Spotlight on Solon, July 2026

SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 1

SPOTLIGHT ON

CJN Photo / Shawna Polster

SOLON A Cleveland Jewish News Advertising Special Section

For community news from Solon, visit cjn.org/solon

JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 2

WELCOME TO

Community Center

Indoor and outdoor pools, gymnasium, jogging track, meeting and banquet rooms, aerobics studio, free weight room, rock climbing wall and a fitness area.

Solon City Schools has consistently ranked as one of the top school districts in Ohio for many years.

Parks & Recreation

10 tennis courts, 4 pickleball courts with 10 more courts on the way, 10 baseball fields, new playground, and a fullsized baseball court. The park is getting updated soon with a new entry pavilion with extra restrooms, a central park area with walking paths, an open-air stage and a classroom for Safety Town, new concession stand and updated volleyball courts and pavilions. Plus, Grantwood Golf Course and 1,200 acres of Cleveland Metroparks.

Solon Business Community Solon is ranked #2 in Best Places to Raise a Family in Cuyahoga County in 2026 by Niche.com

Home to over 900 businesses from global headquarters to our favorite mom-and-pop shops and 60 restaurants that satisfy every craving.

Solon’s economy is perfectly suited for new and expanding businesses.

If you would like to open a business in Solon, contact economicdev@solonohio.org.

Center for the Arts

Classes in theater, art and dance, private music lessons, gallery exhibitions, monthly family and adult events, theatrical and orchestral performances.

Solon Farmers Market

Wednesdays from 4–7 PM (July 8 - September 16) SO L O N O H I O. OR G

Enjoy fresh produce, eggs, meat, baked goods, flowers, and more from local vendors. Held at Bicentennial Park (34045 Bainbridge Road).

SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

3 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | JULY 17, 2026

National council recognizes Solon’s senior preparedness program CASEY COUCH ccouch@cjn.org

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n an effort to ensure that their city’s aging residents are able to feel “safe and sound” in their future preparedness, the Solon Senior Center recently received national recognition for their Safe and Sound program from the National Council on Aging’s National Institute of Senior Centers Social and Support Services as a recipient of a 2026 Program of Excellence Award.

According to Jill Frankel, Solon’s director of senior services, the program provides participants with practical tools, resources and guidance to organize critical information, plan and strengthen personal preparedness.

“It prepares participants for what happens through the journey of aging, as well as for emergencies,” Frankel, who has been in her role for 18 years, told the Cleveland Jewish News.

Each year, NISC evaluates senior center programs across ten categories. This year, only six categories were selected to receive top Program of Excellence awards, placing the Solon Senior Center among just six senior centers nationwide to be recognized.

The Safe and Sound in-person program is held annually as a two-part series, with assistance from the Professional Networking Group, Solon’s police and fire departments, and funding from the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging.

“It provides people with the tools they need to organize themselves and have all of their information readily accessible, as well as what resources they can gather along the way,” Frankel said. “It also provides them with the tools, equipment and information that they need readily available in case of an

emergency.”

Following program completion, participants are sent home equipped with a resource binder and an emergency kit filled with basic supplies recommended by the American Red Cross to have available in case of an emergency situation.

“People sign up to get the kit, but what they find is that they really learn,” Frankel said. “They learn about things that they haven’t thought about or talked about yet, or just how to organize and navigate the maze of the senior services industry.”

Heading into its fifth year, the Safe and Sound program has helped older adults prepare for both expected life transitions and unexpected emergencies. According to Frankel, participant feedback has proven the effectiveness of the program’s curriculum.

“From our evaluations of the program, we already knew that 100% of the people thought about their planning in between the different stages of the program, and that 96% of them reported that they felt safer after going through the program,” she said.

Additionally, all participants reported that they felt valued by their community and local resources.

“We knew anecdotally from people when they’ve used the binder or when we’ve had weather emergencies in Solon,” Frankel said, noting a participant who shared that she was able to listen to a Cleveland Cavaliers basketball game during a power outage thanks to the radio provided to her in her emergency kit.

Another, she said, took their emergency kit and resource binder on a trip with them when they went to stay with their children.

Dianne Stone of the National Council of Aging presents the Program of Excellence Award to Jill Frankel, director of senior services for the city of Solon, and Yvette Hasan, community services manager of the city of Solon. | Submitted photo

“We get those kinds of reports all the time,” Frankel said.

“But it’s wonderful to have people at the peer level, especially nationally, recognize the important components of the program and how we organized it.”

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SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

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JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 4

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SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

5 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | JULY 17, 2026

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Solon’s annual Bike With the Mayor event returns Aug. 16 KATERYNA KOPYLCHAK vsintern@cjn.org

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440.248.2548 ClevelandHomes.com 33610 Solon Rd, Solon, OH 44139

esidents of all ages are invited to explore the city during Solon’s annual Bike With the Mayor event on Aug. 16.

The free community ride will begin at the Solon Senior Center, with participants gathering at 8:30 a.m. before the guided ride starts at 9. A complimentary pancake breakfast will follow for participants.

Bike With the Mayor is part of the Cuyahoga Greenways initiative, a countywide effort to promote safe and accessible biking and walking while connecting residents with local trails, neighborhoods and community leaders.

Katie Holub, special events coordinator for the city of Solon, said the event gives residents an opportunity to learn more about their community while spending time outdoors.

“It’s to learn more about Solon’s rich history, all the businesses and any projects that are going on,” Holub said. “It’s just a wonderful way for us to continue to connect with each other, our neighbors, the community and learn more about each other after we’ve done the bike rides.”

The route is designed for riders of varying experience levels, and organizers encourage participants to inspect their bicycles before the event. Bike officers will accompany the ride, and the city is partnering with Bike Solon to help plan the route.

Holub said Cuyahoga Greenways representatives will also attend to share information about biking initiatives

Solon Mayor Eddy Kraus at a previous Bike With the Mayor event. | Submitted photo across the county.

Bike With the Mayor began in Solon in 2023 and is one of several events held through the Cuyahoga Greenways program, which encourages communities throughout Cuyahoga County to host rides and walks with local elected officials.

Kateryna Kopylckak is the Violet Spevack Editorial Intern at the Cleveland Jewish News.

Solon to host ribbon cutting for new pickleball complex

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he City of Solon is holding a ribbon cutting to celebrate the long-awaited grand opening of its Pickleball Court Complex from 4 to 7 p.m. July 24 at Solon Community Park.

The celebration will launch Solon’s 10 new outdoor pickleball courts, which include two championship courts that are also ADA accessible. Refreshments will be served and community members can take to the courts for open play and games. There will also be a social hour, complete with a DJ providing tunes, and the first 100 players will receive free giveaways.

Solon Community Park is located at 6679 SOM Center Road.

SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 6

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SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

7 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | JULY 17, 2026

Pop-Up in the Park scheduled for Aug. 22 & Craft Shows. ‫ ב”ה‬Art“We’ll have food trucks there,” Holub said. “We’ll have

KATERYNA KOPYLCHAK vsintern@cjn.org

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olon’s annual Pop-Up in the Park will return Aug. 22, offering residents an opportunity to shop from local artisans, crafters and specialty food vendors.

The free event will feature handmade goods, including home decor, jewelry, baked goods, soaps, honey and gifts, along with farmers market vendors and a selection of food trucks. Free parking will be available for attendees.

