiden’s mother thinks it’s both. “His dad and I donate wherever possible and the kids see how we lend a hand whenever it’s needed. We set a good example, but they have natural empathy, too.”

This holiday season, nurturing a giving nature could be the greatest gift of all.

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

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Inspire Empathy

Laura Gerak, Ph.D., clinical director of psychology at Akron Children’s Hospital, offers practical tips on how to encourage our grandchildren to develop a stronger sense of empathy and kindness toward others.

Start with them. Ask your grandchild to recall a time when they felt sad, then someone cheered them up. “Now, could you do something nice like that for someone else you know who has been having a hard time?

Lead by example. The best way to stir up latent empathy is to be a good role model. Dr. Gerak calls it “exercising generational authority to lead the way by example in humility and within the natural rhythms of life.”

For instance, make it your practice to stop and get your car washed when teens offer the service as part of a fundraiser. Or bring your grandchild along when you bake a pie and deliver it to your new neighbors as a housewarming gesture.

Fund their cause. In lieu of one of their gifts, you can make a donation in your grandchild’s name from a list of charities or causes — such as the giving tree at a local church/community center/library.

You can say, “In honor of this holiday, I would like to work with you to give a gift to someone who would be as excited as you were with the gifts you opened today. Here are some ideas we can look at together.”

Spending spree. Take your grandchild shopping for items to fill a care package of their choice, whether it be for an underprivileged child, a military service member, or someone in the hospital or in a long-term care center. Then the two of you can hand-deliver the gift and share in the joy of giving.

Keep one, give one. Buy two identical gifts for your grandchild so they can enjoy one and give away the other to someone else they know will appreciate it.

Reward for service. Generate the desire to help others in the neighborhood. In exchange for your grandchild offering to rake leaves, shovel snow or mow the lawn for a neighbor who needs the extra hand, reward them with a special treat, experience or gift card.

While these suggestions help grandchildren to exercise empathy, Dr. Gerak says that this approach also helps to curb grandparents’ tendency to spoil the grandkids. “As much as we want to do for our grandchildren, they can do so much for others with our support. This only increases their sense of meaning and connection to their family and community.”

In each case, the adult provides the structure, support and guidance while the children discover their newfound agency and power to affect positive change. The appreciative feedback and positive reinforcement they’ll receive will supply the fuel in their tanks to propel them further along their altruistic path.

Sing-Alongs & Tubas SOUNDS OF THE SEASON

By Karen Shadrach

T

he holidays lie before us and the wonderful sounds of the season are about to begin. Christmas music best communicates the holiday messages of peace, love and hope.

Enjoy a holiday performance with your grandchildren. It can become a tradition that you all look forward to every year.

The Cleveland Orchestra and Chorus concerts fill Severance Hall with amazing sounds of the holiday season.

Concerts are performed December 9-19. This wonderful family concert experience provides the grandkids with an introduction to orchestra music.

They will recognize some of the pieces being played and can sing along while observing the yuletide splendor of this magnificent hall. Its location at University Circle provides the option to also visit a museum or the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Glow event, which are all within walking distance.

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DON’T FORGET THE TUBAS For a very fun and unique holiday concert experience, attend the Tuba Christmas performance at Akron’s E.J. Thomas Hall. Sing along to Christmas carols being played by 100+ decorated tubas of many different types. Ranging in age from 12 to 85, players deck their tubas in tinsel, garland and lights.

This year’s free concerts will be on December 21 at noon and 2:30 p.m.

This will be their 40-year anniversary celebration. It was begun by Tucker Jolly, professor emeritus of the University of Akron’s School of Music.

Remember to bring along a bell to ring on the last song.

“A Charlie Brown Christmas” is being performed live on stage at the Akron Civic Theatre on December 9. The magic of the season is brought alive by a concert of beloved

carols sung by the Peanuts characters along with the unforgettable music of Vince Guaraldi. If your grandkids love Snoopy and the Peanuts gang, they will especially enjoy seeing them in person.

The annual performances of “The Nutcracker” are also spectacular holiday traditions. The Palace Theatre in Cleveland is hosting “The Nutcracker” on December 3, 4 and 5. The Akron Civic Theatre will have performances from November 27-December 5. The story of the Nutcracker and the Mouse King was transformed into a magical ballet in 1892 and is now a Christmas favorite.

May the music of Tchaikovsky’s “Waltz of the Flowers” or “Dance of the Sugar Plum Fairy” cheer to your family.

Every Wednesday, Cleveland’s Trinity Lutheran Church presents ”Music Near the Market” concerts on their famous Beckerath organ. This free lunchtime concert begins at 12:15 and lasts about half an hour. The instrument is named after its creator, master organ builder Rudolph von Beckerath. It is a monolith of an instrument, containing 3,476 pipes! Robert J. Myers and other musicians have been playing this organ for the past 25 years. A fun thing to do is to purchase a take-out lunch at the market, then head out for the church for a fabulous and peaceful concert.

Take the opportunity this year to bring music and theatre back into your holiday season… with the grandchildren!

Karen Shadrach is a Northeast Ohio on-the-go, in-theknow grandmother of two sets of twins. Read her grandparenting blog at northeastohioboomer.com.

SUNDAYS

Fun With the Grandkids

The Toy Soldier Mini Previews. Enjoy the magic of the Toy Soldier with 20-minute mini shows every Sunday. 11/28-12/19.

Noon & 3 p.m. Crocker Park, (Across from Cheesecake Factory), Westlake, crockerpark.com. FREE

11/19-21 Fairmount Youth Theatre: Honk! Jr. A heartwarming celebration of being different that is sure to delight audiences of all ages, with its sparkling wit, unique charm, and memorable score.

Friday 7 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 2 p.m. Mayfield Village Civic Center, 6622 Wilson Mills Rd., fairmountcenter.org

11/20 Tree Lighting Ceremony & Toy Soldier.

Debuting the official start of the season, Crocker Park welcomes back the 50-foot Christmas tree with its annual tree-lighting ceremony. 7 p.m. 89 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake, crockerpark.com. FREE

11/23 Fall Family Campfire. Enjoy the crisp fall air surrounded by quiet woods as you nestle up to a warm fire. Roast a s’more and listen to a family-friendly short story. 6-8 p.m. Quail Hollow Park, 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville, starkparks. com. FREE

11/24-1/2 Magic of Lights. This family-friendly drive-through of holiday lights is for young and old alike. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Rd., Middleburg Hts., magicoflights.com, cuyfair.com. $18

11/26-28

12/1

Holiday Lights Cruise-Thru. This Gingerbread Party & Puppet Show. drive-through family-friendly event will Enjoy “The Gingerbread Boy” puppet feature classic lighted features such as show! Then decorate gingerbread Santa’s Castle and the Carousel. New treats and get a little messy making this year will be even more lights and our own wrapping paper. 11-11:45 new features, such as the lighted train a.m. West River Library, 1194 W. and the twinkling Christmas tree. 5:30-9 River Rd. N., Elyria, 440-324-2270, p.m. Carlisle Reservation Equestrian elyrialibrary.org. FREE Center, 13630 Diagonal Road, LaGrange, 12/2 12/11 metroparks.cc. FREE Christmas Reindeer Day Lighting of the in Peninsula.

11/26-12/30 Square. Come The Spring Mist Farm Wild Lights. see the lighting of reindeer return to the Come enjoy the the Square. Along Bronson Church green, wildest lighting with colorful lights, 11:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. 1712 display this holiday there will be live music Main St., peninsula season. Nearly the and a visit from Santa library.org entire zoo is decorated and Mrs. Claus. 6:30-8 and several animals p.m. Chardon Square, will be out. Visit with chardonsquareassociation.

Santa, take a photo at org. FREE Candy Cane Way and stop

by Panda Treats. 11/26-28, 12/5 12/3-5, 12/10-12, 12/17-23, Family Fun: Chanukah and 12/26-30. 5-9 p.m. Akron Lights! Letters! Tradition!

Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, Join together for the 330-375-2550, akronzoo.org.

Chanukah candle lighting, $9-13 sing songs, and write gratitude letters to a special 11/30-12/22 someone with Cleveland’s Country Lights Drive-Thru.

Jacob Kramer, Director of Experience some new and Love Our Elders. Share family some familiar lighting displays holiday objects or traditions throughout the Farmpark while that have been passed enjoying festivities from the down from generation to warmth of your own vehicles. generation - L’dor v’dor.

6-8:30 p.m. Lake Metroparks Online program. 1:30 p.m.

Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Maltz Museum of Jewish Rd., Kirtland, 440-256-2122, Heritage, maltzmuseum. lakemetroparks.com. $27.50 org. $5-12

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Cleveland’s

Confection Connection B.A. SWEETIE CANDY Lose yourself in the sweet escape that is b.a. Sweeties, Cleveland’s candy superstore.

By Joe Jancsurak

R

elive childhood memories while making new ones at the nation’s largest candy store, right here in Cleveland.

A trip back in time. That’s what Cleveland’s b.a. Sweetie Candy, better known as Sweeties, provides visitors. Just how far back depends on your age.

Everyone has candy-connected childhood memories and no one knows that better than Tom Scheiman, the ebullient owner of the 40,000-square-foot candy store — the nation’s largest — located at 6700 Brookpark Rd., near Ridge Road.

Inside the cavernous warehouse, seven days a week, visitors can peruse the $3 million inventory, which includes 5,500 candy varieties, canisters of Charles Chips potato chips and multiple popcorn flavors and brands, including newly acquired Campbell’s and Humphrey, as well as Sweeties’ own brand made on site.

A soda/ice cream (homemade, of course) shop and two 18-hole miniature golf courses with lots of giant lollipops complete Sweeties’ menu of offerings for kids of all ages.

WE ATE THOSE! Those last five words are more than a cliché as shoppers roam the aisles with their children and grandchildren.

Visitors delight in retro confections that connect with their childhoods while they introduce their children

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and grandchildren to such treats.

For Boomers, it’s candy necklaces and buttons, Good & Plenty (remember Choo Choo Charlie?), Necco Wafers and Turkish Taffy (banana was the best!) that evoke the fondest memories.

Meanwhile, GenXers and Millennials are transported back in time with favorites like Airheads bars, Blow Pops (blue raspberry, of course), Gummi Bears and Sour Patch Kids. Classics such as Reese’s Cups, Snickers and Tootsie Rolls are well represented, too.

STICKY-SWEET MEMORIES “I hear customers’ favorite stories every day,” says Scheiman, whose office door is rarely shut.

“They talk about how they collected Coke bottles and turned them in for the deposits. With cash in their pockets, they rode their bicycles — all decked out with baseball cards in the spokes—to the corner store to buy their favorite candies. As they’re sharing these stories, they’re smiling and it’s electric because you can tell that they’ve gone back in time to when they were 6 or 8 years old, all because of the memories associated with a special candy or two. That’s what it’s all about,” says the 66-year-old Scheiman, whose favorite confections are Chunky and Bun Maple candy bars.

