Fall 2015 - Fine Lifestyles Magazine

Transcription

Fall 2015 - Fine Lifestyles Magazine
FineLifestyles
2015 VOLUME 3 ISSUE 4
PRICELESS
Cleveland
PERRINO BUILDERS
THE COMPLETE SOLUTION
DINNER LAB
100 YEARS OF CLEVELAND PLAYHOUSE
1
2015
SHOWCASING CLEVELAND’S BEST OF
THE BEST BUSINESSES
CHESTNUT HILL HOME
FURNITURE
LIGHTING
WEDDING
27 N. Franklin Street
Chagrin Falls, Ohio 44022
c h e s t nu t h i l l ho m e . c o m
ACCESSORIES
FIRST
WORD
FineLifestyles
CLEVELAND
With Fine Lifestyles editor PATTI LONDON
F
ine Lifestyles is continually striving to improve.
We have been so fortunate to find writers,
photographers and graphic designers who not
only understand our vision to share the stories
of local businesses, but who present these companies
to the community with wit, grace and creativity. We listen to the ideas of our
readers, our employees and the featured business owners to develop a publication
which will contribute to the economic well being of Cleveland - our ultimate goal.
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
2015 Volume 3 Issue 4
This issue celebrates those companies which share the same values as Fine
Lifestyles the Magazine. For the Best of the Best issue we sought businesses which
provide exemplary customer service, taking to heart the input from their patrons
and clients. We chose to feature companies which engage in effective marketing from social media and a strong website presence, to print media, like us - because
we believe that having a strong narrative is a sign of a healthy company. Finally,
we looked at the companies’ strategies to thrive. Even though they were already
successful, were they prepared to adapt to changes in the behavior of their
consumers? Are they prepared to keep up with the technological changes in their
industry and to remain innovative?
Staff Writers
Dylan Yépez
Meg Pauken
Kristal Pettit
Janine Purcell
Our global economy presents challenges which are well beyond our control. What
China does to manipulate its stock and currency valuations can affect markets
here in North America. But Cleveland consumers have a large share of influence
regarding our local economy. Our daily choices to buy locally from companies we
actually respect and feel confident in have a direct impact on Cleveland’s economy.
At Fine Lifestyles we want to introduce you to up-and-coming businesses and to
well-established businesses which reflect the values of our community.
In this Best of the Best issue, we are proud to feature young entrepreneurs like Ray
Sabin of Northcoast Energy Masters and Ross Miller at Rehab Detailing. We are
equally pleased to tell you about long time business leaders like Brad Smith Roofing
and our cover story of Perrino Builders. Each of the companies featured in our Best
of the Best are businesses which deserve recognition for making this rustbelt city
an up-and-coming power-house / place you need to visit.
As always, we wish the best of the autumnal season to all of our readers. Even if
you aren’t starting back to school, pretend like it’s a new beginning and pledge to
start something fresh. Remodel your kitchen or power wash your siding. Plant some
bulbs or buy tickets to the Cleveland Play House. Either way you’ll feel like you’ve
accomplished something and you’ll know you’ve contributed to your community.
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Associate Editor
Patti London
Graphic Design and Layout
Fine Lifestyles Magazine Staff
Cover Photography
Vincent Gorman Photography
Photography
Vincent Gorman Photography
Aaron Leyser
Advertising Consultants
Marlon Tussel 216.548.6292
marlon@finelifestylesmagazine.com
Distribution:
info@finelifestylesmagazine.com
Cover Photo: Pat & Colleen Perrino
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland @FLScle
We reserve the right to edit any materials chosen for publication including photographs.
We reserve the right to reject or accept any article, photograph, image or advertisement.
All contents of FineLifestyles Inc, publications are copyrighted 2015 with all rights reserved,
except for original articles submitted to FineLifestyles Inc., where copyright resides with
the author. No other part of this publication may be reproduced without the written
permission of FineLifestyles Inc. or its writers. The name FineLifestyles Cleveland, its logo
and material cannot be reproduced without the written consent of the publishers. The
views and opinions expressed in the expert advice columns herein are those of the authors
and do not necessarily represent the views and opinions of FineLifestyles Inc. or the
companies it represents. The information contained herein is of a general nature and is
not intended to address the circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Although
we endeavour to provide accurate and timely information, there can be no guarantee
that such information is accurate as of the date it is received or that it will continue to be
accurate in the future. No one should act upon such information without appropriate
professional advice after a thorough examination of the particular situation.
ADVERTISING CONSULTANTS
Marlon Tussel
Publisher
Marc London
marc@finelifestylesmagazine.com
Marc London
37
40
CONTENTS
DEPARTMENTS
STYLE...................................................... 8
HEALTH & WELLNESS.......................24
ARTS, DINING & ENTERTAINMENT.....30
HOUSE & HOME..................................46
46
WHEELS................................................86
FEATURES
Dinner Lab................................................... 32
Tom Gore Winery..................................... 37
The Cleveland Play House:
100 Seasons .............................................. 40
The Cleveland Play House:
A History......................................................42
Calendar of Events...................................45
Cover Story: Perrino Builders..............46
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
32
For agent Kim Kaczorowski
“IT’S PERSONAL”
32875 Solon Rd, Solon kimkacz@kw.com
kimkacz.kwrealty.com
2015
JEWELER
Jackson Grey Your One-Of-A-Kind Jeweler
BY MEG PAUKEN PHOTOS VINCENT GORMAN
S
tepping into Jackson Grey Jewelers
in Chagrin Falls is like opening a
treasure chest. Cases are filled
with artisan-created jewelry that
you won’t find anywhere else. The shop
caters to customers who want one-of-akind pieces, whether custom, estate, or
charmingly unusual.
Owner Chad Verhoff, a master goldsmith
with a 25 year history of designing and
creating jewelry, has chosen to veer from
the shopping mall, chain store model.
Instead, he has made his workbench
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
visible to his customers as soon as they
enter the store in order to emphasize the
hand-crafted, creative process behind
everything he offers.
“We do all of our work on-site,“ Chad
explains, “we don’t ship pieces out. The
design, creation and repair is done by me,
right here in the workshop. I want people
to see that, because it sets us apart.”
In addition to pieces that he has personally
created, including bridal and other designs,
Verhoff offers select lines of artisan-
created jewelry, such as Thistle & Bee,
LuLu Designs, Louis Tamis and Pyrrha,
along with restored estate pieces.
Jackson Grey is the exclusive regional
retailer for Pyrrha jewelry. Pyrrha has
received critical acclaim for its reclaimed
metal, talisman-style pendants, rings,
charms and bracelets. Created from wax
seals and featuring heraldic sigils, each
Pyrrha item is imbued with intention
and symbolism, making them especially
meaningful gifts.
LuLu Designs, another exclusive line
carried by Jackson Grey, features fresh,
elegant pieces that are perfect for everyday
wear. Sustainably sourced and handcrafted, they feature a variety of stones set
simply, to maximum effect, in necklaces,
earrings, bracelets and rings.
“We strive to carry a unique selection of
finished jewelry for our clients. However,
if they can’t find what they want, we will
work with them to design a one-of-a-kind
piece just for them,” Chad says.
Verhoff’s intention is to continue to serve
his clients long after their initial jewelry
purchase: “We want to be their personal
jeweler: where they come to purchase
jewelry, but also to have their jewelry
repaired and restored. Very few shops
can provide all of these services under
one roof.”
Chad works with his customers so that
they wear and enjoy all of the jewelry
that they own. He has his own Three R’s:
Restyle, Recycle and Restore.
one-of-a-kind piece today.
Jackson Grey Jewelers is open Tuesday Friday, 10-5:30; Thursday 10-7; Saturday
10-2. Call 440.247.5600 for a private
consultation.
Chad can restyle pieces so that they will be
worn and enjoyed again: restringing pearls,
re-tipping prongs, or even converting a
ring or brooch into a pendant. Sometimes
all that is needed is restoration: a thorough
cleaning and polishing.
Occasionally, the best choice is to recycle:
remove the stones, melt down the metal
and start over by creating something
completely new. Chad explains, “This can
be a very meaningful process - taking
stones from family pieces and combining
them into something new.”
Visit Jackson Grey Jewelers and find your
Jackson Grey Jewelers
516 East Washington St., Chagrin Falls
440.247.5600
jacksongreyjewelers.com
Chad Verhoff
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
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JACKSON GREY JEWELERS
516 EAST WASHINGTON STREET
CHAGRIN FALLS
be.gallery presents….
TODD SECHEL
Photography from Around the World Feature Event
Meet the artist!
Saturday, September 26 | 10am-8pm
See his
amazing work!
Perfect for
the home
or office.
Please join us!
art wine cheese
•
•
Inspiring gifts for life’s journey.
Created by American artisans.
14 Bell Street | Chagrin Falls | 844.BE.GIFTS | www.begallery.com
Monday Closed | Tuesday & Wednesday 10-6 | Thursday 10-8 | Friday 10-5 | Saturday 10-8 | Sunday 12-5
2015
GIFT ART GALLERY
Rebecca Gruss, Founder and Owner
Be Inspired. Be Empowered. Be.Gallery
By Dylan Yépez Photos Vincent Gorman
I
n a time when many people are
consumed by the trivialities of daily
life, be.gallery is on a mission to inspire,
motivate, and empower the world
through handcrafted art. Located in the
heart of Chagrin Falls, be.gallery has
emboldening artwork for any occasion or
emotional journey. “The goal of the gallery
is to be a source of inspiration for all who
walk through its doors — a place to find a
special gift with meaning or beautiful and
inspirational art piece for your home,” says
Rebecca Gruss, who opened be.gallery
earlier this year.
The body of artwork at be.gallery is
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
diverse, ranging from sculptures and
prints to jewelry, tiles, and tableware, all
handcrafted from high-quality materials
such as glass, porcelain, metal, ceramic,
and wood. “There is just something about
a piece that is made by human hands.
It has an energy that is soulful, real,
genuine,” Rebecca says, “the passion of
the artist really comes through.”
Rebecca enjoyed a successful, decadeslong career in public accounting, but she
had a lingering longing to do more. “The
idea for the gallery came out of a need to
be surrounded by positivity myself and a
desire to give that inspiration to everyone
around me,” she recalls.
The first piece Rebecca purchased for her
gallery carries a simple yet vital message:
be yourself. Designed by Heather Harris,
True Colors is a mixed-media rendition
of a peacock standing in grass and
fanning his vibrant tail. The feathers and
flora transcend the boundaries of the
canvas, framing the print with a dynamic
360-degree metal sculpture of the bird’s
feathers above and the grasses below. “I
was so attracted to this piece because, for
me, it means be who you are,” Rebecca
says, “and that’s why I opened be.gallery.”
Other works, such as Celebration of
Family by Boris Kramer—a 12-inch steel
sculpture of a family holding hands and
dancing together—elicit feelings of unity
and pure joy.
Rebecca attends art shows throughout
the US to find the most talented artists
whose work is not only beautiful, but
truly inspirational. The pieces found at the
gallery are perfect for landmark events
such as graduations, weddings, and
housewarmings, or emotional journeys
including healing, survivorship, and
balance. The artists found at be.gallery
come from all corners of the US, several
are local, and a few are from Canada, the
UK, and Colombia—but their artwork has
one shared aspect: Inspiration.
“Knowing and undersanding what inspired
the artist in their creation of the artwork is
an important part of the process as that
inspiration is then interpreted into a short
message that accompanies the work sold
at the gallery,” says Rebecca. “It’s art with
meaning,” she explains. “The inspiration
goes along with the piece.”
Visitors to be.gallery often find themselves
drawn to particular pieces, depending on
what they are experiencing in their lives.
“A woman came in the other day and took
one of the serene, calming ceramic owls,”
Rebecca recalls. “She put the owl onto the
counter and said, ‘This is going to watch
over me now. I just lost my husband two
weeks ago.’”
Be.gallery is located at 14 Bell Street, right
off the corner of Main and Bell streets, in
Chagrin Falls. You can call the gallery at
1.844.234.4387 or visit begallery.com to
explore its vast selection of artwork and
find what speaks to you.
be.gallery
14 Bell Street, Chagrin Falls
1.844.234.4387
begallery.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
13
2015
LANDSCAPE
PHOTOGRAPHY
Todd Sechel
Brings The World to Your Walls
By Meg Pauken Photos Courtesy Todd Sechel
P
hotographer Todd Sechel is a
world traveler with an artist’s eye,
his camera in hand to capture the
stunning beauty around him.
Sechel’s photographs of the natural
world range from mountain vistas in
Switzerland, to lighthouses on Lake Erie
and temples in Thailand. All have a unique
luminosity. Looking at them is like peering
out a window into the world.
Sechel cultivated his love of photography
and travel while living in India years ago.
He says the experience “changed him.”
Since then, he has visited 25 countries
and much of the United States.
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
He discovered that he enjoyed capturing
moments in time from the landscapes of
the world. “I took what I learned and saw
on the road and brought it home,” he says
.
Not only are Todd’s images one of a kind,
the developing and printing processes he
uses are also unique.
“I am always looking for new and
innovative print mediums. In most cases
I prefer to print my photographs on
aluminum. This is a fairly new process
in which the dye is infused directly into
specially coated sheets of aluminum. The
detail and luminosity are amazing,” he
says. The prints can be produced with a
variety of finishes so they can be properly
viewed in different lighting.
Sechel works with designers, commercial
property owners, and homeowners to
create the exact look that they seek.
“If I don’t have a particular shot in my
gallery that suits the look they are seeking,
I will visit a location and create it.”
Often displayed in very large scale, his
photography makes a statement in any
space. For that reason, Todd works closely
with his clients to help them select not
just the proper photograph, but the best
size and finish for their own setting.
“Once a client is interested in my work,
I like to have them come to my home
studio, where I have a variety of prints in
different sizes and finishes that they can
look at. They can see how the art can be
displayed in different ways in their own
home,” he offers. After he gets a sense
of what they are looking for, he pulls
together a subset of his work for them to
choose from.
“After we have a sense of what they
would like to see in their own space, I
will come to their location with samples,
printed on paper, so they can experience
the images in their space and make the
best selection.”
Todd’s photography is unique and
meaningful, both because of its innate
beauty and because many of the locations
he shoots conjure fond memories.
“Many of my clients select images of
places they have traveled or places that
have special meaning to them,” he says.
