Jstyle, Spring 2025 by Cleveland Jewish Publication Company

•

and Chuck Fowler Fran and Jules Belkin

and Chuck Fowler

and Jules Belkin

Photo Credit: Sonny Lindsey

CONTENTS Spring 2025 - The Home Issue

Publisher & CEO

Kevin S. Adelstein

Vice President of Sales

Adam Mandell

Creative Director

Stephen Valentine

Editor

Bob Jacob

CFO

Tracy Singer

Digital Manager

Courtney Byrnes

Events Manager

Gina Lloyd

Editorial

Kirsten Beard, Lydia Kacala, Abigail Preiszig

Contributors

Ed Carroll, Noell Wolfgram Evans, S.A. McSherry, Carlo Wol

Columbus Bureau Chief

Becky Raspe

Custom Publishing Manager

Paul Bram

Sales & Marketing Manager

Andy Isaacs

Advertising

Marilyn Evans, Adam Jacob, Nell V. Kirman, Sherry Tilson, Danielle Zwick

Senior Designer

Jessica Simon

Designer Ricki Urban

Digital Content Producers

Stephanie Holmes, Daniel Newman

Business & Circulation

Amanda LaLonde, Alisa Guseynov, Abby Royer, Ellye Wetherwax

Subscriber Services

216-342-5185/circulation@cjn.org

On the cover

Rafael Abraham explores the Ralph Perkins II Wildlife Center & Woods Garden at the recently renovated Cleveland Museum of Natural History. Page 22.

Cover photo by Casey Rearick / Casey Rearick Photography

Display Advertising 216-342-5204 advertising@jstylemagazine.com

CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS (ISSN-00098825) is published weekly with additional supplement issues in February, March, April, June, August, September, October, and twice in December, by The Cleveland Jewish Publication Company at 23880 Commerce Park, Suite 1, Cleveland, OH 44122-5380. Single copy $1.50. Periodicals Postage paid at Cleveland, OH and at additional mailing o ces. POSTMASTER: send address changes to the Cleveland Jewish News, 23880 Commerce Park, Suite 1, Cleveland, OH 44122-5380.

The Chai Life

18 INTERESTING THINGS TO DO IN NORTHEAST OHIO THIS SPRING

Compiled by Sam Spiegle | Staff Report

Cleveland Cavaliers

1 2

The Cleveland Cavaliers kicked o the 2024-25 season with an NBA-best 15-0 win streak. They wrapped up the regular season with an impressive 64-18 record to secure the No. 1 seed in the Eastern Conference. Facing the No. 8 seed Miami Heat, the Cavs opened the postseason with an impressive 121-100 victory April 20. Follow the Cavs throughout the playo s as they host each round in which they advance at Rocket Arena in downtown Cleveland. cavs.com

Lake County Captains

The Lake County Captains, High-A a liate of the Cleveland Guardians, has several promotional events planned for the 2025 season like Dawg Night, Family Fun Sunday and Senior Day, among others. Classic Auto Group Park is 15 minutes from downtown Cleveland in Eastlake. milb.com/lake-county

Cleveland Guardians

The Cleveland Guardians started May with a road trip before returning home to Progressive Field the weekend of May 9 to face National League opponents – the Philadelphia Phillies and Milwaukee Brewers. Each homestand will feature themed promotional events for fans at the corner of Carnegie Avenue and Ontario Street in downtown Cleveland. When at the game, grab a kosher dog from Mendel’s Dogs and Deli. mlb.com/guardians

Celebrate Israel’s 77th Indepedence Day

JewishAkron will host a celebration of Israel’s 77th Independence Day, Yom Ha’atzmaut, with the “Israel @ 77” event featuring a live performance by John Ondrasik of Five for Fighting at 7 p.m. May 4 at the Goodyear Theatre in Akron. Israeli singer-songwriter and community shaliach Rami Feinstein will open the show. jewishakron.org

‘Fiddler on the Roof’

“Tradition!” comes to life at Cleveland Play House with the beloved classic “Fiddler on the Roof.” Step into the heart of Anatevka, where Tevye the milkman and his wife Golde navigate the delicate dance between cherished traditions and a changing world. Set at the dawn of a new century, this timeless story celebrates faith, family, and the enduring bonds that hold communities together. With its unforgettable music, heartfelt humor, and powerful themes of love, resilience, and generational strength, Fiddler on the Roof is a must-see theatrical experience with an extended run at the Allen Theatre through May 25. clevelandplayhouse.com

Donovan Mitchell, left, and Darius Garland lead the Cleveland Cavaliers into the 2025 NBA Playo s as the top seed in the Eastern Conference. | AP Photo / Phil Long

Five for Fighting’s John Ondrasik with his string quartet | Photo / Five for Fighting

Robert Cuccioli as Tevye rehearses for the Cleveland Play House production of “Fiddler on the Roof.” | Photo / BG Video

Nearest Locations: Beachwood, Solon, and Twinsburg

The Chai Life

Park Synagogue Mitzvah Day May 4

Park Synagogue in Pepper Pike will hold its annual Mitzvah Day on May 4. The day of community service features a Mitzvah Day Fair from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. at which volunteers of all ages can drop-in to help with di erent projects, as well as to donate blood from 9 to 2:30. Mitzvah Day includes 14 other projects that require preregistration. Unwanted electronics can be dropped o for a recycling drive taking place in the parking lot o of Shaker Boulevard from 10 to 2. The complete schedule and registration link can be found at parksynagogue.org/mitzvahday or contact Ellen Petler for more information at epetler@parksyn.org or at 216-371-2244, ext. 122. parksynagogue.org/mitzvahday

CJN Mahjong Night

What started out as the Cleveland Jewish News Mahjong Night has turned in to an all-day event on May 8 due to popular demand. With the evening event from 5:30 to 8:30 quickly selling out, an afternoon session from noon to 3 p.m. was added. The action will take place at StoneWater Golf Club in Highland Heights. Players of all ages and skill levels are welcome. Tickets are $36 per person and include a gift bag, one drink ticket, heavy appetizers and a chance to win prizes. Those who purchase an individual ticket will be paired up with a group or other individual ticket holders. Attendees should bring your own tiles and 2025 rule cards. A foursome ticket is $125 and includes a reserved table, plus everything above. To register, visit cjn.org/mahjongnight. For more information, contact Sam Spiegle at 216-342-5198 or sspiegle@cjn.org. cjn.org/mahjongnight

U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Luncheon

Join the Northeast Ohio community in honoring Holocaust survivors –including the 2025 National Leadership Honoree John Newburger at the 2025 U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Cleveland Luncheon on May 9 at Landerhaven in Mayﬁeld Heights. Speakers include Vidhya Ramalingam, founder and CEO of Moonshot, and Edna Friedberg, museum historian.

ushmm.org/online-calendar/2025-cleveland-luncheon

Cedar Point opening day

Get ready for thrills. Cedar Point kicks o its 2025 season on May 10. From world-class roller coasters to family rides, live entertainment and new surprises, there’s something for everyone at “Ohio’s Theme Park” in Sandusky. New for 2025 is Siren’s Curse, “North America’s tallest, longest and fastest tilt roller coaster.”

cedarpoint.com

4th annual Ignite the Night

Gross Schechter Day School in Pepper Pike will hold its fourth annual Ignite the Night fundraiser, billed as “Cleveland’s Largest Lag B’Omer Celebration,” at 6:30 p.m. May 15. The festive Jewish holiday marking the end of the period of mourning between Passover and Shavuot is open to the entire Cleveland Jewish community. There will be a bonﬁre, food, live music and other entertainment. grossschechter.org

Sharon Koltin, the daughter of a Holocaust survivor, speaks to the audience at the 2024 U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum Cleveland luncheon at Landerhaven in Mayﬁeld Heights. | Jstyle Photo

The Tree of Life’s traveling exhibition about what happened on October 27, 2018, the community’s response to the deadliest antisemitic attack in the United States, the reimagining of The Tree of Life, and the history of antisemitism in America.

Created in partnership with the Rauh Jewish History Program & Archives at the Heinz History Center, the exhibition features curated items gifted to the Pittsburgh Jewish community in the aftermath of the attack. It challenges visitors to reflect on the impact of antisemitism in America and seeks to inspire action to build a future rooted in resilience and understanding.

The Chai Life

University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon

The 48th University Hospitals Cleveland Marathon will return to downtown Cleveland on May 17 and May 18. As Northeast Ohio’s leading distance running event, the weekend will o er something for everyone – ranging from the 5K and Kids Fun Run to the half- and full-marathons, along with the Two-Day Challenge Series. Following the race, all guests can enjoy the 26.3 Mile After Party and the Cleveland Marathon Health & Fitness Expo presented by University Hospitals. clevelandmarathon.com

Blossom Time Festival

Since 1935, Blossom Time has been a cherished Memorial Day weekend tradition in the Chagrin Valley, marking the uno cial start of summer with festive community spirit. Hosted by the Chagrin Valley Jaycees since 1956, the 2025 celebration will be held from May 22 to May 25, featuring a mix of classic favorites and new attractions – from the lively carnival and balloon glow to concerts, races and parades. Each day will o er something unique, all leading up to the Memorial Day Parade and commemorative ceremonies on May 25.

cvjc.org/blossom-time

Reggae Fest Cleveland

13

If you’re craving good vibes and great tunes, get ready for a One Love Irie Weekend at Reggae Fest. Since 2017, this feel-good celebration has ﬁlled downtown Cleveland’s Voinovich Park with the soulful sounds of live reggae and mouthwatering island-inspired eats. Happening May 24 and May 25, the festival draws over 4,000 people each year for a family-friendly experience. reggaefestcleveland.com

