The staff at Currents wishes our valued readers and advertisers a happy and festive holiday season this year!
A6 EDUCATION
Seeds of Literacy set to hold volunteer workshops in Jan.
By Cynthia Schuster Eakin
A8-20 CHARITABLE GIVING
Support the mission of our region’s many nonprofits
A19 DINING OUT
Experience fine dining at Oddfellows in Chagrin Falls
By Cynthia Schuster Eakin
Submit nonprofit benefit events to editor@currentsnews.com.
B8-15 GIFT GUIDE Shop Locally!
Here’s what’s in store at a retailer near you!
The primary mission of Currents is to feature and spotlight the nonprofit, arts, educational and cultural organizations so vital to Northeast Ohio, as well as the volunteers and philanthropists who guide, support and sustain them. P.O. Box 150 • Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 • 525 E. Washington Street • 440-247-5335 / Fax: 440-247-1606 www.currentsneo.com
Published monthly by the Chagrin Valley Publishing Company
H. KENNETH DOUTHIT III Publisher CHRISTINE HAHN Creative Director KELLI COTESWORTH MCLELLAN Editor
DECEMBER EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Cynthia Schuster Eakin, Sarah Jaquay, Rita Kueber, Andrea C. Turner, Betty Weibel
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE S: Shari Silk
AD DESIGNERS: Connie Gabor, Ashley Gier
Please call 440.247.5335 for editorial, advertising and deadline information. Currents is distributed in: Auburn, Avon Lake, Bainbridge, Bath, Bay Village, Beachwood, Bentleyville, Bratenahl, Brecksville, Chagrin Falls, Chesterland, Cleveland Heights, Fairview Park, Gates Mills, Hudson, Hunting Valley, Kirtland Hills, Lakewood, Lyndhurst, Moreland Hills, North Royalton, Orange Village, Pepper Pike, Rocky River, Russell, Shaker Heights, Solon, South Russell, Strongsville, University Heights, Waite Hill, Westlake, Akron, Copley, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Hinckley, Montrose, Peninsula, Richfield and Silver Lake.
Saturday, Jan. 4...Third Annual Pickleball Charity Event to support the nonprofit Power of Joy , a charity to help others access joy in their lives. It will include Bracket and Round Robin play. To be held at The Wembley Club (new venue), 8345 Woodberry Blvd., Chagrin Falls from 5 to 9 p.m. $85 donation. To register: www.powerofjoy.net.
Thursday, Feb. 6…Haute for the House, to benefit Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio , at InterContinental Hotel Cleveland. Join us for a night of fashion, gourmet food, specialty cocktails, irresistible auctions, raffles and more! The evening culminates with an exclusive, cutting-edge fashion show created and produced by Kent State University School of Fashion students, faculty, and alumni. 2025 Sponsorship Opportunities. For more information, contact Katie Spring, Director of Events & Strategic Partnerships at kspring@RMHCneo.org or visit rmhcneo.org/event/hauteforthehouse/.
Saturday, April 5...Spring Gala, to benefit Ohio Contemporary Ballet, at Convivium 33 Gallery , 1433 E. 33rd St., Cleveland. The evening will include wine and cocktails, dinner and dessert by Trifles Catering, and a captivating performance by Ohio Contemporary Ballet. The celebration will conclude with music and dancing. This event will raise funds to support the company’s high level of artistry, general operations, and educational opportunities. More information to come.
Chagrin Falls is no secret – locally, statewide and yes, even nation-wide. Without exaggeration, it is a mystical, magical place to visit and enjoy. And at no time is it more beautiful than the holiday season. It is a destination that has something for everyone – adults and children alike.
Movies are made here. Commercials are made here. We have an entertainment, film, literary, and historical history that is beyond amazing for a village of just 4,000 residents. It is truly a village of seasonal joy and awe. The village’s charm is in full display during holiday time. The lighting and decorating of the village done every year by our can’t-dowithout Jaycees is overwhelming. The creative window displays by our merchants that are unrivaled. The special and on-going holiday special events including Santa, The Grinch, carolers, horse-drawn carriage rides, holiday
music and special offerings by our retail shops are ongoing. We have unique and high-end shops for stunning clothes, gifts of all kinds, home decorations, books, winter sports, design centers, art, hardware, and more. We even have glassblowing, and, not one but two toy stores.
While shopping, enjoy the extensive culinary experiences from popcorn and ice cream to coffee shops to sandwiches, submarines and pizza to diners to bakeries, specialty bars with specialty drinks to beautifully appointed restaurants and their extensive menus.
And we have, of course, our very scenic and wonderful waterfall - which no matter how cold – is mesmerizing and enjoyable. It is said that as Paris is most beautiful in the rain, Chagrin Falls is most beautiful when blanketed with the white snow that covers
our parks, walkways and streets.
Finally, please come to see the reconstruction of our historic village bridge. The Village of Chagrin Falls, Cuyahoga County and Great Lakes Construction have come together to work with us making our village safer and more scenic – if that was even possible.
To learn more about our holiday offerings and information on Chagrin Falls go to: www. chagrin-falls.org/holiday. We look forward to
seeing you in our welcoming and charming village. Happy Holidays.
Mayor, Chagrin Falls
Council President, Chagrin Falls
Chagrin Falls’ newest art gallery, Wildscapes Gallery, located at 516 E. Washington St, is celebrating their grand opening Saturday, January 11 from 3 to 7p.m. Local artist, Peter Balunek, opened Wildscapes Gallery to showcase the majesty of our world’s amazing wildlife and the beauty of its wild landscapes through photography.
As the resident artist, Peter has had the good fortune of traveling the world in search of wild animals. In his role as Wildlife Ambassador of Peter’s Safaris, he leads privately guided, socially conscious luxury safaris to Africa for families and small groups. In this role he has spent a great deal of time on the continent of Africa as well other places in search of animals to share with others through his photography.
Giving back to the communities living amongst these majestic animals and helping those communities to benefit from wildlife tourism, is an important goal for Peter’s Safaris. Therefore, a percentage of sales of his artwork will go to the Satao Wildlife
Foundation, a local 501c3 charity Peter founded to support community conservation projects in Africa.
Supporting and promoting local artists is another goal of the gallery. We will kick off each month with a First Friday Artist Reception featuring a different visiting artist from Northeast Ohio. The artist’s work will hang in the gallery for the entire month, and they will have full use of the gallery to market their work.
The gallery will also host a Third Thursday Happy Hour from 5-7p.m. each month for socializing, networking, and enjoying the new art. During these Happy Hour events Peter will share a short presentation from one of the many safaris he’s hosted over the last 10 years.
Wildscapes Gallery will also be the home to Peter’s Safaris and welcomes visitors to learn more about safari life. The intimate space is available for rent for private events.
To RSVP for the grand opening, please visit WildscapesGallery.com
The Stop the Hate essay contest is more than a chance to win $20K for college. It’s also an opportunity to tell your story to the world, so we can all potentially make a change for the better. Believe it or not, your experiences can make a difference—perhaps even when it matters most.
Storytelling is an essential way humans educate and even entertain ourselves.
Early in the development of our species, stories would help us stay alive and avoid life-threatening situations.
As we’ve become more sophisticated, storytelling has become part of the fabric of our existence for more than mere survival.
The Stop the Hate contest creates a safe environment for individuals to express their thoughts and learn from one another. We know providing a space where diverse narratives can be presented is vital for creating a more just world. Why? Because it’s a catalyst that helps people engage in conversations that challenge preconceived ideas. The very act of this exchange is crucial for dismantling stereotypes and building more inclusive communities. Engaging in this dia-
logue helps cultivate empathy and understanding—both cornerstones of a just society.
When people recount their experiences, they reclaim their narratives and assert their identities. This can inspire others to share their stories, creating a ripple effect that promotes collective action. The Maltz Museum encourages this type of empowerment through initiatives like Stop the Hate, where students can share their unique experiences and foster a sense of belonging.
In this case, it’s a win-win. Sharing your story as a part of the Stop the Hate contest allows you to start an important conversation, share your experiences, and even change the world. PLUS, if you’re an 11th or 12th grader in Northeast Ohio, it also gives you a chance to win $20K for college. Even the second and third runners-up receive large prizes.
If you haven’t already, enter the contest! Share what you’ve learned through your life experiences and tell how you’ll apply that knowledge to help create a brighter future.
Enter the Stop the Hate Contest at maltzmuseum.org/sth
Grades 6-10 essay submissions are due Thursday, January 9, 2025
Grades 11 & 12 essay submissions are due: Thursday, January 16, 2025
By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN
Make 2025 the year when you make a positive impact in someone’s life.
Hundreds of adults in Northeast Ohio will go into the new year resolving to finish their high school education. All that they need is a GED tutor like you.
Seeds of Literacy is conducting brief, no-commitment information sessions in January seeking volunteers. The free sessions are purely informational. There is no need to commit to training right away. Enjoy coffee and a continental breakfast while you learn more about what it means to be a GED tutor and how you can make a real difference. No teaching experience is needed and the flexible time commitment works with your schedule. Seeds of Literacy is celebrating 25 years of service to the community by continuing its mission of personalized, one-on-one tutoring.
“Our greatest need is truly volunteers. One-toone instruction is the heart of our program, and without tutors, we simply can’t deliver that personalized support,” Katie Kucera, communica-
tions director of Seeds of Literacy noted. “Each year, our student enrollment climbs. Although growing, our volunteer numbers haven’t kept up at the same pace. January and February tend to be the biggest student enrollment months as adults make their New Year’s resolutions to finish their GED. Becoming a tutor can be a resolution, too. This could be the year you give someone hope for a better future.”
“Unfortunately, we have found that the word tutor comes with some misconceptions. People assume that our students are children, but in fact, our average student is in their 30s. We exclusively serve adults, ages 18 and older, who are here because they want to be, and not because they have to be,” she said. “Most are working toward a GED, while others focus on improving foundational math or writing skills. We also see a growing number of beginning readers, or adults who have managed to survive at a functional literacy level but are ready to thrive.”
“The second misconception is that tutors must be former teachers. That is not the case. Our tutors come from all walks of life including retir-
ees, college students, professionals from marketing, construction, banking and beyond. While we do have a few educators, the vast majority of our volunteers have no teaching background,” Kucera said.
“We make it easy to be in the classroom. Tutors don’t create lesson plans. Our site coordinators provide curriculum tailored to each student’s skill level. We also offer comprehensive training, ongoing support and resources like answer keys to ensure that tutors feel confident. And, if a volunteer prefers not to tutor math, they don’t have to. We match volunteers to the subjects and levels that they are most comfortable with,” she added. “We offer training just about monthly, rotating between our two Cleveland locations and our virtual classroom. We also offer an asynchronous web module training for those who want to take the training on their own time.”
“Our program is unique because it is built on flexibility. Traditional classrooms with a teacher up front teaching everyone the same thing at the same time didn’t work for our students. That is why they didn’t finish high school. Now, as
adults, they face significant responsibilities like jobs, childcare and transportation challenges. Seeds allows students to come when they can and stay as long as they need, whether that is weeks, months or years,” Kucera explained. “We extend that same flexibility to our tutors. We ask for just two hours a week, or one percent of their time. They can choose when and how often to volunteer, with in-person and online options available.”
“The students are what keeps the tutors coming back,” she said. “Time and again, we hear them say, ‘Seeing the light turn on when the student gets it, that’s magic.’ Seven of our volunteers have been with us for more than 20 years because of that rewarding experience. Getting started is really easy, too. Just complete the application online at www.seedsofliteracy.org/tutor.”
There are two upcoming dates for the information sessions. Attend the session at the west side location, 3104 W. 25th St., on Jan. 17 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Or, join the session at the east side location, 13815 Kinsman Rd., on Jan. 24 from 9:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. Go to www.seedsofliteracy. org/info-sessions to RSVP.
University School is pleased to share this artist’s preview of our Middle School expansion, opening Fall 2025. Learn more about US at www.us.edu.
Laurel is an independent day school for girls, Kindergarten- Grade 12, with a co-ed Early Childhood School. Laurel has two campuses—its 11-acre Lyman Campus is in Shaker Heights, Ohio and its 150-acre Butler Campus is in Novelty, Ohio. Laurel students come from 68 Northeast Ohio communities.
In the Early Childhood School, the faculty delight in watching young children develop the emotional, social and cognitive skills that will serve them well throughout their lives. In a warm, caring, colorful and child-centered environment, Laurel’s Early Childhood programming educates girls and boys, ages eighteen months to five years. Children are full of energy, curiosity and potential during this magical time—it is the goal of Laurel’s Early Childhood to foster all three to the fullest. The cognitively rich and playbased curriculum fosters creativity and imagination while laying a foundation for academic success. School days are focused on developing skills, nurturing talents, building confidence and culti-
vating each child in small classes, making it possible to give every student the attention she or he needs while preparing them for Kindergarten.