Katie Holub, Solon’s special events coordinator, said the event is designed to bring the community together while

supporting local businesses.

“We partner with Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows for that,” Holub said. “(Becki Silverstein) is a Solon resident. She does all the selection of vendors.”

Launched in 2011, Avant-Garde Art & Craft Shows organizes events throughout the Midwest featuring local handmade artisans and crafters. A portion of proceeds from its branded events is donated to charities in the communities where the shows are held.

Holub said visitors can expect dozens of vendors and a wide variety of products. Silverstein is owner and founder of Rebecca Adele PR & Events, which puts on Avant-Garde

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tons of little crafters. It’s really just a nice experience. If you’re looking for gifts or anything that’s coming up that’s important in your life, you can go there and shop for local artists and crafters.”

Previous Pop-Up in the Park events have featured up to 50 vendors, showcasing everything from handmade crafts and artwork to specialty foods. Organizers encourage residents to spend the day exploring local businesses, enjoying food trucks and supporting area entrepreneurs.

Kateryna Kopylckak is the Violet Spevack Editorial Intern at the Cleveland Jewish News.

Join the conversation: Mayor to speak Sept. 24 KATERYNA KOPYLCHAK vsintern@cjn.org

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esidents will have an opportunity to hear updates on city projects and discuss local issues during “A Conversation with the Mayor” on Sept. 24 at the Solon Recreation Center.

The event, hosted by Solon Mayor Eddy Kraus, will begin at 6:30 p.m. at the recreation center at 35000 Portz Parkway.

Community members are invited to learn about major city projects, recent accomplishments and priorities for 2027 and beyond.

Katie Holub, Solon’s special events coordinator, said the event gives residents a chance to speak directly with the mayor about topics affecting the community.

“I know he just addresses people’s concerns and things that are going on within our city,” Holub said. “It’s more like one-on-one.”

The conversation is intended to provide updates on the city’s progress while allowing residents to ask questions and share feedback with city leadership.

According to the city, the event is the second community conversation hosted by Kraus this year. Discussions will include current projects, recent accomplishments and future plans for Solon.

The event is free and open to the public. City officials encourage residents to attend, hear about upcoming initiatives and take part in the discussion about the community’s future.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 8

Tickets available now for Solon Comets sports

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ickets are now on sale for the 2026-27 sports season for the Solon Comets.

The district is now offering online athletic passes and reserved seat sales through the district’s ticket portal at solonschools.org/ticketportal. Individual game tickets, and adult and student all-sport passes are also available and can be purchased throughout the year for both passes and reserved seats, according to a news release.

For football games, reserved seat packages are $55 per person, with all seats assigned by row and seat number. Priority purchasing for returning season ticket holders continue through July 28, with general public sales opening July 28 through Aug. 10. Single game reserved seats will also be available for $12 per game during event weeks. The first home varsity football game will be Aug. 21 against the Kenston Bombers.

All-sport passes are offered for two areas: high-school and middle-school events, and middle-school events only. For high-school and middle-school event bundles, admission is $40 for student passes and is valid for all home, regular-season athletic events. Adult passes are $100, also valid for all home, regular-season athletic events. For middle school events only, student passes are $20, and are valid for all middle school home, regular-season events.

Adult passes are $40, also valid for all middle school home, regular-season events.

All passes allow for one admission per event and cannot be used for Suburban League or OHSAA tournaments or playoff games.

For more information, contact the athletic office at 404-349-6244 or Hometown Ticketing at 866-488-4849.

Stay up-to-date on local community news from Solon at cjn.org/solon

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SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

Teen honors late brother by spearheading $100K fundraiser JIMMY OSWALD joswald@cjn.org

Jewish News. “All of his friends and all of our family will tell you that.

And the community was really kind. ailey Zelwin said she and her family often say, No one had to donate or give these ‘Be kind like Cole,’ a way of living that honors her large amounts, but they did. People brother, Cole, who died on May 3, 2023, at the age who I haven’t talked to in a long time of 11 from acute myeloid leukemia. were donating, people my parents The rising sophomore at Solon High School got to see knew were donating, and I got a lot firsthand the kindness of the community after she led a of support from everyone. It helped Student Visionaries of the Year campaign that raised over me connect with the campaign even Cole Zelwin $100,000 for Blood Cancer United to honor Cole. more.”

“The kindness was special for me because Cole was Cailey was honored with the one of the kindest people,” Cailey, 15, told the Cleveland Blood Cancer United Impact Award for her work during a ceremony on May 26 in the Solon High School guidance office. The event was a surprise with her parents, Courtney and Jeremy Zelwin, along with staff members waving pompoms, on hand to cheer her on. Austin Fleischer, campaign development manager for Blood Cancer United, presented the award.

“Cailey, from the first day we met, had a goal of making complete eye exams the biggest impact she possibly could for Blood Cancer CONTACT LENSES • eyeglasses United, and she truly achieved that goal,” Fleischer said in a news release.

Joy A. Stoler, OD and Associates The award, presented by Blood Cancer United, a Independent Doctors of Optometry nonprofit organization dedicated to fighting blood 33532 Aurora Rd., Solon cancers such as leukemia, lymphoma and myeloma, is 440.349.2225 www.solonberrisoptical.com given to those that raise $100,000 or more to help in the battle.

WE ACCEPT VSP, EYEMED “My campaign pillar was research, which was an & MANY MORE INSURANCES important part of my campaign,” Cailey said. “This money goes towards researching cures, to scientists who are testing new cures and to people who can’t afford treatments. Blood Cancer United does a great job of making sure we know where the money is going, and it all goes somewhere really good. It’s a really great program.”

Blood Cancer United’s Student Visionaries of the Year campaign runs for seven weeks and is led by high school students. This year, 39 high school teams and 700 team members raised more than $1.9 million from January through March. Cailey serves as team manager, and her squad was one of only five to raise over $100,000.

Estate Planning • Elder Law • Special Needs Planning “It was really cool to lead by myself,” Cailey said. “I Medicaid Planning • Veteran Benefits • Long-term Care had calls with businesses and sent out emails and letters asking people for money. I know it’s not an easy thing to just give money, so it was great to see people, without a ATTORNEY KATE WILLIAMS 100 Franklin’s Row | 34305 Solon Road | Solon, Ohio 44139 second thought, commit with donations. It was cool to see people really care about something I really care about.”

P: 440-836-3066 | E: kate@katewilliamselderlaw.com Choosing to be involved with the campaign came www.katewilliamselderlaw.com about because Cailey wanted to have more of a direct impact in the fight against blood cancers.

“We have our foundation (Cole Zelwin Memorial Foundation), but that’s more my parents than me,” she said. “I wanted to do something myself to honor my brother, and this felt like exactly something he would 34305 Solon Road, Suite 110 want to do. Talking to our honored hero (survivors who Solon, Ohio 44139 act as an inspiration for the fundraising teams), Michaela, and raising money is all something he’d really love. And I P: 440-836-3066 felt like this was a great way to honor him, especially with the team name ‘Live Like Cole.’”

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E: kate@katewilliamslaw.com www.katewilliamslaw.com

Cailey Zelwin with her mother, Courtney Zelwin, and her father, Jeremy Zelwin, after being honored with the Blood Cancer United Impact Award during a ceremony at Solon High School on May 26. | Submitted photo Cailey, already juggling athletics as a member of the Solon track team and her education, said because of the short timeline of the campaign it was “go, go, go.”

