Walden Life - March 2024

Inspiring Horizons

12

ALL AROUND AURORA

Our fair city is on the grow with exciting new developments.

16

DOGS OF WALDEN IV

Walden’s precious pooches enjoy the limelight.

On the

As winter gives way to spring, fresh possibilities emerge.

8

23

14

Tee Time

Collin McEndree steps up as Mitch Camp retires

15

Neighbor to Neighbor

Meet Sam & Diane Albright

20

Club Walden

Spa Walden: Still #1 in Ohio

22

Walden Staff Profile

Jeff Whitlow

18

What's Up in Squirrel World?

PHOTO ABOVE AND COVER PHOTO BY MIRIAM CONNER PHOTO BELOW BY JOAN TOMKO

The

p. 15

Cuddly Kovu! p. 16

FROM THE EDITOR/ASSOCIATE PUBLISHER

MIRIAM

Miriam with dogs, Sandy, 8-month-old Aussiedoodle; and Moose, 5-year-old Havanese.

Thinking Spring

Springtime is upon us! We have had many teasers this winter, but it is finally on the horizon.

Once again, I am looking forward to seeing many people out and about in Walden and, of course, all of the dogs. Be sure to check out the cute pooches in Dogs of Walden IV on page 16.

While you are outside enjoying the spring weather, be on the lookout for any wildlife you may encounter, take a photo, and send it to miriam@mywaldenlife.com.

Speaking of wildlife, do you ever wonder about all of the differently colored squirrels scampering around? Your questions are now answered in Nature Notes on page 18.

As usual, we have wonderful Walden neighbors to get to know on page 15 plus a lot of information coming to you in Worth Noting and community news in All Around Aurora.

Thank you for THREE wonderful and fun years of Walden Life! Looking forward to the future.

Happy Spring!

Publisher

Editor/Associate

Associate

Art

Sales

Worth Noting

BY MIRIAM CONNER

Get to Know Your Advisory Board President, Chris Kulbago

Walden, as a private club, operates in an independent fashion as a club primarily for its members.

Walden has its own independent management and staff; however,

Walden is a terrific place to dine, gather, and play because of its vast membership. As a membership, we vote annually to elect new members to Club Walden’s Advisory Board of Directors.

Your Advisory Board is a group of members who act in a consultative capacity to make recommendations to Walden’s ownership and management regularly. The goal of the Advisory Board is to advise and support the Club in its constant quest for excellence, and we are also responsible for projecting the image of Walden to other folks like yourselves. We consistently suggest ideas, goals, and objectives to guide the recreational and social activities throughout the Club.

The intent of the Advisory Board is to provide constructive suggestions to management. We are not capable of changing anything on our own, though we do take pride in being the voice of the membership while adhering to the by-laws we have all agreed to follow.

With that said, if you have any constructive feedback, we are entirely open to it, and we encourage it. We are easy to get in touch with at ClubWaldenAB@ gmail.com, or you can find one of us at the Club with regularity. Our Advisory Board members can be found on the Member Portal of the YourWalden.com website.

I’d like to take some time to introduce myself to our membership and encourage you to say hello or provide a suggestion

verbally the next time you see me around. I’m Chris Kulbago and I am your 2024 Advisory Board President. My wife, Alise, and I have been members of Walden since Fall 2017. We have resided in Brecksville since 2018. We’ll be celebrating our fiveyear wedding anniversary in July 2024. I’ve worked for an Aurora-based company called RoviSys since 2012; we provide automation solutions for our clients around the globe. I’ve been a member of our management team there since 2019, responsible for our Building Automation team that focuses on manufacturing in a variety of industries. Alise and I don’t have any children; however, we do have a 6-year-old German Shorthair named Cabela who keeps us on our toes. I was born and raised in Niagara Falls, NY, and went to engineering school at RIT in Rochester, NY. I moved to the CLE area when I was 20 to begin working at RoviSys and fell in love with it; I’m not going anywhere, though, apologies in advance— I’m an avid Buffalo Bills fan.

