A Guide to Northeast Ohio’s Best Clambakes, a Fall Foodie Tradition
TRUST MATTERS
Where Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno Stand on Voters’ Issues in Ohio Senate Race
TOP DENTISTS
These 300+ Dental Practitioners Help Make Your Smile Shine Brighter
Trevarrow, Inc. hosts a bi-annual design compeition celebrating the best of the best in kitchen design in Northeast Ohio. Recognition is awarded for design excellence in traditional, contemporary and transitional style decor. Submissions are evaluated by a seven-member panel of international design professionals and the top six designs are recognized above. Congratulations to all of our 2022-2023 winners!
2nd Place Awards: (L to R) Transitional Kitchen Design: Wendy Berry, W Design Interiors. Traditional Kitchen Design: Barrie Spang, Sapphire Pear; Contemporary Kitchen Design: Libby Palmieri, House of L;
PATIENT REVIEWS
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OCT 27
Gold Over America presented by Athleta
volume 53 / issue 10
ON THE COVER
54 BEST OF THE BEST All the greatest parts of living in Northeast Ohio shine in our annual Best of Cleveland feature. Find a far-ranging list of picks from Cleveland Magazine editors, along with reader-voted winners.
Edited by Annie Nickoloff
Photographed by Megann Galehouse
Assisted by Magan McLaughlin
Makeup by Chrissy Hart
Styled by Tyra Sledge, 6th Street Vintage
FEATURED
72 ON THE BALLOT Sherrod Brown and Bernie Moreno face off in Ohio's Senate race. Learn more about each candidate and the wants and needs of state voters in this political deep-dive. By Doug Oplinger
80 GUIDE TO EDUCATION Learn how GPAs and testing scores have changed meaning in recent years, for students, educators and colleges. By Kristen Hampshire
12 FROM THE EDITOR 14 CONVERSATION
LAY OF THE LAND
20 RUNWAY PREP A Cleveland State student styles athletes for major moments.
24 WITCHY WARES Visit the Buckland Museum, which displays unique artifacts from a historic magick collection.
FOOD & DRINK
38 DOWNTOWN STEAKHOUSE Dine at Oliva, a modern Italian steakhouse that opened in the Warehouse District this summer.
42 HAPPY AS A CLAM Explore some of the restaurants offering delectable clambake specials that are worth visiting this fall season.
HOME & GARDEN
145 GREENHOUSE OASIS Step inside this gardenlover's space, where the growing season never ends no matter the time of year.
152 LOOK BACK The Richfield Coliseum's cultural impact included Frank Sinatra concerts and Muhammad Ali boxing matches.
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Since 1992, generous supporters of the Presidential Scholarship Luncheon have contributed $25 million to benefit student scholarships. This year, we are pleased to also help our community’s new entrepreneurs.
Thank you! See the highlights and learn more at tri-c.edu/psl.
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publisher
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editor
managing editor Ron Ledgard
senior editor Annie Nickoloff
associate editors Jala Forest, Julia Lombardo
editorial assistants Danny Cunningham, Christina Rufo
contributing writers Vince Guerrieri, Kristen Hampshire, Allison Jack, Kate Bigam Kaput, Doug Oplinger, Marla Ridenour, Lynne Thompson, Maura Zurick
editorial interns Paris Mather, Lainey Novak, Julia Soeder, Jaden Stambolia, Olivia Szmania
art director Erin Stinard
associate art director Abigail Archer
contributing artists Jeani Brechbill Photography, Taylor Callery, Megann Galehouse, Magan McLaughlin, Kaitlin Walsh, Gabe Wasylko
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photography interns Maya Holtzman, Alister White editorial@clevelandmagazine.com
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Can I be a better manager? benefits should I offer?
Are my workers unhappy? What benefits should I offer?
Are my workers unhappy?
I paying my people enough?
Why are my employees quitting? Is my business compliant?
Am I paying my people enough?
Can I be a better manager?
Are my workers unhappy? Am I paying my people enough?
What benefits should I offer?
How can I lead better? What benefits should I offer? Can I be a better manager? Is my handbook up to date?
Are my workers unhappy?
Am I paying my people enough?
Is my handbook up to date?
Why are my employees quitting? Is my business compliant?
What benefits should I offer?
Can I be a better manager? workers unhappy? handbook up to date? Is my handbook What benefits should business compliant? enough? What benefits should
How can I lead better?
Can I be a better manager?What benefits should I offer?
Am I paying my people enough? business compliant?
The Art of Being the Best
IN FRONT OF the camera, Chelsea Pastel transitions between big smiles, mean mugs and forlorn gazes. The robotic machine capturing her portrait is the only thing in the Champagne Bar of Hilarities 4th Street Theatre exuding more confidence than the rapper.
“Oh, I’m glad it looks that way because I’m totally faking it,” she tells me. “I’m actually a total nerd.”
Pastel’s music mixes elements of hardcore rap and trap music, accentuated by touches of old-school hip-hop, catchy hooks and verbal trickery. When one song comes on in the background, she cringes a bit, hearing an imperfection I never could. Then, she smiles.
“I made this song, start to finish, on my lunch break,” she says.
As we move to an alternate backdrop in the Frolic Cabaret, Pastel pokes at an arpeggio chord progression on the piano. The musician taught herself to
make beats. Naturally, she can hear the progression from her earliest work to the collaborations with Kid Cudi or her forthcoming album, which has not been heard by the public.
“It’s full of bangers,” she says.
Around the room are photographer Megann Galehouse and assistant Magan McLaughlin from Lady Luck Studios, whose lighthearted approach to shoots is second only to the final product. Makeup artist Chrissy Hart swoops in to fix every flyaway or smudge. Art director Erin Stinard leads her 35th cover with her typical gentle-but-firm leadership. Ten-year stylist Tyra Sledge of 6th Street Vintage hands Pastel accessories and cutting-edge outfits she made from found materials. (I’m mostly here for moral support, though I held the champagne bottle.)
None of these people just ended up here. Galehouse, who has worked with brands such as Smucker’s, Sugardale and Milk-Bone, started as an assistant at BurkleHagen, a Cleveland photo group. Hart built a team at Cleveland Beauty Collective over a decade that serves hundreds of brides each year. Perhaps most surprisingly, Sledge worked as a mortician for years before shifting to fashion. Stinard and I started as interns for this magazine, dreaming of the positions we have now.
For most, the Best of CLE issue is a party; a celebration of creatives and business owners; and a guide to
Meet creatives, community builders and more in Best of CLE on page 54
dining, things to do and people to know. But I read it differently. Between the lines, you find pandemic-era dreamers (Haute Donuts), resourceful designers (Junk Party Jewelry), risk-taking career changers (FrankieLynn’s Hot Dogs’ Rachel Ventura) and ambitious builders (Boulder Creek’s Joe Salemi). I’m convinced that every year this issue sparks someone to finally take their leap. Before being featured in these pages or joining us at the Best of CLE party on Oct. 17 at the Great Lakes Science Center, they were unsure but let their passion win out. Like the creatives at our photo shoot, their stories ooze with devotion to and love for their craft.
Between catalyst and recognition or success is the process of doing. The work. And the recipe for being the best is loving it and working at it, whether you believe you’re the best or not.
Our September issue was all about comeback kids, whether formerly extirpated or just migrating through for a season abroad. We shared many Cleveland critters’ stories of struggle and redemption, and our readers were quick to pick their favorites.
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Treating Ourselves
With bats and pumpkins aplenty in Cleveland and spooky season in full swing, we asked our Instagram followers what Halloween candy they hope will fill their goodie bags this year. And they certainly gave us something good to eat!
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WHEN EVERYTHING MATTERS
Meaden & Moore provides you with the expertise to solve today’s challenges while understanding the importance of your strategy, vision, your team, and everything else that matters.
THE LAND
A C T I V I S M
IN JULY 1966, the owner of Seventy-Niners Cafe in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood denied a Black customer a glass of water. Five days of unrest and riots ensued, taking the lives of four Black civilians. This September, the Hough Uprising was commemorated for its importance in Black Clevelanders’ fight for equality with a trail marker at the corner of East 79th Street and Hough Avenue. The monument is part of the Cleveland Civil Rights Trail, a project initiated by the Cleveland Restoration Society to preserve Cleveland’s Civil Rights history, notated by 10 unique trail markers across the city. “Hopefully this will inspire generations of today and in the future,” Councilwoman Stephanie Howse-Jones shared in a speech. “Civil rights didn’t just come; people had to fight for these things.”
OLD BROOKLYN’S MAGICK TOUCH
A Stroke of Genius
Get to know the 2024 Cleveland Arts Prize winners and their trailblazing contributions to the country’s best arts community.
For 64 years, the Cleveland Museum of Art has celebrated the artists who define our city’s creative community and the champions who keep it alive. On Oct. 24, Cleveland Arts Prize honors a new group of creative minds who embody Cleveland’s arts scene by helping us see our city and neighbors in new ways, activating unexpected venues of creation and supporting the next generation of talent.
AMBER N. FORD, Emerging Arts Prize, Visual Arts
Ford’s passion came into focus in her high school photography class. “I picked up the camera at 14 and never sat it down,” she says. She’s used visual arts to capture humanity in a way that’s personal, community-based, textural and inviting. Ford’s photography has been exhibited at Cleveland’s Museum of Contemporary Art, the Akhso Gallery, George Fox University and in publications like The Atlantic and the Collective Arts Network Journal
CLINT NEEDHAM, Mid-Career Prize, Music
Needham is proud to have built a career doing what he loves. “I strive to create music that feels like it belongs in the 21st century,” he says. “My influences are quite eclectic, creating a kaleidoscope in my music.” Needham now teaches at Baldwin Wallace University Conservatory of Music, where he earned his bachelor’s degree. In addition to school ensembles, he’s heard his music played by the Minnesota Orchestra, the Cleveland Chamber Symphony and as far abroad as the Sydney Opera House.
BY CHRISTINA RUFO AND PARIS MATHER
Amber N. Ford
Clint Needham
ROBERT MULLER
ELLEN STIRN MAVEC, Barbara Robinson Prize for the Advancement of the Arts
Mavec has been cultivating Cleveland’s creativity ever since she brought her love of decorative arts from London to her namesake galleries in the Playhouse Square district in the 1980s. Today, Mavec is the president and chairman of the Kelvin and Eleanor Smith Foundation and an active board member of the Cleveland Museum of Art since 1991. “It’s a huge blessing and opportunity to support organizations throughout Northeast Ohio, and to be recognized for decades of support and interest in the arts,” she says.
BARBARA BOSWORTH, Lifetime Achievement Prize, Visual Arts
Growing up in Novelty, Bosworth learned how to see the world through a rectangle. Looking out the window of her childhood living room, she photographed the surrounding scenery in the forests of Griswold Creek. The 71-year-old was recently recognized with a solo exhibition at the Cleveland Museum of Art, in which she used telescopes and cameras to capture celestial images of the eclipse, sunsets and more. “It’s quite an honor because all of my pictures come from Northeast Ohio,” says Bosworth. “The landscape here is my touchstone.”
SHANNON MORRIS, Robert P. Bergman Prize
Morris has funneled her creative energy into founding and maintaining the nonprofit Artful Ohio, which has created 24 handicapaccessible studio spaces in Cleveland. “When you fight so long for something, and all of a sudden you look up and people are noticing what you’re doing,” Morris says. “It’s an amazing feeling.”
DR. RONALD AND EUGENIA STRAUSS, Martha Joseph Prize for Distinguished Service to the Arts
The Strausses are the foundation of CityMusic Cleveland Chamber Orchestra, which is dedicated to prioritizing arts education and making classical music accessible with programming and free concerts. “We feel honored to receive the Martha Joseph award, especially in light that we knew Martha and the incredible work she and her husband achieved during their lifetime,” the Strausses say. “We are humbled.”
Barbara Bosworth
Shannon Morris
Ellen Stirn Mavec
Dr. Ronald and Eugenia Strauss
Dream Team
Cleveland State student Maddie Alexandria is turning heads as a wardrobe stylist to Angel Reese and other female basketball stars.
Maddie Alexandria dreams big — and shoots her shot. Her first break came while she was working at local men’s retailer Xhibition in Van Aken. Zia Cooke, a Toledo native whom Alexandria met while playing prep basketball, asked Alexandria to be her wardrobe stylist for the 2023 WNBA Draft. The fearless Alexandria broke the norm and dressed Cooke in a black gown.
“It blew up on Twitter,” Alexandria says. “I was like, Wow, this is crazy.”
Alexandria tagged that photo with “I want Angel Reese next,” and Reese responded. Alexandria styled tunnel walk looks for Reese’s final college season, then accompanied her to the 2024 draft as Reese dazzled in a cowl-neck,
open-back stunner. This summer, Alexandria attended Reese’s photo shoot for Reebok and Beats, a campaign that included Naomi Osaka and another target client: Olympic gold medal track star Sha’Carri Richardson.
Today, the 21-year-old senior, who is studying business marketing at Cleveland State University, has WNBA players Reese, Cooke and Rickea Jackson in her stable, along with University of South Carolina national champion Bree Hall.
On Alexandria’s bucket list is a vintage shopping trip to Tokyo, and she would drop everything for an internship with Law Roach, who has styled Zendaya since 2011. She hopes to add male athletes to her clientele, an ability she proved in 2023 during a Northeast
Ohio shoot for a trailer teaser for the film Shooting Stars. She even met LeBron James and the rest of his high school “Fab Five.”
“I eventually want to style for movies,” Alexandria says. “I want to get into fashion designing and sourcing vintage pieces.”
Anything feels possible for the Orange High School graduate, as her work ethic, passion and drive come through in conversation. Her mentor, Mattey Spicer, who has worked as a stylist in his native Columbus for nearly 10 years and brought her in on the Shooting Stars job, sees it, too.
“She’s really got it,” Spicer says. “How composed she is, how put-together she is at such an early age and already having these clients (who) are building a foundation for her career. In the past year, with how much attention the WNBA is getting, I think she’s really in the right place at the right time. It’s mind-blowing.”
STYLE
Maddie Alexandria (right) draws attention dressing WNBA stars Bree Hall (left) and Angel Reese (center).
High School Basketball State Champions
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Bobby Jordan – President • Brian Silver • Tracy Justice Asu Robinson • Juanita Lewis • Cassandra Nelson • Daniel Ursu
Drum In
COIN drummer Ryan Winnen reflects on his Cleveland upbringing, new music and the band’s fall tour.
INDIE-POP TRIO COIN has seen success with infectious hits like “Talk Too Much” and “Crash My Car,” and fresh off the release of their fifth studio album, I’m Not Afraid of Music Anymore, many more ballads have joined the repertoire. Alongside vocalist Chase Lawrence and guitarist Joseph Memmel is drummer Ryan Winnen, a South Euclid native raised on the city’s pop-punk scene of the early 2000s. On Oct. 11, COIN returns to Cleveland to play their first show at the Agora Theatre, a venue that housed many of Winnen’s most memorable concerts. As the band prepares to take the historic stage, we ask Winnen about all things music and Northeast Ohio.
Q HOW DID OHIO’S MUSIC SCENE INSPIRE YOUR DRUMMING CAREER?
A When I was 12 or 13, I started getting into punk, hardcore, metal and all of those adjacent genres because that music was super popular when I was growing up. My dad started taking me to shows around that age; the community was really robust. When I was in high school, I started drumming in metal bands and played a bunch of shows locally, which was really fun because it was always a dream of mine to tour.
Q HOW DOES IT FEEL TO RETURN TO CLEVELAND AND PLAY THE AGORA THEATRE FOR THE FIRST TIME?
A I get to see so many of the people who were encouraging me that music was even possible as a dream to fulfill. It’s just going to be one of those let’s soak it in moments, appreciating where I come from, how I got into music and those shows that were paramount to me becoming a musician. I always get a little bit sentimental when we play things like that.
Q WHAT MAKES COIN’S NEW ALBUM DIFFERENT FROM PREVIOUS ONES?
A The title embodies what we did in the studio, stripping ourselves of things we knew were comfortable tactics to sound good or competitive. There’s a human quality of this record, embracing mistakes and the truest expression of each of us individually.
Q WHAT ARE SOME OF YOUR FAVORITE SPOTS AROUND CLEVELAND?
A Superior Pho is really cozy in the winter. And summers in Cleveland are so idyllic; I’m super active and like going to Edgewater Park. I’ll do a search for antique malls like Attenson’s [Antiques and Books] when I’m in town and love poking around Loganberry Books. I’ve collected a lot of art books and photography, so there’s bits of Cleveland in my current home. I look forward to going to Severance Hall and appreciating those parts of Cleveland that have been tried and true.
Ryan Winnen
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A display of magick artifacts in Old Brooklyn offers an important portal into the legacy and history of occult culture in America.
Steven Intermill, with his long hair and handlebar mustache, starts the tour by drawing the shades of the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft in Old Brooklyn with his black-and-silver walking stick.
The entrance walls are filled with crystals, spellbinding candles, posters and dozens of educational books explaining a rich tapestry of occult history. Tucked behind a thin wall, the dimly lit space displays a collection of divination tools, including tarot cards, crystal balls and tea cups for foreseeing the future and making decisions. Notes and signs litter the small, dense museum space explaining in grave detail the significance of nearly every object. The strong musk of incense lit in the gift shop wafts through the air, enveloping the experience of intrigue.
“Essentially, witchcraft’s real title
EXPERIENCEa fresh take on ELEGANCE
is magick, and magick is affecting the world around you through thoughts and ritual,” Intermill says.
Every hour, the museum tour guide recites this rich history of witchcraft to groups of the nearly 7,000 visitors who venture to the Buckland Museum of Witchcraft each year. Tickets are cheap, ranging from $8 to $10. With a max of eight people per tour, every visitor gets a unique, intimate experience to explore the occult objects. Some are in search of spiritual guidance. Others are here for entertainment.
A sign hangs above the door reading “Not for everyone.” Intermill explains that the sign’s reminder is point-blank: witchcraft has a complex history that not all visitors may come to understand or accept. The museum is not necessarily a space for witchcraft to be conducted but rather a place where Pagans or self-practicing Wiccans can
see the historical items that once belonged to the elders of their craft. Intermill lightens the mood of the tour with jokes to assure visitors that witchcraft can be educational, despite common misconceptions. Collections from the set of the 2016 movie The Love Witch sprinkle a bit of pop culture fun into the otherwise dark undertones of the tour.
“Witchcraft is a rebuttal to the patriarchy,” he says. “It is a way of self-empowerment, and it gives people an ability to take part in their own spiritual path.”
Intermill works in devotion to the museum’s founder, Ray Buckland. Originally from England, he was a protege of Gerald Gardner and played a pivotal role in the introduction of Wicca to the United States. Buckland wrote extensively on the subject, creating the foundational book, Buckland’s Complete Book of Witchcraft. Artifacts such as
ritual tools used by Buckland and his wife, Rosemary, include a high priest ceremonial horned helmet, along with a crescent moon headdress.
“The moment that [helmet] was placed on Rosemary’s head, the occult landscape changed forever,” the museum director says.
While working at another popular Cleveland museum, the A Christmas Story House, Intermill inquired about Buckland’s collection — one which had traversed the country and passed hands multiple times. A complicated history for complicated objects.
In 1966, Buckland first opened his
Items in the collection include ceremonial helmets and headdresses, once worn by major figures in the underground magick and occult worlds of the United States.
museum in New York, before moving it to New Hampshire in 1973, then Virginia in 1977. After 1979, the artifacts went into storage for several years.
The collection resurfaced in 1999 in New Orleans, passing through several hands. In 2015, the pieces were entrusted to the Temple of Sacrifice, a Columbus coven co-founded by Buckland. The collection of over 600 items is now owned by Toni Rotonda, high priestess of the Temple of Sacrifice.
In 2016, Intermill brought the collection to Cleveland. “It had been a partnership between the two of us that has turned into a great friendship,” Rotonda recounts. “There wasn’t any money that exchanged hands, it was a mutual respect for Ray and his legacy that pretty much built the foundation of our relationship.”
Due to Buckland’s significance in the
Craft, most items have been donated from Magickal Practitioners throughout the museum’s six-decade history.
“We need to share this museum because the majority of people out there don’t understand that witchcraft, Wicca, the occult and paganism in general, is not what most people think it is,” Rotonda says. “It’s important for us to share this museum to show people what we are not.”
witchcraft, so it is truly underground.” what we’re doing here.”
As I peruse the collections of tradi-
“It’s important for us to share this museum to show people what we are not.” — TONI ROTONDA
Initially located inside an old record shop in Tremont, the museum later expanded to its current location on Old Brooklyn’s Broadview Road in 2019. Some visitors say the current space is small. “They should have seen the previous location,” Intermill replies. “This is
tional oils, radionics and altar displays, Intermill assures me it is safe to walk freely throughout the museum space. My eyes focus on a circle painted in the middle of the floor. When asked about its significance, Intermill casually states that it’s the “protection circle.” I stand in the middle, wondering if I should have stayed here the entire time. But Intermill explains that it is more for show. Encrypted with symbols of occult antiquity and planets that can be seen without a telescope, the circle is a replica to those used centuries ago in occult rituals.
Steven Intermill first opened the Buckland Museum in Cleveland in 2017, and moved to its current home in 2019.
The guided tour is brief, but Intermill is eager to answer questions regarding the collection. He has a lengthy answer for every item on display. Visitors are welcome to browse the collection until closing time to take in every portion of the exhibits.
Despite public misconceptions, the Buckland Museum stands as a beacon for those intrigued by the mysteries of witchcraft and its place in modern culture.
“Most of the display cases and project materials are paid for exclusively by ourselves,” Rotonda states. “It may not be worth a lot to most, but in our own humble opinion, it’s priceless.”
Tuning In to History
Find out how famed artists pick mementos to share as part of their Rock & Roll Hall of Fame exhibit.
A MAJOR ATTRACTION the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame unveils during induction week, leading up to the ceremony in Cleveland on Oct. 19, is an exhibit filled with artifacts provided by the newest class of inductees. Following is a sampling of what the 2024 inductees have loaned or donated, along with their stories about them.
PETER FRAMPTON
Peter Frampton was a 21-year-old veteran of The Herd and co-founding guitarist and lead singer of the supergroup Humble Pie when he embarked on a solo career in 1971. But it was the 1976 release of Frampton Comes Alive! that launched him into the superstar stratosphere. The album, considered one of the greatest live efforts ever recorded, yielded classic rock radio anthems such as “Show Me the Way” and Do You Feel Like We Do.” He continues to record and perform, as he fights inclusion body myositis, a progressive muscle disorder.
REPRODUCTION OF 1954 LES PAUL
In 2015 Gibson issued 35 reproductions of the guitar Frampton is pictured playing on the cover of Frampton Comes Alive! “I got the very first one,” Frampton says. He believed the original was destroyed when a cargo plane carrying his band’s gear crashed in Venezuela during a 1980 South American tour.
But it actually survived.
The black Gibson was sold to a Venezuelan musician, perhaps by someone guarding the debris.
Years later, a luthier recognized the guitar as Frampton’s when the musician’s son brought it to him for re-
pairs. The guitar maker returned it to Frampton in 2011.
Frampton took the guitar, which he nicknamed the Phenix (French for “phoenix”) to the Gibson Custom Shop in Nashville to be restored.
But he ordered the burn marks, scratches and other damage in the finish of the neck, headstock and body left as is — in fact, they were painstakingly replicated on the reproduction. He had one twist for the Rock Hall.
“It’s very hard to tell the difference between the two,” Frampton says. “But I cannot lend [them] my Phenix because I play it.”
OUTFIT FROM FRAMPTON COMES ALIVE!
The sand-colored suede suit and gold V-neck shirt that were custom-made for Frampton by a Hollywood-based leather store in 1975, along with the talk box used to record the album, actually are on loan from the Hard Rock Café. “They had a guitar of mine, another one that had gone missing, and I wanted it back,” he explains. “So I did an exchange for the outfit and my original talk box.” He is blunt when asked if he can still fit in the suit. “Oh, absolutely not,” he replies, then laughs. “Unfortunately, I have a 30-inch waist now. It used to be 26.”
“Big Apple” bank
Outfit worn on the cover of Frampton Comes Alive!
California Jam II concert program
Dionne Warwick’s purple dress with floral appliques
Dionne Warwick’s Holiday sweater from Jimmy Fallon
“I Say a Little Prayer” 7-inch record
Mick Jones’s Petschulat guitar
BLUE FLORAL-PATTERNED JACKET
“[There] was a shop at the end of King’s Road [in West London] that all the bands would go to in the mid-to late ’60s,” he recalls. “They would shut the shop when The Beatles or The [Rolling] Stones went in. So I went there, and I got quite a few jackets from that shop at that time.”
FOREIGNER
Foreigner’s self-titled 1977 debut album produced three hit singles: “Feels Like the First Time,” “Cold as Ice” and “Long, Long Way From Home.” It wasn’t beginner’s luck. The group’s first eight consecutive singles charted in the Billboard Top 20, making them the first band to do so since The Beatles. And the hits — including the
chart-topping “I Want to Know What Love Is” — kept coming throughout the 1980s, enough to make a posthiatus lineup that founding guitarist Mick Jones put together in 2002 a must-see for a new generation of fans.
INFLATABLE JUKEBOX
Original lead singer Lou Gramm commissioned the 30-foot-high by 6-foot-wide stage prop, modeled after a Wurlitzer. It was inflated during performances of “Juke Box Hero,” from the 1981 album Foreigner 4. Gramm occasionally uses the “cartoonish” inflatable during solo shows at large venues — it requires its own truck and four men to transport it. “It’s been around for 40 years now, so it has its little quirks and stuff,” he says of the limited-time loan. “But by and large, it’s very dependable, still looks fantastic when it’s inflated.”
“BIG APPLE” BANK
Original keyboardist Al Greenwood recalls that Atlantic Records gave each member of Foreigner one of these banks to commemorate their first headlining performance at Madison Square Garden in New York City — “the ultimate for any band to play,” he says — on Nov. 23, 1978. “You put the coin on that little button, and the button goes down, and [the bank] starts up,” he explains. “It opens up. And a little hand comes out and drags the coin into the bank.”
