One of the joys of living in a part of the world with seasons is when the turn comes from winter to spring. That’s when all the lovely ice cream parlors, hot dog stands and other seasonal eateries open. For this month’s article for the Lake County Visitors Bureau I write about all the yummy hot dogs and ice cream served up by Scooter’s Dawg House in Mentor, Ohio. A couple of other places just now open for the season are: 
Charlotte’s Ice Cream - a family oriented 50’s style soft-serve ice cream store located at 1250 Lost Nation Road in Willoughby, OH. 
Biggies Custard – 28 flavors plus of custard style ice cream and other treats. 5665 Andrews Road, Mentor, Ohio. Only a block from Lake Erie. What’s your favorite seasonal eatery or ice cream place?
Ice Cream and so much more!
Art Show at VGC*
Andy’s artwork
Just like the spring flowers, art and craft shows are popping up all over! A couple of weeks ago the call went out at Andy’s workplace for spring themed art and craft items to display in their front showcase. I knew there was a lot of artistic talent there and many wonderful pieces were submitted for display. Of course our favorite guy, Andy, got busy and made a lovely spring scene using craft foam and tissue paper. In fact, Andy was one of the winners in the show and he was presented with a very nice kit for making 3 different wooden vehicles. He will enjoy putting these items together and painting them. Here is a photo gallery of all the wonderful art work.
A winner!
*The Vocational Guidance Center (VGC) is one of the adult workshops run by the Lake County Board of Development Disabilities/Deepwood.
Lunch at Lakeshore Eatery
Some of the best restaurants are found in strip malls. There are some fine examples of that right here in Lake County. One of our family’s favorites is Lakeshore Eatery in Mentor. It doesn’t look like much from the outside but the food and service are top notch. We are not not the only ones who like this place – recently they were one of the winners in the Mentor Chamber of Commerce Restaurant Showcase. You can read about my most recent experience at the Eatery on the Lake County Visitors Bureau web site, Sunday Lunch at Lakeshore Eatery.
Here’s a tip about the Eatery. On New Year’s eve it undergoes a transformation. The tables are covered with white table cloths, the servers change from their usual polo shirts and jeans into more formal attire of white shirts/black pants. That’s when the Eatery holds its annual reservation only, prixe fixe five course dinner special. It’s an early evening, for those headed out for a big night or for those headed home to watch the ball drop on TV. Each year Chef John prepares a memorable gourmet meal unlike any served there on a regular day. Start looking for info on this special night in early December and make your reservations – it’s always a sell out!
Journal to Idol: Part 2
Rock on!
The results are in and Weapons of Mass Percussion did not make the finals. The whole group did a great job and I was sad to see it come to an end! We all had a lot of fun, making music 2 to 3 times per week for 3 months. My life is better for working with these individuals. Some people lump individuals with disabilities together but they are all unique. Some of my group have Down syndrome and many people think individuals with DS are all alike. That is also not true. They have definite likes and dislikes, hopes and dreams, favorite hobbies, foods, etc., just like you and me.
Thanks to everyone who worked so hard to put on this HUGE production at the Vocational Guidance Center. The staff cleared out their cafeteria and turned it into a beautiful concert venue. Special thanks go to everybody in Work Training II for all their help and support, and especially supervisors Denise and Dawn, to Pfabes Music in Painesville, Ohio for the use of the drum set and Best Truck Equipment in Willoughby for buying the group’s cool T-shirts.
You can view video taken by Fox8 television here.
WOMP’s journey ends here but the Journey to Idol continues for ten finalists. They will perform on stage at Great Lakes Mall on March 30 at 2 pm. I encourage you to come out and support their efforts. Last year the show was amazing and I know this year will be the same.
You will also be able to view an art show of the top art projects from all of the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities programs. I’ve seen many of the entries and not only do they have musically talented individuals in their programs but artistically talented also.
WOMP hopes to perform again next year – I’ll keep you posted! Enjoy these performance day photos.
