Fine Lifestyles Cleveland Winter 2015 by Fine Lifestyles

FineLifestyles WINTER 2015 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 1

VISIT AN EXOTIC GETAWAY IN CLEVELAND NEW YEAR’S RESOLUTION: JUICE SHOWCASING YOUR NEIGHBORHOOD BUSINESSES

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POOLS & SPAS Ted Dellas: Wellness for Life FineLifestyles

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C R E A T E . R E C R E A T E . R E n E W.

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first word

FineLifestyles CLEVELAND

With Fine Lifestyles editor Patti London

he winter solstice is behind us and every day brings a little more daylight, if not actual sunshine. Even if you’ve already broken one or two of your New Year’s resolutions, I say it’s time for a little self-love. It’s time to seriously consider taking care of ourselves, so we can be there when others need us.

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Are you feeling listless in the dead of winter? Maybe you should talk to Ted Dellas at Best Buy Pools & Spas about installing a swim spa in your backyard. That’ll get your blood flowing and wake up some new muscles. Do you need rejuvenation after the holidays? Consider an afternoon at Charles Scott for a facial and a body wrap. Need a little more rejuvenation than that? ANEW Medspa has treatments to shave a few years off your appearance.

Art Direction Amber Moon, senior Lisa Redden, associate

Maybe a change of scenery will bring back some of that missing energy. Check out the orchids at the Cleveland Botanical Garden, the gorgeous slopes at Holiday Valley or, travel a bit farther, and check out what’s going on in New York City this season. Maybe you can update your own scenery at home to give yourself a lift. For a little inspiration, visit Chestnut Hill Home in Chagrin Falls then cross the river to Plantation Home in Lakewood. You won’t leave either place without finding something new to put a smile on your face. Caring for your loved ones, parents and children, can be exhausting regardless of the time of year. We’ve featured several local businesses which specialize in giving caregivers assistance when they need it most. Kabb Law and Home Care Assistance have answers to your questions regarding your aging parents. Parmelee and Hopkins offer support to parents wondering why their children’s schools are not meeting their educational needs. It’s unnecessary to run yourself into the ground when help is available. We hope you find the information and resources you need in this issue of Fine Lifestyles to make 2015 a happy and healthy year. Resolve to shop locally so we can make 2015 a happy, healthy year for Cleveland’s economy, too.

ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Marlon Tussel 216.548.6292 marlon@finelifestylesmagazine.com

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Larry Lapine 440.520.8004 larry@finelifestylesmagazine.com

Publisher Marc London Associate Editors Patti London Sherry Lee

Design Natasha Burkholder Candace Haiko Staff Writers Dylan Yépez, Meg Pauken, Cindy Spitz, Judith Bolinger, Lisa Floyd-Brown Cover Photography Aaron Leyser Photography Vincent Gorman Aaron Leyser Advertising Consultants Marlon Tussel Larry Lapine Distribution marc@finelifestylesmagazine.com Cover Photo Ted Dellas

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We reserve the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs. We reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, image or advertisement. All contents of FineLifestyles Inc, publications are copyrighted 2014 with all rights reserved, except for original articles submitted to FineLifestyles Inc., where copyright resides with the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written permission of FineLifestyles Inc. or its writers. The name FineLifestyles Cleveland, its logo and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of FineLifestyles Inc. or the companies it represents. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.

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CONTENTS STYLE ................................................... 10 HEALTH & WELLNESS ..................... 16 ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT ..............................34 SPORTS, RECREATION & TRAVEL.............................................38 HOUSE & HOME .................................46 BUSINESS ............................................84 WHEELS ...............................................86

COVER: Best Buy Pools & Spas ........46 Juicing ..........................................................16 Book Review: Millionaire’s Row ......... 37 Travel to NYC ……..…………….……………..38 Orchid Mania .............................................62

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MANOLO BLAHNIK

or more than 40 years, Manolo Blahnik has been designing sophisticated shoes that are a synthesis of creativity and comfort rarely found in fashionable footwear. Largely responsible for bringing bringing stilettos back into fashion during the platform days of the 1970s, Manolo Blahnik fabricated expensive but elegant shoes, which remained the exclusive knowledge of an elite group of European consumers until the 1990s. Then frequent mention of the coveted footwear on the British comedic sitcom Absolutely Fabulous (1992-2012) and the American television series Sex and the City (1998-2004) brought the now iconic brand to the attention of women all over the world. In 1970, the fledgling designer and avid film fanatic was encouraged by American Vogue editor Diana Vreeland to concentrate his immense talents on fashioning footwear. With no formal training in shoe design or construction, Blahnik set out to learn all he could by watching and working alongside manufacturers. To this day, the always impeccably attired artist carves the prototypes for each of his shoes first by machine and then by hand with a chisel, making sure that the symmetry and balance are just right to achieve maximum comfort. According to Blahnik, a perfectly balanced stiletto enables the alignment of the ankles and hips, resulting in a graceful and attractive sway of the body. In addition to being remarkably comfortable, Blahnik’s shoes are known for their wonderful shapes, fearless use of color and intricate embroidery, not to mention their incredible array of embellishments, ranging from the fun and quixotic to the elegant and refined. Over the years, Blahnik has collaborated with many well-known fashion designers, such as Oscar de la Renta and Christian Dior. Nevertheless, Blahnik himself is not a follower of fashion and does not keep abreast of current style trends. He believes that changes in fashion should evolve slowly rather than drastically each year. Manufactured in six factories in Italy, these pricey but pretty shoes and boots are available in more than 250 stores in 28 countries worldwide, including the firm’s flagship store on Old Church Street in the Chelsea district of London. Once described by Madonna as being ‘better than sex,’ the acquisition of a pair of these sophisticated shoes is the dream of many women the world over.

FABULOUS & FASHIONABLE By Tonya Lambert

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4701 Richmond Rd. | 216.831.5653 | www.ginosjewellers.com heartsonfire.com | 877.PERFECT FineLifestyles

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Ultimate Convenience in

CLOTHING CARE I By Dylan Yépez Photos John Hoffart

f there’s one thing Alex Shvartshteyn knows, it’s clothes. This third-generation custom tailor spent years making and altering

garments, and in 1984 he decided to take

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his talents to the dry-cleaning industry. Alex purchased London Cleaners 30 years ago and, with the help of his wife of 34 years, has transformed the company into an exclusively door-to-door service that can handle any type of clothing.

For more than 10 years now, London Cleaners has been recognized by America’s Best Cleaners, an independent certification organization which measures London Cleaners against the highest standards in the business.

Through working as a custom tailor, Alex gained vital experience handling all sorts of fabrics, allowing him to achieve a distinct level of quality for his dry-cleaning business. After touring the factories of Brioni and Swarovski and the fabric mills of Zegna and Barberis, Alex gleaned firsthand knowledge of the construction and care of these designer clothes, unmatched by other Cleveland area cleaners. Additional understanding of clothing construction was gained during his visit to St. John Knits in California. “It’s the understanding of the garments and the understanding of the fabrics,” Alex explains. “I know how the garments are constructed and how the fabrics are made.” As Ohio’s only certified couture level dry cleaner, London Cleaners is the company high-end retailers trust with their own garments. “We have good relations and consult with them when they need cleaning or help,” Alex says. “They come to us when something goes wrong with a garment and it needs restoring.” Most recently, London Cleaners has adopted a new, environmentally-friendly cleaning process, which not only is more efficient, but also cleans the clothes better than conventional methods. These days, it can feel like every minute of every day is planned out. “Pick up dry cleaning” lingers on to-do lists, causing unnecessary stress. When you use London Cleaners, you’ll never have to worry about that again. To better accommodate his customers’ busy lifestyles, Alex began developing the

door-to-door service in the late 1980s. Customers would put their clothes in a designated area, and London Cleaners would pick up and clean the clothes and then return them to the same designated area. This segment of the business took off, and in 1994 the company built an addition to the existing facility for extra processing and storage. Then, in 2004, London Cleaners built a brand-new, 15,000-square-foot facility in Willoughby. With this massive cleaning center, Alex was able to bring the company into its current form, which is a 100 percent door-to-door dry-cleaning service that serves all of the greater Cleveland area, as well as northern Akron and into Medina. “We have clients who live all over the city, so instead of having stores all over the city we have decided to go with the door-to-door service. We’re the only company that does exclusively door-to-door, and we’ve perfected the service,” Alex says. “It’s more efficient. There’s no minimum. There’s no extra charge, just regular dry-cleaning charges.” Most customers have regular scheduled service, so London Cleaners stops by twice per week, but some customers simply call or email on an as-needed basis. Nobody even has to be home, so it’s completely handsoff and convenient. Check out the services offered at londoncleaners.com, and call 1.800.832.1222 to get started today. “For today’s busy lifestyles,” Alex assures, “our service will save you time and money.”. London Cleaners 1.800.832.1222 londoncleaners.com

Alex Shvartshteyn, owner

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Luxury Meets Convenience at Charles Scott By Meg Pauken Photos Aaron Leyser

haz Henline founded Charles Scott Salons and Spas more than 30 years ago. His goal was to provide a luxurious spa experience for his clients who haven’t time for travel to a destination spa. At Charles Scott, clients will enjoy treatments and services that equal or exceed those found at high-end spas around the country, but are conveniently located in Rocky River and Westlake. Loyal, satisfied patrons have made Charles Scott one of the oldest day spas in the area. The atmosphere at Charles Scott is elegant, while remaining warm and welcoming. “We want our clients to feel relaxed as soon as they walk in. It should be a pampering experience that puts them at ease,” Chaz says. “We want them to be able to leave the outside world behind the minute they step through our doors.” Charles Scott offers a complete array of spa services, including facials, body treatments and massage, along with more typical salon offerings such as haircuts, color, styling, makeup and nail services. Services are tailored for both men and women. Therapeutic facials target specific skin issues, such as deep cleansing, aging skin or acne. Products are selected based upon the client’s individual needs and sensitivities. Charles Scott also offers microdermabrasion and chemical peels, as well as treatments specific to the eye and back areas. Body treatments may begin with salt or sugar scrubs. These relaxing and exfoliating treatments are often followed with a Vichy shower, a horizontal spray that targets specific areas of the spine, to invigorate and cleanse. Detoxification wraps and mud masks cleanse the skin and pull out toxins, while cryothermic wraps eliminate swelling

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ABOVE Chaz Henline, owner

and puffiness and aid in weight loss. Waxing services are available, as is electrolysis hair removal. Spray tan services are offered as a healthier alternative to other forms of tanning. Charles Scott offers a wide selection of massage options to suit everyone, each with the goal of rejuvenation, relaxation and relief from aches and pains. Selections include hot stone, pregnancy, sports and deep tissue massage. For those truly pressed for time, scalp massage is available. Charles Scott offers spa packages which combine several services for a half or full day of pampering self-care. Couples massages and spa packages are available for a unique, shared indulgence. Gift cards to the spa make thoughtful gifts for both the women and the men in your life. All the technicians and staff at Charles Scott are highly trained and continue their education and training after joining the team. “We select our team members because they are skilled and well-trained professionals, but also for their warm personalities. Our entire team contributes to the client’s full experience,” Chaz explains. Charles Scott’s two locations are 19025 Old Lake Road, Rocky River and 294 Crocker Park Boulevard, Westlake. You may reach the Rocky River location by telephone at 440.333.7994 and the

Westlake location at 440.899.1957. Visit either location and you’ll understand why this day spa is one of the longest-running success stories in the Cleveland area. Charles Scott Salon & Spa 19025 Old Lake Road, Rocky River 440.333.7994 294 Crocker Park Boulevard, Westlake 440.899.1957 charlesscott.com

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Start 2015 with a

HEALTHY RESOLUTION

By Patti London Photos courtesy Patti London

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your own favorites. These are some of our go-to juices: apples + carrots + celery + kale beets + beet greens + oranges pears + cucumber + spinach It doesn’t take long to get used to adding juicing supplies to the weekly grocery list. We like to use as many organic and local ingredients as we can, but obviously oranges and other citrus fruit aren’t available in northeast Ohio. Woolf Farms at the local farmers’ markets is a great source of apples. In fact, for $5 they will sell you a sizable bag of seconds in a nice mix of varieties. These are excellent for juicing and you can’t beat the price. On the advice of Dr. John Livingston, we began adding a tablespoon of organic flaxseed oil, available at Heinen’s and Trader Joe’s, to each glass of juice. According to Dr. Livingston, the flaxseed oil not only provides essential antioxidants, but also aids in the body’s absorption of the nutrients in the juice. A quick stir integrates the oil and doesn’t detract from the fresh flavors in any way.

ealthy habits are easier to maintain if they make a noticeable impact on the way you feel. If juicing is part of your New Year’s plan, it’s a habit you’ll find easy to develop. Once you start juicing on a regular basis, the noticeable difference in your energy level will encourage you to make time for a fresh juice every day. Juicing has been part of our morning routine for several years. We have juiced on and off for more than 10 years, but the discovery of the Hurom juicer solidified our habit. Other juicers tended to be more difficult to clean and created more waste than the Hurom model. These factors may not be as important as cost, but we found the model so convenient that we used it much more frequently than the other juicers we’ve tried. The regular usage actually made it more cost effective.

The Hurom juicer uses a large auger to extract the juice from the fruit and vegetables, rather than centrifugal force common with other juicers. The spinning extractors create a small amount of heat which, according to some nutritionists, adversely affects the nutritional value of the juice. The juice released by the auger extraction contains the maximum amount of vitamins, minerals and fibers and is readily absorbed by the body. Because the body is nutritionally satiated, we tend to remain satisfied through the morning until lunchtime.

Not only are we starting the day with a healthy habit, but we’re helping our vegetable garden by composting what the juicer spits out after extracting the juice. Good for us, good for our garden. Happy, healthy 2015!

