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November/December 2022
THE HEIGHTS SMILE Herald
(440) 483-1003
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
THE HOLIDAYS ARE ABOUT TOGETHERNESS The More the Merrier
When I was growing up in Iowa, it was a family tradition to visit both sets of grandparents over the winter break. They both lived on the other side of the state, about an hour apart. My brothers and I used to take bets on which set of grandparents we’d see first each year, and we had a lot of fun gloating whenever we were right. My favorite part of those trips was visiting my maternal grandparents’ farm. It was in a small town of about 6,000, about the same size as where my family lived. My mother’s cousins lived on the farm by this point, but we’d always take a trip out there and reminisce about decades-old stories. It always made me happy to see my mom, her siblings, and her cousins relive their memories. It strengthened the family bond between them. It always felt so warm and inviting at their farm. I have three brothers, so I know what a big family feels like, but being with my extended family was something different, and that sense of belonging to something bigger always resonated with me. These days, my wife and I usually host Christmas, but it’s still always a toss-up on which set of grandparents the kids will see first. My wife’s entire family is here, and we see them often, but there’s always a different vibe and weight to our holiday visits. Meanwhile, my parents are retired in Scottsdale, Arizona — a plane ride or a three-day drive away. Finding time to visit us can be tricky because we’ve got so much going on. My wife is a school teacher and can’t exactly take time off whenever she feels like it. And our oldest daughter is at college. It feels a bit like a game of 3D chess, trying to ensure she gets to see both sets of grandparents, spend time with her immediate family, visit her friends, and relax before she starts a new semester. But while it can get hectic, the hubbub has become a tradition at this point. This year, we’re arranging it so my parents can drive with me to pick up my daughter from school, allowing them to see her campus and spend quality time with her on the way back. You’ve got to embrace those opportunities wherever you can find them.
As much as I miss driving six hours across Iowa in snowstorms, it’s nice having everyone else come to us. We enjoy playing host and making everyone feel welcome, whether they’ve come from near or far. But our primary goal each holiday season is to ensure we all have a chance to connect. For our family, the end-of-year celebrations aren’t about whether or not we make a favorite recipe or get the decorations just right. We focus instead on ensuring everyone has enough quality time together — and when we can have multiple groups at once, that’s even better. I loved the opportunity to experience our extended family ties during Christmas as a child, and I can only hope I’ve recreated that sense of togetherness for my daughters. -Dr. Jason Schermer
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Where, When, and Who
DR. SCHERMER CELEBRATES HIS FAVORITE TIME TRAVELER
There were four TV channels when I was growing up: ABC, CBS, NBC, and public television. Cable didn’t exist, so you didn’t have a lot of options. You watched whatever was on, or you didn’t watch TV at all. But that doesn’t mean we didn’t all have our favorite shows. When I read that Dec. 10 is Pretend to be a Time Traveler Day, it took me right back to my childhood, watching “Dr. Who” on television. The show follows an eccentric time-traveling alien scientist as he tries to change history. The Doctor, as fans call him, has been played by more than a dozen actors over the years, but they all represent the same character (it’s complicated). During my era, we watched the so-called Fourth Doctor, played by Tom Baker, who was notable for his giant scarf. “Dr. Who” was unlike anything else on television. The episodes were 30 minutes long, but it wasn’t a sitcom, and the storyline continued between episodes. The show was also geeky and cool at the same time, with its cheesy science-fiction effects. I spent countless Friday nights glued to the TV watching “Dr. Who.”
I’m still known to watch an episode or two today. My kids once asked why I had the streaming service BritBox, and the answer was simple — it’s to watch classic “Dr. Who” episodes! The newer seasons of the long-running series are fine, and I’ll check them out now and again. But nothing beats the classics. So, where would I go if I could time travel like The Doctor? I’d follow his lead and bounce around all over the place, checking out a little bit of everything. I’d also definitely have to make a pit stop in the ‘80s. Maybe that’s boring since I already lived it once, but you can’t beat the music. Ultimately, “Dr. Who” helped me imagine a world outside the small town where I grew up. It wasn’t just a British show; ”Dr. Who” took you everywhere. I could envision myself there in the scenes alongside The Doctor. It made the impossible seem real — and while time travel is still just a dream, I now see the world differently.
-Dr. Jason Schermer
WHAT PEOPLE ARE SAYING “Every experience I’ve had with the Exceptional Smiles team has been nothing short of amazing! They really have everything down to perfection. The professionalism, friendliness, flexible pricing options — the list goes on and on. I highly recommend Exceptional Smiles.” — “Excellent dental care for optimal oral health! Staff is wonderful! I recommend them highly!” — “Great team. Great service. Everyone is friendly and welcoming. Would recommend this dental office to friend and family.”
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(440) 483-1003
GRATEFUL FOR YOUR TRUST A THANK YOU TO OUR PATIENTS
Every successful relationship requires trust, whether it’s between two spouses, a teacher and student, a doctor and patient, or a parent and child. And we know that going to the dentist is a unique circumstance for many people. While we strive to provide the most pleasant experience possible for all of our patients, many people find the dentist frightening or overwhelming. We’re grateful that you trust us to take care of you and provide a positive experience.
