Northeast Ohio Parent | December 2023

DECEMBER 2023

NortheastOhioParent.com

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SPRUCE UP HOLIDAYS Everything You Need PARENTING SINGLE Sharing the Season

GIFTS OF EXPERIENCES Making Memories

All I Want...

December 2023 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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2 | Family Living at Its Best

m of All-inclu a r g o r P siv

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Home Care

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Eld er ly

Live At Home. Your Goal. Our Priority!

The PACE model of care includes a specialized trained team of medical professionals that works together to coordinate your medical and socialization needs. PACE gives you peace of mind while you live at home.

PACE provides the following services: • Primary Care physician • Medical Specialist • Medications/ Prescriptions • Medical Clinic • Transportation • Adult Activity Center

• Home Health Care • Meals

• Therapy - Physical, Occupational and Speech

• Dental, Vision, and Hearing • Home Care Nurse

Who is Eligible for the PACE Program?

• 55 Years and Older

• Live in Cuyahoga County • Meet Level of Care

• And Live Safely in the Community • Social Services • Respite Care • Durable Medical Equipment (Canes, Walkers, Wheel Chairs, Hospital Bed, Commodes, Shower Bench)

888.895.PACE (7223) • mcgregorpace.org

PACE, Program of All-inclusive Care for the Elderly, provides services that address medical, rehabilitative, social and personal care needs of older adults.

Opening In December PACE Brooklyn New Location on Northcliff Avenue!

December 2023 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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December insiDE NortheastOhioParent.com

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Find camps and fun events during winter break for your kids.

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departments 6

Editor’s Note

On the Cover

All I want..is peace.

Maya, age 6, at Heritage Farms in Peninsula, heritagefarms.com

8

Worth Noting

Photos by Kim Stahnke

features

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SINGLE PARENT HOLIDAYS

Solo parenting tips for gift giving, seeing family, holiday traditions and more.

Why do kids blurt things out? Plus, craft corner.

Also check out the recipe of the month on page 20.

10

Health

Pregnancy loss and ways to find the right support.

12

Education

Help your kids reset before the new school semester begins.

The Money Talk Talking to your kids about spending, saving and healthy money habits.

42

Calendar

Day-by-day happenings throughout the month, plus a list of local storytimes.

46

Your Aging Parents

34

Holiday Happenings Find seasonal events throughout the region no matter what you celebrate.

Plus, if planning to stay athome, find a family-friendly movie or show on pg. 39. Also, find a Christmas tree farm on pg. 40.

4 | Family Living at Its Best

Having the "talk" with parents about medical issues and needs.

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GIVING THE GIFT OF EXPERIENCES

Create memories with an experience gift this holiday season. Plus, check out museum profiles starting after pg. 30

Dad Matters

Columnist Jason Lea shares a Christmas Carol for those grieving loved ones.

December 2023 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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PHOTO BY PRELUDE PHOTOGRAPHY

Editor's Note

All I Want… Is Peace It’s almost winter break, which usually comes with holiday festivities, sparkly decorations and lots, and lots of food. But, the sounds coming from both my teens’ rooms has me a little less enthused about the season. It feels like it began early, the loud videos playing on their phones — that I can hear from across the house or them yelling with their headphones on to their friends while playing online games.

For them, according to my sons, the headphones are not loud enough. As someone who briefly played bass in a rock band and recently, have been saying more “What?” while cupping my ear, I worry about my sons’ future hearing.

According to a recent report from the American Academy of Pediatrics, “Children and teens’ use of personal listening devices is one of the most prevalent forms of noise exposure, research shows. Excessive or prolonged exposure to high volumes can result in hearing loss, tinnitus, or hyperacusis.”

In fact, one study found “60% of adolescents and young adults exceed the maximum daily noise dose recommended, particularly in the presence of background noise, which often results in the user increasing volume.”

How can you keep the peace and quiet in your house? Everyone, including adults, can have a sound check. How often are you using your headphones? What’s the volume? Have you spoken to your kids about their volumes on their listening devices?

Also, it’s ok to have times in the day to have a break from noise. Quiet time isn’t just for toddlers. The whole family can turn off the devices, whether in the car or at home.

I don’t know about you, but my plans for the season aren't just indoors. I am hoping to alleviate some of the winter break house noise with some family experiences. That’s why in this issue, we give you some ideas for gifts to family or purchasing your own. Also, no matter what you are celebrating this year, we have plenty of places to explore.

This month, I think we recognize different families and the different times in our lives, some are happy, while others are sad. Also, that maybe there needs to be a reset, especially for kids who had a more difficult first half of the school year.

Finally, while I talk about the “noise” in my household, I know someday I will miss that “noise” but it would be nice if it didn’t hurt everyone’s ears.

P.s. Happy Holidays and New Year to everyone. There is another kind of peace I hope for next year — World Peace.

VOL. NO. 10 • ISSUE NO. 11

December 2023 Northeast Ohio Parent is a property of

PO Box 1088 Hudson, OH 44236 330-822-4011 NortheastOhioParent.com PUBLISHER - Brad Mitchell brad@northeastohioparent.com 330-714-7712 EDITOR - Angela Gartner angela@northeastohioparent.com 216-536-1914 ART DIRECTOR - Sherry Lundberg sherry@northeastohioparent.com MANAGING/DIGITAL EDITOR Shana O’Malley-Smith shana@northeastohioparent.com ADVERTISING SALES:

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2023

warmth & cheer, holidays are here at CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY Unwrap the many joys of the holiday season at a variety of enchanting events for the entire family!

celebrate @ CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY

cpl.org/holidays2023

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Worth NOTING

Why do children just

(BluRT) things out?

✨H

By Lori Orlinsky

ow many times has your child ever said something completely inappropriate that made you want to crawl under a rock?

Whether it be commenting on the way someone looks (that lady has a big tummy), their distaste in something (this store is the most boring place on Earth) or yes, even their bathroom habits (I just had a rockhard poop)—it’s not uncommon for children to just blurt out whatever is on their mind.

But luckily, this isn’t a problem unique to your child. According to experts, there are logical explanations why kids say whatever is on their mind. We talked to Cleveland-area pediatrician, Dr. Arthur Lavin about this.

Kids have no filter, yet While it can be both funny and mortifying for parents, small children are notorious for repeating inappropriate things at the worst possible times. But Lavin says it is important to remember that filtering our thoughts and exercising empathy before we speak is a skill that comes in time – just like learning to speak.

“The first step in speaking is to learn to make a word, put a thought into speech, into words, phrases and then sentences,” Lavin says. “As a result, there can be no attention paid to being careful about what you say. All energies need to go to learning to talk.”

He says children typically develop a filter around age 3 and continue to refine it all of their lives.

So early on, it’s normal, common and even developmentally appropriate for children to speak without thinking of the consequences of what they are saying.

8 | Family Living at Its Best

Children are eager to share what’s on their minds

How to manage blurting

Every child wants to be heard, and sometimes, kids can find it hard to contain their excitement about a particular topic or something that’s just popped into their heads.

While it can often be perceived as a negative, enthusiasm and the desire to contribute can actually be great qualities in children.

“Kids connecting is the very fabric of the essence of being human, and our vast networks that are the true source of all that we achieve,” Lavin says.

Kiddos are impulsive

While parents have limited ability to restrict blurting when speech first emerges, only once a child is talking fairly well, in complete sentences and able to consider the prudence of a sentence can parents begin to have an impact.

Lavin says at that point, he advises parents to generate games of saying things, and then everyone can talk about how this or that said in the game makes everyone feel better or worse.

“It is important for parents that they do this to help their child gain a sense of balance in judgment, in a word, to regulate their speech, NOT to feel that if they say something with no intent of causing pain, that they are the cause of it,” he says. “This exercise can help kids regulate.”

⎃

Most kids have moments when they’re impulsive and say or do things before they can stop themselves. This is both a matter of everyday behavior and learning to mature, as kids develop at different rates. Simply put, some kids may take longer than others to gain the ability to stop and think before acting.

❄

NEOP Crafting with Kids: Q-Tip Snowflake

❄

By Krystin Fletcher

These beautiful and simple snowflakes are a perfect craft for all ages. The designs are endless because each snowflake is unique.

MATERIALS: Cardboard (leftover shipping boxes are perfect for this) Circular objects for tracing on cardboard (you can use coffee cups or tupperware lids to get a variety of sizes) Acrylic craft paint in a variety of blues (or your chosen color palette) Paint brush Q-Tips Liquid glue (Elmer’s liquid glue works great for this, but if you have tacky glue or hot glue it will dry much faster) Scissors Hole punch String/twine

• • • • • • • • •

OPTIONAL ADDITIONAL MATERIALS: Fishing line White pom poms Glitter/glitter glue

• • •

4. While your paint is drying, cut the q-tips in halves and in smaller pieces. You can also have your children help by folding and bending the q-tips to break them down into smaller pieces.

5. Once the paint is dry you can begin to arrange the pieces of q-tips on the circles.

6. When you have a design you like, gently squeeze a few dots of glue under each piece.

7. Add glitter or glitter glue to your snowflakes at this time (optional).

8. Once your glue has completely dried, use a hole punch to put a hole for hanging into the top of the circle.

9. Use twine or string to hang your snowflakes throughout your home. If you want to create the illusion of snow falling from your ceiling or window, use a fishing line rather than string/twine when hanging.

❄

STEPS: 1. Start by tracing circles on to the cardboard to be cut out.

2. Carefully cut out the circles from the cardboard.

3. Next, paint both sides of the cardboard using the acrylic paint. Allow 10-15 minutes of time for the paint to dry.

December 2023 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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HEALTH

Early Pregnancy Loss

By Ginny McCabe

The loss of a baby is something people don’t always talk freely about, but the truth is it happens pretty frequently.

Among women who know they are pregnant, up to 25 percent, or 1 in 4 pregnancies will result in a miscarriage, according to the National Library of Medicine.

Doctors have said that the number could be even higher, because miscarriages often occur early in pregnancy, and can happen before a person knows they’re pregnant.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the term “miscarriage” is a naturally occurring event that refers to the unexpected loss of a baby before the 20th week of a pregnancy. Most miscarriages occur because the fetus is not developing normally.

Many people who experience miscarriages go on to have healthy pregnancies.

A pregnancy loss from the 20th week of pregnancy or later is defined as a “stillbirth.” A stillbirth is a death of a baby that can occur before or during delivery.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Health Statistics have indicated that about 24,000 babies are born stillborn in the United States each year.

Symptoms of an early pregnancy loss can include severe cramping, bleeding and spotting. Even after being diagnosed with a miscarriage, some women can still feel pregnant. If women have questions, or concerns, they should seek their health care provider.

The MetroHealth System recently started a pregnancy loss support group, and the first meeting was held in June.

Dorsena Koonce, manager, media communications at MetroHealth, founded the group after she experienced a pregnancy loss.

“I found out that I was pregnant a couple of days after Valentine’s Day, and my husband, Andrew, and I had been trying for over a year,” she says of her first preg-

Family Living Living at at Its Its Best Best 10 | Family

nancy. “It was kind of a shock, because we had gone through the fertility clinic, but we didn’t start any treatment yet.”

She was diagnosed with a miscarriage at eight weeks when there was no fetal heartbeat.

“When I was first told I was going to miscarry, I was shocked,” she says. “I know that there’s a chance that can happen, but you don’t go into a pregnancy thinking, ‘I’m going to miscarry.’ It was quite a shock, and I wanted to know what to do. Like, ‘Where can I go?’ ‘How do you cope?’ I had never lost anyone in my life. I’ve lost a couple of people that I really wasn’t that close with in my family, but this was my first loss. So, I had no idea what the grieving process was even like.”

