A10 FASHION
History of shoes & handbags
presented at McGregor using pieces from Ursuline Collection
By Andrea C. TurnerB1 BOOKS
Cleveland Museum of Natural History hosts author Amy Tan for discussion of “The Backyard Bird Chronicles”
By Cynthia Schuster EakinB1 ART
Celebrating ‘Raiders of the Lost Art’: Batz & Jursinski
By Jeannie EmserSchultz
C2
LUXURY REAL ESTATE
Richfield home with in-ground pool set on more than seven acres for sale
By Rita KueberBeck Center for the Arts is pleased to produce the locally produced premiere of “Beautiful, The Carole King Musical.” This production will delight patrons of all ages, with beloved music enjoyed over the decades.
Written by Douglas McGrath, words and music by Gerry Goffin and Carole King, Barry Mann & Cynthia Weil, this music was by arrangement with Sony/ ATV Music Publishing. Orchestrations, vocals, incidental music arrangements are by Steve Sidwell. Originally produced on Broadway by Paul Blake, Sony/ATV Music Publishing, and Mike Bosner.
This hit musical about the life and career of legend Carole King runs in the Senney Theater on the Lakewood campus from July 12 to August 11, 2024. Additional performances Thursday, July 25, and August 1 and 8, 2024. Music direction is by Larry Goodpaster and choreography by Lauren Marousek. Carole King is played by New York actress Elsie Carlisle.
Beck Center for the Arts’Artistic Director, and director of this musical production, Scott Spence said, “Like the hit phenom Jersey Boys, “Beautiful, The Carole King Musical” has become one of the premiere Bio-Musicals of the past 25 years. Unlike jukebox musicals which merely display a steady stream of an artist’s greatest hits, productions like Beautiful are full realizations of the musician’s life and how they became sensations...and all along the way we are treated to the hit parade of their creations. Carole King’s personal story is as compelling as her music is incredible. It’s a rollercoaster journey through the music of the 1960s and early 1970s that we love and cherish.”
A Tony and Grammy Award Winner, this musical tells the story of the early life and career of Carole King, using songs that she wrote, often together with Gerry Goffin, and other contemporary hit songs by Barry Mann, Cynthia Weil, Phil Spector and others. Beautiful features a song list including such timeless hits as, “So Far Away,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feeling,” “You’ve Got a Friend,” “I Feel the Earth Move,” “(You Make Me Feel Like) A Natural Woman” and many more.
Ticket prices are $38 (adults), $34 (for seniors 65 and older), $17 for students with valid ID, and $12 for children 12 and under. A $3 service fee per single ticket will be applied at time of purchase. Curtain times are 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2:30 p.m. Sundays. Preview performances are at 7:30 p.m. the Thursday before opening night, with general-admission seating for $10. $10 Smart Seats® are available for each performance. Recommended for ages 12 and older. Some adult language and situations.
All performances are at theaters inside Beck Center for the Arts located at 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. Free onsite parking is available. For more information visit beckcenter.org.
Our June cover, photographed by Anne Gittins, features Stefanie Portman of Burton riding Acapulco, winners of a previous Mini Prix horse show.
This year’s event, the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic, is an eight-day horse show celebrating 75 years of equestrian tradition and competition. Opening weekend for the show this year is July 5-7 at Chagrin Valley Farms. For more information, visit ChagrinHunterJumperClassic.org.
The primary mission of Currents is to feature and spotlight the nonprofit, arts, educational and cultural organizations so vital to Northeast Ohio, as well as the volunteers and philanthropists who guide, support and sustain them. P.O. Box 150 • Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 • 525 E. Washington Street • 440-247-5335 / Fax: 440-247-1606 www.currentsneo.com
Published monthly by the Chagrin Valley Publishing Company
H. KENNETH DOUTHIT III Publisher
AMANDA MARRS Creative Director and General Manager KELLI COTESWORTH MCLELLAN Editor
JUNE EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Michele Collins Cynthia Schuster Eakin, Linda Feagler, Rita Kueber, Anastasia Nicholas, Jeannie Emser Schultz, Andrea C. Turner
PHOTOGRAPHERS: Peggy Turbett
ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE S: Shari Silk
AD DESIGNERS: Connie Gabor, Ashley Gier
Please call 440.247.5335 for editorial, advertising and deadline information. Currents is distributed in: Auburn, Avon Lake, Bainbridge, Bath, Bay Village, Beachwood, Bentleyville, Bratenahl, Brecksville, Chagrin Falls, Chesterland, Cleveland Heights, Fairview Park, Gates Mills, Hudson, Hunting Valley, Kirtland Hills, Lakewood, Lyndhurst, Moreland Hills, North Royalton, Orange Village, Pepper Pike, Rocky River, Russell, Shaker Heights, Solon, South Russell, Strongsville, University Heights, Waite
Fairlawn, Hinckley, Montrose, Peninsula, Richfield and Silver
For the 25th Anniversary of a daring experiment, The Musical Theater Project threw itself a sold-out party for 200 of its closest friends and supporters, honoring dogged determination and unwavering belief in a previously untried mission. That risk has turned into a great success, and guests in cocktail attire cheerfully celebrated. Act One was the cocktail hour in which patrons roamed the smaller second-floor ballroom at the Tudor Arms/DoubleTree Hotel set with café tables on one side and on the other, a silent auction filled with tickets to fine arts programming and concerts.
Act Two, dinner, was held in the larger ballroom, a jewel box of a venue with room for a sit-down dinner, plus an elevated proscenium stage. Service was professional and adept. The meal was followed by a live bidding war energized by auctioneer Bob Hale. The top prize was an evening of entertainment from The Musical Theater Project at the winner’s home – for eight guests or 80 – winner’s choice. Afterward, a lively round of ‘raise the paddle’ brought in additional support. The organization also presented a video of Bob Conrad, the honorary chair of the event and the dean of classical music in Cleveland, having founded WCLV radio in the early ‘60s.
And that brings us to Act Three, the evening’s star entertainer, Liz Callaway. A headlining doyenne of the Cabaret stages in New York, she is an Emmy winner and a Grammy and Tony nominee. She was accompanied by piano player extraordinaire (and occasional backup singer) Alex Rybeck. Callaway, in a stunning silver sequined sheath, brought her considerable talent to the stage in a 75-minute set, singing everything from Broadway show tunes to songs from classic movies. She explained
that on her social media, she asked followers to suggest songs to include in her concert. “I received over 500 suggestions, and I’d like to sing them for you now,” she deadpanned.
In the end, it was a series of her personal choices from standards to personal connections. She appeared in the Broadway musical Baby and was the singing voice of the Russian princess in the Disney animated film Anastasia, and presented songs from both productions. Additionally, there was a tribute to Judy Garland, and much more, wowing the audience all the way.
The Musical Theater Project (TMTP) is one of the area’s nearly unsung heroes with a mission to “preserve and honor the 20thcentury American musical (both stage and screen) in songs, stories, and social history.” Funding from this benefit will support the Kids Love Musicals programming in local schools in which a professional actor brings scenes and songs to grade schoolers, and for some, introducing them to the musical theater art form. More, the organization, founded by Bill Rudman, will continue with its syndicated radio program Footlight Parade: Sounds of the American Musical, a broadcast heard on more than 100 public and community radio stations, primarily in the United States, but also in Canada, SE Asia, and throughout the world online.
TMTP’s next concert will have over 30 artists performing Waitin’ for My Dearie: Brigadoon and The Miracle of Love at the Maltz Performing Arts Center on June 22 at 7:30 pm. https://musicaltheaterproject.org/ STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY RITA KUEBER
Attending the Make-A-Wish Gala is a chance to rub elbows with miracles. There are young ladies who have met unicorns. Children who have hosted their families on trips to Disney and elsewhere, and pint-sized police officers and firefighters. Strides in medical technology for children who once would have been condemned to a short life have made these stories even more poignant, and the people who work on behalf of the most medically fragile children and their families even bigger heroes.
This year’s Gala was heart-tugging at every level. Held in the Grand Ballroom of the Hilton, 650 guests gathered to share stories and support this life-affirming non-profit now just 40 years old. Long-time chair of the event Cheryl Levanduski is stepping down after fifteen highly successful years. Attending her final chaired event with her husband and daughter, she explained that Emily, only three at the time Cheryl chaired her first Gala, is now a rising college freshman, and with their son also in college and studying in London this year, Cheryl wanted the flexibility to travel.
“The gala takes a year,” she explained. She recalled her first contact with Make-A-Wish, a call from a then-unknown contact who admired Cheryl’s fundraising accomplishments for Cleveland State University. Over lunch with Emily sharing a plate of spaghetti with her contact’s small son, a la Lady and the Tramp, history for the local chapter of Make-A-Wish was made.
“It has been an honor to serve as Gala Chair for the past 14 years, and watch this event grow into the $1M+ event it is today,” she wrote in an email to supporters post-gala.
“Together, we’ve been able to fund more than 700 wishes and impact countless lives through wish families and their communities. As I step back as Gala Chair, I hope you’ll join me in staying committed to this incredible mission. For every wish we grant, another child will soon be diagnosed with a critical illness. As
long as there’s a need, we must keep doing what we can to bring hope, strength, and joy to these children and families in our community.”
Patrons enjoyed the open bar, passed hors d’oeuvres, and later an excellent sit-down dinner in the main ballroom. This event consistently has one of the largest and most intriguing silent auctions Currents sees throughout the year. From gift baskets to jewelry, certificates for salons to sporting events, arts, eating out – it’s nearly impossible to narrow one’s choices for bidding. The other hallmark of Make-A-Wish is their top-notch electronic communication from reminders of the event to the moment the auction will close. This technology, unheard of just a few years ago, helps patrons keep the pulse of this very large special event.
Make-A-Wish also sets itself apart with the number of volunteers on hand to support any circumstance that pops up. Chief among them are Make-A-Wish families more or less standing by to tell their stories. During the cocktail reception Currents ran into the Beisewengers, honored during the evening for their extraordinary contributions to the Chris Greicius Society, their involvement connected to a nephew’s illness years ago. But there is also the Codner family, sharing the story of their trip to Disney thanks to the organization, that turned into a complete celebration as they found young Tristan was cured of pediatric cancer. (Chris Greicius was the first child to have his wish delivered 40 years ago when his mother, Linda Pauling, and volunteers made him a law enforcement officer for a day after his diagnosis of leukemia.)
The 2024 Gala generated enough income to grant 110 wishes for children in the combined territory of Ohio, Indiana, and Kentucky. Similar Galas take place in Louisville, Indianapolis, and Cincinnati to support this sweeping region. STORY AND PHOTO-
Submit nonprofit benefit events to editor@currentsnews.com.
Saturday, July 13…Sunflower Winefest, to benefit Prayers from Maria Foundation, 4 to 9 p.m. Depot St., Rocky River. Wine, craft beer gardens, live music and fabulous food. Garden wristband is $60 presale/$75 at the door admission. VIP wristband is $250, includes a private full bar, food and seating.
Sunday, July 21...Blossom Summer Soiree, to benefit the Cleveland Orchestra. Enjoy a festive dinner party complete with seasonal summer cocktails and friends in Knight Grove at Blossom Music Center. Then, you will be treated to a concert by Leslie Odom, Jr. and the Cleveland Orchestra. Tickets start at $300 and include cocktails, dinner, a concert ticket and parking. Visit http://www.clevelandorchestra. com/soiree or call 216.231.7412.
Tuesday, Aug. 13...Gift of Life, celebrates Cleveland Clinic Fairview Hospital, 6 p.m.
to 10 p.m., at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo. Sponsored by the Community West Foundation, the family-friendly event includes access to the zoo and Asian Lantern Festival, rides on the Circle of Life Carousel, and Superhero and Princess character experiences. For more information, visit www.communitywestfoundation.org.
Saturday, Aug. 24…Rainbow Jumper Challenge, to benefit University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s, 5:30 p.m. at The Chagrin Valley Hunt Club, 7620 Old Mill Rd., Gates Mills. Equestrian jumping competition and exhibition with served cocktails, gourmet cuisine and a calcutta auction. Individual tickets will not be sold. Visit UHgiving.org/RainbowJumper for more information and sponsorship details.
Saturday, Aug. 24...2024 Summer Soiree: Bicentennial Bash to benefit Dunham Tavern Museum, 6 to 10 p.m. at the museum and grounds, 6709 Euclid Ave. As the oldest building in Cleveland, Dunham Tavern has witnessed 200 years of history. The evening will include live music, an open bar, buffet-style dinner and some surprises. Tickets start at $125. Visit http:// www.dunhamtavern.org for details.
Saturday, Aug. 24…Night at the Museum 2024 Gala, to benefit Canton Museum of Art’s Exhibition, Education and Art Therapy Programs. Visit cantonart.org/artinspiresgala.
