Walden Life - May 2024

Picture Perfect

PHOTO ABOVE AND COVER PHOTO BY MARIA BIEL

MIRIAM CONNER

Bring on Summer!

By the time you read this, I am really hoping that the up-and-down temperatures are behind us and we can finally put away our warm clothes… again!

This issue reminds me, once again, of all of the wonderful people we have in Walden. Meet members, the Gattozzi family, on page 18, who were too darling not to be included on the cover. Our neighbors, the Chessin family (page 16), feel like many of us do: that Walden is HOME.

Both Walden and Aurora have a fun-filled summer calendar for you to make many memories. Keep healthy this summer; buy fresh and local. You can find many family farms on page 20 in Nature Notes.

Happy Summer!!!!

LOVING THE WALDEN LIFE,

Walden Life is a property of Mitchell Media, LLC P.O. Box 586 Aurora, Ohio 44202 330-822-4011

Publisher

Brad Mitchell

Brad@MyWaldenLife.com 330-714-7712

Editor/Associate

Publisher Miriam Conner

Miriam@MyWaldenLife.com 440-396-0374

Associate Editor Estelle Rodis-Brown Estelle@MyWaldenLife.com

Art Director

Graphic Design Laura Chadwick Laura@MyWaldenLife.com

Photography Maria Biel mariabiel@me.com

Office Manager/ Accounting

Kathleen Mitchell

Kathleen@MyWaldenLife.com 440-533-1208

Publisher of Member of

Sales Consultant Delma Romancak Delma@MyWaldenLife.com 216-346-0663 F acebook: @waldenlifemagazine I nstagram: @waldenlifemagazine

Worth Noting BY

MIRIAM CONNER

READER PHOTOS

Eclipse

On April 8, Walden residents had great views of the solar eclipse.

These are the kinds of cloudy skies we like to see!

Tulips by Coby Conner

Glen Eden Ct

Doug Bouck

Mary and Doug Bouck

Dawn Davet

Dawn Davet

Glen Eden Ct

Both by Doug Bouck

Miriam Conner

HAPPY SPRING, WALDEN!

As we all prepare for warmer weather, the architectural committee is ready to receive your Walden Architectural Applications for Improvements to the exterior of your homes and condominiums.

Are you or a family member graduating from high school, college, kindergarten or any type of graduation?

We would love to include you in the next issue of Walden Life. Email miriam@mywaldenlife.com.

Throwback

WALDEN ASSOCIATION NEWS

As you are making these plans, please refer to the Walden Architectural Standards and the application found at waldenofaurora.com where you will find approved paint colors, door and window styles, permitted patio and deck materials, lighting and other valuable information. The Walden Master Association declarations should also be utilized when preparing your application (under the Architecture heading).

If you are in a condominium, send your application to your board along with all attached photos, materials and pertinent

Buehler)

information. If you are a homeowner, please send to either Steve Avner at savner@ carlylemanagement.com or Gina Ehrhart at ginaehrhart@yahoo.com.

In certain cases, such as additions, stamped architectural plans and review by the City of Aurora Architectural Board of Review will be necessary. No unattached structures are permitted in Walden, whether you are a homeowner or a resident of a condominium association.

If you have any questions, please contact Gina Ehrhart at ginaehrhart@yahoo.com and she will assist you.

The Walden Association looks forward to assisting you with any exterior changes you may be considering. Enjoy the lovely spring weather!

Walden Swim Team Photo - 1976 (photo supplied by Marc

CALENDAR Worth Noting

MOTHER’S DAY BRUNCH

Sunday, May 12, 2024, 11 a.m.- 2 p.m.

HAVANA NIGHTS

Friday, June 14, 2024, 7-9 p.m.

Mark your calendars for Cuban-themed Havana Nights. The evening will include Havana-inspired food, drinks and steel drum music.

FATHER’S DAY AT THE CLUBHOUSE

Sunday, June 16, 2024, 5-9 p.m.

Give Dad a break on the grill. Let someone else prepare Dad’s steak tonight. Steak specials at the Clubhouse inspired by dads everywhere.

COUPLES’ TWILIGHT

Friday, June 21, 2024, 5-9 p.m.

DINNER ON THE 18TH FAIRWAY

Saturday, June 22, 2024, 5:30-9 p.m.

