Better Living After 504 Sept/OctINSIDE DEPARTMENTS 26 ON THE COVER 20 RV Retirement 24 A Man & a Buzzard David Helton 32 LawsonPeterJones’NextAct
Photo Kim Stahnke
COMMUNITY38FOCUS: Aurora NOTINGWORTH8 Kindness Spiders TECH11TALK Advice Beginnersfor GRANDPARENTNEO13 After-School Help FOOD30 TailgateTidbits Pro Football Hall of Fame President Jim Porter Heroes & Their Stories
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If you were mostly in your own bed, that’s a good year. If you found yourself sleeping somewhere odd, then you’ve got a story.
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AROUNDMarie
Boats, Wigwams & the Relax Inn
Consider my experience at Wigwam Village II near Mammoth Cave, Kentucky, where my husband and I slept in a stucco wigwam. The kitschy attraction has drawn travelers since 1937 to its 15-wigwam encampment along what was once a main route to Florida. I liked our wigwam’s vintage (old) furniture and quaint (tiny) bathroom; my husband wasn’t as enthusiastic, but to be fair, he had to duck to get through the door.
ELIUMMARIEPHOTO:
I almost forgot the haunted hardware store and morgue, although I did not see an actual ghost. The Morguen Toole Company in Meyersdale, Pennsylvania, built in the 1800s, is now a rambling hotel catering to cyclists on The Great Allegheny Passage trail. My friends and I stayed there for a trail ride. I slept like theJustdead.the other weekend, we spent two nights on a boat in the Sandusky marina. As boats go, it’s a big one. Better yet, friends own it. I’d never slept on a boat before and I was surprised at how comfortable it was. It reminded me of camping, minus the dirt.
Elium marie@northeastohioboomer.com
Lilia lilia@northeastohioboomer.comLipps
EDITOR´S NOTE
Chris Geer, michelle@northeastohiosherriek@northeastohioSherriejanyse@northeastohiochris@northeastohio330-614-8471boomer.comJanyseHeidy,330-671-3886boomer.comKantarovich,216-299-5455boomer.comSamanthaOlp,330-636-6127sam@northeastohioboomer.comYvonnePelino,440-971-0595yvonne@northeastohioboomer.comMichelleVacha,440-463-0146boomer.com
remember the last time I slept through the night, but I do remember the places I didn’t sleep thisMyyear.bed-hopping is the result of realizedit,Iscare.afromtown,weekendsrambling:post-pandemicpent-up,longoutofinvitationsfriendsandfamilyhealthThemorethoughtaboutthemoreIthatit’sa
Kathleen Mitchell, kathleen@northeastohio440-533-1208boomer.com
MY YEAR OF SLEEPING
The rooms were unexpectedly spacious.“You could live in this room,” I told my husband, who’s more of a Holiday Inn Express-type. “That’s because people are living in these rooms,” he said. We were the only people who pulled out the next morning. The rest were traveling workers with
Better Living After 506
families. I’d stay there again.
COPY EDITOR/DIGITAL/ ASSISTANT EDITOR - Estelle Rodis-Brown estelle@northeastohioboomer.com
VOL. 8 ISSUE 5
Our theme for this issue is Seasons: What’s Yours? I’m in a Sleeping Around season, but we highlight others for you, like the couple who spends part of the year in an RV, a politician-turned-actor and the guy who wants us to like the Pro Football Hall of Fame as much as he does.
Wherever you make your bed tonight, I hope it’s comfortable. And if it’s not, I hope it’s a story. Sleep tight.
Sept/Oct 2022
Jennifer Beach, Margaret Briller, Estelle RodisBrown, Linda Feagler, Kathryn Kilpatrick, Mike Olszewski, Tak Sato, John Selick, Karen Shadrach, Michael Ungar
CONTRIBUTORS
Ican’t
EDITORIAL SUGGESTIONS editor@northeastohioboomer.com
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COMFORTABLE-ISH
good way to assess a year.
EDITOR - Marie Elium marie@northeastohioboomer.com
Northeast Ohio Boomer is a property of Mitchell Media LLC PO Box 1088 Hudson, OH 44236 /NEOhioNortheastOhioBoomer.com330-822-4011Boomer/NEOhioBoomer
PUBLISHER - Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioboomer.com330-714-7712
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ART DIRECTOR- Laura Chadwick laura@northeastohioboomer.com
Then there was the Relax Inn in Bloomsburg, Pennsylvania. I wanted a cheap place to stay on our way to Rhode Island, and the Relax Inn hit my price point. I knew I had made a good choice when I saw the twostory candle in front. It looked like a friendly place; kids skateboarded in the parking lot and people sat on lawn chairs next to their cars.
Our friends plan to buy a bigger boat to do The Loop, a year-round trek from the Great Lakes, down the Mississippi River, through the Gulf of Mexico, up the Intracoastal Waterway, and through the St. Lawrence Seaway on home. Couples apparently do that and remain married.
And then there’s a recent night at my dad’s house, where I stayed as a precaution after he had spent a few days in the hospital. I slept fitfully with the bedroom door open, listening for I’m not sure what. It was a bittersweet role reversal, considering the nights Dad probably did the same for me and my siblings as teens. I felt at home.
Coming in the November/December Issue beginning November 15
President Communication Connection LLC
President
Eldercare Professionals of Ohio
Director of External Relations Danbury Senior Living
Mindi Axner
Dr. Steve Marsh, DDS
Kelsey Loushin
Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center
Director of Community Outreach Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging
Director of Marketing & Communications
Stephanie Manning
Nancy Udelson
Candyce Traci Vice President
Cleveland Clinic Director Center for Geriatric Medicine
Kathryn Kilpatrick
YOUR LIFE, YOUR LEGACY
Fatima Perkins
• Chart Your Path• A Give-More Guide • Special Section: Medicare (Part 2)
Retired CEO, Alzheimer's Association Cleveland Area Chapter.
The American Heart Association, Cleveland
Sharon Dundee
Steven Marsh
Leslie Royce Resnik President Royce Public Relations
Dr. Ardeshir Z. Hashmi
BOOMER ADVISORYEDITORIALBOARD
All Media Design Group
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Owner KAZ Company
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Director of Public Relations and Marketing Menorah Park
Executive Director National Council of Jewish Women/Cleveland
aul Johanni is a spider kind of guy in the best possible way. The Westlake resident makes and gives away (2,500 so far) Kindness Spiders, his ambassadors for kindness.Colorful, inventive and cheery, he makes the spiders with easy-to-shape eyes, legs and
Better Living After 508
WORTH NOTING
WebmasterWestlake
KIND (NOT CREEPY) SPIDERS
Compiled by Marie Elium
P
antennae so their adoptive parents can create a personality for each one.
Johanni, an artist and retired teacher, gives his spiders to people to thank them for their kindness. The spiders’ only requirement is a steady diet of smiles. You can see more on YouTube; search for Random Acts of Kindness - Paul Johanni.
GRANTING WISHES FOR OLDER ADULTS
Residents 65 and older, or their families, can ask a participating agency to submit a grant on their behalf for items that they can’t afford or get through other resources.Tomake a monetary donation, or to learn more about The HANDS Foundation, go to hands-foundation.org.
Ohioans with a household income 175 percent below the federal poverty
W
Ralphie Returns
The movie stars a few original cast members, including Peter Billingsley as Ralphie (who almost did shoot his eye out with his Red Ryder BB gun), according to imdb.com. The latest sequel to the 1983 movie debuts on HBO Max on Nov. 17. That’s the word out from the entertainment industry website Deadline.com.
You can see the original “A Christmas Story” house and museum at 3159 W. 11th St. in Cleveland. Get tickets and details at achristmasstoryhouse.com.
WINTERUTILITYHELP
FOR “A CHRISTMAS STORY” SEQUEL
9September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
its start in 1995, The HANDS Foundation in Brunswick has been providing small grants to county residents to pay for shoes, car repairs, craft supplies, wheelchair batteries and other items to improve the lives of Medina County’s older adults.
shut-offs. HEAP clients also are notified about other places to get assistance through local agencies. Learn more by going to development.ohio.gov and looking for the Energy Assistance tab, or call 800-282-0880.
Helping HANDS
Afilm
as-ToastWarm-
ENTERTAINMENTTURNEROFCOURTESYPHOTORALPHIE
One application covers assistance for utilities, home winterization and threatened emergency utility
orried about paying your heating bills this winter? You may qualify for help through the federally funded HEAP, the Home Energy Assistance Program.
level will qualify for HEAP assistance. If you live alone, your annual income has to be under $23,782.50. For two people it’s $32,042.50.
rooted in Cleveland (and partially filmed here) gets a reboot this fall with “A Christmas Story Christmas.”
Since
You
Beep, beep. That’s us tooting our own horn, but in the most humble and grateful way possible.Northeast Ohio Boomer magazine earned first place for General Excellence and six other first-place awards for editorial content and design at the North American Mature Publishers Association (NAMPA) annual convention Sept. 12 in Las Vegas,BoomerNevada.competed among magazines with circulations of 25,001 to 50,000. Our Caregiver Corner columnist Jennifer Beach was recognized in the “Senior Issues” category for her “broad understanding of issues families face as a senior member ages.”
A story by editor Marie Elium about the Cavs Wine & Goldies dance team took first place for “Feature Writing.” Our Worth Noting section also earned the top award for writing. Boomer took first place for Overall Design and the Table of Contents design by art director Laura Chadwick. An autumn watercolor by local artist Virginia Phillips and designed by Chadwick resulted in first place for “Front CoverWhile(Illustration).”awardsarenice, our main job is to provide content that celebrates Better Living After 50. Thanks for your great ideas, constructive criticism and continued support.
FOR HEARING AIDS
Happy & Humbled SNAGS AWARDS
Your best bet, according to CHSC? Get a professional hearing test before buying a hearing aid to get a proper diagnosis and to identify medical conditions that may be causing the hearing loss.
BOOMER
NATIONAL
Hearing Aid
27 omer’s editor, job th thought that these are someone’s grandparents who found their way onto an NBA court. Many of them CourtHomeLikeNoThere’sPlace 26 For the Cavs Wine and Goldies Dancers, F ew things top the spectacle of an NBA game, especially when it’s the white-hot Cleveland Cavaliers playing at home on New Year’s Eve. festive place with festive crowd on festive night. On and off the Waiting just off courtside are arguably the Cavalier’s most popular entertainers: the Wine and Goldies dance team, a group of high-energy dancers, The team of 20 dancers matching black jogging suits and sneakers set small passageway few dozen feet from where the Cavs and Atlanta Hawks are trading shots on the court. signal: it’s go time. There’s no other way to say it: the crowd goes wild. too. They’re giving fans just what member (and one of the dancers on this magazine cover). “I have always wanted to be Cavs dancer. just love to dance and love the Cavaliers.” “I think there’s segment of society who thinks, “I can’t believe old people are dancing,” but possibly may inspire older people to dance.” By Marie Elium part — then segues into an energetic, The Wine and Goldies stomp, among the organization’s nine entertainment groups that range from the 216Stix rhythm and Entertainment, was given team, similar to others around the NBA. She reached out to local senior performed for the 2018-2019 season, and again the following year. Like most of us, they were on hold because of the pandemic in 2020loves them,” Gibbons says. have extensive dance backgrounds, but that’s certainly not true for Third-year team member Steven Pastor, 71, took dance and tap lessons at the Rocky River Senior resident longtime member of the experience in community theater. “I’m somewhat of an exhibitionist, Once the music starts, you close out everything and you’re just concentrating on the steps.” “I wasn’t sure what the reaction administration,” he says. “The audience doesn’t expect us to do these hip hop moves. They’re Cavaliers organization for making the experience fun while still setting expectations high. They like being on the team, representing not only the can have fun. As long as you live you never have to stop.”
Better Living After 5010 WORTH NOTING
probably know by now that the sale of over-the-counter (OTC) hearing aids received final FDA approval. That will mean cheaper options for people over age 18 with lowto-moderate hearing loss. The devices aren’t for those with moderate-to-severe hearingClevelandloss.Hearing & Speech Center (CHSC) says to think of OTC hearing aids the way we use reading glasses rather than prescription lenses.
