Walden Life - September 2023

PHOTO ABOVE & BELOW BY ESTELLE RODIS-BROWN COVER PHOTO BY MARIA BIEL

FROM THE EDITOR/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER MIRIAM CONNER

Hello, Fall!

As usual, the summer flew by, but fall is always a fun time… a season of change and back to a routine for many. Fall in Walden can’t be beat. The colors are amazing. It is also time to start thinking about preparing your home for, dare I say it, winter! In this issue, we share with you many tips for winterizing your home on page 24. Walden Life will be celebrating our second Fall Social and if you missed it last year, you missed a great time. Check out the info on page 13 and be sure to register. Walden is never short on terrific people and, as usual, there are plenty to get to know in this issue, including an amazing woman, golf champs, and new neighbors. Be sure to read all about all of them. Here’s to a wonderful and colorful fall.

LOVING THE WALDEN 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

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

Kathleen@MyWaldenLife.com

440-533-1208

Publisher of Member of

F acebook: @waldenlifemagazine

I nstagram: @waldenlifemagazine

Walden Life Staff Profiles

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

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 associate editor of Mitchell Media's 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.

Worth Noting

BY MIRIAM CONNER

WELCOME TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD

JOHN ANTHONY & VIVIAN MARINUCCI

“We are the most established and recognizable stylists in Cleveland, educated from many of the world’s most prestigious salon academies, boasting several years with extensive experience as artistic director and advanced techniques in well-rounded hairdressing skills, including hair color and cutting,” says John Anthony.

Their work has been published in local, national and international magazines. John and Vivian have also made live appearances on hundreds of Cleveland television shows and have become local authorities on the latest hair techniques. Among numerous other accomplishments, they have individually been named Cleveland Magazine’s “Best in Cleveland” twice.

John Anthony and Vivian Marinucci are the embodiment of the American Dream.

Vivian emigrated from Havana, Cuba, when she was 8 years old to Union City, New Jersey. John Anthony’s parents came to Cleveland’s Little Italy from the region of Abruzzo, Italy, just before he and his twin sister, Susan, were born. Both cosmetologists, John and Vivian met at a hair show in Toronto in 1988. The couple developed a partnership forged over many years of marriage and hands-on experience in the beauty industry. Their salon’s business name, JaViv UpTown (JaViv Uptown Hair4ce.com), is derived from their names, John Anthony and Vivian. Their uptown, swanky loft setting overlooks the Chagrin Boulevard shopping district in Woodmere.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

If you would like to include a shoutout for an engagement, wedding, birth, or any other special event, please email miriam@mywaldenlife.com for consideration.

The Marinuccis are also proud of their three adult children: Social worker Mariana and her husband Dr. Cory; Gianni the Mechatronics engineer and fiancé paralegal, Shelby; and Sofia, who graduated in Santa Monica Vidal Sassoon Academy, started her career in Beverly Hills and is now part of her parents’ HaiR4ce team at JaViv UpTown.

When they aren’t spending time at their salon or with their family, John enjoys cycling, swimming, and playing with his drone. Vivian plays the piano, and also loves sailing and spin class.

After the children grew up and moved away, John and Vivian found themselves ready to downsize from their Bainbridge home, and rented in downtown Cleveland for a year as they considered purchase options. Walden’s condo living, beautiful grounds, quiet neighborhood, friendly people, peaceful landscape and safe trail for walking and jogging lured them to Aurora.

“Walden has been easy living at its best,” they say. “We feel very safe living in this beautiful community!”

HAUNTED GARAGE

While you’re trick-ortreating, stop by The Conners at 468-11 Deer Path to bring your kids through a “haunted garage,” if you dare!

Chandlers Cove Association Party

After rescheduling three times due to weather, the residents of Chandlers Cove finally enjoyed a fun association party this summer.

A Profile in Stillness

WALDEN SAFETY & SECURITY

The Walden Association is a security-patrolled community. Additionally, security cameras were installed by Media 144 Security Solutions and are located at all Walden entrances to provide additional security for Walden residents. By the way, Walden is one of the safest communities in the City of Aurora.

The Walden Board wants to remind everyone to be safe while driving golf carts on the Association roadways. Golf cart drivers may be liable for any passenger injuries, due to driver negligence. (As a reminder, unless your golf cart is rated Street Legal, by law, it is not allowed on public streets). Additionally, only licensed drivers can operate a golf cart on association roadways.

Also, sharing the walking path, Walden Community city streets and the private streets in the individual condominium association in Walden has become a way of life. The Board is asking that you are safe and courteous when interacting with Walden residents, their pets and the many non-residents that use our community for exercise activities. Please be aware of your speed on Walden Drive and throughout all of Walden. The speed limit on Walden Drive is 25 mph and is monitored by the Aurora Police Department as it is a city-owned roadway. Keep everyone safe, especially the children of Walden, by obeying the speed limits.

