Cost $1.50 May 2011 • Vol. 1 - Issue 12 SagamoreVoice Security Issues Raised State Expanding Hospital 2011 Summer Planning Supplement Inside! 50% OFRFAFMES ALL COACH ES & SUNGLASSLast While Supplies Your vision is precious. Don’t put off finding the right vision and eye health care. At Lifetime Eye Care, our mission is to provide you and your family with a lifetime of excellent eye care using the latest technological advances. Your eye health, and your personal satisfaction are our highest priorities. Jeffrey E. Schultz, OD, MS, FAAO The Spectrum Building 6060 Rockside Woods Blvd. North Suite 110 Independence, Ohio 44131 Lifetime Eye Care, an easy destination from the east, south, and west, continues to offer the best combination of personal vision and eye health care, medical treatment of eye infections and diseases, expert contact lens fitting, and now the largest selection of eyeglass frames and sunglasses in the area. Call us today at 216.581.8484 to schedule your vision and eye health examination. Or schedule on our website www.myeyedoc.com. Best Regards, Dr. Jeffrey E. Schultz 5(6,'17$/&&,$/20(5 ,1'8675,$/ SPRING SPECIALS Tax Credits up to $500 and Rebates up to $1,325 (440) 237-1777 www.liscohvac.com • Air Conditioners • Furnaces • Boilers • Oil Furnaces • Humidifiers • Air Cleaners • Heat Pumps EMERGENCY SERVICE ASK ABOUT OUR FREE ESTIMATES!! FINANCING AVAILABLE FAMILY OWNED & OPERATED OVER 30 YEARS $10 OFF We service all brands of heating & air conditioning Coupon must be presented at time of sale. Cannot be combined with other advertised sales. Prior sales excluded. Expires 05-31-11. $100.00 OFF Furnace or air conditioning installation Coupon must be presented at time of sale. Cannot be combined with other advertised sales. Prior sales excluded. Expires 05-31-11. LICENSED • INSURED • BONDED The Sagamore Voice, May 2011 Keystone Realty Yvonne Highley ABR, CRP, CRS, CLHMS, SFR Broker Associate Also Licensed in Florida List with me and I will donate to the Children’s Miracle Network. SAGAMORE HILLS—$149,941 NORTH ROYALTON—$199,991 RICHFIELD—$219,912 Spacious 3 BR 3 BA condo. 1st FL master suite, bonus/ office rm, 2nd floor features loft & 2 add’l BR. Finished LL. NEW ON MARKET—3 BR ranch on cul-de-sac. Updates include granite counters, newer appl, furnace & A/C. Spacious 3 BR ranch on 1.990 wooded acres. Updated kit, finished LL, 2 car gar, dead end street. 1-800-764-9364 Oh, by the way… I am never too busy for your referrals! NORTHFIELD—$264,327 Immaculate 4 BR on 1.136 acres. Lots of updates thru out. Lg master, step down fam rm, inground pool & more. Call today. MACEDONIA—$229,922 RICHFIELD—$239,932 Beautiful 5 BR Beachwood Meadows col. Lovely ceramic tile & Brazilian teak floors. Cozy FR w/wbfp. Great buy!!! Spectacular wooded cul-desac lot is the setting for this lovely 3 BR col. Fin LL rec rm, LG 2nd FL master & more! SILVER LAKE—$274,972 BROADVIEW HTS—$279,972 NORTH HAMPTON—$289,982 Relax on your wrap around porch or take in the lake views. It Is all here in this 3 BR home. Just move in! Immaculate 4 BR col on private wooded lot. Kit w/SS appl, granite countertops, hdwd flrs & more. A must see. You won’t believe your eyes! Stunning 3 BR split on 1.720 acres. Updates galore! Vaulted sunroom w/hot tub & more. MACEDONIA—$239,932 Enjoy the beautiful new granite counters in this 4 BR col. 2700 sq. ft. of living space, fin LL rec rm. Too much to list. BROADVIEW HTS—$339,933 3 BR col on lush grounds. Huge gourmet kit, lg master suite, partially finished walkout LL with full bath. 3 car gar. MEDINA—$479,974 HINCKLEY—$449,980 RICHFIELD—$379,973 BRECKSVILLE—$539,935 BROADVIEW HTS—$599,995 Brick 5 BR ranch n 21 acres w/lake. Not looking for so much land, this property can be split. Call today for details. SPECTACULAR! Totally remodeled 4500 sq. ft. home on 3+ acres. 5 BR 5 BA, gleaming hdwd & SS appl. Immaculate col perched on 2.57 acre lot. 4 BR 2.1 BA, 1st FL master suite, dramatic 2 story great rm & more. Located on private rd off Valley Pkwy is this secluded 5 BR home. In ground pool w/pool house & more. Summerwood is the location of this spectacular 3 BR home. Shows like a model, call today for your showing. RICHFIELD—$399,993 HUDSON—$429,924 Sitting back off the road and on 4 acres you will find this 5 BR 3.2 BA col. Too many updates to mention, 6 BR col on over 1 wooded cul-de-sac acre. 1st FL master suite, lg gourmet kit, step down FR, huge rear deck. BRUNSWICK—$229,922 NEW ON MARKET—Better than new col on private lot w/ pond. 4 BR, lrg master w/glam bath, SS appl & so much more. I am proud to be a Dave Ramsey Endorsed Local Provider RICHFIELD—$84,731 Almost 3 acres of woods on cul-de-sac. Possible owner financing. RICHFIELD—$299,992 Secluded in the Village & backing up to park. Approx. 13 acres, to be split from larger parcel. BRUNSWICK—$59,995 Almost 2.4 acres, rolling, wooded & open w/creek. www.highleyrecommendedrealtor.com Sagamore Voice, May 2011 1 On Our Cover a publication of ScripType Publishing, Inc. Copyright ©2011 ScripType Publishing Inc. All rights reserved. PUbliSHER Sue Serdinak EdiTOR-in-CHiEf Marge Jones Palik EdiTOR Pat Salemi WRiTERS Calvin Jefferson, Nancy Ivan, Peggy Russell, Dick Jansik, Elaine Cicora, Nancy Hudec, Martha Seminsky, Brian Lisik, Kim Bonvissuto, C.D. Mroczkowski and Judy Hein Terrigno GRAPHiC dESiGnERS Christine Hahn and Jenny Lovano ACCOUnT REPRESEnTATivES Erika Henry, Kimberley Weir, Jenny Lovano, Heidi Parker, John Hill and Paula Brown Sagamore Voice is a monthly publication mailed free to every home in Sagamore Hills. The deadline for all material is the 5th of each month. Subscriptions for nonresidents are $20 per year and can be sent to the address below. HOW TO REACH US Send ALL press releases, articles and photos to news@scriptype.com. Photos must be in jpeg format. Please send postal mail to: ScripType Publishing 4300 W. Streetsboro Rd. Richfield OH 44286 E-mail ads to ads@scriptype.com Call us at 330-659-0303 FAX to 330-659-9488 Visit our Web site www.scriptype.com Send news tips or suggestions to Editor Pat Salemi. Her e-mail address is psalemi@scriptype.com E-mail the publisher at sserdinak@scriptype.com 2 In this Issue 3 ........... Demolition Bid Approval Expected 7 ........... School Officials Maintain District Has Financial Credibility v Summer Planning Supplement v 9 ........... Teen Cancer Survivor Continues to Fight for Awareness 13 ........ Former School Board Member Helps Average Guy Understand Einstein 15 ........ Cars Vandalized Advertisers inside this issue Acme Fence & Lumber .......................7 All God’s Children Preschool .............16 Approved Plumbing ... Inside Back Cover Ardent Piano .................................. S 1 Asseff, Carl F., MD ............. Back Cover Best Way Window Cleaning ..............10 Bookman & Son ................................8 Brecksville/Action Plumbing ...............8 Chippewa Place ......... Inside Back Cover Cleaning Authority ..........................15 Coldwell Banker/DiBiase ...................6 Creekside Restaurant ........................14 Custom Decks by Klassic ...................12 Davis, Sarah, DDS............................5 Dermatology Partners ......................12 Empaco Equipment ........................ S 2 Ferfolia Funeral Homes ....................15 Goddard School - Macedonia ...........11 Inwood, Dr. Thomas ........................15 Jeff’s Computer Consulting ............ S 16 Joseph Jicha & Son...........................16 Kutsko, Gary T., DDS..................... S 2 Lifetime Eye Care .....Inside Front Cover Lisco Heating,Cooling ...Inside Front Cover Middlefield Windows & Doors .........13 Namasté Yoga Studio .........................7 Ohio Plumbing Contractors................4 Outdoor Delight Landscape ................5 Re/Max/Highley.................................1 Regina Health Center.........................4 Richfield Coin of Independence .........13 Sagamore Hills Township ...................9 Sal’s Landscaping ......................... S 16 ScripType Publishing........................14 Seniors Helping Seniors ....................10 Stage House Vision Center ................14 Tim’s Custom Electric ...................... S 1 InsIde thIs Issue SagamoreVoice Rather than close the Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare center located in Sagamore Hills as previously planned, state officials will add patients at the facility this summer and close a mental health facility in Cleveland. Officials answer questions about security in a story on page 4. Correction In April’s Home Improvement and Gardening Supplement article, “New Annuals and Perennials Will Be Colorful, Sun Tolerant,” Rob Cowie’s name was misspelled. We apologize for the writer’s error. ∞ Sagamore Voice is available at these locations: Danlin Automotive • The UPS Store Sagamore Voice, May 2011 Letter to the Editor l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Wage Freeze for School Staff Encouraged To the Editor: I find it odd that the Nordonia Hills administration is not meeting with the teacher’s union to ask for contract concessions in an attempt to save jobs. If the administration asks for a three-year freeze on wages, how many staff members would get laid off? 83 percent of the 6.5-mill levy is for salary increases. Taxpayers are being told that we need to be fair to the Nordonia School District. By looking at the Buckeyeinstitute. org/teacher salary web site, and doing a seven-year