Older adults adjusted to the 20th Century’s inventions and innovations but were left in the dark when those innovations involved technology.
year ago, I wrote a Tech Talk column titled “Top 10 Technology Myths” and I figured it would be fun to make it an annual Tech Talk tradition. Yes, I miss David Letterman’s lists.
#5 Avoid Visual Clutter
#3 Think Like an Egyptian Smartphones have small screens. A tablet, on average, has twice the screen real estate of a typical smartphone. Yet both use icons and symbols that are confusing to decipher. Think like an Egyptian living 5,000 years ago, reading hieroglyphics. Make it a game to guess what the icon, if pressed, will do. I tell our students that, unless they throw the smartphone or tablet at me out of frustration, there’s almost nothing they can do to it that I can’t fix.
#2 Tame Notifications
When I mention this in class, I usually hear a collective groan, especially from students who use their mobile phone only to make calls.
TOP 5 TIPS
A
#1 Lock Your Device
#4 Embrace the Cloud
When I explain the amount of personal information that can be on their device, most understand the benefits of electronically locking it. Depending on the make/model of your smartphone, features such as facial or thumbprint recognition can make it simpler for only you to unlock it.
For example, when older adults see screens full of app icons, they tend to freeze. To minimize the chance of this happening, temporarily hide factory-installed app icons except for the “Dialer” (the app for phone calls), “Messages” (the app for texting; or “Message” for r iPhone users), and “Settings” (the app to customize your device). Only bring out another icon, one at a time, when you are comfortable with your current apps. This baby-step approach will boost your confidence with your tablet or phone.
So it's no big deal when you buy a new smartphone; just use your password credentials to sync (connect) the new smartphone to your cloud services to download your contacts, photos, videos, etc.
By Tak Sato
toNewTech?
For many newcomers, the initial setup using default responses may be enticing, even though it may be tipped to benefit the device manufacturer rather than you. I’ll tackle managing privacy in a future column.Ifhiding unused app icons is helpful, then taming the notification icons that crowd the small screen is low-hanging fruit. Go into your smartphone’s “Settings” app, scroll to find the “Notifications” category, and turn off the notification popups that you do not want to receive.
Tak Sato is a founder of the Cleveland-area nonprofit Center for Aging in the Digital World (empowerseniors. org) which teaches digital literacy to people 60+ through the free Discover Digital Literacy program.
TECH TALK
Before smartphones became popular, we were at the mercy of the cell phone service provider to transfer our contacts from our old flip phone to the newNowone.the always-connected-to-theinternet smartphones store things in “the cloud,” including contacts (your address book). Data is stored securely, locked with Google Account (Android-based smartphone) or Apple ID (iPhone) credentials you supplied during the smartphone setup.
This year, let’s cover the top five tips I introduce to each class of older adults in our nonprofit’s “Discover Digital Literacy!” program.
11September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
In retrospect, I believe technologyrelated matters were not explained with the patience, empathy and everyday language required to make them understood. As a result, technology was misperceived as rocket science.
Michael Ungar owns At Home Senior Fitness serving Cleveland’s eastern suburbs. He also offers online coaching. He’s a Certified Personal Trainer, a Functional Aging Specialist and a rabbi. Contact him at athomeseniorfitness.net, 614-579-1336.
Better Living After 5012
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If you have foot issues (pain,
What kind of shoe is best to wear? It depends on what you’re doing. If you want to do strength training, a pair of cross-trainers is usually a good bet. These are not the same as running shoes, which are specifically designed for running, providing support in different ways than cross-trainers. Basketball shoes are different, as well. If you’re going to a spinning class (riding stationary bikes), there are specific shoes for that, too. It can get pricey.
e’ve all heard the saying, “Clothes make the man/ woman.” The way we dress can affect both how we see ourselves and how others see us. Though we should judge others by what is on the inside, first impressions are powerful.
I do not recommend getting your shoes from online retailers unless you are experienced and know the brand and model that you need. Also, be cautious at a shoe warehouse–unless, again, you know the exact brand or model you’re looking for. Even then, consider that you may not have the proper fit and those working in the store may not be well trained to help you.
Why does it matter? The right support and alignment are essential. The wrong footwear can throw off our knees, hips and back, leading to injuries.
What about the rest of your wardrobe? Clothes that constrict can be a problem. Materials that are stretchy and have some give to them will allow for a better range of motion. Jeans usually do not fit in this category, as they can be binding. Many people also prefer using athletic wear that has wicking properties; this means that it draws moisture away from the body and promotes cooling. Clothes should fit well so that hanging pieces will not get caught in equipment; for the same reason—plus the risk of theft—it is also a good idea to leave jewelry at home.
Finally, there is a feeling that comes with dressing the part; it imparts confidence inwardly and outwardly. Although it is not really about what others think, proper attire can keep you safe and make you feel good. Clothes do make the person in this respect. If you invest in the right kind of apparel, there is a better chance that you will exercise and feel good doing it.
plantar fasciitis, etc.), talk with your podiatrist to get his recommendation for shoes. If you do not generally have issues with your feet, your next step is to go to a good athletic footwear store, specifically a locally-owned or small chain store. The staff generally deal with one thing only: athletic footwear. If you explain to them the kind of workouts that you do and what issues you’re having, they can get the best shoe for you.
workout shoes.
FITNESS
Clothes Encounters AttireHead-to-Toe
Wearing the right attire is important for exercise, too. Let’s start with footwear. During my preparation to become a personal trainer, one of the units I studied was proper footwear in the gym.
At first I thought, “Duh. Everyone knows we need to wear ‘gym shoes’ in the gym.” Nevertheless, it’s not unusual to see older adults wearing street shoes—or even just socks—during a workout. I have had the conversation with clients more than once about wearing the proper
SOLE SAVERS
By Michael Ungar
U-Pick Apples & Fun Farm Activities. U-pick, maze and other activities. Weekends 10 a.m.-6 p.m. 50336 Telegraph Road. Amherst, hillcrestfunfarm.com. FREE-$12
9/17, 9/24, 10/1
Rodgers11/25-12/18&Hammerstein’s Cinderella. The classic 1957 version of this beautiful tale. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Ave., Willoughby, fineartsassociation.org
FUN WITH THE GRANDKIDS
13September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com EDUCATION & STEM EXPO presents: 2022
Fall Festival. U-pick apples, live music, farm animals, pony rides and more. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Bauman Orchards, 161 Rittman Avenue., Rittman, baumanorchards.com
Pumpkin Days at Nickajack Farms. Pumpkin bowling, paintball and a wagon ride to the pumpkin patch. 11 a.m.-7 p.m. 2955 Manchester Ave., Canal Fulton, nickajackfarms.com. FREE
World’s Largest Ghost Hunt. When the world comes together for one purpose. 3:307:30 p.m. and 9:30 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Canton Palace Theatre, 605 Market Ave. North, Canton, cantonpalacetheatre.org. $30-40
Fallfest:9/25
Harvest Festival at Hale Farm & Village. Experience the seasonal work of a 19thcentury farm. 10-5 p.m. 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, wrhs.org. FREE-$10
9/24 - EDUCATION & STEM EXPO
18th-Century Festival. Celebrate the pioneers of the Western Reserve at this fun, free, family-oriented event. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Brecksville Reservation, Meadows Picnic Area off Chippewa Creek Drive, Brecksville, clevelandmetroparks.com. FREE
Grand Northeast Ohio
Day-long celebration of education, science and technology. 10 a.m.-1 p.m. Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, northeastohioparent.com. FREE
THROUGH 10/30
10/1-2 & 10/8-9
THROUGH 10/31
Family Scarecrow Contest. Gather the family for this fun and exciting contest. Wildwood Cultural Center, 7645 Little Mountain Road, Mentor, cityofmentor.com FREE
FamilyFun Loop. Half-loop experience to learn about the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. 1:55 p.m. Peninsula Station, cvsr.org $20-40
Pumpkin9/24-10/23Pandemonium. Scavenger hunt, Harvest Maze, hayride and more. Heritage Farms, 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula, heritagefarms.com. FREE
The key is to offer a variety of flavors, tastes and textures — including fruits and vegetables — at snack times. This will increase a child’s familiarity with different foods and encourage healthy eating habits. Energy needs are even higher for children who are active or play sports. Feeding the appetite of
Karen Shadrach is a Northeast Ohio on-the-go, in-theknow grandmother of two sets of twins. Read her grandparenting blog northeastohioboomer.comat
Our grandchildren are screaming for a snack as soon as they come off the school bus. This is an ideal snack time because it’s far enough away from dinner. Most children need to pack not only their lunches, but also a snack or two these days for school or daycare. Finding or having ingredients to build a silly snack will bring a smile to their faces at snack time.
AttackSnack
To create a great snack, provide options, and then let them make their own. Here are a few to try:
FUNNY FACE ENGLISH MUFFINS
Enjoy making and eating these and other snacks with your grandchildren. They will love looking forward to and sharing a special treat with you after school, or when they come to visit.
Begin with a Highlightswhilefoundorwithlegsarms,carrotthenthethecrackergrahamforbodyofrobot,addstickceleryandafaceraisinsberries.Wethissnackreadingamagazine and the kids wanted to make one right away.
Think of healthful snacks as highenergy fuel. Kids are continuously learning and growing, and seem to have an endless supply of energy. Food is what fuels each and every one of us, so the quality of food is important.
PHOTO COURTESY OF KAREN SHADRACH
These butterflies are definitely not a boring snack. Blend shredded carrots and cream cheese in a processor. Spread on a cracker. Place a celery stick (small piece) on top of the cracker and fill the center with nut butter. Place two mini pretzels on either side and add raisins for eyes. These butterflies are a cute and healthy snack.
Grand NortheastOhio
K
ROBOTS
Snacks make up an important part of kids’ diets; think of them as a way to boost their intake of vitamins, minerals and nutrients, rather than simply a Youngertreat.children need to eat three meals and at least two snacks a day. Older kids need to eat three meals and at least one snack a day. Snacks make up approximately 28% of the total daily energy intake of a child and each snack session contributes 12% of total daily energy intake, according to nutritionists and studies from the National Institutes of Health.
SILLY APPLE BITES
your grandchildren can sometimes be challenging. Some days it seems they are constantly searching the cupboard for snacks to fill them up.
BUTTERFLY CRACKERS
With planning, you can quickly create a snack for the grandkids that’s both fun and nutritious.
By Karen Shadrach
Better Living After 5014
ids love snacks.
Spread a muffin half (or rice cake) with Nutella or peanut/almond butter. Provide raisins, blueberries, pieces of fruit or vegetables, nuts and seeds, small marshmallows and cereals, such as Cheerios. Whipped cream can be added as the last ingredient for hair or a smiley mouth. Not as cute, but a really quick snack, is to spread Nutella on a tortilla (large or small), then place a peeled banana on top and roll it up. The boys especially love these for a quick energy snack before a game.
Quarter a green apple and cut a wedge out of the center. Fill with nut butter and place seeds on top for the teeth. We used sunflower or pumpkin seeds. Add a strawberry slice for the tongue. Place one or two google eye candies on the top or, if no candies, you can use raisins. This is a snack with an attitude.
MINDFUL MUNCHING
FAST & FUN
WITH A GRANDPARENT’S TOUCH
By Margaret Briller
f you’re lucky enough to help with after-school care for your grandkids, you’re in an enviable position to make a difference in their world. Whether it’s every day or once a week, get ready for an intergenerational adventure with an academic twist. After-school time is prime homework time. And guess what? You’re on deck, grandma and grandpa.
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I
Anita Ruf-Young is director of the Office of Civic Engagement at Cleveland State University, which focuses on developing partnerships with local, regional and national public, nonprofit organizations. She’s also a mom of two, who relied on her parents for after-school care from preschool until her children entered middle school.
