Cleveland Magazine - June 2022 by greatlakespublishing

Best Places to Live CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD A PDF OF THE

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BEST PLACES TO LIVE

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ere futures begin

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SUMMER FUN GUIDE

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Where Quality is Affordable. Worth the Drive, Wherever You Are. Complimentary Delivery and Set-Up Within 60 Miles.

CELEBRATING

Contents

June 2022 volume 51 / issue 6 FEATURED

70 79

HEIR APPARENT Zack Bruell, the chef behind Parallax and L’Albatros, has found the perfect partner in his son, Julian. By Lisa Sands

ON THE COVER

4 6 Z A C K A N D J U L I A N B R U E L L : J E A N I B R E C H B I L L / A I M O N A L I : K E V I N K O PA N S K I / H U D S O N FA M I LY : C A S E Y R E A R I C K FA I R F O O D : C O U RT ESY DY N A M I T E DAWG S / C A N TO N H O M E I N T E R I O R : C A I T L I N A N TJ E P H OTO G R A P H Y

RUNWAY REVOLUTION After just four years in Cleveland, Aimon Ali has built the biggest fashion show in town. By Arbela Capas

BEST PLACES TO LIVE The results are in for Cleveland Magazine's annual suburban showdown. Edited by Colleen Smitek. Photo by Casey Rearick. Hair and makeup by Riley Gable. FROM THE EDITOR CONVERSATION

LAY OF THE LAND

11 14 18

JAZZ TIME Big names will hit the stage for the return of this year's Tri-C JazzFest. PRICE OF THE OPEN ROAD How rising fuel costs are affecting Clevelanders.

BREEZE AIRWAYS The lowdown on AkronCanton Airport's latest airline.

FORAGE & FEAST

29 30 32

DESSERT ISLAND Inside the colorful, delicious empire of 808 Shave Ice.

SUMMER LOVIN' Say hello to the taste of nostalgic warm-weather bites.

FEEL THE BURN Killik Hot Sauce is a healthier way to bring on the heat.

GRIT & GLAMOUR

48 52

156

THE DARK SIDE The interior designer behind Doug Katz's new Amba restaurant. THE DOLL HOUSE It's all glamour inside this Canton home. LOOK BACK Cleveland Pride since 1989.

SPECIAL SECTIONS

55 “Cleveland” (ISSN 0160-8533) is published monthly for a total of 12 issues per year by Great Lakes Publishing Co., 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 754, Cleveland, OH 44115. / Periodical postage paid at Cleveland, Ohio. Postmaster: send address changes to Cleveland, 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 730, Cleveland, OH 44115. / Subscription rates: U.S. $16.99 one year, $28.99 two years, $36.99 three years / All subscriptions are subject to state of Ohio sales tax of 8% based on publisher county of origin. / Copyright 2022 by Great Lakes Publishing Co. All rights reserved. / Reproduction or use, without written permission, of editorial or pictorial content in any manner is prohibited. Title registered in U.S. Patent Office. / Printed in the United States. / Unsolicited manuscripts cannot be returned unless accompanied by a properly addressed envelope bearing sufficient postage. The magazine accepts no responsibility for unsolicited manuscripts, artwork or cartoons.

137

SUMMER FUN GUIDE Don't miss out on Cleveland's hottest summer events, including music, food and more. HOMEBUYERS GUIDE How to find your space in an insane housing market. CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

Special Advertising and Promotional Sections 06.22

Amazing finds and one-of-a-kinds in Italian home décor, tableware and personal accessories! 19036 Old Detroit Rd., Rocky River, 44116 440-333-9600, solarihome.com

107

FACES OF CARE

Meet the people who keep us looking and feeling our best.

117

A look inside the suburb that has it all — right on the lake.

THE CITY OF INDEPENDENCE

Gregory P. Kurtz, Mayor 6800 Brecksville Road - Independence, OH 44131 216.524.4131 - independenceohio.org

ROCKY RIVER

READER SERVICES 8

OUT AND ABOUT

155 DISTINCTIVE HOMES

CLEVELAND

06.22

FACES OF CARE: DAVID SCHWART Z / ROCKY RIVER: COURTESY CIT Y OF ROCKY RIVER

Independence is a vibrant community that carefully balances quiet, charming neighborhoods with bustling business districts. The city’s collaborative nature and superior location attracts and maintains a robust business community — which in turn provides the foundation for safe, harmonious living with an abundance of high-quality services and amenities for its residents. Whether it’s your home, headquarters, or place of work, Independence works hard to instill an experience that never leaves you.

This celebration started here.

The Sub-Zero, Wolf, and Cove Showroom will help you go from delicious inspiration to memorable meals in a space that truly reflects the way you want to cook, live, and entertain. You’re invited to tour, taste, and test-drive with our team of dedicated product specialists and on-site chefs.

SCH E DUL E A S H O W R O O M APPOI NTM ENT 12610 Corporate Drive, Parma, OH 44130 • (216) 362-9200 • subzero-wolf.com /cleveland

From the Editor

Lute Harmon Sr.

Finding Your Fit on a winding road lined with homes on large lots that ran along a river and took me past both a pretty little community park and a country club. But it wasn’t Pepper Pike or Moreland Hills. It was Elyria. The median home sale price in Elyria is $139,000 (much less than the $495,000 in Pepper Pike or the $505,000 in Moreland Hills). Why do I mention this? Because as much work as we put into this issue (and it is months of gathering data and analyzing it) it’s still just a guide. There are so many beautiful places to live in Northeast Ohio. It's a question of finding the right fit for you. That’s why we print the data for all 77 suburbs we track, not just the 20 at the top of the list. Looking for low taxes? Our charts will point you toward the likes of Amherst and Mentor. Or maybe you have no intention

Lute Harmon Jr.

president & publisher

chairman

editorial

Colleen Smitek editor

Dillon Stewart Anthony Elder, Maria Serra Becky Boban c o n t r i b u t i n g w r i t e r s Ruth Corradi Beach, Arbela Capas, Kevin Carpenter, Linda Feagler, Vince Guerrieri, Rachel Hagenbaugh, Kristen Hampshire, Jackson Horvat, Kate Bigam Kaput, Rita Kueber, Madyson Lewellyn, Rebecca Meiser, Mark Oprea, Lisa Sands, Ken Schneck, Chris Sweeney, Lynne Thompson, Laura Watilo Blake, Candice Wilder e d i t o r i a l i n t e r n s Rebekah Bostick, Brianna Camp, Paige Cirtwill, Zach James, Jenna Landgraf, Audri Wilde managing editor

a s s o c i at e e d i t o r s

e d i t o r i a l a s s i s ta n t

J U S T T O D AY, I F O U N D M Y S E L F

Find out where this family found their perfect fit on page 94.

Erin Stinard Abigail Archer c o n t r i b u t i n g a r t i s t s Hilary Bovay, Jeani Brechbill Photography, The Dark Room Co., Megann Galehouse, Carolina Kane, Kevin Kopanski, Kalman & Pabst Photo Group, Heather Linn Photography, Michael McElroy, Karin McKenna, Angelo Merendino, Casey Rearick, Laura Watilo Blake art director

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Cleveland Magazine | Ohio Magazine Lake Erie Living | Content Marketing 1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 730, Cleveland, OH 44115 (216) 771-2833 | fax (216) 781-6318 www.glpublishing.com For subscription services, please contact clevelandmagazine@emailcustomerservice.com or 1-800-453-1009

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CLEVELAND

06.22

H U D S O N F A M I L Y : C A S E Y R E A R I C K / C O L L E E N S M I T E K : L A U R A PWHAOT TI LOO CBRLEADKI ET

of moving but would like to see how your city stacks up? We’ve got you covered there, too. Our education information is also a valuable tool, especially since the pandemic has put a two-year halt on the state-issued grades for school districts across the state of Ohio. I live in Avon, which scores decently high on education and has nice housing appreciation. But what I love most about where I live is that, this month, I’ll be able to walk two houses over and attend the graduation party of a boy I’ve watched play kickball, baseball and tag his whole life on our cul-de-sac. And he’s just one of two dozen or so kids who have grown up with mine as we parents watch them take the school bus for the first time, drive for the first time and then head off for college. So, while the numbers are a huge help, maybe the real lesson is that the data can only take you so far — and it’s really the people who make the place.

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216-447-9900 ce@noacc.org Northern Northern Ohio Ohio Area Area Chambers Chambers Commerce of Commerce || PO |noacc.org/benefits PO Box Box 3230, 3230, Cuyahoga Cuyahoga Falls, Falls, OHOH 44223 44223 Northern Ohio Area Chambers ofofCommerce PO Box 3230, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223 Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce | PO Box 3230, Cuyahoga Falls, OH 44223

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Conversation

Meet the Team

We rely on a talented crew of writers and photographers to fill our pages each month. Here, we turn the spotlight on three of our top contributors.

Laura Watilo Blake is a travel-obsessed writer and photojournalist — and the author of Ohio: A Photographic Journey. Her skills include the ability to bend time and space, except when her 8-year-old daughter is in tow. Her family's next adventure will be in the Amazon, but they also love exploring great destinations close to home.

Karin McKenna is originally from Florida but now calls herself a “devoted Clevelander.” While the photographer’s favorite subject is food, she also enjoys turning her lens on the people and places who make the region so interesting. She, her husband and their two children like to hike, travel and unwind on Catawba Island.

Mark Oprea is a journalist from Cleveland’s West Side. He graduated from Kent State University with an English degree; has written for NPR, Time and other national publications; and has written for Cleveland Magazine since 2015. He divides his time between Ohio City and the road.

THE BIG FIVE

In April, we celebrated 50 years of Cleveland Magazine with the 50 biggest moments of the past 50 years. Here are the five that you, our readers, gave the most love on Instagram. 1,335

May 1997: Chef Michael Symon Opens Lola in Tremont

1,157

Sept. 13, 1995: The Drew Carey Show Premieres

846

March 29, 1990: Tower City Center Opens

709

June 4, 1974: 10-Cent Beer Night Turns Ugly

455

QUESTION OR COMMENT ABOUT THE MAGAZINE?

Reach out to us at conversation@clevelandmagazine.com.

CLEVELAND

06.22

ALL THE NUMBERS On page 86, we detail how we compile the results for our “Best Places to Live” issue. But that’s really only half the story. We start collecting data from the 77 suburbs we cover in early January. Then we fact check every single number — a task that was spearheaded by assistant editor Becky Boban and takes an additional 50 hours or so of effort. “Don’t worry,” quips Boban. “The 50 hours weren’t consecutive.” Finally, all of the data is put into our master spreadsheet, which tells us the winning suburb. Flip to page 80 to see who came out on top this year.

Purchase a print subscription and receive access to a digital version of the magazine at no extra charge. Visit clevelandmagazine.com/ subscribe today.

Sign up for our free e-newsletters to get updates on entertainment and dining delivered straight to your inbox. Register at clevelandmagazine.com/ newsletter. @clevelandmagazine @ClevelandMag

COURTESY L AUR A WATILO BL AKE , K ARIN MCKENNA AND MARK OPRE A

June 12, 1995: The Indians’ 455-Game Sellout Streak Begins

On the Web

Out and About

ROCKY RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE 25, 2022 CENTENNIAL CELEBRATION | Feb. Cleveland Yachting Club the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce’s Roaring ’20s soiree, presented by The Welsh Home — a fitting theme for an organization founded 100 years ago. The band Swingbone provided the backdrop of jazz music for cocktails and fabulous food while Mayor Pam Bobst addressed the crowd. This event is just the beginning of the centennial celebration, with events planned all year long in tribute. N E A R LY 2 0 0 G U E S T S A T T E N D E D

CLEVELAND

06.22

BILL MORLEY PHOTOGRAPHY

1) Mayor Pam Bobst, councilwoman Christina Morris, board of directors chair Chris Klym and chamber executive director Angela Barth 2) Pastor Jon Fancher with wife Mary Fancher 3) The centennial cake 4) Tom and Tammy Hunt

. s s e happin

What will you find in Ohio? Visit this landmark lighthouse on its 200th anniversary! Take in magnificent views of Lake Erie and soak up the little moments in life. Grab a picnic basket and let your family delight in making memories they won’t soon forget. Plan your next adventure at Ohio.org Marblehead Lighthouse

Community, Innovation, Professionalism, Integrity, Leadership

Westlake Offers Exceptional Schools Unparalleled Shopping, Dining and Desirable Homes Home to Many Major Corporations and Small Businesses Consistently Ranked in the Top 5 in Cleveland Magazine’s Rating the Suburbs Issue

So much more to Experience and Explore!

cityofwestlake.org

LAY OF

THE LAND

12 ON BASE WITH STEVEN KWAN

16 3 FUN NIGHTS OUT IN THE FLATS

20 PUBLIC SQUARE'S BIG NEW MURAL

COURTESY TRI-C JAZZFEST

STIVALS

JAZZ TIME

BY ANTHONY ELDER

the end of June has seen Playhouse Square come alive with the brass and woodwind sounds of jazz. In addition to free outdoor performances set to run June 2325, Mimi Ohio Theatre and Connor Palace host this year's Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland lineup, which includes Cleveland native and Grammy-winning saxophonist Joe Lovano, French singer Cyrille Aimée and Grammy-winning soul artist Anthony Hamilton. For the first time, students will get a chance to play on their own Next Generation Stage between main acts. The focus on students harkens back to the festival’s origins. “It started as an educational festival,” says festival director Terri Pontremoli. “The whole idea of getting kids engaged in this music with professional musicians helps the whole ecosystem of jazz.” tri-c.edu SINCE 1980,

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

THE L A

Steven Kwan, who recently added a walk-off homer to his resume, typically plays left field and bats second in the lineup.

SPORTS

Yes, We Kwan Outfielder Steven Kwan isn't just off to a hot start for the Cleveland Guardians — the rookie's season has already been a historic one.

I 12

CLEVELAND

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BY VINCE GUERRIERI

E M I LY S M I T H

n just his third game, Steven Kwan went five-for-five at the plate. All told, he reached base 15 times in the Cleveland Guardians’ first four games. Baseball stat hounds pored over record books to find out just how long it’s been since something like this happened. (Answer: The last time it happened was BEFORE the team renamed itself the Indians — 106 years ago.) Defector called him “Your New Favorite Baseball Guy.” Sports Illustrated said he’s the early breakout star of the season. And he still doesn’t have a place to live in Cleveland. “When I was first added to the team, Tito said we’d reassess after the first month, so I haven’t made any further arrangements,” Kwan says of Guardians manager Terry Francona during a phone interview from Anaheim, while the Guardians were on a West Coast trip. “I try to stay as unassuming as possible.” Kwan came to baseball early. His parents took him to a sports camp when he was 3 or 4 years old in his native Fremont, California. He booted a soccer ball. He took some shots at a basketball hoop. But when it came to baseball, “I had a big smile when I played, so they put me in a T-ball league,” he recalls. “I’m not sure what that initial spark of love came from, but it’s kept me rolling since.” At college at Oregon State University, he faced his first real adversity on the diamond. “I was super insecure, and that could have been the end of it for me,” he says. “But I

committed to the game and I got through it, and that’s been really fulfilling.” The Indians drafted Kwan in the fifth round in 2018. Injured, he spent most of that season rehabbing in Arizona and came east for four games with the Mahoning Valley Scrappers. (He also had his first Steak ‘n Shake. He’s a fan.) He spent 2019 in Lynchburg, Virginia, and after COVID-19 canceled the 2020 minor league season, started 2021 with the Guardians’ Double-A affiliate in Akron, ultimately moving up to Columbus. Kwan was invited to his first major league spring training this year, and when the team broke camp, he was part of the roster. It’s been an adjustment, but not overwhelming. “Luckily, at the core of the game, it’s baseball, and I’ve played baseball for a long time,” he says. “Being able to fall back on that was the key to my success.” Kwan was injured running into a wall at Yankee Stadium — which precipitated an ugly incident where the Bronx’s “Bleacher Creatures” threw items at other Guardians players on the field — and was pulled for a hamstring injury the following day, though he returned to the lineup in May. From here, his goals are to stay healthy and keep making contact. He hasn’t gotten to experience the Cleveland area much — “I’ve walked around the Arcade a little,” he says, “But that and the ballpark are pretty much it” — and in his spare time can be found playing Super Smash Bros. on Nintendo Switch or chess, a game introduced to him by his minor league teammate Will Benson, still a close friend who now plays for the Columbus Clippers, Cleveland's Triple-A affiliate. It’s helped him in baseball, too. “Some lessons of chess translate to baseball as well,” he says. “In both, if you look dumb, you look dumb. You can’t change what’s happened already. You have to take a step back and refocus. Pride is a dangerous thing. You have to respect your opponent and make an adjustment.”

Forever green and white. No matter what colors come next.

Congratulations to the Laurel School Class of 2022!

LYMAN CAMPUS One Lyman Circle, Shaker Heights • BUTLER CAMPUS 7420 Fairmount Road, Russell Twp.

Girls Kindergarten-Grade 12 and Coed Pre-Primary 216.464.0946 LaurelSchool.org College choices as of May 6, 2022.

Dream. Dare. Do.

THE L A

WALLET

$500

After dropping below $2 a gallon as the pandemic took hold, prices for fuel — and other retail items — have risen considerably. In fact, gas prices passed $4 a gallon for the first time since 2008. Here’s how the increase has affected people across town. BEEN

TOUGH

YEAR

THE

P U M P.

GREATER CLEVELAND RTA: RTA, like many governmental agencies, can buy their fuel in bulk — and without being taxed. It’s also part of an energy price risk program that allows for fuel hedging. Last year, diesel cost $2.05 per gallon, compared to around $1.77 this year. “We are actually in a good position here in that we have cost stability,” says RTA chief operating officer Floun’say Caver.

30¢

LESS PER GALLON

IT’S

$10,000–$15,000

MORE PER YEAR

CLEVELAND

06.22

AKRON LYFT/UBER DRIVER: “A lot of it is city miles; my mileage isn’t even that great,” says driver Ryan Isley. “I only buy gas at GetGo. If you link your Advantage card to your debit card, it’s 5 to 30 cents a gallon cheaper. It doesn’t seem like a lot, but if you’re filling up every day, it really makes a difference.”

$100–$200

MORE PER WEEK

LAKEWOOD COMMUTER: Rebecca Smolenski is a corporate trainer whose travels take her to the AkronCanton area. “I try to use Zoom for training as much as humanly possible. If I had to drive every day like I did before COVID, my whole check would be gone.”

$500

MORE PER WEEK

CACTUS JACK LANDSCAPING: “Everything we use is gas-powered or diesel,” says owner Jack Kinzie. “Anything petroleum-based is through the roof. We’ve had to raise prices, anywhere from 6% to 10% across the board.” BY VINCE GUERRIERI

ISTOCK PHOTO

STUFFED WITH AMAZING TASTE FOOD TRUCKS: Owner Dan Molnar says he’s on track to spend double what he normally spends. “It costs $250 in gas just for one event. We’re now charging an onsite fee and increased prices. I have to because I can’t eat all that cost. Our profit margins are shot."

COMMODORE AT INTERCITY YACHT CLUB: Thomas “Rock” Adams isn’t spending much more; he’s cutting back on places he’ll visit. He’ll cruise the Flats, but trips to the Lake Erie Islands or Detroit might be casualties of gas prices.

MORE PER WEEK

As gas prices continue to soar, local drivers, boaters and business owners are facing tough choices.

$60–$100

Pumped Up

MORE PER WEEK

Installed over 1 Million Windows in more than 125,000 homes.

SCHEDULE YOUR FREE IN-HOME OR VIRTUAL CONSULTATION TODAY!

THE L A

NIGHTLIFE

Red Hot River With three new culinary, cocktail and live music experiences now open, the East Bank of the Flats is beaming with exciting ways to enjoy the waterfront.

RUM RUNNERS

WELCOME TO THE FARM

This three-story restaurant from former XO Steakhouse owner Zdenko Zovkic, which opened in April, is sure to be one of this summer's hottest reservations. Located in a new structure between FWD Nightclub and Welcome to the Farm, the massive waterfront space features a sushi bar on the first floor, an upscale dining room with an Asian fusion menu on the second floor and a members-only rooftop lounge on the third. The dramatic decor would be the centerpiece if each level’s fourth wall didn't retract to create an openair room with some of the city’s best riverfront views. “I wanted to make a big impact and create something that the city can be proud of,” says Zovkic. “We can’t go to Miami or L.A. or Vegas every weekend, but we can have something here to enjoy that has a sense of excitement and adventure.” instagram.com/jade.asianfusion

With a name that tips its cap to the Flats’ '80s and '90s heyday, this bar and live music venue from Sly Restaurant Group brings tropical vibes to the Cuyahoga River. In the former location of Thirsty Dog East Bank, which opened in 2017 and closed in late 2021, three distinct rooms — including one for live music and the Hemingway Room, which serves high-end daiquiris — and a patio make up the 9,000-square-foot indoor and outdoor space. Opened in April, it joins a slew of live music offerings in the neighborhood, including Welcome to the Farm, Music Box Supper Club and Big Bang Piano Bar. “I feel like that’s how the Flats used to be, people used to bop around,” says Sly’s event marketing manager Rebecca Riemer. “We want to bring that back, and we thought it was a cool tribute to the throwback Flats.” rumrunnersflats.com

If you’re looking for a little yee in your haw, walk those cowboy boots to the new country-focused live music venue from singer Chase Rice and Forward Hospitality Group. Launched in March, the experience features a 280-person live music venue modeled after Rice’s 140-acre farm just outside of Nashville. Personal touches on display include the country star’s North Carolina University football helmet and a vintage sign from Dairy Queen, his favorite childhood restaurant. Rice’s stage already has a schedule full of Nashville’s country acts including Jake Dodds and Clayton Mann. “It’s open air, so you can enjoy the boardwalk and the Cuyahoga River,” says Forward Hospitality Group CEO Michael Schwartz. “We tried to bring Cleveland, his farm and what you see on Broadway Street in Nashville all together in one puzzle piece.” welcometothefarmcle.com

CLEVELAND

06.22

BY ZACH JAMES AND DILLON STEWART

JADE ASIAN AND SUSHI BAR: DILLON STEWART / RUM RUNNERS: COURTESY RUM RUNNERS WELCOME TO THE FARM: COURTESY WELCOME TO THE FARM

JADE ASIAN AND SUSHI BAR

Supporting seniors in need and those who serve them • • • • • •

Assisted & Independent Living Long Term Nursing Rehabilitation Hospice & Palliative Care PACE The McGregor Foundation

McGregor believes seniors should be safe, happy and independent in a home they love! 14900 Private Drive, Cleveland, OH 44112 | 216.851.8200 | www.mcgregoramasa.org

THE L A

Prices reflect cheapest flights at time of publication

H A R T F O R D, CT $96

NAS HVIL L E , TN $72

CHARL ESTO N , SC $54

TAM PA , F L NEW ORL E ANS , L A

$74

$89

GETAWAYS

It’s a Breeze

W E S T PAL M B E ACH, F L $59

Weekends away are easier than ever with new flights out of Akron-Canton Airport.

B 18

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line and community,” says Lisa Dalpiaz, vice president of marketing and air service development for Akron-Canton Airport. The new Nashville route, for example, will see its fair share of revelers, but it will also connect companies like Bridgestone/Firestone to their corporate headquarters when business travel starts to pick up again. Breeze is still focused on growing the number of domestic flights between underserved cities at an affordable price but is considering longer-haul flights to the Caribbean, Mexico and even Western Europe when the time is right. Along with its fleet of small-body Em-

braer jets, the airline has ordered 80 Airbus A220-300 aircrafts that can accommodate more passengers and fly farther with superior fuel efficiency. But in the short term, Dalpiaz would like to see longer transcontinental routes take off, whether it’s on Breeze or one of its other carriers, such as Spirit and Allegiant. “We would love to go out West,” says Dalpiaz. “Currently, Chicago is our only gateway to the West, but we know there is demand for various cities in Texas, California and Arizona. And while we have a great number of routes to Florida, there’s still room for growth there.”

BREEZE IN BRIEF • • •

Breeze Airways is the brainchild of aviation entrepreneur David Neeleman, the founder of four other low-cost airlines, including JetBlue. Breeze’s summer expansion will mean a total of 77 routes in 28 cities. Breeze provides air service between underserved secondary airports, saving fliers time and money by bypassing hubs. BY L AURA WATILO BL AKE

ABIGAIL ARCHER

achelorette party in Nashville? Beach getaway to Tampa? Weekend romp through New Orleans? Breeze Airways can make it happen for less than $100, as long as you fly out of Akron-Canton Airport. First launched in 2021 in the midst of the worst aviation downturn since World War II, the Salt Lake City-based Breeze Airways is ramping up operations across the country this summer, including at Akron-Canton Airport. Breeze now offers a total of six nonstop routes with the addition of flights to Nashville, Tennessee, and Hartford, Connecticut. The carrier already flies to Charleston, South Carolina; Tampa and West Palm Beach, Florida; and seasonally to New Orleans. And airport officials are hoping that’s just the start. “From identifying second-home locations to understanding corporate ties between our community and others, we find the city pairs that make sense for both air-

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THE L A

PUBLIC ART

The Making of a Mural A renowned contemporary artist and an enterprising art triennial have a bold and very big vision for downtown.

t’s been almost 31 years since Claes Oldenburg and Coosje van Bruggen installed an oversized rubber stamp sculpture in Willard Park, cementing Free Stamp as the most high-profile (and divisive and beloved) public artwork in Cleveland. If the organizers of FRONT International Cleveland Triennial for Contemporary Art have their way, the city is going to be buzzing about art al fresco again soon. Julie Mehretu, a world-renowned artist known for large, gestural abstractions, has been commissioned to create a massive mural for the south facade of the Standard Building, which overlooks Public Square and neighbors the historic Old Stone Church. The mural will be the largest work of public art in Cleveland, according to the organizers of FRONT, which returns this year after making an art world splash during its inaugural edition in 2018. The triennial opens July 16 and runs through Oct. 2 at several venues across Northeast Ohio, from the Cleveland Museum of Art to an Akron public library. Why is the mural a big deal? Let’s break it down.

THE ARTIST

THE PROCESS

Mehretu was born in 1970 in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, to an Ethiopian father and American mother. She grew up in East Lansing, Michigan, studied at Kalamazoo College and the Rhode Island School of Design and is now based in New York. Last year the Whitney Museum of American Art hosted a retrospective of her work, which today fetches big bucks. She’s even designed a line of American Express cards.

Mehretu will conceive the mural over the course of the triennial’s run, spending time engaging with Clevelanders before figuring out what the finished design will look like. FRONT hired Colossal Media, a Brooklyn, New York-based company that specializes in photorealistic billboards, to complete the mural by 2023. Bidwell says the artists will “paint the entire thing by hand, not spray cans,” a process that will take anywhere from 30 to 45 days.

THE LOCATION

THE ART Mehretu’s work is a dynamic and colorful fusion of drawing and painting with hints of graffiti. She propels lines and swirls across the surface but also suspends them in layers, creating a graceful chaos that’s often rooted thematically in her interest in photographic material and contemporary politics. The mural is one of the latest efforts by FRONT to create the world’s largest outdoor exhibition of museum-grade abstract art. “We have not set ourselves small goals,” says FRONT's deputy director Sarah Laska.

THE MONEY Bidwell says the mural will cost somewhere in the mid six figures. But Scott Mueller, the CEO of Dealer Tire and a FRONT trustee, has agreed to a challenge grant to cover half of the cost. “We’re optimistic that we can raise the rest of the money based on the excitement that’s been created,” Bidwell says.

THE CONVERSATION Mehretu’s art won’t appeal to everyone, a risk built into public art. But like Free Stamp, Bidwell is hopeful that Clevelanders will embrace her mural not just as a stunning work of art but also as a much-needed curative for a downtown that could use a bit of color.. “We recognize not everyone will love it, but we think most people will,” he says. “It’s an idea big enough, from an artist who’s smart enough, to repair a blemish on the city: a blank wall.”

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THOM SHERIDAN

Mehretu picked the 21-story wall of the Standard Building during a visit to Cleveland in 2020, according to FRONT executive director Fred Bidwell. “What resonated with her was the fact that it’s at the front doorstep of the city and at the crossroads of history, with the Old Stone Church in the foreground,” he says, adding she was also drawn by Cleveland’s past on the Underground Railroad. “It’s about picking up ideas from history and thinking about how they would resonate in a formal way for a visitor on the ground,” adds Prem KrishnamurThis blank wall of a thy, FRONT’s artisfacade will soon be tic director. transformed into art. BY ERIK PIEPENBURG

Brecksville

We are honored to be the new home of Sherwin-Williams Research and Development Center and the exciting Valor Acres development project. Brecksville, a Community of the Western Reserve, is proud to have within its boundaries the MetroParks Brecksville Reservation and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Our town is a bird sanctuary that is noted for its charm, beauty and is an excellent community to raise a family. Brecksville’s property tax rate is in the lower 3rd of all communities in Cuyahoga County. We are proud of our City family, our business community family and our fine residents who combine to make Brecksville its very best. We are building our future with respect for our past.

THE L A

EDUCATION

Living Color Youth in Cleveland are struggling academically and emotionally as a result of pandemic disruptions. But this summer is an opportunity for recovery.

conversation. But the conditions that families have been under have lasted for twoplus years. Two years in the life of a child or a teenager is a huge percentage of time. It’s going to make a mark. The nature of that mark comes down to how many resources that particular child has at their disposal. This is one of those situations where the rich get richer and the poor get poorer, in terms of psychological resources. Q. What kind of resources do kids need? A. In decades of studying, what helps children thrive comes down to two things, warmth and structure: feeling loved and cared for, and feeling like the world is a predictable place. We have thousands of studies, but if you throw them all in a machine and try to drop out a major finding, that’s what kids need. They can get it from lots of places. It can be a parent, but it doesn’t have to be. Q. What does the ideal summer of recovery look like? A. My ideal summer for kids would be to have as many novel experiences as possible, get exposure to a lot of what they may have missed. Being with a variety of loving adults, engaging in activities. That promotes growth. It feels like the pandemic took their world and turned it black and white. What kids need is color.

Since the arrival of COVID-19, the things that give structure to life — school, family, community — have all been disrupted. A March Brookings Institution study found that math and reading test scores, as well as school attendance, had fallen across the country. And in places like Cleveland the achievement gap between low- and high-poverty districts had grown by a whopping 20% in math and 15% in reading. At the same time, a study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found a worrying spike in emergency room visits for potential suicides among children ages 12 to 17. We talked with Dr. Lisa Damour, the renowned local psychologist, author of two New York Times bestselling books (with a new one on the way next year) and executive director of Laurel School’s Center for Research on Girls, about how to, hopefully, make this a summer of recovery. CLEVELAND’S KIDS ARE STRUGGLING.

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Q. What about parents? A. Parents have suffered tremendously, too, and it’s very hard for kids to outfunction their parents. So you have this horrible set of events where kids are suffering in their own right and being carried by people who are also suffering. Q. How does the feeling that the pandemic keeps dragging on affect young people? A. If these same conditions had only lasted five weeks, we’d be having one

Q. Given the possibility of a new variant, is a “summer of recovery” worth the risk? A. I think we’ve got to risk it. Because the alternative is just hunkering down and developmentally that’s not an option. These are two terrible options, but one is worse than the other. Right now, we need to make hay while the sun shines. Kids need to be out having novel experiences at every possible safe moment. BY SHEEHAN HANNAN

DOWNIE PHOTO

Q. How has the pandemic affected kids? A. The pandemic has derailed the activities that are associated with normal healthy development, like being with a variety of people and engaging in a variety of activities. That’s had a twofold effect. They’ve missed a lot of the normal aspects of childhood and adolescence that promote forward development, and they’ve been very sad and upset about it. We’ve seen rising rates of depression and anxiety, and sadness and worry.

Q. What can parents do to support their children’s recovery this summer? A. The role of parents is to urge kids back into the world. Avoidance feeds anxiety, and the longer we avoid something the more anxious we become about it. Kids are very anxious right now. They’re anxious about socializing, about trying new things. And parents are anxious about letting their kids do those things. But this summer is going to be one of urging kids back into the world and, if necessary, helping them take baby steps as they wade back in.

We weren’t born with the Silver Spoon. V

D M AG A AN Z

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l l d ’ 1998-2022

Proud to announce multiple Silver Spoon awards… Cabin Club - Best Steakhouse • Rosewood Grill - Best Brunch, Best Appetizers Salmon Dave’s - Best Westside Restaurant • Delmonico’s Steakhouse - Best Southside Restaurant Blue Point Grille - Best Seafood, Best Downtown Restaurant, Best Fine Dining, Best Wine List

Dedication to provide service and quality is what drives us each day. Thank You, Northeast Ohio, from all of us at Hospitality Restaurants.

THE L A

TRAVEL

Seeing the Light Ohio’s iconic lighthouse celebrates its bicentennial as the guardian of Sandusky Bay and the Marblehead Peninsula.

blast of air whips around the curved watch room at the top of the Marblehead Lighthouse. I duck through the narrow opening in the steel floor and step onto the outdoor gallery 65 feet off the ground. Brushing wind-blown locks from my face, I get my first glance of Lake Erie’s expansive blue, punctuated by Kelleys Island directly to the north, along with Middle and South Bass islands to the northwest. The skyline of Cleveland, some 80 miles away, eludes me, but on a clear day I’m told the city is visible to the east. I can see Cedar Point, though the amusement park looks more like a miniature diorama, with moving parts that endlessly swirl and twirl. Despite a healthy fear of heights, I peek over the bright-red rail, saving me from unfortunate demise, and watch the Great Lake’s rippling waves splash onto dark 24

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Columbus limestone — the solid foundation on which the lighthouse has stood for two centuries. One of Ohio’s most iconic landmarks, Marblehead Lighthouse State Park draws more than a million visitors each year. Like all of Ohio’s state parks, it’s free to visit, making it a great spot to relax, picnic or fish in the white-stuccoed tower’s shadow. It costs a few bucks to climb the 77 steps to the top — a destination for history buffs and lighthouse lovers alike. It’s hard to imagine the landmark was once a desolate and lonely outpost at the edge of northwest Ohio’s Great Black Swamp, but volunteers from the Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society help paint the picture. “There was not a single road on the peninsula,” says Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society President Dennis Kennedy, pointing out a map of the region from 1810. “The only way to get

The Marblehead Lighthouse went into service in 1822, then at the edge of northwest Ohio's Great Black Swamp.

around was by boat. The first lighthouse keepers had to row over to Sandusky to get paid.” When the lighthouse went into service in 1822, the job of keeping the light burning and logging the number of passing vessels went to Benajah Wolcott, a former Revolutionary War veteran from Connecticut. Wolcott was one of the first settlers on the peninsula after he bought 114 acres for farming in 1809. When the lighthouse went into service, Wolcott would trudge up a series of wooden ladders every three hours throughout the night to refill its 13 lanterns. Each time, he hauled 80 pounds of foul-smelling whale oil for fuel. He also had the grim

WRIT TEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY L AURA WATILO BL AKE

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THE L A

2022

HELP US HONOR INSPIRING LEADERS We are inspired by the volume of great work being done in our community — and we are proud to tell the stories of those leading the way. Once again this year, we will be honoring some of Cleveland’s most accomplished community leaders with our Community Leader of the Year Awards. Awardees will be nominated and selected within the following categories: • • • • • • • • •

Arts Diversity & Inclusion Education Environment & Sustainability Health Care Nonprofit Organizations Public Service/Government Technology Young Professional Advancement

If you know NOMINATIONS someone who ARE DUE BY is making JULY 1ST! a positive impact in the community, we want to know about them!

