Fine lifestyles Cleveland Volume 4 Issue 4 2016 by Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

FineLifestyles VOLUME 4 ISSUE 4 PRICELESS

CLEVELAND

Building Bridges of Tolerance The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage

Travel: Take a Holiday Staycation The LBGT Community Center: Providing Valuable Support for Many Featuring Local Businesses for Your New Yearâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Needs

FIRST WORD

FineLifestyles

CLEVELAND

With Fine Lifestyles editor PATTI LONDON

Fine Lifestyles Magazine 2016 Volume 4 Issue 4 Publisher Marc London marc@finelifestylesmagazine.com Editor Patti London

hile the rest of the country seems to be in turmoil, we W feel like Northeast Ohio is insulated to a great extent from the conflict and uncertainty. Our economy is undeniably

expanding and providing opportunities for younger people to remain here and prosper. The locally owned businesses we focus on in this magazine are growing and providing more employment each year. The federal government has a place in the political puzzle, but the impact of local prosperity is much more important to our day-to-day lives. Across the political spectrum we share the same values in this community. Republican or Democrat, we support local non-profit organizations and arts programs. Many of us participate in charitable giving throughout the year, but make exceptional efforts during the holiday season. We are especially proud to feature the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage as our cover story this issue because this is a place which reinforces our values of tolerance and inclusivity, year after year. As we look to the new year, let’s keep the target of growth and progress in sight. Let’s shop locally and let our investments in our homes, our health, and our leisure also fund a local economy which will support and benefit us all. Wishing you the most joyous of holidays, from the Fine Lifestyles family to yours.

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: Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage

Fine Lifestyles Cleveland ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS

Marlon Tussel 216-548-6292

Marc London 216-926-3449

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

@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 2015 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........................ 16 RECREATION & TRAVEL....................... 26 ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT..... 38 HOUSE & HOME.................................. 42 BUSINESS............................................. 64

FEATURES

Embracing the Zappar..............................8 LGBT Community Center.......................16 Snowshoeing for All Ages..................... 22 COVER STORY:

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage.................................34 Award-Winning Books of 2016...........38 Baking Gingerbread Houses................42 Travel: Take a Holiday Staycation.......48 Calendar of Events.................................... 51

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

All Area Rugs 20% - 60% Off Through December 31st 2016

Enriching the Fine Lifestyles Magazine Experience

o doubt you appreciate the vibrant photography in this magazine. We hear all the time that the photos are the reason many of you find flipping through the pages so relaxing and enjoyable. We also receive positive feedback from readers about the engaging content and the useful information contained in each issue. Weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;re pleased to be able to share even more details and visual content through the use of the augmented reality app, Zappar. We introduced the Zappar feature in our last issue but since then weâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;ve found even more ways to include

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

By Patti London

audio, video, slideshows, and more. Throughout the magazine look for the small circle with a lightning bolt in the middle. This small icon is your portal to a fun dimension of extra content. To gain access, simply download the free Zappar App from the App Store or Google Play, aim your smartphone at the icon on the page and step into the world of augmented reality. Augmented reality is just a catchy phrase for the sound, video or graphics you can see when aiming your device at an object, like the lightning bolt icon.

Imbedding a helpful video into an article or ad increases what we can share with our readers, without taking away from anything we already love about reading a three-dimensional magazine in the real world. We can include a sample of the music in an ad for a local band or a video of a home improvement project from one of the contractors we feature in an article. The creative options are exciting for us to explore to deliver additional content with our readers. To find the added content in this issue, download the Zappar app. It’s available for iPhone, iPad and most Android phones and tablets. Once you start the app, it will open up to a camera view in scanning mode. As you scan the Zapcode, the little lightning bolt in a circle, the content will open on your screen. You won’t know what’s hidden behind the Zapcode until you zap it. The app is easy to use and fun. You won’t need to find a sixteen year old to help you but you just might impress your kids or grandkids when you show them how to use it. We hope you enjoy this issue and find the extra content interesting and useful.

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Experience the Wonder of Giving Back

t Vincent Pearson Fine Art Portrait Design we personalize your home or office decor with portraiture, enhancing the enjoyment of those who live or work there. We relish the success we’ve experienced producing portraiture and we are passionate about giving back. With this in mind, we are happy to announce that we intend to donate $150,000 of goods, services and cash to local charities by the end of 2016. This will be an incredible journey during which we plan to meet extraordinary people doing life-changing work to make the world a better place. To celebrate, we are offering ten $500 gift certificates to the first ten people who want to kick off 2017 by donating $99 to the charity of your choice. Contact us via our website or email to join us on this journey and experience the wonder of giving back. Vincent Pearson Fine Art Portrait Design 216.385.5452 PearsonArtisticPhotography1.com Pearsonap@aol.com

Dressing Windows for Over 55 Years

hether you’re shopping for a single window treatment, redecorating your entire house or seeking the solution to a complex design challenge, you’ll find what you need at Earl R. Agin & Associates Inc., a locally-owned business with over 55 years of experience. Earl R. Agin & Associates is pleased to offer the Lafayette Interior Fashions line of custom window treatments, including blinds, shades and shutters. Lafayette, based in Indiana, has been manufacturing distinctive window treatments for over sixty years. The manufacturer has earned a reputation for forging partnerships with its dealers to ensure the best customer service experience. Partnering with its manufacturers is integral to Earl R. Agin’s purpose to provide quality fashions for its customers’ windows. Let their experts assist you in customizing your selection to your home’s style. During an in-home consultation their professional technicians will assist in measuring, assess lighting and discuss all of the design options available to conform with your budget. Call on Earl R. Agin for your next design project! Earl R Agin & Associates Beachwood, OH earlagin.com 216-464-9017

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JEWELER OWNED AND OPERATED DIAMONDS

CUSTOM DESIGN

REPAIR

516 E.Washington Street Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 jackson-grey-jewelers.com 440-247-5600

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Exceeding the Standard for 50 Years

in the

Cleaning and Care of Your Clothing By Dylan Yépez Photos Aaron Leyser

Once Cleveland’s winter settles in, dropping

off and picking up the dry-cleaning are errands you’ll want to cross off your to-do list. Let the professionals at London Cleaners pick up and deliver during the wintry weather - and year round, for that matter.

“W

e’ll Take It From H e re” is t h e London Cleaners’ motto—and these full-service dry cleaners stick to it. London Cleaners is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. 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 garments and serves Northeast Ohio, from Chardon to Avon Lake and into northern Akron and Medina. “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-

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

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. Throughout his career as a custom tailor,

Alex gained vital experience working with all sorts of fabrics, allowing him to achieve a distinct level of quality for his dry-cleaning business. To further expand his knowledge base, Alex has toured the facilities of several high-end clothiers. Through visiting the factories of Brioni in Italy and Swarovski in Austria and St. John Knits in California, as well as the fabric mills of Zegna and Barberis in Italy, Alex gained first-hand knowledge of the construction and care of these designer clothes, which is unmatched by any other Cleveland-area cleaner. 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.” 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 Center of Respect and Support:

The LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland By Patti London photos Courtesy the Fairmount Group, LGBT Center and Fine Lifestyles

ne of the best facets of living in Cleveland is the abundance of resources available, no matter what your needs. We are extremely privileged to have an LGBT Community Center in Cleveland which is poised to extend even greater services and benefits to, not only the LGBT community, but to all of us. Plans were unveiled this year for a modern, well-appointed building to undergo construction in 2017 which will allow increased programming and plenty of room to grow. The current LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland has been a valued

