Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland Summer Edition 2017 by Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

FineLifestyles 2017 VOLUME 5 ISSUE 2 PRICELESS

CLEVELAND

Chestnut Hill Home: Fresh Designs by Janna Lutz Interiors

Cleveland Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Book Bank: For the Love of Reading Travel: Make Europe Your Next Destination Featuring Businesses Driving Our Local Economy

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Mon, Tues & Thurs 9am-8:30pm Eastgate Shopping Center 1451 S.O.M. Center Rd. Mayfield Hts. Wed, Fri & Sat 9:00am-5:30pm Sunday 12:30pm-4:30pm 440-449-4977

FIRST WORD

FineLifestyles

CLEVELAND

With Fine Lifestyles editor PATTI LONDON

Fine Lifestyles Magazine 2017 Volume 5 Issue 2 Publisher Marc London marc@finelifestylesmagazine.com Editor Patti London

e want to deliver a special thanks to our readers. Over the last five years, we’ve found it so gratifying to hear from businesses who’ve been connected to new customers or other business partners through Fine Lifestyles Magazine. But we’ve found it even more satisfying to hear from readers who tell us how much they enjoy learning about their community. We know there are readers with spare time on their hands, looking for volunteer opportunities. When we hear about the sudden influx of calls to help or offer donations after we feature nonprofits like Open Doors Academy or the Green Corps of the Cleveland Botanical Garden, we’re delighted. This issue features two extremely worthy organizations, The Human Fund and the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank. We anticipate many readers will appreciate the chance to help once they learn about their missions. When readers discover new cultural experiences through Fine Lifestyles, we love to hear about those, too. There are so many opportunities to support our community, through volunteer efforts and participating in the arts. As always, we thank you for shopping locally, for sustaining the growth in Cleveland’s economy which is so important to all other endeavors which add to our community’s quality of life.

Staff Writers Dylan Yépez Meg Pauken Kristal Pettit Janine Purcell Graphic Design and Layout Marlon Tussel Cover Art Vincent Pearson Photography Photography Vincent Pearson Photography Aaron Leyser Advertising Consultants Marlon Tussel 216.548.6292 marlon@finelifestylesmagazine.com Marc London 216.926.3449 marc@finelifestylesmagazine.com

Distribution: marc@finelifestylesmagazine.com Cover: Janna Lutz - Chestnut Hill Home Chagrin

Fine Lifestyles Cleveland ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Marlon Tussel 216-548-6292

Marc London 216-926-3449

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@FLScle

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 2017 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.

CONTENTS DEPARTMENTS STYLE..................................................... 12 HEALTH & WELLNESS........................ 18 ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT..... 22 HOUSE & HOME.................................. 34 BUSINESS............................................... 62 RECREATION AND TRAVEL............. 64

FEATURES

Orchestra Study Group.............................8 Personal Training....................................... 18 The Human Fund...................................... 22 Cleveland Kidsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; Book Bank...................30 Events Calendar........................................ 33 COVER STORY:

Janna Lutz: Chestnut Hill Home.........................34 Cleveland Cultural Gardens..................42 TRAVEL: Plan a Trip to Europe...........64

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Don’t Let Foot Pain Stop You in Your Tracks The human body was built for movement. Foot pain might bring you to a halt, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent situation. Dr. Christie and Dr.Singerman, Doctors or Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DPM), enjoy working with patients who are athletes or otherwise active people, but who are experiencing foot and ankle pain that is slowing them down.

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Dr. Nyssa Christie and Dr. Michael Singerman Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Promoting a Love of Classical Music Through Educational Opportunities by Janine Purcell photos courtesy the Cleveland Orchestra

he Cleveland Orchestra has been a jewel in Cleveland’s crown since its inception in 1918. Recognized internationally as one of the world’s best orchestras, the Cleveland Orchestra is poised to celebrate 100 years as a cultural institution with deep roots in the Cleveland community. Throughout the past century, the Orchestra has exposed literally 4 million children to symphonic music, in its effort to foster a love of music and a lifetime involvement with the arts. Through its community engagement programs, the Orchestra brings classical music events into a different neighborhood each year, from Gordon Square to Hough. To further encourage classical music education, free concert previews are presented an hour prior to the performances at Severance Hall. For an even more in-depth look at the music in upcoming concerts, anyone can participate in music study groups, led by Dr. Rose Breckenridge. Armed with a Ph.D. in Music from Case Western Reserve University, Dr. Breckenridge began sharing her musical insight with the study groups in the mid-1980s. During her tenure, she has expanded and upgraded this Cleveland Orchestra community outreach program, currently presented throughout greater Cleveland in partnership with community organizations at various public library locations. The Women’s Committee of the Cleveland Orchestra started the music study groups in 1921 and they have continued from that time. In 1994 the Orchestra’s Education and Community Programs Department took on the direction of the program with continued support from the committee (recently renamed The Friends of the Cleveland Orchestra). The music study group mirrors the fall, winter and spring sections of the yearly Cleveland Orchestra schedule. You can sign up for any combination of these sections. Each class meeting runs 90 minutes and explores one program from the Orchestra season, for the most

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part synched to prepare you for that week’s performance (Orchestra travel and holidays occasionally tweak the alignment). Even if you don’t plan to attend many or any performances during the season, the class serves to develop a greater understanding and appreciation for classical music. The flow of each lecture starts with a featured piece from the program. First comes an introduction to the composer’s life, including personal, cultural, historical, and musical context. This holistic view illuminates the music as a reflection and embodiment of the its era and creator.

Next, we examine some of the ideas around the style and form of the piece. Then we take off on a guided tour of the actual music. Dr. Breckenridge negotiates with great success the line between keeping attendees with musical backgrounds fully engaged and not turning off or intimidating “newbies” to classical music. When she takes the class on a “musical tour” of the piece, her approach is clear: “Musical themes are like a play with characters who are developing as the music flows. I try to play excerpts of the main musical characters in the play and

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

then show the drama of the developing music. So I’m kind of like a tour guide, pointing out the significant things to help follow the piece better when the class is later actually listening to the performance.”To support the lecture and create reference material for the students, Dr. Breckenridge researches and assembles a Listening Guide, a wirebound book with essays on the featured work and clips of the musical themes from the piece. This year the class is available at four locations: Cleveland HeightsUniversity Heights Public Library, and the Beachwood, Fairview Park and Orange branches of the Cuyahoga County Public Library. If you sign up for the music study group, you’ll be joining conductor Franz Welser-Möst as he leads the Orchestra into its second century with a renewed commitment to music education and community engagement. You’ll likely find that the more you know about classical music, the more enjoyment you’ll get out of the performances at Severance.

The Cleveland Orchestra Music Study Groups education@clevelandorchestra.com 216.231.7355 clevelandorchestra.com

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The simple roller shade has evolved into a sophisticated window covering with almost unlimited colors, patterns and lift systems, including motorization. Summer is the best time to reduce glare, control temperature and protect your furniture, floors and even artwork from UV damage. Call today for your complimentary consultation and exceptional pricing through August.

Budget Blinds of Chagrin Falls â&#x20AC;˘ 440-268-9390 â&#x20AC;˘ budgetblinds.com/chagrinfalls Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

California Style is as Close as Chagrin Falls by Kristal Pettit photos Aaron Leyser and courtesy Apricot Lane

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

f you recently stored your winter clothes and brought out your warmweather outfits from last year, you probably noticed some gaps in your summer wardrobe. Not-to-fear, we’ve found a shop where those missing rompers, sun dresses and fresh flip-flops can be found for a price you can afford. Apricot Lane Boutique is stocked with your go-to summer outfits. Whether you have weddings, music festivals or workrelated cookouts on your schedule, you can find a unique ensemble to wear which won’t be seen on anyone else attending the same soirée. Apricot Lane’s inventory is hand-selected and limited. The stock rotates regularly, with new items arriving almost daily. While Apricot Lane Boutique is technically a franchise, owner Kim Epprecht personally selects the inventory. Kim’s influences include the California Style and her apparel reflects a celebrityinspired aesthetic. Apricot Lane’s array of clothing, jewelry, handbags, footwear and accessories is specifically selected to appeal to a range of ages and price points. Mother-daughter shopping at Apricot Lane Boutique is easy and affordable, too. There are trendy options for all ages,

including cool grandmothers, like me. Because the apparel at Apricot Lane appeals to all ages, Kim also employs both younger and older sales team members. “Our staff has a passion for fashion plus the retail experience to provide an enjoyable shopping experience for the range of customers we serve,” Kim explains. “Most have been with me since I opened.” Besides providing a unique and affordable selection of items, Apricot Lane is especially proud of the attention their customers receive when they walk in the door. After years in her own public accounting practice, Kim decided to pursue her dream job in fashion. One aspect of her accounting practice which she continues with her new venture is the fine art of giving back. While in accounting and raising her sons, Kim volunteered for numerous charitable and school organizations. At Apricot Lane she carries items with a charitable purpose, like Love Your Melon, which benefits children with cancer, 3Strands and Lokai bracelets. Apricot Lane routinely hosts fund raisers supporting local charities and nonprofit organizations. For instance, the

Kim Epprecht - Owner Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Chagrin Falls Girls Softball team could be a featured organization. During its fundraiser, shoppers can receive 10% off their purchase while the girls’ team gets 10% of the sales, too. “It’s part of my nature to make sure I’m giving back, no matter what the nature of my business,” Kim says. “We just participated in the LaureLive, to support arts programming and education in our community.”

items her customers will enjoy. You’ll find Apricot Lane centrally located in beautiful downtown Chagrin Falls. Follow them on Instagram and Facebook to stay hip to the latest in-store happenings. Also look for Apricot Lane at any pop-up shops and holiday bazaars you may find, out and about.

