Walden Life - July/August 2021

JULY

INTO SUMMER!

AUGUST 2021

Golf Carts of Walden

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Walden Renovations: The Inside Story

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FEATURES

AUGUST 20 21

ON THE COVER

DEPARTMENTS

14 Walden Staff Profile Tim Morgan

20 Walden News See the latest updates at Club Walden, inside and out.

32

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Neighbor to Neighbor Is this the new Walden retirement plan?

GOLF CARTS OF WALDEN Golf cart owners display their favorite mode of transportation.

38 Back in the Day Founding Walden members reflect on yesteryear.

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42

WALDEN RENOVATIONS: THE INSIDE STORY

Walden Kitchens Enjoy this refreshing summer recipe with a kick!

Feast your eyes upon this before-and-after showcase.

46 Reflections A Walden resident shares her inspiring view.

DEPARTMENTS

8 Worth Noting

22 Tee Time

40 Living the Life

INTO SUMMER! Walden’s Cover Kids (L to R): Caden, Penelope, Carlie, Mia, Lily, Denver and Olivia.

PHOTOS BY MARIA BIEL

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WALDEN LIFE

PAMELA COWPER Y O U R S AT I S F A C T I O N I S M Y P R I O R I T Y

Pam and her husband Wally enjoy the newly remodeled bar at Walden’s Clubhouse

Pam Cowper has been a Walden homeowner for 30+ years. She is currently a Walden Association trustee, the Secretary of the Walden Association, a member of the Walden Association Executive committee, and a member of the Walden Association Architectural committee.

Who better to use as your realtor than someone who not only lives here but has a wealth of knowledge about this community?

PRO TIP

Pamela Cowper

It’s no surprise that remodeled homes sell for higher prices than homes that aren’t remodeled. Confused about where to start first on your remodeling? Here is a guide to help you decide where to put your money.

Mega Million Dollar Producer Realtor, CNE, PPS

These are 2021 percentages of ROI for the East North Central region of the U.S. n Replace your garage door: 94% n Window replacement: 68-70% n Replace your front door: 65-70% n Kitchen remodel: Minor 65-70%, Major 56-60% n Roof replacement: 57-60% n Deck addition: 60-65% n Bathroom remodel: 58-60%

Remodeling ROI: Source: 2021 Cost VS Value Report

Keller Williams Chervenic Realty pamelacowper@kw.com

216.789.3787

From the Editor MIRIAM CONNER

THERE’S NO PLACE LIKE HOME FOR SUMMERTIME FUN

W

orking on this issue has allowed me to reflect on summertime at Walden and what a special time of year this is to me. The beauty of Walden as an ideal place to take walks with my family, ride bikes, play tennis and be together at the pool is not lost on me.

I am grateful every day to call Walden home and to raise my kids here.

This is my fifteenth Walden summer and the long days at the pool are what I love the most. You can find me there most days. I love that you can go anytime and find a friend and meet new people. I treasure the memories of my kids’ first jumps off the diving board, first swim meets, and playing “tea party” and “tag” in the pool as a family.

Walden membership offers us special summertime perks. My children especially love knowing our member number for the snack shack!

This issue of Walden Life showcases many more Walden benefits, from the experiences of our neighbors and fellow members. Check out our fantastic “Back in the Day” (page 38) with stories from yesteryear. You will Conner kids at the Walden pool in 2011— also enjoy meeting some neighbors who love being grandparents and Carlie, Callie and Coby discovering their ideal retirement plan along the way (page 32). And who doesn’t enjoy a good home renovation? Check out our own Walden “HGTV” feature (page 24).

I have so appreciated story ideas and information that several readers have sent to me; please keep them coming.

Looking ahead, we would like to honor our veterans in the Nov/Dec issue, so please let me know if you are or know of a veteran who is a resident and/or member. We are also looking for retro photos of the Barn and any stories you may have to share involving the Barn. Thank you!

I hope this summer is your best summer yet at Walden. Take advantage of all it has to offer in the company of all of the wonderful people here.

LOVING THE WALDEN LIFE, See you at the pool!

Volume 1, Issue 3

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July/August 2021

Walden Life is a property of Mitchell Media, LLC P.O. Box 586 Aurora, Ohio 44202 330-822-4011 Publisher Brad Mitchell Brad@MyWaldenLife.com 330-714-7712

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WALDEN LIFE

Editor/Associate Publisher Miriam Conner Miriam@MyWaldenLife.com 440-396-0374 Assistant Editor Estelle Rodis-Brown Estelle@MyWaldenLife.com Sales/Account Executive Leslie Fletcher Leslie@MyWaldenLife.com 440-785-3110

Art Director Graphic Design J. Michael Myers mike@jmichaelmyersdesign.com Photography Maria Biel mariabiel@me.com

Publisher of

Member of

Office Manager/Accounting Kathleen Mitchell Kathleen@MyWaldenLife.com 440-533-1208 Facebook: @waldenlifemagazine Instagram: @waldenlifemagazine

The Alpern Law Firm Attorneys & Counselors at Law

HEIR CONDITIONING Estate Planning designed to give meaning and significance to the legacy you leave to your family.

How to make the inheritance you leave behind a blessing, not a curse for your heirs.

330.394.1501 • www.alpernlaw.com

Jack N. Alpern Attorney at Law and Family Wealth Counselor (a Walden Resident)

Walden Life Staff Profiles Brad Mitchell is owner and founder of Mitchell Media, LLC which produces magazines, digital offerings and events in greater Cleveland through two flagship properties: Northeast Ohio Parent and Northeast Ohio Boomer & Beyond. Brad and Kathleen have three adult children and a 3 1/2-year-old granddaughter who loves visiting the Walden pool and playground.