CALIFORNIA JAM II CONCERT PROGRAM
Greenwood admits he and his bandmates didn’t realize the magnitude of the March 18, 1978, music festival at Ontario Motor Speedway in Ontario, California — a televised event that put Aerosmith, Foreigner, Heart, Ted Nugent and Santana, among others, on one bill — until they helicoptered
to the racetrack and saw the mass of humanity gathered below them. “We only rehearsed the set once, and we’re in front of, like, 300,000 people doing this massive show,” he recalls. “It was a bit of a shock.”
MICK JONES’S PETSCHULAT GUITAR
Jones commissioned Nashville luthier David Petschulat to build the distinctive instrument. “I got David to base the colors on the Foreigner 4 album cover,” he says. “I recall flying David out to meet the band and deliver the guitar, which I ended up using for the rest of the tour on ‘Jukebox Hero.’”
DIONNE WARWICK
Warwick has the second-most Billboard Hot 100 hits among female art-
ists in the 20th century. She began the feat in 1962 with her first single, the Burt Bacharach/Hal David-penned “Don’t Make Me Over.” Her smooth, scintillating voice continued turning a staggering number of songs, many of them Bacharach/David compositions such “Walk on By,” “I Say a Little Prayer,” “I’ll Never Fall in Love Again” and “That’s What Friends Are For,” into pop/rock staples.
PURPLE DRESS WITH FLORAL APPLIQUES
Warwick says the dress was one of “some really spectacular things” made by Michael Travis, who designed costumes for the likes of Liberace and The Supremes. The wide belt “was something that nobody else was wearing at the time,” she recalls. She wore the floor-length frock on a first-season episode of the syndicated television music series Solid Gold for her 1980 album.
SPECTACULAR ESTATE
Elevate Your Lifestyle at 3377 E. Galloway Dr., Richfield
This totally renovated 5-bedroom, 6-bath home is the epitome of luxury and comfort. Nestled in the prestigious Glencarin development in the city of Richfield, this estate is set on a lushly landscaped, picturesque 1.2-acre lot. It offers everything you could ever need and deserve.
Key Features:
Location:
Lot Size:
First Floor
Details:
Bedrooms & Bathrooms: 5 spacious bedrooms and 6 beautifully appointed bathrooms.
Situated in the exclusive Glencarin development, known for its serene and upscale environment.
Expansive 1.2-acre lot with stunning landscaping. Arrive by entering the circular driveway and Portico. You will notice a 4-car garage and studio quarters above the garage.
Expansive Kitchen: A chef’s dream with state-of-the-art appliances, granite countertops, and a large island. The kitchen opens to a beautiful family room, perfect for casual gatherings and everyday living.
Beautiful Dining Room: An elegant space designed for entertaining guests in style.
Master Suite: A luxurious retreat featuring garden view blackout shades, an oversized glamour bath with a soaking tub, custom vanities, and a new shower. The suite also includes a walk-in custom closet with built-ins for abundant storage.
Covered Outdoor Patio: Featuring a gas fireplace, this area allows for seamless indooroutdoor living, perfect for relaxing or entertaining year-round.
HOLIDAY SWEATER FROM JIMMY FALLON
The Tonight Show host sent Warwick the sweater — a cream-colored knit embellished with red and green pompoms down the front and metallicgarland-like trim at the neck and cuffs — in 2020 during the show’s “12 Days of Christmas Sweaters” giveaway. She posted Christmas Day videos on X and Facebook to thank him for it. “It was one of those kinds of sweaters that you wear only once,” she says. “That was it.”
“I
SAY A LITTLE PRAYER” 7-INCH RECORD
“It was written during the Vietnam War,” Warwick says of the Bacharach/ Hal David-penned 1967 pop classic. “So it still holds a very, very special meaning for me with all of our babies — that’s what they were — who were being sent over to Vietnam to fight this senseless war. A lot of them, unfortunately, did not come back home.”
Entertainment Extravaganza:
REDUCED $2,750,000
Lower Level: The ultimate entertainment space, featuring a Pub Room and Lounge area.
Indoor Basketball Court: Watch or join in the fun with a half-court indoor basketball setup, viewable from both above and below. Theatre Room: Enjoy the latest Netflix series or a movie marathon in the large, stateof-the-art theatre room. Full Operating Kitchen and Bar: Perfect for hosting parties or
a comfortable environment.
Bonus Room/ Studio:
Located above the second garage, this versatile space can be used as a home office, art studio, or guest suite, offering endless possibilities for customization.
Laurello Vineyards
Laurello Vineyards is a family-owned winery providing hand-crafted, award-winning wines and specially prepared foods as well as beer on tap. Laurello’s offers premium, vinifera wines in addition to unique blends and delicious ice wines. We invite you to stop by to experience our boutique winery.
Celebrating 135 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 tours of the winery and Crystal Cave. Visit the tasting room featuring wines made on-site, while enjoying fresh cheeses.
Enjoy a true taste of Holmes County in Ohio’s Amish Country! Visit our winery overlooking 23-acres of vineyards in the scenic hills offering peace and tranquility. Enjoy our delightful wines offering 22 varietals. Stay the night in our cozy cabins and enjoy dinner, live music, and a beautiful sunset.
A Country Inn overlooking the beautiful Doughty Valley in Ohio’s Amish Country. Boutique Agricultural Winery on premise. Grab a bite to eat from The Charming Bistro located in the Inn. Come and stay a while in one of our comfortable rooms. On premise Horseback Riding Stables available.
5025 State Route 557, Millersburg, OH 330-893-3600, guggisbergswissinn.com
cheers!
At Lost Tail Winery and Vineyard, we believe life is better lived outdoors and wine enjoyed in handcrafted, small batches. We are open year-round and offer live music, The Hungry Hiker food trailer (new in 2024), book club, workshops, BrewGroup meetings, trivia games, makers markets/ festivals and more. 5228 State Street NE, Canton, OH 330-754-9643, losttrailwinery.com
The Winery at Spring Hill
We are an upscale, country winery with a friendly, relaxing atmosphere. We offer dry Vinifera wines and sweet Labrusca and fruit wines, hard ciders, craft beers, and cocktails. Enjoy food from our kitchen and patio, and new in 2024 bring your dogs to experience our new “Barking Lot” dog park.
6062 S Ridge Road W, Geneva, OH 440-466-0626, thewineryatspringhill.com
Laurentia Vineyard and Winery is located within the Grand River Valley. Situated upon 48 acres of estate vineyards, Laurentia’s award winning wines, such as our Double Gold Stoltz Block ® Cabernet, may be perfectly paired with a variety of boards, shared plates, and artisan flatbreads.
4599 S. Madison Road, Madison, OH 440-296-9175, laurentiawinery.com
Gervasi Vineyard Resort and Spa
This summer, escape to Gervasi Vineyard, a unique, Tuscan-inspired winery resort and spa. Enjoy three distinct restaurants, a luxurious suite and the comforts of high-end amenities, as well as an outdoor patio with beautiful lake views. Treat yourself to a tranquil spa treatment or the intimate wine-tasting room in The Cave. 1700 55th Sreet NE, Canton, 330-497-1000, gervasivineyard.com
FOOD &
DRINK
AS RAIL TRAVEL POPULARIZED in the mid 1800s, so did the tradition of the Cleveland clambake. “There was a source of shellfish that came through Cleveland on rail,” says Charles Young, the fourth-generation vice president of Euclid Fish Co. The family business — founded by John Comella 80 years ago and originally named Chef Comella’s Fish and Clambake Co. — helped define Cleveland’s take on one-pot steamed seafood: clams, chicken, corn, coleslaw, bread and, maybe, sausage. As summer turns to fall, restaurants offer specials, but many families still host backyard renditions, too. “During that small time period, we’re probably consuming more clams than any other state on the East Coast,” Young says. “It just goes to show the popularity of it, that it’s really for everybody.”
OLIVA INTRODUCES MODERN ITALIAN
ON SHAKY GROUND
Post-pandemic effects have restaurant operators on uneven footing as the dining scene evolves.
IF YOU THINK that the restaurant industry is on solid ground these days, you’re not paying attention. While each situation is unique, there are headwinds facing independent restaurant owners, forces driving a distressing wave of closures. On the operator side are hardships such as higher food and labor costs and difficulty in hiring and retaining staff. On the consumer side, customers are reining in spending, relying more on delivery than dining out.
Even the restaurants that appear to be thriving are likely struggling beneath the surface. Take Salt, the awardwinning Lakewood restaurant operated by Jill Vedaa and Jessica Parkison. Despite local and national accolades, the once-hot bistro closed in August.
“This business is changing a lot,” Vedaa says. “The landscape — how people are eating and drinking — has completely changed.”
Melt Bar and Grilled has been facing many of the same pressures. Aggressive
expansion took the homegrown brand from the original shop in Lakewood to 13-plus restaurants and satellite stores. To save the brand, founder Matt Fish announced that he was closing all but the original restaurant in Lakewood, which will undergo improvements to food quality, service and atmosphere.
“I don’t want to be looked at as a novelty,” Fish says. “I want to bring regulars back and build back the clientele we had when we first opened up.”
One of the most heartrending bits of news came out of Cleveland Heights, where the owners of Nighttown announced that the restaurant was closing. The historic jazz supper club opened in 1965 and closed in March of 2020. After sitting idle for a couple years, the property was reopened by the Red Restaurant Group. But too much had changed during the interim: the live music scene, the way people dine and drink, the rise of fast-casual eateries and delivery services.
On the Bright Side. For years we’ve been talking about the rise in “experiential entertainment.” Many pleasure-seekers these days are in search of fun, immersive experiences like axe throwing, shuffleboard and duckpin bowling. Within this so-called “eatertainment” trend, there is a new darling emerging: mini-golf. In the coming months, Birdietown Mini Golf and Lounge will open in the Birdtown neighborhood of Lakewood. The two-level, 12,000-square-foot venue is taking shape in the Nest complex on Madison. Owner Tim Frazee describes it as a “date-night” destination that mixes a speakeasytype bar and restaurant with 18 holes of indoor miniature golf.
Jolene, Jolene, Jolene, Jolene. Come spring, East Fourth Street will look and sound a wee bit more like Nashville when partners Jason Beudert, Terry Francona and Chelsea Williams swing open the doors to Jolene. Located in the former Greenhouse Tavern space, the honky-tonk spot will offer a fun, vibrant atmosphere with small live music events, guitar shotskis and shareable boot drinks.
For more food news, visit clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink
City Girl
Lola Jacaj’s first solo endeavor, Oliva Steakhouse, is the next step in a flag-planting project on the corner of West Sixth Street.
You might not know Lola Jacaj; after all, until last year, the restaurants on her roster — Luca Italian Cuisine, Luca West and Acqua Di Luca — bore the name of chef Luca Sema, her former collaborator and ex-husband. But you should. Since opening Luca Italian Cuisine on the Superior Viaduct in 2013, Jacaj has established herself as one of Cleveland’s foremost experts on wine and hospitality. Acting as owner-operator to Sema’s chefowner, she further solidified that status when West Sixth Street’s Acqua di Luca — a Mediterranean-inspired fine dining experience with impeccable service — opened in 2021. Since her divorce from Sema, Jacaj retained ownership of the Downtown restaurants, which have been rebranded as Casa La Luna and Acqua di Dea. Jacaj says going on her own has been “lonely,” but despite these uncharted waters, Jacaj isn’t playing it safe. In June, she launched Oliva Steakhouse. Directly next door to Acqua, the restaurant is the first of two Downtown restaurants she hopes to open in 2024, with a French eatery set to open by the end of the year on the opposite side of Acqua. Connected by a back alleyway, the budding compound on the corner of
St. Clair Avenue and West Sixth Street is being operated as three restaurants under one roof, with general manager Damir Terzic helming all three.
“The structure is unique,” she says. “We’ll keep it as separate as we can when it comes to kitchen and service. But management, we just run it as one big restaurant with three concepts.”
This Italian take on the steakhouse focuses on contemporary pasta recipes and “nose-totail” beef offerings.
Off St. Clair, a subtle stairway leads to Oliva’s 100-seat dining room with a bar and a chef’s table. A warmth comes not only from the fireplace and open kitchen but also from the natural wood and stone. The location is a homecoming for Jacaj, who started her career at Osteria, the space’s predecessor which later moved to Walnut Avenue. Previous visitors must be shocked by the spaciousness created by knocking down the wall separating the front of house from the kitchen, though a winding limestone wine shelf gives the illusion that the intimate room is even bigger than it is. Natural wood slats separate the entrance from nearby tables without blocking natural light, precious in the basement room.
Originally envisioning a feminine steakhouse, Jacaj, who has designed each of her restaurants, worked with HSB Architects and Engineers, especially director of interior design Marisa Melchior, landed on a sleek, androgynous venue with modernist charm.
The yearlong renovation wasn’t the only challenge leading up to opening day. While Michael White has served as executive chef so far, the menu was designed by Tommaso Alfonso Varrese, a 51-year-old chef from Italy, who has worked in five-star hotels and Michelinstarred restaurants all over the world.
For the past year, Jacaj has wrestled with the U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services to secure a work visa for Varrese. The process makes osso bucco look like instant noodles, so as of this writing, he remains in limbo. In
the meantime, Zoom calls have helped Jacaj and her team execute the menu.
If Luca is the traditional offering and Acqua’s rustic seafood approach is the step in a more innovative direction, Oliva is a deep dive into contemporary Italian cuisine.
A Chinese chef who focuses on Northern Chinese cuisine told us recently that the Shanghainese- and Cantonesestyle food that many American restaurants offer is as outdated in China as beef Wellington is in the U.S. So is a lot of the Italian food we eat.
“I wanted to bring this chef from Italy because I feel like, with creativity, we need to step it up a bit,” she says. “We have great restaurants, but we all play it safe. I believe he’ll take us ahead.”
The menu centers around “nose-totail beef” offerings and pasta with ingredients that would make your nonna scoff. In both our visits, servers suggest coursing out plates to share, starting with the lighter antipasti section. The primavera ($16) offered a nice summer teaser with roasted peaches and fig vincotto balancing out the creamy burrata and salty prosciutto before moving
on to the gamberetti ($20), a sauteed jumbo shrimp in a white wine sauce spiced with aleppo pepper flakes, and the bocconcini di manzo ($18), rolled up ricotta and filet mignon that gave off a twice-baked potato consistency.
The dishes in the primi course range in size. The gnocchi ($18) arrived as just 12 pieces in a cheesy cream sauce. Despite smaller portions, curious diners find satisfaction in those hand-rolled
Lola Jacaj (bottom left) turned the space into a 100-seat dining room mixing rustic touches and natural materials with a modernist’s lean toward simplicity.
dumplings, given a twist by adding beets to the typical potato approach. A heavier version of the restaurant’s innovation is the chitara ($20). Braised, shredded veal shoulder intertwines with angel hair pasta, while mushrooms (porcini and morel) and blueberries give pops of umami and sweetness.
On both visits, we skipped the insalata, zuppa and secondi sections of the menu, which is fairly extensive, substantial (most of the time) and pricey. However, the pasce al sale ($48), a deboned whole branzino that is kept tender and encrusted by the salt on which its cooked, was on our radar.
Back on land, a curation of USDA Prime Certified Angus Beef ranges from the $55 ribeye steak to the $120 bistecca alla fiorentina. On our first visit, a medium rare bone-in ribeye ($72), known as the cowboy ribeye, arrived expertly crusted in sea salt and pepper. Working from the tender, pink and delicious outskirts, the thick cut was a bit raw near the center. A subsequent order of the bistecca alla fiorentina ($120), pre-sliced and assembled around a towering bone, was also
Next to concise beer and cocktail offerings, an extensive wine list with hundreds of options helps imbibers of all preferences.
rawer than expected. Admittedly, the never-chewy, blood-red center made me reevaluate my preferences and the variation between slices was ideal for sharing. The mammoth and aggressively seasoned meat does not disappoint, but consider ordering one level of doneness higher than usual.
The tiramisu ($14), a constant on the dessert menu that is more of a custard than a cake, is a final reminder that Oliva is different. Steakhouses are having a moment right now thanks to riffs on the overdone experience. Oliva joins Brazilian steakhouse Batuqui and the casual STEAK Tremont in offering that.
As Downtown reinvents itself post
work-from-home revolution, Jacaj’s investment is notable. Born in Albania, she’s a city girl at heart, she says, which drives her to succeed in the city center.
“It’s so much harder Downtown to run a business. I think that’s why,” she says. “But I love that hectic city life. Growing up in Europe, that’s the life you’re used to, the noise.”
With the new Sherwin-Williams HQ set to bring thousands more people Downtown, Jacaj is betting on things getting even more hectic to support her formidable goal of a dining destination on her corner of West Sixth Street.
“My gosh, yes,” she says when asked if she’s optimistic about Downtown. “I’m hoping I’ll be part of bringing people to eat good food on this corner. When you make a good restaurant, have good food and service to offer, and give people their money’s worth, people show up.”
Innovation is in our DNA. That’s why we’re for quantum computers and libraries that fit in your pocket, for self-cleaning paints and a paint company that’s changing our skyline, for enabling EVs and transforming transportation, for landings on Mars and telescopes seeing past stars, for world-class healthcare and leading-edge museums, for watertech businesses and water in abundance, for $800 million PB&Js and blenders that last a lifetime, for croissant crust pizza and the kimchi-curious, for sustainability breakthroughs and tech’s next big thing, for award-winning fashion designers, and concept-to-product dream factories. We’re Cleveland.
We’re for big ideas and bold ventures.
WORD OF MOUTH
DOUGLAS KATZ
PARTNER; AMBA, KILN AND ZHUG
For more than 25 years, Douglas Katz has worked hard to foster community around his transformative cuisine, including with his forthcoming restaurant Kiln in Van Aken. When the chef does take some time off (a rarity), here’s where to find him. — CHRISTINA RUFO
INSPIRING FLAVORS My favorite place to try something with new and inspiring flavors in Cleveland is Alea [in Ohio City]. I love the small venue, the open kitchen and the simplicity of the space. I also love the way that Athan Zarnas, the chef, creates dishes. He uses fresh ingredients and highlights the ingredients over anything else. You can really taste the food, each individual thing and how it goes together. As a chef, I just love that simplicity.
QUICK BITE I have too many. I love Patron Saint [in Ohio City]. It might be more like a half-hour, quick lunch. I love going there because the food comes up quickly. You can sit at the bar counter and get a quick salad, or you could get two or three different shareable plates. It’s a super fun neighborhood spot. To me, it’s all about the quality of the food and the ingredients. I also love running into Beet Jar after I go to the gym and grabbing these awesome smoothie bowls with dates, nuts and almond butter.
BEST SPOT TO UNWIND In the summer, I would say the Flight Cleveland patio [in Detroit Shoreway] to have a glass of wine. I can take my dog and sit outside. If it’s not food-related, Edgewater Park is my favorite place to go, two or three times a day, just to clear my mind, take calls or walk my dog. I just love it; we’re so lucky.
Food & Drink
EVERY THURS DAY
BRENNAN’S FISH HOUSE
WHY WE LOVE IT: Each Sunday in October from 1-8 p.m., Brennan’s welcomes diners to its charming suburban venue, constructed in 1865, for a generous spread of freshwater food at its annual clambakes. TRY THIS: The clambake ($39.99) comes with a bowl of New England clam chowder, a dozen clams, half of an herb-roasted chicken, sweet potato, corn and bread and butter. Extra clams are also available by the dozen ($19.99). 102 River St., Grand River, 440-354-9785, brennansfishhouse.com
DEBONNÉ VINEYARDS
WHY WE LOVE IT: Fill your Friday plans with fish, as this favored wine country estate hosts clambakes on Oct. 4, 11 and 25 at 6 p.m. and 7 p.m. TRY THIS: Choose between an 8-ounce New York strip steak, grilled airline chicken or double clam meals ($44.95$54.95). All come with a dozen clams, baby potatoes, corn on the cob, clam chowder, coleslaw and rolls with garlic butter. 7840 Doty Road, Madison, 440-466-3485, debonne.com
Flight Cleveland
EUCLID FISH CO.
WHY WE LOVE IT: When a fall weekend just feels too cozy to get you out of the house, take your clams to-go from Euclid Fish Co., a cornerstone in the Cleveland clambake experience since the 1950s.
TRY THIS: Chef Comella's Original Cleveland Clambake ($24.95) comes with all the foods you know and love: a dozen clams, a half chicken, sweet potato, sweet corn, coleslaw, rolls and butter. Cook it like the pros with a rentable burner and steamer ($24.99-$120), available per order with instructions. 7839 Enterprise Drive, Mentor, 440-951-6448, neoclambakes.com
FLIGHT CLEVELAND
WHY WE LOVE IT: Chef Dave Kocab ensures that each annual clambake menu has its own specialty, and this year is no exception. Coming fast on Sept. 28 from 2-8 p.m., 2024's theme is all things Turkish, with a menu inspired by the medley of ingredients that Kocab
has had his eye on recently.
TRY THIS: Enjoy 12 classic clams, Turkish-spiced chicken, tomato and sausage skewers, roasted eggplant, sumac onion salad, hummus and bazlama flatbread ($55) — and save a plate for the array of add-on treats available. 5712 Detroit Ave., Cleveland, 216-4006867, flightcleveland.com
Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens was named Best Patio in Cleveland by Cleveland Magazine Readers!
LOST TRAIL WINERY
WHY WE LOVE IT: The winery's Hungry Hiker food trailer delivers a fresh lineup of a dozen clams, clam chowder, potato, corn on the cob, quarter chicken and broth ($40). Show up hungry and taste it for yourself on Oct. 12 from 5-8 p.m., with live music by Robin Roseberry keeping the scene alive. TRY THIS: To complement your meal, add your choice
GUNSELMAN’S TAVERN
of wine for an additional cost. 5228 State St. NE, Canton, 330-754-9643, losttrailwinery.com
PICKLE BILL’S LOBSTER HOUSE
WHY WE LOVE IT: Now through Nov. 1, guests can try their clams with a choice of four different fish and meat offerings, or order a specialty entree like the New England Shore Dinner — a date for two or a feast for one
WHY WE LOVE IT: The restaurant’s generations-old family recipe has been satisfying Clevelanders since the 1960s. The old-school flavor — nearly impossible to replicate — is profiled by fresh Rhode Island clams and keeps copious crowds coming back. This year is no different, as the Oct. 13 and Nov. 3 events at 1 p.m. ($35+) are expected to sell fast. TRY THIS: Start out with Irish Kevin’s traditional clam chowder and clam broth, and refresh with deals like half-off bottles of wine and special pricings on draft beers. 21490 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, 440-331-5719, gunselmans.com
($48.99-$95.99). TRY THIS: Claw into the lobster bake ($71.99), with a dozen middle neck clams, clam chowder, corn, sweet potato, melon and house-famous honey butter. 101 River St., Grand River, 440-352-6343, picklebills.com
More t han Tacos
Paloma Van Aken Spices Up Its Dining Experience
Paloma Van Aken started as a casual taco restaurant serving some of the best tacos in Northeast Ohio. Now, through recent updates, the restaurant has evolved to become a chic and sexy space with a warm and inviting atmosphere — and so much more.
The ownership team at Paloma Van Aken has created a one-of-a-kind dining experience that highlights the restaurant’s northern Mexico/ southern Texas roots. The restaurant, headed by husband-and-wife team Alyssa and Zach Ladner, with Chef de Cuisine Kytana Bradley at the kitchen’s helm, channels the Asada culture of Northern Mexico.
The evolution of Paloma is deeply meaningful. Owner Zach Ladner spent his childhood in south Texas working on his grandfather’s ranch raising beef cattle. Now, Zach personally oversees the cutting and aging of all the steaks at his butch er shop in Mayfield village, The Village Butcher.
Paloma continues to make its tortillas fresh every day, pressing and cooking them to order. While Zach and Kytana work their magic in the kitchen, Alyssa handles every aspect of the front of the house, including service, the newly updated cocktail menu and wine list.
Don’t Forget the
Guac
A fun addition to Paloma is the new guacamole bar, which Zach describes as “raw bar meets tableside guacamole.” Guests can watch the guacamole being prepared fresh to order.
“We wanted to showcase freshness in a way that is practical and controllable,” Zach says. “The idea of your server being able to offer great service but in the middle of it stopping to make the guests guacamole to order seemed a little absurd. So, we took that idea of being able to watch your guacamole get made in an authentic molcajete but turned it into something that can be done at a very high level of efficiency. We want to embrace the idea of tableside service but do it in a way that doesn’t end up detracting from your meal or lengthening your stay with us more than you want it to.”
An Authentic Experience
The approach to Paloma’s dining experience is thoughtful and authentic. The Ladners have considered each element of food and service to execute them at the highest possible level. They have never relied on gimmicks to mask flaws. Everything about their approach is intentional and genuine.
“We got into this business to make people happy, and to be a part of their special moments,” says Zach. “This is always our driving force in every decision we make.”
RUSTIC GRILL AT STONEWATER
WHY WE LOVE IT: The semi-private club welcomes both members and guests to its annual clambakes on Oct. 9 and 11 at 5 p.m. Indulge in the spot's unique twists on the classic seafood fare and sides. TRY THIS: The bake bodes a dozen middleneck clams, a cup of clam chowder, rolls with honey butter, braised red skin potatoes, lemon poppy seed and apple slaw, sweet corn, half a roasted chicken or 12-ounce strip steak and apple crumble ($49). Add a lobster tail or a dozen clams if you still have room. 1 Club Drive, Highland Heights, 440-461-4653, stonewatergolf.com
SACHSENHEIM HALL
WHY WE LOVE IT: Satisfying both seafood and meat lovers, the beloved German eatery is serving its clams with a choice of chicken or steak ($25.95-$29.95). Coming quick on Sept. 28 at 4 p.m., justify taking the pass on their iconic schnitzel dinner for this annual special — there will still be plenty of beers and cheers. TRY THIS: If course one isn't enough, order another round of clams ($10). 216-651-0888, 7001 Denison Ave., Cleveland, sachsenheimhall.com
EXPLORE yours to
In a lakeside cottage, fall is a time of endless discovery. Here, you can explore the flavors of Ohio Wine Country and marvel at the foliage in neighboring Geneva State Park. Embrace your boldest autumn getaway and share fall by the lake.
