SEASON of GIVING
“You
— Henry David Thoreau
MARIA BIEL
FROM THE EDITOR/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER
MIRIAM CONNER
Kindness: A Gift We All Can Offer
Ihave no idea how it happened so quickly again, but here we are in November already! It has been such a beautiful fall in Walden. The weather and trees have been so lovely. I appreciate it so much when readers send me their great shots around the neighborhood. Check some beautiful October photos out on page 8.
This issue features some special Walden people who are doing some amazing things with their time and talents. Since this time of year is the “Season of Giving,” many people wonder how they can give back. There are some big ways to get involved like our neighbors in the story on page 16. You may even want to contact them and join them in their efforts. There are many ways to give of yourself this season and always. You may give financially, give up your time, use a talent that you possess, or it may be the act of being kind to others and showing forgiveness, even when not asked. You may consider being kind to those who think differently than you or those who are not the easiest to show kindness to. Whatever way you decide to give this season, may you feel the warmness of doing so.
I hope your holidays are filled with family and friends, love, memories and kindness.
LIFE,
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
Editor/Associate
Publisher Miriam Conner
Miriam@MyWaldenLife.com 440-396-0374
Associate Editor Estelle Rodis-Brown Estelle@MyWaldenLife.com
Art Director
Graphic Design Laura Chadwick Laura@MyWaldenLife.com
Photography Maria Biel mariabiel@me.com
Office Manager/ Accounting
Kathleen Mitchell
Kathleen@MyWaldenLife.com 440-533-1208
Publisher of
Member of
Sales Consultant Delma Romancak Delma@MyWaldenLife.com 216-346-0663 F acebook: @waldenlifemagazine I nstagram: @waldenlifemagazine
Happy holidays to everyone!
LOVING THE WALDEN
Worth Noting
BY MIRIAM CONNER
OCTOBER PHOTOS
Beautiful October Sky over the Clubhouse -by Coby Conner
October 11th Northern Lights over Walden
—by Lisa McLaughlin
Gloria Caley
Eva Wasil - Farrington
Groundbreaking News
FROM ROB ROSENCRANS
As many of you already know, we have started developing a new neighborhood in the corner of our property between Bissel and Pioneer Trail called the Arboretum. We have the potential for 20 beautifully designed single-family condominiums. These units will be in keeping with the architectural style throughout the Walden community. During the development design process, we determined we had too much dirt. We would need to
find a close location to relocate the material. We reached out to our golf course architect Mike Nuzzo to ask for his guidance on where best we might relocate the additional material. His recommendation was to add a culvert on the 18th hole and remove the bridge. This would create a continuous fairway surrounded by water. It would challenge the long hitter for an aggressive tee ball and reward their accuracy. It would also make for a great finishing hole that will be memorable.
WALDEN ASSOCIATION NEWS
THE WALDEN ASSOCIATION was recently alerted by the Walden Company, the developer of Walden, of some changes to the golf course which will impact the walking path. The new Arboretum of Walden Condominium Association currently being built has excess dirt that will be repurposed on the 18th hole. The developer will build a culvert and remove a golf course bridge to create a seamless fairway
We plan to start executing the above project in the next couple of weeks. We will first drain the lake by a few feet, do some dredging around the pumphouse, and then relocate the dirt and start the construction. The hole may be closed for a few days during the week.
We think this is a win-win and are excited to share the news about the new neighborhood and the dramatic new 18th hole to be created.
surrounded by water.
In order for this project to go forward, the developer will need to bring heavy equipment onto a section of the walking path. Any walking path damage will be temporarily corrected with stone. Then in the spring, a permanent repair with asphalt will be made. The walking path will still be accessible and usable during this period of construction.
Worth Noting
CALENDAR
HOLIDAY WINE TASTING THANKSGIVING BUFFET
Friday, November 8, 2024 6:30-8:30 p.m.
Taste a selection of holiday wines, then order your wines for the holidays. Appetizers will complement the wines.