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

resource located in the Gordon Square neighborhood since 1999, well before the area became one of the destination neighborhoods for shopping, dining and date nights. The Center is rooted in that community and intends to remain there, relocating the new Center to 6705 Detroit. The modern design by the architecture firm Weber Murphy Fox will complement the historic, artsy look of Gordon Square. The new Center will have expanded space for events and programming. The Center currently offers a considerable variety of programs catering to all ages. From regular drop-in hours, aimed at providing

a safe place and caring listeners for LGBT youth, to a full-blown seniors schedule, incorporating wellness programming, parties, dances and excursions to events like the Cleveland International Film Festival and the zoo. The Center provides the nurturing social support groups for all ages necessary to fulfilling its mission â&#x20AC;&#x153;to enrich the lives of the diverse LGBTQ community through advocacy, support, education and celebration.â&#x20AC;? The increased space and visibility in the neighborhood will also allow the Center to implement more programming for the transgender and genderqueer population. They currently partner with TransFamily to host a monthly support group,

but recognize the need for diversity training and extended services for these vulnerable residents of our community.

extremely small budgets, lack paid staff and 75% of them do not own their own space.

When the LGBT Community Center of Cleveland first opened its doors in Coventry in 1975, it was the third LGBT Center in the country. The first center opened in Los Angeles 47 years ago and now has a multi-million dollar annual operating budget. According to the 2016 Community Center Survey Report, a biennial report tracking trends in the growing movement of LGBT community centers by the Movement Advancement Project (MAP) and CenterLink, there are now 250 such centers across the country. At the 143 centers which responded to the survey, 43,500 clients are served every week and over 6,000 people are referred to other organizations or agencies for services and assistance. The vast number of LGBT centers, however, operate on

Cleveland is fortunate that over 37 years many have dedicated their talents to making the Center what it is today. The Center now has a salaried staff of nine committed individuals and an Executive Director, Phyllis “Seven” Harris, with decades of experience with local nonprofits, including Planned Parenthood of Northeast Ohio, Cleveland Rape Crisis Center, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Greater Cleveland and the Cleveland Sight Center. The Center will soon be joining those flourishing LGBT community centers operating out of their own space. The new building was made possble by an anonymous donor with a generous $1.8 million gift - the largest donation in The Center’s history. Contact the LGBT

Community Center of Greater Cleveland to contribute to the long-term success and sustainability of an invaluable resource for so many of us. If you make a donation before December 31st, a grant from the Milton and Tamar Maltz Family Foundation will match that up to $500,000. The Center always welcomes volunteers, if you need a fulfilling way to spend your spare time. The potential impact of your contribution of time and money is monumental.

LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland 6000 Detroit Avenue, Cleveland 216.651.5428 lgbtcleveland.org

Phyllis “Seven” Harris - Executive Director

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Don’t Let Foot Pain Stop You in Your Tracks By Meg Pauken Photos Aaron Leyser

he human body was built for movement. Foot pain might bring you to a halt, but it doesn’t have to be a permanent situation. Atrium Foot Specialists, Drs. Nyssa Christie and Michael Singerman, have over 30 years of podiatric experience and work with athletes and non-athletes alike to resolve foot problems and get their clients moving again. Dr. Christie, a Doctor of Podiatric Medicine and Surgery (DPM), enjoys working with patients who are athletes

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

or otherwise active people, but who are experiencing foot and ankle pain that is slowing them down. “We see a lot of repetitive motion injuries in runners, along with toenail problems, tendonitis, plantar fasciitis and stress fractures,” she says. “These patients are happy to get back to being active.” Typically, these conditions can be improved or completely resolved, often without surgery, so that full physical activity can resume without pain.

It is better to seek treatment soon after a problem develops, rather than waiting. According to Dr. Christie, if a painful foot condition lingers for more than three days, it is best to seek treatment from a podiatrist. Both Dr. Christie and Dr. Singerman are affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic and University Hospitals, so they can accept patients from either system. Although they are affiliated with both hospital systems from a referral and insurance perspective, they operate completely

independently, which allows them to spend as much time as needed with each patient, providing very personalized care. The philosophy at Atrium Foot Specialists is to empower patients by encouraging active participation in treatment plans and educating them about prevention and proper foot care. According to Dr. Christie, “We consult with our patients and recommend appropriate shoes and sandals to prevent the recurrence of foot problems. We will recommend particular brands and styles of shoes to address their specific conditions and lifestyle. Not many other podiatrists do that.”

Dr. Nyssa Christie and Dr. Michael Singerman

In addition, Drs. Christie and Singerman will also create molds for custom orthotics to realign their patients’ feet and correct biomechanical issues. “Orthotics can correct a lot of problems,” notes Dr. Christie. As a full service podiatric practice, Atrium Foot Specialists also works with older and diabetic patients. Dr. Singerman and Dr. Christie maintain close relationships with their diabetic and geriatric patients: “For this population, remaining active is especially important, and foot pain can lead to a sedentary lifestyle.” Keeping patients mobile helps them stay healthier overall. As people age, balance becomes an issue that is affected by both foot discomfort and loss of sensation caused by neuropathy. Neuropathy, a common complication of diabetes, can lead to serious infections because patients do not realize they have injured their feet until after the injury has progressed. It is important for diabetics to have regular foot examinations. Atrium Foot Specialists is located at 23250 Mercantile Road, Suite 120, in Beachwood. The office is fully handicap accessible, with plenty of parking. Telephone number: 216.591.1600. Pain-free feet are essential to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Call Atrium Foot Specialists today and get back on your feet!

Below: Ashley Garrard, Dori Kaplansky, Ileen Boro and Renée Morley

Atrium Foot Specialists 23250 Mercantile Road, Suite 120 Beachwood 216.591.1600

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

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

Therapeutic Treatments to Alleviate Osteoarthritis “You have arthritis!”

hen your doctor utters this small phrase, it may certainly sound like some sort of final judgment or sentence was just pronounced. You may find it difficult to just get out of bed in the morning and you may suffer with joint pain, creaks, inflammation, muscle spasms or movement difficulties as you go about your day. You hoped to get to the bottom of it all by seeing your physician and having them prescribe medication or appropriate treatment. They listen to your history of the issues, perform an evaluation, order lab testing, and may send you for x-rays, CT scans, MRI’s or other diagnostic tests, but when the tests come back, the reports and the findings all indicate that you have one of the most common conditions in people over 40: OSTEOARTHRITIS. Degenerative/OA or “osteo” or “old age onset” arthritis is the most common type of arthritis, affecting many millions of Americans each year. It is characterized by the gradual wearing away of the cartilage that cushions the joints of the spine and extremities, due to age, injury, or heredity and can affect multiple areas of the body at the same time. While not due to infection or autoimmune conditions, osteoarthritis is known as the “wear and tear” type of arthritis, as it often occurs gradually and worsens over many years. As the cartilage cushioning in the joints slowly thins, the constant friction and loading of the joints from repetitive,

everyday activities such as sitting, bending and lifting overloads the shock absorption capabilities that the cartilage has, and results in inflammation and pain, making it difficult to carry out normal daily tasks. If the degenerative processes become more advanced and the cartilage cushioning wears away more extensively, the normally smooth surfaces of the bones that make up the joints can become rough as bone wears away and undergoes remodeling. Bone spurs can develop, further complicating the condition because the spurs can further irritate spinal nerve endings and cause conditions like sciatica or numbness in an arm or leg to develop. When your doctor prescribes medications for arthritis, such as an over the counter anti-inflammatory, the pain can ease because the swelling decreases, but the over-the-counter, non-steroidal antiinflammatories, or “NSAID’s” also block some of the key enzymes that promote repair of the joint, thereby further complicating the problem and ultimately making the underlying damage worse over time.