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Ice Bubbles
Foolishly I thought we might be done with winter here on the North Coast. Today we woke up to 3″ of wet snow. Guess we will be having a white St. Patrick’s Day! I was considering going shopping today for a pretty, springy Easter outfit. Two weeks away, there’s some chance that we might have a warm up by then. But for now I’ll keep my sweaters handy!
Ice Bubbles
I took this photo last weekend at Concord Woods Nature Park, part of the Lake Metroparks system. Around the edges of the pond the ice was clear, well clear-ish. Bubbles of all sizes were frozen in the ice. While I watched more bubbles came up from the leaf litter covering the bottom of the pond. Was this from decomposition of the leaves or was there a little creature hiding down there?
Not much was moving at the park that day. Here are some more photos of the park and the beautiful blue winter sky.
Fun in the parks! Lake Metroparks Adapted Programs
Adapted Lighthouse Tour, August 2012. Andy reflected in the Fresnel lens, Fairport Harbor Lighthouse Museum, Fairport Harbor, Ohio
One of the gems here in Lake County, Ohio, is our Lake Metroparks system. Great places to hike, play and swim are minutes away from our homes. Each season they publish Parks Plus!, a big book of programs and activities for all ages, from children to seniors.
Among the many programs offered are those for children and adults with developmental and/or physical disabilities. Andy signs up for a few each season and he always has fun. He has made many friends through participating in Lake Metroparks programs. Each program is run by knowledgeable staff with plenty of volunteers to help out. Indoor and outdoor sports, music, nature lore, crafts, hiking, animal fun – they do it all!
Following are just a few of the upcoming adapted programs. See a complete list of programs at Lakemetroparks.com. You may register on-line or call 440-378-7275. You can pick up a copy of the Parks Plus! guide at your local library. I recommend you register early, some programs fill up fast! Even if a program you would like to go to is full, put your name on the waiting list. The program co-ordinator, Jim Meadows, his staff and volunteers do all they can to make sure anyone who wants to participate will be able to.
Nature Journaling – April 20, 2013
The Environmental Learning Center is the perfect place for an easy going nature walk. Watch birds, collect leaves, look for animal tracks. Search for newly blooming spring flowers and trees. Preserve your memories in your very own nature journal. You may make rubbings of leaves and tree bark, draw pictures, and/or collect items to put in your journal. The only limit is your imagination. No reading or writing required. For ages 8 through adults.
Spring Formal Dance – April 21, 2013
This annual dance is held at the elegant Pine Ridge Country Club. Girls, put on a pretty spring outfit! Guys, shine up your dancing shoes! Enjoy dinner, dancing and music provided by C. R. Entertainment. For teens ages 14 and up and adults of all ages.
Soccer Game and Tailgate Party – May 10, 2012
Head to the beautiful Helen Hazen Wyman Park in Concord Township for a game of soccer followed by a tailgate dinner party. This will be an easy instructional game, fun for all ability levels. Appropriate for ages 10 and over.
Bicycle the Parks – May 23, 2013
Dust off your bike and take a ride on the flat, crushed gravel trail at Chagrin River Park then enjoy a snack when done. What will you see as you roll along? I know for a fact that a large variety of birds, deer and many raccoons make this park their home. Maybe you’ll see one peeking out as you ride by. Don’t let the raccoons steal your snack though! Bring your own bike. You must be able to ride at any level and the ride will be at your own pace. For ages 12 through adults.
Fantastic Fishing – May 8, 2013
Andy’s friend Kenny caught a big fish at Hidden Lake!
Do you like to fish? Would you like to learn? This program is held in a very special place – Hidden Lake in Leroy Township. This lake has limited public access so the fish will be hungry! I took Andy to this program last year and everybody was pulling out fish left and right. Fishing poles and bait are provided or you may bring your own. You will especially appreciate the helpful volunteers who will bait your hook for you!
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If you have any questions about Lake Metroparks adapted programs call program co-ordinator Jim Meadows at 440-585-3041 or email Jim, jmeadows@lakemetroparks.com. These programs are designed to accomodate a variety of ages and abilities. Feel free to contact Jim if you have questions about participation. All Lake Metropark activities are open to persons with disabilities. If you need accommodations for any activity just let them know.
