French-Influenced Design Creates a Practical, Timeless Home In Solon
The Cleveland Heights Native Has Already Made Team USA History — Now She Goes for Olympic Gold
COMMUNITY LEADER
Development Progress, New Directions and Creative Ideas Push Us Forward
On the Winter Games, Hometown Love and Life After Snowboarding
OUR YEEHAW ERA
How Country Music Culture Is Taking Hold in the Rock ‘n’ Roll Capital
volume 55 / issue 2
ON THE COVER
3O CLE OLYMPIANS Northeast Ohio athletes make history in this year's Olympic Games, showcasing the region's athleticism and grit on a global stage.
Edited by Dillon Stewart
Photo Courtesy United States Olympic & Paralympic Committee
FEATURED
40 HONKY TONK Country music is having its moment in the local music world, influencing the dining, shopping and entertainment scenes of Northeast Ohio. By Ida Lieszkovszky
4 FROM THE EDITOR
6 CONVERSATION
LAY OF THE LAND
9 HISTORIC HEAT The nearly 100-yearold Cleveland Schvitz welcomes new communities for its signature steam and steak experience.
13 NEW BLING Check out creations by local jewelry makers and find inspiration for a Valentine's Day gift.
14 DATA DRAIN Data centers are increasing in Ohio, resulting in an intense effect on the energy grid — and on electric bills.
FOOD & DRINK
19 THEATRICAL SIP Encore makes a dramatic entrance in Playhouse Square.
24 LOVE IS IN THE AIR Explore the most romantic restaurants that Greater Cleveland has to offer.
HOME & GARDEN
123 PARISIAN FLAIR A Solon home combines a modern European palette with Old World architecture.
128 LOOK BACK Amelia Earhart touches down in Cleveland while testing out her equipment, before making her final journey.
Running Up That Hill
Katie Moon’s celebration started 4.95 meters above the ground.
The pole vaulter’s smile lit up as her face broke the plane of the crossbar at her personal-best height. Her muscular arms flexed as she fell to the mat, and her shriek rang through the COVID-empty arena. The jump secured her Olympic gold at the 2020 Tokyo Games, a decade of hard work validated in 10 seconds.
Jogging off the track to find her coach, Moon found a camera and exclaimed, “Cleveland, this is for you!” Six-and-a-half thousand miles away in her hometown of Olmsted Falls, the dozens of fans, family and friends who gathered at Fat Little Buddy’s in the wee hours of a Thursday morning heard her — or, perhaps, could not, over their cheers and high-fives for the local hero.
Moon, formerly Nageotte, who went on to win silver in Paris and three World Championships, represents everything that is great about the Olympics. In addition to supporting her hometown in front of a worldwide audience, her journey to gold wasn’t prodigious. She was 12 when she first pole vaulted. She won states as a senior at Olmsted Falls High School, the school’s first championship, and broke the school’s record height. But downs accom-
panied the ups. She lost her dad in high school, and when she got to the University of Dayton, she was homesick and uncomfortable. She transferred to Ashland University, where she won two NCAA Division II Championships. Even on the day she won Olympic Gold, misses on her first two tries threatened to send her home. But her resilience shone through.
This month’s centerfold subjects are closer to wunderkinds, but the Winter Olympians still navigated moguls en route to Northern Italy. Though they maintain roots, both had to leave their hometown as kids to further their careers. No one expected 17-year-old snowboarder Red Gerard to win gold in the 2018 Pyeongchang Games — especially after he almost missed his gold-medal run with a hangover. Laila Edwards, meanwhile, overcame a knee injury this fall to become the first Black woman to compete for Team USA.
More than ever, sportsmanship has left sports. Mass media reveals too much to revere most athletes as heroes. Gambling ads border college and professional sports broadcasts, which feature athletes making paychecks bigger than most of us will ever see in our lives. Even high school kids can get paid now.
Edwards, Gerard and Moon — and the Olympics in general — show us sports still matter.
Most Olympic athletes don’t make more than a modest living, instead driven by an intense desire for greatness and an obsessive passion for sports. The Games are more obscure than the major leagues, but they mirror life’s most difficult and triumphant moments. These competitors inspire us to dream, work and persevere.
Dillon Stewart, editor
Getting Cheesy
We recently helped some Clevelanders discover a Pizza Hut Classic located in Warren, Ohio. The restaurant boasts a rare, yet familiar, setup modeling the Pizza Huts of yesteryear, which took our readers back to their glory days.
@pizzahut Hidden gem energy
@chefreactions THIS IS INCREDIBLE NEWS.
@tomatohead1 I don’t mean to be dramatic, but I feel like this could fix me
@_mclelland I can smell these pictures
@the_tiger_has_wing I call corner booth!
Angel Caruthers on Facebook Love this buffet! We just went a couple weeks ago. Literally the best! Great customer service too.
Julia Craft on Facebook There’s one in Salem, OH too, just 30 minutes from the Warren one!
@melsiedotcom on X Maybe it’s just nostalgia, but there was something kinda special about going to Pizza Hut as a kid. The pizza was good, it was noisy, and they had a jukebox! What more could a kid want?
Read more about the restaurant at clevelandmagazine.com/pizza-hut-classic
LOCAL GETAWAY
CLEVELAND
ATHENS
Got a tank of gas and time to kill? Start the new year with a quick trip to a new city. Associate editor Julia Lombardo recently paid her first visit to the charming college town of Athens, Ohio, located 200 miles south of Cleveland, and these were her favorite spots along the brick roads.
Donkey Coffee Bagel Street Deli River Of Time Boutique and Gallery
Denise Polverine publisher Dillon Stewart editor
managing editor Ron Ledgard
senior editor Annie Nickoloff
associate editor Julia Lombardo
editorial assistants Christina Rufo, Jaden Stambolia
contributing writers Mark Clavin, Annie Gleydura, Vince Guerrieri, Kristen Hampshire, Ida Lieszkovszky, Lainey Novak, Ken Prendergast, Alissa Bica Raines, Lynne Thompson
art director Erin Stinard
associate art director Abigail Archer
contributing artists Patrick Boyer, Mark Clavin, Alex Denver, Ellen Gobielle, Casey Rearick editorial@clevelandmagazine.com
Subscription services clevelandmagazine@sfsdayton.com or 1-800-453-1009
your inbox.
As it approaches its 100th
“What’s
the password?”
a man asks, peeking his head out of the windowless brick building and into the wintry air. “Uhhh…” I stammer, caught off guard. A password? There’s a password for the Cleveland Schvitz?
This place was secretive in its past life. It didn’t allow women, for the most part. Enduring social media comments still share the “first rule of the Schvitz.” (“You do not talk about the Schvitz.”)
But, a password? That’s new.
A moment later, the door flings open. “Just kidding. Come on in!”
My sister and I step inside and up the creaky stairs, which smell like eucalyptus and stale cigar smoke. Today, the 98-year-old social club is hosting a ladies’ days, and the space is boisterous and loud, with women in bathing suits, robes and towels maneuvering around the building, flip-flops slapping against the carpet and tile floors.
At the second-floor dining level, we’re handed cocktails in plastic cups, then ushered to the cashier where we dole out $165 per person. The fee covers drinks, access to the steam room and cold plunge, plus a meal, from noon to 6 p.m.
Around the corner is a baking tray loaded with the thickest rib steaks I’ve ever seen, each one sliced with a band saw, then encrusted with hand-chopped garlic. A few steaks sizzle on the grill. The Browns49ers game takes over every one of the dining room’s TVs. And there’s that lingering cigar smell, everywhere. Masculinity, everywhere.
Yet, women have been regularly welcomed at the Schvitz on its popular ladies’ days and co-ed days — two recent offerings for the
The 98-year-old Cleveland Schvitz has, under its new ownership, incorporated regular ladies’ and co-ed days into its schedule.
longtime male-only space.
While some nay-sayers have called ladies’ day “misguided,” the Schvitz’s co-owner Billy Buckholtz disputes that: “From 1927 till the late ’50s, every Wednesday was ladies’ day. My grandmother Lilly, whose father and uncle built this place; my grandmother never missed a Wednesday.”
THE CLEVELAND SCHVITZ HAS an Instagram page, run by manager Ben Balogh. You can find its address (11516 Luke Ave.) on Google Maps. You no longer need to know somebody to get in.
Before the team of Buckholtz, Paul Rotman, Gary Wachs and other silent owners took over in 2017, former owners Mark and Greg Balogh, and before them, Gay Gold, operated with a more secretive mentality, says author Josh Womack.
Some patrons still think that way. While researching for his book, Sweaty Stories from the Cleveland Schvitz, Womack says he received Facebook messages telling him to “leave it the hell alone and go away.” But Womack, a longtime Schvitz fan, wanted to explore the piece of Cleveland history and found that Buckholtz was excited to share its stories. Buckholtz, who co-owns Murray Hill Market with his wife, Michele, was also the keyboardist and singer of the local band Wild Horses, known for its hit “Funky Poodle.” He was friendlier to the idea of media exposure than former owners.
“In terms of the people who say it should remain a secret and it should be kept underground, I totally get where they’re coming from. But at the same point, the Schvitz isn’t their business, it’s Billy’s business,” Womack says. “Places have to survive, and you have to adapt at least a little bit.”
If at one point the Schvitz was surviving, today, it’s thriving. Buckholtz’s phone pings with new reservations at all hours.
The Schvitz started more humbly. It’s the only remaining bathhouse from the three that Buckholtz’s great-grandfather Nathan Sharp opened with his brother Charles Sharp almost 100 years ago, to help workingclass Clevelanders stay clean. “Schvitz” is the Yiddish word for “bath,” and the space welcomed neighborhood residents, which included Jewish people, along with Hungarian, German, Italian and Greek communities.
“Right from the get-go, it was not all Jews,” says Buckholtz, who is Jewish.
Buckholtz, 74, has been a regular since he was 7. His father, Norman, and uncle, Alan, gave platzas (a steam room massage where people are swatted with oak or birch leaves)
for much of their lives. Billy learned to give platzas, too, spending years on the top step, the hottest level of the steam room.
From that vantage point, Buckholtz witnessed Schvitz attendance drop in the ’70s and ’80s as much of its customer base drifted from the changing Kinsman neighborhood. And then he saw it pick up again in the late ’90s, as younger generations of Clevelanders rediscovered the Schvitz. With millennials flocking in, curiosity grew around the business, especially for the daughters and wives of longtime patrons.
Womack’s book, on display at the front counter of the Schvitz, is filled with anecdotes and stories around the business. Buckholtz’s daughter Samantha provides both an introduction and epilogue. “I am so proud of my dad. He has helped usher the Schvitz into the modern era while holding on to what makes it sacred,” she writes. “He has also welcomed many women into the experience so we can find our own joy and sacredness.”
MY SISTER AND I quickly learn that we can’t really handle the temperatures that rise steeply in the upper steps in the steam room — except for during platzas, a $20 add-on where we’re hurriedly scrubbed down and whipped by branches on the top step’s intense heat.
Otherwise, we stay on the bottom three cedar plank steps, acclimating to the fiery hot sauna, and chat with the women around us.
We’re wearing bathing suits. Not everyone is.
The room is packed with mothers and daughters, groups of coworkers, friends and girlfriends. Some lazily lounge against the steps. Others slip in and out of the room. One woman gets lightheaded and is escorted outside to cool off.
Warmth radiates from the ancient furnace on the other side of the room. My mango-blackberry cocktail’s few remaining ice cubes rapidly disappear. But along with the sweat pouring off of me, I feel tension and stress ebb out of my body. The dizzying heat becomes addictive. Fresh rounds of cocktails are periodically passed around in the room. Occasionally, someone fills a metal bucket with ice-cold water from a spout and dunks it over their head, splashing anyone in their vicinity with a shock of cold water. But the biggest jolt is a dip in the cold plunge pool. A few daring, overheated attendees wade there.
I prefer the snowy patio. There, a group of friends pass around a dab pen, its vapor mixing with the clouds of steam emanating from outstretched arms. Back and forth — icy, steamy — again, and again.
After a couple of hours, we head upstairs to our spot at a long table, next to a pair of daughters and their mothers, who share their cheese plate with us. They’ve come to the Schvitz after years of hearing about it from their fathers and husbands. Today, they’re experiencing it for the first time.
Like us, they’ve ordered the steak, off a menu that also features hamburgers, salmon filets and zucchini pancakes. It’s the same menu offered on men’s days. (An attempt to swap in a steak salad special was an unexpected misstep, as one woman told Buckholtz when making a reservation years ago.)
“She goes, ‘Let me stop you right there. We want to eat the steaks. We want to drink whiskey, smoke cigars and eat your rib steaks with our hands,’” Buckholtz says, smiling. “And they did.”
It’s an absurd dinner scene: I’m wrapped in a towel, my bathing suit still damp, surrounded by other women in towels. We’re all about to eat the biggest steaks of our lives. These giant slabs of meat arrive at our table that’s already crowded with salads, soda, pickled peppers, beer and cookies.
Generations of women share stories about their loved ones — some alive, some gone — and make new memories in this space that’s soon to reach a century of business. This living, breathing, steaming place.
Buckholtz’s own wistful idea of community culminates here at the Schvitz: “Behind these brick walls with no windows and steel doors, is the great American dream.”
We saw into the meat to find a perfect medium-rare pink, slathered in garlic and grilled onions. It’s simple. I savor it, this bite of Cleveland history.
The Schvitz’s most popular dish is its rib steak, which is cut with a band saw and encrusted with garlic before being tossed on the grill.
GETTING OUT
BUNDLE UP AND ROCK OUT. Cleveland’s annual wintertime music festival returns in a new location this year, moving from its prior spot in the Flats to the Waterloo Arts District in Cleveland’s North Collinwood neighborhood. “Being on the East Bank of the Flats in more of a neighborhood format last year felt really good; it felt good to be with actual neighbors and not just in a parking lot,” says festival organizer and co-founder Emily Hornack. “This move to Waterloo is a much bigger extension of that.” A lineup of local artists will perform in a variety of indoor and outdoor stages, making use of Waterloo’s eclectic spaces like the Beachland Ballroom, The Treelawn and Praxis Fiber Workshop. Plus, expect interactive children’s shows, art installations courtesy of Ingenuity Cleveland, firepits and other fun from the longtime February fest. The event lineup features more than 35 artists, and Cleveland’s LoConti headlines the day with its blend of catchy funk-rock. The show goes on, rain or shine ... or snow. Tickets $15 or available on a sliding scale. Waterloo Road, Cleveland, britewinter.com
Brite
SAVE THE DATE
LAKE ERIE FOLK FESTIVAL
FEB. 14
Learn more about folk music at workshops and jams during the daytime at Case Western Reserve University’s Thwing Student Center, then settle in for an evening of live music at Harkness Chapel. Concert tickets $25-$30, workshops free; Thwing Center: 11111 Euclid Ave.; Harkness Chapel: 11200 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, lakeeriefolkfest.com
FISH FRY DINNERS
FEB. 18-APRIL 2
During Lent, fish fry dinners take over local churches, nonprofit spaces and restaurants, serving platters packed with perch and pierogies on most Fridays. Use Cleveland Magazine’s annual fish fry guide to find your favorites. Various locations, clevelandmagazine.com/fish-fry
CLEVELAND
KURENTOVANJE PARADE
FEB. 14
Scare away the winter and welcome in spring with the Slovenian Mardi Gras festival, which takes over the St. ClairSuperior neighborhood with a parade of fuzzy Kurent monsters, live music and other fun. Free, 6417 St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, clevelandkurentovanje.com
ORCHID RODEO
FEB. 14-APRIL 5
Giddy up! The Cleveland Botanical Garden’s annual orchid show has a western rodeo theme for this year’s show. Check out a variety of bright and colorful flowers from around the world, in full bloom. $15-$21, 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, holdenfg.org
Find Your Diamond in the Rough
Show love through shining metals specially forged by Northeast Ohio’s finest jewelry makers.
A handcrafted charm is left with a textured, chiseled surface for an antiqued look, while salt and pepper diamonds add a subtle shine to a rustic 14K yellow gold chain. $625, piercejewelryoh.com
CRYSTAL QUARTZ POINT EARRINGS CRESCENT ROSE CRAFT
The clear gems are elegant and timeless on their own or pair cleanly with other silver or gold earrings. $32,13000 Athens Ave., Lakewood, crescentrosecraft.com
BY JULIA LOMBARDO
DESIDERIUM WATCH THE EXCB JEWELRY LAY
SILVER CHISEL MARK RING BAND IN GOOD COMPANY JEWELRY
Made from high-quality precious metals, this everyday band can complement either a formal or casual look with beautiful simplicity. $102, 330-256-7724, ingoodcompanyjewelry.com
A sci-fi-inspired look features bronze finishes, hand-stitched leather and a minimalist dial that all blend seamlessly for a sophisticated timepiece. $500, 330-474-9010, theexcb.com
LEAF PENDANT PIERCE JEWELRY
Who’s Paying Big Data’s Bills?
As data centers multiply across Ohio, they’re straining the grid — and your bank account. Local leaders say renewable microgrids could be the key to lowering costs.
Ohio has seen a surge in data centers, with 24 located in the Greater Cleveland area alone. With some of them taking over office spaces in Downtown Cleveland, they’re now draining the grid that powers the region’s homes and businesses. The costs then get passed on to everyone, all in the name of powering the digital world we live in.
Data centers, and not just those dedicated to artificial intelligence, are being built all over the country to help power our ability to use social media, talk to our coworkers on Teams or Slack, and now use AI apps such as ChatGPT, Google’s Gemini and Microsoft’s Copilot.
Hundreds or thousands of servers hum inside each of these buildings. The average data center houses around 2,000 to 5,000 machines, according to the Pew Research Center. The servers need two things: electricity to run them and water to keep them cool.
As future microgrids expand in the area, they might be able to mitigate the effects of the data centers on Ohio’s main electrical grid.
Midsize data centers (20,000-100,000 square feet) can use about 10-70 megawatts of electricity per year, and larger data centers over 100,000 square feet use up to 200 MW.
To put that level of electricity use in perspective, one megawatt-hour can power an electric car for roughly 3,600 miles. Ten MWhs’ worth of energy could drive an electric car from Cleveland to Los Angeles and back roughly seven times. Scale that to 200 MWh, and you’d have enough electricity for that electric car to circle the Earth nearly 29 times.
When you add them all up, data centers have accounted for roughly 4.4% of the U.S. electricity consumption in recent years.
That number might only increase. Industry and government forecasts suggest that the share could soon nearly triple.
The cost of that consumption is now being passed down to residents. In fact, more than half of Ohioans’ electric bill reflects the cost of generating electricity from raw materials and whether power plants have the capacity to meet a state’s demand.
In Ohio, PJM Interconnection manages the grid powering the area and is seeing everincreasing demand driven by data centers.
That’s because, among the 13 states it covers, Virginia and Ohio are the first- and fifth-largest markets for data centers, respectively. Between Virginia and Ohio, almost 900 data centers could eventually be tapped into the grid.
The Pennsylvania-based company allows power plants to bid on the cost of providing electricity. The last two auctions (one in 2024, one in 2025) set record highs with their winning bids, which has driven electric bills up last year, and the latest results suggest bills could rise a further 1.5% to 5% this year.
WINNING BIDS TO PROVIDE POWER
Ohioans have expressed significant concern over rising electric bills, and Cuyahoga County Executive Chris Ronayne understands the issue, having seen his own bill rise. He says that paying more for electricity leaves residents with less money for other life essentials.
“Utility bills are a layer in the stack of monthly expenses for any resident,” Ronayne says. “And as utility bills rise, that potentially makes (individuals) more food and housing insecure. So it’s a cascading effect.”
Nothing is uncertain for PJM and its voting members, which include private utilities, power plants and transmission line companies. PJM is responsible for building new power plants, retiring older ones and coordi-
nating who and how power flows through the grid in Ohio and 13 other states.
Its voting members are seeing record profits. For example, FirstEnergy Corp. subsidiaries have affiliate memberships on PJM; they have voting rights only at task force and lower-level committee meetings. Monongahela Power Co, owned by FirstEnergy, is a full voting member, meaning it participates in the competitive wholesale electricity market. Also owned by FirstEnergy, the Illuminating Co. and Ohio Edison serve over 1.7 million customers in Northeast and North Central Ohio. FirstEnergy reported a gross profit of $9.6 million in 2024. In 2021, its gross profit was around $7.7 million.
Microgrids might be Cuyahoga County’s secret weapon. Their ability to be placed throughout the county will help drive down electric costs by generating renewable energy that can be used or stored during times of high demand or when the main grid falters. However, it will be years before they make an impact.
“We are taking steps before we run,”
Ronayne says.
The county established Cuyahoga Green Energy in 2021, a public energy company, to develop renewable energy projects, such as solar arrays and microgrids, that can help stabilize the grid.
“The name of the game is resilient power, choice in energy,” Ronayne says. “Keeping costs low because of competition and ultimately the microgrids and the individual home solar retrofits can help bring down the whole cost of energy.”
CGE is the first new county utility in the country in over 75 years. Through its microgrids, it will help put more electrons (megawatts) on the grid and create cheaper electric bills.
Microgrids are local and often selfsufficient. Their power lines are typically underground and may include solar panels, gas generators and large batteries for energy storage. They can tap into the main grid to draw power and then disconnect when needed without interruption. Unlike traditional microgrids that serve a couple of sites or
locations, CGE designed its systems to serve multiple interconnected sites. When they are not connected to the main grid and are generating their own MW, microgrids can reduce the factors that drive up bills.
“Any kind of (local) new electrons on the grid are going to help relieve that pressure and eventually help to stabilize costs,” says Jenita McGowan, Cuyahoga County chief of climate and sustainability. “And so even if it’s a commercial microgrid, it helps the grid as a whole relieve those (factors) that are creating this high cost situation.”
Right now, CGE has no operational microgrids. The Euclid microgrid will begin construction in 2027, take about a year to complete and generate 5 MW. Cuyahoga County has operated a solar site in Brooklyn since 2018. A planned expansion at the site is expected to increase generation up to 4 to 10 MW. That is enough to power roughly 2,000 homes for an entire year.
Cuyahoga had 615,825 housing units, according to the 2020 census. Overall, electric consumers use about 4,777.41% of the power
generated by the county. If 10 MW can power 2,000 homes for a year, the county would need to generate over 3,000 MW to power all the housing units independently. To meet demand, the region draws on power sources outside of Northeast Ohio.