To nominate someone you know, go to

clevelandmagazine.com/CLOTY

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task of burying the dead that washed ashore during the cholera outbreak in 1832. When Wolcott perished from the disease that same year, his wife, Rachel, took up the mantle as the Great Lakes' first female lighthouse keeper. To commemorate the 200th anniversary, the village of Marblehead installed life-size plastic silhouettes to represent the 15 civilian keepers who served at the lighthouse. (The United States Coast Guard took over around 1939.) I spot one on Main Street when I stop for brunch at Latitude Cafe, a casual breakfast and lunch spot along Main Street run by Rochelle Rios. Her homemade, mouth-watering pies fill a case just inside the door, reminding diners to save room for dessert. I pick mint chocolate, but the selection includes lemon meringue, chocolate peanut butter and millionaire pie, which gets its name for the rich taste from a combination of cream cheese, crushed pineapple, coconut and pecans in a graham cracker crust. Next door, Pickles and Chips Field Trip Bakery owner Nicole Dillon sells art made of beach glass and kitchen accoutrements at her new gift shop. I can’t resist an anchor-shaped cookie to take home to my daughter. I also pick up a lighthouse-shaped cookie cutter to commemorate my visit. Tours of the lighthouse take place from noon to 4 p.m. every day, but the park has free events planned all summer

Treat yourself to any of Latitude Cafe's mouth-watering pies or try your hand at plein air painting on a visit.

long. Among the bicentennial celebrations being organized by Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society, visitors can try their hand at plein-air painting, get photography tips from longtime naturalist and photographer Dianne Rozak, take part in a scavenger hunt and attend evening concerts. For a night in Marblehead, The Red Fern Inn at Rocky Point Winery has spacious suites with fully equipped kitchens in a former 1800s schoolhouse. The first bottle of wine is complimentary, as are the bicycles that guests can ride over to the lighthouse, located less than a mile away. I head back to watch the last light of the day slip away. As much as I love the aerial view from atop the beacon, sunset at the lighthouse is spectacular. Just before I return to the winery for an evening glass of wine by the backyard fire pit, the automated LED light in the tower turns on, flashing its signature sequence of six green pulses across the water. The lighthouse may not play a critical role for pleasure boaters still buzzing past the rocky point at sundown, but it remains an enduring symbol of strength and safety all these years later.

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FORAGE &

FEAST

32 KILLIK'S HEALTHY HOT SAUCE

34 ROOD TASTE & VIBES REVIEW

40 WHERE TO SIP MARGARITAS

H APPETI

Kayla and Nick Kudej always missed the tropical Hawaiian shaved ice. So, in 2017, the couple created 808 Shave Ice to bring an island escape to Fairview Park. They now offer 33 gourmet flavors sourced from Honolulu and have locations in Avon, Strongsville and the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Handshaved ice creates a fluffy snow-like texture, instead of the crunchy crushed ice of a snow cone. The Ohana ($4.99) — the Hawaiian word for “family” — offers a beachy blend of Kayla's favorite, cotton candy, and Nick's preference, blue Hawaiian and pina colada. Get it topped off with a drizzle of sweetened condensed milk ($0.75) that sinks into the ice and creates a creamy dream. “When you’re visiting us," Kayla says, "we want it to be a really good feeling — like your own little getaway.” 808ice.com AFTER TRIPS TO MAUI,

DESSERT ISLAND

PHOTO BY KARIN MCKENNA

BY KATE BIGAM KAPUT

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

E & FE

TREND ALERT

Summer Lovin’ Say goodbye to the heavy comfort food of winter and hello to the taste of nostalgic warm-weather bites. From backyard barbecues to ballpark hot dogs, summer ushers in a season of fond food memories. “We always want people to come in and enjoy something that reminds them of their childhood,” says Tommy Fello, owner of the historic Tommy’s Restaurant on Cleveland Heights’ Coventry Road. Here are six more summer spots in Northeast Ohio that tap into our sunny nostalgia.

BEARDEN’S PEANUT BUTTER BURGER

DYNAMITE DAWGS FAIR FOOD

With 13 original flavors and specials that rotate every two weeks, we can’t get enough of Honey Hut’s honey-sweetened ice cream. Look out for heavy hitters like banana nut bread and lemon meringue pie at its five locations this month. gohoneyhut.com

Topped with melted peanut butter and sweet pickles, this 4-ounce steak burger has been a Rocky River staple for decades. It looks simple (albeit peculiar), but the complex collision of sweet-meetssavory is anything but. facebook.com/beardensrockyriver

Be honest: The food is always the best part of the fair-going experience. But there's no special event necessary to indulge in childhood bites like giant corndogs ($4), crispy jumbo funnel cakes ($5) and decadent deep-fried Oreos ($5) at this Mentor spot. dynamitedawgs.com

EDDIE'S GRILL SLOVENIAN SAUSAGE

PICKLE BILL’S LOBSTER HOUSE ALL-YOU-CAN-EAT SEAFOOD

TOMMY’S RESTAURANT MILKSHAKES

Staffed by three generations of founder Ed Sezon’s family, this beloved walk-up spot at Geneva-on-the-Lake has mini jukeboxes at the tables and only takes cash. A fresh-squeezed lemonade washes down the juicy Slovenian sausage ($5.50) loaded with zingy horseradish in a toasted bun. eddiesgrill.com

Nothing says summer like seafood, but enjoying Alaskan snow crab ($32.99 per pound), whole Maine lobster ($68.99 per pound) and deep-fried scallops ($17.99) right on the water, as you can at this nautical Grand River lobster house, is next level. For a little extra coin, everything comes all you can eat. picklebills.com

The darling of any sweltering summer day is a cool, creamy milkshake ($5.79) from this Coventry hotspot. Tommy’s expansive menu caters to all manner of food restrictions, and the milkshakes are no exception. Try a Tofutti version to get that time-honored taste without a drop of dairy. tommyscoventry.com

CLEVELAND

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KATE BIGAM KAPUT

HONEY HUT: COURTESY HONEY HUT / BE ARDEN'S: KE VIN KOPANSKI / DYNAMITE DAWGS: COURTESY DYNAMITE DAWGS EDDIE'S GRILL: NING YEOH-BR A AT / PICKLE BILL: COURTESY PICKLE BILL'S LOBSTER HOUSE / TOMMY 'S RESTAUR ANT: JE ANI BRECHBILL

HONEY HUT ICE CREAM

E & FE

A $20,000 microloan from the Economic & Community Development Institute boosted Killik Hot Sauce.

THE DISH

Feel the Burn A health scare prompted Michael Killik to launch Killik Hot Sauce, a simplistic spicy concoction that offers an alternative for health-conscious hot sauce lovers.

ichael Killik had just returned from a late shift on the line at Lakewood’s El Carnicero when a bolt of pain shot through his right arm. It was 2015, and Killik was working as a prep cook under James Beardnominated chef Eric Williams. After four years of Air Force service and 15 years teaching high school science, Killik had catapulted himself into the West Side’s culinary scene, hoping to carve out an eventual career. But then, that night, his chest tightened and his face was awash with sweat. Blaming chef stress, Killik numbed himself to sleep with half a bottle of tequila. The next day Killik saw a doctor at the local Veterans Affairs hospital. He anticipated the typical finger wag: stop drinking, stop smoking and eat healthier. Instead, he told Killik he'd had a heart attack. “I’m like, ‘Hold the f----in’ phone,’” he says. Not even 12 hours later, Killik took a call from his stepmom, urging him to visit his father in the hospital, where he'd just survived his own heart attack. A week later, while making a cup of coffee, Killik’s father suffered a second heart attack. “He died that night,” Killik says, wiping away tears. “He was 74.” That hellish week was Killik's come-to-Jesus moment. He quit cigarettes and eightysixed his party lifestyle. Then, he began slashing salt from his diet, but he just couldn’t quit hot sauce. Looking for a solution, he read a Food and Wine article that glamorized a healthy hot sauce sauce recipe made from firetruck-red Fresno chilis in vinegar. Lighbulb! That recipe became the basis for Killik Hot Sauce, his Cleveland-based company making healthy hot sauce. “An oxymoron, I know,” he says. “But it really is.” Since launching his flagship sauce, the mild Delta, in September 2019, Killik has kept his health-conscious promise. Each of the three flavors, including funky green and spicy habanero, contain just 2% sodium. A competitor like Frank’s Red Hot sits around 8%. 32

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Salt isn't all that's left out. The short ingredients list is simply fermented vinegar, white onion, garlic, kosher salt and chilis of choice (Fresnos, poblanos, habaneros). Borrowing a line from Shuxin Liu, owner of Ohio City’s Xinji, and referencing his beloved Parliament-Funkadelic, Killik crafted his slogan, containing, one could say, his second favorite F-word — “The Funk Is in the Fermentation.” At the Cleveland Food Hub, where Killik has been growing his operation since completing its Central Kitchen craft course in 2019, the maestro de salsa labors religiously, mixing the vegan concoction in lid-tight, 55-gallon drums. After fermenting for six weeks, the mixture’s whisked with an immersion blender, heated to 185 degrees Fahrenheit to shelf stabilize and bottled on a shared conveyor. “Very quickly, it stood out during sampling,” says Food Hub instructor David Miller. “You could tell the fermentation was legit; you knew it was actual vegetables at some point.” Since 2019, Killik Hot Sauce ($7.99) has expanded to more than 50 specialty stores nationwide, including Giant Eagle Marketplace, which plans to place it in more than 150 stores by the end of 2022. More importantly, the owner has stayed healthy and clear of heart disease. Still, sometimes he reverts back to his old ways — no matter how good his hot sauce is. “If I eat clam chowder, I have to use original Tabasco,” Killik says. “It’s just made for it.”

More info killikhsc.com

WRIT TEN AND PHOTOGRAPHED BY MARK OPREA

FERRANTE WINERY & RISTORANTE

unwind. 518 Gore Rd. Conneaut, OH 440-593-5976 bucciavineyards.com

1700 55th St. NE Canton, OH 330-497-1000 gervasivineyard.com

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Buccia Vineyard Winery

L’uva Bella Winery

Memories are made at Buccia. Cool climate, hand-crafted artisanal wines. Casually elegant lodging. Live music. Weddings and special events. Conveniently located minutes from beautiful beaches, lighthouses, covered bridges, fishing and excellent restaurants. Right in the heart of Ohio wine country. Stop by for wine tastings, live music, or plan your wedding or special event surrounded by our picturesque vineyards.

L’uva Bella Winery has grown to become the largest wine and wine juice producer in Ohio, offering retail brands, commercial & custom crush services, and juice products. L’uva Bella’s brands consist of Red’s, Passion, and Purple Rain. Even as we grow, our philosophy remains the same; we believe in crafting high-quality, unique wines for the everyday consumer.

6597 Center Road Lowellville, OH 330-536-6450 luvabella.com

Gervasi Vineyard

Old Firehouse Winery

This summer, escape to Gervasi Vineyard and experience the beauty of a unique, Tuscan-inspired winery resort. Three distinct restaurants offer casual and upscale cuisine paired with award-winning wines and spirits. Retreat to a luxurious suite and enjoy the comforts of high-end amenities, as well as an outdoor patio providing beautiful lake views. A complimentary continental breakfast is delivered each morning of your stay.

Firehouse is the Great Lake's largest lakefront winery and restaurant, overlooking the Lake Erie shoreline. The Village's first fire station. Firehouse features wines made on premises, a large patio, a Ferris wheel, a weekly Craft Fair, and nightly music in summer. Located right on "The Strip" in the resort town of Geneva-on-the-Lake. Open 7 days year round.

5499 Lake Road E. Geneva-on-the-Lake, OH 800-UNCORK-1 oldfirehousewinery.com

Heineman Winery

978 Catawba Avenue Put-In-Bay, OH 419-285-2811 heinemanswinery.com

Celebrating 134 years of family traditions, Heineman’s is the oldest family-owned and -operated winery in Ohio. This award-winning winery is also home to the world’s largest known Celestite geode and offers combined tours of the winery and Crystal Cave. Visit the tasting room featuring wines made on-site, while enjoying a fresh-cut cheese plate. Check our website for hours. Online ordering 24/7 to 38 states!

Vermilion Valley Vineyards Vermilion Valley Vineyards produces excellent quality wines with a classic, old-world European style on its 15 acres. This beautiful estate winery offers a tasting room, live music, and 11005 Gore Orphanage Road an extensive wine menu throughout the year. Come enjoy our outdoor Wakeman, OH space which overlooks our vineyard 440-965-5202 and 1.5-acre pond.

vermilion-valleyvineyards.com

Lincoln Way Vineyards

The Winerie

Find Your Wine Time® with us. Come sit in the tasting room, on the patio, picnic area or our event space, relax and enjoy our wine, hard cider, fruit-based wine slushies and more. Check out our website or like us on 9050 West Old Lincoln Way Facebook to see our year-round Wooster, OH food truck and entertainment 330-804-9463 schedule.

lincolnwayvineyards.com

6413 Hayes Avenue Sandusky, OH 419-502-1290 facebook.com/thewinerie

Offering a large selection of wines produced from 100% estate grown grapes, The Winerie is an estate winery and the perfect place to enjoy a relaxing night out, a special weekend date night while enjoying live music on select nights.

E & FE

REVIEW

Rood Girl Despite being just 23 years old, Rood Taste & Vibes executive chef and partner Rachelle Murphy has had quite the culinary journey — and the proof is in the pie.

e all came out of the pandemic a little bit different — evolved, maybe. Some of us grew mustaches, started TikTok accounts or picked up new hobbies. Rood Food and Pie, meanwhile, became an entirely new restaurant. The stylish Lakewood spot with neon signs, bright paintings and artsy, ‘70s trailer park vibes opened in 2018 offering a tight menu of family-style gourmet sliders and pie. But the pandemic forced owner Brian Ruthsatz to rethink his sharable service concept. Now, Rood Taste & Vibes is home to an expansive exploration of seasonal ingredients, rustic cooking and modern presentation from one of Cleveland’s hottest young chefs, Rachelle Murphy, a 23-year-old who seemingly came out of nowhere. “Rachelle is really challenging the norm and bringing on some unique dishes,” says Ruthsatz, who already made Murphy a partner in the business after just her first year. Murphy’s journey into chefdom started at Baker College’s Culinary Institute of Michigan. She quickly caught the eye of her instructors, specifically chef Amanda Miller. The pastry chef, who appears in the Netflix's School of Chocolate, coached Murphy to multiple gold medals in American Culinary Federation competitions and helped the 20-year-old secure an appearance on an episode of Guy’s Grocery Games. 34

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“She taught me to be confident in what I’m doing,” says Murphy. The institute also led Murphy to an internship at Italy's Ristorante Zeppelin, a culinary academy run by chef Lorenzo Polegri. Amidst Led Zeppelin’s blistering rock ‘n’ roll, she fell in love with Italian cooking and pasta making. She visited Parma, Italy, to see fresh cow milk turn into Parmesan cheese wheels. “It was an incredible experience,” she says. After graduation, Murphy returned home to Grand Haven, Michigan, where the 20-year-old spent the next year as executive chef of Fuel Bar and Refuge. In a renovated 1930s gas station with a smoker, she led a pastadriven scratch kitchen that laid the groundwork Chef Rachelle Murphy for what she’s helped owner Brian doing now but Ruthsatz revamp his lacked refinement. post-pandemic menu. “I loved that stuff, but it wasn’t who I am,” she says. “I love nicely plated food. It’s beautiful, elegant and artistic. There, people just kind of want their meat and potatoes.” In early 2020, Murphy traveled to Seattle for a conference. During a tourist visit to Pike Place Fish Market, she struck up a conversation with salmon-tossing fishmonger Colin Kiplinger. “I was just trying to catch a fish,” says Murphy. “Now I’m about to marry him.” Although her plane left in a few hours, they went for drinks and fell for each other. A few weeks later, she visited again and never went home, taking a job at the Charlotte Restaurant & Lounge, a five-star restaurant at the city’s Lotte Hotel. As the pandemic hit, the newly engaged couple decided to move to Kiplinger's hometown of Cleveland. Meanwhile, Ruthsatz was in a pickle at his Lakewood restaurant. Rood Food and Pie’s build-your-own sliders concept had opened to rave reviews, with this magazine calling the atmosphere and menu of fresh rolls, funky slaws and exotic meats “endearingly offbeat.” But his social sharing concept didn’t work in a new world of social distancing, and plating the sliders took away the fun of trying a bit of this and a bit of that. “How do you elevate sliders and make it sexy? By doing lamb, rabbit, goat and daikon slaw,” he says. “That’s the fun when you create a restaurant, making it a

BY DILLON STEWART

PHOTO BY KEN BLAZE

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E & FE

Seasonal veggies such as ramps and morels drive the best of the rustic menu at Rood Taste & Vibes.

little bit different.” He was getting by with a “boujee brunch” but needed a new executive chef with a strong vision for the uncertain future. After 12 interviews, he finally found Murphy, who was hired in January 2021. “Her menu in Grand Haven just blew me away. Really unique stuff,” he says. “I told this woman, ‘It is a blank canvas. I want you to wow guests with things they haven’t had before.’ And that’s what she’s done.” Murphy’s first menu quietly launched in March 2021. Over the past year and change, the menu, which Ruthsatz refers to as Murphy’s “greatest hits,” has gone through a few seasonal evolutions to add fresh veggies and new ideas. Still, some originals have become favorites among regulars, such as the tortellini emiliano ($22), a house-made pasta filled with wagyu beef and Parmesan in a spicy arrabbiata sauce. Whereas a concise theme drove Rood 1.0, expansiveness defines the restaurant's newest phase. Free-spirited exploration touches on

myriad cultural influences but rarely fuses them together — a trend we also noticed at The Last Page at Pinecrest in Orange, which Cleveland Magazine readers just voted Best New Restaurant and whose Logan Abbe just edged out Murphy as the city’s favorite chef. Yet, at times, I wasn't sure what Murphy’s menu wanted to be. The Southern flavor of the cajun shrimp and grits ($22) was solid but strange next to the arancini ($12), a bland ball of risotto and stringy fresh mozzarella in arrabbiata sauce that didn't impress. Despite Murphy’s time in Italy, we didn’t fall as hard for the beloved tortellini as others did. The zucchini and corn cakes ($12) were utterly boring. “I think having our menu kind of being so diverse and eclectic drives people in,” says Murphy. For me, however, it's the eclecticity, not the diversity, that keeps me coming back time and time again. The more you steer your ship toward boundary-pushing plates with unfamiliar and seasonal ingredients — like the panseared hog snapper ($36) or the asparagus salad ($14) with creamy tarragon dressing, tender asparagus, pickled hard-boiled egg and shaved cured egg yolk — the more exciting the Rood experience becomes. I’m almost as big a proponent for injecting fun into the dining experience

WHEN YOU GO Rood Taste & Vibes 17001 Madison Ave, Lakewood

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216-712-4506

rfpie.com

as I am for deviled eggs, so things got off to a great start with the fried deviled eggs ($13). Bacon fat is whipped into the egg yolk before the salty, yellow paste is squeezed into a fried egg white vessel and served with Oaxaca chili aioli. From there, we moved on to a salad I cannot stop talking about. A text about a roasted heirloom beet salad ($14) would typically alarm my friends and family of a hostage situation. Until, that is, they tried the crunchy, creamy, spicy, sweet-andsour combination of smoked whipped mascarpone, pickled oyster mushroom, red onion, fennel, crispy quinoa and fresno vinaigrette greens, all plated elegantly and modernly with a half-naked plate. The beautiful variety of colors and textures stuck with me for weeks. Unlike the two mind-altering salads, which stun by singing peculiar songs, many of the entrees excel by expertly disguising new flavors in familiar packaging — a subtle nod to Murphy’s roots in that state up north. Presented similarly to a bone-in short rib, the bourbon and fig braised oxtail ($30), a protein more common in Caribbean food, conjures up fork-falling, mouth-melting cliches that are every bit accurate. Murphy breaks down whole tails into fist size pieces and braises them for five hours before serving them with smoked cheddar grits, a fig-bourbon balsamic reduction and crispy parsnips. Meanwhile, the spring onion gnocchi ($22) was every bit as exciting as the beet salad thanks to handmade gnocchi and seasonal veggies. A creamy eggplant

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The Insta-worthy eatery is set to soon host a daytime cafe and late-night pie bar.

sauce, confit purple scallions, shaved asparagus salad, oyster mushroom, candied walnut crumb, shaved Parmesan and fried eggplant add up to a surprising springtime medley with a bit of heft for that cold Cleveland breeze.

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“It’s kind of taking Italian as the base,” she says, “But like, forget everything you know about Italian pasta.” That, in my opinion, is where Murphy thrives. Thankfully, when the summer menu comes out in mid-June, diners can expect more experimental gnocchis and dishes celebrating ingredients such as fiddleheads, ramps, morels, halibut and monkfish, sometimes called “poor man’s lobster.” “We’re playing with things that are hyper-local and hyper-seasonal,” says Murphy. “We want to give the best ingredients we can get.” OG Rood fans are likely wondering about those pies. Don’t worry, a full dessert menu remains, including the menuanchoring salt and honey pie ($7.25 per

slice; $34 whole pie), served with a vial of bee pollen. In fact, Ruthsatz plans to expand hours around his pie offerings with a daytime Cafe Rood and the late-night Pie Bar with “boujee coffee cocktails.” But don’t expect a return to sliders. Much like the impossibility of a new normal, we’ve come too far to go backward. We’ve read the books and mastered the hobbies — and hopefully shaved the ‘stache. God willing, we’re better off for it. Rood certainly is. Once highly conceptual, the Lakewood eatery is now a playground for a budding culinary creative with an operating partner who rewards unrestrained creative expression. Despite still finding her voice — and at 23 years old who can blame her — Murphy has already solidified herself as one of Cleveland’s most exciting young chefs. We await each of her future menus with bated breath. How’s that for evolution? “You always gotta look forward,” says Ruthsatz. “You can’t look back.”

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WORD OF MOUTH

KIWI WONGPENG Chef and Owner of Thai Thai in Lakewood LONGTIME FAVORITE I like India Garden in Lakewood because it's family owned. I've been going there since I was young. I grew up in Lakewood, and it is the only one that I went to that is still open. It’s just a lot of memories.

COURTESY KIWI WONGPENG

EASY DRINKING Iggy’s Bar in Lakewood because it's literally next to Thai Thai. I get their special drinks, which change every week. It’s affordable and not too crazy in there. It's not one of those bars you have to wait forever to get a drink, you know?

Six years ago, Kiwi Wongpeng wanted to bring real Thai food to Cleveland — the meals “my mom would actually make for me at home,” she says. Now, her kitchen in Lakewood, where her mother often cooks, is The Land's introduction to the fiery flavor of authentic Bangkokstyle street food. – A N T H O N Y E L D E R

FOR THE KIDS My kids love Korean barbecue because it’s a fun activity that we can do as a family. I always work and don’t have a lot of time to sit down and eat dinner. So, every once in a while, we find a time and we do Korea House in Cleveland as a family.

TAMALES AND TEQUILA I like El Carnicero in Lakewood. I like the tamale tots! Their food is really good and, of course, margaritas. I do the flight so I can try three of them. NEW EXPERIENCE I just discovered Gathering Kitchen in Lakewood. They are not a restaurant, but they do premade frozen dinners. And then they have cooking classes there. I really want to go do that. You know, take time off and do new things.

CHEF THAT INSPIRES HER Jill Vedaa of Salt is really talented. Her and her business partner, Jessica Parkison, do a lot for the community. We don’t have as many woman chefs in Cleveland. That’s why I wanted to become one of them.

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

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Dining Guide

C L E V E L A N D ' S B E S T M A R G A R I TA S

BARROCO AREPA BAR WHY WE LOVE IT: Arepas (South American sandwiches on corn maize dough) are the draw, but visit on Tuesdays when $5 margaritas are offered. TRY THIS: Pineapple jalapeno margaritas ($10) feature a house-made sour mix. Various locations, barrocoarepabar.com

BLUE HABANERO WHY WE LOVE IT: This Gordon Square spot specializes in street-style tacos and handcrafted margaritas. Along with a selection of Mexican beer on tap, the restaurant boasts a collection of more than 50 tequilas perfect for mixing into margaritas or sipping straight. TRY THIS: The blackberry mint margarita ($13) is muddled with gold tequila. 6416 Detroit Ave., Cleveland 216-4651818, bluehabanerocleveland.com

St., Cleveland, 216-331-6961, avo-ohiocity.com

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BARRIO TACOS WHY WE LOVE IT: Complete with 50plus tequilas and more than 10 different takes on the classic margarita, this regional chain headquartered in Cleveland holds monthly margarita specials concocted by staff. “If it works and we love it, then we put it on the menu,” says Heather Wilde, operations and beverage director. “We just have fun with it.” TRY THIS: The Marigold ($9) is made with strawberry-pear puree, lemonade, Patron, Cointreau and Cazadores Reposado. Various locations, barrio-tacos.com

Various locations, cozumel.us

DON TEQUILA BAR & GRILL WHY WE LOVE IT: This funky Mexican joint is our suburban go-to for traditional margaritas and authentic, approachable entrees. If you're feeling crazy, share the 84-ounce tower margarita ($35.99) with friends. TRY THIS: Get a physics lesson from the Coronitas ($11.99), in which an upside-down mini beer slowly seeps into a strawberry or lime margarita. Various locations, dontequilabarandgrill.net

BY BEKAH BOSTICK

COURTESY BARRIO

AVO MODERN MEXICAN WHY WE LOVE IT: Flavored salt rims, sugar rims and house-made syrups, including pistachio, lavender, mango and habanero, take these margs to the next level. Virgin versions, nonalcoholic pina coladas and a tequila take on the classic old fashioned ($13) offers something to every type of drinker. TRY THIS: The Avo-Rita ($9) uses a house-made mix, pineapple, agave, Espolon Blanco, Cointreau, jalapeno, avocado and a lime salt rim to tiptoe close to perfection. 2058 W. 25th

COZUMEL WHY WE LOVE IT: This low-key dinner spot has a drink for every palate, from top-shelf concoctions to draft beer. Each location boasts weekly drink specials, including jumbo margs and sangria bottles. TRY THIS: Rimmed with Tajin salt, the all-natural margarita ($14.50) is made with agave nector; fresh-squeezed lime, lemon and orange; and your choice of tequila.

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A T

EL CARNICERO WHY WE LOVE IT: For nine years, this tamaleria, Momocho's casual Lakewood sister, has provided an approachable menu of Mexican fusion dishes, such as vegan tamale tater tots ($6) and flautas ($15). A dozen margarita flavors make for great tasting flights. TRY THIS: The 16-ounce margarita to go ($20), offered in flavors such as honey-ginger and hibiscus, is perfect for takeout — just shake and pour. 16918 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-226-3415, elcarnicerolakewood.com

GHOST PEPPER TAQUERIA & TEQUILA WHY WE LOVE IT: Inspired by America's hippest taco joints, this roja-tinted eatery is a transformative taco experience with neon decor, spicy bites, more than 50 top-notch tequilas and 18 handcrafted cocktails. TRY THIS: The jalapenocilantro margarita ($9) offers a signature spicy kick and homemade sour. 1282 W. Bagley Road, Berea, 440-625-6015,

ghostpeppercle.com

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margaritas ($7.50). “We get all of our produce at the West Side Market,” says owner Shelley Underwood. TRY THIS: The Napoleon ($8.50), served straight up in a martini glass with Cazadores Reposado, Grand Marnier and Cointreau, is not for lightweights. 3120 Bridge Ave., Cleveland, 216-575-1919, jmango.com

LA FIESTA WHY WE LOVE IT: With recipes passed down from when the restaurant first opened in Cleveland in 1952, La Fiesta takes pride in offering authentic Mexican food and drink such as simple street tacos ($10), tamales ($14) and, of course, margaritas. Bring your friends and grab a pitcher for $48. TRY THIS: If you're growing sick of traditional lime margaritas, the Paloma ($10), a handcrafted grapefruit cocktail made with tequila and lime juice, is a happy cousin of the classic margarita. 783A

Alpha Drive, Highland Heights, 440-683-1014, lafiestacleveland.com

MOJO WORLD EATS & DRINK WHY WE LOVE IT: Owner-chef Michael Herschman revamped his beloved Lopez on Lee two years ago, pushing forward the global cuisine and fresh margaritas that made us fall for its predecessor. TRY THIS: The cucumber margarita ($13) is a refreshing way to tell mom you're eating your veggies.

2196 Lee Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-932-9000, mojocle.com

NUEVO MODERN MEXICAN & TEQUILA BAR WHY WE LOVE IT: Since setting up shop on the East Ninth Street pier with a prime view of downtown six years ago, Nuevo has offered guests an extensive drink menu using fresh juices and topnotch spirits. TRY THIS: The blueberry maple margarita ($14) with Mi Campo Reposado, triple sec, blueberry and lime gets a Northeast Ohio twist with maple syrup. 1000 E. Ninth St., 216-7371000, nuevomodmex.com

COURTESY MOMOCHO

JOHNNY MANGO WORLD CAFE & BAR WHY WE LOVE IT: Freshness is key to this classic Ohio City restaurant’s fresh pineapple, mint mango and cucumber

MOMOCHO WHY WE LOVE IT: Since opening Momocho more than a decade ago, chef and owner Eric Williams has created more than 12 flavors of margaritas, such as hibiscus, blood orange and pomegranate. “The margaritas are treated like a food recipe,” says Williams. TRY THIS: The honey-ginger margarita ($10), made with local honey and fresh grated ginger and rimmed with black ant salt. 1835 Fulton Road, Cleveland, 216-694-2122, momocho.com

Thrive

Work-Live-Learn

Mayor Justin Berns

Credit : Discovery Photo

Welcoming residents, businesses and visitors with open arms.

Experience the Best in Beachwood! » » » »

Responsive Government Unequaled City Services Booming Commercial Hub Business Incentives

» » » »

Conveniently Located Excellent Safety Services Top Public & Private Schools Beautiful Neighborhoods

» » » »

Incredible Shopping & Dining Nearby Medical Facilities Recreation & Trails Diverse Community

Mayor Justin Berns - BeachwoodOhio.com City Council Members

Alec Isaacson - President, Eric Synenberg - Vice President Mike Burkons, Barbara Bellin Janovitz, Joshua Mintz, Danielle Shoykhet, June E. Taylor

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TACO TONTOS WHY WE LOVE IT: The Kent State classic presents a fresh menu of fun, scratch bites and delicious house margs at its Lakewood spot. TRY THIS: The pineapple habanero margarita ($9) is made with house-infused habanero reposado, Patron Citronge and muddled orange. 13321 Madison Ave., Lakewood, 216-221-4479, tacotontos.com

locations, trespotrillosmexicanrestaurant.com

WANT MORE?

Check out more recommendations at clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink

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CLEVELAND

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Blue Habanero

COURTESY BLUE HABANERO

TRES POTRILLOS WHY WE LOVE IT: They provide visitors with a unique dining experience while they dine on authentic Mexican cuisine. Ingredients are fresh. Food is made to order. The laid-back atmosphere gives Clevelanders a casual, family-friendly option for delish food and refreshing drinks. TRY THIS: The raspberry mint margarita ($13), made with muddled fresh raspberries and mint, squeezed fruit and gold tequila. Various

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GRIT &

GLAMOUR

48 KELLEY SHAFFER ON AMBA

50 SNEAKERS FOR NURSES

52 LIVIN' LARGE IN CANTON

CASEY REARICK

YLEMAKE R

AMBA'S DARK SIDE

BY DILLON STEWART

as a multidisciplinary creative. Over the past 10 years, she’s worked as an art director, image maker and set designer for Moen, Arhaus Furniture, Vitamix and other behemoth brands. More recently, however, she took on a new challenge, creating two transformative environments for chef Douglas Katz. Zhug, which opened in Cleveland Heights in 2019, is a bright and energetic celebration of communal Middle Eastern dining. Meanwhile, the moody Amba, which opened in May, is near pitch black, offering an otherworldly Indian cocktail lounge adventure. “This is the first time I’ve put my energy into a space that has a sense of permanence,” she says. Flip the page for Shaffer’s take on designing Cleveland’s most exciting new restaurants. KELLEY SHAFFER DEFINES HERSELF

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

& GLAMO R

On working with Douglas Katz…

I’m forever grateful to Doug for being super open to working with me even though I didn’t come from a conventional interior design background. He’s an incredibly energized person. We’ve found a stride together. I think we could both be too much for some people, but we’re symbiotic. On Zhug in Cleveland Heights…

The space is foundational and elemental. The way people eat in there is really communal. The corner tables have the most energy. Doug and [business partner] Todd Thompson had an architect on board, so I was doing things like lighting and bringing in Shred and Co. to work on the

shelving. If I could wave a magic wand, I'd apply a little more texture, but it has been received so well. On designing a set for a catalog…

On set, I live in the luxury of contractors, essentially, building a box that’s accessible from the back. If we need to move anything, we drill a new hole and Photoshop the old one out. This week, I’m art directing a 220-page catalog for Arhaus, and we go to a warehouse every day to shoot. It’s all temporary. None of it is real. On designing Amba…

The thing I hear the most is It’s so dark.

Amba's interior

The conversations Doug and Todd had were about basement spaces, dark, drama, cocktail lounge vibes. There were discussions of building garage doors; I said don’t create any more light in here. I wanted to deprive all other senses and you to be overcome by the smell. On how it feels to walk into the Hingetown Restaurant…

Your eyes need a second to adjust. As you’re walking along this wall of public art, you go through an unassuming door, and you’re transformed. The cracks of the rattan shade create this spectacular ambient glowing light. The bar is this raw steel that adds so much texture, almost looking like wood when it’s hit by the light. The music is all-encompassing. And then there are all these bits of the former Schaefer Printing Co. building from 1923, such as the big round metal sconces, which are a nod to the pleat of a Kelsey hand letterpress, and the mirrors are modeled after the original rounded windows. I love assisting in your experience and telling these stories without you even really knowing. On her philosophy to styling your home…

Fill your home with things you love. Objects and spaces speak for themselves. They have their own language. When you’re creating a home or a space, pause and realize that each decision you make informs the next. We feel compelled to visit people and see inside their homes and spaces because it’s a reflection of the individual. I believe these spaces I’ve created are a reflection of Doug — his story, what he responds to, where he’s traveled, what’s inspiring the food he’s making.

SHAFFER’S FAVORITE FINDS

– Antiques and decor: All Things for You – Art: Andy Curlowe and Laura Naples – Custom wood and metal works: Shred and Co. – Electrical work: Globe Electric – Remodeling: Keith Arian Construction – Vintage home goods: The Helm Collective 48

CLEVELAND

06.22

BY DILLON STEWART

COURTESY KELLEY SHAFFER

Kelley Shaffer is creative, but that doesn't mean she works alone. Here are a few of her favorite shops, artisans and suppliers.

ASK DR. DUGGAN ASK DR. DUGGAN

ASK DR. DUGGAN Q: What you want your patients to know about you? What dodo you want your about you? Q:Q:What do you want your patients patientstotoknow know about you?

Results You You Can Count On Results Can Count On ASK DR. DUGGAN ASK DR. DUGGAN

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This Laser is unique in that it seals the vein withwith the leastleast amount of heat, andwith thusthus discomfort to the The The Q: What isLaser different about Varicose Vein Treatment the CoolTouch Laser? thesia and prolonged recovery. Q: What do those suffering with Varicose Veins need to know? CoolTouch Laser treatment replaces ligation and stripping, a painful surgery performed in the hospital with major What do those suffering with Varicose Veins need know? Laser treatment replaces ligation andwith stripping, a painful surgery performed in discomfort theto hospital with major anes-anesA.CoolTouch ThisA. Laser isQ: unique in that seals the vein the least amount of heat, and thus to the patient. The “There is reason no reason to it continue enduring the pain, discomfort and unsightly disfigurement that is often caused thesia and prolonged recovery. 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Q: What do those suffering with Varicose Veins need to know? dition, this procedure is covered commercial insurances, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. ” Q: What do Laser those suffering withinsurances, Varicose Veins need to know? this procedure is covered by commercial as well as Medicare and Medicaid. ” AFTER BEFORE AFTER BEFORE BEFORE AFTER BEFORE veins. dition, AFTER varicose The CoolTouch hasenduring essentially revolutionized the treatment of patients with varicose veins. In adA. “There is reason no reason to continue pain, discomfort unsightly disfigurement that is often caused A. “There is no to continue enduring the the pain, discomfort and and unsightly disfigurement that is often caused by by These are pictures of Dr. Duggan’s patients before and after the CoolTouch Laser Ablation procedure. Q: What do those suffering with Varicose Veins need to know? dition, this procedure is covered by commercial insurances, as well as Medicare and Medicaid. ” varicose veins. CoolTouch Laser essentially revolutionized the treatment of patients varicose veins. In advaricose veins. TheThe CoolTouch Laser has has essentially revolutionized the treatment of patients withwith varicose veins. In adThese are ofto Dr. Duggan’s patients before and after Cool Touch Laser Ablation procedure. A. “There ispictures no reason continue the pain, discomfort andthe unsightly disfigurement that is often dition, this procedure is covered by commercial asCoolTouch well as Medicare Medicaid. ” caused by These are pictures Dr. Duggan’s patients before andinsurances, after the Laser Ablation dition, thisof procedure isenduring covered by commercial insurances, as well as Medicare and and Medicaid. ” procedure.

