Harshaw Chemical Co. Was a Key Piece of the Historic Manhattan Project
RETURN TO LUNCH
Can Companies Recalling Their Workers Increase Downtown Daytime Foot Traffic?
AT FOREST GLEN
ON THE COVER
42 BEST OF CLE Get to know the standout people, places and things of Northeast Ohio in our annual package that includes both editor and reader favorites. Edited by Julia Lombardo
Illustrated by Jean-Michel Perchet
FEATURED
58 ATOMIC CITY A Cleveland factory played a major role in uranium processing for the development of the atomic bomb. Decades later, its site is still being cleaned of radioactive chemicals as a city reckons with its legacy. By Annie Nickoloff
MUNI MARRIAGE Two Browns fanatics tied the knot at their favorite tailgating spot.
MAYOR'S RACE Get to know Cleveland's mayoral candidates ahead of the November election. 16 DAM DELETION Cuyahoga Falls' Gorge Dam comes down after decades of advocacy.
FOOD & DRINK
APPLE EVOLUTION One organization is on the quest to develop the next great Midwest apple.
ROLL WITH IT The best sushi restaurants in Northeast Ohio.
HOME
& GARDEN 147 COLOR-FULL Jewel tones and earthy naturals make a perfect palette in this reimagined home.
LOOK BACK Clevelanders found impressive ways to support U.S. wartime efforts during World War II.
Denise Polverine publisher Dillon Stewart editor
managing editor Ron Ledgard
senior editor Annie Nickoloff
associate editor Julia Lombardo
editorial assistants Christina Rufo, Jaden Stambolia
contributing writers Danny Cunningham, Annie Gleydura, Vince Guerrieri, Kristen Hampshire, Kate Bigam Kaput, Lainey Novak, Lynne Thompson, Maura Zurick
editorial interns Lauren Bischof, Katrina Carlson, Jalen Hobson, Ava Jelepis
art director Erin Stinard
associate art director Abigail Archer
contributing artists Jeani Brechbill,Matthew Chasney, Mark Harris, Eleni Pamboukis, Jean-Michel Perchet, Heather Linn Young, Chiara Vercesi, Kaitlin Walsh editorial@clevelandmagazine.com
advertising vice president Paul Klein senior account managers Sarah Desmond, Tiffany Myroniak
account managers Julie Bialowas, Jessica Thomas event manager Jennifer Roberts
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Catch Me Offline
The first thing you’ll notice won’t be the products, food or music.
No, the first thing that will catch your attention when you walk into the Best of Cleveland party at the Great Lakes Science Center on Oct. 9 will be the people, our readers and the artists, chefs and business owners who are featured in this year’s Best of Cleveland issue on page 42. After all, people make the best products, the best businesses, the best magazines, the best cities and, of course, the best parties.
It’s something that’s easy to forget, especially as we spend so many hours behind a phone or computer screen. The idea that “we’re more divided than ever” is now commonplace. Most of that division, though, happens online. Walk around outside, and it feels like a different world.
There’s a name for this, which was coined all the way back (at least in internet years) in 2004 by psychologist John Suller. The Online Disinhibition Effect, as he calls it, refers to the lack of restraint many, if not most, of us feel when on the internet. Six factors contribute to its effects: anonymity; invisibility; asynchronicity, or the feeling that actions are not occurring in real time; solipsistic introjection, assuming one’s intent despite lacking the full picture of the being, tone or body language; dissociative imagination, or the feeling that the internet and its users are not real; and the lack of an authority figure.
Sometimes these effects are positive, allowing us to be more open and honest. Other times, it leads to online abuse and aggressive behavior, aka trolling.
In the media, we’re often on the receiving end of this behavior. Our stories get criticized (sometimes without even being read), as do our appearances when we go on camera. Local business owners sometimes face the same nastiness in Google reviews and social media comments. Yet, I almost always reply to emails I get from critical readers, and I’ve found even a simple exchange, despite still being an online conversation, often softens their position and helps us find common ground. Disputes between business owners and displeased customers can typically be resolved with an in-person conversation.
“To some extent, people are still figuring out what is appropriate and acceptable on the internet,” Garry Crawford, professor of sociology at the University of Salford, told Wired in a 2013 interview about the Online Disinhibition Effect. “However, in doing so, people draw on and adapt existing and related frames of reference and patterns of behavior. For example, it has always been easier to be bold or blunt in a letter than it is in faceto-face communication.”
This annual issue is a guide to how to spend your time and money. It’s designed to introduce you to new things, to celebrate the year that was and to shine light on our hidden gems. But the thing I love most about this issue is the way it offers a glimpse into the motivation and humanity behind the local products we consume.
Behind each highlighted item, or dish, or artwork is a person living out their dream. You can feel it in every stitch, taste it in every bite and hear it in every note. To tell these stories is to better define the fabric of our city. It’s to celebrate all the reasons why Cleveland is the best.
Dillon Stewart, editor
Cleveland’s Royal Couple
After Cleveland Heights native Travis Kelce’s engagement to Taylor Swift in August, our readers are still chirping over the lovebirds.
Julie Evelina on Facebook T n T, They’re dynamite.
@krystal012410 I love this ❤ crying happy tears for them!
@catmamaclaire ��
@rachmadeyou Will this boost foot traffic in downtown Cleveland tho?
Christina Torchia on Facebook I hope they mention this engagement in every single NFL game so I can watch people have a meltdown. ��
Others proposed picture-perfect local venues for their big day, like The Club at Hillbrook (Chagrin Falls), Happy Days Lodge (Peninsula) and Stan Hywet Hall & Gardens (Akron).
Where would you want to see the happy couple get married in the CLE? Let us know at conversation@clevelandmagazine.com.
KILLING OUR VIBE
The invasive species has spawned all across Downtown Cleveland and neighboring counties, and they’ll likely stick around through the fall. While stomping and smushing are the standard protocols, our readers commented on some other ways to get rid of the pesky bug.
Paul MrCleveland Warren on Facebook Keep and/or plant milkweeds. Lanternflies love milkweed... but it’ll kill them. Also, plant some flowers or encourage Cardinals to your yard, Cardinals love eating Lanternflies.
Christian Cisneros on Facebook A mix of white vinegar, dish soap and salt kills them on contact. Put some in a spray bottle and spray them down on sight.
@rookmodern Our goldfish love them, we catch them and just drop in tank. Probably caught at least a 1,000 this year. No need to buy fish food
Another unlikely hero? Dogs. Learn how the Cleveland Metroparks prevents spotted lanternflies with the help of furry friends like Argent, the German shepherd, and Bronco, the Cardigan Welsh corgi. clevelandmagazine.com/lanternfly-dog-team
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Local personalities and trending topics
LOVE OF THE GAME
Cleveland football forged the love between newlyweds DeSiree “First Lady” Wheeler and Charles “Brown Spider” Bevel Jr. But first, fandom helped them find themselves.
CONTINUED ON PAGE 10
The Falls To Flow Again
The wedding between DeSiree Wheeler and Charles Bevel Jr. brought together friends, family and fans.
This was not a schtick for clicks, says DeSiree Wheeler.
On Sept. 7, hours before the Cleveland Browns kicked off the 2025 season against the Cincinnati Bengals, Wheeler stood on an altar just south of the entry to the Muni Lot. The 50-year-old Browns superfan, who goes by “First Lady” on the social media platform X, wore a white sundress, a veil attached to a Browns hat and her signature Chuck Taylors painted with a helmet. Across from her, Charles Bevel Jr., a 57-year-old die-hard known as “Brown Spider,” donned white pants, a vest embroidered with a spider and his iconic Spiderman sunglasses. Under the shadow of a rented RV, Brown Spider and First Lady vowed their lives to each other.
The Muni Lot qualifies as a church when Browns football is your religion.
Life imitates art and also football. The New England Patriots and Kansas City Chiefs proved dynasties are built on bend-don’t-break persistence, evidence that big wins don’t come easy. For Browns fans, the inevitable rise to glory that never quite arrives is the carrot that keeps them running: joy and honor, leadership and teamwork, strength and sacrifice, heartbreak and loss, hope and yearning.
Bevel and Wheeler knew heartbreak before finding each other. Bevel was going through a divorce in 2019 when, with his children off to college, he began traveling to away games alone.
“I realized that I didn’t know who I was,” he says. “I actually went through the process of trying to find myself.”
A psychiatric nurse, he’d long worn Spiderman shirts to disarm patients. That fall, he donned a full brown-and-orange suit so co-workers could spot him in the crowd. They never did, but a tradition was born. He became a fixture at tailgates and a presence in online fan circles.
Wheeler’s journey paralleled his. A Columbus native working in leadership consulting, she became a fan when she married a Sandusky man at 19. “I got rid of him but kept the team,” she jokes. After losing her mother in 2018, Wheeler leaned into travel and community. Between 2018 and 2022, she attended more than 15 games, her look anchored by orange hats and Chuck Taylors.
For years the two were like brown-and-orange RVs passing on the highway. They tailgated in the same lots in Miami, Indianapolis and Kansas City without realizing it. A selfie in Cleveland broke the ice. Later, Bevel offered Wheeler and friends a ride to a club in Kansas City, and what began as mild annoyance turned into something more.
Unsurprisingly, football became their bond. They predict records at the kitchen table, wake up to ESPN, fall asleep to Quincy Carrier’s Worst Take podcast and treat the NFL schedule release as a holiday. But Wheeler insists the fandom goes deeper. The ups and downs of the Browns inspire conversations about leadership, family and even how their grandchildren should handle relationships.
“It really always gives us something to connect on and something to come back to together,” she says.
On their wedding morning, rain poured. About 100 VIPs dried chairs while hundreds of tailgaters gathered. At 10 a.m., the sun broke through as Wheeler walked onstage with a brown-and-white bouquet. “I do, I do, let’s f—ing go!” Bevel shouted, making his vows as the Dawg Pound community barked along.
Hans Schneider, aka “Browns Batman,” officiated, and beloved ’80s Browns wide receiver Webster Slaughter shared a speech and a prayer.
“Victory is precious when you know what it took to get there,” he told them. “Marriage is the same.”
The couple plans to keep traveling, with a honeymoon in London for the Oct. 5 game against the Vikings. Even after a crushing 17-16 opening-day loss, Wheeler remained upbeat. “I am always optimistic,” she says. After all, that’s what being a Browns fan is all about.
BY DILLON STEWART / PHOTOS BY MATTHEW CHASNEY
GETTING OUT
OCT. 18-19, OCT. 25-26
The Final Boo at I-X Center
Ending a 31-year tradition, the I-X Trick or Treat Street returns one final time Oct. 18-19 and Oct. 25-26. Enjoy not-sospooky houses, games and rides designed for kids 10 and under. $16-$18, 1 I-X Center Drive, Cleveland, ixtrickortreatstreet.com
OCT. 5
Woollybear Festival
Conceived by the late Dick Goddard, Vermilion’s Woollybear Festival is as much about honoring the legendary Cleveland meteorologist as it is about celebrating the fuzzy caterpillar and the transition into fall. The free event swarms with fun, including a caterpillar race, costume contests and music. Downtown Vermilion, vermilion ohio.com
OCT. 7-12
Chagrin
Documentary Film Festival
Dedicated to the late David Ponce of Fevered Dreams Productions, the Chagrin Documentary Film Fest highlights the journalistic side of filmmaking. Screening in venues across the historic downtown, films such as The Heart of Rock and Roll, which celebrate parts of Cleveland’s culture, and They Call Me the Tattoo Witch, shorts illustrating different ways of life, offer a wide range of films for everyone to enjoy. $15 per showing, Chagrin Falls, chagrinfilmfest.org
OCT. 11
Spooky Pooch Parade
It’s impossible not to wag your tail for LakewoodAlive’s annual Halloween event. Dogs dressed as princesses, villains, bumble bees and more and parading around Madison Park can even make cat people smirk. Costume-averse pups salivate when they see what’s at stake during the costume contest ($15-$20), which awards food and other goodies to winners in categories like best pooch and child, spookiest pooch, and best in show. Pumpkin painting entertains the kids. Proceeds even help lower income residents make improvements to their homes. “Building community is the point of the event,” says marketing coordinator Ava Olic. With tutus, silly hats and strangers at the door, Halloween isn’t a dog’s best friend, but hey, thanks to the Spooky Pooch Parade, it’s better than Fourth of July, right? 12:30 p.m., 12815 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, lakewoodalive.org
OCT. 26
Milwaukee Bucks vs. Cleveland Cavaliers at Rocket Arena
Following away games with the New York Knicks and Brooklyn Nets, the Cavs welcome Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Bucks to Cleveland for their home opener. Donovan Mitchell’s squad hopes to mimic last year’s record-breaking start and carry that momentum deeper into the playoffs. Tip off is at 6 p.m. $62-$1,302, 1 Center Court, Cleveland, nba.com/cavaliers
Future of Cleveland
Mayoral candidates Justin Bibb and Laverne Jones Gore discuss crime, housing and what comes next for the city.
CLEVELAND VOTERS head to the polls on Nov. 4 to decide who will lead the city into its next chapter. The race features two candidates with distinct perspectives: incumbent Mayor Justin Bibb, who seeks a second term after a tenure marked by ambitious investment and reform, and Laverne Jones Gore, a community leader and activist with a platform rooted in conservative values and neighborhood renewal.
Bibb has made strides through bold, data-driven efforts to reshape the city. A native of the Mt. Pleasant neighborhood, Bibb’s career has spanned both public service and the private sector, with roles in Barack Obama’s Senate office, Cuyahoga County government, Gallup, KeyBank and the urban innovation firm Urbanova. Jones Gore, who grew up in Cleveland’s Hough neighborhood as the youngest of nine children, built her career on education, community service and advocacy. She has long maintained a home in Cleveland and has deep ties to the city. She has worked as a radio host, led nonprofit organizations, coordinated food and clothing drives and mentored young women through the Sarah J. Harper Leadership Institute. Both candidates participated in interviews with Cleveland Magazine, providing voters with a deeper look at their stories, priorities and competing visions for Cleveland’s future.
The questions and answers were edited for brevity and space limitations. The full transcript of the interviews is on clevelandmagazine.com.
Mayor Justin Bibb Laverne Jones Gore
ONE OF OUR MAJOR issues in the city of Cleveland continues to be affordability. Too many people are paid too little to afford the basics: a decent home, groceries, the bills and medical care — let alone have a little left over to enjoy all the great things our city has to offer. Although Cleveland is considered one of the more affordable cities in the country, we also have a median income well below the nation’s — $56,000 compared to $75,000.
WE’VE TAKEN AN all-of-the-above approach to building stronger, safer communities, and it’s working. We’ve cut Cleveland’s homicide rate nearly in half since I took office. Compared to last year, homicides are down by 29%, rapes by 18%, robberies by 22% and aggravated assaults by 15%. As we grapple with fewer resources from the state and federal government, local governments must collaborate so we can continue to serve our communities.
WE NEED MORE housing options. Working with Cleveland City Council, we have invested more than $100 million from the American Rescue Plan Act into housing — everything from apartments to new affordable homes to supportive housing. But we know those investments take time, and therefore, I’m so proud of the Home for Every Neighbor Program. There were times during my childhood when we were struggling and weren’t sure we could make the rent.
I’VE SECURED $150 million to transform Cleveland’s lakefront into a regional asset. Our plan creates new accessible public green spaces along the lake for everyone to enjoy. We’ve also asked developers for proposals for mixed-use development in 50 acres of lakefront real estate. And we will ensure people in Cleveland and beyond can enjoy all our new lakefront has to offer with a centralized multimodal hub that links rail, bus, bike, pedestrian and freight systems.
I’VE MADE MY STANCE on the Browns clear: They belong in Cleveland on the lake. However, my priority is delivering a world-class lakefront for the residents of Cleveland, and I am committed to that goal with or without the Browns. The City is working with our nonprofit partner, North Coast Waterfront Development Corp., to identify development partners that will work with us over the next years and decades to deliver a vibrant, connected lakefront.
What’s the most urgent challenge facing Cleveland right now, and what’s one action you would take in your first 100 days?
How would you address public safety and police-community relations, particularly in light of recent initiatives? How would you improve public safety across the city?
How do you plan to tackle housing affordability and homelessness, and what changes (if any) would you make to the current effort?
Cleveland’s lakefront is often described as a missed opportunity. How would you create a more accessible and vibrant waterfront that serves city residents and suburban visitors?
Do you plan on continuing to try to get the Browns to stay where they are? If they move to the suburbs, what is the vision for the site?
UNTIL YOU SEE what’s happening there, the first 100 days is a search engine. But the biggest thing that’s going on here in Cleveland and in neighborhoods across the city is crime. I know that the mayor has said it has been reduced by 50%. If it’s been reduced by 50% then we must have been a war zone, because this is really bad now. The city is getting out of control. So I think the biggest thing in the first 100 days is we’ve got to get the crime under control.
I KNOW WE’VE got pretty lofty plans that come up in every magazine and every newspaper about what we’re doing and how we’re doing it, and how exciting it is. But the reality of the situation is, we have abandoned houses, we have all kinds of things going on in our neighborhoods. But we have to start paying attention to our neighborhoods. One of the reasons we can’t bring people here into Cleveland is that we have a 66% illiteracy rate.
THE FUTURE is important, but let’s deal with what’s happening right now. And right now, it’s crime, affordable housing, and we have an uneducated population. There are things that need to be focused on. And sometimes noticing those things comes with maturity, comes with the maturity of owning a home. It comes with the maturity of raising children. Being a parent is not easy, and especially when you have a poverty situation like we have in Cleveland.
THERE ARE ONLY 10 freshwater lakes in the world, right? Ten, and guess what? We’ve got one of them, Lake Erie, right here. That lakefront down there is such a missed opportunity. We have to develop that. We border international waters. There should be all kinds of things happening here. There should be trade happening here. There should be lakefront development. But you can’t do that if all you’re thinking about is green space.
THIS IS JUST WHAT I can sense, because they didn’t invite me to be at the meetings. We could have negotiated differently to keep them in the beginning. The NFL owners came, the senators came, the congressmen came ... everyone got involved. I think it was a pissing contest. But that’s immaturity. We need to talk about how the region ... maintain(s) itself if the Browns move to Brook Park. All you’ve done is stall and cost people more money. We have to move forward.
Dam Down
Backed by federal funding and years of advocacy, the Gorge Dam removal marks a turning point for Cuyahoga Falls by restoring the river and redefining the city’s future.
Along the edges of the dam pool at Gorge Metro Park, excavators and cranes hum with activity. Black tubing floats atop the water to pump sediment through a temporary pipeline. While direct access is restricted, glimpses of construction unfold through breaks in the dense greenery as a long-altered river is slowly being reclaimed.
Trails that lead to the dam, like Highbridge and the T-dock, have been closed since early July to protect the public as heavy machinery and pipeline construction take over the area.
After more than a decade of planning and discussion, the Gorge Dam is finally coming down. The project is well underway, starting with the massive task of clearing decades’ worth of sediment that
accumulated behind the dam.
The Gorge Dam was built in 1911 to generate electricity for local transportation, but inconsistent water flow made power production unreliable. By 1958, it ceased hydroelectric operations and has remained inactive for more than 65 years. Reinforced with concrete over time, the dam shifted from an industrial asset to an environmental obstacle affecting the river’s health, blocking natural flow and trapping polluted sediment in a stagnant pool.
Cuyahoga Falls will finally see its namesake come to life as the Gorge Dam removal unveils the city’s iconic river.
“If you take the time to learn and research how rivers are supposed to be, they’re not supposed to have dams. Dams are very unhealthy.” — Mayor Don Walters
The dam has remained in place for decades due to high removal costs and disputes over ownership between FirstEnergy and local governments.
Mayor Don Walters, a lifelong Cuyahoga Falls resident, has long viewed the Gorge Dam removal as essential to restoring the river’s natural health and the city’s identity. During his 12 years in office, he has collaborated with engineers, environmental agencies and community groups to turn that vision into reality.
“I would say that the majority of the public is not that informed on river health,” Walters says. “But if you take the time to learn and research how rivers are supposed to be,
they’re not supposed to have dams. Dams are very unhealthy.”
City leaders and environmental groups hope to breathe new life into the river, unlocking its potential for recreation. The project will also uncover the city’s namesake falls, hidden for more than a century, as part of a broader effort to return the river to its natural state.
“No one alive has ever seen what our city was named after, and so it’ll finally be exposed,” Walters says. “We’re very grateful. It’s taken 114 years, and it’s finally happening.”
The dam removal is a multi-phase, complex project expected to be finished by 2030, with sediment cleanup slated for completion by fall 2027. Sediment is currently being pumped to a landfill in Cascade Valley, though progress is weather-dependent and will pause during winter. Once the sediment is cleared, the dam will be dismantled gradually, just one foot per week, to minimize disruption to aquatic life and the surrounding habitat.
Funding behind the Gorge Dam removal project has largely been
secured through federal support, with the city contributing only a small portion. Initially estimated at around $50 million, the project’s cost has since ballooned to more than $150 million. Despite this dramatic increase, local communities avoided taking on the
A years-long, complex project starts with sediment removal at the
bulk of the financial burden thanks to a significant funding commitment, nearly 65%, from the federal EPA.
Mayor Don Walters emphasizes that the city simply couldn’t have shouldered a project of this scale on its own.
City council president Russell Balthis has been involved with the Gorge Dam project for more than a decade, dating to his time as the city’s law director in 2014.
As the project transitions into the active removal phase, Balthis believes the city will play a crucial role in keeping residents informed. He sees council and city leadership as an important source of clear, timely communication, especially when the work leads to unexpected disruptions or concerns.
Beyond ecological gains, the dam’s removal is expected to be a catalyst for tourism, with two miles of rare whitewater poised to attract kayakers and outdoor enthusiasts.
“We want travel and tourism, and we have this natural resource. It’s going to be a game changer for economic development, for river recreation and just the appreciation of how it’s supposed to be,” Walters says.
Thursdays - Sundays October 2 - 26
5 - 9 p.m.
Gorge Dam.
Two apples were placed on a table at a Midwest Apple Improvement Association board meeting in January of 2009. One, a GoldRush, looked like a mummy, Bill Dodd remembers — brown, rotten, bad.
The other looked like a typical apple, red and crisp. Its name: EverCrisp.
Both of the apples were picked at the end of October in Indiana, explained their grower, David Doud. He told the fellow board members that he had stored them on his kitchen counter, unrefrigerated, for three months. EverCrisp immediately won over the room.
“Everybody at the table said, ‘How soon can I get some trees?’” Dodd remembers. “That was the moment.”
EverCrisp, a cross between Honeycrisp and Fuji, is the star of MAIA, the apple breeding organization that started in the late 1990s in Ohio. Trees have been patented, commercialized and sold to both local and global growers.
MAIA trees started with Midwest intents, but today, they can be found as far away as Chile, Italy, New Zealand, Australia and South Africa.
Dodd, the president of MAIA, regularly welcomes some of those international growers to his Dodd’s Hillcrest Orchards in Henrietta, Ohio, where they can taste the carefully bred apples, fresh from the tree. The fruit grow in tight, high-density rows of small trees protected by netting. There, you’ll find EverCrisp, plus other MAIA cultivars like LudaCrisp, Sweet Maia, Rosalee, Sweet Zinger and the new Red Zeppelin. They grow alongside old favorites like Gala, McIntosh and Honeycrisp.
Each new discovery arrived through careful breeding programs, with growers hand-pollinating different apple types to achieve the best characteristics: color, crispness, ripening time. Dodd hosts plenty of test plantings in his orchard.
“Ninety-nine percent of them are crap. They’re terrible. They’re god-awful,” Dodd says. “It’s a numbers game. So the more crosses and the more seeds you plant, the more chances that you have planted something spectacular.”
MAIA evaluations determine which apples might have promise. Dodd calls them “elites.”
Not every attempt to make a new type of apple comes to fruition, but when he hits it, Bill Dodd says it is “spectacular.”
Creating new types of apples is not always about taste. MAIA responds to weather events to grow different trees.
“Those are things that are interesting,” Dodd says. “As soon as we recognize something as elite, we start building up the budwood supply, in case we’re gonna launch it.”
MAIA has, by 2025, launched 10 official apple cultivars. The organization continues to experiment, and more are sure to arrive, appealing to evolving tastes.
Meanwhile, Dodd works to keep up with the growing interest in local pick-your-own apples every fall.
On a tour through the orchards’ grounds, Dodd points out the children’s playgrounds, corn pits, concessions stands, tricycle rides and apple cannons available for visitors to enjoy while picking apples every fall. There’s a corn maze with a different theme each year. (This year, it’s in the shape of the Goodyear blimp, in honor of its 100th birthday.) There’s even an idyllic wedding venue, with a grassy aisle surrounded by rows of apple trees and a nearby barn reception hall, which came about after Dodd’s daughter’s wedding in the orchard a decade ago.
Dodd’s Hillcrest Orchards, for its first century, operated as a wholesale apple business that sold to major stores like Walmart and Kroger. That changed in the late ’90s when a hailstorm destroyed the crop and pushed the
business to instead shift into a pick-your-own business model.
Today, there are plenty of apples. Dodd estimates that he grows about 10,000 bushels per season, give or take, well over one million apples every year.
That’s because after the hailstorm’s damage, Dodd modernized growing practices to emphasize density, growing 1,250 trees per acre (formerly, 150 trees per acre).
Dodd, who took over the orchard business in 1985 at 26 years old, hopes for his children and grandchildren to continue for many more generations. His son’s family lives nearby, and his daughter’s family lives in the old farmhouse next door to the orchards — the same home that he, his father and his grandfather were raised in. They’re already active and involved in the family business.
Similarly, generations of new apples grow at Hillcrest, as MAIA pushes to find healthier, more interesting fruit.
While touring the orchard, Dodd heads down an unmarked, unnamed row, arriving at a specific MAIA experiment. He plucks an unassuming red fruit from a branch and hands it to me, waiting expectantly with a mischievous smile.
I take a bite and pucker. It’s punchy and sour. I look at him, confused, until he motions down at the apple in my hand. In the bite, I see a reddish-pink flesh, continuing all the way through the apple. An anomaly, Dodd says. Something special.
It could be the next big thing, Dodd explains, if he can figure out how to make it a little sweeter. It’ll take a few more generations to figure it out.
FOUR TO TRY
EVERCRISP
This sweet, crispy apple ripens in mid-October and has a long storability. It’s a cross between Honeycrisp and Fuji, and it’s MAIA’s first major success in breeding.
SWEET MAIA
A cross between Honeycrisp and Winecrisp, this bright red apple ripens in late summer and offers a crunchy, sweet bite with a delicious flavor.
LUDACRISP
Tropical and fruity flavors are abundant in the juicy Ludacrisp, which ripens in late fall. It was first developed from an open-pollinated Sweet 16.
RED ZEPPELIN
An open-pollinated Honeycrisp in MAIA led breeders to find the Red Zeppelin, a crisp, storable apple with firm, deep red skin, perfect to bite into now or later.
Foot Traffic Famine
Downtown restaurateurs like Rocco Whalen of Fahrenheit are hungry for a full-time workforce to reignite Downtown daytime dining.
IF FOOT TRAFFIC IS the lifeblood of a thriving city center, 2020’s workfrom-home movement bled the streets of Downtown Cleveland dry. But in July, Sherwin-Williams announced employees will be required to return to work in the office five days a week in 2026.
Michael Deemer sees it as a solution to that missing component of a vibrant downtown. The president and CEO of Downtown Cleveland Inc. says visitor foot traffic is concentrated on nights and weekends. Residential traffic is more dispersed throughout the week. Officegenerated foot traffic gives the daytime a much-needed surge.
“That’s how a healthy downtown operates,” says Deemer. “That daytime foot traffic is so important to supporting small businesses.”
The move by Sherwin-Williams coincides with the completion of its new headquarters, which includes a 36-story office tower, parking garage and pavilion. The company estimates that the move-in of more than 3,100 employees will start in the last quarter of the year. Many employees aren’t excited, but restaurateur Rocco Whalen can’t wait.