Sunday, August 25...to benefit the ICASI Scholarship Fund, 4 to 7 p.m. at ICASI, 8700 Mayfield Rd, Chesterland. Guests at Cleveland’s Top Chefs will enjoy small plates prepared by more than 12 of the top chefs of the Cleveland area. The event will be held in the classrooms and on the grounds of ICASI (International Culinary Arts & Sciences Institute) and will feature wine tastings, live music and raffles with the chance to win a trip for two to the wine regions of Italy led by Chef Loretta Paganini. Proceeds will support scholarships for culinary and pastry students. Reservations are $150 per person and can be made at icasischolarshipfund.org (Fundraising Events) or through Eventbrite.com.
Saturday, Sept. 7…Chefs Unbridled to benefit Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center, at the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club Polo Field (7620 Old Mills Road, Gates Mills). Deemed one of the top benefits in Northeast Ohio, Chefs Unbridled is led by chef partners Chris Hodgson and Scott Kuhn of Driftwood Hospitality and sup-
ports Fieldstone Farm’s programs for people with special needs. Backdropped by a huge, decorated tent, the evening will feature new live cooking demonstration stations with chefs from Driftwood Hospitality, Flour, The Last Page, and Hook and Hoof. Guests (21 & over) will also enjoy an expanded outdoor entertainment area, as well as food truck service, cocktails, a wine pull, a bourbon barrel raffle, live music, carriage rides around Gates Mills, and more. Tickets start at $175 and include a tax-deductible donation to Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center. To purchase tickets, visit https://www.fieldstonefarm.org/support-us/chefs-unbridled/ or call 440-708-0013 ext. 123.
Saturday, Sept. 7…Pandemonium 2024, to benefit Cleveland Public Theatre, at the Cleveland Public Theatre Campus. Event to honor with the PAN Award James D. Graham, Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer & Secretary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc. . Event to feature a labyrinth of theatre, dance, visual art and performances in every corner of the campus. Tickets will be available for purchase in July at cptonline.org. For more information, call 216.631.2727, ext. 120.
The 15th annual Cleveland Asian Festival, held in the city’s AsiaTown, introduced many Northeast Ohio residents to Cleveland’s diverse Asian culture.
The festival fosters economic growth in the AsiaTown neighborhood, and celebrates Asian Pacific Heritage Month in May. The Cleveland Asian Festival is a collaborative event with participation from many ethnic groups. Among the groups represented at this year’s festival were members of the Chinese, Taiwanese, Korean, Japanese, Filipino, Indian, Vietnamese, Laotian, Indonesian, Malaysian and Thai communities.
The festival features food and merchandise vendors, local and national performing artists, activities for the entire family, games, trivia, an Asian Pop Dance competition and a health pavilion that focuses on medical conditions that affect Asian Americans. The 2024 event’s co-producers were Lisa Wong and Johnny K. Wu. Special guest emcees were Wayne Wong, chief of the Thermal Energy Conversion Branch, Power Division, NASA Glenn Research Center, Lynna Lai of 3News, and Gabriel Kramer, a reporter for Ideastream Pubic Media.
“The Cleveland Asian Festival was a huge success. Almost 50,000 people attended over Saturday and Sunday,” according to Dan Hanson of www.clevelandpeople.com and co-founder of the Cleveland International Hall of Fame. “They witnessed dozens of cultural acts and martial arts performances and browsed the dozens of vendors and resource tables.”
“Of course, the food was a big draw. There were over 40 choices for Asian foods and, while the lines were very long, they moved quickly,” he said. “This was the first year of the Cleveland Asian Food Awards. The
Almost 50,000 people attended the 15th annual Cleveland Asian Festival.
winners were Khaao Macha (Indian Fusion) in first place, followed by Parilya (Filipino food) in second place and Tita Flora’s (Filipino) in third. I tried them all and they were delicious. I also tried my first barbecued squid, which had a unique taste.”
Performers included the AsiaTown Square Dance Team, Pacific Paradise Entertainment, Westlake Chinese School, Five Lakes Chinese Music Ensemble, and the Sho-Jo-Ji Japanese Dancers.
AsiaTown, located in the heart of downtown Cleveland, is a vibrant business and dining district. The neighborhood contains Asian grocery stores, gift shops, and beauty salons, as well as diverse dining options, from Cantonese dim sum and Vietnamese pho to Korean barbecue and Szechuan hot pot. Visitors can walk the neighborhood to see murals and painted zodiac sculptures. Cap off the evening at a private karaoke room, a dance class or an open mic night at a local gallery. For current events and information, visit www.asiatowncleveland.org.
McGregor Senior Living hosted a one-ofa-kind curated show from the collection at Ursuline College of Design on May 4, in its Community Ballroom, 14900 Private Drive, Cleveland. Approximately 110 McGregor residents and guests attended.
The Ursuline College Historic Study Collection was established in 1984, founded by Connie Korosec, PhD, Professor Emerita and Collection Curator. It houses over 4,000 pieces, donated primarily by Clevelanders, which include shoes, hats, purses and apparel. Korosec presented a fascinating history of shoes and purses, with a display from various decades. This is the third fashion presentation given by Korosec at McGregor. Previously, she displayed millinery and a chiffon dresses collection.
The collection is used in the classroom to give design students a hands-on opportunity to study fashion industry apparel. Students can sketch, photograph, and write about the collection. They are encouraged to touch the fabrics, learn from their construction, and
use them to practice creating merchandising displays.
Did you know the earliest indication of handbags was depicted in Egyptian hieroglyphs showing male figures with a type of bag tied
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around their waists — likely used to carry seeds? In the Middle Ages, purses of leather and drawstrings were common for men and women. In the 14th century, men carried small leather bags to hold money, while women carried them to display social status. During the 16th and 17th centuries, fashion changed significantly with wider and longer ornate dresses, where women wore purses tied underneath so as not to distract from the dress design. Handbags became popular; some were embellished or painted with messages and artwork. Then in the 19th century with the rise of railroads and modern transportation, luggage was introduced. Purses became a survival kit for women to carry essentials while away from home. During WWI, handbags surrendered to the whims of fashion. Handbags of the 1920s might hold (or hide, depending on your persuasion) a small vial of liquor. In the
1930s, metal was at a premium because it was needed for the war, so purses were manufactured with plastic. Lucite plastic box purses were introduced in the 1950s, and in the 1960s, the shoulder bag was a sign of a liberated woman. Macrame bags were in fashion in the 1970s, as suede was in the 1980s. And Karl Lagerfeld made purse designer labels desirable by putting the “C” of Chanel on the outside.
Before shoes existed, people walked barefoot. Shoes were originally constructed to protect the feet from rough terrain, sharp objects and extreme weather. Sandals were worn in hot climates, and moccasins in cold climates.
In the 17th and 18th centuries, shoemakers began to decorate shoes with buckles made from brass, silver or steel. In 1917, the first mass-produced rubber-soled canvas sneakers were introduced – Keds, originally called Peds—– which is Latin for foot. That same year, basketball star Chuck Taylor became the brand ambassador for Converse All Stars.
The term “sneaker” was coined because of its quiet, steady nature as a rubber-soled shoe, compared to a louder wooden sole. Modern shoes have evolved to satisfy the consumer’s desire for fashion as a priority, sacrificing comfort more often than not. In the 1940s, women wore shorter heels and in the 1950s a thinner heel. Strappy, sling and metallic shoes became popular, as did plastic and mesh. In the 1980s, dress shoes became very pointy and were often painful. In the 2000s, flats became popular, as well as stacked stilettos.
Chief Marketing Officer Lee Ann O’Brien said that McGregor hosts these outreach programs as a source of life enrichment for residents, but also to encourage the wider community to explore what McGregor has to offer. Residents can engage with the community and learn new things. McGregor Senior Living includes Assisted Living, Nursing Care, Rehabilitation, Hospice Services, Independent Living, Senior Housing and Respite Care.
Visit currentsneo.com to submit your events or wedding.
Tuesday, September 10…Cross Out Cancer, to benefit immunotherapy cancer care and research in memory of Mary Ann Cross. Join leaders from University Hospitals Wesley Center for Immunotherapy at Seidman Cancer Center & Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute at Rainbow Babies & Children’s, 5:30 p.m. at The Shoreby Club, Bratenahl, 44108. Enjoy a stunning sunset while sipping cocktails and samplings of exquisite wines on the shore of Lake Erie, followed by dinner, live entertainment. The evening will showcase cutting-edge immunotherapy clinical trials and celebrate the pediatric, adolescent and adult patients benefiting from this life-saving care and research. The evening includes a stellar silent auction. Complimentary valet parking. Sponsorships, tables and tickets available. Contact Sharon. klonowski@uhhospitals.org.
American University
Boston College
Boston University
Bucknell University
Carleton College
Case Western Reserve University (5)
Chapman University
Clemson University
Columbia University
Drexel University
Emory University
Fashion Institute of Technology
Georgia Institute of Technology
Hampton University
Harvard University
Indiana University
Lawrence University
Massachusetts Institute of Technology (2)
Mercyhurst University
Miami University (2)
New York University
Northeastern University
Northwestern University (2)
College of William & Mary
Occidental College
Ohio State University
Pitzer College
Pratt Institute
Princeton University
Rice University
Ringling College of Art & Design
Rochester Institute of Technology
Savannah College of Art & Design
Smith College
Southern Methodist University
Spelman College
Syracuse University (4)
Tufts University
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
United States Naval Academy 2029, Postgrad Year
University of Akron
University of Denver
University of Miami
University of Michigan (3)
University of Pennsylvania
University of Richmond
University of Rochester (3)
University of South Carolina
University of Southern California
University of St. Andrews
University of Tampa
University of Virginia
University of Wisconsin at Madison
Vanderbilt University
Wake Forest University
Washington & Lee University
Washington University, St. Louis (2)
Williams College
Worcester Polytechnic Institute
as of 5/15/24
The birds were calling and an internationally known author wrote a book in response.
Thirty years ago, June 23, the art world and Northeast Ohio lost a singular luminary. David Batz was famous for his award-winning ceramics, sculpture, hand-made paper, prints, graphics and polychrome totems. His pottery would command prices in the thousands of dollars, and his works were selected for more than 17 of Cleveland Museum of Art’s prestigious May Shows. Hired as the new ceramics professor at Cleveland Institute of Art (CIA), David moved to Cleveland in 1970. By 1980, David and fellow artist and life partner Robert Jursinski had become Cleveland’s art scene fixtures as owners of Fiori Galleries in Little Italy. At Fiori they not only showcased their own art (and featured the renowned glass sculptures of David’s former instructor and friend Dale Chihuly) but established Fiori as an art mecca for emerging and established artists as well as art lovers. But on that June 23 in 1994, at age 49 and the height of his career, David would be felled by a fatal heart attack while he and Robert visited Puerto Vallarta. In his grief, Robert placed David’s remaining works into storage, and simultaneously stepped away from his own art career. For decades Robert did not set foot into the storage unit. Finally, ongoing urging by friends to resume his artistic pursuits - and the decision to donate his and David’s paper-making studio - led Robert back to the unit. He confided that entering the storage facility after decades was an emotional experience – confronted by both his partner’s remaining art and long-stored furniture from his late parents’ home. Providence dictated it was now time to revisit the “lost art of David Batz.” But how to proceed? Last year, Robert’s friend Professor Emeritus Joe Garry, Jr. first hosted a private exhibit, the success of which would prompt the pair to launch two public exhibitions, taking place this month only…the last opportunity for art lovers to purchase an original David Batz before his work becomes a permanent collection of the Artists Archives of the Western Reserve. These special “Raiders of the Lost Art” exhibitions will include Batz ceramics and porcelain pieces along with the paintings by his partner Robert Jursinski.
Hosted by Joe Garry and Robert Jursinski, the public exhibits will take place: Saturday, June 22: 2 – 4 p.m. at Context Gallery, Ste. 303, W. 80th Street (W. 78th Street Studios), Cleveland – and Sunday, June 23: 2 – 4 p.m. at the Patti DiBenedetto Corna Gallery, Ste. 103, The Ohio Design Centre,
23530 Mercantile Rd., Beachwood
The works of Batz and Jursinski were at the forefront again in 2021, achieving international acclaim when a collaborative 1987 piece was sold in auction at Sotheby’s Paris. (Copies of the piece had originally been commissioned by Progressive Insurance Founder/CEO Peter B. Lewis as 150 collectible invitations to a 1987 party he hosted.)
Robert and David’s art collaboration included environmental efforts, becoming heavily involved in campaigns to save the planet as far back as the 1980s. Developing a paper made from banana leaves known as “abaca,” this collaboration in 1987 created the “Line Drawing Sculpture Series” -- abaca paper wrapped around grapevines and branches to appear as if skin were hanging from human bone.
Today Robert’s renewed art career includes “pulp painting”— a technique which applies pigmented pulp to a freshly formed paper substitute which is then pressed. The Cleveland Heights-based artist blends modern European paper-making techniques with those of ancient Japanese techniques. His pieces are intuitively and largely inspired by nature that germinated from his beguilement of an orchid during one of his travels. Influenced by Henri Matisse, David Hockney and Jan van Huysum, Robert’s works have been commissioned for corporate collections as well as being exhibited in New York, Chicago and Mendocino.
