Walden Life - Sept/Oct 2021

SEPT

OCT 2021

The Barn Celebrates 50 Years as Walden’s Historic Landmark

Neighbor to Neighbor with the Frenches

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Showcasing the Cats of Walden

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SEPT

FEATURES

OCT 20 21

ON THE COVER

DEPARTMENTS

16 Walden Staff Profile Mitch Camp

22 Growing Up Walden Lifetime member Jason Schoaf recalls his young years during Walden’s infancy.

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Walden News Discover how Walden and weddings make the perfect pair.

THE CAT’S MEOW Walden’s pretty kitties grace these pages.

34 Neighbor to Neighbor

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Peter & Muriel French, making holidays brighter for everyone.

THE BARN The Barn is a historic landmark that dates back to Aurora’s pioneer settlers.

We celebrate its 50th year as the heart of Walden.

Brian Koenig—a Walden original.

SNAPSHOTS

Walden Kitchens

40 Back in the Day

46 Make everyone at your breakfast table happy with these buckwheat pancakes!

8 Worth Noting

42

PHOTO: MARIA BIEL

Living the Life

50

The Barn is stately in any season, but its rustic beauty glows in early Autumn.

Reflections

COVER PHOTO: MARIA BIEL

44 Tee Time

4

WALDEN LIFE

PAMELA COWPER W I L L F I N D YO U A H O M E

Pam and her husband Wally enjoying dinner at The Barn.

EXPERIENCE MATTERS Pam has been a Walden homeowner for 30+ years. She is currently a Walden Association trustee, the Secretary of the Walden Association, a member of the Walden Association Executive committee, and a member of the Walden Association Architectural committee. Who better to use as your realtor than someone who not only lives here but has a wealth of knowledge about this community?

Pam Cowper knows there is more to buying a home than just price and square footage. Home reflects your lifestyle.

Your individuality. Home is where you laugh, sing, love, work, and play. Home is where you cook, where you cookout, where you bring family and friends, where you make and continue to enjoy family traditions. Your neighborhood is your home. Home is where you live. Let Pam help you find your home.

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Pam Cowper

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From the Editor MIRIAM CONNER

F

all snuck up on me faster than ever this year. I have always loved the fall weather and the colors and the excitement that a new school year brings (although I will miss my favorite season— summer—dearly). This fall has been different for me personally, as I just took my oldest to college.

Wow... no one can fully prepare you for that!

Fall brings change and the changes at Walden have been exciting to see. The excitement in the air is evident. The Barn has undergone some beautiful renovations while retaining its historic beauty. You will enjoy reading about the history of this Walden landmark. I learned so much about its beginnings and transformations.

Fall also brings one of my favorite holidays in Walden—Halloween. It would not be complete without looking at The Frenches’ Halloween and Christmas displays. Read about them and how they make all of this happen in Neighbor to Neighbor. It has also been so fun for me to talk to residents and members about what Walden was like Back in the Day and what things used to be like in Growing up Walden. Check out the nostalgia in this issue.

In our November/December issue, we would like to honor our Walden veterans and thank them for their service. If you would like to share your story, please email or call me so we can include you.

I look forward to meeting more of you while out and about in Walden, enjoying the colors and the LOVING THE WALDEN LIFE, excitement this fall with all Walden has to offer.

Volume 1, Issue 4

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Sept/Oct 2021

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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WALDEN LIFE

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

Art Director Graphic Design J. Michael Myers Mike@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 Parent and Northeast Ohio Boomer & Beyond. Brad and Kathleen have three adult children and a 4-year-old granddaughter who loves visiting the Walden pool and playground.

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

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.

Estelle Rodis-Brown serves as assistant editor for Walden Life. She is a freelance writer and photographer from Portage County who also serves as assistant editor of another Mitchell Media publication, Northeast Ohio Boomer & Beyond magazine.

She read Thoreau’s “Walden” in high school and it continues to inspire her today!

Mike Myers serves as the art director and graphic designer for Walden Life.

Mike has 25 years of experience in the marketing and communications field.

He and his wife, Lisa, enjoy the quiet tranquility of living in the Meadows with their beloved dog, Pierre.

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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S E P T / O C T 2 0 21

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Worth Noting

Walden Dolphins Swim to Victory

The Dolphins had a tough time on the road this season, but found victory at the Walden pool, winning their three home meets against Lakes in the Woods, Mentor Yacht Club and Hemlock Hills. Way to go, Dolphins!

Whether you’re on foot or in a golf cart, trick-or-treating in Walden is sweet!

This Halloween, Walden will follow the City of Aurora’s trick-or-treating schedule, which will be held on Sunday, October 31 from 6 to 8 p.m. Please leave your exterior lights on if you are participating. Traditionally, trick-or-treaters come to Brandon Circle, East and West Acadia, Glen Eden Court, Arbor Way and Cross Creek Oval.

Mark your calendars: Trick-or-Treating is Sunday, October 31, 6-8 p.m.

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WALDEN LIFE

Welcome to the Neighborhood Ashley Howell

By Miriam Conner When Ashley Howell was home-hunting, she was seeking an environment where she felt comfortable with her neighbors and could provide safety for her young daughters. She looked at several neighborhoods, but nothing felt quite right. She found home when she discovered Russet Woods.

Ashley and her two darling daughters, 3-year-old Sabrina and 18-month-old Angelina, moved to Walden in March 2021.

She was initially skeptical about living in an attached condominium because she didn’t want her neighbors to hear her baby crying and the noise that comes from having kids. But she loved Walden and Russet Woods so much, she decided to give it a try. To her delight, despite the housing being so close and attached, she finds that it is very quiet and private.