An option for its youngest learners is Laurel’s Outdoor Pre-Kindergarten. In the forest, and away from highly-structured indoor curriculum, children make their own choices about how to spend their time and how to manage their own body signals. They become empowered, engaged and highly motivated learners. The Outdoor Pre-Kindergarten program provides a curriculum that ensures children are developing the skills that are necessary for them to be successful in Kindergarten while also gaining the resilience, motivation and creativity that comes from learning in the forest.
Come to the Early Childhood School Open House for families with children 18 months - PreK on Saturday, January 11 from 9:00 - 11:00 am at Laurel’s Lyman Campus located at 1 Lyman Circle, Shaker Heights, Ohio. Visit LaurelSchool.org/OpenHouse for more information and to register.
Considering lighting up your property for the Holiday Seasons? Budget Lightscapes has many high quality, affordable and customizable options to beautifully showcase your property and home this season!
Dreaming of a timeless winterscape setting? The warm white light produced by the standard 2700K LED low voltage landscape lighting is always a classic choice to provide an inviting glow, and warmly welcome your family and friends for your special holiday gatherings. Or, maybe you’d like to opt for colorful lighting to enhance your holiday fun and festivities! Budget Lightscapes has many color spectrum choices available for your creative appeal including the traditional red and green holiday colors in their low voltage RGBW LED color changing lighting systems. Budget Lightscapes RGBW LED Landscape Lighting gives you “endless options at your fingertips” for vibrant color selections during the winter holidays and any time of year!
You may be wondering what RGBW LED lights are, and what’s the benefit/value? They’re an advanced version of RGB lights which create more colors and effects by combing Red, Green and Blue light with 2700K warm white light to enhance color spectrum displays. This innovation in LED Lightscape technology gives you the creative options of diverse colors/modes or the classic warm white lighting integrated into one landscape lighting fixture - truly an ideal value combination!
Speaking of value, Budget Lightscapes’ RGBW LED color changing low voltage fixtures are crafted of high-quality solid cast brass for optimal durability, feature enhanced surge protection, are dimmable and backed by a lifetime warranty. True-to-Color LEDs produce powerful and vibrant colors adding new dimensions to your landscape lighting designs!”
Customers rave about their positive experience with the high quality of RGBW LED lighting from Budget Lightscapes! One happy customer says, “Chris did a wonderful job designing and installing our RGBW LED lighting! He exceeded our expectations doing it quickly and at a reasonable price- Love all the fun we’ll have setting the colors for the holidays and general whimsy! “
Now’s the Best time to creatively upgrade your outdoor spaces to reflect the beauty of this festive season! COLOR your Holidays with Budget Lightscapes high quality affordable RGBW LED lighting - call Budget Lightscapes at 216.406.1900 to schedule your free design consultation.
Lawrence School recently inducted thirteen Middle School students into Jr. Beta Club, a national organization that promotes academic achievement, character, leadership, and service.
By ANDREA C. TURNER
Cleveland is no stranger to philanthropy. In fact, $1.13 billion was raised in 2024, according to the Association of Fundraising Professionals (AFP) Greater Cleveland Chapter. The professional development organization celebrated the 40th Anniversary of National Philanthropy Day at its annual fundraiser on November 7, at Windows on the River. It honors the individuals and organizations making significant contributions to the philanthropic landscape in our community, and celebrates those who inspire others to engage in charitable giving. Proceeds from the event benefit member scholarships and programming.
AFP is dedicated to advancing the profession of fundraising through education, advocacy, and the promotion of best practices. Its mission is to support fundraising professionals and their organizations, fostering a culture of philanthropy. National Philanthropy Day acknowledges the endless daily contributions to countless causes and missions.
A panel discussion featured an esteemed panel of philanthropy executives who shared insights on the evolving landscape of philanthropy and the importance of collaboration in driving social change. Moderated by Becky Kiely, Senior Vice President, CCS Fundraising, panelists included Bruce Loessin, Chief Philanthropy Officer, Cleveland Museum of Art; Natalie Ronayne, Chief Development Officer, Cleveland Metroparks; and Helen Forbes Fields, President & CEO, YWCA of Greater Cleveland.
Kiely stated that there are currently 15,528 nonprofits in the Cleveland area — a 221 percent increase from 40 years ago. These organizations employ more than 280,000 individuals in our region. This huge growth trend across the US forges greater impact in our communities.
Cleveland is well known for its grant-making
and impact in investing. In fact, it ranks 11 percent higher than the national average in grant making.
Loessin commented, “Cleveland has an unbelievable culture of diplomacy [in the fundraising field]. There’s almost an invisible amount of competition.” Rather, organizations typically work collaboratively.
Forbes Fields, however, noted that social service agencies like the YWCA are underresourced, so they rely on individual donors to fund quality programs. Social and human service agencies make up 17 percent of the nonprofits in Cleveland.
Ronayne mentioned that Cleveland’s philanthropic history is not solely because of those with significant means; it truly is representational of the citizenry. She pointed to the recent passage of Issue 55 (Cuyahoga Arts & Culture levy) and the Cleveland school levy from the November election.
In terms of the Cleveland Metroparks, Ronayne said that federal dollars may be under threat under the new presidential administration, as the bipartisan infrastructure bill helped fund the parks. Similarly, Forbes Fields is concerned about Project 2025 initiatives that could eliminate Head Start preschool programs.
Loessin assured the group that no matter what administration is in power, people continue to donate because they are giving from the goodness of their hearts.
“Philanthropy is more resilient than the economy,” stated Kiely. Her firm, CSS Fundraising, anticipates that shifting donor demographics will require nonprofits to be adaptable. The transfer of wealth in the next 20 years creates opportunity for charitable organizations as a new generation of donors emerges and existing donors look to leave a lasting legacy.
Dan Moulthrop, Chief Executive Officer,
City Club of Cleveland served as emcee of the awards ceremony.
Youth in Philanthropy Award went to Xavier Swinarski, nominated by Gilmour Academy. He was recognized for his efforts to engage his peers in philanthropy and his commitment to community service through his “Socktober” sock drive for the homeless.
Tiffany Scruggs received Philanthropy Innovator Award, nominated by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. She was acknowledged for her innovative fundraising strategies and significant impact on advancing the Food Bank’s mission.
Philanthropist of the Year Award went to Michael and Molly Schroeder, nominated by the Urban Community School and Re:Source Cleveland (formerly The Refugee Response). The couple was recognized for their exemplary commitment to philanthropy and transformative contributions to the community.
Outstanding Foundation Award went to Fowler Family Foundation, nominated by The Centers, for its unwavering dedication to improving the lives of individuals and families in our region. This award recognizes a foundation that demonstrates exceptional commitment to philanthropy and community engagement.
PNC received the Corporate Leadership Award, nominated by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. The bank is celebrated for its commitment to corporate social responsibility and impactful community partnerships. Volunteer of the Year Award went to Stewart Kohl, Co-CEO of Riverside Company and Larry Pollock, Managing Partner of Lucky Stars Partners LLC. Nominated by the Cleveland Clinic, the two were honored for their tireless dedication and service to various charitable organizations, exemplifying the spirit of volunteerism.
For more information, visit www.afpcle. org.
Three Arches Foundation, a communityfocused grant making foundation, announced $2 million in funding toward grants to 22 local nonprofit organizations working to address barriers to health care. Each grant reflects the Foundation’s priority focus on equitable access to behavioral and physical health care faced by communities and populations most impacted by health disparities.
This year ’s grants address a diversity of needs accomplished through the expansion of existing programs and services, funding of new initiatives, and support of general operations. “These grants reflect a multitude of approaches that strengthen important systems of support in our communities in order to meet the respective needs of those who often face challenges in accessing essential health care,” shared Kristin Broadbent, president and CEO of the Foundation. “From partnering with organizations that embrace a culturally centered care approach to funding programs that utilize trauma-informed care to promote healing, to supporting preventive and wrap-around behavioral health services, this work is designed to boost health equity.”
“We’re proud to support our 2024 grant recipients who recognize and understand barriers to access that make managing care difficult for
individuals and families impacted by health disparities,” comments Gina Gavlak, board chair of the Foundation. “Together, these investments help fill gaps that exist within the health care landscape.”
In addition to this year’s recipients, four nonprofit partners will begin year two of their multi-year grant awarded last year. These include Colors+, In Harmony Therapeutic Services , L ifeAct, and Nueva Luz Urban Resource Center. The Foundation also contributed to and continues its participation in the Greater Cleveland Funder’s Collaborative.
Highlights of 2024 grants approved by the Foundation’s board of directors include:
B. Riley Sober House - $61,250 for the addition of a part-time psychiatrist and full-time Licensed Independent Social Worker to the staff which represent a new component in providing onsite comprehensive mental health counseling, improved substance use disorder counseling, and integrated treatment for co-occurring disorders.
Bellefaire JCB - $228,647 to sustain access to vital behavioral health consultation and critical trauma-informed prevention services for students, families, and staff in seven Lakewood
City Schools through Bellefaire’s School-Based Counseling program.
Birthing Beautiful Communities$25,000 to provide Perinatal Support Doulas at no cost to predominately Black expectant and new mothers in TAF’s geographic focus to help ensure a healthy pregnancy and postpartum experience.
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center - $80,000 to fund the Access to Care program that provides support and information to survivors of rape, sexual abuse, and human trafficking through the crisis hotline and during face-to-face hospital interactions, with the majority of those visits occurring within TAF’s geographic area.
Eliza Jennings Home - $150,000 - unrestricted funding to overcome current barriers to long-term care, enhance essential services, and increase its skilled workforce to ensure medically and economically fragile adults on the west side of Cleveland have access to the high-quality, compassionate care they need. With a shared interest in supporting cognitive function in older adults, this grant is funded through the generosity of Three Arches Foundation’s Harold C. Schott Foundation Endowment Fund.
GiGi’s Playhouse Cleveland - $60,055 to sustain and enhance the Amina Grace Speech &
Language research-driven program that provides individuals with Down syndrome who are predisposed to low muscle tone and cognitive delays with expanded opportunities to evolve and refine their speech and language skills.
Hispanic UMADAOP - $30,000 renewed operating support of culturally sensitive holistic prevention education, harm reduction, clientcentered treatment, and re-entry programs.
Journey Center for Safety and Healing - $75,000 toward Journey’s Trauma Services program tailored to meet the unique needs of individuals from Lakewood and surrounding communities with a history of trauma caused by exposure to domestic violence and/or child abuse.
May Dugan Center - $81,728 continued support of May Dugan Center’s TraumaInformed Music Therapy program that provides all individuals, regardless of insurance status or inability to pay, with comprehensive culturally competent mental health treatment through funding of an in-house music therapist.
Neighborhood Family Practice$120,000 operating support of NFP’s work to remove barriers that hinder access to primary care, behavioral health, midwifery, dental, HIV, and pharmacy initiatives for historically marginalized populations.
OhioGuidestone - $112,577 renewed funding to provide extensive mental health wraparound services for students, families, and staff at four elementary schools in the Lakewood City School District.
Partnership for Good Health - $50,000 for a Certified Community Health Worker who helps newcomer clients gain equitable access to health care by carrying out navigation, coordination, and health education activities with a shared common language and cultural understanding.
Planned Parenthood of Greater Ohio$81,000 to maintain stable and affordable access to all FDA-approved forms of contraception and birth control services for patients with low incomes who benefit from this care at the Rocky River health center.
Recovery Resources - $120,000 unrestricted funding to support work that breaks down barriers for people struggling with mental health and substance use disorder through a community-based approach focused on all aspects of health which is vital to managing and sustaining recovery.
Renee Jones Empowerment Center$124,200 (over two years) continued investment for the work of a nurse, vital to the delivery of free, basic screening and needs assessment for individuals and families in underserved and high-risk neighborhoods at the medical clinic and during street outreach.
Re:Source Cleveland - $84,240 to proactively support the mental and physical health of newcomer youth and their families by providing access to individualized and wrap-around services that are culturally and linguistically familiar, appropriate, and sensitive through the ongoing work of the Healthy Pathway’s coach and addition of youth specialists.
Signature Health - $71,000 to continue patient navigation and transportation services for high-risk patients in Lakewood and surrounding communities.
Smart Development - $60,000 to help refugees and immigrants understand and navigate the local health care system by bridging cultural and linguistic gaps through the work of a health and wellness team comprised of a social worker, case manager, and community navigator.