ASK DR. DUGGAN

varicose veins. The CoolTouch Laser has essentially revolutionized the treatment of patients with varicose veins. In addition, this procedure is covered by commercial insurances, as well as Medicare and Medicaid.”

CoolTouch is aissimple, CoolTouch simple, office-based procedure office-based procedure CoolTouch is a simple, • • office-based procedure Rapid symptoms Rapidrelief relief•from from symptoms • • Rapid relief from symptoms Cosmetically pleasing results Cosmetically • • pleasing results • Cosmetically pleasing results Quick return to work and playplay Quick return to work and •• Quick return to work and play Covered by insurance companies

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06.22

All the new sneaker needed was a name. Inspiration came when the couple was driving on that long Pennsylvania slog back to their Philadelphia home after visiting family in Ohio. Ammon offhandedly mentioned an ongoing joke about the shorthand notation that medical professionals make on charts: a “C” with a line above to mean “with.” “We put together that notation with the word love,” says Ammon. “With love.” And Clove was born. The brand launched just a few months before the pandemic hit, and Ammon couldn’t keep shoes in stock. Luckily, his supply chain held strong, and Clove sneakers found their way onto the

feet of health care workers around the world, earning distinctions such as one of Time magazine’s best inventions of 2021. Looking ahead, Ammon is excited to introduce a wide range of designs, giving wearers a way to differentiate themselves when everyone is in the same scrubs. From the Nebula with radiant orange soles to the Juniper Berry of forest colors, these are not your standardissue nurse’s footwear. A highlight for Ammon is health care workers expressing their thanks. “We know we are making a difference with Clove,” he says. More info goclove.com BY KEN SCHNECK

COURTESY CLOVE SNE AKERS

n an effort to reach his dreams of business success, Joe Ammon decided to walk a mile in someone else’s shoes. Quite literally. A native of Northeast Ohio, he earned an accounting degree at Case Western Reserve University before moving to New York City to work at one of the country’s top financial firms. He ultimately decided to pursue his master’s degree at the prestigious Wharton School of Business at the University of Pennsylvania and was determined to learn the tools to launch his own business. “My goal was to find a real pain point and create a business to solve a problem,” says Ammon. Though his original business idea was a tech product, he noticed another issue that needed solving — this one much closer to home. Ammon’s wife, Tamara, was buying shoe after shoe, trying to find just the right footwear that could keep up with her daily life as a nurse. “I suddenly got very excited about making footwear for health care professionals,” says Ammon. First, the shoes needed to be comfortably durable. On average, health care professionals walk roughly 60,000 steps a week. The shoes also needed to be easy to clean, odor resistant and easy to slip on and off. After assembling a team of designers, the prototype quickly came together featuring easy-to-clean vegan leather and a machine-washable insole.

TWO WEEKENDS

JUNE 18–19 / 25–26 NOON-5 PM

HOME LOCATIONS:

AURORA, AVON, AVON LAKE, BRECKSVILLE, CHAGRIN FALLS, CLEVELAND, KIRTLAND, LYNDHURST, MAYFIELD VILLAGE, PEPPER PIKE, SOLON, STRONGSVILLE AND WESTLAKE

PARTICIPATING BUILDERS:

EDGEWOOD HOMES, KENSINGTON HOMES, KEYSTATE HOMES, KNEZ HOMES, NORTH STAR BUILDERS, PARKVIEW HOMES, PAYNE & PAYNE BUILDERS, PERRINO CUSTOM BUILDERS, LLC, PETROS HOMES, PREMIER CUSTOM BUILDERS, PULTE HOMES AND SKODA CONSTRUCTION

Find Homes. Browse Photos. Get Directions. All within the HBA CLE Parades mobile app.

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For more information and a complete list of all of the homes in this year’s For visit moreHBAcleveland.com information and a complete list of all of homes parade, or call the HBA atthe 216-447-8700

in this year’s parade, visit HBAcleveland.com

& GLAMO R

HOMES

Lake Luxe

The Doll family’s distinct design tastes make a statement best described as glam farmhouse.

when Sandy and Jeff Doll happened upon a lot in their neighborhood on the private, 150-acre Lake Cable in Canton’s Jackson Township. “We wanted a place for our children to enjoy and where we could have friends over and take full advantage of lake living,” says Sandy Grassi Doll, a longtime community volunteer whose years of hosting and attending fundraisers inspired her to open a restaurant, Social at the Stone House in Massillon, in 2021. The couple broke ground on the lot in 2016, partnering with designer Summer Alaedeen of Adeas Interior Design, who brought T H E V I S I O N WA S B O R N

creative touches to the 12,000-square-foot residence. It has four bedrooms, seven bathrooms and designated spaces for entertaining throughout. “She pushes me out of my comfort zone, and I told her from the beginning, ‘I just want my house to look like it came out of a magazine,’” Grassi Doll relates. Overall, the Doll home captures lake life with expansive views of the water, where the family enjoys Lake Cable’s beaches, marinas and lifestyle. It’s a fusion of glam farmhouse and sophisticated modern chock full of thoughtful details that speak to the couple’s varying tastes.

THE FOYER His taste is traditional and hers is transitional — and you can see touches of both in the foyer. “I wanted there to be lots of light and color and clean lines,” Grassi Doll says. Her husband’s aesthetic tended toward darker woods and ornate detail. “So, we compromised,” she says. “There is a lot of wood, but it’s all white.” A winding staircase with an ornate wrought-iron balustrade makes way to an airy upstairs landing revealing lake views. Along the staircase wall, crystal light fixtures are framed against velvet-flocked wallpaper. “When Summer showed me that fabulous wallpaper we thought, ‘Let’s panel it and make it look like a hotel lobby,’” Grassi Doll relates.

THE KITCHEN

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C A I T L I N A N TJ E P H OTO G R A P H Y

An expansive kitchen island is appointed with light fixtures that are retro yet refined. “I get so many compliments on them,” Grassi Doll says. A custom stainless steel range hood and white cabinets complement the granite countertops full of movement. Grassi Doll loves the fact that she can hide all the dirty dishes in the fully equipped butler's pantry while prepping for her dinner parties.

BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE

IGNITE YOUR PATH AT SAINT IGNATIUS HIGH SCHOOL

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& GLAMO R

THE CLOSET “I compare the closet to when your fiancé asks you to marry him and gives you that wonderful diamond ring,” Grassi Doll relates. Her two-story, 1,000-square foot “closet” is more of a girls’ getaway punctuated with mannequins wearing ball gowns from charity events, a posh pink sitting area and a wet bar stocked with rose. During the holidays, she decorates with a Tiffany-inspired Christmas tree. “It’s a mix of sugar and spice,” she says, adding that she loves rock 'n' roll. This explains a framed Kiss print and guitar from Paul Stanley. “It’s pink and sparkly with a little edge.”

THE LIVING AREA

C A I T L I N A N TJ E P H OTO G R A P H Y

An airy living space appointed with furnishings in a black-and-white theme looks out over the lake and its everchanging landscape. “In the winter, it’s gorgeous with the snow, and in the summer, it’s beautiful and so bright in here,” Grassi Doll says. White woodwork offers traditional detail with columns by the bar area and smoother lines along the windows. Flooring throughout is quarter sawn oak and Calacatta Gold marble.

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Discover your best CLE summer with bucket lists tailored to your favorite ways to spend a day. STORIES BY Brie Camp, Rachel Hagenbaugh and Kristen Hampshire

ART BY ARTIST

BY WRITER

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

SU M M E R F U N GU I DE

Fall for the Waterfalls

BL AZE THROUGH

THE BUC KEYE TRAIL Follow the blue blaze markers along the Buckeye Trail (buckeyetrail. org), a 1,452-mile path that winds throughout the entire state. “One of the beauties of the Buckeye Trail is that you make discoveries that you wouldn’t normally make,” says Randall Roberts, a Buckeye Trail Association trustee and Crooked River Chapter chairman. “During my many treks, I’ve been struck by the large amount of resources and land we have in Ohio.” Here, we highlight three short — but amazingly beautiful — hikes along the trail in Northeast Ohio:

Berea Falls Located in the Rocky River Reservation, this bucolic area also is known for steelhead fishing and is close to the Rocky River Nature Center and three golf courses. “Summer offers something for everyone in Cleveland Metroparks, whether you use the free mobile app to explore new trails or join a naturalist-led hike or education program,” says Mary Rouse, director of outdoor experiences. Brandywine Falls Turn this natural retreat into a relaxing overnight stay at the Inn at Brandywine Falls, a historic countryside inn furnished with elegant Ohio antiques and surrounded by the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Chagrin Falls Waterfall

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Penitentiary Glen Circuit

Start this 8-mile loop that takes about four hours to complete at the Boston Mill Visitor Center. Highlights include the Cuyahoga River, Cuyahoga Scenic Railroad, Blue Hen Falls, Jaite Paper Mill, Stanford House and an abundance of wildlife.

Take a 3-mile trek through this reservation in Willoughby that boasts wondrous views of the gorge that divides the park. It's family friendly, too. “Throughout the year, tiny steam engines are pulled out and kids can ride on them through the woods,” says Bob Morecki, the trail’s Bedford section supervisor.

Waterfront Walk Pick up the trail at the Mentor Lagoons Marina Parking Area and make your way through the Mentor Marsh State Nature Preserve. Located on the shores of Lake Erie, the property offers miles of waterfront trails. Finish your trek along the lakefront at Headlands Beach State Park, Ohio’s longest natural beach.

Picked in the Region

Savor the flavor of freshly picked strawberries with a June visit to Aufdenkampe Family Farm (afamilyfarm.com) in Vermilion. Patterson Fruit Farm (pattersonfarm.com) in Chesterland also offers apple picking mid-August through October. At Red Wagon Farm (redwagonfarm.com) in Columbia Station, pair a day of strawberry picking with a refreshing scoop of ice cream or bakery treat from Red Wagon Scoops Ice Cream and Red Wagon Bakery, both opening this month. “The farm is a nice summer or fall destination for families not only to shop for fruits and vegetables but also to enjoy ice cream, baked goods and craft beers brewed at the farm," Red Wagon Farm owner Shari Ross says. Red Wagon Brewing Co. is slated to open this summer.

ISTOCK PHOTO

Nestled in the heart of the city’s charming downtown district (downtownchagrinfalls. com), a visit to this natural beauty pairs perfectly with a day spent exploring a plethora of local shops and outdoor dining destinations.

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SU M M E R F U N GU I DE

SWAY TO SUMMER TUNES Halsey Love and Power Tour

Blossom Music Center, June 3

Experience the raw and emotional musical talent of Halsey as she reflects on parenthood and, you guessed it, power. To fully prepare yourself for the performance, stream Halsey’s If I Can’t Have Love, I Want Power, an hourlong film set to the music from the album. clevelandorchestra.com

School of Rock the Musical

Cain Park’s Alma Theater, June 9-26

Cain Park’s summer arts lineup kicks off with theater performances of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s School of Rock the Musical. Head back to the theater for the regional premiere of Sondheim on Sondheim, playing Aug. 4-14. In between, visit Cain Park to discover a range of artistic talents, from ballerinas and dancers to jazz and rock musicians. “At Cain Park, presenting a wide variety of music genres confirms that the arts provide people of varied backgrounds a comfortable way to come together and learn more about each other to strengthen the community,” says Erin Miller, Cain Park general manager. cainpark.com

Wonderstruck Festival

Lakeland Community College, July 9-10

Headliners The Lumineers and Vampire Weekend join more than a dozen other performers for 20 hours of live

shows spread across three stages at Northeast Ohio’s only internationally recognized contemporary music festival. “Creating wonder for people is what we do, so it should be an amazing summer,” says Denny Young, co-founder and president of the Elevation Group, the organization behind Wonderstruck. wonderstruckfest.com

MUNA

Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, July 30

A self-proclaimed “queer electropop” band, MUNA will light up the Rock Hall Live Stage this summer. Join the party and experience the musical talents of lead singer Katie Gavin and guitarists Josette Maskin and Naomi McPherson. Lisa Vinciquerra, Rock & Roll Hall of Fame director of production and live events, says the concert plays into the hall’s background as teaching and inspiring through music. “Our lineup really gives fans and families a chance to experience the power of rock and roll," she says. rockhall.com

Goo Goo Dolls

Jacobs Pavilion at Nautica, Aug. 10

This stop on the Goo Goo Dolls’ summer tour will likely feature songs from their 2021 compilation album Rarities, which was released last summer and features 20 rare or never-released songs, including live recordings, radio performances and acoustic renditions spanning from 1995 to 2007. theflatspavilion.com

Mark the Calendar JUNE Pride in the CLE: June 4

Art by the Falls: June 11-12

Taste of Lakewood: June 12

Country Fest Cleveland: June 15-18

Duck Tape Festival: June 16-18 Festival of the Fish: June 17-19 Tri-C JazzFest: June 23-25

Larchmere Porchfest: June 25

JULY Cleveland Tall Ships Festival: July 7-10

Cain Park Arts Festival: July 8-10 Lakewood Summer Meltdown: July 16

Summer Market (Black River Landing): July 22-23

Blazing Paddles Paddlefest: July 23

AUGUST Pro Football Hall of Fame

Enshrinement Festival: Aug. 4-7 Vintage Ohio Wine Festival: Aug. 5-6

Vermilion Beach Market: Aug. 5-6 Twins Day Festival: Aug. 5-7

Chardon Square Arts Festival: Aug. 7

Feast of the Assumption: Aug. 12-15

Water Lantern Festival: Aug. 20 Cleveland Garlic Festival: Aug 27-28

One World Day: Aug. 28

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06.22

COURTESY WONDERSTRUCK FESTIVAL

Lakewood Arts Festival: Aug. 6

It’s patio season: bring your appetite, and sunscreen. 22 patios in 8 square miles. All are welcome.

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SU M M E R F U N GU I DE

BREWS AND VIEWS

At Collision Bend Brewing Co. (collisionbendbrewery.com), enjoy the three bars, outdoor seating with river views and space for boats to dock along the patio. Join a curling league at Platform Beer Co.’s (platformbeer.co) the Lot — and settle into the patio with

one of the 20-plus house beers. “In the past 10 years, the brewery scene in Cleveland has come alive,” says Kevin Gilliam, general manager at BrewDog Cleveland Outpost ( b re wd og .co m). Kick back on the brand-new patio that seats up to 240, featuring an outdoor bar with water and city views. “There is so much interest now in beer, and while the 30 taps are mostly ours, we also support other local breweries and serve some of their stuff, too.”

Great Lakes Brewing Co. (greatlakesbrewing.com) in Ohio City rolled out its Mexican lager with lime in time for summer sipping in the beer garden. Across the way at Market Garden Brewery (marketgardenbrewery.com), the lemon shandy thirstquenching pale wheat brew with sparkling lemon soda is a glass of summer. Pull up a chair in the urban beer garden in the outdoor center courtyard of the brewery. In Battery Park, Terrestrial Brewing Co.’s (terrestrialbrewing. com) Luminous Creatures fruit beer and canopy crusher are ripe for warm weather drinking.

JOIN the Zoo in 2022!

Grab your friends and family and explore the 183 acres of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo!

ClevelandZooSociety.org/Membership

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The membership program is presented by

COURTESY BREWDOG CLEVELAND OUTPOST

Bring your four-legged best friend to Taps & Tails (tapsandtailsdogbar. com), an indoor/outdoor dog park and bar and the first of its kind in Ohio. “We have a growing group of regulars, a mix of dog lovers and pet owners who share a common interest,” says lead bark ranger Chase Grossman, adding that the outdoor seating overlooks a doggy obstacle course. “We are always doing events like breed meetups and singles nights,” Grossman says.

Seasonal Taps

Celebrate when the light was first lit in 1822. MEMORIAL DAY THROUGH LABOR DAY

Daily, Noon‑4:00 pm CLIMB THE TOWER

Climb the 77 steps to the top. Tickets for a given day are sold only at the tower beginning at noon. Admission age 6 and up - $3 (cash). Under 6 - free. LEARN ABOUT THE LIFESAVING SERVICE

Visit the Replica of the Lifesaving Station. Look at the exhibits and imagine what it was like to rescue boats and sailors in distress. Free admission. VISIT THE GIFT SHOP

MARBLEHEAD LIGHTHOUSE’S BICENTENNIAL Make History With Us.

Take home a piece of history and support the Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society’s effort in helping to preserve and share the history of the Marblehead Lighthouse and the Marblehead Peninsula.

MARBLEHEAD LIGHTHOUSE SUMMER CONCERTS 2022 JUNE 11 OSU Alumni Band Concert Band will play at 1:30 p.m. JUNE 18 Moonlight Serenaders Big Band Concert BYO picnic dinner with food trucks on site. Concert begins at 6 p.m. JUNE 22 200th Birthday Party Celebrate the first lighting of the lighthouse with birthday cake and ice cream beginning at Noon. JULY 2 Firelands Symphony Orchestra Concert BYO picnic dinner with food trucks on site. Concert beings at 7:30 p.m.

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JULY 16 Dan May Concert A folk‑rock BYO picnic dinner concert with food trucks on site. Music begins at 7 p.m.

JULY 30 Island Song Trio Concert BYO picnic dinner with food trucks on site. Concert begins at 6 p.m. AUGUST 4 Coast Guard Birthday Celebrate the U.S. Coast Guard’s 232nd Birthday with cake and the ice cream. Boats and demonstrations. Begins at noon. AUGUST 6 Moonlight Serenaders Big Band Concert A military themed BYO picnic dinner concert with food trucks on site. Music begins at 6 p.m. AUGUTS 28 Fostoria Lake Plains Chorus Concert A BYO picnic dinner concert with food trucks on site. Concert begins at 6 p.m. Many family‑friendly free activities are planned throughout the summer. For a complete calendar of events please visit our website.

For more information on events visit our website at: marbleheadlighthouseohio.org Follow Marblehead Lighthouse Historical Society on Facebook ART BY ARTIST

BY WRITER

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

SU M M E R F U N GU I DE

CASUAL AND QUINTESSENTIAL

In Ohio City, stop at Market Avenue Wine Bar (marketavenue.wine) with its vintage living room feel and vibrant patio. Flight Cleveland (flightcleveland.com) is a wine shop and bar with a “flight club” allowing you to choose three, six or 12 curated bottles.

owner and founder Destiny Burns. Wine labels bear names and pictures from the city, and the winery partners with local chefs to bring food pop-ups to the venue. When the large garage doors are up, a gentle breeze flows through the space. “It’s a neighborhood joint with a taproom feel, and we have board games, great music and conversation areas where you can meet with friends,” she says.

At CLE Urban Winery . (cleurbanwinery.com) in Cleveland Heights, a key part of the business is to celebrate Cleveland, says

08.05.22 Tickets on sale now

ClevelandZooSociety.org/Twilight 62

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COURTESY THORNCREEK WINERY & GARDENS

Cleveland’s wine scene is growing and “ridiculously diverse” if you ask Willburr Moore, bar manager at Toast Cleveland (toastcleveland.com) in Gordon Square. Celebrating its nine-year anniversary, Toast is known for its patio, brunch and constantly rotating wine list. “Our menu can change every four to 10 days,” Moore says, adding that there are popular staples, including the Los Chuchaquais, a peppery, heavily bodied red wine.

Eight acres of nationally awarded gardens make winding down with wine naturally relaxing at ThornCreek Winery & Gardens (thorncreek winery.com) in Aurora. Duck into the rustic aging cellar and sip in a covered garden and entertainment space with a waterfall, brook, lush plantings and twinkle lights. Try the Cleveland Sunset from Lakewood’s Humble Bee Vineyards (humble beevineyards.com), a Gold Medalwinning small batch winery that makes honey wines. The flagship strawberryorange honey wine is lightly sweet, refreshing and has a semi-dry citrus finish.

Bring your Vacation to your Backyard!

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SU M M E R F U N GU I DE

Rooftop Revival The 32nd floor of Hilton Cleveland Downtown is Bar 32 (bar32cle.com), offering a “coast to coast” menu with dishes from the East, West, Gulf and North coasts. Lake views and a sophisticated atmosphere make it a special occasion spot — or destination for a signature drink anytime you want it.

Known for its island vibes, Margaritaville Restaurant (margaritavillecleveland.com) on the east bank of the Flats features pontoon boat seating and an indoor/out-

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06.22

door 5 o’Clock Somewhere Bar. “Upstairs, you'll find a rooftop bar where guests can relax and unwind with views of Lake Erie,” says Blake Bellucci of Margaritaville Restaurants, Resorts & Hotels. “Visitors can also kick back in the firepit lounge area with a drink under the stars.” In the Flats East Bank, you'll find Punch Bowl Social’s (punchbowlsocial.com) expansive lounge and rooftop with multiple bars serving craft cocktails. Take in river views, live music and games like billiards, foosball and karaoke. Atop the Cleveland Trust rotunda is Vault (vault9cle.com) — a sleek cocktail bar with small plates and views of the city. For summer, try an iconic Lake Shore Lemonade with Maker’s Mark, lemon juice, peppercorns and fresh blackberries.

COURTESY BAR32

Replacing Azure Rooftop Bar is the newly opened Garden of Eden (thegarden ofedenrooftop.com). Located at The Metropolitan at The 9, you’ll enter the sky club and lounge by walking through a dreamy, twinkle tunnel of greenery that reveals unobstructed city views.

If you love the night life, why not spend it lounging on one of Cleveland’s rooftop venues?

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BEST GREEN BUILT HOME 2501-4000 Square Feet Keystate Homes & Development Over 4000 Square Feet Payne and Payne Builders

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SU M M E R F U N GU I DE

Zip Around

Discover the city’s magnificent skyline and beautiful lakefront from new vantage points during a Cleveland helicopter tour, courtesy of Paratus Air (paratusair.com/clevelandhelicoptertours). Tour options include daytime and evening rides around the city, soaring over Cleveland’s three major sports stadiums, the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame and Lake Erie’s stunning shoreline.

Free to Fall

Do you have what it takes to totally let loose and step right into the sky? Find out during a tandem dive at the Cleveland Skydiving Center (skydivecle.com), located in Garrettsville. This exhilarating adventure takes you on a 15- to 20-minute plane ride approximately 14,000 feet above the ground before releasing you into the air for 60 seconds of free falling followed by about five minutes of slow descension with a parachute. But don’t fear! An instructor will be with you the entire time, allowing you to take full advantage of this exhilarating adventure offering unparalleled views of Cleveland, Akron and Medina — and beyond. For those who are under 18, they can hang out in the spectator area — and it’s really cool to watch.

Explore, learn and connect at Engage! Cleveland's 9th Annual

June 18 - 25, 2022

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ISTOCK PHOTO

Fun for all ages awaits at Go Ape Zipline & Treetop Adventures (goape.com) in Strongsville. Brave the 40-foot Monkey Drop, try your hand at axe throwing or zip through the forest canopy while tackling obstacles along the way. Looking for a little freshwater breeze as you wind your way through the trees? Head to Lake Erie Canopy Tours (lakeeriecanopytours.com) at Geneva-on-the-Lake for stunning bird’s-eye views as you zip along the shoreline. “Lake Erie Canopy Tours offers many ways to enjoy spectacular views of Lake Erie,” says The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake general manager Charlene Horgan. Turn this daytrip into a weekend getaway at The Lodge at Geneva-onthe-Lake (thelodgeatgeneva.com). Wake up to freshwater breezes and views of Lake Erie and head out to the newly expanded pool deck, which features a food and beverage pavilion, a large fire pit and outdoor games like a giant chess board with supersized pieces.

SCENE FROM THE SKY

JUST ABOVE THE SURFACE

ERIK DROST

Rent a paddleboard, take lessons, participate in SUP yoga sessions and more through SUP CLE (supcleveland.com) on Whiskey Island or Rocky River’s UltraMissions (ultramissions.com). Founded by Lynne Nagy, who has a doctorate in learning and development from Cleveland State University, UltraMissions’ goal is to empower people of all ages with a stronger sense of self, enhance individual and group problem-solving skills and help people embrace the spirit of fun and adventure. Explore other waterways through Burning River Adventures (paddletheriver. com/bra), which offers kayaking trips along the Cuyahoga River. At Great Lakes Watersports (glwatersports. com) rent and launch a kayak, speed boat or pontoon boat and create your own cruise from Lakewood to Bratenahl. Or, let 41 North Coastal Kayak Adventures (kayak41north.com) do the planning by booking a tour. Abandon the engines

and paddles altogether at Float The River (floattheriver.net) in Cuyahoga Falls, which offers relaxing tubing rides down the Cuyahoga River. Savannah Snyder and TJ Mack brought the concept to the region. “We love the community. We are constantly supporting events to help river restoration,” Mack says. For those with large groups, staff tie together tubes so you can float down the water as a team. “It’s way more fun with a group,” he adds.

A ll

A b oa rd

Leave the shoreline behind and explore Cleveland by boat. The BrewBoat CLE (brewcle.com) and CLE Tiki Barge (cletikibarge. com) are both BYOB and allow guests to choose the tunes. The Nautica Queen (nauticaqueen.com) features a buffet and entertainment, and the Goodtime III (goodtimeiii.com) offers narrated sightseeing adventures. Plan your own cruise for up to six people with Great Lakes Boat Charters (greatlakesboatcharters. com), which offers fishing, swimming, sightseeing and tubing trips. Or, trade Sunday tailgating for sailgating with Cleveland Sailing Charters' (clevelandsailingcharters.com) lakefront cruise before kickoff.

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At John Pyke Dentistry, You and Your Family Can Expect:The Best Dental Care on Cleveland’s West Side An Experienced Team Dedicated to Your Oral Health and Overall Comfort A State-of-the-Art Dental Office A Full Array of Dental Services to Help You Maintain Healthy Teeth and a Healthy Body

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bold flavors with a modern twist Reserve your table today!

Sweet Treats Honey Hut Ice Cream

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Spend a hot day cooling off with a scrumptious surprise made from locally sourced honey and other in-season ingredients. Year-round favorites include honey pecan and orange blossom. Also be on the lookout for seasonal specials, including dark chocolate cayenne in July. gohoneyhut.com Remixx Ice Cream + Cereal Bar

Cathy’s Gourmet Ice Cream Sandwiches

Create your own combo at this DIY dessert destination in downtown Cleveland that makes all of its cookies from scratch and pairs them with over 15 ice cream flavors. Founded in 2018, Cathy’s has a goal to spread happiness in each and every city. “We are so proud to be Cleveland founded,” says owner Catheryn Cross. “The synergy and support of the city is allowing us to scale nationwide. As a Black-woman-owned company, I’m proud of what this means for all Clevelanders.” cathyscle.com

CLEVELAND

06.22

COURTESY CATHY 'S GOURME T ICE CRE AM SANDWICHES

It’s the breakfast menu we all dreamed about as youngsters. Begin with a chocolate or vanilla core and choose from more than 50 ingredients, including your favorite cereals, drizzles and delicious fix-ins. Not ready to spin your own sweet treat? Opt for a hit from the Clifton Boulevard shop’s Top 10 Playlist, such as The 90’s Kid (Fruity Pebbles, Fruit Loops, strawberry Pop-Tart and cotton candy hard dip) or Cleveland Shuffle (Reese Cup cereal, brownie bites, crunch coat and peanut butter drizzle). remixxicecream.com

S TA

T Y TOUR

Relish Cleveland Tours: Walk your way into the heart of Cleveland’s culinary scene with foodie tours that please the palate with the city’s storied past. New for 2022 is the Hingetown and Warehouse District tours. Also keep an eye out for a soonto-come University Circle Walking Tour and downtown Cleveland Tour. Susan Chapo, founder and chief experience officer, says, “Our tours offer a fantastic opportunity to experience Cleveland’s unique stories while making delicious memories at some of the best local eateries.” relishcle.com

DELICIOUS DRINKS Darling Daydream Mocktail Made with lavender tea, housemade honey lemonade and organic butterfly pea tea, this refresher is perfect for summer. Add to that a menu complete with plenty of vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options, and Jukebox in Hingetown will please anyone’s palate. jukeboxcle.com Friends with the Bartender The Thyme Table classic is served on the rocks with bourbon, grilled pineapple, lemon and mint. Create a truly one-ofa-kind combination with the Bay Village restaurant’s loaded lobster tots. thymextable.com Don’t Miss No foodie bucket list is complete without a trip to Lakewood Truck Park, featuring two bars and a rotating selection of local street food. Drink menus include domestic, nonalcoholic, seasonal and local brews. The park is family friendly and pet friendly. “We see it all — people bring their cats and even lizards,” says owner Jackie Ramey. A second location in Beachwood is opening soon. lakewoodtruckpark.com CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

Y A W O I N T U R LU O V E R After just four years in Cleveland, entrepreneur and influencer Aimon Ali has built the biggest fashion show in town. With her second show happening this month at the Cleveland Museum of Art, Ali has captured the city’s attention. And she’s just getting started.

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01.22

BY WRITER

ART BY ARTIST

PHOTO CREDIT

Y A N W O I N T U R LU O V

N O

ion sh ' a F l ks Ta n Ali o Aim

BY ARBELA CAPAS

PHOTOGRAPH BY KEVIN KOPANSKI

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

It’s a cloudy day in March, but the Cleveland Museum of Art is filled with light.

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decisions all at once. “Apparently, I’m very intimidating. And I’ve accepted that,” she laughs. It might be that she doesn’t speak about things in an air-quotes kind of manner. If she’s talking about something, it’s probably already in the works. And she doesn’t go into anything unprepared. After moving here from Toronto four years ago, she has built a team of connections, created a business or two, established herself as a style influencer and is on track to create an annual fashion show right here in Cleveland. Sometimes even she is impressed. “When you see it on the day of and you see those seats being filled? And the designers and the models walking the runway, it was just like, Wow, we made this.”

producing fashion shows was a side hustle. After being introduced to her husband, a native Clevelander, through family, she moved across Lake Erie to start a brandnew life. With a degree in developmental psychology, she got a job at the Cleveland Clinic, thinking that would be her career. At the same time, she immediately began looking for a fashion community in town. “When I moved to Cleveland, it was a hit to my personality,” Ali says. “I’m a very confident person, I know what I don’t like, and I know exactly what I want. And when I moved to Cleveland, all of a sudden I had no social life. And I stood out. I never stood out in Canada. I was never WHEN ALI MOVED TO CLEVELAND,

the representation for people who wore a hijab. Now all of a sudden, in the groups I was trying to network, I’m the only person that looked like me.” Pretty quickly, the tide shifted. Ali began making connections all over town, whether it was collaborating with local boutiques or networking with people who saw the same potential in Cleveland. She realized she wanted to do this full time — and left her job in health care. “There’s lot of aspects of fashion that really match my personality,” says Ali. “I feel like I’m such an extrovert. Fashion is all about social connections and meeting different kinds of people.” She also wanted to be her own boss. “I want flexibility and control,” she says. “And that’s only going to come if I have my own business. I want to do what I can. I want to have my religious holidays off, stuff like that.” The big challenge for Ali and her team is to convince Cleveland of the value of an organization like hers. Before moving here in 2019, Ali accumulated over seven years of experience producing shows for various events in Toronto, including Men’s Fashion Week and Startup Fashion Week. At the same time, she’s not naïve. “People do things differently here,” says Ali. “And this is not in a bad way, but the standards are different. Sometimes I get pushback from people who don’t understand. And I’m like, ‘Listen, if this wasn’t Cleveland, you wouldn’t be asking these questions.’” Ali’s goal is to raise our standards. That

TE AM RUNWAY: R ACHEL MARTIN

Aimon Ali stands in the middle of the atrium, looking up and around while gesturing with her hands how the space will transform into a full-blown fashion show in just three short months. She’s wearing a pink floral dress and dark green hijab along with a baby pink Christian Dior bag that matches her gold-buckled loafers. A cozy brown mohair Gucci cardigan is draped over her shoulders as she discusses plans for decor. “It does seem big,” Ali, 28, says of the atrium to her head set stylist, Miranda Starcher. “But once it fills up, we’ll run out of room fast.” You can see in her eyes that she’s already calculating the seating area, backstage for hair and makeup, catering tables and, of course, imagining every single scenario that could go wrong. But, if it’s anything like Ali’s first fashion show in Cleveland last summer, not much will. In a town not accustomed to fashion on this scale, Ali pulled off a 300-person event featuring six designers by transforming an old warehouse in MidTown into a sold-out, pastel-colored fantasy of pink tulle and ballet. “I don’t have words; it was so much more than I ever expected,” Ali reflects. It’s now a year later, and she’s getting ready to do it all over again, this time at the Cleveland Museum of Art on June 19 with The Runway 2022. That is why she’s spending her days scouting out the space, running to meetings and casting models, all while preparing for Ramadan. When you first meet Ali, she’s softspoken but in a way that makes you want to lean in and listen — almost like she’s giving you the scoop on the next big thing you didn’t even know existed. Whether she’s directing a runway show or in the midst of networking, her demeanor remains solid and unbothered, even while she’s making about a thousand

means making sure everyone, from the models to the designers, have as many opportunities as possible to get something out of the event — whether it be selling their pieces after the show, connecting with boutiques and buyers or gaining experience in the highly competitive world of fashion. “To hear someone say, ‘I sold stuff,’ someone that’s been in Cleveland for, like, a couple years. And now all of a sudden, they’re telling me that my event brought them the most sales,” Ali says. “That’s what I want to hear.”

a cropped jacket and miniskirt struts down a glossy white L-shaped runway at Los Angeles Fashion Week. The blue and white two-piece set looks as if a puffer coat was cut apart and pieced back together, leaning into the comfort-meets-luxury trend popular throughout 2021. This is the work of Chicago native Matthew Williams, a sophomore at Kent State University. “This was my very first collection, so I wanted to show what I’m capable of or what I can get into,” says Williams, who at only 20 years old has his own clothing brand, The Freezer. He is one of 15 designers who will be showing their original pieces at Ali’s show in June. All of the designers showcased this year are new to Ali’s runway. Her goal is to get a mix of backgrounds — all with a certain “wow” factor. Miranda Marti, a 30-year-old designer

LINDSEY POYAR

A MODEL WEARING

whose brand embraces French aute couture design, jumped at the chance to be part of Ali's show. “I really am hoping to share my work on a broader level and hopefully gain some potential clients who appreciate this kind of garment making,” says Marti, whose grandmother, Virginia Marti, founded a fashion school in Cleveland back in 1966. “The fashion industry is something that I’ve always envisioned getting revived in Cleveland. So I really love that I can continue to pursue this in my hometown.” Runway shows may seem all glitz and glamour, with picture-perfect models strutting under shining lights. But it’s real work, grit and sweat that goes into these pieces. And there’s no better way to showcase that work — and the value of it — than on a runway. “In person, you can see all the little details that’s put into it,” says Williams. “Online, you may be able to Zoom into it, but you’re not able to feel its presence and how it flows.” For many designers, a show like this is a big step forward — whether their future is in full-scale production or creating pieces for special events, clients or exhibitions. In an industry that relies on knowing the right people to move forward, Ali has become the great connecting thread. “The Fashion Talks runway show and the foundation offer me, as a designer, priceless networking opportunities to help me take my business to the next level,” says Kristina Rauscher, the 32-yearold designer and founder of Altered Star, a

Aimon Ali with some of her team and preparing for her June 19 fashion show at the Cleveland Museum of Art with various models and designers.

brand with an edgy-meets-casual aesthetic. “What Aimon is building is changing lives, and I’m honored and excited to be a part of it.”

is to provide an epicenter for networking, funding and education for those wanting to move up in the fashion world. Her hope is to obtain nonprofit status and become the Fashion Talks Foundation. “Our goal is to create programming around the fashion industry and entrepreneurs, and we’ll be able to give back, especially with a focus on minorities and women,” Ali says, adding that a portion of the proceeds is going to be donated to the foundation and used to give grants. Ali believes the building blocks are here in Cleveland. Namely, the talent. And there’s no doubt she has become the spark to stimulate the local fashion scene. But when comparing her experience in Toronto’s fashion world, she knows a lot of the scaffolding is not yet built, and all she can do is dig in her heels and create her own blueprint for success. “I’m trying to prove myself right,” Ali says. “And if I can help people, why not? And that’s kind of what my business is turning into. And I love it anyways.” A L I ’ S U LT I M AT E G OA L

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HEIR

by L I S A S A N D S Photography by

J e a n i B re c h b i l l P h o t o g ra p hy PHOTO CREDIT

CLEVELAND

06.22

APPARENT

After decades of striving — on his own — to offer two of the best dining experiences in the world at Parallax and L’Albatros, Zack Bruell has finally found a partner willing to fight just as hard for perfection as he does. It’s his son, Julian. But anyone who thinks the road ahead will be easy doesn’t understand what it takes to do things the Bruell PHOTO CREDIT

way, a standard not compromised by the labor shortage, inflation or any other challenges that come along.

