Currents June 15, 2023 issue

DEPARTMENTS

A6 FOOD

Local butchers share tips for summertime grilling season

By Cynthia Schuster Eakin

A7 EDUCATION

Celebrating Class of 2023

By Lauri Gross

A8 TRAVEL

Visit Virginia’s Historic Triangle for drivable dose of American history

By Sarah Jaquay

B6 HEALTH

June is dedicated to Alzheimer’s, Brain Awareness Month

By Lauri Gross

FEATURES

A5 SUMMER FUN

Scottish Games & Celtic Festival set for June 23-24

By Andrea C. Turner

B7 SETTING SAIL

Cleveland Amateur Boatbuilding & Boaters Society receives grant to build, launch 10-foot pram designed in ’53 in North Coast Harbor this month

By Cynthia Schuster Eakin

B8 GRAYS ARMORY

Historic Grays Armory once served as venue for first Cleveland Orchestra concert season and first auto show

By Cynthia Schuster Eakin

B10 GOLF Cleveland Women’s Golf Association tees up for Centennial celebration in 2023

By Andrea C. Turner

EDITOR’S NOTE

Among the many reasons I’m happy to call Northeast Ohio my home is the distinct change of four seasons we are fortunate to witness and experience here year after year, through winter, spring, summer and fall. Maybe that’s one of the reasons Northeast Ohioans seem prone to talk about the weather a lot! After all, if we lived in California, we might only mention it through periods of rainy, overcast days or warm, blustery Santa Ana winds; in Alaska, we’d most likely only bring it up through an unusual spell of high heat; in Hawaii, a week of cold and overcast days. But here, we seem to discuss it daily, through blizzards, drenching rains, hot and humid days, and even on picture-perfect days such as those we’ve been experiencing of late, sans the haze from the wildfires to our north. While fall and winter are my favorite seasons here, the thought of summer arriving in just a week is akin to ordering that popular library book (with 30 people ahead of you on the reserve list), receiving notice that it has arrived, and finally stretching out to relax and enjoy it from cover to cover. Summer is like that – time to stretch out, slow down, relax and enjoy the warmth of the sunny days ahead, when we naturally tend to spend more time in the great outdoors. Whether it be a local art fair or farmers market, a hike in the Metroparks, an afternoon strolling through the Holden Arboretum or Botanical Garden, or a Lake Erie boating excursion aboard the new “Caroline,” summer is the season to savor.

It’s also a busy time for benefits, graduations, weddings and other special events, chronicled in this month’s issue of Currents. Mark your calendars for June 23 and 24, and head to the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds for the Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival, detailed on page A5. Stan Hywet’s 65th annual Classic, Antique and Collector Car Show will take place on June 18, with details about that on page B10. The Cleveland Botanical Garden is set for the summer with new exhibits and events, detailed on page B3. Currents celebrates, salutes and congratulates all graduates of the Class of 2023, with profiles of a few of the best and brightest offered on page A7. It’s grilling season, with recipes and tips from area butchers to be found on page A6. If you need some time away, Virginia’s Historic Triangle – Colonial Williamsburg, Jamestown and Yorktown – is just a few hours’ drive from here, and travel writer Sarah Jaquay has already made the trip, with suggestions of where to go, what to see, where to stay, etc. on page A8. In staying true to Currents’ mission to spotlight the good and important work of our region’s nonprofits, you’ll find ample coverage of recent fundraising events in this month’s issue. If your favorite organization is planning an upcoming fundraising event, email the details to editor@currentsnews.com and type Benefit Beat in the subject line, OR visit currentsneo.com, and click on the “Submit an Event” tab at the top right of the page to complete the form there. (Use the same tab to submit a wedding announcement if you hope to have it appear in a future issue.)

Summertime for me these days means extra-special time on weekends spent with my son, daughterin-law and two very precious grandchildren. I tagged along with them to Blossom Time here in Chagrin over Memorial Day weekend, and what a thrill it was for me to watch the three-year-old bravely climb up and onto the rides for the first time, the way my own sons did at about the same age in the same place decades ago! And it was fun to watch them both fishing for gators at one booth, winning prizes from the catches in their nets to take home as mementos of the weekend that seems to bring out the child in all of us here in Chagrin Falls, annually. Going forward this season, you’ll most likely find us at the Village Farmers Market on Sundays, not so much shopping for fresh produce, but rather in the longer line at the popular Big Mouth donut cart to satisfy the kids’ taste for sprinkle donuts, after which we play in the park and feed the ducks and geese with “appropriate” food packaged and sold in small brown paper bags at Chagrin Hardware. And last weekend, after all of that, just to celebrate summer soon on its way, we had a blast laughing and running through the sprinkler in their backyard, them in diapers, with Grandma completely unfettered, but fully clothed! Summertime … let’s all plan to savor the season this year! ~

Kelli Cotesworth McLellan

ON OUR COVER

Northeast Ohio’s First Social Network

The primary mission of Currents is to feature and spotlight the nonprofit, arts, educational and cultural organizations so vital to Northeast Ohio, as well as the volunteers and philanthropists who guide, support and sustain them.

P.O. Box 150 • Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 • 525 E. Washington Street • 440-247-5335 / Fax: 440-247-1606 www.currentsneo.com

Published monthly by the Chagrin Valley Publishing Company

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AMANDA PETKIEWICZ

Creative Director and General Manager

Thanks to Peter Balunek for our June cover photograph. Mr. Balunek has hosted/led countless luxury safaris for nine years since he made a life-altering trip to Kenya. His business, Peter’s Safari’s, was born of his desire to make a difference by doing something to help create awareness of the threats facing the world’s wildlife. The socially conscious luxury safaris enable guests to learn about the wildlife and their habitats, as well as the local culture and economy of the people living in the areas to which they travel. Read more about these adventurous, educational, luxury safari experiences on page A12.

KELLI COTESWORTH MCLELLAN Editor

JUNE EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Cynthia Schuster Eakin, Michele Collins, Lauri Gross, Sarah Jaquay, Rita Kueber, Anastasia Nicholas, Peggy Turbett, Andrea C. Turner

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Peggy Turbett

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE S: Jim Dalessandro

AD DESIGNERS: Connie Gabor, Ashley Gier

Please call 440.247.5335 for editorial, advertising and deadline information. Currents is distributed in: Auburn, Avon Lake, Bainbridge, Bath, Bay Village, Beachwood, Bentleyville, Bratenahl, Brecksville, Chagrin Falls, Chesterland, Cleveland Heights, Fairview Park, Gates Mills, Hudson, Hunting Valley, Kirtland Hills, Lakewood, Lyndhurst, Moreland Hills, North Royalton, Orange Village, Pepper Pike, Rocky River, Russell, Shaker Heights, Solon, South Russell, Strongsville, University Heights, Waite Hill, Westlake, Akron, Copley, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Hinckley, Montrose, Peninsula, Richfield and Silver Lake.

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Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival

By ANDREA C. TURNER

The Scottish American Cultural Society of Ohio hosts the Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival June 23-24 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea. The weekend festival offers a wide array of events for all ages and interests.

Friday Ceilidh Gates will open at 4:45 p.m. The entertainment pavilion will be filled with musical entertainment until 10:30 p.m. The evening will include the “Calling of the Clans” event. Advanced ticket prices are $12 for adults and $7 for juniors (13-17 years old). Gate pricing is $15 for adults and $10 for juniors. Children 12 and younger are free for all events and dates.

Saturday Highland Games Gates open at 8 a.m. Saturday’s event includes the parade of competitors, bagpipe competition, Scottish heavy athletics, live competitive jousting, keg toss, haggis throw, highland dance competitions, harp and fiddle competition, entertainment, genealogy, clans, entertainment, workshops, whiskey tasting, kilted mile, food and merchandise vendors and its premiere event, Tattoo, at 6:30 p.m. Tattoo is led by the Massed Pipes and Drums as they perform in front of the Grand Stands at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds along with performances by highland dancers, harpists and fiddlers. The Massed Pipes and Drums will perform Flowers of the Forest to honor those who have passed in the last year as well as “Scotland The Brave” and the ever-popular “Amazing Grace.” The honor guard this year is from American Legion Post 610, Brook Park. Singing the National Anthems of Scotland, Ireland, and the US is Katie Cooper.

Advanced tickets are $17 for adults, $12 for juniors. Cash gate sales are $20 for adults and $15 for juniors. New this year is a discounted Saturday evening late en-

try ticket. Attendees will be permitted to enter the festival after 5 p.m. Advanced ticket prices are $12 for adult tickets, $7 for juniors. Gate sales are $15 for adults and $10 for juniors.

A whiskey tasting pass is available for an additional $45, and is good Friday at 4:45 p.m. through Saturday at 10:30 p.m. Use tickets to receive a punch card which entitles bearers to a complimentary glass and six, oneounce pours of single malt whiskey. Tickets may be shared. Ticket sales are open now at https://www.ohioscottishgames.com/tickets. Be sure to print them in advance and bring them to the gates for entry. On-line ticketing will be available through the June 24-25 weekend.

Did you know?

The Ohio tartan was designed by a former Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival Trustee, Ms. M.J. McMichael Fischbach. The colors are taken from the Ohio flag, seal and other state symbols. Red represents the cardinal, the state bird. White represents Ohio’s major cities. Blue symbolizes Ohio’s waterways from the Ohio River to Lake Erie. Azure from the far hills of the seal, denotes the eight sons of Ohio who served as presidents of the United States. The azure-blueazure combination represents Ohio as the birthplace of “light, flight, and the first man on the moon” – an homage to Thomas Edison, The Wright Brothers, and Neil Armstrong. Gold from the seal symbolizes Ohio’s leadership in agriculture. The thread count proportions are based on the date Ohio was admitted to the Union: March 1, 1803. After being submitted for set review to the Scottish Tartan Society, it was approved and registered as the Ohio Tartan on March 29, 1984.

The Musical Theater Project “Rendezvous Cabaret”

The Musical Theater Project hosted an enthusiastic group of friends and patrons for a very special event, the Rendezvous Cabaret. To reach this cabaret, guests had only to travel to the historic Tudor Arms Hotel off University Circle. Turning down the narrow street behind, they were instantly transported to mid-town Manhattan – around 44th, we think, to the renowned Birdland Club, a storied venue for jazz and cabaret acts.

This night, with the location morphing, romantic rainfall outside, and a glittering New York vibe inside, patrons of the Rendezvous Cabaret were swept away on an enchanted cloud of classic Broadway numbers and other standards from NYC-based performers, husband and wife team, Eric Comstock, and Barbara Fasano.

Pianist/singer Eric Comstock and pop/jazz vocalist

Barbara Fasano have appeared in cabarets and concerts throughout the US and Europe. They have recorded several CDs, and together have won many MAC awards (Manhattan Association of Cabarets), five Bistro Awards and a New York Nightlife Award. They have a standing

gig at the Birdland Jazz Club every Saturday night, and as headliners, brought all their charm, wit, and spice to the Musical Theater Project’s event. Emcee and the organization’s founder Bill Rudman introduced the duo. In his remarks he mentioned that funds raised would support two projects in the nonprofit’s pantheon of projects: “The Song is You” concert series and the in-school “Kids Love Musicals” program in which school children work with a professional actor in their classroom to produce and perform songs and scenes from definitive shows from Peter Pan to Cinderella.

After a cocktail hour and sit-down dinner in the venerable second-floor ballroom of the Tudor Arms, the performers hit the stage and entertained for over an hour to an enchanted crowd. An after-party followed. The Musical Theater Project’s Rendezvous Cabaret sold out. It was a dazzling affair, and the organization met its fundraising goal. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY RITA KUEBER

Keg toss competition (Photograph courtesy of Ohio Scottish Games & Celtic Festival)

Eric Comstock, Bill Rudman, Mebby Brown, and Barbara Fasano

Amanda Vitalone, Jesse Mathews, Char Cowan, Eishaune Williams, and Chris Bartel

Co-chairs Lin Bartel and Maura O’Hara Finley

Jack and Barbara Vitcosky

Make the most out of the summertime grilling season

By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN

There are three things you can’t beat in the summer. They are a view of the lake, the sound of a ball hitting a bat and the taste of a freshly grilled steak. Here is some advice from local butchers about making the most of the summertime grilling season.

“I can only speak for Saucisson and know that we are unique in our sourcing and flavor profiles,” Melissa Khoury of Saucisson said. “We source 100 percent from small family local farms, ensuring that we are providing the freshest, humanly raised meat possible. With our sourcing comes some challenges in that we don’t always have large quantities of certain cuts like big box stores. So, when shopping with small butcher shops, it’s important to preorder at least a week in advance.”

Khoury said a recent Supreme Court ruling in California is forcing pork producers to expand the containment areas of pregnant sows. “Yellowhouse Farms and New Creation Farms do it right from the start. They allow pigs and other animals ample room to move, explore, graze and live a happy life. There’s a lot to be said about the fact that happy animals equal healthy meat, and in our opinion, it tastes way better too,” she said. “California’s ruling will be felt nationwide on large-scale farming and you can expect to see a price increase on pork nationwide, as 60 percent of pork sold in California comes from other states. When you support local, you can bet that the local farms are staying steady on pricing and product quality. National events such as this will always cause price increases, but local farmers will maintain through events like this one.”

“As for grilling, well we like to say, grill ‘em if you got ‘em! There are so many beef and pork cuts that were made for the grill, and of course, we can’t leave out the simple products like sausages, hot dogs and hamburgers. We are pretty fond of our burger blend that we make in-house. It’s 50 percent bacon and 50 percent beef,” she added.

“I am a big fan of charcoal for grilling. There is just something about that sear, that beautiful crust that you get from charcoal,” Khoury added. “We are also huge promoters of meat thermometers. No one should ever be ashamed of using a thermometer. It’s one of the best tools

BENEFIT BEAT

Please visit currentsneo.com to submit information about your upcoming event (click on the “Submit” tab at the top right of the page), or email editor@currentsnews.com and type Benefit Beat in the subject line.