Spanish American Committee - $50,000 to support the Spanish American Committee’s Licensed Independent Social Worker and Licensed Social Worker who provide counseling and case management services to the Latino/ Hispanic Community as part of the Families First program.
The Centers - $120,000 operating funds to support The Centers’ integrated approach to providing services in a way that addresses foundational health and wellness needs and connects individuals and families to a full continuum of offerings.
The Cleveland Clinic Foundation$120,000 to extend equitable access to care
The MetroHealth Foundation connects generous donors to opportunities that transform the lives of our neighbors, creating a thriving community.
Union Savings Bank (USB) is a communityfocused financial institution serving Ohio, Indiana, and Pennsylvania. For years, USB has been dedicated to helping individuals and businesses achieve financial success with personalized, local service. Whether you’re opening a checking account, saving for the future, or securing a home loan, USB has helpful solutions that are backed by expert advice and a commitment to your financial well-being. USB is known for its competitive rates and fees. Last year alone, the bank funded over $3.5 billion in mortgage loans, solidifying its reputation as a top lender in the communities it serves. With a wide variety of home loan options—including blanket loans, construction loans, adjustable-rate mortgages (ARMs), lot loans, and Home Equity Lines of Credit (HELOCs)—USB is there to help whether you’re purchasing a home, refinancing, or building from the ground up.
USB also offers specialized financing for veterans through VA loans, as well as down payment assistance programs and first-time homebuyer options. With competitive closing costs and expert guidance, USB helps to make homeownership more accessible to those with unique financing needs.
Beyond home loans, USB provides a range of personal banking services. Whether it’s checking accounts, savings accounts, IRAs, or CDs, USB is committed to helping individuals and families manage their finances and plan for the future. The bank’s numerous full-service branches across the region, along with online banking and 24/7 Phonelink services, make banking easy and convenient. At Union Savings Bank, financial strength is built on local, personal service. Whether you’re buying a home, saving for the future, or managing everyday banking, USB is here to help you create a secure financial foundation. For more information or to get started on your home mortgage or savings plan, call us at 440-696-3150 or visit our local branch at 6400 Rockside Road, Independence, OH 44131 We’re here to assist you every step of the way!
Nonprofit cont’d from Page 10
for Lakewood adolescents with funding for well-established youth mental health navigator services, ongoing psychological research support, and the addition of a psychiatric nurse to assist with services and help pilot chemical dependency and eating disorder support coordination that addresses an unmet need within the student population.
Urban Community School - $75,000 continued support for the Director of Mental Health and Counseling Services position who is vital in the guidance and operations of the school’s unique medical model of mental health counseling services, as well as the addition of two innovative school-based mental health technologies to enhance the comprehensive support system.
For additional details about these grants, please visit www.threearchesfoundation.org/ grants-awarded
Three Arches Foundation is a 501(c)(3) public charity that invests in advancing the health and well-being of the people of Lakewood and surrounding communities through grant making. Three Arches Foundation fosters a collaborative approach towards investing in organizations whose work directly addresses the continuum of physical and behavioral health issues. For more information, visit threearchesfoundation.org
As Cuyahoga County’s public safety-net hospital, The MetroHealth System delivers clinically excellent care to every person in our community, regardless of their ability to pay.
The MetroHealth Foundation supports the delivery of programs, services and resources beyond medical care that help our patients live a healthier life. And, since its inception close to 200 years ago, MetroHealth has integrated health equity into everything we do. Areas of focus for The MetroHealth Foundation include:
Institute for H.O.P.E. ™ : Through the Institute for H.O.P.E.™, we’re addressing the social drivers of health—the 80% of a person’s health that depends on factors beyond medical care. The MetroHealth Foundation supports the Institute’s efforts to research social drivers of health and partner with community organizations to provide safe, stable housing, nutritious food, reliable transportation, education, training, job opportunities and more.
MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute: The MetroHealth Rehabilitation Institute
is a premier rehabilitation hospital, helping restore function for people who have experienced significant injury and illness and helping them get back to what matters to them. The MetroHealth Foundation supports both ongoing, cutting-edge research and support for patients during and after rehabilitative therapy.
Behavioral Health: Cuyahoga County continues to need more access to mental health treatment. In response, MetroHealth opened a Behavioral Health Hospital in Cleveland Heights in 2022 and just recently expanded services there with the addition of a psychiatric emergency department. Additionally, The MetroHealth Foundation plays a key role in making resources available for training and retaining mental health professionals in our region.
The MetroHealth Foundation was founded in 1954 and, in partnership with our donors, we’ve had great impact on our community. Recently, by partnering with individuals, corporations and foundations, we’ve been able to:
• Expand access to healthcare for students
and families in Cleveland Metropolitan School District schools through the School Health Program.
• Secure funding for rehabilitation research that results in devices that restore hand function for people with spinal cord injuries.
• Increase the number of behavioral health professionals trained and practicing in Cuyahoga County.
• Provide access to more than 40,000 meals per year through Institute for H.O.P.E.’s Food as Medicine program, which provides eligible patients with a prescription for nutritious food.
• And more, ensuring every person in our community has access to healthcare and resources to live a healthier life.
To learn more about The MetroHealth Foundation, including how we can work together for a healthier Cuyahoga County, contact Greg Sanders, Vice President, Philanthropy at gsanders@metrohealth. org or 440.592.1319.
If you’ve ever heard the term ‘fight fire with fire,’ you’ll appreciate the spirit behind the saying when it comes to the Cleveland Hunger Network. In a clever twist on the traditional benefit, the organization decided to fight food insecurity with food. And not just any food, but dishes and delights from some of the area’s top chefs, from appetizers to plated dinners in a series of tantalizing courses that delighted 230 guests at the Night to Fight Hunger, described as a “culinary journey.”
After a VIP/champagne social hour with cocktails and appetizers, dinner at the InterContinental began at 7 p.m. with the program hosted by WKYC meteorologist Betsy Kling. Honorary Co-chairs were Jay and Lanèe Lucarelli/Minutemen Family of Companies, while this year’s corporate partner of the year was Sanson Produce.
Julie Johnson, CEO of the Hunger Network said her team stocks 71 pantries in Cuyahoga County, 17 of those offering hot meals, with more and more of these resources going to older adults and children who regularly face food insecurity. Several years ago the organization began a network of volunteers who pick up food from a supplier/grocer/restaurant in their area and deliver it to a pantry just a few miles away. This “uber for food” addresses the second prong of Hunger Network’s mission – eliminating food waste. “Forty percent of all food is wasted and ends up in landfills,” Johnson states. “If we could stop wasting food, we could feed everyone,” she adds. Until then, unfortunately, she’s not seeing the daily need diminish. Organizers had raised $100,000 before the first guest arrived. They hoped to boost their proceeds to $200,000 for the evening.
Uncover an epic adventure! Our reimagined Museum featuring all-new, immersive exhibits will help generations of visitors deepen their connection with the natural world. Your generosity matters. Contact Julia Ross, Senior Director of Philanthropy & External Relations 216.231.2134 | jross@cmnh.org
This December, the Cleveland Museum of Natural History (the Museum) is set to reveal its once-in-a-lifetime transformation. For the first time since the project began, visitors will be invited to explore all 375,000 square feet of new spaces and reimagined exhibits during its Grand Opening Weekend, a series of celebrations taking place December 13-15.
The extraordinary project was made possible by a $150 million fundraising campaign. Led by Chief Philanthropy Officer Melissa Santee, this effort goes beyond financial success—it reflects the Museum’s unwavering commitment to sharing its resources with the community and building public trust in science.
This transformation comes at a pivotal time, as confidence in science plays an essential role in addressing global challenges. In 2021, the Museum sponsored a national survey on science literacy by Marist Poll which served as a major catalyst for its transformation. The survey revealed compelling insights:
• 90% of Americans believe a basic understanding of science is necessary.
• 88% trust scientists as reliable sources of information.
• Over 85% want to learn more about science.
These results validated the Museum’s
mission and underscored the public’s desire for accessible, trustworthy scientific resources—something the organization is uniquely positioned to provide. But the survey also highlighted an urgent need: 44% of Americans feel they are falling behind in their understanding of science. The Museum has answered the call by creating immersive exhibits, innovative programs, and public outreach initiatives that invite all to foster a connection to nature and a deeper understanding of science.
This is where you can make a difference.
As the Museum nears its Grand Opening this December, your support is more critical
than ever. With your help, the Museum can continue to grow as a cornerstone of learning and cultural enrichment. Whether it’s a first-time gift or an additional contribution, your investment will directly impact how the Museum educates, inspires, and serves the community.
We invite you to join us in this once-ina-lifetime opportunity to shape the future of science education. Together, we can ensure the Museum remains a trusted resource, equipping future generations with the knowledge to navigate an ever-changing world. Your support matters—let’s make this vision a reality.
The Cuyahoga County Public Library (CCPL) Foundation is a 501(c)3 organization, governed by a board of directors and supported by CCPL employees, that raises financial resources to help the Library fulfill its mission and elevate its role as a cornerstone of community life. Visit us online at ccplfoundation.or g CCPL is consistently recognized as one of the nation’s best and busiest library systems, with 27 branches that serve 47 communities throughout the county. Its mission is to empower individuals and communities by providing opportunities for all to read, learn, create and connect. CCPL develops programs and services that address the greatest needs of our communities. The CCPL Foundation makes these efforts possible by providing grant funding to pilot pro -
grams, expand curriculum and launch new community services.
Through support from individual donors, corporate partners and charitable organizations, the CCPL Foundation has provided more than $1 million in grants, ensuring CCPL can continue to provide impactful, innovative service.
Philanthropic support advances CCPL’s mission in four key areas of need: early childhood literacy, student success, digital equity and inclusion, and workforce development. The programs and services that CCPL provides are free to the public and are available to all county residents. From early childhood literacy programs that prepare children to make successful transitions to
kindergarten, to free classes that teach adult learners valuable skills for today’s job market, CCPL offers something for everyone.
Visit - Stop by any of Cuyahoga County Public Library’s 27 branches. We’re open 7 days a week.
• Explore - Create something amazing in a CCPL Innovation Center, attend an author event, take a free advanced computer class, get resume writing help, borrow books, movies, music and more.
• Support – Attend one of our many exciting fundraising events, like the William N. Skirball Writers Center Stage Series or the annual Reading the Green Golf Outing.
• Join – Become an Ex Libris Society member ($1,000+) to enjoy special perks at CCPL events. Become a Library Loyalist and provide ongoing support with a recurring donation.
• Plan Your Legacy - Include the CCPL Foundation in your legacy planning and join the 1922 Society. Get Involved – Volunteer to help with homework, early childhood reading, STEAM programs and mobile food pantry distributions. Get involved at cuyahogalibrary.org/volunteer
• Donate – Visit ccplfoundation.or g to support us with a secure, tax-deductible donation.
• Share - Connect with us on social media @cuyahogali
By Tonya Sams
With the new year fast upon us, many people are making New Year’s resolutions. One resolution that should be considered is volunteering with The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.
Legal Aid depends upon the many volunteers that help provide free, high quality legal services to those with low incomes through its Volunteer Lawyers Program. About 20% of people each year that are
helped by Legal Aid are assisted by a pro bono attorney. These attorneys assist in a variety of civil matters including housing, family, education, employment, health and more. No matter what an attorney’s legal expertise, Legal Aid attorneys, who are well versed in civil issues, are always available to offer assistance to ensure the best possible outcomes for its client community. Law students, paralegals, law school graduates and other non-attorneys are also encouraged to volunteer.
“When we meet with the people who need Legal Aid services, hear their stories and their troubles, we get an appreciation for how lucky and privileged our own lives have been,” said Jan Roller, an attorney with Perez Morris. “We get to learn about our community and how it aff ects people, how the system is working or not working, and we get a sense of fulfi llment that we have helped someone. We get the sense of pride about our profession, of the good it can do.”
Attorneys can volunteer in a number of ways including attending a Legal Aid Brief Advice Clinic, representing a client pro bono or working at Legal Aid offi ces with other Legal Aid attorneys on various projects.
“Legal Aid turns away many that qualify
for its services and need representation. So your added pro bono work is so important in so many ways,” said Jan. Learn more about volunteer opportunities at Legal Aid at: lasclev.org/volunteer. Founded in 1905, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland is the fifth oldest legal aid organization in the United States. Serving residents of Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, and Lorain counties, Legal Aid staff and volunteers secure justice, equity, and access to opportunity for and with people who have low incomes through passionate legal representation and advocacy for systemic change. In 2023, The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland handled more than 9,000 cases, helping more than 24,000 people.
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is nationally recognized as one of the United States’ best zoos – and closer to home, it represents a cherished community asset and a boon to Northeast Ohio. The Zoo generates $100 million in regional economic impact and draws more than 1.3 million people annually, making it the most visited destination in the region. The Cleveland Zoological Society helps ensure a thriving Zoo through dedicated fundraising.
