Every four years, Feeding America, the nationwide network of 200 food banks, conducts its Hunger in America study. It’s the largest survey of its kind, focusing on why hunger happens and its effects on local communities. The most recent Hunger in America was released just last week, and showed that…
First off, whether it was by Facebook, Twitter, email, text, phone call, or in person — thank you for all of the birthday wishes this weekend. The festivities started early on Friday night with Date Night at the ZOOvies. This was the second year in a row we celebrated my…
“Building awareness.” The term can mean many things. When it comes to the ALS #IceBucketChallenge, it can mean reaching people for the first time who don’t know what ALS or Lou Gehrig’s Disease is. Or educating everyone on just how devastating ALS is to the body. Or revealing that ALS…
Update: After tallying up all of the entries, removing two non-entry comments, and plugging the total into Random.org, congratulations to entry #9 – Mindy R! Please reply to my email by the end of Monday to confirm you can attend ZOOvies. When I told Scott that we’d be seeing The…
This is part 2 in my #LakeErieLove series. Catch up on part 1 here. In my mind, Sandusky, Ohio has always been synonymous with Cedar Point. That’s not to say I didn’t know there’s more to Sandusky than the “World’s Best Amusement Park” (a title I fully agree with). When…
Disclaimer: Please excuse the sappiness in the next couple of paragraphs. I promise it’s connected to today’s blog post. Many reflections on love focus on the falling into it. That first attraction. The squishy feeling of butterflies in your stomach. The anticipation of a first kiss or date. That’s my…
I love four day weekends but it was rough getting going this morning. Now that I’ve had my coffee, let’s jump right in with the Luau on the Lake giveaway winner! After removing one duplicate entry and placing the rest in Random.org, congratulations to entry #44, Holly, for winning 2…
The mayflies have come and gone and the July 4th holiday is here. In the Hicken house, this means it’s time to start making plans for the rest of summer. I don’t care what else I do between now and September — Twilight at the Zoo is my big must-do for…
You’re lounging with a view of the water, frosty beer or fruity umbrella drink in hand. You can hear laughter coming from a Conga line and smell the spices of a delicious beachside feast. Maybe you’ll take in a game of beach volleyball later. Sounds like a fantastic afternoon, doesn’t it?…
I’ve been on the road the past week, so this bit of blogkeeping is belated. Congratulations to Elizabeth P for winning 2 tickets to the Tri-C JazzFest! When I hear the phrase “beer pairings,” my thoughts – as yours probably do – immediately go to beer and food. From cheese…