14 Cleveland Pops Orchestra presents Decades of Delight

Join the Cleveland Pops Orchestra and powerhouse vocalist Capathia Jenkins at 7:30 p.m. May 31 for Hits from the Great American Songbook – a nostalgic evening celebrating iconic songs by Neil Diamond, Simon & Garfunkel, Carole King, Henry Mancini, Burt Bacharach and more. The concert will close with a heartfelt tribute to our armed forces and ﬁrst responders. Led by founding conductor Carl Topilow, the Cleveland Pops Orchestra performs at the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Concert Hall at Severance Music Center in Cleveland’s University Circle neighborhood. clevelandpops.com

Community-Wide Tikkun Leil Shavuot 5785

15

Tikkun Leil Shavuot is a meaningful tradition of all-night learning held on the ﬁrst night of Shavuot, honoring the moment the Torah was given at Mount Sinai. Rooted in 16th-century Safed’s mystical community, this custom invites participants to spiritually prepare for receiving the Torah anew – some even view it as a way to “make up” for the Israelites’ drowsiness during the original revelation. Free and open to all, the community-wide Tikkun Leil Shavuot 5785 will take place from 7 p.m. June 1 to 7 a.m. on June 2 at B’nai Jeshurun Congregation in Pepper Pike. bnaijeshurun.org

16 FIDF Ohio Chapter Annual Guy’s Night Out

Guys Night Out will be June 5 and is designed to support the brave soldiers of the Israel Defense Forces while delivering a fun, unforgettable evening for all who attend. Guests will enjoy a top-shelf liquor bar, kosher strolling dinner, cigar lounge, scotch and tequila tastings, ra e prizes and casino games. Proceeds from the night will directly beneﬁt the IDF soldiers who protect Israel and Jewish communities around the globe. Location will be provided at registration. ﬁdf.org/guys-night-out

17 ‘Hamilton’ at Playhouse Square

The epic saga that follows the rise of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton as he ﬁghts for honor, love and a legacy that would shape the course of a nation, the hit North American tour returns to the KeyBank State Theatre from June 17 through July 6. playhousesquare.org

Tri-C JazzFest

18

Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland is more than a summer celebration – it’s an educational, year-round experience that culminates in a dynamic threeday music festival held at Playhouse Square in the heart of Cleveland. Nearly 500 artists take the stage across indoor and outdoor venues, showcasing jazz and a wide range of musical genres. World-class performers headline the ticketed indoor concerts in Playhouse Square’s historic theaters, while free outdoor performances ﬁll the streets with music, energy and community spirit. Partake in an unforgettable musical journey as the 46th annual Tri-C JazzFest Cleveland returns from June 26 to June 28 featuring a blend of cultures, styles and legendary talent.

tri-c.edu/jazzfest

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HOME, SWEET, HOME

Build, Buy or Bust Out the Blueprint

By Ed Carroll

When it comes to choosing your next home, everything really boils down to three true options.

You can build a home – if you have a plot of land. You can buy an existing home – but the market will dictate what is actually available to you.

Finally, you can remodel the home you own – but there are potentially structural limits to what you can do to your home –not to mention the inconvenience of having construction.

All three choices are valid. All three have distinct advantages and disadvantages. While your budget will assuredly factor into your decision, if all three paths are open for you, it’s worth your time to consider each.

So, where is the best place to start?

According to some builders in the Cleveland area, it depends on what your goals and reasons are.

“That’s a constant question that I get, depending on the lower price points of my homes,” says Andrew Gottlieb, president of Keystate Homes in Bedford Heights and president of the Home Builders Association of Greater Cleveland. “Those tend to be rst-time home buyers. You know a lot of my buyers that are doing my custom homes, those are going to be a lot higher (in cost).

“So, people who are maybe buying their rst house, their goals are to have space, maybe for relatives, and they are looking at living there for the next 20 to 30 years. (For older buyers,) we should be thinking about doing aging in place, for example we see a lot of homes with elevators. We’re doing homes with rst oor master (bedrooms). And we’re trying to look at some of the things that maybe will help them in the future as they age in place.”

Rodney Simon, owner of Simcon Homes in Orange, had similar thoughts on the choice.

“So, depending on your age demographic, it really depends on where you stand as far as what you want to put it into

remodeling, building or buying,” he says. “Building is great even though costs are high, but the problem is we don’t have vacant land. ... Now in today’s economy, ... it’s the scarcity of land. If you want to be in Orange, Beachwood, Pepper Pike or something like that, you can end up in a teardown, which are going plus or minus $400,000 today. It becomes very expensive.”

Gottlieb highlights another bene t of newer homes: they’re far better not only for the environment, but also energy costs.

“I think the advantage of building a new home is you’re going to have the latest technology,” Gottlieb says. “It’s going to be energy e cient. It’s going to have the latest trends, certain things you can’t do with a remodel. A good example is 10-foot ceilings are very popular in new homes.”

But Gottlieb also points out an advantage buying has over building.

“By buying your next home, your advantage is existing inventory,” he says. “It’s going to be more readily available. If you’re for something historic or timeless, you’re not going to

Simcon Homes features an open oor plan, with beamed ceilings. Courtesy Simcon Homes

Gottlieb Simon

get that with a new build. And that’s your mid-century modern, that’s your classic ranch or split-level that you see in Solon, Pepper Pike, Beachwood. You just won’t get that in a new home.”

Simon says many people he speaks with are turned o from buying due to interest rates. He said the current 30-year interest rate is around 7%, which he also said was more of a normal rate than what people were used to in the 1990s.

“A lot of people just don’t want to go into a buy,” Simon says. “We’re so used to having the low rate, which we’ve all had for years. ... We’ve been very spoiled over the last few years of having a 2-3% interest rate. It really took people by surprise when they have to pay a 7% interest rate.”

He also says this concern generally applies more for younger buyers compared to older ones.

“A lot of older people are staying in their home now, and they have the cash for the remodeling or are using an equity line,” Simon says. “However, they’re paying for it. It really isn’t that much of a strain on them because they can generally a ord it. But for that rst-time home buyer in that younger generation, what I see with them is they’re purchasing the South Euclid, University Heights, Shaker Heights, that starter entry home. The problem they’re running into, is that this generation wants everything (already) done. They want everything, even though it’s their starter home, want a new kitchen, want new countertops, they want new appliances.”

Simon says another issue is that those types of homes are di cult to nd and are often overpriced.

“When these younger generations start looking beyond those items, they’re seeing that these houses that have been ipped aren’t as great of quality as they thought they were,” he says.

Gottlieb says issues like these often make people turn to the

Keystate Homes has built modern townhomes in the Ohio City neighborhood in Cleveland. Courtesy Keystate Homes

third option – remodeling.

“A remodel is a little bit of the best of both worlds,” he says. “You don’t get the new technology on the structure as much as you would on the structure of a new build. But you get a lot of the remedial e ects of technology. ... So, you might get a remodel that you’re going to do a basement waterproo ng system, so you don’t have weak basements that you would see it in an older home. You get the bene t of the new trends and styles of nishes. That’s the lipstick. That’s the glitz and glamour of the tile, the cabinets and the countertops. You get to make it your own.”

Gottlieb says other bene ts of a remodel are that the house is already settled, unlike a new home, which needs time to set. You can also open up certain walls and change the oor plan – to an extent. He notes the structure is one thing you can’t change with a remodel.

Simon says the clients he helps with renovations often choose the option because it just makes more sense for them than the other two choices.

“We’re getting involved into a lot of whole house renovations and remodeling,” he says. “A lot of bathrooms, kitchens, great rooms, basements, outdoor living spaces. People are thinking, ‘Hey, I have a great lot. ... I think I’d rather take my money and stay in my house and possibly put half-a-million dollars into it and really get everything the way I wanted in my existing home.’ The downside to that is, you’re disrupted for a year of your life.”

However, he says there is potentially an answer to make the disruption easier.

“People are renovating their houses in stages now,” Simon says. “They’re having someone like us come in and remodel their master bathroom and bedroom, possibly gutting the whole thing. They don’t have kids living in the house anymore, so they can move into a di erent suite in their house. And we can take apart the bedroom, the closet, the bathroom and really redo it, top to bottom and give them exactly what they want at this point in their life.” sj

Ed Carroll is a freelance journalist.

Above: A feature of this home by Simcon Homes is a year-round outdoor look and feel.

Courtesy Simcon Homes

Below: Workers are preparing s stunning entranceway for a new home built by Gottlieb Homes. Courtesy Gottlieb Homes

HUGE SALE UNTIL

It’s time for OUTDOOR FUN

Patio, grill, landscaping and more can enhance any outdoor entertaining space

By S.A. McSherry

From outdoor sunken trampolines and multi-level outdoor entertaining, to lavender elds, Northeast Ohioans have been dreaming through the long winter of how best they will enjoy the spring, summer and fall months ahead.

And it starts with the home, whether it’s refreshing the backyard, building a new patio or improving curbside appeal, Heidi O’Neill of O’Neill Landscape Design and Installation, says.

Jonas Pattie of the Pattie Group, whose father started the company mowing lawns on his street when he was 11 years old with his “partner” who was 7 years old and incorporated the

company when he was 18 in 1968, says the evolution of outdoor landscaping has grown tremendously. The Pattie Group is a fullservice landscape development rm.

Nothing is more important than creating a design plan for the project rst on paper after interviewing clients about what they really want to achieve, Pattie explains.

O’Neill says if a company is reputable, it will charge a client for the design process. Hiring a company that just designs as it installs is just a problem waiting to happen.

Utilizing the expertise of a company’s landscape architects and planners will save clients money in the long run, Pattie said.

Curbside appeal is obviously important for the front of

Landscape is accentuated on a bright, sunny day. Photo courtesy O’Neill Landscape Design and Installation

Gross Schechter Day School

The 4th Annual

Fundraising Event

A Benefit for Gross Schechter Day School

The 4th Annual

Admission Includes

All Food & Entertainment Pyrotechnic Show at 8:00!

Fundraising Event

Rock Climbing Wall & Bungee Trampoline

Admission Includes

All Food & Entertainment Pyrotechnic Show at 8:00!

Admission Includes All Food & Entertainment Pyrotechnic Show at 8:00!