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A Almost 20 years in, Parallax Restaurant & Lounge, Zack Bruell’s Asian-fusion restaurant in Tremont, is still the place to be on a Saturday night. Stylishly dressed patrons stand elbow to elbow waiting to be seated, overrunning the small vestibule and spilling into the jam-packed bar. Bartenders shake and pour cocktails while waitstaff, trays in hand, deliver drinks. At the far end, two chefs frantically churn out sushi rolls to keep up with demand. The best seats in the house are in view of the open kitchen where Zack himself, in chef whites, stands at his command station, inspecting every dish and giving it a finishing touch. Sometimes he spins the plate, looking at the dish from all angles, before placing a spoon, a set of chopsticks, a few lemon slices or a drizzle of sauce. Within seconds, the plate is dispatched to its eager recipient. Few restaurants in the city have been around as long as Parallax, which Wine Spectator declared the "big hit of the year" after it opened in 2004. It has survived a recession, a pandemic and now an unprecedented workforce shortage. Zack’s other restaurant, L’Albatros Brasserie & Bar, is aging just as well. Since opening in University Circle in 2008, the cozy carriage house restaurant has cultivated a fervent following. In 2009, The New York Times called it “Paris on Lake Erie,” and it regularly appears on "best of" lists for its French cuisine, cocktails, patio and nighttime vibe. Every so often, Zack takes a sip of the sauvignon blanc he keeps nearby before turning around to survey the dining room behind him. Tonight, he appears pleased. Relaxed, even. Maybe it’s because — after decades of making it on his own — he has a new partner and a plan. Zack’s journey began when he opened his first restaurant in 1985. By 2016, his portfolio had ballooned to 10 restaurants with more than 500 employees, and he found himself spending more time in the restaurants than he had planned — and less time pursuing his other passion, golf. So, last year, Zack split from his longtime partners and gave up ownership in Alley Cat Oyster Bar, Collision Bend Brewing Co. and the now-closed Cowell 76

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& Hubbard. The move allowed him to spend more than six months almost exclusively at L’Albatros, hyper-focused on every meal and experience. A close study of Parallax is now underway. At nearly 70 years old, Zack is as fit and tenacious as a prizefighter with one last championship in him. But he wants his restaurants to live on — and thrive — even beyond that. And that’s where his son and partner, Julian, enters the story. This is no ordinary passing of the baton from father to son. Julian was not expected, nor pressured, to join the family business. Far from being a cushy landing spot of an only son, the road ahead will be grueling — and both Julian and Zack know it. “I can’t remember the last time he wasn’t ‘work dad,’” Julian says. “I’m not easy to work with,” Zack concedes. “But he isn’t either, too, because he’s so driven. We work a lot. We don’t compromise.”

who you’re with and what you like. In 2016, Julian joined his father as director of service, an all-encompassing role leading the front-ofhouse operation. But titles don’t matter when the dining room is at peak capacity. In the heat of the dinner rush, Julian acts as a utility player, supporting the waitstaff, running food, picking up discarded chopstick wrappers, checking on each table and offering wine recommendations with aplomb. “Our level of service is like an orchestra. It’s amazing. Beautiful. People think service is easy, but it’s a dying art,” Julian says. Zack had a sixth sense about Julian’s potential at an early age. Julian had the right temperament and personality for the restaurant business, though his talents were not in the kitchen. At 14, Julian polished glasses at Parallax and did anything else his father asked of him. Zack would send Julian into the dining room to meet guests and noticed how comfortable he was. After all the work was done, the two would have dinner together. Sometimes they would eat at other restaurants and Zack would point out all of the things he would not tolerate in his own place — like mediocre food or an apathetic staff. “I learned at a young age, if you take your foot off the accelerator the quality will suffer,” Julian says. Julian was hooked on hospitality, but he didn’t immediately join his father’s enterprise. After high school, Julian got into the Nolan School of Hotel Administration at Cornell University. After working at L’Albatros for a summer — and several internships focusing on wine studies in Italy and Argentina — Julian started his career at the legendary Tribeca Grill in New York City. New York City is the restaurant industry’s biggest JULIAN BRUELL KNOWS WHO YOU ARE,

Zack Bruell and his son, Julian, bring different skills to the table, but both insist on excellence.

PHOTO CREDIT

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

proving ground, and Julian began growing weary of the grind. He finally reached his limit, brought on by 90-hour weeks and the “psychologically trying” environment of back-to-back, high-profile restaurants, including two years at Jean-Georges (then a Michelin three-starred restaurant), where he directed all service and day-to-day operations at the age of 24. That was followed by a brief, but intense, role as general manager of Sauvage, a now-defunct four-star brasserie in Brooklyn, New York. Still, life as a successful 20-something in the Big Apple wasn’t all bad. “It was the most free I’d ever been in my life,” Julian says. “I could truly mold myself into what type of professional I wanted to be. I grew as a person, became an adult and matured and also had my fun.” Julian, indefatigable to the point of exhaustion, proved that he could cut it in the business on his own merits, without being Zack Bruell’s son. Zack never pressured Julian to follow him in the restaurant business, perhaps because his own dad, Ernest, had wrongly assumed that Zack, a hippiehaired free spirit with a stubborn streak, would join him in manufacturing sales. Zack’s early 20s were circuitous and uncertain, just as they were for many in the ’70s. The draft ended a brief enrollment at the University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School of Business. After serving in the Coast Guard Reserve, where Zack appreciated the discipline and order, he found his way to the University of Colorado, earning a business degree. There he would meet a man pivotal to his future — Michael McCarty, who would open the well-known Michael’s restaurant in Santa Monica, California, which was instrumental in Zack's development. But first, he earned a degree from The Restaurant School (now Walnut Hill College) in Philadelphia. Zack’s decision to pursue a culinary career was a bone of contention for years. His father, a stalwart and practical traveling salesman, told Zack, “You’ll make more money as a garbage collector.” Zack returned home and pursued his first solo project a few miles from his childhood home. Z Contemporary Cuisine set a new standard for Cleveland restaurants when it opened in 1985. Ernest never got a glimpse of his son’s success before dying of cancer a year earlier with Zack at his bedside. “My dad raised me in a manner that most kids aren’t raised,” says Zack. “It was tough love. It made me become the person that I am. I was going to prove to him that I could do it and make him proud.”

B U R N T - O U T A N D E A G E R T O H E L P his father manage his large roster of restaurants, Julian decided to come home in 2016. His arrival was an adjustment for everyone. Anticipating the kind of reaction employees

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naturally have when family members join the business, Zack didn’t tiptoe around the issue. Instead, he gathered his staff and put Julian in front of them. A quick-but-powerful speech followed. “If you think in your wildest dreams that this is being handed to him, you’re mistaken,” he told them. “It would be your worst nightmare, being my kid and working with me.” The new father-son team learned to work together — and lean on each other. After paring down their restaurant portfolio, the two set out to restore the greatness of both L’Albatros and Parallax. Parallax was his “comeback” restaurant, Zack explains. L’Albatros, named for the rarest shot in golf and a nod to a sport neither Bruell has time to play, had room for improvement, as well. “They had gone astray,” Zack admits. “I wanted to take the time to make these perfect again. They were good. Some people thought they were great. But I wanted to make them great in my eyes again.” Then the pandemic hit, changing Julian and Zack’s partnership in ways neither could have predicted. “I sat down with Julian and said this is going to be unusual,” Zack says. “We are going to war together. It’s unusual for a father and son to go to battle together. I wanted to make it clear that we had to take care of each other.” Neither Bruell apologizes for aiming higher than the "Cleveland standard.” Both men describe themselves and their approach as old-school. They share a frustration with the erosion of dining etiquette and the trappings of celebrity chef culture. Julian’s priority as partner was retooling the restaurants’ service standard to bring it closer to what he and his father envisioned — something comparable to Los Angeles, New York or Paris. While Zack has always turned away from the spotlight — “I am not very good at playing the game,” he says — hard work is a way of life. “Our customers have an expectation before they walk in,” says Zack. “Some of these people have been dining with us for 35 years or more. The people that are ordering have been eating those dishes since I was cooking them personally.” The question many are asking, however, is when — or if — Zack will retire. Cooking, after all, is a young man’s game, and he can’t remember the last time he golfed a round with his son. But the 69-year-old chef is reluctant to set a timeline to ride that golf cart into the sunset. He still craves the heat of the kitchen, the buzz of the restaurants. “I love what I do,” he says. “I’m lucky. Most people my age hate their job. All they care about is the weekend, their vacation or when they will retire. That, to me, is a sad way to live.” Though they are inclined to see the best in each other, they don’t always see eye to eye — especially when it comes to how hard the elder Bruell should be working. “I worry every day for his well-being,” says Julian, “but I know that he’s tougher than me, and he pushes harder than me. I’m always chasing that. I’m always trying to get to that level.” A formidable duo, they are well-prepared for the future. With the pandemic in the rear view mirror, they’re cautiously looking forward again and are ready to take on a slate of new competition as the economy rebounds. And when Zack does decide the time is right to step away, if he ever does, Julian has his back. And that means carrying on his father’s legacy. “My father has sacrificed a lot, so it’s time to repay him,” Julian says. “Love is irrational. You just do it. It’s not perfect between us. But the restaurants are the way they are because they are the essence of my dad.”

2022

Best Places to Live THE GREAT HOUSE HUNT EDITION CHOOSING A PLACE TO CALL HOME BECOMES EVEN MORE DIFFICULT WHEN FACED WITH

SOARING PRICES AND BIDDING WARS. IN ADDITION TO CELEBRATING OUR WINNING SUBURB

OF BEACHWOOD, WE FOLLOW FIVE FAMILIES AS THEY ENTER THE HOTTEST HOUSING MARKET WE’VE SEEN IN DECADES IN AN ATTEMPT TO FIND THEIR OWN BEST PLACES TO LIVE.

By Becky Boban, Arbela Capas, Anthony Elder, Zach James, Kristen Hampshire, Mark Oprea, Henry Palattella, Colleen Smitek, Dillon Stewart and Lynne Thompson

P. 80

P. 86

P. 88

P. 90

P. 102

P. 104

VITAL STATS

TOP 15

BEACHWOOD

HOME HUNTERS

EDUCATION

SAFETY

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

CLEVELAND

2022 Rank

06.22 7 8

10 11

Pepper Pike

Moreland Hills

Orange Village

Solon

Bay Village

Hudson

Brecksville

Chagrin Falls

Highland Heights

Shaker Heights

Mayfield Heights

Broadview Heights

Middleburg Heights 31

268

277

393

394

553

373

145

403

179

229

337

319

430

177

340

222

$213,850

$310,000

$175,000

$280,000

$285,000

$345,000

$496,000

$354,000

$313,000

$427,000

$362,400

$430,000

$285,000

$340,000

$418,750

$505,000

$495,000

$355,000

$348,750

52.8%

55.1%

41.4%

24.4%

17.5%

46.2%

16.4%

63.4%

57.3%

29.3%

33.4%

50.0%

24.6%

35.7%

39.1%

26.5%

19.4%

30.3%

69.0%

36.8%

$2,310 $2,530 $1,950 $2,160 $2,620 $2,260 $1,910 $2,040 $1,970 $3,760 $1,890 $2,250 $2,450 $2,220 $2,100

82.7% 92.3% 87.1% 85.2% 75.1% 94.5% 72.2% 92.2% 84.3% 63.1% 81.5% 72.8% 48.3% 81.9% 70.9%

44.3% 48.3% 75.9% 83.7% 27.8% 69.5% 79.4% 61.6% 20.3% 50.6% 57.7% 43.4% 52.4% 55.5%

11.2% 45.4% 7.0% 7.1% 24.1% 12.0% 17.2%

2.8% 8.5% 5.1% 3.9% 9.5% 1.6% 4.5%

22,999 27,387 24,030 3,372 18,669 19,195 15,573

23.4 25.7 20.2 20.0 27.9 23.1

1.5% 0.0% 2.3% 0.8% 2.9%

82.5% 40.5% 94.6% 48.9% 42.8%

11 12 12 12 12

4.8%

9,657

25.4

0.4%

4.2%

25.1

8.0%

4.7%

32,275

24.7

3.6%

100.0%

1.7%

13.5%

2.1%

8,390

22.0

1.4%

93.0%

7.4%

3.4% 13.8%

1.7%

4,032

24.5

5.5%

38.2%

64.6%

10.0%

4.5%

13,537

23.9

2.3%

13.3%

96.3%

9.6%

2.1%

22,263

26.4

2.3%

25.9%

Below poverty Below poverty level (%) level (%)

6.8%

3.4%

15,325

25.2

1.8%

Diversity Diversity (% minority) (% minority)

29.1%

5.2%

22,947

25.3

1.0%

50.6% 100.0%

7.5%

36.0%

23.3%

46.9%

4.5%

85.3%

51.0%

2.0%

$2,190

92.7%

32.4%

3,276

$2,310

98.4%

89.1%

3,306

$2,260

72.0%

60.3%

20.1

$2,120

62.3%

10-year home sale price (% change) 22.5

$2,040

Owner-occupied housing units (%) 3.8%

1.0%

Property tax (per $100,000 valuation) 2.0%

2.4%

94.7%

Environmental infractions 0.0%

22.1

3.5%

90.0%

Total community services 26.4%

4.5%

6,269

24.4

5.1%

Roads with sidewalks (%)

7.3% 16.9%

4.8%

20,198

22.5

Alternative commute (%)

29.7%

4.0%

11,663

Commute to work (minutes)

Population

Community

Education Rank Education Rank

Below poverty level (%)

Community

Mayfield Village

Avon Lake

Avon

Bath

Westlake

Safety Rank

Education Rank

Number of home sales (2021)*

Median home sale price (2021)*

Rocky River

2021 RANKING

Vital Stats 2016-21 home sale price (% change)

Beachwood

Top 20

2022

Diversity (% minority)

Population Population

Commute to Commute work to work (minutes) (minutes) Alternative Alternative commute (%)commute (%)

Roads with Roads with sidewalks (%)sidewalks (%)

Total community Total community services services Environmental Environmental infractions infractions Property tax Property tax (per $100,000(per $100,000 valuation) valuation)

Owner-occupied Owner-occupied housing unitshousing (%) units (%)

10-year home10-year sale home sale price (% change) price (% change)

2015-20 home 2016-21 home sale sale price (% price (% change) change) Median homeMedian sale home sale price (2021)* price (2020)* Number of home Number of home sales (2021)* sales (2020)*

Safety Rank Safety Rank

70 54 71 75 41 74 19 55 5 56 76 43 35 64 17 49 13 38 27 47 25 10 36 31 39

Eastlake

Elyria

Euclid

Fairview Park

Garfield Heights

Hinckley Township

Independence

Kirtland

Lakewood

Lorain

Lyndhurst

Macedonia

Maple Heights

Medina

Mentor

Mentor-on-the-Lake

North Olmsted

North Ridgeville

North Royalton

Oakwood

Olmsted Falls

Olmsted Township

Painesville

Painesville Township

Chardon

Brunswick

East Cleveland

Brooklyn

Cuyahoga Falls

Brook Park

Berea

Concord Township

Bedford Heights

Bedford

Bainbridge Township

Cleveland Heights

Aurora

Chester Township

Amherst

196

186

151

187

343

626

544

100

591

1035

699

173

479

937

657

112

113

826

375

1013

798

310

115

811

234

1003

129

654

201

389

363

274

136

172

247

178

$218,250

$143,000

$222,000

$250,000

$147,050

$271,000

$240,000

$208,000

$173,000

$245,000

$281,250

$85,000

$280,000

$180,000

$113,000

$253,000

$373,750

$280,000

$370,000

$95,950

$230,000

$111,000

$139,000

$160,000

$28,750

$164,900

$354,750

$156,500

$275,000

$214,000

$230,000

$145,000

$164,000

$175,000

$115,000

$150,000

$450,000

$359,500

$214,750

39.0%

68.3%

15.5%

85.2%

17.2%

59.4%

25.0%

46.0%

40.7%

44.1%

73.1%

112.5%

50.5%

50.0%

2.8%

81.4%

56.4%

40.7%

32.6%

95.8%

56.7%

86.7%

21.0%

28.1%

187.5%

33.5%

31.6%

53.4%

18.5%

10.0%

43.8%

39.4%

52.6%

44.8%

21.2%

130.8%

45.2%

24.0%

38.8%

42.2%

75.5%

25.2%

81.2%

26.8%

69.4%

94.8%

56.4%

35.2%

48.5%

96.0%

40.5%

61.5%

44.0%

167.5%

112.7%

69.9%

32.7%

48.0%

29.7%

68.8%

63.2%

148.2%

45.5%

-16.1%

46.9%

65.0%

12.8%

41.0%

25.3%

66.7%

61.1%

56.2%

45.9%

29.2%

78.7%

55.2%

54.6%

95.2%

74.8%

49.8%

74.3%

84.2%

72.4%

72.8%

87.4%

74.6%

63.4%

85.2%

65.5%

58.5%

93.0%

84.7%

56.1%

43.1%

85.5%

93.2%

98.1%

62.3%

71.6%

45.6%

59.3%

70.5%

31.0%

62.0%

90.1%

55.3%

96.4%

56.9%

76.5%

53.7%

77.6%

68.8%

43.3%

51.3%

88.3%

82.3%

81.8%

$2,030

$2,090

$2,930

$2,600

$1,940

$2,220

$1,870

$2,570

$1,960

$1,620

$1,770

$3,390

$1,830

$2,870

$1,830

$2,620

$1,800

$1,810

$1,650

$3,740

$2,720

$3,110

$1,950

$2,230

$2,850

$2,260

$1,820

$3,640

$1,750

$1,950

$1,830

$2,500

$2,100

$2,340

$2,490

$2,150

$1,750

$1,650

6.5%

82.2%

43.5%

35.0%

3.6%

10.9%

67.2%

75.0%

11.5%

48.4%

96.8%

91.5%

44.7%

81.8%

96.5%

100.0%

1.1%

94.8%

2.2%

95.5%

94.3%

100.0%

46.6%

18.6%

100.0%

53.7%

0.0%

84.2%

0.7%

32.3%

66.3%

100.0%

77.6%

94.6%

91.1%

98.0%

1.1%

17.9%

55.6%

1.8%

5.3%

1.4%

2.6%

2.9%

1.3%

1.6%

4.1%

3.4%

3.1%

2.1%

8.4%

1.8%

1.6%

2.6%

7.1%

0.8%

1.0%

0.4%

5.0%

4.0%

9.1%

2.7%

3.9%

22.0%

1.5%

0.3%

11.2%

0.9%

4.0%

1.0%

3.0%

2.5%

8.4%

5.9%

3.9%

1.3%

0.6%

1.1%

25.4

22.1

24.1

26.6

26.4

27.6

26.1

25.1

27.3

22.5

26.9

24.5

26.0

22.8

23.7

23.9

25.3

22.2

31.3

24.1

23.9

24.7

23.6

23.4

25.5

22.4

24.7

23.0

26.1

22.8

27.4

23.4

22.6

22.1

22.6

26.5

29.2

22.1

20,313

19,845

13,422

8,883

3,668

30,252

33,427

31,710

7,391

47,096

26,069

22,383

11,873

13,533

63,801

50,259

6,822

7,169

7,967

27,814

16,303

47,159

53,821

18,156

17,200

49,192

18,144

44,571

10,289

5,167

34,781

10,773

18,617

18,788

10,565

12,631

11,459

16,026

12,108

9.8%

18.2%

4.0%

3.4%

21.1%

4.8%

5.0%

10.9%

10.1%

4.8%

9.6%

21.6%

1.6%

2.6%

25.1%

14.0%

5.5%

1.7%

4.6%

17.6%

8.2%

21.8%

23.1%

9.8%

37.5%

10.7%

4.0%

18.2%

5.0%

11.4%

7.2%

12.1%

12.2%

11.9%

16.0%

10.8%

4.2%

4.6%

7.6%

6.7%

46.6%

11.0%

5.5%

66.0%

9.2%

10.7%

11.4%

8.8%

5.5%

9.1%

78.7%

17.0%

18.3%

48.4%

16.2%

5.1%

5.9%

2.7%

54.3%

10.2%

66.4%

28.2%

10.3%

93.7%

12.3%

5.5%

52.1%

3.6%

4.8%

8.9%

34.6%

15.4%

82.0%

62.2%

6.8%

8.5 %

12.0%

Willowick

Willoughby Hills

Willoughby

Wickliffe

Warrensville Heights

University Heights

Twinsburg

Strongsville

Streetsboro

Stow

South Euclid

Sheffield Lake

Seven Hills

Sagamore Hills Township

Richmond Heights

Richfield

Parma Heights

Parma

Painesville Township

Painesville

Olmsted Township

Olmsted Falls

10 187 151 186 196 1812 382 37 171 156 257 181 679 456 206 802 286 393 140 250 271 101 305

24 24 51 43 39 39 10 50 27 39 48 45 34 41 25 18 36 52 35 44 44 44

70.3% 27.2% 9.8% 49.7% 21.9% 56.7% 131.2% 28.7% 36.5% 34.8% 32.1%

$229,000 $230,000 $283,000 $288,000 $205,000 $94,800 $148,000 $200,500 $310,000 $154,900

55.7%

$190,000

$135,000

38.4%

$375,000

46.7%

54.7%

$160,250

$165,000

51.8%

$155,000

3.0%

39.0%

$218,250

50.0%

68.3%

$143,000

$240,000

15.5%

$222,000

$239,950

85.2%

$250,000

34.1%

19.2%

36.9%

28.1%

38.4%

36.7%

34.0%

69.0%

43.8%

41.6%

50.0%

175.0%

68.8%

28.3%

50.2%

94.9%

52.6%

58.6%

42.2%

75.5%

25.2%

81.2%

$2,600 $2,930 $2,090 $2,030 $2,300 $2,400 $1,680 $2,890 $2,060 $2,460 $2,120 $3,060 $1,960 $1,870 $2,160 $1,850 $3,660 $2,710 $2,490 $2,110 $2,150 $2,500

84.2% 74.3% 49.8% 74.8% 71.7% 57.3% 89.3% 63.4% 83.0% 92.2% 78.4% 72.4% 69.1% 71.9% 81.5% 74.0% 63.4% 39.4% 80.9% 62.1% 42.5% 75.6%

6 8 3 10 8 9 8 5 9 8 10 10 8 11 12 8 9 10 12 8 10

1 5 0 1 1 0 0 0 1 4 2 4 6 0 5 5 4 0 0

24.7 26.0

5.3% 1.8% 2.9% 2.6% 1.3% 5.8% 1.5% 1.5% 0.7% 4.9% 1.0% 0.6% 1.5% 0.1% 10.7% 14.0% 1.8% 1.6% 0.3% 2.8%

82.2% 6.5% 98.8% 88.9% 3.1% 63.2% 7.9% 42.7% 15.8% 93.3% 46.3% 30.0% 25.0% 63.2% 100.0% 82.9% 95.6% 55.3% 0.0% 100.0%

14,133

9,527

22,869

12,743

13,203

13,025

18,707

44,719

16,406

34,776

21,572

8,968

11,638

10,920

10,406

3,650

20,045

79,091

20,313

19,845

13,422

8,883

7.4%

9.2%

7.0%

7.1%

21.9%

11.1%

5.8%

4.6%

8.5%

5.6%

15.1%

5.8%

4.1%

13.5%

3.1%

10.0%

9.1%

9.8%

18.2%

4.0%

3.4%

8.2%

31.6%

8.4%

11.8%

96.1%

30.8%

26.9%

12.3%

15.6%

9.3%

55.8%

15.6%

7.0%

12.7%

61.2%

4.3%

19.7%

13.5%

6.7%

46.6%

11.0%

5.5%

*These categories were not used to calculate rankings.

21.3

21.6

22.8

20.3

25.0

21.1

25.6

27.8

25.4

24.8

23.9

28.8

26.2

25.5

25.9

24.7

25.4

22.1

24.1

1.4%

43.5%

26.6

2.6%

35.0%

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2022

Top 15 Rank

Mayfield Heights

Solon

Moreland Hills

Berea

Beachwood

Sagamore Hills Township

University Heights

Hudson

Bay Village

Mentor-on-the-Lake

Rocky River

Bath

Brook Park

Orange

Kirtland

North Olmsted

[NR]

Chagrin Falls

Chester Township

Lyndhurst

Bay Village

Solon

Avon Lake

Aurora

Kenston

Concord Township

We look at the 30 suburbs with the lowest median home sale value ($180,000 or less) and rate them the same as our overall rankings. COMMUNITY

2021 Ranking

Willowick

Parma Heights

Cleveland Heights

Wickliffe

Parma

Bedford

Brooklyn

South Euclid

SCHOOL DISTRICT

COMMUNITY

2021 Rank

Rank

Top 15 Safety Rankings

Education Rank

Top 15 School Districts

Safety Rank

Best Bargains

[NR]

Revere

Olmsted Falls

Brecksville-Broadview Hts

Avon Lake

Westlake

Brecksville

[NR]

Shaker Heights

Mentor-on-the-Lake

Avon

Rocky River

Aurora

Chagrin Falls

[NR]

Mentor

$1,620

Shaker Heights

$3,760

Sheffield Lake

175.0%

Amherst

$1,650

Garfield Heights

$3,740

Lorain

167.5%

Hinckley Township

$1,650

University Heights

$3,660

Elyria

148.2%

Richfield

$1,680

Cleveland Heights

$3,640

Lakewood

112.7%

Aurora

$1,750

Maple Heights

$3,390

Medina

96.0%

Chester Township

$1,750

Euclid

$3,110

Amherst

95.2%

Medina

$1,770

South Euclid

$3,060

Richfield

94.9%

Kirtland

$1,800

Olmsted Township

$2,930

North Ridgeville

94.8%

Independence

$1,810

Richmond Heights

$2,890

Rocky River

89.1%

Concord Township

$1,820

Lyndhurst

$2,870

Chagrin Falls

83.7%

Brunswick

$1,830

East Cleveland

$2,850

Olmsted Falls

81.2%

Lorain

$1,830

Fairview Park

$2,720

Bath

79.4%

Macedonia

$1,830

Warrensville Heights

$2,710

Bedford

78.7%

Twinsburg

$1,850

Chagrin Falls

$2,620

Brecksville

75.9%

North Ridgeville

$1,870

Lakewood

$2,620

Painesville

75.5%

COMMUNITY

CLEVELAND

06.22

COMMUNITY

% Change (2011-21)

Rank

Property Tax (per $100,000 valuation)

10-Year Median Home Sale Price Increase (%)

Rank

Highest Property Taxes

Property Tax (per $100,000 valuation)

Lowest Property Taxes

How We Rate

In the years that we’ve rated Cleveland’s suburbs, we’ve evaluated three major factors: safety, education and housing. We’ve added other qualities that make a suburb desirable such as public services, diversity and walkability. Scores are assigned to each suburb for every category used in the rankings. Those scores are based on the year’s available numbers. We then add up the category scores, weighting certain categories more than others. Safety and education, for example, are given more weight than property taxes, which is given more weight than environmental infractions. The Top 20 are those suburbs with the highest combined scores — in other words, the suburbs that perform best in all of the categories combined.

How We Did It

and full-time teachers. In line with legislative action allowing schools to forego certain state tests since the start of the pandemic, limited data is available. Therefore, we repurposed 2018-2019 state data regarding achievement scores, end-of-course tests, performance index scores and overall value-added rankings. For more detailed reports on local districts’ state report cards, visit ode.state.oh.us. As a measure of college readiness, we asked school districts to provide the number of Advanced Placement and International Baccalaureate classes offered. In addition, we requested the percentage of seniors from the class of 2021 who took at least one of those classes during high school and who scored a 3 or higher on at least one AP test or a 4 or higher on at least one IB test during high school.

Overall rankings are determined using raw data that is converted into points calculated from the average in each category. Rankings for safety and education are awarded based on the total scores in each category.

Median Home Sale Price

Safety

Sources: Statistics for the calendar year 2021 are provided by each suburb. Crimes per 1,000 in Richfield Village are based on the combined populations of Richfield Village and Richfield Township, since the Richfield Village police patrol both and do not keep separate village stats.

Property Tax

Education

Population, Poverty, Diversity & Owner-Occupied Housing

Sources: Individual school districts and the Ohio Department of Education 20202021 and 2018-2019 School Report Card district data files. The state’s 26 possible indicators for student performance are based on standardized tests, a gifted indicator that measures how gifted students are performing, a chronic absenteeism improvement indicator measuring the number of students who are chronically absent (missing at least 10% of the school year) as well as schools’ efforts to reduce that number, and an end-of-course improvement indicator measuring the performance and improvement on retaken end-of-course tests. Each school’s possible indicators vary depending on which tests its students take. The state’s Performance Index rewards the performance of every student, not just those who score “proficient” or higher. The scores range from 0 to 120, with 100 being the goal. The state tests students in reading and math every year from third through eighth grades. It also tests science in fifth and eighth grades. The state has transitioned from its Ohio Graduation Tests to end-of-course tests. Those include English I & II, math I & II, geometry, algebra, American history, American government and biology. In our rankings, the end-of-course tests are expressed as an average percentage of all students who scored at proficiency or above. The state’s value-added ranking measures the impact schools and teachers have on students’ academic progress rates from year to year or another period of time, using student achievement data. There are four value-added measure grades combined to get a Progress Component Grade: The state calculates this progress made for all students, and then for subgroups of gifted students, students with disabilities and students whose academic performance was in the lowest 20% of students statewide. Through 2019, state law stipulated that if any of these subgroup grades were lower than a B on an A-F scale, and the overall grade was still an A, then the overall grade would be demoted to a B to reflect this discrepancy. We calculated the students per full-time teacher ratio using the state-reported figures for enrollment

Sources: 2021 rates of taxation are from county auditors, treasurers or fiscal officers and the Ohio Department of Taxation. They include each community’s rollback and reduction for owner-occupied residential property for levies passed before November 2013. Source: U.S. Census Bureau, 2015-2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates. Diversity points are awarded based on the suburb’s percentage of minority residents (nonwhite, Hispanic or multiracial), with the most points given to those suburbs closest to a 50% balance.

Environmental Infractions

Source: The Ohio Environmental Protection Agency’s database of reported polluted sites, which is continuously updated and includes reports of polluted sites that the EPA has not fully investigated.

Community Services

The mayor’s office of each suburb informed us which of the following services are available to all residents: tennis courts, basketball courts, baseball and softball diamonds, indoor or outdoor ice rinks, indoor swimming pools, outdoor swimming pools, public playgrounds, recreation centers, public skateboarding parks, senior services, youth services, free mulch, free leaf pickup, free garbage pickup and recycling programs.

Roads With Sidewalks

Each suburb provided information on the miles of roads and sidewalks. Percentage of roads with sidewalks was determined by dividing centerline miles of roads by half the miles of sidewalks (assuming sidewalks on both sides of the street) and converting to a percentage.

Alternative Commute And Commute Time To Work

Source: U.S. Census

Bureau, 2015-2019 American Community Survey 5-Year Estimates.

Highest % of Roads with Sidewalks

$505,000

Parma

Bath

$496,000

Medina

1035

Pepper Pike

$495,000

Euclid

Bainbridge Twp.

$450,000

Hudson

$430,000

Chagrin Falls

$427,000

Orange Village

1812

Bay Village

100.0%

Brooklyn

100.0%

1013

East Cleveland

100.0%

Cleveland Heights

1003

Euclid

100.0%

Lorain

937

Lakewood

100.0%

Garfield Heights

826

University Heights

100.0%

$418,750

Cuyahoga Falls

811

Westlake

100.0%

Richfield

$375,000

Strongsville

802

Willowick (Lake Cty)

100.0%

Kirtland

$373,750

Elyria

798

Parma

98.8%

Hinckley Twp.

$370,000

Maple Heights

699

Bedford

98.0%

Brecksville

$362,400

South Euclid

679

Medina (Medina Cty)

96.8%

Aurora

$359,500

Lakewood

657

Lorain (Lorain Cty)

96.5%

Rocky River

$355,000

Brunswick

654

Shaker Heights

96.3%

Concord Twp.

$354,750

North Ridgeville

626

Wickliffe (Lake Cty)

95.6%

Westlake

$354,000

Mentor

591

Garfield Heights

95.5%

Rank

COMMUNITY

Roads with Sidewalks (%)

Moreland Hills

Rank

Number of Sales (2021)

COMMUNITY

Rank

Most Home Sales

Median Home Sale Price (2021)

Median Home Sale Price

Sources: The county auditors or fiscal officers’ offices provided figures for valid sales of single-family homes in 2011, 2016 and 2021.

COMMUNITY

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

10 Things to Love Between the calm, tree-lined boulevards, endless shopping opportunities and a rich cultural history, it’s no wonder Beachwood is at the top of our list. by Anthony Elder and Zach James

the streets feel peaceful and calm next to local businesses abuzz with activity. Folks manicure their lawns along tree-lined boulevards. Eager shoppers storm the mall seeking the latest fashion trends — or perhaps a buttercream macaron from a nearby bakery. Add a deep, cultural history to that cozy-yet-lively environment and it’s no wonder Beachwood earned the title of “Best Place to Live” this year. Whether you’re raising a family or trying to bebop from park to store to art gallery, this idyllic community has something for everyone. IN BEACHWOOD,

Best Place to Live

3. Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage. This Beachwood museum has been celebrating — and educating Northeast Ohio on — our Jewish heritage since 2005. Permanent exhibits include The Interactive Biography of Stanley Bernath, which tells Bernath’s story of surviving concentration camps. Through August, Chagall for Children allows kids to explore the artist in a hands-on, interactive way. Tickets start at $5 for children and $12 for adults. It’s open Wednesday through Sunday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. maltzmuseum.org

1. Preston’s H.O.P.E Playground. This park takes the childhood game of “house” to a new level. Alongside the usual swing sets and sand pits stands a miniature village of split-level “buildings” — where kids can take up the mantle of town barber, banker, fire fighter and more — connected by a series of accessible walkways. Dedicated to the memory of Preston, a local boy who learned to thrive while living with spinal muscular atrophy, the park provides an accommodating, wheelchair-accessible space for “children with all levels of abilities and disabilities.” prestonshope.com

CLEVELAND

06.22

4. Barkwood Dog Park at City Park East. Tired of shooing the dog off the couch? Take it to Beachwood’s premier dog park where it can enjoy one made entirely out of turf. Described by the city as “one-of-a-kind,” the puppy playground is accommodating and tranquil. Tennis balls and ball-throwers line the fences, while obstacles and turf furniture act as a veritable canine jungle gym, and the park provides separate, enclosed spaces for small and large breeds. Nearly hidden between East and West Shaker boulevards, Barkwood feels like a private slice of pet-friendly heaven. beachwoodohio.com

PHOTO CREDIT

2. Coffee and sugar. La Place at Beachwood Place provides a haven for sweet-toothed locals. Cleveland classic Mitchell’s Ice Cream, the pastry-filled White Flour Cake Shoppe and Nervous Dog Coffee Bar — with its warm lighting and warmer staff — sit door to door for your sugar-filled downtime. “There are some people that are in here the same time every single day,” says Nervous Dog assistant manager Faegan Peck. Soft indie/pop jams and perfectly worn leather chairs make the coffee shop one of the coziest spots to loiter in The Land.

About Beachwood 5. The David Berger National Memorial. The 1972 Olympic Games will always be remembered for the 11 Israeli athletes who were taken hostage and murdered — and Cleveland-born David Berger was one of those killed. Installed in 1980 at the Mandel Jewish Community Center, the 6,000-pound memorial was built by the late local sculptor David E. Davis, whose work is globally recognized. It depicts the five Olympic rings broken in half, the pieces resting on 11 segments, representing those who lost their lives. This year marks the 50th anniversary of the Munich massacre, an event the city of Beachwood will commemorate with programming throughout the year. nps.gov

8. The shopping. While outdoor spaces like Crocker Park have stolen the show from aging Northeast Ohio malls, Beachwood Place is going strong with all of its anchors — Dillard’s, Nordstrom and Saks Fifth Avenue — still in place. You’ll also find newer, smaller retailers such as Madewell, Pacsun, Topshop and Zara, as well as a handful of less-expected mall offerings. “By bringing in tenants like COhatch and North High Brewing, we’re illustrating our willingness to evolve,” says Beachwood Place general manager Heidi Yanok. “This plays a major role in our current success.” beachwoodplace.com

9. COhatch. This end-all be-all meeting and coworking space, COhatch in Beachwood Place, provides locals with a vast area for business and celebration all in one convenient spot. The atmosphere is tasteful and fun. Bold, simple murals and quirky geometric fixtures line the walls and ceilings. Meeting rooms, phone booths and fully equipped podcast studios provide quiet, focused spaces. And if you’re seeking fun, rent out the game room or golf simulator. cleveland.cohatch.com

PHOTO CREDIT

6. The dining. Looking for a great bite in Beachwood? Cut151 Supper Club, known for its three different cuts of prime rib, is the place to go. Owner Brad Friedlander, who has 40 years of restaurant experience, says Beachwood makes it easy for him to be successful. “It has a great city government. They’re really cooperative and really work well with the businesses,” he says. Other spots in town he recommends include Giovanni’s Ristorante, Shuhei Restaurant, Jack’s Deli and Restaurant and Cedar Creek Grille.