As Cleveland Metroparks Zoo’s nonprofit advancement partner that raises philanthropic support for the Zoo, the Zoo Society is an independent 501(c)(3), governed by a Board of Directors. Since 1998, Zoo Society donors have contributed more than $100 million toward Zoo operations, conservation projects and capital improvements. Philanthropic priorities include campus renewal, while also supporting the Zoo’s national leadership role in science education programming, community engagement, and world-class animal care and health research.
In addition to funding that catalyzes superb animal husbandry and educational programs in Cleveland, the Zoo Society contributes more than $500,000 annually to support the Zoo’s Future for Wildlife conservation program, working to protect threatened wildlife around the world.
JOIN: The Pride is an annual giving
program for individuals that provides unrestricted operating support to the Zoo Society and affords donors exceptional, insider opportunities at the Zoo.
Corporate Champions is an annual program designed to offer corporate supporters exclusive access to Zoo experiences. Corporate Champions enjoy benefits that engage employees, entertain clients and connect with community partners.
SUPPORT: Monthly Giving: Donate to a program of choice all year long.
Support a Species: Featuring an evolving lineup of beloved animals that can be found at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, “Support a Species” connects donors with the Zoo’s nationally recognized animal care program.
Honor & Memorial: A thoughtful way to recognize all of life’s momentous occasions.
ZooFutures: Remembering the Zoo Society during estate planning creates an opportunity to leave a lasting legacy.
Primate Forest: The largest capital project in the Zoo’s history, Primate Forest will not just create a new home for gorillas, orangutans and the many species currently in the RainForest—it will reimagine the Zoo experience in ways yet to be seen in North America.
DONATE: Visit clevelandzoosociety. org/donate to learn more and donate.
Micah, a young boy with a terminal illness, spent his final days surrounded by love and warmth, thanks to the specialized pediatric hospice care he received at home. Stacy’s children created cherished plaster handprints with their mother under the guidance of Hospice of the Western Reserve’s bereavement team. Willie, a proud veteran, was honored for his service with a Public Veterans Recognition Ceremony before spending his final moments with dignity at home.
These are just a few of the lives touched by the compassionate care provided by Hospice of the Western Reserve. Each story highlights the extraordinary impact of the organization’s work, which is made possible by the generosity of the community. As the nonprofit launches its annual fall fundraising appeal, it calls on supporters to help sustain these vital programs that bring comfort, dignity and hope to patients and families across Northern Ohio.
“Every gift to the annual fund makes a profound difference,” said William E. Finn, president and CEO of Hospice of the Western Reserve. “Many of the services we provide are not fully covered by Medicare, Medicaid or commercial insurance. Donations allow us to go beyond what’s expected and ensure that every patient and family receives
the exceptional care they deserve.”
The funds raised through the appeal directly support critical programs across the organization’s 18-county service area. These include the Navigator Palliative Care program, which helps patients with chronic illnesses manage their symptoms, and bereavement services, which provide emotional support for families coping with loss. The annual fund also sustains vital pediatric care, veterans’ recognition programs, and other services that are not fully reimbursed by insurance but remain essential to the mission of Hospice of the Western Reserve.
For nearly 50 years, the organization has served more than 100,000 patients and their families with compassion, ensuring that no one navigates end-of-life care alone. This commitment to going beyond the ordinary is what makes Hospice of the Western Reserve a trusted resource for families across Northern Ohio.
The annual appeal runs through December 31, 2024. To make a gift or learn more about the impact of the annual fund, visit hospicewr. org/fallgiving2024. Your support ensures that patients like Micah, Stacy and Willie receive the care and comfort they deserve when it matters most.
Ohio’s first community college, Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®), opened in Cleveland in 1963 and today serves over 41,000 credit and non-credit students each year. Tri-C offers accessible, high-quality, and affordable educational opportunities designed to meet the needs of our diverse student body. From university transfer programs to technical training and lifelong learning opportunities, Tri-C promotes individual development while enriching our multicultural community. As a leader in public education and workforce development, Tri-C is committed to equipping students with the skills they need for the ever-evolving jobs of today and tomorrow.
An educated, skilled workforce is the backbone of Northeast Ohio’s economy, and Tri-C plays an essential role in creating that backbone. Every $1 invested in Tri-C delivers a powerful $11.80 in economic impact to the people of Ohio. With 85% of Tri-C students choosing to live and work locally, our graduates create lasting change in the region by fueling economic growth, revitalizing
communities, and enhancing the quality of life for all.
The Tri-C Foundation, a 501(c)(3) charitable organization, is dedicated to advancing student success at Tri-C by generating essential resources to open doors and transform lives. Thanks to the generosity of our community of donors, we can ensure that every student has the support they need to thrive, learn, and succeed—regardless of their financial situation or personal challenges.
Philanthropic gifts make a direct impact by establishing scholarships that eliminate financial barriers for students, especially veterans, first-generation students, and individuals from groups underrepresented in high-demand fields. With these scholarships, Tri-C students can focus on achieving their educational and career dreams, empowered to build a brighter future for themselves and our community.
Our generous partners make a meaningful difference by investing in these key initiatives: Student Support — Helping students succeed by removing financial and personal barriers through aid, services, and experiences that foster a sense of belonging and community.
The Future of Work — Preparing students for tomorrow’s economy with workforce programs and training that aligns with employer needs, plus educational resources for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Pathways to Success — Creating clear, guided paths that take young people from the classroom into meaningful careers or advanced education, empowering them to reach their fullest potential.
Together, we can transform lives, empower the community, and build a stronger Northeast Ohio.
Learn more about supporting Tri-C students at www.tri-c.edu/give.
Mandel JCC is a community center that impacts people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities. Each individual has a unique relationship with The J that changes through their life cycle.
While The J is one of the premier fitness and aquatics centers in Northeast Ohio with Pilates, pickleball, group exercise classes, personal training and more, we are also a Step-Up-To Quality Gold Award Early Childhood Center, with programs for children and families of all ages. Summers are filled with hundreds of campers at our J-Day Camps and Camp Wise overnight camp while during the school year, The J is a place for youth to enjoy after school, vacation camp and other enrichment classes. For adults of all ages, we have art classes, culture programs, Jewish book and film festivals, and classes that offer thought-provoking conversation and community discourse.
Membership provides access to our fitness and aquatics center and discounts to all programming, classes and special events.
Philanthropy at The J advances our important mission of keeping our communities connected while fostering growth and one’s health and wellness. Membership and program fees cover a small portion of The J’s operational costs. By joining our donor family, we can ensure that everyone, regardless of age, income or ability, has the opportunity to create connections learn, grow and thrive.
For information contact Traci E. Felder at 216.593.0456. Visit us at mandeljcc.org
By Cynthia Schuster Eakin
You don’t work in 11 different restaurants without learning something.
Everything that Executive Chef Julian Kuczma has learned over the years, he brings to the table at OddFellows in Chagrin Falls. Open in June of 2024, OddFellows occupies the Independent Order of Odd Fellows (I.O.O.F.) building at 16 N. Main St. I.O.O.F is a fraternal organization that once existed in Chagrin Falls.
Chef Kuczma started his restaurant career at Moxie in 2008 when he was 18 years old. Since then, he has worked his way up through the ranks at 10 other area restaurants. OddFellows is part of the Cleveland Restaurant Management Group, comprised of more than 20 of the Cleveland area’s brightest and most talented restaurateurs.
“The menu at OddFellows is not just Americana. It is a blend of everything,” he said. “I like to play with the seasons.”
“We are a 99 percent scratch kitchen. I have a great team behind me. Ever since we opened, business has been going very well,” Kuczma added.
In addition to the regular menu, the 60seat restaurant features two to three daily specials, along with sides and specialty desserts.
We’re confirming your reservation at a “Kindness is Served Here” restaurant!
As part of the Kindness Food Network, “Kindness is Served Here” is rolling out in sixty-three restaurants across Northeast Ohio as part of Values-in-Action’s Kindland movement in partnership with the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance. The goal of the program is to spread kindness throughout the community by encouraging restaurant servers and customers to highlight the acts of kindness of one another and those around them.
“Kindness and restaurants go hand in hand. Every step of your dining experience is filled with acts of kindness from the moment you walk in and are greeted with a smile to the time your server thanks you for coming. On the flip side, diners and customers show servers acts of kindness by being polite, understanding, and gracious.” said Values-in-Action CEO Stuart Muszynski.
Over the next several months, Clevelanders are being challenged to visit one of the restaurants that have the bright orange “Kindness is Served Here” sticker – also Kindland’s signature logo color – and recognize the kindness they experience. The program’s participating restaurants will welcome guests with an extra dose of hospitality by passing out kindness bracelets, stickers, and pens while encouraging customers to use the Just Be Kind app to document acts of kindness. Kindland will measure the impact by the number of people who download the Just Be Kind app and post kind acts from their restaurant experience or simply from their day.
Laurie Torres, owner of Mallorca in downtown Cleveland, spearheaded the program with Kindland and notes that, “Excellent restaurateurs know that nourishing the soul is as important as nourishing the body, and that is why kindness is crucial in our industry. I was so thrilled to work with Kindland to create the Kindness Food Network and work with other restaurants in “O-ranging” kindness in Cleveland.”
A list of participating restaurants is posted at www.BeKindland.com
Why Kindness? Values-in-Action’s Kindland movement is bringing together communities, businesses, organizations, and schools by recognizing and sharing the acts of kindness around us to inspire a ground swell of positivity and goodness. Kindness is proven to extend lifespan, increase a sense of belonging and connectedness, increase happiness, reduce anxiety and depression, and enhance prosocial behavior in the workplace.
Everything is homemade, including the cheesecake. Popular dishes include sesame tuna with a crisp coconut and lime sticky rice cake and wasabi cream, and duck confit over mushroom leek risotto with dried cherry and pecan gremolata. “We have also done whole
snapper. We offer a butternut squash dish that one of our customers said was the best meal they have ever had,” Kuczma said. “We have a broiler here that can do what you can’t do at home. It heats to about 700 degrees. We feature all certified Angus beef.” Steaks are served with a choice of sauce and a side. Side dishes include honey lime glazed roasted carrots, brussels sprout hash and black truffle whipped potatoes.
When asked to point out his personal menu favorites, the chef noted, “I am a sucker for a ribeye. I love a classic Caesar salad. The onion and mushroom medley is a mix of mushrooms with leeks and duck fat. The mussels in yellow curry broth are wonderful. Curry can work for any season.”
OddFellows recently hosted its first fivecourse wine dinner, which sold out on Open Table, according to Kuczma. While continuing his work at OddFellows, the chef will also play a major role in coordinating the opening of Lopez 44, a concept that will replace Flip Side just down the street this fall. Lopez 44 is a passion project from Cleveland restaurant expert Brad Friedlander. The location of Lopez 44’s predecessor, Lopez, will be transformed
into 506 Space for private parties and events later this year.
OddFellows’ Maple Miso
Glazed Brussels Sprout Hash
Maple Miso Glaze
¼ C. white miso paste
¼ C. maple syrup
½ C. rice wine vinegar
Whisk until combined and smooth.
Ingredients:
1 sweet potato, quarter-inch diced, roasted in olive oil and salt and pepper until tender.
1 shallot julienned
2 cloves of garlic shaved thin
2 C. brussels sprouts, stemmed and halved
Start in a saute pan over medium heat with a generous amount of olive oil. Put all of the sprouts flat side down and season with salt and pepper. Add shallots, garlic, sweet potatoes on top of the sprouts. When the sprouts are nice and caramelized, start stirring the pan to make sure everything is tossed together. Add the maple miso glaze until there is a nice glossy consistency. Check for seasoning and plate it into your desired dish. Feel free to garnish with dried cherries and chopped pecans.
What can you say about a seven-year-old girl who never stopped praying for others while she battled terminal brain cancer? That she inspired a movement. Maria McNamara was taking dance lessons and playing with her brothers when she was diagnosed with one of the deadliest and least understood childhood brain tumors. During this, Maria never thought of herself, but rather, she prayed for her friends she met while receiving treatment at St. Jude. After witnessing firsthand their daughter’s 14-month-long battle and learning that little was being done for children like her, Ed and Megan knew more needed to be done.
The Prayers From Maria Foundation honors Maria’s prayers by providing childhood cancer patients with the support they desperately need. We are planting Hope by reversing the tragic lack
of funding and promoting the most meaningful cancer research for kids.
We have been able to make a tangible impact by funding numerous promising research studies across the United States that have led to new clinical trials and breakthroughs for these kids. Our efforts have resulted in over $12M going to the fight against childhood brain cancer.