If you’re looking for a special way to share time with your friends, consider Apricot Lane’s fashion parties. Whatever brings your group together, maybe book club or mahj jong, bring some wine and snacks and try on new outfits and accessories for a fun party that’s a bit different than your run-of-the-mil get-together.

Apricot Lane Boutique 31 N.Franklin St., Chagrin Falls 440.893.9199 apricotlaneboutique.com/store/chagrinfalls/

Look for some of your favorite brands and designers at Apricot Lane Boutique, like the global style of Elan; the sexy women’s streetwear of Vintage Havana; athleisure courtesy of Neesha; and many more labels you’ll recognize and some you’ll be thrilled to discover. Kim is always searching, even in her spare time, for new

Marisa Pavone, Kim Epprecht, Michele Motyka

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

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Exceeding the Standard in the

Cleaning and Care of Your Clothing

by Dylan Yépez photos Aaron Leyser and courtesy Fine Lifestyles Magazine

ropping off and picking up the drycleaning are tedious errands you’ll want to cross off your to-do list. Let the professionals at London Cleaners pick up and deliver year round. “We’ll Take It From Here” is the London Cleaners’ motto—and these full-service dry cleaners stick to it. London Cleaners is celebrating their 50 year anniversary. When Alex Shvartshteyn purchased the company in 1984 he transformed it into a 100 percent door-to-door dry-cleaning service that can handle any type of garment and serves Northeast Ohio, from Chardon to Avon Lake and into northern Akron and Medina.

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“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.” Customers can schedule regular twiceweekly service to have London Cleaners routinely stop by their homes or offices, or they can simply call, or email, on an asneeded basis. Nobody needs to be home, so the service is completely hands-off and convenient. Beyond convenience, though, London Cleaners maintains a level of drycleaning service attainable only through decades of experience.

Alex is a third-generation custom tailor, who spent years making and altering garments. Thirty years ago, he decided to channel his thorough understanding of fabrics and clothing into the processes that keep them clean. Through its Signature Service, London Cleaners gives custom and designer garments the exceptional attention to detail they require, at every stage of processing. As Ohio’s only certified couture-level dry cleaner by America’s Best Cleaners, London Cleaners is the company that high-end retailers trust and recommend. “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.” Terri Brown, London Cleaners’ plant manager, is certified in bridal gown cleaning and preservation. She inspects all specialty garments and wedding gowns upon their receipt and encourages customers to share any concerns and/or special requests with her. She ensures that no detail is excluded from London Cleaners’ certified museum-quality wedding gown preservation process, during which sterile gloves are used to package the gown into a specially designed

preservation case. Then detailed instructions for storage are provided to the customer. America’s Best Cleaners, an independent organization that measures London Cleaners against the highest standards in the industry, has recognized London Cleaners’ service since 2004. “We maintain much higher standards than most of the industry for the processing of the garments and their presentation to the clients,” Alex assures. London Cleaners uses a new, environmentally friendly cleaning process, which not only is more efficient but also cleans the garments better than conventional methods. For all your dry-cleaning and laundry needs, let the experts at London Cleaners take the guesswork—and the legwork—out of garment care. Visit londoncleaners.com to explore the services offered, and call 800.832.1222 to get started today.

London Cleaners 800.832.1222 440.283.0200 londoncleaners.com

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

A Personal Trainer is an Investment in Your Quality of Life by Patti London photos courtesy Fine Lifestyles Magazine

t’s well established that regular physical activity is good for us. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention lists seven proven health advantages besides controlling one’s weight: reducing your risks of cardiovascular disease, type 2 diabetes and some cancers; strengthening bones and muscles; improving your mental health and mood; improving the ability to do daily activities and prevent falls, if you’re an older adult; and increasing your chances of living longer. We know it’s good for us, so why don’t more of us exercise? First, it can be difficult to establish a routine. If you have a routine, it can become boring, so that you lose interest and eventually quit. Even if you try to incorporate new exercises into your routine, it can be hard to tell if you’re doing them correctly to avoid injury. For all of these reasons, a personal trainer could be the key to fitness success. You are more likely to exercise if you have a regularly scheduled session. If you’ve invested the time and money to hire a trainer, you’re also more likely to workout on other days of the week to support the effort you’ve expended on your training day. I meet with my trainer every Monday morning at 6:30 for 30 minutes. If I don’t exercise for the rest of that week, I know Monday morning is going to be really difficult. In other words, I train for my training session. I’ve paid for that 30 minutes and I’m going to make it count. I thought when I first hired a trainer at my fitness center that I would try it for 6 months and learn some new workouts. Three years later, I’m still learning. He keeps my routine consistently fresh. We might do TRX one day with the bands suspended from the ceiling. He might spring a high-intensity cardio workout on me, complete with burpees, push-ups and various moves around the indoor track. Lately, we’ve been boxing once a month. I bring my gloves and he tells me I missed

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my calling. There is nothing dull about my exercise routine. My trainer keeps my workouts challenging, but interesting, too. I would never try the strength training I’ve done over the past three years without guidance. My trainer has gradually and steadily increased the weights I’ve been using and added lifting exercises as he saw that I was ready. I’m in my early 50s and have never been as strong as I am now. Because I gained strength gradually, I have never suffered an injury as a result of exercise. Before using a trainer, I would always avoid working on my abs. Now that I’ve spent three years incorporating core

strengthening into my routine, I believe I’m much better prepared for aging. I’m much less likely to injure my back now that my core is strong. I also have better balance, to hopefully avoid that fall. Not that I enjoy the abdominal exercises, I am just grateful that my trainer made me do them. While the health benefits are obvious, incorporating regular physical activity into your regimen can still be a challenge. Investing in a personal trainer isn’t a luxury when the results are strength, energy, an elevated mood, and the ability to enjoy the longer life you can look forward to.

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15 years ago. The treatment was so successful that 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. Dr. Livingston is a third-generation chiropractic physician who has been in practice for 24 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. Beyond cost and efficacy, decompression therapy provides a plethora of benefits over surgical alternatives like trimming the affected disc or cutting open the spine to remove the disc. Decompression therapy is simple, easy, and even relaxing. The therapy requires the patient to lie horizontally on the table-like decompression machine, while it provides gentle, intermittent, angled traction to the affected area of the spine. This gentle traction 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.”

Pinched Nerve?

A Painless and Effective Alternative to Surgery by Dylan Yépez photos Aaron Leyser and courtesy Fine Lifestyles Magazine

ain, numbness or weakness in your lower back or a limb may be symptomatic of a problem often treated by surgery. For 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. These spinal conditions, however, can frequently be addressed through non-invasive spinal decompression therapy.

Decompression therapy is a nonsurgical alternative treatment that is effective and painless. In fact, research places the effectiveness of this therapy between 86 and 93 percent; surgery, on the other hand, yields an estimated success rate of

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

between 20 and 50 percent — and it costs about one-tenth the price of surgery. Dr. John Livingston first began using spinal decompression therapy for his patients with spinal disc problems

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 administers decompression therapy with adjunctive treatments, which help to keep the disc in the right place, and nutritional counseling to promote his patients’ recovery and overall health. “That’s almost as important as the treatment itself,” Dr. Livingston explains. If you experience pain, numbness, or weakness in your back or neck, or pain

Dr.John Livingston

traveling down your arms or legs, this may indicate a problem that can be addressed through spinal decompression therapy. For more information, visit jkldc. com, or call 440.528.0005. Livingston Chiropractic Center is located at 25111 Miles Road, Suite D, near the intersection of Miles and Richmond roads in Warrensville Heights.

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

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The Human Fund:

Having a Good Time Doing Good by Patti London photos Molly Nook, Itamar Gat and courtesy The Human Fund

einfeld fans will recognize “The Human Fund” as that fake charity used by George Costanza with the slogan “Money for the People.” But there exists a real Human Fund in northeast Ohio and it is no joke, having raised over a million dollars over the last twelve years to support youth arts programming in the Cleveland public schools. Recognizing the value of the arts to the educational process, The Human Fund is committed to financial support for youth arts programming. Money from

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the charity has enriched the lives of tens of thousands of Cleveland kids since it began in 2005. According to co-founder, Heather Rayburn, the charity has “kept existing arts programming alive to ensure that Cleveland youth are exposed to this important segment of education.”