Whalen, the famed local chef, opened Fahrenheit two years ago in 55 Public Square. The space underwent an $80 million renovation to become a mixed-use project featuring his two-story restaurant
(including rooftop seating), retail and 190 apartments. The new Fahrenheit — the restaurant was in Tremont for two decades — is in a historic spot, formerly home to John Q’s Steakhouse. Whalen appreciates the history, but the attraction of the location was its proximity to Downtown skyscrapers, including the new Sherwin-Williams HQ.
“It’s the global headquarters for a Fortune 500 company,” Whalen says. “And I want to be their cafeteria.”
Whalen says he started offering lunch when the restaurant opened in 2023, with the idea that Sherwin-Williams HQ would open soon. He’s hoping the back-to-the-office mandate encourages others to do the same. Robert Dorr, director of sales, marketing and events for the Hyatt in the Arcade, says the hotel, which offers breakfast and dinner, is considering the return of a lunch menu, too.
“Lunch is coming on like a herd of turtles,” Whalen says. “Twenty years ago, Downtown got a heavy lunch crowd and then go right into a good happy hour and dinner crowd.”
The market has changed, says Jason Beudert, CEO of Hangry Brands, which operates Geraci’s Slice Shop, Lionheart Coffee, Jolene’s Honky Tonk and the Society Lounge Downtown. There’s less demand for power lunches but more for fast-casual type places. “There’s definitely a lunch demand here,” he says.
Even before COVID, Downtown was seeing residential spaces overtake offices. The work-from-home movement accelerated that. A CBRE study last year said that Downtown Cleveland led the country in office conversions to residential space, with more than 3.5 million square feet since 2016.
“There is no doubt that the slowdown in office traffic has impacted small businesses, restaurants in particular,” Deemer says. “There’s an economic impact to bringing workers back Downtown. Sherwin-Williams’ move sends an important signal to the market. It really is a pole-setter.”
Beudert says he’s still waiting for the renovations to finish at Progressive Field, anticipating hundreds of Guardians employees back to work in the office complex that’s part of the ballpark. Whalen notes a general livability Downtown, with amenities on Public Square, including a new light show and regular concerts, in addition to ballgames, concerts and other events that bring people Downtown — or bring out the people who already live Downtown.
“In the past two years, there’s been a vibrancy Downtown that I’ve never seen,” Whalen says. “And I think it’s going to only get better.”
Eddie Tancredi
Owner, ETalian
Northeast Ohio’s top chefs share their local favorites.
The Solon native started as a teen at the original Dave’s Cosmic Subs in University Heights. Culinary school and an apprenticeship at West Virginia’s The Greenbrier Resort led to international cooking competitions and resort work. After the pandemic and the closure of Distill Table, which our readers voted Best New Restaurant in 2019, he opened ETalian in Chagrin Falls, a pizza concept shaped by his diverse experience. — CHRISTINA RUFO
RECENT FAVE: I had the duck confit ($34) with a celery root hash and pistachio pesto from Heritage Steak and Whiskey in Woodmere. I really liked that because I love the process of duck confit. They executed it perfectly, and the dish was incredibly flavorful.
SPECIAL LOCATION: I would say my favorite spot in Chagrin Falls is Dave’s Cosmic Subs, just because there’s a lot of history there for me. A lot of stuff happened in that little building. I like to get the Italian (The Original, $9.99) and the meatball ($10.99) sub; one of each. Being in Chagrin Falls, (my favorite part about working here) is the community. From the people to the city council, everyone is very supportive. It’s just nice to be in that type of area.
TAKEOUT: If I’m craving Chinese food, I go to Imperial Wok in Solon. It’s been a favorite since childhood, and they do a great job. I usually order the teriyaki beef skewers ($9.75). I’ve always loved Asian cuisine, even though it’s the style I have the least experience cooking. For sushi, I often visit Sora (Downtown), Ginko (Tremont) or Pacific East (Coventry).
SPARE TIME: I usually meal prep and try to get outside as much as I can, especially for hikes in the Metroparks. I just got a one-year-old Italian water dog, and she’s awesome. She’s still very much a puppy, but the goal is to have her hang at the shop with me someday.
DINING GUIDE
Goma
WHY WE LOVE IT: Guided by Chef Lee’s philosophy of authenticity and innovation, the kitchen sources fish from Tokyo, Spain, Scotland and Norway. The artistry extends beyond the plate, with dark blue and black walls illuminated by whimsical custom glass lighting fixtures shaped like jellyfish and octopuses. Goma pairs fine-dining-caliber food with a welcoming, energetic atmosphere that invites both sushi aficionados and curious newcomers to explore. TRY THIS: Start with the Goma sake tataki ($22) featuring a sesame-crusted, seared salmon in ponzu sauce. 2079 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-7704662, gomarestaurant.com
23 BEST SUSHI RESTAURANTS ACROSS NORTHEAST OHIO
Ginko
WHY WE LOVE IT: Stop by Dante Boccuzzi’s modern Japanese sushi gem tucked downstairs beneath Dante. The former bank building showcases a colorful mosaic wall in a space serving specialty sushi and shabushabu, plus a modern cocktail selection. The subterranean room is intimate and stylish, with a lively sushi bar and dimly lit booths that give it the feel of a secret hideaway. TRY THIS: The beautiful spicy tuna sushi roll ($13) features masago, scallions and cucumber. Opt for the chef’s omakase, where seasonal specialties highlight the best of the day’s catch. 2247 Professor Ave. B, Tremont, 216-274-1202, danteboccuzzi.com
BY CHRISTINA
Hayashi Mayple
WHY WE LOVE IT: This modern Japanese spot nestled into Maple Leaf Plaza surprises with its sleek interior, colorful bar and an impressive range of sushi, hibachi, noodles and bento boxes. TRY THIS: The Chardon Roll ($24.64), made with spicy tuna, crab and avocado, wrapped in soybean paper and topped with jalapeno sauce, is a house favorite. 540 Water St., Suite 204, Chardon, 440-286-1313, hayashi-mayple. restaurants-world.com
Hibachi Japan
WHY WE LOVE IT: This Japanese steakhouse offers a lively dining experience
Issho Ni Ramen Sushi & Hibachi
that features hibachi-style cooking. Chefs prepare meals on a hot grill right at your table, serving a variety of traditional hibachi dishes, including steak, chicken, seafood and sushi. The fun and interactive atmosphere makes it a popular spot for families, friends, teams, tourists and parties. But for those wanting to keep to themselves for an evening, bar seating offers drinks without the full hibachi menu. TRY THIS: Get everything in one bite with the Hibachi filet mignon, lobster tail combination entree ($34), which comes with soup, salad, a shrimp appetizer, fried rice, green tea and pineapple sherbet. 1803 Front St., Cuyahoga Falls, 330-928-3333, hibachijapancf.com
WHY WE LOVE IT: Issho Ni delivers a dynamic Japanese dining experience, balancing ramen, sushi and hibachi. The sushi showcases quality and craft, from artfully presented rolls to fresh sashimi and nigiri made with precision. Casual yet polished, the restaurant pairs attentive service with a menu that delights both purists and adventurous eaters. TRY THIS: The King James roll ($18.50) is a unique style of sushi made with rice balls wrapped with mentaiko salmon, topped with masago, scallions, sesame seeds and eel sauce. 34302 Euclid Ave., Willoughby, 440-306-8020, isshoniramen.com
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Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar
WHY WE LOVE IT: Despite being a steakhouse, the raw bar and sushi shine with a menu as bold as its surroundings. Sushi here is more than a side to steakhouse classics like shrimp cocktail and lobster; it’s a modern extension of Marble Room’s mission to reimagine fine dining. TRY THIS: A standout is the Miyazaki sushi roll ($61), crafted with A5 Miyazaki wagyu beef to appeal to the restaurant’s carnivorous crowd. Other favorites like the fish-n-chips roll ($18), a mix of spicy yellowtail, avocado, potato crisp, chili tartar sauce and chive, balance playfulness with refinement. 623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-523-7000, marbleroomcle.com
Kintaro All You Can Eat Sushi & Hot Pot
WHY WE LOVE IT: With locations in Brooklyn, Akron, Willowick and Fairview Park, Kintaro has built a loyal following for its all-you-can-eat approach. The experience is interactive and fun, with guests cooking at the table or mixing sushi rolls, tempura and noodle bowls from the menu. In a bright, group-friendly space, Kintaro pairs a steady flow of made-to-order rolls with variety and value, giving diners the freedom to enjoy all at a fixed price. TRY THIS: The all-you-caneat lunches and dinners range from $18.99 to $28.99. Various locations, kintarooh.com
Ninja Sushi and Hibachi
WHY WE LOVE IT: You might drive past its unassuming exterior, but inside, it holds a beautifully refined Japanese dining space where modern elegance and warmth coexist. The interior glows with light wood accents and a sophisticated bar with plenty of seating. The menu includes hibachi entrees, sashimi, cooked rolls, noodles and more. TRY THIS: The Green Hat roll ($14) comes tempura-fried with salmon, white tuna, crab and cream cheese, topped with wasabi mayonnaise and masago. 7873 Munson Road, Mentor-onthe-Lake, 440-701-8293, ninjainmentor.com
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Paul Davis of Cleveland Metro & Akron has set the industry standard for emergency mitigation, cleanup and reconstruction services. Paul Davis’s dedicated staff can handle any size project with responsive 24/7 service, specific certification standards and clear communication. Started in 1984, Paul Davis has grown and developed into one of the premier restoration companies in Northeast Ohio.
Oishi Cafe
WHY WE LOVE IT: In a quiet corner of AsiaTown Plaza, Oishi Cafe offers a peaceful pause from the city’s bustle. The intimate space, paired with soft ambient music, creates a calm backdrop for lingering over thoughtfully prepared sushi. With just a handful of tables, the focus is on quality and care. Rolls are made to order, arriving fresh and generously filled. The menu balances familiar favorites with satisfying
cooked and raw options. TRY THIS: The Oishi roll ($12) is filled with spicy crab and cucumber, topped with avocado, spicy mayo and sesame seeds. Every entree comes with miso soup, making even a quick lunch feel complete. 1541 E. 38th St., Cleveland, 216-327-9671
Omizu Japanese Restaurant
WHY WE LOVE IT: In Parma, Omizu blends an extensive Japanese menu with a dining room that is as visually captivating as the food. Elements like wagasa suspended from the ceiling, glistening raindrop glass accents and a glowing bar create an atmosphere that is vibrant yet calming. Warm wood and modern touches make the space inviting for both casual lunches and special occasions. TRY THIS: The Tokyo roll ($14.45) includes crunchy salmon and avocado topped with seared salmon, roe and a yuzu wasabi sauce. 6843 Ridge Road, Parma, 440-340-0888, omizuparma.com
Pacific East Japanese Restaurant
WHY WE LOVE IT : For more than two decades, this East Side staple has blended sushi classics with Malaysian-inspired dishes. The bright
interior creates an energetic yet approachable setting for both casual lunches and lively dinners in Cleveland Heights' Coventry neighborhood. TRY THIS: The lso Maki roll ($16.95) is satisfyingly served with tuna, salmon, yellowtail, avocado, cucumbers, mayonnaise and fish roe. 1763 Coventry Road, Cleveland Heights, 216-320-2302, pacificeastcoventry88.com
Plum Asian Fare & Sushi
WHY WE LOVE IT: This contemporary spot blends Japanese sushi artistry with bold Taiwanese and Pan-Asian flavors. The elegant dining room is accented with yellow walls, a fountain, a sleek sushi bar and a secondary bar. Plates arrive beautifully arranged, from vibrant specialty rolls to sizzling hibachi dishes. Thoughtful service and a versatile menu make it ideal for weeknight dinners or memorable celebrations. TRY THIS: The honey glazed apple salmon nigiri ($9) is torched to crisp perfection, and the tuna tower ($13) is a remarkable presentation of raw tuna, avocado, mango and spicy crab layered on top of rice. 32730 Walker Road, Suite C3, Avon Lake, 440-9302623, plumasianfareandsushi.com
Sora
WHY WE LOVE IT: This stunning Asian-inspired destination offers more than just great sushi; it delivers an experience rooted in culinary tradition and thoughtful design. The space is centered around a striking tree installation with a design that blends organic textures, abundant floral elements, pink hues and soft lighting to create a serene, sophisticated ambiance. “We try to stay as authentic to the creation of sushi as possible,” says Aubrey Czarzasty, director of operations. TRY THIS: The vegetable futo roll ($12) has it all with cucumber, avocado, asparagus, carrot, spinach and shiitake mushroom. 1121 W. 10th St., Cleveland, 216-294-1800, eatatsora.com
Sakura Sushi House
WHY WE LOVE IT: This family-friendly favorite brings together Japanese sushi traditions and comforting Chinese classics under one roof, with dishes ranging from fried rice, sushi, udon, teriyaki and hibachi to house specialties (including amazing desserts and sake) in a lowkey atmosphere with booths and a small dining room. TRY THIS: The paradise roll ($13.95) offers a tropical twist with coconut shrimp, cream cheese and crabmeat topped with salmon, avocado and coconut flakes. For dessert, the decadent banana tempura ($5.50) is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. 15040 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-268-9668, sakurasushihouse.uorder.io
Sushi En Downtown
WHY WE LOVE IT: Inspired by traditional flavors, Sushi En offers a fresh, creative interpretation of contemporary Japanese cuisine. Located steps from Playhouse Square, the restaurant pays homage to the Theater District with Playbill posters lining the walls, adding a touch of Broadway charm. The modern space is an ideal stop for pre-show dining or a casual lunch. TRY THIS: The chicken hibachi bento lunch ($10.45) has a little bit of everything. It comes with hibachi chicken and vegetables served with a side of white rice, a choice of miso soup or salad, gyoza and veggie croquette. 1507 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-716-8654, sushiendowntown.com
Sakana Sushi Bar and Lounge
WHY WE LOVE IT: Sakana stands out for its extensive menu that caters to diverse palates, including a full page dedicated to vegan options. The restaurant offers a vibrant dining experience that seamlessly blends traditional Japanese cuisine with modern Asian fu sion. Featuring a beautiful bar dining area and a family-friendly main dining room, there is a notable selection of appetizers, wok entrees and sushi. with the Heart Attack ($8) appetizer, which includes lightly breaded jalapenos stuffed with spicy tuna and cream cheese, topped with spicy mayo and eel sauce.
Rocky River, 440-857-0700, sakanacleveland.com
Sushi Kuwahata
WHY WE LOVE IT: Upstairs from Kyuujuu, Cleveland's new Japanese tapas restau rant, is Sushi Kuwahata, Cleveland's most-exclusive sushi offering. Available only a few nights a week, the traditional, Tokyo-style omakase experience starts in a calm waiting room, where tea is served and you get to know your seven other tablemates. From there, you're guided to an intimate room with a custom counter made with wood from the tradi tional Hinoki cypress tree. Once you sit down, buckle up for a transformational
Sushi 86
WHY WE LOVE IT: Perched along the North Coast Harbor behind the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, this waterfront sushi destination pairs fresh, approachable fare with a timeless sense of style. The open dining room, framed by expansive windows, sleek seating, rich wood paneling and ambient lighting, feels both contemporary and inviting. A 10-seat sushi bar offers a frontrow view of the chefs at work, and sweeping lakefront views surround the space. Vegan diners will also find plenty to love, thanks to a thoughtful lineup of plant-based rolls and poke bowls. TRY THIS: The dragonfly roll ($19.95) is the perfect blend of cooked and raw fish featuring spicy tuna and shrimp tempura topped with seared albacore, togarashi and microgreens. The Heat Miser roll ($14.25) comes with eight pieces and is perfect for vegans looking to spice things up. The roll features sweet potato, inari, Redemption hot sauce and crispy shallot. 1050 E. Ninth St., Cleveland, 216-621-8686, sushi86.com
Shuhei Restaurant
WHY WE LOVE IT: Tucked inside an unassuming Beachwood office building, Shuhei reveals a warm, traditional Japanese experience that has kept loyal diners coming back for decades. The intimate dining room blends understated elegance with cultural touches, from deep blue walls and striking red pillars to kimono-clad servers and a sushi bar where chefs prepare rolls and sashimi with meticulous care. TRY THIS: The extensive menu covers everything from fresh sushi and sashimi to bento boxes, hot pots and noodles, with a presentation that’s as artful as it is appetizing. The deluxe sushi and sashimi combination ($47) features a colorful array of assorted nigiri and maki sushi with a selection of raw fish. 23360 Chagrin Blvd., Beachwood, 216-4641720, shuheirestaurant.com
The Last Page
WHY WE LOVE IT: Presented as a refined starter, this Edomae-style sushi spotlights pristine fish in its purest form. Seafood is flown in twice weekly from Tokyo’s fish market, with options like chutoro, otoro, madai and akamutsu available a la carte or as part of a chef’s omakase. No rolls here, only high-end nigiri and select sashimi platters designed to melt in your mouth. “Our overall menu is a globally inspired modern American concept. We pull influences from all over the world, and sushi is just a natural fit,” says Brad Race, director of culinary operations. TRY THIS: The nigiri options range from $10-$24, and many come with two pieces per order. Chef Brad Race’s personal favorites are the akamutsu ($20) and the uni ($24), sea urchin from Hokkaido. 100 Park Ave., Suite 128, Beachwood, 216-465-1008, thelastpagerestaurant.com
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The Halloween pop-up you can’t miss.
Oct 16: Wine with the Witches Nov 1: Halloween Party
16555 Southpark Center, Strongsville, OH
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Voodoo Tuna Sushi Bar and Lounge
WHY WE LOVE IT: This spot serves sushi and Asian-inspired comfort food in a lounge-like setting. The vibrant dining room is accented with striking black-and-red interiors, bold murals and a lively bar. It’s ideal for both first dates and special occasions, making it a go-to for those who like their sushi with a side of creativity. TRY THIS: The crab rangoon tempura roll ($11) offers a great flavor twist with crab salad, cream cheese, scallion, Thai chili and a crispy wonton all rolled into one. 15326 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-3028862, voodootuna.com
Watami Revolving Sushi Bar
WHY WE LOVE IT: This revolving sushi bar makes dining both playful and approachable. Plates of sushi, desserts and even drinks glide by on a conveyor belt, each clearly listed on the menu with photos and color-coded pricing so you always know what you’re choosing. Green plates mark vegetarian options, pink and red highlight raw selections, while yellow and black showcase cooked specialties and more indulgent items. The setup is perfect for sampling a wide variety without committing to full rolls, making it a great pick for curious eaters or solo diners. Seating ranges from bar-style spots right along the belt to small tables that keep you close to the action, while off-belt orders arrive on a quirky monorail. With its diverse mix of classic, Americanized and adventurous bites, this casual spot keeps the experience fun, easy and endlessly customizable. TRY THIS: The tamago egg cake sushi ($2.95) is a delightfully unique bite, and the mango tango roll ($3.75) is fresh and flavorful. 7426 Broadview Road, Parma, 216-232-1161, watamioh.com
Young’s Sushi
WHY WE LOVE IT: This long-standing Willoughby favorite pairs fresh, well-crafted sushi with a warm and inviting atmosphere. The dining room balances comfort and simplicity with ample seating and a relaxed vibe that makes it just as fitting for family dinners as for casual nights out. TRY THIS: The rainbow roll ($14) is stunning not only to look at but also to eat as it comes with crab meat and avocado, topped with salmon and two types tuna. Or, try a bit of everything with the maki rolls plate ($26) that offers six pieces of four different rolls. 12 E. Spaulding St., Willoughby, 440-951-0002, youngssushi.com
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25 BEST RESTAURANTS clevelandmagazine.com/bestrestaurants
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Not all of Cleveland’s heroes wear capes.
EDITED BY:
JULIA LOMBARDO
STORIES BY: KATE BIGAM KAPUT, LAUREN BISCHOF, KATRINA CARLSON, DANNY CUNNINGHAM, ANNIE GLEYDURA, VINCE GUERRIERI, KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE, AVA JELEPIS, ANNIE NICKOLOFF, LAINEY NOVAK, CHRISTINA RUFO, JADEN STAMBOLIA, DILLON STEWART, MAURA ZURICK
Some wear aprons. Some dress in drag. and one is just a cute friend of Krypto.
The Superman Statue
Superman might be the last son of Krypton, but his origins are in Cleveland, where he began as just a sketch between Glenville High School students Jerry Siegel and Joe Shuster. Now, in the heart of their city, their Man of Steel embodies his name as an 18-foot statue at the corner of St. Clair Avenue and Ontario Street, near iconic sites like The Arcade and Leader Building that starred in the latest Superman blockbuster this past July. “It’s almost as exciting as seeing the real Superman fly overhead,” says Roy Schwartz, a pop culture historian and member of the Siegel & Shuster Society, which helped unveil the Superman statue in August. The stainless steel sculpture, created by artist David Deming, stands proud in a tribute plaza that includes a phone booth holding Clark Kent’s clothes, and statues of Siegel, Shuster and Siegel’s wife, Joanne, who was the model for Lois Lane. “I hope it will do what Superman was always meant to do,” Schwartz says, “which is to instill hope in people.” supermanstatuecleveland.org
of cle
BEST SUPERHERO TRIBUTE
Reader Picks
Art Gallery/Studio: 78th Street Studios
Cultural Festival: Little Italy’s Feast of the Assumption
Entertainment Venue/ Complex: Playhouse Square
Golf Course: Manakiki Golf Course
Live Music Venue: Music Box Supper Club
Museum: Cleveland Museum of Art
Park/Outdoor Space: Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Patio: All Saints Public House
Race/Fun Run: Cleveland Marathon
Theater Group: Cleveland Play House
Wedding Venue: Columbia Ballroom
Bakery: Blackbird Baking Co.
Bottled or Canned Beverage: Guardian Cold Brew
Brewery: Great Lakes Brewing Co.
Brunch: Pier W
Burgers: Gunselman’s Tavern
The Shootouts
Ryan Humbert, Brian Poston and Emily Bates formed the core of The Shootouts with a mission to play tradition-based country music on their own terms. Initially covering classics like Marty Stuart, Dwight Yoakam, Waylon Jennings and Ray Price, the band found its own voice in its original twangy songs on four full-length albums, including its latest Americana-leaning Switchback. “The very first show, I felt like I was hit by a bolt of lightning. And I knew right then that, man, this is maybe what I should have been doing all along,” Humbert says, “and I think the rest of us felt that way, too.” Major success followed. Rolling Stone magazine says that “The Shootouts perfect Rust Belt country.” Band outfits are on view at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. On Oct. 10, The Shootouts celebrate its 10th appearance on Grand Ole Opry. Humbert says “the stars keep aligning” for the band that “started on a whim.” shootoutsmusic.com
ROBBY KLEIN
Jeff’s Candy
Earlier this year, when Jeff Morsfield’s forthcoming candy shop sat in permit purgatory, Clevelanders rallied behind him, helping him get his new storefront over the finish line. But Jeff’s Candy isn’t just a viral social media moment. The 25-year-old’s signature, handcrafted English toffee bars ($5) put a modern twist on his mother’s beloved holiday recipe. Made in a commercial kitchen in Euclid and now sold on Waterloo Road, each bar features a layer of rich toffee, semisweet chocolate on the bottom and a sprinkle of roasted sea salt pecans. “It’s visually very different from most toffee bars and almost twice the size,” says Morsfield. Wrapped in gold foil inspired by Willy Wonka and finished with hand-cut, custom-designed labels, the bars blend nostalgia with elegance. Available also at The Corner at Van Aken, The Tea Lab (Lakewood), Token (Cleveland), local markets and more, Morsfield’s candy creations are rooted in tradition. “I’m really excited to serve Cleveland in a sweet way,” he says. jeffscandyshop.com
Starting from a makeshift “lab” on her kids’ air hockey table, Andrea Pierce-Naymon navigated trial and error to find OY-L’s plant-based treatment, designed to maintain skin’s natural glow. Now, those years of chemistry are in specialty value packs at Orange Rose Apothecary in Hudson. The Starter Kit ($60) is a travel-sized set of OY-L’s most popular products, from face cream to cleansing powder. “You get samples of everything that you would need,” Pierce-Naymon says. “A lot of people start that way and find their favorite product.” Other kits are specialized for skin that’s dry, oily or somewhere in between, and ingredients are informed by ancient healing sources, like Manuka honey, tremella mushroom and other botanicals. “I wanted it to have a more luxurious feel,” Pierce-Naymon says. oy-l.com
When the romantasy genre burst onto the book scene, Nickie Lui was smitten by series like Sarah J. Maas’s A Court of Thorns and Roses Now, her Lakewood bookstore feeds local readers’ fiery passion for all things romance and fantasy. “My whole life, there was this stigma around reading romance, like it was trashy,” Lui says. “I just want people to be able to read whatever book they want in public.” Lui maintains a deep knowledge of the genre, stocking 50% indie authors alongside big names like Maas and Rebecca Yarros. If it’s popular on #BookTok, she’s got it — and can recommend others like it. “If you want a book about dark fairies or stalkers, I can point you in the right direction,” she says. “I want to be a space where people can feel comfortable coming in and asking questions.” flameandfablebooks.com
The Cleveland Cavaliers newest (and cutest) teammember, Reggie, is no Air Bud on the court, but off of it, his job is even more important than baskets and rebounds. The Labrador retriever made history in January as the NBA’s first team service dog in training. In partnership with America’s VetDogs, Reggie will serve a U.S. veteran or first responder with disabilities once he is trained. “He has a primary handler whose job for the first 12 to 15 months is to help him learn basic commands like sit and stay, and be socialized,” says Pam Frasco, Cleveland Cavaliers senior VP of Social Impact and executive director of the Cavs Community Foundation. “That’s kind of where we came into play.” At the time he was brought into the Cavaliers and Cleveland Monsters family, Reggie was an 11-week-old puppy. Now, he’s older, wiser and on the path to completing his training. “This dog is just so incredibly intelligent, and he’s so wonderful,” says Frasco. nba.com/cavaliers
BEST ENGLISH TOFFEE BAR
BEST SKINCARE KIT
Reader Picks
Catering: Thyme Catering
Chocolatier:
Malley’s Chocolates
Cocktails: Cloak & Dagger
Doughnuts: Jack Frost Donuts
Food Truck/Pop-up: That Hawaiian Guy’s BBQ
Gluten-free: Boss Chick N Beer
Grocery Store/Market: Heinen’s Grocery Store
Happy Hour: Georgetown | Vosh
Health-focused Food: Aladdin’s Eatery
Hot Dog: Happy Dog
Ice Cream:
Mitchell’s Homemade
Independent Coffee: Calico Jack Coffee Roastery
Corey Grand
Corey Grand says Cleveland is a “DJ city.” If so, the Northeast Ohiobased DJ and producer has something to do with it. Grand has made his own distinct mark on Ohio’s scene by hosting intimate weeknight sets at places like Cordelia, Ohio State football hype parties and home recording sessions called The Monday Program, which are like “Wu Tang but for Cleveland,” he says. The community-driven artist says he wants to be able to DJ anywhere and loves introducing people to new things. “I want to be able to make Cleveland feel a little bit smaller and keep creating these communities,” says Grand, “so once I’m out of it, it’s already afloat and the next generation can take over.” coreygrand.com
The Harbor Hopper
This isn’t the Holy Moses Water Taxi of yesteryear, but it might be better. Setting sail in July, Harbor Hopper is your safe ride through The Flats and a fun alternative to those costly Ubers and Lyfts. The ship has multiple stops from the West Bank to the East Bank to BrewDog in Scranton Peninsula. A live online tracker helps you catch your stop, and various ticket offers ($10-$199) include special promotions at restaurants and attractions along the route. Want to do something different for date night? Grab two daily passes ($15-$25 each) and plan your night around a romantic sunset view of Cleveland or a cozy nighttime ride under the skyline. “People are just shocked when they’re on the water, seeing (Downtown) that way versus being on land,” says Brittany Orlando, owner of Cleveland Water Taxi. “Especially at night when everything is lit up. It’s just been a beautiful sight,” clevelandwatertaxi.com
THIS VS. THAT
Location: Mentor
Opened: 2000
Number of Dogs: 26
The Main Ingredient: When Scooter’s opens for the season every March, it’s an unofficial first day of summer. Just ask any of the 500 customers who visit during a daily rush, hailing from nearby Headlands Beach State Park or trekking from the West Side just for fun.
