March Currents 2024

VOLUME 39, ISSUE 7 | MARCH 21, 2024

Northeast Ohio’s First Social Network

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CURRENTS March 21, 2024 currentsneo.com

ON OUR COVER

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

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

www.currentsneo.com Published monthly by the Chagrin Valley Publishing Company H. KENNETH DOUTHIT III Publisher AMANDA MARRS Creative Director and General Manager

Our March cover features details from a home renovation by interior designer Ingrid Porter (Ingrid Porter Interiors). Custom chairs, banquette, and dining table are from Chaddock. The chandelier by Arteriors mimics bamboo but is made from metal. The cabinets are from Lane 17. Accessories from Hedges. Photograph by Stephanie Penick Photography. Read more about home design for spring 2024 in Section B.

INSIDE

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FILM Cleveland International Film Festival 48 set for April 3-13 at Playhouse Square, with Streams April 4-21

By Sarah Jaquay HOME DESIGN Designers share ideas, inspiration for spring 2024 at home

By Rita Kueber, Michele Collins & Cynthia-Schuster Eakin REAL ESTATE Chagrin Falls home for sale on E. Cottage St.

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IN THE CLE An interview with Craig Hassall on his new position as President, CEO of Playhouse Square

By Jeannie Emser Schultz

KELLI COTESWORTH MCLELLAN Editor

MARCH EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Michele Collins, Cynthia Schuster Eakin, Linda Feagler, Sarah Jaquay, Rita Kueber, Jeannie Emser Schultz, Andrea C. Turner PHOTOGRAPHERS: Peggy Turbett ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Jim Dalessandro, 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 Hill, Westlake, Akron, Copley, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Hinckley, Montrose, Peninsula, Richfield and Silver Lake.

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EDITOR’S NOTE

W

ith spring’s arrival in NE Ohio, many of us begin thinking about a thorough cleaning of our homes from top to bottom – windows, rug and upholstery cleaning, the seasonal closet cleanse and reorganization, etc. It’s also prime time to refresh and transition our interiors for the warmer seasons ahead, using accessories more evocative of spring/summer than those we used through the holidays and winter months. Currents reporters interviewed several area designers about what we can be looking for and thinking about on the home front this season, to be found in Section B. If I were to hire a professional to design my spaces at home, I’m certain they would have much better vision for it! I love antiques and vintage items, and the fact that there’s a story I can share about most any piece in my home, with an accompanying memory of the fun day I spent searching for and discovering it! I make few changes in room arrangement or design because I like things just the way they are.

But February had me visiting Wood Trader for the framing of a special piece of art that found its way home to me.

My late grandfather’s hobby was painting, which he enjoyed primarily while on summer vacation in New York, away from his teaching at Case. His oil paintings once graced the walls of my late grandmother’s home, but today hang in my mother’s, sister’s and my homes. We thought we had seen all of his work. But, recently, as my sister browsed in a local vintage shop for a birthday gift for me, she spotted a fall landscape that undeniably was his work - signed R.L.S. and dated 1961. None of the family has ever seen the paining, and we can’t imagine how it landed at a shop in Chagrin Falls instead of one in New York. I was elated she gifted it to me and immediately took it to be framed (along with an Alfred Howell watercolor painting that has been in my closet for more than a decade.)

Once framed and hung, however, I realized I would need to make some changes in the family room in order to incorporate these treasures.

And of course, whenever you make even small changes at home, additional projects seem to emerge out of nowhere. So among other things (including rearrangement of other art, furniture and lamps), I now need to paint the walls in order to cover the many now-exposed nail holes and have it all looking its best. Enjoy creating your own special spaces at home this season! ~ Kelli Cotesworth McLellan

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March 21, 2024 CURRENTS A3

Ronald McDonald House Charities “Haute for the House” On February 8, the InterContinental Hotel Cleveland hosted nearly 240 guests decked out for the first annual Haute for the House fundraiser and fashion show, presented by sponsor SITE Centers. The event, benefiting the Ronald McDonald House Charities (RMHC) of Northeast Ohio, raised more than $165,000.

For 50 years, RMHC has focused on caring for families so they can care for their children.

Its mission is to enhance the healthcare experience for families and children through comfort, care and supportive services. In 2023 alone, 25,000 families were supported in Cleveland and Akron’s houses.

Guests enjoyed fanciful food stations, open bar with specialty cocktails, a silent auction, wine toss, and photo booth in the second-floor foyer and ballroom. Attendees entered fashion week city-themed raffles from Paris, Milan, London and New York. The live auction included a mink coat, diamond earrings and a Mexican resort stay.

Kent State University School of Fashion presented a not-to-be-missed fashion show featuring original works by 17 students in the program. The fashion show was co-produced by students Daniella Byrnes and Mackenzie Karsten, both seniors. Shoes were paired with each design, courtesy of moon d’elle, a sister-owned company.

Event volunteers Lisa and Billy Vagi of Elyria have first-hand experience with the Ronald McDonald House. Their family was helped through their son Finn’s diagnosis with a rare form of epilepsy at the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Hospital. Their daily commute when Finn had a prolonged hospital stay at six months of age was 45 minutes, sometimes four times a day. RMHC provided no-cost temporary housing for the family at its Euclid Avenue location. Along with accommodations, they were provided free parking, shuttle transportation to the hospital, warm

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Ikram Toumi and husband Mourad Krifa, Director Of KSU’s School of Fashion Design and Merchandising, with Sharlene Ramos-Chesnes Fashion Show Co-Producers Mackenzie Karsten and Daniella Byrnes, both KSU seniors

Dress designed by Matthew Williams, KSU School of Fashion senior meals, hot showers and children’s activities.

Finn’s older sister Isla enjoyed her time there so much, she thought it was a family vacation.

Luckily today at 2 1/2 years old, Finn is now

CURRENTS March 21, 2024 currentsneo.com

Billy and Lisa Vagi

Maria Paxos with Emcee Andrea Wlaszyn

seizure free and medication free.

Chyllaum Foster was awarded best-dressed guest from the event. But the Best in Show $1,000 scholarship winner was Angelique Wong, who received her Bachelor of Arts in Fashion Design in May 2022. Wong is now pursuing her Master of Science in Emerging Media and Technology at Kent State University’s

College of Communication and Information.

RMHC launched a fundraiser raffle on March 1, for a Pappy Van Winkle Bourbon collection. Tickets are available through April 10, or whenever 1500 tickets are sold.

Purchase tickets here: https://www.rmhcneo. org/pappy-van-winkle-raffle/. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA C. TURNER

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March 21, 2024 CURRENTS A5

Nothing eclipses CIFF 48, except for a few minutes of totality

By SARAH JAQUAY

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.S. Eliot’s admonition “April is the cruelest month” doesn’t apply to Cleveland.

Some blockbuster events happening downtown include the Women’s NCAA Final Four (April 5 and 7), the Great Lakes Science Center (GLSC) & NASA Glenn Research’s Total Eclipse Fest (April 6-8), the Guardians home opener (April 8) and of course Northeast Ohio’s favorite communal movie binge, the 48th Cleveland International Film Festival (CIFF 48, in-person April 3-13 and CIFF Streams April 14-21.) More good news is CIFF is planning complementary events that won’t compete with the once-in-a lifetime celestial occurrence of a total solar eclipse over Cleveland during the afternoon of April 8. Totality, when the sun is totally covered in shadow, goes from approximately 3:13-3:17p.m.

“Our Playhouse Square theaters will be dark until 6 p.m. on Monday [April 8],” notes CIFF Artistic Director Mallory Martin. “But after the total eclipse we’ll be showing ‘Small Town Universe,’ on the big screen at the Great Lakes Science Center.” It’s about the tiny town of Greenbank, W. Va., where America’s most powerful radio telescope is located. This telescope is so sensitive, Greenbank residents

cannot use cell phones or Wi-Fi. When funding for the telescope is threatened, this community demonstrates what civic spirit is all about. CIFF is also partnering with GLSC on Sunday, April 7, 2024. Before the Cleveland Orchestra’s free family concert at 1:30 p.m., CIFF will show the feature “Maestra” about professional female conductors around the world. One of the subjects of this documentary, Tamara Dworetz, will be on-hand for the screening.

Ms. Dworetz has conducted symphonies from Paris and Boston to Amarillo and Louisiana.

These screenings are just a sampling of the 135 feature films and 225 shorts from 60 countries, including Uruguay, Kazakhstan and Mongolia, that are coming to CIFF 48.

Martin and her colleagues really encourage people to attend in-person as there will be plenty of filmmakers coming. “And every single one of them wants to see the audiences’ reaction to their films.”

This year’s theme is “In the Glow.” Martin says it’s a play on the total eclipse (during totality and with proper eye wear, one can see the sun’s glowing corona.) “It’s also about the bright colors and reflects the glow of the screen – even the Playhouse Square marquees.”

But it can also mean the glow that moviegoers feel after viewing a well-crafted feature film, documentary or short film. This year’s sidebars

(or genres) will be on the website and CIFF fans can start downloading a PDF of the CIFF 48 movie guide beginning March 8. “We’re doing our best to bring back the [hard copy] guides for free, but there’s a limited supply.”

CIFF will be mailing guides to all members, to public libraries and there will be some in downtown hotels. A new member benefit will be the ability to buy parking passes in the Playhouse Square garage for the entire festival that offer in and out privileges.

There are various ticket categories ranging from single tickets and 10-ticket packages to entire festival passes and $5 tickets for CIFF Retro films. Retro films are popular movies from past festivals, and include “Matt Shepard is a Friend of Mine” and “Nine to Five: Story of a Movement,” which highlights Cleveland Women Working, the nonprofit that organized around fair treatment in the workplace. Nine to Five was slated to be shown in-person in 2020, but COVID cancelled those events.

There will be other movies made by or about Northeast Ohio, including “False Positive,” about Akron native and Olympic medalist Butch Reynolds who was falsely accused of using performance-enhancing drugs. Devo fans will want to attend CIFF’s closing night to watch a documentary chronicling the band’s beginnings at Kent State University to its

Programming staff Brett Reiter (front L), Neha Aziz (front R), Ivonne Cotoruello (back L) and Artistic Director Mallory Martin (back R) want everyone to join them “In the Glow” for CIFF 48, in-person April 3-13 & CIFF Streams, April 14-21.

Photograph courtesy of Cleveland International Film Festival heyday in the 1980s as pioneers of the MTV music video era. “We hope to get some band members,” Martin notes.

So if you love watching movies as they were meant to be seen: on the big screen with audiences and the chance to meet some of the people who made them, join those who will be in “In the Glow” from April 3-13.

For more info, see www.clevelandfilm.org

48th Cleveland International Film Festival program highlights The 48th Cleveland International Film Festival is delighted to announce a selection of exciting program highlights.

OPENING NIGHT CIFF48will kick off its in-person, 11-day run at Playhouse Square on Wednesday, April 3, 2024 at 7 p.m. with THELMA – a celebration and playful subversion of the action genre as well as a soulful exploration of aging and autonomy.

Ninety-three-year-old Thelma Post is strong, sturdy and in-charge. Defying a lifetime of odds, she’s successfully brushed off assisted living well into her nineties; instead living alone in her cherished condo. Her independent world is rocked when she falls victim to elder-abusing phone scammers posing as her beloved grandson Daniel, and regrettably sends them $10,000 in cash. With her family now worried she is entering a “new phase,” Thelma decides to do the unthinkable – confront the scammers and get her money back. Enlisting the help of a reluctant old friend Ben, and his high-powered mobility scooter, the two set out on a perilous mission across Los Angeles, determined to prove she’s as capable as ever.

The cast is led by June Squibb (Thelma) as she steps into her first leading role in her storied 70-year-career. Squibb is joined by a bevy of talent who deliver powerhouse performances, including Fred Hechinger (Daniel), Richard Roundtree (Ben), Parker Posey (Gail), Clark Gregg (Alan), and Malcolm McDowell (Harvey).

THELMA marks the final on-screen performance by the legendary Richard Roundtree.

The film was dedicated in loving memory of his celebrated and extraordinary life.

The film’s director and writer Josh Margolin was joined on the project by producers Zoë Worth, Chris Kaye, Karl Spoerri, Viviana Vezzani, Nicholas Weinstock, and Benjamin Simpson.

CIFF48 Opening Night special guests will be announced in the coming weeks.

Tickets to Opening Night at Playhouse Square are $100 per person ($80 for CIFF members). The evening includes the 7 p.m. screening of the film in the Connor Palace, as well as a post-film reception in the KeyBank State Theatre Lobby, with complimentary hors d’oeuvres and a cash bar.

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Outgoing CIFF Director notes Festival’s legacy is its ripple effect

By SARAH JAQUAY

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ometimes I’ll see a movie at the Cedar-Lee and I’ll tell Mallory [Martin, artistic director of the Cleveland International Film Fesitval (CIFF)], ‘We should have screened that one at the festival. Then Mallory will say, ‘We did!’” Executive Director Marcie Goodman has worked for CIFF since 1987 with a brief interruption to be the development director at the Museum of Contemporary Art (moCa) Cleveland from 1994-1998. But she’s rarely had time to watch movies at the festivals. That might change because Goodman’s retiring from CIFF after this year’s 48th festival (inperson from April 3-13 and online from April 4-21, 2024.) Afterward, she hopes to be able to watch some festival selections real time.

“That would be nice to see some movies when they’re actually airing and as they’re made to be seen.” Goodman is so busy during the festival she mostly views festival hits when they come back to the Cedar-Lee or during CIFF Streams. Goodman isn’t retiring completely; she’s just moving on from the festival.

