Northeast Ohio Parent - May 2023

Mom In C-Town

MAUREEN KYLE FROM WKYC 3 TALKS ABOUT RAISING HER FAMILY WHERE HER ROOTS RUN DEEP ON THE WEST SIDE OF CLEVELAND

On the Cover and TOC:

Maureen Kyle, morning anchor at WKYC 3, her husband Mark McDougall, and their daughters Scarlett, 9, Millie, 7, Etta, 4 at the Rockefeller Park Greenhouse, owned by the City of Cleveland (750 E. 88th Street, Cleveland). The Greenhouse and grounds has a botanical garden with specialty plant collections, seasonal floral displays, outdoor classrooms, and theme gardens. Parking and admission is free. Open daily from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. (rockefellerparkgreenhouse.org)

Photos by Moments by Mauric

features

34 FOSTER CARE AWARENESS

18

MOM IN C-TOWN

Maureen Kyle from WKYC talks about balancing her work life and family where her roots run deep on the West Side of Cleveland. Also, check out our Mother’s Day events on pg. 53

6 Editor’s Note May blooms and things to do

8 Worth Noting

Bereavement bears give comfort to women after pregnancy loss. Plus, Recipe of the Month, Reading Room and more.

12 Education Teachers play an important role in your child’s life. We recognize a few in the region.

48 Calendar

Family-friendly events around the region including Memorial Day and Mom’s Day events.

56 Your Aging Parents

38 LAST CHANCE FOR CAMP AND SUMMER PROGRAMS

Our final list to help families still deciding on where to send their kids this camp season.

20

COMMUNITY FOCUS: EXPLORING THE HEIGHTS

tLocal boy helps create doll to spread positivity among brown and black children see page 9.

We highlight families and places to have fun in Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights and University Heights.

Helping your parents downsize can be an emotional process, We provide tips to help your family with decisions.

57 #CLEMAMA Planning a family trip? Here are six tips for a fun and stress-free experience.

May Blooms and Things to Do

No one has ever told me I had a “green thumb” and in fact, at one point, as a mom of two toddlers with little time for cleaning, let alone weeding the garden, I put off the chore for years. My mulchfilled perennial plants became more of a wildflower garden. While we mowed the lawn and kept the yard tidy, I didn’t have the desire to work outside.

Instead, we let the boys dig for worms and use the backyard as the baseball field where they played wiffle ball with the neighbors. They played games like “red light, green light” and pulled out all the water toys for the little pool or Slip and Slide.

And you know what, when they stopped playing in the backyard because they became too big and strong to play wiffle ball (they started hitting the balls over the house) and they walked down to the local park to swim or go on the basketball courts, I decided to do a professional yard clean-up. We took out most of the wildflower garden, leaving a few flowering plants, and got rid of the dead bushes. I mulched — bought some cool lawn decorations — it’s now plain and clean.

But, there is not an absence of more things we have to do, actually there’s a lot this year, but there will always be seasonal goals to accomplish — from vacations, home renovations — or our big adventure, a move to a new house in a local neighborhood.

So, as I create my goals for the summer, my plan is to just to keep it as simple as I can. I think other parents might be feeling the same way.

In fact, when I interviewed our cover mom Maureen Kyle, morning anchor from WKYC 3, a busy working mom with three girls, it was nice to chat with another parent who has a similar daily routine — from parenting around work, kids activities, appointments, cleaning, making dinner, and still finding time for family fun, learning and watching the kids grow up.

It got me thinking, for Mother’s Day, take some time to send encouraging messages to your other mom friends, especially the ones who might need it the most.

Also, look for ways this month to celebrate you, too, with your family.

Honestly, we have an action-packed issue that will get you through the month, from last call for summer camp season, a check-in with the local Heights communities, we thank some teachers in the region and more.

If you are looking for something to do this summer, make sure to check out our summer event series in which Northeast Ohio Parent host three monthly events — Crocker Kids, Fun at First & Main and Pinecrest Play Days, where families can spend a few hours with themed activities and find local resources.

So, as the weather warms, the old flowers start to bloom — and our last summer to “play” in our backyard, I just want to slow things down, but alas, it’s the crazy May season.

p.s. I just want to say congratulations to all the 2023 seniors graduating, especially two, Christian and Kylie, who I watched grow up and it went way too fast! So proud of you both!

May 2023

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Bereavement Bears

HOPE TO GIVE COMFORT TO WOMEN AFTER PREGNANCY LOSS

by Georgia Lattas

Taylor Prelac was eight weeks along into her pregnancy when she had an ultrasound in 2020.

The OB-GYN had informed Prelac that her baby was measuring behind, but to not worry.

However, Prelac began to experience bleeding, and her husband rushed her to the ER in Akron.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, Prelac’s husband, Tyler, was instructed to wait in the parking lot and could not be in the hospital room to be with his wife. The attending resident had informed Prelac that her baby was not viable and she must follow up with her OB-GYN in 24 to 48 hours. The family was devastated.

“One in four women go through miscarriage (according to the National Library of Medicine) and it’s really not talked about,” Prelac says. “Women go through miscarriages all the time. When I went through my loss, I had a really hard time. I felt so alone.”

After Prelac’s D&C surgery, her grandma sent her a teddy bear to comfort her as she was grieving her child. This is where the idea for Brooks’ Bereavement Bears

came about. She wanted to give women and their families something to hold after going through a loss like hers.

The following year, on the anniversary of Prelac’s miscarriage, she decided to donate bears with ribbons and a message of hope on the bear.

Prelac’s family and friends encouraged her to turn this idea into something even bigger. In October 2022, Brooks’ Bereavement Bears was officially a nonprofit, named after her 21-month-old son, Brooks.

Prelac has given out almost 80 bears and has a partnership with Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital in Canton, MVHC in Cambridge, and Aultman Hospital Canton.

“This bear has really helped so many women be comforted,” she says. “It’s also helped me remember my child as well. I would ultimately love for every hospital in Ohio, every OB-GYN clinic to have one of these bears. That’s my ultimate dream.”

If you would like to donate or reach out to Taylor for a bear, reach out at taylor. prelac@brooksbereavementbears.com or visit brooksbereavementbears.com

Celebrate May with these interactive picture books suggested by Annisha Jeffries, Youth Services Manager at Cleveland Public Library. These books encourage kids to learn through touch, sound, or movement.

Visit cpl.org or clevelandreads.com

Makers of “My Friend” Doll Hopes to Bring Positive Messages to Battle Racial Stereotypes

DON’T PUSH THE BUTTON!

by Bill Cotter

Get ready for laughter and surprises as children are drawn into this story by being asked not to push the button – only to find out what happens when they do.

THE MONSTER AT THE END OF THIS BOOK

by Jon Stone

Join Grover from Sesame Street as he humorously tries to prevent readers from turning the pages and reaching the monster at the end of the book.

THERE’S A DRAGON IN YOUR BOOK

by Tom Fletcher

Help a friendly dragon hatch from its egg and learn to use its fiery breath responsibly in this charming interactive story.

by Georgia Lattas

During 2020, in the midst of COVID-19 and the George Floyd protests, seven-year-old Demetrius Davis, nicknamed “Lil Dee,” and his mother Luciana Gilmore had conversations surrounding racial discrimination in the United States.

Demetrius of Twinsburg, wanted to make a difference, with the help of his mom, to spread positivity among brown and black children.

Gilmore says her son repeatedly asked when she would curate something specifically for young boys. They decided on a doll and were soon creating the first edition.

“The first and second prototypes were not very good,” Davis says. “The third prototype was amazing and outstanding.”

Originally, Gilmore designed the doll to have on a cardigan, nice dress pants, and nice shoes. But, Davis heard about Trayvon Martin, 17, who was wearing a hoodie when he was killed in 2012. It began a hoodie movement to bring awareness to young black men being targeted for what they wear. Lil Dee expressed interest in having the doll wear a hoodie.

“Demetrius said ‘let’s put him in items of clothing that are normal for young boys,” Gilmore says. “We wanted to take the stigma away from young boys wearing a hoodie or jeans or boots or whatever is considered urban kid wear. These clothes are associated with being a ‘gangster’ or a ‘criminal’ and we wanted to take that stigma away.”

The duo decided to call the doll “My Friend,” inspired by a doll Gilmore

played with growing up called “My Buddy.”

“We are introducing to the world a friendlier version, an accepted version of how brown boys should be accepted,” Gilmore says. “We are your friends. We are not the enemy.”

“We offer the doll in many different skin tones,” Demetrius says. “We have lighter skin tones and darker skin tones so you can choose the doll that you want.”

Parents can now buy a doll that includes a personalized voice box of Lil Dee speaking and saying positive affirmations.

“Parents can go online and say ‘hey, my son’s name is Mike.’ So the voice box could say something like ‘hey Mike, you are brown boy joy, you are smart,’” Gilmore says.

The mother-son pair want to motivate and inspire every young brown boy and let them know just how special they are.

“I want people to take away from my company that brown boys, black boys, black men, they can do anything that white people can do,” Demetrius says. “They’re all equal. They’re all special.”

“I would like the world to take away from our company the power of representation,” Gilmore says. “For brown boys to see positive messages of themselves as opposed to the negative stereotypes that they hear.”

The doll, “My Friend” from Our Brown Boy Joy, is available at Target online and ourbrownboyjoy.com.

PHOTOS BY DRICO LAMAR & JONROC FILMS

Sheet Pan Chicken Sausage and Veggies

Northeast Ohio Parent blogger Melissa Koski Carney of “I Crashed the Web” is always looking for dinners that are easy to make, take less than an hour, and have an easy cleanup. “This is one of those recipes,” she says. “I love sheet pan meals for their easy clean up and preparation. Swap out spices/herbs and veggies that your family likes for a crowd-pleasing, easy weeknight meal.”