A Must-Order: The L.A. Street Dawg ($8.49) is a Scooter’s-brand hot dog wrapped in bacon, topped with mayo, ketchup and grilled onions and peppers.
Beefing Up: “A lot of my staff are local and grew up eating Scooter’s,” says owner Emily Blauman. “It’s a nostalgic experience for a lot of people.” scootersworldfamousdawg house.com
Location: Playhouse Square
Opened: 2025
Number of Dogs: Three, plus a build-your-own selection.
The Main Ingredient: Owner Ricky Smith is an established philanthropist, so it’s only right that his year-round franks pay it forward. Each order is matched by a donated meal for those in need.
A Must-Order: Coming Home ($10.50) is the menu’s bestkept secret. Created by former Browns player Josh Cribbs, the hot dog features ground beef, barbecue sauce, crispy onion straws and mustard.
Beefing Up: “Life is hard. We’re all going through something,” says Smith. “If I can make people smile with my words or my work, why not do it?” somethinggoodcle.com
BEST COMMUNITY DJ
BEST RIVER TRANSPORTATION
Retro Roamer Photobooth
This 1963 Mallard Duckling camper still hasn’t lost its groove — even after Tessa Puruczky restored and converted it into a mobile photo booth, perfect for your next event. Inspired by the charm of ’70s disco, the Retro Roamer is covered in vintage vibes, such as crushed velvet seats, disco balls, bold wallpaper and an eclectic mix of nostalgic props. Each detail is lovingly curated by Puruczky. The one-of-a-kind experience transforms today’s parties and precious wedding memories into far-out timeless treasures. “All of our wedding packages come with a custom photo album, so all the guests can leave a copy of the photo strip and sign their name and leave a little note for the couple getting married,” Puruczky says. For indoor spaces, get down with the Studio 70 setup, a freestanding, vintage-inspired wooden photo booth that gives you unlimited digital snaps. Choose from a collection of professionally styled backdrops to match your vibe and keep the grove going all night long. retroroamerphotobooth.com
“That silly little design changed my life,” she says. Now, Rodriguez’s accessories captivate buyers thanks to her quirky style, nostalgic details and, most important, her knack for what’s hot in pop culture. A partnership with Kit-Cat Klock for a licensed kitty claw clip helped launch her hair accessory line of hand-drawn, nonslip claw clips ($12-$22), many inspired by feel-good memories and niche film references. “If you do things for the right reason, they will eventually find the right people,” Rodriguez says. shopcharliegirl.com
Shawnda Moye’s biscuit shop is no longer roaming since opening a permanent home in Hingetown in 2023. But you still never know where her rotating specials of breakfast flavor combos ($10-$14) will land. Past creations include one loaded with braised oxtail, collared greens and mac and cheese, plus other twists like blueberry chicken sausage and hot pepper jam. The specials also offer an opportunity for Moye to partner with other small businesses like Cleveland Bagel Co. and Adun Spice Co. “I love utilizing ingredients from local friends who are also making deliciousness,” Moye says. “And I like to keep people excited about what’s next.” theroamingbiscuit.com
Ashton Rodriguez has actor Pedro Pascal to thank for her success, after a wall hanging of his leg made from laser-cut acrylic put Shop Charlie Girl on the map in 2023.
BEST CLAW CLIPS
Shop Charlie Girl
Reader
Picks
Juice: CLE Juice Box
Kid’s Menu: Winking Lizard Tavern
Pizza: Master Pizza
Ramen/Pho: Superior Pho
Sandwich: Slyman’s Restaurant & Deli
Sauce: Cleveland Ketchup Co.
Small Plates/Tapas: Amba
Snack (Local): The Cleveland Carmel Corn Co.
Soul/Southern Food: Soho Chicken & Whiskey
Soup: Joe’s, A Fine Deli & Restaurant
Steak: Red the Steakhouse
Sushi: Ginko Restaurant
Tacos: Cilantro Taqueria
Takeout: Cilantro Taqueria
Tea: The Tea Lab
Vegan: Cleveland Vegan
Wine Selection: Flight Cleveland
Winery: Michael Angelo’s Winery
Wings: Boss Chick N Beer
Onya Nurve
From cook to queen, Cleveland-based drag queen Onya Nurve made 2025 her year. Onya, aka Justin Woody, represented her city with pride as she snatched the title of America’s Next Drag Superstar on Season 17 of RuPaul’s Drag Race. Defined by fierce performances and inspiring determination, Onya says her approach to drag is all about authenticity. “A lot of what I’m drawn to comes from me as a person,” she adds. “I’m not necessarily building a persona. It’s kind of like an extension of who I am.” The former Doinks Burger Joint cook is making headlines again as she prepares for a new stage, leading the new national tour of Kinky Boots as Lola while still fresh off her Drag Race victory. “It’s been four years since I started doing drag, and the jump from four years ago to now has just been wild,” says Onya. “I learned that (drag) is about the joy of it all and trying to spread that joy.” instagram.com/onyanurve
BEST DRAG PERFORMER
CPL MLK
Joint development is the future of urban design, and the MLK Jr. branch of the Cleveland Public Library is leading the charge locally. One story above its 25,000 books and other collections, a 207-unit apartment complex spans nine floors. Library Lofts, the first of its kind in Ohio, features oversized windows for a natural-light reading nook in luxury studios and one-bedroom spaces. Not only will you find residents using the library, but also college students, teens, children, professionals from neighboring hospitals and seniors from Fenway and Judson manors. “The library needs to be whatever the community needs it to be and can be whatever the community needs it to be,” says John Lang, chief operating officer of the CPL. “We’ve really intentionally designed for great flexibility and the ability to meet a wide range of needs.” mlk-cpl.com
Chagrin River Outfitters
From fall to spring, fly fishermen stand knee-deep in the Chagrin, Grand and Rocky rivers, hoping to net steelhead trout. “People who fish around the world are blown away by how good our fishing is,” says Dan Pribanic, owner of Chagrin River Outfitters in downtown Chagrin Falls. Pribanic started with a spinning rod when he was 5 years old, but eventually, the fly rod became his tool of choice. The angling method often hooks those who bite, and since 2006, Pribanic’s flyshop has become a hub for guide trips, classes and pointers. “For me,” Pribanic says, “it’s more rewarding to see other people have a good time and catch fish than actually doing it myself.” chagrinriveroutfitters.com
The W Sports Bar
CentroVilla25
It typically takes years to become a community hub. CentroVilla25 has done it in the Clark-Fulton neighborhood in just a few months. The colorful storefront houses seven food vendors serving dishes of Cuban, El Salvadorian, Mexican and Venezuelan origins that bring a world of flavors to Cleveland. “At (Antojitos Salvadorenos) you can get just about anything, and it’s great for vegetarians and vegans,” says Jenice Contreras, president and CEO of NEOHCED and founder of CV25. “At Flying Pig Tacos, you can’t go wrong. My favorite is the carne asada tacos ($5+).” After you eat, stay a while and shop around Mercado Rosa for clothes, jewelry, vintage toys and more. “It creates a richness in our region to have this amazing cultural hub that everybody can enjoy,” says Contreras. cv25.org
Since opening this summer, The W Sports Bar has become Cleveland’s HQ for women’s sports. But truly, it’s not just a sports bar. From buzzy watch parties to low-key hangs at the bar, founders Cassy Kopp, Ally Eclarin and Shelley Pippin have created a spot for every type of fan. “You can nerd out about the thing that you’re obsessed with, from women’s sports, to a new album that came out, to something pop culture,” says Eclarin. “The W is the one spot where people come together to be obsessed with that thing as much as you are.” With nightly events, elevated bar food and zero-proof drink options, the W is more than ready for Cleveland’s own WNBA team on the horizon. thewsportsbarcleveland.com
Competing on The Voice brought a whole new world of opportunity to Hayden Grove. The former cleveland.com sports social media reporter used to don a suit jacket and only sing at clubs and venues on the side, but he decided to go full-time into music earlier this year after exposure from the popular NBC show. “It’s a challenge that I’ve dreamed of my whole life,” Grove says. “We have faith, and we have the work ethic and the determination to do it and keep running along.” These days, Grove hits all kinds of stages with big bands, small jazz groups or solo, at everything from private parties to community festivals — and typically belting out classics from the Great American Songbook. “The genre picked me. I didn’t pick it,” Grove says. “The first time I heard it, there was this kind of divine connection to this beautiful music.” Expect more soon; Grove collaborated with fellow The Voice contestant Ben Fagerstedt on a batch of new pop-leaning songs set to release by the end of 2025 or early 2026. haydenfrankgrove.com
MIXED-USE LIBRARY BRANCH
BEST LATIN FOOD HALL
BEST CROONER
BEST PLACE TO CATCH A WNBA GAME
BEST FLY FISHING SHOP
AsiaTown Hot Spot: Li Wah
Downtown Hot Spot: Cordelia
Little Italy Hot Spot: Mia Bella
Ohio City Hot Spot:
16-Bit Bar & Arcade | Pins Mechanical Co.
Old Brooklyn Hot Spot: Never Say Dive
Suburban Hot Spot (East Side): 17 River Grille
Suburban Hot Spot (West Side): Thyme Table
The Flats Hot Spot: Music Box Supper Club
Tremont Hot Spot: Rowley Inn
The Pier at Bradstreet’s Landing
The Pier at Bradstreet’s Landing is a place where all lovers of the outdoors can co-exist, from kayakers, fishermen, bird watchers and dog walkers. “All of my heart was warmed by seeing all these people down there for different reasons,” Rocky River Mayor Pamela Bobst says. Paired with ample green space in the neighboring park, the 600-foot pier’s under-rail lighting helps you see the stars at night, plus a circular drive for those with mobility issues who still want to enjoy the beauty of the lake from their cars. Ramps provide ADA access, and railings that are lowered and angled offer comfort for users of wheelchairs and walkers. “It becomes this gathering place for people to connect, to their city, to the lake, but most importantly to one another,” Bobst says. rockyriverohio.gov/bradstreets-landing
Johnny’s Auto Spa and Little Mountain Creamery
When John Nekic sought to open Johnny’s Auto Spa in Concord Township, his wife, Keri, and neighbors Brandon and Heather Dynes proposed the perfect treat for the finish line: gelato. “We were all sitting around the fire one night,” Heather reminisces. “John shared his lifelong dream of owning a car wash. Then we piped up and said we want ice cream, too.” It turns a simple chore into a rewarding experience, adjoining one of the longest car wash tunnels in Ohio with Little Mountain Creamery’s year-round patio and drive-thru, providing easy access to house-made gelato, breakfast sandwiches, pastries and coffee. The neighboring establishments further connect through vouchers and promotions that encourage cashing in suds for scoops — but it’s not hard to be tempted. “Everything about this project is to make this a local, beautiful thing for our community,” John says. johnnysautospa.com, lmcreamery.com
The worker-owned cooperative behind Rust Belt Riders developed Tilth Soil, a high-quality consumer gardening mix certified for organic growing, with food scraps from local neighbors and takeout spots. “Each person generates about 380 pounds of food scraps per year,” says co-owner and director of soil Nathan Rutz. “A long-term goal of mine is to have three-quarters of food scraps find a better home.” In 2024, the company collected and composted 4,000 tons of local food waste. Rust Belt Riders is aiming for 20,000 tons by 2030. Compared to manufactured topsoil, which only has about 10% to 20% compost, Tilth’s organic raised bed mix, Grow ($15), is peat-free and mostly compost, with pine bark, sand and organic nutrient amendments to give microbes a boost. tilthsoil.com
Scores of mini-golfers have flocked to the Birdietown holes in the 10 months the Lakewood concept has been open. And while the custombuilt putt-putt courses made by Cleveland’s Shred and Co. might be the things that first draw visitors in, the seasonally rotating menu headed by chef Emily Campion and the flavorful cocktail program are the things that invite golfers to stick around longer than a few swings. You can’t beat the vibes, with moody lounge seating, tropical color palettes and hip artwork — all creating a popular new hangout for visitors to sit back and relax, with a sip and a bite. “I know it’s a cool place, and it’s unique, but I never would have thought it would have got this much traction this early,” co-founder Tim Frazee says, “so that’s been pretty awesome.” birdietowncle.com
BEST NEW PIER
BEST GARDENING SOIL
Tilth SOIL
BEST EXCUSE TO GET YOUR CAR WASHED
BEST 19TH HOLE
birdietown
Gather Food & Drink
When creativity calls, Gather Food & Drink answers. After opening last year, the Rocky River restaurant has already made its mark for an intimate dining experience and innovative menu staples like Sushi Tots ($14). “Sushi Tots came about from trying to come up with a menu item that was kind of different and not necessarily mainstream, putting two things together that don’t necessarily go together,” says chef and owner Matt Barnes. The tater tots are tossed in an Asian spice blend and topped with raw diced tuna, spicy Sriracha mayo, scallions, pickled cucumber and eel sauce, fusing crunchy, soft and tasty. It’s ingenious and surprising, just like this hip suburban spot. “People have been like ‘Oh wow, I didn’t expect that,’” Barnes says of the response. “And people have enjoyed the fun atmosphere that we provide and the great service.” gatherfoodanddrink.com
THIS VS. THAT
BEST INDOOR PICKLEBALL FACILITY
Membership Cost: Free-$75 per month.
The Net Worth: Ten indoor and five outdoor courts in Cleveland.
Making the Team: Kids’ summer camps, adult leagues, daily open play and beginner and advanced lessons keep the game going all year long.
Paddles Down: Celebrate victory (or drown out a loss) at the Bar & Lounge, serving craft beers, non-alcoholic beverages and sporty snacks.
For the Love of the Game: “We’ve designed our center specifically around pickleball,” says president Robert Euerle. “The lighting, spacing, flooring and layout are all intentional, giving players a consistent, pro-level experience.” clevelandpickleballcenter.com
Membership Cost: $15-$45 per month or $1,200 per year.
The Net Worth: Eight indoor courts in Mentor.
Making the Team: Engage in clinics hosted by pickleball pros, tackle a group lesson with your crew or loosen up and have some fun at themed events. Monthly leagues divided by skill level ensure fair play and friendly competition. Paddles Down: Off the court, the pro shop stays stocked with specialty merchandise and equipment.
For the Love of the Game: “It’s not just about transactions here. Our members aren’t just numbers,” says managing director Eddie Corsi. “They’re our friends, our neighbors, our family members. And that’s how we treat them.” pickleballplay365.org
Reader Picks
Anchor (Female): Stefani Schaefer
Anchor (Male): Wayne Dawson
Browns Player: Myles Garrett
Cavs Player: Donovan Mitchell
Comedian: Mike Polk Jr.
DJ: DJ E-V
Guardians Players: Jose Ramirez
Local Charity/ Nonprofit: Sanctuary for Senior Dogs
Mascot: Cleveland Guardians Hot Dogs
Meteorologist: Betsy Kling
Morning News: Fox 8 News in the Morning
Music Artist/Band: Charity Evonna
Radio Show/ Podcast: Brady and Lux in the Morning - 107.3 Alternative Cleveland
Sports Anchor: Nick Camino
Sports Announcer: Tom Hamilton
TikTok Account: @thingsivebeeneating
Abundance Culinary’s Dumpling Club
When Liu Fang was growing up in Northern China, making dumplings was a family affair. Her grandfather specialized in fillings, and her grandmother mobilized the rest of the family to roll and fill each tiny delicacy. These days, Fang’s team at Abundance Culinary in Cleveland Heights does the same for guests at its restaurant, but she didn’t want the enjoyment to stop at the dining room. Enter Dumpling Club ($60$200), a monthly supply of Abundance Culinary’s handcrafted dumplings that you can freeze, cook and eat anywhere, at any time. Choose a single filling or a variety pack of flavors: Sichuan sausage; beef with cilantro, lamb and tomatoes; or rotating vegan options like sweet pea or kale with Thai chili. “What we do at Abundance is so special, and I don’t think there should be limitations,” Fang says. “I wanted even more people to be able to cook dumplings at home like I did with my grandparents.” a-bun.com/dumpling-club
Lake County Captains Toilet Row and Swingers Paradise
Minor league baseball is all about fun, bold ideas and a sense of humor. In a season that stretched into the league playoffs, the Lake County Captains hit a lot of home runs. Their quirky stadium seats in the Toilet Row and Swingers Paradise were definitely two of them. The toilet seats — yes, they are literally tiolets — arrived in summer 2024, in partnership with Roto-Rooter, “as a way to create a fun and exciting option” that is more memorable than a typical seat, says owner and president Alan Miller. Toilet Row features eight non-functional toilet-shaped seats with padded armrests and seat tops positioned behind home plate — “the best seats in the entire house,” he says. Swingers Paradise, located in the top row of Section 109, offers fans a comfortable and laid-back swing to watch the ballgame, perfect for couples and kids. “We are striving to be the first to try new things in this area,” Miller says. milb.com/lake-county
Good music at Bad Medicine goes deeper than a shuffled playlist. Owners and avid vinyl collectors Adam McDaniel and Bryan Tetorakis remix familiar cocktails in new ways, too, just as old records are amplified over modern, hi-fi speakers. “You could listen to five songs in a row that you’ve never heard. Then, one song comes on that you know, and you realize you’ve been listening to this band for the last 20 minutes,” McDaniel says. “That’s a neat experience.” Add dim lighting, dark furnishings and filling fare, and everything sings. “We want to curate an atmosphere that makes people feel comfortable,” McDaniel says, “whether or not they’re there to drink.” badmedicinebar.com
Mooncat Boba Cafe
Mix the drink of your dreams with your own personal boba bar. Mooncat Boba Cafe’s customizable Party Pack ($50) is the perfect one-up for your catering game with one gallon of milk tea, flavored tea or lemonade and your choice of two toppings, including options like classic tapioca, sour blue raspberry, mango star jellies and more. Cups, lids and straws are all provided — just add ice. “It’s a way for people to take boba home and make it their own experience,” says owner Chun Keung Wong. The former Case Western Reserve University student opened his cafe on the corner of West 25th Street just over two years ago, and it’s already become bigger than the boba. Additional menu offerings like savory musubi, veggie spring rolls, popcorn chicken and sweet sugar biscuits keep the party going. mooncatbobacafe.com
Alysse Dalessandro believes everyone deserves to have a well-outfitted closet, no matter their size. “This is something I do to fill a community need,” says the plus-sized influencer and founder of Secondhand Stare. What started as a small closet sale grew into a flourishing consignment experience for sizes large to 7X. Clothes sold online and in-person at Reclamation (Shaker Heights) and Paradise Galleria (Cleveland) feature vintage and current-day sizing on tags, a level of stretch in product descriptions and clear material care instructions. “It’s a matter of people seeing larger bodies as worthy of taking up space,” Dalessandro says. secondhandstare.com
For Nate Cotterman and his wife, Antonia Campanella, lighting has always been personal. The duo behind Nate Cotterman Glass combines timeless design with the fluid, hands-on art of glassblowing to create modern heirloom pieces, bringing a human touch to any room. Inspired by midcentury forms and shaped by Cotterman’s early love of the craft, each lamp begins with customized color sampling and ends with meticulous attention to balance and finish. “We let function lead the design, while never compromising quality,” Cotterman says. From the versatile Piano series to the striking suspended Blossom chandelier, the studio’s lighting is as adaptable as it is artful. Pieces are customizable (prices vary) in glass shade color, metal finish and drop length. “People have built rooms around our pieces,” Cotterman says. With excitement around the new Iris series, including the brand’s first floor lamp, this Chardon-based studio continues to push boundaries with craftsmanship and care. natecotterman.com
BEST STADIUM SEATS
BEST HAND-BLOWN GLASS LAMPS
BEST VINYL BAR
BEST BOBA PARTY PACK
Reader Picks
Beauty/Cosmetic Products: Chagrin Valley Soap & Salve
Bike Shop: Eddy’s Bike Shop
Bookstore: Loganberry Books
Boutique (East Side): Blush Boutique
Boutique (West Side): Banyan Tree
Boutique Hotel/Bed & Breakfast: Inn of Chagrin
Butcher Shop: K&K Portage Market
Cleveland Handmade: Anne Cate
Cleveland T-shirt: CLE Clothing Co.
Clothing Designer: Emily Roggenburk
Dispensary: RISE Dispensary
Gift Mill Run
At Gift Mill Run, plants are more than a purchase. They’re an experience. Co-owners Dana Jenkins and her daughter Brittney Geerken invite customers to create their arrangements down to the pot. Add a decorative rock, mini-sign and floral pick. Plant alongside guidance from the team, or let them do the work for a gift-ready package. The retail space at Market 42 in Brunswick offers succulents, houseplants and air plants, plus seasonal workshops. The joy is in the details, from cheeky pot sayings like “Oh For Succs Sake” to memorable moments like children crafting gifts for Mother’s Day. “The interactive experience of planting your own custom creation while creating a memory makes the planting bar fun for our customers and for us,” Jenkins says. “We love seeing finished creations.” giftmillrun.com
Little Birdie Wine Nest
Robin Keenan’s sanctuary for yoga, crafts and wine clubs gained another feathered friend when a viral 2021 video sent Little Birdie Wine Nest’s coffee flights soaring. Today, folks still migrate from as far as Florida for themed menus, seasonal classics and bestselling “Flock Forever Faves” like caramel creme brulee and white raspberry mocha. “It’s interesting to learn what people love,” Keenan says. “It’s such a collaborative vision.” Each four-cup flight ($15+) contains custom-roast cold brew topped with whipped cream and glamorous treats. “There’s so many things to choose from,” Keenan says. “There’s always a reason for you to come back.” littlebirdiewinenest.com
THIS
VS. THAT BEST SNEAKERHEAD
HAVEN
Location: Tower City
Opened: 2022
The Gear: Rare sneakers, vintage sportswear, local brands.
Shoes to Fill: At first, Madison Williams only sold shoes, but inspired by Cleveland’s treasure troves of sports gear and local brands, he quickly added apparel to the mix. Now, his shop is home to iconic finds like Jordan sneakers, throwback jerseys and other unique items made by Clevelanders, for Clevelanders.
Holy Grail: Nike’s collab with rapper Travis Scott.
Step by Step: “People in Cleveland that started their own clothing brand need a place to help them sell it,” Williams says. “I like catching stuff you don’t see people wearing anymore.” thefeetgeeks.com
Location: Playhouse Square Opened: 2024
The Gear: Sneakers, accessories and trendy streetwear. Shoes to Fill: 440 Kicks stocks hard-to-find shoes made by brands like Nike, Adidas and Asics — plus apparel from Supreme and Sp5der and collectables from Bearbrick. The store also sells on resale app Whatnot to more than 135,000 followers.
Holy Grail: Nike Dunk Low Premium SB Gibson Guitar Case. Step by Step: “I wanted to bring the hype back to Cleveland,” owner Hayden Speeth says. “I want to have a cool spot where people can get their shoes checked, work a trade out, look for that next grail (or) talk about sneakers. I’m all for just connecting with people.” 440kicks.com
BEST PLANTING BAR
BEST COFFEE FLIGHT
Illuminate CLE
Cleveland’s ties with the electric lighting go way back to 1879, when inventor Charles Brush debuted the first street lights in America. Now, Illuminate CLE, the permanent display installed by Destination Cleveland in April, has brought things full circle. When the sun sets, the city lights up with the work of Solon-based Vincent Lighting Systems. Brush would be in awe of the dancing projections and ambient lights that glow against some of Downtown’s most iconic structures, including Terminal Tower, Old Stone Church, Key Tower, 200 Public Square and the Cuyahoga County Court House. The effort is both pretty and productive, says David Gilbert, president and CEO at Destination Cleveland. “In addition to making Public Square a visitor destination after dark, Illuminate CLE increases the feeling of safety in and around Public Square,” he adds. “It also has the added benefit of encouraging increased foot traffic in Downtown Cleveland, which leads to more economic activity at our awesome local restaurants and businesses.” thisiscleveland.com/illuminatecle
Cleverland Puzzle Design
Secret codes and nonograms are everyday handiwork for Cleverland Puzzle founder Claire Mercer, who creates all her illustrated stumpers. “In the age of AI, appreciating the handwritten and analog — taking time to complete tasks — is very important for me,” she says. Her book Cleveland Conundrums debuted in 2023 and started a growing community of pun-loving, word-nerding enthusiasts. “It’s always interesting to hear what type of puzzles people prefer,” says Mercer, who leans toward storytelling brain teasers, but there’s no best puzzle or right way to solve it. “Sometimes you may not have the knowledge to complete a puzzle,” she adds. “Puzzles are meant to be fun, not frustratingly difficult.” cleverlandpuzzle.com
At Marika Gems in Rocky River, a pair of gold cone-shaped earrings catch the light. Owner Marika Emerson D’Orel thrifted them at age 8, before her ears were even pierced. Her early eye for archival wearables led to metalworking and a line called Ay Marieke sold in West Coast boutiques. Then, a career in jewelry appraisal while earning a Graduate Gemologist diploma unlocked priceless affiliations. “What I am seeking above all else is good quality,” Emerson D’Orel says. “How is a piece made? How is it finished? Is it comfortable? Have I ever seen something like this before? I buy and sell pieces that I love and respond to emotionally.” marikagems.com
BEST PUZZLE BOOKS
GEMOLOGIST
Reader Picks
Fitness Trainer: Josh Mekota (Results Fitness)
Florist: Blossom Flower Bar
Gift Shop: The Print Shop
Independent Gym (East Side): Results Fitness
Independent Gym (West Side): TFIT Studio
Jeweler: Oceanne
Maker’s Market: 78th Street Studios’ Third Fridays
Nail Salon: Stella and Shay Beauty Bar
Photographer/ Videographer: Aileen Elizabeth Photography
Shoe Store: Arthur’s Shoe Tree
Spa:
Allure Aesthetics - Spa & Permanent Makeup
Tattoo Studio: Reflection Room Tattoo Co.
Thrift Store: Value World
Toy/Collectible Store: Once Upon a Time Toys
Vintage/Antique Store: Paradise Galleria
Wine Shop: Rozi’s Wine House
Yoga Studio: Cultivate Yoga
Globe Iron
Nestled in the West Bank of the Flats, Globe Iron is Cleveland’s newest music venue but already an integral part of its history. The 1,200-capacity, AEG-run venue, previously the Metropolis, Dream Nightclub and Trilogy, has a new life hosting diverse shows, from bigger artists like Osees and MJ Lenderman to the local All Cleveland Fest on Oct. 4. “We’ve been working on this for a little over two years,” says AEG marketing manager Mike Tata. “To watch (Globe Iron) come to fruition has been great. The shows have been doing what we expected and then some.” The positive feedback has been overwhelming, and Globe Iron is continuing to fill its calendar with something for every concert goer, from indie and alternative groups to bluegrass and country bands. “We’re not just a rock club or an indie destination,” says Tata. “It’s a really diverse room, and that’s gonna be something people are excited about.” globeironcle.com
Paradise Galleria
A fridge door opens into a pizza-filled tunnel; a teen dream bedroom transports you back in time with ’80s pop art; a slide delivers shoppers into the lower level. This is Ohio City’s “mall of dreams.” Paradise Galleria’s 13,000-square-foot space has spawned viral moments on social media and drawn in celebrities like Billy Corgan, Machine Gun Kelly and Pete Davidson for shopping visits. “It seemed like every couple of weeks we’d be viral for a minute,” says co-owner Cassie Trainer. “As soon as that would happen, the floodgates would open, and we would get hundreds of people in on any given day.” That attention makes sense, when you experience the nostalgic, funky decor designed and built by Trainer and co-owner Haley Himiko Hudson Morris — along with vintage shopping selections from two dozen vendors and a handful of independent designers and artists. “We love what we’re doing,” says Morris, “and we’ve believed in it from the start. But we’re a little blindsided by the amount of people who totally get it.” instagram.com/theparadisegalleria
18Lab Golf
The only problem with Northeast Ohio golf? It doesn’t last long enough. Golf simulators are the perfect fix for getting in some swings year-round. While simulators that let you play courses around the world are popular as party destinations, 18Lab Golf in Westlake reimagines the technology as an opportunity to help golfers improve their game. “I wanted to create a facility where you could practice exactly like PGA Tour players,” 18Lab Golf founder Steve Pacino says. This includes bays fit with Trackman Simulators, new Sportsbox AI technology and the largest Putt View putting surface in all of Northeast Ohio. “A lot of people leave out the putting aspect,” Pacino says. “We can replay your swing, see it on highspeed cameras, have all the angles, data, and also work on short game. That’s the all-encompassing aspect of golf.” 18labgolf.com
THIS
VS. THAT
BEST PUBLIC ART INITIATIVE
Streetside Surprise: Thirteen gigantic books on the lawn of the Shaker Heights Public Library are open for sitting, feeling and even reading.
