Leaf Lettuce and Greens

All varieties of leaf lettuce and leafy greens like spinach and kale are mostly foolproof. They’re also easy to grow from seed, so it doesn’t cost much to get started. In the Cleveland area, May is the right time to plant these veggies outside.

Sow seeds directly into the soil to a depth of about a quarter inch. Check the seed packet for spacing distances between seeds, which varies depending on the variety. Water regularly and keep the soil moist. You can harvest the baby leaves or wait until they fully mature. Don’t let the plants bolt, of flower. They won’t be good to eat after that. Hot summer weather can make them bolt, so if hot days are coming, harvest early.

Squash and Zucchini

Gardeners are forever giving away summer squash and zucchini because these veggies are easy to grow and produce prolifically. Plant seeds to a depth of one inch. They won’t be as tolerant of a late cold snap as greens, so aim for late May or early June for planting outside.

These veggies are easy to start from seed, indoors or out, but you can also find transplants at your local garden center. Put them outside in June. If you start from seeds, thin seedlings to just a few plants. They’ll produce plenty.

To harvest summer squash and zucchini, cut the ripe fruits from the vine. They ripen quickly and are not as tasty when they get too large. As the fruits begin to grow, check on them every day and start harvesting when they are about four to six inches long.

Tomatoes

For limited space, try growing a couple of tomato varieties. They do well in containers, even upside down hanging containers. Transplants are easiest, so grab a few from your local garden center and plant them outdoors in late May or early June.

Tomatoes come in seemingly infinite varieties, but cherry and grape are easiest to grow and harvest. It’s easy to tell when tomatoes are ripe—they will turn from green to red. They should be ready in late summer.

Plant tomatoes in containers that drain well with rich soil. Keep them watered and make sure they get plenty of sun throughout the growing season. Add a tomato cage to each container to help the plants stay upright and to keep fruits off the ground.

Vegetable gardening is a skill, but don’t let it intimidate you. Anyone can grow veggies. For the best odds of success in your first attempt, start small. Try these and other easy types to grow, and you’ll be ready to move on to more challenging vegetables next year.

The post Easy Vegetables to Grow for the Beginner first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

1. Soil Work: Begin the month by preparing your garden beds. Turn the soil, break up clumps, and enrich with compost or well-rotted manure to improve fertility and structure.

1. Early Planting: Sow seeds of cool-season vegetables like peas, spinach, lettuce, and radishes directly in the garden. Hardy annuals, such as pansies and snapdragons, can also be planted now to add early color.

1. Lawn Care: Rake to remove thatch and apply a spring lawn fertilizer to encourage strong growth. If needed, reseed bare patches.

1. Pruning and Cleanup: Prune shrubs and trees, if you haven’t already, to remove any winter damage and shape plants before they fully leaf out. Clear away any remaining leaves and debris from flower beds and borders.

1. Pest and Disease Monitoring: With new growth, keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Early detection and treatment can prevent larger problems.

1. Mulching: Apply a layer of mulch around trees, shrubs, and perennials to suppress weeds, retain moisture, and regulate soil temperature.

1. Container Gardening: Refresh potting soil in containers and plant with spring annuals or perennials for instant color.

1. Watering: As temperatures rise, begin regular watering, especially for newly planted seeds and plants.

April in Bedford is a month filled with promise and potential in the garden. By addressing these tasks, gardeners can set the stage for a successful and enjoyable growing season.

The post April’s Awakening: Gardening To-Dos in Bedford first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Buying A Lenten Rose

Because Lenten Roses are such early bloomers, they often get overlooked at nurseries because by the time we are shopping for plants, Lenten Rose’s blooms have faded and they do not have those colorful blooms that attract us to plants in the greenhouse. But Lenten Rose is available at most local plant nurseries. You just may have to ask where they are as they will not be out on display.

The most common color of Lenten Rose is pink, but they do come in colors ranging from white to pink to purple to red with all shades in between those. Among these shades of flowers, you may also find blossoms with and without spots as well as interior bullseye markings. Lenten Rose flowers also come in either single or double form. Some of the more unusual colors and marking will need to be ordered from catalogs, but in today’s internet world this should not be a problem.