“I want to work; maybe something projectbased with a little less stress and a little more flexibility,” she says. She’s loved her time at CIFF. Then again, Goodman seems to thrive wherever she’s planted. After graduating from Case Western Reserve University, Goodman spent the first 10 years of her career working with Ralph Brody at the Federation for Community Planning, now called The Center for Community Solutions. “Ralph was my first mentor. I also loved working at moCa. If David [Wittkowsky, her predecessor at CIFF] hadn’t asked me to come back, I might have had a short stay at the festival.”

Northeast Ohio is SO grateful David Wittkowsky made that ask. Goodman is widely-regarded as one of Northeast Ohio’s most effective nonprofit leaders. The festival grew tremendously under her leadership and she’s witnessed a huge arc of cinematic and venue changes. “It started at the Cedar-Lee in 1977, then we moved downtown to Tower City Cinemas in 1991.” Goodman and her board thought the festival would be there permanently but the status of Tower City Cinemas was continually up in the air. “[Board member] Jules Belkin chaired a relocation committee for 12 years!” Goodman notes.

Moving to Playhouse Square seemed like a pipe dream because their facilities were so tightly programmed with major performers and artistic events. “Then in early 2019 I had lunch with Gina Vernaci [former CEO of Playhouse Square] and she thought we could make this happen. As is typical of many tales involving 2020, COVID foiled that transition. “March of 2020 was supposed to be our final year with a big celebration at Tower City. Then we would move to our new forever home at Playhouse Square.” That didn’t happen, but CIFF didn’t miss a beat and pivoted to online screenings only for the next two years. In-person returned in 2022. The Cleveland International Film Festival remains a hybrid presentation to garner wider audiences. “Viewing habits changed overnight and possibly permanently.”

Goodman doesn’t have any immediate plans after she leaves this summer, but she hopes to get another puppy. Dash, her current Weimaraner, is five years old and “I always need a back-up puppy.”

Goodman doesn’t know how the search for her successor is going because she has nothing to do with it. “We announced it [her departure] on August 3rd and within minutes my board sprang into action, formed a search committee and hired a search firm.

When asked what Goodman wants her legacy to be as CIFF’s third and longest-serving executive director, she says it’s not about her.

“It’s the festival’s ripple effect. Whenever I hear this or that happened as a result of a film

someone saw, I know it’s bigger than showing movies.” Goodman recalled a documentary about Anita Hill. “We didn’t tell the audience she was there. When she [Hill] walked to the podium afterwards, she got a six-minute standing ovation. So no matter what happens to the festival, the ripple effect will go on.

It’s huge.”

Not only have couples who met at the festival gotten married, this reporter remembers a Q & A session after a documentary about the murder of civil rights activist Viola Liuzzo.

Some of Viola’s grown children were present.

They’d been horribly affected by the FBI’s disinformation campaign against Viola to draw attention away from the fact one of their informants was in the car with the men who shot and killed her. When one of Viola’s sons, who lived in the wilds of Upper Michigan and hadn’t paid taxes in years, experienced the audience’s sympathetic reaction, he vowed to turn himself in. I have no idea whether he did or not, but witnessing the effect of this documentary on the audience and Viola’s children was more like a wave than a ripple.

Indeed, whoever has the privilege of leading CIFF next will be riding the ripple effect that’s been growing and building for almost 50 years, many of them under Goodman’s remarkable leadership.

Longtime Executive Director of the Cleveland International Film Festival, Marcie Goodman, is leaving after CIFF 48 (In-person April 3-13 & CIFF Streams April 14-21.) Photograph courtesy of Tim Smith

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March 21, 2024 CURRENTS A7

Hunger Network “Masquerade Charity Ball

Mitch Wasserman and Julie Johnson, Chief Development Officer, and CEO of Hunger Network

Justin and Candace Hilton, the keynote speaker and his wife

Jack Aronson, Steven Hinz, Michelle Hope and Igor Fedkiv

The Masquerade Charity Ball at the alwayselegant Union Club included cocktails, dinner, and silent auction, plus presentations about the Hunger Network and their ongoing efforts to stave off hunger among county residents and also to reduce food waste.

Sixty-plus guests did a great job complying with the suggested black-tie and ballgown attire, plus the extra fun of beaded and feathered masks.

(Supplied if one didn’t have one handy.) After a low-key cocktail hour with passed hors d’oeuvres, the multi-course sit-down dinner was expertly served by staff and was followed by several presentations. One from Julie Johnson, the Hunger Network’s CEO, and another from Amanda Mance-Wilkinson, co-founder of Dealmakers’ Gala & Events, the hosts of the evening.

Perhaps the most dynamic presentation was given by Justin Hilton who replaced the scheduled keynote speaker at the last minute. After a distinguished career with Kent State University (and earning three degrees in six years from that institution) and a stint at Goodyear, Hilton is now President of Leadership Akron. His was a personal, thoughtful, and thought-provoking address that touched on the power of choice and creating momentum in the community.

Cleveland’s Hunger Network was founded by the Interchurch Council of Greater Cleveland over

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Nicholas Costaras and Amanda Mance-Wilkinson, co-founders of Dealmakers’ Gala and Events 40 years ago. Over the years the organization has morphed from collecting food to running more than 70 strategically placed Hunger Centers across Cuyahoga County. Some of these centers have adapted to look less like a warehouse and more like a market in which clients can pick and choose the food they want for their families from an array of fresh goods and pantry staples. Most recently the organization widened its focus to include food rescue, bringing perfectly edible but not saleable fresh food to hunger centers. Not only is the food consumed, but it’s left out of landfills as well. STORYAND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY RITA KUEBER

Thursday, March 21, 2024 Annual Community Luncheon, to benefit Cleveland Restoration Society, 11:30 a.m. at Student Center Ballroom, Cleveland State University, 2121 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 44115. Celebrating Ohio’s Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks recently named a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Keynote Speakers Glenna J. Wallace, the first elected Chief of the Eastern Shawnee Tribe with a 38-year career as an instructor, department chair, division chair, director or travel and interim academic dean at Crowder College; and Brad Lepper, Senior Archaeologist for the Ohio History Connection’s World Heritage Program and Visiting Assistant Professor in the Department of Anthropology at Denison University. Tickets start at $75.

Contact Peggy Sexton at 216.426.3102 or psexton@clevelandrestoration.org. Register online at www.clevelandrestoration.org before 5 p.m. Wed., March 13.

Thursday, April 4…Reach for the Stars, to benefit Milestones Autism Resources, 5:30 p.m. at Pinstripes at Pinecrest, 111 Park Ave., Suite 105, Beachwood. Event to include cocktails, honoree tribute, dinner and an online raffle open to the public. Tickets start at $150 for 35 and younger, $200 for general admission. For more information, visit milestones.org or call 216.764.7600, ext.

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Subordinate Financing Credit Scores may require additional restrictions fees. Certain restrictions bvarga@usavingsbank.com Payments do not include for taxesMember and insurance.

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NMLS #446047 *Assumes primary residence, single family home, 75% LTV or better, 780 credit score, rate/term fax: refinance only, subject to credit approval, restrictions may apply. Valid through 01/31/2024.

8805 Governors Hill Dr, Cincinnati, OH 45249 ©2023 Union Savings Bank. Subject to credit approval. Restrictions may apply. Member FDIC. NMLS# 2511985 Equal Housing Lender. NMLS #446047

usavingsbank.com These payments are based on a $200,000 loan amount with a Loan-to-Value of 75.00%.

Loan approval is subject to credit approval and program guidelines. Property, Loan Type, LTV,

St. Augustine Health Ministries “22nd Anniversary Concert” St. Augustine Health Ministries welcomed more than 350 guests at the Music Box concert hall for its 22nd Anniversary Concert.

The opening act was Half Craic’d, a Cleveland Irish acoustic and rock band. The featured act was the Merry Ploughboys, direct from Dublin, Ireland. The Merry Ploughboys Pub is one of a kind in Ireland, uniquely owned by the musicians who perform at every show.

A highlight of the evening was a salute to volunteer Joe Dailey. Dailey and his friends, now known as “Angels on the Avenue,” raise funds for various charities, including St. Augustine. Since 2006, his efforts, along with other “Angels,” have raised more than $380,000 from monthly fundraisers, special events and corporate matching gifts. In addition, they have purchased items that directly enhance the quality of life for residents and staff. From shower room renovations to telemedicine equipment, from resident furnishings, stained glass and garden statues to holiday flowers, special meals and support for resident outings including the yearly camping trip, the contributions of Dailey and friends have made a significant impact on many at St. Augustine. Visit www. angelsontheavenue.org to learn more about this group and its accomplishments.

St. Augustine Health Ministries, originally founded as St. Augustine Manor in 1969, has been a leader in serving senior adults and the chronically ill for over 55 years, with special attention to the poor and most vulnerable.

A mission-driven, not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing a continuum of health care and social services in Greater Cleveland, St. Augustine serves people of all faiths, ensuring that the needs of every individual are met with dignity, comfort and love. STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN.

Allison Brisbane with Sean, Chris and Nancy Coburn

Tom and Caroline Arbeznik

Joe Roman, Eric Otto, Monika Thomas and Joyce Roman

Pam Campana, Dave Tadych and Dorothy Fleming

Eileen and Joe Dailey with Susan Mitchell and Stephanie Finlin

Jim and Therese Brake, Mark Owens, and Tony and Rachelle Coyne

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March 21, 2024 CURRENTS A9

BENEFIT BEAT Visit currentsneo.com to submit your events or wedding.

Friday, April 12 … Friday Night on 55th to benefit Vocational Guidance Services programming for individuals with disabilities, 6 to 8:30 p.m.; VGS Training Center, 2235 East 55th Street, Cleveland, 44103. Join the Sunbeam Board and VGS for an evening of cocktails, hors d’oeuvres, and live music.

Tickets are $125. For more information and to purchase tickets visit https://vgsjob.org/fridaynight_tickets/.

Saturday, April 13…Heroes for Andy, to benefit The Andy Nowacki Foundation, 5:30 p.m. at Four Points Sheraton, 35000 Curtis Blvd., Eastlake, 44095. Visit www.nowackifound.org.

Saturday, April 13…Backstage Bash, to benefit Great Lakes Theater Festival, at the Hanna Theatre, 2067 E. 14th St. Cleveland, 44115.

Performance, food and dessert stations, open bars, raffles, interactive experiences and more.

A live performance and then head backstage to enjoy live music and dancing with the GLTF performers. Tickets prices start at $175. Visit greatlakestheater.org.

Thursday, April 18…Rendezvous Cabaret!, to benefit Musical Theater Project, 6 to 9:30 p.m. at The Tudor Arms Hotel. Make your reservations today for Rendezvous Cabaret starring Tony® nominee, Emmy winner and New York cabaret star Liz Callaway performing her new show, “Screen Gems.” The fun begins with cocktails at 6 p.m., followed by dinner and the show. Known for her unforgettable recording of “Journey to the Past,” which she voiced in Disney’s animated classic “Anastasia,” Callaway has created a new show featuring beloved songs introduced on the silver screen. From MGM musicals to Disney to the movie music of today, “Screen Gems” serves as a perfect playlist of songs that have served as America’s soundtrack across generations. $175 Individual Reservation includes cocktails, dinner and show. $300 Patron Reservation includes everything listed above plus print recognition. Make your reservations by calling Ashley Bernett at 216.860.1518, ext. 701 or by emailing ashley@musicaltheatherproject.org.

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation “Rock the Foundation”

Tracy Pogue, Richard Pogue and Michael and Trina Scharf

Leslye Huff, Mary Ostendorf, Tenille and Michael Kaus, Nina Cherian, Daniel Hohl and Lauren Gilbride

Caitlin Peterson, Matt Besser, Becky Ruppert McMahon and Judge John J. Russo

The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation gave its highest honor to Jessica Berg and Michael Scharf at its 18th Annual Rock the Foundation benefit event.

Berg and Scharf, co-deans of the Case Western Reserve University (CWRU) School of Law, were presented with The Richard W. Pogue Award for Excellence in Community Leadership and Engagement. For the past decade, Deans Berg and Scharf have led the CWRU School of Law to new heights in legal education, with an emphasis on serving the community. Under their leadership, the CWRU School of Law has achieved the best median LSAT score and GPA in School history and has added six clinics, for a total of 10, serving the community.

“Jessica and Michael are a perfect addition to a highly distinguished group of Pogue Award recipients, Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation (CMBF) President Meredith Shoop said. “We see this as a tremendous opportunity

to thank and spotlight the support that the Case Western Reserve University School of Law has provided over the past decade for both our Bar Foundation and the Bar Association, as well as the broader Cleveland community.”

The foundation first presented the award in 2015 to Dick Pogue in recognition and celebration of his tremendous contribution to the legal profession and in the civic arena. “A year later, we named the award after Dick,” CMBF CEO Becky Ruppert McMahon noted.

“He is the epitome of community service, and our honorees continue his commitment.”

Over 300 guests attended the event at the Music Box Supper Club, and helped to raise more than $125,000. The Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Foundation changes lives in the greater Cleveland community by funding award-winning pro bono legal services and educational programs. STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN

Judge Solomon Oliver, Ashley Jones, Judge Joan Synenberg and Roger Synenberg

Ashley Jones, Sagan Kahler, and Kira and Ryan Krivosh

Judge Solomon Oliver, Peggy Zone Fisher and Lee Fisher

Meredith Shoop, Jessica Berg and John Niederer

Michael and Bethany Germano, Wendy and Craig Snodgrass, and Paul and Kerry Capka

WOODLAND DESIGN COMPANY interior design | build | residential | commercial creating inspired design that tells your unique story 216.213.5266 | www.woodlanddeisgn.co |

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@woodlanddesigncompany

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Spring calls for refreshing, lightening your interior spaces

By RITA KUEBER

W

hen spring finally rolls around who isn’t ready for a bit of updating?