Heather has a background in business and education, and has developed high level art contacts during her career. She is determined to bring those resources to Cleveland’s kids to develop a model for career and economic development within the visual and performing arts.

Andy and Heather Rayburn, co-founders and co-chairpersons of The Human Fund, bring a wealth of experience and energy to this enterprise. Andy is the founder of Big Game Capital, a private investment company with interests in sports, music, fine arts, finance and distribution.

Creative careers are one of the fastest growing segments of the U.S. economy, now making up 33 percent of the American workforce (some 44 million people), and contributing nearly two trillion dollars to our nation’s economy. The field offers a very real benefit to

Clevelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economy only if the talent is developed. The Human Fund has supported an educational environment where talent has not only been developed, but allowed to flourish. Of the funds raised by The Human Fund, 100 percent has gone to support the All-City Arts program in the last eleven years. The All-City Arts program was initiated in 1999 within the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Due to a reduction in state education funding, increased health care costs, and decreased property tax revenue, this program, along with many others was eliminated from the annual budget. The All-City Arts program touches 15,000 students annually in grades K-12 in over 100 schools. The students develop musical, performing and visual arts pieces throughout the academic year.

Andy Rayburn

Heather Rayburn

The program attracts students to after school programming where they can practice their chosen art form and receive academic support. Students can bring their homework in for tutoring assistance before they pull out their instruments or art supplies. The 95 percent graduation rate and college participation statistics for the kids who have participated for at least two years in the All-City Arts program constitute solid evidence that the focus and motivation developed by arts education flows into the other areas

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of students’ lives. Kimberly Sias, the director of the All-City Arts program loves to see the impact on the kids, but more importantly she notes the impact on their social and emotional skills and development. “The kids learn to problem solve, critically think and manage dynamics in relationships with each other,” Kim says. She praises The Human Fund for providing high quality arts experiences and also appreciates how The Human Fund supports the local arts community by hiring artists to work with the young people. In prior years, the students have put on productions as challenging and varied as Rent, Aïda, and Memphis. Matinees of these musicals were attended by students of the Cleveland Metropolitan School District, no doubt encouraging many of them to explore the possibility of performing in the next year’s production. Evening performances were open to the public to much acclaim. The productions allowed the students to experience immeasurable personal growth from their own efforts. As one student explains, “The musical pushed me to put myself out there and helped me perform and achieve in ways I didn’t think possible.” Clearly, The Human Fund has found a way to invest in Cleveland’s future. And its donors can be sure they’ll have a good time while doing good. The thirteenth annual summer benefit concert will be held at Mahall’s in Lakewood on August 26th, featuring the David Grisman Quintet, whose bluegrass sound is familiar to all Grateful Dead fans, and a special performance by the All-City Arts students. Of course, all proceeds will go to the All-City Arts program. Prior benefits have been held at a variety of venues including The Beachland Ballroom, the House of Blues, Cain Park and the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum. To find out more about the fund-raising event, “like” The Human Fund on Facebook and follow them on Twitter @humanfund_artED. Donations to The Human Fund to support arts education programming for Cleveland’s kids can be made through the website at the-human-fund.org

The Human Fund the-human-fund.org

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Tony and Kimberly Sias

Teresa Slowey Whitham For All Your Real Estate Needs

â&#x20AC;&#x153;Teresa is-hands down-the best agent to sell your home or find a new one! She is highly informed on the marketplace and does the necessary research needed to offer and ask the best selling price for a home. She is highly knowledgeable about all aspects of real estate. She is assertive, astute and oh so kind. She cares that her clients are happy and satisfied. FIVE STARS!! - Patti Siegel

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 440-263-0504 Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland TeresaWhitham@HowardHanna.com TeresaSloweyWhitham.HowardHanna.com

Take Full Advantage of Patio Season

levelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s patio dining season is limited so we have to take full advantage of every warm evening we can. The rustic appeal of the patio at Cucina Rustica in Chagrin Falls makes this a favorite spot for fans of al fresco dining. The spacious patio is the perfect setting for the flavorful, unpretentious cuisine which Cucina Rustica is known for. Owner Gino Oppedisano has been serving home-crafted Italian classics at his dining establishment for over 27 years, first as the East Side Grille, then as Cucina Rustica in 2004. Once the

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by Janine Purcell photos Aaron Leyser

weather allows, Gino fires up the smoker to prepare a range of seasonal summer menu offerings. Gino, working with his son, Rocco, donâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t need the fancy flare relied on by other restaurants. The solid, simple quality of their fare, dominated by locally sourced, fresh ingredients, speaks for itself. The menu suits the comfortable style of the patio perfectly. Gino, who has seriously applied himself to his woodworking hobby, built the large rear patio himself. It features an intricate wood lattice, abundant flowers, market umbrellas and hundreds of sparkling lights to create

Maria Zagara and Rocco Oppedisano

a festive setting in which to share the delicious food and drink with friends and family. Barbecued specials are featured on the summer menu and include fresh fish dishes – soft shell or stone crabs when in season, halibut, salmon and swordfish. Gino devotes himself to balancing his core Italian offering with daily specials. Lunch and dinner menu offerings run the gamut from sandwiches to entrees. For dinner you’ll be tempted by homemade bread, including the option of “garlic nuggets” of bread that go well with a side of red sauce. Homemade pasta and sauces testify to the integrity and quality of wholesome ingredients expertly prepared with care. For the casual diner Rocco skillfully prepares a pizza with right-sized toppings, placed so you enjoy a subtle combo of flavors with each bite. Rocco’s fiancée, Maria, is the mastermind behind the dessert menu. Maria’s cakes have a reputation already – whole cakes to take home for special occasions are

attracting their own following. Cannoli, a generous array beautifully plated with a sprinkle of chocolate chips, pairs well with a cappuccino as your final course. Cucina Rustica will help you with your special occasion entertaining as well. Host a private event with the choice of two party rooms. The larger room accommodates parties up to a 100 and the smaller room is more intimate with a fireplace and its own bar. Or consider creating a party at home with a catered menu from Gino and family. For Gino, Rocco and Maria, Cucina Rustica is a lifestyle, not just a business. Customers become family here. This summer treat yourself and your circle of family and friends to the satisfying cuisine offered in this lovely al fresco summer setting. Cucina Rustica 8575 E Washington St, Chagrin Falls 440.543.4200

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f you are selling your home â&#x20AC;&#x153;For Sale by Ownerâ&#x20AC;? and both the buyer and seller are ready to move forward, contact Harvard Title to help you move through the closing process with confidence. Harvard Title can be a resource to discuss the home buying and selling process based on years of experience with a wide range of real estate professionals. Call us today! Harvard Title Agency is a full service real estate title and escrow agency based in Northeast Ohio and serving all 88 counties in Ohio. Contact Harvard Title Agency at 216.485.3550 or find them online at harvardtitleagency.com

216-485-3550

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3611 Prospect Ave Cleveland, Ohio 44115 Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank: Investing in a Lifelong Love of Reading by Patti London photos Aaron Leyser and courtesy Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank

iteracy impacts every facet of life in our data-driven society. Without language skills, even the most basic ambitions of a fulfilling life are simply unattainable. The resolution to the literacy problem in Cleveland begins with our kids. But sadly, 2 out of 3 low-income families don’t own a single children’s book. The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank has already taken a huge step forward to change those numbers, in only 16 short months. The Kids’ Book Bank is creating a culture of reading in low-income homes

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

throughout Cuyahoga County, changing the trajectory for 95,000 at-risk children. Since March 2016, they have distributed 639,722 high-quality children’s books to families in need through 548 partner organizations. The goals of the Kids’ Book Bank and their partners are straightforward: to encourage parents to read with their children and to inspire children to read. You’ve probably seen a Little Free Library, or two, around your neighborhood. They look like giant birdhouses but contain a revolving inventory of books, both

donated and taken by neighbors. The Kids’ Book Bank evolved from the idea of its founders, Judi Kovach and Judy Payne, to install Little Free Libraries in low-income neighborhoods. This initial plan was a huge success. They were supporting 60 Little Free Libraries but couldn’t keep up with the demand for books. In November 2015 they had a breakthrough solution to their supply problem. They developed a unique partnership with an online bookseller who was sending 100,000+ high-quality gently-used children’s books to recycling every month! Three months

later they opened the Kids’ Book Bank in a warehouse in Cleveland’s MidTown business district. Now that they’d solved the supply problem, the Kids’ Book Bank needed an efficient distribution system to get these books into the hands of the 95,000 children who were waiting for them. They reached out to the leaders of community organizations to develop a high-impact and efficient distribution strategy. Nearly 70,000 books every month now flow through the network of 584 schools and agencies the Kids’ Book Bank partners with. Recognizing that early exposure to reading is critical, their first priority was to distribute through early intervention initiatives to empower parents and caregivers to read with their young children. More than 3,500 mothers are receiving books monthly from agency

outreach workers that role model reading with their babies; 350+ home daycare providers are receiving books quarterly to read with the children and then send home for them to read with their parents. School-age children are excited to choose books provided through their tutors, coaches, pediatricians, after school programs, summer camps, food pantries and churches, as well as from their network of 90 Little Free Libraries. They have recently formed partnerships with WIC and Cleveland area schools, and through just these two initiatives, will distribute approximately 348,000 books to 87,000 underserved children in 2017. As one can imagine, the 100,000 books each month don’t arrive at the Kids’ Book Bank pre-sorted and neatly organized. Thanks to more than 2,200 community volunteers, these books are sorted and boxed for efficient distribution.