“It becomes very personal.”
Todd Sechel’s photography would make
a stunning addition to any home or
business. Much of Todd’s available work is
pictured on his website, toddsechel.com.
Take a look and call him for a consultation
at 440.281.2815.
Todd Sechel
440.281.2815
toddsechel.com
Todd Sechel
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
15
MASTERS OF MODERN
FALL 2015 COLLECTION
FEATURING:
CHESTNUT HILL HOME / 27 N FRANKLIN STREET / CHAGRIN FALLS, OH 44022 / 440.247.6858
FEATURING: PRESLEY CHAIR, ONYX SIDE TABLE
Portrait on the Porch
Call now. We are booking up fast for these fall classics.
Vincent has a way of capturing the essence
of families through their lifestyles. Each
custom image is designed to reveal the
true personality of the family.
What’s your family’s passion? Beaches,
wineries, big cities, spending time on
the porch? He will travel for your family
heirloom portrait.
An investment you’ll cherish for your
lifetime.
Pearsonartisticphotography1.com | 216.385.5452 | PearsonAP@aol.com
2015
CUSTOM CLOTHIER
Customize Your Clothing
with
Christophier Clothiers
By Dylan Yépez Photos Vincent Gorman
W
hen you shop at an
upscale
clothing
or
department store, the
garments
you
buy
are selected for you. The store owner
selects the styles to carry, and standard
measurements determine the sizes.
When you walk into Christophier Custom
Clothiers, on the other hand, your options
are seemingly endless. Hundreds of fine
fabrics in all sorts of colors, prints, and
textures line the walls, each a potential
garment expertly crafted to your exact
measurements and style preferences.
“Our fabric collection encompasses
every fine mill in the world,” says
Maurice Christopher, tailor and owner
of Christophier Custom Clothiers in
Cleveland. “We make a pattern for each
client, and we package you the best you
can be packaged.”
When Maurice says he and his team of
high-end tailors “package” you, he means
it. Beyond upgrading your professional
wardrobe, they coach you in proper
posture, how to stand, and how to match
your outfits on a daily basis. “We provide
total wardrobe management,” Maurice
says. “It suddenly changes the dynamics
of how you do what you do in this realm
of your world.”
Properly fitting apparel is about more
than just getting the right size. It’s about
accounting for every unique aspect and
asymmetry in your body. Most people, for
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland19
example, have either a high shoulder or a
low shoulder, and most also have about a
half-inch difference in the lengths of their
arms. “If you took a sagittal view of our
body—split it in half—it wouldn’t match
up,” Maurice says.
Knowing this, it’s clear that readymade clothing was not created with the
consumer in mind. It came along during
the Industrial Revolution, when mass
production allowed for faster, cheaper
assemblage of standardized products.
“Suddenly, the tailor wasn’t as important,
because we could make these massive
runs of garments that were pretty close to
the fit,” Maurice says.
With the availability of inexpensive
off-the-rack
options,
a
common
misperception is that custom-tailored
clothing is not cost-effective. It’s easy to
think that, especially when looking at a
suit with a $2,000 price tag. “But, if you
amortize the investment over time, then it
actually costs less to look better, as a high
quality garment far outlasts the opposite,”
Maurice explains. “If you look like a
million bucks, you get treated like a million
bucks. One of the most important things,
whether at work or at a job interview, is to
present yourself well.”
Beyond the myriad options of custommade pieces, Christophier Custom
Clothiers carries a selection of designer
sportswear for any occasion, with options
ranging from premium denim and khakis
to Bermuda shorts, as well as a variety
of fine knits and cashmere. An array of
classic raincoats, leather jackets, dusters,
scarves, and other outerwear are available
for men and women.
Nine lines of shoes, a variety of
accessories, and Maurice’s own line of
luxury socks will complete your newly
polished look. The socks, which come
in the perfect fit for any shoe size, are
available online at thesockhouse.com.
significance of custom tailoring is to stop
You can reach Christophier Custom
Clothiers at 216.961.5555 or visit
christophier.com to learn more about
the clothing and services available. But
the only way to truly understand the
Christophier Custom Clothiers
20
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
by the shop at 9308 Clifton Boulevard in
Cleveland and experience it firsthand.
9308 Clifton Boulevard
216.961.5555
christophier.com
Open in 2002, Plantation Home has become a Cleveland destination for the most unique home
furnishings - offering American made custom upholstery, beautiful case pieces from around the globe, as
well as the most tasteful collection of exquisite accessories. Be sure to visit Cotton, directly across from
Plantation Home where you’ll find bed linens, towels, table and glassware as well as ladies’ handbags.
HOURS
14401 Detoit Ave. Lakewood
216-227-4663
plantationhomelakewood.com
Mon Closed
Tue 10am-5pm Fri 10am-5pm
Wed 10am-5pm Sat 10am-5pm
Thurs 10am-7pm Sun 12pm-4pm
14400 Detoit Ave. Lakewood
216-712-7500
cottonlakewood.com
2015
DRY CLEANERS
Safely Store Your Clothes for the
Season and Protect Your Investment
By Dylan Yépez Photos Vincent Gorman
F
all is just around the corner, meaning
it’s time to put away your spring
and summer clothes and unpack
your sweaters. Before storing your
clothes until the warm weather returns,
have London Cleaners pick them up and
dry-clean them.
the processes that keep them clean. Alex
purchased London Cleaners in 1984 and
transformed it into a 100 percent door-todoor dry-cleaning service that can handle
any type of clothing and serves Northeast
Ohio, from Chardon to Avon Lake and into
northern Akron and Medina.
Alex Shvartshteyn is a third-generation
custom tailor, who spent years making
and altering garments. Thirty years ago,
he decided to channel his thorough
understanding of fabrics and clothing into
Terri, the plant manager at London
Cleaners, spoke with us about the best
methods of cleaning our garments before
putting them away for the season. Dust
and dirt that is not cleaned out will settle
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
in and can ruin the fabric. Terri explains
that some stains deoxidize, similar to after
taking a bite out of an apple. You set the
apple down and it turns brown. It’s the
same process with your clothing pieces
which have not been properly cleaned.
Fabrics stained by sugars or milk-based
products can attract moths putting all of
your clothing at risk. Perfumes can also
cause discoloration if not cleaned out of
the fabric and colors can not be put back
into our clothes.
Alex Shvartshteyn, Owner
Another storage nightmare Terri warns us
about is using plastic bags or containers
to store clothing items. When your drycleaned garments are delivered to your
house they should be taken out of the
plastic bags. Proper care both during
and between seasons will maintain the
investment you’ve made in your clothing.
Beyond convenience, though, London
“We’ll Take It From Here” is the London
Cleaners’ motto — and these full-service
dry cleaners stick to it. “We’re the only
company that does exclusively door-todoor, and we’ve perfected the service,”
Alex says.
the guesswork out of garment care.
Customers can schedule regular service
to have London Cleaners routinely stop by
their homes or offices, or they can simply
call, or email, on an as-needed basis.
Nobody needs to be home, so the service
is completely hands-off and convenient.
Cleaners maintains a level of dry-cleaning
service attainable only through decades
of experience.
From cleaning to preservation and storage,
let the experts at London Cleaners take
Visit londoncleaners.com to explore the
services offered, and call 800.832.1222
or local number 440.283.0200 to get
started today.
London Cleaners
800.832.1222
440.283.0200
londoncleaners.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
23
C
hoosing the right arrangement to
allow an aging parent to remain
independent is challenging,
to say the least. And when a
family member’s care and well-being are
at stake, expectations of the care giver are
generally very high. Home Care Assistance
is one of those high-achieving companies
which continually strives to go beyond the
expectations of its customers and their
families.
2015
IN HOME CARE
“I’m reminded of the statement that ‘It’s
not the destination that matters but rather
the journey’,” Scott Michaels, owner of
Home Care Assistance, says when asked
about his company’s strategy to provide
exceptional customer service. “To me,
being the best is a destination. The journey
– our approach, our culture, our processes,
our caring, our services - is what really
matters.” Scott strongly believes that if he
can thoughtfully create a journey for Home
Care Assistance, it will translate into great
service for their clients.
Scott Michaels describes several steps
which he considers crucial to his business’s
successful journey. From the first contact
with a prospective client, Home Care
Assistance is super responsive. They
understand that supporting and caring
for a loved one is not always subject to
advance planning. There are often urgent
time constraints involved along with the
associated stress of making challenging
and emotional decisions.
They listen carefully to their clients’ and
families’ concerns and based on these,
they prepare a comprehensive and holistic
service plan. Their service plan focuses
on the person’s holistic needs relating to
physical activity, good nutrition, social
interaction and mental and emotional
well-being. At Home Care Assistance they
know each client is a unique individual
with specific needs and desires.
Changing the Way
the World Ages
By Kristal Pettit Photos Vincent Gorman
24
An important step in Home Care
Assistance’s journey is maintaining a
perspective which includes the entire
family. They understand that the
services they provide also impact other
family members. They know safety is of
paramount importance so their services
provide peace of mind that loved ones are
being kept safe and cared for with dignity,
passion, sincerity and a caring spirit.
Home Care Assistance considers the
experience of its caregivers to be especially
Marilyn Matia
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Scott Michaels
important. They endeavor to match their
clients with the caregiver which provides
the right fit for everyone. They use
personality tests and gather biographical
information to support this critical process.
The feedback they receive is used by
Home Care Assistance to constantly
improve its services. By being responsive
to the feedback of their clients and
families, they, in turn, earn their trust.
Scott Michaels’ journey for Home Care
Assistance is characterized by a passion
and commitment to serve with distinction.
“Respect and dignity are core values for
our company,” Scott says. “We appreciate
our clients’ valuable life experiences and
wealth of knowledge and insights.”
Their mission is to Change the Way the
World Ages. Scott quotes Margaret Mead,
who said “Never believe that a few caring
people can’t change the world. For, indeed,
that’s all who ever have.” On each day
of their journey, Home Care Assistance
Howard and Shirley Marx
strives to supply caring service providers
who positively impact their clients’ lives
and change the world in which they are
aging.
Home Care Assistance
33790 Bainbridge Road, Solon
440.332.0170
smichaels@homecareassistance.com
HomeCareAssistanceCleveland.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
25
2015
CHIROPRACTOR
Taking the Time to Provide
Compassionate Care
By Kristal Pettit Photos Vincent Gorman
D
r. John Livingston has been
a chiropractic physician for
over 22 years. He is a third
generation chiropractor after
his father, who practiced 44 years, and
his grandfather, who practiced 50 years.
His father and grandfather treated him
for a myriad of injuries while growing up,
from slips on the ice, to terrible spills on
bicycles, to falls out of trees, to sports
injuries, all without harmful medications,
and at a fraction of the time that it took
friends with similar experiences and
injuries to heal.
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
He remembers taking one especially
bad fall off his bicyle at high speed while
staring at his speedometer and not
watching where he was going, landing
in a hedge, and crying to his dad. Dr.
Livingston’s father promptly said, “Let’s
get you up on the table and see what
happened.” The pain went away within a
few minutes after he performed a simple
manipulation. It was gentle, effective,
and the pain didn’t come back. He took
the time to diagnose what the problem
was and administer a treatment that had
lasting response.
These are the types of experiences that
Dr. John Livingston witnessed frequently
while growing up in a chiropractic family.
He often went to work with his dad and
saw first hand how people would hobble
bent-over into the office and walk out
straighter and with less pain when they
left the office. And it started with a
physician who cared about his patients,
who took the time to make sure that they
were diagnosed properly and were treated
gently and effectively. His dad worked
long hours but treated his patients until
he was finished, not because the clock on
the wall said so.
A patient’s testimonial explains it best:
Since 1993, Dr. Livingston has been
serving patients effectively while taking
the necessary time with each and every
patient who comes in the door. In this
day of ever-shortening patient encounters
with doctors, and rapid schedules and
long wait lists to get in to medical offices,
Dr. Livingston continues to strive to put
patients first and to treat patients how
they’d like to be treated, with empathy
towards the conditions with which they
suffer. His education, his caring bedside
manner, and his ability to interact and
communicate well with patients on their
level are the tools that set him apart from
other physicians who are too rushed to
provide the level of care that patients
need.
When I met you, Dr. Livingston, I found
your “bedside manner” to be simply
wonderful! Despite the pain, I felt
immediately at ease when I met you and
you discussed my back issues as well as
the proposed immediate treatment. Your
expertise and compassionate spirit were
evident in what you verbalized as well as
your adjustments which gave me instant
relief...OMG...they were awesome! It
is clear that you also continue to learn
and seek out information on assisting
your patients to maximize their health
potential. Dr. Livingston, I am delighted
that I met you and have become one of
your patients. I plan to continue to be
under your care in the future. I thank you,
kindly. – R.W.
R-L Jan Craft, Alice Silverstein, Colleen Laflame
This kind of success story is an every day
occurrence at Livingston Chiropractic
Center. It’s what gives Dr. Livingston the
joy he experiences each day in practice.
Consult with Dr. Livingston to write your
own success story and start rebuilding
your physical well being. For more
information call or email Dr. Livingston,
visit his website at jkldc.com or visit his
office near the intersection of Miles and
Richmond Roads.
Livingston Chiropractic Center
25111 Miles Road, Suite D
440.528.0005
drjklii@hotmail.com
livingstonchirogroup.com
Dr. John & Jeanette Livingston
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
27
2015
BARRE STUDIO
Slim. Sexy. Strong. Stretched.
By Dylan Yépez Photos Brad Cohn
W
hen
Ya n a
S a l wa n
opened Barre Cleveland,
Northeast Ohio’s first
barre studio, she vowed
to keep the classes small and to lead
each one herself. Even with women all
throughout the greater Cleveland area
signing up online at barrecleveland.com,
Yana has maintained a 20-person limit
in her popular BarreFit classes and has
personally ensured that her committed
students see results.
In fact, three to four hours per week
at Barre Cleveland in Beachwood has
produced dramatic results to the health
and figure of many of Yana’s students, in as
little as a month.
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
The Barre workout draws from ballet,
yoga and Pilates, to provide a workout
experience that produces results without
wearing down your body. Barre takes the
body-sculpting elements of each workout
style to focus on the areas you care about
most: thighs, hips, butt, abs and arms.
Slow, sustained motions immediately
followed by stretches allow you to
strengthen these muscles without bulking
them up.