Thursday, November 28, 2024 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.
Leave the cooking to us! Come, enjoy the holiday with the family, and leave the stress and clean-up to us!
BREAKFAST WITH SANTA
Saturday, December 7, 2024 & Sunday, December 8, 2024 10 a.m.-12 p.m.
Enjoy Breakfast with Santa with the family. Santa arrives around 11 a.m. to hear your child’s Christmas wishes.
For more information about these events, please visit yourwalden.com.
MEMBER HOLIDAY PARTY
Saturday, December 14, 2024 6-8 p.m.
GINGERBREAD HOUSE BUILDING
Sunday, December 15, 2024 2- 4 p.m. Build your gingerbread house and enjoy cookies and hot chocolate.
CHRISTMAS EVE BUFFET
Tuesday, December 24, 2024 5-7 p.m.
NEW YEAR'S EVE GALA AT THE BARN
Tuesday, December 31, 2024 8 p.m. to - 1 a.m. Wednesday, January 1, 2025
Holiday Happenings & So Much More…
By Mayor Ann Womer Benjamin
The holidays are coming fast, and with them come many holiday-related activities. In addition, we are dealing with changing weather, so leaf pickup might have to give way to snow plowing when the snow flies.
At a recent council meeting, we honored our longstanding Park Ranger, Sam Colmery, who retired this year after 19 years patrolling our many parks. He started with the city driving our first senior bus, and before that, he was a substitute bus driver for the Aurora City Schools. He and his wife Charlotte live in The Reserves and enjoy eight grandchildren and five greatgrandchildren. Sam has been succeeded by longtime resident Ken Elliott, who seems to be enjoying his new role. You may have seen him at the Fall Festival and Business Showcase, helping to direct traffic. Ken worked for Windstream for many years, and in retirement, drove a school bus for our schools for eight years before becoming our park ranger. Best wishes to both Sam and Ken!
This Veterans Day, November 11, we honor all of our veterans at the ceremony at Veterans Memorial Park on West Garfield, beginning at 11 a.m.
On Thanksgiving Day, November 28, we will hold our annual Turkey Trot 5K and Mashed Potato Mile at Aurora High School. You can register ahead on the city’s website, auroraoh.com, or the morning of the race at 7 a.m. The 1-Mile begins at 8 a.m. and the 5K at 8:30 a.m.
On the Saturday following Thanksgiving, November 30, come to Bicentennial Park for our wonderful Holiday Tree Lighting Festival, 4:30-7 p.m. The actual ceremony will be held at 5, and food trucks, a petting zoo, ice carving, and character visits will be part of the festivities. Santa will arrive shortly after 5 and be available for visits.
Letters to Santa can be dropped off beginning November 30 at the special mailbox located at the library until December 15. Breakfast with Santa occurs on Saturday, December 7 at The Bertram Inn, with two seatings at 9 a.m. and 11:00 a.m. You can sign up at aurora.sctivityreg.com beginning November 1. This is a popular event, so sign up early!
I wish you many blessings during the holiday season, — Ann Womer Benjamin, Mayor of Aurora
ERIC ANTHONY IACOVONE
SOUS CHEF
Hometown: Aurora
Time at Walden: 2.5 years
Music: My favorite band is Nirvana.
Movie: “Robin Hood, Prince of Thieves”
Food: Ribeye steak and seafood.
Favorite dish to prepare: I love making a good risotto.
Favorite part of working at Walden: The people. I love my coworkers, and the members are always fun to talk to.
Fave Walden event: The clam bake. I love cooking outside and fall flavors. Something people may not know about you: Other than being a big food nerd, I'm also just a regular nerd about a ton of stuff, from Marvel to cars.
NONA’S LASAGNA
By Walden Sous Chef Eric Anthony Iacovone
Growing up in a very Italian household, our holiday favorites are different than most. My Nona’s lasagna has always been a staple of any holiday celebration.
