Walden Life - May 2023

Summer Lovin’

Walden Couples in Love

In Loving Memory of Manny Barenholtz

The July/August issue of Walden Life magazine will be a tribute to Manny's life and his legacy.

The July/August issue of Walden Life magazine will be a tribute to Manny's life and his legacy.

Please send any photos, memories, stories and suggestions to Miriam Conner at miriam@mywaldenlife.com

FROM THE EDITOR/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER MIRIAM CONNER

On March 10, 2023, we lost Walden’s visionary leader. As we will forever feel the great loss of Manny Barenholtz, Walden Life will honor him in the next issue. Please see Page 3 for information on how you can get involved.

Now that spring is turning to summer, we’re finally in that time of year we have all been waiting for! The golfers are out (be sure to read Collin’s golf information in this issue’s Tee Time on Page 14). The walking path is seeing more people and dogs, the kids are getting ready for the school year to end, the pool is getting ready to be the backdrop of more summer memories, the grills are fired up… yes, summertime is on the horizon!

The thing I love most about Walden Life is the people I have been able to meet and get to know. I am completely inspired by the longstanding marriages of the couples in this issue’s feature on page 16. You can also read about an amazing and adventurous Woman of Walden on page 12.

And remember, please support our advertisers throughout the magazine who help to make Walden Life possible.

LOVING THE WALDEN LIFE,

Miriam Conner is the editor and associate publisher for . She is an educator and is host of Northeast Ohio Parent magazine’s podcast, aParently Speaking. Miriam and Ryan love living in Walden with their three kids.

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

OF THE

Editor/Associate

Publisher

Miriam Conner

Miriam@MyWaldenLife.com

440-396-0374

Associate Editor

Estelle Rodis-Brown

Estelle@MyWaldenLife.com

Sales/Account Executive

Leslie Fletcher Leslie@MyWaldenLife.com

440-785-3110

Art Director Graphic Design

Laura Chadwick

Laura@MyWaldenLife.com

Photography Maria Biel mariabiel@me.com

Office Manager/Accounting

Kathleen Mitchell

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440-533-1208

Publisher of Member of

F acebook: @waldenlifemagazine

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Miriam and husband Ryan in 1991.

The Conner family in 2023.

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.

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.

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.

Estelle Rodis-Brown serves as associate 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.

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.

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.

BY MIRIAM CONNER

Congratulations, Graduates!

WALDEN ASSOCIATION NEWS

AUTOPAY YOUR SEMI-ANNUAL FEES

The Walden Association is asking all owners to pay their semi-annual fees with AUTOPAY, if possible. Using this method will ensure timely payments, eliminate potential late fees, remove possible owner legal fees, and minimize check fraud. An Auto Pay Application will be mailed to all owners with your mid-year statement.

WALDEN ARCHITECTURAL APPLICATIONS FOR IMPROVEMENTS TO CONDOS & HOMES

Construction season is upon us and now is the time to remind all owners in Walden that applications for exterior changes to your home must be submitted to either your condominium board or to our property manager, Steve Avner.

You will find all information at waldenofaurora.com under the heading, “Architectural Standards.” Download the standards, which will give you the approved materials for Walden, and the application. Fill out the application, attach all photos, materials and information, and send it to your condominium board or

property manager. They will forward any approvals to the Walden Architectural Committee for final approval. Some applications may require approval from the City of Aurora.

2023 WALDEN ASSOCIATION PROJECTS

• Entrance Update was completed in early April

• Refreshing Walden Drive shoulder material

• South half of the walking path will be repaired and resealed

WALDEN COMMUNITY PHOTO DRIVE

The Walden Association needs your help! We are having a year-long drive in 2023 to generate new images/ photos of our community. We are starting to receive these beautiful images, and with spring and summer on the way, we can hardly wait to see Walden in all of its glory! Keep those photos coming! Remember to shoot the photos horizontally/in landscape view and submit them to: thewaldenassociation@gmail.com.

Ilona is graduating from Aurora High School in May and will attend Kent State University, where she will major in psychology.

Grace graduated in August from the University of Cincinnati with a major in communications and a minor in psychology.

Grace Caito - daughter of Ryan and Dawn CaitoGlen Eden Ct.

Ilona Frazier - daughter of Magalie FrazierFairington Oval

BasketbALL in the Family

Proud grandmother

Daisy Alford-Smith has two outstanding collegiate basketball players in the family!

Shyanne Sellers is a member of the Division One women’s basketball team at the University of Maryland, where she is a sophomore and recently played in the Elite Eight as a guard. Her sister Shayla is the captain of her basketball team at Purdue at Fort Wayne.

April Sunset

April Sunset

TRIVIA

University of Maryland's Shyanne playing against sister, Shayla, at Purdue at Fort Wayne on December 21, 2022.

An amazing Walden sunset captured by resident Emma Wurm.

An amazing Walden sunset captured by resident Emma Wurm

New Trivia Question: On January 1, 1970, Aurora created the first full-time fire department with how many men?

Answer to last issue’s question: The bird that migrates 600 miles to return to Northeast Ohio this spring, weighing the equivalent of four paperclips, is the tiny ruby-throated hummingbird.

Daisy and the University of Maryland Women’s b-ball team.

Daisy with Shyanne (left) and Shayla (right).

Worth Noting

WALDEN LIFE

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

BRIDGE YOGA

Join fellow members for contract bridge every Friday at 12:30pm. Members need to know how to play. Lessons are periodically available; contact Donna Brown djbrown1978@aol.com.

For more information on playing, please contact Chris Campbell at c.s. campbell@live.com

CINCO DE MAYO

Friday, May 5

Enjoy live music starting at 7 p.m. while enjoying Chef’s Cinco de Mayo-themed dinner specials and drink specials.

Yoga is offered daily at Spa Walden (except on Mondays): Tuesday-Friday, 9 a.m. and Saturday and Sunday, 8:30 a.m. There is also a new evening class on Wednesdays at 6 p.m.

Cost is $10 for Club Members; $15 for members of the public; complimentary for overnight guests of Inn Walden. Contact Spa Walden at spa@ yourwalden.com or 330-995-9772.

