Discover how business is booming in Independence and what draws companies to our extraordinary city. The Place To Be Independence THE CITY OF MAGAZINE 2022-23 City Scene: RebrandedIndependence Schools: Student Success Stories Parks: Check Out the New Splash Pad Inside:
kniLde I n : CityofIndependence,O h i,o ASU becaF o o k:Facebook.com/Independ e HOecn EconomicDevelopment E-Newsletter T w itter:@Independence_O H 6800 Brecksville Road | Independence, Ohio 44131 | 216.524.4131 Gregory P. Kurtz Mayor IndependenceOhio.org | IndependenceEconomicDevelopment@IndependenceOhio.orgisavibrantcommunitythatcarefully balances quiet, charming neighborhoods with bustling business districts. The city’s collaborative nature and superior location attracts and maintains a robust business community — which in turn provides the foundation for safe, harmonious living with an abundance of high quality services and amenities for its residents. Whether it’s your home, headquarters, or place of work, Independence works hard to instill an experience that never leaves you.
Brimming With Pride
INDEPENDENCEOFCITYCOURTESY
FinanceSincerely,Director Vern Blaze
The City of Independence is at the center of it all! Home to more than 7,500 residents, the city is known for its curb side charm, top-notch schools, high-quality services and thriv ing business districts. Companies of all sizes and in dustries have planted roots in Independence because of its collaborative, business-friendly governance. The city’s proximity to highways, the airport, downtown and surrounding areas helps organizations at tract and retain talent looking for a better work-life balance. Whether you’re starting a family or settling into re tirement, Independence is a safe and vibrant communi ty with outstanding services and amenities that support residents’ quality of life. As the longest-serving mayor, I am proud of how the city consistently works hard to instill an experience that stays with everyone who lives, works, or visits here. Inside this beautiful publication, you can find out why Independence is brimming with pride. Also, I hope you will support the many outstanding business sponsors who made this magazine possible.
Navigating Forward From COVID-19 to the rise of remote/hybrid work models; to new work mod els challenging historic in come tax growth rates and levels; to rapidly rising in terest rates and inflation, supply chain shortages and an increasing number of private sector layoffs and cutbacks, there has been no shortage of challenges and world events the last two years to stop the City of Independence finance office from getting complacent. While diligently tending to the day-to-day facets of the city’s financial operations, the finance office has also been very forward-focused as an executive level partner to Mayor Kurtz and City Council in navigating the city through these uncertain times. Advocating for conservative budgeting and spend ing plans to conserve cash and minimizing debt are just two ways the finance office can help the city emerge from all of these issues, challenges and world events as strong and stable as possible.
independenceohio.org | 3
Independence WESTLAKE 440.835.9500 STRONGSVILLE 440.783.5500 HUDSON 330.656.2100 www.rosewoodgrill.com delmonicoscleveland.comest2004216.573.1991 PRIME STEAKS, FRESH ITALIANSEAFOOD,CLASSICS We proudly support
MayorSincerely,Gregory P. Kurtz
The city’s new branding plan includes signage to help residents and visitors find their way.
4 | INDEPENDENCE 2022–23 INDEPENDENCEOFCITYCOURTESY
Ask residents to share what they love most about their town, and the answers will be as diverse as the fea tures they enjoy. Thriving business districts, bucolic green spaces and lovingly preserved historic neighbor hoods seamlessly blending into vi brant new residences are just a few attributes that make Independence the ideal place to call home.
Crafted by Cleveland marketing firm Guide Studio, the logo debuted at the Home Days celebration in August.
The city has unveiled a new branding plan that includes wayfinding signs, a logo, and a palette of hues reflecting the ambiance for which Independence is known, which illustrates its civic pride. The iconic bell that’s been a be loved symbol for decades serves as the focal point of the design.
AROUNDREFRESHTOWNHITTING
By Linda Feagler and operated since 1984
Family-owned
“Going forward, we’ll have a con sistent look and message that will meet the level of expectations our residents and businesses have for the city,” Hyser says. Independence’s new wayfind ing system will help residents and visitors traverse the city’s bus tling business districts. For exam ple, color-coded signs will divide Rockside Road into quadrants and direct drivers to the left or right side of the road, depending on where their destination is located.