How You Can Help: • Sort & Box Kids’ Books! • Come Sip & Sort! • Donate Used Kids’ Books! • Sponsor a Little Free Library!

• Make a Financial Donation!

To Get Involved contact Kristen Saada: ksaada05@aol.com

Judy Payne and Judi Kovach

Kristen Saada Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

The volunteers come in all ages, from teenagers to young professionals, families and retirees. Volunteer extraordinaire, Kristen Saada, who co-chairs the fundraising committee, orchestrated a hugely successful, literary-themed fête last November to raise awareness of the Kids’ Book Bank. Kristen also hosts many “Sip & Sort” events to engage more volunteers. Groups of all stripes, coworkers, book clubs, young professionals, come for Books and Brews events and Sip and Sort parties, noshing on snacks and drinks as they sort and pack, and bond and network. Volunteering for the Kids’ Book Bank is more than a good time. It’s deeply gratifying to give time, energy and money where the impact of an organization is so

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

extensive. After less than two years they have already had a direct effect on tens of thousands of children. Thousands of new moms are now reading daily with their at-risk infants and young children. But the impact goes beyond fostering literacy – there’s an increased self-confidence in the parents’ ability to engage in their children’s future success.

If you would like to be part of this literacy movement, contact Kristen to volunteer, sorting and packing books, at ksaada05@ aol.com. To know that you’ve done something to open a child’s imagination and further a parent’s aspirations for that child is one of the greatest feelings.

The Kids’ Book Bank is now working with public housing, recreation centers, preschools and many other partners who want to help distribute books. This number will be obsolete by the time this magazine goes to print, but as of this minute the Kids’ Book Bank has distributed 639,722 high-quality books to families in need throughout Cuyahoga County.

Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank 3635 Perkins Ave, Suite 1E 216.417.1803 kidsbookbank.org

events

CLEVELAND

OPEN NOW THROUGH AUG 6 Brand-New & Terrific: Alex Katz in the 1950s Cleveland Museum of Art

JULY / AUG / SEPT

JULY 16 The Spazmatics Edgewater Live Edgewater Beach JULY 19 Wesley Bright & the Honeytones Wade Oval Wednesday 10820 East Boulevard JULY 29 - AUG 5 The Frolic American Dance Festival DanceCleveland Playhouse Square

AUGUST 26 The Human Fund Benefit Mahallâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s

AUGUST 27 One World Day Cleveland Cultural Gardens

SEPTEMBER 1 - 3 Cleveland Orchestra E.T. The Extra-Terrestrial Blossom Music Center

SEPT 14 -16 Indians v. KC Royals Progressive Field

SEPTEMBER 29 Night Market E. 21st & Rockwell

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Inspired Boutique Couture for Your Home

by Kristal Pettit photos Vincent Pearson Photography and Aaron Leyser

ocated in the heart of Chagrin Falls is a newly remodeled showroom featuring an array of furnishings, lighting, drapery, local art and tabletop accessories sure to satisfy all tastes and budgets. Chestnut Hill Home, by Janna Lutz Interiors, is a spacious, inviting home furnishings shop showcasing the latest trends in design. Chestnut Hill Home was founded nine years ago by owner Janna Lutz, building on her 25 years experience as a designer and decorator. Janna emphasizes the unique nature of her retail business, “Our inventory is best described as boutique couture at an affordable price point.” The store carries many accessory and furnishing lines which are exclusive to Chestnut Hill, including the modern masterpieces of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams and the private label upholstery line, Larren Grey. While Janna employs professional designers to assist her customers with their remodeling challenges, Chestnut Hill recently underwent its own remodeling. The physical space went from two storefronts to a single storefront, but Janna explains that they gave up virtually no inventory. “We took advantage of 1000 square feet in the rear of the store which wasn’t previously used,” Janna points out. “The space is essentially the same but much more spacious because we’ve opened up what was essentially two separate stores.” The new space is much more user-friendly. For instance, the design samples used to be in the office area, making it challenging when working with customers. Now it’s more functional, with plenty of room to view and compare the samples. The selection process can seem overwhelming when presented with the varied array of styles and choices at Chestnut Hill Home. Luckily, the design services offered at Chestnut Hill make the process not only manageable but enjoyable. The professional designers

aspire to assist each customer with their purpose, whether it’s to find that special gift or to plan an entire home remodel. They are up-to-date with the current trends and conversant with the most traditional styles. In addition to Janna, Chestnut Hill’s designers include Candy Murdock and Amy Harris. Candy has a history with architectural firms, but her passion is for residential design. As an interior designer, Candy has worked in hundreds of homes in northeast Ohio. Chestnut Hill Home is a wonderful environment for her because she loves working with a group of smart, creative and inspirational women. “We all discuss our design ideas and the collaboration produces a better outcome for each of our clients,” Candy says. Amy’s aesthetic seeks a balance of comfort, functionality and luxury. She enjoys creating an approachable and welcoming environment. “Furniture placement and lighting have a huge impact on a room,” Amy explains. “The right mix of texture, color and design help bring it to life.” Chestnut Hill’s designers will consult with your architect and builder on new construction and will work closely with you on your interior design concepts. Janna is a hands-on participant when it comes to translating your ideas into a space that reflects your personal taste and lifestyle. In creating a custom kitchen or bath, home office or theatre, fireplace or patio, you can rely on the experience and knowledge of Chestnut Hill’s designers. Their familiarity with furnishings, window treatments, lighting, floor coverings, tile and stone work will alleviate any anxiety you may have harbored about taking on these projects. To create that serene, visually appealing setting in your home, Chestnut Hill carries an inventory of furnishings and décor to suit every style. Some of the furnishings you’ll find in the newly remodeled space include the distinctive

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

pieces of Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams, which aren’t available anywhere else in Greater Cleveland. Since its inception, Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams has been an advocate of comfort and style. All of their eco-friendly furniture is made by skilled artisans in Taylorsville, North Carolina. MGBW have often been called the masters of modern furniture for a very good reason, and this fall they’ll be re-introducing an historic style into their line. Chestnut Hill’s showroom will be a perfect setting for these new furnishings. Also included in Chestnut Hill’s exclusive inventory is the high-end styling of Larren Grey. This private label upholstery line sports 400 different fabrics from which to choose, and build-your-own customized chairs, sleeper sofas, and other pieces of nearly infinite variety. A brand new line to Chestnut Hill Home utilizes renewable, environmentally conscious, beautifully styled fabrics. Cisco Brothers is out of Los Angeles, California, where every piece of furniture is made by local craftspeople. Since 1990, Cisco has used sustainable materials and building methods to create furniture which is as healthy for you as it is for the planet. The style is best described as timeless, yet innovative. Cisco Brothers’ furnishings are upholstered in fabrics sourced from around the world.

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

In addition to the lines of furnishings, Chestnut Hill carries many accessory lines which are exclusive to them. Don’t overlook the importance of accessorizing your interiors. Window treatments or lighting can completely alter the character of a room. For a pleasant visual, select a few tabletop accessories and reenergize your space. If you happen to see an item in a design magazine or online, bring it in to Chestnut Hill Home and they’ll find it for you. Janna is enthusiastic about sharing her new showroom with her regular clientele and with new customers. She welcomes browsers, so come in even if you don’t have a specific item in mind or a design

dilemma; it’s well worth a trip just to get ideas. Visit her next time you’re in beautiful Chagrin Falls. You’ll find that, even with professional design services, your next home project will be affordable without sacrificing the quality you desire. Chestnut Hill Home is located at 25 North Franklin Street. Shop from 10-6 Monday through Saturday. You may reach the store by phone at 440.247.6858

Chestnut Hill Home 25 North Franklin Street 440.247.6858 chestnuthillhomechagrin.com

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Encounter Technology First-Hand by Kristal Pettit photos Vincent Pearson Photography and Clint Buhler

f you’re interested in the new trends in home automation, you’ve probably tried sifting through the reviews and recommendations online. If so, you’ve no doubt come away with your head spinning. Similarly, if you’ve considered adding a home theater, you’ve likely ended up with more questions than answers when trying to read up on the latest products and equipment in home viewing. Luckily a technology professional is waiting for you in a showroom as close as Broadview Heights. Xtend Technologies has been preparing for this high-tech revolution since its inception in 2001.