If you have an emergency, always dial 911 for assistance. For non-emergencies, contact Royce Security at 440-7851022 or the Aurora non-emergency police department number at 330-562-8181.

WALDEN ASSOCIATION NEWS

Colleen Renner (Fairington) came across this beauty on her walk through Walden.

Worth Noting

CALENDAR

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

BRIDGE LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

September 15 (Club) & 16 (Barn)

CLAMBAKE & REVERSE RAFFLE

September 30 at The Barn

Join fellow members for contract bridge every Friday at 1 p.m. Members must know how to play.

For lessons, contact Donna Brown djbrown1978@aol.com.

Chicago musician Stephen Schuch will perform at Club Walden on 9/15 and at the Barn on 9/16. Both shows start at 7 p.m. Be prepared for a fun, interactive night as you enjoy his talents and request your favorite songs.

Prime rib dinner available at the Club. Reservations required. Email cecily@yourwalden.com or barn@ yourwalden.com for reservations.

New date, same great Clambake. Boards open at 5 p.m. Dinner at 6 p.m. Reverse Raffle begins at 8 p.m. Contact Cecily Peevler: cecily@ yourwalden.com or 330-995-3111.

Stephen Schuch

WALDEN LIFE FALL SOCIAL

October 5

4-6 p.m. Our second annual free event celebrating Walden Life and the Walden community. See p. 13 for details.

THRIVING AT HOME

October 19 at the Clubhouse

TRICK OR TREAT

A free workshop sponsored by Ohman Family Living with food, tech and fun demos! See p.27 for details. Call 440-406-5664.

The city of Aurora will hold trick-ortreat on Tuesday, October 31, 6-8 p.m. Please turn off your porch light if you do not wish to participate. There are usually a lot of trick-or-treaters that come to the single-family homes. We hear they pass out great candy!

Victory Laps | What a Winning Summer it Was!

By Collin McEndree

We kicked off the summer fun with a new ladies' event in early June, the WWGA Solheim Cup. This team event replicated the LPGA Tour Solheim Cup that is played every two years between the United States and Europe. Our two PGA Professionals, Mitch Camp and Collin McEndree, captained the two ladies' teams (Red and Blue) and played in the event, as well. The Red team defeated the Blue team by the slimmest of margins, 14.5 points to 13.5 points.

Moving on to the month of July, we held our Senior Club Championship where our winners were: 50-59 GrossRyan Caito, 50-59 Net - Jon Weiner, 60-69 - Mark Storey, 60-69 Net - Chuck Caley, 70+ Gross - John Sloe, 70+ NetEd Echan.

We also held our Couples Club Championship where our Gross winners were Tom and Marci Laubacher, and our Net winners were Chris and Robyn Hegele.

Our month of July is anchored by our signature event of the year, the Men's MemberGuest "The Triple Crown." We barely escaped the rain for The Triple Crown and, even though we played through some rain in the shootout, the team of Jim Hofbauer (member) and Travis Margo (guest) defeated the team of Greg and Geoff Myers on the 18th hole for the Triple Crown title.

The Red Team won by 1 point!

Tom and Marci Laubacher

Jim Hofbauer and Travis Margo

Rounding out July, we hosted The Kenny Novak Tournament for the 40th year. This event hosted here at Walden serves as the NOPGA Junior Tour Championship for the best junior golfers in all of Northern Ohio. As I mentioned, this year served as the 40th anniversary of this event in remembrance of the late Kenny Novak, who was an outstanding junior golfer and an even better person of character.

To celebrate this anniversary, the NOPGA held a special dinner

after our Scholarship Pro-Am event on Monday before the start of the junior tournament. In attendance were Walden members who were instrumental in starting this event 40 years ago, as well as the Novak family. Al O'Neil was also honored for his continued contributions over the years to the Kenny Novak scholarship, which is continued today by Walden members George and Shirley Balog and their family.

For the last three years, we have held this Pro-Am event the day before

the junior tournament, to help raise money for NOPGA Scholarship Fund that awards two $10,000 scholarships each year to the most outstanding boy and girl of the junior tour who not only excel in golf, but in their schoolwork, as well. This Pro-Am is well supported by multiple teams of Walden members, and for the second year in a row, was won by a group of Walden members (Dave Pavlick, Jeff Rosengard, Brian Gilboy) including our PGA Professional Collin McEndree, and their junior golfer, Rachel DiDonato.

From left: Sam Zingale, Sophia Rosa, Jim Varney, Jim Fisher, Joe Meglen.

