Vol. 9 No. 1 Boxholder or Occupant ECR / Pre-Sort “We’re locally owned!” Serving Every Home in Auburn and Bainbridge PRESORT STD. U.S. POSTAGE PAID PERMIT NO. 104 CHAGRIN FALLS, OHIO 44023 Spirit of Bainbridge For the Community • By the Community November 14, 2014 Chubby Checker Concert to Benefit Rescue Village On Saturday, Jan. 10, 2015, a one-ofa-kind, magical evening for animal rescue featuring rock ’n roll legend, Chubby Checker, will take place at the Hard Rock Rocksino. Chubby Checker is an internationallyknown, Grammy-winning superstar with over 40 years of music, 250 million records sold, seven top-10 hits, and Billboard magazine’s #1 song of all time, “The Twist!” The event will also feature surprise guest performances, silent auctions, raffles, celebrity meet and greets and even the chance to twist on stage with Chubby Checker! All proceeds will go towards helping the animals at Rescue Village. Tickets can be purchased by going to rescueconcert.com or by visiting the Hard Rock Rocksino box office. Super Seniors Senior members of the Kenston football team give the “CVC” sign following the Bombers’ stirring 31-21 victory over Aurora. The win gave Kenston the conference championship and sent the team to the playoffs for the second straight year. See more local sports action on pages 20-21. Photo by Ronnie Continenza. Freshman Gabriel Martorana Top 10 Teen Leader in Northern Ohio Kenston High School freshman, Gabriel Martorana, has been named a Top 10 Finalist in Project Love’s “Search for Teen Leaders.” Project Love is a nonprofit character-building education and training organization. Its aim is to empower teens to create a culture of kindness, caring, and respect through their leadership roles. They encourage students to be the change they want to see. Nominees ranged from 7th to 12th grade. This year more than a hundred teens were nominated from all across Northern Ohio. Gabriel was nominated for his many leadership activities including his involvement with Kenston High School’s Creating Exceptional Character (CEC) Club for kids with special needs as well as his many volunteer hours Gabriel Martorana with the special needs kids at Kenston Middle School as a Peer Buddy and as an aide during the Extended School Year (ESY) session this past summer. Currently he is enrolled in a CEC Class at the high school which allows him to assist the special needs kids in a classroom setting with teaching, tutoring and supporting “being high school” behavior. He has held a number of other roles as a Kenston student which exemplify kindness, caring, respect and leadership. For the past five years, he has been volunteering on the sidelines during Kenston’s varsity football games; most recently as an athletic trainer aide. Additionally, over the years Gabriel has been involved in Student Council where he was President in fifth grade at Kenston Intermediate School and a member of PEAK (Peaceful Environment at Kenston). As an eighth grader he won the Citizenship Award which ranks as one of the highest honors for a middle school student. Besides his extra-cirricular activities, Gabriel maintains a straight “A” GPA which includes honors courses. He hopes to one day use his love of sports and science to work in the medical field as an orthopedic doctor. Gabriel was announced as a Top 10 Finalist at Project Love’s Kickoff For Kindness on last week at the Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University. He will formally be presented an award at a “Good News Day” celebration in early 2015. As a Top 10 Finalist, Gabriel now has an opportunity to win a $1,000 leadership award by writing an essay about what leadership means to him. Our next Spirit will be delivered Dec. 12. Editorial deadline is Nov. 28. Advertising deadline is Dec. 3. Our second Spirit Holiday Guide will be included. Call us today at 440-543-4321 for more information! Pumpkins Are a Sign of the Season Did you know that the oldest pumpkin seeds found in North America date between 7000 and 5000 BC in Mexico? Students in Mrs. Kristine Edward and Mrs. Jenny Hogan’s Kenston classes learned about pumpkins using their math skills to measure, weight and count the seeds. Kenston Schools Photo. SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE From Bainbridge Trustees... It’s hard to believe that the holidays and winter are just around the corner. Thanksgiving is less than two weeks away. This is the time when we reflect on the many things that we are thankful for, from our family and friends, to our health and our good fortunes. At Bainbridge Township we are thankful for our dedicated employees as well as our wonderful resident volunteers that have stepped up to participate on the various boards and committees that help shape our community. Please remember to patronize our local stores as you begin your holiday shopping. We know the frenzy of “Black Friday” shopping at the national chains is ever creeping into our time of Thanksgiving, but our local jewelers and garden centers have wonderful items that make very meaningful gifts for your family and friends. Most everyone we know would love some pampering at a hair salon or spa, which are also local businesses! Many of our markets and restaurants provide catering services for your holiday parties, giving you more time to enjoy with your guests. As the year comes to a close, it is time to look forward to the coming year. Time to plan next year’s projects and activities, so too for the township. We have certain goals that need to be met and projects to either begin or finish like the township’s zoning resolution rewrite and the expansion of the Service Garage. The trustees are very fortunate to have knowledgeable and experienced department heads to maintain the functions and finances of the Fire Department, Police Department and Road Department. This allows the trustees to focus on the expenses and projects within the General Fund including administration, cemetery operations, zoning operations, and parks and properties operations. With our reduced funding from various state sources, we need to manage your monies prudently. If we don’t have it, then we can’t spend it. Fortunately, the township has managed your money well and the budget allows us to take on additional improvement projects. For the coming year, the trustees need to evaluate the projects that need to be done, and the worthiness of projects that could or should be done. Stay informed! Please check for updates and important information on the Bainbridge Township website (www.bainbridgetwp.com). Contact information for the trustees is located on the website. The trustees work for you, the residents, so please do not hesitate to contact us and share your concerns or thoughts. Have a wonderful Thanksgiving! Your Bainbridge Township Officials: Trustees Lorrie Benza, Chris Horn and Jeff Markley, and Fiscal Officer Cheri Measures Happy Thanksgiving! We will not be undersold! Free Upgrade! To Spill Safe Padding WITH THIS AD! LifeStyle Floors Family Owned and Operated Always Friendly with Professional Service 8570 E. Washington St., Chagrin Falls Thanksgiving sale 10% Off Flooring 12/12/14 440.543.6537 lifestylefloorcovering.com Storewide Sale on select flooring including wood, carpet, laminate and ceramic! Carpet & Upholstery Cleaning Available. We know that selecting the right flooring for your home can be overwhelming. At Lifestyle Floors you’ll find a wide selection of carpet hardwood, tile and area rugs. Our expert staff will guide you every step of the way and our professional installation team will pamper your home from start to finish. Visit our Lifestyle Floors Showroom! PAGE 2 www.spiritofbainbridge.com November 14, 2014 SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE Open 7 days a week November 14, 2014 www.spiritofbainbridge.com PAGE PAGE33 SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE Bainbridge Library Pages All Geauga County Public Library branches will close at 5 p.m. on Wednesday, Nov. 26 and be closed all day Thursday, Nov. 27 for the Thanksgiving holiday. Stop in the library and check out one of the many new cookbooks available; and while you’re at it, start planning your holiday cookies and other baking. Branches will reopen at 9 a.m. on Friday, Nov. 28. LIBRARY EVENTS Holiday Silent Auction/Fundraiser--The Bainbridge Library has begun celebrating the holidays. The Friends of the Bainbridge Library fall fundraiser is destined to be a huge success. Holiday table-top trees decorated by creative volunteers are displayed throughout the building, and patrons have been bidding on them since early November. Patrons can bid on the trees until Saturday, Nov. 29 when the silent auction ends. It’s not too soon to get into the holiday spirit. Plus, all proceeds will benefit the Bainbridge Library YOUTH PROGRAMS Yoga for Kids - Grades 3-5 - Thursday, Nov. 20 at 4 p.m. Learn a bit about yoga philosophy, then experience the basic poses. You don’t have to be flexible or athletic, just willing to give it a try. Bring a yoga mat or towel. Gonzo for Games - Teens - Saturday, Nov. 15 from 6–8 p.m. Celebrate International Games Day after hours at the library. Play board games, electronic games, GIANT games. Come and get your game on. Limited to 25. Upcycled Jeans - Teens - Thursday, Dec. 4 from 3–4:30 p.m. You won’t believe what you can make with old jeans. Projects for this session include a cell phone charging dock, locker pocket, or a great pillow with pockets. Limited to 20. Holiday Makerspace - Family - Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.