Winter 2016

Hearty and healthy meals can warm the body and soul during these last weeks of winter. Nothing heats up a kitchen like an oven-baked meal. Fortunately, good food can be good for you. The American Heart Association offers this easy and satisfying recipe from its Simple Cookingwith Heart Program. The recipe satisfies your craving for something crunchy. Go ahead and serve the chicken with oven-roasted broccoli sprinkled with chopped nuts.

For more simple, quick and affordable recipes, visit heart.org/simplecooking.

Crunchy Chicken

INGREDIENTS

2 1/2-3 lbs chicken breast

halves.

2 Tbs Dijon mustard

2 cups multigrain cereal

flakes, crushed

1/4 tsp salt

1/4 tsp black pepper

Heat oven to 400° F. Rinse chicken and pat dry. In a medium bowl, toss the chicken and mustard to coat.

In a large bowl, mix the crushed cereal, and add 1/4 teaspoon each salt and pepper. Coat the chicken with the cereal mixture and bake on a baking sheet until golden and cooked through, 45 to 50 minutes.

Oven-Roasted Broccoli

INGREDIENTS

1 lb fresh broccoli crowns, rinsed,

trimmed

1 1/2 tsp minced garlic or 2 tsps

jarred, minced garlic

2 tsps low-sodium soy sauce

1 tsp extra virgin olive oil

1/4 tsp black pepper

3 Tbs chopped, unsalted nuts

(almonds, pecans or walnuts suggested — whatever is on

sale will work).

Heat oven to 400° F (or can use same oven as chicken). Rinse broccoli, trim stalks into 1/8 inch-thick chunks and cut florets into bite-sized pieces. Place in a mixing bowl and toss with soy sauce, oil, pepper and garlic.

Sprinkle the chopped nuts evenly into a 9×13 inch casserole dish. Place in the oven 3-4 minutes until lightly toasted. Remove from oven and toss with broccoli mixture.

Transfer broccoli mixture to casserole dish and roast 10-12 minutes until broccoli is tender.

If you are thinking about downsizing, you need to think about whether getting a new pet is more important to you than where you live; not all places accept pets.

Federally subsidized housing must allow residents to have a pet. They may restrict the species to just dogs or cats, they may limit the number or weight of the pet, the pet must be current on all necessary vaccinations and parasite control and they must receive annual veterinary care services.

The facility may charge non-refundable fees and additional monthly expenses. Understand the restrictions, extra costs and other rules.

If you haven’t lived with a dog or a cat before, you may want to start with an older pet that has no known behavioral problems. Some may have medical conditions just like people have, so you may need to be prepared to pay for their veterinary expenses (up to $5,000 for some life-saving procedures).

Ask about medical and behavioral history before you adopt from a shelter or buy from a breeder, regardless of how reputable the animal shelter or breeder is.

You also want to get a second opinion from a veterinarian that isn’t closely affiliated with the shelter or breeder. Get a thorough health checkup. Live with the pet for three months; it may take that long for everyone to learn to live in harmony with one another.

Puppies and kittens are a joy to watch and to play with, but they also can be difficult at times. If you want one, try attending a course such as the one Dr. Elizabeth Feltes from The Behavior Clinic in North Olmsted developed. She and her team are  trained in the humane way to socialize animals with people and with other animals. They also provide in-home help when a pet has been cleared of a medical issue.

The over-60 crowd represents the fastest-growing segment of online daters, according to AARP. Companionship is a top reason both men and women 60 and older seek love, while most of those 50 to 59 are looking for a serious relationship.

If you’ve been out of the dating scene for decades and wonder if you’re up to the challenge, maybe now’s the time to give it a try.

PLENTY OF OPTIONS

“It is not true that ‘all the good ones are taken.’ says Elana Averbach, founder of KickStartLove, a Cleveland-based dating service. “Senior singles are the fastest-growing demographic on online dating sites, and there are many wonderful men and women right here in Northeast Ohio who are searching for love.”

You may want to try online dating sites such as Match.com and eHarmony. com or go to Senior Match, AARP Dating and Our Time, which cater to senior singles.