Refreshing the interiors of our favorite rooms is a sure way to inject some much-needed relief from dull, damp days, overcast skies, and frosty temperatures.

Currents had the chance to talk with three design professionals who offered suggestions on tackling projects around the house – at small, medium, and large scale – to help us recharge for spring and look forward to summer. Our experts include Molly Machmer-Wessels, principal designer/owner of Woodland Design Company, Ingrid Porter, principal and owner of Ingrid Porter Interiors, and Marissa Matiyasic, principal and owner of Reflections Interior Design.

These experts agree that the ideal situation to start with is to have the biggest pieces of furniture, carpeting, and the largest walls in neutral shades, white, gray, or beige, and then add seasonal changes to adjust the complexion of the room. The lightest touch and the most budget-friendly way to do this is by working with small touches. A change in the pillows, throw, or area rug in the living room. Cover or uncover your dining room chairs. Changing the window treatment works for just about any room. Move over from heavier fabrics such as velvet or boucle and use something with a lighter hand such as linen, cotton, or sheers. A bedroom will take on a whole new look if you change out the bedding. And of course, using paint on one wall or an entire room will give an interior space a whole new feel.

“Going toward warmer white and away from gray is a trend now,” Ingrid states. “Adding more natural wood tones – light ones, like light oak, not cherry, gives a warmer, comfortable feeling to your room with simple things.”

“Just changing the accessories in the home seasonally makes a difference. Home Goods, Pottery Barn, and Target all have fresh items to go with the seasons for your living or dining room, or for the kitchen counter,” Marissa says.

“Generally in warmer months, we go with brighter colors. In winter we like rich, moody colors that lean into the jewel tones, especially for the holidays. But after that, we’re dying for some sun, Molly adds. “We want things that are bright and colorful, fresh and floral. Things that feel like a new beginning in a spring way. Botanicals are always a sure bet.”

Determining a middle-sized project took a bit more thought. Still, our creative trio had several suggestions. “A furniture reselection might work,” Molly says. “Or maybe a this could be the first step on a plan to start a larger project – going all in. The middle doesn’t feel like a storied space. We want to tell the story of a space – and have owners and visitors feel what we intended for them to feel about an interior.”

Ingrid echoes that sentiment. “A middle-sized project may be redecorating with comfortable, not-too-large seating in sofas and chairs,” she says. “There’s also decluttering a closet or any space, really. I think people get so bogged down looking at things, lightening up for spring gets all the ‘stuff’ out. Ask yourself ‘What do I use every day?’ I think people are less likely to have a huge bookshelf filled with things to make it look finished. Now, with people spending more time at home, they like to have things around them that actually mean something.”

“In the middle are projects you can do easily – something quick and cost-effective.

Entryways come to mind,” Marissa states.

“Update your door by painting the inside or outside. Updating the hardware changes and refreshes the look. Change the entryway rug or mat and switch up the wreath hanging outside. There’s always wallpaper as well, and an entryway or foyer is easier to do than a full room,” she adds.

When it comes to larger projects Marissa starts with kitchens. “You can get a whole different look by removing doors and leaving the cabinets open. This totally transforms the interior. You can also wallpaper the back of the cabinets – I like DIY peel and stick for this look – and you can have it without major construction,” she adds. “Even changing out the cabinet door hardware gives a big bang

Room design by RMD Designs, Hudson

Kitchen design by Woodland Design Co., Cleveland, Shaker Heights for the buck.” Similarly, she introduces the idea of removing interior doors, leaving passageways open between say, a family room

and a three-season room.

“We did a full house renovation last year,” Ingrid says. “We took out the walls between the kitchen and family room and ended up with a huge space. But then we added architectural details to carve out separate areas, so you could have a conversation in one area without everyone in the house overhearing. We used arched doorways in the dining room and kitchen, so things were open, but defined. The house was only about forty years old. It was a center hall colonial, and we incorporated the bones of the house, adding some updated elements in the cabinetry, flooring, lighting, and paint colors.”

“A full-scope project might include looking at how your house goes from inside to outside space seamlessly,” Molly states. “This is based on the architecture of your home. Starting with a kitchen or a family room, you may consider reconfiguring the space using French doors or glass doors. This breaks the hard divide between in and out and allows more open flow between the two spaces. You’re inside but you’re connected to the outside, using a patio or deck as an extension of your home in warmer months. You can create another room in the house, even though it’s outside,” she adds.

Molly’s company is a design-build firm and her husband, Fritz is the General Contractor for the firm, which uses their own craftsmen from electricians to plumbers.

Final thoughts from Ingrid of Ingrid Porter Interiors: “I never get tired of blue and white together, and then adding green brings the outdoors in. Warmer whites are trending now, and they feel sunny and welcoming.” One of her favorites is a Sherwin-Williams color, Shoji White. “This is a beautiful neutral. Not yellow or brown or gray. There’s also Benjamin Moore’s creamy white.”

From Marissa of Reflections: “Lighting is very important even in the spring and summer when we have more light. There’s the ceiling light, task lighting, and then accent lamps.

Think about the different hues of bulbs now, because you may want a warmer light for spring.” She also recommends two of her favorite colors for interiors – a rich blue green called Sea Salt from Sherwin- Williams and Pink Ground from Farrow and Ball. “These are versatile paints that feel like spring colors.” ingridporter.com reflectionsinteriordesign.net woodlanddesign.co rmddesignsllc.com

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March 21, 2024 CURRENTS B1

Anticipate March Madness in NEO’s spring market

By RITA KUEBER

L

ast year was not the best year for the real estate industry. In fact, the National Association of Realtors (NAR) indicates housing sales were at their lowest point in 28 years last year. For 2024, however, things are looking up. A little. While there’s still uncertainty in the market, the NAR is also predicting that interest rates will fall into the six percent range from nearly eight percent, and that compared to last year housing sales will increase by 14 percent.

That would be welcome news across the board, but especially for local realtors and their clients who are hoping to move in the next few months. Traditionally, housing sales climb during the second quarter of any given year, a phenomenon loosely called “spring market.” After a gray and dismal winter, many consumers are hoping to make a change in their housing situation. Lifestyle changes from a new baby to divorce often drive these changes, but spring months seem to coalesce the desire for a different living arrangement.

It just might take a minute for the NE Ohio market to open up.

“I’m hoping we don’t have a repeat of last year,” says Karen Eagle, a realtor with Elite Sotheby’s International Realty in Chagrin Falls.

“We have a disproportionate number of buyers, relative to sellers. Inventory is minimal at best,” she says.

“We do have a lack of inventory,” says Susan Delaney, a realtor with Howard Hanna’s Shaker Heights office. “I explain this to my buyers, and I tell them it’s early in the year, and not to get discouraged. This is a market where if you see a house you like, you have to move on it and quickly. This is not a market where you can go home and talk about it at great length,” she adds.

“Not only are the listings are few and far between, but prices are at a premium,” Eagle

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states. “I sit down with my buyers, and we talk about strategy. When the right house does come on the market, that’s not the time to talk about the opportunity. You have to react, create a strong offer, and hope it’s a standout. The strategy has to be in place well in advance.”

Delaney explains that serious buyers need to be pre-qualified for a loan even before they search for something to buy. “I tell my buyers to look at houses at about 75 percent of the amount they’ve qualified for, especially if they’re first-time buyers,” she says. “They just don’t have the cash in case they get caught in a bidding war. They’re competing with cash buyers, and some houses are going for more than they’re worth.”

Seasoned realtors like Eagle and Delaney recall previous markets that were slightly more predictable in their general rhythm, from the number of days on market to the cycle of downsizing that was more or less standard across the NE Ohio market.

“We used to have listings on the market for a year, even 18 months,” Eagle says. “They took a long time to sell, and now that just doesn’t happen. Buyers are not as picky as they used to be – being picky is just not an option now.

We used to wait for a house that checked all the boxes, but now I tell buyers ‘You can change anything about the house, but you can’t change the property.’If the priority is getting into a school system but you want an all-white kitchen, well, some sacrifice may be involved.”

“There’s a whole segment of the population in their 60s and 70s who are not moving,” Delaney adds. “Their house is paid for, but they’re not ready to move to a senior community, and there’s no place for them to go. Most of the new things in good locations are even more expensive, around $800,000 and many can’t do that, so people are just staying put, and that’s contributing to the market.”

CURRENTS March 21, 2024 currentsneo.com

Shop for spring at BLOCK BROS. 30495 Pinetree Rd., 44124, blockbrosathome.com

Michael Cancelliere stands out for his bold approach Michael Cancelliere, a dynamic force in the local real estate industry, hails from Cleveland Heights and now calls Shaker Heights home.

Praised as one of the fastest-growing professionals in the field, having been awarded Howard Hanna Pepper Pike’s prestigious Rookie of the Year in 2021, Michael has become synonymous with success. He specializes in selling properties across greater Cleveland with an unwavering commitment to winning for his clients.

Michael brings a deep love and understanding of the local market, allowing him to navigate its intricacies with finesse. He believes his childhood environment is what gave him a profound appreciation for our local housing stock and the metaphysical concept of the sense of home.

Fueled by an inimitable personality and unstoppable enthusiasm, Michael fearlessly puts both himself and your home on the open market. Beyond traditional norms, he seamlessly blends his personal and business life, infusing his dealings with an optimistic outlook and a winning mentality that sets him apart.

In the competitive real estate landscape, Michael stands out for his bold approach, unafraid to go to bat for his clients. Whether navigating negotiations or crafting strategic marketing campaigns, he leverages his innate determination to secure the best outcomes.

Clients who partner with Michael Cancelliere not only gain a dedicated real estate professional but also a true advocate. His relentless pursuit of success, coupled with a genuine connection to the community, creates a winning combination that transcends the ordinary and tips the scale of the marketplace in your favor.

In a world where the real estate landscape is ever-evolving, Michael Cancelliere remains at the forefront as the rising tide of his day, a testament to his adaptability, passion, and client-centric approach. With a track record of accomplishments and a future defined by limitless potential, Michael continues to stand out in his own unique way.

Michael Cancelliere at howardhanna.com or 216.536.2794

Spring ahead with your home and garden design plans

over on-site construction,” Andrew Miller of JDM Structures explained. “The biggest advantage we see in modular is the cost effectiveness without the loss of quality that you get in a high-end custom home. This cost effectiveness comes from a few different things, but one of the main ones is that anything that we can do in a factory and deliver to a jobsite mostly preassembled eliminates a lot of the costs of having multiple crews driving back

and forth to a jobsite every day. We are also able to ensure that our material is not exposed to the elements like on a custom home build.

The home is shipped out already waterproof and sealed off. A modular home is essentially a wood construction home that is designed and engineered to be shipped down the road, so it is quite a bit stronger.”

“We build a lot of projects ranging from a tiny home to a mid-size, cost-effective modular home, all the way up to a high-end custom home. The one thing that I have heard over the past year, and it seems to become more prevalent, is that people are looking for a smaller home,” Miller said. “So, whether that is because the budget encourages a smaller home, or people are looking to downsize to a smaller home that is easier to take care of, or because younger people are looking for a starter home, it seems to be a common trend that we are trying to capture. We are trying to come up with smaller, cost-efficient, well-thought-out floor plans to accommodate folks who are looking for something along those lines.”

Go to www.jdmstructures.com to see the Hudson and other JDM homes.

C & J Custom Surfaces offers an alternative to replacing worn kitchen countertops. The home services company specializes in epoxy countertops and back splash installation.

Change the look and feel of your kitchen, bathroom or bar without the trouble of a full renovation. “We can do an entire kitchen renovation for about one-third the cost,” Charles Robinson of C & J Custom Structures said. “Our counters will not crack, are stainresistant, anti-microbials and are heat resistant to 750 degrees. We can even make you a one-of-a-kind bar top with the colors and logo of your favorite sports team.” Visit www. cjcustomsurfaces.com for more information.

currentsneo.com

March 21, 2024 CURRENTS B3

By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN

I

t is time to spring ahead with those home and garden projects you have been dreaming about all winter long.

In addition to providing a hint of spring, the recent Great Big Home and Garden Show featured the latest in home and garden design trends.

The Villa at The Vineyard by Architectural Justice was curated to highlight the design capabilities of Architectural Justice and offerings from its Fittings Metal Collection.

“Architectural Justice specializes in exotic stone, marble, granite and quartz, but we also do our own metal and wood work. We build range hoods, shelving units and accessories for kitchen islands. We do commercial work as well as residential,” James Justice of Architectural Justice noted.

Before stepping into the Villa, show attendees journeyed through a collection of natural stones. Inside, an open-concept kitchen and dining space showcased an array of metal accents. An entertainment area was complete with a sophisticated bar and lounge, while the master suite featured a stone tub and spacious dressing room.

Serving as a preview, the Villa hinted at Architectural Justice’s plans for a resort-style vineyard and gardens in Brunswick Hills. “We bought 21 acres of land and hope to finish the project within two years,” Justice said. “This allows us to show off what we can do.” He said they are working with vinicultural experts from The Ohio State University and will plant the first grape vines this spring. In addition to the winery, there will be a restaurant with seating for about 100, an event center for 200, scenic gardens and six luxury vacation rental units.

