The Walden Life team is honored to create this special issue to honor Manny Barenholtz. I consider myself very fortunate to have been able to enjoy several conversations with Manny and learn, not only about the history of Walden, but his heart for this place and the people who have lived here in the past and present. You do not often meet many people who are so down to earth, caring and sincere.
Reading the tributes people sent in about Manny only confirmed and magnified those observations. It was fun learning more anecdotes about Manny that I did not know and I hope that you enjoy that, too. Whether you have been in Walden a long time or a little, to learn about the visionary who created this community is special. There will never be another Manny and there will never be another Walden. Let's honor Manny's legacy and keep Walden as he dreamed it to be.
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According to auroraoh.com, Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin is proposing that Aurora acquire Geauga Lake together with 40 acres of lakefront land in the former SeaWorld from Industrial Commercial Properties (ICP). The city would pay about $4.5 million for the purchase.
Womer Benjamin said that, while plans for the property are not finalized, she is expecting the city to redevelop the property into a public park with a pool, beach and related amenities, non-motorized boating, and other recreational attractions. You can see tentative plans in the conceptual drawings on the city’s website.
The city has been working on this project for a couple of years, Womer Benjamin said. “This is a legacy purchase for the people of Aurora,” the mayor said. “It is the opportunity of a lifetime to guarantee our residents lake access and a destination that is going to be one of the gems of Northeast Ohio.”
In November 2020, ICP announced it had acquired the remaining 377 acres that had been the home of Geauga Lake Amusement Park and SeaWorld Ohio, straddling Bainbridge Township in Geauga County and the City of Aurora in Portage County. Aurora negotiated a Joint Economic Development District (“JEDD”) Agreement with the township in 2020 which provided certain economic benefits to the city for its provision of utilities to the Bainbridge side of the property. That has enabled ICP to pursue redevelopment on the Bainbridge side, including plans for residential and retail areas. Redevelopment on the Aurora
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side has included a new Liberty Ford facility, and in the last several years Pulte Homes has been constructing residential developments on some of the property along Squires and Treat roads.
Womer Benjamin said the city’s purchase of the 40 acres of lakefront land and the 53-acre springfed lake has a different focus.
“The lake has been a recreational attraction of the community for decades, and to lose access when the parks closed was certainly disappointing. To reinstitute lake access coupled with a park and recreational amenities will enhance the overall community and enable the public to enjoy a beautiful area of Northeast Ohio. Furthermore, instead of housing units we will have greenspace,” she said.
To pay for the acquisition, the city will use about $1.3 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds, with the remainder coming from general fund money budgeted for that purpose. Under the agreement, ICP will pay for a substantial portion of the demolition cost of some of the remaining structures on the 40 acres of land being acquired by Aurora.
The iconic SeaWorld aquarium may possibly be redeveloped as a restaurant or similar facility. Site work on the property is expected to begin within 12 months after demolition is completed.
"We expect to tackle this project in stages but are eager to provide public access as soon as reasonably possible,” Womer Benjamin said.
“There are still many decisions to be made and more to come on this exciting opportunity.”
The Walden Association reminds adults and children alike that all bodies of water in Walden are “non-activity” and are on private property. As such, there is no fishing permitted in Walden. It is considered trespassing by the Walden Company and the Walden Association to allow anyone to fish in any body of water within Walden. Please alert security if and when you see this activity happening in Walden and it will be addressed promptly.
July 8
Triple Crown Tournament - July 13-15
Kenny Novak Tournament - July 24-26
Men’s Member-Member - Aug. 11-12
August 5
Cigar & Whiskey
Pool reserved for adults only, 6-9 p.m. Music, drinks and food poolside. Reservations needed.
Tasting on the Bogey Bar Deck on August 19 at 5 p.m. Feel free to stay for dinner afterward!
For more information about these events, please visit yourwalden.com
Every Monday night, the Inn offers a complimentary movie for members, beginning at 7 p.m. No need to register.
July 3- Sonic the Hedgehog 2
July 10 - A Knight’s Tale
July 17- Sleepless in Seattle
July 24 - The Giver
July 31 - The Batman
Yoga is offered daily at Spa Walden, with the exception of Mondays: TuesdaysFridays, 9 a.m.; Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m.; plus a new evening class on Wednesdays at 6 p.m. Cost is $10 for Club Members, $15 for the public.