MOTHER’S DAY BUFFET

Seating from 11 a.m.-1:30 p.m.

POOL OPENS FOR THE SUMMER

MAY 27

FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL

June 3

DINNER ON THE GREEN

June 17

An exclusive dinner set on the 18th fairway. Limited seatings available. Live entertainment, four- course dinner with wine. Details to come!

Contact Patrick Cunningham at patrick@yourwalden. com or 330-995-3131. Photo by Liz Roberto

The Food and Wine Festival is Back! From noon-3 p.m. at the Clubhouse, experience a Taste of Walden, compliments of Chef’s pairings of a wine or spirit with special culinary creations. Contact Patrick Cunningham at patrick@yourwalden.com

JoAnn Burke Orr Adventure at Every Turn for this 98-Year-Old

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

JoAnn Orr recently turned 98 and she’s eager, as always, for her next adventure.

“Joey” Burke was born on March 27, 1925, to Josephine Lyon Burke and Cleveland politician Thomas A. Burke, who went on to become the 48th mayor of Cleveland, served four terms, then was a U.S. Senator. Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport is named after JoAnn’s influential father, so she was, by default, a local celebrity who couldn’t even go on a date without newspaper cameras capturing and broadcasting the moment.

In fact, January 1, 1946 is memorialized with a photo in The Plain Dealer from the night young Stanley L. Orr, Jr. proposed to JoAnn Burke at the Continental Restaurant after attending a performance of “Oklahoma” at the Hanna Theatre. The couple had known each other since middle school when they were enrolled in the same dancing classes.

The Plain Dealer also showed up to snap a picture of JoAnn and her firstborn, Barb, just hours after delivery. It was published on the front page of the June 20, 1948 issue of the newspaper. Even family portraits were often organized and taken by the Plain Dealer. Over time, after JoAnn’s father returned to private law practice and she and Stan started raising their four children, they faded from the public spotlight. But the Orrs enjoyed plenty of adventure on their own

terms. JoAnn, who now lives with her daughter, Barb Chema, in a lovely Russet Woods condo, says her husband of 68 years was a “man of action” until his passing in 2015 at the age of 90.

An Eagle Scout and avid outdoorsman, Stan had embarked on 35 Army Air Corps missions while serving in World War II. His love of adventure took him and his family on far-flung travels. He loved being on the water and owned five different boats as Barb, Althea, Tom and Chip (Stanley Orr III ) were growing up and enjoying a second home base at Cedar Point Marina’s boat dock.

Barb says, “Each boat was larger than the last, and all were named 6 OARS, because our name was Orr and there were six of us. We spent our weekends on boats, water skiing and camping.”

In 1977, Stan retired early after working 30 years for U.S. Steel…not to put up his feet or rest on his laurels, but to take his wife on a three-year, 28,000-mile adventure on intercoastal waters from Canada to the Caribbean.

Setting aside her own plans and preferences, JoAnn agreed to her husband’s fantasy of living aboard a big boat. So, while in their early 50s, the couple sold most of their worldly possessions and embarked on a sometimes perilous journey as “liveaboards” on Steelaway, a 42-foot Grand Banks Trawler.

JoAnn’s lively memoir, “Sea Fantasy” (published in 2013 and available on Amazon) recounts their adventures sailing around the East Coast of the U.S. and the Bahamas before the advent of personal computers, cell phones, email, WI-FI, Garmin, Google Maps or other modern conveniences.

JoAnn dedicates her book “To my Captain Stan, who led me into an adventurous life, often kicking and screaming. It was enriching, and I thank you! Wither thou goest, I will go.”

When asked about her agreeableness to her husband’s high-adventure plans for them both, JoAnn says, “It was fun… but not always. I guess I was a good sport.”

Indeed! Aside from becoming First Mate to her Captain and learning how to operate the large vessel, JoAnn baked homemade bread and maintained their floating home every day. Then there were mechanical breakdowns, rough weather (including a memorable hurricane), and life-threatening “visits from curious drunks and nefarious bandits” who needed to be scared off by Stan’s sharpshooting target demonstrations.

After recounting the less-pleasant aspects of living on the water, JoAnn cheerfully admits, “I’m a worrier. I don’t like being on the water. But it was Stan’s dream to do this. I loved him very much.”

And that pretty well sums up JoAnn’s ability to gracefully go with the flow, wherever that flow has carried her.

Stan & JoAnn with their RV with campimg in Alaska in the '80s.

Stan & JoAnn with their RV while camping in Alaska in the ’80s.

In fact, while Stan eventually “grew tired of it and sold the boat,” the Orrs hadn’t settled back home in Chagrin Falls for long before her restless husband bought them a new RV so they could travel to every state in the Union, every province in Canada, every state but one in Mexico, plus Alaska, Newfoundland and Labrador.

“We were very compatible, we enjoyed the same activities, and we loved each other so much,” JoAnn says. “It was a pretty fair deal for 68 years.”

Now, although she misses Stan terribly, JoAnn is making the most of her new life with Barb at Walden. Barb had moved to Walden previously to downsize after living in a big Van Sweringen home in Shaker Heights. “Mom and I decided

to join forces here,” she says.

Jo Ann adds, “It’s beautiful here and we enjoy meeting with our friends in the neighborhood. I practically live out on Barb’s porch, where I feed the birds and greet friends from the Condo Association who stop by. And, of course, we have family nearby. I’m very happy. It’s so pretty and peaceful here… and the men are very handsome!,” JoAnn adds, with a wink and a smile.

JoAnn celebrated her 98th birthday at Walden with her daughter, granddaughter and two of her great-grandchildren. True to form, she approached the day with grateful, loving anticipation and now looks forward to the new adventures each day may bring.

From left: JoAnne with her great-grandson Sebastian Orr on hger 98th nirthday; a 1963 summer scene of the Orr family on their boat at Cedar Point Marina; a family protrait on Stan and JoAnn's 60 wedding anniversary in 1977.