“You would not expect that, but it’s great. All of my neighbors have introduced themselves and have been very friendly,” Ashley says.

Her girls love to see chipmunks in the yard and she even bought a new stroller for all of the walking they do on the path.

Ashley grew up in Kirtland, the oldest of eight children.

When she was a high school senior, her parents moved to Barrington in Aurora, making her an Aurora graduate.

After graduating, Ashley attended Kent State University.

(L-R): Sabrina, Ashley and Angelina Howell

She is currently working at Cafe Toscano and enjoys meeting Walden neighbors there.

Ashley is happy with how “safe and fun” Walden has been. Another plus is that her parents, Lisa and Keith Carnahan, moved to Arbor Way in April. Ashley would like to give a shout-out to Steve Avner with Carlyle Management. She says that he has taken care of everything she has needed. “I have been so lucky to be here,” she smiles.

Welcome to the neighborhood, Ashley, Sabrina and Angelina!

Good Sport!

LOOKING FOR VETERANS We would like to honor Walden residents and/or Club members who are U.S. veterans in our next issue.

Mary Ann Muccio is a good sport for showing us how she got out of trouble on hole 18.

To be included, please contact Miriam Conner at 440-396-0374 or miriam@mywaldenlife.com.

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Worth Noting Meet the Board: Norm Keene

By Miriam Conner

N

orm is the president of the 35-unit association, Russet Woods. Norm and his wife, Dee, moved to Walden in 2014. They previously lived in Mentor and Twinsburg.

While vacationing in places like Hocking Hills, they thought it would be nice to find someplace to live that was similar. They also wanted to find a place where they would not have to take care of the exterior of their home.

They liked the atmosphere of Walden and the way the condominiums were built with sliders that offer great views and an open and airy feeling.

They found the condo they wanted, but someone else put in an offer, so they decided to wait. That decision paid off because the same condo

came back on the market. Norm talked with the previous Russet Woods president and she convinced him to take over as president.

Considering himself a “hands-on” president, he and his Vice President, Carmen Rounds, have “cleaned up Russet Woods a lot to make it look more open and airy.” They did a lot of stonework themselves with help from a couple of other residents. Norm can also be seen cutting, cleaning and trimming regularly throughout Russet Woods.

The Keenes have a son who works on the Presidential helicopter in Pax River, Maryland and a daughter who has a pilates studio in Beachwood.

In 2017, Norm purchased a condo in the Claridges for his mother.

Norm Keene with his wife, Dee.

Norm loves the environment and privacy of Walden. He says, “You can be in the city and you turn into Walden and it is like driving into a park; it is beautiful and quiet.”

TRIVIA What type of farming was The Barn originally built for and why does it have two silos?

Trivia question from our previous issue: How many miles would you cover if you walked the Walden golf course?

Answer: 5-6 miles

Drawing of The Barn: Eisele, August 1985

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WALDEN LIFE

S E P T / O C T 2 0 21

11

Worth Noting

Walden PGA Jr. League

Above: The future of Walden golf is very bright! Walden had three teams participate in the PGA Jr. League this year. Participants pictured (L-R): Wes Matson, Gianna Rodenhauser, Blake Gardner, Alyssa Rodenhauser, Brooke Pierce, Kelly Macsurak, Will Tober, Bethany Macsurak.

Follow Us on Social Media

From left: Joel Fletcher, Coach Rick and Kelly Macsurak represented Walden at the PGA Jr. League All Star Competition played at Norwalk, Ohio’s Eagle Creek Golf Course in mid-August.

12

WALDEN LIFE

Follow, like and share WaldenLife magazine on Facebook and Instagram.

Facebook: @waldenlifemagazine Instagram: @waldenlifemagazine

Scan the QR code (CODE in photos for articles)

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Worth Noting S AV E

September

September

October

THESE

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23

2&16

Walden pool closes for the season

Shrimp Boil at Club Walden

Clambakes at Club Walden

D AT E S For more information about these events, please log onto yourwalden.com.

Name corrections from last issue: Dr. Joseph Coney (golf cart photo) and Bette Susnik (from Neighbor to Neighbor).

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WALDEN LIFE

Outdoor Patio!

Every Wednesday

Movie Nights

Burger Night at Club Walden

7 p.m. at Inn Walden

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The most popular night for dinner at the Club! Enjoy a beef burger, turkey burger or veggie burger with bottomless fries.

Sept: 6: “Bright” Sept. 13: “Olympus Has Fallen” Sept. 20: “Battle Los Angeles” Sept. 27: “Zathura”

S E P T / O C T 2 0 21

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Staff Profile

Mitch Camp

Title: Director of Golf Hometown: Orrville, Ohio Home of Smucker’s Family: Married 44 years Wife - Julie (also from Orrville) Son - Ryan (35, married, living in Cincinnati) 1 grandchild, 2 step-grandchildren Hobbies: Golf and projects around the house Favorite Music: Country Favorite Food: Almost any dessert!

Favorite Movie: “The Greatest Game Ever Played” (obviously, a golf movie) Favorite Walden Golf Event: The Triple Crown (Annual 3-Day Invitational) Did You Know: I enjoy putting puzzles together (anything over 2,000 pieces).

Best Thing About Walden: From ownership to membership, we have wonderful people we work for and many great memories.

