Walden Life - March/April 2022

MARCH ARPRIL 2022

Wild Walden CRITTERS IN THE CUL-DE-SAC

1st

Anniversary Issue

Movers & Shakers | Women of Walden | Flashbacks

MARCH | APRIL 2022

FEATURES

WALDEN IN SPRING

DEPARTMENTS

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WILD WALDEN Wildlife finds a natural haven at Walden. How do we best coexist?

Marsha Newman

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Women of Walden

Meet Marsha Newman, singer, performer and wedding planner extraordinaire!

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Neighbor to Neighbor

Walden membership always gives the Williams family something fun to do.

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DOGS OF WALDEN 2 These darn dogs are so cute, it’s already time for Take 2!

SNAPSHOTS

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Movers & Shakers

Worth Noting

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Walden Staff Profile

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Living the Life

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Flashbacks

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Reflections

Finally, Old Man Winter has been sent packing and the first hints of springtime are appearing. Walden wildlife stirs out of its winter nap just as golf season reawakens.

ON THE COVER

SPRING INTO A NEW SEASON AT WALDEN! PHOTO ABOVE BY SCOTT PEASE PHOTOGRAPHY COVER PHOTO BY DOUG BOUCK

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Matt Fletcher balances his fast-paced job with a laid-back Walden lifestyle.

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Club Walden

Need a Spring Fling?

Count the ways you can rejuvenate this season.

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Walden Kitchens

Walden resident Dolly Spinelli shares her flavorful Sicilian Eggplant recipe.

F R O M T H E E D I T O R / A S S O C I AT E P U B L I S H E R MIRIAM CONNER

I

hope, by the time you are reading this, the snow has melted and the birds are chirping. We made it through another Northeast Ohio winter! I told my kids that the amount of snow that we had on the ground after the February storm is what we had all winter on the ground when I was growing up. We made a snowman, went sledding, drank hot chocolate, snuggled by the fire, and now I am so ready for spring!

I can’t think of a more beautiful place to be in springtime than Walden. The flowers start to bloom and the wildlife that was hiding is now back in our yards. You will enjoy reading about many of the Walden wildlife with help from the Moebius Nature Center in our feature starting on page 20.

Also this spring, I look forward to seeing neighbors outside again that I haven’t seen in months. There are so many interesting people in Walden! You can learn more about some of them on pages 8-18.

I would be remiss if I did not mention that this is the one-year anniversary issue of Walden Life! This past year flew by and I want to thank you all for reading and for all of the encouraging emails, calls, texts and comments. That is why we started Walden Life — for the people of Walden and to build community. Thanks also go to our amazing advertisers; without them, Walden Life could not exist.

LOOKING FORWARD TO SEEING YOU OUT AND ABOUT THIS SPRING! LOVING THE WALDEN LIFE, Miriam Conner Editor/Associate Publisher

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C E L E B R AT I O N

Walden Life is a property of Mitchell Media, LLC P.O. Box 586 Aurora, Ohio 44202 330-822-4011 Publisher Brad Mitchell Brad@MyWaldenLife.com 330-714-7712

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O F

T H E

W A L D E N

Editor/Associate Publisher Miriam Conner Miriam@MyWaldenLife.com 440-396-0374 Assistant Editor Estelle Rodis-Brown Estelle@MyWaldenLife.com Sales/Account Executive Leslie Fletcher Leslie@MyWaldenLife.com 440-785-3110

C O M M U N I T Y

l

Volume 2, Issue 2 l March/April 2022

Art Director Graphic Design Laura Chadwick Laura@MyWaldenLife.com Photography Maria Biel mariabiel@me.com

Publisher of

Member of

Office Manager/Accounting Kathleen Mitchell Kathleen@MyWaldenLife.com 440-533-1208 Facebook: @waldenlifemagazine Instagram: @waldenlifemagazine

LISA AURSLANIAN WEINGRAD

Exceeding Your Highest Standards Unsure of when to put your house on the market?

Have questions about the market and how it afffects you?

Call me to discuss your specific needs and how I can help.

15 years of living and loving Walden

Lisa Aurslanian Weingrad Mega Million Dollar Producer 216.780.2546 lisaweingrad@howardhanna.com Working with Karyl Morrison Over $56 million sold in 2021

Worth Noting

BY MIRIAM CONNER

Meet the Board Mizell Stewart III - Chandlers Cove

M

izell Stewart and his wife, Valerie MorganStewart, first discovered Walden in 1999 when they were looking to buy their first home together as a married couple. They lived on East Acadia Point for less than a year before a new career opportunity for Mizell took them to Tallahassee, Florida.

Today Mizell, a news reporter and editor for 34 years, and Valerie, a real estate investor, are back in Walden, where Mizell is president of the Chandlers Cove Association.

Constant changes in the news business have carried the Stewarts from northeast Ohio, where they both grew up and graduated from Bedford High School, to Tallahassee, Akron, Evansville (Indiana), Cincinnati and back again. Along the way, he's led the newsrooms of the Akron Beacon Journal, Tallahassee Democrat and Evansville Courier & Press, and held corporate posts at The E.W. Scripps Company and, today, at Gannett and the USA TODAY Network.