SOLID GOLD LOUNGE
WHY WE LOVE IT: Making sure the season doesn’t end too soon, Solid Gold Lounge is saving its eighth annual clambake and steak roast for the back end of fall. Bask in the final days of falling leaves with a stash of seafood on Nov. 10, 2-6 p.m. TRY THIS: Enjoy a classic surf and turf meal with live music from ElectriCats as the soundtrack. 15005 Snow Road, Brook Park, 216-267-3909, solidgoldlounge.com
WINKING LIZARD TAVERN
WHY WE LOVE IT: Winking Lizard wastes no time kicking off clambake season. Starting in September, locations roll out their seafood-filled menus and keep them coming each weekend through Oct. 27. With competitive prices and a familiar atmosphere across 14 Greater Cleveland locations, you won’t have to go far for a notable clambake experience. TRY THIS: See for yourself why guests
SALTY MARY’S OYSTER BAR AND TAVERN
WHY WE LOVE IT: Continuing now through November, Salty Mary’s Oyster Bar and Tavern has you covered every Thursday and Friday for a laid-back weeknight clambake after school or work. Unwind with a classic spread of a dozen clams, corn, a half chicken, clam chowder, red skin potatoes and drawn butter. TRY THIS: Traditional clams not cutting it for you? The fried clam strips ($16.50) served with cajun remoulade might be just what you need. 25600 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, 440-298-2121, saltymarys.com
favor the lobster tail clambake ($40), with two 4.5-ounce lobster tails, soup, a dozen clams, garlic bread, corn on the cob and your choice of potato. Various locations (Downtown Cleveland is the only non-participating location), winkinglizard.com
STANCATO’S ITALIAN RESTAURANT
WHY WE LOVE IT: Stancato’s invites you to shell-ebrate with clambakes available for dine-in or carry out every Saturday through Oct. 26. The hefty meal includes New England clam chowder, linguine pasta in a white clam sauce, marinated chicken breast, corn on the cob and more ($45.99). TRY THIS: Get out to the beloved Parma eatery to load up on protein and add a pound of mussels with shrimp scampi sauce ($12.99). 7380 State Road, Parma, 440-886-6242, stancatos.com
WANT MORE?
Avon/Avon Lake clevelandmagazine.com/avonfood
25 Best Restaurants clevelandmagazine.com/bestrestaurants
Mentor clevelandmagazine.com/mentorfood
Check out more recommendations at clevelandmagazine.com/food-drink
Best of Cle
An artsy rolling paper, a season-predicting cat, a hot dog pop-up and a self-taught hip-hop star: This city is full of personality. Dive into the 2024 Best of Cleveland lineup of editor’s picks and reader-voted winners to meet the unique people, places and things that make Cleveland, well ... the best.
Edited by: Annie Nickoloff
stories by: Danny Cunningham, Allison Jack, Kate Bigam Kaput, Julia Lombardo, Paris Mather, Christina Rufo, Olivia Szmania and Maura Zurick
CHELSEA PASTEL
BEST HIP-HOP ARTIST
Chelsea Pastel, the cover star of Cleveland Magazine’s Best of Cleveland issue, was photographed at Hilarities 4th Street Theatre while wearing Junk Party earrings — two fellow Best of Cleveland selections.
Since 2016, Chelsea Ferguson (aka Chelsea Pastel) has chiseled her production, performance and writing skills into something singular — and something uninhibited. ”We literally are building it from the ground,” she says. From the ground, up and up: With a steady stream of polished singles and the conceptual 2021 album Pastelevision, Ferguson has been putting in the work and seeing results with sync placements on shows like Love & Hip-Hop, a nine-city 2022 tour supporting Torrian Ball and a surprise connection with Cleveland native Kid Cudi, who reached out to her on Instagram last year. “He was like, ‘Yo, Cleveland all day,’” Ferguson remembers. “Literally three days later, they flew me out to California, and we got in the studio and did some work and formally met.” Kid Cudi even selected her as an opener for the latercanceled Moon Man’s Landing festival and the Insano tour’s Cleveland stop. Now, Ferguson continues to put out new music — and says she has enough stockpiled for a 2025 EP or album. For now, queue up her new track “2 Much” — or, soon, Kid Cudi’s remix of it — to hear Ferguson’s swaggy side. “At the moment, I want to make stuff that moves you. I want to have fun performing the songs that I’m making,” Ferguson says. “I really want to connect and vibe out and get turned up with the audience.” chelseapastel.com
JUNK PARTY
BEST UPCYCLED EARRINGS
Think twice before you go to throw out an old pair of headphones or a phone charger. Junk Party owner Marseille Markham Collins says she “always had a strong interest in upcycling and being resourceful” and started making one-of-a-kind jewelry from donated and personal wired items she had on hand. instagram.com/junk_party_
HILARITIES
For Hilarities 4th Street Theatre managing partner
Nick Kostis, comedy is part of the human experience, an instrument for connection — and has been since he was a kid. “We lived in an apartment in Brooklyn, and people would come visit my mom and dad,” Kostis says. “I remember falling asleep to the sound of their laughter and their stories.” Now, for nearly 40 years, he’s felt that same magic every day at Hilarities. Hosting comedians from across the country, Kostis provides a stepping stone for their comedic careers. “I want to be a destination that was part of Cleveland’s renaissance,” Kostis says, “to say our place entertained people in a way that dignified us.” hilarities.com
GERACI’S SLICE SHOP
Best of Cleveland
2024: Reader Picks
FOOD & DRINK
BAKERY
Luna Bakery & Cafe
BOTTLED OR CANNED
BEVERAGE
Guardian Cold Brew
BREWERY
Great Lakes Brewing Co.
BRUNCH
Bourbon Street Barrel Room
BUILD-YOUROWN BOWL Brassica
BURGERS
Heck’s Cafe
CATERING
Thyme Catering
CHOCOLATIER
Malley’s Chocolates
COCKTAILS
Bourbon Street Barrel Room
COMFORT
FOOD
Soho Chicken + Whiskey
DOUGHNUTS
Jack Frost Donuts
FOOD TRUCK
Manna Food Truck
Downtown Cleveland was in need of a late-night pizza spot that served by the slice. Jason Beudert, the founder of Hangry Brands, decided that it was time to bring 60-year-old pizza concepts from Geraci’s Restaurant and turn it into a Downtown slice shop. Occupying the former Vincenza’s space on Prospect Avenue creates the perfect opportunity for Geraci’s to revitalize the city’s pizza scene. “We brought a really cool ‘80s vibe to what, I think, is the epicenter of Downtown Cleveland,” Beudert says. “Every major city should have a slice shop Downtown, right? I mean, you go to every city, Clevelandsize or larger, and there’s a slice shop.” Geraci’s accomplishes its goal of being Downtown’s single-serving pizzeria exceptionally well. It’s difficult to find a better slice of ‘za than the Hot Tito ($6 for a slice, $35 for a whole pie) at a moment’s notice. geracissliceshop.com
Chris Giancola didn’t plan for Mount Granita Italian Ice to explode in popularity the way it has in the past few years. He started by operating a sidewalk cart in Cleveland’s Little Italy neighborhood in 2020 on any summer weekend that fortuned good weather, and now, he finds his product on shelves in local grocery stores. “It all really starts with the fresh produce, fresh fruit. We buy everything from scratch,” Giancola says. “We try to get things that are in season and things that are grown locally.” Mount Granita’s most popular flavor is, of course, lemon, but this season, Amarena cherry has been the shop’s biggest seller. mountgranita.com
THE ASTRO RESTAURANT
Prepare for takeoff and enjoy an out-of-this-world dining experience at the Astro Restaurant. Inside, the dining room is decked out with Star Wars, Superman, Star Trek and Transformers memorabilia, and a variety of alien sci-fi decor fit for a range of photoops. Find TVs always playing sci-fi movies and a ceiling covered in stars. Located in Tower City Center and opened in April, the concept serves brunch and dinner on weekends and lunch throughout the week. Favorites include the Han’s Hash ($24.99) and the Meg-A-Tron ($34.99), a salmon filet filled with hot crab stuffing and topped with a peach Hennessy glaze. For drinks, the Men In Black bar serves mimosa flights and specialty cocktails inspired by the planets and popular space movies. theastrorestaurant.com
WYNE TASTING BAR
In 2022, Belinda and Jay Klein transformed Gordon Square’s historic Sweet Moses space into a chic pink velvet lounge with emerald walls and live-edge wood tabletops, with seating for 60. “My main goal is to make wine more approachable to more people,” says Belinda. “I never want anybody to end up with a whole glass of wine that they don’t like.” While traveling as a flight attendant in Australia, Belinda made it her mission to learn about wines directly from wineries. She now shares the fun of vino without the intimidation. A self-pour dispensing system offers a “taste,” halfglass or full glass from 32 rotating bottles. Plus: charcuterie, beer, champagne, educational events and a private event space. Guests can buy their favorite bottles to take home. wynetastingbar.com
STEPHEN VOGT, CLEVELAND GUARDIANS
BEST NEW MANAGER
Taking over for a legend is never easy in any profession. But Cleveland Guardians rookie manager Stephen Vogt has done a darn good job filling the shoes of his predecessor Terry Francona. Expectations this year for the team were rather meager, with most expecting Cleveland’s local nine to finish around the .500-mark. And Vogt has impressed — leading the Guardians to one of the best records in baseball. Vogt’s first season in Cleveland has been a smashing success, no matter what the postseason brings, but here’s to hoping that the new skip in town can help bring baseball’s longest World Series drought to an end. mlb.com/guardians
FRANKIEEMOO
BEST FLOWER BRACELETS
As a kid, Ayana Hill made jewelry for people she loved. Now, her popular Etsy shop outfits the masses in flower bracelets ($12) perfect for stacking, sporting solo or gifting to friends. “I take inspiration from being outside in nature,” says Hill, who creates poppies and sunflowers by hand-knotting nylon cord. “I love trying to make my items look like real flowers and doing things like incorporating the colors of the sunset.” etsy.com/shop/FrankieeMoo
DJ TONE DEF
BEST MUSIC TRIVIA HOST
DJ Tone
Def’s Music Trivia takes place most Wednesday nights at 8 p.m. at Jukebox. Be sure to order the “Tonyrita” margarita.
What makes Jukebox’s trivia night special isn’t necessarily difficult questions or creative categories: It’s the trivia master himself, who breaks out short shorts and over-the-top dance moves for the event every week. “It’s kind of followed my journey of wanting to be as free and fun, as much as we can, and celebrate music as much as possible,” says DJ Tone Def, aka bartender and host Tony Cintrony. “I look at Wednesday as my night to truly express myself and put on the biggest party in the city.” jukeboxcle.com
S’IL VOUS PLAY
BEST LUXURY TOY SHOP
Shopping for toys should be as much fun as playing with them. This vibrant, European-inspired toy store doubles as an interactive playroom featuring toys that the staff hand-selects based on characteristics like design, durability, sustainability and ethical labor practices. “Our goal is to find toys that encourage open-ended and immersive play,” says owner Mariah Roj, a mother of three. “With the right toys, children will play longer, cherish deeper and imagine bigger.” silvousplaytoys.com
SHWAY PAPERS
BEST ROLLING PAPERS
Rapper and designer Zachary Collins (also known as MellowMan Funk) created Shway Papers to marry his passions together. The name mirrors his record label, FunkShway, which references the harmony and balance of feng shui — like his goal of balancing arts with cannabis culture. Started during the pandemic when his music career halted, the side hustle grew into its own gig. “It helped me keep my momentum. The look and feel of the brand is pretty much all me,” says Collins, who crafts most of Shway’s nearly 70 retro rolling paper designs. He anticipates a new future on the heels of the legalization of recreational cannabis in Ohio. “I think it’s opened a lot of doors,” Collins says. shwaypapers.com
THE FEVE
BEST PANCAKE MIX
When the pandemic shut The Feve’s doors, another opened for the Oberlin restaurant’s owner Jason Adelman. Craving top-notch brunch at home, he created smaller portions of his beloved pancake recipe to purchase online ($10+). Don’t worry: These subtly sweet flapjacks, which are only slightly thicker than a crepe, easily beat your typical Bisquick mix. “We just nailed the recipe exactly the way that we wanted. It may have been an accident,” Adleman says. thefeve.com
LORAIN
2024: Reader Picks FOOD & DRINK
GLUTEN-FREE
Boss ChickNBeer
GROCERY STORE/ MARKET
Heinen’s Grocery Store
HAPPY HOUR
Bourbon Street Barrel Room
HEALTHFOCUSED FOOD Cleveland Vegan
HOT DOG Happy Dog Cleveland
ICE CREAM
Mitchell’s Homemade
INDEPENDENT COFFEE
Rising Star Coffee Roasters
JUICE
Restore Cold Pressed
PIZZA
Angelo’s Pizza
POP-UP
That Hawaiian Guy’s BBQ
RAMEN/PHO Superior Pho
A historic downtown paired with a passionate population of 65,000 just 30 miles west of Cleveland birthed a renaissance fueled by community and grit. “I think there’s a general sense when people come here and experience the community for the first time, they see a real genuine authentic people,” says Max Schaefer, executive director of Main Street Lorain. “We’re one of the only large cities in the state of Ohio that’s had a population growth in the 2020 census.” A new Lorenzo’s pizzeria location; the stellar Speak of the Devil cocktail bar; the revitalized Ariel Broadway hotel; and a new $12 million “Lorain Ohio Kartplex” all bring new life to the affordable city. The emerging Black River waterfront hotbed is home to Rockin’ on the River and other major events like FireFish Festival and Summer Market. cityoflorain.org
YIKES DESIGN
BEST BUMPER STICKERS
A name suggesting a mistake surprisingly encompasses Maddie Harbert and Grace Blackley’s brand. “The idea came as a joke,” Harbert says. “We have a doc of weird things we think of. Eventually, we said, These should be on bumper stickers.” From there, quirky adages like “Silly goose on the loose” and “I brake for critters” ($10) floored it. “Breaking design rules and creating something that isn’t so serious has been healing,” Harbert says. yikes.design
LOCONTI
BEST FAMILY BAND
Brothers Henry and Michael’s namesake band was never meant to be an exclusive affair. “Our last name just felt authentic,” says singer-guitarist Henry LoConti. “It’s honest and true to who we are.” The funk-rock-adjacent septet welcomes all of Cleveland into its family, playing major gigs at House of Blues and Brite Winter. “It wasn’t until we started performing that I realized how much I love sharing this with others,” Henry says. “I realized we have something special.” loconti.net
ALL THINGS FOR YOU
SECONDHAND STORE
Recently relocated to Tremont, this space carries a big load, with four floors to display furniture, decor and other secondhand goods that suit the aesthetic of West 14th Street’s Victorian homes. “We can create vignettes,” says co-owner Dwight Kaczmarek. Housing 25 dealers, each makes the space their own, employing a unique theme for merchandise that’s equally diverse and cohesive. “They do their own motif and go with it,” Kaczmarek says. As an extension of the shop Kaczmerek and partner Tim Yanko hope to involve the tight-knight Tremont neighborhood and neighboring businesses in their endeavors. “It’s very homey. We take care of each other,” Kaczmarek says. allthingsforu.com
PRAYERS FROM MARIA’S FIELD OF HOPE
BEST FLOWER FIELD
Established in memory of Maria McNamara, a young girl who lost her battle with cancer, the fields bloom with thousands of sunflowers each summer as a symbol of hope, love and resilience. With two locations, one near Cedar Point and the other in Avon, more than 402,200 mammoth gray stripe and orange excel sunflower seeds have been planted over the years. This year, the annual event took a step up with a new 42-acre field in Avon on Jaycox Road. What began as a simple gesture of remembrance has blossomed into a breathtaking display that draws visitors and photos from all over, offering a space for reflection and community connection. The field’s beauty is matched only by its mission: raising awareness and funds to support pediatric cancer research. prayersfrommaria.org
Prayers From Maria has donated more than $12 million to global childhood brain cancer research since it was founded in 2007.
ADUN SPICE CO.’S CITRUS GARLIC
Since founding Adun Spice Co. in 2020, Ramat Wiley’s spices like the citrus garlic ($10) have become go-to flavors for home cooks and culinary enthusiasts. “It was an opportunity for me to take my knowledge of my craft and share amazing spices that I cook with in my kitchen,” Wiley says, “but also share hard-to-find cultural items that a lot of people are looking for as they dig deeper in their cooking journey.” Customers can peruse in Wiley’s new Larchmere storefront. adunspiceco.com
CHUTNI PUNCH’S SPICY PEANUT
Chutni Punch founder Sahithya Wintrich grew up eating the flavorful foods of her native Southern India before she moved to Northeast Ohio two decades ago. She launched Chutni Punch, an online retailer specializing in three seasonings ($12 each) inspired by traditional chutney podis, two years ago. “Chutni Punch believes food should taste good, be good for you and good for the planet,” Wintrich says. “These tasty condiments are versatile and can be sprinkled on right at the table to add a burst of flavor and punch of spice to anything from scrambled eggs to popcorn.” chutnipunch.com
MOONFISH STUDIOS
What began as a thoughtful gift from a friend has blossomed into a thriving artistic venture for Morgan Neumarker. After receiving a pottery wheel, Neumarker embraced the craft, creating one-of-a-kind pieces from a home studio in Lakewood. “MoonFish Studios was created as a way for me to pursue multimedia art and share it with the world,” Neumarker says. Though her unique handmade plates and mugs are staples of her collection, Neumarker’s olive bowls and seasonally designed stickers have become fan favorites. Find her pottery available for purchase at Brewella’s Coffee, Crepes and Collectibles in Lakewood. “Being a small artist in such a creativity-friendly city has been one of the most rewarding things to happen to me,” Neumarker says. “The incredible community I’ve been surrounded by with fellow artists is constantly motivating and pushing me to do better each day, and I am so grateful for that.” studiomoonfish.squarespace.com
AMAZONIA
Tucked away in the back of Hola Tacos in Lakewood’s Birdtown neighborhood, Amazonia is more than just a craft cocktail bar; it’s an immersive experience inspired by the lush, untamed beauty of the Amazon jungle. Founder Juan Vergara says the cocktail bar transports patrons to “another world full of mysticism, magic and deliciousness.” Upon entering, guests are immediately enveloped in Amazonia’s speakeasy-style ambiance. Dim lighting, rich textures and carefully curated decor evoke the feeling of being deep within the jungle, and the menu adds to the allure. “Every drink features ingredients sourced from the vast Amazon jungle while creating well-balanced and creative drinks for our guests,” Vergara says. “We also offer small plates and hand-crafted poolish-style and wood-fired Neapolitan pizza, all this inside of a restored two-story Victorian house.” One of Vergara’s first menu highlights was the Heart of the Rainforest ($18), a daring concoction that blended cacao-infused cachaca with pineapple and even included edible ants, sourced directly from the Amazon. But now, be sure to find something new on the speakeasy’s latest inventive menu that was launched this fall, promising even more adventurous flavors to explore. amazoniabar.com
VINCENT WILLIAM WINE
BEST BOUTIQUE WINERY
Best of Cleveland
2024: Reader Picks
FOOD & DRINK
SANDWICH
Slyman’s Restaurant & Deli
SAUCE
Cleveland Ketchup Co.
SMALL PLATES/TAPAS
Amba
SNACK (LOCAL)
Chagrin Falls
Popcorn Shop
SOUL FOOD
Bourbon Street
Barrel Room
SOUP Souper Market
STEAK
Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar
SUSHI Ginko Restaurant
TACOS
Barrio Tacos
TAKEOUT Boss ChickNBeer
TEA
Storehouse Tea Co.
VEGAN
Cleveland Vegan
WINERY
Michael Angelo’s Winery
WINE
SELECTION
Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar
Vincent Profeta and his father turned their wine-making hobby into a career, starting with a vacant French country mansion. “It was a shell,” Profeta says of the Madison residence, which he transformed into a restaurant and tasting room with nine private guest bedrooms, a one-acre vineyard for house-made Cabernet Franc and a sprawling patio overlooking Lake Erie. “It’s all about community, family and food,” Profeta says. “It’s important to bring that to the space.” vincentwilliamwine.com
THE GEEK PEEK
BEST TRADING CARD SHOP
Whether you’re looking to buy new cards, trade olds ones or just kick back with like-minded collectors, this is the place. Equal parts hobby shop and hangout spot, The Geek Peek specializes in Pokemon and Magic: The Gathering cards but also stocks thousands of other new and vintage collectibles sourced by owners Mike Pierce and Jill Bresnahan. “We see ourselves as a community space supplemented by the retail portion of our shop,” Pierce says. thegeekpeek.com
ANNABEL
BEST MUSICAL COMEBACK
Picking up right where it left off, Annabel connected with old and new fans on a 10-day East Coast tour for its 2024 album released after a hiatus. “Worldviews is our signature sound taken in a more modern, experimental direction” says Ben Hendricks, guitarist and lyricist of the beloved Akron band. The project arrived nine years after the band’s previous album, and after the pandemic, which led to a reprioritization, a “finding self-actualization” that can be found on this Annabel record. facebook.com/annabelband
RUST BELT LINEN PROJECT
BEST HOMEGROWN TEXTILE
This nonprofit aims to bring responsible textile production back to Ohio’s bioregion. “We are a hub for local makers and artisans, essentially the supply chain to connect and eventually create local yardage and local products,” says Jessalyn Boeke, co-founder and executive director of the Rust Belt Linen Project. The group helps consumers understand where their clothes are going and to create a connection to the textiles that they already have. rustbeltfibershed.com
SAND
Carl Jara got into sand sculpting when he was in high school. “I had no intention of ever really doing this. I just sort of stumbled into it,” he says. Since then, Jara has created hundreds of sculptures big and small for events like Oktoberfest and annual competitions. Jara uses sand, water and a variety of tools to carve out the perfect shapes. The artist appreciates the craft of storytelling within his creations, as well as the non-institutional aspect of sand art. ”I can put a piece out on the beach and 25,000 people can see it,” Jara says, “so I feel like I’m getting my work out there to people who can enjoy it without the pretense of having to go somewhere special to see it.”
artcleveland.com
WINGS Good Company
ASIATOWN HOT SPOT Li Wah
CLARK/ FULTON HOT SPOT
Johnny’s Bar on Fulton
DOWNTOWN
HOT SPOT
Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar
GORDON SQUARE
HOT SPOT
All Saints Public House
LITTLE ITALY HOT SPOT Mia Bella Restaurant
OHIO CITY HOT SPOT Market Garden Brewery
OLD BROOKLYN HOT SPOT
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
SHAKER SQUARE HOT SPOT
EDWINS Leadership & Restaurant Institute
SUBURBAN HOT SPOT (EAST SIDE) 17 River Grille
SUBURBAN HOT SPOT (SOUTH SIDE)
Michael Angelo’s Winery
CLEVELAND PUBLIC LIBRARY, THE ARCHIVE VETERANS MEMORIAL BRIDGE, GO DREAM
Cleveland Public Library’s Downtown location regularly hosts art shows — but perhaps none as eye-catching as The Archive by Rebecca Louise Law. Thousands of dried flowers hung from an 18-foottall timber frame, creating an immersive room of florals that became the backdrop to many Clevelanders’ selfies — and even wedding photos — over the past year. cpl.org
Rarely open to the public, the lower level of Veterans Memorial Bridge once held a streetcar line. This summer, it hosted Go Dream, an adventurous, dynamic exhibition by local artist Chuck Karnak which incorporated sails and sculptures to bring new energy to this hidden part of Cleveland. Organizers hope to eventually create a park in the space. cuyahogacounty.gov
THE FRUIT STAND
The Fruit Stand’s “build-your-own” style lets guests choose a bowl of smoothie, oatmeal or fresh cut fruit, or the more decadent pound cake bowl ($8.99-$11.99). Load up with toppings such as granola, peanut butter, honey, Oreos and more. After exploring Kent’s food scene, Jason Carpinelli decided local vegetarians and vegans needed something different. “I lived in Kent for two years, and there was a lot of bar food, bars, pizza, chicken wings, and I wanted to go to a place that was healthier,” says Carpinelli. The Fruit Stand has locations in Kent, Cleveland, Broadview Heights, Fairlawn and Aurora. thefruitstandohio.com
HAUTE DONUTS
BEST LAYERED DOUGHNUTS
Alyssa and Zach Ladner opened their gourmet doughnut shop located within the Van Aken District back in March. After working on the recipe during COVID-19, the couple developed a business featuring handmade, layered specialty doughnuts. “It’s a three-day process,” says Alyssa. “All the icings are made with either real chocolate, cocoa powder, vanilla bean paste or fruit purees, so everything is really authentic tasting.” The Classic Donuts ($3.50) are vanilla bean, strawberry hibiscus and chocolate sprinkle. Specialty and 50-layered doughnuts ($4.00) change weekly, with the most popular flavor being Boston cream. hautedonutscle.com
LOTTERY LEAGUE
BEST FOR NEW MUSIC
What happens when musicians with different skills, styles and personalities are randomly drafted into new bands together? That’s the premise behind Lottery League, a music project that creates supergroups with names like Spam Pancake and Girth Brooks. Bands rehearse for two months and debut their original music at The Big Show, a celebration of Northeast Ohio’s music scene. “We continue to be joyously moved by what bands are able to come up with,” says co-founder Michael James. lottery-league.com
You can peruse more than 100 vendors at the annual Summer Market, held at Lorain’s Black River Landing. The event benefits local charities.
