Staff Members - Dancing Wheels

The Organization
Staff Members
Mary Verdi-Fletcher, President/Founding Artistic Director
G. Michael Bargas, Operations & Marketing Manager
Rebecca Burcher, Assistant School Coordinator
Kelly Clymer, Social Media Coordinator
Rebecca Fleisher, Administrative Assistant
Dana A. Kuhn, Manager of Development & Communications
Catherine Meredith, Rehearsal Director
Emma Parker, School Coordinator
Sara Lawrence-Sucato, Tour Manager
Company Members
Colin Bolthouse, Kelly Clymer, Tanya Ewell,
Rebecca Fleisher, Kristin Knabel, Kevin Marr II, William MacNeil,
Emily Schwarting, Sara Lawrence-Sucato, Demarco Sleeper,
Mary Verdi-Fletcher, Ja’Vaughn White, Lianne Zydowicz
Board Members
Suzanne M. Joseph, Chair
Meredith L. King, Vice Chair
Stephen H. Spaeth, Treasurer
David S. Lockman, Secretary
Kerry M. Agins
Wendy Campbell
Donna L. Flynt
Stacy Gay
Thomas P. Gilligan
Maria Jukic
Brian J. Jungeberg
Kevin M. Kuhn
Karen Lazar
Bob Marx
Brian Pritchard
Janice McCullough Ridgeway
Mickie McGraw
Mary Verdi-Fletcher,
President/Founding Artistic Director
John Voso, Jr.
John Wright
Advisory Board Member
Kevin Rhodes
Emeritus
William Dorsky
Rabbi Michael A. Oppenheimer
Teachers from
the School of Dancing Wheels
Mary Verdi-Fletcher, Emma Parker,
Kelly Clymer, Brittany Kaplan, Gabriella Martinez, Sara Lawerence-Sucato, Kevin Marr, Catherine Meredith,
Demarco Sleeper, Shannon Sterne, Lianne Zydowicz
The year 2016 marks the 35th anniversary of Dancing Wheels Company & School. During these years, the
Company and School has served over five million children and adults with and without disabilities. This past
year the energy and commitment continued as our dedicated staff and inspiring leader, Mary Verdi Fletcher,
brought the art of dance to students and audiences throughout the Cleveland area and beyond.
After 35 years we looked back with joy as so many gathered on May 14th for the grand celebration of “35
& Stayin’ Alive” at Windows on the River. This event brought family, friends, artists and all our supporters
together to recognize the inspired vision and leadership of Dancing Wheels founder and artistic director,
Mary Verdi-Fletcher, the talent and energy of our dancers, and the many choreographers that created amazing
expressions of dance over the years!
The Dancing Wheels Company is recognized as the first professional dance company in America to pioneer
the integration of dancers with and without disabilities, and this year we launched the process of being
recognized as the World Center for Integrated Dance and Arts Access. After much hard work by our
dedicated staff and with the support of the Cleveland Foundation, we unveiled our new logo, strengthened
our marketing materials, and improved our website.
As exciting as the past year has been, in the upcoming year, we will continue to implement board
development initiatives while creating more sustainable corporate partnerships in our local and international
communities. Foundation and government support remains critical for the arts, and we will continue to
cultivate both old and new relationships with the hopes of sustaining current levels of contributions. We
have several new initiatives in development that will broaden our audiences, increase our earned revenue, and
solidify our reputation as the World Center for Integrated Dance Access.
We are committed to continuing the legacy of the past 35 years and to focusing the passion of our
organization to provide the artistic quality and compelling message of inclusion that Dancing Wheels
exemplifies.
Suzanne Joseph
Chairperson, Board of Trustees, Dancing Wheels
The Chair of the Board
Dear Friends,
The President/Founding Artistic Director
Dear Friends:
The 2015/2016 season is one that we will not soon forget. Being our 35th anniversary season and the 25th
anniversary of the signing of the Americans with Disabilities Act, we experienced events and memories
that will last a lifetime. We created six new works (all world premieres) right here in Greater Cleveland, we
collaborated with incredible artists, we launched our new branding image, and yes of course, celebrated like it
was 1980!