People often ask if they would be able to get a plant from a friend who has a Lenten Rose in their garden. Lenten Rose grows very slowly and it is not uncommon for them to not need dividing for decades at a time so it is hard to find a division from a friend’s garden. But, they do frequently self seed and small babies can be shared among friends. Be warned though, seedlings do not often grow true to the parent and will frequently revert to the common pink single bloom.

Planting Lenten Roses

Lenten Rose is for the most part a tolerant plant. It prefers well-draining, moist soil in partial to full shade, but will grow pretty well in all light conditions and can tolerate drier soil. Because Lenten Roses are slow growing and low growing perennials, they are ideal plants for borders and walkways. You can be certain that when you plant a Lenten Rose, it will be years and years before you need to worry about dividing the plant.

When you first plant your Lenten Rose, make sure that you add a balanced fertilizer mixed with soil or compost to the hole before you put the plant in so that the plant will have nutrients to get it off to a good start. You will also want to make sure that your Lenten Rose gets deeply watered every other day for the first two weeks and then deeply watered once a week for the next 2 months.

After this, your Lenten Rose should be established and once established, they are quite the hardy plant. They should only need additional watering if rainfall is less than 2” a week and will only need feeding once a year. Keep in mind that your Lenten Rose may not bloom the first year while it is getting established. After this, you should see beautiful, early blooms like clockwork. It will be one of the first plants in your garden to delight you with spring blooms and, in the Bedford area, is often seen blooming despite the snow around it.

The post Lenten Rose: Spring’s Early Messenger first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

1. Seed Starting Indoors: Continue starting seeds indoors for vegetables and flowers that require a longer growing season, such as tomatoes, peppers, and petunias. Ensure they receive enough light and warmth to foster growth.

1. Pruning and Cleanup: Late winter or early spring is the perfect time to prune fruit trees, berry bushes, and deciduous shrubs before they break dormancy. Clear away any remaining debris from garden beds and lawns to prevent disease and pests.

1. Soil Preparation: As the ground thaws, begin preparing your garden beds. Test the soil for pH and nutrient levels and amend accordingly with compost or other organic material to enrich the soil.

1. Early Planting Outdoors: Hardy vegetables, such as peas, spinach, and kale, can be sown directly into the garden as soon as the soil is workable. Consider covering with a cloche or floating row cover to protect them from late frosts.

1. Lawn Care: Rake your lawn to remove thatch and winter debris. Late March is also a good time to apply a slow-release fertilizer to encourage strong growth as the weather warms.

1. Pot Maintenance: Refresh potting soil in container gardens and plant up pots with hardy annuals or perennials to add early spring color to your patio or doorstep.

1. Garden Planning: Finalize your planting schemes and ensure all seeds and gardening supplies are ready for the busy months ahead.

March in Bedford is a pivotal gardening month, setting the foundation for a vibrant and productive season. By tackling these tasks, you ensure your garden is awakened and energized for the warmer days to come.

The post March Gardening Momentum: Preparing for Spring in Bedford first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

According to Mike Mallis, City Manager:
In response to the request below, I do not have written communications regarding gun incidents on Bedford High School Grounds between September 22, 2023, and September 30, 2023.

According to Bedford Police Department, an inquiry was made on September 28, 2023 regarding the incident.

The School Board provided email communications, none of which indicated they were made aware of the incident in question by the Superintendent or the Security Supervisor.

Despite the fact that the Bedford Tribune made a Sunshine Request regarding any written communications we were not provided with anything that indicated the School Board was informed of this incident. Though according to the communication with the superintendent shown below it is clear that the school was informed of this incident. It is unclear why the School Board would not have been informed.