Become a part of this energetic program! The pro staff will organize the program and create matches based on player ability. The pro will provide the balls for the season. All dates scheduled will feature a Round Robin format. Cost: $50 for the season or drop-in/guest rate of $12 per session. Contact Kevin Vaughn at 330-554-3739 or kvaughntennis@gmail.com.
Join fellow members for contract bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. Members must know how to play. For more information on playing, contact Chris Campbell at c.s.campbell@ live.com. Lessons are periodically available. Contact Donna Brown at djbrown1978 @aol.com.
The 40th annual Kenny Novak Golf Tournament will tee off at Club Walden on July 24, 2023. This anniversary gives us all the opportunity to reflect on the enduring legacy of Kenneth Novak’s courage, determination and talent.
David Griffith, Executive Director of the Northern Ohio PGA, along with PGA staff and key founding event organizers Dominic and Eileen Antenucci, remind us of the inspiring life of Kenny Novak — who died at the age of 15 while trying to save another — and the positive impact he continues to have on other promising young athletes:
Kenny was the son of Walden members and residents Dick and Dianne Novak. He loved the sport of golf, and success on the golf course was not a stranger to Kenny. Just before his death, he had taken second place in the Mohican Hills Junior Golf Tournament in Wooster. In 1978, 1981 and 1982, he was a finalist in the Plain Dealer Junior Golf Tournament, qualified for the world putting championship at Firestone Country Club in 1982, and was a junior club champion runner-up at the Walden Golf and Tennis Club in 1981, as well as a junior and senior runner-up.
He and his father placed third in 1979, 1980 and 1981 at the Cleveland Athletic Club Father-Son Sports Day. Kenny also enjoyed basketball, baseball, pole vaulting, skiing, tennis and swimming. Teachers and coaches in Aurora considered him a good, well-behaved student and a promising athlete. His peers treasured his loyalty and friendship. The unfortunate circumstances of his death — that he would risk his life to save another — again exemplified the impeccable character of a boy so young.
The Kenny Novak Memorial Tournament was created by Walden members who knew Kenny and his family. Their original goal was to conduct a preeminent junior golf event in Northern Ohio at Walden as its permanent site. Also known as the Northern Ohio Junior PGA Championship Tournament, the event was established in order to encourage and develop the golf potential of area youth in Kenny’s memory.
Key founders of the tournament were Al and Jean O’Neill, Chuck Messina, Brian and Kathy Koenig, Gene Sarafin, the Telerico Family, plus Dominic and Eileen Antenucci.
Al and Sharon O’Neill, Dominic and Eileen Antenucci,
Chuck and Judy Messina, and Mark Telerico continue to be involved, along with George Balog, Bill and Pat Schoaf, Brian Koenig, and Mitch Camp.
Through 2023, over $80,000 of scholarships has been awarded through the fundraising efforts of Al O’Neill and George Balog. George notes that the number of scholarship awards has been rising over the past several years. Traditionally, $5,000 and $10,000 scholarships are awarded at each tournament. This year, two $10,000 scholarships plus additional $6,000 and $1,000 scholarships will also be awarded, for a total of $27,000 in scholarships in 2023, marking the best year for donations in the tournament’s history.
He adds that the prestige of the Kenny Novak Memorial Tournament continues to grow, as well. “This is a golf tournament that all of the top kids in the area have to qualify to play in. It’s a pretty prestigious event to win. Now, we are trying to get the Walden community and members involved in the tournament like they were years and years ago.”
David shares that “Manny hosted the event free of charge each year because he felt a strong connection to the Novak family, who were long-time Walden residents. Manny was a very generous, family-oriented person, and he felt that the event would bring the Northern Ohio community closer together.”
The Northern Ohio PGA Junior Tour hosts over 30 events a year for juniors between the ages of 8 and 22. The 18-hole series events act as qualifiers for the Northern Ohio PGA Junior Tour Championship (formerly Kenny Novak Tour Championship). Each junior who wins a tournament during the season gets an automatic invitation to Club Walden at the end of the season. In addition, juniors are invited off of the Jackson-Dieken Player of the Year Points List as the event draws closer. David says that the Northern Ohio PGA prides itself on running high-quality events and has more than 600 Junior Tour members in 2023.