Maria’s Sunflower Fields of Hope became the foundation’s ground zero, spreading awareness and shining a light on the work that needs to be done. The field blooms once a year with acres of sunflowers that serve as both a place of reflection on the lives lost and a reminder of our commitment to ending childhood cancer.
Our popular annual fundraisers, the Sunflower Wine Festival and Sunflower Soiree, allow
citizens of Northeast Ohio to come together with our mission in mind. These events celebrate the progress made and energize the community’s participation in the foundation.
Among the many ways to make a meaningful impact on the lives of these children, the Grow the Movement Club is a great way to provide sustainable, long-term support to help us achieve
our goal of having a world free of cancer. By joining in our fight, you’re helping us light a path in the new year, spreading Hope to children and families who need it most. Together, we can bring awareness and essential funding to the most promising childhood cancer research to honor the courage of young patients like Maria.
The Salvation Army’s iconic Red Kettle campaign is a 133rd-year Christmas tradition. It has been a fixture outside many favorite retailers, with the sound of the bell ringing warmly wishing patrons a “Merry Christmas.” The unsung heroes, the bellringers, have become an annual tradition for many families and groups and are a critical aspect of the Red Kettle campaign.
The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland invites community heroes to help keep the bell ringing all season long.
“Bell Ringers are the critical element to help make our annual Red Kettle campaign successful. This year, we have plenty of kettle locations, and we want to ensure that every location has someone to ring the bell as we head into Christmas. We seek individuals, families, or groups who will donate time to ring the bell. We believe that life is better when we can help others. Anyone looking to volunteer can sign up now at RegistertoRing.com,” stated Captain Joel Ashcraft, Divisional Secretary for
The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland. “Just two hours of bell ringing can help us provide 104 meals to local neighbors in need,” continued Ashcraft.
The Red Kettle campaign raises funds to help folks in our local communities. The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland aims to raise $400,000 to help fund programs, including food pantries, rent and utility assistance, overnight summer camp for kids ages six to 12, year-round youth recreation, and hot meal programs.
The Salvation Army’s Red Kettles have been active since 1891 to assist those in need. The Kettle campaign is one of the longest-running and most recognizable campaigns.
To volunteer to stand at a kettle, visit RegistertoRing.com. To donate to The Salvation Army in Greater Cleveland to help families this holiday season, or for more information, call 216.861.8185 or visit SalvationArmyCleveland.com.
By RITA KUEBER
If you’re looking to put a little more ‘oomph’ on your holiday table this year, you might want to skip the whimsical patterns and work with solids and attractive classics like paisley or plaid. Now look, your house, your rules, so if you can’t resist a table decorated with smiling Santas or snowmen, or dancing dreidels, go for it. But if you want to take a page from classic, timeless design, the way to go is not over-the-top kitsch, but stand-out colors that complement each other to create an elegant tablescape; one you create with your own discerning eye, working with what you have on hand.
To walk us through the potential pitfalls of dressing the table, Currents talked with Anne Mulholland, co-owner of Mulholland Sachs* at Eton for updated ideas on making a table
lively, fun, and beautiful.
“We always suggest paper placemats that you can reuse, Anne states. “Also coasters and name tags to spread the color around.” She also recommends using an ornament at each place setting so guests can depart with a new ornament for their tree. “We place Simon Pearce trees (sculpted clear glass) down the center of a table with votives, mixed with two or three short vases so everyone can see over the flowers to talk. Tea lights are perfect here, and you can mix and match glass, paper and China, working with different mediums to have fun with your table.”
“We don’t carry linens,” Anne says. “We know some people can’t imagine having a holiday dinner without their traditions, but the cloth needs a lot of care – washing and ironing, and then someone spills gravy on something. The paper industry today makes
so many beautiful placemats and reversible paperware, people may never want to wash and iron again.”
For Christmas Anne recommends using silver and gold, plus white and pure glass to elevate the table, then add a bit of red. For
Hannukah, add a touch of blue. “We offered cute patterns years ago,” she recalls. “They didn’t sell. They just weren’t of interest to our customers. And I say this all the time – our clients know we’ll help them look good or else we don’t look good.”
One more suggestion is adding table favors. “Game cards or trivia cards can lead to great conversations,” she adds. “Use a small box of chocolates at each setting – something fun to make the table exciting and happy.” mulhollandsachs.com
*Currents would like to take a moment to wish Rita Sachs, co-owner of Mulholland and Sachs a happy nonagenarian birthday this coming January. You can find her at her/her daughter’s store five days a week.
Cleveland Restoration Society (CRS) held its 2024 Sacred Spaces annual benefit on Friday, Oct. 18, at Majestic Hall in Cleveland.
The event highlighted the Cleveland area congregations which have consulted with CRS recently to preserve their historic buildings through the organization’s Sacred Landmarks Support Initiative.
Places of worship are among the most historic, architecturally distinguished, lavishly ornamented structures in a community. Protecting and preserving these sacred landmarks has been at the forefront of CRS’s mission and work for decades. To date, CRS has assisted more than 450 congregations.
Appropriately, Majestic Hall, formerly the First United Methodist Church located on Euclid Avenue, was chosen for the event location and proved to be a stunning venue.
Winner of the “Award of Excellence for Restoration of a Cleveland Landmark” at CRS’s 2024 Celebration of Preservation Awards, guests were awed by the grandeur of Majestic Hall’s glorious space with its gilded decoration and intricate lancet windows. The room full of historic preservation enthusiasts marveled at the meticulous restoration work done by master craftspeople.
The highlight of the evening was the musical performances by the Lutheran West Concert Choir, under the direction of Ken Daniel, and Liz McComb, a Cleveland native, who wowed with her musicality. Ms. McComb and the choir collaborated on a rousing rendition of “When the Saints Go Marching In” with audience participation.
Guests enjoyed heavy hors d’oeuvres from Taste of Excellence and background music from Vince Robinson and the Jazz Poets. An historic-preservation themed raffle was wellreceived and included such prizes as a private tour of a local, award-winning mid-century modern home; a private tour of Whitney Stained
Glass Studio in Slavic Village and an Airbnb stay in a restored Queen Anne in the Gordon Square Arts District. The event raised more than $60,000.
Board Chair Dione Alexander, President Kathleen Crowther, and the Rev. James P. Quincy, CRS trustee, addressed the crowd of 150. They spoke about CRS’s work with historic places of worship and thanked the church representatives in attendance for their stewardship of their sacred spaces.
Also honored that evening was the Sacred Landmarks Committee, a group of talented and dedicated volunteers who work alongside CRS Preservation Services staff to assist congregations in landmark designations, identifying maintenance and repair issues and finding revenue sources.
To learn more about the Cleveland Restoration Society and its work, check the website at clevelandrestoration.org. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS SUBMITTED BY CLEVELAND RESTORATION SOCIETY
Goblins, ghouls and witches came out to Cleveland Ballet’s (CB) Patrons Circle event, “Dracula in Two Bites” on October 19 at Hofbräuhaus in Playhouse Square. More than 200 supporters mingled with CB dancers who starred in its “Dracula” and “The Masque of the Red Death” performances at the Mimi Ohio Theatre. The event featured an adults-only party after the 7 p.m. sold out performance.
Specialty drinks included Fang-Tastic Juice (a red cocktail served in a fake plastic IV bag) and a non-alcoholic Root Canal Remedy, sponsored by Dr. Kyle Radin, DMD of Solon. Halloween-themed appetizers like bat (chicken) wings, blood sausage, and pretzel garlic bites kept vampires and the like at bay as a DJ spun dance tunes.
CB’s Patrons Circle launched earlier this year by its “Fab Four Founding Members” Katharine Harper, Emily Huggins Jones, Dr. Sarah Keller, and Faisal Khan. Its mission is to create a new vision of community engagement to cultivate the next generation
of ballet patrons through advocacy, fundraising events and volunteerism. Donations help support ballet performances, a pointe shoe fund, and live music for performances. The weekend’s performances featured conductor Carl Topilow and other Cleveland Pops Orchestra musicians.
Karen Conley and Cici Riley served as Event Co-Chairs; Key Private Bank Wealth Management served as presenting sponsor. T he company now prepares for the Nutcracker (December 13-22) in Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace. This version will include new choreography, sets and costumes, according to CB’s Artistic Director Timour Bourtasenkov.
A Frosted Fashion & Fanciful Nutcracker Tea Party takes place December 7, at The City Club. And a performance titled, “Impressions of Picasso” takes place March 14, 2025, at the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Gartner Auditorium. Visit cleveballet.org for more information on the upcoming season. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS
BY ANDREA C. TURNER
By Cynthia Schuster Eakin
Hospitality Restaurants co-founders George Schindler and Kay Ameen are being inducted into the prestigious Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance (OHRA) Hall of Fame on Dec. 9. This honor recognizes their contributions to the restaurant industry in Northeast Ohio over the past 33 years. Schindler and Ameen’s journey began with a shared vision of redefining dining experiences in the region. Since then, they have launched a portfolio of restaurants that are now staples of the local culinary scene.
The group’s portfolio includes Cabin Club in Westlake, known for its signature steaks, and Salmon Dave’s in Rocky River, with its long-running promotions like the “Maine Event” and “Taste of N’Awlins.” The Blue Point Grille is a downtown icon. Delmonico’s is a classic steakhouse in Independence. Rosewood Grill has three locations in Hudson, Westlake and Strongsville, while Kingfish is a seafood destination in Akron. The Thirsty Parrot is a lively spot for sports fans near Progressive Field.
“This honor reflects not just the hard work that Kay and I have put in, but also the incredible teams and guests who have been part of this journey,” George Schindler said. “We are humbled and grateful to the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance for this recognition.”
Through their leadership, Schindler and Ameen have created dining destinations that have elevated the region’s hospitality scene, provided opportunities for countless employees and supported the communities they serve.
The Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance Hall of Fame celebrates industry leaders who have demonstrated excellence, innovation and dedication throughout their careers. Inductees are selected for their contributions to Ohio’s hospitality sector and their impact on the communities they serve. Former inductees include founders of national chains such as Dave Thomas of Wendy’s, Billy Ingram of White Castle, and Jim Grote of Donato’s Pizza, as well as fine-dining legends Jeff Ruby of Jeff Ruby’s, and Cameron Mitchell of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR). For more details about the Ohio Restaurant and Hospitality Alliance and its awards program, visit www.eatdrinkohio. org/awards
By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN
One of the nice things about living in Cleveland is its proximity to some of this nation’s great cities. Pittsburgh is one of them. Pittsburgh’s diversity and vibrant neighborhoods make it a major travel destination to discover and celebrate. And, it is only a couple of hours from Northeast Ohio.
Scale the wooded slopes of Mt. Washington in restored cable cars to see a panoramic view of the Steel City. The Duquesne Incline cable cars have been used by commuters since 1877. The incline follows very closely the tracks of an early coal hoist. Old newspapers indicate the existence of such a conveyance since as early as 1854. Residents referred to it as “Kirk Lewis’ incline” and located it on the present site of the Duquesne Incline’s upper station. The area was just beginning to be converted from farmland to home sites. Although plans for a freight and passenger incline existed much earlier, financial backing was hard to find and construction was delayed. The Duquesne Incline finally opened to the public in May of 1877. At the time of its public opening, it was one of four inclined planes serving the summit of Coal Hill, which later came to be known as Mt. Washington. The incline’s lower station is at 1197 W. Carson St. It is open every day from 6:30 a.m. until 12:30 a.m. The fare is $5 round trip.
The one-half square mile shopping district is full of ethnic groceries, produce stands, meat and fish markets and sidewalk vendors. Breathe deep because you will not want to escape the aromas of fresh-roasted coffee or just-baked bread. Bordering downtown, this neighborhood is pure Pittsburgh.
While you are in the area, check out Primanti Bros., founded in 1933. It is a go-to for handcrafted sandwiches piled high with house-made coleslaw and seasoned fries on house-recipe Italian bread. The Primanti Bros. sandwich was invented during the Depression so that day laborers could hold their entire lunch in one hand. Today’s customers line up down the block at lunch hour. Primanti’s in the Strip District is at 46 18th St.
There are many wonderful, fine dining restaurants in Pittsburgh. Visitors may still want to check out some of the city’s longtime-favorite foods. Wedding soup, an Italian broth with tiny meatballs and egg pastina, is served throughout the city. Fried zucchini strips are a hometown original and popular as an appetizer. A Pittsburgh salad is any salad topped with French fries. Chipped ham is a spicy lunch meat that debuted in 1933 at Isaly’s, a locally based family chain of dairy stores. The Klondike Bar, another Isaly’s original, is a vanilla ice cream bar dipped in pure chocolate and packaged in a silver wrapper. They cost a nickel when Sam Isaly invented them in 1929. Pierogies reflect the city’s Polish heritage. Heinz Ketchup was invented in Pittsburgh by H.J. Heinz. The Big Mac hamburger was invented near Pittsburgh by McDonald’s franchise owner Jim Delligatti in 1967 and distributed nationally in 1968.
