Currents: Oct. 17, 2024 issue

Our October cover photograph is courtesy of Hiram Farm from its BBQ Barn Blast benefit held in September. Read more about this benefit and the mission of Hiram Farm on page B10.

INSIDE

A4 IN THE CLE Cleveland Photo Fest documentary exhibit puts civic leaders in spotlight

By Cynthia Schuster Eakin

A7 CAMPAIGN SLOGANS

Catchy campaign slogans can be traced back to 1840

By Jeannie Emser Schultz

BENEFIT BEAT

Visit currentsneo.com to submit your events or wedding.

Saturday, Oct. 19 … Creations Boutique, to benefit The Children’s Guild, at the Family, Life Center on Chillicothe Road in Bainbridge from 10 a.m. to 3 pm. The event features seasonal decor, wearable art, children’s clothes and toys, jewelry, unique home items, tasty gourmet goodies and curated vintage treasure. ALL of the proceeds go directly to support children’s agencies in the Greater Cleveland area.

Thurs., Oct. 24...”Pearls of Wisdom” to benefit The LCADA Way takes place at Embassy Suites, 5800 Rockside Woods Blvd., Independence, beginning at 5:30 p.m. Keynote speaker is Carnie Wilson. Tickets are $150 a person. Visit http://www.thelcadaway.org or call 440989-4900.

Saturday, Oct. 26…Abundance of Joy:

A Celebration of Care, to benefit Farrell Foundation, 5 to 10 p.m. at Avon Oaks Country Club, 32300 Detroit Rd., Avon. Appetizers, open bar, dinner, silent and live auctions. Tickets available Sept. 13. For more information, call 440.414.0434 or visit farrellfoundation.org.

Saturday, Nov. 2…Help Us Help Others, to benefit St. Augustine Community Cupboard and Closet, 6 to 9 p.m. at Wild Eagle Steak & Saloon, 5001 E Royalton Rd, Broadview Heights, OH 44147. Event to feature several raffles, food, live music and an art show competition. Event Tickets and raffle tickets at $30 include a drink ticket and door prize ticket and are available now online at https://staugustineccc-2024.my.canva.site/.

Friday, Nov. 8...Big Bash 2024 Connections, to benefit Inlet Dance Theatre, 6 p.m. at The Estuary at Inlet Dance Theatre Pivot Center for Art Dance & Expression, 2937 W. 25th St. Cleveland 44113. Tickets are $100 General Admission. Event to honor Linda Jackson, Director Arts in Health, the MetroHealth System.

Friday, Nov. 8...The 33rd Annual Epilepsy Association Gala, 6 p.m., at the Metropolitan at the Nine. The event includes a gourmet dinner, drinks, silent auction, live music and dancing. Honorees will be presented with the Legacy Award, Caregiver Award and Youth Humanitarian Award. Tickets start at $235. Phone 216-5791330 for information.

Saturday, Nov. 9…Roll out the Red Carpet, to benefit The Blessing House. In celebration of The Blessing House’s 20th Anniversary, at Tom’s Country Place in Avon, OH. For more details, information, call 216.470.9856.

Wednesday, Nov. 13…Sunbeam Holiday Boutique Opening Night Party, 6 to 9 p.m. to benefit Vocational Guidance Services. Vocational Guidance Services (VGS) and The Sunbeam Board will host a three-day boutique at The Country Club in Pepper Pike from November 13- 15. Shop unique vendors offering jewelry, gifts, linens, and clothing. Proceeds will be donated to VGS, to help individuals with disabilities engage in the community, achieve greater independence and attain employment. To learn more about the Opening Night Party, Ladies’ Night and more, visit https://vgsjob.org/support/ events/sunbeam-holiday-boutique/

B4

LUXURY REAL ESTATE

New, custom construction near amenities to be found in Moreland Commons

B6

REAL ESTATE ROUND UP

Area Realtors note NE Ohio market trends for fall 2024

By Rita Kueber

Northeast Ohio’s First Social Network

The primary mission of Currents is to feature and spotlight the nonprofit, arts, educational and cultural organizations so vital to Northeast Ohio, as well as the volunteers and philanthropists who guide, support and sustain them. P.O. Box 150 • Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022 • 525 E. Washington Street • 440-247-5335 / Fax: 440-247-1606 www.currentsneo.com

Published monthly by the Chagrin Valley Publishing Company

H. KENNETH DOUTHIT III

Publisher

CHRISTINE HAHN Layout Production KELLI COTESWORTH MCLELLAN Editor

OCTOBER EDITORIAL CONTRIBUTORS: Cynthia Schuster Eakin, Rita Kueber, Jeannie Emser Schultz, Kaley Richard, Andrea C. Turner

PHOTOGRAPHERS: Peggy Turbett

ADVERTISING ACCOUNT EXECUTIVE S: Shari Silk

AD DESIGNERS: Connie Gabor, Ashley Gier

Please call 440.247.5335 for editorial, advertising and deadline information. Currents is distributed in: Auburn, Avon Lake, Bainbridge, Bath, Bay Village, Beachwood, Bentleyville, Bratenahl, Brecksville, Chagrin Falls, Chesterland, Cleveland Heights, Fairview Park, Gates Mills, Hudson, Hunting Valley, Kirtland Hills, Lakewood, Lyndhurst, Moreland Hills, North Royalton, Orange Village, Pepper Pike, Rocky River, Russell, Shaker Heights, Solon, South Russell, Strongsville, University Heights, Waite Hill, Westlake, Akron, Copley, Cuyahoga Falls, Fairlawn, Hinckley, Montrose, Peninsula, Richfield and Silver Lake.

Documentary exhibit puts the spotlight on area civic leaders

By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN

Anew documentary was shot in Cleveland this summer. From east side to west, the project tells the stories of civic leaders serving 59 cities, villages and townships in Cuyahoga County in 2024.

With the support of the Rotary Club of Cleveland, the Cleveland Photo Fest presented “Mayors, Managers, and Trustees—A Portrait of Cuyahoga County Officials.” The photo exhibit, on display at the Bostwick Design Art Initiative through this past September, has been donated to the Cleveland History Center for inclusion in its permanent collection.

World-renowned photo documentarian and lifelong Clevelander Herb Ascherman, Jr., conceived the idea years ago. With the help of the nonprofit Cleveland Photo Fest and support from the Rotary Club of Cleveland, his vision for the documentary took shape. In all, 62 civic leaders were photographed in black and white by professional photographers in their city setting.

Ascherman contends that the photo collection is a snapshot of the face of civic engagement and politics today. “With a display of 60 portraits printed 16 inches by 20 inches in black and white, from Cleveland to Cleveland Heights to

Bay Village and more, you are presented with a mosaic of today’s leaders. You even get a sense of their dedication, their struggles, and their

serve,” he said.

For instance, in the exhibit, you will find Mayor Bibb in his office at Cleveland’s City Hall while Mayor David Weiss stands tall from the rooftop in the Van Aken District in Shaker Heights. You see Independence Mayor Gregory P. Kurtz in front of the City Hall columns and Chagrin Falls

Mayor William Tomko at the iconic Popcorn Shop. Parma Heights Mayor Marie Gallo poses at one of the city’s public playgrounds. Maple Heights

Mayor Annette Blackwell, the city’s first female and first Black mayor, beams in front of portraits of her predecessors, those who served before she broke barriers with her election. There are stories within each portrait.

Sixty-two city leaders participated in the project, including 57 mayors plus trustees and fiscal officers of two townships. Each participant received their own black and white print. A copy of each photo was sent to and is housed at Cleveland History Center.

Rotary Club of Cleveland decided to support the project with a grant after a club visit from Mayor Justin Bibb. “Mayors tell us stories about ourselves…who we are, where we came from, and what we can be,” Cleveland Rotarian Sue Nelson said. Fellow Rotarian Tina Ingraham agreed saying, “Our Rotary Club was started by

civic leaders who wanted to make a difference in Cleveland. We felt supporting this project would help to share each city’s story with generations to come, with the hope that it will inspire people to stay engaged in helping their communities strive.” Rotary Club of Cleveland was founded in 1910, the 18th Rotary Club to be chartered. It is part of a global network of 1.4 million community leaders dedicated to tackling the world’s most pressing humanitarian challenges. Rotary Club of Cleveland serves the community with projects directly benefiting local organizations doing good in the community. Its projects include Thesmacher High School Recognition Day, recognizing Cleveland Municipal School District high achievers, College Now! Scholarships, Achievement Centers of Cleveland, The Literacy Cooperative of Cleveland, and Vocational Service Awards of Excellence bestowed upon students at Cleveland State University and Cuyahoga Community College. The motto of the Rotary Club of Cleveland is, “Service above self.” For more information, visit www.rotaryclubofcleveland. com

Neighborhood Centers Association

“Cultural

Fusion: Culinary Extravaganza”

Neighborhood Centers Association welcomed 150 guests to “Cultural Fusion: Culinary Extravaganza,” a modernization of its previously well-attended Ethnic Extravaganza events. The association’s focus on education for lifelong success was highlighted, allowing party goers at Gordon Green to experience some of the P4SS (Partners 4 Student Success) and IConnect offerings for adults age 55-plus. Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Music (STEAM) are core to both programs, and Neighborhood Centers Association (NCA) staff and AmeriCorps members were on hand to guide some interactive, fun, learning opportunities. There was a robot dog for guests to play with, virtual reality to encounter, and a Cricut Corner to make bookmarks. The guests enjoyed a range of small plates catered by Spice and PearlFlower. Co-chairs for the fundraiser were David Gunning, II, Debbie Smythe Hermann, Beth Petrequin and Lisa Bottoms.