David adds, the Northern Ohio PGA Section Foundation helps to grow the game of golf in Northern Ohio through several initiatives, including scholarships. The section foundation also has a Clubs Fore Kids program, where they provide sets of golf clubs and PGA Professional instruction to juniors with financial need. Through PGA HOPE, the foundation offers six to eight weeks of free instruction to Veterans and Active Duty Military. And, over $80,000 in grants have been given in the last three years.
The Kenny Novak Scholarship Day has a slightly different format in 2023, as it will be a Pro-Junior-3 Am scramble format. More than 140 players are expected at this year’s Tour Championship.
It is a 12:30 shotgun with lunch from 11-12:30, followed by dinner after play at 5:30. This dinner will celebrate 40 years of the Kenny Novak Tour Championship and its 2023 Scholarship recipients.
Thirty-eight juniors from around Northern Ohio applied for the 2023 Northern Ohio PGA Section Foundation Scholarships. The two $10,000 scholarship award recipients will speak at the Scholarship Day dinner about how the game of golf has impacted their lives. In addition, the $6,000 and $1,000 scholarships will also be awarded.
Celebrating courage, determination and talent inspired by Kenny Novak, the tournament of champions for junior golf in Northern Ohio is 40 years strong.
A celebration of his life and legacy.
Born in Cleveland on July 11, 1934
Moved to the Bronx, New York, when 7 years old
Built his first house at age 17 in Kent (working with his father, Jonas)
Served in the U.S. Army (Jan. 1958Oct. 1959), based at Fort Niagara, NY. Honorable discharge.
Married June 8, 1959, to Regina Helve Höpfel in Youngstown 1930s
Moved back to Cleveland when 13 years old
Graduated from Kent State University, 1957
Moved to Streetsboro in 1957, where he built homes in the Sunny Slopes subdivision
Brett born October 6, 1963
Hedva born March 16, 1965
Devorah born February 27, 1960
Developed Four Seasons in Aurora, 1962-69
Broke ground for Walden in 1969; first homes & condominiums sold in 1970
Built Inn Walden & Spa Walden in 1997
Built last home in Walden in 2020
These are just a sampling of some of the many well-deserved awards Manny received throughout his lifetime.
Walden has won local, national and international awards for its many spheres of excellence.
Travel, food and the arts were just some of Manny's favorite things.
the historic homes along Chillicothe Rd./ Rt. 306 and from the Aurora Country Club down to the Aurora Inn and along Route 82 to the train station area. A DEVELOPMENT was coming to Aurora?
Joan Didion once wrote, “A single person is missing for you, and the whole world is empty. ”
We have found that to ring true since now, Manny is missing, and Walden feels empty, even lonely.
Yet, the other day, we were reminded of another truism as we were out walking our puppy, which is that those who create leave pieces of themselves behind. It was a dark and “Manny-unlit” late evening in the streets of our beautiful neighborhood, and as the rising moon lit our way, we heard a “hoot-hoot” of an owl high in our now-mature trees. It was as if Manny was calling out, reminding us that he is still here in all that he created…in all thus beauty that surrounds us all every day!
As we walked on, filled with—and surrounded by—thoughts of our beloved Manny, we reflected on the history of Walden, dating back to the 1970s. Manny’s vision was always about creating a community of PEOPLE, and never about simply creating a bunch of homes, and he certainly accomplished that.
In this most special Walden community, Manny has left us with a philosophy of life and living, preaching “simplicity at its best,” and maintaining an equilibrium and integrity with the beauty of the natural world and the constructed world. We fondly recalled working with him and his architect on our own beautiful home, and then watching other homes around us under construction, all done with Manny’s usual loving care.
Although Manny has left us now, he has entrusted us with his vision and his legacy. He will remain fully alive in Walden as we honor him in tribute and reverence by remaining true to the spirit of his message. It is up to us to keep him close in heart and mind by vigilantly nurturing the spirit and beauty that is Walden, and ultimately, this spirit and beauty that s Manny.
With much love and appreciation, Ren and Mary Bookman
Manny Barenholtz, Our Man for all Seasons
Visionary, patriot, optimist are just a few of the words that describe Manny. The words would highlight our stories. But they all would fall short in defining who he was.
He saw farmland and dense woods, and with his creative vision, he built Walden; an enduring legacy where friendships span generation to generation.
How many times at the club will we look up and expect to see his shy smile of recognition before we finally accept that he is gone?
In that sad moment of loss, we can remember how blessed we are to say in one voice, “Yes, I knew Manny Barenholtz. He was my friend.”