Barre provides a thorough cardio and
strength workout, while avoiding the type
of high-impact movements and heavy
lifting that typically leads to joint and back
pain. Barre is, to the contrary, restorative
and actually helps you to improve your
posture, strengthen your core, and bolster
the overall health of your back.
The gentle, restorative nature of the barre
workout makes it extremely sustainable
for women of all fitness levels, ages 18
and up. The classmates you’ll meet at
Barre Cleveland will vary widely in age
and experience —Yana even has current
students as old as 75.
That’s because Barre Cleveland is a
place where women can confidently
work out with other women. The training
style fosters a sense of community and
familiarity among participants, so you
don’t have to worry about judging glances
from other women or unwanted attention
Yana Salwan
“We accomodate every fitness level in every class.”
from men, as is common in traditional
gym settings.
This female-only boutique fitness studio
will help you to sculpt your body, become
slim, and feel sexy, all with the support
of a strong community of women who
are experiencing the same struggles in
pursuit of the same goals as you. “We
accommodate every fitness level in every
class,” Yana assures. “It’s very inviting — all
the ladies know what it feels like to be in
class for the first time.”
BarreFit has become an integral part
of many women’s weekly routines, so
some of the most popular class times at
Barre Cleveland are filling up a month
in advance. All class scheduling is done
online at barrecleveland.com, so go online
to check out the studio, purchase a new
client unlimited one month pass for 60
percent off the normal price, and schedule
all your classes.
The Barre Cleveland studio is located at
3737 Park East Drive, Suite 209, near
the intersection of I-271 and Chagrin
Boulevard, in Beachwood. “Like” BARRE
Cleveland on Facebook to keep up with the
activity at the studio. Call 216.342.4229 if
you have any questions.
Barre Cleveland
3737 Park East Drive, Suite 209
Beachwood
216.342.4229
barrecleveland.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
29
A Conversation With
Peter Max
By Meg Pauken Photos courtesy Peter Max
P
eter Max is the personification
of his art: upbeat, energetic and
colorful, even at 77.
Local art lovers will have a chance to
meet the legendary artist in person
at Beachwood Community Center in
October, where he will be exhibiting
his work and appearing as part of
Beachwood’s centennial celebration.
The show will include a range of his
pieces, from recent original paintings and
sketches to prints and older works, all
available for purchase.
30
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Max continues to be a prolific artist. He
paints every day, 5 or 6 days a week, in
addition to traveling widely and often for
exhibits and shows around the country.
“I just love it,” he says. “I go to my studio
and I play with color and paint. Every day I
pick up a brush and it’s like the first time.”
His work has evolved over time, from the
graphic pop art of the 1960’s and 1970’s
to the vivid acrylic paintings and drawings
he creates today.
Max says, “There is always some new
project on the horizon and something I’m
just finishing up, along with what I create
from my inner vision. It changes every
day.”
Recently, Max created the poster for the
2015 Rock and Roll Hall of Fame Induction
Ceremony and a poster celebrating the
41st Annual Fest for Beatles Fans. He even
has a collection of clothing featuring his
designs at American Apparel, aptly called
“NeoMax.”
As those familiar with his story may
already know, Peter Max burst onto the art
scene in 1961, making a name for himself
with his fantastic, even psychedelic, art
that came to symbolize a generation just
coming of age. Despite his association with
the Baby Boomer generation, Max says
audiences at his gallery exhibitions are very
broad, as many younger visitors as middleaged. And unlike many artists, who tend
toward introverted or even reclusive, he is
definitely not.
“I love getting out there and meeting people
and giving interviews,” he says, “I have such
a good time.”
Max always paints to music, even
employing a DJ at his studio to keep the
tunes flowing. As for what’s on his playlist,
he says, “A little bit of everything - I love it
all. I’ve been listening to bebop, some jazz
and new, current stuff. “ Like Taylor Swift?
“Yes, Taylor Swift,” he chuckles, “She’s
a sweetheart.” Swift is famously fond of
Max’s work.
As for slowing down, he has no plans to do
that:
“I’ll never stop painting. Every day I get up
and it is a new beginning. I’m so lucky to be
doing this.”
Peter Max’s enthusiasm for life is
contagious. Meet him in person at
Beachwood Community Center on October
24, from 6 - 9 pm and October 25 from
1 - 4 pm. Reservations are required; call
844.832.8800 to reserve a seat.
The exhibition of Peter Max’s work will
run from October 17 - 25. Beachwood
Community Center is located at 25325
Fairmount
Boulevard,
Beachwood.
Additional information is available at
beachwoodohio.com and petermax.com.
Peter Max Exhibit
Beachwood Community Center
25325 Fairmount Boulevard
Beachwood
beachwoodohio.com
petermax.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
31
Chef Daniel Espinoza
Dinner Lab has Popped Up
in Cleveland
By Patti London Photos Charles Michio Photography, Jeff Thibodeau and Fine Lifestyles
A
n unusual food experiment is
taking place in 33 cities across
the United States, beginning
in New Orleans and now
including Cleveland. It’s called Dinner Lab.
Dinner Lab is a membership-based popup restaurant concept where diners are
actually asked to rate and critique the
creations of high-end chefs. This behavior
is usually frowned upon, but at Dinner Lab
it’s required. The idea is to assist these
up-and-coming chefs with their menu
creation using diners’ feedback before
the big money is invested in a brick and
mortar restaurant. Dinner Lab members
are glorified taste-testers.
32
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
At a cost of $100-125 per year, members
are notified of upcoming events in their
city. But not until the day before the
dinner do members learn the exact
location, creating a pop-up sense of fun
and anticipation.
The first Cleveland event was held in July
at the 78th Street Studios near Gordon
Square. We arrived with an idea of who
the chef was and what his menu concept
was going to be. We were a little nervous,
but we were also joined by a group of
adventuresome friends, so we knew we
wouldn’t be alone in this new territory.
As it turned out, the evening was a total
party, the food was amazing, and we even
made some new friends.
Daniel Espinoza from Chicago was our
chef for the evening. His five course
meal was Mexican-themed and named
“Anomar,” his grandmother’s name,
spelled backward, as she was his source of
inspiration. He came out before the meal
and gave us his story, what he was trying
to do with these ingredients and why he
loves to cook. We’d been watching the
frantic preparations before the meal and
you could tell the man had skills. It also
seemed that it wasn’t his first Dinner Lab.
Mr. Espinoza was young but perfectly
comfortable making the rounds after
dinner to find out what we did and didn’t
like about the meal. Even though each of
us had scorecards and pencils as part of
our place setting, he wanted to hear our
thoughts in person. That takes courage
and a friendly personality. Mr. Espinoza
had both.
I’m not the kind of diner Dinner Lab is
looking for, unfortunately. I give every dish
a top rating of five stars. What’s not to like
about Tostada de Puerco with guacamole,
carnitas, jicama and queso fresco?
Who wouldn’t like a second helping of
Flan de Ruibarbo or rhubarb flan with
white chocolate, roasted peanuts and
strawberry espuma?
We enjoyed a second Dinner Lab
experience overlooking the West Side
Market’s clock tower in the office of the
Skylight Financial Group at West 25th and
Detroit. It was chef Brooks Hart’s 30th
birthday and we were celebrating with a
beer-themed menu. This time we weren’t
nervous in the least.
This dining experiment is a success. We
look forward to many more evenings of
food, friends and fun and can’t wait to
see where Dinner Lab will pop up next.
Check out their witty website for more
information on Cleveland memberships
and maybe we’ll be eating with you at the
next Dinner Lab.
Dinner Lab
dinnerlab.com
Leslye & Keith Arian, members
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
33
2015
SUSHI RESTAURANT
The Fine Art
of
Japanese Sushi
By Kristal Pettit Photos Aaron Leyser
34
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Eddie Tse, Head Sushi Chef
I
tamae is the Japanese word for chef or
cook. It literally means, “in front of the
board,” referring to the cutting board.
One can tell a true itamae not only by
how he or she handles the specialized
utensils in preparing the food, but also by
the itamae’s demeanor with the customer.
While many chefs are best left to their
work in the kitchen in the back of the
house, an itamae works best in front of his
or her hungry audience. Eddie Tse is the
itamae at Akira Sushi and Hibachi. Have a
seat in front of his sushi station and you’ll
understand the true meaning of the word.
Owner Anna Saito has introduced true
Japanese dining through her sushi, hibachi
and traditional tempura, teriyaki and udon
noodle specialties at Akira in Solon since
1999. Anna takes pride in the fact that she
was born and raised in Japan, where sushi
and hibachi originated. Prior to opening
Akira, Anna and her former husband
operated two successful Japanese
restaurants in Manhattan, a sushi bistro
and a much larger space near the World
Trade Center on Wall Street. They found
Solon a more family-friendly community
to raise their two children and fortunately,
they chose to continue providing Japanese
cuisine in their new neighborhood.
Anna is particularly excited about her head
sushi chef, Eddie Tse. Formerly of Otani
and Sapphire Grill, Eddie has recently
returned as Akira’s itamae. Under Eddie’s
guidance, Akira Sushi and Hibachi became
the first restaurant in the Midwest to offer
the notorious Japanese delicacy fugi, sushi
to die for. Fugi is a poisonous blowfish
popular in Japan which requires expert
care in its preparation.
Even the most skilled chefs require proper
ingredients to truly express their talents.
Anna takes the quality of her products very
seriously. “In Japan sushi restaurants are
judged on the freshness of their ingredients
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
35
with an emphasis on the sushi rice,” Anna
explains. “It’s a matter of honor to present
only the highest quality triple-A sushi
grade seafood, USDA choice cut meats
and the finest pristine rice to complement
both sushi and hibachi.”
The fresh ingredients and authentic
Japanese recipes are two reasons that
Akira’s customers become regulars. Menu
items are made in house, from scratch and
in the case of Eddie’s sushi, prepared right
in front of the admiring diners. “People
notice the difference when they try other
places and come back,” says Anna. “The
quality is quite noticeable.”
Many special occasions are celebrated at
Akira. Japanese hibachi style dining lends
itself well to group luncheons, dinners
and meetings. Additionally, Akira offers a
private party room with two hibachi tables
that can accommodate up to 20 people.
Akira can also prepare luscious sushi
party platters for your home or corporate
entertaining needs.
Visit Akira during their weekday happy
hour from 5-7 and all night on Thursdays,
featuring sushi specials and half-priced
hot sake. Other weekday specials include,
Meatless Monday, Two for Tuesday and
half-priced bottles of wine on Wednesday.
“Like” Akira on Facebook and follow on
Twitter @AkiraSolon for specials and
scheduled events.
Akira Sushi & Hibachi
6025 Kruse Drive, Solon
440.349.6850
akirasolon.com
36
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Morris DeNiro , Anna Saito, Eddie Tse
Great Wines Start in the Vineyard
A
By Patti London Photos Courtesy Tom Gore Vineyards & Fine Lifestyles
n idyllic setting. An innovative,
locally sourced meal, eaten
with friends. And wine.
Anthropologists
tell
us
these are the lifestyle factors that lead
to a healthy, very long, life - like those
centenarians on the Greek island of Ikaria,
where people forget to die.
organic garlic farm, where Doug Katz
catered a five course dinner, perfectly
paired with wines from Tom Gore
Vineyards in Sonoma County. Tom Gore
Vineyards chose this setting to introduce
their wine to Northeast Ohio because
they believe every great wine tells a story,
and this one starts with a farmer.
This event, however, was a perfect
summer evening in Hudson on Thaxton’s
Following a fascinating tour of Thaxton’s
garlic farm and appetizers which included
their garlic, such as oysters and a white
garlic tart, the meal began in earnest.
The first course was a grilled claybread,
tomato and chive cream salad, paired
with Tom Gore Chardonnay. Tom Gore
is a second generation grape farmer who
has assisted with every harvest since he
was seven years old. The Chardonnay
served was exceptional - a 2014 vintage
when the moderate temperatures in
Sonoma Valley through the spring and
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
37
38
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
summer provided the ideal conditions
for flavor development. This Chardonnay
has ripe fruit flavors of apple and pear,
with a smooth creamy texture, perfectly
complementing Katz’s claybread salad.
Anyone who has experienced a meal
at Doug Katz’s restaurant, fire food &
drink, located on Shaker Square, knows
how committed he is to using the best
local ingredients. He has developed
relationships with local farmers over many
years to bring the finest and freshest of
meats and produce to his kitchen. This
meal was no exception. A total of fourteen
local farms, plus the Tom Gore Vineyard
and a local distillery, were represented
in the courses served this evening. Tom
Gore Vineyard chose the perfect chef to
highlght the importance of the ingredients
to the quality of the food and the wine.
The second course was housemade
ravioli with goat cheese and ratatouille,
including garlic, of course. Paired with an
amazing Field Blend from 2012, diners
were duly impressed. The Field Blend
is a melange of Petite Verdot, Cabernet
Sauvignon, Merlot, Malbec, Tempranillo
and Carignane. Aged 20 months in
oak barrels, it rewards with blackberry,
tobacco and oak toast aromas, a sweet
fruit entry, full body and a long finish.
I need a case of this for my anniversary
next month.
Katz’s bbq shortribs with sauteed sweet
corn, peppers and green beans was paired
with Tom Gore Vineyard’s Cabernet
Sauvignon for the fourth course. Although
the diners were a chatty group, there was
widespread silence when this dish was
served and the cabernet poured. Aged
16 months in American and French oak,
this wine contained notes of leather and
tobacco leaf, with hints of dark chocolate
and mocha - a perfect complement to
Katz’s shortribs. The enjoyment of the
diners was intense. Conversation resumed
with dessert, a Rittman Orchards peach
pie with minerva butter streusel and local
distillery, Tom’s Foolery, bourbon crème
anglaise.
Chef Doug Katz
Tom Gore Vineyards’ “farm to glass” wine
became available nationally as of April
2015. Ask for it at your local wine retailer
and enjoy it with your friends and some
local, seasonal foods for a healthy, long
life.
We could not have asked for a better
introduction to a true farmer’s vineyard.
