November/December 2020

Every kid who grew up in Cleveland in the mid-’50s and ‘60s remembers Captain Penny, who hosted a popular, locally produced children’s show. In his trademark railroad engineer uniform, Captain Penny introduced his young audience to classic comedy shows like The Three Stooges. Other regular features were an adoptable pet segment called “Pooch Parade,” Jungle Larry’s exotic animals, and conversations with Mister F.W. Nickelsworth. He encouraged picky eaters to join the Clean Plate Club. Mr. Jingeling stopped by at Christmastime. ...

The weekend before Labor Day, we were in one of those warehouse clubs and they were putting out Christmas trees and decorations. This isn’t the first time we’ve seen it, but it’s still rushing the season.  The holiday season used to start on Thanksgiving. Kids would see a new episode of Mr. Jingeling every day on WEWS in a thinly veiled commercial based on some new toy. ...

Connect with other family and friends with a Zoom meeting before, during or after your meal. If some relatives are unable to join in, be sure to find a way to reach out to those who are close to you and the grandkids. ...

“The idea for the display began organically,” Bill says. “I have fond memories of the decorations my grandfather built for the holiday season — which included a lighted windmill and an animated eagle. So every year, I put something new in the yard to honor him. In 2010, one of the decorations I added was a sidewalk garland. I began thinking, how great it would look if our neighbors put them up, too.” ...

As much as many of us enjoy field-fresh fruits and veggies from summer farmers markets, there’s something to be said for the heartiness of winter market offerings. ...

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 __________.

...

Assuming a holidays-as-usual approach is a dangerous exercise in denial, especially if you’re accustomed to traveling long distances to celebrate together with lots of distant relatives. Travel and social interaction both increase the odds of getting and spreading the virus that causes COVID-19. So staying home and limiting contact is the best way to protect yourself and others.  ...