❝ My kids like this served with pasta. But then again, they like everything served with pasta.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

• 12 ounces of pre-cooked chicken sausage cut into ½-inch slices; I like Italian-style chicken sausage

• 1 medium sweet potato, sliced into 1/4-inch round slices

• 1/2 head of cauliflower, cut into florets

• 1 lb. green beans with the ends cut off

• 2-3 Tablespoons of olive oil

• 1-2 Tablespoons your favorite spice mix –

• I like to use 1 Tb Italian seasoning and 1 tsp garlic powder OR 1 Tb smoked paprika and 1 tsp garlic powder, but this would be good with any of your favorite seasonings

• Salt and pepper to taste

• Fresh parmesan cheese to taste

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Preheat your oven to 400F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Toss your vegetables –sweet potato, cauliflower and green beans – with olive oil.

3. Spread sliced sausage and prepared vegetables on the baking sheet. Try not to overcrowd veggies.

4. Sprinkle everything with spices (Italian seasoning+garlic powder or paprika+garlic powder).

5. Bake in a preheated oven for 35-45 minutes, until vegetables and sweet potato are cooked through and as roasted as you like. Check at about 20 minutes and toss.

4. When done, sprinkle with Parmesan cheese.

Maltz Museum 'Stop the Hate' Contest Winners Announced Student from Rocky River High School Won the Grand Prize

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage held an award ceremony in April for their 15th annual 'Stop the Hate' contest, which awards $100,000 in scholarships and prizes to sixth through 12th grade students, schools and teachers speaking out against bias and discrimination. Gianna Miller, 12th grader at Rocky River High School was the grand prize winner. She

received a four-year $20,000 scholarship and her high school received a $5,000 Anti-Bias Education Grant. Northeast Ohio Parent had the opportunity to interview the sixth through 10th grade finalists’ group and the Stop the Hate Teachers of Year.

Visit maltzmuseum.org for the online interviews and learn more about winners essays and songs.

Spotlighting ExcEptional tEachErs

Around Northeast Ohio

BY: Shana O’Malley-Smith

May is National Teacher Appreciation Month and to celebrate, we asked a few Northeast Ohio schools to help us recognize teachers who are going above and beyond for their students. Get to know these outstanding educators and learn a little about the special things they’re doing in the classroom.

Jon Diligente, Robotics Teacher Monticello Middle School, Cleveland Heights-University Heights School District

Tell us about your robotics class. What do students typically do and how does it work with earning college credits?

“The robotics program is one of a kind. It is currently being offered to our eighth grade students at Monticello Middle School. In this unique course, students have the opportunity to design and build a robot, learn programming and coding, and at the same time, earn up to four college credits through Cuyahoga Community College.

This course allows students to have fun in a safe and innovative environment. They learn to collaborate together as a team to problem solve. The students utilize and enhance their math skills in the program, for the coding process. They earn their first two college credits in the first semester. At this time, they learn how to code the robot to use motors and make their vehicles move forward and backward.

They are taught how to use encoders to make their robots turn to a specific degree. Students program the use of sonic sensors and bumpers to make the robot do specific commands. They use sensors to make the robot stop at a specific distance. In the second semester, the students earn their last two credits. They use claws for the robots to pick up items. They learn how to program the robots, to use line followers to follow specific colors on the floor to travel a specific or designated path.”

What has the feedback been like from students?

"The biggest factor they thrive upon is that the learning is centered around them. The course is mostly student led versus teacher directed. Lastly, they are excited to be leaving middle school with four credits towards college.”

What is your hope/goal from offering this new class?

“My biggest hope is that more students will want to participate in the program and that the interest in engineering/ robotics continues to grow. My goal is to offer this course to other grades levels, which will allow me to bring in additional programming opportunities to our school, such as drone building. With more interest, we will eventually be able to participate in competitions. People can follow me on twitter @jdiligente to see the exciting things happening in my classroom.”

Tell us about your teaching role at Julie Billiart. What are some of the things you do on a daily basis?

“As a seventh-grade intervention specialist, my role includes teaching all academic subjects, as well as fostering a safe space for students to learn and practice the unwritten social curriculums of everyday life. I am as much of a social skills coach as I am an educator.”

Have you done anything unique or tried anything different in the classroom that really seems to connect with your students?

“When you walk into my classroom, you will always see a visual, written schedule for each class. This allows my partner teacher and I to provide non-verbal prompts to the students to help increase their independence and enhance their executive functioning skills. The structure of my classes includes ebbs and flows. We then have a short, direct, and interactive lesson where I may show a three-minute video, teach the lesson, and then allow them time to practice with a peer. To

Erica Pirc, seventh grade intervention specialist at Julie Billiart School in Lyndhurst

check for understanding, we will often play a game, such as Kahoot or Quizizz. They end the class with some time to independently play on a self-paced, gamified educational platform.”

What do you love most about your job?

“My favorite part of my job is summer break, just kidding. The best part of working at Julie Billiart is the administrative and colleague support. I know that if there is an issue, I can rely on my admin team and partner teacher to brainstorm a solution. My favorite part of teaching in general is connecting with the kids who need the most support. I have a unique ability to reach some of our more emotionally dysregulated students.”

What kind of feedback do you receive from your students?

“Students appreciate that I allow them to have time to be social and engage in fun activities. Occasionally we will scrap our plans and go for a nature walk if the weather is nice, have a mini “film festival” watching a documentary, and/or break out the board games. I like to introduce them to different games so they may be able to connect with someone else outside of Julie Billiart in a low-pressure, but social manner.”

Anything else you’d like to add?

“Be kind to your kids’ teachers. It is not an easy job by any means, but it’s an extremely important one. When parents and teachers can work together as a team, both trusting in each other’s expertise, the outcome can be beautiful.”

Kathleen Davidson Intervention Specialist

Cuyahoga Falls High School

Tell us about your role as an intervention specialist. What are some of the things you do on a daily basis?

“I have been an Intervention Specialist for 19 years, I teach students with severe needs to moderate needs. My classes range from using the Ohio Extended standards with a therapy-based curriculum to everyday life skills such as cooking, shopping, making and following a budget. Still other classes follow the Ohio Learning Standards where we are learning the general education curriculum just at a different pace. I am also the department chair for the special education department here at Cuyahoga Falls. This allows for daily communication and collaboration on how to best meet all of our students’ needs not just in my classroom but in the entire building.”

What are some unique strategies you’ve done to connect with students?

“Anything hands on; the biggest event we do is a Thanksgiving Feast. The students must create a budget, use grocery ads to make their shopping list and then we go to the grocery store as a class to purchase the items they need to prepare the entire feast. They always enjoy using the kitchen for lessons as well as going out into the community.

Finally, I communicate a strong belief in my students’ character and abilities through an unwavering set of high but realistic expectations that also serve as a challenge for them to believe in themselves.”

What do you love most about your job?

“After 19 years my passion for the work is still strong. I’m still being challenged and still learning new things. I love the reciprocal nature of my relationship with my students; I learn as much from them as I hope they are learning from me and get as much from them as I try to give to them."

What kind of feedback do you receive from your students (or parents of students)?

“I consider the parents of my students part of the wonderful team of people I work with each day to support our learners. I work very closely with many if not most of my parents and they have expressed their appreciation for the strong effort I make towards keeping the lines of communication open.”

Anything else you’d like to add?

“This isn’t a job even the best intervention specialist would be able to do on their own. I’m surrounded by a team of, not only three other extremely talented teachers but a number of support staff as well, all of whom work together to make my job look easy. Though we all have different roles, all of us share in the love we have for our students and our desire to contribute to the success of each one of them.”

- CONTINUED ON PAGE 14 -

Teachers are

Kellie Burger and Amy Kidner fifth grade teachers Lake Elementary at Mentor Public Schools

Tell us about your open concept classroom. How does it work?

“Our open concept classroom doesn’t have the traditional classroom walls separating our fifth grade rooms. Using this structure, we are able to combine our two fifth grade classes into one class so that we can co-teach together all day.“

What inspired this teaching style?

“We were inspired to have an open space and co-teach because we both love to collaborate while lesson planning and teaching. This teaching style also allows us to differentiate our instruction more, so we can meet the needs of our students. We both also value making connections with our students, so it is helpful to have another teacher make these connections while in the same classroom. This has given us the opportunity to observe and learn from each other, which has helped us enhance our teaching practices. Continuing to grow individually as teachers has always been important to us.”

What type of feedback do you get from the students?

“Here are some of the things the kids said about the open concept classroom and co-teaching:

“I like it. It feels more open.”

“I like it. Feels less claustrophobic in the big open space.”

“I think it’s good because I have friends in both classes.”

“I like that it is more open and I have more friends in the class.”

“I like having more people to work with.”

“I like having two teachers because when working on stuff we have two people we can ask for help.”’

Any tips or advice for other teachers?

“A tip that we could give to other teachers is to make sure you have constant communication with your co-teacher about planning, student’s needs, parents, data and more. In addition, we think it is important to work with someone who shares the same teaching style and philosophy as you. Lastly, you will want to build relationships with all of the students in your room to ensure a comfortable learning environment for all.”

Mom in C-Town

MAUREEN KYLE, MORNING ANCHOR AT WKYC 3 AND NORTHEAST OHIO NATIVE SHARES WITH US HER LIFE AS A MOM OF THREE GIRLS AND THE IMPORTANCE OF RAISING THEM IN THIS REGION — PLUS, HER INDUCTION INTO THE "MOM SQUAD."

STORY BY Angela Gartner

PHOTOGRAPHY BY Stephanie Mauric

MMaureen Kyle, morning anchor at WKYC 3 is like most moms — juggling it all — work, parenting and home life. However, she wouldn’t do it anywhere else, but here, in Northeast Ohio, where her family roots run deep on the West Side of Cleveland.

Kyle was born in Lakewood, but then raised in Westlake. She said her family originally moved here in the 1800s and her great, great grandfather, a clockmaker, had a foundry in Tremont. Her parents grew up in Parma and Parma Heights, where her grandfather was mayor of Parma Heights.

Her interest in a broadcast news career began with an encounter with a local sportscaster Jim Donovan who was interviewing her father, Chuck Kyle, the head football coach and English teacher at St. Ignatius High School.

“I remember (Donovan) talking to my dad and thinking, ‘this is amazing, this is this guy’s job. He gets to talk to people and then it’s on TV,’” Kyle says. “And from that point on —just with the media being in and out of our lives with my dad’s career — I got exposed to what it entails and how fun it is. I just always felt like this is what I wanted to do and I never had another thought of any other career.”