Koonce says she wanted to know who to talk to, and what are the next steps, and she felt like there was very little guidance for that. Medically, she had a great care team, but emotionally, Koonce says, she felt like she was left to deal with it on her own.

“So, I decided to start this group at MetroHealth,” she says. “Because I work here, I know there are a lot of patients, who, maybe, are in my shoes, where they don’t know where to turn, and I wanted to be able to provide something for patients, and I wanted it to be free, because I know cost is sometimes a barrier when it comes to healthcare, and pregnancy loss is a part of healthcare."

“It was hard because I don’t think it had really set in what had happened. I wanted to reach out to people, because I knew how I felt at that moment, and though it was so early in the grieving process for me. I felt like this was something I had to do. If someone hears this news, it changes things for you. I was in complete shock. So, I wanted to be able to get women in that moment, and to be able to reach them in that moment, when they are thinking, ‘What’s next?’

‘What am I going to do?’ I think that was my driving factor, and

that’s what got me through moments, where I was like, ‘This is really too hard for me."

After an early pregnancy loss, families face the physical loss, but there’s also emotional pain that comes with the loss.

Often, women have a lot of questions, and asking the questions in friend groups and communities can sometimes be stigmatized. It’s not always something women want to bring up, or they’re open about.

It’s an isolating experience, because it’s very personal to you, Koonce explains.

“You never got to meet your baby, so you’re like, okay, how do I process something I was never able to see, or hold, or anything,” she says. “I think that stigma comes from women feeling like something’s wrong with them, because, for the most part, women have children, and that’s what our bodies are made for.

That’s what we can do. It’s a miracle, it’s beautiful, and it’s all of these things, and when you’re not able to do that, sometimes, it can feel like something’s wrong with you.”

After losing a baby, it can be helpful for mothers to talk to someone who understands the loss and how they are feeling, explains Allison Remy, Joanie and Tom Adler Endowed director of Parent Bereavement Programs at UH Rainbow Babies & Children’s and UH MacDonald Women’s hospitals.

“A friend, family member, or grief counselor is someone who can walk with a grieving mother on that journey, and help to provide what they need in the moment," she says. "Often, that person provides a listening ear."

Sometimes, families may have other children at home, and it can be hard to have a conversation about pregnancy loss with them.

“Because I was early, I was eight weeks, I hadn’t told anybody I was pregnant yet except for my husband," Koonce says. "So, my parents found out I was pregnant and miscarrying at the same time. I didn’t know how they would react, or what they could do, because people ask, 'What can I do to help?'"

People may also have questions about how to bury, or cremate their baby, and how to do that.

Maybe a family would like to have handprints or footprints made of their baby, pictures, or they want their baby to be baptized.

“Pretty much every baby book I’ve ever read doesn’t have a chapter on

what to do if your baby dies," Remy says. "So, I do try to focus on what people need at the moment.”

Koonce says she wanted the “Early Pregnancy Loss Support Group” to be free, accessible, and available at MetroHealth. After she gained the support of hospital officials, she knew she wanted to offer grief counseling as part of the program, so she reached out to Cornerstone of Hope, which is a local organization that does grief counseling and they offer a lot of support groups.

“If I can be just a small piece of that healing process, then it’s worth it. So, I think that is what pushed me to keep going, even when it was really hard for my family,” Koonce says. “In that situation, I’m not just looking for how the procedure is going to go. I’m looking for, OK, ‘what do I do after that?’

I’m going to wake up, and unfortunately, not be pregnant anymore, and now, I want to know, ‘what are my next steps?’”

"For me, it’s part of my healing, and I have to talk about it," she adds. She encourages others to talk about their experiences. “All of those feelings you’re having are okay.” It’s healing to talk about your baby, and mention your baby by name. When you do that, you find out you’re not alone.

“My advice would be to talk about your baby, because your baby existed,” Koonce says.

SUPPORT RESOURCES Birthing Beautiful Communities offers a workshop that meets two hours weekly for both group and individual sessions that last six to eight weeks. Virtual and in-person classes are available, and the workshops are free to Cuyahoga County residents. For details, call 216-308-7592, or email ownbbc@birgthingbeautiful.org.

Brooks’ Bereavement Bears offer hope and comfort to families after a pregnancy loss. To donate, or to reach out to Taylor for a bear, email taylor.prelac@brooks bereavementbears.com, or go to brooksbereavementbears.com.

The Butterfly Suite at Cleveland Clinic Akron General provides a quiet place for a family that has experienced a loss during pregnancy. The large, secluded, home-like suite was designed to meet the needs of the patient and their families. The suite is divided into three sections - a family room, a bedroom and a bathroom. To learn more, visit thebutterflysuite.org.

Cornerstone of Hope offers an “Early Pregnancy Loss Support Group” at MetroHealth for birthing people and their partners who have experienced early pregnancy loss. Sessions will be held in Rammelkamp at MetroHealth’s Main Campus on the first Wednesday of every month from 6-7:30 p.m. Participants should register in advance at metrohealth.org/ pregnancy-care. Visit cornerstoneofhope. org. To obtain a resource brochure, email Dorsena Koonce at dkoonce@ metrohealth.org Forever My Baby You’ll Be The group’s mission is to offer comfort and hope to grieving families and couples who have lost an infant by providing information, guidance, and support following a loss. Visit fmbyb.org.

Forget-Me-Not Baskets provide families who have experienced a loss during pregnancy, birth, or soon after, with items of support, comfort and remembrance.

The baskets contain items for moms, dads, siblings and grandparents. For more information about the schedule of upcoming programs or to sign-up for the newsletter, check out forgetmenotbaskets.com/loved-lost-remembered-programs.

Parent Bereavement Program at University Hospitals For more information about UH Parent Bereavement Program, visit uhhospitals.org/rainbow/services/pediatric-palliative-care-center/services/parentbereavement-program. Also, email HEAL@UHhospitals.org or call 216-844-8254 for bereavement support or resources.

December2023 2023 -- NortheastOhioParent.com NortheastOhioParent.com || 11 11 December

Education CORNER

Get Ready for a Reset Use winter break to help kids rejuvenate and get organized before the next semester begins.

By Joel Hammond

F

or many students, the upcoming holiday break from school leaves visions of staying up late, sleeping in, vacations and plenty of face time with friends dancing in their heads.

For some, though, that same break may be accompanied by a bit of dread.

First-half academic struggles leave a pit in the stomach, or lead to worries about how those students can dig out from those struggles for a productive second half of the school year.

There’s good news, experts say, for those students in the latter bucket, developing a solid plan, consulting the right resources — and ­­­easy for us to say — not allowing those concerns to overwhelm over the break are key strategies to regaining academic footing for a strong academic start and finish to the new year.

“Often, the new semester begins after the holiday break, which is the perfect fresh start to re-evaluate goals and plan to achieve those goals,” says Kim Walter,

12 | Family Living at Its Best

executive director and owner of Huntington Learning Centers, which has locations in Mentor and Mayfield. “Parents can help their child establish SMART — specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, time-bound — goals and develop strategies to track those goals and celebrate successes.”

Walter and her team, though, also caution against legislating over break too much, which in turn would risk frustrating children and not let them enjoy their break. A good mix, she says, would let kids enjoy a true break for a few days, allowing students to unwind, relax and achieve a mental break that is rejuvenating for mind and body.

“They need a moment to breathe, even if your student needs to study or do homework or other projects during winter break,” she says. “Resist the urge to require productivity on their first day off school.”

Once students have achieved some level of true mental and physical break,

goals and a schedule are paramount.

Goals, of course, will help students stay focused and motivated, and help them avoid piling on more stress by procrastinating on completing the work they need.

Schedules, meanwhile, Walter says, can eliminate the dread associated with doing any amount of work while on break. She advises to make a realistic schedule based on grade or achievement level, which subtly can show students that the amount of time they will spend on their work is only a very small part of each day on break.

Also important, says Atlanta-based principal, professor and author Marcus Jackson, is reframing children’s thinking about school. When school-related struggles or failure occur, students quickly can let those failures snowball.

Instead, reframing how children think about school — that struggles and failure are natural and that learning is a continuous endeavor — can be beneficial.

“Your child’s attitude may have deteriorated when it comes to learning and the purpose of it,” he says. “Talk with your child about having a growth mindset. Remind them that learning … requires persistence. The more your child thinks of challenges and setbacks as opportunities, the stronger and more resilient they will become as a learner and person.”

Walter also suggests ways to incorporate the holiday season and family fun into the mix to keep children engaged over break.

“Young students can count or practice fractions while helping parents bake for the holiday season, or for writing practice, children can send holiday cards or thank you cards to family members,” Walter says. Older students, meanwhile, can read a book of their choice to improve their reading rate and comprehension, and “if the book has an accompanying movie, the whole family can watch together and compare/contrast the differences … to determine which is their favorite.”

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December 2023 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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Money

TALK

Setting the Stage for

Financial Succe$$

By Erin Sernoffsky

T

alking about money is hard.

So many discussions lead to embarrassment, arguments, or even shame. But when it comes to our kids, talking about spending and saving early and often is a key component to setting them on the path to financial independence.

For many parents, it’s hard to know where and when to begin. Fortunately, there’s no end to tools and support for parents to help kids understand personal finances, learn strategies for short-term savings, and plan for the future.

Needs Versus Wants According to experts like Al DiFranco, president and CEO of Junior Achieve-

14 | Family Living at Its Best

ment of Greater Cleveland, parents should start young kids off with learning the difference between needs and wants.

“At Junior Achievement, we start promoting financial literacy in kindergarten by talking to young people about the difference between needs and wants,” DiFranco says. “We have flashcards we use in classrooms where we talk about basic needs like food, clothing, and shelter, and compare that with wants like toys and electronics.”

He suggests parents continue these conversations by making similar tools, or simply by having honest conversations. This can also help as kids grow older and begin to understand financial inequity, or struggle with why they can’t

have a certain brand name or electronics their friends have.

Honesty in these conversations is important. He says helping young people learn the differences between needs and wants at an early age can really make an impact later in life.

“It's OK to want things, and it's also OK to say no when a child wants something,” he says. “If you can give a reason why that is the answer it will probably be much easier to understand for a child.

The more authentic that reason is, the more likely it will resonate with them and help them along on their personal finance journey.”

- Continued on page 16 -

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Mastering Short-Term Saving and Responsible Spending

Understanding the distinction between needs and wants is foundational to so many aspects of financial literacy, especially when it comes to short-term savings and spending responsibly.

Teaching kids how to save up for an item they really want can boost confidence, and help them to understand how impulse spending can get in the way of what they really want.

Let’s face it, saving for the future can be deeply unsatisfying, especially when there are so many tempting ways to spend money now. Allowing kids to spend some money in the short-term while teaching them to save for a more secure future is a difficult balancing act, but there are tools to help.

One low tech strategy is the spend, save, share technique. Using envelopes, or small banks easily found through retailers, kids divide any money they earn or are given into these three categories. The “spend” envelope is used to save up for items they want like toys, games, or going out with friends.

The "save" envelope is specifically earmarked for long-term savings like college, a car, or investment. At the end of the year, or when they reach a certain goal, kids can donate their “share” pile

to a cause or charity of their choosing.

Giving kids independence when it comes to spending is a scary but important step. Building guidelines and providing oversight helps kids make smarter choices.

Andrew Lamb, a financial advisor with W3 Wealth Management, sees value in utilizing debit accounts many banks offer specifically for kids and teens.

“I believe these are great tools for children to start learning about the value of money and savings,” he says.