Remembering his late partner, Robert relates one
of the celebrated stories about David.While at the CIA satellite school he’d established in Provence, France, David made the decision to stop wearing a wristwatch. David told Robert, “I walked out on the Pont-du-Gard one night and tossed my watch into the river. I gave up time forever.” Robert explains, “With the philosophers and mystics he admired – Buber, Camus and Ouspensky – David believed ‘time’ was the opponent of life. He had so much to do.” Cruelly, the universe had other plans. Left uncompleted at the time of David’s death were two final commissioned pieces: the doors to the arches at both St. Alban’s Episcopal Church and Mayfield Heights’ Temple Israel Ner Tamid. In addition to his art, Robert recalled David’s passions were legion. As a gay-rights activist he co-founded a nationwide task force championing AIDS-awareness programs and municipal gay-rights laws – when others were hesitant to be involved – and served as a delegate representing LQBTQ+ interests to the ‘80s Democratic National Convention.
David and Roberts’s extensive travels –climbing Mexico’s Pyramid of the Sun, visiting Paleolithic caves at Lascaux, France and the Druid megaliths of Stonehenge—contributed to their never-ending experimental and celebrated designs. “David’s functional ceramics and stoneware pieces were so unique, so inviting, you wanted to hold them,” explains Robert, adding, “and David would be very happy to finally see that his art is seeing the light of day once again at our upcoming June exhibits.”
Bestselling author Amy Tan recently took the stage in the Cleveland Museum of Natural History’s Murch Auditorium to discuss her latest book, “The Backyard Bird Chronicles.” Fans of the author and birding enthusiasts filled the auditorium to hear her account of nature, birding and the beauty around us. Tan discussed how she embarked on the emotional journey that would become the book. She was joined on stage by Dr. Caitlin Colleary, the museum’s Associate Curator of Vertebrate Paleontology.
“I began working on this project in 2016,” Tan said. “That was a very divisive time. There was an increase in name-calling across the country. I had to go to nature to affirm that the world is beautiful.”
“I have always been interested in all of nature. Birds were most numerous in my yard,” Tan explained. “Even as a child, I loved drawing as a solitary activity. In that way, it is the same as being a writer. When I began sketching birds, I would call out their characteristics. I looked up what I could about each type of bird and my knowledge grew over time.”
“I’m obsessive by nature. It’s part of being a fiction writer,” she said. “I wanted the best feeders, the best habitat. I designed my landscape entirely for flying creatures. I wanted to help our pollinators. What was most interesting to me was their behavior. I bought meal worms for the birds and stored them in our refrigerator. When I got to storing 20,000 meal worms, my husband of 50 years who never complains, said that there was no room in the refrigerator for dog food. So, we added another refrigerator in the garage.”
“I put seven small hummingbird feeders in one area of the garden. After awhile, I found that the hummingbirds would come to me and I could talk to them. I began to draw portraits of the individual birds,” she said. “I decided to draw the female birds because in nature, they get short shrift. After all of that razzle dazzle, the male bird is gone after about four seconds.”
“All of the birds in my book are in my backyard. On occasion, I would get rare birds in the yard that shouldn’t be there. I would take drawings to bird experts to find out what they were. Pencil is my medium. I had to learn to draw in color,” Tan said.
“There is something that I describe as intentional curiosity. You should look at things in a very open way, almost as a child would. Pay attention like you never have before,” she suggested. “It is important to realize that the purpose of nature is to observe and ask questions. When you look at a bird, you should feel its life force.”
“A section of my book is about, ‘Crime Scene: The Murder of a Crow.’ I had so many crows in the yard. I heard somewhere that crows mourn their kin. So, I went to the store and paid $14 for a fake crow and hung it in the yard,” Tan said. “Crows started flying in from all directions, screaming. They stopped coming to the feeder. Because crows are so smart, I was able to come up with a solution to my crow problem.”
“I started going birding with friends. I even went birding in Ecuador for three weeks. It was two weeks too long. I call that type of birding ‘sniper birding.’ I only count the birds in my yard and keep track of them,” she said.
“If you want to become a birder, decide on what kind of birding you want to do. The easiest way to get into birding is to
Ahh, summer in Northeast Ohio! There’s nothing like soaking up the sun at Lake Erie’s beaches, watching a game at the ballpark, or enjoying an epic outdoor concert. Luckily, you’re never short on options for these and other fun family activities that are sure to be crowd-pleasers with folks of all ages.
The Sixth Annual Blazing Paddles Paddlefest delivers an immersive and authentic experience on Cleveland’s Cuyahoga River from June 21-22.This celebration of Cleveland’s hardworking, scenic, and historic Cuyahoga River includes leisurely paddles on the river as well as competitive races. Visit sharetheriver. com/blazing-paddles for info.
Step aboard the trolley as a Lakeview Cemetery expert guides leads you on a journey through the breathtaking landscape and riveting stories of its most notable residents on August 11,and September 8 at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m. Water bottles are welcome on the trolley, but no food or other beverages. The tour starts from the Euclid Avenue Gate and lasts 75 minutes. Boarding the trolley requires five steps. Visit www.lakeviewcemetery.com/events to reserve your spot. Or enjoy free Sunday Summer Outdoor Band Concerts at Daffodil Hill. Picnics and lawn chairs welcome. On the schedule are: Horns and Things (Contemporary Jazz) on June 30; Bent String Quintet (Folk, Americana& more) on July 14; Sam Hooper (Blues) on August 11; and Labra Brothers (Latin, Funk & Soul) on September 8. All concerts take place from 4-6 p.m.
The 47th Annual Cain Park Arts Festival takes place July 12-14. This award-winning arts festival brings the work of hundreds of artists from across the country to Cleveland Heights. This free, three-day juried arts festival showcases artists whose mediums include wood, clay, glass, painting, jewelry, photography, sculpture, and more. Attendees can enjoy live entertainment, an interactive mural painting for children of all ages, and a variety of food trucks and concessions.
Join thousands of athletes from around the world in a celebration of health, vitality, friendship and an active lifestyle at any age.
Cleveland hosts the 2024 Pan-American Masters Games from July 12-21, which will be one of the largest international gathering in the city’s history. A major event of the International Masters Games Association, it offers an opportunity to showcase competitive spirit and athletic ability on a global stage. Featuring athletes from more than 50 countries, participants will compete in 26 medal-contending sports. They’ll be competing in venues across Cleveland, including Baldwin Wallace University, the Cleveland Metroparks, Cleveland Racquet Club, Cleveland Skating Club, Huntington Convention Center of Cleveland, the Cuyahoga River and historic League Park, among others.
DANCECleveland presents Community Dance Day 2024, and the Northeast Ohio Student Showcase on July 27, starting at 10 a.m. across the Playhouse Square Theater District. Take part in more than 12 free classes for all ages and abilities in dance styles including Modern, Ballet, African Drum & Dance, Hip Hop and more. Try out the art form of dance while celebrating movement. At 3 p.m., see
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look at the birds in your backyard or nearby park. Put out bowls of water for the birds, with about one and a half inches of water in each bowl. I use terra cotta planters. Birds need water every day. They will drink or bathe for minutes at a time,” Tan noted. “Do whatever is fun for you. I really want people to fall in love with birds. Then, they are far more likely to advocate for conservation. That is my hope.”
“This project was never intended to be a book. This was a private, personal journal,”
a free dance showcase performance featuring some of Northeast Ohio’s highest caliber of student performers and choreographers. Tickets are free but reservation in advanced is recommended as this event is expected to sell out. Visit dancecleveland.org for more details. Cleveland will host World Wrestling Entertainment (WWE) SummerSlam– the sports entertainment event of the summer, on August 3 at Cleveland Browns Stadium from 7:30 - 11p.m. On the schedule is the Friday Night SmackDown at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse on August 2, and a variety of fan and community events in the days leading up to and after SummerSlam. Cleveland is home to several WWE superstars including Logan Paul, The Miz and Johnny Gargano. This marks the first time that SummerSlam will be held in Cleveland since August of 1996, when then Gund Arena hosted the famed “Boiler Room Brawl” between Mankind and The Undertaker. The 45th Annual Cleveland International Kite Festival is August 11, from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. at Edgewater Park. Sponsored and presented by OSEK – The Ohio Society for the Elevation of Kites, this is an exhilarating celebration of kites and kite flying set against the picturesque backdrop of Cleveland. It draws enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels from the local community and beyond. The park’s open sky and good wind conditions offer the perfect environment for the spectacular display of kites in the sky — ranging from traditional designs to modern, innovative creations. Attendees are treated to a kaleidoscope of colors and shapes, as kites of all sizes dance gracefully in the sky. Excited about this year’s Summer Concert Headliners? Cleveland will showcase some of the most anticipated super-star talent in popular music. At Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse, see Janet Jackson + Nelly on June 25, AJR on June 27, Justin Timberlake on July 7, Missy Elliott on August 14, and Jennifer Lopez on August 20. At Cleveland Browns Stadium, Billy Joel and Rod Stewart perform their classic hits on September 13.
she said. “The journal was a lot of fun. A novel is existential agony. This was for myself. No one had to see this. My editor suggested that we make it into a book. I told him that the journal was covered in wine and coffee stains. He said, ‘Then it’s authentic’.”
Amy Tan is best known for her novel “The Joy Luck Club,” which spent more than 40 weeks on The New York Times Bestseller List and which was adapted into a film in 1993. Other novels by Tan include “The Kitchen God’s Wife,” “The Hundred Secret Senses,” “The Bonesetter’s Daughter,” “Saving Fish from Drowning” and “The Valley of Amazement,” all New York Times bestsellers. In addition, her writing has appeared in numerous national publications such as The New Yorker, Harper’s Bazaar, National Geographic, The New York Times and The Washington Post. In 2022, Tan was inducted into the American Academy of Arts and Letters, and in 2023, President Biden presented her with the National Humanities Medal. She serves on the board of American Bird Conservancy, the National Poetry Series, and The Community of Writers.
Visit currentsneo.com to submit your events or wedding.
Thursday, September 12… Twilight Soiree, to benefit the Foundation for Geauga Parks, 5:30-9:00 p.m. at Fowler’s Mills Golf Course, 13095 Rockhaven Road, Chesterland, OH 44026. Guests will enjoy delicious food catered by Hungry Bee and Woodfire, 8th Day Brewing and Crooked Pecker Brewing craft beers, wines, plus engaging activities, and live auction featuring unique nature themed experiences. Tickets are $135 per person. Sponsorship opportunities available. The Twilight Soiree fundraiser benefits the Foundation’s vital role in funding scholarships, nature education, conversation, preservation and the enhancement of natural spaces in Geauga County. Contact Erin at admin@foundationforgeaugaparks. org or 440.564.1048. Visit https://www.foundationforgeaugaparks.org/pages/twilight-soiree
Do you love outdoor community festivals with terrific live music — all for free? Then, don’t miss the 16th Annual Larchmere Porchfest on Saturday, June 29, from 1-10 p.m.
The well-established family-friendly festival features live band performances of diverse ranges and styles on porches throughout the walkable Larchmere neighborhood in the Buckeye–Shaker area of Cleveland. Residents, merchants and organizations host local artists on front porches, balconies, patios, and side lots while welcoming visitors to the neighborhood. There’s something for everyone, including activities for kids.
The event promotes social welfare, builds community cohesion, and promotes local arts by planning and collaborating with Larchmere stakeholders — home to unique small businesses and restaurants. Organizers work to combat deterioration, lessen neighborhood tension, and foster an environment in which music and arts can thrive.
Supported by volunteers, partners, sponsors and donors, the event features a Beer Garden, a Rest & Refresh area to sit and eat while enjoying a DJ, a Poetry Corner, and after parties at neighborhood restaurants. Approximately 5,000 people attend each year.
This year’s festival features the Sam Hooper
Plagued with clutter and need to organize your home or summer retreat? The Christ Child Society of Cleveland can help – donate your unwanted/unused clothing and treasures to Showcase! CCSC operates two Showcase resale shops, one located in Lakewood, the other in Fairview Park. These stores are fully managed, staffed, and maintained by CCSC volunteer members. The stores offer clothing for men, women and children, shoes, handbags, jewelry, toys, books, small appliances, housewares, artwork, and other miscellaneous items. The generated sales income is a source of financial support for CCSC’s numerous service projects that benefit in-crisis children.
SHOWCASE RESALE SHOPS:
LAKEWOOD, 15404 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107, 216.228.3370.
Tuesday-Saturday, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, closed Monday& Sunday
FAIRVIEW PARK, 20470 Lorain Road, Fairview Park, OH 44126, 216.273.7750. Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, Friday, Saturday 11:00 am – 4:00 pm, CLOSED Wednesday & Sunday.
Donations of new, gently used and like-new items are accepted at both locations during business hours.The Showcase Fairview Park store will accept small furnishing items, i.e. end tables, chairs, decorative pieces, etc. It is recommended that a phone call be made if in doubt of “acceptable” small furnishings. Due to space constraints, large furniture items cannot be accepted.
Stop in to see for yourself all the one-of-akind treasures. No wonder the shoppers say: “I love this store! Every time I come in, I find something!” A “first time” shopper commented: “It is so deceiving from the outside. There’s so much here, and it is so big! I was surprised.” An under 35-year-old shopper said in just a few words: “….you have good stuff.” And a regular customer remarked: “I love this store. I look for things for the house. I have two kids, so I usually make my way to the rooms upstairs for them. (Fairview Park) always has something.”