Enjoy an intimate dinner on the 18th Fairway. Includes a five-course dinner with music in the open air of the 18th Fairway. $120++ per person. Reservations will be limited for this intimate affair.

KIDS ACTIVITIES

JUNIOR GOLF

Designed for children ages 5-high school. The kids will meet once a week during June and July. Junior Golf sessions are meant to build upon each other but you are welcome to join just one session or both.

PEE WEE GOLF

Clinics for young golfers ages 6-9 cover full swing, chipping and putting. The on-course experience is limited to a few holes.

The Advanced Junior program for juniors ages 10-16 consists of clinics and play days designed to develop the basic fundamentals of a golf swing, and basic knowledge of the common rules and etiquette of the game.

PGA JR. LEAGUE

The PGA Jr. League is a program available to junior golfers aged 6-13 years old. PGA Juniors will play games against other clubs in the area.

WALDEN

DOLPHINS SWIM TEAM

Our Swim Team is for those looking for a recreationbased swim team to foster the love of swimming and

learning to be part of a team with two/three home and away swims. Guppies are typically 4-6 years old and other dolphins range from 7-18 years of age. Practices are held Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday mornings from early June through the end of July. Swim against local clubs and residential communities.

JUNIOR TENNIS

Quality Start Program is for ages 6 and under. Grass Root Program is for Beginner and Advanced Beginner ages 7 and over.

Intermediate Program is for players of all ages who have had more experience.

High School/Tournament Program is preparatory in nature for high school players and players who have participated in tournaments.

Clinic fees are based on attendance or session. To learn more about the tennis program, contact Kevin Vaughn at 330-554-3739 or Kvaughntennis@gmail.com

CAMP WALDEN

Club Walden partners with KE Camps | Day Camps for Country Clubs to bring the best experience to your child each summer. Through the camps, we offer five weeks of a full-time summer camp experience. Children enjoy swimming, golf, tennis, nature walks, crafts, games and more. Each week, they enjoy a Wacky Wednesday experience, Thankful Thursday where activities are service-minded, and Friday Fundays for lots of laughter.

ALL AROUND AURORA

Summer Fun – Coming Your Way –

By Ann Womer Benjamin, Mayor of Aurora

As I write this during April showers, I am hoping they will have yielded to May flowers when you receive this! Sunny Lake was a great venue in which to view the total eclipse of the sun in April, and many people were there for the Eclipse over Aurora watch party to enjoy the momentous event. Sunny Lake is such a beautiful park with the lake and trails, so as the weather improves, keep Sunny Lake Park in mind to explore. The boathouse opens Memorial Day weekend.

Memorial Day weekend launches the summer season and many activities. The American Legion and VFW will hold ceremonies at Veterans Memorial Park on Memorial Day at 10:15, and at about 11:00 at the Aurora Cemetery following a procession to the cemetery.

The Splash Pad opens Memorial Day weekend, and on Friday, June 7, noon to 3 p.m. we will hold a Splash Bash at Kiwanis-Moore Park. Food Truck Wednesdays begin on June 12, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Kiwanis-Moore Park. They occur on the second and fourth Wednesdays through August, so enjoy!

Saturday, June 1 is the Perennial Swap and Plant Sale at the Moebius Nature Center. The plant sale begins at 11 a.m. and runs until 2 p.m., with the Plant Swap at noon, limited to five plants per person. Contact Moebius Nature Center at 216-4024361 with questions.

Aurora’s Summer Concert Series begins Thursday, June 13, featuring Thrown 2 Gether, a dance, rock, and country band. The concerts are held at Veterans Memorial Park, 6:30-8:30 p.m. on the second and fourth Thursdays through August. You can find the lineup on the city’s website, auroraoh.com.

Our Youth Fishing Derby is on Saturday, June 22 at Sunny Lake Park, for ages 16 and under. Registration begins at 8:30 a.m. and fishing begins at 9, followed by awards and refreshments at 11:30.

Atlas Cinemas opened in Barrington Plaza in April, and hopefully, you all have been taking advantage of the reopened movie theater in Aurora! It has been remodeled with wall-to-wall screens in all ten auditoriums, digital surround-sound and new high-back leather rocker glider seats.