He notes it’s important to look for options that provide overdraft protection as this can significantly impact a parent’s finances. Many accounts also allow parents to monitor their child’s spending, set limits on certain categories like toys or restaurants, or can be set up so kids request money from parents that they can approve or deny.

He suggests, “looking for a bank that

16 | Family Living at Its Best

is easy for parental viewing, low to zero annual fee and no transaction cost.”

Planning for the Future

When it comes to long-term savings, involving children in both decision-making and financial contributions, even if it is small, is critical to keeping them motivated toward a goal.

Lamb says college savings is one example where kids can be involved in determining their own future.

“We always recommend families start contributing early for kids’ education,” he says.

“Having your child put some ‘skin in the game’ with their own finances will help motivate them to finish school on time and with better grades.”

Tools, like Junior Achievement’s app, “Unlocking Your Future” helps teens contextualize the decisions they make

and how they directly impact their financial future.

According to DiFranco, the app “helps teens, their parents, and teachers break down the cost of achieving your goals into real, easy-to-understand numbers. You can explore potential future income from careers you are interested in and even evaluate the cost of post-secondary education to help make informed decisions.”

Early, frequent conversations about finances empowers kids to make decisions for themselves, and builds important skills they need as they grow older. Setting kids up for success depends on honest discussions, understanding needs versus wants, and learning the importance of both short and long-term spending.

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On Newstands Now LiveSpecial.com Magazine! in Print and Online

December 2023 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 17

Things-to-do for

Winter Break 12/18-21

DesignIS Workshops. Discover how design can impact your life firsthand with hands-on, fully facilitated workshops andhave fun while learning about design.

Grades 4-12. 3-4:30 p.m. Harvard-Lee Branch Library, 16918 Harvard Ave., Cleveland, cpl.org

12/19-22 & 12/27-30

Winter Break Mermaid Camp.

Kids aged 6-12 have the opportunity to learn to swim like a mermaid. 9:30-11:30 a.m.

Splash Zone, 95 West HamiltonRoad, Oberlin, loraincountymetroparks.com

12/20-22

Camp Curiosity Winter Break Camp. Take a break from the gadgets and gifts for some hands-on spacecraft engineering.

Great Lakes Science Center, 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, greatscience.com

12/27

Boredom Buster Winter Craft.

Are your kids bored? Ages K-6 make a family craft. 3-4 p.m.

Mogadore Branch Library, 144 S. Cleveland Ave., akronlibrary.org

12/27-29

School’s Out Respite for Children with Special Needs. A safe place for campers to go when school’s out. 9:30 a.m.- 3:30 p.m. Akron Rotary Camp, 4460 Rex Lake Dr., Akron, gotcamp.org

12/29

Middle School Career DayGreater Cleveland Aquarium.

Come with an open mind and leave with an abundance of information, and hopefully, career inspiration. 9 a.m.-noon. 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

18 | Family Living at Its Best

GILMOUR DAY CAMPS Discover winter fun at Camp Gilmour. Campers 5-12 years old are sure to enjoy their winter break renewing friendships and making new friends. Campers will have opportunities for swimming, ice skating, field trips, seasonal crafts and much more.

Camp days are December 27, 28 and 29. Each day is a separate registration. Hours are 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. 34001 Cedar Road, Gates Mills, OH 44040, gilmour.org/wintercamp 440-473-8000 ext. 2267 summercamp@gilmour.org Register at gilmour.org/wintercamp.

Questions? Contact Camp Gilmour at summercamp@gilmour.org or 440-473-8000 ext. 2267.

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

Camp Curiosity’s STEM Winter Break Camps are back. Book your kids some fun IRL and get them down to Great Lakes Science Center. This year, camps explore rockets, the eclipse, emerging technology, sustainable energy, and more. Camps run from December 20-22 and December 26-29. Camp days are from 8:15 a.m. to 4 p.m.

Explore new, standalone themes each day, or join us all week to experience them all. Register at greatscience.com.

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Recipe of the MONTH

A Taste of Two Traditions

By Melissa Koski Carney

The holidays are my favorite time of year. I’m half Catholic and half Jewish, and December always meant lots of family time and delicious treats around the house. I have fond memories of baking with my mom and sharing treats with our friends and family.

Here are a few recipes that you can make with your kids and share – or just keep for yourself.

Easy Tzimmes

Tzimmes is a Yiddish word meaning “a big fuss,” but the recipe is traditionally a Jewish stew of sweetened vegetables or vegetables and fruit. This is my Aunt Linda’s recipe, with slight tweaks. Some people add meat or onions but we prefer it as a sweet side dish. It’s often eaten during Rosh Hashana, but it’s the perfect comfort food for all your winter celebrations.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

the casserole dish and cover loosely with foil, venting one corner.

4. Cook for 90 minutes covered, basting every 30 minutes. After 90 minutes, uncover and cook for 45 minutes more, or until vegetables are soft enough to eat.

• 1 pound sweet potatoes or yams • 1 pound carrots • ¼ cup butter, cut into ½ inch cubes • ½ cup water • ¼ cup brown sugar • 6 ounces seedless Medjool dates, chopped into quarters • 2 liberal tablespoons of honey

RECIPE NOTES:

• Baste carefully so the sweet potatoes don’t get too mushy.

• Additional optional add-ins are prunes, apricots and raisins.

• This recipe tastes great the next day (and day after).

Recipe can be frozen for up to three months, then defrosted in the fridge over night.

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Spray a casserole dish with a neutral oil or nonstick spray like Pam. 2. Peel and dice the sweet potatoes and carrots. I like to dice them into about ½ to 1 inch thickness.

3. Combine all ingredients into

Matzah Toffee

Matzah (or matzo) is unleavened bread, with a cracker-like texture, traditionally eaten during Passover. This recipe is a great way to use up leftover matzah and a delicious, highly addictive treat. My kids love helping out – spreading the matzah, sprinkling the chocolate chips, and of course, taste testing!

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

• 4 sheets of unsalted matzah • ½ cup unsalted butter • 1 cup packed brown sugar • 1 ½ cups semisweet chocolate chips • ½-1 cup topping – I love sliced almonds and/or toffee bites

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Preheat oven to 325°F. 2. Line a large baking sheet with parchment paper or foil so it covers the edges. Spray foil with a nonstick cooking spray.

3. Place matzah in an even layer on baking sheet and set aside. You may need to cut two of the matzah sheets to fill the full baking pan.

4. Melt your butter and brown sugar in a saucepan over

medium-low heat. When melted, bring butter and brown sugar mixture to a boil.

Simmer for 4 minutes, stirring constantly.

5. Pour mixture evenly over matzah and spread evenly using a spatula. Bake for 8 minutes.

6. Remove the pan from the oven and sprinkle chocolate chips evenly over the top. Let the chocolate chips start to melt for 1-2 minutes. Spread melted chocolate with a rubber spatula until smooth.

7. Sprinkle almonds or toffee on top. You can also add seasonal sprinkles to make this a festive treat.

8. Cool until the chocolate hardens, or about 1-2 hours in the fridge. Then, break up matzah into bite-sized pieces.

20 | Family Living at Its Best

Two Treats for Your Christmas Cookie Tray Baking for the holidays and preparing cookie trays is one of my favorite hobbies. Here are three easy recipes for all holiday cookie trays.

Microwave Peanut Butter Fudge I always end up making more than one batch of this fudge every year. With only three ingredients and no oven needed, it’s not only easy to make, but it’s also a crowd-pleaser.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED:

• 1 cup creamy peanut butter (I don’t recommend any natural or organic kinds) • 8 oz unsalted butter • 1 pound (about 3 ½ cups) powdered sugar • Optional: holiday sprinkles or diced peanut butter cups

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Line an 8x8” pan with foil or parchment paper so it hangs over the side. Spray foil with a nonstick cooking spray.

2. In a microwavesafe bowl, combine peanut butter and butter. Microwave for 2-3 minutes, stopping to stir every minute until mixture is completely smooth.

3. Add in powdered sugar and stir with spatula until lumps are gone. Your batter will be thick.

4. Spread the batter onto the pan evenly. If topping with anything, add now. Refrigerate for at least two hours. When set, remove fudge from the pan and cut into 1-inch squares.

Chocolate Fudge Thumbprint Cookies Jam thumbprints and peanut butter Kiss thumbprints are two staples on our cookie tray every year. My kids love the job of rolling the dough into balls and adding their thumbprints in the middle.

For the chocolate lover, here’s another thumbprint cookie you won’t want to miss.

HERE’S WHAT YOU NEED: FOR THE COOKIES:

• 2 sticks + 2 tablespoons of butter, softened • 3/4 cup sugar • 1/3 cup cocoa powder • 2 cups flour • 1/2 teaspoon baking soda • 1 teaspoon baking powder • 1/2 teaspoon salt

FOR THE FUDGE FROSTING:

• 3 tablespoons cocoa powder • 1 heaping cup of powdered sugar • 2–3 tablespoons hot water • 1 teaspoon vanilla • holiday sprinkles

HERE’S WHAT YOU DO:

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F. 2. In the bowl of your stand mixer (or with a hand mixer), cream the butter and the sugar together until smooth.

3. Add the 1/3 cup cocoa powder and blend until incorporated.

4. In a separate bowl, mix the flour, baking soda, baking powder and salt. Add to the butter mixture and mix until just combined -don’t overmix.

5. Roll dough into small balls and make an imprint with your thumb in the center of each ball.

6. Bake for 7-8 minutes or until batter appears dry.

They should still be soft, like a brownie.

7. After removing from the oven, you may need to use a small spoon to further indent your thumbprint and make a well for the fudge topping.

Then, cool completely.

8. While your cookies are cooling, prepare the fudge frosting. Whisk the 3 tablespoons of cocoa powder, powdered sugar, hot water and vanilla.

9. Spoon the frosting into the centers of the cooled cookies and immediately add festive sprinkles. Let topping set before storing.

• Sponsored Content •

SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST

16 th STOP THE HATE SCHOLARSHIP CONTEST OPEN FOR SUBMISSIONS 6th – 12th Graders Invited to Submit Essays on Stopping the Spread of Hate Through the generosity of a donor, $100,000 is awarded in support of standing up and speaking out against hate.

Who are the students who are participating?

Northeast Ohio 6th through 12th graders living in or attending public, private, or home school in one of the following twelve counties: Ashtabula, Cuyahoga, Geauga, Lake, Lorain, Mahoning, Medina, Portage, Stark, Summit, Trumbull, and Wayne counties.

How can a student enter the Stop the Hate contest?

Students are invited to pen a personal essay in 500 words or less about bias they have witnessed or experienced and share what they have done or will do in response. Essays can be submitted by an individual independent of their school’s involvement.

How can a teacher bring a school group for a Stop the Hate tour?

School groups are invited at a discounted rate of only $3 per student. CMSD schools are admitted at no cost, with preregistration. For details, and more information, please email tours@mmjh.org.

Are there other ways for schools to get involved?

A classroom-based group competition invites classes to tour the museum and then participate in a free workshop with Roots of American Music. Working with a teaching artist, the class will pen an original song. This song becomes the class submission to the contest and is judged by a panel of music experts selected in partnership with the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Winning classrooms will receive anti-bias education grants for their school.

Also new this year is the opportunity to apply for one of three Stop the Hate Anti-Bias Community Grants of $5,000 each for schools in the participating 12 counties. For more information on applications, please contact ckrieger@mmjh.org.

Deadlines are in February. For complete details, visit Learn.MaltzMuseum.org.