“They’ll help everyone have a positive experience in our city and feel connected to our community whether they live here, work here, or visit here,” says Independence communications director Alla Lora.
“The bell is very unique to Indepen dence,” says Jessica Hyser, the city’s economic development director, who grew up in Independence and still lives in the city. “The new logo incorporates the initial ‘I’ and colors representing elements of the city: deep blue and gold for the school district’s Blue Devils mascot, deep red for the bricks seen in our Western Reserve architecture; and forest green for our parks, open spaces and the Cuyahoga Valley National Park that’s part of the community.”
RECREATIONANDPARKSINDEPENDENCECOURTESY
By Linda Feagler Independence
independenceohio.org | 5
Independence residents have a new place to cool off during steamy sum mer days. The city’s splash pad, adja cent to the outdoor pool at Elmwood Park, offers water fun for everyone. Surrounded by a concrete deck, the 30-foot-by-60-foot ADA-accessible pad opened this past summer. The slip-resistant surface contains 20 water features, including a tipping bucket, ground sprays and cascading falls. Each is designed to provide a sensory-rich experience for children of all ages and abilities. The area is accessed through a latched gate. Since there is no standing water, lifeguards will not be needed. As a result, the splash pad can be used on warm days be fore the pool opens or after it closes for the season. A community gathering place since it opened in 1962, the pool was ready for a “Therefresh.city sent out a sur vey last year that asked residents what new amenities they’d like to see in Independence,” says Tom Walchanowicz, the city’s recreation director. “The installation of a splash pad was at the top of the list. It’s been more than 20 years since we’ve done any upgrades to the pool, so the new space is a great addition.” As the splash pad’s debut season winds down, April Lemke, the city’s aquatics manager, is gratified by the reception residents have given their new“It’sattraction.nicetosee children and par ents having a good time together,” she says. “It speaks to the idea of the splash pad, which was to give fam ilies with young kids another place where they can enjoy themselves.” A splash pad was at the top of residents’ wish lists, and the city delivered.
Raina Makhlouf
How did high school help you prepare for your course of study?
Raina Makhlouf, also a member of the IHS Class of 2022, will be attending Indiana State University to major in pre-med. For her capstone project, she shadowed a physical therapist to gain an understanding of the profession.
One of my favorites was a Styrofoam boat that ran on solar power.
Ever since I was little, I’ve absolute ly loved math and science and all that came with those subjects. Some of the parents of my fourth-grade classmates
I still have the keychain I made that has my name on it. What captivates you about the field?
The rigorous math and science cours es I took, including honors physics and AP calculus, prepared me the most for the classes I’ll be taking in college. The engineering camps I at tended at the Cuyahoga Valley Career Center when I was in middle school focused on project-based learning.
“One of our core values centers on launching our kids into their future,” the superintendent says. “We want to give them that competitive advantage of exposure, some immersion into the fields they’re interested in and the opportunity to interact with pro fessionals in those fields.”
Hegedish adds that there are in stances in which students discov er the career they’re leaning toward might not be a good fit. “And that’s OK, too,” he says. “This is the time to discover that you don’t want to pursue a particu lar field before spending years after high school exploring it. Those are great victories as well.”
Independence Local Schools offer opportunities for students to explore potential career paths.
Alexandra Adams
SCHOOLSPURSUING
at Independence Primary School who were engineers started a before-school club called Build Your Own Technol ogy (BYOT), and we would do little experiments and hands-on projects.
How was the shadowing experience beneficial to your future? I visited a physical therapist to learn about the profession during my soph omore year, and I loved it. And I still love it now. But when I shadowed as a senior, it made me think that this is not the job I want to do for the rest of my life. The shadowing experience opened up my mind. There are so many other careers I want to explore before I make my final decision.
How did you become interested in mechanical engineering?
Do you have any advice for students as they think about their futures? Keep working at your studies because all of the grades add up.