Miriam Conner is the editor and associate publisher for Walden Life. She is an educator, serves on the Aurora Board of Education, and is realtor for Howard Hanna, and host of Northeast Ohio Parent Magazine’s podcast, aParently Speaking. Miriam and Ryan love living in Walden with their three kids.

Leslie Fletcher serves as account executive for Walden Life. She has many great memories growing up as a part of the Walden community. She and her husband, Matt, raise their two boys, Nate and Joel, at their dream home in Walden they built with Manny.

Estelle Rodis-Brown serves as assistant editor for Walden Life. She is a freelance writer and photographer from Portage County who also serves as assistant editor of another Mitchell Media publication, Northeast Ohio Boomer & Beyond magazine.

She read Thoreau’s “Walden” in high school and it continues to inspire her today!

Mike Myers serves as the art director and graphic designer for Walden Life.

Mike has 25 years of experience in the marketing and communications field.

He and his wife, Lisa, enjoy the quiet tranquility of living in the Meadows with their beloved dog, Pierre.

Maria Biel serves as lead photographer for Walden Life. She has owned her own photography business since 2013. She and her husband, Mike, have lived in Walden with their three children since 2015. They love evening golf cart rides, chipping balls in the back yard, and attending events at the club.

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Worth Noting Rhododendrons of Walden What a lovely spring it was in Walden! Part of what makes it so appealing are the beautiful “rhodys” everywhere, like the one at Peter and Muriel French’s home on Glen Eden Court.

Rhododendrons are native to Asia, North America, Europe and Australia. There are more than 1,000 wild species and more than 14,000 hybrids. Rhododendrons grow in nearly every part of North America, from Canada to Alabama. There are two basic types, deciduous and evergreen. There are so many varieties of rhododendrons that there’s a “rhody” for almost any landscape need. There are low-growing ground cover rhododendrons as well as plants that grow to 25 feet tall.

They come in a range of flower colors, including pink, purple, red, white and yellow.

Botanical Name: Rhododendron spp.

Common Names: Rhododendron, azalea Bloom Time:

Spring (but there are some summer and fall-blooming varieties)

JUNIOR PGA MATCH

Hole in One! Congratulations are in order for a Hole in One! Brad Rosselot has only been golfing “more seriously” the last five years since moving to Walden. He was well rewarded for his efforts.

He recalls his big moment: “We were on hole #2. It was 143 yards and I used an 8 iron. No way have I ever replicated that here at Walden or anywhere else! It was the first night of Thursday night men’s league, playing with my brand-new partner, Russ Brady. The other pair with us were Jim Benduhn and John Schneider. One in a million for sure!!”

Congratulations to these Walden junior golfers, Wesley Matson, Gavin Wilk, Lily Liotta, and Denver Biel, on their tie in the Junior PGA match in Walden held on June 14.

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WALDEN LIFE

Brad Rosselot makes a 143-yard hole in one.

Welcome to the Neighborhood

By Miriam Conner Chuck and Gloria Caley are brand-new residents of Walden, having just recently moved to their new home on Deer Island Drive from Uniontown, Ohio. Joining them on their move are their two dogs, a Sheltie named Misite Bell and their new Australian Shepherd puppy, Willow.

I love asking people how they met and I especially love receiving such great answers like the one the Caleys gave me. Chuck and Gloria became friends while helping Gloria’s son and Chuck’s daughter plan for their wedding.

The rest is history! Together they have five children and five grandchildren, three who live in Aurora.

Chuck recently retired from Akron Children’s Hospital in the biomedical field, and Gloria owns her own marketing firm, Media Resources, which is headquartered in Canton.

The aforementioned son and daughter, Gus and Andrea Cuerbo, are Walden members. Chuck and Gloria were spending a lot of time in the car, driving back and forth from Uniontown to Aurora to visit their children, so they realized it was time to consider moving closer. They looked for a few years until one day, Chuck and Gus were golfing at Walden and saw a home for sale.

Gloria and Chuck Caley

They looked at it right away and the house had everything Chuck and Gloria were looking for. Gloria said they had a good feeling about the house, even before they looked at it. “Finding the house meant that we were supposed to be part of the Walden family.”

They were a little nervous about the move, but said that everyone here is so down to earth and friendly, the transition went smoothly. When not spending time with the grandkids and attending their activities and events, Chuck is spending a lot of time on the golf course and Gloria is planning on getting back onto the golf course, as well.

Welcome to Walden, Chuck and Gloria!

GOLF CART MOTORCADE

Decorate those golf carts and join your neighbors in the City of Aurora’s 4th of July Parade! Meet on Walden Drive by the Ravines at 11:30 a.m. Sunday, July 4, to travel together to our line-up location for the parade. Don’t forget the candy!

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Worth Noting

MEET THE BOARD Gina Ehrhart: Committee Chair-Walden Architectural Committee, Executive Board Member-Walden Association, Board PresidentThe Claridges

By Miriam Conner Gina Ehrhart works hard to help keep Walden the beautiful place that we all love. It’s a true labor of love, as her roles are all on a volunteer basis.

As Board President for the Claridges, Gina deals with the budget and infrastructure, essentially all exterior features, including roads and driveways. She handles the fees and assessments of the residents, working with four other stellar board members from The Claridges.

Her architectural committee role has her looking at Walden overall—its aesthetics and infrastructure—how

all the elements can be distinctive yet complement the comprehensive look of Walden. “Walden company, Walden Association, and each condo and homeowners associations all have to blend together,” she explains.

Approving changes to home and condo exteriors keeps Gina quite busy, as she prides herself on a very quick turnaround for the residents. Gina works with a committee of “five amazing people” to get exterior changes submitted and approved, thus keeping the overall view of Walden cohesive and pleasing to the eye.