Enjoy all Aurora has to offer, and Aurora Strong!

Opening Day

By Collin McEndree, PGA, Director of Golf

As we get off to a slow start with the weather this season, opening day is right around the corner.

Our upcoming opening days are: WWGA Opening Day (April 30), Seniors Opening Day (May 1), WMGA Opening Day (May 4), and Wine/9 Opening Day (May 22). So, if you are a Full Golf Member, make sure you head over to ForeTees and sign up for those leagues and opening days.

If you need to knock some of the rust off of

“As we were playing Walden on the day of the eclipse, as it got closer towards totality, the lighting started to play tricks with your eyes. It was almost dusk out and telling depth perception was tough. It was like that for two holes, then all of a sudden everything went dark, way darker than I thought it would get. We figured we could play and hit shots in the dark. We were wrong, but we still tried. It was so cool to experience something like that, and what better place than on a golf course?"

— Collin McEndree, Director of Golf

your golf swing and do not want to play on the soggy, cart-path-only golf course, the range opened on April 16. The range will be mats-only until the middle of May, but if you have a membership with range, come on out and hit some golf balls during those lunch breaks. We would enjoy seeing some familiar faces as we get closer to the start of the season.

If there is a junior golfer in your life, make sure you get them signed up for our Junior Golf Clinics and Junior Golf League. Our clinics cover a broad range of ages and skill levels (Beginner, Intermediate, Advanced). For our Junior Golf League, any Intermediate and Advanced Junior between the ages of 6-13 are welcome.

Please stop by and see us in the golf shop on the next nice day we get, whether it is to say hi, buy some new merch, or book a lesson for the beginning of the year. We are stocking up the golf shop every day with new products of all varieties. We hope to see everyone on the range and golf course very soon!

FLASHBACKS

WALDEN WORD EXCERPTS (1994 - 2003)

Here’s a slice of life from Walden published decades ago in Walden Word, a former newsletter by Walden Golf and Tennis Club. Enjoy these tidbits from yesteryear!

SPRING ISSUE

1996 WALDENITES GETTING

AROUND! Ron Dombcik of the Gardens recently went to Arnie Palmer’s Bay Hill Club at Orlando. Here’s Ron and Guess Who!

MAY 1998

MEMORIAL

DAY WEEKEND: Sunday the 24th, the Clubhouse will feature a very special Holiday Picnic Buffet, 5-9, featuring Fried Chicken, BBQ Beef and BBQ Pork, plus much, much more at $14.95 per person.

~Ray Jobin

MAY 2001

COME JOIN “THE WALDEN WHEELERS BICYCLE CLUB” and enjoy the beautiful countryside at our inaugural ride of the season, Sunday, May 6th. We’ll meet at the Walden Country Club at 9:30am for the start of a 90-minute ride. On succeeding Sunday mornings, we’ll travel more adventuresome bicycle journeys, geared to the wishes and desires of our members. Call Barb and Mel Vogel…

JUNE

1998

GOLF NEWS: An early dry spell in May made for some great golf conditions the past few weeks. We enjoyed good weather for all of our May events except for a brief shower during the Memorial Day Couples event.

Men’s Opening Day Jumble (six holes scramble, six holes - 2 best balls and six holes points: Winners Bohrer-Rudolph-Chen-Hart 13.10; Runners Up Lagnese-ZimmermanShydlowski-Zivsak G. 9.07

Ladies’ Interclub: Toni Lagnese and Pat Kanz were in the winning foursome and Lenore Oscar and Edith Smutko were in the runners up foursome.

Couple’s Opening Day: Flight A Winners M/M Davidson-M/M Shydlowski - 15. Flight B Winners M/M Lococo - M/M Repasky -15. Memorial Day Men (2 best balls of foursome with 1 designated) Winners Thede, Birzell, Linder and Pepe 123. Runners Up Turner, Zivsak G., Fiore and Bova 125.

JUNE

2001

THE BARN’S PERENNIAL GARDEN AND CHEF THOMAS: The perennial garden is not quite exploding yet, but will be in another few weeks. The columbines are blooming, as are the iris, and just a few daisies. Always feel free to browse through the garden and enjoy its natural beauty.