That’s where chiropractic care can help! At Livingston Chiropractic, we use gentle forms of spinal manipulation and joint mobilization which help to realign posture and improve circulation to stiff, painful joints. These treatments further facilitate an increased range of motion, which allows for reduction of the pain/inflammation cycle. We may add stretching and strengthening exercises to increase muscle flexibility and tone; whole food nutrition to support the underlying joint and microcirculation; therapeutic modalities to relieve pain; and, therapies such as cervical or lumbar decompression therapy if there is additional compression on a nerve root, to ease nerve impingement and irritation. We also have a licensed massage therapist and a certified acupuncturist in the office, who contribute additional therapeutic services. Regardless of the severity of the osteoarthritis, you don’t need to feel 95 if you are 45. Call us to see how chiropractic care can help you to effectively put an end to pain and inflammation from osteoarthritis and put a spring back into your step! Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Decompression Therapy:

A Painless & Effective Alternative to Surgery By Dylan YĂŠpez Photos Aaron Leyser

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 ailments, 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 between 20 and 50 percent â&#x20AC;&#x201D; and it costs about onetenth the price of surgery. Nearly 15 years ago, Dr. John Livingston began using spinal decompression therapy for his patients with spinal disc problems. 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 20 years. He and his partners at Livingston Chiropractic Center take a holistic approach to health care, to identify and address the causes of pain, rather than masking the symptoms. 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

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Alice Silverstein, Colleen LaFlame, Jan Kraft

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.” 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 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, 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

Dr. John Livingston Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

An Innovative Workout

for the New Year

By Meg Pauken Photos Brad Cohn and Vincent Pearson Photography

ana Salwan opened Barre Cleveland because she wanted to create a space where women could find a complete and personalized workout that would be sustainable for the long term. A seasoned fitness professional, Yana began researching Barre workouts years earlier, driven in part by the effects of a lifetime of high-impact exercise upon her body. Yana has been a lifelong athlete and fitness aficionado, running track throughout college and teaching group fitness classes since 1991. She has been in charge of the group fitness program at Ballyâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (where she met her husband in 1996), Urban Active and Lifetime

Fitness before opening Barre Cleveland. In previous jobs, Yana had as many as 40 instructors working for her but at Barre Cleveland she teaches every class offered at the studio. Her expertise and dedication to fitness enable her to guide clients of all fitness levels and make modifications when needed. The low-impact program at Barre Cleveland incorporates elements of classical ballet, yoga, strength training and Pilates to develop a strong core; to strengthen arms, legs and back; and to improve posture, flexibility and overall health. â&#x20AC;&#x153;If someone needs an adjustment Yana Salwan

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2016 Celebrated 3 Years for Barre Cleveland

because of their physical limitations, I know how to do that properly so they do not injure themselves,” she explains. Due to Yana’s extensive fitness background she is able to choreograph her own classes, changing them up weekly so neither she nor her students get bored nor complacent. She limits class size to less than 20 participants, so that she can give very personalized instruction. “I want my clients to see progress and to stick with their workouts, so I mix it up and keep it fresh, while staying within the overall barre principles,” Yana says. Barre Cleveland’s members are able to attend as many classes as they like, for one fixed monthly fee. First-timers can purchase a one-class pass, followed by a discounted first month to try it out before they commit to the 6 month, “Rock Star,” subscription. Because class sizes are small, members reserve a spot in class

ahead of time online or by using the Barre Cleveland App. “In order to keep class sizes small, we ask members to reserve a spot in the classes of their choice ahead of time. We have found that, because they know they can’t just drop in, they put it in their calendars and it increases their commitment to working out and ultimately improves their success,” Yana offers.

class at Barre Cleveland! Barre Cleveland is located at 3737 Park East Drive, Suite 209 in Beachwood. Call the studio at 216.342.4229 or visit the website for more information and to sign-up for your first class - barrecleveland.com. Barre Cleveland 3737 Park East Drive, Suite 209 Beachwood, Ohio 44122 216.342.4229 barrecleveland.com

Raise the “barre” for yourself and try a

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Snowshoeing for All Ages By Patti London Photographs courtesy Fine Lifestyles

nowshoeing is a great way to enjoy the snow we are so lucky to have dumped on our region, some winters more than others. It’s easy to learn, inexpensive and burns about 600 calories an hour, on average. It’s an up-and-coming sport which appeals to a wide range of fitness levels. Recreational hiking snowshoes are perfect for beginners. These snowshoes work best on terrain without steep climbs

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

or descents. More active snowshoers who want to cross-train with running or other sports, may prefer aerobic/fitness snowshoes. This is a tougher snowshoe with a sleeker design. Finally, if you’re more experienced and like the powder, the hiking/backpacking snowshoes are for you. These are very durable with an aluminum frame, material for flotation, and bindings that support all types of boots.

Snowshoes will cost between $100 and $300 - unless you must have the Crescent Moon Composite Kilo Run snowshoes for $398.95. When looking for the right size, the length will depend on how much you weigh. The most common sizes for adults are 25 inches, 30 inches and 36 inches. Your retailer should be able to help you when deciding snowshoe length. A good site to explore is backcountry.com for a nice selection of snowshoes and accessories. Rentals provide an ideal opportunity and place to get started because you can make sure a particular style of snowshoe is right for you. Rentals are available in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and the Cleveland Metroparks. These nature preserves have groomed and mapped trails which provide a safe environment and controlled way to start. Carefully consider your footwear and clothing choices before going out in the elements. Waterproof hiking or

snowboarding boots are good for the hiking style snowshoes. Waterproof trail running shoes work well with the aerobic/fitness style snowshoes. Socks made of wool or a wool/silk combination will keep your feet warm, while layers of clothing with a wicking material close to the skin will take care of regulating your body’s temperature and keep you dry. Obviously gloves and a hat will add necessary protection from hypothermia and frostbite. Cold, dry air can dehydrate you just as quickly as heat and humidity affect you in the summer. You may not realize you’re sweating if your wicking layer is doing its job, so you need to be conscious of remaining hydrated while enjoying all winter sports. Along with your water bottle, you’ll be glad you brought a small bag of nuts, jerky or dried fruits to give you the energy boost to finish your route. Preventing dehydration and hunger can also combat hypothermia if you’re exposed to the cold longer than you planned.