7. Wolfs Gallery. Eclectic and rambling, the over 45-year-old auction house deals in fine paintings, sculptures and decorative art. With a passion for acquiring exceptional pieces, Wolfs works with artists and collectors alike to maintain a gallery “filled with great artwork” — often buying individual pieces outright. Various exhibitions come and go, such as the current Cleveland Museum of Art-sponsored May Show and the upcoming Richard Andres exhibit opening sometime this summer. Needless to say, any art-loving Clevelander will be overjoyed browsing owner Michael Wolf’s highly regarded collection. wolfsgallery.com

10. The Family Aquatic Center. With 99,000 square feet of fun, this city-run complex feels like a vacation without the expense or hassle. Features include water slides, a current channel, diving boards, splash pads, a zero-depth entry pool, lap lanes, a tot pool and a relaxation area just for adults. There’s even synchronized swimming lessons. Now, the bad news: Non-residents are only allowed in (for $10) when accompanied by a resident. Time to make friends in Beachwood. beachwoodohio.com CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

B e t t e r i n Bay 90

CLEVELAND

06.22

Cody and Carly Gessel’s search for their first home took them to Bay Village, where they found both the lifestyle and the investment they were after.

by Kristen Hampshire

SELLING POINTS: BAY VILLAGE

Hometown moments. “One day, our doorbell rang and we opened it up to find about a dozen kids from our neighborhood selling lemonade door-to-door. Another time, I saw a little boy wearing a backpack while riding his bike past our house on his way to school. It’s the little things, the small, hometown moments that make us feel like we are at home and a part of the community,” Carly says, smiling. Community lifestyle. Great amenities make Bay Village an ideal place for the Gessels to call home. Huntington Beach, a number of beautiful parks and neighborhood schools top the list. More than books. In addition, Bay Village is now home to a brand new, state-of-the-art branch of the Cuyahoga County Public Library, featuring a children’s area, adult and young-adult spaces, meeting rooms with beautiful views of Cahoon Creek, various seating areas, a fireplace, a café, public computers and access to a covered outdoor seating area overlooking a scenic park.

ody and Carly Gessel have learned to be flexible. First, the pandemic forced their wedding plans to pivot from a large event with 120 guests to a small, carefully planned event that would allow 15 immediate family members to safely attend. Then, the heated housing market foiled their search for a place to plant roots. If anything, the last 18 months have taught the newlywed couple to prepare — and plan for change. “We were looking for somewhere quiet where we could be part of a community and have a yard for our dog,” says Carly, 28, who works in communications at Nordson Corp. Initially, they lived in Lakewood in an apartment on French Avenue — a one-bedroom, one-bath efficiency. “We loved the walkability, and there are so many things to do,” she says.

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Eventually, they wanted a bit more space and rented a townhouse in Rocky River, close enough to walk their kayaks down to the water. “Both of us love kayaking and outdoor activities, and so that location was pretty amazing,” Carly says, adding that walkability to restaurants in the Olde River district, Heinen’s and parks also contributed to an ideal location for the couple. But closing in on one year after their wedding in 2020, they got an itch to buy their first home on the West Side. “We looked at everything from Rocky River to Westlake, Bay Village, Avon and Avon Lake,” says Cody, 29, who works at the Cleveland Clinic. Their priorities: a community feel, space for their 40-pound shepherd mix, Morse, to run, and a home with at least three bedrooms and larger than their 1,000-square-foot townhouse. CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

Better in Bay

CLEVELAND

06.22

of community.” While they can’t walk to the grocery store or restaurants, they are just a short drive away — and still return to their old neighborhoods in Lakewood and Rocky River to dine or, for Carly, attend her favorite yoga studio. They do live within biking distance of Huntington Beach and Crocker Park, yet in a quiet neighborhood with the type of community they were seeking. Heading into summer, the Gessels are looking forward to spending time on the sunporch, playing with Morse in their yard and getting to know more neighbors. One couple on the street even maintains a spreadsheet of everyone’s contact information. “We are in the area where we wanted to be,” she says. “And this location has made our home life so much better.” Cody grew up on his family farm, so a garden is already in the works. And Carly has space for a home office, which is ideal with her hybrid schedule. “The other day I was out on the porch working and one of our neighbors walked by and said, ‘That beats the cubicle!’” she says. “And that’s for sure!” As for their investment, the couple is pleased they created a priority list, prepared with financing and stuck with their goal to purchase a home that would retain or gain value. “Since we’ve been here the house has appreciated,” Cody says. “And I also feel very fortunate that we got in while the interest rates were still low.”

HE ATHER LINN PHOTOGR APHY

“We also wanted a house that would hold its value, because prices are increasing so we wanted a smart buy — something we knew wouldn’t depreciate if things go south,” Cody says. Preparing to search for a first home in a market with escalating prices and interest rates called for preparation. And the Gessels were on it. First was financing. Their real-estate agent, Katie Manos of Howard Hanna, advised them to go with a known, reputable lender and to create a strong financing package to be competitive in multi-offer scenarios. “We had the strongest financing possible with a full 20% down payment while having a flexible close date,” Cody says, adding that they hoped this would give them an edge with sellers who needed time to look for another home. The Gessels decided they could afford a home in the $250,000 to $350,000 range. “If we had to do work on it, we wanted it under $300,000,” Cody says. And they were willing to go over asking — as buyers must be in this market — but not by a landslide. Carly adds, “We had a very clear picture of the boxes we were trying to check. That was helpful because when you look at so many houses, the benefits and amenities of one house blur into another.” Because the Gessels knew they’d have to act fast on desirable listings, they agreed to trust each other’s judgment if a home was “the one.” Carly says, “If I was working and a house popped up on a Wednesday when Cody was off, he could see it and make an offer and we had faith in each other. We were O.K. with that.” Laughing, Carly adds that, at one point, she was sharing what the search was like with her parents. Her mom told her, “There was a time when people would bid lower than asking and get the house!” That seems unbelievable now. All told, the Gessels looked at 20 homes across the West Side and lost two bids. The third time was the charm. The first house they lost, located in Bay Village, taught the couple to toughen up. “It grew on me,” Carly admits. “You start thinking about how we could use the basement or fix up this-and-that. It was the first time we completed all the paperwork and made an offer. And there was a big let-down.” Another house, sitting on the border of Westlake and Bay Village, emphasized the need to act quickly after an offer $60,000 over the asking price was submitted before the Gessels even had a chance to start the paperwork. Then, an offer on a home in Fairview Park also was denied as the couple was outbid again. Then came success. The couple won an offer on a 1950s ranch in Bay Village with four bedrooms, two-and-a-half baths, 2,200 square feet, a sun porch, a half-finished basement and a nice-sized yard located in a close-knit neighborhood where they could make new connections. The Gessels offered $15,000 over asking even though other bids were higher — in fact, one exceeded their bid by $6,000. But their strong financing and, ultimately, a flexible timeline appealed to the sellers, who were moving out of state and needed time to find a house. The Gessels moved into their Bay Village home located on the western edge of the city in late January. “The first time we met our neighbors was when they came over and snowblowed our driveway for us,” Carly says. “It’s that nice sense

More for Less in Mentor being closer to family and the appeal of a historic house were all too much to pass up for Bill and Grace Dull who, after 22 years in Madison, just made the move to a century home in Mentor — and nabbed a deal unheard of in the current market.

P HE O H ATH O ECR R LE IDNI NT P H O T O G R A P H Y

A SHORTER COMMUTE,

The kids are grown: The Dulls have three children, with everyone just about out of the nest. “We’re looking forward to the new chapter,” Grace says. On leaving Madison: While they’re excited for their future in Mentor, there is one thing the couple will miss about Madison.

“We could walk out our front door and look up and see the lake,” Grace says. “I’ll miss being able to go walk along the shore.” Nature nuts: “We’re avid hikers,” says Grace, who adds that they’ll be much closer to Chapin Forest Reservation, Girdled Road Reservation, North Chagrin Reservation and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Their new house: The home is a 1,700-square-foot Tudor built in 1911 with leaded windows and original woodwork. “It’s beautiful,” says Grace. “Everything I looked at online didn’t have character. That was my thing.”

Selling story: “One weekend we had six or seven offers,” says Grace. “We opened it up on Friday and showed it Saturday or Sunday and put through the first offer.” Buying story: In the midst of an extreme seller’s market, the Dulls nabbed their home for $10,000 less than its original asking price of $279,000. “We did get very lucky,” Grace notes, adding that being willing to buy an older home in need of a little love may have worked to their advantage. “There were things we knew needed to be addressed,” she says. “So we asked for under, and we got it.”

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

R i v e r o f Dreams

One global pandemic, two years, 40 showings, eight offers and six suburbs later, Terrance and Andrea Hudson finally found their starter home. by Mark Oprea

CLEVELAND

06.22

PHOTO CREDIT

Location, location, location. “We’re like 10 miles from downtown,” says Andrea, noting that they just took their daughter, Vinnie, to see Sesame Street Live! All about the education. “We’re excited for them to go to Rocky River schools,” says Terrance, quipping that he wonders how that’ll work out when the kids are in the same high school hallways as their teacher dad. Outside! The family loves to be in the great outdoors as much as possible — and their proximity to the Metroparks, Rocky River Park and the city pool make that easy to accomplish.

SELLING POINTS: ROCKY RIVER

errance and Andrea Hudson’s journey into their first house began with Burger King and a game of kickball. It was the summer of 2010, and the two were working as therapeutic support staff at a summer camp for kids in Pennsylvania. Grad school at Indiana University of Pennsylvania awaited both that fall. During a kickball match, Terrance walked up to Andrea, enamored. “I thought she was cute,” he says. “So I asked her out.” Out for, well, a Whopper. “I figured if she could, say, appreciate going to Burger King and just kind of hanging out casually, she might be the one,” he says. And she was. The couple married in Pennsylvania on July 18, 2015. Academic dreams at Penn State University followed, with Terrance, 34, finishing his doctorate in education. Andrea, 27,

CASEY REARICK

had a tenure-track counseling position waiting for her. Yet, in 2019, family tension popped up: Terrance’s 74-yearold mother was diagnosed with dementia. Terrance yearned to be closer, and Andrea obliged. Like tens of thousands of couples that year, the Hudsons decided it was time to own a home. After all, they had a 1-yearold daughter, Vinnie, and wanted to build equity. By February 2020, they were pre-approved. They had assessed and gotten gigs in Cleveland’s academic job market: Terrance at Cleveland State, Andrea at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Affairs Medical Center. The first week of March, after a bid on a 10th house, the Hudsons received a verbal acceptance. But, after all that, the world was about to break. “I kid you not,” Andrea says, “like, 24 hours later, the loan companies came in and said people were no longer allowed CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

River of Dreams Comic Agent This housing market is no joke — unless you’re a seller laughing all the way to the bank. We checked in with Marty Krieger, an agent with Russell Real Estate Services by day and comedian by night, for help on keeping one’s sense of humor in the face of rapidly escalating prices, low inventory and insane bidding wars. What’s your advice for buyers? The best tool they have is knowing what their buying power is. That falls on the agent and their loan officer to explain. Understanding the numbers can relieve some of that anxiety and some of that stress. Can humor help? It’s been a coping mechanism of mine forever — to be able to bring levity to a situation. I use it to get them to turn the corner on a situation. Ok, this stinks. You didn’t get the house. We can wish something horrible on people or move forward. Let’s look at something else. How fast do you have to be these days? If the house is in really good condition and if it makes sense, they’re going to have 30 minutes. They’re going to have to come in with whatever their highest and best is. How did you end up in real estate? I needed a different career path. As a single dad, being a Realtor allows me to provide for my kids and gives me time to pick them up from school and get to games and theater performances. It also gives me the flexibility to do more comedy. Does your real-estate work inform your jokes? I crack on the fact that there’s a lot of people who got into flipping homes. You look down at the floor and you can see the sub floor. You see things like that and you say, ‘What are people thinking?' They literally cut corners. Do you specialize in any types of homes or clients? I’m a senior real-estate specialist. I joked last week about being the sandwich generation. Today it’s a kid at the dentist; tomorrow it’s mom at the cardiologist. Anyway, comedy comes from life and being relatable.

by Colleen Smitek

CLEVELAND

06.22

BY WRITER

ART BY ARTIST

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Where can we see you perform? People can search @senseofhomecle on Twitter or Facebook.

to close on their houses until after they started their new jobs.” Thus began the Hudson’s search, in the most difficult housing market in the 21st century, where sight-unseen was normalized, as was waiving inspections, and where starter homes were going for $30,000 above market value (and bought in cash). Throwing in the towel, they rented a 1,300-square-foot home in Westlake. COVID-era chaos gradually seeped in. That June, Terrance’s mom moved in. Then, that fall, Andrea became pregnant with their second child, Silas, which further postponed their search for a home. “I didn’t think I could manage both,” she says. But they had found Jaclyn Gannon. A lawyer-turned-agent with Howard Hanna, Gannon briefed the Hudsons in the seller’s market toolkit. “This is a pretty difficult housing market,” Gannon told the Hudsons. “So the minute we find a house? We have to act on it; we have to hop in the car and go.” Gannon helped the Hudsons take a cautious middle path: bending to the demands of the market and yet still fulfilling their needs — like Andrea’s two baths, or Terrance’s basketball hoop. By the time they had resumed their search in the fall of 2021, the Hudsons knew to look only at houses listed under $250,000, not to waive inspections (do an “inspection for knowledge,” which doesn’t press the seller to fix any repairs) and not to instantly fall in love with any of the 40 homes they were shown. “Houses were just continuing to be well overpriced,” Andrea says. “And the expectation is that you’re going to bid thousands of dollars over, and there’s going to be …” “It was less options,” Terrance says, completing her thought. “The inventory is so low, there may be two or three houses that would pop up per week.” This March, after being shown a dozen houses, Gannon reached out to Andrea with a two-story bungalow on Goldengate Avenue in Rocky River. Besides Terrance landing a job teaching history at Rocky River High School, the Hudsons felt an affinity for the West Side identity: good schools, quick access to I-90 and, as Andrea says, “not the city city, but close enough to downtown.” Still, they worried about Rocky River prices. But, to Andrea’s shock, the bungalow was a nice anomaly — just $1,000 under their max price of $250,000. “It checked all of our boxes,” Andrea recalls. An offer of $255,000 was played. On March 25, Andrea and Terrance were on their nightly walk in Westlake when they got a text, “Can you call me now?” Andrea brushed it off, thinking Gannon’s message signified a ninth failure. Why wouldn’t it? An hour later, the couple got a text from Gannon: “I think I have a spot for the hoop.” “We got the house,” Andrea recalls. “And I cried.” “We hugged the kids,” Terrance says. “I was more relieved than anything.” Although they could not move in until late May — they added a delayed move-in, due to the sellers’ new build in Florida — it’s why the Hudsons believe they scored their sale. Above all, Andrea says she and Terrance have learned empathy for anyone on the buying end. “However many years down the road, when it’s time to sell, I will pick the underdog,” Andrea says from her living room. “If we don’t absolutely need the extra $30,000 cash? Oh, I’ll pick ‘us.’”

The State of Real Estate COVID-era inflation has kicked up a seller’s market everywhere in Northeast Ohio. Local agents have a warning for the desperate: Be prepared.

a broker with Advantage in Real Estate, was aiding home buyers in the process six, seven years ago, the pace could very well be described as normal. Maline walked clients through $200,000 starter homes in Avon Lake and Fairview Park, which sold for no more than $10,000 over asking price. “We did that,” she says. “We were good.” These days, in the worst real estate market since the Great Recession, Maline is repeatedly flabbergasted. “I just had a house list and sell in two days,” Maline says, adding that 48 clients went through the house. “I mean, it’s nuts. I myself don’t even understand it.” Maline’s grievances are the new normal. Just as cash-wielding owners and out-of-state investors have led to a barren Multiple Listing Service, the resulting desperation to own a home has pushed buyers to fierce tactics, including waiving inspections, writing appraisal gaps and entertaining buys off-market. Moreover, Wall Street has been gobbling up homes — up to 30% in Atlanta and Charlotte, North Carolina — and the U.S. is short some 4 million homes, according to HUD data. “It’s a housing issue and it’s an inventory issue,” says Mark Vittardi, of the Akron Cleveland Association of Realtors. And Cleveland isn’t immune. A February 2021 analysis of the Cuyahoga County market during COVID-19 by Frank Ford, senior policy adviser at the Western Reserve Land Conservancy, showed that, in

ISTOCK PHOTO

WHEN SANDY MALINE,

by Mark Oprea October 2020, active home listings were down 49% from the year previous. Along with reduced inventory comes soaring prices. In Ohio City, median sales prices spiked by nearly $40,000 to $217,250. In Lakewood, from $185,000 to $215,000. In Valley View, the 2019 median was $201,000. One year later, it was $280,000. Vittardi sees the inflationary rate hikes as an undeniable byproduct of out-ofstate buyers — both capitalist investors in Los Angeles and coastal elites returning to the Midwest. Many, he says, are strong-arming with cash, no-contingency offers that less-aggressive buyers simply can’t spar with. “Buyers have to be nimble,” Vittardi says. “They have to be prepared. And they have to be educated.” In interviews with a half dozen agents hip to markets from the $950,000 mansions of Avon Lake to the $250,000 bungalows in Akron, most advised contenders in today’s arena to develop a specific strategy before entering it. Maline, for one, recommends buyers use what’s called an escalation clause, a method to compete with cash offers by offering to pay, say, $1,000 or $2,000 above the highest bid — up to a certain ceiling. And besides the obvious dictum of getting properly pre-approved, she urges buyers to go quick in “with a really good, strong offer, high above asking. “Sometimes the seller just says, ‘I don’t want to take any more, I don’t want any more people in my house,” Maline says.

“Could you imagine if you had 48 people walking through your house in two days?” But being quick could lead to buyer’s remorse. David Sharkey, an agent with Progressive Urban Real Estate, advises mastering the art of the speed read. “Look for sloppiness, painted outlets, drywall mud gunked up around the switches,” he says. “Are the windows filthy? Are the blinds broken? I mean, you can see if somebody just slapped some things together.” Still, these are hellish times for buyers. Many of Howard Hanna agent Jaclyn Gannon’s clients have waited eight months to a year, placing bids well over asking, depleting savings to drop a 5 or 10% down payment. (And still losing.) Just recently, a four-bedroom home in Avon Lake went on the market at 2 p.m. on a Thursday. By the weekend, there had been 23 showings. “And out of those 23 people, only one person is going to get the house,” she says, noting that she received two offers on her phone during our brief interview. “And it’s listed for $615,000! Will it go for $654,000? That wouldn’t surprise me." And things just keep getting stranger. “I’ve actually had someone tell me that a Realtor told them to go through a back window to check out a house," Maline says. “I’m serious!” she adds. “People are that desperate for housing.” For more info: Turn to page 137 for tips on buying a home in this market. CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

B a c k i n

Carl and Beverly Joyce never planned to make the move they did, but they also never planned on an out-of-control housing market. by Lynne Thompson

CLEVELAND

06.22

PHOTO CREDIT

Brecksville

SELLING POINTS: BRECKSVILLE

Proximity to Brecksville Reservation and Cuyahoga Valley National Park. “We go hiking a lot, we walk the Towpath Trail a lot,” Beverly says. “We’re always in the parks, enjoying the trails.” Brecksville-Broadview Heights School District. Beverly marvels at the rapid response to questions — where her younger daughter Samantha could take golf lessons, for example. “They’re just so nice and so accommodating,” she says. “Every person is just wonderful.” The Community Center. Older daughter Mallory spent a lot of last summer with her friends at the new Aquatics Center and played rec basketball. Samantha is learning taekwondo. “They offer so many different things,” Beverly says. The restaurants. The Joyces single out the Courtyard Café for soups; Creekside Restaurant & Bar for its outdoor patio overlooking Chippewa Creek; Blue Habanero for fajitas and mojitos; and 750ml, a wine bar in the historic 1857 Red Brick Store, for spicy chicken flatbreads and live music.

arl and Beverly Joyce figured August 2019 was as good a time as any to put their three-bedroom, one-and-a-half bath South Euclid colonial on the market. After 15 years and the birth of daughters Mallory and Samantha, they’d simply outgrown it. They were scheduling showers in the one full bath. Neither Carl’s Dodge Ram nor Beverly’s Jeep fit in the narrow one-car garage. And properties on neighboring streets were selling quickly, for over asking price. “I don’t think either of us were prepared for it to sell on the day we listed it,” says Carl, the 41-year-old director of accounting for Progressive Insurance in Mayfield Village. Carl’s mother suggested the family move into her Seven Hills abode until they found a place of their own, a search Beverly and Carl believed would take a month or two at most. They weren’t

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looking for anything out of the ordinary: a house in the $300,000-to-$425,000 price range, preferably not overlooking a main highway, with four bedrooms, two full baths, a wood-burning fireplace, full basement and two-car garage in a top suburban East Side school district like Solon, Orange, Beachwood or Mayfield. The couple wanted to take their girls out of a parochial school and enroll them in a public counterpart with lots of extracurricular activities and students from a variety of religious and socioeconomic backgrounds. “We were excited,” Beverly, a 42-year-old high-school English teacher/librarian turned stay-at-home mom, remembers. “It was a new chapter in our lives.” They had no idea that chapter would begin with a year-long journey through one of the most competitive real-estate markets in memory. CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

Back in Brecksville

100

CLEVELAND

06.22

over the highest bid up to a predetermined limit. “Our bid was $500 more than the second-highest,” Beverly says triumphantly. Other factors made the Joyces’ offer competitive. Beverly explains that if the house didn’t appraise for the amount offered, they would pay the difference in cash up to a certain percentage. And although they negotiated with the seller to mitigate mold growth in the attic, they didn’t broach replacing the original HVAC system and kitchen oven. “When you’re in a multiple-bid situation like that, you have to just accept that those are going to be extra expenses,” Beverly says. Carl’s half-hour drive to work is a small concession to make for the peaceful bliss of living on a quiet cul-de-sac and the fourseasons beauty of a back yard with a ravine. They finally have an owner’s suite. And their daughters have made the finished portion of the basement their own. Carl reports that they’re happily ensconced in the Brecksville-Broadview Heights school system. “The one fear I had throughout this whole entire process is, What’s the first day of lunch going to look like for them? Are they going to have to sit by themselves?” he divulges. “But I was really impressed by the kids in the district and how well they made friends — good friends — fairly quickly.” There’s only one small problem. “My truck won’t fit in the three-car garage,” Carl grouses. “It’s too long,” Beverly explains. “He’s still parking in the driveway.”

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Their real-estate agent, Kimberly Kolenc with BHHS Professional Realty in Moreland Hills, says the Joyces were as prepared for the challenge as any homebuyer could be. They’d prioritized needs over wants and defined their search area. She emphasized the importance of checking listings sent via e-mail as soon as they arrived, calling her immediately to schedule showings and being prepared to attend those showings at a moment’s notice. “Even at that time, properties were going really quick, in multiple offers, if they were priced appropriately,” Kolenc says. Unfortunately, Carl couldn’t stop working during any given weekday to see a new listing. As a result, many of the approximately 30 homes the couple toured during the next five months were houses that investors — apparently amateurs — had purchased with the intention of flipping. “Those were the only ones that didn’t move within an hour,” Carl says. They describe kitchen cabinets hung askew, window screens cut out with razor blades, floors that didn’t meet walls. One had a gutted shell of a kitchen; another had a roof that was never completed. “All of the ceiling on the top floor was on the floor,” Beverly says. Kolenc acknowledges that negotiating with sellers is difficult in a red-hot housing market, a fact the Joyces discovered when they made their first offer on an Orange Village house in October 2019. The seller refused to make even a portion of the tens of thousands of dollars in repairs — Beverly mentions significant foundation and mold issues — even though the property had been on the market for some time. “Just because something looks pretty doesn’t mean that it’s quality work,” Kolenc adds. For that reason, she always suggests opting for a general home inspection. “You want to know what you’re taking on,” she says. To improve their chances of finding a viable residence, Beverly and Kolenc began going to showings without Carl. “It got to the point where Carl was like, ‘Just tell me whether you like it or not,’” Beverly says. Frustration turned to elation after they attended a January 2020 open house at a Solon Tudor and made the second offer of their search. “The owners actually verbally accepted it,” Beverly remembers. But before the necessary paperwork could be completed, “they had gotten another offer and went with that one.” Kolenc counseled patience. Friends and relatives repeatedly reassured the couple that more properties would begin hitting the market around St. Patrick’s Day. Then the pandemic hit. “Nobody wanted anyone going in their homes,” Beverly says. “And I didn’t want to go in anybody’s home, either.” The first week of June, Beverly got a call from her parents. There was a four-bedroom, three-bath colonial on a half-acre lot for sale right down the street from their Brecksville home. The Joyces never considered moving to Brecksville because of the city’s distance from Carl’s office. But Beverly had fond memories of growing up there. They immediately looked up the listing online. The 2,600-square-foot residence had all the features they required and, judging from photos, appeared to be in move-in shape. “Kim called right away,” Beverly says. “There was one day of showings, back to back to back. There was one slot still available, and we got it.” The offer the Joyces made that day was one of nine the sellers received. This time, however, they were not to be outbid. Kolenc included an escalation clause, an addendum to the offer that gives the buyer the option to increase that offer in set increments

Civilized in Strongsville is happier and has more money in his pocket after downsizing from Auburn Township in Geauga County to his new home in Strongsville late last year. SCOT T BESKUR, 40,

P HA OT T OS H M CR I FEFDLIET R

Why he moved: “I’m single. For somebody who wants to do something, Strongsville has much more going on and places to eat. I call it civilization compared to where I used to live.” Why Strongsville: “I grew up in Twinsburg, and we’d always go to the Strongsville mall in high school. Every time I’d ever go to Strongsville for anything, I’d think, man, I really like this city.”

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The details: Beskur downsized from 3,000 square feet on 3 acres in Auburn Township to 2,000 square feet on a small lot in Strongsville, selling for $587,500 and buying for $300,000. “Not many people are downsizing, so it worked out great for me. I made out like a bandit.” Still … The house he bought was listed at $265,000. He offered $295,000 and was rejected because the house had only been on the market for one hour and had 45 more showings. Going for it: Beskur’s real estate agent, Donna Rondini of Howard Hanna, told him: “You

need to make up your mind. You can’t just wait on this one.” He upped his offer to $300,000 and got the house. Changes: Beskur, who manages a construction company, converted his basement into a soundproof media/gaming room for his 15-year-old son. His new favorite: The filet mignon at Square 22 Restaurant & Bar on Pearl Road. “It might be the best steak I’ve ever had.” Why Strongsville suits him: “There’s less sweater vests and more kids actually playing outside than talking about golf.”

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

101

102

CLEVELAND

Education Stats

06.22 13.8 10.9

8 7 2 46 31 11 47 32

Beachwood

Bedford

Berea

Brecksville-Broadview Heights

Brooklyn

Brunswick

Rank

Bay Village

Student-teacher ratio

Avon Lake

13.6 13.4

36 42 30 55 49 57 33 54

Cleveland HeightsUniversity Heights

Cuyahoga Falls

Cuyahoga Heights

East Cleveland

Elyria

Euclid

Fairview Park

Garfield Heights 13.4

13.5

13.9

13.2

11.2

12.7

15.9

Chardon

13.9

6 29

Chagrin Falls

16.3

13.6

16.4

12.7

12.5

14.4

Average ACT score 15.7

20.1

19.8

18.0

13.2

24.0

19.5

18.2

22.1

26.4

22.7

19.5

26.0

22.8

N/A

25.2

23.2

24.5

23.6

State standards met

24.0

3rd-grade achievement tests score (out of 200)

17.9

32.8

124.8

48.3

48.6

14.3

134.6

122.2

74.5

167.5

185.9

128.3

92.1

168.2

134.1

43.2

176.3

172.6

155.8

160

155.9

4th-grade achievement tests score (out of 200)

15.6

30.5

134.6

49.0

61.8

13.3

138.1

126.3

73.8

178.5

184.0

145.4

79.1

176.4

136.6

60.9

183.4

181.7

163.8

169.2

173.1

5th-grade achievement tests score (out of 300)

48.8

200.5

91.1

93.3

30.7

210.2

170.6

100.7

263.7

263.6

226.0

130.7

259.2

157.1

69.8

253.2

274.5

262.8

260.5

251.7

6th-grade achievement tests score (out of 200)

22.0

107.3

24.4

41.5

15.3

151.2

82.9

53.4

140.9

185.7

132.3

56.7

161.4

98.5

33.9

162.7

169.1

145.1

152.2

148.9

7th-grade achievement tests score (out of 200)

Avon

39.9

119.7

40.0

59.6

31.7

157.4

83.3

53.7

153.9

182.0

134.9

71.7

176.4

86.1

47.5

168.4

174.1

163.0

156.9

158.0

8th-grade achievement tests score (out of 300)

Aurora

53.3

163.3

54.8

89.9

22.5

186

141.7

81.7

211.4

211.1

182.3

259.5

141.5

74.4

239.4

240.1

237

243.9

252.1

End-of-course tests (average % at or above proficient) 43.0%

77.8%

49.8%

56.3%

26.4%

92.4%

67.8%

55.2%

82.6%

96.5%

78.3%

69.9%

95.0%

72.4%

55.3%

91.7%

91.3%

89.9%

89.7%

90.1%

92.0%

92.9%

72.0%

85.7%

84.3%

96.6%

88.8%

87.8%

96.0%

99.5%

95.8%

91.5%

97.6%

92.0%

88.5%

100.0%

96.7%

96.8%

99.1%

97.8%

97.4%

4-year graduation rate (Class of ’20)

81.9%

92.1%

96.0%

77.3%

89.1%

83.6%

97.2%

92.1%

94.0%

95.9%

96.1%

97.7%

96.2%

96.5%

93.8%

92.3%

100.0%

99.5%

97.30%

99.10%

97.3%

97.2%

5-year graduation rate (Class of ’18)

194

88.9%

95.9%

76.4%

93.2%

84.8%

97.1%

91.5%

88.3%

93.2%

96.3%

95.0%

91.8%

96.1%

92.1%

92.3%

97.1%

96.7%

95.90%

96.60%

96.1%

94.6%

Attendance 2020-21

140.9

41.142

81.163

46.125

51.011

38.303

92.138

73.106

56.316

97.358

05.545

83.696

64.859

01.585

74.48

42.054

03.249

02.364

96.675

91.45

96.859

86.86

Performance Index Score 2020-21 (out of 120)

131.5

Overall value added

212.4

AP/IB courses offered

142.2

4.5

00.0

N/A

12.8

17.4

45.2

23.2

39.6

45.8

80.6

34.3

16.4

54.9

35.1

25.6

55.7

68.5

63.7

37.9

56.3

8.1

Seniors taking AP/IB courses

131.2

0.5%

74.6%

N/A

6.5%

3.90%

22.6%

14.6%

8.6%

31.3%

72.5%

23.1%

8.2%

37.9%

21.0%

11.8%

54.3%

50.6%

49.5%

29.7%

56.3%

7.8%

Seniors passing AP/IB courses

0/0

2/0

1/2

4/2

1/1

0/0

0 / 14

3/0

0/0

11 / 3

3/8

3/4

1/4

1/2

1/1

F/C

National Merit Finalists (F) / Commended (C)

24.7

Languages

17.4

Dropout prevention programs

Nonathletic extracurriculars

Amherst

Community

2022

Sports

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

103

1 45 34 41 25 18 52 17 12 35 44

South Euclid-Lyndhurst*

Stow-Munroe Falls

Streetsboro

Strongsville

Twinsburg

Warrensville Heights*

West Geauga

Westlake

Wickliffe*

Willoughby-Eastlake

Sheffield-Sheffield Lake

Solon

Olmsted Falls

Shaker Heights

North Royalton

North Ridgeville

North Olmsted

Rocky River

Nordonia Hills

Riverside

Mentor

Medina

Richmond Heights

Mayfield

Maple Heights

Lorain

Revere

Lakewood

Parma

17.2

Kirtland

16.4

Kenston

13.2

Independence

Painesville

13.5

Hudson

Orange

15.0

14.9

13.9

15.5

12.0

15.2

15.7

15.3

16.0

14.1

15.5

14.3

12.8

14.0

18.2

12.1

16.2

14.9

14.1

12.5

16.3

14.6

14.8

14.2

13.3

17.1

13.2

13.1

13.3

18.3

Highland

19.0

20.0

23.7

20.7

14.6

20.5

22.3

21.0

20.8

18.5

24.9

N/A

23.2

24.8

21.0

16.0

25.0

22.4

16.0

24.8

21.5

21.6

23.4

20.0

20.5

23.2

23.4

24.4

14.0

15.4

24.8

23.1

24.9

22.7

25.0

24.7

102.3

144.0

155.6

183.2

138.4

147.4

156.5

83.3

130.7

132.5

188.4

100.9

114.2

170.4

129.3

23.1

171

90.5

67.5

163.3

145.5

147.5

94.8

111.2

160.8

129.5

146

146.8

28.4

37.1

136.5

168

170.1

165.4

166.3

166.4

123.1

154.5

156.0

177.5

126.4

152.5

169.2

113.2

149.6

112.1

193.4

130.5

127.6

184.5

150.2

59.9

183.7

109.4

81.2

173.1

150.8

176.3

117.2

128.5

160.2

141.7

150.8

136.2

46.2

41.9

151.4

162.6

160.5

174.8

177.5

182.2

148.5

193.6

221.1

269.8

123.9

231.3

239.9

145.8

170.7

188.4

280.8

168.1

181.2

276.2

210.8

40.2

266.3

177.1

138.8

253.9

244.2

234.8

182.9

179.5

251.9

209.2

228.9

199.2

56.4

63.8

206.9

245.9

264.3

265.3

273.1

265.8

88.3

107.5

144.5

158.7

56.9

136.2

139.1

80.1

123.0

91.8

176.9

96.1

117.4

168.3

104.5

29.4

166.5

86.6

52.0

153.5

137.8

155.6

105.5

92.2

158.0

116.5

135.8

106.1

31.0

31.5

129.3

142.6

159.7

147.5

161.2

144.2

94.8

129.4

158.0

161.7

60.3

136.6

136.4

126.9

114.5

91.4

179.4

100.9

107.2

172.8

121.0

45.0

163.2

83.2

62.2

114.2

124.8

137.8

118.2

117.2

132.3

136.1

149.7

126.7

46.3

41.5

124.8

131.6

162.4

167.2

172.6

148.4

205

149.3

238.2

221.6

238.4

67.1

189.7

223.4

155.8

163.3

116.4

257.2

149.4

108.3

258.9

173.5

219.6

146.7

74.4

261.3

190.9

246.7

167.9

150.4

224.7

157.6

202.4

176.1

54.1

49.1

199.2

195.5

245.1

226.7

254.4

73.4%

71.0%

85.8%

92.8%

43.2%

84.1%

89.0%

67.1%

68.8%

57.3%

95.0%

71.1%

73.4%

93.8%

70.6%

61.0%

89.8%

66.4%

45.6%

89.0%

86.5%

86.7%

77.1%

71.4%

82.4%

81.7%

82.1%

83.0%

42.5%

41.6%

77.8%

89.1%

92.3%

88.7%

92.6%

90.7%

95.0%

96.6%

97.6%

96.9%

84.2%

98.5%

94.0%

93.0%

94.2%

88.9%

97.8%

93.7%

91.8%

99.5%

90.5 %

89.5%

98.5 %

87.5%

84.4%

98.3%

98.6 %

95.7%

91.2%

93.5%

97.3%

95.2%

97.5%

98.2%

92.9%

78.7%

90.9%

97.1%

97.8%

96.6%

95.2%

92.5%

98.1%

97.8%

92.9%

98.8%

95.2%

95.3%

95.4%

91.6%

99.0%

97.2%

95.7%

100.0%

90.5%

92.2%

97.8%

90.2%

87.8%

100.0%

99.1%

97.8%

93.9%

94.2%

96.9%

95.4%

98.9%

96.5%

92.8%

82.0%

92.1%

97.3%

98.1%

98.9%

97.6%

98.9%

94.5%

95.1%

94.1%

95.5 %

93.6%

96.4%

96.1%

93.4%

95.9%

95.5%

97.4%

95.5%

94.9%

96.4%

94.5%

93.0%

96.5%

92.1%

87.1%

96.5%

96.2%

96.3%

93.5%

95.6%

95.3%

96.1%

95.5%

85.4%

76.0%

94.9%

96.0%

96.5%

96.9%

97.0%

96.8%

98.177

75.658

88.2

94.762

03.057

67.9%

89.6

92.648

75.892

74.566

76.3

08.051

7.086

75.709

03.913

83.949

9.808

01.024

68.629

32.506

96.901

87.031

96.872

74.655

68.15

87.87

79.191

87.87

3.008

45.81

41.611

83.313

0.928

99.832

92.96

101.145

14.4

82.1

52.2

52.8

15.2

46.6

53.8

64.3

28.9

14.5

70.8

15.1

48.7

68.6

17.9

25.0

40.4

47.9

32.7

64.6

42.2

34.7

31.4

17.8

36.4

32.8

33.9

50.3

4.0

0.0

37.6

52.1

41.0

50.0

65.1

49.4

0/0

5/5

0/3

0/0

3/3

4/4

0/0

0/1

19 / 14

0/0

2/9

5/5

1/0

0/0

8/6

0/0

2/2

1/3

3/2

0/0

0/2

3 / 20

3/9

4/0

0/0

2/2

0/1

3/7

0/0

9/9

0/3

*2020 numbers were used for this community.