–12 p.m.. Create art, decorations, gifts or anything you want in our temporary makerspace. We’ll supply the materials; you bring the creativity. ADULT PROGRAMS Pretty Pomanders - Monday, Nov. 17 at 7 p.m. Bring the wonderful smells of the holiday season into your home by making a pretty and fragrant pomander. Call to register. Book Bites - Monday, Dec. 1 at 7 p.m. Share your family’s favorite foods and tell the story of your background. Bring a dish to share with the group and a copy of your recipe. Come hungry and enjoy these family favorites! Halle’s on the Road - Thursday, Dec. 4 at 7 p.m. Remember Mr. Jingeling? Enjoy a nostalgic look at the Halle Brothers Company’s contributions to Cleveland’s past. Program includes Halle memorabilia. Call to register. Sounds of the Season - Sunday, Dec. 7 at 2:30 p.m. Enjoy holiday music played in the library by students from the Cleveland Institute of Music. Talented students will play seasonal favorites as you browse for materials. Settle into the season with the sweet sounds of the holidays. Book Discussion - Monday, Dec. 8 at 2 p.m. The group will discuss The Diving Bell and the Butterfly by JeanDominique Bauby. Copies of the books are available at the Circulation Desk. The Bainbridge Library is located at 17222 Snyder Rd. For more information, log on to www.geaugalibrary.net. To register for programs, call (440) 543-5611. Follow Bainbridge Library on (Next to Gionino’s Pizza) Coupons may be redeemed multiple times. Exp. 12-31-14 NO LIMIT Coupons may be redeemed multiple times. Exp. 12-31-14 NO LIMIT Coupons may be redeemed multiple times. Exp. 12-31-14 PAGE 4 NO LIMIT NO LIMIT Coupons may be redeemed multiple times. 12-31-14 NO LIMIT Coupons may be redeemed multiple times. Exp. 12-31-14 www.spiritofbainbridge.com November 14, 2014 EDITORIAL SPIRIT Spirit of Bainbridge Mission Statement Our mission at the Spirit of Bainbridge is three-fold: To enhance the Bainbridge-Auburn area with a positive sense of our shared humanity. To be a catalyst of community pride for local businesses and assist in publicity for community-minded groups. To continue our founding support of Bainbridge Area Food For Friends and A Taste in Bainbridge. SPIRIT STAFF Anne E. Bauswein Editor Melissa DeWater Editorial Assistant Matt Blowers Sally Burton Kathy Deptola Melissa DeWater Maureen Donnellon Kathleen Bliss Goldfarb Jeff Griff Noah Gross Karen Hummel David King Bev Kus Jo Lindberg Dan Murray Carol Osbourne, DVM Lisa Parker Ann Rapisarda Jess Skoczen Steve Yingling Contributors Susi Kawolics Tom Kuby Mary C. Ryan Anne Swift Mary Swift Guest Columnists Maria Koch Kayla Zenobi Student Interns Palmieri’s Fine Art Photography Photographer Laura McCune Victoria Rovder The Fontanelle Group Account Representatives Carla Antczak Victoria Rovder Graphic Designers Betty Franek Billing Anne E. Bauswein John Bauswein Publishers PAGE 6 Community Spirit Bainbridge/Chagrin AARP Chapter #4527 Barbershop Concert Nov. 25 Our Holiday Party will be held on Tuesday, Dec. 2 at Sun Valley Party Center, 10000 Edwards Lane, Auburn Twp. Tickets are $18 for members, and $20 for guests. Tickets will be on sale at this meeting or you can call Betty Scholz at 440-338-8321. The deadline is Nov. 18 for reservations. Please remember to bring your reservation tickets with you, and some holiday items for Bainbridge Area Food for Friends pantry. The pantry is exceptionally in need of all food and paper products for the holiday season as they have a large increase of needy families. Our first meeting for the 2015 year will be on Tuesday, Jan.6. Please watch the school closings for our winter meetings. If the Kenston Schools are closed, our meeting will be cancelled. For further info, please call Betty Franek at 440-543-4767. Johnnycake Ridge Singers Chorus of the North Coast Chapter Barbershop Harmony Society will perform on Tuesday, Nov. 25 at 6:30 p.m. in the Hamlet Atrium as a part of the Hamlet Concert Series. Join us for great musical entertainment and jokes presented by the Johnnycake Ridge Singers. The chapter was chartered in 1948 as the Painesville Chapter of the Society for the Preservation and Encouragement of Barbershop Quartet Singing in America (SPEBQSA). The purpose of the organization is to preserve four-part, close harmony barbershop style singing. This program is free and open to the public. Community Thanksgiving Dinner A community Thanksgiving dinner will be presented by Mayfield United Methodist Church, 7747 Mayfield Rd. (by Caves Road), Chesterland, OH 44026 (440-729-4006) on Saturday, Nov. 15 from 4:30 - 6:30 p.m.Cost per plate: $10 for ages 11 through adult; $5 for ages 5 - 10. Tickets available at the door. Takeout Orders: $10. Proceeds will benefit the Church Outreach Ministries. Chagrin Falls Contra Dance Nov. 18 Chagrin Falls Contra Dance will be held Tuesday, Nov. 18 at the Gardiner Early Learning Center gymnasium, 9421 Bainbridge Rd., Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023. A lively and lovely dance to folk music. Live music performed by well known artists. Lesson at 7:30 p.m. Dance 8-10:30 p.m. Adult $10, student $8, family $25. Chagrin Falls Historical Society Chagrin Falls Historical Society is hosting the paintings of Henry Church, Jr. at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Nov. 20 at the Society’s location, 21 Walnut St., Chagrin Falls. Historical Society Member Jane Babinsky, a sixth generation member of the Church family with a background in museum studies, will display a selection of Henry Church’s original art work and sculpting tools, and will discuss the various techniques and mediums he used in his art. The program will also feature the work of Allyn Rosser, of the American Institute for Conservation of Artistic & Historic Works. Allyn will talk about her work and treatment of The Old Oaken Bucket, a painting by Henry Church, Jr. how it had been severely torn and neglected and how she returned restored its original exuberance. The program is free and open to the public. For further information visit http://www.chagrinfallshistoricalsociety. org/ or call the Historical Society at 440-247-4695. Bainbridge Swing Dance Dec. 5 Rachel & The Beatnik Playboys play live at Bainbridge Swing Dance at the Bainbridge Township Town Hall, 17826 Chillicothe Rd., Rt. 306, Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023, on Dec.5. Rachel & The Beatnik Playboys embrace and explore many Americana styles and combine them into a soulful, powerful sound. With original compositions and their own unique channeling of classics, Rachel & The Beatnik Playboys are blazing new trails into the music world. To learn more about them visit www.RachelAndTheBeatnikPlayboys.com. The Swing Dance begins at 9 p.m., preceded by a one-hour swing dance lesson at 8 p.m. Experienced and non-experienced dancers are welcome. This public, family-friendly event is open to all ages. No partner is required for the lesson or the dance. Admission is $10 per adult, $8 per student or $25 per family. Admission includes lesson, live performance and dance. A different live band performs the first Friday of every month. For additional information, please contact Will Craig by calling (216) 316-0068 or E-mailing [email