E Edition - April 2021

VOLUME 36, ISSUE 8 | APRIL 15, 2021

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New book touts whole-vegetable dining

By PARIS WOLFE First there was the farm-to-table trend. That was joined by nose-to-tail butchery, where the entire animal was assigned a culinary use. Prepare now for the latest in dining adventures – eating roots, stems, leaves and fruits of vegetable plants where appropriate.

For example, when it comes to Brussels sprouts you typically eat the mini cabbage-like sprouts. But you can prepare the leaves as you would collard greens and you can peel the stalk for yet another presentation.

Who knew vegetable plants could be so versatile and valuable?

The Jones family of The Chef’s Garden in Milan, Ohio, knew! And they’re leading a revolution.

A three-generation farm, the family started by growing vegetables, moved to microgreens and micro veggies. Today, among other things family spokesman Farmer Lee Jones is touting whole-vegetable dining.

And he’s making national news for his concern about their contribution to personal health and planet sustainability.

In mid-April, the 300-acre farm (not all in production at once) is releasing “The Chef’s Garden: A Modern Guide to Common and Unusual Vegetables – with Recipes” by Farmer Lee Jones. The 640-page hardback tome introduces regenerative farming, unusual vegetable use and the future of dining.

Amazon calls the book, “An approachable, comprehensive guide to the modern world of vegetables, from the leading grower of specialty vegetables in the country.” Exactly. What they didn’t mention is how beautifully illustrated the book is.

It’s only recently that home chefs could order all the products sold by The Chef’s Garden. Before the pandemic limited restaurant dining, most of the vegetables were shipped to chefs at top national restaurants. When COVID changed the popularity of restaurant dining, the farm pivoted. They are making specialty vegetables available to home cooks. The cookbook shows everyone how to get the most from their produce … even if they grow it at home.

“The vision behind the book is to create inspiration for people to consume more vegetables as we move toward a plant-forward future to sustain our people and our environment,” says Jones.

With sustainability in mind, he adds, “It’s more important to look at vegetables in ways we never have before. It’s important that we look at creative ways to consume vegetables.”

Complete with 100 recipes, Jones says, “The book is a place to inspire ways of using vegetables and reducing waste … a home cook, a chef, a farmer, a gardener can find some great tips … it’s really about inspiring people to consider the entire vegetables.”

The recipes, developed in conjunction with Chef Ja-

“Our Team” offers a new take on the Indians’ Championship Season talented hitter and fielder who was used to being an allstar from Paterson, New Jersey’s Eastside High School.

“It’s gotta be Veeck [pronounced He was also a sensitive man who was surprised continuVeck as in wreck], right? I mean the ally by cruel treatment. Satchel Paige, on the other hand, guy acted like he was a fan at every was a legend crowds went wild for whenever he took the game,” notes Luke Epplin, author of mound. Paige was from another generation. His calloused the newly-released, Our Team:The psyche developed an arsenal including zinging retorts or Epic Story of Four Men and the nicknames such as “burrhead” for Veeck, who remained World Series That Changed Baseball Paige’s lifelong friend even after he left the team.

(Flatiron Books, 2021.) Epplin was This is Epplin’s first book and I’m not familiar with Epplin answering the question who, of the how it fits into the baseball literary canon. I did, howfour men he spent so much time re- ever, thoroughly enjoy his narrative nonfiction style as searching for this book, he’d most like to hang out with at opposed to some biographers who cut and paste liberally a game. Bill Veeck was the colorful owner of the Cleve- from primary sources and don’t realize how much it hinland Indians from 1946-1949 and architect of the 1948 ders readability. Our Team’s format evokes Seabiscuit, World Series-winning team (which likely will be the last the best-selling book about the Depression-era Thortime Cleveland’s baseball team oughbred even President Franklin wins under the Indians moniker Roosevelt would drop everything barring a miracle this year.) for to listen to his races. Just as the Our Team is a compelling story owner, jockey and horse in Seabisfeaturing Bob Feller, Bill Veeck, cuit seemed to lift each other up Larry Doby and Satchel Paige. But at critical junctures, so did Bill the book is about more than that Veeck, Bob Feller, Satchel Paige magical 1948 season. It chronicles and Larry Doby in 1948. They a vibrant Great Lakes city ready to were all integral to creating that celebrate after WWII and weaves winning season, but Epplin conin how the American League intetends “Larry Doby was the spark grated, what Epplin calls “an alterthat got the Indians to and through nate integration story.” that World Series.”

Of course Jackie Robinson It was a total blast to read about was the first to break the color Cleveland in its heyday. There line when he joined the Brooklyn was still a vibrant economy shiftDodgers and he justly gets most ing from its war-time footing. The of the ink about integrating the nightlife was incredible. Veeck majors. But Robinson spent more was part of Winsor French’s “Jolly than a year in the minors with the Set.” The group would often start Montreal Royals before his debut. with dinner after the game at GruIn July of 1947, Larry Doby got ber’s in Shaker Heights, then head OurTeam features the four men called up to the Indians overnight who became pillars of the Indi- back downtown for more drinking from the Negro League’s Newark ans 1948 season and moved the and live entertainment at the clubs Eagles. One minute he was playneedle on integrating the major along Short Vincent. ing for the Eagles. The next, ownDisappointingly, the epilogue leagues. ers Abe and Effa Manley informed contains some tropes about CleveDoby that Veeck had bought his contract. After Doby’s land, in particular the absurd notion our city was unique last Eagles game, he caught a train to Chicago where the in having a flammable waterway at a time when PhilaIndians would play the White Sox the next night. He ar- delphia’s Schuylkill River, Boston’s Charles River and rived a few hours before the game, met Veeck, signed his others caught fire. Clearly, we need to do a better job of new contract and came in to pinch-hit in his first Major pointing out that infamous Time Magazine photo helped League Baseball game. To say it was birth by fire is an spark (pun intended) America’s environmental moveunderstatement. ment, specifically passage of The Clean Water Act in Epplin approaches his four subjects with clarity about 1972 that eventually reduced industrial sludge in many who they were in the times in which they lived. Bob American rivers.

Feller was this wunderkind pitcher who burst from the That said, any baseball fan will want to put Our Team Iowa cornfields to become a star on the Tribe’s roster. at the top of his or her reading list. It will transport you to Before and during WWII, Feller’s farm boy, milk-fed a time when America’s largest baseball venue brimmed persona grew so much, he practically rivaled apple pie with 80,000 screaming fans and will crystallize how as an American icon. Veeck was a true egalitarian who these four men became pillars of our last championship knew how much talent there was in the Negro Leagues season and moved the needle on integrating the majors. and an unrelenting promoter who would do anything to Reporter’s note: Due to the pandemic, author Luke Epget fans in the seats at the behemoth on Lake Erie known plin cannot visit Cleveland this spring as planned. Epplin as Municipal Stadium. Veeck is widely credited with plans to return when Our Team comes out in paperback. starting discount promotions, adding pre-game festiviSee https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781250313799 ties and once even brought a “little person” to bat when to purchase a copy. he owned the St. Louis Browns. Doby was an incredibly Headshot of Luke Epplin by Beth Parker

By SARAH JAQUAY

Farmer Lee Jones of the Chef’s Garden in Milan, OH released a new cookbook, “The Chef’s Garden: A Modern Guide to Common and Unusual Vegetables – with Recipes.” mie Simpson at The Chef’s Garden Culinary Vegetable Institute, says Jones are a place to start. He encourages readers to adapt them and make them their own. “Don’t be intimidated by veggies that you don’t know,” says Jones. Jerusalem artichoke and crosnes are two examples. “Go in with an open mind and have fun. Cooking is supposed to be fun.”

For those unfamiliar with the tart spring vegetable rhubarb, there’s a story on how TCG came to get their fabulous, flavorful variety from Mr. Frye. Among the rhubarb recipes is one for Bottle-Conditioned Rhubarb Soda.

Even those who enjoy the fennel bulb usually compost the hearty stems and frilly, fragile fronds. Not anymore. A recipe for Fennel-Top Oil is a building block for Fennel Confit. And easy Pickled Fennel Stems use the rest of the vegetable.

Recipes are just part of the book’s value. It includes stories like how Chef Charlie Trotter inspired The Chef’s Garden’s explosion into microgreens. A sidebar offers basic information about fiddlehead ferns. Another sidebar explains how to grow lemongrass. And information about nutrient content is woven through the entire narrative.

The cookbook is comprehensive and compelling.

Written in Farmer Jones’ folksy voice it makes complex information delightful and easily accessible. This is the kind of cookbook culinary enthusiasts read for fun, not just for cooking. It belongs on the coffee table as much as the kitchen table.

For those who don’t have access to specialty vegetables, they are, of course, available from The Chef’s Garden at www.farmerjonesfarm.com. The book – hardcover ($55) and Kindle ($29.99) editions – is available on Amazon.com in mid-April.

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BOOKS Add to Reading Lists in the CLE a beautiful, new whole-vegetable dining cookbook by Lee Jones and “Our Team” by Luke Epplin

by Paris Wolfe & Sarah Jaquay

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`TRAVEL Meadville’s Marvels and Muckrakers

By Sarah Jaquay

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.

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REAL ESTATE with HEART The Young Team supports Here for Heroes program

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Lauri Gross, Sarah Jaquay, Rita Kueber, Paris Wolf PHOTOGRAPHERS: Peggy Turbett ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVES: Alana Clark, Victoria Fant

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STAN HYWET Hall & Gardens Stan Hywet opens for spring with “Restoration: If This Hall Could Talk” exhibit

By Cynthia Schuster Eakin MOTHER’S DAY 2021 Area couples share experience of parenting, raising families as we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day, May 9

By Rita Kueber

KELLI COTESWORTH MCLELLAN

APRIL EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Cynthia Schuster Eakin,

SPRING/SUMMER FASHION Season’s best fashions and accessories for 2021

By Lauri Gross

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AMANDA PETKIEWICZ Creative Director and General Manager

AD DESIGNERS: Connie Gabor, Ashley Gier

Find beautiful and elegant fashions such as this stunning Frascara, blue gown, among other fine fashions and accessories at Lisa Moran Ltd. at Eton Chagrin Blvd. in Woodmere.

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.

EDITOR’S NOTE After a year of working remotely, dressed in my most comfortable, at-home-only “athleisurewear,” it was refreshing this month to read about and see in photographs this season’s fashion forecast for spring and summer 2021 in Section A. Options range from beautiful bridal options for the weddings we’ll be attending and celebrating in the future to handsome menswear, full of color and style. After perusing our fashion pages, you’ll most certainly be inspired to shop for something new to add to your wardrobe this season.

Benefits and charity events will remain virtual it seems for the time being (See page A9). If you are planning such an event, please email the details and information to editor@currentsnews.com and we will do our best to include the information in a future issue of Currents.

Stan Hywet’s spacious grounds are beautiful in any season but are especially to be enjoyed in the spring and summer months. The Manor Home has been restored in 16 spaces as part of the $6 million dollar “2nd Century Campaign” supported by generous donors, which is spotlighted in the 2021 opening exhibit at Stan Hywet, entitled “Restoration: If This Hall Could talk,” which you can read more about on page B2.

New books to add to your spring/summer reading lists might include Farmer Lee Jones’ mid-April release of “The Chef’s Garden: A Modern Guide to Common and Unusual Vegetables – with Recipes,” and Luke Epplin’s newly released “Our Team: The Epic Story of Four Men and the World Series That Changed Baseball,” both reviewed on page A2.

Vintage and older homes are spotlighted in our Real Estate and Home Design pages in Section B this month, with tips to consider before purchasing or selling an older home, advice for mixing contemporary décor with period pieces for a well-decorated home, and a great place to find authentic fixtures and other coveted salvaged items for your older or historic home. The Young Team’s support of the Here for Heroes program, started in 2020, has helped several area families through a 20 percent reduction in personal commission agreed to by Young Team realtors.

Mother’s Day is May 9 this year, so mark your calendar and plan to celebrate the day, perhaps shopping in advance for that special something that will bring a smile to her face. Two area couples share their unique reflections on parenting and raising a family on page B10.

Our travel feature story this month has us visiting nearby Meadville, PA, where Sarah Jaquay spotlights what can be discovered there, if you’re not yet ready to fly. Since I’ve been fortunate to have received my second Pfizer vaccine recently, I’ll skip the trip to Meadville for now, and will instead at the first opportunity board a plane bound for Austin, Texas to hug and enjoy some special time with my first grandson, Cole, and his parents. I cannot wait! ~ Enjoy! Kelli Cotesworth McLellan

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Meadville’s Marvels & Muckrakers

Pandemic increases demand for custom cocktails-to-go

By PARIS WOLFE

By: Sarah Jaquay Getting away for Presidents’ Day weekend is an honored tradition at our house. Regardless of what Punxsutawney Phil says, we view it as the midway marker in a North Coast winter. Even though this year’s winter was mild prior to that weekend, we were suffering from pandemic-induced cabin fever. So we started looking for safe places we could slide to in a snowstorm. (We were well aware if we’d planned a ski trip, the temperatures would have been in the 50s.) We decided to tempt the fates and seek out some illustrious alumni of Allegheny College in the charming town of Meadville, PA. Back in the day, several of my Cleveland Heights High School classmates were interested in Allegheny College. Many of them wanted to be doctors, so I assumed it had solid instruction in biology, chemistry and other pre-medical programs. I really didn’t know much beyond that. About 25 years ago, when Loren Pope’s popular guide, Colleges that Change Lives (CTCL), came out, I noticed Allegheny consistently made the list. The premise of CTCL is: Ignore those sterile magazine rankings and consider schools that offer something different. Apparently, Allegheny’s niche is accommodating students who have passions for multiple disciplines. The school makes it easy to double and triple major. This tiny college produces impressive alumni including the famous lawyer, Clarence Darrow; the late President McKinley – remembered primarily for starting the Spanish-American War and being assassinated – plus America’s most famous muckraker, Ida Tarbell.

