EVENTS

5/10

Make a Fragrance for Mom. Create a fragrance for mom and give a gift to Mom or another special lady in your life. 2-4 p.m. Rice Branch Library, 11535 Shaker Blvd., Cleveland, cpl.org

Gifts for Mom. Drop in to make a gift or card for mom. Ages 5-12. 4-6 p.m. Geauga West Library, 13455 Chillicothe Road, Chesterland, divi.geaugalibrary.net

5/12

Mother’s Day Crafts. Come make some special crafts for mom or that “mother figure” in your life. 3-5 p.m. Randolph Branch Library, 1639 State Route 44, Randolph, portagelibrary.org

Guided Bird Walk. Walk through the Shaker Parklands looking and listening for birds. 8-9:30 a.m. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes, 2600 S. Park Blvd., shakerlakes.org

Mother’s Day Card Making. Pop over to make a nature-themed Mother’s Day card. 3-5 p.m. F. A. Seiberling Nature Realm, 1828 Smith Road, Akron, summitmetroparks.org

5/13

All About Mom. Celebrate all things Mom with personalized photos, strolling music, refreshments and more. 11 a.m.-3 p.m. First & Main Hudson, firstandmainhudson.com

Mother’s Day Tea Party. Make sure not to miss out on a teatime filled with coloring, flowers, and a celebration of (any) loving caregiver and their children. 11 a.m. Shaker Historical Society, 16740 S. Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, shakerhistory.org

Champagne High Tea. Five courses of savory delights and patisserie sweets with sparkling champagne, cider and speciality teas. Noon. Homestead House, 38111 West Spaulding St., Willoughby, homesteadhousebb.com

5/14

Mother’s Day Wildflower Walk. All are welcome to observe the expansive wildflowers in bloom. 10-11:30 a.m. and 2-3:30 p.m. Hubbard Valley Park, 8600 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville, medinacountyparks.com

Mother’s Day at the Akron Zoo. Free admission for all Moms and Grandmas. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 505 Euclid Ave., akronzoo.org

Mother’s Day Special. Treat your favorite Mother to a free round of golf at Black Brook Golf Course. Blackbrook Golf Course, 8900 Lakeshore Blvd., Mentor, cityofmentor.com

Mother’s Day Brunch at Cleveland Botanical Garden. Come enjoy a delicious meal surrounded by the beauty of the botanical garden. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. 11030 East Blvd., cbgarden.org

Mother’s Day at Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens. Complimentary admission for all Moms with an accompanying family member. 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org

Ongoing Attractions

AKRON ZOO

505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CLEVELAND 3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, cmccleveland.org

CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN 11030 East Blvd., University Circle, cbgarden.org

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, cmnh.org

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, greatscience.com

GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

MALTZ MUSEUM OF JEWISH HERITAGE 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org

STAN HYWET HALL & GARDENS 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org

Visit NortheastOhioParent.com for more!

Afew years ago, my family and I made some bold moves. It was in the thick of the pandemic which left more time for talking and thinking. My husband and I discussed everything from our life choices to our future goals and vision. As a result of that conversation, we put a for sale sign in the yard of our beloved 2,000 plus square foot historical home and opted for the 1,100 square foot “cozy cottage.”

The reason for our downsizing was fueled by financial goals and even sheer madness resulting from too much time to think.

For us, it was a choice, but for aging loved ones, there may be a need to downsize, whether due to declining motor skills, finances or to simplify home maintenance.

Downsizing may come with mixed emotions. It is natural to feel overwhelmed at the idea of deciding what should be preserved and what will need to be removed — whether donated, trashed, or sold. There may be feelings of excitement and hope in starting a new chapter. And there may be anxiety and fear based on leaving the environment that your parents have known for an extended period. Finally, depending on where your parents are moving —small house, condo, or assisted living —there will be the process and logistics involved in downsizing.

Where to start?

1. Have an honest conversation and assess the items in the house.

Help them make a list of the things that are important to your aging loved one. It may include a favorite piece of furniture, a work of art, a beloved mug, or quilt.

Once you have compiled a list, take time to walk and talk through how these items will be stored, displayed, and used in the new home.

2. Help them make a plan for items that will not fit in the new lifestyle or have not been used during the last year. Respect, listen and guide your parents in thinking through how and if that item can be used.

What is a family heirloom that is ready to be passed on? Provide the time, space, and support to your loved one to share that special item with a family or friend.

What items can be sold? Walk and talk through items that can be monetized. Utilize local resources like antique dealers, online searches and other expertise to estimate the value of an item. Keep positive as your parents work through items which can be sold, possibly even making a goal or plan for the monies from a sale (i.e. a special dinner out, money towards a family vacation, etc.).

Donate and/or upcycle. Consider what items still have use and can donate to a non-profit to be sold for the greater good.