THE MARINARA
n 2 cans Alta Cucina tomatoes
n 2 cans tomato puree
n 3 onions (minced)
n Lots of garlic
n 2 tablespoons dried basil
n 2 tablespoons dried thyme
n 2 tablespoons dried oregano
n Pork neck bones
Cook the garlic, onions and herbs until tender. Add pork bones and all tomato products. Season and simmer for 24 hours on very low heat.
THE LASAGNA
n Dried lasagna pasta (cooked 50% of the way)
n 2 cups Ricotta cheese
n 2 cups mozzarella cheese (shredded)
n 10 hard-boiled eggs (minced)
n Parmesan cheese (grated)
n Marinara (previously stated)
In a hotel pan, layer all ingredients over and over until you reach the top of the pan. Cover with parchment paper then foil, and bake for 1.5 hours. And BOOM! You have a wonderful Italian staple that everyone will love!
PENELOPE’S BEST-OF-SHOW CUPCAKES
Chocolate
Cupcakes with Chocolate
Buttercream
Frosting
PHOTOS
Our family has always loved the tradition of going to the Geauga County Fair each year. Penelope has always wanted to enter an animal but we decided it would be best to start small. She has loved making cupcakes for our family parties the last couple years, so she decided to enter her cupcakes. We were a little nervous for her; we didn’t want her to be let down, since there are hundreds of entries! But she surprised us all by winning two blue ribbons: one for taste and one for her decorating (her favorite part). And the biggest surprise was her also winning a Best of Show ribbon for her decorating! We couldn’t have been more proud of her.
— Mike & Maria Biel
CUPCAKE INGREDIENTS
n 1 cup all-purpose flour
n 1 cup sugar
n 1/2 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
n 1 teaspoon baking powder
n 1/2 teaspoon baking soda
n 1/2 teaspoon salt
n 1 large egg, room temperature
n 1/2 cup buttermilk, room temperature
n 1/2 cup vegetable oil
n 1 teaspoon vanilla (Penelope always adds a little extra)
n 1/2 cup very hot water
DIRECTIONS
Heat oven to 350 degrees.
Combine all dry ingredients in one bowl and whisk together. In a separate bowl, combine all wet ingredients except hot water.
Add the wet ingredients to the dry and mix until combined with a hand mixer.
Then add the hot water to the batter and combine. The batter will be thin.
Fill cupcake liners only halfway. Bake for 18 minutes. Test doneness with toothpick; should come out with only a few moist crumbs.
Cool before frosting.
CHOCOLATE FROSTING
INGREDIENTS
recipe
n 3 sticks softened butter
n 1 cup unsweetened cocoa powder
n 4 cups powdered sugar
n 4-6 tablespoons whole milk or heavy cream
n 2 teaspoons vanilla (again, Penelope always adds a little extra)
n Pinch of salt
DIRECTIONS
Cream together butter and cocoa powder. Once combined, slowly add powdered sugar. Then slowly add milk as you continue to mix. Add vanilla and salt; mix until combined.
Discovering the JOY of GIVING
By Estelle R. Brown
The holidays are supposed to be a time of meditative reflection but are usually a flurry of activity. So maybe it’s best to embrace both by finding a way to direct your time and energy to do the most good. Many Walden members and neighbors volunteer for various charities and community service projects throughout the year, but especially during this holiday season. Whether it’s a family tradition, a retirement focus, a way to give back after suffering a serious setback, or even a career choice, these Waldenites demonstrate passion-led joy in giving... a rewarding way of life.
Carrie Heppner with the Rotary Club of Chagrin Valley
Rotary International is the largest, and one of the oldest, worldwide service organizations in existence. Along with Carrie, Waldenites Bruce Willingham and Matt Gillen are also Chagrin Valley Rotary Club members.
“The work we do not only helps those here in our community but also worldwide, daily,” Carrie says. “Whenever there is a need locally, nationally or internationally, Rotary is always there.”
A third-generation Rotarian, Carrie is president-elect of her club. She refers to herself as a ‘Rotary brat.’ Both of her grandfathers were Rotarians, as is her father.