BUILDING TIES
Grand NortheastOhio
After-School Helper
It may have been years since you’ve opened a school book, but there are plenty of resources for backup, if you need it. Ruf-Young suggests getting a contact list from mom or dad for your grandkid’s school and a few phone numbers
of classmates’ parents for questions on schoolwork. Check backpacks to make sure grandkids have what they need for homework (or you may need to drive back to school before it closes). Create a workspace that’s free from Ruf-Youngdistractions.saystocheck with local libraries for after-school programming, help with homework, reading time, computers for student use and library assistance. For the past 24 years, her office has partnered with Cleveland Public Library to offer free after-school tutoring and homework help for kids
NOT JUST HOMEWORK
She also suggests that grandparents spend one weekday doing something special after the homework is done, such as a board game, cards, making a special snack or coloring. For example, grandparents can share their passion for smoothies or baking different kinds of cookies.
Kids learn by doing, so grandparents should start with teaching simple tasks, such as tying shoes for youngsters, and then progress to more involved chores for older kids, like cooking simple foods or housework. Ruf-Young believes it’s a reciprocal relationship to help Nanna with daily chores while teaching kids responsibility.
When it was time for a break or after homework was done, RufYoung’s parents would relax with the grandkids. “They would have playtime, take a walk, read, start a hobby or just talk. This lets them be a grandparent, not just a caregiver.”
“The bottom line is keeping a balance of responsibility and encouraging fun,” Ruf-Young says. “The gap that grandparents fill is immeasurable in after-school care. Working as a team with parents keeps grandparents thinking younger with benefits going both ways.”
in grades K-12 at select branches.
Through two programs, Viking Corps and America Reads, she recruits and hires Cleveland State students who are background-checked and ready to assist students with homework assignments. Tutors read with the students, play educational games and serve as role models. In addition to library branches, program tutors also are available at schools throughout Greater Cleveland. The Boys and Girls Clubs and the YMCA of Greater Cleveland also offer homework help after school.
Grand NortheastOhio
“The benefits of my parents watching my kids all those years still show today in the special relationship my kids share with them, the empathy my children have, and the traditions and hobbies they cherish,” says Ruf-Young. “It was a gift much bigger than just watching my kids after school.”
Better Living After 5018
Margaret Briller is a freelance writer in Northeast Ohio.
Better Living After 5020
Maybe, but you’d be in good company. RV (recreational vehicle) ownership in the U.S. has trended up 62% in the past 20 years with half of a record 11.2 million RV owners age 55 and over, according to the RV Industry Association. Nearly 1 million retirees have traded “bricks and sticks” traditional housing for full-time RV living. More than 9 million families plan to buy an RV in the next five years.
Happy Campers
With the ability to work-camp (or work remotely), many RVers settle into hybrid retirement, working only to pay for their RV lifestyle. Without the typical overhead costs of living (no homeowners insurance, HOA, maintenance/ repairs, mortgage) RVers feel free to explore, meet people, learn skills, simplify and be in the driver’s seat of their destiny.
You could downsize, move to a retirement community, settle into your rocking chair… or you could embark on adventures along the open road.
etirement can open up a world of new possibilities. Suddenly, the responsibilities of your past life have fallen away and now you’re contemplating wide open spaces of the unknown. What will be your next step?
R
SOUND CRAZY?
Jeff annd Karen Flory’s RV encampment.
Retiring the RV Way By Estelle Rodis-Brown • Photos Courtesy of Karen Flory
Among these on-the-road retirees are Karen Flory and her husband of 49 years, Jeff. A Kent State grad, Karen was a teacher before she and Jeff retired in 2020. After serving in the Navy, Jeff worked in manufacturing management and purchasing. Job transfers kept the Florys in constant motion.
“The first few weeks were splendid. Relatively quickly, we redefined who we were. We joined the ‘less is really more’ lifestyle,” Karen says.
FINDING THEIR WAY FORWARD
“Ohio has always been and will forever be my favorite place, particularly this northeast region and all its splendor,” Karen says. “Ohio is home. We love the beauty, the people, music, culture and nature. But, from a retirement perspective, winter in Ohio presents limits and challenges we’re not ready to abide by. Living salty during the winter is good for us. “
When RV camping, “there’s always a new experience waiting for us… new people, new places, new activities,”
“I think our retirement experience just fell into place and we had no idea what we were doing at first but we learned to embrace it. We had our ups and downs, we had to learn a lot, and we met so many people with so much experience in the RV way.”
— Karen Flory
AlthoughResort.they were RV rookies, the friendly Florys were offered positions as activities directors at the campground, and became at-work campers. “We didn’t know much about camping but we learned quickly,” Karen recalls. “As a longtime teacher and someone not too afraid to try something new, I was honored, and my husband quickly jumped on board.”
For the past two years, the couple has lived in their RV for half of the year but call Northeast Ohio home from April through September. In November, they‘ll hit the road again for warmer climes.
A few years into retirement now, the Florys have decidedly become snowbirds, wintering at an RV campground in Navarre, Florida.
she adds. “When you’re RVing, every day is a new opportunity. You don’t get caught up in housebound chores because you’re living simply. There’s not much to clean or care for, so you’re free to meet the people and opportunities right outside your door every day.”
Retirees Karen and Jeff Flory
“We could still be sitting in the same old chair in the same old corner, watching the same old shows. But once you retire, you’re supposed to live a new life; not drag out the old one.”
“We travel, not to get away, but to make sure the adventures of life don’t slip away from us,” Karen says.
Estelle Rodis-Brown is a freelance writer from Portage County who serves as Boomer’s digital and assistant editor. She is committed to lifelong learning, wellness and pursuit of better living at every age.
This wasn’t necessarily the plan. Retirement took the Florys by surprise.
21September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
“Life changed and we purchased an RV. Reluctant to believe we’d ever grow to enjoy it, we sold our home and most of our worldly possessions. Of course, family treasures remained nearby but — just like that, and to the amazement of our loved ones — we ventured out.”
EASING INTO THE RV LIFESTYLE
After selling the big family home and most of their stuff, the Florys have found freedom in streamlining. During Ohio’s warm weather months, they reside in a small condo on the edge of the Cuyahoga Valley National Park, enjoying a “cabin-in-the-woods lifestyle” and reconnecting with family.
“As untraditional and challenging as it seemed initially, the RV life has been very good to us,” Karen sums up. “Our lifestyle changed and so did we.”
The Florys were living in the Southwest when they retired. They lived in their RV full-time in Texas during the height of the pandemic. Then they became event planners at a campground in Ohio before heading down to Florida’s Navarre Beach Camping
A BETTER WAY By Jennifer Beach
OTHER CONSIDERATIONS INCLUDE: LOCATION – Be aware of your surroundings before starting a difficult conversation. For instance, are you in public, at the doctor’s office, in front of other people, or at the dinner table?
CAREGIVER CORNER
22 Better Living After 50
TIMING – As we age, our ability to multitask can change; we tend to focus on the task at hand. Is the person watching a favorite program, getting ready for an appointment, waiting for a family member to stop by, or not feeling well that day? Talking about difficult subjects can be more productive and meaningful when timed correctly.
TAKE A TIMEOUT – Despite your best intentions, conversations don’t always go smoothly. Take a break if the discussion becomes heated, then return to the conversation when the situation gets calmer. During the timeout, take a walk, meditate or listen to music.
If you’re preparing to have a tough conversation with an older adult, take into account their personality, communication style and the topics that may or may not be important to them.
ost of us have had, or need to have, conversations with an older loved one, family member or friend about difficult topics.
LISTEN – Conversations are a twoway street. We often spend most of our time formulating a response instead of devoting our attention to what someone is saying. Tune in to their words to understand their point of view. This may help to find the middle ground.
WORK TOGETHER – A conversa tion allows the older adult to hear your concerns. The goal is to satisfy both people, a process that often takes many discussions.
M
Money, health changes (either physical or mental) and driving are a few topics nobody wants to bring up. Add hearing loss and memory challenges to the mix and those conversations can become even moreIgnoringdifficult.issues does not make them go away; the longer we wait to discuss difficult topics, the more difficult the conversations can become.
END A DIFFICULT CONVERSATION
Tackling Tough Talks
– Sometimes conversations do not go smoothly. When that happens, it may be best to end the discussion and resume it later with another approach. One of the best ways to end a difficult conversation is by agreeing to disagree. You both may not agree, but you’re not going to argue or be upset with each other. Difficult conversations are different for everyone. Always enter the conversation with open ears and understand that sometimes a resolution won’t be reached in one conversation. Be respectful in every way possible with older adults.
Jennifer Beach is an Advanced Aging Life Care Professional. She established Advocate for Elders (advocate4elders. com) in Rocky River and has 25 years of experience working with and advocating for older adults and their families.
NortheastOhioBoomer.com JOIN US FOR Boomer Bash East October 13, 2022 4-7 PM at The Bertram Inn Hotel & Conference Center in Aurora FUN TIMES AWAIT YOU AT BOOMER BASH EAST, INCLUDING: • Music of the 1950s, bringing you back to sock hops and diners with Rick and Sharona! • Sketch artist Wendy Carrick Fedan will make a fun masterpiece in your likeness while you wait. • Glam Photo Opportunities with Pure Image Photo Booth • Raffles to win valuable prizes • Food! Superb catering provided by The Bertram… plus small bites you can savor from local restaurants. OnlyTickets$10
Better Living After 5024
“It never occurred to me that this radio station artwork had any longevity,” Helton says. “WMMS didn’t want to spend money, so I was doing the art for four concert tickets and three albums per piece of art. Meanwhile, I was starting to do three or four print ads a month.”
WMMS Music Director Denny Sanders and Program Director John Gorman worked with Helton to come up with a buzzard for a station ad. The first showed a competing station’s call letters strewn about a graveyard, a buzzard looking on.
has always been a tough career to break into, a profession with too much competition, too few jobs and the always-constant pressure to increase ratings. Know what’s even tougher? Getting a job as a station’s artAdirector.youngartist for American Greetings named David Helton not only got in on the ground floor at WMMS-FM but also gave the radio station a face — a buzzard — that would come to symbolize a rock-n-roll lifestyle for Northeast Ohio.
It started nearly 50 years ago when
cartoonist Robert Crumb once called home, taking WMMS assignments in his spare time.
The Buzzard soon became one of the most recognized trademarks, not only in Cleveland, but across the country. Buoyed by huge ratings and a promotional juggernaut, Helton’s illustration exploded, even appearing
By Mike Olszewski
By the time he left American Greetings in late 1976, Helton had created dozens of print ads for WMMS, two animated ads, more than 12-15 T-shirt designs and billboards. He turned in his two-week notice at American Greetings, confident there was plenty of work waiting for him but unaware of the impact his art was having on WMMS followers. He found himself invited to personal appearances throughout Northeast Ohio, drawing the WMMS Buzzard for crowds of fans.
In 1975, Helton continued his regular job with American Greetings’ “Hi-Brow” card line, where famed
Helton drew a cartoon protesting the National Lampoon Radio Hour being shortened to 30 minutes. WMMS management liked his work and hired him as a freelance artist.
Radio
Artist David Helton How a BecameBuzzardaRockMusicIcon
This rockin' buzzard didn't just embody the Cleveland radio station but reflected the edgy attitude of the city itself.
on an early episode of NBC’s “Saturday Night Live.” Everyone wanted to be linked to the Buzzard. It drew attention far beyond the reach of the WMMS radio audience, a hip, unconventional representative of a Cleveland-based phenomenon.
An art director for Children’s Better Health Institute, which publishes children’s magazines, hired him for numerous commissions. When she took a job at Highlights for Children magazine, she continued hiring Helton for freelance artwork.
“I even have DJs who passed through Cleveland going from gig to gig and didn’t work at WMMS, ask me to draw a Buzzard with them sitting at the microphone. So I never tire of hearing The Buzzard fans’ different stories and requests of how it affected their lives,” Helton says.
Mike Olszewski is a veteran award-winning radio, TV and print journalist, and a college instructor. Contact him janmike1978@gmail.comat
He continued designing logos and mascots for radio stations around the country before his illustration business took off.
An old saying is that the only constant is change; radio is no different. After an impressive run, Helton knew he needed to move on.
