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Home (In)stead

07.01-07.08.20

WFH: Working From Home.

We’re all getting the hang of it. And many of us will never go back. We don’t blame you for staying home, fixing the place up and staying safe.

Rather than tease you with each inevitable re-opening (and the equally inevitable second wave), CoolCleveland is re-focused on socially distanced outdoor fun, safe online alternatives, and updating your digs for what might be a long lockdown.

You’ve got a prodigious to-do list, and the Lakewood Tool Box has just the right tools. Your space needs a little something to add that spark, and the Starving Artist Drive-Through, the MadeCleveland directory and Cleveland Bazaar’s online guide will keep you shopping local. You’re feeling your neck and back from Zooming all day, and OT Chris Cowen specializes in virtual sessions to identify your pains and recommend stretches, positioning and furnishings to help.

We have a window of opportunity to make lasting changes to our lives: flex time at work, broadband as a universal right, online access to education, social justice for black lives and LGBTQ+, this month and forever more. Answering the census, registering to vote and electing the right representatives are the most powerful tools you have.

But the window is closing. Let’s get it right this time.

–Thomas Mulready

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Photo by Thomas Mulready
CoolCleveland.com

VIDEO
Lakewood Alive Tool Box

With everyone locked down and sheltering in place, more and more people are looking to fix up their home, tackle those overdue repairs, and make much-needed improvements.

Many community groups are offering education, expertise, advice, and in some cases, the tools to do the job. CoolCleveland spoke with Lakewood Alive’s Matt Clark, who runs the Tool Box, a resource for community members that goes way beyond just loaning tools. Read More

YOUR SPACE
Nice Things for Your Home

Most of the popular fleas and maker markets that we love to browse to stumble on handmade finds to adorn our homes are taking the year off. Luckily some of those artists, craftspeople and market organizers have come up with ways you can browse their wares at home. They include Jim Lanza’s Starving Artist Drive-Thru (that’s his pillow pictured above), the new MadeCleveland directory, and Cleveland Bazaar’s online guide to their vendors. Read More

AT HOME
Therapy for Your Lockdown

Occupational therapist Chris Cowen of Wellness at Work specializes in virtual sessions using photos and videos of you at your home office workstation to make suggestions and recommendations for stretching, positioning and new furnishings to help with back, neck & shoulder pain. Read More

NEWS
Why We Count

The census has been extended through 10/31 due to the pandemic. We can’t over-stress how crucial it is to fill it out: our tax dollars returning to our community depends on it, as does our congressional representation. A contest challenges artists of all ages to come up with works to spotlight its importance, through July 31. Read More

National Park Launches Online Store

The Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park has launched an online store to allow shopping from home! Use “Cool4CVNP” for 15% off your first purchase, this week only. Read More

Get The Family Reading

Whiling away the hours at home with a good book is one of life’s pleasures. The Cleveland Public Library suggests having a Family Literacy Night and they’ll be glad to offer ideas for books that appeal to everyone — and provide the books. Read More

CALL TO ACTION
Joan Sweeny for State Representative

Joan Sweeny is making a bid to flip the District 7 State Representative seat (Berea, North Royalton, Olmsted Falls, Olmsted Township, Strongsville) and turn it blue. Check out the interview with CoolCleveland political correspondent Jenna Thomas and learn how the 25-year Army vet thinks she can bring better representation to the district. Also, you can enjoy a virtual “Spaghetti With Sweeny” fundraiser on July 9 to help her out. Read More

EATSAFE
Enjoy Your Melt Favorites in July

Check out Melt’s new food selections starting July 1, plus favorites like Firecracker Chicken, Up In Smoke & Maniacal Mac & Cheese. Plus, new drink and Happy Hour specials. All Meltcade locations are back open, and all Ohio regulations regarding games are being followed to ensure a safe and sanitized experience.

Due to Covid-19 and to ensure we are able to achieve our plans for the highest cleanliness and sanitation possible, we plan to limit our hours as we open back up for full service. Check the website for current hours and to discover what beer is on tap at your favorite location. Read More
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THIS WEEK

WED 7/1
Sneak Preview
Ohio Light Opera has postponed its 2020 season until 2021 but it has a full virtual season featuring previews of those future shows, and a July 4 concert Saturday.* A new animatronic dinosaur exhibit wil enthrall kids at the Cleveland Zoo.

THU 7/2
Create at Home
The Akron Art Museum’s blog offers a bunch of fun stuff you can make with materials you probably have around the house.* Youngstown’s McDonough Museum has two virtual shows, one of student art. the other of local, national & international black artists.* The Rock Hall kicks off its summer outdoor concert series with NE Ohio hip-hop artist Jul Big Green.

FRI 7/3

Outdoor Live Music

Cleveland reggae godfather Dave Smeltz and his three-piece Smeltztones play at the Tower Stage on Waterloo.

* Film on the life of civil rights legend congressman John Lewis available via Nightlight Cinema.

* Walk All Over Waterloo is back, with street art.

SAT 7/4
Born in the USA
Just in time for July 4, the Rock Hall’s From the Vault series features material from 1999 inductee Bruce Springsteen.* Guy Snowden & the Citizens play their delayed March concert at the Music Box.* Ohio Light Opera presents its annual July 4 pops concert.

* Madeline Finn plays on the Rock Hall plaza.

* The Musical Theatre Project posts a playlist of patriotic tunes from Broadway musicals.

SUN 7/5
Full Moon
Native Americans called it the Full Buck Moon because stag antlers reached full growth in July. Observe the full moon from your front lawn.* The Quarantine Cat Video Film Festival is now available to watch at home, courtesy of Cleveland Cinemas.

MON 7/6
Home & Garden
You spent May digging around in the dirt, getting things planted. Now drag the lawn chairs outside and enjoy the fruits of your labor — and the fresh air.

TUE 7/7
Shop for Summer Veggies
Visiting the Tremont Farmers Market in leafy Lincoln Park is a great way to spend a summer Tuesday evening. And outdoor yoga is back — with social distancing. Bring your mat!* Podcast spotlights area musicians’ pandemic stories.

WED 7/8
Lighting the Lanterns
The Asian Lantern Festival is back at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo, with lighted walk through displays and the chance to see the animatronic dinosaurs too.* Artist Matthew Gallagher talks about his current show at HEDGE Gallery.

MANSFIELD

The ReckoningOur nation perhaps could have survived one calamity, either a pandemic or the rise of the Black Lives Matter movement. But surviving both upheavals at the same point in time and emerging unscathed is well nigh impossible. Only fools and dunces fail to realize that we are a nation on the brink of disaster… Read More

Now the Real Work Begins

Historically, young blacks (and far too many older blacks also) have passed on voting, asking instead, “What’s in it for me?” or thinking “My one vote won’t make any difference.” But by now it should be crystal clear that their very lives could be on the line if they don’t vote to bring about changes… Read More