During their junior and senior years, students have the option of taking classes at Brecksville’s Cuyahoga Valley Career Center. Hegedish ap plauds the course selection and time career specialist Amanda Jaronowski devotes to Independence students. “The career center’s programming is outstanding, very robust and in dustry-specific,” he says. “Amanda works very closely with our principals and our counselors to help all of our kids have career readiness.”
Independence Local Schools Super intendent Ben Hegedish believes it’s never too early to help students start preparing for what lies ahead. The school system’s career readiness ini tiatives are designed to do just that.
All engineers are problem solvers and critical thinkers. At the end of the day, I am, too. I’m fascinated with the concept of using math or science to fix something or just make things better and want to be part of that.
MAKHLOUFRAINACOURTESY/ADAMSALEXANDRACOURTESY
Alexandra Adams graduated from Inde pendence High School (IHS) this year. She plans on attending Rose-Hulman Institute of Technology in Terre Haute, Indiana, to major in mechanical engi neering and pursue a career in aero space. For her senior capstone project, Adams shadowed staff at the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District, as well as Interstate-McBee, which manufac tures and recycles engine and fuel in jection parts and components.
And if there’s not a club centered on your interests, get a couple of friends and create it yourself.
The journey begins in elementary school, where students discover ca reers and meet professionals in vary ing fields. During middle school, stu dents begin assessing their strengths and participating in career days. High school students have field experienc es, and many find internships. Before graduating, pupils participate in a senior capstone project to help them think about their next steps. It in cludes shadowing professionals.
PASSIONS
Meet two local students who have benefited from hands-on experience thanks to opportunities afforded to them through the school district:
By Linda Feagler
MAKHLOUFRAINACOURTESY/ADAMSALEXANDRACOURTESY
6 | INDEPENDENCE 2022–23
Three years ago, my 12-year-old cousin was diagnosed with Moyamoya disease, a rare blood vessel (vas cular) disorder in which the carotid artery in the skull becomes blocked or narrowed, reducing blood flow to the brain. She had many strokes and spent a lot of time in the hospi tal. With the wonderful care she re ceived, my cousin can now stand and run around. I want to make a differ ence in someone’s life like the health care professionals did for my cousin. How did IHS prepare you for a career in the medical profession? The science classes I took really helped me focus on the fact that the medical field is what I want to study. Do you have any advice for students as they think about their futures? Get involved. Everyone says that, but participate in activities out side of school and talk to as many people as you can in the professions in which you’re interested.
The right education can boost your lifetime earning power by hundreds of thousands of d llars. Start now with a college education you can afford. $ Fall classes begin Aug. 29 tri-c.edu/startnow 22-0561
College Credit Plus (CCP)
Why is a career in medicine important to you?
Students have access to hundreds of courses. Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) offers 840 level 1 courses. After a CCP student successfully completes 15 hours of a level 1 course, they can take any CCP course. Students have attended Tri-C, Cleveland State University, University of Akron and The Ohio State University for CCP.
independenceohio.org | 7 Independence Local Schools School Statistics Students 460Buildingby(2021-22)Primary308Middle329HighMembersHonors/APEmployees15023Offerings138StudentsTookAPExamsin2022in12Courses20AthleticTeamsandoftheChagrinValleyConference22GraduatingStudentswith4.0GPAorHigher OutstandingCareerCuyahogaValleyCenter(2021-22)31StudentsEnrolledfromIndependence12Seniors9Juniors2StudentsWontheStudentAwardinTheirRespectivePrograms100%IndependenceHighSchoolGraduationRatein2022
By Linda Feagler slated to open next year. It will fea ture top-of-the-line infrastructure, along with a fitness center, cafe for employees, conference rooms, in door parking and adjacent outdoor walking trails. The energy-efficient project will feature plenty of glass to let in natural light. CBIZ will be the anchor tenant. The firm’s 200 staff members who work in the city will occupy 59,000 square feet. “CBIZ’s decision to establish its headquarters in a new Class A of fice building will be transformative for the Rockside Woods Boulevard area and will create opportunities for future investment,” says Mayor Gregory Kurtz. “It is another step for ward in the development of the city’s office and entertainment district.”