"Of all the places we lived, Walden was the place we liked the most," said Stewart, a graduate of Bowling Green State University and Northern Kentucky University. His current job enables him to work remotely, so, in 2016, they moved back to Walden to Chandlers Cove. It is the “combination of architecture and nature” that Mizell and Valerie, a John Carroll University graduate, love about Walden. “We wake up in a beautiful setting every day.”

When they decided to move back to Walden, they looked at many different properties and settled on a lakefront condo in Chandlers Cove. “Chandlers Cove is not one of the largest associations, which makes it special," Mizell said. I wanted to live in one place long

Valerie Morgan-Stewart with Mizell Stewart III.

enough to truly get to know my neighbors.”

Mizell has been on the Board for Chandlers Cove since 2018 and has served as president since 2019. Serving on the board has enabled him to fulfill his dream of being connected. His neighbors "are some of the best people,” he adds.

He and fellow Chandlers Cove board members Diane Barben and Brooke Mazullo-Rosselot are heavily involved in managing the upkeep and maintenance of all 18 homes.

"I couldn't do it without them," he said. “Preserving Walden for generations to come is a big responsibility. I really enjoy it.”

The Stewarts enjoy having family and friends join them at the Club and happy hours at the circle for their association, which he says is a “tight-knit group.”

Thanks, Mizell, for helping to keep Walden the beautiful place that it is.

Are you a Walden Original?

We are looking for original residents to share stories from the early days of Walden. Contact miriam@mywaldenlife.com.

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PHOTO COURTESY OF MIZELL STEWART

Write Where You Live

Are you a great writer looking for a new challenge?

Are you a Walden resident or member?

Walden Life is seeking a professional writer to join our editorial team as a regular contributor of magazine articles. We are looking for someone with journalism experience who is a Walden resident or Club member.

Please send an email with writing samples to editor@mywaldenlife.com to explore this opportunity.

Dance Lessons at the Club with Lisa Vegas!

Contact Lisa for details at 216-577-6952

TRIVIA

NEW TRIVIA QUESTION: Ron Skok, Walden's Golf Course Superintendent, is often accompanied by his dog helping him keep the course beautiful. What is her name?

Trivia question from previous issue: What was the original name of Inn Walden?

Answer: Walden Country Inn

CLARIFICATION: Barrie Rosencrans was inadvertently included in a photo in the Jan/Feb issue on pg. 11 without identification.

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CALENDAR

Worth Noting

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Family Movie Night Saturday, March 12 Enjoy dinner before the movie.

Kids dine free on Saturdays at the Clubhouse with an adult entrée purchase. “Clifford the Big Red Dog” begins at 6:15 p.m. (Bring blankets for the kids to sit on.)

Email Cecily@yourwalden.com to make dinner reservations.

For more information about these events, please vist yourwalden.com.

Easter Egg Hunt & Breakfast

Easter Sunday Brunch

2022 Golf Season Begins!

Saturday, April 16

Sunday, April 17

April 26-30

Walden traditions create wonderful holiday memories for every new generation! Bring the kids and the camera to capture the action.

Sit back, relax and gather ‘round the sumptuous Easter table prepared by Walden’s culinary experts.

Ladies, WWGA Opening Day is Tuesday, April 26. Seniors Opening Day is Wednesday, April 27. Men, WMGA Opening Day is Saturday, April 30.

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WOMEN OF WALDEN

Marsha Newman |

Chasing the Lace & Basking in the Musical Spotlight

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

Marsha Newman today.

S

ome people take a lifetime to discover their calling.

But a young girl named Marsha growing up in Cleveland decades ago already had her wagon hitched to a set of stars that have secured her place as a performer — both under the spotlight and behind the scenes.

You may know Marsha Newman as the vivacious singer and wedding planner who first moved to the Walden neighborhood when she joined her then-new husband, Art, in his Claridges condo back in 1990. Soon after, the couple bought their “dream home” in Arbor Way, where they enjoyed family, entertained friends, rehearsed music and conducted business for the next three decades. Recently widowed, Marsha currently lives in Fairington and works as Sales and Catering Manager for The Bertram Inn, planning weddings and other events.

But Marsha’s remarkable journey started decades before

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she arrived at Walden. “My first love was singing and dancing,” she recalls. “I held kid shows in our garage (we sang to 45 records). Early vocal influences were Carmen McRae, Shirley Bassey, Karen Carpenter and the pastor of an African-American church near University Circle, the late Bishop Charles Watkins. I sang there and in other churches growing up. I loved Brasil 66, Motown, jazz and gospel... It all took root in me.”

An incurable romantic with an aesthetic eye for detail, Marsha’s second love was weddings. At the tender age of 11, she asked her parents for books about etiquette and early issues “I went from of Bride magazine. singing in the “That’s when I started ‘chasing white lace,’ in the words of Joni church choir Mitchell,” Marsha laughs. “I pored to Swingos over those books and magazines, overnight! attended the small bridal shows of the day (Dad drove), and asked a ton of questions. I was nearly an expert by age 17. I loved the fashion, florals, cakes, the creativity… My first professional wedding [gig] was for two upperclassmen the year between my junior and senior in high school.”