analysis, shows that Nordonia teachers’ salaries have increased on average by 37.63 percent in a seven-year time span. How many taxpayers have had a 37.63 percent increase in their salary in the past seven years? As an example, three Nordonia teachers had wage increases of the following: teacher A – 2004, $46,973 and in 2010, $76,696, an increase of 63 percent; teacher B – 2004, $57,125 and in 2010, $77,787, an increase of 36 percent; teacher C – 2004, $57,883 and in 2010, $72,335, an increase of 25 percent. Nordonia Hills administrators fared even better. They are the second-highest paid administrators in Summit County. On average, they earn a whopping $91,414.62 per year. No one I have talked to is against Nordonia Hills educators. Everyone is against levy extortion, i.e. taking away busing and threatening to lay off staff. Instead of this approach, go back and ask every employee for a three-year freeze in wages. If you are trying to save jobs, I believe this approach will have better success that repeatedly asking for 6.5 mills for salary increases in a depressed economy. Noreen Newman Dunham Road We encourage Letters to the Editor. Letters must be signed and include an address and phone number for verification (not for publication). We reserve the right to edit and may not use letters that have appeared in other publications. We ask that no one send us more than one letter on the same topic and be limited to 350 words. Sagamore Voice, May 2011 Demolition Bid Approval Expected Sagamore Hills Township trustees said they received five bids from companies hoping to demolish the burned out Augusta Lane property in Eaton Estates. Trustees recently approved legislation that allows demolition of the home torched by former owner Raymond G. Stewart, who was convicted of felony arson and sentenced to prison. Stewart set the fire that destroyed the home at 8280 Augusta Lane in March 2009 because he could not pay his mortgage, police said. The house has been vacant since, and neighbors consistently have complained to township officials about the dangerous condition of the property. Trustees, though, could do nothing until the court case was settled and notification was made to the mortgage holder of the property, now the Bank of New York. Trustee Rosemary Snell said board members expected to award the bid at their April 11 meeting (held after press deadline). Submitting bids for the demolition were P.R.W. Construction, $8,250; Bradley Construction, $9,500; David Fike, $10,000; Ray Bertolini, $10,900; S01 Demolition Bid Approval Expected After a two-year wait, neighbors of this burned out Augusta Lane home in Eaton Estates will finally see demolition begin. The project includes reseeding of the entire property once the house is torn down. Photo by P. Salemi and DDD Enterprises, $17,850. Bid specifications included demolition of the home, filling in the basement, removing the concrete driveway and seeding the entire lot. “It will be a vacant lot ready to build on when the project is done,” Snell said. Township officials are likely to pay the contractor for the demolition and be reimbursed by the mortgage holder, she said. ∞ Park Trail Construction Anticipated Construction of a new trail at Sagamore Hills Township Park, to be built with federal grant money, is taking a little longer than expected mainly because of a cumbersome approval process, Trustee Rosemary Snell said. The township received the $343,000 grant in 2009. “The money is still there,” Snell said. Several agencies, including the Envi- ronmental Protection Agency, the Corps of Engineers and Summit Soil and Water, all have had some part in approving the construction of the one-way trail, which will loop around the entire park and be open for use year-round. “We’re hoping the county engineer will bid the project out soon so people will be able to enjoy the new trail in nice weather,” Snell said. ∞ Zoning Dispute Settled A zoning dispute between Sagamore Hills Township officials and resident Donald Schaub has been settled. Schaub was doing business as Stewart Landscaping at 7641 Chafee Rd., which is zoned residential. The township filed suit against Schaub and asked him to cease operation of the business and remove the structures that were not permitted on the property. Neither a zoning nor a building permit were issued prior to construction on the existing storage building on the property. There also was never a hearing on a variance for the oversize building. Schaub’s neighbors spoke on his behalf at a hearing with township trustees and zoning board members and said the property is well kept and his trucks and equipment were not a bother. According to an agreement reached, the building can remain, but Schaub can not operate a business from property zoned for residential use only. ∞ 3 Security Issues Raised With Plan to Expand Psychiatric Center Northcoast’s Addition of Up To 100 Beds Would Also Bring Employment Opportunities by Brian Lisik Security issues have been one of numerous questions raised about a plan to move 80 to 100 more patients from Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare’s Cleveland campus to its Sagamore Hills facility this June. “I don’t know what their plans are as far as any additions to the building or anything – to me I believe there will definitely be some impact to this facility,” said Trustee Rosemary Snell. “But we are interested in finding out things like what Ohio Plumbing Contractors 24 Hour Service Plumbing & Drains • Residential & Commercial • Senior Discount • Free Estimates 330-467-1960 OH LIC 14254 H;IJEH?D= GK7B?JO ?6 B?<; 6?BD85B51LC%<45B4E<DC 9LJV]LYPUNMYVTPSSULZZPUQ\Y`VYZ\YNLY`&9LNPUH/LHS[O*LU[LYVMMLYZVSKLY HK\S[ZJVTWYLOLUZP]LZOVY[[LYTPUWH[PLU[YLOHIPSP[H[PVUZLY]PJLZ[VOLSW YLZ[VYLWYPVYX\HSP[`VMSPML«WYV]PKPUNL_JLW[PVUHSJHYLPUHJVTWHZZPVUH[L MHP[OIHZLKLU]PYVUTLU[>LHSZVVMMLYHZZPZ[LKSP]PUNNLYPH[YPJV\[WH[PLU[ [OLYHW`HUKZRPSSLKU\YZPUNZLY]PJLZ[OH[HYLHTVUN[OLILZ[PU6OPV *?<51B>=?B531<<?BF9C9DGGG B579>1851<D835>D5B ?B7 (5359F54D8589785CDMF5CD1BB1D9>76?B?F5B1<<AE1<9DI 1>4851<D89>C@53D9?>6B?=D855>D5BC6?B#54931B51>4#5493194 )5BF935C9>16545B1<CEBF5I?6>EBC9>78?=5AE1<9DI B?14F95G(?14(938M5<4% (#19<'(579>151<D85>D5B ?B7 4 types of patients are coming and what kind of effect this could have on our police and EMS services.” Trustee James Hunt said that while there have been cases of patients “walking off” the campus in the past, he is not concerned with an increased security risk at the hospital when the new patients arrive. In early March, patient Markus Williams, 21, who was being held at Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare while he awaited trial on charges of kidnapping, theft and receiving stolen property, escaped from the hospital. He had been committed to the facility to determine his mental competency while awaiting trial. Township Police Chief David Hayes said since the announcement of the new patients coming to the Sagamore Road facility, his department has worked closely with Chief James Wuliger of the Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare Police Department to develop a plan to best handle such incidents. “We have always sent officers to the facility when called, but we are going to be taking things a step further,” Hayes said, adding that any walk-off situation is a serious one and a concern to residents. Steps taken by the department will include notifying neighboring police departments of the walk off; having an on-duty supervisor or senior officer meet with the supervisor in charge at Northcoast Behavioral; thorough canvassing of the area; completion of a detailed incident report; and continuing communication between Hayes, Wuliger and oncoming dispatchers and officers as to the status of the missing person until he or she is located. Hayes said that to his knowledge, there have been two or three such incidents so far this year and fewer than five in 2010. Wuliger did not return calls for comment by deadline. Patients served by Northcoast Behavioral fall into two categories, according to Trudy Sharp, communications director for the Ohio Department of Mental Health. “Civil” patients are referred by various local mental health boards, go to the facility voluntarily, and are generally finished with on-site treatment within a couple weeks. “Forensic” patients are sent for treatment by court order and are under the jurisdiction of the court until their treatment Sagamore Voice, May 2011 is completed. Throughout the system, the Northcoast Behavioral Healthcare population consists of 60-percent forensic patients and 40-percent civil patients. The Sagamore Hills campus has 180 patients. The Cleveland campus closure plan calls for the 100 patients at that hospital to be transferred to the Sagamore Road facility and Heartland Behavioral Healthcare in Massillon. Sharp said the patient population here likely would grow to 260 patients. She said psychiatric hospitals overall are no different than other medical facilities. “Our hospitals are part of the community, located next to schools and churches in come cases,” Sharp said. “We hope residents see them as a resource for the community or if someone in their own family needed these services. They are 24-hour facilities, with a fully trained security staff. Brain illnesses can be treated and it is really no different than if someone has asthma, or diabetes or a heart condition. Some may be able to stay home and take heart medication; others have to come to