Volunteers have sent more than 100,000 letters, a record 11,000 in April. With nursing homes and similar places under lockdown because of COVID-19 restrictions, isolation and loneliness have increased exponentially. So has participation in the program. ...

For anyone, but for the Holberts in particular, it’s got to seem like they’re a long way from Cleveland TV reporter and personality to Woodmere village mayor, from busy IT consultant and volunteer to a homebound community activist. Throw in a pandemic, and the distance is more like a chasm. They’re up to the challenge: outgoing, engaged, and philosophical about the future, they practice social distancing but it’s not an easy fit. They prefer to be with people, not sitting six feet apart from them. ...

It’s been a productive few months, by pandemic standards. Aside from stumbling around with Zoom — the video conferencing app — I’ve tackled several projects: pitching failed hair products jammed under the bathroom sink; trimming hair from my golden retriever’s feet and matching plastic lids with bowls. I also sorted insurance statements and moved winter clothes to a back closet.  ...

From love letters that combat loneliness to farmers markets, Operation Cheer, virtual vacations and Impact Awards, read what's Worth Noting! ...

Summer kicks off with Memorial Day on May 25. Communities won’t have parades this year but you can put up a flag and mark the occasion with the dignity the day deserves. The same goes for Flag Day on June 14 and the Fourth of July. ...

The region’s independent restaurants have taken a wallop during the COVID-19 crisis, but as they find new ways to keep stay relevant (and in business) it can be tough to know what’s open and how they’re adapting their menus and service for customers.

To sort through the confusion, Cleveland Independents, a group of more than 80 locally-owned and operated restaurants has an updated list on its website clevelandindependents.com.

The restaurant scene will look a lot different when we all start emerging from our stay-at-home lives. Whatever your comfort level -or comfort food – a local restaurant is likely to have what you need: carryout, open patios, eat-in or delivery.

Not ready to go out yet? The website also offers discounted gift cards to member restaurants. Eat up.

 

 

 

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Meat isn't a necessity; just ask your vegetarian friends. And today, we've got lots of great options with a slew of innovative recipes you'll find online. Start in the grain aisle (quinoa, rice, barley), then move over to the vegetables with beans, cauliflower and greens. ...

While we’re going through a history-making experience right now, Western Reserve Historical Society is making it easy to access the rich history of the people and places of Northeast Ohio.

Check out its website for stories, photographs, video and learning resources  wrhs.org/explore/digital-learning-resources/.

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