Today, Scheiman also sells sugar-free and organic candy. “Our customers don’t necessarily walk in wanting to buy something that’s good for them. However, Grandma, while shopping with the grandkids, may buy them their favorites, and if she sees a bag of sugar-free licorice, she may buy that for herself.”

As for the initials in the name, Scheiman, who began his candy career 50+ years ago with a candy wholesale distributor in Solon, explains that the original name of the company was Bag A Sweet Candy Company.

“The name meant something to me because when I was a teen, I enjoyed Bag A Sweet chocolate raisins,” Scheiman says. “A decade later in 1982 at age 27, I bought the company. When I changed

Top photo: Tom Scheiman, owner of b.a.

Sweetie Candy, the nation’s largest candy store. Bottom photo: The 40,000-squarefoot candy store includes a soda/ ice cream shop and two 18-hole miniature golf courses.

its name in the early 1990s, I felt it was important to pay tribute to the original name by keeping the initials. Hence, the name: b.a.

Sweetie Candy Co.” The name change also made good business sense, Scheiman notes.

“Back then, I also wanted to ensure that the new name appeared first under the Candy Stores heading in the Yellow Pages.”

Now, Sweeties relies on its online store, Facebook and television advertising. “We remain committed

to making memories and promoting nostalgia,” he says, before excusing himself to do both as he shows a visitor a miniature replica of Euclid Beach amusement park (1895-1969).

Not every sweet memory is made of sugar.

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Joe Jancsurak is a Northeast Ohio writer. His go-to candy as a kid was Whoppers malted milk balls. Today, it’s peanut M&Ms.

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Terry Pluto (right) with Cleveland Guardians sportscaster Tom Hamilton, taking a break from commentating on a game.

Terry F Pluto

God, Sports & Fans Drive Acclaimed Journalist

By Joe Jancsurak

iguratively speaking, most careers start from the ground up. Terry Pluto’s is an exception. His — literally — started from the ground up.

The Northeast Ohio native and Plain Dealer/ Cleveland.com (and former Akron Beacon Journal) sports and faith writer/columnist and author of more than 30 sports and faith books, says his writing career began soon after being flattened by a teammate during a football practice as a 110-lb. freshman at Cleveland’s Benedictine High School.

Pluto wrote an article about that experience for the school paper. When he saw his classmates reading and enjoying his story, he knew he wanted to be a writer. He already knew he wasn’t going to be an athlete.

Today, at 66, Pluto has been recognized for his work with two Associated Press Sports Editors awards and more than 50 state and local sports writing awards. But it’s the special sports moments witnessed — and lessons learned along the way — that he cherishes most.

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Writer Terry Pluto

CAREER HIGHLIGHTS “Two moments, in particular, stand out because of what they meant to the readers and the City of Cleveland,” says Pluto.

“The first is when the crafty veteran pitcher, Dennis Martinez, outdueled Randy Johnson of the Mariners in Game Six of the American League Championship Series in ’95 to send the Indians to their first World Series since 1954. Having been born in 1955, I, along with so many fans, knew the significance of this game. It was just fun to be a part of that.”

The second special sports moment? That would be Game Seven of the 2016 NBA Finals when the Cavs came back from a 3-to-1 deficit to defeat the Golden State Warriors.

“Because it was a West Coast game, I had about 18 minutes to write the story after the game ended. I had two versions going — one with the Cavs losing and the other with them winning. I remember thinking that I had to get the score (93-89) right. And I remember seeing the Cleveland fans, who somehow got tickets, chanting “Let’s go, Cavs” as the Warriors faithful filed out of the Oracle arena. It was fun seeing Cleveland fans take over an opposition’s venue. Another thing I recall is that while we live in the ‘Internet Age,’ we sold 536,000 copies of the next day’s Plain Dealer,” with the “Believe It!” headline and a photograph of an emotional LeBron James with his teammates and the trophy.

As for lessons learned along the way, Pluto says his writing is more concise now than it was as a young reporter: “I learned a while ago that you’re either writing for yourself or your readers. I write to be read.”

Another lesson that he readily passes along to fans: “Never let the millionaires (athletes) ruin your day. Sports is a diversion from everyday life.”

For those fans troubled by the Indians’ organization’s recent name-change decision (Guardians in 2022), Pluto says, “If that’s the thing that upsets you most during the course of the day, then that’s a good day.”

GOD-FOCUSED Pluto also credits his faith for a tactical change in his writing.

“Several years ago, while caring for my dad before he passed, I came to the realization that when writing a sports story, my faith calls for me to criticize the action and not the person.

Someone can make a dumb trade, but that doesn’t make him an idiot. The Lord helped me to see that.”

What the Lord helps Pluto to see in his own life and through his readers’ experiences are subjects of his weekly Faith and You columns, which began appearing in the Akron Beacon Journal in 2000 and are now found on the first page of the Plain Dealer’s Sunday Metro section.

“I value and appreciate the willingness of readers to open their hearts and trust me with their personal stories,” Pluto says. “People who don’t attend church or synagogue will write to say that they find the columns interesting. I think that’s God tugging at their hearts.”

In addition to his words, Pluto uses actions to share his faith with others. For 20 years, he led Bible studies at the Summit County Jail and now participates in worship services at Akron’s Haven of Rest Ministries for the homeless with his wife, Roberta, and friends Steve Haley and Gloria Williams. “We’re giving comfort to the hurting.”

Pluto credits, in part, what he learned as an education major with his ability to speak before groups — whether it’s about God or sports. “Though not in the classroom, I’ve really been teaching for 25 years in the form of jail ministry, Haven of Rest services and public appearances. In fact, I could substitute-teach tomorrow or take additional courses to become a fully certified teacher.”

That’s unlikely, Pluto quickly adds. “I’d rather have something to write about rather than having to talk about writing.”

Joe Jancsurak’s favorite Terry Pluto moment came several years ago when Pluto accepted his invitation to speak at a men’s breakfast at Western Reserve Grace church in Macedonia, where he shared his passion for sports, writing and God, as he so often does at venues throughout Northeast Ohio.

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Tom Hlavin

Winner

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BRINGING THE WORLD TO OLDER ADULTS, ONE TABLET AT TIME

By Marie Elium • Photography by Kim Stahnke

W

e want to thank everyone who nominated people for our 2021 Boomer Impact Awards. The takeaway after reading your nominations? Our region is fortunate to have many creative and innovative people making a positive impact in the lives of those 50 and older.

As we whittled down the list, we were mindful that the dominant issue of our time — the pandemic — affected and continues to impact older adults more than any other segment of our population. It made sense that our winner was motivated to act because of the pandemic and its awful, isolating consequences.

We hope you enjoy reading about our 2021 Boomer Impact Award winner and his patient, unflappable team of tech gurus who have done so much good to offset the isolating consequences of COVID-19.

Tom Hlavin isn’t a tech guy. He makes that clear the first time you meet him.

Hlavin’s background and strength are in sales, not tech. But he’d have a tough time selling that narrative to the hundreds of Northeast Ohio’s older adults who are mastering technology — many for the first time — thanks to Tom and his team at Simply Virtual.

Our 2021 Boomer Impact Award winner, Hlavin is a product of the pandemic. The tablets and knowledge that he’s put into the hands of seniors have made a huge difference in their lives. They’re ordering groceries, video chatting with family and friends, downloading apps, streaming shows and managing passwords... all with the help of Hlavin’s nonprofit, Simply Virtual, and his three-member team.

PROBLEM SOLVER Just over a year ago, Hlavin, 63, the former senior community relations manager at Oak Street Health, saw how the pandemic had isolated older adults, especially those without the resources to buy devices to stay connected. Living in near-isolation while a pandemic raged around them, the world for many older adults got smaller and smaller as COVID-19 spread.

In Hlavin’s former job — Oak Street Health provides medical care to

Medicare patients and adults over 65 — many older adults, especially those with limited income, were at the sidelines of the technology game as the world pivoted to life online.

Like a lot of problems, the solution seemed deceptively simple. If people had tablets, they could stay connected. Hlavin clicked open his Amazon account, took $15,000 of his own money and bought 150 Fire tablets, the cheapest he could find.

With help from the staff at Barton Senior Center in Lakewood, the tablets got into the hands of residents in The Westerly Apartments, which shares the building with the senior center. The apartments provide affordable senior living housing for 453 residents.

Simply Virtual was formed in October 2020. Two months later, Barton’s then-director Cheryl Shaver (now a grant writer for Simply Virtual) told residents that they could get free tablets. As Hlavin remembers, “Four people signed up, the four turned into eight, turned into 16, turned into 32.”

While demand exploded, it revealed a few glitches. The senior center on the ground floor of the complex has the internet but most residents don’t.

So Hlavin brought in Wi-Fi hotspots that allowed residents to use the tablets in their apartments.

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But tablets and hotspots weren’t enough to get everyone on board.

Hlavin and his team found that shaky fingers and arthritis made it difficult for people to use their tablets, so he bought styluses. The tablets needed covers to protect the screens, and phone stands for virtual visits.

Eventually, Hlavin put together all the equipment in red bags that he and his team distribute with the tablets.

Still, owning a tablet and having an internet connection are one thing.

Knowing how to use them is another.

Hlavin organized help-desk events at the complex weekly to work out the usual glitches that come with mastering technology: passwords, apps, video visits, online shopping.

Hlavin hired three people to work on the help desks and manage day-to-day duties: Sandy Deida, Heidi Lamb and Elaine Morales.

They formed a companionable team armed with buckets of patience and enough knowledge to get older adults comfortable with the tech tools from Simply Virtual.

While the three staff members worked one-on-one with older adults, Hlavin put on his sales hat, forging partnerships with the Cleveland Foundation, T-Mobile, Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, Three Arches Foundation and others. T-Mobile offered to provide deeply discounted devices, so Simply Virtual pivoted to the company’s Moxee tablets, a budget- and user-friendly option for the nonprofit’s clients.

The organization has placed tablets in Fedor Manor Apartments, among other places, and offers help desks at senior communities throughout Greater Cleveland.

A pilot program with the City of Cleveland will provide 50 tablets at the Mercedarian Plaza Senior Apartments. Discussions are ongoing with additional companies to cosponsor help desks and underwrite the cost of equipment.

This year, Hlavin cobbled together grants for a $100,000 budget.

That will balloon to an estimated $300,000 in 2022, with expansions planned for several underserved older adult communities and hundreds more tablets going out to those who need them.

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The Simply Virtual help desk team (from left): Sandy Deida, Heidi Lamb and Elaine Morales.

WHY IT WORKS Hlavin says the key to Simply Virtual is Deida, Lamb and Morales, who bring both knowledge and enthusiasm to their work. Another important component is going to the places where older adults live to help with initial setups and troubleshoot the technology. Transportation can be challenging; finding help just an elevator ride away to an apartment lobby makes technology vitally accessible.

“What we’ve found working with seniors, the key takeaway is it’s one on one. (We’re) not going to be able to talk them through a fix over the phone as simply as we try to explain it in person,” Hlavin says.