Helton became the go-to artist for the magazine’s popular feature “Hidden Pictures” where everyday objects are hidden within a drawing. He continues to illustrate those puzzles today, not only for Highlights but also for other publications.
“I produced a large body of work that I hope made people laugh and remember the best part of their lives. Being a better artist has always been my goal in life and I still strive every day to do that, even in these later years.
“I had fulfilled many creative challenges with all that WMMS and Cleveland had to offer but a change in scenery was necessary. Being closer to my family was important at the time, so I made the big leap and set up a freelance children’s illustration business in Chattanooga,” Helton says.
Buzzard on Air Force uniforms serving beer to their friends, or a Birthday Buzzard drawing personalized for a parent celebrating a 65th birthday, maybe a Buzzard logo for their volleyball team, or older fans who want their bar’s logo with a Buzzard drawing to hang up behind their bar.
David Helton has designed logos and mascots for various radio stations.
Helton left Cleveland in 1990 and returned to his hometown of Chattanooga, Tennessee to concentrate on building a new livelihood and honing his art skills.
Yet Helton’s days with The Buzzard aren’t over.
25September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
Lives and careers take many directions, and Helton says he’s grateful for his opportunities.
Helton can be reached davidheltonillustration.com.at
“I had a dream in 1973 after graduating from Ringling School of Art of being a children’s book illustrator… expanding (from a cartoonist). I knew radio wasn’t going to last much longer and decided that a change of environment would be conducive for my new direction.”
And The Buzzard?
“Highlights is a highly regarded publication in the children’s lit world, so I got a lot of attention there. Not only that, along the way I learned that I could create and illustrate the many puzzle forms needed for these publications,” Helton says.
“I still hear every week from fans who remember how much The Buzzard meant to them and their youth. A new generation has embraced their parents’ past and Cleveland’s great rock-and-roll history. And I get commissions from older fans who are mostly retirement age and they ask me to create The
THIS BUZZARD FLEW THE COOP
Just last year, Helton was hired to do a series of children’s puzzles for McKee Baking, the maker of Little Debbie Snacks. He created and illustrated puzzles for Little Debbie Mini-Muffins featuring The Muffin Man. It was so well received that he did a series of illustrations showing kids celebrating their birthdays with ‘Birthdays Around The World’ on the back of Mini-Muffins Birthday Cake cartons.“These kinds of projects are what I consider to be my most gratifying because I created the ideas from start to finish,” Helton says.
BUZZARD DAYS
“I was fortunate to work with some of the most talented and creative people in the world at WMMS and Cleveland, and that was the best part of my life. Sounds corny but if I learned anything, it’s to always follow your heart and dreams,” Helton says.
In two years, he’ll celebrate his 50th anniversary, the legacy of both a bright moment in Cleveland radio history and for the person who first brought him to life.
Better Living After 5026
By Marie Elium • Photo by Kim Stahnke
A GameManPlan with a
his first induction as president, Porter said that people meaningful to the inductees performed the honor, something that will continue at their ring ceremonies at their home fields this fall. “Anytime we can get a Hall of Famer out there in front and center and honor them, we’ll do that.”
The father of four daughters, Porter has been married for 20 years to his wife, Sarah. One of the things he’s most enjoyed in his new job is seeing how engaged his family has become with the Hall of Fame, the players and events. It’s been a pleasant family fit.
Porter has long understood the mission of the HOF: to honor the heroes of the game and preserve its history. After he became president last year, he had cool reminders of what that meant.
lifelong Stark County resident, Porter will celebrate his first year as president of the vaunted institution in October, one he visited often as a child, supported as publisher of The Canton Repository newspaper, and promoted as the Hall of Fame's marketing chief.
Every Hall of Fame member is invited to the August induction weekend. A record 108 members attended this year. Porter wrote a note to each, and sent a gift and letter to those who weren’t attending.
The Pro Football Hall of Fame is Canton's best-known landmark and familiar ground to Jim Porter. He wants every Northeast Ohioan to feel the same way.
MEMBERS FIRST Porter is far different from the man he replaced: the larger-than-life, 6-foot 9-inch, 400-pound David Baker, who relished the spotlight. It was Baker who introduced the popular HOF Knock, rapping on candidates' hotel room doors to let them know they had been elected to theOverseeingHOF.
A
27September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
A few days later, “My phone rings and I look and it’s a weird number and I thought I'd better (take) it… and it’s Joe Namath. You don’t expect your phone to ring and Joe Namath to be on the other end, even though I understand the role. He was apologizing that he couldn’t come, he always comes back, just something came up. It’s just the shock of Jim Porter’s talking to Joe Namath. What world does that happen in?”
Focusing on players is one area Porter wants to expand as president. Another is attracting more regional visitors. HOF management is working with a consulting company to expand its recognition, both locally
PRO FOOTBALL HALL OF FAME PRESIDENT JIM PORTER
“It’s an onion. You start here in Canton and you keep going out. How do we get the people that go to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to come here? How do we get the Browns fans to come here?”
Technology is another area that could be improved, and that’s also being looked at, he says.
As a former Browns fan (“I’m a fan of 32 NFL teams. Prior to Oct. 16, the answer was I’m a Browns fan.”) Porter sidesteps questions about the team’s controversial new and temporarily suspended quarterback, Deshaun Watson.
“It’s an onion. You start here in Canton and you keep going out. How do we get the people that go to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame to come here? How do we get the Browns fans to come here? If you want the Browns fans to come, have a Browns section that says ‘The Browns.’ This is a cool museum. How do we make it cooler?”
“We find that Ohioans tend to be some of the biggest contributors to our top attractions. Ohio is a state full of football fans, music fans and people that love amusement parks,” MacLaren says.
Inductions in Cleveland, and other major events at our well-known attractions bring Ohio national recognition and regularly offer great opportunities for Ohioans to celebrate our state’s top attractions.”
The comparison is a good one, he says, because both have enthusiastic fans, “face painters” who often travel distances to support their favorite team or performers.“Idon’tneed to reinvent the wheel here. I’ve got a guy up there 45 minutes (who has) …transitioned his area into what we’re hoping to do.”
Off-field controversies don’t overlap — or aren’t supposed to overlap — into the HOF. “Our bylaws are pretty strict about that. It’s what happens on the field, ” Porter says.
Porter says, beyond making HOF connections locally, he wants the institution to reach out to the communities that produced the 362 members, finding a way to honor each locally with help from the museum, possibly with statues or other permanent markers.
and nationally. The job will get a boost from the Hall of Fame Village powered by Johnson Controls, a 200-acre resort and entertainment complex being constructed in three phases adjacent to the museum.
“Let’s say you live near Disney. The people in Orlando, they don’t go. They say, ‘I’ll go tomorrow or the next day’ and they don’t go. We deal with that, too. 'It’s in our back yards so I’ll get there one day but it’s not today.’”
Better Living After 5028
“We are fortunate to have some of the top museums and top amusement parks in the world in our state and we see a lot of Ohioans enjoying them every year. Moreover, events like the annual Pro Football Hall of Fame Enshrinement Ceremony in Canton, the Rock & Roll Hall of
He’s got a good example just north of Canton at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and the direction CEO Greg Harris has steered the museum, Porter says.
“We’re the number one sport; 208 million people watched the Super Bowl. We have to be a museum that’s reminiscent of the best sport and my goal is to make sure we’re there and stay there,” Porter says.
Matt MacLaren, director of Ohio. Find It Here, which promotes state tourism, works with both halls of fame to attract visitors.
LOCALSATTRACTING
“Millions of people have played this game and 362 are in the Hall of Fame. “There are a lot of inspirational stories. It’s not about how many touchdowns you threw for or how many yards you ran. So the appreciation grows even more when you hear that story of what it took to get here.”
29September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
“The Hall doesn’t determine anything. For me, that’s just not my role. The NFL has a role to play here, and they’re playing it. It’s just not the Hall’s spot to go out there,” heWatson’ssays.
“LeRoy Butler said that when he was a kid, he grew up without much, and his third- or fourth-grade class was allowed to go down to The Salvation Army and pick out a gift. He said all the kids ran to the toys and he ran to the shirts. And his mom said, “You didn’t pick out a toy.” And he said, “Mom, I have never plucked a tag off a new shirt before.”
Continues Porter, “We know Salvation Army (doesn’t have) new shirts, but they have a tag. And that really hit me really hard. You could tell the person he’s become by what a good job his mom did raising him because he continues to think that way.”
11-game suspension and $5 million fine for sexual misconduct (which he’s denied) represents one end of the character scale. Porter prefers to talk about those at the other end, players like 2022 inductee LeRoy Butler, the kind of guy who thanks the kitchen staff when he’s eating at a restaurant. Their stories make the HOF an attraction not only for die-hard fans but also for anyone who likes a good
Marie Elium is the editor of Northeast Ohio Boomer magazine.
story, Porter says.
By John Selick
The tailgating experience hits you as soon as you arrive. The air is filled with the aroma of burning charcoal and grilled burgers. Burgers and dogs are a classic menu item for a tailgate party. The grill provides warmth in the colder
PREGAMING
“T
Not all delicious tailgate food has to be grilled. Great things also come from a crockpot. Chili is always a satisfying option, especially with toppings like cheese, sour cream and scallions.
My absolute favorite thing to bring in a crockpot is chicken paprikash. The longer it cooks, the better it tastes. I like to use a spaetzle to complete the dish, but you could also use the thickest egg noodle you can find. I always bring braised cabbage on the side, but if you only have one crockpot, throw it all together and serve it as one dish. The only downside to this is you’ll be asleep by halftime.
Going to a football game is an all-day event, especially if you start early to enjoy the tailgating portion of the day. High school games are a more familyoriented experience than collegiate or professional football games. Many activities are organized by the school’s booster and PTO and can include kid-friendly activities like face painting. Grandkids love face painting, but I’m there for the food.
FOOD
months on top of delicious burgers and dogs that no restaurant can compete with. You might also find Italian sausages, expertly grilled and placed in a pan of peppers and onions to keep them warm while adding a complex flavor to the sausage and creating a rich pepper stew. I like to finish this with fresh basil and fresh mozzarella cheese stuffed into a crusty roll.
DELICIOUS PARKING LOT PARTIES
John Selick is the Culinary Director for Metz Culinary Management (Metzculinary. com). He's a Certified Executive Chef and Fellow of the American Academy of Chefs. You can email him at jselick@metzcorp.com.
Tailgate Tidbits
That morning, add fresh lime juice with salt and pepper. Fresh garlic and herbs are nice, but dried herbs and spices work perfectly fine. Grill onsite, slice it up, and have salsa, sour cream, and shredded or crumbled cheese with flour tortillas. Hot sauce is encouraged.
I’m not sure if I just described a tailgating event or the best brunch in town, but it’s definitely where I want to be. It’s even better when the home team wins.
he opening act was better than the main event,” is a phrase I’ve said about concerts over the years, but now I’m saying that about football games. The pregame activities at my kid’s high school football games are a gathering of friends and food, and I always look forward to this more than the game itself.
Tacos are great tailgate food, especially from a grill. You can marinate a lean steak or chicken in your favorite spices, but I would highly encourage the use of cumin in any of your spice blends. I would suggest keeping the marinade simple — a little oil, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, oregano and cumin; and let marinate overnight.
Better Living After 5030
By Linda Feagler
It
SPOTLIGHT
“Even then, I had a pretty good sense of what my strong suits are,” Jones, 69, recalls. “My parents wanted me to be a physician, but I had no real appetite for biology and chemistry classes. So I decided on going to law school to become an elected official, then be an actor and, since my dad played in the Negro Leagues, become a professional baseball player.”
didn’t take long for Peter Lawson Jones to decide where he wanted life to take him. By the time he was 12, the Cleveland native had already narrowed his choices.
Peter Lawson Jones in “Alex Cross”
But he’s best known for the more than 60 stage and screen roles he’s made his own. Jones was the devoted husband and friend Jim Bono in “Fences” at Karamu House, defense attorney Henry Drummond in “Inherit the Wind” at Oberlin Summer Theater and appeared in “A Carol for Cleveland” at Cleveland Play House.