the hospital for some other type of treatment.” Job Growth a likely byproduct The closure of the Cleveland campus could also represent a shot in the arm economically to the Sagamore Hills area, according to Sharp. “There will probably be 80 or 90 more jobs,” she said. “Of course those working at the Cleveland campus will be able to apply, but the state still has $90 million budgeted for Ohio’s mental health system. About $60 million of that is expected to be used to make improvements to the Sagamore Hills site.” With its more than 80-year-old Cleveland campus on Southpoint Drive becoming increasingly cost prohibitive to operate, plans to consolidate both hospitals under one roof began in 2008. Both facilities were slated to be closed and the Ohio General Assembly allocated the $90 million, Sharp explained, but a site selected on Euclid Avenue in Cleveland was ultimately nixed due to a number of environmental issues and its long-term construction costs. Sharp said potentially expanding outward at the 71-acre Sagamore Hills property would be more cost effective than “building upward” at the Euclid Avenue site. Sharp added that the Sagamore Road hospital is also two decades newer than its sister location in Cleveland. “We have seven hospitals throughout the state, including a maximum security psychiatric Sagamore Voice, May 2011 hospital in Columbus, and this plan is, in part, a way to preserve tax dollars,” Sharp said. “By spending $60 million at Sagamore Hills instead of $90 million at a new Cleveland facility, the remaining $30 million can go to needed capital projects at our other locations in the state and we won’t have to go back and ask for more to fund those capital projects.” As the Cleveland facility has gotten older, Sharp said, readying of the Sagamore facility for taking patients in an emergency, infrastructure-related situation has been ongoing. “So for some time, Sagamore has had three units open to receive these patients,” Sharp said. Township trustees planned to meet with David Colletti, Northcoast Behavioral chief executive officer, and discuss the influx of new patients. ∞ Children’s Dentistry of Brecksville sarah j. davis, dds Sarah J. Davis, DDS Specialist in Pediatric Dentistry Diplomate, American Board of Pediatric Dentistry • Pediatric dentists are the pediatricians of dentistry. With an additional 2-3 years of specialized training beyond dental school, they are uniquely qualified to treat children from birth to adolescence. • The American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry & The American Academy of Pediatrics recommend children first see the dentist at age one. Call our office today to schedule an appointment! Now Welcoming New Patients! (440) 838-5445 • www.brecksvillekids.com Millside Centre • 8801 Brecksville Road • Brecksville Landscape & Irrigation, Inc. • New Lawn & Shrubbery • Brick Patios and Walkways • New Decks • Retaining Wall Systems • Garden Ponds and Waterfalls • Irrigation & Drainage Systems • Outdoor Lighting Systems • Spring Clean-ups & Mulching • Lawn & Landscape Maintenance • Excavation & Dozer Services Professional Services • Reasonable Prices Over 20 Years Experience Licensed • Bonded • Insured Member ONLA Jeff Sprungl: OSU Graduate in Landscape Horticulture CALL 440 838-5006 for an Estimate 5 Township Corner By Fiscal Officer Scott Gale Permanent Appropriation Provides Less Spending, Similar Township Services by Scott Gale Sagamore Hills Township Trustees passed the Permanent Appropriation for Fiscal Year 2011. The $6,033,499 appropriation, submitted by the fiscal officer in conjunction with trustees, is virtually a zero-growth budget over the past year. When I first arrived in office April 2008, our township’s budget was $7,805,389; in 2010, trustees set a $6,031,090 budget. Together, your elected officials prepared for the ongoing problems in the economy. We are working to tighten our financial belts on spending while still providing the quality services essential to our community. Like you, we have felt first-hand the problems with increased costs; the troubles in the Middle East have increased the price of gas for the township police cruisers and road trucks, and the new national health care plan has dramatically increased the shared cost of health care for township employees. The cost of goods and services continues to increase for all of us while the amount of money available to meet our daily needs has reduced. The township feels the pinch of tough economic times just as you do. To offset these reductions in revenues, we have trimmed our expenditures to balance collection shortfalls. Trustees have a continued dialogue on how to ensure best services for Sagamore Hills residence while dealing with the projected difficulties. Unfortunately, revenues have decreased. The weak economy has given us lower interest rates, decreasing investment revenues, and with the proposed state budget, we continue to project revenue reduction from the State of Ohio. While we wait for the final outcome in Columbus expected by July 1 – the start of the state fiscal year – we know revenues to local governments will be reduced in some manner, and we have discussed and prepared for this problem over the past few years. While prepared to deal with the financial shortages as passed down from Ohio, we will await the final outcome and deal with the problems as they are presented to us. Together, we will address each issue and work to ensure we provide the essential services critical to our community. Our emergency reserves are critical to maintaining stability in difficult times. My goal is for continued cooperation with the trustees to ensure we have the financial resources necessary for longterm fiscal security and the high quality of life we have come to enjoy here in Sagamore Hills. As always, should you need assistance, please do not hesitate to contact me or township officials at 330467-0900, FiscalOfficer@netlink.net or Sagamoreadmin@netlink.net. ∞ Trustees’ Meetings Open to Public The Sagamore Hills Township Trustees regularly meet the second Monday of each month at 7 p.m. in the township hall meeting room, 11551 Valley View Rd., unless otherwise noted. The next meeting is May 9. For information call 330-467-0900, ext. 4. ∞ Silvana DiBiase • Company’s #1 Producer since 2001 • Office Top Producer since 1993 • International President’s Elite • Consistent Award Winning Top Producer • Certified Relocation Specialist 440-979-5849 Voice Mail • 216-347-9990 Work HUNTER REALTY Please Visit My Virtual Tours: www.silvanadibiase.com 6 BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVILLE BRECKSVILLE ’05 BRICK/STONE 5 BR, 5.1 BA MANOR Custom blt by Don-Pre, wood flrs, crown moldings, solid wood doors. 2-story foyr/ wrought iron staircs. 2-story FamRm/wall of windws. Sun rm. Kit/custm cabs, granite tops, high end appl’s, butler’s pantry. 1st flr MBR/sit rm, glamr BA, 2 walk-ins. State-ofthe-art fin’d walkout LL. Pro landscpd, 1.17 acre wooded lot. Prime locatn. $1,149,000. EXQUISITE 4-SEASONS MANOR, BLT ‘04 Custm blt 5 BR, 6.2 BA, 2-story foyr/marble flr, 8x8 wet bar. Gourmt kit/Island, Butler’s pantry. Hearth/FamRm w/FP. 2-story GrtRm/wall of windws. Den/custm blt-ins. 1st flr MBR/glamr BA, vault ceilng. 2nd Flr: 4 BRs all w/BA. 7000 SF w/fin’d 14 block bsmt. Pro landscpd, circulr drv, 4-car garage, back coverd veranda, stamped patio, privt wood lot. $999,000. CUSTOM BUILT BRICK 4 BR/3.1 BA MANOR Retreat like setting, breathtaking views, privt 3.70 acre treed lot. Except’l millwork thru-out, crown molding, blt-ins, wood flrs, custm walls of windws. 2-story foyr & GrtRm w/FP. Kit/ custm cherry cabs, lge island. Den w/FP & laundry on 1st flr. MBR/BA, walk-in. Lge bonus rm. Sunrm. Opposite Sleepy Hollow Golf Crse, walk to MetroParks. Landscpd, patio. $779,900. CUSTOM BLT 4 BR, 4.2 BA BRICK MANOR Pro remodld thruout. 4303 SF, open flr pln, 2-story foyr/custm staircs. ’08 wd flrs/foyr, kit, din & hearth rms. GrtRm/cathedrl ceil/FP. Spectaculr kit remodld ‘08. Wall of windws in sunrm, breathtaking view of lake. 1st flr MBR/2 walk-ins, glamr BA. 1st flr den, ’08 remodld BAs. Lge privt patio, ’08 extensv landscpng. Grt Valu. 1.67 acres, 4-car garage. $619,000. CUSTOM BRICK/CEDAR 4 BR, 4.2 BA CAPE 2 story foyr & FamRm/custm windws, FP, wetbar. Lux 1st & 2nd flr MBR/BA. Gourmt kit/newer dbl oven, cooktop, refrig, 2 dishwshrs, ’11 granite tile & back splash. Roof ‘08, furnaces/up ’10, down ’07. 2 offices, 1st flr laundry, loft. 2336 SF fin’d bsmt/Grt & exercs rm, office, addt’l ste. 3-car side load. Pro landscpd, wood views, cul-de-sac, prime location. $599,900. BRECKSVILLE HINCKLEY HINKLEY SAGAMORE HILLS SAGAMORE HILLS CUSTOM, 2-SIDE BRICK, 5 BR, 5 BA COL. Many updates, pro decorated, neutral colors. 2-story foyr/wd flr. Lge kit/cherry cabs, pantry. DinRm/crown mold, wd flr. FamRm/ FP w/mantel & stone wall. 1st flr den could be BR. MBR/ cathedrl ceil, French drs-glam BA, walk-in. 2 BRs/Jack & Jill BA. Fin’d bsmt/GrtRm, bar, BA, storage. Custm patio/stone wall, lge wood lot on cul-de-sac. Must See! $549,900. QUALITY BUILT 4 BR, 2.1 BA COL. Open flr plan, 9’ ceilings on 1st. FamRm/ cathedrl ceil, custm wd panel WBFP. Kit/ custm cabs, island, wd flr, pantry. Din rm/tray ceil, molding. 