“I did a lot of planning before, getting commitments and stuff like that before I could actually receive any money,” she said. “I would come home from practice and I’d send emails, have a meeting with our campaign managers, and get on phone calls. I would have multiple meetings in one day. But this was just something that was really important to me, so I wanted to make the time for it.”

Solon High School students also support Blood Cancer United through the American Cancer Youth Society’s Comets Crush Cancer team, advised by Melissa Creamer. This year, the team raised over $9,000 under the leadership of Charvi Kora, Hayool Lee and Meenakshi Sripada, according to the release.

The next campaign will soon be underway as planning for the 2027 Comets Crush Cancer campaign began in June, giving students a chance to continue the team’s work in support of families affected by blood cancer.

Read more about Cailey Zelwin, who was a 2025 Cleveland Jewish News Les Levine High School Player of the Week at cjn.org/ playeroftheweek.

SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 10

Boom’s Pizza preparing to sling slices in Solon SHAWNA POLSTER wolfIntern@cjn.org

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oom’s Pizza, two years after opening its Van Aken location, is set to start serving pizza in downtown Solon.

The original Lakewood location opened in 2023, and Boom’s soon after expanded to Van Aken District in Shaker Heights in 2024. On June 15, Boom’s also began serving slices in the Van Aken Market Hall to provide a quicker, easier option to try their pizza in addition to their sit-down restaurant.

Prior to the slice stand’s opening day, the franchise also announced that it will be further expanding to Solon. The restaurant will fill the vacant space at 6130 Kruse Drive that was formerly home to Mega Barre Solon. A sign now covers the building’s window that reads “opening soon” with a QR code to learn more about employment opportunities.

According to Scene Magazine, Boom’s Pizza founder Ben Bebenroth said the Solon location will be its first carryout and delivery-only shop and will not feature a dining room.

It will serve pizza, salads, appetizers and beverages with vegan options and locally sourced ingredients, a menu that Bebenroth said is the same as other Boom’s Pizza locations.

An official date for the Solon location’s opening has yet to be announced.

Shawna Polster is the Linda and Clifford Wolf Editorial Intern at the Cleveland Jewish News.

The window of the soon-to-be Boom’s Pizza location in Solon announcing the upcoming expansion to the suburb. | CJN Photo / Shawna Polster

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11 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | JULY 17, 2026

Counselors Gabby Lichtenstein, 13, and Izzie Shtarkman, 15, both from Solon, stand in front of the Camp Gan Izzy calendar with 7-year old campers Ella Desatnik of Chagrin Falls, Paige Leighton of Chagrin Falls, Layla Silverstein of Solon, Harper Joseph of Bentlyville and Olivia Paulus of Solon.

Camp Gan Izzy director Mushkie Galperin with campers Noah Kutz of Solon, Esme Schultz of Solon, Gigi Guyuron of Moreland Hills, Solly Lopez of Chagrin Falls, Penelope Weinberg of Solon and Mia Skirkanic of Pepper Pike. | CJN Photos / Lindsey Brown

Camp Gan Izzy builds community through summer camp SHAWNA POLSTER wolfIntern@cjn.org

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amp Gan Izzy is back for it’s 24th summer at the Chabad Jewish Center of Solon. The day camp has been in full swing since June 15: rain, shine or even a 100-degree heat wave.

At the center located at 5570 Harper Road, campers from kindergarten to seventh grade participate in a summer filled

with games, swimming, arts and crafts, and more.

Mushkie Galperin, director of Camp Gan Izzy, said the camp keeps children occupied and entertained at all times to provide an experience similar to overnight camp.

“There’s no downtime,” she told the Cleveland Jewish News. “In between swimming, sports, arts and drama, there’s something to do with the kids that’s fun and different.

That’s why the kids are having such a great time.”

This year, Camp Gan Izzy has 219 campers, one of its

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3 Bed, 2.5 Bath $650,000 Freestanding cluster home in Thornbury. First floor library/office with built-in bookshelves. Dining room with tray ceiling and hardwood floors! Two-story great room features cherry hardwood floor and stone fireplace.

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5 Bed, 4.5 Bath $1,088,175 Newly built in Lake Neptune Estates. The first floor features include a guest bedroom with full bath, powder room, laundry room, sunroom, chefs kitchen, formal dining room, and study. Outdoor dining and recreation with outdoor living option. The second floor features the primary suite with bath, 3 secondary bedrooms, 3 full baths and bonus room. Walkout basement.

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3 Bed, 2.5 Bath $699,900 Great Contemporary home on cul-de-sac! Beautiful hardwood floors in main rooms. Two story living room with floor to ceiling stone fireplace and wall of windows.

Eat-in gourmet kitchen with center island and granite.

Screened porch off Kitchen. First floor master suite with jetted tub and stall shower. Loft and two bedrooms up!

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3 Bed, 1.5 Bath $399,900 Two-story foyer opens to vaulted living and dining rooms.

Updated eat-in kitchen with granite counters, built-in pantry and gleaming oak floors. Family room with gas fireplace and wet bar. Sliders lead to the oversized double level deck! Upstairs primary suite features an in-suite bath with a soaking tub and step-in stall shower! Set on a remarkable 0.4 acre wooded lot.

highest numbers to date. According to Miriam Greenberg, Solon Chabad’s family educator, most of the campers at Camp Gan Izzy are Solon residents.

“We are catering to a Solon camp,” Greenberg said.

“Ninety-percent of our campers are Solon residents and go to Solon public school. Then there are campers from Orange, Beachwood and Chagrin Falls.”

Solon Chabad hosts Camp Gan Izzy every year to provide an alternative to secular camps in the area such as Solon Rec Camp. Camp Gan Izzy incorporates Jewish songs, prayers and culture to appeal to families hoping to foster strong Jewish identities in their children.

“The most important thing now in our generation where people are worried about antisemitism is knowing we can’t change the world, but we can raise strong, proud Jewish kids,” Greenberg said.

Rabbi Zushe Greenberg, spiritual leader of Solon Chabad, further emphasized the importance of creating a space for children in the area to connect with their Judaism.

“There are many kids who don’t get any other Jewish experience,” he said. “They don’t go to Hebrew school, they don’t go to Sunday school, they don’t step foot in a temple.

This is their only Jewish experience, and they get this or they get nothing.”

While Solon Chabad leadership is Orthodox, Camp Gan Izzy is open to all denominations and its campers are primarily Reform, Conservative or unaffiliated. According to camp leadership, a small number of non-Jewish campers attend.

“There are a few families who just love coming and they have friends who come here,” Miriam Greenberg said. “If you don’t care that your kids are going to be singing songs about Jewish pride, your kids are welcome to come.”

Camp Gan Izzy runs for seven weeks, through July 31.

With a couple weeks left, Miriam Greenberg said it has already been another successful summer for the camp.

“It’s booming,” she said. “We’re very happy and the parents are very happy. We’re lucky.”

Shawna Polster is the Linda and Clifford Wolf Editorial Intern at the Cleveland Jewish News.

SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 12

Building tomorrow’s Solon EDDY KRAUS Special to the CJN

This year promises to be an exciting one for Solon, as many long-term projects and community priorities come to fruition.