Juicing is a good way to lose weight, or to kick-start a healthy diet with a short cleanse. To maintain the juicing habit, it’s important to include a variety of juice combinations. An informative blog — rebootwithjoe.com — will get you started with lots of juicing ideas, and once you try a few, you’ll grow comfortable creating

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Your Smile is a Work of Art By Dylan Yépez Photos Vincent Gorman

or centuries, dentistry was all about alleviating pain and pulling teeth. In more recent dental history, practicing hygiene to keep your teeth became the focus. Modern dentistry, as practiced by Dr. Joe Leon and Dr. William Lavigna at Landerhaven Dental Associates, has been elevated to an art form. The dentists at Landerhaven Dental use specialized skills and technologically advanced materials to create a perfect representation of the smiles nature meant

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to give us. In fact, the aesthetic dentistry practiced at Landerhaven Dental may be even better than nature alone can provide, given the extraordinary durability of the materials available today. Restoring perfect smiles is an important aspect of their practice, but Dr. Leon and Dr. Lavigna consider quality preventive care for the entire family to be the foundation of their dental practice. Dr. Joe Leon joined Dr. William Lavigna, after graduating from the University of Kentucky Dental School, 15 years ago. Dr.

Lavigna is a second generation dentist who merged his practice with his father’s after his graduation from Case Western Reserve’s Dental School. They required more space as their practice grew in those early years, leading them to open the office on Landerhaven Drive in 2007. “We frequently see multiple generations of patients,” Dr. Leon explains. “And we are often able to perform all of the necessary treatments here in this facility.” The procedures range from the simple preventive measures — teeth cleaning,

x-rays, fillings — to more complicated, such as root canal treatments, fixed bridgework and implant services. “Our practice uses a comprehensive approach to dental care and our goal is to make sure all our patients feel very comfortable. We are proud our patients appreciate the value of lasting quality at an affordable cost.” Most of their patients are familiar with both doctors and the support staff, many of whom have been with the practice for 10 years or more. If it’s ever necessary to send a patient to a specialist, their patients are secure knowing the referral is to someone approved by both dentists and selected for his or her outstanding skills. Although the core of the practice at Landerhaven Dental is the dental health of the families they see, both doctors thoroughly enjoy practicing the art of highend aesthetic dentistry. Modern advances in both materials and techniques have made this aspect of dentistry particularly challenging and exciting. Because smiling is essential to one’s mental health, providing their patients with the best smiles is a source of real satisfaction. Landerhaven Dental provides whitening services and Dr. Leon is a certified Invisalign provider. Other treatments are available depending on how dental artistry can best improve on nature. Outside the office, the dentists lead active, healthy lives to keep their skills sharp while they’re in the office. Dr. Lavigna enjoys cycling, scuba diving and hot air ballooning, while Dr. Leon stays busy with his wife and three kids in Aurora. Dr. Leon also enjoys tracking the progress of the University of Kentucky’s basketball team, his alma mater, to March Madness. Both doctors are avid fans of Cleveland sports. Drs. Lavigna and Leon would love to discuss your dental needs and aspirations with you. Call the Landerhaven Dental Associates at 440.720.0544 to schedule an appointment — because restoring your smile is the ultimate work of art. PREVIOUS PAGE L–R Dr. Joe Leon and Dr. William Lavigna

Landerhaven Dental Associates 6009 Landerhaven Drive Suite E Mayfield Heights 440.720.0544 landerhavendental.com

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A New Year, ANEW You! By Meg Pauken Photos courtesy ANEW Medspa

in the field. A frequent speaker at national conferences and symposia, he is called upon often as an expert in facial esthetics, including esthetic dentistry and the use of dermal fillers and botulinum toxin.

The founder of ANEW Medspa, Dr. Louis Malcmacher, provides vision, training and oversight. Dr. Malcmacher, founder and president of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics, has decades of experience

Dr. Malcmacher is assisted by Chanie Malcmacher, esthetics director and Nicole Rosalina, spa manager, in researching and testing new products and services. Daniella Gery, certified nurse practitioner, provides treatments. In addition to the education and experience required to obtain her CNP license, Daniella has extensive training in therapeutic treatments, such as trigger point therapy and esthetic treatments.

elebrate the new year by turning the clock backward, or at least look as if you have. ANEW Medspa has the expert staff and training to help you put your best face forward in 2015. ANEW Medspa, conveniently located in South Euclid, just west of Legacy Village, specializes in esthetic and therapeutic treatments to reduce signs of aging and facial pain.

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Each new patient receives a free consultation to determine the issues he or she is experiencing and receives a thorough explanation of potential treatments and costs. The staff treat facial pain originating from migraine, TMJ, teeth grinding, snoring and sleep apnea. Esthetic treatments include chemical skin peels, microdermabrasion, dermal fillers and botulinum toxin. At ANEW Medspa, patients are treated to a customized approach. “We don’t automatically use the maximum doses of injectables if a lower dosage will achieve the desired result. We strive for a natural, youthful look,” explains Nicole Rosalina.

“Treatments are preventative, not just corrective. Relaxing the underlying muscle reduces the appearance of lines, but can also prevent the formation of new very fine lines.” In addition to the current esthetic and facial pain treatments, ANEW plans to add hair removal to its menu of options and is continually evaluating new products and emerging technologies that may fit with their existing offerings. The staff at ANEW Medspa are dedicated to total patient care and satisfaction. It is their goal to help patients both feel better and look better. “We believe in educating our patients about their options and providing a full explanation of associated costs,” says Nicole. “We want them to leave here happy and satisfied.” What makes ANEW Medspa different from other providers of facial esthetic treatments is such treatments are not a side-line business for them — it’s what they do all day, every day. “Unlike other clinics, which might provide occasional Botox or Juvederm treatments, this is our specialty. It’s not a sideline to us. We take it seriously and our staff is extensively trained to provide the best results for our patients,” Nicole explains. Call ANEW Medspa today at 216.255.5201 for your free consultation. The office is located at 2120 South Green Road, South Euclid. For more information, visit anewmedspa.com. LEFT L–R Dr. Louis Malcmacher, founder and president, Chanie Malcmacher, esthetics director, Daniella Gery CNP and Nicole Rosalina, spa manager

ANEW Medspa 216.255.5201 2120 South Green Road South Euclid anewmedspa.com

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Decompression Therapy A Non-invasive Alternative to Spinal Surgery By Dylan YĂŠpez Photos Vincent Gorman

f you experience pain, numbness or weakness in a limb, this may indicate a problem that can be addressed through non-invasive spinal decompression therapy. When you suffer from spinal conditions such as disc protrusions, pinched nerves or sciatica, surgery is a double whammy: it costs tens of thousands of dollars, and often fails to correct the ailment. Spinal decompression therapy is a nonsurgical alternative treatment that is effective and painless â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and it costs about one-tenth the price of surgery.

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Nearly a decade ago, Dr. John Livingston began using spinal decompression therapy for his patients with spinal disc problems. The treatment was so successful that, almost 10 years later, Dr. Livingston continues to use it to treat a variety of spinal issues in the back and neck, such as disc protrusions, herniations, and bulges, as well as conditions including pinched nerves and sciatica.

yields an estimated success rate of between 20 and 50 percent.

In fact, research places the effectiveness of this painless therapy between 86 and 93 percent; surgery, on the other hand,

Beyond cost and efficacy, decompression therapy provides a plethora of benefits over the surgical alternatives, which

Dr. Livingston is a third-generation chiropractic physician who has been in practice for 20 years. He and his partners at Livingston Chiropractic Center take a holistic approach to health care to identify and address the causes of pain, rather than masking the symptoms.

would be trimming the affected disc or cutting open the spine to remove the disc. Decompression therapy is simple, easy and even relaxing for patients. All they have to do is lie horizontally on the table-like decompression machine, which provides gentle, intermittent, angled traction to the area of the spine where the nerve is pinched. This force separates the vertebrae around the protruded disc, creating a vacuum-like effect that draws the disc away from the spinal nerve and back where it belongs. “It’s quick and easy,” Dr. Livingston says. “A lot of people actually fall asleep during it.” This therapy is noninvasive, painless and gradual in nature. It incrementally moves the disc back into place over four to eight weeks of treatment, depending on how significant the protrusion is. “Much like orthodontics moves the teeth slowly into place with time and pressure,” Dr. Livingston explains, “decompression therapy moves the discs slowly with time and pressure.” Because spinal decompression therapy is painless, it doesn’t involve cortisone injections or any other dangerous or addictive medications. Patients also experience significantly shorter recovery times than those following surgery. Dr. Livingston follows up decompression therapy with adjunctive treatments, which help to keep the disc in the right place, and nutritional counseling to promote recovery and overall health. He stresses health and wellness, and actively incorporates them in his treatments to ensure his patients’ bodies have the nutrients necessary to heal their injuries. “That’s almost as important as the treatment itself,” Dr. Livingston explains. For more information, visit jkldc.com, call 440.528.0005, or email drjklii@hotmail. com. Livingston Chiropractic Center is located at 25111 Miles Road, Suite D, right by the intersection of Miles and Richmond roads in Warrensville Heights. TOP Dr. Livingston and his wife, Jeanette, with their children. Middle l-R Jan Kraft, Alice Silverstein, Dr. Livingston & Colleen LaFlame

Livingston Chiropractic Center 25111 Miles Road, Suite D 440.528.0005 drjklii@hotmail.com jkldc.com

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End Suffering & Pain without Addictive Medications

Dr. John Livingston Livingston Chiropractic Center 25111 Miles Road, Suite D 440.528.0005 drjklii@hotmail.com jkldc.com

he holidays can be some of the most happy and enjoyable times of the year. We get together with family and friends we haven’t seen in months and have dinner, exchange gifts or even just visit and reconnect with those we love. But it can also be some of the most frustrating and stressful times of the year if we’ve suffered injuries — car accidents, work injuries, or slips and falls on the ice — and cannot travel, work, or even get out of bed because of acute, unrelenting pain. What happens then? People lose sleep because of the levels of the pain and are also stressed out because they

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cannot support their families. They are often forced to visit their doctors for medications such as narcotic pain medications, anti-inflammatories, muscle relaxers or even series of cortisone injections just to make it through the day. But is this the best approach to address the real cause of the issue? Medications and injections may help to alleviate the pain in the short term, but often, more is needed to fix the core problems that are causing the pain such as disc herniations, pinched nerves/ radiculitis/neuritis, sprain/strains and muscle spasms. That’s where chiropractic care comes in. At Livingston Chiropractic Center, I have spent the last 20 years helping patients find the cause of their pain, rather than masking it with costly, addictive or ineffective medications — helping people to get back on their feet and allowing them to return to work or to a more normal lifestyle. It all starts with a thorough assessment. I take a thorough history and then perform a comprehensive evaluation to arrive at a working diagnosis. I may also look at

other records and diagnostic tests during the process, such as hospital reports, X-rays, MRI’s CT scans or EMG’s. Once I arrive at a diagnosis, if there is no pathology or infection, then conservative treatments can be initiated to begin to correct the structural causes of the pain and thereby effectively provide symptomatic relief of the pain — and many times on a permanent basis. Treatments may include gentle joint manipulation or mobilization, passive therapeutic treatment modalities, active rehabilitative exercises, nutritional support, and an exceptionally effective procedure called non-surgical spinal decompression therapy. This treatment has been shown to be effective in 85 to 95 percent of spinal disc cases and can provide patients the relief they need to overcome the pain and recover from the disability, without needing surgery. So, if you or a family member have been suffering and not healing effectively this holiday season, and are tired of taking pain medications, call my receptionist at Livingston Chiropractic Center at 440.528.0005 and schedule an assessment today. It may be the best way to ensure a happy, healthy new year.

Untangling the Educational Web

oday’s schools appear to be overwhelmed with Federal and State mandates — testing, Common Core, IDEA, State Assessments and more. In the meantime, parents can be overwhelmed with the task of ensuring their child is not falling through the cracks, experiencing difficulties in learning, and reaching their potential. Where can parents turn for information, unbiased advice and

By Meg Pauken Photos Vincent Gorman

advocacy for their children when things are not going well? Eileen Parmelee, educational advocate, and Katy Hopkins, special education attorney, have worked together for the past five years to provide education, advocacy and support for parents throughout the region and state. Each woman maintains a separate practice, but collaborates on issues arising under

federal education statutes. Both women are passionate about helping children reach their potential and share a common ethic: “It’s all about the child.” Eileen Parmelee has made education her career. She was both a teacher and administrator in the Chagrin Falls school district for 35 years, winning awards such as Chagrin Falls Teacher of the Year and Martha Holden Jennings Scholar.

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L-R Katy Hopkins and Eileen Parmelee

She is very knowledgeable about state and federal law governing the rights of students and the obligations of schools regarding special needs, gifted and typical children and understands how school systems operate. She understands the challenges of managing the educational process of a special needs child. Katy Hopkins is an attorney at McSherry & Co., LPA in Chagrin Falls. With more than 25 years of legal experience, including litigation, Katy helps parents exercise the legal rights of their children, through representation at due process, resolution, and mediation proceedings.