protected]. Arts, Crafts Vendors Wanted Auburn Community Church, 11076 Washington St., Auburn, is hosting a creative arts and craft show, to be held on Dec. 6 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. We are looking for those of you who have unique and hidden talents which you would like to display for others to purchase, admire and enjoy. We are selling tables for $10 for an 8’ table (which we supply). You supply your table covering and wares. Please call Patti Phillips at 440-343-0054 or Peg Button at 440-543-5225 for more information or to make a reservation. Troy Twp. Contra Dance Dec.6 Troy Township Contra Dance. Saturday, Dec. 6 at the Troy Community House, 13950 Main Market Rd., Rt. 422, Burton, OH 44021. All ages join in the irresistibly fun atmosphere of Contra Dance and live folk music by the band “Mr. Haney.” Lesson at 6:30 p.m. Dance 7:30-10:30 p.m. Adult $8, student $5, family $25. Chagrin Falls Contra Dance Dec. 16 SPIRIT FACTS The Spirit of Bainbridge is locally owned and operated. The Spirit is not responsible for the views expressed by its writers. All Letters to the Editor must be signed and include a daytime phone number. We will withhold signature upon request. We reserve the right to edit for clarity or space considerations. Letters are published in the order received and as space permits. PHONE: 440-543-4321 Please leave a message! FAX: 440-543-2670 ADDRESS: 18106 Snyder Rd., Chagrin Falls, OH 44023. E-MAIL: Editorial - spiritofbainbridgeedit@yahoo. com Advertising - [email protected] BAINBRIDGE AREA FOOD FOR FRIENDS: Donations of non-perishable food and toiletry items, etc., may be dropped off at Bainbridge Library (lobby bin) or at the pantry (lower level of Bainbridge Town Hall). Cash donations may be made at PNC Bank, Bainbridge. If your organization would like to sponsor a food drive, call one of the phone numbers below. If you or someone you know needs the assistance of the pantry, call Frank Schnabel, pantry coordinator, at 543-7901 or 708-9829 (leave a message) or call Ruth Carlton, outreach coordinator, at 440-247-5587. The local food pantry was founded in 1990 by John and Anne Bauswein. Bainbridge Area Food For Friends is not affiliated with Harvest for Hunger or Geauga Hunger Task Force. www.spiritofbainbridge.com www.spiritofbainbridge.com Chagrin Falls Contra Dance will be held Tuesday, Dec. 16 at the Gardiner Early Learning Center gymnasium, 9421 Bainbridge Rd., Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44023). Live music performed by well known artists. Lesson at 7:30 p.m. Dance 8-10:30 p.m. Adult $10, student $8, family $25. Troy Twp. Contra Dance Jan. 3 Troy Township Contra Dance will be on Saturday, Jan. 3 at the Troy Community House, 13950 Main Market Rd. Rt. 422, Burton, OH 44021. All ages join in the foot stompin’, crowd pleasin’ atmosphere of Contra Dance and live folk music by the band, Mr. Haney. Lesson at 6:30 p.m. Dance 7:30-10:30 p.m. Adult $8, student $5, family $25. Hubs Square Dance Club Have you started feeling that old ‘cabin fever’ setting in with the end of summer? We invite you to try Western Style Square Dancing. The Hubs Square Dance Club is now accepting reservations for new dancers. Beginner Dances are held each Monday evening at the Bainbridge Community Church, Rt. 306, just south of Rt. 422, beginning at 7 p.m. No experience is needed. The Hubs Square Dance Club has been dancing since 1970 and invites all ages to participate in square dancing. To register or for more information call Ray at 440-632-1074 or Joe at 440-241-2308 or [email protected]. New Clevelanders The New Clevelanders club is a social and philanthropic organization made up of a friendly and diverse group of women who are new to the suburbs of Cleveland, east of the Cuyahoga River. The club offers a wide variety of activities and events on a monthly basis with something that appeals to almost every interest. These activities will not only help you acclimate to the community and your new surroundings, but there is also the potential to make many new friends, some of them lifelong. Join us for our next new member coffee held the first Thursday of every month. For more information please visit our website at www.newclevelanders.com. November 14, 2014 SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE A little bit of this, a little bit of that… By Sally Burton It is that time of the year to update and comment on some of my previous articles… Invasion of the Squeaker - Now that we have had this crazy four-pound dog for a few months, I will say she is growing on us (maybe like fungus!) but she is doing fine. We have discovered that she loves the out of doors and being out on her line in the backyard makes her happiest. She has taken to barking at the air conditioner that I have covered for the winter with a bag that tends to blow in the wind. Good thing she is protecting us from it! Bainbridge Police Academy - Our eight week session ended last night. I still have my “ride along” to do when I get to patrol with an officer, so maybe another update will be necessary. But it was tough to walk out knowing I would not be sitting there every week with some truly amazing people and getting some free education from our men in blue! In our last few weeks, we had talks from the county prosecutor, a judge, the fire chief and some more officers about OVI and again, it was fascinating The Bainbridge Police Department has offered this class now six times and will be offering it again, so join them! You will not be disappointed. Testing! Our wonderful state is still pushing the testing of children but the opposition is growing and becoming more vocal. It is hard as a teacher to fight what we are statemandated to do, but we know what is best for kids. I did learn another annoying fact in this battle over testing: Parents have the right to “opt their kids out” of the high stakes tests. Sounds great right? Well, it is good for the individual child, but the teacher and the school gets a ‘fail’ mark for every student who is opted out of testing. Now, does that sound fair?? The Final Goodbye - It is over a year now since we lost my mom. A dear older lady told me last night that you never get over losing your mom. I agree. Yesterday I had a particularly rough day and was feeling really blue. Then, while walking out of an appointment, my son and I saw a double rainbow! The timing was amazing and instantly brightened us up. Of course, I could go into the science of a rainbow---how you need moisture in the air so the water droplets can act like prisms, separating the white light into the colors of the spectrum. But I prefer to think my mom was sending me a sign that we would be alright. A Lifetime of Teaching - So you would think that after 30 years of teaching I would know better. And I do, truly I do. But sometimes you just have to let go. The other day in class I was drawing a picture of a warm air mass and a cold air mass creating a stationary front, when one of the students yelled out, “It looks like a butt!” Sometimes you just can’t help laughing. Then I won’t go into what happened when I accidentally transposed the first letters on warm “air masses.” I am not sure I have ever matured past seventh grade. As the holiday season is upon us again, take time to be thankful for what you have, find the joy in every day beauty and never let a day go by without telling those you love how much they mean to you. Happy Thanksgiving! By Jess Skoczen I CAN HELP! [email protected] • 440-543-3377 • FAX 440-543-3306 Friends Friendship is so weird. You just pick a human you’ve met and say, “Yup, I like this one” and then you do stuff with them. That is totally how I feel. Friendship makes you feel important. Someone besides your family cares about you. I am very lucky I have such great friends. I have been working at a doggy daycare center for a year now, and one of the reasons I love it is because I have made a great friend. Her name is Karen. We work together really well, so one day I asked her if she wanted to hang out sometime. I was nervous to ask her because I was afraid she would say no, but of course she said yes. I love hanging out with her! We go to the movies together and sometimes on a nice day, we take her dog to the dog park. Karen is hard working, caring, friendly, and fun to be with. I won’t get to hang out with her as much anymore because she is