Northeast Ohio Boomer & Beyond | September October 2019

Boomer Northeast Ohio

BETTER LIVING AFTER 50

FREE

nd Beyond SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2019

Fun Fall Favorites Your Grandkids Will Love 'Em

Restore

NEO’s Keepers of Extraordinary Things

Side Gigs

Try Yoga (goats extra) Live Theater Preview Richfield Coliseum’s Field of Wings

Julie Reilly

of ICA Art Conservation

NortheastOhioBoomer.com

Presented by

Boomer Northeast Ohio

and Beyond

A Real BOOmer Bash!

WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 30

700 Beta Banquet & Conference Center in Mayfield Village

Enjoy..

ENTERTAINMENT • EDUCATION • COMPLIMENTARY SMALL BITES DRINK SPECIALS • FUN + MORE! Costumes are encouraged but not required by attendees + vendors.

Only $10 per person

Boomer h s a B ´ Northeast Ohio

East

REGISTER: boomerbasheast2019.eventbrite.com

INSIDE

Sept/Oct On the Cover

30

RESTORE Meet local fixers, menders and minders PLUS: Yoga, tattoos, birds and side gigs Photo by Kim Stahnke

17 NEO Grandparent Facing Fears Grammy on the Go

56

ICA executive director Julie Reilly examines an antique foot stool with Anne Hinebaugh, Objects Lab Conservation Assistant.

WHAT'S HAPPENING 86+ places to see and things to do

DEPA RTMENTS 8

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11

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24

43

WORTH NOTING

TECH TALK

FOOD

ENTERTAINMENT

MEDICARE

Heat Help, Fine Libraries

Closing Windows

Pumpkin Eaters

Live Theater Review

Time to Choose

Better Living After 50

Getting Schooled on the Seasons

I

fell into fall and didn’t know it.

After years tethered to an academic calendar, school started without me, or at least without me noticing.

Other signs of the season were there, of course. The daylight started shifting in mid-August. Cricket and locust chirps grew more persistent. The golds and purples of wildflowers replaced the white and pink flushes in ditches and fallow fields. Still, I was surprised to see the school buses go by.

Without kids in school anymore and no grandkids (yet), my calendar is a rambling, undisciplined affair that lands mostly on work deadlines and holidays. It’s a bigger-picture type of calendar that I follow these days, marking time by seasons instead of school days. It gives me the chance to take a long view of things. My focus is broader, not narrowed by someone else’s timeline.

This broader view fits our theme, “Restore.” We profile three Boomers who conserve and preserve special things, some centuries, others decades old. Experience counts, as these conservators prove. You can read about them on page 30.

Taking the theme further, we have two stories about yoga and its enduring benefits. If you haven’t tried it or gave it up years ago, our story on page 33 provides plenty of reasons for another look. I’ve heard about goat yoga but never understood the appeal of having one graze near my yoga mat. We explain the charm of goat yoga, too.

Here’s a blast from our past: the Richfield Coliseum. Rising from fields

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Better Living After 50

Boomer Northeast Ohio

EDITOR´S NOTE

in the middle of nowhere, the massive structure deserved the coliseum moniker. It’s now a haven for birds and bird watchers. Two decades after the Coliseum’s demolition, we’ve got a story about the property’s restoration on page 34.

We have two more Restore topics: cosmetic tattoos and side gigs. Restoring your appearance and money to your wallet are both important, and you’ll find those stories inside this issue, too.

Moving away from our theme, I want to invite readers to nominate volunteers for our annual Volunteer Salute for our November/ December issue. Please email nominees to me by Oct. 20 at marie@northeastohioboomer.com.

I also want to encourage you to visit our website, where we have other stories and resources for Boomers. You’ll also find the results of our Boomer Choice Awards at NortheastOhioBoomer.com.

As I write this, the school year is solidly underway without me. The morning air is chilly, the leaves have hints of color and I found a woolly bear caterpillar near the chicken coop yesterday. I’ll let others handle bus schedules, teacher conferences and marching band practices. I’ve got my own ways to mark the change of seasons, and they’re a good fit.

and Beyond

VOL. 5, ISSUE 5

Sept/Oct 2019 Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond is a property of Mitchell Media LLC

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

​/​NEOhio​Boomer​

PUBLISHER - Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohio​boomer.com 330-714-7712 EDITOR​- M​arie Elium​ ​marie@northeastohio​boomer.com COPY EDITOR/DIGITAL/ ASSISTANT EDITOR​ - Estelle Rodis-Brown estelle@northeastohio​boomer.com EDITORIAL SUGGESTIONS editor@​​northeastohio​boomer.com CALENDAR LISTING SUBMISSIONS calendar@​​northeastohio​boomer.com CONTRIBUTORS Margaret Briller, Dr. Reuben Gobezie, Kathryn Kilpatrick, Traci McBride, Judith Macek, Dr. Steve Marsh, Breanna Mona, Mike Olszewski, Estelle Rodis-Brown, Tak Sato, John Selick, Laurie G. Steiner, 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 EVENT MANAGER​ Tara Tonsetic tara@northeastohioboomer.com DISTRIBUTION INQUIRIES info@northeastohio​boomer.com PUBLISHERS OF

M​arie Elium​

​marie@northeastohio​boomer.com

BOOMER EDITORIAL ADVISORY BOARD Mindi Axner Executive Director National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland Sharon Dundee Director of Marketing & Communications Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center Kathy M. Hirko Owner KAZ Company Jeanne Hoban Marketing Communications Director Benjamin Rose Institute Kathryn Kilpatrick President Memory Fitness Matters, LLC Susan Lieberman Director of Marketing & Public Relations Montefiore and The Weils Kelsey Loushin President Eldercare Professionals of Ohio

Stephanie Manning The American Heart Association, Cleveland Steven Marsh Dr. Steve Marsh, DDS Fatima Perkins Director of Community Outreach Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging Bob Pontius Director of External Relations Danbury Senior Living Leslie Royce Resnik President Royce Public Relations Laurie G. Steiner Partner, Solomon, Steiner & Peck, Ltd. Candyce Traci Vice President All Media Design Group Nancy Udelson President and CEO Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter

Boomer Northeast Ohio

and Beyond

Look for the

November/December Issue November 15

Boomer Northeast Ohio

FREE

and Beyond

BETTER LIVING AFTER 50

JULY/AUGUST 2019

Use Your Good Stuff

Roots

Yes, The Crystal, Too

An Urban Farm • DNA Tests Family Reunions

Grand Northeast Ohio

Pool Time!

Fast First Aid

+ Festivals, Fairs & Farrah Featuring:

NortheastOhioBoomer.com

Givers

• Our annual volunteer salute • Gift exchange ideas • Holiday event roundup

September/October 2019

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7

WORTH NOTING

Don't miss Squire's Castle in the North Chagrin Reservation

True Colors Pick a Place to Peep

A Very Good Day

AccuWeather’s long-range forecaster Paul Pastelok. Peak week should be Oct. 19-26.

Head to the Cleveland Metroparks and take in the

scenery. A few places to start are Acacia Reservation near Beachwood, Chagrin River Road between North and South Chagrin Reservations and

House Warming Get Heating Help

Hinckley Reservation overlooks. Go to clevelandmetroparks. com for more suggestions.

Trivial Pursuits

Jewish Book Festival Features Judith Viorst, Other Authors

Mind Challenge for the New Majority Expands in 2020

Some of the biggest names in literature will be in Cleveland for the Mandel JCC Cleveland Jewish Book Festival, which runs November 3-18.

Eighteen nationally- and locally-acclaimed authors will be featured, including Judith Viorst, author of the children’s classic, “Alexander and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day” and her new adult book, “Nearing Ninety and Other Comedies of Late Life.”

Bob Mankoff, former The New Yorker staff cartoonist and editor, will discuss his newest book, “Have I Got a Cartoon for You! The Moment Magazine Book of Jewish Cartoons.”

Opening night features Ronald Balson, best-selling author of “Once We Were Brothers” and “The Girl From Berlin.”

Watch the Mandel JCC website for more information: mandeljcc.org.

After a successful inaugural year, organizers of a trivia competition for older adults plan to make it even bigger and better in 2020.

Look for teams forming at senior and rec centers throughout Northeast Ohio.

The New Majority refers to older adults, and there were plenty of them this year during the months-long tournament that involved teams from 16 cities.

Organizers are doubling the number of participants next year. Teams will begin forming in January. Competition starts in February and concludes with the finals in May. Solon, Mentor, Strongsville and Rocky River will host the competitions.

To learn more, contact your local senior center or go to themindchallenge.com

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Better Living After 50

If you or a loved one needs help with heating bills this winter, several agencies have programs that assist older adults and low-income people. One place to start is the Ohio Department of Aging. Older adults and those with disabilities can get help applying for energy assistance programs by calling their toll-free Senior Services Help Line (866- 243-5678).

The Winter Reconnect Order, through the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio, helps customers— regardless of income—who have had their utilities disconnected or threatened with disconnection.

Customers who have questions about the PUCO’s Winter Reconnect Order may call 800-686-PUCO (7826) or visit the PUCO’s website at PUCO.ohio.gov.

More help is available through the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP), a federal program administered by the Ohio Development Services Agency. It provides a one-time payment for utility help during the winter. Find out about income requirements for HEAP and its Home Weatherization Assistance Program at development.ohio.gov.

SQUIRE'S CASTLE PHOTO BY MICHAEL SHAKE

O

ur rainy and hot summer has set the stage for what should be a betterthan-usual season for leaf peepers.

Northeast Ohio is on track for being a top spot for fall color this year, according to

Volunteer

With youth With adults With nonprofit agencies

Are you looking for • Personal growth?

• Ways to give back to your community and make a difference?

• New experiences?

Give back and also receive compensation A Salary A Stipend

Encore Cleveland connects people who are in or nearing retirement from their primary careers with volunteer and employment opportunities through local nonprofit organizations.

Join the Encore Cleveland movement and put your experience to work for the greater good!

Start your own business

4415 Euclid Avenue, Suite 200 Cleveland, Ohio 44103-3758 TO LEARN MORE

email: encore@greaterclevelandvolunteers.org

Apply your specialized skills, knowledge and/or experience to an Encore career

phone: 216-391-9032 greaterclevelandvolunteers.org/encore

September/October 2019

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9

WORTH NOTING

B OOK SHEL F

Pun alert: we’ve got a few books we think you’ll fall for this autumn. Carve out time for a couple of these titles and leave the busyness of the season behind. These book suggestions are from Jason Lea, Community Outreach Coordinator for Mentor Public Library. Go to mentorpl.org to learn about upcoming library events.

Radium Girls

By Kate Moore

At the turn of the 20th Century, radium was all the rage. It was a featured ingredient in health, home, and fashion products of the time. Need a hair refresh? Try radiuminfused shampoo! Need to settle your stomach?

Try radium vitamins!

Before the world knew of its dangers, radium was everywhere. This non-fiction book tells the tale of the women who were tasked with painting radium onto products.

These women were told not only was radium safe, it was good for them. Little did anyone know the toll it would take.

The Curious Charms of Arthur Pepper

The Keeper of Lost Things

Mrs. Everything

By Phaedra Patrick

By Ruth Hogan

Arthur Pepper, 69, is a quiet man focused on his routines. While cleaning out his late wife’s things, Arthur discovers a charm bracelet he’s never seen before, a hint to his wife’s life before they married.

Stepping entirely out of his comfort zone, Arthur goes on a journey to discover the hidden stories behind these charms, taking him to Paris, London and even India, where he learns more than he ever wanted to know about both his wife and himself.

Forty years ago, Anthony Peardew lost a beloved keepsake. Since then, Anthony has become the keeper of lost things, gathering the lost items he finds on the bus, in the park, on the street, carefully documenting and saving them in case their owners ever come looking. As he nears the end of his life, Anthony bequeaths this task to his housekeeper, the unsuspecting Laura, who now bears the burden of trying to reunite others with their lost things. But how to find the owner of the missing hair barrette?

A touching story of how sometimes the smallest things matter most.

Jo and Bethie Kaufman have always been opposites. As children, Bethie was the good girl, while Jo’s dress was always dirty. Bethie never questioned their mother, and Jo pushed boundaries. But when push comes to shove, the sisters always have each other’s back. Growing up in the 1950s, coming of age in the 1960s, and into adulthood, their experiences couldn’t be more opposite. One takes the traditional family route, and the other joins the counterculture of the day.

Follow these very different women on their journeys through life, love, good times and bad, and see that no matter what happens, they have each other.

Fine Time

D

By Jennifer Weiner

- Libraries Loosen Up

id you know that Cleveland Public Library recently stopped charging overdue fines? It’s all in the spirit of accessibility.

Until the change last July, about 3,000 library patrons were locked out of their accounts because of excessive fines. Officials said librarians’ time was better spent helping patrons, not collecting fees.

Many other library systems throughout Northeast Ohio, such as Kent Free Library, waive overdue fees for older adults. Check your local library for their overdue fine policies. You may have more time to read that book than you thought.

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Better Living After 50

What Do You Mean, Windows 7 is Leaving?

TECH TALK

Keeping up with the Joneses And Who are They Anyway?

By Tak Sato

I

believe there already is an abundance of articles, in print and in the digital world (Google keywords like “Windows 7 support,”) that talk about Windows 7’s demise in less than five months. I’ll leave it to my media brethren to provide the how-tos and options.

My Tech Talk column’s underlying philosophy is to bring warmth to the cold subject of technology. It starts with removing obstacles. Through my extensive dealings with Boomers and older adults, I’ve come to understand that an intimidation barrier is the primary obstacle to embracing technology or digital literacy.

Bringing this wall down increases my success when I teach our Discover Digital Literacy! program.

IT’S ALL ABOUT YOU Before we started buying devices like smartphones and tablets, we repeatedly were told to “stick to these steps to do your job and don’t use the computer for anything else” or “call IT to change toner cartridges because you’ll break the printer doing it yourself.” There were many of these types of comments that worked on our subconscious and, incorrectly, led us to believe that technology WAS as difficult as rocket science.

That same attitude prevailed when computers came into our homes.

Technology is a dizzying array of forms steadfastly permeated into every nook-and-cranny of our lives during the past several decades. At first, it was one personal computer in our homes, reminiscent of how television made inroads into the fabric of American culture to influence public opinion (marketing) to augment how

we communicate. Remember “You Got Mail” sound bites?

When smartphones hit the scene in late 2007, the rhetoric of technology being rocket science fast-eroded. Many Boomers and seniors didn’t get that memo where technology became personal overnight. “Change your own toner cartridges” was the new mantra.

Personal computers fall into the “everything but the kitchen sink” category. Professionally and personally, many of us need a device with that kind of computing power. Before that fateful Welcome, Smartphone Day in 2007, even if you didn’t need that kind of computing power there were few alternate choices available for us to keep up with the Joneses in the digital world.