Gina grew up in Mt. Lebanon, Pennsylvania and met her husband, Brad, at DuQuesne University, where she received a degree in speech pathology and audiology.

She and Brad moved to Walden from western Pennsylvania nine years ago to be closer to Brad’s job as the President of the Portage Development Board.

The Ehrharts have two daughters: Gretchen, a child therapist, and Colleen, a graphic designer, who both live in Chicago. Brad had been commuting to his new job in Ohio for a year when the Ehrharts put their house on the market.

It sold quickly, leaving them with 40 days to move out.

They began an urgent house-hunt in the area. Gina told Hoddy Hanna she was looking for a condo in a top school district. While their daughters had already graduated, Gina said, “I know the value of a good school district.”

With that in mind, Brad and Gina decided on Aurora and began looking at local neighborhoods. One drive led them to an open house in the Claridges. Gina said she was there 20 minutes and knew exactly where all of the furniture would go. “It felt like a house inside a condo. I love light and all of the windows.”

When asking Gina what she enjoys the most about Walden, she answers, “Everything! There isn’t anything I don’t like.” They have no plans of ever moving again.

TRIVIA How many miles would you cover if you walked the Walden Golf Course?

Trivia question from the previous issue: How many ponds and lakes are there on Walden property?

Answer: 16 10

WALDEN LIFE

Cameron and Bryce Posner PHOTO: CURTIS POSNER

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Worth Noting Walden Dolphins The Walden Dolphin Swim Team is back this summer, coached this year

by Claire Schiopota. Get to know Coach Claire:

Q: What is your swimming experience?

A: I’ve been swimming since I was 6 years old, when I joined my neighborhood summer swim team, the Aurora Shores Sharks. I joined the Aurora High School Swim Team when I was a freshman. I was a sectionals qualifier all four years and varsity for three years. For one summer, I also swam for the Twinsburg Competitive Aquatics Team (TCAT). I typically swam the 100 breaststroke and the 100 butterfly, but I also swam the 100 freestyle, 50 freestyle, and 200 IM. Now that I’m in college, I don’t swim as often as I used to, but I love doing so when I find the time.

Q: How long have you been at Walden?

A: This is my third summer at Walden.

I’ve been the head lifeguard since last year and I was the Assistant Swim Coach last year. I’ve really enjoyed getting to know the members over my time at Walden and I love joking around with all the kids at the pool.

I do have to say that my favorite memories come from hanging out with my staff. They always make the long days at the pool fun.

Q: What are you looking forward to this swim season?

A: I’m just excited to get the kids in the pool and excited about swimming.

After a year of being inside, I’m happy to see everyone getting out and I want us to all have fun. Swimming has meant so much for me throughout my life and I hope that I can share my passion with them.

Claire Schiopota

Q: What are your goals for the Dolphins?

A: Ultimately, I just want everyone to have fun while also building their swimming skills. I’m hoping that my practices can help build their abilities and have lasting effect. Also, to be honest, I’m a little competitive, so I would love to win a swim meet, but we’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.

The Dolphins have 3 remaining home meets, beginning at 6 p.m.— July 6, July 15 and July 20. Go Dolphins!

REFLECTIONS OF THE PAST The Walden pool has seen some changes throughout the years, including the removal of the high dive.

Also, as you can see from the photo, the separate children’s pool has been replaced with a zero entry for kids (and some adults) to be able to ease their way into the pool and stay in the shallow water. The landscaping and cement around the pool have also been updated. There is always a friend to be made and fun to be had at the pool!

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WALDEN LIFE

Staff Profile

Tim Morgan Title: Director of Tennis Years at Walden: 14 Hobbies: All sports Music: Current pop and Frank Sinatra Movie: “Shawshank Redemption” Food: Chicken Parmigiana Did You Know: When I was 10 years old, I was a Davis Cup Ball Boy for Arthur Ashe Best Thing About Walden: Har-tru tennis courts and wonderful membership

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WALDEN LIFE

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Golf Carts of Walden Never mind your fancy car or motorcycle. When we’re talking wheels at Walden, it’s all about golf carts! Members and residents are proud to show off their golf carts on the greens.

PHOTOS: DOUG BOUCK

Sharon O’Neil

Steve Mullin, Josh Nathanson

John Orecchio, Mike Figliolli

David Vidmar

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WALDEN LIFE

Lorena Hunter, Charlene Loeper, Jackie Sikes

GOLF CARTS OF WALDEN

Jackie Carpenter

Angie Gubanc, Brooke Rosselot

Daisy Alford-Smith

Paul Kondrat

Lea Echan, Carol Bowman

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GOLF CARTS OF WALDEN

Lea and Ed Echan

Ryan Caito, Jim Riemenschneider

Joseph Cowey, Duane Dunn

Dania Rinicella, Lauren Bobrowski

Tris Atkinson

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WALDEN LIFE

PHOTO SUBMITTED BY TRIS ATKINSON

Mike Biel

PHOTO: MARIA BIEL

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NEWS This page brought to you by Club Walden

Your Favorite Hangouts, Newly Renovated Members have been flocking over to enjoy Walden’s newly renovated Club. The new interior bar is now complete, including lounge seating around the perimeter of the main bar. The previous front bar has been transformed into a sectioned-off dining area available for private events for groups of 10-15 people.

Full-service dining is provided throughout, whether guests prefer to sit at tables or barstools, indoors or out on the deck.

Large-screen TVs line the interior wall for viewing from both the indoor and outdoor bars. The new windows are equipped with hydraulic hinges, accommodating open-air dining.