The most extensive project to help generate electrons locally is happening in Painesville, where a solar array installation would be capable of producing up to 35 MW. It’s planned to be finished by 2027.
CGE’s current microgrid plans primarily involve serving commercial and industrial customers. Future projects include vital community facilities.
Since these microgrids are years away, Ohioans have limited options for lowering their bills right now. They can shop for a cheaper supplier or see whether their community is buying electricity in bulk, a system known as aggregation. Cuyahogans can band together and explore the solar co-op offered by CGE. In doing so, they will be able to buy and install solar panels at a discounted price. CGE hit its 500th solar installation at
the end of 2025.
Even with these options available, the electrical situation is expected to worsen as Northeast Ohio is poised for a data center expansion. Ohio presents two strong incentives for data centers considering expansion.
Lake Erie holds massive amounts of water for cooling servers, and Ohio offers a full or partial exemption from the state’s 5.75% tax on large data centers, provided state officials approve the exemption. Signal Ohio reported that Ohio waived about $127 million in taxes for data centers in 2025.
Some relief is coming. Last year, Ohio issued a ruling requiring any new large data centers in AEP Ohio’s territory to pay for at least 85% of the energy they are contracted to use, even if they don’t use it. The plan for this tariff is to help pay for the infrastructure that is needed to power the data centers.
“I think the operative of the day,” Ronayne says, “is work together and with the ultimate goal of making sure we have appropriate infrastructure to live in the digital world we live in.”
SUNDAY, FEBRUARY 22 11am - 2pm
Chef’s
Encore Takes Center Stage in Cleveland’s Cocktail Scene
The new bar complements its theatrical neighborhood with impressive, beautifully served beverages.
Encore 1580 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, 216-220-7823, encorepsq.com
At Encore, small details make a huge impact.
Opened in December in Playhouse Square’s Lumen Building, the space’s vintage decor nods to the cocktail bar’s theatrical neighbors. Maroon-red walls and ceilings echo the coats worn by theater ushers, while a 1920s candelabra once used to illuminate the Playhouse’s Connor Palace now enchants the bar. A wall of brassy mirrors and picture frames isn’t just decorative; it offers clues to the spectacle ahead —
TOP SHELF
D’Agostino carries an extensive liquor assortment with a focus on rum, gin and tequila that he says is “for cocktail nerds.”
WHEN YOU GO
MOCKTAIL MAGIC
For booze without the buzz, try the killer non-alcoholic version of Mine to Lose ($12) that’s flavor-packed with passion fruit, hibiscus and that famous salt air.
Encore, located in Playhouse Square, takes you back in time with its vintage vibe and classic drinks.
ALL THE BUZZ
The Intervention ($18), a crowd favorite, is a vodka or espresso martini made with your your choice of vodka and topped with a pinch of salt.
like a silhouette of the Wicked Witch signifying the mezcal cocktail Elphie’s Exile ($18).
The drama isn’t all show. Encore’s cocktails are some of the most delicious and technically impressive in the city.
The bar is the first venture from Encore Hospitality Group, led by general manager Anthony D’Agostino, with Logan Neisel overseeing small bites and Marion Siperstein shaping the beverage program. Neisel heads up North Coast Culinary, a local company for private events and pop-up dinners. He specializes in immersive culinary experiences with his Prologue Dinner Series — most recently, showcasing a six-course JapaneseItalian fusion dinner at Bartleby. D’Agostino previously worked in Chicago with Boka Restaurant Group, the company behind Top Chef-winner Stephanie Izard’s The Girl and the Goat. He works with Siperstein on developing the small details — like whimsical salt air and decadent whipped blue cheese stuffed olives — that help this bar stand apart from others in the city. Siperstein is a nurse by trade but developed a deep love for mixology while living in Los Angeles and turned her interest into a consulting gig. She describes her style of mixology as “a modern call back to the Prohibition era, where the art of the craft and elegance defined the glass.”
“Cleveland has been a shot-and-a-beer town for a long time,” D’Agostino says. “We felt there was a real need in this spot near Playhouse Square.”
That philosophy shows up in drinks like Alert the Press ($18), an elevated take on a dirty martini. Vodka is washed with olive oil for a smoother mouthfeel, then mixed with herbaceous Rockwell Vermouth, peppercorn, champagne vinegar and olive brine. This salty and savory blend is topped with Castelvetrano olives stuffed in-house with whipped blue cheese, cornichons, tobacco and caper brine — so indulgent they alone justify the price. Pair it with the Charcuterie Martini ($9), a glass with a rotating selection of cured meats, cheeses and accountrements. Food is intentionally limited — this is a cocktail bar first — but each dish is care-
fully paired and rooted in Cleveland’s Gilded Era, when haute cuisine met opulent Art Deco aesthetics. On New Year’s Eve, Neisel even served a one-night-only panna cotta molded in the shape of a woman’s head. Regular menu standouts include What the Duck ($14), a duck rillette with duck butter and herbes de Provence, paired with Elphie’s Exile, a mezcal and reposado tequila cocktail accented with amaro, honey, lime and orange blossom. The citrus and honey balance the smokiness from the mezcal, a spirit many often shy away from. That would be a shame because the drink is a spectacle. Pale yellow like the yellow brick road, it arrives topped with a pink flower representing Glinda and a pointy rosemary sprig lit tableside — like the Wicked Witch herself vanishing amidst
The drinks at Encore are designed with classic touches and inspired ideas, but the experience is just as much a part of the draw.
a puff of smoke.
Dessert comes in the form of Close But No Cigar ($10), a peanut butter–miso-filled dark chocolate shaped like its namesake, paired with the Man Without Willpower ($18), a cherrywood smoked Old Fashioned with banana- and cinnamon-infused bourbon finished with nutty tobacco bitters. The opening menu focuses on elevating the classics, designed to feel fresh but familiar to a broad audience, while a rotating slate of upcoming cocktails will stretch boundaries further.
“People walk in and are shocked that we have real drinks here,” D’Agostino says.
As much as one can wax poetic about ingredients and technique, Encore is equally about the experience. Yes, the hospitality is polished, and the drinks are exceptional. But when you see, floating toward you, the bright pink Mine to Lose ($18) — a twist on a spicy margarita topped with magical salt air — and learn that it’s a personification of Taylor Swift’s lyrics (about salt air) from her song “August,” you realize every sip deserves a standing ovation.
TRENDS TO WATCH IN 2026
SPORTS BARS
A new wave of sports bars is on the rise, prioritizing big screens, cold beer and an easygoing game-day atmosphere over elaborate concepts. Openings like Urban Meyer’s Pint House and Tom’s Watch Bar in Downtown Cleveland, along with immersive venues like Cosm, point to renewed demand for places built around watching sports.
RESTAURANT EXPANSION
Classic favorites like Flour have opened fresh outposts, Crowley’s Dive Bar has grown beyond its Eastlake roots with a new location in University Heights, and the team behind Cordelia is preparing to debut a new concept, Rosy, in Ohio City, building on its Midwest Nice ethos. Lao Sze Chuan and Shinto Japanese Steakhouse are also expanding to new areas.
MIDDLE EASTERN INFLUENCES
Middle Eastern flavors continue to expand their presence, building on decades of familiarity while pushing into new territory. Aladdin’s Eatery and Zhug have helped make these flavors grow, and recent openings like Qahwah House Coffee and Shibam Coffee Co. show how that influence is evolving in new directions.
1. Guardian Cold Brew
Black Cap Hot Sauce
FLAVOR PROFILE: Adding small-batch coffee to its OG fermented recipe gives an earthy depth. One of a few limited runs per year.
HEAT LEVEL: 6/10
SUGGESTED PAIRINGS: Eggs, chili, marinade WHERE TO FIND: Heinen’s, Lucky’s Market blackcaphotsauce.com
2. West Side Market Treasure
Narrin Asian Spice & Sauce
FLAVOR PROFILE: This jalapeno-based sauce offers bright freshness with vegetal aromas.
HEAT LEVEL: 4/10
SUGGESTED PAIRINGS: Tacos, enchiladas, avocado toast, grilled seafood WHERE TO FIND: West Side Market westsidemarket.org
3. Casabella Taqueria
Day Of The Dead
FLAVOR PROFILE: Heat follows flavor in this mix of Carolina reapers, arbol peppers, tomatillos and garlic.
HEAT LEVEL: 3/10
SUGGESTED PAIRINGS: Almost anything WHERE TO FIND: Lakewood’s Nature’s Oasis psilegacyfood.com
4. Hairy Canary
Chili’s Fire Pit
FLAVOR PROFILE: Fatalii peppers, a rarity, bring high heat with slight citrusy notes.
HEAT LEVEL: 9/10
SUGGESTED PAIRINGS: Tropical fruit salsa, curry, bloody marys WHERE TO FIND: Mentor’s Chili’s Fire Pit chilisfirepit.com
Dab, Drizzle or Dollop
For local spice freaks, hot sauce offers flavor profiles and food pairings just as complex and rewarding as fine wine.
BY DILLON STEWART
PHOTO BY ALEX DENVER
Carlos E. Ramos
Owner, The Tea Lab
Northeast Ohio’s top foodies share their local favorites.
Before he owned The Tea Lab, Ramos was the guy happily sipping on the other side of the counter. His love for great drinks runs deep, inspired by his Puerto Rican grandfather, who farmed his own coffee. When the opportunity to buy the shop arose in 2016, the lifelong Clevelander jumped in. Today, his favorite part of the job is connecting with customers and creating a place where everyone can feel welcome. — CHRISTINA RUFO
INSPIRING EATS: I love cooking, but sushi is one thing I don’t make for myself, although I’m brave enough to eat the raw fish. The team at Issho Ni Ramen & Sushi in Willoughby does really nice sushi at an affordable price, and I also like making the drive to Shuhei out in Beachwood for both dine-in and takeout.
COFFEE CRAVINGS: I think there’s a fallacy that you can only drink coffee or tea. One of my current favorites is Propaganda Coffee in Lakewood. The Riverside drink is such a nice weekend treat. I feel like I haven’t started my weekend until I get one. It has brown sugar, vanilla and a double shot of espresso. I like to get it with almond milk.
LAKEWOOD LIVING: The area has so many good, little places. If I want to go somewhere fancy, Rood on Madison Avenue has an upscale quality of food. I always get the adventurous dish anytime I go out to eat. I’m not someone who has pedestrian taste, so I like to see what people are coming up with. Also, Gingham Market does great to-go food with a different menu every day, and LBM is always doing creative things with its cocktails.
RECENT DELIGHTS: Tay Do is this little Vietnamese restaurant in a strip mall out in Parma. The cabbage salad is so special. The owner shaves the cabbage so thin, and the sweet and spicy vinaigrette they use is just delicious. That’s something I could eat all day.
DINING GUIDE
CLEVELAND’S MOST ROMANTIC RESTAURANTS
17 River Grille
WHY WE LOVE IT: Overlooking the waterfalls in the heart of Chagrin Falls, this modern American dining room pairs its stunning views with an inviting, stylish interior. Leather banquettes, soft lighting and wood-topped tables create a gentle glow against floor-to-ceiling windows, while the menu leans into house-made comfort alongside an inventive cocktail and wine list. TRY THIS: The lemon Parmesan chicken ($24) delivers pan-seared crispiness with a rich beurre blanc and a fresh arugula salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette. 17 River St., Chagrin Falls, 440-893-0797, 17rivergrille.com
Amba
WHY WE LOVE IT: Amba pairs its bold, Indian-leaning flavors with an atmosphere built for romance. Dark, cocoon-like walls and glowing lunar sconces wash the room in a soft amber haze, creating a moody hideaway that invites lingering conversation and shareable plates. TRY THIS: The Amba Favorites for two ($78) offers a vibrantly curated lineup of clay bread with herb raita, crispy puris, popcorn chicken, ghee-basted shrimp and wokfired string beans, with plenty of vegan and gluten-free options across the menu for everyone at the table. 430 W. 28th St., Cleveland, 216-417-6718, ambacle.com
Bartleby Cleveland
WHY WE LOVE IT: Escape to this moody world of ornate vaulted ceilings, tapered candles and even a charming tree inside the Ohio City gem that now occupies a stunning historic 1920s building. Whimsical touches, like rabbit lamps and floral wallpaper, make Bartleby stand out. TRY THIS: Michelin-starred chef Dante Boccuzzi curates an American menu with elevated twists. The roasted chicken ($29) is a comforting blend served over silky cauliflower puree with seasonal vegetables and a rich au jus. 2537 Lorain Ave., Cleveland, 216-417-2224, bartlebycleveland.com
Coppia
WHY WE LOVE IT: In their new Willoughby space, chefs Hedy and Talia Trovato bring their award-winning partnership to life. The Chopped Grand Champion duo crafts seasonal, sustainable menus that are as heartfelt as they are refined, each plate reflecting their shared intuition, heritage and creativity. TRY THIS: Steak Bravo ($60) features an 8 oz. grass-fed filet mignon paired with velvety Parmesan risotto and caramelized sweet onions for a savory, comforting finish. 1731 Lost Nation Road, Willoughby, 440-375-5956, coppiarestaurant.com
Cleveland Chop
WHY WE LOVE IT: A perfect fixture for a night on the town, this modern, approachable fine dining spot sits at the center of Downtown action. Industrial and wood touches add warmth, and the steak-andseafood menu offers standout burgers, craft drinks and an extensive wine list. TRY THIS: The Filet Oscar ($60) is a showstopper, topped with jumbo lump crab, crispy asparagus and rich bearnaise, served with your choice of side. 824 W. St. Clair Ave., Cleveland, 216-696-2467, clevelandchop.com
Don’s Pomeroy House
WHY WE LOVE IT: Set in a mid-19th-century mansion overlooking the town square, this space has been a celebratory dining staple for over four decades. Guests gravitate to its softly lit rooms and the beloved library fireplace while enjoying standout steaks, seafood and classic cocktails, plus a casual pub downstairs. TRY THIS: Opt for the braised short rib ($38), a six-hour, fall-apart tender cut paired with asiago risotto, glazed baby carrots and a deep, savory braising jus. 13664 Pearl Road, Strongsville, 440-572-1111, donspomeroy.com
Bar Italia
WHY WE LOVE IT: Inspired by New York’s chic neighborhood bistros, Bar Italia brings a polished, white-tablecloth elegance to Lakewood and Beachwood. Fresh pastas, house-made sauces and an ambient, candlelit atmosphere make it a natural pick for an indulgent date night. TRY THIS: The Parmesan-crusted crispy chicken limone ($24) is a standout, served with a golden crust, peppery arugula and a delicate lemon butter sauce. 15625 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, 216-303-9699; 2101 Richmond Road, Beachwood, 216-342-5030, baritalia.com
Edwins Leadership & Restaurant Institute
WHY WE LOVE IT: Edwins’ new Cleveland Heights space brings Parisian charm to the former Nighttown, creating a romantic setting for French cooking and its second-chance mission. Brasserie banquettes, art-glass windows and an elegant dining room set the mood, preserving the restaurant’s signature warmth and character. TRY THIS: The bouillabaisse ($48) is a showpiece, featuring fish, mussels and lobster in a fragrant saffron broth. Edwins’ rendition brings classic French technique to the table with a richly layered, beautifully presented seafood stew. 12383 Cedar Road, Cleveland Heights, 216921-3333, edwinsrestaurant.org
Etna Ristorante & Wine Bar
WHY WE LOVE IT: This intimate Little Italy gem channels the essence of a Sicilian home, complete with vintage Tiffany-style lamps, close-set tables and a soft, romantic glow. Chef Peppe Pilumeli’s modern Italian dishes, especially the daily seafood specials, make Etna a perfect spot for pasta, wine and lingering conversation. TRY THIS: Start with the mussels ($15), sauteed in extra virgin olive oil, garlic, white wine, tomato sauce and cherry tomatoes, with toasted bread for dipping. 11919 Mayfield Road, Cleveland, 216-791-7670, etnalittleitaly.com
Fahrenheit
WHY WE LOVE IT: Chef Rocco Whalen’s stunning reboot of the Tremont hot spot boasts an expansive, luxe flagship restaurant in Public Square, complete with a romantic, swanky rooftop patio and an oversized quartz chef’s table. The menu leans upscale American with bold global influences, spotlighting premium meats, fresh seafood and inventive seasonal dishes. TRY THIS: Practice self-love and order the butter-poached lobster mac and cheese ($56), prepared with a cognac reduction, brie, goat cheese, Parmesan and oven-roasted tomatoes. 55 Public Square, Suite 150, Cleveland, 216-781-8858, fahrenheitrestaurants.com
Goma
WHY WE LOVE IT: Dante Boccuzzi’s East Fourth Street sushi spot blends traditional technique with modern flair, showcased at a lively bar where chefs work with meticulous precision. Deep blue walls and jellyfish lighting add whimsy to a refined menu, creating an energetic, inviting dining experience. TRY THIS: Treat youself and your partner to an evening of delicacy with the Gomakase nigiri ($79) featuring Chef Lee’s daily special selection. 2079 E. Fourth St., Cleveland, 216-770-4662, gomarestaurant.com
Il Venetian
WHY WE LOVE IT: This space delivers one of the most romantic dining rooms in Downtown Cleveland, glowing with crystal chandeliers, soft drapery and floor-toceiling windows that wash the space in warm light. The marble bar, framed by gold shelving and plush leather seating, adds a luxurious edge, while Murano glass accents and marble floors create a transportive atmosphere. “The ambiance is a huge draw,” says general manager Bob Humphrey. TRY THIS: The veal agnolotti ($29), a family recipe from executive chef Alberto Leandri, features house-made pasta stuffed with Parmesan cheese and braised, cookeddown veal, in a simple Sicilian pistachio sauce with 16-month aged Parmesan (Sapore Del Piave) on top. 100 St. Clair Ave. NE, Cleveland, 216-241-4800, ilvenetian.com
L’Albatros
WHY WE LOVE IT: With its softly lit dining room and breezy brasserie charm, this spot feels like slipping away to a romantic corner of Paris. Every dish reflects classic French technique with a modern twist, from delicate seafood to rich, comforting plates that invite lingering and sharing. Housed in an old carriage house on the Case Western Reserve University campus, it carries a storybook charm of its own. TRY THIS: The duck confit ($36) is a standout, featuring a crispy duck leg over sweet potato puree and braised cabbage. Chef Zack Bruell’s version stays true to tradition, curing the meat and slow-cooking it in duck fat before finishing it with a sherry vinegar gastrique and whole-grain mustard sauce as part of a three-day process. 11401 Bellflower Road, Cleveland, 216-791-7880, albatrosbrasserie.com
Le Petit Triangle Cafe
WHY WE LOVE IT: You’ll feel like you’ve flown to France when you enter this quintessential Parisian cafe, complete with classic decor like cafe chairs, a checkered floor and a charming wooden bar. The intimate setting feels like a vibrant extension of your living room, whether you’re sipping an espresso or enjoying your favorite French delicacy on crisp white linens. TRY THIS: Opt for the French classic boeuf bourguignon ($21), stewed with red wine, bacon, wild mushrooms, pearl onions, mirepoix and roasted potatoes. 1881 Fulton Ave., Cleveland, 216-281-1881, lepetittriangle.com
LockKeepers
WHY WE LOVE IT: A location of many proposals, the cozy interior makes this spot “a natural environment to stage a romantic celebration,” says general manager Brian Woehrman. For more than 30 years, this quintessentially upscale restaurant has built its reputation on house-made pastas, heavenly Italian specialties and standout seafood dishes. Floor-to-ceiling windows overlook the Cuyahoga River, adding to the charm. TRY THIS: The seafood risotto ($39) is a standout for date night. “It’s made to order and painstakingly stirred until it develops a rich and creamy texture,” Woehrman says. Fresh seafood is folded in, then topped with butter-poached lobster tail and finished with a bell pepper and lobster cream sauce. 8001 Rockside Road, Valley View, 216-524-9404, lockkeepers.com
The Last Page
Luca West Italian Cuisine
WHY WE LOVE IT: A glowing fireplace, rustic beams and crisp white linens create a romantic, countryside-meets-modernItalian atmosphere, making this Westlake destination an effortless choice for a special night out. With its bright European dining room, Tuscan-inspired details and statues that add a subtle refined touch, every design element supports an upscale, memorable evening. TRY THIS: The branzino ($46) is filleted tableside for peak freshness, then topped with a brown butter citrus sauce. Pair with the Rottensteiner Pinot Grigio. 24600 Detroit Road, Westlake, 216-201-9600, lucawest.com
Marble Room Steaks & Raw Bar
WHY WE LOVE IT: Set inside the architecturally significant Garfield Building, Marble Room offers an unparalleled dining experience, seamlessly blending historic grandeur with modern luxury. Intricate columns and opulent chandeliers transport guests to an era of elegance, creating a strikingly romantic backdrop for an unforgettable night out. TRY THIS: Begin your culinary journey with selections from the raw bar, and for the main course, indulge in the 16-ounce Delmonico steak ($67) with an array of accompanying sauces and butters to choose from. 623 Euclid Ave., Cleveland, 216-523-7000, marbleroomcle.com
Nemo Grille
WHY WE LOVE IT: Whipping up globally influenced American cuisine with some inventive twists, this longtime fine dining staple housed in the historic 1850 Alten House is a go-to upscale yet simple spot for West Side milestones and celebrations. TRY THIS: Regulars love the Maple Leaf Farms duck breast ($34) with caramelized onion mashed potatoes, grilled asparagus and black mission fig-marsala sauce. 36976 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-0061, nemogrille.com
WHY WE LOVE IT: A meal at The Last Page takes you around the world in a single sitting. The menu weaves together global flavors with clever cohesion. Inside, the space feels stylish and warmly modern, with textured ceiling beams, tufted chairs and a softly lit bar that gives the room an inviting glow. It’s a lively spot where exploration and comfort come together beautifully. TRY THIS: For something bold and balanced, go for the Australian lamb chops ($48), paired with smoky eggplant puree, tangy labneh, a kiss of spicy harissa, fresh parsley and grilled pita. 100 Park Ave., Orange, 216-465-1008, thelastpagerestaurant.com
Sapphire Creek Winery & Gardens
WHY WE LOVE IT: Inspired by the polished ease of Napa Valley, this scenic indoor-outdoor haven pairs modern design with rustic warmth, creating a romantic escape surrounded by natural beauty. TRY THIS: The New Zealand rack of lamb ($55) arrives gorgonzola-crusted and perfectly tender, served with herbed fettuccine, haricots verts and a rich mushroom Madeira sauce. It pairs beautifully with the SCW Reserve Anderson Valley Pinot Noir. 16965 Park Circle Drive, Chagrin Falls, 440-543-7777, sapphire-creek.com
Pier W
WHY WE LOVE IT: Suspended above the lake, this iconic restaurant offers floor-to-ceiling views that shimmer at sunset and deepen into moody blues after dark. Soft lighting, curved lines and a refined nautical aesthetic give the space an almost dreamlike quality. It’s a place built for romance, best enjoyed with pristine seafood and someone special. TRY THIS: The chargrilled mahi-mahi ($42) arrives with a sesame garlic marinade and rests on silky mascarpone polenta, finished with fresh watercress, caramelized pearl onions and fire-roasted bell peppers. 12700 Lake Ave., Lakewood, 216-228-2250, pierw.com
Strip Steakhouse
WHY WE LOVE IT: Housed in the historic 1850s Ewers Barn, this rustic-elegant steakhouse serves some of the juiciest, largest aged steaks in Northeast Ohio, along with fresh seafood and signature pretzel bread. Rich wood tones, exposed beams and soft lighting create a cozy, romantic atmosphere, perfectly suited to its charming Olde Avon Village location beside rows of quaint shops.