Ida Tarbell is the author credited with hastening the break-up of John D. Rockefeller’s monolithic Standard Oil via the power of her pen. Tarbell grew up in Titusville and attended Allegheny College intending to become a doctor. After graduation, she took a teaching job, then returned to Titusville to work on a literary magazine, “The Chautauquan,” where she honed her journalism skills before moving to Paris in 1891. While there she met Samuel McClure, a businessman who was starting “McClure’s” magazine. Tarbell agreed to write for him and gained critical acclaim with her biographies of Napoleon and Lincoln originally serialized in “McClure’s.” When Tarbell embarked upon her seminal exposé, “The History of the Standard Oil Company,” some company executives believed she’d be writing a flattering biography of John D. Rockefeller. They gave her access to company records revealing railroad rebates and other illegal practices Rockefeller employed to dominate the oil industry.

We walked briskly while exploring Allegheny’s quaint campus at the worst possible time. The trees were bare; there were no students on campus due to COVID-19 and there was scaffolding all over its most iconic structure, Bentley Hall. But we could imagine how lovely the campus must look in “normal times”--nestled in the foothills of the Allegheny Mountains with deciduous trees in full bloom and Bentley Hall restored to its original glory. We headed back to our well-appointed Airbnb apartment in downtown Meadville to order Chinese food and continue bingeing on our Netflix addiction of the moment, “The Imposters.”

Allegheny College’s lovely campus attracts students interested in studying multiple disciplines.

Charming Meadville has a classic town square complete with a bandstand for summer concerts.

The famous muckraker Ida Tarbell spent her high school years in Titusville, PA. Her house is well-preserved and open for tours by appointment. Photograph by Sarah Jaquay The next day dawned sunny and we savored the short drive through rolling countryside to Titusville, home of the Ida Tarbell House and a key part of Pennsylvania’s Oil Region National Heritage Area. We’d arranged a private tour of the immaculately restored Victorian where Tarbell spent her high school years. Heritage Program Manager Jennifer Burden was our knowledgeable guide.

She was also a great ambassador for the entire Heritage Area comprised of Venango County and the Crawford County’s southeastern corner, where Meadville is the county seat.

For anyone interested in the birth of the oil industry, visiting the Oil Region Heritage Area is a must-stop. “Before the pandemic, we had lots of visitors from the Middle East. It’s on their bucket list,” notes Ms. Burden. In better times, visitors can tour the Drake Well Museum & Park where Edwin Drake drilled the country’s first commercially successful oil well; or they can take a ride on the Oil Creek and Titusville Railroad through Oil Creek Valley, a.k.a. “the valley that changed the world.” There are also lots of outdoor activities in the Heritage Area such as hiking and biking trails, waterfalls and birding.

We enjoyed a snow hike along Meadville’s Ernst Trail before heading home in advance of the winter storm we would have craved if we’d planned a ski trip.

For more information, please see https://www.visitpa.com/region/pennsylvanias-great-lakes-region/meadville and https://oilregion.org/.

The restaurant scene has changed considerably in COVID times. Fewer people are dining out and more are getting takeout. Cocktails became part of the takeout scene in April 2020 when Ohio’s restrictive liquor laws changed to allow alcoholic beverages on takeout menus.

In October 2020, House Bill 669 tweaked cocktails-to-go regulations and made them permanent.

It could be the only good thing to come out of the pandemic for dining establishments. The new law made cocktails available only with a meal order and restricted them to three per meal. These beverages must be delivered in a covered cup or a sealed container.

“Dining out is all about the experience,” says Homa Moheimani, spokesperson for The Ohio Restaurant Association. “People love their favorite place, the vibe, the food, the drinks. A cocktail at a restaurant is different than at home. Now you can take that experience home with you in a safe way. You can have a custom cocktail that’s perfectly paired with your food.”

Cru Uncorked in Moreland Hills provides cocktails-to-go for just that reason. “With the challenges our industry has been met with over the past year, to-go dining has been on the forefront of continuing to deliver a Cru experience to our guests,” says bartender Jeremy Walker. “Our to-go menu is complete with paired cocktails.”

“All of our to-go cocktails are individually crafted and bottled in single servings, complete with crafted ice and garnishes. They’re ready to be poured and enjoyed,” says Walker. “As our to-go dining menu changes throughout the season, our cocktail list will continue to reflect what drinks have been popular within the restaurant.”

For Zhug in Cleveland Heights, to-go cocktails were a no-brainer. “Why wouldn’t we do anything we could for our customers. So, we offered wine at retail price and to-go cocktails,” says Todd Thompson, director of operations for Douglas Katz Restaurants. “It has become the norm that you can get cocktails with your order. Most of our cocktails are our proprietary, Zhug cocktails that you can’t get somewhere else.”

And people aren’t likely to make them at home because these beverages require a well-stocked bar and rarely used ingredients like arak, falernum and za’atar honey.

The most popular of the takeout cocktails is the Zhug #6 – a blend of rye, amaro and za’atar honey -– which comes packaged in a four-ounce mason jar with a tight seal and label.

Megan O’Brien, general manager at Bell & Flower in Chagrin Falls, says unique recipes drive their cocktail-to-go sales. In fact, at least 25 percent of the restaurant’s to-go orders include cocktails packaged in small Maker’s Mark bottles sans wax seal.

The most popular drink is a custom concoction known as A Knife in the Garter Belt -- Tito’s vodka, elderflower liqueur, blood orange and lemon.

According to O’Brien cocktails will be available for take-out as long as regulations allow it. And that may be for a long time.

“Things that seem timeless now will still seem of their era later. But they might have a longer lifecycle. Even things that seem conservative to us now, will still be very 2020 in 20 years.” — Sara Hume, Museum Curator and Associate Professor at the Kent State University Museum

Fashion cycles and recycles

By PARIS WOLFE Most artistic expression has roots and influences in what has gone before it. Intentional or accidental, artists take inspiration from predecessors though interpretations vary.

That is especially true in fashion. Where styles used to cycle every 50 years, influences are now cycling every 20 to 30 years. The important word here is “cycle” not “repeat.”

Styles may make a comeback, but they’re not carbon copies, says Sara Hume, Museum Curator and Associate Professor at the Kent State University Museum in Kent.

“It’s not like things are exactly the same, they are references to earlier styles.”

A dress may have the same silhouette, but the fabric or color maybe be different. For example, when the 1980s took inspiration from the 1940s – jackets with shoulder pads and pencil skirts – hemlines rose above the knee.

While vintage styles are related, Hume says, “Vintage

pieces don’t look quite right when a style returns.”

The pandemic adds a layer of complexity to assessing influences on 2021 styles. Hume says, “It feels strange to talk about this right now. People’s attention to fashion is different now that we’ve been locked down and not out buying clothes.”

That has turned some consumers introspective, even philosophical. They are thinking less about skirt hemlines and jean waistlines and more about sustainability and upcycling. Designers, meanwhile, are looking at cultures outside the United States for ideas. That presents more options and style possibilities.

If she had to identify an era of Influence today, Hume points to the 1970s and 80s. Among many things, she says “Caftans are making a resurrection. Big sleeves are a big thing you see in fashion today.”

Those might seem awkward to Boomers and Gen-Xers who wear them for the first time. “Once you move out of a style it seems funny and old-fashioned. It might take a while before you can look at it again,” notes Hume.

“There definitely waiting a period before it can look good

again. It would be hard to put an exact fixed date on cycles.”

Even “classic” styles aren’t decade-proof. “I think if you steer away from the hottest, newest, trendiest thing, it’s easier to have a classic style,” she says. “Things that seem timeless now will still seem of their era later. But they might have a longer lifecycle. Even things that seem conservative to us now, will still be very 2020 in 20 years.”

Patty Edmonson, Museum Advisory Council Curator of Costume & Textiles at the Western Reserve Historical Society in Cleveland sees cycles the same way Hume does. First, she says, “It’s difficult to create something totally new and original because we see the world around us and there’s easy access to the influences of images and history. Still, any influence isn’t going to look exactly like that past decade, it will be a vague recalling.”

Originality still occurs. For example, she points to technology that has produced new textiles. These new fabrics are then used in current fashion design.

Edmonson sees a 1980s influence as well. Among the

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manifestations are Laura Ashley softness, higher necklines, and prairie style. Big hair isn’t repeating, but the straight, flat look is being replaced with more natural, bigger coifs. Puffy headbands are also making a comeback.

And, if you don’t like the repeats? Edmonson says fashion rules aren’t too strict. “The nice thing about fashion today is there isn’t one way to dress. You can find more of anything you want.”

As for pandemic influences – perhaps the most original thing about fashion today – people are making statements with elaborate headbands and special occasion masks.

The costume wing in the WRHS Museum is reopening in June with an exhibit about Amanda Wicker, who operated the longest-running, black-owned dressmaking business in Cleveland.

The Kent State University Museum has several exhibits at present. “What’s New! Recent Acquisitions” just opened. It is an exhibition of pieces added to the collection in the last decade. Forever Chanel/Coco & Karl will open in June.

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Accessorize with great fashion must-haves this spring

By LAURI GROSS It may be true that you’re never fully dressed without a smile but it’s also true that you need some well-chosen accessories to really look put-together.

Amy Bradford, owner of Amy’s Shoes and Apparel in Rocky River and Eton Chagrin Blvd. said, “Make sure your accessories are an extension of your personality.

You can’t embrace every single trend. Pick what works for you and build upon that. At the end of the day, you want to enjoy your day or event and feel comfortable and confident.”

Darla Schmeider, merchandising manager at Abigail’s of Aurora said, “You should be able to dress up or down an outfit to fit the occasion. A pop of color is always going to be a girl’s BFF. If it be a scarf, purse, or an enameled pendant, showing your personality makes you unique in a time when everyone is looking the same behind a mask.”

This spring, Darla is loving trendy and classic leather bags and totes from Hobo. Darla said, “They introduced a new product this season: Hobo Go. These are accessory pieces that can attach to purses or totes to fit your specific outing.”

Jute bags from Shiraleah are also popular at Abigail’s this spring. These come in a variety of fun shapes and colors perfect for warm-weather functions and outings.

Darla added, “We always have an array of summer ball caps and sun hats. A popular version this season are ball caps emblazoned with ‘Lake People’ or ‘Beach People.’”

Amy said this spring, she is seeing a lot of neutrals in footwear, from shades of whiskey to light tan, plus a strong showing of black-and-white shoes, and pastels.

Materials also make things interesting this season. In addition to the timeless appeal of leather, this season a lot of shoes are made with perforated leather, known as “perf” leather. Some of Amy’s favorite spring shoes are what she calls mixed media. She said, “It’s a little leather, maybe a strap of suede mixed with metallic or animal print.”

As for the construction of the shoe, Amy said the supercasual options are in the athleisure category. “This can be a cute trainer or sneaker that’s not for working out but for day-to-day,” she said of these options that come in colors and patterns.

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Heels are now chunkier and wider and, Amy said, “A superpopular heel style is the flatform.” She went on to explain, “It’s basically a platform, so you’re getting height but not a lot of pitch. These can be smooth or with treads.”

Celebrate spring with a wrap bracelet by Anne Sportun choosing your favorite color gemstones.

Stack the bracelets to make it more of a statement, personalize with special charms and add in the beauty of 18kt yellow gold and diamonds.

Each piece is handmade with love! Stop in Jewelry Art in Hudson to browse the collection or visit us online at www. jewelryarthudson.com 116 N. Main St. Hudson, 330-650-9011.

For belts, Amy’s store carries plenty in pastels and other light colors. “Belts can be woven, which keeps it very light for spring and summer,” she said.

Jewelry, Amy said, is a “great way to pop an outfit. You can have lots of solids in your closet and pop it with a statement necklace. We have great black-and-white options or neutral beads in wood and textures.”

When choosing a necklace, Amy cautioned against a piece that is too overwhelming. “You want to wear the pieces and you don’t want the pieces to wear you,” she said.

LOLA is a new jewelry line at Abigail’s. An acro-

nym for “Love One, Love All,” LOLA is a Nantucket, Maine company. “It’s sterling silver and gold vermeil,” Darla said, referring to a process of heavy gold plating that ensures long-lasting wear. “These chains and pendants come in a variety of styles and sizes to accommodate everyone tastes,” she said as she explained that they’re perfect for today’s fine, delicate jewelry styles as well as the popular look of layering chunkier pieces.

Amy said she is still following all the pandemic safety protocols in her stores. “We are definitely seeing more

Heels are chunky this season, like in this perforated leather style at Amy’s Shoes and Apparel in Rocky River and Eton Chagrin Blvd. Photograph courtesy of Amy’s Shoes and Apparel

people because they’re getting vaccinated and that’s wonderful but we are keeping safety at a high level until everyone is vaccinated.”

When putting together a whole look, Amy said in addition to fashion accessories, “kindness is so important.

People need to remember that things are a little different.

