WORTH NOTING
Westlake Webmaster
Kind (Not Creepy) Spiders
Paul Johanni is a spider kind of guy in the best possible way. The Westlake resident makes and gives away (2,500 so far) Kindness Spiders, his ambassadors for kindness.
Colorful, inventive and cheery, he makes the spiders with easy-to-shape eyes, legs and antennae so their adoptive parents can create a personality for each one.
Johanni, an artist and retired teacher, gives his spiders to people to thank them for their kindness. The spiders’ only requirement is a steady diet of smiles. You can see more on YouTube; search for Random Acts of Kindness – Paul Johanni.
Warm-as-Toast
Winter Utility Help
Worried about paying your heating bills this winter? You may qualify for help through the federally funded HEAP, the Home Energy Assistance Program.
Ohioans with a household income 175 percent below the federal poverty level will qualify for HEAP assistance. If you live alone, your annual income has to be under $23,782.50. For two people it’s $32,042.50.
One application covers assistance for utilities, home winterization and threatened emergency utility shut-offs. HEAP clients also are notified about other places to get assistance through local agencies. Learn more by going to development.ohio.gov and looking for the Energy Assistance tab, or call 800-282-0880.
Ralphie Returns for “A Christmas Story” Sequel
A film rooted in Cleveland (and partially filmed here) gets a reboot this fall with “A Christmas Story Christmas.”
The movie stars a few original cast members, including Peter Billingsley as Ralphie (who almost did shoot his eye out with his Red Ryder BB gun), according to imdb.com. The latest sequel to the 1983 movie debuts on HBO Max on Nov. 17; that’s the word out from the entertainment industry website Deadline.com.
You can see the original “A Christmas Story” house and museum at 3159 W. 11th St. in Cleveland. Get tickets and details at achristmasstoryhouse.com.
Helping HANDS
Granting Wishes for Older Adults
Since its start in 1995, The HANDS Foundation in Brunswick has been providing small grants to county residents to buy shoes, car repairs, craft supplies, wheelchair batteries and other items to improve the lives of Medina County’s older adults.
Residents 65 and older, or their families, can ask a participating agency to submit a grant on their behalf for items that they can’t afford or get through other resources.
To make a monetary donation, or to learn more about The HANDS Foundation, go to hands-foundation.org.
Hearing Aid for Hearing Aids
You probably know by now that the sale of over-the-counter hearing aids received final FDA approval. That will mean cheaper options for people over age 18 with low-to-moderate hearing loss. The devices aren’t for those with moderate-to-severe hearing loss.
Cleveland Hearing & Speech Center says to think of OTC hearing aids the way we use reading glasses rather than prescription lenses.
Your best bet, according to CHSC? Get a professional hearing test before buying a hearing aid to get a proper diagnosis and to help identify any medical conditions that may be causing the hearing loss.