If I’m not playing golf in the summer, you can probably find me running with Cabela throughout CVNP, and in the winters I am an avid outdoorsman, spending a lot of time pursuing whitetails or wild turkeys. I grew up playing hockey; I got to a high level, and I still play at a somewhat competitive level now. I also volunteer with the Northern Ohio ALS Association, and an organization called “I AM ALS” after losing my father to ALS in 2022.

Thank you for reading, and we, as your Advisory Board, invite you to get involved with one of our committees, or provide some constructive feedback. I look forward to meeting those who I don’t already know, and seeing familiar faces as the weather breaks here this Spring.

-Chris Kulbago, 2024 Walden Advisory Board President

FEED A FAMILY

Fill a Bag, Feed a Family Week is April 18, 19 and 20. A record number of families and individuals are coming to local food pantries for help. Last year, Aurora’s and Mantua’s pantries served 179,300 meals to over 1,200 unique people. That food ONLY lasted 41/2 months!

This year, our goal is larger than ever. We need to help our pantries become foodsufficient for 12 months. This will be an enormous task.

We are asking Walden residents to make a food and/ or cash donation. For cash donations, checks should be made out to Food2Share, 306 Camden Lane, Aurora, Ohio 44202. All cash donations are tax deductible.

Food bags with instructions will be placed in your mail slot on Saturday April13, and food containers will be in the mail huts beginning April18. The containers will be emptied at 7 p.m. on April 18, April19 and at noon on April 20.

And… More volunteers are NEEDED! To volunteer, go to myfillabag.com.

- Kathy and Bruce Kramer

FEBRUARY SUNSHINE

February brought us many sunny days, warm temperatures, and beautiful sunrises.

Welcome to Delma

We are pleased to announce that Walden resident Delma Romancak has joined our Walden Life team as Sales Consultant. She and her husband Brian are the proud parents of four children.

WALDEN ASSOCIATION NEWS

Dog Doo Cleanup - The lack of pet poo cleanup in Walden is a widespread problem that is getting only worse! For some reason, dog owners on their daily walks choose not to clean up after their pets or even leave their filled poop bags along the walking path or association streets.

Community pride is the responsibility of all 620 owners in Walden. Cleaning up after your dog means that you are doing your part!

As a reminder, when you walk your dog in areas outside of the condominium association in which you live, or if your dog goes into the yard of a single-family home, you are using private property as a dog park.

PLEASE clean up after your dog!

Do Not Litter - Litter along Walden Drive and major private streets in a number of condominium associations is scattered everywhere. Please ensure that all of your service providers working in Walden clean up their litter. Additionally, it appears that in mid-to-late evening, litter finds its way out of moving cars and onto the major streets of Walden.

Please do your part to keep Walden litter-free!

Happy Birthday, Walden Life!

Walden Life is 3 years old! We want to thank all of our readers and advertisers for a wonderful three years of Walden Life

Wildlife of Walden II

We will again be featuring the wildlife of Walden in the next issue, so please send in your photos of wildlife sightings to miriam@mywaldenlife.com.

Exterior Construction & Landscape

Work - As a reminder, all exterior remodeling work—including doors and windows, deck replacement, hardscaping (patios, walkways and driveways), and exterior painting—require approval from the Walden Association Architectural Committee. This process ensures that the Walden standards are satisfied, and that the architectural integrity of our community is maintained.

If you live in a condominium association, the approval process starts with your board or property manager. If you live is a single-family home, the approval process involves one of the following: Steve Avner (savner@ carlylemanagement.com) at Carlyle Management Company, Homeowner Association President Skip Bohrer (myskipbo@gmail.com) or Gina Ehrhart (ginaehrhart@yahoo.com), WAC Chairperson. Architectural standards, application forms and contact information can be found on the Walden Association website (waldenofaurora.com).

Carlie Conner

Coby Conner

Coby Conner

Worth Noting

MOVIE NIGHT

CALENDAR

For more information about these events, please visit yourwalden.com.

Every Monday night, the Inn offers a complimentary movie for members. No need to register.

The movie begins at 7 p.m.

Monday, March 4 - Scott Pilgrim V. The World

Monday, March 11 - Murder Mystery

Monday, March 18 - Barbie

Monday, March 25 - 13 Going on 30

Check yourwalden.com for the April movie schedule.