After years of construction, Phase 2 of Solon Community Park is nearing completion. New amenities include pickleball courts, which are set to open at Summer Fest in late July; a reopened Sebastian’s Playground; new pavilions; a maintenance building; updated restrooms; enhanced walkways; new concessions and vending; an improved entryway; and the Swagelok Stage. An Kraus expanded community lawn will connect the stage and playground, creating additional gathering space for residents and families. Phase 2 will celebrate its grand opening at Fall Fest in October.

Our Solon Connects master plan continues to guide an ambitious rails-to-trails initiative. The Solon-Chagrin Falls Trail currently spans two miles, with plans underway for CLE Metroparks to construct a bridge over the Chagrin River, linking the trail to Chagrin Falls. In addition, the city recently acquired the 7.1-mile Headwaters Connector Trail, which runs through Solon’s industrial, retail, and residential areas including Thornbury and Grantwood Golf Course before continuing through Geauga and Portage Counties to connect with the City of Aurora’s trail system and, ultimately, trail networks reaching the Ohio-Pennsylvania border. A planned connector easement behind the Marc’s plaza will link the Solon-Chagrin Falls Trail with the Headwaters Trail, further enhancing quality of life for residents, visitors, and our growing business community.

Solon was recently awarded a NOACA grant to design a comprehensive multi-modal connectivity plan for our central retail district. Anchored by Solon Connects, this plan will revitalize the downtown core into a vibrant, walkable, mixeduse area with strong trail and park connectivity. It also includes redevelopment of the former Liberty Ford site into retail, highend apartments, green space, restaurants, for-sale townhomes and a flagship hotel.

A major 2026 initiative is the bidding process for the Diverging Diamond interchange project at US-422/Harper Road, in partnership with ODOT. The project will ease traffic congestion and improve safety, while adding a multi-purpose path connecting to Metroparks at Hawthorne Parkway.

Solon continues to attract new business investment, welcoming George’s Donuts, Cactus Grill and Booms Pizza, with a new Qdoba coming to Aurora Road and an updated Dunkin’ on SOM Center Road near the Headwaters Trail. New additions to our business community include EGLO USA Inc., a residential lighting manufacturer and distributor; ROPES USA, a global leader in professional tools; and PacSci EMC, which recently announced its move to Solon. We also look forward to the construction of Michael Angelo’s Winery on Aurora Road.

Summer brings a full calendar of events, including a recordturnout Splash Bash, our Pride Day celebration, and Juneteenth Concert. Looking ahead: Summer Fest in late July featuring a pickleball tournament, the Babes of 1918 game, a run/walk, parade, and National Night Out; Bike with the Mayor and PopUp in the Park in August; plus farmers markets, Movies in the Park, and Solon Band concerts throughout the season.

2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for our city. We look forward to celebrating these milestones together and building the Solon of tomorrow, one that honors our roots while embracing bold new growth.

Eddy Kraus is the mayor of Solon.

DISCLAIMER The Cleveland Jewish News does not make endorsements of political candidates and/or political or other ballot issues on any level. Letters, commentaries, opinions, advertisements and online posts appearing in the Cleveland Jewish News, on cjn.org or our social media pages reflect the views and thoughts of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, its board, officers or staff or any other organization unless explicitly stated.

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Community partnership vital to educational excellence FRED BOLDEN Special to the CJN

Solon High School’s Class of 2026 represents what a community builds when it commits, year after year, to its schools.

That commitment showed up again this year in the conversations we had with our neighbors – about what our students need, about what quality public education requires, and about what it means to sustain a district Bolden where every child, from preschool through senior year, has access to the same continuum of excellence. Those conversations aren’t abstract. They happen at board meetings, at bus stops, at kids’ games and school events, and they matter because our schools depend on a community that stays engaged and shows up for its students.

Our 342 graduates achieved distinctions reflecting the depth of their dedication and the strength of our educational program.

Academic excellence ran deep throughout the class, with 278 seniors – 80% of the class – achieving merit or honor roll status, and 173 graduates, or 50%, earning honors diplomas. An incredible 100 students earned National Merit recognition, including 23 Finalists, 29 Commended Scholars and 48 National Recognition Award honorees.

The Class of 2026 also included nine U.S. Presidential Scholar candidates, with five of Ohio’s 21 semifinalists coming from Solon. These accomplishments – and those of all Solon students – contributed to our district’s continued recognition as a leader in education.

This year also brought individual and team achievements that reflect the range of what our students pursue outside the classroom as well. After capturing state championships in areas such as chess, speech and debate, seven of our academic teams qualified for national tournaments, including our Solon Middle School and Solon High School Science Olympiad squads that placed second and sixth in the nation. Solon students also brought home trophies, medals and recognition from the 2026 Future Problem Solving Program International Conference World Finals.

In the arts, athletics and activities, Solon students are involved and excel. Our high school drama club staged productions of

“Harry Potter and the Cursed Child” and “The Little Mermaid,” earning eight Dazzle Award nominations from Playhouse Square.

The Music in Motion show choir claimed three grand championships this year, continuing a tradition that has helped earn Solon recognition as a Best Community for Music Education. On the athletic front, several teams won league championships, and we celebrated state champions in diving, indoor long jump, vault and shot put.

And our students’ commitment to service showed up in thousands of volunteer hours and fundraising for philanthropic causes across our community.

None of this happens by accident, and none of it happens alone. It happens because a community continues to invest – not just financially, but in attention, in trust, and in the ongoing work of understanding what our schools need to keep pace with what our students deserve. That partnership is the foundation this district has been built on, and it’s the reason we can look at a graduating class like this one and know the next one will be just as strong.

At Solon City Schools, we believe in empowering every student to achieve personal excellence. Fulfilling that mission requires an ongoing partnership with our community, one that shows up in the conversations and support that carry this district forward year after year.

Solon City Schools remains what it has always been: a place where a community’s investment becomes a student’s opportunity, and where that exchange is what makes personal excellence possible for every student, every day.

Fred Bolden is the superintendent of Solon City Schools.

DISCLAIMER The Cleveland Jewish News does not make endorsements of political candidates and/or political or other ballot issues on any level. Letters, commentaries, opinions, advertisements and online posts appearing in the Cleveland Jewish News, on cjn.org or our social media pages reflect the views and thoughts of the writer and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of the Cleveland Jewish Publication Company, its board, officers or staff or any other organization unless explicitly stated.

SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 14

Solon homes continue to draw buyers MARTHA SOROHAN msorohan@cjn.org

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or Howard Hannah agent Karine Garfield, the Solon real estate market continues to be robust.

“Homes are taking a bit longer to sell than they were a year ago, but we are selling more homes this summer than last,” Garfield, a real estate agent with its Solon office, said. “Well-priced, move-in-ready homes are still selling quickly. Demand is still there.”

Adam Zimmerman, of Pepper Pike’s Engel & Volkers Distinct Real Estate, echoed the sentiment, noting “homes are still flying off the shelves for higher-than-asking price.”

Solon’s top-ranked schools are the biggest draw for many potential buyers, Zimmerman said.

“The schools are often #1 in the state, definitely in the top five,” she said “Solon also has a lot of industry. People are moving in to work for Nestle or other manufacturing firms. The city is well-run, too. It’s a great community.”

Some, like Zimmerman, are moving back after living elsewhere.

“We came back during COVID and lots of our friends followed,” he said. “The cost of living compared to other markets? It’s a lot less hateful. It’s a great place to raise a family.”