We began the season with a “Best of Accessible Cleveland” ADA luncheon in conjunction with the
InterContinental Hotel. It was an amazing experience for us to host our keynote speaker Judith Heumann,
an incredible advocate and an old friend of mine who works for the federal government in international
affairs as it relates to persons with disabilities. Our media host Monica Robbins, a passionate and
knowledgeable emcee, graciously brought the program full circle. This event was followed by ADA
Cleveland’s daylong event with over 35 disability service organizations and hundreds of participants at
University Circle. We were proud to perform with both the Company and the kids enrolled in our summer
camp. I was also privileged to give an address recapping the societal environment prior to the passage of the
ADA.
October was truly unbelievable!! We created an “Arts for All Parade” and gathering at the Rock & Roll Hall
of Fame to launch our new branding as the World Center for Integrated Dance & Arts Access. As if that
wasn’t enough, we celebrated the ADA with the “Lasting Legacy Concert & Tour” featuring newly created
works from Mark Tomasic, Catherine Meredith, Sara Swenson, and Heidi Latsky, and restaged works from
David Rousseve and Dianne McIntryre. The concert, held at the illustrious Allen Theatre at Playhouse
Square, was an evening filled with passion, artistry-- even humor. Mark Tomasic toasted the year and all
that has been accomplished over the past 35. The weeks that followed included many tours of the “Lasting
Legacy Concert” and even a flash mob at Public Hall to celebrate Cleveland’s Disability Awareness Day.
November brought about one of those marvelous experiences that doesn’t often come our way. In celebration
once again of the ADA and our 35th anniversary, Dancing Wheels was commissioned by the Canton
Symphony Orchestra to create a new dance work to an original score and to perform it together at their
home in Canton. Choreographer Robert Wesner created the new work entitled “Lightfall” and it joyously all
came together with artistry and passion from the more than 100 artists involved.
Our seasons never skip a beat when it comes to touring. Our wheels are always in motion with 14 Company
members and we have even achieved three performances in three different cities all at the same time. We
take pride in our ability to bring our performances to the masses and appeal to a very wide range of audiences
in venues across America. From guest appearances, full mainstage performances, and corporate events, we
have entertained more than 5 million audience members since our inception in 1980. Between the touring,
we once again hosted our “Night at the Races” event in February which achieved record highs in attendance
and fundraising-- thanks to all of our fun fans who supported this annual event! In the spring our tours
continued throughout the nation, but came back home for a warm and welcoming performance for Chagrin
Arts in Chagrin Falls.
The School of Dancing Wheels’ expansive residencies and classes kept our teachers busier than ever, taking on
new schools and expanding our teacher training. We successfully conducted our first 2-day/3-session teacher
training in conjunction with Cleveland State University’s dance department. Interested participants came
from around the State and outside of Ohio to learn and grow in the methodologies of physically integrated
dance.
The celebrations for 35th anniversary season concluded in rare form when the “35 & Stayin Alive” theme
brought energy and synergy to the Nautica Complex! The night was filled with gaming, an outstanding silent
auction that generated a record-high in donations, a fast and furious dance performance by the Company &
School (intertwined with messages from the choreographers who created the dances), and a light show that
not only lit up the space but all 20 cakes atop each table. Party goers danced the night away to the fabulous
sound of Kyle Primus and the K Street Band. It was a huge undertaking, but with the support of our board
members, table hosts, events committee members, staff and dancers, I can truly say that it will be one of
those events that you wonder how it can be topped. Our supporters keep saying it was the “best ever”!
In the spirit of onward and upward thinking, this coming season brings us the world premiere performance of “Labyrinth” at
Cain Park on August 12, choreographed by our very own Dezare Foster. There will be the return of “The Snowman”, both on
tour to Toledo and at home at the Saint Ignatius Breen Center from December 1-3. We will be unveiling virtual dance classes,
a unique improvisational chamber concert with two inventive musicians, another fun-filled “Night at the Races”, and a spring
fling that will keep us “Forever Young.”
We love bringing new and innovative performances to our audiences, we thrive on making our events “the best ever!”, we look
for new ideas and discoveries from those of you who have wide and diverse experiences, and we never take for granted the true
dedication and ongoing support from all of you who believe that we can achieve. Achieve through our artistry, our desire to
educate and inspire, and our ability to rise to great heights for more than three decades.
We became the World Center for Integrated Dance & Art Access this year and in doing so, we have opened the doors of
possibilities globally to throngs of people with and without disabilities and are truly at the cusp of changing the face of equality
in the arts for millions throughout the world.