ST PATRICK’S WEEKEND

March 15-17 - Chef will feature St. Patrick’s Day specials all weekend with corned beef, Irish stew and green drink specials.

KIDS' EASTER EGG HUNT & BREAKFAST

Saturday, March 23, 2024

10 a.m.-1 p.m.

A favorite tradition at Walden! Enjoy breakfast at the Club, and then a visit from the Easter Bunny with an Egg Hunt. Breakfast begins at 10 a.m., the Easter Bunny arrives around 11 a.m. For reservations, email cecily@yourwalden.com.

EASTER BRUNCH

Sunday, March 31, 2024

11 a.m. - 2 p.m.

Celebrate Easter and enjoy Brunch with the family. Seatings will take place from 11 a.m.-2 p.m.

COCKTAILS & CONVERSATIONS

Thursday, April 25, 2024

6:30 - 8 p.m.

Navigating the healthcare industry for our aging parents.

Presented by Ohman Family Living at Home Free - first cocktail on the house

To RSVP: Call or text (440) 338-2320

WWGA OPENING DAY

Tuesday, April 30, 2024. Walden Women’s Golf Association plays 18 holes on Tuesday mornings.

ALL AROUND AURORA

By Miriam Conner

ACSD Permanent Improvement Levy

On March 19 Ballot – NO NEW TAXES –

The Aurora City School District (ACSD) Board of Education has placed a 1.5-mill Permanent Improvement (PI) RENEWAL levy on the March 19, 2024 ballot. This levy will be Issue #11 on the March ballot. Because this is a renewal levy, passage of the levy will not increase taxes for the residents of the City of Aurora. This renewal levy is for General Permanent Improvements for five years commencing in 2024. This levy was originally passed on May 2, 1989.

ACSD Treasurer William Volosin explained, “The permanent improvement levy supports the capital improvement needs of the school district. Funds from this levy can only be used to renovate, remodel, repair, furnish school buildings or purchase items of equipment or school buses. All of the items must have a lifespan exceeding five years. Permanent improvement funds do not go to salaries and benefits. Recently, these funds have been used for technology upgrades,

school buses, new boilers and repair of the stage rigging at Aurora High School, a new track at Veterans Stadium, repair of the Leighton chiller, and the purchase and renovation of the Aurora Schools Conference Center.” The funds have also been used to help pay down Leighton School since it was first built in 2001.

The actual tax money received by the ACSD will equal less than 1 mill. Volosin explained, “As this is a renewal levy, this will not increase taxes. Because of House Bill 920, the current effective rate of this levy is 0.91 mills.”

ACSD Superintendent Mike Roberto said, “This levy has been renewed by the community six prior times as it was first put on the ballot in 1989. Even though the school district receives the same amount of money as it did in 1989, the levy actually costs a taxpayer less than it did in 1989 because there are now

We have big news in Aurora! The movie theater in Barrington Plaza is going to reopen! Atlas Cinemas has finalized a lease agreement with Plaza owner Guggenheim and hopes to reopen the theater this spring. Atlas Cinemas is beginning renovations which will feature wall-to-wall screens in all 10 auditoriums, digital surround sound and new high-back leather rocker glider seats. The concession area will be redesigned to offer a variety of food and drink options. Won’t we all love this renewed entertainment venue?

City Council has passed my 2024 budget, so now we begin launching all of our projects for the year. Aurora has been in the process of designing the first leg of a hike and bike trail, the “Aurora Trail,” along the former Norfolk Southern railroad right-of-way that bisects Aurora. The

more houses in Aurora to spread the cost over.”

Aurora Board of Education President Pam Mehallis stated, “The Board is charged with continuing to invest in the district’s facilities and improvement projects. The PI levy is a low-millage and cost-effective way for the schools to receive the funds that allow for those investments. Passage of the levy also ensures that we are able to make necessary security enhancements that are essential to our school safety plans.”

first phase, a 2.8-mile stretch running from Chamberlain Road in Mantua to State Route 82 in the historic Station District, will cost about $2 million. We were thrilled to learn recently that the Ohio Department of Natural Resources has awarded the city $500,000 toward that project from the Clean Ohio Trails Fund. We expect to begin construction this year. Another big project for which we continue to plan is the new park we hope to develop at the former SeaWorld property at Geauga Lake. Our negotiations with the owner, ICP, are progressing as we work to resolve some of the details of the city’s obligations when we acquire the property. We have budgeted funds, not only for the purchase this year, but also for initial demolition and infrastructure work we will tackle once the deal is finalized. As you know, our plans include

building an outdoor pool where the wave pool used to be and constructing a beach for swimming and other waterfront activities.