Even simple tasks, like replying to an email, were done on a computer back then.

If you have personal data like documents, photos and videos, it’s important to back them up or transfer them to another device so you can retrieve them. The end of Windows 7 is a good opportunity to review your backup plan.

Make sure you transfer your data to your new device, use an external backup device or save it in the cloud.

The cloud is off-site storage that makes the items available to you on any device. Examples are Google Drive, Microsoft OneDrive and Apple iCloud.

Always have a backup plan so if your old, or even new, faithful device bites the dust, you have better odds of restoring your priceless data.

As you read the advice and howto stories about alternatives to Windows 7, ask yourself how you are currently using your computer.

Today, there are more devices to choose from when replacing your dying Windows 7 computer, especially if you don’t do “everything but the kitchen sink” kinds of tasks.

Check out digital copies of our old Tech Talk columns on Boomer at mirabelsmagazinecentral.com/ Publication/Magazine/northeastohio-boomer-beyond to learn more about other devices like Chromebooks and finding the right tech fit.

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

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FOOD

Pick of the Patch The Great Pumpkin Makes A Great Meal

By John Selick

O

ne of my responsibilities, when I was the morning cook at the Ritz-Carlton, was to create a soup du jour for the restaurant using leftovers or any other ingredients that were in abundance.

One Friday after Thanksgiving, logic told me the pumpkins that were being used for decoration in the ballroom were up for grabs. I brought them all down to the kitchen and cut them in half, scooped out the seeds, rubbed them with olive oil and roasted them. I made a delicious curried pumpkin bisque garnished with turkey confit and pickled cranberries, a perfect fall soup.

The Food and Beverage Director came looking for me. He needed those pumpkins for one more event that night. He was pretty upset that I cooked his decorations; I was upset he didn’t try my soup.

ORANGE YOU GLAD IT’S FALL? Pumpkin is the quintessential seasonal ingredient. Can you imagine someone serving pumpkin pie at a Fourth of July picnic? Of course not, that idea is absurd.

Conversely, ingredients like tomatoes are frequently used well past their season.

Tomato caprese can be found on restaurant menus well into the winter and no one thinks twice about it, even though tomatoes are out of season and flavorless by then. Pumpkins, on the other hand, are carved up into jack-o-lanterns or turned into pie, and then quickly removed from store shelves the Friday after Thanksgiving, not to be seen again until next fall.

That’s too bad because they can still be available; it’s just socially unacceptable to serve pumpkin dishes after Thanksgiving.

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Better Living After 50

ROAST, MASH, ENJOY As an ingredient, pumpkin offers a lot of versatility; there’s more that can be done than just pie. Roasting it intensifies its natural sweetness, and you can mash it up with some butter to make a comforting side dish that goes great with roasted chicken or pork.

Pumpkin risotto is a labor of love.

The constant stirring of the rice and the addition of slow-roasted pumpkin is a satisfying cold-weather dish. It can also be used in lighter dishes, as well. It shines as a main ingredient in a spinach salad with candied pecans, goat cheese and a light vinaigrette. The seeds are an obvious textural ingredient and even have a fancy name: pepitas.

If you are unsure what else goes with pumpkin, think about your favorite butternut squash or sweet potato recipe and incorporate pumpkin into it. What grows together goes together, so things like local maple syrup, root vegetables and dark, leafy greens complement pumpkin really well. Sage is a good choice for an herbal note, but rosemary also is a great addition to savory recipes.

Canned pumpkin is the go-to ingredient for those who are adventurous enough to make their own pumpkin pie. There’s no shame in using it; canned pumpkin is a quality product that saves time.

You can have creative control with the use of spices when making your own pie, which will wow your guests.

Try getting a little fancy by adding pecans to a homemade pie crust.

Roast fresh pumpkin, pureé it in a blender with brown sugar, a little maple syrup, fresh grated ginger and spices, and you will be wishing the pumpkin season lasted longer.

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

Sponsored Content

Blue Diamond Celebration Oct. 4 to Benefit Hospice of the Western Reserve Presented by Hospice of the Western Reserve

J

oin us on Oct. 4 for an evening of dinner, drinks, auctions and more at the Blue Diamond Celebration, the 40th-anniversary benefit for Hospice of the Western Reserve. Your support ensures future generations can continue to receive the same exceptional range of services for which the non-profit agency is known.

Presented by Huntington Bank, the event takes place at Executive Caterers at Landerhaven, 6111 Landerhaven Dr., Mayfield Hts. Funds raised support music and art therapy, children’s grief support camps, a pediatric program and many other services not reimbursed by insurance.

The Dame Cicely Saunders Blue Diamond Award, named for the founder of the modern hospice movement, will be presented to volunteer Keith Ashmus. As a long-time hospice advocate, Ashmus established the Hospice

Lawyer Volunteer Program to bring free legal services to seriously ill patients.

The Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation will be honored with the Blue Diamond Philanthropy Award. The Foundation has made an indelible impact on HWR. From the groundbreaking of the region’s first Hospice House to the establishment of a bereavement center to the construction of Ames Family Hospice House in Westlake, the Foundation’s generous funding has made it possible for HWR to provide compassionate end-of-life care and healing grief support for countless families.

Cocktails 6 p.m. Dinner 7:15 p.m.

SILENT AND LIVE AUCTIONS Tickets $150, tables of 10 are also available Register or donate online: hospicewr.org/BDC

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Sponsored Content

Not Sure Where to Start?

We Can Help Presented by Greater Cleveland Volunteers SHOULD I VOLUNTEER? Of course, it is a therapeutic way for you to give back to the community, meet people, witness how your efforts are helping a nonprofit agency and give yourself a fun addition to your schedule.

Experience Counts Presented by Encore Cleveland WHAT IS ENCORE CLEVELAND? The Mission of Encore Cleveland is to channel the time, energy and talents of experienced Clevelanders into solving community challenges and fulfilling unmet needs.

The Encore movement is a national effort to leverage the energy and experience of Americans who seek to fill community needs upon retirement or near the end of their primary careers. Encore Cleveland, launched in 2013 by the Cleveland Foundation, helps to connect and fund a network of organizations to provide experienced Greater Clevelanders with an array of meaningful opportunities in the community.

HOW DOES IT WORK? For those at or nearing retirement and who have the interest to investigate their next chapter, visit

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Better Living After 50

greaterclevelandvolunteers.org/ encore and discover the various opportunities.

OUR PARTICIPATING NONPROFIT ORGANIZATIONS These nonprofit organizations have vested energy in Encore Cleveland to provide volunteer, employment or business opportunities: • Business Volunteers Unlimited • Cleveland Leadership Center • Cuyahoga County Public Library • East End Neighborhood House • Economic Community Development Institute • Encore Staffing Network: VANTAGE Aging • Fairhill Partners • Greater Cleveland Volunteers • JumpStart, Inc. • Manufacturing Works • Teach for America Make your experience count; explore your next chapter at Encore Cleveland.

WHERE? Think about what you enjoy doing and research if there are volunteer opportunities in your community.

Many nonprofit agencies have one-day, ongoing or short-term projects.

WHAT? There are many volunteering opportunities available. Would you consider serving as a friendly visitor to senior living care and hospital patients?

Arranging flowers for a medical facility?

Shelving books? Tutoring children?

Sorting, tagging and displaying donated clothing and merchandise at nonprofit resale stores?

What about serving as an usher in a theater? Lending your talents in an office by filing and answering phones?

Assisting before or during a fundraiser or large community event? Delivering meals to homebound seniors? Well… those and many more are available.

Contact Greater Cleveland Volunteers through our website to learn more. greaterclevelandvolunteers.org.

Sponsored Content

COOLSCULPTING Anne Keller, LME at Apex Skin Westlake

“CoolScultping is a non-invasive, nonsurgical permanent fat reduction treatment. When done by an expert, it is a very customized procedure.

A complimentary assessment is required to develop a treatment plan that will be the most successful for each patient.”

BOTOX/NEUROTOXINS Felicity Allen, LME at Apex Skin Solon

“Each wrinkle is kind of like a tiny scar from muscles being overworked and overused in the same way over and over again! The only way to stop that process is to relax the muscles. In other words, it’s basically a muscle relaxer for your wrinkles. It’s a great way to instantly slow down the aging process.”

FILLERS Dana Baker, LPN at Apex Skin Medina

6

Things to Help you Look and Feel More Vibrant

Apex aestheticians share how to best help your skin through these treatments and lifestyle choices.

LIFESTYLE Dianne Goodbar, LME at Apex Skin Hudson

“Your skin will have a healthier and more glowing appearance when your body is functioning optimally. You can make a difference from the inside out by eating whole foods packed with antioxidants, getting 7-8 hours of sleep, drinking plenty of water and exercising regularly.”

“I absolutely love cheek fillers to mimic a mini face lift. By returning volume to the cheeks you will not only notice a more supple cheek, but also the nasolabial folds will soften as the skin is lifted, making both the upper and lower face look rejuvenated!”

MICRONEEDLING Chelsey Urankar, LME at Apex Skin Mayfield Heights

“Microneedling helps improve most textural concerns such as acne scarring, scars, pore size, fine lines and wrinkles, stretch marks, and hyperpigmentation. We also infuse a Growth Factor Serum or PRP during the treatment for maximum antiaging benefits and cellular renewal.”

SKIN CARE AND MAKEUP Betsy Goodrum, LME at Apex Skin Concord

“First, I am a big believer in a medical-grade skin care routine and recommend you visit us for a free consultation to customize the best regimen for you. When it comes to applying makeup, keep in mind that less makeup gives a more youthful look. Start with moisturizer, which is key to a soft, dewy look, then add sunscreen because 80-90 percent of aging is sun-related.”

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LEGAL

Estate Plan Basics

N

Their father didn’t plan ot everyone needs a DO I NEED properly.

He should have set Trust Agreement, no A TRUST up what is commonly known matter how much AGREEMENT? as a Marital Trust. The trust trusts are touted as a part

By Laurie G. Steiner would have held the assets of an estate plan. In the for the benefit of his second wife upon past, a married couple needed to have his death. The trust terms prohibit the separate trusts to lower their potential widow from transferring the assets to estate tax burden. With several recent her children. Upon the wife’s passing, tax law changes, that is no longer the assets would be directed back to his needed. children under the terms of his trust.

Trusts are often used This same issue could arise if to avoid probate. the couple was not married or was However, probate a same-sex couple. Each wants to can also be avoided provide for their partner on death, by titling assets using but they may want assurances special designations that, when their partner like Joint & dies, the assets go back Survivorship, Payable to their side of the on Death, Transfer family. on Death or naming a There are other beneficiary. But there are issues that need unique a number of other reasons trust planning rather than you might still need to use a just a will. An example is a trust to provide for minor trust in your estate planning.

WHAT ABOUT ME? One common situation is estate planning for a blended family or an unmarried couple. Here’s an example: A couple remarried in their 50s. They each had children from their first marriage. The husband died 20 years later. He had wanted to provide for his second wife, so he signed a will that stated that all of his assets were left to his wife with the understanding that, on his wife’s death, those assets would go to his children.

However, what actually happened is that upon the husband’s death, the surviving spouse just combined his assets with all of her assets. When she died, she left all of the assets to her children under her revised will.

The husband’s children were left with nothing, despite their father’s wishes.

They challenged the second spouse’s will but lost.

children until they reach a responsible age or even for their lifetime, to protect the assets from issues like creditors, divorce claims or lawsuits.

Additionally, assets cannot be left outright to a mentally or physically disabled child receiving government benefits like SSI or Medicaid. A Special Needs Trust protects assets for such a child. To protect assets from being spent entirely on a nursing home and to obtain Medicaid or VA benefits, you need an Irrevocable Medicaid or VA trust Agreement.

These planning options are more complicated.

Everyone’s planning needs are different. The best way to know if you need a Trust Agreement as a part of your estate plan is to hire a reputable estate planning or elder law attorney. Don’t risk your inheritance on your best guess or your neighbor’s recommendation.

Laurie G. Steiner is a member of the law firm of Solomon, Steiner & Peck, Ltd. She is a Certified Elder Law Attorney by the National Elder Law Foundation and the Ohio State Bar Association. She practices in the areas of Elder Law, Medicaid, VA and Disability Planning, and Estate and Trust Planning and Administration. ssandplaw.com.

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Better Living After 50

Grand Northeast Ohio

Fear Factors • Fall for Fun Timeless Truths Supplement to

Boomer Northeast Ohio

and Beyond

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d n a r G

Fear Factors

WE ALL HAVE THINGS THAT SCARE US. Fear is a basic instinct that helps keep us alive.

It’s typically linked with anxiety, and although both are critical to our wellbeing, neither are emotions we typically look forward to experiencing.

Adults usually have mature reasoning and healthy coping skills to determine if our fears are a realistic threat to our well-being. But what about children?

Help Kids Cope

By Judith Macek

HANDLING FEAR Part of being a caregiver to children is understanding where kids are developmentally at varying ages, emotionally and intellectually, so we can then grasp how their brains process information.

Before age 11, children usually haven’t had enough life experiences and/ or brain development to think in abstract terms the way adults can. Kids ages 7-11 are just beginning to think in concrete, logical terms and consider others’ perspectives.

Children ages 2-7 use symbolic thought to solve problems. They aren’t capable of most logical thought and don’t understand someone else’s point of view.

So how do we help?

It’s important to validate their fear and not try to rationalize it away. Talking about it teaches healthy emotional expression.

They partly learn to

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Better Living After 50

manage emotions from the reactions they’ve experienced when showing their emotions.

Children become better at soothing fears when parents give them support and guidance during highly emotional experiences.

Talking about how they’re feeling helps them to know emotions are a normal part of our human existence.

Children who are around adults who most often express positive emotions have been shown to be able to control their emotions better than children who are subject to mostly negative expressions. Most kids look to adults for how they react to circumstances and mirror these responses.

WHAT ARE THEY WATCHING? Another way to help is to take responsibility for what kids are exposed to through the media. Screen time has increased substantially and is a major source of fear and anxiety in children.

The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends parents limit screen time for children and teens and encourages parents to co-view and monitor what they watch to ensure age appropriateness. Media ratings are based, in part, on how a child’s brain processes information.

Parental involvement reduces kids’ stress, studies show.

When something scares them, preschoolers may be comforted with a favorite

blanket or toy. Eating or drinking something is helpful for children of all ages.

When things are calm, teach kids slow, healthy belly breaths and use those during stressful or fearful times. Practice belly breathing by blowing bubbles, blowing up balloons or singing.