1st flr laundry & Den/custm bltins. MBR/ cathedrl ceil, glam BA, walk-in. Full 13-course walk-out bsmt. Front porch, custm deck, private 1+ acres, breathtaking views Metroparks & golf course. $449,900. STUNNING 2004 WAKEFIELD RUN COL. 5 BRs, 3.1 BAs, 2-story foyr/wrought iron staircase & FamRm/FP, lge round windws. Liv & din rms w/3” wood flrs, window seat. Kit/ custm cabs, granite tops, SS appl’s. 1st flr den & laundry. MBR/vault ceilng, sit rm, 2 walk-ins, glamr BA. 2nd Flr: 3 BRs. Newly fin’d walkout bsmt/great & exercise rms, BR, BA. Privt wood lot, pro landscpd, sprinklr systm. $389,900. GREAT VALUE-CUSTM BLT 4BR, 2.1BA COL. Over $90K in updates. 2-story foyr & FamRm/custm blt-ins ’06, stone FP. Kit/ custm maple cabs, granite tops, SS range & microwv ‘10. Formal DinRm. 1st flr den & laundry. MBR/glamr BA, walk-in. ‘10 all new windws. Surround sound in/out. Pro landscpd, 900 SF paved patio/lights ‘07, 100x432’ privt wooded lot, cul-de-sac st. Shows like a model! $339,900. 4 BR, 2.1 BA COL. GREENWOOD VILLAGE Nestled in Cuyahoga Valley Nat’l Park the Metroparks/towpath is in walking distance. Lge front porch, neutral décor & many updates. 2-story foyr/tile flr leads to FamRm w/wd or gas FP. MBR/walk-in & glamr BA w/ jetted tub + storage. 2449 SF includes fin’d bsmt/GrtRm ’09, custm wet bar, den, storage. Deck, privt lot adjacent to unbuildable green space. $239,900. Sagamore Voice, May 2011 School Board l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l s&AX WWWSCRIPTYPECOMsADS SC DISPLAY ADVERTISING PROOF SHE School Officials Maintain District Has Financial Credibility Proofs are furnished to you to check for typographical mistakes. Please circle and correc by Matt Leavitt March 21 board of education meeting At its March meeting, school officials made a final push regarding the efficiency of the district’s finances. According to School Board President Doug Masteller, one of the perceived misconceptions about the district’s finances is that the school district overspends on administrative costs. He said the district spends $1,100 per pupil on administrative expenses, which is below the state and Summit County average of $1,200 per pupil. Nordonia Schools Communication Director Patti Koslo also wanted to clear up some issues concerning Issue 5, the operating levy on the May 3 ballot. One of the community’s misconceptions is that the Issue 5 operating levy is the same as House Bill 5, which was recently debated6” and approved by Ohio legislators. Koslo said that Issue 5 is a local operating levy and Senate Bill 5 is a state legislative issue. The board encouraged voters to read the district profile report, which compares the expenditures of the 610 school districts in5” Ohio. Board members said the Nordonia district has the third lowest tax rate in Summit County. Board President Doug Masteller said, “If Fences of X X X & Namasté Yoga Studio Sagamore Hills 4” Beauty Lexington limited capacity even after italterations is sold. School theadditional May levy doesn’t it will affect An chargepass, of $30 may be the assessed for late or significant in desig officials are hopeful the purchaser of the district’s excellent with distinction rating.” Following is the adthe youdistrict have ordered to be placed in thekeep nextitissue land would greenof: space. Masteller also said is commitBoard Recognizes Athletes ted to bringing back bussing in some form Superintendent J. Wayne Independence Blankenship Tod if theBrecksville May 3 levyMagazine passes. BroadView Journal recognized the efforts of the boys’ bowling Lab and Workbook Fees team, which made the state tournament Board members approved specific course Richfield Times high school class Hinckley Bath Country andRecord finished 15th out more than 300 Jour fees for each individual bowling teams in Ohio. The board also recinstead of a standard $75 basic charge for ognized freshman diver Stephen Romanik each class. Assistant Superintendent Joe Supplement who finished in the top five at the state divClark said this policy change will reduce ing meet. Romanik was the first Nordonia fees for the majority of students. to stand onorthe podium the stateto: ads Boardsign member Kim and Sethna district Please this form faxsaid it back to us atdiver 330-659-9488 email youratapproval diving tournament. Senior Sean Tyrrell also officials the option of using Your ad are willexploring print as shown unless you contact us before deadline. competed at the state diving championmore online textbooks to save the district ships, finishing 23rd overall in the state. Semoney, but stated that students without nior wrestler Mark Gupko finished fourth online access would always would be able at the state wrestling championships in the to use traditional paper textbooks. Signature _________________________________________________________ Da 140-pound weight division. ∞ Fundraising Athletic Facility Board Member Greg Harris said fundraising efforts for the new athletic stadium have been ongoing but reported that fundraising efforts have been a challenge in the current economic climate. Harris also updated Warm, Welcoming Atmosphere the board on the sale of district’s Dunham Road property. Harris said school leaders are still talking to Sagamore Hills and the park system officials about purchasing the land. He is optimistic that the school district will still be able to use the land in a 3” 2.5” Quality 500 OFF $ on installations of 160 ft. or more of Bufftech Lexington Vinyl Fence & Alumi-Guard Decorative Aluminum Fences Not valid with any other offer, quote, or sales prior to 4/19/11. Expires 5/30/11. Vinyasa Flow Challenge Easy Does It All Levels Yoga Flow Yoga Basics Yin Yoga Restorative Yoga Yoga Nidra Sunday Salutations Teen Yoga Specialty Workshops 440-461-0456 Every Acme Fence is installed by our own experienced teams Cedar Fence Experts Sagamore Voice, May 2011 200 hr Yoga Alliance Teacher Training School since 2007 Gift Certificates Available! www.namasteyogastudio.net 7EST!URORA2D2Ts3AGAMORE(ILLS/( 330.908.0700 7 coming eventS l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l At the library May 21 duathlon & Pump n’ Run The annual Nordonia Hills Chamber of Commerce Duathlon & Pump N’ Run benefit will be Saturday, May 21, at Sagamore Hills Medical Center, 885 W. Aurora Rd. Day of event registration begins at 7:15 a.m. Online registration closes at 10 a.m., Thursday, May 19. All mailed entries must be received by Wednesday, May 18. Call Hermes Sports & Events at 216-6239933 or the Nordonia Hills Chamber at 330-467-8956 for details. May 4 Health Careers Expo Gem - O - Logical Thoughts..... by Josh Bookman $3,000 $6,000 Understanding Diamonds Two 1 carat round brilliant cut diamonds. They look identical. WHY does one cost twice as much as the other ?? Question: What do you do for a living? What ever that is, I think you would agree that you know a lot more than the average person about your field of expertise. If you are a lawyer do you think your client could read up and learn how to handle his case on his own and do as satisfactory a job as you could do for him? Obviously not!! If you are a roofer or a plumber would you recommend someone YouTube how to do it themselves? Obviously not!! You earn a living doing what you do because you bring VALUE to your clients. You save them money and deliver a good product. So too in the diamond business. It takes real expertise to know how to get the most value and the best deal when buying a diamond. Reading up on diamonds is a worthwhile exercise before you go shopping, but to determine which is the best diamond for your budget takes more than a quick study. The 4 C’s is just the beginning. At Bookman & Son we will take the time to educate you and walk you through a process that will bring you to a point that you will KNOW how to decide what is the best diamond for you (even it is not our diamond). Come to Bookman & Son and get a great diamond as well as the comfort of KNOWING you got the best deal. 8803 Brecksville Rd. Brecksville, OH 44141 440-546-9999 Mon - Thurs 10-7 Friday 10-6 & Sunday 10-4 www.bookmanandson.com 8 Cuyahoga Valley Career Center will host a Health Careers Expo on Wednesday, May 4, from 3:30 to 6 p.m., at the school, 8001 Brecksville Rd., Brecksville. Registration is required and can be done online at cvccworks.com. There will be presentations on how to begin or advance a career in healthcare and information about education programs and funding resources. Representatives from healthcare businesses and organizations interested in participating should call Nanci Coleman at 440-838-8851. May 7 Rabies Clinic The 2011 Rabies Vaccination Clinic for dogs and cats will be Saturday, May 7, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Sagamore Hills Park maintenance building, 11550 Valley View Rd. The Summit County Health District is sponsoring the clinic, which is for dogs and cats only. Veterinarians from Petguards will administer vaccines and other shots at minimal costs. Appointments are not necessary. For fees or information, call 330-926-5639. ∞ Attorney Margie Karl will present “What Lawyers, Bankers & Accountants Don’t Want You to Know,” an informative session on the ins and outs of estate planning, power of attorney, elder law and changes to the federal health law, on Monday, May 2 at 7 p.m. Registration is recommended. The Friends of the Library will have their annual Spring Book Sale on Saturday, May 14, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Members are invited to a preview sale on Friday, May 13, from 1 to 6 p.m. Memberships may be purchased at the door. The public event on Saturday includes a $3 bag sale at 2 p.m. Adult Programs Book Discussions: Monday, May 9, 2 p.m., Rainbow’s End, by Bob Adamov; Thursday, May 12, 2 p.m., The Best Of Times, by Penny Vincenzi; Wednesday, May 18, 7 p.m., A Darker Domain, by Val McDermid; Wednesday, May 25, 7 p.m. The Tower, The Zoo, and The Tortoise, by Julia Stuart. Nordonia Hills Scrapbookers: Saturday, May 7, 10 a.m.