An expansive awning was recently installed to provide cooling shade on the deck. The existing bogey bar and deck are now available for private events.

Golfers have been enjoying the ease of pulling their golf carts right up to the deck stairs for easy access.

Come and enjoy all that the updated Club has to offer!

Clockwise from upper right: quaint nook off main room for additional seating or private dining, renovated deck with awning, and new main bar.

PHOTOS: ESTELLE RODIS-BROWN AND BRAD MITCHELL

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WALDEN LIFE

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TEE TIME

Fair Days of Summer Set the Scene for Competition on the Fairways

By Estelle Rodis-Brown Summertime is prime time for golf at Walden—especially for long summer days of friendly competition on the course.

All season long, members, guests, men, women, mature players and young novices all have a shot at basking in the glory, taking home a trophy and even raising funds for worthy causes. Soak in the sun and fun times with friends and new golf buddies throughout July and August on the fairways at Walden.

According to Collin McEndree, PGA, Walden’s Head Golf Pro, “Throughout the summer, we have multiple season-long tournaments which consist of our WWGA Old Pal Tournament, WMGA Old Pal Tournament, Men’s Club Championship, WWGA Club Championship, Couples’ Club Championship, and our Senior Sweater.”

All of these tournaments have their own bracket, where players or teams play head-to-head in a match play format to see who moves on in the bracket and ultimately wins the tournament.

2020 TRIPLE CROWN WINNERS Dean Rinicella (member, left) and Carl Frederick (guest, right)

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WALDEN LIFE

In July, Walden will host the Senior Club Championship, a two-day event the second Saturday and Sunday of the month; then the WWGA Member- Member on July 20 and 21. Finally, July’s headliner event will be the Men’s Member Guest tournament, the 2021 Triple Crown (July 17,18,19).

NEW EVENT: KENNY NOVAK TOURNAMENT Collin says Walden’s biggest non-club event of the year is the Kenny Novak Tournament (NOPGA Junior Tour Championship), which will be held July 27 and 28.

“We are excited to announce something new for this year: the creation of the Kenny Novak Pro-Junior-3 Amateur Scholarship Day that will be held on Monday, July 26. This will take place prior to the 38th annual Kenny Novak Tournament, which highlights the best junior golfers throughout Northern Ohio.

Proceeds from the event will benefit the Northern Ohio PGA Section Foundation Scholarship Program. This event will raise money to help financially deserving junior golfers pay for their college education.

“Our goal this year is to provide two juniors with a $10,000 scholarship divided over four years,” Collin explains. “We appreciate the generosity of the Balog family who have already donated $20,000 to provide two Northern Ohio junior golfers with substantial four-year scholarships in the inaugural season of this event.”

Walden members will also have the opportunity to support the Scholarship Day by donations or playing in the event. For $900, three amateurs will be paired with a junior and a professional for a day of fun with breakfast, lunch, on-course games, hors d’oeuvres and more. For $1,500 you can have a hole sign on the course and a team in the event. For additional donations, contact the golf shop at 330-995-3105. Register for the event on BlueGolf.com.

In August, the Men’s Member- Member competition will take place on the 13th and 14th, while a majority of Walden’s season-long tournaments come to a close, highlighted by Club Championships played on “Championship Sunday,” August 22.

Summertime is golf time at Club Walden’s par-72, 18-hole championship golf course. Sign up now for your tournament of choice or simply enjoy a golf outing among the expansive rolling hills, with greens placed peacefully through natural woodlands, lakes and streams.

Contact the golf shop at 330-995-3105 for details.

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produce a line-item specification with all the details necessary to give you a firm price on your project.

We’ll discuss what you want to accomplish with your remodeling project,

any special needs, and what type of investment you want to make in your home. During our first visit to your home we will discuss the project, take photographs, measurements and explain how Country Club Builders & Remodelers performs the design and planning process.

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Walden Renovations THE INSIDE STORY

By Miriam Conner Ruth Elizabeth Tuttle has always had a knack for interior design. Well before she realized she could make a career of it, she kept busy with redesigns and renovations for her inner circle until the times caught up with her and she became a certified professional. Over time, Walden residents with an eye on renovations have called on Ruth to Interior designer and Walden make their dreams a reality. resident, Ruth Elizabeth Tuttle Ruth and Bob Tuttle, both Aurora grads, are no strangers to Walden since they have been members since Day One! They went on to purchase a home in Walden in 2013 and renovated it before moving in in 2015. A registered designer for nearly 40 years, Ruth has been renovating and designing homes before HGTV was even an idea.

Ruth earned a degree in physical education, but she was more interested in color and design... there simply weren’t many designers in the marketplace at the time. She married Bob during her junior year at Kent State University and lived in Kent before moving to Four Seasons, where she enjoyed decorating her own home. When friends would see the Tuttles’ home, they began asking her for help with their renovations.

Ruth thanks her father-in-law, Dave Tuttle—who happened to be friends with Manny and built Dave one of the first condos in the Claridges—for her true start in design.

He asked her to design and build a house; in return he would gift her a lot elsewhere in Aurora. Ruth hired a young architect, Mark Gilles, to sketch her design. (Gilles is now head architect at Stan Hywet.) The house was finished in 1983.

Ruth remembers a young couple who loved the house and so they arranged a deal. That young couple, David Benjamin and Ann Womer Benjamin, are still living in the 24

WALDEN LIFE

house today. In fact, Ann says of the house, “It has so many unique features inside that I fell in love with it at first sight, literally.”

In 1984, Ruth purchased the Old Pioneer Tavern in Aurora and spent a year renovating that building before buying what is now The 1815 Tavern in 1985. That building is the oldest standing structure in Aurora and previously was home to a bridal salon, a florist, an art gallery, and in 1990, Three Elysabethe’s French Country Shoppe. She designed each space of the floorplan with furnishings as if it was a different room in a house.