ZJAYNE
BEST
BUCKET HATS
After finding a friend’s tutorial on sewing reversible bucket hats, Jane Pierce put some of her extra T-shirt fabric scraps, leftover from other projects, to new use. Since then, her upcycled, customizable caps ($65+) have given a second life to clients’ old clothes, holding special meaning and providing savvy, sustainable shade. “You can get bucket hats anywhere,” Pierce says. “I call these statement hats. Or keepsakes.” zjayne.com
KAKE KUTTERS
BEST CAKE BY THE SLICE
Ever since its grand opening in 2021, Kake Kutters has been making University Circle sweeter by the slice. With nearly 30 flavors of individual cake slices, along with the plethora of other creative ways to serve treats, everybody’s cravings can be satisfied. It’s the place to go for a single serving of dessert — but if you find yourself wanting more than a taste, whole gourmet cakes, plus custom designs, are also available for order.
instagram.com/kakekutters
THE SUMMER MARKET
BEST MAKER FESTIVAL
The Summer Market has become one of Ohio’s “most loved outdoor festivals of the year,” according to Max Schaefer, the executive director of Main Street Lorain. Schaefer highlights the market’s diverse offerings, noting that shoppers can find “anything and everything,” including modern house decor, handcrafted pottery, art prints, clothing and accessories. “This eclectic and unique experience is one that folks look forward to every summer,” Schaefer says. “The event is free and doubles as a fundraising event as the organizers, Girls Give Back, donate proceeds to charity every year to assist local families in need.” thesummermarket.com
NEVER SAY DIVE
Never Say Dive, co-owned by Dan Watson, is what he calls Old Brooklyn’s “maximalist 1930s pub” with a “lovely patio.” Expect a blend of elegance and unrefined charm, capturing the vibe of “your Grandpa’s favorite bar on two hits of acid,” as Watson puts it. He says the distinctive setting is complemented by award-winning cocktails and some of the city’s finest small plates. Taste the fried chicken ($13), pickled eggs ($5) and rotating cheese board ($18) — all on the list of must-try items. For those looking to indulge, Watson suggests “caviar (market price) and Cleveland’s coldest martini ($12)” if you’re feeling fancy, cheap pours of Narragansett ($3) and an amazing smash burger ($14) if you are not.” The bar’s signature cocktail, the Old Brooklyn ($13), is a creative concoction that perfectly encapsulates the bar’s eclectic spirit. neversaydivecle.com
EVERY CHILD’S PLAYGROUND
Keep your toddler entertained at this newly renovated Avon playground, which spans a whopping 20 acres. Features target the 2- to 5-year-old set, with two-seater parent/child swings, an in-ground merrygo-round, oversized musical instruments and adorably cartoonish playhouses full of interactive displays. For a literal walk in the park, head to The Storybook Trail, which displays picture books’ pages along a charming wooded pathway. cityofavon.com
MAGNET’S HEROES OF MANUFACTURING PARK
Located at the Hough headquarters of the Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network (MAGNET), this STEM-focused playground was designed with input from consultants at Great Lakes Science Center. A seesaw teaches equilibrium, a zipline gives lessons in gravity and a set of levers demonstrates mechanical engineering — and don’t forget the 27-foot climbing tower, which is just plain cool! A mural overlooking the park features six noteworthy Black manufacturers, including Clevelander Garrett Morgan. manufacturingsuccess.org
LINDSEY FAMILY PLAY SPACE
Nature’s already pretty fun, but this playground at Edgewater Park gives the great outdoors some kid-safe enhancements. Inspired by elements of the Emerald Necklace, it’s home to climbable boulders, a mini rock-climbing wall and lots of tunnels, footbridges, slides and climbing structures, all perfect for sunny-day play. When the kiddos run out of steam, relocate to a nearby picnic table for snacks in the shade, with a great view of the city skyline. clevelandmetroparks.com
PRESTON’S H.O.P.E. PLAYGROUND PARK
Named for the late Preston Fisher, a tween with spinal muscular atrophy, this 60,000-square-foot Beachwood playground makes outdoor play possible for kids of all abilities. It was custom-designed with accessibility in mind, from ramps and wide walkways to wired-in sound effects that help vision-impaired kids better experience the space. Little ones can dig for dinosaur bones in a giant sand pit or make believe in the Imagination Village, which is home to a kid-sized bank, barber shop, firehouse and more. prestonshope.com
ARTISAN COFFEE BEST CINNAMON ROLLS
Best of Cleveland 2024: Reader Picks FOOD & DRINK
SUBURBAN HOT SPOT (WEST SIDE)
Crocker Park
THE FLATS HOT SPOT
Lago East Bank
TREMONT HOT SPOT
Bourbon Street Barrel Room
UNIVERSITY CIRCLE HOT SPOT
Cleveland Museum of Art
ENTERTAINMENT
ART GALLERY/ STUDIO
78th Street Studios
ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX
Jacobs Pavilion
LIVE MUSIC CLUB
Music Box Supper Club
PARK/ OUTDOOR SPACE
Edgewater Beach
PATIO
Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens
RACE/FUN RUN
Cleveland Marathon
THEATER GROUP
Beck Center for the Arts
Tim Bechtel brings a personal touch to Artisan with handcrafted syrups and pastries. “That’s kind of the idea behind artisan in the name, we try to do everything from scratch,” says Bechtel. What they’re most popular for, however, is their chewy, brioche cinnamon rolls with cream cheese frosting ($4.50). Other specialties include the French toast latte ($5), as well as the Sweet Moses ($4.75) latte. Seasonal specials change based on what’s available such as strawberry and s’more flavors in the summer. artisancoffee.us
RED LINE GREENWAY
Completed in May 2021, the Red Line Greenway has Clevelanders feeling more connected than ever. Just shy of two miles, this multipurpose trail paves a way for bikers, dog walkers and roller skaters to go from West 53rd Street to the Centennial Trail at Franklin Boulevard. Moving around Ohio City toward Irishtown Bend, the path also connects to two RTA Red Line Rapid Transit stations. clevelandmetroparks.com
DA LAND BRASS BAND
BEST NEW BRASS BAND
This 10-person band embodies the double meaning of the word “brassy,” playing mega-loud, hornheavy music that blends elements of funk, jazz, R&B, hip-hop and rock. “A spectrum of Black music has allowed us to have such an attitude and audacity as a brass band in Cleveland,” says trombonist William Washington, aka Dr. Will. Performing classics and original tunes, this high-energy, high-volume group plays everything from festivals to funerals and has opened for major artists like Big Freedia. facebook.com/dalandbrassband
BEST GAME NIGHT SPOT
TABLETOP BOARD GAME CAFE
More than 1,200 games sit on the shelves of this Ohio City cafe. “We’ve created a whimsical, inclusive and quirky spot,” says Brady Risner, who owns the cafe with his wife, Shiva Risner, and Michael Holmes. Walk in with a group of friends or check out their monthly mixers, or RPG and storytelling nights. sweetsandgeeks.com
SWEETS AND GEEKS
Games AND snacks: Medina’s Sweets and Geeks started primarily dealing in trading cards but expanded to board games and candy. Oh, so much candy. “We decided to add candy, pop culture stuff, toys, Legos, Funko Pops, like anything we could think of to put in the store,” owner Brad Hoisington says. sweetsandgeeks.com
Best of Cleveland 2024: Reader Picks
ANCHOR (FEMALE)
Natalie Herbick
ANCHOR (MALE)
Wayne Dawson
BROWNS PLAYER
Myles Garrett
CAVS PLAYER
Donovan Mitchell
COMEDIAN
Mike Polk Jr.
DJ
E-V
GUARDIANS
PLAYERS
Jose Ramirez
MASCOT
Slider
METEOROLOGIST
Betsy Kling
MORNING
NEWS
Fox 8 News in the Morning
MUSIC ARTIST
Ashley Nemeh
PODCAST Marketing Moves
SPORTS ANCHOR
Jim Donovan
SPORTS ANNOUNCER
Jim Donovan
TIKTOK
ACCOUNT
@thingsivebeeneating
FAIRPORT HARBOR CREAMERY
Beach and booze collide at this scratch-kitchen creamery in a quaint beachside town, serving homemade confections year-round. “Our owner loved the idea of alcohol-infused ice cream,” says manager Lindsey Volzer. “We have a full liquor license that allows fellow creatives to mix and match any flavors.” Choose from spirits like Kahlua, Skrewball and stouts, and scoops like vanilla bean, salted caramel and peanut butter Oreo, to create your own float, shake or sundae. fairportharborcreamery.com
JULIA’S 1902
BEST HISTORIC RENOVATION
Julia’s 1902 is a fine dining restaurant, bar and inn, all in one, owned by Michael and Paul Neundorfer. “It had a long way to go to get to this point,” Paul said to Cleveland Scene ahead of the business’s opening. The multi-layered experience is a historic renovation of a 17,000-square-foot mansion that was built between 1898 and 1902 for Julia Boyce, hence the name. The inn includes 10 unique rooms and the space as a whole features an elegant interior following the original neo-Gothic style. Period pieces and key characteristics (such as grotesques) can be viewed throughout, along with original oak flooring and coffered ceilings. Stay for a night, and try a few bites — we recommend heading to the restaurant for the bouillabaisse ($40) with saffron, P.E.I. mussels, Alaskan halibut, chilean salmon, oishii shrimp and garlic aioli crostini. julias1902.com
HOUSE THREE THIRTY
BEST MULTI-USE FACILITY
House Three Thirty in Akron has become a go-to spot in the community for a variety of reasons. Entering the doors at the one-of-a-kind community center built and operated by The LeBron James Family Foundation lets visitors step into a multifaceted space filled with places to eat, relax, be entertained and even learn something new. The Cabaret hosts various concerts and comedians for attendees to check out. Multiple places to eat including Secret Pizza and Starbucks have become hallmarks of the experience. There’s also the LeBron James’ Home Court, which is a museum dedicated to the accomplishments of James, both on and off the court. housethreethirty.com
YOUNGSTIRS
Stir Studio Kitchen’s youth-focused spinoff, Youngstirs, has a spot for every child at the kids’ table. Debuting in Chagrin Falls and Hudson, it offers private classes for special events and week-long summer camps that teach kitchen safety, knife skills, international cuisine, baking and more. Youngstirs takes pride in its authentic, hands-on approach. “We aren’t just having the kids frost cupcakes or chop with plastic knives. They’re doing 90% of the work, using real equipment and growing independence in the kitchen,” says owner Charlie Denk. Some children naturally find cooking to be as easy as pie, while others find it an acquired taste. Regardless, all learn new skills, like making pizza dough, and gain an appreciation for food and what goes into it. Youngstirs also plans to offer school programming and public one-off classes in the future. stirstudiokitchen.com
OTANI JAPANESE RESTAURANT
Mayfield Heights’ Otani Japanese Restaurant has been a longtime destination for sushi lovers, offering a rich blend of tradition and innovation. Owner Janet Yee’s family bought the restaurant, which originally opened in 1978, in 1991. In recent years, Otani expanded its offerings with a fully vegan menu. “We have a completely vegan menu for the kitchen, hibachi, and the best of all is the sushi,” Yee says. Recognizing the demand for plant-based options, the restaurant goes beyond the usual veggie-based rolls — including options like the mushroom-fillled “Spider Man Roll” ($13). “We have a lot of vegetarians and some vegan customers too, and people were getting bored with just eating avocado and cucumber rolls so we decided to do a new menu,” she says. otanicleveland.com
LITERARY CLEVELAND’S INKUBATOR
BEST FREE LITERARY EVENT
Fostering artists close and far, Literary Cleveland’s Inkubator is one of the country’s largest free writing conferences. Welcoming some of the country’s most acclaimed authors, the weeklong event hosts workshops, panels, community projects, a book fair and open-mic readings for writers of all genres and skill levels. inkubator.litcleveland.org
Best of Cleveland 2024: Reader Picks
Shopping BEAUTY/ COSMETIC PRODUCTS
Ginger and Honey
BIKE SHOP
Eddy’s Bike Shop
BOOKSTORE
Loganberry Books
BOUTIQUE
Village Trends
Boutique
BUTCHER SHOP
K&K Portage Market
CLEVELAND HANDMADE
Chagrin Falls Candle Co.
CLEVELAND T-SHIRT
CLE Clothing Co.
CLOTHING
DESIGNER
Emily Roggenburk
FLORIST
Blossom Flower Bar
GIFT SHOP
Wild Iris Home
JEWELER
Peter & Co. Jewelers
MAKER’S MARKET
Cleveland Bazaar
BEST SEASONPREDICTING MAMMAL
BUCKEYE CHUCK
Given Ohio’s unique and ever-changing season patterns, Clevelanders place their spring hopes in a local friend who better knows the lay of the land: Buckeye Chuck. Though the weatherpredicting groundhog lives comfortably at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Perkins Wildlife Center, the occasion brings him back to his hometown of Marion, where residents gather in the early hours of Feb. 2 to await his shadow, and enjoy some “groundhog” Spam sandwiches.
CONCORD CASIMIR
Casimir, a fortune-telling orange cat of the East Side, was rescued in 2013 outside the historic St. Casimir Polish Church and re-homed to Concord Township by John Niedzialek. True to his namesake church’s Polish roots, his predictions come at the paws of his yearly snack: pierogies. A sloppy meal alludes to a messy winter, a clean sweep promises clear sights ahead to an early spring and pierogies flipping up and down means extreme weather changes.
BEST VEGAN SUSHI
FRANKIELYNN HOT DOGS
Rachel Ventura spent most of her career up until 2019 working in the restaurant industry, with a demanding lifestyle that often meant working far more than 40 hours a week and spending time away from family. When the COVID-19 pandemic arrived, she questioned her career’s direction as someone who always was a front-of-house worker. “I was just thinking, What am I going to do? And the idea of the hot dog cart came up, because it’s mobile,” Ventura says. “I can take it anywhere, use it whenever I want.” Enter FrankieLynn Hot Dogs. It’s more than one of the regular hot dog carts you see on a Downtown street corner. It’s got something for everybody: The menu features specialties like the Hot Kraut Dog ($9) and the Faux-lish Boy ($9). “I’ve been in the restaurant industry forever,” Ventura says, “and I was like, I just need the best hot dogs Cleveland has.” Mission accomplished. frankielynncle.com
SHOE STORE
Knuth’s
THRIFT STORE
Value World
TOY/ COLLECTIBLE STORE
Apple Jax Toys
VINTAGE/ ANTIQUE
STORE
Second Thyme Around
WINE SHOP
Rozi’s Wine House
FITNESS TRAINER
Philly Weeden
HOTEL/BED & BREAKFAST Inn of Chagrin
INDEPENDENT
GYM
Xtreme Compound Fitness Complex
MOUNTAIN CLIMBING/ BOULDERING Shaker Rocks
NAIL SALON The Salon 2 You
PHOTOGRAPHER/ VIDEOGRAPHER
Aileen Elizabeth Photography
SPA Woodhouse Spa
TATTOO
STUDIO
Reflection Room Tattoo Co.
YOGA STUDIO Cleveland Yoga
BOULDER CREEK
BEST PUBLIC GOLF COURSE
While it might not be commonly thought of as a golfer’s paradise (thanks to cold, long winters), Northeast Ohio is filled with terrific golf courses, both public and private. The best of the public tracks in Northeast Ohio is Boulder Creek in Streetsboro. Built by Joe Salemi more than 20 years ago, it’s been an area gem ever since. The course offers stunning views with rapid elevation changes — a challenge for golfers of all skill levels, as long as you’re playing the proper tees. Each of the 18 holes brings something a bit different to the round, but few holes in all of Ohio are as memorable as the downhill par-3 17th hole, featuring an island green. “Everybody says that they think that we have the nicest par threes of any course, period,” Salemi says. “I wanted to make a course that could challenge a really, really good golfer but still be playable for the not so good golfer. That’s called strategic design, not penal design.” bouldercreekohio.com
BAKED AF
BEST GOURMET SNACK CAKES
Baked AF specializes in thoughtfully crafted throwback snacks, similar to the baked goods many of us had in our lunchboxes or after school — but all made from scratch with high quality ingredients. Amira Fahmy, founder and owner, left the corporate world in hopes of bringing joy to others with her product. “Our goal is to be fun and nostalgic, but also have it be something you can feel good about eating,” she says. The brand’s most popular products include oatmeal creme pies in various flavors, s’mores bars and stroopwafels. You can currently find Baked AF products at Restore Cold Pressed (Downtown Cleveland, Hudson and Pinecrest locations) and Lekko Coffee in Ohio City. bakedafcle.com
IT’S THE QUESTION FOR OHIO VOTERS
AND HIS CHALLENGER BERNIE MORENO ABOUT SEN. SHERROD BROWN
written by DOUG OPLINGER
illustrated by TAYLOR CALLERY
This will be the most unusual Senate
candidate
profile you’ve ever read.
The reason: This is about you and me, not them.
The proposal from Cleveland Magazine editors was for a profile of Sen. Sherrod Brown and his challenger, Bernie Moreno. I offered a unique approach. For more than 25 years, I’ve listened to thousands of Ohioans in community conversations say that they’re tired of political negativity, divisiveness and failure to address issues that are important to fixing what’s wrong with life here. They want someone they can trust to address complex and urgent problems rather than divide us.
And let’s state right up front: We have a right to be anxious. Ohio has been in a downward spiral for more than 20 years. Let’s skip past the grim household income and mental health data and go to the obituaries. We’re dying faster. Since 2000, our life expectancy has shortened while the rest of the nation, on average, is living longer.
So, this profile will cover what I’ve heard Ohioans say is important to improving their lives — not what politicians have chosen to make the campaign issues.
And, to address distrust of the news media, there will be transparency on my part. I’m using a recipe for campaign profiles that regular folks prescribed
for Ohio news media in 2016. In a three-day meeting, people said they need data for perspective, a story that addresses the complexity of the issue, and candidates’ policies. Plus, they want to know how reporters do their work.
For this story, the topics explored come from community conversations, finalized this summer with an online brainstorming exercise sponsored by WKSU/Ideastream Public Media, the Akron Beacon Journal, Signal Akron and the nonprofit civic engagement group Fighting to Understand. Nearly 300 people participated.
Here are the topics on which most people of various persuasions agree can best improve life:
We need leaders we can trust to address complicated issues for all of us and not divide us.
We need to bridge divides — find peace in our homes and communities — to discuss tough issues without a fight.
We need to address police-community relations. We need affordable, safe housing (this issue resonates in suburbs and major cities).
We need job training that equips everyone for a rapidly changing work environment.
Brown and Moreno were asked in June for an in-person interview to discuss their thoughts on building trust. The other issues, they were told, would be explored in writing. I changed the rules on that, though, because Brown’s 50 years of public exposure provided an abundance of information. Moreno was given the opportunity to answer by email to fill in the blanks.
They also were told that they were prohibited from making negative statements about the opponent.
During the six weeks that I awaited the interviews, I binged on podcasts, news stories, original research and even listened to the archived funeral for Moreno’s mother. Along the way, I shared with others what I learned to gauge importance and to be mindful of my blind spots.
Childhood experiences defined two very different people.
At age 5, Bernie Moreno and his wealthy, politically connected family immigrated from Colombia in 1971. He matured in upscale South Florida in the era of President Ronald Reagan and graduated from what is often named Florida’s top private high school. He is Roman Catholic. His dad was a surgeon, and his mother was successful in South Florida real estate. He has been in the car sales business his entire working life, including a technology startup aimed at government titling of automobiles. He and his wife, Bridget, have a net worth between $18 million and $77 million, according to financial disclosure statements.
Sherrod Brown is an Eagle Scout who grew up in the tumultuous 1960s in the scrappy industrial community of Mansfield and graduated from public high school. He is Protestant. His dad was a family doctor and was on the local school board, and his mother was stay-at-home but heavily involved in social justice. He’s been involved in politics for 52 years. He and his wife, Connie Schultz, have a net worth of less than $660,000, according to disclosures.
I have much in common with both. I’m an Eagle Scout who grew up in the 1960s in the scrappy industrial community of Akron and graduated from a public high school. I’m Protestant. My dad was an elec-
tronics engineer and on the local school board and my mom, active in Girl Scouts and band boosters, was stay-at-home until I went to college. I’ve been an Ohio journalist for 53 years, mostly covering government, and my wife and I have a net worth about the same as Brown and Schultz.
But I also had a riding lawn mower before I could drive, ran a small yard work business and meanwhile cleaned toilets at the local police station and detailed the fire trucks next door. For 10 years, I was a business reporter and editor covering Northeast Ohio’s Fortune 500 CEOs and highly successful entrepreneurs.
So, like most Ohioans, I value the genius of industry that creates wealth and jobs, and also those who address equity. Communities thrive when both are successful.
In comparing the two candidates’ positions on the issues, Moreno and Brown tend to fall squarely into the industry versus equity camps.
In a eulogy years ago for Moreno family matriarch Marta Moreno, a grandson clicked through the seven aunts and uncles and came to “Tio Bernie”: “They say about Bernie that he can’t sit still for more than two minutes without coming up with another great business idea.” The grandson described his grandmother as pushing the family toward courage, embracing competition and being
driven and resultsoriented.
Those mother’s admonitions can be seen in Moreno’s business success.
Brown also is driven.
While at Yale University in 1972, he campaigned for George McGovern, an anti-war presidential candidate who lost in a landslide. When first drafted by a local party leader in 1974 to run for the Ohio House, the longtime Democratic House speaker retorted, “Where the hell did you get that goddamn hippie sonuvabitch?” He became Ohio’s youngest state representative. In 1982, at the age of 30, he won statewide office as Secretary of State. His only election loss was in 1990 against Bob Taft. He moved to Lorain in 1992, where he won election to the U.S. House, then moved to the Senate in 2006.
Exploration of his history shows consistent support for age, gender and racial equity in education, jobs, healthcare and veterans benefits.
As for those phone interviews to discuss the reasons people have lost trust in government and what they’ll do to earn trust, Brown and I talked for about 25 minutes in mid-July.
“When you do things that may look incremental, or small, they improve people’s
lives and they build trust,” he said. In other words, it takes time.
He offered these examples:
Twenty years ago, Brown organized bus trips to Canada for seniors in his Lorain congressional district so they could purchase prescription drugs at half price. He sometimes accompanied them on the day-long trip. Later, he was instrumental in the passage of the Affordable Care Act.
For the last several years, Brown pushed for expanded health care for veterans exposed to Agent Orange in Vietnam and burn pits in Afghanistan and Iraq. The PACT Act of 2022 incorporated his ideas and expanded coverage to as many as 32,000 Ohioans.
A child tax credit he helped author was included in the 2021 pandemic-era American Rescue Plan, which he estimated was available to 92% of Ohio families. The credit expired and Congress has not renewed it.
When retirees came to him about severe reductions in their pensions, he secured legislation that provided a bailout of the Pension Benefit Guaranty
This profile covers what I’ve heard Ohioans say is important to improving their lives — not what politicians ... make the campaign issues.
Sherrod Brown got into politics in his 30s, holding offices as Ohio Secretary of State and U.S. Congressman before becoming a U.S. Senator. Bernie Moreno, a University of Michigan graduate, always had his sights set on working in the auto industry.
Corp., securing pensions for about 1.5 million retirees.
Ohio has been among the worst for fentanyl overdose deaths. In negotiations with the police, he helped author the 2024 Fentanyl Act, expanding sanctions on Mexican and Chinese producers and, in 2018, joined then-President Donald Trump for the signing of the Interdict Act, which provided police with fentanyl detection tools and protection.
He didn’t mention his 1993 opposition to then-President Bill Clinton and Congressional leadership on the North Atlantic Free Trade Agreement, or NAFTA. He organized opposition, arguing it would hurt manufacturing workers. He failed. Twenty years later, NAFTA was scorned by what remained of Ohio’s unions and allowed Trump to make NAFTA a winning talking point.
A search of material attacking Brown over the decades shows that, except for an attempt to make his 1986 divorce an issue or that he has often described as “rumpled,” the most common criticism has been his adherence to the equity principles.
Moreno never granted an interview, even after a oneweek extension. I requested notifications of where he would be so that I could travel to where he was — but never received notifications.
Instead, Moreno pulled a stunt. He traveled to Washington, appeared outside Brown’s Washington office where reporters were curiously waiting, and said: “I can tell you this. If I’m here, I will talk to [reporters] at any point in time, take tough questions. Sherrod Brown won’t do that.”
Put yourself in the journalist’s seat. What’s the next step? You still have readers who want to know if they can trust him. How do you do that fairly?
Here’s what may be helpful.
Cars have always been a keen interest for Moreno. At age 14, he wrote to General Motors Chairman Roger Smith with suggestions to improve sales. He chose the University of Michigan because of its proximity to the auto manufacturers. While studying business administration, Moreno interned at Automobile magazine, gaining the legendary title of “Super Gopher” because of his ability to anticipate the needs of people in the office. “No matter what we asked Bernie to do, he had already assigned it to himself and finished it,” an editor recalled. She explained that Moreno knew that test drivers daily had to climb several flights of stairs to retrieve their cars, get gas and get comfortable for a long drive. He moved the cars to the first floor before
On what is needed to improve life in our communities …
Four ideas on how to improve life in Ohio are the foundation for comparing the two Senate candidates. Because Sherrod Brown has decades of public exposure, Bernie Moreno was allowed to expand in writing on the key issues. Candidates were told in advance that negative statements would not be allowed. Moreno’s statements are edited to remove negative statements.
What do you think is needed to help Ohioans be best equipped for a rapidly changing work environment?
BROWN
Supported legislation that this year is funding job training for construction, transportation, high-speed internet, renewable energy and advanced technology.
For 12 years has sponsored more than 100 youth summer manufacturing camps to expose young people to the future of work, emphasizing science, technology, engineering and math.
Advocates for rights to unionize, expansion of who qualifies for overtime pay.
Favors an increase in the minimum wage.
MORENO
His written response is: “We need a return to the policies of the previous administration that created jobs and made life necessities more affordable.” He said that there are regulations that “… burden Ohio workers and ship jobs out of our state.”
On his website, among his 16 priorities, are these four jobsrelated positions: “Massively reduce anti-growth regulations”; “Allow free markets to work”; “Restoring American Manufacturing”; “End Socialism in America.”
In a 2021 radio interview, he said he supports incentives and disincentives that create manufacturing jobs.
What
solutions do you have for improving trust between police and the community?
BROWN
Over the last four years he has sponsored or promoted legislation that requires police dashboard and body cameras, that bans chokeholds and requires a registry of police guilty of misconduct, and that eliminates “qualified immunity” in civil cases — a law that protects police from civil liability for violating constitutional rights. Regarding gun-related deaths, he said: "We cannot say we are doing what it takes to keep our country safe until we are finally willing to pass common sense laws to protect all Americans from gun violence.”
MORENO
His written response: “... We must return to a culture of respecting our men and women in blue, who put their lives on the line to protect our communities every single day.”
At a campaign event about police and qualified immunity: “The stats are pretty remarkable for police officers. They are nearly perfect. I mean, you’re talking about an insanely low number of issues, and what problems are you trying to cure?”