“Service to the community and the world is something I grew up with and have been involved in for as long as I can remember,” she says.
Growing up, Carrie was in Scouts, tutored inner-city children through church day camps, and helped her parents with their volunteer work. Now she enjoys service projects through Rotary, Humble Design Cleveland, Homeless HookUp CLE, and the national Friends of Jaclyn Foundation.
KEY PROJECTS
Above all, “Youth Exchange has always held a special place in my heart and has given my family and me incredible experiences and relationships,” says Carrie, who has run her Rotary club's program for the past two years.
First, her parents opened their home to five students from around the world. Carrie and her brother consider them
‘international siblings’ they stay in touch with and visit often.
“This was such a big part of my childhood that we continued to host with our family and had three students during our children’s school years. The opportunity to interact with and develop special lifelong relationships with others has been incredible.”
Most recently, Carrie helped with disaster relief efforts after Hurricanes Helene and Milton, through Rotary Disaster Aid U.S.A.
Why does she do all this? Put simply, “We are blessed and it is important to share those blessings,” Carrie says. “I am thankful that I am able to do this important work due to Rotary’s large presence in the country and the world.”
THE WALDEN CONNECTION
Carrie and her husband Dennis joined Club Walden eight years ago and “fell in love," Carrie says. They then decided to downsize and moved to Walden four years ago.
“We had grown up in Bainbridge and raised our family in Lake Lucerne. Another neighbor from Lake Lucerne who moved to Walden at about the same time we did described it best: Living in Lake Lucerne was like living at summer camp, and living in Walden is like living on vacation.”
THE SEASON OF GIVING
“The holidays seem to be a time of the year when lots of us think about reaching out to others,” Carrie shares.
Along with her club members, Carrie loves providing holiday meals and gifts for about 20 families at Thanksgiving and Christmas, ringing the bells for the Salvation Army, and collecting hats, socks and gloves for the homeless from generous friends who attend their annual holiday party.
Learn more about the Rotary Club of Chagrin Valley at chagrinvalleyrotary.com.
Carrie Heppner
Charlie Fink with the Rotary Club of Aurora
Also president-elect of his club, Charlie is among more than a dozen additional Waldenites who are members of the Rotary Club of Aurora, including Jack Alpern, Vic Baerman, Kathie Fagan, Alex Jacobs, Marybeth Keeler, John Kennedy, Paul Kostansek, George Schumacher, Bill Shaul, Eric Steinel, Terry Taylor and Dale Thorne.
Charlie says, “With so many of our 42 members living right here in Walden, we could be a satellite club!”
Charlie is deeply committed to and involved with several Rotary causes that have local, national and global impact. Giving back is both empowering and fun. Just this fall, the club sponsored the fourth annual Disc Golf Open, the Classic Car Show, and the Rake and Run Day with Interact students from Aurora High School to help out seniors with fall cleanup.
Charlie became involved with Rotary six years ago, shortly after moving to Walden from Eagle Ridge in Concord Township. He met a couple at a mutual friend’s soup party who invited him to a Rotary meeting that featured a panel discussion on addiction with local club members and counselors.
“The topic was near and dear to my heart and I was asked to join the club, which I did in May of 2018,” Charlie recalls. “I immediately got involved, but due to work and travel, was not able to attend weekly meetings on a regular basis. I did participate in a number of projects right away, from mulching trees at Sunny Lake Park to landscaping the entrance sign at Trinity Farm.”
Charlie retired last December after 40 years in corporate sales in the biotech/biomed/pharma and research markets.
“Now I have the time to truly and fully dedicate myself to Rotary,” he says.
KEY PROJECTS
“Locally, we are currently installing a map of the U.S. on the Craddock Elementary School playground so that kids can stand on their state and learn about history and geography in a fun and colorful way,” Charlie states.