If you have someone in your life who’s fearful because of a past trauma such as a dog bite, severe weather or violence and you’re struggling to help them, I encourage you to make an appointment with a professional who specializes in childhood trauma.

Judith Macek is a licensed professional clinical counselor in Portage County. To reach her, call 330-398-5000.

I

Fall for Fun

PHOTO BY KAREN SHADRACH

t’s time for fall fun with the grandkids. There are so many different fall and Halloween festivals throughout Northeast Ohio this time of year.

Favorite fall fun festivities include Mapleside Pumpkin Village in Brunswick, NickaJack Farms in North Lawrence, Ma & Pa’s Fall Harvest in Burton, and Szalay’s Sweet Corn Farm and Market in Peninsula.

WHERE TO START Mapleside offers pumpkins and apples along with huge slides down the hillside. There are puppet shows and hay and cow train rides down in the valley. You can purchase a ticket for all of the attractions or just stay on top of the hill to enjoy the gorgeous views.

Themed festivals every weekend are featured, such as superheroes or princesses and pirates. Little ones can dress up in costumes and meet their favorite characters in person.

Nickajack Farms is a place where you would want to spend a whole day. We always pack a small lunch and lots to drink as there is so much to do and see.

Nickajack has an abundance of unique fall fun. Besides the hay maze, there is a huge barn room with a hay tower to climb and another room loaded with kernels of corn where the kids love to play and jump. Warning: It’s difficult to coax them out of the corn. Luckily, you can easily suggest another fun activity on the farm.

Pedal tractors are provided to ride and race along a large dirt track. A long tractor-pulled hayride will take you all around the farm and many places are available to rest and have a picnic lunch. Animals are in the barn and surrounding fields to watch and pet. There is an obstacle course set up and a nine-hole mini-golf course.

But, instead of golf balls, you use gourds. Mini-golf with a gourd is quite a fun experience.

The Challenge: Which Festival?

By Karen Shadrach

WALK IN THE WOODS Ma & Pa’s Fall Harvest has horsedrawn hayrides through the woods.

If you want less action but a great fall experience, this is your place to visit. On your way through the woods, smelling the fall woodsy smells and hearing the crunch of leaves, you can sample their delicious apple cider and eat a maple cookie. After the ride, kids can participate in crafts and paint a pumpkin.

If you don’t want to spend an entire day and your goal is to just purchase a pumpkin, Szalay’s is your place. The vast amount of pumpkins

available here is amazing. After shopping for your favorite pumpkin, you can also find many fall decorations and bins of gourds that the kids seem to love. If hungry, you can eat a fresh, roasted ear of corn (the best!) for lunch and sit on glider tables.

Szalay’s also offers sandwiches, apple fritters and ice cream. An easy corn maze is located across the street. You won’t get lost! They provide a map and the paths are easy to navigate, even with a stroller.

Whatever festival you decide to go to visit, enjoy your fall adventure with the grandkids.

Karen Shadrach is an on-the-go, in-the-know NEO grandmother of two sets of twins.

The boys, Jefferson and Tyler are 4, the girls, Abigail and Brianna, are 2. Do you have grandparenting questions about where to go and what to do when you get there? Email Karen at editor@northeastohioboomer.com.

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Timeless Truths A Message to Your Grandchildren’s Parents By the Hanna Perkins Grandmothers

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e talk about the good old days when mothers could shout at their children, “You’re driving me crazy; go outside and play!”

These days, a mom is more likely to say, “Now, in five minutes I’m going to have to ask you to turn off your iPad because it’s almost time for soccer practice.” Our kids are raising their kids very differently from the way they were brought up.

WHAT IT MEANS Being a parent has become more complex, stressful and competitive. Young parents seem to feel it’s their responsibility to make a child’s life one long string of successes. They seem to think they’re in control of these small lives, and that they’re failures as parents if everything doesn’t go as planned.

These impulses are not all wrong. Good parents have always wanted to protect their children from harm – and themselves from the pain of seeing their children cry or fail. But we’re here to remind everyone that, quite possibly, they aren’t in control at all, which is one aspect of parenting that has never changed.

The Grandmothers are early-childhood educators who have a long association with Hanna Perkins Center for Child Development. In the photo above, they are (L to R) Maria Kaiser, the late Ginny Steininger, Georgianna Roberts and Kathy Smith Baker. Their book, “Timeless Advice for Parents of Young Children,” written with consultation from Hanna Perkins Education Director Barbara Streeter (right), is available at Amazon.com.

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Words to the Wise No. 1: Being a parent is hard.

Raising kids has never been and will never be unmitigated joy.

Children get scared; they get sad; they shock you by hurting others; they drive you nuts with whining and complaining. Such difficult moments are part of being a parent.

No. 2: Being a child is hard.

They’ve never been here before, so we can’t expect them to think the way we do, or perceive reality in the same way. The best we can do is work to understand the ways their stilldeveloping brains operate and adapt to what they are capable of understanding and what they are not.

No. 3: Self-esteem cannot be purchased. It can’t be bought with litanies of praise (“Good job!”) or actual medals and trophies. Self-esteem comes from accomplishments that children master on their own.

No. 4: Feelings speak louder than words. Those are the parents’ feelings we’re talking about. A child is quick to sense how mom or dad is feeling. If

they’re saying one thing but feeling another, the child will know it. Acknowledging your own feelings in a trying situation makes it easier to recognize the child’s.

No. 5: They crawl before they walk. The ages and stages of child development are predictable and relatively unchanging. Don’t expect toddler behavior of an infant, and don’t think your toddler should “know better” than to bite a playmate.

No. 6: Only once a child. There are no do-overs for childhood, so don’t rush kids through it.

Here’s one final truth: Everyone’s going to survive this. Our children survived parenting that would now be viewed as negligence if not outright neglect, and their children will survive what our generation sometimes sees as overindulgence and gross permissiveness. The world may be going to hell in a handbasket, but thanks to the work of each new generation of parents, it hasn’t gotten there yet.

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Fun with the Grandkids

SATURDAYS SmART Saturdays. Exploratory art experiences and creative opportunities for all ages. 9-10 a.m. on the second Saturday of each month. Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org. $5 ONGOING Wonder Lab, Adventure City, Making Miniatures, Arts & Parts, The Meadow, Playlist and Theater. Visitors with autism spectrum disorder and developmental, sensory and learning differences will find support throughout the museum. Children’s Museum of Cleveland, 3813 Euclid Ave., cmcleveland.org. $12 Zoo and Rainforest. Meet animals from around the world and create unforgettable memories. Tour the zoo and the RainForest for an afternoon or the entire day. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, 216-661-6500, futureforwildlife.org. $12.95-16.95 Vroom! A Car Adventure. From a Tot Garage area for the youngest tinkerers to an exhibit that demonstrates how self-driving cars are able to see using a LIDAR sensor, Vroom! gets curiosity racing. Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, 216-694-2000, greatscience. com. $13.95-16.95 THROUGH 10/6 Fall Fun. Celebrate the onset of fall with an old-fashioned hay wagon ride and a six-acre corn maze.12-3:30. Equestrian Center, 13630 Diagonal Rd., LaGrange, metroparks.cc Himalayan Dreams. A young Sherpa boy, living in the Himalayan mountains, dreams of climbing the tallest mountain in the world with his hero. Talespinner Children’s Theatre, 5209 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, talespinnerchildrenstheatre.org THROUGH 10/31 Fall Festival. Discovery Barn, farm animals, Rascal Round Up, tire dragons, obstacle course, hay maze and much more. Nickajack Farms, 2955 Manchester Ave., Canal Fulton, 330-323-9714, nickajackfarms.com THROUGH 10/28 Fun Fest. Play in the hay stacks and corn crib, climb the tree house in the woods, slide down the 50-foot double slide, wander through the corn maze and take a nature hike through the ravines and hills of Geauga County. Patterson Farms, 8765 Mulberry Rd., Chesterland, 440-7299809, pattersonfarm.com 9/28-10/29 Pumpkin Pandemonium. Bring the family to go on a scavenger hunt, get lost in the Harvest Maze and take a relaxing hayride touring around the farm. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Rd., Peninsula, heritagefarms.com

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DAY BY DAY 9/21 Lehman’s Fall Festival. Kick off your fall season with the best of family fun. Toss apples, taste apples, sauce apples, plus enjoy free face painting, demonstrations, games and live music. 10 a.m.-3 p.m. 4779 Kidron Rd., Dalton, lehmans.com 9/21-22 Mother Goose. A brand new show for the littlest audience. This interactive performance for kids teaches classic rhymes and songs from Mother Goose herself. 2 p.m. Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, 330848-3708, magicaltheatre.org 9/21, 9/28 & 10/5 Bauman Orchards Fall Festival. Live music, pony rides, hay maze, petting zoo, wagon rides and more. 8 a.m.-5 p.m., 161 Rittman Ave., Rittman, baumanorchards. com 9/28-29 Horsepower Weekend. Horses and tractors have been used throughout the years in the harvest. Help plow the field with draft horses and watch other harvest activities provided by horsepower. 9 a.m.-5 p.m., Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Rd., Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com 10/4 Fall Family Night & Hayride. Gather everyone and enjoy hands-on fall activities for the kids, planetarium programs, live wildlife encounters and hayrides for all ages. 6-9 p.m. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Rd., Bay Village, 440-871-2900,lensc.org 10/4-6 Norton Cider Festival. A family event for all ages, including apple decorating, magical train, inflatables and fireworks.

Friday 5-9 p.m., Saturday 11 a.m.-10 p.m., Sunday noon-6 p.m. Columbia Woods Park, 4060 Columbia Woods Dr., nortonciderfestival.com 10/5-6, 10/12-13 Harvest Festival. This family-friendly event offers seasonal hands-on experiences, such as apple cider pressing and butter churning, pumpkin painting and wagon rides. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, 330666-3711, wrhs.org. $5-10

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Meteors, Murder and Mayhem It’s Curtains Up for the 2019-2020 Live Theater Season

By Margaret Briller

Drama, comedy, musical or mystery, the curtain is rising on another entertaining theater season and the venue is yours for the choosing. Engage your inner thespian as a spectator, volunteer or sponsoring patron.

You’ll find a variety of programs in large and small venues. We’ve got new and returning can’t-miss shows to consider for the months ahead. Order your tickets early. The 2019-2020 live theater season promises to be spectacular.

BECK CENTER The Beck Center begins its 86th year of creating art experiences featuring a signature blend of eclectic titles, including a heated drama featuring a Hollywood film star, an encore production of a blockbuster musical and the ninth collaboration with Baldwin Wallace University Music Theatre program. Get ready for a theatrical journey.

17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-521-2540, ext. 10, beckcenter.org Glengarry Glen Ross Sept. 13-Oct. 6 The Member of the Wedding Oct. 4-Nov. 3 Shrek The Musical Dec. 6-Jan. 5 The Scottsboro Boys Feb. 7-23 Steve Martin’s Meteor Shower April 3-May 3 Disgraced May 29-June 28 Something Rotten!

July 10-Aug. 9

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BRECKSVILLE THEATRE The Brecksville Theatre is a product of the merger between the two longstanding theater groups in Brecksville: Brecksville Theater on the Square and Brecksville Little Theatre.

The new group honors the history of both organizations with a straightforward mission: “to engage the community through the performing arts.”

49 Public Square, Brecksville, 440-736-7749, brecksvilletheatre.org.

Sister Act Sept. 27-Oct. 13 The Best Christmas Pageant Ever the Musical Nov. 1-17

CHAGRIN VALLEY LITTLE THEATRE Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, one of the nation’s oldest community theaters, begins its 90th season of providing plays, musicals, youth theater education and special events since 1930. A true community theater, it is recognized throughout the region as a venue for high-quality productions that showcase the talents of area actors and delight thousands of theater lovers each season.

40 River St., Chagrin Falls, 440-247-8955, cvlt.org West Side Story in Concert Sept. 20-22 Matt’s First (Real) Thanksgiving Oct. 18-Nov. 2 Annie Nov. 15-Dec. 15 An Act of God Nov. 22-Dec. 7 Art of Murder Jan. 17-Feb. 8 The Taming Feb. 21-March 7 Pippin March 13-April 4 The Turn of the Screw May 1-17 Women in Jeopardy!

May 29-June 13 Red White & Tuna June 19-July 4

DOBAMA THEATRE Founded in 1959, Dobama Theatre’s mission is to premiere the best contemporary plays by established and emerging playwrights in professional productions of the highest quality.

2340 Lee Rd., Cleveland Heights, 216-932-3396, dobama.org Stupid F***ing Bird Sept. 6-29

FRENCH CREEK THEATRE Part of the Lorain MetroParks Nature & Arts Center, French Creek Theatre has played host to an exceedingly diverse body of performances, encouraging patrons to expand the scope of their own theatrical tastes.

Handicap-accessible and equipped with assistive listening devices.

4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, 440-949-5200, MetroParks.cc/theatre

Wakey, Wakey Oct. 18-Nov. 10 The Old Man And The Old Moon Dec. 6-Jan. 5

Patrick Barlow’s A Christmas Carol Dec. 6-22

Skeleton Crew Jan. 24-Feb. 16

The Drowsy Chaperone Feb. 7-23

Dance Nation March 6-29

Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None April 24-May 10

The Other Place April 24-May 24

The Music Man July 10-26

THE FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION For more than 50 years, The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby has been a gathering place for individuals to learn, create, enjoy and appreciate the arts. If you love theater and music, you will enjoy this upcoming season.

38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, 440951-7500, fineartsassociation.org The Crucible Sept. 20-Oct. 6 The Sound of Music Nov. 29-Dec. 22 Charlotte’s Web (Youth Theatre) Feb. 14-March 1

Macbeth Aug. 14-16

THE HUDSON PLAYERS The Hudson Players, an allvolunteer, non-profit community theater organization and one of the longest-running theater troupes in the area, begins its 75th anniversary season.

Volunteers are always welcome to assist with a variety of tasks including publicity, poster distribution, set building, costumes and more.

41 S. Oviatt St., Hudson, 330-6558522, hudsonplayers.com Noises Off November 2019

Ten Below One-Act Festival March 27-April 5

Company February 2020

Chicago June 5-20

Bright Star April-May 2020

Newsies July 17-Aug. 15

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JUDSON MANOR Open to the Greater Cleveland community, Theatre in the Circle is the only professional theater company in the country helmed by residents of a retirement community.

Plays are performed by local theater artists as well as Equity actors in Judson Manor’s ballroom. Judson’s venue offers fully barrier-free access as well as hearing loop technology that brings audio directly into patron hearing aids and cochlear implant telecoils.