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
39
100 Seasons and Just Hitting Its Stride
By Patti London Photos Courtesy the Cleveland Play House
O
ur friend and storytelling
Cleveland Historian, Dan
Ruminski, contributed an
entertaining and informative
piece on the beginning of theatre in
Cleveland to this issue. We read with
interest about the beginning of the
Cleveland Play House, America’s first
regional theatre and a place we’ve
frequented often as season ticket
holders for the past decade. This year
marks a celebratory schedule of plays
and programming as the Play House
is presenting its 100th season. There’s
much to celebrate.
as diverse as Margaret Hamilton and
Paul Newman, Joel Grey and Alan Alda,
we’re introduced to stage classics and
ground breaking new work every season.
The Play House may have started as a
group of bohemian artists who impressed
Francis Drury with their passion and
commitment, but now the Play House
is a nationally recognized leader in
regional theatre. Artistic Director, Laura
Kepley, and Managing Director, Kevin
Moore, have built a lineup of productions
this season which emphasize why this
company received the 2015 Tony Award
for Regional Theatre.
From the theatre which introduced actors
When the Cleveland Play House moved
40
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
from its East 86th and Euclid address
in 2011, a number of patrons would
understandably miss the old theatre
complex. It seemed like yesterday when
renowned architect, Philip Johnson,
designed the Bolton Theater addition in
1987. But the move to Playhouse Square
can be seen in retrospect to be part of a
much larger vision. The Allen Theatre’s
renovation and the addition of the Outcalt
Theatre and the Bialosky Lab Theatre,
have changed the hearts and minds of
those who grumbled about having to go
“all the way downtown.”
A Plain Dealer article from 2014 has
even attributed the national movement
to restore historic theater districts to
Cleveland’s example. The new marquees
and giant chandelier shed their many
lights on throngs of theatre-goers
throughout the week. It’s genuinely
exciting to be part of that experience,
whether you’re attending a production of
the Cleveland Play House, the Broadway
series or a concert. Surrounded by the
diversity of our community and the ornate
architectural history of these theatres
gives one the sense that we’re part of
something culturally awesome happening
right here in Cleveland.
Some of us weren’t present for the
premiere of the Pulitzer prize-winning
play The Effect of Gamma Rays on Manin-the-Moon Marigolds by Paul Zindel in
1970, and most of us probably missed the
Bertolt Brecht and Tennessee Williams
plays which also premiered at the
Cleveland Play House. But every season
gives us an opportunity to see new works
never before presented on the stage. The
centennial season actually begins with a
world premiere - Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy
of Tenors, playing through October 3rd.
Artistic Director, Laura Kepley, calls
this play “fast-paced, hilarious, joyous,
triumphant and heartwarming” and
predicts that it “will have a long life in the
American theatre.”
billed as Joel David Katz. What better way
to relive a bit of theatre history and kick
off the 100th season.
Cleveland Play House
1901 East 13th Street
Playhouse Square
216.241.6000
clevelandplayhouse.com
October 24th and 25th marks the Play
House’s Centennial Celebration Weekend,
featuring two special performances by
theatre legend, Joel Grey. An Academy
and Tony Award winner, Grey will
reminisce about his 50 years in theatre
which began on the stage of the Cleveland
Play House at age nine, when he was
Joel Grey
Kevin Moore and Laura Kepley
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
41
Cleveland, Ohio and the Theatre
Some Little Known Stories
C
By Dan Ruminski Photos Courtesy Fine Lifestyles and Cleveland Play House
leveland’s theatre district has
been in the news for quite some
time now. What a wonderful
asset to our great city and the
folks of northeast Ohio. As a historian and
storyteller, I am always looking for unusual
and little known stories from the past. My
fascination with Cleveland theatre and its
history has led to the uncovering of some
very interesting tales.
One begins with our once famous Euclid
Avenue Opera House, located at Euclid
Avenue and East 4th Street, the current
site of Pickwick and Frolic. Built in the
42
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
1870’s by one John Ellister, it was to
be one of the best opera houses in the
United States. Interesting to note is that
the newspapers of the day scoffed at
the project. They said it would never be
successful since it was being built too far
out in the country.
John Ellister was a dreamer of sorts,
spending over $200,000 to build his
dream, some $100,000 over budget. The
Euclid Opera House was magnificent,
seating over 1,600 people in scarlet
seats with a 29 foot chandelier hanging
overhead. 2,000 yards of carpeting
and tons of marble created the perfect
setting. Many famous actors appeared
on this stage, including the Barrymore
family, John, Lionel and Ethel, and Rita
Hayworth’s father, John Hayworth. Sadly,
John Ellister would never pay off the
building and in 1879 he went bankrupt.
Mark Hanna bought the building at
auction for a mere $40,000, continuing
to present operas, plays and later movies
to Cleveland audiences. This once great
structure was torn down in 1922, as
patrons moved uptown to newer, bigger
theatres and a Kresge’s 5 &10 was built
on the site.
Our Cleveland Playhouse recently
celebrated its 100th anniversary and
there was much to celebrate. It occurred
to me that the public might like to know
a little about the history of the Cleveland
Playhouse and its original location on
Euclid Avenue and East 86th Street and,
more importantly, the family that made
the Playhouse possible. The Drury family,
Francis Edson and Julia Drury, need to be
recognized for their role in creating one of
the best regional theatres in the country.
The Drurys are one of the lesser known
families of Cleveland’s once famous Euclid
Avenue and its Millionaire’s Row. Francis
was in the stove business, producing
some of the best kerosene stoves in the
world. Between 1905 and 1915 Drury’s
Perfection Stove Company sold over 15
million stoves to fellow Clevelander John
D. Rockefeller’s Standard Oil Company.
Drury became a multi-millionaire and in
1910 Francis and Julia decided to build
a wonderful Tudor mansion on Euclid
Avenue near East 86th Street. Currently
the mansion is owned by the Cleveland
Clinic and is used to put on very special
events. Once completed, the Drurys held
many a party there, as was the tradition
of the day.
Sometime after 1910, the Drurys held
a dinner party for some young visiting
thespians. At this party it is said that the
Drurys were asked if they would support
Mrs. Drury at Tea
the creation of a new regional theatre.
Being great supporters of the arts, Francis
and Julia listened with interest. Both were
impressed with the passion ofv the guests
and decided to support the new project.
As an aside, the Drurys early on held
puppet shows at the mansion.
Francis Drury explained to the young
artists that he owned a mansion across
the street. He was eventually going to tear
it down in order to build on that site the
most beautiful gardens in all of Cleveland.
These gardens were recognized by the
New York Times in an article written in
1922. The theatre could start out by using
this once grand house.
The Cleveland Playhouse now had its
first home – Drury completed his dream
gardens and folklore suggests that some
theatre actually took place within the
gardens’ walls. When it came time for
Drury to tear down the mansion he
allowed the newly created theatre to
move into a wonderful coach house and
barn which was on his property facing
Carnegie Avenue. When Drury needed
more room to expand his greenhouses he
notified the theatre he would be tearing
down their facility. Francis, it is said, gave
the creators of the new playhouse $9,000
in order to buy a church on Cedar Avenue
so that they could continue their dream.
The former altar was used as the stage.
Francis Drury
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
43
So, how did the Cleveland Playhouse
wind up on Euclid Avenue and East 86th
Street? Francis Drury, while in his 70’s,
longed to build a fabulous country estate
where he would spend the summers with
wife Julia. He purchased over 130 acres
of land in Gates Mills and proceeded to
spend over two million dollars to build his
Cedar Hill Farm. You know the property
today as Gilmour Academy. Drury so
loved his gardens on Euclid Avenue that
he had them moved to the farm at a cost
of $30,000, no small sum in the 1920’s.
With the Euclid Avenue property now
empty, Francis and wife, Julia, donated
their property to the theatre with
substantial funds to be used to build a
new, permanent home.
Play House’s First Home
Francis Edson Drury became the first
president of the theatre’s Board of
Directors, a post he held until death in
Augusta, Georgia, in 1932. Julia eventually
returned to Cleveland and stayed active
with the theatre. She attended many of
the afternoon teas that were held at the
once new theatre complex. Julia died early
in the 1940’s while living at Moreland
Courts in Shaker Heights.
Yes, theatre in Cleveland is alive and well.
I believe it is important that we recognize
the past and the many wonderful folks
that made what we enjoy today possible.
People like John Ellister and Francis and
Julia Drury should be remembered for all
that they did for our current city and its
culture.
Dan Ruminski
44
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Church at 73rd Street and Cedar
86th Street Theatre in the 1920’s
THROUGH JAN 3, 2016
World’s Largest Dinosaur Exhibit
Cleveland Museum of
Natural History
SEPT 5 - OCT 3
Ken Ludwig’s A Comedy of Tenors
events
CLEVELAND
SEPT / OCT / NOV
Allen Theatre
Cleveland Play House
SEPTEMBER 18-20
Cleveland Indians
vs. Chicago White Sox
Progressive Field
SEPTEMBER 19-20
Chalk Festival
Cleveland Museum of Art
SEPTEMBER 29
Yoga and Hike
Brecksville Reservation
Cleveland Metroparks
OCTOBER 6-18
Bullets Over Broadway
Connor Theater
Playhouse Square
OCTOBER 18
Cleveland Browns
vs. Denver Broncos
First Energy Stadium
OCTOBER 15-18, 22-25
Boo at the Zoo
Cleveland Metroparks
Metroparks Zoo
OCTOBER 24-25
Centennial Celebration Weekend
Cleveland Play House
Playhouse Square
OCTOBER 30
Cleveland Cavaliers
vs. Miami Heat
Quicken Loans Arena
NOVEMBER 6
Walk All Over Waterloo
Waterloo Arts District
NOVEMBER 14
Camille A. Brown & Dancers
Dance Cleveland
Hanna Theater
45
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
2015
Custom Homebuilding Perfected:
The Perrino Complete Home Solution
CUSTOM HOME
BUILDING
By Meg Pauken Photos Vincent Gorman and David Alan
46
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
P
at Perrino, President of Perrino
Builders, knows homebuilding.
After all, he has been doing it for
30 years and has won numerous
awards along the way. In that time, he
has learned that clients can get a bit
overwhelmed during the process, so he
found a way to make the whole experience
more streamlined and, quite frankly, more
enjoyable for them.
the whole project stays within budget,
without delays.
Perrino Builders and Perrino Furniture
are unique in the homebuilding industry
because, although they are related but
separate entities, they work together
with their clients to coordinate the
entire building or remodeling experience.
Perrino employs interior designers to
work alongside his clients, and help
make design choices for their homes.
The interior team coordinates directly
with the construction team to ensure that
According to Perrino, the evolution of this
unique approach started years ago, when
he was furnishing his model homes. He
could not find the furniture that he was
seeking for sale locally, so he opened a
furniture store, Perrino Furniture. Tired
of delays in getting certain materials and
fixtures, he established direct relationships
with multiple suppliers of flooring, tile,
granite, cabinetry, lighting and plumbing
fixtures, as well as exterior finishes. The
“We try to make the whole process
seamless for our clients. We coordinate
with each other so our clients don’t have
to burden themselves with that,” says
Perrino. ”Creating a positive experience
for our clients is our whole approach to
business.”
cost savings of eliminating the distributor
layer is reflected in the construction costs
for customers. An added benefit to Perrino
customers is that they do not have to visit
multiple suppliers, comparing samples in
showrooms all across the area.
About five years ago, Perrino hired ASIDcertified interior designers, some with
specific training in kitchen design, to
work in the furniture store and with his
homebuilding clients.
“We offer the interior design services
for free to our customers, which is a
tremendous benefit. The clients get
room-by-room interior design, including
everything from flooring to paint to fabrics
and window treatments,” he describes.
“Our designers will go to their homes and
measure their existing furniture to see
how it will fit into the new space and then
Left: Colleen and Pat Perrino
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
47
create a custom plan for them.”
Because his team of interior designers
works so closely with the construction
team, they have easy access to check
on the feasibility of special features
like custom built-ins, for example. The
design team is especially aware of the
construction process, so they can help
clients make choices that will keep the
project moving without delays, as well as
remain within their budget.
The response from his clients has been
overwhelming. “They absolutely love it,”
he says, “It eliminates a lot of delays and
the results are just spectacular.”
Perrino Builders’ clients sometimes
come to them before they even select
a building site, and receive assistance
with that decision. Others may have a
site and plans. Still others select Perrinoowned sites within subdivisions where
they are already at work. Perrino also
does a significant amount of remodeling,
including complete kitchen and bath
renovations and basements.
“We work with our clients wherever they
are in the process,” Perrino advises.
Perrino’s team starts by exploring what
the client is looking for and their budget.
“We build homes anywhere from about
$260,000 to over $3 million. We have a
huge portfolio of completed projects to
help our customers with their vision,” he
says.
Typically included are Bosch appliance
packages, which are energy-star certified.
“We have a large number of pre-set home
plans. About 90% of our clients find one
of our pre-set plans to suit them. We
always anticipate a bit of tweaking and
customization, which we build into the
cost,” he says, adding, “We can customize
the designs to fit unique lots and do septic
systems and wells, also.”
In keeping with their customer-centered
approach, Perrino utilizes Builder Trend,
an electronic live scheduling system,
to keep its clients up to date about the
progress of their home.
Perrino Home Builders is a leader in
green design, incorporating energysaving options as standard in their new
construction. These include standard 2x6
framing, R21 insulation in walls and R50 in
ceilings, all Pella windows and maximum
efficiency hybrid heating/cooling systems.
48
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Additional options, such as spray foam
insulation, tankless water heaters and
geothermal heating are available.
“It’s in real time, so they always know
what is happening on any given day. It
eliminates a lot of stress for them to be
able to check on the progress whenever
they want,” Perrino says.
Pat Perrino and his team welcome visitors
to their design center, at 6163 Mayfield
Road in Mayfield Heights, to see what
they have to offer. Portfolios and galleries
of their projects are available to peruse.
Perrino Furniture, also at that location, is
an independent operation, in the sense
that it is open to the public, not only to
clients of Perrino Builders.
perrinobuilders.com.
“We carry furniture lines that aren’t
available elsewhere in the area, along
with a huge selection of home decor
accessories and window treatments to
complete the whole look,” Perrino says.
with Pat and his team.
Perrino Builders is currently engaged
in projects in a number of local
developments, including Sterling Lakes
and Heritage Lane in Pepper Pike; Maple
Valley in Willoughby Hills; and Acacia
Estates in Lyndhurst, among many others.