Group Effort: Landscape architect Haemee Han’s vision was materialized into aluminum books sculptured by Rustbelt and painted by mural artist Mike Sobeck.
Created with neurodivergent individuals in mind, Little Ouchies provide a safe, satisfying way to meet adverse sensory needs. The brand, co-owned by Katherine Frederick and founder Craig Butrick, designs pieces from PLA bioplastic to comfortably support those with autism, anxiety, PTSD or body-focused repetitive behaviors like scratching or biting. Discrete shapes and colors fit into everyday situations. “(Little Ouchies) are designed to, quite literally, scratch that itch without doing harm to the body,” says Butrick. The signature spikes are angled for noticeable sensation without risking injury. The product line includes mini and regular grippies, chapstick holders, click-and-squish toys, can sleeves, lighter cases and more. Pride editions are available year-round, and proceeds go toward LGBTQ causes and beyond, echoing the company’s mission of inclusion, fair labor and supporting the communities it serves. More than just a product, Little Ouchies is designed to promote grounding and emotional regulation. littleouchies.com
Table of Contents: The minimalist book covers, with titles chosen by Shaker Heights librarians, feature local authors like Celeste Ng’s Little Fires Everywhere, Derf Backderf’s Kent State and Justin A. Reynolds’ Opposite of Always Behind the Brush: “It’s public art, but it’s functional,” says project lead Erin Guido of LAND Studio. “It brings color and joy to this amazing resource.” shakerlibrary.org
Streetside Surprise: The piano, courtesy of the Willoughby Arts Collaborative, sits on the sidewalk outside Michael Stefan Salon heeding a polite warning: “Playing the WAC piano will cause a random act of joy.”
Group Effort: Painter Delinda Mariani worked with fellow artists Jacob Mariani, Nicholas Mariani and Maya Sims. Table of Contents: The secondhand piano was transformed with an animal-print motif coined as “Jungle Love.” Behind the Brush: “We’d been wanting to do some type of interactive performing art,” says WAC president Pat Carroll Bonander. “People have posted pictures of themselves with big smiles on their faces.” willoughbyarts collaborative.org
BEST STORE DECOR
BEST HIGH-TECH GOLF LESSONS
ATOMIC CITY
CLEVELAND’S HARSHAW CHEMICAL CO.
PLAYED A VITAL ROLE IN THE MANHATTAN PROJECT AND THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE ATOMIC BOMB.
ITS RADIOACTIVE CONTAMINATION IS STILL BEING CLEANED UP TODAY.
WRITTTEN BY ANNIE
NICKOLOFF
ILLUSTRATED BY MARK HARRIS
“A SHORT TIME AGO, AN AMERICAN AIRPLANE DROPPED ONE BOMB
ON HIROSHIMA, AND DESTROYED ITS USEFULNESS TO THE ENEMY,”
President Harry Truman said in a measured tone on Aug. 6, 1945. “That bomb has more power than 20,000 tons of TNT.”
Hours earlier, the “Little Boy” bomb was dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. Three days later, the “Fat Man” would drop on Nagasaki. The ground reached more than 3,000 degrees Celsius in the instant of detonations. Two towns’ buildings, homes, roads, bridges and people were wiped from existence. Ghostly shadows remained of human beings on concrete and bricks. Between 110,000 and 210,000 people perished, the Bulletin of the Atomic Scientists estimates.
It was incomparable destruction, unlike any moment ever witnessed in warfare.
“It is an atomic bomb,” Truman calmly said to the world, to the United States, to Ohio, to Cleveland. “It is a harnessing of the basic power of the universe.”
Most Americans learned of the country’s nuclear weapons development for the first time after this event. That even included many workers at Harshaw Chemical Co., who might not have known they contributed to the project for years.
Here, on a crook of the Cuyahoga River in Cleveland, Harshaw’s Harvard-Denison factory once made extraordinary contributions to the Manhattan Project, the United States’ program to develop the first atomic bomb in the 1940s. Workers there helmed a chemical process used in uranium processing and shipped thousands of tons of radioactive uranium hexafluoride out of the city.
“That’s the one thing that makes the Harshaw story incredibly important,” says John Grabowski, editor of the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History, “because in this case, people were war workers, but they weren’t aware exactly where (the materials) were going.”
On the Harvard-Denison bridge, you can stand over what used to be Cleveland’s uranium processing center. Now, it’s a mostly barren, 55-acre expanse of industrial land, crisscrossed by train tracks near the Cuyahoga River and Cleveland-Cliffs’ operations.
Some call this the most toxic site in Cleveland. In Google results, you’ll find widgets of yellow-and-green toxic barrel symbols in blog thumbnails. One of those blogs contains detailed instructions for out-of-towners to see it, sharing navigation to this attraction for nuclear-age obsessives.
It sounds like it should look flashy. It doesn’t. The soil doesn’t glow. The air doesn’t smell. But the Superfund site still, today, contains traces of radioactive uranium.
“CAN YOU IMAGINE IT?” asks Amy Gaskill, a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers outreach specialist for the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program (FUSRAP). She’s standing on the bridge, high over the industrial ground. Her
colleague, fellow public affairs specialist Andre’ M. Hampton, glances over his shoulder as a semi-truck startles him, thundering across the bridge and shaking the sidewalk.
Gaskill juts a finger through the diamond-link fence to point down at the concrete slabs, orange fencing, rail lines, scraggly bushes, dusty roads and excavation equipment.
A buzzing industry once stood on this now-vacant site. People and colors and smells. Chemical-laden river waters lapped the banks. Smoke snaked up near the hilly residential neighborhoods down the road.
It’s hard to imagine.
Today, 80 years after the atomic bombs were dropped, traces of radiation remain. But there are fewer every day: The Army Corps is completing its lengthy FUSRAP cleanup project, which started in September 2024 after a $13.4 million contract between the Army Corps and Enviro-Fix Solutions.
As for the land’s future: It’s likely to stay industrial, but parts of it have been proposed for retail and recreational use in past city plans, says a Cleveland spokesperson.
The history of the site remains, even as its physical footprint is washed away. Formerly classified Manhattan Project’s history volumes and documents mention both “Harshaw Chemical Co.” and “Cleveland” many times. Company and city histories are interwoven, in letters and company ledgers stored at Western Reserve Historical Society; in interlinked webs of online blogs and government pages; in dose reconstruction reports; in decades’ worth of news articles. The story’s threads unspool in the industrial land Harshaw once occupied and the surrounding hilly communities, with stitches from city planners, cleanup crews and workers’ families. The edges fray with time. And yet, it’s not talked about.
A small company pamphlet preserved in a manila folder is
in 1954. “For several years, Harshaw was the government’s only supplier.”
stored deep in the archives in the Cleveland Public Library’s main branch. Published in 1934, the document preceded Harshaw’s uranium work by seven years. It shares context about the company’s early history. It begins with a quote from French novelist Honore de Balzac: This sublime privilege of prolonging the life in our hearts by the life of the work we leave behind us is a reward indeed for all the labor undertaken by those who aspire to such immortality.
Local history books like the Harshaw-produced Tested By Time are filled with midcentury photos and illustrations of the site, along with its story. The business started small in the 1890s and created a network of plants in Cleveland, Elyria, Philadelphia and Hastings-On-Hudson, New York. Later, the company aggressively expanded, even opening international offices in Europe.
At Harvard-Denison, smokestacks, silos, pipes, offices and large two- and three-story red brick buildings popped up on a sprawling property used to produce nickel salts, pigments, acids and other chemicals by the early 1900s.
This plant’s most consequential work occurred in the 1940s and ’50s, during the uranium years. Specifically, Harshaw streamlined an efficient way to use fluorine gas to produce uranium hexafluoride, a key to uranium enrichment. By 1944, Harshaw ran a dedicated production area, according to Manhattan Project records. It was a major step forward.
“The atomic bomb couldn’t have been made if a group of chemists at Harshaw hadn’t developed a way of making fluorine economically and swiftly,” reported The Cleveland Press
To meet Manhattan Project demands, Harshaw made and sent 1,615 tons of uranium hexafluoride, along with large amounts of uranium tetrafluoride, or “green salt,” to the K-25 Gaseous Diffusion Plant in Oak Ridge, Tennessee, for enrichment. It was there that the products were transformed into uranium-235, the chemical used to test and create the atomic bombs the military dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki.
And it all happened in secret.
As the Tested By Time book details: The word ‘uranium’ was never used. … Here, a dedicated group struggled with priorities, scarce equipment, security clearances, accountability for every ounce of uranium raw material, and shortages of manpower.
“That’s the one thing that makes the Harshaw story incredibly important, because in this case, people were war workers, but they weren’t aware exactly where (the materials) were going.”
It was difficult and hot. Chemists, foremen, engineers, loaders, operators and cleaners worked to meet the demand for the precious wartime chemical. The factory ran 24 hours, seven days a week — all in the race against Germany to build the bomb that ended World War II.
JOHN GRABOWSKI EDITOR OF ENCYCLOPEDIA OF CLEVELAND HISTORY
AFTER HE RETURNED from overseas deployment, Chris Mallin’s father picked up his life where it left off and was re-hired at Harshaw’s Harvard-Denison plant.
“That was a period of time that the uranium processing was going on, and he was a night-shift supervisor,” Mallin recalls. “He wasn’t working specifically on the uranium, but he would have responsibility for the entire plant operation shift.”
Mallin, sitting in a side room at Bedford Falls Cafe, makes it clear that he doesn’t want his father named in this article. He
Harshaw Chemical Co.’s Harvard-Denison plant was a major contributor to the Manhattan Project, the United States’ country-wide effort to develop the atomic bomb.
sips tea out of a foam cup. Without sharing his name, he gives a few details about his dad. He spoke three languages: English, Polish and German. Living on East 69th Street, he first found work at Harshaw as a young adult. He graduated from Cleveland’s South High School in 1938, then got a bachelor’s degree in chemistry from Western Reserve University, before he was deployed to France just 10 days after D-Day.
He served in the U.S. Army until the end of the war and then spent a year in Europe evaluating evidence for war crime prosecutions, translating interviews for Polish victims of concentration camps, Mallin says.
At the end of the year, he returned to the U.S. He married Mallin’s mother. He worked at the HarvardDenison plant until 1955 before moving up to corporate headquarters on Cleveland’s East 97th Street. “Life was good,” Mallin says.
Then, 15 years later, at 40 years old, his cancer was first detected. He died in 1977 at the age of 55.
“The doctors did suspect that it might have been caused by the radiation,” Mallin says. “There hadn’t been any family history of cancer.”
Mallin’s father wasn’t the only employee who got sick.
It’s a difficult reality for some Clevelanders. One woman who grew up in the neighborhood said it was too painful to discuss. “There’s a lot of grief and sorrow connected with all this,” she explained in a voicemail, “with the men that worked there.” She didn’t return further phone calls.
OHIO’S NUCLEAR RENAISSANCE
The state’s nuclear industry is expanding, with new power plants and tech leading the way. Current advancements are happening on the grounds of a former Manhattan Project-era uranium enrichment plant in Southern Ohio.
Precautions at the plant included respirators and protective clothing, but many Harvard-Denison workers were still exposed to high levels of radioactivity and, studies found, faced heightened risks of cancer.
Workers in the so-called Area C inhaled “2 to 150 times the maximum preferred quantity of uranium” every workday — along with exposure to high beta and gamma radiation levels in operating areas, according to Atomic Energy Commission letters and surveys in 1947. Tests also showed elevated uranium levels in their urine.
Despite the available data, the company downplayed workers’ exposure. It claimed materials were “slightly radioactive” in 1945 security information it drafted for Area C employees, following Atomic Energy Commission concerns.
“You are in no danger and that there is no cause for fear or worry from this source. We are being super-careful in handling this material so that there can be no possibility whatsoever of any damage produced by the very slight radioactivity of this material,” the notice read.
The numbers told a different story. In 2000, the Institute for Energy and Environmental Research showed that Harshaw and two other uranium processing sites’ highest radiation doses corresponded with a 200% rise in the risk of fatal cancer when compared to unexposed individuals.
“Working conditions were appalling,” said Arjun Makhijani, president of IEER and principal author of the project, in a news release from the time. “Data from all three factories that we studied show that the radiation protection standards of the time were routinely violated. And there is incontrovertible evidence that the government, putting production first, failed to adequately protect the workers or properly inform them of the severe hazards that many of them faced.”
In-the-moment reports detailed dust accumulating or visibly spilling onto the factory floor — and with it, radiological contamination. A 2007 dose reconstruction project for the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health showed a lack of employee monitoring and, especially in the plant’s early uranium years, a lack of effective exhaust and dust filters. Merril Eisenbud, the former director of the U.S. Atomic Energy Commission’s Health and Safety Laboratory
The former campus is a part of the Formerly Utilized Sites Remedial Action Program. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers is actively cleaning the site of its contamination.
CLEVELAND’S URANIUM STORY, in some ways, is tied up with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ cleanup of its Harvard-Denison site. Meanwhile, new chapters of development unfold in other parts of Ohio.
About 200 miles south of Cleveland is the former Portsmouth Gaseous Diffusion Plant: a sprawling site in southern Ohio that enriched uranium for nuclear weapons and reactors from the 1950s until 2001.
Surrounding areas have experienced contamination. Officials closed nearby Zahn Middle School in 2019 after radioactive elements were detected nearby, according to multiple reports.
However, in that same year, a corner of the Portsmouth property saw new life when Centrus Energy Corp. contracted with the U.S. Energy Department to build 16 centrifuges to produce the specialized high-assay low-enriched uranium (HALEU) designed for advanced nuclear reactors.
ANNIE NICKOLOFF
and manager of the New York operations office, said in a 1995 oral history that plants operated by Harshaw in Cleveland and Mallinckrodt in St. Louis had the worst levels of radiological exposure to employees he had seen.
“The exposures were very high,” Eisenbud said in the interview. “I think the maximum amount of uranium in air was supposed to be 50 micrograms per cubic meter; we were measuring milligrams per cubic meter, and they were excreting as much as a milligram a day in their urine.”
The plant’s workers — many of whom would be the parents, grandparents and great-grandparents of the city’s Brooklyn Centre and Old Brooklyn neighborhoods — are now gone. An organizer of “The Harshaw Gang,” an independent reunion blog for former employees of the chemical company, said that none of the remaining Harshaw retirees have any first-hand knowledge of the company’s uranium processing years, which ended in 1955. Those employees are gone.
Some received compensation. Decades of lobbying to support nuclear workers led to Ohio U.S. Senator George Voinovich introducing the Employees Occupational Illness Compensation Act in May of 2000. It passed Congress, and President Bill Clinton signed it into law that year. The program paid out more than $25 billion to workers involved in nuclear weapons production who contracted certain cancers and other illnesses. Of that, about $7 million went to Harshaw’s workers and their families. Many millions more were paid out to workers of Brush Beryllium Co., research laboratories and other manufacturing plants that peppered Northeast Ohio and also contributed to the Manhattan Project.
Mallin’s father didn’t directly handle uranium, but he would’ve regularly been exposed to its dust while working at the Harvard-Dennison plant. When the compensation program was approved, Mallin’s family submitted a claim.
“We had a medical review of his medical record, and (it) concluded that there was a greater-than-50% chance that the cancer was caused by radiation exposure,” Mallin says.
Roughly 30 years after Mallin’s father died, his family received compensation — bookending just one experience of Cleveland’s atomic age.
HARSHAW, LIKE OTHER Ohio companies, contributed to the “Arsenal of Democracy” wartime efforts that pivoted factories’ regular uses toward military manufacturing. It was honored with an Army-Navy “E” Award, sporting four stars: a testament to the Harvard-Denison plant’s contributions to
the atomic bomb’s development. Other contributors included uranium rod manufacturers in Columbus and Toledo, a polonium-making factory in Dayton, and dozens of other Ohio factories crafting pieces and parts for the war.
Mallin calls many of those factory workers patriots.
“If a guy was 30 years old in 1955 working at Harshaw, that means that 10 years earlier, he was wearing a uniform in the United States armed services. The guys that were working at Harshaw at that time virtually were all veterans of the military. A great number of them had served in World War II,” Mallin says, “but they probably did not have the kinds of disclosures about what health risks were involved at the time.”
Mallin says his dad, a chemist, understood uranium and its radioactivity, and he even likely knew how the product would be used in wartime. But he never spoke about it while he worked for Harshaw. “That was not anything that anybody talked about, because it was a defense contract,” Mallin says.
Yet, neighbors knew something was going on at the plant. As Harshaw continued to process uranium after World War II ended, community members became concerned about the factory’s pollution of Brooklyn Centre and Old Brooklyn. Neighbors complained of odors from the factory and etching on glass panes and windows of cars parked nearby, as noted in a 1947 report by the Atomic Energy Commission.
Conditions improved when, in the late ’40s, the company installed more effective exhaust hoods, filtration, cleanup and laundering systems. In December 1951, the commission began decontaminating some former uranium processing spaces, while other parts of the plant ramped up. Harshaw worked with or stored various forms of uranium until 1955, when its contract with the government ended and the commission directed the company to end processing.
By late 1956, the commission ordered the area office to dismantle Harshaw’s uranium plant. Commission-supervised decontamination continued through 1960. As for the company itself, after several mergers and acquisitions, Harshaw’s properties took on different names and functions, and the Harvard-Denison plant ceased all operations in 1998.
Property owners worked on decontamination in the 1990s, demolishing some of the campus, with remaining factory buildings coming down in 2015. Around that time, the site became a hot topic during the development of the Ohio & Erie Canal Towpath Trail. Trail organizers reportedly aimed to thread through the former Harshaw grounds along the river, but plans changed because of the lengthy cleanup.
It’s the only U.S.-owned company with U.S.-developed technology that can make this type of uranium, says Dan Leistikow, Centrus’s vice president of corporate communications. And it has big plans to grow in Ohio.
“Our goal is to be able to scale up that facility with thousands of additional centrifuges to accommodate large-scale production of both low-enriched uranium and HALEU,” Leistikow says.
This June, the company announced that it produced nearly a ton of the critical fuel source.
Unlike the rushed, anxious years of the Manhattan Project, modern uranium enrichment looks different. Smaller, more energy-efficient gas centrifuges replaced gaseous diffusion plants, and new operations follow careful inspections, regulations, security and licensing, according to Leistikow.
The uranium Centrus creates in Piketon is mostly used for nuclear energy. But nuclear weapons aren’t out of the question.
“When and if we’re asked, we stand ready to support those missions for the U.S. government,” Leistikow says, “and we could certainly do that in Piketon, alongside commercial civilian nuclear energy production.”
When and if.
For now, it’s all about energy.
In 2023, Oklo, an advanced nuclear technology company headquartered in California, announced it would build two new nuclear power plants in southern Ohio, doubling the number of reactors in the state.
“Ohio really has a big role to play in the future of nuclear energy,” Leistikow says. “Really, I think there’s a story there about how Ohio could be at the forefront of the rebirth of American leadership in nuclear energy.”
As this former self fades, the city must reckon with its history, says city councilwoman Rebecca Maurer. Her ward touches the Harshaw site.
“The Manhattan Project, and dropping the atomic bomb, was one of the most consequential and damaging and intense acts of war that the United States of America has ever engaged with,” she says. “It’s certainly unsettling to know that any element of that work happened literally in the heart of Cleveland on the Cuyahoga River.
“If anything, I’m grateful to the FUSRAP team and the FUSRAP project for bringing to light this history and helping us understand Cleveland’s involvement in it and Harshaw’s involvement in it.”
“It’s certainly unsettling to know that any element of that work happened literally in the heart of Cleveland on the Cuyahoga River.”
REBECCA MAURER
CLEVELAND CITY COUNCILWOMAN
Maurer helped host public information sessions last year, where the Army Corps shared its process. It looks something like this: Excavation is followed by radiological testing, then sealing the contents “a bit like a burrito,” then loading them into trucks, decontaminating and more radiological testing — all before the truckloads of soil even leave Cleveland, says Katie Buckler, the Army Corps’ project manager for the Harshaw site. Air monitors run 24/7 around the site to detect radiation.
“We want to make sure everybody is aware that we’re doing everything safely, making sure the workers are safe, the communities are safe,” Buckler says.
The site is divided into three operable units. Two are nearing completion. Most of the work remains in Operable Unit-1 North, which once held Harshaw’s G-1 building, responsible for most uranium processing.
As of Aug. 12, 13,361 cubic yards of soil and concrete have been sealed, tested and transported for disposal in Wayne Disposal Facility in Belleville, Michigan, near Detroit. But what is considered decontamination here is seen as contamination elsewhere: In early August, Michigan communities near Wayne Disposal won a court order to prevent radioactive FUSRAP waste from being sent in.
Now, along with ongoing excavations, Harshaw also holds stockpiled waste awaiting disposal, with weekly inspections.
It’s not an unusual practice, Buckler says, and cleanup efforts are unaffected. She expects FUSRAP field work to wrap up this winter and to close out by the end of 2026.
SO MANY DECADES after uranium processing, the cleanup crews are still unearthing radiation in the ground.
“Contractors on site are saying, ‘We’re finding yellowcake in the soils,’ which is what we were expecting,” Buckler says. “But just seeing it right there is always a little bit — you know, not shocking, but also interesting, to just see it sitting there, in the soils. It validates us for sure, to let us know we’re actually cleaning up some pretty dangerous stuff, and getting it taken care of.”
It’s classified as “low activity radiological waste,” Buckler clarifies.
Harshaw, in some ways, is a straightforward cleanup. Ohio’s other active FUSRAP site, Luckey, housed a Brush Beryllium Co. facility and was linked to radioactive groundwater contamination in a recent Toledo Blade investigation.
Other FUSRAP site cleanups took focus before Harshaw. Plus, it took time for Congress had to approve funds for the Army Corps to do the work in Cleveland, Gaskill says. Once it got started, the Army Corps moved slowly, aiming to fully investigate the property and understand its story, and to share that information with the neighborhood.
“Before we start digging, we really do want to make sure we have a really firm idea of what we’re getting ourselves into,” Gaskill says.
For more than 25 years, the Army Corps has managed Harshaw’s uranium remediation. After FUSRAP wraps up, more cleaning remains as a part of Resource Conservation and Recovery Act work managed by the US Environmental Protection Agency.
“It is uncommon that a property or area is subject to both cleanup programs simultaneously,” says EPA spokesperson Molly Vaseliou.
The radioactive cleanup takes priority. Then, the EPA and BASF, the European chemical company that owns some of Harshaw’s property, will step in to address the remaining hazardous waste remaining from the plant’s longtime nickel salt, cobalt oxide and pigment production.
“Because of these activities, the site is mainly contaminated with metals,” says Vaseliou. “The most affected areas of soil and groundwater are linked to past wastewater treatment and waste disposal practices.”
Mallin followed his father’s footsteps and picked up work at Harshaw in summer and winter breaks of 1969 while he was an undergraduate student, working with nickel chloride and the plant’s chrome-plating process. “It wasn’t radioactive, but that’s about all I can say for it, as far as being pleasant,” Mallin says.
He saw industrial pollution in the Cuyahoga River: bright plumes of orange that he attributed to the nearby steel mill operations, and other reactions blooming in the waters, too. “From one day to the next, it had a variety of bright colors,” Mallin remembers.
Five decades have passed. The EPA formed and environmental efforts addressed the water. Today, the river has returned to a natural muddy brown.
Soon, the former site of the plant may find its own non-toxic future.
EIGHTY YEARS AFTER the atomic bomb was dropped, the world continues to reflect on its legacy. Another like it has not been deployed, though the potential hangs over geopolitics like a mushroom cloud.
Cleveland played a role in this reality.
In a 1945 speech, J. Robert Oppenheimer, the physicist behind the development of the bomb, told his colleagues that “this is not only a great peril but a great hope.” Today, nuclear energy accounts for nearly 20% of the country’s electricity generation. The industry is expanding, especially in Ohio, with two new power plants planned in the state.
Cleveland, too, played a role in this reality.
This reality, like a patchwork quilt, sewn together. This relatively small, industrial lot which curves in a gentle “C” shape around the Cuyahoga River. And hundreds of other grounds just like it. All working together to create one world-shifting invention. All contending with the scars left behind.
This historic corner of the city will turn to its next chapter, but its history will never be scrubbed away.
Cleveland played a role.
WHEN EVERYTHING MATTERS
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ART of
ALI
FMeet the 2025 Arts Prize Winners
Get to know the 2025 Cleveland Arts Prize winners and their trailblazing contributions to the country’s best arts community.
or more than six decades, the Cleveland Museum of Art has celebrated the artists who defined Cleveland’s creative community and the next generation who keep it alive and thriving. The next group of
BLACK, Emerging Artist Award, Literature
For some, writing comes naturally — so much so that it becomes a part of them. That is the case for Black. “I discovered I was good at writing when I realized I couldn’t be without it,” she says. “To me, my passion and dedication for writing said a lot about my skill set as a writer.” The Clevelander recently released a poetry collection, We Look Better Alive, that dives into very personal and autobiographical poems about her life. Outside of her own writing, she is the co-founder of Balance Point Studios, a nonprofit dedicated to teaching and sharing art, where she teaches classes in her writing progam, “The Most Promising.”
Almost two years after graduating from the Cleveland Institute of Art in 1986, Howard landed his first show at the Avanti Gallery in Little Italy. From there, the sculptor and painter went on to create public art all around Cleveland and Northeast Ohio for a show that will never end, leading to his Lifetime Achievement Award. “(Public art) becomes a part of everyone’s experience, whether or not they realize it,” Howard says on why his favorite art pieces are the ones outside the gallery. His art also consists of infrastructure elements he designed for the Euclid Corridor project, such as trash cans, tree grates and removable curbs.
BY JADEN STAMBOLIA
Cleveland Art Prize winners will be honored on Oct. 22. These creative minds have shaped Cleveland’s art scene by telling their stories, making the city become one with the art and supporting the next generation of Cleveland artists.
Around the age of 5, Vieaux got his first guitar when his mom brought home a classical one. The Buffalo native started to expand his repertoire, leading him to study at the Cleveland Institute of Music. Afterward, he would take master classes in Rochester in front of international artists. “They would all want to talk to my parents and my teacher after I played for them,” Vieaux says. “It was really through the international players that we got this sense that they were telling us that there is a real future there.” That future would lead him to winning a Grammy in 2015 and teaching the next generation at the CIM.
JASON VIEAUX , Mid-Career Artist, Music
MARK E. HOWARD, Lifetime Achievement Award, Visual
JENNIE JONES, Special Citation from the Board of Trustees
Jones is known for her architectural photography, which has captured major projects such as Tower City, the Cleveland Public Library and Gateway. “I took pictures of all the wonderful architecture around here, and they were just ordinary pictures,” she says. Those ordinary images have appeared in The Plain Dealer, Forbes and other major and local publications. After a five-decade career, she donated 22,000 images and photo materials to the Michael Schwartz Library at Cleveland State University. Before the donation, she had used her photography for educational purposes in teaching art history.
GREG PECKHAM , Robert P. Bergman Prize
As a city planner, Peckham is in the business of combining art with community development and sees it as a way the city “can strengthen communities and neighborhoods across Cleveland.” But Peckham isn’t the artist; he’s the connector between the artist and the community, serving in roles at LAND Studio and the Cuyahoga Valley Land Conservancy. “Amazing talent can make everyday, ordinary landscapes look different and help people see something that they wouldn’t otherwise see,” Peckham says. With his work at the Cuyahoga Valley Land Conservancy, he is now connecting the city with nature.