getting married and moving far away. I’m really happy for her, but at the same time I’m sad that she’s leaving. I am not very good with change. Even though sometimes there is nothing I can do about it, it’s hard for me to accept this. I still wish Karen and her new husband all the best. We can still text and call each other, but it will not be the same. I am looking forward to seeing her again at her wedding and catching up with her. Friendship is something you can’t see, but you can feel it. You want to hold onto it for as long as you can. You don’t want to push someone away, because it might be hard for them to trust you again. But the best thing in the world about friendship is, friends accept you for who you are. You don’t have to change or be something you are not when you are with your friends. My parents always said to me, “Make new friends but keep the old, one is silver and the other is gold.” Kenston Community Education, in association with Matthew F. Blowers III and Emerick Gordon, who are both resident poets, songwriters and musicians, is offering an Open Mike Night on Thursdays from 7-9:30 p.m.at the Auburn Town Hall, on the corner of East Washington St. and Auburn Road. This event is for all talented children, teens and adults to showcase their songs, dancing, poetry, comedy, musical instrument ability, juggling, and or any other talents that they wish to perform and share. Spectators are welcome, but seating is limited to 50 occupants. This is a community outreach program to highlight the talent in the area, and give them a venue to perform and polish their work. Teachers are welcomed to encourage their students to perform publicly. There will be a $2 cover charge at the door. There will also be a sign-up sheet to determine the order of the performers. For more info please call 440-543-1737 and ask for Matt. November 14, 2014 NOW OPEN KCE Open Mike Night Complete Brand 8327 E. Washington St. Chagrin Falls, OH 44023 www.ChagrinAutoSpa.com NEW Facility! Express and Full Service Wash Packages State of The Art Car wash. Come visit The Falls! www.spiritofbainbridge.com PAGE PAGE77 SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE Photos from left: Dr. Roger Classen (right) of Bainbridge is pictured with colleagues in Huehuetanango, Guatemala, earlier this year; center, Tiffany Classen shares a smile with children in Guatemala; and, right, Tegan works in post-op. Sharing Abundant Blessings: Local Family Works in Rural Guatemala By Anne E. Bauswein Being thankful for all that we have is in keeping with this page on the calendar. Sharing your talents in poverty-worn countries tends to make one both humble and even more appreciative. And sharing it with your grown children is nearly beyond words. Bainbridge resident and surgeon Dr. Roger Classen first traveled to rural Tecpan, Guatemala, with Helps International in 2013 at the urging of a colleague who had participated in the humanitarian effort for 13 years. And during his two volunteer visits to that country, he has been accompanied by his three adult children, Travis, Tegan and Tiffany---each serving in an essential capacity. Travis, 31, who lives in Cleveland Heights, loves to cook and the Helps staff loves him, according to Roger. Tegan Classen-Zima, 28, who lives in Houston and is studying to be an occupational therapist, helped in the post-op area, as well as with the stoves (which you will learn more about in a few minutes). Tiffany, 24, who is a certified EMT, assisted her father in the operating room. “It was wonderful to expose our kids to a country that has so little. There is such poverty, we all fully appreciate what we have,” he told me. “You have to understand that we’re doing surgery like we used to do. There is no laparoscopy equipment, no CAT scan, a very basic lab, a portable ultrasound, and autoclaves that are older than anyone in the group.” Roger is in his late 60s and performing 10 surgeries a day---comparable with a week’s worth here in Cleveland. “It is tremendous, giving care using our clinical abilities!” Citizens who can pay go to the more expensive facility in Guatemala City. He and other Clevelanders (numbering 12 in 2012 and seven last year) travel with the group from Michigan. The team includes physicians and surgeons, podiatrists, plastic surgeons, dentists, nurses and lay workers. Each team member pays their own expenses, approximately $2100 per trip. The group arrives and sets up the operating rooms in cinderblock buildings on a Sunday. “We’re lucky to have water and electricity,” Roger explains, adding that they use portable generators and chargeable headlamps. “Without those it would have been absolutely terrible!” Then they set to task for five days. “We work with the same surgical team all week, and the teamwork is supreme. The people want to be there,” he tells us, adding that the first year is an unknown entity. He didn’t drink enough water, stood too long each day---but experiences like seeing the pure joy on the faces of people who have so little means a great deal. “The five days are pretty intense. We stay in army barracks, so it’s safe, but they begin the days with horns at 4:30 a.m.!” Roger talks about the M*A*S*H-like atmosphere, but emphasizes that the Guatemalan people are strongly religious and family-oriented. “They are so appreciative, so happy!” He tells about a seven-year-old girl who, after two major surgeries to correct her club feet, is now walking for the first time---and the joy that she and her family emit. And he describes the colorful “chicken buses” that take the locals to their daily work He tells us that some of the non-medical people who work on the trips are creating ONIL stoves. (This company creates products for poverty reduction, from stoves for cooking and heating and purifying water.) They install these kits, maybe eight stoves in a day, in the one-room corrugated tin houses. The purpose is two-fold: The new stoves have a chimney which takes the smoke outside---significant in a country where pulmonary disease is prevalent from smoke in the very modest houses; also, they burn less wood, leaving more time for their main industry of agriculture instead of gathering wood. On Saturday, they tear down and store the equipment, to be used three months later by another medical team. Saturday also includes a clinic to inspect incisions---and when the patients turn out to bring small gifts to the medical personnel. “It is usually something they have made, like a wallet, but equal to a month’s worth of wages to them,” Roger says, smiling at the memory. Either the military or the city throws a thank-you party at the conclusion of the event. He says it’s almost surreal to work in such primitive conditions when a few days earlier, he was attending a fundraiser in West Palm Beach with Donald Trump, trying to raise funds for a Cleveland satellite facility of Ohio University’s Osteopathic School! And he says they “decompress” at the end of the week with a day or two in Antigua, where they visited historical churches and Mayan ruins. Roger’s wife (and Spirit columnist) Debra will accompany her husband in February, 2015, personally handing out more than 500 Mute Swan laminated prayer cards of Our Lady of Guadalupe and 100 rosaries made from Job’s Tears plants, grown by Debra and created by Beth McDermott of Bainbridge. She will also take 30 hand-knitted baby blankets made by Judy McGee of Florida. “I won’t be doing any surgery!” says Debra, who definitely is not a fan of the sight of blood. She’ll work in the intake and processing area where hundreds and hundreds of patients, many of whom walk five to ten miles to attain treatment, pass through. Within her ministry, Debra has utilized the vivid colors of Guadalupe in creating a 2015 calendar. The Mute Swan organization also paid for the Classens’ trip to Guatemala the past two years. (See the Mute Swan website below.) Upon Roger’s return to his Cleveland University Hospital post, someone usually asks him, “So, how was your vacation?” Thinking to himself about the less than state-of-the-art surgical conditions and the long, grueling days, he tells me, “It is no vacation. It’s better than a vacation!” Donations to promote this effort are most welcome, and can be made through www. muteswan.org (Help & Healing), a non-profit organization, or through Helps International. Wouldn’t your holiday season be more meaningful if