She went onto college in New York and her first broadcasting job was in Louisville, Ky., but always hoped to come back home. She says “she knocked on doors” in town and the first one opened was WKYC 3, where she has spent much of her career either out in the field or now, in the morning anchor position.

Back on the west side, she and her husband Mark McDougall are raising three daughters — Scarlett, 9, Millie, 7, and Etta, 4.

“We talked about how (Northeast Ohio) has everything all the big cities have, but it’s much more accessible and it’s easier to do everything with the family,” Kyle says. “I think there’s just a whole vibe of Northeast Ohio. The people who are from Northeast Ohio have a great sense of humor, humility and it's still grounded in Midwestern values.”

The family does have a new addition, Buster, a mixed breed puppy. “He is a super mutt, he is like a mix of everything.” Kyle says of Buster, almost 4-months-old and the family’s first dog.

“It has been really adorable,” she says of her three girls' interaction with their new four-legged sibling. “Right now they are pretty excited to have the puppy in the house, especially since the oldest (daughter) has been begging for one for so long. I can see why it’s a good responsibility for kids. Just providing that extra responsibility of having to take care of something other than themselves has also taught them little lessons in selflessness, which I like.”

For the busy, working mom, who gets up early due to her morning shift (when we say early, it means for her, 2:30 a.m.) While she has lots to get done during the day, with the help of Zoom and other technology, it has given her a little more flexibility, but not all the time.

“I always joke, ‘I’m a full-time mom, a full time employee and a part-time sleeper,’” she says. “I have an out-of-the-box schedule, but that is how we’ve really made it work. I have to stick to a list and just stay really on top of the schedule,” adding she writes down her to-do list during commercial breaks. “I always told my husband, ‘it’ll work until it doesn’t and then we’ll figure out what to do.’”

I want to show my daughters that if they want to be married, have a family, have a career, that they can do it.

While her girls are in multiple after school activities, the family also spends time enjoying what Northeast Ohio has to offer.

“We just got bikes,” Kyle says.“We’ve been hitting up the bike path and trails. We are also close to Huntington Beach and we are always walking or riding our bikes up there. Cedar Point is huge for my family. We hit up a lot of the museums in the winter months and we are always at the Cleveland Zoo in the summer.”

For Kyle, cooking meals is also important. “I just cook super healthy,” she says. “My mom cooked everything from scratch, I probably make it a lot harder on myself, but that is how I grew up. It’s how I still cook and get meals ready. It’s a lot of meats and vegetables. I also need leftovers. I cook at night so that means I least have lunch prepared the next day with leftovers.”

“I want to show my daughters that if they want to be married, have a family, have a career, that they can do it,” Kyle adds.

In fact, for WKYC’s Mom Squad, that provides expert advice on parenting questions on a talk show streaming on their WKYC+ channel, being parents was the big inspiration for creating the squad.

“We (the staff at WKYC 3) all have kids about the same age and we’re all going through working and raising our kids in a world we didn’t grow up in — (such as) the extra technology, added pressures and more sports and activities than we ever dreamed about at earlier ages,” she says. “I think so many parents are looking for answers, help and guidance, so that's why we called it the squad because you need advice from every angle.”

We asked Maureen Kyle her kids’ favorite go-to meal. She shares a quick and easy weeknight chili, which her family gobbles up no matter what time of year.

INGREDIENTS:

1.5 lbs ground turkey

1 white or yellow

onion diced

2 bell peppers diced

1 28 oz can fire roasted

diced tomatoes

1 tbsp Olive Oil

1 15 oz can of petite

diced tomatoes

1 15 oz can

kidney beans

2 tbsp Chili powder

2 tbsp Cocoa powder

2 tsp Cumin ground

In a large stock pot, saute the diced onion and pepper in olive oil until soft.

Add the ground turkey and cook until it’s browned

Add the cans of tomatoes, kidney beans and spices (chili powder, cocoa and cumin)

Simmer on medium for about 10 minutes. Serve hot.

** Additional notes: I use this recipe when I have about 20 minutes to cook. Sometimes I add black beans instead of kidney beans.

ABOVE: Maureen Kyle works as a morning anchor at WKYC 3. BELOW: The family spends time enjoying Northeast Ohio including one of the girls' favorite hometown mascot, Slider. Kyle and her three girls, Millie,7, (left), Etta, 4, (middle) Scarlett, 9, (right) give their Mom a hug during a morning photo shoot at the City of Cleveland's Rockefeller Park Greenhouse.

Three

By Margaret Briller

From the Van Sweringens’ architectural standards in Shaker Heights to John D. Rockefeller’s support of Cain Park in Cleveland Heights to John Carroll University’s influence in University Heights, early residents, industrialists, white-collar professionals and academics were often patrons of museums, galleries and theaters in Cleveland, and extended this influence into their communities. These efforts helped to create a rich artistic heritage in the Heights, and neighborhoods like Larchmere and Coventry became known as eclectic, creative hubs.

Within the past few decades, arts-based nonprofits like Heights Arts and Shaker Arts Council formed to grow the impact of art in these communities, and the Shaker Historical Society added the Lissauer Art Gallery to highlight local talent. Today, the Heights are known for diverse and dynamic cultural scenes that benefit residents and visitors alike.

Margaret Briller is a freelance writer in Northeast Ohio.

“When in Cleveland Heights, be sure to check out Heights Arts, Cain Park, Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Campus, The Grog Shop, and Cedar-Lee Theater just to name a few of the many amazing spaces that make this area home to the arts!” says Tom Masaveg, program manager for Heights Arts.

Bike Shaker

“Welcome to Shaker Heights” Bike Tour on Saturday, June 17, will take riders to significant sites related to Shaker Heights history. This ride is great for families, especially new residents. More information can be found at: shakerhistory.org/bikeshaker

Make Like... All-Ages Art Kit

Ever seen a work of art and wished you could make it yourself? These craft kits will help you do just that. In celebration of Viktor Schreckengost, an industrial designer, teacher, sculptor and artist, the library is giving away supplies to make art like his signature style. Kits will be available starting Thursday, June 1, while supplies last. Registration is appreciated but not required. All ages are encouraged to participate. Noble Neighborhood branch of Heights Libraries. heightslibrary.org

This Art is for the Birds Summer Art Camp

This series of weekend family workshops run June 12-July 23 at the Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Campus in Cleveland Heights. There are also week-long multidisciplinary Arts Camps for half-day or full-day options for grades 4-6 and 7-10. Registration and fee required (sibling discounts available). All sessions led by professional artists, playwrights, poets, musicians and dancers including Robin VanLear, creator of Parade the Circle. artfulcleveland.org

Mobius

Mobius is a growing network of parents, teachers, community members and volunteers raising funds and providing educational programs in performing and visual arts and sciences for all Cleveland Heights-University Heights kindergarten through eighth grade students. Examples of the artist residencies, art activities, science enrichment, and capital improvements include art kit for kindergartners, Lego Mindstorms, ballroom dance, batik, papermaking and puppetry. mobiuschuh.org/events

Coventry P.E.A.C.E Park

(People Enhancing a Child’s Environment) Park was built in 1993 by students, parents and other members of the Cleveland Heights community. The park has been a favorite of children and parents alike and was voted the best place to take your kids in both 2008 and 2009. The name “Coventry P.E.A.C.E. Campus” is derived from this organization and now stands for “People Enhancing a Community’s Environment.” Located at 2843 Washington Blvd. in Coventry.

Found Object Art Walks

Join visiting artists from Art House to create works of art inspired by exploration of your neighborhood. Each participant will search for items to create one-of-a-kind art pieces, and the series will include multiple art styles, from two-dimensional to small three-dimensional sculptures with materials chosen by participants. No previous art skills are needed, bring your creativity and imagination! Ages 6-11. First session is Thursday, June 29, 4-5:30 p.m. Check heightslibrary.org for registration and more dates. Lee Road Library Branch, Children’s Garden.

Shaker Dig 9 Day Camp

Shaker Historical Society’s 9th annual archaeological camp starts the week of July 10-14. This hands-on brings kids in second through fifth grade up close with archaeological finds from Northeast Ohio and around the world. Kids can create their own artifacts, too, all on the grounds of the SHS. Registration and fee required. shakerhistory.org.

Here’s just a few unique ideas to try around The Heights region:

By Faith Boone

The Heights L iving

Family is a strong reason why people move, stay, and thrive in the communities they live in. Some people are born into a community with history, and others continue the tradition started by their parents. Families with children often look to school districts to determine if they would enjoy living in a particular community. Others with deep roots linked to their family history have a variety of reasons why they stick around in their communities.

We spoke with three different families across The Heights to discuss the differences between Shaker Heights, University Heights, and Cleveland Heights, and what keeps families in the area.

Though these three communities have

their differences in amenities and architectural structures, each one is a draw for families to raise their children and continue the tradition. Young couples are moving in to grow their families and continue the traditions of their parents, while also enjoying the time they have together in peaceful communities with style and vibrancy.

Liz, Johnny, and Ivory in Cleveland Heights

Liz Schreiber is a Shaker Heights native that grew up going to Shaker schools before moving to Vermont. The draw of family and the feeling of home is what brought her back to the area for good.

“I think when I came back in 2005 there weren’t a lot of people coming back to Cleveland yet,” Liz Schreiber says. “Once people started getting married, having kids, they all sort of started to come back. So I was like ‘see, it’s a good place to be.’”

Schreiber says their 100-year-old home in Cleveland Heights didn’t start off great to begin with, but it has good bones and her husband Johnny’s background in architecture made it a possibility. They love their front and back porches, charming character, and the uniqueness from the other homes on the street.

“The bones of an old house are very different from the bones of a new house, so that was definitely part of the appeal,” she says.

Liz Schreiber works for Cleveland Clinic as a nurse, another family with close proximity to one of Cleveland’s major health systems thanks to living in the Heights. She says the short commute is a big draw for living in the Heights, whether you work in healthcare or somewhere in downtown Cleveland.

Her parents emigrated to the U.S. from Europe and were sponsored by a family in Cleveland. Her mother still lives in Shaker Heights today. Johnny Schreiber is from Euclid and went to Euclid High School, and started to learn more about the east side while dating Liz.