Daily, devoted volunteers receive and sort through donations. Out of season items are stored and then displayed when that season arrives. Nothing goes to waste. Items that are not saleable are offered to nearby agencies which help the less fortunate: The Edna House for Women, Laura’s Home (Women’s Crisis Center), International Newcomers Academy, West Side Catholic Center, Dismas Ministry, St. Herman House, and I’m in Ministry. Help Us Help Them.
Enjoy free live music at Larchmere Porchfest on June 29. Photograph courtesy of Larchmere Porchfest
Group, as well as Marcus Smith and the Rapscallions as headliners. The day kicks off at 1 p.m. when Blackout Rose performs at Fairhill Partners, 12200 Fairhill Road. This WorldRock/Afropunk band blends roots rock, pop, and unbridled soul.
The list of porch acts performing between 2-5:45 p.m. are: Blue Hour, JAMPOP, Powers/ Rolin Duo, Global Connections, Liz Bullock, Mary Martin and the Tuna Band, The Morning
Bird, Wave Magnetik, Abrepaso Flamenco, Da Land Brass Band, Horns & Things, J.J. Vicars & The Desiatos, Self Taught No Lessons, Tim Mirth Trio, Clare Feorene, Cleveland Classical Guitar Society, Frida and The Mann, Grumpy Plum, The Hashtag Virgo Quartet, The John McGrail Quartet, Girl Cologne, Hyperius Blake & the Sound Experiment, Jeffrey Cruz, Kisha Nicole Foster, Matthew Fodor, and Rebekah Jean & Bryan Thomas.
After parties begin at 8 p.m. Catch Bloodshot216 at Academy Tavern, Moises Borges at Batuqui, Church of Starry Wisdom at Poppy, or bring your friends for karaoke fun at UnBAR Cafe.
Started in 2008 by Larchmere residents who saw the effectiveness of community building through music at a porch fest in Ithaca, NY, this event was adopted and is now one of Cleveland’s most popular summer kickoff events for music and community.
Music lovers “camp out” in neighborhood front lawns for 30-40 minutes at a time, so bring chairs or a blanket to sit on. If you live nearby, biking is a great idea. There will be vendors and a food court for additional food options, or bring your own.
Pick up a printed schedule and map for the day, and learn about the neighborhood at the information tent located at the corner of E. 127th Street and Larchmere Blvd. Commemorative T-shirts will be for sale, and restrooms are located here too.
The event is sponsored by the Cleveland Foundation, Saint Luke’s Foundation, Cuyahoga Arts & Culture, NeighborUp, 121 Larchmere, UnBar Cafe, and Rust Belt Riders. Check out the schedule on its website, larchmereporchfest.org
HATHAWAY BROWN celebrated its 148th commencement on May 31. Learn more about the impressive Class of 2024 at hb.edu/seniorclass.
With modern villas and spacious apartments, the Renaissance is the ideal choice for those wishing to experience all that retirement living has to offer.
Relax and enjoy world-class cuisine in our elegant dining room or maintain a vibrant lifestyle in our brand-new health and wellness center, featuring an indoor heated saltwater pool. It’s all about choices… your choices.
elizajennings.org
And for those seeking opportunities to engage and socialize, the Renaissance offers countless cultural, recreational, and educational programs and outings designed to create new friendships and enhance your individual lifestyle experience.
The Renaissance sits in historic Olmsted Township. Our serene campus offers a tranquil setting with convenient access to cultural venues, entertainment, parks and recreation, restaurants, shopping, worldclass healthcare, highways, and Cleveland Hopkins International Airport.
to schedule your personal tour.
Eliza at Chagrin Falls offers Assisted Living, Memory Care, Skilled Nursing, and Short-term Rehabilitation. We welcome you to a warm and friendly campus encircled by natures beauty all located on 46 scenic acres in the
Eliza at Chagrin Falls offers so many amenities unmatched by other communities. Choose from a variety of spacious and inviting apartments designed for safety as well as function. And, as a not-for-profit
of
At Eliza you can embrace life, grow friendships, nurture your interests, and simply enjoy all life has to offer.
Quick! Don’t miss it! Neue Auctions’ June 29 Auction Catalog is now posted online at neueauctions.com and is an amazing gathering of unique, fine and decorative arts that invites deep exploration. Our gallery in Beachwood is open for preview and personal inspection of all of the items that will be crossing the auction block on Saturday June 29. If you have not experienced the adrenaline rush of an auction we encourage you to dive in! We are always here to happily answer questions and assist with bidding. neueauctions. com 23533 Mercantile Rd. Suite 100. 216.245.6707 M-F 9-5
You have the vision. We have the expertise. Landscape Renovations, New Plantings, Paver Patios/walkways, Fire pit installation and much more. J&D LANDSCAPES, LLC, 440.834.4443 or visit JDLandscapesLLC.com.
*A ll of the public rooms view the golf course
*Architect’s ranch home was taken to the studs and totally reconfigured
*Living room and dining room are open with great flow to screened porch across back of home
*Fabulous kitchen with a great entertaining island and eat -in area .
*Private desk area
*Two bedrooms ~ both en-suite
*Service room houses the mechanicals, laundry, mudroom, all storage, and has access to the attached garage . . .All Beachwood amenities!
Explore a refreshing new view at Hamlet
Centered around an active, fulfilling senior lifestyle, Hamlet at Chagrin Falls offers a desirable location, flexible living options and newly upgraded residences. Every day at this close-knit community presents a vibrant array of experiences and activities to help our seniors enjoy all of life’s seasons.
First established in Chagrin Falls in the 1960s, Hamlet’s leaders were intentional about creating a welcoming senior living community set on 47 wooded acres that would serve area seniors for generations to come. Their goal was achieved, and Hamlet has continued to evolve in its options for local seniors – first completing a $2 million revitalization plan and most recently, opening a new memory care neighborhood.
Hamlet’s expansive campus is the setting for both freestanding villas and spacious apartment homes. Through recent renovations, many of the community’s flexible floor plans now feature upgraded finishes and refreshed spaces. Residents appreciate the community’s simplified lifestyle with no need to worry about meal preparation, property taxes, or snow and trash removal
Hamlet’s close connection to the surrounding community is truly one of a kind – residents are easily able to enjoy all of the unique opportunities and cultural experiences provided in the beautiful village of Chagrin Falls. However, residents also remain happily occupied within Hamlet’s picturesque campus embracing as many opportunities as possible – from yoga classes and gardening to entertainment events and happy hours hosted in The Atrium and Clubhouse.
As a not-for-profit, full-service rental senior community, Hamlet provides greater flexibility and freedom while relieving residents of the extensive chores and additional costs of homeownership – which means more time and energy to spend enjoying new friendships and the incredible valley views.
We invite you to visit Hamlet and experience our beautiful independent living apartment renovations firsthand.
The restaurant business is more than just a job to Lola Jacaj. It is her life.
Jacaj, who recently opened Oliva in the former subterranean Osteria in the Warehouse District, said that she has a soft spot in her heart for the space. She worked at Osteria as a server when she was just 23 years old. After Osteria, Jacaj worked at Morton’s The Steakhouse. “I learned a lot there. I have been in the restaurant business all of my life, first as a server, then as an owner for 11 years. It doesn’t feel like work to me. I love it,” she said. Oliva, which is Italian for olive, is Jacaj’s third restaurant. The new dining establishment joins its neighbor Acqua di Dea, formerly Acqua di Luca, and Casa La Luna, formerly Luca Italian Cuisine. Following a split with chef and partner Luca Sema, the names of the restaurants were changed.
An extensive renovation project transformed Oliva into an Italian-themed steakhouse with seating for about 100. A private room in the back of the restaurant and the kitchen walls were eliminated to create a viewing kitchen with a 20-seat chef’s counter. The oversize chairs around the viewing kitchen and bar were handmade to order. The atmosphere is a blend of rustic charm with modern touches.
Executive chef and menu creator Michael White is a veteran in the kitchen whose credentials include a stint at Michaelangelo’s and Luca. “He is super talented. After leaving Luca, he moved to North Carolina, but we recruited him back,” Jacaj said.
“Our steaks are hand-selected and cut to order by our chefs and are USDA Prime Certified Angus Beef, which is the best in the market. We prepare them simply grilled with olive oil. Everybody loves the steaks. This is a meat and potatoes town, and our customers know a good steak,” she noted.
Diners can enjoy appetizers like beef neck meatballs with whipped goat cheese and black truffle, shrimp sauteed with white wine and aglio olio and oxtail soup. The Siciliana salad features fennel, olives, fried capers,
This summer at the Maltz Museum, visitors are invited to explore the rich tapestry of families found in America with two art exhibitions and interactive children’s activities. On view from now through September 2, A Celebration of Family combines two art exhibitions, Growing Up Jewish—Art & Storytelling and Love Makes a Family: Portraits of LGBTQ+ People and Their Families that present paintings, photographs, and interviews—taking visitors on a creative journey that celebrates families from all walks of life.
Growing Up Jewish: Art and Storytelling features 42 contemporary paintings and personal narratives of artist Jacqueline Kott-Wolle, as she explores the key people, experiences, and community that shaped her distinctly North American brand of Jewish identity. This exhibition beautifully portrays the rich tapestry of Jewish life and serves as a testament to the community’s resilience, traditions, and values.
Love Makes a Family: Portraits of LGBTQ+ People and Their Families, produced by the Family Diversity Project, is a traveling exhibition with over 40 photographs and interviews with families that have lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer-identified (LGBTQ+) members. By showcasing the diverse stories and journeys of the LGBTQ+ community, this exhibition aims to create a space of empathy, respect, and celebration of individual identities and relationships.
Both exhibitions include interactive children’s activities designed by globally-recognized exhibit designer, Karen Katz. Throughout the galleries, interactive components invite visitors on a creative journey. Younger visitors can also immerse themselves in play activities connected with exhibition themes. For more information, ticket pricing, and group tour discounts visit maltzmuseum.org or call 206-593-0575.
pomegranate and orange segments in a lemon juice and olive oil dressing.
“Our Gitara pasta is my favorite. I have never tasted anything like it,” Jacaj said. The dish is made with braised veal shoulder, porcini and morel mushrooms, pecorino romano cheese and blueberries. Homemade potato gnocchi are served with gorgonzola dolce, while the handmade porcini and four-cheese sachetti pasta is complemented by a fresh mozzarella, tomato and basil sauce.
Other entrees include salt-crusted sea bream, lobster tail with a white truffle butter sauce, and slow-roasted half or whole guinea fowl with mushrooms.
“We listen to our guests, to hear what they like and dislike. I am pleased with the feedback that we have received from our patrons. I have heard the word excellent so many times. Usually, it takes some time to achieve that level of praise, but we heard it here after being open only days,” she said.
“I like to take pride in the fact that Oliva is a more intimate, boutique steakhouse,” Jacaj noted, adding that she would like to reestablish the Warehouse District as a mecca for fine dining. She is already drawing up plans for restaurant number four, a French bistro around the corner from Acqua di Dea. Oliva, at 408 W. St. Clair Ave., is currently open for dinner nightly. Jacaj said that she hopes to add lunch within the next month. She said the luncheon menu will essentially be the same as the dinner menu, with the addition of some lighter entrees and salads.
Reservations can be made through Open Table or the restaurant’s website at www. olivasteakhouse.com. Phone 216.329.0700.
This Charles Greco designed brick Georgian in t he heart of Ambler Heights/C hestnut Hills is t he epitome of gracious living
*Lovi ngly restored by the current owners
*A unique confluence of sophistic ation and warmt h
*Significant arc hitectural
det ails and spacious rooms for entertai ning.
*Master bedroom with Hi s-and-H ers en-suite baths and dressing room
*Meticulously landscaped garden rooms
*Relaxed and refined, this elegant home is full of engaging det ails
When it came to fashion, the late Ann DiBenedetto rightly let it go to her head.
The owner of Heady Lady Millinery in Bay Village, DiBenedetto became known for her hat shows and for her personal collection of more than 2,000 hats. She had a great love for fashion, especially hats. A friend once asked DiBenedetto to talk about some of her hats at a cocktail party. The guests loved the presentation. After that, DiBenedetto began doing hat fashion shows in Cleveland, Palm Beach and Boca Raton, FL to raise money for charities. She donated the proceeds from her shows to the American Red Cross, the Christ Child Society and the Hemophilia Association, along with numerous other organizations.
DiBenedetto then took her talents for fashion and began doing talk shows, including “The Morning Exchange” with anchors Jan Jones and Lee Jordan. She would often present hats from her own vast collection, relate a story associated with each hat, and trace the evolution of hat fashion through the years.
She stressed the importance of wearing a hat and talked about skin care. DiBenedetto had many beach hats. “I never put my face in
the sun. There are all kinds of ways you can wear hats to protect your skin,” she noted. She said a hat finishes an outfit.