The NCA has worked over the years to create a culture of learners of all ages and has strengthened the fabric of Cleveland’s neighborhoods. As of July, 2024, the NCA was awarded funding by Ohio’s Department of Education and Workforce Development to provide adult literacy programming. Founded in 1948, the Neighborhood Centers Association was the first organization in the United States to serve as a coordinating entity for settlement houses and neighborhood centers. The NCA partners with a wide range of community-based organizations and institutions to provide vital services to children, families and older adults, meeting their needs where they are. “Cultural Fusion: Culinary Extravaganza” raised $65,000 to support those programs. STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN

Marchant Manor Offers Award-Winning Local Artisanal Cheese

By ANDREA C. TURNER

The Butcher, the Baker, and the Candlestick Maker – so goes the familiar 18th century nursery rhyme. But how about Doctor, Owner, Cheesemaker for a modern spin on this classic? Kandice Marchant, MD, PhD, summarizes her career with these three titles. She is the entrepreneur behind Marchant Manor Cheese, located at 2211 Lee Road in Cleveland Heights.

Retired from medical practice two years ago, Marchant spent 36 years working at the Cleveland Clinic and as its Institute Chair for Pathology and Lab Medicine from 2006-16.

Marchant started cheesemaking as a hobby, primarily on Sunday mornings as a relaxing, quiet practice, but she’s always been fascinated by cheese. She and her English husband, now deceased, enjoyed countless after-dinner cheeseboards when traveling through Europe. In honor of him, she names all her cheeses after locations he’s been, primarily British towns in the Cotswolds. Her best seller is Elmstead Ash – a triple cream Guernsey cheese with a bloomy ash rind.

“What turned the switch for me was after I had the opportunity to do a three-day boot camp at Murray’s Cheese in New York City. We tasted 75 cheeses paired with wines and beers, and learned about the different types of animal milks used in cheese,” she said.

By establishing an LLC in 2018, she initially began making cheese at an Amish dairy farm in Stark County, and sold her cheese through Ohio City Provisions and the Shaker Square Farmer’s Market. Her storefront, which opened in 2021, occupies a corner space on Lee Road (near Cedar Road) of a former bank, complete with vault and safety deposit boxes. She repurposed the fronts of them for the shop’s front counter. She chose the location because of other food and wine businesses in the area with whom she partners: The Wine Spot, Cleveland Urban Winery, Mitchell’s Chocolates, Sophie La Gourmande. And she works with nonprofits Heights Arts and FutureHeights for community-building events in the Cedar-Lee business district. Representatives of the French American Chamber of Commerce in Cleveland meet there occasionally and often bring French associates who are visiting the US. One gentleman commented that hers was the best French-style camembert he’s ever tasted outside of France.

Marchant Manor is the only artisan cheesemaker in the state of Ohio that makes cheese from cow, goat and sheep’s milk. This year, it won three blue ribbons at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus for its Lapworth Porcini Camembert, Brighton Blue cheese and Shepton sheep’s milk cheese.

The store is open Wednesday-Saturday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. It offers a cheese happy hour every Wednesday through Friday from 4-6 p.m., where dine-in cheese is 25% off and select glasses of wine are 50% off. An outdoor street patio provides a lovely space to gather with friends, or sit indoors during inclement weather.

The business tagline is: Makers. Mongers. Mentors. Obviously, Marchant does the cheese-making, aging and wrapping; it’s sold both in her shop and other local businesses. But Marchant also loves teaching, so she leads a three-hour cheesemaking class a couple times a month. Participants learn the basics of making ricotta, cottage cheese, creme fraiche and more. The large interior space allows for the hands-on classes, as well as private events and team-building

experiences.

Planning a party for the holidays? “The sky’s the limit,” says Marchant. Consider a custom cheeseboard. Marchant recommends offering a variety of cow, goat and sheep milk cheeses, both fresh, soft and hard crumbly cheeses, along with a flavored cheese that adds visual interest. Blue cheese

can round out your offering, along with meats, vegetables, fruits, and pickled foods that cut the richness of the cheese. Gourds and bay leaves add a special touch to fallthemed cheeseboards, and pomegranates and evergreens are lovely for holiday parties. For more information, go to marchantmanor.com.

Join us for an Arctic Expedition Cruise to Svalbard, Norway onboard a 12 passenger luxury ship, June 27-July 6, 2025. We only have 2 cabins remaining so call Peter’s Safaris today at 440.287.7782 or email info@peterssafaris.com. This expedition cruise is a unique opportunity to witness polar bears and so many other animals in their natural habitat.

International Women’s Air and Space Museum

“Corks on the Concourse”

The International Women’s Air and Space Museum (IWASM) hosted its annual fundraiser, “Corks on the Concourse,” on the evening before the official start of the Cleveland National Air Show.

More than 100 guests attended in support of the museum’s mission to preserve, educate and inspire communities about the role of women in all areas of air and space. Party goers enjoyed wine tastings, tested their trivia knowledge with lightning round prizes and honored the annual lifetime achievement recipients. In 1968, a group of women came together with a dream of establishing a place where young people, and learners of all ages, could experience the impact of women in aviation. In 2024, with a year and a half away from IWASM’s 50th anniversary, the museum celebrated the legacy of a group of women. The women who had a hand in the museum’s beginnings include Bernice Steadman, Paige Shamburger, Nancy Hopkins Tier, Doris Scott, Phyllis Ashworth and Susan Lau. These six women represent the first 30 years of perseverance and vision that grew the museum to where it is today.

The $10,000 raised at “Corks on the Concourse” will help ensure that IWASM continues to strengthen Northeast Ohio’s cultural heritage tourism industry and to serve communities through educational programming for years to come. IWASM is a nonprofit museum located inside Cleveland’s Burke Lakefront Airport. Exhibits are free of charge seven days a week. Guided tours and programs are available by appointment.

Catchy campaign slogans can be traced as far back as 1840

By JEANNIE EMSER SCHULTZ

By the time this article is published, Americans will likely be suffering from political campaign advertising overload. Hardly a 21st Century practice, America’s love-hate relationship with presidential campaign advertising dates back as far as 1840 when voters were bombarded by what is considered the first catchy campaign call-to-action: “Tippecanoe and Tyler too!”

Whig party candidate William Henry Harrison used his military victory over Shawnee Chief Tecumseh in the 1811 Battle of Tippecanoe to advertise his candidacy, including the name of his running mate John Tyler. The rhyme promoted Harrison’s war hero image, contributing to his win against incumbent President, Martin Van Buren. (Unfortunately, Harrison’s campaign was longer than his presidency as he died from pneumonia just one month into his term, becoming the first president to die in office.)

Harrison’s campaign and catchy slogan would set the stage for presidential advertising platforms in future elections. In 1896, the first instance of U.S. mass-produced campaign buttons came during the heated presidential race between William McKinley and William Jennings Bryan. It ushered in a golden age of political buttons—the trick being to employ a rhyme, pun or word play to craft phrases succinct enough to fit on a lapel button. Some of those have included Calvin Coolidge’s 1924 re-election slogan “Keep Cool and Keep Coolidge;” Dwight D. Eisenhower’s “I Like Ike;” and Lyndon B. Johnson’s “All the Way with LBJ” (inspired by Adlai Stevenson’s ’52 failed run against Eisenhower that touted “All the Way with Adlai”).

And, like Eisenhower’s appropriation of Stevenson’s slogan, some slogans were so successful they were recycled by other candidates. Abraham Lincoln and Franklin D. Roosevelt both used the metaphor “Don’t Swap Horses in Midstream,” encouraging voters to support the incumbent during times of war (Lincoln during the Civil War; FDR for an unprecedented fourth term win during World War II).

More recently, Barack Obama’s effective slogan was borrowed from the United Farm Workers phrase “Si, Se Puede!” Translated, the catchphrase became “Yes We Can!” Likewise, the Trump campaign’s “Make America Great Again” was first used by Barry Goldwater’s failed ’64 presidential bid and again in 1980 by Ronald Reagan with “Let’s Make America Great Again.” Reagan was also credited for campaigning to “Are you better off than you were four years ago?”