With true appreciation and devotion to our quest of arts for all,
Mary Verdi-Fletcher
President/Founding Artistic Director
History, Mission & Values
Mary Verdi-Fletcher, America’s first professional wheelchair dancer, founded The Dancing Wheels Company
in 1980 in Cleveland, Ohio. Having been born with spina bifida, Mary wanted to open the doors of
opportunity for people with disabilities who wanted to pursue their goals on an equal ground with their
non-disabled peers. Mary always wanted to be a professional dancer, and was not going to let her disability
stand in her way. The Dancing Wheels Company was formed to employ professionally-trained dancers, with
and without disabilities. In their first year alone, the Company garnered immediate acceptance and was in
high demand, with Mary and her troupe presenting more than 72 performances. They traveled the globe
performing, advocating disability awareness, and entertaining more than 100,000 people each year.
Ten years later, The Dancing Wheels Company joined forces with the Cleveland Ballet to create Cleveland
Ballet Dancing Wheels, becoming a unique co-venture for a major ballet company that continued for nearly
a decade. Today, The Dancing Wheels Company & School is housed under Professional Flair, Inc., a 501(c)
(3) arts/disability organization established by a board of directors in 1989. Thirty-four years ago, this concept
was uncharted territory in the world of dance, but Mary’s passion and perseverance has revolutionized the
idea of dance and the notion of who should or could participate. Dancing Wheels is proud to convey this
message of inclusion and accessibility. Our mission involves several principles and goals:
• To develop activities between individuals with and without disabilities that expand opportunities for integration in the arts.
• To dispel negative myths and stereotypes of individuals with disabilities in professional careers, primarily in the arts.
• To offer individuals with disabilities positive role models that are motivated, independent, creative and successful.
• To instill a greater understanding and level of professionalism in individuals with and without disabilities.
Since its beginning, The Dancing Wheels Company’s compelling performances and educational outreach programming have conveyed the philosophy of inclusive arts and reached audiences of over five
million people worldwide with school assembly programs, workshops, residencies, and mainstage concert
performances worldwide. The Company has also had the distinguished honor to represent our work at
international festivals and conferences in Poland, Guatemala, British Columbia, Trinidad and the Czech
Republic. The Company has been featured on CNN, “Good Morning America” and on the ABC television
special “Christopher Reeve, A Celebration of Hope.”
As the Dancing Wheels Company gained recognition as America’s first physically integrated dance company,
numerous requests were received from families whose children with disabilities had no resource for arts
and recreational programs. The School of Dancing Wheels was established in 1990 in response to this
overwhelming need in the community, and continues to serve as Ohio’s only inclusive multi-arts school.
We serve populations that have limited access to arts activities, with a significant focus on children with
disabilities, youth-at-risk, and those from socio-economic challenges.
The values of the Dancing Wheels organization can best be summed up by the following statement: “If dance
is an expression of the human spirit, then it is best expressed by people of all abilities.” The values of Dancing
Wheels Company & School are:
• Enlightening: A unifying expression of movement for all
• Inspiring: The human body has no limitations
• Attitude Changing: Helping the mind and body soar
• Unique: Seeing Dancing Wheels is believing
• Creative: Dance is all about communications
Contributed & Earned RevEnue
The Dancing Wheels Company & School’s contributed revenue budget includes: corporate and individual
contributions, board donations, and fundraising events (benefits). The three major fundraising events for the
2015/16 season were the annual campaign, the 7th Annual “Night at the Races” and the 35th Annual Gala.
This season’s annual campaign was a tremendous success raising $10,616. This was a 57.5% increase over the
previous year.
The Annual Gala, “35 & Stayin’ Alive”,
was a celebration to remember! The
evening raised $44,874 which was a 26.8%
increase over the previous year. As in past
years, money was raised through a silent
auction, individual and corporate donations. This year a casino was added
to the event which raised additional funds without cannibalizing other
classifications.
Below is a pie chart with a breakdown of contributed and earned revenue
for the 2015/16 season.
How We Raise Funds
This year’s “Night at the Races” realized a 22.7% increase over the previous
year bringing in a total of $10,836. The over 200 guests bet on video horse
races, purchased raffle tickets including the prize of the night - “A Bucket
of Booze”. Monies raised benefited educational and outreach programming
throughout Northeast Ohio reaching over 5,500 children and adults with
and without disabilities.