Another draw is Solon’s location in southeast Cuyahoga County.

“You have easy access to major highways, shopping and restaurants, a great balance of suburban living with everything close by,” Garfield said.

Accessibility to highways and Pinecrest makes northern Solon especially popular, Zimmerman says.

Though actual century homes are few, Solon offers a mix of new and older homes, most dating to the 60s and 70s.

“Buyers can find everything from charming, established neighborhoods with mature trees to newer luxury developments and beautiful cluster home communities,” Garfield said. “Whether someone is a first-time buyer, raising a family or looking to downsize, there’s truly something for everyone. Location within the community and a well-maintained home continue to be just as important as the finishes.”

While both Zimmerman and Garfield said cluster homes or condominiums are

Garfield

Zimmerman

popular with empty-nesters and those eschewing exterior home maintenance, single family homes are top sellers and appreciate quickly. Additionally, both said buyers these days are razing smaller, older homes and building new to get updated kitchens and bathrooms, open living spaces, home offices, and outdoor areas for relaxing and entertaining.

“Every time a well-maintained home comes on the market, there’s a lot of interest,” Garfield said. “The biggest challenge right now isn’t demand. It’s inventory. Buyers whether single-family or cluster homes are looking for move-in ready, and there just aren’t enough of them.”

Interest rates in the mid-6% on a 30-year fixed mortgage haven’t hurt the market, either, Zimmerman said.

“There are people who might want to sell who are locked into a sub-three percent rate, but the longer you wait, you should realize that home values aren’t going down,” he said. “If interest rates do go down, maybe into the 5s, it’s just going to increase demand, and prices will go up and you’ll be paying more for the home.”

Garfield, a 13-year Solon resident, who said she is the top ranked Realtor in Solon, said today’s buyers are well-informed and recognize value.

“A home that’s well-prepared, professionally marketed and priced appropriately can still sell quickly and for an excellent price,” she said. “Buyers aren’t waiting. They are adapting because they know a great home in Solon doesn’t stay on the market for long.”

Zimmerman, an Orange resident and 20-year real estate advisor with six years in residential practice, said it all has to do with inventory.

“With good presentation, if a home is properly marketed, the market is not slowing down,” he said.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

15 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | JULY 17, 2026

Major infrastructure, development projects gain momentum in Solon JIMMY OSWALD joswald@cjn.org

F

rom road construction to utility upgrades to new housing developments, multiple projects are moving forward across the City of Solon as officials continue work on infrastructure and development initiatives.

On Miles Road, Cleveland-based Terrace Construction has begun installing a new water main along the centerline of the street, running from just west of Naiman Parkway to just east of the Harper Road intersection.

“That project is to replace the existing water service and is a joint project between the City of Solon and the Village of Orange,” Solon City Engineer John Busch said. “This was predicated on a long history of water main breaks in that section of Miles Road that was causing a lot of service issues to not only a lot of our residents on the north end of Solon, but a lot of our commercial industrial businesses that are on Miles Road and on the side streets off of it.”

And the water main breaks were extensive, according to Busch, which meant that even after the mains were repaired, the damage was so severe that time had to be spent repairing the road, sidewalks, and drive aprons, causing further disruption.

Water service will remain on during construction, and residents will be notified in advance if their individual service needs to be briefly transferred.

Traffic between Naiman Parkway and Brainard Road will be one-way westbound only, while the road between Brainard Road and Harper Road will be one lane in each direction. Driveways will still be accessible to residents unless work is ongoing directly in front of the home, and trash, mail and school bus service will not be

A new water main is being installed on Miles Road between Naiman Parkway and the Harper Road intersection with work expected to continue through November. | CJN Photo / Jimmy Oswald

Orange barrels, construction equipment and building materials all impact traffic on Miles Road in Solon as an old water main is taken out and a new one is installed.

disrupted.

“That project is going to be completed by the end of the construction season, so November of this year,” Busch said.

Solon Mayor Eddy Kraus emphasized during a Feb. 19 community gathering where he shared project reports for infrastructure and business updates coming to the city that one of the biggest is at the U.S. 422 and Harper Road intersection which is set to be reconstructed by the Ohio Department of Transportation into a diverging diamond – a type of highway intersection that allows two directions of traffic to temporarily cross to the left

side of the road, providing easier access to an interstate.

Busch said the city is continuing to work with the Ohio Department of Transportation on the project and, with additional funds received for the plan, has reapproved a new agreement with ODOT. The bidding process for the project is scheduled to start sometime in mid-August and will end in October.

“Hopefully, we can get a bid that’s affordable,” Busch said.

“Because that sometimes happens where you get bids that aren’t affordable, but assuming we get an awardable bid, we would work through with ODOT on the contracts for the construction. I would anticipate we would probably start construction in early spring of 2027, assuming that all goes forward accordingly.”

The Harper interchange had safety and congestion issues, so the diverging diamond would improve traffic capacity by around 20% to 30%, Busch said.

“With that project, we’re adding a ten-foot multi-purpose path with the ultimate goal of connecting the old Norfolk Southern railroad track that the city bought south of this project area and connect it to the metro parks,” he added. “That would connect through the US-422 intersection area.”

In November 2020, 32 acres adjacent to the former Hawthorne Valley Country Club on Aurora Road in Solon were rezoned to make way for a residential community called Hawthorne Golf Estates with a plan to build 105 single-family homes for people 50 years of age and older.

According to Busch, plans for the construction of the homes is “generally substantially complete” with the next step in the process to create the lots, which establishes all of the easements, which allow local companies to run power lines, water pipes and sewer lines across your property, for the project along with the maintenance requirements.

“The developer is working through the City of Cleveland Division of Water for those easements as well as the Cleveland Metroparks because the subdivision entrance is off of the Hawthorne Parkway private driveway that’s owned and operated by the Metroparks,” he said. “The timeline depends on the process of review with those two. I would hope that it would be completed within a few months, but you never know what those processes might be.”

Busch said the developers are eager to start building houses in the complex, as is the city, and he hopes the approvals come as soon as possible.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 16

New leadership helps shape business development in city MARTHA SOROHAN msorohan@cjn.org

T

hough they are relatively new to their roles, Solon’s economic development and community development administrators are optimistic about the city’s commercial growth and business climate.

“I am very optimistic about Solon’s business climate,” Michael Ionna, planning and community development director who joined city administration 20 months ago, said. “The city has more than 900 businesses, including international corporations, advanced manufacturers, professional service firms, retailers, restaurants and locally-owned businesses. Our strength is that we are not dependent on one project, employer or industry. Existing companies continue to reinvest, and new businesses remain interested in Solon.”

Jeremy Rowan, who joined the city earlier this year as part-time economic development consultant, said the city’s economic real estate market is “fundamentally healthy.”

“Solon is a mature, high-performing city of 23,679 residents with stable demographics and high educational attainment,” he said. “It benefits from a strong tax base, high household incomes, excellent schools, strong infrastructure and one of the more significant employment centers in the region. Those fundamentals continue to make the city attractive to investors and tenants.”

But Rowan also described a changing market that is “evolving in response to commercial real estate office trends in demand and changing retail formats.”

Solon’s 2.6% commercial vacancy rate is “manageable and property-specific,” he said, and not indicative of widespread

market weakness. Uptown Solon is fully occupied, he added.