A s the country shifts into post-pandemic mode, em ployees are starting to re turn to their offices. Lo cated in the heart of Cuyahoga County, Independence enjoys a premier loca tion that’s easily accessible from all points north, south, east and west — resulting in two of the city’s promi nent businesses moving into spaces tailor-made for today’s workforce.
“When we learned this new build ing was being constructed, it be came a very attractive option that’s clearly right for us,” she says. “It’s important to us that our environment enables collaboration, makes it easy to work together and attracts em ployees back to the office. The cafe will be a place where you can grab a cup of coffee with a colleague, meet with a client or work independent ly — and we’re really excited about the beautiful new terrace that affords amazing views of downtown.”
8 | INDEPENDENCE 2022–23
The firm’s national headquarters has been a fixture in Independence for 25 years. So when it was time to expand, there was no question about where it would be. A new, six-story Class A office building — the first one built in Independence in more than two decades — is
CHIEFFIREASSISTANTINDEPENDENCEWHEELER,JIM
The company was initially scout ing existing buildings to renovate. Newman and her team opted instead to partner with Akron’s Welty Build ing Co. to explore other possibilities.
Welty Development’s president, Tom Charek, and his business part ner, Don Taylor, are excited about their contribution to Independence’s vibrant landscape. “It’s important to us that our environment enables collaboration, makes it easy to work together and attracts employees back to the office.”
—Elizabeth Newman
THE PLACE TO BE Easy access to highways, excellent city services and a business-friendly environment make Independence an ideal location for companies to grow.
CBIZ Elizabeth Newman, chief of staff for CBIZ — one of the nation’s top accounting providers, employee ben efits specialists, property and casu alty brokerages, and retirement and investment solutions providers, with more than 100 offices and 6,000 team members — understands how im portant convenience is for business.
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For-profit energy suppliers offer low rates at first. But it never lasts. Non-profit NOPEC softens the ride with stable rates and no-risk terms. We buy electricity and natural gas in bulk, then pass the savings and benefits on to you. We even help protect you from unreasonable utility rate increases and unfair regulation by fighting for consumer-friendly energy legislation. To learn more, call (855) 667-3201 or visit nopec.org.
The 40,000-square-foot, stateof-the-art facility, designed by HWH and built by Curtis Layer, will become home base for CSA Group’s 200 local staff members. “Independence is a businessfriendly community,” Weiser says. “Mayor Kurtz and Jessica Hyser have been fantastic throughout the ex pansion, and members of the fire department have advised us on the design to make sure we are up to code. CSA is one of Independence’s and Cleveland’s best-kept secrets.”
Independence
Brian Antonius, director of real estate for CBIZ, credits Mayor Kurtz and Jessica Hyser, the city’s economic development director, with being in strumental in helping the company remain in the community. “We’ve grown here, and our em ployee base is strong,” Antonius says. “Our new location across from Top golf, at the crossroads of I-480 and I-77, will give us increased visibility.”
“CBIZ wanted to stay in Indepen dence but couldn’t find a great Class A office building that would fill its needs for today and the future,” Charek says. “The solution was to build a brand-new, best-in-class building that had easy freeway ac cess and was close to great restau rants. In a post-COVID world, there are other companies like CBIZ that are looking for a fresh, clean space they don’t have to retrofit to make work. We wouldn’t be building this if we didn’t believe that’s a fact.”
independenceohio.org | 9 Choose NOPEC: the safe choice for Independence residents. Getting jerked around by volatile utility rates? SM SM
CSA Group A leader in testing, inspecting, and certifying products — ranging from plumbing fixtures to gas appli ances and lights to ensure they’re in compliance with safety, environ mental and performance standards around the world — CSA Group’s U.S. headquarters has been part of the Independence business community since 1968. A new chapter will begin this fall when the firm’s expansion project will be completed on East Pleasant Valley Road. The new lab will be a hub for testing distribut ed generation systems designed to store“We’reenergy.putting up a new, two-sto ry facility that will do everything we need it to do,” says Rich Weiser, ex ecutive vice president of global oper ations for CSA Group.