We’re trying the best we can. Many businesses can’t be fully staffed and there are some different protocols. Let’s be kind. We’ll continue to get through this together and we are seeing light at the end of the tunnel.”

Jewelry from LOLA, a Nantucket, Maine company features pendants like these available at Abigail’s of Aurora. Photograph courtesy of Abigail’s of Aurora

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Men’s fashion evolves for the spring, summer seasons This spring and summer, men will discover some surprising styles from their favorite clothiers.

“Floral prints have officially replaced check shirts, and stripes are back,” said Davide Cotugno, owner of Davide Cotugno Executive Tailors in Brecksville. “Safari shirts have made a comeback,” he added, referring to styles featuring two chest pockets with flaps, usually in lightweight synthetic fabrics but also available in cotton or linen.

Davide said safari-style jackets - with multiple pockets and often belted - are also popular this season, particularly in shades of stone and tan. These same shades work great with summer sweaters and cardigans.

Fashionable men will also be seeing green this season.

“We are seeing an increase in the green tones for spring in ties and pocket squares,” Davide explained. These subdued but uplifting shades, he said, are “a great combination for charcoals, blues and neutrals.”

Zachary Kowall at Cuffs Clothing in Chagrin Falls also sees a more colorful spring for men. He said there is more emphasis on “vibrant colors and more playful, bold patterns both in shirtings and ties. I feel like the Italian and French brands in particular put together their springsummer 2021 collections with the hope that people would be back to traveling, attending events and fundraisers so you see more vibrant colors across the board in a more resort-driven way.”

Walter Thompson, owner of Gentleman’s Quarters in Shaker Heights carries sophisticated European clothing for men and women. With selections from Italy, Germany, Sweden and Japan, Walter said selecting fine clothing is “all about fit and fabric.” Walter personally makes sure each customer is properly fit, whether selecting a suit, sport coat or a more casual outfit of an untucked shirt and

Vibrant and playful colors are popular in men’s ties this spring. Photograph courtesy of Cuffs Clothing

With multiple pockets and a belt, this safaristyle jacket, available from Davide Cotugno Executive Tailors will turn heads this spring.

Photograph courtesy Davide Cotugno Executive Tailors

pants. “We also have a tailor shop,” said Walter, who explained that the business also includes Frog’s Legs, an accessories shop. While classic suits in shades of blue and black are always in fashion, Walter said for spring, popular choices include tans and lighter greys.

Davide agreed and said, “Neutrals have found their way into menswear, and textures are front and center for spring-summer sport jackets and suiting.” He went on to explain that even the most sophisticated fabrics now are likely to include a bit of stretch technology which he said makes it easier for garments to transition from athleisure

Valley Art Center launches community art project to mark 50th anniversary

Handmade Terracotta for your outdoor entertaining. Made in Portugal. HEDGES, 13 North Franklin St., Chagrin Falls, 440.247.2344 or visit hedgeschagrinfalls.com.

Spring has arrived and a community art installation is blooming in Chagrin Falls! In celebration of Valley Art Center’s 50th anniversary, VAC had engaged internationally known fiber artist Carol Hummel to wrap the trees in front of its building in color. Fantastic at Fifty - Valley Art Center’s Anniversary Community Art Project invites volunteers to create crocheted circles which will join together and encase the trees at 155 Bell Street in vibrant spring colors. The display will be installed May 15 -21 and be accessible to the public throughout 2021.

“This project brings together people of all ages, sexes, economic levels, races, and religions in a positive way to celebrate art and communi­ty. It is inspirational to all who work on it, see it, live with it.” says Carol Hummel.

Valley Art Center will offer two artist-led workshops on Saturday April 17th and Sunday April 18th from 2-4 pm for interested participants to crochet the “magic circles” for the installation. Interested participants should register at www.valleyartcetner.org/classes where they will receive a kit. Space is limited to 12 participants per session. There is a total of 50 Crochet Kits for participating volunteers.

Carol has completed numerous installations around the United States as well as in India, Norway, the Czech Republic, Switzerland, and Mexico and is excited to create in her own backyard.

Carol’s daughter Molly Sedensky will assist in the design, coordination, training, and installation of the project. She is an expert equipment operator with skills honed during her employment at Hummel Construction Company and as lead installer on Carol’s many projects.

VAC’s Community Coordinator for this project is Chagrin Falls resident, trained artist, and certified educator Carla Guieslo. She has taught students of many ages in the Chagrin Schools as well as adult art classes at VAC. Fantastic at Fifty- Valley Art Center’s Anniversary Community Art Project has been made possible by an ArtsNEXT Grant from the Ohio Arts Council and our sponsor, The Artful Yarn, located at 100 N Main St #230, Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 and theartfulyarn.com.

About Valley Art Center Valley Art Center (VAC) enriches and inspires the community through meaningful visual art education, exhibitions, events, and partnerships. VAC, a 501c3 nonprofit organization with 50 years of history, continues to thrive as the hub of the visual arts in the Chagrin Valley. Each year, VAC offers over 400 classes, workshops, and summer camps for students, from children to seniors who range from beginner to seasoned professional. VAC offers year-round onsite, offsite, and virtual classes in drawing, painting, ceramics, printmaking, sculpture, photography, jewelry, metalwork, textiles, and more. Contact the Valley Art Center at 440-247-7507 or valleyartcenter.org. VAC is located at 155 Bell Street in Chagrin Falls.

to office wardrobe.

Since the pandemic challenged the whole concept of an “office wardrobe,” Zach conceded that “there has been this push for more drawstring wool trousers across the board,” referring to work-from-home clothing that puts comfort first. However, he added that Cuff’s core clientele “was quick to escape the grasps of Zoom gloom and really tried to find a way to dress up and get to the office which I think is a trend that I hope continues as people get back to working away from home.”

For completing your look, there are great options for belts and shoes this season. Davide said, “Woven belts for both casual and dress are launching, which will be more prevalent in our lines summer and early fall. Our custom shoes are more casual: soft moccasins and jogger lace ups worn with jeans or soft sport coats.”

Zach likes new double-sole shoes from John Lobb.

“We see more of the traditional format being modernized with rubber and thicker soles so they can be worn both in a professional and casual setting.”

Like everything else, the pandemic has changed the fashion world. Zach said, “This spring-summer 2021 season is different in the sense that I didn’t travel for buying appointments and did most of this either through swatches, Zoom, Teams, or through remote buying platforms.”

Nevertheless, he explained that manufacturers, especially in France and Italy, put systems in place to help him buy with confidence. And that means men can also shop with confidence as they freshen up their seasonal look.

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Be prepared with stylish seasonal raingear for April showers

By LAURI GROSS These days, most people are happy to have any reason to venture outdoors, no matter what the spring weather dishes out. And since there is an increasing chance of actually seeing other people on your sojourns, you might as well look good while you’re out, rain or shine. Here, some area shops share insights about new raingear for men and women with great style and function.

Sherri Knuth Bryan, who owns Knuth’s in Pepper Pike with her husband, John said, “Our number-one spring coat is still our water-resistant hi/low anorak jacket with zip-out hood.” This lightweight item comes in black or navy, and Sherri said it works well dressed up or down.

“It is a favorite to all who own it,” she added.

A few brand-new additions in the Knuth’s lineup might become the new favorite. These include a waterproof anorak jacket and matching bucket hat that “magically” change in appearance when they get wet. For instance, the fuchsia jacket and hat reveal a subtle reptile print when wet. The lime shows a houndstooth print when it gets wet, and the orange transforms to a tropical print.

They revert to solid colors when the fabric dries. For waterproof shoes, try Knuth’s Birkenstocks and Jelly sandals. These are not rainboots for keeping feet dry but jumping in a puddle won’t harm the shoe either.

Over at Kilgore Trout at Eton Chagrin Blvd. in Woodmere, women will find raincoats from Italy and Sweden.

Andrea Pierce-Naymon, women’s wear buyer/owner at Kilgore said the jackets from Sweden “are light-weight, easy rain jackets with a hood, in all different colors.”

Kilgore Trout also carries 100-percent waterproof backpacks and accessories, including totes. Andrea said these unisex items come in many colors and she described their look as “very Nordic and so clean.” She said they work great for college students, backpackers and for a trip into town.

Wally Naymon, owner and menswear buyer at Kilgore Trout said raingear is typically very technologically advanced, with sealed seams and crafted from fabrics like Gortex, which create a totally waterproof and windproof product. Others are water or wind resistant. The styles of raincoats for men, Wally said, “have certainly evolved

Abigail’s of Aurora carries these and many other beautiful umbrellas that are “reverse close” so you don’t get wet when you are done using them.

Photograph courtesy of Abigail’s of Aurora

The subtle houndstooth print on this waterproof bucket hat at Knuth’s, reverts to a solid lime green when the hat dries off. Photograph courtesy of Knuth’s and changed considerably. A lot of coats or jackets are of differing lengths, from hip length almost to the knee. Men want the versatility to be able to throw it on with a sweater and jeans or if men ever get dressed up again, they want to be able to wear it with a suit or jacket.”

“Everything today has a lot of pockets. Men carry electronics with them” he explained. As for styles, he said, “Most things are very clean. No epaulets. No belts. It’s a more streamlined, simple modern take on the classic raincoat.” There’s nothing as long as a classic trench coat anymore, Wally explained. “It’s more of a fashion look, and

modernized.” Men can choose various shades from grey to navy or khaki. Either way, Wally explained, Kilgore has men covered.

Complement your new raincoat with a statement umbrella from Abigail’s of Aurora. In addition to looking great, they are what’s known as “reverse close.” They close by pushing the umbrella fabric away from you, which means you don’t get dumped on when you close it, and your car stays dry when you toss the umbrella inside.

Some of these feature scenes from London, Paris and other locales. Others are adorned to look like famous works of art or are simply decorated in fun designs. The boutique’s ceiling is hung with an eye-popping assortment of these umbrellas that will make shoppers wish for rain.

The clean lines of this unisex raincoat from Sweden appeal to a variety of shoppers at Kilgore Trout. Photograph courtesy of Kilgore Trout

Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association appoints new officer and directors appreciative of the work performed by our Nominating Committee, with special thanks to our Chair, Sandra Kelly. The individuals recommended for appointment have all achieved professional excellence, and offer the Board diversity of experience, thought and practice, as well as a passion for leading our Bar.” The following individuals were approved to join the Board: For the office of Vice President, the Honorable John J. Russo, Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas. Judge Russo comes to the role of Vice President with a history of extensive engagement in the CMBA throughout his nearly 30-year career. He will be the first sitting judge to serve as President of the CMBA. Judge Russo has served two terms on the Board of Directors, more than ten years of volunteer service for both the Ohio and Cleveland Mock Trial Programs, as well as the 3Rs, and frequent participation as a speaker in a variety of educational programs such as the New Lawyer Bootcamp. In addition to serving as

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TCMAY15

The Board of Directors for the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association unanimously approved a slate of candidates who will join the Board beginning July 1, 2021. The positions filled included a future Bar president, directors and public representatives.

In early March, a Nominating Committee appointed by current CMBA President Joseph N. Gross, interviewed fifteen highly qualified candidates to fill the open Vice President position and six director positions. The Nominating Committee considered a variety of factors, including but not limited to the candidates’ history of service and commitment to the CMBA, diversity of experience, practice area and practice setting, as well as leadership engagement both within the CMBA and in the broader Cleveland community. In the end, the Nominating Committee presented the Board of Directors with a recommended slate, which the Board approved in its entirety.

President Gross remarked, “I am profoundly proud and

the Administrative and Presiding Judge for six years, Judge Russo holds, or has held, numerous other leadership roles including President of the National Association for Presiding Judges and Court Executive Officers, 1st Vice-Chair of the Ohio Judicial Conference, Trustee of the Cleveland Marshall Law Alumni Association and several appointments by Supreme Court of Ohio Chief Justice Maureen O’Connor. After serving one year as Vice President, Judge Russo will become the President-Elect and then, as of July 1, 2023, President of the CMBA. For the role of Director, serving a three-year term beginning July 1, 2021: Nicholas A. DiCello, Spangenberg Shibley & Liber LLP Khalilah A. Lawson, Cuyahoga County Probate Court John P. Slagter, Tucker Ellis LLP (second term) Carla M. Tricarichi, Tricarichi & Carnes, LLC Robin M. Wilson, Ulmer & Berne LLP

Kyleigh A. Weinfurtner, Zashin & Rich Co., LPA In addition, based upon the recommendation of the CMBA’s Executive Committee, the Board of Directors approved the appointment of two new public representatives to the Board beginning July 1, 2021: Suzanne Hamilton, ERIEBANK India Pierce Lee, The Cleveland Foundation Finally, current Public Representative Bruce Hennes, Founder of Hennes Communications, was re-appointed to a new, three-year term.

About the CMBA The nonprofit Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association operates as a center for legal professionalism in the region, promoting the highest ethical and professional standards. The CMBA strives to be an indispensable resource for its nearly 5,000 members and the go-to organization on issues of law and justice in Northeast Ohio. Learn more at www.clemetrobar.org.

Michelle McQuade TEAM

Top 1% Producer Howard Hanna 2016 - 2020 Record Breaking $36 Million Dollars in Sales - 2020

Over $16 million dollars in pending and closed sales in the first quarter of 2021!

This year is one of the toughest ever for buyers in search of homes as Northeast Cleveland is experiencing record low inventory. If you are considering selling, it would be my pleasure to give a current market analysis and to help educate you on how to sell your home in the quickest amount of time and for the most amount of dollars!