16

WALDEN LIFE

PHOTO: MIKE MYERS

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Cats of Walden

Trixie

Nacho

Jupiter

Ridgeway Drive

Ridgeway Drive

Fairington

Snickers Deer Island

Stella & Sake Deer Island

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WALDEN LIFE

C AT S O F W A L D E N

Stinky

Happy

Fairington

Fairington

Vincent Van Gogh Glen Eden Court

Pikachu & Pip Windward

S E P T / O C T 2 0 21

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C AT S O F W A L D E N

Bocce Glen Eden Court

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Felix & Mia

Smokey, Chatty, Frankie

Glen Eden Court

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WALDEN LIFE

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21

GROWING UP WALDEN

Q&A WITH JASON SCHOAF

By Miriam Conner Jason Schoaf has been a Walden member for a lifetime. He grew up in Aurora and graduated from Aurora High School in 1989. He lives in Bainbridge with his wife, Christine and their two children, Tatum and Slater. You can read about his parents on the Back in the Day page in our previous issue. Here you can explore childhood adventures and fun competitions at Walden through Jason’s memories.

WL l How old were you when you remember coming to Walden?

J.S. l I have been a member at Walden since I was born

in 1970. We lived in Four Seasons until I was 16. I began riding my bike (with my golf bag hanging off my shoulder) when I was about 12 to the club on a daily basis. My parents permanently made Walden their home when I was about 21.

WL l Do you have any memories of how Walden looked when you were a child and teen?

J.S. l The Clubhouse was quite different. I vividly

remember the locker room as a kid because we used to play hide and seek throughout the downstairs of the old Clubhouse. There were tons of places to hide and many of the places we probably weren’t supposed to be in. Our parents were upstairs having fun while we made our fun elsewhere. I remember Calvin, the locker room attendant from the 1980s. He was always nice to the younger kids who golfed. We would hang around the locker room in between times when we weren’t allowed on the course.

I also remember the old Grille Room. They had great food and probably the best homemade chocolate milkshakes ever! They were so thick and refreshing... that is, until the bill would come and my dad would see how many milkshakes I bought without permission.

The course was obviously very different. They flipped the nines years ago and I still call them by the wrong hole numbers!

Jason was already an avid golfer as a teen.

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WALDEN LIFE

GROWING UP WALDEN

“I

would spend most days at the [golf] range. If I wasn’t there you could find me at the pool attempting a double flip off of the old high dive or playing volleyball, football, basketball by the tennis courts or driving around in golf carts enjoying what Walden had to offer.”

— JASON SCHOAF

WL l What did you like best about Walden?

J.S. l The golf course. I used to play at least 18 holes per

day between ages 12 and 18. We had a group of kids that grew up playing together (Mark Telerico, Jeff Jones, Kevin Koenig, Ed and Dave Weber, Kenny Novak) to name a few who would grab their parents’ carts and we would play until past dark. I would spend most days at the range, putting green, and course. Domenic Antennuci was always great to all of the kids and did his best to promote golf. If I wasn’t there you could find me at the pool attempting a double flip off of the old high dive or playing volleyball, football, basketball by the tennis courts or driving around in golf carts enjoying what Walden had to offer.

WL l What are some of your favorite memories of being in Walden?

J.S. l Some of my best memories revolve around golf.

The first cart I ever drove was Al O’Neil’s (Uncle Al), as I would caddy for my dad and him occasionally. I was probably 12 or so and couldn’t wait to rake a trap or pull a pin as long as I could drive the cart!

I qualified to play in the Kenny Novak Tournament twice. He was a really good friend of mine and playing in that tournament with some of the best golfers in Northeast Ohio was an honor. They had radio stations there, interviewing players. We would always get a great speaker, a trick shot artist, or a PGA player would come visit. You felt like a PGA golfer playing in this event, the way you were treated. My dad and I were partners for many years there when I was in my 20s and early 30s. We won the Blazer tournament at least twice and finished runner-up on numerous occasions. We were a great ham-and-egg team for many years and had a ton of fun competing with all of the great people at Walden.

I remember being one of the worst swimmers on the Walden Dolphins. I only swam so I could eat powdered Jell-O before each race and then go to dinner with all the kids after the meet. My sister Megan was a really good

The Schoaf family (L-R): Christine, Tatum, Slater and Jason.

swimmer for Walden. She would come home with first- and second-place ribbons in breaststroke and I would come home with green exhibition ribbons that didn’t mean anything!

It was a very competitive team and the meets were serious.

It wasn’t like it is today, where the kids swim for fun and everyone gets a ribbon. It was highly competitive and that pool would erupt during every race. The parents would congregate up top (where the snack bar used to be) and have their own little party up there while the kids stayed down below and swam. After the meet, the party would move to the Clubhouse until late at night. u S E P T / O C T 2 0 21

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GROWING UP WALDEN

“W

e celebrated winning the Member Guest at Walden in 2011 with a running dive into a shallow lake just off the 18th hole. That is one of the toughest events to win at any club, so winning it at Walden after playing the course for 30-some years was memorable!

— JASON SCHOAF

There are certain things I’d like to forget as well... like the time my dad and I played the Blazer final against Jim Zenizak and Phil Lagnese. We had to play a 36-hole final and after the first nine holes were up nine. No way we can lose. Then my dad got a bad case of the shanks and literally shanked every shot for the next 18 holes. We ended up tying after 36 holes and losing in a playoff.

As kids, we would spend our summer nights playing outside, usually around the Koenig and Jones homes on East Acadia. When the sun would go down, we would try to find the Walden Ranger and do something to get him to turn on his lights and chase us. We were undefeated in those battles, as the Ranger always knew who he was chasing but could never nail us down. Having the golf course and plenty of woods to hide in made it near impossible for him/her to

nab us. He would knock on the doors of some of the parents and back then, the parents would just play dumb like they didn’t know our whereabouts. Then when we’d come in for something to drink, they would tell us the Ranger just paid them a visit. These are stories we still tell today when we are fortunate enough to get back together.