The company website has a complete list
of developments where they are currently
working, information about open houses,
and a photo gallery of completed projects:
Design Center hours are 10-6 Monday
- Saturday, 10-9 on Thursday, and 12-5
on Sunday. Call 440.919.1000 for more
information or to schedule a consultation
Perrino Builders
440.487.4021
pat@perrino.us
perrinobuilders.com
Perrino Furniture Showroom
6163 Mayfield Road, Mayfield Heights
440.919.1000
perrinofurniture.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
49
2015
BASEMENT
WATERPROOFING
A Dry Living Space is a Beautiful Thing
A
By Janine Purcell Photos Aaron Leyser and Courtesy Fine Lifestyles
dry basement is key to
maintaining the health of your
home and maximizing use of
the space to serve your family’s
needs. Dampness and water intruding
into the basement can lead to damage
of the home’s structure, your health and
belongings.
Sitework Developing Inc. of Chagrin Falls
stands out as one of Northern Ohio’s
largest and most respected waterproofing
providers. Their checklist approach
will precisely determine the source of
dampness or water. They will provide
you with the correct solution to rectify
humidity or water issues that plague your
home’s foundation level.
50
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
John and Dory Blakey bring twenty
years of experience to bear in the arena
of sitework, which takes in all the work
needed to prepare or improve the exterior
layout and engineering of a home, such
as utilities, drainage, and landscaping.
Waterproofing is a key area of their
expertise and the largest part of their
business.
John Blakey initially spent 17 years in the
landscaping business and in 1995 saw a
need to provide builders with sitework
services involving large equipment.
Now the family-owned business has 10
fully equipped crews. Builders trust the
knowledge and expertise of Sitework.
“We’ve enjoyed working on unusual
residential building challenges,” John
explains, “such as waterproofing the
foundations of underground home
theaters or man caves located under
garages or the home’s landscaping.”
The company invests in the quality of
their essential resources: workforce
and equipment. The staff receives
training including certification in Carlisle
waterproofing. The company owns and
maintains their fleet of 55 pieces of large
equipment.
Waterproofing needs can arise in
homes of any age. In older construction
a perimeter of drain/footer tiles lower
than the basement floor carries water
away from the foundation, generally
into a storm sewer or drainage ditch. If
the footer tiles become even 50 percent
blocked this can back water up against
the foundation. This will create dampness
or in some cases water that penetrates or
backs up into the basement.
In newer construction the building code in
Ohio might only require what is referred
to as “damp proofing,” where tar is applied
to the foundation. Damp proofing protects
against moisture but not actual water that
comes up against the foundation.
A call to Sitework Developing will lead
to a systematic assessment of the five
components to a dry basement. The
first four of these comprise the drainage
infrastructure for the house - grading of
the soil next to the foundation’s walls;
gutters and downspouts; footer tiles; and
the main storm pipe. The fifth element is
the existing waterproofing system for the
house.
John, Jay and James Blakey
Their teams use camera snaking to
literally see blockages or disruption in the
components of the drainage infrastructure.
Owner, John Blakey, estimates that in 80
percent of situations the home owner does
not need to install new waterproofing.
Maintenance and repair of the grading,
gutters and downspouts, drainage tile or
main storm pipe will usually eliminate the
water-related issue with your home.
If waterproofing is required, Sitework
Developing uses a Carlisle waterproofing
system that will come with a lifetime
transferable warranty. “It is one of the
best systems available,” John assures us.
To learn more call Sitework Developing
Inc. at 440.543.3683 or visit their website
at siteworkdeveloping.com.
Sitework Developing Inc.
440.543.3683
siteworkdeveloping.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
51
2015
PLUMBING COMPANY
There’s Never a Good Time for a
Plumbing Emergency
T
By Kristal Pettit Photos Vincent Gorman and Courtesy Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
oday’s
small
leaks
are
tomorrow’s floods. Benjamin
Franklin Plumbing is a fullservice plumbing company that
has serviced Northeast Ohio for more
than four decades. Its comprehensive
service club memberships will ensure that
all of your home utilities are functioning
beautifully for your long-planned holiday
gatherings. “Preventive maintenance
becomes key to having equipment
function properly,” explains Leona
Kratochvil, who owns the company with
her husband, Dennis. “We receive a lot
of calls from customers who say that all
of a sudden the system doesn’t work. It’s
11 o’clock at night, they have no running
52
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
water, the system hasn’t been serviced in
six years, and ‘Why didn’t I do something
sooner?’”
For all of your home’s plumbing
needs, there’s the Ben Franklin Society
Membership,
which
includes
a
comprehensive yearly inspection of all
your plumbing fixtures to catch small
leaks before they become big problems.
Also included is a 14-point precision
tune-up of your water heater to make sure
those nice, hot showers last well through
the winter. “A lot of people don’t think
anything of a faucet that’s slightly dripping
or a toilet that’s running from time to
time,” Leona says. “But that’s using extra
water constantly.” All club memberships
include 15 percent discounts on repairs
and 10 percent discounts on replacement
equipment.
No time is a good time for your wastewater
system to back up. With a Waste Water
Maintenance Club membership, that
won’t happen. Membership includes
thorough semiannual inspections and
tune-ups to extend the life of your
aeration system and ensure that it’s
working properly.
You can trust that all of your work will
be done by seasoned professionals
who are, moreover, polite, friendly, and
dedicated to providing the best service for
you. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing makes
sure all of its technicians are thoroughly
trained, starting off as apprentices and
then continuing their education through
trainings and class meetings held twice
per week. All technicians have undergone
background checks, so you always feel
secure knowing who is in your house.
With Benjamin Franklin Plumbing, it’s all
about you: your time, your security, and
your choices. Although these plumbers
emphasize their speed, efficiency, and
punctuality, no quality is ever sacrificed in
the process. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
guarantees that you will be absolutely
satisfied with their installations and
service-repair jobs — if you are not, they
will give you a full refund, and if a repair
fails within two years, they will return to
repair it again for free.
Call
440.543.1151
to
schedule
an appointment, and ask about
the
veterans
discount.
Visit
BenjaminFranklinPlumbingNEOhio.com
for more information and to find coupons
for a variety of services. When their
technicians show up, you’ll see why more
than 98 percent of first-time customers
return to Benjamin Franklin Plumbing for
all their future plumbing needs.
Benjamin Franklin Plumbing
12043 Mayfield Road, Chardon
440.543.1151
BenjaminFranklinPlumbingNEOhio.com
Mike Kobella
L-R Kristin Hasson, Diane Polakowski, Leona Kratochvil,
Lisa Giles, Joe Kinkoph
Mike Kobella, Dennis & Leona Kratochvil
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
53
2015
HOME DESIGN
Furnish Your Home
With Only the Best
C
hestnut Hill Home in Chagrin
Falls is the exclusive retail
outlet in Ohio carrying furniture
by Jonathan Adler, as well as
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams. These
hotly sought-after lines provide northeast
Ohio shoppers the perfect reason to visit
54
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
By Meg Pauken Photos Vincent Gorman
the store, but once there, they will find so
much more.
Chestnut Hill Home by Janna Lutz Interiors
is a full service home design center,
offering both furniture and accessories, as
well as interior design services. The store
grew out of the long-standing interior
design business of its founder, Janna Lutz.
She opened the showroom about 7 years
ago to offer thoughtfully selected home
furnishings and accessories in a retail
setting.
“When customers shop here, they are
able to take advantage of our design team
to help them with selections, either for
their own homes or for gifts,” suggests
Janna Lutz, President.
Over the past few years, the offerings
have expanded to include additional case
goods, custom upholstery, tabletop items,
original art and wedding registry, along
with two very fine lines of furnishings.
Chestnut Hill Home recently became
the sole Ohio retailer for Jonathan Adler
home furnishings, adding new and unique
options for its customers. The Adler line
is characterized by its slightly whimsical,
yet sleek and modern look. The colors
are generally vibrant, with a fresh and
contemporary aesthetic. The furnishings
are top quality and include an abundant
selection of color and fabric options for a
custom look.
Chestnut Hill Home has featured the
Mitchell Gold + Bob Williams line for about
a year, and it has been very successful
for them. This line conveys simple
elegance by incorporating elements of
classic furniture style, modernized with
interesting details and unconventional
fabrics. It is fully customizable, with a
range of fabric and finish choices, as well.
In addition to finding top tier products at
Chestnut Hill Home, customers will find
warm and welcoming guidance. Janna
and her team of designers enjoy working
with clients to create exactly the look and
feel they are seeking. They encourage
customers to bring photos or fabric
swatches into the store with them when
they shop.
“We try to make it easy, fun and personal,
“ says Janna. “Furnishing and decorating
your home should not be a burden or a
chore - it should be enjoyable.”
The Chestnut Hill Home designers will
assist with all sorts of design projects,
from complete new home interiors, to
remodeling, to simple “freshen-ups.”
see how Janna and her team can help you
furnish or update your home.
Chestnut Hill Home is located at 27 North
Franklin Street in the heart of Chagrin
Falls. Visit from 10-6, Monday through
Saturday. You may reach the store by
telephone at 440.247.6858.
Chestnut Hill Home
27 North Franklin Street, Chagrin Falls
440.247.6858
chestnuthillhome.com
“No project is too big or too small,” offers
Janna.
Regardless of the size of the project,
customers may expect the same level and
quality of service.
The changing of seasons is the perfect
time to stop in for something new and to
Janna Lutz, Owner
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
55
2015
WINDOWS & INSULATION
Efficient Energy Usage Starts at Home
By Kristal Pettit Photos Courtesy Northcoast Energy Masters
I
f you want your home to be warmer in
the winter and cooler in the summer,
proper insulation and quality storm
windows are key.
Northcoast Energy Masters has provided
reliable and professional insulation and
storm window installation services across
Northeast Ohio since 1983. “It’s not
glamorous, but it’s important to do it right,”
says Ray Sabin, owner of Northcoast
Energy Masters.
56
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
To identify where your home is losing
energy, Northcoast Energy Masters can
conduct a comprehensive home energy
audit. Its technicians will check for all types
of energy wasters in the home, including
drafty windows and doors; insufficient, old,
or ineffective insulation; humidity issues;
poor attic ventilation; and bypasses in
wall cavities. Then, they will provide you
with cost-effective options tailored to the
specific needs of your house.
Ray worked mainly with windows and
doors before expanding his expertise
to include all facets of home energy
efficiency. Ray believes in treating every
home as if it were his own and every client
as if he or she were part of his family.
High quality storm windows may be all
you need to banish leaks and they’re half
the cost of replacement windows. High
end storm windows stop air infiltration as
well as most replacement windows, at a
much lower cost. Low E options are also
available which will help tremendously
when accounting for the solar heat gain
coefficient.
Even if you already have insulation in
your home, it’s important to doublecheck it, particularly during the winter.
Certain types of insulation may settle
and lose their effectiveness over time.
Homes that are not properly insulated can
continuously lose heat, especially through
their attics. Proper attic insulation not only
helps to regulate the temperature inside
the home but also drastically reduces
energy consumption.
Northcoast Energy Masters typically uses
blow-in cellulose, which is guaranteed
to not lose its R Value for as long as you
live in your home. This environmentally
friendly insulation is made from recycled
newsprint and other wood fibers. Beyond
being a very effective insulator, cellulose
is safe and nonflammable because it is
treated with fungicide and fire retardant.
Ray Sabin JR and Ray Sabin SR
Proper attic ventilation is key to avoiding
moisture and heat buildup, which can lead
to increased energy costs and, of greater
concern, expensive structural damage to
the home. Several issues that can result are
roof deterioration, warping and cracking
of wood framing, mold and mildew
growth, and damaging ice buildup on roof
overhangs. Northcoast Energy Masters
makes it easy to safeguard against these
unnecessary and expensive headaches.
“Ventilation and insulation go hand in
hand,” Ray explains. “Together, they’re very
effective if done right. Storm windows are
able to greatly decrease drafts and address
other insulation issues associated with old,
leaky windows”
For more information on home insulation
and insulating storm windows, visit
northcoastenergymasters.com or email
Ray at huddsabin@gmail.com. “Like”
Northcoast Energy Masters on Facebook
and follow @NCEnergyMasters on Twitter
for updates and tips. Call 440.439.8250 to
schedule your own custom home energy
audit.
Northcoast Energy Masters
440.439.8250
huddsabin@gmail.com
northcoastenergymasters.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
57
2015
SECURITY SYSTEM
Concerned with the Safety of Your
Community
By Kristal Pettit Photos Courtesy of Fine Lifestyles
H
ome security technology has
made serious progress over
the last decade. A home or
business security system is no
longer tethered to the landline and limited
to setting off an alarm to frighten off
intruders. Today’s sophisticated systems
can be programmed to detect a fire or
carbon monoxide in the home. They can
be operated remotely from a smart phone
and can connect the homeowner to other
functions of the home, like heating and
cooling.
One company has been there through all
of these exciting changes in the industry.
Vector Security, Inc. is the one of the
largest electronic security companies
in the U.S.. They provide commercial
and residential electronic security,
video surveillance, mobile and home
automation solutions, access control, and
fire and intrusion protection across North
America, Canada and the Caribbean. The
58
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
corporate office is located in Warrendale,
Pennsylvania.
For more than 40 years, Vector Security
has protected people and their property
by providing intelligent security solutions
with the specific needs of their customers
in mind. They design, install and monitor
complete security systems for hundreds
of thousands of homes, businesses and
multi-site retail chains.
Locally, Vector is represented by Regional
Managers Christine Longley in Geneva,
Ohio, and Gordon Zeiler in the Boardman
office. The Geneva office started business
as American Alert before Vector Security
purchased the company in 2012. The
Boardman company, Westec, was
acquired in the 1980’s.
Gordon Zeiler and Christine Longley, Regional Managers
“Yes, we are corporate owned,” Christine
explains, “but we run like our own local
business and all the employees here,
except for me, are here from the original
company. We’re very entrenched in the
community. When our customers call
they aren’t routed to a call center. If you
want to change a code or have a question
on a bill, you’ll talk to the same people
every time.”
That level of personal service is reflected
in Vector Security’s approach to your
family’s safety, as well. Because each
system is tailored to the individual needs
of the home or business owner, Vector’s
experts ask the right questions, listen, and
then customize the right mix of products
and services to meet the complete
security systems needs of their client.
The systems are flexible to adapt as the
client’s needs change. If your business
grows or you remodel your house, Vector
will make sure your system is updated to
meet your new situation.