The post Correction and Official Statement: September Gun Incident first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Kids Café –18 & younger 
Monday-Friday, 3:00PM – 4:00PM
Kids ages 18 and under can get a FREE lunch provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Student Success Center — Grades K-8
Monday-Thursday (school days) 4-6:30pm
Since 2002, our FREE Student Success Center’s program has helped thousands of students in grades K–8 improve their grades and subject comprehension. Student Success Centers are available at 10 branches. Students who participate in the program receive homework assistance from trained tutors in the following subjects: language arts, math, reading, science, and social studies. MUST REGISTER

Fresh & Flavorful: The Clean Eating Blueprint — Adults 
Saturday, March 2nd, 9th & 16th , 10:00AM
Discover the secrets of clean eating and learn how to use fresh, nutritious ingredients to create flavorful dishes that will leave you feeling energized and satisfied. Don’t miss this opportunity to elevate your cooking skills and embark on a journey towards a healthier, more vibrant you! Presented by Chef Tynisa Roubideaux of Food with a Purpose. MUST REGISTER

Family Storytime — All ages with caregiver
Tuesday, March 2nd, 9th, 16th, 23rd & 30th , 6:00PM
Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays.

Baby Craft — Ages 0-3 
Saturday, March 2nd , 2:00PM
Join us for a seasonal baby craft using our hands and feet. We’ll use nontoxic washable paint, but dress to get messy.

Baby Club — Ages birth – 35 months with parent/caregiver 
Monday, March 4th , 11th , 18th & 25th , 10:30AM 
Join us for a five-week club for caregivers and children ages birth to 35 months. Connect with your kids and other families and get answers about your growing child. Siblings welcome! Parents ages 18 and older who register to participate in Baby Club will be entered into a sweepstakes to win a $529 college savings award from Ohio’s 529 Plan, College Advantage, for their child. Read the sweepstakes rules. If you have questions about registering for this program, please contact a librarian at the Bedford Branch at 440-439-4997. MUST REGISTER

Engineering Hour — Grades K-5
Thursday, March 7th & 21st , 3:30PM
Use your imagination and the materials provided to build, play, create and learn.

Battle for the Ballot — Adults 
Thursday, March 7th , 7:00PM
There is no complete record of the brave, often unmarried women who fought for their right to vote and finally triumphed in 1920. Learn about a band of women who dedicated themselves to the public interest and grew into an organization that won the respect and confidence of the nation. This program will tell the story behind the Cleveland women who advocated for suffrage and went on to help establish the League of Women Voters. MUST REGISTER

Excel Basics — Adults 
Friday, March 8, 2024 , 10:00AM
This session will introduce spreadsheets using Microsoft Excel. Topics covered include entering data, using autofill and performing calculations using formulas and functions. Earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate for this class with the successful completion of an assessment. Learn more about this certification. Prerequisite: Word Basics or experience using Excel. Classes start promptly! We cannot hold seats for attendees who arrive after an in-person class has started. Anyone not on the registration list will be given an available seat on a first-come, first-served basis.

Innoverge STEM Class — Grades 1 – 5
Saturday, March 9th , 12:00PM
A free event for kids age 6 through 10 exploring chemistry through a fun and interactive presentation and experiment. Students will use project building and hands-on learning to have a basic introduction to chemistry. There is no experience required! MUST REGISTER

Teen Tuesday 
Tuesday, March 12th , 3:30PM
Join us after school for a fun activity each month!

Ellenwood Book Discussion — Adults 
Wednesday, March 13th , 2:00PM
Attend our monthly book discussion at Ellenwood Community Center – this month we’re reading: The Lost Apothecary by Sarah Penner. Copies of the book will be available at the Bedford Branch and at the Ellenwood Center one month before the date of the discussion. “A forgotten history. A secret network of women. A legacy of poison and revenge. Welcome to The Lost Apothecary. Hidden in the depths of eighteenth-century London, a secret apothecary shop caters to an unusual kind of clientele. Women across the city whisper of a mysterious figure named Nella who sells well-disguised poisons to use against the oppressive men in their lives. But the apothecary’s fate is jeopardized when her newest patron, a precocious twelve-year-old, makes a fatal mistake, sparking a string of consequences that echo through the centuries.”