Positive campaign slogans that offered hope or calls to keep prosperity’s status quo included McKinley’s “Four More Years of the Full Dinner Pail” in 1900; Herbert Hoover’s “A Chicken in Every Pot & A Car in Every Garage;” and FDR’s 1932 “Happy Days Are Here Again.” Some past campaign buttons have entertained with witty messages, like Jimmy Carter’s re-election button touting “Rosalyn Carter for First Lady 1980,” or one capitalizing on former peanut farmer Carter’s winning smile, showing a peanut with a toothsome smile saying, “The Grin Will Win.” The message of an anti-Lyndon Johnson button in 1968 purported, “The LBJ Cocktail: America on the Rocks.”

Yet a winning slogan isn’t always just about having the catchiest saying but shaping the campaign narrative or creating perceptions about the candidate. Such a slogan helped George H.W. Bush defeat Michael Dukakis in ‘88 with “Read my lips: no new taxes,” which became the catch phrase of TV’s Saturday Night Live’s Bush impressions by Dana Carvey. Television, in fact, now a cornerstone of political campaigning, first weighed into the presidential fray in 1952 when Eisenhower’s “I Like Ike” was featured in one of the first televised political endorsements. It even included a song written by Irving Berlin with animation by Walt Disney Studios. The catchy jingle used the slogan in the lyrics: “You like Ike, I like Ike, everybody likes Ike. Hang out the banner and beat the drum, we’ll take Ike to Washington.” It would serve Eisenhower so well his campaign reused it in his ’56 re-election as “I Still Like Ike.”

It wasn’t the first time songs were employed

of the first “green” candidates,

for campaigns. FDR used “Happy Days Are Here Again” from the 1930 film “Chasing Rainbows,” and Harry Truman’s campaign appropriated the 1921 tune “I’m Just Wild About Harry.” In the past few years, however, candidates attempting to use popular tunes at their rallies have met with cease-and-desist orders from such artists as Bruce Springsteen, Rihanna, Adele, Neil Young, Queen and Pharrell Williams.

Negative targeted slogans are, unfortunately, part of the campaign world. In 1908 the slogan

“Vote for Taft now, you can vote for Bryan anytime” was a slur on William Jennings Bryan’s failed 1896 and 1900 presidential bids. But dating as far back as 1884 Democrats were accused by Republicans of being pro-Confederacy, pro-Catholic immigrants and pro-alcoholic beverages, prompting the Republican slogan: “Rum, Romanism and Rebellion!” Alcohol was also at the forefront of what many historians note as the worst campaign slogan in history… one that may have cost Alfred E. Smith his

1928 Democratic presidential run. With a nod to Smith’s anti-Prohibition stance--which made him a “wet” candidate--the slogan proclaimed, “Vote for Al Smith and Make Your Wet Dreams Come True.”

Should you discover old campaign materials languishing in Grandma’s trunk (as I did with a 1908 campaign postcard for William Jennings Bryan), think twice before tossing it. A 1900 McKinley/Roosevelt button is currently for sale on Ebay for…$1,400!

Alson Jewelers celebrates its recent expansion in Woodmere

By RITA KUEBER

Meet Sam and Ida. Just over 150 years ago they were hard-working citizens of Kubrin, Poland, about 100 miles northeast of Warsaw. Sam was a craftsman who made jewelry and repaired watches, while Ida traveled throughout the countryside via horse and buggy selling Sam’s work. David Schreibman, along with his brother, Chad, are co-owners of the company that is Sam and Ida’s legacy – Alson Jewelers. “Selling jewelry and knick-knacks, helping and working in the business, that would have been quite common in the day,” David says of his great-grandmother, Ida.

Not long after the turn of the last century, Sam and Ida emigrated to America. Sam’s entrepreneurial spirit guided him to open a jewelry store at East 37th and Woodland just before 1920, with the family living in the back of the business. In 1931, although it was the height of the Depression, their 26-year-old son Alvin decided to open his first store, Alvin’s Jewelers at East 55th and Broadway. “To have the courage and foresight to do that – it couldn’t have been easy,” David states. Alvin married Edith Rubin three years later and the couple had three children - Larry, Richard and Marcia.

The expansion/renovation includes lounges and private nooks, plus a bar

early 1970s.

With rapid changes within the city, in 1964 Alson Jewelers (so named by combining “Alvin” and “sons”) moved to East 26th and St. Clair with a store that complemented Alvin’s Jewelers, and even expanded the downtown building in the

“Many people will remember Alvin’s Jewelers,” David says. “Those were in shopping centers in Cleveland – malls like Great Lakes, Randall Park, Great Northern, and Parmatown. At one time there were 18 Alvin’s stores, while we still had the Alson brand with its higher-end concept.”

Both Alvin’s and Alson business channels thrived for decades, but by 2010, the family predicted the decline of suburban malls. “We decided to get Alvin’s stores out of malls and focus on our Alson store. We were fortunate to make that decision,” David adds. “We sort of saw that coming. It was just good foresight on our part” In 2002 David and Chad found and built on land in Woodmere, near the corner of Brainard and Chagrin to create their flagship retail center. 1931 to present day – that’s the story of nearly one hundred years of custom craftsmanship – of celebrating milestones with families throughout the greater community who rely on Alson for information and inspiration. For 93 years the family has offered insight and guidance to buyers when it comes to fine jewelry, watches, engagement and wedding rings, graduation gifts and more.

The Schreibman’s family history is a remarkable American story that fortunately keeps moving forward with expansion and additional generations.

“About six or seven years ago we just started talking and thinking about expanding the Woodmere store,” David recalls. “We owned the land and got permission from the Village to build.” He explains that the planning and design process took some time. “Three and a half years ago we engaged an architect to design what we wanted, and that took six to eight months. We had the groundbreaking ceremony in April 2023.” The organization just celebrated the grand opening of their expansion in August 2024. And what an expansion!

The original showroom has been doubled so the building now has 11,400 square feet. Blended seamlessly alongside beautifully lit traditional glass cases are clever nooks and sitting areas for conversation and clients’ convenience. There’s a private room in the bridal area, a bar and several large-screen TVs throughout the store, plus loungelike areas and a space where kids can play. Along the front glass wall that parallels Chagrin Blvd. is an enormous gallery of gifts, from glassware to houseware, crystal, Judaica, and other decorative pieces.

A very special feature of the expansion includes a private patio accessible through an elevator inside the building, or via an outdoor staircase. This area has a bar and seating, plus a caterer’s kitchen. Within the last month, the new entertainment area was christened – the first party for about 200 people was in celebration of the expansion

The fourth generation is slowly accommodating the fifth generation, Chad’s sons Jesse and Kyle, and David’s sons Jason and Matthew. “Talking with the next generation or the younger generations of cousins who are not directly involved – just to be able to tell them the story of how it all started is quite remarkable,” David says. [Our sons’] legacy is no different than what Chad and I had growing up. We’d see our dad (Richard) go to work every day and at dinner we’d sit around the table, and he’d tell us what was going on. Then later we did the same – talk about business with our own kids, and they had a natural interest. As young kids during holidays and weekends we did what we could do to help, and our kids did the same thing.

“We’re fortunate in our business,” David muses. “It’s a happy occasion when someone’s coming in for a piece of jewelry. It’s fortunate that we’re able to share and celebrate, but you also need a good background to make the business work.” He explains how the next generation will need to learn it all from merchandising and advertising to accounting and repair, not to mention working the sales floor “to learn and live and breathe” what customers are asking for, and then make sure everything is running smoothly.

“There are always several Schreibmans on the floor,” David states. “We have a good management team but it’s important that we’re here every day. We’ve always done it this way. It’s one of the ingredients to help us get to this fifth generation. To

Continued on page A11

Cleveland Public Theatre

“In the Garden of Shadow and

On September 7, more than 1,000 guests of Cleveland Public Theatre’s (CPT) 22nd Annual Pandemonium themed benefit, “In the Garden of Shadow and Delight” explored the alluring darkness just beyond the light’s reach at the CPT campus. The fundraiser surpassed its fundraising goal by 10 percent.

Cleveland Mayor Justin Bibb says Pandemonium is so much more than a fundraising event, “It has become not only the party of the year, but a cherished reunion and celebration of Cleveland’s vibrant artistic community.”

Bibb, along with Chris znd Natalie Ronayne served as Honorary Chairs. Event Co-Chairs were Nic Barlage, Trina Evans, Celso Goncalves, Lianne Mantione, Kristin Morrison and Mark Ross.

CPT honored James D. Graham with the 2024 PAN Award. Graham is Executive Vice President, Chief Legal and Administrative Officer & Secretary of Cleveland-Cliffs Inc.

“James’ dedication to the arts, leadership and service exemplifies the approach we must all take if we seek vibrant and authentic community in Cleveland,” said Raymond Bobgan, CPT’s Executive Artistic Director.

“Graham is one of Cleveland’s most dedicated, compassionate leaders … he is a tireless ambassador for some of Cleveland’s greatest institutions, and he inspires those around him to support their community too,” added Phil Oliss, CPT’s President of the Board.