Ever since her precocious professional life as a child performer and teen wedding planner, Marsha’s varied career has been in vocal music performance, band management and wedding/event planning.

After graduating from John Marshall High School, she attended Ohio University to study vocal music, then returned home to audition for a show at the State Theater.

She landed a club gig as the singer in a house band called the Snapshots at Swingos Keg & Quarter in downtown Cleveland, where she stayed for five years. (It was renamed Swingos’ Celebrity Inn after Elvis staged his Midwest tour from there.)

“I went from singing in the church choir to Swingos overnight!” Marsha recalls.

“Swingos was known to house all the great entertainers playing the Palace across the street: Sinatra, Elvis, Tom Jones, Andy Williams, Liza [Minelli], etc.,” Marsha says.

“After their shows, they would come into our lounge with their managers and security. I’ll never forget singing for those people. The Snapshots had great arrangements and four-part vocal harmony, the sound that made us special.

Later, the rockers started staying there, and that era is well PHOTOS COURTESY OF MARSHA NEWMAN

Above: Art and Marsha wed at Walden. Below: The Newmans with their 12-piece band, the Art Company Orchestra.

documented in the movie ‘Almost Famous.’”

After the Swingos contract, Marsha taught dance for a couple of studios and appeared in a couple of TV shows during the disco craze. “I always enjoyed jazz in both music and dance,” Marsha recalls. She traveled in several dance bands and floor shows in hotel circuits for a few years but grew weary of the isolating nature of life on the road.

She resumed school part-time, earned an Associate in Business and started working in hotels to learn the trade of event planning from the hospitality side, while still lending her alto voice to singing projects and taking on wedding planning projects.

“The first day of my best life started the day Art Newman walked into my hotel office to discuss planning an event,” Marsha recalls.

“The conversation turned to music. (A God thing? Yes.) Art was a Baldwin Wallace music conservatory grad who had led bands in Cleveland for years. In college, he backed up many name artists on the road and toured with them.”

With a background in woodwinds, Art played tenor sax and/or standup bass for the likes of Stevie Wonder, José Feliciano, 10,000 Maniacs, and folk-rock duo Brewer & Shipley of “One Toke Over the Line” fame.

“He had just returned to the CLE and into a small condo in Walden. He was considering putting together a band to play the high-end benefits in Cleveland. I hadn’t sung in

five years and was missing it. We matched notes on our experiences, and he hired me based on my credentials.”

It was 1989 when Marsha first entered Walden for a musical rehearsal at Art’s in the Claridges. ”It was so beautiful and unique. I remember thinking… imagine driving home to this every evening. Art described his bachelor pad as ‘a one-bedroom with a one-butt kitchen.’ We had wall-towall instruments in that little condo.”

“We were soul mates and fell in love,” Marsha reminisces.

“We were married by a very young Rev. Horak on May 26, 1990 at The Church in Aurora. The reception was at the Walden clubhouse. We put in a huge stage along the windows and had three different bands perform. We had a blast! Our bridal party occupied the Guest Suites located on Ridgeway across from the Barn (now residential). There were huge patches of Lily of the Valley along the drive to the clubhouse that we were sure to visit every year.”

Marsha left her hotel job and the Newmans created “Art Company Orchestra,” a 12-piece band featuring “arguably the best musicians in Cleveland. We played for every highend event, every country club, and traveled to contiguous states with our great stable of musicians, vocalists, sound and lighting techs.”

A quartet, “Marsha Newman Jazz,” was formed in 1995 and Marsha filled her weeknights with restaurant gigs. She was featured in Women in Jazz at the Tri-C Jazz Fest, where she received a standing ovation.

Along with the orchestra, she and Art launched The Perfect Choice Wedding Planning in 1991. With her trusted business partner Bridget Marok, Marsha designed and coordinated hundreds of weddings over the next 26 years, earning recognition in Northern Ohio Bride and Northern Ohio Live along the way.

Looking back over the past 30-some years, Marsha says, “Walden has provided the venue of our lifetime. We have had three homes in Walden! Art and I loved to entertain and it was the perfect place. We had a sitting room for meeting with clients, a room for my oversized wedding invitation books, two offices and the walkout lower level for rehearsal space and recording, all of which could be packed away to make it party space.”

“We lost Art in 2020, but the memories are forever. Art was larger than life, and brought a large life to me here at Walden.”

When she isn’t busy with wedding planning, Marsha is now working with her Marsha Newman Jazz group on jazz, pop and gospel tunes. She is also a member of The Church in Aurora and is involved in a ministry there.

Although she misses Art deeply, Marsha focuses on the positive: “I’m looking forward to enjoying and exploring the paths of Walden when the weather breaks. In Fairington, I can hear the happy kids at the pool, and the marching band practicing at the high school. And the beat goes on.”