1890 E. 107 St., Cleveland, 216-791-2555, judsonsmartliving.org The World Goes ’Round Sept. 12-15 It’s a Wonderful Life: A Musical Dec. 12-15 The Fantasticks Feb. 13-16 Regional Premier To Be Announced May 7-10

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MAGICAL THEATRE COMPANY The Magical Theatre Company is the region's only professional resident and touring theater for young performers.

565 W. Tuscarawas Ave, Barberton, 330-848-3708. magicaltheatre.org Mother Goose Sept. 21-22 Harriet the Spy Oct. 18-27 THE MUSICAL THEATER PROJECT Founded by Bill Rudman in 2000, The Musical Theater Project is a nonprofit arts education organization that fosters a deep appreciation of the American musical – and the social and cultural history surrounding it – by creating programs that educate as well as entertain people of all ages.

Productions are held throughout Northeast Ohio. musicaltheaterproject.org Blue Skies: Irving Berlin & the American Dream Oct. 12 (Ohio Theatre, Playhouse Square) Oct. 13 (Fairmount Temple) A Christmas Cabaret Dec. 13-14 (Stocker Arts Center, Cirigliano Studio Theatre) Dec. 15-16 (Nighttown)

Make Someone Happy: Songs of Comden & Green Jan. 24 (First Baptist Church of Cleveland) Jan. 26 (Hanna Theatre, Playhouse Square)

Summer: The Donna Summer Musical Oct. 8-27

Seize the Day! March 7-8 (Nighttown)

Mean Girls Dec. 3-22

Rothschild & Sons In-Concert Musical April 19 (Kent State University) April 21 (Fairmount Temple)

Anastasia Feb. 4-23

The Impact of Camelot May 30 (Solon Center for the Arts) May 31 (Gartner Auditorium, Cleveland Museum of Art)

PLAYHOUSE SQUARE Playhouse Square welcomes more than one million guests every year for touring Broadway shows, concerts, comedy, opera, dance and children’s programming. Its KeyBank Broadway Series season ticketholder base (more than 32,000) is the largest in the country, making Cleveland one of fewer than 10 markets that can support a three-week run of a touring Broadway show. This season’s Broadway performances will certainly ignite your passion for the theater.

The Band’s Visit Nov. 5-24

Jesus Christ Superstar March 10-29 My Fair Lady April 28-May 17 Disney’s Frozen July 15-Aug. 16

STOCKER ARTS CENTER Located on the campus of Lorain Community College, Stocker Arts Center offers not only live theater productions but also concerts and films. One of the county’s most popular arts venues, the theater attracts people from throughout the region.

Alone & Together Sept. 19 Rhapsody in Seth Oct. 12

1501 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-771-4444, playhousesquare.org

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1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, 330-8362626, weathervaneplayhouse.com The Who’s Tommy Sept. 12-29 Agatha Christie’s And Then There Were None Oct. 17-Nov. 3 Joseph And The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat Nov. 26-Dec. 22 Margaret Atwood’s Alias Grace Jan. 16-Feb. 2 Memphis Feb. 20-March 8 Radium Girls March 26-April 5

Second Acts

D

id you ever have the urge to “tread the boards?” Or maybe you had a part in your high school play and want to get back on stage. Here’s where to start:

• The Fine Arts Association in Willoughby has private acting study for adults to explore and develop their acting skills. Contact the director of education at 440-951-7500 x118.

• The Beck Center in Lakewood offers classes in acting and improvisation. Check beckcenter.org for further details on days and times.

• Cuyahoga Community College presents academic (credit) classes in theater techniques and improvisations on all three campuses. Adults can register for these classes on an auditing status, provided there is room in the class. Visit tri-c.edu for details on offerings and locations.

• A lso, check with your local community theaters and senior centers for classes. And (don’t) break a leg.

Kinky Boots April 23-May 17

Margaret Briller is a freelance writer in Northeast Ohio who enjoys attending community theater productions in various cities.

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YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN PHOTO: DAREN STAHL

WEATHERVANE PLAYHOUSE In a span of 70-plus years, Weathervane has constructed, torn down, recycled, painted and refitted stage settings for more than 500 productions, including Stage II and Youth Theater productions. This kind of effort is the result of volunteer dedication based on the founders’ original philosophy that “all who can contribute are welcome.”

Restore Stitch, Fix, Preserve & Conserve. Meet the NEO’s Caregivers of Prized Possessions

By Breanna Mona Photo by Kim Stahnke

W

hen you work with rare objects and precious art, each day embraces the extraordinary. Harry Houdini’s straightjacket is a good example.

Splayed on a table in the Intermuseum Conservation Association (ICA) workshop in Ohio City, Houdini’s jacket is ready for a once-over by skilled artisans.

Nearby, an elaborate gown worn by President Warren G. Harding’s wife Florence, lays across a table like a patient awaiting surgery. The delicate material, too weak to support its hand-strung beads and pearls, will get a reinforcing layer of fabric.

Across the room is a large painting with a bright white smear along its edge — evidence of a cleaning test. The landscape hidden underneath will soon be released from its dingy layer of smoke, oil and time.

Chemistry, artistic skill and years of experience have made ICA a leader in the art restoration field. Executive director Julie Reilly says the relatively advanced age of many of ICA’s restoration experts is an asset. Experience counts when you’re matching pigments in century-old paintings, fixing a 1920s gown or repairing straps on an escape artist’s straitjacket.

From flying John Lennon’s guitar overseas to operating on Star Wars’ original R2D2, these local Boomers have seen, conserved and restored it all— or a good variety of it.

Check out how their lifelong affection for the arts led them to compelling careers caring for precious objects.

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Better Living After 50

Julie Reilly

Executive Director ICA Art Conservation Age: 62 What she does: “Well, here at ICA I’m the executive director so I’m responsible for all aspects of the organization. On a daily basis, I work with the conservation staff, I work with our collections care staff, I oversee the finances, the governance and the HR aspects.”

How she got started: “I’ve always been interested both in art and in science. I kept going back and forth between studying the arts and studying the sciences.

Finally, when I was in undergraduate school, my art history teacher told me about these scientists that took care of art. That’s when I realized that I should be a conservator.”

Why she loves it: “I don’t think there’s a cooler profession in the world because you get to use arts and science and the humanities all together at the same time, all day every day. We work with things that are created by the human species and the variety is endless. You can go from working on an old master oil painting to taking care of somebody’s stuffed bunny. We work with arts collections, history collections, natural history collections, archaeological material, and things of personal value. All of the objects that come into our sphere of work have amazing stories.”

Favorite story: “I’m happy to say a long time ago, I got to work on R2D2. We have great things that come into the lab all the time. Right now, we have two really wonderful Japanese sculptures from a shrine in Japan.

People bring their things to us to fix them or take care of them or to get them ready to pass on to the next generation. We do charge fees but we’re a nonprofit, so we do a lot of work with all kinds of organizations from historical societies to museums, archives, libraries, and individual owners.”

Do you consider yourselves art doctors?

“Exactly! We do preventative medicine, too [laughs]. We try to help people protect their objects, so they don’t get damaged. We also do a lot of education and outreach. We give a lot of tours. If people want to come and learn more about what we do here, they’re welcome to call and schedule a tour and come visit. We do offer free half-hour consultations if somebody wants to bring their items in.”

Did you know?

ICA was the first nonprofit regional art conservation center in the country.

ICA Art Conservation 2915 Detroit Ave., Cleveland 216-658-8700, ica-artconservation.org

Top left: The Mary Ann Sears Swetland Memorial Meetinghouse. Slated for demolition, the 1852 Greek Revival structure was moved to Hale Farm from Streetsboro. Top right:Needlework on a vintage tapestry undergoing restoration at ICA. Bottom: An exhibit at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame.

Photos: Hale Farm/Nancy Balluck Photography, Marie Elium and Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

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Jun Francisco

Jason Klein

Director of Collections Management Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Age: 59

Vice President of Historic Properties for Western Reserve Historical Society and Director of Hale Farm & Village Age: 50

What he does: “There’s really no typical day.

I’m in charge of collections and the artifacts. We do a lot of shipping; making sure the artifacts get from point A to point B safely. We do some hand-caring of the artifacts if they’re valuable.

If there’s a guitar, let’s say John Lennon’s guitar, I buy plane tickets for it, it sits next to me the whole time until it gets here or until it gets back to Yoko.”

Restore

“The transport of collection is really the most interesting to me because I get to go to Paris, Spain, Japan, all these places dealing with our artifacts.”

How he got started: “I have a degree in museum studies. My career path was to work in a museum but not necessarily a music museum. So, this is kind of like a plus for me because I am a music fan.”

Why he loves it: “I grew up listening to rock and roll music, not thinking that one of these days all these people I was idolizing — reading up on in magazines and seeing on TV — that I would walk into their homes someday, actually interacting with them, working with them. So, this is pretty much a dream job.”

“One thing I always tell people is that when I started working in museums, I always worked with somebody else’s history. When I go to a town, it’s the history of the town, it’s not my history or my hometown. I still appreciate the history but it’s not my history. But then I got here, and I realized, ‘Hey, this is actually my history,’ because all this music and the musicians we’re honoring were part of my childhood. This is the oldest music and soundtrack of my life.”

Did you know?

We all know the Rock Hall was designed to look like a glass pyramid. But did you know that renowned architect I.M. Pei also designed it to look like a record player from a bird’s-eye view?

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame 1100 E 9th St., Cleveland 216-781-7625, rockhall.com

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What he does: “I oversee the operations of the living history museum.

It’s 90 acres and has 34 historic structures. The role is all-encompassing in making sure that the museum doors are open and guests and staff are happy, the historic buildings and landscape are taken care of and that we are delivering unique experiences.”

How he got started: “Growing up and going to school, I always had jobs that had something to do with construction. Then when I started my own company and began working on a lot of historic structures, I just became really interested in that specific field of historic preservation.”

Why he loves it: “Being able to preserve these historic structures that tell the story of the development of this region and honor the craftsmanship of those who built up this area through the historic structures is just super interesting to me. The history of architecture in the region, seeing how it’s changed over time and to be able to see how folks built and utilized these buildings is just fascinating. I think it’s really important that we are able to reflect on our past to see what the path forward should be.”

Did you know?

Western Reserve Historical Society’s Hale Farm and Village hosts a monthly Thursday Night Music Club.

Check out the live local music, MarketPlace shopping, cash bar, food from Café 1810 and a featured winery or brewery. Admission and parking are free. For more details, call 330-666-3711.

Western Reserve Historical Society 10825 East Blvd., Cleveland 216-721-5722, wrhs.org

Breanna Mona is an entertainment journalist whose favorite museum is the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Long live rock!

RESTORE

Why Yoga?

Let's Count the Ways A Mind, Body & Soul Connection Story and Photo

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

B

ack in the early ‘70s, my steadfastly moderate and etiquette-appropriate mother replaced her lateafternoon nap time with an edgy new routine. She started doing yoga poses on the living room carpet, practicing her downward dogs, cobras, bridges and shoulder stands to feel regenerated and restored.

Back then, yoga was considered some sort of mysterious quackery from the Far East. But time has done its work and yoga has earned its place at the Western buffet of prescriptive options to help prevent and treat common ailments.

This is old news to longtime yoga practitioners who know that yoga improves strength, flexibility and balance while providing mental and spiritual benefits like enhanced awareness and well-being.

JUST THE FACTS One study found that yoga can be a viable intervention for back pain and may be used in place of painkillers (2017 Annals of Internal Medicine). Another study published in 2017 in the American Journal of Preventive Medicine determined that military veterans — who often suffer from more health complications than civilians — benefited from yoga practice for chronic pain.

Also, research published in the Journal of Education and Health Promotion found that participants who practiced one hour of yoga for six days a week over three months had significant improvement in their cholesterol levels.

Inflammation, blood sugar, blood pressure and other heart disease risks were also reduced.

Research has further shown that yoga can ease anxiety, depression and insomnia. Scientists are finally acknowledging that yoga not only complements Western medicine but may also provide more sustainable healing than prescription drugs.

Just ask my mother. She recently turned 90 but still eases into her favorite yoga stretches that relieve her stiff neck and back due to spinal stenosis. ”I adopted yoga into my lifestyle because it has always made me feel good.

It restores my energy and flexibility. I think it even makes me look better because of improved blood flow,” she says.

“Jazzercise, aerobicize and other fitness fads came and went for me, but yoga wasn’t a passing phase.”

Estelle Rodis-Brown is a freelance writer and photographer from Portage County who also serves as digital/assistant editor of Boomer magazine.

Namaste!

Yes, Goat Yoga is a Thing

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

It may be a trend, but goat yoga seems to have staying power, based on the number of classes that keep filling up with eager participants. A natural skeptic, I had to check it out for myself.

The session I attended took place outdoors at Rosie Standish’s bucolic Field of Blooms farm in Mantua in Portage County. The setting was an expansive grassy lawn among flower fields and a swan-guarded pond with an elegant 1880-era Victorian home as a backdrop. Six of Abbe Turner’s milk goats from nearby Lucky Penny Farm in Garrettsville were herded into a temporary pen, along with about a dozen yoga participants.

Yoga/Qigong instructor and physical therapist Melissa Kerr of Brookfield told me that yoga’s benefits are enhanced when it’s practiced outdoors in the company of animals.

“Yoga and nature independently have a scientific, measurable impact on people by way of chemical/hormone response. Both can reduce blood pressure, decrease anxiety and depression, etc.

Nature, animals and yoga are a beautiful way to decompress and promote healing, feel-good vibrations,” she explained.

“Being around less-common animals like goats trigger our brain’s curiosity, which is important to expanding our senses. This, in turn, helps with stepping outside our problems and ‘daily grind’ and helps us focus on the money at hand — the present — where the magic of mindfulness happens,” Kerr said.

Never mind that these curious critters nibble, nuzzle and otherwise invade your personal space while you try perfecting your yoga pose. It’s part of the ambiance. The goats are like a tumble of toddlers, there to remind you not to take yourself so seriously.

Occasionally, a wily goat escaped from the yoga pen and the chase was on to bring her back before she made a meal of all the pretty flowers. ”There’s only so much we can control in this world, and that’s part of this practice,“ Turner gently reminded the group.

Kerr said that outdoor yoga appeals to our visual and auditory senses, as the beauty of the landscape and the calming sounds of nature wash over us. The lush scents from the rich soil and fragrant flowers appeal to our olfactory senses. The swish of the breeze and texture of the grass awaken our tactile senses. The stimulation coaxes us out of entrenched auto-pilot responses.

Three adult siblings came to goat yoga for the first time. Richie from Lakewood admitted, “This was not exactly on my bucket list but I do love goat cheese, yoga and being outdoors, so my sisters convinced me to come. At first, I was distracted by the goats and couldn’t focus on what I was supposed to be doing. But once I accepted them into my surroundings, I was able to focus again.”