From left: JoAnn on her 98th birthday at Walden; a 1963 summer scene of the Orr family on their boat at Cedar Point Marina; a family portrait on Stan and JoAnn's 60th wedding anniversary in 1977.

Ready, Set: GOLF!

By Collin McEndree, PGA, Head Golf Professional

Ihope everyone had a great off-season this winter, and I eagerly look forward to seeing everyone back on the golf course this summer. The golf staff is certainly looking forward to the start of the 2023 golf season here in May. We once again have a great schedule of golf events lined up for this year, as well as multiple junior golf clinics, a junior golf league, men’s clinics, ladies’ clinics, and club fitting days. We also plan to bring back our wedge clinic/fitting day that was very popular a couple years ago.

For our Full Golf Members, here is some important information with dates to put on your calendar for the 2023 season:

May 2 – Ladies’ Opening Day

May 3 – Senior’s Opening Day

May 5 – Rules Seminar

May 6 – Men’s Opening Day

May 15 – The first Moday that the range will be open, Club Carts will be offered, and our Bagroom will be open

May 20 – Opening day for the grass tee on the driving range

May 24 – Wine/9 Ladies’ Opening Day

June 17 – Men’s Derby Day

June 24/25 – Ladies’ Member Guest

If you have any questions about our events, clinics, or anything else golf related, please do not hesitate to reach out to myself, or anyone on the golf staff. We can be reached in the golf shop by phone (330995-3105), or by email (proshop@yourwalden.com). Also, make sure to follow us on Instagram @WaldenGolfShop for even more up to date information pertaining to golf at Walden.

From all of the golf staff, I would like to wish everyone a healthy and safe summer that is filled with golf. Thank you, and always remember to sand your divots and fix your ball marks.

Summer Lovin’

Walden Couples in Love

By Miriam Conner

Love is in the air with these Walden couples. They have not only been together for a very long time, but they are still in love. Enjoy reading their inspirational love stories.

Brad & Brooke Rosselot

Brooke grew up in Bainbridge and Brad in Cincinnati until moving to Aurora in fifth grade.

After high school, Brad attended Ohio Northern then Kent State, graduating with degrees in finance and business management. Brooke attended business school in Cleveland.

It was 1985 at the Akron Agora and a band was playing the songs of Prince and Morris Day and The Time. Brad and Brooke each went with their friends. Brad’s friend, who Brooke did not know, pulled her onto the dance floor and said he had someone for her to meet. Brad did not know his friend did that. The friend introduced them to each other, they started talking and she took his number and called him, and he invited her and her friend to his party in Kent.

Their first date came soon afterward. The first big thing they did together was go to Kings Island for the weekend, where they rode all the roller coasters together.

They got engaged in 1987. Brooke said, “I pretty much knew right away that Brad was the one. He was such a gentleman and very respectful,” she said. Brad also knew Brook was the one right away. They were married in 1988 at St. Joan of Arc in Chagrin Falls and their reception was the first one at Landerhaven right after their expansion.

Brooke wore a pale blush wedding dress and her bridesmaids wore white lace. The guys wore black tuxedos. Brad’s mom chose the location of the rehearsal dinner, which just happened to be Club Walden. They were married on Brooke’s 23rd birthday, April 16, 1988. They honeymooned in St. Croix and will be returning there for their 35th anniversary.

Their first home was in Four Seasons in Aurora, where they lived for seven years before building a home in Wellington in Aurora. Brad and Brooke have three children: Connor (31), works for National Fleet Sales as a trucking specialist and is married to Katie. They live in Moreland Hills and they just had their first baby. They welcomed Theodore Jack Rosselot on April 15, 2023. Evan (29) is a senior IT consultant for Terillium, is married to Kathie and lives in Chicago. Justin (25) lives in Aurora and is working for Mazzulo’s.

Brooke and her dad opened Mazzulo’s in Bainbridge 28 years ago. Then she and Brad purchased it from her dad 19 years ago and they opened the Aurora Mazzulo’s 15 years ago. As far as working with each other, they say they both have their own strengths and own roles, so it works out great.

This is their eighth year living in Walden. They thought it was such a beautiful community that they wanted to be a part of it. They enjoy the peacefulness and walking out on their deck and feeling like they are on vacation. Their dogs, Cooper and Bella, love to go on long walks and chase the geese. Brooke and Brad both enjoy golfing and taking their dogs on walks throughout Walden.

The Rosselots’ secrets to a happy marriage include compromise and understanding each other's needs, supporting each other and understanding their love languages. Making time to spend together is a great way for them to reconnect and doing little things like surprising each other with small gifts and even completing projects together all help to strengthen their relationship.

Mike & Cindi Bakenies

Cindi and Mike both grew up in Richmond Heights and met when she was in ninth grade and he was in 10th grade. They dated off and on throughout high school. After graduating, Mike went into the landscaping business and interior painting. Cindi became a dental assistant. They moved to Aurora in 1997 and Mike went into painting full-time. He recently retired.

Cindi was a dental assistant until her first child was born, then she learned more about insurance and did transcriptions while her kids were young. She then moved into medical management. She ended that career as an executive director of physician services for a company that staffed hospital programs.

In 2007, she became a licensed real estate agent on the side. Since retiring, she now does that full-time.

Mike and Cindi were engaged in 1970. They said, “We were always drawn back to each other. We had comfort and trust and we wanted to be our own family.”

The wedding took place at St. Paschal Church in Highland Heights; the first couple to be married in that church. Their reception was held at John Carroll University with 350-400 guests. Mohamad Ali was at the university that weekend and the local newspaper covering his event mentioned that an Italian wedding held at the university outdrew Mohamad Ali’s event!

They purchased their first home in Richmond Heights, where they lived until building a home in The Lakes of Aurora in 1997. They have two children (Michael and Melissa) and four grandsons.

The Bakenies have been members of Walden for 20 years and love it. They have hosted many parties at the Club and Barn. “The Barn is one of the most spectacular restaurants,” they say. “It is a hidden gem. When we have something special, we go to the Barn.” The new bar and deck at the Club is a favorite spot. Every few months, they have a big family dinner at the Club. They also enjoy Monday night movies and the Spa.

