Walden Life - May 2022 by Mitchell Media LLC: Northeast Ohio Parent & Northeast Ohio Boomer Magazines

MAY | JUNE 2022

TEEING UP A NEW SEASON

MAY | JUNE 2022

FEATURE

WALDEN IN SUMMER

DEPARTMENTS

Neighbor to Neighbor

WALDEN CHAMPS

Ellen Heyman takes retirement to a new level.

Meet the winners of Walden’s 2021 golf championships.

Walden Staff Profile Collin McEndree

Women of Walden

Daisy Alford-Smith explains how she “did it all” (and still does!).

Back in the Day

Ken Lowe recalls when Walden was new.

Walden Kitchens

Light, tangy & refreshing: Steve’s Lemon Cookies

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Be inspired by Woman of Walden Daisy Alford-Smith.

SNAPSHOTS

Worth Noting

Flashbacks

Living the Life

Reflections

Walden is a golf course community, so golf season is our time to shine! As we get back into full swing, help us celebrate Walden’s standing golf champs.

ON THE COVER

TEEING UP A NEW SEASON PHOTO ABOVE BY DOUG BOUCK COVER PHOTO BY MARIA BIEL

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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

s I am writing this, I am cautiously saying that when this issue comes out, summer will finally be in our sights! What a long road it has been this winter. I can’t wait to see friends and neighbors outside at the pool and walking around Walden. Golfers are a welcome sight to the once-snowy course and you can read about some of Walden’s top golfers in our feature story. We have so many inspiring people living amongst us here and you can learn more about two of them in our Women of Walden and Neighbor to Neighbor features. You will enjoy hearing more about “the good old days” in Back in the Day. If you know a Walden resident or member who you think should be featured, or if you have a story idea, please email me. I would love to hear from you. See you in the sunshine!

2018 at our favorite place

LOVING THE WALDEN LIFE, Miriam Conner Editor/Associate Publisher

Miriam Conner is the editor and associate publisher for Walden Life. She is an educator, serves on the Aurora Board of Education, is a realtor for Howard Hanna, and is host of Northeast Ohio Parent magazine’s podcast, aParently Speaking. Miriam and Ryan love living in Walden with their three kids.

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

Volume 2, Issue 3 l May/June 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

Walden Life Staff Profiles Brad Mitchell is owner and founder of Mitchell Media LLC, which produces magazines, digital offerings and events in greater Cleveland through two flagship properties: Northeast Ohio Boomer and Northeast Ohio Parent magazines. Brad and Kathleen have three adult children and a 5-year-old granddaughter who loves visiting the Walden pool and playground.

Estelle Rodis-Brown serves as assistant editor for Walden Life. She is a freelance writer and photographer from northern Portage County who also serves as assistant editor of another Mitchell Media publication, Northeast Ohio Boomer magazine. She read Thoreau’s “Walden” in high school and it continues to inspire her today.

Leslie Fletcher serves as account executive for Walden Life. She has many great memories growing up as a part of the Walden community. She and her husband, Matt, raise their two boys, Nate and Joel, at their dream home in Walden they built with Manny.

Kaye Lowe is a contributing writer to Walden Life. She has been a resident of Walden for 35 years. She retired in 2019 after 18 years as executive director of the Cedar Fairmount Improvement District in Cleveland Heights. She previously had a bi-monthly column for the Fairlawn Observer and was associate editor of the Ohio PHC Contractor magazine.

Laura Chadwick serves as the art director and graphic designer for Walden Life. She is also the art director for Northeast Ohio Boomer and Livespecial.com magazines. She enjoys playing tennis and spending time with her Australian shepherd, Meg.

Maria Biel serves as lead photographer for Walden Life. She has owned her own photography business since 2013. She and her husband, Mike, have lived in Walden with their three children since 2015. They love evening golf cart rides, chipping balls in the back yard, and attending events at the club.

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Worth Noting

BY MIRIAM CONNER

MEET SARAH GILMORE

City of Aurora Ward 5 Council Member WHERE DID YOU GROW UP? I grew up on Eldridge Road but my family and I moved to Club Drive my senior year of high school. My parents still live in Aurora and own a condo in the Lakes. EDUCATION - I went to Aurora schools (K-12); I graduated from American University in Washington, D.C. in 2000 with a BA in Public Relations and Strategic Communication. CAREER - I’ve spent much of my career working in the hospitality and meetings industry. A year after college, I started working as a senior sourcing manager (selected site, negotiated and contracted hotels and convention centers for my clients’ annual meetings Sarah Gilmore — usually 20,000+ attendees — working with American College of Cardiology, Caterpillar Construction Equipment, Joyce Meyer Ministries and Sherwin-Williams, to name a few clients). This was for Bruce Harris at the company he founded, Conferon. Years later, Bruce sold his company and the name changed to Maritz Global Events. After 18 years at Conferon, Inc./Maritz Global Events, I left to become the Manager of Registration, Housing and Sourcing for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation in May of 2020. The Foundation is located in Bethesda, Maryland, but I’ve been working from my home for the last 20 years. FAMILY - My parents, Jack & Sandy Grdina, moved to Aurora in 1974. Both of my younger brothers (John & Nick) went to Gilmour Academy, while I was excited to stay at Aurora. I now have two boys, Jackson who is 16 and a sophomore, and Liam who is 10 and in fourth grade. Both attend Aurora schools, as well. WHEN DID YOU MOVE TO AURORA? I’ve lived here nearly my entire life! I left for college in 1996, graduated in 2000 and moved back to Northeast Ohio shortly thereafter. In 2014, I moved back to Aurora to raise my boys. WHAT DOES BEING A WARD 5 COUNCIL MEMBER MEAN? I am one of six council members, each representing a different ward in town. We also have three at-large council members and together we respond to constituent needs and concerns, pass ordinances and resolutions, communicate policies and programs to residents, regulate 8

