CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio -- Sustainable energy, washable dishes and composted food waste are part of the story participants will learn from 7 to 9 p.m. July 12 as they tour a working 1838 Geauga County farm known for its spectacular flower gardens.
Join Geauga County Master Gardener volunteers for their monthly meeting and outing.
The tour of the farm and gardens includes a presentation by the owners on growing and selling cut flowers. The Master Gardeners will provide potluck dishes for a shared dinner without single-use plastics. Washable dishes, drinkware and silverware will be provided, along with coffee, tea and tap water. Food waste will be collected and composted.
Visitors are asked to refrain from bringing plastic bottles and Styrofoam containers.
The farm uses geothermal heating and cooling and solar panels.
The event will be held rain or shine. The meeting and dinner will be held in a large barn on the property if it rains.
Registration is limited and carpooling is recommended. Register with Wendy Ward at 440-834-4656 or email ward.714@osu.edu. The address of the farm will be provided during registration.
Outdoor concerts are back: Bring chairs, a blanket and refreshments, then sit and enjoy a free live concert from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Thursday evenings through Aug. 11.
The June 30 concert is at Riverside Park in Chagrin Falls. Chagrin Falls’ own No Moss will play a variety of pop, country and rock and roll tunes. The band features Jim Anderson, Bob Walker, Denise Geisler and Bill Hanna, who will put their spin on some old favorites.
Rock Radio Band performs classic rock, pop and dance music July 7 at Riverside Park.
The venue and day of the week moves to South Russell Park on Tuesday, July 12, with Captain Fantastic/52nd St., which pays tribute to Elton John and Billy Joel.
For more information, contact cvcc.org.
Pet and bike parades: The annual Chagrin Falls Fourth of July event begins at 8:30 a.m. Monday, July 4, with a children’s pet parade and costumed bike parade in the historic district of Chagrin Falls. Gather at Triangle Park, located at North Franklin and Main streets.
Participants decorate their bikes and themselves in red, white and blue. Mountain Road Cycles is hosting a bike decorating party from 3 to 5 pm. July 2 for those wanting some inspiration.
Mayor William Tomko and the Safe Routes Chicken will officiate.
Following the parades, The Crooked River Fife and Drum Band will perform at 9:30 a.m. At 10 a.m., there will be a ceremony with speeches and presentations, which will conclude at 10:30 a.m. After that, food vendors will be open for business and a car show will be held on the street for the afternoon.
The program is hosted by the Chagrin Falls Historical Society and the Village of Chagrin Falls.
The buzz about beekeeping: Do you have the right stuff to be a beekeeper? Find out at 11 a.m. July 23 with beekeeper Susan Dunlap, who is also a Geauga County Master Gardener.
Her presentation will include some basic bee biology, the responsibilities and challenges of being a beekeeper, and the necessity of bees in the environment. She will cover a list of some essential beekeeping equipment, along with products that she produces and will have available for purchase.
While walk-ins are welcome, advance registration is appreciated. Call 440-834-4656 to register. The class will be held at the OSU Extension Office, Patterson Center, at the north end of the county fairgrounds, 14269 Claridon Troy Road in Burton.
View Geauga County Master Gardener Volunteers’ information at geauga.osu.edu/.
Making friends on a buddy bench: St. Mary’s Catholic School in Newbury Township will soon add a “buddy bench,” after winning one in a contest hosted by Fair Housing Resource Center Inc.
Two other winners are Broadmoor School in Lake County and Erie Intermediate School in Ashtabula County.
The purpose of the buddy bench is to encourage friendship, inclusion and kindness. During recess, students who are shy or new to the school can sit on the bench in hopes that other students will invite them to join in their play.
The sponsoring group is a non-profit organization that promotes equal housing and diversity in Lake, Geauga and Ashtabula counties. It will work with the school to customize the benches and installation.
For more information, contact fhrc.org.
Art show at Auburn Corners: Enjoy a Cleveland Art maker’s outdoor market July 8 and 9 at Reithoffer Gallery, 17711 Ravenna Road, at the corner of East Washington Street and Ohio 44 in Auburn Township.
Shop for handmade furnishings, antiques and vintage goods, as well as artisan-crafted jewelry, paintings, sculptures and other fine arts and crafts.
Food trucks will offer dining options and local musicians will provide entertainment. Daily admission is $5. Contact events@clevelandart.com.
To post your news and events in and around the Chagrin Valley, contact Rusek at jcooperrusek@gmail.com.
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