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Once you’re outfitted with your new or rented snowshoes, your layers of warm clothing, water and snacks, you’re ready to explore some of the amazing winter scenery of northeast Ohio. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park provides snowshoeing and cross-country ski trails, monitored for our safety by Cuyahoga Nordic Ski Patrol. The Winter Sports Center at Kendall Lake Shelter, built from native chestnut and sandstone by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, provides a rustic setting to warm up with a hot drink and relax after a day of outdoor fun. Snowshoe rentals are available when the snow depth is at least four inches at the Center and at the Boston Store Visitor Center, 1550 Boston Mills Road, in Peninsula. Rentals are $5 with a valid driver’s license and credit card as a deposit. Snowshoeing is recommended for nearly all of the park trails with the exception of the Ledges and the Brandywine Falls trails system. The Winter Sports Center staff and volunteers provide visitors with updated weather forecasts, area maps, and schedules of park events. Check the Cuyahoga Valley National Park’s operating hours webpage for days open this winter, nps.gov. On Saturday January 14, 2017, the Cleveland Metroparks is offering a sunrise snowshoeing hike in the North Chagrin Reservation. Snowshoe rental is available for $7 with reservations. The hike is a total of 1.5 miles through the A.B. Williams Woods to the historic and picturesque Overlook Shelter. This might be the perfect way to experience snowshoeing as a beginner. Once you’re comfortable with using your snowshoes, the Metroparks offer snowshoeing on a number of trails and allow snowshoeing on select golf courses when there’s at least four inches of snow. Fifteen different trail maps are linked to the snowshoeing tab on the Metroparks’ site, from Bedford and Brecksville Reservations to the Rocky River and South Chagrin Reservations, clevelandmetroparks.com. The peaceful, pristine parks encircling Cleveland are waiting to reveal their surreal winter beauty to us. Fill your water bottle, don your knitted hat and snowshoes and get outside.

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Winter Weather Means Family Fun By Dylan Yépez Photos courtesy Holiday Valley

quick three-hour drive from Cleveland brings you to Ellicottville, a lively ski town in western New York, home to Holiday Valley Resort. Holiday Valley, New York’s most popular ski resort, began as four slopes and a T-bar 60 years ago. It since has evolved into a full-service winter getaway which includes 58 slopes and trails and spans four mountain faces. Over the last 22 years the resort has reinvested over $126

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million in improvements, making it a yearround recreation destination. Readers of SKI Magazine recently ranked Holiday Valley the third best resort in eastern North America. But Holiday Valley is much more than a ski resort — it’s a fun and relaxing escape with activities for the whole family.

spend time with your family,” says Jane Eshbaugh, marketing director for Holiday Valley.

Ellicottville is a small, family-oriented village where you can take a break from urban distractions and work. “The nice thing out here is that you actually can

If you plan to bring little ones, there’s no shortage of fun for them. The fullservice daycare center runs all week. You can combine daycare services with ski

From ski rentals and lessons to firstclass lodging and slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, Holiday Valley has everything for your winter getaway.

Ellicottville at Night - photo by Sandy Kammerer

lessons for children as young as three and be assured that they are in qualified and caring hands. Instructors visit the daycare center to get the children clothed in their ski outfits, take them to their lessons, and bring them back to the daycare afterward. “It’s a wonderful service, and the kids have fun and make friends,” Jane says. “They have their lesson and then go back in and play with their new friends.” Small snowboarders will love the Riglet Park. Sponsored by Burton, the park provides teaching terrain for young riders, who receive one-on-one training from Holiday Valley’s experienced snowboarding instructors. “They have a great time, and they learn the skills through experience,” Jane explains. “It’s a very exciting and fun way to learn.” Holiday Valley also has plenty of fun and challenging runs for more experienced skiers and snowboarders. The resort offers 23 black diamonds, as well as a nearly vertical double black diamond, the

Wall. The woods also are open for skiing and snowboarding, if you’re looking for an extra challenge. Holiday Valley is excited to announce $2 million in resort improvements for the 2016-17 season. As a result, additional snowmaking guns have been installed on several slopes for better snow coverage. Holiday Valley has automated a large portion of their snowmaking system which increases efficiency and energy savings by adjusting automatically for air temperature and humidity, while providing the best quality manmade snow. The Holiday Valley Realty and

Rental Management office has been relocated to a new building at the base of the Holiday Valley Road. The popular Ellicottville Oasis Spa has moved to the Tamarack Club at Holiday Valley. The whole family will enjoy tubing at the Holiday Valley Tubing Company, located

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just four miles away from the resort, with a free shuttle running every hour. They can warm up at the outdoor bonfire pit, as well. “Tubing is a great family activity because it requires no skill or athletic ability,” Jane says. “It’s just fun!” After a day on the slopes, parents can unwind in the Oasis Spa, conveniently located in the Tamarack Club. The fullservice spa offers a variety of massages as well as the gamut of other essential spa services. The Inn at Holiday Valley is a popular lodging choice for families visiting Holiday Valley. The Inn and the Tamarack Club provide ski-in/ski-out lodging with heated indoor-outdoor pools, outdoor hot tubs, saunas, Wi-Fi, private conference rooms, and numerous other amenities. For those interested in making Holiday Valley their second home, Holiday Valley Real Estate has stunning properties for sale on the slopes, nearby, and in the village of Ellicottville. When you aren’t using that vacation property, the agency will help

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you lease to other families, managing the listing of your rental and arranging for the after-lease housekeeping. Holiday Valley is located just three hours from Cleveland, at 6557 Holiday Valley Road in Ellicottville, New York. Call 716.699.2345 or email info@ holidayvalley.com with any questions, and visit holidayvalley.com for photos, videos, maps, and a variety of other information about the resort. “Like” Holiday Valley Resort on Facebook, and follow @holidayvalley on Twitter for frequent updates. Holiday Valley 6557 Holiday Valley Road Ellicottville, NY 716.699.2345 info@holidayvalley.com holidayvalley.com

BENEFIT FOR THE DREAM ON FOUNDATION

An American Story,

Told at the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage By Patti London Photography courtesy Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage

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f you grew up in Cleveland, a visit to the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage is certain to feel nostalgic. The core exhibits evoke a strong sense of time and place unique to Cleveland’s history. You’ll encounter personal stories of struggle, courage and creativity and not a few names and faces you’ll recognize, and maybe are even related to. Beyond reminding native Clevelanders of their rich history, the museum places us in the context of the American narrative. The Maltz Museum opened in 2005 with the mission “to build bridges of tolerance and understanding by sharing Jewish heritage through the lens of the American experience.” This heritage is shared through the museum’s principal state-ofthe-art, interactive exhibits, oral histories, photographs, and artifacts. The special temporary exhibition gallery was recently featured on the award-winning news program “CBS Sunday Morning” when the Violins of Hope exhibit was on display.

That remarkable exhibit will be traveling to Sarasota, Florida this February, in case you’re in the area. The current 4,000 square foot exhibit makes its home in the special gallery until May 14, 2017. More than 150 blackand-white images are featured in This Light of Ours: Activist Photographers of the Civil Rights Movement. The exhibition is generously sponsored by Cleveland Browns Foundation; Cleveland Foundation; Jack, Joseph, and Morton Mandel Humanities Center at Cuyahoga Community College; Cleveland State University; Milton and Tamar Maltz; PNC Bank; and The Treu-Mart Fund. This Light of Ours features works by nine activist photographers who documented the clash between institutionalized discrimination and determined resistance by activists and volunteers in the 1960s. “The power of these photographs that helped catapult long-existing inequities into the national consciousness is

undeniable,” asserts Maltz Museum executive director Ellen Rudolph. “Pain, fear and hope—the emotions and momentum fueling the movement—are palpable in the images.” The Maltz Museum included related material about racial division today. “This exhibition is very timely,” says Museum co-founder Milton Maltz, noting its relevance to recent shootings, riots, vigils and protests in Baltimore, Charleston, Cleveland, Dallas and Milwaukee. “Ordinary people risked everything to fight for equality in the segregated South of the 1960s. The question this exhibition asks is, 50 years later, who will take up the challenge to right inequities that continue to spark anger across this country? How can we heal this open wound of racial division in America?” This Light of Ours includes content related to Northeast Ohio’s own turmoil and triumphs at this critical moment in American history. “Cleveland experienced

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the Hough uprising of 1966 and the long struggle to desegregate Cleveland’s public schools,” notes the Museum’s education director, Jeffery Allen. “The region also witnessed the 1967 election of Carl Stokes as the first black mayor of a major American city and the groundbreaking role played by his brother, Louis, in the U.S. House of Representatives. Exhibitionrelated programming will be tied into community-wide commemorations of these milestones, examining their legacy in light of current events.” The Maltz Museum is proud to be a partner in those commemorations. For details, visit stokes50cle.com.