JACK, JOSEPH AND MORTON MANDEL FOUNDATION, Barbara S. Robinson Prize for the Advancement of the Arts
If you have been around Cleveland enough, you have probably seen the Mandel Foundation’s name on a plaque somewhere. There’s also a chance you have seen Joseph’s sculptures around the Mandel buildings. Mort had close ties to the Cleveland Museum of Art. Overall, the three brothers cared deeply about the humanities, especially the arts and cultural institutions that have put Cleveland on the map. Those values haven’t been lost. “It’s a mistake if we think the arts are confined to the elites,” says Steve Hoffman, chairman of the Mandel Foundation. “I think the arts have something to speak to everyone.”
When Pease was a young girl growing up in New York, she was surrounded by diverse cultures, and many of the people she called “aunt” and “uncle” were not her family. “In sharing their histories and cultures, I felt all of their cultures belonged to me,” Pease says on how her career in culturally diverse storytelling started. Since then, she has shared the stories of the world, reaching thousands of children in Northeast Ohio through Kulture Kids, a nonprofit she founded. Her work has helped foster cultural pride, inclusivity and empathy through music, theater and interactive engagement with the kids.
ROBERT
ROBIN PEASE, Martha Joseph Prize for Distinguished Service to the Arts
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SCHOOL GETS REAL
VR surgeries, global Zoom calls and hands-on STEM projects are transforming Northeast Ohio classrooms into launchpads for the future.
BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
ourth graders Zoom across the globe to Uganda. From North Ridgeville, the Ranger High-Tech Academy class loops in with villagers associated with Drink Local. Drink Tap. African locals explain daily, desperate struggles to source clean water.
In Cleveland, high schoolers “scrub in” for a virtual reality knee surgery, passing instruments to an avatar surgeon, navigating what it feels like in an orthopedic operating room.
“When you put on the VR glasses and ‘go’ into the operating room
door, you’re handling the tools, passing them to the surgeon and retracting tissue like a surgical technician,” says Dr. Erin Slay, associate dean of nursing at the Central School of Practical Nursing, now part of New Bridge Cleveland.
A far-reaching career now feels attainable. A country unknown becomes real.
In Cleveland, “it’s as close as you can get to feeling what it’s like without being in the room,” Slay relates of just one of the hands-on modules that Cleveland Metropolitan School District students explore in New Bridge Cleveland’s Care Academy.
In many ways, the program is an equalizer. It flattens potential barriers for students and families, provides lab access and builds support and soft skills.
“It’s about igniting purpose,” Slay says. This is true in different ways across K-12 learning environments in Northeast Ohio.
Creatively implemented tech tools can open worlds of opportunity close to home. Immersive programs engage students who glaze over during typical lessons. And assistive technologies like speech-to-text remove hurdles to help some students with learning differences master content so they’re not held back.
“These tech tools free them from a learning disability so they can keep up and show their knowledge on a topic,” says Sally Garza, pointing to another way strategic tech unlocks access.
The upper school director of educational technology says, “It can be life-changing.”
‘So what?’
Students want to know, “How does this apply to me?”
Consider an algebra class with worksheets and exams. “Why?” wonders a history buff, followed by a kid drawn to chemistry and lab. Remove subject silos and merge the core classes’ focuses in order to answer a single, student-generated question about the world. Students tune in — and they’re all in.
This is how school works in a projectbased learning (PBL) environment like Ranger High-Tech Academy. Coursework gets real by centering studies on finding answers and satisfying curiosity. Some past PBLs: Are contact sports worth it? (Cue industry partner Riddell helmets, an NFL go-to.) How does access to clean water help a community thrive? (Trout in the room?)
All classes align to the “essential question,” and partnerships with industries transfer what students are learning to life, explains principal Melissa Durkin.
Teacher Sheila Woidke says that one problem-based question leads to another across subjects. To address water quality, the students raised trout in class, testing the tank for turbidity, pH, oxygen and ammonia levels. The class visited Stone Lab on Lake
At University School, boys thrive in an environment with the freedom to explore, create, and innovate. They think deeper, embrace challenge, and discover new passions. Register today for our All-School Family Open House on Sunday, November 2! www.us.edu/visit
Erie’s Gibraltar Island and the French Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant.
Along the way, classes leverage tech to connect students to experiences, including sparking more info gathering via artificial intelligence. History teacher Randy Wood
does not issue textbooks. Lessons are informed by research articles. This year, the big, fat question he’s posing to his eighth graders: How do historians think?
“We’re giving students opportunities to create their own learning paths and dive into sub-topics we might not be able to get into while covering state social studies standards,” he says.
The school’s motto: empowering students to design their preferred future.
So maybe they want to dig deeper into Betsy Ross, who sewed the first American Flag. They can, with the AI Khanmigo, an AI tutor built by Khan Academy. They’ll learn to ask well-crafted questions — just one of many skills, along with fact-checking with multiple resources.
SCHOOL REDEFINED
Upper School
Early Childhood, Lower, and Middle School
Wednesday, 10/22/25, 9:00 am, Parent Visit Saturday, 11/22/25, 10:00 am, OPEN HOUSE
Toddler – Grade 8 | Lyndhurst Campus
Birchwood School
Sunday, 10/19/25, 2:00 pm, OPEN HOUSE
Preschool – Grade 8 | Cleveland-West Campus
Thursday, 10/9/25, 9:00 am, Parent Visit Saturday, 11/1/25, 1:00 pm, OPEN HOUSE Grades 9 – 12 | Gates Mills Campus
Mastery School
Tuesday, 10/14/25, 7:00 pm, Parent Visit Saturday, 11/8/25, 1:00 pm, OPEN HOUSE Grades 9 – 12 | University Circle Campus
‘I need it for my job’
Just because students seem to operate in a tech-driven world doesn’t mean they understand how it all works. So, Garza kicks off Digital Citizenship at Lawrence School with a student survey. It asks what platforms they’ve used. Basically, it serves as a howyou-consume worksheet. Are you a gamer? Are you all over Snapchat?
Plenty of students have masterd Xbox but have never touched a productivity tool like Google Calendar.
Next, Garza tunes in to watch how students read and type on their school-issued laptops. Many students come to Lawrence from different schools, and some move up from the Lower School. Tech experiences vary.
She wants to ensure students are equipped to succeed in school with tech tools that can ease reading and writing for kids who are hungry to learn while managing dyslexia, processing disorders, executive functioning and a range of learning differences. Equally important is simply offering tools to improve efficiency for every single student.
This is how tech can level the learning
playing field in school — and in life.
“I had a student who graduated five years ago call me and ask about a reading tool we used,” Garza relates. “He said, ‘I need it for my job.’”
The school tracks usage of tech tools like word prediction, which some students prefer because it’s silent, unlike speech-to-text. Lawrence records show some students use this more than 90,000 times during a school year.
“It’s seamless to them, it doesn’t interrupt class, and they can keep up with content at their grade level,” Garza says.
A ninth grader with lagging reading and decoding mastery isn’t held back while receiving pull-out intervention to grow language skills. “They can do the content, and now they aren’t held back,” she says.
‘Something bigger’
Variety piques interests. Plus, giving kids exposure to different topics, careers and ways of learning increases access. This is why New Bridge Cleveland’s healthcare program includes multiple touchpoints, from VR
“We’re giving students opportunities to create their own learning paths and dive into sub-topics we might not be able to get into while covering state social studies standards.”
- Randy Wood
HISTORY TEACHER,
RANGER HIGH-TECH ACADEMY
simulations to in-person generational interviewing at a retirement community.
Tech-enabled learning is wrapped with communication support, like learning to prepare for a final presentation, says Rui Gomes de Sa, director of youth programming. He meets with every student’s family to explain the program and its inroads to a future, another layer of outreach to give kids the world.
“We stay connected, see them through high school graduation and continue that support,” Gomes de Sa says.
Innovative tech tools can introduce experiences that might otherwise seem out of reach by lack of exposure, support or an easy “in.” This is the in. Then comes pairing the experience with individualized guidance to cement tangible career paths.
Digital tools are ever-expanding. And they can break down geographic, socioeconomic, learning and social barriers to give all kids hands-on, accessible learning opportunities.
“It’s something bigger for them,” Gomes de Sa says.
St. Edward High School is proud to be an IB World School— educating hearts and minds to better the world.
Experience a community built on globally focused academics, top-tier athletics, and a spirit of brotherhood that welcomes all. Scholarships are available for every student!
EIGHTH GRADE FAMILY OPEN HOUSES I October 5 I October 20 I November 3 SEHS.net/openhouse
Empowered Girls Make Empowered Leaders LEARN FOR LIFE
THESE PROGRAMS PUT ACTION TO WORDS
WHETHER IT’S GAMING OR LIVE BROADCASTS, AREA SCHOOLS ARE USING DIFFERENT AVENUES TO BRING LEGITIMATE EXPERIENCE INTO THE CLASSROOM.
By Kristen Hampshire
Gaming is Life
Learn how to lose. Play on a team. Connect with kids across the social stratosphere. Gain resilience, set goals and ensure pressure with healthy competition.
Gaming Concepts at Holy Name High School teaches life skills, and gaming is the platform.
“I want to change the stigma of gaming and how people perceive it,” says PJ Farrell, who teaches this and other computer science classes, along with leading the school’s competitive esports league and serving as a director of esports at Cleveland State University.
Rather than battling time spent gaming,
StrivingKeep
why not leverage the benefits while teaching online safety and skills?
“Military drones are based off of Xbox, and surgeons are ahead of where they were years ago in fine motor skills because of the precise movements needed to succeed in certain games,” Farrell points out.
The course covers gaming history, from the earliest Nintendo systems to the latest like Clash Royale and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The PC-based course includes computer troubleshooting skills — and even learning how to build one.
“Gaming has rules, and failure is a path to success,” Farrell says, emphasizing the life skills students attain in an intentional gaming environment like this class. His son, Patrick, 18, is a senior and notes how games improve hand-eye coordination.
“Even learning to drive a car, I feel like I was more informed,” he says. “I also learned how to lose. Games are cut and dry. There are no participation trophies, and if you lose, it’s your own fault.”
Above all, Patrick says, “I learned how to learn.”
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“In school, you have systems that are standardized and tell you what you should learn, and a lot of things you learn in gaming are through trial and error,” he says. “You learn how to problem-solve and how to understand concepts in your own way.”
“I would encourage schools to look into ‘ultimate’ methods of teaching kids,” he adds. “A lot of kids feel disconnected from the traditional classroom, and putting out new ideas like Gaming Concepts, esports and robotics is more hands-on.”
Math Gets Real
You’re standing on the edge of a pier looking over a vast ocean. How much water is out there? The sea level is rising over time. Can you measure it?
This is what a setup in a virtual reality math lesson can look like, and it draws Independence High School students into real-world problems so they can link how subjects like algebra, geometry, pre-calc and statistics apply to life.
“It provides real-world applications on state-tested content, and they can work at
their own pace,” says Mark Corpuz, math teacher.
The school partnered with San Francisco’s Prisms VR to pilot its program, offering feedback that prompted tweaks like making the calculator simpler to use.
“Math is hard enough for kids, you don’t want them to fight with the usability of a product,” Corpuz says.
Teachers, including Sheryl Luoma and Anna Gross in the math department, agree that the VR simulations give students a why-thismatters wakeup that stimulates learning.
Corpuz says, “We can see the answers they’re trying and respond, so they can get one-on-one help.”
“It’s a tool of engagement,” Luoma says, relating that the
program includes worksheets to combine digital and analog, VR and hands-on. “For students who struggle with direct instruction from a typical lesson, we see a different side of them where they are more engaged.”
On the Air
Live from Gilmour Academy, it’s The Lance, a student-produced TV spotlight broadcast from a robust digital media lab with the filming, editing and production equipment found in mainstream media.
Meg Wanick, instructor, has worked in newsrooms for more than 25 years.
“The technology has changed dramatically,” she acknowledges. Kids enrolled in the course gain state-of-the-
Ruffing’s curriculum encourages questions, fuels imagination, and emphasizes the interconnectedness of our world. We are excited for you to learn about all Ruffing has to offer, including Ruffing Design House — over 5,000 square feet of innovation space, combining Montessori methods with traditional techniques and cutting-edge technology.
To schedule a personal admissions tour, visit ruffingmontessori.net.
art exposure to studio cameras, mics and lighting — and integrate smartphone tech like gimbals for on-the-go reporting. Tutorials teach them how to up their filming game.
“Students take it to the next level with dynamic shots, and they’re creative in their approaches,” Wanick says, encouraging them to go “unscripted.”
A new class in digital marketing communications and storytelling is a “fundamental tenet” in today’s world, no matter what paths students pursue.
“Articulating ideas succinctly and authentically is critically important,” Wanick says.
Digital courses embrace AI tools to augment production and content repurposing.
“We go down that path, and I push them to find tools to enhance their creativity, not replace it,” Wanick says. “How can you take the blog post you wrote and develop three short-form videos? We learn how to leverage every creative asset.”
Collaboration is a human takeaway.
“Nothing happens in a silo,” she says.
Lake Ridge Academy
“There is seamless integration with creative, project management, production. They see how working together keeps the train moving.”
And they learn how to go back to the drawing board in “board sessions” when a concept is just not what the “client” has in mind.
“This teaches the lesson of not hitting it right the first time,” Wanick says.
Design, Build, Solve
When Westlake Schools asked local industries what skills they’re seeking in graduates — what characteristics they zoom in on during interviews — the workforce agreed: problem-solvers. STEM electives are baked into the curriculum, but the schools wanted to integrate tech-enabled, hands-on experiences in a more formal way in elementary grades.
This year, its middle school and Dover Intermediate School (grades five and six) introduced Project Lead the Way (PLTW) — and its design matrix involves projects like a therapeutic toy design challenge.
“When
kids are focused on realworld problems in the design-modeling process, they learn how the skills they’re attaining in the classroom are relevant”
- Nicholas Miller PRINCIPAL, DOVER INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
Teams will establish norms, collaborate and engineer a prototype, making modifications along the way.
“When kids are focused on real-world problems in the design-modeling process, they learn how the skills they’re attaining in the classroom are relevant,” says principal Nicholas Miller.
Each group tackles a toy design for a different developmental need, whether a child with cerebral palsy or a young student who would benefit from a sensory tool.
“Empathy and integrity are two of our district’s virtues, and projects like this build character,” says Darlene Fossesco, PLTW/STEM teacher.
This is one of many design-build projects in the program.
Meanwhile, the classroom’s “free build” zone includes containers of this-and-that which kids can manipulate to construct creations — simple machines they can take apart and reassemble. There are intricate tools, like a dial caliper, used for precise measuring that engineers rely on for quality control.
“Students can really thrive in an environment where they are active, involved, out of their seats and using different tools,” Fossesco says.
TOP DENTISTS
The 2025 topDentists resource is your guide to more than 300 of the best dentists and specialists in Northeast Ohio.
THIS LIST IS EXCERPTED from the 2025 edition of topDentists, a database which includes listings for more than 320 dentists and specialists in the greater Cleveland metropolitan area. The Cleveland area list is based on thousands of detailed evaluations of dentists and professionals by their peers. The complete database is available at www.usatopdentists.com. For more information call 706-364-0853; write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903; email help@usatopdentists.com or visit www.usatopdentists.com.
METHODOLOGY:
topDentists, LLC has over 70 years of experience compiling peer-review referral guides in the legal, dental and medical fields. Using this experience along with the input of dentists across the United States, we have created a methodology that has been refined and improved over previous superlative guides. topDentists lists dentists and specialists who have been chosen through an exhaustive survey in which thousands of the nation’s dental professionals confidentially evaluate their professional peers. No payment is required to be selected nor is payment accepted in exchange for selection.
The nomination pool for topDentists consists of dentists and specialists that are members of the American Dental Association and local dental societies. General dentists were asked to vote on nominees that are listed as specialists. Specialists are asked to vote only on nominees that are listed as General Dentists. Voting practitioners are also given an opportunity to offer more detailed comments on nominees and to provide additional nominations.
Voting professionals are provided the following criterion for determining if a nominee should be listed: Years of experience, continuing education, manner with patients and physical results. All votes and comments are solicited with a guarantee of confidentiality.
Once the decisions have been finalized, the included dentists are checked against state dental boards for disciplinary actions to make sure they have an active license and are in good standing with the board. Then letters of congratulations are sent to all the listed dentists.
Of-course there are many fine dentists who are not included in this representative list. It is intended as a sampling of the great body of talent in the field of dentistry in Ohio. A dentist’s inclusion on our list is based on the subjective judgments of his or her fellow dentists. While it is true that the lists may at times disproportionately reward visibility or popularity, we remain confident that our polling methodology largely corrects for any biases and that these lists continue to represent the most reliable, accurate, and useful list of dentists available anywhere.
DISCLAIMER:
This list is excerpted from the 2025 topDentists database, which includes listings for over 320 dentists and specialists in the greater Cleveland Metropolitan Area. For more information call 706-364-0853 or write P.O. Box 970, Augusta, GA 30903 or email help@usatopdentists.com or visit www.usatopdentists.com. TopDentists, LLC has used its best efforts in assembling material for this list but does not warrant that the information contained herein is complete or accurate, and does not assume, and hereby disclaims, any liability to any person for any loss or damage caused by errors or omissions herein whether such errors or omissions result from negligence, accident, or any other cause. Copyright 2010-2025 by topDentists, LLC, Augusta, GA. All rights reserved. This list, or parts thereof, must not be reproduced in any form without permission. No commercial use of the information in this list may be made without permission of topDentists, LLC. No fees may be charged, directly or indirectly, for the use of the information in this list without permission.
Endodontics
Caroline Ayoub 19348 Detroit Road, Rocky River 440-857-0680 riverendo.com
Tera Bonar
3690 Orange Place, Suite 455, Beachwood 516-360-0090 beachwoodendo.com
Joseph Charnas 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 225, Mayfield Heights 440-605-0456 cleendo.com
Terence R. Dentkos 16626 Pearl Road, Strongsville 440-268-8445 dentkosendo.com
James A. DeVengencie 25111 Country Club Blvd., Suite 201, North Olmsted 440-686-3636 endolimited.com
Alexander DiMassa 26179 Detroit Road, Westlake 440-583-6677 dimassaendo.com
Anas Fatayer 30400 Detroit Road, Suite 209, Westlake 440-808-9990 apexrct.com
James B. Flynn 13550 Falling Water Road, Suite 104, Strongsville 440-878-0455 northcoastendodontics.com
Mark C. Gorman
29001 Cedar Road, Suite 453, Lyndhurst 440-446-1300 northcoastendodontics.com
R. Rubin Gutarts 5574 Pearl Road, Parma 440-842-4111 clevelandendo.com
Joong H. Hahn 1000 W. Wallings Road, Suite B, Broadview Heights 440-546-1116 southwestspecialists.com
David J. Harris, Jr. 3869 Darrow Road, Suite 209, Stow 330-688-3800 acendodontics.com
Igor Kantorovich 14701 Detroit Ave., Suite 274, Lakewood 216-226-0200 lakewoodendo.com
Steven J. Katz 3690 Orange Place, Suite 455, Beachwood 216-360-0090 beachwoodendo.com
Matthew Kotapish 3075 Smith Road, Suite 201, Fairlawn 330-660-0400 akronendo.com
André K. Mickel 3609 Park East, Suite 407, Beachwood 216-831-3636 mickelendodontics.com
Roger S. Karp 6789 Ridge Road, Suite 206, Parma 440-842-4090 cleveland-dentalimplants.com
Joseph A. Koberlein 3869 Darrow Road, Suite 201, Stow 330-688-9922 josephakoberleinddsms.com
Hui-Jin Lee 1000 W. Wallings Road, Suite B, Broadview Heights 440-546-1116 southwestspecialists.com
Matthew J. Lemke 6505 Rockside Road, Suite 310, Independence 216-642-9111 morgandentalimplants.com
Michael H. Morgan 6505 Rockside Road, Suite 310, Independence 216-642-9111 morgandentalimplants.com
Mark S. Obernesser
484 S. Miller Road, Suite 200, Fairlawn 330-867-3320 akronperio.com
Luis Pires 33 Baker Blvd., Suite 201, Fairlawn 330-836-9341 fairlawnperio.com
Jonathan H. Ross 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 221, Mayfield Heights 440-461-6008
Sasha B. Ross 9500 Euclid Ave., Cleveland 216-444-6907 my.clevelandclinic.org/ staff/18215-sasha-ross
Scott D. Sazima 26032 Detroit Ave., Suite 8, Westlake 440-835-4600 westlakeperio.com
Sayuri Smith 3609 Park East Drive, Suite 411, Beachwood 216-464-8985 westernreserveperio.com
Jason M. Streem 29001 Cedar Road, Suite 450, Cleveland 440-461-3400 clevelandperio.com
Clifford “Kip” Thomas 14050 Madison Ave., Lakewood 216-221-5595 lakewoodperiodontics.com
Morris F. Wasylenki 414 W. Cook Road, Mansfield 419-756-4540
Gary E. Woznicki 26300 Euclid Ave., Suite 424, Euclid 216-731-7555 garywoznickidds.com Everett Wu
26410 Center Ridge Road, Westlake 440-331-6116 everettwuperio.com
Prosthodontics
Anthony Deliberato 24600 Detroit Road, Suite 200, Westlake 440-808-9809
Salvatore J. Esposito
3609 Park East Drive, Suite 501 North, Beachwood 216-292-5990 eowdental.com
M. Ali Kanawati 31099 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 100, Pepper Pike 216-245-0115 clearchoice.com/locations/ dental-implants-cleveland
Sanjay Karunagaran 5155 Buehlers Drive, Suite 107, Medina 330-952-2015 frontierdentalohio.com
Kathryn M. Shroyer 25101 Detroit Road, Suite 410, Westlake 440-835-4848 westlakeprosthodontics.com
Clark C. White III 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 226, Mayfield Heights 440-461-0994 ccwdds.com
WILLIAM R. NEMETH, DDS; APRIL NEMETH, DDS; W. CHRISTOPHER NEMETH, DMD
NEMETH FAMILY DENTAL CARE 5825 Landerbrook Drive, Suite 223, Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 440-473-3836, nemethfamilydental.com
SPECIALTY: Specializing in general dentistry, they enjoy the daily variation and capability of treating the entirety of patients’ needs.
WHAT SETS THEM APART: Dr. William Nemeth grew up in the Cleveland area and has taken care of Cleveland families spanning three generations for 44 years. With the practice continuing to grow with the addition of his daughter-in-law, Dr. April Nemeth, and son, Dr. Chris Nemeth, they can continue the treatment and relationships for generations to come.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Comprehensive Family Care, including Cosmetic, Dental Implants/ Surgery, Endodontics, Invisalign and Botox.
EDUCATION: Dr. Bill: John Carrol University (BS), Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (DDS), MetroHealth (General Practice Residency); Dr. April: University of Wisconsin-Madison (BS), Marquette University School of Dentistry (DDS), Louis Stokes Cleveland VA (GPR); Dr. Chris: UW-Madison (BS and MS), CWRU School of Dental Medicine (DMD), Louis Stokes Cleveland VA (GPR).
TECHNOLOGIES: Digital Radiographs, intraoral camera, Itero scanner.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: All three doctors are part of the American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Greater Cleveland Dental Society, Academy of General Dentistry, Cleveland Academy of Advanced Dental Education and Delta Sigma Delta Professional Fraternity.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF THEIR WORK: When patients are so pleased that they refer their friends and family to an office family they trust.
MISSION STATEMENT: Nemeth Family Dental Care is committed to providing the highest quality clinical care and personalized service in a warm and compassionate atmosphere. Both the doctors and staff enjoy getting to know each patient and their families. They believe in providing optimal treatment results but recognize that the overall dental experience is crucial, too. That’s why they customize treatment plans for each individual’s goals and expectations.
DR. MARGARET FRANKEL
RICHARDS FRANKEL DENTISTRY
5885 Landerbrook Drive Suite 140 Mayfield Heights, OH 44124 440-442- 4477, richardsfrankeldentistry.com
SPECIALTY: Dr. Frankel and Dr. Danielle Richman specialize in regenerative and cosmetic dentistry, with a focus on full-face aesthetics, total health and airway dentistry.
WHAT SETS HER APART: Dr. Frankel and her team’s incredible commitment to patients in achieving their dental health goals and helping to improve their overall health. Her focus on airway dentistry addresses many of the root causes of dental disease, thus making her patients healthier and their restorations last. The Richards Frankel Dentistry team provides unparalleled care while pursuing clinical excellence.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Dr. Frankel has specialty training through Spear Education, The
Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The American Academy of Restorative Dentistry and The American Academy of General Dentistry.
EDUCATION: Bryn Mawr College (BA); Harvard University (Post Baccalaureate); Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine (DMD)
TECHNOLOGIES: Digital Smile Design, 3D Facial Scanning, 3D CT Scanning, Guided Biofilm Therapy
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, Spear Education - Visiting Faculty, The Pankey Institute, Ohio Dental Association
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HER WORK: “Caring for patients and getting to be a part of their journey. Seeing a patient fall in love with their new smile!”
MISSION STATEMENT: Dentistry designed for health and wellbeing.
DENTAL TIP: “Nasal breathing improves oral health. Breathe through your nose!”
CHRIS BILL THEODOROU, DMD
STRONGSVILLE DENTAL & LASER AESTHETICS
14783 Pearl Road, Strongsville, OH 44136 440-238-1300, dentiststrongsville.com
SPECIALTY: General dentistry
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Laser dentistry, sleep apnea and snoring dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, IV sedation pain-free dental options, Lumineers, Whitening for Life, BOTOX and aesthetic laser treatments, Invisalign
WHAT SETS HIM APART: Strongsville Dental & Laser Aesthetics’ modern office includes state-of-the-art equipment offering unparalleled precision and less invasive treatments. The Surgically Clean Air technology offers the safest, healthiest dental environment for patients. The team is highly trained and experienced, and the office’s therapy dogs, Laser and Mercury, offer a unique warmth and stressfree dental experience.
EDUCATION: Tufts University School of Dental Medicine; Lumineer Certification; Duquesne University, Mylan School of Pharmacy, IV Sedation Residency; Tufts University, Dental Sleep Medicine Residency; American Academy of Facial Esthetics, BOTOX Training for Health Care Professionals; Case Western Reserve University MBA Class of 2025
TECHNOLOGIES: Fotona’s LightWalker laser, Surgically Clean Air technology
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association, Ohio
Dental Association, Greater Cleveland Dental Society, American Academy of Facial Esthetics and the Dental Organization of Conscious Sedation, Bright & Beautiful Therapy Dogs
COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT: Strongsville Dental & Laser Aesthetics sponsors local youth sports teams, Providence House and various Christian charities.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: Seeing a patient transition from a place of pain or deflated self-esteem — all resulting from compromised oral health or aesthetic conditions addressed by the practice — to one of healing, wellness and confidence.
MISSION STATEMENT: “The level of advanced care you deserve.”
DR. CHRISTOPHER CONNORS
DR. TOM RODRIGUEZ, DR. GIAN PIETRO SCHINCAGLIA AND DR. ARVIND ADAPALLI
WESTSHORE PERIODONTICS
& DENTAL IMPLANTS
Avon, North Olmstead and Sandusky 440-471-4711, westshoreperiodontics.com
SPECIALTY: Periodontics. Dr. Connors chose this specialty because it’s the foundation of long-term oral health. He enjoys combining surgical skills and technology to help patients restore function and confidence.
WHAT SETS HIM APART: His U.S. Navy background taught him to lead with precision, integrity and compassion. He brings that same approach to patient care — blending advanced treatment with a strong focus on trust and comfort.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Periodontal Residency; Navy Postgraduate Dental School; General Practice Residency, U.S. Navy; Board-Certified in Periodontology, Fellow International Congress of Oral Implantology.
EDUCATION: Rutgers Dental School (DDS), Chemistry & Biology – Ohio University (BS).
TECHNOLOGIES: 3D imaging, laser therapy, and digital surgical planning for precise, minimally invasive treatment.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Board of Periodontology, International Congress of Oral Implantology, Lorain County Community College Dental Hygiene Advisory Board.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: Helping patients regain their health, comfort and confidence, especially those who’ve struggled with gum disease or tooth loss.
MISSION STATEMENT: Trust, Innovation, Well Being.