Rock Climbing Wall & Bungee Trampoline

Rock Climbing Wall & Bungee Trampoline scan for tickets

Schechter’s only annual fundraising event!

Tickets and Event Sponsorships available

Special Pricing for young adults (18-25)

& Bungee Trampoline

Save on admission with family packages!

Massive Zip Line

More info at www.grossschechter.org/ignite

Massive Zip Line

Schechter’s only annual fundraising event!

Tickets and Event Sponsorships available

Special Pricing for young adults (18-25)

Tickets and Event Sponsorships available Special Pricing for young adults (18-25)

Special Pricing for young adults (18-25)

Save on admission with family packages!

More info at www.grossschechter.org/ignite

the house. It’s a visitor’s rst impression, Pattie says. And for resale value, it’s vital. Without curb appeal, a large percentage of potential buyers won’t even get out of the car, he said. Considerations should include a 5-foot-wide walkway to the main front door, so guests may walk together, as well as a convenient space to park. As good design can de ne the main front door, soften and frame the house, he says. If there is an ancillary door on the front of the house, a smaller width walkway is in order and doesn’t draw too much attention. The landscaping around the main walkway and front door should be about 75% evergreen, considering six months of the year in Northeast Ohio, there’s nothing blooming, Pattie says.

Looking to add a room to the home?

A big trend is creating an outdoor “living room” with solid roof patio structures, framed in wood, with stone or paver ooring, heated ceilings, retractable screens and lighting and sound systems, Pattie says. It became a popular concept when everybody was cooped up during the COVID-19 pandemic, and looking at their backyards, thinking what might be possible, he says.

It’s so true that covered structures are desirable for entertaining and with them, outdoor heaters, which can extend the season by two months, O’Neill says. Heated furniture, propane heaters and ceiling heat are catching the homeowner’s eye.

Pattie Group has a fully licensed electrician on sta , who is an important link in designing outdoor spaces, from grounding needs for pools, to complex outdoor structures and kitchens. Since outdoor settings are becoming more important in the extension of the home, indoor luxuries such as sound systems, televisions and dynamic outdoor lighting help create that outdoor magic. LED lights in white and multiple colors can be adjustable and easily controlled on one’s phone. Table lamps can be charged up easily and the charge lasts for days. Wi-Fi speakers also keep improving – rugged, portable and waterproof, some double as decorative rocks, lanterns and even Tiki torches.

Even decks are evolving with new products to address clients’ complaints that their decks are too hot in the summer to walk with bare feet, O’Neill says. A new deck product by Trex features ultraviolet re ective properties that mitigate heat. Around decks and other structures, wire tension railings, more invisible and sleeker than conventional railings are also popular, she says.

Water features, such as a bubbling rock fountain, which creates a calming, gentle ow of water, utilize a simple pump and hidden basin to recirculate water. It’s very low maintenance and less expensive than sustaining a pond, says Pattie, who has a bubbling rock in his backyard, which also serves as an amazing bird bath. And natural-looking waterfalls are one of the Pattie Group’s specialties, he adds.

Designing an outdoor living area and creating exceptional curb appeal go hand in hand, our experts agree. Courtesy O’Neill Landscape and Design and Installation

Heidi O’Neill of O’Neill Landscape Design and Installation

Jonas Pattie of the Pattie Group

While pools continue to be popular, the costs for traditional concrete pools have doubled in price in the last 10 years, O’Neill says.

Last year, Pattie installed a Fiberglass pool at his home, which was signi cantly less expensive than a traditional concrete pool. It also took a lot less time, from design work to the time it took to install – between one to two months, compared to concrete construction, which is more di cult and takes more time to design, and on top of that, a year-long waiting list and about three to ve months to install, he says.

Smaller plunge pools are another alternative, says O’Neill, who is installing the rst Soake Pool in the area, a solid concrete pool, 7-by-13 feet, with or without jets, fully tiled and with or without an auto-cover, made by a company in New Hampshire.

“Environmentally-sound landscaping requests such as organic fertilizers, organic lawn care, native plant materials, pollinator gardens, organic vegetable gardens in raised containers, and recycling of current materials tend to be popular now,” explains O’Neill, who is a horticulturist and landscape architect.

The No. 1 killer of plants is under- or over-watering in Northeast Ohio, Pattie points out. His company develops irrigation systems with “state-of-the-art technology and horticulturally based methodology that takes into account micro-climates” of a client’s landscape.

O’Neill installed a grill island for her husband, Jay, t in between two boulders, a showpiece. She has installed many

masonry grill islands, which were bulky and expensive and required a 42-inch-deep foundation. Now, the choices in freestanding units such as custom tted aluminum that will t any appliance and custom grill cabinetry matches the look of the inside cabinetry and still hold up to the weather. O’Neill also built a re pit in a gigantic boulder and on a at side, carved a three-foot in diameter hold and placed recycled glass around it.

O’Neill installed an unusual “perennial plant palette” for a shady area at her home that is lled with a variety of ferns with great texture and color even when they are not in bloom and are deer resistant. Ferns plants included Giant Solomon’s Seal, Turtlehead, Toadlily, Jacob’s Ladder, Japanese Forest grass, Fairy Hairy and Goatsbeard.

At his family’s home, Pattie decided to simply let the grass grow in a portion of his 3-acre homestead. Not only was the area low maintenance because it required no irrigation or fertilization (and he mows it just once a year), but also became a lovely haven for birds. Tall grasses help create privacy as well, perhaps lining a mowed grass path. Evergreen plant cover for portions of a yard, can cut down on maintenance as well, he adds.

O’Neill says creating “environmentally sound, sustainable landscapes that have a strong artistic and aesthetic focus, a sense of identity and atmosphere and engage people within their living spaces” is her philosophy. sj

S.A. McSherry is a freelance journalist.

Low maintenance “no mow” areas are becoming increasingly popular in larger residential lots. Courtesy Pattie Group

Our Jstyle models stand in the stunning interior of the Cleveland Museum of Natural History after its $150 million transformation that invites guests to explore the wonders of science and nature. They are greeted by Haplocanthosaurus delfsi fossil, affectionately known as “Happy,” as they arrive to experience the museum’s full transformation. And with its recent updates – remounted in a new exhibit with a new look –this septuagenarian dinosaur illustrates how even a fossil from the past can keep up with modern trends in science, that is.

Photography: Casey Rearick / Casey Rearick Photo Fashion: Hair and Makeup: Yvonne Shvartshteyn / The Perfect Veil

history

ZIMMERMAN

Age: 40 | Work: Real Estate Advisor at Engel and Volkers Hometown: Orange, Ohio

Adam wears an Italian tuxedo by Bogliolo and white shirt for summer by Sonrisa from J3 Clothing Company in Pepper Pike. Shoes by Cole Haan are his own.

Professional event planning services

Exquisite ballroom with modern amenities

Patio for ceremony and reception extension

Spectacular views of Waterfowl Lake

Upscale catering

Free parking for your guests

Venue features include: Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/rentals or call 216-635-3304.

Age: 34 | Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue

Work: VP of Purchasing, Hillcrest Food Service | Hometown: Beachwood, Ohio

Rafael wears a purple wool sport coat by Jack Victor paired with Premium Jeans by Alberto and an 8-Way Stretch OoohCotton shirt by Bugatchi, all tailorable at Ticknors Men’s Clothier in Beachwood.

Weltman Kim

Age: 55 | Synagogue: Congregation Mishkan Or Work: Executive Vice President, Beech Brook | Hometown: Shaker Heights, Ohio

Kim wears a kimono by KFashion, pink halter by Design History, Lana crop white pant by Pistola, Ra a studded clutch by Urban Expressions and Crescent moon necklace by Julie Vos all from Knuth’s in Pepper Pike. Shoes by Donald Pliner are her own.

SCHEINBACH SARA

Age: 37 | Synagogue: Green Road Synagogue

Work: Director, Education Advocacy - ADL | Hometown: Beachwood, Ohio

Sara wears a cream/black oral dress by Brochu Walker and black cardigan by Lilla P from Lisa Moran Ltd. Shoes by Cole Haan are her own.

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Q: Why is gutter maintenance challenging?

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We asked Chris, President of LeafFilter®, what some of

We asked Chris, President of LeafFilter®, what some of the challenges are and how to avoid them:

Q: Why is gutter maintenance challenging?

Q: How do homeowners pick a reputable service?

A: Gutter maintenance often involves physically demanding tasks like climbing ladders and lifting heavy buckets of debris while maintaining balance.

Q: What alternatives exist for homeowners?

A: Gutter maintenance often involves physically demanding tasks like climbing ladders and lifting heavy buckets of debris while maintaining balance.

Q: How do homeowners pick a reputable service?

A: When hiring trusted professionals, check their credentials. Installing longterm solutions like LeafFilter Gutter Protection can help ensure safety and deliver peace of mind.

Q: How Can gutter maintenance help protect my home?

A: Gutters are like exterior plumbing. Clog-free gutters help avoid water damage like rotten soffit, crumbling fascia, and basement or foundation damage.

A: Homeowners should exercise caution when attempting gutter maintenance tasks that require climbing ladders. Many opt to hire professional gutter cleaning services to avoid these risks. Installing gutter protection systems, like LeafFilter, can also reduce the need for frequent maintenance.

Q: What alternatives exist for homeowners?

homeowners? Call us today to schedule a free inspection + no obligation estimate.

Call us today to schedule a free inspection + no obligation estimate.

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LeafFilter

Free inspection + LeafFilter provides a free gutter inspection and estimate food for one full year. If you move forward there is no deposit required and you pay when the LeafFilter offers full gutter replacement and protection backed by a lifetime transferable no-clogs warranty. 1-888-710-3739

Chris Counahan President, LeafFilter

locations.

Reputable service: LeafFilter has been installed on more than a million homes. We are well-known and a trusted company with nearly 20 years in the industry and 150 locations.

has been installed on more than a million homes. We are well-known and a trusted company with nearly 20 years in the industry and 150 locations.

gutter replacement and protection backed by a lifetime transferable no-clogs warranty.

inspection + estimate: LeafFilter provides a free gutter inspection and estimate food for one full year. If you move forward there is no deposit required and you pay when the job is done.

