I’m not big on sharing. I always hold the popcorn at movies and never request two spoons for dessert. But our Fifth Anniversary is an event I’m happy to share with readers, advertisers and everyone else who has supported us, critiqued us and led us through this interesting, invigorating adventure.

Book clubs are a good way to meet people (virtually or in-person), explore topics you might not be familiar with and engage in lively discussions with people who like to read as much as you do. Whether you start with a safe, social distancing experience or go entirely online with video conferencing, a book club may be just the cure for the not-enough-fun-things-to-do blues. 

If you’re in a book club or know someone who is, you know that book selections are a big deal. You can’t judge a book by its cover, but you can judge a book club by what it reads. Grace Harper of Mac’s Books-Books on Coventry gave us this list of recent book club picks.

The house is like a portal to another dimension, where boxes of memories and stuff you really thought you’d need end up on the curb. We’re not turning into minimalists but when you find Eagle Stamp Savings Books, Instamatic cameras, VHS tapes and on and on, you wonder, “Why did we keep this stuff?”

As Northeast Ohio Boomer and Beyond celebrates its Fifth Anniversary with this issue, it’s our pleasure to throw a much-deserved spotlight on these women, nominated by friends and co-workers who have had a front-row seat to their accomplishments. 

I think many people have had substandard meals out of their slow cooker because they dump everything in and turn it on. But you have to develop flavor,  and that is done by searing. Season the meat first and then brown it in a pan over high heat. When the meat is nicely browned, place it in the crockpot and then return your pan to the stove and add any vegetables that you want to use.