Al & Sharon O’Neil
Manny and Aurora… a Full Circle! Around 1960, Bob and I were kids growing up in Aurora. Bob’s father, David R. Tuttle, was mayor of Aurora. A man named Manny Barenholtz bought a farm on Route 43 and planned to build a “development.”
Aurora had never had a “development“ before! Aurora was a village with a few people who shared duties as mayor and council people. The homes in Aurora at the time were
Manny built the first few homes. They were small ranches. David Tuttle and the powers that be said, “STOP, NO more. This is not AURORA.” He was stopped. They required Manny to increase the size of the homes. Manny was not happy. Dave Tuttle was not happy! They were not friends in any sense of the word!
Manny went on to build lovely homes that were larger. He was wildly successful! Four Seasons was a great success and was built out in just a few years. Bob and I bought our first home in Four Seasons. It was a Manny home, of course. We were the second owners. Manny and his family lived on the next street!
A few years after Four Seasons was completed, Manny bought another farm on Bissell Road. Aurora was larger then and had more than a few developments. He proposed “Walden,” an all-natural setting like Walden Pond.
Meanwhile, Manny and Dave Tuttle had actually become friends. Good friends! Manny told Dave that he wanted to name the main street of Walden “David Tuttle Drive,” as he so appreciated Dave’s direction with Four Seasons and his success there. Dave said, “Absolutely NOT!”
Dave and Phoebe built one of the first condos in Walden with Manny… the very first one you see coming onto WALDEN DRIVE past The Barn on the hill of the Claridges. They loved Walden. He and Manny continued to be friends until Dave died.
We lived in Four Seasons when Manny was building Walden. It was a golf community. We were in our 20s with no interest in golf. But the second year, they were building a POOL, a beautiful pool. We were interested! We had one little girl then named Bryn, a year old. The day the pool opened, we joined Walden in June of 1971. A couple of years later, we had Elisabeth. Bryn, Elisabeth and I spent every day, all summer, at the Walden pool! We have been members ever since. We lived in the Highlands of Aurora and eventually bought a condo in Walden after 40+ years; our second
“Manny” home. We certainly got to know Manny well. What a delightful, insightful man he was!
In 2020, our daughter Bryn, and her husband Henk, had Manny build them a home in the Ravines. They started digging, set the foundation, and … Covid hit. Amazingly, the construction never stopped. The house was built in nine months. Manny was there every day... all day, sometimes! The house was Manny’s interpretation of their vision. It was right on!
I said to Bryn, “Remind Manny that you are Dave Tuttle’s granddaughter.” She said, “Oh Mom, he knows that.” But at the next design meeting, she said, “Manny, you remember that I’m Dave Tuttle’s granddaughter, don’t you?”
He turned white, lost his breath, got up and walked around for a few minutes...then came back to the table and said, “This may be the last house I build. I started here in Aurora with David Tuttle and finished my career with his granddaughter!”
is FULL CIRCLE!
Our dear Manny was an exemplary man. We met him through our dear friend, Bonnie, who was soon to marry a kind, gentle, generous yet strong, very intelligent man. My husband Stephen and I were impressed, indeed. Who wouldn’t be?
Moreover, manning (pun intended) the helm of Walden for some 50+ years was his passion, and it showed. Manny’s love for “his Walden,” as he often phrased it, impressed two jaded, well-traveled New Yorkers from the start… a haven and a heaven in every delightful detail.
The exuberance, gusto and sheer joy which Manny & Bonnie derived from their marriage, to the very end, is a postscript to all he achieved.
There will never be another Manny. But let us hope that those who walk in his footsteps realize and live up to the estimable standards Manny had maintained throughout the life of Extraordinary Walden.
Sheila & Stephen BernardManny was one of the sharpest guys I have ever met! His true love and passion for building Walden will never be forgotten.
In 2015, my wife (Leslie) and I wanted to construct a new home in Walden but didn’t think it was possible. Manny came up with a creative solution for us to build a custom home on a lot that was thought to be unbuildable.
We now live on the best street in Walden with a lake view and privacy. He truly did make a dream become reality for us.
Matt FletcherManny and I were friends for 35 years. We spoke each week about business, government, and his travels with Bonnie to their Manhattan “getaway” and elsewhere. I shall always remember with great fondness our many years of friendship.