StagePresence“I’vebeeninmanyfilmsandshared
Jones, who’s acquired enough professional credentials to be a member of the prestigious Actors’ Equity and Screen Actors Guild-American Federation of Television and Radio Artists unions, was chosen by actor-director Corbin Bernsen for a principal role in 2011’s “25 Hill,” a drama about the All-American Soapbox Derby championships held annually in Akron. He also played opposite Tyler Perry in “Alex Cross,” guest-starred on “Chicago Fire” as a retired police officer struggling with senility, and depicted a homeless man on “Detroit 1-8-7.”
the screen with many significant actors. But this upcoming role with Tom Hanks is going to be the capstone of my career. Not only is Tom Hanks a genius as an actor, he’s also one of the finest human beings I’ve ever met,” Jones says.
Better Living After 5032
These days, the Harvard Law School graduate — former president of the Board of Cuyahoga County Commissioners, the first African-American nominated for Ohio’s lieutenant governor and a speechwriter and spokesperson for the Carter-Mondale Presidential Campaign — practices law and consults.
“I’ve been in many films and shared the screen with many significant actors. But this upcoming role with Tom Hanks is going to be the capstone of my career. Not only is Tom Hanks a genius as an actor, he’s also one of the finest human beings I’ve ever met,” Jones says.
Although acting was a vocation he hoped to pursue from the get-go, Jones says the steps that led to it were “serendipitous.” His Harvard roommate invited Jones to a rehearsal for the Harvard Black Community and Student Theater Group (BlackC.A.S.T.) Jones, who later become president of the troupe, wound up reading for a production of Douglas Turner Ward’s satirical “Day of Absence,” which explores the themes of whiteness and discrimination against Black Americans through a reverse minstrel-style
PETER LAWSON JONES’ NEXT ACT
In December, Jones will once again take center stage on the big screen as Tom Hanks’ estranged best pal in “A Man Called Otto,” a comedy centering on Hanks as a cranky retiree who strikes up an unlikely friendship with his new neighbors.
doing film or TV, the audience is only a few feet away, so your expressions and gestures aren’t as grand.”
33September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
When he’s not performing, Jones crafts stories of his own. Playwriting credits include the political drama, “The Bloodless Jungle;” “The Phoenix Society,” which explores mental illness and substance abuse challenges; and “The Family Line,” in which a former basketball star comes to terms with his future. In addition to being produced at Ensemble Theatre, Karamu House, East Cleveland Theater and Beck Center for the Arts, they’ve also been performed at the 2017 National Black Theatre Festival in North Carolina and Harvard University’s Loeb Drama Center.
Linda Feagleris a freelance writer in Northeast Ohio.
What’s his secret to success? Jones is succinct: “No matter what you do in life, network hard and work even harder.”
And that applies to whatever comes next.
Although preparing for roles on stage and screen may seem to involve a similar methodology, Jones explains that since they’re different mediums, they call for diverse processes.“Thepreparation is the same, but the process is different. In a play, you rehearse for weeks and play things bigger than life so that the person in the last row of the theater can see your physicality and hear your voice. In a movie, you might have five or 10 minutes of rehearsal time before you shoot the scene over and over dozens of times. When you’re
The stage was set.
“I got great reviews,” he says. ”I remember one writer reported that one of our county commissioners has been secretly taking acting lessons, then went on to talk about my sexual energy on stage. It was gratifying to know that at the age of 55, I still had it.”
“You’re never too old to pursue a passion of yours,” Jones says, “and I’m ready for my Act Three.”
He was cast.
Jones fondly recalls one of his breakout roles: 2008’s “Bourbon at the Border.” A collaboration between Karamu House and Ensemble Theatre staged at Cleveland Play House, it centers on a Detroit couple and what happened to them when they headed South in 1964 for a black voterregistration drive. Jones’ performance as well-meaning friend Tyrone Washington earned accolades he still chuckles about.
ROLE MODELS
show of whiteface.
“I don’t want my plays or any of the roles I take on to be pablum or cotton candy or reflect poorly on me as a husband, father, friend or African-American male,” Jones says. “I want them to entertain and, more importantly, enlighten.”
Better Living After 5034 TheaterLive THESTORMINGSTAGE NORTHEASTINOHIO
A GreatChristmasCarolatLakesTheater
By Estelle Rodis-Brown
PHOTO: COURTESY OF GREAT LAKES THEATER
FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION 38660 Mentor Ave. Willoughby 44094, fineartsassociation.org440-951-7500,
13 (9/16-10/2/22), Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella (11/2512/18/22), The Jungle Book (2/10-2/26/23), The Diary of Anne Frank (4/21-4/30/23), The Who’s Tommy (6/9-6/25/23)
AURORA COMMUNITY THEATRE 115 E. Pioneer Trail, Aurora 44202, auroracommunitytheatre.com330-562-1818,
BROADWAY IN AKRON
August: Osage County (10/2811/19/22), The Play That Goes Wrong (1/27-2/18/23), Roald Dahl’s Matilda (4/28-5/20/23), Urinetown, The Musical (6/23-7/15/23).
Presented by Playhouse Square at Akron University’s E.J. Thomas Hall
BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood 44107, 216-521-2540, ext. 10, beckcenter.org Buyer & Cellar (9/9–10/9/22), The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night-Time (9/23-10/16/22)
The Canterbury Tales Or… Geoffrey Chaucer’s Flying Circus (11/311/6/22), Elf the Musical 2022 (12/2-12/30/22), Ghost the Musical (2/10-2/26/23).
35September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com The art seasonGetelevatedstorytellingofisbythesensorypowerofalivestageperformance.yourfixthiswithanewdocketofrousingperformancesattheseNortheastOhiotheaters.
The Thin Place (10/7–11/30/22), The Land of Oz (12/2-12/31/22), Stew (1/27-2/19/23), The Other Place (3/10-4/2/23), What We Look Like (4/21-5/14/23).
DOBAMA THEATRE 2340 Lee Rd., Cleveland Hts. 44118, 216-932-3396, dobama. org
it Up! (12/3-12/22/22), I’m Back Now (2/4-2/26/23), Becoming Dr. Ruth (4/1-4/23/23), Ken Ludwig’s Moriarty: Sherlock Holmes Adventure (4/29-5/21/23).
Curtain
MAGICAL 330-848-3708Barberton565COMPANYTHEATREW.TuscarawasAve,44203 GirlThemagicaltheatre.orgAmazingLemonade(10/14-23)
1501SERIESEuclid Ave., Cleveland 44115, playhousesquare.org216-241-6000,
Live Theater
HUDSON PLAYERS 41 S. Oviatt St., Hudson 44236, hudsonplayers.com330-655-8522, Something Rotten! (10/28-11/19/22), Laughter on the 23rd Floor 5/20/23).Glorious!(2/3-2/25/23),(4/28-
Little Shop of Horrors (9/16-10/9/22), Romeo and Juliet (10/21–11/6/22), A Christmas Carol (11/25-12/23/22), Sense and Sensibility (2/10-3/5/23), As You Like It (3/24-4/8/23), Ain’t Misbehavin’ (4/285/21/23),
PLAYHOUSE SQUARE KEYBANK BROADWAY
GREAT LAKES THEATER
2067 East 14th St., Cleveland greatlakestheater.org216-241-6000,44115,
Les Misérables (10/7–10/29/22), Cats(11/111/20/22), Beetlejuice (1/10-1/29/23), Hadestown (1/31-2/19/23), Tina-The Tina Turner Musical (4/255/14/23), Moulin Rouge! The Musical (6/7-7/2/23), Six-The Musical (8/8/9/10/23).
Better Living After 5036
weathervaneplayhouse.com330-836-2626,Lane,1301PLAYHOUSEWEATHERVANEWeathervaneAkron44313,
Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street (9/29–10/16/22), Elf:The Musical (11/25-12/18/22), 8x10: The Eileen Moushey TheatreFest (1/12-1/22/23), Sister Act (2/23-3/19/23), Agatha Christie’s The Mousetrap (4/20-5/7/23), Ragtime: The Musical (6/15-7/9/23)
Calls Find more local theater productions at NortheastOhioBoomer.com.
AURORA Auror
ADVERTISERSPOTLIGHT
urora is a beautiful and historic city in Ohio's Western Reserve. Founded in 1799, it combines rural charm with the comforts of the 21st century, offering residents and visitors parks, recreational options, shopping districts and some of the finest residential neighborhoods in the region. Seven minutes from major highways, the city has easy transportation access but is distant enough to avoid traffic and congestion troubles. Whether a business looking to succeed or a family seeking a great hometown, Aurora offers the best services, schools and opportunities, making it one of Northeast Ohio’s most desirable suburbs.
Better Living After 5038
Historic homes line the town center's Historic District along State Route 306. Other beautiful residential areas include the renowned Barrington with newer homes along the Jack Nicklaus-designed Barrington Golf Course. Walden, a residential community with a private golf club, offers condos and homes set among its trees and golf vistas. Newer developments include Beljon Farms, Hawthorn and Renaissance Park, where townhomes, condos and ranch-style homes are being built on the north side of the city as part of the redevelopment of the former SeaWorld and Geauga Lake parks.
— Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin
a
The Campus of Anna Maria of Aurora has been an outstanding community to live in due to the commitment of the same family owning and operating it for over 55 years. This is also what makes it a great place to work. Having a gratified staff is what reflects on how well the living environment is and helps us keep true to our motto: Every Resident, Every Family, Every Day.
The outstanding Aurora schools, provides one of the best educations in the region. Our city administration works to preserve Aurora's charm while cultivating suburban conveniences.
MAYOR’S LETTER – Aurora: The Hometown Place to Be “A
Marketed by the Connecticut Land Company in the late 1700s, much of the land in present-day Aurora was sold to a group of New England residents from Suffield, Connecticut. Since those early days of wilderness settlers, Aurora has slowly grown to a city of 17,000 residents inhabiting 25 square miles featuring rolling hills, abundant trees, lakes and a branch of the Chagrin River.
Aurora's strong commercial and industrial base helps us to upgrade infrastructure, traffic flow, residential services and safety, and provide numerous amenities, including 1700+ acres of parkland. Dining options include Mario’s International Restaurant and Spa, Aurora Inn, ThornCreek Winery, Bertram Inn, 1815 Tavern, and others. Shopping? Try the popular Aurora Premium Outlets outdoor shopping center. Cultural opportunities include the Aurora Community Theatre and Aurora School of Music.
Quaint,Comfortable,Convenient C OMMU N I T Y FOCU S
39September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
Explore & More in Portage County
SUPPORT LOCAL AND SHOP SMALL. Busy Aurora has the usual big box stores nearby, but don't overlook its local shops.
TRIPPINGDAY
• Abigails (178 S Chillicothe Rd.) Jewelry, accessories, bags and more.
• Forage and Feather (311 East Garfield Rd.) Handcrafted local goods.
SPEND THE DAY AT SUNNY LAKE PARK. Boat, hike, picnic, jog or walk the paved multipurpose trail around the lake; you'll find plenty to do at Sunny Lake Park. There's a playground, too. Like disc golf? Not sure what it is? You're in luck. The park has a 9-hole amateur/ beginner course, 18-hole intermediate course, and an 18-hole professional course. Get a map and scorecard at auroraoh. com. When you're done there, take the trail over to Moebius Nature Center, 885 E. Mennonite Road, Aurora, 330-562-6910.
• Schell Bell Boutique (334 East Garfield Rd.) Clothing and accessories for women and girls.
Sunny Lake Park
Speaking of Moebius Nature Center, this may be Aurora's best-kept secret (or was!). Explore 44 beautiful acres on trails that wind through woods and a pond where you can see beavers or catch (and release) fish. Eat under the picnic pavilion with a nearby pollinator garden, rain garden and turtle and deer enclosures. Moebius hosts nature programs throughout the year. See it for yourself; 929 E. Mennonite Road, Aurora, 216-402-4361, mymnc.org
CHECK OUT AURORA MEMORIAL LIBRARY. Who doesn't like a good library? There's always something going on at this Portage County District Library branch. Grab a book, sign up for online access to magazines, books, music & more. Hop on a computer and access the internet; all free of charge. It's a library, after all. 115 East Pioneer Trail, portagelibrary.org
• Secret Garden Antique Mall (196 S. Chillicothe Rd.) 3,000 square feet of antiques and collectibles.