The Rotary Club of Aurora is closely tied to the Aurora
Trinity Farm landscaping project with Charlie to the right of the sign next to fellow Waldenite Bill Shaul (back), along with another Rotarian and volunteers from Aurora High School.
school system, offering student scholarships and involvement with the Interact Club, which includes mulching the Aurora Tree Museum, recognizing Students of the Month, and supporting the 4-Way Test Speech Contest.
Other local projects include the Annual Disc Golf Tournament, the annual Fishing Derby and Classic Car Show, all held at Sunny Lake, as well as Fill A Bag Feed A Family, 50/50 raffle fundraisers and supporting Habitat for Humanity.
Charlie adds, “We have reignited the Taste of the Western Reserve, which is our largest fundraiser and involves local restaurants who sample their fine cuisine to the paying public. The proceeds from this type of fundraiser allow us to support the causes that we serve, including disaster relief funding for hurricane victims, and funding for Trinity Farm to support the purchase of a draft horse for equestrian therapy.” Historically and globally, Rotary has been a driving force in the eradication of polio around the world.
THE WALDEN CONNECTION
“I moved to Walden in 2017, downsizing as I looked forward to retirement,” Charlie shares. “I live in the Ravines East with my daughter and two English Setters that you may have seen walking me along Walden Drive. I love the peacefulness and tranquility of Walden as well as the friendliness of our fellow residents. They welcomed us with open arms.”
THE SEASON OF GIVING
“The holiday season can be a tough time for many people,” Charlie recognizes. “One of the things we are involved with is Dial-a-Santa, where kids can call in and talk to Santa’s helpers.”
Aurora Rotary also assists with the Salvation Army bellringing and providing Tree Angel gift cards for less fortunate children.
They are also closely aligned with the Aurora Chamber of Commerce and work with them on many projects, including the Fall Festival in October.
Charlie says, “Our mantra in Rotary is Service Above Self, meaning that we put community service above all else in the causes that we support.”
Learn more about the Rotary Club of Aurora at aurorarotaryclub.org.
Charlie Fink
Lisa Vegas & Matthew Miller with the Transplant House +
Donate Life. Every day, 20 people die waiting for an organ! Be part of the solution; donate life!
Matthew Miller closes out every email with these words. It’s an urgent message that bears repeating because he could have been one of those 20 people.
Matthew is alive today because he was given a second chance at life through the gift of organ donation… and the love of his life made sure the transplant would be a success.
This is a love story, from beginning to end. The romance between Matthew and his then-fiancé Lisa Vegas was interrupted by his sudden, latestage liver disease diagnosis in 2013. But love took the couple on an 18-month journey to the dark side of grave illness, where Matthew spent 300+ days in the hospital, having suffered brain swelling, a near-fatal car crash, grave comorbidities, dire financial straits, becoming bedridden, taking 33 different daily medications, and the anguish of waiting for a miracle while on the brink of death.
Matthew was put on the transplant list but his chances of survival seemed 50/50 at best. He asked Lisa to marry him, sooner than later, if only to be able to make medical decisions for him if he were to become comatose again (since he had done so a couple of times already).
She said “yes!”
No wonder Matthew declares, “My wife saved my life. I married an angel, literally.”
And the rest is history.
couldn’t even walk in the days before the transplant.
“I couldn’t leave him alone at home so I took him to the studio with me,” she says. Four weeks after transplant surgery, Lisa taught him a v-e-r-y s-l-o-w box step and a v-e-r-y s-l-o-w waltz.
Nine weeks after the transplant, they entered Matthew’s first competition. They’ve been dancing ever since, both competitively (national and international) and as a means to raise funds for the organ transplant community.
KEY PROJECTS
Lisa, who is Executive Director of Lisa Vegas Dance, is a world professional champion ballroom dancer. Her other titles include NDCA Adjudicator and Dance Vision Master Examiner (as well as Walden dance instructor). She leverages her dance credentials to support Transplant House of Cleveland (where families of Cleveland Clinic transplant patients stay during the process) and Transplant Games of America.