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Specializing in home theater, home automation, distributed audio, highend 2-channel stereo, IT solutions, networking, and basically, all things audio/video, Xtend Technologies has built a showroom to facilitate explaining the answers to consumers’ technology questions. Owner Tony Fabrick invites you to their modern 6,500 square foot showroom to experience a demonstration of a system. “Our showroom is actually made up of twelve different showrooms, each configured as a comfortable room in one’s home,” Tony explains. “Our staff is trained to demonstrate all the latest

technologies so you can see exactly how home automation would work in your own home and how it could positively impact your daily life.” Asking the right questions about your dedicated 2-channel sound system options is easier when you’re listening to the system in a setting similar to the one at home. “Audiophiles will also enjoy exploring the distributed audio systems,” Tony says. “We’ve installed systems to demonstrate how you can enjoy music anywhere in your house. We can show you the different apps available for your devices which control the audio system.” Each showroom is designed to

showcase the various products and their capabilities. Actually experiencing the equipment in a home-like setting renders the learning process infinitely easier than reading the tech blogs online. Home theaters are becoming very popular as a way for friends and family to enjoy video media in all of its forms. Whether you’re remodeling an existing room or working with a builder to add a theater to your home, Xtend Technologies provides the perfect opportunity to experience the products and equipment in a home theater setting. The staff have the answers to questions you haven’t even considered yet regarding room size, seating options, wall sound treatment solutions, as just a few examples. A new sound format called Dolby ATMOS is a 3D object oriented sound format that must be heard in a showroom configured as a home theater to truly appreciate its three-dimensional surround sound.

Xtend Technologies is waiting to show you the audio/video technology you’ve been looking for. The showroom is open Tuesday through Friday from 10-7 and Saturday 10-4, open by appointment on Mondays.

Xtend Technologies 7981 Broadview Road, Broadview Heights 440.526.7500 xtendav.com

Before taking the short ride down I-77 to the showroom, Tony recommends that you establish a budget for the project you have in mind, whether it’s a home automation system, a home theater, or a new audio sound system. “Just because you give us a number, doesn’t mean we’re going to spend all your money,” Tony promises. “We’re here to provide you value for your budget, which means finding the appropriate products for your project. We have many products from many different vendors, so we can find something right for you and right for your wallet.”

Top Right: Clint Buhler, Tony Fabrick, Nick Fabrick and Jon Kross

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Imagine a New Vista for Your Green Space by Meg Pauken photos Aaron Leyser and courtesy New Vista Enterprises

amily businesses can be tricky endeavors. But for New Vista Enterprises, there’s a compatible fit of complementary skills and easy communication styles which ultimately benefits their clients. Brothers Matt and Mike Supler design and install stunning landscapes throughout Northeast Ohio. Working together “could be a reality show some days” but most days their natural talents blend easily for a harmonious work style. With degrees from Ohio State University in Landscape Design and Construction (Mike) and Horticulture (Matt), they

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

bring both expertise and enthusiasm to every project. Mike founded New Vista Enterprises in 2000, after obtaining his degree, and working for a large landscape design firm. Later, Matt joined him, first as an employee and then a partner. “Mike is the design and construction guy,” Matt explains, “And I’m the plant guy.” The first thing they do on a new engagement is to learn the customer’s goals and preferences, likes and dislikes. Then they develop a conceptual design plan, working with existing plantings and structures, if that’s what the customer wants.

The brothers use a network of nurseries which provides access to unique and interesting plants. Neither brother favors a traditional, cookie-cutter approach. “We really work in creative collaboration with our customers,” Mike says. “Every job is different. We have clients who like to experiment every year with new and different plantings, and others who have very specific and consistent preferences.” Mike and Matt enjoy the creativity that their work allows. They have worked with Land Studio on many public art installations in the area, in addition to their residential work.

Matt and Mike Supler

New Vista is a comprehensive landscape design and installation company. They perform all phases of the process inhouse, from the initial assessment and design phase, to installation of both plants and hardscape, as well as maintenance and upkeep. They utilize skilled craftspeople and tradesmen whose talents are essential. “We do a lot of natural stone work that complements the big older homes in the area,” Mike explains. “So we employ phenomenal stone masons, who are really becoming a rarity. We also employ plumbers and electricians, allowing us

to do complete installations of outdoor kitchens, for example.” New Vista is serious about customer service: “Once we start a job, we are there every day until it is finished,” Matt says. Not all landscape firms work this way.

is the best possible endorsement. Call New Vista Enterprises today for a consultation on your landscape at 216.291.1100. Visit the website at newvistaent.com to see a gallery of projects and for more information.

Mike continues, “We are family-oriented and very hands-on, so we can be flexible if customers want to make changes, and we are always available for questions.” New Vista forms long-lasting relationships with their clients, with about 90% of their business coming via referrals from satisfied customers, which

New Vista Enterprises 216.291.1100 newvistaent.com

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Honoring and Preserving Clevelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Cultural Diversity by Patti London photos courtesy the Cleveland Cultural Gardens and Fine Lifestyles

he early part of the twentieth century was an energetic era in Cleveland, judging by the number of centennials that weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve been celebrating. The Cleveland Museum of Art opened in 1916. The Cleveland Orchestra was founded in 1918. The Cleveland Play House was established in 1915 and Playhouse Square was completed in 1921. Cleveland was the fifth largest city in the U.S. at this time

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

and clearly becoming a cultural center. Oh yes, and the Indians won the World Series in 1920. The Cleveland Cultural Gardens also celebrated their centennial recently. Although a hundred years old, the Gardens are a constantly expanding and evolving horticultural tribute to Clevelandâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s international character. The string of 39 gardens located along two

miles of Martin Luther King Jr. Boulevard are unique to Cleveland - no other city in the world has set aside green space to memorialize the culture and history of the various nationalities represented in the community. The Gardens encompass 254 acres and provide homes for striking statuary and fountains. Mahatma Gandhi, Mother Teresa and Confucius are living next to scientists like Copernicus, Tesla and Madame Curie, and hobnobbing with

the composers Bach, Liszt, Chopin and Beethoven. Leo Weidenthal, a journalist and fan of Shakespeare, is credited with coming up with the idea for individual gardens for each of the city’s nationalities during the 1916 dedication of the Shakespeare Garden in Rockefeller Park. The Cultural Garden League was established to promote Weidenthal’s concept and in 1926 the Hebrew Garden joined the Shakespeare Garden. In 1927 the city set aside areas of Rockefeller Park for future gardens. The Italian, German, Lithuanian, and Slovak Gardens were the first to be established in 1930, followed by the Polish, Hungarian, Czech, and Yugoslav Gardens in 1934, reflecting the European heritage of Cleveland’s earliest settlers. The American, Rusin, Irish, Greek, and Syrian Gardens originated in 1938. Ukrainian, Romanian, Estonian, African-American, Chinese, Finnish, and Indian Gardens were created later, as immigrants from these areas of the world moved here. Most recently the Gardens have expanded to include the Armenian, Azerbaijan and Latvian Gardens. The various ethnic communities planned and raised funds for their gardens, while the Cleveland Cultural Garden Federation was established to coordinate joint programs. The 1960s and 70s saw a general decline in the maintenance of the gardens. Vandalism inspired the storage of much statuary for safekeeping. Fortunately, restoration efforts began in 1985, when the Federation, working with the representatives of each garden, made plans for rehabilitating the Gardens. That restoration led to the beautiful park we are so lucky to enjoy today. Drive through on any pleasant day and you’ll see joggers and bike riders along the trail running along MLK Blvd. You’re also likely to notice volunteers weeding and planting in their Gardens, and possibly a wedding or picnic, or two. If you’re planning to visit the gardens, parking is available on the side streets and along several sections of MLK Blvd. To make finding the individual Gardens easier, there’s a map online at clevelandculturalgardens.org/map, or, if you’re old school, there are maps at an

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

information kiosk near the middle of the Gardens, by the German Garden on the east side of the street. There are proposals for eight more Gardens, as proof that Cleveland’s diversity is ever-expanding. These include the Lebanese, Native American, Russian, and Vietnamese Gardens. To celebrate that diversity, plan to visit the Gardens on Sunday, August 27th for the 72nd Annual One World Day. 24,000 of your neighbors were there last year to experience the culture and diversity of the Gardens. This annual event reflects the theme of the Gardens: “Peace through Mutual Understanding.” The One World Day is the highlight of summer events in the Gardens and the one occasion when the Gardens get together to celebrate as one. Activities include a Parade of Flags, a naturalization ceremony, cultural performances, entertainment and authentic ethnic food. Visit clevelandoneworldday.org to learn more. Opera in the Italian Garden is scheduled for Sunday, July 30th this year and is a popular event, albeit considerably smaller than the One World Day. There are other annual concerts, such as Liszt in the Hungarian Garden, and last winter you could view the Gardens from horse drawn carriages during the holidays. Find out about other upcoming events on the Federation’s website, clevelandculturalgardens.org. If we’re the fortunate beneficiaries of Cleveland’s energetic era of 100 years ago, we’re also the custodians of the institutions bequeathed to us. During our watch Playhouse Square is thriving and our museums are enjoying amazing revitalizations. If you treasure the beauty and cultural diversity the Cultural Gardens represent, volunteer to rake some leaves or pull some weeds, or keep your hands clean and become a Friend of the Gardens. Together, we’ll make sure the Gardens continue to grow. Cleveland Cultural Gardens Martin Luther King Jr. Blvd, between I-90 and University Circle Cleveland Cultural Gardens Federation 1163 East 40th St, #205A 216.220.3075 clevelandculturalgardens.org culturalgardens.org clevelandoneworldday.org

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

EXTERIOR STONE

INTERIOR STONE

Oâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;Brien Cut Stone is a Worldwide Direct Importer of Natural Stone Slabs & Tiles. Visit our Brand New 12,000 -Square Feet Showroom & Warehouse. Open to The Public Monday Through Friday.