EXPLORE MOEBIUS NATURE CENTER.
• The Mantua Grain and Supply (526 S. Chillicothe Rd.) Outdoor decor, furniture, plants and sport items. You never know what you'll find.
Auror a
The park had a lot of life left in it as rival Euclid Beach Park closed its doors and Cedar Point attracted fans with elaborate roller coasters (though
— Brad Paisley
It took careful planning and the promise of plenty of funding to bring us to where we are today. Some of the area’s most prestigious developers announced plans in 2020 for retail space and housing with street names honoring its past as an amusement park. Construction is expected to begin later this year on the initial phase of the project.
Mike Olszewski is the magazine’s pop culture columnist.
Kidsgritty.raced from the Raging Wolf Bobs to the bumper cars, later dragging reluctant parents to the souvenir stands.
few months ago, I was driving down Route 43 in Aurora and glanced toward a wide expanse of land where earthmovers cleared weeds and overgrown trees, pieces of a concrete parking lot peeking through the debris.
From the time you entered the gate, you were immersed in the total park experience: The sound of the slow clack of cars climbing the roller coaster’s hills followed by a tsunami of screams as it raced to the bottom. The air smelled of French fries, popcorn and cotton candy, its sugary aroma so sweet, it made your teeth
“This used to be my playground”
“Welcome to the future”
traffic often jammed for miles, backing up to the center of Aurora, thanks to company picnics, church outings and crowds of fans who packed the park daily.
it was a long ride to Sandusky). SeaWorld across the lake helped attract crowds with a one-two punch, but it wasn’t enough.
— Bruce Springsteen Geauga Lake soon became a traditional summer stopover with
A
It’s a jarring, ignoble end for Geauga Lake amusement park, which closed in 2007, followed by the adjoining Sea World/Wildwater Kingdom in 2016. Straddling both Aurora and Bainbridge Township, the property soon will have apartments, retail stores and homes.
The Beach Boys Geauga Lake’s history as an amusement park goes back to the late 1800s. As people became more mobile, trains brought crowds of Northeast Ohioans to the dance halls, picnic areas and cottages that lined Geauga Lake. The park even hosted an occasional professional baseball game, featuring the Cleveland Forest Citys.
When the famed Big Dipper roller coaster opened in the 1920s, Geauga Lake was no longer a romantic getaway. It was on its way to becoming one of the nation’s legendary amusement parks.
“The amusement park rises bold and stark”
In the late 1960s, more than 100,000 people were at the park when radio station WIXY 1260 held its Appreciation Day concert featuring The 5th Dimension, Tommy Boyce and Bobby Hart, Every Mother’s Son, and — in his Northeast Ohio debut — Neil Diamond. Arguably it was the biggest outdoor rock concert audience until Woodstock, though how many were there just for the rides is unknown.
The earthmovers and construction equipment at the site today are the first steps in that ambitious project stretching into both Bainbridge and Aurora. An Ohio landmark plaque marks the site outlining its rich history, but as is true when things try to represent memories, a plaque can never recreate the enthusiasm, excitement and energy shared by the thousands who spent time at Geauga Lake.
A LOOK BACK & A PEEK AHEAD Geauga Lake Amusement Park
It wasn’t long before a carousel went up, drawing long lines and nudging the owners to add new attractions. They installed an Olympic-sized pool where worldclass swimmer Johnny Weismuller (later the star of the Tarzan movie series) set a 220-yard freestyle record in front of 3,000 spectators.
“Let’s pick up our friends and do amusement parks USA”
The only constant is change, and entertainment trends are no different. Various owners poured money into the park as crowds continued to shrink. By 2007, Geauga Lake ended its long run as one of the area’s prime attractions. The traffic jams, fireworks and roar of park attendees gave way to open roads, clear skies and relative silence. Buildings came down, rides were sold off to other parks and people looked at the acres of weeds growing through the parking lot pavement and wondered, “What’s next?”
C OMMU N I T Y FOCU S
Better Living After 5040
An Essay by Mike Olszewski
— Madonna
“Once the music starts to play, we start to dance, and we see the response among the seniors and the staff, it’s re-energizing to give back this way,” Melinda explains. “To see the audience smile, exercise and work their brains, you just can’t buy that.”
A
So far, the Network has visited dozens of different nursing homes, VA hospitals, assisted living facilities and other senior centers. But they are just starting to hit their stride, says the Network’s marketing board member Melinda Smith (also the community relations director for Richmond Heights Place).
Five Star Clinical Solutions. As Patient Advocates, we ensure you receive the best possible medical care and services.
Residence Home Care. A skilled nursing agency dedicated to providing the highest quality of care and customer service in a patient-focused environment.
Marquita Benn: Professional Insurance Advisor, marquita@ benninsurancegroup.org, 216-553-8285
Shalom Plotkin: Owner, OhioSeniorCare.net , 216-752-2222
MEMBERSBOARD
re you a senior who feels isolated or a senior services professional who feels overwhelmed by the demands of the job? In either case, there’s no greater comfort than when someone comes alongside with the assuring reminder, “I’ve got your back!”
Medicare Advocates. Licensed Insurance Broker helping clients navigate the “Medicare Maze” for the best benefits and coverage for your individual needs. Review of coverage options provided at no cost.
The Koewler Law Firm. Attorney Jim Koewler helps people who need long-term care, have chronic illness, or have special needs by working with their wishes and needs rather than cost-driven decisions.
Roberta Brofman: President, Founder. roberta@fivestarclinical.com, fivestarclinical.com
Richmond Heights Place. A continuumof-care senior living community with Independent Living , Assisted Living, Memory Care, Nursing Home Care and Rehab. Reasonable, all-inclusive rates as your care needs change.
Benjamin Rose Institute. Board member Mary Norris-Pack
Debbie Rider: Clinical Hospice Liaison, debra.rider@ amedisys.com, 330-217-5979
Right at Home. Provides custom personal hygiene, cleaning, driving and pet care for adults in the safety of their own home. Call for the affordable rate. Satisfaction guaranteed.
Giving Back with a Beat — The Cleveland East Senior Network
Lawrence Lesiak: Licensed Insurance Broker, larry@MedicareAdvocates. US, 330-523-7002
Woodside Senior Living. An Assisted Living Facility dedicated to caring for our seniors’ personal, healthcare and social needs. We offer independent, assisted, and dementia care services at affordable pricing.
Janelle Regotti: Owner/Publisher, janelle@seniorlivingneo.com, 440-338-5233
Shalom Plotkin from Right at Home recalls one resident who had stopped speaking months earlier and was just staring blankly into space. “But when we started dancing, her toes started tapping. Then she started moving. Then she started singing! It gives me goosebumps, just thinking about
Benn Insurance Group. Think “BIG” BENN INSURANCE GROUP in Hudson. I represent multiple carriers. Let me help you with your MEDICARE needs for FREE!
“We want to be able to reach out even more,” says Jim Koewler from Koewler Law Firm. ”We represent all disciplines of senior services, including home care,
That’s the impact of the Cleveland East Senior Network. While “Networking with a heart” is the group’s official slogan, in practice it means, “We’ve got your back!”
Givingit.” back with a beat is the best way forward. Contact any Cleveland East Senior Network board member to join this fun outreach. They’ll have your back; they’ll even teach you a new dance move or two!
CLE-East Senior Network Sponsors
Senior Living Guide. Serving seniors and their families in Northeast Ohio for over 33 years. Contact us today for your free guide!
Igor Elkin: Administrator, admissions@woodsideseniorliving.com, 440-276-6022
Contact any board member to get involved | CLE-Eastseniornetwork.com Sponsored Content
Jim Koewler: Attorney, jkoewler@ProtectingSeniors.com, 330-659-3579
Melinda Smith: Community Relations Director, richmondheightsplace. com, 216-291-8525
Network members work with seniors (especially those in long-term care) and with care providers on Cleveland’s East Side. This group of senior services professionals joined together at the onset of the pandemic in 2020, networking to support one another while focusing on giving back to their community.
Members meet weekly at different senior centers to spread their cheer. Their outreach efforts include delivering flowers, providing educational workshops, distributing goody bags to hospital patients, offering holiday gift bags to shut-in seniors, or just putting smiles on faces with their lively dance parties set to feel-good tunes with a beat.
skilled care, hospice care, real estate, downsizing services, elder advocates, attorneys and continuum-of-care services. But anyone looking for a way to give back to the community can come join us, whether we’re handing out gift bags or having a dance party.”
Compassionate Care Hospice. Hospice services wherever you call home…
Tracy Debevits: Community Liaison. tdebevits@residencehc.com, 440-725-8601
Better Living After 5042
Want to talk to someone? You can chat live with a real person, 24 hours a day, seven days a week (except federal holidays) by calling 1-800-MEDICARE (1-800-633-4227).
Find more information at medicare.gov.
GET WITH A PLAN
Open Enrollment is Oct. 15 – Dec. 7
43September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
PART (MedicalB Insurance)
Plans may have lower out-of-pocket costs than Original Medicare.
Helps cover:
• Outpatient care
Medicare Advantage is a Medicare-approved plan from a private company that offers an alternative to Original Medicare for your health and drug coverage. These bundled plans include Part A, Part B, and usually Part D.
PART D (Drug Coverage)
• Home health care
In most cases, you’ll need to use doctors who are in the plan’s network.
Helps cover:
Plans that offer Medicare drug coverage (Part D) are run by private insurance companies that follow rules set by Medicare.
• Home health care
• Hospice care
Helps cover: The cost of prescription drugs (including many recommended shots or vaccines)
Better Living After 5044
• Inpatient care in hospitals
• Services from doctors and other health care providers
• Skilled nursing facility care
PART (MedicareC Advantage)
PART (HospitalA Insurance)
• Durable medical equipment (like wheelchairs, walkers, hospital beds, and other equipment)
THE A, B, C & D OF MEDICARE Letters Worth Learning
Plans may offer some extra benefits that Original Medicare doesn’t cover — like vision, hearing, and dental services.
• Many preventive services (like screenings, shots or vaccines, and yearly wellness visits)
Source: Medicare.gov
Medicare is federal health insurance for anyone age 65 and older, and some people under 65 with certain disabilities or
Medicare InsuranceSupplement(Medigap)
Better Living After 5046
Medigap is
conditions. Medicaid is a joint federal and state program that provides health coverage for some people with limited income and resources. Medicaid offers benefits, like nursing home care, personal care services, and assistance paying for Medicare premiums and other costs. If you qualify, you can have both Medicare and Medicaid.
•••costs,remaininghelp(Medigap)Supplementsupplies.healthofforOriginalbyInsuranceinthatSupplementMedicareInsurancehelpsfillgapsOriginalMedicareandissoldprivatecompanies.Medicarepaysmuch,butnotall,thecostforcoveredcareservicesandAMedicareInsurancepolicycanpaysomeofthehealthcarelike:CopaymentsCoinsuranceDeductibles
WHAT IS…?
The &betweendifferenceMedicareMedicaid
• Allow anyone, except your doctor or other Medicare providers, to review your medical records or recommend services.
anything or visit you at your home. Medicare, or someone representing Medicare, will only call and ask for personal information in these two situations:•AMedicare health or drug plan may call you if you’re already a member of the plan. The agent who helped you join can also call you.
• Remember that Medicare will never call you to sell you
• Accept offers of money or gifts for free medical care.
• Become familiar with how Medicare uses your personal information. If you join a Medicare health or drug plan, the plan will let you know how it will use your personal information.
DO:
DON’T:
• Give your Medicare card, Medicare Number, Social Security card, or Social Security Number to anyone except your doctor or people you know should have it (like insurers acting on your behalf or people who work with Medicare, like your State Health Insurance Assistance Program (SHIP). Get the contact information for your local SHIP.
• Join a Medicare health or drug plan over the phone unless you called us.