The Dancing Wheels Company & School celebrated the 25th Anniversary of Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and
kicked-off their 35th Anniversary Season on July 9, 2015 with the “Best of Accessible Cleveland” luncheon and awards.
Monica Robins, an Emmy award winning reporter for WKYC-TV3, emceed the afternoon which included a keynote address
by Judith Heumann, Special Advisor for International Disability Rights at the U.S. Department of State.
The luncheon concluded with an awards ceremony honoring the Cleveland Museum of Art, Progressive Insurance and Justin
Bachman for their exemplary work in making their workplaces and surroundings accessible and welcoming to all.
In October, the Company launched their “Lasting Legacy” tour with a World Premiere at the Allen Theatre in Cleveland,
Ohio. The concert paid homage to the historic ADA law by reflecting on its five core themes: employment, education,
transportation, communication and public access. Choreographers Heidi Latsky, Sarah Swenson, Mark Tomasic, Dianne
McIntyre, David Rousseve and Catherine Meredith were chosen from a nationwide search to create works that portrayed the
history, evolution, and the importance of each theme in their own creative and impactful approaches. The Company then
set off on a 26 city tour of the in U.S.
in nine states reaching over 20,000 people.
The Company returned home in November to perform with the Canton
Symphony Orchestra in Canton, Ohio. The live performance was the first time
these two organizations performed on stage together. The Company performed
two pieces: “Walls of Glass,” danced to Mahler’s Adagietto from Symphony No. 5,
and “Lightfall,” set to Stephen Melillo’s “Lightfall” Symphony. The evening ended
with a standing ovation from a sold out crowd!
At the end of January, the Company taught a two-day master class at Cleveland
State University. This physically integrated dance workshop, based on the previously
published manual by Dancing Wheels Company & School, was for educators who
work with students with disabilities. Cleveland State is now added to our growing list
of universities were we have offered accreditation programs: Edinboro University of
Pennsylvania, Ohio State, Mercyhurst and the University of Wisconsin Whitewater.
In April, the Dancing Wheels Company was hosted by Chagrin Arts to present excepts from the “Lasting Legacy” concert at
the Chagrin Falls Performing Arts Center. Additionally, the Company conducted a workshop and a performance for students
at the Chagrin Falls Middle School as part of their Arts Day.
“35 & Stayin’ Alive” was the theme for the annual gala celebration at Windows on the River on May 14, 2016. Welcome
to the 80’s – the era of the Rubik’s Cube, shoulder pads, “Dallas,” big hair, and the birth of Physically Integrated Dance in
America. This commemorative event took guests on a musical journey with excerpts from some of the Company’s most
notable performances. Former dancers and choreographers were invited back to reunite in this joyous celebration. Mr. & Mrs.
Jerry and Marilyn Schneider were the Honorary Co-Chairs, Ms. Jan Jones, former co-host of the Morning Exchange and P.M.
Magazine was the Celebrity Host and Ms. Barbara Robinson, a true devotee and champion of the arts, was the Honoree. The
evening included a lively gaming casino, dinner, a totally awesome array of silent auction items and the high energy sounds of
Kyle Primous and the K Street Band.
It has been an amazing year! The organization rebranded itself as the World Center for Integrated Dance. The Cleveland
Foundation provided funding to create a new logo, marketing materials and a responsive designed website. The logo and
website were unveiled at the gala celebration, so the Dancing Wheels Company & School has positioned itself for the
future. Recently, Mary Verdi-Fletcher attended a symposium in New York City with other integrated dance companies and a
subsequent DanceUSA conference in Dallas where training of dancers with disabilities was on the forefront of discussion. Our
training methods were validated by our peers as being a leading model in the field of integrated dance.
Providing Equal Access to the Arts
Furthering the mission of inclusive arts and recreation opportunities for all, the School of Dancing Wheels
proudly opened its doors in 1990. Our state-of-the-art studios were soon regarded as a world-class training
center for dancers, choreographers and educators. The School offers an exciting array of weekly classes,
workshops, residency and community programs for adults and children with and without disabilities.