Adam wears a wool, silk and cashmere button-down polo shirt from “The One” by Choi and light grey chinos by Meyer from J3 Clothing Company. Shoes by Cole Haan are his own. Kim wears a quarter-zip sweater by J Society, camo pant by Kut from the Kloth, Veuve clutch by Kent Stetson and paper clip necklace by Ellie Vail all from Knuth’s. Shoes by NeroGiardini are her own.

Sara wears a black and white jacket with hood and matching black and white skirt by Marc Cain from Lisa Moran Ltd. Shoes by Betsy Johnston are her own. Rafael wears a Seasilk hoodie by Toes-OnThe-Nose, a quilted vest by Luchiano Visconti and khaki jeans by Alberto, all available at Ticknors Men’s Clothier in Beachwood. Shoes by Stacey Adams are his own.

Adam wears a summer blue blazer by Eleventy, cotton stretch orange pique polo and lightweight summer washed jeans by Brax all from J3 Clothing Company.

Shoes by Cole Haan are his own. Sara wears a oral top and faux leather skirt by Beate Heyman from Lisa Moran Ltd. in Woodmere. Shoes by Joan & David are her own.

Kim wears a sparkle sweater by Pure Amici, metallic jacket and geometric pant by Insight, rhinestone purse by Soraka and large oval crystal earrings by Ancien all from Knuth’s. Sara wears a navy dress by Iris Setlawke from Lisa Moran Ltd.

Adam wears a light beige summer suit by Corneliani and cotton stretch polo by Patrick Assaraf from J3 Clothing Company. Rafael wears a seersucker sport coat by 7 Downie Street with a blue-buttoned dress shirt by Marcello, silk pocket square, and tan jeans all available at Ticknors Men’s Clothier in Beachwood. Shoes by Stacey Adams are his own.

Rafael wears a white Garnet spring shirt-jacket, OoohCotton stretch shirt by Bugatchi, and navy Riviera traveller pants all available from Ticknors Men’s Clothier in Beachwood. Shoes by Kenneth Cole are his own. Kim wears a snap shirt by David Cline, denim jacket by Rails, candy pant and silver pu er purse by Mayvak all from Knuth’s. Shoes by On are her own.

Transformative times

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History has been a pillar of science, education, research, conservation and community engagement since 1920. Supporting the museum’s goal to address the impacts of humans on our natural world, its design of several phases of renovation and an iconic addition transforms the facility into an actively sustainable building.

The museum is a place for the community to gather, learn and find inspiration. Ever y Sunday, residents of Cleveland and East Cleveland can visit the museum free of charge during the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Community Days, an opportunity made possible through a generous grant from the Jack, Joseph and Morton Mandel Foundation.

In December 2024, the museum celebrated the grand opening of a $150 million transformation that allows visitors to explore the wonders of science and nature – from the origins of the universe to the amazing story of life on Earth.

The transformation features an expanded campus totaling more than 375,000 square feet, more than 2 acres of outdoor visitor areas and completely reimagined exhibits. The building’s new architecture was inspired by the geological history of Northeast Ohio, with flowing white forms paying homage to the glaciers that carved the Great Lakes.

These design choices – architecture in service of science – reflect the museum’s mission and provide visitors with even more opportunites to connect with nature. Reconceptualized exhibits aim to put the visitor at the center of the experience – prioritzing relevance and encouraging all audiences to deepen their connection to science and the natural world. Through engaging case studies, immersive experiences and hands-on interactives, the new exhibits highlight how all living things are connected, emphasizing the interdependence of human health and the health of our planet.

Casey Rearick / Casey Rearick Photo

Fli ing a switch can light

up any home

By Noell Wolfgram Evans

Regardless of the size of a home or where it is located, there are some common actions every homeowner takes. One of those is simply walking into a room and ipping a light switch. The only real thought that we generally put to this process is when the light doesn’t turn on and we have to try and remember if we have bulbs and where they are. But local lighting experts suggest that we should be giving more thought and attention to what is really one of the central features of a home.

Christopher G. Axelrod, owner of Christopher’s Chandelier Conservation, explains that updated lighting can help to modernize a home both from an energy e ciency standpoint and an aesthetic one.

“There is so much more available today in terms of lighting e ciency,” Axelrod says.

House of Lights president Mark Dymidowski says, “Everything in lighting is energy e cient today, so changing out your older xtures is going to save you money in the long term.”

New lights = new room

From a design and aesthetic standpoint, Axlerod says, “Room styles change and new lighting is a great way to keep rooms up-todate.”

Dymidowski shared how those changing styles can quickly date your space.

“Twenty years ago, the trend for everything was polished brass,” he recalls. “Today, we’re seeing a lot more mixed metal nishes. Black and gold. Everything is black and gold. And if it’s not, it’s all clear glass which is back in a big way.”

The trends have changed not just in overall styles, but for speci c spaces in the home as well. As an example, Dymidowski shares that a popular trend used to be to hang two large pendants over a kitchen island but that’s changed today to three mini-pendants.

Axelrod suggests a homeowner should personalize those changing trends and take them even farther.

“It can be cool as hell to add a small chandelier to a kitchen or room where there are recessed lights,” he says. “It’s not going to change the lighting of the room, but it’s a great way to make a statement.”

Other popular trends include xtures with exposed bulbs and going big by making a lighting xture a centerpiece.

Technology also continues to drive how we light our homes. Smart lighting encapsulates everything from smart phone apps that enable you to control lights from your phone to the use of whole room sensors that turn lights on and o depending on if someone is in the room.

Smart lighting can be particularly helpful as a security tool. If you have to work late or are out of town, you can simulate activity in the home by turning lights on and o wherever you are. While timers can do this too, smart lighting takes away the regularity of an “always on at 7 p.m. timer” which can be less of a deterrent and more of a tipo to potential thieves.

Brighten your bank account

Upgrades will not only brighten up a space, they could also brighten up your bank account.

“By giving your space a more modern look and feel, you’re also enhancing the overall value of the home,” Dymidowski says.

And you can see more immediate savings in your electric bill due to the energy e ciency of LED lights.

In addition to savings, LEDs provide homeowners with greater control over their lighting. Lighting options used to just be about brightness levels.

“Now,” Dymidowski points out, “You can choose warm (lighting) tones or cool tones or go with a bright white light.”

What’s the “right” light?

There is a level of deliberate thought that needs to go into upgrading light xtures. While every home’s “right” light xture plan is di erent, there is a common thread across them – the lights should compliment a room. Axelrod cautions though that you shouldn’t sacri ce personality when making your lighting choices. He quotes

the late interior designer Billy Baldwin, “The di erence between a good room and a great room is guts.” To illustrate this point he shared that he was called to a home several years ago to perform what he assumed would be a chandelier repair. Instead the homeowner has other plans. They wanted the chandelier to be painted pink.

“I loved it,” Axelrod exclaims. “When it comes to lighting, don’t restrict yourself. Have fun.”

Giving old memories a new life

Axelrod says sometimes getting new lights doesn’t mean “new” lights.

“I talk to people all the time, who have had a xture like a chandelier in the basement,” he says. “It might have been a wedding gift for a grandparent or has some other family history, and they want to get it restored and make it part of the home again.”

“While we can, and do, that, and it’s incredible to see the reactions of a family when a chandelier is restored, there are also opportunities to take this chandelier and do something funky with it. Light xtures are a great way to re ect the personality of the homeowner.”

Lighting, especially statement xtures like a chandelier, can quickly set the tone when a person enters a room. Axelrod explained that “... lighting, and especially chandeliers, are great ways to really make a strong rst impression. Especially for people who do a lot of entertaining. When people walk into a room one of the rst things they do is look up at a chandelier. How it is maintained is an indicator of what to expect at the house.”

Outdoor installations

When we think of lighting we often think indoor but there are opportunities outside as well. Security lights with automatic sensors can easily be placed in strategic places outside the home. The only caution with those is making sure their beams stay directed and don’t spread out into the neighbor’s windows.

Another nice outside addition can be ambient lighting. There are a number of options that can t any space.

• If you have a larger outdoor patio you can install permanent lights that are tied into your existing electrical lines.

• For smaller spaces you might consider temporary seasonal, solar powered lighting.

• If you just have a small, free-standing pergola then you might want to look into hanging lights that can be plugged into an external outlet and connected to a timer.

What you need to know

If you are looking to change your lighting xtures Dymidowski suggests gathering some measurements before heading out.

“Knowing the ceiling height of a room is very important. Also if there’s any lighting that’s going to be over a table or an island knowing the width of that can be very helpful.”

While a lighting expert can walk you through the process and help you nd your perfect xtures, Dymidowski says that if you see something you love, bring a picture of that along as “It can be a helpful starting place.” sj

Noell Wolfgram Evans is a freelance journalist.

Top: Master associate Chris Harvan, left, and Christopher G. Axelrod. Bottom: Updated lighting can help to modernize a home both from an energy e ciency standpoint and an aesthetic one. Courtesy Christopher’s Chandelier Conservation

Let Your Light Shine

Temple Israel Ner Tami d offersopportunities for young peopleto make a difference in the world.

Whether it’s making 150+ PB&J sandwiches every Friday night and delivering them to Cleveland’s homeless…sending teddy bears to children in crisis in Ukraine and Israel… or helping hurricanestricken congregations in North Carolina at TINT, we don’t just talk tikkun olam, we do it.

Share your desire to practice tzedakah with a congregation that doesn’t wait to be asked for help. We invite you to join us every Friday night at 7:30 p.m. for Shabbat services , Oneg and community.

Temple Israel Ner Tamid

Matthew Eisenberg, Rabbi 1732 Lander Road, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124  440-473-5120 tint@tintcleveland.org  Visit our website: tintcleveland.org

TINT where the Rabbi knows your name.