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Eileen founded Parmelee and Parmelee, LLC eight years ago to assist parents in navigating the increasingly complex web of available educational services, requirements and testing. “When I was still working in the public school setting, I recognized when parents did not get answers or help from the school after multiple meetings, their only option was to hire an attorney. Now as an independent educational advocate, I will explain parent and child rights and the school’s obligation to provide,” explains Eileen. While Eileen is a committed educational advocate, a strong component of her

business is to provide a comprehensive tutoring program, K-12, to address the academic needs of her clients — from remedial, to special needs, to gifted students. Other services include ACT/SAT prep, test taking strategies, organizational skills and specialized reading (Orton Gillingham). When scheduling an initial consultation with Eileen, a parent can expect she will review the student’s records, testing results and progress reports. After getting parent input, which “is critical,” Eileen will offer parents the option of attending school meetings with them, helping with

IEP revisions, referring to specialists or developing an individualized plan for learning success. Katy and Eileen have an extensive network of professionals to call upon as circumstances require. This may include pediatric neuropsychologists, speech therapists, occupational or behavioral therapists and psychiatrists. “Often, parents are more confident just knowing what their options and rights are. They are often surprised to learn they do have options when they question their child’s academic progress,” Eileen says. Ideally, and in most cases, Eileen and the parents are able to work with school officials to obtain an appropriate plan and services for the child. Unfortunately, there are situations where school and parents reach an impasse. Upon Eileen’s recommendation to parents, a due process complaint may be the only remaining option. Katy works with Eileen’s recommendations. Eileen and Katy both attend meetings and hearings with school officials and parents; Eileen brings the history of discussions and meetings and Katy brings the legal expertise. At this point, District counsel and Katy will attempt to bring the matter to closure. “Once a due process complaint is filed, often the school officials are suddenly ready to talk, where they might not have been before,” Katy explains. Her expert negotiation skills can bring about results where informal meetings and discussions have not been fruitful. Both Katy and Eileen emphasize decisions are always made by the parents. They provide options and recommendations, but ultimately, the parents choose the preferred course of action for their family. The ultimate decision is made by the family for what works best for them. You may schedule a consultation with Eileen Parmelee by calling 440.708.0315. Katy Hopkins, Esq. may be reached at 440.247.7800. Both women maintain offices in Chagrin Falls. Eileen Parmelee Parmelee and Parmelee 440.708.0315 7160 Chagrin Road, Suite 260 Chagrin Falls Katy Hopkins, Esq. McSherry & Co, LPA 440.247.7800 529 East Washington Street, Suite 200 Chagrin Falls

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Slim, Sexy, Strong and Stretched in 2015 By Lisa Floyd-Brown Photos courtesy Barre Cleveland

of 20 students or less are taught by Yana Salwan, who has been teaching fitness in Cleveland for 20 years. When Yana opened her studio she vowed to keep the classes small and lead each one herself.

Barre Cleveland is a private, women’s only, group fitness studio. Small classes

The Barre workout draws from ballet, yoga and Pilates to provide a workout experience that produces results without wearing down your body. Barre takes the body-sculpting elements of each workout style to focus on the areas you care about most: thighs, hips, butt, abs

omen rarely put their own needs at the top of their todo lists. But to be your best at work, at home, at school — wherever others are relying on you — you have to take care of yourself first. Make 2015 the year you find the strength, energy and fitness instructor to be your best. Such transformation is happening for women every day at Barre Cleveland.

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and arms. Slow, sustained motions immediately followed by stretches allow you to strengthen these muscles without bulking them up. Many women leave a class without breaking a sweat, but they feel it the next day when their muscles are sore, indicating that the targeted exercises work. Barre provides a thorough workout, while avoiding the type of high-impact movements and heavy lifting that typically leads to joint and back pain.

To the contrary, Barre is restorative and actually helps you to improve your posture, strengthen your core and bolster the overall health of your back. The gentle, restorative nature of the barre workout makes it extremely sustainable for women of all fitness levels, ages 18 and up. The classmates you’ll meet at Barre Cleveland will vary widely in age and experience — Yana even has current students as old as 75. That’s because Barre Cleveland is a place where women can confidently work out with other women. The training style fosters a sense of community and familiarity among participants, so you don’t have to worry about judging glances from other women or unwanted attention from men, as is common in traditional gym settings. This female-only boutique fitness studio will help you to sculpt your body,

become slim and feel sexy —all with the support of a strong community of women experiencing the same struggles pursuing the same goals as you. “We accommodate every fitness level in every class,” Yana assures. “It’s very inviting — all the ladies know what it feels like to be in class for the first time.” BarreFit has become an integral part of many women’s weekly routines, so some of the most popular class times at Barre Cleveland are filling up a month in advance. The Barre Cleveland studio is located at 3737 Park East Drive, Suite 209, in Beachwood, right near the intersection of I-271 and Chagrin Blvd. All class registration and purchasing is done online at barrecleveland.com. Currently new students can try one month of unlimited classes for 60 percent off the regular price. So, take a “before” picture of yourself, sign up for classes and let the transformation begin!

ABOVE Yana Salwan, Owner of Barre Cleveland

Barre Cleveland 3737 Park East Drive, Suite 209 Beachwood 216.342.4229 barrecleveland.com

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By Dylan Yépez Photos Aaron Leyser

Make Informed Decisions About

Your Elder Care Needs

hen most clients come to Kabb Law, they feel stressed. Frequently, a parent or spouse is in a nursing home for rehabilitation following a recent hospitalization, being cut from Medicare in the next few days, and will be facing $300 per day in charges unless they take their loved one home. The elder is living their worst nightmare, the need for 24/7 around the clock care and faced with the decision of being confined to a facility or paying for home health care in the home — and just not sure how they can afford that.

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Elders and their families facing long term care are filled with questions: Can dad come home? What kind of care will he need? If he stays at the nursing home, how do we pay for it? Will mom end up spending their life savings paying for dad’s care? If dad was a veteran, is there money to help? That’s where the Kabb Elder Law and Care Firm Life Care Plan comes in. With the Life Care plan, all the questions are answered. The experienced team at Kabb Law has a unique care coordination team that includes two social workers and a gerontologist. The first step is to

determine the care needs of the client. With a thorough assessment, the care team can provide real answers specific to the individual client. That assessment starts a relationship with the firm that tells the legal team what to do to protect the elder financially. The legal team at Kabb Law takes a look at the financial outlook of the client and works to get some public benefits, including Medicare, Medicaid and Veterans benefits to help the client avoid running out of money. Kabb law is able to create a dignity fund to allow for a private room, provide an additional caregiver

OPPOSITE Rachel Kabb-Effron, owner THIS PAGE, MIDDLE RIGHT Susan Krupitzer, elder care coordinator

for one-on-one care, and funds to supplement the limited monthly funding when in a facility for personal needs. There are many myths about Medicaid. The first myth is if you gave away your money more than five years ago, there is nothing you can do. This is not true! In fact, the team at Kabb Law can preserve approximately half of a personâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s assets, even on the door steps of the nursing home. When a person is married, there are even more legal protections. Another myth is if a person goes into a nursing home, they will lose their house. This is definitely not true for a married Medicaid recipient. Even for the single person, there are lots of tools in the planning toolbox to protect the house from Medicaidâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s reach. The goal of many of the clients of Kabb Law is to remain at home as long as possible and to help ensure good quality care when that is no longer possible. To meet that goal, elder care requires a plan. The chaos of the long term care process leads many to mistakenly believe elder care cannot be planned. The Kabb Law team puts that myth to rest and helps put a plan in place, designed to ensure independence and dignity. Families leave Kabb Law, even after the first meeting, knowing they have a supportive team behind them to help. If you or a loved one has questions about long term care, call Kabb today. The Kabb Law Firm 21625 Chagrin Blvd, #240 Beachwood 216.991.5222 kabblaw.com

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Using the Balanced Care Method to

Change the Way the World Ages By Judith Bolinger Photos Vincent Gorman & courtesy Home Care Assistance

hat is the Balanced Care Method™? Scott Michaels of Home Care Assistance is quick to tell you it is about providing service. “It’s a culture; it’s a philosophy that embraces aging and recognizes appropriate behavior and lifestyle can positively affect longevity and quality of life. The Balanced Care Method is a holistic service approach that aligns our client services with our mission of changing the way the world ages.” The fundamental principles of the Balanced Care Method are based on the Okinawa Centenarian Study of more than 900 centenarians. These Okinawans live long, have good health and are independent well into their nineties. Genetics account for only about a third of these seniors’ longevity while diet, exercise, low stress levels, family and community ties, socialization and spirituality account for the other two thirds. “Home Care Assistance has developed an innovative and proprietary approach to senior care based on these centenarian studies.” The comprehensive approach incorporates four lifestyle elements into a personalized service care approach: physical activity, healthy nutrition, social interaction and emotional well-being. The first component focuses on physical activity. Active seniors will be healthier and happier as they age. Seniors who are able should be taking regular walks, gardening or even doing light housework. If the senior can attend classes, tai chi is

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ABOVE Lisa Cales, caregiver, and Marilyn Matia

a wonderful form of low-impact, weight bearing exercise for flexibility and fitness. Physical activities will generally help to maintain muscle mass and support cognitive functioning. The second component at Home Care Assistance is a healthy diet high in fiber and low-fat proteins with plenty of fresh fruits, vegetables, calcium and omega-3 foods along with hydrating tea and water. Our caregivers encourage healthy eating by preparing nutritious meals and observing individual dietary preferences and restrictions. Scott adds, “In addition to our service philosophy, we also believe in community education and have published informative and instructive booklets on a variety of aging-related topics. Two of these books include our Super Smoothies and A Healthy Twist on Classic Favorites.” Studies conclude social isolation is a growing problem as we age. The third

ABOVE MIDDLE L-R Scott Michaels and Stevie Hatala

component emphasizes continuing social activities based on a senior’s prior life experiences. These may include academic, professional, community and professional interests. This leads into the last component. Everyone, especially seniors, needs to foster and maintain a healthy mental and emotional well-being — a sense of purpose about life. Staying involved in their preferred places of worship and clubs, contributing time to their community or volunteer organizations, setting goals, and planning future events — all contribute to a sense of purpose. Caregivers also help by providing guaranteed companionship and partnership for activities resulting in seniors enjoying and maintaining their independence and quality of life. At Home Care Assistance, Scott Michaels, Stephanie (Stevie) Hatala, client care manager, and their staff are

trained in the Balanced Care Method which emphasizes a comprehensive and holistic approach to services. Their mission is to change the way the world ages and they would be pleased to discuss your individual and family’s service needs. Janie Smith, the daughter of one of their clients states, “It’s a compassionate service. They really show they care.” Please call Scott Michaels to schedule a free assessment. If you’d like to read about the Balanced Care Method, stop by to say hello and ask for a copy of Happy to 102: The Best Kept Secrets to a Long and Happy Life. You can reach Scott at 440.332.0170. Home Care Assistance 33790 Bainbridge Road, Solon 440.332.0170 smichaels@homecareassistance.com HomeCareAssistanceCleveland.com

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HOW

SWEET IT IS

By Mike Tory, The Wine Guy

Nothing tickles a wine loverâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s fancy more than the opportunity to enjoy the deep subtleties and fortified fruits of a perfect port or dessert wine, and there is no better time to enjoy these than in the cosiness of warm company on a cold night â&#x20AC;&#x201D; preferably after a fine feast and in front of a warm fire!

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The Wine Guy’s observations have been featured in Wine Spectator, Food & Wine Magazine, a variety of Sunday supplements and various blogs. He is fully committed to the grape cause.

LIVING SKY WINERY JULIETT CHERRY PORT (SASKATCHEWAN): Strong but elegant. The succulent flavor from the Saskatchewan cherries holds on the palate, while the finish leaves you dreaming of candied fruits and warm fires.

DAUPHIN DE GIRAUD (FRANCE): A classic example of French dessert wine, where ‘Botrytis’ is allowed to affect the grapes before picking. Deeply golden, quince, pear and orange flavors mingle with spiced orange treacle. Clove and cinnamon lingers.

GRAHAM’S 20 YEAR OLD TAWNY PORT (PORTUGAL): Tawny ports are made from red grapes aged in wooden barrels, exposing them to gradual oxidation and evaporation. As a result, they gradually mellow to a goldenbrown color with a nutty flavor and a medium sweetness drawn from the oak casks. Like all good things, tawny ports will improve with age.

CHOCOLATE FONDANT

BAKED APPLE WITH CINNAMON AND CRÈME FRAÎCHE

FLAPPER PIE

The secret is in the timing: don’t guess! 9 tbsp. unsalted butter, plus extra for greasing 1 tbsp. pure cocoa powder, plus extra for dusting 5 oz. dark chocolate, broken into pieces 1/2 cup caster sugar 3 small eggs 3 small egg yolks 1 cup plain flour, sifted 4 3/4 cup oven-proof molds Preheat oven to 390°F. Thoroughly grease molds and dust lightly with extra cocoa powder. Melt butter and chocolate in a bowl over a bain-marie. In a large bowl, beat together sugar, eggs and egg yolks until light and pale. Pour melted butter and chocolate over egg mix. Fold in sifted flour and cocoa. Pour the mixture into the prepared molds and bake for 8 minutes. When the outside is crisp, loosen with a knife and carefully turn onto serving plates. The center should be soft and gorgeously gooey! Serve with crème fraîche or vanilla ice cream.

A prairie classic, just like grandmother’s! Crust:

The best apples for baking at this time of year will be the biggest ones you can find in the stores. apples brown sugar maple sugar cinnamon crème fraîche Dig into the top of the apple with a teaspoon until about half way down, then fill with brown sugar and maple syrup. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Top with crème fraîche and a sprinkle with cinnamon.

10 graham wafers, crushed 8 soda biscuits, crushed 1 tbsp. sugar 1/2 cup butter Combine graham wafers, soda biscuits, sugar and butter. Set aside 1 cup for topping. Pat crumbs in a 9-inch pie plate and bake at 350°F for 5 minutes. Set aside to cool. Cream ﬁlling: 2 cups milk 1 tbsp. cornstarch 1/2 cup sugar 3 eggs, split yolks and whites 1/2 tbsp. vanilla extract 6 tbsp. sugar Pour milk into a heavy saucepan. Mix cornstarch and sugar. Stir into milk. Add slightly beaten egg yolk and vanilla. Cook, stirring constantly until the mixture boils and thickens. Pour into pie crust. Let cool. Beat egg whites, gradually adding sugar until peaks are formed. Pile gently onto cooled pie. Spread to edges, and swirl whites for an attractive finish. Sprinkle with remaining cracker crumbs and bake at 350°F until peaks are lightly browned.