Alan LevineI knew Manny as the husband of my dear friend, Bonnie. My husband Alan and I would spend delightful times together, chatting away about all the wonderful travels we all enjoyed throughout our 37 years.
It was evident that Manny’s desire was
to make Bonnie a “happy camper” as often as possible. We all laughed gleefully together and recognized what a wonderful “dreamer and creator” Manny was.
Gail LevineIn the ‘70s, I was working for Forest City Enterprises. Sam Miller, the Chief Executive Officer, asked me to take a look at a project a dear friend of his, Manny Barenholtz, had started in Aurora. Forest City was just starting to build condominium communities at that time and we were providing a lot of the building materials for Walden, and Sam thought it would be good for me to see his product and land use.
I met Manny there and was in total awe with the land planning. He shared with me his vision for what this community has become. The views from the units, the topography and land planning was something I had not seen before and have not seen since.
The owners of Walden have the beauty he had created for then, now and the future.
Steve Avner, Carlyle ManagementThe back story is that Manny built this house for my parents back in 1990. We finally finished making all of our renovations/additions and wanted to show Manny all the changes. He loved them and always loved this house because of the wine cellar. LOL. He loved the addition and kept saying, “This house has good bones!” Loved that. We had a great night and had dinner with both Manny and Bonnie.
Cassie WashburnHe Was Mr. B. to Me
I met Mr. Barenholtz in February 1998, a few months after the Inn opened. For the next 21 years, I grew up with Walden as an employee. I used to joke with Mr. B. that he helped fund my MBA, as I worked part-time, putting nearly every paycheck and gratuity towards my master’s degree.
I have many memories of Mr. B., from walking the halls of the Inn, hearing about his vision, to introducing him to guests of the Inn who were stunned they got to meet the “founder of Walden!”
Each time, I watched Mr. B. walk away from those conversations with his hand on his shaking head as if to say, “This is unbelievable and beautiful. My dream and vision have become other’s reality when they visit Walden.“
It was a joy to know guests he met felt about Walden what Mr. B. set out for 50 years prior. Mr. B. was the epitome of a gentleman, turning strangers into friends and never turning down the opportunity to say, “Hi, Michael” when I was nearby.
Mike KeckanThe loss of Manny has been felt far and wide in Aurora and in Walden. Few people can truly be called a “visionary.”
He planned for the future with imagination and wisdom. He took his cues from the contour of the land that would eventually become Walden. He imagined waterways, vegetation and wildlife, while marrying them with homes that brought nature in by way of large windows with natural light.
He created something that has withstood time now going past a halfcentury. Ask people why they want to purchase a home in Walden, and you will understand that few could see the future better than Manny. He surrounded the homes with an 18-hole golf course, fine dining, recreational facilities and an inn that isn’t matched easily in Ohio or neighboring states. With his passing, we hope his family will continue to be visionaries and plan for the future with imagination and wisdom. We will miss his smile, his gentle demeanor, and his love for all things Walden.
Adriana and I cannot exactly remember when we first met Manny (neither of us is from Cleveland), but it seems like we knew him forever.
We had many meals together, went to the theatre together and spent time at Walden/The Inn, where Manny would often discuss and show us his latest plans for the Walden/Inn physical plant. He would point to a piece of raw land and say,” I am going to build X,” and even once showed me a picture of a pedicure soaking bowl for the spa (clearly an item I knew nothing about).
He loved Walden et al, but more importantly, loved spending time with friends (often over lunch/dinner and a scotch) and we were blessed to have been among them.
We will always keep Manny in our memory,
Andrew & Adriana RandallThis picture says a great deal about our friend, Manny. Here he’s enjoying a refreshment, in a beautiful, natural environment, sitting and smiling lovingly with Bonnie, his true love. It really captures Manny’s soul. If we had served buckeyes from the Barn, the picture would be complete.
Suly & Steve BelmanI have only known Manny for six years, but in that time I got a glimpse of just how wonderful of a person he was. If I had to pick one word to describe Manny I would pick “special.” There was just something truly special about Manny. There was something about him that made you want to be around him and talk with him. One of my favorite memories that I have with him was when he kindly asked me to sing the National Anthem for a conference he was speaking at and I was practicing it for him and he was just being so, so kind. That day I really got to talk and get to know him more and it was so wonderful. I am so thankful I have been able to grow up in Walden. I am glad I got to know Manny and I will miss him dearly.