Architectural Justice has provided Northeast Ohio with design and remodeling services for 37 years. The 20,000-square-foot Medina

The Villa by Architectural Justice featured specialty stone, metal and wood work by the 37-year-old company. design center showcases granite and natural stone, cabinetry, tile, flooring, kitchen and bath products, ornamental iron and custom furniture. Visit www.architecturaljustice.com.

The Hudson, a 2024 modular home by JDM Custom Builders, combines rugged sophistication with contemporary design.

The open floor plan offers 1,317 square feet of living space.

“Modular construction has a few advantages

Organic and sustainable materials bring life to your home

By MICHELE COLLINS

H

ow can you improve your mood, feel comfortable and calm, and reduce stress?

The answer is part of a new design trend sweeping through homes across the country.

Designing with live, organic or sustainable products allows homeowners to bring the outdoors in, especially in Ohio where the rollercoaster of weather changes does not always align with the seasons.

Plants can change the look of a room, bringing in the beautiful shades of green that nature creates, but plants can also make those in the room feel happier.

Changing your mood can be done by simply purchasing some “indoor” green plants, and putting them on a shelf in your bedroom or living room. This can change the way you feel as you enter those rooms, especially after a long day in meetings, waiting in traffic or sitting behind a computer.

Many workers in the creative fields swear by having plants around their workspace, inspiring them by the beauty of design that has already been created by nature.

Greening up your space is definitely a trend, according to local interior designer Ingrid Porter, of Ingrid Porter Interiors. She said she has witnessed a trend with design color palettes migrating away from the “gray, on top of gray on top of gray,” to “warm rich browns and greens, utilizing colors that are

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found in nature.”

She said she recently completed a home design project that brought the same limestone used outdoors and around the home’s patio and pool areas, inside to the family room.

“We literally continued the natural limestone from the outside space inside, giving the feeling of a true indoor/outdoor living space.”

She said she has also witnessed the trend toward making one’s home feel comfortable Cleveland. The evening features an exquisite dinner comprised of multiple courses, each prepared by a different stand-out chef and perfectly paired with wine. Tickets start at $250.

Visit http://www.events.cff.org/chefsfantasy2024.

Sunday, April 21…Sunday Dinner with a PurrPose, to benefit Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary, 2 to 5 p.m. at Banquet Center of St. Noel, 35200 Chardon Rd. (State Route 6), Willoughby Hills.

shared Ms. Bloch.

She explained that the manufacturer has a patented process which makes the most soft and luxurious sheets out of a 100 percent Italian wood fiber that is washed, dried and woven into sheets in Italy.

“The wood pulp used to create this simple yet sophisticated textile is harvested from managed forests and is completely biodegradable,” she added.

Ms. Bloch even offers customers a chance to see the materials that these unusual but luxurious sheets are created with an in-store display.

“We do enjoy sharing with our customers where these linens are sourced from and sharing with our customers how they are made,” said Ms. Bloch. “We spend a great deal of time sourcing the luxury bedding pieces from all over the world.”

She said other linen and bedding products utilizing 100 percent organic cotton come from as far away as Portugal and offer buyers a chance to literally wrap themselves in nature’s luxury.

“We take buying trips to both Italy and Portugal on a regular basis,” she said. “We believe that these products provide a combination of luxury and comfort that simply cannot be matched.”

Local experts in the home design area seem to agree that one of the best ways to escape into a cocoon of comfort inside your own home, starts with bringing the colors of nature and the materials nature creates– inside.

Registration at 1:30 p.m.; event from 2-5; familystyle dinner served at 2:30. (Vegan options with advance notice.) No charge for wine and beer.

Silent and Chinese auctions and a 50-50 raffle.

RSVP by April 14. Checks or money orders for tickets and/or tax-deductible donations can be mailed to: Happy Tails Cat Sanctuary, P.O. Box 581, Chesterland, OH 44026. Tickets are $50 per person. To use PayPal, go to www.HappyTailsCatSanctuary.org. Questions? Call or text

Doreen at 440.759.0076 or email HappyTailsCatSanctuary@gmail.com. (Note: No “r” in “Tails.)

Friday, April 26...A Night for Nature, tobenefit the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center, 6 p.m. at the Lake Erie Nature and Science Center.

Guests will enjoy up-close encounters with animal ambassadors, hors d’oeuvres, wine and beer and a three-course dinner. Tickets are $150.

Visit http://www.lensc.org or call 440.471.8354.

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Saturday, April 20, 2024...Northern Ohio Chef’s Fantasy, to benefit the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, 6 p.m. at the Ritz-Carlton

Block Bros. sources high-end luxury bedding made from organic and sustainable sources.

and calm.

“People want to come home and live in rooms that feel inviting and comfortable, utilizing calming colors and textures,” she said. “No longer do they want a show home, but rather a home that makes them feel calm and relaxed, with beautiful, natural colors and furnishings.

People want to feel like they are supported in their home environments.”

She added that one tip for those wanting to bring a spring feeling into their interiors is to choose one item, a plant, a ficus tree in a clay pot, or an accessory in a color found in nature and let that be a bright spot in the room. She also said not to forget “some fun art” as a way to add color to each and every room when designing your space.

But what are some other ways to bring nature and the materials from nature into your home, specifically into the room where you spend the most uninterrupted hours of time?

Carolyne Bloch, of Block Bros. Design at Home, said those in the luxury bedding industry have been utilizing natural products to make bedrooms feel like a sanctuary from the world for as long as she can remember.

“We have been sourcing upper-end luxury bedding made from organic and sustainable sources for over 30 years,” she said.

One example is the SDH brand, a luxury bedding manufacturer from Italy.

“We have a supplier from Italy, which specializes in high-end bedding, and makes sheets that are so popular that our customers buy extras to take on vacation with them,”

LD SO

SO

LD

2220 W 7th St. Cleveland | $669,999

28701 Cresthaven Dr. Willowick | $448,607

2906 Bridge Ave. Cleveland | $540,000

List & Sell with Confidence

Michael Cancelliere 216-536-2794 Instagram: @michaelcancelliere Email: michaelcancelliere@howardhanna.com

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with the home expert, Michael Cancelliere at Howard Hanna.

Trips For People Who Hate Tours The Olive Odysseys, a local company whose owners, Patricia & Manolis Hajifotiou, split their time between Chagrin Falls and the Island of Evia, Greece have been hosting tours for 25 years. “Most of our clients are people that do not like organized bus tours, where the guide is reeling off fact after fact on the tourist treadmill”, says Patricia.

Their travelers like a behind-the-scene look, off the beaten track, while still stopping by the must-see places. “Most of our travelers have done five or six tours with us, and we find them interesting people to sit around and sip some wine with!” says Manolis. Most of their groups top out at twelve participants, but they have also done tours for private family groups of four or five people.

The fastest growing segment of their business is trip planning. They work with the client to get the trip they want, when they want it, but the clients roll the trip out on their own: but still supported 24-7 by their trip planner. “We are so busy with this because even though most of our clients are world travelers, they are ‘done’ with researching online and just want an expert local to help them put it all together. This is our specialty.” says Patricia.

Patricia and Manolis also suggest coming along with them on two organized trips this fall, France and Croatia. They host and organize trips to Greece, Italy, Croatia, Portugal, France, and Spain. See theoliveodysseys.com for more information.

Budget Lightscapes LED Landscape Lighting was founded 20 years ago on Quality and Excellence. Our quality legacy continues to guide our business practices and illuminates our pathway of success. We are committed to meeting the highest of industry standards with up-to-date training, professional development, and organizational improvements. Staying at the peak of our craft brilliantly reflects our established reputation as NE Ohio’s Premier Nightscape Experts! Call 216-406-1900, email chris@budgetlightscapes.com or view budgetlightscapes.com

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March 21, 2024 CURRENTS B5

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Friday, April 26…Make-A-Wish Northern Ohio Wish Gala, to benefit Make-A-Wish Northern Ohio Chapter, 5:30 p.m. at Hilton Cleveland Downtown. Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres, dinner, live and silent auctions and more. For more information, or to purchase tickets, visit wish. org/oki/northern-ohio-wish-gala-2024.

Friday, April 26…Bash for the Brook, to benefit BeechBrook, 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at TopGolf Cleveland, 5820 Rockside Woods Blvd. N., Independence. Guests are invited to join us for cocktails, delicious food, as well as fun, engaging activities at the state-of-the-art Topgolf facility.

The event will feature an open bar with premium offerings, a bourbon tasting station, and live music by the acclaimed Dave Sterner Quartet.

Attendees can also participate in onsite raffles, Fund-A-Need activities, and other entertaining endeavors throughout the night.Tickets are $195 per person, with hosting options starting at $1,000. Sponsorship opportunities are also available. Contact Heidi Lang at hlang@beechbrook.org or 216.831.2255, ext. 2240.Visit www. beechbrook.org/bash for more details.

Saturday, May 4…Sparkle: Bourbon & Blues, to benefit Achievement Centers for Children, 6:30 p.m. at InterContinental Cleveland. More details to come.

Saturday, May 4...Take Flight with Youth Challenge, the annual benefit and auction, takes place at the Aviator Event Center, from 7 p.m. to 11 p.m. The evening includes food and drinks and live entertainment. Tickets start at $160. Visit www.youthchallengesports.com.

Thursday, May 16…A Celebration of Hope 2024, to benefit Alzheimer’s Association. To be presented by Barb and Brad Sacks at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown. The Cleveland and Greater East Ohio Area Chapters will honor Champion Award recipient Bill Herzog, who made it his mission to support families facing the uncertainties of this disease after losing his beloved wife to younger onset Alzheimer’s.

Tickets and sponsorships are now available for purchase: https://www.alz.org/cleveland/ events. Contact Seana Dailey at 216.342.5566 or smdailey@alz.org with questions.

Saturday, May 18…Cleveland Alumnae Panhellenic Association Celebrating 110 Years of Sisterhood with Scholarship Luncheon, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Cleveland Marriott East, 26300 Harvard Rd., Warrensville Hts., Ohio 44122 (located just West of I-271 at the Harvard Rd. exit) Join the Cleveland Alumnae Panhellenic Association (CAPA) as we celebrate our 110th Anniversary and our 2024 Scholarship Winners! We are inviting all sorority alumnae, family and friends! The event includes lunch with a cash bar, raffles, and a presentation celebrating our 2024 scholarship winners.

CAPA has been here in Northeast Ohio since 1914. We have been promoting women’s equality before women had the right to vote!

We promote the sorority experience and raise donations toward scholarships through our endowment fund established in 1985 as a 501(C) (3) Private Foundation.Come reconnect with your sisters & celebrate! Register at https:// givebutter.com/CAPA_Spring_Luncheon.Our website: http://www.clevelandpanhellenic.org/.

Questions: clevalumpanhel@gmail.com Saturday, June 1…Nature at Night, to benefit Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. An evening outdoors under the stars. Guests kick off summer from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. at the Nature Center with local chefs, music, mingling, and fun!

Saturday, June 8...Garden Gala: Dancing on the Dewdrops, to benefit Community Life Collaborative, 6 to 10 p.m. at the Family Life Center, 16349 Chillicothe Rd, Bainbridge. Join us for a delightful summer evening of dining, dancing to the music by Tweed, special drink, lively games, unique raffle baskets, silent auction and fun. Proceeds to support the CLC›s mission which is to raise awareness, amplify voices and inspire shared action toward a just and sustainable world. Together. For ticket and sponsorship information contact admin@communitylifecollaborative.org or call 440.708.1961 or go to our website communitylifecollaborative.org.

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.

Family Connections “Celebrating Partnerships” “Celebrating Partnerships,” a fundraiser in support of Family Connections, drew 120 guests to the Greater Cleveland Foodbank Community Resource Center.

A reception and ceremony honored The Treu-Mart Fund, a philanthropic partnership between the Cleveland Foundation and the Jewish Federation of Cleveland, and Councilwoman Cheryl Stephens, a long-time champion of Family Connections. Opening remarks were provided by Tiffany Scruggs, Family Connections board president, and Beth Darmstadter, executive director. Amy Morgenstern, board member, represented The Treu-Mart Fund.

Family Connections engages families with young children to nurture social connections, enhance child development and improve school readiness. It provides early literacy programs and parent support. Since its beginning in 1982, Family Connections has grown to serve 1,191 families across Cuyahoga County in 2023 through Baby & Me, Family Playrooms, Supporting Partnerships to Assure Ready Kids (SPARK) and its Family School Connection Program. Family Connections recently opened a new Family Playroom space at the Greater Cleveland Foodbank Community Resource Center. The Family Playrooms are imaginative, hands-on spaces for parents and children ages birth through five, designed to support early childhood development and school readiness skills through interactive adult-child play.

“Celebrating Partnerships” raised about $20,000 to support Family Connections’ educational programs. STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN

Chrissy Zoldak, Sherece Brown-Gray, Richaun Bunton and Karen Gillooly

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March 21, 2024 CURRENTS B7

Bratenahl Community Foundation “Lunar New Year”

Bratenahl Community Foundation Board members Chuck Bauernschmidt, Arlene Kemejak, Steve Kadish, Tim Schultz, Greg DeGulis, Juliann Sutton, Emily Drake and Francie Dannemiller

Susie McKinney, Nada Hashem and Greg DeGulis are teased by the Laughing Buddha

The Bratenahl Community Foundation marked a 35-year tradition of celebrating Chinese New Year with an annual fundraiser.

The sold-out dinner and wine pull featured a 10-course traditional “Springfest” Chinese menu, with the benefit taking place once again at Asiatown’s Li Wah restaurant.