-4 p.m. Socrates Café: Wednesday, May 11, at 6:30 p.m. For patrons 16 and over. Stitch Clique: Tuesday, May 10, 6:30-8 p.m. Nordonia Hills Game Time: Saturday, May 21, 10 a.m.-5 p.m. The Nordonia Hills Branch Library is located at 9458 Olde Eight Rd., Northfield Center. Call 330-467-8595 or visit akron-library.org/nordoniahills. ∞ G N I B M U L P N O I ! CTTraining our 5th Generation 2 16 - 5 2 4 -1413 We are right in your neighborhood! SUPPORT YOUR LOCAL BUSINESS! 9760 Olde 8 Rd - Sagamore Hills My Boys Say This Month’s Special is: Free Sewer Camera Inspection *with any drain cleaning www.ActionPlumbingBoys.com Sagamore Voice, May 2011 Teen Cancer Survivor Continues to fight for Awareness by Judy Hein Terrigno From the moment he was told his diagnosis, Robert Purgert knew he was going to fight AML Leukemia. Presently a junior at St. Ignatius High School, Purgert was 14 years old when he learned he would have to battle the disease. “AML Leukemia is more common in adults. It is more aggressive and severe than ALL Leukemia, which is more common in kids,” explained Purgert, a thoughtful young man who has an infectious smile and calm demeanor. Before his diagnosis, he said there was only one sign that he was not well. “I was really tired for about two weeks, but we (his parents and himself ) thought it was adjusting to a new school, a busier schedule and cross-country track.” “I just couldn’t stay awake,” he said. “I’d be awake long enough to run track or do some homework then fall right to sleep. We tried vitamins and changes to my diet. The doctor, who knows our family well, suggested I go in for a mono test. What the doctor had not mentioned was that she requested additional blood tests to be run, which is how the disease was discovered. Like the other 22 survivors featured in John Voso Jr.’s book, Today’s Heroes, Surviving with Style, Purgert clearly remembers the date and details of the day he received the diagnosis. “I went to school, but half way through the day, I received a note from the office saying my parents were picking me up in 10 minutes. I remember thinking as I walked across the parking lot ‘my life is going to change,’” Purgert said. “When I got in the car my mom was crying and my dad was very quiet. It was a tense ride.” The Purgerts drove to the emergency room at Rainbow Babies and Children’s Hospital. More blood tests were done on the teen. “Our jaws hit the floor when we found out it was AML Leukemia. We all thought it would be ALL Leukemia which is more common (and less aggressive) in kids and has a better survival rate,” Purgert said. Thinking “Screw you, Cancer,” Purgert began his fight. Within three days of beginning treatment, St. Barnabas, the school he attended until eighth grade and his church, held a candlelight vigil, which was videotaped and shown to him Sagamore Voice, May 2011 S02 COLLECTION OF INSPIRATIONAL SURVIVOR STORIES TO BENEFIT FUND Cancer survivor Robert Purgert, left, shared his story with author John Voso Jr. Photo by J. Hein Terrigno in the hospital. Author John Voso, whose daughter was a classmate of Purgert’s at St. Barnabas, said, “There were over 500 people there. We know that because that’s how many tea lights they ordered and they ran out.” For Purgert, it was a wonderful show of support and huge motivator for him to get well. Purgert had five rounds of chemotherapy. He explained that each round continued on next page PITCH In-Use THe BIn Don’T TrasH reCyClaBles! Recycle Your Glass, Tin, Aluminum, Plastic (1-7), Mixed Paper, Newspapers & Magazines Open 24/7 Absolutely NO Garbage! NO appliances, electronics, tires, ammunitions, radioactive or medical waste. Sagamore Hills Township Recycling Drop-off Center 11551 Valley View Road Sagamore Hills, Ohio 44067-1099 (330) 467-0900 • Fax (330) 655-7899 This material is based upon work supported under a grant by The Summit/Akron Solid Waste Management Authority 9 Cancer Survivor continued takes a week to 12 days per bout. Because it wipes out the immune system, Purgert spent nearly six weeks in the hospital after each round. His cancer went into remission in November 2006, a month after being diagnosed. “It normally doesn’t happen so quickly,” he said. People cannot tell by his appearance There’s a huge difference in the kind of home care received from someone who really understands life as a senior, and the need for independence. Our family of loving, caring, and compassionate service providers consists of seniors who can provide you or your loved ones with nonmedical in-home services. This includes services in your current place of residence, such as independent living facilities and nursing homes. 330.963.0025 www.seniorshelpingseniors.com Commercial & Residential Window Cleaning • Inside/Outside • Screens • Chandeliers 10 • Ceiling Fans • Gutter Cleaning • Pressure Washing Decks, Siding that he is a cancer survivor. He does wear a band bracelet with “Attitude is Everything” engraved on it, a motto he believes in strongly. He credits his parents, Ray and Jill Purgert, his siblings, Jillian, 22, and twins, Jacklyn and Raymond, 20, his faith in God, and the support of St. Barnabas and St. Ignatius parishioners and friends for getting him through the illness. “I didn’t like people telling me what I could and couldn’t do (for example, stop going to school). The school was shocked that I chose to stay in school,” Purgert said. “It was the best choice I made. It gave me something to do; kept me motivated. Otherwise I would have been sleeping more.” Purgert credits great teachers and tutors for his academic success while going through chemotherapy. “The teachers videotaped their lectures for me.” Purgert said. “Through the videotapes and the tutors, I was able to keep up.” On Oct. 2, 2007, one year after the diagnosis date, he ran in a cross-country meet. “It was real cool. People said I shouldn’t do it, but I didn’t listen. It was great to be there,” he said. On April 22, 2009, he finished his treatment and was home for good on May 25. “When I drove up the driveway, there was a surprise party for me. People lined the driveway,” he said. Proving that attitude is everything, Purgert said, “The experience was a blessing. It was a learning experience that shaped me into a leader. God has big plans for me – that is abundantly clear – and I need to do my best with those plans.” One way Purgert leads is through The Blood Club, which encourages students to donate blood. Another way is through the promotion of DNA swabs for finding bone marrow transplants. Even with two parents and three siblings, Purgert did not have a match in his family. On behalf of Purgert, more than 2,500 people at his school and parishes had their cheeks swabbed. While he did not need to use it, a match was found for him through the effort. “There is a rumor that it is very painful for the bone marrow donator. It may have been that way at one time, but now it is done on an IV basis,” Purgert explained. “We worry that the rumor stops people from donating.” The survivor hopes to stop the rumor and spread the correct information to help other patients. ∞ Sagamore Voice, May 2011 The Grapevine by Martha Seminsky Our neighbors are welcoming spring with family gatherings. Greg and Sandy Savol and their children, Krista, Brittany and Nicholas, will be among a group of 22 people celebrating Easter at a brunch hosted by Sandy’s sister, Scherry Klink. Greg and Sandy also are celebrating their 21st wedding anniversary. Congratulations! Some holiday traditions change over time, as is the case in the Theilman household. According to Karen Theilman, “My husband, Cliff, and I would have Easter egg hunts for the children when they were young. We filled the plastic eggs with money and hid them around the yard, weather permitting. If the weather was not good, we hid them in the house. But now, since the children have grown up, we no longer follow that custom.” Congratulations to Sagamore resident Laura Rusick, who received an award from the Council of Smaller Enterprises. Presented at the annual COSE conference, the award recognized Laura and her business, OPT Solutions Inc., for innovation, growth, value to the community environment, diversity and customer service. With a bachelor’s degree in computer science from Cleveland State University and a master’s from Case Western Reserve University, Laura has 25 years experience in the information technology industry. She is a member of the Northeast Ohio Chapter of the Society for Information Management board and Kent State University’s Center of Entrepreneurship advisory board and also leads the Technology Task Force for the Cuyahoga Valley National Park Association. Laura has been a guest lecturer at Cuyahoga Valley Career Center where she has spoken about careers in information technology. Recent Kent State University graduates include residents Eric Broda, with a Bachelor of General Studies degree; Stephanie Dasher who received an Associate of Applied Science degree from the College of Arts and Sciences; Mychael Lingo who graduated cum laude with a Bachelor of Science degree from the ColSagamore Voice, May 2011 