For year #2, I put in over 100 plants of various herbs and edible flowers for Chef Thomas to use all year long. Basil, chives, sage, lavender and many more are growing in the herb garden in the back of the restaurant. Look to the left as you exit from Walden Drive. You’ll see the border of pansies, and one day you might see the Chef there, too! The herb garden is another example of Thomas always wanting the best and freshest for his kitchen. See you at the Barn! ~Steven

& Debbie Chessin - Inwood Trail

Walden: The Right Place at the Right Time (Every Time) | Dan

By Estelle R. Brown

Dan and Debbie Chessin

FAMILY TIES

In many ways, Walden has always meant home to Dan Chessin. He and his wife Debbie moved to Walden six years ago after raising their three children in Solon. It was a natural transition, considering Dan’s parents had moved to Walden when Dan was in college and lived here for 30 years.

Now it’s Dan and Debbie’s turn. Celebrating 31 years of marriage this year, Dan calls Debbie my New Jersey love.

“We were married in New Jersey after a whirlwind romance with staying power. We had a three-month engagement and were married within six months after one of my childhood friends asked me to show this girl from New Jersey around Cleveland.”

Now an Ohio transplant, Debbie serves as director of education for the West Side Temple Beth Israel where the Chessins attend. A 1978 Beachwood High School graduate, Dan grew up attending the Temple Tifereth-Israel in Beachwood, a tradition in his family since his greatgrandparents first attended.

Dan and Debbie’s adult children haven’t flown far from the nest, so family ties stay strong. Brian, 30, is a senior underwriter for an insurance company and lives in University Heights. Jordan, 28, attended Cornell and Duke universities. He lives in downtown Cleveland, where he works remotely as a data analytics expert for a company in Washington, D.C.

Carly, 24, recently earned her master’s degree in criminology and forensic psychology in London. She is now working as a behavioral therapist in the Warrensville Heights schools and lives in Walden with her folks.

Also counted among the children is host son Yoav, 19, from Israel. In Cleveland, six different Israeli young adults come each year to stay as ambassadors to area temples and schools. Dan and Debbie took him in as one of their own during Yoav’s gap year between high school and college, in 2022-2023.

“He took to us and got along splendidly with our kids.” Dan jokes, “Of all our four children, we like him the best. He is our prince.”

Yoav is serving in the Israeli Army now as an air traffic controller in the midst of the Israeli-Hamas war. The Chessins try not to worry.

“We are very lucky because three of our children are in Cleveland while our beloved Yoav is in Israel with his loving family, including his twin sister, a younger sister and fabulous caring parents and grandparents who we have met and keep in touch with. We plan to visit him next year,” Dan hopes.

Of course, we cannot ignore Lilly and Oliver, the Chessins’ two standard poodles. Lilly is blonde and Oliver is chocolate brown. You have most likely seen them out and about on their two daily walks.

“People in the neighborhood know us by our dogs,” Dan realizes. “We are very proud of our dogs and recognize they are the most happy to see us when we walk in the door.”

Waldenites also identify Dan and Debbie by their last name. Moving to Walden was second nature for the Chessins since Dan’s parents relocated here from Beachwood upon downsizing. Jim and Shirley Chessin lived in Walden for 30

Standing L-R: Dan & Debbie Chessin. Seated: Jordan, Brian and his girlfriend Lauren, Carly.

years in the Willows and the Ravines, making the most of golf, tennis and Walden’s many amenities. Then they moved to Palm Beach County for 10 years and finally to an assisted living facility in Beachwood called Wiggins Place. Dan’s beloved dad passed away in 2020. Mom Shirley still lives in Beachwood but enjoys returning to Walden for visits with Dr. Sidney Cohen.

When Dan and Debbie look out the window from their home on Inwood Trail, they can see the previous home of Dan’s parents on Ravine Drive. Dan and Debbie moved to Walden in order to downsize after their children grew up and moved on… but all three came to live with them during the COVID lockdown.

“It wasn’t exactly how we’d planned but it worked out OK!”

Dan recalls. “It wasn’t too cramped, actually. The condo is pretty big and has different levels, so we each had our own areas. We did our thing and they did theirs. It turned out pretty nice.”

CAREER PATHWAYS

After earning business degrees from Indiana University and Cornell University, Dan enjoyed what he calls a “three-fold career before retiring young five years ago.”