“Solon is drifting away from purely auto-oriented, single-use commercial developments toward more service-oriented and mixed-use environments,” he said. “It does not have the kind of widespread commercial disinvestment experienced in other northeast Ohio communities.”

Ionna spoke about three high-profile commercial projects in Solon, starting with the former Liberty Ford property at 32811 Aurora Road.

“It’s a real project in progress,” he said. “It’s being positioned as part of a broader downtown core redevelopment that includes residential, retail, hotel and public space elements. ... The former dealership buildings have been demolished, and the city is actively working with a highly experienced development team on a broader mixed-use development. The current concept includes approximately 190 apartments, 31 townhomes, a 120-room hotel, retail space, shared workspace, green space and stronger pedestrian connections to the future Headwaters Trail and downtown Solon.”

Its many moving parts, he said, include property coordination, infrastructure, financing and environmental review, and the team continues to make steady progress.

“Our goal is to finalize and adopt a new economic development agreement by the end of the year which would establish a clear framework for moving the project forward,” Ionna said. “We believe the redevelopment can become a major long-term investment in the future of downtown Solon.”

Also on Aurora Road, the Michael Angleo’s Winery project is moving forward as well, Ionna said, as site plan details are being finalized and financing is being secured. Scheduled to break

ground next spring, the development will include a winery, vineyard, food operations, indoor and outdoor dining, event space, greenhouses and related agricultural use.

“It remains an exciting opportunity to create a distinctive regional destination at Solon’s eastern gateway,” Ionna said.

Development around Solon’s central retail district around Aurora and SOM Center Roads has been boosted by a $160,000 Northeast Ohio Areawide Coordinating Agency Transportation for Livable Communities Initiative planning study.

“The study will examine Headwaters trail connections, pedestrian and bicycle safety, roadway design, parking, business access, place-making and coordination with redevelopment projects,” Ionna said.

A consultant is to be selected this year for the study getting underway in 2027.

Ionna said future improvements will require separate design, funding and approvals and that federal transportation funding, procurement and administrative requirements will apply.

Ionna said he has learned over 18 years in planning and economic development that successful development is rarely the result of one announcement, and that the city’s focus is responsible growth. He believes that Solon, its market reach extending throughout southeast Cuyahoga County and into Summit, Portage and Geauga Counties, with access to both Cleveland and Akron labor markets, “belongs in the top tier of eastern and southeastern suburban investment markets.”

“Investment that strengthens the economy, enhances quality of life and positions Solon to remain competitive for decades,” he said.

“Solon already has the fundamentals many communities are trying to create. Existing companies are reinvesting. Solon’s advantage is the balance of its assets: strong industrial and corporate base, excellent services, favorable demographics, regional access and a highly regarded residential community.”

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17 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | JULY 17, 2026

Ivybrook Academy ready to open first northern Ohio preschool JIMMY OSWALD joswald@cjn.org

I

vybrook Academy, a preschool that started as a single location in North Carolina in 2007 and has now expanded to 59 locations across the United States, looks for communities that are seeking something different and view education through many unique lenses when independent owners seek to open a new campus.

Solon proved to be the perfect spot for Vik and Whitney Swamy, franchise partners of Ivybrook, to open the fourth location in Ohio and the first in northern Ohio.

As the Cleveland Jewish News previously reported earlier this year in announcing the new preschool, the new academy is led by former members of the early childhood leadership team at the Mandel Jewish Community Center of Cleveland in Beachwood. Liza Adams, director of enrollment and operations, and Jackie Gordon, director of curriculum and education development were selected by the Swamy’s to run Ivybrook Academy’s Solon school.

“The area already offers a lot of programs that are care and education hybrid models that are open from 7:30 in the morning until 6:00 at night and service full-time working families,” Gordon, a Twinsburg resident affiliated with Temple Emanu El in Orange, told the Cleveland Jewish News. “Ivybrook offers something new and different with the opportunity to swing the pendulum back in a different direction.”

Ivybrook is at 33625 Aurora Road and holds six classrooms, a gym that acts as a multi-purpose space and a discovery room, which will house the art, Spanish, movement and music classes. There is also an outdoor classroom.

Children enrolled at Ivybrook hail from Solon, Orange, Gate Mills, Twinsburg and other communities in the Cleveland suburbs.

Ivybrook is a half-day preschool, running from 8:30 a.m. to noon, and serves children from 18 months through 6 years old, offering pre-kindergarten and transitional kindergarten programs.

“Years and years ago, kids were not necessarily coming to school for eight to 10 hours per day,” Gordon said.

“They were attending school for more of an enrichment opportunity to start to practice socializing with other human beings and sharing space, ideas and feelings with the world around them. That’s what Ivybrook harkens back to. It offers the community a way of approaching education that they haven’t seen, maybe ever, but certainly in a while.”

Jackie Gordon, Ivybrook Academy Solon’s new director of curriculum and educator development, Vik Swamy, owner of Ivybrook Academy Solon and Liza Adams, Ivybrook Academy Solon’s new director of enrollment and operations. | Photo / Kaylin Joy Photography The school will mark its grand opening at 4:30 p.m.

July 23 with a ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Solon Chamber of Commerce.

“We’re bringing something new to the area,” Adams, a Twinsburg resident and a congregant of Congregation Mishkan Or in Beachwood, told the CJN. “What’s really special about Ivybrook is its grassroots story. It was started in North Carolina by a couple (Jennifer and Drew McWilliams) who believe in individualized approaches to learning for children and allowing kids to be participants in their learning journey.”

Ivybrook’s curriculum is multifaceted and inspired by three different models of education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia and the theory of multiple intelligences.

“Montessori (an educational approach that emphasizes self-directed learning, hands-on exploration and mixed-age classrooms) is really where we bring in the pieces of our literacy and math curriculum,” Gordon said. “The Reggio Emilia pieces are where we really focus on the child-driven pieces of our curriculum, where the ideas are coming from the children and less from the teachers. And the theory of multiple intelligences is really just a fancy way of saying we

individualize the experience for all of our students, because not everybody learns in the exact same way.”

Adams said the other key piece is viewing families as partners.

“We offer a lot of opportunities for family engagement and involvement,” she said. “We already have parents that are excited to be part of our PTO and attend events that build our culture. If everyone feels safe, trusted and connected, those in that space will want to grow in a multitude of ways.”

Adams and Gordon said parents have been very receptive thus far and like how it is individualized for them just as much as it is for their children and the way Ivybrook “moves the dial in whatever way their child needs care.”

“They’re loving this approach and the aesthetic we bring,” Adams said. “You walk into a lot of preschools where there’s just primary and bright colors, there’s hospital-level lighting. At Ivybrook, we have more soft tones and a wooden aesthetic. There is greenery in the spaces so that when you walk in, you don’t feel overstimulated. You feel a sense of calm and feel safe.”

Classroom size will range in size depending on the age group. Six to 12 children will be in the two and under classroom, eight to 16 will be the largest for the 3 year old room and the pre-K class will hold 10 to 20 children. The ratio of teachers for each age group is: 2 and under, 1:6 or 2:12; 3 year olds, 1:8 or 2:16; and pre-K, 1:10 or 2:20.