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land use through zoning laws, establish long- and short-term priorities, work closely with the mayor and city department heads, and review and approve the annual budget — among many other things. Most importantly, I have a “door is always open” policy and am the voice for those of us who live in Ward Five. WHAT DID YOU DO WITH THE CITY BEFORE BEING APPOINTED? I was appointed as a Planning Commissioner in 2014 and served six years, working on smart growth in the city. WHEN WERE YOU APPOINTED? I was appointed to Aurora City Council, representing Ward Five in February 2022, after Kathi Grandillo’s untimely passing. HOW LONG IS YOUR TERM? Kathi was elected to a four-year term in November 2021, starting in January 2022. Because I was appointed near the beginning of Kathi’s term, I will serve until December 31, 2023. I will run for election in November of 2023. If elected, I will serve out the remaining two years of Kathi’s term and will run again in November of 2025. WHAT ARE YOU LOOKING FORWARD TO AS THE WARD 5 COUNCIL MEMBER? I really enjoy serving this community. I’m passionate about the people here and what this city has to offer. Connecting with residents in this ward and being accessible to them is extremely important to me. I’m also looking forward to working with the mayor, this city council and the department heads. I have a lot of respect for these individuals and the teams they’ve put together. FAVORITE MEMORIES ABOUT AURORA: I remember when the Aurora Farms was a dirt/rock parking lot that held a flea market on the weekends, when the Sohio gas station was on the corner of Route 82 and Route 306. Russ would pump our gas and bring out the manual credit card machine for payment. Fantasy Delight was the Dairy Bar and just as exciting as winning your softball/baseball game was trying to decide between ice cream or a candy grab bag. I remember when you stayed off the main roads in the summer to avoid the Geauga Lake and Sea World traffic. Or when we would buy corn from the farm stand located PHOTO COURTESY OF SARAH GILMORE

where Barrington Town Center is now and I’d go grocery shopping with my mom to Heinen’s (which was located where Marc’s is now). I remember walking the back nine of the Aurora Country Club while my dad practiced for upcoming tournaments, spending countless hot days at the Walden pool and getting frozen candy bars at the halfway house during rest breaks. I remember the first time my friends and I walked from Harmon Middle School through the woods to the brand-new McDonald’s.

I could go on and on and on. I have SO many fond memories as a child growing up in this town, but my favorites are the ones I’m making right now with my own boys. Watching them walk into the schools I once attended, learning to drive on the same streets I did and even having friends in the same houses that I did growing up, it all seems so surreal. Knowing that they are growing up in the town that shaped who I am makes me a very proud mom.

The Walden Dolphins Have a New Leader Avery Hendl will be leading the Walden Dolphins swim team this summer. Avery is graduating from Aurora High School in May and will be attending either the University of Pittsburgh, OSU, Case Western, Carnegie Mellon or Miami University in the fall and majoring in biomedical engineering and pre-med. Avery comes to the Dolphins with much experience. She was a member of the Lakes of Aurora Swim Team (2010-2017), United Swim Club (2014-15, 2015-16), Harmon Middle School Swim Team (2016, 2017), and the Aurora High School Swim Team (2018-19, 2020-22). She was also the assistant coach for the Walden Dolphin swim team in 2021. When Avery is not swimming, she enjoys gardening, making jewelry, running, hiking and reading. After a few years of swimming on

the Lakes of Aurora summer swim team, Avery knew she wanted to be a summer swim coach. She says, “Summer swimming was such an integral part of my childhood summers, and I want to do nothing more than give back to the community that provided so many great memories. I’m grateful for the opportunity to coach such an amazing team!” Besides coaching the team, she will also be lifeguarding, teaching swim lessons, and picking up hostess shifts at the Clubhouse. So far, there are about 40 kids signed up and Avery anticipates there will be at least 50 Dolphins this summer! “I had to miss a few meets last year, so I’m really excited about being there for the whole swim season this year!” she says. “I’m also looking forward to seeing and working with everyone again this summer, and getting to know the team better.” Come out and see the Dolphins in action this summer!

HOLE IN ONE MIKE BIEL Mike got another hole-inone on Hole #13 on March 8th. This was his second hole-in-one (his first was when he was 10 years old)!

TRIVIA

NEW TRIVIA QUESTION: How many gallons of water does it take to fill the Walden pool? Trivia question from our previous issue: What is the name of Walden Golf Course Superintendent Ron Skok’s dog? Answer: Cali M AY / J U N E 2 0 22

CALENDAR

Worth Noting

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POOL & CLUB SHACK

MOVIES

May 28 - Pool opens for the season!

Every Monday night, the Inn offers a complimentary movie for members. No need to register. The movie begins at 7 p.m.

May 9 - Arrival May 16 - Midnight in Paris May 23 - Judy May 30 - The Princess Bride June 6 - The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy June 13 - Evan Almighty June 20 - The Lovely Bones June 27 - Water for Elephants

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

GOLF

SWIM MEETS

May 21 - Couples’ Twilight June 11 -Couples’ Twilight May 28 - Ladies’ Holiday Golf June 14 - WWGA Derby Day May 30 - Men’s Holiday Golf June 27&28 - WWGA Member Guest

June 14 - Home June 21 - Home June 30 - Home

July 5 - @ Lake in the Woods July 7 - Home July 12 - @ Hemlock Hills

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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

Busier Than Ever, Post Retirement By Kaye Lowe

Sons Mark (left) and Todd (right) with Ravines resident Ellen Heyman.

llen Heyman has been a resident of Walden for 32 years. When she and her late husband, Dr. Will Heyman, visited friends in Walden, they loved the design of the homes and the ambiance of the community. Their two sons, Mark and Todd, were grown. The allure of Walden drew the couple to consider downsizing and building a forever home. When they moved into their newly built condominium in September 1990, their new neighbors, Dr. Joe and Mary Miller, stood outside with a huge sign that said, “Welcome to Camp Walden!” The move to Walden created many new friends for the Heymans. The couple enjoyed a sense of community and inclusiveness from everyone they met. After Will’s death 17 years ago, Ellen has remained in her home in The Ravines, as she feels Walden is a comfortable, safe place for a single woman. When Ellen was asked what she loved about Walden, she said, “There is so much to love! I especially like it being intergenerational, residents crossing the barriers of age, and then interacting with everyone.”