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THROUGH APRIL 19 Mammoths and Mastodons: Titans of the Ice Age Cleveland Museum of Natural History

events CLEVELAND

WINTER 2015

JANUARY 31 - MARCH 8 Orchid Mania Cleveland Botanical Garden JANUARY 31 DANCECleveland: Pilobolus Playhouse Square FEBRUARY 3-15 Pippin Playhouse Square FEBRUARY 21 Brahms Piano Concerto No. 1 The Cleveland Orchestra Severance Hall FEBRUARY 27 - MARCH 22 The Pianist of Willesden Lane Cleveland Playhouse FEBRUARY 20 - MARCH 1 Chicago: Presented by Beck Center Teen Theater Beck Center for the Arts FEBRUARY 22 - MAY 31 Senufo: Art & Identity in West Africa Cleveland Museum of Art MARCH 18-29 The Cleveland International Film Festival Tower City Cinemas & various other venues APRIL 1 Alt-J Playhouse Square APRIL 2 Cleveland Cavaliers vs. Miami Heat Quicken Loans Arena

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BOOK Review BY PATTI LONDON

Cleveland’s Storyteller Cleveland in the Gilded Age: A Stroll Down Millionaire’s Row by Dan Ruminski and Alan Dutka

torytelling has been an art form for millenia thanks to widespread illiteracy before the advent of the printing press. It remains an art form thanks to practitioners like Dan Ruminski. Dan tells stories about Cleveland’s past to schools, clubs and library groups over 90 times each year. Luckily, Dan writes as engagingly as he speaks on the subject of Cleveland’s history. With Alan Dutka, Dan published Cleveland in the Gilded Age: A Stroll Down Millionaire’s Row in 2012. A former school teacher, Dan fell into the storytelling business by chance. After being well received by audiences interested in Cleveland’s history, Dan has developed a mission to guide him in his oral and written storytelling. Dan’s dual-purpose mission is to revive Cleveland’s stories to bolster the pride of Clevelanders in their city and to engage the interest of those outside of Cleveland in tales of innovation and success, which are good to know no matter where they take place. Cleveland in the Gilded Age furthers Dan’s mission on both counts. How could Clevelanders fail to feel a sense of wonder when they learn that in 1885 half of all the millionaires in the world lived in Cleveland? Of the 68 wealthiest Americans in 1892, 53 lived on Euclid Avenue. These facts are from just the first pages of chapter one. The names of these individuals are familiar to anyone who has strolled through Lake View Cemetery or read the names chiseled into the stone façades of our landmarks: Rockefeller, Hanna, Mather, Stone and Wade.

At the close of the 19th century and beginning of the 20th, Cleveland families were starting oil companies, mining iron ore, building ships and railroads and telegraph networks. The wealth generated by their success was exhibited along Euclid Avenue’s Millionaire’s Row. That so few of these residences remain is surprising, considering the solidity of the construction. The advent of the automobile hastened the relocation further east of many of Euclid Avenue’s residents and the street gradually became a commercial thoroughfare. Dan’s book contains many photographs and drawings of the mansions as they existed in their prime, courtesy of the collections of the Cleveland Press and Cleveland State University. The period of Cleveland’s economic heyday was relatively short, seeming to end with the Great Depression. The long-term consequences of the wealth generated during that short time, however, are experienced daily in Cleveland. To cite only one example: because Francis Drury manufactured a large number of kerosene stoves, we get to attend a world-renowned theater, the Cleveland Playhouse. Drury also helped establish the Cleveland Music School Settlement and financially supported the Cleveland Orchestra, Case Institute of Technology and Western Reserve University. Thanks to the Cleveland Clinic, Drury’s Euclid Avenue mansion remains standing on East 86th today. Dan Ruminski’s stories, nicely collected in this slim volume, explain the origin of many of Cleveland’s institutions. But behind every recognizable establishment are our forebears, each with an idea, an angle or a fortuitous meeting with someone who had an idea or an angle. These are the stories which gathered together make our common history. If you haven’t had a chance to hear Dan tell these stories from his big chair, then get comfortable in front of a fire with Cleveland in the Gilded Age. You won’t see the same city the next time you head down Euclid Avenue.

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New York CitYâ&#x20AC;&#x201D;

Just Go! By Patti London Photos Marc London

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here are not enough pages in this issue to list the extensive calendar of activities and festivities in NYC. Here’s a quick sampling of our favorite places and a couple of items still on our to-do list to get you started. But don’t over-schedule your trip. Once you’re there, make time to wander and explore. Then let us know what you find.

the amazing view. You could also just fly. We try to balance our days in the city between food, art, Broadway and shopping. So, essentially we eat a lot, but walk it all off.

Hotels in the city are not inexpensive and you probably won’t spend much time in the hotel anyway. We’ve stayed in the Herald Square Hotel, located in a wonderfully central neighborhood for traveling uptown and downtown in Manhattan. The rooms are tastefully art deco but quite small, for about $300 a night for two people. Airbnb gives you many options, from an artist loft in Brooklyn to a hip one-bedroom in East Harlem, and everything in between. Stay somewhere with a doorman for the fullon NYC experience.

We’ll try some upscale dining in the city (Candle 79 was sublime), but the most amazing food can be found in the smallest neighborhood joints. Try BarBossa on Elizabeth St, not far from Russ & Daughters on East Houston. Or stop by Tavern 29 on 29th Street for gourmet pub food. We found both of these places while in wandering mode (see recommendation above). For our bourbon-loving friends, please visit Maysville on West 26th. Good luck trying to choose from their massive menu of bourbons. And thank you, Warren, for letting us have a sip of your Old Pappy Van Winkle. We also understand New York City Beer Week is February 20 through March 1.

On our last trip, we drove from our lake house in Chautauqua, New York, to Poughkeepsie. We parked the car and took the Metro-North Railroad’s Hudson Line into Grand Central Station, admiring

Work off your creamed herring from that institution of smoked fish, Russ & Daughters, at the museums. It would take a week to see everything in the Metropolitan Museum of Art, and that’s

Maybe you wanted a week on a beach this winter, but you only have a few days to spare for a getaway. No worries. Recharge your batteries in the energyimbued air of New York City. LEFT © Rabbit75 | Dreamstime.com - New York City Manhattan Times Square Photo ABOVE Russ & Daughters.

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walking at a good pace. If you love the Cleveland Museum of Art’s armor exhibit, you must check out the armor at the Met. The Egyptian collection is so expansive it feels overwhelming, so don’t try to take in everything at once. A temporary Cubism exhibit is showing until February 16. On our must-see list for our next visit is the controversial exhibit at the Museum of the City of New York at 1220 Fifth Ave, running from February 4 to August 24: “City as Canvas: New York City Graffiti from the Martin Wong Collection.” Not everyone believes graffiti is art. Some consider it vandalism and subject to criminal prosecution. For a suggested admission cost of $14, check out a Keith Haring and decide for yourself. On our next visit, we’re definitely scheduling time for the Lower East Side Tenement Museum, depicting immigrant life between 1869 and 1935. The guided tours begin at 103 Orchard Street and lead visitors through restored apartments and businesses from different time periods. We can’t imagine a better way to experience history and the American immigrant experience. At the turn of the 20th century, the Lower East Side was the most densely populated place on the planet. At the Tenement Museum you can visit the Rogarshevskys’ Sabbath table, the Levine family’s garment workshop, the saloon of John and Caroline Schneider, and the Baldizzi and Gumpertz families’ depression-era residences. I think we’ll see NYC with new eyes after this museum tour. A trip to the city is incomplete without a show. We stood in a fast-moving line in Times Square for theater tickets last year and got incredibly lucky to see After Midnight, nominated for seven Tony Awards in 2014. This season’s standout

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shows are Elephant Man with Bradley Cooper in a limited engagement until February 15 and Jake Gyllenhaal’s Broadway debut in Constellations, opening on January 13. You probably won’t find discount tickets to these shows at the Times Square kiosk. It’s a lovely time of year for the beach, but as soon as this issue of Fine Lifestyles goes to print, we’re going back to recharge — and eat — in NYC. ABOVE The Met Museum LOWER The Lower East Side Tenement Museum, a national historic site devoted to the immigrant experience in New York City. © Bigapplestock | Dreamstime.com Tenement Museum Photo

Winter Weather

MEANS FAMILY FUN By Dylan YĂŠpez Photos courtesy Holiday Valley

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quick three hour drive from Cleveland brings you to Ellicottville, a quiet village in western New York, home to Holiday Valley Resort. Holiday Valley, New York’s most popular ski resort, began as four slopes and a T-bar 57 years ago. It since has evolved into a full-service winter getaway which includes 58 slopes and trails and spans four mountain faces. Over the last 20 years, the resort has reinvested more than $124 million in improvements, making it a year-round recreation destination. Readers of SKI Magazine recently ranked Holiday Valley the fifth best resort in eastern North America for the second year in a row. But Holiday Valley is much more than a ski resort — it’s a fun and relaxing escape with activities for the whole family. Ellicottville is a small, family-oriented village where you can take a break from urban distractions and work. “The nice thing out here is that you actually can spend time with your family,” says Jane Eshbaugh, marketing director for Holiday Valley.

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From ski rentals and lessons to firstclass lodging and slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, Holiday Valley has everything for your winter getaway. If you plan to bring little ones, there’s no shortage of fun for them. The fullservice daycare center runs all week. You can combine daycare services with ski lessons for children as young as three and be assured they are in qualified and caring hands. Instructors visit the daycare center to get the children clothed in their ski outfits, take them to their lessons, and bring them back to the daycare afterward. “It’s a wonderful service, and the kids have fun and make friends,” Jane says. “They have their lesson and then go back in and play with their new friends.” Small snowboarders will love the Riglet Park. Sponsored by Burton, the park provides teaching terrain for young riders, who receive one-on-one training from Holiday Valley’s experienced snowboarding instructors. “They have a great time and they learn the skills through experience,” Jane explains. “It’s a very exciting and fun way to learn.”

Holiday Valley also has plenty of fun and challenging runs for more experienced skiers and snowboarders. The resort offers 23 black diamonds, as well as a nearly vertical double black diamond, the Wall. The woods also are open for skiing and snowboarding, if you’re looking for an extra challenge. Holiday Valley is excited to announce $3.7 million in resort improvements for the 2014-15 season. As a result, several slopes have been widened and improved to ease congestion and improve travel around the mountain. In addition to the 161 automated snowguns installed over the past several years, vastly improving the quality and quantity of the manmade snow, they have installed an additional 54 guns on Snowledge, the Wall, Morning Star and Crystal runs. The automation technology increases efficiency and energy savings by adjusting automatically for air temperature and humidity, while providing the best quality manmade snow. A large turbo fan “cannon” style gun has been installed at the Tubing Park. The whole family will enjoy tubing at the Holiday Valley Tubing Company, located

just four miles away from the resort, with a free shuttle running every hour. They can warm up at the outdoor bonfire pit, as well. “Tubing is a great family activity because it requires no skill or athletic ability,” Jane says. “It’s just fun!” After a day on the slopes, parents can unwind in the Falling Waters Spa, conveniently located in the Tamarack Club. The full-service spa offers a variety of massages as well as the gamut of other essential spa services. The Inn at Holiday Valley will see renovations in its guest rooms and lobby, thanks to the reinvestment fund, as well. The Inn and the Tamarack Club provide ski-in/ski-out lodging with heated indooroutdoor pools, outdoor hot tubs, saunas, Wi-Fi, private conference rooms and numerous other amenities. For those interested in making Holiday Valley their second home, Holiday Valley Real Estate has stunning properties for sale on the slopes, nearby and in the village of Ellicottville. When you aren’t using that vacation property, the agency will help you lease to other families, managing the listing of your rental and arranging for the after-lease housekeeping. Holiday Valley is located just three hours from Cleveland, at 6557 Holiday Valley Road in Ellicottville, New York. Call 716.699.2345 or email info@ holidayvalley.com with any questions, and visit holidayvalley.com for photos, videos, maps, and a variety of other information about the resort. “Like” Holiday Valley Resort on Facebook, and follow @holidayvalley on Twitter for frequent updates. Holiday Valley 6557 Holiday Valley Road Ellicottville, NY 716.699.2345 info@holidayvalley.com holidayvalley.com @holidayvalley Holiday Valley Resort

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Find a Little Love for Our Furry Friends By Patti London Photos Aaron Leyser and courtesy PAWS Ohio

t can be overwhelming to learn of local and national, not to mention global, news events which detail the suffering of others. Especially poignant are stories of neglected or abused animals. One way to cope with the frustration and empathy we naturally feel is to do something about it. Organizations like the Public Animal Welfare Society, PAWS Ohio, are making a difference every day in the lives of animals in northeast Ohio. PAWS Ohio has been rescuing cats and dogs since 1976. Permanent adoption placement occurs after a period of foster care where each animal’s health is carefully assessed and addressed