Aurora’s new citywide signalization system utilizes the loop-style detection system to detect traffic. While it is an effective sensor method, an issue occurs if a vehicle pulls past the detector within the first 10 or so seconds. In that situation, the signal software assumes that the vehicle has passed through the intersection and no longer needs the signal to change, so make sure you stop at the stop bars. Additional loops have been added where we have received complaints about detection to try to reduce these issues. If a detector stops working entirely, the system recognizes the malfunction and starts cycling the light as if traffic were waiting in all directions. The city is also alerted of the malfunction so we can have the loop repaired.

Enjoy Spring, and Aurora Strong!

Ann Womer Benjamin, Mayor of Aurora

Solar Eclipse Watch Party

It’s a once-in-a-lifetime celestial phenomenon, Monday, April 8, 2024. Don’t miss it! More details coming soon at auroraoh.com/departments/ parks___recreation/community_events/solar_ eclipse_watch_party.php.

After 35 Years, Mitch Camp Leaves Big Shoes to Fill

By Collin McEndree

On behalf of myself and the Walden Golf Shop, we hope everyone is having a great winter and is continuing to work on their golf game for the 2024 season. We would like to also wish Mitch Camp all the best with his retirement, as that was official in December of 2023. After 35 years here at Walden, Mitch has left very big shoes to fill and I plan to continue to build upon the foundation he has set for myself and the rest of our golf staff.

As we move towards the 2024 golf season, the golf shop will reopen full-time, starting March 1. After the doors open, the golf shop will start to fill up with all new inventory for the new season. Please stop by and see us as the weather gets nicer, to check out the new golf shop and say hi. Our staff looks forward to seeing everyone soon!

Here are some important dates to remember as we approach the golf season:

April 16 - Driving Opens

April 30 - WWGA Opening Day

May 1 - Seniors Opening Day

May 4 - Men’s Opening Day

May 13 - Bag Room/Range open on Mondays

Sam & Diane Albright | Loving Partners Through Life

By Kaye Lowe

Diane and Sam Albright

Sam and Diane Albright are a couple that emotes love, happiness and kindness for each other, their family, friends and all they meet.

Diane and Sam were born in Pennsylvania. When Diane was 1 year old, she moved with her family to Ravenna, Ohio for her father’s work at the Ravenna Arsenal.

Sam’s family lived in Somerset, Pennsylvania, east of Pittsburgh, in Laurel Highlands. The house was a twinplex. Diane’s grandparents lived in the other half. Since Sam had no grandparents, he adopted Diane’s to be his. Whenever Diane’s parents visited, Sam’s mother would have tea parties for Diane and her sisters. The families were close. Sadly, Sam’s mother passed away when he was 16. Diane’s Grandma Benson became even more special to Sam.

After graduating from high school, Sam joined the Air Force and did his basic training at Lackland Air Force Base in San Antonio, Texas. Grandma Benson wrote letters to him. In one letter, she mentioned that a friend of Diane’s was coming to the base. Sam met this young man; he told him he had not heard from Diane in a long time, and would he share her address? (Sam said, “That was a big mistake on his part, but good for me!”) Sam wrote to Diane and the two began a regular correspondence with each other. There was promise of something good happening.

While on leave before being stationed at Moody Air Force Base in Georgia, Sam asked Grandma if she would like to visit Diane’s family in Ravenna. Upon visiting for a few days,

he and Diane began falling in love. Shortly after he returned to base, the Air Force sent him to Japan for the remaining two years of his four-year commitment as a jet engine mechanic.

On leave before going overseas, Sam and Grandma traveled to Ohio for another visit. Diane had graduated from cosmetology school and was now working as a stylist in Ravenna.