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She has enjoyed playing tennis, having her regular bridge and canasta games with friends, the Walden Gourmet Club, and especially, dining at the Barn and Club restaurants (Ellen is a gourmet extraordinaire), the Walden Fitness Center, and neighborhood gatherings. She often walks along Walden paths to immerse herself in the quiet beauty of Walden. Proximity to the city of Cleveland makes Walden a perfect residence for Ellen. She has worked as an Advanced Practice Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse for over 40 years. She has spent most of her career — including 17 years at University Hospitals — working with patients, helping them cope with medical illness and hospitalization. In 1998, she began a grassroots effort with Eileen Saffran to create The Gathering Place, which has locations in Beachwood and Westlake. This cancer support center provides a wide range of services, free of charge, to individuals and families coping with the impact of cancer in their lives. These include support groups, exercise and nutrition programs, massage and reiki, the services of a PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE HEYMAN FAMILY

Ellen's two grandchildren, Gabriel (left) and Alexander.

medical librarian, as well as programs for children. Ellen served as the Chief Program Officer since the organization’s doors opened in 2000. She was responsible for designing the programs and services offered and supervising the team providing the services. Since January 2000, it has served almost 50,000 people who have made nearly 400,000 visits to programs and services. Ellen has been a large part of the success of the non-profit Gathering Place for 20 years until her retirement in 2018. They say, “If you want a job done, give it to a busy person.” Ellen has co-chaired three house tours. Two in

Walden that benefited the Gathering Place and one in the city of Aurora to benefit the Cleveland Orchestra at the Blossom Music Center. Ellen has not let retirement stop her! She continues to provide clinical services at the Gathering Place, including facilitating several support groups. She also serves on the board of directors. As a preceptor for first- and second-year medical school students at Case Western Reserve Medical School, Ellen holds weekly classes focusing on helping medical students learn positive communications skills and knowledge of the emotional side of the patient experience. This April, Ellen is implementing a weekly support group at the Lutheran Metropolitan Ministry for women prisoners. She facilitates a support group for them to discuss their concerns about reintegrating into family and community after their release. Family and friends are of prime importance to Ellen. Her sons, Mark and Todd; her daughter-in-law, Stacy; and her two grandchildren, Gabriel and Alexander, visit her often. In her spare time, Ellen hosts many dinner parties in her home, preparing delicious foods and setting an attractive table. It is not unusual for 24 or more to be invited to her lovely home for a Passover or Hanukkah dinner. This quiet, unassuming neighbor, Ellen Heyman, is an asset to the Walden community and makes a huge impact on many lives.

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TEE TIME

The Guys Behind the Glorious Greens By Miriam Conner

At work: Ron Skok with Cali (left) and Benny with John Demma.

T Ron Skok

here is no denying the beauty of Walden and its stunning golf course. There are many people who help to maintain it, but Ron Skok and John Demma are the master technicians behind all of this amazing scenery that we enjoy so much.

Ron Skok, Walden’s Director of Agronomy, has been keeping Walden beautiful for 21 years. Ron grew up in Painesville, graduated from Painesville’s Harvey High School and then went on to study turf at Rutgers University. Before coming to Walden, Ron worked as the Assistant Superintendent at Sand Ridge Golf Club in Chardon. Prior to that, he was the Spray Tech at Acacia Golf Club. In 2001,

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while working at Sandy Ridge, Ron was approached by Rob Rosencrans, Managing Partner of Walden, with the opportunity to become Walden’s Director of Agronomy. The rest, shall we say, is history. Ron and his wife, Cindy, live in Walden Farms. They enjoy spending time with their daughter, Ava, who is a freshman at Aurora High School and their dog, 2-yearold Golden Retriever, Cali. When Ron is not working on the golf course or playing golf, he enjoys watching Ava’s

PHOTOS COURTESY OF RON SKOK & JOHN DEMMA

“The thing I especially like about working at Walden is the team-like atmosphere we’ve created and being able to help Rob Rosencrans and Ron Skok build something special here at Walden. They are great guys to work with. I am very fortunate to have a career I have loved for 35 years.”

sporting events and any other sporting events he can. A typical day for Ron includes getting to the grounds shop before the rest of the crew to assess the needs of the day, depending on the weather, and to come up with game plans A, B and C. He usually drives around the course to see what will need to be completed the following day. It’s not a typical 9-to-5 job. Cindy jokes that she may be Ron’s wife, but the golf course is his mistress. During the spring and summer, he comes back to the course at 11 p.m. to check on the irrigation system and make sure it’s running properly. After a rainstorm, he also comes back to check the water levels. Ron says he loves his job. When asked what is the most gratifying part of his job, he says, “Being able to be outdoors. The Walden property is really amazing; it is like having 200 acres as my yard that I oversee.”

daily tasks,” he says. “I enjoy the challenges and solving problems and curveballs Mother Nature throws us daily.” “The thing I especially like about working at Walden is the team-like atmosphere we’ve created and being able to help Rob Rosencrans and Ron Skok build something special here at Walden. They are great guys to work with. I am very fortunate to have a career I have loved for 35 years.” Thank you, Ron and John, for keeping Walden the beautiful place where we love to play and live. Your countless hours and attention to detail do not go unnoticed.

John Demma

John is the Assistant Golf Course Superintendent. He has been at Walden for a mere 35 years. John grew up in Mantua and started working on the golf course as a summer job while attending Crestwood High School. He then attended Bowling Green State University and Owens Technical College in Toledo, studying landscape and turf management. After college, John started working full time at Walden and he “fell in love with the lifestyle and challenges that revolve around maintaining such a beautiful property.” John and his wife, Renee, moved to Freedom Township, where they raised their sons Danny and Anthony. Danny joined the Air Force and Anthony is a senior studentathlete at James A. Garfield High School in Garrettsville. Most of John’s spare time revolves around their son’s sports. John has been a youth baseball and football coach from the time his sons were 5 years old. Both of his sons have been part of Walden’s summer staff. John says, now that his sons are older, he has a little more time for his home projects. Most of John’s days consist of organizing, training and coaching the staff, “so we can efficiently complete our

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Staff Profile

COLLIN McENDREE TITLE: HEAD GOLF PROFESSIONAL

Time at Walden: 2 Years Hometown: Canton, Ohio Hobbies: Golf, cooking, hiking, traveling, hunting, anything outdoors Favorite music: Country Favorite food: Steak Favorite movie: “Shawshank Redemption” Favorite Walden golf event: Triple Crown Did you know... I have been to 14 national parks, 30 different states, and 8 different countries. Best thing about Walden: The membership

PHOTO: MARIA BIEL

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WOMEN OF WALDEN

DAISY ALFORD-SMITH | “I Compelled Myself Forward” By Estelle Rodis-Brown

Despite all of Daisy's responsibilities, she still has fun!

ou can’t help but be impressed with Dr. Daisy L. Alford-Smith. She is strikingly attractive, gracious, kind, witty, intelligent, humble and warm. But that’s just the beginning. To simply review the highlights of her storied career, you may stop yourself to ask if one woman could possibly do all that. Daisy says it’s really not such a big deal. Judge for yourself. Here’s a “quick” summary: Dr. Alford-Smith has been recognized for her outstanding accomplishments in the health and human services arena locally, nationally and internationally. Her impressive career has left a legacy of strong leadership and meaningful impact on many lives. Prior to her retirement in 2012, as Chief Executive Officer, she spearheaded the successful merger of five Girl Scout Councils into one North East Ohio Council. Her previous positions include Chief Operating Officer with the Commission on Graduates of Foreign Nursing Schools, Director of the Summit County Department of Jobs and Family Services, Assistant Professor and Director of the Center for Urban & Minority Health at Case Western Reserve University, Director of the Cleveland Department of Public Health and Deputy Director for the Ohio Department of Human Services.