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Single Parent

Holidays

By Faith Boone

B

eing a single parent is not the same for everyone. Some folks share the holidays with their kids and their ex-spouse, and others may have certain holidays where they don’t get to be with their kids every year. Luckily, we’ve discovered several ways you can stay in the holiday spirit no matter your single parent situation. There is always something new to try during this time of year.

As a single parent myself, I share the holidays with my kids’ father. We celebrate together, and see family and friends together. I feel fortunate to be able to still have some of our regular traditions, but they do have modifications since our split.

Newly single parents may have to make some adjustments to their normal holiday plans to accommodate time with each parent and every child. Separations, divorces or a death of a spouse can take a toll on the emotional bandwidth your family has during the holidays, so here are so ways to keep spirits high.

22 | Family Living at Its Best

Holiday Tips for Amicable Co-Parents

Holidays with Multiple Families

In most cases, children should be able to spend time with each parent during the holidays. Find ways to divide the time equally so it’s a win-win all around. Ask yourself if it’s safe and healthy to: Spend your special holiday (Christmas, Hanukkah, Kwanzaa, and others) together • Plan a holiday family gathering • Have a dinner together • Create a fun gift exchange The reason why I say “safe and healthy” is to highlight that some situations may be best kept separate. Codependency is real and could be harmful to your family’s well-being. Reports suggest that more than 90% of the American population demonstrate signs of codependent behavior. This is to say though it may be common, it’s also good to be aware of those signs in the best interest of yourself and your children.

Navigating the holidays is an adventure alone. Add in managing to please two or more families and we’ve got a whole different ball game. Ultimately, it’s about fostering a harmonious atmosphere during this special time.

Here are a few things you can do to prepare yourself: • Set boundaries: Clearly communicate your boundaries with all families involved to avoid uncomfortable situations.

• Be flexible: Try to be open to compromises and schedule adjustments to accommodate everyone’s needs.

• Focus on the children: Keep in mind that the holidays are about the children, so prioritize their happiness and well-being.

Take Care of You

Holiday Tips for Solo Parenting

The holiday spirit can still shine bright even if you have to spend the holidays with your kiddos alone. If this is new for your kids, a good way to ease them into the transition is to keep up with some of your normal holiday traditions, or make new ones.

Here are a few ideas: • Stick with your normal time for opening presents. If you’re ready to switch it up, open gifts on a different day or turn unwrapping gifts into a game.

• Keep visiting family and friends. Being a solo parent for the holidays doesn’t mean you have to go it alone. Reach out to your community and link up with those ready and willing to be by your side.

• Good memories are wonderful to have, especially during the holidays. If your children want to reminisce, find ways to do it that will bring joy and laughter to your home.

To keep yourself on track, keep these tips in mind: • Budget. Set a reasonable budget for gifts to avoid financial stress. Focus on thoughtful presents rather than extravagant ones. Look for ways you can have lasting experiences over quick thrills with material items.

• Plan Ahead. Start early and create a list of recipients and gift ideas. Online shopping can save you time and energy. Curbside pick up can be a lifesaver for single parents with small children.

• Involve Your Kids. Turn gift shopping into a fun family activity. Let the kids select gifts for loved ones and help them recognize their own love for giving.

You may be a parent that is about to spend your first holiday alone, without the kids or your significant other. This is time you can take to ensure you are the best version of yourself.

Here are some tips on how you can take care of yourself over the holidays.

• Avoid comparing yourself to others.

Focus on what you can give for the holidays and not what will be missing from the experience.

• Pamper yourself. When you feel better and stress-free, the good vibes will rub off on everything around you.

• This is not the end, but the beginning.

Remind yourself that everything happens for a reason, and there is a purpose for you to have this time to yourself. What can you do to get ready for what’s next?

The truth is, being a single parent during the holidays is what you make it. This can be an opportunity for you to have the holidays you’ve always wanted with your children, or to try out new things. Whatever the case, your kids are the focal point and their happiness is all that matters.

Single Parent Holiday Shopping

Something that you may have once shared with your co-parent now seems all in your hands — gift shopping. My first warning is to not let this get out of hand. What you were once able to do as a couple may not be the same for you as a single parent, and that is more than okay.

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The JOY of Experience Gifts for Kids

By Shana O’Malley-Smith

Y OF URTES KEY O CO PHOT ALINE MON N ADRE

PHOTO COURTESY OF CEDAR POINT

PHOTO COURTE SY OF YOUNG CHEFS ACADEMY

G

iving is a great feeling. There’s nothing quite like watching the pure delight on a little one’s face when they open the latest video game or a pretty new doll that they circled in the toy catalog months ago.

But after a while, all the levels of the video game are completed and the doll starts losing shoes and other accessories. Those gifts get tossed in the toy bins among the other things that were once shiny and new.

If you feel like the toys are piling up and are looking for other unique gift ideas this year, you may want to consider an experience gift.

- Continued on page 26 -

24 | Family Living at Its Best

December 2023 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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Special Events

From sports, to music, to theater and other special events, Northeast Ohio is home to many teams as well as entertainment venues. Take in a game or a special show together.

Getaways

If you’re looking for something to do as a family or group, consider a day trip or an overnight stay at a hotel or resort. A “staycation” at a local hotel with an indoor pool is a fun way to beat the winter blues. There are also many options within a few hours’ drive of Northeast Ohio.

Other Experiences

Subscriptions – Subscriptions offer recipients the excitement of receiving a monthly or quarterly package and cater to a wide range of interests. From books and magazines to STEM building kits, to makeup and beauty products, there’s something for everyone on your list.

You may also want to consider a digital subscription to an app or a music or streaming service.

PHOTO COURTESY OF PINSPIRATION

What is an experience gift?

An experience gift offers the recipient an experience or activity rather than a physical item. You provide them with an opportunity to create memories and enjoy a specific experience after the holiday excitement wears off. It could be tickets to an event, a pass to their favorite place, lessons, subscriptions or other activities. An experience gift offers more than just temporary excitement; it creates a chance to spend quality time together and make lasting memories.

Educational Experiences

Have fun and learn something too with an outing to a local museum or area attraction. If it’s a place you think they’ll want to visit more than once, a pass or annual membership will allow them to enjoy the experience throughout the year.

Play & Adventure Experiences

Have a lot of energy to burn? Consider spending a day at a hands-on play place or adventure park. Some of these places also offer passes or multi-visit packages.

Make Something Special

From mixing and measuring ingredients in the kitchen to experimenting with colors in an art studio, making something encourages creativity, learning and of course fun! There are many local places that offer kid-friendly art and culinary experiences.

26 | Family Living at Its Best

Pay for a Class or Lesson. Is your child showing interest in a new hobby or sport? Consider giving a few lessons, a mini session or camp/clinic, which will give them a chance to try it out before committing to a full season.

Winter Fun. Northeast Ohioans get to enjoy a long season of winter fun activities including skiing, snow tubing, and ice skating to name a few. Make memories together in the snow and ice and then warm up afterward with some hot chocolate.

Experiences on a Budget. The gift of quality time together is priceless. There are plenty of ways to provide an experience that is free or budget-friendly. Create “coupons” that your kids can turn in for some fun family time.

• Drive around and look at holiday lights • Family game night • Dance party • Cook a meal or bake together at home or create a cooking or baking challenge

• Go on a hike, visit a park or free nature center • Volunteer together • Create art together • Have a picnic in the park • Campout in your backyard or living room • At home spa day • Look for free or discounted days museums, zoos and other local attractions

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Here are more than 50 local and regional places to enjoy an experience gift.

For even more experiences, visit NortheastOhioParent.com Akron Zoo - akronzoo.org

K1 Speed Go Cart Racing - k1speed.com

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo clevelandmetroparks.com/zoo

Cedar Point - cedarpoint.com

Lake Farm Park lakemetroparks.com/parks-trails/farmpark Greater Cleveland Aquarium greaterclevelandaquarium.com

Chagrin Valley Roller Rink - skate.cvrr.com Color Me Mine - colormemine.com The Kiln Pottery Studio - thekilnbrecksville.com Trashed Studio - trashedstudio.net

Akron Fossils and Science Center - akronfossils.org

Akron Glass Works - akronglassworks.com

Great Lake Science Center - greatscience.com

Bayarts - bayarts.net

The Children’s Museum of Cleveland - cmcleveland.org

Spirit of Clay - spiritofclay.net

Akron Children’s Museum - akronkids.org

Pinspiration - pinspiration.com

Cleveland History Center wrhs.org/plan-your-visit/history-center

Young Chef’s Academy - youngchefsacademy.com

Cleveland Museum of Natural History - cmnh.org Federal Reserve Bank of Cleveland: Money Museum clevelandfed.org/education/visit-money-museum Cleveland Museum of Art - clevelandart.org Akron Art Museum - akronartmuseum.org Rock and Roll Hall of Fame - rockhall.com Baseball Heritage Museum baseballheritagemuseum.org

The Loretta Paganini School of Cooking - lpscinc.com Sur La Table - surlatable.com/cooking-classes Cleveland Browns - clevelandbrowns.com Cleveland Cavilers - nba.com/cavaliers Cleveland Guardians - mlb.com/guardians Monsters Hockey - clevelandmonsters.com Cleveland Charge - cleveland.gleague.nba.com Lake County Captains - milb.com/lake-county

Pro Football Hall of Fame - profootballhof.com

Akron Rubber Ducks - milb.com/akron

Cleveland Botanical Gardens - holdenfg.org

Cleveland State Athletics - csuvikings.com

Holden Arboretum - holdenfg.org

Kent State University Athletics - kentstatesports.com

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad - cvsr.org

University of Akron Athletics - gozips.com

SkyZone - skyzone.com US Ninja Challenge - ninjatwinsburg.com

Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse (hosts concerts and special events throughout the year such as Disney on Ice and Monster Jam) rocketmortgagefieldhouse.com

Urban Air - urbanair.com

Magical Theatre Company - magicaltheatre.org

Kiddie Jungle – kiddiejungle.com

Playhouse Square - playhousesquare.org

Chuck E Cheese - chuckecheese.com

Akron Civic Theater - akroncivic.com

Play Day Café - playdaycafe.com

Weathervane Playhouse - weathervaneplayhouse.com

Get Air - getairsports.com

Canton Palace Theatre - cantonpalacetheatre.org

We Rock the Spectrum werockthespectrumcleveland.com

Talespinner Children’s Theatre - talespinnercle.org

Adrenaline Monkey - adrenalinemonkeyfun.com

Jurassic Mountain Family Fun Park jurassicmountain.com Scene 75 - scene75.com Swings N Things - sntfun.com Treehouse Toys - treehousefun.com Fun N Stuff - fun-n-stuff.com Roll House - therollhouse.com/solon Make Believe Family Fun Center makebelieveparma.com Pump It Up - pumpitupparty.com

28 | Family Living at Its Best

IX Center - ixcenter.com LEGOLAND Discovery Center legolanddiscoverycenter.com/columbus Maltz Museum - maltzmuseum.org COSI - cosi.org Kalahari - kalahariresorts.com Hocking Hills State Park - thehockinghills.org Castaway Bay - castawaybay.com Kings Island - visitkingsisland.com Great Wolf Lodge - greatwolf.com

• Sponsored Content •

Share the Experience of First & Main Hudson This Holiday Season

A

s the weather turns from falling leaves to magical snowflakes, our minds turn to holiday traditions with our families and friends.

At First & Main Hudson, our 30+ shops and restaurants are gearing up for the holidays and encouraging all to shop and dine local this holiday season. With $68 of every $100 spent at a local merchant staying in the community, your support helps to keep our unique local shops, award-winning restaurants and superior service businesses thriving.