“I guess you could say this is more landlocked than it is over there [in Euclid], but there’s just so much more to do here and we’re big outdoors people,” he says. “I’m a big cyclist and so is she so we ride out east — and it’s just lovely back country roads and the greenery you know, all that stuff. And we love the parks around here.”

Liz says the mild winter helped the family log 141 miles right near their home. Liz and Johnny enjoy taking 4-month-old Ivory on walks along the Bradford Road walkway, and going to nearby parks. They frequent several Cleveland Heights staples such as On the Rise, Gigi’s, and The Wine Spot on Lee Road. If

JACQUELINE AND ZACHARY SALZBRUN WITH SON JONAH 1-YEAR-OLD AT THEIR UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS HOME.

they’re looking to cross the border, you can find them amongst the many families at Van Aken District or stopping at Bialy’s in University Heights for a bagel or two.

The couple are happy to have Church of the Savior right down the street on Bradford Road where Ivory will be going to daycare soon. A .6 mile walk from the house isn’t bad. The more convenience for families in the Heights, the better.

Teresa, Dan, Hilary, Damien, and Sylvia in Shaker Heights

Relocating from Gordon Square on the west side of Cleveland, Teresa Santin and Dan Carcioppolo searched for a home in Lakewood before taking a look at the Heights.

“We were looking to grow because we were in a condo, and there was really nothing available on the west side,” Santin says. “[Dan] texted me some links to some homes on the east side and specifically in Shaker, even though we weren’t familiar with it. Loved the homes that we saw. And this was actually the first link he sent — this house.”

Santin says her family fell in love with their home instantly, as well as the neighborhood and the sight of children playing outside. The close proximity to a playground was also a plus. Carcioppolo mentions their choice to move to Shaker Heights was a shot in the dark, but the Heights communities were somewhere he knew he wanted his family to live.

The homes along their road are lined with single-family brick, wood-sided, and shingle-sided homes. Teresa says her family was drawn to the brick exterior of their colonial home. It also came

with several Shaker Heights home traditions, including built-ins, leaded glass windows, and beautiful hardwood floors.

The couple and their three children, Hilary (7), Damien (4), and Silvia (2) enjoy St. Dominic, a popular Catholic church and school in the city. Carcioppolo says Shaker Heights is a great location overall and its continued growth is appealing.

“It’s a pretty dynamic place for a suburb,” he says. “There’s a lot of busy people. There’s a lot of action, which I like a lot. We kind of bought on potential. I heard whispers that they wanted to do (Van Aken District, which now has been open since 2018). And now we have access to food, shopping, ice cream, parks, you know, everything — there are no really boring days.”

Jackie, Zach, Jonah, and one-on-the-way in University Heights

Jackie and Zach Salzbrun had a different reason for choosing University Heights as a place to raise a family — homegrown roots. Jackie Salzbrun grew up in University Heights on Miramar Boulevard near the inter

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i m p l e m e n t , i s b e i n g f o r m e d ” - D r M a r i a M o n t e s s o r i

TERESA SANTIN & DANIEL CARCIOPPOLO WITH KIDS HILARY,7, DAMIEN,4,SYLVIA,1 & FAMILY PET IN SHAKER HEIGHTS.

LIZ SCHREIBER, HER HUSBAND JOHNNY AND THEIR 4-MONTH-OLD DAUGHTER IVORY IN FRONT OF THEIR HOME IN CLEVELAND HEIGHTS.

section where John Carroll University meets Gesu Catholic church and school. Though she and her husband Zach were looking across the three Heights communities for a home, a large part of choosing their tudor-style home in University Heights is due in large part to Jackie’s family still living in the area. Her family is large and close-knit with lots of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins to keep up with. Most surrounding family members live in either one of the Heights communities or a neighboring location.

The couple said University Heights and Cleveland Heights homes were more within their budget during their search, and they were excited to find an older home that matched their character.

“I like the architecture, I felt there was more of the older architectural details that a lot of the houses incorporate,” Zach Salzbrun

says. “I always had something for slate roofs.”

He adds the curb appeal was one great factor, and the hardwood floors on the interior of the home were a big seller. Original fireplaces and other details you wouldn’t find in a newly built home were additional draws for the Salzbruns.

Living near Jackie’s family and finding a home on a welcoming street is a big plus to the couple, who made an addition to their family about a year and a half ago with their son, Jonah. They are expecting another little one soon.

“Now that we are growing a family it is nice to be in a neighborhood where there are other younger families — you see parents walking strollers around with babies and toddlers and young kids,” Zach Salzbrun says. “So in addition to the proximity to our actual family, a community that is welcoming has

Faith Boone has more than 15 years of experience as a journalist, public relations professional, strategic marketer, and entrepreneur. She has held several positions within the communications industry and also enjoys giving back to the community through her work with various non-profit organizations. She is the founder of Boone Logic, a Cleveland-based content development and marketing consultancy. She thoroughly enjoys living in Shaker Heights with her two young daughters, and loves visiting the surrounding Heights communities for added adventure.

appeal to it.

The family enjoys walking the John Carroll campus grounds and the convenience of having Gesu so close by. Jackie, Zach, and Jonah also make their way over to Shaker Heights to visit the infamous Van Aken District, sometimes for ice cream and sometimes to make a trip to the pediatrician at University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Suburban Pediatrics. If they’re visiting Cleveland Heights, they’ll find themselves at On the Rise on Fairmount Boulevard or checking out a restaurant near the Cedar Lee or even Cedar Fairmount areas.

The Salzbruns agreed both of them working at University Hospitals makes living in University Heights an easy commute.

Exploring the Heights

Cleveland Heights

clevelandheights.gov

It’s hard to imagine that 200 years ago Superior Road in Cleveland Heights was all dirt with a few farmhouses spread acres apart. More and more residential homes began popping up as immigrants came to Cleveland to search for work, and by the 1920s it became a “streetcar suburb,” with rail lines serving the area. Cleveland Heights officially became its own city in 1921 and is now home to more than 45,000 residents. Today, residents enjoy rich history, entertainment, and modern amenities for family-friendly fun or a parents night out.

Cain Park

14591 Superior Rd, Cleveland Heights, cainpark.com

Cain Park is a summer performing art park owned and operated by the City of Cleveland Heights. Every summer, Cain Park turns into a top venue for theatrical productions, concerts, and other live performances. It also hosts an annual arts festival. Check out their free, family-friendly, Sunday afternoon concert series beginning May 21.

BY: Shana O’Malley-Smith

Forest Hill Park

Forest Hills Blvd. & Lee Blvd., Cleveland Heights

Once part of John D. Rockefeller’s Forest Hill Estate, this community park features a playground, walking trails, picnic shelters, tennis courts and baseball fields.

Heights Libraries

(multiple locations), heightslibrary.org

Travel to Coventry Village Branch, Lee Road Branch and the Noble Neighborhood Branch. The Heights libraries began serving the community in 1916, according to their website and has a mission to “provide free access to services and facilities for all ages, maintain safe, welcoming spaces and digital environment, offer expert information and research assistance, maintain and lend outstanding and balanced collections and materials, focus on programs and services that transform people’s lives and deliver high quality outreach services where they are needed.”

The Haunted House Restaurant

13463 Cedar Rd, Cleveland Heights, thehauntedhouserestaurant.com

Get a thrilling fix anytime of the year at this themed restaurant that pays homage to classic horror movies. The menu includes things like “The Texas Chainsaw Burger,” “Jaws” pizza, and “Children of the Street Corn.” It also has a drink menu featuring specialty “potions” as well as a kid’s menu.

The Wine Spot

2271 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, thewinespotonline.com

This converted hardware store on Lee Road boasts an expansive selection of worldly wine and beer. The beverage store also features “The Art Spot,” a student-run gallery of the Cleveland Institute of Art and hosts events such as wine tastings, pop-up shops, drink and draw nights and entrepreneur meetups.

Shaker Heights

shakeronline.com/

More than 29,000 people call Shaker Heights home and it’s not hard to see why. A few features include its historic homes and architecture, plenty of parks and green space, a vibrant shopping and dining district and a close proximity to downtown Cleveland.

Nature Center at Shaker Lakes

2600 S Park Blvd, Cleveland, shakerlakes.org

According to its website, The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes “was founded in 1966 as the result of a grassroots community effort to preserve the Shaker Parklands from becoming the route for a new freeway connecting Cleveland’s Eastside to downtown.” The Nature Center is free and open to the public to visit and features nature trails, exhibits, and educational events and programs.

Shaker Library

16500 Van Aken Blvd., Shaker Heights, shakerlibrary.org

The Shaker Library provides free access to a wide variety of services and resources to the community including books, movies, media, classes, events, activities, a creation lab, art gallery and much more.

The Van Aken District

thevanakendistrict.com

The hub of downtown Shaker Heights is the Van Aken District, featuring a mix of shopping, dining, entertainment and residential homes. Kids can participate in their Bookworm Adventure: The Great Children’s Book Scavenger Hunt. Every month, the Shaker Library will curate a children’s book to theme a district-wide scavenger hunt.

A few kid-friendly favorite places:

Shaker Rocks — Featuring 14,000 square feet of indoor rock climbing for all ages. Double Rainbow — spirited lifestyle + clothing boutique for girls. Mitchell’s Ice Cream — classic and seasonal flavors of ice cream handcrafted in Northeast Ohio.

University Heights

universityheights.com

This urban suburb with just under 14,000 residents features a college campus and provides residents and visitors with walkable neighborhoods, local shopping and dining, and higher education opportunities.

Walter Stinson Community Park

2313 Fenwick Rd, University Heights

Known as “The Walt” to locals, this park opened in 2016 and features a toddler playground, ADA-accessible children’s playground, picnic tables, pollinator garden, gazebo and walking track.

Bialy’s Bagels

2267 Warrensville Center Rd. University Heights, bialysbagels.com

This bagel shop has been a staple in University Heights since it was opened in 1966. Get there early to get your pick of freshly made bagels.

Ben & Jerry’s

20650 John Carroll Boulevard, University Heights,

Who doesn’t love ice cream? This shop with the iconic flavors, brings homegrown fun to this locally-owned shop. Look for the ice cream cakes, benjerry.com/ universityheights

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NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES SHAKER HEIGHTS

SUMMER EVENT SERIES IN UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS

Will You See Your 2023 PaRent Favorites?