Winning the Member Guest at Walden in 2011 with my fraternity brother was also a great memory. I played in that event approximately 15 times and only qualified for the shootout twice. The second time we won! We celebrated with a running dive into a shallow lake just off the 18th hole.

That is one of the toughest events to win at any club, so winning it at Walden after playing the course for 30-some years was memorable!

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WALDEN LIFE

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S E P T / O C T 2 0 21

25

The Barn

Celebrating 50 Years as Walden’s Historic Landmark

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

Grassroots Luxury. Rustic Elegance.

Whatever you call it, the distinguished old Barn embodies the very essence of Walden as it celebrates its 50th year as a country club dining room in 2021.

Situated atop a grassy hill overlooking the Walden golf course, the nearly 200-year-old tree-framed structure evokes its pioneer origins. As soon as you walk into the imposing space for a gourmet dinner, you sense the weight of history in its heavy bones.

Here since Aurora settlers built it, the 196-year-old barn’s authentic elegance—characterized by an original fieldstone foundation, muted red barn siding, rough-hewn beams and a metal V-track that used to help transport hay to the two silos on either end—

illustrates Henry David Thoreau’s call to enjoy the enduring sumptuousness of simplicity in the heart of nature.

To Walden founder and designer Manny Barenholtz, The Barn has served as the symbolic and practical hub from which the entire golf course community grew.

“This barn is quite special, “Manny says, as his eyes trace the old structure’s frame. “It has served to enhance Walden, starting with a beautiful place to dine. It gives the community personality.”

Trusting that people would recognize that value begets value, Manny was confident that The Barn was the appropriate focal point and foundation upon which to build all that Walden would become.

“It was the first communal building at Walden… In fact, it was Walden’s first and only building when we started in 1971,” Manny recalls. “Like everything else in life, it’s common sense to use what’s here. If the good Lord gives you a structurally sound historic building, you’d be a fool not to use it! You can’t build something like this new.”

Back in 1968-69, when Manny first purchased the nearly 1,000 acres that would rebrand farmland as a country club community, he purchased five or six farms from his neighbors.

In fact, 240 acres of this Western Reserve property had not changed out of family hands since the original tracts were settled by New England pioneers after the Revolutionary War. One of those homestead farms had been sold after five generations to Farmer Miller, whose double-siloed dairy barn sat at 700 S. Bissell Road.

IN THE BEGINNING

Originally, The Barn housed dairy cattle and hay.

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WALDEN LIFE

This farm was originally carved out of the forest by Warren Little of Middlefield, Massachusetts. According to archival news clippings provided by John Kudley, President and Director of the Museum at Aurora Historical Society, Warren and his wife, Suzanne, originally purchased 50 acres in Lot 12 around 1814, building a log cabin at the eventual site of The Barn, where the Littles would raise dairy cattle.

The original barn with one silo was built in 1825. It was expanded—with a second silo—in 1850. Over time, Warren and his youngest son, Solomon,

PHOTO: ESTELLE RODIS-BROWN

owned and farmed 200 acres in Lots 12 and 19; Solomon eventually expanded the farm by another 130 acres.

The Littles built a stately frame house in 1825 on Hickory Hill, a fouracre plot across the road from their new barn, where it still stands at 665 S. Bissell Road. It was one of five houses built from 1818 to 1825, all less than a mile apart, according to the same architectural design. The first was the

“This barn is quite special. It has served to enhance Walden, starting with a beautiful place to dine. It gives the community personality.”

Manny Barenholtz, Walden Founder

Zeno Kent House on Aurora-Hudson Road, which also was bought and preserved by Manny as he stitched together farm parcels to develop Walden. (Manny preserved two additional historical structures in the

process, including the barn/horse arena around which Walden Inn was built and The Bissell House, which was part of the original Connecticut Land Grant of 1795).

According to the “History of Portage County, Ohio” published in 1885, Solomon Little “was reared on the farm upon which he now resides, and in 1864 he married Myra Ward, born at Middlefield, Mass., Jan. 13, 1840… u S E P T / O C T 2 0 21

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THE BARN

Solomon and Myra Little Courtesy Aurora Historical Society

Mr. Little, who is a farmer by occupation, owns one of the best farms in the township, comprising 330 acres of fine land.”

In a family genealogy written by Solomon’s great-grandson (Harry III), Solomon was recognized as “a prominent member of the dairy industry for which Aurora was noted.”

He also mentioned, “Solomon had always suffered from poor health and when he received his draft notice for the Civil War he was able to pay a man from Cleveland to take his place in the army.”

Solomon’s 1904 obituary describes the man as the youngest of seven children who “remained at home caring for his aged father and stepmother and providing a haven of refuge, peace and plenty to those of his family in times of distress and misfortune. Finally, through inheritance and purchase, he became the owner of the old family homestead where all the children were born, and during all the years it has been the Mecca for the homecoming brothers and sisters to visit Brother Sol, who always welcomed them with the hospitality incident of and inherited from the old New England pioneers, who settled here more than a century ago and wrought out of the dense forests our beautiful Western Reserve.”

28

WALDEN LIFE

Following Solomon’s death, the farm went to his son, the genealogist’s grandfather, Harry Little. While he ran the business side of the farm, he left the farm work to tenants who lived in the farmhouse. Harry’s sons—Warren, Harry and Richard—“served in World War II and upon their return from service they decided to sell the farmhouse, barns and property. All three were recently married and starting families, so the sale of the property gave each a start following the war.

