Northeast Ohio Boomer | Beachwood Community Focus | May June 2024

Community Focus BEACHWOOD

A Place to Call Home Community Focus

Marcia and David Cromer have lived in Beachwood since 2001. They were initially attracted to the city because of the beauty of the neighborhoods and the location.

“I've always traveled through the community and noticed how well the properties were maintained. The proximity to my family was also pretty key. My parents were older, and I wanted to be very close to where they were. Living in Beachwood allowed us to be 10 minutes away if my parents needed anything,” Marcia says.

Although the location brought her

BEACHWOOD

to Beachwood, she stayed because of the community. Marcia says, “I love the community. I love the benefits of living here. I like that my property value has increased over the years. Everyone, from the onset, was just very friendly.”

A Good Fit

Beachwood is more than just a place to live, it’s a community. The city of Beachwood has a summer block party program to help residents build connections and community with their neighbors. Marcia has attended a number of the block parties over

the years. One of her favorite party memories was when a symphony performed for residents.

“I really appreciated the efforts of the city to reach out to people during the pandemic. We weren't really seeing each other much. It was really nice to sit outside in our lawn chairs and listen to the symphony play.”

The city’s community center is another asset she takes advantage of, attending drawing classes since 2017, and participating in Zumba, art shows and other special events. “There’s always something going on at the community center,” Marcia says.

AT EVERY STAGE OF LIFE By Aisha Taylor • Photos provided by the families

RW and Connie Strong

Marcia & David Cromer

BEACHWOOD Community Focus

There are several hidden benefits that the city offers in addition to encouraging an active senior community, she adds.

“I really love the free shred days where you can take your confidential documents to the city for shredding. They even have an old medication drop-off at the police station. These are things people take for granted. If you haven’t lived in Beachwood your adult life, then you know that a lot of these opportunities aren't available to other communities. I like seeing my tax dollars at work, and I think the taxes are reasonable for what you get.”

Safety is something that many people cite as another benefit to living in Beachwood, and it’s something that the city leadership prioritizes. Marcia appreciates the work that the police department does and said that, “Anything you need, they are there. I just can't commend them enough.”

Living in Beachwood

What makes Beachwood so attractive is its ability to cater to a diverse range of needs—it's a place where everyone can find their niche. The city's reputation for exceptional schools, safe neighborhoods, and prime location contributes to the stability and desirability of the housing market.

There are a variety of housing styles, from single-family homes to condos, townhouses, apartments, and senior-specific housing.

With tree-lined streets and wellmaintained properties, the diverse architectural offerings ensure a robust real estate market and competitive property values. Beachwood offers a tranquil and secure environment where residents can enjoy peace of mind. With well-maintained neighborhoods and a vigilant community, safety is prioritized,

ensuring a sense of security for all who call Beachwood home. The city provides many services at no extra charge. These include services that residents in other cities typically pay for themselves—things like sidewalk repair and snow removal, senior transportation, and rubbish and recycling removal. One of the newest services is the Rust Belt Riders Composting Program. This program is free for all residents and is designed to minimize waste and promote sustainability in the city.

Community Life

RW and Connie Strong moved to Beachwood in 1979 because of the schools. They raised three children who graduated from Beachwood High School—the classes of 1985, 1987 and 1988. Two of their children moved back to Beachwood to raise their children, which means RW and Connie Strong have four

BEACHWOOD Community Focus

grandchildren who graduated from Beachwood Schools, as well.

Connie says, “I wasn’t a senior when we first moved to Beachwood. But now I am navigating through senior life. Beachwood Community Center is a place where seniors can come together to support, encourage and enjoy one another. It’s like a family. I love the programs. There is so much to do, and there is always something that keeps us updated with various life changes and keeps us involved. I don’t think there’s anything I have to leave Beachwood to get for seniors.”

Beachwood is dedicated to promoting an active and healthy lifestyle among its residents. With numerous parks, recreational facilities and outdoor spaces, there's no shortage of opportunities for residents to embrace wellness and enjoy the outdoors. Whether it's a leisurely stroll through the park, a workout session utilizing the outdoor exercise equipment, or a family outing to the Beachwood Family Aquatic Center, there's something for everyone to do.