• Regarding gun-related deaths, Moreno suggested on Instagram in 2021 that the threat of armed resistance is what kept the U.S. government from requiring COVID vaccinations.
What do you think can best help regular folks bridge divides and work together to improve life?
BROWN
In 2011, Brown and then Sen. Rob Portman, R-Ohio, sat together for the State of the Union, breaking with tradition of sitting by party.
Brown characterized his proposal for police training as “an opportunity to bridge divides, to get out of partisan or ideological corners,” by considering what best serves the safety needs of communities and police.
As a chair of Senate banking and agriculture committees, he has incorporated the practice of listening sessions, in which Americans offer personal stories about financial issues, among them home rental experiences, farming, student loans, dignity of work and consumer protection.
MORENO
His written response is: “… The reality is, the majority of the country agrees on the majority of issues. In the Senate, I will work with anyone to better the lives of Ohioans.”
He has said in several settings that safe places to say what you’re thinking no longer exist.
In an August campaign appearance, a news report said Moreno plans to stay away from negativity. “I think people are sick and tired of the politics of personal destruction,” he said. (Fact check: In July, Moreno’s campaign posted or reposted 14 instances of name-calling or erroneous statements about Brown on X.
On his website, among his 16 priorities, are these positions on divisiveness: “Support our greatest ally, Israel, and fight to put a stop to all forms of anti-Semitism in the United States, especially on our college campuses;” “End Wokeness and Cancel Culture.”
Ohioans across the economic spectrum have expressed concern about affordable housing. What are your thoughts and possible solutions?
BROWN
Brown does not have a concise housing statement on his campaign website. Over the years, he has proposed legislation that would make it less lucrative for investment companies to buy and convert single-family homes to rentals. To encourage homeownership, he proposed tax credits for builders and remodelers in distressed neighborhoods. This year, he proposed tax credits for low-income homeowners.
On X, he said: “We have an affordable housing crisis in Ohio and all over the country. If we don’t do housing better, we’ll never make quality of life better for so many moderate and low-income families.”
“We cannot achieve racial justice without addressing the housing inequality that disproportionately affects our Black and brown communities.”
MORENO
His written response: “… The federal government must return to a practice of spending within our means, and implementing pro-family policies that put more money in the pockets of young families looking to buy their first home.”
In a post on X, he said of subsidized housing: “Liberal nonsense at its best. Public housing is not an investment. It’s a trap. How about we have policies that eliminate the need for public housing?”
None of his 16 priorities directly addresses housing. Other than passing references to mortgage interest rates, a search of his campaign events and interviews reveals no other policies regarding affordable housing.
people arrived, had them gassed and detailed and set the radio stations to each driver’s favorite.
At 26, he was drafted from General Motors Saturn field operations by an East Coast dealership chain to manage a Boston store and over the next dozen years rose to vice president in charge of high-end cars. In 2005, at 38, he was approached by Mercedes-Benz — which wanted more minority owners — to buy a small outlet in North Olmsted. Before he started to downsize in 2016, he owned 15 dealerships in four states. He’s now down to two with an interest in a third, and his technology business is selling auto-related services to state bureaus of motor vehicles.
He donated $1 million to create the Bernie Moreno Center for Sales Excellence at Cleveland State University, with a mission to create a curriculum and training “in the science of persuasion, consumer behavior and market analysis.” He also donated nearly $2 million to create Bernie Morenoendowed scholarships at Cleveland State and Cuyahoga Community College.
But there are things he has said that are a little twitchy. He says he is a political outsider, but he gave $64,000 to Republican causes in the 2012 election cycle, and then became an outspoken advocate for Marco Rubio in the 2016 primary against Trump, giving more than $125,000 to GOP campaigns. He has been a donor ever since and appointed by the governor’s office to board positions.
Then, there’s the Trump issue. In an interview in 2016 while working for Rubio, Moreno said, “… there’s no scenario in which I would support Trump.” He expressed concern that Trump stoked “hatred” and that “fear” would “drive our decision-making.”
Fast forward to March 2024, after securing Trump’s endorsement for Senate, he said in a Republican Primary debate: “Let me say something that needs to be said that hasn’t been said, President Trump is a good man. This idea that you support his policies but not the personality, that’s a bunch of BS and media talking points. We need more people to say that loudly and clearly.”
This after Trump had been adjudicated as a sex offender and found to have defrauded banks and the state of New York.
CNN obtained an explanation on the turnaround from a Moreno spokesman: He was “initially skeptical of President Trump, but he has never been so happy to be proven wrong about something.”
He pushed the racial insensitivity button in
2023. “You know, they talk about reparations,” for Black families suffering the legacy of enslavement. “White people died to free Black people” in the Civil War, Moreno said in a campaign event. “Where are the reparations for the people in the North who died to save the lives of Black people?”
Either he didn’t know or neglected facts. Civil War veterans and families received health care and death benefits. And, of the 360,000 Union casualties, 40,000 were Black. More importantly, well over 2 million enslaved people died an agonizing death due to brutal conditions.
And let’s make space here for one more topic: Immigration. An editor said that because Moreno is making illegal immigration his primary issue, we need to give that some space. After all, Moreno did a “Defend America” bus tour for that purpose.
I hadn’t included immigration as an issue because, in community conversations, it never came up, and in the Akron media engagement exercise asking people to brainstorm on ideas that would improve life, of those 296 ideas, only four addressed immigration, and only two — 0.7% — reflected Moreno’s hardline approach.
So, here it is: Moreno has been unequivocal about life in Colombia as one of wealth, privilege and power, and that his mother wanted to emigrate here to create new wealth. He never says they fled Colombian socialism and violence, but instead were fearful of what socialism might bring. His position on immigration then, is that asylum seekers
and illegal entrants who may not have had the privilege or foresight of his family are not excused from complying with the law.
Bernie Moreno, who won the backing of President Donald Trump, is aiming to win by focusing on border issues and calling himself a political outsider. Sherrod Brown is focusing on women’s rights, while calling for equity and fairness in jobs and healthcare.
In 2023-24, Brown favored legislation that would have funded increased border security and provided infrastructure to support those escaping humanitarian crises. Trump told Republicans to reject the bipartisan solution.
So, thoughts? Does this Senate profile help you think about which candidates can be trusted to address solutions favored by Ohioans? And did a journalist’s openness to life experiences and the reporting process affect believability?
I asked several people whether I should be so straightforward. Non-journalists said no, but journalists were intrigued as to how it would look.
I even asked Brown. He said no, don’t disclose my background because as a veteran, I know how to be fair.
I would have asked Moreno, too, but …
Doug Oplinger is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist who worked at the Akron Beacon Journal for 46 years. He continues to work with journalists on the art of listening to and working with their communities on ways to improve life. oplingerdoug@gmail.com
WHAT’S IN THE NUMBER?
Percentages, decimal points and grade inflation cloud GPA reality and assessment of student success. What does this cumulative high-school tabulation mean anymore?
BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
s a rising senior at Lake Catholic High School, Sophia Iannini’s cumulative grade point average is 4.54. She is ranked No. 1, and keeps a close eye on this primo spot. Her class schedule is loaded. Advanced placement calculus and literature are each weighted 0.33 more for an A-plus, along with multiple honors classes that also earn a GPA boost. Her GPA, like
many high schoolers’, is a complex accounting problem. Some schools don’t bother with pluses or minuses, and the grading scale is 90% to 100% for an A; others offer a bonus for an A-plus. Some give more weight to honors courses; others practice this for only A.P. courses.
And what about College Credit Plus classes, which directly grant students credits at Ohio colleges? Many decide on Advanced Placement to jack up their GPAs.
Join us at one of our
Middle School Parent Preview • Thursday, October 10, 2024 • 8:30 a.m.
Upper School Parent Preview • Wednesday, October 16, 2024 • 8:30 a.m.
Infant & Toddler Center Parent Preview • Friday, October 18, 2024 • 9:00 a.m.
Primary School Parent Preview • Thursday, October 24, 2024 • 9:00 a.m.
Early Childhood Parent Preview • Tuesday, October 29, 2024 • 9:00 a.m.
What’s really in this number? In an academic age where grade inflation is acknowledged, and somewhat anticipated, and there’s “no agreement on what the number means,” how do we realistically look at GPA as a metric, says John Buzzard, campus director at Hershey Montessori School’s Huntsburg Campus.
Today, GPA is a pillar of ivory tower evaluation, and it always has been. It is a pervasive, real and often stressful achievement number that students cling to, parents monitor and colleges review.
“I always try to keep that number up because I like seeing that high number,” says Iannini, 17. “It shows I put hard work into everything I do, and I know that’s the same for everyone around me.”
Before transferring to Lake Cath-
olic as a freshman, Iannini attended a private school that did not assign letter grades or compute GPA. “Coming in, I was like, ‘I don’t know what this is,’ Iannini says. “I just did my best in my classes. And around sophomore year, people would ask me what my GPA was, and they’d say, ‘Wow that’s really high.’”
Iannini says she wasn’t focused on numbers when they weren’t being calculated. “I like having a GPA now, but I didn’t like it before.”
Between 2010 and 2022, an ACT study reported that the average adjusted GPA increased from 3.17 to 3.39 in English, and from 3.02 to 3.32 in math. A 2019 National Association of Educational Progress High School Transcript Study found students were getting better grades than a decade earlier, but they were learning less.
“It’s not really about the number. It’s what is in the student, and that is always our first focus.”
- Megan Weiskopf DIRECTOR OF TEACHING AND LEARNING, LAUREL SCHOOLS
GPA doesn’t necessarily reflect the depth of learning done. “If you focus on the grade before the learning, you are generally skimming the surface,” says Andrew Cruse, Director of College Guidance at Laurel School. “You’re looking for quick recall and spitting out information, and that is not learning.”
Cruse adds, “If you focus on the learning first and attend to the strategies that allow that to strengthen, the grades will come. This can take some pressure off the numbers and remind students that it is about this sweep of your whole time in high school and how you are going to show up at college.”
It’s not really about the number “It’s what is in the student, and that is always our first focus,” says Megan
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Weiskopf, Laurel School’s director of teaching and learning. “That is not to take away from students whose GPAs are through the stratosphere, but we work hard to ensure students and families see this is a small piece of what you bring to a learning community.”
To reduce high school to a number feels small.
“It can help a student be motivated, but in other ways it can be unhealthy for their identity,” says Liz Brainard, a college career advisor who works directly with Lake Catholic and also serves as the director for college advisors across Northeast Ohio in the Lake/Geauga Educational Assistance Foundation. “Students need to learn failure at a young age and learn that you are not defined by your own achievement.” Cruse acknowledges, “That can be a hard pill to
Alex Baird
JUNIOR, ST. EDWARD HIGH SCHOOL LIVING HISTORY CLUB
It’s a mashup of Magic the Gathering, Dungeons & Dragons, action-drama and some Braveheart moves. Picture a couple dozen high schoolers on the campus lawn with foam swords and clubs role-playing a jousting strategy with a fantasy backstory.
This is the Living History club. “I saw the swords made out of foam and the game of constant moving and I was like, ‘This is sick,’” says Baird, who attends the weekly club at 7:45 a.m. before school starts.
Total Honesty. You must play by the rules and there’s no faking. If a sword or club grazes the arm, you put the arm behind.
swallow for students and families looking at GPAs. We remind them, the number is not what is ‘under the hood.’”
Buzzard says Hershey Montessori assigns grades and tabulates GPA, but the emphasis is on a narrative via lengthy written assessments from instructors. “The grades we give are shorthand,” he says.
Paula Leigh-Doyle, Hershey Montessori’s head of schools, points out that in the age of artificial intelligence increasingly assuming “concept” tasks, “students need creative muscle,” such as group problem-solving and collaborative skills that employers demand.
“We use grades, but not as motivators,” she says.
Essentially, even in a whole-child environment, students are cognizant that colleges ask for grades, and they want to bring this piece to the table — and much more.
This is where school profiles come into play.
High schools can provide detailed descriptions of rigor, course offerings and student success. “Admissions’ job is to understand your territo-
ry, your school and how students are being presented,” Cruse says. “You are never reduced to a number in the college review process, and with the test-optional wave, a holistic review is even more important.” He adds that, “Students are recognizing that their story is about the contributions they’ve made, how they’ve grown, what they’ve exposed themselves to and the interests they’ve fostered.”
At Miami University, the admissions staff will recalculate applicants’ GPAs based on a scale they developed to even out the numbers, in an attempt to create a level playing field, Brainard says, noting that she has not
seen the math behind this effort.
Then comes another key point to consider: While focusing on education beyond the numbers, did your student press snooze on senior year?
Brainard describes a senior applying
StrivingKeep
to competitive out-of-state schools, who went into their final year with a knockout GPA. Then, all of a sudden, he checked out.
“His senior schedule was light — he had a couple of study halls, a few art classes, electives and English,” she says. “His attitude was, ‘I want to take
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“Not everyone is the same, thinks the same or approaches the
in the same way.”
- John Buzzard CAMPUS DIRECTOR, HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL
it easy this year, I’ve worked really hard.’
But one school wanted to know: ‘Why don’t we see calculus on this schedule?’ They realized he could have gotten into the course, but he chose not to take it.”
The school had called Brainard to inquire about the low-key schedule. “I do not know how typical this is,” she says.
“But colleges are actually looking into your senior-year schedule, and they want to see that you are not phoning it in.”
SCHOOL REDEFINED
Plan your visit today:
Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle School
Thursday, 10/17/24, 9:00 am, Parent Visit Saturday, 11/23/24, 10:00 am, OPEN HOUSE Toddler – Grade 8 | Lyndhurst Campus
Birchwood School
Sunday, 10/20/24, 2:00 pm, OPEN HOUSE Preschool – Grade 8 | Cleveland-West Campus
Upper School
Tuesday, 10/9/24, 9:00 am, Parent Visit Saturday, 11/2/24, 1:00 pm, OPEN HOUSE
Grades 9 – 12 | Gates Mills Campus
Mastery School
Wednesday, 10/16/24, 9:00 am, Parent Visit
Tuesday, 10/29/24, 7:00 pm, Parent Visit (Virtual) Saturday, 11/9/24, 1:00 pm, OPEN HOUSE Grades 9 – 12 | University Circle Campus
Though extracurricular involvement isn’t defined by a number, it’s a critical factor for admissions that reflects community spirit, engagement and motivation. “Colleges want to see students who are adding value to a campus,” Brainard says.
And we’re realizing more that value isn’t exclusively a numeric thing, as more students are on Individualized Education Plans for modified special education services, or 504 plans with educational modifications.
“This indicates a growing realization of our society that not everyone is the same, thinks the same or approaches the world in the same way,” Buzzard says. “And, in the larger world, there are many talented and successful individuals that might have had an IEP in school for, say, dyslexia or autism or a processing concern.”
Molly Keane JUNIOR, BAY VILLAGE HIGH SCHOOL BAY VILLAGE SAILING TEAM
When Bay Village started its sailing club, Keane was all in. The community of sailors and parents is an invaluable connection. “After practice, it’s like, ‘Where are we going to dinner?’” she says.
Roll with the Swells. “You could be sailing upwind, and the wind shifts 180 degrees,” she says. “You adjust your course and take on what you can.” This “pivot” mindset has served Molly well in school and life.
Showing Up. “You have to be on the water mentally,” Keane says. “You have to know how to respond in your conditions and anticipate what’s next.”
Anna Maurer SENIOR, LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL THE LAKEWOOD PROJECT
Maurer, 17, started playing viola in a traditional orchestra. Before freshman year, she auditioned for The Lakewood Project, a rock orchestra with electric strings and a full rhythm section. Entering her fourth season with the ensemble, Maurer says the group has been a career-defining outlet that taps her creativity.
A Music World View. “In a traditional orchestra, it’s pretty one-sided,” she says. “In The Lakewood Project, I’ve learned so many ways to be involved with arranging and production.”
A Smash Hit. Maurer composed an arrangement of “Cherub Rock” by The Smashing Pumpkins. “You could tell by the energy in the audience that people loved the music,” she says.
“With the broader understanding of capability and intelligence that we now have, GPA is even less of a clear indicator of academic capability or future success,” Buzzard adds.
Ranking is ‘out’ Who’s No. 1?
“The idea of class rank is disappearing, and it’s very interesting to me that this movement is gaining momentum,” Brainard says, relating that some schools won’t assign letter grades. A friend of hers who teaches at a prestigious boarding school in Massachusetts has told her the academy will not teach A.P. courses because it believes their curriculum is more discerning.
During the pandemic, when SAT and ACT test-optional approaches hit campuses, Buzzard says the shift
introduced a fresh perspective to the grading and testing conversation, along with A.P.
“I think we are seeing some pushback on the external demands of schools’ programs,” he says. “I think a lot of schools’ curricula are wanting to speak to themselves, and that is beginning to loosen up some of the standardization of college admissions.”
Buzzard adds, “College and universities are looking for interesting, unique students who fit their goals and profiles, and that isn’t necessarily a student with a perfect GPA.”
So, there really is more to it than just this number created to fit a system. “We are creating artificial numbers that suggest a linear ranking,” Weiskopf says. “There is so much more in play.” In mathematics, the farther out that the decimal point goes, the more “statistically insignificant” that number inevitably gets. But what value lies in that logic when a student
“College and universities are looking for interesting, unique students who fit their goals and profiles, and that isn’t necessarily a student with a perfect GPA.”
- John Buzzard CAMPUS DIRECTOR, HERSHEY MONTESSORI SCHOOL
Opening Doors, Changing Lives.
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is still fixated on every digit, GPA-obsessed, and the ranking continues to hover like a perfection thunderstorm cloud?
Brainard’s husband is a tenured math teacher at Madison High School. Valedictorian and salutatorian are still titles that the district awards. A student who was laser-focused on being No. 1 decided against any College Credit Plus Courses that were not weighted, and dropped band and choir because they do not contribute to her cumulative GPA. She became valedictorian.
What was the gain?
“It’s great to have a goal in mind, but some of the most successful people in the world were not valedictorian,” Brainard says, noting counselors impress this upon students.
Some schools may weigh electives such as music with the A-to-F scale, so that kids are motivated to stick with their passion. Regardless, the point still stands: There’s no consistent standard.
Buzzard says, “GPAs can induce a lot of stress in students, and we want them to see themselves in a larger light and not be fully focused on, ‘Did I get
“It’s great to have a goal in mind, but some of the most successful people in the world were not valedictiorian.”
- Liz Brainard COLLEGE CAREER ADVISOR AND ADVISORY DIRECTOR, LAKE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL AND LAKE/GEAUGA EDUCATIONAL ASSISTANCE FOUNDATION
a 3.75 or 3.78,’ and ‘That will make or break my life.’ That kind of energy is not positive. We de-emphasize letters and numbers and greatly emphasize the conversation they are having about knowledge they are gaining.”
That said, “GPA matters when it comes to giving students more post-secondary options,” Brainard says. “You always have options. But a higher GPA can mean you have some options, or all the options.”
Buzzard asks, “Can we really do away with GPA, the idea that GPA is irrelevant? Not at this moment. But we can mitigate this emphasis by reminding every student at every possible turn that it’s not always about the numbers.”
“Early childhood education is the key to the betterment of society.”
Maria Montessori
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TOP DENTISTS
The 2024 topDentists resource is your guide to more than 300 of the best dentists and specialists in Northeast Ohio.
THIS LIST IS EXCERPTED from the 2024 edition of topDentists, a database which includes listings for more than 300 dentists and specialists in the Greater Cleveland metropolitan area. The Cleveland area list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at usatopdentists.com. For more information call 706-364-0853; write PO BOX 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com.
METHODOLOGY:
topDentists, LLC has over 70 years of experience compiling peer-review referral guides in the legal, dental and medical fields. Using this experience along with the input of dentists across the United States, we have created a methodology that has been refined and improved over previous superlative guides. topDentists lists dentists and specialists who have been chosen through an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation’s dental professionals confidentially evaluate their professional peers. No payment is required to be selected nor is payment accepted in exchange for selection.
The nomination pool for topDentists consists of dentists and specialists that are members of the American Dental Association and local dental societies. General dentists were asked to vote on nominees that are listed as specialists. Specialists are asked to vote only on nominees that are listed as General Dentists. Voting practitioners are also given an opportunity to offer more detailed comments on nominees and to provide additional nominations.
Voting professionals are provided the following criterion for determining if a nominee should be listed: years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients and physical results. All votes and comments are solicited with a guarantee of confidentiality.
Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.
Of course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in Ohio. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate and useful list of dentists available anywhere.
Endodontics
Caroline Ayoub 19348 Detroit Road, Rocky River 440-857-0680 riverendo.com
Tera Bonar
3690 Orange Place, Suite 455, Beachwood 516-360-0090 beachwoodendo.com
Joseph Charnas 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 225, Mayfield Heights 440-605-0456 cleendo.com
Terence R. Dentkos 16626 Pearl Road, Strongsville 440-268-8445 dentkosendo.com
James A. DeVengencie 25111 Country Club Blvd., Suite 201, North Olmsted 440-686-3636 endolimited.com
Alexander DiMassa
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 225, Mayfield Heights 440-605-0456 cleendo.com
Anas Fatayer 30400 Detroit Road, Suite 209, Westlake 440-808-9990 apexrct.com
James B. Flynn 13550 Falling Water Road, Suite 104, Strongsville 440-878-0455 northcoastendodontics.com
Mark C. Gorman
29001 Cedar Road, Suite 453, Lyndhurst 440-446-1300 northcoastendodontics.com
R. Rubin Gutarts 5574 Pearl Road, Parma 440-842-4111 clevelandendo.com
Joong H. Hahn
1000 W. Wallings Road, Suite B, Broadview Heights 440-546-1116 southwestspecialists.com
David J. Harris, Jr. 3869 Darrow Road, Suite 209, Stow 330-688-3800 acendodontics.com
Igor Kantorovich 14701 Detroit Ave., Suite 274, Lakewood 216-226-0200 lakewoodendo.com
Steven J. Katz 3690 Orange Place, Suite 455, Beachwood 216-360-0090 beachwoodendo.com
Matthew Kotapish 3075 Smith Road, Suite 201, Fairlawn 330-660-0400 akronendo.com
Philip L. Michaelson
8258 E. Washington St., Suite B, Chagrin Falls 440-708-2850 drphilipmichaelson.com
Andre K. Mickel
3609 Park E., Suite 407, Beachwood 216-831-3636 mickelendodontics.com
André K. Mickel 3609 Park E., Suite 407, Beachwood 216-831-3636 mickelendodontics.com
Stephen H. Moore 939 Portage Trail, Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-7571 fallsendo.com
Gregory S. Myers 6175 Som Center Road, Suite 150, Solon 440-248-3747 drmyersendo.com
Andrea V. Nunney
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 225, Mayfield Heights 440-605-0456 cleendo.com
Lisa C. Petrov
5505 Detroit Road, Suite C, Sheffield Village 440-366-5530 petrovendodontics.com
Ryan Romero 29001 Cedar Road, Suite 453, Lyndhurst 440-446-1300 northcoastendodontics.com
Casandra Tessaro 8140 Norton Parkway, Suite 210, Mentor 440-255-7500 tessaroendo.com
DISCLAIMER:
This list is excerpted from the 2024 topDentists database, which includes listings for over 300 dentists and specialists in the Greater Cleveland metropolitan area. For more information call 706-364-0853 or write PO Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903 or email help@usatopdentists.com or visit usatopdentists.com. topDentists, LLC has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, 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. Copyright 2010-2024 by topDentists, LLC, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists, LLC. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.
Christopher Thompson 13550 Falling Water Road, Suite 104, Strongsville 440-878-0455 northcoastendodontics.com
Peyman Vaziri 7055 Engle Road, Suite 304, Middleburg Heights 440-243-7221 parkwayendodontics.com Vinson Vig 1000 W. Wallings Road, Suite B, Broadview Heights 440-546-1116 swendoperio.com
Jeremy Wilde 6151 Wilson Mills Road, Suite 304, Highland Heights 216-261-6464 highlandheightsendo.com
Ronald M. Wolf 3611 Darrow Road, Stow 330-686-0080 summit-endo.com
Anthony Zovko 29001 Cedar Road, Suite 453, Lyndhurst 440-446-1300 northcoastendodontics.com
General Dentistry
Kathryn J. Apotsos 8200 Avery Road, Broadview Heights 440-526-4866 averydentalgroup.com
G. Michael Appel 540 White Pond Drive, Suite C, Akron 330-869-9090 mikeappeldds.com
Lynn M. Aprile 19111 Detroit Ave., Suite 204, Rocky River 440-331-7864
Scott W. Arndt 33650 Center Ridge Road, North Ridgeville 440-327-9006 centerridgedental.com
Hussein M. Assaf 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 216-368-6759 case.edu
Mica Bartels 425 North Main St., Munroe Falls 330-688-4942 munroefallsfamilydentistry.com
Barjesh K. Bath-Walters 4780 Clague Road, North Olmsted 440-777-2757 ohdentalcare.com
Stephen Beetstra 1581 Dodd Drive, Columbus 614-688-3763
Walter R. Below 30400 Detroit St., Suite 380, Westlake 440-871-1155 drbelow.com
Richard F. Bis 4597 Ridge Road, Brooklyn 216-398-4446
6789 Ridge Road, Suite 206, Parma 440-842-4090 cleveland-dentalimplants.com
Joseph A. Koberlein 3869 Darrow Road, Suite 201, Stow 330-688-9922 josephakoberleinddsms.com
Hui-Jin Lee
1000 W. Wallings Road, Suite B, Broadview Heights 440-546-1116 southwestspecialists.com
Matthew J. Lemke 6505 Rockside Road, Suite 310, Independence 216-642-9111 morgandentalimplants.com
Joseph Locaffaro 727 Graham Road, Suite 1, Cuyahoga Falls 330-928-5551
Michael H. Morgan 6505 Rockside Road, Suite 310, Independence 216-642-9111 morgandentalimplants.com
Mark S. Obernesser
484 South Miller Road, Suite 200, Fairlawn 330-867-3320 akronperio.com
Luis Pires 33 Baker Blvd., Suite 201, Fairlawn 330-836-9341 fairlawnperio.com
Jonathan H. Ross 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 221, Mayfield Heights 440-461-6008
Sasha B. Ross 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 216-444-6907 my.clevelandclinic.org/ staff/18215-sasha-ross
Scott D. Sazima 26032 Detroit Ave., Suite 8, Westlake 440-835-4600 westlakeperio.com
Sayuri Smith 3609 Park E. Drive, Suite 411, Beachwood
Western Reserve Periodontics
David M. Sorboro
26777 Lorain Road, Suite 706, North Olmsted 440-979-0055 sorboroperio.com
Jason M. Streem 29001 Cedar Road, Suite 450, Cleveland 440-461-3400 clevelandperio.com
Clifford “Kip” Thomas 14050 Madison Ave., Lakewood 216-221-5595 lakewoodperiodontics.com
Morris F. Wasylenki 414 W. Cook Road, Mansfield 419-756-4540
Gary E. Woznicki 26300 Euclid Ave., Suite 424, Euclid 216-731-7555 garywoznickidds.com
Everett Wu 26410 Center Ridge Road, Westlake 440-331-6116 highpointperio.com
Prosthodontics
Anthony Deliberato 24600 Detroit Road, Suite 200, Westlake 440-808-9809
Salvatore J. Esposito 3609 Park E. Drive, Suite 501 North, Beachwood 216-292-5990 eowdental.com
M. Ali Kanawati 31099 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 100, Pepper Pike 216-245-0115
Sanjay Karunagaran 5155 Buehlers Drive, Suite 107, Medina 330-952-2015 frontierdentalohio.com
Kathryn M. Shroyer 25101 Detroit Road, Suite 410, Westlake 440-835-4848 westlakeprosthodontics.com
Michel G. Venot 10900 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 216-368-3290 case.edu/dental/departments-programs/advanced-education-general-dentistry-aegd/ aegd-facultystaff
Clark C. White III 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 226, Mayfield Heights 440-461-0994 ccwdds.com
ADVANCED DENTAL CARE & AESTHETICS
4780 Clague Road, North Olmsted, OH 44070 440-777-2757, ohdentalcare.com, info@ohdentalcare.com
SPECIALTY: General Dentistry
SPECIAL INTERESTS: IV Sedation dentistry, dental implants, cosmetic treatments including BOTOX, digital dentistry, Invisalign, dental sleep medicine
WHAT SETS THEM APART: The practice eliminates dental anxiety and treats the multitude of problems created by avoidance, often in one visit. They are committed to empowering patients with knowledge of how maintaining good oral health is essential to their total health.