They kept about fifteen acres of woods which were sold when my cousins and I reached college age. The fifteen acres brought considerably more money than the whole farm went for following the war!”

“I excused myself for a moment, went to the kitchen and brought back to them a beautiful cake. It was a logical solution,” he says with a smile.

And he closed the deal on the house before the couple went on to their party.

Convinced that quality hospitality would make an effective sales tool, Manny set out to make the dining experience at The Barn second to none.

“I always believed that a great, quality steak dinner would equate to

REPURPOSED FOR WALDEN By the time Manny set his sights on The Barn, “It was significantly neglected,” he recalls. But he saw the landmark’s potential as Walden’s focal point. Within four months, Manny had the lower level renovated, establishing The Grille Room serving “the best hamburgers you could imagine” (now the wine cellar), a nine-hole pro shop, and sales offices. An elegant dining room would then inhabit the spacious hayloft above. The current bar alcove is now situated in one of the silos.

Manny shares a memory: “I was selling a house from the office downstairs. The customers were so excited about the plan I proposed to them, they forgot they had a party engagement. They were supposed to bring a pie to the event.

By the time they realized that they were running late and their The interior bakery had closed, of The Barn was they got flustered. redecorated in January 2021.

THE BARN

great quality homes in the minds of prospective buyers,” Manny says.

“I used this barn as a sales tool.

Since we always have disdained ostentation, going into an old barn was part of the visual harmony from the outside. You can’t tell from the street which is the more or less expensive home. The architecture blends seamlessly into the landscape and The Barn ties everything together. The atmosphere throughout Walden is high quality and earthy; not ostentatious.”

At the time, Manny recognized Cherry’s Steak House in Ravenna as a premier restaurant, so he bought top-grade steaks for Walden from the same source in Chicago. Then he hired the best chefs he could find.

Since 1986, Chef Thomas Dech has presided over Walden’s “spotless kitchen,” as Manny calls it, where he concocts delightful menu items from scratch. “He truly is a specular chef, to put it mildly,” Manny adds.

“There are not too many restaurants that have stayed in operation for 50 years,” Manny says in his understated manner. And it’s rare to have a multi-star chef stay with the same restaurant for 35 years.

“If you set out with a quality, fair goal, you attract quality, fine people,” Manny explains. That goes for chefs, diners, members, residents and guests who appreciate Walden. u

PHOTO: MARIA BIEL

The Barn’s elegant dining room used to be a hayloft for dairy cattle.

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THE BARN

PHOTO: MARIA BIEL

THE REVIEWS ARE IN Even Cleveland Magazine published a glowing review of The Barn a few years back. To Manny’s knowledge, this was the only time the publication assessed a private dining room.

A copy of the news clipping reveals the reviewer’s angst: “This is the most frustrating food find we’ve written because in order to find the food, you must first find a friend who has a dining membership at Walden Country Club,” is the opening line.

“If this friend has not taken you for dinner at The Barn, then he is not really a friend.”

A graduate of the Culinary Institute of America, Chef Dech is recognized for his versatility in culinary techniques, which are “rooted in the classic French style, although the substantial portions are more spiritually aligned with the French countryside.”

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WALDEN LIFE

The fresh interior design at The Barn evokes a co-mingling of rustic nostalgia and upscale elegance that typifies Walden.

Further, Dech’s skills as a pastry chef yield delectable desserts considered “a rewarding conclusion” to a fine dining experience at The Barn.

The Barn is also heralded in a chapter dedicated to Walden in “A Taste of Ohio History,” a book showcasing the state’s 100 finest historic eateries and their recipes. Authors Debbie Nunley and Karen Jane Elliott describe Chef Dech’s creations as “Cross-Cultural Cuisine.”

“His emphasis is on top-quality ingredients, careful preparation, and beautiful presentation. What more could a dinner guest want?”

Featuring fresh produce and meats from two dozen family farms, favorite menu entrées at The Barn include

prime filet with bleu cheese crust; rack of Colorado range lamb; and crab, goat cheese and spinach ravioli, to name a few. Low-fat, vegan, salad-based and seafood entrees are also celebrated here, along with delectable appetizers and several daily soup selections.

The Barn houses a 2,000-bottle Master Wine Cellar featuring the latest technology in climate control.

Private wine lockers are available for an annual fee, which includes personal pre-invitations to any wine events at The Barn and in-home wine cellar consultation.

Redecorated in January with a new fireplace, carpet and furnishings, its expansive windows draw the outdoors in, offering calming views of big sky and rolling terrain.

“This has been a beautiful place to eat for the past 50 years. Everything is the finest—as I would want for myself,” Manny says. “That goes for everything at Walden. It’s only logical.”

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WEDDINGS D E TA I L S D R E A M S A R E M A D E O F These pages brought to you by Club Walden

By Estelle R. Brown Walden weddings make dreams come true. Couples learn that their hopes and plans are safe and secure when placed in the capable hands of Walden event planner Sarah Baarlaer.

From the venue to the menu and everything in between, Walden weddings are honored as treasured moments. Sarah makes sure that every wedding couple who celebrates amidst the pristine landscape and architectural splendor of Walden experiences all the comfort, space, and privacy they desire with family and friends.

“We take great pride in the Walden philosophy of hospitality, offering only the finest in gourmet fare, comforting accommodations, and attentive Five Diamond-rated service,” Sarah assures every bride and groom.