During the 2015/16 Season, the School reached over 5,500 children and adults through our inclusive
programing and student performances. Participating organizations included:
Oliver H. Perry Elementary School
St. Rocco School
Metrohealth System
Laurel School
Youth Challenge
Old Trail School
Murray Ridge School
United Cerebral Palsy
Almira Pre-K Program
Lorain County Schools (Palm and Garfield)
Julie Billiart School
On Your Toes Dance Studio
Crestview Performing Arts Centers
Adult Activity Centers
(East Cleveland, Rocky River)
Although all of outreach programs provide positive and enriching results for participants, there are several
that should be highlighted:
Almira Pre-K Program
At Almira Academy the pre-K students aimed for an enjoyable dance class that teaches each student proper
behavior skills in a fun setting. These students met once a week to work on rhythmic movement and
storytelling skills. The students worked on how to follow directions during warm-up, express self-movement
through storytelling and awareness of dance space in the classroom. Classroom teachers were involved in this
residency by assisting students to stand in the correct line, discipline/manage behavior if needed, help the
students with movement, and provided costumes for performance. During the first semester the theme was
Pop Rock and Roll where the students danced to both current and past pop music. In the spring semester our
performance theme was “Better When I’m Dancin”, where the students performed for their teachers, family
and friends at the end of the residency. The students have fun working with their peers and performing for
the audience.
During this residency I had the privilege to work with preschool students. Preschool is a fun age to work with and I always have fun working with the younger students. During my time at Almira, one student that I noticed
was Sebastian. In the beginning of the residency Sebastian struggled to behave in dance class and always caused
distractions for his other classmates. His behavior choices lead to time out and his peers losing their focus. To control
this situation, Sebastian began to stand in the front line for class. By standing closer where he could see the teacher,
he followed along to warm-ups and learned his dance routine. By the end of the residency, Sebastian’s behavior
improved and he showed more participation in class. This demonstrates when a child misbehaves they learn about
consequences. Sebastian did not want to be in time out where he could not participate in dance class. I am proud
of Sebastian and hope this experience leads him to better behavior for other adults.
Julie Billiart School
At Julie Billiart School we hope students learn ways to make a difference in their community through dance.
This semester the students in fourth grade came together once a week to work on a residency called “Lasting
Legacy”. Each week the students learned about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the five
elements of the law. The students completed fun homework assignments and learned choreography based on
the elements. Each class was instructed with warm-up techniques/translations and creating movement for
their five ADA dances. Classroom teachers played a major role in this residency where they were active in
helping their students strive for the best. They assisted their students to complete their homework on time,
suggested how to make assignments work for each student, and help manage behavior if needed. At the end of this residency
the students had the opportunity to present what they created in a showcase for their parents, teachers, and peers.
During this residency I had the privilege to work with fourth grade students. One student that I noticed developed confidence about
wearing hearing aids was Julia. Julia is a student who is hard of hearing. On the first day of class, Julia asked me what was behind
my ears and the box necklace around my neck. I explained to her they were my hearing aids and FM system. Her face showed
happiness that she met someone with hearing aids just like herself. Julia was excited to tell me about the new hearing aids she was
purchasing and how she also has an FM system. After the final performance, Julia’s mother approached me and thanked me for
talking to Julia about my hearing aids. Julia’s mom said it made a big difference and meant a lot that she has an adult she can learn
from that is going through the same experience. As a person who is hard of hearing, it means a lot when I can inspire my students as
much as they inspire me.
Murray Ridge School
At Murray Ridge we strive for an enjoyable dance class for each student which teaches them how to work with their
peers in a large group. This semester the students in grades PreK-12 came together once a week to work on a
residency called “Lasting Legacy”. Each class was instructed with warm-up techniques and translations, across
the floor progressions, and combining movements/acting into a final dance routine. The classroom teachers
and aids were active in helping their students by using hand over hand techniques, keeping the students in
the correct formations, and helping manage behavior if needed. During the time of this residency, students
learned about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) and the five elements. Each class was paired with
an element where they learned a dance to represent that element. At the end of the residency the students had
the opportunity to showcase what they learned about the ADA to their peers, teachers, and parents.
During this residency I had the privilege to work with Preschool through 12th grade classes. One student
that I noticed was Jose because he had a shy personality when I first met him. He stood out to me
during the time I was at Murray Ridge because he never wanted to participate in class. Jose’s teacher
mentioned that he does not speak much English and does not like to participate in new activities
until he understands what they are. Each week when Jose came to class I would ask him about
his day and if he would like to participate in class. For few classes Jose attended, he just watched.