The Museum shop should not be missed at the end of your visit. The store is a terrific resource for unique gifts all year, but especially for the holidays. This winter you’ll find beautifully crafted, artisanmade items like the Western Wall Dreidel from the Gary Rosenthal Collection. The store has an extensive selection of books, DVD’s, distinctive toys and an exceptional collection of jewelry and accessories. Members receive a 10% discount and there’s no Museum admission fee if you only have time to stop by for some quick shopping. Knowing that all proceeds go to support the Museum is yet another reason to shop here often.

In addition to the special temporary exhibition and the core exhibits presenting inspiring stories of Jewish immigrants and contemporary heroes, the Museum includes The Temple-Tifereth Israel Gallery – a light-filled gallery containing an internationally-recognized collection of Judaica. Established in 1950 by Rabbi Abba Hillel Silver in honor of The Temple’s 100th anniversary, the collection includes ritual objects, sacred books and scrolls and fine art from all over the world. It is the fourth oldest museum of Judaica in the United States. Tours of the collection are weekly, each Thursday at 2pm. No reservations are necessary.

An article on the Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage would not be complete without mentioning the essay contest which has elicited 20,000 submissions since its inception. For the past eight years, the Maltz Museum has sponsored the Stop the Hate® Youth Speak Out essay competition. Students compete for $100,000 in scholarships, awards and anti-bias grants. The contest this year encourages Northeast Ohio students to draw inspiration from Elie Wiesel’s human rights legacy: In 500 words or less, share an incident when you or someone you know was treated unfairly or you treated someone unfairly based

on race, socioeconomic status, gender, religion, etc. Why was this judgment wrong? How did the experience affect you? What have you done and what will you do to help end intolerance and create a more inclusive community? “This competition reinforces the responsibility of the individual to effect positive change and celebrates young leaders who are ready to put their vision into action,” says education director Jeffery Allen. The Stop the Hate® Youth Speak Out contest is open to Northeast Ohio 6-12th graders. Entries are due Jan. 6, 2017, for grades 6-10 and Jan. 20, 2017, for grades 11-12. Twenty-five finalists will appear at the final judging and public awards ceremony on Tuesday, April 25, 2017, 6pm at The Milton and Tamar Maltz Performing Arts Center in University Circle, affording the public a chance to hear students from different corners of the region take a stand against the injustices they see around them. Teachers are invited to implement Stop the Hate® as a classroom project. For examples of winning essays, related Museum tours and complete rules, visit maltzmuseum. org/stop-the-hate.

The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage celebrates culture and identity to encourage understanding and promote a greater appreciation of Jewish heritage and the diversity of the human experience. Through telling the American Story, the Maltz acts as a vehicle of connection, bridging cultural divides. Although visitors view history through a Jewish lens, the recognizable parallels to all of our immigrant stories is inevitable. This holiday season is a great time to visit the Museum, including the special exhibit, This Light of Ours, and attend thoughtprovoking programs with your family. Docent-led tours of This Light of Ours are available Tuesdays and Sundays at 2pm with regular Museum admission, $12 adults, $10 seniors (60+) and students, $5 youth (5-11) and free for Maltz Museum Members and children under 5. Museum hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 11am-5pm, Wednesday, 11am-9pm. The Museum is closed Mondays. For more information, visit maltzmuseum.org and follow them on Twitter @maltzmuseum and @stopthehateUS. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage 2929 Richmond Road, Beachwood 216.593.0575 maltzmuseum.org Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Award-Winners to Put at the Top of Your To-Read List By Patti London photos courtesy Fine Lifestyles

here are so many new books published each year, I find I spend more time adding them to my to-read list than actually reading any of them. Nearly every book review I read makes me want to add it to the list for one reason or another. One method of prioritizing which to read next is to follow the major book awards announcements. Let a panel of other readers go through hundreds of submissions and thin the herd for you. Here are three fiction winners from 2016 which should be on your nightstand. The Pulitzer (pronounced pull it sir) prize is best known for its recognition of outstanding journalism, but it also commends works of fiction, non-fiction, poetry and drama. (As a dedicated Hamilfan, I must mention that Hamilton won the 2016 Pulitzer for drama.) Established by the will of newspaper publisher Joseph Pulitzer, the awards are presented by the president of Columbia University in April each year. The Pulitzer prizes celebrated their centennial in 2016. The award for fiction in 2016 was given to The Sympathizer, Viet Thanh Nguyen’s debut novel about a communist double agent, set just after the Vietnam War. The novel’s nameless protagonist is in California spying on Vietnamese of interest for the communist government back home. The novel is unique because it gives voice to the other side of the war, rarely, if ever, heard in the plethora of movies and books about the war, all from the American perspective. The National Book Award has been recognizing excellence in American literature since the 1950s. Colson Whitehead’s latest novel, and winner of the 2016 National Book Award for fiction, is probably on your to-read list if you haven’t read it already. The most talked-about book of 2016 is

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Columbia University President Lee C. Bollinger (left) presents the 2016 Fiction Prize to Viet Thanh Nguyen

definitely The Underground Railroad. A best book of the year according to Time Magazine, Amazon, New York Times, Washington Post, GQ, Newsday and an Oprah’s book club selection, this novel probably doesn’t need the endorsement of a local, Cleveland publication, but I’m going there anyway. Whether you want to be transported to a slavery-era fantasy or not, the journey is worthwhile. Historically-based

but

creatively

structured, this novel grabs hold of your heart and doesn’t let go. Don’t be the only one who hasn’t experienced its astonishing narrative. Only books written by authors from British Commonwealth nations were eligible for the Man Booker Prize until it was recently expanded to include American authors, to much literary angst and controversy. Paul Beatty is this year’s winner, and the first American writer to win, with The Sellout, which also won the 2016 National Book Critics Circle Award. The Sellout is a hilariously satirical look at race in America. The small novel was so densely packed with American cultural references I had serious doubts that the British judges would appreciate the work in all of its nuanced glory. Sarah Silverman’s blurb on the book jacket said it best - “Like demented angels wrote it.” Loved it. If you have more than two hundred books to read on your list like I do, deciding what to read next is a formidable task. The annual awards can be reliable sources for books which will enrich your reading life. I’d love to see what your list looks like. If you keep your list on Goodreads, friend me so we can compare lists. You can check out the 222 books on my to-read list, and the 83 books I’ve managed to read when I’m not adding more to the list.