EDUCATION: Dr. Walters (center): University of Michigan; Dr. Bath-Walters (center right): Case Western Reserve University. Both doctors completed residencies at Metro Hospital, and Dr. Walters holds his IV sedation license.
TECHNOLOGIES: Same-day crowns, digital impressions and X-rays, on-site 3D printer, CBCT, AI technology for early detection and implant surgery planning
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Society of Dental Anesthesiology, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Cleveland Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Academy of General Dentistry
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: The doctors treat patients at Medworks free dental clinics and provide care for patients in need through the Ohio Dental Association’s Dental OPTIONS program.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF THEIR WORK: Helping patients regain and maintain their health, confidence and quality of life by regaining the desire to smile.
MISSION STATEMENT: Continuing a proud legacy of exceptional dental care, Dr. Bath-Walters, Dr. Walters and the third generation of dentists — Dr. Kiren Walters, Dr. Sam Stevens and Dr. Alicia Irizarry — are dedicated to serving Cleveland with the same passion and expertise that has defined their family practice for decades.
SPECIALTY: The practice offers dental implants and facial esthetics to complement General Dentistry services.
WHAT SETS THEM APART: Dr. Marino & Associates is family-owned and operated. 18 providers at 5 locations have placed over 10,000 dental implants, leveraging the cost of implants to half the price of other providers. Their most advanced treatment, PermaSmile, replaces all of the teeth using dental implants to deliver a permanent, long-term smile solution in just one day. Delivering a wide range of quality services makes their office a one-stop shop for all dental needs.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Dr. Carlo Marino has taken countless continuing education courses in Implant Dentistry. He has placed thousands of implants and is an elected member of the Thommen Medical Lecture Team, Advisory Board and a certified trainer. Dr. Angela Marino has received extensive, comprehensive advanced training in BOTOX, Dermal
Fillers, polydioxanone threads, Sculptra, lip augmentation and platelet rich plasma aesthetics and is a local trainer.
EDUCATION: As graduates of The Ohio State University, both Drs. Marino furthered their education with hospital-based General Practice Residencies. Dr. Carlo Marino has completed courses in Advanced Implantology, Sinus Lifts and is Proficient in Chrome Guided Surgery. Dr. Angela Marino has completed Comprehensive Advanced Training in BOTOX and Dermal Fillers.
TECHNOLOGIES: 3D Cone Beam Imaging, Full Mouth Rehabilitation utilizing Implants and Chrome Technology, Wave One Endodontic Therapy, Digital Radiography, BOTOX, Dermal Fillers and SkinMedica
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: The Ohio State University President’s Club for Philanthropic Leadership, Akron Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, International Academy of Facial Esthetics
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF THEIR WORK: Providing affordable, successful restorative solutions for all patients.
WILLIAM R. NEMETH, DDS; APRIL NEMETH, DDS; W. CHRISTOPHER NEMETH, DMD NEMETH FAMILY DENTAL CARE
5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 223, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 440-473-3836, nemethfamilydental.com
SPECIALTY: Specializing in General Dentistry, they enjoy the daily variation and capability of treating the entirety of patients’ needs.
WHAT SETS THEM APART: Dr. William Nemeth has taken care of Cleveland families for more than 40 years. With the addition of his daughter-in-law, Dr. April Nemeth, and son, Dr, Chris Nemeth, to the practice, they can continue the treatment and relationships for generations to come.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Comprehensive Family Care, including Cosmetic, Dental Implant and Surgery, Endodontics, Invisalign and BOTOX
EDUCATION: Dr William: John Carrol University (BS), Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (DDS), MetroHealth (GPR); Dr. April: University of Wisconsin-Madison (BS), Marquette University School of Dentistry (DDS), Louis Stokes Cleveland VA (GPR); Dr. Chris: UW-Madison (BS and MS), Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (DMD), Louis Stokes Cleveland VA (GPR)
TECHNOLOGIES: Digital Radiographs, intraoral camera, Itero scanner
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: All three doctors are part of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Greater Cleveland Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry and Cleveland Academy of Advanced Dental Education.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF THEIR WORK: When patients are so pleased that they refer their friends and family to an office family they trust.
MISSION STATEMENT: Nemeth Family Dental Care is committed to providing the highest quality clinical care and personalized service in a warm and compassionate atmosphere. They believe in providing optimal treatment results and will customize treatment plans for each individual’s goals and expectations.
DENTAL SECRET: “Dentists eat candy, too.”
MARGARET FRANKEL, DMD
RICHARDS FRANKEL DENTISTRY
5885 Landerbrook Drive Suite 140 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 440-442-4477, richardsfrankeldentistry.com
SPECIALTY: Cosmetic and Family Dentistry, as well as Sleep and Airway Dentistry
WHAT SETS HER APART: Dr. Frankel is Cleveland’s premier cosmetic dentist who specializes in both simple and complex smile makeovers.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Worldwide continuing education in cosmetics, smile design and comprehensive full mouth makeovers
EDUCATION: Bryn Mawr College (BA); Harvard University (Post Baccalaureate); Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (DMD)
TECHNOLOGIES: Dr. Frankel utilizes Digital Smile Design, Digital Impressions, Guided Biofilm Therapy and the best veneer artists in the world.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, Spear Education, The Pankey Institute, Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HER WORK: Transforming smiles and improving patients’ overall health and happiness.
MISSION STATEMENT: “Dentistry designed for health and wellbeing.”
DENTAL TIP: “Wait 30 minutes to brush your teeth after eating so you don’t damage your enamel.”
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Laser dentistry, sleep apnea and snoring dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, IV sedation pain-free dental options, Lumineers, Whitening for Life, BOTOX and aesthetic laser treatments, Invisalign
WHAT SETS HIM APART: Strongsville Dental & Laser Aesthetics’ modern office includes state-of-the-art equipment offering unparalleled precision and less invasive treatments. The Surgically Clean Air technology offers the safest, healthiest dental environment for patients. The team is highly trained and experienced, and the office’s therapy dogs, Laser and Mercury, offer a unique warmth and stress-free dental experience.
EDUCATION: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine; Lumineer Certification; Duquesne University, Mylan School of Pharmacy, IV Sedation Residency; Tufts University, Dental Sleep Medicine Residency; American Academy of Facial Esthetics, BOTOX Training for Health Care Professionals; Case Western Reserve University MBA Class of 2025
TECHNOLOGIES: Fotona’s LightWalker laser, Surgically Clean Air technology
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Greater Cleveland Dental Society, American Academy of Facial Esthetics and the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation, Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Strongsville Dental & Laser Aesthetics sponsors local youth sports teams, Providence House and various Christian charities.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: Seeing a patient transition from a place of pain or deflated self-esteem — all resulting from compromised oral health or aesthetic conditions addressed by the practice — to one of healing, wellness and confidence.
MISSION STATEMENT: “The Level of Advanced Care You Deserve”
NIKI COCHRAN
CLE SMILES BY DR. NIKI 15901 Hilliard Road, Lakewood, OH 44107 216-226-3800, drnikicochran.com
SPECIALTY: Cosmetic Dentistry allows Dr. Cochran to create healthy and natural smiles that transform lives.
WHAT SETS HER APART: Dr. Cochran’s passion for creating beautiful smiles and the practice’s use of the newest technology and materials sets them apart.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Las Vegas Institute for Cosmetic Dentistry certification, American Academy of Facial Esthetics training, laser certification, nitrous oxide inhalant training, Six Month Smiles Provider
TECHNOLOGIES: 45-minute crowns, one-hour bridges, lasers, scanners, digital office
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Greater Cleveland Dental Society, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The Ohio State University alum
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HER WORK: Going above and beyond patients’ expectations and bringing a smile every time.
MISSION STATMENT: The practice’s mission is to provide excellent dentistry in a professional, understanding and caring environment. They hope to help patients achieve optimal lifetime oral health through prevention, education and treatment. They also hope to motivate patients to choose excellence and enjoy the long-term benefits of that decision.
SAM GLICK, DMD CLEVELAND SMILE CENTER
Cuyahoga Falls, Aurora, Westlake and Bedford 330-633-6420, clevelandsmilecenter.com
WHAT SETS HIM APART: The practice is family-owned and operated, creating a family-oriented environment.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Dental Implantology, including Full-Arch All-On-4 Dental Implants, Orthodontics and Cosmetic Dentistry
EDUCATION: Doctor of Medicine in Dentistry (DMD)
TECHNOLOGIES: Comfortable Digital Impressions, Cone-Beam CT Imaging and 3D X-Rays, holistic treatment options
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Academy of General Dentistry, Greater Cleveland Dental Society
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: Helping people achieve the smile of their dreams.
MISSION STATEMENT: “Where Ohio comes home to smile.”
DENTAL SECRET: “Going to the dentist can actually be very fun!”
MEGAN A. SHIGA, DMD
DENTISTRY OF CHAGRIN
525 E. Washington St. Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 440-247-9220, www.chagrindentist.com
SPECIALTY: Specializing in General Dentistry, Dr. Shiga loves the ability to do an assortment of different procedures on patients from ages 1-100 with a friendly chairside manner.
WHAT SETS HER APART: Dr. Shiga truly enjoys all aspects of dentistry and loves coming into the office every day. She values patients’ oral health first and foremost and strives to always provide impeccable care coupled with a fair and personable approach.
SPECIAL TRAINING: CDOCs training on anterior esthetics with CAD/CAM Levels 1-4, advanced training in Invisalign and Suresmile clear aligner therapy, 3D CBCT training courses
EDUCATION: John Carroll University (BS); The Ohio State University (DDS)
TECHNOLOGIES: Same-day crowns and scans with Primescan intraoral camera and Primemill, 3D Planmeca CBCT, Carivu transilluminating camera, digital radiographs, Velscope device to screen for oral cancer, intraoral cameras and nitrous oxide
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Greater Cleveland Dental Societies Board of Trustees
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HER WORK: Changing a patient’s life by improving their oral and systemic health, in addition to building a long-lasting relationship.
PHILOSOPHY: The goal at Dentistry of Chagrin is to serve and protect patients’ interests and provide them the highest quality oral health care.
DENTAL TIP: “Brush and floss all the teeth you would like to keep!”
IAN A. FEHRING, DDS
DEPENDABLE DENTAL SERVICES
29473 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted, OH 44070 440-777-4444, dependabledental.net
SPECIALTY: General Dentistry
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Family and Cosmetic dentistry
WHAT SETS HIM APART: The practice’s technology, welcoming environment, patient-first care and customer service sets them apart.
EDUCATION: Bellarmine University (BA); The Ohio State University College of Dentistry (DDS); Miami Valley Hospital (General Practice Residency), where Dr. Fehring also received an advanced education in oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, dental implants, prosthodontics and sedation dentistry
TECHNOLOGIES: Digital radiographs, CEREC Primsecan (CAD/CAM) intraoral scanner, same day crowns, BIOLASE Dental Laser, Sure Smile clear aligners, Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) 3D scans of teeth, jaw & face
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Lorain County Dental Society, Westshore Study
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Dr. Fehring coaches several youth soccer and basketball teams.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: When patients say they used to be afraid of coming to the dentist but now they look forward to it.
PHILOSOPHY: Dr. Fehring’s goal is to provide the highest standard of dental care to all his patients by helping them achieve optimal oral health with up-to-date technology in a comfortable dental setting.
CANDICE L. FEHRING, DDS AND THOMAS G. LEATHERMAN, DDS TEAM LEATHERMAN CARE DENTISTRY
6100 South Broadway Ave., Suite 300, Lorain 440-233-8521, loraincosmeticdentist.com
SPECIALTY : General Dentistry
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Cosmetic and family dentistry, including oral surgery and endodontics
WHAT SETS THEM APART: Gentle care, technology and compassion
EDUCATION: Dr. Fehring: University of Dayton (BS) and The Ohio State University (DDS); Dr. Leatherman: Miami University (BS) and Case Western Reserve University (DDS)
TECHNOLOGIES: CEREC (CAD/CAM same-day crowns), soft tissue laser, CBCT 3D digital X-rays, digital records
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION: Both doctors are members of the Lorain County Dental Society, Ohio Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Westshore study club, Spear Education Study Club and CEREC Doctors.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF THEIR WORK: Helping patients feel comfortable and confident about their smiles and coming to the dentist.
VISION: To create a quality-driven high-tech practice where providers and support staff can deliver quality care to patients in a friendly, safe and fun environment.
MISSION: Team Leatherman Care strives to deliver the utmost care and instruction to its patients so they can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health and well-being.
RICK K. RZEPKA
RZEPKA DENTAL
25200 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 230, Beachwood, OH 44122 216-641-9090. drrzepka.com
SPECIALTY: Dr. Rzepka enjoys all aspects of dentistry, specializing in Family, Cosmetic and Implant Dentistry.
WHAT SETS HIM APART: Dr. Rzepka uses the most advanced technologies including low-noise drills, impression-free impressions with 3D scanning and Digital Panorex.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Implants
EDUCATION: The Ohio State University; Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine
TECHNOLOGIES: CBCT CAT Scanning, low-radiation digital X-rays, implants, sleep apnea devicess, night guards
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Implant Lecturer, President of Hillcrest Study Club
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: Making a patient feel comfortable with their dental experience so they can smile with confidence.
PHILOSOPHY: Dr. Rzepka has been dedicated to excellence for over 30 years. Rzepka Dental is happy to “cater to cowards” with progressive methods and a caring approach.
DENTAL TIP: “If it is not broken, don’t fix it!”, Dr. Rzepka says. He always feels honesty is the best policy with patients.
DAVID R. PATTON, DDS
DENTAL CARE OF
SOLON
6384 SOM Center Road, Solon, OH 44139 440-248-2035, dentalcareofsolon.com
SPECIALTY: General Dentistry
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Sports and Cosmetic
WHAT SETS HIM APART: Dr. Patton wants his patients to be comfortable with everyone in the office and the procedure. He takes the time to explain steps in detail both before and during the procedure to help reduce anxiety.
EDUCATION: Bowling Green State University (BS); The Ohio State University College of Dentistry (DDS); Veteran’s Administration Medical Center (residency)
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Academy of General Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Greater Cleveland Dental Society, Clinical Instructor at Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine, Board Member at Beaumont School
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: Through the years, many of Dr. Patton’s patients have come to feel like family. Marriages, births, watching children grow, suffering with loss: Dr. Patton has been a part of their lives.
MISSION STATEMENT: Dr. Patton considers the patient relationship to be critical to the care he provides. His staff takes the time to get to know patients and the care they need.
HEATHER J. PETROFF, DDS HEATHER J. PETROFF, DDS
9000 Town Centre Drive, Suite A, Broadview Heights, OH 44147 440-838-4480, hjpetroffdds.com, info@hjpetroffdds.com
SPECIALTY: General Dentistry
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Laser, implant and family dentistry
WHAT SETS HER APART: An ongoing commitment to helping patients by using the most efficient technology including all-digital X-rays, intraoral cameras, VELscope cancer screenings and the high-tech Solea laser that replaces the traditional dental drill.
EDUCATION: Case Western Reserve School of Dental Medicine
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association, American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, Cleveland Dental Society
TECHNOLOGIES: Solea hard and soft tissue laser, VELscope oral cancer screening, digital radiology
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Dr. Petroff and her husband are known throughout the community as owners of a popular indoor cycling and group training facility.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF YOUR WORK: Dr. Petroff enjoys getting to know generations of patients while using knowledge and technology to care for their oral health. Dr. Petroff is family oriented and understands the apprehensions her patients may associate with dental visits.
PHILOSOPHY: Dr. Petroff places great emphasis on overall health and truly getting to know her patients. She makes them feel comfortable about dental care through her warm personality, gentle touch and extensive experience.
CHARLES AND IAN CANEPA ORTHODONTIC
CARE
CHARLES AND IAN CANEPA ANEPA ORTHODONTICS
20024 Detroit Road, Rocky River 440-331-1464, canepaortho.com
150 Cooper Foster Park E., Lorain 440-233-8546, canepaortho.com
At Canepa Orthodontics, we provide treatment solutions to address your concerns and suit your lifestyle. Specializing in innovative treatment for all ages, it’s never too early or late for us to help patients achieve beautiful and confident smiles.
Together, Doctors Charles and Ian Canepa deliver orthodontic care, either traditional braces or clear aligners, in both the Rocky River and Lorain/Amherst areas.
Contact our Rocky River or Lorain office to schedule a complimentary consultation and find the best personalized care for your orthodontic needs.
JOHN S. PYKE, III, DDS
JOHN PYKE DENTISTRY
33399 Walker Road, Suite D, Avon Lake, OH 44012 440-933-2549, avonlakedental.com, avonlakedental@yahoo.com
SPECIALTY: John Pyke Dentistry enjoys helping patients obtain optimal oral health and confident smiles through Comprehensive Dentistry.
WHAT SETS HIM APART: John Pyke Dentistry stands out with advanced training, technology and an exceptional team.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Advanced Restorative Dentistry
EDUCATION: University of Michigan (BS); The Ohio State College of Dentistry (DDS)
TECHNOLOGIES: Digital X-rays, digital impressions, digital records
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, American Equilibration Society, Dawson Academy, Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: Having patients say they enjoy coming to the office and appreciate the dentistry Dr. Pyke and his team deliver.
PHILOSOPHY: Dr. Pyke and his team provide extraordinary care while providing excellent dentistry.
DENTAL SECRET: “Most ‘whitening’ toothpastes do more harm with recession than lighten your teeth.”
RACHEL ROSEN, DDS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY
RACHEL ROSEN, DDS
GREAT BEGINNINGS PEDIATRIC DENTISTRY 9964 Vail Dr #1, Twinsburg, Ohio 44087 330-633-6420 gbpdsmiles.com
Dr. Rachel Rosen, a board-certified pediatric dentist and owner of Great Beginnings Pediatric Dentistry, offers evidence-based, airway-focused dentistry for children from infancy to age 21. As an Ambassador for The Breathe Institute, Dr. Rachel specializes in the connection between oral motor function and your child’s airway health, jaw growth, and dental development. An expert in tongue and lip ties, she offers in-office and sedation functional releases using a Solea laser. Through minimally invasive dentistry, she provides drill-free cavity treatments, such as laser dentistry, SDF, SMART fillings, and Hall crowns. Dr. Rachel and her passionate team partner with caregivers to make dental visits educational and fun for all children, including children with special needs. She is now accepting new patients 16 years and younger.
CHRISTOPHER NASSIF, DDS GENERAL DENTISTRY
CHRISTOPHER NASSIF, DDS
DR. NASSIF AND ASSOCIATES
4647 Ridge Road
Brooklyn, Ohio 44144
216-351-6600
drnassifassociates.com
Dr. Nassif and Associates has been providing Northeast Ohio with exceptional dental care for over 40 years. They have always been family owned and operated, which makes them deeply rooted in their local communities. They have 3 convenient locations in Brooklyn, Avon and Lyndhurst.
As founder and CEO, Dr. Christopher Nassif has built an award winning practice using state-of-the-art technology. One of his specialties is dental implants. He and his practices have been recognized by Thommen Medical for placing over 10,000 implants. Their offices strive to make dentistry affordable for everyone and provide a wide variety of services for the entire family. Dr. Nassif is excited to introduce all the patients to his son, Dr. Grant Nassif, who has recently joined the practice.
LISA C. ELIAS, DMD
LISA C. ELIAS, DMD
THE ART AND SCIENCE OF BEAUTIFUL SMILES
443 Pearl Road Brunswick, Ohio 44212
330-273-7300
drlisaelias.com
The Path to HOME OWNERSHIP
How REALTORS® Champion the American Dream
GET TO THE
Point
Local REALTORS® explain why they think point-of-sale inspections are a barrier to homeownership.
By Jill Sell
Point-of-sale (POS) inspection. Depending upon someone’s perspective and experience, the term conjures up visions of just another routine step in the homebuying process to memories of a nightmarish experience — for possibly both the home seller and homebuyer.
A POS is a legally required visual inspection of a property that must be completed before it can be sold. There are no uniform laws or requirements in Ohio for the action. The inspection can include a home’s exterior, interior or a combination of both, as well as a requirement to create an escrow account to hold the funds necessary to make required repairs.
From Aberdeen to Zoar, some communities in Ohio have a wide variety of practices — from non-existent POS rules to what some consider to be rather questionable requirements. Northeast Ohio has its own hodgepodge of different POS
practices. Most have some sort of condition standards for roofs, windows, doors, plumbing, heating, chimneys, foundations and siding.
One related concern is about those who carry out POS inspections. Both city-appointed and private inspectors hired by the seller or buyer may see things differently even when examining the same property. Homeowners and real estate professionals perceive certain inspectors as being “tougher” than others. Some inspectors are said to have certain prejudices, such as a dislike for gravel driveways or types of porch railings.
At first glance, a POS may appear to be a policy put in place to protect buyers from purchasing a house that has known or unknown major building violations and/or that needs significant repairs. Also, having the inspection may also reduce the liability of a seller to fully disclose defects. A community’s incentive
for adopting a POS inspection also may be a desire to maintain safe and secure residences, as well as preserve a neighborhood’s value.
But not everyone agrees a POS is beneficial. Those opposed to what they consider unfair and unrealistic POS practices say the policy significantly cramps homeownership. Delve even deeper and some real estate professionals, community leaders and homeowners/buyers and sellers are exposing disturbing stories associated with POS inspections that have occurred historically and in the present.
“Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® (ACAR) is opposed to point of sale inspections. We believe they are a barrier to homeownership,” says Jamie McMillen, ACAR’s Vice President of Government Affairs. “Studies have shown they actually hurt a local real estate market. Instead of city-mandated inspections at the time of sale, ACAR’s position is to
support systematic, exterior inspections of all properties, not just the ones for sale or rent. That way the city is really helping to make sure our communities and neighborhoods are maintained while also preserving the property owners’ and residents’ privacy.”
Drew Gaebelein is a REALTOR® with eXp Realty and the 2024 ACAR President-Elect. Gaebelein uses an example of two houses, side by side. House A is up for sale every five years and so is subject to a POS at each transaction. House B’s title is still signed by the original owners, who haven’t moved in 50 years and who have not been subject to a POS inspection. Gaebelein points out House B might need more tender loving care, but House A is the one that attracts all the attention.
The additional cost of buying a house in a community that requires a POS, and especially one that requires an escrow account, can be daunting, according to McMillen. Homebuyers need money for a down payment, closing costs, a private inspection if desired, an appraisal and, if necessary, money for the POS escrow account.
“That escrow can be 100 to 150% of the estimated repairs that are listed by the city,” says McMillen. “In some cases, a city won’t release the money until all repairs
are done. Some cities will release in smaller amounts, but most won’t unless the house is re-inspected and passed.”
“I recently listed a property for a client in Maple Heights. The client said, ‘We know the city is going to come up with something on the POS inspection. So, let’s price the house a little higher so if they ask me to do some repairs, then it is built into the price of the house.’ POS inspections just drive up the process of selling,” says Gaebelein. “In some homes, a driveway may need to be replaced. That’s a huge expense. If the seller can’t afford to replace it, it’s really the buyer who is going to pay for it.”
POS arrangements are generally decided in three ways. The first is that the seller assumes all costs for repairs. Of course, some homeowners simply cannot afford that responsibility. For those sellers, it may mean they must remain in a home they really want or need to sell. Or it means a financial hit on their home’s equity and projected generational wealth
for their families, according to some real estate professionals.
A seller can also sell a house “as is” with the buyer footing all repair and violation costs. The third option involves the buyer and seller negotiating the cost for repairs. POS inspections are not widespread across the country. The practice is only found in “pockets in Ohio,” according to McMillen.
Gaebelein adds that they are mostly on Cleveland’s East Side. Many houses are inspected by the buyer/and seller in private agreements anyway, adds McMillen.
“The City of Bedford used to have point of sale until a property owner took them to court where the practice was ruled unconstitutional. If you look at property values in Bedford, compared to Maple Heights and Garfield Heights, which have similar housing stock, but also point of sales inspections, housing values are now higher in Bedford,” says Gaebelein.