First, he managed New York City-based medical supply companies for NYC, Philadelphia and Cleveland locations.

Then he went to work for his father as vice president of Tremco/Mameco RPM International, a sealant/caulking company. Tremco,based in Beachwood, has 1,000 employees and manufacturing facilities throughout the U.S. and Canada.

“This was the happiest part of my career, by far,” Dan says. “I felt most useful working for my father. It was hard but fun.”

Then Dan bought a commercial printing company he named All Print. After 10 years, he sold the accounts and equipment so he could embark on his next endeavor: retirement.

FUN TIMES

Dan says, “I was blessed with a nice career and now I’m enjoying the freedom and flexibility to do what I like.”

Retirement has offered Dan several avenues of enjoyment and fulfillment. In addition to reading and dogwalking, one of Dan’s daily hobbies is playing pinball.

“At our house in Solon— the envy of neighborhood kids prior to moving to Walden, we had 20 of them—a billiards table, foosball and slot machines.

I find playing them very soothing, good for eyeand-hand coordination, and plain old fun! We have no lower level by choice here in Walden, so we now have only five.”

Dan also enjoys volunteering for the Jewish Community Federation and for Jewish Big Brothers/Big Sisters. He started mentoring two 5-year-olds from suburban Cleveland who are now 43, and they are still part of the Chessin orbit.

“My little brothers Andy and Tony and their families are close with our kids and are absolutely considered as uncles and part of the family,” Dan explains.

Dan’s sister Denise lives in Boston but (along with her husband Art, five children and 12 grandchildren) also has a lake house in Naples, Maine. Dan and family enjoy visiting them out there a couple of times a year. Dan and Debbie also look forward to traveling to Europe and Israel soon.

Walden is the perfect place at the perfect time, Dan says. “We find it a very enjoyable place to live and entertain… so scenic with the trees and streams and golf course. The peaceful nature, the friendly, neighborly people, the proximity to amenities and entertainment in downtown Cleveland, Chagrin Falls and Hudson… not far from Beachwood and Shaker Heights, where many of our friends live."

“We appreciate the pace and beauty of Walden. It’s a little secret not very many people know about. We’ve been enjoying Walden for two generations now and we hope to stay a while.” - Dan Chessin

L-R: Debbie, Brian, Carly, Dan, Jordan and host son Yoav.

Lilly & Oliver

Dan's pinball machine collection.

The Gattozzi Family

Painting a Love Story By Miriam Conner

One of the things that makes Walden unique is that there are people here from all different backgrounds and age groups. Everyone meshes so well together, no matter what, and now there are more young families than ever before. Walden is known as a wonderful place to raise a family and even if you do not live in Walden, members can feel just as at home as residents. The Gattozzi family is a great example of that.

The Gattozzi family loves the Walden life. From left: Victoria with Lia (6) and Jeremy with Gianna (3).

THE EARLY YEARS

Victoria grew up in Alliance, graduated from Marlington High School (2010), and got her bachelor’s degree from The University of Mount Union where she majored in Human Resources Management in 2014.

Jeremy grew up in Aurora, graduated from Aurora High School (2006), and got his bachelor’s degree from Kent State University (2010), where he majored in Business and Marketing. He then went on to get his master’s degree from Case Western Reserve University in 2014.

CAREER AND LOVE

Jeremy and Victoria met at the Sherwin-Williams Company in 2012 where Jeremy hired Victoria as a store employee. “Don't worry, a conflict of interest form was signed and documented,” jokes Victoria.

She still works at Sherwin-Williams where she started as an assistant store manager in Lakewood. She worked her way up through various positions to the headquarters building in downtown Cleveland as the talent management manager for the global supply chain division. Victoria has been with the company for 12 years.

Jeremy left Sherwin-Williams in 2016 and is now a senior category manager at Moen in North Olmsted, where he has

The springtime Walden landscape provides a lovely backdrop on picture day with the Gattozzis.

been for the past two years.

The couple was married in August 2016 at Firestone Country Club in Akron.

FAMILY LIFE

The Gattozzis have two daughters, Lia and Gianna. Lia is 6 years old and is a kindergartener at Miller Elementary; Gianna is 3 years old and attends daycare at Aurora Children's Early Learning Center.