“From the initial planning phase to last-minute arrangements, no detail is too grand nor too small to be overlooked. This day is yours to cherish for a lifetime, and we are devoted to granting your every wish.”

Don’t take our word for it. Walden earns 4.9 out of five stars in reviews

on wedding website theknot.com.

In fact, the reviews are long and gushing. One recent review starts out, “Sarah and the team at Walden were absolutely incredible in hosting my wedding at the Inn at Walden as well as my rehearsal dinner at The Barn.

To say that they went above and beyond was an understatement.

We decided to have our wedding somewhat last minute, we contacted

Sarah the fabulous event planner there probably 10 weeks before the wedding was going to happen. She threw on her superwoman cape and helped with EVERYTHING.” That’s just the introduction. You can read reams of glowing comments about Walden’s exceptional beauty, service and amenities… as well as Sarah’s attentiveness and professionalism at theknot.com.

“Sarah and the team at Walden were absolutely incredible in hosting my wedding. To say that they went above and beyond was an understatement.”

– RECENT ONLINE REVIEW

Elegance and refinement are the essence of a Walden wedding reception.

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WALDEN LIFE

As for Sarah, event planning is her passion, complemented by her background in floral design, decor and bridal gowns. She has planned hundreds of events and weddings, large and small.

Sarah’s passion and enthusiasm are contagious, replacing brides’ nervous jitters with excited anticipation.

Her organization and communication skills make wedding planning a joyous occasion.

THE DETAILS Whether the wedding takes place at the Inn or the Club, Walden provides a variety of menus, services, event spaces and activities so each couple can customize their special day according to their tastes and budgets.

If couples prefer an indoor ceremony, or if weather becomes inclement, The Inn’s Pyramid Room or the Jodhpurs Lounge may be used as an exquisite venue to exchange wedding vows.

Gracious accommodations are also provided at Walden, not only for the wedding couple but also for the wedding party and special guests.

Overnight guests enjoy a 10 percent discount and breakfast for two is included in the room rate.

Wedding packages include the ceremony rehearsal, wedding portrait and photography privileges, ceremony space with white chairs, reception spaces with round tables, house chairs, white linen floor-length tablecloths, white linen napkins and dinnerware. Wedding packages at the Inn offer the same amenities plus a luxurious suite overnight at Inn Walden.

Enjoy butler-passed hors d’oeuvres during cocktail hour. Dinner is served with a choice of salad, choice of entrée, champagne toast, cake cutting and coffee/tea service. Packages and additional items can be customized depending on the couple’s vision.

Both locations include a private wedding tasting for the bridal couple and tiered level bar packages by consumption or priced by the hour.

The splendor of nature enhances open-air ceremonies during outdoor weddings at Walden.

Bartender and valet charges are required based on guest count.

Additional rentals are also available.

SPA WALDEN Details, Details! There are so many last-minute details to attend to on wedding day. So, instead of running all over town to get hair done at other salons, the bride and wedding party can sip champagne while Spa Walden pampers you with all those details.

Then, the next day after the festivities are over, there’s nothing better than a couple’s massage at Spa Walden to rejuvenate before heading out on the honeymoon. Spa Walden offers custom packages that are the ultimate in relaxation and pampering.

Recognizing that a wedding is one of life’s most joyous occasions, Sarah offers additional details, planning assistance and consultation through her contact information.

For inquiries about a Walden wedding, call 330.995.7160 or email us at events@yourwalden.com.

Whether the wedding takes place at the Inn or the Club, Walden provides a variety of menus, services, event spaces and activities customized to your taste and budget.

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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

Peter & Muriel French Making Holidays Bright *ALL PHOTOS PROVIDED BY PETER & MURIEL FRENCH

Peter and Muriel French

By Miriam Conner It was 1982, “Hello Dolly” was playing at the Aurora Community Theater and Muriel was cast as Irene Molloy; Peter was cast as Barnaby Tucker. They needed dance partners for the show, so when Muriel saw Peter in his “red alligator sweater,” she asked him to be her partner. They have been dancing partners ever since, married for 37 years.

Muriel graduated from Kent State University and became a physical education teacher.

While playing golf for Spring Valley in Elyria, she came to Walden for a tournament. Her love for contemporary architecture, flowers, trees and nature drew her to Walden. She told herself, if she ever moved to the east side, she would love to live in Walden.

It didn’t take long. Muriel moved to Glen Eden Court in July 1979.

Peter attended Colby College in Waterville, Maine, where he played hockey and tennis. He worked for Alcan Aluminum, based in Canada, for 37 years. In 1976, he was transferred to Cleveland and settled in Aurora’s Four Seasons. After their wedding in 1984, Peter moved in with Muriel at Glen Eden Court, where they still reside today.

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WALDEN LIFE

The Frenches’ famous spruce tree, decorated at Christmastime for all to see.

Their wedding took place in the backyard of their Glen Eden home “in front of the hemlock tree.” They laughed about a golf ball rolling into the yard during the ceremony.

The Frenches say that one of the things that they have enjoyed most

about Walden is all of the “athletic offerings.” Muriel is a former golf club champion. As a couple, they have been husband-and-wife champs five times.

When Peter was working, Muriel periodically tried persuading him to leave early to play golf, but he was u

NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

so dedicated, he always refused. When he retired, she had her concerns about what he would do to keep busy. He turned into a big gardener and learned the names of all the plants and flowers.

All of their outdoor hanging baskets are connected to drip lines for automatic watering with a 12-zone sprinkler system that Peter controls through his phone. Muriel says, “He is 80, but he is in the know!”