Sisters Polly of Twinsburg and JJ of Aurora had a sense of humor about it all. “If you expect it all to go perfectly, this is not for you,” they agreed. “All the laughing and ridiculousness of having the goats clamber over us made us relax more than just yoga itself could have done.”

Maybe goat yoga is here to stay, after all.

September/October 2019

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RESTORE

RICHFIELD COLISEUM Former Home to Cleveland Teams Now Teems with Birds

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

This year marks two decades since the massive Richfield Coliseum was torn down and its asphalt parking lots were removed. In their place, park volunteers and staff have planted thousands of native wildflowers and grasses at the site.

Over time, Cuyahoga Valley National Park (CVNP) earned an Important Bird Area (IBA) designation by the National Audubon Society, recognized as an ideal site for observing more than 200 bird species annually.

This may never have materialized if the old Richfield Coliseum hadn’t been demolished and its 327-acre property intentionally set aside, protected from urban development.

The arena land today welcomes relatively uncommon bird species like grasshopper sparrow, Savannah sparrow and eastern meadowlark; and three on the Ohio Species of Concern list: Henslow’s sparrow, sedge wren

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Better Living After 50

and bobolink. Wilson’s snipe, designated as an Ohio Species of Special Interest, is another uncommon bird documented at the Coliseum site.

Black and orange monarch butterflies, facing a decline in other areas, thrive in the grassland’s milkweed, goldenrod and other wildflowers, feeding and resting on their migration south to Mexico in early September.

RESTORING THE LAND Two unexpected things happened shortly after the Coliseum was torn down... one good, the other a challenge, says CVNP Plant Ecologist Chris Davis.

First, relatively rare grassland birds were discovered in the fields and brush. Park officials decided to manage the site to support these species, maintaining it as grassland habitat rather than allowing it to follow natural succession from field to forest. The field has been divided into three areas, each mowed once every three years. The rotation helps support the unusual species of birds.

Second, the field was quickly overcome by nonnative, invasive plants including autumn olive, Canada thistle and teasel, frustrating park officials.

“We have spent many, many hours over many years battling these species at the site and, only recently, seem

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CVNP

A lot can happen in 20 years. Where rock stars and sports stars once shone brightly, stars now shine above an avian field of dreams.

to finally be getting a handle on the situation,” Davis says. “Although not eliminated, many invasive plants at the site are now down to tolerable levels.”

PHOTO PROVIDED BY CVNP

HISTORY OF PLACE Several farms dominated the landscape before the Richfield Coliseum was built, according to the National Park Service. Farms along State Route 303 raised vegetables, pigs, sheep, chickens, and Hereford cattle.

But by the late 1960s, most families had sold their farms to Nick Mileti, then owner of the Cleveland Cavaliers.

From 1974 to 1994, the 20,000-seat Richfield Coliseum was the leading entertainment center for the region. While built for the Cavs, the Coliseum also hosted big events ranging from rock concerts to circus acts.

Cavs owners George and Gordon Gund moved the NBA team to downtown Cleveland in 1994 and the Coliseum stood vacant for years. Ultimately, to protect the neighboring national park and small communities from major commercial development, the Gund family worked with the Trust for Public Land. The Trust acquired the property in 1999 and oversaw its transformation, tearing up 80 acres of asphalt parking lots, demolishing the arena and adding 5,000 pounds of topsoil with grass seed.

IMPACT OF RESTORATION Saving the sprawling Coliseum site from urban development has provided a natural oasis between Cleveland and Akron. Unlike typical national parks, CVNP is located in an urban area, not out in the wilderness. A National Park study estimated that retail development on Coliseum land would have brought 15,000 cars daily to the area’s scenic, two-lane byways.

Now fully incorporated into the national park, the restored field provides natural, scenic and recreational values essential to CVNP’s core mission. “Continued work to improve the condition and variety of native plants at the site will further benefit native wildlife, including birds, butterflies and bees,” Davis says. “Such habitat is increasingly rare in our area but is an important filter for clean water and reducing stormwater runoff into the Cuyahoga River and tributary streams.”

More than two decades from its heyday as an entertainment hub, this bird haven at the Coliseum site welcomes visitors, both winged and pedestrian. The field is on the north side of State Route 303, just west of Peninsula off Interstate 271.

Estelle Rodis-Brown is a freelance writer and photographer from Portage County who also serves as digital/assistant editor of Boomer magazine.

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RESTORE

Cashing In Side Hustles that Work

By Traci McBride

WANT TO

Retirement is changing.

FREELANCE? Clarity.fm Boomers are healthier and living longer than Flexjobs.com their parents and pivoting into new directions Remote.com Fiverr.com as they age. Finding a way to pay for laterin-life necessities, hobbies and interests can be a challenge, but not for these Northeast Ohio residents. They’ve found side hustles that are fun and profitable.

Follow their cue and earn extra cash doing something that engages your mind, uses your skills and ignites your passion. It’s a tall order, but if they can do it, maybe you can, too.

INSIDE SIDE HUSTLES Freelancers and independent contractors are predicted to become the U.S. workforce majority within a decade.

Boomers are twice as likely to start a new business as Millennials and 24.3% of all new entrepreneurs are between 55 and 64 (The Kaufmann Foundation).

Ten thousand Boomers are reaching retirement age every day, according to AARP. Fifty percent of Boomers plan to work until 70 or older, but 36% feel they may never be able to afford retirement.

Want to Stay Online? Try Virtual assisting| Audio editing | Tax prep | Writing | Tutoring | Translation |Teaching | Social Media Management

Creative?

Etsy.com Cafépress.com Zazzle.com

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Better Living After 50

Author/speaker/workshop facilitator and blogger Traci McBride (TeeMcBee. com) launched TeeMcBee Wardrobe Styling & Image Management in 2008.

Meet

Meet

Meet

LAURA LISCURSI (50) OF STRONGSVILLE.

JULIE (52) & BILL SKINNER (57) OF MEDINA.

SUSAN FARNHAM (56) OF BAY VILLAGE.

Perhaps you crave flexibility, have a skill set to leverage and want an hourly side hustle. Ever consider being a virtual assistant?

Liscursi owns Elite VA and matches people with skills such as marketing, editing or graphics with people and companies around the country who need virtual assistants (VAs) to do those jobs.

Elite VA does the marketing, retains clients and handles all contracts.

Those who contract with Elite VA make themselves available for work, based on their income need and time. Her business is at elitevahub.com.

The Skinners love their full-time careers and happened upon two successful side hustles. Bill posted on Facebook a photo of a wood cutting board he made, a byproduct of his woodworking hobby. A friend asked if he could make more to sell at her craft show, and a business was born.

Skinner wanted his wife by his side at local craft shows so she began creating and selling upcycled wool mittens.

Skinnerwoodandwool.com was a perfect pairing and resonated with shoppers.

The Skinners focus their side hustle earnings for travel and savings. When retirement time comes, they have encore businesses already established.

They’ll continue enjoying their work creating useful products from natural materials while being engaged in their communities.

Farnham enjoys cooking and sharing hacks to get the most out of something we all need to do every day – eat. As a Pampered Chef representative, she shows others how to make delicious meals in 15 to 30 minutes so they can ditch the drive-thru lane and make dinnertime a priority.

Farnham sells the popular Pampered Chef cooking tools and food in a turnkey, multilevel marketing business that relies on at-home demonstrations. She replaced her corporate job with this side hustle. Working 48-60 hours a month, Susan earns $2,000-3,000 plus gets vacations and products. Her business is pamperedchef. biz/SusanFarnham.

Read More About It • “Side Hustle”

by Chris Guillebeau • “ Side Hustle Law ”

by Myles G. Taylor • “Never Too Old to Get Rich”

by Kerry Hannon

PHOTOS: LINDASLENSES.COM FOR DAVID PAUL & THE SKINNER’S

• “Thank You for Being Late”

by Thomas Friedman

ONLINE COMMUNITIES & NEWSLETTERS Retirepreneur.com • Nextforme.com

Meet DAVID PAUL (58) OF ELYRIA. An animal lover, Paul leveraged an opportunity of living in Nairobi, Kenya for three months in 2018 into his Luxury Safari side hustle. His photography business — he was a wedding photographer for 15 years — prepared him to turn the camera on the wonders of Kenya as he guides others through his custom itinerary of the landscape, beautiful people and stunning wildlife. Paul spends about 5-10 hours per week on his job. He expects to set aside his 2019 profit of $10,000 for his next safari. You can see Paul’s photos at davidpaulphotography.zenfolio.com.

September/October 2019

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RESTORE

More than Skin Deep The Transformative Art of Tattoos

By Paris Wolfe

T

attoo artists do more than accessorize Millennials. Many provide cosmetic and medical services.

Pat Peters of Chardon recently tapped into their services for eyebrows. “I was a child of the late ‘50s, early ‘60s. Back then, we all had to pluck our eyebrows. When you keep plucking, eventually they don’t come back,” she says. “Combine that with age and I lost the last one-third of my eyebrows. I couldn’t find the right color eye pencil to replace them and I got tired of crooked eyebrows. They never matched.”

After her husband’s death, Peters decided to do something for herself – get permanent eyebrows. “I’m trying to be the best me I can be,” she says.

“Now I can’t picture my face without them. They frame my face. The color is perfect.”

INK THAT CAMOUFLAGES Christine Gallowan, tattoo artist and owner of Mirror Mirror Artistry in Cleveland, works with people to camouflage scars from chemotherapy ports, to define lip shape after cleftpalate surgery, to recreate belly buttons and to restore breast appearance.

For example, mastectomy patients lose nipples and surrounding breast structure. “I will recreate in 3D — using shadow and highlight — a nipple and areola. Some women visit me before surgery or bring a photograph so when they come back after healing, I can recreate what they had before.”

“I’m not fixing anything, I’m

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Better Living After 50

camouflaging,” she says.

While medical issues draw many Boomers to tattoos, cosmetic changes due to aging such as hair loss and skin fading lead others to find a permanent and convenient solution.

Peters’ daughter, Anna Peters, 55, of East Claridon Township, had brownishblack eyeliner tattooed onto her lower lids several years earlier. “I like my eyes and like to show them off, ”she says.

“Permanent eyeliner is the best thing I’ve done for myself. If I’m just hanging out around town, I never have to put makeup on. I would do it again.”

The chief operations officer at University Ophthalmology Associates in South Euclid, she says, “I work for seven eye doctors. One of my bosses liked it so much, she had it done.”

Neither woman wanted to lose their looks to aging. So, both had their makeup tattooed by Kym Hoover of Specialeyez in Perry. Hoover started her business to help folks with alopecia (hair loss) and had lost their eyebrows.

Because of the condition, Hoover decided to have her eyebrows tattooed 25 years ago.

Gallowan sees many Boomers interested in cosmetic tattooing for a simple reason: “As we get a little older, we lose vibrancy in the face.”

Lips fade, eyebrows thin and whites of the eyes dull. Permanent makeup – lipstick, eyebrows and eyeliner – helps put your best face forward.

IMPROVED OUTCOMES Gallowan has worked with more than 17,000 women and men over the past 15 years. “All I’m doing is following

bone structure and features and doing my best to restore what they had before,” she says.

This isn’t your mother’s permanent makeup, says Gallowan. The industry has changed in just the past 10 years.

She finds today’s permanent makeup softer and more natural.

“When you have the appropriate colors and shapes, [tattooing] is subtle,” she says. “It may be noticeable to you at first but not as much to other people.”

The biggest trend in permanent makeup is microblading, tattooing fine lines to fill in or simulate eyebrows. The difference from tattooing is due to the hand instrument that’s used to apply tattoo ink into the skin.

“Microblading has become popular because it’s done by hand,” says Gallowan. “It’s gentler. The hair stroke is fine and mimics brow hair more realistically than a regular tattoo.”

No matter the cosmetic procedure or reason behind getting the help of a tattoo professional, it’s not about remaking someone, Gallowan says.

“It’s about reviving, restoring, not so much to completely changing someone’s appearance. It’s more about enhancing appearance.”

Paris Wolfe wants permanent eyeliner but is still trying to overcome her fear of needles.

HEALTH

W

hen I heard that Boomer’s theme this issue was “restore,” it touched me in many ways — both personally and professionally.

Having reached my mid-60s, I understand how important it is to review your life priorities and consider how to maximize every day, both spiritually and physically. And, as a dentist with 42 years of experience and having seen many oral conditions, I have a sense of how our health plays a major role in how we move forward.

GOOD TEETH, GOOD HEALTH Our teeth and mouth need to be in great shape. Fillings, crowns, bridges and veneers are called “restorations” by the dental community. They restore teeth to their original conditions, before cavities or fractures. In this way, the patient has the ability to masticate (chew) food and break it down into the various nutrients needed to sustain life. Ask any person with a lower denture if they enjoy eating and most will tell you that it will never

Restore YOUR TEETH, YOUR SMILE, YOUR LIFE

By Dr. Steve Marsh

be like it was when they had their own teeth. Implants help with stability, but the force is still greatly reduced and the acrylic and/or porcelain changes the taste of food.

From an emotional standpoint, having a nice smile is very important to one’s presentation and outlook. The first thing we see when we have an encounter with someone else is their teeth and smile. Having focused my practice on cosmetic and restorative dentistry, I can tell you that the most gratifying thing we can hear in our office is a patient’s comment that the veneers and/or crowns we placed on their anterior teeth have “changed their life.”

As we continue to live longer, which may include working longer and dating at a more mature age, our smile plays a more important role. Just recently, a patient whose daughter was getting married and another who was attending her high school reunion wrote us that they kept getting compliments about how wonderful they looked; both were convinced that their teeth and smiles were the attention-getters.

So, whether you want to enjoy eating and/or smiling, dental restorations can play a major role in how you live your life. The benefits of good dental care can keep you healthy and optimistic as you move into your Boomer years.

September/October 2019

See Ad on Back Page

Dr. Steve Marsh focuses on cosmetic dental procedures and general dentistry. Visit ClevelandSmiles.com for more information.

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NortheastOhioBoomer.com

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Sponsored Content

K. Hovnanian® It’s Your Time! Why Not Live Life to the Fullest in an Active Lifestyle Community Presented by K. Hovnanian

Y

ou’ve worked your whole life, taken care of a family, been bogged down by home maintenance, but now it’s your time to live life to the fullest. Living in an active lifestyle community is your first step into retirement and can be the greatest time of your life.

A PLACE FOR YOU An active lifestyle community is just that: a community for those aged 55 and better who want to live an active lifestyle without the stress of home maintenance. Typically, an active lifestyle community will have several amenities— covered by Homeowners’ Association dues—like a swimming pool, fitness center, meeting rooms, tennis courts and dog parks.