First & Main is centrally located in downtown Hudson and offers one-stop shopping with something for everyone on your list. Summit County’s premier shopping district, First & Main also offers free parking, amazing customer service and a quintessential setting for making memories that last a lifetime with your

friends and families. Grab a DORA beverage at one of our restaurants to sip while you shop or enjoy a walk around historic downtown Hudson taking in the architectural beauty by day and holiday lights by night.

This December, we hope you will share in the traditions of Hudson as we celebrate the season with music, “Shop Local” promotions, and our annual Holiday Walk from 12 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, December 3 on the First & Main Green.

This family friendly event features a hot cocoa warm up station, horse drawn carriage rides, crafts and entertainers for all ages, and a toy drive to support The Northeast Ohio Foundation for Patriotism (NEOPAT) and their work with local military families.

For a complete list of shops, restaurants, service businesses and events visit www.firstandmainhudson.com.

We invite you to join us at First & Main Hudson to shop, eat and support local this holiday season and share the experience of all Hudson has to offer.

Happy Holidays from your friends at First & Main Hudson!

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ONGOING ATTRACTIONS AKRON ART MUSEUM

THROUGH 5/12 LAND JAM. Two Ohio artists

transform a museum gallery into an immersive, colorful, sensory experience. United by bold color and pattern, the installation promises to be a feast for the eyes. 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

AKRON FOSSILS & SCIENCE CENTER

of-the art tropical bear habitat is home to the zoo’s male Andean bear and male and female sloth bears. Get nose-to-nose with the bears and an immersive treehouse provides guests with nearly 360-degree views of the habitat. 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org

CLEVELAND MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY

ONGOING 2-ACRE OUTDOOR PARK. 60

THROUGH 12/31 ONE WORLD. ONE SKY: BIG BIRD’S ADVENTURE. Join Big Bird and

AKRON ZOO

GREAT LAKES SCIENCE CENTER

Asia jungles and Himalayan forests. Lush tree canopies add to the ambiance while offering shade as guests roam throughout this exotic adventure. 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

inner scientist as you explore electricity and magnetism; light and optics; motion and mechanics; sound and resonance; and more. 601 Erieside Ave., Cleveland, greatscience.com

foot long giant slide, 4 person helicopter swing, old fashioned merry-go-round, mini challenge course and 200 foot zip line.

2080 S. Cleveland-Massillon Road, Copley, akronfossils.com ONGOING LEHNER FAMILY FOUNDATION WILD ASIA. Recreates the Southeast

CANTON MUSEUM OF ART

THROUGH 3/3 WITHOUT A NET. Artist Susan Else

merges divergent images and conflicting human responses explored in the old-fashioned circus and slideshow. 1001 Market Ave. N., Canton, cantonart.org

CHILDREN’S MUSEUM CLEVELAND

ONGOING THE MEADOW. Step into a tranquil

space, designed specifically for children ages birth-3. Infants, crawlers, and early walkers have a bright, clean, sensory-rich environment to explore, as they make sense of this fascinating world.3813 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, cmccleveland.org

CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN

ONGOING COSTA RICA GLASSHOUSE.

Experience the year-round exuberance you can find only in a Central American rainforest with towering trees, ever-blooming shrubs, and more. 11030 East Blvd., University Circle, cbgarden.org

CLEVELAND METROPARKS ZOO

ONGOING SUSIE’S BEAR HOLLOW. The state-

Elmo on an unforgettable journey to the Moon and back.

Cleveland Museum of Natural History, 1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, cmnh.org

ONGOING SCIENCE PHENOMENA. meet your

GREATER CLEVELAND AQUARIUM

ONGOING SHARK GALLERY & SEA TUBE. With

230,000 gallons of water, this impressive space features three species of sharks, stingrays, eels and many other species of fish.

2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium.com

LAKE ERIE NATURE & SCIENCE CENTER

ONGOING OUTDOOR ANIMAL EXHIBIT. Due to

disabilities that prevent their survival in the wild, these animals receive quality care from the center’s highly trained staff and serve as ambassadors for their species. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

MALTZ MUSEUM

THROUGH 4/28 THE GIRL IN THE DIARY: SEARCHING FOR RYWKA FROM THE LODZ GHETTO. In 1945, a diary

was found in the ashes of a destroyed crematorium in the liberated Auschwitz-Birkenau Camp. Rywka’s diary told stories of a young girl who lost her siblings and parents, but never lost hope or her faith. 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org

30 | Family Living at Its Best

Museum Profiles

· Museum Profile - Sponsored Content •

2000 Sycamore Street Cleveland, OH 44113

216-862-8803 greaterclevelandaquarium.com

G

“

“Our mission is to energize curiosity about aquatic life and the environment to inspire positive action and getting upclose views of these amazing animals helps you understand and appreciate them,”

”

– says GM Stephanie White

reater Cleveland Aquarium first opened its doors in 2012. The family friendly destination is located on the ground floor of a Flats West Bank powerhouse constructed in 1892 to provide electricity to streetcars. The historic building’s distressed brick walls and exposed ductwork juxtapose Northeast Ohio industrial past with the Aquarium’s nature and conservation focus.

Each of the Greater Cleveland Aquarium’s immersive galleries is themed with regional décor, sounds and even scents. Guests are transported from a forested Ohio Lakes & Rivers Gallery to a weathered Coastal Boardwalk over the course of their visit. The Aquarium features both Northeast Ohio freshwater animals and saltwater fish from around the globe representing some 300 species.

Many of the Aquarium’s animal habitats are freestanding and offer 180- to 360-degree views perfect for little ones. Experience highlights include invertebrate and stingray touchpools and the opportunity to walk under the ocean via a 175-foot underwater shark seatube.

Throughout the day, guests are likely to be see

scuba divers at work and be offered the opportunity to participate in habitat feedings, animal encounters and discovery cart activities.

Admission is $0 - $19.95. Annual passes ($45 -$130) offer year-round admission for 1 – 8 guests, exclusive programming, free parking and gift shop and event discounts.

So, if your family would enjoy seeing a sea star’s tiny tube feet in action, watching a speedy spiny softshell turtle zip around or examining the toothy grin of a sand tiger shark gliding overhead, you just might want to take a closer look at Greater Cleveland Aquarium. Nature. It’s a curious thing.

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· Museum Profile - Sponsored Content •

1 Wade Oval Drive, Cleveland, OH 44106

216.231.4600 CMNH.org

Follow us on social media @goCMNH

T

“

“We see the new Visitor Hall as the community’s family room, a place where all can gather to be inspired by science and appreciate their connection to the natural world. It’s an exciting preview of what’s to come in the Museum’s transformation!”

”

– Sonia Winner, President & CEO

32 | Family Living at Its Best

he Cleveland Museum of Natural History is undergoing an extraordinary $150 million transformation.

Learners of all ages will enjoy amazing stories of science and discovery in the Museum’s new Visitor Hall, a welcoming community space that opened in October 2023.

The Visitor Hall’s new exhibits feature some of the most iconic objects and specimens in the Museum’s collection, each of which is significant to Northeast Ohio or Museum history. Exhibits include fan favorite “Happy,” a skeleton of the dinosaur Haplocanthosaurus delfsi, and Balto the heroic sled dog— sponsored by the Milton and Tamar Maltz Family Foundation. You’ll also come face-to-face with the worldfamous Lucy, a 3.2-million-year-old human ancestor, and “Dunk,” or Dunkleosteus terrelli, a fierce predator of Ohio’s ancient Devonian sea.

During your visit, experience the Museum’s dynamic 3D movies, take a virtual-reality journey on a Birdly flight simulator, and explore the cosmos during a live planetarium show. Young learners will enjoy hands-on activities in Smead Discovery Center—Presented by PNC,

while animal fans will delight in a visit to the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden—Presented

by KeyBank. In this immersive outdoor space, winding walkways will guide you through varied habitats and bring you up close to native Ohio wildlife, including coyotes, eagles, and otters. Join the Museum’s Wildlife Specialists for one of their daily Keeper Talks, and you may even have a chance to observe feeding or animal enrichment in action.

The Museum’s transformation project features completely reimagined exhibits and a stunning new architectural design that reflects Ohio’s unique geologic history, aligning the Museum’s exterior with the content of its galleries. Slated for completion in late 2024, the project also includes an expansion of the Museum’s building to more than 375,000 square feet and its outdoor visitor areas to more than 2 acres.

The transformed Museum will place you at the center of the experience, helping you understand your connection with the natural world and the relevance of science to your daily life. Plan your visit and learn more about upcoming programs at CMNH.org!

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Holiday Happenings Ongoing THROUGH 12/13

Santa’s Mailbox. Drop your letter into Santa’s Mailbox with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Stow City hall, 3760 Darrow Road, stowohio.org

THROUGH 12/16

Black Nativity. Joyous retelling of the traditional new testament account of the nativity story, using gospel music, dramatic dance and more. Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square, 1407 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, playhousesquare.org

THROUGH 12/17

Paddington Saves Christmas.

The famous, accident-prone bear is here to save the day.

Magical Theatre Company, 565 W. Tuscarawas Ave., Barberton, magicaltheatre.org

Elf The Musical. Buddy, a young orphan, mistakenly crawls into Santa's bag of gifts and is transported to the North Pole and raised by elves. Weathervane Playhouse, 1301 Weathervane Lane, Akron, weathervaneplayhouse.com

THROUGH 12/21

The North Pole Adventure.

26-mile, 90-minute excursion to the enchanting North Pole.

Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, Akron Northside Station, 27 Ridge St., cvsr.com

THROUGH 12/23

A Christmas Carol. Open your heart to Charles Dickens’ classic tale of one man’s ultimate redemption. Mimi Ohio Theater, 1511 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, playhousesquare.org Holiday Lantern Tours. Take a lantern-lit tour of the village and visit historic homes bustling with holiday preparations.

Hale Farm & Village, 2686 Oak Hill Rd., Bath, 330-666-3711, wrhs.org

THROUGH 12/24

12/1-16

Day - By - Day 12/1-3

12/2

Santa’s House at Crocker Park.

Visit Santa for festive holiday pics and ride the express train.

Across from East Park next to The Cheesecake Factory, crockerpark.com

Lakeside Christmas. Christmas tree lighting, train rides, holiday movies, a visit from Santa Claus, a Community Christmas Dinner, holiday concert and much more. 236 Walnut Ave., Lakeside, lakesideohio.com

12/1-3, 12/8-10 & 12/15-17

Scrooge: The Musical.

Ebenezer Scrooge undergoes a profound experience of redemption over the course of a Christmas Eve night. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., akroncivic.com

Lunch With the Grinch. Fridays and Saturdays 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Gervasi Vineyard, 1700 55th St. NE, Canton, gervasivineyard.com

The Celebration of Kwanzaa.

Experience a Kwanzaa table and learn through song and drumming. 2-3 p.m. Willoughby Public Library, 30 Public Square, we247.org

12/2-10

A Light in the Night. Judy discovers that not only does the menorah, Shammes, have the ability to talk but something has gone wrong with the story of Chanukah. Mandel JCC, Beachwood, talespinnercle.org

12/3

Hudson Holiday Walk. Join the Merchants of Hudson as they welcome shoppers and diners with activities for the entire family. 12-5 p.m. firstandmainhudson.com - Continued on page 36 -

34 | Family Living at Its Best

December 2023 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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12/3

Sensory-Friendly Nutcracker Ballet. For families with individuals who have extrasensory needs. 2 p.m. Lorain Palace Theatre, 617 Broadway, Lorain, northpointballet.org Santa on the Green. Ushered into town in a shiny red fire engine, Santa and Mrs. Claus welcome all the good girls and boys to the gazebo on the green. 9 a.m.-3 p.m. hudson.oh.us Christmas on Hoover Farm.