The sophistication level of security
systems has risen to include smart home
devices, used in conjunction with systems
homeowners already have in place like
smoke detectors, heating units and air
conditioning. While usage of these smart
home devices is still relatively low, once
the technology is better understood by
consumers and the devices become
even more simplified, demand for these
connected-home devices will surge.
Vector Security is well positioned to
educate its clients on this technology.
Understanding the benefits of smart
thermostat technology and zoned heating
and cooling will mean the difference
between an inefficient heating and
cooling system and significant energy
cost savings. And who doesn’t want to
shrink the size of their carbon footprint?
Why air condition your entire house when
you really only need to keep the bedroom
cool throughout the night?
Talk to Christine or Gordon about security
solutions for your home or business. They
are happy to discuss your unique needs
because their primary concern is the
safety of you and your family.
Vector Security
50 E. Main
Geneva, Ohio
440.466.7233
970 Windham Court, Suite 2
Boardman, Ohio
330.726.9841
vectorsecurity.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
59
A Luxury Log Cabin Experience Like No Other
Looking for a fun-filled weekend or a relaxing escape?
Coshocton Crest Lodge will not disappoint. This beautiful 7,000 square foot custom cedar
log home is perched high above the countryside and offers breathtaking panoramic views.
Once inside, indulge in the lodge’s many luxurious amenities:
• Five bedroom suites
• Chef’s Kitchen
• Grand Trophy Room
• Western themed saloon
• Theater Room
• Arcade Room
• Two-story family room with fireplace
• Radiant heated floors
• Outdoor hot tub & leisure areas
Any time of year or occasion is the perfect time to stay and unwind.
Coshocton Crest Lodge is truly magnificent.
Book Your Private Party, Reunion or Retreat Getaway!
For more information, rates and availability:
CoshoctonCrestLodge.com l 330.523.9123
Luxury
MADE EASY
FALL 2015 SPECIAL ON
HOT TUB & SPA SERVICE AND REPAIR
Swimming Pool Service and Repair Specialists
• Year-Round Service
• Maintenance Contracts
• Parts/Service/Repair/Installation
Pool and Spa Installations
• In-Ground Vinyl-Lined/Concrete Pools
• In-Ground Swimming Pool Liners
• Hot Tub & Spa Service and Repair
Angie’s List Super Service Award Winner for six years in a row!
216.355.7168 | propoolandspacleveland.com | propoolandspa@sbcglobal.net
2015
GARAGE DOORS
Have the Professionals
Perform Your Garage Door Installation and Maintenance
By Dylan Yépez Photos Aaron Leyser and courtesy Action Door
N
o home is complete without
a garage, and no garage is
complete without a door.
Yet, when people talk about
home remodels, this fundamental piece
of architecture is seldom mentioned.
Not only are garage doors essential, but
they’re also the largest moving objects in
a home and can create significant safety
hazards if they are old, low quality, or not
properly installed. If that’s not reason
enough to reconsider the way you think
about your garage door, then consider this:
research has shown that garage doors are,
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
monetarily, the second-best investment
you can make in your home, with an 84
percent return on investment.
Luckily, the professionals at Action Door
have you covered. Using only top-of-theline products from Wayne-Dalton, which
produces beautiful, safe, and innovative
garage doors and parts, Action Door
has been Northeast Ohio’s most trusted
name in garage door installation and
maintenance for the past 47 years.
As an accredited door dealer through
the Institute of Door Dealer Education
and Accreditation (IDEA), Action Door
guarantees only the highest quality of
garage-door service. This accreditation
affirms that Action Door’s technicians
are tested and certified in overhead door
service and installation. “Our technicians
are tested and approved to be working on
whatever equipment they are servicing at
your house,” assures Action Door manager
Joe Lorello. The same standard applies to
Action Door’s work beyond its residential
jobs. “We also do a lot of commercial work
in new construction, schools, fire stations,
hospitals, large-scale industrial work,” Joe
adds.
President, Michael Wittwer, agrees that
the technicians and staff are the most
important asset of Action Door. For 47
years, Action Door has developed a
reputation for delivering only the highest
quality garage door service, including
routine inspections and maintenance.
You should find this level of experience
and expertise reassuring when calling
Action Door about installing that new
carriage-house style garage door you’ve
been thinking about. A sales technician
will come to your home to take the
measurements, making certain that your
new door will fit. “When you purchase a
garage door from Action Door, you’re really
buying the company,” Michael explains, “not just a door.” With the kind of history
behind Action Door, you know they’ll be
there, many years from now, when you
need them.
Action Door offers a variety of colors,
styles, and windows from which to choose
— the hottest being those carriagehouse doors. With a stylish and properly
functioning garage door, you also can
enjoy the many high-tech gadgets that
Action Door has to offer. For instance, do
you forget to close the garage door? No
problem — you can operate your door
from anywhere with your iPhone. And, if
you’re the type who frequently runs into
the back of the garage as you pull in, laser
parking assistance might be for you. With
this, the motor operator lets you know
when to stop.
Action Door has emergency technicians
on call 24 hours a day, 365 days of
the year. You might, however, consider
scheduling an inspection for your garage
door so you won’t be one of those
homeowners needing emergency service.
Check out a variety of doors at Action
Door’s showrooms in Stow, just off Route
8, 3878 Hudson Drive, in Mentor at 5983
Andrews Road, and at 201 East Granger
Road, right off of 480, in Brooklyn Heights.
Action Door
201 East Granger Road
Brooklyn Heights
216.739.DOOR (3667)
dino@action-door.com
3878 Hudson Drive
Stow
330.928.2727
michael@action-door.com
5983 Andrews Road
Mentor-on-the-Lake
440.255.1250
seth@action-door.com
action-door.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
63
2015
KITCHEN RESOURCE
ONE-STOP SHOPPING
FOR
YOUR KITCHEN REMODEL
T
By Meg Pauken Photos Aaron Leyser and Vincent Gorman
he holidays are just around
the corner, but there is still
time for a complete remodel of
your kitchen, if you work with
Cabinets & Granite Direct.
of cabinetry and 12 colors of granite in
stock and more optoins available locally.
Customers are encouraged to test cabinet
drawers and doors to see the quality
construction for themselves.
Cabinets & Granite Direct offers
everything you need for a kitchen remodel,
including cabinetry and hardware, granite
and quartz countertops, sinks and faucets.
Visit the company’s gleaming showroom
and you will see 9,000 square feet of
display space, showcasing the six lines
Cabinets & Granite Direct has some of the
shortest turn-around times in the industry
because pf their direct relationships
with cabinet manufacturers and stone
fabricators. These direct relationships not
only save time, they save money.
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Cabinets & Granite Direct offers the
lowest prices in the area for quality,
solid wood cabinetry, granite and quartz.
Granite prices start at just $29.99 per
square foot for prefabricated, imported
stone. This process requires less labor
and results in less waste, making the
price very affordable. Custom granite is
available, with varied pricing according to
the particular stone and slab size.
“We know we have the best prices for
cabinets and granite. We deal directly with
the manufacturer and pass our savings
along to our customers,“ emphasizes
Fannie Chen, general manager.
“We can usually install in 2-3 weeks,“
she continues.The installers are company
employees, not subcontractors.
Cabinets & Granite Direct offers a variety
of cabinet styles to suit every taste,
from Cambridge, the most detailed and
traditional, to Soho, the most simple and
contemporary, with a range of options
and colors in between. A selection of
coordinating knobs and pulls is also
available.
“Our most popular cabinet is a Shaker
style offered white and espresso,” Ms.
Chen notes, “All of the cabinets are solidwood construction with soft-close door
hinges and drawer glides,” just as you find
in high-end, custom cabinetry.
The cabinetry is usually sold “RTA” or ready
to assemble, for customers who wish to
maximize their savings and assemble and
install the cabinetry themselves. Chen’s
team offers installation services at very
reasonable prices, as well. Cabinets &
Granite Direct also works with contractors
and remodelers.
For customers who would like assistance
in choosing cabinetry or selecting
granite, Chen’s skilled design team in the
showroom are eager to help. They provide
individual attention and guidance and will
create a design plan for no charge.
Stop in for a consultation today and you
could have a new kitchen before the
holidays!
With the purchase of a countertop valued
at $2000 or more, Cabinets & Granite
Direct will offer a free stainless steel sink.
Store restrictions might apply.
Cabinets & Granite Direct is a proud
member of the Better Business Bureau,
the National Kitchen and Bath Association
and the National Association of the
Remodeling Industry. The showroom is
conveniently located just off Interstate
480 at 4979 West 130th Street in
Cleveland. Showroom hours are Monday
through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. Call
216.898.9758 or visit the company
website at DIHUSA.com for more
information.
Cabinets & Granite Direct
4979 West 130th Street
216.898.9758
dihusa.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
65
2015
RESIDENTIAL ROOFING
Choose the Best: Professional Installation
and a Quality Roofing System
O
By Kristal Pettit Photos Vincent Gorman, Aaron Leyser and courtesy Brad Smith Roofing
ne important consideration
when purchasing a new roof is
the reputation of the company
installing it. A second, equally
important consideration, is the quality
of the materials used in the installation.
When you contract with Brad Smith
66
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Roofing, you can be confident that their
reputation is outstanding in northeast
Ohio and that they are factory-certified
by one of the top manufacturers of roofing
materials - GAF.
Brad Smith Roofing has established itself
as a solid, reputable roofing company for
the last 36 years. Under the continued
leadership of Brad Smith and the next
generation, Brad’s daughter, Stacey,
and son, Drew, it continues to provide
professional roofing services to Cleveland
area neighborhoods. Brad Smith Roofing
Stacey Kitchen, Drew & Brad Smith
is proud to have earned the prestigious
Presidents Club Award from GAF, as a
master elite contractor and offers GAF’s
exclusive “Golden Pledge Warranty.”
This warranty covers their client’s roof
from defects in material for 50 years
and workmanship for 25 years after a
manufacturer’s 40 point field inspection
is performed. If a homeowner transfers
title within 20 years of the installation
of the home’s new roof, this warranty is
transferable to the new owner. That’s an
impressive asset which any potential
home buyer will appreciate.
Brad Smith Roofing wants its customers
to understand the costs and benefits
of installing a new roof versus putting
a roof over an existing surface. Roofing
regulations restrict the number of layers
on a roof to two. Also, when a roof starts
to fail there’s usually an underlying cause
and by putting a new roof over the old
one you might just be putting a band aid
over the wound and not actually fixing the
problem. Tearing off the old roofing allows
Brad Smith’s experienced professionals to
see if there are any structural issues so
they can be fixed, allowing your new roof
to last many more years.
treat their home or commercial building
as if it were our own, so we have a
responsibility to maintain that trust.” Why
settle for anything but the highest quality
of materials and installation when you’re
making such a substantial investment in
your property? Brad Smith Roofing has
Stacey and Drew, the second generation,
have been in the business for over 15
years now. They continue the company’s
mission to educate the homeowner of all
options available, to provide the highest
level of customer communication, project
management and thorough inspections.
Their highly skilled employees are proud
to work for a company which values
responsible building practices and uses
only quality materials on the jobs.
you covered with GAF roofing systems
and a warranty which stands behind both
the manufacture and installation of your
new roof. Call Brad Smith Roofing before
winter descends on northeast Ohio or
stop in and check out the GAF products in
their beautiful showroom.
Brad Smith Roofing
“We focus on building client relationships
with the approach that they are like
family,” Drew says. “Our clients trust us to
24550 Sperry Drive, Westlake
440.835.3377
bradsmithroofing.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
67
M
artinson-Nicholls is an
industry leader in floor mat
and anti-slip technologies.
They can create a unique
solution to any residential or commercial
challenge where safety, comfort or the
need to be clean crops up where people’s
feet dare to go.
2015
FLOOR MATS
Dan Ruminski acquired the business over
30 years ago from original founder Dave
Martinson. Back in the day MartinsonNicholls had major brand recognition here
in Cleveland in that pre-Internet world
of commerce. Today the firm’s internet
presence sails under the name Floormat.
com.
Owner Dan Ruminski also makes the
rounds as the Cleveland Storyteller. The
true tales he can tell about his company’s
successes expanded my horizons, and
maybe they’ll have you viewing the world
underfoot with new eyes.
Saving the World
from
Slipping & Sliding
By Janine Purcell Photos Aaron Leyser and Courtesy Martinson-Nicholls
In the early days the primary product
was floor matting and anti-slip pressure
sensitive tape – think the anti-slip strips in
a bathtub. The company created a range
of commercial and residential applications
that involved custom sizing or die cutting
the material.
Over the years the business has grown
five-fold from its original size. It’s known
as a one-stop shop where Ruminski
applies what he labels “pragmatic
engineering” to conquer any size project.
They tailor the characteristics of the
product to the demands and needs of the
customer environment. For example, 400
U.S. Army tanks world-wide are equipped
with custom fit anti-slip mats that are
resistant to fungus to fulfill the military
acquisition specifications.
The firm took a call from Bollingers of
New Orleans, a world class ship builder.
The U.S. Coast Guard had commissioned
50 new cutters from their shipyard. The
entire deck required an anti-slip covering
that could be maintained for inevitable
wear and tear. Martinson-Nicholls’ staff
took a swift trip down to New Orleans
and created detailed computer drawings
of the entire deck layout. They delivered
68
LEFT Dan Ruminski, Owner
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
complete ship sets that employ the
most “aggressive” anti-slip tape. Ships
also carry replacement pieces so repairs
can be made at sea immediately when
needed.
A downtown Cleveland hotel consulted
with Ruminski when the square weather
mat they had purchased elsewhere
created a tripping hazard when paired
with their circular revolving door.
Floormat.com had previously perfected
an approach to trim mats to curved areas
and then apply edges to them. An hour
of onsite work to convert the mat to a
circular shape, and the area was instantly
safer for the high volume of foot traffic.
The firm can create floor mats that
keep salt, dirt and chemicals from being
tracked into your home or business. The
appropriate mat surface can vigorously
scrape off particles. Martinson-Nicholls’
customers in the hotel and retail space
can attest to their effectiveness in
making entrances cleaner and safer, while
significantly reducing cleaning costs.
Consider how these mats can make your
home safer and conveniently cleaner. A
heated anti-slip mat creates a passage
through wintry ice and snow for humans
and their furry friends, or converts a
slippery slope like a wheelchair ramp into
a safe pathway. It could also make that
winter trip out to the hot tub on your deck
a whole lot sweeter.