DiBenedetto often traveled with her building developer husband, “Sparky” DiBenedetto. “I had a wonderful husband. I never changed the furniture in my house, but I bought a lot of hats,” she said. They were on a trip to Paris when she heard that there was a private fashion show by invitation only at a Christian Dior boutique. She decided that she was going to try to get into the sold-out event. She told her
husband that if he did not see her return in ten minutes, it meant that she got into the show and he should come back for her in an hour. While at the show, she eyed a stunning Dior hat. It was so expensive that she passed on the purchase. A few months later, DiBenedetto had the opportunity to take a trip to Rome, where she spotted the same one-of-a-kind hat in a boutique. She told the shop owner that she had recently seen a similar hat in Paris. The merchant responded, “This is the hat you saw. It was just sent to me today.” The hat was marked at half price, so of course DiBenedetto bought it.
DiBenedetto, who passed away in 2015 at the age of 92, was honored as a woman of achievement at the Northwood Institute of Florida. She was a member of the Cleveland Fashion Group International for more than 50 years and was honored at Fashion Week of Cleveland. She served on the advisory board of Ursuline College and the fashion department of Kent State University.
She often sent hats from her shop to celebrities, and to first ladies Mamie Eisenhower, Lady Bird Johnson, Betty Ford, Nancy Reagan and Rosalynn Carter.
About 75 of DiBenedetto’s hats are currently on display in a show titled, “Hat Extravaganza” at Rose Hill Museum in Bay Village. Included in the exhibit are hats designed by Mr. John, Emme, Frank Olive, Eric Javitts, Mr. Rickie for Halles, Alan Couldridge, Adolfo and Dajon. DiBenedetto’s family is in the process of finding a permanent home for the collection of 2,000 hats and they hope to accomplish that by 2025.
Admission to the show at the museum, located at 27715 Lake Rd. in Bay Village, is free of charge every Sunday from 2 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. Group tours can be arranged by calling 216.319.4634. The show continues through December.
Greenwald Antiques is Cleveland’s most cherished destination for rare and exquisite artifacts. Our family-owned antique store has been a beloved establishment for over 70 years. Located in the heart of Woodmere, our store is a treasure trove of the most remarkable 19th and 20th-century decorative arts. In an age of mass production and disposable goods, our antique store stands as a testament to timeless beauty and enduring craftsmanship. Each item is handpicked ensuring authenticity and quality. The allure of finding that one of a kind piece keeps our customers returning and new visitors amazed. Come visit us, you never know what incredible treasures you will find. GREENWALD ANTIQUES, Woodmere, 216.839.6100 or greenwaldantiques.com.
From Our Heart,
From Our Heart, To Your Home!
We provide compassionate and reliable home health care services to help keep seniors safe and independent wherever they call home.
ALZHEIMERS’ CARE
Conditions like Alzheimer’s or Dementia may come with unique care challenges, but you can lean on us to help you face those challenges today and everyday.
Alzheimer’s or Dementia may come with unique care challenges, but you can lean on us to help you face those challenges today and everyday. READY, SET, GO HOME
Conditions like Alzheimer’s or Dementia may come with unique care challenges, but you can lean on us to help you face those challenges today and everyday.
Conditions like Alzheimer’s or Dementia may come with unique care challenges, but you can lean on us to help you face those challenges today and everyday.
READY, SET, GO HOME
READY, SET, GO HOME
READY, SET, GO HOME
Ready-Set-Go Home is a transitional care program that is designed to help seniors make a successful transition home after hospitalization.
Ready-Set-Go Home is a transitional care program that is designed to help seniors make a successful transition home after hospitalization.
Ready-Set-Go Home is a transitional care program that is designed to help seniors make a successful
Some
Ready-Set-Go Home is a transitional care program that is designed to help seniors make a successful transition home after hospitalization.
PERSONAL CARE
PERSONAL CARE
PERSONAL CARE
Some every day and regular activities are hard to
Some every day and regular activities are hard to manage alone. Our services are available 24-hours a day or part-time to offer as much assistance as you desire or need
Some every day and regular activities are hard to manage alone. Our services are available 24-hours a day or part-time to offer as much assistance as you desire or need
(216) 633-3604 (Nadine)• (216) 364-1111 (office) Nadine@rentadaughter.org
(Nadine)• (216) 364-1111 (office) Nadine@rentadaughter.org
(216) 633-3604 (Nadine)• (216) 364-1111 (office) Nadine@rentadaughter.org
(216) 633-3604 (Nadine)• (216) 364-1111 (office) Nadine@rentadaughter.org
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RentaDaughter.org • 24/7 Serving Ohio and Florida HOME CARE SERVICES
It’s been almost four decades since Broadway actor and director Don Stephenson saw “Back to the Future” for the first time on the silver screen — an experience he describes as “unforgettable perfection.”
He wasn’t alone in that assessment. The Academy Award-winning sci-fi comedy quickly became a box-office smash, leading to two movie sequels, along with board games and theme park rides. That series of heartfelt homages continues with Broadway’s musical version of the story — which opened at New York’s Winter Garden Theatre last year — taking center stage at Playhouse Square’s KeyBank State Theatre June 11 through July 7.
Stephenson portrays eccentric scientist Doc Brown, who accidentally sends teenager Marty McFly back to 1955 in a time-traveling DeLorean automobile — an excursion that prevents Marty’s future parents from falling in love and threatens his own existence unless he can reunite them and return to then-present-day 1985.
It’s a role Stephenson relishes.
‘If someone comes to you and says, ‘Do you want to play Doc Brown in “Back to the Future: The Musical,” you’d immediately say ‘yes,’ right?” the Tennessee native says with a grin. His previous credits include starring on Broadway as showman Leo Bloom in “The Producers” (a part he reprised on HBO and Larry David’s “Curb Your Enthusiasm”), passenger Charles Clarke in “Titanic” and members of the D’Ysquith family in “A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder.”
“I was earning my bachelor of arts degree at the University of Tennessee, and getting ready to graduate and move to New York to work in theater when the movie debuted,” Stephenson recalls. “I remember being blown away by the screenplay; the fact that every loose end was tied up; and the brilliance of Michael J. Fox, Crispin Glover and Lea Thompson.”
“Christopher Lloyd’s performance as Doc in the film is unforgettable,” he adds. “My goal on stage is to honor his work and, at the same time, add my own touches to the part. It’s a little bit of a different task than what I’m used to, but I’m enjoying it.”
Adapted for the stage by the film’s creators Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, “Back to the Future: The Musical” retains the enduring charms its predecessor is adored for: The score was penned by the movie’s composer Alan Silvestri (in collaboration with Grammy Award-winning Glen Ballard); and timeless tunes that were incorporated into the movie soundtrack — “The Power of Love,” “Earth Angel,” “Johnny B. Goode” and “Back in Time” — are seamlessly complimented by dazzling 21st-century special effects. The production is directed by John Rando, who won a Tony Award for Best Direction
Wood Trader
Expert framing, art and frame restoration and custom presentation of anything you treasure and wish to display in your home or office … from children’s and seniors’ artwork, wedding or family portraits to museum-quality oil or watercolor paintings, visit WOOD TRADER for all of your framing needs. More than 50 years of providing clients with expertise and an artisans’ eye toward artistic and custom framing of art and artifacts, restoration of special pieces and more. Call for an appointment or visit Wood Trader in Cleveland Heights, 216.397.7671. See www.woodtraderframing.com for more detailed information about our work, or email us at office@woodtraderframing.com.
(Musical) for “Urinetown: The Musical.”
“An argument could be made that this is the greatest time-travel story ever,” Stephenson says.
“If you’ve seen the movie, you’re going to love the musical,” he adds. “And if you haven’t seen the movie, you’re going to get [the story] fresh because it’s right there on stage. Audiences are in for a magnificent treat because this show is spectacular.”
Creating a show-stopping rendering of the
story’s iconic DeLorean for the stage presented its own set of conundrums. Production and costume designer Tim Hatley tackled each with aplomb. “Nothing excites me more than a challenge,” says Hatley, whose Broadway honors include winning a 2023 Tony Award for Best Scenic Design of a Play for “Life of Pi”, a 2009 Tony Award for Costume Design (Musical) for “Shrek the Musical”; and a 2002 Tony Award for Scenic Design for “Private Lives.”
“I knew ‘Back to the Future’ is a beloved story that had the ability to become its own entity on stage, in front of a live audience,” he explains. “My approach is always to make sure the design assists and supports the telling of the story. If I do not help and push the arc of the story, then I have not done my job properly.
“I consider the design to be,” Hatley adds, “another member of the acting company.”
A combination of lighting effects, digital projections and hydraulic rigging enables the DeLorean time machine to emit jets of smoke, tilt, tip, turn, rotate, be drivable and danced on, reach speeds in excess of 88 mph — and fly.
“The key to the success of ‘Back to the Future: The Musical’ is, I believe, that it exceeds audience expectations,” Hatley says. “The questions of ‘How on Earth will they do that on stage?’ are answered visually in spades.”
And, like the trio of “Back to the Future” movies generations have come to revere, the endearing plot explores the true meaning of friendship and courage, the dynamics of family and the importance of charting the course of one’s own destiny.
“It’s a heart-warming story,” Hatley reflects, “that we need to have in our lives right now more than ever.”
Finding the right home care can relieve your stress. In today’s world stress is a major factor in our daily lives, no matter how hard we try to make the right decisions, we cannot always be sure of our choices. A decision you might face is how to care for a loved one who has recently become ill or has had a health decline. Do I care for them at home by myself or not? It is difficult to watch them decline. Sometimes, it is so subtle we do not see it and other times we ignore it hoping it will improve or go away. We live with the guilt of not being there or the fear of our loved one not receiving the right care. We all have that nagging feeling no can care and love our family as we do. Not only is having that feeling stressful, but the work of being a caregiver can be difficult. Many times, we translate that stress to our loved ones, compounding the situation. Caregiver burnout can happen quickly, and it results in a change in the relationship for a spouse, son or daughter.
The family caregiver’s health can suffer too. Sometimes, the best thing we can do for our loved one is to find professional home care assistance. Though no one can replace family, there are people who dedicate their life to the care of those who cannot care for themselves. Rent A Daughter Senior Care Services can provide a professional vetted caregiver. We are here for the care you need. Our caregivers can be with a loved one for a few hours, for a day or up to 24/7. Our care includes rides to appointments, shopping, cooking, light housekeeping, laundry, bathing, dressing, incontinence care or simply companionship. Our goal is to keep your loved one as independent as possible. We want to create a sense of security for your family. Choosing home care can reduce your stress and allow you to be a family member again and not a caregiver. From our heart to your home, your family is our family. Call 216.633.3604, 216.364.1111 or email Nadine at rentadaughter.org.
By RITA KUEBER
The house at 4085 Brush Road in Richfield is an exquisite blend of convenience and privacy, newer construction with acknowledgement to the past, plus clean lines and large rooms with stunning architectural details. The house is elaborate but never over the top. The style is colonial but contemporary. The rooms, filled with charm and character, flow easily from formal to family-oriented and would be a dream for entertaining.
At the entrance a private road winds through stone columns past a secluded pond. This brings the visitor to a stunning house surrounded by a bocce court, in-ground pool, pool house, a firepit, sculpture garden and acres of stunning landscaping.
Designed by Tony Paskevich, this house has meticulous hand-crafted ornamentation on the walls, the cabinets, and along the hallways and staircases. The main front door has symmetrical leaded-glass side panels and opens to a foyer featuring wood columns and crown molding. To the left is a grand staircase leading up to most of the bedrooms, and down to the lower level. Just past the stairs is a gorgeous den/library with a wood coffered ceiling and embellished marble-faced fireplace. Through the den is the first-floor primary bedroom with more ornate molding. An arched
doorway leads to a walk-in closet and the bath with tub, separate steam shower and behind a door with more decorative glass, a private lav. In the dressing area the cabinet handles sport tiny rhinestones in a wink at the glamour of it all. The spacious bedroom has a sitting area and access to the outside terrace.
Returning to the front door, straight ahead is a sunken living room with a fireplace framed in marble. A compass rose window offsets the open formal dining space just beyond. To the right is an enormous kitchen with an eat-in area and a breakfast bar. The large workspace has a sizable island and second sink and is
surrounded by trimmed dark wood cabinets (one that masks the refrigerator), a six-burner Viking range, and an open pantry. Like all the rooms at the back of the house, there’s an entrance to the outside terrace. The main floor also has an expansive and bright laundry room. Beyond the kitchen is the family room or great room that has its own wood-framed fireplace and a second stairway to the upper level, and also a second front-facing entrance. On the second floor are four bedrooms, each with its own full bath, plus a loft area and an upper library or study room. The upper hall runs above the kitchen creating a gallery that connects the two spaces. The walk-out lower level has a wine room with a colorful stained glass fronting depicting a vineyard, a game area, exercise room, brick hearth, a diner-inspired kitchenette and a bonus room. Outside, the covered outdoor kitchen has its own pizza oven and outdoor seating overlooking the in-ground pool. The adjacent pool house has a full bath and access to an indoor workshop, plus an unfinished second level. Despite the embellishments, or maybe because of the attention to detail, this house offers a sense of both peace and permanence. A family – even multiple generations of a family could easily live here with room for everyone’s interests and pursuits. The house is so far off the main street, it’s literally surrounded by its own very private park, yet it’s convenient to shopping, dining, and highways.