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with the appropriate medical treatment, including spaying and neutering. Amy Beichler, executive director of PAWS Ohio since 2004, began her association with the rescue organization by fostering a mother cat and her kittens. After several years of volunteering, the Board of Trustees asked Amy to fill the executive director’s position. Amy has been rescuing animals since she was a young child, so she’s found the perfect place to follow her passion. Amy currently oversees the two associate directors in charge of cats and dogs, foster home coordinators, a transportation coordinator, all volunteers, PAWS fund

raisers and special adoption events at PetSmart — one of their corporate sponsors. The volunteer opportunities at PAWS run the gamut, from answering the hotline from one’s home, to transporting the animals to their vet appointments, to serving on the PAWS Ohio board of directors, to fostering the rescued cats and dogs. The fostering aspect of the adoption process is particularly important. In the foster home, animals are given a safe space to heal from being spayed or neutered and to receive any other medical care they require. Equally important for future placement, the foster family learns the animal’s personality and behaviors so

the adoptive family can be matched for optimum compatibility. Amy is particularly proud of the PAWS volunteers and coordinators who contribute to PAWS’ operation with such warmth and compassion. Besides the everyday rescues, PAWS has accomplished larger scale projects, such as spaying and neutering 1400 cats in less than 18 months in a Cleveland neighborhood which had been hit hard by foreclosures. After Hurricane Katrina, Amy and some PAWS volunteers, along with a veterinarian and dog trainer, drove to Louisiana to help in their animal rescue. They brought back 19 dogs and 8 cats, and all were placed in good homes. PAWS exerts a state-wide influence by educating voters on laws which affect our animal population. PAWS is currently supporting Ohio House Bill 274, known as Goddard’s Law after rescue advocate and Fox News weatherman, Dick Goddard. This animal cruelty bill passed the Ohio House of Representatives in December 2013, but is waiting for Ohio Senate approval. If passed, HB 274 will bring Ohio in line with many other states by enhancing animal cruelty from a misdemeanor with little or no jail time to a fifth degree felony, carrying six months to a year in prison. The bill would make the torture — injuring or killing of a companion animal or depriving it of water, food or shelter — a criminal act. Volunteering for PAWS can be as big or small of a commitment as you’re willing to make. Contact PAWS through their website or Facebook page and change the world for these furry beings, one act of kindness at a time. PAWS Ohio 440.442.PAWS (7297) pawsohio.org OPPOSITE PAGE L-R Laura Weil (associate director of cats), Amy Beichler (executive director), Jane McKrosky (associate director of dogs) FineLifestyles

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COVER STORY

Soak and

Swim Year Round for

Optimal Fitness By Patti London Photos Vincent Gorman & Aaron Leyser

erhaps you dream of athletic prowess. Maybe you’re seeking mental and physical relaxation and calm. Or you might aspire to full recovery from surgery or relief from chronic pain. Whatever your goal, a hot tub or swim spa from Best Buy Pools & Spas will help get you there. Best Buy Pools & Spas, owned by Ted Dellas, who has decades of experience in the spa industry, is the local distributor of the Master Spas line of hot tubs and swim spas. Master Spas, based in Indiana, has manufactured its products exclusively in the United States for 35 years. The quality of hot tubs and spas can vary widely so it’s wise to do your research before such a significant purchase. For instance, Consumers Digest has repeatedly recognized the Master Spas model LSX800 as a “Best Buy” in the premium spa category. The Master Spas Legend Series, which includes the LSX800 model, is named after the legendary swimmer, Michael

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Phelps. Michael and his coach, Bob Bowman, have worked with Master Spas to provide input on the most advanced swim spa developed on the market. A rewarding relationship has developed between Master Spas and Phelps ever since. He and his coach, Bob Bowman, have contributed significantly to the product design and development and are proud to be partnered with Master Spas. The Legend Series of hot tubs is comprised of three models which seat from four to eight people in specially designed ergonomic seats. The strategically placed jets deliver the ultimate hydrothermal therapy from your head to your toes. A 14 nozzle foot therapy system aims Master Blaster jets at strategic points of the feet to deliver relief to the pressure points which affect the entire body. Each of the spa’s jets are fully customizable and can be adjusted from 10 to 100 percent velocity. Sound is an essential element of relaxation. The Legend Series reduces the pump and motor noise by 150% of the industry standard, while delivering the soothing

sounds of a BlueTooth music system with a docking station, premium speakers and a water resistant remote control. The Michael Phelps Legend Series takes the cleanliness of the water seriously. While reducing the amount of chemicals consumed by the tubs, the Mast3rPur Water Management System uses natural sanitizers to kill pathogens and microorganisms and remove heavy metals and chloramines. This process leave the water clear, fresh smelling and with a silky feel. The unique insulation system maintains energy efficiency while preventing cold spots, condensation, mold and mildew. The manufacturing process of Master Spas, including their insulation installation, can be seen on television’s Science Channel, on the “How It’s Made” series. Best Buy Pools & Spas’ Ted Dellas has installed many hot tubs during his years of experience in this industry. He has noticed that people really enjoy their hot tubs, but

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COVER STORY

ABOVE Michael Phelps

they love their swim spas. Ted proudly carries the Master Spas series of swim spas which are used by one who knows swimming, Michael Phelps. But, like the Master Spas commercial slogan says, “You don’t have to be Michael Phelps to train like Michael Phelps.” The technology of swim spas has developed to give the swimmer a superior swimming experience. The Wave Propulsion Technology employed by Master Spas is not a set of jets aimed at the swimmer to simulate a rushing current. The Technology uses a propeller to create a wide, deep, smooth current producing the resistance necessary for efficient aquatic exercise. You can jog in place against a gentle current, use an optional kickboard, or the H2Xercise System, which includes a rowing kit, resistance bands, aquatic dumbbells and ankle fins and comes standard on all models. With the current off, you can experience the benefits of resistance training and range of motion exercises. A stainless steel grab bar at the end of the swim spa provides stability for your at-home workout. To facilitate the swim spa user’s fitness Master Spas has partnered with Dr. Rick McAvoy, Aquatic Physical Therapy

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Specialist, to develop exercise regimes to fit all goals. “Whether your goal is to improve flexibility, balance, coordination, your level of fitness or incorporate aquatic cross training into your existing fitness program, Master Spas swim spas are the perfect aquatic machine,” according to Dr. McAvoy. The swim spas come in six different models in a range of sizes. Some accommodate a hot tub at one end of the swim spa, separated by an acrylic wall to allow for warm water in the hot tub and cooler water in the portion used for exercise. All swim spa models are fully adjustable to allow current flow for all levels of fitness. Ted Dellas has helped swim spa customers with a wide range of needs, from serious swimmers to those suffering from chronic illness. The therapeutic benefits of aquatic exercise has helped those living with multiple sclerosis, diabetes, and arthritis. Ted’s relationship with his customers is ongoing. If they need to leave for the winter, he provides maintenance services to allow for that. If customers move and want to take the swim spa with them, he

can assist with those arrangements. Ted maintains email contact with many of his customers so he’s able to answer any questions they might have. Best Buy Pools & Spas installs swim spas and hot tubs both inside the home and outside. Ted will work with landscapers and contractors to make sure the installation and surrounding construction proceed seamlessly. Rose and Barry Greenfield built an addition to their home to enclose their swim spa. Ted worked with the contractor, providing him with all of the plumbing and electrical requirements during the planning stage. When the Greenfields needed to decide whether to sink the swim spa or to place it on a slab, Ted worked with them and the contractor so they could make an informed decision.

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COVER STORY

LEFT Rose and Barry Greenfield BELOW Ted Dellas

Rose and Barry have had their swim spa for just over a year. Their swim spa has both a hot tub and swim portion, partitioned by the acrylic wall. Rose says they enjoy the hot tub portion nearly daily and use the swim section two to three times per week.

“It’s total body and mind relaxation for me,” Rose says of her swim spa. Rose appreciates the way the swim spa integrates into their fitness regimen. While they also use weights and an elliptical and treadmill at home, the swim spa is a great way to incorporate cardio and resistance training without the added stress on the joints. Besides swimming, Rose likes to jog against the swim spa current and use exercise bands and rowing bars for a strengthening upper body workout. Barry says they purchased the swim spa originally because he had recently had several back surgeries and thought the swim spa would aid significantly in his recovery. “I did a lot of research online before making this purchase,” Barry recalls. “Ted is the main reason we ended up with the Master Spa. Before we even bought the swim spa, he was meeting us at our home to discuss the accompanying construction and installation specifications.” Rose appreciates that Ted has maintained a rapport with them since the initial purchase and installation of their swim spa. She says, “Ted is very conscientious. He’s always been available in case we had questions or any concerns.” At one point there seemed to be a problem with the spa’s operation. Ted came over immediately, determined the problem stemmed from the electrical installation, then called the electrician. Barry echoes Rose’s high opinion of Ted’s customer service standards: “Ted’s good people.” Contact Ted at 877.493.5570 if you think a hot tub or swim spa could help you meet your health and fitness goals for 2015. Visit the showroom at 731 Beta Drive in Mayfield Village. Best Buy Pools & Spas 731 Beta Drive, Mayfield Village 877.493.5570 bestbuypoolsandspas.com

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C us t om Wi n e R a c k S y s t e m s AND C OM PL ET E C E L L AR E NV IRO NM E NT

Design and Construction • Cellar Construction • Racking Systems

• Cooling Systems • Trim / Moulding

440.708.2424 | WINECELLARTECH.COM FineLifestyles

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ABOVE Samantha Mastantuano and Joe Lorello, managers BOTTOM RIGHT Mike Douglas, technician.

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Don’t Wait for Your Garage Door to Break —

Call for an Inspection By Dylan Yépez Photos Aaron Leyser and courtesy Action Door

hen your kid gets sick, you call the doctor. When your garage door breaks, you call Action Door. With 70 trucks on the road daily and a 24-hour service department that runs 365 days per year, Action Door is the largest and most reliable garage door company in Northeast Ohio.

maintenance of your garage door. “If the safety devices aren’t working properly, there’s a potential that the door could damage property or even people,” Joe explains. Routine maintenance doesn’t cover just the safety devices, but every component of the garage doors, such as its springs, cables, drums, hinges and hardware.

Action Door guarantees only the highest quality of garage-door service, including routine inspections and maintenance. Their accreditation through the Institute of Door Dealer Education and Accreditation (IDEA) affirms Action Door’s technicians are tested and certified in overhead door service and installation. “Our technicians are tested and approved to be working on whatever equipment they are servicing at your house,” assures Action Door manager Joe Lorello.

Considering purchasing a new garage door? Action Door offers a variety of colors, styles and windows from which to choose — the most popular being the jack shaft operator which is installed on the side of the garage and not along the top of the ceiling. This style allows for more room above the car and also presents a clean, open look in comparison to the typical overhead garage door operator.

The same standard applies to Action Door’s work beyond its residential jobs. “We are also the most dominant player commercially in Northeast Ohio. Whether it’s new construction or retrofit, Action Door installs doors at schools, fire stations, hospitals and large-scale industrial sites,” Joe adds. As Northeast Ohio’s most trusted name in garage door installation and maintenance for the past 45 years, Action Door installs only high-quality garage doors that safeguard against many potential dangers associated with them, such as crushing objects beneath them as they close. Nevertheless, as the largest moving object in your home, the garage door may pose many dangers if not routinely inspected. Consider photo eyes, for example. These are laser sensors positioned along the bottom of garage doors that detect objects beneath the doors. When functioning properly, photo eyes cause the door to automatically stop and go back up the instant something (or someone) breaks the beams. Action Door recommends annual inspections and

With a stylish and properly functioning garage door, you can also enjoy the many high-tech gadgets Action Door has to offer. For instance, do you forget to close the garage door? No problem — you can operate your door from anywhere with your iPhone. And, if you’re the type who frequently runs into the back of the garage as you pull in, laser parking assistance might be for you. With this, the motor operator lets you know when to stop. Not sure if you closed your door at night? The garage door monitor sits on your nightstand and lights up if your door is still open. A button on the monitor can be pressed to shut the door as well. Check out the workable doors and motor operators at Action Door’s showroom at 201 East Granger Road, right off of 480, in Brooklyn Heights. Visit action-door.com for more information. Email joe@actiondoor.com with questions. Call for more information or to schedule a free in-home estimate today. Action Door 201 East Granger Road Brooklyn Heights 216.739.DOOR (3667) dino@action-door.com www.action-door.com

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Partners in

ProPerty Marketing By Cindy Spitz Photos Vincent Gorman

et’s face it — buying and selling a home can be one of life’s most stressful events. But it doesn’t have to be. What if your real estate agent had a thorough knowledge of building materials, was accessible to you 24 hours a day and worked harder than any other agent in town? Multiply that by two and you’ll find the team of Karen and Mike Helffrich.

in 2009, the pair eventually joined the Pepper Pike office of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services and never looked back. Since then they have consistently been one of the top producers in the area (top 1 percent) and the country (top 5 percent). They have won numerous awards, including the National Sales Excellence Award and the Quality Service Award for three years running.

The two took the real estate field by storm at one of the worst times for the industry. Starting out as the market bottomed out

Talk to Karen and you’re immediately captivated by her sheer energy and total commitment to her clients. “There is never

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a time I don’t respond to my customers,” says Karen. “I will answer a call any time of the day or night and will return a text within 30 seconds. I want every client to feel like they’re my only client.” In addition to their unwavering client-first approach, the Helffrichs offer their clients a real plus — a thorough knowledge of building products. Karen sold building products for 25 years and Mike brokered building materials for new home construction builders. “We’re able to remove a lot of the anxiety a prospective

home buyer feels when walking through a home,” says Karen. “Because of our industry experience, we can easily offer advice on a home’s structural soundness as we examine walls, doors, windows, molding and even hardware.” In fact, a very satisfied client said that even after the sale, Karen provided quality referrals for fencing, siding, flooring and plumbing. The Helffrichs bring different skills to the table that complement one another and produce outstanding results for their clients. Karen, who is outgoing and has a natural interest in people, does the listings and showings, while Mike takes a client from the inspection through the closing. Occasionally, Mike works on the front end in more complex situations that arise in rural areas, such as septic systems and wells. The Helffrichs work with buyers and sellers in a wide area including Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage, Geauga and Lake Counties. With five grown children and a houseful of pets, Karen and Mike have found a work-life balance that works for them. “I’m in constant action,” laughs Karen. “It works for us and it benefits our clients. We would never be doing the volume we are doing if we weren’t a team.” In the last two years, the duo has sold nearly 200 homes with a combined sales volume of approximately $40 million. “I believe our success comes from truly understanding what our clients want,” says Karen. “We work as hard as we do because we are passionate about achieving results for them. In return, our clients get two people who understand the business and provide exceptional client service.”