lege of Education, Health and Human Services; and Anjula Lucas who received a Bachelor of Science degree from the College of Arts. Sagamore Hills residents continue to make the grade when it comes to academic achievements. These students earned dean’s list honors for the 2010 fall semester at the universities they attend. Kent State University: Brian Bauman, Ashley Berdini, Anna Coffman, Alyssa Colombo, Alannah Criss, Heather Holt, Allison Hudec, Anjula Lucas, Courtney Miller, Erin Miller, Hilary Miller, Jennifer Mitchkash, Shelby Muter, Cody Pratt, Andrew Rasner, Leanna Robertson, Michael Tomaro, Jessica Young, Ashley Zaccardelli and Nicole Zaccardelli; Ohio University: Marissa Dick, Eric Hartman, John Lippitt and Mary Siegel; University of Dayton: Heather Armstrong, Lauren Charbonneau, Michael Lukco, Brian McMasters and Pamela Miko; and University of Cincinnati: Kate Garth, Vincent Notaro and Nicholas Wiemer: and University of Toledo: Kimberly Augustyn, Natalia Hutnyan, Melinda Knotts, Matthew Kwiecien, Sarah McMasters and Anthony Roberto. Stephen Hostelley, a freshman majoring in political science at Miami University, was selected to attend the Inter-University Council of Ohio Higher Education Day at the Ohio Statehouse. Stephen is a member of Miami University’s Government Relations Network, which explores careers in government through community and student activities, workshops and conferences at the state and federal levels. At the statehouse, Stephen participated in conversations and office visits with elected officials and a luncheon with members of the general assembly. During spring break, Christine Bocci, the daughter of Marsha and James Kulhanek, toured Washington, D.C., with the Nordonia High School Band. continued on next page 11 grapevine l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Grapevine continued Christine, a percussionist, and the other band members performed a concert in front of the Lincoln Memorial and visited several points of interest, including the Smithsonian Museum. En route to Washington, the band members also stopped in Gettysburg, Pa. It was good to see Jan Ebel back at the Ladies of the Villas monthly luncheon. While visiting her daughter, Mary decherd, in Denver, Colo., Jan fell and fractured her pelvis in three places. She is home again and well on her way to recovery. Sheila Reynolds also is up CUSTOM DECKS By KLASSIC •Family owned & operated company •Specializing in custom built decks & gazebos •Custom designed to suit every style of home •Hand crafted with attention to finish detail Wood or Vinyl Gazebos Skirted Decks Elevated Decks Low Maintenance Decks 330.468.3476 www.KlassicDecks.com 12 Free In-Home Estimates Licensed • Bonded • Insured and around again after ailing during the winter. Condolences go out to the family of Carol Mikolay, who recently passed away. She is survived by her husband, fred, and four children, linda Strong (husband Jim), Marylynn Seger (husband doug), debra Roman (husband John) and frank J. Six grandchildren and four great-grandchildren also survive her. Carol was retired from the Summit County title bureau, where she served as a supervisor. Army veteran donald Mandot recently passed away. Sympathy is sent to his wife, Josephine, and children, donald (wife Sharon), Kim Stowers (husband bill) and vince. Donald was the grandfather of three and great-grandfather of two children. Condolences go out to the family of Mary borsellino. Her husband, Joseph, preceded her in death. Surviving are her children, Sharon baudo (husband Phillip), Joseph (wife Shay), Kathleen lester (husband dennis), Joan O’ Sullivan (husband Craig), Patricia Galeti (husband Russ), Mary Jo Petris (husband bill) and nancy Muscatello (husband bill). Mary had 21 grandchildren and nine great-grandchildren. She was the sister of Michael (deceased), Patricia, Kathleen, Annamae, Eileen and donna. Sagamore resident Karen Zelina, a product manager for American Greetings, and Joel Hageman invented a new gift wrap package that received a patent in February. The decorative box they developed is closed at one end, and the open end allows for easy insertion of the gift. Once that end is closed, you add a bow, and the package looks as if a professional wrapped it. Fancy wrapped packages are in order for several of our Sagamore Hills neighbors. Happy belated birthday to Rich bialkowski, who celebrated his 70th on April 16. On May 5, lorraine Abdelmajek will be 80 years old. Thelma Thomas celebrates her 89th on May 9, and Jackie foley turns 85 on May 23. Marion baab will be 80 on May 30. If you have any news you would like to share with our Sagamore neighbors, please contact me at mseminsky@scriptype.com or Grapevine, Sagamore Voice, 4300 W. Streetsboro Rd., Richfield, OH, 44286. ∞ Sagamore Voice, May 2011 People l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Former School Board Member Helps Average Guy Understand Einstein by Cheryl D’Mello While a teen, Albert Einstein’s Theory of Relativity fascinated former Nordonia Hills School Board member Robert Rightmire, but he had trouble understanding the mathematics involved. Rightmire grew up in the Nordonia Hills area, graduM06, S50 Einated from high stein Made school in 1949, Easy went on to college Robert Rightmire’s and began working new book explains for Standard Oil. Einstein’s Theory of Never, though, did Relativity in simple he lose the desire language. to learn the mathematics of Einstein’s theory. So, when he retired in 1985, he set a goal to do just that. “I spent 10 years learning it,” he said. Sagamore Voice, May 2011 And in the process, he kept extensive notes, which he recently published as The Fascinating Universe of Einstein’s Special Relativity with Easy to Learn Mathematics. Within the 57 pages of his book, Rightmire uses simple mathematics and everyday language to make Einstein’s concepts understandable to high school students and college freshmen. Rightmire said it took him about a year to put the book together. “I would wake up in the middle of the night with some new thoughts for the book. Writing it was a lot of hard work.” He said getting it published was somewhat easier when he found the Strategic Book Group and partnered with them. continued on next page Energy Tax Credit Still Available on New Windows & Doors! 13 People l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l l Former School continued Relief from “Allergy Eyes” You know the signs all too well-spring is in the air and is coming in direct contact with your eyes. If you suffer from itchy, burning eyes a number of over the counter and new prescription medications are available to provide relief. Allergies are triggered by pollens from grass, trees, as well as from dust and animal hair. The problem starts when your body’s immune system mistakes these substances for unwanted foreign bodies. When the immune system overreacts, it causes an allergic reaction to protect your eyes from potential injury. If you can pinpoint the cause of the allergy and avoid exposure that will help relieve your eyes the most. Unfortunately, this is not always possible. Depending on your discomfort level, your eye doctor can suggest over the counter eye drops or prescribe medications such as antihistamines, steroidal or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agents, or another class called “mast cell stabilizers”. In this part of the country, most people start noticing problems in March and April. Many people see their primary care physician or allergist for prescription oral medications, but these drugs can cause drowsiness or cause you to suffer from dry eyes. Dry eyes can pose problems for anyone, but particularly for contact lens wearers. Fortunately, you don’t have to stop wearing your contact lenses during allergy season- there are contacts that are helpful for moisturizing the eyes and allergy eye drops can be used with them to manage the itchy, burning sensation. Call Stage House Vision Center today for help with all of your eye health needs! Dr. Alicia G. Manenti, O.D. Dr. Joseph A. Ravagnani, O.D. 8879 Brecksville Road 440-526-3920 www.stagehousevision.com 14 As a Hiram College student, Rightmire majored in math, physics and chemistry and then earned his master’s and doctorate degrees in physical chemistry at Carnegie Mellon University in Pittsburgh. Rightmire was director of corporate research at Standard Oil’s Warrensville Heights lab, and his work involved projects ranging from solar energy to genetically engineered plants. Rightmire said his most significant work was a supercapacitor, which is now being considered for use in electric cars and hybrid vehicles. Rightmire’s job involved translating highly technical details from scientists into language company management could understand. He gave internal lectures on electrochemistry at SOHIO and after retiring, was an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University. He served on the Nordonia Hills School Board from 1962 to 1974. Married for 52 years, Robert and Sandra have four daughters – Debra, Jill, Patricia The and Stacy – all Nordonia High School graduates. The Rightmires also have 10 grandchildren, ranging in age from two to 25, including eight NHS graduates. They live in Brecksville part of the year and spend winters in Sanibel, Florida. Although Sandra has not read her husband’s new book, “She gets turned off by the first equation,” Rightmire said, she has been very supportive of all of his