Friday, June 16…Elevation, to benefit Trails Now Fund, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m., at Indigo Lake, with parking at Howe Meadow, 4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula. Cost is $125. Oneof-a-kind summer celebration with hiking, trail mix bar, casual dinner buffet, beer and wine, live music, dancing and s’mores around the campfire! For tickets, visit

to have in your kitchen and next to your grill.”

Visit Saucisson, 5324 Fleet Ave., at www.saucissoncleveland.com or call 216.303.9067.

Brandon Chrostowski of Edwin’s Butcher Shop recommends cuts of meat that have good intermuscular fat to make the meat tender, such as short plate, skirt/flank steak, ribeye, t-bone, New York strip and tenderloin. “Local butcher shops are better because we understand the nuances of our customers and know our products better than anyone in a grocery store. We know where our meat

forcvnp.org/elevation.

Saturday, June 17…Topography, to benefit Trails Now Fund, Cuyahoga Valley National Park, 6:30 p.m. to 11 p.m. at Indigo Lake, with valet parking at Howe Meadow, 4040 Riverview Road, Peninsula. A dining experience like no other with cocktails, appetizers and gourmet dinner with wine service, followed by campfires beneath the stars with coffee, sweet bites and music. Cost is $300 per person toward the Trails Now Fund, which provides immediate support for trail maintenance and priority trail projects in Cuyahoga Valley National Park. For tickets, visit www.forcvnp.org/topography.

Friday, June 23…Summer Solstice 2023, to benefit Hopewell, 6 p.m. at Orchid House Winery in Aurora, Ohio. Proceeds from this event provide fee assistance to a majority of our residents’ families who otherwise could not afford our care. Hopewell is a farm-based

comes from and have relationships with farmers. We can help customers troubleshoot with cooking tips and share recipes,” he said.

“Your heat source is the key ingredient for the perfect barbecue. Depending on what you’re making, the heat source should vary between wood chips, charcoal and gas. Use rubs and marinades to enhance the flavor,” Chrostowski added.

Edwin’s Butcher Shop is at 13024 Buckeye Rd. Phone 216.417.1100 or visit www.edwinsbutchershop.org.

residential treatment program for adults with severe mental illnesses such as schizophrenia, schizoaffective disorder, bipolar disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and major depression. Using the healing powers of nature, of meaningful work, of our therapeutic community, and of clinical engagement, Hopewell’s program treats the whole person: mind, body and spirit. Enjoy dinner catered by A Taste of Excellence and participate in our silent and live auctions, and Fund-a-Need. To purchase tickets ($250) and for details about the event, visit www.hopewellcommunity.org/events/summersolstice-2023

Saturday, June 24…Solstice, to benefit Cleveland Museum of Art, 7 p.m. to 12 a.m. at the Museum of Art. This annual celebration is an energy-filled night of music and art, featuring performances by international bands on the museum’s outdoor south terrace

Brisket Rub

Recipes courtesy of Edwin’s Butcher Shop

4 Tbsp chili powder

4 tbsp salt

2 tbsp garlic powder

2 tbsp onion powder

2 Tbsp black pepper

2 Tbsp sugar

4 Tsp dry mustard powder

2 crushed bay leaves

Combine all ingredients in a mixing bowl and set aside Brisket

Trim 1 whole brisket by removing excess fat from the outside leaving some still attached

Rub outside of brisket with rub making sure to coat both sides and the ends

Place in smoker at 250 degrees on center rack

Fill smoker with mesquite wood chips

Smoke until internal temperature hits 185 degrees

Baked Beans

1 #10 can Great Northern Beans, about 6 pounds 14 ounces

3 Tablespoons molasses

3 Tablespoons brown sugar

5 teaspoons paprika

2

½ teaspoons celery salt

2 ½ teaspoons onion powder

2 ½ teaspoons garlic powder

2

½ teaspoons chili powder

2

½ teaspoons salt

Cayenne (optional)

Directions:

Rinse the beans under cold water

Put beans and all of the ingredients, except the cayenne in an oven proof pot and mix well.

If possible, put in a smoker under some pork and cook for 2 hours. If you can’t put in a smoker, put in a 350-degree oven and cook for 1 hour, stirring often.

Add cayenne to taste.

and by nationally recognized DJs in the Ames Family Atrium. Projection mapping, lighting displays, and additional decorations will electrify the CMA. The iconic, global-minded festival is unlike any other event in Cleveland. Museum members receive advance access to tickets. If tickets are still available after the member presale, the public sale began May 16. Member and public tickets are $150 (limit four). The all-inclusive ticket covers unlimited food and beverages, including beer, wine and canned cocktails. This event is for guests 21 or older. Along with the amazing art, great food and unforgettable fun throughout the evening, the museum’s permanent collection galleries will be open late into the night as well. Exciting announcements on the artist lineup and programming are coming soon. Tickets, if available, at www.clevelandart.org/ Solstice or 216.421.7350.

Peter has always been passionate about living, working, and volunteering in University Circle.

From his lifelong work as an astronomer to his recent work in pottery and everything in between, Peter is always searching for new things to explore.

Bringing Independent Living to Life.

At Judson, independent living is all about enjoying the comforts of home in a vibrant, maintenance-free retirement community. Residents take advantage of diverse, enriching programs that cultivate new friendships, maintain wellness, fuel creativity and ignite new interests. Seniors define their own way of living and find the inspiration that makes them come alive with the peace of mind that our staff is available 24 hours a day should help be needed. (216)930-1688

Spotlighting local Valedictorians of the Class of 2023

Currents salutes, congratulates and celebrates all graduates of the Class of 2023 from the Northeast Ohio region! This class was one that was forced to endure lockdowns and shutdowns during the height of the Covid-19 pandemic, and most likely emerged stronger, more flexible and better students as a result. Meet three of our area’s best and brightest and read about their paths to educational success and the classes, extracurricular activities, and other key factors that were key in guiding them toward the exemplary young adults they are today.

By LAURI GROSS

This year, Anna Rarick is the valedictorian at Gilmour Academy, the private Catholic, K-12 co-ed school in Gates Mills. Anna says that she knew Gilmour would be challenging and early on, she did not consider the possibility of becoming valedictorian. “I never thought it was in the cards,” she says, “but in the second semester of my junior year, I knew it might be a possibility so then I keyed in and turned into a perfectionist.” She explains that it’s common for Gilmour students to compare their GPAs. “It’s a competitive environment and, hearing other people talk about how they thought it would play out, I knew I was in the area to win it.” Of the AP classes she took, chemistry in Anna’s junior year was the hardest. “That class was the one I learned the most from because I hadn’t really had that level of challenge in a class before. It really instilled a good work ethic in me. I was always going in for extra help and studied for hours and hours. It really taught me if you put in the hard work, you’ll get through it.” Although Anna’s college plans do not include chemistry, she still appreciates that AP chem showed her that she could handle harder classes such as AP calculus, which she tackled her senior year. “Maybe before I took AP chem, I would have not selected AP calc because it is known as one of the harder classes,” she explains.

As a four-year member of Gilmour’s volleyball team, Anna competed for the state championship every year. “We got third place my freshman year,” she recalls. “We won states sophomore and junior year, and in my senior year, we got runner up.” The experience, she says, taught her about teamwork and leadership. In addition, she was in a club called Baking for Rainbows throughout high school. “It’s a monthly bake sale,” Anna explains. “We sell the goods at school and the money goes to Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital.” In Anna’s senior year, she took a leadership position in the group. “I always love baking,” she explains, “So I took my favorite hobby and used it in a constructive way to help others and it was really fun.”

Even though grades were always important to Anna, she says she kept things in balance by remembering that she should be able to have fun and spend time with friends, compete in sports, etc. even if it often meant late nights. “I could do stuff with friends but then also come home to do homework,” she says. “A balance is definitely possible.”

Anna says a strong network of friends helped her succeed. “They are all super. We keep each other in check. We won’t distract each other from our goals and we always encourage each other.” In the fall, Anna will be part of the Honor’s College at the University of South Carolina, where she plans to major in international business.

Indira Zsuzsanna Katiyar is a 2023 graduate of Laurel School, the K-12 all-girls school in Shaker Heights, and the winner of the school’s Lyman prize. In lieu of naming a valedictorian, Laurel presents the Lyman prize to the student with the highest cumulative GPA in her time in the Upper School.

Through high-school classes and extracurriculars, Indira found fulfillment, challenges and no shortage of surprises. For instance, taking Honors Chemistry online during her sophomore year in the midst of the pandemic, is something she says she wouldn’t wish on anybody. Then, after a year off from chemistry, she took AP chemistry her senior year and recalls, “I worked hard throughout the year and, well, I made it through, so I’m really proud of myself for that.” Indira took seven other AP classes, including AP Chinese and AP English. Outside the classroom, Indira participated in synchronized swimming, acted in school plays and served on the stage crew, participated in Laurel’s Judicial Council, ran cross country, and worked as a camp counselor.

Through synchronized swimming, she says, “I learned

BENEFIT BEAT

Please visit currentsneo.com to submit information about your upcoming event (click on the “Submit” tab at the top right of the page), or email editor@currentsnews.com and type Benefit Beat in the subject line.

Saturday, June 24…Rock the Bar, in celebration of the Cleveland Bar Association’s 150th anniversary, 7:30 p.m. at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, 1100 E. 9th St., Cleveland 44114. .Rock the Bar is sure to be the biggest party in Bar history! Guests will enjoy fabulous food, premium open bars and plenty of live music and entertainment. As we celebrate decades of our Bar’s rich history, the Bluewater Kings band – whose musicians have performed regularly with touring and recording artists including Stevie Wonder, Aretha Franklin, Cher, Miranda Lambert, Prince, Shakira, Tony Bennett and others – will transport us back in time then keep us dancing through the decades. Expect a little bit of something for everyone as well as a few surprises! All guests of Rock the Bar will also receive free admission to the museum exhibits throughout the evening. Rock the Bar is sure to be a wonderful night of celebrating 150 years of the Bar with the who’s who of Cleveland’s legal and business community. We look forward to celebrating with our sponsors, donors, volunteers and all of those supported by the Bar’s programs over the years as we look ahead for what’s to come in the next 150 years. If you or your organization would like to secure an early sponsorship of Rock the Bar, please contact Special Events Manager Caitlin Peterson at cpeterson@clemetrobar.org or (216) 539-3735.

Saturday, July 15…Twilight at the Arboretum, to benefit Holden Forests & Gardens, 5:30-8:30 p.m. at the Arboretum. This event is Holden Forests & Garden’s largest and only benefit of the year and helps to raise money for its mission to connect people with the wonder, beauty, and value of trees and plants, to inspire action for healthy communities. Join us for an elevated picnic dinner by Spice Catering Co., live music and entertainment for the whole family, and the seasonal outdoor exhibition Sean Kenney’s Nature Connects Made with LEGO® Bricks. Tickets are on sale now at holdenfg.org. Adult tickets are $150, and children are $35. New this year, a VIP ticket level features early event access at 4:30 p.m., complimentary valet parking, limited table seating, in-and-out privileges to an adult-only outdoor lounge, an open bar, additional musical entertainment and food course, a Holden Forests & Gardens branded gift, and special recognition in the event program. VIP tickets cost $275.

Gilmour Academy valedictorian Anna Rarick will be studying international business at the University of South Carolina in the fall. Photograph by Jennifer B.

so much about working as a team, making friends, and dealing with mental pressure in high stress situations.” The school plays were, “some of the most trying and most rewarding experiences I’ve undertaken,” Indira says. Serving on the Judicial Council for four years taught her “a lot about how a school works and how discipline in a school is a balance.”

Her camp counselor gig was at the pre-school where she had once attended as a camper herself. Being there as a counselor, she says, “reminded me of the joys of curiosity and kindness.”

And then there was the track team. “In the very last semester of high school, I accidentally stumbled upon track, having done only one year of cross country the semester before,” Indira recalls. Neither the coach nor Indira herself had high expectations for her track abilities when she tried the 400-meter on a whim. “Little did I know that the 400 would become my event, and that running it in a relay would take me all the way to regional finals alongside a team of passionate, caring and fun-loving teammates,” she explains. “I surprised everybody - including myself - with how far and how fast I could go. This was really important to me because it showed me that there are so many things I don’t yet know about myself that I can uncover if I just try.”

Indira describes the balance in her life as a “pendulum that swings back and forth,” as she explains that sometimes she spent 13-hour days at school, and other times she squeezed in a few silly You Tube videos. “School isn’t everything,” she concludes. “The things that help you get

Laurel graduate Indira Katiyar is planning a dual major in biological engineering and Asian languages and cultures, but her many other interests include premed, forestry, and education.

through the day, like conversations with friends, or silly jokes, are things that you should try to encourage in your life. And give yourself space to make mistakes and mess up. Sometimes a walk around the neighborhood does wonders.”

Indira is also grateful to her support group. “I am really lucky to have family, friends, and teachers who believed that I could keep going and make something great, even when I didn’t myself,” she says.

In college, Indira will continue to pursue varied interests. “I’m thinking of a dual major in biological engineering and Asian languages and cultures, but I’m also interested in pre-med, forestry, and education. We’ll see what the future holds!”

University School, the all-boys private K-12 school with campuses in Shaker Heights and Hunting Valley, names an Alumni Award winner each year. The award goes to the top-ranked student in their class. Nicholas James Wojnar is this year’s recipient.

Of the 10 AP classes Nicholas took, he enjoyed U.S. history and physics the best although he says Latin was by far the most challenging and also the class in which he learned the most. Of his extracurriculars, he says, “I found volunteering as a peer tutor and my part-time work as a server to be some of my most rewarding experiences beyond high school. Additionally, I enjoyed being a leader of my school’s academic challenge team, with the opportunity to help underclassmen improve their skills.”