U.S. WALLCOVERING CAN MAKE YOUR WALLS POP WITH WALLPAPER

Jstyle Sta

Where once there were over 200 wallpaper factories in the U.S., there are only three left, Gary Levine, owner/manager of U.S. Wallcovering in North Olmsted, says.

“If you would ask me a couple years ago, ‘is it going to be as big as it once was,’ I would have said, ‘probably not,’” Levine says. “Today, the demand for the product is just incredible, because they’re turning out wonderful patterns.

Levine says that to meet demand, he is importing wallcovering directly from factories in the U.S., England, France, Belgium and Italy to stock his store with over 4,000 patterns to choose from.

From left, Gary Levine, third-generation owner/manager of U.S. Wallcovering, with his grandfather, Abraham Levine, father, I.H. Levine and, front, his brother, Bob Levine. Photos courtesy U.S. Wallcovering

“(The wallcovering just adds) so much more interest to a room, and it’s as scrubbable as the best paints,” Levine says. “So durability is paramount, and (if) you want to add interest to a room, and that’s what’s driving the industry right now, patterns just add so much interest.”

U.S. Wallcovering, one of the largest wallcovering dealers with some of the largest stock in the U.S., is 120 years old, Levine says. It was founded by Levine’s grandfather, Abraham Levine, in 1905, and Levine has been with the company for 62 years. The showroom is open twice a week, on Mondays and Saturdays, but the store ships items six days a week to places around the world, Levine says. Because there are so few wallcovering showrooms around, customers visit from Pennsylvania, Michigan and even Ontario, Levine says.

During the heyday of wallpaper in the 1990s, Gary Levine and his brother, Bob Levine, owned six wallpaper stores throughout the Cleveland area.

Levine says wallcovering has survived other fads used to decorate walls.

“When a person uses wall covering, they just so appreciate the e ect that it’ll go to enhance rooms,” Levine says. “Then even when wallcovering wasn’t that popular, we were always busy, but it really was the way to go in the (1960s through 1990s). And then for a while, people were using the faux painting (method to decorate walls). Well that dried completely out, and now people are back into wallcovering, and the selection today is just amazing.”

Some people visit U.S. Wallcovering with themselves or a designer, Levine says, adding that today’s use of wallcovering is likely due to people “getting tired” of having “plain painted” walls.

Levine says wallcovering can be installed in just about any room, but it depends on the type of material of the wallcovering.

“The only ones that I wouldn’t use in a kitchen or a bathroom would be things like grass cloth or fabrics that can’t be scrubbed,” Levine says. “But if a bathroom is not something where you’re going to have a lot of guests and or a lot of kids

that might mark up the walls, it can be used in those rooms.

Levine says that people who enter the store with an idea of what they are looking for sometimes change their minds because they see other patterns in the store that may be more suitable for their spaces. Stopping by in person also allows the customer to feel textures.

“They come in with an idea of using something very small, very soft in a small room, and they’re (ending up) using things that are more dramatic that actually add so much interest to the rooms, as opposed to something very plain,” Levine says.

He says he is able to keep costs down from purchasing stock directly from factories, even though tari s have caused factory prices around the globe to increase.

Once a customer selects a pattern and provides measurements, Levine says he is able to quote the customer on how many rolls are needed to complete the job and that the store will not charge for returns

of unused rolls, which is not the case if purchasing from him online or from anywhere else online, that he is aware of.

When it comes to installing wallpaper, drywall primer, also sold at the store, is key, Levine says.

“The most important thing, if it’s new drywall, you’ve got to prime the wall with a good primer. OK, so when you want to take the paper down, you don’t destroy the drywall. Now, so often, a builder will not use a real good primer, and that’s what’s caused problems in the past. Well, now the word is out there that a good primer is supposed to be used and removing paper, re-papering is no longer a problem, as long as the walls are properly primed,” Levine says, adding that there are ways to correct the damage.

Levine can help instruct homeowners on how to install wallpaper properly or, if they prefer, he can refer them to quality installers, he says.

“I love putting a wallcovering in my house,” he says. “I change things all the time. I could never do it professionally,

Customers can peruse the volumes of wallcovering books available at the showroom.

Wallcovering or wallpaper – what are they?

The terms are interchangeable. Wallcovering is a little broader and allows for di erent types of substrates like grasscloth, which is technically not paper and papers today are frequently vinyl-coated and not just “paper.” Decorators are more likely to use the term wallcovering because in some instances a wallcovering is fabric and/or can include additional elements such as sand or crystals.

Wallcovering and wallpaper have been in use for centuries. Originally limited to custom products designed for the palaces of kings and emperors, the bourgeois class gradually adopted the habit of covering their walls with fabric or paper products to add interest and warmth in a literal and gurative sense. The earliest wallpapers were handblocked prints and costly. Eventually, with the advent of printing presses, wallpaper could be mass produced and the audience grew until wallpaper achieved a cult status position.

Wallpaper has played a unique position in many cultures. For example, wallpaper is commonly used in Scandinavian countries to provide cheery colors during the long, dark winters.

SOURCE: U.S. Wallcovering

because I go so slowly. But when I do it (it’s) absolutely perfect, and my customers are getting the same results. I get them in the mode where they’re going for perfection. They’re not in a rush. I don’t tell them they can do it in two hours. I’ll tell them gure a day. So, they’re not thinking that it’s going to be just a quick job. I want them to take their time and strive for perfection. And of course, when a customer gets those results, they’re back for more. So, we have people that are just so pleased with what they’ve accomplished. sj

THE WONDER OF WALPAPER EVERYTHING YOU NEED TO KNOW

AND MORE

Jstyle recently spoke with Gary Levine, owner/ manager of U.S. Wallcovering in North Olmsted, about the costs, popularity and his advice on when to use wallpaper.

JSTYLE: Why is wallpaper coming back in style?

LEVINE: If you have asked me as little as three years ago will wallpaper ever be as popular today as it was 20 to 30 years ago, I would have said probably not. Today, the interest and demand by the younger generation is so great that I expect the popularity of wallpaper will be as great as it was in the past with a broader demographic base.

JSTYLE: When was it popular?

LEVINE: Wallpaper was popular 20 to 30 years ago.

JSTYLE: When did it go out of style and why?

LEVINE: Wallpaper went out of style 20 years ago when a new craze – faux painting – was promoted by the home shows. A homeowner could take a sponge or tools and create textures. The interest in that technique ended abruptly four to ve years ago when consumers realized it was too random a process and led to imperfect results and did not add warmth or texture to a room.

JSTYLE: What rooms are best for wallpaper?

LEVINE: Wallcovering will add interest to any room. Use it to great e ect in a powder room, living room, kitchen, dining room, home o ce, entranceway,

Gary Levine, owner/manager of U.S. Wallcovering

Wallpaper trend

Over the years, patterns have evolved from formal damasks and classical stripes to Laura Ashley and Waverly florals to William Morris inspired arts and crafts patterns to the contemporary styles of today which frequently include metallic, crystal and sand surface additives. U.S. Wallcovering offers these new wallcovering trends to help consumers in their decorating process.

• Grasscloth – a natural product that is a renewable resource and uses ecologically-minded elements in the printing process.

• Swedish modern patterns are the newest rage, especially the designs offered by Rifle. The designs are whimsical and colorful and resemble arts and crafts patterns but with a modern touch.

• Decorate a feature wall, or walls, with wallpaper rather than an entire room.

• Use wallpaper in unique ways – cover a refrigerator or lampshade, book covers, notecards, crafts, wrapping paper, stair risers, backs of bookcases or shelves, etc.

• Treating the ceiling as a surface to cover with wallpaper. This adds real room interest versus a standard white ceiling. It makes the room come alive.

• There has been an interest in peel-and-stick products, however, it is not recommended as it is difficult to align strips for a seamless look.

• Stone, brick, wood and other natural material wallcoverings, referring to patterns that are made of paper but made to look like natural surfaces.

SOURCE: U.S. Wallcovering

recreation room, library, family room, laundry room, even a garage.

JSTYLE: What patterns are best for each room?

LEVINE: The beauty of wallpaper is that there is such a color and design range that it is always possible to find just the right pattern for a particular decor. Some placements are counterintuitive – for example, one would think a dark color wallpaper should not be used in a small space because it would make the space look smaller but the opposite is true – a dark color in a powder room will add drama and interest and enlarge the space. Traditionally, florals were reserved for bedrooms and stripes for living rooms and damask for dining rooms but there is no right or wrong with wallpaper design placement.

JSTYLE: How do you prepare a wall for wallpaper?

LEVINE: The wall should be primed with a good primer or a good quality satin or flat paint. If there is a good quality satin or flat paint already on the walls, and the walls are smooth, there is no need to prime or repaint the walls. If the walls are not smooth, we offer a product that helps prep a smooth surface.

JSTYLE: What are the advantages of wallpaper over paint?

LEVINE: The interest that it adds, the texture, the warmth, the scrubability leading to ease of maintenance plus the vast array of design, color, texture and pattern options.

JSTYLE: What are the costs to wallpaper a room?

LEVINE: If a person provides the size of the room –dimensions and ceiling height plus door, window and other openings, we can provide a calculation of roll requirements. We use a system based on strips, which is far more accurate than just by square footage. We encourage customers to get extra material because there is no restocking charge on in-stock wallpaper and you always want at least an extra roll to ensure there is enough material to complete a job plus some left over for possible future repairs.

Cost will vary by room size, cost of paper selected and any

special room details such as a high-ceiling requiring scaffolding.

A standard 8-by-10 room with 8-foot ceiling height would require 10 single rolls.

Wallpaper prices range from a low of $20 per single roll up to $400 or more per single roll. Some very high-end wallpaper patterns are sold by the foot or yard rather than a roll.

Based on the 8-by10-foot room example requiring 10 single rolls at at $20 per single roll, the total wallpaper cost would be $200.