From left: Michael Balog, Bill Reilly, Mike Mehallis, Matt Mehallis, Fletcher Clark.

From left: Fred Miller, George Balog, Halle Ellis, Mitch Camp, Guest.

From left: Dave Pavlick, Rachel DiDonato, Collin McEndree, Jeff Rosengard, Brian Gilboy.

About

About

Our

After another event shoot-out in the rain, the 2023 Member-Champions are Tom Laubacher and Dan Rinicella who defeated Jim Varney and Paul Kondrat to claim the member-member title.

Congratulations to the Men’s Championship Flight Wimmer Tom Laubacher and the Ladies’ Championship Flight Winner Mary Ann Muccio. Tom has won 4 out of the last 5 championships and Mary Ann has won 11 out of the last 15 championships.

These Walden members were instrumental in starting the Kenny Novak Tournament 40 years ago and remain involved and supportive today. This NOPGA Junior Tour Championship showcases the best junior golfers in all of Northern Ohio.

Winning the Numbers Game | Mary Lu Kagler

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

Mary Lu Kagler has a mathematical mind. From counting stitches to recording demographics, teaching mathematics, tallying claims, keeping score, and counting her blessings, she sees orderly patterns in life’s complexities.

And she follows the patterns to create beautifully-detailed quilts that are displayed throughout her home at Laurel Lake Retirement Community in Hudson.

“I’m a math person; and a very patient person (If I have any good qualities, that’s the best one),” says Mary Lu, as she recounts her painstaking process of piecing and stitching together every square of her giant “Dear Jane” quilt that features 1930s-era reproduction fabrics reminiscent of great-grandma’s house dresses. After seven years of sewing 4,892 pieces of fabric into individual 4.25inch squares—some consisting of 60+ fabric pieces—and placing them into an intricately-balanced concentric design, she had it quilted. The pastel patterns are now the focal point of the Kaglers’ living room… but it’s just one of Mary Lu’s numerous quilts and embroidered pieces that grace every room of the Kagler home.

Mary Lu and her husband Bob have been Walden members for 15 years, as one of 60 families who transferred

their golf memberships from Aurora Country Club after it closed. Just last year, the Kaglers celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary after a lifetime of knowing each other. They both grew up in Scranton, Pennsylvania, where their parents were friends and attended the same church. Mary Lu and Bob lived around the block from one another and attended the same school but they didn’t “discover” each other until they were in their 20s.

They have spent half of their married life near Philadelphia and the rest in Northeast Ohio, living in Hudson since 1983, and spending 23 winters in Kiawah Island, South Carolina.

But back when they were first starting out, Mary Lu earned her mathematics degree from Penn State, where she also studied the Russian language. After graduating, she went to work in the actuarial department of a New York City insurance agency. Then she applied for a job in Washington D.C. with the U.S. Census Bureau’s Foreign Demographic Analysis Division. Her role here in the early 1960s—during the Cold War—was to do research on the population of the Soviet Union, then feed the data into a giant computer. It wasn’t until after she was required to attain a security clearance that she learned she actually had been working for the CIA the entire time. She was credited for crunching the numbers in a

Mary Lu's handmade quilt demonstrates her skill with details, symmetry and patience.

government publication 10 years later.

Despite all of that tantalizing intrigue, Mary Lu quit her job to join Bob in New Jersey, where he was working. Once the couple got married, Mary Lu became a high school math teacher. After their children, Rob and Jennifer, were school-age, Mary Lu worked as a church secretary, tax preparer and insurance agent.

Bob worked for Merck pharmaceuticals for 33 years, first as a sales force manager, then as a trainer manager in Portugal and Spain, and finally as a region manager. He chose to return to this region, which is comfortable, laid back, family-oriented and easy to navigate.

“We were so glad to be able to come back here. We absolutely love it here,” Mary Lu says of Northeast Ohio in general and Hudson in particular.

They also love Aurora in general and the Walden golf course in particular, having joined the Aurora Country Club in 1991 and Walden in 2008.

“We’ve made so many friends through Walden,” Mary Lu smiles. “We are well into our 80s and we still do all kinds of cool stuff… we golf three to four times a week at Walden, walk for exercise and go out to lunch a lot!”

Mary Lu is the only one in her golf group who doesn’t live in Walden, so she enjoys luring her friends “off the compound” for lunch at her place.

Mary Lu also enjoys bridge and book clubs, and plays Mahjong every Wednesday, having introduced the game to Walden women about 10 years ago after learning the game.

Further, Mary Lu sings and plays handbells in Hudson’s First Congregational Church choir, and is also involved with her church’s prayer quilt ministry. “We’re living our best life here,” she says.