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Dr. Alford-Smith has served as a consultant to the country of Slovakia, presented workshops in Thailand on Combining Religion and Health, and has been a keynote speaker in Korea. She has traveled as a consultant to Gaborone, Botswana and she has taught leadership administration at the University of Zimbabwe in Zimbabwe, Africa. She has also served as a health consultant to the South African government. Her leadership experience has been involved with issues surrounding minority health care, social reform, community education and empowerment. Since moving to Walden in 2006, Dr. Alford-Smith has served on the Master Plan Review Committee, Human Resources Committee, and the Architectural Board of Review for the city of Aurora. On a national level, she has served on the Medicare Advisory Committee. She has received numerous awards and recognitions, including being named one of Cleveland’s Most Influential Women and Business Leaders of Today by Crain’s Business Magazine; and one of the YWCA’s Greater Cleveland’s Women of Achievement. She is the recipient of Civic Accomplishment Awards and Distinguished Achievements from the Ohio House of Representatives, the Ohio Senate, Cuyahoga County Commissioners, Summit County and Cleveland City Council. Daisy is a member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority and the National Black Nurses Association, having served as its second and first vice president. She was also president of the National Coalition of Ethnic Minority Nurses (NCEMNA). She is an active alumnae member of the Western Reserve Links, Inc. where she was inducted in 1997. Dr. Alford-Smith earned her Nursing Diploma from the Montefiore Hospital School of Nursing in Pittsburgh; her Bachelor of Science in Nursing from the State University of New York; her Master of Science in Education from the University of Akron; and her Doctorate in Urban Health Education and Policy from Cleveland State University. Daisy and her husband, Kenneth Smith, share five children, 14 grandchildren and three great-grandchildren. Ken is the President and Owner of Hull Remodeling. Five of their grandchildren are graduates of Aurora High School. See what I mean? Daisy lets us in on her backstory in order to explain that her career trajectory was simply a matter of cause and effect. One thing led to the other, simple as that.

Could one woman possibly do all that?

PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE ALFORD-SMITH FAMILY

First, she was the firstborn among seven other siblings. “A lot of my leadership skills were developed at an early age,” she says. “I was the enforcer in terms of taking care of others.” Fast forward to early adulthood. Daisy was married and had three children. Then she was divorced for 10 years, working as manager of a health care agency in Akron as a single mother. “During that time, I compelled myself forward,” she says. Indeed. Having already earned her bachelor’s degree in nursing, she pursued her master’s in education after the divorce. second child in 1999. Simultaneously, “I was (Her other daughter, identified and recognized Kelli Wilson, now lives in for some of the things I Twinsburg and her son, was doing in Akron, to join William “Trae” Alford, now the team of Ohio Governor lives in Aurora). When Dick Celeste. I moved to two more Sellers children Columbus with the kids. came along, grandma and That’s when everything grandpa were helping out with the growing really started for me.” family, driving back and forth from Pepper Pike. That’s when Daisy served Within seven years, Daisy and Ken found a as Director of Medicaid Clockwise from top: Daisy with her family, as spacious 4,000-square-foot condo at Walden’s — including child welfare winner of the 2010 Athena Award and in a Bent Creek Oval, just nine-tenths of a mile from news conference as Director of the Cleveland daycare and Adult Protective Kym, Brad and the kids. Department of Public Health. Services — for the State of “That’s how we got here!” Daisy recalls. “The Ohio. While in that position, condo was (and is) just my style of home. And Daisy explains, “I interacted with a lot of people. One of them Walden was the perfect community for us. And the warmth of was a gentleman by the name of Mike White, who eventually the people was immediately apparent.” became the mayor of Cleveland. He asked if I would consider Daisy is active in the Walden Women’s Golf Association and coming back “Home North” to serve as Health Director for other women’s golf groups at Walden. She also has enjoyed the City of Cleveland. playing Mahjong and Gin Rummy with other Walden women. “So, you see, it kind of flows,” Daisy asserts. And every She has also been active in her leadership involvements future higher degree, promotion or position Daisy has with the City of Aurora in several leadership capacities, as achieved — from completing her Ph.D. at Cleveland State mentioned earlier. since the campus was within walking distance of her job; “This nice combination of experiences has really helped to creating the Center for Urban & Minority Health at Case me to become a part of this community (Walden as well as Western Reserve University’s School of Nursing & School Aurora),” she says. of Medicine; to traveling internationally to teach, speak and And now Daisy has been officially retired for a decade. But consult in Zimbabwe, Slovakia and Korea — she essentially unsurprisingly, she says, “I’m ‘retired’ but I’m not retired!” shrugs and says it all fell in her lap because her children were She does consulting for various health entities, still appears either in college or just married, and she had the time and on the speaking circuit, and is Director of Olivet Housing & opportunity to go through every open door. Development Corporation, a health education and workforce “See how it works?” she quips. development arm of Olivet Institutional Baptist Church’s It wasn’t until 1995 that she met her future husband, Ken. Health Ministry in Cleveland. Now they have been happily married for 26 years. According to Daisy, “That’s what I do in my spare time! The “It all fell together so beautifully,” Daisy says. main thing for me is to stay grounded, to reach out and be of Daisy and Ken previously lived in Pepper Pike. She recalls, some help to others in some way, starting with my family at “I never had any idea of where Walden was. I knew of Aurora the top of the list and on down. I may have a Ph.D. in public and Aurora Farms.” policy and an undergraduate in nursing, but that’s what it all But then one of Daisy’s daughters, Kym Sellers, had moved comes down to for me… being able to make a difference.” to Walden with her husband, Brad, after the birth of their M AY / J U N E 2 0 22

MEET THE

CHAMPS! By Miriam Conner

Club Walden offers one of Ohio’s most challenging and beautifully manicured championship golf courses. Whether you play for the social aspect of the game or for the competition, what golfer wouldn’t want to bring home some hardware for all of their time and effort on the course? Meet some of the players to beat during the 2022 golf season at Walden.

The Wurm Family (from left): Logan, Matt, Renee & Becca with their awards.