Adhesive is $25 to $30 per gallon and two gallons would be enough for 10 rolls. We recommend pasting wall and paper so two gallons is a safer quantity, but if only one gallon of adhesive is used, the other gallon can be returned for a full refund.

It is easy to DIY your wallpaper project. We provide instructions – advanced techniques for hanging today’s wallpaper – breaking the process down into simple elements. The process is therapeutic because with instructions customers are successful, love the results and have instant gratification. We can offer the names of recommended installers for customers who would prefer that service. The costs can vary greatly. A baseline for an 8-by-10-foot room is at least $300 for professional installation. Typically, a job is quoted by the job and not by the roll or by the hour. This is good for the customer because you know what the total cost is before the job starts.

JSTYLE: How long does it take to wallpaper a home?

LEVINE: This depends on particulars, such as high ceilings, the need for scaffolding, condition of walls and whether a primer is required, etc. One day per room of standard size is an estimate. The idea is to put yourself in perfectionist mode and take as much time as necessary to do a perfect job.

JSTYLE: What makes a good quality wallpaper?

LEVINE: Today’s materials are exceptionally good from all the factories. Most are strippable and completely scrubable and are designed to last on the wall for many years.

SLEEPING IN STYLE

Bedding can give bedrooms a seasonal spruce-up

By Abigail Preiszig

For over 50 years, Block Bros. At Home in Pepper Pike has assisted customers with creating an at home oasis with more than a dozen brands of sheets, duvet covers, blankets, pillows and more for every season.

With spring in full swing, Carolyne Bloch, the store’s vice president, shares bedding styles to refresh your space and make every day feel like summer vacation.

While luxury is always in style, light and bright is the theme for the warmer months and can be incorporated in playful, sophisticated and elegant ways to suit the needs of any room.

Especially for children, Carolyne Bloch suggests featuring modern geometric patterns in soft, inviting colors. “This bedding adds a playful yet re ned touch to your child’s room while maintaining quality and washable comfort,” she says.

“The pinnacle of luxury, Sferra’s Giza Egyptian Cotton are woven from the world’s nest of Egyptian cotton,” Bloch says. “The process produces an unparallel silky smooth sheet and breathability.” Woven in Italy and available in several woven jacquards and colors, these sheets and duvet covers provide a luxurious spa like experience in the primary bedroom ... plus, they get even softer with every wash.

Edna is the newest print in a lightweight Egyptian cotton percale, Bloch says. It brings an e ortless elegance to any primary or guest bedroom with its delicate nature inspired design with a crisp lightweight feel for year-round comfort. Photos Block Bros. At Home

CLOSET Clutter

By Kirsten Beard

Acloset is more than just a space to store your clothes – it’s a personal sanctuary of organization, style and functionality.

Whether you’re dreaming of a luxurious walk-in with custom shelving or simply looking to maximize space in a smaller area, closet remodeling can transform how you start and end your day. With the right design choices, even the most cluttered spaces can become sleek, e cient and tailored to your lifestyle.

Alexa Fries, marketing manager of California Closets, emphasizes that closet design is not just about storage – it’s about enhancing everyday living.

“We collaborate with our clients to provide the best possible outcome,” Fries tells Jstyle. “In fact, this is part of the California Closets culture and allows our customers to have optimal storage solutions long after the project is complete. We believe in making your home more than just a place – it should be a meaningful source of creativity, comfort and connection.”

Fries says at California Closets the goal is for clients to remain organized through decluttering and encouraging clients to look at the space “as a form of wellness.”

“You work on your physical, mental and emotional well-being, and your home should re ect that growth as well,” she says. “We strive to provide residual meaning in the solution the client designed and joy in the experience of (the) organization long after the install.”

Fries says people contact the company to help solve a problem, whether they are “tired of tripping over their child’s backpack and sports equipment or they want a more comfortable home o ce

space for their hybrid work schedule.

“People want to customize a space that makes those mundane tasks into an enjoyable experience for you and those that surround you,” she says.

Fries says California Closets provides “solutions for the whole home” and can create designs for closets, garages or pantries.

Although closet remodeling isn’t just about function – it’s about style. Fries notes that several design trends are shaping the way people personalize their spaces, including butler pantries, which increase kitchen storage; children’s closets; matte- nished doors and drawers, a stylish upgrade that also resists ngerprints; custom hardware, which provides a unique way to add personality to storage spaces; antimicrobial materials, which are designed to limit germs and promote a cleaner environment; and a pop of color to add interest and vibrancy to the space.

“We nd that people want to enjoy their experience within custom storage, so by adding a touch that is uniquely their own, it adds to the overall design aesthetic,” Fries says.

She says California Closet’s design process begins with a complimentary design consultation to determine a customer’s ideas and desired outcomes.

“Our design process was created to make designing your space a oneon-one experience,” Fries explains. “Everything is custom designed to t your space. Some people want functional and some people focus on the concept of the space. Nothing is too big or too small when determining which places in your home needs a solution.”

While noting most installations are done within a day depending on the size of the project, Fries says California Closets also hires its own installers and designers that work directly for the company – ensuring clients know who they’re working with and welcoming into their home.

Small details are also crucial in the design and outcome of your closet, Fries says. A scarf rack keeps delicate accessories within reach and wrinkle free, while a valet hook is excellent for planning out ts or hanging dry cleaning. A jewelry organizer is convenient for keeping favorite pieces tangle free and easy to nd.

“The small details are not always something you immediately think of when it comes to designing your perfect space, but they can always be the add-on that takes your design to another level,” Fries says.

As a name brand in custom design solutions, California Closets is known for its high-quality custom design solutions, she adds.

“We are a design brand, meaning we collaborate with our clients and provide a high-quality solution to meet their individual needs and budgets,” Fries says. “That doesn’t mean we are expensive, it means there is value in the decisions the client has made for many years to come.”

Whether you’re revamping a closet, upgrading a pantry, or reimagining a home o ce, thoughtful design can make a signi cant di erence. With expert guidance, stylish trends and a focus on both beauty and function, your remodeled space can bring ease, organization and joy into your everyday life. sj

COVER-UP ER- P

REUPHOLSTERY CAN SPARK NEW LIFE IN SENTIMENTAL FURNITURE

Almost anything can be reupholstered, from boats to cars to furniture, says Luke Ciancibello, owner of Schultz Upholstery in Willoughby.

“The bread and butter of our business is high-end vintage furniture that people try to keep – heirloom-type pieces that people like to pass down from generations or of family members that passed away – and they have beautiful antique furniture that we completely restore and reupholster, Ciancibello, the owner of Shultz Upholstery, says.

Ciancibello, a third generation owner of Schultz Upholstery, took over the business from his father. His grandfather purchased the store at Noble and May eld roads from Elmer Schultz in 1938 and kept the name, he says. It was passed down to Ciancibello’s father, before he assumed control in 2013.

Ciancibello points out about 75% of the work at his custom upholstery business is replacing damaged or worn furniture fabric.

“If it’s a high-end, quality piece of furniture, it’s worth reupholstering,” Ciancibello says. “If it’s a good, quality piece, it’s a hardwood piece, it’s constructed well, then it’s de nitely worth getting reupholstered versus (furniture made from) particle board or press wood or a less expensive piece ... So, if it’s

basically good, quality, hardwood, well-constructed, 30-plusyears old and good quality.”

According to Ciancibello, 10% to 15% of customers hire a designer, while most others bring in ideas they saw on apps like Pinterest.

If someone does not have a designer, they can visit the showroom and speak with him about options, including the type of fabric for the speci c furniture, Ciancibello says.

The Shultz Upholstery showroom on Vine Street houses roughly 20,000 fabrics to choose from, from decorative, textured and outdoor fabrics to classic tapestries and marine vinyls – for boats, Ciancibello says. The most common indoor fabric is made from polyester or nylon, he says.

“If you can’t nd it here, you’re not going to nd it anywhere,” Ciancibello points out. “And what’s good about the showroom and having this large volume of samples is the customer could put their hands on it. They could physically see it if they’re not selecting something from an online fabric retailer, or the color variation could be very di erent once it’s ordered and received.”

Carefully selecting a fabric in person can lead to happier customers because they can experience the quality, color and durability of the fabric, Ciancibello says.

In the rare instance there is an issue with the fabric –something he says has happened twice in 13 years – Schultz Upholstery will try to work with and help the client, something an online merchant may not be able to do, he says.

Once a quote is given and fabric is chosen, Schultz Upholstery

Jstyle Sta

Ciancibello

will pick up the furniture and deliver the nished pieces, Ciancibello says.

“I think the most important thing is to purchase a fabric for the piece that’s suitable for its use,” Ciancibello suggests.

Each fabric is rated by durability and recommends a durable, pre-treated fabric for high-tra c areas and especially in households with children or pets, he says. However, he suggests the option of softer, more delicate fabric, such as velvet or silk, for antique or decorative furniture – such as accent chairs – that will be used less or be on display.

“You know, you wouldn’t want a customer to select a silk or a velvet for the theater room. It’s just not going to hold up,” he says.

While most of his work on-site is for reupholstery, Ciancibello also upholsters custom furniture, he says. He will contract out the framing of a custom piece, like a plush headboard, home movie theater seating or kitchen banquette.

And while the cost of projects vary, customers can call and then text a photo of their furniture with an idea of style and Schultz Upholstry will provide a quote on labor wtih fabric they would need, if move forward schedule showroom visit, work with them and schedule pickup.

Ciancibello says an original piece with framing takes about ve to six months to make, whereas upholstery for an antique sofa or for chairs can take about four weeks, give or take, but it all depends on his customers’ needs.

“If restaurant booths are reupholstered, they can be done pretty quickly,” Ciancibello says.

Twenty percent of his business is commercial work, and he has upholstered furniture at The Metropolitan at The 9 and Case Western Reserve University, both in Cleveland, and Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, he says.

Spring is here, and people may start to focus on their outdoor furniture, for which Ciancibello sells about 2,000 types of fabric.