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On Saturday, May 1 at 6:45 p.m., experience a night of a virtual performance by Improbable Players on the big drive-in movie screen (at 12100 State Road 322, Chardon, OH, 44024), along with music by Chrissy Strong and HooHoo BBQ. Great raffle items and concessions will be available to be purchased. This is a COVID-safe event, where cars will be spaced out, so bring a chair and sit in front of your vehicle or stay inside your car – your choice!

Kids 12 and younger get in for Free. The theater performance is appropriate for kids age 12 and older.

Improbable Players is a theatre company of teaching artists in recovery, who perform devised plays based on true stories about substance use disorder.

CATS’ mission is to promote the social justice needs of the community by providing high-quality, cost-effective, evidence-based interventions that comprehensively address the chemical dependency and behavioral health needs of a diverse clientele. Part of the proceeds from this fundraiser will help fund the Creative Writing Program for CATS’ clients.

My Recovery Day’s mission is to develop and provide follow-up support resources to individuals recovering from addictions giving them the help and hope they need for sustainable recovery.

Contact Karen Snyder at 216.714.3288 or karen@improbableplayers.org for more information.

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Improbable Players, CATS and My Recovery Day to host a Drive-In Fundraiser at Mayfield Rd. Theater

Save The Date

Great Lakes Theater (GLT) will present Offstage Bash – Great Lakes Theater’s 2021 Virtual Gala on Saturday, June 5, 2021 at 7:30 PM (Pre-show Welcomes & Special Guest Toasts at 7:00 PM). The event will be an evening full of entertainment featuring a virtual performance full of songs and stories from Great Lakes Theater alumni, an interactive trivia game, and visits from a few surprise guests.

Victoria Bussert will direct the featured virtual performance. Matthew Webb is Music Director and Video Editor. The performance will feature performances by Great Lakes Theater alumni that include Tre Frazier, Keri Rene Fuller, Olivia Kaufman, Amy Keum, Marcus Martin, Jill Paice and Colton Ryan.

Offstage Bash guests are invited to complete their gala evening by adding on a delicious dinner from Driftwood Catering and a hand-selected bottle of wine to share, prepared for pre-show pickup at the Hanna Theatre, Playhouse Square.

Complete details and ticket purchasing options are available at www.greatlakestheater.org/offstagebash.

All proceeds benefit Great Lakes Theater’s acclaimed mainstage and educational programming that impacts more than 100,000 adults and students annually.

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Fairmount Center for the Arts, a non-profit arts organization, has launched an innovative fundraiser called the “Fairmount 500” that will provide the opportunity for an individual to win $15,000. Only 500 tickets are available and sales have begun and will end August 25, 2021 at midnight (or when all 500 tickets have been sold).

Envisioned by Toby Maloney, Board of Director, Toby notes that “Participating in the raffle is a great way to support Fairmount and to dream big. Since we’re limiting the number of tickets to 500, the odds are attractive and we hope our top prize of $15,000 and runner-up prizes of $2,000 and $1,000 will be appealing to people.”

The drawing will be held (winner need not be present) on the evening of Thursday, August 26, 2021 during the culminating reception of the 45th Annual Fairmount Art Exhibition. This event is free and open to the public. Additionally, the drawing for the winning ticket will also be live-streamed so all can join in the fun of this moment from wherever their location.

This is a great chance to win some extra cash and support Fairmount Center for the Arts who is celebrating 50 years of providing programs in dance, music, theatre and visual arts.

Fairmount is grateful for the support of the following sponsors of the Fairmount 500: Gold Level Sponsor: Gloria and Alan Wright Silver Level Sponsors: Aqua Doc, Lyndall Insurance and Shook Construction Bronze Level Sponsors: ATG Originals, Evergreen Landscapes, Inc., Patterson Fruit Farms For complete information and/or to purchase one of these limited number of tickets, visit www.fairmountcenter.org.

Fairmount Center for the Arts is located at 8400 Fairmount Road, Novelty, 44072.

The mission of Fairmount Center for the Arts is to enrich lives through the arts. For nearly 50 years, Fairmount Center for the Arts has provided a space for individual expression and the opportunity for all to explore the arts through classes, workshops, community performances and cultural programs. For more information or to register for summer camps, classes, music lessons and special events visit www.fairmountcenter.org or call (440) 338-3171.

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Hopewell therapeutic farm community will host a special virtual 25th Anniversary Celebration on Friday, June 25, 2021. Visit Hopewellcommunity.org for more details.

Greater Cleveland National Philanthropy Day will be Friday, Nov. 5, 2021. Visit afpcleveland.org or call 216.696.1613 for the most up-to-date information.

Nominations for the annual Philanthropy Awards program must be received by 5 p.m. on Wednesday, April 30. Visit afpcleveland.org to submit your nominations in the following categories: Philanthropist Leadership Award; Corporate Leadership Award; Foundation Leadership Award; Outstanding Fundraising Volunteer Award; Outstanding Youth in Philanthropy Award; and Outstanding Fundraising Professional Award.

Cleveland Heights

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Michelle McQuade

Realtor®

Top 1% Producer of Northeast Cleveland 2017-2020 National Sales Excellence Award 2015-2020 Quality Service Award 2014-2020 Luxury Homes of Distinction Specialist

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www.currentsneo.com

April 15, 2021 CURRENTS A9

As we ease past the pandemic, weddings resume with a flourish

By LAURI GROSS

The Ukrainian designer Milla Nova is among many wedding-gown styles available at Radiant Bride in Rocky River. Photograph courtesy of Radiant Bride

While weddings weren’t literally cancelled in 2020, the pandemic definitely put a damper on traditional nuptials. But now they’re back. Or getting there. And whether you’re a guest, a mom of the bride or groom, or the bride herself, you’re going to need something special to wear.

Lisa Moran, owner of Lisa Moran, Ltd. in Eton Chagrin Blvd., in Woodmere, said, “People are feeling very confident. They want to celebrate and wear long dresses.”

Lisa’s shop features the finest in evening wear from casual cocktail to ball gowns including mother of the bride and groom. They also carry sportswear.

Despite the pandemic-related slowdown in supply chains, Lisa Moran, Ltd. managed to bring in long dresses and they are having periodic trunk shows. Lisa is seeing that “women want color,” she said, as she added, “there is still a lot of navy, plus hot pink, salmon, florals, jewel tones, periwinkle, and blush.”

As for fabrics, Lisa said, “One of my favorites is silk and wool. You get the sheen but it’s still natural fibers so it breathes. It’s a beautiful heavy hang but it doesn’t feel like you’re wearing a heavy polyester dress. Silk chiffon is also wonderful and we have some beautiful crepes.”

Lisa also described a popular line of gowns from the Netherlands that features stretch lace on top of a stretch lining, in prints and solids. “It’s very contemporary, she said. “It’s as body conscious as you want it.” She explained that these can be worn really tight, form fitting, or just to skim the body. Lisa and her team work with the designer in the Netherlands to customize some aspects of these dresses, such as making the underlayer a nude color, or dropping the back lower.

Sometimes, the mother of the bride and groom come into Lisa’s shop together, to ensure the color of their dresses “don’t fight one another,” she said, as she added, “The moms are definitely getting more dressed up than the guests, which is how it should be.” Lisa’s offerings also include cocktail or tea-length dresses.

As for bridal gowns, Radiant Bride in Rocky River carries a balance of designers and a wide variety of styles, in addition to veils, hairpieces and jewelry. Owner Ellen McFadden said, “Our top selling line (of gowns) is Essense of Australia. We love the Enzoani line and have

Shoppers at Lisa Moran, Ltd. at Eton Chagrin Blvd. will find gowns like this featuring stretch lace on top of a stretch lining. The popular line is from the Netherlands. Photograph courtesy of Lisa Moran, Ltd. just picked up the Milla Nova line from Ukraine. We believe they may be an up-and-coming line globally.”

Ellen is still seeing styles reflect the small, intimate weddings from the Covid era. Currently popular wedding gowns, she said, are, “minimal, effortless dresses with corset-style bodices, low/wide square necklines, botanical laces and 3D lace/beaded appliques.”

To ensure that brides of every race are catered to, Ellen said designers offer linings, sheer illusion fabric and cups in a range of shades. She added, “They are also making sure that their photography/models are racially inclusive.”

Make Mother’s Day Special at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake Simon Pearce flutes ~ hand made in Vermont. Let’s Celebrate! Bridal Registry available by appointment … and Gifts for all occasions. Mulholland & Sachs, Eton Chagrin Boulevard, Woodmere, mulhollandsachs.com.

Treat Mom and all the exceptional women in your life to Mother’s Day Brunch or Dinner on Sunday, May 9. Guests will enjoy a variety of dishes from Horizons Restaurant as they take in the fantastic view of the Lake Erie shore. While you’re in town, explore The Strip at Geneva-on-the-Lake where attractions and eateries begin opening Mother’s Day weekend.

Mother’s Day Brunch A special ala carte brunch will be served from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. From Eggs Benedict and Omelets to Prime Rib and Chicken Oscar, celebrate Mom with a variety of favorites that will help make her day. Specialty cocktails, beer and wine will be available after 10 a.m. Click here to view the menu.

Mother’s Day Dinner

A10 CURRENTS April 15, 2021 www.currentsneo.com

An ala carte dinner will be served from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m. Guests will be able to choose from selections including Grilled Lamb Loin Chops, Oven Roasted Prime Rib or Beef, Lobster Ravioli and Asiago Stuffed Gnocchi, as well as a selection of specialty Mother’s Day cocktails.

Reservations are highly recommended and can be made by calling 440-466-7100, option 2. Masks or other face coverings are required in all indoor and outdoor public spaces at The Lodge & Cottages at Geneva-on-the-Lake. Delaware North at The Lodge at Geneva-on-the-Lake is focused on creating exceptional guest experiences and the health and safety of our employees and guests has always been our highest priority. This applies to both guests and employees.

www.currentsneo.com April 15, 2021 CURRENTS B1

‘Restoration: If This Hall Could Talk’ opens at Stan Hywet

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens opens its 2021 season with the exhibit, “Restoration: If This Hall Could Talk.”

By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN “Restoration: If This Hall Could Talk,” the 2021 opening exhibit at Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, breathes new life into an important element of Ohio’s history.

In 2015, Stan Hywet raised more than $1 million for the restoration of 16 spaces in the Manor House as part of the successful $6 million “2nd Century Campaign” supported by generous donors. After six years of work, this exhibit reveals the process of how the historic spaces were conserved, including a detailed look at the planning and research needed for such an ambitious undertaking.

“This exhibit showcases the culmination of the work that we have done over the past six years to restore portions of the Manor House,” Julie Frey, Stan Hywet curator noted. “I came to Stan Hywet in 2016. The planning for this project began with my predecessor. The rooms to be restored had already been selected. These included the principal entertainment spaces on the first floor, as well as Virginia’s bedroom, which we knew was historically inaccurate. We wanted to restore these areas to their original 1915 appearance. We had the opportunity to look back and replicate things exactly as they had been.”

“This exhibit gives you an insight into our decision making, based on archival evidence,” she explained.

“Some of this evidence was taken from photos and some from actual samples. This all started out as being a giant puzzle that we had to solve.” Frey said the Stan Hywet curatorial team worked extensively with a conservation lab in Cleveland and managed to conserve 114 objects from the collection.

“Some of the fabric companies that the Seiberlings worked with in 1915 are still in existence. They had scraps of fabrics in their files that they could replicate,” she said. “We also sent a list of fabrics to companies that

The wallpaper in Virginia’s bedroom was recreated to match its 1915 appearance. (Photographs provided by Stan Hywet) machines and it turned out to be a fun collaboration with the students.”

Frey said the original wallpaper in Virginia’s bedroom was patterned with a gold metallic design. The metallic material could not be digitally scanned. So, the company that they sent the wallpaper sample to painted the gold metallic design to replicate the original wallpaper.

“The fireplace in the breakfast room is made with Delft tile. Delft tile is softer. The Seiberling family often used the fireplace in that room. As a result, 50 of the tiles were partially destroyed or missing,” Frey said. “We sent some of the original tiles along with images of the dogs that were pictured on the tiles to a company in England that still makes Delft tiles so that they could reproduce them.”

Frey said that there are a few areas of the restoration project that they have yet to complete. “There are still no curtains in the solarium. We know that they existed, but The damaged and missing Delft tiles in the we don’t know what they looked like. We may encounter breakfast room fireplace were recreated by a that information farther down the road,” she added. company in England.

Frey noted that there is a new book available in the Stan can print them digitally and they look identical to the original. Technology is really wild in how much they can do. We also worked with the Kent State University School of Fashion. They have one of the digital printing

Explore Akron’s Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens Drive south to Akron, and discover that there is nothing else quite like Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens in Northeast Ohio. Completed in 1915, Stan Hywet was the home of F.A. Seiberling, (co-founder of Goodyear) and his family for 40 years. With 65-rooms and 64,500 sq. ft., the Manor House is the sixth largest home open to the public for tours, and one of the finest examples of Tudor Revival architecture in America.

This year’s exhibit, Restoration: If This Hall Could Talk, celebrates the extensive restoration projects completed on the estate since 2015, funded by generous donors who gave over $6 million dollars. The impressive results are on display, along with information about the process of restoring a historic house to better interpret and share the history of the Seiberling family and Stan Hywet Hall. The remarkable restoration projects include the restoration of the Manor House interior; the reconstruction of the Perimeter Stone Wall ringing the entire estate; stabilization and restoration of the historic gardens and garden structures. Throughout the historic gardens is Winds of Change, an exhibit of kinetic sculptures created by local women artists.