TheHelffrichGroup.com To see reviews of past and present clients, see http://www.zillow.com/profile/Karen-Helffrich/ Reviews?my=y Karen & Mike Helffrich, Realtors ABR, CNE Howard Hanna - Pepper Pike Office National Sales Excellence Award Top 3% Company Producer Top 1% Quality Service Award OAR Presidents Club Award of Excellence 3550 Lander Rd. Pepper Pike Karen: 216.789.7599 or khelffrich@gmail.com Mike: 216.469.2800 mhelffrich@gmail.com

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The

A, B, Cs

of New Home Design By Meg Pauken Photos Vincent Gorman & Courtesy of J. Hershey Architecture

the site. J. Hershey Architecture has a thorough understanding of construction costs, so that early in the planning phase, our clients have a good sense of what their budget will allow.”

The reason for that is simple, says Hershey. “An architect is uniquely qualified to perform a site analysis, determine what can and cannot be done and help with locating the home on

He advises, “We can help you put your entire design team together, so your vision is translated seamlessly from the structure of your interior and exterior spaces, to interior design and landscape design.”

or the best possible outcome when building a home, “Choose your architect before you choose your builder,” says John Hershey, owner of J. Hershey Architecture in Chagrin Falls.

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As a full-service architecture firm, J. Hershey Architecture has the ability to work within a variety of budgets, making design choices accordingly. It is invaluable to have an architect involved in the bidding process, for example, because the architect can make sure potential contractors have included all the necessary details in their cost estimates. This helps to avoid unpleasant surprises during the construction phase of a project.

“I hate to see change orders for things that weren’t factored in. Our documents are very detailed to ensure nothing is overlooked,” says Hershey. J. Hershey Architecture is known for including high levels of detail in its designs, with a commitment to excellent quality. John Hershey is LEED certified, so he is adept at incorporating energyefficient features and technologies into the homes he designs. Unlike some architects, “We are not wedded to a particular architectural style,” says Hershey. “We listen to our clients and translate their vision into reality. We can do very modern or very traditional. Our emphasis is on excellent design, proportion and details.” All of J. Hershey Architecture’s designs are custom. None of the designs are reproduced and the firm does not work with large-scale production builders, but rather designs to fit each client’s individual needs and desires. “We have designed homes from 3,500 square feet to 15,000 square feet,

from waterfront to rural to ‘in town’,” says Hershey. Although J. Hershey Architecture does not ally itself with any particular builder, it can recommend good builders and other trades, such as interior designers and landscape architects for its clients. John Hershey started J. Hershey Architecture after many years working with Chicago area firms that specialized in high-end custom homes, including his own which he sold in 2005. Hershey’s original office in Libertyville, IL has now been expanded with the opening of his Chagrin Falls office in early 2014. He has already received contracts on a number of local residential projects and is enthusiastic about growing within the northeast Ohio community. Visit our website for more information or call us today to schedule a consultation. J. Hershey Architecture 147 Bell Street, Chagrin Falls 440.394.8242 jhersheyarchitecture.com

John Hershey (owner, J. Hershey Architecture in Chagrin Falls) FineLifestyles

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Consider Replacing Your

Hot Water Tank — Soon By Dylan Yépez Photos Vincent Gorman and courtesy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing

enjamin Franklin Plumbing is a full-service plumbing company that has serviced the Northeast Ohio area for more than four decades. Its experienced technicians can install a new hot water heater in your home before the new regulations going into effect in 2015 make that piece of equipment much costlier than it is now. “Rules are changing in 2015 for any electric or gas heater over 55 gallons,” advises Mike Kobella, plumbing operations manager at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “Any gas heater manufactured after the regulations go into effect will have to be condensing, which has an energy efficiency of 90 percent or

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higher. The energy efficiency standard is currently 80 percent. For electric water heaters, they will need to utilize heat pump technology.” Mike notes these newer technologies will significantly increase the cost of the water tanks for consumers. When replacing hot water heaters, the tankless water heater option is going to look better once the price of the gas and electric tanks increases. Just the cost of the tankless unit was four to five times higher than older tank heaters. Installation of the tankless unit requires a different set up to the gas, water and flue piping, so that is an additional cost. The real benefit of the tankless heater is its extremely

light carbon footprint. It also will not run out of hot water, under normal usage. For instance, if three showers were running in your home simultaneously, you would be using about 7.5 gallons per minute. The tankless heater’s hot water output is about five to eight gallons per minute; therefore, that would be the upper limit of a tankless heater. An additional benefit is the reduced amount of space a tankless heater would take up compared to a standard water heater. Mike says they will be allowed to install the less costly water heaters in homes until they are no longer available. The regulations will affect the manufacturers’ ability to continue making them beginning in 2015.

CENTER LEFT Andrew Germ CENTER RIGHT Mike Kobella BOTTOM LEFT Dennis Kratochvil BOTTOM RIGHT L-R BACK ROW Leona Kratochvil, Kristin Hasson, Joe Kinkoph FRONT ROW Diane Polakowski, Billie Schuth and seated, Lisa Giles

As you ready your house for the colder months ahead, don’t forget about your water system. When water freezes, it expands. So, if the temperature of your pipes drops below 32 degrees, even for a short period, you run the risk of a pipe fracture or worse. Mike Kobella notes last year from the middle of January through the middle of February, Benjamin Franklin Plumbing technicians were working 18 hour days, replacing burst pipes. Anywhere a draft reaches a pipe, it creates the potential for freezing. To make sure your pipes are protected, close crawl space vents and seal the openings with insulation. Proper overall insulation in your home will help prevent drafts from reaching your pipes. A bathroom or laundry room located adjacent to your attached garage can be particularly vulnerable, so keep the garage door closed to maintain the temperature above freezing. It’s particularly important to know where the main waterline shut-off is before a problem arises. Mike recommends if you turn on a faucet and water is not coming out, leave the faucet open to allow room for expansion which could allow it to thaw on its own. Call Benjamin Franklin Plumbing to find out how they can help you avoid a costly new water heater or prepare for the colder winter months. Visit debordinc.com for more information and to find coupons for a variety of services. When its technicians show up, you’ll see why more than 98 percent of first-time customers return to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for all their future plumbing needs. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing 12043 Mayfield Road, Chardon 440.543.1151 debordinc.com

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Home Electrical Problems You Shouldn’t Ignore By Lisa Floyd-Brown

If you’re like most people, you take your home’s electrical system for granted. You flip a switch, a light turns on. The problem is, you may be ignoring important signs of a potentially hazardous electrical situation.

Photos Vincent Gorman and courtesy Clover Electric

oe Talty, owner of Clover Electric for more than 30 years, has put together a list of some common residential electrical problems and their possible causes.

lights. Running appliances such as an air conditioner, microwave or hair dryer shouldn’t cause flickering or dimming of the lights. If they do, you have a problem that needs to be addressed right away.

CIRCUIT BREAKERS THAT KEEP TRIPPING. This indicates circuits are drawing more current than they can safely provide. It can also mean a dangerous electrical fault on one or more circuits.

B U ZZ I N G SW I TC H E S OR OUTLETS. If electrical outlets or switches make a slight buzzing noise, it could mean there’s loose wiring in the electrical box. Turn off the switch immediately to avoid a fire.

FLICKERING OR DIMMING LIGHTS. This can be caused by a number of things, including damaged wiring. It can also happen if the electrical system in your house is outdated or strained by electrical appliances and

HOT ELECTRICAL OUTLETS OR SWITCH PLATE COVERS. It’s normal for some dimmer switches to feel warm to the touch, however if outlets and switches feel hot to the touch, it indicates

ABOVE L–R Tom Talty, Howard Zucker, Mike Abate, Mike Talty, Jeff Sommer, Georgianne Latcheran, Jill Talty, CFO; Stepha-nie Luck, Lee Gabor, Tom Wutchielt, president, Dan Trexler, Sam Cole

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there’s an electrical wiring problem that should be checked by a licensed electrician as soon as possible.

compliant and safer. If you already have GFCIs, be sure to test them regularly using the reset buttons.

If your home was built more than 20 years ago, there’s a good chance it may not be up to code with the latest electrical safety and convenience features. Here are a few things to consider:

Talty says, “If you experience any of these conditions, it’s critical that you call a qualified electrician to have it taken care of immediately.”

DO YOU HAVE OVERLOADED OUTLETS? If power-strips and plug-in add-ons are tangling up your outlets, your electrical system is likely working beyond its intended capacity. Adding circuits can restore neatness and safety. GET YOUR HOME GROUNDED! Many older homes have outlets without three-prong grounded plugs. This could indicate your electrical wiring system is not fully grounded, and could be a safety problem. WATER HAZARDS. Wet locations such as kitchens, baths and laundry rooms require outlets protected by Ground Fault Circuit Interrupters (GFCIs). Adding GFCIs will make your home code-

Clover Electric has been part of the Northeast Ohio community for more than 30 years. The company provides electrical installations and repairs for both residential and commercial customers. Customers can rest assured any electrical repair in their home will be handled with care and expertise. Visit CloverElectric.com to learn more about electrical safety in your home. Remember, for the safety of you and your home, electrical problems need to be taken care of right away. Peace of mind is just a phone call away at 440.543.1153. Clover Electric 440.543.1153 cloverelectric.com

TOP LEFT Jill Talty BOTTOM LEFT L-R Tom Wutchielt, president; Mike Talty and Howard Zucker TOP RIGHT Mike Talty

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THE CLEVELAND BOTANICAL GARDEN:

YOUR EXOTIC WINTER GETAWAY By Patti London Photos Marc London

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here’s no need to fly south for a respite from Cleveland’s winter. Your escape is waiting in University Circle at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Step inside to the smell of earthy loam and the steamy warmth of a tropical paradise. For a true mini-vacation, time your visit to experience the color explosions of orchids at the Botanical Garden’s annual Orchid Mania, January 31 through March 8. The Cleveland Botanical Garden was founded in 1930 as the Garden Center of Greater Cleveland, the first organization of its kind in the United States. The original site for the Garden Center was on Wade Park Lagoon, in

a converted boathouse. In 1966, the Garden Center moved to its present location on Wade Oval, the site of the old Cleveland Zoo. Remnants of the old bear pit can still be seen in the Ohio Woodland Garden. The name was changed to Cleveland Botanical Garden in 1994. The Eleanor Armstrong Smith Glasshouse opened in July 2003 and includes both a Costa Rican rainforest and the spiny desert of Madagascar. Besides the thousands of orchids of the exhibit, you’ll notice the bright flutter of butterflies and other inhabitants of these ecosystems who live here year-round. The avocado, papaya, coffee and chocolate trees

regularly produce fruit in the Costa Rican side of the Glasshouse. The bird species are so comfortable in their reproduced environment that they build nests and raise their young in the Glasshouse. A walkway built in the forest’s canopy allows for a spectacular view of the garden below and the bright colored birds at eye level. Next door, the desert of Madagascar has been transported 9,000 miles for our education and enjoyment. Its inhabitants include chameleons and radiated tortoises, as well as the largest collection of thorny baobab trees in the United States. Many of the spiny succulents in the desert garden are endangered and unique to the tiny island

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lectures, workshops, t’ai chi, art classes and even cooking demonstrations from Cleveland’s top chefs in the Gourmets in the Garden series.

off the coast of Africa. We are incredibly fortunate to have this world-class collection of plants to experience at any time, but especially during Cleveland’s winter season. The annual orchid exhibition, now in its twelfth year, draws a large audience of orchid fans. Orchid Mania is sporting a Mardi Gras theme this year to evoke a warm, humid New Orleans setting for the exhibit. Important dates to remember during the five-week-long exhibit include the Greater Cleveland Orchid Society Show and Sale during the weekend of February 14-15 and a special sale for Botanical Garden Members only on the last day, Sunday March 8. If you are apprehensive about bringing one of these beauties home, or have questions about orchids already in your collection, you can ask the Orchid Doctor on Saturdays,

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January 31, February 21 and March 7, from 1 to 2 pm. Registration is required for an evening workshop on March 4, where Ann McCulloch, curator of Plant Collections, will help you build an orchid terrarium. The cost is $40 for non-members, but only $25 for members of the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Becoming a member of the Botanical Garden more than pays for itself over the course of a year’s worth of activities. The annual membership fee is $65 for an individual or $75 for a family, with discounts for seniors and the under-30 set. Membership includes free admission, discounts at the gift shop and local garden centers, as well as reduced prices on classes, lectures and workshops. The Garden’s calendar is filled with various

Recognizing the important link between plants and food, the Botanical Garden fosters gardening skills at their five urban farm locations through their Green Corps program. You’ve seen the kids selling their produce at the North Union Farmer’s Market throughout the summer. Last year, 80 students participated in hands-on food production, weeding and watering their way through summer. In 2013, the Green Corps expanded to create a partnership with Cleveland schools called the School Garden Partnership. Over the past two years, raised bed gardens were constructed at FDR School, Miles Park Elementary, E Prep, Campus International School and Mound Elementary. Six more school gardens are planned for this coming year to make gardening an integral part of kids’ education. Further your own education while absorbing the warmth and beauty at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Once you’ve experienced Orchid Mania and perused the upcoming events on the Garden’s calendar, you’ll want to become a member and visit throughout the year. Cleveland Botanical Garden 11030 East Boulevard, Cleveland 216.721.1600 cbgarden.org

DISTINCTIVE HOME FURNISHINGS, LINEN AND GIFTWARE — in Lakewood By Cindy Spitz Photos Aaron Leyser