TRY THIS: The massive 22-ounce bone-in cowboy ribeye ($59) is one of chef Ron Larson’s signature dishes, best enjoyed with a hearty appetite or someone to share it with. 36840 Detroit Road, Avon, 440-934-9900, stripsteakhouse.com
Sora
WHY WE LOVE IT: This stunning Asian-inspired destination offers more than great sushi; it delivers a sensory experience rooted in tradition and thoughtful design. Centered around a striking tree installation, the space glows with pink and rose-toned lighting alongside abundant floral elements. The result is a sophisticated ambiance where every detail reflects a balance of authenticity, modern elegance and quiet romance. TRY THIS: Among the lineup of immaculate sushi rolls, the charred octopus ($19) is a point of pride for chef Eric Hess. The tender octopus is paired with charred tomato jam, sweet-and-sour black beans, and a light yuzu sake foam for a dish that delivers brightness and depth. 1121 W. 10th St., Cleveland, 216-294-1800, eatatsora.com
Tartine Bistro
WHY WE LOVE IT: Candle-lit tables, exposed brick and deep red paneled ceilings give this Parisian-style bistro a dreamy, intimate feel. Rotating artwork curated by Hillary Gent brings a touch of sophistication and surprise to the space, making it an ideal spot for a romantic night out. TRY THIS: For something richly comforting, try the pork tenderloin ($34), served with caramelized onion and fennel, roasted sweet potato and a Brussels sprout, pancetta and apple hash that adds the perfect touch of sweetness. 19110 Old Detroit Road, Rocky River, 440-331-0800, tartinebistro.com
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Red Gerard defies gravity in his celebrated snowboarding career. The Westlake native may soon retire — but not before flying in the Italian skies.
STORIES BY
MARK CLAVIN, ANNIE
GLEYDURA, VINCE GUERRIERI AND JADEN STAMBOLIA
RING MASTERS
OLYMPIC SNOWBOARD CHAMPION RED GERARD AND HOCKEY STAR LAILA EDWARDS PUT CLEVELAND’S STAMP ON THE WINTER OLYMPICS.
Laila Edwards skates to the side of the rink to join a quiet huddle. The atmosphere around her at Rocket Arena is raucous for the Nov. 6 matchup between Team USA and Canada’s National Women’s Hockey Team, but the 21-year-old hockey player’s demeanor is calm as she joins her teammates in prayer. When Edwards rises from the huddle, her eyes land on her family, friends and youth hockey coaches. They understand the stakes, as she does.
Come February, when both teams head to Italy for the 2026 Winter Olympics, the Canadians and the Americans are the favorites for gold. But a win for the stars and stripes isn’t all that’s up for grabs in this rivalry series. Today, Edwards is among 29 other players competing for a spot in the U.S. Olympic roster. In 2023, Edwards was the first Black woman to play for the U.S. Women’s Senior National team. Now she aims to be the first Black woman to represent the United States in the Olympics.
Continuing to scan the crowd, she sees a young Black girl screaming in the stands. Edwards skates to the boards and tosses her a puck.
“I know when I was a kid that would’ve made my day,” Edwards says, “so I like to return the favor.”
Edwards grew up in Cleveland Heights and followed her older sister, Chayla, into hockey. The duo got into the sport because of their father, who also played the game and introduced it to his children. Both girls’ talents were apparent from a young age. With just over two years separating them, Edwards and her sister battled fiercely on the ice, sharpening an iron that would follow the younger sister forever.
journey to Rochester, New York, at age 13. Their parents stayed behind in Cleveland Heights. This is what a hockey family life looks like, after all.
“I didn’t even really know how to do my laundry too well at that age,” Edwards says. “I was a little nervous to be on my own, but obviously I figured it out. I learned from people around me, which forced me to grow up fast and early, but I think it benefited me.”
On the night of her graduation from Bishop Kearney High School in Rochester,
extra year of eligibility being a silver lining to the COVID impact on Chayla’s college years. In Edwards’ freshman year, the Badgers team would go on to defeat Ohio State to win the 2023 NCAA Championship. The moment culminated a lifetime of hard work as a hockey family.
“Getting to play with my sister was unbelievable. I was only supposed to get one year with her, then COVID, so I got two,” Edwards says. “We got to win together, and there was truly no better feeling. I just thought about how proud that made my family and how I’m hoping that they believe their sacrifices were worth it.”
Edwards missed walking, instead attending the 2022 International Ice Hockey Federation Under-18 Women’s World Championship. She also had a big decision on her mind: where to go to college.
“We were definitely really competitive growing up. Each other’s biggest competitors and biggest supporters,” Edwards says. “I think we pushed each other really hard. Even though I just got to practice with her, I always wanted to be better than her.”
Their competitive bond never broke, but the duo spent their high school years apart. Edwards’ sister moved to Pittsburgh to play for a prestigious hockey academy, while Edwards made her own hockey
Playing at Ohio State University, and closer to Cleveland Heights, was appealing, but eventually, the University of Wisconsin won the face-off. She was more impressed by the facilities in Madison and the coaching staff’s track record of success.
“The program just wasn’t to where it is now,” she says about Ohio State.
But Wisconsin checked off another important box: Edwards would get to play on the ice with her sister for the first time. The pair played two years together, with an
Edwards is a normal college student, too. She loves to read and spend time with family and friends. Her faith, instilled by her family, is an important part of her life. She’s even learning to cook, though she mostly handles the side dishes and cleaning while her roommate and Wisconsin teammate Caroline Havery handles the main dish.
“For me, it’s just important to be where my feet are,” Edwards says. “I think that’s what helps me be present and get the best out of wherever I’m at.”
This season, Edwards hopes to be a part of another Wisconsin Badgers Women’s Hockey championship run in March. Her college graduation is in May, and she has the potential to be drafted into the Professional Women’s Hockey League this year. But first, another major life event precedes all that.
Back in Cleveland, Team USA trails Canada 1-0 in the first period of the November matchup, which opens the 2025 rivalry series. Standing near center ice at 6-foot-1, the tallest player on either team, Edwards gets the puck on a rebound and rockets a pass past two defenders to set up Taylor Heise for a close shot. Heise sinks it with ease. The horn blares, and Rocket Arena erupts with cheers.
In the summer of 2024, Edwards knew she had to evolve her game if she wanted to join the Olympic run in 2026. Team USA was already loaded with offensive talent, and she needed to give the coaches a reason to keep her on the roster. So, the star forward who led the NCAA with 35 goals in the 2024-25
SKATING TOWARD HISTORY
LONG BEFORE HER STAR TURN AGAINST CANADA AT ROCKET ARENA, LAILA EDWARDS LEFT HOME, GREW UP QUICKLY AND CARRIED THE WEIGHT OF HER DREAMS — ALL THE WAY TO THE OLYMPIC GAMES IN ITALY.
ALL EYES ON CLEVELAND FOR 2030
The Special Olympics is coming to Cleveland in 2030.
In September, leaders of the local 2030 Special Olympics USA Games Host Committee and Special Olympics North America finalized Cleveland as the host city.
Held every four years, the eight-day Special Olympic Games gather more than 4,500 athletes and coaches from across the nation, as well as more than 100,000 family members and spectators. Individuals with intellectual disabilities compete in more than 16 sports, and daily programming for participants and spectators round out the week.
The 2026 Special Olympics USA Games, which take place in Minnesota, mark the largest sporting event this year, according to the organization. Organizers predict the 2030 Games could contribute more than $70 million to Cleveland’s economy.
In 2024, the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission found itself in a competitive bid. In February, it was narrowed down to Nashville and Cleveland. The organization was attracted to Cleveland’s history of hosting world-class sporting events. This event once again gives Cleveland the chance to showcase itself as a premier event destination. – Jalen Hobson
season, told head coach John Wroblewski that she wanted to switch from offense to defense.
Her size and talent made the transition to a more physical position natural.
“I don’t feel like a bully,” Edwards says. “I just feel like a player that wants to win, so I got to push people around.”
Playing a new position has been a learning experience, especially against the best players in the country. Yet, Edwards hasn’t shied away from the challenge.
“She wants to (make an impact), and she can improve, and that’s the thing, improvement,” Wroblewski says. “Everybody wants it to be this steep graduation, and it’s more oftentimes a roller coaster, and she’s got the right attitude. There’s never a time where she regresses in terms of what her belief in herself is. So with that, it’s going to work out.”
For the rest of the November game at Rocket Arena, Edwards dominates on defense in an aggressive fashion. In this first game of the rivalry series, her play shows that she can provide Team USA with a duality of offense and defense when they head to the Milan Cortina Games in February.
“(Edwards) is a ball player, she’s a gamer,” Wroblewski says. “She’s the real deal.”
That recognition is already finding her.
The day before playing Rocket Arena, Team USA practiced in Brunswick. That night, Larry Nance Jr. showed up to the Cavaliers game against the Philadelphia 76ers in a Team USA Edwards jersey. Edwards returned the favor by wearing a Nance jersey to Rocket Arena.
The moment marked not only the first time the U.S. Women’s Hockey Team ever played in Cleveland, but also Edwards’ first time playing in Cleveland since she was 16 for a tournament.
The young girl who caught the puck from Edwards returns to her seat to watch a show and a star come to life. In the end, USA Hockey stomped Canada 4-1. After, Edwards’ teammates crowned her the “Queen of Cleveland,” a city that she left at a young age and then set the stage for her historymaking moment. On Jan. 2, Team USA announced roster, with Edwards on the team. That morning, she joined NBC’s Today Show to represent women’s hockey.
“Plenty of people reach out and tell me that I inspire their kid to either start hockey or keep going, and it means the world to me. It’s kind of what I do it for. It motivates me a ton,” Edwards says. “I think the more I succeed at this level, the better it is for the representation.”
SKATING’S FIRST FAMILY
n the 1950s, two brothers from Akron, who trained at the Cleveland Skating Club, ruled world figure skating.
Hayes Alan and David Jenkins followed their sister Nancy into ice skating as children. (The family was athletically inclined; patriarch Hayes Robert Jenkins, a General Tire executive, won 12 letters in four sports at the University of Akron.) Nancy gave up the sport when she went away to college, but the Jenkins brothers kept at it, moving to Colorado to continue training.
At 19, Hayes won the first of four world championships, and in the 1956 Olympic Games in Cortina, Italy, brought home gold as part of an American sweep of the podium. Ronald Robertson took the silver medal for the United States, and David Jenkins won the bronze.
After the 1956 Olympics, with no more worlds to conquer, Hayes announced his retirement from figure skating, devoting his full attention to law school. It was now
David’s time to shine.
“I think that if David keeps improving he will be the world champion next year,” Hayes said.
Not only did that prediction come true, but David won three world titles, and in 1960 — at the first Olympics televised live, in Squaw Valley, California — he was nearly flawless. His gold medal win was made more impressive by the fact that he was in medical school at the time, an achievement he credited to his time on the ice.
“I don’t believe I ever could have developed the concentration necessary for studying medicine if I hadn’t had the discipline of skating,” he said.
MEET MORE OF CLEVELAND’S WINTER OLYMPIC ATHLETES
Both brothers went on to successful post-Olympic careers. David practiced medicine in Tulsa, Oklahoma. Hayes graduated from law school and married fellow Olympian Carol Heiss. They live in the Cleveland area and remain Northeast Ohio’s first family of figure skating. 1. 5. 2. 6. 3. 4.
Kelli Stack, a graduate of Cuyahoga Heights High School, won silver medals as a standout forward for the U.S. women's hockey team at the Winter Games in Vancouver in 2010 and in Sochi, Russia, in 2014.
Brianne McLaughlin of Elyria also played for the women's hockey team at the 2010 Vancouver Winter Olympics and again at the 2014 Sochi Winter Games.
Brock Kreitzburg, a bobsledder from Akron, competed in 2006, the last time the Winter Games visited Italy. He later became a correspondent.
Brian Currutt, a skier from Chesterland, represented the U.S. in the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He took sixth in aerials, a freestyle event.
Betsy Youngman of Cleveland skied in the 1988 Calgary Games and in the 1992 Winter Games in Albertville, France. She also earned a PhD in physics and material science.
Scott Koons of Cleveland speed skated in the 1998 Olympics in Japan. He later broke a world record as a cyclist.
David Jenkins
Hayes Alan Jenkins
RED GERARD’S LAST RUN
THE LOCAL NATIVE SNOWBOARDER DROPS IN ON THE PRESSURES OF THE WINTER OLYMPICS, REPPING CLEVELAND FROM COLORADO TO ITALY, AND HIS LIKELY RETIREMENT AFTER THE 2026 WINTER GAMES.
This is probably Red Gerard’s last Olympic Games. The Westlake native is just 25 years old, but he’s already one of the sport’s most decorated competitors, with almost a decade of pro snowboarding under his belt. In the 2018 Games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, he shocked the snowboarding world by becoming the first American to win gold in the sport and the youngest Winter Olympics gold medalist since 1928. He’s since won the U.S. Burton Open, one of the sport’s most prestigious competitions, and three X-Games golds, though he narrowly missed the podium at the 2022 Beijing Games. As a teen, he moved from Northeast Ohio to Colorado, but he stays tethered to Cleveland through sports, family and a deep appreciation for the locals who support him. His new pro model board from Arbor even features one of the Guardians of Traffic statues from Hope Memorial Bridge. Before going for gold one last time — “I don’t know if I’ll have another Olympics in me after this,” he says — he went deep with us on what snowboarding and the Olympic Games mean to one of the sport’s biggest stars. -Dillon Stewart
CLEVELAND MAGAZINE : Why do you still have Cleveland in your U.S. Ski & Snowboard team bio, even though you’ve lived in Colorado and California longer at this point?
RED GERARD: It is where I am from. It is where my family is from. And it’s important to represent where you’re from and where you were born on a big stage like the Olympics.
CM : How do you stay connected to the city?
RG: I try to come back every summer or holidays sometimes. We’ve got a lot of family and friends in the area, all my cousins, my grandfather… and I love a good Ohio summer, honestly. Can’t beat it. And it is my city sports-wise. Whether it’s the Browns or the Cavs, those are my teams I am rooting for.
C M: Do you feel a lot of love from Cleveland?
RG: I do. A ton. It’s awesome. It means the world to me to have a city like Cleveland, that’s got so much grit to it, to back you. I love Cleveland for what it is. I love the trash talking that our fans and supporters do. I love the toughness to it all. There’s love behind it, and with sports, the fans really dive in deep for what they love. It’s cool to have a whole squad behind you like that.
C M: What’s your favorite place to snowboard in Northeast Ohio?
RG: Brandywine or Boston Mills, but we would also go to New York a good amount.
CM: Do you feel more or less pressure going into this Olympics than you have in the past, since this is your third one now?
RG: I feel probably more pressure than the last two, just in the sense that qualifying early and not having to compete for a spot on the team this season brings another type of pressure. When I was 17, I didn’t really know what the Olympics were. I was focused on making the team, and then I didn’t realize how big the stage was. But after winning gold, I quickly learned that it’s a massive stage. I’m just not as much the underdog anymore. Getting gold in 2018 and then 2022 not really going the best way for me, there just seems to be a little bit more pressure and eyeballs on me to do better in a sense. But all in all, it doesn’t really matter. I’m just gonna try to do me, go out there and land runs and snowboard. Being older and having more experiences with it all, I know that it’s going to be a wild month. So, I am just gearing up, going to take it minute by minute, hour by hour and just have fun and enjoy it the whole way.
C M: Are you dialed in like other professional athletes with your routine, diet and exercise?
RG: I’m pretty relaxed. I’m not on a diet. I just eat healthy. I don’t eat a ton of sugar, and this and that. I exercise but not obsessively. I just try to treat my body decently well. When it comes to the morning of a contest or whatever, I can’t eat, and I drink a lot of coffee and try to drink some water, as well. But other than that, I treat it like every other day.
C M: You don’t eat before a contest?
RG: I can’t. I am too nervous. I have no appetite. Mostly just coffee.
C M: Although you just snowboard, technically, you’ll be in two events at the Olympics. Do you have a preference between slopestyle and big air?
RG: I do. I’ve always considered myself a slopestyle rider, not a big air rider. Going to the Olympics for snowboarding, you have to do both big air and slopestyle to be on the team. I’ve always liked the flow of slopestyle. It just suits my riding better, and you can add your own little twist and style. With big air, it’s just one jump, and you’re left with doing the biggest trick out there.
C M: How much has snowboarding changed since your gold in 2018?
RG: The tricks have gotten way bigger. More spins to do before you land.
CM: What constitutes a good run to you? Landing every trick cleanly, pushing progression or walking away knowing you rode the way you wanted to?
RG: Yeah, I mean, a good run to me means you get to the bottom, and you’re panting for breath and need water, and you’re just tired. But there’s no better feeling to me in the world than landing a slopeside run. I mean, just about every time I think, I can’t believe I just did that. All the work pays off from going to these training camps early in the year in the fall and learning all these big tricks. And then when you’re able to put it all together in a slopestyle, it’s a really great feeling.
C M: Do you practice the same run all week, leading up to the actual contest, once you feel out the course, since every course is different? Or do you mix it up, and you have to wait until the last minute to really throw your best stuff?
RG: It’s a leading-up thing. You come there with a run in your head, and you just try to lead up to it, lead up to it, lead up to it, and then hopefully on finals day, you’re ready just to unleash the biggest run you got. You try to practice bits and pieces of it, and hopefully you can land it once or twice before contest day, but sometimes it’s just that day of the contest, and that’s all you get. And you just try to land it.
C M: Have you ever put a trick down in a finals run that you’ve never landed before that?
RG: Yeah, at the Burton U.S. Open out in Colorado. I had never done a backside triple cork, and I did it in the contest that day, and I think it actually helped me. I’d been wanting to try the trick for a while at the time, and just that extra bit of pressure pushed me over the edge.
C M: How do you hold on to the creative side of snowboarding inside of a system built around judging and medals?
RG: Anytime you just drop in for a slopestyle, it is up to you. There’s a lot of creativity that you can put into a run depending on the course build. And that’s where snowboarding is able to bring its creativity and put a twist to the Olympics. The scheduling and judging don’t matter. Once you’re riding, you can really do anything you want.
CM: How much are you looking forward to these Olympic games without COVID quarantines?
RG: Yeah. (pauses, exhales) I don’t know if I’ll have another Olympics in me after this. So, ending on the Olympics, where you’re not gonna be quarantined and having family there and fans there and it being in Italy, I’m massively looking forward to that Olympic experience because I honestly haven’t really felt like I’ve had one. In 2018, I went there, and I won in the very beginning of the window, and then went and did a media tour and didn’t really get to experience the Olympics. And then 2022 was quarantined with no fans. So I think, this time, just having a regular Olympics will be amazing.
CM : For those that only watch you in the Olympics, they might not know that you also have a very successful backcountry career. You wanna talk a little bit about the differences there?
RG: The Olympics is a great thing for the reason of having people watch snowboarding and all that. But there is a whole different side to it, where you go out into the mountains and ride fresh snow and powder that’s up to your knees. And you try to go build some jumps or jump off a rock, and someone films it. And then at the end of the year, you get to put one of your favorite songs to that footage, and hopefully people are hyped on the way it turned out. But that’s a whole other side to snowboarding. I love the competitive side. I love going to the Olympics and doing all that, but I also highly enjoy going out into the mountains with your friends — and, luckily enough for me, my brother — and filming snowboarding and trying to make a great movie.
that JOY (movie) premiere on the West Side of the city was the best snowboarding premiere I’ve ever been to. People were so hyped and so excited. Even the Boston Mills and Brandywine ride days, that was, like, the most amount of people I’ve ever seen show up when it was just my name on the poster. It was just so fun to see all the kids so hyped on snowboarding and taking laps with them and just sharing some good times.
RG: Yeah, (it wouldn’t) matter how old I am, I would try my absolute hardest if Cleveland got the Olympics to be there and if I wasn’t able to make it there as a snowboarder, I would work as a volunteer person for it.
CM: How do you mentally prepare for a moment where four years of work comes down to potentially one last run?
C M: When kids from Cleveland see you on the biggest stage of the world, what do you hope they take away about snowboarding or just what’s possible from coming from this area?
C M: You’ve also brought snowboarding to Cleveland in different forms, like when you come back and ride with kids at Brandywine or when you held your own video premiere here. Why do you think it’s important to always come back and show love and bring snowboarding here?
RG: Honestly, Cleveland’s just got such a great group of people there. They love to get behind people from the area and, honestly,
RG: All of us up there snowboarding are really good friends. That’s the most important thing about our sport and the reason why I got into it and love it so much. If you can just find a good group of friends and try to go snowboarding on the weekends or really whenever you can get out there, you’ll learn why we love it so much and why it’s so cool. Just really having the right friend group to go out there and go snowboarding is everything.