Averbach also recommends OkCupid.com (free), and Coffee Meets Bagel, which connects you to friends of friends through Facebook.

Local dating experts also advise after meeting someone special to plan dates that are active, not passive. A first date can feel like a job interview if you’re seated across a restaurant table asking each other questions. Instead, select interactive experiences around Northeast Ohio, like visiting the Holden Arboretum in Willoughby, a Cleveland Metropark or ride a zip line course.

“Jump right into an experience together… then afterwards, enjoy conversation over a cup of coffee,” says Dawson, relationship coach and “104 Dates In and Around Cleveland” author. “Hanging out in a harness for a while or making sidewalk art during the Cleveland Museum of Art’s Chalk Festival will make a memory for you. You’ll have plenty to talk about.”

Be patient. “Plan fun dates, stay up past your bedtime getting lost in conversation, and allow the relationship to grow organically,” Averbach says.

An easy two-hour drive east on Interstate 90 takes you a world away to a mountain resort that caters to every family member.

Snowboarding? Check.

Spa service? Got it.

Fine dining? Of course.

Golf, swimming, banquet facilities, luxurious lodging — it’s handled.

And don’t forget the skiing. This is Peek’n Peak Resort and Spa, after all — a place with a well-deserved reputation as a skier’s paradise that has expanded into so much more.

A GETAWAY THAT’S NOT FAR AWAY

Just 20 miles south of Erie, Pennsylvania, Peek’n Peak is in the state’s picturesque Chautauqua region. Not only is the area lovely, it also has the potential for abundant snowfall, even into early spring. The combination of hilly topography and snowfall has made it a skiing destination for decades.

As warm weather approaches, the opportunities for outdoor recreation expand far beyond skiing. It’s worth a visit to see the changes.

AN EXPANDED AND UPGRADED RESORT

Heading off the highway through the winding, treelined roads you get a sense there’s something special around the final bend. The enormous hillsides peppered with skiers, snowboarders, tubers, chairlifts and the main lodge confirms it: you have arrived at a true resort.

The main buildings have an Old English theme— pitched roofs, thick timber framing with a Tudor-style look — that provides a rustic charm.

THE RIGHT STUFF

Peek’n Peak derives its name from the Pekin Hill, the original name of the mountain and homestead of the Pekin family. Originally built in 1964, Peek’n Peak was purchased in 2011 by Scott Enterprises, a third generation hospitality company with local roots.

The Scotts invested more than $10 million, introducing thoughtful upgrades and new attractions. They pumped money into key infrastructure, remodeled the hotel, installed cutting edge snow hill technology and upgraded equipment to ensure a professional and luxurious visit for guests.

Imagine taking your family to learn about the world-renown Asian collections at The Cleveland Museum of Art. Or having them chat with a curator at The Cleveland Museum of Natural History to discuss trends in the area’s birding community? How about watching a live concert with students from The Cleveland Institute of Music?

Seeing, learning and listening — it happens in real-time each week through University Circle’s cultural offerings throughout Northeast Ohio.

University Circle Inc., (UCI) a development, service and advocacy organization, provides community education for students of all ages by creating unique learning opportunities through online connections to the institutions in Cleveland’s rich and vibrant cultural neighborhood.

The interactive programming allows lively dialogue with experts, educators and students up close and personal from the comfort of local community centers, assisted living facilities and nursing homes.

PROGRAMS FOR ADULTS

University Circle Inc. works closely with community sites to customize programs. Active adults who attend programs at senior community centers typically participate in a monthly videoconference, then go on a guided, follow-up field trip to an exhibit, concert or play.

Videoconferencing technology has been around for 20 years, but as equipment becomes more affordable, streamlined and easier to use, retirement communities have embraced the technology.

In 2001, UCI began developing a sophisticated program for schools and then began to adapt these programs for adult audiences in 2011. After a successful pilot program with Laurel Lake in Hudson, UCI offered the Senior Connections program regionally.

The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Museum of Natural History and Cleveland Institute of Music have videoconferencing studios, and the Western Reserve Historical Society has a shared studio. Hundreds of programs are offered with topics as varied as history, current events, nature and cultural trends. The programs might include a single museum, or some events connect several sites simultaneously.