Carlie ConnerFew things gave my father as much pleasure as watching others enjoy Walden. It was his delight to see people going about their everyday business, be it dining, playing golf, taking walks, swimming, or just laughing and being with people. He appreciated the heartfelt letters he received from you, sharing what made Walden special for you.
For the better part of his life, my dad was imagining, curating, and coaxing into reality this community that has no comparison: Walden in Aurora, Ohio. When you try to describe it, words fall short. It needs a picture. It needs to be experienced.
Thank you to everyone who experiences Walden. Whether you live there, visit there, or work there, you make it shine. Continue to enjoy all that it has to offer. Care for it, pause to take in its beauty. Appreciate and respect its uniqueness. Pass it on to the next and the next and the next.
May Walden forever speak for itself; I know he would want just that.
Hedva Barenholtz LevyThe one thing that came to mind for me was when the Club was first opened, the grille and Pro Shop were located on the bottom level of the Barn. We would eat there often as it was fun and easy for us to do so. Then as Walden expanded, and the membership grew, the Clubhouse, pool and tennis courts opened, the grille was moved over to the pool area and named the Halfway House, between the 1st and 2nd nine holes of the golf course.
My dad always told us that, although our club membership number was 1, we were never to be first in line, nor ask for anything before others were served. Walden belonged to the members and was for the members to enjoy. And we enjoyed watching others feel at home in a place my dad had created for them.
The last time I sat with my dad at the outdoor grille, sharing a tuna sandwich, we watched the swimmers and golfers, families eating, laughing and playing together, and he remarked how these were a whole new generation of Waldenites enjoying what he had created. His sentiments were similar to what I had been told as a child 50 years earlier... Walden was for the members to enjoy. And it will be for many generations to come. That’s quite a legacy!
Devorah BarenholtzThe greatest times were brunch with Manny in NYC. We always looked forward to it and Manny didn’t miss our wedding. He always loved family and really enjoyed our nephew Dylan’s bar mitzvah 15 years ago. Dylan fell in love with him, too.
They don’t make Mannys anymore.
The Kassmans
My father's legacy and what he wanted to do was to make the world a more beautiful place and to connect us with nature and our surroundings. When you walked into a space, he wanted to make you feel more connected to it. He wanted to have places where we enjoyed life.
Walden wasn’t about fancy or expensive and my father did not like things that were pretentious or ostentatious. He thought the most beautiful painting was a window.
He spent a lot of time sculpting the land in Walden. He would take nature and enhance it. He helped make the world a better place.
Brett BarenholtzI worked with Manny as his Interior Designer on Walden Country Inn and then on the Walden Spa. Together, we had an incredible journey of design, working initially with the plans of architect John Terrance Kelly for the Inn, and later on, The Spa. Also, consulting on several houses he had built.
Manny would come to my office at Shaker Square and my staff would
His arms would be carrying plans and folders containing pictures from design magazines. And as the office door would open, he would immediately start talking excitedly about a new idea and what did I think?
Before I could say a word, he was on to another creative thought. With such an enthusiasm for design and such an excitement for a new idea, he would draw you into his world and you found yourself inspired and ready to work and make it happen. We came up with a new phrase to describe our design philosophy for the Inn: “Contemporary Western Reserve.”
It meant incorporating contemporary architecture with rich colors and some traditional furniture in a comfortable setting. He loved color, unusual mixtures of materials, and above all, clean design.
Another term Manny created, which as an interior designer I hated, was “cost-effective.” That meant finding a more reasonable price for something I was suggesting. Once I got used to that, we had a terrific working relationship.
The Spa was my final project with him and he was the inspiration for a truly remarkable design and a beautiful, relaxing escape for its patrons.
Manny was a true gift to our community and an inspiration to all of us. Throughout my time working with him, my respect for his “genius” only grew. What a “Man” and what a “Game Changer” for all of us in Northeast Ohio!
Don DoskeyManny Barenholtz was truly a visionary who used his immense creativity and generous spirit for Aurora’s benefit. He built the Four Seasons neighborhood early on, then implemented his vision for a beautiful residential community woven into the surrounding landscape, and Walden was born. Manny also was generous in other ways to his community, making donations to the Aurora Fire Department and giving land to the Aurora Schools for new schools. He will be greatly missed and remembered with gratitude.
According to Bonnie, Manny absolutely loved this dish. Let her know if you try it!