The in-house help desks keep everyone connected, both tech-wise and socially. One recent day in the Barton Senior Center, a stream of residents carrying smartphones and tablets met one-on-one with a Simply Virtual team member.

Folks come to the help desks for various reasons. One resident needed to sign a document electronically, another to open a Facebook account, yet another requested a tablet so she could video chat with her sister who has Alzheimer’s. Many residents want to access music and several want to use Alexa virtual assistant technology.

The visits seem as much techdriven as socially-driven. Some just want to talk, Deida adds.

Anyone who has helped an older friend or family member with their smartphone or tablet knows it can be frustrating. Deida, Lamb and Morales

say that’s not an issue. “We thank them for their patience,” Lamb says, noting that residents sometimes have to wait to get a seat at the help desk.

Marilyn Zipp, who lives at The Westerly Apartments, needed help to figure out her smartphone. “I am slow in catching on, but they’re really good.

My daughter got me a phone with all the whistles and bells but they forget that I’m still just Nana,” she says.

Kathy Oliver, who lives at Knickerbocker Apartments in Bay Village, got a tablet through Simply Virtual. “I use it every day because I play games on it and get my emails on it.”

Hlavin says it’s satisfying to see folks who were uncomfortable with technology learn to embrace it.

“When technology was going so fast, a lot of people said they couldn’t keep up,” Hlavin says. “It’s all about keeping up. We don’t have to be tech gurus because, frankly, anything we say is fresh and new to these folks.”

Ethan Krasnow is Barton’s director.

“There was a lot of isolation through the pandemic and they weren’t able to talk to their family or friends,” he says of the seniors. “This was a way for them to stay connected. It’s been really meaningful. Since the tablets arrived, we see a lot of people we didn’t normally see.”

Donn Heckelmoser is president/ CEO of the Barton Center and the LSC Service Corporation, which manages affordable housing for older adults throughout Northeast Ohio. “Tom and his team have been fantastic,” he says. After the tablets arrived and a few help desk sessions, “two weeks later, (residents) are ordering groceries online.”

Says Hlavin, “None of us are IT professionals, but one of the things you need in this job is patience and a sense of empathy and humor. I really started the non-profit to fill a need, but it’s turned into lots of fun working with the seniors. We get more out of this outreach than our clients.”

Marie Elium is the editor of Northeast Ohio Boomer magazine.

Painfully Obvious u c A h BUT IS IT ARTHRITIS?

By Paris Wolfe

rthritis is the leading cause of disability in America. Roughly 22.7 percent (54.4 million) of adults have arthritis that’s been diagnosed by a physician. And the older we get, the more of us have it.

That information from The Arthritis Foundation and Centers for Disease Control points to a fact that anyone who has started a day with stiff knees or achy shoulders knows all too well: it’s a common condition. What isn’t as well known is that arthritis is a deceptively broad term that’s not well understood.

OUCH, THAT HURTS Arthritis “just means pain and swelling in a joint,” says Elaine Husni, M.D., M.P.H., a rheumatologist and director of the Arthritis and Musculo-Skeletal Center at the Cleveland Clinic.

Osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis are two commonly known types of arthritis diseases, but she notes, “There are more than 100 conditions that can affect the joints. And there are so many causes.”

“We can’t put it all in one category with one treatment. It depends on what kind of arthritis you have, and symptoms and treatment will vary,” Dr. Husni adds.

The presence and severity of four key warning signs will help your doctor determine what type of arthritis you have and what may be done about it, says Courtney Durbin, Executive Director of the Arthritis Foundation, Northeastern Ohio.

Four warning signs include: • Pain. It might be constant or come and go. It may be present when moving or at rest.

• Swelling. Swelling of the joint might be severe enough that skin in the affected area becomes warm and swollen.

• Stiffness. This is common when waking up or standing up and starting to move.

• Movement. It is difficult to move a joint.

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Managing Arthritis Pain Don’t take over-the-counter (OTC) pain medicine like acetaminophen or NSAIDs for more than 10 days unless directed by a doctor. Pain relievers have risks if taken for a long time. Talk to your doctor if you’re taking them often. You may need to change your treatment plan to better manage your arthritis and discuss non-drug options for reducing pain.

Taking more than the recommended dose of an OTC drug will NOT ease pain faster. Always follow the dosage instructions on the label unless directed by your doctor. Taking more than the listed dose can cause you to exceed the maximum daily dosage and worsen side effects.

If you drink more than three alcoholic beverages daily, you should NOT take NSAIDs or acetaminophen. Excessive alcohol drinking can lead to liver damage if you take acetaminophen or cause upper gastrointestinal bleeding if you take NSAIDs. Source: The Arthritis Foundation

NOW WHAT? “Keep track of your symptoms for a couple weeks and how long they last,” says Durbin. “This information will help your doctor determine what kind of arthritis and what’s next. Note other symptoms that may feel unrelated like a rash, fever, fatigue.

“Pain is not a way to live,” she says. “If it’s interfering with your way of life, it’s time to see a doctor.”

There is a misconception that arthritis is just joint pain, and those who have it should simply “power through” it. Joint pain and arthritis are not the same.

Arthritis is a significant disease that can worsen over time, Durbin says. “You should seek help to prevent further joint damage.”

Don’t get discouraged if the solution doesn’t come quickly.

“Not all (primary care physicians) are created equal; some may have more experience, but they’re not the arthritis specialist,” she says.

“It’s important to be vocal and communicate thoroughly with your doctor. That’s why tracking symptoms is important. To control the pain and related problems, the type of arthritis must first be identified.”

Dr. Husni says a primary care doctor who knows you best can identify the next steps. “They’ll

sort things out and refer you to an orthopedic or sports specialist or to a rheumatologist or suggest physical therapy.”

Evaluating the conditions that cause joint symptoms may include assessing your medical history, examining the area, blood tests and imaging like X-ray, MRI or ultrasound. “We put all that together and come up with a clinical

diagnosis. Sometimes this can take several visits,” says Husni.

Medical intervention ranges from medication and physical therapy to injections and joint replacement.

Treatment is more than a prescription. It involves lifestyle, too.

Diet and exercise matter. “It was once thought that you should lay down and be still. We know now that it’s the opposite. Exercise is vital to managing arthritis. Motion is lotion,” Durbin says.

Dr. Husni reminds people that the solution includes exercise and a sensible diet, not a fad diet. Patients may need to lose weight to reduce joint impact. “If you’re overweight, then a healthy diet that reduces caloric intake becomes more important. If you’re eating well and at a normal weight, there’s no extra diet plan that you should be doing.

That’s because diet is likely indirectly related to arthritis.”

Paris Wolfe blogs about food and travel at pariswolfe1.com/pariswolfe-on-travel-and-food/ .

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CAREGIVER CORNER

What’s in Your Glass this Year?

By Jennifer Beach

The holidays mean different things to each of us, depending on our season in life.

Listening. In our fast-paced world, our attention spans seem to be shrinking. Slowing down and working on actively listening is a skill we could all work on. When people you care about want to talk, even if the discussion is negative, giving them time to be heard is a true gift. An honest and empathetic conversation can be very meaningful, even if it doesn’t change a thing. Giving the gift of allowing someone to be heard can be powerful. Listening can be a way of lifting others’ spirits and adding to their cup, without them even realizing you “poured” a little something into their cup.

Change it up. What can you do differently this year? Consider asking your family, friends or yourself to come up with one new thing to do this holiday season. Think outside of the box or even your own comfort zone.

Some ideas to get you thinking: • Change locations where you typically celebrate • Change decorations • Cook a new meal

C

hildren grow, loved ones face challenges. We all face uncertainties and, like everything in life, our holiday experiences change, too.

We all know the phrase, “Is the glass half empty or half full?” Optimists will usually say the glass is half-full, whereas pessimists will usually point out that it’s half-empty.

I recently heard someone talking about this phrase with a different spin related to the holidays. As we age and life all around us continues to change, we may view the glass differently.

OUTLOOK For some of us, when we hold up the glass, perhaps we only see a quarter of it full; there’s not much left in the glass. There may have been many changes in our lives and the holidays are not what they once were. We see sadness, disappointment and the loss of what was.

It may seem that many aspects of the holidays have changed: the people, the gatherings and the traditions, leaving us feeling like

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there’s not much of anything left to enjoy. But there is still liquid in the glass and maybe, just maybe, we can add something new into the glass that goes well with what is still there.

This year, consider adding something new and different into your glass and try to get it back to at least half-full. You may even be able to share your drink with those you love and care about.

Try adding these ingredients to your glass this holiday season: Acceptance. Recognize that life has changed. Ask yourself if trying to replicate some traditions or rituals may only increase the sense of loss of what is no longer there. Accept that life is ever-changing and this holiday season will change, too.

Calm. Work on ways to physically relax. There is a tremendous amount of data to support the benefits of focused breathing. The benefits include reduced stress, improved sleep, improved outlook on life and much more. Focused breathing can help you remain calm and keep things in perspective.

• Donate money or gifts to local causes in place of exchanging gifts • Play games to help facilitate conversations • Spend short amounts of time with older loved ones throughout the holiday season instead of one big day • Make cards and leave them in your neighbors’ mailbox • Write a letter to someone you haven’t seen in a long time • Call a friend, especially if they have recently lost a loved one This holiday season will not be like those of the past. Holidays, like life, will change. The gift we can give ourselves this holiday season is accepting change and focusing on making this holiday season joyful in a way that honors that change.

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 in working with and advocating for older adults and their families.

Sponsored Content

Unwrap a Healthy Smile THE GIFT YOU GIVE YOURSELF By Dr. Steve Marsh

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s we approach the holidays and the end of 2021, we begin to think about presents we might give to our family and friends.

BEFORE We’d like our efforts to be appreciated, and one that can be enjoyed is the gift of a smile.

Very often, dentists hear that the treatment we have AFTER given to a patient has been life-changing.

This is especially true when cosmetic dentistry has played a role, though restorative dentistry often is a factor, too.

LOOKING GOOD Restorative dentistry includes things like fillings, crowns, implants and denture work — both removable partials and complete dentures. For people who have missing teeth, it can be very difficult to chew their food, which limits their ability to take in nutrition. This may additionally cause stomach problems due to the limited eating options.

Pain in teeth, especially in the rear portions of the mouth, may cause insomnia, problems with work, and, like missing teeth, nutrition issues.

Medications may also dry the mouth, leading to more decay due to the lack of saliva that both cleanses the teeth and buffers the acids.

Like most things in life, when problems are caught early, the treatment is usually easier and less expensive, which is why regular dental visits can be so important.

A dental checkup at the end of the year can be especially costeffective for patients with dental coverage and/or HSA accounts, since they generally expire at year’s end, with little to no carryover into the next. Most patients who finally do have required dental treatment often remark, ‘”I wish I’d have done this sooner.” Wouldn’t it be wonderful to help a loved one or friend get this kind of care?

Cosmetic dentistry helps people get their smile back. The use of bleaching can help a mature adult get brighter teeth, providing a more youthful and healthy appearance.

Bonding can help restore chipped or discolored teeth, while veneers, crowns and bridges can fix broken or

missing teeth, helping the patient’s confidence — whether for meetings with others, dating, or their self-worth.