DON’T BE A VICTIM
Better Living After 5048
• Protect your Medicare Number and your Social Security Number.
• Guard your Medicare card like it’s a credit card.
• A customer 1-800-MEDICARErepresentativeservicefromcan call you if you’ve called and left a message or a representative said that someone would call you back. Contact the Federal Trade Commission at identitytheft.gov if you think you’ve been a victim of identity theft.
As the world’s older adult population increases, so is the need to keep a larger number of people healthy. One way is with healthcare apps.
49September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
FINGERTIP TECHNOLOGY: Helpful Healthcare Apps
to schedule appointments with healthcare providers while sharing documents. Others, such as diet apps and mental health apps, cover general health and wellness topics. WebMD, for example, lets users gather information about medical conditions, get deals on prescriptions, and get reminders about when to take their medicines.Apollfrom the University of Michigan’s Institute for Healthcare Policy and Aging suggests that almost one-third of those aged 50-80 use healthcare apps to monitor everything from weight loss to sleep.
MATURESHOWCASELIVING
A
Presented by McGregor
ccording to the National Institute of Health, the number of people 65 and older in 2016 worldwide was 617 million, a number that’s estimated at 750 million today, and growing.
What makes a good healthcare app? An article from Imaginovation Insider newsletter says simplicity and convenience are key. Older adults value apps that are easy to use, have a wide variety of information about their medical conditions, and give them an easy way to speak with their health care provider; all good things to remember when recommending a health care app to an older loved one.
McGregor is dedicated to ensuring the health and well-being of its residents. For more blogs like this, be sure to visit category/blog/.mcgregoramasa.org/
Sponsored Content
A healthcare app is a mobile application program that offers health-related services. Telemedicine apps are more specific because they allow patients
Presented by Cuyahoga County Division of Senior and Adult Services Sponsored Content
The county recently launched “Livable Cuyahoga: A Community for All Ages,” an initiative to identify ways Cuyahoga County can improve the quality of life and livability for county residents. The county will evaluate livability by examining how it serves people of all ages in the following categories: Housing Outdoor Spaces and Buildings Transportation Communication and Information Civic Participation and Employment Respect and Social Inclusion
This fall, Cuyahoga County’s Division of Senior and Adult Services, with support from Community Solutions, will host forums throughout Cuyahoga County to hear from older adults about how the county can improve its services.
WHAT IS A LIVABLE COMMUNITY?
•
•
An AARP-Certified Age-Friendly Community
C
• Health Services and Community
• Supports Social Participation
To receive Information about the forums and to provide feedback, go insmartphonelivable-cuyahoga.dsas/community-office-on-aging/hhs.cuyahogacounty.us/departments/toYoucanalsouseyourphotoapptoscantheQRcodeouradtovisitourwebsite.Welookforwardtohearingfromyou.
Better Living After 5050
uyahoga County has joined eight other Ohio counties and the City of Cleveland as an AARP Age-Friendly Community. The designation means that Cuyahoga County has partnered with AARP and more than 600 localities nationwide to create communities that can be lifelong places to reside for people of all ages.
MAKE YOUR VOICE HEARD
•
•
•
•
We’re at three convenient locations in the Cleveland area: in Collinwood at 15105 St. Clair Ave., 216-800-8020; in Maple Heights at 5264 Lee Road, 216-294-4440; and in West Park at 13719 Lorain Ave., 216- 307-3005.
Better Living After 5052
Presented by Dedicated Senior Medical Center
D
edicated Senior Medical Center is a proud member of the Cleveland community. Open since the fall of 2020, Dedicated now cares for more than 2,000 older adults in three Cleveland-area Dedicated Senior Medical Centers.
Sponsored Content
HIGH-QUALITY CARE FOR AREA OLDER ADULTS
We understand that health care for our neediest seniors must not only be accessible, but it must also be affordable. By working with leading Medicare Advantage health plans in Cleveland, most of our
patients have little-to-no co-pays for their care.
Our unique business model, led by primary care physicians, allows us to spend more time with our patients — about 10 times above the national average — because our doctors each see about 450 patients or less, allowing for more time with patients on each visit. We listen to our patients’ concerns and get to know them. Our doctors
can be their quarterback for care, coordinating their health care needs, including referrals to specialists, right in our centers.
We believe every senior deserves the highest quality health care. We listen carefully to the needs of our patients and make ourselves available 24 hours a day, seven days a week. Our physicians even provide their cell phone numbers to their patients.
Health care that’s accessible and affordable, it’s a winning formula, and our results demonstrate this. Ninety-two percent of our patients say they “feel genuinely cared for” and four out of five patients would recommend us to a friend. A recent study showed our patients had 25% fewer hospital admissions and 75% fewer emergency room visits due to our high-touch medical care.
• The person takes more or less of their medications than they are supposed to.
ELDER
One thing is clear, reporting abuse of an older loved one, neighbor or friend is the first step. To report suspected abuse, call Ohio’s tollfree hotline at 1-855-644-6277, contact your county Department of Job and Family Services, or use the Ohio Adult Protective Services Online Referral tool through the Ohio Department of Aging website aging. ohio.gov.Ifyouspot
• The person is not eating well, shows signs of dehydration, or is not clean, groomed, and dressed appropriately;
• The person cannot or will not explain what happened to missing money or property;
buse is a tough topic to discuss and sometimes more difficult to spot.
• The person has several unpaid bills or service disconnection notices;
• The person has bruises, cuts, or other signs of physical harm;
• The person suddenly begins acting
•differently;Theperson avoids doing things they used to enjoy;
• Another person refuses to allow visitors to see the person alone;
• The person, suddenly and without explanation, changes their will or transfers money, bank account
access, or property to someone else;
• The person’s home has become unclean, needs repairs, or is dangerous;
• The person has missed several medical appointments; and
any of these signs, or see other signs that things aren’t right, don’t ignore them - report it. Potential signs of elder abuse, neglect, and exploitation include (but are not limited to):
AWarningABUSESigns
• Relatives and other people who were not a big part of the person’s life before suddenly become interested in their rights and property;
Source: Ohio Department of Aging
53September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
Explore Fly Fishing. Learn the basics. 10/1210/22. 6:30-8:30 p.m. Quirk Cultural Center, 1201 Grant Ave., Cuyahoga Falls, ohiodnr.gov. FREE
CLASSES
Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, beckcenter.org $180
GEAUGATUESDAYSWALKERS
listing to Calendar@NortheastOhioBoomer.com or go to NortheastOhioBoomer.com
StudioTHURSDAYSCeramics. Learn and explore the process of ceramics. 10/27-12/15. 10 a.m. or 6 p.m. Fairmount
Folks aged 55 and older meet year-round every Tuesday at nearby parks for nature appreciation, exercise and camaraderie. 10 lakemetroparks.coma.m.-noon..FREE
SENIORITYHIKING
Botanical10/4 Painting & Drawing: BotanicalClevelandGarden.Learn composition skills and techniques of botanicals. 2-4:30 p.m. 11030 East Blvd., $135-175cbgarden.org
PoetryMONDAYSBoot Camp. A four-class seminar covering poetry fundamentals. 10/310/24. Parma-Powers Branch Library, 6996 Powers Blvd., Parma, cuyahogalibrary.org FREE
Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road, 9/27-28fairmountcenter.orgNovelty,.$240
What’s Happening
Better Living After 5054
DrawingWEDNESDAYSPen& Ink. Explore outlining, creating light and shade, rendering texture and more. 10/26-12/14. 7-9 p.m. Beck Center for the northeastohioboomer.comPleasevisitforthemostup-to-datecalendarlistings.Submitanevent
Classy9/30 Canvas. Step-bystep instruction while you
appreciate the beauty of the parks. 6-7:30 p.m. Firestone Metro Park, Tuscarawas Meadows, 2620 Harrington Road, FREEsummitmetroparks.orgAkron,.
Book a Technology Trainer. Get help with device and software support or internet training. 2-4 p.m. Norton Branch Library, 3930 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, akronlibrary.org
Join other active older adults on the second and fourth Tuesdays of the month for hikes in Geauga County and the surrounding area. Hikes are typically 1-1.5 miles. 1-2:30 p.m. geaugaparkdistrict.org. FREE
Needle11/3
CLUBS
ArtWEDNESDAYClub. Join a group of art enthusiasts and creators to share ideas and show off your works. Meets once a month. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Twinsburg Public Library, 10050 Ravenna twinsburglibrary.orgRoad,.FREE
Archery. Learn the basics or improve your skills. Ages 50+. 10-11:30 a.m. Jordan Creek Park, 7250 Alexander Road, lakemetroparks.comPainesville,.$5
LakeshoreMONDAYS
Delicious Discussions. Join on the fourth Monday at Downtown establishmentsWilloughbytodiscuss new releases. 7-8 p.m. Willoughby Public Library, we247.org. FREE
Taco Tuesday. Make your own tortillas and fillings in this hands-on class. 6-7 p.m. Lorain Public Library, 351 W. Sixth St., lorainpubliclibrary.org. FREE
WritersTUESDAYSGroup: Virtual. Have your work critiqued and give constructive feedback to others in a friendly environment. Third Tuesdays. 7 p.m. Rocky River Public Library, rrpl.org. FREE
&THEATERMUSIC,ARTS
American9/17-10/9Mariachi. Heartwarming story of family,
ChessSATURDAYSClub
TwinsburgTHURSDAYSGarden Club
. Chess is played in a friendly, justfor-pleasure atmosphere. 9 a.m.-4:30 p.m. Parma Branch Library, 6996 Powers Blvd., cuyahogalibrary.org. FREE
Woodcarvers Club. Meets on the second and fourth Saturdays each month. 9:3011:30 a.m. The Wilderness Center, 9877 Alabama Ave. SW, Wilmot, wildernesscenter. org
Writers Group. Writer Tina Bartish welcomes aspiring writers and authors to meet, and share work. 7-8:30 p.m. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., alpl.org FREE
Sketchbook Club. Bring your sketchbook for creative drawing exercises on the last Monday of each month. 2-3 p.m. Gates Mills Branch Library, 1491 Chagrin River cuyahogalibrary.orgRoad,.FREE
Free Home Delivery of Boomer Magazine
Learn about perennials, vegetables, landscaping and more. Virtual meetings on third Thursday of the month at 7 p.m. club.comtwinsburg-garden-
Watercolor10/8
Basket10/22
BoardSUNDAYSGame Club. Drop in on the first Sunday of each month to play board games with other adult enthusiasts. 1:30-3:30 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., kentfreelibrary.org. FREE
ThirdFRIDAYSFridays at 78th Street Studios. Join the creative businesses as they open their doors for you to explore the arts complex every third Friday. 5-9 p.m. 1300 W. 78th St., 78thstreetstudios.comCleveland,.FREE
Weaving 101. Join experts to try your hand at basket weaving. 9:30 a.m.Noon. Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Sharon Ctr., medinacountyparks.com. $25
Senior10/11
55September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com Boomer C L U B INSIDER What Do You Get? • FREE home delivery of the magazine for the next issue • FREE Boomer Bash Tickets How Do You Join? • Go to NortheastOhioBoomer.com/Insider • Provide email address, delivery address and other info • Join Now. Open to the first 500 respondents. Best of all - it’s FREE! Join Today! Members must provide a valid email to participate in the Boomer Insider Club. Members will receive the September/October issue in the mail. Members must reconfirm membership with each issue for future home delivery of the magazine. Offer valid for Northeast Ohio residents only. Maximum of one mailed copy per household.