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PHOTO BY MARIA BIEL

MATT AND RENEE WURM

2021 HUSBAND & WIFE CHAMPIONS Matt and Renee Wurm are the 2021 Husband & Wife Champions at Walden. They also happen to be the 2020 couples’ champions and will be going for the trifecta this year! Matt grew up in Aurora and graduated from Aurora High School and then the University of Dayton with degrees in finance and accounting. Renee grew up in Avon and graduated from Magnificat High School before attending Miami University and earning degrees in marketing, international business and communication. In 2011, Matt and Renee met on none other than eharmony. Their first meet-and-greet was at the Greenhouse Tavern in Cleveland. That went well, so they continued on to Saigon for dinner. Renee said they “closed down the restaurant and the rest is history.” They were married in 2012 during the 60th anniversary year of Renee’s grandparents and at the same wedding location — the historic Shrine Church of St. Stanislaus in Cleveland’s Slavic Village. Matt and Renee designed and built their home in Chagrin Falls eight years ago. The Wurms have been Walden members for six of their 10 years of marriage. Matt’s brother and sister are also Walden members. Matt and Renee have two kids: Becca (5) and Logan (4). Becca hopes to be a part of the Walden Dolphins this summer and both children will be participating in golf and tennis. The Wurms enjoy the pool, golf and tennis, as well as the Spa and dining at the Barn for special events. Matt played golf in high school and learned to play on the “challenging” Walden course. Renee learned the game after college and did not play regularly until the last few years. Renee has played in the “Wine and Nine” for two years, is a member of the WWGA and plays in special events. Matt plays Thursdays in the men’s league. As a couple, they play as often as they can. Renee is “really excited to get out. The best part is being outside golfing with friends or each other.” To Matt, “The best part is the competition of playing in the golf events.” Matt and Renee both enjoy meeting new people on the golf course and then being able to see them at Walden events. Since there are new members every year, they “welcome meeting new couples at the couple’s tournament.” The couples’ tournament lasts all summer long, totaling 18 rounds. Winning makes it all the more enjoyable. Matt and Renee’s kids may be their biggest fans because, in 2020 and 2021, they brought home their champion vases filled with candy. Will they be able to make it three years in a row and bring home more candy for their kids? Renee and Matt have a fun tagline going into the 2022 tournament: “Watch out for the Wurms!” Will you be the one to get your name on the championship plaque for 2022? PHOTO COURTESY OF MARY ANN MUCCIO

Champion Mary Ann Muccio

MARY ANN MUCCIO

2021 WOMEN’S CHAMPION If the name Mary Ann Muccio sounds familiar to you, you may have seen her name on the plaque at the Clubhouse, celebrating the fact that she has been the women’s champion 10 times! Mary Ann grew up in Niles, playing golf with her parents after dinner most evenings. She said she didn’t know how lucky she was to be able to play golf so often with her parents. She would have loved to have played golf in high school and college, but there weren’t any women’s golf teams at the time. She attended Notre Dame College in Cleveland and graduated with a teaching degree. Although she loved teaching at Mayfield High School for 30 years, she says she retired the minute she could so she could golf every day. “I liked my job, but I’d rather golf!” she admits. Mary Ann lived in Chagrin Falls for 25 years and became a Walden golf member 12 years ago. “I got tired of the 11-minute drive, so I decided to move to Walden,” she laughs. A friend she golfs with told her about a condo in Bent Creek and she really liked it. Mary Ann moved to that condo M AY / J U N E 2 0 22

five years ago. She enjoys splitting her time between Walden and Bradenton, Florida, where she practically lives on the 8th hole of a golf course there. Mary Ann loves golfing at Walden and the friendships she has made here. “The people in Walden are something special,” she says. She is thankful for how accepting and welcoming all of the “warm, good people” were when she moved here. If she isn’t on the golf course, which is rare, you may catch her riding her bike around Walden or eating at the Club or the Barn. A self-described “golf nut,” she plays more than 18 holes a day. “It is my passion,” she says. She plays everything that WWGA offers. She and five other women from the WWGA play in the Greater Cleveland match play every week at different courses. The Walden team won the Greater Cleveland match play for women’s golf in 2021. She has had six holes in one, but none have been in Walden. She agrees that she is due for one this summer. The 2021 Women’s tournament usually lasts three to four weeks, depending on how many women participate. Three matches are played to get to the finals. The last Sunday is when all of the final matches are played, followed by the awards ceremony. Mary Ann says that there are new players each year in the tournaments, so you’re never sure who may show up. She has a handicap of 10-11 and beat a player with a 1-2 handicap in 2021. Mary Ann credits each of her victories to “having a great day and getting lucky.” Thinking about the upcoming 2022 Women’s Tournament, she says, “I hope I get lucky again.”

GREG MYERS

2021 MEN’S CHAMPION Greg Myers started playing golf when he was 10 years old, but then he discovered baseball. He spent his childhood playing baseball and continued to play in college. It wasn’t until after college that he began to take golf more seriously. The hobby turned into an obsession and the Walden way of life. Now Greg has earned the Men’s Champion title twice and would like to go for three! Greg and his wife, Kim, both grew up in Connecticut but met in Michigan through a mutual friend and were married in 1989. Kim, who received her master’s degree in molecular biology and worked as a research scientist, has recently retired from her position at The Emergency Assistance Center in Macedonia. Greg received his undergraduate degree in engineering from Cornell University and his master’s degree in business from the University of Michigan.

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Greg Myers with his 2021 award.

He works as director of sales and marketing for a manufacturing company. During Greg and Kim’s honeymoon, driving up Big Sur in California, Kim commented on how beautiful it was and that Greg should be golfing! Greg replied, “I love you, honey” and made a beeline for Spyglass Hill Golf Course. “She’s a keeper!” he laughs. “How many wives tell their husbands to play more golf?” Greg and Kim have two boys: Will, who graduated from Ohio State University and now lives in Athens, and John, who graduated from the University of Cincinnati and still lives in Cincinnati. Greg and Kim lived in Twinsburg for 20 years and have been members of Walden for six years. Greg was

PHOTO BY MARIA BIEL

looking for somewhere to play more golf and he said he wouldn’t join golf at Walden unless Kim also did. She agreed and is now “addicted.” They could not stay away and moved to Walden in The Landings two years ago. They wanted a condo and looked at 13-14 units before choosing the first one they looked at. Their neighbors in The Landings invited them to a get-together even before they moved in. They say they have the best neighbors. Asking Greg what he enjoys about Walden, he says, “The guys… being out there with the guys is most of the fun.” He also thinks the Walden staff is “awesome, very welcoming.” The ladies were very gracious to Kim and got her involved right away. Greg has played in the US senior open qualifiers in the past. The first time he played, he almost qualified. He met Mitch for the first time while playing together in a Senior Open qualifier and that experience made joining Walden an easier decision for him. After turning 55, Greg made it to the national finals for the USGA Senior Amateur Championship his first three