The Bakenies’ secret to a successful marriage is “trust, allowing your partner personal time and space, not sweating the small stuff, communication and respect.”

Paul & Barb Kondrat

Barb grew up in Pepper Pike where her dad was a golf pro at Pepper Pike Country Club. She graduated from Orange High School.

Paul is from Mayfield and graduated from Mayfield High School. After high school, Paul went to business school and began his sales career.

It was the summer of 1969 when Paul saw Barb at the beach and told his friend that he was going to marry her. Later that year, they met at a dance hall and started dating. Two years later, on a -10 degree January 25 day, they got married and moved to their first apartment in Mayfield.

Paul and Barb purchased their first home in Mayfield and after two years, they moved to Bedford and then Solon. Paul and Barb started their own company, Newport Chemical, from the back bedroom of their home in 1974. After a couple of years, as their company continued to grow, they built their building in Oakwood Village, where the company is still located today.

The Kondrats have three kids —Robert, Jason and Julie — who are now all running the company with Paul. They also have six grandkids: Alexa, Ava, Emma, RP, Andrew and Kady. Family is extremely important to them and they spend a lot of time enjoying all of the grandkids’ activities and events.

Paul and Barb moved to Walden six years ago. They were members for five years before moving here. Paul spent a lot of time golfing at Walden and he was the one who wanted to move to Walden at first. While Paul was golfing at Walden, he was scoping out several homes and was trying to convince Barb to move. Michael Balog showed them the home they would end up buying in Deer Island. Paul finally convinced Barb to move and they purchased and renovated their entire home. Barb is very happy that Paul convinced her to move to Walden. They love it here and have made great friends especially on their street in Deer Island.

They say, “We have met such wonderful people in Walden and everywhere you look it is just beautiful.”

Paul says the secret to a successful marriage is to always do what your wife wants!

Mitch & Julie Camp

She did not know anything about golf until she met Mitch. Julie lived in the country and had horses. Mitch and Julie are from Orrville and were high school sweethearts. Neither one of them ever dated anyone else.

After graduating from Orrville High School, they got engaged in 1976 when Mitch was a member of the golf team at The Ohio State University and Julie worked at an Orrville bank. They were married after his freshman year in college in 1977 at a small hometown wedding and reception at the Orrville Church of Christ. They honeymooned in Virginia Beach then returned to Ohio State.

After college graduation, the couple moved to Orlando, where Mitch was trying to make the mini tour. They lived there for four years and Mitch got a job as an assistant at the Fairlawn Country Club, so they moved back to Ohio. After that, Mitch became the golf pro at Walden and they have been here for 34 years. Their son Ryan lives in Cincinnati with his wife Chasity and their three kids. Ryan works at Crown Plastics in Cincinnati.

Julie has learned the game of golf and has a pretty good teacher! Julie golfs with the Nine and Wine group at Walden and the couple spends their winters in Florida, where she golfs a couple of days a week. Mitch golfs every day while in Florida.

Julie works part-time in the pro shop and does the ladies' buying, something she has always done. She has enjoyed getting to know the members better that way.

The Camps’ secret to a successful marriage is having the same goals in life and working together as a team to achieve those goals.

Jim & Angie Zenisek

Jim is from South Euclid; Angie is from Lyndhurst. They met on a blind date in 1959 when Angie was 16 and Jim was 19 years old.

A friend of Jim’s, who was dating Angie’s friend and later married her, introduced them.

They dated for three years and one day Jim tied a ring to a stuffed animal racoon’s paw and Angie said yes! They were engaged for a year and were married in 1961. Angie was 19 and Jim was 21.

They had a large Italian wedding on September 9, 1961, at St. Gregory’s Church in South Euclid. Their reception was held at the Collinwood Slovenian Home without air conditioning on a 90-degree day. They honeymooned in the Pocono mountains for a week then spent some time in Niagara Falls.

They first lived in an apartment in Euclid, then moved to a double home near Nela Park before moving to another duplex in East Cleveland. Their two daughters were ready to begin school so they were ready to move. Jim saw an ad for a home that was built by a builder for a small down payment. The builder was Bart Wolstein. Jim and Angie lived in that home for 20 years until 1987. At that time, Jim was traveling for business and did not want the responsibility of a home and their kids had moved out. They looked at several places but always came back to Walden. They made the move to Walden in 1987 where they still live in the same condo.

Jim and Angie joined Club Walden, Jim became an avid golfer, and they both did a lot of social things, met a lot of great people, and have had a lot of good times. Jim continues to play golf with the seniors twice a week. Angie was never interested in golf and is more than happy when Jim goes to play.

Their daughter Susan is retired from dentistry and lives in Strongsville. Their daughter Janet, who was born on their second anniversary, used to own a dance studio in Twinsburg. Jim and Angie have two grandsons, Andrew and Tyler; one granddaughter, Hannah; and one great-granddaughter, Erie Louella (LuLu).

The Zeniseks’ secret to a successful marriage is give-and-take, and traveling together. They used to travel a lot to their favorite places: the Caribbean, Panama Canal and Hilton Head.

Leveling Up | With Vertical Gardening

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

Re-imagine your garden space this season, from the ground up! Plant vertically with containers, fences, trellises, arbors and pergolas.

Re-imagine your garden space this season, from the ground up! Plant vertically with boxes, containers, fences, trellises and pergolas.

Take it up a notch this spring with vertical gardening. Training your flowering vines or veggies to climb up a structure rather than across the landscape can maximize your outdoor space while adding verdant privacy screens, shaded overhangs, cool filtered light and vibrant visual interest to your sitting areas.

To garden up, start by adding hanging baskets, planter boxes or planting containers to your balcony, porch, deck or patio.

According to Donna Hessel of the Emerald Necklace Garden Club and author of Northeast Ohio Boomer’s “Gardening Sweet Spots” blog, other above-ground options include:

• Window boxes

• Planters that attach to deck railings and hold potted plants

• Hooks that attach to siding or fences on which containers can be hung

• Pots placed on the steps of an opened, weathered ladder

If you have a fence on your property, train climbing plants along it to create graceful curtains of green or add shelving, garden pouches or mounted containers along that structure.