Independence’s property on the southeast quadrant of the Interstate 77/Interstate 480 inter change makes it an ideal spot.
“The fact that the land is not de velopable allowed us to capitalize on this opportunity,” says Independence economic development director Jessica Hyser. “Independence is a high priority area because of the large volume of people who come through the city on a daily basis. We want to make sure we’re taking into account future changes in the way people are driving and the type of vehicles they’ll be driving so we have the amenities not only for businesses and their em ployees, but also for those who may be visiting our community.”
The parking lot will include two Level 2 ports and one DC fast charging port, with room for more.
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10 | INDEPENDENCE 2022–23 INDEPENDENCEOFCITYCOURTESY
The city is participating in Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency’s (NOACA) EV Charging Station Program.
“The parking lot allows for 285 parking spaces,” says Don Ramm, city engineer. “The city is committed to contribute 80% of the construction, up to $2.1 million. As we move into the construction phase of the project, the engineering department will be responsible for overseeing the man agement and inspection of the physi cal work on the site to ensure compli ance with the plans and specifications for the work, and to ensure quality assurance and quality control.”
RECYCLED 216-377-3638.
MAKE A SPLASH IN YOUR COMMUNITY REACH CONSUMERS AND GET THE MOST IMPACT FOR YOUR MARKETING DOLLAR Community magazines have a long history of helping local businesses by giving them direct access to readers who buy local to support where they live. 2022 Meet Seth Greenfelder, one of the city’s most beloved and admired residents, who’s competing in the 2022 Special Olympics USA Games. PLUS Discovering an inclusive Supportingcommunitynew HEART OFGold Get the scoop on plans for the city’s reimagined town CENTERcenter.ALL of it MAGAZINE 2022 Strongsville Strongsville’s growing business community Residents making Driving Forward Westlake in Bloom 2021 WINNERS Top of the Class: Urban Air Adventure Park is ready to let you soar at Crocker Park CelebrateHistory The Rocky River Chamber of Commerce celebrates 100 years and looks back on a century of supporting local businesses and helping the community thrive. Connecting with the Library Collaborative Efforts at the Schools Rocky RiverDestination Discover how business is booming in Independence and what draws companies to our extraordinary city. TheToPlaceBe Independence MAGAZINE 2022-23 Inside:
A former slag landfill next to the new CBIZ building on Rockside Woods Boulevard is being transformed into a parking lot drivers of electric vehicles will appreciate; it will feature electric vehicle (EV) charging stations.
Municipalities that owned proper ties with existing or proposed parking lots located near major transportation corridors, heavily populated areas and areas known as “JobsHubs” were en couraged to apply.
independenceohio.org | 11 www.medicareplansneo.comSee us on Channel 3 & Channel 5 The "go to" company when turning 65 and beyond KAZ COMPANY CAN HELP! NO COST and NO OBLIGATION to meet with us. Call: 216-901-9300 or Text: Plans65 to 555888 Turning 65? Retiring? On Social Security Disability? Confused About Medicare Insurance Plans? Easy access, stellar community services, assistance from city government. Nathan Kelly, president and managing director of Cushman & Wakefield|CRESCO Real Estate in Independence, applauds the attributes that make the city attractive to new and established businesses. “We’re an organization that’s very client-focused, which means we meet clients at their site,” he says. “Independence is an ideal location for us because whether we’re going north, south or downtown, it’s an easy drive.” Kelly also appreciates the safety factor that’s led to peace of mind for everyone who lives, works, or visits the city. “I don’t live in Independence, but when I drive to work here in the winter, from the time I get off of the highway to the time I’m in my office, there’s not a snowflake on the street. And I’m probably driving behind or in front of a city snowplow,” he says. “Independence is not only safe, it’s also perceived to be safe.” Kelly’s firm also helps landlords find companies that want to set up shop in the city. “COVID-19 has changed the dynamic of where people want to work,” he says. “Instead of commuting downtown, employees are gravitating toward the suburbs. Easy in and easy out has been a real draw for suburban locations, and as a result, they’re having their moment. Independence is truly among them.” A SOUGHT-AFTER CITY
Local companies are finding creative ways to add some fun and fitness to the workday.