“Golf is deceptively simple and endlessly complicated; it satisfies the soul and frustrates the intellect. It is at the same time rewarding and maddening — and it is without a doubt the greatest game mankind has ever invented.” – Arnold Palmer

years in a row. “That was an amazing experience,” he said. The process of becoming men’s champion is to win all of your matches from the back tees. There are 16 slots and 14 players. Golfers play a full 18-hole match and the final match is 36 holes in one day. Golfers begin at 8 a.m., break for lunch, and finish around 3-3:30 p.m., depending on how quickly they are golfing. In the summer of 2021, Greg was one of the final two men playing 36 holes. The winner gets an award and in 2021 the award was a platter. Oh, by the way, Greg humbly mentioned that he also won in 2018 and received a beautiful crystal vase that year. The tournament is open to players of any age, so Greg is beating some of the young guys! He won the championship flight and was the champion in each one of the flight brackets. When asked if Greg will be trying to defend his title this year, he responded, “Yes, I will see if I can keep my title.”

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NATURE NOTES

Plant THIS, not THAT! | Go Native in Your Flower Garden By Estelle Rodis-Brown

very spring, I look forward to visiting my local nurseries for showy, sun-loving annuals and lush, shade-loving perennials to beautify my flower gardens. But this year, I’m making the effort to plant natives, not ornamentals. Why? The benefits are plentiful, say naturalists Dr. Jim Tomko and Kim Pease from nearby Moebius Nature Center. “The biggest benefit of planting natives is that it helps the whole food chain while saving you time, money and energy,” they say.

NATIVE ADVANTAGES Since native plants have evolved to our seasons and soil types, they thrive in less-than-ideal conditions. Native flowers flourish in their natural habitat, even if the soil is depleted, if there’s not enough or too much rain, or if you see caterpillars and other insects on the plants. On the other hand, says Kim, “Ornamentals are more finicky and temperamental, so they require more care.” At the top of the benefits list is how well native flowers attract important pollinators — butterflies, hummingbirds, honey bees, moths and other insects. While pollinators maintain natural plant communities and ensure seed production in most flowering plants, their impact is much more far-reaching. In fact, the U.S. Forest Service states, “Without pollinators, the human race and all of earth’s terrestrial ecosystems would not survive. Of the 1,400 crop plants grown around the world, i.e., those that produce all of our food and plant-based industrial products, almost 80% require pollination by animals.” And in case you haven’t heard about it yet, there’s a dramatic and disturbing decline in the population of honeybees and other pollinators in the U.S. and around the world. Among possible causes, pesticides, parasites, disease and habitat loss all play a part in what’s known as 24

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Native beauties (clockwise from left): Spicebush, fringed gentian and trout lily.

Colony Collapse Disorder among honeybees. When pollinators disappear, not only do the plants fail to reproduce, but the birds that eat the pollinators starve, the mammals that eat the birds go hungry, and disaster reverberates on through the food chain. As in so many environmental issues, we each can do our part to help regain some ecological equilibrium. So, now that it’s time to plan your spring flower garden, consider that common ornamental plants do not provide ideal food energy for their wildlife visitors, often require insect pest control, and simply take more water, work and fertilizer to survive… or they are incredibly invasive and take over the landscape. In contrast, according to the U.S. Forest Service, native plants: • Do not require fertilizers • Require less water and help prevent erosion due to their deep root

systems, significantly reducing water runoff and flooding. • Help reduce air pollution since they filter carbon from the air • Provide shelter and food for wildlife while promoting biodiversity

TOP TIPS (from Kim, Jim and Moebius Nature Center volunteer gardener Marty Sickinger): #1: No Pesticides. Since pesticides are not species-specific, they kill all insects, not just the “bad” ones. They also poison the predators that feed on the affected insects, so, once again, this upsets the natural balance within the food chain. Instead, a hard stream of water from the hose is usually enough to knock most insects off your plants. Nonnative, invasive insects like Japanese beetles can be knocked into a can of soapy water. PHOTOS BY JIM TOMKO

However, not all insects in your garden are bad. Caterpillars, for instance, are an important food source for birds. Jim says that one caterpillar is equivalent to 500 aphids as a food source for birds. Besides, if they mature before getting eaten, caterpillars become butterflies or moths that will pollinate your flowers and help them multiply in your garden. “It’s actually good to see caterpillars on your plants and trees,” Jim says. “It means the chain of life is working.” #2: Plan Ahead. “Planting the right plant in the wrong place won’t do the trick,” Jim warns. Before you set a sun-loving flower under a shady tree or plant a fast-growing species in a crowded spot, consider your garden’s soil, light and space conditions.

THIS; NOT THAT! Try this handy compare-and-contrast guide to help you replace your tendency to plant ornamental rather than native flowers.

Sun-Loving Flowers: PLANT medium-height natives like asters, bee balm, foxglove and milkweed (essential to attract and sustain monarch butterflies). NOT Purple Loosestrife.

PLANT tall natives such as colorful Joe Pye weed, ironweed, purple asters and goldenrod; NOT invasive Japanese anemones, yarrow (even though some are native), tansy or ornamental grasses.

Shade-Loving Flowers & Ground Covers: PLANT Jack-in-the-pulpit, May apple, trout lily, and native violets, wild ginger and native ferns, which re-seed themselves and thrive throughout the growing season; NOT lily-of-the-valley, common periwinkle, pachysandra, English ivy, snow on the mountain/ bishop’s goutweed or yellow archangel — which are relentlessly invasive, choking out other plants in their vicinity.

Shrubs: PLANT Butterfly Weed; NOT invasive Barberry. PLANT Spicebush, which attracts and fortifies swallowtail butterflies; NOT Burning Bush, which is invasive.

which supports only five species of caterpillars.

FLOWERS FOR EACH SEASON Spring flowers are a great food source for pollinators. Spring natives include Jack in the pulpit, Solomon’s seal, bloodroot, violets and Dog Tooth Violets. Early summer flowers are a great food source for pollinators and also for the larval stages of beneficial insects. Natives include blazing stars, spiderwort, Virginia mountain mint, blue false indigo, bee balms and smooth penstemon. Mid-to-late summer flowers supply pollinators with food through to autumn. The super-food nectar they produce help insects build up energy needed for winter hibernation. Natives include Joe Pye weed, ironweed, obedient plant, milkweeds, butterfly weed, asters and goldenrod.