7.8%

41.1%

38.3%

33.9%

0.0%

40.1%

27.4%

35.1%

21.7%

8.0%

62.2%

5.6%

42.3%

54.5%

10.0%

2.3%

32.9%

19.7%

14.8%

51.7%

31.8%

22.5%

26.8%

9.8%

25.4%

27.5%

22.5%

25.8%

0.0%

25.1%

44.7%

30.5%

31.4%

46.0%

40.2%

2022

Safety Stats Rank

Murder

Rape

Agg. Robbery

Assault

Burglary

Larceny/Theft

Vehicle Theft

Arson

Population

Violent/1,000

Nonviolent/1,000

Part-time officers

Full-time officers

Auxiliary officers

Amherst

108

12,108

1.82

2.40

Aurora

110

16,026

0.06

8.74

Avon

167

22,999

3.00

5.35

Avon Lake

24,030

0.83

2.91

Bainbridge Twp.

264

11,459

1.05

22.08

Bath Twp.

9,657

0.21

6.01

Bay Village

15,325

0.39

6.39

Beachwood

346

11,663

3.43

42.01

Bedford

103

12,631

1.58

12.19

Bedford Heights

119

149

10,565

12.30

16.28

Berea

18,788

4.79

5.59

Brecksville

13,537

0.81

5.02

Broadview Heights

19,195

1.56

3.75

Brook Park*

285

18,617

3.55

18.59

Brooklyn

434

10,773

4.92

53.65

Brunswick

168

34,781

1.32

5.64

Chagrin Falls

4,032

0.50

12.90

Chardon

5,167

3.48

24.00

Chester Twp.

10,289

0.49

9.43

Cleveland Heights*

138

404

44,571

3.86

12.41

Concord Twp.

120

18,144

0.44

7.83

Cuyahoga Falls*

350

830

49,192

7.54

19.56

East Cleveland*

113

105

17,200

9.77

17.73

Eastlake

286

18,156

3.41

14.54

Elyria

613

149

552

53,821

12.50

8.70

Euclid

462

168

687

213

47,159

12.38

22.05

Fairview Park

16,303

3.01

7.79

Garfield Heights

235

538

149

27,814

9.92

28.94

Highland Heights

8,390

0.95

13.83

Hinckley Twp.*

7,967

1.00

7.28

Hudson

150

22,263

0.54

6.83

Independence

133

7,169

2.93

20.64

Kirtland

6,822

0.59

3.22

Lakewood

196

424

50,259

4.66

15.06

Lorain

1,325

173

936

63,801

22.59

22.08

100

Lyndhurst

161

13,533

2.29

11.90

Macedonia

150

11,873

1.60

12.13

Maple Heights

133

106

22,383

8.00

33.73

Mayfield Heights

260

18,669

1.12

18.64

Community

104

CLEVELAND

06.22

*2020 numbers were used for this community.

Rank

Murder

Rape

Agg. Robbery

Assault

Burglary

Larceny/Theft

Vehicle Theft

Arson

Population

Violent/1,000

Nonviolent/1,000

Part-time officers

Full-time officers

Auxiliary officers

Mayfield Village

3,372

2.37

8.90

Medina

173

26,069

0.61

9.09

Mentor

116

512

47,096

2.93

14.71

Mentor-on-the-Lake

7,391

1.08

8.66

Middleburg Heights

15,573

1.28

6.36

Moreland Hills

3,306

0.00

3.02

North Olmsted

334

31,710

1.61

16.02

North Ridgeville

33,427

2.09

3.20

North Royalton

122

117

30,252

4.43

6.15

Oakwood Village

3,668

1.36

10.09

Olmsted Falls

8,883

0.79

2.36

Olmsted Twp.

13,422

2.68

4.99

Orange Village

3,276

4.27

10.99

Painesville

19,845

2.57

12.95

Painesville Twp.

163

20,313

2.31

11.62

112

Parma

401

101

482

79,091

5.98

10.03

Parma Heights

20,045

2.54

4.19

Pepper Pike

6,269

1.12

6.54

Richfield Village

3,650

4.93

3.16

Richmond Heights

113

10,406

3.75

15.09

Rocky River

139

20,198

0.30

14.46

Sagamore Hills Twp.

10,920

0.37

Seven Hills

11,638

1.12

5.16

Shaker Heights

150

27,387

1.61

6.57

Sheffield Lake*

8,968

4.57

6.36

Solon

22,947

0.57

7.71

South Euclid

159

379

21,572

7.93

24.06

Stow*

446

34,776

1.61

14.41

Streetsboro

204

16,406

1.65

11.15

Strongsville

373

44,719

1.39

13.24

Twinsburg

136

18,707

0.96

4.76

University Heights

148

112

13,025

12.21

12.44

Warrensville Heights

201

422

119

13,203

19.39

22.19

Westlake

198

32,275

2.57

9.60

Wickliffe

160

12,743

3.77

14.36

Willoughby

108

293

22,869

5.03

6.12

Willoughby Hills

106

9,527

3.25

12.70

Willowick

186

14,133

2.05

3.89

Community

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

105

University Hospitals Nurses Make the Difference At University Hospitals, our nurses improve lives and support others by providing high quality, compassionate care. Today and every day, we celebrate these dedicated professionals and thank them for their commitment to our patients.

The science of health. The art of compassion.

Careers.UHhospitals.org/Nursing

FACES of CARE

& Beyond Above

The Impact of Local Nurses

Plus: NURSES WHO WILL HELP SHAPE THE FUTURE @GreatClevNurse • #ImageofNursing •

Greater Cleveland Nurses Association

Special Promotional Section

FACESof CARE

Nurse

Support System The Greater Cleveland Nurses Association connects and celebrates local nurses. BY MYRA ORENSTEIN

108

CLEVELAND

06.22

“The impact of today’s nurses goes beyond the bedside.” be with their loved ones, nurses became the patients’ lifeline, not only physically while striving to keep the patients alive but emotionally and spiritually. Nurses were there to establish communication between patients and families and to support and comfort patients when death was imminent. Nurses show up every day, doing what needs to be done with care and compassion, to meet the needs of patients. Another facet of the pandemic that demonstrated the knowledge and versatility of nursing can be seen among nurse educators. Nurse educators partnered with local health care systems to expedite cross-training of nurses to meet emerging needs. “Promoting these partnerships between hospitals and educators is very much a part of what nurses do,” Sams says. Rolen confirms that “while there is a lot of talk about staffing levels, nurse shortages and concern about meeting the need of patients, nursing schools in northeast Ohio are striving to expand enrollment.” The profession offers a multitude of career pathways, some of which draw the nurse away from direct care. These roles are very important to the health of individuals, families and communities, but we need to find ways to keep nurses at the bedside. “Nurses take great pride in their profession,” Rolen adds. “The impact of today’s nurses goes beyond the bedside. Finding

ways to engage nurses in improving aspects of the role and the work environment may help keep nurses at the bedside and positively impact the nursing shortage.” Post-pandemic, GCNA identified health disparities as its current focus. In March, GCNA collaborated with the Cleveland Council of Black Nurses and the Northeast Region of the Ohio League for Nursing at a joint meeting. A panel presentation on what health disparities are and how to address them concluded with attendees having table discussions to identify issues and potential strategies. The most obvious offshoot of small group conversation was the impact of lead poisoning in low-income housing and the resulting predisposition to disease. In more rural or Amish communities, GCNA hopes to promote the importance of strengthening the public health system and bring equality to the access of quality health care. Working with school nurses and colleges, information about the impact that COVID and other diseases have on the younger population and their families can be disseminated. Nurses brainstorm and share ideas about relevant topics including but not limited to health disparities. There is much momentum and energy within GCNA in addressing issues of importance to nursing and the health of our communities. For more information about the organization, visit clevelandnurse.org.

COVER: DAVID SCHWART Z, THIS PAGE : ISTOCK

The Greater Cleveland Nurses Association (GCNA) has continuously promoted the profession of nursing in Cleveland under various names since its founding on May 28, 1900. Initially, the Graduate Nurses Association of Cleveland provided a registry of trained, private duty nurses, raised professional standards and improved conditions for practicing nurses. Founding member Isabel Hampton Robb chaired the Lakeside Training School, the precursor to Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing. Robb was the first president of what is now the American Nurses Association (ANA) and developed educational standards for what has become the National League for Nursing (NLN). Cleveland leadership has strong roots. Since 2009, GCNA has promoted the outstanding work of nurse leaders at the bedside and beyond in the annual Faces of Care features and is proud to honor the diversity of nurses for who they are and what they do to improve health. Last year, GCNA celebrated its 100th anniversary as a local nonprofit and affiliate of the Ohio and American Nurses Associations. GCNA Executive Director Carol Sams, MSN, RN, ANP-BC (retired), describes the event as “exhilarating and inspiring." GCNA President Penni-Lynn Rolen, MSN, RN, APRN-CNS, explains that “the mission of GCNA is to work for the improvement of health care for all people in significant and visible ways, to foster high professional standards and to promote the professional development of nurses.” The association strives to be the voice of nursing for Cuyahoga and Geauga counties. As a district of the Ohio Nurses Association (ONA), nurses in GCNA can be involved in issues affecting nursing and health at the local, state and national levels. In preparation for midterm elections, GCNA is planning a legislative forum in October to provide an opportunity for nurses to meet with local, state and U.S. Congress candidates. The challenges and burden of the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light the critical role of the nurse at the bedside. As families could not

From your exemplary work to your continuous dedication. You reflect our world class care.

Congratulations to the nurses being recognized as the Faces of Care Award recipients. Thank you for the impact you’ve made in the nursing community.

ClevelandClinic.org/Nursing

FACESof CARE

Leading with Compassion

From promoting patient advocacy to combating social injustice, these nurses go above and beyond in their efforts to help those in need. BY MYRA ORENSTEIN

HEATHER M. Rice, PhD, APRN-CNP, PMHS

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or minutes spent at each breast; a growthand-development tracker where milestones are checked off and dated; an appointment calendar; and scoring for depression, anxiety, social support and resilience. The app flags clients with scores outside a normal range so they’re easily visible on a doula’s dashboard. Users can sign up for Birthing Beautiful Communities classes and request rides to appointments on the app, as well. “If you need additional help, there’s a support button,” Rice adds. “You can ask your doula to call you if you need something.” Fathers can view mothers’ appointment calendars and babies’ growth-and-development trackers, too. The app also allows them to track their own measures of stress, anxiety and concerns about issues such as financial literacy and work experiences. “The organization recognized that a lot of their mothers’ stress was related to the fathers’ not being able to secure adequate employment and support their families,” Rice explains. At press time, she was planning to introduce Thrive to Birthing Beautiful Communities clients this summer. She hopes similar organizations throughout Ohio will be able to use the app in their work to decrease maternal and infant mortality. “My work and my goal is to continue to partner with the organizations that are addressing this at the grassroots level and provide the data and the evidence that what they’re doing is what everyone needs to be doing to improve birth outcomes,” Rice says. Clients of the Birthing Beautiful Communities project Rice spearheaded achieved a 99.2% maternal-survival rate. And, 99.8% of their babies survived to celebrate a first birthday.

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offices in Cleveland and Akron, had achieved a 99.2% maternal-survival rate among its clients. And, 99.8% of their babies survived to celebrate a first birthday. “I wanted to be able to use clinical indicators and other standardized tools to essentially capture what’s being done well so that we can continue to expand that success… to the state of Ohio,” she says. Rice explains that the nonprofit offers classes on everything from birth, breastfeeding, newborn care and development to parenting styles, co-parenting and grandparents’ roles. It also pairs each client with a doula, some of whom received project-provided additional training as a community health worker and/or in chronic disease self-management at Cleveland State University. Her team found that doulas reduce maternal stress by improving communication with medical providers (they accompany clients to medical appointments), serving as their advocates in making birthing plans, and providing support through pregnancy, delivery and baby’s first year. “Women that have been supported with midwives and doulas have less C-section rates,” Rice adds. “Their babies tend to make it to full term — that’s something else that impacts African American women — prematurity with their babies.” An evaluation of Birthing Beautiful Communities programs, together with information gathered during client focus groups, was used to develop Thrive, a userfriendly app that tracks various measures for mother and baby. It boasts tools such as a kick counter that monitors baby’s movement in the womb. “There are normal kicks that should be experienced at different times,” Rice explains. The app also features a breastfeeding/ bottle-feeding tool that tracks when the baby eats and how many ounces are taken

IMPACT

eather M. Rice saw firsthand how clinical care and socioeconomic challenges impacted African American mothers-to-be during her senior year at the Lakeview College of Nursing in Danville, Illinois. More disturbing than what she saw while participating in a project that assisted displaced mothers-to-be at a local housing unit was the knowledge that health outcomes for African American women and their babies did not improve with socioeconomic status like they typically did for other women. “In some cases, it's even worse,” the pediatric nurse practitioner and assistant professor at the Cleveland State University School of Nursing says. “PhD-prepared African American women actually have a higher risk than a Caucasian high-school student. A lot of it is related to the toxic stress that African American women experience.” That stress is the result of systemic racism, assumptions that African American women do not experience pain at the same level as other women, health professionals’ dismissive attitude regarding their concerns, the pressure to assume additional responsibilities and perform each task flawlessly and a lack of support after their babies are born. The experience hit close to home for a woman of childbearing age preparing for a professional career. In 2019, a year after the Cleveland Heights native landed her current position at CSU, Rice received the first of two grants from Ohio Third Frontier to develop a project with Birthing Beautiful Communities that would help mitigate maternal and infant mortality among African American women. “In some neighborhoods, [it’s] three to four times more likely for an African American woman to lose her baby before its first birthday,” she says. Yet the nonprofit, which serves close to 500 African American mothers-to-be and new mothers through its

ARIOL Tafa, MSN, RN

Tafa’s volunteer work has diversified exponentially since he drove a young Albanian man to Tri-C to register for classes approximately a half-dozen years ago. He still drives Albanian immigrants to meetings with Tri-C advisers so they can begin enrolling in classes. “Most Albanians hold high school degrees,” he explains. He tutors students taking English-as-a-second-language courses at Tri-C — one, he notes, is studying to become a social worker. To help Albanian immigrants adapt to their new home, he takes them to a family-friendly movie, museum, even a restaurant or Cleveland Orchestra concert. “That’s usually how you start to have a conversation and see how they’re doing,” he says. Up until this year, Tafa was also a test-taking skills tutor to Ursuline College nursing students who’d acquired English as a second language. “The needs are elsewhere right now,” he explains. Some of those needs are, of course, medical in nature. Once Tafa became a nurse, requests for advice and assistance multiplied.

IMPACT

riol Tafa remembers the challenges he faced after emigrating to the United States from his native Albania in 2004 to further his education. The then-23year-old’s prospects for immediately landing a job that paid a comfortable living wage were slim with a limited command of the English language, high-school education, and no work experience other than waiting tables. But Tafa had an uncle, a factory worker living in Lakewood, who took him into his home and provided the tuition money to earn an associate of arts degree at Cuyahoga Community College. He subsequently enrolled at Ursuline College and got bachelor’s and master’s degrees in nursing, a calling he discovered as a teen while helping care for his mother after she was seriously injured in a firearms accident. His uncle, one of three younger cousins, or a family friend always was available to help navigate a new culture and various processes and procedures such as filling out the annual paperwork required for a foreign student to study at Tri-C. “That gave me that first sense of how important community is for everyone,” Tafa says. A deep and enduring gratitude motivates Tafa to provide the same assistance and emotional support to others, even as he juggles multiple responsibilities as a clinical psychiatric nurse in the medical-psychiatric unit at University Hospitals Cleveland Medical Center; a clinical nurse at the Louis Stokes Cleveland Veterans Administration Medical Center; an adjunct clinical instructor at Ursuline College; a student working on a post-master’s certificate in Ursuline College’s Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner program; and a doctorate in nursing practice from Liberty University in Lynchburg, Virginia. He’s also a first lieutenant in the U.S. Army Reserves. Patricia Sharpnack, dean of Ursuline College’s Breen School of Nursing, has described Tafa as an unsung hero to the Albanian community in Parma and sections of Lakewood. “If I ever do anything nowadays, it’s because I remember those moments when I first moved in here myself,” he says.

In addition to his day-to-day duties, Tafa is dedicated to helping members of the local Albanian community. He refers them to appropriate clinics and health care professionals, drives older adults to medical appointments and helps them stick to care plans.

FAYE Gary, EdD, RN, FAAN

aye Gary is emphatic in stating the prescription for addressing health disparities: focus on improving access to quality education and quality healthcare. Healthy, well-educated people, she points out, are able to get jobs that pay enough for them to move out of substandard housing in food deserts with limited or no transportation — all factors that contribute to health disparities.

“Before you know it, one call has become 20,” he says good-naturedly. He helps ensure members of the Albanian community receive necessary medical care, which has become particularly important during the age of COVID. “The biggest thing with COVID was making sure that they got vaccinated and that they were properly educated,” he says. And, he helps those with psychiatric issues by developing trusting relationships with them, urging them to seek treatment if they haven’t already done so, making sure they’re taking their medications and following up with their physicians. Many, he notes, believe divulging that they need treatment will reflect poorly on their community. “Sometimes, if they’re isolated, I feel like that makes it worse for them,” Tafa says. “Even just talking, I feel, has helped many of the community, seeing that it’s not as bad, especially if they get a new diagnosis.” Ask Tafa how he finds the time in his hectic schedule to do all this, and he answers with a version of a line often uttered by amazingly productive people. “If you want to make time for something that’s truly important, you can always make time,” he says.

The Ocala, Florida, native knows of what she speaks. She came of age at a time when segregation prevented her from attending the University of Florida, about 40 miles from her family’s farm. Instead, she ended up attending Florida A&M University, a historically Black college and university in Tallahassee. “I wanted to be a nurse,” Gary says. “So, that was pretty much my only choice in the state of Florida.”

The Medical Mutual of Ohio Kent W. Clapp chair and distinguished university professor at the Case Western Reserve University Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing (who also holds a secondary appointment as professor in the CWRU School of Medicine’s department of psychiatry) has spent her career working to eliminate those disparities through her teaching, research, writings and textbook editing. Gary has also served on numerous local, state, national and international boards, committees and councils. At the national level, she has served on the boards of Mental CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

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FACESof CARE “The volunteer and paid work sort of meld together,” she says. Perhaps the greatest example of that statement is CWRU’s Provost Scholars Program, which Gary founded in 2013. It brings East Cleveland schoolchildren, along with students at the Cleveland Metropolitan School District’s Ginn Academy, to campus on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m. each week during the academic year. “We pick them up in 8th grade,” Gary says of the participants, which number from 31 to 35 at any one time. “They stay with us until they graduate.” On Tuesdays, participants meet with their faculty mentors. On Thursdays, they are tutored by CWRU students.

Students also attend a seminar on topics such as career planning and skill development. Day trips take them to destinations ranging from CWRU’s University Farm in Hunting Valley to Niagara Falls, from the Ohio Statehouse and The Ohio State University in Columbus to Wayne State University in Detroit. The experiences can be transformative. One of Gary’s first mentees is a graduate student at Ohio State. Another former participant is in law school, and one earned a bachelor’s degree from Spellman College and scored a fellowship at Wake Forest University. “She’s going to be an economic analyst,” Gary says proudly. Gary is also very active in the Plymouth United Church of Christ in Shaker Heights. She belongs to a group that’s exploring how the church can get more involved in social-injustice issues such as gerrymandering of voting districts. And, she’s preparing a lecture on the origins of redlining and its impact on the neighborhoods it created. “There’s just so much to do,” she says. “I guess it’s hard for me to let go. I grew up in the country where I’ve been working ever since I can remember, doing something — gathering eggs, sweeping the floor, closing the gate behind the cows, something. So, work is a very integral part of my being. And being a nurse, boy, I’ve seen so much human suffering. Any time that I can alleviate anything, I will do that.”

IMPACT

Health America, the National Institute of Mental Health and Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Her 100-plus published journal articles address topics such as mistrust of black women in the health professions, as well as mental health among children and adolescents. Her most recent efforts include writing five chapters for a textbook on population health and health disparities she’s co-editing with fellow 2022 Faces of Care honoree Lynn Lotas. Those outside the walls of educational and medical institutions, however, know Gary for the work she’s done in the community since a former nursing school dean lured her from the University of Florida to CWRU with an endowed chair in 2003.

LYNN Lotas, PhD, RN, FAAN

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that CWRU nursing undergraduates would be collecting and evaluating data. “No one had mentioned that to me before,” she says. “I did mention it to the director of nursing in the school district, that I was surprised to see that. And she said, ‘I know. They asked me who would do it, and I knew you wouldn’t mind.’ She volunteered me.” Over the next five years, CWRU nursing undergraduates participated in a project that screened approximately 15,000 fifth graders, a significant number of whom were found to be hypertensive — a condition that might have gone unidentified because many children simply didn’t have blood-pressure checks. “By the time they do, they have end-stage organ damage,” Lotas says.

High poverty levels and an aging housing stock, along with low test scores, subsequently contributed to her concern about the children’s potential exposure to lead. “Seventy-nine percent of the housing in Cleveland was built before 1970, when we started having laws prohibiting leaded paint [and] … leaded pipes,” she says. In 2018, she secured funding from the Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Foundation for a project that screens Cleveland school district children aged 3 to 6. In many cases, children had lead levels well above the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s reportable level. “There is no safe level of lead,” she stresses. “They have found cognitive changes with very low levels of lead, levels below the reportable level. The reportable level for many years has been 5 micrograms per deciliter of blood. In March [2021], the CDC dropped it to 3.5 micrograms.”

DAVID SCHWARTZ

ynn Lotas’s contribution to improving the health of children in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District resulted from an incident that still makes her smile. In 2004, four years after she arrived at the Case Western Reserve University Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing as director of its undergraduate program, she met with the district’s director of nursing. Lotas had learned that 41 to 44 percent of Cleveland children lived in poverty, and she wanted to explore how the nursing school might address some of their health issues. One morning after that meeting, she read a Plain Dealer article about an American Heart Association hypertension-screening project in the Cleveland schools, part of a project to improve overall fitness among students. It stated

Gary founded CWRU’s Provost Scholars Program, which gives local students the opportunity to attend skill-building seminars and receive tutoring in important subjects such as math, writing, science and critical thinking.

IMPACT The damage it does to the brain and nervous system is permanent, affecting cognitive ability and impulse control. According to the most recent state reports to the CDC, only 20 to 24 percent of Ohio children ages 6 and under have been tested for lead exposure. “So, the percentage we have is probably underrepresenting the lead problem,” Lotas says. The project first secured consent from parents for their children to be tested, an effort Lotas says resulted in 70 to 90 percent agreeing to

Thanks to Lotas’s efforts, more young children in Cleveland are being tested for lead. When high levels are detected, families are provided referrals for environmental testing, mitigation and special education support.

do so. Then, undergraduate nursing students from CWRU, Ursuline College and Notre Dame College were deployed to the classrooms to take blood samples with a finger stick. A high test was confirmed by a traditional blood draw by an experienced CWRU graduate nursing student or physician’s assistant student supervised by nursing faculty at the child’s school. A team consisting of a community member and a health care professional called families of children with high tests to offer education about the dangers of lead.

“While you can’t undo the damage, you can start working with the child to minimize the effect on their behavior,” Lotas says. “They may learn differently, but they can learn.” Lotas’s interest in improving children’s health, particularly preterm infants’ health, is rooted in her own childhood. “I had twin brothers who were born very, very prematurely,” she explains, adding that one was extensively disabled due to an intracranial bleed. Her accomplishments prior to arriving at CWRU include establishing advanced-practice nursing programs in Texas’s Rio Grande Valley, one of the poorest and medically underserved areas of the country, as director of a neonatal practitioner program at the University of Texas in the early to mid 1990s. “I followed my preemies to the school district,” she says of her career track. Lotas relinquished her responsibilities as the lead screening program’s director when she retired in June 2020. But she serves on the adjunct faculty and maintains a seat on the editorial board of Neonatal Network: The Journal of Neonatal Nursing. At press time, she was co-editing a textbook about population health and health disparities scheduled to be published in October with fellow 2022 Faces of Care honoree Faye Gary.

2022 FAC E S O F CA RE

HONORING NURSES MAKING AN IMPACT IN THE NURSING COMMUNIT Y

THE FACULT Y AND STAFF OF

CUYAHOGA COMMUNITY COLLEGE

CONGRATULATE ALL OF THIS YE AR’S

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Future

Leaders

The next generation of Northeast Ohio nurses shares what inspired them to pursue direct care and their hopes for the future. BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE AND MYRA ORENSTEIN

Kaitlyn Perry

Cleveland State University Caring and constant opportunities for growth are what drew Kaitlyn Perry into nursing school. “I’ve always had a passion for caring for others around me,” says Perry, who graduated in May from Cleveland State University with a Bachelor of Science in nursing.

Perry balances school with her role at MetroHealth Medical Center as a nurse intern in the trauma intensive care unit. “That has been my biggest learning experience so far,” she says. “I see critical care patients, and that really tests you to use your skills. You have to act immediately.” Through nursing school, Perry has learned a lot about herself — including gaining confidence to manage the most demanding medical situations in the ICU. She’s directing those skills straight into the workforce and accepted a position as a registered nurse in the department.

Breanay Clemons Ursuline College

From a young age, Breanay Clemons knew she wanted to become a nurse. Her commitment to that path has been reinforced over the years. Once, at an obstetrician’s office visit with her then-pregnant cousin, Clemons witnessed the role of a midwife, whose knowledge and professionalism she found impressive and inspiring. “I knew immediately I wanted to be a labor and delivery nurse,” Clemons says.

In high school, she participated in the Aspire Nursing program at Cleveland Clinic. Now, as she graduates from Ursuline College, Clemons has a lot on her plate. After graduation, she will fulfill her goal and begin working as a labor and delivery nurse at the MetroHealth system. In addition, she will pursue a dual degree from Georgetown University’s midwifery and women’s health nurse practitioner master’s program. “A nurse told me this is a new generation of nurses. We know what we want to do and never change our minds,” Clemons says.

Sheila O’Connor

Baldwin Wallace University After 15 years working as a music teacher, Sheila O’Connor pivoted when she realized she wanted to learn how to better care for her parents, who were both battling cancer. She had the people skills — the teaching and learning experience from nurturing classrooms of children. Rather than pursuing a master’s in music education, she enrolled in a 15-month nursing program to earn her Bachelor of Science in

Excellence in Nursing Science and Innovation As a top school for NIH-funded research, we support faculty and students who explore a broad range of subjects— from the biology of symptoms to the societal factors that contribute to health and illness.

Learn more at case.edu/nursing.

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nursing and RN at Baldwin Wallace and will complete her degree in December. “Nursing school has taught me to be humble as I learn new things after working in a previous career,” says O’Connor. So far, O’Connor has finished rotations at Fairview Hospital in the obstetrics department, University Hospitals main campus and Rainbow Babies & Children’s pediatric pulmonary unit, University Hospitals St. John Medical Center and Cleveland Clinic Medina Hospital.

Kara Marie Tatum Notre Dame College

Leadership has come naturally to Kara Marie Tatum, a graduate of Notre Dame College’s School of Nursing. “The dean of Nursing told me that she was very impressed with my growth and leadership. She encouraged me to stand up for what I believe in,” Tatum says. Tatum took the advice to heart. During her time at Notre Dame College, she was an advocate for students and their beliefs, using her leadership

skills to discuss concerns with the nursing division to ensure students' wishes were respected. Because of her self-confidence and ability to lead, Tatum has received awards for outstanding leadership from Notre Dame College and the Greater Cleveland Nurses Association. “In middle school and high school, I worked at the Martin Luther King Health Center and the Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center,” she adds. “That exposure solidified my decision [to enter the nursing field].” Tatum is currently working on the Trauma Intensive Care unit at University Hospitals as a nurse tech.

Chesaria Reffner

Chamberlain College of Nursing Chamberlain College of Nursing Graduate Chesaria Reffner chose nursing because of the many career paths it affords her. “I love all aspects of care, from holistic nursing at the bedside to patient advocacy, education and so much more,” she says. Reffner first wants to get a foundation in bedside nursing, knowing she will pursue an

advanced degree to become either a certified nurse anesthetist or nurse practitioner. She looks up to her great-grandmother, a former nurse who she calls a “wonderful, super caring, warm person,” — characteristics Reffner says a nurse should embody. For the past six months, Reffner has been working at University Hospitals Seidman Cancer Center. She’ll continue there post-graduation in its surgical ICU stepdown floor. During her three years at Chamberlain, she has been a student ambassador for the Cleveland campus, was involved with new student orientation, delivered talks about leadership, provided success tips to students and worked at the Center of Academic Success, providing free tutoring.

Bryanna Drabek

Kent State University A fractured spine following an accident after high school graduation didn’t stop Bryanna Drabek from pursuing a degree from the College of Nursing at Kent State University. Doctors warned her about being careful after her injury. Many believed she could not accomplish her dream of becoming a nurse. “I made a promise to my great-grandmother before she passed that I would become a nurse,” Drabek says.

Career Ursuline’s Breen School of Nursing is a National League for Nursing Center of Excellence. Here, you will benefit from a rigorous education, personal attention, strong mentoring relationships, and our 100% job placement rate post licensure.

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FACESof CARE After working in nursing homes for 10 years and as an aide at Cleveland Clinic for five years, Drabek is now graduating from Kent. “I am doing this, in part, to be a role model for my daughter [age 14] and to show her that anything is possible,” Drabek explains. Most recently, Drabek had been working in the COVID Unit at South Pointe Hospital and is continuing there now that it has returned to a regular floor. After graduation, she will become an ICU nurse at Hillcrest Hospital while simultaneously pursuing a doctoral degree to become a psychiatric nurse practitioner.

Bridget McCoy

Cuyahoga Community College Bridget McCoy’s first hands-on clinical experience was at Cleveland Clinic main campus with a patient working through chemotherapy. It was then that she knew her decision to pursue nursing was absolutely the right choice. “You can really change someone’s day and hospital stay,” says McCoy. McCoy earned a degree in health services administration from Ohio University and always

knew she’d pursue healthcare, having been exposed to the field by her mother. Before graduating, she interned at Cleveland Clinic in human resources for international operations. “I have always enjoyed working with people — and sitting at a desk all day long is not my speed,” she relates. Now, McCoy is completing her RN degree at Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and works at Fairview Hospital as a nurse’s aide in the obstetrics and gynecology department. McCoy is president of Tri-C’s Student Nurses Association and accepted a position at Fairview Hospital’s intensive care unit. “In the ICU, you are really investigating the patient and understanding, ‘Why did this happen?’” she says.

“I’m working in the coronary care ICU at the Cleveland Clinic and love the pace, that my mind is always occupied and that it’s necessary to critically think of the patient’s history and the impact the care will have on that person’s future,” she says. Although working in the medical field has appealed to her since she was young, making a direct connection with patients became the deciding factor between becoming a doctor or a nurse. It was a summer externship at Cleveland Clinic that solidified her decision. “It was my first hospital experience working as a nurse rather than a nursing student. It helped me to understand hospital care plans and assignments," she says. Clements has held leadership roles in the Undergraduate Student Nurses Association (USNA) since her sophomore year at Case Western. During her junior year, as president of the association, she expanded her understanding of policies, seeing things from both student and faculty perspectives. She became a senior representative her senior year, helping to make connections between the students and USNA.

Aleah Clements

Case Western Reserve University After graduation from Frances Payne Bolton School of Nursing at Case Western Reserve University, Aleah Clements will pursue her dream of being a critical care nurse in a New York City hospital.

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Rocky River Destination

ry o t s i te H a r b e l Ce

The Rocky River Chamber of Commerce celebrates 100 years and looks back on a century of supporting local businesses and helping the community thrive. Special Promotional Section

PLUS: Connecting with the Library | Collaborative Efforts at the Schools

FROM THE MAYOR

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Rocky River

A quality community for your family, your business and your investment. 440-331-0600 • rrcity.com

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For advertising information, call

216.377.3693

COVER: LAURA WATILO BLAKE

uring the past couple of years, we’ve learned that it takes an entire community working together to overcome life’s toughest hurdles. This year, as the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce celebrates its centennial, it’s a proud milestone for us all — a testament to everyone’s dedication to support each other in times of need. Rocky River is known as one of Cleveland's most desirable suburbs in which to live, work, play and enjoy all that life has to offer. From shopping and dining to strolling the shoreline and playing in the parks, it's an ideal destination for people of all ages and interests. The chamber plays such a vital role in making all of that possible, from hosting fundraisers and participating in beach cleanups to planting flowers and hosting gatherings for everyone to enjoy. On page 6, we dive into the rich history of Rocky River’s business community and the cooperation that exists between the city, chamber and residents. In addition to those connections, Rocky River Public Library and Rocky River City Schools also impact the city in many positive ways. On page 3, get a sneak peek at the variety of programs available at the library this summer, from computer courses and history talks to summer concerts and children’s activities. On page 4, take a closer look at how high school fashion students put a smile on the faces of kids at Goldwood Elementary School and the collaboration taking place after two years of hybrid learning. As we look back on the past 100 years, I’m excited to see how far we’ve come and what the future holds. With Mayor our strong foundation and care for one another, the Pamela E. Bobst possibilities are endless. Executive Assistant to the Mayor Mary Ellen Umerley With kindest regards, Mayor Pam Bobst

LIBRARY

CITY NEWS

Mark Your Calendar Get a sneak peek at the variety of activities and training programs available at the library this summer. Internet Essentials I

June 6, 6:30 p.m. Learn how to get connected, use a web browser, navigate web pages and choose a search engine.

Astrology Apps

June 13, 6:30 p.m. Discover some of the most popular astrology apps, such as Co-Star, the Chani App and the Pattern.

New Ways to Connect

From one-on-one tech training to inclusive programs, Rocky River Public Library works to reach everyone in the community. By Kristen Hampshire

econnection and outreach are focus areas for Rocky River Public Library heading into summer and beyond. “We could all use a refresher after the pandemic,” says Stacey Hayman, outreach coordinator. “We are trying different methods of connecting with the community.” That includes unleashing a new podcast called What’s the Story @RRPL that will showcase the library’s services and starting a welcome wagon-esque offering for new residents to share what’s “on the shelf,” from training to digital services. “The podcast will feature four staff members, and we’ll talk about services, materials like books and music and different programs taking place,” Hayman says. Patrons can access the podcast through the library’s blog, Read It or Weep, and it will be available on iTunes and Google Play. For those who might not fall in the digital native camp, the library is amping up its one-on-one training opportunities. Already,

the reference desk provides troubleshooting tips. “But, let’s say you are having trouble with an e-reader. You can set up an appointment with our training department, and they can sit down with you,” Hayman says. With a goal to reach a wider audience and diversify programming, the library is rolling out additional inclusive, adaptive offerings. “We want to reach people who might not have felt like we had something for them, so we are offering some English as a Second Language (ESL) programs, along with American Sign Language,” Hayman says. The library received a grant from the Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities to deliver new programs for adults and children, such as life skills and sensory friendly offerings. “We are also looking to reach people who are homebound and may not realize that we can bring materials to them,” Hayman says. “We are making sure that no one is left behind and trying to touch everyone in a positive way.”