Mass Schedule Saturday: 4:30PM Sunday: 8AM, 10AM & 12PM St. Michael Church, Independence 6540 Brecksville Rd. Independence, OH 44131 St. Michael School Ms. Yvonne stmichaelschoolinfo.orgPrincipalSaunders,216-524-6405 Weekday Mass Monday-Wednesday: 8:30AM Friday: 8:30AM Pastor: Fr. John J. Mullee Rectory & Mailing 6912 Chestnut Rd. Independence, OH 44131 216-524-1394 stmichaelchurchindependence.org GEAR UP VELO Bicycle Sales, Service, Apparel, and Accessories. 216-232-4300 | 6596 Brecksville Rd. gearupvelo.com Discover how business isbooming in Independence andwhat draws companies to ourextraordinary city. The PlaceTo Be Independence THE CITY OF MAGAZINE 2022-23 City Scene: RebrandedIndependence Schools: StudentSuccess Stories Parks: Check Outthe New Splash Pad Inside:Independence THE CITY OF MAGAZINE 2022-23 A DIGITAL EDITION OF IS AVAILABLE ONLINE AT INDEPENDENCEOHIO.ORG
By Linda Feagler
As people return to their offices after working from home, business es are findings creative ways to get employees reacquainted. Almost nothing will stop Sarah Lang, director of contracts and associate general counsel at ALL Erection & Crane Rental Corp., and her colleagues, Marcie Foley, admin istrative assistant, Tiffany Rimac, as sistant general counsel, and Thomas Ruszkiewicz, accounts payable man ager, from taking their 40-minute walk along Oak Tree Boulevard at lunchtime. “Independence has been great about landscaping the boulevard, filling it with benches and hanging baskets of seasonal flowers and keep ing the sidewalks in good shape,” Lang says. “As a result, we meet many peo ple from other businesses who have the same idea we do about using their lunch break to exercise.” An avid runner, Foley launched the walking club five years ago. “Our jobs can be pretty sedentary,” she says. “We decided it would be nice to get out, stretch our legs and start moving. “It gives us the chance to chat and get know each other better,” she adds.
12 | INDEPENDENCE 2022–23 KOPANSKIKEVIN
Food Fete Colleen Foster, manager of the Independence Corporate Center
WORK PERKS owned by franchising and technology firm Merrymeeting Group, has made it her mission to provide a once-aweek smorgasbord of culinary favor ites for the building’s tenants. On Food Truck Thursdays, which take place April through November from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m., the food truck she’s scheduled for the week pulls into the corporate cen ter’s East Pleasant Valley parking lot to offer lunch. “This is a no-budget operation,” Foster says with a laugh. “We don’t pay the trucks to be here, and they don’t pay us to be here. They par ticipate because it’s good for their business.”Fostermaintains a spreadsheet of more than a dozen food trucks that have signed on to rotate visits throughout the year, and she posts menus from the one that’ll be in at tendance during the upcoming week. On average, trucks serve 70 to 90 meals during their visits. Foster also invites employees who work in neighboring buildings. “It’s a great way to meet people who work nearby,” she says.
Northeast Ohio cycling enthusiasts and recreational riders have discov ered Gear Up Velo in Independence. The family-owned boutique bike shop on Brecksville Road is less than five miles from several trails, in cluding the Hemlock Creek Trail, the Ohio and Erie Canal Towpath trail, a mountain bike trail at West Creek in Parma and the Bedford Reservation — all prime areas for riders. Brian and Kate Rybak purchased the old Independence Bike Shop in February 2020 and opened Gear Up Velo on May 1, 2020. Brian, a former BMX Flatland competitor, holds a USA Cycling Certification as a professional mechanic and has been professionally wrenching bikes since 1998. Kate grew up in Independence and says she and her husband chose the location because people had come to know the store front as a bike shop for more than 40 years. In 2021, the Rybaks launched a weekly riding club using the STRAVA GPS cycling and running app, which allows the couple to create a map for riders so they know how intense each week’s ride will be. The group con tinues to grow every week attracting casual riders as well as cyclists who compete in nationally sanctioned races around the country. Independence is a biker’s para dise because of the limited traffic, an abundance of scenic routes, roll ing hills, and far longer and steep er climbs than are available in other parts of Cuyahoga County. Gear Up Velo is located at 6596 Brecksville Road. For more information, call 216-232-4300 or visit GearUpVelo.com. Local bicycle shop Gear Up Velo offers a riding club for cycling enthusiasts.