Courtesy of the largesse by BCF Board members Chuck Bauernschmidt, Bill Faber, Steve Kadish, and Thomas Zung, George Kwan’s famous Lion Dance Troupe was booked as a returning highlight of the evening.The artists performing the colorful Lion Dance were accompanied by the requisite Chinese kettle drummer, gong player and the yellow-robed “Laughing Buddha” or Dai TouFut (acting as comic diversion, to lead and tease the Lion while interacting with the crowd).

Guests were supplied with “hong paos,” traditional Lunar New Year red envelopes to be filled with money to “feed” the Lion and assure prosperity in the coming year for the donors.

Founded in 1978, Bratenahl Community Foundation’s mission continues to serve the Village of Bratenahl in a variety of ways, including: purchase of patrol bicycles and video

Steve Kadish, Thomas T. Zung, Bill Faber, Kwan Troupe owner George Kwan and Chuck Bauernschmidt equipment for the police; bullet-proof vests for the Village’s K-9 Corps; green space support via donations to the Land Conservancy; donations to the Cleveland Food Bank; welcome gift baskets to new homeowners; community information website; quarterly publication of the free “Lamplighter” magazine and support for New Avenues for independence, a group home for adult women with developmental disabilities. STORY BY JEANNIE EMSER SCHULTZ/ PHOTOGRAPHS BY TIM SCHULTZ

Prof. Joe Garry (host of Playhouse Square’s “Broadway Buzz) toasts the Year of the Dragon with Cleveland artist Robert Jursinski

BCF›s Chinese New Year was a family affair for Tommy Bates Zung, his fiance Cheryl Lynnn Boyle, Thomas T. Zung and Joyce Burke-Jones

Garson and Wrubel are at the forefront of the high-end market In the ever-evolving landscape of real estate, the high-end market is witnessing a notable trend: downsizing. This strategic move is gaining momentum among affluent homeowners, and two prominent agents, Debbie Garson and Jenn Wrubel of Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan, are at the forefront, guiding clients through this transformative process.

Downsizing in the high-end real estate market is not merely about reducing square footage; it’s a thoughtful and intentional choice driven by lifestyle changes, financial considerations, and a desire for increased efficiency. Jenn

Wrubel and Debbie Garson bring a wealth of experience and expertise to help clients navigate this unique niche with finesse.

As individuals progress through different life stages, their housing needs often undergo significant transformations. Empty nesters, for instance, may find themselves with excess space once their children have flown the coop. Debbie and Jenn recognize the changing dynamics and skillfully assist clients in identifying properties that align with their current lifestyle while maximizing the value of their existing homes.

One key driver behind the high-end

downsizing trend is the desire for a more manageable and maintenance-free lifestyle.

Clients seek properties that offer luxury without the burden of extensive upkeep, allowing them to focus on experiences and personal pursuits.

Jenn and Debbie understand the importance of finding residences that strike the perfect balance between opulence and practicality, ensuring a seamless transition for their clientele.

Additionally, downsizing in the high-end market is not just about square footage; it’s about upgrading to a more exclusive and tailored living experience. Both Debbie and

Jenn are adept at curating a selection of properties that meet the discerning tastes of their clients, ensuring that downsizing doesn’t mean compromising on luxury or prestige.

Jenn Wrubel and Debbie Garson’s success in guiding clients through the downsizing process is a testament to their commitment to personalized service and in-depth market knowledge. In a high-end real estate landscape where precision and discretion are paramount, Wrubel and Garson stand out as trusted advisors, facilitating seamless transitions for clients seeking a refined and purposeful lifestyle.

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T H E S I X T EEN T H A N N UA L

AWARDS CEREMON Y PRESENTED BY MALTZ MUSEUM

MEET THE WINNING STUDENTS AND SCHOOLS AT THE AWARDS CEREMONY Wednesday April 3, 6:30 pm Free and open to the public.

Cleveland Museum of Art, Gartner Auditorium 1150 East Boulevard, Cleveland, Ohio

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Great Lakes Theater announces six-show season for 2024-25 Charles Fee, Producing Artistic Director of Great Lakes Theater (GLT), unveiled an exciting six-production lineup for the company’s 2024-25 season. Great Lakes Theater’s sixty-third season is scheduled to run from September 2024 through May 2025 at Playhouse Square’s Hanna and Mimi Ohio Theatres.

GLT will launch its 2024-25 season with the enchanting Sondheim musical “Into the Woods,” presented in rotating repertory with Shakespeare’s magical comic masterpiece, “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” (September 27 – November 10, 2024), translated by Jeff Whitty in Partnership with Play On Shakespeare.

Then, Northeast Ohio’s favorite holiday tradition, ”A Christmas Carol” (November 24 - December 23, 2024), will ring in the holiday season. The second half of the season starts as GLT presents the playful prequel to Peter Pan, “Peter and the Starcatcher” (February 7 – March 2, 2025), and continues in the spring with Shakespeare›s delightful romantic comedy, “Twelfth Night” (March 21 – April 6, 2025). The 2024-25 season will close with the uproarious backstage farce “Noises Off” (April 25 - May 18, 2025).

Five of the company’s 2024-25 season offerings (“Into the Woods,” “A Midsummer Night’s Dream,” “Peter and the Starcatcher,” “Twelfth Night” and “Noises Off”) will appear in GLT›s audience-friendly home at the Hanna Theatre, Playhouse Square. “A Christmas Carol” will remain in its traditional Mimi Ohio Theatre setting.

Enjoy exhilarating productions in an intimate theater setting. Great Lakes Theater’s awardwinning home at the Hanna Theatre features a visionary “Great Room” inspired design that integrates the artist and audience experience into a unified environment. Hanna patrons select from a variety of seating opportunities, including traditional theater seats, club

chairs, lounge/bar seats, banquette couches, and private box seating. Arranged in an intimate 550-seat thrust configuration where the audience surrounds the stage, and no seat is further than 13 rows from the performance to create a unique, audience-friendly theatrical experience.

Great Lakes Theater will continue to afford patrons extraordinary access at every Hanna Theatre performance in 2024-25. The Hanna›s doors always open sixty minutes before each show, allowing patrons to observe the complete pre-show preparation of GLT’s actors and technical staff. Elements such as stage combat rehearsals, dance calls, prop/scenic pre-sets, technical cue rehearsals, and actor warm-ups are conducted in full view of patrons, offering GLT audiences an unprecedented glimpse into the theatrical process. A complete list of pre-/post-show enhancement programming is available at www.greatlakestheater.org Subscriptions to Great Lakes Theater’s 202425 season are on sale now. Adult subscriptions start as low as $210, and subscriptions for patrons 25 and under begin at $42. For complete information, patrons should call (216) 453-4458 or visit www.greatlakestheater.org.

Single tickets will go on sale in July 2024. Regular-priced adult tickets will range from $20 - $89. Regular-priced youth tickets for the Hanna Theatre are $15 ($30 for A Christmas Carol in the Mimi Ohio Theatre) and will be available for all performances.

Great Lakes Theater has brought the pleasure, power, and relevance of theater to the widest possible audience since 1962.

The first resident company of Playhouse Square, GLT will celebrate its 43rd year in downtown Cleveland this season. On its main stage and through its extensive education programming, Great Lakes Theater impacts the lives of over 100,000 adults and students annually.

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Chagrin Falls home on East Cottage Street for sale

The house on E. Cottage offers views of the village.

By RITA KUEBER With its buzzy retail scene and communitybased bustle, it’s easy to forget how old and historic Chagrin Falls is. Incorporated in 1844, Ohio had only been a state for 31 years when a number of New England craftsmen came to the valley to harness the power of the Chagrin River for their mills and create a village to support farmers nearby.

One of the oldest streets is Cottage, one block above the center of town. In addition to the historic value of the houses on this street, residents and homeowners have been great stewards of these buildings. One was on the home and garden tour last year. Another, 89 East Cottage offers an amazingly sound house with a view and location without compare.

The front of the house faces southeast, so immediately in view are the steeples of Valley Lutheran Church and Federated Church, with East Orange Street, the Chagrin River, and the entire village spread out below. Despite this unique view of Chagrin Falls, the loudest ambient sound is bird calls from the slip of woods next door.

The house, originally built in 1886, has been renovated from the studs out and added onto, and now it’s the coolest, coziest, most modern colonial you’ve ever seen with amenities galore while keeping its historic character. Deceptively

The updated gourmet kitchen opens to a spacious dining area and a cozy hearth room.

A gas fireplace is the centerpiece of the welcoming family/hearth room. spacious inside, the charm of this house is its flexibility. While it’s a Colonial in spirit, its layout is versatile and creative in a way that could have the new homeowner changing the living room to a dining room, and the clean, semi-finished, walk-out basement to a studio or office space.

As it’s configured now, the front door opens

to a snug sitting area and to stairs in the center of the house. To the right is a room currently serving as a spacious, square office, but could also be a living or dining room, as it connects to the kitchen through a short hall. A porch immediately next to the front door offers great views of the Village. Moving back into the house is an open kitchen with an eat-in area, workspace, and hearth room, moving from left to right. The eat-in area has French doors that open to the private patio and backyard. The kitchen is a chef’s delight with an enormous center island that has an extra-wide sink and stone surface. The appliances are stainless, and there is a Bertazzoni range and a stunning herringbone tile backsplash above it.

The hearth room or family room has a gas fireplace, built-in bookshelves, and a wet bar.

French doors off this space open to the porch out front. Behind the kitchen is an entry from the

two-car garage, mud room, and half-bath. There are beautifully stylish chandeliers throughout the house in addition to plenty of natural light in every room.

Upstairs is a compact laundry room, and four bedrooms or maybe three bedrooms and an office/studio, nursery or private TV or reading room. The owner’s suite runs along the front of the house and includes an airy bedroom with a vaulted ceiling, an updated bathroom with a twin-sink vanity, a glassed-in shower, a private lav, and a large walk-in closet. Just at the top of the stairs, this suite can be closed off with its double doors.

A second bedroom suite, nearly as large, also has a full bath and walk-in closet, but also a Juliet balcony that overlooks the backyard.

The third and fourth bedrooms share a full bath off the adjacent hallway.

The lower level is dry and tight but not currently finished. This level offers plenty of room for storage, an exercise area, or additional living space, as it walks out to the street and driveway. Everything about this house is updated and in excellent repair. Despite its age, it’s in remarkable condition - there isn’t a draft to be felt or a creak to be heard. Everything is as solid and polished as the day it was built.

Additionally, it has the feel of a home well-loved and well-lived in, with plenty more years to give its next family and the family beyond that.

89 East Cottage has 2,948 square feet of space above ground with four bedrooms, three full baths, and 2 half-baths. Central air, public water, public sewer, two-car garage attached. Chagrin Falls School District. The lot is .15 acres, and the location is walkable to everything in the Village and minutes to additional dining, shopping, and medical.

Represented by Michelle McQuade of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services, 89 East Cottage is listed at $1,125,000 at press time with annual taxes of $9,965. Contact Michelle McQuade at michellemcquade@howardhanna.com.

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The history of Czech immigrants is built into the hall and lives on in its displays. Photograph by Eric Eakin

History displayed at Cleveland’s Bohemian National Hall

By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN The Bohemian National Hall, part of the Czech Cultural Center of Sokol Greater Cleveland, is an architectural gem with a unique history dating back more than a century.

The hall has been meticulously restored to tional Register of Historic Places and with The Cleveland Landmarks Commission. Built in 1897, the Bohemian National Hall became the center of the Czech and Slovak communities in Cleveland. In fact, you might say that the Czechoslovakian union began there.

The Cleveland Agreement of 1915 was forged between Czech and Slovak national organizations in the U.S. and served as the fundamental stepping stone toward the formation of the future nation of Czechoslovakia, according to Paul Burik, president of Sokol Greater Cleveland. Cleveland was selected as the site for the agreement conference, not only because it had significant populations of both nationalities, but also because of its central location relative to large population centers, Burik explained. Cleveland also offered a sizable and prestigious facility for the historic meeting, the Bohemian National Hall. In 2018, on the occasion of the 100th anniversary of Czechoslovakia’s independence, the lobby of the Bohemian National Hall, now known as the Czech Cultural Center of Sokol Greater Cleveland, was dedicated in honor of that agreement. It features a statue of Tomas Masaryk, the founder and first president of Czechoslovakia.

Sokol came to the United States in 1865 with Czech immigrants. The word Sokol translates to falcon and is symbolic of the group’s ideals of courage, strength, endurance, fraternalism, love of democratic principles and pride of country. Well into its second century, Sokol continues today around the world as a thriving entity dedicated to both youth and adults participating in its programs, and the physical, mental and cultural advancement of its members. A non-profit organization, Sokol Greater Cleveland is one of 35 Sokol units in North America, one of two in Cleveland, and one of the largest within the American Sokol Organization. The American Sokol offers physical training in gymnastics and other athletics, as well as providing cultural

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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.

awareness and family-oriented activities.

The educational aspects include a library with a large collection of books and periodicals on Czech and Slovak history and culture, according to Mary Jo McCarthy of Sokol Greater Cleveland. A volunteer interested in genealogy has started working in the library to help members research family backgrounds, she said. A museum in the Bohemian National Hall features a large collection of accordions, along with traditional Czech costumes and an extensive display of Czech glass and pottery.

The museum is open during events and by appointment. McCarthy noted that there is also a new media room where they have started showing Czech movies.

The Sokol has featured Easter egg decorating classes for the past two years. One of the members teaches the Czech way of decorating the eggs using wax batik. The educational director tries to come up with different lessons once a month to start out each gymnastics class held in the state-of-the-art 12,000-square-foot athletic facility. The lessons can be about the history of the Sokol or about famous Czech athletes.