In April 2015, Matthew had a 14.5-hour liver transplant surgery at the Cleveland Clinic. Ever since, Lisa has ensured Matthew’s successful transition through rehab, medicine changes, and re-entry into daily life. Today, Matthew is back to work in the medical technology field, having scaled back to just one daily dose of immunosuppressant medication.
But how did Lisa get Matthew back on his feet? He
Lisa organizes a bienniel Second Dance at Life Gala (transplanthouseofcleveland.org/gala/), to support Transplant House and You’re Never Alone, a mentoring program she and Matthew founded for transplant caregivers. This Dancing with the Stars-style fundraiser matches professional dancers with local celebrities in a fun competition. The galas, which draw 200-300 guests, have raised $700,000 to date. The next gala with live auction will be October 25, 2025. Lisa also facilitates the Transplant Games of America Ballroom Dance Competition (transplantgamesofamerica.org/ ballroomdancing). Transplant Games of America is an Olympics-style competition among organ transplant survivors who compete in 20 different sporting events, including ballroom dancing.
Lisa and Matthew help orient anxious transplant patients and families new to the Transplant Center on the main campus of Cleveland Clinic with targeted training
Top photo: Lisa and Matthew in their first competition nine weeks and four days after his transplant.
Bottom photo: Lisa and Matthew competing in a Ballroom Dance Competition in Rome, Italy.
and preparations for the arduous journey ahead. Lisa also started Coffee with Caregivers at Transplant House, providing an informal way for caregivers to talk with someone who “gets it,” as Lisa explains.
“We got through it so we can help other people get through it. We had to be confident it’s all in God’s hands and it will all work out. So that’s what we did. Matthew’s here for a purpose.”
THE WALDEN CONNECTION
Before Matthew received his diagnosis, he lived in Pittsburgh and Lisa lived in Shaker Heights. Since Shaker is relatively close to Cleveland Clinic’s Transplant Center on main campus, it was an ideal location for them to stay while Matthew was receiving treatment.
But once Matthew recovered from transplant surgery five years ago, he and Lisa moved to Walden. Here they enjoy the benefits of a first-floor master bedroom, high ceilings and lots of windows.
They were already Club Walden members for a couple of years, after Lisa had won a Walden dining membership through a silent auction fundraiser.
“We would come out here on Friday nights and met some incredibly nice people at the Club, who are still best friends. One of them asked, ‘So when are you going to move out here?’ We were just sold on the people and the area already.”
Walden friends that volunteer at Transplant House, attend the galas, and support financially have included Tim and Kathy Kilbane, Tim Swanda and Carolynne Sendry, Jeff and Judy Shaffer, Trevor Gummere and Beth CortolilloGummere, Jerry and Renee Kuwahara (Lisa’s sister), Curtis and Cathy Posner, Manny and Bonnie Barenholtz, Ellen Casper, and Frank and Carol Stare.
THE SEASON OF GIVING
The holidays are very difficult for those going through a transplant process. People are away from home, basically stranded and isolated from family and friends. Or they are so sick, they simply cannot handle the stress of the season.
Lisa’s tradition is to bake cookies to take to Transplant House on Christmas Eve. Anyone who wants to help make homemade cookies or candies to donate can contact Matthew at mmiller0053@gmail.com or Lisa at lisavegasproductions@gmail.com.
Learn more about the various transplant charities below:
• Transplant House of Cleveland: transplanthouseofcleveland.org/
• A Second Dance at Life Gala: transplanthouseofcleveland.org/gala/
• Transplant Games of America: transplantgamesofamerica.org/
• Transplant Games of America Ballroom Dance Competition: transplantgamesofamerica.org/ ballroomdancing
Philanthropy as a Career
Katie Eichenauer with Believe in Dreams Believe in Dreams (BID) is a local youth empowerment non-profit organization celebrating 10 years of making dreams come true. Its mission is to fulfill dreams of local youth who are economically disadvantaged and have survived non-medical adversity or trauma, by providing access to enriching opportunities, connection to the community and hope for the future.