WHERE TO FIND THEM

Trees: PLANT Sassafras; NOT Catalpa or Tree of Heaven. PLANT an oak tree, which supports up to 500 species of caterpillars (future pollinators and food source for birds); NOT Gingko, a non-native

Thanks to a growing trend, many local nurseries carry both ornamental and native flowers. Search ohionativeplantmonth.org/nativeplant-sources for local nurseries that sell native plants. Going native in your garden has never been easier!

Join us for this Free Event to Celebrate Walden Life and our Walden Community at Club Walden! Meet the Walden Life Team • Visit with our Advertising Partners Mix and Mingle with Neighbors & Club Members • Food Sampling • Music • Giveaways

Coming this September! | Registration Opens in July M AY / J U N E 2 0 22

The following two pages are brought to you by Club Walden

YOGA RETURNS TO SPA WALDEN

Yoga is a great choice for every body. All levels are welcome! It’s just $10 per class for members ($15 a class to non-members), Tuesday - Friday, 9-10:15 a.m. and Saturday & Sunday, 8:30-9:30 a.m. For more details, contact Spa Walden at 330-995-9772.

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SPRING IS IN THE AIR Watching crocuses and daffodils pop up all over Walden always makes you feel renewed and ready for a fresh beginning. Spring will do that to you. Walden is experiencing its own “spring.” The Inn recently refreshed its rooms and the Spa has brand-new pedicure tubs that will leave you feeling rested and renewed when you leave its sanctuar. Make a promise to yourself to renew your spirit this spring at Walden... who knew you could feel so refreshed, just minutes from home? Plan a Spa-and-Stay at Inn Walden. Enjoy a luxurious suite, complete with a fireplace and jacuzzi tub. Enjoy two 60-minute spa services at Spa Walden. During your stay, plan on dinner at Barn Walden, which is offering a brand-new Chop House menu. Wake up in the morning and enjoy Yoga at Spa Walden and then treat yourself to a relaxing breakfast en suite from the Cafe at Walden. Are you feeling relaxed yet? Book online at yourwalden.com or call the Inn directly at 330-562-5508.

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BACK IN THE DAY

“This New Place Called Walden” | Ken Lowe By Miriam Conner caddy. He went on to a career in the golf industry, crediting his dad for moving him to Walden when he was 8 years old. Ken has three grandchildren: Caitlin, Stephanie and Jeffery. When it comes to early days at Walden, Ken remembers Friday nights full of golf and burgers at the Barn afterward with the then-small Walden community. Fourth of July was a favorite time for Ken and his friends to have a big party every year. Halloween meant the gang getting into golf carts and driving around to make sure the kids were safe because “that is the kind of place Walden is.” Ken also enjoyed meeting regularly in the Bogey Bar as part of a large group. Ken served as president of the Walden Golf & Tennis Club for two terms in 1982 and 1983. He also chaired an annual Kidney Foundation Golf Tournament at Walden for several years. Trying to remember a favorite memory, Ken simply says, “I do not have a bad one.” In 1979, Ken built and moved his children into a condo in the Meadows, where he was president off and on for Ken and Kaye Lowe 11 years. His was the second unit built in the Meadows. He enjoyed his community of neighbors, especially the “progressive parties,” where they would drive golf carts en Lowe is a true Walden original, having met with from house to house, and “Flamingo Fridays,” which were Manny Barenholtz at the Barn in December of 1971 parties complete with a flamingo in the yard to sign a contract for building a of the current host. home. He and his family moved into their That condo would not remain a bachelor newly built home on Cross Creek Oval in pad for long. Four years later, Ken met September of 1972. Kaye, a school teacher in Michigan and Before moving to Walden, Ken lived in Cuyahoga Falls. She retired in 2019 Solon and golfed at Tanglewood Country after 18 years as Executive of the Cedar Club. Ken was regularly driving his 8-yearFairmount Special Business District. old son, David, from Solon to Tanglewood Unfortunately, her daughter, Kathy passed to golf when one of his neighbors asked away in July 2019. him if he had heard about “this new place It was 1983 and Kaye was living in called Walden.” Ken went to see Walden Ken with his late son, David. Hudson. Her friends, Duke and Marcy and immediately fell in love with it. Bitler, were living in the Claridges and Ken is a graduate of Solon High School and invited Kaye to their Christmas party, where Ken just so Miami University, where he majored in finance and minored happened to be invited. in marketing. He served in the Air Force Reserves for eight Kaye remembers seeing Ken for the first time. “He just years, taking his basic and tech training out of Lackland Air came back from Florida and was wearing a green jacket, Force Base. His father was in the insurance business and tan, and gorgeous blue eyes.” wanted Ken to follow suit. Ken agreed to give insurance In April, Kaye attended a new member event at the Club. a chance for two years. Forty-three years later, he retired She asked Ken to please call her about insurance (good from the Ken Lowe Insurance Agency (merged into Central move, Kaye). He never called. Kaye said she really needed Insurance Agencies). insurance so she called him. He went to her house to Ken raised three children in Walden: David (passed away discuss insurance options. A week later, he asked her out. in February 2022), Allison and Dawn. Since David grew Their first date was at Quinn’s in Solon to see a Tom Jones up in Walden, he became an avid golfer and worked as a

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PHOTOS COURTESY OF THE LOWE FAMILY

From left: Ken Lowe Closing Stag golf outing with David Lowe, Ken Lowe, Dick Novak and Phil Lagnese.

impersonator. In the car, he played Neil Diamond music. Kaye loved Neil Diamond, so that “sealed the deal.” They dated for four years and were married in 1987. Their wedding was at Club Walden with 200 guests at the reception. The Club had just finished an expansion the night before. Ken had a Ken Lowe Closing Stag golf outing for his wedding party the day of the wedding and Kaye just hoped all of the golfers would make it to the wedding on time, including Ken!

Ken and Kaye owned a condo and a home in Florida, but when they decided to downsize to one home, they chose Walden because “Walden is home.” Ken said, “When you drive into Walden, it is exactly as Thoreau said, peaceful and calm.” Ken and Kaye have made many good friends here, including the O’Neils, Schoafs and Koenigs. Thinking back on their time at Walden, Ken says, “Tell me, what’s not to love here?”

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Cars of Walden Rick Kanzleiter - Russet Woods

1963 Chevrolet Corvette Roadster Convertible - This classic car has been completely torn down and rebuilt by Rick.

Mike Sebenoler - Meadows

1996 Corvette - Mike likes to take his Corvette to local car shows and looks forward to running it at nearby track events this summer.

Dave Kuhary

1952 Murray Dump Truck

The driver is Dave’s grandson, Andy.