Lia enjoys cheerleading and gymnastics and Gianna enjoys ballet and following her sister around. Both girls love swimming and playing with their dog, Luna.

HOBBIES

Jeremy enjoys working out and running outside in the warm weather. He also enjoys golfing when his wife lets him… (“For the record, I do let him,” Victoria laughs.)

Victoria enjoys spending time with the girls and their dog Luna and completing DIY projects around the house any chance she gets (painting, tiling, new floors, etc.).

Together they enjoy vacationing in Florida and their yearly trip to Topsail, North Carolina.

WALDEN

The family joined Walden because the girls needed somewhere to swim during the summer and they knew Walden is a family-oriented community.

They especially love the pool. The girls will be taking advantage of swim lessons this year to brush up on their swimming skills. The Gattozzis enjoy the holiday events and dining at the club every week for a quick bite to eat. Jeremy utilizes the gym every week. They have also really enjoyed meeting all of the wonderful families and the girls have made so many friends at the pool over the summer.

Look for this adorable family this summer at the pool, the gym, or the club and be sure to give them the Walden welcome that makes us all feel at home here.

Farm-Fresh and Local

The Best Seasonal Food for Your Table

By Estelle R. Brown

The settlers who first carved Aurora out of the Ohio wilderness in the early 1800s went on to establish family farms throughout the countryside. Historic Aurora retained its Western Reserve architectural and agricultural essence for generations. Not long ago—before Geauga Lake, SeaWorld, Aurora Farms, Walden and the other housing developments sprang from field and forest— many Aurora residents were small family farmers or kitchen gardeners who ate off their own land.

But over the generations, most of us have lost our connection to the land. While many of us tend flower gardens or even herb gardens, fewer of us raise the fruits and vegetables we eat.

Here’s some good news: A remnant of family farms maintain a foothold here. A few make it their mission to share their homegrown produce, eggs, livestock and other farm products with their local community through roadside shops, farm markets and Community Supported Agriculture (CSAs).

CSAs provide a way for us to buy local, seasonal food directly from a farmer who offers a certain number of "shares" to the public. Typically, the share consists of a box of vegetables and other farm products, like honey or maple syrup. When we purchase a share, in return we receive a weekly box of seasonal produce throughout the growing season.

We benefit from eating farm-fresh, local food bursting with flavor and nutrients. We also get introduced to new vegetables and new ways of cooking. By visiting the farm, you can gain a connection to the natural food production process and the farmer who grows your food.

In turn, local farmers get to market their food early in the year, before their long days in the field begin. Since they receive payment early in the season, that eases cash flow on the farm. And they get to know the appreciative people who eat the food they grow.

If you don’t have the time, space or patience to grow your own food, here are a couple local farmers—and some within a half-hour’s drive or less— who can supply you and your family with the best farm-to-table fare our region has to offer.

Beck’s Farm and Market

9 min (4.5 mi) from Club Walden 1199 E. Garfield Rd., Aurora (216) 314-3415

facebook.com/BecksFarm

For decades, Beck’s Market has offered farm-fresh, local fruits and vegetables, hanging baskets and potted annuals, baked goods, maple syrup, honey, goat milk soap, Olchefskis BBQ and more. Open daily, May through October, 10 a.m.-4 p.m.

Leigh Farm

5 min (2.2 mi) from Club Walden 1411 Aurora Hudson Rd., Aurora (330) 414-9315

leighfamilyfarm.com/

Established in 2018, Leigh Farm is a four-acre family farm and CSA, producing seasonal vegetables, seedlings, strawberries, herbs, eggs, flowers and honey, without using harmful pesticides or herbicides.

Erick Leigh and his family established gardens, a flock of hens, and beehives. They provide spring vegetable and

herb plants using organic seeds when available and only nonGMO seeds. They grow and sell their own seedlings, planted in organic potting soil. The family maintains a self-serve farm stand from dawn to dusk.

Birdsong Farm

24 min (15.3 mi) from Club Walden 11316 Wheeler Rd., Garrettsville (330) 527-2653

birdsongfarmohio.com

Birdsong Farm is an organic farm growing a wide variety of vegetables, herbs and flowers. Founded in 2009 by Matt Herbruck, this family farm and CSA also sells at Garrettsville Farmers Market, Geauga Fresh Farmers’ Market in South Russell, Haymaker Farmers’ Market in Kent.

