Worth Noting

Celebrate Arbor Day at Holden Arboretum with a visit through the treetops and a presentation by a tree canopy expert, which are planned throughout the weekend from Friday, April 29 through Sunday, May 1 at the arboretum’s Corning Visitor Center.

“Out on a Limb – Exploration of Global Forest Canopies,” will also be the featured Arbor Day lecture at 7 p.m. Friday. The speaker, Meg Lowman, Chief of Science and Sustainability at the California Academy of Sciences, is an internationally known tree canopy researcher and the author of “Life in the Treetops.” The lecture is free and open to the public, but registration is required.

Come join the nationally-celebrated observance that encourages tree planting and care. Guided tree climbing, crafts, portable sawmill demonstrations and character presentations by Johnny Appleseed and John Muir are just a few of the family friendly activities that are planned at Holden from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday.

Admission to the grounds is free Friday. Non-arboretum member tickets for the Canopy Walk and Emergent Tower are $4 for adults, $2 for children. On Saturday and Sunday, non-member discount admission is $10 per car or $20 per car (which includes admission to the Canopy Walk/Emergent Tower) while supplies last.

Holden Arboretum is located at 9500 Sperry Road in Kirtland. For more information, including specific event times, visit holdenarb.org or call 440-946-4400.

Smart, heart-healthy choices will help you enjoy your seasonal favorites without the unwelcome calories. The American Heart Association recommended a few ways to indulge at the holidays — guilt-free.

Reduce the calorie content of eggnog by mixing three parts skim milk to one part egg nog. Check the label on apple cider for added sugar content. Alternate your holiday beverages with a glass of water to leave less room to overindulge.

Did you know rolls and bread are high in sodium? Limit both at holiday gatherings. Reach for the lighter part of the turkey, it has fewer calories than dark meat. And make it a sweet ending by sharing your dessert selection.

American Heart Association, visit heart.org

If you are looking to manage your sugar and weight this season, but still want the traditional feast to include popular foods, try a sweet potato. They are an excellent source of beta carotene (vitamin A). They play several roles in good health, including functioning as an antioxidant.

Lori Izeman of the Diabetes Partnership of Cleveland provides this sweet potato recipe. Visit, diabetespartnership.org for recipes and information.

INGREDIENTS:

• 3 pounds sweet potatoes

• 11⁄2 cups pecan pieces

• 2 teaspoons cinnamon

• 1⁄2 teaspoon nutmeg

• 1 teaspoon salt

• 1⁄4 teaspoon pepper

• 5 tablespoons butter

• 1 egg

• Sugar substitute

1. Poke the sweet potatoes several times with a sharp knife and roast at 400 degrees. until soft – about 45-60 minutes depending upon the size.

2. Make the topping – chop 1 cup of the pecans until it is ground into a meal. Add about 1/4 cup sugar substitute, 1 teaspoon cinnamon, a pinch of salt and 2 tablespoons of the butter. Chop until blended. Mix the rest of the pecan pieces in by hand.

Let the sweet potatoes cool for 10-15 minutes.

Folks interested in starting and growing a small business can get help — and the only cost is time. This winter, the Cuyahoga County Public Library’s Strongsville branch is offering a free ENCORE Entrepreneurs workshop. Experienced business professionals will host the six-week series. Workshops will be held Wednesdays starting Feb. 10 from 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. Registration is required. Call 440-238-5530 or visit cuyahogalibrary.org/encore.

HERE’S THE BREAKDOWN

WEEK 1

Concept2Business

In this workshop, learn how to generate and cultivate your business ideas and develop business concept.

WEEK 2

Business Plan

OK, so you have a business concept — now you need to create a business plan. Learn how to write an effective business plan and determine your mission, vision and values.

WEEK 3

Small Business Legalese

In this workshop, explore the many legal aspects of owning a business. Topics include naming your business, licenses, registration, patents, copyrights, trademarks and government regulations.

WEEK 4

Know Your Customer

Is there a demand for your business? What is your target audience? Explore market segmentation and develop a marketing plan that distinguishes your brand. Also, learn how to use social media to market your business strategically.

WEEK 5

Where’s the Money?

You have a great business concept, now it’s time to find the financial support you need to get started. Do you need a conventional loan, a microloan or crowdfunding? Learn what financial information should be a part of your business plan.

WEEK 6

The Perfect Pitch

Present a dynamite one-to five-minute pitch and attract the “ask” that you want. Develop your value proposition and elevator pitch and learn the four points of a perfect pitch. Receive constructive feedback on content and delivery, including key message, voice tone and body language, differentiators, go-to-market strategy, competition and business model.