Snow removal might seem like a dreaded wintry task in Northeast Ohio, but don’t let it take you down.

Shoveling and even snowblowing can cause serious injuries to limbs, joints and the spine. The exertion can stress your heart, too.

Nationwide, more than 11,000 adults and children are hospitalized due to shoveling injuries each year, according to the American Journal of Emergency Medicine (AJEM). The most common injuries include sprains and strains, particularly in the back and shoulders, as well as lacerations, broken bones and heart attacks.

“Know your limits,” says Mike Mager, licensed physical therapy assistant with Portage Physical Therapists in Ravenna. “Listen to your body. Take frequent rest breaks. Don’t overdo. If you have a chronic condition, hire someone else to do snow removal at your home.”

HEART CARE

Lifting heavy snow, especially in the early morning hours when the heart is most susceptible to coronary events, can be deadly.

The AJEM study found that cardiac-related injuries during snow removal accounted for 100 percent of the more than 1,600 snow removal fatalities that occurred in the U.S. over a 16-year period. Snow shoveling can raise heart rates above recommended limits after only two minutes of digging.

No one who has a cardiac stent or a history of cardiovascular disease should shovel snow. People who don’t exercise regularly should pace themselves and take breaks. If you get tired or if you experience any chest pain or shortness of breath, stop, rest or contact a doctor.

Age affects risk. Adults over 55 are 4.25 times more likely than younger people to have heart-related symptoms while shoveling. The National Safety Council warns that those over 40 years old and relatively inactive should be careful while shoveling snow. Stretch before starting, take it slow and only pick up a small amount of snow at a time to avoid injury, the organization advises.

Tax time is quickly approaching, and that means crooks are stepping up their game.

If you get an email or a phone call or message from someone claiming to represent the IRS, it’s a scam – always.

The IRS only notifies people via mail – the old-fashioned kind you can hold. That’s the word from Frank Suponcic, a CPA and advisor at Skoda Minotti, of Cleveland.

The latest email scam has the header “2015 Tax Reduction File.” An IRS logo appears in the upper left-hand corner of the email body. To an untrained eye, it looks legitimate. Together with the subject header, it’s intended to fool the recipient into filling out the form and submitting it. The implication of this offer is certainly appealing; after all, who doesn’t want their income taxes reduced?

This request is fraudulent. Do not complete it, and certainly do not hit “submit.” The IRS will never communicate with you via email or text. And, IRS officials won’t call you at home,  unless you have called them first, Suponcic says.

Tax time can be stressful; don’t let a scammer make it worse.

Folks interested in starting and growing a small business can get help — and the only cost is time. This winter, the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Strongsville branch is offering a free ENCORE Entrepreneurs workshop. Experienced business professionals will host the six-week series. Workshops will be held Wednesdays starting Feb. 10 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration is required. Call 440-238-5530 or visit cuyahogalibrary.org/encore.

HERE’S THE BREAKDOWN

WEEK 1

Concept2Business

In this workshop, learn how to generate and cultivate your business ideas and develop business concept.

WEEK 2

Business Plan

OK, so you have a business concept — now you need to create a business plan. Learn how to write an effective business plan and determine your mission, vision and values.

WEEK 3

Small Business Legalese

In this workshop, explore the many legal aspects of owning a business. Topics include naming your business, licenses, registration, patents, copyrights, trademarks and government regulations.

WEEK 4

Know Your Customer

Is there a demand for your business? What is your target audience? Explore market segmentation and develop a marketing plan that distinguishes your brand. Also, learn how to use social media to market your business strategically.

WEEK 5

Where’s the Money?

You have a great business concept, now it’s time to find the financial support you need to get started. Do you need a conventional loan, a microloan or crowdfunding? Learn what financial information should be a part of your business plan.

WEEK 6

The Perfect Pitch

Present a dynamite one-to five-minute pitch and attract the “ask” that you want. Develop your value proposition and elevator pitch and learn the four points of a perfect pitch. Receive constructive feedback on content and delivery, including key message, voice tone and body language, differentiators, go-to-market strategy, competition and business model.