Internet Skills — Email

June 20, 6:30 p.m. Learn about email security, personalizing emails and other settings and filters.

History TALKS: History of Bradstreet's Landing June 23, 7 p.m. Carrie Sowden from the National Museum of the Great Lakes will share the history of the site and its namesake, Bradstreet’s Disaster.

Internet Skills — Searching

June 27, 6:30 p.m. Become a search engine master.

iNaturalist App

June 28, 6:30 p.m. Learn to use the iNaturalist app for plant and creature identification, help others make identifications and contribute to scientific data collection.

Cloud Computing

July 11, 6:30 p.m. Understand the concept of cloud computing, how it’s different from saving locally and some sample applications.

Zoom I

July 16, 2 p.m. This introduction class will teach participants the basics of Zoom.

Microsoft Office 365 — Word July 18, 6:30 p.m. Create virtual documents, use editing tools and customize text.

Microsoft Office 365 — Excel July 25, 6:30 p.m. Learn how to create a virtual spreadsheet that can be used for computation, graphing, record-keeping and more during this beginner class.

History TALKS: The Canal that Created Cleveland July 27, 7 p.m. Judy MacKeigan, a historian/archivist from Cleveland Metroparks, will present a program on the Ohio and Erie Canal.

COURTESY ROCKY RIVER PUBLIC LIBRARY

Google — Docs

Aug. 23, 6:30 p.m. Learn how to use Google's free service to create word processing documents in Google Drive.

Career Minded Series — Free Technology Certifications Aug. 25, 6:30 p.m. Discover two ways to earn certifications through the library's provided platforms, LinkedIn Learning and Northstar Digital Literacy.

Google — Sheets

Aug. 30, 6:30 p.m. Use Google's free service to create spreadsheets in Google Drive.

For more information or to register for a class, visit rrpl.com.

CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

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CITY NEWS

SCHOOLS

Makings of Little Monsters Students get creative with a collaborative project designed to foster teamwork after two years of hybrid learning. By Kristen Hampshire

onster Makenna likes to eat grapes and has a yarn smile with two red-heart dimples. Monster Gray Scar likes meat and is afraid of the sun, but the winged, fire-spitting character with a zig-zag mouth loves to fly. There’s nothing scary about this collaborative project designed to reconnect students after the pandemic. Rocky River High School’s family and consumer science teacher, Kristen Kalinowski, came up with the idea. She suggested that her fashion students fabricate monsters for the children at Goldwood Elementary School. Since the elementary school encompasses about 600 students, the school decided to make a monster for each kindergarten through second-grade class. “They had to communicate, collaborate and compromise to make one classroom monster — and compromise is a tough

one,” says Erin Pontikos, school counselor at Goldwood Elementary School. “Not everyone is going to win.” Students came up with silly monster names and participated in activities such as writing stories about their monsters. Then, the high school fashion students used their drawings as patterns to craft stuffed animal replicas. “Not only were students here working as teams, the high school students discussed the designs with the kids — ‘Did you mean this to be antennas or wings?’ It was cool to see how they made their K-2 dreams a reality,” Pontikos says. Felt, thread, buttons, yarn, pipe cleaners and other materials came together as funny, squeezable monsters. Then, the fashion students visited the elementary school to present them to the classes.

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“The high school students loved it, too, and they got a huge kick out of spending time with the classes,” Pontikos says, adding that the elementary school students read the high schoolers their monster stories, and the April 4 reveal became a celebration. The project aligned with Goldwood’s March theme of teamwork. April was sportsmanship and included “games and grains,” highlighting how board games can teach academic skills. “We want to bring students back together again,” Pontikos says.

“Our second graders have never had a normal school year, and this is the first year they’ve been in the building five days a week in-person,” Pontikos relates. “So, being able to collaborate like this is something they have not had a chance to do. That’s why these enrichment projects where they work together are so important.” The project hit home with the high schoolers, too. “They were even making little monsters for their cars,” Pontikos says. “This is definitely an idea where we decided, ‘We’re doing this every year.’”

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CLEVELAND

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As the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce celebrates its centennial, we look back at the history of the city's booming business community and longtime reputation as a destination for shopping, dining, gathering and taking in the sights.

COURTESY CITY OF ROCKY RIVER

PHOTO CREDIT

BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE

ewind the clock back 100 years and imagine milk delivered by the local Barrett Creamery and libations at Wright’s Tavern, where the Silverthorne stands. Zeager’s — by what is now Stadler’s Jewelers — was a general store stocked with staples, from pantry items to hardware goods. Hogg Brothers Coal, Flour and Feed offered necessities to keep the home fires burning. And, fertile soil throughout the community translated to greenhouses. “For many years we had an agricultural economy,” says Mayor Pamela Bobst, reflecting on historical accounts of the city’s business community. CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

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This year, the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce celebrates its centennial — a significant milestone for an organization that has grown to more than 400 members and continues to represent a diverse, committed group of entrepreneurs. “Our businesses play an important role in supporting community members, providing goods and services to residents, and they have a long history of volunteerism and philanthropy,” Bobst says, relating how the chamber supports city initiatives, from planting flowers to beach cleanups. Chamber members fuel the city’s economic engine, and Rocky River has a legacy of supporting its local businesses. “Strength in numbers does not come easy, without each member doing their part,” points out Alan Rego, owner of Lake Road Market. “The vibrant support from our community

COURTESY ROCKY RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

MILESTONE

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From 1920s dress to music, dancing and sharing photographs and historic memorabilia, “We embraced our history,” Barth says. A life-sized (not edible) cake commemorating the milestone features 100 candles sponsored by members. “The cake will go out and about with us all year long, showing those members’ commitment to the organization and helping us celebrate as a beautiful visual for our anniversary.” The chamber has been collecting mementos for a time capsule — industry information, menus, storefront ENGAGING TRADITIONS pictures, swag and even masks with The yearlong centennial celebration companies’ logos. kicked off with a Roaring Twenties soi“That way, we’ll really have a glimpse ree at the Cleveland Yachting Club on of what it was like when we turned 100,” Feb. 25. The anniversary of the cham- Barth says. A time capsule dedication ber’s founding in 1922 is Feb. 27. “We and celebratory happy hour took place Consumer Postcard Deck took it back to where it began,” says May 11 at Behind the Woods, a longtime Proof #: 1 Angela Barth, executive director for the chamber member. The time capsule will ChangeRiver The Way You Smile Permanent Teeth. Rocky Chamber of With Commerce. be sealed and stored for 25 years. Dump Your Dentures, Ask Us How!

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would not be possible without such a great organization.” A longtime member, Rego has watched the chamber grow and thrive. Lake Road Market is located along a historic artery of Rocky River, so he has seen the community evolve while maintaining its roots and traditions. “It’s amazing to see the transformation over the years,” he says, adding that the business community has progressed to meet the community’s needs. “Today, the chamber is stronger than ever.”

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SAVE THE DATE

TASTE OF RIVER, JUNE 25

Taste of River

Take to the streets! The summer event ‘to be and be seen’ picks up with a fresh block party vibe, music, libations and a host of restaurants serving up their best.

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Come with an appetite for chefs' favorites, live music, spirits and a sense of community. The reimagined Taste of River event, June 25, 4 to 8 p.m., takes to the streets as a larger scale celebration of the city’s restaurant scene. “We are excited to bring back this event after a two-year hiatus,” says Angela Barth, executive director of the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce, which launched the event in 2009. “We celebrated our 10-year anniversary in 2019 and decided we’d shake it up the following year, but then came the pandemic.” Traditionally, the event took place in conjunction with River Days and was held on a Saturday at the Don Umerley Civic Center. This year, the city will close

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MILESTONE off Linda Street. The later time and block party feel will bring new energy to Taste of River. “We want people to enjoy a beautiful summer evening and great food,” Barth says. Taste of River is free. Visitors pay only upon consumption. The event will include up to 15 restaurants — mainstays like Rocky River Wine Bar and the Market, along with new spots like Sakana Sushi. “They will have tasting sizes of signature items and some might bring new items they are testing to add to their menus,” Barth says. “The event showcases the wonderful culinary scene in Rocky River — our restaurants are the heart and soul of the event. But we also added other features, including a bar and live entertainment, to encourage people to stay longer, socialize, eat and enjoy.”

Throughout the year, traditional chamber events will have a centennial twist. The Taste of River will take to the streets on June 25 as a communitywide festival. Planting day will include creating a centennial garden at Elmwood Park. Monthly luncheons highlight special speakers. All the while, members share memories of the first business expo or chamber holiday parties in the early days. “The chamber always has been and is a part of many of our traditions — and we are a community that loves its traditions,” Bobst says. “We love gatherings at Christmas, the Easter egg hunt, Festival of the Trees, Taste of River and now, Strengthening Our Roots, which includes a big cleanup and planting in an area of the city every year.” The city’s All Aglow Tree Lighting includes Chamber Lights, where businesses sponsor and decorate

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balled-and-burlapped trees for the city hall campus. After the holiday display, the trees are replanted throughout the community for Arbor Day. As for trees, some longtime community members recall bonfires held in what is now the Whole Foods parking lot. Before the site was developed into a shopping center in the 1950s, there were sand pits. “A huge tradition was the Christmas tree burning gathering that was sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce,” Bobst relates. “Everyone would bring their spent Christmas tree to the sand pits, and residents who have been here for many years and grew up here remember those bonfires as children and what great fun it was.” Rego adds, “Over the years, chamber events have always made a lasting impression. From start to finish, whether it’s a social event or scheduled chamber event, everything always runs smoothly and is fun to be a part of.” Most of the chamber’s traditions are tied to a purpose and involve community service. For example,

COURTESY ROCKY RIVER CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

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members volunteer for biweekly beach cleanups.“ We do our best to give back all that we receive, so getting our members involved handson in beautifying the community and helping us maintain our city is really important,” Barth says. “We make it a priority to be active and engaged with the city and integrated with their projects.” Civic engagement is a founding tenant of the chamber, points out Christopher Klym, the organization’s board chair, a longtime Rocky River resident and partner in Huffman, Hunt & Klym. “Our businesses are just as much members of the community as we are as individuals, and we have a responsibility to give back,” he says. “Civic involvement is a wonderful way for outreach in a collaborative, authentic way. We get to know each other and we are part of each other’s lives.” It’s an example of how the community comes together in many ways, Klym adds. “It shows how much we care about the community, and we are all working to serve the community the best we can.”

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CLEVELAND

06.22

Grendow says. “The support we received was phenomenal.” The chamber has supported Danny Boy’s milestones, too. “In fact, the community helped us name our children and guess their weights in a baby contest,” Grendow says, describing a banner they hung outside the restaurant that read, “It’s a waiter!” when their son, Camden, was born and, “It’s a waitress!” for their daughter, Chase. Both attended River schools and today they work at the business. “In this world we live in now, we feel so lucky to have so much support and goodwill in the community and through the chamber,” Grendow says. Bobst calls the chamber “an important clearinghouse and conduit for the exchange of information.” Case in point: During the pandemic, the chamber helped connect members to programs through the state and other agencies.

COURTESY DANNY BOY'S

Chase Grendow (pictured) operates Danny Boy's with her brother, Camden, and parents, Rob and Renee.

Business owners from across the region have chosen Rocky River as a home base for business. Many owners live in River, but some come from the East Side, Akron, Canton and west into Lorain County. “It’s so great to see the impact we have on Northeast Ohio,” Barth says. Bobst adds, “In 100 years, members have made an effort to be part of the fabric of the community and to really assist one another.” Rob and Renee Grendow, owners of Danny Boy’s, live in Rocky River and opened their business in town 30 years ago. “The city of Rocky River, chamber and community have been with us every step of the way, through the very early, tough years when we didn’t know much at all through the long construction closure of Lake Road and certainly during the pandemic,” Rob

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MILESTONE “If businesses didn’t have a strong and engaged chamber, they might not be aware of some of these important resources, whether to help businesses expand, provide regulatory information, workforce development — all of these things are critical to retaining and growing businesses,” she says. Businesses came together during the pandemic — and have joined forces throughout history to weather tough times. At the onset of COVID-19 when many businesses were temporarily shut down, they found creative ways to help each other and to serve residents. Lake Road Market, Danny Boy’s and Gourmet Guy’s offered meal giveaways to literally “feed support” to those who had been loyal to their businesses. Community members also donated to the cause. About 900 people showed up for the free meal night and received takeout chicken paprikash, broccoli and pizzas.

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MILESTONE

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Bobst points interested businesses that are exploring Rocky River as a location to the chamber. “Businesses settle here, and they can thrive and grow here with the support,” she says, adding that members have a “direct and significant impact on our local economy.”

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The chamber supported businesses by purchasing gift cards and raffling them to residents who ate local and uploaded receipts for a chance to win. And even during a stressful time, new businesses were opening in Rocky River, Barth points out.

“Small businesses are not only important to a local community, but they are important to our nation’s economy,” Bobst adds. “About half of the nation’s workforce is employed by small businesses, and 60% to 65% of new jobs are created by small business.” The diversity of businesses in River is also an asset to the economy. “That’s one reason why we have stability,” Bobst says. From clothing to dining, health care to professional services, retail to recreation — Rocky River’s portfolio of businesses runs the gamut. “There is a great deal of loyalty in our community on behalf of residents for our local businesses,” Bobst adds. “They understand the importance of frequenting our local businesses and being patrons.” Paul Gorton, owner of Ford’s Clothier, says generations of residents have shopped at the store, which has been open for 109 years and more than 60

COURTESY FORD'S CLOTHIER / CENTURY CYCLES

MILESTONE

Paul Gorton, the current owner of Ford's Clothier, is pictured on the left (circa mid-1970s).

years in Rocky River. “A big thank you,” he says, noting that loyal business and community members are part of the store’s success. The centennial anniversary is “an accomplishment,” he adds. Loyalty goes beyond “buy local,” Klym says. “We get to know the owners of our businesses and that’s what makes a community.”

Scott Maloney, the current co-owner and president of Century Cycles, is pictured on the left (circa 1986).

A CARING COMMUNITY Rocky River has a rich history of caring for the community. “We have been able to make valuable connections through the Chamber’s network to help us on the business front — whether for banking or legal needs — and also on the personal side,” says Matt Miller, store manager of the Rocky River Century Cycles.

“If you think about it, there aren’t a lot of buildings that stand for 100 years, and you take a group of people and businesses with similar interests that have been going strong for a century, that’s fantastic — and there is no doubt it will continue,” Miller says. The Welsh Home is sharing a centennial year with the Rocky River

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Chamber of Commerce. The site was formerly the Higley Farm, and the original home there was described as “having nine bedrooms, two living rooms, five bathrooms as well as six cows, calves, a bull and a house with an orchard and a garden.” One-hundred years later, the continuum of care community offering assisted living, skilled nursing, rehabilitation and long-term care still provides a home-like environment. “Taking care of the community is our business,” says Sarah Koch, LNHA, executive director, The Welsh Home. “The residents of the Welsh Home are the residents of Rocky River. The employees are residents, and the families of our residents also live here. It’s a wonderful circle we are honored to be a part of.” For 100 years, the Welsh Home has owned the same property that is now a central commercial district encircled by neighborhoods. Sharing a Chamber memory, Koch recalls when she attended a luncheon eight years ago when Mayor Bobst delivered a state of the city. “I knew I wanted to reinvent my career at The Welsh Home, and it sparked the idea of me moving to Rocky River,” Koch says. For many, it’s a merging of business, pleasure, family and fun. And, importantly, support to make a dream come to life and create a legacy. “When you support our businesses, you’re helping them realize the American Dream,” Bobst says. “I can’t imagine anything more worthy of our attention and support than helping someone realize their dream.”

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HOMEBUYERS GUIDE

A New Normal Housing Market? Escalating home values, multiple cash offers, creeping interest rates and low inventory are some obstacles buyers are navigating today. But still, now is the time to buy — if you’re smart about it. by Kristen Hampshire use of a two-week vacation time share, tickets to a big game and long, long closes that give sellers up to a year to stay in a home after it’s sold are just a few of the flashy “look here!” add-ons today’s home buyers are tossing into offers. “I’ve seen a one-year supply of tacos written into an offer — vacation rentals, people are reaching for anything,” says real-estate agent Ryan Young. “When you throw in a fun extra — Browns tickets — it makes you more memorable." Nationally, there are a minimum of five bids on every house, reports Lou Barbee, an agent with RE/MAX Real Estate Group. A loan originator with whom she works closely generally has about 50 home loan preapprovals in the funnel at a time, and 75% to 80% of those buyers secure a house. “Today, of those 50 preapprovals, 10% actually end up getting a house. That’s a huge difference.”

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FREE LANDSCAPING FOR A YEAR,

Barbee says this market is different than any others in her 26 years of business. At the end of 2021 the Multiple Listing Service (MLS) showed the average home sold for more than 12% higher than the previous year. “The other big thing buyers need to be prepared for is bridging appraisal gaps, so if you agree to pay $230,000 for a house and it appraises at $205,000, where is the additional money coming from?” says Ed Huck, president, Ed Huck Team, Keller Williams Citywide. Buyers are paying 10% to 20% over asking prices to win bids. Cash is king, and sometimes not enough to win a deal. And interest rates are creeping up along with sellers’ asking prices.

BUY NOW OR LATER?

If you’ve thought about purchasing your first home, moving up or downsizing during the last year, you might have told

yourself: I’ll hold off. Home prices are just too high now. But now is the time. “Even if prices stay the same and interest rates are 4.5%, you’ll kick yourself and say, ‘I guess I should have bought,’ and it’s a double whammy if home values go up 8% with higher rates,” Huck says. If home prices level or depreciate slightly but rates creep up to 5.5%, there’s still missed opportunity if you wait, Huck adds. Plus, there’s a shortage of housing, so as long as demand far exceeds supply, prices will be at a premium. Another reason to buy now is that rents are increasing at a faster rate than home prices. “It is often more expensive to rent in Northeast Ohio than it is to own,” Barbee points out. First-time buyers want to get out of leases that keep going up. “Move-up buyers want more space because a lot of them are working from home, and empty-nesters don’t want to CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

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HOMEBUYERS GUIDE

TIP BOX:

WISE BUY MOVES Look off market. “What is your agent doing to find you properties that are not visible to the rest of the market?” asks Ryan Young, president, The Young Team. Partnering with a well-connected agent who can find homes not quite listed but readying for market can give you a buying edge. Go with a wellknown lender. Sellers do consider the lending partner a buyer chooses, particularly when there are multiple bids on a property. “I want to know that the deal won’t fall apart last minute so my seller is left sitting with other offers they could have had,” says Lou Barbee, real estate associate at RE/MAX Real Estate Group. Give sellers time. Young sold his own house off-market and negotiated three months of rent-back to allow time to find another place. “That was the only way we would consider selling. And I know some buyers who are letting the sellers stay in the home an extra year.” Reset price range expectations. Because of the number of cash offers occurring and appraisal gaps, buyers should be sure to go into a negotiation with extra liquid. This could mean lowering the price range. “Or, buyers may need to consider less pricey areas and be able to sacrifice amenities or finishes,” Barbee says. “The smartest thing to do now is buy the worst house on the best street you can afford. That’s the house that will show appreciation.”

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have the extra space. Everyone has a motivation — and those motivations are real. They are valid. You can do it in this market.” So are prices inflated? Maybe not so much. And will they go down? “There is a five million shortage of homes in the United States at this point, and if you go off of supply and demand, it’s in favor of housing prices to keep increasing or hold steady,” says David Gresko, real-estate agent and team leader, Slate Group, Russell Real Estate Services. What this means for buyers of all stages is prepare financially, emotionally — you will lose a house or several in the process. “It’s fast-paced, and there are ups and downs, but as long as you know what you are walking into, you’ll have a much better buying experience,” Young says. Rather than focusing on prices now compared to a year or three ago, consider the value of a home beyond dollars. “Step back and look at the utility you get from a house,” Gresko advises. “Think about, ‘Does it suit me?’ rather than, ‘What will it look like in the future?’ because no one really knows.”

praisal gap, no inspections, a significant amount of earnest money down (that’s) nonrefundable, and letting the seller keep possession for as long as they want.” Another scenario: Write a cash offer with the ability to finance. “It takes away the financing contingency,” Barbee says. While costly, the current home can be refinanced to an interest-only mortgage so you can qualify for both homes. “Some lenders will allow you to move forward and buy the second house and you sell the first and put the proceeds toward the second — a recast,” Gresko says. Move-up buyers will get more for their current homes than they would have a year or even six months ago, but the price of their next house is also higher. That said, Barbee reminds, “Selling now in that move-up range is a good thing because they are seeing high gains because of supply and demand, and they are buying in a market where the high end [values] have gone up but not at the same rate as firsttime buyer and mid-range-priced houses. So, this is actually a benefit for move-up buyers.”

CASH ON THE TABLE

Empty-nesters might be in the best market position, aside from buyers looking at the highest end where prices have not inflated to the extent of other categories, Barbee says. In fact, jumbo loan interest rates are actually less than conventional rates, with an early April rate of 4.79% vs. 4.04%. (Blink and they’ll change.) “Empty-nesters are buying a different lifestyle,” Barbee says. Those shifting into a condo environment benefit from a softer market. “Moving down is much easier than moving up,” Gresko says. “Generally, there is more equity and you can create a deal easier.” Young says empty-nesters can capitalize on this market. “I’ve had some empty-nesters rent an RV and travel for a year or decide to get into temporary housing because it’s easy for them to do, and they say, ‘This will be fun,’” he says. And in fact, from the sell side, real-estate agents including Young are focused on off-market inventory to find homes for potential buyers. “There are people out there who do not realize how strong the market is, and when they do, all of a sudden it changes their appetite for selling,” he says.

THE UPSIDE TO DOWNSIZING

Cash offers are undoubtedly the strongest whether you’re a first-time buyer, moving up to a larger space or an empty-nester ready to downsize. Going into a house hunt financially prepared has been and still is crucial. But there’s a financial reset any buyer will need to reconsider. “If you’re looking at a house for $200,000, you need to be able to afford $250,000,” Young says. Extra funds are necessary for potentially absorbing an appraisal gap if the home is valued at less than the offer. And interest rate hikes could impact affordability. “Rates are moving so much every day. They might drop down a quarter of a point and your affordability increases by 5%, or they could increase by a quarter of a point and now your affordability drops.” In the past, an “A buyer” was one with a conventional loan and 20% down. “Now there are so many cash buyers that those are B buyers,” Gresko says. Young adds, “As a seller, you have offers that are ‘amazing,’ ‘great’ and ‘good.’ Now, ‘good’ is asking price, a ‘great’ offer is 10% to 20% over asking, and an ‘excellent’ offer is 10% to 20% over asking, an ap-

HOMEBUYERS GUIDE

Top Real Estate Agents

David Breslin

Ivana Carson

exhaustive research using a combination of public data and industry surveys to create this list of Top Real Estate Agents. All Northeast Ohio agents licensed by the state of Ohio were eligible. DataJoe’s proprietary scoring algorithm factored in 2021 sales and transaction volume and peer nominations. This list of Top Real Estate Agents represents approximately the top 5% of agents in Northeast Ohio. Agents do not and cannot pay to be included as a Top Real Estate Agent. There are many fine real estate agents who are not included in this list. It is intended as a sampling of the quality of work done in the industry in Northeast Ohio. For more information on the selection criteria, contact toprealestate@clevelandmagazine.com.

Bobbie Burey

Janice Carson

Jermaine Burge

Melinda Chamberlin

DISCLAIMER: DataJoe and Cleveland Magazine have used their best efforts in assembling material for this list, but do not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and do not assume, and hereby disclaim, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident or any other cause.

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast Mentor 440-341-2002

HOW WE DID IT: DataJoe Inc., a Colorado-based research and publishing company, conducted

CENTURY 21 DePiero & Associates INC Parma 440842-7010 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services North Olmsted 440-503-3591 Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-215-5727

Darren Burke

Brent M. Burke

Re/Max Crossroads Properties Rocky River 440-258-2248

Mash Akpo-Esambe Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-821-4826

William Ali III

Tim Ali Realty Middleburg Heights 440-816-1111

Jennifer Allen

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast Mentor 440-796-4833

Jessica Allgood

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-420-1368

Tim Ambrose

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland NE Mentor 440-862-0560

Natalie J. Antosh

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland NE Mentor 440-364-4663

Michael Arko

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Pepper Pike 440-520-4270

Diane Russo Armington

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty Moreland Hills 216-390-0910

James Arnos

Cutler Real Estate Middleburg Heights 216-407-5347

Michael Atkinson

Re/Max Real Estate Group Avon Lake 440-773-5577

David Axford

Russell Real Estate Services North Ridgeville 440-281-3010

Michael M. Azzam Re/Max Haven Realty Solon 440-503-9609

Laura Bainbridge

Katherine Bartlett

Lori Baker

Kristin Baum

Keller Williams Citywide Lakewood 216-406-3353 Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-527-0501

Charlotte Baldwin Re/Max Results Concord Township 440-812-3834

Michael Balog

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Aurora 330-802-4874

William Bambrick Smartland Realty Highland Heights 216-410-5899

Jason Baran

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-280-5357

Alison Baranek

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Stouffer Realty Fairlawn 330-289-5444

Lou Barbee

Re/Max Real Estate Group Avon Lake 440-899-0000

Patrick Barmann

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-990-5719

Helen Barnett

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland Heights 216-999-2504

Evanne Barone

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan

Nancy Bartlebaugh Re/Max Trends Realty Uniontown 330-564-5632

Re/Max Crossroads Properties Medina 330-858-0257 Re/Max Crossroads Properties Medina 330-921-8918

Ericka Bazzo

On Target Realty INC Rocky River 216-799-6283

Jason Beard

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Cleveland 216-659-5520

Adam Bellinski

Russell Real Estate Services - Medina Medina 330-416-0975

Kathleen Bergansky

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SE Solon 216-316-0788

Chris Bergin

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Lucien Realty Lakewood 440-331-8500

Veena Bhupali

Elite Sotheby’s International Realty Pepper Pike 216-598-1477

Antonio Biasiotta

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SW Strongsville 440-223-0575

Janet Biel

Paul Blumberg

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Pepper Pike 216-548-1072

Robert Bodossian

Russell Real Estate Services Brecksville Brecksville 440-376-4630

Gregg Boehlefeld

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty Mason 440-975-5854

Sophie Boehlen

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Pepper Pike 216-849-8032

Ahren Booher

Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 440-537-4502

Brittany Bosch Redfin Cleveland 216-350-0713

Patricia R. Bourne Re/Max Traditions Chagrin Falls 440-247-3707

Melanie Bowen

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Strongsville 440-667-6589

Michele Boyd

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwood Realty Services Cleveland 330-551-5201

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Macedonia 216-702-8407

Kathryn Dix Brahler

Bill Bissett

Sandra Braun

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland NE Mentor 440-218-0130

Ann Blair

Re/Max Rising Burton 440-668-1771

Re/Max Beyond 2000 Westlake 440-724-4313

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SE Solon 216-299-0575

Jennifer Burke

Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty Brecksville 216-905-8240

Ernie Cahoon

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland Heights 216-721-1210

Anne Callahan

Keller Williams Citywide Cleveland 440-941-5765

Jennifer Campanella

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Sw Strongsville 330-636-6438

Craig Cantrall

Chestnut Hill Realty INC Beachwood 216-249-2021

Sarah Capezzuto

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-533-3094

Jeff Carducci

McDowell Homes Real Estate Services Mentor 440-749-5358

Julie Carducci

Mcdowell Homes Real Estate Services Mentor 440-346-4331

John Caristo

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Strongsville 216-319-5864

Alex Carney

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SW Strongsville 216-401-8686 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Pepper Pike 440-622-8181 Keller Williams Living Cleveland 216-598-7085

Richard Chambers Re/Max Rising Burton 440-344-5261

Josie Chapman

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Shaker Heights 216-554-1133

Erin Chappelle

Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 440-373-1950

Matt Chase

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Rocky River 440-452-2000

Chris Chase

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Rocky River 440-554-6631

Kathleen Chisar

Re/Max Real Estate Group Avon Lake 216-973-3500

Teri Chmielewski

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Pepper Pike 216-407-7249

Debra Cicero

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Cleveland 440-724-0781

Jeffrey Cimbulich

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Cleveland 216-406-6275

Kathleen J. Cislo

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Avon 216-258-5886

Diane Clark

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-389-6924

Tim Cline

Platinum Real Estate - Cleveland Mentor 440-749-5182

Russell Real Estate Services Brecksville Brecksville 440-382-7720

Anthony Colantuono

Scott Carpenter

Michael Coleman

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Pepper Pike 216-839-5500

HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum Chardon 440-478-2770

Allie Carr

Jackie Collesi

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty Cleveland 216-952-8884

Re/Max Above & Beyond Broadview Heights 216-299-2359

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Shaker Heights 216-780-8607

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HOMEBUYERS GUIDE

Ryan Corrao

CENTURY 21 DePiero & Associates INC Parma 440-669-1295

Sherri Costanzo

Re/Max Crossroads Properties Fairlawn 330-807-2722

Courtenay Cottenden

Lori Dague

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland

Judy G. Darwal

Re/Max Above & Beyond Brecksville 216-396-1955

Chris Davidson

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-308-9217

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Brecksville 440-263-2669

Popi Coutris

Mary Beth DeClerck

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-503-6100

Lincoln Coverdale

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Cleveland 720-588-4626

Asa Cox

Century 21 Asa Cox Homes Painesville 440-479-3100

John Craighead

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-870-9641

Kim Crane

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 440-652-3002

Casie Crawford

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Southeast Solon 440-829-0592

Casie Crawford

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Southeast Solon 440-829-0592

Sally Crist

Re/Max Above & Beyond Brecksville 330-999-9234

David Crockett

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mentor 440-974-7444

Judie Crockett

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mentor 440-336-0663

Wesley Croft

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Rocky River 440-941-1377

Jeffrey Curtis

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Lakewood 216-316-2317

Morgan Curtiss

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 440-263-7481

Suzanne Deering

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Pepper Pike 216-496-9365

Ryan DeLuca

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland

Margie DeMastry

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mentor 216-695-5276

Chris DePiero

Century 21 Depiero & Associates INC Parma 440-842-3556

John DeSantis

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mentor 440-974-7283

Ankur Dhasmana

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SW Strongsville 330-241-3723

Karen Eagle

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Pepper Pike 216-352-4700

Maria Eder

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland

Kristen Eiermann

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Avon 440-935-0993

Autumn Enovitch

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland 216-973-8694

Jane Evans

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-401-3052

Rebecca Evans

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SW Strongsville 440-240-4115

Dennis M. Falvey Re/Max Results Concord Township 440-477-4310

Silvana Dibiase

Linda Febus

Re/Max Above & Beyond Broadview Heights 216-347-9990

Lori Dicesare

Re/Max Trends Realty Uniontown 330-807-7005 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Medina 330-722-6662

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Aurora 216-548-2608

Debbie L. Ferrante

Linda DiPietro

Mike Ferrante

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland NE Mentor 216-390-6969

Joseph E. Dirk

Re/Max Edge Realty Canton 330-958-8394

Century 21 HomeStar Solon 440-449-9100

Jody Finucan

Re/Max Crossroads Properties Rocky River 216-702-7247

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland NE Mentor 440-221-6383

Clorice Dlugos

Aileen FitzGerald

Mcdowell Homes Real Estate Services Mentor 440-812-2542

Kristin Marie Custer

Dawn Doleh

CLEVELAND

Jenny Duncan

Nikki Fanizzi

Aaron Dolata

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McDowell Homes Real Estate Services Mentor 216-632-0515

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Pepper Pike 732-718-1188

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-978-4271 Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 330-221-6578

Rebecca Donatelli

Russell Real Estate Services Medina 440-364-7031 Russell Real Estate Services Strongsville Strongsville 440-652-6362

06.22

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 440-227-5878

Janice Fleming Cutler Real Estate Carrollton 330-312-2842

Becki Flood

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services North Royalton 440-668-4628

Pete Formica

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Rocky River 440-496-5823

David J. Fox

Re/Max Crossroads Properties Strongsville 216-789-6890

Kathleen Foxx

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake

Tammy Frazier

Russell Real Estate Services - Medina Medina 330-321-6508

Christopher Frederick

Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty North Ridgeville 216-210-7653

Patricia Frederick

Coldwell Banker Schmidt Family Of Companies North Ridgeville 440-537-4685

Nancy A. Frederico Re/Max Traditions Beachwood 216-299-3599

Sharon D. Friedman

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty Mason 216-338-3233

Jim Gable

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-821-3834

Robert F. Gallmann Re/Max Haven Realty Solon 440-343-0314

Suzanne A. Gallmann Re/Max Haven Realty Solon 440-343-0130

Deborah Garson

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-509-4275

Debbie Garson

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Cleveland 216-509-4275

Caprina Gates

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Westlake 440-465-0074

Beverly Gates

Re/Max Above & Beyond Broadview Heights 216-554-7200

Joseph Gentile

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland NE Mentor 440-479-3545

Mark Gepperth

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-477-0166

Shannon Gerome

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Ne Mentor 216-536-9669

Erin Giannetto

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mentor 216-538-3845

Brian Gilbert

Coldwell Banker Schmidt Family of Companies Westlake 440-315-5761

Constantine Glaros Re/Max Beyond 2000 Middleburg Heights 216-695-1813

Annalie Glazen

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty Chagrin Falls 216-544-8769

Nancy Goepfert

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-666-5201

Edward Golden

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-821-7985

Rochelle Golenberg Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan

Janet Gommel

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Medina 330-242-2020

Mary Goodwin

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-617-2500

Patricia Gouker

Century 21 Depiero & Associates INC Parma 440-842-7010

Pat Graham

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Westlake 216-952-5556

Michelle Green HER Realtors Parma 440-305-6795

Stephen Greene

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-219-8339

Angela Griffiths

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty Avon 440-213-4547

Matthew Guba

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-215-1671

Kimberley Guelker

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Lucien Realty Lakewood 440-346-0915

Nicole Guizzotti

Russell Real Estate Services Strongsville 216-906-2694

David Gurary

Century 21 Homestar Solon 216-438-8888

Sonja Halstead

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Wadsworth 330-388-0566

Donna Hamblen

Century 21 HomeStar Solon 216-225-2757

Meredith Hardington

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-618-2040

Anne Harmody

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Chagrin Falls 216-287-0864

Karen Helffrich

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Pepper Pike 216-789-7599

Colleen Helton

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-970-9009

Susan Hennenberg

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Pepper Pike 216-469-5169

Michael Henry Exp Realty Chagrin Falls 216-973-1402

Jill Hensel

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Bay Village 440-506-2054

Dina Hernandez

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Rocky River 440-986-1202

Jennifer HerronUnderwood

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Westlake 440-371-2862

Hannah Heuser

Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 440-655-9239

Christina Higgins

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Avon 440-227-3636

Jennifer Hite

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Amherst 440-864-4844

Jason Hoag

Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 216-287-8500

HOMEBUYERS GUIDE

Jodi Hodson

Rudolph Jones III

Amy Hoes

Steve Junker

Re/Max Beyond 2000 Westlake 440-537-0567

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast Cleveland 440-487-9730

Geoffrey Hoffman

Chris Jurcisin

Tammy Koleski

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Stow 234-205-8410 Exp Realty Medina 330-416-1597 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland Heights 216-496-4212

Sherry Hornak

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Aurora 205-533-4555

Carly Horner

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-333-9860

Margarita Hubert

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan

Ed Huck

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-617-2500

Carol Hull

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SW Strongsville 440-823-9166

