Weathering another storm: Sun Messages

Late summer can be a time to make good plans for a future garden. (Ann Norman/cleveland.com)

SOUTH EUCLID, Ohio -- Even those outside the immediate tornado-touchdown areas last week had their own version of lightning jolt, precipitation outpouring and wild winds.

My small family took refuge in the basement, and I was glad there were some needed supplies down there. But I was also reminded that some steps to disaster readiness have fallen dormant as of late. Time to do better. Pack up that backpack. Keep boots at hand.

I hope as you read this you are in a safe, dry place and that your utilities are back on. And I hope that your own circle of friends and family, whether large or small, has rekindled connections.

Too often, we tacitly care for one another -- but don’t put that care into words. Caring and love are not strictly emotions; they are powerful fuel for action.

Get practical together. Whether we must weather snow, rain, heat or wind, “many hands make light work,” to quote my late brother-in-law, Rick A. Belan. He was an Eagle Scout and all-around wonderful person, greatly missed.

New growth: Late summer can be a time to make good plans for a future garden.

I was happy to hear from Sheila Freimark, publicity chair of the Lyndhurst Garden Club. She wrote: “The Lyndhurst Garden Club welcomes community guests to our program from 7 to 8 p.m. on Thursday, Sept. 7, at the Lyndhurst Community Center, 1341 Parkview Road, Lyndhurst (Ohio) 44124.

“The program will be presented by Noelle Akin, education at Petitti’s Garden Center. She will discuss ‘What’s New In Annuals and Perennials?’

“All are welcome to come, learn and meet members of our friendly club.”

This sounds like a warm invitation to me. Consider it. If you take a pun, “branch out.”

Supporting the greater good: StoneWater Golf Club has presented Cleveland Golden Gloves with a check for $10,000 to support the group’s mission to “provide an activity and a safe environment that promotes and enhances the physical and emotional well-being and social development of young athletes and citizens of the community,” according to a press release.

StoneWater first teamed up with Cleveland Golden Gloves during their Men’s Invitational held in July 2023. Boxers were able to compete at the golf club, complete with a ring and all of the action of boxing.

The unlikely pairing of the two sports was an auspicious beginning. And that day led to this generous donation and the start of a partnership that will bring more boxing to the club in the future.

“Not only did our golfers have an enjoyable time, but, along with StoneWater, we’re really passionate about supporting the mission of Cleveland Golden Gloves,” said Lindsey Neidus, chief strategy and marketing officer for StoneWater.

“We will continue our support and look forward to bringing this experience back to StoneWater in the near future and opening these events to a broader audience to experience this exciting sport and, most importantly, provide additional support for this most worthy cause.”

Golden Gloves of America, a national organization and 501c3 non-profit, has a local chapter including many retired police officers and firefighters who volunteer their time and mentorship. They help young men and women challenge themselves, achieve personal goals and be part of a team -- building character, self-respect and leadership.

Through boxing training, “(W)e build our youths’ confidence up through hard work and dedication that will help carry them through life’s ups and downs. We teach you don’t lose in the ring, but instead you learn,” said Rick Lozada, president of Cleveland Golden Gloves.

Their mission to youth includes “a great learning experience through hard work and dedication,” according to the press release.

A stellar scholar: Bowling Green State University undergraduate students who achieved grade point averages of 3.5 or higher have been named to the summer 2023 semester dean’s list. From the 44121 ZIP code: Stephanie Waxman of the College of Health and Human Services.

Help yourself, really: If, like many, you have been putting off preventive care updates or screenings, now is the time to make that appointment. You may not get in where you wish right away, but putting off leads to an even longer wait.

It is wise to care for yourself and be a friend to yourself -- you are one of a kind.

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