Martinson-Nicholls
To learn more call Martinson-Nichols at
440.951.1312 or visit Floormat.com.
440.951.1312 or 800.876-1312
Floormat.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
69
2015
POWER WASHING
With a Little Care,
Extend the Life of Your Concrete Surfaces
By Dylan Yépez Photos Courtesy Perfect Power Wash
W
ith Northeast Ohio’s
fluctuating weather and
harsh winters, those
ubiquitous hairline cracks
in your concrete driveway and patio may
seem inevitable. A simple biennial process,
however, can protect your concrete
surfaces and keep them looking their best
through many a winter vortex.
Sealing all your external concrete surfaces
is an integral yet often-overlooked part of
preparing your home for winter. Perfect
70
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Power Wash, Northeast Ohio’s full-service
power washing and restoration company,
can ensure your concrete driveway, patio,
and walkways are protected from seasonal
damage this winter.
The experienced technicians at Perfect
Power Wash always show up uniformed,
with top-notch equipment to handle
all of your home’s exterior cleaning and
restoration needs. They use only topgrade detergents and specialized surface
cleaning units to thoroughly and evenly
clean all concrete surfaces. After rinsing
off the concrete, they apply a sealer to
protect the concrete from contaminants
such as water and salt.
“Concrete is porous, so when it rains or
snows, that concrete will absorb water.
The water will freeze and thaw, causing
cracks in the surface,” explains Michael
Palubiak, owner of Perfect Power Wash,
which specializes in cleaning and restoring
concrete, roofs, siding, gutters, and decks.
“The sealer goes into the pores of the
concrete to block water, salt, and other
contaminants from penetrating.”
Biennial power washing and sealing are a
must, regardless of the age and condition
of the concrete surfaces. That way your
concrete will always be protected from
the contaminants that cause cracking and,
worse, structural failure.
power washed and sealed for free when
you have your driveway washed and
sealed. Visit Perfect Power Wash online
at perfectpowerwash.com to learn more
about the services offered.
Once a driveway, patio, or walkway has
been neglected for long enough, those
hairline cracks will turn into wider gaps
in the concrete surface. Replacing these
surfaces can cost tens of thousands of
dollars, significantly more than routine
washing and sealing.
If your concrete paths are visibly dirty
and even deteriorating, the benefits of
a thorough power wash and seal will be
immediate and astounding. The safe,
deep cleaning will rid the surface of the
built-up gunk, and although the seal won’t
repair damage that’s already done, it will
help protect against further damage.
Sealing also keeps concrete looking new
by helping to prevent dirt and debris from
staining its surface.
Michael likens installing a concrete
driveway and neglecting its maintenance
to purchasing a new car and never
washing it. “This is something you want
to maintain,” Michael says. “Whether it’s
your car or your driveway, you want it to
look nice and have longevity.”
Call Perfect Power Wash at 440.856.3400
to ensure your home’s exterior maintains
its beauty and function. You can ask for a
free quote over the phone, and mention
this article to get your front walkway
Michael Palubiak, Owner
Perfect Power Wash
440.856.3400
perfectpowerwash.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
71
2015
LANDSCAPE DESIGN
Sustainable Landscape Design:
Creating A Healthy Environment For Plants
By Meg Pauken Photos Vincent Gorman and Courtesy Lowe’s Greenhouse
D
id you know that autumn is
the perfect time for planting
trees, shrubs, lawns and other
perennials? This is because the
soil is still warm enough to allow roots to
become established before the ground
freezes, and temperatures are moderate,
so that the plants don’t become stressed.
In other words, it is a great time to consider
either a complete landscape design or a
freshening of your existing plan.
There are three keys to successful,
long-lasting landscapes, according to
horticulturist Jeff Griff, President of
Lowe’s Greenhouse in Bainbridge: proper
design, proper plant selection and proper
installation.
The landscape design team at Lowe’s
Greenhouse (not affiliated with Lowe’s
72
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
home centers) takes into account the
unique attributes of a property, such as
the amount of sunlight, drainage, slope,
and existing plantings, such as mature
trees, to create landscape designs that are
sustainable, easy to care for and easy to
maintain over the long term.
“Working with a landscape company that
specializes in plants and plantings, as
opposed to patios, decks or stonework,
makes all the difference,” offers Griff.
“We prepare designs that work for the
property owner over the long term.” This
is a talent not necessarily widely available
throughout the landscape industry.
Once a solid design is in place, plant
selection occurs. “When you pick the
right plant for the right spot, you have the
best outcomes, “ Griff says.
Finally, site preparation at the time of
installation is critical. “We create a healthy
environment for the plants by preparing
the soil properly,” Jeff explains. His team
completes the process with a thorough
education for their customers regarding
landscape care and maintenance. Lowe’s
offers landscape maintenance services
as well, and many of their clients entrust
them with the care of their property.
“Investing in expertise has value,” Jeff
says, “Proper design, plant selection and
installation greatly increase the odds
of plants surviving and thriving in the
extreme weather conditions we’ve seen
recently in Northeast Ohio.” That results
in cost savings over time because plants
live longer and fewer will need to be
replaced, on top of the aesthetic value a
beautiful landscape provides.
Jeff Griff, owner
Sharing their expertise with their
customers is an overall philosophy at
Lowe’s. Whether a customer is purchasing
a single plant or a truckload, every team
member offers generous advice and
assistance.
Sunday from 10 until 5. Call 440.543.5123
or visit the website lowesgreenhouse.com
for more information.
“We want our customers to be successful
gardeners,” says Griff. “We are passionate
about plants and we share our expertise
with everyone who shops with us.”
Lowe’s Greenhouse has been undergoing
expansion and renovation over the past
few months, so it is a perfect time for a
visit. The new Wild Thistle Gift Shop is
open, carrying an expanded collection of
indoor and outdoor lifestyle decor and
clothing items.
Lowe’s Greenhouse and Gift Shop is
located at 16540 Chillicothe Road in
Bainbridge, Ohio. Hours are Monday
through Saturday from 9 until 6 and
Lowe’s Greenhouse
16540 Chillicothe Road
Chagrin Falls
440.543.5123
lowesgreenhouse.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
73
2015
LUMBERYARD
L-R Bruce Greig, Chris Donovan, Bob Feldman, Britt Raburn, Don Ramga, John Talkington, Lenny Serwatka
THE LUMBERYARD
WITH THE
PERSONAL TOUCH
By Meg Pauken Photos Aaron Leyser
F
amily-owned Lyndhurst Lumber
has been in business for 94 years,
serving the local community of
do-it-yourselfers and contractors
in Northeast Ohio. The secret to their
longevity and success: personal service
and professional expertise.
Britt Raburn, owner, puts it this way:
“We listen to our customers and focus
on solving their problems. That is what
makes us stand out.”
74
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Anyone who has tried to install a new
screen door or replace a bathroom sink
knows that no two projects are ever the
same, and nothing ever goes quite as
planned. This is where Lyndhurst Lumber
really makes a difference.
“We see a lot of frustrated people who
either got bad advice or no advice when
they started a project and then got stuck
in the middle. We help them get it back on
track and finished up,” says Raburn.
He continues, “We can save them money
by showing them how to use what they
already bought.” For example, maybe a
cabinet that you have already purchased
doesn’t quite fit the opening after the old
one was removed. At Lyndhurst Lumber,
they will take the time to see if it can be
trimmed or modified so that it fits, before
they sell you a new one.
Lyndhurst Lumber is one of the few
locally-owned and operated lumber yards
in the area. Unlike big-box stores that
stock only uniform sizes and materials,
they have access to the kinds of unusual
items often needed for older homes, such
as specific varieties of wood or hard-tofind beams. As a true lumberyard, they
offer a level of service that big-box stores
cannot, such as cutting your lumber to
exact specifications, whether it is a single
piece or a garage full.
Lyndhurst Lumber will build and install
everything it sells, from picnic tables to
trellises and play sets, if customers prefer
not to do the work themselves. They even
provide delivery during the week and on
Saturdays.
“We do all types of home renovations:
windows and doors; kitchens; baths and
flooring; plus decks and garages. We are
focused on customer service. We take the
time to find out what a customer really
needs, instead of just selling a product,”
visit the website at lyndhurstlumber.net.
Raburn explains.
Because of their long history in the
community, the team at Lyndhurst Lumber
is a reliable source for recommendations
when customers require a contractor or
skilled craftsman. They offer wholesale
pricing and special services to contractors
that they are unlikely to find at the large
home improvement centers.
Lyndhurst Lumber
1511 Commodore Road, Lyndhurst
Showroom
5402 Mayfield Road, Lyndhurst
440.442.1616
lyndlbr@aol.com
lyndhurstlumber.net
Visit Lyndhurst Lumber for your next
project and experience their personal,
professional service for yourself.
Lyndhurst Lumber’s showroom is located
at 5402 Mayfield Road in Lyndhurst. The
lumberyard is directly around the corner,
at 1511 Commodore Road. Store hours
are 7:30 to 7 Mondays and Thursdays;
7:30 to 5:30 Tuesdays, Wednesdays and
Fridays and 8:00 to 5 on Saturdays. Call
440.442.1616 for more information or
Britt Raburn
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
75
ENCE
EXPERIUBERT
THE NENTAGE
ADVA
at
Call us 60
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0
9
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216-5
e
for a Fre n!
o
ti
a
lt
u
Cons
Serving Northeast Ohio Homeowners since 1975
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Call to learn more about our Painter For The Day Program
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Quality Painting. That’s All We Do!
O
M
Environmentally Responsible
2015
Commercial Roofing Systems
COMMERCIAL ROOFING
By Dylan Yépez Photos Courtesy MNW Construction
A
s the owner of commercial
property, you have a vested
interest in providing a safe, energy
efficient, weather-proof environment
for your tenants. More than likely, your
own company or manufacturing plant is
operating within that building as well.
When the responsibility for a commercial
property rests on your shoulders, you
should consult with MNW Construction.
MNW specializes in flat commercial
roofing systems and low-slope roofs and
has been in business since 2009. Thanks
to the dedicated professionals who work
for them, MNW Construction has already
made a name for itself in commercial
roofing.
Based in Middlefield, Ohio, MNW
Construction is proud of their employees.
Mark Wengerd, owner of MNW
Construction, explains, “Our Amish work
crews arrive promptly and work efficiently.
78
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
Each employee has been factory trained
and certified by Conklin Roofing Systems,
which we promote as the top of the line
product available in terms of structural
stability, weather-tight protection and
energy efficiency.”
The Conklin Roofing company realizes
that a roof is a long-term investment for
a company, not just another expense.
Their unique design and materials have
made Conklin Roofing Systems leaders
in the commercial roofing market for
over 30 years. Conklin Roofing Systems
are constructed in all one piece so no
seams exist to eventually allow the
elements to slip through the cracks.
Conklin roof coatings are still ahead
of industry standards, according to
Wengerd, for technology, performance,
and environmental responsibility.
In the 1970’s hot tar roofs were the
standard for commercial buildings.
Conklin began installing white acrylic roofs
which reflected heat and UV rays for more
comfortable interiors, reduced air conditioning
costs, and increased energy efficiency.
Most importantly today, when we’re concerned
about the disposal costs of materials and
the environmental costs of disposal, MNW
Construction offers roof recoating. The recoating
process allows the original roofing structure to
remain intact which saves time, labor, disposal
and landfill costs over the option of replacement.
There is no need to tear off the existing roofing
structure when MNW Construction can apply
a Conklin Roofing System over it to seal and
protect from the elements and reflect the sun’s
heat.
Although MNW Construction has complete
confidence in the professionalism of their
certified employees, Mark Wengerd is on the
job site during each project to assure the highest
quality workmanship. “Our response from
customers has been overwhelmingly positive. I
don’t need to oversee each job, but I just enjoy
being on the job sites and participating in the
process.”
MNW Construction has an A+ rating from the
Better Business Bureau based on the length of
time they’ve been operating and the fact that
not a single complaint has ever been filed. If
the responsibility for the solid, sound nature of
a commercial property rests on your shoulders,
talk to Mark Wengerd or his general manager,
Patrick Flanagan, about the investment in a
Conklin Roofing System. MNW Construction
can increase the value of your property and your
energy savings at the same time.
MNW Construction
Middlefield, Ohio
724.986.1568 Patrick Flanagan
440.321.9434 Mark Wengerd
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
79
2015
GARAGE FLOORING
Finally,
Garage Flooring That Lasts
By Dylan Yépez Photos Courtesy Garage Finisher
M
any people have tried to
paint their garage floor with
store-bought kits or hired a
professional to install epoxy
flooring only to have a peeling mess a
couple years or even months later. After
20 years as an owner of a large painting
company, Mario FX Salwan set out to find
a better solution. He did just that, with
technology invented by Bayer Material
Sciences called Polyaspartic.
“Polyaspartic is a higher-grade version
of a Polyurea coating similar to what is
used as a spray-on bedliner for pick-up
trucks,” explains Mario. “The difference
is Polyaspartic can be rolled on and has
improved properties including being
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
harder, non-yellowing and non-peeling
due to hot tires from a car, truck or plane.”
Using decades of installation experience,
Mario worked with a chemist to formulate
this resin into the perfect garage and
commercial flooring system named the
Forever Floor and installed by Garage
Finisher around the Cleveland area. Garage
Finisher also sells this revolutionary
coating system to other professional
flooring installers throughout the United
States and Canada who are amazed at
how great their floors now look, how easy
they are to clean and how long they last.
The Polyaspartic resin can be applied
down to negative 30 degrees and dries in
one hour. Due to this innovation, Garage
Finisher can install floors year round in
residential garages, car dealerships and
commercial buildings. “The installation
process involves hundreds of steps and a
lot of equipment, but the floor of a normal
two car garage can be installed in one day
and you can drive on the floor the next
day,” says Mario.