New this season, Stan Hywet features the Performing Arts Series, an innovative schedule of special events cre-

ated with area artists and community arts organizations, including the Akron Symphony Orchestra, the Cleveland Ballet, Ohio Shakespeare Festival, Nightlight Cinemas, and the Stan Hywet Goodyear Concert Band, as well as photographer Ian Adams and plein air painter Jessica Henry Gray.

These collaborations expand and complement Stan Hywet’s already robust line-up of public programs. On Mother’s Day, May 9, all mothers receive free admission.

The 63rd annual Father’s Day Car Show is a tradition for many and returns to Stan Hywet on June 20 with 400 antique and vintage cars from 1915 – 1996 on display.

Visiting Stan Hywet All Manor House tours are currently self-guided; guided tours are expected to return in June.

Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens is located at 714 North Portage Path in Akron Ohio. The estate is open TuesdaySunday from 10am – 6pm; last entry at 4:30 pm. The estate is closed to the public on Mondays. First responders receive 50% off on any tour, and seniors 60+ receive 50% tours on Tuesdays. Masks and social distancing are currently required when visiting the estate. For more information on tickets and tours, visit stanhywet.org.

Fairmount’s Virtual Speaker Series to present Fred Bidwell on Sunday, April 18 Fairmount Center for the Arts presents its next “Pull Back the Curtain” Speaker Series program on Sunday, April 18 at 3 p.m. featuring Fred Bidwell, philanthropist, collector, and community leader.

After a 35-year career as an advertising and marketing entrepreneur, in 2011 he and his wife established the Fred and Laura Ruth Bidwell Foundation. In 2013, the Bidwell Foundation opened Transformer Station, a contemporary art exhibition space on Cleveland’s West Side. Transformer Station alternates between acting as a venue for exhibitions curated by the Bidwells from their renowned collection of photo-based contemporary art and as a venue for exhibitions organized by the Cleveland Museum of Art. Fred Bidwell served twice as board president of the Akron Art Museum and currently on

the board of the Cleveland Museum of Art and on the Visiting Committee of the Allen Memorial Art Museum.

Bidwell launched FRONT International, a season-long contemporary art triennial exhibition of contemporary art in over twenty venues in 2018 and is leading planning for its second edition in 2022.

This program will be offered via Zoom. The link to access viewing of this program will be emailed to registrants twenty-four hours in advance of the program.

The “Pull Back the Curtain” Speakers Series is FREE, thanks to the generous support of Toby and Melanie Maloney, the Figgie Foundation, and the Ohio Arts Council.

For questions and to make a reservation for this program, call (440) 338-3171, email info@fairmountcenter.org or visit https://www.fairmountcenter.org/special-events/.

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Hywet gift shop. “Entitled ‘The Manor House,’ it touches on the restoration room-by-room and is a nice companion piece to the exhibit, for those visitors who would like to take something home,” she said.

New for guests this year is the Outdoor History Tour, a guided experience in the gardens and grounds. This tour shares information about the builders of Stan Hywet Hall, the state-of-the-art technology during that time period, the service buildings and the Seiberling farm. It is a companion to the Nooks and Crannies Tour that is expected to return to the schedule with other guided tours in June.

“Since there are no guided tours of the Manor House right now, we decided to add an Outdoor History Tour. This tour is about the domestic staff that kept the grounds and the property up, and the use and upkeep of the house. Our Nooks and Crannies Tour has always been very popular.

We call this our outdoor Nooks tour,” Frey added.

The “Winds of Change” exhibit in the gardens is an installation that incorporates a kinetic component, using wind or motion as a core element of the design. The sculptures have been created by five local women artists, including Shelley Funai, Kimmy Henderson, Nicole Schwan, Michelle Wilson and Jennifer Winkler. In addition to this exhibit in the gardens, there is one more sculpture representing this year’s exhibit of restoration. Joe Ott created a metal sculpture that is featured on the walk to the Manor House. It is a lotus flower in a metal frame with concentric rings and areas that represent stained glass.

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens is open for tours on Tuesday through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., with the last admission at 4:30 p.m. The estate is also open on Memorial Day and Labor Day with regular operating hours.

Most tours are currently self-guided, following COVID protocol. Guided tours are expected to return in June, depending on the guidelines issued by the state and county public health departments. The play garden is open this season, beginning on May 1.

Stan Hywet Hall and Gardens, at 714 N. Portage Path in Akron, is the former residence of Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company co-founder F.A. Seiberling and his family. In 1957, Stan Hywet became a non-profit historic estate museum so that the public could benefit from the cultural, educational and inspirational riches of one of the most significant achievements in architecture and horticulture to come out of America’s Industrial Age. Open for tours from April through December, Stan Hywet is accredited by the American Alliance of Museums and is Akron’s oldest National Historic Landmark. Visit www. stanhywet.org for more details about exhibits and events.

Stylish, redesigned home for sale on N. Main St. in Chagrin Falls

The traditional red brick colonial was given a custom mortar smear treatment to add visual interest to the classic style.

By RITA KUEBER A mid-century colonial outside, this traditional structure has been updated and upgraded using top-of-the-line materials, creating a stylish, amenity-filled contemporary pod inside. Set on five meticulously groomed acres, the house at 495 N. Main couldn’t be more inviting, with its peaceful aura and refined charm.

The conventional layout is seen at the front of house that has a wide entryway, hardwood floors, two-story foyer and an elegant curved stairway. The formal living room, with its fireplace and large windows is on the right, and the dining room that’s been fitted with a new tray ceiling and crown molding is on the left. Down the short center hall look up to see the ‘haint blue’ ceiling, one of several southern touches throughout the home.

The back of the house is where the contemporary touches are evident. The open room sweeps from the kitchen at the left, to an eat-in area and a great room on the right. The back wall is almost all windows, and here, wide French doors open onto the newly-built patio and an outdoor kitchen that has plenty of room for dining and lounging.

The great room has a large fireplace and above the mantel is a custom TV cabinet made, unusually, out of pecky cypress, which gives the room a slightly rustic air.

Pecky cypress is also seen over the range hood in the kitchen, making a pair of bookends that gently define the light and airy space.

A lot of thought went into the kitchen arranging the floor plan not just for cooking, but for organizing too.

Tall custom cabinets run along the interior wall, with a library-style ladder to reach the highest storage. Pocket doors open to reveal more storage and a coffee bar. The built-in Subzero refrigerator/freezer has the same facing, presenting a neat, unified finish to the entire wall. A large island has open shelves and a quartzite counter. The appliances are top notch – a professional grade Thermador range, Wolf steam convection oven, plus a warming drawer, baking area, all surrounded by custom millwork for an efficient and chic environment.

Upstairs by front or back staircase are five roomy bedrooms and four full baths. The owner’s suite has his and her walk-in closets, a private patio, and an unusual bathroom that holds a wet room, a totally waterproofed, level bathing space showcasing a beautiful rock face finish that

The interior has been renovated with high-end finishes, Pella windows and hardwood floors. The living room here leads to the less formal great room.

The master bath features a beautifully detailed wet room – a waterproofed walk-in space for showering or tub soaking.

A charming temperature-controlled greenhouse was added to the back of the house next to the new deck and outdoor kitchen, overlooking the raised garden beds and yard beyond. holds both a soaking tub and an open shower. Down the hall from the other bedrooms is an enclosed private suite that has its own bath, sitting area, bedroom and kitchen-

ette. A sunny laundry room with tiled walls, sink, storage and counters is on this level as well.

The lower level holds an exercise room, rock wall, ac-

cess to the three-plus bay garage, storage areas, and a full bath. There’s also a generous home office that has views through garden level windows, a heated floor and a Murphy bed.

Outside, the garden has a series of raised beds all with an irrigation system that’s controlled by an app. Just off the back patio is a charming greenhouse, accessible from inside or out, that has Italian flooring, automatic venting, temperature control and a dual faucet sink. Beyond the house is a large back yard that has access to trails leading to the Chagrin River.

The redesign of the 495 N. Main was created by Tony Paskevich, and constructed by Medhurst Builders. The house is represented by Karen Eagle of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. At press time the listed price is $2,999,999 and annual taxes of $31,881. Contact Karen Eagle at 216-352-4700 or kareneagle@howardhanna. com.

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Treat yourself to an upscale British high tea experience at Macaron Tea Room

By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN Treat yourself to the charming vibes and irresistible flavors of an authentic British tea room, right in your own backyard.

The Macaron Tea Room brings an upscale high tea experience to its locations in Broadview Heights and Woodmere. Owner Alla Yakimiv, through her travels over the years, fell in love with the ritual of a traditional English tea room. She coupled that with her passion for baking to create The Macaron Tea Room, which provides a blend of both.

“I have always loved tea rooms. I enjoyed visiting them. But, I never had plans to open a tea room. I think that God is guiding me to do something for the community,” Yakimiv said.

“I learned about baking at home, through a lot of trial and error. I fell in love with baking when I was 12 years old, in seventh grade,” she noted. “I’m Ukrainian. I was born there. My family immigrated to this country in 1989.

We all love to bake. I think it has to do a lot with our culture.”

The tea rooms offer high and afternoon teas, as well as a full-service bakery with goods made from scratch daily.

“Our specialty is the experience and the way that we present the food,” Yakimiv explained. “There are no details left behind. You will not find anything like it anywhere else.” Both locations have a bakery, tea room and party room. Food allergies and diet preferences can be accommodated and there is kosher diet availability.

In addition to its signature macarons, the bakery offers tea biscuits, scones, cream puff swans and miniature pastries. “We also offer keto desserts. The keto diet is sugar and gluten free. I live on keto, so I am a walking statement. I have such a huge sweet tooth. I thought that I would do something for people like me,” she said. “We have been offering keto desserts since January, 2020. We even do a keto afternoon tea. I substitute monk fruit for sugar. Instead of wheat flour, we use coconut and almond flours. If you balance it right, you can do wonders. We serve a keto tiramisu that is wonderful. We also offer keto cheesecakes and chocolate cake. You can purchase them

The Macaron Tea Room is known for its events with costumed characters and décor that changes to match the theme.

The Macaron Tea Room serves high and afternoon teas, combined with a full-service bakery. by the slice, or whole.”

“We are also known for our events. We do Disney princess events, Alice in Wonderland, Downton Abbey, Elsa, Cinderella and Belle,” she said. “We have costumed characters and change the décor to match the theme.” Every

attendee gets a craft to take home, as well as a macaron with the image of the themed character on it, according to Yakimiv. She said that a recent Alice in Wonderlandthemed party was one of her favorites. “Everyone dressed up according to the theme and we went all out with the

food,” she noted.

“We offer etiquette classes for children and adults.

The teacher is certified and she compares etiquette in this country with etiquette in different countries. We originally started doing these classes with Girl Scouts, so that they could get their little badges. But the classes are now open to the public,” she added.

“Because of COVID, our hours may change. We are still seeing what works best for us and for our customers, so don’t hesitate to call ahead. Our Broadview location is open on Friday and Saturday, and Eton Chagrin Boulevard is open on Tuesday through Saturday,” Yakimiv said. The Macaron Tea Rooms are at 203 E. Royalton Rd. in Broadview Heights, 440.334.9119, and at 28601 Chagrin Blvd. inside Eton in Woodmere, 216.245.6308. Visit The Macaron Tea Room Facebook page for a listing of specials, upcoming events and weekly featured macaron flavors.

‘FOCUS’ exhibit to open at Bonfoey Gallery May 1

Pamper Mom with a Botanical Gift Set from Hedges, Chagrin Falls, hedgeschagrinfalls.com.

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Bonfoey Gallery will be opening FOCUS on May 1, 2021, running through June 30, 2021 in conjunction with the 2021 Cleveland Photo Fest. An opening reception will be held at the Bonfoey Gallery and open to the public by appointment from 10:00am-3:00pm on Saturday, May 1st. The show will feature the work of six photographers: Donald Black, Abe Frajndlich, Amanda King, Jeannette Palsa, Christopher Pekoc, and Garie Waltzer.

FOCUS presents a carefully curated collection of photographs, each with their own individual focus, that together bring attention to the diverse interpretations of a single medium.

While the work of each artist stands strongly on the grounds of their individual success, when placed in the same space the work creates a powerful movement of photographic vision – a vision that differs in each individual work, but collectively represents the concept of focus.

Focus, defined as a central point of attraction, attention, or activity, is not limited by scope nor quantity. It

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can be interpreted narrowly or broadly as one sees fit.

For this exhibition, what started as an interest in portraiture expanded as we began to ask ourselves: how can the focus of a photograph affect the way we view the work?

And how is the focus of a photograph influenced by the experience of the person behind the camera?

These six photographers come from widely different backgrounds with experiences and perspectives that allow them to use their voice in unique ways – all through the medium of photography.

FOCUS will open Saturday, May 1st with an all-day opening event. In order to adhere to CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, we ask that you please schedule an appointment to visit the gallery and view the show. Appointments are available from 10:00am-3:00pm on May 1st. To view available appointment times, please visit www.bonfoey.com.

For more information, please visit www.bonfoey. com or contact the Bonfoey Gallery at (216) 6210178 or gallery@bonfoey.com.