Kids Cook! — Grades 3 – 6 
Thursday, March 14th , 4:00PM 
Expand your cooking skills with quick, simple, and delicious recipes. Registration required, opens February 14th, 2024, 9 AM. This program may include activities that could be considered harmful. In order for your child to participate you must sign the Release and Hold Harmless form and return it to the program location at least one week prior to the program’s start date. To access the form and learn more about parent options, please visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org/parent-options Participants may be recorded and/or surveyed to capture this program’s effectiveness. MUST REGISTER

Wordly Wanderers — Grades 2 – 5
Friday, March 15th , 2:00PM
Travel the world from the comfort of our library! Each session we will learn about a different country and its unique culture via food, stories, and crafts. Collect stamps in your passports for each session you attend! All materials, including faux passports, will be provided. MUST REGISTER

Kindergarten Countdown — Children entering kindergarten next fall and their caregiver
Tuesday, March 19th & 26th , 10:30AM
Join us as we help your child build kindergarten readiness skills in a program aligned to Ohio’s Early Childhood Standards. MUST REGISTER

iPhone 101 — Adults 
Saturday, March 23rd , 10:00AM
Get to know your iPhone better in this introductory class. Your iPhone is a state-of-the-art device that can make calls, send texts, browse the web, take photos and so much more. Learn the basics, as well as some of the lesser-known built-in features, that can make organizing your life a little easier. MUST REGISTER

African American Authors Book Group -IN-Person or Virtual — All Adults are Welcome 
Thursday, March 28th , 7:00PM
March Title: “Deception: A Novel by Stacey Abrams, under her pen name Selena Montgomery”. Join us for a lively discussion of this suspense novel that includes a woman professional poker player, a murder, a small southern town AND romance. Summary: “Playing the odds has always been Fin Borders’ forte. As a professional poker player, she knows when to get out to keep from losing everything. But an innocent woman has been accused of murder, and to help, Fin will have to go back to the small southern town of her birth. It’s a place she’s been running from her entire life, a place of violence, where she got by with nothing more than her wits. Returning to Hallden, Georgia, means facing the ghosts of a brutal crime that Fin will never forget. But Fin isn’t the only one in Hallden hunting for a killer. FBI Special Agent Caleb Matthews is deep undercover, hiding his true identity and his own desperate history. Working alone is far too dangerous, so he and Fin must learn to trust each other. But as they grow closer, they are unprepared for the shocking deception that could destroy everything they hold dear.”

Self-Care Saturday — Ages 13-18 
Saturday, March 30th , 11:00AM
Ease your mind with calming activities. Art, yoga, writing, and more! A release form must be completed by a parent/guardian prior to the program in order to participate. MUST REGISTER

Chapter Book Champs 
Saturday, March 30th , 3:30PM
Whether you finished the book or not, join us for activities and a book discussion based on the following books: March 30th – The Last Mapmaker by Christina Soontornvat. Registration will close one week before the program. If you like to attend after registration closes, please call the Bedford Branch at (440) 439 – 4997. This program is both in person and virtual. MUST REGISTER

About Cuyahoga County Public Library 
At Cuyahoga County Public Library we are committed to our mission of being at the center of community life by creating an environment where reading, lifelong learning and civic engagement thrive, and our vision is to be the most convenient library system in the country. For more information, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org.

CONTACT: Christie Sterba, M.L.I.S
Branch Services Assistant II
Cuyahoga County Public Library
Southeast Branch
p 440.439.4997
csterba@cuyahogalibrary.org

The post Cooking, Self-Care, & More this March 2024 at the Bedford Library first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Bedford, Ohio – A security incident involving a student and an armed individual on a local Bedford school’s premises prompted a brief lockdown and an ongoing investigation, as reported by Fox 8 News. Following the event, law enforcement officials have been actively seeking information to assist in the apprehension of the suspect, who is accused of felonious assault and illegal conveyance of a deadly weapon on school grounds. The suspect fled the scene shortly after the incident, and authorities have since called for public vigilance.

In a related matter, Councilman Tony Longino-Thomas (W6), known for his service as a retired officer from the City of Solon Police Department, was observed at the Bedford High School Stadium at either a Bedford High School football game or a Little Bearcats Home Game on approximately September 23, 2023*, in apparent police attire and openly carrying a firearm. This occurrence has sparked a debate over the presence of weapons on school property and the enforcement of relevant laws.

According to Giffords Law Center, unauthorized possession of a deadly weapon in a school safety zone is a grave offense, highlighting the seriousness of Longino-Thomas’ actions.

