BENEFIT BEAT

Saturday, Sept. 23…Discovery Ball Cleveland, to benefit American Cancer Society’s Joseph S. and Jeannette M. Silber Hope Lodge in Cleveland, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. More details at clediscoveryball.org.

Saturday, Sept. 23…Play the Night Away Gala, to benefit Children’s Museum of Cleveland’s Wonder Fund, 7 to 11 p.m. at the Children’s Museum. Adult-only play date after-hours Museum experience to showcase your favorite destination for play in a whole new light. Dance apartment. Yet, they get to see each other every day. There is also fluidity between the categories. Returning home from the hospital, a senior might need assisted living, but as they heal, they might return to independent living.

Trends currently mentioned in national industry media refer to in-unit amenities, including private spaces in which to cook and entertain. Additionally, just like any other updated home, continued tech integration is a thing, as many seniors not only continue to work but are reliant on social media and technology like Facetime and Zoom to keep them connected to their families and distant friends.

Nadine Hoffman, Director of Sales and Marketing of Hamlet in Chagrin Falls indicates area residents have more options than ever as new senior living communities of all types have entered the Northeast Ohio market. The and mingle, explore strolling dinner stations, and cheers at the open bar. Proceeds benefit the Wonder Fund, supporting programs that make the Museum experience accessible to all families in our community. For more information, visit CMCleveland.org/gala.

Saturday, Sept. 23…Evolution Gala, to benefit Ohio Guidestone, 6 to 11 p.m. at Cleveland Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland 44144. Event to join the region’s most influential individuals and leaders from the corporate and philanthropic communities for a roaring good time. Honorees include Paul Hanna of Blue Technologies, Kristin Warzocha of the Greater Cleveland Foodbank, Betsy Kling of WKYC TV. with Monica Robins & The Whiskey Kings as entertainment. Sponsorship opportunities or registration to molly. martens@ohioguidestone.org.

Bringing Independent Living to Life.

At Judson, independent living is all about enjoying the comforts of home in a vibrant, maintenance-free retirement community. Residents take advantage of diverse, enriching programs that cultivate new friendships, maintain wellness, fuel creativity and ignite new interests. Seniors define their own way of living and find the inspiration that makes them come alive with the peace of mind that our staff is available 24 hours a day should help be needed.

reasons are a blend of the general population aging, and also the wide variety of activities and amenities available to seniors. “Isolation isn’t healthy for anybody,” Hoffman states. “Our activities keep residents going and give them something to look forward to every day.”

Hoffman describes a typical day at Hamlet which includes, on average, 18 activities from 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m.

“We arrange trips to the art museum or have a speaker come in. We go to Chagrin Falls so people can shop.

There’s exercise every day, happy hour at 3 p.m., brain games at 6 p.m., and some form of music daily.” Hamlet offers a mix of services. Those in independent living have full kitchens and spacious apartments. Those in assisted living have a more modest kitchen, but meals are available all day. Anyone can go to the fine dining restaurant on campus or even have the meal delivered.

Saturday, Sept. 23…Pickle Fest, to benefit Greater Cleveland Volunteers, at Mall B in Cleveland. The festival will feature many different pickle vendors and other food vendors, a variety of beer (including pickle beer), pickle eating contests for youth and adults, live music, and a VIP tent. Tickets are $5 each for general admission and $30 each for VIP. Children age 12 and under are free. Cleveland Pickle Fest(R) raises funds for Greater Cleveland Volunteers programs and services. For details and to purchase tickets: https://clevelandpicklefest.com/

Friday, Oct. 6… Uncork a Cure, to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6 p.m. VIP, 7 p.m. main event at the 78th Street Studios, 1300 W. 78th St. Enjoy an evening of fine wines, fabulous food, auctions and entertainment. Tickets are $90 general admission or $150 VIP. Visit events.cff.org/uncorkacurecleveland or

“People come to us for a variety of reasons but usually the move is preceded by an event, such as a fall,” says George Ohman, co-president of Ohman Family Living. “Some come to us for rehab or longer term stay, but whatever the reason, the individual can’t care for themselves.” Ohman, in collaboration with the Cleveland Clinic is working on how healthcare is delivered on site and in freestanding homes. They are especially interested in those with Parkinson’s and other illnesses can access technology directly from the neuro labs for assessment, treatment and potential cures.

“Our unique program is derived from our mission statement,” Ohman adds. “We are called to serve, and how we can best serve is to position ourselves uniquely with doctors and other collaborators on how senior living is done. How healthcare is delivered and not in the ageold model. We work to find ways that meet the needs of each individual.”