Nicholas also enjoys playing chess and weight lifting. He says that, together, all his extracurriculars enabled

Nicholas James Wojnar finished at the top of his class at University School, earning the distinction of this year’s Alumni Award winner. He’ll be studying physics at Yale beginning this fall. Photograph by Ripcho Studios, Inc.

him to pursue his personal interests and also help and lead others. “I was able to find leadership positions where I could teach and inspire those students who would lead after I graduated.” Nicholas says he was not consciously competing to earn the top spot. Instead, he says, “I worked to the best of my abilities, enjoyed the process, and happened to earn this distinction.” To achieve a balance between school work and his life outside of school, Nicholas says he established a routine that worked for him. “I made time for myself, school, and sleep. I always tried to stay physically active and made sure to get a healthy amount of sleep, no matter how much schoolwork I had. I would encourage anybody facing this challenge to always set aside time for themselves and to seek help from their teachers because they are always willing to be supportive of you.”

In the fall, Nicholas will be studying physics at Yale University but first he’ll be taking his first trip beyond North America when he heads to Paris with his family. After college, he says, “I hope to pursue a career in physics research and become a professor one day. Throughout my journey in high school, the encouragement of all my teachers allowed me to rekindle my love for the arts and humanities, in addition to just science. Additionally, University School offered me numerous advanced, specific courses in every field I wanted to pursue. Now, I have a great passion for learning that I hope to take with me through the rest of my life.”

Photography.

Virginia’s historic triangle begins in Colonial Williamsburg

By SARAH JAQUAY

The aphorism the third time’s the charm applies to my Colonial Williamsburg connection. My first visit was the spring after President Kennedy’s assassination. I knew nothing about American history and my primary focus was ice cream; on my second visit (summer,1982) I was with a friend who cared little about history and we were both focused on getting to Virginia Beach to counteract sweltering heat. So I wasn’t thrilled when my husband advocated for visiting Colonial Williamsburg in early March when we needed to vacate our home during renovations. His arguments prevailed: It’s drivable, warmer and we both wanted to see Jamestown and Yorktown, the other angles of Virginia’s “Colonial Triangle.” (Please see article below for information about Jamestown and Yorktown.)

Williamsburg succeeded Jamestown as the colonial capital of Virginia in 1699 and was a hub of activity (radical and otherwise) through the American Revolution that officially ended in 1783. So for almost a hundred years this small town was England’s focal point in the wealthiest, most-populated British colony in America. Sadly, Williamsburg fell into disrepair, particularly its colonialera buildings, in the 19th and 20th centuries. Fortunately, in 1926 the rector of Williamsburg’s revered Bruton Parish Church, the Reverend Dr. W.A.R. Goodwin, convinced philanthropist John D. Rockefeller, Jr. to invest in restoring Va.’s second colonial capital to its 18th century glory. And while the buildings in the historic district aren’t necessarily located in their original spots, many of them were restored according to the architectural standards (and sometimes even the blueprints) of the original structures.

What visitors notice when navigating Colonial Williamsburg is the grid that forms its core: The Duke of Gloucester Street at its center is flanked by Nicholson Street to the North and Francis Street to the South. There are interesting stops along each route and shuttles at strategic peripheral locations. So when your feet start barking, it’s time to hop aboard one of them. We had three days to see everything in Va.’s Colonial Triangle, so we decided to spend two days in Williamsburg, a half-day in Jamestown and a half-day at the Battlefield at Yorktown. We also wanted to visit the campus of William and Mary, America’s second oldest college founded in 1693 that boasts many patriot alumni including Thomas Jefferson, James Monroe and several signers of the Declaration of Independence.

There are so many aspects (and themed tours) of Colonial Williamsburg, it’s wise to start in the visitor center to craft a plan. We love films providing guests with an overview and recommend watching “The Story of a Patriot.” It was Hollywood-made and filmed in Williamsburg in

1956; plus it enjoys the distinction of being the world’s longest-continuously shown film. You may recognize a young Jack Lord (think “Book ‘em Danno” from Hawaii Five-O) who plays John Fry, a fictional planter who’s a member of Virginia’s colonial legislature, the House of Burgesses. It evokes the era and depicts how shrewd

some of the patriots were in laying the groundwork for Virginians to become revolutionaries. On June 1, 1774 Virginians joined in a day of “Fasting, Humiliation and Prayer” in sympathy with Bay Staters who were being punished for the Boston Tea Party. They knew this to be an illegal act that would force Va.’s Royal Governor, John

Murray, to dissolve the assembly. Many of the members adjourned to Raleigh Tavern and from that space started on a trajectory towards self-government. We added Raleigh Tavern to our list of must-see stops.

For the next two days we strolled the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg, often receiving almost-private tours of iconic buildings such as the Colonial Capitol where on one side of the chamber, the House of Burgesses met and on the other side was a capital crimes court. On the court side we sat riveted while a costumed interpreter told the true story of Mary Aggie, a slave who changed Va.‘s statutes. Mary was convicted of stealing some bed sheets from her owner and could have suffered the death penalty for it. At the time, white men who were first-time offenders could be spared the harshest punishment for capital crimes (which were defined broadly) by demonstrating a profession of faith, often by reading a passage from the Bible. Mary Aggie was able to do so and thus secured the “benefit of clergy” exemption from capital punishment for enslaved Virginians. According to the interpreter, it helped that Mary Aggie was well-known and well-liked in the community. No one wanted her hanged for such a trivial offense.

Another “wow” moment happened when we lucked into a tour of Raleigh Tavern. This was where some legislators, including Patrick Henry, convened after Gov. Murray shut down the House of Burgesses. Although Raleigh Tavern was the site of the what became known as the First Va. Convention and Patrick Henry made his famous “Give me liberty or give me death” speech at the Second Va. Convention, it was close enough. We were also astonished to learn the most-ordered drink at Raleigh Tavern was water. The interpreter explained taverns were licensed places where travelers could eat, drink and have lodgings (often a communal room) for the night. “These travelers had long exhausted the water supply they could carry on horseback and wanted water that was fresher or spring-fed to avoid illness,” he explained.

After we sated ourselves on onion pie and Brunswick Stew (a local delicacy) at King’s Arms Tavern where dishes “inspired by 18th century recipes” are served, we wandered around William & Mary’s lovely campus and through the Sir Christopher Wren Building, the oldest of Williamsburg’s restored public buildings. It was constructed from 1695-1699, when Va.‘s colonial capital was still at Jamestown.

I regret it took three times to appreciate Colonial Williamsburg’s significance.

I do know, however, the third visit wasn’t long enough. We’ll be back to peruse the various art museums and to attend more “Candlelight Concerts” at Bruton Parish Church, preferably in late winter or early spring when the crowds are down and the dogwoods are blooming. For more information, see www.colonialwilliamsburg. org.

Finish your Virginia tour in historic Jamestown and Yorktown

By SARAH JAQUAY

“Jamestown was the first successful (emphasis added) English settlement in America,” National Park Service Ranger Jeremiah Edwards explained to a group of interested travelers. We were seated in front of the Tercentenary Monument on Jamestown Island, the marker denoting Jamestown’s 300th anniversary in 1907. It was a sunny, breezy day and a perfect time to explore the two other angles of Virginia’s Colonial Triangle. After experiencing Williamsburg, we wanted to complete the Colonial Triangle at Jamestown and Yorktown National Historical Parks. Edwards explained there were earlier attempts at establishing permanent British settlements in America, but they failed; most notably Sir Walter Raleigh’s Roanoke Colony (on Roanoke Island in today’s Dare County, NC) founded in 1585. But those colonists mysteriously disappeared in short order.

In 1607 a group of 104 Englishmen arrived in Jamestown to “expand the empire and give honor and glory to King James,” notes Edwards, “unlike the folks at Plymouth Colony who were fleeing religious persecution.” King James granted a royal charter to the Va. Company to explore the New World, but there was no funding from the Crown. (There’s always a catch!) Historians speculate why the men chose Jamestown Island. Edwards says, “It probably wasn’t the best place to expand the empire, but I think they were sick of being on that boat!”

The colonists were settling in until Powhatan, chief of Va.’s Tidewater tribes, attacked two weeks later. They quickly built a triangular fort where Jamestown National Historical Park is now located and Captain John Smith became their leader. Relations between Powhatan’s tribes and the British deteriorated even more. In 1609 what’s known as “the starving time” began when Powhatan ordered anyone caught outside the fort be killed. The starving time reduced the number of colonists to 60. Powhatan is probably best known for being Pocahontas’s father. Edwards explained Pocahontas (which means “playful one”) was one of Powhatan’s favorites so she enjoyed greater freedom to roam. She was tricked aboard an English resupply ship whereupon she was immediately held for ransom in exchange for weapons and British prisoners held by Powhatan. Her captors converted Pocahontas to Christianity and taught her to speak English. In 1614 Pocahontas married English widower John Rolfe. Whether Pocahontas was a victim of “Stockholm syndrome” will never be known as information historians have about Pocahontas is only from the writings of others. But many believe she and John Rolfe truly loved each other. In any case, their marriage ushered in a seven-year period of peace between the colonists and Native Americans.

“By 1615 the Jamestown experiment is failing and needs new investment,” Edwards explained. The next year Pocahontas traveled with the Rolfe family to England to help get support for the Colony. Sadly, Pocahontas died in Gravesend, England before she could return to her beloved Jamestown. By 1620, the “Bride ships” arrived from England (it finally dawned on the Va. Company that

The 17th century brick Church Tower is the last surviving above-ground building from when Jamestown was Va.‘s colonial capital.

Art exhibit, sale at the Farrell Foundation’s Center for Artful Living

Dominick Denaro’s inaugural Baseball Memories art exhibit and sale will be at The Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health’s Center for Artful Living. Located at 26633 Detroit Rd. in Westlake, The Center will host the exhibit and sale through Friday, August 4, 2023, Mondays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Denaro will donate a percentage of the sales to the Farrell Foundation. Denaro, a Cleveland resident and contemporary artist, will exhibit major framed works, as well as number of smaller, unframed pieces of mixed media and monoprints, which use a variety of printing techniques. While most of the pieces are about baseball, some other themes also are included.

Denaro is an experienced staff member of a downtown Cleveland surveying company. When the company was shut down during the COVID pandemic, Denaro used the time to work on his artwork. Denaro has researched the early history of Black baseball players and portrays them in a mixed media and collage format. He also creates large and small relief assemblages portraying baseball stadiums and games.

Denaro is influenced by American artist Robert Rauschenberg (1925-2008). Rauschenberg’s art represented a variety of styles, including Pop and postmodern, and he was known for the social statements within his art.

In addition to Denaro’s art, the Center for Artful Living

provides an opportunity for all to enjoy the artwork of a variety of professional artists from northeast Ohio, in a smaller and comfortable gallery space.

The Center for Artful Living is also the home of the Farrell Foundation, a 501(c)3 nonprofit that has served hundreds of individuals with dementia and their families over the last 12 years, with the focus on giving meaning and support in both practical and creative ways through arts enrichment and living well opportunities. Participants in the programs share the positive impact that the enrichment programs have on their ability to socialize and improve quality of life.

to be successful, the colonists needed women willing to marry.) By 1621, however, Jamestown had only about 1,500 settlers of the approximately 8,000 who came between 1607 and 1621. In the late 1600s, Virginia’s capital moved to Williamsburg due to disease and a fire that destroyed many of Jamestown’s structures.

Next we drove along Virginia’s picturesque 23-mile Colonial Parkway that connects Jamestown Island with Yorktown, site of the Revolution’s last battle. The defeat of General Cornwallis’s army here led to the Treaty of Paris officially ending the American Revolution and recognition of the U.S. in 1783. We wandered among the interesting exhibits in the Visitors Center and learned how our french allies, particularly General Rochambeau’s ground forces and Admiral De Grasse’s fleet trapped the British on the peninsula and prevented them from escaping by land or water. America had virtually no navy then and I began to realize without De Grasse’s blockade, we might be having tea and crumpets every afternoon instead of coffee or Cokes.

Visitors may drive around Yorktown Battlefield and stop at various points, including Redoubts 9 and 10 that were captured after violent hand-to-hand combat. (Alexander Hamilton led the assault on Redoubt 10.) Taking those redoubts allowed the Americans and French to get their cannons close enough to bombard the British constantly. Walking the grounds of Surrender Field where the British laid down their arms (and where Cornwallis feigned illness so he wouldn’t have to face General Washington) is very affecting.

After touring the Battlefield we needed refreshments so we headed for Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters & Petite Cafe in the charming village of Yorktown. Located in the historic Cole Diggs House (circa 1726), this adorable cafe offers freshly-brewed concoctions, sandwiches and pastries. Mobjack’s companion business next door is Little York Confectionary. It’s a certified National Park Service partner that will offer historian-led tours of Yorktown Battlefield and village later this summer aboard the Yorktown & Co. Steamer wagon.

We wanted to visit the highly-rated American Revolution Museum at Yorktown, but we ran out of energy no amount of caffeine could cure. After a good night’s sleep, we hit the road to visit friends in Virginia Beach recalling our favorite spine-tingling moments of history in Va.’s Colonial Triangle all the way to the Atlantic.

If you go: There are many hotels on the grounds of Colonial Williamsburg and the town, but we liked the Hampton Inn Williamsburg-Central at 718 Bypass Road for its amenities (breakfast, indoor and outdoor pools) plus its easy access to both Va.’s scenic Colonial Parkway and Williamsburg’s Historic District. Our favorite eatery was the Blue Talon Bistro in downtown Williamsburg. Please see www.visitwilliamsburg.com and https://www.nps. gov/colo/index.htm for more information about: Williamsburg attractions, Va.’s Colonial National Historical Parks at Jamestown and Yorktown plus interesting stops along the Colonial Parkway.