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res Potrillos Restaurant in Beachwood has added an expanded selection of very fine, unusual tequilas to its menu, offering an opportunity for local tequila lovers to sample new varieties. Manager Arturo Martinez recently traveled back to his home town in Mexico to research local tequilas, with an eye toward importing them for the restaurant. “Tequila is a little bit like wine,” Arturo says. “There are a lot of local varieties available in Mexico, with distinct taste differences, based on how long they are aged and the wood used for the barrels. We wanted to offer our customers the chance to try some unusual tequilas they can’t find anywhere else in Cleveland.” Once you have sampled different types of tequilas, you will notice the subtle distinctions among them, just as you would with any craft spirit or craft beer. Tequila can be enjoyed on its own or in a variety of cocktails, not just in margaritas. The bartenders at Tres Potrillos will happily give you a “tour” of the new offerings. In addition to its expanded tequila menu, Tres Potrillos still offers the freshest, most authentic Mexican food in northeast Ohio. The restaurant features an extensive menu of Mexican favorites, including vegetarian, seafood, chicken, beef and pork options. In order to ensure that only the freshest food is served, produce is delivered daily to the restaurant, and all meals are cooked to order. Tres Potrillos is open for both lunch and dinner. The lunch menu, available from 11:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m., includes over 16 different “choose your own” combination platters, to appeal to any taste. Special lunch items include Huevos con Chorizo, eggs scrambled with chorizo sausage and served with Mexican rice, beans and tortillas, as well as the classic Huevos Rancheros. Other lunch specials include a variety of burritos and salads.

Enjoy the Latest Trend:

Specialty Tequilas at Tres Potrillos By Meg Pauken Photos Aaron Leyser

Tio and Arturo

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A popular lunch spot for locals, service at Tres Potrillos is efficient, which makes it ideal for those on a lunch break from work. Repeat customers often comment on the welcoming, family-like atmosphere. Many of the staff have been with the restaurant since it opened, and they remember and greet regulars with friendly banter.

Tres Potrillos offers catering for groups of 10 and up. There are seven different catering menu choices, and the staff will deliver catered meals free of charge to your location. Because of the variety of menu choices, with both meat and vegetarian options available, and the tasty freshness of the food, Tres Potrillos is a perfect choice for your next party or gathering. Visit Tres Potrillos today and enjoy authentic Mexican tequila and food, accompanied by friendly and efficient service. Tres Potrillos is located at 25765 Chagrin Boulevard, at Richmond Road. Hours are 11 a.m. until 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m. until 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 11 a.m. until 9 p.m. on Sunday. Call 216.591.1202 for reservations or visit the website: trespotrillosrestaurantes.com for more information.

Tres Potrillos 25765 Chagrin Boulevard 216.591.1202 trespotrillosrestaurantes.com

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lthough baking gingerbread extends back to Medieval Europe, the custom of shaping it into houses can be traced to the Grimm’s fairy tale “Hansel and Gretel.” Some food historians think the story’s house made of bread with sugary decorations is based on an existing custom, but there’s no doubt that the fairy tale impacted the popularity of lebkuchen houses in Germany, especially around Christmas. The Pennsylvanian German immigrants brought the tradition to America, where it’s been embraced as a custom at the holidays by many.

Gingerbread House Recipe Heat slightly in large saucepan:

Sift together and add:

1 1/3 cups honey or molasses

About 2 cups sifted all-purpose flour

3/4 cup sugar

1 tsp. double-acting baking powder 1/2 tsp. baking soda

Add and melt:

1/8 tsp. ground cloves

3 tbsp. butter

1/8 tsp. ground ginger

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Mix in: 1 1/2 to 2 cups more flour The dough should be sticky to the touch. Divide dough in half and pat it out into 2 buttered baking sheets (15 1/2” x 10 1/4” x 3/4” deep). Bake 8 to 10 minutes at 350 degrees. Remove sheets from oven and turn oven off. Immediately cut around house patterns in the dough including four walls with any doors and windows, two roof surfaces, and any chimney or landscape pieces. Place baking sheets back into oven and let dough rest 5 minutes until firm. Do not overbake or dough will be too hard to cut. Let cool completely before constructing.

Royal Glaze Sift 3 1/2 cups confectioners sugar. Beat 2 egg whites until stiff but not dry. Gradually add the sugar to the egg whites. Add juice of one lemon, 1 to 2 drops glycerin (optional), and 1 very small drop of blue food coloring (optional) to prevent ‘glue’ from turning gray. Beat until it is a good consistency to spread. Cover with a damp cloth until ready to use and while allowing seams to dry during construction. Construct your house on a cardboard surface using the glaze to hold the pieces together. A piece of wax paper or foil attached to the inside of the two roof surfaces will hold the roof together at the peak. Let glazed seams dry thoroughly before attaching roof and decorating so your house is structurally solid. Decorate using colorful candy and your imagination.

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San Diego TACO FACTORY: Everything Scratch-Made, From the Ground Up By Meg Pauken Photos Vincent Pearson Photography

“If you build it, they will come,”

ight well be the mantra of Kevin Spring, founder of San Diego Taco Factory in Aurora. San Diego Taco Factory is a recent addition to the local restaurant scene and has already developed a loyal, cult-like following. Kevin, a classically trained chef, relocated to northeast Ohio from California not long ago. He quickly discovered a hole in the regional restaurant offerings: fresh, scratch-made Mexican food like you would find in southern California. He wisely figured he couldn’t be the only person who wanted it, so he set out to create it himself.

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Kevin drew on his experience as a head chef and caterer to develop the menu and build out the space. When he began to hire staff, he discovered another hole in the local market. “Most of the cooks I interviewed had almost no experience with scratch cooking. We do not use any sauce mixes or bottled marinades. Everything - except the olives and the ketchup (for the kids) is made from scratch, in house. I couldn’t find cooks who knew the basics of meat cutting or sauce preparation,” he explains. Instead of compromising quality or simply giving up, Kevin started his own miniculinary school. He found students who

had a passion for cooking, hired them, and gave them a chef’s textbook. “I told them: ‘Welcome to chef school’,” Kevin says with a laugh. “I am really proud of how far they have come in five months. It is hard work.” Kevin has taught them more than just cooking skills. He has instilled in them his philosophy of the restaurant business: “You are only as good as the last plate you served. Quality is the number one concern.” And it shows in every meal that is turned out. Whatever menu item you choose – and there are many, many to choose from

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– you will taste the unique quality and freshness from the very first bite. Each entree is made to order, from ingredients prepared fresh that day. Meats are cut, pounded, and marinated, waiting to be cooked only when ordered. Vegetables are cut fresh throughout the day. Marinades and sauces are created from Kevin’s own recipes, as are the cremas and salsas. In addition to familiar Mexican style tacos, incorporating the customer’s choice of wrapper, protein, veggies, salsas, and toppings, San Diego Taco Factory offers a selection of International tacos. These recipes feature authentic sauces and flavorings, created from recipes Kevin picked up during his travels. You can experience flavors from India, Brazil, and Southeast Asia in these unusual offerings.

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“We have developed a really loyal following since we opened,” Kevin says. “One customer who moved here from L.A. 20 years ago actually started crying. She said, ‘It tastes like home.’ That’s why we do it.” Come to San Diego Taco Factory and taste what everyone is talking about! San Diego Taco Factory is located at 7217 N Aurora Road. You can view the entire menu on the website at sdtacofactory. com.

The San Diego Taco Factory 7217 N Aurora Road 330.995.0191 sdtacofactory.com

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Cleveland: Your Winter Travel Destination By Patti London photos courtesy Fine Lifestyles

he next few months are the time when many in Northeast Ohio are searching for all-inclusive trips to Aruba and Costa Rica to escape the cold. This year we urge you to embrace the wintery wonderland and plan a staycation close to home. The operative word is “plan,” otherwise you’ll wake up in March having never left the couch by the fireplace except for work and groceries. You’ll have missed all the fun.

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If the great outdoors isn’t your thing, here are some warm options for your staycation:

even in Cleveland. Hours are 10am to 4pm daily and admission and parking are free.