Communications with local officials regarding the incident have yielded limited information.  Councilman Smith (W4) and Councilman Salvi (W2) had been unaware of the incident and  suggested direct contact with Longino-Thomas for inquiries, while Mayor Koci returned a response of no comment and directed The Bedford Tribune to speak with Mike Mallis, City Manager. The Bedford Police Department had no comment beyond stating that no police report had been filed regarding the incident. Requests to the Bedford City Schools regarding Longino-Thomas openly carrying a firearm at a Bedford High School football game have gone unanswered.

City Manager Michael S. Mallis clarified the city’s position, stating that the city had no prior communication with the individual preceding this incident. He referenced Ohio Revised Code section 2923.122, which allows law enforcement officers to carry firearms both on-duty and off-duty even on school property. Mallis also noted that Longino-Thomas, the individual in question, is a retired police officer and an active School Resource Officer (SRO) with Beachwood City Schools. Longino-Thomas is an active SRO, and therefore it is legal for him to carry a firearm on school properties without written permission. The Bedford Tribune was unable to find Longino-Thomas listed on the staff directory at Beachwood Schools but did confirm with the Beachwood Police Department that he is an active SRO through their department for the Beachwood Schools.

When Mr. Mallis was pressed as to the legality of Longino-Thomas wearing garb that indicated he may be a sanctioned police officer, Mr. Mallis declined to make any further comments.

Longino-Thomas is not a SRO for the Bedford City Schools and does not appear to have any affiliations with Bedford City Schools, so it is unclear why he was openly carrying a gun at the football game. Some witnesses to the event and the Facebook post that was later made by Longino-Thomas about the incident, have said that carrying the weapon at the game was a publicity stunt in relation to his City Council election campaign. Longino-Thomas was reportedly trying to point out that the Bedford City Schools football games were an unsafe environment and Longino-Thomas was wearing the weapon to show he was protecting residents from potential danger at Bedford football games. The Bedford Tribune tried to access the Facebook post in question, but it has been made private. The Bedford Tribune did reach out to Longino-Thomas but have not received a response.

While investigating the events of September 23, 2023, The Bedford Tribune came across a police record published in May of 2019 where Longino-Thomas reported that a firearm had been stolen from his unlocked vehicle. It does not appear that Longino-Thomas faced any consequences as either a police officer or a registered firearm owner for leaving a gun unsecured in an unlocked vehicle. 

It appears at this time that Longino-Thomas did not inform either the Bedford Schools or Bedford Police Department of his intention to wear a gun and dress in clothing that highlighted he was a police officer at the football game. While it was legal for him to carry his gun, it is unclear if it was legal for him to imply by dress that he was a sanctioned police officer when he was not asked to do so. 

These events have brought attention to the regulations surrounding the presence of firearms on school properties and the need for clarity and enforcement of these policies to ensure the safety of students and staff. The ongoing investigation into the recent security incident and the dialogue around the presence of firearms at school events underscore the community’s concern for maintaining a secure educational environment.

The post Bedford High School Has 2nd Gun Incident in 6 Months first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

1. Indoor Plant Care: Continue to care for houseplants by monitoring light, water, and humidity levels. It’s a good time to repot any plants that have outgrown their containers, using fresh potting soil to give them a boost.
2. Seed Starting: Get a head start on the growing season by starting seeds indoors. Vegetables like tomatoes, peppers, and eggplants benefit from an early start. Use grow lights and heating mats to create ideal germination conditions.
3. Winter Pruning: For outdoor gardening, February is ideal for pruning certain dormant shrubs and trees. Focus on removing dead or diseased wood and shaping plants for the coming growth season.
4. Planning Your Garden: Continue planning your outdoor garden. Order seeds and supplies early, and sketch out garden beds or landscape designs.
5. Inspecting Tools: Check and maintain garden tools, repairing or replacing any that are damaged. Sharpening blades and oiling moving parts will make spring gardening more efficient.
6. Wildlife Care: Keep bird feeders full and provide water sources. Birds are not only pleasant to watch but also contribute to controlling pests.
7. Perennial Care: On milder days, check perennial beds. Gently remove any debris or mulch that’s smothering plants, but be cautious not to disturb the soil too much.

February in Bedford may still be cold and quiet, but it’s an excellent time for gardeners to prepare, plan, and nurture. By balancing indoor and outdoor tasks, you can set the stage for a vibrant and productive spring and summer.