C M: Would you come out of Olympic retirement if Cleveland ever got the Winter Games?
RG: I try not to think about it. The more you think about it, you just stress yourself out and all that. And like I’ve been saying, I really just try to take each moment for its moment and not get ahead of myself with thoughts.
C M: How do you unwind between contests or in the offseason?
RG: I like to play a lot of golf. Maybe go in the ocean.
C M: As a 25-year-old, do you ever think about life after snowboarding?
RG: It’s been, unfortunately, coming into my mind more and more as I get older. The honest answer is, I don’t know what I wanna do. I’m not going to be an Olympic snowboarder my entire life, but there are plenty of outlets in snowboarding to continue going down that route. The community is pretty awesome, and I have always really enjoyed hanging around it. So, if I could stay in snowboarding until the day I die, that’d be nice.
C M: There are some 50-year-old sponsored riders out there.
RG: If I could do that, that’d be awesome.
CM: Last one: You got anything to say to the people of Northeast Ohio leading up to this Winter Games in Italy?
RG: Yeah, shoot, have some fun. Go to your local watering hole and enjoy the Olympics.
Mark Clavin is a native Northeast Ohioan, currently residing on the East Side. As editor of Snowboard Magazine and a photographer, Clavin has followed the likes of Red Gerard and snowboarding’s other top competitors and stylists to Alaska, Japan, Finland and the Beijing Olympics.
GET IN THE GAME
GET SWEPT UP
It’s easy to get hooked on curling. Maybe it’s the calm intensity of the stone thrower or the frenetic motion of the broom. Mayfield Curling Club has been building a community around the sport, known as chess on ice for its mix of strategy and ethical play. With openhouse opportunities and curler clinics, the club helps newcomers rock the ice in no time. “Sometimes you have good days, some bad days,” says Mayfield Curling Club vice president Ashley Lowry, “but something that keeps you coming back for more is when you make that awesome shot.” mayfieldcurling.com
HIT THE SLOPES
If “pizza” and “french fry” make you think of the slopes rather than a restaurant, Alpine Valley can help. Teaching newbie skiers how to snowplow (“pizza”) and parallel turn (“french fry”) since 1965, the scenic Chesterland resort features slopes with long runs and low pitch. “Once you get out there on the snow, you’re kind of hooked,” says general manager Tony Pearman. Alpine Valley offers lessons for everyone and an after-school program. “This is our passion, and we want to share that passion with as many folks as possible,” says Pearman. alpinevalleyohio.com
FILL YOUR NEED FOR SPEED
While racing through the turns of an Olympic bobsled run may not be an option, tobogganing at the Cleveland Metroparks Chalet at Mill Stream Run Reservation is the next best thing. The twin, 700-foot-long chutes operate on a system that requires no snow and allows thrill-seekers to reach speeds up to 50 mph. “People want to have their kids experience it for the first time,” says Chalet’s Amy McRitchie, “because they got to do it when they were a kid.” Be sure to dress in layers for the trek up the hill, where your four-person sled awaits. clevelandmetroparks.com
TWIST AND TURN
If you have ever dreamed of lacing up your skates and learning to land an axel, the Cleveland Skating Club can help you sharpen your skills. Committed to fostering a community around skating since 1936, the Shaker Heights club allows members and non-members the chance to skate the same rink as former Olympians through its learn-toskate program. “I crave that feeling of moving across the ice,” says Kathryn Duvall, Cleveland Skating Club’s board president. “The sounds of the ice as your blade moves over it are something special.” clevelandskatingclub.org
As COUNTRY MUSIC takes hold across the pop culture landscape, NORTHEAST OHIO artists and businesses are finding ways to MAKE IT THEIR OWN.
he first time Marco Ciofani suspected country music’s popularity was on the rise was when “the hipsters started wearing camo hats.” ¶ “Honestly, that was the telltale sign that there’s a shift in the culture,” says Ciofani, the singer-songwriter behind the local country act Reverend Lee. ¶ Despite a lifelong love of country music and a propensity to write country songs, Ciofani never thought he’d be in a country band. Previously, he headed up the Moxies, a throwback rock ‘n’ roll band, and Mollo Rilla, a hard rock outfit that’s still releasing music. Then, in 2023, chef Dante Boccuzzi needed a live act for the grand opening of his Willoughby honky-tonk Dukes ‘N Boots. He called Ciofani, who quickly threw together a band with his brother-in-law and some friends and a setlist of classic country covers. Dukes ’N Boots closed in the summer of 2024, but Reverend Lee lives on. Ciofani says the project is the best thing that ever happened to him. ¶ “People who want to go see country music, it’s a joyful occasion,” he says. “Go to a honky-tonk, go to a place where there’s country music being played live, look at all the smiles on everyone’s faces. It’s ridiculous. It’s just a joyful thing, even the sad songs.” ¶ Ciofani spent two years in Nashville as a songwriter before coming back to Northeast Ohio. But if he misses the honky-tonks of Broadway, the smell of leather in a boot shop, or the sounds of local musicians experimenting with country music, he doesn’t have to spend hours in the car anymore to get his fix. ¶ Welcome to the Farm opened in the Flats in 2022, followed two years later by I Hate Cowboys. Both bars are co-owned by country star Chase Rice. Then, in June, Jolene’s Honky Tonk opened on East Fourth Street. There are now three Boot Barns in Northeast Ohio, and Tecovas started selling its cowboy boots and hats last summer at Orange’s Pinecrest shopping development, just a couple doors down from preppy mainstays J.Crew and Vineyard Vines. ¶ Some of the biggest acts to pass through town recently have been country stars. Morgan Wallen packed Huntington Bank Field on two nights to screaming fans wearing bedazzled cowboy boots over the summer, and Lainey Wilson sold out Blossom Music Center roughly a year after a Jelly Roll fan, overcome with excitement, climbed the roof of the venue’s pavilion. Local country musicians have also said they’re seeing an increased interest in their music. ¶ Add it all up and it’s clear: Country is coming for the heart of rock ‘n’ roll.
On a warm October evening, I navigated the overflow parking lot into Blossom Music Center. Following the herd of rhinestone cowboy boots and fringed leather jackets, I made it to the tippy top of the lawn overlooking the outdoor venue and found a sliver of land to lay my picnic blanket. I sat so far away that when Lainey Wilson made her grand entrance amid graphics of galloping horses, she appeared to be roughly the size of a Lego figure wearing a cowboy hat and bell bottoms. It’s a good thing she’s got a strong voice, too, because the packed crowd of 20,000 adoring fans knew every word to every song, and sang along with delectation.
Country fandom isn’t only growing in Cleveland. According to the music industry data firm Luminate, country music is one of the “fastest-growing genres in the U.S.” and “its international growth is more pronounced.”
Streaming has accelerated country music’s growth. According to Rolling Stone, “country music’s streaming boom has been one of the biggest stories in the industry, as superstars like Morgan Wallen, Luke Combs and Zach Bryan have helped turn country into music’s hottest genre.”
Consider this: The longest-running Billboard No. 1 single was “Old Town Road” by Lil Nas X in 2019. Shaboozey later tied that record with “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” in 2024. Both spent 19 weeks at the top of the chart. Both are new iterations of what country music can sound like.
Even The New York Times has admitted “there is no denying that the country has gone country.”
Theories abound as to the root
cause of country’s current popularity.
“It seems like with a lot of genres, it’s very cyclic,” says Daniel Goldmark, director of the Center for Popular Music Studies at Case Western Reserve University. “Things go in and out of popularity, and country music has come up and gone down over the years many, many times.”
Ray Charles’ 1962 album Modern Sounds in Country and Western Music was both a commercial and critical success. Dolly Parton has been a country star and national treasure for over 50 years. Shania Twain ruled the airwaves in the 1990s. There would be no Taylor Swift without Nashville and her early country-pop era. As Lainey Wilson sang to that crowd at Blossom, “country’s cool again.”
Still, this moment feels different. Country music hasn’t just touched the top of the charts — it’s dominated them. Country stars like Morgan Wallen, Shaboozey, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood and Zach Bryan have been inescapable in recent years, even if your radio preset isn’t WGAR, and artists like Lil Nas X, Beyonce and Post Malone have successfully introduced the genre to traditionally country-averse audiences.
Goldmark says the popularity of
country music these days “in part has to do with people being less worried about genre, less worried about label and more willing to listen to the stuff they just want to listen to.”
Country music has always been a mashup. Its earliest influences included European folk music and African American blues and gospel. Over the years country music kept borrowing from other genres, influencing them in return. By now we’ve got country-rock and country-pop, alt-country, country-rap, countryhip-hop, folk-country, club-country and trap-country. It’s like every musical genre has developed a twang. John Goehrke, director of visitor engagement of the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, says this kind of musical expansion is par for the course.
“I think it’s also been healthy, as it is for any style of music, to widen the range of the artists who feel like, ‘I can play this music,’” Goerhke says.
“Country music is not just for white men from the South. The themes relate to anybody, so the music is actually for everybody. Country music is American music.”
The Rock Hall is home to many country musicians. Dolly Parton famously bristled at her nomina-
tion into the rock pantheon, saying she didn’t feel she had “earned that right,” before a meeting with Rock Hall officials about their definition of rock changed her mind. Parton ultimately agreed to be inducted in 2022 (though she still went on to release an album titled Rockstar in 2023, a very rock ‘n’ roll move). Willie Nelson was inducted in 2023, in the same class as Sheryl Crow. Chet Atkins, Bob Wills and His Texas Playboys, Bill Monroe, Johnny Cash, Hank Williams and Jimmie Rodgers are all in the Rock Hall.
“Rock ‘n’ roll is about pushing the boundaries, challenging the status quo, challenging authority, the soundtrack of youth culture,” Goehrke says. “Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductees, we expect them to be innovative, influential, to have great impact and great musical excellence, and so someone like Dolly Parton or Willie Nelson, they embody all those.”
Reverend Lee
In January, we did some pickin’ and drinkin’ with members of REVEREND LEE, THE SHOOTOUTS and Lea Marra of LEA MARRA AND THE RIVER BOYS at Jolene’s Honky Tonk on East Fourth Street. One thing’s for sure: The fun of the new country scene is here to stay.
“Genres are all crazy,” says Lea Marra, lead singer of the local folk-grass band Lea Marra and the River Boys. “We’re just not in a box, you know?”
Some people tell her they sound “old timey-jammy.” Some say they have a square-dancing sound. Others tell her, “You’ve got a little bit of pop to you.” Growing up she listened to everything from Christina Aguilera to Randy Travis to the Cranberries. Those influences can be heard in her original songs. That openness to dif-
draws big names, and the Country Fest at Clay’s Resort is just an hour from the city. Blossom regularly hosts country musicians, and The Dusty Armadillo in Rootstown is an intimate place to catch the up-and-coming stars among die-hard fans.
There are plenty of local country artists to check out, too. Groups like Country Honk, Cory Grinder and the Playboy Scouts and Ceci Taylor are drawing new audiences while making original music right here in Northeast Ohio. Many of these bands have a unique, local flavor to them.
The Shootouts are one of the biggest local success stories. The band has been embraced by Nashville and made headlines nationally. It celebrated its 10th anniversary with its 10th show at the Grand Ole Opry last October. The Akron History Center put together an exhibit in its honor.
The Rock Hall has outfits and items displayed from its Opry debut as part of a “Cleveland Rocks” exhibit.
Bates says technology has helped expand audience geographically while allowing the band to hold on to the place it calls home.
in west Cleveland now, but he grew up in Amish country. I met up with him in Middlefield at one of his favorite spots, a simple diner called Cinda’s Restaurant, for a meandering lunch conversation. He likes it out here and comes as often as he can, mainly on weekends to visit friends and family and hit up a hunting buddy.
“We usually get in some shenanigans involving bullets,” he says.
Not to stereotype, but the thought pops into my head that this sounds like the kind of guy who should write country music. He says he’s restless and never happy, but talking about country seems to make him feel something positive.
“Where all you really want to do is be decent to other people and spend as much time in the woods as you can, that’s the kind of country music I want to play,” he says.
He says Reverend Lee’s sound is informed by his previous rock bands and Midwestern roots, but it’s also undeniably country. They have a pedal steel player, after all.
ferent sounds has translated to fans who may not have thought of themselves as country listeners, but are into her style of folk and bluegrass.
“I played a show by myself, which I was very worried about because it was people that are not in the same genre, like, at all,” she says. The other artist was a rapper, she says. “I was like, I don’t know how this crowd’s gonna like me, but they ended up liking me and following me, and some of them come to the shows now.”
That’s a phenomenon Akron country band the Shootouts has witnessed many times. Backing vocalist and guitarist Emily Bates says fans will often tell the group they don’t like country music but do like the Shootouts.
“Which makes me crack up because we’re like, ‘I love to tell you, friend, this is country music,’” she says. “Welcome.”
All those new fans will be happy to hear there is plenty of country music to be found in Northeast Ohio. Bash on the Bay in Put-in-Bay is an annual country music festival that regularly
“I think we would all be pretty hard pressed to kind of uproot ourselves at this point in our lives,” she says. “I like it here.”
That love of Northeast Ohio has made its way into the music. A Rolling Stone headline declared “The Shootouts Perfect ‘Rust Belt’ Country on New Album Switchback.”
To Bates, Rust Belt Country means “a little bit of the rock ’n’ roll feel that certainly we have a lot of legacy of here in Northeast Ohio, and then also a lot of it is, for us, the work ethic.”
The Rust Belt is where you get knocked down, but then you figure out how to dust yourself off and get back up and try again, she says — you know, pull yourself up by your (cowboy) bootstraps kind of deal.
“There’s definitely a feel to that, I think, in the music,” she says. “It’s definitely that marriage of all of these different types of genres and influence and background, and then just kind of that toughness.”
Toughness is such a Midwestern trait that many of the bands I spoke to mentioned it. Reverend Lee’s Ciofani lives in a “little hood-ass house”
“Maybe a little bit gritty, maybe a little bit of stank to it, a little rust to it,” Ciofani says of Reverend Lee’s sound. “I guess I don’t really know how to really pin it down, but all of us come from hard rock or, like, metal backgrounds, and then we were like, Start a country band! So I’m sure it has some of that grunge to it.”
Lea Marra
Of course, whenever a certain kind of music ascends to the upper echelons of pop culture, it’s not limited to its sounds. Hip-hop, rap, rock ‘n’ roll, grunge and emo all brought with them their own aesthetic, slang and fashion. Remember breakdancing in your parachute pants?
Well, now you can line dance at the Thirsty Cowboy in your new cowboy boots.
Not just for eponymous cattle ranchers anymore, “cowboy boots are the Americana staple popping up on fashion girls across the globe,” per British Vogue last summer. Clevelanders can get the look at one of the Boot Barns in Copley, Canton or Strongsville. Tecovas will cost you a bit more ... OK, a lot more. Open the doors at the Pinecrest store, and you’ll be hit with the smell of leather. Here, you can easily drop $300-$500 on a pair of boots and spend another $200 for a cowboy hat to match. You can even customize your new boots and hat by having them branded at the store with your initials, or maybe a lucky horseshoe. One of the cowboy-hat-wearing sales guys told me a couple had their cowboy boots branded with matching initials. No achy-breaky hearts here.
Of course, it wouldn’t be a country revolution without a couple spots to shoot whiskey.
Construction on Jolene’s Honky Tonk on East Fourth Street started right as Beyonce released Cowboy Carter, a propitious coincidence. Co-owner Jason Beudert says, “I felt it in my bones, that we needed something,” and by something, he means something outlandishly country.
There is not one inch of the place that has not been countrified. Visitors sit on full-size tractors, and a small rocking horse out front says, “Save a Horse, Ride a Cowboy,” a nod to the popular Big & Rich song. The steps are AstroTurf with country lyrics on them. Cowboy Carter has her own “wanted” poster in the bar, alongside
Taylor Swift, Shania Twain and Reba McIntyre. Even the little placards indicating the bar’s maximum capacity were printed on pink bandanas.
Much as local country musicians put their own Midwest spin on their music, Beudert didn’t just want to bring a Nashville bar to Cleveland. The stage, modeled after the one at Nashville’s Grand Ole Opry, hosts original and cover bands alike. The neon lights nod to the honky-tonks of Broadway, while the truck bed tables were sourced from local junk yards, and all the art, including the giant mural of “Saint Dolly,” were made by local artists.
Beudert says so far, the East Fourth honky-tonk has been a hit.
“Country crosses all boundaries,” he says. “Everybody loves country. It’s crazy, in a good way, (and) we’ve been very, very well received.”
The crowd reflects this countrymeets-Cleveland mentality. I stopped by to try a “Mother Trucker Mollie” cocktail and check out the rooftop in September. There was at least one bachelorette party there, which felt very Nashville. Some were wearing cowboy boots, including a gold pair and a red bedazzled set. But plenty of folks were wearing sneakers. I counted more baseball caps than cowboy hats. Pretty much everyone was
wearing denim, but that’s not so much proof of being at a country bar as it is proof of being in America. Everyone seemed to know the lyrics to the throwback country covers Big Al and the Hitmen played on the downstairs stage and the pop-country bangers blasted through the rooftop speakers.
Tiffany Schoebpner and Charity Winters, both 47, were enjoying drinks with friends. They say Jolene’s is “a good spot” and “pretty cool.”
“I think the kids are really into country,” Schoebpner says. “Maybe the country singers are hot.” (That’s a theory about the rise of country music I hadn’t heard yet. Perhaps she was feeling inspired by Morgan Wallen playing in the background.)
Winters has country bonafides. She’s originally from Kentucky, the same part of the state as Chris Stapleton, she says. She’s seen a real honky-tonk or two in her life and says Jolene’s feels like a “Clevelander imitating a honky-tonk.”
“The beats drop,” she says. “There’s no beat dropping in southeastern Kentucky.”
It may not be the South, but it’s not trying to be, either.
Country is always evolving, and around here, folks have found ways to make the music, and its culture, their own.
The Shootouts
CLEV E LAND
FISH FRY GUIDE
February 18 - April 5
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Hitting The Sack
A local mattress company helps Myles Garrett get a good night’s rest ahead of Browns game days.
Build Resilient and Courageous Leadership
Gain knowledge through innovative, industry-driven solutions.
• Evaluate employee performance using ef fective assessment tools
• Build personalized coaching into talent development
• Maximize skills of frontline and experienced managers
• Advance diversity, inclusion and equity initiatives
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• Create a superior customer experience
CONTENTS FEBRUARY
2026
52 The Next Five Years
Cleveland Metroparks projects provide a road map to transforming the Downtown riverfront over the next half of the decade.
BY IAN MCDANIEL
54 Sweet Spot
The new leader of Malley’s Chocolates talks new ideas and legacies of the 90-year-old Cleveland company.
BY ANNIE NICKOLOFF
58 Large Ideas
Big Fig, an offshoot of White Dove mattress company, finds its niche with beds for large people like celebrity partner Myles Garrett. BY
JADEN STAMBOLIA
Market Garden Brewery taps into new leadership, market data and rapid innovation to redefine what a local brewery can be at a time when some breweries are struggling. BY JADEN STAMBOLIA 54 58 60
60 Master Craftsmen
J’IOR Liver Recipient
Strong communities are defined by how we care for one another.
SAVING LIVES IS A COMMUNITY VALUE
Organ, eye, and tissue donation reflects a shared commitment to helping neighbors in moments that matter most.
One registered donor can save up to eight lives and enhance the lives of more than 100 others through tissue donation. Lifebanc works with families and healthcare partners to honor that commitment and save lives across Northeast Ohio.
LEAVE A LASTING IMPACT. SAY YES TO ORGAN DONATION.
LEARN MORE ABOUT ORGAN, EYE, AND TISSUE DONATION, AND REGISTER AS A DONOR AT LIFEBANC.ORG
Unique and memorable venue • Professional event planning services
Modern, upscale catering • Exclusive after-hours experiences available
Visit clevelandmetroparks.com/rentals or call 216-635-3304.
Unique and memorable venue • Professional event planning services
Modern, upscale catering • Exclusive after-hours experiences available
LEADERSHIP
// BY ANNIE NICKOLOFF
The Sweet Spot
Since last February, Malley’s Chocolates has been led by a bold new leader, with new ideas to keep the 90-year-old Cleveland-based sweets company going strong.
Cleveland’s beloved Malley’s Chocolates celebrated its 90th anniversary last year — and it did that with a new leader. Megan Gillum took over as the company’s first non-Malley-family president last February, after joining the company the previous year as its Vice President of Retail Strategy and Operations. Ever since, she’s made small shifts to the storied brand’s footprint in Northeast Ohio. Her projects have included product development, trendy drink menus and store facelifts. We caught up with Gillum at Malley’s flagship store in Lakewood, which recently reopened following a redesign.
Cleveland Magazine: You’re the first non-Malley to be the president of the company. What’s it like to take on that position in such an iconic brand?
Megan Gillum: It is a dream job; chocolate, Cleveland-based. But obviously big shoes to fill. The Malley family created such a brand and a following here in Cleveland, and I’m just really humbled and honored to be in this spot.
CM: You previously worked at American Greetings. Did you grow up in Northeast Ohio?
MG: Yeah, I’ve run back to Cleveland twice because I love it so much. So I was here as a kid, then I went away for high school and college, came back here on my own. We were here when I met and married my husband. We had three kids here, and then his job took us to Texas, and our first chance we got to come back, we did, in 2020. Cleveland is in both of our hearts, and Cleveland is home.
CM: What are the biggest projects or shifts that you’ve overseen as president?
MG: One of the first things we did under my leadership was change POS (point-of-sale) systems in our stores, which allows us to really speed up transactions and make things easier for our retail staff to check people out, which means then they can focus on really delighting our customers. This store (Lakewood) is also one of them. Being in charge of the flagship redesign has been a huge project. We’ve continued to hire great talent from the local area, so that has been another thing that I’ve been really focused on, and building up the team. I feel like we’ve done so much in such a little time.
CM: The dirty sodas were big, too.
MG: We have brought new products out to retail. So our advent calendars, our ornaments, dirty sodas — we’re just trying to find ways that people are already celebrating and join in on that. People are already doing the dirty soda
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thing. I was like, that’s a no-brainer. We can do that, too. People are celebrating Christmas Advent. Those are things that we can participate in, in meaningful ways. So why don’t we just really listen to what our customers are celebrating, even the space? It’s been used for birthday parties for a long time, but we were hearing that people were celebrating many milestones. They were celebrating these mini moments.