The Heinz History Center, at 1212 Smallman St. in the heart of the historic Strip District, is the city’s “people museum.” It preserves and interprets the history of Western Pennsylvania through six floors of interactive exhibits and iconic artifacts like the TV set from “Mister Rogers Neighborhood” and the world’s oldest jeep. The Western Pennsylvania Sports Museum is on the second and third floors of the History Center. The History Center, Sports Museum and Detre Library and Archives are open daily from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
The Warhol at 117 Sandusky St. is one of four Carnegie Museums of Pittsburgh and a collaborative project between Carnegie Institute, Dia Art Foundation and The Andy Warhol Foundation for the Visual Arts. Pittsburgh is the place of artist Andy Warhol’s birth and the museum holds the largest collection of Warhol’s artwork and archival materials. It is one of the most comprehensive single-artist museums in the world and the largest in North America. Paintings, drawings, commercial illustrations, sculptures, prints, photographs, wallpapers, sketchbooks and books cover the entire range of Warhol’s career. The Andy Warhol Museum opened its doors in 1994, and it is a global destination for scholarship and learning about the artist’s life, art and relevance to contemporary culture. The museum is open every day except Tuesday.
Pittsburgh’s Strip District is foodie heaven and is as authentic as it is fun. Locals love it for its low prices and tremendous selections.
Italian markets in the Strip District offer every conceivable type of pasta.
Open Doors Academy (ODA) hosted its Fourth Annual Benefit Clambake fundraiser on October 26, under a large outdoor tent at the Cleveland Rowing Foundation for its largest crowd ever – 287 guests. All attendees received an exclusive ODA orange apron upon check-in.
ODA provides high-quality after school and summer programs on 28 campuses that help more than 1,800 students across Northeast and Northwest Ohio thrive. The benefit raised its goal of $250,000 to further its mission of helping students achieve better academic results, gain valuable work experiences, stay in school, graduate from high school, make lasting friendships, and find lifelong mentors in the ODA team.
ODA pairs intensive resources and strong relationships for a unique and holistic model that helps scholars and families grow. Through rigorous academic learning tools, tutoring, diverse enrichment activities, community partnerships, field trips, family workshops, and travel opportunities, it makes out-of-school time a space that can be truly transformative.
ODA scholar Parker Brown, a fifth grader
at Breakthrough Cliffs Campus, served as a young but gifted emcee. Dr. Dorothy Moulthrop, ODA’s Chief Executive Officer presented the 2024 Luminary Award to Jill Ackerman, Superintendent of Lima City Schools. In Ackerman’s absence, the award was accepted by Amber Martin, Workforce and Small Business Development Coordinator for the City of Lima. Ackerman has worked in the district for 37 years; she’s helped ODA expand to four sites in Lima with the goal to offer a safe place for youth to be after school.
ODA parent Robertha Semple, originally from Guyana, spoke about how ODA offered her twin boys a safe place to go after school during the pandemic, when she needed to return to work as her husband was hospitalized. Semple said ODA welcomed her entire family, and she expressed gratitude for the after care and summer camps available to her sons at no cost.
Guests enjoyed specialty cocktails, a sitdown buffet dinner with live music, and raffles. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA C. TURNER
By RITA KUEBER
We absolutely do not have a shortage of gorgeous houses in Northeast Ohio. From charming cottages and bungalows to modern square-shouldered condos, and long, lovely streets filled with mid-century moderns and architectural gems, it’s an embarrassment of riches. But then, on rare occasions, we come across something completely unique, like catching a glimpse of a unicorn in a verdant forest. This is one of those occasions – an unusual opportunity to own acres of unspoiled land, but also a family haven – private but not isolated, historic but lightly updated, and completely appealing with its timeless lines and incalculable amenities.
The main house is set on a natural elevation and is well back from the road with a very long, curving driveway. It was built in 1925 in a combination of Colonial and Western Reserve styles, with its classic wood siding and evenly spaced, well-proportioned windows. The magnificent front door has the original arched glass transom above and bottle-base textured glass on either side. Much of the brass hardware is also original, as are the gleaming hardwood floors and meticulously maintained molding and walls. The 12-foot wide foyer opens on the left to a formal living room with a marble-framed fireplace, and a second fireplace behind it to help warm the three-seasons room accessed by two French doors.
Further along, the foyer opens to a sitting area on the left and a spacious dining room also with a marble-framed fireplace and access to the kitchen through a swinging door. The kitchen itself has recessed lights, granite countertops, and state-of-the-art appliances. Yet with its open floor plan that accommodates an eating area, plus a large island that has a built-in range, the conveniences are updated but not jarringly modern. The kitchen flows
naturally to an enormous butler’s pantry, and then to a small prep or caterers’ kitchen and laundry area. The next room is a mudroom with a friends and family entrance, storage, and access to a covered porch. One room mixed in with back-of-the-house must-haves has been converted into a handy exercise room.
The space in this house is in its length. With only one and a half levels it works like a split level – before we had split levels. Back in the foyer, going down half a flight is the primary bedroom, bath, and walk-in closet filled with built-ins and a central island. Two additional wings accommodate five more bedrooms. One wing, up half a flight clearly worked as the help’s quarters when the house was first built, with tidy bedrooms, a shared bath, and open areas that could easily become a children’s playroom. The home’s charm lies in its traditional lines combined with an airy, open flow, effortlessly combining classic beauty with a welcoming, casual feel. This is a house that has lived a long and happy life and is cheerfully waiting for the next family to come inside and enjoy its history and ambiance.
In addition to the main house, the estate has a sizable guest house – over 1,000 square feet with a dining room, living room, full kitchen, one bedroom, and one full bath, perfect for visitors or an au pair. There is also an in-ground pool and pool house, a working greenhouse and potting shed, plus a barn, a horse barn, and a water silo. The 18-acre parcel has its own watershed, waterfall, ponds, old-growth trees, ravines, and meadows. The estate abuts Squire Valleevue Farm, 400 acres of protected land, so privacy is ensured.
Overall, the main house at 2431 SOM Center has 7,217 square feet with six bedrooms, four full baths, and 1 half bath over one and a half levels. The attached garage has three bays, with additional parking nearby. Public water and septic system. Orange school district. Minutes to medical, shopping, and restaurants,
A record crowd of more than 400 guests attended the 2024 “Pearls of Wisdom” event at the Embassy Suites by Hilton in Independence to benefit The LCADA Way. The keynote speaker for this year’s fundraiser was Carnie Wilson, a renowned singer, actress and television host. Best known as daughter of Brian Wilson of The Beach Boys, she is a music artist in her own right as co-founder of the music trio Wilson Phillips with her younger sister Wen-
dy and childhood friend Chynna Phillips. Master of ceremonies for the evening was television personality Hollie Strano.
Past event speakers have included Mariel Hemingway, Dr. Drew Pinsky, Patrick Kennedy, Tom Arnold, Judy Collins, Mackenzie Phillips and Steve Ford.
Following a seated dinner, guests enjoyed live and silent auctions. The 2024 Presidents Award, presented by Don Schiffbauer, Riveon chief ex-
ecutive officer, and Dan Haight, Riveon chief operating officer, was given to the Cleveland Clinic Avon Hospital. The Community Service Award was presented to American Tank and Fabrication and Elyria Aerie 431. The John Longlais Award went to Karyn Tremonto. The event helped to raise $200,000 to support The LCADA Way programs.
The LCADA Way is a private, nonprofit organization that has been a proven leader in recov-
ery since 1981. The name of the organization represents its unique approach centered around leadership, compassion, awareness, dedication and advocacy. The LCADA Way is dedicated to transforming lives, families and communities suffering from alcohol abuse, substance abuse and behavioral health issues. It operates service facilities in Lorain, Erie and Medina Counties. STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN
The Cleveland Orchestra and conductor Keith Lockhart will bring the music of John Williams to Severance Music Center on February 14 and 16. These performances will showcase some of Williams’s most beloved and iconic scores, taking audiences on a musical journey through the world of film.
Williams wrote the scores for some of Hollywood’s most memorable moments and shaped the sound of cinema for more than
six decades. In addition to rare gems from his catalog of scores, the program will also include beloved selections from Jaws, Star Wars, Indiana Jones, E.T., and Harry Potter. Keith Lockhart, a longtime champion of Williams’s music, will lead The Cleveland Orchestra for these two special concerts.
Lockhart is entering his 30th year as conductor of the Boston Pops, a role previously held by Williams himself.
Ticket Information
For tickets, contact the Severance Music Center Ticket Office by phone at 216-231-1111 or by emailing boxoffice@clevelandorchestra. com, or visit clevelandorchestra.com
A VIP concert package, including tickets onstage with the Orchestra and a post-concert reception with conductor Keith Lockhart, will also be available for purchase. To purchase a VIP concert package, please
contact specialevents@clevelandorchestra. com or visit clevelandorchestra.com
Calendar Listing
The Music of John Williams
Friday, February 14, at 7:30 p.m. Sunday, February 16, at 7:30 p.m.
The Cleveland Orchestra
Keith Lockhart, conductor All programs, artists, and prices are subject to change.
By BETTY WEIBEL
For years Florence, 63, has been looking at potential cruises. A widow since she was 40, she loves to travel with friends and on her own. Although she has taken organized tours such as Road Scholar, she has yet to take the cruise plunge due to the costs that penalize solo travelers by requiring them to pay for a two-person cabin, although there is only one person in their party.
“I really wanted to take a cruise to Alaska. Several years ago, some friends invited me to join them on their Alaskan cruise. They were a married couple, so I would have been in my own room, solo. I called their travel agency and was told that I would have to pay for two people, even though I was traveling alone. It wasn’t even just an extra room fee; it was double the cost of the cruise. I explained that I would be willing to pay an extra room fee, but that I certainly wouldn’t be eating for two or
taking advantage of double the amenities. The agent explained that it was just how cruise ships operated. But he had heard about some cruise ships starting to revamp their rooms to have single rooms and to charge accordingly,” Florence said. She added, “I would still like to take a cruise to Alaska and occasionally look online to see what’s out there, but I haven’t found any that offer single rooms or options for a single supplement (an extra fee to have one’s own room on the trip).”
According to the 2023 “CLIA (Cruise Lines International Assn.) State of the Cruise Industry” report, the industry is finally changing, and the outlook is much brighter for solo travelers. The CLIA report shows a trend in cruise lines planning to add rooms to meet the demands of solo travel, although few cruise lines have offered solo accommodations in the past. The demands of solo travelers are finally getting attention.
American Cruise Lines, which won Cruise Critic’s “Best for Solo Cruisers” Award several years ago, has led the trend and offers single/solo cabins on every ship, and they are available without single supplement charges. Claire, 31, recently booked a solo cabin on American Cruise Lines’ American Song . “The solo accommodations were 10 out of 10—it was the perfect size cabin for me with the same amenities and space in the bathroom and living area as a double cabin, but a more compact bedroom and a full-sized bed,” she said.
According to American Cruise Lines, their single cabins are the largest in the industryspace-wise. The singles on American Song (and their modern riverboats) are all over 250 sq/ft. Standard doubles range from approximately 300 to 350 sq/ft.
The Columbia and Snake Rivers cruises are nine-days (which include one-night complimentary hotel stay in your departure city, and the eight-day cruise.) The price for a solo
cabin is slightly more than the per person rate of a double occupancy cabin and the rate varies based on time of year and the ship. For comparison, a single cabin with private balcony starts at $6,365; and on the same trip, the double occupancywith private balcony, starts at $6,175 per/person. The cruises include meals and beverages, as well as several complimentary tours.
Claire enjoyed the benefits of being a solo traveler which included the option of choice. “The small ship had a sense of community. At meals I could dine alone or decide if I wanted to join others.You have your own space on the ship to read or sightsee, or there are on-board activities like trivia and lectures if you want to engage with a group. During excursions I could wander around the port towns on my own or join others,” she explained. For details contact AmericanCruiseLines. com
Not sure what to get for the holidays? Shop at WOOD TRADER for photo frames, unique artwork, or a gift certificate so they can frame that special something...
Find this darling pencil dress by Adelyn Rae and more at Knuth’s! www.knuths.com
Compiled by RITA
KUEBER
From Fireside Books in Chagrin Falls come these suggestions for holiday reading and gifting:
Adult Fiction
Sipsworth by Simon Von Booy – A woman returns to the village of her youth ready to die, hopefully without a lot of fuss, but an unexpected encounter with a lost pet speaks to the miracle of second chances.