There are several ways a landscape structure can elevate your garden this season. Training crawling plants along a trellis, arbor or pergola can create the visual effect of a living

wall of fragrant flowers.

A trellis is essentially a freestanding piece of open framework or lattice that can be affixed to a wall or a pergola or staked into the ground to stand on its own. A trellis provides support for plants and acts as a beautiful accent to an otherwise empty wall or as an addition to a pergola to create a living wall on one or more sides.

An arbor is normally used to define the entrance or gateway to an area. Arbors can be arched or straight at the top and are supported by a small trellis, usually about two to three feet wide, on each side. Arbors are most commonly used to frame a garden path, walkway, or entrance. Because the sides are trellises, they allow vines to grow up the sides and over the top, adding even more visual interest to the structure.

A pergola is an architectural feature that can completely transform outdoor space from a simple into a multifunctional area that blurs the line between indoors and out. A pergola can incorporate the best features of both an arbor and a trellis to create a defined outdoor seating space, be used to cover a long walkway, or be used as a shade structure for a pool deck or outdoor kitchen area.

Adding a trellis wall on one or more sides gives flowers and vines a place to climb. Once they reach the top, they will continue to grow on the stringers that make up the roof, creating a natural canopy that allows dappled sunlight to reach those enjoying its shade.

There are lots of flowering climbing vines that will show off beautiful blooms from spring to fall, whether you choose self-seeding annuals or perennials. For our growing zone, “Better Homes & Gardens” recommends:

AMERICAN WISTERIA - Fragrant and colorful, wisteria is

perfect for large arbors, pergolas or porches with its white, purple or lilac flowers that can be enjoyed by early spring. (Full sun and moist, well-drained soil.)

BLACK-EYED SUSAN VINE - Fast-growing annual featuring bright yellow, orange or white flowers with dark centers. Can climb a trellis or thrive in hanging baskets where it can twist around the basket supports.

CLEMATIS - Clematis like their “heads in the sun and their feet in the shade,” so plant them in full sun but apply a thick layer of mulch around them to keep their roots cool and shaded, and they will return year after year.

CLIMBING NASTURTIUM - The tiny little seedlings of climbing nasturtiums will quickly turn into showy plants with round leaves and funnel-shaped, yellow, orange, peach or red edible blooms. (Full sun and slightly acidic, well-drained soil.)

HONEYSUCKLE – This perennial flowering vine is hardy and easy to grow. Honeysuckles are fast-growing, climbing vines that quickly cover trellises and arbors. Their nectar-filled yellow, white, orange or red flowers also attract hummingbirds. (Full sun, medium moisture, well-drained soil.)

MORNING GLORY - This is an easy-to-grow annual (from seed) with 4-6-inch blooms. The vines will climb trellises, railings, and other supports with ease. (Full sun, moist soil.)

TRUMPET VINE - A vigorous clinging vine, trumpet vine is perfect to cover up a large surface like a fence or pergola with finely divided foliage covered by funnelshaped orange, red, or yellow flowers in midsummer. (Full sun to part shade and moist, well-drained soil.)

When it comes to growing vegetables, training them along trellises or fencing results in increased yields, saving space, preventing disease and maximizing growth, due to increased exposure to the sun.

Vine crops of squash, melons and cucumbers can produce straighter, cleaner fruit via vertical gardening. Even tomato fruits will be cleaner and less likely to rot or become food for slugs if trained to grow up along a trellis rather than across the moisture-trapping soil.

“The Old Farmer’s Almanac” lists pole beans, climbing peas, sweet potatoes, vining tomatoes, and sprawling types of zucchini, cucumber, melon and squash as the ideal veggie plants that can be trained up vertical supports.

Cherry tomato: ‘Sungold’, ‘Black Cherry’, ‘Gardener’s Delight’, ‘Blondkopfchen’

Cucumber: ‘Burpee Hybrid II’, ‘County Fair 83’, ‘Dasher 11’, ‘Saladin’

Green bean: ‘Romano Italian’, ‘Meraviglia Venezia’, ‘Gold of Bacau’

Lima bean: ‘Doctor Martin’, ‘King of the Garden’

Melon: ‘Delicious 51’, ‘Tigger’, ‘Sleeping Beauty’ (musk melon); ‘White Wonder’, ‘Yellow Doll’ (watermelon)

Pea: ‘Dual’, ‘Garden Sweet’, ‘Maestro’, ‘Sugar Snap’, ‘Super Sugar Snap’

Squash: acorn, delicata, yellow summer, zucchini

Whether you want to grow flowering vines or climbing veggies this season, your vertical garden is looking up!

Add dynamic color, dimension and grace to doorways, archways and arbors by planting climbing perennials.

Paul & Eileen Gaston | Education in Action

By Kaye Lowe

Meet Paul and Eileen Gaston, a quiet, unassuming couple that has not let grass grow under their feet, though retired.

Paul and Eileen met on a blind date in 1963, while they were attending

Southeastern Louisiana University in Hammond, Louisiana. She was studying to be a teacher; Paul was an English major. They continued to date while Paul earned his master’s degree at the University of Virginia, Charlottesville in 1966. Subsequently, he worked on his Ph.D. in English. While Paul continued working on his advanced degrees, Eileen lived in New Orleans, teaching sixth grade.

After a five-year courtship, they married in 1968. It was worthwhile waiting, as they enjoyed a six-week honeymoon in Oxford, England, where Paul had a seminar

at Exeter College. They returned to Charlottesville with Paul working on his dissertation for his Ph.D. and Eileen returning to teaching.

Paul’s career took them to several states: Illinois, Tennessee, Northern Kentucky, and finally, Ohio.

Paul pursued positions in higher education at several universities. Eileen continued to teach elementary grades.