your dollars could forge a major medical change in someone’s life? Editor’s note: Dr. Classen has been awarded the Honorary Fellowship Award on Oct. 10 in recognition for his teaching, work with patients and volunteer work. We sincerely congratulate him on this well-deserved recognition. PAGE 8 www.spiritofbainbridge.com November 14, 2014 SPIRIT & FAITH Awakening Beauty - Illusions and Prayer By Debra Classen “And I keep thinking too of the more conventional wisdom: namely, that the pursuit of pure beauty is a trap, a fast track to bitterness and sorrow, that beauty has to be wedded to something more meaningful. Only what is that thing? Why am I made the way I am? Why do I care about all the wrong things, and nothing at all for the right ones? Or, to tip it another way: how can I see so clearly that everything I love or care about is illusion, and yet—for me, anyway—all that’s worth living for lies in that charm? A great sorrow, and one that I am only beginning to understand: we don’t get to choose our own hearts. We can’t make ourselves want what’s good for us or what’s good for other people…” -The Goldfinch by Donna Tartt My twenty-four-year-old daughter, living in NYC, sent me this excerpt from the bestselling novel she was reading, The Goldfinch. Although the novel is certainly not a spiritual book, her excerpt from it is. I thought about the pursuit of “pure” beauty (the illusion) and God’s beauty (the truth). On a recent trip, I was taken out of my comfort zone and struggled with my sense of illusionary control over relationships. Confronted with the reality of my own shortcomings and fears about intimacy, I was also confronted with the truth that I cannot “make (myself) want what’s good for me or what’s good for someone else.” It is true and yet I live with the illusion that I can want what is good for me, or that I can fix, heal or give someone the will to “want what’s good for them,” good for me, or our relationship. The lessons of truth and faith, seeking what is God’s beauty and the essence of God, the meaningfulness of a life of “truth, beauty and goodness” is a lesson I continue to strive for. I believe that it is a life of prayer which reveals the truth, not the pursuit of illusionary beauty. It is easy to care about the wrong things, if your life is wedded to the meaninglessness of what our culture deems meaningful, and yet real life, even the most prayerful life, involves living with the paradox of both. It is perhaps easier to create the illusion of a life that is prayerful, contemplative and peaceful—within the habitual confines of my daily routine. Away from home, my perceptions and preconceived (safe) perceptions of conventional wisdom are challenged. As soon as we boarded our plane in Cleveland, my husband’s cell phone rang and I knew, from listening to his end of the conversation, that it was not good news, “Oh, no….I am so sorry…What can I do?” His longtime friend and colleague had died suddenly from a fatal heart attack. It was with this startling news that reality continued to break through during the next week of travel. I found myself asking; “What meaningful beauty is my life wedded to? Why am I made the way I am? What are the illusions I care for?” Missing church, sometimes morning prayer, and late night dinners and drinks with groups of people—I wondered if my daily prayer at home was not more than the rigidity of a daily schedule and preconceived notions, or illusions about the way I wanted to respond in the world. Perhaps my pursuit of ‘beauty’ was about controlling/judging what I thought was good for me and good for others? I did not want to face some of the painful truths about myself, my relationships or the mortality of myself or others. The pursuit of external beauty (conventional cultural definitions of beauty, i.e. external youthfulness so we do not age and die, materialism so we never want, pleasure so we not suffer, distraction so we are not lonely) is a life of illusion. Author, professor and priest Henri Nouwen wrote in his book, Reaching Out, of the third movement of three major movements of spiritual ascent, the one from illusion to prayer. This final movement after the first from loneliness to solitude in the experience of ourselves, and the second from hostility to hospitality in our life for others, is the final movement on our relationship to God. Nouwen offers penetrating thoughts on the most mysterious relationship of all: our relationship to God. We need to understand, not simply denying our inner struggles, and embrace a prayerful life that is open to truth and God’s beauty; wedded to something more meaningful. God gives us free will and we cannot will intimacy or truth for ourselves, and certainly we cannot will, fix, or save others into truth, faith, love or beauty. We can only surrender our illusions to the truth, opening ourselves to His beauty, truth and goodness. It comes through a continual surrender, years of patient prayer and surrender. Nouwen states, “Small, seemingly innocent events keep telling us how easily we eternalize ourselves and our world. It takes only a hostile word to make us feel sad and lonely. It takes only a rejecting gesture to plunge us into a self-destructive depression. Although we have learned from parents, teachers, friends and many books, sacred as well as profane, that we are worth more than what the world makes us, we keep giving an eternal value to the things we own, the people we know, the plans we have, and the successes we ‘collect.’ Indeed, it takes only a small disruption to lay our illusion of immortality bare and to realize how much we have become victimized by our surrounding world suggesting to us that we are ‘in control.” 1. My illusions are more resilient than I wanted to admit. The death of my husband’s friend, the letting go of my illusions of closeness and intimacy in changing relationships, the reality of my my father’s aging. Patiently and persistently I must let go, struggle to live a life of prayer, not one of illusionary immortality and intimacy. The letting go is the continual ‘dying to self,’ unmasking my false self, stretching out my arm to “Let go and let God,” removing denial and revealing my fears, while moving from loneliness to solitude with God, and hostility to hospitality, and agape, love of my fellow man. Can I continue to forgo my needs, and my safe and familiar illusions to challenge myself to enter into an intimate relationship with God? Prayer is essential to arriving at truth, at meaning, at intimacy and it is an ongoing and intimate dialogue with God. It is also grace and gift. It pulls me away from innate self-centeredness, narcissism, and the worship of cultural idols. It challenges me to die to myself, to die to my illusions a little every day. It is a great adventure into the unknown, to remove all falsity, preoccupations, and distractions of daily life. The vacuous and painful emptiness is an inherent longing, a loneliness and emptiness when we no longer continually fill ourselves up with these illusions and this gives rise to His fullest presence. When we allow ourselves to be emptied by this suffering, we become present and available to the meaningfulness of beauty, of His love. I do not think that on this side of our mortality, any of us are completely free of our illusions, but we can be more free to the transcendence of God’s Beauty in our world and ourselves as we cast off the fearful clinging to the illusionary habits and beliefs; forced and false intimacy, drugs and alcohol, clinging to youth, materialism, busyness, distractions galore, denial, superficiality of chatter…. Yes, this is a part of our lives too, but we must seek more and be willing to be emptied of our illusions, to make room for prayer. On the last day of our trip I sat at the dinner table inside a small home on a mountainside November 14, 2014 in California. Seated around the dinner table were people I loved, but people I sometimes struggled to love; my father, his wife, my husband… myself. My father talked about the debilitating drought that had plagued the California landscape and crops during the last five years, the last three had been severe. The landscape was dry, brittle and brown. The sky was darkening and it looked like we might finally get some rain. There was a drop, then another and we peered anxiously out the front door hoping for a saving rain. Darkening sky and