CM: In the Lakewood store, there’s a big shift. I’m sure some people are sad to see the old design go. Could you speak a little bit more to that, the legacy there and the shift that you’re going for?
MG: We know that there will be some people who are sad, but that is because Malley’s means so much to the community in terms of the moments that are shared here. So while people are
passionate about those moments, we know that they will be just as excited about the new Malley’s moments that they can create in this space. We real ly wanted to refresh in a way that, for future generations, this would become the familiar thing to them.
CM: Do you anticipate doing bigger design changes in other stores? The North Olm sted store is pretty classic, too. MG: It is, and people are very sensi tive about the carousel. It’s not going anywhere. It is not. But I think we do these refreshes when things need them. So this store, for example, needed some bathroom updates and needed some new flooring. We thought in the flagship store for our 90th year, let’s do that. We will do things when they make sense. Our Avon store got a mini refresh, but it was because water had come into the store, and so we took
Program of All-Inclusive Care for the Elderly PACE PROVIDES THE FOLLOWING SERVICES:
It is a powerful reminder that fulfillment, joy, and growth aren’t limited by time. Whether you’re 18 or 80, here are a few timeless principles to help you do just that:
Define What “Best Life” Means to You
Your version of happiness or success may look different from someone else’s. Reflect on your values, passions, and goals—and let those guide your choices.
Stay Curious and Keep Learning
Lifelong learning keeps your mind sharp and your world expanding. Read, take up hobbies, travel, or take courses—there’s always something new to discover.
Prioritize Health and Wellness
No matter your age, caring for your body and mind is foundational. Regular movement, balanced nutrition, rest, and mental health practices go a long way.
Nurture Relationships
Meaningful connections—whether with friends, family, or community—are essential to a rich life. Don’t underestimate the power of shared experiences and mutual support.
Embrace Change and Let Go of Regret
Life brings transitions. Embracing them with resilience and learning from the past without being stuck in it allows you to grow forward.
Contribute to Something Bigger
Whether it’s mentoring, volunteering, or creating, contributing gives purpose and can bring deep satisfaction.
Celebrate Every Season of Life
Each stage has its own beauty. Appreciate the wisdom, freedom, or vitality that comes with where you are now.
Lee Ann O’Brien is the Chief Marketing Officer with The McGregor Foundation. Her philanthropic commitment has helped many organizations.
She can be reached at (216) 268-8999 or leeann.obrien@mcgregoramasa.org
BUSINESS // BY JADEN STAMBOLIA
Fits Just Right
From plus-size sleepers to powerhouse athletes like Myles Garrett, Big Fig’s firm mattresses are fueling life-changing and game-changing results.
Before setting the NFL’s sack record for a season, Browns All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett needed to make sure he was getting better rest and he needed a better mattress.
To find one, Garrett did not have to go far. He, along with his chiropractor and physical therapist, was presented with Big Fig, an offshoot of White Dove, a 104-year-old Cleveland-based, fourth-generation family-owned mat-
tress manufacturer.
“(Garrett’s team) was incredibly invested in his ability to recover, to get a great night’s sleep, to heal and to make sure that he was supported,” says Jeff Brown, Big Fig’s president. “If you get a bad mattress, it can have just the opposite impact on your health and on your sleep health. (Garrett’s team) definitely recommends a more firm mattress.”
A firmer mattress is exactly what Big
Fig provides, but athletes like Garrett weren’t Big Fig’s target audience when it was founded in 2016.
Big Fig co-founder and White Dove CEO Bruce Goodman saw that plussized individuals were repeat customers for buying a mattress before anyone else because retailers were exploiting them. They were being promised mattresses with support and longevity but the mattresses were not actually built for plus-sized people.
Big Fig has deep roots in Cleveland through its partnership with the Cleveland Browns and its parent company, both sharing a “roll up your sleeves” work ethic.
“(Goodman) saw that that specific collection of folks were being taken advantage of by retailers over and over again,” Brown says. “So instead of just sitting by, he thought that that would be a great place for him to kind of step in. He saw a need and said, ‘Hey, let’s build something from the ground up.’”
With modern manufacturing technology, including high-density foams and high-quality coils, Big Fig’s mattresses are designed to handle the weight loads and limits that plus-sized folks and couples tend to put on mattresses.
Big Fig says by operating as a direct-to-consumer model it not only improves the health of plus-sized sleepers but it also saves people money by eliminating middlemen, reducing doctor visits and avoiding the need to buy a new mattress every two to three years that is not specifically designed for their body types. It also gives Big Fig a direct cash flow from their mattresses, which range in price from $1,699 to $2,149.
With an expanded target audience including athletes, bodybuilders and others in need of sturdier mattresses, Big Fig has experienced consistent double-digit growth, making the brand the largest customer of its contract manufacturer and parent company.
This level of growth has enabled the company to expand without external investment or debt, allowing it to remain autonomous and nimble in its decision-making. That’s particularly important as it navigates future market changes, such as weight-loss drugs shrinking its original target audience.
“I’m not going to buy a mattress right now for a plus-sized person because someday I won’t be plus-sized,” Brown explains, with GLP-1 drugs that some plus-sized people might delay purchasing a plus-size mattress.
That’s another reason Big Fig is ex-
CLEVELAND HOPKINS: A HUB?
Some industry observers say airline competition, airport upgrades and rising passenger traffic could make Cleveland attractive for expanded hub operations.
Eleven years ago, United ended its hub operation at Cleveland Hopkins International Airport, leaving the 1999-built Terminal D vacant and relinquishing some of the airport’s remaining gates to expansion by low-fare airlines.
But an online aviation publication recently opined that Cleveland Hopkins was one of the nation’s five airports that are most likely to regain hub operations by a legacy airline. There are three such airlines — American, Delta and United.
Alexander Mitchell, a contributing editor at Simple Flying, wrote that Cleveland, Cincinnati, Austin–Bergstrom, San Diego and Tampa were cities that were in the best positions to gain or regain airline hubs. Mitchell’s business experience with commercial aviation began at Bridgewater Associates, the world’s largest hedge fund.
panding its audience. With its nimble and independent direct-to-consumer model, it can design, build and launch new mattress models in a matter of months versus years and ship them to customers in three to five business days.
Big Fig is also looking to make the industry more sustainable through greener manufacturing and mattress disposal methods.
“We think there’ll always be a need for a solid, well-built mattress, whether you are an athlete or a bigger person,” says Brown.
But since the beginning, Brown says that working at Big Fig has been
He said the three legacy air carriers are “locked in a battle” to be the largest and most financially successful airline in the country. A key piece of that pursuit is a careful selection of route networks and hubs.
He explained that United is in the best position to open, or in this case reopen, a hub in Cleveland. United had a hub at Cleveland from 1945 to 1986, when it left for WashingtonDulles and Chicago-O’Hare.
United continues to maintain a crew base for pilots and flight attendants here, along with a significant aircraft maintenance facility. Despite the growth of low-fare Frontier Airlines at Cleveland, United’s market share edges out Frontier’s as the city’s most popular airline.
“For many, saying United could soon open a hub in Cleveland is a no-brainer,” Mitchell wrote.
a unique and rewarding experience because of customer feedback. (Very different from his days working in consumer goods at companies like Rubbermaid and Newell.)
At Big Fig, customers have said the mattresses helped improve their ability to go to work, saved them money on chiropractor visits and even changed their sex life.
“I can tell you, in all my years in consumer goods,” Brown says, “no matter what brand, no matter what product, I never had reviews that people put literally with tears in their eyes would tell you, ‘Your mattress changed my life.’”
Community Leader
LEADERSHIP
//
BY JADEN STAMBOLIA
What Comes After Craft
As Ohio’s craft beer industry faces a Darwinian thinning, Market Garden Brewery is leaning on new leadership, market data and rapid innovation to redefine what a local brewery can be.
For the past 23 years, Sam McNulty and Mark Priemer have seen their Ohio City neighborhood grow, and along with it, they have slowly expanded and grown up and down West 25th Street since their first concept opened in 2003. However, as the beverage, craft beer and hospitality business is rapidly changing, so is Market Garden Brewery.
Sam McNulty, Paul Corto and Mark Priemer in order. Market Garden Brewery revenue projections show growth in 2026.
Their latest expansion occurred in 2025, when the business partners opened the “dream come true” Irishtown Bend Taproom inside their production brewery, located next to the West Side Market. This past year, they also opened their Canopy Rooftop Bar atop the Market Garden brewpub.
Their production brewery has been brewing since 2016. Soon, McNulty and Priemer will look to diversify their beverage offerings, all of which will be made in Ohio City.
“People think of us as if we’re taking over the world,” McNulty says. Instead, they are focused on their campus and have grown to about 200 employees.
Other nearby breweries have struggled in recent months. Bookhouse Brewing closed this past year after seven years in business, citing unpredictable post-pandemic realities. Voodoo Brewery in Cleveland Heights closed after six years.
According to the Ohio Craft Brewers Association, more Ohio breweries closed than opened in 2025, following a national trend.
“I think what a lot of people still don’t grasp about food, beverage, hospitality post-pandemic is that everything is so totally different and those intervening years were so similarly unpredictable,” Bookhouse Brewing owner Vaughn Stewart says. “Everything was just gone as far as any kind of structure, predictability.”
McNulty and Priemer characterized the craft beer industry as undergoing a necessary “correction” in which many breweries were closing, and success would depend on quality, consistency and strong brand building.
“There’s going to be a little bit of a Darwinian thinning of the herd,”
McNulty says. “But that’s every market that sees irrational exuberance, there’s a correction. I think we’re seeing that correction now.”
To strengthen Market Garden’s brand building, McNulty and Priemer did something unprecedented for their business: They brought in a new partner and president. They landed Paul Corto after months of recruiting.
Corto started in his new role in October, but before that, he spent 15 years in various roles at Solon’s Superior Beverage Group, a major distributor that also serves Market Garden Brewery. Corto retired from Superior in June.
This summer, he focused on spending time with family and running the Spiders Lacrosse Club in Hudson, which he started three years ago.
McNulty and Priemer knew that Market Garden Brewery needed Corto’s seasoned business leadership —
and that his extensive background in beverage distribution could help guide the brewery’s strategic growth.
“It’s one thing to be great creators, but when you can partner up with somebody that really says, ‘All right, we’re going to take all this creative might and technical abilities and focus it here,’ that’s a real winning combination,” Priemer says.
Corto’s vision for the brewery’s future includes diversifying its product portfolio to include domestic lagers, flavored malt beverages and nonalcoholic options, aiming to insulate the business from the volatility of the craft beer-specific market.
The brewery is now making decisions based on market data and consumer trends rather than on the personal taste or gut feelings of the brewers or founders.
“You can make the best beer in the world or the best cider in the world,”
Priemer says. “But if you’re not great at getting it out to the market or branding it in the way it should be (it’s going nowhere).”
For example, non-alcoholic options have been steadily growing in the beverage industry. A Gallup poll from 2023 found that only 62% of U.S. adults aged 18-34 report drinking, down from 72% in 2001.
To become a multibrand power, Corto laid out the Boston Beer Co. as a blueprint for evolution. He said that the company has gone from its flagship Samuel Adams beer to a broad portfolio that includes Twisted Tea, Truly and Angry Orchard.
“I don’t even think most consumers even realize that Boston Beer produces and manufactures Twisted Tea,” Corto says. “They’re very tactful and are able to build that portfolio and that brand.”
“I’m not saying we’re going to turn
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into Boston Beer overnight,” Corto adds. “I think we can take some of those strategies and we can build a portfolio of brands that play outside of just craft beer.”
One of Market Garden Brewery’s biggest advantages is the ability to be nimble and innovative. Corto stated the team could develop a new brand from idea to production in just eight weeks.
That claim has been put to the test with new variety packs, which will allow Market Garden to test some brews in groupings, while testing others as drafts. And these decisions’ resulting data will be collected right next to the production brewery.
“The luxury that we have here is having our restaurants and being able to have 200,000 people coming through,” Corto says. “We can glean data, we can glean information that
can help us make data-driven decisions and more informed fact-based decisions.”
However, none of this would have been possible, Corto says, if McNulty and Priemer had never invested in their beverage lab that enables them to test with a two-barrel system and then scale up.
McNulty adds that this allows them to be adventurous because “if that batch doesn’t meet standards, it goes down the drain and it’s far less of a risk at that point.”
That adventure started this past December, with their new Cleveland Lager that launched in their Cleveland Classics variety pack.
“The response that we’ve gotten already has been overwhelming,” Corto says.
Just one post on social media led a wave of solid feedback, and made an
impact on Market Garden’s distributor partner. Others have taken notice. Priemer said a major retailer reached out about a new variety pack it wanted to see as soon as possible, so Corto and the team got to work.
“A big retailer asked, ‘Could you guys do a variety pack with this, this and this?’” Priemer recounted. “And they talk about speed. (Corto’s) like, ‘Yeah, we could do that.’ And they’re like, ‘Could you give me a mock above that by this afternoon?’ And literally they turned it around in hours.”
Before Corto brings Market Garden Brewery into national focus, he wants to double down on the company’s home market for sustainable growth by staying in Northeast Ohio.
“I wake up every day with just a burning desire to win and work with guys that I love, locking arms with them and the team,” Corto says.
Become a
The Zoo Society is proud to offer its corporate supporters exclusive access to Zoo experiences. Corporate Champions enjoy customized benefits that engage employees , entertain clients , and connect with community partners and stakeholders. This program provides support to ensure the continued success of the Cleveland Zoological Society and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
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COMMUNITY COMMUNITY
A TALK @ THE TOWER
Oswald’s first roundtable brings together business leaders and sports icons.
By Terry Troy
When the Oswald Companies moved into a new home on the East Bank of the Flats in 2024, it was a clear indication that the company was not only poised for future growth, but also very much committed to the city of Cleveland and the community across Northeast Ohio.
Oswald recently hosted an event at its new headquarters that brought together business leaders and Cleveland sports icons called “Talk @ the Tower, an evening of insight, connection and community.” According to Phil Lopez, senior sales executive at Oswald, who was moderator of the event, it marked the first in a series of roundtables that Oswald will host at its new headquarters in the coming months.
Lopez, a financial professional with over 25 years of experience, has worked with countless business leaders, CPAs and attorneys, as well as civic leaders and athletes.
The roundtable featured Ray “Boom Boom” Mancini, a professional boxing champion who held the WBA lightweight title and is in the International Boxing Hall of Fame, who has since transitioned into film, philanthropy and public speaking. Mike Fratello,
former NBA and Cavs coach, broadcaster and television personality, was also on hand sharing his insights on sports and life. And Bernie Kosar, former Browns quarterback, offered some of his life lessons as well as stories on the importance of resilience. Indeed, it was rumored that Kosar, who was at the time awaiting a liver transplant in a local hospital, actually “escaped” from his hospital bed to attend the event.
“These kinds of social events are a nice combination of work and relaxation, and I am honored to be here,” Kosar told the crowd. “Telling stories, being energetic and charismatic are very important to me, but the most important is being genuine.”
In addition to some extremely interesting stories from both Fratello and Mancini, the evening offered commentary, stories and insights from local business leaders, including: Bill Considine, CEO Emeritus of Akron Children’s Hospital; Michelle Kuhrt, EVP and chief transformation officer of Lincoln Electric; Susan Hennike, CBO of Carhartt; and Matt Gregory, CEO and president of Gregory Industries. Each talked about the
“Business and sports are a great matchup because they are very similar. Whether you are a CEO of a company, or a quarterback in the NFL, you are always being coached.”
— PHIL LOPEZ
importance of adapting to change while remaining focused on mission and culture.
“Business and sports are a great matchup because they are very similar,” said Lopez. “Whether you are a CEO of a company, or a quarterback in the NFL, you are always being coached.”
Jessica Jung, president of the Oswald Companies, added, “The one thing we know is that change is a constant. I was listening to a speaker in Europe recently who said that the No. 1 skill, not just for business leaders but for all humans, is that you must embrace change in order to survive.
“People don’t like change, but the speed and rate of change is multiplying by the day,” she added. “A lot of change is positive. I think about what has happened in the last two years just with our company. We have gone from employee-owned Oswald to creating a national footprint.”
MINING MINERALS
Covia’s Innovation Center takes technology and processes to a new level.
By Terry Troy
With the opening of its new Covia Innovation Center (CIC), Covia is well positioned to meld the quality of its mined raw materials with its ability to leverage technology and its process capabilities. While Covia is an international company headquartered in Independence, the new, state-of-the-art CIC is located in Concord, North Carolina.
“We are not just a raw material supplier — we are a mineral solutions provider,” says Mike Marcely, Covia’s EVP, US/Canada and Business Development. “We grow together with our customers, and we take a customer-centric approach to innovation.”
That approach has long guided Covia’s investments in application labs, pilot facilities and analytical centers — from its Analytical Services Lab in Ottawa, Illinois, to its mineral processing lab in Santa Catarina, Mexico.
The opening of the CIC represents the next step in expanding those capabilities. Rather than consolidating existing resources, the CIC enhances Covia’s ability to collaborate, test and solve problems alongside customers. It reflects Covia’s company-wide mindset: Innovation isn’t confined to a single site — it’s embedded in everything it does.
The 20,000-square-foot facility includes 13,000 square feet dedicated to product development and 7,000 square feet of office and collaboration space. The center also houses dedicated conference rooms; the Ideate and Innovate rooms; and a multipurpose room called the Inspire
room, which will foster opportunities for cross-disciplinary discussion, idea generation and hands-on teamwork.
“We designed it to be a world-class research facility, and it’s put together in a very thoughtful way,” says Steve Schilling, director of technology & application development. “We spent a lot of time making sure we got it right on paper to anticipate future needs.”
“This is a customer hub,” Marcely adds. “It will be a basecamp for collaboration and a place to create value together with our customers.”
For Marcely, the CIC is not just a building — it’s an ecosystem of people, technology and ideas. Building the lab was a collaborative process that created a modular, flexible space where different perspectives can come together to accelerate product development and put people in the greatest position to succeed.
Lauren Helton, director of sales – Coatings, Polymers, Exports, says the new CIC will help translate the company’s innovation into action.
“I love being close to the mining industry, but also getting to see how all the minerals are used in different applications,” Helton says.
For Helton, sales aren’t about transactions; they are about translation. In an industry where formulations can hinge on a single micron of particle size or a subtle pH shift, Helton’s ability to bridge science and practical application allows her to connect customers’ challenges with innovative solutions.
Carved in Stone
When Rob Light joined Covia nearly 30 years ago, he couldn’t have imagined how the engineered stone market would transform the look and feel of modern homes. Today, Light is a trusted resource for Covia in the quartz and ceramics space. During his tenure, he has witnessed, and has helped lead, the company’s transformation in engineered stone products.
“We had maybe a small market share back in the ’90s of quartz countertops, and now we’re a much larger player,” Light says.
Like Light, Scott Van Remortel has been with Covia for more than three decades, translating lab results into customer success stories.
“The Covia Innovation Center has the best testing and application lab space of any lab I’ve ever been a part of,” he says. “The team has done an excellent job bringing it to life and putting in equipment. We’re already seeing benefits and providing value to the customers.”
That state-of-the-art environment has already helped Van Remortel and his fellow team members simulate real-world applications for customers.
“We grow together with our customers, and we take a customercentric approach to innovation.”
— MIKE MARCELY
MIKE MARCELY
LAUREN HELTON
ROB LIGHT
SCOTT VAN REMORTEL
ADVANCING ADVOCACY
Legal Aid Society services grow along with wealth/poverty disparity. By Terry Troy
Tom Mlakar, deputy director of advocacy for the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland, would love to be out of work. Indeed, Mlakar would love to see the need for all Legal Aid Societies across the country disappear altogether.
But that’s not reality.
In his present position since 2012, Mlakar manages the organization’s legal work, focusing on serving low-income communities through representation, impact legislation and intake systems. He has worked with Cleveland Legal Aid since graduating law school in 1992. Today, he oversees the efforts of a staff of over 100 professionals, including attorneys, paralegals, intake specialists and three social workers.
“Tom is truly an expert in Legal Aid’s work,” says Colleen Cotter, executive director of the Legal Aid Society of Cleveland. “His knowledge, leadership and kindness make him a natural mentor to colleagues across the organization.”
Think of Legal Aid Society’s services as a three-legged stool. The first leg of that stool is dedicated to Representation.
“We have something called acceptance guidelines, where we try to figure out the most important cases that our staff can handle,” says Mlakar. “Then we try to determine where we can use volunteers.”
The demand is very high. And the problem is not just across the five counties served by Cleveland Legal Aid. According to the latest national Justice Gap Report, low-income Americans do not receive any or enough legal help for 92% of their civil or legal needs. Many are forced to “go it alone” without representation.
“I guarantee that we have some of the smartest and most creative attorneys right here in Cleveland as my colleagues. And we will keep fighting the good fight as we make a difference for as many people as we can.”
— TOM MLAKAR
The second leg of the stool is Community Engagement.
“This is where we send our staff attorneys and paralegals out to do things in the community,” says Mlakar. “We also use volunteer attorneys.
“We partner with community organizations and offer a lot of educational presentations, such as ‘Know Your Rights,’” says Mlakar. “We also help educate other nonprofits in terms of understanding the work that we do, or how we can work with them so they can make appropriate referrals.”
The third leg is Advocacy.
“It can mean using the media or doing more impactful policy work or litigation,” Mlakar says. “It can also include appeals or amicus work (friend of the court opinions) and include bringing affirmative cases for individuals or groups.”
This includes important issues such as lead abatement in houses and the environment and driver’s license suspensions for non-driving offenses, “some of which are enforced without
the person even being aware that they have been suspended,” says Mlakar.
Legal Aid Advocacy also addresses housing legal issues such as mortgage foreclosures, “but today, it is often more about rental evictions rather than mortgage foreclosures or tax delinquencies,” says Mlakar. “It may also include a person’s right to qualify for subsidized housing. Here, we are also doing a lot of work for veterans as well as the previously incarcerated.
“In Cleveland, we have a program that focuses on a right to counsel, which is designed to help increase the stability of families in Cleveland.”