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Journey to Idol: Part 1
The band – “Weapons of Mass Percussion” – l – r : Buddy Brown, me, Merle Murphy, Tony Cervella, Kathy Habat, Andy Kennedy. Absent: Brian McGill. This was taken after their performance on tryout day.
Did you know there is an American Idol style talent competition going on right here in Lake County? Again this year, the Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities/Deepwood is holding an Idol contest in its adult workshops, Vocational Guidance Center (VGC) in Mentor and Willoughby Workshop in Willoughby. I did not know how big this contest was until I became a part of it this year.
Andy and I Get a Big Idea
Some of you know my son, Andy. Andy is 25 years old and has Down syndrome. He works every day at VGC. He loves his job and his supervisors and has lots of friends there. Over the past few years, Andy has been involved in several group music activities with music therapist Bonnie Hayhurst of The Groovy Garfoose. During one of these activities his group performed the song Some Nights by the group, fun. In this activity they sang and played drums.
When the VGC Idol competition was announced this year a light bulb went on in my head. What if I got a group together and did that same song? I asked Andy if he would like to perform and he said yes. He gave me some names of his friends that he thought would like to be involved. This was a good start since Andy doesn’t volunteer much information. If he was enthusiastic about the project his friends would be too.
I ran the idea past his supervisors at VGC, Denice and Dawn. They both were enthusiastic about the project and promised their support. They helped figure out who would like to be in the group. I talked to VGC’s habilitation manager, Katie, about the logistics. She made sure everybody had the correct paperwork and permissions to participate. I ended up with a solid group of five guys and one girl. With most of our ducks in a row we started to rehearse.
We Begin Rehearsals and Hit a Temporary Roadblock
Our first project was finding drums. I thought we could make drums but I ran into all kinds of roadblocks, the main one being time. Dawn and Denice called around to try to find someone to loan us drums. Pfabes Music in Painesville answered the call with the generous loan of a full set of drums and a set of bongos. Thank you Pfabes!
Finally with instruments in front of them, rehearsals started in earnest. The first task was to name our group and choose “rock names” for each member. The group loved the name Weapons of Mass Percussion! Their rock names were even more fun to choose. Wildman, The Pearl, Giggles, Da Man, Tom-Tom and The Ninja were ready to rock it out with drums! It would be an understatement to say this group was attentive and were also fast learners. They were enthusiastic. They were also a polite and helpful group, carrying my computer equipment, drum bag and their drums without prompting. All have varying intellectual disabilities but I will not even mention them. To me they are a serious group of musicians!
Tryout Day
Our first objective was to get past tryouts. There were 16 acts trying out with only 10 spots open. By tryout day on February 12th, I knew they were ready. However, I did not realize what a big event tryout day was! Our group was up first so I went into the tryout room early to make sure our CD was in the stack and that our drums were set up. What I saw was amazing! The judges table was covered with a white cloth. At each judges spot was a blue place mat with judging sheets and pencils. Also on the table were water bottles and snacks. I was in awe.
When I left the room the group was gathering in the cafeteria waiting area. I was informed that one of our members, The Ninja, was on a bus that was running late. Because of the many acts waiting to try out, the decision was made that we should go on but that he would still be able to perform in the semi-finals if we went on. The group looked great! Each of them had put their rock star on for the performance. We had a group hug and I briefly went over the opening routine. They did not seem nervous but I was! Truthfully, I was barely able to breath.
Soon they were called in to perform. Each of them took their place behind their respective drums. It fell to me to introduce the group. I turned to the judges and said, “This is the group, Weapons of Mass Percussion. You have their real names in front of you so I will introduce them by their rock names. Meet Da Man, Wildman, The Pearl, Giggles, and Tom-Tom. They will be performing the song Some Nights by fun. “ I also informed the judges about the bus problem and it was confirmed that it would not be a problem. The gentleman at the CD player put our music on. I turned to him and said, “Play it loud!”
