Things to do

The exhibition presents about 125 works in different media—calligraphy, painting, sculpture, costume and decorative arts—assembled from more than 20 religious institutions and museums in Japan, including the Nara National Museum, and Shinto shrines from across Japan, including Kasuga Taisha (Nara) and Hōfu Tenmangū(Yamaguchi), as well as from 12 collections in the United States, including the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Minneapolis Institute of Art and the Asian Art Museum, San Francisco. Most works from Japan are on view in the US for the first time. ...

The Bash is back, and we're headed to the Westside May 1 at LaCentre in Westlake. The venue is a great fit for a great afternoon and evening. Where else can you make friends, get entertained and learn about terrific companies that cater to Boomers? See you at the Bash. ...

Have you checked out your local public library lately? You'll likely find a wide array of speakers, classes, special events and other activities that will help you get through these last few weeks of winter. Public libraries aren't just for kids; they've got plenty of adult-sized programming, too. ...

Shop. Eat. Enjoy great local art. Support a good cause. What could be a better way to spend a February day than a few hours at the French Market in Akron? ...

Ohio is the home of more than its fair share of presidents. And several of them lived and worked right here in Northeast Ohio. Why not brush up on your presidential history and check out of few places that recognize the folks who led our country, and the women who helped get them elected? ...

Did you know that orchid hunters risked their lives to seek out the most unusual specimens of the plant in jungles and treetops around the world? Save yourself the trouble and head over the to botanical gardens for the annual Orchid Mania show. ...

Remember tapping maple trees in late winter and boiling the clear, sweet liquid down into glossy maple syrup? Nah, neither do we. If your idea of a perfect pancake topper is maple flavored corn syrup served in a Golden Griddle bottle, good for you. It's what most of us were raised on and, frankly, it tastes great. But if you want to see the real stuff then head over to Hale Farm & Village for a maple sugaring experience. Try the pancakes, too, while you're there. ...

Hey, west siders - we're baaaaack. Yup. The Bash is back at LaCentre in Westlake this spring. Music, food, vendors and giveaways make this a one-of-a-kind event that's fun, informative and (just a little bit) fancy. And the best part? It's all geared to the 50+ crowd. That's right; our sponsors are there to help meet the needs of folks just like us - active, on the move and interested in learning more about aging well in Northeast Ohio. ...