They first lived in Edwardsville, Illinois, from 1969-1988 as Paul taught English and was a part-time administrator at Southern Illinois University. Eileen taught sixth grade. She earned her Master’s in Elementary Education at SIU. While in Edwardsville, their children were born: a daughter, Beth, in 1974, and a son, Tyler, in 1980.

During their time in Illinois, Paul began to explore becoming a deacon in the Episcopal Church, preaching and reading many assigned books.

Paul‘s career continued, as he became Dean of Arts and Sciences at the University of Tennessee at Chattanooga in 1988; Eileen continued to teach sixth grade. After many years of study, Paul became a deacon in the Episcopal Church in 1990.

They moved in 1993 to Kentucky, where Paul became Provost (Executive Vice President) of Northern Kentucky University. Eileen continued her career in education, teaching fourth-, fifth-, and sixth-grade children in a gifted program. She completed a Certification in Teaching Gifted Students.

From Kentucky, the family moved to Hudson, Ohio in 1999; Paul became provost at Kent State University and Eileen was a gifted intervention specialist, working with teachers and gifted students for grades four and five in Mayfield. Unfortunately, Paul and Eileen’s son, Tyler, died in a train accident in 2004, while a senior at Kent State University. The family has set up an endowment in his name at the Kent State Library and Wick Poetry Center.

Paul retired as Provost in 2007 but continued as a trustee and professor at Kent State University. He taught graduate classes in English Literature and Higher Education. He is a Consultant for the Lumina Foundation. He makes presentations at universities throughout the U.S. about higher education reform.

Paul became an ordained Episcopal priest in 2010, serving in various capacities at several churches in the greater Cleveland area. He was intern rector at St. Mark’s Cathedral in Canton and was Dean of Trinity Cathedral in Cleveland. Today, he is an assisting priest at St. Paul’s Episcopal Church in Akron.

Paul and Eileen Gaston at the piano.

Paul is a prolific writer of published books and articles about higher education and Ohio's craft beers.

In his spare time, Paul has written four books that have been published. His first, “The Challenge of Bologna,” was written in 2010. It deals with “What U.S. Higher Education Has To Learn From Europe and Why It Matters That We Have To Learn It.”

In 2014, he wrote “Higher Education Accreditation.” It deals with how accreditation is changing.

Long before craft beers were talked about in Ohio, Paul decided to write about Ohio’s breweries. In 2016, he spent a year visiting Ohio craft breweries, discovering the variety and quality of craft beers. He would visit three breweries per day and spend over two hours at each. His book is titled “Ohio Craft Beers.” Paul really enjoyed writing this book!

His daughter, Beth said, “A professor, consultant, priest, and author walks into a bar; and they are all my Dad.”

Last year, Paul wrote “Credentials,” which deals with understanding problems, identifying opportunities and rebuilding public support for education. It offers ways universities can serve the public in a creative way and offer solutions to problems. All of Paul’s books are in print and can be purchased on Amazon. He continues to write articles and books about higher education topics.

I asked Paul how he has time for all he has done and is doing. He quoted Thomas Jefferson: “It is amazing what can be done if you are always doing!” He has this quote framed in his office.

Through their 55 years of marriage, Eileen has been a supportive wife, moving from state to state, creating a loving, warm home for her family and establishing them in new communities. She has taught for 45 years in six states!

Retirement in 2014 has not slowed Eileen down; even though she fell off a short ladder in 2014 and smashed the tibia plateau of her knee, and broke an elbow. She was in rehab for 10 weeks and is fortunate to be able to walk and exercise. Because of her injury, Paul and Eileen decided to

move to a smaller home than their house in Hudson. They had visited several friends in Walden. Its peaceful, wooded area and ambiance drew them in. They purchased a singlefamily home in Ravines West.

During Covid-19, they found the house a perfect place to ride out the pandemic. Eileen and Paul enjoyed watching the wildlife and birds in their forested back yard, as well as their cats, Scout and Binx! It was and is a perfect oasis. Those two years gave them time to pursue their hobbies, taking long walks, reading their favorite authors, listening to music, and Paul painting and doing calligraphy and continuing to write.

Both are lovers of classical music and frequent concerts of the Cleveland Orchestra at Severance Hall and the Blossom Music Center. They have a baby grand piano that Paul inherited from his family, which they both play.

Eileen loves to recreate recipes of Creole and Cajun foods from her New Orleans roots. She has a brother and sister living there as well as countless relatives. If you are invited to her home at Mardi Gras, you will find a brightly decorated great room and receive colorful beads. Eileen is an excellent cook. You might be offered her shrimp etouffee, red beans & rice, pralines, or bread pudding. (I have had the pleasure – YUM!)

Eileen is an avid reader. She is in two book clubs that meet monthly. One is in-person with her retired Mayfield teachers and her Church’s Word And Wisdom Group is on Zoom. Her favorite authors are Barbara Kingsolver, an environmental historical novelist; Lee Smith, a Southern writer; Donna Leon, a mystery writer; and Madeleine

L’Engle, a religious and deep novelist. Her accident taught her the importance of exercise and she does aqua aerobics and daily exercise videos.

Eileen serves Christ Episcopal Church in Hudson in many capacities. She was on the vestry, sings in their choir, is chair for funeral receptions, is their knitting group coordinator, VBS teacher, outreach committee volunteer, and Lay Eucharistic Visitor. If something or someone needs something done, Eileen is the first person to offer help!

When they have time, Eileen and Paul enjoy traveling. They have taken several cruises, and have a second Atlantic crossing planned for September. They have traveled extensively in Europe and the United States, but especially love visiting their many Louisiana relatives and their daughter and son-in-law in Chicago. Beth works in financial services marketing and her husband, Ryan, works in human resources for a specialty insurance company.

Paul and Eileen, in their quiet way, make each day count. They continue to give of themselves, daily. Certainly, they live by Thomas Jefferson’s quote, “It’s amazing what can be done, if you are always doing!”

Michael Balog |

Hello, Walden! My name is Michael Balog, and I am a lifelong resident of Walden. I offer the latest and greatest techniques in marketing, media, negotiations, and sales to the local real estate market.