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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

The Williams Family | All Smiles at Walden

By Miriam Conner

The Williams family

I

f you know the Williams family, then you know they will always greet you with big, warm smiles. Their smiles and positive attitudes are contagious. The Williams’ are a very busy, active family, but these busy Aurora residents are sure to make time to thoroughly enjoy their Walden membership.

Josh Williams grew up in Wadsworth and graduated with a degree in construction engineering from The University of Akron.

Kimberly Williams grew up in Rootstown and graduated from Ohio University with a degree in Hearing and Speech Sciences before earning a graduate degree in speech and language pathology from Kent State University.

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While in graduate school, Kimberly was working at TGI Fridays and Josh, finishing at the University of Akron, was also working at the same TGI Fridays. Love was in the air at that restaurant and the two were married in 2006.

Josh has been working as a senior estimator with a local general contractor, bidding on commercial construction projects in the greater Cleveland area since 2007. Kimberly has been a speech and language pathologist at Hillcrest Hospital since 2007. She works with adults experiencing neurological deficits including swallowing issues. Kimberly likes being able to help patients understand their best treatment plan.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE WILLIAMS FAMILY

After they were married, the couple lived in University Heights, where Kimberly liked the vibe. Josh wanted to move to Aurora. Kimberly is very happy she let Josh persuade her to move to Aurora in 2013 for the schools, a more wooded lot and a bigger yard than they had in University Heights.

The Williams family joined Walden in 2017 and the first event they participated in and one they really miss was “glow ball.” They really enjoy going to the Walden pool with their two kids, where “there is always a friend to be found.” The kids also enjoy taking golf lessons and they are especially fond At left: Madaline and her mom, Kimberly. At right: Jack and his dad, Josh. of using their parents’ member number at the Club Shack! Josh and Kimberly enjoy dining at the Club; their favorite event has been the When not working, Josh and Kimberly both enjoy annual clambake. “It is a fun night out with friends and a watching their two kids, Jack (13), who plays baseball, really fun event at Walden.” basketball and football; and Madaline (12), who is a member Although they do not live in Walden, they enjoy the of the Walden Dolphins swim team and plays volleyball, beauty that Walden offers and often drive here to walk their basketball and soccer. If they have any time left, Josh enjoys dog on the pet-friendly path. Look for their smiling faces playing golf and Kimberly is an avid reader who prefers dining at the Club or at the pool this summer. You will be thrillers and mysteries. She also enjoys yoga and walking sure to be greeted with warm, welcoming smiles. their Golden Retriever, Macy.

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Staff Profile

T I F FA N Y M E T ZG A R TITLE: A S S I S TA N T S PA D I R E C T O R

How long with Walden: 21 years in May Hometown: Edinburg, Ohio Family: Two beautiful daughters Hobbies: Running and spending time with family & friends Favorite music: Country/Rap/Pop Favorite food: Tacos Favorite movie: “A League of Their Own” Favorite spa service: Any 90-minute treatment!

My favorite combination would be a 60-minute massage + 30-minute body scrub.

Did you know…

I have been skydiving Best thing about Walden/ the spa: My Walden Family! Owners, staff, members, clients — everything!!

PHOTO: MIRIAM CONNER

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COME VISIT OUR NEW BARRINGTON MODEL! 602 Club Dr W, Aurora Use RT 43 entrance by Bertram – Gate code #177 Saturday & Sunday | Noon to 5PM COME VISIT OUR CANYON RIDGE MODEL! 8178 Canyon Ridge, Chagrin Falls Saturday & Sunday | Noon to 5PM

MOVERS AND SHAKERS

Matt Fletcher |

Romance at the Racetrack Leads to Life at Walden

By Miriam Conner

Matt Fletcher was awarded the iHeart CEO's Club Award in New York City.

M

att Fletcher has enjoyed a worklife in the fast lane and a home life in the tranquility of Walden.

Matt Fletcher grew up in Erie, Pennsylvania and graduated from Slippery Rock University in the Keystone State with a major in sports management and a minor in business. Immediately following graduation, Matt landed a paid internship with NASCAR in Daytona Beach, Florida.

Traveling 30 weekends a year, Matt says it was a “really cool experience” being able to represent NASCAR on behalf of their sponsors.

He clearly impressed his superiors because after six months, NASCAR hired him as an account executive in Daytona Beach. That position had him selling sponsorships to clients, managing accounts, and representing clients at the tracks. The best thing about that position was that he was sending press releases to the producer at NBC-TV in Erie. Eventually, his regular communications with that producer — Leslie Echan — led to romance and marriage.

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After two and a half years at that position, the Lake Erie Speedway — the new, $12 million NASCAR track that opened up in Pennsylvania — came calling and hired Matt to run the entire facility. As director of sales and marketing, he was selling sponsorships on a local level, working in marketing, sales and public relations. The facility hosted races every Friday and Saturday and then concerts on Sundays. He enjoyed meeting the drivers and artists, including Rascal Flatts, 38 Special and ZZ Top. Matt said it was a great experience but different from his NASCAR position because, as the director, he was involved in all aspects of sales and marketing.