Dianna Huckestein, VP of Sales and Marketing for Judson Senior Living is on top of all these trends and then some. “We want people to feel that living here allows them to be their best self,” she says. “We want our residents to maintain their independence and build it into their everyday life. So many people fear assisted living because it makes them feel like they can’t make it on their own and that it looks like nursing and long-term care. But those are different levels of assistance. If someone is struggling at home, even with the help of family, friends, and neighbors, it’s not a stigma. We will come up with the best plan to support that person.”

“Building a network for the little things – medications, doctor visits, grocery shopping can feel overwhelming, and people may feel like they’re failing,” Huckestein adds. “We can support and reframe all that and take the worry away. Life in retirement – you need your people around you. It’s about vitality, wellness, and prevention. At Judson, it’s also about culture and engaging the heart and mind, and our residents have a team of people to figure out the next steps. Senior living is so much more beautiful and vibrant than the old “nursing homes” of the past. We offer everything seniors would want in their own home and have a family of people to support them through the aging process.”

*https://blog.nic.org/emerging-trends-in-senior-housing call 216.901.2873.

Saturday, Oct. 14, Creations Boutique, to benefit selected Cleveland nonprofit organizations, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Family Life Center; 16349 Chillicothe Road; Bainbridge, Ohio. Shop for handcrafted seasonal gifts and decor, gourmet goodies and hostess gifts, jewelry, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories and artwork. Boutique raffle items and more, showcasing Guild artisans. Vintage Treasures a new addition to this large craft fair.

Thursday, Oct. 26…Round Up for Grace House, to benefit Grace House Akron, 5:30 p.m. at The TangierFairlawn. Put on your cowboy hat and Save the Date for this annual gathering. All proceeds from the event will go toward supporting our residents, allowing them to die a dignified death without financial barriers.

Dual Exhibitions Unveiled at Valley Art Center in Chagrin Falls

Visit the Valley Art Center for THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW, running through August 23 in The Bowen Gallery. This is an exhibition created to display local artists’ sizeable talent (and equally substantially sized art) in Northeast Ohio. The show features an impressive lineup of artists, including Leigh Brooklyn, Bonnie McCormick, Raymond Bugelski, Alex Jasko, Don Lisy,Violet Maimbourg, Diana Rice, Sam Roth, John A. Sargent III, and Will Wilson.

THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW presents an eclectic collection of contemporary artworks, spanning various styles and mediums. Visitors will be captivated by an array of Realist and Abstract Expressionist oil paintings, a visually striking wall of large assemblages, a hanging sculpture constructed from a deconstructed sketchbook, and an awe-inspiring world premiere of the largest canvas painting by Will Wilson. This monumental artwork required special preparations, as it was meticulously stretched within the expansive walls of the Bowen Gallery to accommodate its grand size.

THE BIG @SS @RT SHOW also marks the first of four openings across Northeast Ohio galleries that are working together to create an exhibition so BIG, it takes up four venues. As visitors embark on a journey of artistic exploration at Valley Art Center, they can look forward to subsequent exhibitions hosted by Artists Archives of the Western Reserve (opened July 13), The Gallery at Lakeland Community College (opening July 23), and BAYarts (opening July 28). This collaborative effort promises a summer full of BIG @SS @RT, showcasing the immense artistic prowess within our community.

In conjunction with THEBIG @SS @RT SHOW, we are thrilled to showcase the breathtaking abstract artworks by Jordi Rowe in her solo exhibition in the newly expanded Patron Gallery, “Light Doesn’t Hear if You Ask it to Wait.” This exhibition unveils never-before-seen creations that invite viewers to immerse themselves in a world of abstract beauty. Rowe’s artistry transcends traditional boundaries as she explores the interplay of light, color, and form, creating spaces where the human element becomes insignificant and approaches the sublime. She is the recipient of the Women’s Art Club of Cleveland Scholarship and the CIA Gund Family Scholarship. Contact the Valley Art Center at 440.247.7507 or valleyartcenter.org for more information. VAC is located at 155 Bell Street in Chagrin Falls. While there, treat yourself or a loved one by signing up for an art class or workshop, and be sure to explore the newly re-imagined Valley Art/Shop.

Valley Art Center is member supported and receives additional support through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture, the Ohio Arts Council, and several other organizations and individuals. Exhibitions are sponsored by Premier Bank and TKM Print Solutions, Inc. For more information and directions, please visit thebigassartshow.com