Williamsburg’s iconic Colonial Capitol building was completely restored. Visitors can tour its House of Burgesses (legislative) chamber as well as its capital crimes court and hear the inspiring story of Mary Aggie.

Photograph by Sarah Jaquay

Hungry travelers can refuel at Mobjack Bay Coffee Roasters & Petite Cafe in the charming village of Yorktown. Its adjacent business offers historian-led tours of the Battlefield and village.

The Tercentenary Monument was erected to commemorate Jamestown’s 300th anniversary in 1907. Photographs by Sarah Jaquay

Great Lakes Theater “Backstage Bash”

Bob Taylor should have more days in the week now for his favorite magazine. After 23 years with the Great Lakes Theater, 20 of them as executive director, Taylor received a gala farewell into retirement at the annual Backstage Bash at the Hanna Theatre.

With a proven background in finance and administration, Taylor played a pivotal role in getting the theater company on solid ground and expanding partnerships with the Lake Tahoe and Idaho Shakespeare Festivals. Significantly, he spearheaded the $20 million capital campaign to renovate the historic Hanna, providing the Great Lakes Theater a home within Playhouse Square. So he wasn’t going to go off into the retirement sunset without a proper theatrical farewell.

The festivities began in the Speakeasy Salon. There artist Boe Wank emceed the “CaBOBret, interspersing a trivia pursuit of Bob Taylor life-bits with performances such as Mack Shirilla’s powerful “Being Alive” from Stephen Sondheim’s “Company.” In honor of one trivia item, that Taylor spends every Sunday reading The New Yorker, stage decor included floral arrangements made from the pages of the beloved publication.

The party moved on to the Hanna’s main stage, where members of the artistic company took turns wowing the crowd with renditions from past performances and future productions. Highlights included a scene from “Hamlet,” ABBA’s “Dancing Queen,” and a melodic duel of “Maria” from “West Side Story.” A spectacular blast by producing artistic director Charlie Fee sent a blizzard of colorful confetti over the finale. Then the audience took to the stage for dancing to Tricky Dick and the Cover-ups and dining on slider and dessert specialties by Driftwood Catering.

Among the featured auction items: Cleveland Cavaliers executive suite for a party of 12 and a Cleveland Guardians First Pitch experience. All proceeds from the event’s sales, auctions and raffles support Great Lakes Theater’s mainstage productions and educational programming. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY PEGGY TURBETT

Mack Shirilla sings “Being Alive,” from Stephen Sondheim’s “Company”, amid floral decor made from pages of The New Yorker magazine.

Jessi Kirtley, theater and music major at Baldwin Wallace University, performs.

Laura and Christopher Dean

Tom Stafford and retiring executive director Bob Taylor

Janice Campbell, Sara Bruner and Chris Fornadel

AJ and Nancy Stokes, donors, Red Coats, Producing artistic director Charlie Fee with Lynn Berg and Linda Schlageter

Charlie Fee, far left, producing artistic director, sends colorful confetti flying over the finale.

Achievement Centers for Children

“Sparkle: Bourbon & Blues”

Achievement Centers for Children (ACC) welcomed 300 guests at Sparkle: Bourbon & Blues held at the InterContinental Cleveland on April 22, 2023.The signature fundraising event raised nearly $280,000 to support the agency’s mission of empowering children and adults with disabilities to achieve their greatest potential through holistic and family-focused services.

Held for the first time since COVID-19, the event was reimagined, moving from its traditional black tie-attire and Shimmer and Shine theme to this year’s casual cocktail dress and Bourbon & Blues theme.

“We were so pleased to welcome back so many of ACC’s closest supporters to Sparkle after nearly four years. It was a fun event, but most importantly, ACC’s mission and who we serve was front and center in a very impactful way. Everyone in the room knew why we were there and what they were supporting and I could not have been more proud,” said Jim Kacic, ACC’s Board Chair and President at MAI Capital Management.

During the cocktail reception, guests were entertained by Mike Petrone, “Cleveland’s Piano Man.” Attendees also had the opportunity to have their photo taken in front of a Sparkle backdrop by Drew, a 24-year-old participant of several of ACC’s Adapted Sports programs.

During the event, the bourbon and blues theme was celebrated through music by Colin Dussault’s Blues Project, bourbon tastings, and food stations that included theme-inspired entrees such as jambalaya, blackened shrimp, and andouille sausage and red beans.

The evening’s program included three video vignettes that showcased ACC’s Therapeutic Horsemanship program, Autism School, and River Rock Adult Day Program at Camp Cheerful.

Amanda Bagby, who attends River Rock and was

highlighted in that video, is also an accomplished artist who created a painting inspired by Camp Cheerful. The painting was unveiled during the program and was a featured piece in Sparkle’s silent auction, which also included other artwork by ACC program participants.

The winning bidder of Amanda’s painting, Lesa Evans, is donating the artwork back to Camp Cheerful, where it will be hung in a special place of honor later this year.

Also during the program, ACC Board Chair, Jim Kacic, was recognized for his six years of service leading the agency’s Board of Directors, a tenure that was extended twice during COVID. Board Vice-Chair Jim Boland will be taking over as Chair in September and helped honor Kacic by presenting him with another original painting by Amanda, as a symbol of all the individuals ACC serves and the agency’s mission.

“Our agency has been privileged to have Jim’s service on our Board since 2011 and his leadership as Chair since 2017, where he helped navigate ACC through the challenging years of COVID. As if that weren’t enough, Jim stepped up to Chair our Sparkle event this year, and worked with his fellow Board members and the community to make sure it was the successful event that it was. We are so honored to have such a dedicated leader with a huge heart for our mission,” said Bernadette Kerrigan, President and CEO of ACC.

The event included a raffle, silent auction, and a live auction that was led by auctioneer Mark Abood and included a Fund-A-Need portion centered on the cost of several critical services ACC provides. To see other photos from the Sparkle: Bourbon & Blues event, visit https://achievementcenters.org/events/sparkle/. STORY SUBMITTED BY

FOR

CENTERS

CHILDREN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ALAYNA BROOKE PHOTOGRAPHY

Achievement Centers for Children President & CEO Bernie Kerrigan (center) with her most recent predecessors, Sally Farwell (left) and Pat Nobili (right).

Serving as the official greeters for the guests at Sparkle were Elizabeth Ramos, an ACC employee volunteer (left) and Steve Kyman, a member of ACC’s Associate Board and a life-long recipient of ACC services.

ACC President & CEO Bernie Kerrigan with ACC Board Chair Jim Kacic, who is President of MAI Capital Management.

Guests hear the story of the Howell Family and the impact ACC’s Autism School has had on their two sons. Pictured on the screen is mother Megan Howell.

Peter’s Safaris offers socially conscious luxury safaris

By ANDREA C. TURNER

After spending a long career in the insurance industry, Peter Balunek decided to pursue a bucket list item he’d always dreamed of: going on an African safari.

In 2014, he did just that by traveling to Kenya – and it changed his life.

While on safari, he’d heard of an elephant named Satao, a tusker, meaning that the animal’s tusks hung down nearly to the ground — each one weighing in excess of 100 pounds. This elephant had been hunted by a local poacher who likely would receive financial gain from selling the tusks on the global market.

Satao had lived for almost 50 years, surviving shifts in population, loss of habitat, flood and drought, avoiding lions, and decades of political and social unrest. But unfortunately, he could not survive the poison dart from the poacher.

Coincidentally, Balunek learned that Satao had been born the same year as him, which struck an emotional cord. Sadly, there are only 20 or so of these animals left on the planet, most of which reside in the Tsavo Conservation Area in Kenya. These animals have knowledge and experience which is irreplaceable to their herd.

After seeing the decomposing body of this rare creature, Balunek was determined to do something to help the species survive. “I realized in that moment that I wanted to do something, to make a difference. And while I didn’t know what that was at the time, I decided to do what I could,” said Balunek. “My research showed the best thing I could do to help create awareness of the threats facing the world’s wildlife was to get people over there to experience it for themselves,” he added.

After his first visit, he felt comfortable in the environment, more knowledgeable about the geography, and had developed relationships with local guides, predominantly from the Maasai tribe. His first venture leading a safari began by bringing two friends to Kenya. He started by taking acquaintances and family members, then the circle of safari-goers grew. Most of his clients are from Northeast Ohio, and have some connection to Balunek and his wife Molly Balunek, a wealth advisor in Pepper Pike.

In the nine years since, he has hosted countless safaris, all with a socially conscious mindset learning about the wildlife and their habitats, but also the local culture and economy of the people living in the area — all while offering a luxury experience for guests. As a wildlife ambassador, he discovered how to make a real difference in the lives of the animals under threat of extinction.

“In some small way, my guests would become ambassadors for these animals.”

While he’s guided safaris in India to see the rare snow leopards, Balunek now focuses much of the safari travel business in Botswana, Kenya, Tanzania, Rwanda, and Uganda, countries that have diverse wildlife, ranging from elephants, lions, leopards, cheetahs, zebras, giraffes, hyenas, gazelles, water buffalo, rare birds, etc.

Those interested in taking a safari should plan in ad-

vance for their trip, ideally nine to 18 months in advance, but exceptions can be made for smaller groups. While Balunek is not a travel agent, he helps with flight planning if necessary. Guests can expect to pay a minimum of $1,000/day to travel to East Africa, and a minimum of $2,000/day to South Africa. Separate from airfare, each adventure is all-inclusive including meals, accommodations, tips for guides, and transportation of internal flights with private aircraft and safari vehicles. A 30 percent deposit is due upon booking the safari, with the balance due 90 days prior. Travel insurance is recommended for all guests. Although not required, the CDC recommends vaccines for hepatitis A&B, typhoid, malaria, and yellow fever for guests traveling to these countries.

A typical trip lasts 10 days, up to two weeks. Because the English language is taught in many African countries, there is no significant language barrier. The equatorial climate ranges from 55-85 degrees Fahrenheit. South African temperatures can range from 32-110 degrees. Guests predominantly stay in custom-built tents with canvas walls, mosquito nets, running water, flush toilets and showers. The cuisine is typically international, yet Continental-style meals. All dietary restrictions can be accommodated with vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free options. Wines and other alcoholic beverages are provided upon request. Guests can also request winery tours if traveling to South Africa.

Balunek prides himself on meeting the desires of guests, whether its traveling to specific locations to learn about local community conservation, creating multi-generational family picnic gatherings with local people, or renewing wedding vows.

An avid photographer, Balunek typically leads safari-goers on game drives five to six times per year. He educates visitors on what it takes to protect the animals. Guests have visited research stations, learned about local culture and nonprofit organizations, and better understand conservation efforts that work symbiotically with local people.

He said, “Many Americans want to help, and I help them create a once-in-a-lifetime adventure whereby they can often teach their children and grandchildren traveling with them about the importance of philanthropy — giving back.”

The late Ann Farmer, a retired nurse, and her husband Harry Farmer of Hudson traveled to Kenya and helped support and build a school in Talek, Kenya through The Satao Wildlife Foundation, predominantly for Maasai children.

Guests typically travel by vehicle, but can also walk, bike, travel by horseback or camel, even helicopter or air balloon. Balunek makes accommodations for most reasonable requests.

For those interested in a Family Philanthropic Adventure, Peter’s Safaris can identify community conservation projects where families can make an immediate and direct impact through medical brigades, improving water and sanitation, food and nutrition, animal rescue and orphanages, education, park rangers and law enforcement, and non-government organizations. Projects are funded through the Satao Wildlife Foundation. Trips for 2023 are fully booked, but for more information or to book a tour next year, contact Balunek at 440.287.7782 or peter@PetersSafaris.com

Coach Sam’s Scholars “Cleveland Legends Event”

Coach Sam’s Scholars’ annual Legends Event celebrates legends of Cleveland while raising funds to help the next generation of leaders to reach their full potential.

The event usually honors a local coach and someone who has made a difference in the Cleveland community. This year’s event, the seventh annual, honored Cleveland Browns linebacker Clay Matthews Jr. and Eric Gordon, CEO of Cleveland Metropolitan School District.

Coach Sam’s Scholars provides an after-school tutoring program for at-risk second-, third-, and fourth-graders in the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. The program helps students develop in the areas of literacy, personal development, and health and fitness.

The event at FirstEnergy Stadium drew 350 guests and raised $100,000. All proceeds support the mission of Coach Sam’s Scholars, directly funding after-school programs so they can be in more schools, helping more children, Vice President of Business Development Kerry Rutigliano said.

Mr. Matthews said he got the call earlier this year to participate in this event and thought, “This is something I’ve got to do.”

Coach Sam Rutigliano “got me drafted back here, got me going in my career, turned the team around in ‘78,” Mr. Matthews said. “Then in ’80, he rejuvenated the fans with the Kardiac Kids, and then he carried on from there. He went down to Liberty University, and then he started this program, Coach Sam’s Scholars, and it’s been amazing.”

The program has helped thousands of young students, he said, adding that Mr. Rutigliano is a “good guy.”

Mr. Gordon said that Coach Sam’s Scholars is one of the first programs he became aware of when he came to Cleveland, and he has been able to contribute to its growth over time.

“We know how important structured out-of-school time is,” he said. “We know how important literacy support and social-emotional support is. Coach Sam’s programs bring all of those resources together in one really high-quality space.”

The organization also honored two scholars, second-

BENEFIT BEAT

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Saturday, July 15...LaBastille at Edwins Second Chance Life Skills Center, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m, 2910 S. Moreland Rd. Enjoy delectable cocktails, bountiful beverages, live and silent auctions and entertainment. An after party takes place from 10 p.m. to 12 a.m. at edwins too. Visit http://www. edwinsrestaurant.org/labastille for details.

Thursday, July 20...40th Anniversary Celebration, to benefit Family Connections, 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Music Box Supper Club, 1148 Main Ave. Cleveland. Celebrate our past, present and future. Tickets are $125. Business Casual Attire. Call 216.921.2023 or 216.321.0079.

