Park Synagogue: The future of Park Synagogue’s Conservative Jewish congregation lies in Pepper Pike, where it is expanding a new religious and educational campus established in 2007 at Shaker Boulevard and Brainard Road. But an effort to plan a new, long-term future for the congregation’s old main building in Cleveland Heights, a globally admired, mid-century modern masterpiece by architect Eric Mendelsohn, is gaining traction and focus, thanks in part to nearly $3 million in new grants from the state of Ohio, reports Steven Litt.
Toxic chemicals: Earlier this year, cleveland.com reported that a quarter of Ohioans lived near a facility that emitted toxic chemicals into the land, water, or air. But where are those facilities, and how close are they to where you live? Zachary Smith reports that in Cuyahoga County, there were 141 toxic release facilities tracked in 2020 by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
GardenWalk: The height of summer is here and to celebrate, gardeners around the Cleveland area will be opening their gates for a charming tradition called GardenWalk, where you can tour beautiful yards throughout Cleveland neighborhoods.
COVID-19 & HEALTHCARE
Socially responsible: MetroHealth System is Ohio’s most socially responsible hospital, according to the Lown Institute’s 2022 list of America’s most socially responsible hospitals. Julie Washington reports MetroHealth ranked 15th on Lown’s list of 66 U.S. hospitals that all earned straight A scores in the rankings of measurements of patient outcomes, value of care and health equity.
High-dose flu shots: A U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention vaccine advisory panel recommends that Americans 65 and older get high-dose flu shots because the regular shot doesn’t offer enough protection. Julie Washington reports this is the first time the federal government has recommended a preferred vaccine for older adults.
BUSINESS
Fannie May: Chocolate is a cottage industry in Northeast Ohio, from longtime favorite Malley’s to mom-and-pop operations like Sweet Designs Chocolatier in Lakewood and many others. But if you want to see a massive chocolate factory in operation, head to Stark County. Making and packaging chocolates takes almost 400 employees working in the Fannie May facility, which covers 220,000 square feet, reports Marc Bona.
Uncrustables: Wayne County-based J.M. Smucker Co. made 1 billion Uncrustables in the past year, and it still can’t produce the mostly PB&J sandwiches fast enough to keep up with demand. Smucker makes an average of 3 million Uncrustables a day and the brand has grown from $10 million to over $500 million in yearly sales since the company bought the brand in 1998. Sean McDonnell reports sales are expected to double again.
ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
The Chicks: The Chicks belted out the rocking opener “Sin Wagon” with vigor and lead singer Natalie Maines continued to show her range as the group transitioned into the more recent hit “Gaslighter” at Monday’s concert at Blossom. Troy Smith reports the fact you could even hear her was impressive given just how excited the crowd was.
Things to do: Fire up the grill and get ready for some colorful fireworks shows in Northeast Ohio. Fourth of July celebrations will take over Cleveland and its suburbs this weekend. Whether you want to see a concert, ride some carnival rides, check out a comedy show or watch a baseball game, Joey Morona and Anne Nickoloff have 35 things do to celebrate Independence Day.