The director tries to make the lessons fun and geared toward each class level, McCarthy added. Tots Classes are for boys and girls ages three to five. Other classes are for students in the six to 12 age range, 12 to 18-year range, and adult classes, including daytime fitness sessions. Visit www.sokolgreatercleveland. org for class information and registration.

The Bohemian National Hall, 4939 Broadway Ave., has three levels suitable for social, business or cultural functions. The Victorian-style main lobby features an elegant grand staircase leading to the ballroom level. The ballroom and balcony can be transformed into an auditorium, theater, concert or lecture hall, wedding or banquet space. Adjacent to the ballroom is a turn-ofthe-century barroom and caterer-size kitchen.

The lower level features a hand-painted mural depicting Czech folk tales, dining room and full bar. This level is used for the Friday fish dinners served during Lent. Dinners featuring ethnic specialties like chicken paprikash, schnitzel, duck and beef goulash are served monthly on designated Sundays from 1 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.

Reservations are required for Sunday dinners.

Phone 216.447.0264 for details.

Saturday, Aug. 24…Night at the Museum 2024 Gala, to benefit Canton Museum of Art’s Exhibition, Education and Art Therapy Programs. More information to come. Visit cantonart.org/artinspiresgala.

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.

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March 21, 2024 CURRENTS C3

Hassall’s global experience benefits Playhouse Square Center

By JEANNIE EMSER SCHULTZ

F

or someone who wasn’t even certain two years ago “where” Ohio was, let alone Cleveland, Australian-born Craig Hassall now happily calls it “home,” already leaving his indelible mark on our city in his debut year as Playhouse Square’s President/CEO. During that debut year Craig was involved in a host of projects, including the unveiling of the spectacular new Playhouse Square marquees, the Mummies of the World exhibit and the expansion of the organization’s Sensory-Friendly inclusive performances for individuals on the autism spectrum or with other cognitive sensitivities. Most recently, was his announcement of the synergistic agreement that Karamu House, the country’s oldest Black theater company,was to become the first “affiliate company” with Playhouse Square.

In keeping with the Karamu announcement, Craig says to look for more such local theater “affiliations” as an adjunct to Playhouse Square’s own seven resident companies. And, now that he has the lay of the land, Craig shares that his long-term goals for Playhouse Square include updating the buildings’ façades while increasing the footprint of the complex, not only with added restaurants and bars, but additional performance venues.

If Craig has set “Olympian” goals for Playhouse Square, it’s not without credible experience (two of his impressive roles included working as a consultant on cultural aspects for the ceremonies of the 2000 and 2012 Olympic Games in Australia and England).

For his “particular service” in both Australia and England, Craig received the esteemed appointment as a Member of the Order of Australia (AM).

Named one of 2023’s “Most Interesting People” by Cleveland Magazine, Craig’s pantheon of accomplishments qualifies him as any year’s Most Interesting. Reared on a vast farm in New South Wales, Australia, Craig eschewed a life of wrangling sheep or planting wheat to instead plant seeds of artistic culture on three continents. His resume reads like a dream list for anyone in arts and venue management, with his high-profile career journey first launched as CEO of Australia’s largest performing arts organization, Opera Australia (which included more than 600 opera performances annually including: two seasons in Sydney and Melbourne; Opera on Sydney Harbour; musical theatre; concerts and national touring).

Europe beckons

Craig’s move to London, first as Managing Dir.of the English National Ballet, then as COO

Craig Hassall in front of the KeyBank State Theatre’s famous James Daugherty murals that helped save the historic venue. of a prominent UK event promoter, led to being tapped in 2017 as CEO for one of the globe’s most prestigious venues, London’s Royal Albert Hall. He recalls that his first two days as Royal Albert’s CEO began memorably with Ed Sheeran in concert the first night, followed the next evening by The Who performing their rock opera “TOMMY” live in its entirety for the first time in their long career.

Being CEO also meant rubbing shoulders with the Royal Family as they attended events in the Royal Box or socialized in the Royal Retiring Room. Craig shares the story that whenever Queen Elizabeth II attended, she would always shun the elevator in favor of the stairs…even into her nineties. An aide explained that Her Majesty was always cognizant that if the “lift” would malfunction with her in it, she would be inconveniencing other patrons due to the rule that a performance could not start until the Queen had been seated.

So as Craig continued happily on with his Royal Albert duties, not looking to leave, it was a head-scratcher for him when a recruiter arrived proselytizing a certain Midwest performing arts complex needing a CEO/President to replace the retiring Gina Vernaci. Was he interested? Not particularly…that is until he saw the magnificent Playhouse Square venues.

An aficionado of historic building preservation, Craig was awed by Playhouse Square’s 11 performance spaces, specifically the five 1921 elegant, historic theaters (narrowly saved from the wrecking ball qualifying it as the “the world’s largest theater restoration project”).“I’d never seen such a concentration of quality venues in one place in the world,” he remarked, “as well as Playhouse Square’s unique business model that includes the duality of real estate income and property portfolio management alongside the performing arts. I don’t know any other example of that worldwide. That clinched it for me.”

Known as a visionary and innovator, on the business side Craig brings to Playhouse Square an unmatched operations ability teamed with his global experience and notable relationships across the performing arts industry. (And on Craig’s lighter side, you’d be hard pressed to find another area CEO who can also play the bagpipes and owns a kilt for authenticity!)

Living transitions; Cleveland discoveries

This affable Australian’s globe-hopping career has naturally required some living transitions…like getting used to the Northern Hemisphere calendar where Christmas falls in

winter not summer compared to Down Under where Australians can celebrate at the beach.

Relocating to the U.S., where the transition meant driving on the right side of the road (as opposed to Australia’s and England’s left) was not as much of a challenge as he’d expected.

“While living in London, I often took my car across the channel to France. Driving on the right-hand side of the road with your steering also on the right was more difficult than driving here on the right side with the car’s steering on the left.”

Admittedly, while Craig’s Playhouse Square introductory year has been demanding, he has managed to find some time to discover Cleveland’s vibrant restaurant scene, where he says, thus far, his favorite restaurants/ watering holes respectively include Amba and Alley Cat Oyster Bar. Speaking of “favorites,” Craig admits that of Playhouse Square’s 11 performance spaces his favorite is the Connor Palace because of its rich history. And, while Playhouse Square boasts the largest touring Broadway season ticket base in North America, bringing a variety of musicals to the Center, the one musical Craig could watch over and over is “Hadestown.”

Looking retrospectively on his career, Craig recounts two of his accomplishments that have been the most memorable. In Australia it was creating the first Arts Festival of Indigenous Peoples in 1997 to celebrate the magnificent cultural aspects of the 200-plus factions (many nomadic). Then, as Managing Director of the English National Ballet, it was the company’s unique Paris performance of “Swan Lake” against the magnificent backdrop of the Palace of Versailles.

Under his leadership, Craig wants Playhouse Square to be accessible to every person who comes here or might wish to come. He also noted that while Playhouse Square’s scale and diversity of programming was already very impressive, his data shows plenty of room to grow the usage of the various spaces.

Craig has already discovered what Clevelanders are slow to admit…that we are our own worst detractors. When asked what he thinks residents don’t appreciate about Cleveland, Craig answered simply, “Cleveland itself! ... as well as the number of cultural institutions available to Clevelanders. You really must have a little more faith in what Cleveland has to offer.” A high compliment to our city from this world traveler.

Craig added, “Playhouse Square is a dynamic, visionary organization with a great history of accomplishment and leadership in the performing arts industry. It’s poised to play an even bigger role, and I am honored and excited to have the opportunity to partner with the Board of Trustees and this talented staff to take Playhouse Square to the next level.”

Lenten specials, Easter breakfast and spring break at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake Lenten Specials

During Lent, choose your favorite seafood selection for dine-in or take out from 4:00 to 8:00 p.m. in Horizons Restaurant and Lounge. Horizons Restaurant’s full menu will also be available. Call 440-466-7100, press 2 for reservations.

Easter Breakfast and Dinner

Enjoy the day without the cooking at an Easter Breakfast Buffet or Dinner at Horizons Restaurant. The Breakfast Buffet will be served from 8:00 a.m. to noon, featuring favorites, including omelets, and a visit from the Easter Bunny. Dinner will be served from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m., with regular menu items available as well as a special Easter menu featuring Herb Crusted Grilled Lamb Chops, Maple Glazed Ham and decadent desserts such as a Crème Brulé Trio and Caramelized Banana Cheesecake. Call 440466-7100, press 2 for reservations.

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Playhouse Square Partners “Jump Back Ball” On February 17, Playhouse Square Partners – its official young professionals group —hosted its annual Jump Back Ball (JBB), a fundraiser to support the not-for-profit mission of Playhouse Square and its educational programming. A sold-out crowd of more than 800 attendees enjoyed “Villains Unleashed: A Night of Chaos” at the KeyBank State Theatre. The event was chaired by Partners Board Members Alexis Fender, Ryan Herman and Lindsey Jump.

Playhouse Square Partners engages young professionals in leadership, volunteer and social activities, and provides members with unique opportunities to grow as leaders, make lifelong connections and engage with one of Cleveland’s most respected institutions.

Revelers enjoyed an evening of mischief in the theater lobbies and stages. For this wonderfully wicked affair, guests donned creative villainous costumes. In attendance were the Joker, Zeus and Hera, Thor, Loki, Maleficent, Draco Malfoy, Harvey Dent, Mystique and more. Craig Hassall, Playhouse Square’sPresident and Chief Executive Officer, dressed as Pittsburgh Steelers’ former quarterback Ben Roethlisberger, a long-time villain to Cleveland Browns fans.

Jeremiah Guappone, Partners’ Encore Society Co-chair, shared that it’s important for Jump Back Ball to provide a new experience for attendees to see and experience the theaters from a new perspective — by being on stage as performers usually are.

Life-sized scary trees dangled with poisonous apples, walls decorated with graffiti, and solid gold bars and sacks of cash made for fun props.

Partygoers enjoyed buffet-style hors d’oeuvres prepared by Driftwood Catering, and espresso martini cocktails were served as a signature drink. Villains indulged in cocktails, live entertainment, dancing, games of chance, a raffle, silent auction and dessert.

The band Apostle Jones entertained VIP’s in the Connor Palace Lobby. And KC & Company played hits while the crowd danced wickedly on the KeyBank State Theatre Stage.

DJ NicNacc served as the Late Night DJ in

Mike and Katie Fordosi Lauren Birkner and Bradley Lintz the KeyBank State Theatre Lobby as revelers partied until the witching hour.

If you are between the ages of 21-40 and like supporting the arts, volunteering and networking with Cleveland’s young professionals and business leaders, join Partners today. Donations are 100% tax deductible and members receive exclusive ticketing benefits, such as advance notice and priority ticketing to theater performances. Email Katie Remark, Partners Coordinator, for details: katie. remark@playhousesquare.org. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA C. TURNER

Amber and Vince Adkins

Mike and Riley Kushner

Emanuel Wallace and Gerri Barnett

Playhouse Square to offer free history-based tours of performance spaces For more than a century, Playhouse Square has been hosting performances that captivate audiences, but how much do theatergoers really know about its history? Guests can get a peek behind the curtain as they learn about Playhouse Square’s performance spaces with the return of free public tours. Led by Playhouse Square’s knowledgeable and enthusiastic RedCoat volunteers, visitors have the chance to immerse themselves in the exciting story of how these historic theaters were saved from the wrecking ball, as well as their journey to become the world’s largest theater restoration project and Cleveland cultural gem that we know today.

“We’re thrilled to bring back the beloved public tours at Playhouse Square,” said Craig Hassall, President & CEO, Playhouse Square.

“By offering these tours at no charge, we’re able to make Playhouse Square accessible to more Northeast Ohioans and visitors to our region. Not only are we able to introduce new people to Playhouse Square’s theaters and history, but we are also able to offer frequent guests to the theater district the opportunity to experience our performance spaces in a different way.”

Ninety-minute tours are available on select Saturdays (started on March 16). Public tours are free, but registration is required for attendees. Due to performances happening throughout Playhouse Square, not all areas may be available on each tour. Guests are permitted to bring cameras on their tour to capture the beauty of Playhouse Square in this intimate setting.

For more information or to register for the free public tours, please visit playhousesquare.org/ tours. Additional dates will be added throughout the year. Private tours of the Playhouse Square performances spaces are also available for a charge for groups of 20 or more. currentsneo.com

March 21, 2024 CURRENTS C5

Pitfalls, positives of dating chronicled in ‘Company’

By LINDA FEAGLER

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lthough it’s been more than half a century since Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical “Company” debuted, the story – which depicts the pitfalls and positives of dating, marriage and divorce – steadfastly remains as relevant now as it was then.

Currently in the midst of multi-city engagements, the show will take center stage in Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace April 30 through May 19. “ ‘Company’ is brilliantly designed, beautifully staged, sizzlingly performed, inventively scored, and it gets right down to the brass tacks and brass knuckles without a moment’s hesitation, staring contemporary society straight in the eye before spitting on it,” wrote The New York Times theater critic Walter Kerr on May 3, 1970, a week after the production opened on Broadway.

Through the decades, “Company” has played to packed houses around the world, and returned to New York for three revivals – most recently in 2021 before going on tour last year.

But unlike its predecessors, the latest edition has a pivotal plot twist: In past “Company” staging, the lead character was Bobby, a single

man approaching his 35th birthday and the recipient of persistent pressure to wed from well-meaning friends. This time around, the protagonist is Bobbie, a woman whose biological clock is ticking loudly, much to her consternation.

In one of the last interviews Sondheim gave before his death in 2021, he told Michael Paulson, theater reporter for The New York Times that “what keeps theater alive is the chance always to do it differently, with not only fresh casts, but fresh viewpoints.”