louder drops began pattering on the hard earth. The rain began to empty onto the parched earth, dancing loudly and smelling so sweet. My dad and I put on our coats and walked out into the downpour. I looped my arm through his and we walked slowly, carefully, so as not to fall. We talked and walked, as we had since I was a child. I asked my dad’s forgiveness for all the times I had judged or retreated in angry silence, wasted years of estrangement. I shared how much I would miss him when he was no longer here, confessing my anger, insecurities, defensiveness…. and my love, too! There was no drinking, no lies, no anger tonight, just the sweet rain of God’s presence. A hard rain pounding the dry and thirsty earth, washing away illusions and falsity. At first the rain could not penetrate an earth cracked with such yearning, the water ran in rivets down the mountainside, yet eventually the earth began to drink of the rain and it seeped slowly into the parched ground. Just as years of prayer had recognized truth, God’s beauty, truth and goodness began to bleed into the parched, selfish cracks in my life. The concrete and habitual life of time set aside, time for prayer created a thirst for truth, drinking in the beauty of God. God’s rain can penetrate the impossibly ugly illusions, washing away the dirt, the denial, I could see differently, see God’s beauty and light shining in my life in the people before me. Therein is a kind of gratitude that is real. Thank you, God, for what is. 1. Nouwen, Henri J. M. Reaching Out. (NY: Image Books, 1975), p. 116. THANKSGIVING SERVICES The Chagrin Valley Council of Churches invites you to be grateful for the many blessings in your life. Come to one of these Thanksgiving Services and join with others in praising and thanking God: Wednesday, November 26th • 7:30 p.m. Thanksgiving Eve Community Worship Lord of Life Lutheran Church 17989 Chillicothe Rd., Bainbridge Twp. • (440) 543-5505 Thursday, November 27th • 9:00 am Thanksgiving Mass Holy Angels Catholic Church 18205 Chillicothe Rd, Bainbridge • (440) 708-0000 Thursday, November 27th • 9:00 am Thanksgiving Mass Saint Joan of Arc Catholic Church 496 East Washington Street • (440) 247-7183 Other members of the Council of Churches: Auburn Community UCC, Bainbridge Community UCC, Federated Church UCC, St. Martin's Episcopal, Union Bethel AME, The United Methodist Church of Chagrin Falls, Valley Presbyterian www.spiritofbainbridge.com PAGE 9 SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE OBITUARY Frank Rapisarda Jr. Frank Rapisarda Jr., age 71, of South Russell, died Nov. 7 following a brief illness. A tax account, affectionately known as “Frank the Tax Man,” he was a U.S. Army veteran and member of the Men’s Renewal Group at Holy Angels Church. Frank met his wife of 50 years, Ann, at his 16th birthday party. Together, they founded Skye Gluten-Free Foods and pursued their passion for travel. Ann has been a columnist with our newspaper for over 20 years. In addition to his wife, Frank is survived by four daughters: Brigette (Nathan) Gulick of San Antonio, TX; Clarrice (James III) King, Charlotte, NC; Eyvette (Adam) Schrimmer, Greenville, SC, and Gabrielle (Jason) Manders, Frank Rapisarda Jr. also of Charlotte, NC; and seven grandchildren: Noah and Nicholas Frank Gulick, Jameson King IV, Olivia and Gabriel Schrimmer, and Bryson and Jaxon Manders. Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated Nov. 11 at Church of the Holy Angels, Chagrin Falls. Please support our Spirit of Bainbridge advertisers this holiday season. They mean business---and a strong local economy! Thank you Bainbridge! We are honored and proud to live, operate our business & raise our family in this great community! PERSONAL CHEF SERVICE AND ALL EVENT CATERING - Kimberly & Jimmy Now open Daily Mon-Fri 10-6:30 • Sat 10-2 | 216-925-2515 | 8326 E. Washington St Chagrin Falls Ohio 44023 www.hungrybeecatering.com | [email protected] AVAILABLE DAILY IN OUR CASES: • entrees FAMILY FRIENDLY DINNER PICK UP Mondays & Wednesdays • side dishes • soups Freshly made meals from our chefs to you. Receive a meal, fully cooked and packaged and ready to reheat. Just pop in the oven anytime your hive is hungry. • desserts • butters & more Call ahead or order on our website. ALSO AVAILABLE: • pastries • cookies • fry pies & specialty cakes • freshly baked breads Stop in and order your Thanksgiving sides! • local honey • catering services • six lines of locally produced products in shop PAGE 10 We look forward to seeing you soon! www.spiritofbainbridge.com November 14, 2014 Sometimes Love From Auburn Twp. Fiscal Officer Sometimes love is like a dragonfly iridescent in the sun two sets of wings that soar so high when the journey’s just begun. By Fred May Nov. 1 marked the opening of Auburn Community Park at 17484 Munn Rd. The park will be a huge asset to Auburn and the whole Kenston community. It provides practice fields for football, soccer and lacrosse, a .6 mile walking trail and a picnic shelter /storage facility. The Trustees and I extend our sincerest thanks to our residents, Kenston Community Education, our Auburn employees, and everyone who donated time and money to make the park a reality. Also on Nov. 1, the Auburn Firedevils hosted a successful consultant/craft fair at Adam Hall. This special event benefitted the Auburn Volunteer Fire Department and boosted awareness of local craftspeople and professionals. The number of events at Adam Hall has markedly increased over previous years as the word spreads about this fine facility and affordable rental rates. More good news: It looks like the operating expenses of the Township will be under budget this year. As of the writing of this article, expenditures are 30% under expected expenses. Credit for this goes to a conservative board and a well-planned and monitored budget. If the idea of getting involved in your community and sharing your input appeals to you, the Auburn Board of Trustees is looking for a few good residents to serve on the Zoning Commission and the Zoning Board of Appeals. Call the township administrative office for more information. Residents, business owners and civic groups interested in helping with further improvements to our new park should also call the administrative office. The administrative office can be reached by calling 440-543-7028 or e-mailing [email protected]. Avoiding frogs not kissable predator’s that are no princes, and cold fish with serrated teeth who can end love’s happiness. True love’s a pretty dragonfly its rainbow colors they will paint your sky, as it zigs and zags over the depths that lie lost in loneliness below. But sometimes love like dragonflies mistakenly lands on a chlorine pool were it will die in a not so lovely pond. Just as one heart is too often left immersed in pools of tears where life and love are sadly cleft in a passing no one hears. So when you take that flight of faith, sharing four wings bound as one, sail far above illusions lest your journey comes undone. True love’s a pretty dragonfly its rainbow colors they will paint your sky, as it zigs and zags over depths that lie lost in loneliness below.... and when you share it’s wings you’ll know. MFB III Productions Art~Whimsically Yours Studio © 2012 I Hate When That Happens! By Bev Kus I always remember Thanksgiving as a holiday for friends and families to gather and spend quality time together. But, as I reflect, I remember the first year I was married and forgot to take the giblets out of the turkey. Or the year I set the turkey on fire when I got the bright idea to baste the bird in wine. And one year we found on the dining room table, our big cat Oreo eating the center out of the pumpkin pie! Or the time I made all the fixings and forgot to put the turkey in the oven! So Thanksgiving is about family, but also about forgiving that family when everything doesn’t go as planned. I give thanks for my family every day of the year for if they weren’t there, well, you know...I would hate if that happened! We may not always say it in print, but we do appreciate your support of Spirit of Bainbridge, your only locally-owned newspaper. Thank you! November 14, 2014 PLUMBING & AIR CONDITIONING 4 4 0 M5 4 3 M1 7 7 7 www.AuburnHeating.com 100 $ GAS CARD with the purchase of any Furnace or Air Conditioner Not valid w/other discounts. Exp. 11/15/14 10 $ OFF any service Not valid w/other discounts. Exp. 11/15/14 AUBURN HEATING 440-543-1777 AUBURN HEATING 440-543-1777 25%OFF regular price Furnace or Air Conditioning Yearly Maintenance Check Not valid w/other discounts. Exp. 11/15/14 AUBURN HEATING 440-543-1777 M Service & Installation M Furnaces M Boilers M Humidifiers M Air Conditioners M Air Cleaners M Water Heaters M Gas Lines www.spiritofbainbridge.com www.spiritofbainbridge.com OH Lic.