Matt and Leslie got engaged at the Lake Erie Speedway in the VIP area that Matt had decorated in anticipation of popping the big question. They were married a year to the day of their engagement and held their reception at Club Walden in 2004. Walden’s own Kate Dobrzeniecki helped to plan the reception.

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE FLETCHER FAMILY

At left: Leslie and Matt Fletcher. At right: Brothers Joel & Nate.

In 2007, Matt and Leslie moved to Solon since Leslie was working with the NBC Cleveland affiliate. Matt was now working in sales for Clear Channel Media and Entertainment (which became iHeartMedia in 2014). Matt started working with Cleveland radio station WMMS in sales and he saw the radio industry transform over the next several years. Then he began selling for all of the Cleveland iHeart stations.

Matt enjoys leveraging his NASCAR marketing experience to iHeart sales, working with many different kinds of companies and helping them to grow and succeed.

The Fletchers’ next move in 2009 brought them to Summerhill in Aurora. Leslie’s parents were Walden members since she was a young girl, so Matt and Leslie always planned on living in Walden. They met with Manny

Barenholtz to discuss building a home. At that time, there were two available lots in Walden; they chose one on Glen Eden Court because the lot was unique. Construction on their home began in 2015 and they moved in in 2016.

Matt enjoys living in Walden because of its tranquility and family-friendly environment. He enjoys the community, the walking path, and driving his golf cart. “I go to work and it can be stressful and action-packed, but when I turn down Walden Drive, I feel like I am on vacation. I am able to leave the stress at work and I am back in my resort atmosphere.”

Lately, Matt has been working from his home office, where he enjoys looking out at the woods and lake and seeing deer. “It is very calming," he says.

Matt and Leslie’s two sons, Nate (16) and Joel (13) also enjoy living in Walden, driving their golf cart and going to the pool and driving range. Joel was a member of the Walden PGA Jr League and both boys are involved in several sports. This keeps Matt and Leslie busy as they enjoy watching their sons play and travel with their teams.

In 2018 and 2021, Matt won the iHeart’s President’s Award, which goes to each state's top sales representative. In 2018 and 2021, he also won the iHeart CEO’s Club Award for being among the nation's top 30 sales representatives. Matt was invited to New York City to the awards ceremony, where Ryan Seacrest presented him with the CEO’s Club Award. iHeartMedia now has 850 radio stations across the country and Matt is now selling for all of those stations… from his home office at Walden.

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Wild Walden Critters in the Cul-de-Sacs

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

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alden and wildlife go hand-inhand.

The whole concept of Walden’s “grassroots luxury” was built upon a call back to nature. Its low-profile buildings blend into the original landscape, wrapped around natural features like trees, waterways, hills and rock outcroppings… all which provide perfect habitats for wild creatures of all sorts.

Are these wild animals welcome guests to be attracted to our feeders? Or are they pests and threats to be removed? The answers vary, depending on whose opinion you ask. But if you ask our community naturalists at Moebius Nature Center on East Mennonite Road, they offer a nuanced outlook on causes, effects and unintended consequences. They also help us reconsider our assumptions about “good,” “bad” or “ugly” wildlife.

“You have to accept the fact that, if you live in the woods, you’re going to have wildlife that lives there, too,” says Dr. Jim Tomko, President of the Moebius Nature Center Board and the Audubon Society of Greater Cleveland. He is recognized by many as a prominent optometrist in Aurora, but few realize that he earned a bachelor’s degree in zoology and a master’s in environmental biology before attending optometry school.

Jim and colleague Kim Pease — who serves the nature center as programming planner, facilities rental coordinator and board treasurer — took time recently to explain the built-in tension between wanting to get back to nature without setting off unforeseen outcomes in Walden neighborhoods.

“Anything we do to attract wildlife can have an unintended consequence” was the recurring theme of the conversation.

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TOP PHOTO: SCOTT PEASE PHOTOGRAPHY. BOTTOM PHOTO: DOUG BOUCK

PHOTO: SCOTT PEASE PHOTOGRAPHY

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THE GOOD? For instance, if you long to see more deer tiptoeing into view from your living room window, you may be tempted to set up a corn feeding station to lure the graceful mammals onto your property.

“But if you want to attract them to your picture window, you need to be prepared for

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them to also eat the ornamentals in your garden… and those of your neighbors, as well,” Jim warns. “Can you accept those consequences?”

Further, enticing deer into a residential neighborhood can lead to more traffic accidents.

“It’s not a best practice to have a deer feeding station in a place like Walden,” Jim advises. “If you live out in the country, that’s different.”

On the other hand, if you have too many deer munching on your perennials, consider planting native flower species rather than ornamentals.

Daylilies, roses, hostas and tulips are considered “deer candy.” Deer find plants with fuzzy or heavily-scented foliage, such as herbs and lamb’s ears, less appealing to their palate.