“It’s the best thing I’ve ever done,” said a patient recently. What made it even more special was that a loved one — a daughter — made the appointment for her 80-year-old mom and brought her to the office.

The daughter brought her mom because they were attending a family reunion, and mom was bothered by the space between her front teeth. Two appointments — with some gum reshaping (with a laser), four upper porcelain veneers, and lower teeth bleaching with the Zoom technique — helped ensure that she was the hit of the party.

Mom said, “I was so proud of how I looked, and I feel better than ever!”

With all that can be accomplished with today’s dentistry, what better present can one give than “the gift of a smile?” And with modern materials and techniques, this gift should last a long, long, time, bringing lots of joy to both the giver and the receiver.

November/December 2021

Dr. Steve Marsh specializes in cosmetic dental procedures and also does general dentistry. Visit ClevelandSmiles.com to learn more.

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Boomer Northeast Ohio

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C u y a h o ga Fal ls

BIG-CITY AMENITIES, DOWN-HOME CHARM

By Marie Elium Photos courtesy of Cuyahoga Falls Parks & Recreation

A view of the scenic gorge overlooking the Cuyahoga River’s falls and rapids in downtown Cuyahoga Falls.

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I

t’s been a long night stretching into a longer day for Cuyahoga Falls Mayor Don Walters. A FirstEnergy power outage left part of the city without electricity. While the outage had nothing to do with the city’s electric company, Walters knows that every problem eventually winds up on the mayor’s desk, so he was on the scene.

Cuyahoga Falls has a city-owned electric system and is also connected to the larger, regional power grid. That’s the reason the city — the 15th largest in Ohio — has one of the lowest overall utility costs in the area, Walters says.

The Natatorium of Cuyahoga Falls. Its 116,000 square feet of pools, a walking track, gym, racquetball courts, fitness equipment and classroom space provide year-round recreation.

The city also boasts 26 neighborhood parks, a golf course, and its most dominant natural feature: the Cuyahoga River, popular with kayakers, inner tube riders and fishermen.

Reasonable property tax rates and housing that ranges from cozy downsize-appropriate options to luxurious apartments make Cuyahoga Falls attractive at all stages of life.

Downtown This welcoming community glows during encourages block parties and makes the holidays it easy for neighborhoods to organize them. Mayor Walters has recruited Neighborhood Ambassadors to inform neighbors, promote services and provide an official “friendly face” of the city.

Everyone who buys a house in Cuyahoga Falls gets a welcome package from the mayor’s office, stuffed with information, coupons and discounts to area restaurants and businesses. Cuyahoga Falls is a good place for empty nesters who want to settle into a welcoming community that hits all the marks: it’s safe, convenient, vibrant and adjacent to some of Northeast Ohio’s best recreational areas.

To learn more about Cuyahoga Falls, visit cityofcf.com.

UNPRETENTIOUS, OUTDOORSY With a population of just over 50,000, Cuyahoga Falls in Summit County has reinvented itself over the past decade or so. It has retained its comfortable, established-neighborhood feel while creating a dynamic, attractive downtown area that takes advantage of its bucolic setting along the tumbling Cuyahoga River.

Tidy, affordable neighborhoods. Check. Upscale condos and apartments. Check. Interesting restaurants. Check. To be sure, Northeast Ohio has a lot of communities that can boast the same things. What makes Cuyahoga Falls different is its proximity to so many amenities that make it an attractive place to live for people over 50.

The city offers services for older adults, including Senior Snow, an income qualifying, free snow removal service.

Any full-time Falls resident 65 or older with no able-bodied person in the home — or an income-qualifying person with a doctor-verified disability — can apply.

The Senior Watch Program identifies needs and checks the well-being of older adults in the city. People can ask a police officer to call them or visit their home regularly, depending on the need.

The Quirk Cultural Center offers athletic and leisure activities, including adaptive classes and special events.

Aside from the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, of which 3,000 acres are within the city limits, the big draw is November/December 2021

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DID YOU KNOW? Cuyahoga Falls…

• was founded in 1812 by William Wetmore and was originally named Manchester. The U.S. Postmaster requested a name change since so many other Ohio communities were already named Manchester.

• is named after the Cuyahoga River (which flows into Lake Erie) and the series of waterfalls that run along the southern boundary of the city.

• is bordered by Akron to the south and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park to the northwest.

• originally grew around a dam that was built at the falls to power a flour mill, an oil mill and a sawmill, called Old Village. This dam and community were moved downstream for more power in 1826. The scenic Big Falls, for which the city was named, were eliminated by a dam constructed in 1912. The Little Falls, adjacent to the city’s downtown, remains.

• was briefly named the Summit County seat by the county commissioners before Akron officially became the county seat as a result of the popular vote.

• was the location of the Doodlebug Disaster train wreck on July 3, 1940, that killed 43 people… the worst disaster in the history of the city.

Carolers bring seasonal cheer to visitors

• was home to one professional sports team, the Cuyahoga Falls Cougars, of the International Basketball League. The team moved to Akron in 2006 and became the Akron Cougars.

PLACES TO GO

• became the site for The Cathedral of Tomorrow, founded in 1958 by televangelist Rex Humbard. It is now the church of pastor/evangelist Ernest Angley, renamed Grace Cathedral.

Brookledge Golf Course

• supports light industry, including the manufacture of chemicals, vinyl products, tools and dies, steel molds, air filters and packaging.

Downview Sports Center

Blossom Music Center Cuyahoga Valley National Park Mary Campbell Cave Gorge Metro Park The River Front Downview Sports Center Indian Head - Trail of The Whispering Giants The Natatorium Riverfront Center/District Water Works Aquatic Center Keyser Park Barn Marketplace at Portage Crossing Cuyahoga Falls Cathedral Tower Porthouse Theatre

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Falls River Square

Featured Listings

C u y a h o ga Fal ls BURNING RIVER ADVENTURES. We offer

self-guided kayak trips on the middle section of the Cuyahoga River (Kent to Cuyahoga Falls) during the months of May- October (weather permitting). We have three different regular trip offerings (6 miles, 4.5 miles & 2 miles) along with specialty trips such as guided beginner rapids and kayak & YogAdventure. Come out and enjoy the views of wildlife and the beauty of the great Cuyahoga River while paddling down the river. Already kayaked with us? Check out one of our other locations. PaddleTheRiver.com

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SAINT JOSEPH PARISH: CHURCH & SCHOOL:

St. Joseph Parish in Cuyahoga Falls is dedicated to bringing all to Christ through celebration of Word and Eucharist, reception of the sacraments, education, service, and community activities. It hosts a number of ministries as well as an elementary school for preschool through eighth grade. The parish supports the community through service projects for Good Neighbors and other local charities. Through faith, family fun and programs, it provides entertaining, faithbased, family-friendly events. Church is located at 1761 Second Street, and the Rectory Office is at 215 Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-2173. saintjoe.org

November/December 2021

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Employment/Volunteerism

They Want You Work or volunteer?

Older adults are taking a hard look at where to spend their time in this pandemic era. It’s a decision that comes down to two basic things: money and time; too little of one or too much of the other.

COVID-19 and other factors have left employers and charitable organizations scrambling for workers and volunteers. If you’re considering taking a job or donating time to a favorite

cause, you’re in luck. Never before has the need for workers or volunteers been as great as it is now.

Vaccinations are giving many older adults a vital line of defense against COVID-19’s worst symptoms.

Employers and nonprofit groups have put into place additional safety measures to keep people safe, including vaccine and mask mandates, social distancing and work/volunteer-from-home options.

In short, if you want to work or volunteer, there’s a place for you.

By 2022, more than 27 percent of Ohio’s labor force will be age 55 or older, according to the state’s Department of Aging. Older workers are in demand, and not just because of an overall labor shortage. They

TO GET A START ON VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES, check with a favorite charity or go to Greater Cleveland Volunteers (greaterclevelandvolunteers.org). They can match your skills, interests and time commitment with groups that need help.

You’re in demand. Find a fit and get started.

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HERE’S WHY

By Marie Elium

are more dependable, have finely tuned problem-solving skills and demonstrate lower turnover than younger workers, studies have shown.

And as the pandemic has proven, there are more opportunities than ever for flexible schedules, work-athome options, and other employeefriendly accommodations that weren’t in place two years ago.

Volunteering has plenty of benefits — not only for organizations looking for skilled, reliable help — but also for those who are giving their time and talents to others. Helping others improves physical and mental health, offers a sense of purpose while teaching valuable skills, and provides social connections with people of all ages and backgrounds, according to research from Mayo Clinic Health system.

If you want a job, one place to start is at the Ohio Department of Aging and The Senior Community Service Employment Program (SCSEP), a paid community service and work-based training program for income-eligible job seekers age 55+.

Learn more at aging.ohio.gov.

VOLUNTEERING OPPORTUNITIES IN CUYAHOGA COUNTY • Working with children • Assisting at hunger centers • Providing support to older adults • Helping with business office needs • Lending support at one-day events

• Greeting theater patrons • Making phone calls • Showing affection to animals in pet shelters • Sorting medical supplies for international distribution

• Helping with light home construction • Mentoring • Tutoring • Guiding

To learn more: 216-391-9500 x 2116 | greaterclevelandvolunteers.org

Employment/Volunteerism Sponsored Content

THE GOOD GUYS: OHIO SENIOR MEDICARE PATROL Presented by Ohio Senior Medicare Patrol

“V

olunteering for Ohio SMP makes me feel like one of the good guys,” says Brian Rhame, Procter & Gamble retiree.

Ohio SMP (Senior Medicare Patrol) volunteer peer educators are the pillar of the organization. They teach older Ohioans how to stay safe from healthcare fraud by providing critical

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information through presentations and distributing literature at events attended by seniors. Tips to avoid scams, keeping track of medical information and what to do if you suspect you’re a victim of healthcare fraud are among the topics they share with older adults throughout the region.

In addition to feeling “like one of the good guys,” benefits of being a peer educator include mileage and expense reimbursement, free online training which includes Medicare basics and tips on staying safe from scams, flexible schedules that meet your personal needs, continuing up-to-date training on healthcare scams and other significant topics, minimal easy-to-complete-paperwork, access to SMP staff with questions and recognition, both formally and informally.

There are 54 SMPs throughout the country, with one in every state, Guam, Puerto Rico, the District of Columbia, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.

They are funded by the Administration for Community Living (ACL).

Ohio SMP is a project of Pro Seniors, a nonprofit organization helping adults 60 and older to resolve legal issues at no charge to them.

To learn more about being an Ohio SMP volunteer peer educator, contact Jane at jwinkler@proseniors. org, 1-800-488-6070 # 8, or 513-458-5523.

Sponsored Content

WANTED: RED CROSS VOLUNTEERS Presented by the Red Cross

D

id you know that volunteers carry out 90% of the work of the Red Cross?

Volunteers are needed in the following roles:

• Disaster Action Team Members respond to disasters, most commonly home fires, to help with immediate needs.