19100 Miles Road, Cleveland 216.663.7800 Obriencutstone.com

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Preserve Your Trees, and Cleveland’s Arboreal Reputation by Kristal Pettit photos courtesy Ripley Tree Service

reater Cleveland is known for its trees, hence the longtime nickname, Forest City. Since the mid-1800’s, when the Department of Forestry & Nurseries was established to save the trees, Cleveland has shown a respectful regard for its arboriculture. In the late 1930s, in conjunction with the Work Projects Administration, the city planted more than 13,000 trees in city parks. The trees in your yard could very well have been included in the 1940 census that counted 321,198 trees in our city. When you consider your responsibility for maintaining the health and longevity of your trees, don’t hire anyone but a professional arborist. Certified

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Arborists are educated and credentialed professionals who can evaluate, diagnose, and treat diseased trees; engineer and install structural supports; recommend appropriate trees for your landscape, and, when necessary, trim or remove them completely. Mike Ripley, the owner of Ripley Tree Service and a Certified Arborist, explains that the training and certification process overseen by the International Society of Arboriculture (ISA) results in a higher standard of tree care and preservation. Mike also has obtained certification in Tree Risk Assessment, which means that he can assess the health of your trees and recommend and administer treatment, if necessary.

Mike Ripley (center) with 2 employees

Ripley Tree Service provides comprehensive arborist services. Mike and his team of eight will perform a full assessment of a client’s property, evaluating the health and viability of each tree. Depending on the specific challenges of the property, they may make recommendations about thinning a dense stand of trees, or removing selected trees in order to highlight a particularly fine specimen tree. “We consult with our clients to address their specific issues and concerns,“ Mike explains. Often Mike and his crew can improve the health of existing trees with targeted pruning and treatment for pests and diseases. A tree-trimmer who lacks ISA Certification may not understand the risks inherent in trimming an oak during the summer. It seems logical to trim when the leaves are out and the dead limbs are visible. A Certified Arborist, however, knows that to prevent the spread of deadly oak wilt, oak trees should only be trimmed when dormant. Mike helps his clients select trees appropriate for their soil and landscape, and which are also aesthetically pleasing.“There are so many beautiful varieties of trees that consumers aren’t

aware of,“ Mike says. ”We recommend options, do site preparation, planting and fertilization of new trees for our customers.” Ripley Tree Service uses turf-friendly equipment, which has a low impact on lawns and landscaping and causes minimal damage. The equipment is also more “nimble” and able to get into spaces that bucket trucks and cranes cannot access. Well cared-for trees are attractive and can add considerable value to your property. Poorly maintained trees can be a significant liability. Pruning or removing trees, especially large trees, can be dangerous so it should be done only by professionals trained and equipped to work safely in trees. To maintain Cleveland’s arboreal heritage, contact Mike Ripley at Ripley Tree Service for an assessment of the trees on your property. Mike can be reached at 440.463.7379, or visit their website at RipleyTreeService.com for more information.

Ripley Tree Service 440.463.7379 ripleytreeservice.com

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Are You Dreaming of a New Concrete Driveway? by Kristal Pettit photos courtesy ALBA contractors

ome homeowners wish for better landscaping. Others dream of kitchen remodels. I spend my spare time imagining the disappearance of that crumbling mess of asphalt some would call my driveway, and a gorgeous span of concrete in its place. I am sure I’m not the only one wishing to never seal coat again. In search of my dream driveway, I spoke with Al Sluga, of ALBA Contractors, Inc. Al founded his company in 1995, starting from a small office in his shed. He’s now a respected industry leader in concrete construction, with over 25 years of experience in the residential and commercial construction industry

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

including on-site supervision and project management. He is the lead component in sales and in maintaining the vision of ALBA Contractors, Inc. As President and CEO, Al plays an integral role in the estimates provided each customer. He doesn’t rely on a supervising foreperson - Al is on every job, integrally involved in each project. ALBA Contractors provides construction services to clients who demand professionalism, integrity, trust, and impeccable customer service. When discussing concrete versus asphalt, Al makes a very good point, “Asphalt driveways actually cost more in the long run than concrete because they lack longevity and asphalt driveways require

Al Sluga

much more maintenance. Not to mention how the asphalt sealant gets tracked into the house.” So, I asked Al about the advantages of concrete, besides the longer life and less maintenance. “Concrete is quite versatile. A decorative finish gives your concrete both durability and a polished, unique appearance,“ he also added, “When compared to cobblestone or brick, concrete is also more moderately priced.” The planning stage is a good time to consider the finish. A traditional broom finish or beautiful hand finish will enhance your homes curb appeal. Adding a decorative finish with a stamp pattern or color can give your concrete the appearance, feel, and look of brick, tile, slate, or stone. ALBA Contractors’ team can provide professional guidance through the planning stage of your dream concrete driveway or patio. ALBA can assist with everything from demolition and removal of your existing structures, to the explanation of the quality of materials they use. Their skilled tradesmen understand that the final product depends on the proper performance of each step of the process, from grading to sealing.

Once my concrete driveway is installed, ALBA’s team of installers will restore the lawn to its original condition so the project will be complete. ALBA Contractors applies the same standards to all its work, whether they are pouring a patio or driveway, waterproofing your home, or repairing or replacing your drain or sewer line. When you call to schedule your consultation, you’ll be happy to know that an actual person will always answer the line during business hours. ALBA’s entire team understands quality and customer service.

ALBA Contractors 8670 Twinbrook Road, Mentor 440.974.9085 albacontractors.com

Al assured me that my driveway is going to make me smile every time I drive in and out. He explained that my driveway will now be a design element of my landscape, making a dramatic difference in the appearance of my home. My neighbors are going to love it as well.

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Kathy and Ken Badalamenti

Riviera Construction Helps Clients Support Charity With Renovations By Meg Pauken Photos Vincent Pearson Photography and courtesy of Riviera Construction

en Badalamenti, owner of Riviera Construction, is always thinking of ways to improve the renovation experience for his clients: making it more efficient, more cost effective, and more pleasant, all while delivering top quality, custom services. One reason Riviera is so successful is Ken’s “customer first” attitude. Ken started Riviera Construction in 1992,

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

specializing in large-scale renovations and additions. He grew up around the business, working for his family’s construction company as a carpenter and later becoming certified in HVAC work. He has extensive experience in both commercial and residential projects. During his 24 years in business, Ken has developed longstanding relationships with clients, architects and tradespeople.

Recently Ken met the director of a nonprofit, charitable organization which specializes in the removal and resale of high-end kitchens and other salable items. Ken realized that working with this organization presented a unique opportunity for his luxury remodeling clients. As he saw it, developing a working relationship with this organization accomplishes several goals for his clients. First, the removal service is “white glove,”

saving the client demolition and disposal costs, which can be substantial. Secondly, the items are donated to a charitable organization, allowing the client to take a tax deduction for the value of the donated items. Finally, the items are resold and reused, keeping them out of the landfill and creating both jobs and additional funds to support the overall charitable goal. As soon as Ken learned about the charitable option, he immediately realized it would be a great service for his clients. Why should high-end cabinetry, appliances and fixtures be wasting in a landfill? What if the perfectly solid, but maybe outdated, kitchen cabinets could be carefully detached then donated for resale to raise money for the charity? If he could provide this service to homeowners, Ken knew it would be a winning proposal for everyone involved, and for the environment, too. Ironically, the direct resale of even highend, luxury used goods typically yields pennies on the dollar – hardly worth the effort to market and sell it. However, the value for purposes of charitable donation is much higher. Ken wants to give his clients an opportunity to save money while doing good. Ken says, “As soon as I read about this organization, I thought it would appeal to my clients. What a great way to do something good for people, and yet save money by doing it!” Even items such as chandeliers, appliances, bath fixtures, home décor, cabinetry, and countertops, along with certain exterior items, like doors and some windows, can be donated as part of a client’s remodeling project. Riviera Construction is well-known in the region for its high-end, whole house renovations. Its reputation in the building industry is stellar, as Riviera’s 5-star rating on Houzz.com demonstrates. Numerous reviews on Houzz describe Riviera Construction’s excellent customer service, attention to detail and quality work. In addition to luxury remodels, historic restoration and renovation of older homes, Riviera Construction also does home additions, outdoor spaces, and custom homebuilding. Riviera is on the frontline of the universal design trend, as well, so talk with Ken if you’re considering aging in place and need to

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

modify or update your current home to meet your future needs. If you are considering an extensive remodel of your home, let Ken and his team at Riviera Construction potentially help you maximize the value of the renovation by saving on the demolition, obtaining a charitable donation, and keeping waste out of the landfill. Call Ken Badalamenti at 440.349.9744 to discuss how he can help you love your home again. Riviera Constructionâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s website includes photographs of a selection of completed projects, as well as testimonials from many happy clients. Find it at riviera-construction.com.