DENTAL TIP: Bleeding gums during brushing or flossing are not normal. If you’re experiencing this, it’s important to see a dentist or periodontist for a comprehensive exam. Early intervention can help prevent more serious issues such as infections, pain and tooth loss.
NIKI COCHRAN
CLE SMILES BY DR. NIKI 15901 Hilliard Road, Lakewood, OH 44107 216-226-3800, drnikicochran.com
SPECIALTY: Dr. Niki Cochran specializes in full-arch rehab and cosmetic dentistry, with a focus on creating healthy, natural-looking smiles that positively transform lives.
WHAT SETS HER APART: Dr. Cochran is known for her passion for crafting beautiful smiles using the latest advancements in dental technology and materials, setting her practice apart through both innovation and patientcentered care.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Las Vegas Institute for Cosmetic Dentistry certification, American Academy of Facial Esthetics training, laser certification, nitrous oxide inhalant training and certified Six Month Smiles Provider
TECHNOLOGIES: 45-minute crowns, one-hour bridges, advanced laser treatments, digital scanners and fully digital office systems
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Academy of Facial Esthetics, Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association, Greater Cleveland Dental Society, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, The Ohio State University alumna
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HER WORK: Dr. Cochran finds the greatest fulfillment in exceeding patient expectations and delivering smiles that inspire confidence and health.
MISSION STATEMENT: Cle Smiles’ mission is to deliver exceptional dental care in a compassionate and welcoming environment. Dr. Cochran’s staff is committed to helping patients achieve and maintain lifelong oral health.
MEGAN A. SHIGA, DDS DENTISTRY OF CHAGRIN
525 E. Washington St. Chagrin Falls, OH 44022 440-247-9220, chagrindentist.com
SPECIALTY: Specializing in general dentistry, Dr. Shiga loves the ability to do an assortment of different procedures on patients from ages 1-100 with a friendly chairside manner.
WHAT SETS HER APART: Dr. Shiga truly enjoys all aspects of dentistry and loves coming into the office every day. She values patients’ oral health first and foremost, and she strives to always provide impeccable care coupled with a fair and personable approach.
SPECIAL TRAINING: CDOCs training on anterior esthetics with CAD/CAM Levels 1-4. Advanced training in Invisalign and Suresmile clear aligner therapy. 3D CBCT training courses.
EDUCATION: John Carroll University, (BS); The Ohio State University, (DDS)
TECHNOLOGIES: Same-day crowns and scans with Primescan intraoral camera and Primemill, 3D Planmeca CBCT, Carivu transilluminating camera, digital radiographs, Velscope device to screen for oral cancer, intraoral cameras and nitrous oxide.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Member of the American Dental Association and the Ohio Dental Association; Board Member, Greater Cleveland Dental Societies Board of Trustees.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HER WORK: Changing a patient’s life by improving their oral and systemic health, in addition to building a long-lasting relationship.
PHILOSOPHY: The goal at Dentistry of Chagrin is to serve and protect patient’s interests and to provide the highest quality oral health.
DENTAL TIP: “Brush and floss all the teeth you would like to keep!”
IAN A. FEHRING, DDS
FEHRING FAMILY DENTISTRY
29473 Lorain Rd. North Olmsted, OH 44070 440-777-4444, fehringfamilydentistry.com
SPECIALTY: Dr. Fehring chose to be a general dentist, because of the variety and challenge of being able to “do it all”. Dr. Fehring and his staff also love to see patients every six months and developing long term relationships with them and their families.
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Family and cosmetic dentistry
WHAT SETS HIM APART: Technology and customer service. We implement the most advanced technologies to ensure efficiency and patient comfort. Also, we make sure that every patient feels welcome and is treated like a member of the family.
EDUCATION: Bellarmine University (BA), The Ohio State University College of Dentistry (DDS), Miami Valley Hospital (General Practice Residency), where Dr. Fehring received an advanced education in oral surgery, pediatric dentistry, endodontics, periodontics, dental implants, prosthodontics and sedation dentistry.
TECHNOLOGIES: Digital Radiographs; 3D Imaging (CBCT)- 3D scans of teeth, jaw and face; CEREC Primescan (CAD/CAM)- intraoral scanner, same day crowns, 3D milling; Biolase Dental Laser; SureSmile clear aligners.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Dental Association, Ohio Dental Association, Lorain County Dental Society, Westshore Study Club, CEREC Doctors.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: ”We love it when patients say they used to be afraid of coming to the dentist, but now they look forward to coming to see us.”
PHILOSOPHY: Dr. Fehring is a family friendly general dentist, providing the highest standard of dental care to all his patients. He will help you achieve optimal oral health with up-to-date technology in a comfortable dental setting.
FAISAL A. QUERESHY MD, DDS, MBA, FACS
VISAGE SURGICAL INSTITUTE
3591 Reserve Commons Drive, Suite 300, Medina, OH 44256
330-721-2323, visagefacialsurgery.com
SPECIALTY: A blend of medicine and dentistry; surgical and medical expertise
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Oral & Maxilofacial Surgery, Facial Cosmetic Surgery
WHAT SETS HIM APART: Enhanced education and training with MD and DDS; fellowship in facial plastic surgery;
Educator for 25 years of graduate surgical resident education; national and international speaker for Facial Cosmetic surgery;
Lectures and surgical workshops.
EDUCATION: Toronto (BS); Suny Buffalo (DDS); Case Western Reserve University (MD & MBA)
TECHNOLOGIES: Patient specific facial implants, 3D technology for surgical simulations, Full arch dental implant solutions with surgical guided technologies
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: AAOMS, ACOMS, ABFCS, MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: Treated patients with craniofacial deformities, victims of war in Pakistan, full arch dental solutions.
PHILOSOPHY: Advanced quality patient care.
CANDICE L. FEHRING, DDS AND THOMAS G. LEATHERMAN, DDS
TEAM LEATHERMAN CARE DENTISTRY
6100 South Broadway Ave., Suite 300, Lorain 440-233-8521, loraincosmeticdentist.com
SPECIALTY: General dentistry
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Cosmetic and family dentistry, including oral surgery, endodontics and clear aligner therapy
WHAT SETS THEM APART: Gentle care, technology and compassion
EDUCATION: Dr. Fehring: University of Dayton (BS) and The Ohio State University (DDS); Dr. Leatherman: Miami University (BS) and Case Western Reserve University (DDS)
TECHNOLOGIES: CEREC (CAD/CAM same-day crowns), soft tissue laser, CBCT 3D digital X-rays, digital records
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATION: Both doctors are members of the Lorain County Dental Society, Ohio Dental Association, the American Dental Association, the Westshore study club, Spear Education Study Club and CEREC Doctors.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF THEIR WORK: Helping patients feel comfortable and confident with their smiles and forming rewarding, long-lasting relationships with patients who feel like friends and family.
VISION: To create a quality-driven, high-tech practice where providers and team members can deliver top notch care to patients in a friendly, relaxed and fun environment.
MISSION: Team Leatherman Care strives to deliver the utmost care and instruction to its patients so they can enjoy a lifetime of good oral health and well-being.
WHAT SETS HER APART: As Ohio’s only Breathe Ops Affiliate of The Breathe Institute, Dr. Rosen’s whole-child approach considers how breathing impacts both a child’s oral and overall health, growth and development. Dedicated to evidence-based care and patient comfort, she provides functional laser frenuloplasty and minimally invasive dentistry.
EDUCATION: Dr. Rosen earned her DDS from The Ohio State University and continued with advanced pediatric dental training at Boston University. She continues her airway health training at The Breathe Institute.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Diplomate of the American Board of Pediatric Dentistry, Academy of Laser Dentistry, ADA
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HER WORK: Dr. Rosen cherishes the “aha” moments when parents notice positive changes in their child’s health and feel confident knowing they’re supporting lifelong wellness, not just preventing cavities.
PHILOSOPHY: She believes her role is to walk alongside families with expertise and compassion, creating an environment where all kids feel supported and where the root causes (not just symptoms) of their dental and airway concerns are addressed.
DR. JOHN PYKE III
JOHN PYKE DENTISTRY
33399 Walker Road, Suite D, Avon Lake, OH 44012 440-933-2549, avonlakedental.com, avonlakedental@yahoo.com
SPECIALTY: John Pyke Dentistry enjoys helping patients obtain optimal oral health and confident smiles through Comprehensive Dentistry.
WHAT SETS HIM APART: John Pyke Dentistry stands out with advanced training, technology and an exceptional team.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Advanced Restorative Dentistry
EDUCATION: University of Michigan (BS); The Ohio State College of Dentistry (DDS)
TECHNOLOGIES: Digital X-rays, digital impressions, digital records
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: American Academy of Fixed Prosthodontics, American Equilibration Society, Dawson Academy, Ohio Dental Association, American Dental Association
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: Having patients say they enjoy coming to the office and appreciate the dentistry Dr. Pyke and his team deliver.
PHILOSOPHY: Dr. Pyke and his team provide extraordinary care while providing excellent dentistry.
DENTAL SECRET: “Most ‘whitening’ toothpastes do more harm with recession than lighten your teeth.”
SPECIALTY: General dentistry with experience and expertise in placing dental implants.
SPECIAL INTERESTS: Continuing education in Dental Implants and Surgery, Hard and soft tissue grafting in digital implant dentistry, Simply Clear Aligners, Endodontics, Faculty Member, and Fellow of the American Academy of Facial Esthetics.
WHAT SETS HIM APART: Dr. Nassif and Associates has been providing Northeast Ohio with exceptional dental care for over 40 years. They have always been family-owned and operated, which makes them deeply rooted in their local communities. Dr. Christopher Nassif works alongside his wife, Dr. Victoria Nassif, and their son, Dr. Grant Nassif.
EDUCATION: Graduate of The Ohio State University, Loyola University School of Dentistry, General Practice Residency at Evanston General Hospital, and staff at St. Vincent-Charity Hospital
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Thommen Implant Placement, continuing education course sponsor
TECHNOLOGIES: 3D Cone Beam imaging, Digital Radiography, Scanning Technology, Botox, Dermal Fillers, PDO threads, Collagen Biostimulation, Skin Better Science and Simply Clear Aligners
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF YOUR WORK: Dr. Nassif enjoys being able to transform a patient’s smile affordably using dental implants to provide a longterm, predictable solution that renews their self-confidence.
PHILOSOPHY: Dr. Nassif strives to make dentistry accessible to everyone and provide a range of services for their entire family.
DR. RICK RZEPKA
RZEPKA DENTAL
25200 Chagrin Blvd., Suite 230, Beachwood, OH 44122 216-641-9090. drrzepka.com
SPECIALTY: Dr. Rzepka enjoys all aspects of dentistry, including oral surgery, implants and endodontics.
WHAT SETS HIM APART: Dr. Rzepka uses the most advanced technologies including low-noise drills, impression-free impressions with 3D scanning and Digital Panorex.
SPECIAL TRAINING: Implants
EDUCATION: The Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University School of Dental Medicine.
TECHNOLOGIES: CBCT CAT Scanning, low-radiation digital X-rays, implants, sleep apnea devices and night guards.
PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS: Implant Lecturer, President of Hillcrest Study Club.
MOST GRATIFYING PART OF HIS WORK: Making a patient feel comfortable with their dental experience so they can smile with confidence.
PHILOSOPHY: Dr. Rzepka has been dedicated to excellence for over 30 years. Rzepka Dental is happy to “cater to cowards” with progressive methods and a caring approach.
DENTAL TIP: “If it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” Dr. Rzepka says. He always feels honesty is the best policy with patients.
LISA C. ELIAS, DMD THE ART AND SCIENCE OF BEAUTIFUL SMILES 443 Pearl Road Brunswick, Ohio 44212 330-273-7300 drlisaelias.com
HOME OWNERSHIPThe Path to
How REALTORS
The Cleveland area is known for many attributes that appeal to homebuyers — a cost of living that is lower than in many areas of the country, a wide variety of housing styles and neighborhoods, access to green spaces and parks and a Midwest mentality that is known for its friendliness and hometown pride.
But there is historic practice involving residential real estate transactions that casts a shadow over the region, according to the Akron Cleveland Association of REALTORS® (ACAR), which has approximately 6,000 members. Point of Sale (POS) transactions mandated by some municipalities require homeowners to obtain inspections of a home’s exterior, interior or both, and demand the homeowner (or the home buyer) make necessary and often costly repairs before the property can be sold and ownership legally changed.
Three major reports have concluded that POS inspections are detrimental, and several court cases have found portions of the practice to be illegal. The most recent comprehensive study, conducted
by the Alpaugh Family Economics Center, University of Cincinnati, was released earlier this year. The independent report echoes what ACAR has directly observed: POS inspections are “a barrier to home ownership, hindering housing transactions, reducing home values and limiting wealthbuilding opportunities for homeowners.”
Among the report’s findings for municipalities with POS inspections:
• Significantly higher vacancy rates (24.9% versus 7.1% in non-POS areas).
• Slower housing sales, with transaction rates per 1,000 households averaging 45.6 in POS areas versus 52.0 in non-POS areas.
• Homes in POS municipalities are sold for an average of 13% less than similar properties in areas without POS requirements. The decrease in sale prices reduces homeowners’ equity, limiting their ability to build wealth through property ownership.
• POS inspection communities experience higher unemployment rates and lower educational attainment, exacerbating local economic challenges.
Bottom line, according to the Economics Center: “This study’s results have found that POS ordinances function similarly to an implicit tax, as markets with POS ordinances have lower sale prices and decreased velocity of home transactions compared to non-POS communities. These impacts additionally further burden low-income homeowners living in neighborhoods with POS ordinances.”
(The entire report can be read at akronclevelandrealtors.com/news)
“ACAR is opposed to POS inspections. Instead, we support and encourage our communities to employ a systematic exterior inspection of all the properties in their jurisdiction,” says Jamie McMillen, ACAR’s Vice President of Advocacy. “That way you are not just inspecting houses that are for sale or rent. It is a more equitable and efficient means to make sure all neighborhoods are being maintained.”
Seth Task, a member of ACAR’s Legislative Committee, has an extensive background of involvement in the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) Extended Leadership
team for Public and Federal Issues. Except for a few pockets of municipalities in Illinois and Minnesota, Task says some Cleveland area municipalities are unfortunately unique in the country for insisting on POS inspections.
“ACAR did not pay for this recent, independent report to prove POS inspections were good or bad,” says Task. “We investigate policies and systems of governments to determine whether they are effective for homeownership. If the report came back saying POS inspections are good for a community, then we would have advocated for them. But we follow the logic.”
Task considers POS inspections to be discriminatory because, for one reason, they can eliminate potential home buyers as the amount of escrow some municipalities require to hold repair deposits may be prohibitive. The history of the POS inspection can be also traced to redlining and racist practices in past decades.
“The inspections also do not accomplish the goals they are set out to do,” says Task, noting many of those who more recently adopted the policy thought it would maintain the integrity of the community and housing stock. “Some people think we are trying to destroy their community and that we don’t want what is best for that community. Nothing could be farther from the truth.”
Task also pointed out that several communities have lost legal cases after they were taken to court for their POS inspections. He further believes required interior POS inspections can be “considered an illegal search.”
“It’s amazing to me that there are still cities that think it is OK to come inside a property owner’s property — whether that is the owner/occupant or an investor — and search for violations,” says Task. “Also, in reality, it would be much smarter and easier to facilitate an exterior inspection in a systematic amount of years. That way a municipality knows how many houses there are, and how many you have to inspect every month.”
Task also says there are practical and feasible ways to help homeowners who perhaps cannot afford those systematic inspections or repairs. Encouraging residents to apply for repair funding that helps prevent blight and encourage property maintenance is an important step, he says.
Sometimes it takes a face to really illustrate the damage a POS inspection requirement can do. In 2022, Northeast Ohio homeowner and banker Jason McGee was looking for a house to purchase after a divorce. McGee has owned a number of houses in his lifetime, enjoyed renovating several, and is knowledgeable and enthusiastic about architecture and design.
He found a mid-century modern house on the market in Shaker Heights that had only one owner and whose original style was intact. McGee was impressed with the home’s glass front exterior, ceiling-to-floor fireplace, classic covered walkway to the garage and other important mid-century elements.
“These kinds of properties don’t come up for sale a lot and when they do, they tend to be overpriced,” says McGee, who offered a $150,000 down payment. “I knew some
of the cedar shake shingles on the roof had to be repaired and there were a few aesthetic things I was going to change on the inside to match my preferences. I had done renovations before and could do a lot of the work myself.”
The transaction was nearing its closing when the city presented McGee with four pages of POS violations and a demand for 150% of the repair costs to be placed in escrow. An independent roofer estimated repairs at about $26,000, but the city insisted that it would only accept its $60,000 to $80,000 estimate for a new roof it wanted. McGee found himself not only looking at that cost but the cost of other repairs.
“I understand escrow. I understand the city not wanting someone to come in and mess up an area. But their insistence of not accepting the roof repair, making the escrow amount so high, made no sense. Shaker Heights may be a great place to live, but I will never buy a house there,” says McGee, who did purchase a home in Cleveland Heights, after also having to rent an apartment at a high rate for several months because he needed to vacate his former home by a certain date but POS complications caused delays in his moving.
“Jason’s situation was heartbreaking and stressful. It didn’t have to be that way,” says REALTOR® Katy Boscia with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty, who acted as his agent.
Boscia, vice chair of ACAR’s Legislative Committee, says POS inspections with escrow requirements are especially hard on first-time homebuyers or those with FHA Loans where cash flow can be tight. But that type of procedure “can also open the door” to out-of-town businesses, flippers, absentee landlords and investors with plenty of cash on hand, she says. Boscia also encourages homebuyers to connect with real estate professionals who are familiar with a city’s standpoint on POS inspections.
ACAR did not pay for this recent, independent report to prove POS inspections were good or bad. We investigate policies and systems of governments to determine whether they are effective for homeownership.
—Seth Task
How cities without POS inspections maintain housing and sales
The Alpaugh Family Economics Center’s POS inspection study commissioned by ACAR supports the idea that there are better ways to keep a community’s housing stock strong and neighborhoods viable without the negatives of POS inspections.
“Those communities still with POS inspections have to understand why cities like Beachwood and Lakewood have extremely low inventory and excellent housing value,” says Task, noting the attraction of those cities to homeowners and home buyers. “They have better systems of protecting their housing stock from blight than POS inspections.”
In general, Ohio has no uniform real estate housing inspection ordinances, mandatory or not. Cities without POS inspections frequently rely on systematic inspections or examining very specific concerns such as sidewalks or sewers. For many cities, those requirements work well, according to city data and ACAR.
THE CITY OF PARMA
Parma Mayor Tim DeGeeter and city officials rely on ongoing housing inspections rather than POS requirements.
“The city of Parma’s property maintenance approach targets residential and commercial properties that require inspection due to complaints, inspector observed violations or changes in property use. By addressing violations as they arise, rather
than waiting for a transaction, we avoid deferred maintenance and the associated decline in neighborhood appearance and safety,” according to DeGeeter. “Further, we perform mandatory annual inspections of all rental properties.”
DeGeeter notes that his city’s model “allocates inspection staff based on need rather than significantly increasing city spending to inspect every property sale regardless of risk or condition.”
He adds, “We’ve made a deliberate policy choice designed to maintain community housing standards and resident fairness, provide effective code enforcement, protect tenants and responsibly steward taxpayer dollars.”
THE CITY OF CUYAHOGA FALLS
Cuyahoga Falls in Summit County does not have a mandatory POS inspection requirement, according to Mayor Don Walters. But what it does have generates “amazing results.”
“I believe it is the only program of its kind in the country,” says Walters, mayor since 2014, describing the city’s innovative plan to maintain the two distinct sewer systems in a city — storm and sanitary.
“Our goal is to keep rainwater out of the sanitary sewer system. If not, we must pay to treat rainwater at the sewage treatment plant when it rains and the city sewer can get overloaded and back up into people’s basements as well as creeks and streams,” says
Walters. “Every real estate agent involved in a sale must notify the buyer and seller of the availability of a free sanitary sewer inspection from the home to the street.”
The city does its own inspections with a drain camera. If the system fails, it must be replaced or repaired or the city assesses a large surcharge on every new sewer bill moving forward. Direct connections of footer drains, downspouts and the possibility of cracked pipes or bad joints are noted.
The city of Cleveland also has no general POS inspection requirements. However, in 2024 the city passed an ordinance requiring vacant homes in the city to be registered and have exterior inspections before ownership transfer. In addition, Cleveland City Councilman Kris Harsh, Ward 13, sends informal letters to those with deteriorating homes asking them to make repairs, an action he says has gotten positive results.
“Any time we see one of our communities making homeownership more attainable to any family or household that chooses that path, that’s a good thing,” says Jamie McMillen, ACAR’s Vice President of Advocacy.
Changes, updates or complete elimination of POS inspections are “one tool in the toolbox to make that a reality,” according to McMillen. But she points out rollbacks on cities’ POS policies are not a “one-size-fits-all” for Northeast Ohio communities.
“What Maple Heights has done is a little different from what Euclid, Berea or Shaker Heights has done. And, of course, we always hope there will be more rollbacks in our communities,” says McMillen. “But each community needs to move at its own pace to be comfortable and to see if the changes are working. If they aren’t working, then we need to tweak and see what adjustments are needed to make homeownership attainable.
“But when I talk to mayors like Annette Blackwell of Maple Heights or Kirsten Holzheimer Gail of Euclid, the consensus seems to be that rollbacks they have put in place are helping. I take comfort that what they are seeing matches what ACAR has been advocating for years.”
CITY OF MAPLE HEIGHTS
Annette Blackwell has been mayor of Maple Heights since 2016 when she inherited a city in financial crisis. Armed with a
CITIES WITH Rollbacks
background in property tax work, Blackwell focused on revitalizing the city’s residential real estate as one way to strengthen the community. It wasn’t far into her term when she heard from real estate agents and potential homeowners that the city needed to revamp its building department and its services.
Blackwell also was aware that Garfield Heights, a neighboring city of similar size and demographics, was selling twice as many houses than Maple Heights. ACAR helped Blackwell understand that her city’s POS escrow requirement was a huge barrier to potential homeowners interested in the city. To get a down payment and their escrow money was a huge difficulty for many who were already paying a higher loan rate.
Some members of the community and local government discouraged Blackwell from eliminating the escrow requirement, one even saying if inspections were eliminated, houses would be “infected with rodents.”
“I tried to balance maintaining our housing stock with the barriers to home homeownership,” says Blackwell. “I decided, morally and ethically, to go for the bigger goal. We waived escrow for owner-occupants, but not out-of-town investors, some overseas that we couldn’t even contact.”
Her plan is working. Housing values have appreciated and new construction is appearing, often by newer developers zeroing in on infill lots. Maple Heights also worked with the city of Cleveland’s Land Revitalization Program (Land Bank) to bring several modular housing units to the city.
The “numbers tell the story” of the successful results of the escrow policy change, according to Blackwell. But she said she knew for certain that the modification was the right decision when she heard of a single mother with three kids who worked hard, saved for a down payment and scraped together just enough to fulfill the escrow requirement, which she thought still existed.
But there was a sacrifice. Christmas was right around the corner and the new homeowner told her children that no money was left for gifts. They understood that each having their own bedroom was its own present.
However, when the building department told the woman the escrow was no longer part of the city’s policy, she broke down crying and told her children there would be a Christmas after all.
Any
time we see one of our communities making homeownership more attainable to any family or household that chooses that path, that’s a good thing.
—Jamie McMillen
CITY OF SHAKER HEIGHTS
The City of Shaker Heights has not eliminated its POS inspections. But it has made an effort to “make this process more efficient and equitable, while also addressing concerns raised by REALTORS®, homebuyers and community members,” according to Kyle Krewson, director of the City’s Building and Housing Department.
Currently, any property being sold in Shaker Heights must undergo the POS process, which includes a visual inspection of the interior and exterior of the property. The first of three phases of updates to the city’s POS process went into effect May 28. As of July, no specific timeline for adoption of the other phases was finalized. The updates include:
1. Escrow account holders can request more partial disbursements and a lower threshold. For properties sold with violations, Shaker Heights requires an escrow account with funds representing 150% of the cost of making those repairs. The city releases funds from escrow accounts once repairs are made. The city believes this update addresses concerns about housing affordability.
2. The POS Certificate will now expire 24 months from the initial inspections. This change will make the expiration date uniform for all sellers, according to the city. Krewson says this phase “includes the development of internal cost estimating capabilities — a change that requires technical modifications to our permitting and code enforcement platform, CitizenServe.”
3. Require escrow accounts to be established in the buyer’s name. According to the city, this change ensures “that the party responsible for correcting violations — the buyer — has direct access to the escrow
funds and helps alleviate conflicts that have arisen when the seller has been the account holder.”
These are the first updates to the city’s POS procedure in 20 years.
A REALTOR since 2005, Seth Task is currently with Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices (BHHS) Professional Realty and a member of ACAR’s Legislative Committee. Task says he “applauds the fact that Shaker Heights is starting to think in another direction.”
“But as long as a city has an escrow component, I consider their policy to be discriminatory,” says Task. “And no one can hide behind the guise that ‘Well, we don’t have escrow for owner-occupants, only investors.’ All you are doing is increasing the cost because with a flip restoration or a rental property, the investor takes into consideration their occupancy costs and is going to charge that back to the tenants. In any way, shape or form, an escrow component to a POS situation is going to increase the cost of housing without fail.”
Shaker Heights has said that the changes to its POS procedure are “in light of continuing improvement.”
In cities that have POS inspections in place for decades, McMillen realizes change may be difficult. She understands that “people in office and those who live there may see POS inspections as a way to prevent their neighborhoods from disrepair.” Changing that narrative to bring about homeownership equity “will take time to break that cycle.” But by exposing local government officials and the public to the benefits of POS rollbacks or elimination and establishing fair, systematic inspections, ACAR is hoping to get the process of home inspections back on track in Northeast Ohio.
Homeownership FACTS AND
FIGURES
According to the National Association of REALTORS®’ 2024 Profile of Home Buyers and Sellers:
Detached, single-family homes continue to be the most common home type for recent buyers at 75%, followed by townhouse or rowhouses at 7%. 75% 7%
The median first-time buyer age increased to
38 years old
this year from 35 last year, while the typical repeat buyer age also increased to 61 from 58 last year.
26% of home buyers
paid cash for their home, an alltime high for all-cash buyers.
3% Other Home Buyer Race
83% White/Caucasian 7% Black/African American 5% Hispanic/Latino 4% Asian/Pacific Islander
First-time home buyers decreased to 24% of the market share (32% last year).
This year marks the lowest share since the National Association of REALTORS® began collecting the data in 1981.
73% of recent buyers did not have a child under the age of 18 in their home, the highest share recorded.
Grand openings and an upcoming summit fuel Beachwood’s tech rise.
Featured left to right: Mayor Justin Berns, Joseph Chuhran, Lt. Governor Jim Tressel
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Buying into the Future
Both properties are strategic investments we’re making into the future of the city.”
— MAYOR JUSTIN BERNS
The City of Beachwood has acquired two major parcels of land as part of an overarching development plan. Here’s what to expect.
BY SARAH WEBB
The City of Beachwood has decided to control its destiny with the recent land acquisitions of the 43-acre Chagrin Highlands site and the 17-acre Fairmount Temple parcel.
“Both properties are strategic investments we’re making into the future of the city,” says Beachwood Mayor Justin Berns.
The Future of Fairmount Temple
When the city purchased the Fairmount Temple site in summer 2024, Mayor Berns and Beachwood City Council engaged the public to determine the future of the property, says Ben Lombardi, communications manager for the city.
Through surveys and a public engagement forum, residents voiced their desire for increased housing options, particularly senior housing.
While there is no age requirement for the development, the housing will be targeted toward seniors, featuring smaller square footage footprints and floorplans, with first floor primary bedrooms.
“Families that have lived in Beachwood in single-family homes whose kids have flown the coop can now sell their homes and move into something smaller and more manageable,” Lombardi says.
Catherine Bieterman, economic development director for the city, adds that this will open opportunities for young families to move into those single-family homes.
While plans are still in flux, the site will include approximately 70 to 90 units, and once completed, the homes will incorporate some design elements of the temple.