All the items in your garage are removed
by Garage Finisher’s crew and put in
a Garage Finisher storage trailer on
your driveway while the work is being
completed, so you don’t have to lift
a finger. Then, Garage Finisher uses
concrete grinding equipment connected
to specialized vacuums to remove the
top layer of your concrete, including any
coatings, oil, dirt and contaminants. A
two-part liquid Polyurea filler that dries in
eight minutes is used to fill all the cracks,
pitting and control joints, effectively
providing a seamless floor so there is
no place for dirt to hide. Garage Finisher
applies five separate layers of flooring
to your garage floor, each layer drying in
one hour. The result is a decorative, nonporous flooring system that is easy to
clean and unfazed by hot tires, salt, oil,
gasoline and household chemicals.
garage like painting, cabinets, slatwall
or accessories — all of which Garage
Finisher can provide. Watch their Garage
Makeover video online at garagefinisher.
com and request a free estimate on their
website or you can call their office at
216.831.4500.
Garage Finisher is so confident in its
floor, that after they put away all your
belongings, the company provides you
with a Lifetime Warranty. All you need to
do to maintain the Forever Floor is hose it
down and dry it with the complimentary
Garage Finisher squeegee, no additional
sealing or expense is needed.
Once the floor is looking perfect, you
may want additional services for your
Mario F.X. Salwan
Garage Finisher
216.831.4500
garagefinisher.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
81
2015
FENCE BUILDER
Dave Schwalm, Owner
ENHANCE YOUR BACKYARD
LIVING SPACE
W
ooden
decks
and
backyard accoutrements,
such as pergolas and
gazebos, are stylish
extensions of your home that can
transform the way you use your outdoor
space. Whether it’s a family barbecue,
a reunion of friends, or just a relaxing
Sunday afternoon, a customized backyard
space is the finest place to enjoy it.
Its name says “Fence,” but Truline Fence
has built elegant, robust decks and
backyard structures across northern Ohio
for decades. Owner Dave Schwalm was
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
By DylanYépez Photos Courtesy Fine Lifestyles
born and raised in Shaker Heights, and
began working in the trade in 1977. He
started Truline Fence in ’89, as a reliable
purveyor and servicer of fences and decks,
both residential and commercial.
entire deck with a handicap ramp. He has
a specialized focus on wood structures
and each of their components, such as
railings and steps, to ensure the highest
possible quality on those specific jobs.
Twenty-five years later, Dave continues
to personally handle every facet of the
business. “I vowed to stay small, give
personal service, and make sure I’m
on every job site so everything is done
perfectly,” Dave says.
When building a new deck Dave uses
custom hidden fasteners to hold it
together without relying on unsightly
screws and nails, thus ensuring that
the finished deck will look as refined as
the hardwood used in its construction.
“We hide all the nails on the deck, and
we do custom hidden fasteners for deck
surfaces,” Dave says. “There are never any
Dave can work atop any terrain and build
anything from a set of back steps to an
nail holes or screws sticking out.”
If you’re replacing or updating your deck,
fence or railings, don’t worry about the
old wood and metal. Dave collects all the
scraps and recycles them. “We never put
anything into a landfill,” Dave says. “It all
gets recycled.”
Once homeowners begin using their
backyards regularly to enjoy the new
decks and pergolas, they may suddenly
notice the large, unsightly air conditioning
units stationed behind their home. Dave
has designed and built attractive wood air
conditioning unit enclosures which won’t
interfere with future repairs. Without
the need for any tools, the panels of the
enclosure easily slide out to allow work
to be done on the unit. The unit stays
safely hidden the rest of the time behind
an attractive wood structure, blending in
nicely with the landscaping.
If you’re in the market for a new fence
or another structural asset to your
backyard, call Dave and he’ll give you
a free consultation, including a fair and
honest estimate right then and there. “We
meet. I measure. I give you a price,” Dave
says. Truline Fence provides three-to-fiveyear workmanship guarantees on all new
installations. But you probably won’t need
it, because Dave is onsite daily to ensure
the job is done right the first time.
Truline Fence covers all of northern Ohio.
Give Dave a call at 440.479.8342, and
he’ll come out with samples and photos
of previous work. No job is too big or too
small for Truline Fence.
Truline Fence
440.479.8342
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
83
2015
HOME THEATER AND
AUTOMATION
Audition Your Next Entertainment System
By Kristal Pettit Photos Aaron Leyser and Courtesty Sound & Vision
A
s much as we enjoy going out
to the movies, it’s a lot of fun
lounging in our pajamas and
enjoying the big screen experience in our
own home. The home theater experts
at Sound & Vision can help make that
happen. Whether you’re converting the
former playroom into a man cave, or
incorporating a multi-media room into
your new construction, Sound & Vision
has the equipment and the expertise.
Mike Woods began Sound & Vision
14 years ago in Cuyahoga Falls with
the intention of bringing high quality
electronics to the discerning consumer. He
now has two more showroom locations,
where customers can experience his
audio and screening equipment in a
home-like setting, one in Beachwood and,
his newest, in Columbus.
“It’s important to be able to experience
the equipment in person,” Mike explains.
“There’s no way to fully appreciate the
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Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
quality and make comparisons from a
website.” Sound & Vision maintains a
large inventory in stock so when you’ve
decided on the system or equipment
piece that meets your needs, you can
walk out of the store with it. There’s no
ordering and waiting weeks for delivery.
Because Sound & Vision belongs to
a large buying group of independent
electronic retailers, the consumer
benefits from its buying power. One
might believe that the best prices are only
available from the big box stores,
but that’s simply not true.
The prices are extremely
competitive with the large
retailers, but the selection
and expertise of the sales staff
far exceed what you’d find at the
large chain stores. And you won’t
find installation experts at the large
retailers, either.
Sound & Vision’s full time installation
staff is experienced in both older homes
and new construction. “No matter what
era your house is from, we can install
cutting edge audio, video and smart home
technology,” Mike assures us, referring to
the natural extension of his business into
the newest aspect of technology for the
home. Sound & Vision has worked with
homeowners and contractors to install
whole house lighting, heating and cooling
controls, sprinkler systems, and more.
“Smart home technology has improved
markedly. Now it’s affordable and reliable,
where before it was buggy and very
expensive,” Mike explains.
While many other companies,
including your cable provider, are
promoting their apps to run your
smart home systems, Sound &
Vision has uniquely positioned
itself to integrate your home’s
systems seamlessly. Just as you might
find it frustrating to walk into your tv
room and find four remotes, none of
Mike Woods and Jason Dietrick
which will turn on your television, other
companies are providing separate and
distinct applications, or apps, to remotely
operate your lights, your home security
cameras, your heating and cooling, and
your audio system. Sound & Vision has
an application which integrates every
component with one app. And it’ll turn on
your television.
with smart home connectivity. The 11,000
square foot showroom in Cuyahoga Falls
now includes an impressive selection of
furnishings specifically for multi-media
interiors. After you select the right audio
and video equipment, you can shop
for the perfect sectional, lounge chairs,
storage units and more, to complete the
room.
As a member of the Home Builders
Association, Sound & Vision is on the
front line of home trends. Instead of
opting for dedicated home theaters, many
are incorporating multi-media rooms, and
integrating them into the rest of the home
The only way to truly experience a quality
turntable for your vinyl collection, or the
Black Diamond viewing screen which
allows perfect clarity even in a natural
light filled room, is to visit one of Sound &
Vision’s showrooms. Test the expertise of
your sales associate with every question
that comes to mind and feel confident
that you’ve made the best buying decision
for your family’s entertainment needs.
Sound & Vision
soundandvisionohio.com
750 Howe Avenue
Cuyahoga Falls
330.923.5933
28700 Chagrin Boulevard
Beachwood
216.292.0300
1216 East Powell Road
Columbus
614.785.9700
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
85
2015
AUTO DETAILING
Prepare Your Auto
for
Winter Storage
By Dylan Yépez Photos Courtesy Rehab Detailing
Y
Rehab Detailing in a friend’s garage in
Beachwood, then grew into a commercial
space in Aurora. This year Rehab Detailing
opened a studio showroom in Bedford
Heights at 271 and Aurora Road.
Ross Miller has dedicated himself to
the fine art of auto detailing. He started
Whether you’re driving your vehicle every
day or only bringing your classic auto out
for weekend drives, Rehab Detailing offers
a detailing package that will fit your needs,
at a range of price points. From the $200
Groupie Package to the comprehensive
Diva Package designed for the special
treatment of exotics, every car is going to
ou love your car, but Cleveland’s
winter isn’t kind to her. Before
you store your precious vehicle,
make sure she’s cleaner than
when she left the showroom. Fall is the
time to give your car the royal treatment
and bring her back to optimum condition.
The professionals at Rehab Detailing know
exactly which products and processes are
required to restore and preserve your car,
SUV, motorcycle or boat.
86
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
feel better after leaving the studio. Ross
recommends the Rockstar Package which
will perfect and protect the paint for two
to three years.
All packages begin with Aquatic Therapy,
a swirl-free hand wash using plush
micro-fiber towels and sponges. “Even
just washing a car correctly will look
significantly better than an automated
car wash,” according to Ross. Detailing
will begin with a decontamination
process to remove foreign particulates in
the paint. All surfaces of the interior are
wiped down with a high quality matte
protectant. More intensive treatments for
carpet or leather surfaces are available as
needed. The engine and bay are detailed
as well, resulting in a cooler running car.
The wheels are cleaned behind the spokes
to preserve the quality of your car’s rims.
Now that your car has been thoroughly
cleaned inside and out the real artistry
begins. Paint Correction removes the
swirls and imperfections in the paint.
It is common for detailing shops to use
products that fill in these scratches for
a temporary fix, but Rehab Detailing
removes them to permanently smooth
the paint surface and release the truest
color and the most depth and luster of
your car’s paint. Even new cars will benefit
dramatically from this process which
can take up to 20 hours of polishing.
The amazing shine and gloss will last
for months and sometimes years. There
are several choices for the final coating
to lock in all the freshly corrected paint.
For most cars they recommend a ceramic
glass coating. This state of the art sealant
will produce a lustrous shell over the paint
that will last for two to three years with
proper maintenance.
If you’re considering selling your car or
trading it in, talk with Ross or one of his
detailing specialists to decide which
package could bring you the most return
on your investment. A buyer or dealership
will know that the car has been cared for
when its appearance has been restored to
its highest potential.
received the royal treatment in the Rehab
Detailing studio. Like Rehab Detailing on
Facebook or follow them on Twitter and
Instagram @rehabdetailing for events and
updates. Rehab Detailing also has several
other services like vinyl wrapping, window
tinting, pick-up and delivery and their
maintenance program.
Even if you aren’t one of the lucky owners
of an exotic vehicle, you’ll feel like one
after taking your car in for a detail process
to restore and protect its appearance. Call
Ross to discuss making your car better
than brand new.
Rehab Detailing
24850 Aurora Road Bedford Heights
Visit rehabdetailing.com for before and
after photos of the fabulous Porsches,
Ferraris and other vehicles which have
BEFORE
330.633.5384
ross@rehabdetailing.com
rehabdetailing.com
AFTER
Ross Miller, Owner
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
87
Friendly Service
& Superior Technology
By Dylan Yépez Photos Aaron Leyser
DRY CLEANERS
2015
AUTO REPAIR
Danielle McDonald and Tom Carey
T
om Carey always knew he would
work around cars. Growing up in
Shaker Heights, he had a passion
for hot rods and eventually got a job
working at a garage on Warrensville
Center Road in the 1970’s. Tom and his
wife, Cathy, bought the shop from its
former owners in 1982. Center Heights
Service is now the longest-running
business in Warrensville Heights, located
on the border of Shaker Heights.
Tom is proud to say that he took a good
auto repair shop and turned it into the
Tom & Shaker author, Rick Holton
88
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
award winning service station it is today.
For five years in a row Center Heights
Service has been awarded the AAA top
shop award and it’s won the Angie’s List
Super Service Award for 2012 and 2014.
Center Heights has also been recognized
with top ratings from the Better Business
Bureau and the reviews on Yelp and Tire
Rack are exemplary.
The credit for Center Heights’ superior
service is shared with its employees, many
of whom have been with Tom for decades.
New to the management team is Danielle
McDonald. With 17 years experience
in a large chain automotive parts store,
Danielle was looking for a change. “Tom
and Center Heights Service have a
reputation for integrity which I was well
aware of, having been in the business,”
Danielle explained. “I was looking for
more of a family store environment after
working in the corporate automotive parts
business.” When Tom heard she was
looking for a change he quickly made her
an offer to manage Center Heights.
Danielle manages a newly upgraded and
remodeled Center Heights Service. Over
the last few years Tom has upgraded the
equipment and repair bays in response to
rapid changes in automotive technology.
The ASE-certified mechanics at Center
Heights now work with state-of-the-art
tools and machinery, including the Hunter
Revolution tire changer - the first one in
Northeast Ohio.
Tom is an Automotive Service Excellence
(ASE) certified master technician, and
his mechanics are able to service all
car makes and models. Besides being a
superior service provider, the eco-friendly
Center Heights is a Toyo and Cooper Tire
dealer and an Interstate Battery Platinum
Dealer.
“We are proud to offer superior customer
service here,” Tom says. “And we’re
friendly.”
Tom offers a unique loyalty program to his
customers. “You spend $100 on service,
and you get into the Gas Club.” Members
pay wholesale prices to fill up their tanks.
“Nobody else can offer you that, period.”
The service provided at Center Heights
extends beyond paying customers. Need an
expert to address your car-related concerns?
Tom accepts and answers questions emailed
to him at tom@centerheights.com or
tweeted to @centerheights.
“I’m happy to answer any kind of car
questions,” Tom says. This includes free
second opinions.
Tom encourages a visit to the shop, which is
open from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Monday
through Friday. “Come in, enjoy a cup of
coffee, and just come say hi,” he says. “No
purchase necessary.”
Center Heights Service
3884 Warrensville Center Road
216.751.3387
tom@centerheights.com
Fine Lifestyles Cleveland
89
HYDROTHERAPY
AQUATIC EXERCISE
FAMILY FUN
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before. Enjoy swimming, aquatic exercise, hydrotherapy and
family fun any day of the year in your back yard.
michaelphelpsswimspa.com
BEST BUY POOLS AND SPAS 440.220.7867
731 Beta Drive, Mayfield Village | bestbuypoolsandspas.com
FineLifestyles
CLEVELAND
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Work Related Injuries
Recreational and Sport Injuries
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Livingston Chiropractic Center, Inc.
Same Day Appointments Available
Dr. John Livingston
Suite D-25111 Miles Road, Warrensville Heights, between Green Road and Richmond Road | 440-528-0005 | www.livingstonchirogroup.com