• Donor Ambassadors greet, check in and thank blood donors at blood drives.

• Transportation Specialists transport donated blood.

• Service to the Armed Forces volunteers provide support to military members, veterans and their families.

Want to learn more? Apply today at redcross.org/ volunteer or contact NEOvolunteer@redcross.org or 216-431-3328.

November/December 2021

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Alzheimer’s & the Holidays MANAGING EXPECTATIONS

The Alzheimer’s Association (alz.org) offers these strategies for family and friends: • Get vaccinated. People with Alzheimer’s are especially vulnerable to the disease.

• Adjust expectations. If you’re a caregiver, do only what you can safely manage.

More than 5 million Americans have Alzheimer’s.

Many more of us know, love and care for someone with the disease. November is Alzheimer’s Awareness Month; a time to review holiday plans about • Celebrate while caregiving, memory loss and physically distancing.

COVID-19 exposure.

Limit large gatherings or plan for drive-by visits.

• Connect through technology.

It’s almost like being there and is far safer than in-person visits.

• Take extra precautions for in-person gatherings. Avoid hugging, handshakes and close physical contact. Follow your physician’s guidelines for safe interaction.

• Familiarize others with the situation. Let family and friends know what to expect when visiting someone with Alzheimer’s.

• Involve the person living with dementia. Maintain routines.

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Let go of activities that seem too stressful or confusing.

• Adapt gift-giving. Suggest gift cards for services or restaurants. Ask for help making cookies to give as gifts.

• Balance your needs and holiday expectations with those of a loved one with Alzheimer’s. Ease into the season, retain meaningful and safe traditions, and make accommodations when necessary.

MEDICARE

Choose Well; Be Well It’s time to decide.

Medicare open enrollment is now through Dec. 7. Our Medicare Guide’s featured advisors and companies are here to help you sort through all the options to find a fit that’s right for you.

November/December 2021

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WHAT’S IN STORE FOR YOUR MEDICARE ADVANTAGE PLAN? Presented by Medical Mutual

F

ind the best fit and avoid surprises by comparing 2022 benefits now. Have you checked your current Medicare Advantage plan’s benefits for next year? Reviewing changes to drug plan pricing, benefit costs or provider networks can also help you see if another plan is a better fit.

You can switch your Medicare Advantage plan during the Annual Enrollment Period from now to December 7, so this is when you should explore your options for 2022. Here are five key Medicare Advantage plan areas to compare.

IN-NETWORK DOCTORS

Make sure to check that your physicians, specialists or other providers such as hospitals and clinics are included in your Medicare Advantage plan’s network.

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MONTHLY AMOUNT YOU WILL PAY

Medicare Advantage plans have a monthly premium, some as low as $0. Factor in estimates for copays or coinsurance, plus the plan deductible.

PRESCRIPTION DRUG COVERAGE

Compare plan formularies — lists of covered drugs — for the plans you are considering. The Medicare Plan Finder on Medicare.gov makes it easy to see which plans cover your prescriptions, what pharmacies the plans participate with, and how much to expect to pay annually for your prescriptions.

MEDICARE STAR RATINGS

Every year, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) evaluates Medicare Advantage plans based on a 5-Star rating system (5 stars is “excellent”). Medicare Star Ratings measure the quality of services people

enrolled in Medicare Advantage receive from their plans. You may enroll in plans with a 5-Star rating anytime throughout the year — you don’t have to wait for Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period.

PLAN EXTRAS

Medicare Advantage value-added benefits often include things such as wellness programs (like SilverSneakers®), transportation to doctor visits, allowances for over-thecounter medicines/supplies, and options for receiving care away from home such as telehealth appointments.

After considering these factors, choose which Medicare Advantage plan works best for you. For information on each plan, call the insurance company or check their website. For a free Understanding Medicare Guide, visit MedMutual.com/AEP2022.

Medicare Part A: What’s Covered In general, Part A covers Inpatient care in a hospital, skilled nursing facility care, nursing home care (inpatient care in a skilled nursing facility that’s not custodial or long-term care), hospice care and home health care.

Talk to your doctor or other health care provider about why you need certain services or supplies. Ask if Medicare will cover them. You may need something that’s usually covered but your provider thinks that Medicare won’t cover it in your situation. If so, you’ll have to read and sign a notice. The notice says that you may have to pay for the item, service or supply.

Coverage also is dictated by federal and state laws.

Local coverage decisions are made by companies in each state that process claims for Medicare. These companies decide whether something is medically necessary and should be covered in their area.

Source: Medicare.gov

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CHOOSING MEDICARE COVERAGE Evaluate Options vs. Needs Presented by Laura Mutsko of Mutsko Insurance Services

I

t is as predictable as the leaves changing color every fall. Your mailbox is filled to overflowing with information on Medicare Plans.

You see television ad after ad, each claiming their company provides the best coverage. Most will ask you to call an 800 number to sign up.

With so many different choices, it may be tempting to throw up your hands and just keep the coverage you have. But don’t give up. Your health may have changed in the past year and you now require different doctors or prescription medicines. You want to be sure your plan will provide the kind of coverage you will need in 2022.

Instead of guessing, talk to someone who will sit down face-to-face with you and discuss your needs. Talk to someone who works with more than

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one insurance company and will show you how different plans compare. Talk to an independent insurance broker who will give you the personal attention to detail that a decision like this requires.

An independent insurance broker provides their clients with many other services, as well. As an independent broker, I provide my clients with: Unbiased advice: I help my clients choose a plan covering their doctors, hospitals and prescription drugs. I also have a good idea of which insurance companies have the best track record when it comes to pleasing their customers.

Help with questions: My customers have a local, experienced representative to turn to when they have questions. That’s a lot better than an 800 number where you may or may

not reach a different person every time you call.

Help with claims: I help my clients navigate rules and regulations, and filing a claim or an appeal.

It is these personal services that sets Mutsko Insurance Services apart from the rest. There is never a charge for these services. They are all a part of the ‘package.’ You will never pay any more for your Medicare Advantage Plan or Prescription Part D coverage when you purchase it through an independent broker. Brokers are compensated by the insurance company, not the customer.

Call me, Laura Mutsko at Mutsko Insurance Services at 440-255-5700 before you decide on a new plan for 2022. Together, we will find the best plan for you.

Medicare Part B (Medical Insurance): What’s Covered Preventative & Screening Services • Abdominal aortic aneurysm screening • Alcohol misuse screenings & counseling • Bone mass measurements (bone density) • Cardiovascular disease screenings • Cardiovascular disease (behavioral therapy) • Cervical & vaginal cancer screening • Colorectal cancer screenings • Multi-target stool DNA tests • Screening barium enemas • Screening colonoscopies • Screening fecal occult blood tests • Screening flexible sigmoidoscopies • Depression screenings • Diabetes screenings • Diabetes self-management training

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Sponsored Content

• Flu shots • Glaucoma tests • Hepatitis B shots • Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infection screening • Hepatitis C screening test • HIV screening • Lung cancer screening • Mammograms (screening) • Nutrition therapy services • Obesity screenings & counseling One-time “Welcome to Medicare” preventive visits • Pneumococcal shots • Prostate cancer screenings • Sexually transmitted infections screening & counseling

IT’S MEDICARE SEASON AGAIN Don’t Go It Alone!

Shots: • COVID-19 vaccines • Flu shots • Hepatitis B shots • Pneumococcal shots Other: • Tobacco use cessation counseling • Yearly “Wellness” visit

Presented by: Kathy Lewis, your local agent • Do you have questions or concerns? Are you paying too much for your prescriptions?

• Confused by all the mailings, phone calls and TV ads?

• Want to know some of the pitfalls with our health care?

• Are you receiving extra benefits you are entitled to?

• Want to see if you qualify for the Medicare Savings Program?

• Want to know your options when you retire?

As a certified agent, each year I analyze all the plans for you. Together, we will find the one that best fits your needs. You will have peace of mind by making an informed decision.

There’s no cost to call me.

I am here to help: Kathy Lewis, 440-666-6420, or go to aboutOHmedicare.com

November/December 2021

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MATURE LIVING

SHOWCASE Sponsored Content

MAKING THE MOVE: THE RIGHT TIME, THE RIGHT CHOICE

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Presented by The McGregor Foundation, Lee Ann O’Brien, chief marketing officer

hether your loved one is among the small percentage of young elderly individuals who need additional help or is among the majority of those over the age of 95 who need the support, you face several difficult decisions and transitions.

The good news is that your choices are excellent, allowing you to find the type of care that will perfectly meet the needs of your loved one. From finding people to come to your home and care for your loved one to assisted living facilities that feel like a resort, you will find many options to get the help you need for your loved one. However, this transition isn’t easy on many elderly people, so you need to do a little advance planning.

As we watch our parents or grandparents get older, the last thing on our minds is finding a living facility for them. We want to enjoy them as long as we have them with us. Yet, many adults have a loved one who can no longer

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care for themselves at home, leaving them to make the difficult decision about where to get additional care.

The likelihood you will have to make this decision depends on how old your loved one is. According to the U.S. Census Bureau, slightly over 5 percent of the elderly population is housed in nursing homes, congregate care, assisted living or board-and-care homes. About 50 percent of those age 95 and older are in nursing homes.

IS IT TIME TO MAKE THE MOVE? Many things factor into this, such as the changing seasons and considering a move before the snow flies. Also, facing isolation and loneliness during inclement months, the desire for more social connections as well as quality of life must be weighed. You want a place that makes life easier by providing meals, housekeeping and laundry, so there is time for more enjoyable pursuits.

Consider how much help is needed at home and whether those resources

are available to you and a loved one.

Caregiver stress can impact the health and well-being of the caregiver.

The time you spend together should be quality time versus completing household tasks. Caregiver stress can be alleviated with the support of an assisted living community.

With families living away from each other, the distance between you and a loved one can be a deciding factor.

You can’t always provide the help that is needed to keep your loved one safe and secure.

Finally, be proactive and start conversations early about your concern for them and how it makes you feel, rather than focusing on the difficulty in caring for them, which can make them feel as though they are a burden. Get expert help with planning.

McGregor’s track record among assisted living and senior retirement living experts speaks for itself. Located in Cleveland, it is rated a Top 100 Facility by U.S. News & World Report.

Sponsored Content

HEAD SOUTH THIS WINTER Tips For Florida Snowbirds Presented by Florida Connection Homes

O

hio seniors love to escape the cold weather and head to Florida for the winter months. If you are among the many considering purchasing a second home in Florida and joining the flocks of snowbirds heading South, now is the time to act. Interest rates are so low, you can’t afford not to buy now.

Why is Florida so popular for the winter months among retirees? As we age, warm weather throughout the winter has many health benefits. It encourages staying active all year long, increases exposure to sunshine and vitamin D, and provides a slower-paced lifestyle. This all decreases stress, especially being able to avoid navigating the ice and slippery conditions of Northern winters.

Spending the winter in Florida also provides a great change of pace, exposure to new people and an opportunity for new relationships. For many seniors, getting out of gloomy, cold Northeast Ohio winters is a welcome change and a dream come true.