Elevating the Chagrin Highlands
“I think Cuyahoga County has been developed heavily ... and there are few buildable sites left for development,” says David Leb, vice president at Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO Real Estate.
The City of Beachwood resolved this problem by recently purchasing 42.94 acres in the Chagrin Highlands from the City of Cleveland and the Jacobs Group for $3 million in March 2025.
“This was a really smart acquisition because Beachwood can now control what’s going to happen in their backyard,” says Leb.
Zoned for light industrial usage, Bieterman says the site provides an ideal headquarters spot for companies in industries such as advanced manufacturing, medical technologies and life sciences, cybersecurity, IT and more. The site is located next to the city’s Commerce Park.
“This is a great example of how Beachwood plans to expand an already strong business park and allow more businesses to come in and conduct activities that create jobs,” says Paul Herdeg, director of the development department for Cuyahoga County.
To complement the project, Bieterman says the city has planned for a roadway that would go from Harvard Road to Mercantile Road.
“We acquired a building at Commerce Park to be able to facilitate the interconnection of that roadway,” Bieterman says.
Economic Opportunities Abound
Overall, the site will provide numerous benefits for the community, including new job prospects and more revenue opportunities, says Christine Nelson, vice president of project management and site strategies for Team NEO.
“We have the benefit of the real estate tax going to the school system and the county as well as the income tax going to the communities,” Nelson says.
Moving forward, the Cushman & Wakefield | CRESCO Real Estate firm will continue as the listing broker representing the city, find end users and bring the lead opportunities back to the city, says Bryce Sylvester, managing director at Cushman and Wakefield | CRESCO.
He adds that it may take about one to two years to narrow down the opportunities that will shape the project.
David Leb
Bryce Sylvester
Ben Lombardi
We made a commitment to develop our Northeast Ohio location, so we put all of our existing personnel in Northeast Ohio under one roof now, and we’re investing and growing in that facility.”
— JOSEPH CHUHRAN, MILLENNIUM CONTROL SYSTEMS
Smart Moves
With major investments in artificial intelligence and a community-wide embrace of technology, Beachwood serves as a haven for the next era of progress. BY SARAH WEBB
Fueled by bold investments in artificial intelligence (AI) and a techforward spirit that courses through the city, Beachwood has become a springboard for the next wave of progress.
“We have industry leaders here within Beachwood that are spearheading some of today’s modern innovation and that will continue to drive more opportunities for similar companies,” says Catherine Bieterman, the city’s economic development director.
Here’s a look at how the City of Beachwood is fostering technological developments.
A Global Summit and Local Grand Opening
Millennium Control Systems, a division of Grenzebach, boasts multiple locations within North America, Europe and Asia, but its Beachwood location topped the list
as this year’s destination for its International Value Summit, held June 24 and 25.
Established in 1997 in Cleveland, Millennium Control Systems provides engineered control systems and software solutions to industries such as manufacturing, power and energy, with consistent attention to glass, building materials, metals, tires and rubber.
This was the first time the summit had been held within the U.S., and about 35 personnel were in attendance.
“We’re a global group, so we talk about the geopolitical situation and how that will affect our businesses,” says Joseph Chuhran, president and CEO of Millennium Control Systems. “We talk about synergies for business and market trends and how we can best position our companies to take advantage of those.”
What’s more, the event coincided with the grand opening of the company’s Beachwood location.
Taking advantage of the presence of international executives, the grand opening included speeches and a ribbon-cutting ceremony, followed by tours and a family day for employees.
Beachwood Mayor Justin Berns
While the company was previously scattered throughout three separate buildings in Northeast Ohio, it was beginning to outgrow those spaces due to the fast-growing power and energy segment, fueled by AI machine learning. It’s now located at 23550 Commerce Park Road in Beachwood.
“Team NEO and the City of Beachwood made it easy for us to make this big decision,” Chuhran says. “We made a commitment to develop our Northeast Ohio location, so we put all of our existing personnel in Northeast Ohio under one roof now, and we’re investing and growing in that facility.”
At the Forefront of AI
Larger companies like Millennium Control Systems aren’t the only ones on the cutting edge of AI.
Smaller companies such as MIM Software, a GE HealthCare Company; Insight2Profit and AIDAN are also integrating AI and technology to drive revenue and optimize ROI, Bieterman says.
“It’s these forward-thinking companies that are growing, innovating and guiding the future of our existing and emerging industries here within the region,” Bieterman says.
She adds that Beachwood’s strong workforce is interwoven with nearby colleges, including Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C) and its Corporate College, John Carroll University and Case Western Reserve University, to name a few.
One such company that’s using AI is AIDAN Systems, which is short for Artificial Intelligence Discovery and Action Network.
AIDAN focuses on transforming operations in health care and manufacturing. In health
care, the company uses predictive analytics to anticipate patient needs, optimize staffing and reduce inefficiencies. In manufacturing, the company’s AI control tower helps streamline operations, improve quality and understand what drives sales and growth.
“We’re not just building tools. We’re building intelligence that acts,” says Quentin Fisher, CEO of AIDAN. “Since 2017, we’ve delivered AI-powered industry solutions that help organizations move from reactive to
Millennium Control Systems Ribbon Cutting Ceremony
proactive operations. For smaller companies, that’s hard to do because there are a lot of pieces to make AI work.”
AIDAN’s AI Fit Assessment helps organizations identify high-value, easy-toimplement use cases to get started with AI and build momentum.
The company works out of Beachwood’s Co-Hatch space, which Fisher says has served as a launchpad for the business.
“It’s a place where we can host clients, run workshops and build community — all essential for a company like ours that thrives on collaboration and rapid iteration,” Fisher says. “It places us in the heart of Northeast Ohio’s innovation corridor, close to clients, partners and talent. The collaborative environment fosters spontaneous idea exchange, and the flexibility of the space supports our hybrid work model.”
Putting the Tech to Work
To further embrace the technological advancements happening within Beachwood, the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce and Solon Chamber of Commerce, in partnership with Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C),
will host the Artificial Intelligence Summit on Thursday, Oct. 23, from 8 a.m. to noon at TriC’s Eastern Campus Mandel Theatre (4250 Richmond Road, Highland Hills).
Centered around the practical application of artificial intelligence and geared toward smallto medium-sized businesses, the summit is designed to help entrepreneurs, executives and professionals discover how AI can deliver realworld solutions for growth and efficiency.
“Everyone is excited about AI and technology, but we’re seeing that smallto medium-sized businesses are getting left in the dust because they don’t always have the staff or sophistication to utilize AI beyond something like ChatGPT,” says David Lapierre, executive director of the Beachwood Chamber of Commerce. “Often, these types of companies are one-man bands and don’t have the resources to dig into the details of AI”.
To address this gap, the summit will feature a robust program including a keynote presentation by Chris Berry, president & CEO of OhioX, a statewide nonprofit building Ohio into a top tech hub. Attendees will also hear from Rob Buchwald, founder & CEO of Akron Innovations, and engage in a panel discussion moderated by Jessica Colombi, director for the future of work at Tri-C. Panelists include Alfred Cowger (attorney and author), Jeff Dennis (CEO, TRNSFRM), Rocco Cuffari (tech consultant, AHEAD Consulting), and Travis Grundke (EVP, Ashton Solutions).
Topics will focus on how AI can be applied to sales, accounting, marketing, manufacturing cycles and more.
“It’s meant to be very informative, and it’s meant to create awareness for small- to medium-sized business owners about what’s out there and the practical applications of AI for their businesses,” Lapierre says. Networking will also play a central role in the event.
Admission is $25 for chamber members and $35 for non-members. Sponsors include Moreland Connect, TechnologyXperts, Inc., Verizon and Crown Castle. For registration and sponsorship details, visit beachwood.org or email director@beachwood.org.
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AI IN THE CLASSROOM
In Beachwood, the power of AI is also reaching beyond boardrooms and into the classroom.
In September 2024, Beachwood Schools began using MagicSchool, an AI-powered platform that’s designed to support educators and students in the work they do each day, according to Gregory Murphy, director of communications for Beachwood City School District.
Conversations to implement the technology began during the 20232024 schoolyear.
The platform offers tools to encourage classroom engagement for students, which includes building chatbots, creating skits and giving tailored writing feedback.
“MagicSchool allows teachers to tailor instruction for students and also offers many other engaging tools for students to enhance experiential
learning and classroom engagement,” Murphy says. “Also, automating resource creation AI frees up teachers’ time, allowing them to focus more on direct instruction and personalized student interactions.”
However, Murphy stresses that it’s important for students to maintain their role as critical thinkers while using AI and only use it as another tool in the toolbox rather than the only tool.
To ethically use AI, Beachwood schools have several precautions in place to ensure that AI technologies are employed responsibly and safely.
First, students only engage with AI-powered tools such as MagicSchool under supervision. Also, the schools are continually developing AI training programs for both teachers and students.
“These programs are designed to equip them with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate AI tools effectively and ethically,” Murphy says.
Overall, the goal is to create a safe learning environment that fosters responsible AI use while supporting educators in meeting the diverse needs of students.
“AI is poised to become an integral part of education as we continue to move forward into the future,” Murphy says. “By using these platforms, students are able to develop the necessary skills needed as AI becomes an integral part of everyday life.”
Beachwood engineering students are taught ethical AI practices.
Dining Done Right
BY LESLIE BASALLA MCCAFFERTY
In Beachwood, dining out is always on the table. The city boasts an abundance of restaurants catering to every craving — from fine dining to quick bites. If you’re looking for inspiration for your next meal, here’s a sampling of some of the city’s tried and true and fresh and new restaurants.
Culinary Classics
Few restaurants in Northeast Ohio can boast a track record like Giovanni’s (25550 Chagrin Blvd.). Owner Carl Quagliata opened the Italian institution in 1976, setting off a nearly 5-decade run.
“Giovanni’s is old-school Italian fine dining with tableside service and classic dishes,” Executive Chef Zach Lardner says. “But we also remain current with our flavors and techniques.”
The restaurant, Lardner says, is proud to be a Beachwood landmark and a go-to destination for its guests’ milestones and celebrations.
“We stay here in Beachwood because we have built a following that extends across multiple generations of loyal patrons,” he says.
Not far behind in the long game is Hyde Park Prime Steakhouse (26300 Chagrin Blvd.) The restaurant launched in 1988 in Cleveland Heights, moved to Moreland Hills
Cedar Creek Grille
and finally settled into its current Beachwood perch in 2004.
“We always looked at it as a New York or Chicago-style steakhouse,” says owner Joe Saccone. “The food itself is boutique — chef-driven. We serve prime steaks, Wagyu beef, prime seafood — it’s just dependable.”
While Hyde Park’s footprint continues to expand, Saccone says the restaurant never forgets its local roots.
“A lot of people who live in Beachwood have been our customers for 35 years, and now it’s their children who are our customers,” he says. “We have the parents, now the children and someday, we’ll have the grandchildren.”
Beachwood’s thriving retail scene was a deciding factor for restaurateur Rick Doody and his partners when they were shopping for a location to open Cedar Creek Grille (2101 Richmond Road) in 2012.
“We love being part of Beachwood — we like the town; we love how we’re being received,” Doody says.
The restaurant, which Doody describes as a “classic American grille,” fills a cozy niche among the area’s dining op tions. With its warm wood fin ishes, lively bar and white tablecloth-topped booths, it feels upscale but not formal or stuffy, and the food is approachable but always prepared with an eye toward quality.
“We have everything from a couple of great burgers to prime steaks, to seafood that we hand cut daily,” Doody says. “Everything is prepped in house. We
make our own soups, our own dressings, our own salads and our own sauces.
“And,” he adds, “we try to provide it in sort of a timeless ambiance.”
Savory Startups
Changes to the dining landscape as a result of restaurant successes and growth created an opportunity for Sidonna Turner to bring Jamerican Kitchen Cafe (3365 Richmond Road, Suite 125), which she originally opened in Cleveland Heights in 2019, here to Beachwood.
Dr. Britni Skoda
Rachel Beckett
Jamerican Kitchen Grand Opening
“I knew I wanted a smaller spot, and this was a chance be closer to home, closer to my son’s school and to pour back into my community,” Turner says.
As the restaurant’s name suggests, Jamerican Kitchen dishes out a mix of traditional Jamaican cuisine and American comfort food. Wings, wraps and a full breakfast menu mingle with oxtails, jerk chicken, callaloo and escovitch.
“It’s a nice location, where you feel safe and at peace, she says. “We want you to be comfortable experiencing something new.”
Widely lauded as home to one of Cleveland’s best burgers, Heck’s (3355 Richmond Road) expanded its string of neighborhood cafes into
Beachwood in 2023, and brought along a new concept: Antica Italian Kitchen + Bar
“Beachwood is one of the best places to visit, shop and live, and it was a natural next step for Heck’s expansion to the East Side,” says owner Fadi Daoud.
Alongside those famous burgers, Heck’s serves an array of salads, sandwiches, entrees and brunch, many with a Mediterranean influence.
Antica, meanwhile, blends Italian tradition with culinary creativity.
“Every dish is crafted from scratch using a blend of local and imported Italian ingredients — everything from handmade pastas and pizzas to premium steaks and fresh seafood,” Daoud says.
Also new on the Beachwood scene is No Fork (3365 Richmond Road, Suite 150), a casual joint that serves a variety of comfort food that you can eat with your hands (think po’ boys, fried chicken, burgers and Philly cheesesteaks). A hearty breakfast menu is also available, and there’s no shortage of creativity when it comes to signature dishes like the Big Back Brunch Burger, featuring American cheese, bacon and a fried egg with two Belgian waffles acting as the “bun.”
No Fork’s Owner, Jason Houser, is a recent graduate of the National Urban League and the PepsiCo Foundation Restaurant Accelerator — a program that offers mentorship and investment to Black restaurateurs.
Anchored by established favorites and energized by fresh concepts, Beachwood’s dining scene continues to drive the city’s reputation as a destination for commerce, community and culinary excellence.
Antica Italian Kitchen + Bar
Faces of Beachwood
BY SARAH WEBB
Beyond the Badge: Police Chief Daniel Grispino
With an updated badge on his chest and a passion for mental health protocols in his heart, Beachwood’s new Police Chief Daniel Grispino is poised to make a positive impact in the community.
“Being the chief is not about my title but rather the increased impact I can have on the community, the officers and the profession,” Grispino says. “I am humbled that Mayor (Justin) Berns and the City of Beachwood have entrusted their confidence in me with this critical role.”
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Beachwood Police Chief Daniel Grispino
Grispino touts 23 years of experience as a police officer, 18 of those in Shaker Heights, where he worked in nearly every aspect of the police department.
As the City of Beachwood’s police chief, Grispino envisions a new strategy of policing that focuses on mental health.
In 2024, Grispino authored a federal grant that helped create Ohio’s first Regional Mental Health response program, and he served as the law enforcement liaison for the program, conducting training with the supervisory clinician at each of the police departments for all of the new cities that joined.
The program is known as First CALL (Crisis Assistance and Local Linkage). It includes an alternative crisis response team comprising behavioral health clinicians and peer support staff who engage with individuals experiencing mental health distress and substance use disorders.
“The intersection of mental health and policing has long been a complex and sensitive issue,” Grispino says. “From personally responding to many mental health calls in my career to experiencing the origination of the pilot mental health response team in Shaker Heights, I knew more could be done.”
Grispino adds that diverting calls that don’t require police intervention ensures that individuals in crisis receive the care they deserve and allows officers to remain
available for emergencies where their skills are most needed.
“By embracing these solutions, we can create a system that better serves our communities, reduces unnecessary burdens on law enforcement and ultimately saves lives,” Grispino says.
In addition to his goals of focusing on mental health within policing, Grispino strives to ensure the department adheres to professionalism and preparedness.
“We will continually look for new ways to engage and serve our community more effectively, ensuring we are forging new relationships and fostering the ones we currently have,” Grispino says. “Lastly, (we will focus) on preparedness through training to ensure our entire community feels safe, vibrant and welcoming.”
When he’s not wearing his uniform, outside of work, Grispino enjoys camping with his family, visiting various Ohio state parks in his travel trailer and kayak fishing.
Grispino is focused on mental health, professionalism and preparedness
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Beachwood
Behind the Counter: Jen Ferns and Saree Doyle
Snack Shack co-owners Jen Ferns and Saree Doyle, the 2025 contracted operators of the concession stand at the Beachwood Community Family Aquatic Center, serve up much more than sweet treats for pool and playground patrons. The Snack Shack is a place where friends can meet up during rest periods to enjoy a cold treat on a hot summer day, where families can gather to catch their breath and where kids can regale their friends with tales of their latest adventures on the diving board or water slide.
Longtime Beachwood residents, Ferns and Doyle took over the Snack Shack at the beginning of the 2025 season.
“Growing up in Beachwood and spending many summers here as a camp counselor at Kidz Camp has allowed me to observe the necessity and significance that this has on our community,” says Doyle, who also previously worked at the snack bar one summer. “Working there gave me a sense of being a central part of the community during the summer. I was able to build
relationships with members of the community I wouldn’t typically interact with.”
The menu is similar to those in years past with items like candy, soft drinks and quick bites such as pizza, chicken nuggets, wraps and more. However, this year, there’s a new feature: Doyle and Ferns developed an app for online ordering that’s available for both Apple and Android.
“Every rest period, there were long lines, which caused a delay in ordering and a wait for food,” Ferns says. “That would cause chaos in the small vicinity where people are sitting to eat their food. With the app, we’re trying to reduce the line and wait time and speed up the process overall.”
Doyle and Ferns believe the updates to the Beachwood hangout will help better serve pool and playground visitors.
“The Beachwood Snack Shack is a place where two families decided that they could collaborate together with their backgrounds and create a new summertime destination,” Doyle says. “Whether you are trying to afford a family meal within a budget or just want to come see the weekly specials, the Beachwood Snack Shack should be on your top-priority to-do list this summer and for summers to come.”
Scan the QR code to download the Beachwood Snack Shack app
Left: Jen Ferns, Right: Saree Doyle
Sustainable City
Beachwood’s commitment to sustainability shines through citywide initiatives.
BY JILL SELL
Waste Not
Americans annually spend $218 billion on the growing, transportation, processing and disposing of food that is not eaten, according to Cleveland-based recycling company Rust Belt Riders.
But, there are ways to lessen the environmental impact of scrap food. The City of Beachwood, for example, has partnered with Rust Belt Riders to offer a composting program that results in an organic soil blend for plants. The process also keeps mountains of uneaten food out of landfills.
(Tilth soil, the finished recycled material created by Rust Belt Riders, has been added to the Beachwood Community Gardens.)
Chris Arrietta, public works director for Beachwood, collaborated with Beachwood City Council and others in the community to offer the free program to residents, beginning in April 2024. Registered participants use 5-gallon buckets to collect food scraps that are
Currently we have 297 members in the community who are part of the program, and we have recycled about 71,000 pounds of food in one year.”
— CHRIS ARRIETTA, BEACHWOOD PUBLIC WORKS DIRECTOR
then deposited in locked bins that open only with a code. The bins are located behind the Beachwood Community Center.
“Currently we have 297 members in the community who are part of the program, and we have recycled about 71,000 pounds of food in one year,” says Arrietta. “We are looking for even more residents to participate.”
The food scrap recycling program is one of many sustainability efforts that Beachwood has embraced to limit its environmental footprint. But effective sustainability in a community is a balance and can be challenging, according to Arrietta, who has been researching the possibility of a city-owned rubbish truck. But Arrietta knows that while it is important to be “in the front of sustainability practices,” that “a city does not want to become behind in its services,” either. For now, the truck is on hold.
It’s Electric
In addition, the city has purchased a Ford Mustang Mach-E, an all-electric vehicle for the police department. The choice was based on “rigorous testing related to police use,” and serves as a pilot to determine if additional electric vehicles would be beneficial for the department. Thirteen additional hybrid vehicles for five other city departments were also purchased. And don’t be surprised to see two police e-bikes around town, ridden to promote community presence and enhance mobility where larger vehicles can’t go.
Small, electric landscaping tools for city ground work have also been added.
“We are also looking at a long-term sustainability plan with Cuyahoga County,” says Mayor Justin Berns. “It’s still in the planning process, but we know the county is looking to expand its efforts and is looking at communities to move forward. We are going great with our programs that we have now. But we are always looking for new programs and welcome community engagement.”
Seeing the Light
Beachwood’s Solar Street Light Pilot Project has been in operation since April. Twenty-nine solar-powered SmartLights were installed along Beachwood Boulevard and Ranch Road. The $114,576 price tag was 68.7% funded by
Police E-Bikes
a NOPEC Energized Community Grant with the city covering the remainder.
The lights are said to be environmentally friendly, made with recyclable materials, emit zero emissions and reduce light pollution.
Energy efficiency is achieved through adaptive brightness based on sunrise and sunset. The design and structure of the lights may also result in maintenance savings for the city.
“We are looking to see if the lights are effective over the next few years. If yes, we will probably look to expand the program,” says Arrietta.
NOPEC is dedicated to securing affordable energy rates for residents and small businesses in 243 member communities across Ohio. Since 2001, we’ve helped our customers save hundreds of millions of dollars on their electricity and natural gas costs. Plus, our online energy-savings center provides valuable energy-saving tips to help you save even more. Together, we’re building stronger communities through smarter energy choices. Learn
professionalremodelersohio.com
2025 BOARD OF DIRECTORS
PRESIDENT Brian Pauley, CR Remodel Me Today Inc.
CHAIRMAN OF THE BOARD
Daniel Hurst, MCR, CLC, CRPM Hurst Design Build Remodel
PRESIDENT ELECT
Kenneth Perrin
Artistic Renovations of Ohio LLC
VICE PRESIDENT
Robert Doherty Jr. Wolff Bros. Supply Inc.
SECRETARY
Gabriel Cantrell
Hamilton Parker
PARLIAMENTARIAN
Kristopher Toth, CRP Toth Painting Solutions Inc.
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Chris Kamis, CR Absolute Roofing & Construction Inc.
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR Kathy Masterson
BOARD MEMBERS
Andrew Dibling Virginia Tile Co.
Andy Ieropoli, CR Advance Design & Remodel
Tim Smelcer ISI Solutions
Dear Homeowners,
As president of Professional Remodelers Ohio, I’m excited to announce that our annual PRO Home Improvement Show will take place this January at its new home — La Centre in Westlake, Ohio. This event brings together the
“best of the best” in remodeling, design and home improvement, offering homeowners direct access to trusted professionals under one roof.
Enter to win TWO FREE TICKETS to an Ohio State home football game when you replace all the windows in your home.
With its new location, the show is returning to a grassroots mission — bringing contractors closer to the communities they serve. By relocating to a smaller, more intimate venue, homeowners can expect a personalized experience, with opportunities to connect directly with local talent who live and work in their neighborhoods.
Attendees will meet specialists in design-build remodeling, kitchen and bath renovations, roofing, landscaping and windows, to name a few.
Whether planning a complete renovation or a small upgrade, this show provides ideas, expert advice and the right partners to bring any vision to life. What sets this event apart is the focus on making the renovation process stress free and enjoyable. Exhibiting professionals are committed to guiding homeowners every step of the way — from concept and design through construction and completion. Visitors will also gain valuable tips on how to prepare for a remodel, what to expect during construction and how to choose the right team to ensure projects run smoothly, on time and on budget.
The PRO Home Improvement Show is more than an expo — it’s an educational and inspiring experience that equips homeowners with the confidence to begin their renovation journey.
Join us Jan. 23-25, 2026, at La Centre Conference & Banquet Facility in Westlake. Your dream home begins here — with the right team, the right guidance and the right community connection.
Brian Pauley, CR (Certified Remodeler) President, Professional Remodelers Ohio BOD of Cleveland BBB Remodel Me Today
PRO Home Improvement Show
La Centre Conference & Banquet Facility Westlake
Meet the
Connect with expert remodelers, explore ideas and find everything you need for your next home project — all in one place at the 43rd annual PRO Home Improvement Show.
Date: Jan. 23-25, 2026
Location: La Centre Conference & Banquet Facility, 25777 Detroit Road, Westlake, Ohio 44145
Show Hours: Friday, Jan. 23: Noon-8 p.m.
Saturday, Jan. 24: 10 a.m.-8 p.m.
Sunday, Jan. 25: 10 a.m.-5 p.m.
More information: clevelandprohomeshow.com
What You’ll Find: Access to expert advice, creative solutions and inspiration for your next home
7 Tips for a
Stress-Free
Remodel
An expert highlights how to minimize anxiety during the remodeling process. By Sarah Webb
Even though the final result is well worth it, ripping out parts of a home to remodel can be stressful.
“Remodeling is inconvenient,” says Kenneth Perrin, president of Artistic Renovations of Ohio LLC in North Royalton. “It’s going to be dirty and dusty, and you just have to understand that there’s an end game.”
Perrin lays out a few tips for homeowners to make the process smoother.
1. Set Your Budget
Homeowners should understand their budget and share that number and their goals with their contractor.
“You have to be realistic and honest in the beginning,” Perrin says.
3. Research Contractors
Research online to see pictures of contractors’ work and even ask for referrals from past customers.
“Look for a contractor you can get along with,” Perrin adds. “Find someone who understands construction and can do the engineering and design.”
Perrin also advises homeowners not to go with a contractor solely based on price.
“You wouldn’t want to go with that contractor because he or she might go out of business on your job, and that leaves you with undone problems,” he says.
5. Don’t Wait Too Long
Although it’s wise to make sure there are enough funds to complete a project, homeowners should start a renovation sooner than later. This is especially important when there are repairs that need to be addressed.
“If people wait too long, then they’ve got problems with the house and have to do repairs that don’t look pretty,” Perrin says.
6. Don’t Second Guess
Homeowners who trust their gut tend to have the most successful outcomes, Perrin says.
He also warns about putting too much stock into online designers or TV shows.
“It doesn’t matter if someone else likes it — if you don’t, it’s not a good idea,” Perrin says. “Homeowners should be confident enough to listen to their contractor on advice and then make their final decision.”
2. Understand Costs
Note that the total cost is more than just the price of materials — it also includes the cost of labor and the skills of the contractor.
“For example, when a carpenter comes to your house, he’s bringing his whole workshop with him, and he’s taking raw lumber from a tree and making a piece of art,” notes Perrin.
4. Plan Ahead
Plan carefully to avoid making snap decisions.
“If you have a well-thought-out plan, you won’t have mistakes, and it’s going to save you money in the long run,” Perrin says.
Planning ahead also means taking steps in advance to work around a renovation. For example, if the kitchen is under construction, homeowners should be prepared to set up a hot plate somewhere else in the house or plan to dine or grill out.
7. Be Flexible
Approach renovations with the understanding that things don’t always go according to plan.
“It’s like a roller coaster,” Perrin says. “Things are going to go wrong or the wrong material might be shipped, but it’s nothing that can’t be overcome.”
EXPERIENCE MAKES
NEW Hues
Find out how homeowners are swapping neutrals for splashes of color to give their spaces a new look, inside and out.
BY SARAH WEBB
Gone are the days of grays, blacks and whites. Color is back — and in a bold way.
“Grays, blacks and whites got to be pretty monotone and can also feel clinical,” says Mark Maltry Jr., member of JEMM Construction in Painesville. “A lot of people are switching gears.”
Maltry and Kenneth Perrin, president of Artistic Renovations of Ohio LLC in North Royalton, explain how homeowners can incorporate these colors inside and out.
A HOMEY INTERIOR
Earth tones such as browns and greens create cozy and comforting living spaces, Maltry says.
“People want to feel more grounded, particularly after COVID,” he notes. “The clinical look with whites and blacks has a nice presentation with clean lines, but it doesn’t feel homey.”
Deeper browns or greens can also be incorporated into an accent wall or in the trim detail in a home study, office or living room.
Perrin agrees that a fuller color on the walls creates a striking contrast between the woodwork and paint colors, noting that light pink also elicits a soothing mood within a space.
However, he notes that white and off-white are still top sellers — especially when paired with the right accent colors and textures.
Mixing the colors in the cabinets, island and hood and having a white perimeter and a dark island looks stunning.”