But you need to have very low income to qualify for the program, and you need to have a child in the household, stresses Mlakar.
“I guarantee that we have some of the smartest and most creative attorneys right here in Cleveland as my colleagues,” adds Mlakar. “And we will keep fighting the good fight as we make a difference for as many people as we can.”
FUNDING FOR EDUCATION
Baldwin Wallace University’s scholarships and aid make college more accessible and affordable.
By Jill Sell
The President’s Horizon Award, a new Baldwin Wallace University (BW) scholarship, is unique to the 180-year-old institution of higher learning in Berea. The renewable $1,845 annual scholarship ($7,380 over four years) is available to eligible incoming first-year and transfer students. It is automatically awarded to students pursing high-demand academic programs who first enroll at BW in fall 2026.
Those numbers — one, eight, four, five — are significant because 1845 is the year of the school’s founding. The scholarship is also in recognition of BW’s 10th president, Lee Fisher, who was inaugurated this past fall. Lee calls the award “a nod to history and a promise to our future,” helping to boost college affordability.
The scholarship is just one example of BW’s impressive efforts to provide its well-respected educational opportunities to prospective and current students. The school’s goal is also to present information in a transparent and fair way. Higher educational financing can be challenging for families who often struggle with misconceptions and outdated information about paying for a college education.
BW’s Director of Financial Aid Carrie Short is on a mission to effectively share accurate information about affordability issues, federal government financial assistance and other loans and scholarships. The knowledge is applicable to BW students and anyone navigating the cost of education. Short founded “Better FAFSA Help,” a
Facebook group monitored by more than 100 verified financial aid advisors, in February 2024.
Created to fight a “cesspool of misinformation” stirred by financial aid sites that often have commercial interests, the group now boasts 44,000 members. For her work, Short was given a National Association of Student Financial Aid Administrators Gold Star Award in 2025.
“I have been a financial aid counselor for 20 years, and I can’t believe we are still having conversations that filling out a FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid) form is only for low-income families. The eligibility is a lot broader, and a lot of middle-income families qualify. You also don’t have to be an A+ student to get help,” says Short, whose office encourages families to look at college departmental scholarships as well as community, school, employer, cultural and organizational scholarships for help.
Short emphasizes that there is usually a significant difference between “the cost of attendance and the sticker price” when calculating the cost of a BW education. The average cost for BW’s 2026-2027 year is $58,284, which includes tuition, fees and room and board. That amount is already approximately
$2,000 less than a comparable fouryear private school. Then BW awards academic merit scholarships based on high school performance up to $22,000 (at least $14,000) that are renewable for four years.
BW also works individually with students to match 400-plus named scholarships, awarding more than $4.5 million each year — money that does not have to be repaid. Pell Grants and loans are also tapped. Every student at BW receives financial aid through scholarships or special awards, regardless of financial situation, according to Short.
What if someone has student loans? Relevant work-study programs, paid internships and other solutions help reduce any amount owed at graduation. Also, 96% of BW grads are employed within six months of graduation. Ten years after graduation, their average earnings are $10,750 higher than comparable grads nationally.
Short claims to be “cautiously optimistic” about future federal financial aid, including Pell Grants and their availability to students.
“Financing is a juggling game,” says Short. “But the way BW works with students one-on-one is special. We will continue to find financial resources for every student.”
“We will continue to find financial resources for every student.”
— CARRIE SHORT
COURTESY
WHEN EVERYTHING MATTERS
Meaden & Moore provides you with the expertise to solve today’s challenges while understanding the importance of your strategy, vision, your team, and everything else that matters.
WRITTEN BY KRISTEN HAMPSHIRE
Micro camps offer low-commitment ways to try new activities while building a flexible, full summer.
SUMMER MINI SERIES
Amix-and-match mashup of bitesized summer camp opportunities introduced 10-year-old twins Eva and Marina Kellis to sewing — homemade pajama pants and all — along with baking (“It’s so my thing,” says Marina) and chess, where Eva earned bracelets for winning moves. “I’m a collector,” she says. Their mom, Mary Vouyiouklis-Kellis, also
tossed in a nature-art camp for the girls, who attend Gilmour Academy and have been camp regulars since kindergarten. Last summer, her daughters said, “Mom, we don’t want to do the same thing every week.”
So rather than six weeks of day camp, she incorporated shorter, micro experiences into the stretch.
The micro camps were like sample-sized treats.
“It broke up the summer and gave them something to look forward to during specific weeks,” says Vouyiouklis-Kellis, a busy parent and doctor who juggles summer like many working families: by scheduling camps to bridge gaps between vacations and other activities.
For the Conway family, weeklong pro-
grams like speech and debate camp or books and bikes at Laurel School offer academic scoops in a summer-fun way without a huge commitment.
“The snippets are good because the kids try something new, they make new friends and every summer there’s something new to explore,” says Courtney Conway, who builds summers full of weeklong camps that allow her to drop off all three kids in one location for different programs.
“I can find something for everyone,” she says.
A SMORGASBORD
Single-serving experiences are a low-stakes way for kids to satisfy curiosity, dive deeper into a special interest or take part in a 101
intro “test drive.”
“I call it a smorgasbord of camps,” says Rhonda Rickelman, director of auxiliary programming at Gilmour Academy. “We have kids who try the arts, theater, sports or maybe they’ve never done anything with robotics and they decide to try coding.”
Bethany Beshire’s 10-year-old son tried a few hours of archery during a one-off Cleveland Metroparks camp. She’s been designing summers packed with outdoor experiences
for children across the region for 19 years as a senior manager of center operations.
“We can encourage and motivate kids to try just about anything for one day,” says Beshire, adding that short programs can unlock new passions. Her son discovered he was a natural at archery, and now he has his own set and practices at home.
Campers can check out a variety of oneday programs, including paddle sports, fly fishing, mountain biking, rock climbing,
“I call it a smorgasbord of camps. We have kids who try the arts, theater, sports or maybe they’ve never done anything with robotics and they decide to try coding.”
– Rhonda Rickelman, director of auxiliary programming at Gilmour Academy
creek walking and hiking — in total, 150 camps to try across the Metroparks’ five nature centers.
“There are opportunities to scaffold once they make that introductory connection,” says Beshire, adding that quick hits can also stoke an appetite for more time outdoors.
Just as important is when kids try an activity and realize it’s not what they had in mind. Rather than invest in equipment, time and energy figuring out the “long way,” a short-term camp provides a way to check out year-round activities in a low-key environment.
Summer at Laurel director Andrea DiSalvo points to a speech and debate camp. Without committing to the school-year team that travels, students from any school can test their comfort zone. This flexibility allowed Conway “nudge” her daughter into trying it.
“If a kid finds out something is not his or her thing, two weeks could feel like torture,” says Rickelman.
Read the fine print, camp organizers advise. And let the kids weigh in, at least a bit.
June 15 – July 10, 2026 / 7:45 – 11:45 a.m.
(No school on June 19 or July 3)
You won’t believe how far your child will leap ahead in just four weeks when immersed in evidence-based classroom strategies. Our certified teachers use a multisensory approach, based on Orton-Gillingham methodology, to boost reading, writing, math, and organization skills.
Lawrence School
“Don’t just pick whatever fits into the schedule,” says Rickelman. “That’s not fair to the kids. Ask them: What do you want to try? What do you want to get better at?”
MIDDLE GROUND
At Laurel School, girls’ preferences help inform the camp lineup with fresh takes on finance, wellness, cooking and more, including a camp centered on dolls, a new-this-year Taylor Swift camp for super fans and the return of favorites, including Girls with Bikes and Books Camp.
Cleveland Metroparks
Laurel and others are also rolling out more camps for middle-school-aged kids and teens, DiSalvo says. For example, the Gator Fix-It and Finance program is packed with practical skills — “things we’ve gotten away from in schools.”
Great Lakes Science Center is also reaching the middle school audience this summer with deep-dive robotics and space programs that parents can stack for four weeks of camp or sign up for a la carte.
Rather than aging out of science center camps after sixth grade, a fresh menu of camps are “based on a need in the community,” says Victoria Joslin, camps manager. Robotics camps for this age group can be feeders for internships, she adds.
The Cleveland Museum of Art expanded its summer 2026 programming to ages 5 to 16 for summer 2026. It’s the first time it will offer the six one-week programs to teens.
“There are so many pressures that preteens and teens face, and art is a really nice outlet,” says Paula Jackson, manager of youth and family engagement.
Its summer theme aligns with the Martin
Great Lakes Science Center
Puryear exhibition with a focus on craftsmanship, nature and sculpture. Age groups are split up and get a behind-the-scenes look at the museum.
“We bring authentic artifacts into the classroom they can handle and see up close out of the case,” Jackson says of this “oneon-one time with an object.” It could be a gauntlet or an Egyptian figurine.
Kids can immerse themselves in art for a week or take multiple sessions if they get hooked. Jackson has watched many campers grow from hesitant to mini docents giving their families tours.
“Some continue art after the program and others who weren’t so sure start carrying a sketchbook around with them,” she says.
Micro camps have a macro social impact, introducing kids who share interests, helping playdates materialize and relationships grow.
What Marina Kellis learned about branching out into new camp topics: “Just go for it. You never know what you’ll learn until you try.”
GAM E PLAN
Micro camps can be a smart way to test the waters, but a little intention goes a long way in making the experience a win.
Read the fine print. Do the legwork and study camp descriptions — no skimming. Many camps will also offer accessibility cues. Cleveland Metroparks’ Bethany Beshire says, “Parents can really help prepare their kids by helping them understand the activities.”
Give a nudge. Go ahead and nudge your kid to try something that feels “big” for a small amount of time. To decide how well a child will adjust to a different format or activity, “Watch your child play,” says Gilmour’s Rhonda Rickelman. “If your child gets highly frustrated, you may need to work through that first.”
Choose a home base. Select micro camp experiences that are carved out of a daylong camp. “Some kids don’t like transitions,” says Mary Vouyiouklis- Kellis, wearing her doctor and mom hats. “You can go to the same place for camp and offer different experiences.”
BE CONSISTENT: SMART SUMMER SETUPS
While a variety show is appealing, what about the logistics — and parents getting work done, too? If “scraping together is terrifying,” as Rebecca Ranallo concedes, consider summer options that offer different programs at a consistent time and location.
Cuyahoga County Public Library shifted its pre-registration model to open programming on given days and times at each branch. Themed weeks shake up activities from slime making to STEM games and more. “Camp days” coincide with its eight-week summer reading program.
“Families can count on programming at the same time, same place,” says Ranallo, literacy and learning director. From podcasting to K-Pop Demon Hunters, crafts to problemsolving challenges, the free offerings allow families to plug a library day in the schedule. “Our staff sees families regularly, and they get to know them.”
Eleven locations serve free summer lunch
in partnership with the Greater Cleveland Food Bank.
Meanwhile, the Greater Cleveland YMCA offers niche camps for sports and arts, but its day camp experience with before and after care gives families a one-stop, 10-week summer solution, says Natisha Bowling, senior vice president of youth development.
Camp is held in designated schools. And like other camps in the region, the YMCA is expanding the age maximum from 12 to 14 and providing a teen camp in partnership with Youth Opportunities Unlimited.
“We might do a week of kickball and work in STEAM and health,” Bowling explains.
Last year, campers participated in a cardboard boat-building challenge for one week.
Bowling says, “This is how micro camps come into the day-camp experience.”
Summer Camps JUNE 22–JULY 31
Offered to 3-year-olds through rising 8th graders. Learn more at ruffingmontessori.net.
Spaces are limited, register now!
Cuyahoga County Public Library
Greater Cleveland YMCA
What to know and do before sending a first-timer off to sleep-away camp.
PACKED WITH CONFIDENCE
Afirst summer sleepover camp experience can pack a tangle of nerves for kids and caregivers. But a little prep goes a long way toward easing the transition, from dealing with the shock of digital detox to finding a familiar face for directions to the mess hall.
Here, Beth Stokley, a camp director for Girl Scouts of North East Ohio, offers peace of mind and practical must-dos.
A FIRST
Stokley encourages families to start small
before camp begins. Try sleepovers with friends or relatives, attend camp open houses and help campers imagine themselves in cabins, at activities and meeting new friends.
Open houses serve a dual purpose. Campers can scope out the setting and meet staff. “This way, there’s a familiar face on check-in day,” she explains.
Homesickness is normal at any age, and camp staff members are pros at easing kids through these moments. Before camp, explore the camp handbook together, Stokley suggests.
“Above all, don’t hesitate to ask questions,” she says. “Camp directors love talking about camp and are eager to partner with you to create an unforgettable first experience.”
‘OWN IT’
Packing and preparing for camp is one of the first opportunities for a camper to truly take ownership of the experience. Stokley believes this makes all the difference.
“When campers help gather their gear, they learn what they have, where it is and how to manage it once they’re at camp,” she says.
Involving kids in the process builds independence, confidence and a sense of readiness.
Preparing together also opens space for some real talk.
Stokley suggests asking campers what
they’re excited about and what worries them. What will they try at camp — and what feels scary?
Based on this conversation, consider tucking in handwritten notes or letters into a child’s bags for encouragement during the week.
“These small steps reinforce that the adventure belongs to them and that they’re capable of stepping into it with confidence,” Stokley says.
LESSONS LEARNED
After years of welcoming families into the summer camp journey, Stokley says a few
truths consistently rise to the surface. The first: communication matters.
“Camp works best when caregivers, camp staff and camp directors operate as partners.”
– Beth Stokley, a camp director for Girl Scouts of Northeast Ohio
Summer programs for boys and girls ages 4 -18
“Camp works best when caregivers, camp staff and camp directors operate as partners,” she explains.
Sharing questions, concerns and insights early helps staff understand each camper as a whole person — and sets the foundation for belonging, discovery and joy.
Also, while packing the basics seems obvious, remember to leave valuables at home.
Camp, Stokley says, is meant for play clothes, sturdy shoes and gear that can handle mud, rain, sunshine and adventure. “What your camper needs most is comfort, not perfection.”
Perhaps the most important truth is that camp isn’t always comfortable. That’s how campers grow and programs are designed to invite kids to step out of their comfort zones.
Trying something new, navigating friendships and spending time away from home can feel challenging in the moment, but those experiences are essential.
“They’re exactly where confidence takes root,” says Stokley.
For boys and girls ages 3 -18
Hawken Summer Programs provide some of the best summer enrichment opportunities in Greater Cleveland. Campers can choose from a broad menu of programs that are specifically designed to be age-appropriate, fun, and worthwhile.
Day Camps (Girls, Boys, & Coed options) • One-week Passport Camps • Summer Studies for Grades 9–12 Athletics Camps (coming March 2026) Imagine Summer, think Hawken !
To register and for full camp/course descriptions visit summer.hawken.edu or contact us at 440-423-2940 or summerprograms@hawken.edu.
Imagine summer, think
• Gates Mills
FOR WOMEN
Go Red for Women is locally presented by
Go Red for Women is nationally sponsored by
Celebrating 22 Years of Collaboration
We are proud to be the longstanding local presenting sponsor of American Heart Association’s Go Red for Women campaign. Together, we continue to encourage women of all ages to prioritize and celebrate cardiovascular health.
Proud local presenting sponsor of
GO BOLD. GO STRONG.
Go Red for Women.
Life moves fast for women: family, careers, calendars and commitments never slow down. But when it comes to our health, delays are no longer an option.
Go Red for Women is on a mission to empower all women to prioritize their well-being and advocate for one another.
Why? Because cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the No. 1 killer of women. It does not discriminate, and it is not a one-size-fits-all issue. In fact, nearly 45% of women over the age of 20 are living with some form of CVD.
Additionally, during major life stages such as adolescence, pregnancy and menopause, women can experience unique events that can increase their risk for heart disease and stroke.
Go Red for Women launched in 2004 to shine a spotlight on the real challenges women living with heart disease and stroke face. Now, 22 years later, it is a driving force funding critical, lifesaving research. Go Red is committed to meeting the needs of women at every age, while working to bridge gaps in access to care.
As Go Red for Women enters its second decade, the American Heart Association is challenging women everywhere to take the lead in their own health journeys and inspire healthier communities. Together, we can turn awareness into action and create lasting change.
Now is the time to be the change you want to see made in heart health. Learn CPR. Get checked. And know that Go Red for Women will be by your side every step of the way.
Shelley Webber, CFRE Executive Director
Heart Association
Sarah Cachat 2026 Go Red for Women Campaign Chair
Senior Managing Director, Townsend
Julie Gotschall Senior Development Director, Go Red for Women
American Heart Association
here to Go Red
United to conquer heart disease. Circle of Red is turning awareness into
action
The reality of heart disease is still harsh: 1 in 3 women die of cardiovascular disease.
The American Heart Association is committed to driving change through initiatives like Go Red for Women and the Circle of Red Society. Circle of Red is a powerful community of changemakers united by unwavering determination to defeat heart disease. They work to shatter misconceptions, ignite conversations and champion awareness about heart disease and stroke, inspiring others to take action too.
Circle of Red launched in Cleveland in 2009 with 11 passionate founding members committed to making a difference. Today, that circle has grown to 47 unstoppable leaders who have raised nearly $1.2M to fight heart disease. The impact they’ve made is undeniable. The momentum we built in 2025 continues to propel us forward in 2026, driving meaningful change and transforming lives.
Greater Cleveland Circle of Red Members stand united with thousands across the nation, championing one powerful mission: to end heart disease. These leaders have fueled groundbreaking initiatives like Research Goes Red, ignited innovation through the Go Red for Women Venture Fund and advanced public policy.
As some of our greatest champions of the Go Red for Women movement, Circle of Red members not only help save lives, but they are the heart of the American Heart Association’s mission.
CIRCLE OF RED MEMBERS
List as of 12/19/2025 & year joined.
NOT PICTURED
Kristi & Lily Apelt ‘25
Drs. Janine & Mauricio Arruda^ ‘19
Jennifer Baus, P.E., LEED AP ‘25
Gabrielle & Scott Christman^ ‘22
Natalina & Dennis Dziubek ‘25
Tom & Jan Hablitzel^ ‘20
Dr. Barbara Harris^ ‘23
Diane K. Hupp^ ‘09
John & Erin Jesser ‘12
Andrea Kaifesh, PharmD, RPh* ‘24
Marien A. Kaifesh, MBA ‘17
Julie H. Krebs^ ‘15
Michele R. Messina ‘25
Charles O’Shaughnessy, MD ‘24
Jennifer Parmentier ‘24
Amanda Primozic* ‘25
Jennifer & Kevin Rochford^ ‘25
Beth Sak ‘20
Marybeth Shamrock ‘12
Mehdi Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD^ ‘21
Drs. Daniel I. Simon ‘15 & Marcy Schwartz^ ‘15
Jaime Sussel Kravitz* ‘24
Sally Turner ‘24
Vanessa L. Whiting ‘23
PICTURED (LEFT)
Names in parentheses are not pictured
Row 1 (left to right)
The Circle of Red
The State of Women’s Health
Women spend 25% more time in “poor health” than men and spend an average of nine years in poor health
Only 38% of cardiovascular research participants are women and only 4% of medical research is specific to women
The majority of cardiac events can be prevented through education and health behaviors. Closing the cardiovascular-disease gaps could help women regain 1.6 million years of life lost.
Get the Scoop on Sodium & Salt
Consuming too much sodium can cause high blood pressure
On an average day, an American consumes about 3,400 mg of sodium
The American Heart Association recommends 1,500 mg for ideal heart health
Jan Fitts^ ‘19 & John Fitts^ ‘23
Jenna Perpar ‘24, 2026 Circle of Red Chair
Sarah Cachat^ ‘22
Alberta Lee, SPHR ‘22
Lorraine (& Bill) Dodero^ ‘19
Row 2 (left to right)
Denise (& John) McGee^ ‘14
Dr. Meera Kondapaneni^ ‘24 (& daughter Aditi Kosaraju ‘24)
Jennifer Pannell ‘24
Kathleen O’Ryan Mekesa ‘23
Tara Kirchner-Jean ‘24
Toni Hadad ‘20
K. Kelly Hancock, DNP, RN, NE-BC, FAAN^ ‘23
Row 3 (left to right)
Lindsay Domingo, SHRM-SCP ‘24
Amy Pyke ‘24
Jessica L. Kaifesh, MLRHR* ‘23
Jan Jones ‘20
Melissa Davis ‘24
Cathy O’Malley Kearney, JD ‘11
* Circle of Red Emerging Leader ^ Cor Vitae Member
Circle of Red
Building a Nation of Lifesavers
In Ohio, a staggering 72% of cardiac arrests that occur outside of a hospital happen at home. That means the person who collapses could be someone you know. It could be your spouse, your child, your parent or your neighbor. When every second counts, what would you do?
For Mahogany Milton it was simple — act now. At just 15 years old, she immediately began CPR when her mom, B’Lon Calloway, went into sudden cardiac arrest.
It happened on March 25, 2025, just two weeks after her 42nd birthday. B’Lon came home from work, was enjoying her evening when she started feeling stomach and chest pains. Like many Americans she hesitated to seek medical care. Moments later, she collapsed in her bathroom.
That’s when Mahogany called 911 and immediately started chest compressions.
She performed CPR for two minutes until EMS arrived.
“I just kept saying please Lord, let her stay alive,” Mahogany said.
B’Lon was unconscious for nearly 7 minutes and does not remember most of the night, but what she will never forget is the courage her daughter showed when it mattered most.
“Having my 15-year-old have to breathe life back into me, I couldn’t imagine doing that to my mom at 42, let alone 15,” B’Lon said.
In the months since surviving cardiac arrest at home and being treated for a heart attack at the emergency department, B’Lon has started working closely with doctors at University Hospitals Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute. For someone who has spent her career caring for others, this experience has been a turning point. She’s now learning to put her own health first and make adjustments needed to prioritize her well-being.
B’Lon (right) and her daughter Mahogany (left)
“It means so much to have her here,” Mahogany reflected. “It helped me realize you don’t ever know when someone might take their last breath, and you have to enjoy everything, even the bad moments.”
Mahogany saved her mother’s life by performing CPR, the same lifesaving skill her mom had taught her. This powerful story underscores why the American Heart Association is committed to training more bystanders like Mahogany. The Association’s mission is to build a Nation of Lifesavers, with a goal of having at least one person in every household trained in CPR by 2030.