Together, they enjoy working in the yard. “I can’t think of anything that we don’t enjoy together,” says Muriel.

If you have lived in Walden for any length of time, you have seen the Frenches’ famous Halloween and Christmas decorations. People come from all over Aurora to see their spectacular displays! Peter started doing the outdoor Christmas displays 20-25 years ago, then added Halloween decorations about 10 years ago. Muriel

If you have lived in Walden for any length of time, you have seen the Frenches’ famous Halloween and Christmas decorations. People come from all over Aurora to see their spectacular displays!

pulled the plug on Peter’s idea to do the same for Easter. Each year, the displays seem to grow bigger and bigger. Neighbors give him pieces they are not using and Peter also finds broken pieces that he rewires and makes good as new. They recall a time when Peter found some pieces and parts to nutcracker statues in a store dumpster. He was able to rebuild them into three nutcrackers that he uses today for his Christmas displays.

The big spruce tree that can be seen from all over Walden has always been a part of the displays. Peter used to put a huge ladder in a wheelbarrow to string the lights on that tree (do not try this at home!). A neighbor saw this and promptly notified Peter’s daughter of what he was up to. Needless to say, his daughter was not happy and Peter has been using a climbing harness ever since.

But where does he store all of it?

Peter installed a floor in the attic where he stores the boxed items and he built a hanging rack in the garage for other decor. At this point, Peter’s concern about light pollution keeps him from expanding his displays even further.

He does not want to cluster too many things together that could overwhelm viewers and cause them to lose sight of each individual piece. u

The French home is transformed into a colorful winter wonderland every Christmas season.

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WALDEN LIFE

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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

In September, Peter begins preparing for his Halloween display by checking the lights and setting everything up.

Then he flips on the timer-controlled lights on October 1.

While we are enjoying the Halloween display, Peter starts his Christmas prep in October for the November set-up. Many people have asked if the Frenches have their displays hired out. To that, the answer is... “Never!”

Muriel is part of all of this but on the inside. She puts up five Christmas trees in the house and says, “If there is a spot, there is going to be a Christmas decoration.”

When comedian Tina Fey stayed at Inn Walden with her kids, a Walden driver took them by the French residence to show them the Christmas lights. According to the driver, Tina was very impressed!

Halloween display at the French home.

When Peter and Muriel aren’t busy creating displays for all of us to enjoy, they spend a lot of time with their family—Muriel’s daughter, Kimberly, who lives in Florida; Peter’s kids—Peter Jr. and his wife Kristi and their daughter Jeni and husband Tom who live in Aurora; and daughter Jeni and husband

Rob, who live in Georgia. They also have nine grandkids to keep them busy.

Make sure you don’t miss the Frenches’ Halloween and Christmas displays this year! They are sure not to disappoint! Thank you, Peter and Muriel, for making something for all of us to enjoy.

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WALDEN LIFE

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39

BACK IN THE DAY

Brian Koenig: A Lifetime of Love

By Miriam Conner

Brian and Kathy Koenig

Brian and Kathy Koenig’s love story is one from a fairy tale.

Brian Koenig moved from South Euclid to East Cleveland and met Kathy in sixth grade. From that time on, neither of them ever dated anyone else!

Even attending different colleges did not turn their heads.

Kathy graduated from John Carroll University and Brian graduated from Indiana University with a bachelor’s and MBA in business. Brian and Kathy got married, had four children (Kim, Kevin, Kristen and Kyle) and eight grandkids. They enjoyed nearly 50 years of marriage before Kathy’s passing in 2017.

The Koenigs moved to East Acadia Point in Walden from Solon in the early ‘70s. Since Brian’s parents lived in Walden, Brian and Kathy would come to visit and they “fell in love with Walden.” They were able to purchase their East Acadia Point home from the previous owner when the house was less than a year old.

The Koenigs owned and operated Koenig Sporting Goods in Solon from 1967-1997. If you remember that store like I do, you may remember the basketball court in the middle.

40

WALDEN LIFE

Brian and Kathy witnessed the addition of the clubhouse and enjoyed being a part of the infamous “summer and winter olympics,” softball games in the snow, and many activities that the then-small group of Walden residents created. Brian said, “You met everyone and made friends due to these fun events. And the Bogey Bar didn’t hurt, either.

Everyone was up for a good time.”

There were still a lot of condos being built when the Koenigs moved into Walden. Brian said it was fun to watch Walden grow according to the vision of Manny Berenholtz.

“Manny had a great concept,” Brian said. “He never veered from his plan and I have a lot of respect for him.”

The Koenig family played a lot of golf and tennis and the kids loved the pool and swim team. The kids all took golf lessons at Walden and all four still play golf today. “Walden is a great place to raise a family; you would never find any place better,” Brian stated.

The Koenig house was a hubbub of activity, especially Superbowl parties. Kids were always welcome there and “Kathy made them feel like they were all her kids,” Brian recalled.

One thing Brian is One thing Brian is very proud of is starting very proud of is starting the Kenny Novak the Kenny Novak Tournament with the Tournament with the O’Neils, Messinas and O’Neils, Messinas the Antenuccis. After 38 and the Antenuccis. years, this tournament After 38 years, this in memory of Kenny tournament in memory Novak is still played of Kenny Novak is still every year at Walden. played every year at “This was the tournaWalden. ment of the season. You had to play in other tournaments and qualify. It is a big deal for Jr golf,” Brian said. He explained that this tournament used to end with a banquet and guest speakers. One of those speakers was pro golfer “Fuzzy” Zoeller. Eileen Antenucci remained active in this tournament for 38 years.