Actor Britney Coleman agrees.

“The beauty of this show is that a lot of the script hasn’t been changed outside of the original premise,” says Coleman, who’s taken the helm of Bobbie for the national tour after understudying the part on Broadway. “The writing has never been inherently masculine.

It’s about a person who’s not married and being strongly encouraged by married friends to settle down.”

“Stephen Sondheim attended one of our rehearsals on Broadway, and it was an honor to have him there,” she adds. “Getting his permission to do one of his musicals that’s been revamped was an incredible experience. It’s a testament to playwright George Furth – who

Britney Coleman plays Bobbie in the musical ‘Company’ playing through May 19 at Playhouse Square collaborated with him on ‘Company’ – that the original concept works both ways.”

The role of Bobbie is one Coleman relishes. The Ann Arbor native and University of Michigan grad celebrated her 35th birthday in January. As a result, she’s all too familiar with the decisions her character is facing.

“I’m not married, and I can use that fact to

my advantage on stage,” the actor says with a laugh. “ ‘Company’ has definitely made me think about the relationships I have with my own friends. Like Bobbie, I’m an introvert in real life, and I think that trait is really well finessed in this show.

“I would say the musical is more relevant with a female Bobby,” she adds, “because women are still getting asked that question: You’re at this age, why haven’t you found your partner yet?”

It’s no surprise, Coleman explains, that the production sparks conversation among audience members – at intermission and after – no matter their marital status.

“Sondheim was such a brilliant writer,” she says. “In ‘Company,’ he explores both sides of the coin, and leaves the ending up to interpretation. For me, all I want for Bobbie is for her to be happy – whether it’s being open to settling down with someone or simply moving forward with a specific someone or just feeling grounded and solid in the fact she’s happy.

“It’s a very emotional show filled with the human experience,” Coleman reflects. “And I’m thrilled the audience is along for the ride with me.” For times and tickets, visit playhousesquare.org.

Natalie Friedl named Executive Director of the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank The Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank announced the appointment of Natalie Friedl as its new Executive Director. Friedl brings a wealth of experience in education and the non-profit sector, making her a perfect fit to lead the Kids’ Book Bank in its mission to promote literacy and a love of reading.

Friedl, who began her career as a high school English teacher, most recently was director of development for PCs for People where she

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helped bridge the digital divide nationwide.

Prior to her role at PCs for People, Friedl spent nearly seven years at Slavic Village Development as the Director of Education, overseeing various programs and spearheading collaborative efforts to improve educational outcomes from preschool to post-secondary education.

Her extensive career also includes positions at University Settlement, Recovery Resources,

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and Community Assessment & Treatment Services. Friedl holds a master’s degree in nonprofit management.

Expressing her enthusiasm for her new role, Friedl stated, “I’m excited about the opportunity to help make the Kids’ Book Bank’s vision - a community where every child becomes literate, educated, and informed - a reality. I look forward to working with KBB’s talented staff, committed community partners,

and many volunteers and donors in this next chapter.”

Under Friedl’s leadership, the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank is poised to continue its invaluable work in promoting literacy through free book distribution and empowering children throughout the Cleveland area. For more information about the Cleveland Kids’ Book Bank and its initiatives, please visit www. kidsbookbank.org

Providing educational excellence for over 50 years to students who struggle with reading, writing, math, or attention.

Great Minds Don’t Think Alike.

Join us for one of our upcoming Open House events to see why Lawrence School is the school of choice for students who learn differently.

Open House Events: Lower School (K-6) : April 15, May 15 Middle & High School (7-12): April 18, May 14

l awrence sc ho o l.o rg /v i si t G R A D E S K – 6 B R O ADVIE W H E IGH T S I GRADE S 7 – 1 2 SA G A MORE HI L L S

Struggling Academically?

We can change that!

Lions Leap $1,200

Alphabet Adventures $500

You won’t believe how far your child will leap ahead in just four weeks when immersed in evidence-based classroom strategies. Our certified teachers use a multisensory approach, based on Orton-Gillingham methodology, to boost reading, writing, math, and organization skills. No classes June 19, & July 4 & 5

Ensure future reading success with our evidence-based alphabet classes. Learners will build essential pre-reading skills by strengthening their phonemic awareness through a variety of visual,auditory, kinesthetic, and tactile activities.

Your child will also experience STEM and math concepts through specialized instruction.

For students entering grade 1-6 June 12 – July 10, 2024 / 7:45 – 11:45 a.m.

For preschoolers & kindergarteners, ages 3–5 June 12 – July 10, 2024 / 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.

An 11 day program. No classes Mondays, Fridays, and June 19 & July 4

Space is limited - register today! Questions? Call 440.526.0717 lawrenceschool.org/summer currentsneo.com

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Remote West Bank village home to smallest religious group worldwide

BY ELLEN JAN KLEINERMAN

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uring a July 2023 trip to Israel, my family and I had the unique opportunity to meet with members of the Samaritan community in Kfar Luza on Mount Gerizim.

Right now, the U.S. Department of State is advising Americans to “reconsider travel” to Israel and the West Bank due to the ongoing conflict between Israel and Hamas that began Oct. 7 last year.

In line with this advisory, a visit to the region may not be in order right now, but the experience and lessons my family learned from our time with members of the Samaritan congregation are worth sharing.

In mid-summer when temperatures reached well above 100 degrees F, we made our way through the ancient, steep, and narrow streets of Kfar Luza in the northern West Bank to the Samaritan Museum.

Community Priest Husney Wasef had a commanding presence as he swept through the building greeting visitors to the remote village.

Clad in a red turban and long flowing black robe, the 79-year-old community leader and museum manager pointed to one of several sacred scrolls on display as he shared the history of the Samaritans, often described as the smallest religious community in the world.

The word Samaritan in the Ancient Hebrew language means “guardian” representing the people who “guard” the Torah, Wasef said explaining the basics of this ancient religion.

Even though they share many beliefs and rituals with modern day Jews, Wasef said Samaritans are a different religion adhering to literal teachings in the Torah.

Wasef explained that the Samaritan religion is based on five pillars: the oneness of God, the prophecy of Moses, the first five books of the Torah, the Sanctity of Mount Gerizim and the last judgment.

While Jewish people look to Jerusalem as their Holy City, Samaritans put that high

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Samaritan men gather for prayer in their synagogue located in Kfar Luza in the West Bank of Israel. Samaritans are believed to be the smallest religious group in the world.

This ancient religious book on display at the Samaritan Museum is written in ancient Hebrew. Photographs courtesy of the Samaritan Museum

designation on Mount Gerizim. Wasef said his museum, opened 27 years ago, houses what Samaritans believe to be the oldest copy of the Torah that is written in Ancient Hebrew –a forerunner to the language used in Israel today.

Samaritans believe they descended from three of the 12 biblical tribes of Israel. Wasef said Samaritans are the “true lineage for the people of Israel belonging to the tribes of Levi and Joseph’s sons, Ephraim and Mansi.” The top of the Samaritan Torah scroll has three

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crowns reflecting the three tribes from which they descend, he added.

Samaritans separated from Judaism at the end of the Fifth Century BCE and at one time numbered 1.5 million followers. But the population dropped to about 141 in 1919 after generations of persecutions and conversions in their homeland, according to historical records.

Today, the Samaritan population is estimated at 830 with about half living on Mount Gerizim and the other half residing in Holon, a town

located near Tel Aviv. Israel is the only place in the world that Samaritans live, Wasef said.

Mount Gerizim currently is under the joint control of Israel and the Palestinian National Authority. Only Samaritans live in Kfar Luza and for the past 29 years have held three identity cards: Israeli, Palestinian and Jordanian. They are the only group to do so in the region.

Wasef said throughout history, his people have gone through difficult times and therefore “we believe only in peace” and have good relations with both Palestinians and Jews.

Walking through the museum, visitors see ancient coins, books, scrolls, shofars, pottery, jewelry, glass, stones and ceremonial candlesticks from generations of Samaritan life.

Most of the relics are protected in clear glass cases allowing close visual examination by visitors. Artwork and photographs hanging on the walls show the cherished traditions and the seven annual holidays including Passover, when the Samaritan community presents offerings to God. The other key holidays are the six-day Feast of Unleavened Bread, the Harvest Festival, Rosh Hashanah, Yom Kippur, Sukkot and Shavuot. Unlike modern-day Jews, Samaritans do not celebrate holidays like Purim and Hanukkah because they are not mentioned in the first five books of Moses.

I was drawn to the photographs of Sukkot, the autumn harvest holiday commemorating when Jews wandered in the wilderness after being freed from slavery in Egypt. Jews typically build a temporary outdoor hut, called a sukkah, using branches and palms. Samaritans build their sukkahs inside their homes decorating the hut’s roof with colorful whole fruits such as oranges, pomegranates, apples and eggplants.

Moving through the displays, I noticed that there were no women or girls in the photos of religious ceremonies. Wasef’s daughter, Salwa, 35, who helps run the museum, told me that females generally do not take part in the traditional prayer services.

Continued on the next page

Village Project “Nourish: A Recipe for Hope” “Nourish: A Recipe for Hope” brought more than 230 guests to the Emerald Event Center in support of the Village Project.

Village Project was established in 2010 and was modeled after the Ceres Community Project of Sebastopol, CA. Since then, the nonprofit organization has served more than 50,000 meals to more than 500 families affected by cancer in Avon, Avon Lake, Bay Village, Rocky River and Westlake. Village Project has more than 600 volunteers from ages two to 90 who utilize their talents in the kitchen, garden, retail store, delivering meals, sorting of food, office reparis, client relations,

praying and much more. Village Project started with just 12 meals, which were delivered to neighbors.

Special honor was paid to Elaine George, 2024 adult volunteer of the year. George has been part of the Village Project for 10 years, serving as a Delivery Angel bringing smiles, hope, compassion and caring to clients with every meal she serves.

Maryn Cianciolo, a senior at Avon High School, was selected as 2024 student volunteer of the year. She started volunteering with the Village Project in 2022 and looks forward to cooking in the kitchen each week.

The Community Partnership Award was given to Foundation Health Solutions, a longterm care company specializing in physical therapy and skilled nursing.

Entertainment for Nourish was provided by The Dance Centre CLE Dancers. Maureen Kyle served as emcee. The event raised $100,000 to support the Village Project’s mission of working together as a community to provide nourishing meals and support for families fighting cancer. STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN

Patrick LaVecchia, JoAnn LaVecchia, Pierson Matejousky, and Abby, Meredith and Pat LaVecchia

Joe and Jenny Knap, and Ed and Holly Colleran

Joe Roman, Eric Otto, Joyce Roman, Monika Thomas, and Ruth and Bill Delong

Joe and Karen Weger, and Ellie and Larry Bricmont

Cady, Maryn and Marc Cianciolo

Community Priest Husney Wasef is the manager of the Samaritan Museum on Mount Gerizim in Israel.

He stands by a sacred Torah on display in the museum. The scroll written in ancient Hebrew has three crowns designating the three tribes of Israel from which Samaritans say they descend including Levi, Ephraim and Mansi. Photograph by Ellen Jan Kleinerman Continued from the previous page

Salwa, who formerly worked in the high-tech industry, said the declining number of women in the Samaritan community is a concern.

Samaritans are only permitted to marry within the religion, so about 20 years ago the elders decided to allow men to wed outsiders, she said, as long as those women converted.

After leaving the museum, we walked up a steep hill to an open-air gathering place. Our Israeli guide explained that this was the spot where Samaritans hold their annual Passover sacrifice as described in the Book of Exodus.

After reciting prayers, sheep are slaughtered, cleaned and roasted in underground covered pits adjacent to the gathering place. Hours later, the cooked meat is distributed and taken back to Samaritans’ homes to be consumed with homemade matzoh. I recalled seeing photos in the museum of this observance that attracts observers to the town. Outsiders are not permitted to take part in the ritual, but they are allowed to watch.

Leaving Kfar Luza, our Israeli guide pointed to a sesame factory known for producing toprated tahini pastes and the sweet treat called halva. Har Bracha products fill the shelves of grocery stores across Israel and are sold online.

The best way to visit Mount Gerizim is with a guide due to its remote location about 36 miles from Jerusalem. Kfar Luza is not a usual stop for tourists, but it offers a glimpse of a small religious community with deep ancient roots. currentsneo.com

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Holden Arboretum announces solar eclipse viewing event

City Ballet of Cleveland “Gala” More than 130 guests beautifully dressed in formal attire filled the main ballroom of the Shaker Country Club for the biannual City Ballet of Cleveland’s 2024 Gala. Props and costumes alluding to the upcoming performance of “Swan Lake” were in evidence as guests mingled for cocktails, a silent auction, and an extra special wine pull. Extra because an anonymous patron generously opened up their spectacular cellar, and for the flat rate of $25 per pull, patrons had the opportunity to obtain a bottle worth $25 to $200. Ticket sales were brisk.

During the meet and greet part of the evening, guests enjoyed a brief performance of five short pieces by dancers from alumni to current students. Recent graduates of City Ballet of Cleveland (CBC) are now dancers or affiliated with Keystone Contemporary Ballet, Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre, and New York City Ballet. Board member Lisa Gangi’s daughter is also a City Ballet alum who is now with The Columbus Ballet. She describes how her daughter was dedicated to dance early on, and like many CBC students made sacrifices all through her middle and high school years. “But a student doesn’t have to do a full immersion like she did to gain benefits from learning about ballet,” Gangi indicated.