Pictures with Santa, horsedrawn wagon rides, live music and more. 1-4 p.m. Hoover Park, 1875 E. Maple St., North Canton, walsh.edu Hands-On Holidays & Hotcakes: Akron Children’s Museum. Kids can design their own reindeer antlers, visit the snow sisters, and make a snowman. 10 a.m.-4 p.m. 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org

12/8

Chanukah Celebration.

Family-friendly gathering and service. 5 p.m. The Temple-Tifereth Israel, 26000 Shaker Blvd., Beachwood, ttti.org

12/9

Christmas at Ash Cave. Celebrate the season and enjoy the winter landscape. 5-7 p.m. Ash Cave, OH-56, Logan, ohiodnr.gov

12/9-10

Santa’s Wild Workshop.

Make a toy in Santa's workshop, decorate cookies with Mrs. Claus, play games and visit with Old Saint Nick.

Wildwood Cultural Center, 7645 Little Mountain Road, Mentor, cityofmentor.com

12/10

Sensory Santa. Visit Santa with the music off and guest traffic limited. 8:30-10:30 a.m.

Great Northern Mall, 4954 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, greatnorthernohio. com Reindeer Day in Peninsula.

Live reindeer will be behind the Bronson Church from Noon. 1712 Main St., Peninsula, peninsulaohio.com

36 | Family Living at Its Best

12/13

Rudolph The Red Nosed Reindeer: The Musical. Don’t miss this wonderful holiday tradition that speaks to the misfit in all of us. 7:30 p.m. Akron Civic Theatre, 182 S. Main St., Akron, akroncivic.com

12/14

Chanukah at the Mall. 5-9 p.m. Summit Mall, 3265 W. Market St., Fairlawn, jewishakron.com

12/15-17

Cleveland Orchestra Holiday Concerts. An unforgettable experience that will fill Mandel Concert Hall with the sounds of the holiday season. 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com

12/15-23

Scuba Claus Meet & Greet.

Talk to the magical man in red while he’s underwater with sharks, stingrays, eels and angelfish on his “nice” list. Greater Cleveland Aquarium, 2000 Sycamore St., Cleveland, greaterclevelandaquarium. com

12/16

Holiday Ice Show. Watch local figure skaters perform.

3:45-5:45 p.m. Mentor Civic Ice Arena, 8600 Munson Road, cityofmentor.com

12/16-17

Breakfast with Santa at the Cleveland Botanical Garden.

Get ready to share your wishes with Santa. 9:30 a.m. and 11 a.m.. 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, 216-721-1600, cbgarden.org

12/20

It’s a Wonderful Life: Canton Palace Theatre. Watch this beloved holiday film on Canton’s largest screen. 7:30 p.m. 605 Market Ave., North Canton, cantonpalacetheatre.org

12/25

Maltz Museum Christmas Day Can-Can! Bring a canned food donation as museum admission. Get into the giving spirit of the holiday season. 11 a.m.-5 p.m.

2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, maltzmuseum.org

Ongoing THROUGH 12/22

Country Lights Drive-Thru.

Enjoy the festivities from the warmth of your own vehicle. 6-8:30 p.m. Lake Metroparks Farmpark, 8800 Euclid Chardon Road, Kirtland, goto.lakemetroparks.com/ country-lights-drive-thru

THROUGH 12/29

Wild Lights. Enjoy the wildest lighting display this holiday season. 5-9 p.m.

Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., Akron, akronzoo.org

THROUGH 12/30

Holiday Lights. 5:30-9 p.m.

Carlisle Equestrian Center, 13630 Diagonal Road (drive-through), and Carlisle Visitor Center, 12882 Diagonal Road (in person) in LaGrange. loraincountymetroparks. com Nature’s A-Glow. The beautiful botanical garden turns it into a winter wonderland.

Friday-Sunday. 5-9 p.m.

Beech Creek Botanical Garden, 11929 Beech St. NE, Alliance, beechcreekgardens.org Deck the Hall. Come see the estate illuminated with over one million lights on select evenings. Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens, 714 N. Portage Path, Akron, stanhywet.org

See The Lights Wild Winter Lights. Featuring over 1.5 million lights across holiday-themed areas including Enchanted Forest and Santa’s Workshop. Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, 3900 Wildlife Way, futureforwildlife.org

THROUGH 12/31

Magic of Lights. Family-friendly drive-through of holiday lights. Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, 19201 E. Bagley Road, Middleburg Hts., magicoflights.com FROST: An Ice-capped Garden Experience. Winter botanical displays, holiday lights and immersive, themed rooms will transport you to an enchanting world. Cleveland Botanical, Garden, 11030 East Blvd., cbgarden.org

THROUGH 1/1

Holiday Lights. Immerse yourself in the spirit of the holidays with the beautiful glow of these festive lights.

4:30-10 p.m. Eton Chagrin Boulevard., 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, etonchagrinblvd.com

Day - By - Day 12/2 Light Up Lakewood. The most joyous of Lakewood traditions is returning to Downtown Lakewood for the 17th annual celebration.

4-8 p.m. 14701 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, lakewoodalive.com

12/5

Mentor Community Tree Lighting. Lighting of a stunning 27-foot Norwegian spruce and City Hall campus. 6-7:30 p.m. Mentor Municipal Center, 8500 Civic Center Boulevard, cityofmentor.com

12/25-30

Lights on the Lake. Experience a free lakefront drive-thru lighted holiday display at Lakeview Park.

5:30-9 p.m. 1800 West Erie Ave., Lorain, loraincountymetroparks.com

12/8-20

Deck the Hollow. A lighted walk along Quail Hollow Park grounds with decorated trees, lights, and festive music. 5-8:30 p.m. 13480 Congress Lake Ave., Hartville, starkparks.com

12/11

Menorah Lighting. A fun and festive community event filled with food, song, dance, and more. 6 p.m. 28699 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere, etonchagrinblvd.com

12/12

Friends of the Maltz Museum Chanukah Lighting.

Hear the story of Chanukah, sing Chanukah songs, and join in on the lighting of the menorah. 5 p.m.

Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage, maltzmuseum.org - Continued on page 38 -

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Happy New Year For Families 12/1-30

NYE Celebration Kit. Register to celebrate in style with hats, noisemakers, activities, and surprises for all ages. Pick up kits 11/28-30. Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., amherstpubliclibrary.org

12/28

Reflect on Your Year. Ages 13-18 come and reflect on your year with a twist: use art to express your new year's intentions.

3:30-5 p.m. Lee Road Branch Library, 2345 Lee Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org

12/30

Happy Noon Year Party.

Celebrate with music, games, dancing, snacks and a balloon drop. 11:15 a.m.-12:15 p.m. Mentor Public Library, 8215 Mentor Ave., mentorpl.org Noon Year’s Eve. Family-friendly party with games, crafts and snacks. 11 a.m.-Main Branch, 11:30 a.m.-Mogadore Branch and 11 a.m.-Portage Lakes Branch. akronlibrary.org

12/31

New Year’s Eve Nature Celebration. Toast at noon, activities and more. 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Rd., Russell, geaugaparkdistrict.org Tower City Center’s Noon Year’s Eve. Balloon drop, character meet and greets, dance parties, and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m.

Skylight Park, 230 W. Huron, Cleveland, towercitycenter.com Zoo Year’s Eve. Noon ball drop, crafts and more. 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Akron Zoo, 505 Euclid Ave., akronzoo.org Noon Year's Eve Skate. Mock countdown, balloon drop, characters and more.

10 a.m.-1 p.m. United Skates of America, 30325 Palisades Pkwy., Wickliffe, unitedskates.com Happy Noon Year! Celebrate early and countdown to noon. 10 a.m.-12 p.m. PlayLoveLearn, 14383 Pearl Road, Strongsville, playlovelearnoh.com

For Parents 12/31

Disco Inferno's New Years Party. Buffet dinner, open bar, balloon drop and more. 6:30 p.m. 532 W. Market St., Akron, thetangier.com New Year’s Eve with Bronx Country.

Dinner buffet, open bar and more. 9:30 p.m. Thirsty Cowboy, 2743 Medina Rd., Medina, thirstycowboys.com Noon Year’s Eve Brunch with Nitebridge: Motown Favorites. Why stay up late?

Ring in the new year early. 11:59 a.m.

Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave., Cleveland, musicboxcle.com A Night on the Runways. A night of unforgettable glamor, excitement and entertainment. 8 p.m-1 a.m. The Aviator, 20920 Brookpark Road, Cleveland, aviatorpubcleveland.com New Year’s Eve BLU Social Gala. Come for the food, stay for the music and stay the night. 6 p.m.-12:30 a.m. BLU-Tique Hotel, 47 E. Market St., Akron, blu-tique.com Five Black Diamonds NYE 2024 Celebration. Featuring award winning Blues singer and guitarist. 11:30 p.m.-6 a.m.

Hampton Inn, 23300 Oakwood Commons Dr., Mayfield Village, eventbrite. com New Years Eve at the Tool Shed at Breitenbach Winery. Let's kiss 2023 goodbye in style with an amazing party in a beautiful venue! 7 p.m.-1:30 a.m. 5773 Old Route 39, Dover, breitenbachwine.com Royal Masquerade Ball. Unlock your imagination and embrace the allure of the unknown by adorning yourself with a mask. 8 p.m.-1:30 a.m. Royal Docks Brewing Co., 5646 Wales Ave. NW, Canton, docks.beer

38 | Family Living at Its Best



What’s Streaming December 2023

Get cozy this holiday season with a family-friendly movie night. From holiday to comedy to action-packed, here’s a few new titles that the whole family can enjoy.

LEO Adam Sandler is a lizard named Leo in this coming-of-age musical comedy about the last year of elementary school as seen through the eyes of a class pet. Netflix (TV-PG) STAR WARS: YOUNG JEDI ADVENTURES Set during The High Republic era, the animated series follows Jedi younglings as they study the ways of the Force, explore the galaxy, help citizens and creatures in need, and learn valuable skills needed to become Jedi along the way.

Disney+ (TV-Y) FAMILY SWITCH A family descends into chaos days before Christmas when a rare cosmic event causes the parents to swap bodies with their teenage kids. Netflix, (PG-13) GOOD BURGER 2 Dexter Reed is down on his luck after another one of his inventions fails. Ed welcomes Dex back to "Good Burger" with open arms and gives him his old job back. With a new crew working at Good Burger, Dex devises a plan to get back on his feet but unfortunately puts the fate of Good Burger at risk once again.

Paramount Plus (TV-PG) THE SANTA CLAUSES (SEASON 2) Scott Calvin, after 28 years, reigns true as Santa Claus, leader of the North Pole and Christmas.

With his family - Carol, Sandra, and Cal - by his side, and his elves at the reins, Scott Calvin

contends with a changing world to keep the spirit of Christmas alive for a new generation.

Disney+ (TV-PG) DASHING THROUGH THE SNOW A hilarious and touching story about a social worker for the Atlanta police department and the Christmas Eve journey with his estranged daughter that helps him to remember the joy and magic of the yuletide season.

Disney+ (TV-PG) THE NAUGHTY NINE Mischievous fifth grader Andy finds himself without a visit or presents from Santa on Christmas morning. Realizing he must have landed on the "naughty list" and feeling unfairly maligned, Andy pulls together a team of eight other "naughty listers" to help him execute an elaborate heist at the North Pole to get the presents they feel they deserve. Along the way, the group comes to realize that the very best way off the naughty list is to redirect their unique talents for good -- instead of mischief.