By Alla Lora @clevelandmagazine.com
LORAALLACOURTESY
independenceohio.org | 13
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14 | INDEPENDENCE 2022–23
I was very proud of my grandfather and my father. I wanted my family to be proud of me.” When Bill’s time of service end ed, he returned to Ohio and earned his associate degree in nursing from Cuyahoga Community College and a bachelor’s degree in nursing from the University of Akron. He just complet ed his 34th year as a trauma critical care nurse specialist at Metro Health main campus.
Norm Casini
Casini, who moved to Indepen dence with his wife, Diane, and their four daughters in 1974, considers the time he spent in the U.S. Army a meaningful milestone in his life.
INDEPENDENCEOFCITYCOURTESY
“Being in the army was a way for me to give back a little bit and help others,” he says.
“I enlisted secretly because my mother forbade me to do it,” he re calls. “I had turned 18, and my par ents were in South Carolina visiting family for Easter. When they came home, the signed enlistment papers were on the kitchen table. My moth er burst into tears. My dad smiled.
HOMETOWNHEROES
“A cross between a paramedic and a registered nurse, I treated soldiers injured during training maneuvers, which often involved falling off tanks and trucks or being hit in the face while rolling up camo wire,” he says.
CITY SCENE
Find Norm Casini’s banner at 6895 Brecksville Road. Find William “Bill” Taylor’s banner at 7050 Brecksville Road.
William “Bill” Taylor II and William “Corben” Taylor III William “Bill” Taylor II., 59, and his son, William “Corben” Taylor III, 32, followed their family’s storied legacy of service to our country as members of the U.S. Army. Bill’s grandfather, Elmer Taylor, served in the infantry during World War I, and his father, William Taylor Sr., was a member of the armored cavalry on the mainland. Bill served from 1981 to 1988, achieving the rank of staff sergeant. After receiving his training at Brooke Army Medical Center in Texas, he was stationed stateside as a combat medical specialist.
Find William “Corben” Taylor III’s banner at 7053 Brecksville Road.
Corben made it a point not to feel the“Iffear.you did, it would control you,” he says. “You did this and lived for the people who were back home, and your brothers and sisters who were with you.” Now a superintendent for a cus tom home construction company in Naples, Florida, Corben reflects on what his time in the military means to “Ithim.was really important for me to do the things that I knew I could do so others would not get hurt, or experience what I did,” he says. “My service was important to me because I strive to help others.”
Bill’s son, Corben, who achieved the rank of army sergeant E-5, served from 2009 to 2018. He was a combat engineer in charge of mo bility and countermobility, which included clearing bombs from road sides in Afghanistan and Kuwait.
Casini, a private in the Fifth Regi ment, earned his bachelor’s degree in architecture in 1956 from Kent State University. He was deployed to Walter Reed Army Medical Center to redesign tunnels that connected various build ings in the complex and was there when President Dwight Eisenhower arrived for an annual checkup. After returning home, Casini spent about seven years in the Ready Re serves, a U.S. Department of Defense program that maintains a pool of trained service members.
Although they may not realize it, Independence residents know Norm Casini’s talents as an architect. They’re exemplified in the City Hall complex he designed that was dedi cated on July 4, 1982.
“I’m no hero,” says Casini, 89. “I joined the service during peace time in July 1957 and came out at the end of the year. The government released everyone who had critical skills, including physicians, engi neers and architects.”
Bill was awarded the Achievement Medal for successfully treating a comrade bitten by a venomous timber rattlesnake in Michigan.
Meet three residents whose service in the armed forces is commemorated on outdoor banners throughout the city.
“My time in the army,” Casini says, “helped me move forward in my chosen career.”
By Linda Feagler
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