The Rockefeller Park Greenhouse is not only warm, it’s tropical. The greenhouse is an architectural beauty, located just off of MLK Blvd at the top of East 88th St. The poinsettia display is an extravagant splash of reds, yellows and pinks and is up until January 6th this year. While you’re there check out the orchids, cacti and other exotic foliage. You’ll forget you’re

For more holiday joy, visit the Allen Theatre at the Cleveland Play House, 1407 Euclid Avenue. More than 20 Christmas trees have been decorated in dazzling lights and ornaments by local designers. The twinkling display will be in the lobby until December 23rd, open Wed-Fri 5pm-9pm; Sat 11am-9pm; and, Sun 11am6pm. Check for extended hours during

Christmas week, clevelandplayhouse. com. The Cleveland Orchestra is presenting a series of Christmas concerts through December until its 21st Annual Cleveland Pops New Year’s Eve Celebration, this year with Melinda Doolittle bringing down Severance Hall. The series includes a Christmas Concert from the Orchestra, December 15-18; an Irish Christmas with Keith and Kristyn Getty on December 20th; and our own Jim Brickman, presenting Comfort and Joy on December 21st. Who would want to miss Christmas at Severance Hall just to be on a beach? Other mustn’t-miss traditional holiday performances include “The Nutcracker” presented by the Ohio Dance Theatre

in collaboration with Verb Ballets, December 16-18 at the Stocker Arts Center’s Hoke Theatre at Lorain County Community College, in Elyria, and the Great Lakes Theater Festival production of “The Christmas Carol,” running through December 23rd at the Ohio Theatre at Playhouse Square. The Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Glow at the Garden runs through December 31st, combining a wonderful indoor and outdoor experience, for those of us who want a little of both. Inside the Botanical Garden are the amazing gingerbread houses, I just can’t get enough of (see article on page 42), creatively decorated trees by the Affiliate Garden Clubs, and a town square featuring musicians and carolers. The kids can make their own

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gingerbread houses, priced according to size, or a craft to take home. The Treetop Shop is open for kids to do their gift shopping for the holidays while their parents browse the Garden Store. Outside, visitors will enjoy an all-new outdoor light display featuring radiant, colorful orbs and thousands of twinkling lights converting the inner gardens to a winter wonderland. After the Botanical Garden, take the family skating at the nearby Rink at Wade Oval and check out the Environment of Lights installation also displayed at Wade Oval until the end of December, in conjunction with the Winter Lights Lantern Festival at the Cleveland Museum of Art. As the winter solstice approaches we seek the reassurance of more lighting displays. The lights at the GE Lighting Center in Nela Park in East Cleveland have been a holiday tradition since 1925. Nela is the acronym for the National Electric Lamp Association which formed in 1901. The elaborate display can be viewed every evening along Noble Road, between Monticello Blvd and Euclid Ave - you can’t miss it. Lit up from early December through New Year’s Day.

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The Cleveland World Festival is offering horse-drawn carriage rides as part of the Cleveland Cultural Gardens’ Centennial Celebration. The carriages leave from the Upper Italian Garden at 990 East Boulevard where hot chocolate and hot cider will warm riders until the journey through the beautiful gardens begins. The carriages accommodate up to five passengers and cost between $25 and $50, depending on the length of the route. A percentage of proceeds will go to the Famicos One World Theatre Camp, which takes place during the summer at Michael R. White School in Cleveland. The holiday carriage rides are offered every weekend through Sunday January 3rd, from noon until 8pm, and are part of a year of special events that celebrate the Cultural Gardens’ Centennial. There are many other opportunities to take advantage of the holiday season in Cleveland but I want to wrap up with a recommendation to visit our newly remodeled Public Square, the winter edition. Through the summer this space was incredibly vibrant, hosting City Club speakers, food trucks, a farmers market, music and yoga classes on the lawn. This

Botanical Garden

winter promises to be just as cool. The Cleveland Foundation skating rink will remain open until the end of February. The cost for skating is $10, including skates, or $7 if you bring your own. Time your skate with DJ Arthur Henke’s spinning of holiday tunes on the Square, or with live caroling from the Cleveland Carolers or the Great Lakes Light Opera. Events are listed online at clevelandpublicsquare. com. Send some postcards to your friends and family this holiday season - from Cleveland!

OPEN NOW Louder than Words: Rock, Power & Politics Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum THROUGH DEC 31, 2016 The Ecstasy of St. Kara Cleveland Museum of Art

events

CLEVELAND

DEC, JAN & FEB

DEC 4 - LATE DECEMBER Winter Lights Lantern Festival/ Holiday CircleFest Wade Oval

DECEMBER 24 Cleveland Browns v. San Diego Chargers First Energy Stadium

JANUARY 11 Melissa Etheridge Hard Rock Rocksino Northfield Park JAN 21 - FEB 12 Ken Ludwigâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Baskerville: A Sherlock Holmes Mystery Allen Theater Cleveland Play House JANUARY 21 Dance Theatre of Harlem DanceCleveland Ohio Theatre Playhouse Square

FEBRUARY 3 Monsters v. Iowa Wild Quicken Loans Arena FEBRUARY 7-26 The King and I Connor Palace Playhouse Square FEBRUARY 25 Cleveland Cavaliers v. Chicago Bulls Quicken Loans Arena

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Universal Design: Customize Your Space to Fit Your Needs By Meg Pauken Photos Aaron Leysery and courtesy Fine Lifestyles

iviera Construction, a local expert in Universal Design, can make multigenerational living a reality for your family. Riviera has helped clients redesign living spaces that allow them to “age in place,” and remain in a beloved family home, rather than move to a sterile apartment. Riviera has also worked with families to adapt their homes so that aging parents or disabled family members can live there comfortably.

Universal Design refers to the design and construction of spaces so that they can be accessed and used to the greatest extent possible, by people of different sizes, ages, abilities, and disabilities. It is a specialized niche in the design and construction field. By employing the principles of Universal Design, the accessibility features become an intrinsic part of the design, not something that appears “tacked on” or temporary.

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Ken Badalamenti, the owner of Riviera Construction, says, “As our population ages, we have had more and more clients who want to stay in their homes and age in place. We are able to work with them to adapt their homes in a way that allows for better accessibility, but still looks and feels like the home that they love.” Some ways to make your home more accessible using Universal Design concepts include widening doorways to

accommodate a wheelchair and adding grab bars in lavatories. A contractor like Riviera, who is knowledgeable about Universal Design, will help you see the less obvious alterations that will make your home not only accessible, but fully functional for family and friends with a range of abilities and limitations.

By incorporating adaptations into the design of the space, Universal Design features look seamless and do not detract from the esthetics of your home. For example, when a kneehole and lower-height work area are properly incorporated into a kitchen, they blend into the overall design. Particular floor coverings are more “friendly” to walkers and wheelchairs than others. Cabinets can be designed to maximize accessibility.

“One renovation that has become very popular is the addition of an elevator,” Badalamenti offers. “ There are a lot of different designs and configurations that can be done.” Attractive elevator options are available to fit a range of styles, from contemporary to traditional. The team at Riviera Construction has the knowledge and experience to help you identify where renovations to your home can accommodate physical challenges, so that the space will function well for your whole family. They will take the time to listen, to find out what you need and how you intend to use the space. They will work with you to make that vision a reality. Are you thinking about renovating your space to make it more accessible? Give Ken Badalamenti at Riviera Construction a call today at 440.349.9744 to discuss how he could adapt your home. Riviera Construction’s website includes photographs of a selection of completed projects, as well as testimonials from many happy clients. Find it at rivieraconstruction.com.