Ivybrook will also offer three themed summer camp sessions – “It’s a Jungle” from July 20-24, centering on nature exploration and animal-themed activities; “Masterpiece Makers,” which focuses on art, creativity and self-expression from July 27-31; and “Storybook STEAM” from Aug. 3-7, allowing campers to participate in hands-on STEAM activities inspired by children’s literature.

The school year will begin Aug. 17.

“Liza and I really both have a passion for creating communities where people feel a sense of belonging,” Gordon said. “I’m sure there are places of belonging here in the city of Solon, but we’re looking forward to adding Ivy Brook to the list of places where people can feel connected and young families are building relationships at the onset of the life of their children. Those relationships can carry on for years and years to come. Liza and I have already experienced that in other communities that we have worked in and built. And we’re excited to bring that to Solon.”

To read an earlier version of this story, visit cjn.org/solon.

I N F R A R E D S AU N A A N D C O L D P L U N G E

Solon, OH Coming July 2026 Scan to stay connected with us.

Eastside Children’s Dentistry Pediatric Dentistry 8401 Chagrin Rd Ste 2 | Chagrin Falls, OH 440.708.1331 www.eastsidechildrensdental.com

Dr. Sandhya Menon is a board-certified pediatric dentist proudly serving the Chagrin Falls community.

SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 18

MaxStrength Fitness Solon reflects on first year of business JIMMY OSWALD joswald@cjn.org

A

s MaxStrength Fitness approaches its one-year anniversary of opening its location in Solon, owner Tim Dardis said those in the community using the training studio weren’t the only ones who grew and got stronger over the last 365 days.

“We’ve exceeded all my expectations, and I think we’ve exceeded the franchise’s expectations too,” Dardis told the Cleveland Jewish News. “We were the fastest growing franchise across the country. Our location is very ideal because we get folks from Solon but it’s also really convenient for those from Chagrin Falls, Aurora and Moreland Hills to come in. It’s been great.”

MaxStrength Fitness was founded by Jeff Tomaszewski in 2007 in Westlake. It is geared toward older adults and features 20-minute, 1-on-1 sessions with trainers twice a week, using training personally geared toward the client and their needs.

MSF has 24 locations in 10 states with seven of those spots in Ohio in Fairlawn, Columbus, Montgomery, Strongsville, Westlake, Willoughby and, since Aug. 25, 2025, Solon at 33705 Station St. Dardis and wife and co-owner Megan Dardis are lifelong fitness enthusiasts who jumped at the chance when an opportunity popped up to open a MSF studio. That love combined with Tim Dardis’ experience in the corporate world, currently working as the Director of Channel partnerships at PayPal has led to a smooth journey thus far.

“We’re appointment only, so it’s not like we thrive on walk-ins or drive-bys,” Tim Dardis said.

“We really just try to go above and beyond for our clients. We’re getting a lot of people through word of mouth. Folks come in, love us and then tell their friends about us.”

MSF serves a market that previously remained underserved in the gym community, Dardis said. With the clientele those 50

years old and up, the locations don’t have loud music, TVs blaring and mirrors everywhere for people to take selfies in.

“There’s not a lot of places that have a place like we do,” he said. “We’re very different, and that’s been very well received by the community.

We’re a franchise with an operating model that has been proven and works. We try not to go outside of that model because you don’t want to stray too far outside of something that’s already worked. If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.”

The sessions at MSF favor intensity over duration. Rather than spending long hours in the gyms, Tomaszewski developed a science-backed program that ramps up the workout in a shorter workout. The studios also keep the temperatures low, allowing clients to have a sweat-free workout and be able to squeeze in a session whenever they need during the day.

Dardis said another initiative MSF Solon took from the franchise playbook is getting involved with the community, a move he has not found at all difficult in the vibrant area they are located.

“We joined the Chamber of Commerce and we’re participating in the (Simple Summer Nights concert series) in Chagrin Falls at the end of July,” he said. “We’ll have a booth there where we’ll have cooling towels to give away and we’ll tell people about the importance of strength training as you age. It’s huge to be involved in the community, that’s part of why I wanted to do this.”

MSF Solon is planning on holding a customer appreciation party to celebrate its one-year anniversary, with more details to come soon, and it is partnering with different “like-minded companies in the Solon area that are also focused on health and wellness for adults.”

Those from Timeless Medical are teaming up with MSF for an event soon, where its experts will come in to speak to MSF’s clients. It also had an event with Cultivate Women’s Health, and it just announced a partnership with UNREFINED, a local food prep company.

“Essentially, you can order all your healthy

MaxStrength Fitness in Solon is approaching its one-year anniversary since its opening and will celebrate with a customer appreciation party. | CJN Photos / Jimmy Oswald food for the week and they’ll deliver it to your home,” Dardis said. “We offer strength training here, but we’re not a weight-loss clinic. But, a large majority of people come in and they would like to lose some pounds, and 90% of losing

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SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

19 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | JULY 17, 2026

Solon Future Problem Solvers earn international recognitions Solon’s Future Problem Solving program earned six student wins across five categories at the Future Problem Solving Program International Conference World Finals, held in June.

According to a news release from Solon Schools, the event, which was held on the campus of Indiana University Bloomington, drew competitors from 11 countries. This year’s theme challenged students to tackle forestry, addressing how local communities may protect forests while also sustaining the industry for building, medicine and jobs in the future.

Senior Nandita Srikumar took first place in the Individual Community Project Senior Division and fifth place in the Global Issues Individual Senior Division. In the Multi-Affiliate Global Issues (MAGIC) Senior Division, Steve Samuel placed second and Rebecca Jacob placed fourth, the release said.

The Global Issues Team Senior Division, consisting of Vedanshi Bhatt, Mannat Dhooria, Charvi Kora and Sofia Patro, earned eighth place, while the Global Issues Team Middle Division team, consisting of Akshara Gummadi, Marina Han, Nandan Jayaprakash and James Zhang, received an honorable mention, placing in the top 10-15 nationally, the release said.

Through the Future Problem Solving program, students develop critical thinking, creativity, communication, collaboration and caring skills through research, analysis and innovation. | Photos / Solon Schools

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Five Solon graduates named U.S. Presidential Scholar semi-finalists Five members of Solon High School’s class of 2026 have been named semi-finalists for the 2026 U.S. Presidential Scholars Program.

According to a news release from Solon Schools, the semifinalists are recent graduates Maahi Bandi, Evan Dan, Samantha Friedland, Eashan Kosaraju and Frederick Song. The five Solon semi-finalists are part of a group of 21 total semi-finalists from Ohio. A total of 621 semifinalists were selected from more than 3.7 million eligible graduating seniors, the release said.

“Five semi-finalists from a single public school is an extraordinary outcome by any measure,” Solon Schools Superintendent Fred Bolden said in the release. “This reflects not just the exceptional ability and achievements of these five young adults, but the academic culture our community has built and sustained. We are incredibly proud of Maahi, Evan, Samantha, Eashan and Frederick, and we congratulate them as they begin their next chapter at the university level.”

The program recognizes high school seniors who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement, leadership and community involvement. Finalists will be announced later this summer.

NO We love our Solon community!

IN W O SO PE If your dog or cat needs emergency-level urgent care in Solon, OH, LO N AcutePet Urgent Care is here to help. Our clinic offers same-day urgent N! care in a calm, welcoming, and supportive environment, ensuring your pet receives the attention they need, right when they need it. Whether your pet is sick, injured, or in need of immediate care, our compassionate veterinarians and experienced team are dedicated to delivering affordable, high-quality care with a focus on your pet’s comfort and well-being.