efforts. His grandchildren, however, have given him plenty of feedback. “They are my best critics,” he said. When not gazing at the Gulf of Mexico through the window of his Florida home, Rightmire is working on his second book. It is about how to simply understand quantum mechanics. Not exactly a walk on the beach. ∞ The Sagamore Voice is happy to print wedding notices or engagement announcements (just one please), for residents of the community. To have the photo returned, please a a stamped, self-addressed envelope. What is the best way to target NEW local customers? SagamoreVoice •Mailed every month to 5,300 homes and businesses in Sagamore Hills •Magazine format keeps your ad in home for weeks, months or even years •72% of households have readers who purchase from The Sagamore Voice ads* •Free Ad design and consultation 330.659.0303 Sagamore Voice, May 2011 Police Beat Cars vandalized by Pat Salemi March 29 – Police received calls from two different residents who reported that someone smashed their vehicle windows. A Glencrest Road resident said his windshield and driver’s side window were shattered. A McNeil Drive resident reported his windshield was smashed. Both cars were parked in driveways. March 26 – A Springwood Drive resident reported that someone stole the license plate from a trailer parked on the property. March 26 – Police arrested a 40-year-old father for domestic violence. According to the police report, the man got into a fight with his two children over use of the Internet and a cell phone when the argument became physical. March 22 – An Eaton Ridge Drive man reported someone has been using FERFOLIA FUNERAL HOMES Donald L Ferfolia Donald B Ferfolia Mary Ferfolia Lansky Donald B Ferfolia, Jr John T Dempsey Michael J Sherwood Walter J Bednarz Douglas A Gretta Kelly Lynn Lanckiewicz his identity to open accounts. March 20 – Police charged an Eaton Ridge Drive man, 23, with possession of a hallucinogenic drug. March 20 – A Canyonview Road woman filed a harassment report after telling police she has been receiving unwanted phone calls. March 19 – A Canyonview Road woman filed a theft report with police and said an ex-friend stole $640 worth of computer equipment from her residence and threatened to kill her. March 17 – A 43-year-old W. Aurora Road woman was arrested for domestic violence. Her son was cited for underage drinking. March 14 – A Smithfield Drive resident reported someone broke into his car and stole about $175 worth of property. March 10 – Someone used a check from a closed PNC bank account to pay for work done by a N. Boyden Road man. March 5 – A Troika Circle resident was expecting a mail order prescription to be delivered, but the empty medicine bottle was found in his neighbor’s mailbox. March 5 – Someone removed mail from several Eaton Drive mailboxes and threw it along the road. Several mailboxes were damaged. March 3 – A Cedar Grove Circle resident reported that someone broke into the home and stole $6,000 cash. ∞ Jump Into Spring With Both Feet with help from Thomas W. Inwood D.P.M. PHYSICIAN AND SURGEON OF THE FOOT • Laser treatment • Bunions • Hammertoes • Diabetic Care • Sport Injuries • Fungal Nails • Fractures • Heel Pain • Orthopedics • Warts PAD Testing Available Welcoming Dr. Turlick’s Patients 367 W. Aurora Rd., Sagamore Hills 44067 330-468-3338 7DNHD9DFDWLRQIURP&OHDQLQJWKLV6XPPHU dŚĞůĞĂŶŝŶŐƵƚŚŽƌŝƚLJŝƐƉƌŽƵĚƚŽŽīĞƌĂŚŝŐŚƋƵĂůŝƚLJĐůĞĂŶ ĂƚĂŶĂīŽƌĚĂďůĞƉƌŝĐĞ͘/ƚ͛ƐƟŵĞ͊ĂůůƵƐƚŽĚĂLJƚŽĞdžƉĞƌŝĞŶĐĞ dŚĞůĞĂŶŝŶŐƵƚŚŽƌŝƚLJĚŝīĞƌĞŶĐĞ͘ 356 West Aurora Road Ohio Route 82 Sagamore Hills, Ohio (330) 467-4500 5386 Lee Road Near Broadway Avenue Maple Heights, Ohio (216) 663-4222 Complete Prearrangement Services Bereavement Programs Luncheon Facilities Floral and Monument Sales tĞ͛ƌĞƌĞůŝĂďůĞ͕ƚŚŽƌŽƵŐŚΘĂīŽƌĚĂďůĞ͘ tĞ͛ƌĞůŽĐĂůůLJŽǁŶĞĚΘŽƉĞƌĂƚĞĚ͘ ǁĂƌĚĞĚŶŐŝĞ͛Ɛ>ŝƐƚ͟͞ZĂƟŶŐĨƌŽŵϮϬϬϴͲϮϬϭϬ͘ tĞ͛ƌĞĐŽŵŵŝƩĞĚƚŽƵƐŝŶŐ'ƌĞĞŶ^ĞĂůĞƌƟĮĞĚΠĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐ ƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐƚŚƌŽƵŐŚŽƵƚLJŽƵƌŚŽŵĞ͘Ύ ^ĐŚĞĚƵůĞzŽƵƌ^ƉƌŝŶŐůĞĂŶŝŶŐdŽĚĂLJ͊ ϰϰϬͲϴϳϳͲϵϴϬϴ ƌŽĂĚǀŝĞǁ,ĞŝŐŚƚƐ͘dŚĞůĞĂŶŝŶŐƵƚŚŽƌŝƚLJ͘ĐŽŵ ΎǀĂŝůĂďůĞĂƚƚŚĞƌŽĂĚǀŝĞǁ,ĞŝŐŚƚƐ͕K,ŽĨĨŝĐĞŽĨdŚĞůĞĂŶŝŶŐƵƚŚŽƌŝƚLJ͘EŽƚĂůůĨƌĂŶĐŚŝƐĞĚůŽĐĂƚŝŽŶƐǁŝůůƵƐĞ'ƌĞĞŶ^ĞĂůĞƌƚŝĨŝĞĚΠŽƌWͲ ƌĞŐŝƐƚĞƌĞĚĐůĞĂŶŝŶŐƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐ͘ŽŶƚĂĐƚLJŽƵƌůŽĐĂůĨƌĂŶĐŚŝƐĞĚŽĨĨŝĐĞƚŽĚĞƚĞƌŵŝŶĞǁŚĂƚƚLJƉĞƐŽĨƉƌŽĚƵĐƚƐĂŶĚƐĞƌǀŝĐĞƐĂƌĞŽĨĨĞƌĞĚŝŶLJŽƵƌĂƌĞĂ͘ Sagamore Voice, May 2011 15 Country Bargains are $5 Country Bargains Country Bargains are $5 Country Bargain ads are $5 and will be printed in the Sagamore Voice and ScripType magazines of Brecksville, Independence, Richfield, Bath, Hudson, Hinckley and Broadview Hts. for a total circulation of 49,600. Listings are limited to 20 words and residents, not businesses or paid services. We must receive these by the 5th of the month. Please mail to: Country Bargains, c/o ScripType Publishing, 4300 Streetsboro Rd., Richfield 44286. For Sale: Men's dress shoes. Johnston & Murphey, 10-1/2C lace, calfskin, Aristocrat Cordovan, never worn, $100; 2 pair black captoe, $75, 440-4768618. For Sale: Matching blue couch & loveseat, $450 OBO; glass kitchen table with 4 chairs, $250, 440-289-4582. For Sale: Farm mini-bike, 5 hp, one year old, like new, $250, 330-659-2221. For Sale: '09 Jeep Wrangler, auto, AC, CD, P.S., P.B., soft top, 8K miles, no winters or off-road, like new, $21,500, 330-659-3092. Wanted: old firearms, swords & knives, military items. Call Don 330-836-6855. For Sale: double-bowl S.S. sink w/faucet, $150; bar sink, S.S., w/faucet, $75; gas stove top w/4 burners, $500; 2 mirrors, $25/$50, 440-8770807. For Sale: beautiful dark cherry rolltop desk in excellent condition, 5 drawers including 2 file drawers, $400, call 440-526-1924. For Sale: Treadmill – NordicTrack Walkfit w/workout computer & pulse sensor, not motorized, $185, 330-405-7972. For Sale: bedroom dresser w/mirror, high chest, night stand, $300; corner TV stand, new in box, $75; attic staircase, $50, 440-746-9033. For Sale: Longaberger baskets: Easter, Christmas, fall, patriotic and lots of everyday baskets, call to see, 216-744-3112. For Sale: round maple dinette w/4 chairs & leaf, circular saw, saber saw, router w/bench, 440838-8761. For Sale: shed antler coffee table made from 16 naturally shed mule deer horns with 3/8" 30"x50" glass top, asking $400, 330-659-9229. For Sale: shed horn chandelier, 24"x15" w/5 lights and 6' of chain, asking $250, will sell w/coffee table for $575/both, 330-659-9229. For Sale: Mr. Heater (double) model MH 24T Propane tank top radiant heater, new in box, asking $50, 330-659-9229. For Sale: Kimball Console Piano, $600, 330-2782481, Hinckley. For Sale: barely used red hats, some jewelry & misc. make offer, 440-526-3491. For Sale: Craftsman 5 horsepower wood mulching and bagging chipper-shredder, $175, 440237-7993. For Sale: 23" girls bike, $30; teen queen-size bedspread, sheets, rugs - blue/green polka dot, $125; best offers on all, 440-546-7665. For Sale: 28-gallon fish tank, pump, attachments, black cupboard, $250; "King" trombone & case, $450; best offers on all, 440-546-7665. For Sale: Octogenarian must dispose of potted plants. Avocado, figs, catus, houseplants, grapes, garlic. Make offers. Riverview Road. 440-5267149. Wanted: gun collector wants to buy hand guns, rifles and shot guns. All brands any condition. Please call Woody, 330-819-3274. Wanted: Toy trains, model railroad enthusiast interested in purchasing trains for collection, call 330-310-1016. Real Estate & Employment All God’s Children Preschool 9201 Brecksville Road • Brecksville, OH 44141 Open enrollment is taking place now! Please contact Sally Kelley - Administrator for a personal tour of our School. 440-526-3800 or Preschool@crlcbrecksville.org Landscape Help Wanted: Full- or parttime, experience preferred, must have transportation. A full-service landscape company. 330-659-3396. For Rent: 860 sq. ft. office with adjacent workroom space. Quiet setting on Rt. 303 in Richfield. Within 2 miles of I-77, I-271 & I-80. Call 330-659-0303 to see. Writers for Sagamore Voice. Looking for free lance writers who have a good knowledge and familiarity with the Sagamore Hills community. Good grammar skills essential. E-mail resume and sample of writing to: resume@ scriptype.com. Unclassified ads must be prepaid. They should be received by the 5th of the month at the Sagamore Voice, 4300 Streetsboro Rd., Richfield, OH 44286. Include 50¢ per word. Organizations: We are happy to print your articles. We ask only that they be typed, with a limit of 250 words, and submitted by the 5th of each month. They may be e-mailed to news@scriptype. com or mailed to our office. 16 Sagamore Voice, May 2011 SERVICE DIRECTORY asphalt paving mid Ohio asphalt & concrete Free Estimates. Reasonable Prices Seal Coating, Driveways, Parking Lots Patching & Concrete. Licensed-BondedInsured 330-467-1378 or 330-963-4165 Buckeye Surface Maintenance Asphalt, seal coating, crack filling, line striping. Parking lots/driveways. Licensed, Bonded, Insured. Angie's List. Free estimate 216-328-1322 Concrete Work Wave Concrete and Water Proofing Colored/Stamped Concrete, Driveways, Patios, Walks, Basement Waterproofing, Repair, Downspouts & Drain tile. Call for a Free Estimate. 216-376-3700 Cutting Edge Decorative Concrete Concrete leveling and repair, resealing, crack filling, staining, decorative overlays & garage coatings. All new driveways, patios & ICF foundations. Licensed & bonded. 