Riviera Construction 440.349.9744 riviera-construction.com

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Robert C. Van Gunten Painting

At Van Gunten Painting we strive always to exceed your expectations for

trust, quality and reliability of service. We have provided top quality interior and exterior painting and wallpaper installation since 1978. All at affordable pricing. “Special attention to preparation and detail.”

Robert C. Van Gunten • 216-269-5880 • vanguntenpainting.com Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Party on the Patio All Summer by Kristal Pettit photos Vincent Pearson Photography and courtesy Exscape Designs

o take full advantage of the long, light-filled evenings this time of year, many of us are looking for patio dining options. While eating out is nice occasionally, wouldn’t it be better to have a beautiful patio dining option in your own backyard? Exscape Designs can help you repurpose your yard into a relaxing, yet fully functional, area to enjoy. Exscape Designs, headquartered in Novelty, Ohio, will work with you to create an outdoor oasis that suits your personal style and budget. A full service landscape company with over 100 years of combined experience in its staff of certified landscape professionals, the company has been creating outdoor improvements in northeast Ohio since 2004.

or a brand new outdoor kitchen, Exscape Designs will take the time during the beginning stages of the design process to fully understand your vision and assess your property. Bill Dysert, president and CEO, explains, “Excellent customer service requires a thoughtful approach so we’ve developed a creative and collaborative process which is thoroughly client-driven.”

Whether you’re seeking a beautiful garden waterscape, a renovated patio,

In the initial design phase, talented landscape designers will work closely

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

with the homeowner or their builder or architect to determine the vision and goals of the landscape design. The client’s needs and budget are discussed in detail at this phase, so that the plan is consistent with the client’s style preferences and produces the desired functionality, within the designated budget. “Exscape’s designs don’t fall into the usual traditional or modern categories,” Bill notes. “Our landscape designers take important cues from both the exterior and interior of the home, the color palettes and the design selections, to develop the composition of the new project.” The designers and craftspeople fine tune the details while the homeowner is guided through the material selection, whether the project is a new patio or a complete remodeling of the entire

outdoor space. The project manager maintains communication with the client through regular progress updates and site visits. The homeowner enjoys watching the entire project materialize during the build phase. Once the landscape design build is complete, Exscape Design continues to serve as a resource in maintaining the landscape. As part of the follow-up process, they check in 30 days after the installation to review the project. They also offer clients ongoing landscape maintenance plans and services. “Our promise is no customer left behind. We

offer full property care and service, 12 months a year,” Bill says. “Although a small portion of our business is high-end boutique commercial work, 95% of our operation is devoted to residential clients. Exscape Designs functions as their personal property manager.” The dozens of testimonials on the Houzz site suggest that clients agree that Exscape Designs consistently delivers more than what’s expected. Exscape Designs has won “Best of Houzz” Service awards for the past three years in a row in recognition of their high standards and an unfailing commitment to their customers.

your backyard can become the summer evening haven for your family and friends. You can still visit a restaurant patio now and then, but you’ll want to spend most evenings enjoying the pleasant comfort of your own.

Exscape Designs 10121 Kinsman Road, Novelty 440.729.0011

Contact Exscape Designs to learn how

Bill Dysert and Members of Exscape Design

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Clean Water

for the Health of Your Home and Family

By Kristal Pettit Photos Vincent Pearson Photography and courtesy Fine Lifestyles

ater systems are an integral part of your home. From your family’s drinking water to the health of your plumbing fixtures and appliances, clean, clear water is essential. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is a fullservice plumbing company that has serviced Northeast Ohio for more than four decades. Its comprehensive water services and club memberships will ensure that all of your home’s water utilities are functioning beautifully for your long-planned holiday gatherings. “Preventive maintenance becomes key to having equipment function properly,” explains Leona Kratochvil, who owns the company with her husband, Dennis. “We receive a lot of calls from customers who say that all of a sudden the system doesn’t work. It’s 11 o’clock at night, they have no running water, the system hasn’t been serviced in six years, and ‘Why didn’t I do something sooner?’”

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For all of your home’s plumbing needs, there’s the Ben Franklin Society Membership, which includes a comprehensive yearly inspection of all your plumbing fixtures to catch small leaks before they become big problems. Also included is a 14-point precision tune-up of your water heater to make sure those nice, hot showers last well through the winter. “A lot of people don’t think anything of a faucet that’s slightly dripping or a toilet that’s running from time to time,” says Eric Dunlap, water treatment specialist and Operations Manager at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. “But that’s using extra water constantly.” All club memberships include 15 percent discounts on repairs and 10 percent discounts on replacement equipment. Preventative maintenance includes checking for scale on your shower heads and faucets, or iron stains. Eric Dunlap stresses the importance of water treatments to deal with contaminants which cause damage to plumbing and appliances and could even affect your

family’s health. “Water treatments can remove minerals and other impurities from your water systems,” Eric explains. “Reverse osmosis filters will take care of lead and some forms of arsenic which you may not even be aware exist in your city’s water supply.” Benjamin Franklin Plumbing is running a year end special through tax day on water treatments. Extend the life of your plumbing and water-using appliances and make sure your water is the safest possible for drinking. With Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, it’s all about you: your time, your security, and your choices. Although these plumbers emphasize their speed, efficiency, and punctuality, no quality is ever sacrificed in the process. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing guarantees that you will be absolutely satisfied with their installations and service-repair jobs — if you are not, they will give you a full refund, and if a repair fails within two years, they will return to repair it again for free. Call 440.543.1151 to schedule an appointment, and ask about the veterans discount. Visit BenjaminFranklinPlumbingNEOhio.com for more information and to find coupons for a variety of services. When their 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 BenjaminFranklinPlumbingNEOhio.com

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Transform Your Home’s Exterior with Light

by Kristal Pettit photos courtesy House of Lights

ow that summer has arrived, it’s a great time to evaluate and update your outdoor lighting. House of Lights in Mayfield Heights has a wide range of styles from which to choose the lighting which best complements your home and landscaping. House of Lights has been a “fixture” in the industry for over 50 years. According to owner Mark Dymidowski, a combination of selection, service, and stability is the key to its success. Mark notes that once the weather warms his customers come in seeking outdoor

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lighting options and fans. “Home owners notice the long-term effects of weather on their outdoor fixtures such as tarnishing and corroding, and look to replace and upgrade them this time of year,” Dymidowski says. “Fans are also a popular item once the weather warms, for both interior and exterior spaces,” he adds.

driveway to front door. Wall lanterns cast a welcoming glow when placed to either side of the front door, or next to a side entrance, or even to enhance the look of a garage. Upgrading your exterior lighting is not only functional from a safety perspective, but adds an elegant effect to your home’s architectural style.

Visit the shimmering 10,000-foot showroom on Mayfield Road and you’ll experience the area’s largest selection of lighting options. For your exterior lighting needs, House of Lights stocks hanging lanterns to illuminate your front entryway and post lamps to brighten the route from

Landscape lighting is yet another option to consider when you’re upgrading your exterior lighting. Carefully placed landscape fixtures can enlighten your home’s exterior so you and your neighbors can enjoy the gardens even after the sun sets.

Fans provide more than a welcome breeze inside your home. Mark points out that wet-rated ones can be installed in outdoor pergolas, porches, and deck areas so even a warm evening outside is comfortable.

home’s entrances. They understand how various lighting styles will fit into the overall exterior design of a customer’s home and can present a variety of options for a customer’s consideration.

Bring photos of your home and your ideas to the showroom for professional input from Mark’s team of experienced designers. They’re trained to help customers determine appropriate sizing for fixtures in various spaces. They also help evaluate the specifics of how lighting will function in that space. For example, lighting needs can differ depending on landscaping and the orientation of your

In addition to staff in the showroom, House of Lights employs lighting installers who will conveniently deliver and install lighting for customers. Dymidowski explains that House of Lights has an exceptionally large inventory of lights in stock. An onsite 10,000 square foot warehouse, in addition to the showroom, makes it possible for customers to leave with their fixtures,

rather than waiting for their order. You can shop online, via the company website, houseoflights.biz, or stop in and let Mark and his team of experts help you brighten your outdoor living spaces. The store is located at 5818 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights. Store hours are 10-6 Monday through Saturday, and 12-4 on Sunday. The store is also open on Thursdays until 8 p.m.