The post February Gardening: Nurturing Growth Indoors and Out in Bedford first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

Kids Café -18 & younger 
Monday-Friday, 3:00 p.m. – 4:00 p.m.
Kids ages 18 and under can get a FREE lunch provided by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, while supplies last.

Student Success Center – K-8 grades
Monday – Thursday (school days) 4-6:30 p.m.
Since 2002, our FREE Student Success Center’s program has helped thousands of students in grades K–8 improve their grades and subject comprehension. Student Success Centers are available at 10 branches. Students who participate in the program receive homework assistance from trained tutors in the following subjects: Language Arts, Math, Reading, Science, and Social Studies. MUST REGISTER

Homeschool Hangout – Grades 2-5 
Friday, February 2, 16, 2:00 p.m.
Join us for fun, engaging, STEM-based activities. Perfect for homeschoolers looking to connect with other students.

Screen Printing Tote Bags (Grades 6-12) 
Saturday, February 3, 11:00 a.m.
Learn how to use screen printing materials and the Cricut Design Space to customize your own tote bag! MUST REGISTER

Baby Craft – Ages 0-3 
Saturday, February 3, 2:00 p.m.
Join us for a seasonal baby craft using our hands and feet. We’ll use nontoxic washable paint, but dress to get messy.

Family Storytime – All ages with caregiver 
Tuesday, February 6, 13, 20, 27, 6:00 p.m.
Join us for stories, songs and fingerplays.

Engineering Hour – K-5
Thursday, February 8, 22, 3:30 p.m.
Use your imagination and the materials provided to build, play, create and learn. 

VolunTeens
Thursday, February 8, 6:00 p.m.
Have fun, make friends, and earn volunteer hours through projects that help your community.

Word Basics
Friday, February 9, 10:00 a.m. 
Learn how to enter and format text and images, change line spacing and copy and paste in Microsoft Word. Saving and printing tips will also be discussed. Prerequisite: Experience using a mouse or Computer Basics. Earn a Northstar Digital Literacy Certificate for this class with the successful completion of an assessment. Classes start promptly! We cannot hold seats for attendees who arrive after an in-person class has started. Anyone not on the registration list will be given an available seat on a first-come, first-served basis. MUST REGISTER

Love Poem Writing -Grades K-5 
Saturday, February 10, 2:00 p.m.
Work your heart muscles and write a love poem!

Valentine Cupcake Decorating -Adults 
Saturday, February 10, 2:00 p.m.
Learn how to make a classic buttercream frosting to dress up these Valentine themed cupcakes. Then, take your cupcakes to the next level using star and drop flower piping tips to create a treat sprinkled with love. All supplies, including cupcakes, will be provided, but bring along your own apron if desired. MUST REGISTER

Teen Tuesday 
Tuesday, February 13, 3:30 p.m.
Join us after school for a fun activity!

Ellenwood Book Discussion -Adults 
Wednesday, February 14, 2:00 p.m.
Attend our February monthly book discussion at Ellenwood Community Center: 124 Ellenwood Ave, Bedford, OH 44146  Phone :(440) 735-6570. This month we’re reading and discussing The First Ladies by Marie Benedict & Victoria Christopher Murray. Copies of the book will be available at the Bedford Branch and at the Ellenwood Center one month before the date of the discussion. The novel is about the extraordinary partnership between First Lady Eleanor Roosevelt and Civil Rights activist Mary McLeod Bethune — an unlikely friendship that changed the world, from the New York Times bestselling authors of the book The Personal Librarian. The daughter of formerly enslaved parents, Mary McLeod Bethune refuses to back down as white supremacists attempt to thwart her work. She marches on as an activist and an educator, and as her reputation grows, she becomes a celebrity, revered by titans of business and recognized by U.S. Presidents. Eleanor Roosevelt herself is awestruck and eager to make her acquaintance. Initially drawn together because of their shared belief in women’s rights and the power of education, Mary and Eleanor become fast friends confiding their secrets, hopes and dreams — and holding each other’s hands through tragedy and triumph.