The first chord rang out and they started the intro routine. Then they started drumming and I almost started crying – they were doing such a great job! It was a little rough but that was to be expected at this stage of the competition. They finished the song and the judges applauded! There was a definite happy vibe in the room. I was told to expect comments from the judges on how to improve or questions about the act but they asked nothing. On cloud nine we left the room.
Another group hug and then then each member went back to their workstations. I hung out in the cafeteria for a couple of hours to listen to the other acts that were trying out. Everybody was prepared and did their best. Each participant received a certificate of achievement for trying out and each person got a gift, hats for the guys and games for girls. We were told not to expect results until afternoon. I was glad I was not one of the judges. It was going to be a tough decision.
Waiting for Results
Since February 12 was Fat Tuesday, Andy’s group had a planned luncheon at Hometown Buffet so I went with them. It helped make the time pass and take our minds off the impending announcement.
Back at VGC after lunch, no one was in the mood to work. Finally, about 2 pm, the American Idol theme music came on the intercom and Scott, the facility manager, came on and said he was ready to read the results. The group gathered together and held hands. Scott, ever the joker, pretended he had lost the list and everyone groaned. Finally he said, “This is the list in no specific order.” We were all holding hold our breath and then we hear our group name announced – Weapons of Mass Percussion was in the semi-finals! We screamed, we laughed, we cried! We didn’t even hear most of the rest of the list. Each finalist was presented with a certificate informing them they were in the semi-finals on March 14. At the semi-finals, three acts from VGC will be chosen to perform at Great Lakes Mall on March 30th along with three acts from Willoughby Workshop.
Rehearsals Continue
Since tryout day, we have been meeting three times a week for rehearsals. The group did so well in the first round I do not want to take away their enthusiasm or make it a drag to practice. I have them practicing sections of the routine and then run we through the whole song twice. They suggested some changes and we incorporated those suggestions into the act. We laugh and have a good time. By the March 14th performance, they will be ready to put on a great show. I know the audience of their peers and family will be smiling with joy when it is over.
Practice session in our new T’s! l – r: Brian McGill, Merle Murphy, Kathy Habat, Andy Kennedy, Tony Cervella. Absent, Buddy Brown.
We Get A Sponsor and You Can Help Too!
I would like to thank my employer, Carlo Miceli, president of Best Truck Equipment Inc. in Willoughby for sponsoring the group by allowing me to leave work and practice with them and by donating funds to buy matching t-shirts. If you or your business would like to donate cash or gift cards for prizes please contact Katie Huth, Habilitation Manager for the Vocational Guidance Center, at 440-350-5193 or email katie.huth@lakebdd.org. You and your business will be recognized and thanked for your support. You will also make some hardworking, talented individuals very happy!
Will Weapons of Mass Percussion be one of the finalists to perform at Great Lakes Mall on March 30th? They have as good a chance as any other act. Even if they are not chosen, they are still winners! Stay tuned for part 2.
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The Glee Club sings “Good Time” On Video
I know you’re just sitting today around surfing the web or watching old movies (Lawrence of Arabia here). For a “Good Time” click the video below to see a music video produced by Bonnie Hayhurst during the recent Glee Club activity through Lake Metroparks. If the link below doesn’t work you can also view the video at GroovyGarfoose.com.
Yes, Andy is in it but everybody did a good job. Andy is up first!
One caution – it appears that this can only be viewed on the web, not on YouTube mobile, due to song rights. Enjoy!
PS. There’s still time to donate to summer music camp and be entered into a drawing for an IPad 4! Click over to “Give Your Regards to Broadway” for details.
Spring Break in Lake County
El Rodeo
Spring can’t come fast enough for me! I have definitely had enough snow, wind and ice. Slush covers every street and parking lot, salt is encrusted on my car. I no sooner get it washed than the cycle starts again. I’m ready for spring break but I can’t get out of town. If you can’t either, click over to the Lake County Visitors Bureau for my story about where you can celebrate spring break right here in Northeastern Ohio!
Happy Valentine’s Day!
ORIGINAL ARTWORK BY ANDY KENNEDY