Saturday, July 29…A Summer Night’s Dream, to benefit Future Heights, 6 to 9:30 p.m. at the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. FutureHeights is an independent community development corporation (CDC). This fifth annual benefit celebrates 21 years of service to the Cleveland Heights and University Heights communities. Enjoy music, dancing, delicious bites, and libations from a variety of the Heights’ finest establishments. Individual tickets start at $150. For more info, visit: https://www. futureheights.org/annualbenefit2023/

Sunday, July 30…Butterfly Bash, to benefit Project White Butterfly, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. at St. Albert The Great Parish Life Center, 6667 Wallings Rd., North Royalton, 44133. An afternoon of fundraising that will include raffle baskets, Southern Thangs Food Truck, Project White Butterfly Card Corner, Dispelling Stigma Display and a Live Butterfly Release commemorating those we love. Tickets are $25 for adults, $10 for children.

Tuesday, Aug. 1...Gift of Life, to celebrate Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital and the generations of people served, 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. The family-friendly event includes special programming, admission to the Asian Lantern Festival, complimentary carousel rides, raffles and refreshments.Visit http://www.communitywestfoundation.org for ticket information

Friday, Aug. 4...”Twilight at the Zoo” to benefit the Cleveland Zoological Society at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. One of the summer’s most anticipated parties features local music on various stages. Admission to the VIP area from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. is $200. General admission from 7 p.m. to midnight is $90 during June, and $100 in July and August. Visit http://www.clevelandzoosociety.org to purchase tickets.

graders Carmello Bailey and Amisha Persaud, with its Steve Friedman Legends Award. Steve Friedman was a former board member and very active on the Legends Committee for many years, and he passed suddenly. An award in his honor has been given for the past three years to wellrounded scholars in the program. Because it was named after him, Maura Shibley invited his wife, Debbie Friedman, to select two honorees from the finalists.

The event included a cocktail hour, dinner, speeches from the honorees, raffle items and baskets, and an auction. Aramark, the stadium’s catering company catered the event. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANASTASIA NICHOLAS

Peter Balunek with a group of safari-goers and Maasai guides in Kenya. Photograph by Peter Balunek

Alston Beard, Erykah Beard, Carmello Bailey, and Elijah Beard

Amisha Persaud, Carmello Bailey, and Debbie Friedman

Gordon and Elizabeth Nelson Creel

Kenny Friedman, Julie Friedman, Debbie Friedman, and Kevin Friedman

BENEFIT BEAT

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Saturday, Sept. 9…Pandemonium, to benefit Cleveland Public Theatre, at the Cleveland Public Theatre campus, this year to honor Nic Barlage, CEO of Rock Entertainment Group, which includes the Cleveland Cavaliers. In its 21st year, Pandemonium returns to transform the CPT campus into a labyrinth of theatre, dance, visual art and performances in every corner. Tickets are all-inclusive, featuring fabulous local food, free valet and complimentary drinks served all night long. Attendees highly anticipate the announcement of the theme each year so they can start planning their attire which has included people coming dressed in anything from jeans to dinosaur costumes. Details to be announced in the coming weeks. Tickets will be

Make-A-Wish “Northern Ohio Wish Gala”

Celebrating the 40th anniversary of Make-A-Wish, more than 500 guests gathered at the Hilton Downtown Cleveland for the organization’s annual fundraiser, the Brandenburg Foundation Northern Ohio Wish Gala.

The keynote speaker was Linda Pauling, whose own little boy, Chris Greicius, was the first “wish kid,” after a diagnosis of leukemia. Chris died at age seven, just days after becoming a police officer for a day. The friends that made that happen decided to repeat the process for other desperately ill children and their families and Make-AWish was born. Today the nonprofit has 58 chapters in the US and chapters in 33 different countries. Donors who have made lifetime contributions of $100,000 or more are inducted into the Chris Greicius Society.

Guests in cocktail attire strolled through the Hilton’s splendid upper lobby, greeting friends and bidding on silent auction items. For the sit-down dinner and presentations the elegant ballroom had centerpieces in the

signature Make-A-Wish blue. The Addie Wisniewski Changemaker Award was debuted, named in honor of wish kid Addie, who is from Medina. Addie is a singer and actor who uses a wheelchair. After a life-threatening accident, her tenacity and determination helped her to recover, and more, her wish to be a PIXAR voice actor was granted last year. Addie herself presented the award named after her to this year’s gala committee chair, Cheryl Levanduski.

The organization indicates in press materials that children who have wishes granted can build the physical and emotional strength they need to fight their critical illnesses, potentially improving their quality of life and producing better health outcomes. For the 200+ kids waiting for their wish, and for all volunteers and guests, the evening was a dynamic success. The chapter raised a record amount, $1,181,500, enough to grant over one hundred life-changing wishes for sick kids in Northern Ohio.

available to purchase in July. Visit cptonline.org.

Thursday, Sept. 14…Cross Out Cancer, to benefit Seidman Cancer Center & Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute at Rainbow Babies & Children’s, 5:30 p.m. at The Shoreby Club, Bratenahl, 44108. An evening to benefit immunotherapy cancer care and research in memory of Mary Ann Cross. Enjoy a stunning sunset while sipping cocktails and samplings of exquisite wines on the shore of Lake Erie, followed by dinner, live entertainment. The evening will showcase cutting-edge immunotherapy clinical trials and celebrate the pediatric, adolescent and adult patients benefiting from this life-saving care and research. The evening includes a stellar silent auction.Complimentary valet parking. Sponsorships, tables and tickets available. Contact Sharon.klonowski@uhhospitals.org.

Thursday, September 21…Chagrin Falls Community Builders Award, to benefit The Chagrin Valley Little Theatre, at the Chagrin Valley Athletic Club. This year’s honoree is Marcia Snavely, well known keyboardist whose talents are shared with many. This event is sponsored by the Free and Accepted Masons Golden Gate Lodge #245, Chagrin Falls. Tickets are $100 and include two free wine or beer, cash bar, dinner and dessert. Make reservations

online at www.ggmasons.com/cvcba.

Saturday, Sept. 23…Discovery Ball Cleveland, to benefit American Cancer Society’s Joseph S. and Jeannette M. Silber Hope Lodge in Cleveland, at the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. More details at clediscoveryball.org.

Saturday, Sept. 23…Play the Night Away Gala, to benefit Children’s Museum of Cleveland’s Wonder Fund, 7 to 11 p.m. at the Children’s Museum. Adult-only play date after-hours Museum experience to showcase your favorite destination for play in a whole new light. Dance and mingle, explore strolling dinner stations, and cheers at the open bar. Proceeds benefit the Wonder Fund, supporting programs that make the Museum experience accessible to all families in our community. For more information, visit CMCleveland.org/gala.

Saturday, Sept. 23…Evolution Gala, to benefit Ohio Guidestone, 6 to 11 p.m. at Cleveland Public Auditorium, 500 Lakeside Ave. E, Cleveland 44144. Event to join the region’s most influential individuals and leaders from the corporate and philanthropic communities for a roaring good time. Honorees include Paul Hanna of Blue Technologies, Kristin Warzocha of the Greater

Cleveland Foodbank, Betsy Kling of WKYC TV. with Monica Robins & The Whiskey Kings as entertainment. Sponsorship opportunities or registration to molly. martens@ohioguidestone.org.

Saturday, Sept. 23…Pickle Fest, to benefit Greater Cleveland Volunteers, at Mall B in Cleveland. The festival will feature many different pickle vendors and other food vendors, a variety of beer (including pickle beer), pickle eating contests for youth and adults, live music, and a VIP tent. Tickets are $5 each for general admission and $30 each for VIP. Children age 12 and under are free. Cleveland Pickle Fest(R) raises funds for Greater Cleveland Volunteers programs and services. For details and to purchase tickets: https://clevelandpicklefest.com/

Saturday, Oct. 14, Creations Boutique, to benefit selected Cleveland nonprofit organizations, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Family Life Center; 16349 Chillicothe Road; Bainbridge, Ohio. Shop for handcrafted seasonal gifts and decor, gourmet goodies and hostess gifts, jewelry, women’s and children’s clothing and accessories and artwork. Boutique raffle items and more, showcasing Guild artisans. Vintage Treasures a new addition to this large craft fair.

Monday July 17TH 9am – 5pm

Tuesday July 18TH 9am – 5pm

Wednesday July 19 9am – 5pm

Thursday July 20TH 9am – 7pm

Friday July 21ST 9am – 5pm

Saturday July 22ND 10am – 4pm

Founder Linda Pauling with Chair Cheryl Levanduski

Sherry Buchbinder and Make-A-Wish ambassador Kidd-Barker

Tram, Tessa, Kailee and Matt Brandenberg

Charlie Hruby with Lauren and Chris MacLaren

Frank Ragone with Heather and Aaron Broholm

David and Kimberly Kotora with Kristin and Bob Tull

Greater Cleveland Food Bank “Market at the Food Bank”

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank’s new Partner Distribution Hub was transformed into a one-of-a-kind event venue for the 28th annual “Market at the Food Bank.”

More than 800 guests attended the event to raise $300,000 in funds to support Harvest for Hunger. The Harvest for Hunger campaign is a 21 countywide food and funds drive coordinated by the Greater Cleveland Food Bank. It helped to provide more than 229 million meals for neighbors in need in 2022. The Greater Cleveland Food Bank serves about 950,000 clients annually.

“Market at the Food Bank” attendees had the opportunity to sample the culinary talents of some of Northeast Ohio’s finest restaurants along with beverages from a variety of purveyors. An extensive silent auction featured more than 50 auction packages including private dinners, sports collectibles, fitness and adventure experiences, and dinner, show, hotel and luxury destination packages. VIP ticket holders enjoyed a private lounge with specialty cocktails, celebrity bartenders and live entertainment by Cleveland’s “Piano Man,” Mike Petrone. Event co-chairs were Pat Pastore with PNC Cleveland financial services and Vanessa Whiting with A.E.S. Management Corp. Honorary event chairs were Mark Bona with Cleveland.com and Brandon Chrostowski

Cleveland Botanical Garden set for summer with new exhibits, events

The Cleveland Botanical Garden comes to beautiful life this summer with new sights and experiences all season long. A new exhibit Bloom! Botanicals & Birdhouses features hundreds of unique birdhouses, stunning glass art, and artwork from Cleveland artist Asia Armour. A full calendar of summer events includes Summer Nights at the Garden. Purchase tickets at holdenfg.org.

Bloomin’ Glass Botanicals with The Glass Asylum on the Geis Terrace

Enter a world of stunning glass botanicals created by The Glass Asylum in Chagrin Falls. Created with a combination of glass blown pieces and raw steel, the inspiration for the installation is ‘Alice in Wonderland’ meets Dr. Suess. More than 300 handmade pieces will make up botanicals including larger-than-life tiger lilies, trees with glass ornaments, lily pads, mushrooms, and more were created especially for the botanical garden (move over Dale Chihuly)!

Art in Bloom with Asia Armour along the Geis Terrace Allee

Cleveland artist Asia Armour debuts her art using 1,400 flowers including ‘Maverick Pink’ Geranium, ‘Victoria Blue’ Salvia, and ‘Campfire’ and ‘Wasabi’ Coleus in an explosion of color and design. With assistance from Horticulturist Rob Dzuric, Asia’s art celebrates the glamour of Black women, vibrant color and the wonder of flowers. In addition, Asia’s “In Bloom” canvas art adorns the walls of the interior garden just off the Terrace this summer.

Petals and Perches - birdhouses made by local artists throughout the garden

More than 400 colorful birdhouses welcome our Cleveland birds to find their home tweet homes this summer at the botanical garden. Discover which bird houses are most likely to attract birds, learn more about how birds interact with plants in our garden (and yours)! Learn which plants will attract birds in all four seasons, how to keep birds safe with tips about feeders, houses, and baths. Birdhouses were created by the public, our staff, and volunteers using upcycled materials. Bloom! Summer Nights on Thursdays beginning June 1

Each Thursday through August 31, the garden will be open late until 8:30 p.m. Enjoy the café, Glasshouses, your favorite outdoor gardens, and special evening events.

Gourmets in the Garden featuring Cleveland chefs returns on Thursday, June 15, July 20, August 17, and August 31 from 6 p.m. to 7 p.m. at the Cleveland Botanical Garden. Guests are invited to enjoy delicious light bites from some of Cleveland’s best chefs from Marigold Catering, Zanzibar, and Black Box Fix. Advanced registration is required.

Live Music and Performances in the Gardens with ListenCLE on Thursdays from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m.

Cleveland is home to a great number of talented musicians and creative performers. With the help of the ListenCLE directory of hundreds of diverse performers, the Garden will host fun live events on Thursday evenings all summer long.

Thursday, June 22 - Comedian, Actor, and Vocalist Sista Lu uses imagination to find the funny in everything and engage audiences of all ages.

Thursday, July 13 - Fusion Belly Dancer Aminah Louise mixes traditional belly dance with hip hop and modern dance while performing to music.

Thursday, July 27 – Singer Janessa Cardillo is a classically-trained vocalist pursuing an education in vocology and an 18-year veteran private voice and piano lesson teacher.

Thursday, August 10- Performer Mark Burnett is a motivational speaker who performs in the vein of the old-time strongmen from the early 1900’s.

Thursday, August 24- The Bewilderness is a OneMan-Band and One-Woman-Circus that fuse pop and indie rock with flow dance and prop manipulation to create a fun-for-all-ages spectacle.

Summer Nights in the Hershey Children’s Garden –On the first Thursday of July and August during our evening hours, the Hershey Children’s Garden will be open and have some themed pop-up events complete with crafts, activities, and an engaging story time. The themes include Strawberry Moon, Fireflies, Night Bloomers and more! These fun events are included with admission.

WHAT’S IN BLOOM?