The City of Shaker Heights has a POS that requires an interior, exterior and escrow account. The Building and Housing Development director, Kyle Krewson, says home sales there, however, “in the last three years have skyrocketed at a rate higher than many inner-ring communities.” Krewson credits POS inspections for “allowing property values to remain high.”
He points out that the older housing stock in Shaker Heights, with “its architecture and charm,” requires appropriate and regular maintenance. He says he believes POS will help make sure the houses “are here for another 100 years.”
“ I recently listed a property for a client in Maple Heights. The client said, ‘We know the city is going to come up with something on the POS inspection. So, let’s price the house a little higher so if they ask me to do some repairs, then it is built into the price of the house.’
— Drew Gaebelein
JAMIE MCMILLEN
DREW GAEBELEIN
Nikki Raichart, a REALTOR® with HomeSmart Real Estate Momentum in Mentor, moved to Ohio from Oregon three years ago. Raichart was shocked at the limitations local POS inspections “unfairly impose on sellers and buyers.”
To her, POS inspections create not only financial burdens, but are discriminatory.
“Point of sale inspections are racist, illegal red-lining, dressed-up wolves in sheep’s clothing,” says Raichart. “I work with a lot of local investors, refugees and refugee organizations. The inspections and associated costs are barriers to them. I worked with a man from the Congo who got a job as a janitor with University Hospitals. He worked his way up to become a phlebotomist and was ready to purchase a home. With all his heart, he wanted to buy in Shaker Heights because he was bringing his daughter here from the Congo and wanted the best schools for her.” The client thought Shaker Heights had the best school for her.
Complications involving the city’s POS prohibited the individual from buying the Shaker Heights property that Raichart said would have been suitable for his needs.
“He had to purchase in an area that wasn’t even close to where he wanted to be,” says Raichart.
She says Shaker Heights wants to be a diverse city, but that most of that diversity “comes from renters in buildings owned by investors.” She says she believes if the city is hoping to attract young families with children to bolster shrinking school enrollment, more barriers to homeownership, including POS inspections, must be overcome.
Some housing experts and REALTORS® who have studied the history of Greater Cleveland’s housing scene are uneasy with the possible negative origins of POS.
“I’ve always heard that POS here originated when some communities were starting to become more diverse. It was a way to keep
people who couldn’t afford repairs out of their communities,” says Gaebelein.
Tiffany L. Hollinger, a REALTOR® with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty in Shaker Heights, says she believes the most damaging part of a POS inspection is not the physical inspection itself as much as the required escrow.
“We live in an area today that is very much taboo against outside investors,” says Hollinger, whose background also includes being a financial counselor, personal real estate investor and agent to both local and out-of-town investors. “But who is going to have that money to put into escrow other than a person in California who thinks nothing of spending $500,000? Point-of-sale escrow is a roadblock for smaller, minority investors and minority buyers. It is a civil rights issue. It discriminates against the people who are least economically able.”
McMillen says she believes over the past several years there has been a “trend where cities are rolling back pieces of their POS inspections, but not the whole thing.
“One of the most recent examples is the City of Euclid, which had a POS that included mandatory exterior and interior inspections, as well as escrow requirements for repairs,” says McMillen. “But as different cases have gone through Ohio courts, Euclid and several other cities made the interior inspection optional.” The City of Euclid also later eliminated its escrow requirement.
Opponents of POS inspections (especially those that threaten criminal charges against who do not comply) look to Thompson V. City of Oakwood (a suburb of Dayton), a 2018 case that found a POS ordinance to be unconstitutional. That ruling was based on the Fourth Amendment’s purpose to safeguard the privacy and security of individuals against arbitrary inva-
sions by government officials, according to the court’s interpretation.
However, some cities in Ohio turn to their municipal courts to circumvent that ruling, according to real estate professionals who have studied the policies. If a homeowner checks off a box on an online application for a POS indicating they agree to a POS, it means, according to some cities, the seller is requesting the POS. If a seller does not want a POS, some communities say they “will be required to request a search warrant from the court to perform the inspection.”
“We need all these communities and their residents to really understand the effects of point of sale,” says Hollinger. “We need a massive number of voices in Northeast Ohio to alter the point of sale’s negative points or else the harm to Northeast Ohio’s economy and homebuyers and sellers will continue.”
NOTE: ACAR has commissioned an independent analysis of Point of Sale Inspections that will be released tentatively in November 2024.
HAVE YOU EXPERIENCED A TRANSACTION CHALLENGE DUE TO GOVERNMENT POLICY?
If you have experienced a delayed or failed transaction due to the point of sale inspection process or any other government policy, ACAR and its Legislative Committee want to know. The better we understand challenges from local, state, and/or federal government policy, the better we can serve you.
NIKKI RAICHART
TIFFANY L. HOLLINGER
HOMEBUYING
Help
Learn about local programs that can assist potential homebuyers purchase a home.
By Jill Sell
This can certainly be a rewarding time to buy a house. No matter if that means first-time buyers proud of their starter home, move-up buyers or empty-nesters ready to embrace a more carefree homeowning option. But it’s no secret there are also challenges.
Housing experts say the country faces a shortage of 4 to 7 million homes — mostly affordable ones. The National Association of REALTORS® (NAR), of which ACAR is an affiliate, notes that the real estate market traditionally needs five to six months of housing supply to be balanced — not favoring either a buyer’s or seller’s market. Existing home sales stats say the Summit, Cuyahoga and Portgage counties was at a 1.9-month supply in July.
Cost is still a factor for many as well. In July, the median existing home price for the same region was $231,000, an increase of 6.5% from a year ago. That increase also boosts down payment requirements, which can be a significant obstacle to homebuyers.
Also consider that the historically low interest rates we were getting used to are now on the rise and that many credit scores are being adjusted. Add in the rising costs of appraisals, point-of-sale inspections and other factors, and it’s no wonder homebuyers are looking for help.
ACAR has compiled a list of many local programs available for homebuyers and/or
homeowners. This useful resource and other tools can be found at HomeForAllNEO.com. Resources are available to the public at no cost. Here is sampling of local programs:
SUMMIT COUNTY
The First Home First Loan Down Payment Assistance Program aims to increase the accessibility of homeownership for lowmoderate income households in Summit County, excluding Akron, Barberton and Cuyahoga Falls. Applicants must not have owned a home in the past three years and total gross household income is at or below 80% of the area median income.
The maximum purchase for a home is $163,000, with a maximum purchase price not to exceed 90% of the appraised value of the home. Single-family homes, condos and townhouses are eligible for the program. Mobile homes and duplexes are not. Before closing, the house must be free of defects that “pose an immediate danger to health and safety.”
Potential homebuyers must be able to obtain a commitment from a bank, savings and loan association, credit union or another private lender for a first mortgage. They also must agree to reside in the property as their primary residence.
Information: Department of Community and Economic Development, co.summitoh.net
PORTAGE COUNTY
The Portage Growlink Program makes low-cost loans to homeowners, small businesses and family farms within the county. Eligible homeowners are those seeking energy efficiency improvements (which can include solar panels, septic system upgrades/sewer), as well as home repairs, remodeling, property upgrades and other permanent projects.
This program, from the Portage County Treasurer’s Office, provides home equity loans at up 3% below the rate a bank would normally offer. Because the focus of Portage Growlink is to improve properties within the county, there is no limit on a borrower’s income.
“There is a huge demand for these kinds of loans,” says Portage County Treasurer John Kennedy, adding that the loans are an asset to homebuyers who may choose to buy in Portage County knowing money is available to make improvements.
Homeowner loans are available for up to $25,000 and the discounted interest rate applies only to the first five years of home loans. Applications can be made at any participating bank.
Information: Portage County, 330-297-3586, portagecounty-oh.gov
CUYAHOGA COUNTY
“It’s like a golden ticket.” That’s how Laura Boustani, vice president of external affairs for CHN Housing Partners, describes CHN Housing Capital’s Believe Mortgage products. The Believe Mortgage helps those who may not qualify for traditional mortgages and is available in Cuyahoga, Lorain, Lake, Medina and Summit counties.
A number of obstacles are swept away under this program. The entire borrower profile is considered, not just a credit score. The applicant is not required to be a first-time homebuyer; and no monthly private mortgage insurance is required. In addition, 100% financing may be available through Believe100 and there is no cost for required homeowner classes.
CHN Housing Capital, a nonprofit, affordable housing developer and lender, also offers a Down Payment Assistance program. Homes can be located in any of the 51 Cuyahoga County eligible communities, but must be single-family and owner-occupied. Homeowners must not have owned a home in the past three years, take homeownership classes, and be at or below 80% area median income.
Cuyahoga Falls uses funds provided by the federal Community Development Block Grant (CDGB) Program to help residents and the city fight blight and infrastructure problems. The city offers grants up to $30,000 to eligible residents.
Eligible properties must be single-family, one-unit dwellings inspected by Neighborhood Development Services and suitable for rehabilitation.
Applicants must have low-to-moderate income and be the property’s owners. Owners must also be up to date with property taxes and or on a tax payment plan, current with City of Cuyahoga Falls income tax and utility accounts and have property insurance.
Information: 330-971-8173, cityofcf.com
LAKEWOOD
The Lakewood HOME Program offers first-time homebuyers interested in buying a home within the city a 0%, no monthly payment second mortgage (a lien) to assist with both down payment and closing costs. To qualify, participants must complete several steps. Those have been described in a variety of ways from “unnecessary hoops to jump through” to “important steps to assure the city (and the buyer themselves) that a potential homebuyer is well prepared to make a commitment to homeownership.”
Steps include taking HUD Lead Assessment training, Program Orientation and a Program Quiz after watching a video. The City of Lakewood will present Certificates of Completion, which can be taken to a participating lender, although that action does not guarantee funding or entry to the program.
Applicants may not have owned a property within the past three years, and the property must become a primary residence. Maximum property purchase price cannot exceed $129,000 for a single-family residence or $165,000 for a two-family residence.
Information: Housing and Building Department; 216-529-6270, lakewoodoh.gov
KENT
The City of Kent wants to assist its residents in needed rehabilitation to their homes. That can include providing new roofs, windows, doors and other energy saving elements, as well as replacing or updating heating and electrical systems. Accessory buildings and additions to the home on the property are not covered.
This Owner Occupied Housing
Rehabilitation loan/grant program can provide up to $85,000 of assistance.
“Twenty percent of the loan is forgiven every year over a five-year period, which means that 100% of the original loan will convert to a grant and will not have to be repaid by the homeowners, provided the homeowners maintain the home as their primary residence for five full years,” according to information supplied by Bridget Susel, community development director the City of Kent.
Information: City of Kent, 330-678-8108, kentohio.gov
Did You Know?
Buyers typically searched for 10 weeks and looked at a median of 7 homes and viewed 4 homes only online. 10 Weeks
89% of buyers recently purchased their home through a real estate agent or broker, and 6% purchased directly through the previous owner. 89% • 6%
The typical downpayment for firsttime buyers was 8%, while the typical downpayment for repeat buyers was 19%. 8% • 19%
54% • 53% • 23%
For 54% of buyers, the source of the downpayment came from their savings. 53% of repeat buyers cited using the proceeds from the sale of a primary residence, while 23% of first-time buyers used a gift or loan from friends or family for the downpayment.
For first-time home buyers, 38% said saving for a downpayment was the most difficult step in the process. 38%
Buyers continue to see purchasing a home as a good financial investment. 82% reported they view a home purchase as a good investment. 82%
81% of buyers were White/Caucasian, 7% were Hispanic/Latino, 7% were Black/AfricanAmerican, 6% were Asian/Pacific Islander, and 6% identified as some other race. 81% • 7% • 6%
88% of recent home buyers identified as heterosexual, 3% as gay or lesbian, 2% as bisexual, 1% prefer to self-describe, and 6% preferred not to answer. 88%
Renovate to ELEVATE
Discover experts who can help enhance your home’s beauty and functionality, boost value and create spaces that will bring joy for years to come.
Celebrating 25 years OF EXCELLENCE.
Discerning homeowners throughout Northeast Ohio trust Hurst Design Build Remodel to make their remodeling dreams come true. Hurst’s detailed process, innovative design, and fine craftsmanship combine to create an extraordinary remodeling experience. Learn more about our award-winning work by scheduling a consultation or stop in to visit our Design Center in Westlake, Ohio.
216-631-7764
Revisit the
from the most recent Evening of
Discover how NARI members are giving back to the community by volunteering their expertise, time and resources to make a difference to families in need.
Whether your home is in need of maintenance, repairs, a facelift or major overhaul, get the scoop on cost considerations, return on investment (ROI) and strategies for prioritizing remodeling projects.
Board
of Directors
PRESIDENT
Brian Pauley, CR Remodel Me Today Inc.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Daniel Hurst, MCR, CLC, CRPM Hurst Design Build Remodel
PRESIDENT ELECT
Kenneth Perrin
Artistic Renovations of Ohio LLC
VICE PRESIDENT
Robert Doherty Jr. Wolff Bros. Supply Inc.
SECRETARY
Gabriel Cantrell
Hamilton Parker
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Kristopher Toth, CRP Toth Painting Solutions Inc.
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Chris Kamis, CR Absolute Roofing & Construction Inc.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
Kathy Masterson
BOARD MEMBERS
Andy Ieropoli, CR Advance Design & Remodel
Bailey Madek TH Custom Hardwood
Robert Schwarz, MCR, CRPM, UDCP, CKBR
Robert Schwarz Inc.
Tim Smelcer ISI Solutions
Mike Staffileno
Chagrin River Co.
info@NARIcleveland.com NARIcleveland.com For
Dear Homeowners,
AS THE NEWLY APPOINTED PRESIDENT of the Greater Cleveland Chapter of the National Association for the Remodeling Industry (NARI), I am deeply honored to lead this esteemed organization for the next two years. The recent economic landscape has undoubtedly posed challenges, which makes our focus of the fall/winter issue of NARI Remodel Ohio magazine all the more interesting. Within these pages, we will be drawing on the insights of our NARI member experts to highlight the most strategic remodeling projects for maximizing return on investment (ROI), offering advice for cost management and aligning renovations with your long-term goals and personal style.
Undertaking a home renovation represents a significant investment, and the importance of partnering with a NARI professional cannot be overstated.
Our members adhere to a strict code of ethics and bring extensive knowledge of industry best practices, which is invaluable in establishing realistic budgets and steering clear of costly errors.
This publication also shines a spotlight on NARI Cares, our organization’s community outreach initiative. It is truly rewarding to collaborate with our members in giving back to our communities and making a positive impact on the lives of others.
Finally, we’ll revisit the highlights from our most recent Evening of Excellence, where we celebrated the exceptional projects completed by our members — showcasing the very best of what our industry has to offer.
Remember, it’s always a good time to remodel in the CLE, and we’re here to provide the best resources to make your dreams come true during any season.
EVENING of EXCELLENCE
The Greater Cleveland Chapter of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI) honored the region's best in the business during its annual Evening of Excellence. Held April 12 at the Aviator Event Center & Pub, the event paid tribute to the recipients of the 2024 Contractor of the Year (CotY) Awards for demonstrating outstanding craftsmanship and innovation.
1. Mike Doak Jr., Ken Bliss, Brian Pauley, Jeremy Rieger, Chris Pauley, Kristin Fitch and Alicia Hughes from Remodel Me Today
2. Carol Muller and Staci Giera from MSI Surfaces
3. Adam Hutchison, Gabe Cantrell and Carolyn Taylor from Hamilton Parker
4. Dan, Keri, Pat Sr., Melissa and Patrick Hurst from Hurst Design Build Remodel
5. Randy Schwochow, Melissa Strzala, Josh Strzala, Diana Schwochow, Mary Bennett, Terry Bennett, Heather Bennett, Dan Bennett and Sean Gibbons from Bennett Builders
6. Kris and Caroline Toth from Toth Painting Solutions and Robert Doherty Jr. from Wolff Bros. Supply of Akron
7. Lindsay and Dave Chudowsky from Channel 3 News, Kathy Masterson from NARI Greater Cleveland and Bob Hoffman from Lake Erie Home Improvement
8. Tania, Mike, Chris and Lori Kamis from Absolute Roofing & Construction
9. Melissa Hurst, Michelle Carandang, Heath Marquardt, Kara Shelley, Josh Gillies, Amy Tilow, Mike Voloschuk and Patrick Hurst from Hurst Design Build Remodel
10. Yvonne and Scott Burton from Dream Homes
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Building Blocks for Bettering Communities
NARI CARES DONATES TIME, TALENT AND MATERIALS TO COMPLETE CRITICAL REPAIRS AND RENOVATIONS FOR FAMILIES IN NEED. BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
Constructing dozens of beds for local children who tuck in at night without one for Sleep in Heavenly Peace. Renovating a bathroom to ensure ADA compliance for a homeowner on permanent disability whose mobility is dependent on a wheelchair. Creating festive outbuildings for the magical Santa’s Hide-A-Way Hollow, where it’s always Christmas for families of children who are managing through serious illness.
Payroll LED Lighting Solar Projects
These are the good works of NARI Cares, which was established by the NARI Greater Cleveland Community Outreach Committee to connect with those in need throughout the Northeast Ohio region. NARI Cares volunteer members identify and select needs-based candidates who apply for assistance with remodeling needs. Projects are
Services
completed on a volunteer basis, with NARI members donating time, talent, materials and resources.
“There is always a need,” says Chris Kamis, president and CEO of Absolute Roofing, located in Cleveland.
Kamis initiated NARI Cares a number of years ago, and in his time, the charitable program has assisted more than 25 families with projects, not counting the countless beds assembled for children.
CRAFTSMANSHIP & COMMITMENT
Indeed, there is always a need. And there is always a drive to help.
“It’s important to our member organizations and companies to give back to the communities that have given so much to us, and we truly want to do what we can to give back,” Kamis says.
It’s important to our member organizations and companies to give back to the communities that have given so much to us, and we truly want to do what we can to give back.” — Chris Kamis, Absolute Roofing
NARI Cares has evolved over the years, “but the constant has always been finding ways to help those in need by using the talents and resources NARI has available,” says Dan Hurst, owner and COO, Hurst Design Build Remodel, Westlake.
NARI Cares partners with local nonprofits to execute a range of projects, such as building playground “buddy benches” for Connecting for Kids and volunteering with Lorain County Habitat for Humanity, Rebuilding Cleveland, Cleveland Animal Protective League, Autism Speaks and more.
“It’s a complete team effort from the suppliers who provide materials to the contractors who give their time,” Hurst relates.
NARI Cares projects are executed just as any paid remodeling project would be carried out, involving permitting and design, materials acquisitions and organizing labor, problem-solving any construction challenges and final walk-through inspections.
“These are still large remodeling projects, and we work through the phases as volunteers, at various hours, which can include weekends,” Hurst relates, noting that the show of contractors who want to participate is impressive and a testament to the NARI Cares mission to provide affordable repairs and remodeling projects that improve the lives of those in need. “It’s a terrific way for NARI remodelers to get together and give back to the community.”
Since its inception, NARI Cares of Greater Cleveland has involved dozens of members serving communities spanning throughout Northeast Ohio, and there’s an ever-growing need. Every project NARI members complete, whether building a bed for a child or a ramp to improve access to a home, is a game-changer for the person whose life is impacted in a positive way.
“NARI Cares is fulfilling a critical need in our communities for essential remodeling and repair projects that otherwise might not be addressed because of economic challenges families might be facing,” says Kathy Masterson, executive director of NARI Greater Cleveland. “These volunteer projects change the lives of families across the region, providing improvements that allow families who are struggling to better function at home.”
Love it or ‘Lift It’?
Whether your home is in need of maintenance, repairs, a facelift or major overhaul, get the scoop on cost considerations, return on investment (ROI) and strategies for prioritizing remodeling projects.
By Kristen Hampshire
“Is this a house they’ll drag you out of at the end of your life, or will you move within a few years?” says Brian Pauley of a question that kicks off any renovation project, large or small.
Timing is everything.
The number of expected years you’ll spend in your current home drives decisions ranging from materials selections to which projects to prioritize and whether a facelift or a total gut job makes sense. In some cases for “lifers,” a desire to take on a major overhaul can result in waiting a year or longer to save and getting the result you want.
Return on investment (ROI) is always a tricky discussion in the home remodeling space. How do you define return? Is it improving your lifestyle and the way your family functions, is return a joy factor you feel when you walk into an updated kitchen or relax in a spa bathroom? Or, is return the dollars you’ll gain back when you sell the house within five years or down the road?
Adding to the complexity of determining the cost of remodeling and return is how homeowners define investment. Budget is highly subjective. Maybe you don’t flinch at a $130,000 price tag on a new kitchen. On the other hand, perhaps $30,000 is far more than you can pay from savings and not what you hoped to finance.
“Materials have gone up in price in a lot of cases 80% to 100% compared to three to five years ago,” points out Pauley of Remodel Me Today in Olmsted Falls and president of the National Association of the Remodeling Industry (NARI), Cleveland.
Labor rates have also increased due to demand for skilled trades and contractors’ thick project dockets. And speaking of timing, who knows what the market will do next. “We generally tell homeowners, if they’re looking to stay in the home for more than five years, make it the way you want it and don’t worry about ROI because there’s no way to tell what the market will do, and history proves that over time you will earn a return,” he says. So, where do you start, and how should you prioritize remodeling projects?
MOTIVATIONS FOR CHANGE
There are many reasons why people decide to enlist a contractor to change things up at home. According to the latest Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors in conjunction with NARI, 30% remodel to upgrade worn-out surfaces, finishes and materials, and 20% add features to improve livability. Meanwhile, 16% decide it’s simply time for a change, and after remodeling, 84% of owners say they have a greater desire to be in their homes.
“I tell clients to consider how they really want to live,” says Ken Perrin, president of Artistic Renovations, located in North Royalton. Kitchens and bathrooms are still the most appealing projects for homeowners, he says. But managing maintenance issues is job one.
“Definitely do not wait to take care of maintenance, such as older homes with knob and tube electrical and other issues that are red flags to inspectors,” Perrin says.
Otherwise, you’ll go into a kitchen project, for example, and realize that the electrical
RECOVERY COST BREAKDOWN
You’ve got renovation projects in mind, but where do you start? If ROI is your priority, here are some remodeling efforts that really pay off.
Cost of Recovery on Interior Projects
147% Refinishing hardwood
118% New wood flooring
100% Insulation upgrade
86% Basement conversion to living area
83% Closet renovation
75% Attic conversion to living area
75% Complete renovationkitchen
71% Bathroom renovation
67% Kitchen upgrade
63% Add new bathroom
56% Add new primary suite
Cost of Recovery on Exterior Projects
100% Roofing
100% Garage door
86% Fiber cement siding
82% Vinyl siding
67% Vinyl windows
63% Wood windows
63% Steel front door
60% Fiberglass front door
Source: Remodeling Impact Report from the National Association of Realtors in conjunction with NARI
system is unsafe and insufficient, resulting in a greater cost and possibly having to put off the aesthetics you were hoping to achieve.
Pauley adds, “The obvious eyesores can also be a priority.”
A byproduct of doing life in your home is the wear-and-tear that comes along with that, whether or not there are children and pets involved. Nothing lasts forever. But allowing too many maintenance and repair items to fall by the wayside can really add up and eat into your renovation budget. Managing these projects as best as possible as they require attention is the ideal strategy.
“We’ve had clients who have never done any maintenance to the house and maybe spent $150,000 for it 30 years ago, which was a lot then, but they did not update the siding, roof, windows, deck, furnace or hot water tank,” Perrin relates. “If you wait and do it all at once, there’s a big psychological hit when you see a giant price tag.”
Regarding pricing, a kitchen that might have cost $50,000 in remodeling expenses six years ago can cost up to $120,000 now,” Perrin says.
He advises meeting with a remodeler to discuss project priorities before getting a construction loan or funding, if you’ll need financing to complete the work. “Figure out what you want to do first,” Perrin says. “We find people who go out and get a construction loan for $100,000 and then find out what the cost will be to achieve their goals and they have to cut corners. You can eliminate the disappointment and frustration by really investigating and talking to contractors about your vision.”
CURBING COSTS
Ultimately, the ROI gained from investing in renovations is enjoyment and a better lifestyle. “If your friends come over, you don’t go out to the garage and sit in the BMW with a glass of wine,” Perrin quips. “You entertain in your kitchen and that is a space you will enjoy for a long time. And while you might not recover 100% of what you put into it in today’s market, you have to prioritize how you want to live.”
For those who expect to be in a home five years or less, there are ways to elevate living spaces with a mind toward recovering some costs at the time of sale. Kitchens are always a
Lori Bryant of HTZ Design+Build recommends a timeless backsplash, like subway tile, for an inexpensive way to upgrade a kitchen.
Ken Perrin of Artistic Renovations recommends meeting with a remodeler to discuss project priorities before getting a construction loan or funding, if you’ll need financing.
Pro Tip #1: Meet with a Remodeler
Pro Tip #2: Choose Timeless Upgrades
starting point, says Lori Bryant, owner, HTZ Design+Build, located in Richfield.
In this case, she suggests selecting stock cabinets versus custom. “You can look at cabinet refacing, but we’ve found the price to reface compared to going with a stock cabinet is within a few thousand dollars, so it’s not significant enough of a savings,” Bryant says.
“If you are really moving quickly, consider painting cabinets for a facelift if the boxes are in good shape,” she adds.
Buyers want to see a nice, hard surface countertop, so Bryant steers clients away from laminates, though they have evolved to include stone-like appearances and can be a budget-friendly option. “A value granite can provide options at a lower price point,” she says.
Choose a timeless backsplash such as subway tile. “It won’t be crazy expensive but will provide a polished look,” Bryant says, adding that swapping out light fixtures and hardware can make a big impact.
In fact, a place to splurge is fixtures, Pauley says. That can include lighting and products like faucets and showerheads. Solid surface remnants are a way to save and possible depending on the space layout. And anytime you can keep walls in place and work within an existing footprint is a big budget saver, Pauley adds.
At the end of the day, maintaining an open line of communication with the remodeling firm you choose for projects will ensure that all expectations are on the table. Pauley says, “This makes for the smoothest way to prioritize and progress with projects.”