Eclipse Over Cleveland – Adults
Saturday, February 24, 11:00 a.m.
A total eclipse of the sun will occur over Ohio on Monday, April 8, 2024, during which Cleveland and all of Cuyahoga County will experience up to 3 minutes and 50 seconds of totality. This is the first such eclipse over Ohio since 1806, when Cleveland was just a tiny frontier settlement at the mouth of the Cuyahoga. We have much to understand and appreciate about this rare and special natural phenomenon, and we will also address misconceptions about eclipses and eye safety. Learn some eclipse facts in this colorful, illustrated program. Presenter Jay Ryan shares more about the eclipse at eclipseovercleveland.com. Jay Ryan has been involved in astronomy education and promotion around the country since 1996. He is a former Contributing Editor to Sky & Telescope magazine and has published astronomy articles far and wide, including in The Atlantic Monthly. Ryan has been involved in eclipse promotion for more than 20 years, and he helped organize a group of family and friends in 2017, who traveled to Tennessee to witness the last total eclipse of the sun over the US. MUST REGISTER

Chapter Book Champs 
Saturday, February 24, 3:30 p.m.
Whether you have finished the book or not, join us for activities and a book discussion based on the following books: February 24th – A Rover’s Story by Jasmine Warga. Registration will close one week before the program. If you like to attend after registration closes, please call the Bedford Branch at (440) 439 – 4997. This program is both in person and virtual. MUST REGISTER

African American Authors Book Group -Person or Virtual All Adults Are Welcome  
Thursday, February 29, 7:00 p.m.
Join us for a lively discussion of the book Better Living Through Birding: Notes From A Black Man In The Natural World byC hristian Cooper.”Equal parts memoir, travelogue, and primer on the art of birding.” Book Summary: “In Better Living Through Birding, Cooper tells the story of his extraordinary life leading up to the now-infamous incident in Central Park and shows how a life spent looking up at the birds prepared him, in the most uncanny of ways, to be a gay, Black man in America today. From sharpened senses that work just as well at a protest as in a park, to what a bird like the Common Grackle can teach us about self-acceptance, Better Living Through Birding exults in the pleasures of a life lived in pursuit of the natural world and invites you to discover them yourself.” This book recounts “Cooper’s journey through the wonderful world of birds and what they can teach us about life, if only we would look and listen.” This book is available in many formats regular print, eAudio and as an eBook.

About Cuyahoga County Public Library
At Cuyahoga County Public Library we are committed to our mission of being at the center of community life by creating an environment where reading, lifelong learning and civic engagement thrive, and our vision is to be the most convenient library system in the country. For more information, visit www.cuyahogalibrary.org.

CONTACT: Christie Sterba, M.L.I.S
Branch Services Assistant II
Cuyahoga County Public Library
Southeast Branch
p 440.439.4997
csterba@cuyahogalibrary.org

The post February activities at library include screen printing tote bags, learning about up-coming eclipse first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.

1. Light Management: With shorter days, ensuring your plants receive enough light is crucial. Rotate plants regularly for even growth and consider supplemental lighting, like grow lights, for plants that need more sun.
2. Humidity Control: Indoor heating can dry out the air, which can be tough on houseplants. Increase humidity levels with a humidifier, or place water trays near your plants. Grouping plants together also helps to create a microenvironment with higher humidity.
3. Watering Wisely: Overwatering is a common mistake in winter. Check the soil before watering; many houseplants need less water in the cooler, dormant months.
4. Pest Inspection: Keep an eye out for signs of pests, which can be more prevalent in the dry indoor air of winter. Inspect leaves and stems regularly and treat any infestations immediately.
5. Pruning and Cleaning: Remove any yellow or dead leaves to keep plants healthy and tidy. Wipe dust off leaves to ensure they can absorb maximum light.
6. Start Seedlings: If you’re planning your outdoor garden, January is a good time to start some seedlings indoors. Use a seed-starting mix and keep them in a warm spot with plenty of light.
7. Plan and Dream: Use this time to research and plan your outdoor garden for the spring. It’s the perfect task for a snowy day in Bedford.

Indoor gardening in January is a delightful way to keep your green thumb active. It brings a sense of growth and renewal to the heart of Bedford’s winter, making the cold outside seem a little less daunting.

The post Green Oasis in the Heart of Bedford’s Winter first appeared on The Bedford Tribune.