Research shows that while bystander CPR can double or even triple a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest, survival rates are not always equal across races and genders. In fact, black women face significantly lower survival rates compared to white men, who have the highest likelihood of survival. By
empowering bystanders to act, we can close the gap and save more lives.
Through its Nation of Lifesavers initiative, the Association is teaming up with local organizations to make sure more bystanders know the lifesaving skill.
In Greater Cleveland, the American Heart Association is leading the charge by working with at least three youth sports organizations each year to implement Cardiac Emergency Response Plans (CERP). These plans go beyond training: they empower coaches and volunteers with CPR and AED skills, ensure teams have the right equipment and make sure everyone knows exactly what to do when seconds matter most.
If you know of an organization or company who is interested in implementing a CERP, reach out to Amber Higbie at Amber.Higbie@heart.org
Join Nation of Lifesavers
Push hard and fast in the center of the chest.
For more than 20 years, Cleveland Magazine has proudly supported the Go Red for Women campaign, championing awareness, education, and advocacy for women’s heart health across our community.
one open door can open doors across a community.
Our most important work happens outside the four walls of our bank. KeyBank gets involved to help keep our communities full of hope and opportunity.
Thank you, American Heart Association, for making a difference.
THE POWER OF
ROW 1
Caltha Seymour Eaton Corp.
Lindsay Domingo, SHRM-SCP Swagelok
Holly Mulroy
Holly M Communications
Meera Kondapaneni, MBBS, FACC, FSCAI
The MetroHealth System
Tiffani Tucker
Alberta Lee, SPHR Cleveland Cavaliers | ROCK Entertainment Group
Stacey Mazzurco, BSN, RN, CCRP University Hospitals
Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute
K. Kelly Hancock, DNP, RN, NE-BC, FAAN Cleveland Clinic
Lorraine Dodero
ROW 2
Tom Hablitzel Retired, The SherwinWilliams Co.
Jan Hablitzel Community Advocate
Kristi Capel Fox 8
Alexis Walters Fox 8
Tracey Mehallick Nordson Corp.
Renee Tramble
Richard Esq. Cuyahoga Community College
Kathleen O’Ryan Mekesa
The Huntington National Bank
Karen Woller
Cathy O’Malley Kearney Key Private Bank
Marien A. Kaifesh, MBA
Retired, Parker Hannifin Corp.
Mehdi Shishehbor, DO, MPH, PhD University Hospitals
Harrington Heart & Vascular Institute
Natalie Herbick Fox 8
Frank DiLalla
Raymond James & Associates Inc.
Leah Soto Key Private Bank
Sarah Paris Swagelok
Stephanie Haney Ideastream
19 News
Jenna Perpar BWE
Sarah Cachat
Townsend
The Sam J. Frankino Foundation
Shelley Webber, CFRE
American Heart Association
Tricia Conn Cleveland Cavaliers | ROCK Entertainment Group
Tanetta Jordan Parker Hannifin Corp.
Keegan Murphy Beaumont High School
Ava Schimmelpfennig Gilmour Academy
The Huntington National Bank
Amy Pyke
Elucid Technologies
Tara Kirchner-Jean Lubrizol Corp.
Toni Hadad Toni in Style
ROW 3
Janine Arruda, MD, FAAP, FACC University Hospitals
Where Heart Meets Science: Inspiring the Next Generation Through STEM
STEM Goes Red draws on the American Heart Association’s strong legacy of science, education and discovery. By providing this program to students, Go Red for Women is ensuring that a new generation of female scientists, doctors, inventors and changemakers have the tools and inspiration they need to secure their future in STEM.
In 2025, the Greater Cleveland team hosted its 9th annual STEM Goes Red event. It was a day filled with hands-on exploration, inspiration and connection. Local STEM leaders brought learning to life, sparking curiosity and confidence to the largest group yet. 374 students and educators joined the American Heart Association’s mission to be a relentless force for longer, healthier lives.
To date, more than 1,800 students from all over Greater Cleveland have
experienced the power of STEM Goes Red, completely free to them and their schools. This incredible opportunity is made possible by the generosity of American Heart Association funders, who believe in the potential of every student to shape the future.
Currently, women represent nearly half of the workforce in non-STEM fields, yet only 29% of the STEM workforce. That gap widens at the leadership level with just 18% holding vice president roles and only 12% reach C-suite.
Greater Cleveland Go Red for Women is taking action to boost those numbers and create more representation in STEM fields by working with The Sam J. Frankino Foundation to launch the Lorraine Dodero STEM Goes Red Scholarship. This initiative is designed to open doors for young women, fueling
their dreams and helping them become the next generation of innovators, leaders and changemakers in science, technology, engineering and math.
The scholarship is awarded to young female students in grades 9-12 who plan to pursue a STEM field after high school.
First launched in 2019, the reach of the Lorraine Dodero STEM Goes Red Scholarship continues to grow. Growing from 5 in its first year to 12 in 2025, the American Heart Association and The Sam J. Frankino Foundation have had the honor of awarding scholarships to 45 young women.
The application window for the 2026 scholarship has closed, but applicants can apply for the 2027 scholarship opportunity this fall.
“These young scholars exhibit extraordinary passion and potential. Their determination is inspiring, and we look forward to the difference they will make — advancing medical discoveries, engineering solutions and opening doors to a brighter future.”
– Lorraine Dodero, The Sam J. Frankino Foundation
Learn more about STEM Goes Red
Congratulations to the 2025 Lorraine Dodero STEM Scholarship Winners!
I want to be a part of the generation that can change what an engineer stereotype looks like and prove that women can’t only just get into these spaces, but thrive in them.”
— Andrea Eberhardt,
I want to infuse both mind and heart into each patient’s interaction, not only giving care, but hope.”
—
Aliya Ali Avon High School
Abigail Karim Brunswick High School
Vedaa Chauhan Saint Joseph Academy
Morgan Palos Elyria High School
Elizabeth Chester Highland High School
Brooklyn Phillips Gilmour Academy
Kaitlyn Hohmann Magnificat High School
Kaovya Vel Westlake High School
Andrea Eberhardt Firelands High School
Vanessa Roth Magnificat High School
Rylee Jedrzejek Keystone High School
Mirica Woodley Beachwood High School
Elizabeth Chester, Highland High School
Firelands High School
Stroll through Umbrella Alley to enter our Garden Showcase
1,000+ Experts
PLUS: Celebrity Guest Craig Conover
Jan. 30Feb. 8, 2026
Welcome
TO THE GREAT BIG HOME + GARDEN SHOW
presented by CarrierOhio.com
With more than 500 exhibits to explore and 1,000 experts to meet faceto-face, the Great Big Home + Garden Show is the place for home and garden inspiration. Start your visit by talking with contractors who can help bring your next home project to life, wander through “The End of an Era” gardens, or explore one of this year’s Idea Homes. Wherever you begin, you’ll find plenty of ideas to renew, refresh and restore your living space.
SHOW LOCATION:
TICKET INFORMATION:
Use promo code “GUIDE” online to receive $4 off. Discount tickets are available at Discount Drug Mart locations.
$15 Box Office (Adult Admission)
$13 Online at GREATBIGHOMEANDGARDEN.COM (Adult Admission)
$11 Seniors 65+ with ID (Monday-Thursday only; tickets must be purchased at show box office)
$10 Group Tickets (Minimum 20)
$5 Children ages 6-12 years
HERO DAYS
Friday, Jan. 30 and Friday, Feb. 6
Sponsored by
Clean Custom Concrete Active military personnel, veterans, fire, police, health care workers and first responders receive one free admission to the show with a valid ID.
GREATER CLEVELAND
FOOD BANK DAY
Friday, Jan. 30
Bring two cans of vegetables and receive $5 off the regular admission price. All items collected will help the Greater Cleveland Food Bank provide needed food to our Northeast Ohio neighbors.
REAL ESTATE DAY
Thursday, Feb. 5
Bring your real estate business card to the will call office located in the East Lobby and receive one FREE admission ticket.
Note: General admission does not ensure a celebrity meet and greet.
$12 Parking
Note: The Great Big Home + Garden Show benefits in no way from any parking fee collected by the I-X Center.
Help
local student to the college of their choice for four years by supporting the Jimmy Malone Scholarship Fund of the Cleveland Scholarship Program. When purchasing tickets online, visitors to the site will have the opportunity to donate to this deserving charity. For more information on the charity, visit jimmymalone.com or call 216-241-5587.
The Taylor III from Hartzler’s Quality Housing: Modern Comfort Meets Effortless Functionality
Sponsored by Cleveland Magazine
Thoughtfully crafted by Ritz-Craft Homes, the Taylor III is a beautifully designed three-bedroom, two-bath modular home offering 1,380 square feet of smart, stylish living. The primary suite — located just off the main living area — features a spacious walk-in closet and a private en-suite bath complete with a double vanity and a sleek walk-in shower.
At the heart of the home, the open-concept living room and kitchen create an inviting space perfect for gathering and entertaining. The kitchen showcases crisp white cabinetry, quartz countertops, stainless steel appliances and convenient pantry storage. With all essential living spaces located on the first floor, daily life is made effortless. The utility room sits just off the kitchen, ideally positioned for an optional attached garage.
On the opposite end of the home, two additional bedrooms and a full hall bath provide comfort and privacy for family or guests. The Taylor III also features a walkup attic — an impressive storage solution that makes this model a great fit for either a basement or crawlspace foundation. There is truly no shortage of storage in this thoughtfully planned layout.
Sleek, appealing and highly functional, the Taylor III blends modern design with everyday practicality.
Hartzler’s Quality Housing: Building Homes Since 1978
Proudly serving Ohio as well as parts of Pennsylvania and West Virginia, Hartzler’s Quality Housing has been committed to providing exceptional modular and manufactured homes since 1978. Our mission is simple: to offer high-quality housing at an affordable cost.
From on-site consultations and foundation work to customization options and finishing touches, our team is dedicated to helping you transform a new house into a place you’ll love to call home. Let Hartzler’s Quality Housing guide you every step of the way.
The Fairview by JDM Outdoors
The Fairview features a spacious front porch and an open floor plan that includes a lofted area with vaulted ceilings. It is designed for DIY interior finishing, allowing you the flexibility to create a cozy cabin with 2-inch by 6-inch studded walls in the woods or to expand your storage area in the backyard. This model gives you the freedom to let your imagination run wild. The welcoming front porch provides additional space for enjoying evenings and making memories. Thoughtfully designed, the Fairview measures 27 feet by 32 feet, with 8-foot side walls, offering 864 square feet of space. Exterior finishes include SmartSide siding, steel roofing, double-hung vinyl windows and fiberglass doors. Envision the interiors and finish according to your dreams.
JDM Outdoors brings over 200 years of combined experience in custom building, ensuring efficiency, quality and creative design. We offer a wide range of options tailored to various lifestyles. Visit JDM Outdoors and Love Your Backyard.
The Ultimate Man Cave Experience by Weaver Barns
Sponsored by The Plain Dealer
The Ultimate Man Cave Experience by Weaver Barns is a golfer’s dream space! One of Weaver’s structures has been customized for the golfer who wants to practice and relax in a stylish space designed for entertainment.
This 16-foot by 28-foot personalized building has a roomy interior including a loveseat, two armchairs and a live edge countertop bar to entertain all your friends while hitting the links from your backyard.
With endless possibilities available for different layouts and sizes, Weaver Barns is excited to showcase this structure as a starting point for your next dream space.
The
Weaver Barns Backyard Oasis
Sponsored by WOIO-TV
Weaver Barns Backyard Oasis presents an array of structures that feature superior design and excellent craftsmanship that are primed to elevate any property. Showcasing garage models as well as an assortment of sheds and pavilions, Weaver Barns offers anything from a practical and efficient storage solution to a dream garage that will make all your neighbors jealous.
A stunning new cabin model is the centerpiece of the display. Featuring a sophisticated transitional style, this cozy, inviting cabin seamlessly combines contemporary elements with classic charm.
Garages on display showcase Weaver Barns’ ability to incorporate a fantastic design and maximum utility. From the Heritage and Willow Creek models to the more contemporary Cascade model, Weaver Barns showcases the continual cutting-edge design the company is known for in all its garage offerings.
With over 30 years of experience, the Weaver Barns team is excited to help you realize your dreams. Leading the industry with cutting-edge design and quality Amish craftmanship, Weaver Barns is ready to create the perfect, long-lasting building for your next project.
Ultimate Man Cave Experience
Main Stage Appearances
DON’T MISS! Pillows for a Year Sweepstakes
Win 12 pillows from Sewing Down South, giving you that unique, designer look that you can swap throughout the year. Pillows will include items from Craig Conover’s Sewing Down South modern collection, holiday collection, coastal collection, bees & florals collection and more! Booth #1057
Craig Conover of Bravo’s hit reality series Southern Charm Appearing on stage Friday, Feb. 6 at 4 p.m. and Saturday, Feb. 7 at noon.
Craig Conover is a fan favorite from Bravo’s hit reality series Southern Charm. Once teased on the show for his passion for sewing, Craig turned that pastime into a thriving career as co-founder of Sewing Down South, a fast-growing, southern-based lifestyle brand.
With a store in Charleston, South Carolina, the brand continues to expand — most recently announcing a 2025 partnership with Belk to
produce exclusive summer and holiday collections.
Originally from Fenwick Island, Delaware, Craig is deeply connected to his family. When his mother was diagnosed with thyroid cancer, he returned home to help care for her, honing his cooking skills along the way. Inspired by her recovery journey, he even created a line of iodine-free meals.
Beyond business, Craig is committed to giving back.
He serves on the board for Hope for the Warriors and has used his platform to spotlight charities close to his heart. Through Sewing Down South, he has also raised funds for Hurricane Dorian relief efforts.
A licensed attorney, Craig is a graduate of the College of Charleston and Charleston School of Law. He is also the author of the best-selling memoir, Pillow Talk: What’s Wrong with My Sewing?
MATT FOX
A show favorite, Matt Fox returns as this year’s Main Stage emcee, where he will delight show visitors with his quick wit, home improvement knowledge and special educational presentations. Fox is best known for creating and co-hosting the first and longest-running show to air on HGTV, Room by Room, as well as for hosting and producing the public television series, Around the House with Matt and Shari. Learn more from his website, mattandshari.com.
Don’t Miss
Visit Booth #1057 next to the Main Stage
Great Big Home + Garden Show’s Sewing Down South Pop-Up Shop
Feb. 6-8
Shop the Great Big Home + Garden Show's Sewing Down South pop-up shop filled with Craig Conover’s lifestyle products! Shop custom kitchenware, books, accessories including hats, bags, tumblers and, of course, pillows! Stocked with thoughtfully selected and sought-after products, you can grab your very own SDS goodies at the show from Feb. 6-8, 2026. Plus, if you’re itching for an autograph from Craig Conover himself, be sure to bring your purchases when you line up to meet Craig after his stage presentations on Friday and Saturday!
Kids World Play Systems KidZone
Let your kids have some fun playing on the Kids World Play Systems KidZone featuring slides, swings, basketball hoops and the world’s safest, fully enclosed Springfree™ Trampoline. Kids World Play Systems aims to be America’s No. 1 choice for outdoor swing sets. Almost all items come assembled and feature only the highest-quality galvanized, stainless steel or plated hardware. Parents can also sign up to win their choice of one of three high-quality products that kids can enjoy for years. kidsworldplay.com
Zoo Animal Floral #SelfieStation
Lions, giraffes and — wait a minute — that’s not the line. Take a #selfie with some zoo friends! These topiary animals have been created out of pampas grass and live flowers. Designed by Jeremy Rettger. Located in Umbrella Alley, Booth D2
Tag us in your photos on Instagram: @ohiohomeshows
Skills USA Live Competition –Friday, Jan. 30
Watch 20 regional schools compete as select trade students build a home feature live on Friday, Jan. 30. Construction starts at 9 a.m., and winners are announced on the Main Stage at 2 p.m. Feature builds will be on display for everyone’s enjoyment throughout the show.
Do it with home equity!
Let us help turn your home equity into the cash you need for your next project. With a Dollar Bank Home Equity Loan, your house makeover plans can become an affordable reality. Plus, you’ll have up to 90 days until your first payment is due!*
To learn more, visit us at The Great Big Home + Garden Show, booth 833.
Umbrella Alley
Sponsored by Berlin Gardens
Berlin Gardens
Millersburg | 800-593-3411 | berlingardensllc.com
STEP UNDER A CANOPY OF COLOR AT UMBRELLA ALLEY, where hundreds of suspended umbrellas and spring-inspired vignettes turn an ordinary walkway into a vibrant, photo-worthy escape. This cheerful feature isn’t just a place to pass through; it’s a destination designed to spark joy, creativity and a little bit of wonder for visitors of all ages as you enjoy 10 vignettes before heading into the Garden Showcase.
VIGNETTES CREATED BY:
Array Design Studio Cleveland, 440-759-9094, lauramineff.com
Array Design Studio offers more than 20 years of experience in lifestyle consultation, building and designing concepts for individuals and commercial projects. Through the Universal Design Method created by Laura Mineff, design goes beyond functionality. It invites a sense of enjoyment into your home, work and social environments.
Mulberry Creek Herb Farm Huron, 419-433-6126, mulberrycreek.com
Mulberry Creek has been offering certified organic plants since 1996. Over 1,000 varieties of herbs, vegetables, miniature perennial, pollinator and succulent plants are offered each spring, along with bonsai specimens, organic garden solutions, events and plenty of advice. In 2024, Mulberry Creek opened a wine-tasting room, offering wine by the sample, glass and bottle, year-round.
The Plant Shop Lorain, 440-219-1161
The Plant Shop is a woman-owned business specializing in houseplants and tropicals, located in the heart of Downtown Lorain. Being a procurer of specialty plants, The Plant Shop team members pride themselves on being able to find the perfect plant for anybody and any space. With 20 years of experience, they can help you with any questions or problems that may come your way. Offering a wide variety of services such as classes, repotting, custom arrangements, rentals and favors, The Plant Shop is truly a onestop shop. Having a large selection of easy-to-care-for plants and accessories, it’s the perfect place to stop by and find your next plant.
CarrierOhio.com carrierohio.com
Not sure who to call when you’re having trouble with your HVAC? Is your system older and on the verge of failure? Concerned about what that clanging is that’s coming from your basement? CarrierOhio.com to the rescue! CarrierOhio. com is a network of expert, locally owned Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers across Ohio that are always ready to lend a hand. From trouble calls to seasonal maintenance and full system replacements, the dealers of CarrierOhio.com are standing by to make sure your home is always the perfect temperature. Find the Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer in your neighborhood today at carrierohio.com.
Pandy’s Garden Center
Elyria, 440-324-4314, pandysgardencenter.com
Unwind in your own serene retreat — a peaceful backyard patio transformed into a tropical, tiki bar-themed oasis. Escape the stress of the day and step into a warm, breezy getaway where relaxation comes naturally. With its laid-back island vibe and inviting atmosphere, it’s the perfect place to recharge and enjoy your own slice of paradise right here in Northern Ohio.
Since 1996, Klassic Custom Decks has been transforming Ohio backyards into premium, custom-built outdoor living spaces. With nearly 30 years of experience building thousands of custom decks, our dedicated team is focused on exceeding expectations. From the first sketch to final walk-through, every aspect of our work reflects our commitment to quality and unmatched customer service. For a custom deck, porch or structure that will bring your vision to life, leave it to the experts at Klassic. Klassic Custom Decks. Making the Outdoors Yours.
Habitat for Humanity ReStores Cleveland, Amherst and North Randall, clevelandrestores.org
Habitat for Humanity ReStores are home improvement stores and donation centers selling new and gently used furniture, appliances, home goods, building materials and more. Proceeds are used to help build strength, stability and self-reliance for families in the Greater Cleveland area — a good deal for you, your community and the environment. Located in Cleveland, Amherst and North Randall. Open Tuesday – Saturday. FREE residential and corporate donation pickups in Cuyahoga and Lorain counties. Visit clevelandrestores.org for more information.
GARDEN FEATURES
The End of an Era Garden Showcase
Garden Showcase sponsored by Dollar Bank, WKYC-TV, WDOK-FM and WQAL-FM
EXPLORE SEVEN FEATURE GARDENS DESIGNED BY NORTHEAST OHIO’S LEADING LANDSCAPERS in this year’s End of An Era-themed Garden Showcase. Wander through gardens that celebrate memorable moments, evolving styles and timeless outdoor inspiration. Plus, discover the latest in tiny home design from Kauffman Tiny Homes and even more spring must-haves from exhibitors including Your Garden Specialist and Pandy’s Garden Center, featuring the latest in bulbs, herbs, flowers and seasonal plants to kick-start your garden.
CK Stonescapes
Fairport Harbor, 440-363-5505, ckstonescapes.com
CK Stonescapes has over 38 years of experience in the landscaping industry. A multitalented organization, it provides landscape maintenance services and also hardscape stonework, with expertise in both residential and commercial projects. The team adds a fresh, new attitude, youthful vigor and dedication to professionalism in all its work. Attention to detail is very important to CK Stonescapes. No job is too small or too large for our company. Please keep in mind we were booked in April for the year the past two years. Don’t miss out. Book early. Visit our garden at the Great Big Home + Garden Show.
Ezra’s Lagoons
Fairlawn/Copley, 440-732-1723, ezraslagoons.com
Elevate your outdoor living experience with Ezra’s Lagoons. Whether you envision a luxurious inground swimming pool, a tranquil saltwater lagoon or a stunning waterfall, we’ve got you covered. Our expertise extends to crafting top-notch outdoor kitchens, cozy chimneys, elegant pavilions and durable stamped concrete patios. With nearly 35 years of unparalleled experience, Ezra’s Lagoons transforms your dreams into a breathtaking reality. Our commitment to excellence ensures
we meet all your construction needs, both exterior and interior. Discover the magic of Ezra’s Lagoons and start building your dream oasis today.
Falling Waters Ohio fallingwatersohio.com
Falling Waters Ohio is a design and installation landscaping company specializing in creative water features and artistic stone placement. It can provide you with a variety of hardscape materials for creating well-designed walkways, patios and outdoor entertainment areas.