In 1986, the Church in Aurora was knocking down the attached fire station. They asked Ruth to design the interiors, but that was just the beginning. Ruth is still their resident designer and is currently working on a church project. u

BEFORE

The redesigned glass sun porch affords seamless access to the outdoor deck and waterside views.

Ruth Tuttle’s renovated kitchen features maple hardwood floors, handsome cabinetry, vaulted ceilings and a stone fireplace.

PHOTOS: MARIA BIEL

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W A L D E N R E N O V AT I O N S

In the early 2000s, Ruth sold the business and began doing individual design. Ruth has designed hundreds of residential properties in Aurora, Hudson and Chagrin.

Ruth’s most recent designs can be seen in Walden, where she has done some amazing work, including in her own home in The Landings. While Ruth did all of the design, work on The Tuttles’ home lasted for four months, with the help of professionals including architect Ron Lowe and Shrock Carpenters.

“Of the team that does the restoration, the architect is the most important person on the team,” says Ruth. Other important advice she shared was to always get permits from the city, Walden and your association. She has twice found things that, if she had not gotten a permit, could have caused major problems.

The Tuttles’ home in The Landings is an “expanded J” design that provides six additional feet to the entire back of the house.

For their renovation, Ruth replaced all the interior floors with maple hardwood, then supplanted all windows and doors, including sliding glass doors going to “nowhere,” which were replaced with triple casement windows.

The master bedroom and bathused to have a flat ceiling with an attic above. These were removed to create an 26

WALDEN LIFE

open cathedral ceiling plus the addition of skylights in the bathroom.

From the kitchen to the sunporch, two six-foot sliding doors were removed, and a new structural beam was installed above the doors. This enabled the creation of a 16-foot-wide doorway between the kitchen and sunporch. This showpiece is encased with knotty alder that matches the custom-made front door.

The porch and kitchen are Ruth’s favorite areas of the home. Their entire family of 12 can congregate in the amazing kitchen and porch areas. The renovated and expanded screened-in porch area serves as a versatile fourseason room that includes a beautiful lake view. In fact, every room of the house has a view of the lake except the front guest room.

The Tuttles considered downsizing, but not for long!

They did not want to leave their daughters and grandchildren, and they had been Walden members for such a long time, they couldn’t imagine calling any place home except for Walden.

Ruth and Bob travel extensively, and although she enjoyed all of the renovations she has done in Walden, Ruth is enjoying her semi-retirement traveling around the globe.

W A L D E N R E N O V AT I O N S

Walden Makeovers, Before & After I was fortunate enough to take a tour with Ruth to three additional Walden homes that she designed and to meet the lovely residents who are fully enjoying her renovations.

She said that every one of these properties had to be renovated, restored and brought up to current construction codes.

CHANDLER

Ruth “loves Walden because the exteriors are all so much the same, yet the interiors lend to almost any decorative style, as evidenced here. One is an elegant, yet casual European country. Another is a sleek and modern contemporary, and two are traditional-transitional.”

BEFORE

Tom & Debbie Achberger Ruth used architect Ron Lowe and Shrock Carpenters to bring her design to life on this remodel.

The Chandler home was never before renovated, so the floor was realigned and the openings to the kitchen and porch were also changed. Further, the kitchen was completely redesigned, including the fireplace, which was refaced with beautiful stacked stone. Access pathways were completely changed for an open flow, including widened doorways. The loft area, which had a very low railing, was replaced by a solid wall.

Tom and Debbie have lived in Aurora for 29 years and have been Club Walden members since 1988. It was Tom’s dream to retire and live in Walden. They were the first people to look at this condo and they loved Ruth’s work so much that as soon as they walked in the front door, they looked at each other and they both knew this was the one. Its winning features are its openness and the view of the lake through the sliders, as soon as they open the front door.

The Achbergers love the serenity of their home. “It is like being on vacation every day,” says Debbie. u

Remodeled living area with sliders to deck

Remodeled dining area with stone fireplace and sun room J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

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W A L D E N R E N O V AT I O N S

FA I R I N G T O N

Eva Wasil The footprint was left intact for this BEFORE modern condo. Steve Wells was the contractor while Ruth chose the materials and design. Ruth often works with contractors who choose things they like and she puts all of the elements together.

Eva Wasil was all set to move to sunny Florida but she decided to stay here to be close to family. She was looking in Walden where contractor Wells was working on a condo. He told her to stop by when she saw his truck there. Eva was on her way to a Florida vacation when she saw his truck. At that time, everything was torn out but she liked the location and she told Steve that she would talk to him when she got back from her trip.

She walked out and then walked back in and declared, “I’ll take it”! He said, “But you won’t see it finished!” Eva said, “That’s OK.” Good thing for her, Eva was in good hands with Ruth at the design helm.

Ruth replaced the wall-to-wall white carpet with hardwood flooring. Accents include sleek countertops, beautiful white cabinetry and amazing bathrooms.

Remodeled kitchen area

Remodeled living area with sliders to deck

The modern, sleek and contemporary design matches Eva’s style perfectly. Beyond the design elements, Eva loves the low-maintenance aspect of condo living and that there is just enough yard for her and her dog, Bandit, to enjoy.

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WALDEN LIFE

W A L D E N R E N O V AT I O N S

RUSSET WOODS

Carmen and Linda Rounds When the owner of this condo approached Ruth to consider purchasing his property, she at first declined. Carmen and Linda are very glad she changed her mind!

Once again with the help of architect Ron Lowe and Shrock Carpenters, she designed a complete renovation. Lowe determined which walls could be removed and Ruth got to work.