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SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 20

Where to nosh when in Solon

L

ooking for a place to eat while shopping, visiting or enjoying your time in Solon? Here’s a sampling of some local dining spots.

Wendy’s 34165 Aurora Road 440-514-6168 wendys.com

FAST FOOD/CHAIN

Wingstop 33569 Aurora Road 440-377-9464 wingstop.com

Arby’s 6375 SOM Center Road 440-248-2125 arbys.com

DELI/DINER

Charleys Cheesesteaks 34200 Aurora Road 838-230-2930 charleys.com

Chicago Deli & Restaurant 34390 Aurora Road 440-248-8018 chicagodelisolon.com

Chick-Fil-A 6150 SOM Center Road 440-498-0645 chickfila.com

D & R Bagels 33567 Aurora Road 440-498-4555 dandrbagel.com

Chipotle Mexican Grill 33599 Aurora Road 440-542-0017 chipotle.com

Jim’s Open Kitchen 33779 Aurora Road 440-349-1678

DiBella’s Subs 30050 Aurora Road 440-248-4342 dibellas.com Dunkin’ * 6353 SOM Center Road 440-349-3638 dunkindonuts.com Jersey Mike’s 33629 Aurora Road 440-318-1694 jerseymikes.com Panera Bread 6130 Kruse Drive 440-914-0523 panerabread.com Papa John’s Pizza 33411 Aurora Road 440-248-7272 papajohns.com Penn Station East Coast Subs 33003 Aurora Road 440-287-2350 penn-station.com Taco Bell / KFC 6030 Enterprise Parkway 440-519-3803 tacobell.com kfc.com

HAWTHORNE GOLF ESTATES – NOW ACCEPTING RESERVATIONS

CASUAL DINING 56 Kitchen 33587 Aurora Road 440-349-0056 56kitchen.com Burger Fresh 6134 Kruse Drive 440-394-8550 alwaysbff.com

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Burgers 2 Beer 33003 Aurora Road 440-349-2533 burgers2beer.com Burntwood Tavern 33675 Solon Road 440-914-0290 burntwoodtavern.com Butcher’s Pantry 33475 Station Street 440-999-0990 butcherspantry.com City Barbeque 6372 SOM Center Road 440-236-0250 citybbq.com

RESTAURANTS | CONTINUED ON PAGE 52

Christopher Tool has been in business since 1951 and is in its third generation of management by the Christopher family. Our unflinching advancement toward innovative technologies and rising quality standards have kept our customers confident in our capabilities.

30500 Carter St. Solon, OH 44139 440.248.8080 ChristopherTool.com

SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

21 CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG | JULY 17, 2026 RESTAURANTS | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 51

Elle Restaurant & Lounge 33730 Bainbridge Road 440-653-2553 ellecle.com

Jim Alesci’s Place 32910 Solon Road 440-498-0888 alescis.com

Mavis Public House 6025 Kruse Drive, Suite #148 440-575-5854 mavispublichouse.com

Olé Tapas Bar 30050 Aurora Road 440-601-9569 oletapasbar.com

Glenwillow Grille 29765 Pettibone Road 440-786-0100 brewsters-cbp.com

Lee’s Seafood Boil 28500 Miles Road 440-394-8229 leesseafoodsolon.com

Miles Farmers Market 28560 Miles Road 440-248-5222 milesfarmersmarket.com

RollHouse Entertainment 33185 Brainbridge Road 440-248-4080 therollhouse.com

Groovy Café 33200 Station Street 216-317-4247 groovycafe.com

Longhorn Steakhouse 6015 Enterprise Parkway 440-498-9553 longhornsteakhouse.com

Mish Mosh Eclectic Eatery 5020 Brainard Road 440-349-7300 mishmosheatery.com

Station 43 Tavern 39910 Aurora Road 440-836-0043 station43tavern.com

The Annex Bar & Grille 36200 Pettibone Road 440-248-5725 theannexbargrille.shop Yours Truly 6141 Kruse Drive 440-600-2445 ytr.com YUMMUS Mediterranean Food 33770 Aurora Road 440-318-1975 yummusinc.com

DRINKS Heritage Coffee 33445 Station Street 440-334-1955 heritage.com SKILLED NURSING & REHABILITATION SKILLED NURSING & REHABILITATION

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EMERALD RIDGE PARKWAY SOLON, OH 44139 5625 5625 EMERALD RIDGE PARKWAY SOLON, OH 44139 P: (440) -498-3000 P: (440) -498-3000 SOLONPOINTEHC.COM TO SCHEDULE A VIRTUAL TOURSOLONPOINTEHC.COM 5625 EMERALD RIDGE PARKWAY SOLON, OH 44139

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Ming’s Bubble Tea 6130 Kruse Drive 440-318-1781 mingsbubbletea.com Pulp Juice & Smoothie Bar 34352 Aurora Road 440-600-7372 pulpjuiceandsmoothie.com You & I Tea Bear 33544 Aurora Road 440-318-1788 youanditea.com

PIZZA Antonio’s Pizzeria LoSchiavo 34196 Aurora Road 440-542-0500 antoniospizza.com Boom’s Pizza * 6130 Kruse Drive boomspizza.com Capriccio’s Italian Restaurant 28020 Miles Road 440-349-3736 capriccios.com Domino’s Pizza 33670 Aurora Road 440-248-2030 dominos.com Gionino’s Pizzeria 33637 Aurora Road 440-349-4600 gioninos.com

RESTAURANTS | CONTINUED ON PAGE 53

SPOTLIGHT ON SOLON

JULY 17, 2026 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | CJN.ORG 22

RESTAURANTS | CONTINUED FROM PAGE 52

Sammy’s Pizza * 32975 Aurora Road

ICE CREAM/DESSERT George’s Donuts 32975 Aurora Road 440-337-0001 Honey Hut Ice Cream 28300 Miles Road 440-394-8388 honeyhut.com Malley’s Chocolates 34340 Aurora Road 440-542-0330 malleys.com Mitchell’s Ice Cream 6130 Kruse Drive 440-542-0023 mitchellshomemade.com Pop Culture CLE 33549 Solon Road 440-821-7334 popculturecle.com

Señorita Bonitas Mexican Grill & Cantina 6000 Enterprise Parkway 440-498-1067 senoritabonitasofsolon.com Shinano Sushi Bar & Japanese Cuisine 28500 Miles Road 440-498-1614 shinano-restaurant.com

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Sunny’s Asian Food & Spices 33437 Aurora Road 440-248-0801 sunnysasianfood.wordpress.com

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YI Hot Pot & Sushi & BBQ 33361 Aurora Road 440-394-8221 yihotpotsushibbqsolon.com

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White Flower Cake Shoppe 33371 Aurora Road 440-394-8049 whiteflowercake.com

INTERNATIONAL CUISINE Desi Chowk Eatery and Bakery 33437 Aurora Road 440-600-7460 desichowk.us Gogi En Korean BBQ 6025 Kruse Drive 440-318-1808 Hunan Solon 6050 Enterprise Parkway 440-248-8836 hunansolonoh.com Imperial Wok 33825 Aurora Road 440-248-3833 imperialwok.com King’s Tandoor & Bar 30050 Aurora Road 440-318-1714 kingstandoorandbar.com

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