— Kenneth Perrin, Artistic Renovations of Ohio LLC
“It’s a clean look,” Perrin says. “We’re seeing a lot of white cabinets and white backsplashes, which can be sterile, but when you do it with the right type of textures, it doesn’t look industrial or medical.”
For emphasis, consider combining different hues throughout a space.
“Mixing the colors in the cabinets, island and hood and having a white perimeter and a dark island looks stunning,” Perrin says.
With the open floor plans that are popular today, matching colors and textures throughout each room helps tie everything together.
For example, homeowners can include similar accent colors in rooms such as the kitchen, dinette and great room while defining each space with separate details such as a tray ceiling, applied molding detail or even wood beams in the accent color.
A SPLASHY EXTERIOR
On the exterior of the house, homeowners are choosing to go for bolder colors, such as dark green, brown, charcoal and black, according to Perrin and Maltry.
Deep blues have also been popular, complete with other visual elements like vertical and horizontal siding and white trim.
“Having a contrast with a white overhang or white trim really makes the house pop,” Perrin says. “It’s not the subtle contrast you’d get with a light tan.”
This trend started a few years ago when manufacturers started widening their color selection once they found a way to make the color retain its pigmentation long term.
“Everybody’s tired of looking at tans and beiges and light gray and all those colors that the manufacturers had to do in the past because they used to fade,” Perrin adds. “Once people see that contrast, they fall in love with it.”
Energy efficient upgrades pay off over time with lower utility bills, increased comfort and added home value.
Smart and Savvy Upgrades
Sustainable updates can increase a home’s efficiency and reduce utility costs, all while positively impacting the environment.
BY SARAH WEBB
Energy-efficient upgrades not only benefit the environment — they can also improve how the home and everything in it function.
“If you’re willing to invest a bit more upfront, these upgrades can pay off with lower utility bills, increased comfort and added home value,” says Cortney Kalfas, vice president at R.A. Kalfas Construction in Strongsville. After all, it’s the little updates that add up over time.
Kalfas and Brian Pauley, Certified Remodeler, president of Remodel Me Today in Olmsted Falls and president of Professional Remodelers Ohio, discuss the various ways homeowners can opt for more sustainable remodeling trends that don’t break the bank or sacrifice style.
REPLACE WINDOWS AND DOORS
Don’t knock the benefits of energy-efficient windows and doors. These models reduce drafts and help maintain indoor temperatures, keeping the HVAC system from working overtime, Kalfas says.
What’s more, keep in mind that blinds and window treatments are more than aesthetically pleasing dressings. They are functional pieces.
“In the summer months, keep windows covered and blinds closed to reduce the sunlight coming into the home,” Kalfas says. “In the winter months, do just the opposite. Let the sun shine in to help naturally warm up the space.”
ADD MORE INSULATION
Insulating the attic, walls and crawlspaces can significantly reduce heating and cooling loss, a must for long-term savings, Kalfas says.
For larger renovation projects involving complete guts and redos, Pauley says the insulation process can be more involved.
When working on those types of projects, crews remove two-by-fours and replace them with two-by-sixes to create a better insulation blanket.
UPDATE THE FURNACE
These days, furnaces are more economical to install and are getting more efficient, Pauley says.
In fact, some furnaces are up to 93% to 95% efficient versus the 75% efficient furnaces of the past.
While energy-efficient furnaces may cost a little more upfront, it will equate to longterm savings.
ADD WATER-SAVING APPLIANCES
Look for appliances like dishwashers and clothes washers that tout low water utilization. Also, consider incorporating toilets that only require 1.2 gallons to flush rather than 1.6 gallons.
The difference sounds miniscule, but every time that toilet is flushed, it will use .4 fewer gallons of water, which will certainly add up over time.
“They’re making those more powerful so that it takes care of what it needs to take care of,” Pauley notes.
When it comes to water-efficient toilets, 1.2-gallon flush toilets are often cheaper than 1.6-gallon flush toilets.
“In those cases, you’re actually not spending more money to go to a higher-efficiency appliance,” Pauley adds.
CONSIDER SUSTAINABLE FLOORING
Hardwood flooring is also making a comeback over luxury vinyl plank (LVP) flooring in recent months.
When sourced responsibly, hardwood can be more sustainable than LVP because it is not made from synthetic materials and does not
undergo a manufacturing process that brings up potential environmental concerns.
Additionally, the cost difference now, compared to past years, is minimal.
“There used to be a big spread in cost between LVP and hardwood, but over the last year, LVP prices have gone up considerably because most of it is made overseas,” Pauley says.
INSTALL SMART APPLIANCES
A remodel may be the perfect time to upgrade appliances, and smart appliances are perhaps the simplest way to increase the overall energy efficiency in a home.
Be on the lookout for Energy Star rated refrigerators, dishwashers and laundry machines to cut down on electricity and water usage.
However, it’s about more than simply installing a smart appliance: Keep them clean and free of dust, lint and debris.
“Clean equipment runs more efficiently and lasts longer,” Kalfas says. “Be sure to change your HVAC air filter regularly.”
UPGRADE MECHANICAL SYSTEMS
It’s important to remember the items that run in the background as well.
Consider high-efficiency HVAC units, heat pump water heaters or tankless systems.
“These newer technologies run cleaner, quieter and use less energy overall,” Kalfas says.
SOLAR PANELS
Incorporating solar panels can also help offset electrical bills in the long run.
“There’s a specialized panel that has to be put in, and it can store energy and run it back into the house,” Pauley says. “In some cases, it can generate more power than you need in a month, and in those cases, the power is sold back to the power companies.”
Solar panels can be more expensive upfront, so it may take some time to receive the return on the investment. For example, a homeowner could pay between $20,000 and $30,000 for a full-grid solar panel system, and it might take 10 to 12 years to make up that investment.
“In any case, you know you’re doing a good thing for the environment,” Pauley notes.
5 Simple Updates to Improve Efficiency and Save Money
SEAL AIR GAPS
Prevent drafts and energy loss by sealing gaps around windows, doors and other vulnerable areas.
MAXIMIZE NATURAL LIGHT
Install skylights and enlarge existing windows and door openings to reduce the dependency on artificial lighting.
SWITCH TO LED BULBS
Replace traditional incandescent or CFL bulbs with energy-efficient LED lighting throughout your home — both indoors and outdoors. LEDs use significantly less energy and last much longer.
INSTALL A PROGRAMMABLE THERMOSTAT
A programmable thermostat allows you to control heating and cooling based on your schedule, reducing energy use when you’re not home.
INCORPORATE SMART SWITCHES
Solar panels can be expensive upfront, but the investment can pay off in 10 to 12 years.
Lights that can be controlled through Alexa or Google Home or a mobile device can ultimately save electricity and improve overall safety as the home illuminates when you pull in the driveway.
RESOURCE GUIDE
MEMBER SPECIALTIES
CONT R ACTORS
Additions
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. .................... 216-898-1563
Artistic Renovations of Ohio LLC 216-520-0838
Hurst Design Build Remodel 440-234-5656
R.A. Kalfas Construction 440-238-5498
R.B. Schwarz Inc. 440-729-2480
Remodel Me Today 440-249-7665
Basement Remodeling
Hurst Design Build Remodel 440-234-5656
R.A. Kalfas Construction 440-238-5498
Bath & Kitchen Fixtures
Remodel Me Today 440-249-7665
Bathroom Remodeling
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Artistic Renovations of Ohio LLC 216-520-0838
Hurst Design Build Remodel 440-234-5656
R.A. Kalfas Construction 440-238-5498
R.B. Schwarz Inc. 440-729-2480
Remodel Me Today 440-249-7665
Cabinets & Countertops
Remodel Me Today 440-249-7665
Closet Systems
R.A. Kalfas Construction .......... 440-238-5498
Commercial Remodeling
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Decks & Porches
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Design & Build
Hurst Design Build Remodel 440-234-5656
Remodel Me Today 440-249-7665
Dormers & Extensions
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
General Contracting
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
R.A. Kalfas Construction .......... 440-238-5498
R.B. Schwarz Inc. 440-729-2480
Green Products
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Gutters & Downspouts
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Insurance Restoration
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Kitchen Remodeling
Artistic Renovations of Ohio LLC 216-520-0838
Hurst Design Build Remodel 440-234-5656
R.A. Kalfas Construction 440-238-5498
R.B. Schwarz Inc. 440-729-2480
Remodel Me Today 440-249-7665
Roofing
Absolute Roofing and
Siding
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Skylights
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc.
Water
Repair & Restoration
216-898-1563
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Whole House Renovation
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Hurst Design Build Remodel 440-234-5656
R.B. Schwarz Inc. 440-729-2480
Windows & Doors
Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc. 216-898-1563
Renovations
MEMBERSHIP DIRECTORY
CONTRACTOR
3rd Generation Home Improvement Inc.
Rolland Miller 35835 Vine St., Eastlake, OH 44095 440-850-5592, 3rdgenerationhomeimprovements.com
A Glass Block Vision
Dave Villoni 5959 Carsten Road, Medina, OH 44256 330-321-4251, aglassblockvision.com
Absolute Roofing and Construction, Inc.
Chris G. and Michael T. Kamis 12301 Sprecher Ave., Cleveland, OH 44135 216-898-1563 • FAX 216-898-1853 mkamis@absoluteroofing.com absoluteroofing.com
Dan Hurst, Owner/COO, MCR, CRPM, CLC 26185 Center Ridge Road, Westlake, OH 44145 440-234-5656 hurstremodel.com
CONTRACTOR OF THE YEAR WINNER
Northeast Ohio’s most trusted roofing company. With 35-plus years of operation, we are committed to excellence in craftsmanship. From roofing, siding and additions to historic restorationrenovation, we are truly a full-service company. First-place category winner of the prestigious CotY award 19 years in a row. Named one of the top 100 roofing contractors in the nation by Roofing Contractor magazine and awarded a Big 50 designation by Remodeling Magazine We have three HAAG-engineeringcertified roof inspectors on staff to meet your storm/hail damage needs.
Advance Design and Remodel
Andy Ieropoli, CR 29299 Clemens Road, Suite 1-C, Westlake, OH 44145 216-544-0455, advanceremodel.com
Alair Homes Hudson
David Nystrom 10 W. Streetsboro St., #201, Hudson, OH 44236 440-893-9600, alairhudson.com
3985 Medina Road, Suite 260, Medina, OH 44256 440-457-0101, bathrus.com
Brad Smith Roofing Co. Inc.
Brad Smith 24550 Sperry Drive, Westlake, OH 44145 440-835-3377, bradsmithroofing.com
Carrieri Construction Inc.
Michael Carrieri 11133 W. Sprague Road, North Royalton, OH 44133 440-842-6718, carriericonstruction.com
Chris Margevicius
Chris Margevicius 17813 Ingleside Road, Cleveland, OH 44119 216-346-7900, buildzoom.com
Matthew Urbas 325 Park Road, Painesville, OH 44077 440-391-0060, fccoh.com
Hurst Design Build Remodel, an awardwinning, full-service design-build firm, specializes in combining innovative design solutions and expert craftsmanship into one seamless experience. Let us create the perfect kitchen, bath, addition, basement, whole house renovation or outdoor living space for you.
R.A. Kalfas Construction is a familyowned and -operated general contractor located in Strongsville. A recognized and trusted name throughout the Cleveland area for more than 35 years, we are a fullservice remodeler, offering architectural services and interior/exterior design services. R.A. Kalfas is a goodstanding member of the Cleveland Better Business Bureau, PRO, the HBA and the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce.
R.B. Schwarz, Inc.
Robert B. Schwarz, MCR, CRPM, UDCP, CKBR 12944 S. Woodside Drive, Chesterland, OH 44026 216-952-9801 • 440-729-2480 rbschwarzinc.com
R.B. Schwarz, Inc. restores historic homes for modern families. Specializing in kitchen and bathroom remodeling and full-house renovation, Schwarz excels at maintaining historical integrity of gracious homes in Northeast Ohio. The same team of meticulous craftsmen have been working together since 1987. Their technical competency and professionalism ensure the success of every job.
Remodel Me Today
Brian Pauley 25564 Bagley Road, Olmsted Falls, OH 44138 440-249-7665 remodelmetoday.com
Currently dreaming of a new kitchen or bath? Visit our showroom to find quality cabinetry, tile, fixtures, flooring and an award-winning design staff to help guide you or your client on the design decisions from beginning to end. Remodel Me Today is a consumer, builder and remodeler’s showroom that also offers design-build services, if desired.
TH Custom Hardwood
Timothy Palermo 1438 Barn Run Drive, Valley City, OH 44280 330-225-2800, thcustomhardwood.com
Kristopher Toth 210 Hayes Drive, #E, Brooklyn Heights, OH 44131 216-459-8684, tothpainting.com
Unique Home Solutions
Jaqueline Olsen 6930 Engle Road, Suite X-Y, Middleburg Heights, OH 44130 330-460-6950, uniquehomesolutions.org
USA Insulation Co. Inc./USA Enterprises Inc.
Peter Breeden 31920 Vine St., Willowick, OH 44095 440-602-4107, usainsulation.net
The Measure of a Great Remodeler
REMODELING A HOME IS A BIG DECISION.
Outside of buying a home, it may be the singlebiggest investment a homeowner makes. One needs to know that the remodeling contractor chosen is a full-time, dedicated remodeling professional. PRO’s certification programs offer this assurance through an extensive screening and testing process.
Only full-time remodeling professionals are eligible for PRO certification. A PRO Certified Remodeler is an individual who has made a strong commitment to his/her business. Remodelers are not eligible for certification until they have been actively involved in the remodeling industry for a minimum of five years, so you are assured that the PRO Certified Remodeler has had time to develop the experience and skills that can only be gained through extensive hands-on practice.
PRO certification is a challenging process, requiring extensive knowledge of the industry and a commitment to professional conduct. Even highly experienced and skilled remodelers find the screening and testing process formidable.
Nicholas Atkins, CLC
Hurst Design Build Remodel
Doug Dilley, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Joshua Gillies, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Brian Hurst, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Daniel Hurst, MCR, CLC, CRPM Hurst Design Build Remodel
Patrick G. Hurst, MCR, GCP
Hurst Design Build Remodel
TO BECOME PRO CERTIFIED, ONE MUST…
Receive a satisfactory review by the PRO Certification Board, by providing an outline detailing his or her hands-on experience, industry training and continuing education. In addition, he or she must prove his or her technical skills, practices in business management, association involvement and community service hours served.
Commit to intensive study on a broad range of critical industry issues. Most certification candidates participate in a formal study group and spend eight to 12 weeks studying in preparation for a difficult written exam.
Successfully complete a comprehensive and challenging written exam covering critical subject areas such as sound business management practices, knowledge of building codes and construction law, plans and specification, proper and safe use of tools and equipment, safety, standards of practice, math and several special skill areas.
ONCE AWARDED THEIR CERTIFICATION, PRO Certified Remodelers must meet annual recertification requirements, involving continuing education credits and participation in industry-related programs.
HOMEOWNERS WHO HIRE A PRO CERTIFIED REMODELER can be assured they have chosen a professional with specific experience, dedication to training and a commitment to ethical conduct.
PROFESSIONAL REMODELERS OHIO IS PROUD TO PRESENT its Certified Professionals…the best of the best in the remodeling industry!
Andy Ieropoli, CR Advance Home Improvement
Chris G. Kamis, CR Absolute Roofing and Construction Inc.
Frank Kinczel Jr., CFS Gunton Corp. dba Pella Window & Door Co.
Dennis Keller, CR Hurst Design Build Remodel
Mark Maltry Jr., CR JEMM Construction LLC
Kevin McDonald, CR, CLC
Hurst Design Build Remodel
Brian Pauley, CR Remodel Me Today Inc.
Mark A. Schwarz, CLC R.B. Schwarz Inc.
Robert B. Schwarz, MCR, CRPM, UDCP, CKBR R.B. Schwarz Inc.
Kristopher Toth, CRS Toth Painting Solutions Inc.
Michael Voloschuk, CR, CLC Hurst Design Build Remodel
Bradley Stone offers expert services in a wide range of applications: quartz, granite, marble, soapstone, porcelain and more. Visit our extensive tile showroom with designers on staff to help you make the perfect selection. Call Bradley Stone today to start your home remodeling project with proven professionals.
Crooked River Building Supply
Floyd Maxwell 19106 Miles Road, Cleveland, OH 44128 216-478-9700, crookedriversupply.com
DAP Products Inc.
Bill Longo 3735 Green Road, Beachwood, OH 44122 440-520-6522, dap.com
Ferguson Bath & Kitchen Gallery
Steven Caldwell 24441 Miles Road, Warrensville Heights, OH 44128 216-825-2200, ferguson.com
Brian Rutherford 26150 Richmond Road, Bedford Heights, OH 44146 216-831-2420 • FAX 216-591-1561 guntonpella.com
Gunton Corp. — Your local distributor of Pella Windows and Doors. “Viewed to be the Best.”
ProSource of Cleveland
Kevin Marett 29300 Clemens Road, Westlake, OH 44145 724-730-2503, prosourcecleveland.com
Schluter Systems
David Juhnke
194 Pleasant Ridge Road, Plattsburg, NY 12901 800-472-4588, schluter.com
Sims-Lohman
Doug Page
34601 Ridge Road, Unit 9B, Willoughby, OH 44094 440-373-1195, sims-lohman.com
Somrak Kitchens
Linda Hilbig 26201 Richmond Road, Bedford Heights, OH 44146 216-464-6500, somrakkitchens.com
Trevarrow Inc., Sub-Zero and Wolf Distributor
Carol Amato 12610 Corporate Drive, Cleveland, OH 44130 216-362-9200, trevarrowinc.com
Virginia Tile Co.
Andrew Dibling 4670 Richmond Road, Warrensville Heights, OH 44128 216-741-8400, virginiatile.com
Welker-McKee Supply Co., Division of Hajoca
Ron Buffa 6606 Granger Road, Cleveland, OH 44131 216-447-0050, welkermckee.com
Wellborn Cabinet
Adam Abrams 10400 Andover Drive, Twinsburg, OH 44087 440-227-9506, wellborn.com
Wolff Bros. Supply Inc. - Akron
Bob Doherty Jr. 1200 Kelly Ave., Akron, OH 44306 330-773-0200, wolffbros.com
CODE OF ETHICS
PRO Member Standards
GRIEVANCE PROCEDURE OF
Professional Remodelers Ohio (PRO) is dedicated to being the best resource for knowledge and training in the remodeling industry. Our organization exists for two reasons: to help professionalize members of the home improvement industry and serve as an ally to Ohio’s homeowners.
THE ETHICS COMMITTEE
CODE OF ETHICS
Members shall observe the highest standards of integrity, frankness and responsibility in dealing with the public while adhering to the following principles:
1. Only those home improvement projects, which are structurally and economically sound, shall be fostered and encouraged.
2. All advertising statements shall be accurate and free of the capacity to mislead or deceive the consumer.
3. Accuracy shall be required of all salespersons in their descriptions of products and services.
4. All contracts employed shall be unambiguous and fair to all parties concerned.
5. All contractual obligations shall be promptly fulfilled.
6. All work shall be performed in a manner compatible with recognized standard of public health and safety and applicable laws.
The mission of the Ethics Committee is to uphold the ethical standards of the association by enforcing the Code of Ethics and to promptly deal with consumer and member complaints. The Ethics Committee is assigned the duty of receiving and considering violations of the PRO Code of Ethics, brought by the general public against a member or by another member of the organization.
To submit a written complaint, a consumer needs to contact the PRO office at 216-631-7764 and request to speak to the Ethics Committee liaison, who will mail or email out a complaint packet.
ONCE YOU HAVE COMPLETED THE PACKET and delivered your complaint to the Ethics Committee liaison, you will receive a letter confirming receipt and requesting any additional information. Next, the member company at issue will be contacted and asked to respond. Once the response is received, the committee will attempt to resolve the complaint. If an amicable resolution cannot be reached, the committee will make a determination as to whether PRO’s Code of Ethics was violated and recommend or take action as deemed appropriate.
AGAIN, PRO’S GOAL is to help the parties involved come to an amicable agreement by opening the lines of communication. PRO accepts complaints reported within two years of the discovery of the issue in question. PRO will accept complaints on behalf of consumers who have engaged legal counsel and will review the conduct of the member in relation to the PRO Code of Ethics but will not be able to act as thirdparty mediator.
For more than 100 years, Better Business Bureau has been helping people find businesses, brands and charities they can trust. Your BBB offers FREE business ratings, scam alerts, customer reviews, request-a-quote and more! Find a trustworthy business at bbb.org.
Great Lakes Publishing
Paul Klein
1422 Euclid Ave., Suite 730, Cleveland, OH 44115 216-377-3693, clevelandmagazine.com
EMPLOY A CONTRACTOR WITH AN ESTABLISHED BUSINESS in your area. Check references from past customers in your area or through your local Better Business Bureau (BBB).
OHIO DOESN’T REQUIRE CONTRACTORS TO BE LICENSED, so we recommend hiring a PRO remodeler. PRO members are put through a screening process to ensure favorable status with the BBB and the Ohio Attorney General’s office. Proof of appropriate local registration, liability insurance and workers’ compensation insurance and pledging to follow a strict Code of Ethics are requirements of PRO members.
IF YOU SOLICIT BIDS FROM SEVERAL DIFFERENT CONTRACTORS, be sure they’re bidding on the same scope and quality of work. Discuss variations in bids and beware of any bid that’s substantially lower than the others.
10.25
Inspiring spaces of character and revival
INTO THE DARK, INTO THE LIGHT
Deep jewel tones and natural neutrals transform a bland trio of first-floor rooms into an RSVP-worthy stage for entertaining. CONTINUED ON PAGE 148
It’s an entrance so dramatic that every detail lingers in the memory. Picture frame molding painted black, like the rest of the walls and woodwork, surrounds large panels of wallpaper resembling the Dutch masters floral still life paintings. Whitewashed oak demilune cabinets stand in stark contrast to the darkness. The stairs are carpeted in a plush cobalt runner that complements the indigo paint on the ceiling and grass cloth in the upstairs hall. Light filters through the elongated black linen drum shades of an angular custom chandelier.
The decor is a complete departure from what greeted Sean Carter, senior interior designer at Sapphire Pear in Rocky River, when he first toured the 1916 Lakewood colonial. The husband-and-wife homeowners weren’t quite sure what to do with the sage green foyer, along with the neighboring brownish gray living room and pastel green dining room, when they bought the house three years ago. So, they hired a contractor to paint the entire first floor white.
By the time Carter arrived, the couple was ready to embrace their true colors — seemingly incompatible palettes of deep jewel tones
and natural neutrals. He employed the desired color schemes to create vibrant areas to meet and greet guests as well as a more subdued dining room where delicious food and lively conversation take center stage.
The color of the ceiling, painted SherwinWilliams’ Luxe Blue, plus blues in the runner and grass cloth, were plucked from flowers in A Golden Age wallpaper by Ellie Cashman. The design is interpreted in the more genderneutral Velvet Black colorway.
“I don’t do white ceilings. I find the ceiling is basically the fifth wall of a room,” he says.
The cabinets pull out the wallpaper’s creamy tones. Carter used them as an alternative to a central foyer table in an area that wasn’t big enough to accommodate one. They store soap, towels and other essentials
Dark, yet saturated colors are skillfully employed in patterns that complement rather than compete with each other.
needed for the nearby powder room.
Colors for the living room were pulled from a light green Turkish rug laid on the hardwood floor. Backdrop’s Night at the Opera paper, a large-scale stripe in deep blue and olive augmented by curving and geometric designs between the lines, covers the ceiling. The brand’s Formentera paint fills the walls. Carter tried highlighting the carved plaster panel over the fireplace in contrasting colors.
“It wasn’t working,” he says. “So I kept it the same blue as the walls.”
Carter furnished the room with a mix of traditional and contemporary pieces that serve as foils for the couple’s tufted brown leather sofa, a mainstay he enlivened with inky faux fur and velvety black-, white-and-yellow floral accent pillows. Two fuchsia velvet swivel chairs finished with a green velvet welt are punctuated by green polka dot lumbar pillows to round out the primary seating arrangement.
Across the room, a royal blue animal-print jacquard brings oakframe interpretations of 18th-century French chairs into the present. They provide seating at a glass-topped table with a conical bronze base. The upholstery pattern is approximated in fuchsia on accent pillows flanking a nearby window seat. A Christian Lacroix floral on relaxed Roman shades repeats the foyer’s motif.
“If I were to bring in another print, it would start getting a little too crazy,” Carter admits.
The living room rug serves as a link to the dining room — in fact, the color of the dining room dictated it. The homeowners rejected Carter’s original idea of painting the walls aubergine, so he suggested a “softer, lighter” shade of green drawn from the foyer wallpaper, interpreted in Sherwin-Williams’ Dried Thyme.
“They were like, ‘(We’re) not sure that we want all of this darkness,” he recalls.
Carter introduced texture by hanging woven jute Roman shades. A green-and-white striped broadloom rug with a canvas border added color. The homeowners chose wickerwrapped chairs with rattan cane panel arms and backs to surround a whitewashed oak table finished in a chocolate glaze that highlights the grain. A burled wood buffet and cherry china cabinet provide storage in a space devoid of built-ins, despite the home’s age. A candelabra-style chandelier repeats the brass finish on the furniture hardware.
Carter acknowledges that the dining room decor serves the same purpose in the home’s first floor, which includes a brown kitchen, as any neutral in a color-saturated room: It balances and grounds the space.
“Your eye needs a break at a nice, relaxing point,” he explains.
He adds that the homeowners thought it was more suited to the room’s purpose.
“They entertain a lot in there, and they wanted their guests to feel comfortable in the space,” he says. “Not everybody likes color.”
The dining room is a calm oasis of green that ties comfortably to bold colors in the neighboring entertainment spaces.
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October is Careers in Construction
CURRENT AVERAGE SALARIES FOR SKILLED TRADES:
CARPENTRY
Salary: $52, 850 Average National Wage
Estimated Growth: 8% by 2028
ELECTRICAL
Salary: $60,370 Average National Wage
Estimated Growth: 10% by 2028
PLUMBING
Salary: $59,800 Average National Wage
Estimated Growth: 14% by 2028
HVACR
Salary: $51,420 Average National Wage
Estimated Growth: 13% by 2028
MASONRY
Salary: $56,470 Average National Wage
Estimated Growth: 11% by 2028
PAINTING
Salary: $44,640 Average National Wage
Estimated Growth: 6% by 2028
In October 1942, the nation was fully committed to the World War II effort.
Scrap metal was being collected to reuse as factories had converted from making consumer goods to wartime production, and a sampling of the products that made the United States what Franklin Roosevelt called “The Arsenal of Democracy” went on display in Public Square.
On Oct. 7, construction started on a steel bomb shelter on the square, built by Republic Steel. Contemporary accounts described it as similar to the shelters used by the military in Alaska, then a U.S. territory. The next day, local Boy Scout troops put up a pair of signal towers, and the War Chest Salute — scheduled to raise interest and awareness for a $5 million local campaign for the war effort — started Oct. 10 with a USO performance.
Artillery, including anti-aircraft and antitank guns — some from the Erie Proving
Ground in Port Clinton — were shown at Public Square, as was an M3 tank, which was delivered from the Toledo Tank Depot by an ODOT truck. Free rides were offered in the latest military reconnaissance vehicle. Its official name varied by manufacturer, but it was known to soldiers, and soon worldwide, as the jeep.
There were Tommy gun shooting demonstrations, a buoy rescue and a mock duel between two Syrian sword dancers. The event also coincided with a football game at Cleveland Stadium between the University of Pittsburgh and the Great Lakes Naval Station, an all-star team of football players inducted into the Navy. Among the players was a Western Reserve graduate whose son would be a familiar sight at Cleveland Stadium 50 years later: Steve Belichick.
The War Chest Salute lasted nine days before the actual philanthropic campaign started. Cleveland more than cleared the $5 million goal in which The Plain Dealer called it “the greatest outpouring of voluntary giving this community has ever exhibited.”
This is your time to shine, to explore your passions, and to embrace the lifestyle that’s authentically you. At Judson, you’ll enjoy the perfect blend of relaxing evenings at home, hosting family and friends, and participating in engaging, community-wide social events. Be inspired. Be engaged. Be you.