Burn by Peter Heller – A sci-fi thriller about two men, friends since boyhood who return from a typical off-grid camping trip to find their beloved state of Maine radically altered into a dystopian society.
Karla’s Choice by Nick Harkaway –Billed as a John le Carre novel, but written by novelist Nick Harkaway, iconic spy George Smiley returns in a cold-war-era historical mystery.
Time of the Child by Niall Williams –Christmas 1962 in the Irish village of Faha. The lives of the town’s doctor and his adult daughter are upended by the appearance of a baby. A lyrical, life-affirming novel.
James by Percival Everett – Winner of the National Book Award for fiction, James is a lively, slyly funny retelling of Twain’s Huckleberry Finn from the perspective of Huck’s enslaved companion.
Children & YA Fiction
The Bletchley Riddle by Ruth Sepetys and Steve Sheinkin – This historical fiction for middle graders revolves around siblings Jakob and Lizzie helping codebreakers crack the Nazi’s Enigma cipher while simultaneously investigating the mysterious disappearance of their mother.
All the books by Hayley Rocco – Piper loves books, so when a friendly librarian gives her a magical card, she can have all the books she wants - as long as she shares them. Lavishly illustrated by Caldecott Honoree John Rocco.
Knight Owl and Early Bird by Christopher Denise - Knight Owl and Early Bird are pretty much opposites, but have to learn to work together to protect the kingdom from the mysterious happenings in the forest.
The First Cat in Space ate Pizza by Mac Barnett - Rats are eating the moon! There’s only one hero for this middle-grade adventure - a bioengineered cat whose quest is to save the world.
Take it from the Top by Claire Swinarski - Eowyn and Jules were supposed to be best friends forever, but their sixth year at summer camp is turning into a disaster. A remarkable examination of privilege and the power of friendship from Edgar-nominee Claire Swinarski.
From the booksellers at Loganberry Books: Children and YA Fiction
As Edward Imagined: A Story of Edward Gorey in Three Acts by Matthew Burgess, illustrations by Marc Majewski
A picture book biography of the strange, delightful, and playfully macabre writer & illustrator, Edward Gorey, whose art had a profound impact on creatives including Neil Gaiman and Tim Burton.
Rain Makes Applesauce by Julian Schee, illustrations by Marvin Bileck
For people who enjoy the strange and beautiful, a picture book that people of all ages can enjoy. You’ll find something new to fascinate you, as you read it to a child.
Eli & the Uncles by Jehan Madhani, illustrated by Rashin Kheiriyeh
A celebration of extended family. Eli’s colorfully eccentric uncles sport a unique and extravagant beard, and each plays a fanciful role in the round of goodnights between Eli and his singular uncles.
Impossible Creatures by Katherine Rundell
They’re just two kids – can they save the world’s last magical place? Compared to JRR Tolkien for its gripping adventure, and a sweeping and positive vision.
Poetry Comics by Grant Snider
Kids who ask unanswerable questions! Whimsical adults! Poetry lovers of all ages! With lovely hand-drawn comics and delightful poems about self-discovery, the natural world, writing poetry, and making art, this is a delightfully touching gift for poets, artists, and readers of any age.
futures to fantastical realms, featuring characters grappling with the complexities of belief and meaning.
Brightly Shining by Ingvild Rishoi
This story about a father, his daughters, and their Norwegian community struggle to make a profit at selling trees at Christmas will come as a welcome holiday treat.
The Great River by Boyce Upholt
Centering on the Mississippi river, this nonfiction book is a beautiful meld of American history, natural science, and great narrative.
The Notebook: A History of Thinking on Paper by Roland Allen
If you’re interested in history or philosophy/ history of ideas, The Notebook is a fascinating study at the nexus of art, science, history, writing, psychology, philosophy, and biography, revealing how a simple invention can have a huge impact on culture and individuals.
The MANIAC by Benjamin Labatut
From the author of When We Cease to Understand the World, a Booker Prize and National Book Award finalist comes this examination of Hungarian polymath John von Neumann (Genius? Madman?) whose legacy continues to influence computer programming and AI.
Kick the chill, while you kick it and chill. Kilgore Trout has the perfect holiday gift in unhurried, uncommon surroundings. With Sunday hours in December.
For over 30 years, Jim Alesci’s has been more than just a family-owned Italian deli—it has been a cornerstone of holiday traditions and gatherings for countless families. Known for its authentic flavors and dedication to quality, this beloved establishment has become a go-to destination for creating memorable meals and celebrations.
At the heart of Jim Alesci’s success is its unwavering commitment to tradition. Every dish, whether it’s a tray of lasagna, a deli tray, or its famous freshly baked Italian bread, is made with recipes passed down through generations. Alesci’s prides itself on crafting each item with the same care and authenticity that founder Jim Alesci envisioned when the store first opened its doors.
One standout example of this tradition is the cookies, which have become a holiday favorite. Made from cherished family recipes, the cookies are prepared in small batches to ensure the highest quality and freshness. Whether it’s vanilla biscotti, tender butter cookies, or festive sugar cookies, each one is crafted with love and attention to detail. Customers often remark that these treats taste just like the ones their own grandmothers used to make, creating a sense of nostalgia that’s especially meaningful during the holidays.
Jim Alesci’s has long been a trusted partner for those looking to make their gatherings special. Families rely on the store in Solon for everything from delicious prepared antipasto platters to rich and hearty pasta dishes that serve as the centerpiece of their holiday feasts. Desserts, including the market’s famous cookies and decadent cannoli, provide the perfect sweet ending to any celebration. And if you need full-service catering, Alesci’s has a team dedicated to helping you “be a guest at your own event.”
Beyond the food, Jim Alesci’s is a place where memories are made. Customers return year after year not just for the exceptional flavors but for the warm, welcoming atmosphere that feels like home. The Alesci family and their dedicated team take pride in being a part of their customers’ traditions, ensuring that each visit is as personal and heartfelt as the last.
As the holiday season approaches, Jim Alesci’s remains a trusted name for those seeking authenticity and quality. Whether you’re starting a new tradition or continuing a cherished one, this iconic Italian deli is ready to help make your holiday celebrations unforgettable.
By Sarah Jaquay
“Why are you going to Oklahoma?” was the consistent response when I mentioned our leisure trip to Tulsa last fall. The answer is: Where do I start? Because Tulsa’s early 20th century oil boom coincided with the design craze then sweeping the country, it has one of America’s finest collections of art deco buildings outside South Beach. It’s also the birthplace of the “Tulsa sound” and home to both the Woody Guthrie Center and the adjacent Bob Dylan Center. Tulsa also boasts great barbecue and a surprising number of first-rate museums, including the Gilcrease Museum with one of America’s most impressive Western art collections, ranging from Remington sculptures to landscapes by Thomas Moran and Albert Bierstadt. It’s not far from the imposing Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art in Bentonville, Arkansas. Add in my grandmother lived in Oklahoma as a child when it was still “Indian territory,” my husband had never been (we’re both close to finishing our quest to touch/visit all 50 states), plus our
friends live there and we were all in.
After we landed, our friends suggested lunch at nearby White River Fish Market & Restaurant.
It has exotic fish and seafood flown in several
times a week, so visitors who want calamari or fresh alligator can satisfy their cravings. The next day we were up early to visit Pawhuska, the seat of Osage County, about 90 minutes northwest. If Pawhuska sounds familiar, it’s because of David Grann’s acclaimed book “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Pawhuska was the site of one of this country’s most horrific murder conspiracies (even Pawhuska’s doctor was poisoning the Osage!) and I wanted to see the courthouse where the trials occurred. On the sublime side, Pawhuska has become a culinary and lifestyle destination due to the Food Network’s popular “Pioneer Woman” (Ree Drummond’s) show. The town has great bones and Drummond seems to be reviving it one storefront at a time. The Pioneer Woman Mercantile & Restaurant offers a mouthwatering brunch menu with country favorites, including biscuits and gravy, cowboy burritos and Edna Mae’s pancakes. We left well-sated and strolled
around to check out some other restorations, including the Pioneer Woman’s Boarding House luxury lodgings. The courthouse where the trials of William Hale and his co-conspirators took place is still in use, but a bit disappointing as there’s no historical interpretation despite the fact it was the site where the nascent FBI came into the national spotlight. It does, however, retain vintage prohibitions against expectorating on the floor: a $5 fine. I think they only take cash. The next day we drove two hours east to Bentonville, Arkansas. This was a bonus state as neither of us had ever been to Arkansas. Bentonville is where the Walton family fortune built a gargantuan museum, Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art.
Its collection is one of the largest collections of American art under one roof. We enjoyed the outdoor Art Trail more than the galleries. The interpretive materials seem to be in short supply making it difficult to know what you’re viewing, not to mention the odd juxtaposition of artists from different eras, e.g. Gilbert Stuart’s classic currency portrait of
Values-in-Action Foundation held its Celebration of Goodness Luncheon at Landerhaven on Oct. 21, recognizing an inspiring line up of special honorees who shine their light throughout our community and contribute to making Northeast Ohio a better place to live every day. The event opened with a kindness-inspired vocal performance by students from the Cleveland School of the Arts.
Each year, this free, community luncheon honors individuals who represent goodness, caring and respect beyond the norm. The 2024 honorees included Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb, Nic Barlage and the Cleveland Cavaliers, Micki Byrnes and WKYC, Lillian Kuri from Cleveland Foundation, and Dick Pogue from Jones Day. The event also paid special tribute to the memories of fallen police offi cers Jamieson Ritter (Cleveland Police) and Jacob Derbin (Euclid Police).
The Celebration of Goodness continues the legacies of event founder Sam Miller and former Values-in-Action board chairman
Arnold Pinkney. Both Miller and Pinkney envisioned Northeast Ohio as a community of goodness and kindness. That is why the Celebration of Goodness Luncheon also highlighted Value-in-Action’s ongoing Kindland initiative which aims to create a more positive community by bringing together schools, businesses, organizations, and government through shared acts of kindness.
Now in its 30th year, Values-in-Action is a nonprofi t organization that empowers students and adults to build communities of kindness, caring and respect through programs that teach, promote, and provide skills and tools to enable individuals to make positive, values-based decisions every day.
Since its founding as Project Love in 1994, Values-in-Action has trained more than 2.1 million students in over 5,000 schools in all 50 states. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS SUBMITTED BY VALUES-IN-ACTION FOUNDATION
You don’t reach your 60th anniversary without doing a lot of things right. Like, all the things families really want for aging parents in a senior living community. Over six decades, Anna Maria of Aurora has created a true haven for senior parents looking for a better way. Without impersonal, corporate chain management, Anna Maria of Aurora can offer a Senior Living continuum of care that features fully Independent Living, Assisted Living and more – from full two-bedroom apartments to right-sized studios. All more focused on the needs of your loved one. So, they can really enjoy every day, “age in place” happily, and thrive physically, mentally, and emotionally. One family has owned and operated Anna Maria for three generations: And to this day, we remain one family at one campus, caring for – and accountable to – your family. Creating a senior community that goes above and beyond. One that holds 5-star ratings from Medicare. And out of 1,050 skilled nursing facilities surveyed, Newsweek Magazine rates Anna Maria #1. This is what family feels like. “We are not a senior living chain or part of a
large corporation,” according to Aaron Baker, administrator & owner. “People are our business – our residents, our families and our staff – and we strive to do right for every resident and every family, every day. Being kind and accountable, honest, and helpful. “We’ve never lost focus of what truly makes a great senior living community,” he observes. “And it all begins with a great staff.” Anna Maria of Aurora delivers the attention, and a senior lifestyle, that provides genuine peace of mind. Not to mention a much more sensible financial model that delivers a better way to pay for senior care. No upfront investments, buybacks or “give it all up” financing models. Anna Maria’s payment model is simple, fair and transparent. So, families pay month-tomonth with no long-term commitments... and never pay for care they may never need. It’s been like that for over 60 years now. So, if it’s time to help your loved ones realize their dream of a safe, comfortable lifestyle, remember - it starts at The Campus of Anna Maria of Aurora. There really is a difference… when it’s family.
ANNA MARIA OF AURORA
Centered around an active, fulfilling senior lifestyle, Hamlet at Chagrin Falls offers a desirable location, flexible living options and newly upgraded residences. Every day at this close-knit community presents a vibrant array of experiences and activities to help are seniors enjoy all of life’s seasons.