Life is even sweeter with the Kaglers’ “amazing son, daughter and three grandchildren nearby (Rob, Katie & George; Jennifer, Patrick, Sophia & Natalie). We are really very blessed,” Mary Lu says. So why did the Kaglers choose to live in a retirement community? “Moving here is a gift to our children,” Mary Lu explains. “My mother and grandmother both lived to 101. It was a challenge to get my mother to move in with one of us. We wanted to make our own decisions while we still are able. And we couldn’t be happier with our decision. This place is lovely. There are all levels of care here, starting with independent living, which we are enjoying to the fullest.”

In each role—whether at work, at home or at play—Mary Lu naturally calculates details and keeps stats in her head, follows the emergent pattern and ultimately creates order and beauty. If life is a numbers game, Mary Lu knows the score.

Bob & Mary Lu Kagler: Love for a lifetime

PHOTO COURTESY OF KAGLER FAMILY

Staff Profile

IAN UPTON

EXECUTIVE CHEF

Time at Walden: 15 years

Family: Wife Jeri, Mother Joanne, Father Bill

Hometown: Canton

Food: Muffaletta

Music: Classical

Movie: “Darjeeling Limited”

Something that most people do not know: I’ve illustrated several books.

Favorite Walden Event: The Clambake

Favorite Dish to Prepare: Anything I haven’t made yet.

Caring For Others | Dean and Joyce Colovas

By Kaye Lowe

Dean and Joyce Colovas moved into the Meadows of Walden five years ago. Like many couples, they had become empty nesters, as their two sons, Nick and John, had completed college and moved into their own places. The couple decided to downsize to start the next chapter of their married life.

Joyce had visited Walden as a child. She remembered the beauty and serenity of the neighborhood. When she and Dean visited Walden to buy a home, she said, “I felt God brought us to this place.” Dean is an avid golfer; even making his own clubs. The natural beauty of the community convinced him Walden would be the best place to transition into retirement, when that time comes.

The couple met in March 1989. Dean was a lawyer in downtown Cleveland, having graduated from Cleveland State School of Law in 1986. Joyce worked at the Wyse Advertising Agency across the street from Dean, in the Stouffer Hotel (now the Ritz Carlton). A girlfriend invited Joyce out for drinks to meet a lawyer in the firm where she worked. The intended “fix-up” didn’t show, (It turned out he had been hit by a train! He

did live.) It was his double misfortune, as that night, Joyce met Dean. The couple dated for two years. Joyce wasn’t sure she was ready for marriage. Her plans were to move to Los Angeles and continue to teach ballroom dancing but Dean was a determined suitor. The couple was married on November 29, 1991, in a beautiful candlelight ceremony at St. Monica Church.

Both Dean and Joyce grew up in the Cleveland area. Dean has two brothers. His father wanted him to be a doctor. However, after Dean’s 10-year-old uncle and immigrant grandmother beat their landlord in a dwelling case in Detroit, Dean thought it better to try his hand at law. He graduated in 1986 with a law degree from Cleveland State University. He has practiced family law for 36 years with his primary office in the PNC Bank in downtown Cleveland.

Joyce said, “Dean is not your typical attorney. He is motivated by his desire to actually help people, so much so that he often forgoes getting paid.”

Dean’s practice is mostly focused on family practice, divorce, custody and juvenile cases. His concern for those in need, especially children, has led him to do a good deal of pro bono work.

Dean said, “My Greek background was instrumental in me wanting to help the poor and unfortunate.”

Joyce comes from a large family of four brothers and three sisters. She took a job at Nestle Corporation in Solon as a customer service representative in 1992. Joyce had always wanted to go to college but her parents couldn’t afford to send her, with so many mouths to feed. But Nestle made this dream possible through the company’s tuition reimbursement program.

Joyce enrolled at Cleveland State University in 1995, after their son Nicholas was born. Joyce was working for Nestle, going to college in the evening (part-time), and pregnant with her second son. John was born in 1996. Joyce continued to forge ahead; at the age of 30, after 10 years, she graduated magna cum laude with a degree in communications.

By this time, Joyce was searching for her secondary vocation. She believed it was important to “be the church”

Dean and Joyce Colovas with their sons, Nicholas and John.

and help others. Joyce became friends with a priest from St. Rita’s in Solon, Father Mark Riley, who was preparing for his own missionary appointment to the poor in El Salvador. When he asked for her help and support, Joyce felt that this would be her new ministry. Of course, her priority was being a wife and mother, but in addition to one’s primary vocation, each person has a gift that is meant to be shared. The more Joyce learned of the missionary work in El Salvador, the more she felt compelled to be part of it.