# 12447 PAGE 11 11 PAGE SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE Pictured from left: Sr. Jacquelyn Gusdane, NDCL President, Aaron Hammer `15, Toni Mullee, Executive Director of The Upside of DOWNS and Mikayla Gress `15. The Upside of DOWNS at NDCL With many causes in the forefront, NDCL students took an opportunity to support Down Syndrome Awareness Month. The students, who believe the cause align with NDCL’s core values -- justice, respect, integrity, community and excellence -- raised $1,400 for The Upside of DOWNS, an organization that provides support, education, and advocacy for people with Down syndrome, their families and communities. Friel and Associates, a Chardon-based accounting firm, matched $1 for every student participant, bringing the fundraising total to $1,900! Burton Public Library Book Sale Bag Day Nov. 29 Only $3 for a bag of books! Everything must go. Book sale to benefit the Burton Public Library, sponsored by the Friends of the Library, on Saturday, Nov. 29 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the Burton Public Library’s Book Cellar, 14588 W. Park St., Burton, OH 44021. In addition to books, you will find puzzles, sheet music, magazines and much more. All proceeds benefit library programs. For more information, or to volunteer, call (440) 834-4466. PAGE 12 www.spiritofbainbridge.com November 14, 2014 SPIRIT of BAINBRIDGE Geauga Co. Housing Coalition Chili Cook-Off Winner Geauga SWCD Encourages Stewardship Through Conservation Poster Contest The Geauga County Housing Coalition held its second annual fundraiser at Metzenbaum The National Association of Conservation Districts (NACD) has proclaimed April Center on Friday evening. The event was a chili cook off and the contestants were all 26 – May 3, 2015 as Stewardship Week, marking the 60th year of the national event. from the following local agencies: Emerald Rose, Geauga Faith Rescue Mission, Geauga In celebration of Stewardship Week, Geauga Soil and Water Conservation District is County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, Geauga County Department on sponsoring a Poster Contest. Corresponding with stewardship week, the Poster Contest is Aging, Geauga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Maple Leaf Community Residences, themed “Local Heroes-Your Hardworking Pollinators.” Most pollinators (about 200,000 Pleasant Hill Home, Ravenwood Mental Health Center, Siracki Realty and WomenSafe. species) are beneficial insects such as flies, beetles, wasps, ants, butterflies, moths, and bees. The chicken chili prepared by WomenSafe took first place, the bacon chili of Maple Leaf The purpose of the contest is to instill in our youth a connection to the important Community Residences was awarded second place, and the venison chili made by the benefit of protecting our soil resources and to discover how much we depend on soil to Department on Aging came in third. Thanks to everyone who participated! provide healthy plants for our hardworking pollinators. All students from public, private, According to Beth Matthews, president of the Geauga County Housing Coalition, and home schools are encouraged to enter. Posters must measure between 8 ½ inches x “The Coalition is dedicated to providing education and advocacy for safe and affordable 11 inches and 22 inches x 28 inches and must be submitted to the Geauga SWCD office at housing in Geauga County. The Coalition’s dream is to end homelessness and establish 14269 Claridon-Troy Rd., Burton, on or before Friday, April 24, 2015. The Geauga SWCD a homeless shelter that provides support and love for those who need a home.” Raelynn is offering a $30 first prize and $20 second prize in each category. Categories are by grade DeBevits performed the song “Home,” and Mike Farrell from the Geauga Faith Rescue and are as follows: K-1, 2-3, 4-6, 7-9, and 10-12. The first place winners in each category Mission spoke about the need for a homeless shelter in Geauga County. will move on to the Area competition, where they will then have an opportunity to move on A Chinese auction, silent auction and door prizes were a part of the fun-filled evening. to the state competition and then National. Auction items, donations and door prizes were provided by: Alpine Valley, Chagrin Valley For information about Stewardship Week and the Conservation Poster Contest, contact Roller Rink, Cleveland Browns, Cleveland Gladiators, Cleveland Improv Comedy Club, Geauga SWCD at 1-440-834-1122 or www.geaugaswcd.com. Additional information Cleveland Metroparks, Distillata, Joy’s Place, Geauga Faith Rescue Mission, Fred Astaire about Stewardship Week is available on the NACD website at www.nacdnet.org. Dance Studio, Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, Geauga County Department on Aging, Geauga Lyric Theater Guild, Geauga Metropolitan Housing Authority, Ghostly Manor Thrill Center, Katie Shaffer – Thirty One Basket, Lake County Captains, Lake Erie Monsters, Lake-Geauga Recovery Centers, Lake Metroparks, Maple At Our Showroom! Leaf Community Residences, Mary Yoder’s Saturday, November 22nd Amish Kitchen, Metzenbaum Sheltered KITCHEN PLANNING AND Industries, NAMI Geauga Crafters, Pat Alves 9:00 - 10:30 AM – Lia Sophia Jewelry and Avon, Pickle Bills, BUDGETING CLASS Pleasant Hill Golf Course, Pleasant Hill Home, Punderson Manor, Ravenwood Mental Health Center, Reba’s Second Look, United Way of Geauga County and Womensafe. The appetizers and desserts were provided by Joy’s Place, SuAnne Gubanyar, Joan Venaleck and the Caves Road Home staff and residents. Thanks to everyone who helped make this event a big success! For more information or to find out how you can help, please contact the Geauga County Board of Mental Health and Recovery Services, 13244 Ravenna Rd., Chardon, OH 44024, at (440) 285-2282. FREE Over $1 Million Raised in Single Day to Change the World Throughout the Year Thank you to the 1000+ volunteers and nearly 1,900 donors who collectively raised $1,053,430 at Super Sunday – one of our largest community-wide events of the year. “Today is a day when we can all come together, connect with each other, and help,” said Caroline Sharvit, one of the eight event co-chairs. “We are helping save and change lives in Cleveland, Israel, and 70 countries around the globe.” If you missed the chance to donate at Super Sunday, it’s not too late. Make a gift that makes a difference by visiting www. jewishcleveland.org/give/donate. Special thanks to all of our Super Sunday Co-Chairs: Courtney & Robert Fishman, Rachel & Joel Heiser, Caroline & Eliav Sharvit and Allison & Jason Wuliger. Visit www.jewishcleveland.org/give/ campaign to learn more about the Campaign for Jewish Needs. Please patronize our Spirit advertisers, and tell them you saw their ad in Spirit of Bainbridge! November 14, 2014 Kitchen and Bath, Etc. will be hos ng a training class that will help you gain an overall understanding of the steps involved in remodeling your kitchen. Join us on Saturday, November 22nd from 9:00 – 10:30 am • Spaces are limited. Reserve yours by calling 440-543-8050 or e-mail KitchenAndBathEtc @yahoo.com Registra on ends November 20th. • This class is free! We want you to come on in and sit down, relax, and enjoy some refreshments. • An educated consumer is our best asset. Kitchen and Bath, Etc. 8454 Washington, Chagrin Falls 44023 | 440-543-8050 www.spiritofbainbridge.com PAGE 13 Chagrin Arts Hosts South African Violinist On Sunday, Nov. 16 from 3-4 p.m., Chagrin Arts will host an exclusive music performance, featuring 22-year-old, accomplished violinist Anele Mhlahlo from South Africa. The performance is free and open to the public and will be held in The Chautauqua Room at South Franklin Circle, located at 16575 S. Franklin St., Chagrin Falls. Reservations are required by calling the Chagrin Arts office at 440-247-9700. Seating is limited. This is Anele Mhlahlo’s first visit to the United States, which was made possible thanks to The Cleveland Foundation’s