House of Lights 5818 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights 440.449.3500 houseoflights.biz

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Easy Access to Everything You Need in Your Garage And a Little Serenity By Dylan Yépez Photos Courtesy of Garage Finisher and Vincent Pearson Photography

f Marie Kondo saw your garage, what would the queen of tidying-up have to say? Would she see a serene space, clean and organized, which allows you to quickly find whatever you need - the kids’ baseball equipment, your garden tools, the bicycle pump? Or would she find a repository for all the junk you mistakenly think you might need later? You could explain that you always the plan to clean it — but until that time, the garage will remain a confusing mess, hiding the things you need to put your hands on right away. Well, the time for a garage decluttering 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 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

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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 ten times 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.

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 go to your clean garage space and easily locate everything in its organized place. And there wonâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t be any need to read Marie Kondoâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s anti-clutter manifestos, unless you need inspiration to tackle the junk drawer in the kitchen. Visit garagefinisher.com for more information about Garage Finisher, to

see a gallery of its work, and to view 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.

Garage Finisher 216.831.4500 4530 Renaissance Parkway Cleveland, Ohio 44128 garagefinisher.com

Mario Salwan

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Guiding Your Company on the Path to Success by Kristal Pettit photos Vincent Pearson Photography and courtesy Steve Newman

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

teve Newman, of Newman & Company CPAs, recently went on a mountain climbing excursion in Zion National Park. While he and his family were on the trail heading up the mountain, they kept asking the people coming down, “How much farther? What’s up ahead?” This was a natural inquiry when facing the unknown. Unlike Nepal, Zion National Park didn’t provide sherpas to guide the climbers. Steve and his partner, Nick Fanous, liken their work with business clients to the guidance provided by the sherpas who’ve traveled the mountain trails many times, under many conditions, and have gained valuable familiarity with the terrain. Because Steve and Nick have been privy to the inside stories of hundreds of businesses, they’re positioned to dispense advice with the advantage of experience. “Business owners travel down two roads simultaneously during their working years,” Steve explains. “On one road they are trying to make money in an orderly and productive way. At the same time, business owners are working to increase the value of their businesses in an important utilitarian way.” A successful business owner understands the necessity of checking in on the value of the company as he or she is traveling these two roads. That is where Newman & Company can provide a useful valuation of the business and advise the business owner about the opportunities and potential liabilities the business could face on the roads ahead. “If you’re engrossed in just making money, you may not be checking into the overall financial health of your company,” adds

Steve. “The life cycle of the business is an important element to keep track of along the way, from setting up the right type of entity and business structure, to the retirement plan.” Steve sets forth as an example that a family can be hit very hard with estate taxes if the business owner dies. A proper business valuation can determine the amount of life insurance required to make sure the business remains viable in the future. Newman & Company helps business owners through the sales process and positioning for the best tax outcome. “Many business owners know where they’ve been but not where they’re going. We can provide guidance which other accountants simply don’t have the perspective to deliver. We’ve seen the mistakes and successes of hundreds of other businesses, giving us a familiarity with the road ahead,” Steve assures. The business valuation is important for reasons other than checking in on your company’s financial health. A business appraisal can be vitally important if you want to buy or sell a business, and need to know its value. “If you’re gifting stock or a portion of the business to a family member, you’ll need a valuation for tax purposes,” explains Nick Fanous. “Transitioning a business from one generation to another requires an assessment of its value, too.” Nick also points out that a business valuation is important in more unfortunate circumstances such as probate or divorce, or to prove lost profits during litigation. “In lawsuits involving unfair competition, theft of company secrets or the violation of non-compete agreements, you’ll want objectively admissible evidence of that lost value or lost income,” Nick clarifies.

As Steve says,“Nobody likes a surprise unless it’s a good one.” Newman & Company can advise clients when something is coming up ahead, requiring them to take some kind of action to preserve cash flow or to avoid sanctions, for example. For the clients of Newman & Company the path seems faster on the way up because they benefit from the guidance of sherpas who’ve traveled the trails too many times to count. Newman & Company is located in the Ohio Savings Building at 1801 East 9th Street. Professional biographies and additional information about the firm may be found on their website at newmancpas. com. Newman & Company 1801 East 9th Street, Cleveland 216.781.6106 newmancpas.com

Nick Fanous and Steve Newman

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Low Air Fares and Favorable Exchange Rates Visit Europe in 2017

by Patti London photos courtesy Fine Lifestyles Magazine

ven in the age of Expedia and Travelocity, travel agencies still provide a useful service to the traveling consumer. A travel agent will save you time if you are too busy to do all the research and reading which planning a trip requires. An agent can probably save you money, as well. They will probably have access to bargain rates on hotels, air fare and cruises which aren’t as easy to find if you aren’t an industry insider. Most importantly, an agent would have told us that our passports weren’t valid for travel to Ecuador a year and a half ago, thereby preventing our deportation to Miami, where we renewed them at the State Department - an all day exercise in patience. Having a travel agent for that trip would have saved us the air fare cost

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to return to Ecuador once our passports were renewed. But we wouldn’t have such a good story to tell our friends. Now that we have relatively new passports, we need to use them. The dollar to Euro exchange rate makes 2017 an excellent time to see Europe. We’re adventure-seekers so we won’t be hiring a travel agent. We’ve split up the planning tasks with two of our adult children, with whom we’ll be traveling. Our son-inlaw set up the initial itinerary and we’ve built our plan off of his schedule. He also located a rental car for the duration of the trip which gives us lots of flexibility, and a chance to drive on the autobahn. We fly to Paris to meet our kids, who will have been sofa-surfing with friends

in Hamburg, Malta and Geneva for 12 days before we arrive. Flights to Paris are reasonably priced but many we found seem to take days to arrive. You can save money but you’ll have a 13 hour layover in Iceland after making a transfer in Charlotte. This is not any way to start a trip. We found a flight out of Toronto on Air Canada which is pretty quick for not being the Concorde. We leave at 7:35 in the evening, watch a movie and read a little, then arrive in Paris at 8:35 the next morning. All of our destination cities had unique Airbnb options. We found a two bedroom apartment for the four nights we’re in Paris near the Eiffel Tower and the Rodin Museum for $250 per night, including taxes and cleaning fee. For Reims, Leuven, Amsterdam, Berlin and Copenhagen, the Airbnb choices were plentiful, too. The key might be that we made reservations five months in advance. Obviously, the prices and selection are not as good if you wait until closer to your departure date. We look forward to the food experiences throughout Europe, but don’t want to lock ourselves in with reservations at particular establishments. Even though the world’s best restaurant, René Redzepi’s Noma, has closed, a new restaurant called Barr has just opened in its space on Strandgade 93 in Copenhagen. Undoubtedly you need reservations for Barr, but Copenhagen

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is a food mecca and here are just a handful of restaurants on our list to explore: chef Kristian Baumann’s 108; Väkst; the Market Asian Bar and Kitchen; Spontan; and, Restaurant Palaegade, the best place to try the traditional Danish open sandwich, Smørrebrød. An internet search easily discloses restaurant options in any of the cities on our itinerary. And while we’re walking the side streets and alleys, we’re sure to discover a few that didn’t land on our list. We have good advice from globe-trotting friends about places to visit in Berlin and Paris, which gives us a range of possibilities. But our agenda includes absorbing the energy of each city, sitting in sidewalk cafes and people watching. We don’t want to schedule so much that we miss the quotidian rhythms of life around us. The best we can hope to bring home is a sense of how much is different from the way of life we experience in Cleveland, and how much is the same for humans living on the other side of the Atlantic. Exploring the world is not only about discovering ways of being that we didn’t know before. It’s very much about recognizing the same essence of life in a completely different context - that familiarity with each other’s way of life that makes the whole world feel like home. If dropping in on another continent seems overwhelming, by all means, contact a travel agent for solid advice about planning your trip. If you have the time to spend on the internet, or at the library perusing travel guides, you might find added enjoyment in the planning phase and extra anticipation built into the research. However you choose to make it happen, just make it happen. Money spent on travel is an investment in memories you’ll treasure always.

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“We Make America the Beautiful

One Deck at a Time”

Specialist in Bringing Your Deck Back to Life Repairing

Powerwashing

Staining

SERVING GREATER CLEVELAND’S FINER HOMES SINCE 1982

DECK

SAVERS

3 YEAR SERVICE WARRANTY 216-544-4404 mrdecksaver.com

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440-543-1151 • 440-729-1378 csr.0102@benfranklinplumbing.com www.BenjaminFranklinPlumbingNEOhio.com