If you are ready to start the process of pursuing your winter home in Florida, just take the first step and make a list of the priorities you have for the area of Florida you would like to live, the community type you see yourself in, what type of home would you like and how much you plan to spend.

Now that you have a basic idea of what your priorities are for your snowbird lifestyle, the next step is to call Florida Real Estate Team member Ron Bolden and he can work things together to make it happen. He’s your connection to sunnier life.

Ron can be reached on his direct number, 440-477-2253 or at Ron@ LiveCoastalFLA.com. Customer service is a priority. He will return your call and he will see it through until your dream of a sunnier life is a reality.

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Sponsored Content

SERVING FAMILIES, HONORING MEMORIES Presented by Sunset Funeral, Cremation Services & Cemetery

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or more than 90 years, Sunset Funeral, Cremation Services & Cemetery has been helping families honor the memories and the lives of their loved ones.

With heartfelt experience, a tradition of service and packages tailored to meet the needs and budgets of all families, Sunset has earned its place as a trusted partner for generations of families at their greatest time of need.

Sunset Funeral, Cremation Services & Cemetery’s Signature Services is proud to be a part of the Northeast Ohio community.

Their staff works with families to explain the value of pre-planning arrangements to avoid the inflationary cost of funeral planning.

This allows families to lock in prices, regardless of how far in advance

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they make the arrangements, with affordable financing terms available.

Schedule an appointment to discuss pre-planning options and how they can help meet your family’s needs, both now and in the future.

Their promise is they’ll listen carefully to what your family wants and follow through with services that beautifully honor the memory of your loved one. By offering pre-planning, traditional funeral arrangements and a cemetery, Sunset simplifies funeral planning.

Having a permanent place to visit is essential to help family and friends grieve. At Sunset Funeral, Cremation Services & Cemetery, they consider it a great honor to be entrusted with providing a focal point of memorialization. Please remember that when it comes time to choose,

you’re not alone. They’ll guide you every step of the way.

Let Sunset Funeral, Cremation Services & Cemetery be your family’s trusted partner in your time of need.

Learn more at 440-249-6260 or sunsetfuneralandcemetery.com.

Sponsored Content

MEANINGFUL OBJECTS FROM HOLOCAUST SURVIVORS Now Through February Presented by Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage

Concentration camp uniform jacket and pants worn

by Stone, Henry (Henryk Steinlauf); Flossenburg/ Dachau, Germany- 1945. It has a pink triangle featuring the letter ‘P’; and his number ‘47849’.

S

tories of Survival: Object. Image.

Memory. is a landmark exhibit that showcases more than 60 neverbefore-seen personal items brought to America by survivors of the Holocaust and genocide. The special exhibition opened at the Maltz Museum in October and will be on view through February 27, 2022.

Each artifact is dramatically showcased alongside oversized photographs by renowned documentarian Jim Lommasson with handwritten responses by survivors or their family members. The objects are a reflection of their owners’ journeys and family histories.

And though the objects and memories start from very different origins, common threads bind them all together. These are the threads that bind us all, the common story of moving to a new land, building a new life, yet holding on to the past.

Stories of Survival: Object. Image.

Memory. is a project of the Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center with photography by Jim Lommasson.

See this exhibition in person or online. Learn more at maltzmuseum.org.

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THE RESIDENCES OF MENORAH PARK

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60 Better Living After 50

MENORAH PARK EXCELLENCE IN CARING®

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ELIZA BRYANT VILLAGE A Tradition of Compassionate Care Presented by Eliza Bryant Village

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We are Black-founded, Black-led and Black-serving. We treat everyone with respect and provide care that honors our clients’ cultural traditions and preferences.

We recognize the importance of social connection, now more than ever. Our Adult Day Care program provides a space to gather and create relationships. Nearly a decade ago, we transitioned to a medical model

program of care to provide a wellrounded, one-stop program that includes all the traditional supports, as well as critical medical services: nurses, social workers and geriatric physicians. Through activities like art and music therapy, movement and chair yoga, we ensure clients remain active and youthful. We also provide daily transportation to and from our campus.

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our Home Care Program provides assistance such as cleaning, laundry and help with home maintenance, errands and other activities of daily living. This program not only offers transportation to and from our facility, but also in and around the community to help clients maintain independence.

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Better Living After 50

no rt P for heas lease the toh vis ca mo iobo it len st o da up mer r li -to .co sti -da m ng s. te

WHAT’S

Happening 12/4

Greens for Giving Join Geauga Park District for this make-and-give event to create 300+ evergreen decorations to be given to seniors along with Geauga County Department on Aging’s home-delivered meals. 11 a.m.-noon.

The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Rd., Russell, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org. FREE

CLASSES

WEDNESDAYS BAYarts Writers Salon. Discover your inner creative voice and passion for words during Writer’s Salon. Seeking inspiration from shortened days and woodsmoke nights, writers will explore the art of narrative and memoir writing. 12/1-2/16. 7-845 p.m. 28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, bayarts.net. $228 THURSDAYS Intermediate Salsa. You will acquire the skills to learn more advanced moves and techniques. Learn Drop Catches, Multiple

Turns, Copas, and more. 8-9 p.m. Viva Dance Studio, 1541 E. 38th St., Ste. 205, Cleveland, vivadancestudio.com. $20/ drop in or $68/4 weeks SATURDAYS Come Write-In. It’s National Novel Writing Month and The Ohio Center for the Book at Cleveland Public Library is hosting online events including pep talks, activities to kickstart your writing, and opportunities to share your successes. Through 11/27. 3:30-4:30 p.m. 216-623-2881, ohiocenterforthebook.org. FREE

11/20 Winter Centerpiece. Join the Medina County Herb Society for this festive workshop providing seasonal foliage, firs, pines and instructions to create a beautiful winter centerpiece.10 a.m.-noon. Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Rd., Sharon Center, medinacountyparks.com. $35 12/4 Fire Building & Camp Cooking. Use a host of methods to build fires and learn to cook delicious food over a campfire using pie irons and Dutch

Submit an event listing to Calendar@NortheastOhioBoomer.com or go to NortheastOhioBoomer.com November/December 2021

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WHAT´S HAPPENING Crafty Adults @ Lake. Each month you’ll explore and create a new craft.

They supply the materials and you supply the creativity. All skill levels are welcome. 11/29 & 12/27. 6:30-8 p.m.

Mentor-on-the-Lake Branch Library, 5642 Andrews Rd., 440-257-2512, mentorpl.org. FREE

ovens. 2-4 p.m Big Creek Reservation, Lower Fern Hill Picnic Area, Parma, clevelandmetroparks.com. $15 12/6 & 12/13 Watercolor Class. Learn watercolor, one step at a time. Instructor Clela Neale will demonstrate step-by-step techniques to create a finished painting.

12:30-2:30 p.m. Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Rd., Avon, 440-937-0764, loraincountymetroparks.com. $13-15

TUESDAYS Spice Club. Pick up a spice from the library, make a dish with it and join the group to share your recipe. Spices will be available on the first business day of the month. Meetings held on the 3rd Tuesday of each month. 6:30 p.m.

Wickliffe Public Library, 1713 Lincoln Rd., 440-944-6010, wickliffepl.org.

FREE

12/7 Take & Make: Winter Luminaries for your mantle, window or holiday display!

The materials needed to complete this project will be included; a mason jar, epsom salt, candle, glue and greenery.

Available for pickup November 30.

Cuyahoga Falls Library, 2015 Third St., 330-928-2117, cuyahogafallslibrary.org.

FREE

l

12/18 Adult Art Night. Do you need a night out? Join this wood-slice ornament class and explore the rustic decoration for the holiday season. 7-9 p.m. Akron ArtWorks, 1684 Merriman Rd., Akron, akronartworks.com. $30

WEDNESDAYS Lake Erie Wheelers: Weekly Ride.

Cleveland’s westside cycling club is for everyone. Not only will you make friends with a great group of cycling enthusiasts, but you can also attend annual parties and gatherings.

6:30 p.m. Berea Library Commons, lakeeriewheelers.org. FREE

1/5 Club Ink Writing Workshop. Writers join with creators of all genres to critique work while sharing experiences, information and ideas. Aspiring authors and seasoned veterans are welcome.

6-8:30 p.m. Chardon Branch Library, 110 E. Park St., 440-285-7601, divi. geaugalibrary.net. FREE

CLUBS

MONDAYS Lakeshore Writers Group. Writer Tina Bartish welcomes aspiring writers and authors to meet and share work on a monthly basis. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., alpl.org. FREE

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Aurora Knits & Crochets

TUESDAYS Join this group in front of the fireplace on the first Tuesday of each month with a current project. All skill levels are welcome. 6-7 p.m. Aurora Memorial Library, 115 E. Pioneer Trail, 330-5626502, portagecounty.lib.oh.us. FREE

North Hill Needle Crafters. Do you love to knit or crochet? Are you interested in joining a group of talented crafters? Do you like to help your community? This group makes and donates items to helping agencies.

10:30 a.m.-noon. North Hill Branch Library, 183 E. Cuyahoga Falls Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-535-9423, akronlibrary.org. FREE

Trivia Night at the Howlin Bird.

Enjoy trivia on the third Wednesday of each month. November - Parks and Recreation (the sitcom) and December - Holiday Films. 6-8 p.m. Howlin Bird, 123 S. Main St., North Canton, ncantonlibrary.com. 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

WHAT´S HAPPENING SATURDAYS The Wilderness Center Nature Photo Club. Guests are welcome or you can join these monthly meetings for a

feature program and refreshments each month. 9:30 a.m. 4th Saturday of the month. Twcnpc.com. $5/annually Chess Club. Players do not have to belong to a formal chess organization.

Play chess 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. Are you fascinated by the ability to take a nondescript block of wood and transform it into something useful or a work of art? If so, 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 will follow a round-robin format, with a featured reader to begin. 3-4:30 p.m. Cuyahoga County Public Library, cuyahogalibrary. org. FREE ParkFit Mall Walkers Club. An opportunity for community residents to improve their health by walking for exercise in a safe, interesting and climate-controlled facility. 9-10 a.m. daily, 10-11 a.m Sundays. SouthPark Center, 500 SouthPark Center, Strongsville, 440-816-4037, swgeneral. com/community-services/walkingclub/. FREE

11/29 Sketchbook Club. Bring your sketchbook for creative drawing exercises. 2-3 p.m. Gates Mills Branch Library, 1491 Chagrin River Rd., 440423-4808, cuyahogalibrary.org. FREE

MUSIC & THEATRE

11/17-12/22 Light it Up! A New Holiday Musical.

This world premiere, one-of-a-kind musical event features original pop, rock, gospel, and jazz holiday tunes and new arrangements of Christmas favorites. Light It Up! is a celebration of family, friends, community, and each person’s ability to make every day brighter. Allen Theatre, 1407 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, clevelandplayhouse.com. $25-95 11/18-12/19 Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The Biblical saga of Joseph and his coat of many colors vibrantly comes to life in this delightful musical parable. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-8362626, weathervaneplayhouse.com. $12-35 11/19-12/11 Miracle on 34th Street. This Christmas, CVLT brings the magic of “Miracle on 34th St.” to River Street!