Dover Home Remodelers has earned our reputation as the most trusted, skilled and innovative design-build firm in Northeast Ohio. Our talented design team blends your ideas and our experience to give you fabulous spaces that are done on time, on budget and right – the first time.
Call us today at 440.777.7555 or visit us online at www.DoverRemodeling.com
Brian Pauley of Remodel Me Today says fixtures might be a good place to splurge if you want to upgrade the look of a space without knocking down walls.
Pro Tip #3: Splurge on Fixtures
RESOURCE GUIDE
Garage Doors
Action Door
General Contracting
330-928-2727
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Dover Home Remodelers Inc 440-777-7555
R.A. Kalfas Construction 440-238-5498
R.B. Schwarz Inc. 440-729-2480
Glass Coating & Tinting
Suntrol Co. 800-466-8468
Green Products
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc 216-898-1563
Suntrol Co. 800-466-8468
Gutters & Downspouts
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Handicap Remodeling
Dover Home Remodelers Inc 440-777-7555
Insurance Restoration
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc 216-898-1563
Kitchen Remodeling
Artistic Renovations 216-520-0838
Dover Home Remodelers Inc 440-777-7555
Hurst Design Build Remodel 440-234-5656
R.A. Kalfas Construction 440-238-5498
R.B. Schwarz Inc. 440-729-2480
Patio & Porch Enclosures
Dover Home Remodelers Inc. 440-777-7555
Roofing
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Siding
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Window Nation 888-817-7551
Skylights
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc 216-898-1563
Sunrooms
Dover Home Remodelers Inc. 440-777-7555
Water Damage Repair & Restoration
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc 216-898-1563
Whole House Renovation
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc 216-898-1563
Dover Home Remodelers Inc. 440-777-7555
Hurst Design Build Remodel 440-234-5656
R.B. Schwarz Inc. 440-729-2480
Window Treatments
Suntrol Co.
Windows & Doors
800-466-8468
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Dover Home Remodelers Inc 440-777-7555
Window Nation 888-817-7551
Artistic Renovations of
TRADE-RELATED SERVICES
Insurance
Katzbach Insurance Agency Inc
440-835-1770
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
CONTRACTOR
A Glass Block Vision 5959
Dave Villoni Carsten Road, Medina, OH 44256 330-321-4251, aglassblockvision.com
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc.
Chris G. and Michael T. Kamis 12301 Sprecher Ave. Cleveland, OH 44135 216-898-1563 • FAX 216-898-1853 mkamis@absoluteroofing.com absoluteroofing.com
Northeast Ohio’s most trusted roofing company. With 35-plus years of operation, we are committed to excellence in craftsmanship. From roofing, siding and additions to historic restoration-renovation, we are truly a full-service company. First-place category winner of the prestigious NARI CotY award 19 years in a row. Named one of the top 100 roofing contractors in the nation by RoofingContractor magazine and awarded a Big 50 designation by Remodeling Magazine. We have three HAAG-engineeringcertified roof inspectors on staff to meet your storm/ hail damage needs.
Action Door
Dino Mastantuono 201 E. Granger Road Brooklyn Heights, OH 44131 216-739-3667 • FAX 216-739-3680 action-door.com
Since 1968, Action Door has been the leader in the garage door industry. With more than 70 trucks on the road every day, we are always close to you. Action Door’s new residential garage doors have many new colors, styles and windows to pick from. New residential motor operator options include LED lighting and battery back up, Wi Fi and have cameras attached. For garage door service and more, call Action Door!
A D Remodel & Design
Andy and Katie Demian
Olmsted Falls, OH 44138
440-476-9370, info@ad-remodel.com
*AS OF SEPT. 12, 2024
Advance Design and Remodel
Andy Ieropoli, CR 29299 Clemens Road, Ste 1-C, Westlake, OH 44145 216-544-0455, advanceremodel.com
Alair Homes Hudson
David Nystrom
10 W. Streetsboro St., #201, Hudson, OH 44236 440-893-9600, alairhudson.com
All American Gutter Protection
Josh Elliott
7336 Whipple Ave., North Canton, OH 44720 888-323-8090, allamericangutterprotection.com
All Construction Services
Dave Lehotan
945 Industrial Pkwy. N, Brunswick, OH 44212 330-220-6666, allconstructionohio.com
American Plaster & Drywall
Nicholas Foley 711 W. Bagley Road, Suite R4, Berea, OH 44017 440-333-6208, americanplasterinc.com
American Wood Reface Inc.
Jason Hicks 854 Medina Road, Medina, OH 44256 800-645-4594, woodreface.com
John Desborough 3335 Teresa Ct., Perry, OH 44081 440-259-1050, desboroughconstruction.com
Dover Home Remodelers Inc.
James C. Orr Jr., MCR, CLC 29341 Lorain Road North Olmsted, OH 44070 440-777-7555 • FAX 440-777-8188
Since 1984, Dover Home Remodelers has been at the forefront of grand and elaborate remodeling projects. In addition to our design talents, we can transform any size living space and even perform general maintenance. Our professionalism remains at the highest level. For any project, small or large, call us today!
Dream Home Construction
Scott & Yvonne Burton
13980 Claridon Park Drive, Chardon, OH 44024-9468 440-285-8516, dreamhome-construction.com
Lori Bryant 10077 Acme Road, Rittman, OH 44270 440-588-8644, htzconstruction.com
Hurst Design Build Remodel
Pat Hurst, Owner/CEO, MCR, GCP
Dan Hurst, Owner/COO, MCR, CRPM, CLC 26185 Center Ridge Road Westlake, OH 44145 440-234-5656 • FAX 440-234-5747 hurstremodel.com
Hurst Design Build Remodel, an award-winning, full-service design-build firm, specializes in combining innovative design solutions and expert craftsmanship into one seamless experience. Let us create the perfect kitchen, bath, addition, basement or renovation for you. The Fine Art of Reinventing Home.
Infinity from Marvin - Cleveland
Jon Hammer 16900 Bagley Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 440-243-5000, infinitywindowsohio.com
JP Grabenstetter Construction: Northeast Ohio’s premier basement remodeling and finishing experts. Our skilled team of professionals create stunning, functional basements delivering high-quality workmanship on every project. Whether you envision a cozy entertainment area, custom bar, workout room, guest room or home office, give us a call today! Let us help transform your basement into a beautiful, functional space.
J.R. Luxury Bath and Plumbing
John Weddell
6739 Wise Ave. NW, North Canton, OH 44720 330-494-2365, jrluxurybath.com
JEMM Construction LLC
Mark Maltry Jr. 200 Blackbrook Road, Painesville, OH 44077 440-358-0008, jemmconstruction.net
R.A. Kalfas Construction is a family-owned and -operated general contractor located in Strongsville. A recognized and trusted name throughout the Cleveland area for more than 35 years, we are a full-service remodeler, offering architectural services and interior/exterior design services. R.A. Kalfas is a goodstanding member of the Cleveland Better Business Bureau, NARI, the HBA and the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce.
R.B. Schwarz Inc.
Robert B. Schwarz, MCR, CRPM, UDCP, CKBR 12944 S. Woodside Drive Chesterland, OH 44026 216-952-9801 • 440-729-2480 rbschwarzinc.com
R.B. Schwarz Inc. restores historic homes for modern families. Specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling and full-house renovation, Schwarz excels at maintaining historical integrity of gracious homes in Northeast Ohio. The same team of meticulous craftsmen have been working together since 1987. Their technical competency and professionalism ensure the success of every job.
Radiant Windows LLC
Mike Shadoan
13230 Schiller Road, Oak Harbor, OH 43449 440-230-4291, radiantwindows.com
The Measure of a Great Remodeler
REMODELING A HOME IS A BIG DECISION.
Outside of buying a home, it may be the single-biggest investment a homeowner makes. One needs to know that the remodeling contractor chosen is a full-time, dedicated remodeling professional. NARI’s certification programs offer this assurance through an extensive screening and testing process.
Only full-time remodeling professionals are eligible for NARI certification. A NARI Certified Remodeler is an individual who has made a strong commitment to his/ her business. Remodelers are not eligible for certification until they have been actively involved in the remodeling industry for a minimum of five years, so you are assured that the NARI Certified Remodeler has had time to develop the experience and skills that can only be gained through extensive hands-on practice.
NARI certification is a challenging process, requiring extensive knowledge of the industry and a commitment to professional conduct. Even highly experienced and skilled remodelers find the screening and testing process formidable.
Nicholas Atkins, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Terry Bennett, CR Bennett Builders
Francesco Cirino, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Andrew Demian, CLC AD Remodel & Design
Doug Dilley, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Chris Eccher, CLC Odell Construction Inc.
Joshua Gillies, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Zach Guthrie, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Daniel Hurst, MCR, CLC, CRPM Hurst Design Build Remodel
Patrick G. Hurst, MCR, GCP Hurst Design Build Remodel
Andy Ieropoli, CR Advance Home Improvement
Chris G. Kamis, CR Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc.
Richard P. Kasunic Jr., CR Paradise Renovation & Repair
Frank Kinczel Jr., CFS
Gunton Corp. dba Pella Window & Door Co.
TO BECOME NARI CERTIFIED, ONE MUST…
Receive a satisfactory review by the NARI Certification Board, by providing an outline detailing his or her hands-on experience, industry training and continuing education. In addition, he or she must prove is or her technical skills, practices in business management, association involvement and community service hours served.
Commit to intensive study on a broad range of critical industry issues. Most certification candidates participate in a formal study group and spend eight to 12 weeks studying in preparation for a difficult written exam.
Successfully complete a comprehensive and challenging written exam covering critical subject areas such as sound business management practices, knowledge of building codes and construction law, plans and specification, proper and safe use of tools and equipment, safety, standards of practice, math and several special skill areas.
ONCE AWARDED THEIR CERTIFICATION, NARI Certified Remodelers must meet annual re-certification requirements, involving continuing education credits and participation in industry-related programs.
HOMEOWNERS WHO HIRE A NARI CERTIFIED REMODELER can be assured they have chosen a professional with specific experience, dedication to training and a commitment to ethical conduct.
NARI GREATER CLEVELAND IS PROUD TO PRESENT its Certified Professionals…the best of the best in the remodeling industry!
Dennis Keller, CR Hurst Design Build Remodel
Mark Maltry Jr., CR JEMM Construction LLC
Kevin McDonald, CR, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Betty Nairn, CR Cabinet-S-Top Inc.
Justin Odell, CR Odell Construction Inc.
James C. Orr Jr., MCR, CLC Dover Home Remodelers Inc.
Frank J. Pajcic III, CRPM Frank’s Custom Remodeling Ltd.
Brian Pauley, CR Remodel Me Today Inc.
Thomas Paulus, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Mark A. Schwarz, CLC R.B. Schwarz Inc.
Robert B. Schwarz, MCR, CRPM, UDCP and CKBR R.B. Schwarz Inc.
Jeffrey Silcox, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
John M. Tamer, MCR, UDCP Tamer Construction Inc.
Kristopher Toth, CRS Toth Painting Solutions Inc.
Jonathan Travaglianti, CLC
Hurst Design Build Remodel
Michael Voloschuk, CR, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Not pictured: Dan Dolsen, CRPM, Chagrin River Co.; John Lesnak, CRPM, Chagrin River Co.
Remodel Me Today
Brian Pauley
25564 Bagley Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138 440-249-7665 remodelmetoday.com
Currently dreaming of a new kitchen or bath? Visit our showroom to find quality cabinetry, tile, fixtures, flooring and an award-winning design staff to help guide you or your client on the design decisions from beginning to end. Remodel Me Today is a consumer, builder and remodeler’s showroom that also offers design build services, if desired.
Window Nation is a leading provider of highquality windows, committed to delivering unmatched expertise and exceptional products to homeowners across the nation. With a focus on innovation, sustainability and customer satisfaction, Window Nation continues to set the industry standard for excellence.
Window Universe
Andy Sykora 17411 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107 440-536-8116, windowuniversecleveland.com
SUPPLIER/MANUFACTURER
ABC Supply Co. Inc. - Cleveland
Leo O’Connor 4855 W. 130th St. Ste. 1, Cleveland, OH 44135 216-362-1400, abcsupply.com
THINK YOUR RENOVATION PROJECT THROUGH from start to finish. Careful planning of your home improvement projects will enable you to update your home, increase the value of your investment and customize your living space, all for a lot less than the cost of a new home.
LOOK OVER YOUR PROPERTY CAREFULLY. What repairs are needed? What improvements would you like to make? Think ahead and determine your future needs. Professional remodeling contractors can help outline options and discuss the improvements you can make within your budget.
BE SURE TO REVIEW YOUR HOMEOWNER’S INSURANCE POLICY and make adjustments for the added value of the work being done.
Sue McConnell 200 Treeworth Blvd. Broadview Heights, OH 44147 216-241-7678 • FAX 216-861-6365 bbb.org
For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. Your BBB offers FREE business ratings, scam alerts, customer reviews, request-a-quote and more! Find a trustworthy business at bbb.org.
RESOURCE
BOCONEO (Building Officials Conference of Northeast Ohio)
675 Madison Ave., Aurora, OH 44202 440-725-6020, clevelandcrushr.com
Cuyahoga County Department of Development
Theodore Carter 2079 E. 9th St., Cleveland, OH 44115 216-443-7275
Dollar Bank
Doug Rogers 6868 Pearl Road, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 440-688-1009, dollarbank.com
EMPLOY A CONTRACTOR WITH AN ESTABLISHED BUSINESS in your area. Check references from past customers in your area or through your local Better Business Bureau (BBB).
OHIO DOESN’T REQUIRE CONTRACTORS TO BE LICENSED, so we recommend hiring a NARI remodeler. NARI members are put through a screening process to ensure favorable status with the BBB and the Ohio Attorney General’s office. Proof of appropriate local registration, liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance and pledging to follow a strict Code of Ethics are requirements of NARI members.
IF YOU SOLICIT BIDS FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT CONTRACTORS, be sure they’re bidding on the same scope and quality of work. Discuss variations in bids and beware of any bid that’s substantially lower than the others.
Great Lakes Publishing
Paul Klein 1422 Euclid Ave., Ste. 730, Cleveland, OH 44115 216-377-3693, clevelandmagazine.com
ISI Solutions LLC
Tim Smelcer 3505 Perkins Ave., Huron, OH 44839 419-871-4549, isisolutions.org
Katzbach Insurance Agency Inc.
John Katzbach Jr. 902 Westpoint Pkwy,. #300, Westlake, OH 44145 440-835-1770, katzbachinsurance.com
NARI Greater Cleveland (NARI) is dedicated to being the best resource for knowledge and training in the remodeling industry. Our organization exists for two reasons: To help professionalize members of the home improvement industry and to serve as an ally to Ohio’s homeowners.
CODE OF ETHICS
Members shall observe the highest standards of integrity, frankness and responsibility in dealing with the public, while adhering to the following principles:
1. Only those home improvement projects, which are structurally and economically sound, shall be fostered and encouraged.
2. All advertising statements shall be accurate and free of the capacity to mislead or deceive the consumer.
3. Accuracy shall be required of all salespersons in their descriptions of products and services.
4. All contracts employed shall be unambiguous and fair to all parties concerned.
5. All contractual obligations shall be promptly fulfilled.
6. All work shall be performed in a manner compatible with recognized standard of public health and safety and applicable laws.
THE ETHICS COMMITTEE
The mission of the Ethics Committee is to uphold the ethical standards of the Association by enforcing the Code of Ethics and to promptly deal with
consumer and member complaints. The Ethics Committee is assigned the duty of receiving and considering violations of the NARI Code of Ethics, brought by the general public against a member or by another member of the organization.
To submit a written complaint, a consumer needs to contact the NARI office at 216-631-7764 and request to speak to the Ethics Committee liaison, who will mail or email out a complaint packet.
ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE PACKET and delivered your complaint to the Ethics Committee liaison, you will receive a letter confirming receipt and requesting any additional information. Next, the member company at issue will be contacted and asked to respond. Once the response is received, the Committee will attempt to resolve the complaint. If an amicable resolution cannot be reached, the Committee will make a determination as to whether NARI’s Code of Ethics was violated and recommend or take action as deemed appropriate.
AGAIN, NARI GREATER CLEVELAND’S GOAL is to help the parties involved come to an amicable agreement by opening the lines of communication. NARI accepts complaints reported within two years of the discovery of the issue in question. NARI will accept complaints on behalf of consumers who have engaged legal counsel and will review the conduct of the member in relation to the NARI Code of Ethics, but will not be able to act as third-party mediator.
A CAPSULE THAT STOPS IN TIME, while maintaining a collection of time passing. Danielle Midlik, an interior designer at Architectural Justice in Medina, turned a home library into a Victorian-inspired relic with floor-to-ceiling wooden bookcases and tin ceiling tiles. “I wanted the space to feel like it’s been here, and could be here for another lifetime, without that desire to change or modernize,” Midlik says. The client added intricate wallpaper, antiqued decor and studded furniture to accent Midlik’s red oak cabinetry, distressed hickory hardwood floors and cast bronze hardware, with years of literature and media adding colors of their own. “Photos don’t do justice to the mood felt within the space,” Midlik adds, “especially on a rainy evening, curled up with a book and a cup of tea.”
The client’s choice of blue-gray wallpaper delicately complements the bold, intricate tin ceiling tiles, while matching the refined simplicity of the studded furniture and antique decor.
Floor-to-ceiling bookshelves were at the core of the client’s vision. Danielle Midlik made it a reality with red oak cabinetry that lets the colors of a sprawling collection of literature and media pop.
OUTDOOR LIVING
Four-Season Bliss
A Gates Mills greenhouse provides homeowners a luxury oasis to enjoy their green-thumb exercises all year.
The herbs — sweet basil, chives, oregano, parsley, rosemary, thyme — and Swiss chard in one raised garden bed are thriving. The pale-green lettuce studding another should be ready to harvest in five or six weeks. A third is being readied for planting garlic.
But the looming end of Northeast Ohio’s growing season is evidenced in a fourth raised bed: The owners of the 5-acre Gates Mills property just picked enough tomatoes to fill an enormous basket, then dug up the plants and turned the soil. And the massive black powder-coated steel trellis arching eight feet over the cross of paths between the beds is bare. Climbing flowers, maybe some beans, cucumbers, peas
and Jack Be Little pumpkins, won’t be planted to weave their way through the 3- and 6-inch-square spaces until next spring.
In this garden, however, the growing season never ends.
The arched trellis doubles as a dramatic canopy over the reverse-gable entry to a 300-square-foot greenhouse with a steeply pitched roof, Victorian-style cresting and finials. The plants inside range from sago palms flanking the entrance to baskets of fuchsia petunias hanging from the rafters to citrus and olive trees stationed against a knee wall faced in gray granite and topped in limestone, just like the raised-bed surrounds. The female homeowner points out a lemon, nearly full-size but still green, on one lemon tree.
“It will flower again in late November,” she says.
The homeowners wanted a greenhouse that they could use year-round to grow flowers, fruit, herbs and seed plants for other parts of their home's property.
The facility was included in the couple’s master plan for the property. In fact, the area was plumbed and wired for electricity when their contemporary European-style home was built. Jeff Kenyon, president of Arcadia GlassHouse in Madison, recalls that the male homeowner showed him a drawing of a greenhouse he’d sketched when they first met in February. The
avid gardener and his wife wanted a place where they could grow flowers, fruit and herbs they used throughout the year as well as do prep work such as seeding plants.
“He dreamed it, and we built it,” he says.
The resulting dark-bronze structure with an aluminum frame is equipped with almost every greenthumb amenity imaginable. The energy-efficient double-pane glass “has some built-in shading so the sunlight doesn’t burn the plants,” Kenyon says. A thermostat turns on an electric heater when the temperature falls to a set degree and opens screened lowerand upper-ridge vents to bring in cooler air and let warmer air escape when the temperature rises.
Fans facilitate circulation. (A humidifier and/or evaporative cooler can be added if the homeowners desire.) Grow lights over the potting bench supplement natural light as the days grow shorter.
“[The homeowners] took them down for now — you don’t need them in the summer,” Kenyon says. “You can put them in. You can raise them, lower them.”
Although the greenhouse is plumbed for an irrigation system, the homeowners prefer to water it by hand. They use rainwater collected in a 300gallon underground cistern installed by Daniel’s Landscape & Design in Gates Mills.
Kenyon points out a bed of gravel around the structure’s perimeter. Runoff is collected in pipes laid underneath it and, along with drainage from French drains in the yard, directed to the cistern. The water is pumped above ground into an indoor spigot by an electric pump.
“Even a little bit of chlorine in city water — it doesn’t kill the plants, but it may hold them back,” Kenyon says. “So rainwater is ideal.”
The greenhouse already functions as a living space. The homeowners like to sit in all-weather gray-wicker armchairs under an indoor-outdoor woodand-metal chandelier and enjoy a glass of wine in the evening. They breakfasted there the day we visited.
“In the winter, it will be the perfect time,” the female homeowner says. “We’re going to just sit in here and watch the snow.”
GET GROWING
Jeff Kenyon, president of Arcadia GlassHouse in Madison, suggests considering the following when planning to build a greenhouse.
How will the greenhouse be used?
The options range from a utilitarian facility to a climatecontrolled conservatory attached to the home that also functions as a sunroom.
What is the amount of automation required?
Those who travel frequently, for example, will want to consider climate-control and irrigation systems.
What will be grown?
The answer will dictate the amount of shading in the glass. For example, “some vegetables need more full sun,” Kenyon says. “We can’t shade them too much, or they won’t bear fruit.”
A table and stools near the entrance provide a spot to sit on fair-weather fall days, perhaps while enjoying a meal prepared on the pergola-shaded barbecue.
RESULTS. GUARANTEED. LOU BARBEE |
NORTH ROYALTON
Simply stunning colonial on a quiet low traffic street. Over 2500 sq. ft. plus an additional 1600 sq. ft. in its finished walk-out lower level. Quality built. Meticulously maintained. This one owner home offers many recent updates. The two-story great room features a gas fireplace and is open to the kitchen and dining area. Spacious and open. 1st floor office.
RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000
BRECKSVILLE
Completely and thoughtfully redone. All 3000 sq. ft. (plus 1000 fin. sq. ft. walk-out) are literally brand new. High end finishes throughout. Formal living and dining. Family room with fireplace open to the exquisite new kitchen. Fabulous master with walk-in. Two additional bedrooms on 2nd. Additional guest/teen suite in lower level. Huge deck. GORGEOUS wooded lot.
RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000
WESTLAKE
One floor living and so much more. This hard-to-find spacious Westlake ranch offers an elegant formal living room that flows seamlessly into the formal dining. Neutral & bright. Loads of natural light throughout. Light woodwork. The master offers a private bath & extra-large walk-in. 2 additional bedrooms & remodeled bath.
RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000
Pin Oak Preserve. One floor living. 3 bed, 2 bath ranch. 1580 sq. ft. plus 400 finished sq. ft. in the 1000 sq. ft. lower level. Vaulted living room with brick fireplace. Dining room open to kitchen. Private master with walk-in shower. Low maintenance lifestyle (no yardwork) with surprisingly low ($150/month) HOA. Four private wooded acres to explore.
RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000
Distinctive Homes
NORTH ROYALTON
Absolutely beautiful. You’ll absolutely love the serenity and enjoy the wildlife on this gorgeous 158x363 one acre lot. Sliders open to an expansive multi-level deck overlooking its mixture of lovely landscaping and heavy woods. Truly a private retreat. Four generous bedrooms. 2.5 baths. Three car attached garage. Wonderful neighborhood.
RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000
WESTLAKE
Spacious 2 bedroom, 2 bath condo in exceptional location near everything. Well-designed floor plan for stylish, comfortable living. Nearly 1400 sq. ft. Living room open to the kitchen and dining area. Private master plus guest room or office. In-suite laundry. One car garage. $220/month HOA. Equidistant to 90 and 480. Westlake services and Rec. Center.
RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000
WESTLAKE
Meticulous maintenance is the hallmark of this home. The warm and welcoming vaulted family room (with fireplace) is open to the kitchen which opens to a substantial sunroom. This lovely addition overlooks a well-manicured yard with mature landscaping. Two car attached garage. Low Westlake taxes. Great city services.
RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000
LAGRANGE
Crystal clear star-filled night skies. Peaceful full acre lot (bordered by field and woods.) Large family room with wood burning fireplace. Formal living and dining rooms. Kitchen with loads of cabinets and counter space. 2200 sq. ft. Great layout for entertaining. Three bedrooms. 1.5 baths. 2.5 car garage. Hardie Board siding (‘19) with high R Green Energy rating.
RE/MAX REG | LOU BARBEE (440) 899-0000
AVON
WHEN NICK MILETI BOUGHT the Cleveland Arena and got an expansion NBA team, he had plans beyond Euclid Avenue. The Arena was old, and Mileti wanted nothing less than a palace. But he had to go to Summit County to get it.
Envisioning development on Interstate 77 between Akron and Cleveland, Mileti looked to Richfield for the site of his Coliseum, which opened with a performance by Frank Sinatra on Oct. 26, 1974. The event was an extravaganza, including an after-party in the arena’s skyboxes — an innovation. Two days later, Stevie Wonder and Chaka Khan had a concert there.
“Mileti’s $15 million dream midway between Cleveland and Akron is a reality,” The Plain Dealer said in an editorial. “We congratulate Mileti. His eager, bouncy determination won out. He has poured a heartful of hope into that showplace.”
In 1975, Muhammad Ali fought Chuck
Wepner, a journeyman known as “The Bayonne Bleeder,” which inspired Sylvester Stallone to write a script about another journeyman who got a title shot — Rocky Balboa. In 1976, the Cavaliers made their first playoff appearance, and the “Miracle at Richfield” season had the Coliseum seemingly shaking from the noise and excitement of fans.
Every major rock act from the era played at the Coliseum, including titans like Elvis Presley, Bruce Springsteen, David Bowie and Kiss. It also was home to two hockey teams, two soccer teams and a football team.
Finally, in 1990, Cuyahoga County voters passed a sin tax to fund a new sports complex Downtown, including a ballpark for the Indians and a new arena for the Cavs. The Coliseum was abandoned in 1994 and ultimately torn down. Cuyahoga Valley National Park took over the land.