Community Services Director Derek Schroeder says, “I see the community center as the hub of what's going on in the city. We try to spoil the seniors. We appreciate what they've done here in Beachwood. We want them to have positive experiences. We want them to get out of the house and come socialize.”

To support that goal, the

Community Services Department has a director dedicated to older adult programming. Activities include different card games and Mahjong, a tile game. The city hosts a monthly luncheon where older adults can eat lunch while enjoying a program.

There are a number of different programs around the different arts including music, painting classes and storytelling. There are even technology classes and programs on how to get a book published. Beachwood also offers movies, trips, and concerts for older adults. A big community event is National Night Out, an event that happens all over the country to celebrate the police department and its role in the community.

The community center offers a full circle of activities to keep active, physically and mentally. Schroeder says, “One lady here is 99 years old, and she comes to her exercise class

three times a week.

Sally and Bud Rich, both 91, have lived in Beachwood since 1986. Sally says, “All the senior adult programs are wonderful. I take Silver Sneakers classes at the community center, which doesn’t cost me any money because of our health insurance and it’s a terrific class.”

Beachwood also offers selfdefense classes, balance seminars, and programs on improving mental health. This will be the first full summer with six new pickleball courts, which include teams, leagues, tournaments, lessons and open play.

When planning programs, Beachwood looks for ways to make programs accessible for participants with mobility challenges.

Sally says, “I’ve taken a tour of the Cleveland Metroparks that explained the Metroparks and what was growing. They took participants around on a cart throughout the tour.” The accommodation was helpful because her husband is unable to walk.

Beachwood offers a senior van service that operates Monday through Friday from 8 a.m.-4:30 p.m. The van provides door-to-door service within 10 miles of the city. Free for residents, last year the van provided around 1,000 rides to places such as doctor’s offices, grocery stores, community events and other activities.

Schroeder says, “We have a great team of drivers here. We pick up some people weekly, while others we pick up multiple times a week. It's very appreciated by these seniors and the family members of the seniors that utilize the service. It's

BEACHWOOD Community Focus

great that we're able to offer that.”

Schroeder also encourages residents to provide suggestions if they have ideas for programming. For those who are more entrepreneurial in Beachwood, whether full-time, parttime, or on the side, the city is home to the active Beachwood Chamber of Commerce, which also hosts the Women of Beachwood Chamber of Commerce Coffee Hour.

1. Beachwood Library

In addition to the programming through the community center, the Beachwood Public Library is a wonderful resource. Tracy Strobel, Cuyahoga County Library CEO, says “Beachwood is such a library-loving community. It’s one of the busiest branches. Seniors love to come to the branch. We have a lot

of senior-focused programming and just about every program offered there fills up with grateful and curious seniors who love to learn and to continue their lifelong learning and also to mingle with each other. It’s a great source of community there.”

There are a variety of programs across diverse interests including the arts, music and history. There are also author events, book discussions, and even cooking classes. Beachwood Library also provides space for other community groups that serve residents and seniors. Beachwood Library Manager Amia Wheatley says, “We try to make sure we've got programming that's relevant to the times in addition to regular library services. We also do a lot of outreach. We have a table at the Beachwood Fall Fest and sometimes other city events. We also do a lot of outreach to the Maltz Museum. We try to be here for the community.”

2. Location

One of the benefits to Beachwood, in addition to housing, is its location. Beachwood is centrally located so it’s easy to get to many other locations. Positioned east of Cleveland, Beachwood offers easy access to major highways, making it ideal for commuters and travelers. It’s also only 30 minutes from Cleveland Hopkins International Airport. Premier shopping—including Beachwood Place—dining, parks, and The Maltz Museum and other cultural attractions further enrich the area.

3. Dog Park

Not forgetting the furry companions, Barkwood provides a space for dogs to roam and play, fostering a sense of community among pet owners. With an astroturf surface, and key-fob entry system, Barkwood is a popular amenity among Beachwood’s dog owners.