John Carroll University

1 John Carroll Boulevard, University Heights, jcu.edu

The “University” in University Heights, John Carroll offers more than 70 academic programs including nursing, business and finance. Families can cheer on the Blue Streaks in 24 Division III varsity sports including baseball, basketball and football.

University Heights Library Branch

133866 Cedar Road, University Heights, heightslibrary.org

According to its website, “The newly, extensively renovated University Heights branch offers a diverse popular collection as well as separate areas for adults, children, and teens. The branch receives books and magazines from the foreign language collection of the Cleveland Public Library. There is a Kulas Foundation Steinway piano available for program and community use as well.”

Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights and University Heights

Businesses and Organizations

Special Advertiser Listings

CAIN PARK

Discover Cain Park, located in Cleveland Heights, where the arts thrive under starry skies. Enjoy shows at the outdoor covered Evans Amphitheater or enclosed Alma Theater and view art exhibits inside the beautiful Feinberg Art Gallery. The 2023 season includes concerts, family-friendly entertainment, and more. The award-winning Arts Festival takes place July 7-9 and includes the work of artists from across the country, fabulous food, and free concerts. You’ll find something for everyone at cainpark.com

CITY OF SHAKER HEIGHTS

Shaker Heights is an exceptional place with a quality of life that is second to none. Welcoming neighborhoods with historic, distinctive homes; magnificent tree-lined streets and parks; and top-notch schools are sources of tremendous community pride. Our notable city services, public transportation, unique small businesses, and our ideal location set us apart. Their active, engaged residents and their strong sense of community make the city a truly special place to call home. Learn more about “Shaker” at shakeronline.com/378/about

DOBAMA THEATRE

Now in its 63rd season, Dobama Theatre, Cleveland’s Off-Broadway Theatre, is dedicated to premiering important new plays by established and emerging playwrights in professional productions of the highest quality. Through theatrical production, community engagement, and education programming, Dobama nurtures the development of theatre artists and builds new audiences for the arts while provoking an examination of their contemporary world. For information about tickets, season memberships, and education programming visit dobama.org or call 216-932-3396.

FAMILY CONNECTIONS

For 40 years, Family Connections of Northeast Ohio has been helping families grow stronger together by providing parenting support and educational opportunities for families with children from birth through age 6. We offer year-round, free programs and services for families and children to learn and play together. Our programs focus on early learning, parent support and school readiness. Join them June 18 for their 21st annual DadsDayRun runsignup.com/Race/ OH/ShakerHeights/DadsDayRun

GROWING SMILES CHILDREN’S DENTISTRY At

Growing Smiles

Children’s Dentistry, we love our patients, and their patients love them. They create a fun, comfortable atmosphere in our dental office that’s just right for kids. Their dentists are specially trained to treat the unique needs of children’s oral health. Here at Growing Smiles, they create the foundation for healthy smiles that last a lifetime.

13990 Cedar Road Suite B, University Heights, 216-395-PEDO (7336), growingsmilesoh.com

GOODWILL INDUSTRIES OF GREATER CLEVELAND AND EAST CENTRAL OHIO

It has been serving the local community for more than 100 years. Most people recognize Goodwill as a thrift chain, that is only a portion of their work. Local donations to Goodwill are sold, and revenue from those sales fund 28 different outreach programs. More than 18,000 people were supported through Goodwill programs last year. In the greater Cleveland area, Goodwill has 13 stores and 3 donation centers. goodwillgoodskills.org

HEIGHTS LIBRARY

Summer

Reading 2023: June

1-August 11.

Adventure awaits at Heights Libraries this summer. Join them for indoor and outdoor adventures as they explore nature and STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics) topics through programs funded in part by a grant from the Ohio Department of Education. Preschoolers through Teens can select a prize book at sign-up and after reading for 30 days. Raffle prizes are available for all ages. heightslibrary.org

JACKIE COLLESI — HOWARD HANNA

Jackie Collesi has been helping families find homes in and around Shaker Heights for 20-plus years. Shaker Heights is family friendly: block parties, Family Connections, parks, skating rinks and sledding hills. The homes are truly a treasure. Many were built in the 1920s and offer coziness and a traditional layout. Those built in the 1950s offer the mid-century vibe. Whatever your style, she is happy to help you find a house and you can make it your home. 216-780-8607.

MONTESSORI SCHOOL OF UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS

Montessori School of University Heights, established in 1968, is a pre-primary school dedicated to helping each child become the unique person his/her creator intended in a Christian atmosphere of peace, love and respect. Children enter at age 3 and remain through their kindergarten year. The Montessori approach involves: providing comprehensive, individualized opportunities for growth; engaging children in a caring, supportive community; and developing concentration, independence, self-discipline, compassion, confidence, and joy in learning. 216-381-8388, ms-uh.org

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Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights and University Heights Businesses and Organizations Special Advertiser Listings

THE NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES

What will you discover when you unplug and reconnect with the outdoors? Step into their outdoor classroom in the heart of the Shaker Parklands on Cleveland’s east side. Unleash your curiosity and explore all that Northeast Ohio native habitats have to offer. The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes is free and open to the public. With over two miles of trails and connecting trails throughout the Shaker Parklands, adventure and discovery await. shakerlakes.org

PREMIER SMILES ORTHODONTICS

Premier Smiles Orthodontics is dedicated to helping patients and their families feel as welcome and comfortable as possible throughout their experience. Inspired by many deserving children and adults throughout their community, they maintain a mission-driven model that provides top-quality care at affordable prices. They understand the relationship between you and your orthodontist requires trust. You can expect spectacular results on top of transparency, honesty, thorough communication, and friendly faces throughout your time with them. premiersmilesortho.com

ST. DOMINIC SCHOOL

St. Dominic School is the only Catholic school located in Shaker Heights. St. Dominic School is small in size, but big in possibilities. As an extension of St. Dominic Church, the students worship, learn, serve, and connect each day. The school is purposely small, faith-filled, beautifully diverse, and academically rigorous. They are always delighted to welcome new students and families to the St. Dominic School community. Visit their website today at stdominicschool.net.

SHAKER HEIGHTS SCHOOLS

Shaker Heights Schools is one of only seven PreK-12 International Baccalaureate districts in North America. Their students receive a holistic, high-quality education that prepares them to be caring citizens, to take action and to make our communities and our world a better place. A Shaker education focuses on excellence, equity and exploration and produces Ivy League scholars, Broadway stars, Pulitzer Prize winners and trailblazing entrepreneurs. Learn more about Shaker Heights Schools at shaker.org

Not every child is safe. There is a child or sibling group, somewhere in Northeast Ohio, today, who will have to leave their current home environment, due to abuse, neglect or other circumstances where their family is unable to care for them, and take their first step into foster care. But, where will they go? That is the question.

“Currently there are more than 9,000 children who live with foster parents, and over 16,000 children total in the state of Ohio, who are residing away from their biological family (kinship, residential, etc),” says Brittany Edelbrock LISW at

Foster Care Parents Needed As Children Entering System Continues to Rise

By Angela Gartner

OhioGuidestone. “This number is continuing to rise and has become a definite problem for foster families and agencies. The need to find these children homes is so high.”

For Summit County Children Services, they are finding children who enter into the system, are not transitioning out, in fact, have risen.

“Since the opioid epidemic and then the pandemic with mental health crisis we’ve seen less engaged parents in services and visitation to safely reunify with their children,” says Ann Ream, department director of community relations and foster care for Summit County Children Services. “We finalized 85 adoptions last year. Which is wonderful in creating so many new forever families. However, we still have the same number of children in our permanent custody, as unfortunately it’s just a trend that is not stopping. Often, we see that when one of our foster families adopts a children or sibling group they then find their family complete and close their home to foster more children. So it creates more need for

foster homes for us.”

While there’s a need to help children, families who might be interested in foster care, might not know where to begin. In fact, according to Edelbrock, some common myths about foster care are foster care parents do this for the money, they have to own their own homes, and must be a married, hetrosexual couple to foster, which all are untrue.

“Some things that potential foster parents need to know is that you do not need any type of parenting experience to become a caregiver,” she says. “There is a preservice training to help you understand the process, and just like any other parent, it’s a learning curve. While so many agencies like OhioGuidestone have tried to raise awareness about the cycle of child abuse and help educate families, so that abuse does not occur, it is still happening, and therefore there is still a need for loving homes, educated caregivers, and trauma informed care.”

Ream adds, “these children need care, a stable home and most importantly, a family. Families in our community served by Summit County Children’s Services have complex challenges and foster parents can forever make an enormous difference in the life of a child.”

Summit County Children Services (SCCS) needs foster families to care for children of all ages, but especially infants, sibling groups, and teenagers. We need families who will love and care for children as their own and support the primary families while they work to address their challenges so that the children can reunify safely to their home.

There are more than 850 children in the custody and care of SCCS. At SCCS, we believe every child deserves safety, stability, and a family. We work closely with our foster families to provide the support they need to promote the best interests of all children and families we serve. Foster families are an essential part of our team and are the reason so many children are loved. They truly make a last impact in the lives of so many.

Be the Reason Children areBecomeSafe! a Foster Parent.

Brad and Ashley Eplin have been licensed foster parents for Summit County Children Services (SCCS) for over three years. The Eplin’s have three biological sons and a two-year-old girl who they plan to adopt this year. Currently, the Eplins have placement of a one-year-old child in foster care who has been with them since birth. Over the past three years, the Eplin family has treated the biological parents of these children with warmth and respect which they demonstrate in every interaction.

Brad and Ashley became foster parents to give children a loving home and

stability. They had considered fostering as they have a cousin who fosters, so they went to an informational meeting and did their research. The Eplin’s shared that “learning to love others and serve, even if it is for a short time, can still make a big impact.”

The Eplin’s SCCS Foster Home Coordinator Amy Peresta commented, “It has been a joy to work with the Eplin family! I have seen the support they give to the biological parents, letting them know they care about them. They are truly a wonderful family, and we are fortunate to have them as a part of our team.”