Riviera Construction 440.349.9744 riviera-construction.com. Ken Badalamenti Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Plan for Next Summer’s

Outdoor Living Space By Janine Purcell Photos courtesy Exscape Design

t may be snowing outside, but now is the perfect time to start planning a well thought out and durable landscape project to increase your enjoyment of your yard. In addition to enjoying the nature in your own backyard with family and friends, many sources say that a beautiful landscape can increase the value of your property 5 to 25 percent. The Society of Landscape Architects points out that well-conceived and executed landscape improvements return 100 to 200 percent of their cost when a house is sold. Exscape Designs, headquartered in Novelty, Ohio, will work with you to create an outdoor oasis that suits your personal style and budget. It is a full service landscape company which boasts over

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100 years of combined experience with its staff of certified landscape professionals. The company has beautified Northeast Ohio since 2004. President and Owner Bill Dysert “got the dirt disease” at the young age of 13 when he got a job down the road from his home that included working with dump trucks and bulldozers. His father ran a construction business building custom decks, barns and pole barns which gave him a model of entrepreneurship. At 17 he got involved in Auburn Career Center’s Horticulture program and built experience with a large contractor doing hardscape installation. Bill says his goal was to build a business to create “outdoor living spaces with design style.” In 2005 he hired one technician;

now the team is 20 full-time staff that grows to 45 people during peak season running from April through the end of November. The business is presently 60 percent design and building of landscapes and hardscapes, 40 percent maintenance and snow removal. They also provide a commercial snow removal service. The company uses a four-phase Design/ Build method to successfully partner with home owners, property managers, knowledgeable home builders and architects. Clients are provided with a landscape and/or hardscape project that includes a “well-designed and planned approach, executed thoughtfully by professionals with a warranty to back it up,” Bill says. Exscape Designs offers a broad range

Panoramic View of Exscape’s New Design Center

of capabilities. From a single outdoor feature to a combination of elements – decks, patios, walkways, waterscaping, outdoor lighting, a fire pit, spa or place to stow lawn and other outdoor equipment – feast your eyes on the gallery of examples at exscapedesigns.com to seed your dreams. The aim at Exscape Designs is to “enhance people’s lives through positive interaction.” The dozens of testimonials on the company website suggests they are achieving that aim. Their clients’ experiences reflect Exscape Design’s success in building relationships of trust and delivering more than what’s expected. Bill Dysert

Houzz” Service awards in recognition of their high standards and an unfailing commitment to their customers. Contact them by phone or through their website to begin a relationship that could increase the beauty and value of your home and enhance the quality of your life for many years to come.

Exscape Designs 10121 Kinsman Road, Novelty 440.729.0011 exscapedesigns.com

Exscape Designs has won three “Best of

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“Anyone considering a real estate transaction should indeed talk to Teresa. Her personality, professionalism, and performance are outstanding. She brings experience and a “can do / get it done” attitude that makes the process simple. We were comfortable and confident every step of the process. Give her an opportunity to serve you and I trust you’ll walk away with the same perspective.” - CJ Venture Holdings Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 440-263-0504 TeresaWhitham@HowardHanna.com TeresaSloweyWhitham.HowardHanna.com

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

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

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?’” 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 Tom Golian, general manager of 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, plumbing operations manager at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, stresses the importance of water treatment to deal with contaminants which cause damage to plumbing and appliances and could even affect your family’s health. “Water

Undermount Reverse Osmosis System

Tim Neely, Tom Golian, Eric Dunlap, Leona and Dennis Kratochvil

treatment 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 Alysia Germ, Diane McArdle, Lisa Giles, Leona Kratochvil, Joe Kinkoph, Debbie Stewart Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

A Gift for the Home That Has Everything By Dylan Yépez Photos Courtesy of Garage Finisher

garage is often the main entry to your home. It should be clean, organized and inviting to your family and guests. But the sad reality is that too often it has been reduced to a repository for all the junk you mistakenly think you might need later. You’re always going to clean it next weekend — but until that elusive time, the garage will remain an embarrassment every time you open the garage door.

Well, that weekend has come. All you have to do is call Mario F.X. Salwan at Garage Finisher, and he’ll take care of the rest. Garage Finisher is a full-service garagemakeover 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 handle any work you choose including Lifetime Warranty Flooring System, epoxy wall painting, attractive cabinets and PVC Slatwall System. When Garage

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

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.

The Forever Floor

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 arrive home each day, guests will be amazed by your clean garage, and your clean garage floor will make your house cleaner.

Visit garagefinisher.com for more information about Garage Finisher, a gallery of its work, and a quick five minute video that details the makeover process. Call 216.831.4500 to schedule a free consultation, design and estimate for your new garage space.

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

Mario Salwan Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

Steven Newman and Nicholas Fanous

Newman & Company:

Your Trusted Advisors for Financial Success

By Meg Pauken Photos Vincent Pearson Photography and Stuart Pearl Photography LLC

teve Newman and Nick Fanous are not your stereotypical accountants. Far from being mere “bean counters,” Steve and Nick take a proactive, holistic approach to working with their clients throughout the year, not just at tax time. Their goal? To

Fine Lifestyles Magazine Cleveland

see their clients succeed and thrive. Most traditional accountants, according to Steve, function much as professional scribes: recording the events of the previous year in financial statements, and finding the best tax results for decisions

that have already been made. Newman & Company takes a different approach. “We journey with our clients during the year. We have periodic check-ins, so that decisions can be made strategically throughout the year, and we can guide

them to a favorable finish,” Steve says. Instead of being merely reactive, they plan along the way to maximize success and guide operational decisions. Not only does the team at Newman & Company consult with their clients throughout the year, they also work collaboratively with their clients’ other trusted professionals. Nick describes their process: “We are involved with our clients’ lawyers, investment advisors, and IT professionals to make sure decisions aren’t made in isolation. It is an interdependent relationship.” Steve and Nick agree that one of the unique services they offer to their clients is helping them assemble an “advisory board.” Having an advisory board creates accountability for business owners who typically are accountable only to themselves. Steve and Nick can become part of such a board or can assist in assembling a board from professionals with whom they have relationships. In their experience, being accountable to an outside team of advisors dramatically improves their clients’ success. “We do it ourselves,” Steve offers. “We meet quarterly with our own board that holds us accountable, so it comes naturally to us. We have seen first-hand how it has raised the bar for us and made us more successful.” “Clients of the firm can expect a

concierge level of service,” Steve says. He adds, “Our clients are often surprised by how much we are looking out for them, by optimizing their opportunities and generally making life easier for them. We are able to turn chaos into order.”

Newman & Company today to schedule a

The team at Newman & Company draws upon their accumulated experience, incorporating problem-solving that has worked well in the past, while creatively exploring new solutions. Steve Newman is both a CPA and a CVA (Certified Valuation Analyst) with 33 years in practice. Nick Fanous, CPA, has been in practice for 14 years.

at 216.781.6106. Professional biographies

Start a new year of financial success with a trusted advisor at your side. Call

consultation. Newman & Company is located in the Ohio Savings Building at 1801 East 9th Street. You may reach them by telephone and additional information about the firm may be found on their website at newmancpas.com.

Newman & Company 1801 East 9th Street 216.781.6106 newmancpas.com

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Your Local Plumbing Team is Here to Assist • • • • • • •

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