4085 Brush was built in 1986 and has 7.35 acres attached. The house has five bedrooms, one on the main floor, six full and one half baths for a total of over 9,007 square feet. Well water and septic. Zoned heating with five fireplaces. Four-bay attached, heated garage. Revere schools. Represented by Adam Kaufman of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services 4085 Brush is listed at $3,895,000 at press time with annual taxes (Summit County) of $17,053. Contact Adam Kaufman at 216.831.7370, or adamkaufman@howardhanna.com.
1920s Prohibition-themed event
The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum will present “Honeys of the Hooch: The Sordid Tales of Women Moonshiners” on Friday June 28 form 6 to 8 pm. Tickets are $50 per person, and participants must be 21 or over attend. Guests are encouraged to wear 1920’s style attire to compete in a best dressed costume contest.
The evening will include samples of beer, wine, and cocktails, and a program by Science Director, Lynette Reiner, who will share the importance of women moonshiners and bootleggers, plus the first female DEA agent. Unhitched Brewing and Cherry Road Winery will showcase their mastery in brewing and vinification (wine making).
Santangelo’s Catering will provide heavy hors d’oeuvres, including Italian meatballs, assorted miniature sandwiches, sausage and peppers, chicken skewers with pineapple, and more.
The program will explore how and why women played a role in making alcohol before and during Prohibition. Women manufactured alcohol and women sold alcohol, but more than any aspect of bootlegging, women were the ideal smugglers. They were confined to very strict social roles — but women bootleggers were able to exploit them for their own gain.
The Gift Shoppe will be open at 5:30 pm for
Get ready to be swept away by the spellbinding melodies and breathtaking performances of the 2024 Cleveland International Piano Competition (CIPC), taking place at Severance Music Center from July 28 - August 10! This prestigious event, hosted by Piano Cleveland, promises an unforgettable chance to see the future leaders of the piano world perform in Cleveland as four Finalists emerge from a field of sixteen Quarter-Finalists.
As Piano Cleveland began planning for its golden anniversary, the competition was reimagined to do more than select the best classical pianist. The goal, according to Piano Cleveland President Yaron Kohlberg, is to “identify and support the future leaders in the piano world.” The competition encourages contestants to express their full selves as artists, with expanded guidelines for what they can play and opportunities to share their artistic vision.
“Many competitions ask for limited repertoire such as Bach and Beethoven or Chopin,” explains Kohlberg. “We want to see each pianist as a complete artist, so we let them choose repertoire that expresses who they are and what they see as the future of piano. Our competition does more than examine skill; our competition prepares our contestants for the evolving classical music landscape. For the audience, that means this competition will sound a little different than any other piano competition in the world.”
The road to Cleveland for the sixteen Quarter-Finalists has been a challenge. Last year, there were 265 pianists from 28 countries and regions. Fifty-five were then selected to play in a First Round recital this past spring. From those 55 performances, sixteen Quarter Finalists were selected by a jury of classical music professionals.
The Cleveland portion of the competition kicks off July 28 with an opening ceremony at the Hanna Theater, where the pianists pair up to play pop music transcriptions of songs you know from the radio. Quarter-Finals take place from July 29-31, featuring solo piano performances. The field will be cut in half for the Semi-Finals, wherein the contestants perform as part of a trio. Four Finalists will then play in an intimate salon round that combines performance and storytelling at the Glidden House as well as the competition’s signature event—a concerto with The Cleveland Orchestra.
a Sip & Shop before the event begins. Samples of the Museum’s Coffee Bill coffee from Cherry Blend Coffee Roasters will be available. The Shoppe will be open until 6:15 pm.
Pre-paid reservations are required. Tickets can be purchased online by using this direct link: qrco.de/beyeGx OR by calling the front office at 330-455-7043 during regular business hours. All ticket holders must submit an email address upon registration.
All proceeds from this event will support the Museum’s mission to create connections for all audiences through science, history, and the legacy of William McKinley.
ABOUT
The McKinley Presidential Library & Museum is located at 800 McKinley Monument Dr NW in Canton. The Keller Gallery is the Museum’s temporary exhibition space and features a variety of topics each year. The Museum also includes the McKinley National Memorial, McKinley Gallery, Street of Shops, The Stark County Story, Discover World, Ramsayer Research Center, and the Hoover-Price Planetarium. The Museum is open Tuesday – Saturday from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM. The Museum is closed Sunday and Monday. Visit our website at www. McKinleyMuseum.org.
Tickets for each round of the competition are currently on sale through Severance Music Center. More information about the competition, its history, and community events leading up to the competition can be found at pianocleveland.org.
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On June 15, the Eliza at Chagrin Falls assisted living and skilled nursing community provided an opportunity for area residents to see first-hand the newly named Eliza at Chagrin Falls campus, while learning more about aging care and senior living options.
Eliza at Chagrin Falls, formerly The Weils senior living campus, was purchased by Eliza Jennings Corporation in December from its previous owner Menorah Park. The campus, located at 16695 Chillicothe Road in Chagrin Falls, was renamed Eliza at Chagrin Falls, joining the three other Eliza communities in Olmsted Township, Westlake and Cleveland.
According to Janet Kodrich, director of admissions and marketing for Eliza at Chagrin Falls, the most important aspect of the new ownership is the offering of a full continuum of care.
“When you come to Eliza you know that we will have a home for you, and the level of care you will need,” she said. “It provides our residents and their families a true piece of mind.”
The Eliza at Chagrin Falls campus includes a 29-bed skilled nursing facility as well as 93 assisted living apartments that encompass both traditional assisted living services as well as memory care. The facility offers assisted living, memory care, skilled nursing and short-term rehabilitation services, according to Ms. Kodrich.
She said since day one of the purchase by the new owners, “Eliza Jennings is doing renovations to many areas of the campus to provide a refreshed look for the residents.”
Eliza Jennings “reinforces its dedication to providing compassionate care, ensuring that the traditions, values and exceptional staff of The Weils continue at Eliza at Chagrin Falls,” the company said in a statement.
Ms. Kodrich, who previously worked at The Weils, said that approximately 97 percent of The Weils staff has stayed on at Eliza at Chagrin Falls.
For their June 15 “Aging Care and Senior Living” event, which served as the new ownership’s introduction to the community, Eliza at Chagrin Falls offered attendees an opportunity to tour the assisted living and skilled nursing facilities, as well as “delve into all aspects of senior living with expert guidance from the center’s staff and experts in senior care,” said Ms. Kodrich.
The event’s keynote speaker, James B. Leverenz, M.D., a neurologist affiliated with the Cleveland Clinic, provided attendees with information about the latest research and clinical care in the field of neurology, as well as a discussion on developing treatments for various neurological conditions.
Dr. Leverenze also hosted a question and answer session at the end of his lecture, something that Ms. Kodrich said appealed to residents, their families and even staff members at the campus.
“We wanted our families of current and future residents to see our whole 46-acre campus,” she shared. “We wanted them to view our gardens, visit our residences, sit on our patios, to really get a feel for the kind of life and the level of service we offer here.”
She said that for those who were unable to attend the June 15 event, interested families can contact Eliza at Chagrin Falls for a private tour. Eliza Jennings, the parent company of Eliza at Chagrin Falls, has been in the senior care business for over one hundred years, with a legacy dating back to 1888, according to Ms. Kodrich. Their expansion into Chagrin Falls with the Eliza at Chagrin Falls campus, offers an additional option for assisted living, skilled nursing and rehabilitation services in a beautiful setting nestled in the Chagrin Valley.
Watching the Kent State School of Fashion annual fashion show suggests the same vibe as parents watching their baby go off to college. The overwhelming vibe is “when did this happen?” – kids started out drawing and playing with fabric and color and suddenly we have a completely new vision for fashion in the 2020s and beyond. There are several things going on here, all of them inspiring and all of them amazing. If you haven’t attended, pretty sure you haven’t seen anything like this.
First, the annual fashion show is the crowing achievement of KSU’s Fashion Week, a series of workshops, lectures and open houses open to the general public. Fashion Week aims to showcase the work of students who are experimenting with new ideas to clothe us stylishly in innovative and sustainable ways. “The Annual Fashion Show is a great opportunity for our community to celebrate and witness first-hand the achievements of our fashion design and merchandising students,” School of Fashion director Dr. Mourad Krifa said in a press release. “Their extraordinary talent and creativity, along with the dedication of the faculty who nurture them, is what makes us one of the top fashion schools in the world.”
Then there is the abounding professionalism seen in every aspect of this event. The cocktail reception with its signature libations (The Runway: vodka, prosecco, and cranberry) and varied outstanding hors d’oeuvres was served by a team of extremely skilled and capable Kent State students.
The evening quickly morphed into the showcase event held in the ballroom of the Student Center. There were 42 designers displaying 171 fashions. These collections and single-submission garments were chosen by a panel of industry critics and jurors for inclusion in the show. Evening wear, day wear, market ready and universal design – all were represented in the show. And more, among the designers, dressers, models, ushers and
support staff (lights, audio, and cameras) this show took over 235 people to make it come to life, and all produced by seniors Daniella Byrnes and Mackenzie Karsten.
Over the course of the week the Fashion School inducted British designer Dame Zandra Rhodes into their Hall of Fame. An icon for more than 50 years, the British fashion and textile creator, dubbed “the princess of punk,” has designed garments for Diana, Princess of Wales, Diana Ross, and Cher. “I am thrilled and honored to have been invited by Kent State’s School of Fashion to be their 2024 Hall of Fame Inductee,” she said. At the fashion show she announced she would be donating several of her “treasured dresses” to the Kent State museum.
The Annual Fashion Show, held every April, is a key part of the senior year experience in which fashion students organize to showcase and celebrate their achievements. The result is not only a riot of bold color and groundbreaking design, but also an uplifting event filled with the infectious joy of sheer creativity and the imagined come to life.
A video of the 2024 Annual Fashion Show presented by the Kent State School of Fashion is available on YouTube. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY RITA KUEBER
The signature fundraising event for Achievement Centers for Children (ACC), Sparkle: Bourbon & Blues, was held May 4 at the InterContinental Hotel in Cleveland. The event raised $530,000 (gross) with 350 guests in attendance, all benefiting children and adults with disabilities and their families.
Since 1940, ACC has empowered people with disabilities to achieve their greatest potential and remains committed to help its clients grow and develop.
Guests enjoyed a cocktail reception, passed hors d’oeuvres, and live music from Colin Dussault’s Blues Project, followed by a sitdown dinner in the hotel’s ballroom. Tiffani Tucker, Channel 19 News Anchor and ACC Board Member, served as emcee.
The program featured a presentation of ACC’s Champions for Achievers award to the Boland family. Jim Boland, ACC Board Chair, his father, and their entire extended family have created a decades-long legacy of community service and financial support for the organization.
A Middleburg Heights mother, Jennifer
Vucenovic, a recent widow with four children, delivered a testimonial accompanied by her youngest daughter Ella, age 10. She discussed the tremendous impact that ACC’s Adapted Sports program has had on Ella, who plays both tennis and football. Ella enjoys wearing the Cleveland Browns jersey for each football game and consistently smiles every time she plays.
The year-round program also engages children and young adults in competitive basketball, baseball, golf and soccer. Pride, selfconfidence and friendships are built alongside skills through the encouragement of dedicated volunteers, coaches and instructors.
A live auction featured works by artist and River Rock participant Amanda Bagby as well as the Fund Achievement Paddle Raise with the debut of its Camp Reimagined Plan, all followed by dancing and dessert. James Kacic served as Event Chair. Presenting sponsors include the Boland family and EY. For more information about ACC, visit achievementcenters.org. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS
BY ANDREA C. TURNERThe Cleveland Museum of Art (CMA) announced the appointment of Jacquelyn Sawyer to the position of chief learning officer following an extensive national search. Sawyer comes to the CMA with a wealth of experience, having served in museum leadership positions, overseeing education, interpretation, and community engagement. In her role at the CMA, she is responsible for all public and academic engagement and outreach, including academic programs, collection and exhibition programming, school and teacher programs, and the museum’s Education Art Collection. As chief learning officer, Sawyer also leads the museum’s initiatives to engage broad and diverse audiences with the museum’s global collections.
“I am immensely pleased to welcome Jacquelyn as our chief learning officer,” said William M. Griswold, CMA director and president. “Her experience as an educator and in interpretation opens a wealth of opportunity for the CMA to welcome students, engage with our audiences, and connect with communities outside our walls.”
Sawyer most recently served as vice president of education and engagement at the National Building Museum in Washington, DC, where she led the Education and Engagement department. She has held director roles at Reginald F. Lewis Museum and the National Aquarium and has a master of arts degree in teaching in curriculum and instruction from Johns Hopkins University.