I grew up in Walden with my brother and my parents, George and Shirley Balog, who still live at Glen Eden Ct. Some of my favorite childhood memories in Walden are from spending the summers at the pool and also the annual Fourth of July party. Great times!

I graduated from the University of Kentucky with degrees in marketing and business administration. I have years of sales experience in the real estate industry, specializing in Aurora. I use all of the current marketing tools and technologies to help give your home the maximum exposure possible, get your home sold as quickly as possible, and at a price you’ll love!

I bring years of real estate expertise to the table with my background in renovations, developing, remodeling, investment properties, new construction, design and sales. My knowledge of the local markets gives me the upper hand when negotiating sales and purchases for my clients, and I am always improving on my skills and networking.

Considering my profession, I see the best properties in Northeast

REAL ESTATE

By Micheal Balog

Ohio. My favorite thing about being a realtor is helping people find a place they love as much as I love Walden. In fact, I love Walden so much, I’ve never left this amazing community. My

current home is in Deer Island. I love the architecture, the landscape and the golfing. But the best thing about Walden is all of the social activities and the people here.

Michael Balog with his mom, Shirley.

"I LOVE WALDEN SO MUCH, I’VE NEVER LEFT THIS AMAZING COMMUNITY."

PHOTO BY MARIA BIEL

The following two pages are brought to you by Club Walden

CLUB WALDEN’S 2023 CHILDREN'S SUMMER ACTIVITIES

WALDEN DOLPHIN'S SWIM TEAM

Swim Team is available for all children who can swim the length of the pool. Swim Team will begin Monday, June 5th. Practices will be held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday & Friday mornings. Ages 6 and younger will swim from 8:45am-9:30am. Ages 7 and over will swim from 9:45am-11am. The cost for the swim team is $95 for first child and $85 for an additional sibling.

JUNIOR GOLF CLINICS

Please see below for which group may be the best match for your child. Clinics are 45 minutes in length.

2023 BEGINNER GOLF CLINIC

Golf Members: $150

Sport Level Members: $175

Open to all kids ages 4-7

Dates (Tuesdays):

June 13th / June 20th / July 11th / July 18th / August 1st / August

8th/ Rain or Make Up Date: August 15th

Clinic Times: 10:00 am / 11:00am /12:00pm

It's time to register for summer activities at Walden! We have done our best to space out the activities so children can participate in multiple activities, but due to the amount of classes offered some groups will overlap.

We welcome full golf members, social members, and grandkids of golf members to participate in all of our junior sports program offerings. Grandparents, your grandchildren are limited to golf and tennis activities. Swim team is exclusive to children of Club Walden members. If you have questions, please contact Heather Thoman

330.995.3104 or email heather@yourwalden.com.

We hope you enjoy the summer we have planned for your children at Walden!

Please specify what time you would like your child to be a part of. Clinic times are subject to change based on attendance numbers. A minimum of 5 children are required in each class. This is a great way to introduce juniors to the game of golf, as well as meet new friends. If your junior does not have a set of clubs, that is no problem at all. We have plenty of junior clubs here that will available, and our goal is to keep the game fun!

2023 INTERMEDIATE GOLF CLINIC

Golf Members: $195

Sport Level Members: $210

Open to all kids ages 7+

Dates (Wednesdays):

June 14th / June 21st / June 28th / July 12th / July 19th / August

2nd / August 9th.

Rain or Make Up Date: August 16th

Clinic Times: 11:00am / 12:00pm

Please specify what time you would like your child to be a part of. Clinic times are subject to change based on attendance numbers. A minimum of five children are required in each class. This is a great way to keep your junior golfer moving forward in the game of golf, as well as meet new friends. This clinic will help progress your junior golfer’s skill level, past the beginner basics, and into a more skill-oriented focus.

2023

ADVANCED

GOLF CLINIC

Golf Members: $215

Sport Level Members: $240

Open to all kids ages 11+

Dates (Thursdays): June 15th / June 22nd / June 29th / July 20th / July 27th / August 3rd / Rain or Make Up Date: August 10th

Clinic Time: 1:30pm

This is a great way to introduce your middle school or high school junior to the more technical and skilled side of golf. This clinic will dive deeper into the more technical side of golf and will also include more “on the course” learning. For information, or to register your child, call the pro shop directly 330-995-3105 or email proshop@yourwalden.com. Golf members, feel free to register directly through ForeTees.

WALDEN JUNIOR GOLF LEAGUE

The Walden Junior League is open to both boys and girls, ages 6-13, of all skill levels and abilities. This league is best described as “Little League” for golf. We revamped the Junior League last year, and once again have made some changes this year, to make the league even better. We will still be able to send out a season long schedule at the beginning of the season, get different jerseys for each team, and be able to do more for the kids throughout the season. If you played last year, the set up will be similar, but we have ironed out some wrinkles to make it an even better league for this year. Here is the need to know information for this year’s Walden Junior League:

- Open to Boys and Girls 6-13

- $300 per child

- All Matches will be played on Mondays.

- Practices will be scheduled during the week. The week we have scheduled practices, you will have two days/times to choose from based on what works best for you. We will do combined practices, and not base it off of teams, like last year.

- Start and End dates TBD. We will start at the end of May, and end the first week of August.

Please email or call the Golf Shop proshop@yourwalden.com or 330-995-3105 if youhave any questions and to sign up your Junior Golfer.

JUNIOR TENNIS PROGRAM

Summer program runs Wednesday & Thursdays beginning June 5th through August 3rd

The Walden Junior Tennis Program is divided into 4 areas. The Quality Start program is for children under 6 years old and will run from 9:15am-10am. This program uses modified equipment and positive reinforcement to promote the great sport of tennis. The next levels of the junior program are based on ability. The Grass Root program is for children 7-10 and will run from 10am-11am. This class uses pro fed drills and games to

promote player development. The Intermediate Class is for players over 10 who have had more experience and will run at noon. This class mixes pro fed drills and live ball drills. Topspin and serve development will be emphasized. Our High School/ Tournament program is preparatory in nature for high school players and players who have participated in tournaments. These players will train strokes, strategies, conditioning, and tactics. Clinic fees are based on attendance or session.