Pandemonium transformed the CPT campus into an enchanted wonderland of theatre, dance, poetry, acrobatics and visual art on six stages. Artists cultivate empathy and expand consciousness while examining profound and often dark questions to help a fruitful, thriving community blossom. Pandemonium proceeds benefit CPT’s groundbreaking artistic work and life-changing education programs.

•

On the Arboretum Stage, STEP of CPT, Blakk Jakk Dance Collective, Inlet Dance Theatre, Ohio Contemporary Ballet, Mojuba Dance

Sharon Agin Rosenberg Beachwood, OH 44122 office 216.464.9017 | mobile 216.857.0094

Delight”

Collective, and Wind and Sand Dance Co. performed prior to the PAN Award Ceremony. It was followed by Djole: A Djapo Legacy performance and desserts. Pureplex DJs played a hybrid of live drumming and DJing for the late-night dance floor.

Food and beverages from these establishments were served throughout the campus: XYZ The Tavern, Rincón Criollo, Urban Kitchen/Crepes ’n Crisps, Ninja City Kitchen, Guanaquitas, Great Lakes Brewing Co., Gypsy Beans coffee, Grumpy’s Café, The Root Café, Luxe Kitchen & Lounge, Skye LaRae’s with Chef Eric Wells and Local West. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA C. TURNER

keep the legacy going we are hands-on owners.”

David’s quiet joy over the business is infectious. With a history of 93 years in Cleveland, there’s bound to be repeat customers, and then some. “We ask clients how they happened to come in, and every week – every week – we hear ‘my mom shopped here,’ or ‘my grandparents bought here.’ We are sometimes on the fifth or sixth generation of customers,” he says.

The same goes for the company’s long-standing relationship with their vendors. “We’ve seen generations of management at Cartier, David Yurman, Roberto Coin – with many of our brands we’ve been partners with them for 10 to 30 years or longer. We became the exclusive jeweler in Ohio to offer the Cartier watch collection in 1989, and we’ve been an official Rolex jeweler since 2012,” he adds. “People come to us for merchandise they can’t buy anywhere else in the state.”

David indicates that the final piece of the company’s legacy is their 20 employees. “We have 10 on the sales floor and 10 in the back of the

house – the office support team, plus two master watchmakers and a master jeweler who do repairs on site. “They’ve seen change and growth over the years. We have a great staff, and we could not have done this without all their hard work.

“We would never have been able to do this if it wasn’t for our dad, Richard, Aunt Marcia and Uncle Larry,” David says. “If not for their work – for my grandfather Alvin’s hard work, our kids wouldn’t be coming into the business. Hopefully they will keep it going for many years based on our hard work. We’re just blessed to have this time to own the business, and we look forward to passing it down in due time to let the next generation carry on the legacy.”

When asked what the original founders might say about the current store, David says, “Sam and Ida? Even Alvin, even our dad Richard, who passed away eight years ago, before we started making plans for this expansion… I think unbelievable, maybe a little crazy, but they’d definitely be proud and excited for us to be able to do what we’re doing.”

The calendar said early September, but the weather said late October. For Fieldstone Farm’s annual Chefs Unbridled, held under a huge tent on the Chagrin Valley Hunt Club Polo Field in Gates Mills, organizers scrambled to obtain patio heaters to ensure patrons’ comfort. But not to worry. It’s as if the unusually cool and cloudy skies encouraged patrons to take advantage and better enjoy the hearty small plates, and the expanded paddock with more tables than in previous years. Even the expanse of the field itself lent a crisp, outdoorsy element that has always been present, just maybe not as deeply appreciated as it was this year. Overheard from many patrons was the mantra of many of us from Northeast Ohio: “I don’t mind the cool, I just couldn’t see doing this in a downpour.”

Six hundred guests attended the annual event, with tickets selling out this past June. Men have it easy – toss on a suit coat – but women made do beautifully, with midi skirts and boots, jean jackets and colorful coverups for warmth and style. Four popular restaurants/groups created two dishes each to feed the crowd. Driftwood, Flour, Hook & Hoof, and The Last Page offered stunning small plates from lamb chops to short ribs, grilled prawns on grits and salmon crudo. Plus a full bar, bourbon and beer tasting, a banquet of desserts, an espresso station and late night bites as well. The event has long been a foodie paradise.

“This is one of the area’s premier events,” said professional auctioneer Mark Schroeder, “And I know – I do enough of these,” he added. It’s also the only benefit where patrons can enjoy a carriage ride, artfully provided by Whispery Pines, a stable in Kingsville (Ashtabula County). You really haven’t experienced the heart of Ohio until you’ve been on a wagon led by Percherons Tony and Sampson, driven

Fieldstone Farm Therapeutic Riding Center “Chefs Unbridled”

by their knowledgeable handler, Sam, and aided by genial assistant, Bill.

At presentation time, board chair Jim Donohue mentioned how Megan, his daughter with special needs, now 27, has been riding at Fieldstone for 21 years, enjoying her bond with her 1,500-plus-pound friends.

“By far her favorite horse is Empire, who is, um, discriminating when it comes to people,” he said. He described touring the barn with his daughter recently, and when Empire heard her, the horse kicked at his stall door to get her attention, to the amazement of the barn staff.

The therapeutic riding center works with over 50 nonprofit organizations and also 10 Cleveland elementary schools. In a video presentation* volunteers explained how these city-based kids are not familiar with the Fieldstone environment. “They’ve never been in a barn or been with horses,” they say, “yet the stress just melts away.”

Instructors and staff insist that the horses understand the humans’ limitations, and help riders make their disabilities just disappear. For one rider, young Keyrian, a wheelchair-bound sprite with a mass of curly brown hair, her first ride on Tater was a ride of just five steps. Yet that turned into a life-affirming experience that she will get to repeat, since Chefs Unbridled aims to be sure no one gets turned away from equine therapy. In fact this year was a record-setter with $350K raised to support over 900 students of all ages.

“Walk on, Tater,” Keyrian says confidently in the video. Walk on, Fieldstone Farm, walk on for all of us. *The video is available on the organization’s website: fieldstonefarm.org/ STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY RITA KUEBER

John Carroll hosts “What’s Going on at the Supreme Court” panel discussion

By ANDREA C. TURNER

John Carroll University (JCU) hosted “Looking Behind, Peering Ahead: What’s Going on at the Supreme Court?” on September 30, in JCU’s Dolan Science Center Donahue Auditorium. Distinguished panelists Pete Williams and Jonathan H. Adler, JD, analyzed past and potential future actions of the US Supreme Court. Colin Swearingen, professor of political science at JCU, served as moderator.

Approximately 125 people attended the free public event, including JCU students who are matriculated in a three-year undergraduate prelaw program. After completion, these students are eligible to attend either the 3-year law program at Case Western Reserve University School of Law or Cleveland State University College of Law for a total of 6 years toward a law degree.

Williams, a former Supreme Court correspondent for NBC for 29 years, provided an in-depth perspective of the nation’s highest court’s recent rulings. At NBC, Williams worked with long-

time “Meet the Press” host Tim Russert, a 1972 graduate of JCU. Russert hired Williams to work at NBC and, during their 15 years together, Russert inspired Williams to engage with JCU. Williams is a 3-time Emmy award winner and a former press representative for Vice President Dick

Cheney who spent time working in the Bush administration.

Bonnie Gunzenhauser, PhD, JCU’s Vice President of Academic Affairs, explained that Williams delivered the 2021 commencement address whereby he received an honorary degree. That prompted the university to continue its relationship with Williams after he retired in 2023. As its journalist-in-residence, Williams now gives guest lectures, mentors students academically and professionally, collaborates with faculty, and offers public programs for one week on campus each spring and fall semester. A jazz aficionado, Williams also does a stint on the college radio station, WJCU 88.7 FM.

Adler, John Verheij Memorial Professor of Law and founding director of the Coleman P. Burke Center for Environmental Law at the Case Western Reserve University School of Law, also shared his views on the Supreme Court’s rulings and their ramifications. Adler is the author of seven books, a contributing editor to National Review online, and a regular contributor to the

Holiday Checklist: Eats, Events & Estate Planning

Carianne S. Staudt, Principal Attorney

McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA

As the holiday season approaches, business owners often find themselves spending time with family and sharing meals around the table.

Being surrounded by your loved ones during the holiday season is an ideal time to address an often-overlooked matter; estate planning.

Estate planning is especially important for business owners because it addresses both personal and business assets. Failing to plan can result in legal obstacles and financial risks for your heirs and business partners.

Proper estate planning protects your business, ensures that your wishes are honored in the event of incapacitation or death, and minimizes tax liabilities.

When addressing your estate plan, consider the following essential elements.

Wills & Trusts

Individuals can utilize both wills and various types of trusts, such as revocable trusts, in transferring business assets. Without a proper estate plan, the probate process can take several months, during which time your business could suffer. A revocable trust allows you to bypass the probate process, ensuring that your business continues to operate without delay. Holding your business interest in a trust helps your heirs avoid likely administrative bottlenecks.