Remodeled open kitchen with beautiful beams providing support Meanwhile, in Niles, the Rounds’ home sold in one day. Through the grapevine, they heard about BEFORE Ruth’s renovation project and they wanted to see it. Ruth wanted them to wait until it was further along, but they insisted on seeing it unfinished.

While Ruth shared her vision with Carmen and Linda, they could picture how she would incorporate the materials on hand into her final plan. They loved the openness of the condo, especially with the enhancements Ruth’s design would bring to the floorplan. Within just 80 days, the condo’s renovation was brought from design to completion. Carmen and Linda enjoyed taking part in the process, choosing the flooring and colors with Ruth. u

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W A L D E N R E N O V AT I O N S

Ruth’s renovation opened everything up, tearing down walls and replacing the small galley kitchen, master bath and closets. The bathroom door was widened and all interiors were gutted to the ceilings, creating an open bathroom with two vanities on both ends.

The Roundses were a little hesitant to move from Niles to Walden, but love coming home and feeling like they are on vacation. “It is a relaxing atmosphere even before you get home,” they say.

They also share that the people here are amazing, and they enjoy driving their dog, Popcorn, in the golf cart.

Of course, it’s great being closer to their daughter and son-in-law, Dave and Melanie Burick, and their grandchildren Taylor, Madison and Justin.

The Roundses had extensive work done It was so nice to see how happy to the exterior of their home. everyone is in their Walden homes.

If you have a renovation in mind but don’t know where to start, BEFORE find inspiration from your neighbors at Walden.

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WALDEN LIFE

Home Health Care From Our Heart, To Your Home!

NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

The New Walden Retirement Plan

By Estelle Rodis-Brown Trendsetting and Walden have always gone hand-in-hand. From its environmentally friendly design to its luxurious amenities, Walden has gained national acclaim. But there’s a growing lifestyle trend in play at Walden, too.

This Northeast Ohio oasis has become a retirement destination for people downsizing from their empty nest and moving closer to their grandchildren. This national trend— known as ‘baby-chasing’—is alive and well at Walden.

U.S. retirement demographics are changing. According to a recent study from real estate analytics company Meyers Research LLC, a full 25 percent of Baby Boomers are moving to be close to their adult children and grandchildren. For some, this arrangement provides moral, practical and even financial support.

For others, it’s

HENRY OLLIS

simply a matter of the heart.

Here at Walden, the appeal of ‘baby-chasing’ has several built-in bonuses. Meet three Walden residents who have chosen to live close to their families.

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WALDEN LIFE

PHOTOS PROVIDED BY HENRY OLLIS

Henry Ollis and his Goldendoodle, Star

Henry Ollis says he moved to Walden from Streetsboro in Spring 2020, “so that my grandson, Henry, who is 12 years old, could ride his bike over to visit with me anytime he wanted.”

Henry lives in the Fairington community and his daughter’s home is on Cross Creek Lane, just about a quarter-mile away. They are the Roth family: Jennifer and her husband, Pete; their son, Henry; and their dog, Buddy (a 6-year-old Terrier mix). The Roths purchased their home here in 2019.

NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

While his grandson Henry was senior Henry’s primary motivation for moving to Walden, he also enjoys walking his dog, Star, a 2-year-old Goldendoodle, several times a day.

Henry has another daughter, another son-in-law, and two granddaughters. Tanja, Jennifer’s older sister, lives in New Jersey with her family, the Woodwards. Henry says that the Woodwards “came out last summer and felt like they were at a vacation resort while visiting.”

While grandson Henry was senior Henry’s primary motivation for moving to Walden, he also enjoys walking his dog, Star, a 2-year-old Goldendoodle, several times a day.

“In Streetsboro, a walk around the neighborhood was only a half-mile,” Henry says. “Here we start our day with a 3-1/2 mile walk in the morning and usually complete up to eight miles a day. My dog motivates me. She always wants to explore. We take different roads to mix it up. “ Along his walking routes, Henry has discovered that “everyone in my neighborhood is very nice” and he has made new friends as a result. “There are several widows in the area, who I now get together with routinely. We have had dinners at the Barn, Clubhouse, or one another’s homes in rotation,” Henry explains.

Of course, Henry is also enjoying family time at Walden. “This past year, my daughter purchased the holiday dinners from the Club, which allowed us to spend less time cooking and

cleaning, and more time enjoying our holiday together.”

Henry has been happily surprised by how nicely the Walden community is kept and how a sense of fun permeates the atmosphere. “The holiday golf cart parades are fun.

I decked out my own with a cackling witch for trick-or-treat, to my grandson’s delight.”

Then there’s the wildlife. “The variety of critters passing by my windows are amusing to watch,” Henry laughs.

Overall, Henry’s move to Walden has brought him closer to his family, both geographically and relationally.

“It has allowed us to see each other more than we could before,” he says.

“I moved my old workshop tools in with my daughter years ago when we sold the family home and now she is thrilled that I can come over to help them learn to use them properly.

We have done several projects with them since moving here. My daughter

and I also enjoy puzzling. During COVID, I was able to pop in to help her complete some of the over-ambitious ones we chose.

“We have often spent weekend afternoons or evenings together. And when the time slips away from us, it’s just a quick trip home (and an easy and safe to walk if we had maybe one too many drinks)!” u

“This past year, my daughter purchased the holiday dinners from the Club, which allowed us to spend less time cooking and cleaning, and more time enjoying our holiday together.”

—Henry Ollis

Grandson Henry with his Grandpa Henry (center) and his parents

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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

EVA WASIL Eva Wasil had been looking forward to retiring in Florida. But the pull to Walden proved even stronger.