The farm grows root crops (carrots, beets, turnips, radishes), four varieties of potatoes, several kinds of garlic, beans, tomatoes, onions, strawberries, cut flowers and herbs. Springtime vegetables

include arugula, beets, broccoli, cabbage, carrots, greens, green onions, kale, lettuce, microgreens, peas, radishes, salad mix, spinach and Swiss chard. The farm has been USDA-certified organic through OEFFA since 2010.

Greenfield Berry Farm

33 min (16.1 mi) from Club Walden 2485 Major Rd., Peninsula greenfieldberryfarm.com

Greenfield Berry Farm features pick-your-own blueberries, aronia berries, and sunflowers. Daniel and Michele Greenfield also offer a vegetable CSA, pussy willows and honey. See the Greenfield Berry Farm

garlic, herbs and flowers from their farmstand, CSA and area farm markets. They don’t use any chemical pesticides or fertilizers.

Sirna’s Farm & Market

18 min (11.1 mi) from Club Walden 19009 Ravenna Rd. (SR 44), Auburn Twp. (440) 834-0696 sirnasfarm.com

A family farm with a roadside market and CSA, Sirna’s Farm is transitioning into its second generation—with parents Craig and Anne Sirna, and children, Kristen, Kaitlyn and Anthony— working together to provide a large variety of seasonal, homegrown vegetables, fruits, herbs, pasture-raised meats and dairy products.

Sirna’s Farm & Market is open seasonally, June through October, Tuesdays - Fridays, 11 a.m. -6p.m., Saturdays & Sundays, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. and closed Mondays. Support a sustainable food supply chain with Sirna’s CSA, a 10-week CSA program that runs July through September with pickups on Thursdays at the farm.

Spice Acres

Facebook page for the latest picking days and times.

Located in Cuyahoga Valley National Park, Greenfield Berry Farm is a Countryside Initiative Farm. This historic farmstead is surrounded by 33,000 acres of protected land situated on the outskirts of Peninsula Village at the intersection of Major and Oak Hill Roads.

Seasons Micro Farm

19 min (9.7 mi) from Club Walden 7427 Seasons Rd., Kent (541) 663-6723 facebook.com/ seasonsmicrofarm/

Seasons Micro Farm offers no-till, sustainably-grown microgreens, vegetables,

vegetables, and pick-yourown flowers free of GMOs and synthetic pesticides and fertilizers. Ben encourages passion for local produce and connection to the land through on-farm dinners, barn rentals, food-centric events, outdoor yoga, a self-serve farm stand, and farm-share program. He also operates Spice Kitchen+Bar restaurant in Cleveland.

Voytko Farms

24 min (14.8 mi) from Club Walden 11391 Franks Rd., Auburn Twp. (330) 221-4571 voytkofarms.com

26 min (14.6 mi) from Club Walden 9570 Riverview Rd., Brecksville spiceacres.com

Since 2014, Chef Ben Bebenroth has grown and plants and livestock for his catering and restaurant businesses on Spice Acres. Spice Acres is one of only a few farms that are part of a leasing program in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park called the Countryside Initiative. Managed with the Countryside Conservancy, it is the only program in the country that conserves National Park land through sustainable farming.

At Spice Acres, Chef Ben raises pastured laying hens, bees, unique fruits and

Jessa Byrnes oversees a family farm and CSA that is centered around pick-your-own blueberries and currants. Since 2016, the farm has been growing vegetables and herbs that are included in their CSA, taken to farmers markets, and sold to grocery stores.

The family also raises beef, chickens, turkeys, ducks, geese, rabbits and quail supplemented with non-GMO feeds. Choose from fresh vegetables, fruits, herbs, eggs, meats/livestock, maple syrup, hay and straw.

This season, develop an appetite for the freshest local food from a family farm near you before the next frost returns.

Brought to

you

by Club Walden

Spa Walden Named Among Top 25 in the USA

— Spotlight on our Estheticians —

For the fifth consecutive year, Spa Walden has been named a Top 100 Spa in North America by Spas of America. For 2023, the Spa landed in the top 25 at #23! Spa Walden is fortunate to offer four amazing estheticians on the team who have helped us achieve this rating.