Spectacular flowering plants, shrubs and trees all

throughout the 11-acre grounds including spirea, Japanese snowbell, flowering dogwood, lilacs, roses, and so much more! Visit holdenfg.org to see what’s blooming each month and read our weekly “It’s Poppin’” blog for real time bloom updates.

SUMMER CLASSES & EXPERIENCES

Wine, Roses & Painting Class | Thursday, June 22, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. Join us for an evening in the rose garden as we sample both wine & painting with watercolors. With the blossoms as our inspiration, we’ll learn step by step how to capture our own watercolor roses on paper. Create memories and a rt as a lasting souvenir of your experience. Cost: $50 per member, $65 per nonmember.

Around the World in Chocolate | Saturday, June 24, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m.

Take your tastebuds on a trip around the world! We’ll explore chocolate from cocoa bean to bar, sampling chocolate made from single-source beans from different regions. We’ll taste a variety of artisan gourmet chocolates, while learning about the chocolate industry and production process, including the hidden labor behind this wonderful treat. Cost: $40 per member, $55 per nonmember.

Topiary from Start to Finish with Mike Gibson | Saturday, July 29, 10 a.m.- 12 p.m. Ever wonder how a topiary was made? Don’t miss this chance to witness one being created before your eyes by renowned topiary artist Mike Gibson. Gibson has over 30 years of experience transforming public spaces through horticulture, and his unique work has been featured on television programs like HGTV’s Clipped and SCETV›s Making it Grow. During the program, Gibson will display creative pruning techniques as he expertly clips a shrub into a living piece of art. Attendees will come away with a greater appreciation and understanding of the art of topiary, as well as inspiration for their own yards. Advanced registration is required.

SUMMER HOURS

The Cleveland Botanical Garden is open TuesdaySaturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., with the exceptions of Thursdays when we are open from 10 a.m. to 8:30 p.m. and Sundays from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. Admission tickets can be purchased in person or online at holdenfg.org.

For more information, please scan the QR code or visit clevelandclinicchildrens.org/derbydaysoiree

with EDWINS Leadership and Restaurant Institute.

STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN

Vanessa Whiting and Kristin Warzocha with Julie and Pat Pastore

Andy and Riddi Kline with Scott and Chloe Seelbach

Mary LaVigne-Butler, Mark Smith, Janet Rosel Smith, Wendy Ferrara and Roger Lozinski

Larrie and Amy Nadler, Barry and Karen Moses, Dr. John Goldblum and Asmita Goldblum

Jiri Wilson, Edward Montgomery, Matthew Rich, Jen Picciano and Brandon Chrostowski

Anthony Quagliata, Lisa Plisko, Sarah Monaco, Michelle Monaco, Nick Orlando and Jim Cox

Breakthrough Public Schools

“12th annual Breakthrough Bash”

The 12th annual Breakthrough Bash, to benefit Breakthrough Public Schools, provided “a future so bright” that attendees were encouraged to “wear shades!” Nearly 900 people attended the “Bash” held at the Hilton Downtown Cleveland, and through their generosity, more than $170,000 was raised in that night’s paddle raise donation countdown, along with thousands more in the various auctions simultaneously taking place. Breakthrough Public Schools, a Cleveland-based charter school network which now includes 3,100 current scholars in grades K-8, was the recipient of the bash’s fundraising, hosted by the Friends of Breakthrough Schools. Friends of Breakthrough is a nonprofit development and advocacy organization which works to close the gap in public funding to build high-quality public school options for all children in Cleveland.

The Bash’s honorees, Jane and Jon Outcalt, have donated $1 million to the Breakthrough Schools, and were lauded for their generosity and belief in the charter schools’ mission “to make quality education an option for every child in Cleveland, and help them to be successful in life.”

Mrs. Outcalt, who served on the Breakthrough Board from 2011-2020, is a longtime supporter of urban education. Earlier in her life, she used her family minivan to pick up students in the inner city and bring them to a program where they learned about growing food and gardening. The Outcalt’s three sons, and their wives, now continue the philanthropic work of their parents.

In a video created by Laura Paglin, alumni Josh Woolrdige shared his story of how Breakthrough Schools provided a safe place for him to go to school, and through its educational support network, a scholarship to Ohio Northern University, where he earned his Doctor of Pharmacy (PharmD) degree. “I am here tonight to say the Breakthrough program works, and to say thank you, thank you, thank you to Breakthrough,” said Dr. Woolridge.

Dr. Woolridge explained that growing up in Cleveland, his family had struggled financially, and his parents worked

as many as five jobs at a time. He shared that he had been stabbed on his way home from school when he was in fifth grade. He said he and his family decided he should try Breakthrough’s charter school option, and “it changed my life.”

During the event, which was co-chaired by Mike and Renee de Windt and Free Foutz, the auction took on an exciting turn. Chris Hodgson, president of Driftwood Group, offered a full- course dinner for 10 prepared by him in the winning bidder’s home. At first there were auction bids of $5,000. But when Mr. Hodgson upped that number to a dinner for 20 people, the bids went up exponentially. Then he offered the dinner for $15,000 per bidder to all four bidders who were bidding in the final moments of the auction. All four accepted resulting in Mr. Hodgson raising $60,000 more for Breakthrough.

John Zitzner, president of Friends of Breakthrough Schools, served as the high-energy emcee of the event, decked out in colorful sports jackets, and often “planking” on the floor to encourage higher bids. Students Jeremiah and Shaniah Triplett served as junior emcees for the night, impressing the crowd with their stage presence.

According to Brittany Hurd, director of Breakthrough’s alumni program called Beyond Breakthrough, monies raised at the event will support playground and courtyard improvements at the elementary schools as well as Beyond Breakthrough alumni initiatives. She said alumni programs help their students who attend as many as 80 different high schools in the area after their K-8 Breakthrough education, as well as their alumni in college and in their early careers.

True winners of the night were the thousands of students who attend Breakthrough’s five charter school campuses; Citizens Glenville, Citizens Southeast, Preps Cliffs, Preps Willard and Preps Woodland Hills.

Gilmour Academy dedicates renovated softball field

On Tuesday, May 16, Gilmour Academy held a dedication and ribbon-cutting ceremony at its newly renovated softball field, which has been named Taylor Field in recognition of the generosity of Bruce and Virginia Taylor. Other major supporters include the O’Rourke family and the New York Community Foundation as well as Jim ’67 and Mary Conway, and Jose and Rita Rizo-Patron.

The renovation project was led by the steadfast efforts of current Gilmour parent Chris Paradise, current parent and Trustee Rizo-Patron, Trustees Joe Ciuni ’77 and Rob Miavitz ’87, and others. Paradise was instrumental in determining how best to address the much-needed improvements for the field and managed the project from start to finish.

The program’s existing field had become unusable and the program had not played a home game since 2017. In recent years, they have played home games in Mayfield, at Ursuline College and at Notre Dame College.

The improved field and complex now includes a sub-surface drainage system to reduce water collection and rainouts, an infield made of a premium ball field mix of drying agents and red crushed brick mixture (what premier ballparks in inclement weather regions use), a backstop with increased height and length, fully enclosed home and away dugouts, outfield and sideline fencing connecting to the rest of the structure to make it a fully enclosed ballpark, a full batting cage and bullpen, and a new scoreboard, along with electrical power to the site.

The renovations were completed in time for the team to play their first playoff game at home on their new field on May 8. They defeated Massillon Washington High School 12-7.

Head of School Kathy Kenny said of the project, “This renovated field is a testament to the incredible young women who give so much of themselves to Gilmour each and every day. We are proud of their teamwork and their unwavering commitment to excelling on and off the field, and we look forward to welcoming many more generations of young women to build on the legacy of the players who have come before them.” She added, “We are so grateful to Chris Paradise, Jose Rizo-Patron, Joe Ciuni, Rob Miavitz and our community of donors, who came together to make this field a reality, ensuring that the Gilmour girls softball program could return home to play on one of the best grass fields in town.”

For more information about donating to Friends of Breakthrough Schools, visit https://breakthroughschools.org/donate. STORY AND

PHOTOGRAPHS BY MICHELE COLLINS

About Gilmour Academy Gilmour Academy is a Catholic, independent, coeducational, college-preparatory school. It is sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross, Notre Dame, Ind., and offers a Montessori program beginning at 18-months-old and a Lower School, Middle School and Upper School. A boarding program is offered to students in Grades 7 through 12. It is located at 34001 Cedar Road in Gates Mills, Ohio. For more information about Gilmour Academy, visit www.gilmour.org and follow Gilmour on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram.

Jane and Jon Outcalt

Breon Ramsey, Celeste Kamasa-Scott, Brittany Hurd and Lewis Allen

Seated from left: Jeff and Lisa Whitehall, Lisa Turben and Jack Turben Standing from left: David Turben and Paula and Clifford Thompson

John Zitzner

Larry and Christine Orwin

Renee and Mike DeWindt

Exude confidence in comfort wearing Yellowcake

By ANDREA C. TURNER

Valerie Mayen, originally from Corpus Christi, Texas, moved to Cleveland in 2002 to attend the Cleveland Institute of Art. She graduated with a BFA in Illustration in 2005.

Lawrence School “Bloom”

In Louisville, the first Saturday in May means only one thing—the Kentucky Derby. In Sagamore Hills, it means Bloom, Lawrence School’s annual fundraiser. While there were no big fancy hat or mint julep sightings, nearly 300 guests—including trustees, parents, and school alumni—turned out for the event, which raised more than $425,000 for tuition assistance to help families in need make a Lawrence education possible for their children.

“Over the last three decades, I’ve worked with thousands of students and families,” said Doug Hamilton, head of school, “and time and time again, I’ve watched as Lawrence School changed their lives.”

The event was held at the Upper School, which was beautifully transformed with decorations by Laura Jones and Sheila Norwood, mothers of Lawrence middle schoolers. Guests enjoyed cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, silent auction items, and more. Dinner was catered by A Taste of Excellence, which served up braised beef short rib with hunter sauce as well as stuffed chicken with boursin, spinach, and sun-dried tomatoes. Dessert was a s’more tart, an elegant twist on a campfire classic.

Two students, sixth-grader Mira Geller and senior Adam Cornelius, shared their inspiring stories, and the school’s choir and band performed “Dreams” by the Cranberries.

The evening was capped off with the Fund a Future auction. With the help of Bob Hale, the only licensed auctioneer in Ohio truly dedicated to charity events, more than $180,000 was raised.

“Wow!” said Jennifer Kaufman, board of trustees president. “Huge thanks to all of you. I can’t tell you what your gifts will mean to our families.”

The benefit’s top sponsors were Jill Harrington, Karen and Danny Steiger, Mario and Dana Morino, Rob and Trish Risman, among many other generous donors.

Founded in 1969, Lawrence School is an independent K-12 day school serving students with learning differences such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and dyscalculia.

Lawrence School, which has two campus locations— Lower School (K-6) in Broadview Heights and Upper School (7-12) in Sagamore Hills—draws families from more than 90 communities and welcomes a student body of 340-plus. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS SUBMITTED BY LAWRENCE SCHOOL

Small Groups

Valerie Mayen, former Project Runway finalist, and current owner of Yellowcake Shop.

Photograph is courtesy of Emanuel Wallace

It’s then that she became interested in becoming a clothing entrepreneur, reading fashion incubator blogs and entrepreneurial guidebooks, watching YouTube videos, absorbing as much information as possible to educate herself on developing a signature women’s clothing brand. She began creating a clothing line and initially sold pieces on Etsy in 2008. During the early days of her business, and after incorporating her Yellowcake Shop, a casting director from Project Runway recruited her to be a contestant on the popular fashion design TV show.

Mayen was one of six finalists in the season that filmed from May to July 2010, whose designs were shown as a collection at New York Fashion Week.

As a Latinx female business owner, (her father is from Guatemala; her mother is from Mexico) Mayen says of her signature line, “It’s not a clothing company, it’s a confidence-building company.”

Her mission is to help women achieve more, to create their own financial freedom, and lead their own best lives.

“We want our clients to dominate in their [career] fields, gain more influence and have more opportunities,” said Mayen.

“Just like the food we choose to consume, the clothing we wear affects our productivity, overall mood, confidence, and perception of ourselves,” she added.

Mayen explained how women’s workwear clothing has only been updated in the last five years, “Since the

Mayen won the first challenge of Project Runway All Stars: Season 5, Episode 1, with this creation. Photograph courtesy of Threads Magazine

1980s, women were limited to pencil skirts, shoulderpadded blazers, and ugly pantsuits.” Her Yellowcake line allows clients to choose clothing that fits the multiple facets of their lives – which requires more functionality in a wardrobe. Sizes run from XS to 3X. Designs are high-quality, luxury pieces that are fussfree, breathable, comfortable, travel-friendly, and all designs have two to five pockets. Whether working in the office or leading a PTA meeting, enjoying happy hour or shopping the grocery store, clients can move freely throughout their busy days. Mayen says her clients are

business owners, philanthropists, CEO’s, board members, busy moms and more. All products are handcrafted in the USA, primarily by women. The company aims to reduce its carbon footprint, lower its contribution to textile waste, and educate others about these causes.

Currently, Yellowcake designs can be purchased at its studio and showroom located in the 78th Street Studios in the Gordon Square neighborhood of Cleveland. Clients can shop online at yellowcakeshop.com and attend upcoming fashion events.

Foodscape Exhibit Offers Sensory Journey During One-Day Installation

An immersive experience is coming to Cleveland.