“We have fulfilled over 750 Dreams since 2014 and work with over 80 nominating partner organizations in Northeast Ohio,” says Katie, who has been BID’s executive director since 2017.
With degrees in child and family studies and social work, Katie has always been drawn to students who need extra help. For 13 years, Katie worked for Bellefaire JCB, a child service agency providing behavioral health and substance abuse education and prevention services.
Katie and her husband Brian have three children. They have been Walden members for eight years.
In 2014, Katie’s uncle John DiJulius founded Believe in Dreams. Katie originally volunteered to help build the program before becoming the executive director.
Katie says that the best thing about working for BID is “bringing positive experiences to kids who need joy in their lives, and showing the kids their community values them and wants them to succeed.”
HOW IT WORKS
Believe in Dreams is completely funded by the community through individual donations, local grants and funds raised during three events each year: a gala, a golf outing and a race. Children are nominated by professional adults from the community who recognize their resiliency and positive character. The youth share what they dream of learning about but haven’t had the opportunity to learn, where they dream of going (locally) but have never been, and what they dream of having access to but are unable to reach.
Dream Coordinators then create a dream-come-true package to help empower them toward post-traumatic growth and resiliency. BID’s alumni program builds community and provides ongoing support for youth and their families.
WAYS TO GET INVOLVED
• Nominate - If you work with local youth who’ve been through tough times and have big dreams, nominate a child at believeindreams.org/nominate
• Donate - Each dream experience costs approximately $1500 to fulfill. Every contribution helps fulfill more dreams for local youth.
• Grant a Dream/In-Kind Donation - If you own or run a business that can help grant a dream (job shadowing, event ticket donations, goods or services, etc.), become a Dream Granter. Or make an in-kind donation to the annual dinner and auction.
• Attend, Sponsor or Volunteer at any of 3 annual Fundraising Events: A Night of Dreams on 5/10/25 , Golfing for Dreams on 7/14/25, Running Wild 5K & 1 Mile Walk on 9/2025.
For more information, visit believeindreams.org.
All I Want for Christmas is…
Frank & Nancy Finelli’s grandkids
Remi (5) and Jules (7) live in Belgium. Remi and Jules cut out pictures for “The Wishlist Poster” as it says in Dutch at the top of their pages.
Blake Thomas (5) would love a Barbie doll house.
Cooper Thomas (14 months) wants anything he can climb on.
Annie & Maggie
would like books for Christmas.
Penelope Biel is asking for a giant Squishmallow. Her brother Denver would like a Play Station. Brother Maverick wants the Super Mario 64 Question Mark Block Lego Set.
so that is the Christmas catalog they are looking at!
Gurney
Frank & Nancy Finelli’s grandson Max is 22 months old and Connor is 6. Both grandsons love Legos,
Brought to you by Club Walden
Happy Holidays from Club Walden
We
make it easier for you to relax through it all
With the holiday season quickly approaching, there is still time to incorporate Club Walden into your holiday planning. We have tried to create opportunities for our members to enjoy holiday parties at one of our three properties. We offer dining options for you to enjoy in your home, or come to the Inn for brunch or the Club or Barn for dinner, and let our team take care of all the cooking and cleanup, so you can enjoy time relaxing with the family.
If you are still planning a cocktail party for friends or the office staff, or perhaps a larger dinner for all your employees, reach out to Makenna or Cecily and they can assist you with your last-minute holiday planning needs. There are still scattered dates available at the Club, Barn and Inn for your entertainment needs. Their emails are makenna@yourwalden. com for Inn Walden Planning and Cecily@yourwalden.com for your Clubhouse needs. Eric can assist you at the Barn; he can be reached at barn@yourwalden.com.Non-members are also welcome to host holiday events at Walden. There is a customary rental fee for non-members at each of our properties.
For the Walden membership, we kick off the holidays with a Holiday Wine Tasting. This event will host two local wine vendors who will each share tastes of popular bottles this holiday season. Members will be able to sample the wines, enjoy small plates created by our Walden Chef, and then purchase wines for your upcoming holiday dining.