The couple's romance now had to grow through Air Mail letters they exchanged every other day until May 1960, when Sam returned to the states. He took a job at Republic Aviation on Long Island, New York.

After commuting between Ravenna and Long Island, Sam proposed on June 9, 1960, and they were married on September 4, 1960. After living in New York, they decided to return to Somerset, Pennsylvania until Sam could find a job in Ohio. The couple moved to Cuyahoga Falls in 1963 for Sam to work for a Cleveland company selling hydraulic and pneumatic equipment. His territory included Summit, Portage and Stark counties.

In 1965, they welcomed their first son, Mike. Sam earned a promotion in 1967 and was transferred to the Cleveland office. They purchased a home in Euclid in 1967 and their son Dave was born in 1969.

In 1971, Sam started his own company, Keystone Components Inc., in the basement of their home. Diane served as partner, handling the phone calls and doing accounts receivable and payable from their kitchen. Sam contacted businesses daily, selling their products. In the evenings, he would pack goods that UPS picked up for their growing number of customers. In 1972, they hired their first employee. The success of their company led to buying a building on 185th Street in Cleveland in 1973.

Their sons grew, went to college and both, upon graduation, joined Keystone. Sam and Diane feel so blessed that both sons joined them in their business.

Family fun with the Albright family on Sam's 80th birthday.

Dogs of Walden 4

Our first Dogs of Walden photo-share debuted in our primiere issue. These darn dogs are so cute, it's time for Take 4!

KOVU

Lindsey Pierce - Meadows

Kovu is a 4-year-old giant Alaskan malamute who loves the snow. Despite his massive size, he’s a snuggly lapdog!

SLINKY AND MAX

Michael, Shirley & Mercy Dobies - Cross Creek Oval

Slinky and Max are dachshunds who enjoy sunshine and its warmth as much as possible. They can be heard barking at a squirrel or wild turkey. Slinky (the one with white fur on his chest) likes to annoy big brother Max whenever he can and follows Michael everywhere. Nothing makes Max happier than hanging out with Mercy. On night walks, you may spot them by their reflective coats.

BELLO

Fr. Ed Estok - Ravines

Bello is a one-and-a-half-year-old Boston terrier puppy. Bello, which is short for Bel’amico, is Italian for my beloved friend. Bello loves walking down Ravines Drive and also watching the landscapers do their job.

CODY

Wendy Anthony - Ravines West

Cody is a 5-year-old Havanese who likes to play with his toys, snuggle, bark at the Amazon delivery person and go for car rides.

PEPPER

Jennifer Vail - High Point Pepper is a miniature poodle-Boston terrier mix. Her favorite things to do are sunbathing and stalking chipmunks :)

MYRTLE AND GERTRUDE

Steve and Kathy Wells - Landings

Myrtle and Gertrude are loving shih tzu sisters. They enjoy walks on the Walden Path, meeting their dog buddies.

CASH & CHASE

Charlie Fink and daughter Emily - Ravines

Cash

Cash is a 3-year-old rescue and loves his big brother, Chase. Chase likes to bird-hunt for pheasant and take long walks. He is super smart and has known how to let himself out since his first night.

SANDY

Jaime, Scott, Annie and Maggie Gurney - Bonnie Lane -

Sandy is a 1-year-old golden retriever whose walks are incomplete without a stop to say hello and admire the horses at Walden Farms.

ODIL AND SCAMP

Kent and Anne Ramsay - Walden members

Odil and Scamp are Shipoo brothers and just turned 1 year old on January 29. What a joy they are! They like to play with each other more like the way children roughhouse and they love their toys!

ZSA ZSA!

Lynne & Dale Thorne - Landings

Zsa Zsa is a rescue and a true Heinz 57 pup. She loves playing with her ball and tearing the stuffing out of every toy she has. We love her dearly!

PUGS HALEY AND COCO WITH THEIR COUSIN CHURRO

Brian and Jennifer Sroub - Fairington

Churro is a frequent visitor to keep Haley and Coco company. They all love going for walks through Walden!