Disney Channel (TV-PG) CANDY CANE LANE The movie follows a man on a mission to win his neighborhood’s Christmas decoration contest, when he inadvertently makes a deal with a mischievous elf who brings the 12 days of Christmas to life, wreaking havoc on the town.

Amazon Prime (TV-PG)

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| 39

Christmas Tree Farms

The greater Cleveland/Akron area provides many options for fresh-off-the-farm Christmas trees. Check out the following farms to find your family’s perfect pine.

MAYA, AGE 6, HAS FUN DECORATING A BLUE SPRUCE AT HERITAGE FARMS IN PENINSULA DURING OUR DECEMBER COVER PHOTOSHOOT. HERITAGEFARMS.COM PHOTO BY KIM STAHNKE

Adolph Tree Farm 1950 Waterloo Road, Mogadore 330-603-4265 facebook.com/adolphtreefarm Bender Christmas Tree Farm 3381 Sheffield Road, Jefferson 440-944-5240 bendertree.com Big Run Evergreens 635 Twp. Road 2724, Loudonville 419-994-3600 facebook.com/bigrunevergreens Diversified Tree Farm 8546 Nichols Road, Windham 330-527-7409 facebook.com/ diversifiedtreefarm Doc Miller’s Christmas Tree Farm 12666 German Church Road, Alliance, 717-706-5562 millerschristmastrees.com Flower Family Christmas Tree Farm 1236 Hudson Road, Kent 330-678-8967 flowertreefarm.com Galehouse Tree Farms 11762 Coal Bank Road, Doylestown, 330-658-2480 galehousetreefarms.com

Greig Christmas Tree Farm 35900 Eddy Road, Willoughby Hills, 440-487-7158 Heritage Farms 6050 Riverview Road, Peninsula 330-657-2330, heritagefarms.com Howling Pines Tree Farm 10480 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls, 216-410-6341 howlingpinestreefarm.com Kall Christmas Tree Farm 3605 Foskett Road, Medina 330-725-8870 kallxmastreefarm.com Kurtz Christmas Trees 22350 Quarry Road, Wellington 440-328-9140 kurtzchristmastrees.com Log Barn Farm 8711 Stanhope-Kelloggsville Road, Williamsfield, 440-293-7330 logbarnfarm.com Manners Christmas Tree Farm 780 Dodgeville Road, Jefferson 440-294-2444 facebook.com/ mannerschristmastreefarm McKosky Tree Farm 14740 Leroy Center Road, Thompson, 440-298-1412 facebook.com/ mckoskystreefarm

40 | Family Living at Its Best

Medina Christmas Tree Farm 3301 Hamilton Road, Medina Butler Farm: 3235 Hamilton Road, Medina, 330-723-2106 medinatrees.com

Shawnee Trail Tree Farm 896 Terex Road, Hudson 330-554-2826 facebook.com/ shawneetrailtreefarm

Moore’s Christmas Tree Farm 6767 Edison St. NE, Hartville 330-877-6520 moorestreefarm.com

Skylar Brook Farm 12853 Bair Road, Orrville 330-641-8877 skylarbrookfarm.com

Mountain Creek Tree Farm 7185 Williams Road, Concord 440-354-8928 mountaincreektrees.com

Soubusta Farms 11380 Thwing Road, Chardon 440-256-1768, soubustafarms.com

North Corner Farm 13880 Butternut Road, Burton 440-785-3692 northcornerfarm.com Pauley’s Tree Farm 721 Benedict Leavittsburg Road, Leavittsburg, 330-360-3794 pauleystreefarm.com Pine Tree Barn & Farms Main Farm: 4338 Shreve Road, Wooster

Stone Garden Farm & Village 2891 Southern Road, Richfield 330-212-9934 stonegardenfarm.com Storeyland Christmas Tree Farm 5148 State Rt. 7, Burghill 330-772-8733, storeyland.com Sugar Pines Farm 9500 Mulberry Road, Chesterland 440-729-1019 sugarpinesfarm.com

Valley Road Tree Farm: 4485 Valley Road, Wooster 330-264-1014, pinetreebarn.com

Sugargrove Tree Farm 1619 Township Road 1455, Ashland, 419-282-5151 sugargrovefarm.com

Pioneer Trails Tree Farm 4222 Center Road, Poland 330-757-0884 pioneertrailstreefarm.com

Swan Farm 11721 Tinkers Creek Road, Cleveland, 216-254-5501 facebook.com/swanfarmohio

Rauh Christmas Tree Farm 3001 N. River Road, Stow 330-678-7474 rauh-tree-farm.business.site

Timber Valley Christmas Tree Farm 4250 Bagdad Road, Medina 216-650-1566 facebook.com/ timbervalleyfarms

Rhodes Sisters Christmas Tree Farm 12020 Clay St., Huntsburg 440-668-3486 River Run Tree Farm 5620 Streeter Road, Mantua 330-888-9005 riverruntreefarm.com Sarna’s Christmas Tree Farm 1137 E. Jefferson St., Jefferson 440-576-0169

Twinsberry Tree Farm 8916 S. Jefferson Road, Shreve 330-567-3902 twinsberrytreefarm.com Wilcox Tree Farm 17620 Diagonal Road, LaGrange 440-355-4027 wilcoxtreefarm.com Wintergreen Tree Farm 3898 Winchell Road, Mantua 330-221-3835 wintergreentreefarmohio.com

December at the Stocker Arts Center ncert

Civic Chorale Co

30 p.m.

December 2 • 7: Hoke Theatre

ale Concert Collegiate Chor p.m.

30 December 8 • 7: Theatre io ud St no Ciriglia

ic Band Patriots Symphon t er Christmas Conc 30 p.m.

December 9 • 7: Hoke Theatre

esents Ballet Legato pr N he utcracker” Tchaikovsky’s “T .

11 a.m December 15 • 7 p.m.

December 16 • 2 p.m.

December 17 • Hoke Theatre

ter Project’s The Musical Thea baret” “A Christmas Ca m.

16 • 2 p.

December 15 & Theatre Cirigliano Studio

’ Christmas” “A Merry Rockin Cavanaugh Starring Michael m.

7:30 p.

December 18 • Hoke Theatre

Stocker Box Office 440-366-4040 • www.stockerartscenter.com Stocker Arts Center is located on the campus of Lorain County Community College 1005 North Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035

December 2023 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 41

December Calendar

Winter Nature

s Adventure

12/21

Winter Solstice Celebration.

Celebrate the longest night of the year with music, crafts, and a candlelit route through the forest. 7:30 p.m.The West Woods, 9465 Kinsman Road, Russell, geaugaparkdistrict. org

SATURDAYS

Animal Care. Behind the scenes look at the animal care at The Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Second Saturday of each month. Through 4/13/2024. 11 a.m.-2 p.m. 2600 South Park Blvd., Cleveland, shakerlakes.org

THROUGH 1/1

Candy Land Gone to the Birds!

Candy Land comes to life, but with a natural twist taking you on a birding adventure. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Penitentiary Glen Reservation, 8668 Kirtland Chardon Road, Willoughby, goto.lakemetroparks.com/ penitenitary-glen

Find more events at NortheastOhioParent.com

42 | Family Living at Its Best

CANDY LAND GONE TO THE BIRDS, FAMILIES PLAYING GAME. PHOTO COURTESY OF LAKE METROPARKS

Pick - A - Day

TUESDAY & THURSDAY

After School Teen Program. A place to decompress, have a meal and play some games.

2:45-5 p.m. That Place for Teens, 1480 Pearl Road, Brunswick, thatplace4teens.com Delight Nights. Interactive play and fun with full access to 25 exhibits. Through 12/31.

5-8 p.m. Akron Children’s Museum, 216 S. Main St., akronkids.org

WEDNESDAYS

FRIDAYS

THURSDAYS

SATURDAYS

Astronomy Club. Explore the world of astronomy in a fun, social environment on the third Wednesday of each month. 6:30 p.m. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org BioClub. Students (ages 13-18) explore the world of biology through the preparation of experiments, discussions and more. 12/19, 1/16 & 2/20. 6:30 p.m. Environmental Learning Center, 7250 Alexander Road, Concord Twp., lakemetroparks.com

Homeschool Skate. Exciting and beneficial form of recreation for home school children. Through 12/22. 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m. Mentor Ice Area, 8600 Munson Road, mentoricearena.com

Family Saturdays at Skylight Park-Tower City. Games, crafts, live entertainment and more. First and third Saturdays. 12-4 p.m. 230 W. Huron Road, Cleveland, towercitycenter.com

SUNDAYS

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

Ongoing

THROUGH 12/17

Roald Dahl’s Willy Wonka. The delicious adventures experienced by Charlie Bucket on his visit to Willy Wonka’s mysterious chocolate factory light up the stage. The Fine Arts Association, 38660 Mentor Avenue, Willoughby, fineartsassociation.org

THROUGH 12/30

Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. The irresistible family-friendly musical about family! Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, beckcenter.org

THROUGH 12/31

Wild Hikes Challenge. Walk, hike, skip, jog, run or stroll on eight designated trails before Dec. 31 to earn a hiking staff (first year) and/or a 2023 Wild Hikes medallion. portgageparkdistrict.org

Day - By - Day

12/5

A Grandmother’s ABC Book.

Kathy Ewing presents her latest book about looking ahead to the excitement of grandchildren, to the promise of a joy-filled future and more. 7-8 p.m. Coventry Village Branch Library, 1925 Coventry Road, heightslibrary.org

12/6

Grandparenting Today: Zoom.

This class helps transition you to the new role of a grandparent by discussing changes in infant care and what creates a safe home environment. 5:308:30 p.m. uhhospitals.org

12/7

Sparkling Suzy Snowflake.

Ages 8-10 create a delightful, sparkling, spinning snowflake to add to your tree. 6:30-7:30 p.m. Bay Arts, 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village, bayarts.net

12/8

Parents Night Out. Let the Y take care of your child(ren) and enjoy an evening out. 5-8 p.m.

Central YMCA, 933 Mentor Ave., Painesville, lakecountyymca.org

12/11

Jr. Innovators. Use equipment in the Innovation Center to design a custom project. Grades 3-5. 7-8 p.m. Bay Village Branch Library, 502 Cahoon Road, Bay Village, cuyahogalibary.org

12/15

Lantern Walk. Explore the wonders of the national park by low light and afterwards, enjoy hot chocolate around a roaring campfire. 7 p.m. Location provided upon registration. nps.gov

12/15-17

Ballet Legato presents Tchaikovsky’s “The Nutcracker”. Brave soldiers, a fierce Mouse King, glistening snowflakes, and a handsome Prince are among the memorable characters that welcome the beautiful Clara to the Land of the Sweets. Stocker Arts Center, 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, lorainccc.edu/stocker

12/16

Super Science Saturday: Exciting Evergreens. Ever wondered why the evergreens stay green? 10:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

Akron Fossils & Science Center, 2080 S. Cleveland Massillon Road, Copley,akronfossils.com

12/18

Teen Paint Along: Aurora Borealis. Learn how to paint a beautiful winter aurora. 7 p.m.

Kent Free Library, 312 W. Main St., kentfreelibrary.org Homeschool Interest Fair. An opportunity for homeschool students to study a topic, and to either write a report about it, display it as a model or collection, or do an actual science experiment. 2-3 p.m. Willowick Public Library, 263 E. 305th St., we247.org

12/27

Sugary Science. Kids ages 6-11 come for hands-on science using candy and other sugary treats. 2-3 p.m. Stow-Munroe Falls Public Library, 3512 Darrow Road, smfpl.org

12/7-9

Tchaikovsky’s Romeo and Juliet. The Labèques return to perform Martinů’s tourde-force Concerto for Two Pianos, full of jazzy inflections and high-speed fireworks. Severance Hall, 11001 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, clevelandorchestra.com

12/3

Kids Maker Fest. For young entrepreneurs who are just starting out or who have established businesses. 11 a.m.-3 p.m.