First established in Chagrin Falls in the 1960s, Hamlet’s leaders were intentional about creating a welcoming senior living community set on 47 wooded acres that would serve area seniors for generations to come. Their goal was achieved, and Hamlet has continued to evolve in its options for local seniors – first completing a $2 million revitalization plan and most recently, opening a new memory care neighborhood.
Hamlet’s expansive campus is the setting for both freestanding villas and spacious apartment homes. Through recent renovations, many of the community’s flexible floor plans now feature upgraded finishes and refreshed spaces. Residents appreciate the community’s simplified lifestyle
with no need to worry about meal preparation, property taxes, or snow and trash removal
Hamlet’s close connection to the surrounding community is truly one of a kind – residents are easily able to enjoy all of the unique opportunities and cultural experiences provided in the beautiful village of Chagrin Falls. However, residents also remain happily occupied within Hamlet’s picturesque campus embracing as many opportunities as possible – from yoga classes and gardening to entertainment events and happy hours hosted in The Atrium and Clubhouse.
As a not-for-profit, full-service rental senior community, Hamlet provides greater flexibility and freedom while relieving residents of the extensive chores and additional costs of home ownership – which means more time and energy to spend enjoying new friendships and the incredible valley views.
We invite you to visit Hamlet and experience our beautiful independent living apartment renovations firsthand.
The Rocky River Historical Society hosted its Fall Dinner at the Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Marina on November 6, 2024. More than 60 people attended the dinner to celebrate Rocky River and embrace the Historical Society’s motto: “Our present becomes the past that shapes the future.”
“We chose the Cleveland Metroparks Emerald Marina as the location for the Fall Dinner because of the key role that the Rocky River basin served in the development of the City of Rocky River,” said Historical Society President Virginia Going. “Commercial fi shing, shipbuilding and transportation were key to growth. During World War I, submarine chaser boats were built on the banks of the Rocky River, near the current location of the Emerald Marina,” added Going. “Leisure boating and sailing have also been important to our community. We enjoyed eating dinner on the bank of the Rocky River, because it is so critical to our community’s past, present and future.”
The Fall Dinner featured the “Historical Faces and Places of Rocky River”, a talk and video by John K. Heff ner, founder of History and Relics LLC (www.historyandrelics. com). Heffner is a collector of vintage sports, military and music memorabilia. He researches the history of unusual items and places.
At the recent dinner, Heffner shared information about interesting and famous Rocky River figures from the recent and not-so-recent times. The Westlake Hotel, built in 1925, became the stopover for early aviators, including Amelia
Earhart and Charles Lindbergh. James Van Dorn, owner of the Van Dorn Iron Works, grew his company and it became the world’s leading manufacturer of jail cells. Sammy Kaye lived in Rocky River before gaining fame as a big band leader and songwriter. Heff ner off ered interesting details about the careers of rock musician Michael Stanley, Yankee-owner George Steinbrenner, and comic book author Brian K. Vaughn. Notable actors, including Pat McCormick (Smokey and the Bandit movies), Michael Louis Chernus (Orange is the New Black) and Nina Blackwood, (an original MTV video jockey) were featured by Heff ner. A video link to “Historical Faces and Places of Rocky River” can be found on the Rocky River Historical Society website, www.rockyriverhistoricalsociety.org
The Rocky River Historical Society holds the annual Fall Dinner and other events during the year to raise funds and awareness about the history of the settlement of Rocky River by European settlers. Europeans reached the Rocky River basin in 1805, more than 200 years ago. The Rocky River Historical Society collection includes thousands of records, maps, photographs. These are available, by appointment at the Rocky River Historical Society Museum, 1101 Morewood Parkway, Rocky River, Ohio. The Historical Society is actively working to convert records and photographs to digital format and to make the digital records available to the public. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS SUBMITTED BY ROCKY RIVER HISTORICAL SOCIETY
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Saturday, January 11, 3pm to 7pm RSVP at WildscapesGallery.com 516 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls, 44022
By BETTY WEIBEL
Lewis and Clark set out to discover a route across America to the Pacific Ocean when they traveled the Columbia River, but I was searching for a relaxing vacation cruise to visit lands I had never seen. During my journey on American Cruise Lines’small ship, American Song, along the Columbia and Snake Rivers from Portland, Oregon to Clarkston, Washington, I discovered you don’t have to leave the United States to experience an exceptional journey. American Cruise Lines offers a unique Lewis and Clark-themed cruise that covers some of the same territory the explorers traveled.
Long before the Lewis and Clark Expedition left St. Louis, Thomas Jefferson envisioned a nation stretching from ocean to ocean. He wanted to locate “the most practicable water communication across this continent for the purposes of commerce.” In 1803, Jefferson instructed Captain Merriwether Lewis to find that route. Lewis quickly enlisted the help of his friend, William Clark, and together they recruited the “Corps of Volunteers for the Northwest Discovery.”
The spirit of adventure thrives on this cruise, largely due to the expertise of guest speaker and author Robert Heacock. He accompanied the cruise and presented numerous talks and port previews while being available for questions during the excursions.
“I’ve been doing this themed cruise for eight years and the interest never slows. We love our heroes, and people love learning while they are cruising,” Robert told me while on a visit to the Cape Disappointment State Park. His talks offered light learning with a fascinating look into history.
Cruise itinerary by Mother Nature
There are just some places that are better seen from the water, and I was pleased that in addition to history, the excursions showcased the natural beauty of the Pacific Northwest. We hiked up one of the country’s tallest year-round waterfalls, Multnomah Falls. We took an awe-inspiring drive to see Mount St. Helen’s National Volcanic Monument and saw the stunning Hells Canyon gorges by jet boat. And during the Bonneville Dam experience we visited a salmon fishery and met “Herman” the 90-year -old sturgeon.
During that week-long cruise we also enjoyed the local culture during a tasting visit to Washington state wineries and Chukar Cherries, a local institution. We also toured a Maritime Museum in Astoria where we saw why the Columbia is the Graveyard of the Pacific for shipwrecks where it meets the
The Musical Theater Project is set to present dinner and cabaret at the Cleveland Skating Club (2500 Kemper Rd.) on Sunday, Dec. 15, Monday, Dec. 16 and Tuesday, Dec. 16. Classic holiday favorites such as “White Christmas,” “Sleighride,” “Have Yourself a Merry Little Christmas,” and more with Natalie Green and Joe Monaghan. Tickets, including dinner (choice of chicken, beef or vegetarian entree) can be purchased at MusicalTheaterProject. org or call 216.860.1518, ext. 701. Cocktails, 6 p.m. Dinner at 7 p.m. at Show at 8 p.m. each evening.
Pacific Ocean, and saw examples of Native American culture at the Sacajawea State Park and Interpretive Center.
It’s surprising that everyone in our party left the cruise feeling rested considering how much we did, but there was a balance with leisure activities. Having traveled on several different cruise lines including Viking’s Danube River Cruise, these are a few factors that set American Cruise Lines apart:
The cabins are among the largest in the industry, all with verandas.
With a maximum of 180 guests on the small ships,we never saw a crowd or line.
The no tipping policy was a nice surprise and very different from other cruise lines.
The chef met with travelers personally to hear their dietary restrictions and catered to their needs.
Dining at two venues allows guests choice of time and seating, and a casual vibe without pressure for formal dress or keeping a strict schedule.
Unique evening entertainment included local musicians and a Nez Perse cultural presentation.
A new American Cruise Lines phone app allowed us to stay up to date on last-minute trip details guest itineraries
American Cruise Lines is 100 percent
U.S.-built and offers all-domestic cruises to U.S. ports of call where there is little or no other cruise ship traffic.
If you haven’t discovered American
Tulsa continued from Page B16
around the corner from a big, bright Kehinde Wiley, one of my favorite contemporary painters. But we delighted in ambling along Crystal Bridges’ Art Trail on a balmy October afternoon, discovering Dale Chihuly installations as well as Yayoi Kusama’s mesmerizing floating Narcissus Garden. Clevelanders may remember Kusama’s blockbuster 2018 “Infinity” exhibit at the Cleveland Museum of Art.
Sadly, the Gilcrease Museum was temporarily closed for renovations but we visited Tulsa’s impressive Sherwin Miller Museum of Jewish Art. It contains art and objects depicting the 5,000-year history of the Jewish people, from the pre-Canaanite era through the settling of Jewish communities in Tulsa and throughout the Southwest.
The highlight for me, though, was visiting Tulsa’s new Bob Dylan Center next door to the Woody Guthrie Center. (Although Dylan’s from Minnesota he likes “Tulsa’s Midwestern vibe” and being next to his idol appealed.) I learned on a prior trip about the “Tulsa Sound” created at Church Studio owned by Leon Russell, where greats such as J.J. Cale, Elvin Bishop and Gus Hardin played a mix of blues, rock, country and swamp pop sounds in the late 1950s and early 1960s. Although I’d visited the Woody Guthrie Center before, the Dylan Center just opened in 2022. Dylan was my middle-school musical hero as I tried to distinguish my tastes from my older brother’s heavy metal artists. As the Vietnam War raged and protest songs such as Dylan’s classic “Blowin‘ in the Wind” enjoyed a revival, I found myself tuning into more folk musicians and balladeers. In 1961, Dylan moved to New York because Woody Guthrie was living there. Dylan tracked him down and became somewhat of a personal assistant in Guthrie’s declining years. I also learned why Dylan wasn’t at Woodstock and many other aspects of his life, including his ubiquitous typewriter. The Center’s exhibits and
Pawhuska’s Courthouse is still in use and retains vintage signs fining spitters.
Tulsa’s recently-opened Bob Dylan Center is next to the Woody Guthrie Museum partly because Dylan idolized Guthrie.
timeline provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of this legend and his legacy. I recommend allowing at least two hours. We also enjoyed several standout meals,
including at Isla’s Kitchen around the corner from the Dylan Center. Isla’s menu highlights Southern cuisine including red beans and rice, gumbo, shrimp and grits, fried green tomatoes and creative cocktails. Our culinary regrets involved running out of time to dine at Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ, but no worries: There’s an Oklahoma Joe’s in Kansas City. We’ll be in KC soon for the first-ever Hallmark Christmas Experience.
So if someone asks, “Why Tulsa?” just tell them its treasures are way beyond OK and they’ll need at least a long weekend.
See www.visittulsa.com for more information and trip planning. older brother’s heavy metal artists. As the Vietnam War raged and protest songs such as Dylan’s classic “Blowin‘ in the Wind” enjoyed a revival, I found myself tuning into more folk musicians and balladeers. In 1961, Dylan moved to New York because Woody Guthrie was living there. Dylan tracked him down and became somewhat of a personal assistant in Guthrie’s declining years. I also learned why Dylan wasn’t at Woodstock and many other aspects of his life, including his ubiquitous typewriter. The Center’s exhibits and timeline provide visitors with a comprehensive understanding of this legend and his legacy. I recommend allowing at least two hours.
We also enjoyed several standout meals, including at Isla’s Kitchen around the corner from the Dylan Center. Isla’s menu highlights Southern cuisine including red beans and rice, gumbo, shrimp and grits, fried green
The Dylan Center’s comprehensive timeline shows Dylan’s love affair with his typewriter. He even took it to London’s Savoy Hotel in case inspiration blossomed.
tomatoes and creative cocktails. Our culinary regrets involved running out of time to dine at Oklahoma Joe’s BBQ, but no worries: There’s an Oklahoma Joe’s in Kansas City. We’ll be in KC soon for the first-ever Hallmark Christmas Experience.
So if someone asks, “Why Tulsa?” just tell them its treasures are way beyond OK and they’ll need at least a long weekend. See www.visittulsa.com for more information and trip planning.
The 33rd Annual Epilepsy Association Gala was held at the Metropolitan at the 9 this November during Epilepsy Awareness Month.
More than 200 guests enjoyed cocktails and dinner, entertainment by Hayden Grove and musicians, a silent auction of elegant furs, handmade jewelry, fan experiences and getaways.
The Legacy Award, presented to a medical professional who has shown outstanding support in the field of epilepsy, was given to Dr. Jun Park, a child neurologist and epilepsy specialist at University Hospitals. Keionna Brown, a pediatric nurse practitioner at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital, received the 2024 Caregiver Award. This year’s Youth Humanitarian honoree was Jillian Mae George.
The $140,000 raised at the gala will help support the Kids and Families program, which assists families coping with a child’s epilepsy diagnosis. The program was launched in 2013 to serve an unmet need in the community and the more than 70,000 children who suffer from seizure disorders in Northeast Ohio. The mission of the Epilepsy Association is to raise awareness, provide education, advocacy and direct services that lead to an increased understanding of the disorder and better management of the condition.
Gala co-chairs for the event were Joe and Deanna Murlin. Lindsay Buckingham served as emcee for the night’s festivities.