Many active-lifestyle communities also have an on-staff lifestyle director to help mediate classes, organize events and even act as an HOA liaison. They are really a onestop-shop of sorts.

40 Better Living After 50

Active lifestyle communities tend to offer ranch-style homes, cluster homes or condos.

Limited to no maintenance is the key. Typically, landscaping, snow removal and lawn maintenance are included in your HOA fee. However, many communities also offer gutter cleaning, siding replacement and roof replacement. Some communities offer convenience packages with showers instead of tubs, levered door handles and ADA height facilities.

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HEALTH

Ask the Ortho

CAN STEM CELLS HEAL JOINT PAIN?

By Reuben Gobezie, MD

R

egenerative medicine is breaking new ground every day. Although the practice is still relatively new in orthopedics, we are now able to use your own adult stem cells to reduce inflammation in the joint and potentially even regenerate lost cartilage. The treatment is non-surgical and utilizes a concentrated sample of your own stem cells or blood platelets.

HOW DOES IT WORK? Unlike cortisone injections, regenerative procedures have the potential to repair the injury, rather than simply blocking the pain. The injection of your own cells creates a healing environment in the joint.

Regenerative treatments work by activating the body’s natural healing process to stimulate tissue repair.

The procedure involves taking the healthy, regenerative cells that you have in certain concentrated areas of your body — from either your fat tissues or bone marrow from the hip— and injecting them into the injured part of your body. This signals a healing response to reduce

inflammation and speed repair for bone, muscle, joint, soft tissue and nerve injuries.

The treatment is outpatient and takes just a couple of hours. As the stem cells begin to do the work in your body, most patients report an improvement in pain and function within a few weeks and continue to improve for several months as the healing process continues.

Ultimately, pain relief can last for several years after the procedure.

CAN ANYONE HAVE THIS PROCEDURE? Regenerative medicine is an alternative for those who have been recently injured or who have chronic pain, as well as for those who are looking to avoid surgery, prolong the need for surgery or who just may not be a candidate for surgery. Some patients have been able to stop taking pain medicine or have been able to avoid a joint replacement following a procedure.

In most cases, these therapies are helping patients who have failed conventional treatments such as anti-inflammatory medications, cortisone injections, physical therapy, surgery and rest. The first step is to find out if you are a candidate through a consultation with an orthopedic doctor who is highly trained in regenerative medicine. Be very careful with the type of practice you select and work with only those with the highest credentials and experience.

Unfortunately, there has been a rise in practitioners offering an injection using “stem cell products” made from amniotic or cord blood sources.

Recent studies have shown that these donor stem cell products do not contain any actual live stem cells by the time they are transported and injected into a patient.

When you see a highly-trained medical doctor who specializes in orthopedics, you can be assured that your injury will be properly evaluated and, more importantly, you’ll be told if stem cell treatments may be a viable option for you. The success rates of the regenerative procedures depend on many factors and will be discussed once the doctor has reviewed your individual condition.

Dr. Reuben Gobezie founded Regen Orthopedics in 2014.

Visit Regenorthopedics. com for more information or set up a consultation at 844-786-2355.

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Better Living After 50

On Your Mark, Get Set, Switch!

(Or Don’t! It’s Your Choice)

F

or those with Medicare, almost no period of time is more crucial to your health than Oct. 15 to Dec. 7.

That’s the annual Medicare Open Enrollment period, when folks are able to make changes to their 2020 coverage. As your health needs change, so do the types of coverage that you may want to explore.

Our Medicare Guide includes trusted companies and advisors who help Medicare recipients sort through the jargon and details. Their goal, and yours, is to find a good fit. We encourage you to learn about what’s available, how much it costs, and how the coverage matches your health needs.

If you want more information, the government website medicare.gov is a good place to start. Providers, drug plans and other details can all be found at the website. What you learn there will supplement what you find when you talk to one of the experts in this section.

Good luck and good health!

September/October 2019

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NortheastOhioBoomer.com

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Sponsored Content

Who Helps You Choose Your Medicare Coverage?

Presented by Mutsko Insurance Services

M

edicare’s Open Enrollment period is around the corner.

It begins on October 15 and runs through December 7. It is your annual opportunity to evaluate your present Medicare coverage and make changes.

Comparing plans to find the one that works best for you can get confusing. You may be tempted to throw up your hands and just keep the coverage you have. But don’t give up.

Instead, talk to someone who will sit down face-to-face with you and discuss your needs. Talk to someone who works with more than one insurance company and can show you the differences in coverage between plans. Talk to an independent insurance broker who will give you the personal attention to detail that a decision like this requires.

44 Better Living After 50

An independent insurance broker provides their clients with many other services, as well. As an independent agent/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 they may or may not reach a different customer service representative every time they call.

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and aid if they need help filing a claim or an appeal.

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Independent agent/brokers like me are compensated by the insurance company, not the customer.

Call me, Laura Mutsko at Mutsko Insurance Services, at 440-2555700 or email me at Lmutsko@ mutskoinsurance.com before you decide on a new plan for 2020.

Together, we will find the right coverage for you.

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Better Living After 50

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At no cost or obligation to you and with a team all throughout Northeast Ohio KAZ Company is here to help. Give us a call at 216-901-9300.

Sponsored Content

Have You Heard?

Medicare Advantage Plans May Help with Hearing Loss Presented by Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center

M

edicare Advantage plans have become the leader in changing the way seniors access hearing healthcare. Although traditional Medicare (by law) cannot cover hearing aids, many of the area’s Medicare Advantage plans now offer coverage for hearing aids.

These plans offer a way for the insurance companies to attract more participants, and likely, healthier ones.

Baby Boomers are an active and engaged group.

Research shows that hearing aids help people remain active and engaged and that treating hearing loss leads to lower rates of depression and isolation. “Knowing the positive impact hearing aids can have on quality of life, it is natural that Baby Boomers want access to affordable hearing aids and these plans that offer that,” says Dr. Bridgid Whitford, Director of Hearing Services at Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center.

Hearing aid coverage varies from plan to plan. One thing that they all have in common is that an enrollee’s choice may be limited. The insurance plan may only cover

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Better Living After 50

a few brands of hearing aids, or you may have to see an in-network provider. On the flip side, these plans can often save significant money.

To purchase a hearing aid without an insurance benefit, the cost is likely $2,000 - $3,000 per set. Some Medicare Advantage plans have a benefit that requires zero co-pay for basic hearing aids. Most also offer the option of paying for an upgrade to advanced hearing aids. These may include features such as better noise suppression or Bluetooth connectivity to smartphones or other electronics.

Medicare Advantage plans can be a winning situation for many seniors for whom cost is a barrier to trying hearing aids. “We are seeing more individuals with an Advantage Plan who are willing to try hearing aids sooner than they might have if they had to pay for the full cost, which is great because we know that treating hearing loss leads to living a healthier and more active lifestyle,” Whitford says.

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STRONG & FABULOUS!

PRESENTED BY MAXSTRENGTH FITNESS

‘Pushing your muscles to the point of failure is hard work. But when you’re done, you feel fabulous.’

– Johanna Pockar, Euclid

The Zen-like atmosphere at Jeff Tomaszewski’s MaxStrength Fitness promotes quiet and deliberate precision. Unlike most places, there’s no loud music, there are no mirrors on the walls and there are no caustic trainers screaming at people.

A

fter nearly 30 years as an interior designer and feng shui expert, 60-something-yearold Johanna Pockar of Euclid, crashed through her own glass ceiling by founding Energy by Design.

The only downside to this super-busy designer’s life was a litany of back problems that caused her ongoing pain.

“I have a friend who trained at MaxStrength Fitness for four years and absolutely raved about the uniqueness of the experience,” she says. So, Johanna decided to give it a try.

“During the initial consultation, studio owner Jeff Tomaszewski was totally honest with me, saying due to the damage that needed to be fixed with my back through surgery (spinal stenosis, herniated disks), he couldn’t eliminate my back pain,” she says. “But he did say he could get me in much better shape with stronger muscles to face the surgery and three-month recuperation period. And he did just that. The muscles in my back, surrounding my spine especially, are much stronger.”

She reports the twice-weekly, 20-minute workouts are a different experience than she’s ever had in a gym.

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Better Living After 50

WHEN YOU’RE DONE, YOU FEEL FABULOUS

“Since the exercises are taken at a slower pace, you think they would be easy, but they’re not,” she explains. “Pushing your muscles to the point of failure is hard work. But when you’re done, you feel fabulous. I would never push myself as hard as these trainers push me. Yet they are very conscientious of safety.”

Jeff reports they designed a program to boost Johanna’s functionality, especially in the supporting muscle framework of the lower back.

She says that after seeing her results – looking and feeling better than ever – her husband, Jerry, who is in his mid-70s, has also joined MaxStrength.

AN ‘ALMOST ZEN-LIKE’ ENVIRONMENT

Jeff describes his fitness studio as “Zen-like” for good reason. Unlike most places, there’s no loud music, there are no mirrors on the walls and there are no caustic trainers screaming at people.

This is a place of quiet and deliberate precision.

Unmatched in the industry, computerized exercise machines are perfectly calibrated to each client for an intense, individualized workout. The studio is the only one of its kind in the country to offer these three lines of equipment under one roof: SuperSlow Systems, MedX and David.

Every step of the protocol is science-based. For instance, the studio is kept cool – in the low 60s – to maximize the workouts and keep the body from overheating. High-efficiency fans are placed above the different pieces of equipment. As a result, MaxStrength promises a sweat-free workout that allows clients to pop in during their lunch hours and head back to work without wasting time showering.

“Our clients also like that the studio is quiet and peaceful,” says Jeff, whose background is in sports medicine, physical therapy and athletic training.

“Our trainers dress like professionals because they are. There is a profound difference between our methodology and everyone else’s.”

To schedule a complimentary consultation with MaxStrength Fitness at 4212 State Route 306 in Willoughby, call 440-226-808; or at 2211 Crocker Road in Westlake, call 440-835-9090.

For more information or to view more testimonials, visit maxstrengthfitness.com.

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Plan for Aging Traditional Medicare or Medicare Advantage?

Presented by VNA Open enrollment for Medicare will begin in October. If you are approaching 65 years or older, do you know your options?

Kimberly Bloir, an Insurance Specialist at Visiting Nurse Association of Ohio, says, “It’s a good idea to start by making a list of all your medical insurance claims from the past 12 months. This will help you get a sense of the types of claims and the provider, which will shed light on your potential future medical needs.”

With traditional Medicare, your healthcare coverage comes straight from the federal government. Your local Social Security office is a great resource to advise on providers in your area. You will also need to purchase a separate pharmaceutical plan to cover prescription drug medications that you might need.

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your expenses, and your payments will go directly to them.

When researching plans, consider the deductible as well as the premium. Bloir says, “In many cases, depending on the type of services you might need, the deductibles might end up being more than what you’d be saving with a lower premium.”

AND THERE’S MORE

Bloir also has these suggestions when making your decision: • Make sure you are the one calling the insurance company to discuss claims and details.

• Find a doctor you trust to feel confident about all of your options when dealing with an illness or medical issue.

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Better Living After 50

What is Alzheimer’s?

Alzheimer’s is the greatest cause of cognitive thinking loss in the United States There are 4.5 million Americans with it and this number has doubled since the 1980s. The disease usually strikes people over the age of 65. Ten percent of all Americans over age 65 are affected by Alzheimer’s. By the age of 85, 50 percent of Americans are affected.

For more information about understanding Alzheimer’s and dementia, or to learn about how to stay home as long and as safely as possible, contact Angels Care Home Health at 330-835-9663 or visit angelscarehealth.com

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People, Purpose, Passion Presented by McGregor McGregor recently hosted Zero Threshold, an exhibit demonstrating innovative, beautiful designs for affordable, accessible housing and community spaces — an important step for Boomers and generations that follow to have choices for affordable, accessible housing.

Looking at the landscape of populations in Northeast Ohio, it’s difficult not to be struck by the challenges facing the community. The growing population of the New

Majority (over 10,000 people reaching 65 years of age every day,) is also living longer. Not only does that have obvious implications for programs such as Social Security, but the implications are equally significant for every program and provider serving aging citizens and for every community interested in remaining strong and vibrant.

New concepts include Intentional Elder Friendly Communities,

creating the Household Model, Walkable Communities, Facebook groups for people over 55, local clubs within communities, go ‘Tiny’ and Villages (village-to-village network).

Aging Four Freedoms are elements that are important to the New Majority as they reach 65 and beyond: The Freedom to Choose, Freedom to Earn, Freedom to Learn and the Freedom to Pursue Happiness.

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Sponsored Content

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The hardest part of aging can come when one faces loneliness due to isolation.

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Members receive no-cost services provided by wellscreened/trained volunteers. If you need a ride, call the Village (three-day notice, please) and we’ll arrange it. Our friendly drivers will take you to/from medical appointments, the grocery store, important social or wellness events — all door-todoor and on schedule. Light duty home repairs? Call the Village.

Delivery of prescriptions or groceries? Call the Village.

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You or your loved ones will develop a new social circle with people who live nearby.

••• Call us at 216-512-1844 or email info@villageintheheights. org. You will be glad you did.

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Better Living After 50

WHAT’S

Happening

10/19 Bat Box Workshop Help provide a home for local bats whose population is at risk due to white-nose syndrome, by building your own bat box. All materials will be provided and are included in the cost of the workshop.

10 a.m.-noon. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 S. Park Blvd., 216-231-5935, shakerlakes.org. $30

CL ASSES PICK YOUR DAY TUESDAYS Adult Ukulele Lessons.

Scott Sopata of the Steel Drum Band will give introductory ukulele lessons for beginners. Tuesdays in October. Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna Road, 330-425-4268, twinsburglibrary.org. $10 Still-Life Painting. Join practicing artists to play with ideas and materials while developing skills and techniques. 10/1-11/19. 10 a.m.-noon. The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org. $210-240 THURSDAYS Line Dancing 101: Beginner Lessons. Line

Dance 101 will teach terminology, steps and rhythms used in line dancing, along with putting the steps to music.

Painesville Twp. Park, 1025 Hardy Road, Painesville Twp., lakemetroparks.com. $5 Down to Earth Yoga. Yoga meets each person where they are and can offer great benefits to people from all walks of life. Kim Kohler creates an environment that is judgment-free and adaptable to all levels.

10-11 a.m. Sippo Lake Park, Exploration Gateway, 5710-5712 12th St., Canton, 330-409-8096, starkparks. com. $5 SATURDAYS T’ai Chi in the Garden.

Enhance health and wellbeing with a series of movements created to relax

the mind and strengthen the body’s muscles, flexibility and coordination. 8:15-9:45 a.m.

