Wine of the Times

Love a good glass of vino? Love public radio and television? Then don't miss the "Heinen's/WVIZ World Series of Wine" Nov. 4 through 6. This event features three grand tastings at Jacobs Field, three winery dinners and eight wine-tasting seminars. Proceeds benefit WVIZ/PBS "ideastream." The event is presented by Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield with support from Cleveland.com, WMJI "Majic" 105.7 and Cleveland Magazine. For more information, visit www.wviz.org/wsw or call 1-888-281-WINE.

Cool for School

It's cool to like reading. That's the message behind the Arthur's World exhibit this month at the Western Reserve Historical Society. The popular children's character Arthur and his friends present roleplaying and reading activities in this national traveling show. On Oct. 9, children can hear the story "Arthur's Fire Drill" accompanied by a real fire truck they can explore. Children will also have a chance to meet Arthur for a photograph. The event is sponsored by Cleveland Magazine, Giant Eagle and Cleveland Public Library. For more information, visit www.wrhs.org.

Steps Forward

Calling all walkers: Every step counts in the fight against diabetes. Join the "Walk to Win" and support the one in 16 people living with diabetes in Northeast Ohio. Saturday, Oct. 23, rain or shine, walkers will take to the streets and travel the Detroit/Superior Bridge to Tower City. Come dressed in your Halloween costume and get a special treat. Proceeds benefit the Diabetes Association of Greater Cleveland. For advance registration, visit www.dagc.org or call (216) 591-0800. Walkers may also register the morning of the event at Tower City Center between 9 and 10 a.m. Cleveland Magazine is a sponsor of the event.

A Chair Affair

They say little things can make a big difference. In this case, little, celebrity-designed chairs can make a difference as they are auctioned to support the Children's Museum of Cleveland. The "Chairs That Care 2004" gala, hosted by Al Roker of NBC's "Today," features a cocktail reception, dinner, live and silent auctions, and entertainment by One Wish. Past benefits have featured such celebrity chair designers as Earvin "Magic" Johnson, LeBron James and Mayor Jane Campbell. This year's versions, provided by Ethan Allen Home Interiors, promise to be just as popular. The event will be held Oct. 16 at the InterContinental Hotel & Conference Center. Cleveland Magazine is among the sponsors. For more information, call (216) 791-7114, ext. 39.

Fall Fun

Hey, hey, it's a good time to enjoy a hayride at Cleveland Metroparks Chalet Recreation Area, Saturdays in October from 6 to 10 p.m. and Sundays from 1 to 4 p.m. Sunday afternoon rides include festivals with weekly themes such as Nature Day and Halloween Fun Day. Hayrides are $7 for adults, $5 for children under 12 and free for kids under 3. For information or reservations, call (440) 752-9990. Also featured is the "Reflections of Nature Quilt Show" at the Rocky River Nature Center, Oct. 9 and 10. For details, call (440) 734-6660.

United in Pancakes

Mayor Jane Campbell and Sandy Cutler were among the notable volunteers who manned the griddles at the United Way Services of Greater Cleveland Campaign Kickoff and Pancake Flip on Sept. 2. (Cleveland Magazine editor Steve Gleydura and NewsChannel 5's Adam Shapiro were kept as far away from the spatulas as possible.) More than 2,500 breakfasts were served, raising more than $10,000 to launch United Way's $50 million annual campaign.

Treasures Unearthed

The Cleveland Public Library has been keeping a secret. Seldom-seen art and artifacts have been tucked away waiting to be discovered — until now. The Friends of the Cleveland Public Library present "Treasures: A Tour of Special Collections" and a private opening of the exhibit Nov. 6 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $100 per person and $80 for "Friends" members. Proceeds support the library's special collections and children's programs. The collection will remain on display through March 2005. For more information, call the Friends of the Cleveland Public Library at (216) 623-2821.