Power of Attorney & Healthcare Directives

A durable financial power of attorney

and an advance healthcare directive ensures that a trusted individual will manage your business and personal affairs if you become incapacitated. These documents should be prepared in compliance with Ohio law to ensure enforceability.

Business Succession Plan

Ohio law allows for the seamless transfer of business interests through a well-designed and implemented succession plan. A succession plan specifies who, whether a family member, business partner, or key employee, will take over the business. Without a succession plan, probate courts may step in to determine ownership, which can be both costly and time-consuming. Succession planning ensures business continuity and

popular legal blog, The Volokh Conspiracy. The panel discussed the rulings on presidential immunity, the Chevron deference (a landmark decision is the field of administrative law — the law governing regulatory agencies), and Corner Post (challenging the Federal Reserve Board’s 2011 rule on fees associated with using debit cards, applying the default federal six-year statute of limitations). Williams praised Congress for its bi-partisan support in passing the Electoral Count Reform and Presidential Transition Improvement Act of 2022.

The panel predicted that future Supreme Court rulings will involve transgender medical treatment and parental rights claims, as well as vaping of flavored e-cigarettes. When asked if Congress would ever consider changes to the electoral college, Williams replied, “Don’t hold your breath.” He explained that while the idea of “one person, one vote” has lots of public support, many states like his home state of Wyoming prefer to keep the status quo as they have more electoral votes than other more populous states.

minimizes the risk of disputes.

Tax Considerations

While Ohio does not impose an estate or inheritance tax, federal estate taxes may apply to estates over the federal exemption limit. Gifting business interests before death or implementing charitable remainder trusts are strategies that may reduce taxable estate size and help preserve wealth. Business owners can ensure their estate plan minimizes federal tax liabilities by working with experienced legal and tax professionals.

As a business owner, taking the time to create or review your estate plan is a critical step to secure your family’s future and to safeguard your business interests. Rest easy during the holiday season by planning early.

Luca West offers a blend of traditional Northern Italian dishes

By CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN

As everyone knows, the restaurant business is hard work. And no one knows more about hard work than Luca Sema, owner of Luca West.

Sema said he is often at the restaurant from 5 a.m. until closing. “I work hard, work hard, work hard. I never stop working. I wouldn’t know what to do with myself,” he added.

Chef Sema came to the United States from Albania in Sept., 1997. He got a job washing dishes at a restaurant in Little Italy and then began cooking at various restaurants there and downtown. Sema said he had previously worked as a chef in Albania. He went back to Albania to open a restaurant for his sister, then returned to Cleveland to open the award-winning Luca Italian Cuisine on the Superior Viaduct downtown in 2013. He opened Luca West in suburban Westlake in 2017.

Luca West offers a blend of traditional and high-end Northern Italian dishes. “I like to prepare traditional Italian dishes with a different, modern twist,” Sema noted. Commitment to excellence plays a pivotal role for the restaurant’s team, ensuring that each guest’s visit is not just a meal, but a memorable dining experience. Their expertise in wine selections and dedication to hospitality further elevate the ambience and service.

Luca West seats 130 guests inside the restaurant and another 130 on its lovely patio. The restaurant employs 40 staff members. “We have a good crew. They trained well. Most have been here with me since the very beginning,” Sema said. His twin brother, Tim Sema, works alongside him in the kitchen preparing the food.

“Everything is homemade from scratch. All of the beef we serve is 100 percent Black Angus Prime. We cut our own meat. All of the desserts are homemade. We even make our own

gelato,” Sema said. Many of the ingredients are imported, including some varieties of pasta. Local sources for pasta are Flour and Ohio City Pasta. Appetizers like the Calamari Aglio e Olio Rosso sauteed in a sauce of red wine and tomato sauce with capers, and the Melanzane, or roasted baby eggplant with mascarpone and ricotta cheeses, are outstanding. Soups include a Ribollita with Tuscan white beans and fresh mushrooms in a vegetable broth, and Crema di Tartufo Bianco with white truffle cream, lobster and aged fig balsamic.

Chef Sema said the most popular dish, available as an appetizer or entrée, is the white truffle and ricotta-stuffed Sacchetti. Other pasta offerings include traditional potato gnocchi with sundried tomatoes and Porcini mushrooms, and Bologna, or cheese-stuffed tortellini with

tomato cream, shrimp and lobster meat. Sauteed sea scallops are served with black truffle butter and pappardelle. Whole branzino is prepared with a brown butter citrus sauce and fileted tableside. Other entrees include slow-roasted veal shank Ossobuco with sofrito and Chianti Classico. Braised lamb shank is served with julienne vegetables, cheese tortellini and a Dolcetto wine sauce. Marinated Porterhouse cut steak is prepared with Italian seasoning, roasted garlic and sage. All entrees are served with a signature loaf of crusty bread.

Sema said that he will soon be introducing a fall menu, with new pasta dishes and seasonal items. “I like to keep a base of customer favorites,” he noted. Sema said that the gardens behind the restaurant are his hobby. Because of limited space, they do not supply enough

vegetables for the demand from the Luca West kitchen. The employees do take home some tasty tomatoes in season. Sema also keeps six beehives, which supply about 90 pounds of fresh honey.

In addition to daily dinner service, Luca West is available for onsite private events and offsite catering. Special menus can be designed for casual, buffet and fine dining events, and to meet the dietary restrictions of guests. Luca West is at 24600 Detroit Rd. Phone 216-201-9600 or visit www.lucawest.com

No matter how complicated the dish, Chef Luca Sema makes it look easy to prepare. Here is a simple recipe for Chef Sema’s chicken piccata.

Luca Sema’s Chicken Picatta

2 pieces of chicken breast Flour

2 Tblsp. of olive oil

2 cloves of minced garlic

1 lemon

1/4C. white wine

½ stick unsalted butter

1 Tblsp. capers

Pound the chicken until thin and uniform thickness. Season with salt and pepper. Place the chicken in a pan with pre-heated olive oil and saute until golden brown. Once the chicken is golden, add 2 cloves of garlic and the juice from half a lemon. Add white wine and allow to cook for several minutes. Add the butter. Once the butter is melted, add a tablespoon of capers and allow to heat through. Serve with your favorite pasta.

Creating a Personalized Tutoring Plan for Your Child

As a new school year begins, many students find themselves struggling to keep up or facing academic skill gaps. Kimberly Walter of Huntington Learning Center, located in Mentor and Mayfield Heights, emphasizes that students don’t have to face the year feeling behind. A personalized tutoring plan can set them on a path to success.

“Personalized tutoring at Huntington is much different from group-style, one-sizefits-all programs. It’s designed to meet each student’s specific needs,” says Walter. “We understand that every student has their own unique challenges, preferences, and learning style. Our goal is to meet them where they are and help them make real progress.”

The key to creating this individualized approach begins with a thorough academic evaluation. According to Walter, this as sessment is a cornerstone of Huntington’s tutoring plans. “The academic evaluation is a comprehensive look at a student’s abilities,

only to help students catch up if they’ve fallen behind but also to set them on the right path for future success. Whether a student is aiming to improve in specific subjects, prepare for Advanced Placement (AP) or honors courses, or fill learning gaps, the personalized plan ensures targeted and effective support.

“Parents and students can trust that their learning plan is as unique as their academic journey,” Walter notes. “Our tutors use the information from the evaluation to set clear mile

Newly constructed villas, homes to be discovered at The Villas at Moreland Commons

By RITA KUEBER

With so many well-established communities around, it’s a little bit rare to see new construction in a venerable area like Moreland Hills. But that’s the location of The Villas at Moreland Commons, an expanse of land with two main streets running off Chagrin Boulevard and ending in private cul-de-sacs. Beautifully set back from the main entrance, the 18 attached villas and 41 single family homes are surrounded by just over 20 acres of lush, green spaces sheltered by large, mature trees. The builder, Payne & Payne, took extra care to preserve the old-growth wooded spaces surrounding the homes, and this attention to detail shows.

With their stone and stucco exteriors, the homes have a contemporary, minimalist feel. But they also possess an opulent, elegant old-world charm as if they have been in place for decades rather than months. These are custom-built homes, so the sky’s the limit when it comes to putting a personal twist on the available rooms, sizes, and finishing

materials.

The villas, reminiscent of townhouses, are built in clusters of three, but two out

of three could also be combined. A large fireplace is the focus of the main floor’s two-story sitting area that has an open

kitchen. The first-floor owner’s suite can be closed off for privacy. This suite has a spacious bedroom, luxurious owner’s bath, and a large walk-in closet. The main level also has a semi-private room adjacent to the side door that could be an office or studio. Upstairs are two additional bedrooms, each with a bath en suite, as well as a relaxing loft area that overlooks the sitting room below. Unusually, the townhouse/villa comes with an enormous full basement with tall ceilings for extra living space, for hobbies, or for storage.