In a world increasingly focused on efficiency and mindful living, the “tiny home” movement has captured the imagination of many. But at Kauffman Tiny Homes, these aren’t just scaleddown houses — they are creatively designed with you, the customer, in mind. We focus on Lifestyle-Specific Functionality. We are passionate about helping you realize that a small space can be perfectly practical and functional when it’s built to align exactly with specific lifestyle needs. Forget onesize-fits-all models. The core of our philosophy is that every tiny home
SHOWCASE GARDENS CREATED BY:
should be a direct reflection of its owners and their lifestyle. Whether it’s a full-time residence, a remote working retreat or a cozy family cottage, every inch is considered to ensure functionality never takes a backseat to size. While we have standard floor plans to work from, those simply serve as inspiration to get you started. The home you see featured — nestled among the lush green trees — is more than a beautiful getaway. It is a testament to the power of custom design and a company that can take care of the project from start to finish.
As a family-owned and -operated business, Kauffman Lawn Furniture has been serving customers in creating beautiful and functional outdoor living spaces for 30 years. Our mission with
our tiny homes is the same: create a high-quality product that gives you the peace of mind to truly enjoy your space that is tailored to your lifestyle.
Kimmell’s Premier Landscapes
Wooster, 330-464-7652, kimmells.com
Kimmell’s Premier Landscapes is a well-established landscape design and build company specializing in custom outdoor living spaces that elevate the way homeowners enjoy their outdoors. With a strong reputation for quality craftsmanship and thoughtful design, we create stunning patios, complete landscape installations, firepits, fireplaces, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens and pools tailored to each client’s vision and lifestyle.
From concept to completion, our experienced team combines creativity, premium materials and attention to detail to deliver exceptional results. We proudly offer professional design services along with free estimates, making it easy for homeowners to take the first step toward transforming their outdoor spaces into beautiful, functional extensions of their homes.
Maple Ridge Nursery and Garden Center
Concord, 440-354-1525, mapleridgegarden.com
Year-round, Maple Ridge Garden Center in Lake County offers a great selection of hardy landscape plants, bonsai supplies, Japanese maple trees and dwarf conifers for local gardeners.
Ohio Landscape Association
Broadview Heights, ohiolandscapers.org
OLA is nonprofit trade association for landscape contractors and their suppliers, with members from across the state. Visit OLA’s website for landscape tips or to find a landscape professional in your area.
ADDITIONAL GARDEN FEATURES
Carvings by Chris Madison, 440-567-6290
After 34 years fabricating and carving natural stone, Chris is applying his experience to a new medium with new tools — logs and a big ol’ chainsaw. Come watch as Chris turns an extraordinary piece of art during his live demonstrations.
Mulberry Creek Herb Farm Huron, 419-433-6126, mulberrycreek.com
In need of some new plants to spruce up your home this spring? Stop by Mulberry Creek Herb Farm in the Garden Showcase for a wide variety of houseplants, succulents, micro-houseplants and bonsai plants. Pottery is also available for purchase.
Your Garden Specialist yourgardenspecialist.com
Your Garden Specialist specializes in top-quality bulbs. Stop by to purchase premium-quality Dutch bulbs, lilies and bare root perennials. Each is grown and shipped directly from farms in the Netherlands, and they make a great addition to any garden.
Pandy’s Garden Center Elyria, 440-324-4314, pandysgardencenter.com
Step into our booth and discover a true plant lover’s paradise! Explore one-of-akind and hard-to-find plants, eye-catching hanging baskets, trendy garden flags and a
treasure trove of seeds — everything you need to bring your space to life. Familyowned since 1961, Pandy’s has grown its plants on 14 beautiful acres and is proud to be voted Best Garden Center for four years running (2022, 2023, 2024 and 2025). With unbeatable prices and an unmatched selection of trees, shrubs and indoor beauties, you’re sure to leave inspired. Stop by and take a little garden magic home with you.
The Plant Shop Lorain, 440-219-1161
The Plant Shop is a womanowned business specializing in houseplants and tropicals,
located in the heart of Downtown Lorain. Being a procurer of specialty plants, The Plant Shop prides itself on being able to find the perfect plant for anybody and any space. With 20 years of knowledge, the team can help you with any questions or problems that may come your way. Offering a wide variety of services such as classes, repotting, custom arrangements, rentals and favors, The Plant Shop is truly a one-stop shop. Having a large selection of easy-to-care-for plants and accessories, it’s the perfect place to stop by and find your next plant.
Fox 8 | Furnished and Designed by Ora Designs and T House Atelier
Ora Designs Medina, 330-227-4129, oradesignsohio.com
The Main Stage features the best of home improvement celebrity appearances and local experts sharing tips and tricks to improve your home and life. It is furnished and designed by Ora Designs and T House Atelier. Ora Designs is a psychology-driven design studio that creates spaces built for healing, emotional safety and human flourishing. T House Atelier is a sculptural art studio led by Tara Deetscreek, specializing in hand-sculpted bas relief wall installations and textured works. Each piece is custom designed to enhance the atmosphere of a space, focusing on depth, movement and the interaction of light and surface. Working with residential and commercial clients, T House Atelier transforms walls into dimensional, tactile art experiences. T House Atelier Akron, taradeetscreek.com/thouse
D & R Roofing 2409 D & R Concrete Solutions 928 Day To Day Necessities 2643 Designer Palms 2920 Devins Powerwash 2641 Diamond Concrete Coating 3128 DiMarco & Associates LLC 2710 Dog Fence Co., The 2531 Doggy Style Dog Care Products 3266
Gridiron Guys Remodeling 523
Ground Up Lawn Management 3440
Gutter Boys, The 2309
Gutter Cover Co. 2626
Gutter Helmet by Lednor Home Solutions .............. 731
Olive Tap, The ........................................................1613
Oliver’s Treasures ..................................................3229 On the Spot Heating and Cooling...........................2308
Ora Designs .............. 1057, Craig Conover Pop up Shop
Organic Air Tree & Shrub Care 2652
Original Things 3222
Paint EZ of Chagrin Falls 2200
Paint Medics Inc 1412
Pandy’s Garden Center, Landscaping and Seed Co. Inc. G6, D1 - Garden, Umbrella Alley PaperPie 3245
Grills 442
Security 536 Patio Enclosures 3122
Exhibitor New Exhibitors Sponsors & Partners Scan here for more exhibitor information
Where custom is built right in
With over 30 years of experience building custom outdoor living spaces, you can be sure the team at Klassic Custom Decks can provide an outstanding experience every step of the way. From the latest in design trends and structures, to our unwavering commitment to outstanding craftsmanship and service, Klassic makes the deck-building process enjoyable from the very first conversation. Stop by and see our new ideas and additions for 2026!
Pella Window and Door Co. 533, 2703
Pets Table, The 1533, 2944
Phantom Screens - Screening Solutions 2210
Pi Designz 3167
Pine Acres Woodcraft Ltd. ....................................... 701
Pine Ridge Roofing ................................................2423
Pink Flamingo Home Services ................................2533
4 p.m. Brianna Peacock, Ora Design, The Mind in the Room: How Design Speaks to the Nervous System
5 p.m. Laura Mineff, Designing the Way We Live
6 p.m. Matt Fox, Great Weekend Projects
Sunday, Feb. 1
Noon Brenda Love, Real Estate Showcase TV and Friends
1 p.m. Brianna Peacock, Ora Design, The Mind in the Room: How Design Speaks to the Nervous System
2 p.m. Laura Mineff, Designing the Way We Live
3 p.m. Home Builders Association, Build Trades
4 p.m. Matt Fox, Great Weekend Projects
Monday, Feb. 2
1 p.m. Better Business Bureau, How to Hire a Contractor
3 p.m. Master Gardener
5 p.m. Brianna Peacock, Ora Design, The Mind in the Room: How Design Speaks to the Nervous System
Tuesday, Feb. 3
1 p.m. Master Gardener
2 p.m. Master Gardener
4 p.m. Tara Deetscreek, T House Atelier, Architecture You Can Feel: The Return of Tactile Design
5 p.m. Brianna Peacock, Ora Design, The Mind in the Room: How Design Speaks to the Nervous System
Wednesday, Feb. 4
2 p.m. Shoshana Wodzisz, How Many Bees Fit in a Shoebox? (Master Gardener)
4 p.m. Laura Mineff, Designing the Way We Live
BBB Accredited Businesses are committed to operating with integrity, honoring promises and telling the truth. Always look for the BBB Seal, it’s The Sign of a Better Business TM .
BBB Accredited Businesses are committed to operating integrity, honoring promises and telling the truth Always look for the BBB Seal, it’ s The Sign of a Better Busin
BBB Accredited Businesses are committed to operating with integrity honoring promises and telling the truth Always look for the BBB Seal, it’ s The Sign of a Better BusinessSM
5 p.m. Brianna Peacock, Ora Design, The Mind in the Room: How Design Speaks to the Nervous System
2 p.m. Brianna Peacock, Ora Design, The Mind in the Room: How Design Speaks to the Nervous System
3 p.m. Laura Mineff, Designing the Way We Live
4 p.m. Brenda Love, Real Estate Showcase TV and Friends
5 p.m. Laura Mineff, Designing the Way We Live
6 p.m. Matt Fox, Great Weekend Projects
Sunday, Feb. 8
11 a.m. Master Gardener
Noon Brianna Peacock, Ora Design, The Mind in the Room: How Design Speaks to the Nervous System
1 p.m. Laura Mineff, Designing the Way We Live
2 p.m. Brenda Love, Real Estate Showcase TV and Friends
3 p.m. Home Builders Association, Build Trades
*The Great Big Home + Garden Show is not responsible for errors and omissions.
SHOW SPONSORS 2026
Learn more about the organizations that support The Great Big Home + Garden Show
Absolute Roofing & Construction
Absolute Roofing & Construction Inc. has been Northeast Ohio’s most trusted roofing company since its founding in March 1987. With over 38 years of excellence, Absolute Roofing remains committed to delivering unmatched craftsmanship and outstanding customer service.
As a full-service company, we specialize in all types of roofing — shingles, flat, slate and tile — as well as siding and historic restoration projects. Our dedication to quality has earned us numerous accolades, including being a first-place winner of the prestigious NARI Contractor of the Year Award for 18 consecutive years. We’ve also been recognized nationally, named one of the Top 100 Roofing Contractors in the U.S. by Roofing Contractor Magazine in both 2012 and 2014, and honored as a BIG 50 company by Remodeling Magazine
With four full-time HAAG Engineering-certified roof inspectors on staff, we’re equipped to handle all your storm damage and insurance claim needs with expertise and care.
Discover how we can help with your roofing and construction needs by visiting absoluteroofing.com.
Experience the Absolute difference today!
Visit Booth #1146
absoluteroofing.com
Baths R Us
Enjoy a new and customizable shower/tub with Baths R Us! We provide high-quality showers/tubs that last a lifetime. You can choose from many different wall colors, patterns and fixture options to create your dream shower/tub. If you want to work with one company, Baths R Us is unique — not only do we offer tubs and showers, we also offer vanities and toilets. Our team is great to work with, and we are recognized as a member of the BBB with an A rating. Come check out our booth at the Great Big Home + Garden Show to learn more about how we can help! Visit Booth #517, #1159 and #2406
bathsrus.com
Berlin Gardens
At Berlin Gardens, our first goal is to bring honor and glory to our creator, God, in everything we do. We do this by manufacturing the highest quality products, delivering our products on time and going beyond your expectations with our customer service. We manufacture poly furniture and outdoor structures in hopes that we can create an ideal outdoor living space for you and your family.
All of this starts by living by our Core Values of honesty, efficiency, attitude, respect and trust. We not only say this, but we believe it. We hope our products help you take life outdoors. Visit Booth #10 berlingardensllc.com
CarrierOhio.com
When the weather changes — which it’s known to do in Ohio — your family’s comfort shouldn’t. Turn to Carrier for complete home comfort that you can depend on year-round. From furnaces, heat pumps and air conditioners to improving air quality, Carrier delivers comfort without compromise, no matter the season. The best part is that we have Factory Authorized Dealers across Ohio ready to
help when you need us. Find the Carrier Factory Authorized Dealer in your neighborhood today at carrierohio.com, or visit one of our Carrier Factory Authorized Dealers at the show: All Weather Heating & Cooling (Booth #622); Gene’s Refrigeration, Heating & Cooling, Plumbing & Electrical (Booth #2909); Green Home Heating & Cooling (Booth #644); Shagovac Heating & Cooling (Booth #644); Strongsville Heating & Cooling (Booth #1111). Visit CarrierOhio.com at Booth #15 carrierohio.com
Clean Custom Concrete
Clean Custom Concrete is a locally owned concrete contractor specializing in driveways, patios, sidewalks, garage floors, pool decks and decorative stamped or colored concrete for residential and commercial properties. We focus on quality craftsmanship, clean job sites and durable results built to last. Visit Booth #2431 and #2528 cleancustomconcrete.com
Dollar Bank
Dollar Bank is an independent community bank, and that means we can focus on what we do best: empowering the people and communities we serve to do the things they hold dearest. Over more than 170 years, we’ve grown to become a large, full-service, regional bank renowned for providing the highest quality banking solutions and services to individuals and businesses. Our customers simply know us for this: understanding their goals and providing the solutions that get them there. Visit Booth #833 dollar.bank
Great Lakes Fence
Serving the Cleveland area for over 75 years, Great Lakes Fence Co. has been a trusted name in residential, commercial and industrial fencing across Northeast Ohio. Family owned and operated, we pride ourselves on delivering quality craftsmanship, dependable service and long-lasting materials. Whether you’re looking to secure your property, enhance curb appeal or source top-quality fencing materials, Great Lakes Fence is your one-stop shop. Not only do we install, we also supply fence products to contractors and the public. Visit us today to see why we’ve stood the test of time. Visit Booth #3102 greatlakesfence.com
Nature Stone®
Nature Stone® is the trusted leader in basement, garage and indoor/outdoor living space flooring, offering a beautiful, durable surface built to last. Our stone-and-epoxy flooring inhibits the growth of mold and mildew, is not affected by water, including flooding, and is fire resistant, easy to clean and naturally slip resistant. It takes on the air temperature of the room, creating a more comfortable space in any season. Installed year-round and professionally applied in as little as one day. We offer a lifetime unconditional warranty. Schedule your free estimate at schedule.naturestone.com. Visit Booth #1154 naturestone.com
Ora Designs
Ora Designs is an interior design studio creating spaces for the human brain and heart. Grounded in faith, neuroscience and led by deep intention, we design environments that support the nervous system, strengthen connection and elevate daily life — transforming homes and businesses beyond aesthetics into places where people heal, thrive and flourish. Visit Booth #1057 oradesignsohio.com
T House Atelier
T House Atelier is a sculptural art studio led by Tara Deetscreek, specializing in hand-sculpted bas relief wall installations and textured works. Each piece is custom designed to enhance the atmosphere of a space, focusing on depth, movement and the interaction of light and surface. Working with residential and commercial clients, T House Atelier transforms walls into dimensional, tactile art experiences.
taradeetscreek.com/thouse
Universal Windows Direct
Universal Windows Direct is Cleveland’s top source of quality replacement windows, vinyl siding, entry doors and roofing. Established in 2002 by William Barr and Michael Strmac, UWD holds an A+ rating with the BBB, is No. 2 on Qualified Remodeler's Hip 200, holds the No. 3 spot on Qualified Remodeler’s Top 500, the No. 6 spot on the Remodeling 550, is an Angie’s List Super Service Award recipient and is a Nextdoor Neighborhood Fave. The company is one of cleveland.com’s Top Workplaces in Northeast Ohio. Universal Windows Direct is committed to offering outstanding products at an incredible value, and satisfied recurring and referral customers are the main component of the company’s success. Visit Booth #1301, #2341 and #3130 universalwindowsdirect.com.
Westminster
Westminster Technologies LLC is Northeast Ohio's leading supplier of event technology support and audiovisual services. We provide services for corporate events, expos, trainings, product launches and more. You’ll get access to the newest, cutting-edge AV and event technologies and more than 50 years of experience in event management. Whatever your needs, we have you covered. westminsterav.com or call 216-310-9712
WOW Windowboxes
WOW Windowboxes transform homes and businesses with custom-designed windowboxes and planters that deliver instant curb appeal — without the work. We design, build, install, irrigate and maintain everything, so our clients simply get to enjoy the view. Each box includes a discreet irrigation system, meaning no daily watering and healthier plants all season long. From vibrant seasonal flowers to polished winter greens, WOW refreshes displays throughout the year, and our plantings are fully warrantied for peace of mind. It’s effortless beauty, elevated design and a little daily joy. Visit Booth #2734 wowwindowboxes.com
02.26
Inspiring spaces of character and revival
CREME DE LA CREME
A newly designed home brings Parisian influence to Solon. CONTINUED ON PAGE 124
Angela Corona arrived at Payne & Payne Builders’ Chardon offices with a clear vision of the home that she and husband Chris, owner of a manufacturers’ representation agency, planned to build on a wooded lot in Solon: a chateau-inspired residence that combined old-world architectural details with streamlined French-modern ease.
“I was really drawn to this timeless transitional style that blends classic elements with modernness,” says Corona, a scientist employed by a medical communications agency.
Payne & Payne drew up plans for and constructed a 4,500-squarefoot white brick-and-limestone abode with high ceilings, an open staircase, and crown and picture-frame moldings. Payne & Payne interior designer Becca Philipson helped the Coronas choose an eclectic blend of finishes and fixtures. Allison Smith, founder of Gem and Clay Interiors in Bath, assisted in selecting furniture and accessories. Together, they created the look of a sumptuous 19th- or early 20th-century country home renovated to accommodate two working parents and their two teenage daughters.
“We went for a combination of performance and luxury,” Corona says.
The color palette was literally developed from the ground up — in this case, from a black-and-white, marble-look porcelain tile laid in a diagonal checkerboard pattern on the foyer and kitchen floors. (“A marble floor in the winter in Cleveland would be a nightmare,” Philipson says of the stain-prone stone.)
Corona concedes “it was kind of scary” when Smith suggested painting the entire foyer, including the ceiling, Sherwin-Williams Iron Ore instead of the originally scheduled white. But the effect was as stunning as Smith envisioned.
“(The foyer) had all these pretty moldings on the walls,” Smith explains. “Painting it dark just brought out such beautiful shadow lines.”
The great room was painted white, floored in dark-stained hickory, and illuminated by a glass-beaded chandelier hung from an ornate ceiling medallion. When the massive cast-stone fireplace arrived from the manufacturer in what Corona calls an undesirable “pinkish beigetaupe” color without the desired black veining, Philipson hired faux finisher Keith Smith of Cleveland-based Esoteric Painting Designs to paint it to look like marble. She estimates it would have cost $15,000 to $20,000 to replace $5,000 cast stone with the real thing.
“We’re just thrilled with the result,” Corona says.
The Coronas preferred greens, browns, rusts and golds, which balance the austere black-and-white decor. The powder room, for example, was painted sage green, and Smith suggested upholstering the great-room sofas in a light-green performance velvet.
Although the lower level was finished with a sectional and bigscreen TV, the Coronas actually use the great room as a family room. A mirror placed on the fireplace mantel reflects the chandelier, showcasing it like a piece of art in its gilt frame.
“We definitely were inspired by Parisian apartments with the beautifully adorned fireplaces and the moldings,” Smith says.
A mix of cabinetry finishes and countertop colors combined to create what Philipson considers one of her favorite kitchens. Maple cabinetry stained a deep chocolate was hung over black quartz-topped white counterparts flanking a stainless-steel gas range. The island was stained the same deep chocolate but topped in a white quartz used on a stretch of white cabinetry in the bar area. Corona and Philipson decided to extend the quartz up the wall to the ceiling.
The brown and gold veining moved Philipson to suggest installing Medina-based Fittings’ brass-and-glass shelving unit in front of the window. The company’s brass legs support one end of the island
countertop, which extends beyond the cabinetry to create a table for two.
But the kitchen’s main draw is a Gem and Clay-designed banquette situated under a punched metal globe lighting fixture. Smith covered the seat and channel-tufted back in a low-maintenance whiskey faux leather. Corona added an antique pedestal table she bought at FIG Chagrin in Chagrin Falls. The find, which had been painted white, was repainted Iron Ore and the top raised to a comfortable height.
“It’s more of a hangout spot,” Corona says of the arrangement. “The kids are always doing their homework at the banquette.”
The banquette area doubles as the dining room, which the couple decided to forego adding to the floor plan.
“We haven’t missed it,” Corona says, adding that it suits the casual gatherings the family hosts. Entertaining guests in the kitchen isn’t a problem when it comes to keeping it tidy.
Faux leather on a kitchen banquette and black performance velvet on barrelback chairs bring durable luxury to casual dining.
The bedroom pulls significantly from the deep earth tones that are primarily used as accent hues on the home’s lower level.
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Amelia Earhart had just announced plans for her most ambitious flight when she touched down in Cleveland on Feb. 17.
Five days earlier, Earhart, possibly the most famous female flyer and one of the most famous flyers in America, declared her intention to become the first woman to fly around the world. She set off from New Jersey in her twin-engine Lockheed Electra from Newark, New Jersey, to Cleveland in two hours and 30 minutes.
She was testing equipment that she’d need for her around-the-world trip, which would start in Oakland, California, the following month. Among the new toys in Earhart’s “flying laboratory” were a Sperry gyropilot (an early version of autopilot), a new radio and a Bendix directional finder. (In addition to producing aviation equipment, Bendix sponsored the trophy given to the winner of the transcontinental plane race, given at the Cleveland Air Races.)
The plane had everything but an electric shaver, said Earhart’s husband, George P. Putnam, who accompanied her on the flight.
She also disputed a story written that week by syndicated columnists Drew Pearson and Robert S. Allen, suggesting she had psychic gifts that helped her find a lost plane. Putnam suggested she “psych for the boys” as she was taking questions from reporters.
Earhart and her party stayed at the Hotel Westlake for two nights, as bad weather prevented her from taking off the next morning. Earhart’s around-the-world flight took off from Oakland on March 17, heading west. She completed the first leg to Honolulu, despite propeller issues. On March 20, she crashed on takeoff due to an issue with the landing gear. The plane was taken to the mainland for repairs, and on June 1, she took off from Miami, this time with an eastbound course.
A month later, her plane disappeared while flying to Howland Island in the Pacific. Theories abound regarding what happened to her, but her fate remains unknown.