Brad and Ashley Eplin

( Last Chance ) for Camp and Summer Programs

ACHIEVEMENT CENTERS FOR CHILDREN achievementctrs.org

ADRENALINE MONKEY adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

AKRON ARTWORKS Akronartworks.com

BECK CENTER FOR THE ARTS beckcenter.org

BELLWETHER FARM CAMP bellwetherfarm.com

CAMP CURIOSITY: SUMMER SCIENCE CAMPS greatscience.com

CAMP FITCH

Camp Fitch’s century-old classic sleep-away summer camp provides kids ages 6-17 with a holistically safe, values-driven community where they discover friendship and achievement. Kids feel like they belong among the camp’s carefully vetted, committed and caring staff, who create transformative experiences on the shore of Lake Erie. Partnering with the Erie Health Department and healthcare professionals, they have designed a safe camping environment to make kids better, forever. North Springfield, Pa., 814-922-3219, campfitchymca.org

CAMP GILMOUR summercamp@gilmour.org

CAMP INVENTION

Spark your child’s curiosity and creativity with the all-new Camp Invention program, Wonder! Campers in grades K-6 will collaborate with friends to take on fun, hands-on STEM challenges. From building a mini skate park to launching a pop-up shop to transforming a robot into

a stuffie, each experience adds up to an imagination-stretching, confidence-boosting summer. Visit invent.org/local to secure your spot! Use promo code LOCAL15 by 5/17 to save $15.

CAMP JCC IN AKRON

June 5-Aug 11. Different weekly experiences allow campers to discover new hobbies and explore favorite interests. Specialty camp offerings include a variety of sports, creative arts, and STEM. All are welcome at the JCC, regardless of religious preference or economic status. Whether you choose a specialty or traditional camp, all campers attend from 8-3:30 p.m. daily (aftercare available). Daily activities include swimming, art, and games. Available for grades 1-8. Register at shawjcc.org/camp-j.

CAMP TIPPECANOE ymcastark.org

CAMP QUALITY campqualityusa.org/oh/

CAMP RATNER theratnerschool.org/summer-program

CENTER STAGE DANCE STUDIO

Watch your child’s confidence soar during summer camps at CSDS! For 35 years, Center Stage Dance Studio has been offering premier-level dance education. We believe every child deserves a chance to shine. Based on their favorites like Baby Shark, Frozen, and Sing!, we offer exciting programs for dancers ages 1 and up. You’ll see your child learn stellar techniques in Ballet, Jazz, Acrobatics, and Hip Hop in a nurturing environment where new friendships can flourish. We even have adult classes so you can get involved, too! Threeweek Summer Sessions start on June 12th. Register online now at CenterStageOhio.com.

CHALLENGE ISLAND

challenge-island.com/neo

CLASSROOM ANTICS

Learn what you love. If your child likes LEGO, Minecraft, or coding, they are going to love becoming a creator in a Classroom Antics summer camp. Classroom Antics is an educational enrichment provider offering fun, educational STEAM programs for kids ages 6-14. Weeklong summer camps are offered in a variety of STEAM activities, including video game design, robotics, animation, video production, and coding. Attend half-day or full-day in Beachwood, Berea, Brecksville, Brunswick, Fairlawn, Hudson, Solon, or Westlake. classroomantics.com

CLEVELAND CITY DANCE

clevelandcitydance.com

CLEVELAND FENCING ACADEMY

clevelandfencingacademy.com

CLEVELAND METROPARKS

clevelandmetroparks.com/camps

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

cmnh.org/summer-camps

COMMON GROUND SUMMER CAMPS

Eight weeks of day camp

full of adventure and education in Oberlin. Earth camp is for ages 6-15 and features a unique environmental theme for kids to explore, learn and grow. Adventure camp takes kids ages 12-15 on epic adventures such as zip-lining, tree climbing and more. Financial aid and bus transportation available from several Lorain County locations available. Call 440-965-5551 and register today commongroundcenter.org/summer-camps

CORNERSTONE OF HOPE

Cornerstone of Hope offers two camps for grieving children and teens, where they will participate in age-appropriate grief activities led by professionals, play fun, high-energy games and experience challenging activities in a safe environment. Campers are encouraged to explore their grief, learn essential coping skills, and make friends with peers who are also grieving. Camp Cornerstone (ages 6-12): July 11-15. Camp Erin (ages 8-17): Aug. 5-7. cornerstoneofhope.org/cleveland

CREATIVE PLAYROOMS creativeplayrooms.com

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE (TRI-C) tri-c.edu/summercamps

EARTHOLOGY earthologykids.org

THE ELITE GYMNASTICS ACADEMY elitegym.com/events/summer-camp/

EN POINTE DANSE enpointedanse.com

FAIRMOUNT CENTER FOR THE ARTS fairmountcenter.org

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( CampandSummer Programs Guide )

FALCON CAMP

Recognized throughout the Midwest as Ohio’s premier summer camp since 1959. Falcon offers a beautiful lakefront setting; talented, experienced staff; and a wide variety of activities. Campers choose their own schedules within the general framework. Most of all, it’s great fun. Special introductory camp for ages 6-10. ACA accredited. At Falcon, good things happen by design. 800-837-CAMP, falconcamp.com

THE FINE ARTS ASSOCIATION

GET SOCIAL

Enjoy summer arts day camps at The Fine Arts Association. They offer a challenging summer dance intensive led by guest artists, engaging camps for preschool and elementary ages, theatre arts camps which build toward a concluding performance, stylish visual arts camps, and much more in addition to their traditional summer classes and lessons. Summer camps at Fine Arts are where discovery and creativity happen and lifetime memories are made. Release the artist within your child. fineartsassociation.org

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( CampandSummer Programs Guide )

FIT BY FIVE

Cuyahoga and Lorain Counties’ most popular summer camp returns with even more choices for summer fun. Sports and gymnastics, arts and crafts, academics, activity-based theme weeks and lots of outdoor fun on four private acres. Friendship Camp, ages 6 and 7; Step Up to Kindergarten through ages 5; KinderCamp, ages 5; Pre-K Camp, ages 4; Preschool Camp, ages 3; Mini Preschool Camp, young 3’s and Perky Kids Camp, ages 2. Westlake, 440-835-8558, fitbyfive.com.

FLYING HORSE FARMS

fyinghorsefarms.org.

FORGE THE FUTURE

Explore the world of forging through the Forging Foundation’s two-day Forge the Future Summer Camp. Students ages 11-15 will have the opportunity to tour a forging facility, participate in STEAM and team building activities, and learn how to forge. Plus, campers will get to take home their own forging. Breakfast and lunch are provided. Register online at fierf.org

FRUITS OF THE FARM SUMMER CAMP

bluejayorchard.com/summer-camp

GEAUGA PARK DISTRICT

bit.ly/gpdcamps

GELFAND STEM CENTER

gelfand.case.edu

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(

CampandSummer Programs Guide )

GIRL SCOUTS OF NORTH EAST OHIO

gsneo.org/camplife.

HATHAWAY BROWN

Located in Shaker Heights, Hathaway Brown offers camps for boys and girls, toddlers through college. One of the many things that sets HB’s camp programming apart is the ability to truly create your son or daughter’s own summer adventures. Visit hb.edu/summer to register for academic, athletics, adventure, and specialty camps to have the best summer ever. hb.edu

HAWKEN SCHOOL

Hawken Summer Programs offer a variety of activities led by experienced professionals for boys and girls ages 4-18. Camps run between June and August, and offerings include day camps, passport camps, athletics camps, and summer studies. These opportunities enable children to develop existing passions and discover new ones; they also provide exposure to new people and new skills, which helps build self-esteem, independence, and confidence. For more information, email summerprograms@hawken.edu, call 440-423-2940, or visit summer.hawken.edu

HOLDEN FORESTS & GARDENS

holdenfg.org

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

LOOK FOR MORE WAYS FOR KIDS TO SPEND SUMMER AT THE NORTHEAST OHIO'S CAMPS AND PROGRAMS AT NORTHEASTOHIOPARENT.COM

lensc.org/summer-camps

LAKE RIDGE ACADEMY lakeridgeacademy.org/school-life/ summer-programs

LAKESHORE DANCE AND GYMNASTICS lakeshoregym.com

LORAIN COUNTY METRO PARKS loraincountymetroparks.com/ summer-camps

MAGICAL THEATRE COMPANY magicaltheatre.org

MARTELL SCHOOL OF DANCE martellschoolofdance.com

MASTER MARR’S TAEKWON-DO marrtkd.com

MONTESSORI LIFE thatmontessorilife.org

NATURE CENTER AT SHAKER LAKES shakerlakes.org/camp

THE NEST SCHOOLS

This summer, campers will be exploring the Ten Wonders of The Nest, which make up some of the most important characteristics of who we are and what we believe to be integral components in young children’s development. Throughout their 10-week summer program campers will dive into each of the wonders through various games, activities, field trips, and special events that promote the deep exploration of each topic, promote learning and build valuable skills for life. thenestschool.com

ODYSSEY PROGRAM AT CLEVELAND STATE UNIVERSITY’S SCHOOL OF FILM & MEDIA ARTS

csufilmodyssey.com

OHIO’S 529 PLAN

Summer camps open new worlds for your child as does a higher education. For over 33 years, Ohio’s 529 Plan has been helping families nationwide save tax-free for education, whether at a four-year or two-year college, a trade or technical school, or an apprenticeship. You can also use your Ohio 529 account to pay for K-12 tuition and repay student loan debt. 35 E. Chestnut St., 8th Floor, Columbus. Learn, plan, and start for as little as $25 with Ohio’s 529 Plan today at collegeadvantage.com

PARK DAY CAMP parksynagogue.org/park-day-camp

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( CampandSummer Programs Guide )

PIANO CLEVELAND pianocleveland.org

PRESTIGE LACROSSE prestigelacrosse.com

PROGRESS WITH CHESS progresswithchess.org/camps

SAINT IGNATIUS ignatius.edu

SNAPOLOGY

cleveland.snapology.com

SUMMIT COUNTY HISTORICAL SOCIETY summithistory.org

SUPER NINJA ZONE

superninjazone.com

TALESPINNER CHILDREN’S THEATRE

Talespinner Children’s Theatre is the summer destination for campers looking for excitement, imagination, and performance! Featuring themed weeklong camps with half-day programs for students aged 4 through entering 1st grade, full day for students entering grades 2-6, and a two week “Finding Nemo Jr.” camp with a fully staged and costumed production. Give your kids the BEST SUMMER EVER at TCT! Visit talespinnercle.org/camps for a full camp guide, prices, contact information, and more.