Cleveland Botanical Garden, 11030 East Blvd., 216-7211600, cbgarden.org. $70-88 DAY BY DAY 9/21 Front Porch Bike Workshop. Learn the basics of bike repair, from fixing a flat tire to adjusting a popped chain. Learn what you need to assemble an emergency kit and how to prevent minor issues while out on the road. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Lakewood Library, Main Branch, 15425 Detroit Ave., 216-226-8275, lakewoodpubliclibrary.org.

FREE 9/23 Arts for Wellness. Learn how to make your own Mini Zen Garden! The Japanese

practice of “Zen” means to be mindful. 6-8 p.m.

Beachwood Branch Library, 25501 Shaker Blvd., 216-8316868, cuyahogalibrary.org 10/1 Vinyasa Yoga. If you want to feel more connected, more focused, more grounded, more energetic and more mindful, then yoga just might be the perfect experience for you.

5:30-6:30 p.m. Akron Public Library, 60 High St., 330643-9050, akronlibrary.org.

FREE Senior Drop-In Day. In honor of Elder Day, the Rockport Best Buy Teen Tech Center is open to seniors. Stop in for a tour and get tips and tricks for using social media safely.

10:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. 4421 W. 140th St., Cleveland, cpl. org. FREE

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

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Better Living After 50

10/3 Organizing Tips to Enjoy the Holidays and Start the New Year Off Right. Explore organizing tips that will simplify prepping your home for warmth & the holidays.

Discover how to make plans and create steps for a successful 2020.

6-7 p.m. Cuyahoga Falls Library, 2015 Third St., 330-928-2117, cuyahogafallslibrary.org. FREE 10/5 Building Blocks of Fiction.

Writers and aspiring writers, including beginners and emerging writers, are welcome. Sharpen your craft, read and comment on others’ work and receive suggestions for yours. Noon-2 p.m. Addison Branch Library, 6901 Superior Ave., Cleveland, 216-623-6906, cpl.org. FREE 10/8 Building an Ancestry Tree.

Members of the Greater Cleveland Genealogical Society will show you how to build a genealogy tree.

10:30 a.m.-noon. Fairview Park Branch Library, 21255 Lorain Road, 440-333-4700, cuyahogalibrary. org. FREE

10/26 Adults Connecting with Horses.

Here is your chance to ride and drive a horse in one program. Learn about grooming, tacking, riding, harnessing and driving a horse.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, 440-256-2122, lakemetroparks.com. $30

CLUBS

10/29 Date Night: Paint Pouring.

Create a one-of-a-kind marbled masterpiece. You will be doing what is called a “dirty pour,” where flow medium is added to acrylic paint, colors are stacked in a cup and then poured onto a canvas to create a flowing effect. Sippo Lake Park, Exploration Gateway, 57105712 12th St., Canton, 330-4098096, starkparks.com. $20

Knot Just for Knitters. Grab your project and join other stitchers on the first Tuesday of each month. 2-3:15 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., 330-673-4414, kentfreelibrary. org. FREE

11/9 Putting the Garden to Bed. Do you dread your flower bed at the end of the season? Learn best practices for end-of-the-season landscaping care. Then stroll around the prairie. 10-11 a.m.

Brecksville Reservation,Trailside Program Center, 9000 Chippewa Creek Drive, 440-526-1012, clevelandmetroparks.com. FREE

TUESDAYS Young at Heart 2019. A book club for adults who love children’s and teens’ books. First Tuesday of each month.

7-8 p.m. Strongsville Branch Library, 18700 Westwood Drive, 440-2385530, cuyahogalibrary.org. FREE

Gaming Club. Open to those interested in playing tabletop, role playing or collectible card games.

Second Mondays. 6:30-8:30 p.m.

Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna, 330-296-2827, reedlibrary. org. FREE Knit & Lit Book Club. Share your passion for great literature and show off your knitting, crocheting, counted cross-stitch, embroidery and quilting works in progress. Third Tuesdays.

7-8:30 p.m. Lakewood Library, Main Branch, 15425 Detroit Ave., 216-2268275, lakewoodpubliclibrary.org. FREE

10/10 A Crash Course in Retirement.

If you are concerned about your retirement and realize there’s a lot you don’t know, this is the class for you. 6:30-8 p.m. Peninsula Library, 6105 Riverview Road, 330-4677323, peninsulalibrary.org. FREE 10/21 Creative Canvas. Join an interpretive artist to create amazing works of art using nature as your inspiration and repurposed materials as your medium. 10 a.m.1 p.m. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg, summitmetroparks.org. $10 10/22 Cooking Class: Soup and Bread.

Learn how to make homemade summer vegetable soup and bread.

2-4 p.m. Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Road, Avon, 440-9370764, metroparks.cc. $30 September/October 2019

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WHAT´S HAPPENING THURSDAYS The Laughing Club. Laughter is the best medicine. 11 a.m.-noon. South Euclid Community Center, 1370 Victory Drive, communitypartnershiponaging.org. FREE

2-4 p.m. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., 330-334-5761, wadsworthlibrary.com. FREE

Thursday Night Music Club. Unwind and relax during a social event featuring live music, MarketPlace shopping, cash bar, food, wine and beer. Third Thursday of each month through September. 5-9 p.m.

Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, 330-666-3711, wrhs.org. FREE

AKRON ART MUSEUM Through 10/27 Joe Vitone: Family Records.

An ongoing series of portraits of photographer Joe Vitone’s relatives living in and around Akron. 1 S. High St., 330-376-9185, akronartmuseum.org

SATURDAYS Emerald Necklace Art Club. Bring your favorite medium as we appreciate the signs of the season. Not a member?

Sign up at clevelandmetroparks.com/ ENAC. First Saturdays at different locations. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. clevelandmetroparks.com. $20

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 Road, Copley, 330-665-3466, akronfossils.com

Knights of The Square Table Chess Club. Calling all chess players! Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned player, come to our open-play sessions. 2-5 p.m. Lorain Public Library, 351 W. Sixth St., 440-244-1192, lorainpubliclibrary. org. FREE SUNDAYS Cinema Club. 10/6 - ‘My Fair Lady.’

11/3 - ‘Mr. Smith Goes To Washington.’

EXH IBITS

CANTON MUSEUM OF ART THROUGH 10/20 The Spirit of Clay: Works from the Permanent Collection. Each artist incorporates their unique personal interests, childhood influences and cultural heritage into their works,

which allows the clay to then appear to have a life and spirit of its own.

1001 Market Ave. N., 330-453-7666, cantonart.org CLEVELAND HISTORY CENTER ONGOING Cleveland Starts Here. A place for Northeast Ohioans to locate their own stories and place themselves in the rich story of Cleveland and Northeast Ohio. A place for schoolchildren to experience the history of Cleveland and the region. 10825 East Blvd., 216721-5722, wrhs.org THE CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF ART 9/22-1/5/2020 Michelangelo: Mind of the Master.

An unprecedented opportunity for museum visitors to experience the brilliance of Michelangelo’s achievements on an intimate scale through more than two dozen original drawings. 11150 East Blvd., clevelandart.org CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY THROUGH 12/1 Finding Lucy: Our First Steps in Discovery. Meet the famous “Lucy” specimen of Australopithecus afarensi — the oldest pre-human ancestor fossil to show evidence of upright walking at the time of her discovery. 1 Wade Oval Drive, cmnh.org INTERNATIONAL WOMEN’S AIR & SPACE MUSEUM ONGOING Amelia Earhart, Ruth Nichols, Bessie Coleman, Harriet Quimby, Katharine Wright, the WASPs, Jackie Cochran and more. Burke Lakefront Airport, 1501 N. Marginal Road, Cleveland, 216623-1111, iwasm.org MALTZ MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE 9/25-3/1/2020 Leonard Bernstein: The Power Of Music. The first large-scale museum exhibition to illustrate Leonard Bernstein’s life, Jewish identity and social activism. 2929 Richmond Rd., Beachwood, 216-593-0575, maltzmuseum.org

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MCKINLEY MUSEUM ONGOING Stark County Food: From Early Farming to Modern Meals. This exhibition explores food history in Stark County, from the earliest orchards and farms to today’s culinary tourism scene. 800 McKinley Monument Drive NW, Canton, 330-455-7043, mckinleymuseum.org NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES THROUGH 1/6/20 “Fragments” by Paula Zinsmeister.

Artist Paula Zinsmeister uses a variety of printmaking and mixed media techniques to portray the beauty of natural plants and grasses. In some instances, paper was made by hand or dyed using plants. 2600 S. Park Blvd., 216-231-5935, shakerlakes.org ROCK & ROLL HALL OF FAME ONGOING Part of the Machine: Rock & Pinball.

An interactive exhibit showcasing rock-themed, playable pinball machines combined with historic merchandise and artifacts to explore the artistic portrayal of artists and bands. 1100 Rock & Roll Blvd., Cleveland, rockhall.com

STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS ONGOING Lasting Impressions. Celebrating Gertrude Seiberling’s passion for painting, which she rediscovered at age 64 and passionately pursued for the next 16 years. Her paintings will be on display in the Manor House. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-836-5533, stanhywet.org

7-10 p.m. The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell, 440-286-9516, geaugaparkdistrict.org. FREE

MUSIC

10/5 Martha Davis & The Motels. In 1982, the Motels released “All Four One.” The smash single, “Only The Lonely,” rocketed into the Top 10, immediately propelling the album to gold status.

7 p.m. The Kent Stage, 175 East Main, Kent, thekentstage.com. $25-35

9/20 Rock Hall Honors: Mavis Staples.

A career celebration and full night of music from Mavis takes place at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre. 8 p.m. 1519 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-241-6000, playhousesquare.org, rockhall.com. $30-80 9/26 Maple Town Tune Traders. Come to play, sing or simply enjoy as an audience. Musicians of all levels, genres and instruments are welcome.

9/27 BAYarts Friday Night Block Party.

Live music by Kingfish, cash bar and food truck. 7-10 p.m. 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village, 440-871-6543, bayarts. net. $10

10/9 Erie Heights Brass Ensemble. This group has been together for 20 years and will be playing a selection of their favorite songs. 7 p.m. Kirtland Public Library, 9267 Chillicothe Road, Kirtland, 440-256-7323, kirtland.lib. oh.us. FREE

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WHAT´S HAPPENING 10/13 Doobie Brothers Brunch.

Featuring China Grove. 11 a.m. Music Box Supper Club. 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, 216-242-1250, musicboxcle.com. $10 10/16 Music at the Lodge: Circle of Friends. Enjoy a relaxing evening in the park with live musical entertainment. 7-8 p.m. The Lodge at Allardale, 141 Remsen Road, Medina, medinacountyparks.com.

FREE 11/3 Musical Mix And Mingle.

String and wind players and pianists are invited to enjoy an afternoon of music-making with other amateur adult chamber musicians, who are placed in trios and

quartets, as appropriate.

1:30-4:30 p.m. The Music Settlement at University Circle, 11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, 216-421-5806, themusicsettlement.org. $25 11/16 We Love Accordion. Enjoy a free concert. 2:30-3:30 p.m.

Lodi Library, 635 Wooster St., 330-948-1885, mcdl.info.

FREE 11/17 Sounds of Shaker: The Chardon Polka Band. A fun afternoon of casual music.

The Chardon Polka Band travels around the country playing lively concerts and musical education programs.

2-3:30 p.m. Shaker Library, 16500 Van Aken Blvd., 216991-2030, shakerlibrary.org.

FREE

11/19 Fei-Fei in Concert. Praised for her “bountiful gifts and passionate immersion into the music she touches,” Chinese pianist Fei-Fei is a winner of the Concert Artists Guild Competition and a finalist at the 14th Van Cliburn International Piano Competition. Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Rd., 330-688-3295, smfpl.org. FREE

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

FREE 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. 440-256-1404, lakemetroparks.com. FREE ONGOING Through 12/31 Wild Hikes Challenge 2019.

Walk, hike, skip, jog, run or stroll on eight designated trails before Dec. 31 to earn a hiking staff (first year) and/or a 2019 Wild Hikes medallion.

Portgageparkdistrict.org. FREE 9/1-11/30 Fall Hiking Spree. Get out and explore; complete at least eight designated hikes to earn hiking staff (first year hikers) and shield.

Summitmetroparks.org. FREE Trekking Through Autumn.

Get out and explore your Medina County parks

60 Better Living After 50

through this self-guided hiking program. First-year hikers earn a backpack; veteran hikers earn a pin.

Medinacountyparks.com.

FREE DAY-BY-DAY 10/2 Fall Photography Walk.

Join Ohio landscape photographer, writer and educator, Ian Adams, for a photography walk in the gardens during the peak of fall color and hear tips on garden and fall photography.

2-4 p.m. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, 330-863-5533, stanhywet.org. $25-34 10/11 Mindfulness in Nature: Mindful Walking. Connect with the earth and learn strategies to help get you through the long, cold winter nights that are quickly approaching.

9-10 a.m. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg, summitmetroparks.org.

FREE 10/26 CVNP Make a Difference Day 2019. Do you want to make a positive, lasting impact on the environment in Cuyahoga Valley National Park? Join your fellow volunteers on October 26 by planting native trees. 10 a.m.1 p.m. conservancyforcvnp. org 11/1 Wine and Cheese Night Hike. Explore and learn about the Arboretum’s nighttime forest ecosystem on this easy-to-moderate hike. Afterward, relax with food and drink. The Holden Arboretum, 9550 Sperry Rd., Kirtland, holdenarb.org. $35-45

SPECIAL EVENTS 9/21 Open House & Clean Water Fest. A celebration of community and all things water as the doors of the Southerly treatment plant and laboratory facilities are opened for a day of education and entertainment. 9 a.m.-4 p.m., Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, 4747 E. 49th St., Cuyahoga Hts., neorsd.org 9/24 Exploring 50+. WPPL and the Westlake Community Services Center present an Exploring 50+ Fair. 4-7 p.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Rd., 440-871-2600, westlakelibrary.org. FREE 9/25 2019 Senior Wellness Expo.

Enjoy complimentary health screenings, information booths, fun giveaways and a soup/chili cook-off. Solon Community Center, 35000 Portz Pkwy., Solon. $4 9/28 Fall Arts & Crafts Festival.

Showcasing dozens of local vendors, handmade goods, foods and crafts.

Enjoy live music, food truck fare, inflatables and seasonal activities. Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market, 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, hartvillemarketplace.com 9/27 Tuscany on Tusc. An Italian street fair under the lights, right outside Magical Theatre Company. Enjoy an Italian food truck, live Italian music, wine, beer and more. 5:309 p.m. Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, 330-8483708, magicaltheatre.org

9/28-29 Hot Air Balloon Lift-Off. Half a dozen balloons will take to the skies against the backdrop of the fall harvest activities. 10 a.m.-10 p.m. Saturday; noon-8 p.m.