PHOTO: DOUG BOUCK

THE BAD? Then there’s the case of too much of a good thing; and suddenly, it’s no good. While the sight of a few Canada geese or mute swans on the lake look lovely, huge populations of the

PHOTO: SCOTT PEASE PHOTOGRAPHY

waterfowl are not welcome on the golf course. For this reason, management has controlled their populations by addling (shaking) the eggs so the embryos can’t develop or hatch, even as the adults satisfy their natural

instincts to fulfill incubation periods.

But Jim and Kim say these waterfowl invaders are lured to overstay their welcome in places like Walden because golf courses provide ideal conditions — acres of short grasses for easy grazing and open water (thanks to bubblers) that keep the surface from freezing over.

So these otherwise natural migrators remain in the neighborhood because we have unintentionally set the banqueting table for them here. “The fairways are a real magnet for geese,” Kim says.

We shouldn’t be surprised they prefer to stay.

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THE UGLY? You may have seen more wild canine predators like foxes and coyotes in recent years. True symbols of the wilderness, the cry of the fox and the yip of the coyote, along with a flashing glimpse of either on the prowl after prey can bring mixed emotions to the average Ohioan. Are these wild creatures to be feared or admired?

It helps to start with a history lesson. Both red and gray foxes have lived in Ohio for hundreds of years. However, coyotes from out West migrated here once the thick, mature forests that originally blanketed this landscape were cleared to make way for farmland and then factories. Since Ohio’s first coyote sighting in 1919, coyotes have gradually spread throughout the state and inhabit all 88 counties, according to the Cuyahoga Valley National Park. Inadvertently, our forefathers invited the “prairie wolf” here by creating a perfect habitat of open fields and brushland.

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Few of us have spotted a gray fox.

Gray fox populations in Ohio have declined in the past 30 years to the point that it was recently declared a “species of concern” on Ohio’s list of endangered and threatened species.

According to the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, the statewide population of red fox has also been on the decline over the past decade, at least partly due to competition by coyotes. As a result, red foxes are now denning closer to human habitation to avoid coyotes, which are more leery of human activity. This may explain why many of us are seeing more foxes on the fairways than in the forest.

“As the coyote population increases, the fox population decreases, because fox and coyotes are direct competitors, and the coyotes are bigger animals, so they’ll win those competitions for resources,” Jim explains.

Both foxes and coyotes hunt small rodents (mice, voles, squirrels,

chipmunks), rabbits and even birds and insects. Once they clear a territory of those populations, they’ll move on to other neighborhoods where the prey is plentiful. “They serve a good purpose, keeping those small animal populations down, especially at nighttime,” Kim says.

But this comes with a warning to pet owners. Do not leave your pets or pet food outdoors (or in your open garage) unattended, especially at dawn, dusk or after dark. Keep dogs on a leash and keep cats inside.

Besides becoming potential prey for opportunistic foxes, coyotes and owls, cats also “devastate songbird populations,” Jim adds.

Speaking of unintended consequences, any bird lovers who maintain outdoor feeders inadvertently create spillage for mice, voles and squirrels who feed on the seed as darkness falls. In turn, the owls, hawks, foxes and coyotes prey on the rodents.

“So, bird feeders feed seed-eaters as well as meat-eaters, setting the food chain in action,” Jim quips.

In order to offset the carnage and possible disease transmission, Kim recommends raking underneath your bird feeders and cleaning the feeders with one-part-bleach to 10-parts-water solution.

Ultimately, Jim and Kim appreciate the way Walden celebrates the natural landscape and the wild critters that call it home. They see the people of Walden as those who value their coexistence with wildlife and their connection to the natural world. Through Moebius Nature Center, they look forward to sharing further insights through the coming year regarding upcoming seasonal highlights in Walden, whether it’s spring wildflowers, summer pollinators, fall migrators or winter hibernators. As always, Walden and wildlife go hand-in-hand.

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The following two pages are brought to you by Club Walden

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Right in Your Backyard!

READY TO JUMP INTO A NEW SEASON? Here are our top suggestions for a Spring Renewal in your backyard nP lan a day at Spa Walden with friends… or even better… a day away with your

significant other! Did you know? Spa Walden is rated Ohio’s #1 spa and is ranked among the top 100 spas in the country! Enjoy a massage to reduce stress, relieve lower back pain and muscle tension so your swing is ready to fly this summer on the course. n Book a golf lesson to get ready for the upcoming season. Our Director of Golf

Instruction or one of our golf professionals is ready to meet with you. Still a little chilly for you? Come inside and use our Trackman Golf Simulator for your lesson. n Take a yoga class in our Dharma Ohio Yoga Studio. Classes are offered Tuesday

through Sunday and yoga at Spa Walden is open to the public. n Then bring the kids to dinner and a movie on March 12th at Club Walden. You can

enjoy a family dinner, especially since kids dine complimentary on Saturdays and Sundays at Club Walden with the purchase of an adult entrée. Our featured film will be “Clifford the Big Red Dog.” n Go big and plan an escape to Inn Walden. Even though you are minutes from home

you can feel as though you are hundreds of miles away! Indulge in a magnificent Walden suite, complete with a Jacuzzi tub and fireplace, enjoy a delectable dinner at Barn Walden and relax over breakfast in the Blue Ribbon Cade, or better yet, stay in bed and allow us to deliver room service to you! n Lastly, take a walk and remind yourself

why you moved to Walden. Enjoy the spring foliage coming back to life and relish in the peace and beauty around you!

