Winter scene

Winter scene

Holiday singers

Holiday singers (PHoto credit – hometownarmonytradition.com)

When snow covers the ground, holiday decorations abound and holiday music sounds, it’s easy to get into the holiday spirit, at least for those of us who have a warm house, enough clothing and food, and some extra money for gifts for our children.

 As a business owner, I am extremely grateful to all of you who have used my landscaping services or purchased plants and supplies from me. Each year, as a token of my appreciation, I donate 1% of my profits to two organizations, the Cleveland Foundation Women’s Community Fund and LAND Studio.

Cleveland-Foundation-Logo-CMYKThe Cleveland Foundation Women’s Community Fund administers money in the form of grants to nonprofit groups that focus on women and girls. In the past, the focus has been twofold. The first is mentoring programs that assist girls and young women from ages eight to high school, through individual and group mentoring relationships that improve school attendance, rates of high school graduation and teach successful lilfe skills. The second is educating women and girls to understand and manage their finances and become independent financial decision-makers.

Angelica Pozo ceramic mosaic tile bench planter

Angelica Pozo ceramic mosaic tile bench planter

LAND (Landscape, Art, Neighborhoods, Development) Studio designs and installs landscaping and art in many areas of Cleveland. Those of you who have been to Progressive Field or Quicken Loans Arena probably have seen the stunning ceramic mosaic tile bench planters between the two facilities. These were designed under the auspices of Parkworks, the previous incarnation of LAND. Now the emphasis is on creating art that will inspire and enrich neighborhoods as well as working to make downtown a welcoming and exciting artful experience.

Smile

Smile

I know that not everyone can make donations to worthy organizations but each of you can smile at a stranger, give a friend a hug, or tell someone how much you appreciate what they are doing, especially when it is a menial job. Holiday spirit doesn’t have to have a price tag.

I wish all of you happy holidays and a new year that exceeds your expectations.