Sunday. Maize Valley Winery & Craft Brewery, 6193 Edison St., Hartville, 330-877-8344, maizevalley.com Barberton Mum Festival.

Beautiful chrysanthemums create a million blooms at Lake Anna Park. Family entertainment, arts and crafts, fabulous foods, sand sculpting and music. 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Lake Anna Park, cityofbarberton.com 9/29 Grape Harvest Festival.

Experience a unique open-air market showcasing local makers, bakers, brewers and growers, along with live music and great food.

11 a.m.-4 p.m. Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, 330-497-1000, gervasivineyard.com

10/19 Geauga County Volunteer Fair. Do you want to make a difference in your community? Make a positive difference in your world? Interested in meeting people that share your interests while giving a helping hand? 9 a.m.-noon. Administrative Center, 12701 Ravenwood Dr., Chardon, divi. geaugalibrary.net

10/30 Boomer Bash East. The night will include a mix of entertainment, education, raffle/giveaways, complementary small bites, happy-hour priced cocktails, photo booth fun and much more. 4-7 p.m. Beta Banquet & Conference Center, 700 Beta Dr., Mayfield Village, northeastohioboomer. com. $10

10/25 Adult Trick-or-Treat. Visit six wine/beer/crafted cocktails and treat pairing stations as you weave and wind your way throughout the spooky grounds of Hale Farm & Village at dusk. 5-9 p.m. 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, wrhs.org. $25

11/2 NaNoWriMo. November is National Novel Writing Month! Join fellow writers and kick off NaNoWriMo with a four hour write-in.

Boost your output with word sprints, writing prompts and more. 9 a.m.1 p.m. Medina County District Library, 210 S. Broadway St., 330-7250588, mcdl.info. FREE

Taste in Little Italy. Enjoy a fall afternoon in historic Little Italy for Cleveland’s premier food and beverage event. 1-4 p.m. Singer Steel Building, 2100 Random Rd., Cleveland, tasteoflittleitalycleveland. com 10/6 International Cleveland Community Day. Annual festival honoring heritage, celebrating identity and displaying them proudly, including music, dance, art activities, in-gallery experiences, cultural displays and more. 11 a.m.-4:30 p.m.

The Cleveland Museum of Art, 11150 East Blvd., 216421-7350, clevelandart.org.

FREE

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WHAT´S HAPPENING 11/11 Veterans Day Luncheon Celebration. Doors open and lunch served at 11:15 a.m. Program begins at noon.

Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium, 2345 4th St., Cuyahoga Falls, westernreservehospital.org.

FREE

has shaped current treatments and identify new care strategies to help with managing Parkinson’s symptoms. 11 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Holiday Inn, 6001 Rockside Rd., Independence, Parkinson. org/ClevelandEDU. FREE

11/17 Chocolate on the Rocks.

What could be better than adventure set in fall colors at sunset while exploring towering cliffs without leaving the Heights? How about savoring chocolates while enjoying the view? The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 S. Park Blvd., 216-231-5935, shakerlakes. org. $6-12

Retirepreneur Brainstorm Chat. Connect with like-minded 50- and 60-somethings who are exploring encore career opportunities. Founder of Retirepreneur.com will lead a series of small-group meet-ups and dig into smart tips for launching a parttime freelance business in retirement. 10 a.m. Hudson Library & Historical Society, 96 Library St., 330-6536658, hudsonlibrary.org.

FREE

TALK S THURSDAYS Senior Happenings lecture series is sponsored by the city of University Heights.

Free and open to residents of all communities. 2-3 p.m., University Heights Branch Library, 13866 Cedar Road, 216-932-3600, heightslibrary.org. FREE 9/23 Travel Affordably. Joe Daugirdas, better known as Joe the Coupon Guy, will share tips on how to travel affordably, by finding the best deals on car rentals, flights, cruises, lodging and transportation. 7 p.m.

Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., 330-673-4414, kentfreelibrary.org. FREE 9/24 Understanding Your Medications. Enjoy a free lunch and learn how medications affect your body and what you can do to protect yourself as an informed consumer. Noon.

Landerbrook Transitional

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10/6 COLOR FLOAT Join a naturalist on the water to enjoy the fall colors that unfold around us. Bring your kayak, paddle and personal flotation device to the program. 1-3 p.m. 8600 Hubbard Valley Park, Seville, medinacountyparks.com. FREE

Care, 2108 Lander Rd, Mayfield Heights, 440-4430345. FREE

Village, Cascade Hall, 807 West Ave., Elyria. RSVP to sbohl@villageliving.org. FREE

Dementia Awareness. Chera Ihnat from Kemper House will explain dementia, its stages and the common behaviors associated with dementia. 2-3 p.m.

Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., 440-255-8811, mentorpl.org. FREE

10/2 Rock This Town: Backstage in Cleveland. Join local author, Fran Belkin, as she talks about her new book "Rock This Town! Backstage in Cleveland: Stories You Never Heard and Swag You Never Saw." 7-8 p.m. Solon Library, 34125 Portz Pkwy., Solon, cuyahogalibrary.org. FREE

Medicare Made Easy. Are you 65 years old, having just qualified for Medicare?

Learn the essentials to make wise decisions about your coverage as well as avoiding common mistakes. 7-8 p.m.

Geauga West Branch, Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, 440-729-4250, divi.geaugalibrary.net. FREE 9/26 What About my VA Benefits? Who is a veteran and exceptions, Lorain County transportation system, widow’s pension, the VA Healthcare System, and more. 5:30-7 p.m. Wesleyan

10/9 Mystery Author Kylie Logan. Hear from bestselling mystery author of more than 30 novels. Enjoy a lively discussion of murderous intent and suspicious characters, and find out why solving whodunnit is so appealing to readers. 6:30-8 p.m. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., 440-2558811, mentorpl.org. FREE 10/12 New Frontiers in Parkinson’s Research & Care. Learn how research

10/17 Virtual Dementia Tour.

See things as “they” see them. 6-7:30 p.m. The Village at Marymount, 5200 Marymount Village Dr., Garfield Heights, villageatmarymount.org.

FREE Retirement Optimization.

Retirement Income Planner Allen Gage will teach you proper planning to get the most benefit from your Social Security, and how to get guaranteed lifetime income and avoid the income tax “time bomb.” 6:30-8 p.m.

Mogadore Branch Library, 144 S. Cleveland Ave., 330628-9228, akronlibrary.org.

FREE 11/1 Ready, Set. Bank: Online Banking Safety and Security. Learn about the security practices of banks and get answers to questions regarding security when banking online. 11a.m.12:30 p.m. Lee Road Branch

Library, 2345 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts., 216-9323600, heightslibrary.org.

FREE 11/2 Eldercare Options. A representative from Care Patrol will help patrons navigate the many options for finding care for a loved one and finding ways to pay for it. 2-3 p.m. Eastlake Public Library, 36706 Lake Shore Blvd., 440-942-7880, we247.org. FREE 11/5 Lunch and Learn. Healthy eating on a budget.

11:30 a.m. Cuyahoga Falls Natatorium, 2345 4th St., Cuyahoga Falls, westernreservehospital.org.

FREE Senior Lecture Series: Maintaining Balance.

The Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging will share tips on how to maintain balance and prevent falls.

10-11 a.m. Rocky River Public Library, 1600 Hampton Rd., 440-333-7610, rrpl.org. FREE

T HEAT ER & ARTS WEDNESDAYS Senior Matinee Series. All programs include a cookieand-punch reception following the performance.

1 p.m., The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, 440-951-7500, ext. 103, fineartsassociation.org. $10-15 9/26-10/20 Paradise Blue. When Blue needs to just get things out, he picks up his trumpet and lets it sing. Karamu House, 2355 E. 89th St., Cleveland, 216-795-7077, karamuhouse. org $20-40

9/27-11/10 The Music Man. There’s trouble in River City when Harold Hill, a fast-talking salesman, attempts to con citizens into purchasing instruments and uniforms for a boys’ band that he never fully intends on forming. Hanna Theatre, 2067 E. 14th St., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org. $15-89 10/2-6 Chagrin Documentary Film Fest. Dedicated to educating audiences and empowering talented filmmakers to tell their stories, the Festival is a five-day celebration of the art of documentary film, at venues in and around the century village of Chagrin Falls. chagrinfilmfest.org 10/4-11/3 The Member of the Wedding. This is the story of a young awkward outcast, overly ambitious in all she does, finding her way as her family undergoes deep changes. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, beckcenter.org, $10-33

10/12-28 Little Shop of Horrors.

Seymour Krelborn, a failing florist’s assistant, dreams of escaping his luckless life on skid row. After he stumbles upon a first-ofits-kind flower, his fortunes start to turn around. French Creek Theatre, 4530 Colorado Ave., Sheffield Village, metroparks.cc/ theatre.php 10/17-11/3 And Then There Were None. A masterpiece of dramatic construction, this murder mystery’s growing sense of dread and unfaltering tension will keep you guessing to the very end. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, weathervaneplayhouse. com. $11-23

10/18-27 Harriet the Spy. A funny and headstrong 11-year-old is caught by her classmates, writing brutal observations about them. What lessons do they learn about anger, kindness, and forgiveness?

Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, 330-848-3708, magicaltheatre.org 11/14 Price Is Right, LIVE. The Price Is Right Live is the hit interactive stage show that gives eligible individuals the chance to hear their names called and “Come On Down” to win. Prizes may include appliances, vacations or a new car. 7:30 p.m. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, akroncivic.com $43-63

10/11 BAYarts October Art Receptions. With “Just Add Water” by Robert Hartshorn and Sharon Pomales, and Night Gallery with the Writer’s Salon class & Susan Mangan. 7-9 p.m. 28795 Lake Rd., Bay Village, 440-8716543, bayarts.net 10/12 Be Inspired by Art, Yoga and Meditation. Yoga class is presented in conjunction with a specific exhibition, providing an opportunity to stretch and strengthen your body and your mind. 11 a.m. Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., 330376-9185, akronartmuseum. org. FREE-$10 September/October 2019

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NortheastOhioBoomer.com

63

MIND MATTERS Sponsored By

Brain Games UPGRADE YOUR MEMORY FITNESS ROUTINE

AUTUMN SCRAMBLE Unscramble ALL the letters to make a new word.

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1 2 3 4 5 6

DRAPE + A

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BOWL + E

E __ __ __ W

RATION + J

J __ __ __ __ __ R

SUITE + S

T __ __ __ __ E

PLUS + M

P __ __ __ S

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6. LITTLE, 7. MOUSE, 8. ERASES ANSWERS: 1. ELBOW, 2. JANITOR, 3. TISSUE, 4. PLUMS, 5. MINOR,

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Better Living After 50

— Dorothy Parker

Puzzle provided by Kathryn Kilpatrick, Memory Fitness/Brain Health consultant, Geriatric Life Enhancement consultant and Speech-Language Pathologist.

For more games and tips go to connectionsincommunication.com or memoryfitnessmatters.com

My Summer with Wally, Dali and Lulu

S

ummer is a mid-year breather when I can kick back and do the stuff I hope to do every day in retirement.

My wife Janice and I do the pop convention circuit and promote our books (with a great one coming this fall) and it’s a wonderful opportunity to catch up on my reading. Plenty of that stuff had connections to Northeast Ohio.

A few weeks back, we stopped by the Imprint Zine and Arts Fair on the west side of Cleveland. David Helton, the guy who created that bird for that radio station, invited us out and what a treat it was to see him and his equally-talented significant other, Lyn. The real surprise was the fair itself. There were dozens of creative types putting out fun little publications. Now, zines are nothing new. They started out more than 50 years ago with folks putting out their own fan magazines or “fanzines,” usually with very limited circulation. A lot of times they were printed on those old ditto machines, the mimeographs, banged out on a typewriter with simple drawings, but some folks took it a major step forward.

Back in 1966, the renowned artist Wallace Wood got together a few dozen of his friends including Frank Frazetta, Steve Ditko, Don Martin, Jim Steranko — you get the idea — and put out his own magazine called witzend. The zines have since been compiled in book form and I strongly suggest “The Best of witzend” (Fantagraphics) for a look at creativity unleashed. This amazing stuff deserved a far bigger audience, even back then.

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COMIC GENIUSES I was horrified when students in a class I taught had never heard of the Marx Brothers. My grandmother told me that when the brothers and W.C. Fields played the Cleveland vaudeville houses, they stayed home because their acts were insulting. Hey, that was part of their charm! The Marxes were at Playhouse Square a number of times and barely escaped with their lives when Chico got caught hustling players at a pool hall.

Artist Salvador Dali also knew about this region when he visited the museum devoted to his work years ago in Beachwood. Consider this: Dali loved “Groucho and Company” and, along with Harpo, wrote a proposed movie for the Marxes. The script was titled, “Giraffes on Horseback Salad” and Louis B. Mayer at MGM gave it a quick thumbs down.

Last issue, I asked the name of the Cleveland mayoral candidate whose campaign was likely derailed by a suspected DUI hit/ skip accident. It was Eliot Ness.

The one-time Untouchable was no teetotaler. Once hooch was legalized, he keeled over dead in his Coudersport, Pennsylvania home while mixing himself a drink.

BOOM TRIVIA

FOR NEXT TIME: “The Adventures of Ozzie and Harriet” was part of our TV childhood. Their grandsons, Matthew and Gunnar Nelson, recently played the Lorain Palace Theater. Here’s a question that might even stump them: what was Ozzie’s occupation?

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M O O B ICLES RE CHRON POP CULTU I SK W ZE LS MIKE O

Within the past few years, portions of the screenplay were discovered in the Dali museum in Spain and reimagined into a graphic novel of the same name by Josh Frank, Tim Heidecker and Manuela Pertega (Quirk Books).

Here’s one that Janice told me about years ago and I will now publicly state she is correct. Back in 1935, Marge Henderson Buell created a character that was a pop culture model for feminism and independence. When Cleveland Public Library did its “It Ain’t Me, Babe” symposium on the depiction of women’s liberation in the arts, they featured this character on the cover of the program.

I’M TALKING ABOUT (WAIT FOR IT)...LITTLE LULU. Try to tell us we’re wrong. Lulu Moppet was often targeted by Tubby and his girl-hating pals but she always got the upper hand. She was assertive, logical and stood up for the underdog. Plus, she wasn’t afraid to get in Tubby’s face.

John Stanley took over the strip from Buell and the reissues are being taken in a whole new and serious light. The latest, “Little Lulu: Working Girl” (Enfant), is a great template for very young readers. Oh, and there’s always a Northeast Ohio connection: Marge Buell spent the last 20+ years of her life in Elyria.

Mike Olszewski is a veteran award-winning radio, TV and print journalist and college instructor. Contact him at molszew1@ksu.edu.

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