Adapted from the classic 20th Century Fox film, this story about the power of believing will brighten your whole family’s holiday. Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, 40 River St., Chagrin Falls, 440-247-8955, cvlt.org. $17-21 11/21 Canton Youth Symphony & Canton Youth Strings. Hear high-quality music performed by students from Stark County and beyond. 4-5 p.m. Umstattd Performing Arts Hall, 2331 17th St. NW, Canton, cantonsymphony.org. $7 11/27 French Perspectives. Popular piano duo of sisters returns to perform work

by American composer and guitarist Bryce Dessner, who has won Grammy Awards, both as a classical composer and with his band The National, as well as a nomination for his riveting film score to “The Revenant.” 8 p.m.

Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com. $31-122 11/27-28, 12/4-5 Ballet Theatre of Ohio presents “The Nutcracker.” This classic has become a treasured holiday tradition for families

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of all ages. 2 p.m. & 7 p.m. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., 330-253-2488, akroncivic.com. $40-50 11/28 Stones Brunch. Start your week up with the Stones. Gimme Sugar performs the iconic music of The Rolling Stones with the intensity they are so widely famous and popular for.

Noon. Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com. $10-30

permaculture gardener dripping with butch charm. She’s got supernatural abilities owing to her true identity — the Greek god Dionysus — and she’s returned to the modern world to gather mortal followers and restore the Earth to its natural state. Dobama Theatre, 2340 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts., dobama.org

ONGOING ATTRACTIONS

AKRON ZOO ONGOING Wild Asia. See the newest habitat area, the Lehner Family Foundation Wild Asia.

Visit Sumatran tigers, red pandas and white-cheeked gibbons in addition to the more than 250 other species who

11/30-12/1 Anastasia: Broadway in Akron. This dazzling show will transport you from the twilight of the Russian empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out on a journey to discover the mystery of her past. 7:30 p.m. E. J. Thomas, 198 Hill St., Akron, playhousesquare.org. $20-40 12/3-5 The Nutcracker. After a one-year hiatus, the holiday favorite ballet “The Nutcracker” returns. With only five performances, this magical production of the Cleveland Ballet promises to enchant and inspire all audiences. 12/3 at 11 a.m. and 8 p.m; 12/4 at 1 p.m. and 7 p.m.; and 12/5 at 1 p.m. Connor Palace at Playhouse Square, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org. $25-119 12/5 Parma Symphony Christmas Concert.

Great music performed by local professional and amateur musicians for 50+ years. 3-4:30 p.m. Valley Forge High School, 9999 Independence Blvd., Parma Hts., parmasymphony.org 12/17 John Waite. Singer-songwriter John Waite has been a fixture of classic-rock radio for nearly 40 years. For his latest outing, Waite promises an intimate night of stories and songs from his solo career, the Babys and Bad English. 8 p.m. The Kent Stage, 175 East Main St., Kent, 330-677-5005, thekentstage.com. $33-43 1/15 Baroque Virtuosos. The Akron Symphony presents an evening of the world’s best from the Baroque Era, including a world premiere of a tuba concerto. 8 p.m. Akron Symphony, 92 N. Main St., Akron, akronsymphony.org. $20-60 1/21-2/13 Hurricane Diane. Meet Diane, a

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WHAT´S HAPPENING 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, 216-8628803, greaterclevelandaquarium. com. $19.95

call the Akron Zoo home. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, 330-3752550, akronzoo.org. $11-13 AKRON ART MUSEUM THROUGH 5/15/22 The 10,000 Things. The 10,000 Things interweaves inspirations from traditional Chinese painting, Japanese manga and anime, video games and comic books with graphic design, iconographies, and Wong’s philosophical musings. The work contains themes of perseverance, triumph, belonging and growth.

1 S. High St., 330-376-9185, akronartmuseum.org. FREE

MALTZ MUSEUM OF J EWISH HERITAGE ONGOING An American Story. Visitors to the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage step into a world filled with inspiring and moving stories of Jewish immigrants, perhaps even their own ancestors and modern-day heroes. State-ofthe-art computer interactives, film, special effects, individual stories and oral histories. 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216593-0575, maltzmuseum.org.

FREE-$10

AKRON FOSSILS & SCIENCE CENTER ONGOING New Creation Education Museum. Dedicated to comparing and contrasting scientific models like intelligent design and evolution on the origin of the universe, and catastrophism and uniformitarianism models on the geologic record. 2080 S. Cleveland-Massillon Rd., Copley, 330-665-3466, akronfossils. com. $8

l

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; its towering trees, ever-blooming shrubs, and rich vegetation create a lovely, tropical retreat.11030 East Blvd., 216-721-1600, cbgarden. org. FREE-$15

MUSEUM OF CONTEMPORARY ART THROUGH 11/30 MoCa AIR: Joyce Morrow Jones.

Joyce is a mixed media fiber and sculpture artist weaving the art of storytelling through her creations. Her work is inspired by transformational stories of women in their journey through life, history and cultural traditions.

11400 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, mocacleveland.org. FREE

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, firsthand, the history of Cleveland and the region. 10825 East Blvd., 216721-5722, wrhs.org. $10-12

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1/3 New Year Sunset Hike & Campfire

Adults watch the sunset (around 5:15pm) then take an easy 2-mile hike followed by a campfire. Headlamps will be provided. Bring your own s’mores and hot chocolate. 5-7 p.m. Lakeshore Reservation, 4799 Lockwood Rd., Perry, lakemetroparks.com. $5

THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART ONGOING Art of the Islamic World.

Artwork from the Islamic world is as diverse and vibrant as the people who produced it. The objects presented in this gallery were created during the 8th through 19th centuries, a period of great cultural and geographic expansion. 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org. FREE

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY ONGOING Wildlife Rescue: Miracles in Conservation. In this traveling exhibition, you’ll explore the innovative ways wildlife rescuers capture, raise and release endangered species back to the wild and care for animals after natural disasters. 1 Wade Oval Drive, cmnh.org. FREE-$17

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 ONGOING Restoration: If This Hall Could Talk. Celebrates the extensive restoration projects completed throughout the estate since 2015. Funded by the 2nd Century Campaign, these restoration projects are finally complete after six years of tireless and dedicated work. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-863-5533, stanhywet.org. $5-12

OUTDOORS

THROUGH 11/30 Trekking Through Autumn. Call it hiking, walking, strolling, rambling, wandering or trekking, it’s good for body, mind and spirit — maybe now more than ever. Get out and explore the Medina County Parks through this self-guided hiking program.

First-year hikers earn a backpack; veteran hikers earn a pin. Medinacountyparks. com. FREE 58th Annual Fall Hiking Spree.

Get out and explore; complete at least eight designated hikes to earn hiking staff (first-year hikers) and shield. Veteran hikers earn the shield.

Summitmetroparks.org. FREE THROUGH 12/31 Wild Hikes Challenge. Walk, hike, skip, jog, run or stroll on eight designated trails before Dec. 31 to earn a hiking staff (first year) and/or a 2021 Wild Hikes medallion.

Portgageparkdistrict.org. FREE 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 to 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 WEDNESDAYS Wednesday Walkers. Join this ambitious group of walkers in staying active and healthy on North Olmsted Parks’s walking path. Call to register by 4:30 p.m. each Tuesday at 440777-8100. Furry friends are welcome.

28114 Lorain Road, north-olmsted. com/senior-center/. FREE 11/21 Pre-Turkey Day Trek. Prep for a week of too many calories with a fast-paced three-mile trek along paved paths.

10-11 a.m. Kopf Family Reservation, 32649 Electric Blvd., Avon Lake, loraincountymetroparks.com. FREE Sunday Senior Stroll. Join this leisurely walk through the park and see what you can spy in the natural world around us. 9-11 a.m. Timken Gatehouse West, West Branch Trail, 1305 Stadium Park Dr. NW, Canton, starkparks.com.

FREE

11/25 Turkey Trot. The Turkey Trot has been a hallmark event in Cleveland since 1982 and a Thanksgiving morning tradition for the entire family. 8:45 a.m. Public Hall, 500 Lakeside Ave., Cleveland, turkeytrotcleveland.com. $25-40 11/26 Hike Your Turkey Off. With Thanksgiving leaving us feeling a bit over-stuffed, it’s time to hike off that turkey with a steady-paced, calorie-burning eight-mile hike. 9 a.m.-noon. Big Creek Park, 9160 Robinson Rd., Chardon, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org. FREE 12/11 Bird Walk. Located along major migration corridors with histories of good migration days. New birders are welcome. 8:30-10:30 a.m.Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland Chardon Rd., Willoughby, 440-2561404, lakemetroparks.com. FREE Winter on the Ashtabula River: A Hike at Stanton Forest. Explore the oldgrowth forest adjacent to the beautiful State Wild and Scenic Ashtabula River.

The hemlock ravines are a special treat at this time of year, when the leaves

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WHAT´S HAPPENING on all of the other trees have fallen, and they provide cover for roosting owls and other birds. Noon. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, cmnh.org. $20-35 12/19 Hike for the Health of It. Get your heart pumping as we hike the challenging Black Bear and Ledges trails at a

vigorous pace with few, if any, rest stops. 9:30-11 a.m.

Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Rd., Twinsburg, summitmetroparks.org. FREE

SPECIAL EVENTS

SUNDAYS Distillery Tasting Tour. This Distillery Tasting Tour is led

DUBROVNIK GARDEN RESTAURANT

at the American Croatian Lodge Inc. Open Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11am-8pm Dine-in or Takeout Manager: Tina Skorin 34900 Lakeshore Blvd.

Eastlake, OH 44095

440-946-3366

Party rooms available for holiday parties.

Full take out for your next holiday party

by a member of the distillery tour team and includes a logo shot glass to take home and three spirit tastes with a salty side car snack. 2 p.m. Gervasi Vineyard at The Still House, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, gervasivineyard.com. $17 11/19-20 Medina Candlelight Walk.

Shops and restaurants of the nine-block Medina historic district will be open later in the evening to welcome local residents and visiting guests from around the region. Medina Public Square, mainstreetmedina.com. FREE 11/19-24 Holiday Nights. Discover dazzling festive displays and awaken your senses as you wander through the enchanted gardens. Explore lots of handson activities, perfect for all ages, as you learn about the wonders of winter nature. 5-9 p.m. Beech Creek Botanical Garden and Nature Preserve, 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, beechcreekgardens.org. $8 11/26-12/30 Deck the Hall 2021: Lights, Camera, Christmas! Come see the estate illuminated, inside and out, with over one million lights with the Manor House interiors decorated to reflect the theme of “Lights, Camera, Christmas!” 11/2628, 12/2-5, 12/9-23 and 12/26-30. 5-8 p.m. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-863-5533, stanhywet.org. $6-22 11/30 Shop for Hope Holiday Market. On this Giving Tuesday, November 30, buy handcrafted holiday gifts, 1:306:30 p.m. at 5905 Brecksville Rd., Independence. Shop while supporting Cornerstone of Hope and local businesses.