“This is the time when people will start pulling their cushions out for their outdoor furniture and realize it was damaged, or it was wet and stored wet, and now it’s moldy or an animal got to it,”

Ciancibello says. “Those generally they want turned around pretty quickly because we don’t have a long season of outdoor time. So people will start realizing they’ll need to get those reupholstered and replaced. And you know, if someone were to come in now, they would hope to have it the rst week of May. That is a pretty tight schedule for us, but you know, we do our best to get those back to them as soon as we can so they can enjoy the outdoors.”

Ciancibello says he has a handful of employees and will sometimes work on projects with them, when he is not busy focusing on the business’ operations. While all seasons are busy, the busiest season is fall, when families begin to prepare their homes for the upcoming holidays, he says. sj

Opposite page: Custom home movie theater seating visions come to life with durable chenille fabric upholstered by Schultz Upholstry.

Top right: Almost anything can be reupholstered says Luke Ciancibello, owner of Schultz Upholstery in Willoughby, who reupholstered this antique car.

Right: Schultz Upholstery primarily restores and reupholsters furniture, like this wooden chair with colorful bird print.

Photos courtesy Schultz Upholstery

Cleveland Restaurant Management Group focuses on growth across Greater Cleveland

Delis, diners, pizza, pancakes and more land on the menu

By Lydia Kacala

With 14 restaurants under its umbrella across Greater Cleveland, including the newly opened Capriccio’s at 28020 Miles Road in Solon, Cleveland Restaurant Management Group may seem as though it can’t get any bigger. However, the restaurant group is planning to continue its growth with restaurants opening throughout 2025.

While dates have not been announced for its upcoming openings, Cleveland Restaurant Management group will open Original Pancake House and Capriccio’s, both in Strongsville, and Rewind Diner in Brooklyn, along with ve more yet-to-beannounced restaurants before the year’s end.

Cleveland Restaurant Management Group began acquiring restaurants in October 2021, about one year after Marc Glassman brought Paul Tomko aboard, says Tomko, who works with the restaurant group’s revenue streams.

“I did it because he gave me an opportunity that no one else ever would give me, so I always say if he were to decide that he wanted to build shoe strings or make tennis shoes that I would do that,” Tomko says. “So, mine is not necessarily loyal to the restaurant, but to

the man.”

Tomko says he rst met Glassman in 1989 when he started working at Marc’s in North Olmsted. The pair picked up their professional relationship in 2020 after Tomko was released from prison.

“I’ve known Marc for pretty much my entire life,” Tomko says. “... After my brief time out, Marc was very, very forthcoming and very righteous and gave me another opportunity. So, that’s how my restaurant

career started with Marc. I’ve owned several restaurants in the past. I was a college professor at Tri-C (Cuyahoga Community College) and Cleveland State (University), and so I was just hard on my luck and he just gave me a chance.”

Glassman hired Tomko to build kitchen cabinets when he was released, and as he gained more permissions in his halfway house, Glassman o ered him more responsibilities. Tomko began working at

The team behind Cleveland Restaurant Management Group in front of the Capriccio’s sign at 28020 Miles Rd. in Solon. The new restaurant, serving housemade pasta, soup, salad, pizza and more, opened March 3. Photos courtesy Cleveland Restaurant Management Group / Jeremy Kumin

Lopez 44 is at 44 N. Main St. in Chagrin Falls, the former site of Flip Side.

The Cleveland Corned Beef Co., which is now closed, and was eventually asked to buy supplies, such as jellies, for Adam’s Place at 681 E. 200th St. in Euclid and to help make the line more e cient at the Italian Village at 16605 Pearl Road in Strongsville, which is currently closed for renovations, Tomko says.

As Tomko gained more responsibility and stepped into more of a consultant role, he learned more about Glassman’s philosophy when it comes to acquiring and operating restaurants – nd and embrace restaurants that have “magic,” he says.

“We just bought these magical restaurants that had these stellar reputations, and whether it be Jack’s or Victoria’s or Eat at Joe’s,” Tomko says. “Our goal wasn’t to change anything. It was to embrace what the legacy and the heritage was from all of these di erent restaurants and tried to preserve them, so the patrons and all the people were able to get exactly what they expect, and in some cases try to make it a little bit better.”

When Tomko was working at Fisher’s American Tavern, which is now occupied by the restaurant group’s Capriccio’s, he learned about the potential closure of Victoria’s Deli & Restaurant at 6779 Ames Road in Parma from Scott Fisher, the owner of then-Fisher’s American Tavern, he says. Tomko asked for the owner’s number, and in his meeting with Glassman the next morning, shared it with him.

Tomko and Glassman approached the owner about buying the restaurant, and after some back and forth, they reached an agreement, he says.

“That was on a Thursday, and she was going to close her restaurant that Monday,” Tomko says. “So, he essentially saved that restaurant from being closed.”

Over time, Tomko began using his academic knowledge in his work with the restaurant group, applying economies of scale, a term used by professionals meaning increasing production while decreasing per-unit production costs can lead to a more e cient production, he says.

Tomko says Cleveland Restaurant Management Group operates on a

business model of acquiring restaurants, doing “right” by them and giving “our best e ort” to help the business be successful. While the group works to encourage success, it isn’t afraid to try new things, fail and try again.

“The model itself, I think, is ever changing,” Tomko says. “It’s always morphing into something di erent. It’s constantly moving.”

Employing over 300 people, some employees work at multiple restaurants managed by the group, he says. However, it’s important that no matter which restaurant a customer may be dining at, they should feel welcomed and wanted.

“No matter if you’re at OddFellows

eating a ve-star dinner or you’re

Eat at Joe’s having an omelet, every customer should feel exactly the same,” he says. “You should feel welcomed, you should feel like you belong there, like you want to be there and you should feel comfortable.”

Tomko says the group tries to “spread the goodwill” and “good human nature” throughout its restaurants, which is, in part, what draws everyone together.

“That’s what really draws us all together because we have all these di erent concepts, but the common theme is that every one of these employees care so deeply about what they do,” he says.

The shared love for the restaurant business and experience the employees

The table is set at OddFellows at 16 N. Main St. in Chagrin Falls.

“ ”

No matter if you’re at OddFellows eating a ﬁve-star dinner or you’re at Eat at Joe’s having an omelet, every customer should feel exactly the same. You should feel welcomed, you should feel like you belong there, like you want to be there and you should feel comfortable.

Paul

Tomko

Cleveland Restaurant Management Group

have also lends itself to collaboration among team members. Before opening a new restaurant or acquiring an already-established restaurant, Cleveland Restaurant Management Group will host meetings that sometimes involved 20 people or more, during which Tomko asks each person to share their perspectives on whatever the decision before them may be, he says. A recent example is the development and opening of Capriccio’s, where the restaurant group hosted between 40 and 50 group virtual meetings for “months before” the restaurant was ready to open, he says.

“We have so many di erent customers and so many di erent types of people that come into our restaurants, that when we want to build a restaurant or we want to buy a restaurant, I just think we want to know as much as we can before we get into it,” Tomko says. “What is the best way or what do we collectively think is going to be best for the neighborhood, or for the employees, or for whom ever. I rmly believe that a team makes better decisions than any one or two individuals. So, I guess I really strive for that. A lot of people say that I’m too transparent, but I just I really value everyone’s opinion.

In its growth, Cleveland Restaurant Management group has brought on Brad Friedlander and Michael DuBois to aid in creating brands for the restaurant group, Tomko says.

Friedlander and DuBois, along with other people that work with the restaurant group, develop new restaurants and “at some point” Cleveland Restaurant Management Group will add them to their management portfolio, allowing the cycle to begin again, he says.

“Now, we have two avenues in which we acquire restaurants,” he says. “So now, because of Brad and Michael, we can build concepts and build brands and build our own magic, and now we have our own magicians. We are still interested in buying restaurants that already have established magic and revenue stream and loyal customers.” sj

Customers can order chips and guacamole at Lopez 44 at 44 N. Main St. in Chagrin Falls.

Patrons can order avocado toast at OddFellows at 16 N. Main St. in Chagrin Falls.

WHO’S ON THE CRMG MENU

Adam’s Place

Address: 681 E. 200th St., Euclid

Hours: 7 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily

Contact Info: 216-531-9681, apr@cle-restaurants.com

Website: adamsplaceeuclid.com

Social Media: Adam’s Place Restaurant on Facebook

Price Range: $10-$15

Menu Offerings: Omelets, burgers, soup, salad, sandwiches and more

Angela Mia Express

Address: 683 E. 200th St., Euclid

Hours: Monday through Saturday 11 a.m. to 8 p.m., closed Sunday

Contact Info: 216-452-7100, amp-e@cle-restaurants.com

Website: angelamiapizzaeuclid.com

Social Media: @angelamiapizza on Instagram

Price Range: $10-$30

Menu Offerings: Pizza, chicken and more

Angela Mia Pizza

Address: 15811 Euclid Ave., East Cleveland

Hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday, 1 to 8 p.m. Sunday

Contact Info: 26-851-445, amp-ec@cle-restaurants.com

Website: angelamiapizza.com

Social Media: Angela Mia Pizza on Facebook, @angelamiapizza on Instagram

Price Range: $10-$50

Menu Offerings: Pizza, pasta, sandwiches, wings and more

Capriccio’s

Address: 28020 Miles Road, Solon

Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday Contact Info: 440-349-3736, cap@cle-restaurants.com

Website: capricciosofsolon.com

Social Media: Capriccio’s Cleveland on Facebook, @capriccioscleveland on Instagram

Price Range: $10-$40

Menu Offerings: Housemade pasta, soup, salad, pizza and more

Chicago Deli & Grill

Address: 34390 Aurora Road, Solon Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. daily Contact Info: 440-248-8018, cdg@cle-restaurants.com