“I am extremely excited for the opportunity to serve at such a storied institution,” said Sawyer. “The CMA’s mission to create transformative experiences ‘for the benefit of all the people’ is inspirational. I am looking forward to creating opportunities and building pathways of accessibility for all audiences, in Cleveland and around the globe, to find meaning and purpose in art.”
Opportunities for charitable giving soared to new heights as 240 guests gathered to “Take Flight” for Youth Challenge.
The spring benefit, held at The Aviator event center, included delicious food and drink, live entertainment by Apostle Jones, a can’t-miss silent auction and a $10,000 cash raffle. Many guests got into the spirit of the evening by dressing as pilots and flight attendants, ground crew and seasoned travelers.
Youth Challenge changes lives in simple, yet extraordinary ways. Children with physical disabilities and their teen volunteer partners learn and grow through adaptive sports, recreation, art and life-skills training. In 1976, Mary Sue Tanis had a vision to help young people with disabilities such as cerebral palsy or spina bifida engage in recreation. Her vision has continued to grow. This past year, Youth Challenge served more than 150 participants with disabilities, age four and older. More than 300 teen volunteers, age 12 through 18, took part in the program. Each teen volunteer is trained by professionals and peers to work with children with disabilities. The Youth Challenge staff facilitates programming to adapt to each participant’s needs. Participants
gain confidence and improve social skills, while volunteers learn empathy and develop a passion for inclusion.
The $225,000 raised at “Take Flight” will go toward maintaining a free, accessible transportation program. Transportation can be a major barrier for participants in attending and enjoying programs. More than 95 percent of participants receive transportation from Youth Challenge’s fleet of accessible vehicles.
STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/ PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN
James A. Garfield
National Historic Site to host free concerts
The staff of James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor is pleased to announce that it will host free outdoor concerts this summer. They are:
Saturday, June 22, 2 p.m.: Erie Heights Brass Ensemble; Saturday, July 20, 2 p.m.: Lake Effect Concert Band; Sunday, July 28, 2 p.m.: Lakeland Community College Summer Band; Saturday, August 17, 2 p.m.: Great Geauga County Fair Band.
Those attending these free outdoor concerts are encouraged to bring their own lawn chairs, sunscreen, and drinks. Picnic baskets are welcomed; alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
“The lawn behind the Garfield home is a great place to take in live music,” said Acting Site Manager Allison Powell. “The concerts are also great connections to the history of Garfield’s 1880 presidential campaign, when numerous bands played here for the candidate and his family.”
This year’s summer concert series is sponsored by the James A. Garfield Alliance and The Garfield Trail of Ohio.
James A. Garfield National Historic Site is located at 8095 Mentor Avenue (U.S. 20) in Mentor, Ohio, approximately 25 miles east of Cleveland. The site offers guided tours of the Garfield home, museum exhibits, two outdoor cell phone tours, and an introductory film. The National Park Service completely restored the house in the late 1990s, making it one of the most impressive presidential homes preserved for the public. For information call (440) 255-8722 or visit nps.gov/jaga. Find the site as @GarfieldNPS on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.
On Saturday, April 27, the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center hosted “A Night for Nature,” bringing 115 guests closer to nature as they met “animal ambassadors” and discovered what the center offers while benefiting its nonprofit mission.
During a cocktail hour, guests enjoyed appetizers while exploring the planetarium as well as the indoor and outdoor exhibits and music from members of the Bay High School Chamber Orchestra, who frequented the nature center in their early lives. Wildlife specialists introduced “animal ambassadors” to guests – turtles, a chinchilla, a snake, an opossum, and a tiny eastern screech owl. Guests could step out into the spring evening in the Wildlife Gardens, with close-up views of a majestic bald eagle, a hawk, a falcon, owls, and more.
Northeast Ohio.
“We’re really lucky to have the nature center in our backyard,” Dr. John Ballrick said of his daughters’ participation there. “We’re really lucky that we were able to bring her from a young age and foster her love of nature and just watch her grow over here.”
The nature center has the only wildlife rehabilitation facility in Cuyahoga County, one of two public planetariums in the Greater Cleveland area, and the region’s first and largest nature-based preschool. The nonprofit organization’s entire operating budget is fueled by community involvement – participation in programs, donations, and grants.
Cleveland Sight Center hosted White Cane Walk with record-breaking attendance rate
Cleveland Sight Center (CSC) hosted its 19th annual White Cane Walk on June 1. With the number of participants nearly doubling from last year, Cleveland Sight Center capped the event at 600 participants!
The event celebrates those experiences while noting the many other programs and opportunities the Lake Erie Nature & Science Center brings to children and families. Providing programs for over 75 years, the institution has had a multigenerational impact on families throughout the West Side, Cleveland, and
In the beautiful Grand River Room, guests were seated for a three-course dinner with their choice of pesto chicken, short rib, salmon, or a vegetarian entrée provided by Italian Creations. They could also enter electronic raffles for a personalized astronomy or animal program. Floral arrangements by attendee Connie Maher adorned the tables. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANASTASIA NICHOLAS
Cleveland Sight Center is inspired by the amount of support they have received in honor of White Cane Walk. White Cane Walk is a celebration of the many ways individuals navigate the visual world. The event features a one-mile walk around Wade Lagoon in University Circle and a celebration to follow with familyfriendly fun, live music, food trucks and games!
This year, White Cane Walk raised more than $100,000 previous to the June 1 event. All funds raised will support the blind and visually impaired community by ensuring they have the tools and trainings to navigate the visual world. CSC believes the quality of one’s sight should not determine the quality of one’s life and teaches individuals that they can still live the lives they want with the vision they have.
“White Cane Walk is a great way to come together in support of the blind and visually impaired community. With this year’s record-breaking attendance, we are able to share our mission of providing the support and tools to navigate the visual world with the largest crowd yet! We can’t wait to celebrate!” said Larry Benders, President and CEO. To learn more about White Cane Walk, visit whitecanewalk.org.
The non-renewal of approximately $3 million in federal funds may force Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio to cut back its services across the region if the gap cannot be closed with new financial support.
Boys & Girls Clubs of Northeast Ohio CEO Allen Smith said the organization is doing “everything we can possibly do” to head off Club closings, which could impact hundreds of kids ages 6-18 who go to the Clubs after school each day. BGCNEO, which does not charge families for membership, has about 9,800 members at 49 Clubs in six Northeast Ohio counties.
BGCNEO is launching a corporate campaign and seeking additional local and state government support in an effort to close the funding gap before the 2024-2025 school year starts.
Boys & Girls Clubs are safe, fun places for kids to go to after school and in the summer. Clubs focus on academic success, healthy
lifestyles and leadership skills. Members receive a free daily meal, help from caring adult mentors and opportunities in sports, the arts and career readiness.
Clubs provide parents access to free, highquality after-school programs that ensure their child is safe, supervised, and engaged in learning. An independent national survey of Boys & Girls Clubs shows that kids in our program make positive changes – all of which benefit our community. These changes include increased graduation rates, improved academic scores, getting more involved in community service and being less likely to do risky things like carrying weapons or using drugs and alcohol.
Smith said the loss of federal funds most directly impacts Clubs in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties.
“We are facing a difficult challenge, one that could have life-altering consequences for
some of our most vulnerable children,” Smith said. “Families across Northeast Ohio count on us to provide a safe place for their children at no cost. The prospect of having to close even one Club, let alone several, is disconcerting. We continue to hope the community will rally behind our kids.”
BGCNEO officials said the unexpected loss of federal funds has led to a budget shortfall. Additionally, many school systems, including the Cleveland Metropolitan SchoolDistrict and Lorain City School District, are reducing or eliminating afterschool programs; BGCNEO has Clubs in 38 schools.
Smith said BGCNEO is looking “to serve as many kids in as many places as possible.”
BGCNEO’s corporate campaign is chaired by Mark Bachmann, partner at Marcus Thomas LLC, and Alex King, executive vice president, marketing and brand strategy for the Cleveland Guardians.
“The stakes here are high, and we are calling on the corporate community tojoin us inmaking sure this life-changing organization can serve as many children as possible,” King said. “The response we are getting from corporate leaders has been positive – they see the need and they see that Clubs work. Time is short, and we need more companies toget involved.”
Law enforcementstatistics show that the 3-6 p.m. weekday time period after school is when kids are most likely to become victims of crime or to get into trouble. That is when the Clubs are open.
BGCNEO has established a Save Our Clubs campaign donation page.
BGCNEO typically reduces the number of Clubs open during the summer by consolidating two nearby sites at one location. This year it is possible some Clubs closed for the summer will not reopen. Visit bgca.org or donateclevekids.org.
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Tuesday, Sept. 17…Fall Into Fashion, to benefit University Hospitals Rainbow Babies & Children’s Hospital (UH Rainbow), 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Shoreby Club in Bratenahl. Fall Into Fashion is a luncheon and fashion show, which will also include boutique shopping starting at 10:30 a.m. and a rose raffle and auction. It is anticipated that nearly 200 women will gather to raise awareness and funds for UH Rainbow. For information on how to purchase tickets, or to sponsor the event, please contact Sandra Treppo at 216.287.1934 or Susan Delaney at 216.577.8700
Saturday, Sept. 21…Cleveland Pickle Fest, to benefit Greater Cleveland Volunteers, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. at Mall C, Downtown Cleveland. This fun-filled day includes Pickles from many local and regional companies, pickle-flavored beer, pickle-flavored desserts, drinks, candy and other fun food, plus a variety of picklethemed merchandise from dozens of food and non-food vendors. Live music and a pickle eating contest, with both youth and adult divisions. VIP tent with exclusive features. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit clevelandpicklefest.com.
Ohio’s equestrian thumbprint is evident in the beautiful horse farms and pastures that make up the landscape of the Chagrin Valley and contribute to the appeal of Northeast Ohio. The area’s rich equestrian heritage dates to Cleveland’s industrial age when Millionaire’s Row (Euclid Avenue) was traveled by horse carriages and sleighs in the winter.
The Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic, which celebrates 75 years of horse shows in the Chagrin Valley, inspired North America’s first show jumping grand prix to be held here in 1965. The grand prix was patterned after European competitions and designed to create an incubator for horses and riders to compete successfully in post-military-era Olympic games. In doing so, the Cleveland Grand Prix sparked a billion-dollar sporting industry and hundreds of horse show jumping grands prix across America.
Although the Cleveland Grand Prix is not currently on the schedule, the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic continues, and is Northeast Ohio’s only remaining large, rated horse show. Over the years the economic impact of the horse show was well documented. Today it is estimated the horse show contributes nearly a million dollars to the local economy as people travel and stay, dine, shop and enjoy the area attractions.
Beyond the shorter-term impact from July event, the CHJC is a major factor in the ongoing equine industry that is a fixture in Northeast Ohio year-round – the riding stables and trainers; feed and equipment businesses; veterinary, farrier and wellness services; and all the other businesses that benefit when horse owners and riders have a top-ranked competition they can aspire to participate in.
Horseback riding is a sport many people dream of enjoying, but many don’t know how to get started or if they can afford it. Although the horse industry is changing, there are still many wonderful opportunities to ride, whether you are a child or an adult who has always wanted to enjoy the sport.
Local trainer Margaret Kruse, 50, of Chagrin Falls, started riding as a child because her mother was a trainer. In fact, she recalls her first horse show in the Lead Line class when she was just 18 months old. Margaret became a professional trainer in 1993, and her daughters have grown up in the sport and enjoyed the benefits of a life with horses.
“When I speak to new people about why they should ride, we always talk about how the sport builds character, and I see examples of that over and over. Kids would rather be at the barn than the mall, and the confidence they gain comes from being able to control a large animal. My own daughters found that out,” said Margaret.
She added with a smile, “And young riders make the best drivers. They are already used to negotiating things and have good hand-eye coordination.” She sees that in boys as well as girls and has noticed there are more boys joining the sport now than in the past.
“One mom told me that because of the confidence her child gained riding horses, they don’t need therapy anymore. Another mom told me they were so happy because their daughter was ‘eating again.’”
Student riders come in all ages. One of Margaret’s clients is a father who had ridden in the pony division as a child. When he started bringing his daughter to riding lessons, he decided to get back into the sport after 35 years. J.D. Thalman of Chagrin Falls began riding again and leased a horse before starting to show in the Low Adult division. His daughter has been riding for eight years and has her own horse she shows in the Children’s Hunter division.
“I absolutely love it,” J.D. said. “One of the best parts about it is that I have something
I can share with my daughter. As a father, I am always looking for ways to connect with my kids as best I can. The ability to share this journey with her is absolutely priceless to me. We always have something to talk about and commiserate on.”
J.D. added that anyone who ever considered learning to ride owes it to themselves to at least give it a try. “You can do as much or as little as you want. There is no one telling you that you have to show or how many days a week you have to ride. You don’t have to own your own horse and clean stalls if you don’t want to. I personally find being around horses and riding extremely therapeutic; it’s a way to let my mind focus on something else for a few hours a week. You don’t need to be heavily invested in the animal, gear, etc., to find a good lesson program that allows you to test the waters and see what is best for your schedule.”
The changing horse industry offers options for riding Today, there are fewer riding stables with horses available to rent for lessons or trail
riding. One reason is the expense of feeding and maintaining horses, as well as the cost of doing business like staffing and insurance.