“Moving to Walden was the best thing we ever did.”

Brian credits Kathy as being a social butterfly, and due to that, they and their children made lifelong friends. Brian currently lives in a condo in The Meadows and said, “I never thought about moving anywhere else except Walden. This is where I will be forever and Kathy is my guardian angel.”

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LIVING THE LIFE

What is your favorite thing about Autumn in Walden?

Barrie Rosencrans WA L D E N FA R M S

“My favorite thing about Walden in the fall is the color of the sky at sunset and sunrise.”

Wally Cowper THE GARDENS

“What I enjoy about Walden in the fall is all of the colors from the many trees. The air is cleaner and a crisp time for Mother Earth to prepare for a winter sleep.”

Melanie Bonsignore R AV I N E S

“I love Walden in the fall for its amazing, colorful foliage. It’s a kaleidoscope of reds, plum golds and every color in between.

It’s reminiscent of driving through the rolling hills and lakes in the Adirondacks, yet it is all right here! Picture-perfect fall in Walden!

Bonnie Barenholtz WALDEN

Dolly Spinelli ACADIA POINT

“Fall is my favorite time of year! Living in Walden is like living in a beautiful painting embraced by the warm colors of God’s artistry.”

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WALDEN LIFE

“Slow-walking through Walden in the autumn is one of the great pleasures of living here.

The trees are magnificent in their shapes, aroma and colors… the crackling of the fallen leaves underfoot is fragrant and pleasurable… and my memories of its beauty linger throughout the cold winter months.”

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43

TEE TIME

Angie Gubanc Women’s Golf

By Miriam Conner

One Christmas morning, Angie Gubanc discovered a surprising gift under the tree from her husband: golf clubs!

Angie would be excited to receive such a gift now, but back then, she had never played and knew nothing about golf. So needless to say, she was less than thrilled with Tom’s choice of a gift. Tom was a casual golfer at that point and thought it would be something that they could do together.

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WALDEN LIFE

They began playing public courses together for a couple of years and, as their love for golf grew, they decided to look for a club to join. They looked at several but loved Walden and became members in 2007 while living in Twinsburg. In 2018, they made the move to Walden’s Claridges on Hole #2. Angie says that living in Walden “feels like a vacation.”

The Gubancs have two boys.

Tommy, 21, is married to Ashley; they are parents of nine-month-old Thomas. Their other son, Danny, 29, is married to Allie and they are parents to seven-month-old Colson.

When they first joined Walden, Angie was working so she was not able to join the women’s league.

She primarily golfed on the weekends.

Ten years ago, she joined the WWGA, an 18-hole league that plays on Tuesday mornings. Angie describes this as a great league consisting of 45-50 members who host different events throughout the year.

Angie also described other opportunities for women’s golf: There is a nine-hole, informal “wine and nine” league played on Wednesday evenings. “This is casual and a great way to meet people when you are just starting out,” Angie says.

MONDAY NIGHT PARTNERS LEAGUE If you are a little more competitive, a new option this year is a Monday night partners league where you play match play against another team. If you’re interested in traveling to other clubs, Walden belongs to the GCGA (Greater Cleveland Golf Association) where you can play in a league with the WWGA (Walden Women’s Golf Association) against 12-13 other clubs. Angie says, “This is a fun way to meet ladies from other clubs.”

Angie shares that she has “made so many great friendships and the ladies here are so welcoming.” She also appreciates that there is a wide age range of ladies who play golf at Walden, from young moms to women in their mid-80s.

When asked about golfing in the Fall here at Walden, Angie says she most enjoys the beautiful trees and colors, although it makes it harder for her to concentrate on golf! Angie’s one warning: You may have a hard time finding your ball in all the leaves!

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WALDEN KITCHENS

Buckwheat Pancakes

From Chef Rebecca Hess Blue Ribbon Café at Inn Walden

Looking for a new, healthy variation on breakfast pancakes that you can serve to those with gluten-free dietary restrictions? This delicious recipe will satisfy everyone around the table!

SIFT TOGETHER: n 2 cups buckwheat flour n 2 cups rice flour n 4 tsp. baking powder n 2 tsp. baking soda n 2 tsp. sugar n 2 tsp. salt THEN ADD: n 4 egg yolks n 4 oz melted butter n 4 cups buttermilk

Mix until batter is smooth.

Whip 4 egg whites to soft peaks and then fold into pancake mixture.

Cook through on either a griddle or pan as a regular pancake.

Enjoy with your favorite syrup, compote, jam or fruit.

BON APPÉTIT! 46

WALDEN LIFE

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REFLECTIONS Autumn in Walden

By Alissa McGough, Cross Creek Oval

Autumn If fog arrives on little cat feet, Then Autumn approaches, sly as that Red fox, cunning and quiet, Waiting for the just-right moment to Dart past, slicing through green.

Do you think the season-creature even pauses to notice How the sky expands, an emblazoned velvet tray immense enough to capture Clinging Jewel-toned leaves?

Do pointed ears twitch, bend toward the sounds of Lumbering school busses or Black cawing crows perched on cornstalks or Clams clacking together in a mesh bag or The steaming puff of exhilaration as that last putt of the season tips obediently, skillfully into the cup?

I wonder if Autumn pants after too-soon-arrived Winter mornings, white and still, Even as with paws wet from prancing across frosted fields Summer is swished away with the careless flick of her flamboyant tail?

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WALDEN LIFE

PHOTO: MARIA BIEL

S E P T / O C T 2 0 21

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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 AUTUMN AT WALDEN!

PHOTO: MARIA BIEL