INGREDIENTS:
n 100g of guanciale, or good quality pancetta, diced into 0.5cm cubes
n 400g of San Marzano tomatoes (1 tin)
n 1/2 onion, diced (optional)
n 1/2 red chili, diced (optional)
n 50 ml of white wine
n Olive oil
n 400g of bucatini pasta
n Pecorino Romano, to grate on top
n Basil leaves, torn
DIRECTIONS:
To begin, slowly heat the diced guanciale with a tablespoon of olive oil over a medium-low heat. If using onions and chili, add them to the pan to soften in the rendered fat, cooking them until soft but without color.
Once the guanciale is lightly golden, add the white wine and reduce by three quarters.
Add the tin of tomatoes (if using whole tomatoes, roughly chop them first).
Cook down on a low heat for 10–15 minutes until the sauce has thickened. Taste and add
salt and a pinch of sugar, if necessary.
Cook the pasta in a pan of heavily salted boiling water for 8–10 minutes, or as per packet instructions.
Once the pasta is al dente, drain and add it to the sauce, tossing to make sure the pasta is evenly coated
Serve promptly with plenty of grated Pecorino Romano and some torn basil leaves.
Buon appetito!
MANNY'S FAVORITE RECIPE
TITLE: ACCOUNTING SUPERVISOR
YEARS AT WALDEN: 31
FAMILY: I have three children (two sons, one daughter) and three granddaughters.
I’m not sure where to start. There are so many things I would love to say about Walden and Manny Barenholtz. I’m so thankful and blessed for my family here at Walden and that Mr. Barenholtz gave me a chance to be a part
of Walden many years ago. I transitioned from a data entry clerk to my position now.
When I think back to all those years ago, it’s with a smile that I think how Mr. Barenholtz went from an amazing mentor and businessman to my friend. He was definitely a talented man and I’m so lucky that I got to be a part of him making his dreams come true here at Walden.
In the last few years, he started coming down and asking if there was anything he could do for me, even if it was doing a bank or post office run. That’s what made him such a special and kind soul. He genuinely cared about all his employees and was so thankful for what we did for him and Walden. His presence will always be missed.
Manny had a way with words. He was able to share his vision of Walden through his quick wit and word pictures. Here are a few quotes from past conversations and interviews:
“Things that are important to me are ‘critical path.’”
“Simplicity is very important. You can’t beat a piece of glass and a tree.”
“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.”
“Since we always have disdained ostentation, going into an old barn was part of the visual harmony from the outside. The architecture blends seamlessly into the landscape and The Barn ties everything together. The atmosphere throughout Walden is high quality and earthy; not ostentatious.”
“I wanted to create a community, not just a house.”
“I decided what I would want for myself… I would want nature. I would want simplicity.”
“Everything is the finest — as I would want for myself. That goes for everything at Walden. It’s only logical.”
“I am very proud of Walden. There is nothing like it.”
This year, Club Walden is looking to offer smaller, more intimate events to enhance the member experience. On June 17, we hosted the first of these events on the 18th Fairway. An intimate dinner was served to around 20 guests who arrived at the beautiful setting via golf cart.
The dinner included five courses and each wine was meticulously chosen by Walden’s own Wine Sommelier, Marie Spencer. Here was the menu with the wines that evening:
COURSE 1: Cheese Board, Domestic Cheeses, Fruits and Pickled Vegetables, Scarpetta Prosecco Italy
COURSE 2: Chilled Ohio Wildberry Soup, Wine Infused Foam Crème, Mint Skewer Santo Assyrtiko from Greece
COURSE 3: Braised Beef Short-Rib Ravioli, Ramp Crème Fraiche, Trumpet Mushrooms, Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon California
COURSE 4: Potato Crusted Atlantic Halibut, Poached White Asparagus, Red Wine Beurre Blanc, Enroute Pinot Noir California
COURSE 5: Ohio Icewine Ice Cream, Dark Chocolate Cone, Red Wine Poached Cherries, Dow 10 Year Tawny or Far Niente Dolce
We hope to hold more of these events for our members in the future. We have a wine dinner planned for the Arbor at the Clubhouse in September and a Cigar and Whiskey Event planned for the Bogey Bar Deck on August 19.
Watch for more “Evenings on the Green” planned for the future! These events will be limited in the number of attendees to help create an intimate and memorable evening for each guest.
Guests arrived at the beautiful setting via golf cart.
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Photo by Maria Biel