On Thanksgiving, we will continue to offer our popular Thanksgiving to Go. Members and Non-Members can order their entire Thanksgiving Meal from the clubhouse. The meals are all pre-cooked and just need to be reheated and served in the comfort of your home. All the meals are ready to be picked up the day before Thanksgiving. As previously mentioned, Thanksgiving to Go is open to the public, so you are welcome to call and inquire about ordering Thanksgiving to go! To order or to inquire, contact cecily@yourwalden.com. Visit the Clubhouse calendar online for more information as well, yourwalden.com, click Club and Event Calendar.
For Club Walden Members, we will offer our traditional Thanksgiving Buffet this year, as well. This buffet is always a favorite, with a bounty of scrumptious salads, turkey, ham and roast beef carvings, stuffing, root vegetables, whipped potatoes, a dessert bar and much, much more! More details and our reservation link can be found on the website.
Christmas is a magical time of year, and Walden is honored that so many families entrust their holiday memories to Walden. Santa kicks off the Christmas Season with Breakfast with Santa in early December. Members enjoy a festive breakfast together
and then the children and grandchildren have a chance to sit with Santa in his sleigh and have a photo taken with him and share their cherished Christmas List with the man himself!
The Members Holiday Party is always a fun event. This year, we will host the Member Holiday Party on Saturday, December 14. Members dress up in cocktail attire and enjoy heavy hors d’ oeuvres and cocktails throughout the Clubhouse. It is a great night to spend with fellow members and celebrate friendship and the holiday season. The Clubhouse is always tastefully decorated and makes a beautiful backdrop to the festive season.
In mid-December, we will offer a magical afternoon for the whole family, when you can build a gingerbread house together, sip on hot chocolate, and enjoy house-made cookies... A perfect afternoon to slow down from the hustle and bustle of the holidays.
On Christmas Eve, we have a beautiful Candlelit Buffet at the Clubhouse. Our Clubhouse Chefs create a beautiful display to tempt every palate, and the Barn staff welcome members and their guests to an ala carte dinner menu. The Barn sells out every Christmas Eve, so if you have not made a reservation yet, pick up the phone now and call! Members can reserve by calling 330-562-7136 or via online dining reservation on the website, yourwalden.com/dining/.
Ring in the New Year at the Barn’s New Year’s Eve Gala. We highly encourage Black Tie for this event. The evening begins with dinner at 8 p.m., dancing to a live band, and a champagne toast at midnight.
If you’re looking for a quiet New Year's Eve at home, join us for an early dinner at the Clubhouse or the Barn. Dinner wraps up at both locations by 8 p.m. and allows you plenty of time to make it home to warm up in front of the fireplace, wrap up in a cozy blanket, and watch the ball-drop from Times Square.
In Memory of Al O’Neil ...a Walden original and legend
“Big Al” Al O’Neil 1927-2024
— "The Junkman” Dick Novak’s memories of Al from a Myrtle Beach golf vacation
Each spring, eight guys would get together to drive to Myrtle Beach for five days of golf. Seven guys would drive in one car and Al, who was always working on a big deal, would find his own way to Myrtle Beach.
We would spend the first night playing cards, but Al would have a FedEx package containing his latest deal and he would have to study the material.
We always ate breakfast at the same places and had to have at least one dinner at Umberto’s.
One year, Al did not show up the night before, so we started to make pairings for seven people.
The next morning at breakfast, we were about to leave for the golf course when in came Big Al.
We asked him how he got there and he said, “By limo from the airport. I rented a plane in Charlotte and rented a limo at the airport.”
He then looked at us and said, “You don’t think I’d miss a tee time, do you?”
Annual 4th of July gathering before Tee Time; Al front and center (red shirt) with his wife Sharon.
If
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.
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Michael Knows REAL ESTATE
More homes on the market means more competition, so it’s absolutely essential that your home is looking its
... 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
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.