She left corporate America and founded “Swing into Action,” a 501c3 charity to raise funds for the poor by providing education, health clinics, electricity, nutritional programs, scholarship programs and much more in the village of Teotepeque, El Salvador. Along the way, Joyce taught herself how to speak Spanish.

Dean says, when Joyce visits the villages, the people just love her; they all come out and cheer and hug her. She has done this missionary work for nearly 20 years, raising funds and traveling back and forth to the villages. But now she manages the mission trips directly with the poor; priests are no longer involved with her efforts.

Joyce’s experiences as a lay missionary in the Diocese of Cleveland inspired her to write and publish “Stained Glass,” a book about Faith, Forgiveness, and A Woman’s Perseverance in the Catholic Church.

During COVID, and after a 15-year sabbatical from Nestle, Joyce finally returned to her corporate home as a functional development consultant.

Through their life journey, Joyce and Dean continue to give of themselves to others. Dean says, “I believe you should act openly and freely with everyone and give of yourself where you can.”

Their adult boys, Nick and John, have successful careers in finance and business development, respectively. Nick lives in Columbus and John lives in Brecksville. Neither is married (yet), but Joyce and Dean cannot wait to be grandparents one day!

Since moving to Walden, the couple feels more relaxed because of the beauty of their surroundings. Joyce wants to write another book someday and she believes that the setting here in Walden will provide perfect inspiration!

“Swing into Action” is Joyce's charity organization that helps the poor in El Salvador. She also wrote a book about her 20-year experience as a lay missionary.

Want a Cozy Home + Rebates & Tax Breaks? Make These Energy-Efficiency Improvements

By Estelle Rodis-Brown

Cool autumn nights will soon tempt us to flip on our thermostats to warm our homes. Now is the time to get your furnace checked, serviced and repaired, before you get caught in the cold.

You may also want to schedule a home energy audit to detect where heat is likely to escape from your home. It won’t just make your home more comfortable. By conserving energy and taking advantage of rebates and tax breaks, you’ll also save money.

According to the national Office of Energy Efficiency & Renewable Energy, air leakage doesn’t just make your home cold and drafty; it can cost you. The air you pay to heat or cool can leak out of your home just as costs are going up nationwide by 11.7%, compared to last year, according to the National Energy Assistance Directors Association.

But now, thanks to coming rebates from the federal Inflation Reduction Act, energy-efficient upgrades can be combined with existing tax credits. This annual credit can be used one year for installing new windows, and another year for adding insulation, for example. (You can claim improvements made in 2023 on IRS Form 5695 when you file taxes next year.)

LEADING THE WAY

Walden resident Mark Frank is way ahead of the game. He and his wife, Kaori, live in a Fairington Oval condominium with their daughter Liv, and their parakeet, Tsukune.

They moved to Walden in 2017, attracted to the style and layout of their 1977-era condo, where they enjoy the sights and sounds of the pond and fountain in their back yard during

the warmer months.

But the cold-weather months have proven to be a bit more challenging. Mark says, “Walden is a beautiful place to live and always looks great with a fresh snow, but as someone who became interested in building efficiency a few years back, Walden is also a place where some of these older homes are using a lot more heat then they need to be.”

When the Franks first moved to Walden, Mark requested the energy audit service provided by his gas company. At the time, the $50 audit consisted of a technician who performed a blower door test to show how much heat was leaking from the home. He walked through the condo with an infrared camera to highlight cold spots, and offered rebates on any efficiency upgrades the Franks agreed to make.

Ultimately, Mark selected the top three “heat leakers” in their home to insulate and renovate, which resulted in a cozier condo and big savings in heating costs. Mark cut his gas bill by almost 50 percent!

First, here’s a refresher on R-Values: An insulating material's resistance to conductive heat flow is measured or rated in terms of its thermal resistance or R-value. The higher the R-value, the greater its insulating effectiveness. The R-value depends on the type of insulation, its thickness and its density.

1. Air sealing and insulating the attic - The attic is typically the biggest source of heat loss from a home, so the Franks started here. The attic had an R-11 value when the Franks moved in. (Values of R-49 to R-60 are now recommended for Ohio attics.) All the batt and blow-in insulation was removed and new baffles were installed to ensure airflow

Now that the condo has been re-insulated, little Liv Frank can play in her short-sleeves when it's cold outside.

on the roof while keeping insulation out of the soffits. Also, every electrical and plumbing penetration was air-sealed (including can lights). Then the Franks re-insulated the attic to R-60. “The difference in the home comfort after the attic work alone was noticeable and made the house feel more comfortable,” Mark says.

2. Replacing old sliding doors - A couple of rooms had the original sliding doors in them with metal frames and broken seals, resulting in a large amount of heat loss. The Franks hired a company to replace/install new sliders.