BALANCE SOLUTIONS

Balance Solutions Physical Therapy offers personalized rehabilitation services to restore mobility, strength and confidence. With a multidisciplinary approach, our highly skilled therapists assess each client's unique needs to develop tailored treatment plans. Through evidencebased techniques, including manual therapy, therapeutic exercises, and modalities, we address issues ranging from orthopedic injuries to neurological and age-related conditions. We aim to empower individuals to regain independence and optimize their functional abilities, promoting a balanced and healthy lifestyle.

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BALDWIN WALLACE INSTITUTE OF LEARNING

The Institute for Learning in Retirement East affiliated with Baldwin Wallace University provides affordable college-level courses for seniors, taught by former professors, teachers, and professionals who are experts in their subject matter: art appreciation, Cleveland sports, history and more. Members pay a small annual fee and a per-class fee to access classes, travel, and events. Classes meet at Temple Emanu El in Orange Village. To learn more: bw.edu/ilr, 440-826-2400, ilreast@bw.edu.

CITY OF BEACHWOOD

Consistently rated a top suburb in Northeast Ohio, the City of Beachwood warmly welcomes new residents and visitors. Residents will find comfort in a community that prioritizes the ability to age in place with access to world-class healthcare, beautifully maintained housing, top-notch first responders, highly rated schools, recreational opportunities and dedicated city services such as free van transportation. Visitors can experience shopping among luxury brands, premier dining, and nearby cultural attractions. Discover where you belong at BeachwoodOhio.com.

ELLIE MENTAL HEALTH

At Ellie, our mission is to transform the mental health culture by making wellness accessible. We know that caring for your mental health and being vulnerable with someone you just met can seem scary. We do everything that we can to make each appointment as comfortable and as fun as possible. We aim to walk along this journey with you and provide a comfortable place to talk, decompress, do the work, and heal.

HOME INSTEAD

Home Instead is committed to high-quality non-medical senior care. We have reliable, experienced, background-checked care professionals with nurse-led

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MALTZ MUSEUM

This summer at the Maltz Museum, visitors are invited to explore the rich framework of families found in America with two art exhibitions and interactive children’s activities. On view from June 1 to Sept. 2, “A

Celebration of Family'' combines two art exhibitions, “Growing Up Jewish—Art & Storytelling and Love Makes a Family” and “Portraits of LGBTQ+ People and Their Families” that present paintings, photographs, and interviews. It takes visitors on a creative journey that celebrates families from all walks of life. For more info ticket pricing, and group tour discounts visit maltzmuseum. org or call 206-593-0575.

ROSE SENIOR LIVING

Rose Senior Living offers an unparalleled senior living experience in Beachwood. With a focus on comfort, community, and care, our community provides a vibrant environment where residents can thrive. From spacious apartments to personalized care plans, we prioritize

the well-being of our residents. Enjoy gourmet dining, engaging activities, and exceptional amenities tailored to your needs. Experience the next chapter of life with peace of mind and a sense of belonging at Rose Senior Living Beachwood. Discover more at beachwood. roseseniorliving.com.

THE HIATUS

Indulge in luxury living at The Hiatus, a premier, resort-style apartment community in the heart of Beachwood. The Hiatus boasts modern apartments with open floor plans, gourmet kitchens, and spa-inspired bathrooms. The Hiatus lifestyle is centered around wellness and relaxation. Residents enjoy our upscale amenities like the outdoor pool, 24/7 fitness center with sauna and steam rooms, movie theater, game room, co-working space, rooftop lounge, and more. Discover a new standard of luxe living in Beachwood. luxuryhiatus.com 216-333-6321.

VELOCITY CLINICAL RESEARCH

Their vision is to improve lives by making clinical research accessible to all. Their mission is to improve the clinical research process to accelerate the delivery of new therapies and provide exceptional care to the community. Give them a call at 216682-0320 to discuss what programs would best fit you and your lifestyle.

YOUR RECOVERY COUNSELING

Your Recovery Counseling, a beacon of hope honored with the Beachwood Ohio Spirit of Success Award, adheres to the highest standards of care in the realms of addiction and mental health. YRC offers a lifeline to those battling addiction and mental health challenges. “Our firm commitment to patient empowerment and our respect for a person’s right to selfdetermination is encapsulated in our philosophy “Healing Begins With You,” says CEO Sadigoh Galloway. 216-483-1001 or yourrecoverystarts.com