If possible, the single family homes are even more compelling. Again, custom design is the key here. Some possibilities shown during a

recent open house include removing all the walls from the living/dining rooms and kitchen for an expansive open space that walks out to a patio in the back. High ceilings here offer an airy, casual space rich with natural light and are perfect for entertaining, or just hanging out with family. A roomy laundry room behind the kitchen joins the back hall and mudroom off the two – and possibly three-car garage. Upstairs there’s room for two or three bedrooms or two bedrooms and a loft sitting area. Again, there is a finished full basement for a den, media room exercise area and more.

Because this is new construction, this description is only a sample of what can be built. Just think – closets and doors where you want them – custom cabinets and storage configured the way you envision. Interested buyers are encouraged to work with the builder to create the home of their dreams. Note that the lots for single family homes are almost sold out.

Moreland Commons is less than a mile from premier shopping and dining, and less than four miles from the Village of Chagrin Falls. Easy access to highways, medical facilities and parks. Orange School District. HOA. Represented by Adam Kaufman of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. Villas with 2,352 to 2,779 square feet start at $949,000. Singlefamily homes from 2,368 to 4,358 square feet begin at $1,160,000. Contact Adam Kaufman at 216.831.7370.

MedWish and Medworks “MedBash”

Medworks combined forces with MedWish this year to host its first ever MedBash, on September 7, at the Highland Park Golf Course, a community gathering place for nearly 100 years. The two non-profit organizations merged in September 2024, and are dedicated to bringing health to people and the environment locally and around the world. The event, attended by 360 guests, raised close to $600,000, and will be used to provide even more comprehensive support to individuals through direct health care services, essential medical supplies, and community resources — in Cleveland and across the globe.

Lee Ponsky started MedWish in 1993 to give surplus medical supplies and equipment a second life by sending them to communities in need around the world. In 2009, his brother Zac Ponsky created Medworks to deliver 100% free, volunteer-driven medical, dental, and vision care to thousands of those who are uninsured or underinsured. Medworks also helps connect patients with medical insurance and resources they need to stay on a healthier plan.

Singer-songwriter Taylor Lamborn entertained with acoustic guitar for the fundraiser’s cocktail hour outside on the golf course green. Folks enjoyed a heirloom tomato bar complete with fresh herbs, sea salts and balsamic vinegar, provided by Cleveland Field Kitchen’s

chef Kelli Hanley Potts, caterer of the event. Potts brought “Winnie,” a renovated 1969 Winnebago Camper model 216, where her staff served specialty cocktails as guests checked in. European Wine Imports and Crooked Pecker Brewing Co. also provided beverages. Headliner musicians “The Rare Sounds”

rocked out after dinner in the large outdoor tent featuring Eddie Roberts, Robert Walter, Chris Stillwell, Zach Najor and Adryon DeLeon. Jimmy Boland, Mallie Boland, Amy Dickenson, Karen Dolan, Paul Dolan, Bob Flesher, Maureen Flesher, Krissy Dietrich Gallagher, Mark Gallagher, Sara Hurand, Pep Llinas, Franklin Malemud, Joe Patterson, Lori Patterson, Karen Vollmer, Andy Vollmer and Elie Weiss served as MedBash 2024 co-chairs. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS

BY ANDREA C. TURNER

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Greater Cleveland Food Bank “Taste of the Browns”

The Greater Cleveland Food Bank and the Cleveland Browns celebrated 26 years of our city’s love of sports and our acclaimed culinary talents at “Taste of the Browns.”

The major annual fundraiser for the Greater Cleveland Food Bank, the region’s largest hunger relief organization, “Taste of the Browns” has raised more than $4 million since 1999. Every dollar raised helps the food bank provide three nutritious meals to the community. More than 750 guests attended the fundraiser in the 7UP City Club at Huntington Bank Field and raised enough money to supply a million meals.

“Last year, the food bank served more than 401,000 people in need in six Northeast Ohio counties and the numbers continue to remain high,” Kristin Warzocha, president and CEO of the Greater Cleveland Food Bank said. “With

your support, we can help ease the burden for our neighbors right here in our community so that they won’t have to choose between food and medicine, or food and utilities.”

Honorary co-chairs, Cleveland Browns All-Pro Guard Joel Bitonio, Cleveland Browns legend Hanford Dixon and Chef Rocco Whalen of Fahrenheit, were joined by other current Cleveland Browns players and alumni to raise awareness and funds for local families.

This year’s fundraiser featured some of the region’s finest restaurants. Guests were able to sample the city’s best cuisine and mingle with current Browns players and alumni. A silent auction was available to bid on throughout the evening. Musical entertainment was provided by Rachel Short and the Underwoods. STORY BY CYNTHIA SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOS BY ERIC EAKIN.

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Fall Style Guide … add texture and color for chic fall interiors

By RITA KUEBER

Pat Perrino, president of Perrino Builders and Remodeling has been working on custom homes and developments in the area for 30 years, so he has a pretty good idea of what owners are looking for when it comes to convenience, layout, and interior design. In addition to building, he has Perrino Furniture and a 20,000 square foot showroom in Chesterland packed with furniture, finishes, lighting and accessories.

Aretha Kotz, an interior designer, has been in the industry for 13 years and has been with Perrino Builders and Remodeling for the last five years. Together with designer Chelsea Fowler, she works on all the interiors of the builder’s model homes. Additionally these designers work side-by-side with clients as they make decisions about their custom-made and remodeled homes, and also help visitors at the Design Center located in Chesterland.

Aretha talks about what’s trending in home interiors this fall. “We’re looking for a luxurious, otherworldly feel, an interior that’s like walking into a destination hotel,” she says. “You need lots of light and calming textures for a lush feel. Texture is everywhere,” she adds. “There are patterns in tiles, like windmill and basketweave. There are patterns in wood grains, as well as textured ceilings. Even if the colors are neutral,

Texture and warmer colors are everything right now no matter if your style is Modern Farmhouse, Rustic Country, or Traditional with elegant architectural elements. Add layers of glowing, jewel-like lighting, and nubby fabrics that offer instant coziness to make your rooms cozy and inviting for fall and winter.

we’re looking for a richness to these rooms.”

She explains that the monochromatic all white, taupe, or gray on gray interiors are moving on, while earth tones and colors found in nature are having their moment, from blues and greens to gold and burgundy. “In the kitchen this is next – darker countertops. We’re moving away from white and using raisin, light, icy blue, cool taupes and browns and creamy whites.” She points out that most of Northeast Ohio is gray throughout the winter months, so brightening up woodwork and mixing whites with warm

woods or blacks, and also highlighting the floor are ways to enliven the kitchen.

Perrino explains that his team has come up with a number of styles more or less predetermined to help people with the interior design process. While naturally there’s the opportunity to make changes, so far what his designers have pulled together is proving to be very popular. In styles like Country Cottage, Modern Farmhouse, Traditional, Coastal Cottage and more, finishes, colors and textures have been arrayed on mood boards or story boards

so clients can pick all or some of that particular combination. “There’s more of a designed, maximalism approach now. Interiors are more curated, even if you’re on a budget. There’s more flexibility that allows us to play with fabrics, materials, and color,” Aretha states.

In casual conversations with Aretha and other designers, it’s clear that homeowners have tons of options for making a room more cozy. One insight that can inspire numerous changes is the idea that the furniture in a place doesn’t need to be there 24/7. In other words, fall is a good time to swap out furnishings from one room to another. If a spare bedroom has a chest with natural wood tones or darker upholstered furniture, consider moving these into the living room or great room to create a different feel. While we love open, airy rooms especially in summer, sheers and other light curtains can feel too insubstantial for colder, stormier weather. Change out breezy drapes for something heavier and use darker toned material or touches of autumnal colors in the trim, or tiebacks to emphasize the weight and texture. If the living room already has carpeting, consider layering smaller carpets using an accent rug or patterned Kilim on top. Lay the carpets at different angles for visual interest. This technique works in bedrooms too. The idea of changing things around in the house can be extended to anything from lamps and shades to artwork, bringing darker, weightier pieces into the family room, den and living/ dining rooms. Storing away pastel and summer colored pillows and throws offers the chance to mix and match textures and colors that are warmer and cozier for the next few months. In their designed spaces from model homes to showrooms, Aretha and Chelsea offer stylish vignettes, maybe the easiest way to bring fall into the home. “Botanicals are huge, so using seasonal mums or greenery on the table or featured on your kitchen island is a great way to bring the season inside,” Aretha says. “You can use a wood cutting board, pumpkins and seasonal colors to change the mood of the room. You can also use a lot of lush throw pillows – try fur or leather accents. You don’t need to overhaul the entire space; little pieces you notice instantly will make the room feel different. Lighting should be jewel-like – glowing and warm, and there are a ton of options for lamps now – everything from marble to ceramic, and wood in so many different sizes and shapes – it’s just great to see.”

Visitors can wander the Chesterland showroom, look online for virtual walk-throughs, or tour the model homes for upcoming communities being built by Perrino, including Magnolia Meadows, a 63-home community for residents 55+ in Sheffield Village, West Pines, a 13-home (ranch-style) community also for 55+ residents, and soon, a development in Mentor.