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magine a place where you can shop among the area’s most distinctive home furnishings and simply cross the street for fine linens, tabletop items and giftware. That place is Lakewood, and owner David Stein has dialed up a winning combination with Plantation Home and its offshoot, Cotton Luxury Appointments. Located in the heart of downtown Lakewood, Plantation Home has been providing customers

with unique home furnishings, gifts and accessories for the past 14 years. You’ll need to throw away your notion of a typical furniture store when you step into the relaxed, inviting ambiance of Plantation Home. You’ll encounter an array of home furnishings and furniture from traditional to contemporary, but that’s where the similarities to other stores end. “I never want to carry what all the other stores have or the best sellers,” says Stein. “Plantation Home customers are going to see furniture that they can’t find anywhere else. We look at what’s big in the mass markets and always stay in front of what’s trending.” An unusually qualified and talented design team sets Plantation Home apart from others. Stein is an interior designer whose considerable career includes 30 years in the design and furniture industry, on projects nation-wide. His team includes educated and trained interior designers with years of customer service experience. “On the interior design side of the business, we offer custom services from floor coverings to fabrics to wall

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coverings,” explains Stein. “We also work directly with interior designers who can bring their clients in with them. I did years of interior design on my own, so I know the struggle designers go through in finding just the right product.” Plantation Home also features a gourmet food department. Just like the furniture, you’ll find exceptional products to buy as gifts or for yourself. “We go to the shows and walk the gourmet aisles,” says Stein. “We sample everything we carry, such as the lavender blueberry jam, gumbo and chutneys. Some people come in just for the food products and all our guests are welcome to sample.” Whether it’s an apartment, new home, renovation or estate, Plantation Home can help you create the feel you want with lovely custom woods, upholstery, art, lighting and accessories. Additionally, there is a wide and ever-expanding array of giftware and wonderful gourmet items to round out your experience. If you’re considering the final touches for your home design project or simply need a gift, just walk across the street to Cotton Luxury Appointments. As the

name suggests, the store carries luxurious linens — think Matouk — as well as more moderately priced linen items for the bath, dining room and entertaining. The store also stocks a wide assortment of giftware and accessories. Stein had the idea of Cotton in the back of his mind for a while but simply didn’t have the space at Plantation Home. Cotton is located in the former Bailey Buick Building which dates back to the 1920s and more recently served as the local offices for then Congressman Dennis Kucinich. When Kucinich lost his bid for reelection, Stein was working with the building owners as their interior designer and realized the space would be ideal for Cotton. “There was a void in the marketplace for a tabletop and giftware store,” says Stein. “The inventory at Cotton is distinctive, not found in the mass market chains and catalogs.” Stein says he was strategic in his decision to offer high quality linens and towels as opposed to fine china and crystal. “Young people starting out aren’t all that interested in items that require time and care,” Stein points out. “However, they absolutely want top quality sheets and towels.” To make the store even more appealing, Stein carries a premier line of ladies’ handbags and an array of elegant candles. Men have not been left out of the equation. While Cotton caters to women, the store’s second floor is dedicated to giftware for the men in their lives. The appeal of both stores is far-reaching. In addition to West Side customers, the stores draw customers from a wide demographic. Stein says customers come to Lakewood from Mentor, Kirtland, Gates Mills, Hunting Valley, Medina, Akron and Catawba. “I really feel Cleveland is hungry for retail, and I’ve been lucky,” says Stein. “When I started out, people asked, ‘Why are you opening in Lakewood?’ ” laughs Stein. “Now it’s a destination suburb!” Plantation Home 14401 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood 216.227.4663 plantationhomelakewood.com Cotton Luxury Appointments 14400 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood cottonlakewood.com David Stein, owner

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BEFORE

AFTER

A Long Overdue Kitchen Remodel in Solon By Dylan Yépez Photos Vincent Gorman

hen Tim and Judy Singer decided they had had enough of their outdated kitchen, they contacted the Calvetta Brothers. Although they’d originally contacted an architect, a brief meeting with the Calvettas convinced the Singers they had found their contractor. “In a fifteen minute meeting with John and Austin, we could tell they completely got what we were looking for,” Judy says. For the past fifteen years, Calvetta Brothers Construction, a second-generation family company and division of Calvetta Brothers Floor Show, has provided trustworthy home-renovation services to the Cleveland area, including kitchens, baths and flooring. The renovation of the classic 1950’s ranch home of Judy and her husband, Tim, began

with the removal of the wall which isolated their dining room and the opening of their laundry room/mudroom. The practical reason for beginning in the laundry room was to set up a temporary kitchen for the Singers, complete with sink. The gutting of the kitchen could then be done with a minimum of disruption to their daily lives. The Singers bought their home 15 years ago, in spite of the kitchen. According to Judy, “We’ve always hated the kitchen.” The remodel opened up the entire first floor, leaving the powder room where it was. One has a sense of expansiveness when walking through the front door now, rather than the former tunnel-like feeling. Judy explains, “It’s changed the functionality of the home, well beyond the kitchen, and without building an addition.” ABOVE Judy Singer

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ABOVE LR Jason, Lance & Austin Calvetta

The Singers were particularly impressed with the professionalism of the Calvetta Brothers construction crew and the Calvettas’ sister, Laura. “At the beginning of the week, Laura would send me an email with the construction schedule,” Judy says. The email would let her know who was going to be there through the week and the carpenters were always on time. Judy felt Laura exhibited abundant patience with all of the Singers’ questions and was always available. Judy also appreciated that the carpenters would consult her on the minor details. “The process was absolutely fascinating,” Judy says. “Better than anything on HGTV.” The entire process of the remodel took 60 days, right on schedule with the original time estimate. There are no seams visible in the granite counters and even the screws on each of the outlet covers are set in a north-south position. These are the kinds of details that have made the Singers’ initial impression of the remodel continue to last as they live with it.

AFTER

BEFORE

“They really understood what we were looking for,” Judy says, elated. “The end result is a thousand times better than I’d imagined in my dreams.” The experts at Calvetta Brothers handle every project from design to execution, including any custom carpentry and masonry. As a second-generation family company, they have established longstanding credibility for their work in the Cleveland community. Their office is located at 23760 Miles Road in Bedford, with additional showrooms in Macedonia and Mentor. If you need help with your next remodel, you can call Calvetta Brothers at 216.662.5550 or visit them online at calvettabrothers.com.

AFTER

Calvetta Brothers 23760 Miles Road Bedford Heights 216.662.5550 calvettabrothers.com

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Don’t Be Embarrassed to

Open Your Garage By Dylan Yépez Photos Courtesy of Garage Finisher

garage is often the main entry to your home. It should be clean, organized and inviting to your family and guests. But the sad reality is that too often it has been reduced to a repository for all the junk you mistakenly think you might need later. You’re always going to clean it next weekend — but until that elusive time, the garage will remain an embarrassment every time you open the garage door. Well, that weekend has come. All you have to do is call Mario F.X. Salwan at Garage Finisher, and he’ll take care of the rest. Garage Finisher is a full-service garage-makeover provider that will be in and out faster than you can come up

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with another excuse not to makeover your garage. When Mario says “full service,” he means it. The professionals at Garage Finisher begin by removing everything from your garage, storing items you still want in a storage trailer and discarding or donating anything you don’t want. Then, they handle any work you choose including Lifetime Warranty Flooring System, epoxy wall painting, attractive cabinets and PVC Slatwall System. When Garage Finisher is done, they remove everything from storage and organize it in your new cabinets and slatwall. And, they do all this in an average of three days.

If, on the other hand, you want just to have your unsightly flooring redone, Garage Finisher still provides the exact same removal, storage and reorganization services for everything inside your garage and can do the floor in just one day. According to Mario, you will “come home from work and not have to lift a finger.” Many mixtures of stone and epoxy used for garage flooring turn yellow over time, come apart and trap water and other contaminants because they are porous and use old-fashioned epoxy. Garage Finisher provides completely nonporous floors, preventing the absorption of anything into the surface. The difference is polyaspartic — a resin that’s four times

AFTER

as strong as epoxy and doesn’t peel, yellow, stain or degloss like epoxy does — and was created by Bayer Chemical. This is the same flooring that Garage Finisher uses in heavy traffic, commercial projects. This flooring comes in a variety of colors and textures and is also fastdrying, so you should be able to drive on it the day after it’s applied. Garage Finisher confidently offers a lifetime warranty on its work, which covers issues such as staining, cracking, hot-tire pick-up and delamination. When it comes to finishing your garage, flooring is only half the battle. Over time, garages go downhill: the paint peels, concrete floors spall and pit and junk builds up. And this is most people’s main entry into the house.

BEFORE

Garage Finisher will complement the flooring with strong, durable slatwall which includes a variety of hooks and storage baskets, as well as metal or wood cabinets that have adjustable shelves for permanent organization. As with the flooring, the slatwall and cabinets come with lifetime warranties. You will be much happier when you arrive home each day, guests will be amazed by your clean garage, and your clean garage floor will make your house cleaner. Visit garagefinisher.com for more information about Garage Finisher, a gallery of its work, and a quick five minute video that details the makeover process. Call 216.831.4500 to schedule a free consultation, design and estimate for your new garage space.

Mario F.X. Salwan

Garage Finisher 216.831.4500 garagefinisher.com

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Make Necessary Modifications Without Losing Your Home’s Character By Judith Bolinger Photos Aaron Leyser

“

eople are staying in their houses longer now, and they need their homes to be able to accommodate them as they age,” explains Anthony DiFrancesco as he speaks about his current project in Lyndhurst. Fifteen years ago, Anthony revived DiFrancesco & Sons, the fullservice masonry contractor his father began many decades ago. The Lyndhurst house is a fairly typical colonial and the need has arisen to bring the homeowner’s mother in to live with them. They needed an expert who could add a downstairs suite to the house without destroying the integrity of its design. At DiFrancesco & Sons, the focus on each individual project is to preserve

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the iconic architecture found around Cleveland’s suburbs. Looking to the future, the house can serve the current owners or be listed as a home with a master suite on the first floor. There is also room to add a laundry area with a stacking washer and dryer. Anthony further points out, “The addition is costing the couple about $30,000 and is adding value to the home. Compare that to the exorbitant cost of putting their mother in a nursing home and the decision is a no-brainer.” Anthony’s addition adds 260 square feet of bathroom and bedroom with a sliding glass door to the back yard. Also, because of the added crawl space, the homeowners picked up 250 square feet

ABOVE Anthony DiFrancesco

of additional storage area, adding still more value to the home. It should be complete in 8 to 12 weeks, depending on Cleveland weather. Another project Anthony is currently working on is a cultured stone project for the home of builder Keith Sutton in Moreland Hills. Anthony, a thirdgeneration masonry craftsman, is always excited to talk about his brick and stone projects, “because that’s what my Daddy did.” He is especially excited to talk about his current cultured stone project. Thirty years ago, this was a product that didn’t measure up to Anthony’s high standards. Over the past 10 years, cultured stone has evolved into a beautiful product with a wide range of colors. It is a rougher looking stone that can be applied to surfaces indoors and outdoors, and is made strictly for veneer purposes. It is a non-structural product. This particular cultured stone is called Bucks County Field Stone after the natural stone found in Bucks County, Pennsylvania. It can be applied to lath directly on the walls. There is no need to tear down walls or add footers. The price of the product is about the same as natural stone, but the labor is so much less intense that the total cost for the project is a lot less than using natural stone. “This allows the homeowner to do more with less money,” explains Anthony, adding the product is leap years ahead of itself. “People don’t want a fake-looking product, and they’re not getting it with Bucks County Field Stone.” Anthony’s current cultured stone project is a 24-foot-high chimney plus a hearth inside the home, and 1800 square feet covering six pillars outside the home. Anthony fully expects the project to be complete by the holidays, barring the surprise twists Cleveland weather can dole out. Di Francesco & Sons is based in Richmond Heights. Email Anthony at adefo6@ yahoo.com with any questions, and call 216.691.6317 to talk about how you can modify your home to suit your family’s needs, without sacrificing its 20th century charm. Di Francesco & Son 216.691.6317 adefo6@yahoo.com

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Consider Replacement Doors & Windows

for Energy Efficiency By Dylan Yépez Photos courtesy Fine Lifestyles Magazine

verybody has had at least one window in the house that sticks. It’s an annoying reminder that it’s time to install replacements. By this point, the windows have probably been functioning inef-ficiently for awhile, failing to insulate the house and resulting in higher energy bills. Old windows often are the No. 1 source of squandered energy in the home, says Ray Sabin, owner of Northcoast Energy Masters. Since 1983, Northcoast Energy Masters has provided reli-able

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and professional insulation services across Northeast Ohio. Its experienced technicians can perform a comprehensive home energy audit to determine if a home is losing energy and where. Drafty windows and doors are among several common causes of wasted energy in homes. Northcoast Energy Masters’ technicians check for all possible sources of energy loss, and then provide costeffective options tailored to the specific needs of each house. Ray, 34, grew up in the home remodeling industry and has

worked with windows and doors his entire life, so he and his team of technicians will know exactly which pieces will look and function best in any home. Every door and window Northcoast Energy Masters installs comes with a lifetime transferrable warranty and is Energy Star-rated, which means it meets energy-efficiency standards established by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). This is good news for the environment and our pocketbooks, as energy-efficient windows and doors can

significantly reduce a home’s heat-ing and cooling costs.

explains. “Just the structure of the window itself matters a lot.”

Northcoast Energy Masters offers a variety of professional-grade entry, storm and patio doors from ProVia in standard and custom sizes. Wooden doors clearly have aesthetic appeal, but Cleveland’s capricious and sometimes extreme weather can make them difficult to maintain. That’s why many homeowners in the area call Northcoast Energy Masters to install high-end fiberglass doors, which emulate the appearance of hardwood, but are much more functional and durable. “Honestly, you can’t even tell it’s not wood,” Ray says.

