We asked our favorite foodies — including our cover subject Chef Eric Wells — for book suggestions this time around. Food and the holidays go together like turkey and stuffing, mini-marshmallows and sweet potatoes, fruitcake and… nothing. You get the point. Enjoy! ...

Home. it's got a different feeling this year. Take a deep breath and savor the season right here in Northeast Ohio. Don’t let a smaller-than-usual gathering dampen your enthusiasm for holiday meal planning. This is an opportunity to shine, regardless of how many gather around the table. Chef Eric Wells tells us how. Enjoy! ...

Winging It;
The Audubon Bird Count

If you like watching birds and you can count reasonably well, then sign up for the 121st Audubon Christmas Bird Count Dec. 14-Jan. 5. Groups have formed throughout Northeast Ohio, a prime bird-watching region because of our proximity to Lake Erie.

The Christmas Bird Counts go into a database where scientists use the information to monitor the vitality and range of cardinals, blue jays, dark-eyed juncos and other feathered friends.

Join a local group, count on your own or watch the bird feeder in your back yard, depending on where you live and how many people are counting. Register at audubon.org.

 

Boom Time for Hometown Gifts

Like many of us, Deby Lexow gave locally-milled pancake mix, maple syrup and other Northeast Ohio products to friends and family for the holidays. 

Unlike all of us, she created a business out of her generous habit. 

Lexow started LOCLE Box six years ago, tracking down Ohio-made products from small-batch artisans so she could assemble ready-made and custom gift boxes.

“I love finding new makers for products that we include in our gift boxes. Before COVID, we traveled to farmers markets to find Ohio-made products and goodies. And now, we find new makers mostly through referrals and Etsy,” Lexow says.

“We have pretty strict criteria to be included in the LOCLE Box family. Number one, the product must be outstanding – either a delicious edible or an incredibly well-made bath product or kitchen tool or a beautifully designed card or craft,” she says.

All makers have to be an actual business with a website or an Etsy shop so customers can contact them if they want to buy more items. In addition, all comply with state regulations and food standards. See Deby’s boxes at LOCLEBox.com.

 

Whiners, it’s Your Time to Shine

Fill in the blank: 2020 has been a __________.

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Many of us will celebrate the holidays at home this year, and in far different ways than we could have imagined. It’s a special season that deserves special treatment, regardless of the background noise and calamity. The good news is, we’ve got you covered with great stories about food, safe visits and holiday lights — and a bit of local nostalgia thrown in for fun.  ...

There's nothing like big, bold, holiday lights to boost morale during this pandemic year. Just like backyard gardens were the focus during the spring and summer, we suspect that holiday light displays will get extra attention as the days get shorter and the temperatures drop. ...

They talk about Millennial kids, awkward incidents with naked bananas and torn stockings. The greater Akron-based podcasting team and sisters Jean Mader and Laura Bettinger Spelich have hit a sweet spot, podcast-wise, with their friendly, freewheeling, pleasantly rambling “OK Boomer” podcast.  ...

I’m not big on sharing. I always hold the popcorn at movies and never request two spoons for dessert. But our Fifth Anniversary is an event I’m happy to share with readers, advertisers and everyone else who has supported us, critiqued us and led us through this interesting, invigorating adventure. ...

As Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond celebrates its Fifth Anniversary with this issue, it’s our pleasure to throw a much-deserved spotlight on these women, nominated by friends and co-workers who have had a front-row seat to their accomplishments.  ...