“Foodscape: A Sensory Journey through the Land of Israel” will bloom on the Mandel Jewish Community Center’s Beachwood campus. On Sunday, June 18 from 2 to 5 p.m., visitors are invited to experience this multi-sensory mobile art exhibit during this limited-timeengagement. The outdoor exhibit is free and open to all ages. Guests will explore the sights, sounds, smells and tastes of the land of Israel, a small country with a rich and diverse ecosystem. They can examine the land and its history through transported soil, herbs, citrus and wildflowers, calling upon their senses to map and define the agricultural identity of each region. Visitors can: Wander outdoors among Israel’s agricultural “fields” and watch as herbs “grow” in front of their eyes

Watch as herbs are seeded and harvested

See herbs being distilled to create Gazoz, a popular carbonated Israeli beach soda, and enjoy a refreshing glass that will highlight the tastes of each region

4 pm Embodied Sensory Walk - Join Yoshi Silverstein from the Mitsui Collective for a guided sensory walk to reflect on the Foodscape experience and make connections to our local community and local ecology

“We’re excited to bring this unique traveling exhibit to Cleveland,” said Nancy Zimmerman, director of Jewish life and culture at the Mandel JCC. “Created by expert Israeli artists, this mobile art installation brings the ecosystems of Israel to life right on our Beachwood campus. More than an art exhibit, it’s an opportunity to connect our community to the land of Israel in a tangible

and meaningful way as we celebrate 75 years of Israeli independence.”

Foodscape was created by Studio Mela, a partnership between Israeli artist, performer and chef Carmel Bar and Israeli designer Michal Evytar. Foodscape was co-commissioned and is presented by BAMAH and the Jewish Arts Collaborative. Following its May 28, 2023 launch in Boston, the project will set off on a multi-city summer tour with stops in Baltimore, Cleveland, New York, Pennsylvania and Rhode Island.

Foodscape at the Mandel JCC is presented in partnership with Mitsui Collective and is generously supported by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland through an Israel at 75 Microgrant. To register for the free exhibit at the Mandel JCC, visit mandeljcc.org/foodscape.

Dr. Gilles Pinault, Karen Steiger, Dr. Lina Mehta-Pinault, and Danny Steiger

Ron and Lydia Harrington, Jill Harrington, and John Koch

Nancy and Ron Harrington

Chelci and William Fudge

Charlie Kaufman, Adam Cornelius, and Paige Mountain

Month of June dedicated to Alzheimer’s and brain awareness

Learn the signs, symptoms and programs for help

By LAURI GROSS

At age 56, John Domeck of Aurora was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s. That was in 2019.

“His symptoms had been showing for about 18 months before the official diagnosis,” says his wife, Ann, who is his main caregiver. John and Ann have two grown children who do not live nearby. “John is in the early stages and still very independent,” says Ann. “He is responding well to a trial drug and it’s very doable for me to be the main – local – caregiver.”

June is Alzheimer’s and Brain Awareness Month, which makes it a good time to share information about the disease and how two local organizations support individuals and families living with Alzheimer’s.

The Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter points out that, worldwide, more than 55 million people are living with Alzheimer’s or another dementia. The group encourages people to wear their signature purple during the month to help raise awareness. “The more that people know about Alzheimer’s, the more action we inspire,” the group says.

Established in 2011, the Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health on Detroit Road in Westlake works to empower, engage, and educate individuals, care partners, and families living with dementia or other brain health issues to live a more fulfilling life through the arts, social interaction and community outreach, all at no cost to participants. This month, and year-round, the Foundation offers a support group for those newly diagnosed and another for those at any stage of the disease. To join, or for more information, visit FarrellFoundation.org or call 440.414.0434.

“We are unique in that we are one of a very few organizations – possibly in the country – that provides programming for people who are living independently. We are not a residential facility,” says the Foundation’s Executive Director, Jerry Devis, who went on to explain that some people choose to attend a single event while others join groups that meet monthly, weekly or more often.

Shortly after John’s diagnosis, Ann began attending classes offered by the Alzheimer’s Association. “They

An early diagnosis of Alzheimer’s can allow patients to explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help the patient maintain a level of independence longer. Photograph courtesy of the Alzheimer’s Association Cleveland Area Chapter

were so very helpful in giving me vital information about this disease that had previously not been on our radar at all,” she says. In addition, Ann visits Alz.org regularly. She says the website helped her research local elder-law attorneys, enabled her to participate in a personal dementia-care coaching session, provided her the national hotline number (800.272.3900), and more.

“It seems like every time I go (to Alz.org) to learn about one thing, I wind up reading and learning so much more,” Ann says. “So many of their topics are pertinent to our everyday life, and the more I explore the site, the more information I find. Their resources have made me a more confident caregiver to my husband, and made me a

Beech Brook “Cinco de Mayo Bash for the Brook”

The second annual Bash for the Brook was held on May 5, Cinco de Mayo, at Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens in Chagrin Falls with 160 guests. The event helped to raise more than $100,000 to support the most vulnerable children and families in Northeast Ohio. Because of this support, Beech Brook can continue its important work to serve more than 8,000 children and families each year through a broad range of mental health, foster care, prevention, and early intervention programs. These efforts bring healing to children, strengthen and support parents, and plant the seeds of hope for a brighter future.

Attendees enjoyed cocktails and music by the Dave Sterner Quartet, followed by a Cinco de Mayo-inspired menu from Sapphire Creek. Event hosts were Board Chair Victor DeMarco and family, Cheryl and Mark Groner, Muffy and Jim Kaesberg, and Jennifer Morse and President/CEO Tom Royer.

In 1852, when Beech Brook opened its doors, it was to care for children orphaned by the cholera epidemic. Sixtysix years later, there were the orphans of the Spanish Flu pandemic. Fast forward 104 years. As of October 2021, as many as 5.2 million children worldwide had lost a parent, grandparent or caregiver to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic helped people better understand mental health challenges,” commented Royer. “Young people still have anxiety about going back to the classroom, even college-age students,” he added. “It’s clear that mental health is as important as physical health.”

Look for more ways to help children and families thrive this fall at Beech Brook’s 13th Annual 5K Race & Family Run. Visit www.beechbrook.org for more details. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA C. TURNER

more confident advocate.”

According to Alz.org, current medications do not cure Alzheimer’s, but two treatments — aducanumab (Aduhelm™) and lecanemab (Leqembi™) — demonstrate that removing beta-amyloid, one of the hallmarks of Alzheimer’s disease, from the brain reduces cognitive and functional decline in people living with early Alzheimer’s. Others may temporarily help lessen symptoms, such as memory loss and confusion.

John has been part of a clinical trial for lecanamab at the Cleveland Clinic for nearly four years. “We were referred to the trial directly from our doctors,” Ann explains and adds, “The trial match tool on the ALZ.org website

is an amazing way to find out if you can personally help in research. John is responding well to the treatment and we are so grateful to the Alzheimer’s Association for their support of clinical trials and research!”

Early detection enables people affected by the disease to explore treatments that may provide some relief of symptoms and help the patient maintain a level of independence longer. Early detection may also relieve some anxiety about early symptoms and allows families to maximize their time together. Patients with early diagnoses have a better chance of being part of clinical drug trials. Also, early detection gives patients a chance to make some lifestyle changes that may help preserve cognitive function.

To diagnose Alzheimer’s, physicians may use medical history, mental status tests, cognitive and functional assessments, physical and neurological exams (to evaluate reflexes, eye movement, sensation, muscle tone strength and coordination), diagnostic tests and brain imaging (MRI, CT, PET), and cerebrospinal fluid or blood tests.

The Alzheimer’s Association believes that home screening tests cannot and should not be used as a substitute for a thorough examination by a skilled doctor.

Programs at the Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation are largely arts-based and focus on multi-sensory elements. Research shows that isolation is a large contributing factor to increasing the pain and difficulty of having dementia. Programs at the Foundation are designed to decrease isolation and increase socialization with community support. These include music, dance, exercise, drama, storytelling, programs with K9 officers, exhibits from the Cleveland Museum of Art and more.

Families benefitting from the Foundation offer testimonials that their loved ones were able to relax and be themselves, that they saw the fog lift, that the programs are life-saving and bring joy, that the people living with dementia show greater initiative, become more verbal, smile more and feel a sense of belonging, and of pride and accomplishment.

To develop their evolving offerings, the Foundation staff stays up to date on cutting-edge research, meets with geriatric clinicians at Cleveland’s medical facilities, and does plenty of strategic planning. “We follow through on our mission to educate the community and provide resources for engagement and enrichment through arts and wellness opportunities,” says Jerry.

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Beck Center Faculty Visual Arts Exhibition runs through August

Beck Center for the Arts once again proudly displays the artistic work of visual arts faculty and staff. Many items on display are available for purchase at Customer Service. This Faculty Visual Arts Exhibition is free and open to the public. All are invited to experience this exhibition through August 13, 2023. A special reception will take place on Friday, July 28 from 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m.

This annual event displays the talent of Beck Center’s visual arts team. This year’s exhibition highlights the work of Sue Ambro, Herbert Ascherman III, Ryan Finley, Andrew Barclay Flinn, Allison Bogard Hall, Cassandra Harner, Jocelynn Lash, Tanya Long, Linda Merchant Pearce, Paul Passano, Alastair James Stockdale, Patricia Hanahan Sigmier, and Heather Molecke, Mary McGowan-Doyle, and Melinda Placko. Melinda Placko, Associate Director of Music and Visual Arts, shared, “Prolific studios are often maintained by artists who teach and work at art centers. This exhibition is a great chance to see artwork by Beck Center’s accomplished teaching artists and staff, in media such as drawing, ceramic, photography, watercolor, published books, and sculpture. I am proud to show alongside our talented faculty and staff!

This exhibition is free, open to the public, and appropriate for all ages. To view this art, please visit Beck Center’s Hoffman-Stach Gallery on the first floor of the main building on the campus in Lakewood. Sales are arranged through customer service in person, or at

216.521.2540. Beck Center Customer Service department is open Monday through Friday, noon to 5:00 pm, and Sat noon to 2:00 PM, and during performances. The Artists’ Reception is a very special public event that is free for anyone, on Friday July 28, 2023 from 6:00 PM to 7:30 PM in the Daniels’ Lounge. For more information on this exhibition please visit beckcenter.org. To find out more about Beck Center visual arts classes for all ages please visit beckcenter.org. Summer camps and classes are available for registration today. Beck Center for the Arts also offers arts education for all ages, all skill levels, and all abilities with classes and lessons in music, dance, visual arts, and theater, as well as creative arts therapies. Financial assistance is offered for qualified applicants so that these programs can be enjoyed by all.

Programming at Beck Center for the Arts is made possible through the generous support of the Ohio Arts Council. Beck Center gratefully acknowledges the generous funding provided by the citizens of Cuyahoga County through Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

Beck Center for the Arts is a not-for-profit 501(c)

(3) organization that offers professional theater productions on two stages, arts education programming in dance, music, theater, visual arts, early childhood, and creative arts therapies for individuals with disabilities, free gallery exhibits year-round, and outreach education programming.

Shawn Wright and Le’sheyel Lawrence

Sheila Reingold, Marc Benson, Jim Kaesberg, Neal Simpson, Rebecca Storey, Muffy Kaesberg, Doug and Lisa Schattinger and Julia and Keith Dye

Terry and Edda Owen with President & CEO Tom Royer

Caleb Rodgers, Garrett Kuruc, Angelea Kuruc, and Anthony Gamellia

Jackie Stoy, Avery Ozimek and TJ Ontko

Cleveland history preserved at Grays Armory downtown

By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN

Since 1837, when 118 individuals adopted the motto “Semper Paratus,” or “Always Prepared,” and were chartered as an independent militia, the Cleveland Grays have made history.

From 1792 to 1903, state and federal law authorized independent militias. These private volunteer groups supplemented the official state militia and served the community in ways that the National Guard does today.

Cleveland Grays Armory Museum, a Richardsonian Romanesque Revival-style building sometimes described as Cleveland’s downtown castle, houses more than 170 years of military and Cleveland history. The armory, built in 1893, was the third home of the Cleveland Grays. The other armories were located on W. Third St. and on what was once Long St. Both of those buildings were destroyed by fire. The current armory also sustained a fire in the 1920s which destroyed the main drill hall on the first floor, but that part of the building was rebuilt. The front of the armory is original.

Members of the Cleveland Grays have served in all armed forces in all U.S. wars. During the Civil War, the Grays were part of Company F in the first Ohio infantry and participated in the first battle of Bull Run. Most of the men were 90-day volunteers, but some continued to fight with Union forces in Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee and Georgia before being decommissioned. The Cleveland Grays also fought in the Spanish American War and in World War I, the last time they fought as a unit.

The uniform of the Cleveland Grays is modeled after a West Point uniform. The signature hats are Russian brown bear and have been worn as part of the uniform since the 1890s. Following the Civil War, some of the

returning Union veterans refused to wear the traditional gray uniform and instead wore navy blue.

Today’s Cleveland Grays strive to preserve the historic Armory Museum, advance the military heritage of Greater Cleveland through public awareness and education programs and support the men and women of the armed forces. There are currently about one hundred members of the Cleveland Grays, both male and female. The Grays raise donations for programs such as “Socks for Soldiers,” which resulted in the Bombas company sending 30,000 pairs of socks. The Cleveland Grays host lectures on historic topics, march in parades and provide color guards. The armory’s Mighty Wurlitzer organ was built in the 1930s in Erie, PA. It was originally used to provide musical accompaniment for silent films. Its’ 1400-plus pipes are augmented by chimes, drums, tuned sleigh bells, special effects and a full-sized piano.The organ is owned by the Cleveland Grays and maintained by the Western Reserve Theater Organ Society. Three to four organ concerts are held annually. Within its imposing walls, the armory has also made history by hosting some of Cleveland’s finest events. The first concert season of the Cleveland Orchestra was played at the armory, before Severance Hall was built.

Cleveland’s first auto show was held in the armory, with 17 cars. Composer and musician John Philip Sousa performed at Cleveland Grays Armory 13 times. Closed during the pandemic, Cleveland Grays Armory Museum is now open for public tours on the first Wednesday of the month. Group and private tours of the Blue Star Museum are available upon request. Displays and artifacts in the museum are original. The armory is also available as a unique special events venue. Call 216.621.5938 or visit www.graysarmory.org.