The ULTIMATE candle by Baobob Spring 2021 … West Palm Fragrance features Sea Salt, Neroli and White Musk. What a lovely way to Light up Moms on Mother’s Day! Always available at Mulholland & Sachs at Eton.

Women artists work together to pollinate shared ideas

By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN When it comes to their work, artists Gail Crum, Gayle Pritchard and Jill Milenski are more than friends and collaborators. They are like artist bees who pollinate each other’s ideas.

“I met Gayle 27 years ago when she and my husband were in an artist co-op at the Beck Center in Lakewood. We got to know each other after an art class in 1994, where I also met Jill. We kept in touch over the years, but babies, families, moves and my long working hours in banking kept us from getting together on a regular basis,” Gail Crum said.

“We attended each other’s shows and events. In 2012, we started getting together for art play dates and art nights, trying for once-a-week meetings. When the pandemic hit, we were still able to get together, but it was outside in driveways and garages. When it got cold, we started a project of making altered books and then passing them around safely on porch drop-offs, where we each added our own artwork to pages on themes and ideas that we had.”

“Rather than a collaboration, we have more of a shared aesthetic. We share materials, techniques and a love of the same kinds of art,” she noted. “We enjoy going to flea markets and antique and junk shops to find materials for our art.

We also buy things that we know each other would want or need when we are shopping by ourselves. Gayle is known for her fabric art quilts and collage. Jill is known for her paintings, and I am known for my assemblages, but we all incorporate each other’s experiences and expertise in our work. We all have our own style and themes. We are the best of friends and excited by each other’s ideas and artwork.

We have mutual respect with no competition. We are each other’s best boosters and inspire each other when we get together. We can’t wait to show each other any new projects or ideas that we are working on.”

“For at least the past seven or eight years now, we have made it a point to try to meet once a week, rotating hosting at our homes. COVID stopped us dead in our tracks once the weather got cold and we could no longer meet in our driveways, patios or garages. We missed each other so much! It was Jill who came up with the idea of making altered books,” Gayle Pritchard added. “It was a life-saver for me. Truly, it saved me from spiraling down into a deep depression.”

“We collaborate on creating themes for our three-woman art exhibitions and on installation ideas. As artists, we do have a shared aesthetic and we all love many of the same types of artwork and materials, even though we utilize them in different ways,” she explained. We love each other’s work so much and are excited to see each piece go from start to finish. We have a deep friendship without competitiveness.

We are cheerleaders for each other. We love seeing what each of us is doing. We love sharing materials, or providing just the right piece of paper or found object for each other when it is needed to finish a piece. We joke that, if Gail doesn’t have it, you don’t need it. A few years ago, I was finishing a collage and needed a raven. I put the word out and Gail’s reply was, ‘What size?’.”

Though each of these women artists share a love of their work and a deep mutual admiration, they differ in background and training.

Gayle Pritchard started her career as a fiber artist, She began making quilts and doing embroidery and dyeing. “I had excellent art teachers throughout junior high and high school. In the fall of 1974, I had the opportunity to live in Neumunster, Germany as an exchange student for 13

Gayle Pritchard, Gail Crum and Jill Milenski have remained friends through all phases of their lives. They share materials, techniques and a love of art. Photograph by Gail Crum

“Warrior” is a 3D assemblage by Gail Crum.

Photograph by Gail Crum months after graduating from high school. There, among other excellent subjects, I had art instruction in drawing and printmaking,” Pritchard said. “The following year, I attended the College of Wooster and was the first student they allowed a double major and double minor. I majored in German and psychology and had a minor in art and French. In college, I was introduced to image transfer techniques and have used them in my work ever since. In my senior year, I was able to study in France, both at a language school and at the University Paul Valery in Montpelier. I had further art studies there. As an adult, over the years, I have studied at the Quilt Surface Design Symposium and the Cleveland Institute of Art, where I received scholarship awards for continuing education classes.”

“My artwork has evolved over the decades in terms of types of materials incorporated, but overall, what I do is an

intuitive approach to my subjects, regardless of what media I am working in,” she explained. “Although I love creating assemblages, for the most part I would consider my work to be collage. I rarely know what my pieces will be about when I start. I begin with the germ of an idea and just start working. Sometimes it will be a scrap of paper, a found object or a treasured piece of fabric that gets me going. Something inside me stirs, and off I go. I trust the process of creating.

It is through the work and the problem-solving inherent in creating it that the deeper meaning reveals itself to me. My work is very personal, as a result, but I hope it also speaks to universal themes to which viewers can relate.”

“My only exposure to art growing up was the yearly trip to the Cleveland Museum of Art with the Cleveland city schools. When I met my husband Sean, who is an artist, he introduced me to art galleries and museums,” Gail Crum said. “At 40 years old, I took an assemblage art class with Gayle Pritchard and Jill Milenski and I realized that I could be an artist even though I hadn’t taken art classes. I’ve been in art shows, both juried and invitational, art galleries and art festivals ever since. I’ve taught collage art classes at the Art Continuum and libraries, and have done demonstrations of my work. My style of artwork is collage and assemblage, which is three-dimensional sculpture using found objects.”

“My husband Sean has been a big influence in both my education and support of my artwork,” she said. “He’s always interested in what I’m doing and offers both praise and critique to help my processes. Our son Adam is also an artist and I always show him what I’m working on to get his opinion. Both of them are big supporters of my work.”

Jill Milenski studied drawing and painting during a study abroad trip to Paris, then she moved to New York City where she took night classes at several art colleges. “I supplemented my art education by going to as many art galleries and museums as possible. I moved to Cleveland in 1993 and worked at the Cleveland Institute of Art, where I get to be surrounded by art and artmaking every day. It is quite an inspiration,” she noted. “I feel I have always been attracted to color and making artwork. I am someone who loves all types of art, including painting, drawing, fiber, printmaking, bookmaking and every iteration of art there is, really.”

“For a while, when my kids were little, I stepped away from oil painting as the fumes, mess and set up did not mesh with raising little kids. During that time, I explored fiber art, specifically art quilts, and joined a group with Gayle

Pritchard and others, which culminated in a show at the Stocker Art Center at Lorain Community College (LCCC).

My body of work was primarily focused on parenting and children’s games,” Milenski noted. “Then, I continued to do oil pastel and oil paintings of landscapes, cities and houses, as well as sketching and mixed media work.”

“When I joined with Gail Crum and Gayle Pritchard, I started to explore 3D assemblage and collage more. Using found materials, exploring yard sales, antique stores and the like was exciting and stimulating,” she said. “I brought drawing and painting into the mixed media work and we started to show this work, which I found was good for exploring ideas and theme. I was able to explore my fascination with childhood, children’s games and parenting using old 1950’s children’s books, as well as toys and games and doll dresses.”

“I’ve always been fascinated by fairy tales and, as a child, I just accepted them. But I was thrilled by the underlying darkness there, of evil stepmothers, caged children and dying princesses. As I grew up, I understood that the messages behind those stories were to warn children of the dangers of the world. Those dangers seemed to belong to another era.

But nowadays, those stories have resonance,” Milenski said.

“I looked again at those stories and noticed tale after tale of women locked up, sleeping or near dead, and children being abandoned and in danger. That brought me to my current body of work, sparked by the dangers of today’s world with school shootings, global warming, child and domestic abuse, and women being silenced by men in power. Women are asked to do the impossible, much like spinning flax into gold. As women and mothers, we are expected to do it all, without recompense, and to be happy about it.”

“Long ago, when I took my first class with Gayle Pritchard, I explored the theme of marriage and childbearing. I was newly married and hoping to have children. I made assemblages about that back then,” she noted. “Later, my fiber work explored what it means to be a parent with such pieces as, ‘The Purse Every Mother Needs,’ with fiber elements like a, ‘hold my temper lock’ and a ‘bottle of patience’ and a ‘book with answers to all questions.’ I also created an art quilt version of the children’s game Candyland, but with fabric doors that opened up to reveal the various steps and trials of raising a child to adulthood. My newest body of work, a series of painted and collage portraits, explores the work of raising a teenager in this world filled with the internet, COVID, isolation and the pressures of trying to have it all.”

Over the years, Pritchard, Crum and Milenski have participated in group shows that were about their perspectives on life as women artists. Their first show together was, “Spirit Boxes, Sacred Vessels and Shrines,” at Artstown in Avon Lake in 1997. “Circling Back Home” at Beck Center in Lakewood in 2017 and “Claiming Our Space and Place” at the Article Gallery in Waterloo in 2018 followed. “Women in Conversation,” opened in 2020 at the Stocker Art Center at Lorain Community College. Their latest collaboration, “Uncovered Stories,” is on display in the Playhouse Gallery at the BAYarts complex at 28795 Lake Rd. in Bay Village through May 14. Gallery hours are 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. on Fridays and 1 p.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturdays. The exhibit can also be viewed by appointment. Phone 440-871-6543 or go to www.bayarts.net. Admission is free. Masks are required, along with social distancing and a limit of persons in the gallery at one time. The patio and BAYarts complex can be used for overflow guests.

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Before buying a historic home, learn about its charm, challenges

By LAURI GROSS Many home buyers are drawn to beautiful historic homes for their plentiful charm and character. However, sometimes charm and character are code words for things like uneven floors or creaky doors. Taking the right steps before purchasing an older home can ensure buyers make the best choice.

“There are some hidden things that can go wrong,” said Karen Eagle, lead of the Karen Eagle Group, which operates under the Howard Hanna brokerage. “Every house is different,” she continued, “There are some things you can’t get around. On plaster walls, you can’t just hang a picture. You have to embrace what you have and know how to work within the confines. Get used to the charm.

Some people have a higher tolerance for it.”

Michelle McQuade, Realtor with Howard Hanna also sells many historic homes. She said, “Listing agents may provide information regarding the history of the home. The buyer’s agent should also have a wealth of knowledge to share regarding the historic context of the home and surrounding neighborhood and community. However, I encourage the buyers to also call the local historical society to find out any details pertaining to the home they are considering purchasing.”

Many areas of Northeast Ohio feature beautiful historic homes including Cleveland Heights, Shaker Heights, Chagrin Falls, Gates Mills, and Bratenahl. In addition to the charm and character, Karen said people are drawn by the quality of construction. “Homes just are not built like that anymore,” she said. “To replicate some of those historic homes from scratch would be cost prohibitive.”

For instance, a lot of older homes have slate roofs, arched doorways, ironwork, leaded glass windows, and other sought-after features. “There are new construction builders who do those types of things but the patina of the aging process just makes it have so much more character,” she said.

Older homes might also include now-useless features of a bygone era that add some quaint intrigue, such as a chute that used to be a dumb waiter. Or, there might be remnants of a defunct doorbell system that a homeowner used to summon the help to bring dinner, for instance.

Michelle said buyers appreciate, “the architectural lines on both exterior and interior that give the home its unique character. For example, buyers who are looking for that perfect Victorian style home will be looking for decorative woodwork both inside and out, rounded angles, specialty bay windows, and roof lines that may be steep or gabled.”

Karen suggests that sellers of older homes get a home inspection prior to putting the house on the market. She said, “It gives the buyer a sense of comfort knowing at least a home inspector has been through the house to point out any significant issues.”

By PARIS WOLFE

Vintage homes like this one in Gates Mills, sold by Karen Eagle, are popular for their charm and character. Photo by Dawn Debout.

Realtor Michelle McQuade recently sold this historic stone and slate home in Chagrin Falls.

Previously, it hadn’t been sold for 80 years.

Photo courtesy of the Michelle McQuade team.

Karen explained that some inspectors specialize in older home and can prepare the buyer for what they’re getting themselves into. She suggested the buyer hang onto the inspector’s report as a to-do list. “Not everything

has to be done before they purchase, but they’re things to address in the future. As you do other projects, you can check the home inspection report and if you have a trades-person at the house for one thing, see if they can address something in the report at same time,” she added.

Michelle said, “The electrical and mechanicals were very different during the times century homes were built. It’s typical to find knob and tube (wiring) in plaster walls, radiant heat fueled by a boiler verses a gas furnace, and expect to find some sloping in the floors as the house may have settled over the past 100-plus years.”

Also, she said homes were not waterproofed a century ago and wet basements were acceptable. “Yet today we now are aware of the environmental effects that mold may have which is typically found in a wet basement.”

When considering renovations, Michelle said, “Usually the Architectural Review Board in each city will need to approve additions, siding replacement and in some communities even the type of window replacement.”

Michelle said the quality of her own home, built in 1877, is superior to many homes built today. “Once a century home has been updated,” she said, “the maintenance is very similar to any other home.”

Teaching Kids About Cashless and Online Finances Brought to you by the leading Financial Representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors’ NEO Offices in conjunction with Lincoln Financial Advisors and Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, registered investment advisors.

In an increasingly digital world, your kids will need to know how to handle their finances online and how to responsibly use debit cards.

Start teaching with cash More and more consumers use cards and mobile devices to conduct everyday financial transactions. Start lessons with real money and work into the online world. By the time kids are five years old, they can have an allowance, and you should open a joint savings account. Kids should learn to make change, so pay allowances in cash.

Your child’s savings account Explain that banks hold both real and virtual money.

The money your kids deposit will allow them to save for things they can buy, with your permission.

Once the account is established, go online and let the kids see their deposits. This will help them make the connection between the real money they deposited and the balances they see online.

ATMs and spending By age seven, kids are ready to understand electronic spending. Set up a checking account and debit card and allow your kids to use their money. After the account is established (jointly with you and your child), go online together to see their money in their accounts.