“I used to operate my business with a full crew of horses and hundreds of new riders coming into the sport every year, but now it’s become very expensive, and we can’t afford to board lesson horses. As a result, we only have a few new customers coming in—it’s a huge hole not to have a lesson string,” said Margaret. As a substitute, she sometimes uses her own horses for new customers to ride and offers them to lease or half lease to help cover the cost of board.
Professional trainer Alex Shokat of Chagrin Falls has also seen changes in the horse world. “More barns in the area aren’t offering lesson programs with horses to learn on like they did in the past. When people ask me for advice on how to get started, I suggest they also talk to others involved with horses, do research online and look at the farms that have camps and lesson programs. I started out in camps,” he said and added that 4-H and Pony Club programs also offer good youth options to learn horse care and horsemanship in addition to the riding instructor in lessons.
For adults who want to ride, lessons are also a good option. “Adults who are returning to the sport after being away should also
Since 1990, the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic has collaborated with Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center in Bainbridge to organize horse show classes for riders with disabilities from across the region. While most of the competitors are from Fieldstone Farm, the invitation to compete in the Riders with Disabilities Horse Show is extended to other local therapeutic riding centers who are expected to field entries this year when the classes begin on Monday, July 8 at 10 a.m. at Chagrin Valley Farms in Bainbridge. The public is invited to cheer them on.
Tonya Zimmer, Fieldstone Farm’s special events coordinator and PATH certified advanced instructor, emphasized the importance of the horse show, “We first started participating in the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic at Chagrin Valley Farms to offer an opportunity for our students to show in a setting that felt very special. It is important because this is the only opportunity our students have to show outside of Fieldstone Farm and it is fun to be part of a larger horse show. The Hunter Jumper Classic also offers a great opportunity for spectators to come and see the success of our riders and carriage drivers.”
Fieldstone Farm serves students of all ages, including veterans, who face a variety of physical, cognitive, or social/emotional challenges. Students work with the horses to overcome barriers and achieve goals such as independence, self-esteem, strength, and socialization. With support from its annual Chefs Unbridled benefit, Fieldstone Farm serves more than 900 students each year and is one of the largest centers of its kind in the country. For more information, or to learn how to volunteer, visit FieldstoneFarm.org. Chefs Unbridled benefits
Fieldstone Farm students
Chefs Unbridled, the annual fundraiser for Fieldstone Farm, will return to the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club Polo Field (7620 Old Mills Road, Gates Mills) on Saturday, September 7 at 6 p.m. with new enhancements to the popular dinner tasting event. Deemed one of the top benefits in Northeast Ohio, Chefs Unbridled is led by chef partners Chris Hodgson and Scott Kuhn of Driftwood Hospitality and supports Fieldstone Farm’s programs for people with special needs. Backdropped by a huge, decorated tent, the evening will feature new live cooking demonstration stations with chefs from Driftwood Hospitality, Flour, The Last Page, and Hook and Hoof. Guests (21 & over) will also enjoy an expanded outdoor entertainment area, as well as food truck service, cocktails, a wine pull, a bourbon barrel raffle, live music, carriage rides around Gates Mills, and more.
“Funds raised at Chefs Unbridled directly benefit our students and horses and allow us to provide assistance so no student is ever turned away,” said Lynnette Stuart, Chief Executive Officer of Fieldstone Farm. “It’s amazing that one night at a fabulous dinner tasting benefit can directly impact so many people with challenges as they achieve goals they thought were impossible.”
Tickets start at $175 and include a tax-deductible donation to Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center. To purchase tickets, visit https:// www.fieldstonefarm.org/support-us/chefsunbridled/ or call 440-708-0013 ext. 123.
The nonprofit Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic has a history of supporting local charities through donations and exposure during the horse show to increase awareness of their work. This year, Maggie’s Mission Pet & Equine Rescue from Wadsworth, Ohio will be onsite to meet people and share information about their work.
Most equine rescues begin when they are purchased from the auction kill pen; the price is based by the pound, which is what the slaughterhouse pays. Then Maggie and her team transport the horse back to her farm where the work begins to administer medical attention if needed, including trimming feet and fixing teeth. Most of the horses are emaciated and need to be eased onto a healthy diet of quality hay and grain. They learn to be handled and start trusting humans again before they can move on to basic training and this process can take a long time.
Maggie has a good eye for selecting horses with promise. “When we put the time and training into a horse, and the result is placement with a good owner and higher adoption fee. It’s a win-win situation for Maggie’s Mission as well as the rescued horses,” she explained. “I started rescuing horses when I turned 40, and here I am 62,” said Maggie. She began the pet rescue when she was in her 20s but unlike the pets who live in foster homes, most of the equine rescues (horses, ponies, and long-ears including mules, burros and donkeys) are housed at Maggie’s barn under her care with the help of a few volunteers. The barn has stalls, and pastures, but no indoor arena to work with horses year-round.
Maggie was a partner at the law firm Holland & Muirden before retiring from the practice to volunteer full-time for the Rescue. “Our law office focuses on animal welfare law and my husband works almost full-time prosecuting animal cruelty,” she explained. She served on the board of the Medina County SPCA, including a term as president.
Training is essential so the horse can have a chance at placement and a successful new life, and Maggie sometimes pays for training and boarding, which impacts the number of horses she can rescue and care for. “The biggest gap in our rescue is needing experienced riders to offset the expense of having to pay trainers. Many of them reduce their fees to offset the cost for our rescues, but board is still expensive,” she said. If more trainers and experienced riders donated time or board for promising rescues, the outlook would be even brighter for their future adoption.
Chardon trainer Julie McIlhaney of Four-Star Sport Horses has trained numerous adoptees for Maggie that turned out to be nice riding horses and ponies. “This is my way of giving back and being charitable. Maggie is realistic and knows when something isn’t going to be suitable.”
Most recently she was working with Tater, “He is a cute 3-year-old pony that is smart, but clueless… he’s a baby and I want to make him into a good kids pony.” Julie was helping Tater learn boundaries and how to be led and handled safely, important early lessons before getting on his back. An unfortunate riding accident on Julie’s own horse resulted in her training of Tater being suspended and he is back at Maggie’s barn now waiting to start his next chapter.
Lake Erie College
provides vital training
Lake Erie College’s equestrian program came to the rescue earlier this year. Dean of the School of Equine Studies Laura Stockhaus began working with Maggie’s Mission Horse Rescue after agreeing to take a 12-year-old paint mare named Frenchie.
“Maggie’s Mission contacted us regarding our Training Class for senior Equine Teacher
Trainer majors. This course requires that students, guided by an instructor, go through the process of developing a young or green horse from the very beginning, Laura explained. The students started slowly, using ground manners, leading, cross-tying, basic clipping, and grooming. They then moved on to lunging, long lining, ground driving, and eventually riding Frenchie. Since this horse had most likely been ridden and driven in the past, she progressed quickly and was willing to take on every new aspect of her training with positivity. She has a great attitude and generally enjoys working, so it has been a positive experience for the students.”
At the end of the term the students produced a sales video and Frenchie returned to Maggie’s Mission available for adoption and the video is on the page.
Riders who take lessons at Chagrin Valley Farms (CVF) in Bainbridge may have enjoyed the benefits of several Maggie’s Mission rescue horses over the years without even knowing it.
Equine Manager Linnea Swanson said CVF has had a number of horses adopted from Maggie’s Mission over the years. Two Thoroughbred mares came in together in 2021: Trixie (Jockey Club name Trickme Not) is a 12-year-old bay and Kaitlyn (Call Me Kaitlyn), is a 23-year-old gray. They are both still in the lesson program.
“When they first arrived, I rode them and worked with them to get to know them before I knew they were ready to hand off to our more advanced students. Trixie was green (inexperienced) over fences but very willing to learn and so sweet. She is used in our lesson program by advanced and intermediate riders and has also been leased to a student who enjoyed competing with her at our schooling shows and a mini-trial,” said Linnea.
“They are diamonds in the rough,” said Linnea. “They just needed the right situation to thrive and with time and energy they reward you. They are worth their weight in gold.” And
Tater, thanks to the feeding and care from Maggie’s Mission, is ready for training and finding a forever home.
they were certainly worth the adoption fee. There are times when the adoption isn’t a fit, and not every horse is suited to multiple riders in a lesson program. Maggie’s policy is to take horses back when they don’t work out with an adopter.
Filling an empty pasture by adopting a pasture pal
In 2020, Cheryl Reed of Akron needed a companion for her Connemara when she was faced with losing her long-time aged ponies due to health issues. She knew her surviving pony couldn’t live alone so she reached out to Maggie’s Mission to look at a pony they had. However, she didn’t end up adopting that pony, instead she chose Alice, an 11-year-old
Maggie Muirden is the founder and president of Maggie’s Mission Dog & Horse Rescue, a nonprofit animal rescue. Since 2012, Maggie’s Mission has rescued and rehomed thousands of dogs, horses, cats, and other animals. However, the work to rehome a horse rescued from an auction kill pen and destined for slaughter, takes a lot more work than pet rescue.
Haflinger mule with long ears and big kind eyes. Cheryl got more than a great new companion…with only two-weeks of training under her belt, Alice gave her a wealth of new knowledge and experience that Cheryl shared in her story “My Mule Journey” in the March 2024 issue of Western Mule Magazine. Two of Maggie’s ponies are at a foster home in Geauga County. Cayenne, a senior Arabian mare, will make a lovely pasture pal, and Hans, 9, is ready to get back to work after his former child lost interest and he was sidelined for a few years.
talk to other adults who are involved with horses. Find a barn that is compatible with what you want to accomplish and a trainer who is compatible and can help you regain your confidence,” he said.
For adults returning to the sport, Alex said there are more mental aspects to consider. “Physically, it’s like riding a bike and it will come back to you, but now, as an adult, you have more life experiences. There is work, family, and the mental considerations to overcome to get comfortable again. If you think about showing again, that can be an added stressor,” he said.
“Half-leasing a horse is a nice option. There are many horse owners looking to partner on riding and care due to costs or time constraints. This can be a nice springboard to spend more time in the saddle. The trainer is usually the conduit to those leases. If I don’t have a horse to lease out, I may know of another trainer or someone else who does,” he added.
Alex coached riders and showed horses during the Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic when it was still at the Cleveland Metroparks Polo Field and since the horse show moved to Chagrin Valley Farms in 2022. “I know this area was an epicenter for the horse world, and at one time all the big names came here to show or were working here already like Bernie Traurig and Michael Matz. There are still lots of horses in the area and so many private stables. It does seem like things are picking up,” he said.
One barn with a strong lesson and camp business is Chagrin Valley Farms (CVF) in Bainbridge, which maintains a large string of lesson horses and offers lessons for children and adults year-round. The vacation and week-long summer riding camps are often sold out due to demand for ongoing access to time in the saddle without the commitment of ownership.
Trainers like Alex and Margaret appreciate what CVF is doing for the local horse industry by providing year-round lesson programs that introduce children as well as adult riders to
horseback riding. To complete the experience, CVF hosts a range of horse shows from beginner academy shows that allow riders to share lesson horses, compete and graduate to the next level of schooling shows. Eventually those riders will be working with a trainer, leasing, or purchasing their own horse, and aspiring to compete at the penultimate Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic, which is now hosted outdoors in July at CVF.
According to Sue Ford, CVF Lesson and Camp Manager, “Our lesson program has increased in size and scope over time. Many smaller barns in the area prefer to focus on clients with privately-owned horses. With the ability to add quality school horses to our string, we continue to expand our offerings of public lessons and camps. We also find that today’s young families are looking for healthy, active recreational outlets, and they correctly understand that horseback riding fits the bill.”
Sue, from Bainbridge, originally taught
beginner riding lessons about 40 years ago. “I really enjoy involvement in our mentorship volunteer program, guiding our older and more experienced riders through the process of giving back to the younger riders coming up through the ranks. The responsibility they learn while caring for our horses and serving as role models are lifelong skills where teens excel.”
In addition to CVF, other local riding stables with lesson and/or camp programs include Synergy Equestrian, Elevte Equestrian, Ellrick Farms and Stoney Ridge Stables.“My farm, Synergy Equestrian, boarding, training, showing, leasing, lessons, and we have an Interscholastic Equestrian Team for 4th grade12th grade. We do offer beginner through advanced lessons for riders who own their horses, and we have a large string of 12-lesson horses for riders starting at age 3. We have horses available for leasing as well,” said owner Jenna Hoy.
The Chagrin Hunter Jumper Classic is celebrating 75 years of equestrian tradition and competition. Designated an official USEF Heritage Horse Show, the show introduced the nation’s first show jumping grand prix in 1965, the Cleveland Grand Prix. Each year, it is a popular attraction with shopping and food, and is free for spectators.
When
Opening Weekend: July 5-7 (starts 8 am)
Disabled Riders Horse Show: July 8 (10 am to 2 pm)
National Rated Week: July 10-14
Where
Chagrin Valley Farms, 9250 E. Washington St, Chagrin Falls
For more information
ChagrinHunterJumperClassic.org