MADISON BROWNE

Madison has been a licensed esthetician for nine years; for the past seven years, she has been refining her craft at Spa Walden.

Her job and passion as an esthetician at Spa Walden is to make sure that her clients have the full experience, from head to toe.

Madison’s favorite facial at Spa Walden is the Teen Facial. She says, “One of my favorite services we provide at Spa Walden is a facial specifically designed to help teens get a better understanding of their skin and their skin’s needs. The best part is, it not only helps the teens, but also their parents, with knowledge about skincare to equip them with the tools needed to maintain healthy skin habits beyond their visit at the spa for new confidence and education!

“By providing this facial, teens are given educational insight, relaxation and a sense of empowerment. With all of the new skincare trends out there, it’s hard to know what a trend is and what will actually benefit them in the long run. Investing in the confidence of today’s youth through a tailored skincare regimen will not only benefit individual growth, but will create a more confident generation!”

DONNA IZALDINE

SARAH MCKNIGHT

Sarah has been a dedicated esthetician for 21 years, specializing in treatmentfocused skincare, waxing, relaxation massage and body treatments. After a fastpaced career focusing on targeted treatment aesthetics and education, she was thrilled to bring her experience to Walden two years ago.

Sarah says, “The calm atmosphere and attention to individual guest experience is the most rewarding aspect of my position at the Spa.” Of all of the luxurious treatments on the Spa Walden menu, her favorite service is a dermaplane facial with a chemical peel.

“Dermaplaning removes vellus hair and dead skin for a smoother, softer feel while chemical peels exfoliate, brighten and synthesize collagen, and help to alleviate skin conditions like pigmentation, hormonal acne and aging concerns. When my guests experience this combination of skin therapy, they not only achieve visible results but they are able to release tension and feel good, inside and out. That’s why I love what I do.”

Donna has been a licensed massage therapist for over 28 years and a licensed esthetician for 12 years. The last 10 years, she has shared her experience with the guests at Spa Walden.

One area Donna feels Spa Walden sets themselves apart is educating their clients on what they as professionals feel would work best for the client. Our estheticians never leave a client’s side during the facial experience to make sure the product is doing its job.

Her favorite Walden Facial is the Rose Quartz Facial. Contrary to belief, this is not just for sensitive skin! It enhances all skin types.

She explains, “During the treatment, we apply a hydro-jelly mask. The smell is beautiful and the results are amazing. The organic rose smooths the rough skin, helps the surface wrinkles with firm lines, is rich in antioxidants, and hydrates and balances the skin. The skin is velvety soft and has an illuminating glow when finished.”

NIKI WHITLOW

With a dual license in Massage Therapy and Cosmetology, Niki has dedicated over 20 wonderful years to the spa industry. She carries numerous professional certifications that allow her to curate an expertly tailored service.

Her passion for this career started with health and wellness but she quickly fell in love with all aspects of the spa. “Our Signature Facial lets me completely customize skincare to brighten and restore your complexion while utilizing massage and scalp therapy to create the ultimate wellness experience,“ says Niki.

If you have not experienced Spa Walden, visit us soon and see why we were rated the Top 100 Spas in America! For all the moms out there, drop your hint for a Spa Walden Gift Certificate for Mother’s Day! To purchase a gift card or to make an appointment with one of our amazing estheticians, visit yourwalden.com/spa or call 330-995-9772.

If

summer, you're in great company.

But more homes on the market also means more competition, so it's absolutely essential that your home is looking its best ... and that's where I come in.

I can help you prepare your home for sale so it gets noticed. I will help you create the best marketing images and will deliver a selling campaign designed to help you achieve the highest possible price.

Michael Knows REAL ESTATE

More homes on the market means more competition, so it’s absolutely essential that your home is looking its best ... and that’s where I come in.

I can help you prepare your home for sale so it gets noticed. I will help you create the best marketing images and will deliver a selling campaign designed to help you achieve the highest possibe price.

Photo by Maria Biel

summer, you're in great company.

But more homes on the market also means more competition, so it's absolutely essential that your home is looking its best ... and that's where I come in.

I can help you prepare your home for sale so it gets noticed. I will help you create the best marketing images and will deliver a selling campaign designed to help you achieve the highest possible price.