Vendors are donating 20% of their sales to support those grieving in our community. cornerstoneofhope.org. FREE 12/1 Hanukkah - The Festival of Lights. An unforgettable evening of performance, learning and artistic engagement for all ages. 6-7

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p.m. 750 White Pond Dr., Akron, jewishakron.org 12/2 Christmas Lighting of the Square. Come see the lighting of the Square. Along with colorful lights, there will be live music and a visit from Santa and Mrs. Claus.

6:30-8 p.m. Chardon Square, chardonsquareassociation. org. FREE Winter Blahs Senior Picnic.

Are you missing the warm summer days and socializing in the parks while you picnic?

Join indoors for a picnic and activities to get rid of those winter blahs. Noon-1:30 p.m. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, summitmetroparks.org.

FREE Christmas Wrapping Party.

Join this festive afternoon of present wrapping, cookies and music. 1-3 p.m.

Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., 330-7451194, barberton.lib.oh.us 12/4, 12/10-11, 12/17-19, 12/21-23 Holiday Lantern Tours.

Take a lantern-lit tour of the village and visit historic homes, bustling with holiday preparations. Experience the sights and sounds of the season through a series of charming holiday vignettes.

Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, 330-6663711, wrhs.org 12/5 Hudson Holiday Walk. Join the Merchants of Hudson as we welcome shoppers and diners with activities for the entire family. Enjoy live windows, an appearance by Santa, children’s games and activities, a hot cocoa warmup station and more. Noon-5 p.m. firstandmainhudson. com. FREE Menorah Lighting.

Community Menorah Lighting; Chanukah at the Summit Mall. 5:30-7:30 p.m.

3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, simon.com/mall/summitmall. FREE 12/12-20

Light Up Lakewood: Virtual.

LakewoodAlive has creatively reimagined the most joyous of Lakewood traditions. This year, we will be virtually connecting the community to safely bring the spirit of this beloved event to life. 4-8 p.m. 14701 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, lakewoodalive.com. FREE 12/18 Quilt Block Party. Come to the Quilt Block Party for ideas and demos on easy yet unique and special gifts to create in a snap.

10 a.m.-noon. Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Rd., Chagrin Falls, 440-543-5611, divi.geaugalibrary. net. FREE Beachland Holiday Flea. 20+ Vendors selling vintage items, vinyl records, cool crafts and unusual items. 10 a.m.-3 p.m.

15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, beachlandballroom.com. FREE 12/21 It’s A Wonderful Life - Holiday Movie. An angel is sent from heaven to help a desperately frustrated businessman by showing him what life would have been like if he had never existed. 7:30 p.m.

Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. North, Canton, canton palace theatre.org. $10

TALKS

TUESDAYS Lunchtime Lecture at the Art Museum. 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.

The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org. FREE 12/2 Tech Talk: How to Spot Fake News. The internet and social media sites are filled with links to incorrect, inaccurate, and often harmful false reporting. Learn more about why they exist and ways to spot these fake stories in this tech talk. This class will be held virtually. 2-3:30 p.m. Heights Library.org. FREE 12/3 Conquering Arthritis. Learn to live your best life at this virtual senior lecture series. 10-11 a.m.

Rocky River Public Library, 1600 Hampton Rd., 440-333-7610, rrpl.org. FREE 12/6 Cleveland’s Holiday Traditions.

Join Chad Malkamaki of the Western Reserve Historical Society as he enlightens us on Cleveland’s holiday traditions over the years. Share your memories of Mr. Jingeling and department store windows while learning about some of the lesser-known holiday traditions of Clevelanders. Virtual program.

6:30-7:30 p.m. WilloughbyEastlake Public Library, we247.org 12/7 Memory and Your Aging Brain.

Are you or a loved one having trouble with memory loss?

Join Cleveland Clinic Speech Therapists, Emily Bales and Kirsten Wagner, for a virtual program to learn about memory, cognitive exercises, strategies, and when to be concerned about your memory. Noon-1 p.m.

Fairview Hospital Wellness Ctr., 23035 Wooster Rd., Rocky River, clevelandclinic.org. FREE

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12/11 This Is How We Brew It. Join Great Lakes Brewing Co. education director Michael Williams for an in-depth break­ down of the brewing process, from the mash tun to the beer can.

2-3 p.m. Independence Branch Library, 6361 Selig Dr., 216-4470160, cuyahogalibrary.org. FREE 12/13 Learn the Basics of Zoom for the Holidays. Are you looking forward to getting together online with family this holiday season?

Learn how to navigate the features of Zoom Meetings. 7-8 p.m.

Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Rd., 440-8712600, westlake library.org. FREE 1/4 Mindful Eating Habits in the New Year. Discover tools to achieve optimal health through body respect and mindful eating. Separate the things you can versus can’t control when it comes to weight loss, weight maintenance and health. 6:3-7:30 p.m. Medina County District Library, 210 S. BRd.way St., 330725-0588, mcdl.info. FREE

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Brain Games W

hile sometimes finding our joyful spirit is a challenge, research shows it can promote a healthier lifestyle and boost immune systems. Joyfulness fights stress and pain, which can contribute to longevity. With better stress management tools, you may notice that you are able to remember things better.

As you approach the holidays, perhaps you will have an opportunity to gather with family and friends this year. What if a loved one has some issues with their memory or hearing, vision or speech?

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Better Living After 50

Sponsored By

Here are two ideas to help a loved one participate in the holidays or to share time together: PHOTOS

Go through pictures together and exchange stories.

Get an album for photos and add a few words next to each (with large and clear lettering) to encourage reminiscing. Later, other family members can share the album with the loved one.

GAMES

Scrabble is an easily modified game. Use a cheat sheet of short words to help if someone gets stuck (scorekeeping and accurate spelling optional).

ADD A LETTER, Make a New Word

By Kathryn Kilpatrick

If you can’t get outside, take a word break instead. Add a letter and make a new word: GOURD + N = GROUND

1. DRAPE + A

______

2. MORN + I

_____

3. SOME + U

_____

4. SUITE +S

______

5. ROOM + T

_____

13. PLEATS +S

______

6. BARE + V

_____

14. NEAR + G

_____ & _____

7. BOARS + B _ _ _ _ _ _

15. SAW + H

____ & ____

8.

______

16. STAB + O

_____ & _____

_____

17. CAST + K

_____ & _____

TITLE + L

9. HEAR+C

&

______

10. RATION + J _ _ _ _ _ _ _

18. BOWL + E _ _ _ _ _ & _ _ _ _ _ & _ _ _ _ _

11. RING +D

19. PLUS +M

_____

12. WORD +C _ _ _ _ _

_____ & _____ & _____

20. PAYER +L _ _ _ _ _ _ & _ _ _ _ _ _

& ______ & ______

ANSWERS: 1. PARADE, 2. MINOR, 3. MOUSE, 4. TISSUE, 5. MOTOR, 6. BRAVE, 7. ABSORB, 8. LITTLE, 9. REACH, 10. JANITOR, 11. GRIND, 12. CROWD, 13. STAPLES & PASTEL, 14. ANGER & RANGE, 15. SHAW & WASH, 16. BOATS & BOAST, 17. STACK & TACKS, 18. BELOW & BOWEL & ELBOW, 19. LUMPS & PLUMS & SLUMP, 20. PLAYER & REPLAY & PARLY & PEARLY

To get the full value of joy, you must have someone to divide it with.

— Mark Twain

Kathryn Kilpatrick, speech-language pathologist and Geriatric Life Enhancement Consultant, has created a series of articles on Eldercare Concerns. Visit the BLOGS section at her website, connectionsincommunication.com, for ideas to enhance communication and maximize visits.

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M BOCO ULTURE

POP ES CHRONICL

W

TREE TOPPING We lived with our other grandmother and she stuck pretty close to normal decorations. But when we moved to a new neighborhood, my parents went off the rail. It was a split-level house and they had the crackpot idea to have two Christmas trees.

The one in the family room was a live tree; those were the days when you hung tons of tinsel off the branches. When the tree finally came down, you were picking up needles for months. And if you had a dog that ate everything on the floor, you were picking up tinsel in some creative ways. But the real head-scratcher was

BOOM TRIVIA

Don’t Mess with Tradition MEMORIES THAT STILL MAKE ME WINCE

By Mike Olszewski

in the living room; an aluminum tree.

The tree was a silver stick holding more sticks with aluminum plumes.

You hung red fuzzy ornaments on it with rotating colored light wheels on either side. Charlie Brown’s Christmas tree had more dignity.

My parents had it right in the front window. That monstrosity went up every year for at least a decade until it mercifully found its way to the curb.

I saw one in an antique store not long ago, going for $400.

Things could have been worse.

The guy two doors down was a labor organizer who drank up the family gift money. He told his kids there wouldn’t be a Christmas that year because one of Santa’s union-busting goons roughed up an elf pretty bad on the picket line.

There are other traditions that are fun for the kids. “The Elf on the Shelf” and the “Mensch on the Bench” watching over everyone, and then there’s the pickle. Some families had a pickle ornament they would hide on the tree and the kid who found it got an

The Rhythm Tots

extra gift. In larger families, this would lead to screaming and shoving, but hey… it’s the holidays.

One question: I’ve got my own front yard. Anyone know where I can get a full-size Santa Claus sipping a Coke?

I Need Some Help! My blushing bride and I write books about local pop culture and our last outing concerned Cleveland kid-show hosts. I was contacted by a reader in Illinois whose late mother-in-law lived as a child in Lake County. Her name then was Susan Stapel and she appeared on early TV here as one of the “Rhythm Tots,” an allgirl trio — not the Polka Tots; they were a different group. If anyone has any information on Susan Stapel from Leroy Township or the Rhythm Tots, please let me know and I’ll pass it on.

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

Last issue, I mentioned the 1976 Halloween special hosted by comedian Paul Lynde with KISS as the musical guests and three people from Greater Cleveland playing key roles. They were guest Tim Conway, announcer Ernie “Ghoulardi” Anderson, and actress Margaret Hamilton, who played the Wicked Witch of the West, who came from Cleveland and Painesville.

For the next time, this actress told NBC’s Al Roker she used to watch him swim laps when she worked at the Shaker Heights Municipal Pool.

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Better Living After 50

PHOTO COURTESY OF MIKE OLSZEWSKI

ith the holidays coming up, you can’t help but think back on all the time-tested customs that stayed with your family for no other reason than you always did them.

We were probably luckier than most growing up. Grandpa Olszewski had a full-sized manger outside his house on the east side of Cleveland with life-size figures: Cattle, the three kings, shepherds, everyone. He also had religious music piped outside and it was lit up all night. People thought it was a roadside shrine; they would stop by and pray.

One day, I noticed something odd. My grandfather was sitting at the kitchen table having a smoke and I asked why he had a Coca-Cola Santa Claus standing in the back of the manger.

“You got a problem with that?” he asked. “Get your own manger and put whoever you want in there!”

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