Throwback/Nostalgia

Throwback/Nostalgia

Maple Syrup and Pancakes; a Hale Farm Tradition Continues

For centuries, the maple trees on the Hale’s family farm provided sap to be processed and sold or consumed. C. O. Hale, the  grandson of Western Reserve pioneer Jonathan Hale, had a keen interest in all aspects of farming, including tapping the sugar maple trees on this farm. ...
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Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Celebrates the Sounds of Black History Throughout February

The Rock & Roll Hall of Fame continues its celebration of Black History Month with a series of virtual events and programs honoring the extraordinary contributions that African Americans have made to rock & roll music. Virtual programs and events include Rock Hall Inductee Verdine White of Earth, Wind and Fire, members of Sly & the Family Stone, Patti LaBelle, Robert Randolph of The Family Band, and Jackie Venson  ...
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Local Black Philanthropists, Churches & More at WRHS

African Americans from Greater Cleveland have made significant contributions to the region and to the world. Read and listen to their stories this month at the Western Reserve Historical Society. ...
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“A Century of Celebrations” Now at Cleveland History Center

The holidays in Cleveland have always been a magical time of year. This holiday season, the Cleveland History Center, headquarters of the Western Reserve Historical Society (WRHS), is highlighting the nostalgic holiday traditions of Cleveland with “A Century of Celebrations.” ...
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Dad Said: Inspire Kindness

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. ...
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Pop Culture Chronicles. What’s the Rush?

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. ...
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Worth Noting: Birds, Whining & Great Local Gifts

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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Stan Hywet’s Deck the Hall Opens Nov. 27 with 1 Million Lights

Deck the Hall in the historic Manor House is a one-way tour, limited to the first floor. Fourteen rooms will be decorated with nutcrackers, snowmen, playful elves, as well as plenty of nostalgic holiday brands to put all visitors in a festive mood. ...
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