“Joe, my son, reminded me of all the experiences that I would miss out on if I moved to Florida,” Eva says.

“My grandkids were 3 and 5 at that time and I was babysitting them two days a week. He also reminded me that I have no family there in Florida and I needed to stay closer to them in case I needed help in my later years.”

So, two years ago, Eva moved into the Fairington neighborhood. An Aurora resident for 32 years, she didn’t have to move far. She also didn’t feel anxious about moving into a strange new place, since she was already

Eva Wasil with her grandchildren

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familiar with Walden. Her son has lived here for 16 years with his family.

Despite her change in plans, Eva has no regrets. “Walden feels like a park and secluded from the outside world, yet convenient and close to almost anything. I love walking my dog daily and greeting neighbors and friends,” she says. “Even during COVID, we were able to walk outside cautiously and socialize with neighbors at a distance.”

Eva’s family lives only three streets away now, so she can see them almost daily. Eva says, “I still babysit or watch my grandkids every Thursday. They love to play around the pond that’s next to my deck. Once the pool is open, that is where they can be found in the summer. It’s nice to see many young families moving in with children to keep Walden active.”

“Walden feels like a park and secluded from the outside world, yet convenient and close to almost everything.

I love walking my dog daily and greeting neighbors.”

—Eva Wasil Kenneth and Bette Susnik moved to Walden in 2012 after raising their children in Timberlake (near Eastlake) in their family home of 38 years. It was a natural transition, as Bette was already commuting 45 minutes to Walden to help her daughter with her four children when Audrey’s husband was on the road with his sales job.

“We moved mainly to be near our family—to watch and participate

in all stages of the kids’ growth and personality development,” Bette says.

“We never dreamed that we would have seven grandkids!”

Audrey and her husband, Kurt Winkler, moved to Walden’s Glen Eden neighborhood after getting married at Walden Inn in 2003. Bette also was accustomed to visiting other friends here at Walden, where she has always been drawn to the atmosphere created by the natural environment and appealing architecture. Once the Susniks found a condo in The Gardens, everything fell into place.

Now their grandchildren (Bennett16, Brynn-14, Brennen-11 and Beckett-8) are just a one-mile walk away. The Susniks’ son, Bradley, his wife, Faii, and three children (Alyssa-7, Annika-4 and Aaden-3) live relatively nearby in Hudson. u

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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

THE SUSNICKS

Kenneth and Bette Susnik with their grandchildren

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WALDEN LIFE

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NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

The Susnicks aren’t golfers (yet!) but they enjoy walking the trails around Deer Island, The Ravines and around the circle. They also have an active social life with neighborhood potlucks and monthly get-togethers with their Bedford High School classmates.

Thinking back to when they were considering their move to Walden a decade ago, Kenneth says his main concern was whether or not he’d find a use for all his tools, since home maintenance would be a thing of the past.

“I remember calling the president of the association, and he assured me, ‘Bring your own tools!’ I’m glad I did. There’s plenty to do around here.

There’s always a screw to tighten or someone who needs Mr. Fix-It!” Otherwise, it’s family time for the Susniks. Even during the height of the pandemic, the family would gather at a distance.

“I’m very happily settled here at Walden. says Bette. It’s everything I had hoped for. We have been so grateful to live in beautiful Walden, to be close to family and we wouldn’t change a minute of it!”

2021 with no masks! It was a very emotional time for us. God is Good!”

Importantly, the Susniks stayed healthy and got through to the other side, where they now enjoy maskless shopping and a return to normalcy, which means driving the grandkids to lots of sports and extracurricular activities.

“I’m very happily settled here at Walden,” says Bette. “It’s everything I had hoped for. We have been so grateful to live in beautiful Walden, to be close to our family and we wouldn’t change a minute of it!”

“Originally, my plan was to go to The Villages in Florida,” Kenneth recalls. “But we wanted to spend time with our grandkids as they were growing up. ‘Give me 10 years,’ Bette said at the time. But I think this is our retirement plan now. We can always travel to Florida whenever we want to!”

—Bette Susnick “The pandemic was difficult; we distanced and wore masks,” Bette explains. “We gave virtual hugs and kisses through windows, outdoor gatherings and play dates in the garage for Christmas, birthdays, rock-androll performances at the Aurora Music School … all looking from afar. Then came ‘Hugging Day’ on April 20,

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37

BACK IN THE DAY

By Miriam Conner

Founding Members Still Sold on Walden

Bill and Pat Schoaf

Times were simple then. Back when Walden first opened, the buzz of excitement was anticipating new construction, new neighbors and new amenities. For Bill and Pat Schoaf, they were drawn to the way homes were built into the landscape and the novelty of being among the first

residents to explore “resort living” with their new neighbors.

Bill and Pat were some of the very first Club Walden members who joined when Walden began with the nine-hole golf course. They remember that there was no clubhouse at that time and the lower level of the Barn served as the

pro shop and “grill room” where golfers went for a burger after golfing.

The upstairs of the Barn was reserved for fine dining. At the time, the Schoafs were living at Four Seasons with their two children, Jason and Megan, who spent their summers swimming and playing golf.

The Schoafs witnessed the expansion of the golf course with the addition of nine more holes, the construction of the Clubhouse, and the move of the pro shop and the then “grill room” to the Club. This made way for the lower level of the Barn to become the “atrium” area for dining and parties.

Pat has a lot to say about all of the parties that took place where everyone was involved when Walden was much smaller. She recalls one party with a “Class Reunion” theme and the recommended attire was for attendees to dress as they did in high school.

In those early years, the Schoafs also enjoyed the pool, and playing tennis and paddle ball. Members would shovel the snow off of the paddle ball court and play in the winter, then hang out by the fire pit next to the courts.