One of the most meaningful ways our patients demonstrate their trust in us is through referrals to their family members, friends, and coworkers. There is no greater compliment than trusting us with your loved one’s health. Thank you so much for believing we’ll always provide you with the best care possible and for being a part of our dental family. It’s a family we’re always looking to grow. We greatly appreciate referrals of any family members or friends who may be looking for dental care. We also reward those who send new patients our way with our referral program. Once the person you refer completes their new patient appointment, you and the new patient will receive a gift. It’s our way of saying thank you for trusting us! Finally, we hope you know that learning about you and your family is one of our favorite parts of the job. It keeps us coming to work every day with a smile. Thank you for everything, and enjoy a happy holiday season!
The holiday season is typically marked by giving and gratitude. Particularly around Thanksgiving, it’s traditional for us to count our blessings and be openly grateful to those around us. At Exceptional Smiles, we all have a lot of reasons to be thankful, but what we appreciate most is our patients and, more specifically, their trust in us.
Your trust allows us to provide exceptional care day in and day out. We rely on your patience and willingness to follow our recommendations to give you the experience you deserve. We strive to respond with patience of our own, a readiness to answer questions, and a friendly attitude.
Lentil Bolognese
LEAH’S BAD DAD JOKES OF THE MONTH
Inspired by FeastingAtHome.com Rich and robust, this plant-based meal is full of flavor and perfect for those cool autumn days.
Ingredients •
Q: What did the snowman order at Wendy’s? A: A Frosty
1-lb box pasta, any kind
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1/4 tsp chili flakes 1 tbsp Italian herbs 1/3 cup tomato paste
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2 tbsp olive oil 1 onion, diced
1 1/2 cups diced carrots 1 1/2 cups diced celery 4–6 garlic cloves, chopped
1 1/4 cups lentils 3 tomatoes, diced
Q: What often falls in the winter but never gets hurt?
3 1/2 cups vegetable broth 3/4 cup hemp seeds 2 tsp balsamic vinegar
1/2 tsp salt
A: Snow
1/2 tsp pepper
Directions 1. Cook pasta according to package directions. 2. In a large pot, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Add onion and cook until fragrant. Lower heat to medium, add carrots, celery, garlic, salt, pepper, chili flakes, and Italian herbs. 3. Add tomato paste and cook down for a few minutes. Now add the lentils, diced tomatoes, vegetable broth, and hemp seeds. Bring to a boil, cover tightly, and simmer until lentils are tender. 4. Cook until all of the liquid is absorbed, then stir in the balsamic vinegar before adjusting the seasonings to your liking. When that is done, pour over the pasta and enjoy.
Q: What happened to the man who stole a calendar from the store?
A: He got 12 months.
If you would like your favorite joke featured, email Office@exceptionalsmiles.com . You may see it in our next issue!
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PRST STD US POSTAGE PAID BOISE, ID PERMIT 411
(440) 483-1003
INSIDE 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 121 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124
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The Holiday Juggling Act
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What if Dr. Schermer Could Time Travel?
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What People Are Saying About Us
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Why We’re Grateful This Year
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Lentil Bolognese
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Celebrate the Holidays With These Local Events
THE MOST WONDERFUL TIME OF THE YEAR
HOW TO CELEBRATE IN CLEVELAND
at the magical holiday glow throughout the city or participate in one of the many on-site events available. For more information, visit WinterlandCle.com.
FESTIVAL OF TREES If you don’t have time to take in all of Winterland or want to avoid the large crowds, try a quieter visit to the Festival of Trees at the Allen Theater. This free annual event is open to the public, giving everyone an equal opportunity to see the creative flair on showcase through the eclectic Christmas trees decorated by various artists. You might even find some inspiration for your decorations at home! This event runs Tuesday through Sunday, Dec. 3–22, with a special Santa event taking place on Dec. 10. Get the full hours and details by visiting ClevelandPlayHouse.com/visit/festival-of-trees. A CHRISTMAS STORY HOUSE Since its release in 1983, “A Christmas Story” has been a favorite holiday movie for millions of people. And it was partially filmed right here in Cleveland! The house prominently featured in the movie was a fan destination for years before one purchased the home remodeled it to look as it did in the film, and opened a museum. If you’ve never taken the time to visit — or if it has been a while — there’s no better way to celebrate Christmas. Extended hours are available for the holiday season, and admission is $15 for adults. Get all the details at AChristmasStoryHouse.com.
The holidays are here, and Cleveland is getting festive! There are plenty of seasonally appropriate activities suitable for the whole family, but it’s almost impossible to see them all. So, which do you choose? Here are three of our favorite kid-friendly, holiday-themed attractions. WINTERLAND Formerly known as WinterFest, Winterland is a Cleveland staple in its 37th year, so it’s hard to go wrong with this old favorite. Starting Nov. 26, the holidays take over downtown, turning Public Square into a winter wonderland straight out of a Hallmark movie. Trees, lights, food, drink, and live music will all play a feature role, and Santa Claus and other activities for kids will also be on hand. Simply marvel
No matter how you celebrate this time of year, Exceptional Smiles wishes you a happy, healthy holiday season!
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