Relationships

Dad knew he couldn’t just mandate upstanding moral character; he had to model it in order for us kids to follow his example. He would go out of his way to practice kindness. My dad demonstrated that the spirit of giving should be a natural outflow of everyday life. If you would like to join together with like-minded people to spread kindness, consider joining From Cleveland to Kindland. This citywide initiative inspires the Cleveland area to be a community of kindness and a model for the rest of the nation to follow. ...

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. ...

When parents give to charity, their children are more likely to give to charity, too. The earlier they become engaged, the more likely they will continue their generosity into adulthood. ...

The transition to parenting our parents usually begins slowly. There are four important items to consider as this shift begins. ...

Home. it's got a different feeling this year. Take a deep breath and savor the season right here in Northeast Ohio. Don’t let a smaller-than-usual gathering dampen your enthusiasm for holiday meal planning. This is an opportunity to shine, regardless of how many gather around the table. Chef Eric Wells tells us how. Enjoy! ...

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 __________.

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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.  ...

This year marks the 20th anniversary of the Ohio Western Reserve National Cemetery. Ohio has more than 1 million veterans, more than half within the cemetery's service area, according to its website. ...