Pop Culture

Like other customers during the last 165 years, George Richards goes to Chagrin Hardware for two reasons: the people who own it and the things they sell. It’s a formula that’s bridged decades and cemented friendships in historic Chagrin Falls, weathering wars, the Depression, pandemics and the vagaries of small business ownership. ...

Holiday traditions can be difficult to explain. There’s always the glass pickle that kids try to find on the Christmas tree, usually for an extra little gift. That almost always ends up in an argument, but hey… it’s something we’ve always done. I know a guy whose family serves Jack Daniels and root beer. Years back, his dad asked his sister-in-law for a “Jack and Coke,” but there was no cola so she substituted root beer, thinking he wouldn’t notice. They’ve celebrated that mistake every year since.   ...

Most of us have plenty of things, and that can be a problem for holiday gift giving and receiving. New stuff is nice, much of it is useful, but the bottom line for people our age is simple: Where do we put it? ...

Thanksgiving has a fable-filled history, but one thing is clear: it's a foodie's holiday. And unless you're the one making all the food, it's also a bit of calm before the Christmas frenzy gets in full swing. We found this tidbit from the State Library of Ohio interesting. Enjoy the holiday. ...

This new, free app connects residents and visitors to Cleveland’s ever-expanding public art collection, highlighting the beauty in the neighborhoods and exploring sites related to the city's history and infrastructure. ...

The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad creates a magical evening for children with elves, Santa and a ride on a train during its annual North Pole Adventure in Peninsula.

Organizers are looking for helpers to take children to the North Pole from Nov 11-Dec. 21. Wear your favorite elf costume and become a Santa helper or be a North Pole first aid volunteer to assist CVSR staff. For more information, call 234-759-0091 or complete the CVSR volunteer agreement online.

 

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The most jarring thing at the grocery store lately isn't the high prices (although they're sobering). Nope. For many of us, it's seeing pumpkin spice in so many products — some that have no business appropriating the seasonal spice. But it's a harmless discussion: are you pro or anti pumpkin spice? ...

A new exhibit at the Akron Art Museum brings together an especially creative group of contemporary artists who address global strife, environmental issues, and personal identity in many mediums. ...