UNIVERSITY SCHOOL

us.edu/summer

VERB, “OHIO CONTEMPORARY BALLET”

Verb, “Ohio Contemporary Ballet” is the perfect place to discover a love of dance! The professional ballet company has an affiliated studio located in Shaker Heights. The studio welcomes students of all levels and ages offering toddler movement classes to adult classes. Now enrolling evening summer sessions for youth ages 3-12. Aspiring pre-professional students can apply to be a junior trainee and study with the company this summer. Offering additional master classes and workshops throughout the year, students can take their experience even further. verbballets.org

WALSH JESUIT HIGH SCHOOL

walshjesuit.org/summer-camps-2023

YMCA SUMMER CAMPS

There’s no place like the YMCA Summer Camp: a home away from home where kids laugh, learn, explore and grow, all while creating memories and friendships that last a lifetime. The YMCA knows that every kid is different. That’s why it offers camps for your child’s needs. Financial assistance is available for those who qualify. Learn about their sites and curriculum at clevelandymca.org

LOOKING FOR A SUMMER FUN ADVENTURE WITH YOUR LITTLEST ONES WHILE THEIR SIBLINGS ARE AT CAMP?

Check out Northeast Ohio Parent's Summer Event Series on Tuesdays — Crocker Kids, Fun at First & Main And Pinecrest Play Days! Visit NortheastOhioParent.com For details and register for these FREE monthly events!

May CA lenDAR

Safety Close-Up

5/6

Superhero Suit Up. Decorate your own superhero costume. 10-11:30 a.m. Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square, we247.org

5/20

Touch a Truck. Get an up-close look at the vehicles and equipment of Geauga Park District. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell, geaugaparkdistrict.org

6/3

Kids Day of Safety and Play. Summer reading kick-off, KidArt, physical fitness challenge, touch-a-truck and more. 9 a.m.-2 p.m. Mainstreet Medina, mainstreetmedina.com

Pick - a - day

MONDAYS

Middle School Makers. A club for middle schoolers who love to create, craft, explore and discover. 7 p.m. Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., kentfreelibrary.org

TUESDAYS

Afterschool Spot for Teens & Tweens. Video games, board games, snacks and more.

3:30-5:30 p.m. Coventry Village Branch Library, 1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org

After School Adventures. Children kindergarten through fourth grade will explore literature, science concepts, arts, and culture. 3:15 p.m. Wickliffe Public Library, 1713 Lincoln Road, wickliffepl.org

Kid’s Summer Time Book Club. Ages 5-12. 10:30-11:30 a.m. 6/137/25. Barberton Public Library, 602 W. Park Ave., barberton.lib.oh.us

WEDNESDAYS

Fun on the Farm. Pony and pony cart rides, horse rides and more. June-August. 10 a.m.-8 p.m. Spring Mist Farms, 691 Pearl Road, Brunswick Hills, springmistfarms.com

FRIDAYS

Adapted Fridays on the Farm. Visit the new lambs. For those who are sensory sensitive. 4-5 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

Lakewood Front Porch Concert Series. Free, live music in a welcoming environment. 7 p.m. Lakewood Public Library, lakewoodalive.org

SATURDAYS

STEAM Team Saturdays. On the second and fourth Saturday of each month, children, ages 5-11 discover the wonder of S.T.E.A.M. 12 p.m. Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org

SUNDAYS

Sensory-Friendly Jump. A more relaxed experience with modified safety measures and reduced sound. 6-7 p.m. Sky Zone Trampoline Park, 31500 Viking Pkwy., Westlake, skyzone.com/westlake

Family FUNday. Family-friendly games, movement-based activities, art, and more. First Sunday of each month. 1-4 p.m. Community Arts Center, West 25th St., Cleveland, clevelandart.org

Mentor Marsh Family Hike. Come explore the forest. 2-3:30 p.m. Cleveland Museum of Natural History, The Carol H. Sweet Nature Center, 5185 Corduroy Road, Mentor, cmnh.org

Day - by - day 5/6

2023 Cleveland School Fair. Learn about educational options, resources, scholarships and have fun with the whole family with face painting, photo booth and more. 12:30-3 p.m. Cleveland Public Library, 525 Superior Ave., scohio.org

5/6

Free Comic Book Day at Akron Public Library. Pick up a free comic book or attend a “Creating Comics” workshop. Grades 3-5. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. 60 High St., akronlibrary.org

Free Comic Book Day at Cleveland Public Library. Choose a free comic book and enjoy a variety of activities at various branch libraries.10 a.m.-6 p.m. cp.org

Superhero Suit Up. Decorate your own superhero costume. 10-11:30 a.m. Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square, we247.org

Buses for Bags. Bus-pull fundraising event. Family room mobile tent, bounce houses, superhero and princesses and more. 10:30 a.m.-3 p.m. 3227 Graham Road, Stow, stowohio.org

5/10

Kids’ Fishing. Learn the basics of fishing. 3-6 p.m. Summit Lake Nature Center, 411 Ira Ave., Akron, summitmetroparks.org

5/11

Star Hopping. Let’s navigate the night sky as we hop from one star (or constellation) to the next. 9-9:45 p.m. Hoover Trail, 1325 E. Maple St., North Canton, starkparks.com

5/13

High School Career Day at the Aquarium. Meet the team members who keep the aquarium running and find how their careers began. 9 a.m.-noon. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium. com

Enchanted Garden Princess Tea Party. Brunch and entertainment. 9:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m. Amish Door Village, 1210 Winesburg St., Wilmot, amishdoor.com

Canine Carnival. Dog demonstrations, pet costume, agility course and more. 11 a.m.-4 p.m. Lodi Square, 121 Wooster St., visitmedinacounty.com

5/15

Homeschool STEM: Biology. Learn about various aspects of biology and complete a hands-on activity. 1-2 p.m. West River Library, 1194 W. River Road N., Elyria, elyrialibrary.org

5/17

Mess Makers at the Akron Art Museum. Learn, play and explore creation stations designed with the messiest kids in mind. 11 a.m.-1 p.m. 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

5/19

Spring Spectacular. Explore the park after hours and partake in a zoo-wide scavenger hunt while enjoying up-close animal encounters, music, and more. 6-9 p.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., akronzoo.org

5/25-29

Blossom Time Festival. Enjoy carnival games, food, rides, hot air balloon launch, live music and Memorial Day parade in Chagrin Falls. Downtown Chagrin Falls, cvjc.org

5/26-29

Berea Rib Cook-Off. A family-friendly environment with a picnic-style atmosphere. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds,164 Eastland Road, Berea, 440-234-5181, berearib.com

5/27 & 5/29

Memorial Day at Hartville Marketplace & Flea Market. Visit more than 1,000 indoor and outdoor vendors. 1289 Edison St. NW, Hartville, hartvillemarketplace.com

5/27-29

Free Passenger Fare for Active Military and American Veterans. Receive free passenger fare aboard Miller Ferry to Put-in-Bay or Middle Bass Island. millerferry.com

5/29

Memorial Day Parade, Ceremony & Car Show. Parade at 10 a.m. from Green High School. Ceremony is at 12 p.m. at Green Veterans Memorial Park. Picnic and Car Show begins at 12:30 p.m. at John Torok Community Center. cityofgreen.org

Mentor Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony. Parade begins at Heinen’s parking lot at 8850 Mentor Ave. at 9:30 a.m. and follows Mentor Avenue to Hopkins Road to Mentor Cemetery. cityofmentor.com

Avon Lake Memorial Day Parade & Ceremony. The parade will be held at 10 a.m. with a ceremony following at 10:45 a.m. at Veterans Memorial Park. avonlake.org

Warrensville Heights Memorial Day Parade. 10 a.m.-12 p.m., cityofwarrensville.com

North Ridgeville Memorial Day

Parade. Parade will depart from the Senior Center and conclude at the Ranger Stadium. 9:45 a.m., nridgeville.org

Tallmadge Memorial Day

Parade & Service. Begins at 30 Wright Road, heads towards Tallmadge Circle and ends at the cemetery. 9:30 a.m., tallmadge-ohio.org

Memorial Day Pancake

Breakfast. All you can eat. 7-11 a.m. Sharon Center UMC, 6407 Ridge Road, sharoncenterumc.org

5/19

Fun Science Friday. Investigate the life cycle of butterflies and bees,and their important job of pollination. 4-4:45 p.m. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, westlakelibrary.org

5/20

Super Science Saturday: Mammal Mayhem. Discover the science behind these living organisms, their classification, and their crazy lives. 10:30 a.m.3:30 p.m. Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Rd., Copley, akronfossils.com

5/20-21

Horsefest. Be transported to a time when horses were vital to transportation and working. 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, lakemetroparks.com

5/22

Astronaut Bootcamp Week. Enjoy space and astronaut activities all week long. Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina, mcdl.info

5/23

Kids Dig! Fossils & Paleontology. Hands-on experience for children, ages 6-11, interested in history and science. 6-8:30 p.m. Lee Road Branch Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org

5/24

Art for Homeschool Families. Learn about the life of Louis Fuertes, an American ornithologist and how to draw a bird using colored pencils. 2-3 p.m. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., wadsworthlibrary.com

5/25

Teen Art Club. Printmaking, layering imagery, jewelry, clay, mixed media, and more. 4-5:30 p.m. Peninsula Art Academy, 1600 Mill St. West, Peninsula, peninsulaartacademy.org

5/26

Night Sky Viewing. Observe the night sky through telescopes. 8-11 p.m. Observatory Park, 10610 Clay St., Montville Township, geaugaparkdistrict.org

6/2

Falls Fire Showdown. Family-friendly event where firefighters from around the region will compete in a relay challenge to determine who is the best of the best. 5-10 p.m. Downtown Cuyahoga Falls, cityofcf.com

6/3

Monster Jam Stadium Tour. The most unexpected, unscripted and unforgettable motorsports experience for families and fans. 7-9 p.m. FirstEnergy Stadium, 100 Alfred Lerner Way, Cleveland, feldentertainment.com

6/7

Adventure Kids: What’s in the Water. Ages 3-6 explore what critters live in and around Sippo Lake. 5712 12th St. NW, Canton, starkparks.com

6/8

Family Trivia Night. Put on your thinking camps and join Animal Edition of trivia night. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Road, smfpl.org

6/8-10

Coshocton Hot Air Balloon Festival. Kiddie rides, entertainment balloon launches and

more. 707 Kenilworth Ave., Coshocton, coshoctonhotaiballoonfestival. com

6/10

BAYarts Art & Music Festival. Over 75 local vendors: art, locally grown food, live music, food trucks, kid-friendly projects. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village, bayarts.net

6/10 & 6/17

Strawberry Festival. U-pick strawberries, food trucks, pony rides, face painting, music and more. 8 a.m.-5 p.m. Bauman Orchards, 161 Rittman Ave., Rittman, baumanorchards.com

NORTHEAST OHIO PARENTS EVENT SERIES

Free, family-friendly entertainment with interactive activities for kids ages 2-9, northeastohioparent.com

Crocker Kids

11 a.m.-1 p.m. Crocker Park, 189 Crocker Park Blvd., Westlake May 9:

Princess/ Superhero

Dress-up Party

Pinecrest Play Days 11 a.m.-1 p.m., Park Avenue, Orange Village, May 23: Dress-Up!