Felting. Learn a fiber art that’s less like knitting and more like modeling clay. 6:307:30 p.m. Euclid Public Library, 631 E. 222nd St., euclidlibrary. org. FREE
Fiber Arts Group. For new and long-time knitters and crocheters. Noon-4 p.m. Columbia Branch Library, 13824 W. River Road, North Columbia lorainpubliclibrary.orgStation,.FREE
Brass Cuff. After your cuff is formed, you’ll add alcohol ink that will look like watercolor. The Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 Mill St. peninsulaartacademy.comW.,. $60
WHAT´S HAPPENING
Neil10/6Young Tribute. Featuring rockin’ electric Crazy Horse tunes
GAS INSERTS
memory and the power of song. Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1407 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, playhousesquare. . $25-95
Better Living After 5056
Road, Aurora, thorncreekwinery.com $125
57September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
WHAT´S HAPPENING
Migrating10/2 Monarchs: Butterfly Tag & Release Event. 10:30-11:30 a.m. and 12:30-1:30 p.m. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org. $7-13
for a Drink Let’s stretch and sip! Adaptable to all levels of experience. 6-7:30 p.m. Tam O’Shanter Park, 5055 Hills and Dales Rd NW, Canton, starkparks.com. FREE
Namaste10/3
WednesdayWEDNESDAYSWalkers. Join this ambitious group of walkers in staying
Christmas. All-star line-up of vocalists and musicians. 7:30 p.m. Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway, Lorain, lorainpalace.com $29-45
Better Living After 50A11/1858Motown
active and healthy on North Olmsted Parks’s walking path. Call to register by 4:30 p.m. each Tuesday at 440777-8100. 28114 Lorain Road, northolmsted.com/senior-center/. FREE
Bird10/5Walk for Beginners. Enjoy a fall morning stroll with a naturalist and learn how to identify birds. 7:30-9 a.m. Big Creek Reservation, Lake Isaac, Middleburg Hts., clevelandmetroparks. com. FREE
OUTDOORS
Senior10/11
Strides. For those 55+ who like to hike with others. 10-11 a.m. Allardale Park, 401 Remsen Road, medinacountyparks.comMedina,
Better Living After 50Autumn10/1360
Breast10/15 Cancer Awareness Hike. Support one another in your experiences with breast cancer. 10:30 a.m.-Noon. West Creek Reservation, Lookout Ridge Loop, 2277 W. Ridgewood Drive, clevelandmetroparks.comParma,.FREE
Deaf9/26Gathering. Open social hour for deaf, hard-of-hearing and hearing people. 6:30 p.m. Coventry Village Branch Library, 1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org FREE
Harvest10/8 Fest at the Chalet. Clambake, s’mores, hayrides, live music, family fun and more. 4-8 p.m. 16200 Valley Pkwy., clevelandmetroparks.comStrongsville,.$0-65
Apple10/8-9Butter Festival. Take turns stirring apple butter, watch giant kites fly, shop and more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Century Village Museum, 14653 E. Park St., Burton, centuryvillagemuseum.org
LunchtimeTUESDAYS Lecture at The Cleveland Museum of Art. First Tuesday of the month, join curators, scholars and other museum staff for a talk on objects currently on display. Noon. 11150 East Blvd., 216-421-7350, clevelandart.org. FREE
All10/29Hale’s
WHAT´S HAPPENING
10/1 & 12/8
Colors Hike. Enjoy the beautiful colors of autumn while hiking along Downy Loop Trail. 5:30-7p.m. Wood Hollow Metro Park, 2121 Barlow Road, Hudson, summitmetroparks. org. FREE
Apple10/1-2Butter & Cider Weekend. Sample apples and help grind and press cider. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com. FREE-$8
Promises9/23
9/30, Norton10/1-2Cider Festival. Apple decorating, train rides, inflatables, fireworks and more. Columbia Woods Park, 4060 Columbia Woods Drive, Norton, nortonciderfestival.com
SPECIAL EVENTS
in the Park. Free outdoor wedding and vow renewal. 11 a.m.Noon. Cascade Valley Metro Park, Valley View Area, 1212 Cuyahoga St., Akron, summitmetroparks.org. FREE
Brew at the Zoo. Enjoy a beer or glass of wine while exploring the zoo after hours. 6:30-9:30 p.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org $19-25
TALKS
Sandy Ridge Reservation, 6195 Otten Road, North loraincountymetroparks.comRidgeville, 8-10:30 a.m. FREE
Eve: Sleepy Hale-O. An all-out Halloween bash, Sleepy Hollow style. 7-11 p.m. Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Road, Bath, wrhs.org
Wednesday10/26 Morning Birding
Ales9/30on the Rails. Sample craft beers on the train and enjoy light appetizers. 6:30 p.m. Rockside Station, 7900 Old Rockside Road, Independence, cvsr. org. $50-60
Sponsored Content
Better Living After 5062
Making11/10 your Money Last. Learn how to work toward achieving your retirement goals and what matters most. 7-9 p.m. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., wadsworthlibrary.com. FREE
Don’t9/30
Buckeye Bigfoot: Reality or Fantasy. Hear the complete history of Bigfoot incidents in Ohio. Yikes! Really! 5:307:30 p.m. Lodi Library, 635 Wooster St., mcdl.info. FREE
Loneliness:9/27 The Human Signal We Need to Hear. Explores loneliness and its effects. 7-8:30 p.m. North Royalton Branch Library, 5071 Wallings Road, cuyahogalibrary.org. FREE
Senior10/18 Scams. Learn the latest. 2-3 p.m. Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, divi.geaugalibrary. net. FREE
for Pollinators. Find out how to attract and aid migratory species and late-season pollinators. 7-8:30 p.m. Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Road, smfpl.org. FREE
Medicaid,10/11
Dating. Get the ins and outs of online dating apps and how to be safe. 1-2 p.m. Rice Branch Library, 11535 Shaker Blvd., Cleveland, cpl.org. FREE
Getting10/19-20Ready for Retirement Taxes, income, social security and more. 6:30-8 p.m. Peninsula Library, 6105 Riverview Road, 330-467-7323, peninsulalibrary.org. FREE
Declutter11/5 Your Mind and Space. Learn to organize, declutter, and simplify. 1-2 p.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, westlakelibrary.org. FREE
Online10/1
Low10/12Power Happy Hour. Sustainability speaker, live music, cocktails and Q & A. 7:45 p.m. Happy Days Lodge, 500 W. Streetsboro St., Peninsula, conservancy for cvnp.org. $22-25
WHAT´S HAPPENING
Planting9/28
Estate Planning & Probate Basics. Learn the basics when navigating long-term care. 6-7 p.m. Cuyahoga Falls Library, 2015 Third St., cuyahogafallslibrary.org. FREE
Wellnes. Estate planning & more. 7-8 p.m. Lee Road Branch Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org. FREE
Get Carried Away By Your Financials. Increase your income and decrease expenses. 6-7:30 p.m. Reed Memorial Library, 167 E. Main St., Ravenna, reedlibrary.org. FREE
Financial10/25
63September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com
Look for patterns of behavior, then make a plan. Manage distractions by pausing for a moment and making a mental or written note of what you were doing before you switched tasks.
Better Living After 5064
— William Stixrud, NeuropsychologistPhD,
“B
“The brain is a lot like a computer. You may have several screens open on your desktop, but you’re able to think about only one at a time.”
Common distractions include conversations, internal chatter, phone calls, text messages, dropping things, sudden pain, unexpected noises, multitasking, switching tasks or simply having people walk by when you’re doing something.
Notice where you put something — really notice. Finish what you are working on before checking a text message or answering a phone call. Pause for a moment so you can note where you were in a task prior to doing something else.
Sponsored By
Paying Attention: A Good Investment
ut I had it just a minute ago…” Sound Distractionsfamiliar?arenot your friend. Scattered attention, task switching… Whatever you call it, it can cause us to misplace items or to lose track of what we’re doing. Focusing on a single task, without distractions, is key.
By Kathryn Kilpatrick
65September/October 2022 | NortheastOhioBoomer.com Visit Kathryn Kilpatrick’s website, connectionsincommunication.com, for memory tips and brain health resources. ANSWERS:1.FLUTE,2.ASPIRIN,3.SKIING,4.PERIOD,5.MIAMI,6.COUSIN,7.UNUSUAL,8.ANDERSON,9.WEDDING, 10.SNOOPY,11.PARISFRANCE,12.WRONGCOLOR, WORDPLAY Look at the numbers and select letters which spell out the correct word. “Man’s mind, once stretched by a new idea, never regains its original dimension.” — Oliver Wendell Holmes 1 WOODWIND 3 5 8 8 3 _ _ _ _ _ 2 MEDICATION 2 7 7 4 7 4 6 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 3 POPULAR SPORT 7 5 4 4 6 4 4 FORM OF PUNCTUATION 7 3 7 4 6 3 5 CITY IN A WARM CLIMATE 6 4 2 6 4 6 SOMETHING TO EAT 9 6 4 8 7 8 7 SOMEONE IN THE FAMILY 2 6 8 7 4 6 _ _ _ _ _ _ 8 COMMON LAST NAME 2 6 3 3 7 7 6 6 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 9 A SPECIAL OCCASION 9 3 3 3 4 6 4 _ _ _ _ _ _ _ 10 A CARTOON CHARACTER 7 6 6 6 7 9 _ _ _ _ _ _ 11 A FOREIGN LOCATION 7 2 7 4 7 3 7 2 6 2 3 12 REASON FOR RETURNING SOMETHING 9 7 6 6 4 2 6 5 6 7 HINTS – FIRST LETTER 1. F 7. C 2. A 8. A 3. S 9. W 4. P 10. S 5. M 11. P 6. Y 12. W ABC DEF GHI JKL MNO PRS TUV WXY 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9
Here’s my point: Traditional media moved online long ago, and most traditional newspapers don’t print every day. I get one delivered six days a week just for the crossword puzzle, and it’s as thick as a church bulletin. It’s a far cry from when we had two (and at one point three) daily
Cleveland State has been trying to get copies of the Press digitized for years. A handful of dedicated volunteers are in the process of working with other libraries and organizations to determine how to digitize the full run of the Press, pay for it, and get it online. With luck, the daily record of our past lives in Northeast Ohio could soon be just a few keystrokes away.
TRIVIABOOM
Last issue, I mentioned the ’70s comedy, “Animal House” and its link to Northeast Ohio. In part, the movie was based on a special issue of National Lampoon magazine, a parody of a 1964 yearbook for C. Estes Kefauver High School in “Dacron, Ohio” (a reference to the city Akron and to the cheap polyester fabric, Dacron). It focuses heavily on student Larry Kroger who is also a character in “Animal House.” Coincidentally, it introduces the fictional TV station WOIO years before Channel 19 got those call letters.
door. There was a guy in an iron lung who had a mirror pointed out his bedroom window and stared at me when I rang the doorbell. What am I supposed to do? Wave? Even my parents stiffed me, claiming they got a free subscription. One of my junior high school friends loved his route. He delivered to two high-rises, was always indoors and took an elevator when he went collecting. I eventually convinced my parents to let me give up the route to a kid down the street.
Thepapers.Cleveland
Press closed in 1982 after a 103-year run. It was one of the most influential papers in the country (along with the PD) but a lot of factors — loss of ad revenue, a bad economy and competition from electronic media —sealed its fate. There’s an old saying that journalists are the “midwives of history,” but how do we access that history?
W
WHERE DO I READ ALL ABOUT IT?
TURNING THE PAGE
Better Living After 5066
By Mike Olszewski
Extra! Extra!
hat was the worst job you everHandshad?down, my worst was my first, delivering The Plain Dealer. This isn’t a slam at the PD. It was one of two well-respected daily papers when I was a kid and is still with us today.Mygripe centers on a 14-year-old being pushed into a route that had me getting up at 5 a.m. seven days a week, battling snowstorms, stray animals and sleepy drivers; then later trying to collect money from people who didn’t answer their
A huge file of newspaper clippings and thousands of photos that ran in the Press were donated to Cleveland State University’s Special Collections library. The problem right now is that the collection is not available to the public.
Next time, let’s stick with newspapers. This novelist, a long-time columnist at the Cleveland Press, was a favorite of renowned horror author Stephen King. Name that writer.
Mike Olszewski is a veteran award-winning radio, TV and print journalist, and a college janmike1978@gmail.comContactinstructor.himat
You can find some related photos at the Cleveland Public Library’s Main Branch, but what if I want to read a specific issue of the Press? That’s where CPL has an advantage. Their online research database page can link you to the complete run of the Plain Dealer, Call & Post and other publications… but no Press.
