Fun

If you're looking for something to do, head over to your local library. Cleveland Public Library and its neighborhood branches are providing free entertainment, crafts and more throughout the holiday season, and it all kicks off this weekend with crafts, stories and even a winter reading challenge. ...

The nation's largest candy store is right here in Northeast Ohio. b.a. Sweetie Candy brings back sweet, sticky childhood memories inside a cavernous warehouse filled with every type of candy you can imagine. If you had it as a kid, chances are, Sweetie's has it. ...

We were probably luckier than most growing up. Grandpa Olszewski had a full-sized manger outside his house on the east side of Cleveland with life-size figures. Cattle, the three kings, shepherds, everyone. He also had religious music piped outside and it was lit up all night. People thought it was a roadside shrine; they would stop by and pray. One day, I noticed something odd. My grandfather was sitting at the kitchen table having a smoke and I asked why he had a Coca-Cola Santa Claus standing in the back of the manger. “You got a problem with that?” he asked. “Get your own manger and put whoever you want in there!” ...

Inductee Carole King seemed excited and humbled to be at the induction and talked about the environment. Brandi Carlile, fresh off a gig as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live, was effusive and relaxed. Rapper and inductee LL Cool J came across as gracious, exhilarated and, yes, cool. He sparkled from head to toe. Jennifer Hudson looked tall; Lionel Richie looked tired. Angela Bassett, who inducted Tina Turner, was dramatically and stunningly glamorous. My foray into rock & roll was short (about 8 hours), and I’m glad I did it. ...

While our grandchildren are immersed in a “gimme-gimme-gimme” culture, don’t underestimate their capacity to be kind and generous, especially during the holiday season. And don’t overlook the power of your example in helping them reach that potential. ...

The holidays lie before us and the wonderful sounds of the season are about to begin. Christmas music best communicates the holiday messages of peace, love and hope. Enjoy a holiday performance with your grandchildren. It can become a tradition that you all look forward to every year. ...

Since its founding with two shelters in 1992, the foundation has branched out nationally to 57 shelters in 36 states. Through small grants, it has successfully placed more than 100,000 companion animals with senior adopters. For more information and a list of participating shelters, visit petsfortheelderly.org. ...

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is transforming into a winter wonderland this holiday season with Wild Winter Lights presented by NOPEC. Experience this year’s all-new lighting display, with more than one million individual lights and unique twists on holiday traditions. You may even see bears, tigers and reindeer! ...