Take them to an ATM and help them withdraw money.

It’s a great time to explain the fees that may be involved.

Also, explain that each debit card has a PIN that allows someone to deposit and withdraw money from his or her specific account. Your children should memorize their PINs when they get older and never share their numbers.

Next, go online to show the kids how each withdrawal and fee were subtracted from the checking account balance. Encourage your kids to check the math to make sure it’s correct.

Explain debit card purchases The idea of making purchases with a debit card can be introduced when your child is in middle school. Make

Remodeling an historic home? visit Rebuilder’s Xchange in Cleveland

clear that a debit card may look like a credit card, but money must be in your account to use it. In fact, you can only use your money; you can’t borrow any that you don’t have. Explain that a debit card serves as a way to buy things instead of using cash.

Preparing the next generation We live in a digital world, and it’s our job as parents and grandparents to prepare the next generation. Remember, money involves teaching your values and life skills—nothing more, nothing less.

The content of this material was provided to you by Lincoln Financial Advisors, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors, a registered investment advisor for its representatives and their clients. This article may be picked up by other publications under financial professional’s bylines.

Associates of Sagemark Consulting are registered

representatives of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. Lincoln’s Premier Partners Program is an internal designation based in part on assets under management, sales and compliance criteria.

Securities offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a broker/dealer. Member SIPC. Investment advisory services offered through Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp. or Sagemark Consulting, a division of Lincoln Financial Advisors Corp., a registered investment advisor.

Insurance offered through Lincoln affiliates and other fine companies. Lincoln Financial Group is the marketing name for Lincoln National Corporation and its affiliates. The Top of Council and Chairman’s Council awards are an internal recognition determined by annual sales amounts. Top of Cabinet, President’s Cabinet and President’s Club are internal awards based in part on assets under management, sales and compliance criteria.

If you’re redoing a historic home and want authentic fixtures, you might find them at Rebuilder’s Xchange in Cleveland. Owner Jessica Davis operates a 50,000-square-foot warehouse on the near eastside selling bathrooms, kitchens, doors, windows, lighting and so much more. Clawfoot tub? Check. Ornamental grate? Check. Porch pillar? Check.

This is not a showroom, but a salvage operation of recovered materials. On any given day you might find mid-century modern kitchen cabinets or the bar from a real Irish pub. Or maybe boxes and boxes of surplus terra cotta or slate tiles.

RBX, as Davis calls it, is a great place for inspiration. Don some comfortable jeans, a t- shirt, and sneakers, and prepare for a treasure hunt through the gritty, but organized warehouse. Builders will find salvaged boards and wooden beams. Decorators find antique doorknobs and interesting light fixtures.

On the flipside, if you’re removing these items as you remodel a home – new or historic – Davis wants to add them to her inventory. She’ll take them off your hands or take them on consignment. And you’ll prevent usable materials from going to a landfill. It’s the ultimate in recycling.

“Your old cabinets could make a difference in someone else’s project if they’re usable,” Davis says.

“Why not give someone access to that material.”

Interior designer Jen Harrison of Euclid has sourced materials from RBX for her home and her design studio as well as clients. “As I’ve needed materials, I’ve gone to RBX to be certain I can get them from her first,” says Harrison, who is a popular social media influencer (fleamarketfab) with 175,000 followers on Instagram. “I prefer to support local. RBX is an excellent resource for me to get tile, doors, anything I need for a project.”

Among the treasures she’s come away with are hickory hardwood flooring and exterior walnut doors for her studio. “I go for the hardscapes, not the furniture or tchotchke stuff,” says Harrison. “I go for sinks, faucets, electricals, tiles, hardwood.”

“If you buy a home of that era, Jessica is an excellent resource to go find radiator covers, old brass switches -- that you can’t find in the store -- to keep the character of an old home alive,” she says.

Davis started RBX four years ago with a vision to build a for-profit “exchange” around recycling and reusing building materials. She wants to divert usable materials from crowding landfills and create another source for designers and builders.

“Just because something doesn’t add value to you doesn’t mean it’s not valuable,” she says, urging remodelers to look at their project with an eye to the environment.

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Louis Bosa, Charles Burchfield, Clarence Holbrook Carter, Claude Conover, Ora Coltman, Clara Deike, Stevan Dohanos, Edris Eckhardt, De Scott Evans, Carl Gaertner, Raphael Gleitsmann, Marsden Hartley, Henry Keller, Max Kalish, Hazel Janicki, Hughie Lee-Smith, Leza McVey, William McVey, Edwin Mieczkowski, Ken Nevadomi, Elmer Ladislaw Novotny, Joseph O’Sickey, Charles Louis Sallée, Viktor Schreckengost, Elsa Vick Shaw, William Sommer, Mary Spain, Julian Stanczak, Ralph Stoll, Paul Travis, Sandor Vago, Clarence Van Duzer, Abel Warshawsky, Frank Wilcox, William Zorach, and Marguerite Zorach.

Ken Nevadomi (born 1939) Girl with Pearls, 1980s Acrylic on canvas, 48 x 42 inches

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Springtime means finally getting to spend time outdoors around your home. This year, expanding and upgrading outdoor seating is one of the most popular trends for outdoor living.

Sedlak’s can help turn your outdoor space into an inviting spot for you to relax and breathe in the fresh air, and to enjoy the company of family and friends. Stretch out on the patio, porch, three-season room or around the pool in comfort. You may even find that working from home is a bit more fun when you’re outdoors. Stop in and select from a large selection of in-stock and special order outdoor furniture. We’ll deliver your furniture when you’re ready. Visit Sedlak Interiors, 34300 Solon Road, Solon. 440.248.2424. www.sedlakinteriors.com.

Mix contemporary décor with period pieces for a great new vibe

By LAURI GROSS Designers will often say a well-decorated home is one that draws the eye to many different visual elements of each room. It piques the interest around one or several focal points, and it puts the owners’ personality on display.

Ron Greenwald, owner of Greenwald Antiques in Woodmere put it this way: “Go bold or go home.” He was speaking specifically about introducing an antique or period piece into a home that is otherwise done in a modern style. “It doesn’t all have to be matchy matchy,” he continued. “It doesn’t all have to be one color palette. It could be something that jumps out at you. It can be any focal point.” When he enters a home, he said, he doesn’t want his eyes to be drawn to just one thing. “You want them go from spot to spot,” he said as he explained the eyes could be drawn to “a nice piece or art, a fabulous mirror, a piece of furniture: something to accent and to stand out.”

Kathleen Bliss Goldfarb, ASID, owner of The Valley Design Team/Decorating Den Interiors agreed. “I resist following trends as much as possible,” she said. “The hotter a trend, the faster it dies and the quicker your house gets dated. Instead, follow the bones of the house and highlight your treasures: whatever means a lot to you. I don’t like doing a pure style of anything. It becomes dated and it’s boring.” Instead, she said, mixing elements from different periods and styles “shows your personality and who you are.”

Mitchell Sotka, owner of the Rocky River business that bears his name, said, “balancing things with color and proportion and texture provides a segue into mixing vintage with contemporary. If you do it judiciously, you enrich the space into something that is interesting.”

Mitchell’s business is one part retail, one part interior design and one part estate sales.

When customers tell Ron they have a spot in a room that needs something, Ron tells them, “Show me the spot and I can offer suggestions.” For instance, he added, “We always have unique mirrors in all periods and styles from Venetian, to English to American. Mirrors are wonderful accents. A nice place to start is a nice beautiful entry mirror. It’s something of interest and can really set the tone for the home.”

Mitchell agreed about the impact of a great mirror, starting with the example of a contemporary lacquer console with clean, crisp lines. “You take that as the base,” he said, “and you introduce a piece of vintage to it: maybe a vintage mirror over it. To juxtapose the clean lines, you want scroll work, or silver or gold leaf. To make sure it balances well, make sure the mirror is not too small for the piece you put it over.”

Ron added, “To stay with the form and style of the home is nice but you have to freshen it up.” For instance, in an old Tudor-style home, he said, “You don’t want everything inside to look like an old Tudor. You want to put brighter lighter things in there.”

Similarly, Kathleen described a client with a Georgian red-brick home full of contemporary furnishings and art, who inherited a Queen Anne dining set, an ebony grand piano and an antique mahogany bench. With paint, new fabric and an eye toward colors in each adjacent space, Kathleen updated the look of the inherited pieces, swapped out the host chairs of the dining set and created a new vibe with old pieces that worked beautifully even in the contemporary setting.

Mitchell gave another example. “Maybe between a pair of transitional neutral club chairs, you put a vintage mahogany Chippendale table,” he said, as he explained that adding vintage pieces creates a space that tells a different story by adding a sense of history.

Ron said lighting is also very important. “Chandeliers can change the whole look of a room,” he said, and added, “We have great fixtures, from English to French to modern mid-century.

Ron also said he gets a lot of calls from people looking for Flemish, English, Italian, or French period furniture from the 17th and 18th centuries, which Greenwalds has plenty of. He said most people are looking for a few pieces, not whole sets. “A piece in a room is lovely,” he said and added, “Shaking it up with something new is great.”

Mitchell Sotka adds talented new staff members to design team Creative, Inspiring, and Welcoming may be a few words that come to mind when you think of Mitchell Sotka. The store, the design jobs, and the person himself all conjure up these words. So, when Mitchell looks to expand his staff, they too must add the same value.

And the exciting news is that we have found amazing new team members!

Brittney has been part of the team since August of 2020. Besides having her master’s in photography, she is also an award-winning artist. Her creative talent and organizational skills have created a larger online audience and made it easier to shop virtually. Her fabulous images that capture the soul of our shop are not her only accolade, Brittney’s warmth and wonderful customer service makes her a fabulous team player. Brittney has spent time in the front of the shop to enhance her understanding of the store so she can provide our online and social media followers a similar experience.

Solveig has just joined the team! Although a Cleveland native, Solveig studied interior design and worked in a prestigious antique shop while living in New York City. As a color designer and trend forecaster, she is the perfect match for our shop! Solveig will head up the

design arm of Mitchel Sotka and brings her 30 years of experience to the team. Like Mitchell, she believes in enhancing a client’s style with a true reflection of them. Solveig will greet you with a fabulous smile and warmth that permeates the room and you will quickly see design is her passion!

The Mitchell Sotka experience does not end there!

This Spring Mary will join the team! Mary is not only a designer but a passionate collector of silver. She will be a true asset to the sales floor and more! In reading this, you may be discovering for the first time Mitchell Sotka is more than just an antique shop and that there is an interior design component too. However, the team also conducts professional estate / tag sales. Shelly and Donna have been leading this facet of the business and with their skills of organization and styling they continue being great ambassadors of the Mitchell Sotka brand! Both life-long Clevelanders, these close friends joined the team almost as a package deal and Mitchell could not be prouder! Check out our ad, our website mitchellsotka.com or social media and be part of the experience!

Greenwald’s Antiques is brimming with wonderful items to accent any décor, like this midcentury modern “Triedri” Crystal Prism Chandelier by Venini Murano Glass. Photograph courtesy of Greenwald’s Antiques.

Currents

Ad reservation deadline is May 6

Call 440-247-5335 www.currentsneo.com April 15, 2021 CURRENTS B7

The Young Team supports Here for Heroes Program, started in 2020

By MAREN JAMES With the Here for Heroes program the realtors at The Young Team are taking money out of their pockets and putting it into the pockets of local heroes. The program is a 20 percent commission rebate toward closing costs for those who qualify, including medical caregivers, first responders, teachers and current military personnel.

Bobby Heller has been a realtor and a real estate consultant on The Young Team for more than two years.

“Here for Heroes began in 2020. Last year was a stressful year for everybody on the list – teachers, first responders, everybody,” Heller says. “That’s how this started. It’s definitely great to give back to these people, they work some tough jobs. This is what we can do as realtors to show gratitude to them.” Heller says he’s worked with five or six buyers over the past year who have qualified for the program.

Recent clients of Bobby’s are Harika and Sree, parents of two, both physicians, both practicing radiology, and both with very demanding schedules. “Our schedule varies every day based on the number of procedures, departmental and research meetings,” they explain. “A typical day at work starts at 7.30 am and lasts till five or six pm. It is usually so busy at work that we barely find any time to think about family, kids and the rest of the things outside work. It feels like every week passes in a snapshot. We try to spend at least an hour every evening after work playing with kids, and we realized that a spacious house is the key to spend quality time with them.”

Difficult schedules were even more challenging through the pandemic. “Though the pandemic has cre-

ated havoc in our lives, we have experienced immense job satisfaction being able to help the needful,” Harika says. Being frontline workers called for the couple to add personal sanitizing precautions both at work and at home, which started to take away from the very little free time

Trudy Fischer (Swiss, b. 1917), Abstraction, Oil on canvas, 40 x 38 inches. WOLFS GALLERY, wolfsgallery.com.

B8 CURRENTS April 15, 2021 www.currentsneo.com

they had with their children.

Harika and Sree realized that apartment living with two young children was just too tough. They decided to move into a large home with a yard. “Bobby really helped us figure out the pros and cons of the houses which in turn

helped us to prioritize our options for on-site visits,” Sree says. “In fact this helped us save valuable time. Bobby’s thoroughness, local expertise and his insight into price negotiations from a buyer’s perspective made the process much smoother.”