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Relax over breakfast in the Blue Ribbon Cade

Book a golf lesson to get ready for the upcoming season

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Dogs of Walden 2 ARGYLE - Westie - Chandlers Cove

His favorite things to do: Watch other dogs on TV, chase his green ball and favorite toy, and take car rides.

BUTKUS

-Deer IslandLoves being the "Mayor of Walden."

HARLEY (black lab) & BELLA (chocolate lab) -GardensThey love car rides through Walden, eating, going for walks and always being together. They love living in Walden!

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Our first Dogs of Walden photo-share debuted in our primiere issue one year ago. These darn dogs are so cute, it's time for Take2!

BOGART

BANDIT

-Lands EndThis Maltese’s favorite thing to do is chase her toy.

-FairingtonLikes to take long walks in Walden.

MAGGIE

-GardensThis 11-year-old Yorkie loves to snuggle under a pillow and snuggle in her dog pillow with her toy.

DOTTIE -Russet WoodsThis English Cream Golden Retriever loves to beg for puppy treats, take walks, play ball and wrestle with other puppies.

SMARTY & BENTLEY -Members-

LOUIE & ZOEY -Walden Farms-

These long-haired dachshunds enjoy hunting, eating and snuggling in their free time (when they are not sleeping).

Louie is a 3-year-old Coton De Tulear and Zoey is a 16-year-old Yorkshire Terrier (a senior citizen). Zoey isn’t able to walk very far but enjoys her outings around Arrowood in her chariot.

SUNNY LOUIE

-Glen Eden Ct.This Shichon’s favorite thing to do is go for rides.

-MeadowsThis Havanese loves everyone, greeting them with a smile and a wagging tail.

MURRAY

-Glen Eden Ct.He likes to help his girl, Ally, carry her sled.

DART & SHANKS

-Deer IslandDart loves to play fetch and Shanks likes to lay around and be lazy.

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Dogs of Walden 2 COCO CHANEL at left (8 mos) TANK (16 years) -Deer Island-

MACY

-Club Member-

Coco loves the snow and playing with Tank.

Tank loves stealing Coco’s toys!

She loves to play fetch with her ball in the backyard or while on a walk!

SPICE TUCO

-Glen Eden Ct.This Chihuahua’s favorite things to do right now are snuggle with his dad and eat snow!

DELILAH -High PointHer favorite thing is walking with her dog and human friends in Walden. Delilah knows everybody in our part of Walden.

TUGGS & HENRY -MeadowsTheir favorite things to do are visiting with friends (human and furry), hiking/ walking and car rides to new, fun places.

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-Deer IslandThis Schnauzer loves to play tug-of-war with her stuffed toys, catch bouncing tennis balls mid-air, and bring in the morning newspaper. She started doing that on her own.

EMBER -RavinesThis 19-monthold labradoodle loves to play endless games of fetch in addition to meeting new people and canine friends.

Calling all Gearheads!

If you are the proud owner of a classic or unique car, submit your photo to miriam@mywaldenlife.com for a chance to appear in the next issue of Walden Life!

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WALDEN KITCHENS

FROM THE KITCHEN OF DOLLY SPINELLI - ACADIA POINT

SICILIAN EGGPLANT Ingredients: n 2 medium eggplants n 1 large Vidalia onion n 4 cloves of crushed garlic n 1 large can of crushed tomatoes (28 oz. size)

plus 3/4 can of water n 1 teaspoon salt n 1/2 teaspoon sugar n 8 leaves of fresh basil n grated Romano cheese n black pepper to taste n olive oil

DIRECTIONS: 1. P artially peel the eggplant vertically, forming a striped effect. Slice the eggplant into ½-inch thick pieces. Sprinkle with salt and set aside.

Meanwhile, make your marinara sauce (this same sauce can be used in many other recipes).

2. I n a large frying pan, sauté garlic and onion in olive oil. Add crushed tomatoes, water, salt, pepper, sugar and basil. Simmer for about 30 minutes. The smell is amazing! Make sure you taste it because you may need to add more salt and pepper.

3. I n another large frying pan, coat the bottom with olive oil and start frying the eggplant on both sides just until they are golden brown. You will have to add more olive oil as you continue to fry.

4. B y now, the sauce is done and you are ready to go! Coat the bottom of a rectangular baking dish with some sauce… add a layer of fried eggplant… add more sauce on top and sprinkle

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Romano cheese. Repeat this process until all of the eggplant is used up.

5. If you have any sauce left, just make some pasta and toss together!

Buon appetito!

PHOTO: MIRIAM CONNER

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LIVING THE LIFE

What are you most looking forward to this spring?