One day during class, I had to rearrange plans because of having class in a smaller space. I set
up chairs in a circle for the students. When Jose came to class that day he sat in the circle with
the rest of his peers. Jose participated in class following along in warmup, rhythm activities, and
tried learning the ADA choreography. After class I asked Jose if he enjoyed class and he responded
with a smile. Jose’s aid mentioned this was the first time he wanted to participate in an activity
on his own and had a great time. This demonstrated how using a circle of chairs where all
students are positioned at the same eye level and see each other can help students participate
in class. I am proud of Jose choosing to participate in class and hope this leads him to
participating in other activities at school.
St. Rocco School
During the spring of 2016 the students in kindergarten through fourth grade
came together once a week to work on a residency called “Lasting Legacy”. Each
week the students learned about the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA)
through engaging class activities, fun homework assignments, and movement
exercises. Each class was instructed with warm-up techniques/translations and
creating movement for their ADA dances. Each grade was paired with one of the
five ADA elements where they learned choreography to represent their element.
Classroom teachers played a major role in this residency where they were
active in encouraging their students to complete their homework assignments,
demonstrate/manage appropriate behavior, and participate in class. At the end of
this residency the students showcased their final work to their parents, teachers,
and peers.
During this residency I had the privilege to work with kindergarten through fourth grade classes. One student who developed better
behavior in class was Sophia. She would come to class in the morning constantly crying which was very disruptive for the teacher.
Her teacher would have to remove her from the classroom until she became remain calm. Due to her behavior, getting Sophia to focus
in class when she was reinforced with the word “no” presented difficulties for myself, her teacher, and the other students. Her behavior
lead to many distractions in class that lead to other students losing their focus. In order to control this situation, I provided Sophia
with the lead role of representing what they had learned about their class element from the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA);
communication. Sophia auditioned for the part and I right away saw her confidence and leadership for this role. When I gave
her the role she was excited and began to practice. Sophia’s speaking role discussed how her class learned American Sign Language,
demonstrated techniques we use when teaching a person who is deaf how to dance, how to turn the movement into pantomime, and
taught the audience how to say thank you in sign language. Sophia would come back to class with her paper ready to practice her
role. By taking the role as a class leader to discuss communication, I saw a positive change in her behavior - no more crying or causing
disruptions in class. Sophia is an example of how students who are given an important role in class can mature into class leaders and
reinforce good behavior choices. I am proud of Sophia and delighted to see it helped her behavior mature, leading her to make better
choices for herself and her classmates.
Oliver H. Perry Elementary School
The School of Dancing Wheels visited Oliver H Perry Elementary School in
Collinwood for the first time this year! Dancing Wheels spent 13 weeks working
with the 5th graders on “Catalyst in Motion,” a residency focused on
Newton’s Three Laws of Motion. Students learned the wording of
the three laws then using their own bodies, partnering skills,
and movement concepts grew to understand the laws
in a new way. This kinesthetic learning helped the
students approach material in a different way that held
great success. Their teacher, Ms. Ryan said:
The kids loved all of the activities and truly looked
forward to you coming every single week. Even
though the class moaned when they received the
“homework” assignment, they always made sure I
remembered to pass it out! They have proven their
transfer of knowledge when they were able to take
Newton’s laws and apply them to a standardized test
question. Not only were you teaching them science
concepts, but you also expected them to work together as
well as trust and support one another. These positive
social interactions are something my students
desperately struggle with on a daily basis. At one
point, the Art teacher from the building walked
into the gym and made the comment, “lookat
them working together!” Again, words cannot
express enough thanks for this great experience.
Season Sponsors
Forest City Enterprises
The Nordson Corporation Foundation
George W. Codrington Foundation
The Sherwin-Williams Company
Nautica Entertainment, LLC
The VerMerris Family Charitable Fund
Marilyn S. & Jerald B. Schneider
Willoughby Aerie 2300
Fraternal Order of Eagles
Target Foundation
Fans $1,000 & Up
ABC Therapy, Ltd., Wendy Campbell
Donna & David Axson
Ken Buzek
Andrew & Jessica Bizer
William Dorsky & Cornelia Hodgson
Emerson Process Management
Barry Feldman
Edwin & Carla Kuhn
Harry K. & Emma R. Fox
Charitable Foundation
Robert Marx
McMaster-Carr Supply Co
M.C. Mobility Systems, Inc.