Creative Fusion Program. Anele’s host is Rainey Institute in Cleveland, where he has been working with the El Sistema at Rainey Orchestra students, teaching them music and sharing personal stories of growing up in Cape Town and the positive impact violin has had on his life. “When asked about his approach to teaching music to children, Anele responded: ‘Music saves children from all sorts of negative thoughts and gives them hope for the future. The idea of my approach in teaching or coaching is to give children the ability to think about music. By this approach, I create stories, images with several characters and little scenarios. I use images, imagination and fantasy to explain to students what they can do with music. Moreover with this approach, I try to channel some thoughts that music can be alive to them. We have to use the power of fantasy and imagination because it is part of our human existence and it is free. Children in general relate very positively to stories and images. So I am only just trying to help them create their own interpretation.’” (The Cleveland Foundation’s Artist Update newsletter.) Why Mouths Matter for Aging Adults Hamlet Retirement Community is presenting a three-part series of panel discussions this fall, moderated by Rob Vadas from Arbor Rehabilitation. Panel members will include noteworthy and respected doctors from the Chagrin Valley. The programs will educate the community on various wellness related topics for all ages. Rob Vadas will moderate a preplanned FAQ session with the speakers and then take questions from the audience. Oral health for seniors will be the topic on Tuesday, Nov. 18 at 7 p.m. in Hamlet Atrium, 200 Hamlet Hills Dr., Chagrin Falls. Wine and cheese reception is included. Keynote speakers are: Dr. Richard Slaten, DDS - The latest technologies for annual oral and cavity screenings Dr. Kim Fury, DDS - How high-tech dental implants can change quality of life Dr. Ryan Slaten DDS - Periodontal disease and its relationship to cardiovascular and holistic health Dr. Ellen Saslaw, DDS- CEREC single visit crowns – learn about crowns that are “one and done.” The program is free and open to all. To register, please call Karen at 440-247-7715. PAGE 14 Chagrin Falls Library Origami Trees for the Holidays - Saturday, Nov. 15 from 2-5 p.m. Join us at the Chagrin Falls Branch Library for an all-ages workshop where we will fold along with master folder and local resident, Jim Kessel. Learn to make trees, just in time for the holidays! Registration requested for this free workshop (440-247-3556). Tuesday Afternoon Book Discussion - Tuesday, Nov. 18 from 2-3 p.m. Join us at the Chagrin Falls Branch Library for the Tuesday Afternoon Book Discussion as we discuss I Am Malala: The Girl Who Stood up for Education and Was Shot by the Taliban by Malala Yousafzai. When the Taliban took control of the Swat Valley, one girl spoke out. Malala Yousafzai refused to be silenced and fought for her right to an education. On Oct. 9, 2012, she almost paid the ultimate price. Everyone is invited to join us for this discussion. Call the branch library for more details (440-247-3556). Family Night Owl Storytime - Thursday, Nov. 20 from 6:30-7:15 p.m. Come to the Chagrin Falls Branch Library for a special storytime for all ages with an adult caregiver. We will have stories, songs, fingerplays and a craft. Registration is not necessary. Call the branch library for more information (440-247-3556). Best of Broadway - Saturday, Nov. 22 from 2-3 p.m. Come to the Chagrin Falls Branch Library to enjoy a fun, interactive, vocal entertainment program with Judy Crawford as she performs the best of Broadway music including songs from the Sound of Music, South Pacifi, and many more! Registration requested for this free event (440247-3556). LIBRARY CLOSED Wednesday, Nov. 26 at 5:30 p.m. and all day Thursday, Nov. 27 for Thanksgiving. Chagrin Valley Quilt Guild Doors - December during library hours. The Chagrin Valley Quilt Guild exhibits their Door quilts through late December at the Chagrin Falls Branch Library. Call the branch library for more details (440-247-3556). Friends Book Sale - Members Preview Dec. 4 from 4-6 p.m. The Friends of the Chagrin Falls Branch Library book sale will be Dec. 4-6. A special Chagrin Falls Friends member’s preview sale will be Thursday, Dec. 4. If you are not a member you may join that night. Variety of books either new or semi-used, DVDs and CDs plus more. All the proceeds support the Chagrin Falls Branch Library programs and events. Call the branch library for more details (440-247-3556). Friends Book Sale - Thursday, Dec. 4 from 6-8 p.m. The Friends of the Chagrin Falls Branch Library book sale will be Dec. 4-6. Variety of books either new or semiused, DVDs and CDs plus more. All the proceeds support the Chagrin Falls Branch Library programs and events. Call the branch library for more details (440-247-3556). Friends Book Sale - Friday, Dec. 5 from 10 a.m. - 4 p.m. See above. Friends Book Sale – Bag Sale Day - Saturday, Dec. 6 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. See above. Whooo’s Ready for School? Kindergarten Readiness - Celebrate Together Saturday, Dec. 6 from 11 a.m.- 12 p.m. Children ages 4 - 5 with a caregiver are welcomed to the Chagrin Falls Branch Library to help your preschooler make the transition into their first year of school. Explore hands-on activity stations together. This program will focus on celebrating together and exploring your community. Registration requested for this free program (440-247-3556). Women in History: Elizabeth Keckley - Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 2-4 p.m. The life of Elizabeth Keckley, personal maid, best friend and confidant to Mary Todd Lincoln, will be portrayed by actress Madelyn Sanders from Women in History at the Chagrin Falls Branch Library. Registration requested for this free program (440-247-3556). Wednesday Evening Book Discussion - Wednesday, Dec. 10 from 7:30-8:30 p.m. Join us at the Chagrin Falls Branch Library for the Wednesday Night Book Discussion as we discuss Submission by Amy Waldman. Selected for a jury that must choose an appropriate memorial for Sept. 11 victims, Claire Harwell, who lost her husband and the father of her children during the attacks, struggles to navigate a media firestorm when the winning designer is revealed as an enigmatic Muslim-American who refuses to represent any beliefs but his own. Everyone is invited to join us for this discussion. Call the branch library for more details (440-247-3556). The Science of Snowflakes - Saturday, Dec. 13 from 2-3 p.m. Students in grades K-2 are welcomed to join us at the Chagrin Falls Branch Library for a look at the fascinating science of snowflakes. We will discuss the book Snowflake Bentley by Jacqueline Briggs Martin, then enjoy some snowflake related experiments and a snack. Drop by the library ahead of time to pick up a copy of the pre-assigned reading at the Children’s Desk. Registration requested for this free program (440-247-3556). STORYTIMES Toddler Storytimes Mondays from 10-10:30 a.m. Caregivers and their little ones from 19-35 months are welcomed to come to the Chagrin Falls Branch Library to share a program of books, rhymes, songs, and fingerplays. No registration required. Call the branch library for more information (440-247-3556). Family Storytimes - Tuesdays from 4:30-5 p.m. All ages with an adult caregiver are invited to join us at the Chagrin Falls Branch Library for stories, songs, fingerplays and books. No registration required. Call the branch library for more information (440-2473556). Read, Rock & Roll Storytime - Wednesdays from 9:30–10 a.m. Caregivers and their little ones from 19-35 months are invited to the Chagrin Falls Branch Library for a special toddler storytime that will get you moving to the music! Bang, rattle, swish and twirl to songs, rhymes and stories. No registration required. Call the branch library for more information (440-247-3556). Baby & Me - Thursdays from 9:30–10 a.m. Caregivers and their little ones from Birth-18 months are welcomed to come to the Chagrin Falls Branch Library to participate in a special program of rhymes, songs, fingerplays and books. No registration required. Call the branch library for more information (440-247-3556). www.spiritofbainbridge.com November 14, 2014
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