LILLY AND OLIVER

Debbie and Dan Chessin with daughter Carly - Ravines

Lilly and Oliver are standard poodles who like their daily walks. They love to wait by the front door for the FedEx person who leaves them big treats. They also like to play with their toys in the house; it’s like having perpetual 2-year-olds!

What’s Up in Squirrel World?

By Estelle R. Brown

Sightings of unusual squirrels in and around Walden are on the rise. From black squirrels to white albinos, black squirrels with rusty tails, and black-and-white ‘squnks,’ funky-looking squirrels are in our midst.

But don’t worry. These varieties aren’t new zombie hybrids; they’re likely just versions of the humble gray squirrel.

Dr. Jim Tomko and Kim Pease of Moebius Nature Center in Aurora assure us that it’s technically impossible for skunks and squirrels to interbreed since they are genetically so dissimilar; they are different species.

In fact, even different types of squirrel species cannot successfully interbreed. Southern flying squirrels, fox squirrels, gray squirrels and red squirrels (in that order) are common to Northeast Ohio. If squirrels from these different species mate, their offspring are sterile and cannot reproduce to create a new strain.

The name Eastern Gray Squirrel confuses people who expect the species to create only gray-colored squirrels. But Dr. Tomko says this squirrel species can look gray, black, white or even pinto (spotted) but they are all genetically gray squirrels.

The so-called black squirrels simply have ‘melanistic’ gene variants that make them darkerhaired due to a higher level of the melanin pigment they carry. Black-colored gray squirrels are the result of recessive genes, meaning that both the mother and the father have to carry melanistic genes to produce black-colored offspring, Dr. Tomko explains.

As recently as 2011, black squirrels were still considered a rare sight outside of Kent, where they have been iconic for decades. Kent State reported in 2011 that there was likely only one black squirrel for every 10,000 squirrels in North America. Yet since 2016, wildlife experts agree that black squirrels have been sighted increasingly elsewhere in Northeast Ohio, including Aurora.

As gray squirrels continue to hybridize, we are seeing unexpected color combos, including ‘Squnks.'. (Photo courtesy WJW Fox 8)

THE ORIGIN STORY

You may be familiar with the story of how black squirrels were reintroduced to nearby Kent after the original population of the dark-hued gray squirrels was brought to near-extinction by natural predation, hunting and habitat loss as Northeast Ohio’s thick forests were cleared to make way for industry, roads, housing and further development.

Black squirrels were once common in the 1800s in New York, Ohio, Vermont, New Hampshire, Pennsylvania, Indiana, Illinois, Michigan and Wisconsin, according to research from the University of Wisconsin. In the 1940s, a comprehensive history of the black form of the gray squirrel noted that black squirrels in Canada, Vermont and New Hampshire were once far more abundant than

Above: So-called black squirrels are actually melanistic gray squirrels.

gray-colored squirrels, but the black squirrels seemed to disappear as settlement expanded.

According to KSU’s Fall 2013 The Connection newsletter, “the Black Squirrel is regarded as the unofficial mascot of Kent State University. Black squirrels were brought to Kent State University in 1961 by Larry Wooddell, who was the grounds superintendent, and 'Biff' Staples, a retired Davey Tree employee. They called the mission Operation Black Squirrel.”

Wooddell first saw black squirrels while traveling through Chardon in Geauga County, then was distressed to learn that they were dying off in that area. He started searching for black squirrels elsewhere. Staples had to go as far north as Ontario, Canada to find “a multitude” of them.

Over a period of six months in 1961, Operation Black Squirrel was set in motion to revive the black squirrel population on the Kent State campus. The project involved coordination with both the U.S. and Canadian governments to transport 10 black squirrels from Ontario to the Kent campus so the dark-colored rodents could mingle with the indigenous squirrel population and multiply over time.

Dr. Tomko says, “Wherever there’s habitat, they’re spreading and interbreeding, hybridizing toward lighter colors. So perhaps we’ve already reached the peak of this increase in the local melanistic gray squirrel population.”

The more you look into Squirrel World, the more complicated it gets. Pease takes that one step further: “Everything is complicated in life and nature!”

So keep your camera handy as you wander around Walden. You never know what you’ll see. If you snap a photo of an unusual squirrel while on your Walden rounds, please share it with us by emailing estelle@mywaldenlife.com.