MobilityWorks
Steve & Doris Spaeth
John & Debbie Voso, Jr.
Supporters $500 to $999
Marty Adams & Barbara Visocky-Adams
Kevin & Dana Kuhn
James E. Bennett III
Mickie McGraw
Jan Jones & Shelly Artz
Barbara Robinson
Robert & Lauri Knabel
Alan Westerndorf
Bill Koeblitz
WKYC-TV 3
Donors $250 to $499
Dr. Brian Bethune & Michael Bargas
Janice M. McCarthy
Bill Beard
James B. Oswald Company
Phyllis & Bob Benjamin
Taylor Oswald LLC
Mr. & Mrs. Andre Cisco
Michael & Patricia Otter
Gifford Dyer
Mark & Judith Pestak
Steve & Marilyn Eva
Andrew Press
Dr. & Mrs. D. Roy & Diane Ferguson
Dick Russ
James & Edna Fletcher
Theresa Sokolwoski
Robert Fletcher & Mary Verdi-Fletcher
William Thompson
David & Alice Hoehnen
Lindsey Walsh & Aidan Lawrence
W. Benoy & Suzanne M. Joseph
Reed Wilcox
Lawrence Kaiser
Steven Wexberg & Anita Rothschild
Karen & Lee Lazar
David & Sharon Lockman
Margaret & Thomas Verdi
Friends Up to $249
Kerry Agins
AmazonSmile Foundation
Audioaid Supply
Lisa Bachman
Richard Baldin
Cindy Baldin
James Banda
Kai Basiewicz
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Sheldon & Marilyn Baskin
Dr. Hillel J. Chiel &
Mrs. Elizabeth K. Dreben
Ellen Cohn
Martin & Mary Anne Coughlin
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Shelia Coyne
Cuyahoga County Board of Developmental Disabilities
George S. & Nina M. D’Arcy
Audrey P. Declement
Henry & Mary Douglas
James Beardsley
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Michael & Kitti Drops
Doris Beardsley
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Bob Becker
Douglas & Barbara Elersich
Rachel Becker
Mary Bender
Leigh Bennett
Karen F. Bennett
Alan & Bonni Berger
Janice Dzigiel
Empowering Epilepsy
Jennifer Evans
Don & Linda Evans
William & Julianne Everett
Evelyn & Robert Finley
Emily Fleisher
Elisabeth Bohlander
David Flynn
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Lucy E. Cesar-Jedacek
Bonwyn Garner
Christy Chafe
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Jessica Chambers
Christopher Garr
Stacy Gay
Susan Gedrich
Brian J. Jungeberg & Dr. Kelly Becker
Matt Genco
Robin Kaufman
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Thomas Gilligan
Margie Glaros
Stephen Hansler
Rand Harder
Robert & Audrey Haynes
Janet Herman Barlow
Darren Hilliard
Melanie Hogan
Michael Horvitz
Brian Hughes
Carol Jones
Gretchen Kennedy
Kirk & Donna Kidnar
Meredith L. King
Sally King
April Kneifelben
Andrew Kuzmickas
David Lockman
Brianna Logan
Mary Mancini
Felicia Martinez
Pamela Jean McConnell
Dianne McIntyre
Diane Meckers
Mary J. Minnillo
Joan M. Morehouse
Rosemary Novince
George O’Maillis
Dan Padyjasek
David Palisin
Carl & Lucille Palley
Dustin Paterniti
Joyce Penhallurick
Mary Telban
Joyce S. Pope
In Celebration of Suzanne Joseph
Tammy Pritchard
Susan Ramsey
Elizabeth E. Thames
The Cleveland Orchestra
Shirley Topilow
Jan Ridgeway
Jamie Trzebuckowski
Barbara Robinson
Gretchen Romanowski
David & Kathryn Tullio
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Rhonda Rosen
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Stephan & Judith Uijtewaal
Patricia Verdi
Jeff Rosengard
Margaret Verdi
Dick Russ
Joe Vielhabel
S.A.W. Inc.
John Visnauskas
Richard Sack
Chris & Steve Warner
Patricia Sankovic
Stephanie Washlock
Carrie Schultz
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Kathy C. Wendorff
Marilyn Weske
Eileen Shepard
Betty & Erv Will
Debra Stanicki
Jeffrey Wolens
Charles Steele
Barbara Ziet
Anita Steele
Linda Zimmerman
George & Ann Stronosky
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Mitchell Zocchi
Diana Stronsosky
In Honor Alyssa Strongosky’s Bat Mitzvah
Donors at time of print.