Vinyl windows, for instance, come in a range of styles, are maintenance-free and perform the best in terms of preventing drafts and reducing energy costs.

Northcoast Energy Masters also boasts a wide selection of vinyl, fiberglass and wooden window styles from ProVia and Soft-Lite Windows. Every window is custom-made to fit existing open-ings of any size and shape. “Not all replacement windows perform the same,” Ray

Wooden windows are ideal for those who prefer a more natural look or want to preserve the orig-inal style of an older home. For these homeowners, Northcoast Energy Masters offers windows made from a variety of hardwoods, including poplar, oak, maple, ash and cherry.

Ray describes fiberglass windows, on the other hand, as “a step above everything else.” The newest options on the market, fiberglass windows are durable, maintenance-free and very energyefficient. Fiberglass windows are able to withstand severe and prolonged stress without weakening, warping, rotting, shrinking or swelling.

Ray Sabin, owner

For more information on home insulation, visit northcoastenergymasters.com or email Ray at huddsabin@gmail.com. “Like” Northcoast Energy Masters on Facebook and follow @NCEnergyMasters on Twitter for updates and tips. Call 216.923.0810 to schedule your own custom home energy audit. Northcoast Energy Masters 440.439.8250 huddsabin@gmail.com northcoastenergymasters.com

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Un iqUe and Mea n in g fU l :

Gift Registry at Chestnut Hill Home By Meg Pauken

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Photos Vincent Gorman and Chestnut Hill HoMe

eddings are joyful occasions, when friends and family want to celebrate the new couple with a meaningful gift. Janna Lutz, president of Chestnut Hill Home, says it best: “As a guest, you want to choose a wedding gift that is special, something unique, and you want the couple to be pleased with it.” Gift registries, at their best, help brides and grooms guide their friends and family toward items they like and need. Registries at large chain stores can be practical, but they also feel rather impersonal. Choices are limited to massproduced items with little character. Gift registries at Chestnut Hill Home are completely different. Instead of creating a list, the staff at Chestnut Hill Home helps couples plan their homes. Chestnut Hill Home, located in downtown Chagrin Falls, offers interior design services along with an array of home furnishings, accessories, linens, tableware, bedding and artwork. What makes Chestnut Hill Home exceptional is the personal service provided by its staff. “When couples or brides come in to register, we spend time with them, discussing their ideas for their homes. We can help them choose timeless, quality items that will fit with their lifestyle and grow with them,” Janna explains.

“As a guest, you want to choose a wedding gift that is special, something unique, and you want the couple to be pleased with it.”

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Chestnut Hill Home offers the traditional registry service that appears on the store’s website. It includes pictures of the selected items — not just a list — along with prices. Gift-givers who live out of town may access the website and browse through the pictures on the registry, giving them a sense of the couple’s taste and style. The pictures provide a more personal feel to selecting a gift than the usual list-style registries can provide. Orders are placed by making a call to the store, where staff can answer questions and provide helpful information. “What’s nice is that guests can choose something that is unique and one-of-a-kind, with the confidence the couple will really like it,” Janna explains. Even when couples have not registered at Chestnut Hill Home, Janna and her team offer a personal touch to guests who want to select unique, meaningful gifts from the curated collection in the store. For example, if the guest knows the couple’s china pattern, staff can help select items such as candelabra or serving pieces that will coordinate, making the experience as delightful for the giver as it will be for the recipient. Chestnut Hill Home is located at 27 North Franklin Street in Chagrin Falls. Visit from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday. You may reach the store by telephone at 440.247.6858.

Setting up a new home together can seem daunting. Janna and her staff are there to help by assisting couples identify their own personal taste and style. With a better sense of their own vision, couples can select items for their gift registry that will provide the foundation for design choices in the future, confident they have an overall plan to guide them. As their lives change after their wedding, they may continue to consult with Janna and her team on future design decisions, with the foundation already laid. Gift registries are not the domain of only very young brides and grooms. Couples often marry after having established their own homes, so the need for kitchen basics may not exist. Janna and her team can provide more mature couples with needed advice and consultation to assist them in successfully combining households and melding their personal styles. Adding thoughtfully selected new items to their existing furnishings will help to create a cohesive “merged” home from two previously separate households. For older, established couples, creating a registry of such items provides friends and family the opportunity to celebrate their marriage with a meaningful gift. Because of the simple and sophisticated feel of Chestnut Hill Homes’ offerings, couples can move beyond clichéd bridal registry items, while still providing guidance to friends and family. There are tableware options: Chestnut Hill Home carries both formal and casual dinnerware. They have full lines of glassware, from beverage to wine to barware, in both casual and formal styles. Beautiful and unique serving pieces are available, along with table linens and bedding. Beyond the more traditional registry items, selections could include one-of-a-kind artwork, lamps and a variety of accessories, even furniture. “We have items suitable for the gift registry in all price ranges,” Janna informs.

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Chestnut Hill Home 27 North Franklin Street, Chagrin Falls 440.247.6858

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Life Insurance: Can You Afford to Wait?

Whole Life Offers Financial Protection and Cash Value Accumulation

Jeremy Soditch Financial Services Professional New York Life 216.288.0983 6000 Lombardo Center, Suite 300, Seven Hills jsoditch@ft.newyorklife.com

ith adulthood comes a number of exciting changes. Perhaps you have decided to buy a home, get married or have children. These decisions require careful consideration, as they can irrevocably change your life. One decision that’s easy to delay or overlook is the decision to purchase life insurance. What you may not realize, however, is that delaying the purchase of life insurance can be a costly mistake for you and your loved ones. Waiting just a few years can have a negative impact in several key areas.

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In its simplest form, whole life insurance protects the people who depend on you for financial support. Aside from providing money to your beneficiaries to replace your income, should you unexpectedly die, whole life insurance also offers guaranteed1 cash value accumulation on a tax-deferred basis, as long as the policy remains in force. If available, cash value can be borrowed against to fund a child’s education, supplement your retirement income as the life insurance needs decrease, or meet an emergency cash need. Remember though, policy loans accrue interest at the current variable loan interest rate and reduce the total cash value and total death benefit by the amount of the outstanding loan plus interest. The Effects of Waiting Since a portion of the premiums paid accumulates cash value each year, over the long term this accumulation can be considerable (especially since taxes on the growth are deferred). So the sooner you start paying policy premiums, the faster your cash value may grow. A whole life policy is also eligible to receive dividends, if and when they are declared by the insurance issuer. Unlike cash values, dividends are not

guaranteed. As a policyholder, you have several options for dividends usage: you can take dividend distributions in cash, for example, or you can use them to purchase additional paid-up life insurance. Paid-up insurance is also eligible for dividends, has cash value, and requires no additional premiums. So, waiting to purchase insurance could cost you the opportunity to increase the cash value of your policy and the benefit paid to your beneficiaries. Perhaps you’re healthy now and you’ve decided to delay the purchase of life insurance for a few years. However, in these few years you may suffer unexpected health problems that could put your insurability in jeopardy. In a worst case scenario, if you were to unexpectedly die, the cost of waiting would be the lack of a death benefit for your loved ones. Remember, purchasing life insurance is a major decision. It’s important to take the time to gather the necessary information and choose the coverage that best suits your needs. While the decision is ultimately yours, keep in mind postponing your decision can prove to be costly. 1 Guarantees are backed by the claims-paying ability of the issuer.

This educational third-party article is provided as a courtesy by Jeremy J. Soditch, Agent, New York Life Insurance Company. To learn more about the information or topics discussed, please contact Jeremy Soditch at 216-520-7832.

Live your life with theirs in mind.

Together let’s start planning for your family’s future. Jeremy J. Soditch, LUTCF Agent New York Life Insurance Company 6000 Lombardo Ctr. Suite 300 Seven Hills, Oh. 44131 (216) 520-7832 jsoditch@ft.newyorklife.com

Registered Representative offering investments through NYLIFE Securities LLC (Member FINRA/SIPC), A Licensed Insurance Agency.

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THE LAMBORGHINI

The Worldâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Most Expensive Vehicle

VENENO By Trina Annand

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ince the invention of motorized vehicles, the focus has been on making them faster and better. Exploring the limits of technological advancement has been a special focus for the teams at Lamborghini. Since its launch in Bologna, Italy, in 1963, Lamborghini has established a name for itself as the ultimate in luxury and speed. The newest line features the 2014 Veneno. It’s a startling achievement that already has a loyal fan base and a waiting list that would make any car lover cry. The 2014 Veneno is a 12-cylinder masterpiece. With a 750-horsepower

engine, it would give the bat mobile a run for its money. This beauty can go from zero to 60 in a mere 2.8 seconds, with a maximum speed of 221 miles per hour. It does come at a cost, though, ringing in with a price tag of $4.5 million. A drop in the bucket for true car connoisseurs, the wait list is courtesy of a limited yearly release of nine cars. This allows engineers and mechanics to focus on every inch of this dream machine, ensuring the highest possible quality. When the car was created in 2013, there were a mere three cars released for sale. All were sold before they were even produced.

Interior finishes for the Veneno feature race seating, created with the finest leathers and carbon-fiber panels that mimic the sleek exterior look of the vehicle. With carbon-fiber components, the Veneno has achieved a superior rank among lightweight vehicles. Creating a car that is as beautiful under the hood as it is on the outside, is the company’s guiding principle. The Veneno was a jewel in Lamborghini’s crown for their 50th anniversary. Their tagline for the special event, “A century of innovation in half the time,” is a statement that rings true when you look at the company’s success.

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EXCITING NEW DESTINATION FOR MOTORCYCLE ENTHUSIASTS By Meg Pauken Photos Vincent Gorman

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otorcycle enthusiasts in Northeast Ohio have a new must-see destination: American Heritage Motorcycles in Willoughby Hills. At American Heritage Motorcycles, bike lovers can experience first-hand the iconic, retro-styled Indian Motorcycle, along with the Polaris 3-wheeled “Slingshot” and the full line of Victory Motorcycles. Soon the inventory will also include the Clevelanddesigned Cleveland CycleWerks line. Brian Floom, general manager, describes the store as a destination shop that provides a different choice for motorcyclists who lean toward “heavy iron” bikes. Both Indian and Victory offer solid choices in larger-sized, powerful, American-made motorcycles. Both lines also carry bikes suitable for novice riders. “We want to provide a different choice in a full-service shop. We want to give

Northeast Ohio riders another option for big, powerful bikes,” Floom says. American Heritage Motorcycles has created a beautiful showroom in a renovated retail space on Bishop Road in Willoughby Hills. The well-lit, open space beckons visitors to come inside and check out the offerings. Dozens of gleaming motorcycles on display provide a variety of choices for the motorcycle connoisseur. In addition, there is a full array of branded clothing, accessories, after-market parts and gifts for both men and women. The store is a destination, not only for checking out the motorcycles, but for relaxing with other motorcycle enthusiasts over a cup of coffee, a soft drink or a game of pool on the custommade Indian pool table. American Heritage Motorcycles began in 2013 with its first store in Chicago. The Willoughby Hills shop is the second to open and the first of four planned for

Ohio. Other stores will be located in Sheffield, Cincinnati and Dayton. Brian feels Willoughby Hills is an ideal location for growth, as there are no nearby motorcycle dealerships and the brands he sells are unique in the market. The philosophy of American Heritage Motorcycles is to deliver the best customer experience in the industry. It aims to accomplish this by providing products of real value: excellent quality at a reasonable price and by treating customers with respect and honesty. It also strives to recruit and retain the best-qualified staff in the area. Brian himself has more than 18 years’ experience in the motorcycle industry, including time with both Harley-Davidson and Metric Motorcycles. “Our service department can do anything our customers need or want. We have access to parts for all makes and models through our vendors,” says Floom. “We also offer winter storage for those who

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require it, but it is really our customerfirst philosophy and unique brands that sets us apart.” American Heritage Motorcycles is the only Cleveland area Indian Motorcycle dealer. Indian has had a cult-like following since it was first introduced in 1901. Its revival is backed by the powerhouse of Polaris Industries. Recent reviews validate the strength of Polaris’ rejuvenation of the brand: the Indian Chief was named Cruiser of the Year in 2014 by Motorcycle magazine. Road & Track gave the Indian Scout rave reviews in 2014, as well. Victory Motorcycles’ line-up includes “baggers,” touring bikes and cruisers. Victory offers well-engineered and built motorcycles with excellent rideability. They provide better comfort and gas mileage than comparable models, while still competing with power and muscle. The Polaris Slingshot is a three-wheeled, two passenger motorcycle with unique side-by-side seating. It utilizes a 2.4 cylinder General Motors engine, bucket seats and a steering wheel. The gas and clutch pedals are on the floor, yet it is open air, with no doors. It is a very unique ride. Since opening in September 2014, American Heritage Motorcycles has seen a steady flow of business, selling motorcycles and building a solid customer base in the northeast Ohio motorcycle community. American Heritage Motorcycles is the kind of shop that could quickly become the “hub” of such a community, providing quality products and services to a wide range of riders, from weekend warriors to full-time cyclists. Brian noted, “We have seen an upswing in women riders. They come in for themselves, not just to buy things for their boyfriends and husbands.” American Heritage Motorcycles is located at 2821 Bishop Road in Willoughby Hills. The store is open Monday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Tuesday and Wednesday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Thursday 10 a.m.to 7 p.m., Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. They are closed on Sunday. For more information visit their website at ahmnorthcoast.com or call the store at 440.943.3400. American Heritage Motorcycles 2821 Bishop Road, Willoughby Hills 440.943.3400 ahmnorthcoast.com | Like us on ABOVE L-R Mike Fox; Michael Hayes; Brian Floom, general manager; Jeff Sinclair, owner; Ray Collins

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