“Everything was new to everyone.

Everyone was experiencing things for the first time and there is nothing like Walden,” they recall.

In the summer of 1997, Bill was golfing and saw a For Sale sign in the back of a Deer Island house that had just been built the previous spring.

At the time, the Schoafs were living in The Highlands and enjoying their home there. Bill went home and convinced Pat, who did not want to move, into going with him to just look

The Schoafs witnessed the expansion of the golf course with the addition of nine more holes, the construction of the Clubhouse, and the move of the pro shop and the then”grill room” to the Club.

38

WALDEN LIFE

What they loved the most about Walden back then is what they still hold dear: that the houses all blend in with the woods and the natural beauty that Manny [Barenholtz] protected while developing. at this house. She got in the car in the pouring rain and fought him all the way there, insisting that they were not moving. Then Pat walked in and saw the high ceilings and all of the windows. She didn’t make it past the main room before declaring this was home. The realtor inquired if she would like to see the rest of the house!

They made an offer on the Deer Island home, but to their disappointment, they were told that someone else had already placed an offer… Indians player David Justice. Bill and Pat resigned themselves to the likelihood that they would not stand a chance at getting the house. But they soon

found out that they were wrong and the owner accepted their offer! When they moved in, they sent a note to then-neighbors, Dave and Elaine Jones, saying, “We know you were expecting David Justice. Instead you got ‘ just us’.” They laughed about that for many years to come.

What they loved the most about Walden back then is what they still hold dear: that the houses all blend in with the woods and the natural beauty that Manny protected while developing. They also enjoy hopping on the golf cart to visit friends, feeling like they live in a resort.

“We moved to Walden because it is a way of life,” they say.

Now that Bill is retired from NSK Industries and his son, Jason, is running the business, the Schoafs have asked themselves if it might be time to move and downsize. But the answer is always, ‘No, we are not moving!’

The Schoafs have many more memories to make at their home in Walden with their children: Jason and his wife, Christine, and their kids, Tatum and Slater; and their daughter, Megan and her husband, Eric Henerson, and their children Selah, Maite and Judah.

As they say, “We loved Walden then and we still do now.”

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

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LIVING THE LIFE

What’s Your Favorite Thing about the Walden Pool?

Ryan Caito GLEN EDEN COURT

Coby Conner

“What I like best is seeing friends and families gathering to enjoy our wonderful Ohio summers. The combination of the trees, grass and this glistening pool make it so inviting!”

DEER ISLAND

“Hanging out with friends and going off the diving board.”

Michelle Statham

Kate Liotta

GLEN EDEN COURT

A R B O R W AY

“It feels like summer and my kids are happy.”

“It’s a beautiful atmosphere to connect friends and neighbors and to allow our children to build long lasting memories. The Walden pool is definitely the best part of our summer!”

Julia Leon MEMBER

“Hanging out with friends and everyone is so nice.”

40

WALDEN LIFE

COMING IN OCTOBER

FALL

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J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

41

WALDEN KITCHENS

Grand Marnier “Spiked” Watermelon Salad

Recipe Courtesy of Chef Matt at the Clubhouse

INGREDIENTS 1 cup sugar 1 cup water ½ cup Grand Marnier or any orange liquor 6 cups watermelon, cubed 1 cup crumbled goat cheese or feta cheese ½ cup fresh mint finely sliced (chiffonade)

Kosher salt

DIRECTIONS In a small pan, combine sugar and water. n

n

Bring to a boil for 1 minute.

Add Grand Marnier and remove from heat, let cool completely. n

In a large bowl, add watermelon and mint. Pour the Grand Marnier syrup over the watermelon.

(You may not need all the syrup, depending on the sweetness of the fruit.) n

Add mint and cheese.

n

Gently toss the ingredients together.

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Season with salt to taste.

n

BON APPÉTIT & CHEERS! 42

WALDEN LIFE

Exceptional care.

Unrivaled amenities.

Vibrant community.

Maplewood at Twinsburg offers all-inclusive assisted living services for seniors who need some support in their everyday lives and two distinct memory care programs for those living with dementia. No matter what our residents need, we provide the right level of support and added peace of mind. Expert caregivers are available 24/7 to lend a hand with personal care, such as dressing, bathing, or medication oversight. We also offer a variety of health and wellness activities, a full schedule of programs, fresh, locally-sourced fine dining, scheduled transportation, and more.

OPEN HOUSE Wednesday, July 14th | 2:00 PM Let us show you around on a privately guided tour! Meet our team, learn more about our community, and take a peek at our model apartment. RSVP to Emily Giangiulio at 330-840-7404 or email twinsburgRSVP@maplewoodsl.com.

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Walden’s Famous Guests TONY

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WALDEN LIFE

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REFLECTIONS

“In any weather, at any hour of the day or night, I have been anxious to improve the nick of time, and notch it on my stick too; to stand on the meeting of two eternities, the past and future, which is precisely the present moment; to toe that line.”

Henry David Thoreau

Kelsey Buckmaster, East Acadia Point, has lived in Walden since 2018 and was dining on the new deck at The Club when she took this beautiful photo.

46

WALDEN LIFE

J U LY / A U G U S T 2 0 2 1

47

M I C H A E L R. B A L O G

“It has always been my vision to improve the real estate industry and how people buy and sell their homes. This goal of mine has fueled a burning passion to provide unmatched value and unprecedented service to each and every person I interact with on a daily basis.

This is the key to my success.”

®

Michael R. Balog, Realtor

195 Barrington Town Square Aurora, Ohio 44202

330.802.4874 Michaelbalog@howardhanna.com MichaelRBalog.com

ENJOY SUMMER AT WALDEN!