CHAGRIN FALLS, Ohio — Do the birds look back as we watch them? Some published studies indicate this is the case, and say the reason birds are flighty is because they see us, much larger humans, as potential predators. It’s time to prove them wrong and come out to welcome nature’s migrating birds.
Geauga Park District hosts its annual Spring Bird Walk Series with six walks at different locations, all from 7:30 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. Sunday from April 10 to May 15, led by experienced naturalists and bird watchers to help observation, identification and interpretation of birds. Walks include April 10 at Burton Wetlands Nature Preserve, April 17 at Frohring Meadows in Bainbridge Township, April 24 at The Rookery in Munson, May 1 at Eldon Russell Park in Burton, May 8 at Big Creek Park in Chardon and on May 15 in Swine. Stream Reserve at Middlefield.
Participants should dress for the weather and bring a bird guide and binoculars if you have them. No registration is required for these walks. Contact geaugaparkdistrict.org for more information.
A special birding program run in conjunction with the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland requires registration. Featuring renowned local birders Matt Valencic and Kelly Kozlowski, a warbler identification warm-up will be held from 2-4 p.m. on Sunday, April 10 at the West Woods Nature Center to identify common spring warblers using color patterns, habitat, behaviors and songs. Program materials will be emailed upon request. Register at geaugaparkdistrict.org or 440-286-9516.
And the winner is: The Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce is hosting its annual business awards event from 5:30-8 p.m. on Thursday, April 7 at Chagrin Cinemas, 8100 East Washington Street in Bainbridge Township. The awards created by The Glass Asylum will be awarded to the Group’s Business of the Year, Nonprofit Group of the Year, Outstanding Chamber Member, and Presidential Merit Award recipient.
The evening features networking with drinks and snacks before the awards show, and a magic show after Mentalism by RW Magic, featuring mind reading, telekinesis and a book test. Food will be provided by Sushi Junki, M Italian and Burntwood Tavern. Tickets are $50. Contact cvcc.org.
CIFF includes the work of local filmmakers: Premiering in the Midwest April 7-8 during the Cleveland International Film Festival, “Oyate” is one of six films featured in an “Indigenous Cinema Sidebar” collection. It is one of eight films competing for a category of films made in Ohio or by Ohioans.
Emil Benjamin of Solon and Brandon Jackson of University Heights spent more than three years on the Standing Rock reservation and in Washington, DC, weaving interviews, archival footage and time with their film subjects into film. It will be presented in person at Westfield Studio in Playhouse Square in Cleveland and offered to stream for five days after the festival closes.
The film centers on “water protectors” and their 2016 protest at Standing Rock against a proposed fossil fuel pipeline that could have contaminated drinking water and the land belonging to the Indigenous peoples living there. It was also seen as a battle over people’s rights to maintain their way of life.
The photo contest is in progress: Teens and adults in Geauga County can submit their photos to the Geauga County Public Library’s Third Annual Photography Contest through Sunday, April 24. All photos will be visible for public voting on the GCPL Facebook page from Friday April 29th to Thursday May 12th. The top 10 finalists will be judged by local photographer Catherine McManus. The first place winner in each category will receive a $50 Amazon gift card. Second and third place will also receive rewards. The winners’ work will be exhibited in June at the Geauga West Branch Library. Find the details to grab at geaugalibrary.net.
Bolander appointed head of the artistic group: The Fairmount Center for the Arts recently announced the appointment of Elizabeth Bolander as Executive Director. She brings 15 years of experience in arts administration, marketing, fundraising and ticketing operations. Bolander most recently served as Senior Director of Philanthropy and External Relations at the Cleveland Museum of Art and prior to that worked at the Cincinnati Art Museum. She is also the current President of the Visitor Studies Association, an international membership group that promotes visitor research in informal learning spaces.
Located in Russell Township, FCA offers classes to a variety of age groups in drama, music, dance, fitness and fine arts. Contact fairmountcenter.org. Registrations are open for the summer camps which will take place from June 1st to July 29th.
Programs for parents: Connecting with Kids is offering virtual programs this month to help parents and children. Parents can learn tips for creating a reward system that motivates positive behavior in their children at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, April 12. A behavioral toolkit will be available to help children aged 18 months to six years manage their emotions. Dr. Ochanya McRoberts-Wells will answer questions during the program.
Parents and caregivers of a gender-questioning or LGBTQ child can join a virtual interactive caregiver support group at 7 p.m. on April 21 to meet and connect with other families to learn and find resources to better support the child. For more information about these programs, contact connectingforkids.org.
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