“These homes have zero stairs, optional walk-in showers and two-foot-wide doors for accessibility, so people can age in place,” Perrino says. Most start at 1,500 square feet but can be built up to 3,000 square feet with prices in the $500,000 and up range. “We’re not a budget builder,” he says. “But these are for people who are thinking about their quality of life. I’m right there with them – I can relate to my clients. Are you going to invest in the stock market or invest in yourself first and have something nice to go home to?” Best of all, he explains, often a house he builds that’s smaller in size feels bigger inside due to his open floor plans, leveraging a triangular shape, and using glass in so many of the exterior walls, bringing t)he outside in no matter what the season. For design inspiration and more information, visit perrinocustomhomes.com

About 180 people attended the BBQ Barn Blast held in September to benefit Hiram Farm, located on 120 acres in Hiram, Ohio.

Hiram Farm is a community project which was started by five families 15 years ago, all of whom had children on the autism spectrum who were getting ready to transition out of high school. Bittersweet Farms in Northwest Ohio served as the model and blueprint for Hiram Farm. Hiram Farm provides day program services to people with autism and other developmental disabilities in a farm setting providing meaningful work and activities

Hiram Farm “BBQ Barn Blast”

such as animal care, gardening, woodworking, general maintenance/farm and property upkeep and crafts and ceramics programs. People who attend the farm and benefit from its services and programs are called Farmers.

Food and beverages for the event, at which nearly $16,000 was raised, were donated by friends and supporters of the farm, and entertainment was music from The Good Nights. Flower arrangements were assembled by volunteers and were either donated, purchased at local farms or picked on the Hiram Farm grounds. Volunteers were from the

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Americorps Program at Hiram College, Farmers, families of Farmers, and other friends of the farm.

Farm friends donated liquor, beer and wine for a Bougie Boozy Buggy for which an enthusiastic Pete Reichel sold $10 tickets for raffling off the contents of the Buggy! Guests also participated in a basket raffle and 50/50 raffle. Local artists donated pieces to be sold at the event, including a limited series print by Seth Chwast of Cleveland Heights, framed prints, jigsaw puzzles and calendars with photography by Eric Malmquist, ceramics crafted by the Farmers, and more. Attendees raved about

Boross, business manager,

the barbecue chicken prepared by several pitmasters on a smoker donated for the event by Michael Stephan. Crafts, ceramics and plants can be purchased at the Holiday and Spring sales at the farmhouse gallery, located at 11485 Garfield Road, Hiram, 44234. The roadside stand is open during harvest season. Beef, pork and fresh eggs are available at the farm year round. For more information, visit hiramfarm.org or call 330.569.4441. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS SUBMITTED BY HIRAM FARM

One of several pitmasters who volunteered their time to prepare food for guests at

Perrino Furniture and Design Center offers a wide array of furniture, and home décor items, including lighting, rugs, art, and accessories. For those seeking luxury home furnishings at an affordable price. PERRINO FURNITURE AND DESIGN CENTER, Chesterland, 440.919.1000

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On Thursday, September 12, the Foundation for Geauga Parks held its annual Twilight Soirée at Fowler’s Mill Golf Course in Chesterland. This seventh-annual benefit raised funds for the organization and its mission.

The Foundation for Geauga Parks’ (FGP) mission is to raise funds to support efforts of conservation, preservation and nature education projects in Geauga County.

“While there are many ways to experience the outdoors, we place particular value on projects that preserve and conserve natural spaces for the long-term benefit of our community, while providing the opportunity to educate and celebrate our county’s natural assets, character and history,” Christian Hunter, marketing and communications director, said.

Nearly 200 guests attended the benefit at which $58,235 was raised from ticket sales, the live and silent auctions and sponsorships.

“By attending the Foundation for Geauga Parks’ Twilight Soirée, one is celebrating the efforts of a community dedicated to protecting Geauga County’s natural resources to ensure a rich legacy for future generations,” Executive Director Christine Davidson said.

The Geauga County Ohio Horseman’s Council, an organization committed to everything horsemen including the expansion of riding trails in Geauga County, presented a $2,000 check to the FGP.

During the event, fifth graders from the park’s Nature Scopes program were present to talk about outdoor exploration in which they participated with binoculars. After completing the program, students were able to keep their binoculars.

Jeff Hyde, a Twilight Soirée Committee member, presented the Geauga Pollinator Project 2025. This project has a focus on Geauga County residents where members educate others and will turn area yards into pollinator sanctuaries.

Members would get discounts at local nurseries, invitations to member-only activities and yard signs, Mr. Hyde said.

“We will partner with any program that supports our mission,” Mr. Hyde said.

The Chagrin Valley Astronomical Society was set up to watch the night sky outside during the warm September weather. Auctioneer Bob Hale of Benefit Auction Services announced the 10 live auction items that included experiences, football tickets and wine and bourbon related items.

Guests mingled while snacking on a variety of options from the Hungry Bee presented around the venue in stations that included charcuterie, sliders, salads, noodles, a madeto-order pasta station and a sweets station. They also had Mark’s Wood Fire Catering and Baking Food Truck at the event.

Crooked Pecker Brewing Company and 8th Day Brewing Company were also there serving their local craft beer.

Thorne Musica, a duo of Caroline King and Paul Kovac, serenaded the guests during the event. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY KALEY RICHARD

University Hospital “Cross Out Cancer”

UH has now reached its fundraising goal to endow a Chair in Mary Ann Cross’s name in support of the Wesley Center for Immunotherapy at UH Seidman Cancer Center & Angie Fowler Adolescent & Young Adult Cancer Institute at Rainbow Babies & Children’s. This is thanks to the 288 guests who attended the final University Hospital’s “Cross out Cancer” benefit at the Shoreby Club in Bratenahl on September 10.

The crowd included many of the medical and research leaders from UH for an evening benefiting immunotherapy cancer care and research in memory of M ary Ann Cross.

Cross survived 23 years after chronic leukemia before she passed away six years ago. While living, she encouraged her family and friends to “turn grief into hope.” In the past five years since her death, a total of $1 million has been raised to treat people with cancer and blood disorders.

Linda Grdina Masten, Geoff Masten and Ryan Cross co-chaired the benefit; Char and Chuck Fowler served as Co-Chairs Emeritus. Betsy Kling, Chief Meteorologist of WKYC-TV served as emcee. Serpentini Auto Group was the presenting sponsor.

Kling spoke of her father being a three-time cancer survivor of colon, non-Hodgkins lymphoma and prostate cancer; she credits the UH Seidman Cancer Center for his survival. She asked for prayers and well wishes for WKYC colleague Jim Donovan, the “Voice of the Cleveland Browns,” who has undergone treatment for chronic lymphocytic leukemia.

Guests enjoyed a stunning sunset while sipping cocktails and sampling exquisite wines on the shore of Lake Erie, followed by dinner and live musical entertainment by Trisha O’Brien Cole with songs at sunset and a stellar silent auction. The evening showcased cutting-edge immunotherapy clinical trials and celebrated the pediatric, adolescent and adult patients benefiting from this life-saving care and research. STORY AND PHOTOGRAPHS BY ANDREA C. TURNER

The Maltz Museum will be hosting a new traveling exhibition that explores how modern art was used as a tool to sway public opinion by the Nazi party. “DEGENERATE! Hitler’s War on Modern Art” features a collection of famous works labeled as ‘degenerate’ by the regime, including works by world-renowned artists such as Pablo Picasso, Marc Chagall, Wassily Kandinsky, Ernst Ludwig Kirchner, George Grosz, and more. The exhibition will be on view at the Maltz Museum from October 30, 2024 through April 20, 2025. Tickets are available at: www.maltzmuseum.org.

“We’re excited to bring a collection of this

caliber to the Cleveland community,” said Aaron Petersal, Executive Director of the Maltz Museum. “The exhibition focuses on the impact of the Nazi regime’s attempt at controlling creative expression to manipulate culture. It’s an important reminder of how art and media have been utilized as a form of propaganda. Equally important, DEGENERATE! is a chance to view amazing and expressive examples of modern art, despite Hitler’s attempt to prevent it. ”

In the early 20th century, radical new approaches to art flourished, but as Hitler came to power, that soon changed. Under the

control of the Nazi regime, works of art across Europe were confiscated in the thousands. Some were destroyed. Some were sold to build the Nazi war machine. Others were used as propaganda, promoting the idea that certain perspectives and people were “degenerate” and “unworthy of life.”

DEGENERATE! showcases art from private and public collections, exploring movements, events, and outcomes of being branded “degenerate” to promote Nazi ideology. Part history, part art show, the exhibition displays works by artists that the Nazis blamed for the moral decline of German culture and society.

