Local holiday events for senior adults and their families

Many local businesses and religious organizations are offering fun social and cultural activities for Heights seniors and their families during the holiday season. Events are free, unless otherwise noted. Please call ahead to confirm times, make reservations or inquire about handicapped accessibility, if needed.

Happy holidays to all of our readers, and best wishes for a wonderful new year!

Dobama Theatre will present “A Civil War Christmas: An American Musical Celebration” Dec. 5 through Jan. 4. This musical, written by Pulitzer Prize-winner Paula Vogel, combines historic characters, story lines, spirituals and carols. Admission for the preview show on Dec. 4 is $10. The Dec. 7 show offers “pay what you can” admission. The senior admission price for all other shows ranges from $23–$26. (2340 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-932-3396)

The Church of the Saviour’s annual Advent Festival will be held on Dec. 6, 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. The festival features a silent auction, fair-trade items for sale, live music, donuts and cookies. Proceeds benefit local and global nonprofit and fair-trade organizations. (2537 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-8880)

On Dec. 13, 1–4 p.m., Homewood Residence at Rockefeller Gardens will host Cookies with Santa for a Cause. Cookies and cocoa will be served, and each guest is asked to donate a new warm accessory item for the homeless, such as a hat, gloves, mittens, scarf or socks. (3151 Mayfield Road, Cleveland Heights, 855-308-0877)

An all-ages origami craft workshop will be held at the Coventry Village Library on Dec. 13, 11:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. Participants will learn about this Japanese art of paper folding, and make their own winter decorations. (1925 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-321-3400)

From 7–9 p.m. on Dec. 14, 16 and 17, Nighttown will host the ninth annual Musical Theater Project performance of "A Christmas Cabaret in Cleveland." This sing-along show features live performances of classic Christmas songs from the 1910s through the 1960s. Call 216-245-8687 for tickets, which range from $20–$30. (12387 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights)

The 115th annual Audubon Society Christmas Bird Count will be held at the Shaker Lakes Nature Center on either Dec. 20 or 27 at 8 a.m. (at press time, the date had not yet been determined). This is the longest-running citizen science survey in the world, and it provides critical data on bird population trends by locating and identifying resident winter birds. (2600 South Park Blvd., Shaker Heights, 216-321-5935)

The Stone Gardens Assisted Living Residence will hold its annual Rock for All Ages Chanukah concert with Noah Budin on Dec. 18 at 7:30 p.m. (27090 Cedar Road, Beachwood, 216-292-0070)

On Dec. 25, 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m., the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage will host its annual Chinese Food and a Movie Day, featuring movies and a kosher Chinese buffet. Admission for both lunch and the movies is $25 for ages 12 and up, $12 for ages 5–11, and free for children younger than 5. Registration is required by Dec. 18. Note: the museum will also offer movies-only admission; call the museum for more information. (2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-593-0575)

The Cleveland Heights Senior Activity Center will hold its annual New Year’s party on Dec. 31, starting at noon. A hot lunch and musical entertainment will be provided. Admission is $12, and advance registration is required. (1 Monticello Blvd., Cleveland Heights, 216-691-7377)

Judith Eugene

Judith Eugene is a native of Cleveland Heights who provides life-enrichment classes and activities for senior adults and those with physical and mental challenges through www.lovinghandsgroup.com. She can be reached at 216-408-5578 or judith@lovinghandsgroup.com.

Read More on The Senior Section: a resource guide for senior adults
Volume 7, Issue 12, Posted 1:55 PM, 12.01.2014