Dave Kuhary

Sam Albright - Ravines

Grandson Michael with one of Dave's restored vintage pedal cars.

When they were young, Sam would take his grandchildren for ice cream in grandpa’s truck.

1972 AMF Pedal Car

1960 Ford F-100

Dan Rhodes - Ravines West

Alex Jacobs - Claridges 1953 Chevy 3100 - Dan purchased this 5-window, half-ton pickup truck 15 years ago. It has been restored to its original condition. He has enjoyed showing it at classic car shows. 2007 BMW Z4 Roadster - Alex bought it in 2019 from the original owner in Pennsylvania with only 24,000 miles on it. Today there are 44,000 miles on it.

Al Sosic - Deer Island

Dave Kuhary - Member

1980 MGB Limited Edition Convertible- Fitted with a 3.5 liter Rover engine and 5-speed transmission. 30

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1966 427/435 Corvette Stingray - Al has had this car for over 32 years. He bought it from a friend who restored it.

WHERE IN THE WORLD IS WALDEN LIFE? Take a copy of Walden Life with you on a trip and send us a photo of yourself with it on vacation for a chance to appear in an upcoming issue! Choose a background that helps us guess where you might be, whether it’s a waterfront, mountain range, cityscape or elsewhere. Please email Miriam@myWaldenLife.com with a quality photo file, your name, whether you are a Walden member and/or resident (if you’re a resident, include your neighborhood), and your travel location. Have fun with this!

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WALDEN KITCHENS

FROM THE KITCHEN OF STEVE SPINELLI - ACADIA POINT

STEVE’S LEMON COOKIES Cookie Ingredients: n 4 large eggs n 1 cup of sugar n 2 sticks of margarine n 4 cups of flour n 3 teaspoons of baking powder n 1/4 cup of milk n Zest from 2 large lemons n Juice from 1 lemon

DIRECTIONS: 1. B eat together with a mixer: Eggs, margarine, sugar, lemon zest, lemon juice and milk. 2. In a large bowl, mix flour and baking powder. 3. Add egg mixture to dry ingredients and mix by hand. If the dough is too sticky, add a little more flour. 4. R oll dough into a rope and cut into 2-inch pieces. Place on cookie sheets lined with parchment paper and bake at 350 degrees for 15-18 minutes. When completely cooled, ice with lemon icing. Lemon Icing: n 1-1/2 boxes of powdered sugar n Fresh-squeezed lemon juice from

2-1/2 lemons n Combine ingredients with a mixer

until smooth; then frost the cookies by spreading icing on top with a butter knife or small spatula. Enjoy!

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PHOTO: DOLLY SPINELLI

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FLASHBACKS

WALDEN WORD EXCERPTS (1994 - 2003)

Here’s a slice of life from Walden published decades ago in Walden Word, a four-page newsletter by Walden Golf and Tennis Club. Enjoy these tidbits from yesteryear!

May 1998 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Golf is a “gentleman’s” game, which should be played with respect for both the golf course and our fellow competitors… Also, our new Tennis Professional, Torrence McNeil, begins his summer career at Walden on May 10th and will run the tennis program through September 15th. Hope you will find time to “serve it up” with Torrence this season.

COUNTRY INN NEWS: We are pleased to announce the arrival of two baby colts that were born this month. Lucy & Lady gave birth to the boys less than a week apart. Feel free to visit them and stop for a peek at these beautiful new arrivals.

JUNE 2001 GOLF NEWS: Congratulations to Muriel French, who made the first hole-in-one at Walden for 2001 on Mother’s Day on #11. -Mitch Camp & the Golf Shop Staff

JUNE 1999 PROPER GOLF ATTIRE… This is a friendly reminder that proper golf attire is required on the practice tee as well as the golf course. HATS ON CORRECT; NO SHORT-SHORTS; COLLARED GOLF SHIRTS; NO JEANS; SHIRTTAILS TUCKED IN TROUSERS, ETC… PROPER SWIM & TENNIS ATTIRE IS BEING MONITORED AS WELL.

MAY 2001 COME JOIN “THE WALDEN WHEELERS BICYCLE CLUB” and enjoy the beautiful countryside at our inaugural ride of the season, Sunday, May 6th. We’ll meet at the Walden Country Club at 9:30am for the start of a 90-minute ride.

JUNE 1998 PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Two weeks ago, the Walden Team of Mitch Camp, Ray John, Don Sperry and myself (John E. Sloe) participated in the Northern Ohio Golf Association’s (NOGA Club) Professional and President’s Event, and I am proud to report that our own Mitch Camp was the Low Pro. Mitch shot 72 while the rest of the professional field scored between 74 and 87! Unfortunately, Ray, Don and myself left our “A” games at Walden, therefore, we finished “way out of the money.” 34

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MAY 2000 BARN DECOR: Anya Rudd, a fine interior designer from Shaker Heights, has completed the Barn’s redecorating program. She chose some exciting paint colors and beautiful rich fabrics. The Barn’s interior design is a “Cheerful Country.”

Looking to Advertise in Walden Life Magazine? Contact Leslie Fletcher to Learn More and Receive a Free Advertising Media Kit

Call or Text: 440.785.3110

Leslie@MyWaldenLife.com

30 plus years enjoying the Walden atmosphere

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LIVING THE LIFE

What are your Memorial Day traditions or plans? Rosemary Rhodes R AV I N E S

Our Memorial Day plans are to celebrate our 60th wedding anniversary with our whole family. We are gathering in Scottsdale, Arizona.

Sara Schrode & Mark Roach DEER ISLAND

Memorial Day weekend traditionally starts off with us undertaking outdoor projects. I prefer the weeding and planting while Mark takes on the bigger stuff! On Monday, we enjoy staying at home in Walden with good friends, firing up the grill and relaxing! Can’t wait!

Dawn Caito G L E N E D E N C T.

I look forward to the pool opening!

Martha Jacobs CLARIDGES

Dave Keckan CLARIDGES

As a kid growing up we always went to the Memorial Day parade in the center of town and we continue that tradition today! Afterwards, my brothers and family come to my parents house in Walden Farms for a cookout!”

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Pre-pandemic, our tradition was to spend Memorial Day and the following week in Hilton Head, South Carolina. After a twoyear hiatus, we are now able to continue the tradition. Hilton Head, here we come!

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REFLECTIONS

Evening Roses

Enjoy these recent oil paintings by Walden resident Debbie Kuehm, pictured below with portrait subject Sadie, the pet of Walden resident Kathy Conarck. Sadie

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ARTIST DEBBIE KUEHM CLARIDGES