With any real estate transaction, in addition to the actual cost of the house or the mortgage loan comes closing costs. The realtors’ commission is a percentage of the sale price, split between the agent for the sellers and the agent for the buyers. With Here for Heroes, The Young Team member subtracts 20 percent of his personal commission and gives it back to his client, seller or buyer, to help them pay for some of the incurred fees.

“We are absolutely enjoying our new home,” Sree says.

“It was a little tricky to maintain the big outdoor space during winter, especially during snowstorms. But eventually we got used to it. We are eagerly looking forward to summer to enjoy the woods in the backyard.”

“Our favorite part of our new home is the sunroom and the backyard,” Harika adds. “The neighborhood is absolutely beautiful and feels safe.”

“I’m not concerned about losing money. It’s not about that one paycheck,” Heller says. “It’s the growth potential. It’s about helping these people save some money and doing my best.” He is confident someone who goes through the program will talk about it with co-workers, turning those heroes into clients as well. “It’s shortsighted to focus on the money ‘lost’ in the deal,” he adds.

“There’s money to be made by growing your business.

It’s a win-win for buyers and sellers and a win for us on the Young team.”

Alberts can create a stunning blanket from your legacy fur garment that can brighten up your home decor. Or you can share an inherited fur by transforming it into fur pillows for each member of your family. Visit albertfurs.com or call 440.600.2886.

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April 15, 2021 CURRENTS B9

Couples share thoughts about parenting as we prepare to celebrate Mother’s Day on May 9

By RITA KUEBER

Giovanna Cefaratti marries Vincent Bartram Giovanna Cefaratti and Vincent Bartram were married October 24, 2020 at St. Clare Church in a ceremony officiated by Father Jim Cosgrove and Father James Caddy.

A reception followed at Sapphire Creek Winery in Chagrin Falls, OH. The bride is the daughter of Carmen and Gia Cefaratti of Highland Heights, OH. She is a 2019 graduate of Lake Catholic High School and is employed at Hummingbird Home Care.

The bridegroom is the son of Gregory and DeAnn Bartram of Highland Heights, OH. He is a 2013 graduate of Saint Ignatius High School. He graduated in 2017 from the United States Military Academy at West Point and is a First Lieutenant in the United States Army.

Cayla Mercurio, friend of the bride, served as Maid of Honor. Bridesmaids were Reba Bartram, sister of the bridegroom; Giuliana Cefaratti, Marissa Carr, Lauren

Carr, and Ella Reale, cousins of the bride; and Carli McManus, Bella Piunno, Megan Bissell, Lexi Gisondo and Carly Distefano, friends of the bride. Flower girls were Justina Weber, cousin of the bride, Cecelia Cirino, Godchild of the bridegroom, Madelyn Cirino, cousin of the bridegroom, and Lia Parotta, friend of the bride.

Nick Bartram, brother of the bridegroom, served as Best Man. Groomsmen were Dominic and Sammy Cefaratti, brothers of the bride; Giancarlo Cefaratti, cousin of the bride; Danny DiCillo, Brock DiCillo, T.J. Benenati, and Tommy Benenati, cousins of the bridegroom; and Jake Voyles, Hunter Rhoades and Avery Littlejohn, friends of the bridegroom. Grady McHale, cousin of the bridegroom, served as Ring Bearer.

The couple looks forward to an upcoming trip to St. Lucia and is at home in Fort Benning, GA.

Consolo Coins For most people, determining the actual value of something can be tricky even when the item is money itself. David Consolo will remove any anxiety or concern about dealing with your own, or a loved one’s, coin collection…, whether a box or a trunk-full. David has 35 years’ experience buying, selling, and appraising coins and currency. David works by appointment only – across Northeast Ohio and beyond - in the security of customers’ homes where he is happy to examine private coin and currency collections. The condition and rarity of each piece affects its value, David explained, and he warns against cleaning coins without an expert consultation. He also cautions against trying to become an instant

expert or determining the ultimate value of your coins by merely doing an online search. David strives to make the process transparent and painless, and it all begins with a phone call. He can be reached at 440.248.2363 to discuss your collection, your situation, your concerns, and your options. Then, make an appointment for your appraisal or sale. When David does make a purchase, he offers payment on the spot. In addition to being a member of The American Numismatic Association,(ANA), and the Professional Coin Grading Service, (PCGS), David is also a lecturer on the topic in the community, and, a longtime Coin Collecting Merit Badge Counselor with the Boy Scouts of America

Actually, the idea of honoring mothers is really old.

Ancient Greeks and Romans held festivals honoring the goddess mothers. ‘Mothering Sunday’ in parts of Europe was marked by people returning to their “mother church” for a special service. The tradition mostly died away before WWII, merging instead with a more secular celebration, Mother’s Day. In 1914 President Woodrow Wilson formally established the second Sunday in May as a day to honor mothers at the urging of activist Anna Jarvis, and the idea spread.

Today many countries celebrate mothers in May, while others pick the spring equinox or International Women’s Day (March 8) as a day to pay tribute to moms.

In honor of this coming Mother’s Day, May 9, Currents had the honor of talking with two dedicated moms, one ‘retired’ and one still actively parenting.

Barbara Gray, 88, and her husband Rich lived in Shaker Heights for 52 years and raised five children. Originally from the New York area, she moved to Cleveland 60 years ago, when Rich got a job with Republic Steel, and subsequently became affiliated with Case Western Reserve University. Barb and Rich moved to Judson Manor in January, 2020 and spoke to Currents from there.

The Gray’s five children include Jeff, Kathy, Laura, David, and Jennifer. Neither Barb nor Rich were from a large family. “I have a sister and Rich has a brother and a sister,” Barb says. “We just liked having the diversity of boys and girls,” she says. All the children were born in a ten-year span. All went to Shaker schools.

Theirs was a traditional split of duties. Barb didn’t work outside the home but volunteered for the schools.

(Modestly, she does not mention she was the president of the Shaker Heights School Board for eight years.)

Rich, she recalls, worked long hours and was an involved parent seeing the kids when he got home.

Today Barb and Rich’s children are in their 50s and 60, two in the Cleveland area, one each in Chicago, New York and North Carolina. Their 11 grandchildren are mostly in their 30s. The youngest grandchild is 20.

They have no great-grandchildren. (Yet.) Barb remembers working to juggle everybody’s schedules and keeping up with every child’s schooling and their activities. “The kids walked to school, the library, to their friends’ houses. I think I did much less chauffeuring than what parents seem to do today.” She laughs and adds, “I think it’s probably gotten harder, organizing the schedules.”

When asked about tough or stressful times – a woman alone during the day raising five children – she’s philosophical. “I don’t recall verbalizing the issue,” she says. “I do recall taking a walk by myself to the library or working in the garden which was very satisfying. But I don’t think we analyzed our situation the way people do now.”

Her overall take was to give the children as much freedom as possible. “We were modestly strict but then we eased up gradually and let them schedule themselves. It was a learning curve, but we wanted to help each child succeed in their own way. Whatever we did they all turned out fine, all with different personalities. If there’s one commonality they all have a sense of humor and they are all readers, both good life skills,” she says.

Barb mentions how delighted she was to be able to see her children regularly over the past year despite the pandemic. “Judson was able to keep Covid out one hundred percent,” she says. “We wore masks but we were able to get together. The world moves on,” she adds, “but find a path to raise your children and most importantly let them be themselves.”

Mo (Maureen) and Jim Callam married in November, 1983. She was one of twelve, raised in South Euclid. He was one of seven, brought up in Highland Heights. They met in their early 20’s, as chef and hostess at the original Winking Lizard in Bedford Heights. “We worked together at the ‘Lizard’” Mo recalls. “We married and this was our honeymoon: We asked the partners to sell us the kitchen for one thousand dollars. My father took an advance on his Visa, and we slowly bought the original four partners.” Today Mo and Jim have nearly 20 Winking Lizards in Ohio, as well as Lizardville, an upscale establishment showcasing beer and whiskey.

Along the way the couple had Jennifer, PJ, and Danny, now in their 30s, and then Matthew, who is 22. And just as Mo and Jim were facing an empty nest, they got into adoption, in a big way.

“I always wanted a large family,” Mo says. “My last baby was born when I was 39, and I knew it wasn’t going to keep happening.” Adoption appealed to the couple because they clearly saw the needs the kids had.

“It kind of became my passion,” she adds. “Jim and I both love kids. We just felt responsible. I remember thinking ‘If I could just do something for these kids,’ and it was clear there were a lot of reasons to keep going as a parent.”

The couple adopted Nina and Cole, brother and sister from Russia, now 22 and 21, plus Jo from China eight years ago, Jessica from Guatemala 14 years ago, and Pae, also from China, 12 years ago. This means that Jim and Mo, now in their early 60s, are have three 16 years old girls, and two 20-somethings at home. Jim continues to helm all of the Winking Lizards and Mo babysits several grandchildren while assisting her son Danny with his fledgling craft furniture business.

Through it all Mo says she had a terrific co-parent.

“Jim is a very hands-on father and extremely involved with the kids even though he’s running a business,” she says. She describes family get-togethers that approach a gathering of nearly 100 people since all her kids live in town, as well as her and Jim’s siblings too.

“We all take turns at holidays, but my day is Christmas. The last time we got together (pre-pandemic) it was my siblings, their spouses and kids and we had 82 people. Last year it was just us, the kids and their kids and that was 16. Jim still does all the cooking.”

Aren’t things a little cray-cray parenting-wise? “Well, it’s a cliché, but enjoy it,” Mo says. “It goes so fast.

Don’t be in a hurry, just enjoy every minute of it.” Even during a chaos moment? “Actually, that just happened the other day,” she says calmly. “I had two grandkids spilling things, dogs running, phone going off – but you enjoy it even then. You’re going to miss even all of that.

“One day at a time,” she adds. “Sometimes you’re pulled in eighteen directions and you have to sway a little bit into each one of them, but I love it. I wouldn’t have it any other way.”

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3 bed, 2.1 bath. Recently updated free standing Cluster home in Villas of Pepper Pike! New (2020) Bellawood Maple floor and new carpet throughout! Freshly painted interior (2020). Formal Dining Room with detailed trim.

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3 bed, 2.2 bath. One of a kind, exceptionally appointed home on picturesque 1.5 acre setting! Eat-in Kitchen w/Wolf four burner gas range, commercial grade range hood, Limestone counters, backsplash, hardwood flooring! Marble & slate foyer leads to formal Living & Dining Rooms w/gleaming hardwood floors! Family Rm w/hdwd floors, fireplace, built ins, vaulted ceiling, panoramic views! Master suite w/Marble bath, oversized walk in shower! Two more bedrooms up, renovated main bath. Garage entry opens into spacious Util/ mud room w/Custom cabinetry and counters. LL Family Rm & office! Landscaped yard w/stone terrace w/Finelli iron rails!

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5 bed, 5.3 baths. Classic Brick Georgian on prime location. Marble foyer flanked by a living room, library w/ built ins! Family room w/marble fireplace, walnut paneling, wet bar, more! Dining room w/marble floor. Chef’s kitchen w/granite counters, stainless steel appls, breakfast room.

2nd floor MBR Suite w/dressing area that includes walkin closet, master bath w/walk-in shower, soaking tub. 4 additional beds, 3 full baths up. Fin. LL offers additional living suite, exercise room, media room. 3 car garage!

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April 15, 2021 www.currentsneo.com

5 bed, 2.1 bath. Updated split level in the heart of Orangewood! Vaulted and beamed Living room and Dining room! Eat-in kitchen w/granite counters, ceramic tile floor. Step down to oversized family room w/tile hearthed fireplace and sliders to the paver patio and wooded back yard! Bedroom/office on first. 2nd floor offers spacious Master suite w/en-suite bath w/soaking tub, stall shower. 3 additional bedrooms and hall bath upstairs. Finished LL w/rec room and exercise area.

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4 bed, 4.1 bath. Beautiful colonial home in Hudson’s River Oaks. The Living room features stone fireplace and spindle staircase leading up to the loft allowing for ample recreational space. Top of the line eat in kitchen. Second story features owners suite with a recessed ceiling and bay window, full bath and shower along with a generous walk in closet. Three additional rooms on second, one with an en-suite bathroom that also opens to the hallway, and laundry. The basement is fully finished.

7 bed, 2.2 bath. Beautiful lakefront Tudor located in Bratenahl with views of Lake Erie from every room. Foyer with marble leads to living room with built ins. Updated gourmet kitchen with Amish built cabinetry, granite, SS appliances. 2nd floor master with remodeled en suite bath. Sitting room off master has a porch with amazing views of the yard and lake. 3 additional bedrooms on second. 3rd floor studio offers additional living space.

Tiered deck leads to beachfront.

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4 bed, 5.1 bath. Stunning presentation on almost 13 acres in Solon! Custom built all brick Colonial w/incredible detail!

2 story foyer w/Italian marble tile, Austrian crystal chandelier leads to formal living & dining rooms. Great room w/fireplace, skylights, wetbar, spiral staircase. Expansive island Kitchen w/granite, walk-in pantry, newer SS appliances. Morning room leads to wrap around terrace. Office w/built-ins on first.

2nd floor Master Suite w/Master Bath w/jetted tub, dressing room. Finished lower level complete w/workout area, theatre/ media room, bar, full bath. Room to build outbuildings or keep as your own nature preserve.

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CCAPRIL21

President of Ohio Realtors®

HUDSON J SO US LD T

Seth Task

on Becoming the Current

LI NE ST W IN G

Congratulates

J SO US LD T

BRATENAHL

BHHS Professional Realty