In Kind Support
A Taste of Excellence
Amazone Family Entertainment Center
AI Root Candles
Ambiance
Akron Art Musuem
Beachland Ballroom & Tavern
Akron RubberDucks
Beauty Secrets, LLC
Akron Zoo
Bella Toccare
Bistro on Main
Bixel’s Salon
Bodywave Pilates Studio
Dante Boccuzzi
Bunker Hill Golf Course
Dante Lucci Salon
Cain Park/City of Cleveland Heights
Dino Palmieri Salon & Spa
Cakes to You
Disney Theme Park
Cassidy Theatre Inc.
Driftwood Catering
CCM Rental
Dunham Tavern Museum
Charles Scott Salons & Spas
Ensemble Theatre
Cibreo
Fat Cats
Cleveland Botanial Garden
Fire and Light Performing Arts
Cleveland International Film Festival
Funke Hair Body Soul
Cleveland Jazz Orchestra
Ghostly Manor Thrill Center
Cleveland Metroparks
Giovanni’s Restaurant
Cleveland Metroparks Zoo
Home Depot
Cleveland Museum of Natural History
HR Hospitality Restaurants
Cleveland PlayHouse
International Women’s Air & Space Museum
Cleveland Police Museum
Jeanitas Dance & Activewear
Cleveland Whiskey Distillery
Kyle Primus and K Street
Cougar 93.7
L’Albatros Brasserie
Countertop Solutions
Laurice Skin Care
Creekside Restaurant & Bar
“The Quest for Equality” (2015) World Premiere - Photo by Al Fuchs / Baylight Studios
Lockkeepers
Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum
Luca Italian Cuisine
Rock The House
MC Mobility Systems
Shula’s 2 Steak & Sports
M Cellars Winery
Soaring Adventures of America: Living Social
Memphis Kiddie & Park
Stocker Arts Center of Lorain Community College
Mentor iPhone Repair
Sweeties Candy
Miller Boat Line
T-N-T Tanning Salon
Museum of Contemporary Art Cleveland
T&G Flight Club: Living Social
Nautica Queen
Table 45
New Creations Interiors
The Cleveland Candle Company
Oliver Twist
The Cleveland Orchestra
Pat O’Brien’s
The Hyde Park Restaurant Group
Paul When
The Jump Yard
PCI Entertainment
The Locksmith Hair Studio
Petitti Garden Centers
The Marchetti Company
Pickwick & Frolic Restaurant and Club,
Home to Hilarities 4th Street Theatre
Tito’s Vodka
Playhouse Square
Pomeroy House
Pro Football Hall of Fame
Willoughby Brewing Co.
WKYC-TV Channel 3
World Wines & Liquor
Trolley Tours of Cleveland, INC
United Skates of America, INC
WCLV Classical 104.9 and Robert Conrad
Western Reserve Historical Society
White Oaks Resturant
Dedicated to the Cause
It takes an army of volunteers to keep our wheels moving. These dedicated individuals have donated their time to stuff and
label envelopes, hang decorations, bake desserts, usher guests to their seats and attend after-hour meetings - just to name a few
of the many things they do for us. We could not execute so many fabulous events without them!
2015/16 Events Committee
Mary Verdi-Fletcher
Suzanne M. Joseph
G. Michael Bargas
Gretchen Kennedy
Wendy Campbell
Dana Kuhn
Stacy Gay
Bob Marx
Kitti Drops
Nancy McSeveney
Linda Evans
Joyce Pope
Julia Galletta
Julie Wagner
Margie Glaros
Volunteering Their Time
Donna Axson, Brian Bethune, Don Evans, Bob Fletcher, Tom and Marita Gilligan, Courtney Gazola,
Mike Glaros, Frank Kenner, Kevin Kuhn, Anna Lane, Felicia Martinez, Mark Midlin, Katie Pantano,
Lenny Salerno, Ben Sattin, Katti Sorboro, Steve Spaeth, Nikki Tinyo, Andy Wagner
The Dancing Wheels Company & School would like to acknowledge the volunteers from Hyland Software and Cleveland
State University who helped to repaint our offices.