GroundWorks DanceTheater’s It Takes Two! 2023

GroundWorks DanceTheater’s 15th Annual Benefit

Gala, It Takes Two! 2023, took place May 13, at Tenk West Bank. This Dancing with the Stars-style dance competition features local celebrity dancers paired alongside GroundWorks’ professional dancers. The event helped to raise $119,000, and some 240 people attended the benefit.

GroundWorks is a contemporary dance company entering its 25th anniversary year. Fundamental to its mission is fostering new choreography and challenging preconceptions about dance.

Originally built in the 1880s as a machine and tool factory, Tenk West Bank is now a converted warehouse located in the West Bank of the Flats, a popular venue for weddings and special events.

Guests voted for their favorite team of dance competitors through live voting with event auctioneer Brooks Ames. Overall Grand Champion was Randy Ruttenberg, Founder & Principal of Fairmount Properties, who performed a charming duet to Singing in the Rain with company member Madison Pineda. Conor M. Coakley, Senior Vice President, CRESCO l Cushman + Wakefield, earned the Fan Favorite Award with a White Lotus-themed hom-

age danced with Ahna Bonnette, in her first season with GroundWorks. Coakley’s young son Max charmed the crowd in the final moments of the choreography.

Other competitors were Patrice Blakemore, Senior Vice President of Equity and Inclusion, Greater Cleveland Partnership (GCP), who performed with David Shimotakahara, GroundWorks’ Executive Artistic Director.

Dabney Conwell, Vice President and Executive Director of The Benjamin Rose Institute on Aging, performed a trio with Ahna Bonnette and Matthew Saggiomo. Wesley Gillespie, Regional President, ERIEBANK, performed with Victoria Rumzis. Leta Obertacz, Senior Vice President, Advancement, The Cleveland Foundation, performed with Matthew Saggiomo. And Edward Stockhausen, Senior Vice President of Advocacy & External Relations, Cleveland Neighborhood Progress, performed with Teagan Reed.

Event emcees included last year’s celebrity winner Felton Thomas, Jr., Executive Director, CEO, Cleveland Public Library, and 2022 alumni competitor Amanda Cole, Executive Director, Plexus LGBT & Allied Chamber of Commerce. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY

ANDREA C. TURNER

Apollo’s Fire “Fired Up!”

Apollo’s Fire, Cleveland’s internationally acclaimed Baroque orchestra, hosted its Fired Up! A Musical Feast gala benefit on May 20, at Tenk West Bank for 300 guests. For the event, Apollo’s Fire performed a musical prelude with music by Georg Telemann and Diego Ortiz, followed by dinner, wine, cocktails and a live auction.

Musicians then performed a Blues Cafe of 1610 concert evoking a London Alehouse with music by Solomon Eccles and Turlough O’Carolan, then a Bistro in Barcelona with music by Barbara Strozzi and Jose de Nebra. Erica Schuller enchanted the crowd with her melodic soprano voice. She was joined by Elora Kares, a Young Artist Apprentice soprano, who hails from Shaker Heights.

Alan Choo served as concertmaster. Andrew Fouts played violin; Liz Holzman Hagen on viola; Kivie CahnLipman on cello; Daphna Mor played recorder, Kathie Stewart on traverso; Brian Kay played lute and guitar, with Jeannette Sorrell on harpsichord.

This past year, Artistic Director Sorrell and the Apollo’s Fire musicians performed in 50 concerts around the globe, including a recent international tour in New York City, Chicago, San Francisco, London, Aldeburgh (UK), and Germany.

Funds raised through the Fund-the-Need campaign

support community outreach and education, such as the MOSAIC Project (Apollo’s Fire’s diversity initiative); concert production; media production, as well as continuing to fund the orchestra’s artistic excellence. The event raised approximately $202,000 for these initiatives. This year’s honorees are Dr. Cliff Deveny, CEO and President of Summa Health. His work on the Apollo’s Fire board have supported and strengthened its 29-year residency in Akron, including medical guidance on performance protocols through the pandemic. Astri Seidenfeld, Arts Lover, Patron and Advocate, is a native of Norway who moved to Cleveland 30 years ago. As a new Cleveland resident, she attended her first Apollo’s Fire concert, and has become one of its strongest advocates and patrons ever since. Apollo’s Fire 2023-24 season includes 29 concerts in Northeast Ohio. Look for Splendour in London and Handel’s Israel in Egypt in October; Nights in Venice and Fire & Joy from Bach and Vivaldi in November; Wassail! An Irish-Appalachian Christmas in December; Angel Fire: Mysteries of the Violin in February 2024; Hispania! A Spanish-Mexican Journey in March 2024; and Bach’s Easter Oratorio in April 2024. Visit apollosfire.org for more information. STORY AND

PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA C. TURNER

Cleveland Grays Armory Museum, a Richardsonian Romanesque Revival-style building, houses more than 170 years of military and Cleveland history. (Photograph by Eric Eakin)

Randy Ruttenberg with Madison Pineda

Alan Choo, Assistant Artistic Director with Jeannette Sorrell, Artistic Director

Conor M. Coakley with Ahna Bonnette Apollos’ Fire musicians

Patrice Blakemore with David Shimotakahara

Liz Patterson, Deb Nash, and Brendan Patterson

Wesley Gillespie with Victoria Rumzis

Lisl and Maureen Wangermann

Ahna Bonnette, Dabney Conwell, and Matthew Saggiomo

Elora and Michael Kares Edward Stockhausen with Teagan Reed

Culeen Carey, Charles Bittenbender, and Kasia Rothenberg

Cleveland Women’s Golf Association tees up for Centennial

By ANDREA C. TURNER

In 1920, after a decades-long struggle, the Nineteenth Amendment to the US Constitution was passed giving women the right to vote.

Just three years later in 1923, a group of Cleveland-area women organized and established the Cleveland Women’s Golf Association (CWGA). The group celebrates its rich history by honoring its Centennial in 2023. CWGA has evolved over the years to remain relevant, but continues to support the same purpose its founding members set forth 100 years ago —to promote fellowship and competition among member clubs, conduct tournaments and championship events, and establish and maintain high standards of sportsmanship.

Maggie Kwasny, current vice president of the club, explained how she started playing golf. “I came from a golf family. My parents bought me a set of golf clubs for my seventh birthday — without asking for them. I played since then, but didn’t enjoy it until I was 18,” said Kwasny. Her college roommate at Spring Hill College in Mobile, AL, was also a golfer, so she was able to play with a girlfriend socially, rather than it being a family obligation. Later, as she entered the business world, golfing became a huge part of her job.

“When I worked for the financial arm of Nationwide Insurance, I was often paired on teams with CEO’s of my clients at conferences because they needed a woman on the team. It was a great networking skill, and I’m so grateful my parents introduced me to the game at such a young age,” said Kwasny, who will be president of CWGA next year.

Today, CWGA consists of 14 area clubs, representing over 1,100 women, located within 35 miles from Cleveland Public Square, representing the East, West, and South sides of Cleveland.

These clubs are: Avon Oaks Country Club, Barrington Golf Club, Beechmont Country Club, Canterbury Golf Club, Chagrin Valley Country Club, Columbia Hills Golf and Swim, Elyria Country Club, Kirtland Country Club, Lake Forest Country Club, Lakewood Country Club, Mayfield Sand Ridge Country Club, Shaker Heights Country Club, The Country Club, and Westwood Country Club. Any woman who plays golf at these clubs can become a CWGA member by paying a $10 annual membership fee. Members enjoy the opportunity to play with other women in Northeast Ohio who they might not normally meet. Some women have even taken golf vacations together.

CWGA Board Members, seated left to right: Bonnie Abbey (Honorary Member), Linda Neitzel (Elyria Country Club), Diane Rothers (Barrington Golf Club), Jean Rathbone (Mayfield Sand Ridge Country Club). Standing left to right: Denise Bangasser (Kirtland Country Club), Darcye Kitchen (Avon Oaks Country Club),Mary Anne Johnson (Lake Forest Country Club), Diane Campbell (Canterbury Golf Club), Maggie Kwasny (Chagrin Valley Country Club), Julie Bernhardt (Shaker Heights Country Club), and Kathy Ader (Columbia Hills). Not pictured: Cindy Duber (Beechmont Country Club), Cindy McMahon (Westwood Country Club), Deb Nikrant (Lakewood Country Club), and Judy Wilson (The Country Club)

“We play competitively, but also as friends,” added Kwasny. “It’s a privilege to play on all of the beautiful courses.” Each year, CWGA hosts seven, one-day tournaments for its members as well as a four-day District Championship which rotates through each member club. It will be held August 1-4, 2023, at Mayfield Country Club. Participants range in age from high school students to septuagenarians and an occasional octogenarian. Each participant will receive a commemorative metal and leather bag tag to hang on their golf bag. There is also a five-event, season-long, team competition pitting each club’s best players against one another until one club, at the end of the season, claims the traveling trophy and bragging rights for the coming year.

Dawn Swit, an active CWGA member, and member of the Chagrin Valley Country Club, qualified for the US Golf Association Senior Women’s Amateur Tournament last summer. She was able to compete in its tournament in Anchorage, AK, last August.

CWGA has been a charitable organization dating back to the 1940s.From 1942 to 1945, CWGA established a special fund to help support war-relief efforts locally. Over $49,000 was raised and $15,000 in war bonds and stamps were given as golf prizes. The tradition continues as the CWGA contributes annually to area charities from the coffers of its membership fees. These organizations include The Ohio Girls Golf Foundation, The Turn, and The First Tee. For more information, contact Maggie Kwasny at maggie.kwasny@gmail.com.

Cleveland’s Class A Industrial Warehouse Market and Beyond

The Greater Cleveland Class A industrial warehouse market is comprised of 21.28 million square feet of product. This is 7.3% of the total Cleveland industrial market, which has an inventory total of 291.2 million square feet.

As of the end of the first quarter of 2023, the Class A warehouse vacancy rate stood at 5.0%, slightly higher than the overall industrial market’s 4.3% vacancy rate.

Class A data is defined as 100,000-square-foot minimum buildings with a minimum 24-foot interior ceiling height and were constructed since 2000.

The average asking rental rate for the Cleveland Class A warehouse market increased by $0.35 per square foot from the previous quarter to $7.06 per square foot. This asset class, with 2.7 million square feet being built, represents 65% of the total 4.2 million square feet of industrial product under construction in the Cleveland market.

Construction starts for several planned and proposed Class A warehouse projects in the Cleveland market have been pushed further into 2023, though there is still plenty of product being built. The overall market is softening in the present and likely for most of 2023 due to economic headwinds, yet long-term market growth is still expected.

As 2023 continues, both the Class A vacancy rate and average asking rental rate are forecasted to rise as higher-priced space delivers to the market.

The overall warehouse/distribution sector, of which Class A product of this type has traditionally been the most popular locally and nationally due to the increase in ecommerce over the last several years, finished the first quarter of 2023 with a 5.4% vacancy rate; 3.18 million square feet of the overall market’s 4.2 million square feet of under-construction projects is made up of this asset type. Warehouse/distribution facilities of all classes make up 103.2 million square feet of the trackable inventory in the Cleveland market.

Cleveland’s overall industrial market has normalized to pre-pandemic conditions. In fact, in the first quarter, there were smaller leases and not as many sales, and no large investment sales. However, there is remarkable demand for manufacturing space of late. If a building has a crane, heavy power, or rail access, it is getting a lot of attention right now, perhaps more so than Class A warehouse buildings. Terry Coyne is a Vice Chairman in the Cleveland office of commercial real estate services firm, Newmark. Visit TerryCoyne.com for more information.

Stan Hywet’s 65th annual Classic, Antique and Collector Car show is June 18

One of the oldest auto shows in America, the 65th annual CLASSIC, ANTIQUE, & COLLECTOR CAR SHOW at Stan Hywet is Sunday, June 18, 2023 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., and is presented in collaboration with the Ohio Region Classic Car Club of America (ORCCCA).

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is located at 714 N. Portage Path in Akron, Ohio,

Four hundred classic, antique, and collector cars and special-interest autos and motorcycles manufactured from 1915 - 1997 will be on view on the Great Meadow. The “special feature” category is air-cooled cars. New

this year is a display of six antique boats, similar to those owned by the Seiberling family.

General admission to the Father’s Day Car Show includes a self-guided tour of the Manor House and historic gardens, Corbin Conservatory as well as Playgarden and Homes of Nature play areas. The Winking Lizard, River Dog Café Food Truck, Molly’s Café and Kona Ice will sell hamburgers, hotdogs, waffle pizza, sandwiches, cool treats and other lunchtime fare. My Drunk’n Uncle (MDU) performs high-energy rock and roll music on the Courtyard Stage from 11am - 2pm.

All tickets to the Father’s Day Car Show are pre-sale only at stanhywet.org, or by calling Stan Hywet ticketing at 330.315.3287. Tickets are $16 for adults and $8 for youth, ages 3-17. Children 2 and under are free.

All guest parking for the Father’s Day Car Show is offsite with free parking and shuttle service to and from parking lots at Firestone CLC and Litchfield CLC, 470 Castle Boulevard; and Todaro’s, 1820 Akron-Peninsula Road. A limited number of accessible parking spots are available in Stan Hywet Main Lot on a first come, first served basis and with the appropriate state hangtag or license plate.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is the former home of Goodyear Tire & Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his family. Since 1957, it has been a nonprofit historic house museum where the public can learn about the cultural, educational, and inspirational riches of one of the most significant achievements in architecture and horticulture to come out of America’s Industrial Age. Open April-December, Stan Hywet is the largest historic home in Ohio and the sixth largest in the U.S. Stan Hywet is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is Akron, Ohio’s oldest National Historic Landmark.

Photograph courtesy of Cleveland Women’s Golf Association