3. Insulating cantilevered floors – The second floor of the Franks’ unit features a cantilevered floor. These types of floors extend past the foundation; often as a second-story bumpout, overhang, bay window, or a room over a porch. While this adds a bit more space to the second floor, it also tends to leak air, especially if not well-insulated.

Mark shares, “In our case, cold air would leak in and make the kitchen very cold. For this, we had foam board cut for each bay and sealed around them with foam and caulk before filling the rest of the space with new, clean batt insulation and using silicone or caulk on the outside to seal any further air leaks.”

Even after six years, Mark says the energy-efficiency improvements still make “a noticeable difference in the feel of the home in terms of eliminating drafts and raising the overall comfort levels in the home.”

Notably, home energy efficiency standards and materials have improved in the decades since the Franks’ condo was built. Mark says these include higher R-valued insulation. Typical attic insulation was R-19 to R-30 back in the ’70s and ’80s, while now it's R-50 to R-60.

HVAC Equipment standards have also improved. “If you have an old furnace or air conditioner, new ones will not only save money over time but also be much quieter than old units.”

Metal ductwork that moves the air around the house can get leaky over time. “Based on my research, the easiest way to seal this is with a product called Aeroseal,” Mark says. “A vendor will send a team and hook into your HVAC vents to seal them from the inside.”

Mark plans to take this step next. Along with adding Aeroseal to his vents (which is eligible for a tax credit), he also will install a tankless water heater, which will save on gas consumption while ensuring a continuous supply of hot water.

YOUR TURN

According to theWall Street Journal, you can earn up to $150 in tax credits for getting a home energy audit.

This first step toward increasing energy efficiency is required to become eligible for the new rebate program to cut overall energy use. The audit must identify the most significant and cost-effective energy-efficiency improvements, including an estimate of the energy and cost savings for each improvement. If you get an audit this year, you can have a plan in place for when the state rebates roll out.

Incentivized improvements to consider:

• Add insulation and/or more energyefficient windows and doors. Tax savings: up to $1,200.

Top: Boxes holding recessed lighting leak air without insulation.

Center: How to insulate drafty cantilevered floors.

Bottom: Spray foam fills leaky gaps between floors and pipes.

Air leakage standards measure the amount of air that a house can leak, typically from areas that aren't sealed or from cracks around windows or doors. Current standards require a much tighter home than in the past.

Mark shares, “When I moved in, I found a couple holes in the walls that let in cold winter air and summer bugs. Recessed lights typically aren't very well sealed and can be a big source of warm air leaks in the winter, as well.”

Also since the ’70s-’80s, new doors and windows are much more efficient. Mark says, “Our place had original sliders when we moved in, and you could easily feel the air leaking in during the winter and some even had ice/snow form on the inside of the slider.”

• Install rooftop solar and add battery storage to create your own power plant. Tax savings: 30% of the cost of the system.

• Replace an old air conditioner and a gas furnace with an electric heat pump that provides both heating and cooling. Tax savings: up to $2,000 (30% of the cost). A moderate-income household, earning 80% -150% of area median income, could potentially get $19,000 in incentives on a $32,000 project. A higher-income household could get $7,200 on a home performance retrofit ($4,000 in rebates and $3,200 in tax credits).

For Walden residents, check with your association and the Walden Architectural Committee for approval before making any exterior changes.

When it comes to improving your home’s comfort levels and energy efficiencies, you have lots of options. Enjoy the journey, stay cozy, and save money that would otherwise go to waste!

WALDEN WORD EXCERPTS

(1994 - 2003)

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

SEPTEMBER 1999

STAFF NEWS:

Ray Jobin, the person we have all learned to count on, decided that another opportunity was to his liking. This will be a great loss to each of us since Ray has been that steady influence whenever we needed it… As President,

I wish him the very best in his selection of the Chagrin Valley Country Club and hope that he will find his new work as rewarding as his work was here at Walden. Our world will continue on at Walden as we welcome Stacey Renszel in her expanded role as Membership Relations Manager and Patrick Cunningham as the new Food & Beverage Manager. To them we need to direct our attention as they aid each of us in the many activities at Walden.

— Al Zimmerman, Advisory Board President

OCTOBER 1999

99–00 BOOKWORMS:

Gail Vannelli has written a book titled “Exploring the Year 2000 Computer Problems: A Comprehensive Layman’s Guide.” Gail and her husband Rick will be our presenters on Nov. 14. Rick recently completed a 15-city tour, making presentations and the book.

OCTOBER 2001

MONDAY NIGHT MOVIES: “Crouching Tiger, Hidden Dragon (winner of 10 Academy Awards), “Best in Show” (Christopher Guest), “Family Man” (Nicholas Cage), “Chocolat” (Juliette Binoche), “The Mexican” (Brad Pitt, Julia Roberts).