Akron Art Museum, 1 S. High St., akronartmuseum.org

✱ SUBMIT YOUR EVENT TO US! northeastohioparent.com/events/community/add

December 2023 - NortheastOhioParent.com

| 43

PARENTk & CHILD MONDAYS

Baby and Me Story Time. A fun interactive session using songs, rhymes, puppets and musical instruments. 10-10:30 a.m. Through 12/11. Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad St., wadsworthlibrary.com Toddler Tales. Stories, songs, and rhymes for children 2-3 years old and their caregivers. 10 a.m. Amherst Public Library, 221 Spring St., amherst.lib.oh.us

MONDAY & TUESDAY

Garrettsville Storytime. Songs, dance and crafts. 11 a.m.

Monday and 10 a.m. Tuesday.

Garrettsville Branch Library, 10482 South St., Garrettsville, portagelibrary.org

MONDAY & WEDNESDAY

Stroller Strides at Crocker Park. A functional, total-body conditioning workout designed for moms with kids in tow. 9:3010:30 a.m. Westlake, crockerpark.com

Sing & Swing. An engaging early childhood music and movement program for young children and their parent or caregiver. 12/11: 5:15 p.m - Ohio City & 12/13: 9:30 a.m. - University Circle. themusicsettlement.org

MONDAYTHURSDAY

Frogs & Polliwogs. Hands-on activities, music, games and simple crafts. Ages 2-3 with an adult. 9:30 or 11 a.m. Monday-Wednesday, and 9:30 a.m.

Thursday. Lake Erie Nature & Science Center, 28728 Wolf Road, Bay Village, lensc.org

TUESDAYS

Family Fun Storytime. A toe-tapping, hand-clapping good time of stories, songs and rhymes. 7 p.m. Euclid Public Library, 631 E 222nd St, Euclid, euclidlibrary.org Family Storytime. Books, rhymes, songs and fingerplays.

10:30-11 a.m. Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, mcdl.info

Baby Bookworms. Learn rhymes, listen to stories, dance and have fun. Through 12/5. 10:30 a.m.

Morley Library, 184 Phelps St., Painesville, 440-352-3383, morleylibrary.org

WEDNESDAYS

Rhythm & Rhyme. A story, music and movement class for preschoolers. Through 12/6. 10-11 a.m. Bainbridge Library, 17222 Snyder Road, Chagrin Falls, divi.geaugalibrary.net Baby Bonanza. Books, bopping and bouncing. 9:30 a.m.

Through 12/27. Coventry Village Branch Library, 1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Hts., heightslibrary.org

THURSDAYS

Read and Sing with Me. Story time with music, movement and more. 10:30-11 a.m. North Canton Public Library, 185 N. Main St., ncantonlibrary.com

THURSDAYSATURDAY

Play and Learn Station.

Designed to support early childhood development, build community, and make connections.

Through 12/30. 10 a.m.-noon.

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

FRIDAYS

Finger Paint Fridays. Bring your little one to explore their creativity. Through 12/29. 10 a.m.- noon. Mentor Headlands Branch Library, 4669 Corduroy Road, Mentor, mentorpl.org Family Storytime at the Great Northern Mall. Join us for family storytime with the Cuyahoga County Public Library on the first Friday of each month. 11:30 a.m.-12 p.m. 4954 Great Northern Mall, North Olmsted, greatnorthernohio.com

SATURDAYS

Family Storytime. Join in for rhymes, songs and play. Ages 2-6 with a caregiver. Through 12/16. Westlake Porter Public Library, 27333 Center Ridge Road, westlakelibrary.org

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44 | Family Living at Its Best

• Sponsored Content •

A Community Event!

HEAR OUR VOICES: ANNUAL MLK DAY CELEBRATION MON, JAN 15, 11AM – 5PM Free & open to the public

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Join us for free all day at the Maltz Museum!

Honor iconic civil rights leader the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., and everyday citizens who fought against discrimination while celebrating the everyday hero in you. Tour the Maltz Museum’s permanent collections and special exhibition, The Girl in the Diary: Searching for Rywka from the Lodz Ghetto, while enjoying hands-on activities on this family-friendly day!

Schedule and activities to be announced.

Sponsored by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland’s Community Relations Committee.

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December 2023 - NortheastOhioParent.com

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Your Aging PARENTS

The TALK

with Your Parents

Y

ou might have heard your parents talking about insurance a lot more lately, as the Medicare open enrollment period ends in early December. This is the time they are working on choosing their best plan or they might have met with their insurance representative.

While no one wants to think about what can happen, it might be a good time for you — as the child — to understand their medical wishes, along with the basics.

1. Do You Know Their Medicare Plans?

How are your parents paying for prescriptions? Are they all set with their Medicare? For parents — and us children — all of this can be confusing.

No one is immune to scammers.

According to the Ohio Department of Insurance, which put out a news release, the agency urges Ohioans to protect themselves against scams.

"With the barrage of plan options and marketing pitches, it can be difficult to discern if something is legitimate or fraudulent," writes

By Angela Gartner

Judith L. French, director of the Ohio Department of Insurance. "Be wary of any Medicare communication seeking personal information or money in exchange for help with Medicare enrollment or services."

It says that Medicare will never call you to sell anything, visit your home or enroll you over the phone unless you call first — they would only call and request personal information if you are a plan member or you called and left a message.

In fact, according to the release, “Medicare has implemented new marketing guidelines for representatives of Medicare plans, including prohibiting asking for personal information, such as bank account or credit card numbers over the phone, unless it is needed to process an enrollment request.”

While you don’t need to know all the details of their insurance, it might be helpful to be aware when the open enrollment happens and have a discussion about scams.

2. Do You Know Their Medications?

As we age, it seems our medications list goes up. If you find yourself taking your parents to the doctor more often or they need more care, it can be important to know what prescriptions they are taking. Most often, they have written down their prescriptions or if not, have a discussion about what they are taking and ask them to help you make a list. The list can include prescriptions and vitamins. This could be good in situations where they are incapacitated for some reason and you have to give that information to medical professionals.

3. Do you Know the Family History?

Now is a good time to talk about their family history. You can create a family timeline, record the history from your parents on video or audio.

If you haven’t already done so, also discuss the known disorders or diseases that run in the family. It’s a good idea so you can let your children know. You might want to keep a record for the future generations.

• Continued on page 48 •

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4. Do You Know Their Final Wishes?

Whether it’s you or your sibling, have a frank conversation with your parents about their final wishes. No one wants to have this discussion, but it’s helpful if something unexpected happens.

Do you know if your parents have a will? Did they arrange care if they are incapacitated? Did they arrange their final resting place or what are their final wishes? Who would have power of attorney?

Do they have everything written down of what they want to happen if something happens? While your parents are under no obligation to tell you everything in their will or otherwise, it would be helpful for you to have the basics of who to contact. It would also be helpful for you as a child to let them know you understand and will comply with their final wishes.

48 | Family Living at Its Best

T

hese conversations are not always easy to have with your parents. So it’s important to be respectful to them. Here are some tips: Go Slowly: Instead of bringing these questions up all at once, ease them into the conversations in casual settings. During the holidays or regular family gatherings is not the time to bring up these topics.

Know your role: What is happening right now with your parents?

Are they relying on you more for care? Have you seen a change in their medical needs? They are still your parents. Whether you are in a caregiving role or not, the purpose of the conversation is to get information and help you and your family understand potential future needs.

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Dad MATTERS

By Jason Lea

Jason Lea has a son, a daughter and a full-time job at the Mentor Public Library. He also blogs for Northeast Ohio Parent in his nonexistent free time. You can find this East sider on Twitter at @jasonmarklea or read his blog at northeastohioparent. com/bloggers

FROM LEFT TO RIGHT, JOHN LINSENMEIER, BOB JONES, DEB LEA PHOTOS COURTESY OF JASON LEA

50 | Family Living at Its Best

I

A Christmas Carol for a Year’s Heartache

rarely looked forward to Christmas. The season’s sentiments never suited my disposition. And it had already been a difficult year, so I took my solace where I could find it — even in a dream.

And I knew I was dreaming, because I sat across the kitchen table from John Linsenmeier.

John was the father of one of my best friends who had died 18 months ago. Before that, he was our church’s elder and tenured Common Sense Advocate.

“Is the holiday annoying you?” he asked.

“How did you know?”

“You're dreaming about ghosts before Christmas,” he said.

“Ugh, so are there going to be three of you?”

“You could always wake up,” he offered. He lifted his eyebrow — a tic I remembered well, even after Parkinson’s took it away from him.

“What’s bothering you?” he asked.

“The same thing that bothers me every year. The meaningless superstition. The crass capitalism with a thin frosting of ‘peace on earth’ to make it palatable.”

“Well, we could discuss apologetics but that won’t make you feel any better,” John said. “If you find the traditions meaningless, then create a new one. People are always adding their gifts to Christmas. Lutherans decorated evergreens.

Handel wrote a mass. What do you do with your family during the holiday?”

“We go to Waffle House on Christmas Eve every year,” I admitted sheepishly.

“Is it special to your family?”

I nodded.

“Then go there with the spirit of Christmas, and it’ll be meaningful.”

John’s wisdom worked on me, as it always did. I wanted to chat more, but the second ghost had already replaced him. I now sat in a woodpaneled Town & Country minivan. Bob Jones held the steering wheel.

Bob — another close friend’s father — had died in February. He’d had a bad heart, but only in the literal sense. The irony was you never knew a kinder man.

“Why the long face?” he asked.

“I don’t have a long face,” I pouted.

Bob playfully imitated my expression. He stretched a sneer and flashed his teeth, but on his face it still looked cheerful. He was fishing for smiles, but I didn’t bite.

“I don’t understand why everyone pretends to be happy this time of year,” I griped. “It’s so dark — literally and figuratively. People are mired in credit card debt…”

Bob reached for the radio knob, and Bing answered.

I’m dreaming of a White Christmas…

Bob sang along while I listed grievances. He didn’t raise his voice. He rarely depended on volume to make his point.

Cynicism never stood a chance against Bob, especially when he sang. I forgot my next quibble when Bob gestured for me to join in.

“May your days be merry and bright…” I sang sharp, but Bob encouraged me.

“And may all your Christmases be white!”

Bob waited until the last notes faded away.

“How do you feel now?” he asked.

“Pretty good,” I said, wearing a Bob-sized smile. “Want to sing another?”

But when I turned, Bob had disappeared.

Instead, my mother sat in her sewing chair.

“What do you want for Christmas this year?” she asked.

My eyes watered, and the words clumped in my throat. I hadn’t heard my mother’s voice since cancer took her tongue five years ago. It returned and took the rest of her in June.

“You,” I admitted. “It’s not Christmas without you.”

Mom paused her sewing and rested her hands on mine.

“There’s always an empty seat at the table on Christmas, even if you’re too young to notice it,” she said.

A tear dove down my cheek.

“If you miss me so much, what would I do at Christmas?” she asked.

“Take care of a stranger who needs it. Make sure they have food and that their kids have something to open on Christmas morning,” I replied. “Oh, and buy us batteries.”

“Do that, and it’ll feel like I’m there,” she said.

I tried to hug her but only caught the wind.

I woke up in my bed. My tossing had jostled my wife awake.

“Are you OK?” she asked.

“Yes,” I answered, wiping my cheek. “Best I’ve been in a while. Merry Christmas.”

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52 | Family Living at Its Best