CBC recently reorganized, adding Heather Young as executive director. Young mentioned that the organization hoped to raise about $30,000 this year. The bulk of the proceeds will go to a new outreach program that has

already been partially funded by The Cleveland Foundation and Cuyahoga Arts and Culture.

The program, A Chance to Dance, aims at introducing second- and third-grade students to classical ballet and traditional modern dance. The before-school pilot program is now in Lomond Elementary School in Shaker Heights, and already organizers are seeing an amazing passion and dedication in students so young. Both boys and girls not only learn movement but also gain an appreciation for classical music. City Ballet of Cleveland hopes to expand the program to other schools. “The program teaches these students to focus and gives them a way to express their emotions through movement. Courtney [Laves-Mearini, the artistic director] makes sure the studio is a safe space for everyone who wants to learn, not just aspiring professionals,” Gangi added.

Last December the company presented the annual “Uniquely Cleveland Nutcracker,” joined by other local dance studios and adults in a community effort to present this timeless classic. City Ballet of Cleveland is not only a pre-professional ballet studio, but it also offers dance and movement lessons to nonperformers, from children to senior citizens.

In May the company will present excerpts from “Swan Lake,” an adaptation of “Alice in Wonderland,” and other contemporary works at the University School Shaker Heights campus.

For more information, visit www.cityballetofcleveland.org. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY RITA KUEBER

Ahmet Erdemir and Shannon Sterne with Claire and Mark Zakrajsek

Reginald “Reggie” and Tracy Williams, Alison Dubsky and Michael Keating

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Courtney Laves-Mearini, Burrer and Lisa Gangi

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Co-chairs Hillary M. Stone and Cathy Richer

Renee Froerer, Martha Clark and Evelyn Deliso

Gear up for the once-in-a-lifetime total solar eclipse over Northeast Ohio on Monday, April 8, 2024, at 3:13 p.m. at Total Eclipse of the Arboretum. Celebrate this extraordinary event with us from 11 a.m. - 5 p.m. on Monday, April 8 at Northeast Ohio’s iconic Holden Arboretum.

Advanced tickets required. Purchase your tickets now at holdenfg.org.

A total solar eclipse occurs when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the sun. The moon’s shadow will darken the sky for almost four minutes! It is rare to be in the path of totality, and this occurrence won’t happen again in Northeast Ohio until the year 2444.

Just 20 minutes from downtown Cleveland with 3,500 acres of gorgeous grounds, Total Eclipse of the Arboretum will be THE ultimate viewing event featuring food trucks, activities, and plenty of space to take in the eclipse. Bring chairs and blankets, a picnic, and even the dog to experience the eclipse with family and friends in a stunning outdoor setting. The Canopy Walk will be open to ticketholders during event hours, and the Emergent Tower will be open from 11am-1pm. Come early to claim a viewing spot and spend the day at the Arboretum.

Tickets are $15 for members and $30 for non-members. Tickets include solar eclipse glasses, parking for one vehicle, admission to the Arboretum, entertainment by DJ Kris Koch, and access to onsite activities and food trucks. A limited number of tickets will be available, and we anticipate they will sell out quickly.

Please note due to an increase in local traffic expected throughout Lake and surrounding counties, your travel time will be impacted. Sperry Road will be closed to non-ticket holders all day on April 8.

Excitement is building for the 2024 total solar eclipse

By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN

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fter waiting for 218 years, it’s time for a real solar-bration in Cleveland.

Excitement surrounding the 2024 solar eclipse is building around Cleveland due to the region’s location along the path of totality. Residents and visitors will experience several minutes of darkness when the moon passes between the sun and Earth, completely blocking the face of the sun.A partial eclipse can be viewed from 1:59 p.m. to 4:29 p.m. on April 8, with totality from 3:13 p.m. to 3:17 p.m. The last total solar eclipse in Ohio occurred in 1806. The next total solar eclipse in Ohio will take place in 2099. This year’s eclipse is an opportunity to experience a once-in-a-lifetime event.

The Great Lakes Science Center is partnering with NASA’s Glenn Research Center and The Cleveland Orchestra for Total Eclipse Fest 2024, a three-day celestial celebration at North Coast Harbor in downtown Cleveland on April 6 through April 8. The outdoor, family-friendly event will feature hands-on science activities, a free community concert

by The Cleveland Orchestra on April 7, food vendors, entertainment and free eclipse glasses while supplies last.

NASA experts will be on-site to engage with the public and share ways NASA studies the sun and uses that information to understand its impact on Earth and throughout our solar system. NASA TV will broadcast live from the event on April 8. Leaders from across NASA are coming to Cleveland to take part in the Total Eclipse Festival. The list includes Bill Nelson, NASA Administrator, and Jim Free, NASA Associate Administrator, along with Dr. Joel Kearns, NASA Deputy Administrator for Exploration, and Eric Ianson, NASA Deputy Director, Planetary Science Division, and Director, Mars Exploration Program and Radioisotope Power Systems Program.

Other NASA leaders in attendance will be: Elaine Ho, the agency’s chief diversity officer; Kris Brown, Office of STEM Engagement; Dr. Joseph Westlake, Heliophysics Division Director; Dr. Eugene Tu, with the Ames Research Center; and Dr. Jimmy Kenyon and Dawn Schaible, Glenn Research Center. Special guests will include Dr. Kelly Korreck, NASA program manager for the 2023 and 2024 solar eclipses, NASA astronauts and Joshua Dobbs, an aerospace engineer, NFL quarterback and NASA enthusiast. Cartoon character Snoopy has contributed to the excitement of NASA human spaceflight missions for more than 50 years and will join NASA in Cleveland on April 8.

The Cleveland Orchestra’s family concert will be at 1:30 p.m. on Sunday. The orchestra will perform an “Out of this World” concert program of galactic proportions featuring Richard Strauss’s “Also sprach Zarathustra,” known to fans of “2001: A Space Odyssey,” music from “Star Wars” and more, paired with stunning images from the Hubble Telescope, International Space Station and NASA’s photo archives.

As the home of the NASA Glenn Visitor Center and the prime downtown destination for viewing the eclipse, the Science Center is estimating crowds of up to 5,000 on Saturday and Sunday, and upwards of 30,000 on the day of the eclipse itself. Visit www.greatscience. com for more information about the event.

The Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has announced plans for “Solar Fest: Come for the Sun, Stay for the Stars” on April 5 through April 8, with the museum extending its hours to be open from 10 a.m. to 10 p.m. The four-day festival will have a variety of cosmic activities including live music, album playlist parties celebrating the music of David Bowie, Pink Floyd, Sun Ra and Taylor Swift, trivia contests, educational programs, curated celestial-themed artifacts from the museum’s vaults, and an eclipse soundtrack blasting at the museum and throughout downtown on the Rock Boxes.

The Rock Hall will offer a weekend-long pass, which includes access to the museum for all four days, a concert by inductee Grandmaster Flash, and a year-long Rock Hall membership.

Visit www.rockhall.com for a complete list of

activities and ticket details.

The Cleveland Museum of Natural History is running a countdown on its website, counting down the seconds and minutes to April 8. The museum is offering a weekend-long party starting with, “Think and Drink with the Extinct: Lights Out,” on April 4 for those age 21 and older. Families can enjoy “SolarFest: Eclipse Family Fun Days” on April 6 and April 7. On April 8, the museum will host a community watch party at Wade Oval with live music, special programs and hands-on fun. Go to www.cmnh.org for information.

A community eclipse watch party, “Witness History,” takes place at Dunham Tavern Museum and Gardens, 6709 Euclid Ave., from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on April 8. There will be eclipse-watching supplies, fun activities for the kids, snacks and entertainment.

Experience the awe-inspiring phenomenon of a total solar eclipse at Crocker Park in Westlake. Complimentary viewing glasses will be available. There will be live music performed by Apostle Jones on April 8 from 2 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. Merchants across the property will offer exclusive sales.

Celebrate the eclipse with the Lorain County Metroparks at the Nielsen Observatory at Carlisle Reservation Equestrian Center in

LaGrange and Lakeview Park in Lorain. The Black River Astronomical Society will have telescopes for viewing and members will share solar eclipse information. A limited number of protective solar eclipse glasses will be available. Go to www.loraincountymetroparks. com for details.

The Lake Erie Crushers are hosting a solar eclipse watch party at the ballpark in Avon on April 8. The event will feature live entertainment, interactive exhibits and activities for children and adults. Free protective glasses will be provided courtesy of North Coast Eye Care. The Lorain County Public Library will be involved, as will Lorain County Community College. Tickets are available for purchase at www.lakeeriecrushers.com.

“Total Eclipse of the Point,” a chance for thrill-seekers to get an early glimpse of Cedar Point this season, will take place in the park on April 8. Guests can visit The Boardwalk, go on select rides and visit the Grand Pavilion Restaurant and Bar. Go to www.cedarpoint.com for more details and ticket prices.

Put-in-Bay, which is usually pretty sleepy in early April, is planning a “Monumental Eclipse” watch party on the lawn of Perry’s Victory and International Peace Memorial.

Select hotels and restaurants will be open. Or, you can witness the eclipse from the water, aboard the Jet Express. Several vessels will be on the water the afternoon of April 8. Visit www.jet-express.com.

Great Lakes Brewing Company in Ohio City is partnering with the Simons Foundation In the Path of Totality brewery trail. The Total Eclipse Party at the brewpub will include a limited eclipse beer tapping. Vanilla Blackout Stout is the brewery’s popular Blackout Stout brewed with a sliver of vanilla. There will be live music at the brewpub with Whiskey Throttle from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m., viewing glasses while supplies last and limited Vanilla Blackout Stout four-packs for sale. Admission is free, but reservations are recommended for eclipse viewing on the patio.

Heinen’s and Market Garden Brewery are collaborating on a beer for the total solar eclipse. Fittingly, the beer is called, “Totality.”

It is a West Coast-style India Pale Ale, according to Ed Thompkins of Heinen’s. The beer will be available on draft at the brewery in Ohio City, as well as in cans at Heinen’s locations. Thompkins said the brewery is planning a launch party. “Like everything here, it’s going to be a beer-drinking holiday,” he said.

currentsneo.com

March 21, 2024 CURRENTS C11

Kidney Foundation of Ohio “32nd Annual Gala”

2024 KFO Person of the Year Dr. Emilio Poggio and wife Kathy (center) with sons Niko (left) and Andre (right)

KFO Lifetime Achievement Award winner Dr. Romeo Miclat

Pat Beck with her daughter KFO Board Chair Sheri Beck-Eyssen

The Kidney Foundation of Ohio (KFO) held its 32nd Annual Gala on March 2. Held in the ballroom of the Cleveland Marriott Downtown, 260 guests enjoyed a cocktail hour, dinner, live entertainment by The Adjustments, a silent auction, dessert and more.

The event helped to raise more than $184,000 to benefit patients with kidney disease through the Foundation’s assistance programs which provide transportation, medication and emergency assistance to dialysis and transplant patients. In addition, the organization provides educational programming for the general public, renal professionals, patients and their families.

KFO serves a 32-county area in northern and eastern Ohio and supports two affiliate chapters in Lake and Summit Counties. All funds raised in Ohio stay in Ohio to help patients.

Dr. Emilio Poggio, the Cleveland Clinic’s Medical Director of the Kidney and Kidney & Pancreas Transplant Programs was honored as the 2024 Person of the Year. Dr. Romeo S. Miclat, of the Kidney Center of Northeast Ohio, received the Lifetime Achievement Award.

Jami Bell, recipient of a KFO Educational Scholarship, shared her personal story. After struggling with a life-threatening infection and kidney stones in college, Bell was diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) in 2015.

However, in 2019, she received a successful transplant. The scholarship is designed to

Jason Adams and Wendy Goertz

Cory Tachibana, Tess Gardner and Angie San Mateo assist a kidney patient, or child of a patient, achieve their academic goals and complete a college or technical school education. Financial support is provided to students who have been diagnosed with kidney disease, demonstrate financial need and reside in the Foundation’s service area.

Sandy Temple served as the gala committee chair. The Ohio Renal Care Group served as presenting sponsor and the Centers for Dialysis Care was platinum sponsor.

In 2023, KFO provided 230 patients with medical assistance, 373 patients with emergency assistance, and 315 patients with transportation assistance. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY ANDREA C. TURNER

Alison and Ryan Heider

Seeking volunteers and sponsorships to “reforest the fairways” April 20 The time has come to finish what we started in April 2023 – planting 1,000 trees on the former fairways of Wicked Woods Golf Course, now Veterans Legacy Woods.

Will YOU partner with us this Earth Day to get the job done?

Back the mission with funding. Sponsorship packages offer a variety of opportunities to promote your business or organization as we work together to help our environment. Contribution levels range from $250 (11 trees) to $3,000 (133 trees). Send support by credit card online or check.

Team up to help plant and protect. Volunteer packages offer recognition and take-home gifts for groups who sign up to plant trees during two time slots on Saturday, April 20, or another prescheduled day earlier that week. Volunteers will work together to plant young trees, restoring the property to a more natural state, and build fencing for their protection against deer. Create a team of friends, family or coworkers – or, if you work in human resources or own a small business, consider engaging your employees in a wellness day they won’t soon forget!

Volunteers and sponsors united in April 2023 to plant 370 trees, then again in October 2023 to plant 310 more. The goal for our Earth Day planting this spring is 320 new trees in the ground, thereby meeting our big goal of 1,000 trees. To learn and sign up to help or sponsor, please visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org/activity/ special-events-art-shows before April 7 – and on behalf of this special park, thank you for your interest!

For more on Geauga Park District offerings, please call 440-286-9516 or visit www.geaugaparkdistrict.org.

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