Nearly 100 pieces will be on display and footage of the 1937 Degenerate Art (Entartete Kunst) Exhibition in Munich organized by Joseph Goebbels will also be shown to the public. “DEGENERATE! Hitler’s War on Modern Art,” is an original exhibition created by and on loan from the Jewish Museum Milwaukee.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.maltzmuseum.org. Museum hours are Tuesday – Sunday, 11 a.m. - 5 p.m.; and Wednesday, 11 a.m. – 9 p.m. The Museum is closed Mondays and for most major holidays.

Holden Forests and Gardens “Harvest Moon”

“Harvest Moon,” a benefit for Holden Forests and Gardens, shined a spotlight on the culinary creations of some of Northeast Ohio’s finest chefs, served in one of Cleveland’s most iconic settings.

More than 450 guests explored the early fall splendor of the Cleveland Botanical Garden while sampling a selection of small plates. The chefs included Ben Bebenroth of Spice Kitchen, Brandon Chrostowski of Edwins, Vinnie Cimino of Cordelia, Doug Katz of Amba, Laurie Torres of Mallorca, Brandy Schran of Marigold Catering, Tawana Scott-Williams of PearlFlower Catering, and Eric Wells of Skye LaRae. Live music was provided by the Stephanie Jimenez Band and Greening.

“Our Harvest Moon event showcases the exceptional talent of Northeast Ohio’s awardwinning chefs, renowned for their skill in transforming the freshest, locally sourced ingredients into culinary masterpieces,” Ed Moydell, CEO of Holden Forests and Gardens said. “Their dedication to employing sustainable farm to table practices aligns with our mission at Holden Forests and Gardens, and we are thrilled to partner with these chefs to offer our guests an unforgettable evening.”

The more than $175,000 raised at “Harvest Moon” will support the organization’s mission to connect people with the wonder, beauty and value of trees and plants, and to inspire action for healthy communities. Each event ticket sold contributes directly to conservation and education programs that help to preserve the magic of the natural world.

this year was the “Harvest

after party in the

It featured dessert stations,

card readings and dancing under the moonlight to upbeat tunes provided by DJ

Holden Forests and Gardens is made up of two of Northeast Ohio’s most important environmental and cultural institutions, the Holden Arboretum and the Cleveland Botanical Garden. One of the largest public gardens in the country, Holden Forests and Gardens has more than 22,000 member households and an annual attendance of over 300,000. Holden’s science, conservation and urban forestry work is acclaimed and helps to save native trees in

and beyond.

“Stella Fest,” a family-friendly, sober clambake, is an annual celebration designed to raise awareness and save lives.

More than 300 guests attended this year’s event on the Stella Maris campus and raised over $200,000 to support its causes. Stella Maris serves more than 5,000 clients annually.

“Stella Fest is about bringing attention to addiction and recovery. At Stella Maris, we know that treatment works, and we have seen firsthand the transformative impact recovery can have on individuals, families and communities,” Daniel Lettenberger-Klein, Stella Maris CEO said. “We hope Stella Fest inspires and motivates all of us to keep pushing forward in our mission to support and celebrate recovery.”

Stella Maris has been serving the Northeast Ohio community for 76 years. Its mission is to provide chemical dependency treatment and mental health services to clients regardless of race, gender, religion or ability to pay.

Keynote speaker for the third annual Stella Fest was Rose DeRoia, director of the Tommy DeRoia Success Foundation and an advocate for those suffering with substance abuse disorder. Sherri Johnson, founder of Sherri Johnson Coaching, served as emcee. Musical entertainment was provided by Carlos Jones and the P.L.U.S. Band. Catering was by Catanese Classic Seafood. STORY BY CYNTHIA

SCHUSTER EAKIN/PHOTOGRAPHS BY ERIC EAKIN

Northeast Ohio Real Estate roundup for fall 2024 into 2025

By RITA KUEBER

In August, the state’s real estate rules were tweaked as the result of a Federal lawsuit, ostensibly to protect sellers and buyers. (See sidebar). Whether these new rules hamper or improve the market overall remains to be seen, so new are these changes. For experienced real estate agents, business continues as usual with a bit more paperwork, and maybe some additional conversations about commissions and client rights and responsibilities. Currents touched base with three veteran agents to gain insight into home sales upcoming in late 2024, and beyond, into early 2025. Besides changes in the industry, interest rates and inventory are top of mind.

“Historically August is the end of the summer doldrums, and we pick up again in September,” says Sharon Friedman, Broker Associate at Berkshire Hathaway Home Services Professional Realty. “This is always a slow time of year, but still there are always opportunities in the market,” she adds.

“The market, like the whole world right now, is a little tentative. There’s some apprehension out there,” says Adam Kaufman of Howard Hanna Real Estate Services. “In the economy right now we have a strong stock market, which helps, and barring any disasters we should have a strong fourth quarter and an extremely strong first quarter,” he states.

“There’s always a seasonal slow-down late in the year. We anticipate it, and it always happens,” says Karen Eagle of the Karen Eagle Group of Elite Sotheby’s International Realty. “Simultaneously, buyers are still out there trying to buy, but as it’s been for the last two years, there’s not enough inventory.”

“If interest rates come down a full percent into the fives, there’s going to be a flood of people wanting to buy,” Kaufman says. “I don’t know what the Fed is going to do, but in anticipation of the election, should we get lower rates, it’s going to create a huge demand.”

“People are waiting for interest rates to drop, and historically that makes house prices go up. The luxury market is doing well. Chagrin is a hot market, where prices have exceeded expectations – the ability to walk to the Village has great appeal,” Friedman says. She also mentions strong recent sales in Strongsville, in Cleveland condos, and her main market, the Beachwood/Orange/Pepper Pike corridor.

“People come in from other states, and even here, you never know where people will find what they want.”

All three agents agree that lower interest rates would be good for the real estate industry.

“I don’t think we’ll get down to the twos and threes, where we were when some homeowners bought years ago,” Eagle says. “But an interest rate in the fives would give lots of buyers more buying power and more confidence. There’s still a lot of pent-up demand. There are owners who say, ‘I’d love to move, but where would we go?’ We haven’t been able to solve that piece of the puzzle,” Eagle says.

“For people who want to downsize, they may want to consider two houses – a smaller one here and a house in a different climate.”

Moving on to how recent rulings are changing the market, again these three experienced agents agree – communication is key, and working with a knowledgeable professional will make the selling/buying process as smooth as possible. “I think these changes have been blown out of proportion in terms of impact,” Kaufman says. “Twenty years ago there were changes to Agency, and at first everyone yelled about it, then everyone got it, and we moved on.

“The idea that buyers should participate in the commission, well technically, the buyer has always participated in the commission, it was just deducted off the dollars the buyer was offering,” he adds. It’s a lot more paperwork for realtors, but buyers want to buy, and sellers want to sell. Don’t rely on the media for this. Ask me. Ask your realtor until you understand

it. Really, we should be called facilitators – we facilitate the process and that will continue to happen.”

“Many people I talk with know about these changes and I try to be proactive by bringing it up in a casual discussion,” Friedman adds. These new rules have been in place in other markets, especially commercial markets. They’re aware, although there’s been some inaccurate reporting on these changes. I just encourage people to ask me about it.”

“A house sale is so much more than a transaction,” Eagle states. “There are hours of inspections. There are appraisal issues, lender issues – quick and easy is not the norm. Sometimes a sale takes so many hours, we’ve literally worked for minimum wage. Yet sometimes people don’t think we have value! We have special industry knowledge – in-depth insights into everything from point of sale to septic systems. Most people don’t have any idea of the rules and how to reach an agreement regarding who’s responsible for what – there are a lot of layers,” she states.

“We take this seriously and we advocate for our buyers and sellers. It’s not easy. I’m not hanging out at the pool all day,” Eagle adds. She suspects the faux-glamorous image of realtors comes from the multiple “reality” television programs in which the average house sells for a price miles above the average for most communities. On TV the house sales are big, and seemingly the commissions bigger, without showing the behind-the-scenes work and without the explanation that most often the agents’ money is split among at least two brokers and at least two, sometimes four or more agents.

And once more in agreement, despite public perception, changes and some frustrations, all three agents love what they do. “I love it. I just love it,” Friedman says. ‘I love the people I work with – not just my company – but the other agents throughout the region. We’re very fortunate here.”

What the NAR settlement means to home buyers:

Very simply put, the National Association of Realtors (a nonprofit, non-governing organization) was sued in Federal Court with prosecutors stating that homeowners were unaware a portion of the commission they were giving to their agents was shared with the buyer’s agent. Claims included this unnaturally inflated the sale price of a house. States including Ohio scrambled to change the laws that do govern licensed agents to reflect changes moving forward. These include:

Buyers must sign an agreement with an agent before touring a house. This includes seeing a house in person or virtually. An agreement is not needed to discuss an agent’s services or to attend an Open House.

Before signing an agreement, buyers should be sure it accurately reflects the terms discussed with the agent and there’s a clear understanding of the value and services being offered, as well as any costs involved.

Buyers may accept concessions from the seller, such as covering closing costs. A seller can provide compensation to the buyer’s agent but cannot disclose this information on the professional platform, the Multiple Listing Service.