Website: chicagodelisolon.com

Social Media: Chicago Deli & Restaurant Solon on Facebook

Price Range: $10-$20

Menu Offerings: Pancakes, omelets, sandwiches, salads, burgers and more

D’Italia Foods

Address: 26285 Detroit Road, Westlake

Hours: 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, closed Sunday

Contact Info: 440-871-0887, dif-w@cle-restaurants.com

Website: ditaliafoodswestlake.com

Social Media: D’Italia Foods Westlake on Facebook

Price Range: $10-$20

Menu Offerings: Salads, sandwiches, pasta and more

Eat at Joe’s

Address: 1475 S. Green Road, South Euclid Hours: 6:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday Contact Info: 216-381-3101, eaj@cle-restaurants.com

Website: eatatjoescleveland.com

Social Media: Eat at Joe’s on Facebook

Price Range: $10-$20

Menu Offerings: Waffles, pancakes, eggs, burgers, salads and more

Jack’s Deli & Restaurant

Address: 14490 Cedar Road, University Heights Hours: 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Sunday Contact Info: 216-382-5350, jdr@cle-restaurants.com

Website: jacksdeliandrestaurant.com

Social Media: Jack’s Deli & Restaurant on Facebook

Price Range: $10-$30

Menu Offerings: Soups, salads, sandwiches, corned beef, desserts and more

Lopez 44

Address: 44 N. Main St., Chagrin Falls

Hours: 4 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 4 to 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, closed Sunday Contact Info: 440-468-0310, lpz@cle-restaurants.com

Website: lopez44.com

Social Media: Lopez Chagrin on Facebook, @lopezchagrin on Instagram

Price Range: $20-$40

Menu Offerings: Soup, salads, street tacos, quesadillas and more

Manhattan Deli Bar & Grille

Address: 34601 Ridge Road, Willoughby Hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. Sunday

Contact Info: 440-585-1177

Website: mymanhattandeli.com

Social Media: Manhattan Deli Bar & Grille on Facebook, @manhattandelibargrille on Instagram

Price Range: $10-$20

Menu Offerings: Wings, pizza, sandwiches, soups and more

OddFellows

Address: 16 N. Main St., Chagrin Falls

Hours: 11:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. Monday through Friday for lunch, 4:30 to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 4:30 to 10 p.m. Friay and Saturday for dinner, and 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday and Sunday for brunch

Contact Info: 440-600-7770, odf@cle-restaurants.com

Website: 2oddfellows.com

Social Media: 2Oddfellows on Facebook, @oddfellowsrestaurant on Instagram

Price Range: $15-$60

Menu Offerings: Salads, fish, cocktails and more

The Original Pancake House

Fairview Park

Address: 3000 Westgate Mall Drive, Fairview Park

Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily

Contact Info: 440-333-5515, oph-fp@cle-restaurants.com

Website: originalpancakehousecleveland.com

Social Media: Original Pancake House on Facebook

Price Range: $10-$20

Menu Offerings: Omelets, pancakes, crepes, waffles, sandwiches and more

The Original Pancake House

Woodmere

Address: 28700 Chagrin Blvd., Woodmere Hours: 7:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. daily

Contact Info: 216-292-7777, oph-w@cle-restaurants.com

Website: originalpancakehousewoodmere.com

Social Media: Original Pancake House on Facebook

Price Range: $10-$20

Menu Offerings: Omelets, pancakes, crepes, waffles, sandwiches and more

Victoria’s Deli & Restaurant

Address: 6779 Ames Road, Parma

Hours: 8 a.m. to 2:30 p.m. daily

Contact Info: 440-845-8922, vdr@cle-restaurants.com

Website: victoriasdeliandrestaurant.com

Social Media: Victoria’s Deli and Restaurant on Facebook

Price Range: $10-$20

Menu Offerings: Sandwiches, burgers, omelets and more

SOURCE: Race Depenti from CRMG and individual restaurant websites

While dates have not been announced for its upcoming openings, Cleveland Restaurant Management group will open Original Pancake House and Capriccio’s, both in Strongsville, and Rewind Diner in Brooklyn, along with five more yet-to-be announced restaurants before the year’s end.

Locking Into True Love

Attorney Heidi Friedman writes a book of ‘love lessons’

By Carlo Wol

Five years after her divorce, Heidi Friedman found herself searching for true love yet again, sounding out friends and family for ways to secure that desired state, and dating with various degrees of satisfaction. As a partner in the Cleveland law rm Thompson Hine, Friedman travels a lot, which gave her time to look over notes she’d made of discussions with friends about various aspects of love. While the subject proved elusive, over time, certain themes she’d explored in her research into true love began to come clear: ease in the relationship, physical attraction, shared notions of trust and balance, feeling safe – a general sense

that true love is a meeting of not only our minds and bodies but of our best selves.

Friedman digs deeply and honestly into these themes, and the journey she took that led her to her second husband, Will Friedman, in the recently published “Love Lessons: 104 Dates and the Stories that Led Me to True Love.” Her slim, absorbing book is part memoir, part advice column, part social history. Friedman’s voice – sympathetic, candid, funny, yet never mawkish – is clear and distinctive.

A self-styled “serial overanalyzer,” Friedman wrote the rst eight chapters of her rst book in 2010, distilling wisdom she had gleaned from conversations she’d had with 52 people. She put the project aside when life got in her way as she raised two children and maintained a busy work schedule, returning to it last year to nish it with input from six more sources. Those six, interviewed in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, led to “Love’s Lessons Learned,” the last part of the book – and the last part she wrote. Friedman had more material than she needed. Other factoids about her book: Everybody she approached wanted to talk about true love, and nobody claimed to have found true love at rst sight.

Get out there

The key to nding true love is to put yourself into circulation, to be open-minded, and to be exible, Friedman advises.

“I think that we have ideas of what

we want in our head, and they don’t always match up with what we need,” Friedman said in a recent interview at the Cleveland Heights mansion she shares with her husband and their dog, Felix. “I also feel that sometimes people don’t put themselves out there enough. So the one thing I do is when I meet somebody at a cocktail party and they say they’re single, I say, ‘Are you dating?’ And they’ll say, ‘Well, not really.’”

Which prompts her to ask whether they’re searching for true love by using apps (which she recommends) and participating in organizations like Cleveland Yoga, a group Friedman joined where she befriended a woman who xed her up with Will, who would become her husband and her rst true love. Will Friedman is semiretired; he was president and CEO of the Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Port Authority from 2010 until the end of last year, when he left the post following a contract dispute.

If somebody tells her they work at home and don’t get out much, Friedman asks, “Are you going to marry the UPS driver? Because no one’s going to just show up and knock at your door. And so my whole thing is sometimes I think people wait for it to happen without doing something to make it happen, which is true about life. Half of it is showing up.”

Staying on track

A native of South Euclid, this petite dynamo graduated from Brush High School in Lyndhurst and earned summa cum laude law degrees from Case Western Reserve University School of Law in Cleveland and The Ohio State University in Columbus. In her 30th year at Thompson Hine, Friedman leads a “very large environmental practice,”

If somebody tells her they work at home and don’t get out much, Friedman asks, “Are you going to marry the UPS driver? Because no one’s going to just show up and knock at your door. And so my whole thing is sometimes I think people wait for it to happen without doing something to make it happen, which is true about life. Half of it is showing up.”

HEIDI FRIEDMAN

and, armed with a certi cate in environmental, social and governance practice from UC Berkeley Executive Education, helps companies deal “mostly with things like greenhouse gas, emissions, diversity, all the things that are in ux and being challenged right now,” she says.

“My specialty is actually serving as national counsel for large companies, doing all of their environmental health and safety across the country,” Friedman says. “We do all of their permitting, all of their remediation projects, all of their audits.”

Friedman brings the tenacity she displays in the courtroom to her work de ning, nding and practicing true love.

“Overthinking is my curse and my superpower,” she writes on Page 61 of her book.

“If you ask me a question, or present me with a problem,” she says, “I will not stop thinking about it until I solve it …

I’m very good at taking on everyone’s problems and trying to gure out how to solve them, but in my work, I do my best job by preventing things from happening for clients in the future.

So I’m always trying to think ahead to mitigate risk for them.”

As her book was taking shape, Friedman said, she was

analyzing what love looks like “from a very theoretical perspective,” asking a lot of di erent people, ‘What does true love look like for you? How did you know it was your person?’ Because for me, I’m a very black-or-white person; usually it’s either yes or no, and I was looking for the answer. And instead, I found themes that were woven through all these answers that I talk about in the book that really seemed applicable to anyone or everyone, no matter who you love. And it allowed me to understand that it’s probably just as much a feeling as it is a de nitive something you can put your nger on.”

Friedman interviewed all kinds, mostly individually: men and women, same-sex couples, people in their twenties to people in their sixties, including her parents, true-love role models for her. She did not interview trans people when she was writing the rst part of the book, but noted that her daughter is genderuid and “moving on the trans scale.”

“Love is love,” Friedman said, “and de nitely my kid has taught me that.”

A wide audience

At women’s conferences she attends, Friedman meets women who “I think focused on their career and didn’t necessarily meet someone and are having trouble.” They nd that her book helps.

“What I didn’t contemplate is it seems to really be touching people who are also married, and I’ve talked

to both men and women who have read it.” A woman who has been married for almost 30 years recently told Friedman her book “really made her re ect in such a good way about her relationship, how the themes apply to her relationship, how she wants to spend more time investing in her relationship, and just generally keeping it in a positive, important place, where it needs to be. But whether you’re single, married, divorced, it seems to be hitting everybody, which has been really great.”

Writing “Love’s Lessons” was cathartic for her, and, she said, she looks forward to writing another book, perhaps with her daughter. “I’m thinking about maybe writing a book about the journey of being a mom to a genderuid child,” she says. “I’m nding that a lot of people are in my similar position and need a little camaraderie and understanding.” sj

HISTORY

Enter the recently transformed museum and you will find reimagined exhibits featuring thousands of examples from its collections of millions of objects and specimens. The transformation features an expanded campus totaling more than 375,000 square feet, more than 2 acres of outdoor visitor areas and completely reimagined exhibits.

Casey Rearick / Casey Rearick Photo

“Looking