Typical gray-colored gray squirrel, common to Northeast Ohio. (Photo courtesy Pease Photography)

Brought to you by Club Walden

Serenity Elevated

Spa Walden Voted Best Spa!

Spa Walden was named a Top 100 Spa in 2023 by Spas of America. In addition to being #23 overall, we were proudly named the #1 spa in Ohio. Uncover a spa committed to enhancing your experience at every corner. Elevate your wellness journey with us, where excellence meets tranquility.

Discover Relaxation

SPA SERVICES:

• Signature Massage

• Relaxation Massage

• Deep Tissue Massage

• Prenatal Massage

• Lymphatic Detox Massage

• Signature Facial

• Gentleman’s Facial

• Rose Quartz Crystal Facial

• Multivitamin Firming Facial

• Deep Cleansing Detox Facial

• Back Facial

continued from page 15

NEIGHBOR TO NEIGHBOR

In 1983, Sam and Diane built a home in Solon and moved Keystone Components to a small building they built in Twinsburg. In 2014, they outgrew that building and moved the business to a building twice the size. After the expansion, Sam and Diane retired, leaving the business in the capable hands of Mike and Dave. Their daughters-in-law joined the company. Shelly took Diane’s position of accounts payable and Heather became the receptionist.

Now it was time to downsize. Diane was talking to real estate agent, Peggy Carr (who lives on Inwood). Peggy suggested she look at Walden. Diane saw a home being built on Walden Lake in the Ravines. She told Sam she couldn’t believe the beauty of Walden. She had found a partially built home she loved. Manny Barenholtz met with them and the house was completed to their specifications in October 1994. Huge oak and maple trees surround their lovely home with its two-level patios, steps to a gazebo and dock, and a tranquil setting to enjoy.

After retiring, Sam and Diane began traveling. Over 10 years, they have taken two cruises annually to reach their goal of being on seven continents. They said Antarctica was the most outstanding and different, with icebergs, penguins, seals and birds.

The couple is very content in their Walden home. They

have a large family of 14: their two sons and wonderful daughters-in-law Shelly and Heather, four grandchildren (Megan, 30; twins Tyler and Alec, 25; and Carson, 23.) They are blessed with two great-grandchildren: Jack, 4 and Sophia, 3. All live in the area and grandma and grandpa’s home is the place to visit and have fun.

Diane says, “So I guess our romance through letters has proven to have blessed us!"

After their travels, Sam and Diane bought a townhouse. (Yes, back in Laurel Highland!) They spend a week every six or seven weeks, enjoying old friendships from the Class of 1956, which had 223 graduates. They attend monthly breakfast with 20 former classmates. Sam is very busy planning annual reunions, which draw 70-80 in attendance. This summer will be their 70th!

Diane loves to read, cook and entertain. She is a member of the Blossom Friends of the Cleveland Orchestra and past Membership Chairman. Her favorite pastime is being with her family, especially her 3-year-old great-granddaughter and 4-year-old great-grandson.

They Albrights believe Walden is a bit of paradise with its wonderful neighbors and tranquil setting.

Sam and Diane will be married 64 years this September. After working together for many years, they now feel fortunate to be able to relax and have all of their family near to share special moments together in this wonderful place called Walden.

Staff Profile

JEFF WHITLOW

LEAD MASSAGE THERAPIST

Years at Walden: 16 years at Walden, licensed and practicing for 21 years.

Hometown: Lake County, Ohio

Food: Fillet and red potatoes

Movie: Braveheart

Music: Country

Hobbies: Side-by-Side ATV’ing

Something people may not know about me: Prior to being a massage therapist, I worked in the corporate world, wearing a white shirt and tie.

Favorite thing about working at Walden: It’s a luxury, premier spa resort where everyone is kind and just happy to be here.

REFLECTIONS

“Sky water. It needs no fence... It is a mirror which no stone can crack, whose quicksilver will never wear off, whose gilding Nature continually repairs; no storms, no dust, can dim its surface ever fresh...”

— Henry David Thoreau

If you're planning

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Photo by Maria Biel