Mama Says

February is not Cleveland’s kindest month. It’s slushy. It’s dark. By February, you’ve just about completely lost patience with the fact that only one sidewalk in twenty has even a narrow footpath cleared for pedestrians.

For the past few decades, Near West Siders have coped with the trials of Cleveland Februarys by rising up en masse and transporting a good-size chunk of the community away from the confines of our beloved but admittedly gritty city, to a place where winter is still glorious.

If you’ve never been among that happy band, they want to be sure you know that you’re welcome to join the annual Near West Side at Hocking Hills Winter Adventure. Here’s how it works.

There are 16 cabins reserved for the weekend of February 7th & 8th in the scenic Hocking Hills area near Logan, Ohio, about four hours south of Cleveland. Each two-bedroom cabin sleeps six and is fully furnished with kitchen appliances, bedding, and so on. Rental cost for the weekend is $190.84, which includes a “3rd night free” — either Thursday or Sunday. Designate your choice in advance.

To stake a claim on a cabin, just call Mike Fiala at fiala@mamasays.org and he’ll tell you where to send a deposit check. That’s it. You’re then free to socialize with your fellow Near West expatriots or just spend a weekend of peaceful solitude among the crystalline hollows of Ash Cave, the natural sculpture garden of Cedar Falls, or the awesome splendor of Ohio’s most beautiful spot, the hemlock-rimmed gorge of Conkle’s Hollow.

Singles or groups of 2-3 can be hooked up with others to share rental expenses. Oh, and in case you’re not a bona fide Near West sider, no fear. Neighbors from as far away as Lake County have taken advantage of the pre-reserved cabins for a peaceful weekend in the country. Everyone’s welcome! Call Mike for details.

Near West Theatre is busily planning its annual benefit bash, and there are so many ways to enjoy the fun everyone can be a part of it.

The party, the theme of which is “2003: Through the Looking Glass,” starts on Sunday, February 16, at 5 pm, with a reception at Playhouse Square. Refreshments will be provided by the Near West’s best restaurants and caterers. The centerpiece of the event will be a musical review beginning at 7 pm and featuring an intergenerational cast of familiar NWT performers. Silent and live auctions of decorative looking-glasses and other items will be followed by dessert after the performance.

Tickets for the show and dessert are just $25. For the full evening of entertainment and goodies, tickets range from $80 to $500 per person. And if you can’t attend but still want to be a part of the benefit, you can buy a $10 ticket for the assortment of generous gift baskets that will be raffled off.

For more information, contact the theatre at 216-621-1919.