LeeAngelo’s Pizzeria |

In Aurora Commons, nestled between familiar storefronts, you’ll discover a remarkable sanctuary of community spirit and tantalizing flavors: LeeAngelo’s Pizza (leeangelos.com). This isn’t your average pizza joint; it’s a testament to the resilience and generosity of a local business deeply committed to its community.

A step inside LeeAngelo’s offers a symphony of affordable, delectable pizzas, wings, and desserts that aim to please both the palate and the purse. Savor a thick, fluffy pizza topped with zesty house sauce, bacon and pepperoni, or treat yourself to the seasoned crunch of their award-winning wings. The dessert, their mini cannolis, caps off a meal that’s as delightful to your taste buds as it is gentle on your wallet.

However, the heart and soul of LeeAngelo’s go beyond their cuisine. The vibrant murals adorning their walls echo a dual ethos: “Driven by Gratitude’’ and “Community above competition.” And it’s more than just words; it’s their way of life.

Under owner Angelo Gonzales’s guidance, LeeAngelo’s has woven a strong community fabric. His Akron and Aurora outlets (and soon, Kent) have rallied to support their local neighborhoods through various initiatives. During the COVID-19 shutdown in 2020, the restaurants provided meals to approximately 7,000 children. They sponsor local youth programs including football, baseball, swimming, volleyball, travel ball, Akron Children’s, golf outings, all local schools and pretty much anything involving children—showing that LeeAngelo’s isn’t just in the community—it is the community.

The recent instance of a

devastating fire in the neighboring building attests to LeeAngelo’s unwavering commitment. Despite their loss, they upheld all their sponsorships and found creative ways to continue serving and supporting their local community. This adversity only highlighted their resilience and deep-seated dedication to the community they serve.

The food at LeeAngelo’s serves as a medium to connect with the community. For them, the perfect pizza is the one that brings joy, symbolized by the wide-eyed excitement of a 6-year-old child opening a pizza box for the first time.

But their giving doesn’t stop there. LeeAngelo’s believes in nurturing their employees, providing mentorship and support to those who

By Angelo Gonzales, Owner

are largely from the communities they serve. They are creating not just jobs, but pathways for personal and professional growth.

The story of LeeAngelo’s is a tale of transformation. From its inception as Your Pizza Shop in 2011, its evolution in 2021, and now its expansion into Aurora and Kent, it remains a shining example of the impact a small business can have when gratitude and community are at its core.

By choosing LeeAngelo’s, you’re making a choice that goes beyond enjoying a delicious meal. You’re choosing to support a business that is deeply committed to empowering and uplifting its community, one pizza slice at a time. When you bite into their pizza, know that you are part of their journey, contributing to a cause that is strengthening the local community.

LeeAngelo's provides a warm welcome at Aurora Commons.

The heart and soul of LeeAngelo’s go beyond their cuisine.

Color me Autumn |

Don't let the majesty of the season pass you by! Soak in the brilliance of Autumn in Walden and all around.

Photography by Estelle Rodis-Brown

Why Walden?

Club Members Share Their Testimonials

We joined Club Walden because it offers everything my family and I love… a fantastic pool for hot summer days, an enjoyable golf course, and delicious dining options. What sets it apart is the friendly atmosphere and lack of pretension, making it truly feel like a welcoming and prestigious home away from home. We couldn’t be happier with our decision to be a part of this wonderful club!

— Evan & Melissa Sanford

Taking a leap of faith and moving from Hinckley to build in Aurora, we strived to make the transition a positive experience for our family. For the longest time, we have been intrigued by the white houses with the horses running in the fields. Before we were able to even move into our new home outside of Beljon Farms, we joined Walden in hopes of fully immersing ourselves into the Aurora lifestyle.

We have been blown away by the experience this summer: The kindness and professionalism of the staff, delicious food (and drinks!), and beauty of the property! The girls, Adeline and Juliana, have enjoyed the diving board this summer and had a wonderful experience at Camp Walden which they were excited to share with us daily! Vivian loved the spa and hopes to visit it often (hint, hint, hubby!). Bob was impressed with the quality of the course and hopes to play as often as possible.

We look forward to meeting more members in the upcoming months and setting down roots in Aurora and Walden!

— Robert & Vivian Pasal

The following two pages are brought to you by Club Walden

Before joining Walden, Ryan played in a few triple crown events, we enjoyed the golf course as guests of friends and family, and attended a few social events such as Breakfast with Santa. We always had a wonderful time!