Joan Strenio RUSSET WOODS

“I’m looking forward to celebrations: Grandson’s high school graduation, birthday, anniversary, and long-awaited SC beach vacation.”

Marilyn Schneider DEER ISLAND

“I look forward to coming back from Florida in April when it is not so cold and starting to play golf again after my shoulder replacement that I had three weeks ago. Also, taking my dog, Spice, for long walks around the neighborhood.”

Terry Taylor & Lory Liberty HIGH POINT

“We’re looking forward to a pleasant spring when we can sit on our patio and share a bottle of wine with good friends.”

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Stella Krane - age 9½ WA L D E N FA R M S

“Being able to walk outside wearing my raincoat and holding an umbrella while singing ‘I’m singing in the rain.’ I also look forward to the pool and the driving range reopening!”

PHOTO: ESTELLE RODIS-BROWN

Get ready for spring training...

Get in shape for summer!

DANCE BALLROOM DANCE LESSONS n Private lessons n Group lessons n Social dancing n Competitive dancing n Couples and singles n Dance theme parties and events

GIFT CERTIFICATES n ENGAGEMENTS n ANNIVERSARIES n HOLIDAY GIVING MAKE YOUR EVENT SPECIAL WITH LISA’S LESSONS & CHOREOGRAPHY n Bride and groom n Father/daughter n Mother/son n Wedding party n Anniversary dances

ALL DANCES Cha-Cha, Rumba, Swing, Jitterbug, Salsa, Waltz, Tango, Foxtrot, Line Dancing, and more

Lisa Vegas Dance

Convenient locations: Club Walden, Solon, and downtown Cleveland Walden Resident & Member

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Professional Ballroom Dancer

216.577.6952

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lisavegasproductions@gmail.com

USA Nine Dance Champion

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NDCA Championship Adjudicator

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FLASHBACKS

WALDEN WORD EXCERPTS (1994 - 2004)

Here’s a slice of life from Walden published over 20 years ago in Walden Word, a four-page newsletter

by Walden Golf and Tennis Club. Enjoy these tidbits from yesteryear!

MARCH 1998 SUNDAY IN THE COUNTRY at the Country Inn at Walden. Arrive early on Sunday and enjoy a sumptuous lavish buffet brunch at the Walden Clubhouse. Enjoy an afternoon taking a horseback ride, working out at the Western Reserve Racket Club or shopping for goodies at the Aurora Premium Outlets. Relax in our library lounge in front of a fire with a good book, play checkers or just converse.

In the evening pamper yourself with a three-course dinner in the Blue Ribbon Café. Retire to your suite and enjoy a special surprise waiting for you. Wake up Monday to a delightful continental breakfast before you depart to begin the week refreshed and invigorated.

APRIL 1998 GOLF SHOP. Stop by the Golf Shop and find a great selection of apparel and equipment at competitive prices.

We have also added to our club fitting and now offer Titleist, Cobra and Zevo fitting systems. Watch for information about free fitting sessions in the near future.

APRIL 1998 OUTDOOR GRILLE. The Outdoor Grille will open Saturday, April 18th and remain open daily as golf play warrants. Regular 9-5 hours will begin Tuesday, May 5.

APRIL 1999 ’99 BEGINS SPIKELESS. After three years encouraging golfers to wear spikeless shoes, nearly 90% of Walden golfers have converted to spikeless.

1999 marks the first year Walden will be mandatory spikeless. In a survey taken by the Northern Ohio Golf Association in 1998, twenty-one of the thirty country clubs did not allow spikes to be worn during play.

Walden now becomes the 22nd country club to join their ranks.

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MARCH 1999 HERE COME THE “OSCARS.” We hope you can join us on Sunday night March 21st to see the Oscar presentations in our new, intimate theater.

It will be just like watching them “at the movies” in all their color and splendor!!

(But here you can be served cocktails during the presentations.) The Blue Ribbon Cafe will open at 6:00 p.m. for dinner.

APRIL 2000 COURSE UPDATED. Please say hello to our new border collie, “Key.” He will be helping mitigate the geese population as much as possible. Last year, we shook 180 eggs that were potential hatchlings. We plan to shake eggs again this year and will keep you posted on our efforts.

Marketplace If you would like to advertise, please contact Leslie Fletcher at 440.785.3110 or Leslie@MyWaldenLife.com.

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REFLECTIONS

— H E N R Y DAV I D T H O R E AU

Ink drawing of a crane Coby enjoys spotting outside of his home in Deer Island.

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BY C O BY C O N N E R ( AG E 1 5 )

M I C H A E L R. B A L O G

“It has always been my vision to improve the real estate industry and how people buy and sell their homes. This goal of mine has fueled a burning passion to provide unmatched value and unprecedented service to each and every person I interact with on a daily basis.

This is the key to my success.”

®

Michael R. Balog, Realtor

195 Barrington Town Square Aurora, Ohio 44202

330.802.4874 Michaelbalog@howardhanna.com MichaelRBalog.com

ENJOY SPRING AT WALDEN!