Yes, it was 50 years ago on June 22 that Cleveland earned its Mistake on the Lake reputation, as a Time Magazine photographer captured the Cuyahoga River on fire. Thankfully, it was also a turning point for the city and the nation to stop polluting its waterways. Today, the river and its connected Lake Erie are clean enough to draw swimmers, fishermen, kayakers, canoeists and other water enthusiasts. Follow Rock The Lake to engage in redemptive activities that further your appreciation for our restored waterways.
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Nowadays, Memorial Day is about three-day sales, carefree cookouts and festive parades. But when it was first observed after the Civil War, it was a solemn affair.
Consider these words spoken by President James Garfield at National Arlington Cemetery on May 30, 1868:
“We do not know one promise these men made, one pledge they gave, one word they spoke; but we do know they summed up and perfected, by one supreme act, the highest virtues of men and citizens. For love of country, they accepted death, and thus resolved all doubts, and made immortal their patriotism and their virtue.”
Learn more about the origin of Memorial Day at pbs.org/national-memorial-day-concert/memorial-day/history/
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If you want a case of dog envy, check out the All-Around Dog Agility Championships, July 4-7 at Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field in Chagrin Falls.
The free event brings in more than 200 dogs and their handlers who will cajole, encourage and coax their canine charges to jump, climb, run, see-saw and weave their way through agility challenges.
No, your dog probably can’t do what they do. And, yes, it’s perfectly fine if yours takes power naps and begs for treats. Stop by anyway. Well-behaved dogs are welcome to watch as long as they’re on a leash. See how yours stacks up. You can test their agility aptitude on Saturday and Sunday in the Agility 101 ring for a $5 donation. Proceeds benefit Geauga County Humane Society’s Rescue Village.
To learn more about what your dog probably can’t do, but could if either of you really tried, go to usdaa.com
Tall Order
Ship Shape
You can enjoy the thrill of tall ships this summer without swabbing a deck or hoisting a sail.
The Tall Ships Challenge returns to Cleveland’s waterfront on July 11 for a four-day festival of live entertainment, historical exhibits, food and tours of the traditionally rigged sailing ships.
The event starts with a dramatic Parade of Sail at 4 p.m. on Thursday, July 11 with 10 ships from Canada, the United States and New Zealand. The Captain’s Reception and Opening Ceremony are at 7 p.m.
Gates open at 9:30 a.m. July 12, 13 and 14 with festival activities, exhibits and public ships boarding from 11 a.m. – 6 p.m. daily. Ninety-minute excursions aboard the Appledore IV, Appledore V and Inland Seas ships are available for an extra charge over regular admission.
You’ll find the Tall Ships Challenge just north of FirstEnergy Stadium. Buy discounted presale tickets at tallshipscle.com.
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Come See Our CIFF Movie
Well, it’s Not Ours Exactly…
Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond is in the movie business.
Full disclosure: we don’t know any movie stars and we’ve not actually made any movies. But we like movies and to prove it, we’re media partners for the 43rd Cleveland International Film Festival, which runs March 27-April 7.
Our film is “Very Senior – Attitude is Everything.” Showtimes are Thursday, April 4 at 4:25 p.m., (Tower City), Friday, April 5 at 11:40 a.m. (Tower City) and Saturday, April 6 at 12:40 p.m. (Cleveland Museum of Art).
The film is one of 212 feature films and 237 shorts that will be screened throughout the festival at Tower City Cinemas downtown and at satellite locations.
“Very Senior – Attitude is Everything” is a documentary film about Sun City, Ariz., a 55+ community and the residents who live there. Directed by Susan Gluth, the film is described as “a bright look at the process of aging gracefully and honestly while making one’s own choices.”
See you at the movies – see you at our movie.
Pentameter Envy
A Month Made for Poetry
If it’s been decades since you’ve worked on your iambic pentameters, or you ’ve forgotten what the heck that is, you’re in luck. April is National Poetry Month and Northeast Ohio is crazy full of poets.
One of them is nationally recognized poet George Bilgere, who describes himself as the poet of aging. Several of his poems have been broadcast on Garrison Keillor’s “The Writer’s Almanac.” His latest poetry collection, “Blood Pages,” was published last year.
We figured he’d be the perfect person to ask about poetry, specifically some of his favorites, for Boomer readers.
“(Some) I’d highly recommend to older readers are, of course, the great Billy Collin, a wonderful poet named Tony Hoagland, (and) everybody loves Mary Oliver.
Movie Magic
Grab a Seat at Cleveland International Film Festival
Provocative. Profound. Poignant.
Sure, amid all the kid flicks, superhero fare and romcoms, you can still see a few movies for grownups at your local cineplex. But if you want to see a bunch of terrific and — go ahead and say it — sometimes funky films, don’t miss the 42nd Cleveland International Film Festival.
More than 100,000 people are expected this year for CIFF April 4-15 at Tower City Cinemas.
With 200 feature films and 200 short subject films representing 70 countries, you’re bound to find something that inspires, confuses and entertains you. Ticket sales begin March 23. Go to clevelandfilm.org.
A Hall of Fame for Cool People
If You Can’t Get a Ticket, At Least Get a T-Shirt
The 33rd annual Rock & Roll Hall of Fame Induction Ceremony is back in Cleveland April 14, and with it comes a week of special events for those of us (almost everyone) who won’t be hobnobbing with rock royalty and uber-connected folks at Public Auditorium for the actual event.
Visit the hall of fame website, rockhall.com, for details. You can catch the ceremony on HBO later this spring.
The inductees are Bon Jovi, The Cars, Dire Straits, The Moody Blues and Nina Simone, and receiving the Award for Early Influence is Sister Rosetta Tharpe.
Oh, and about that T-shirt: You can order a 2018 inductee shirt at rockhallstore.com or buy one at the hall of fame gift shop.
Tackle Technology
(It Won’t Hurt a Bit)
Do you butt dial your grandkids? Have your Facebook skills turned you into a social media pariah? Fear not, tech-challenged friends. It’s almost time for the second annual Living in the Digital World Senior Expo at the Don Umerley Civic Center in Rocky River.
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Looking for Love (or Maybe Just Like)
Are Your Dating Moves Out of Date?
Valentine’s Day can be an opportunity for angst, especially if you’ve been out of the dating pool. Consider these dating suggestions for those of us 50 and older from Tracy Sorboro, regional director of Real Cleveland Singles (realclevelandsingles.com).
Homebodies
A Great & Big Garden Show
Do you …
Scroll through Pinterest looking for garden inspiration?
Dream of visiting Waco, Texas, to get a glance at Chip and Joanna?
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