Princess/ Superhero Day

PARENT & CHILD

Day - by - day

5/5

Spring Nature Tales. Young children and their adult companions can celebrate spring in an interactive, spring-themed story time. 10:30-11 a.m. Liberty Park Nature Center, 9999 Liberty Road, Twinsburg, summitmetroparks.org

5/11

Push and Pull Stroller Walk. Push a stroller, pull a weed, make a difference. Buckeye Woods Park, 6335 Wedgewood Road, Medina. medinacountyparks.com

5/13

Fun At First & Main

10 a.m.-noon, First and Main, Hudson May 16: Superheroes and Princesses! Oh My!

Family Theater ONGOING

THROUGH 5/12

The True Story of the 3 Little Pigs. The Big Bad Wolf is having his day in court v. those three innocent little pigs. Or are they?

You be the jury. You decide. Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, magicaltheatre.org

5/5-14

Once Upon a Mattress. Humorous adaptation of the 1835 Hans Christian Andersen fairy tale “The Princess and the Pea”. Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, beckcenter.org

5/6 Family Theater Day at Playhouse Square. A fun-filled day of theater for the whole family; from the puppets of HICCUP and the continuing adventures of Junie B. Jones to traditional and contemporary African dance. playhousesquare.org/familytheaterday

5/12

Beauty and the Beast — Ballet. Enchanted objects come to life, drama unfolds through exceptional artistry, and loveable characters show that you can’t judge a book by its cover. 7 p.m. Lakeview Park, 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, loraincountymetroparks.com

5/12-14 & 5/19-21

The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. When a tornado rips through Kansas, Dorothy is whisked away to the magical land of Oz. Geauga Theater, 101 Water St., Chardon, geaugatheater.org

STEM Saturday: Archeology. Curated for ages 3-8 years old with an accompanied parent or adult present. 10 a.m.-noon. The Music Settlement, 11125 Magnolia Dr., Cleveland, themusicsettlement.org

Spring Flower Garden. Spring flower garden workshop for ages 5 and up with an adult. 1:30-3:30 p.m. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., ncantonlibrary.com

5/18

Tales for the Budding Artist. Interactive storytime workshop for ages 2-5 with an adult. 12:301:30 p.m. Fairmount Center for the Arts, 8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty, fairmountcenter.org

5/19

Story Time in the Parks: I Believe I Can. Story, craft, exploration and more. 10 a.m. and 1 p.m. Children’s Schoolhouse Nature Park, 9045 Baldwin Road, Kirtland Hills, lakemetroparks.com

5/26

Story Time in the Woods. Nature-themed story, music, movement and play. 10:30-11 a.m. Every Child’s Playground, 36265 Detroit Road, Avon, lorainpubliclibrary.org

5/31

Discovery Days: Rabbits & Raindrops. Learn how rabbits might deal with rain through discoveries, stories, a craft and more. Ages 3-6 with an adult. 11 a.m.-noon. CanalWay Center, 4524 East 49th St., Cuyahoga Hts., clevelandmetroparks.com

6/13

Art Play Date: Lemonade Stand

Art. Parents, come join your little artists in multi-sensory art-making activities for both of you to enjoy together. 10:3011:30 a.m. Canton Museum of Art, 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, cantonart.org

Pick - a - day

MONDAY- WEDNESDAY

Family Story Time. Babies, toddler and preschoolers with an adult come for stories, songs and movement. 6/12-7/19. 9:30 and 10:30 a.m. Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., alpl.org

TUESDAYS WEDNESDAYS & SATURDAYS

Seiberling Explorers. Join in on select Wednesday mornings, Wednesday evenings or Saturday mornings for a variety of interactive adventures. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org

THURSDAYS

Waddlers. Sing songs, read stories, do a few rhymes, and engage in some well-deserved playtime. Through 5/25. 10-10:30 a.m. Lee Road Branch Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org

1-2-3: Count with Me. Your toddler will love this introduction to numeracy and have fun using songs, books and play. 10-10:30 a.m. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., mentorpl.org

My First Storytime. Stories, songs and rhymes. 10:30-11 a.m. Through 5/11. West River Library, 1194 W. River Road N., Elyria, elyrialibrary.org

FRIDAYS

0 to 3: Read to Me Playdates. Read engaging books and sing lively songs with plenty of time for playing and talking! Through 5/26. 10:30 a.m. Jefferson Branch Library, 850 Jefferson Ave., Cleveland, cpl.org

Finger Paint Fridays. Bring your little one to explore their creativity. Through 6/23. 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. Mentor Headlands Branch Library, 4669 Corduroy Road, Mentor, mentorpl.org

EVENTS

5/10

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

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

5/12

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

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

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

5/13

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

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

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

5/14

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

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

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

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

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

ONGOING ATTRACTIONS

AKRON ZOO

505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

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

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

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

1 Wade Oval Dr, Cleveland, cmnh.org

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

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

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

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

Visit NortheastOhioParent.com for more!

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

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

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

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

Where to start?

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Simplify & Support:

Helping Your Parents Downsize

By Jeannie Fleming-Gifford

Keep in mind that some programs like the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity’s ReStore and Goodwill may even pick up items, saving time and effort in the process.

3. Preserve items and memories by taking photos.

As my family and I downsized our home, I came across storage bins full of art created by my daughter. How could I let go of these treasures? Though they did not serve a purpose and I did not have storage for them in the new home, they were keepsakes I treasured. The answer? Take photos. Before recycling or tossing to the trash, take photos. Create a digital album (Google makes this very easy) and then order a photo album.

4. Plan for moving

Though an investment (a paid mover averages around $75 per hour, per mover with a crew size of four and time to move a standard household around 8 hours = $2400), it is far less stressful than trying to have family and friends help, especially when other emotions may be involved.

Be empathetic to all items in your parents’ household. Though something may seem trivial or outdated, that item may hold special memories and connection to your parents. And look forward, downsizing can provide new opportunities and less worry and stress for your parents and you.

Jeannie Fleming-Gifford has a MA in family and consumer sciences and is the VP Programming for Lakeside Chautauqua. Her memoir “The Gift I Never Wanted” shares the challenges and joys of caregiving. Connect with her at atgoriginals.net.

SARA CARNES

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Six Tips for Your Next Family Trip

It’s that time of year... summer is almost here and that means summer vacation time. Wahoo! We have always loved traveling with the family and making memories on a good road trip. However, it can also be stressful and challenging if you’re not well prepared. I thought I would share a few tips on how to make traveling with kids fun and stress-free from my experiences.

Some of our favorite family vacation road trips on the east coast have been traveling to the following destinations — Outer Banks in North Carolina, Florida (Disney World and Clearwater Beach), Niagara Falls; Stowe, Vermont; Bar Harbor, Maine, and the Great Smoky Mountains. Here are a few tips we’ve learned along the way when traveling with small kids.

1. PLAN AHEAD

Before you travel, take the time to plan ahead. Make sure you research your destination and find out what activities and attractions are available for children. We took my youngest daughter to Disney World for the first time when she was 8-monthsold. I know that might sound crazy, but I researched and Disney has great baby centers in each park so it was so easy to stop in to feed her and take a rest. I knew where all of them were at each park and it worked out great.

2. KEEP KIDS ENTERTAINED

Keeping your children entertained during travel is essential to a stress-free experience. Pack plenty of toys, books, and games to keep them occupied. You can also download

movies or TV shows onto a tablet or other device to keep them entertained during long flights or car rides. We always tried to limit iPad time, but when traveling we were always a bit more lenient on it.

3. SNACKS AND DRINKS

Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for your children. This will not only keep them satisfied but also save you money on expensive airport or restaurant snacks. I always pack snacks for us, too.

4. BE FLEXIBLE

Traveling with children can be unpredictable, so it’s important to be flexible. This might be a big change for you, it was us. But just be prepared to change your plans if necessary and take breaks if your children become tired or cranky. Don’t try to pack too much into your itinerary and make sure to leave plenty of time for rest and relaxation.

5. TRAVEL AT NIGHT (IF YOU CAN)

My husband and I used to always leave a little later in the evenings and let the kids sleep while we drive. As we got older that got a little tougher for us, but when we were younger this was the best. Kids fall asleep and you drive through the night or at least until you find a hotel later in the evening. We always loved using this option.

6. INVOLVE YOUR CHILDREN

Finally, involve your children in the planning process. Ask them what they would like to do and where they would like to go. This will not only make them feel included but also ensure that everyone has a fun and enjoyable trip. Our girls always enjoyed being a part of the planning process. We’d show them YouTube videos of where we were going or places online to help pick out activities.

In our experience, traveling with kids is the best. Hope these tips help and you have the best summer vacation. Happy travels.

THE CARNES FAMILY VACATION AT DISNEY WORLD.