Summer Session Fee: $28 per class or a package rate of $235 for summer sessions. If you plan to attend more than 10 classes, the package rate is your best option!

Quality Start Program: Ages 6 and under Time: 9:15-10:00 a.m. Cost: Session fee or $28/class

Grass Root Level: ages 7, 8, 9,1 0 Time: 10:00-11:00 a.m. Level: ages 10, 11, 12, 1 3 Time: 12:00-1:00 p.m. Cost: Session fee or $28/class

Intermediate Level: Pro fed and rally skills Time: 11:00-12:00 noon Session Fee or $28/class

High School/ Tournament: Tuesdays and Fridays, June 6thAugust 4th, 11am12 pm. Drop in rate is $28 per class/per player. For information regarding High School/Tournament program please contact Kevin directly. The summer session fee is recommended by Kevin.

JUNIOR PLAY DAYS

This year we will also offer Junior Play Days on Saturdays… time TBD for those players with Rally Skills. Pros will announce various Play Days at the clinic program throughout the summer ($20.00 per day attended). For more information or to register for the Junior Tennis Program call Kevin Vaughn 330-554-3739 email kvaughntennis@gmail.com. Please let Kevin know you are registering for the Walden Tennis Program as he is involved with various Tennis Programs! Please note, if you commit to the session fee for our JR Tennis program, you will be charged that rate. You may not change to the drop-in rate once the summer session has begun. Any questions, please contact Kevin Vaughn directly.

WALDEN KITCHENS

FROM THE KITCHEN OF EILEEN GASTON (RAVINES WEST)

SHRIMP ÉTOUFFÉE

Étouffée, pronounced ay-too-fay, means smothered.

(Serves 4)

INGREDIENTS:

n 1 lb. medium or small raw shrimp, preferably from the Gulf (Paul Piazza brand, at Acme)

n 1/4 c. flour, salt & pepper to taste

n 2 Tbsp. butter,

n 2 Tbsp. olive oil

n 1 c. chopped onion

n 3/4 c. chopped celery

n 3/4 c. chopped green and/ or red pepper (I like both)

n 2 cloves minced garlic

n 3 Tbsp. each chopped parsley and green onions

DIRECTIONS:

Toss shrimp with seasoned flour. Reserve excess flour. Saute shrimp in butter and oil until golden. Remove from pan.

Add more oil, if needed. Saute “the Trinity,” which is what New Orleans cookbooks call onion, celery and bell peppers. When soft (about 10 min.), add garlic. Sauté briefly.

Add reserved flour to pan, stirring well. Gradually add water (1 cup or more), stirring, until a good thickness, like a thick gravy.

Return shrimp to pan. Add parsley, green onions, salt, pepper and Tabasco (or cayenne, if you don’t have Tabasco…but you should!) to taste.

Cook for 5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Serve over rice. Bon appétit!

FLASHBACKS

WALDEN WORD EXCERPTS

(1994 - 2003)

Here’s a slice of life from Walden published nearly 30 years ago in Walden Word, a newsletter by Walden Golf and Tennis Club. Enjoy these tidbits from yesteryear!

JUNE 1999

SPRING ISSUE 1996 ASSOCIATION NEWS: Ravines West association was recently formed and has sixteen occupied units. Since many of this group have recently moved in, their only reason for getting together is for social reasons and to establish a group of officers to lead them. Their first group of officers include Russell Shaw, President; Charles Davis, Vice President; and Jim Gosser, Secretary/Treasurer.

— Al Zimmerman

MAY 1998

MAY 2000

BOOKWORMS: Our speaker, Ann Womer Benjamin, is a resident of Aurora and our State Representative. She will be our final speaker for the Bookworms series this year. She will be directing her comments toward how the legislature works in Columbus. We know her as a very active and visible person in the Aurora community and this will be a great opportunity to hear her speak and interact with her regarding questions you may have.

’99 TENNIS: With the world coming to an end because of the Y2K problems, this may be your last season to ever play tennis, so you better take advantage of it (haha). While that is a bit extreme, we have some fun programs to participate in and offer lessons for all levels and abilities.

— Torey McNeil

JUNE 1998

TENNIS NEWS: This summer, Torrey McNeal, USPTA teaching professional, will be running the tennis program at Walden. Torrey is coming to us from the Racquet Club of Boca Raton where he worked this past winter. Before that, Torrey lived in Banbridge, where he has been teaching tennis since 1987.

PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE: Just a few observations and few comments from the NOGA Club Professional and President’s Event: “Walden — what a lovely community.” “Your golf course from the back tees is one of the toughest tests in golf in northeast Ohio.” “Walden has two of the best dining facilities in the area, and how’s the new Country Inn?”

— John E Sloe, Advisory Board President

"You only need sit still long enough in some attractive spot in the woods that all its inhabitants may exhibit themselves to you by turns."

— Henry David Thoreau

Staff Profiles

MAKENNA DELGADO

Title: Wedding & Special Event Coordinator

Time at Walden: 1 year

Family: Mom, dad, brother, and two dogs

Hometown: Mantua

Movie: “Remember the Titans”

Music: Classic Rock

Food: Pasta

Something that most people do not know: I spend most of my free time reading.

Fav thing about Walden: The people I work with.

JACI SULIN

Title: Corporate Event Planner

Time at Walden: 8 Years

Family: I am the third-oldest of 12 in my family!

Hometown: Cuyahoga Falls

Movie: “Goodfellas”

Music: Anything ‘80s

Food: A good steak!

Something that most people do not know: I have 7 cats and 1 dog!

Fav thing about Walden: Working with THE Kate Dobrzeniecki.

Enjoy Summer At Walden!

If you're planning to sell real estate this summer, you're in great company.

But more homes on the market also means more competition, so it's absolutely essential that your home is looking its best ... and that's where I come in.

I can help you prepare your home for sale so it gets noticed. I will help you create the best marketing images and will deliver a selling campaign designed to help you achieve the highest possible price.

Photo by Maria Biel