Without much fanfare, aging progresses with dogged determination. We accept it so casually that it is easy for us to miss its gradual gifts of grace, strength, wisdom and beauty. As 2004 matures, we encourage you to behold aging as a treasure. Offer it your admiration and respect, and look to it as the Native Americans do – with honor. Aging is a sign of a life that has been lived, and the coming of the holidays is the perfect time to reflect upon all aspects of living.
   As the snowy season descends upon Northeast Ohio, flip through these pages and explore with us this issue’s theme, Improving with Age. Our cover stories inspire us to open ourselves to the offerings of our local parks as they mature over the years, as well as the wisdom of our citizens as they age. Contributing author Carol J. Spears shares the history of our local treasure, the Cleveland Metroparks. The “emerald necklace” system of parks was created 87 years ago for preservation and recreation. Today, it continues to offer us the opportunity to immerse ourselves in the many habitats of pre-industrial Northeast Ohio, as well as boundless opportunities for sports, leisure and learning in an exquisite, pristine setting.
   In her article “Winds of Change: Honoring the Teachings of the Elders,” Georgi Hudson Smith tells of the role of Elders in Native American culture. She explains that the Elders pass on traditions, life lessons, spiritual practices and values. She notes, “We can start respecting our Elders today by honoring their teachings that all of our life experiences are valid and worthwhile.” As you share the holidays with your loved ones, be they young or old, consider the fact that every kernel of knowledge, life story and personal value is locked within us unless and until we open the door. Take the opportunity to reminisce, share and learn what you can, while you can. One of the most precious things about a single lifetime is that it cannot last forever.
   In her role as a spiritual care coordinator with hospice, Dierdree Ann Curci regularly addresses this inevitability. In her story “Caring for the Transitioning Soul,” she discusses the importance of working with people as they pass through the physical, mental and emotional challenges involved with the process of dying. She explains, “As a community invested in living human life, we must reach the body, mind and soul of those who are suffering in order to render comfort for both the physical and spiritual transition.”
   During the evergreen rush of the holidays, we often lose sight of the need to take time for our own body, mind and spirit. In her article, “Yoga: Peace and Relaxation through the Holidays,” Karen Allgire offers a simple, yet essential, way to rejuvenate. In “Quick & Healthy Meals: Tips & Recipes for All of Our 99 Lives,” Brian Doyle addresses our busy lives, as well as our appetites. He explains how to save a little time while still putting healthy, delicious meals on the table.
   Whether you prefer to burrow indoors or embark outdoors, the holidays are a special time for family and friends. Do not let the chance to live fully during this joyous season pass you by because you are too busy, rushing and planning. Take the time to slow down, enjoy the moment, reflect upon life and embrace the grace, strength, wisdom and beauty of every aging day.

Please enjoy this holiday season!

Blessings, love and light,
Balanced Living Magazine

   Waldorf education provides a world of wonder where children love to learn, as Deborah Burke so articulately described in her article “Educating the Whole Child” [Volume II, Issue 1, September-October 2004]. I think your readers may be interested to know that a Waldorf methods public school will be opening in the Cleveland Heights-University Heights community in the fall of 2005 as a charter school (known as a “community school” in Ohio). Our school will open with grades K-4, adding a grade each year until the school reaches K-8. The school is bringing together educators and community members dedicated to providing the enlivening methods of Waldorf education in a public school setting free of tuition. The arts-integrated curriculum is designed to match each stage of a child's development. Lessons are presented creatively with drama and artistry, cultivating imagination as well as cognitive growth and a sense of responsibility.
Today, there are over 40 Waldorf methods charter schools and over 150 private Waldorf schools in North America; however, until now, there have been no Waldorf schools in the Cleveland area, neither public nor private.
   At this time, the school's founding board is looking for individuals who want to actively participate in this project. Readers wishing to learn more about our Waldorf methods public school can contact me by e-mail, jean@reconhav.org, or phone, (216) 932-6366. Readers wishing to receive our newsletter and notices of events can send their postal address to be added to our mailing list. The board will be giving a presentation about the school at Community Meetings on November 15 and December 6 at 7:00 p.m. at the University Heights Branch library (13866 Cedar Road).
Your publication is much needed and appreciated. Thank you.

Jean Miller, President of the Board
A Waldorf methods public school
Cleveland Heights, Ohio

   Thank you for including our school in your article on education. It was very well done, and your staff was great to work with. Best of luck with continuing to bring Balanced Living to Northeast Ohio.

Molly Sullivan
Spring Garden Waldorf

   In 1885, the chain-driven “safety” bicycle was introduced to the American public; a scant decade later, scores of manufacturers were furnishing the conveyance to an estimated million bicyclists. As evidenced by Adele DiMarco Kious's monograph, “Bicycling: Healthy, Educational Recreation and Transportation for the Entire Family,” [Volume II, Issue 1, September-October 2004], the rider-propelled, motorless vehicle never lost its popularity.
   I'm emboldened to add the observation that simply walking is also an excellent exercise which gives spiritual succor. Personally, I like to have some destination in mind, toward which I walk as though on a sort of pilgrimage. This lends a purpose to a miles-long excursion that would otherwise seem a mere stroll.
While it is good news that bicycling paths are appreciated in Ohio, the beautiful Metroparks of Greater Cleveland have long afforded us pedestrian wayfarers with sylvan trails of breathtaking grandeur. One sets his own pace and itinerary, for betterment of both soul and anatomy.

William Dauenhauer
Willowick, Ohio

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   I am a registered nurse at Metro Health Medical Center in the Dermatology Clinic, and I truly appreciate your magazine distribution to our hospital. I pick up several copies in the cafeteria halls and distribute them to personnel throughout the hospital. Your publication is a terrific way of bringing together all the community resources in the Northeast Ohio area. Your articles are filled with very helpful information. As a member of the Integrated Therapies Committee at Metro, my passion is to see Integrated Therapies incorporated into the care of patients, families and employees of Metro Health Medical Center. We have staff relaxation rooms and are currently training several staff members to provide Reiki to patients. I wish you the best with your publication.

Buddy Ann Ross, RN, BSN, MS
Wadsworth, Ohio



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