Lisa Humenik

Re/Max Crossroads Properties Strongsville 440-476-4959

John Hysong

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake

Jamie Iannetta

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-759-2222

Diana Ilievski

Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 440-655-0067

Darrell Imbrosciano

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty Mentor 440-376-1603

Sylvia Incorvaia

Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 216-316-1893

Judy Johnston

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Medina 330-242-1594

Carol Joiner

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-554-3413

Stacey L. Jones

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SE Solon 216-577-5874

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-665-4165

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland Heights 216-554-0401

Marilyn Kahn

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Shaker Heights 216-554-3930

Stuart Kahn

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-465-2997

Michael Kaim

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty Mentor 440-332-4341

Adam S. Kaufman

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Pepper Pike 216-831-7370

Mara Kaulins

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland W Westlake 440-590-5656

Jerry Kayser

Keller Williams Chervenic Realty Stow 440-478-7078

Joseph Keller

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services North Royalton 440-971-5633

Charles Kelley

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-533-7683

Thomas Kelly

Sheree Klausner

Century 21 Premiere Properties Pepper Pike 216-505-4568

Paul Koerwitz

Kyle Lawrence

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-823-3360

Jen Kostos

HER Realtors Medina 440-829-1768

Denise Kovatch

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland NE Mentor 440-255-5500

Jodi Kidd

Russell Real Estate Services Westlake 216-973-9698

Chris Kilbane

Russell Real Estate Services Strongsville Strongsville 440-915-8257

Re/Max Crossroads Properties Rocky River 440-465-5611

Susan Loparo

Jon Mavrakis

Joshua Lovinger

Anthony May

Aaron Lowe

Danielle Mayo

Eric Lowrey

Michael McCandless

Re/Max Traditions Beachwood 216-390-8500 Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-410-8609 Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-668-5198

Keller Williams Citywide Cleveland 440-821-6081

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Lucien Realty Lakewood 216-650-0365

Yvonne Leduc

John Lynch

HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum Mentor 440-667-7510

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-533-7007

Jill Mader

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mentor 440-669-8826

Jon Legato

Keller Williams Citywide Lakewood 216-544-0012

Russell Real Estate Services Westlake Westlake 216-905-5902

Jesse Kracht

Rose Leininger

Daniel Malloy

Russell Real Estate Services Brecksville Brecksville 440-212-5656

Anne Krauss

McDowell Homes Real Estate Services Mentor 440-478-4676

Tatyana Krilova

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Strongsville 216-225-1509

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland Heights 216-571-9547

Cathy LeSueur

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Shaker Heights 216-355-7005

Barbara B. Levine

HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum Beachwood 216-559-4408

Kevin Krol

Harvey Lewis

Lindsay Kronk

Virginia Lindsay

Keller Williams Citywide Cleveland 440-941-5765 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland 216-536-2446

Wendy Kunash

Geri Kuzmiak

Emily Kerwood

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Brecksville 440-539-5981

Sheila Korek

Scott Kennedy

CENTURY 21 DePiero & Associates INC Parma 440842-7010

John Lambert

Anthony Latina

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-356-1427

Mary Kerlin

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Brecksville 440-364-4545

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Elyria 440-935-4910

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland NE Mentor 440-231-8530

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Avon 440-503-3120

Suzanne Lambert

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mentor 440-537-2672

Sharon LaBuda

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Brecksville 216-906-9047

Joseph Lacinak

Russell Real Estate Services North Ridgeville North Ridgeville 440-315-8253

Eric Lakia

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty Mentor 440-413-9171

CENTURY 21 Premiere Properties Pepper Pike 216-253-6497 Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-407-7759

Virginia Lindsay

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland W Westlake 440-892-2211

Sam Livingston eXp Realty Westlake 216-659-1540

Gladimir Lobo Dwelling Network Solon 216-223-6358

Sam LoFaso

LoFaso Real Estate Services Brunswick 440-342-2945

Jake Lohser

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-408-8795

Jeffrey Longo

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-554-3949

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Rocky River 440-308-2468

Amanda Malone

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-376-7522

Misti Mancuso

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services North Olmsted 440-668-3299

Katie Manos

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Bay Village 440-258-5304

Christine Manzo

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-970-7304

Daniela Maragos

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SW Strongsville 440-292-5656

Amy Margiotti

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Bay Village 440-221-8657

Julie Marous

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland 440-479-4681

Angelo Marrali

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mentor 440-974-7846

Pradnya Martz

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-935-8280

Tracy Marx

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services North Royalton 440-915-5417

Citiroc Real Estate COmpany Cleveland 216-245-3343 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Strongsville 440-570-2999 Re/Max Above & Beyond Westlake 216-970-7951 Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan

Dan McCaskey Re/Max Traditions Chardon 440-773-5542

Kayleen McDowell

Mcdowell Homes Real Estate Services Mentor 440-867-8288

Eileen McKeon

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland Heights 216-233-6726

Amy McMahon

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-999-2139

Timothy M. McMahon Jr. PWG Real Estate LLC Mentor 419-308-6313

Katie McNeill

Mcdowell Homes Real Estate Services Mentor 440-796-5506

Michelle McQuade

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Chagrin Falls 440-823-2448

Jose Medina

Keller Williams Legacy Group North Canton 330-605-9185

Christopher Meekins

Russell Real Estate Services - Medina Medina 330-473-1698

Dax Mellon

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Macedonia 330-274-1287

Julia Mellon

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Macedonia 330-348-1243

Sally Messinger

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Pepper Pike 216-240-9911

Susan Metallo

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty Chagrin Falls 440-477-3465

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Kelley Meyer

Karyl Morrison

Latonya Oliver

Sharon Gay Phelps

Inna Prudinnik

Kristin Rogers

Katerine Alix Michalopoulos

Christopher Moscarino

Jeremy Ols

Dominic Picione

Lucien Pruszynski

Daniel R. Rogers

Chris Olsen

Annette Pisco

Denise Quiggle

Zachery Rollins

Keller Williams Chervenic Realty Hudson 216-287-6357

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services North Royalton 216-215-7542

Colleen Miklus

Kim Mowers

Amanda Ondrey

Kortney Ramacciato

Michael Ross

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 440-263-1066

CENTURY 21 Premiere Properties Pepper Pike 216-704-6020

Brad Miklovich

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-479-8766

Brian Miller

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty Mason 440-487-5566

James Miller

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Avon 440-222-0403

Peter Christman Miller

Russell Real Estate Services Strongsville Strongsville 440-552-6101

Colleen Milner

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Westlake 440-396-3381

Terry Mitchell

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Chagrin Falls 440-465-9611

David Mitnick

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-781-7292

Angie Molitoris

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mayfield Village 216-299-9503

Joyce Molnar MSL Realty Wadsworth 330-334-2100

Michael Monaco

HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum Mentor 216-536-9585

Bev Montgomery

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Westlake 440-821-8585

Kathy Montgomery

Russell Real Estate Services Strongsville Strongsville 216-466-4442

Christy Morek

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-341-3225

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Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Hudson 330-903-6448 Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 440-227-2615

Debbie Mottl

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Stouffer Realty Cleveland 330-597-9124

Linas Muliolis

CENTURY 21 HomeStar Solon 216-387-3204

Inna Muravin

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Cleveland 440-568-0255

Ben Murphy

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services North Royalton 440-865-0255

Marysue Murray

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Chesterland 216-598-2104

Renee Musat

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-342-0032

Kenneth A. Myers Jr.

HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum Beachwood 216-215-4317 Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-263-8915 Olsen Ziegler Realty Brecksville 216-702-0537 M C Real Estate Wadsworth 330-802-9618

John Oskowski

Re/Max Above & Beyond Westlake 440-785-4999

Christina Paramore Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-870-1955

Paul Paratto

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Willoughby 440-516-4444

Bogdan B. Parojcic

Re/Max Above & Beyond Middleburg Heights 440-667-3735

Uday Patel

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Bedford Hts 216-780-7000

James Patti

Re/Max Above & Beyond Brecksville 440-5461-313

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Avon 216-254-3621

Marie Nader

Michaleen Paul

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services North Olmsted 216-407-1974

Kathleen Novak

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Aurora 330-607-6012

Judy Nupp

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-337-0247

Thomas O’dougherty

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-978-7878

Dan O’Reilly

Re/Max Traditions Chardon 440-821-3484

Art Obleton Jr.

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Pepper Pike 216-482-9035

Kristie Ohlin

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Strongsville 440-773-7760

06.22

Keller Williams Living Solon 440-840-3538

Leslie Pavlich

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Amherst 440-752-0907

Sean Payton

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland 216-509-6418

Amy J. Pendergrass Re/Max Haven Realty Twinsburg 330-801-1673

Greg Pernus

HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum Mentor 440-823-6491

Dolores Pescatrice

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-870-2600

Roger Peters

Regal Realty INC Parma 216-789-0262

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland 216-331-8743 Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SW Strongsville 440-390-9510 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Avon 216-410-1468

Diane Podway

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Westlake 440-476-5007

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Strongsville 330-741-9036 Re/Max Traditions Streetsboro 330-785-8550

Mcdowell Homes Real Estate Services Mentor 440-251-9985 Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast Mentor 216-780-3840

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland 440-279-7080 Re/Max Haven Realty Cleveland 440-543-1725 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Wadsworth 330-591-1289 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Willoughby 440-520-9294

Michelle Ramirez

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Elyria 440-371-3750

Wendy Rounds

Keller Williams Living University Heights 216-526-8302

Wendy Poltorek Dickson

Anne Marie Rath

Rebecca Runge

Melissa Porcelli

Dennis Rath

Kevin Russell

Gary L. Post

Jeff Rath

Amanda Pohlman

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-337-3521

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-215-7117 Re/Max Crossroads Properties Avon 440-935-0341

Linzie Potoczak

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-650-0407

Jamie Powers

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Medina 330-805-5197

Aaron Powers

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Lakewood 440-523-9187

Christine Pratt

Century 21 HomeStar Solon 440-420-0073

Holly S. Pratt

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Lucien Realty Lakewood 216-272-9770 Dennis Rath Home Sellers LLC Fairview Park 440-289-7284 ERA Rath Realtors Rocky River 440-382-3337

Michael Rath

ERA Rath Realtors Rocky River 440-207-0886

David Reddy

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-406-4746

David J. Reimer

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty Mason 216-798-0750

Todd Reinart

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 440-567-6643

Cynthia Reynolds

Re/Max Crossroads Properties Strongsville 440-925-6774

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Pepper Pike 216-404-7765

Marianne Prentice

Debbie Ribinskas

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast Mentor 440-463-2970

Heather Price

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Chagrin Falls 216-526-4402

Amy Price

House To Home Real Estate Professionals LLC Amherst 440-390-3777

Dorela Prifti

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-463-3013

Karen Richardson

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 330-802-4875

Cici Riley

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Pepper Pike 216-410-3114

Jose Rodriguez

Re/Max Crossroads Properties Rocky River 216-310-7609

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Avon 440-497-8001 Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 330-803-6519 Russell Real Estate Services Westlake Westlake 440-554-3297

Joseph Rutkowski

HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum Westlake 216-337-6656

Carly Sablotny

Keller Williams Living Solon 440-521-1704

Brian Salem

Exp Realty Westlake 216-244-2549

Jenny Salvaggio

Impact Group Keller Williams LLC North Canton 440-724-5581

Jamie Samaha

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Westlake 216-925-2063

Mary Sams

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Mentor 216-347-0771

Santina Saporito

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services North Royalton 440-521-7800

David Sarver

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty Moreland Hills 216-214-0221

Susan Sasseville

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-317-0422

Ashley Saxe

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 440-862-2568

HOMEBUYERS GUIDE

Mark B. Schecter

Lisa Sisko

Mary Strimple

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Avon 440-670-6024

Jen Skvarch

David Sturgeon

Roger J. Scheve

Teresa Slowey Whitham

Re/Max Traditions Chagrin Falls 216-215-6118

Lisa Kinsner Scheer

Re/Max Above & Beyond Westlake 440-477-1188

Chris Schlenkerman

Re/Max Crossroads Properties Rocky River 216-798-4100

Bettie J. Schmikla Re/Max Results Concord Township 440-537-7653

Chad Schneider

Russell Real Estate Services North Ridgeville 440-225-8449

Laura Schuller

Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 440-371-1467

Lori Schwarz

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland SW Strongsville 330-725-4408

Tiffany Schwegel

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast Mentor 440-477-3065

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 440-796-8043 Keller Williams Elevate Northfield Center 216-905-1235

Gavriel Septon

Keller Williams Citywide

David Sharkey

Progressive Urban Real Estate INC Cleveland 216-619-9696

Mary Shoemaker

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Elyria 440-452-9156

Elizabeth A. Sill

Re/Max Innovations Madison 440-983-1071

Emily Simkovich

Russell Real Estate Services North Ridgeville North Ridgeville 440-897-2078

Lynn B. Simon

Re/Max Haven Realty Solon 216-577-2223

Michael Warren

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Lucien Realty Lakewood 440-567-9024

Haley Turner

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Pepper Pike 216-288-0199

Jessica Smith

Rachel Tanzilli

Susan Turner

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-387-6846

Arlene Smith

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Avon 440-785-9196

Michael Smith

Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 330-401-7473

Stephanie Snavely Re/Max Traditions Chagrin Falls 440-503-0222

Alan Sobol

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan

Katy Sopko

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Strongsville 440-773-7652

Heather Srodek

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-892-2211

Donna Trunko

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Lakewood 234-380-7654

Theresa Seese

Sabrina Semidey

Richard Ward

Keller Williams Living Solon 440-941-7707

Melanie Sweeney

Gretchen Spacek

McDowell Homes Real Estate Services Mentor 216-666-1411

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland Heights 216-375-4486

Cj Trivisonno

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Solon 440-263-0504

Brady Secre

Re/Max Results Concord Township 440-537-2332

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Aurora 330-671-3179

Re/Max Haven Realty Solon 440-343-0313

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Westlake 216-544-7171

Michelle Stanifer

Russell Real Estate Services Strongsville 440-389-3062

Jennifer L. Starinsky Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 440-804-4292

Larry Steinbacher

Century 21 Real Transcendent Realty Medina 440-503-5820

John Stevens

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Medina 330-421-1319

Jodi Stevens

Russell Real Estate Services North Ridgeville North Ridgeville 440-221-6437

Christine Stowell

Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 440-263-8630

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-346-3415

Seth Task

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty Solon 216-276-1626

Kathryn Taylor

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Bay Village 440-668-2249

Elizabeth Tenaglia

Russell Real Estate Services Brecksville Brecksville 440-915-8331

Michael Terrigno

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Brecksville 440-724-2321

Eric Uchbar

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Pepper Pike 440-342-1408

Sarah Urbancic

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Bay Village 440-263-0612

Lenny Vaccaro

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-650-8080

Re/Max Above & Beyond Broadview Heights 440-488-8659 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Madison 440-667-7046

Gregg Wasilko

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 440-521-1757

Stacy Watson

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-829-2355

Marikate Wazevich

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 440-823-3504

Mary Weidner

HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum Westlake 440-554-2065

Mary Frances Weir

Re/Max Crossroads Properties Rocky River 216-798-9617

Dan Weist

Michael Thies

Krista Viola

Jane Vitou

Karen Tiboni

Mark Vittardi

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-533-3648

Melanie Timco

Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 330-242-3347

Mark Tomal

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Cleveland 216-839-5500

Donna Toth

Keller Williams Living Solon 216-210-8684

Steve Toth

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Pepper Pike 216-780-7919

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-725-1434 Century 21 Depiero & Associates Inc. Parma 440-666-3405

Karin Vonderau

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Westlake 440-871-3050

Danielle Voytek

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Westlake 440-793-0100

John Vrsansky Jr. On Target Realty INC Rocky River 216-849-6775

Larry Wanke

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Cleveland 216-215-1165

Laurel Worley Heater

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Chagrin Falls 440-821-7100

Leslie Worsech

Worsech Real Estate Services Lakewood 216-513-7497

Jonathan Wright

Russell Real Estate Services North Ridgeville 440-739-0533

Ryan Young

Artnetta Vines

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-839-5500

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-496-8782

Diane Weseloh

Ted Theophylactos

Darian Thomas

Monica Woodman

Seth Young

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-288-3403

HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum Westlake 440-668-2482

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Chagrin Falls 440-785-4334

Alexander Wervey

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-822-7973

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 440-821-4429

Mary Beth Wolfe

Hope Yantek

Ashleigh Vasi

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Elyria 440-452-7580

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland 216-702-7000

Julie Weist

Trista Tharp

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Cleveland 216-696-4800

Jeff Wise

Jill Wurst

Drew Vaneck

Russell Real Estate Services Amherst 440-452-9117

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Bay Village 440-835-2800

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-288-3404

Russell Real Estate Services Strongsville Strongsville 440-773-4619

Westway Realty Cleveland 440-899-5044

Carolyn M. Wilson

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Cleveland 440-221-2985 Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 216-440-0432

Justin Weseloh

Keller Williams Elevate Strongsville 216-832-9015

Tabatha Whewell

Re/Max Above & Beyond Broadview Heights 216-978-7933

Katherine Anne White-Ridley

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty Mentor 440-241-4624

Cheryl Wiegand Schroer Re/Max Above & Beyond Broadview Heights 440-897-7771

Greg Willis

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Westlake 216-389-9715

Barbara Wilson

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Medina 330-721-7355

Re/Max Haven Realty Solon 440-248-2548 Howard Hanna Real Estate Services Rocky River 216-212-7208 Century 21 Premiere Properties Pepper Pike 216-374-8589 Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Pepper Pike 216-859-1201

Setrena Young

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Cleveland 216-390-0682

Maureen Zappone

Keller Williams Citywide Westlake 216-513-5552

Bob Zimmer

Keller Williams Greater Metroploitan Cleveland 216-406-5729

Joseph A. Zingales

Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty Concord 440-346-2031

Jade Zivko

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Pepper Pike 216-338-5918

Sharon Zunkley

Keller Williams Greater Cleveland Northeast Mentor 440-477-3276

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TOP RE AL ESTATE AGENTS

Lou Barbee Lou Barbee sees real estate from a different perspective — yours. Barbee feels that people, not locations, are the most important factors in real estate. She believes that real estate is personal, especially since families have been spending so much more time together in their homes. That’s why, “when someone hires me, they get me — and not just someone I hired to fill in,” she says. Barbee is responsible for more than $500 million in property transfers without a team. She understands that people care more about how much she cares for their homes than how many homes she has sold. The most important part of any transaction is the people. “I’ve been fortunate enough to have wonderful clients who make all the long hours worthwhile,” she says.

Lou Barbee*

CONTACT

144

CLEVELAND

06.22

RE/MAX Collection 440-899-0000

results@ameritech.net

* = TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TOP RE AL ESTATE AGENTS

Lindsay Kronk Lindsay Kronk is the founder and lead agent of the Elle Kaye Group. She is a passionate, driven and spontaneous soul who cultivates a fun and dynamic energy with her team and her clients. Lots of Kronk’s clients become friends, and she considers herself a connector — making sure she services her clients’ needs within the city in addition to their real estate journey. She believes homeownership is a wonderful way to create wealth and also help build home within oneself — grounding into a space where one can fully be themselves. Kronk started the Elle Kaye Group in January 2020. She has seen exponential growth as a real estate agent and leader, developing extremely professional, relatable and fun agents servicing all of Northeast Ohio. From 2020 to 2021, Kronk more than doubled her sales volume from $12.5 million to nearly $27 million. In addition, she appeared on HGTV’s “House Hunters” (season 203, episode 2), which premiered in July 2021.

Lindsay Kronk*

DAVID SCHWARTZ

CONTACT

* = TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

The Elle Kaye Group of Howard Hanna 2605 Detriot Ave., Cleveland 216-536-2446

lindsaykronk@howardhanna.com ellekayegroup.com

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TOP RE AL ESTATE AGENTS

Virginia Lindsay Virginia L. Lindsay became a REALTOR at 23. She always wanted to be a REALTOR and grew up watching her mother, Barb Lindsay, and her mother’s broker, Ron Lucien, sell homes and work with people. Both Ron and Barb gave her the absolute best training that any young agent could ever receive. In her first year, she out-produced her mother and excelled to become one of the top agents in that company. Lindsay currently finds that same joy now in mentoring the agents on the Lindsay Team, and she attributes her continued success and growth to the five wonderful women on her team. “We are like a family, and I count my blessings every day,” Lindsay says. She hopes her family real estate legacy will continue with her team and with her sons, both of whom are currently studying to become REALTORS. For Lindsay, real estate is not just a job; it is her passion. Helping people with the most important purchase of their lives gives her purpose and joy. “It is a highlight in my career every time our team receives an excellent review or referral — that is the best compliment or award we could ever receive,” she says.

Virginia Lindsay*

CONTACT

146

CLEVELAND

Keller Williams Citywide 2001 Crocker Road, Suite 200, Westlake 216-407-7759

06.22

vlindsay@thelindsayteam.com thelindsayteam.com

* = TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TOP RE AL ESTATE AGENTS

Sally Messinger Sally Messinger focuses on the needs of her clients, both buyers and sellers. While she sells in a number of markets, it does not make her less effective in any of the areas in which she lists and sells. Messinger has been a full-time REALTOR for 40 years. Prior, she was an outstanding computer programmer and was on the team that brought the Alaska Pipeline to Ohio. In other words, she pays attention to details. Messinger has received the Quality Service Award every year since it began more than 20 years ago. She was also named one of 18 National Difference Makers in 2022 and received a philanthropy award from Howard Hanna.

Sally Messinger*

DAVID SCHWARTZ

CONTACT

* = TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

Howard Hanna 3550 Lander Road, Pepper Pike 216-240-9911

sallymessinger@howardhanna.com

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TOP RE AL ESTATE AGENTS

Art Obleton Jr. It’s always gratifying to help a family find their perfect home. But one of Art Obleton Jr.’s proudest moments came when he helped a previously homeless veteran find a home for his family. “It was truly a pleasure helping a real American hero,” he says. Obleton is a true team player. Since he’s been at Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan, he’s been privileged to develop relationships with other agents and help them grow their business while also networking with colleagues who are willing to mentor him. “We are really fortunate to have a great leadership staff and family of REALTORS,” he says. Adaptation has been another key to Obleton’s success. Switching to a listing-based business, with the help of Jill Katzenberg of Sherri Johnson Coaching, has allowed him to grow his business, even in today’s low-inventory market. “Since doing so, I have been able to meet the needs of more clients with ease,” Obleton says.

Art Obleton Jr.*

CONTACT

148

CLEVELAND

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan 29225 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 105, Pepper Pike 216-482-9035

06.22

artobletonjr@gmail.com theaogrouphomes.com

* = TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TOP RE AL ESTATE AGENTS

Cynthia Reynolds Cynthia L. Reynolds is a native Clevelander with personal experience in relocation, having moved to four states within a 21-year span before returning home to the Greater Cleveland area in 2010. It is her personal mission and passion to help sellers and buyers navigate their transitions from, to and within Northeast Ohio. She is highly committed to integrity, honesty and professionalism and is knowledgeable in the local real estate market. Her expertise helps navigate clients through the selling and buying process from start to finish, building trusting relationships that last well beyond the transaction. She has closed sales in Cuyahoga, Summit, Portage and Lorain counties since 2014. Reynolds is committed to serving, giving and volunteering in the community through various organizations. Serving others is not just something she does, it is the passion by which she lives. Reynolds has received the Ohio REALTORS President’s Sales Club Award of Distinction and was named a Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Top Agent as well as a Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Million Dollar Agent.

Cynthia Reynolds*

DAVID SCHWARTZ

CONTACT

* = TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan 29225 Chagrin Blvd., Pepper Pike 216-404-7765

cynthiareynolds@kw.com cynthiareynolds.kw.com

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TOP RE AL ESTATE AGENTS

Teresa Slowey Whitham It may be hard to find someone who loves real estate more than Teresa Slowey Whitham. Her personal experience with corporate relocation took her through four states in 10 years and has given her a passion to help families relocate happily and well-adjusted in their new community. Buying, selling and building homes is what prompted her to spend a few years renovating and flipping houses before becoming a licensed real estate agent. Slowey Whitham knows all aspects of real estate. Her work ethic is strong, and she treats clients like friends. Her motivation comes from the joy her buyers feel when she finds the perfect home and sells theirs quickly at a fair price. Living in Solon for the past 19 years, she is an expert in her market and the surrounding areas including Twinsburg, Aurora, Chagrin Falls, Bainbridge, Orange, Pepper Pike and Moreland Hills. She has personally invested in her community and believes in its strength and value. She has been named one of Howard Hanna’s Best of the Best and has received the Ohio Association of REALTORS Pinnacle of Performance award, as well as National Sales Excellence awards.

Teresa Slowey Whitham*

CONTACT

150

CLEVELAND

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 6240 SOM Center Road, #100, Solon 440-263-0504

06.22

teresasloweywhitham@howardhanna.com teresasloweywhitham.howardhanna.com

* = TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

TOP RE AL ESTATE AGENTS

Sharon Friedman

Sharon Friedman has been a REALTOR since the age of 18. She is passionate about serving her clients and helping them with the big life decision of buying or selling their homes. Whether she’s working with first-time buyers, seniors who are downsizing or anyone in between, she holds their hand through the process. “My clients brought me to where I am today, and I never want to lose sight of that,” she says. A 1979 graduate of Cleveland State University’s College of Urban Affairs, Friedman attained her broker’s license in 1986. She’s also been dubbed the “Human GPS” by her colleagues and clients for her vast knowledge of Greater Cleveland communities. Sharon Friedman*

CONTACT

Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty 34555 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 200, Moreland Hills

216-338-3233 sfriedman@bhhspro.com sharonfriedmanhomes.com

Jerry Kayser

Jerry Kayser has more than 30 years of experience. From Jerry you can count on exceptional, personal service highlighted by honesty, tenacity and knowledge of the local real estate market. He is extremely successful when in multiple buyer transactions and is a multimillion-dollar producer annually. Kayser is ranked as a top 5% agent in Ohio by America’s Top 100 Agents and regularly receives outstanding five-star reviews. He concentrates on the East Side, Chagrin Falls and Geauga county real estate. You will be able to relax knowing his team is paying attention to all the details and striving to make sure your experience is fun and enjoyable.

DAVID SCHWARTZ

Jerry Kayser*

CONTACT

* = TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

Keller Williams Chervenic Realty 10616 Pekin Road, Newbury 440-478-7078

jkayser@kw.com neohomesnow.com

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TOP RE AL ESTATE AGENTS

Jessica Smith

To Jessica Smith, guiding her clients “home” is one the greatest honors. Real estate is one of the largest investments we make in our lifetime, which is why she takes the extra time and care to ensure her clients have all the support, information and education they need to achieve their real estate goals. She consistently goes above and beyond for her clients to provide unparalleled service, which translates to more than 90% of her business coming from repeat clients and referrals. In 2021, Smith sold 42 homes, achieving career high sales volume ($8,232,817). She is a member of the Keller Williams Citywide Agent Leadership Council and president of the North Ridgeville Chapter of Working Women Connection.

Jessica Smith*

CONTACT

Keller Williams Citywide 2001 Crocker Road, Suite 200, Westlake 440-387-6846

jessicaanne@kw.com jessica-smith.kw.com Facebook and Instagram: @JessicaSmithSellsHomes

Kathryn Taylor

Experience, integrity and enthusiasm define Kathryn Taylor’s approach to real estate, which have led Taylor to consistently be a Bay Village top office listing leader and sales producer. Taylor takes great pride in her clients’ satisfaction by always striving to deliver fully on their needs and goals. Taylor’s superior customer service skills have resulted in her routinely earning the annual Quality Service Recognition Award, as well as ranked her in the top 1% company-wide and top 5% nationally.

Kathryn Taylor*

CONTACT

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Howard Hanna Real Estate Services kathryntaylor@howardhanna.com 27115 Knickerbocker Road, kathryntaylor.realtor Bay Village kathytaylor.realtor 440-668-2249

* = TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

TOP RE AL ESTATE AGENTS

William Bambrick

William Bambrick*

One of William Bambrick’s goals in real estate is to have a 100 percent retention rate with everyone he works with. With more than sixty 5-star reviews last year, a common trend he sees among clients is how prepared they feel and how confident they are in his abilities after the initial meeting. Bambrick’s strong communication skills coupled with individualized marketing strategies help set clear expectations and ensure clients have a good understanding of what the home sale process entails.

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Katy Dix Brahler

Katy Dix Brahler*

Katy Dix Brahler has been selling real estate for more than 25 years and is loving every minute. “I adore my clients, and their kind reviews and referrals are what keep me in business,” Brahler says. In addition to being named a Top Real Estate Agent by Cleveland Magazine, Brahler was awarded the 2019-2021 Top Cleveland Agent by expertise. com and received the Lifetime Achievement Award in 2021. Recently added to the MOCA Board, Katy looks forward to bringing awareness of Cleveland’s amazing museums to current and future residents. “Katy can, Katy will, Katy did…call Katy.”

CONTACT

69 Alpha Drive Highland Heights, OH 44143 216-410-5899 bambricksellshouses@gmail.com willbambrick.smartlandrealty.com

Mobile: 440-724-4313 katybrahler.com katybrahler@yahoo.com

Marikate Wazevich

David Breslin

5581 Ridge Road Parma, OH 44129 216-407-8696 dsbreslin@gmail.com davidbreslin.c21.com

Marikate Wazevich is a Top 5% REALTOR nationally and was named one of Howard Hanna’s Best of the Best Top 3% agents companywide. She also received a Superior Quality Service Award. A megamillion-dollar producer, Marikate is a Homes of Distinction Specialist, Certified Negotiation Expert and Residential Relocation Specialist.

David Breslin* consistently ranks in the top 5 percent of realtors nationwide. Most important to Breslin is providing excellent service to buyers and sellers in order to earn their trust, referrals and repeat business.

Jackie Collesi

Marikate Wazevich*

CONTACT 19204 Detroit Road Rocky River, OH 44116 440-823-3504 marikate.wazevich@howardhanna.com marikatewazevich@howardhanna.com

* = TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

20710 Chagrin Blvd. Shaker Heights, OH 44122 216-780-8607 jackiecollesi@howardhanna.com jackiecollesi.howardhanna.com

Based in Shaker Heights, Jackie has 20-plus years of experience serving the greater eastern Cleveland area. She is a Quality Service Award winner and a top 3% agent company-wide.

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TOP RE AL ESTATE AGENTS

SPECIAL ADVERTISING SECTION

Wendy Poltorek Dickson

Carol Y. Joiner

Mobile: 216-337-3521 Office: 216-849-5500 wpoltorek@kw.com wendypdickson.kw.com

29225 Chagrin Blvd #105 Pepper Pike, OH 44122 216-554-3413 cyjoiner@gmail.com caroljoiner.kw.com

Wendy is a proud REALTOR and leader within Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan. As active investors, she and her husband, who own the renovation company CPD Homes, believe in “keeping it local” by supporting the community and using their expertise and knowledge from 10 years in the industry.

Being a Top Real Estate Agent means staying involved in the business and always learning. Exploring different ways to communicate with past clients, such as mailings, care calls, follow-ups, and asking for business, as well as continually taking classes to broaden knowledge, are the hallmarks of a good real estate agent.

Tatyana Krilova & Jelena Krilova & Krilova Group REALTORS

Christy Morek

12333 Pearl Road Strongsville, OH 44136 Tatyana Krilova 216-225-1509 Jelena Krilova 216-577-5979 homes@krilova.com

2001 Crocker Road Ste 200, Westlake, OH 44145 440-341-3225 christy@yourchoicegroup.com

Dedicated to providing the best service for our clients. We are certified negotiation experts — we bring the most money for your house!

Ranked in the top 5% of REALTORS nationwide, Christy Morek is dedicated to helping her clients make educated real estate decisions for both their present and future needs, while also providing #ResultsThatMoveYou.

Anne Marie Rath

Donna Trunko

216-272-9770 facebook.com/rathhomes instagram.com/rath.homes linkedin.com/in/annemarierath rathhomes.com

1991 Crocker Road Westlake, OH 44145 440-567-9024 donna@donnatrunko.com donnatrunko.com

Ranked in the top tier of agents nationwide with a master’s degree, Anne Marie Rath* is a valuable and irreplaceable asset to her clients, helping them make educated and informed decisions in all matters of real estate. Contact her today.

Susan C. Turner

Serving Cleveland/Akron 440-724-2321 susanturner@howardhanna.com susanturner.howardhanna.com

With more than 30 years of real estate experience, many of Donna Trunko’s* transactions come from repeat clients and personal referrals. Primarily serving Cuyahoga and Lorain communities, Trunko is a past recipient of the Leading Edge Society, Honor Society and President’s Club awards.

Congratulations TO ALL THE 2022 CLEVELAND MAGAZINE

Top Real Estate Agents!

Thanks to my many clients over the years who recognize that there’s a difference. Experience and integrity are vastly important! Top 5% REALTORS Nationwide.

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* = TOP REAL ESTATE AGENT

Distinctive Homes WHAT’S YOUR HOME WORTH? // DON’T TRUST YOUR PRICE OPINION TO AN ONLINE ALGORITHM. Call Now For A Free Market Analysis. Lou Barbee | 440-899-0000

CLEVELAND | $700K

RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000

AVON | $485K

WESTLAKE RENTAL| $2600/MO

RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000

WESTLAKE | $650K

RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000

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RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000

Breathtaking panoramic Lake Erie views. Over 180 degrees of stunning. A vast field of vision from Avon Point to past the Cleveland Stadium. This exceptional North corner unit is surely one of the best! Walls of windows augment the fabulous open concept plan.

Rarely available Avon Woods ranch condominium. One‑floor living with over 1300 sq. ft. Spacious living room with vaulted ceilings. 3 bedrooms 2 full baths. Family room w/brick fireplace. Enclosed 3‑season room. Serene park‑like views. Attached 2 car garage.

Stunning new construction in Westlake. 3‑4 bedroom townhomes with farmhouse style exterior design. Open floor plan with great room open to the kitchen. Sliders to the patio. 2nd floor with large master (with walk in and glamour bath), 2 bedrooms and laundry

SECLUDED South Mentor property with a myriad of possibilities. 5+ acres. Small existing home on lovely wooded lot without cash for land. Fabulous place to build your very private “dream home.” Zoning allows 5 horses. A rare offering/opportunity.

Tasteful minimalist decor. Fabulous sweeping balcony. Everything redone and upgraded. Light maple flooring. Maple and stainless kitchen. 2 generous bedrooms (could convert to 3.) 3 full baths. Outstanding amenities: concierge service, fitness center, car wash, more.

Executive rental in fabulous location. Meticulous 2 bedroom 2 bath ranch cluster home backing to Bradley Woods. Exceptional ceiling heights. Walls of windows. Hardwood floors. Light‑filled rooms. Large patio. One floor living. Attached 2 car garage.

Three floors of tastefully finished living space. Lower level with finished recreation room, bar and additional full bath. 2 car attached garage. Excellent schools and city services. Located within minutes of every amenity. Special financing offered to qualified buyers.

Energy efficient new construction at Catawba Bay. Great room, dining, kitchen, den and laundry on first floor. Owner suite with luxury bath. Finished walk out basement to patio access. Amenities: 2 pools. clubhouse, walking trails, docks, exercise center. 2.5 car garage. CLEVELANDMAGAZINE.COM

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Look Back

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Italy's Coltman Road by committee co-chairs Drew Cari and Martha Pontoni. Cleveland’s LGBTQ community would finally have visibility in their own city. A successful event, it wasn’t until 27 years later that Cleveland Pride faced its first cancellation. Citing security concerns following the Pulse nightclub shooting in Orlando, Florida, Cleveland Pride was canceled in 2016. In lieu, a separate march and festival, Pride in the CLE, emerged, blazing a path across the Detroit-Superior Bridge to Public Square. The two events consolidated in 2018. More than 30,000 attended 2019’s festivities, only to see the event modified again the next two years by the pandemic. Pride in the CLE returns June 4 — inperson, undaunted and with what many expect to be record-setting attendance.

2007 COURTESY BRYNNA FISH

the rainbow colors without hesitation June 16, 2007. Docked perpendicular to Erieside Avenue, the steamship-turned-museum, long a symbol of Cleveland progress, was visible to those trekking East Ninth Street to the Cleveland Pride Parade and Festival held at Voinovich Park. The event boasted more than 100 vendors and four entertainment stages, in addition to ample shade and Lake Erie sparkling in sunlight. Pride demonstrations in Cleveland can be traced back to the 1970s, driven in part by larger anti-fascist groups responding to both Anita Bryant and the 1969 Stonewall riots. But Cleveland Pride as it is known today debuted June 18, 1989. Called “Lesbian and Gay Pride ’89: An Out of the Closet Experience,” the celebration was planned at a kitchen table on Little THE WILLIAM G. MATHER FLEW

BY BECKY BOBAN

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