Mind Matters

It's no wonder we're feeling a big pandemic-weary right now. Many of our holiday plans were disrupted, we're seeing (or experiencing) more breakthrough COVID-19 cases, and no one is quite sure when things will seem normal again. If you're having a tough time coping with stress, we've got some handy reminders that can help. ...

If you're years (or decades) away from your school days, The University of Akron is making it easy to get back to class. And the best part? It's free. Registration starts next week for folks who want to brush up on art history, economics or dozens of other subjects. ...

Our 2021 Boomer Impact Award winner, Hlavin is a product of the pandemic. The tablets and knowledge that he’s put into the hands of seniors have made a huge difference in their lives. They’re ordering groceries, video chatting with family and friends, downloading apps, streaming shows and managing passwords... all with the help of Hlavin’s nonprofit, Simply Virtual, and his three-member team. ...

The exhibition’s 180 paintings, sculptures, hair artifacts, photographs, advertisements, magazine covers and other media are organized into three themes: Community & Memory, Hair Politics and Black Joy. Black hair is addressed by artists, barbers and activists in both its historical perceptions and its ramifications for self and society today. ...

The Cleveland International Film Festival Fall Fest offers viewers a sampling of the Festival, with three specially curated shorts programs: CIFF45 Award-Winning Shorts, Comedy Shorts, and just in time for the Halloween weekend – an After Hours program of shorts. Pull up a comfy chair and settle in for a weekend of terrific films. ...

Lifelong learning reshapes our brains through neuroplasticity, our brain’s ability to change, and neurogenesis, our brain’s ability to grow new neurons. Continuous new learning and challenge for our brains helps us grow at the basic level but also boosts social connections and personal growth. May we all continue on our lifelong learning journey to build better brains. ...

Staying engaged socially, physically and mentally can enhance cognitive performance. But did you know that changing things up rather than just doing the familiar activities is an essential part of the process? “Use it or lose it” certainly applies, but variety counts, too. Try these word math games to mix up your routine today. ...

Are you feeling distant from the Jewish faith? A months-long program addresses the largest population of the Cleveland Jewish community – those unaffiliated adults seeking ways to find greater meaning, identity and purpose in their Jewish experiences, and those wishing to enrich their other Jewish involvements. . ...