After becoming sport members in May, we lived at the pool. It was probably the driving factor of our membership initially, since we have three small children, ages 6, 4 and 2. Our kids LOVE to swim and having a pool close by brings them so much joy! Our oldest joined the Walden swim team and learned what competitive swim is all about this summer. We have many friends and family that utilize the pool so we’ve very much enjoyed our time there!

After a few months, we switched to full golf membership. We are both golfers and are eager to get our kids more involved with golf so we can enjoy the course as a family in the coming years. We are looking forward to golfing more often and enjoying the golf events offered such as the Mixed Twilight Food Truck Night and the Fall Classic!

Our favorite part about Walden so far has been hanging out with friends and family, having a pool to call home, golfing together and meeting new people. Oh! And those Bitikar salads with chicken are delicious, too.

— Ryan & Erin Wilk

In December of 2022, we began looking for a new home and change in lifestyle. In February 2023, we moved into a lovely condo on Chandler Path with a beautiful view of the 18th green and Walden Lake. During the process, Heather gave us a tour of the Club and its amenities, the Barn, and the Inn at Walden and invited us to the Christmas Party. This sealed the deal! We were looking for a more active, social lifestyle and we have been blessed to be a part of Walden. We decided to go all in! What has made Walden special to us are our neighbors, both at Chandler Path and the members we have met so far this year. Walden has provided the complete experience… beautiful environment, terrific Club, and wonderful people.

— Bill and Marie Hemann

RECIPE FROM THE KITCHEN OF NANCY SCHULZ DEOBALD

HEARTY BEEF STEW

n 2 Tbsp. tomato paste

n 1 Tbsp. fresh, flat-leaf parsley, chopped

n 1 Tsp. fresh thyme, minced

n 1 Tsp. fresh rosemary, minced

n 1 Bay leaf

n 1¼ lbs. red-skinned potatoes (peeled or unpeeled)

DIRECTIONS

· Place your oven rack to the lowest level of your oven. (OR you can use a crock pot once you have browned the beef.)

· Heat the oven to 325 degrees.

· Cut the beef into 1½” cubes – set aside.

· In a large Dutch oven, cook the bacon in the canola oil until crisp and brown. Using a slotted spoon, transfer to a paper towel. Set aside.

· Pour fat into a bowl to use later.

· Pour 2 Tbsp. of the bacon fat into the Dutch oven and heat over medium heat.

· Season beef cubes with salt and pepper. In batches, add beef and cook until brown on all sides, about 5 minutes per batch.

Nancy has been a resident of Aurora since 1985. She and her late husband, Dick, founded the Western Reserve Racquet & Fitness Club. She and her husband, John, have been residents of the Ravines for 25 years. Nancy says, “This is a delicious stew for a fall or winter dinner.” Once the ingredients are assembled, you simmer it in the oven until done.

INGREDIENTS

n 3 lbs. boneless beef chuck

n 4 thick, chopped slices of applewood

smoked bacon

n 2 Tbsp. canola oil

n 1 medium yellow onion, chopped

n 3 carrots, cut into chunks

n 2 stalks celery – ½ “ lengths

n 2 cloves garlic, chopped

n 2 Tbsp. unsalted butter

n 6 Tbsp. all-purpose flour

n 4 cups beef stock or beef broth

· Transfer beef to a plate.

· Add 2 Tbsp. of the remaining bacon fat to the Dutch oven and heat until medium temperature.

· Add onions, carrots, celery and garlic. Cook, stirring occasionally until the onions have softened, about 5 minutes.

· Stir in butter until it melts.

· Sprinkle with flour and stir well.

· Gradually stir in the broth and then stir in the tomato paste.

· Add the thyme, parsley, bay leaf and rosemary.

· Return the beef to the pot and bring to a boil.

· Place the pot in the heated oven.

· Cook for 1½ hours.

· Cut the potatoes into 1” cubes; add to the beef and vegetables.

• Continue cooking until the meat and potatoes are tender, about an additional 45 minutes.

· Season to taste with salt and pepper.

Serve with crusty bread. Mmmmmm!

“Not till we are completely lost or turned around…do we begin to find ourselves.”

— Henry David Thoreau

Created by Kick from the Noun Project

Tickets Only $10; $15 at the door.

Thursday, October 26 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM

The Bertram Inn | Aurora

Presented by:

Northeast Ohio

Co-Presented by:

Boomer Bash Southeast 2023

Boomer and Beyond

“Summer passes into autumn in some unimaginable point of time, like the turning of a leaf.”

— Henry David Thoreau

PHOTO BY ESTELLE RODIS-BROWN

Enjoy Fall at Walden!

summer, you're in great company.

If you’re planning to sell real estate this fall, 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.

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.

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 possibe price.

Photo by Estelle Rodis-Brown