330-659-6686 Carmen & Sons Concrete Driveways, patios, colored/stamped concrete and commercial work. BBB and Angie's List member. Licensed/bonded. Veteran owned. www.carmenandsons.com 440-838-0463 Call 330-659-0303 to place a listing repair. Wall coverings. 2-story foyers. Power washing. 32 yrs. exp. Handyman repairs. Insured. Sr. discounts. 440-877-1009 PLUMBING BARTU PLUMBING Repairs, Remodeling, Drain Cleaning, Hot Water Tanks. Residential/Commercial. Licensed and Insured, OH Lic. #19447. 330-659-3678 or 440-669-3197 Printing/graphic design ScripType Publishing One stop shop for all of your publishing and printing needs: brochures, directories, flyers, magazines, newspapers, post cards, presentation folders, programs, reports, addressing etc. 330-659-0303 Brecksville Plumbing - 8584 Riverview Master plumbers since 1942. We can fix any plumbing or drain problem. Senior 10% discount. Support your local business. Call Jim 440-526-7039 Pressure Washing Perfect Power Wash Exterior Home Washing Specialist. Restoring siding, concrete, decks & windows. Low pressure roof cleaning. Free estimate. Insured. 330697-0131 www.perfectpowerwash.net Remodeling Cornwell Remodeling Kitchens, baths, basements, doors, windows, drywall repairs, bookcases, fireplace mantles, etc. 20 years experience. Bonded & Insured. Mike 330-819-4942. decks and patios Custom Decks By Klassic 330-468-3476 Wood or low maintenance materials available. Free in-home estimates. Attention to finished details. Licensed, bonded, insured. BBB members. Visit us online www.klassicdecks.com Electrical Tim's Custom Electric Company Residential & light commercial Remodeling, basements, generators, panel upgrades, landscape lighting. Richfield resident, Lic. #37393, 440-785-0862 Roofing M.R. Plank Roofing Family owned & operated. Licensed, Bonded & Insured. Financing available. 330-929-1785 or 1-800-457-8209 swimming Pools Moonlight Pools Pool openings and closings. Full Service Underground leaks and repairs. Fiberglassing and liner replacement. 330-278-2685 www.moonlightpools.net Waterproofing Sun River Exteriors Basement waterproofing, foundation repairs, excavating. Sanitary & storm sewers repair or replacement. Sewer camera inspections. Concrete & paver work. Jack, 440-341-2845 All Ohio Excavating Certified basement waterproofing & structural repairs. Concrete driveways & patios. Apoxy floor coatings in basements & garages. Lic., bonded, insured. 330-659-3971. Free Estimates. Prevent wet basements by being pro-active and save 10% off. Sump pumps cleaned and checked. back up sump pumps installed. water alarms installed. Sewers snaked, jetted and video camera for peace of mind. Catch basins cleaned. %X\Z1R 9(6$ Up To w/coupon. Expires 5/31/11 2) For All Your Plumbing Needs, Expect The Best. OH License # 13728 Heating and Cooling CERTIFIED HEATING & AIR 440-546-1139 Service & Installation - Freon Recovery 10% Senior Discount - 24 Hour Service Landscaping Wave Landscape Development Co. Complete Landscape construction, installation & maintenance services. Over 20 yrs. exp. Call for free estimate – 216-376-3700 Lawn Maintenance Complete Lawn & Yard Service LLC Landscape maintenance, mowing, mulching, shrub trimming & pruning, clean-ups, aeration, installations, hauling. Fully Insured. Call 216-581-9103, completelawn21@aol.com HGSOXPELQJFRYDU Z &OSJDIZPVSMJGF -JWFUIFXBZZPV XBOUUPMJWF &OKPZ0OF.POUI Masonry Mike Adams Masonry Steps, chimneys, room additions, concrete work. All types of repairs. Over 40 years of experience. Bonded & Insured. Free estimates. 330-468-3535. '3&&3&/5 "U$IJQQFXB1MBDFXFSFEFEJDBUFE UPFYDFMMFODFJOSFUJSFNFOUMJWJOH Filippelli Masonry Brick - Stone - Block - Cultured Stone New and old construction and restoration. Specializing in step and chimney repair and tuck pointing. 216-408-2268 $PNNVOJUZ'FBUVSFT t"GGPSEBCMFNPOUIMZSFOUXJUIVUJMJUJFT t4QBDJPVTBOE#FESPPN4VJUFT t'VMM4FSWJDF%JOJOH t)PVTFLFFQJOH4FSWJDFT t5SBOTQPSUBUJPOUP"SFB4IPQQJOH PAINTING/STAINING/Wallpapering CERTAPRO PAINTERS Residential, Commercial, Interior, Exterior. Paint, Stain, Faux. Wallpaper & Removal. Winter discount - 15% off labor. Free Written Estimates. Bonded & Insured. 440-746-0000 The Sagamore Voice, May 2011 1SFTFOUUIJTBEUPSFDFJWFPOFNPOUIGSFFSFOUPOBOZOFXSFOUBM 5IJTBEIBTOPDBTIWBMVF4FSWJDFQBDLBHFOPUJODMVEFE $)*11&8"1-"$&*/%&1&/%&/54&/*03-*7*/( %3 Showcase Painting & Decorating Inc. Painting & staining. Water damage & drywall t)PVS&NFSHFODZ0O$BMM4UBGG t1FSTPOBMJ[FEBUIPNF.FEJDBSFDPWFSFE IFBMUIDBSFTFSWJDFTUISPVHIPVSIFBMUIDBSF QBSUOFS*/5&3*.)&"-5)$"3&Ñ 4UBEJVN%SJWF#SFDLTWJMMF0) 'PS.PSF*OGPSNBUJPOPSUP4DIFEVMFB5PVS$BMM 4300 Streetsboro Rd. Richfield, Ohio 44286 Advanced Eye Care Centers of Cleveland 216-520-2045 PRSRT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID Richfield, Ohio 44286 Permit No. 26 not yet begun producing melanin. Melanin production occurs during the child’s first year, and most color changes happen by the time the child is a year old, but changes can occur in a child as old as three years. Eye color changes can also occur due to puberty, pregnancy, or as a result of injury or the use of certain drugs. Most people know eye color is a result of genes inherited from one’s parents. There are three known eye-color genes responsible for the typical brown-greenblue eye colors. Each gene also Dr. Carl Asseff stands next to a portrait given to comes with a pair of alleles, or him by one of his grateful patients. –Photo by E. Henry “flavors.” For instance, the bey2 gene, which controls for brown eyes, comes in “brown-brown,” Mysteries of Eye Color “brown-blue,” and “blue-blue” flavors. Of Amy Asseff, Advanced Eye Care Centers these, the “brown-brown” and “brown-blue” of Cleveland, Inc. flavors will produce brown eyes, and only the With the passing of Elizabeth Taylor on “blue-blue” will produce blue eyes, as brown March 23rd, journalists devoted much dis- is dominant over blue. The gey gene, which cussion to her remarkable eyes, often de- controls for green eyes, comes in “greenscribed as violet in color. Elizabeth Taylor’s green,” “green-blue” and “blue-blue” flavors. unusual eye color became a kind of trade- Green also dominates over blue, but is remark of hers: her first perfume, Passion, was cessive to brown. There is also a third gene, packaged and marketed in shades of purple bey1, which is the central brown eye gene and violet, and her most recent perfume, re- and produces only brown eyes. leased last spring, was named Violet Eyes. As blue is the most recessive of the colDid Elizabeth Taylor really have violet ors, it’s often thought that two brown-eyed eyes? Probably not. True violet eyes are only parents will not produce a blue-eyed child. found in albinos, and only appear violet be- However, depending on the exact genetic cause an albino’s lack of melanin causes the makeup of each parent, if each of them carredness of the underlying blood vessels to ries a blue-blue gene that they then donate to show through and blend with the blue ap- their child, they could produce a blue-eyed pearance of the albino’s eyes. The blending child. Although blue eyes are recessive, they of the red and blue colors gives the effect of are found in populations all over the world, violet eyes. including Africans and Asians. In fact, all An eye that is completely free of melanin humans once had brown eyes, and scientists will appear blue, but even blue-eyed people recently traced all blue-eyed people back to who are not albinos have some melanin lin- one common genetic ancestor, whose genetic ing the back of their irises to prevent light mutation was passed on through history. from scattering around inside the eyes, givThere are other controlling factors that ing the eye some opacity and preventing scientists have not yet discovered to explain blood vessels from showing through. the many shades of eye color. Grey, amber, It’s often said that all babies are born with hazel, and yes, violet eyes are not underblue eyes. This is because when babies are stood. Eye color comes from combinations of born their melanocytes, cells found in the black and yellow pigments in melanin, and iris, skin and hair follicles that are respon- different combinations of the two shades can sible for producing melanin and color, have create different effects in the color of the eye. Sometimes eyes can have multiple colors. This is known as heterochromia. Complete heterochromia occurs when each eye is a fully different color, and partial heterochromia occurs when one eye is two different colors as a result of uneven melanin distribution. The actress Jane Seymour has complete heterochromia, as does Detroit Tigers’ pitcher Max Scherzer. Additionally, changes in hormones can turn eye color genes on or off, which can explain why some people’s eye colors may change with age, pregnancy or puberty, or the use of certain drugs. Finally, certain diseases can cause changes in eye color. So what about Liz Taylor? Her eyes were an unusual, incredible shade of violet, according to many accounts. This would have resulted from the still unknown workings of the genes that control eye color. Some say her eyes were actually a rare shade of blue that occasionally appeared violet depending on the light. Additionally, not only did Liz have unusual eye color, but she also had a genetic mutation that resulted in her having a double row of eyelashes, known as distichiasis. On the set of Lassie Come Home, made when Liz was 11, the crew mistook Liz’s thick eyelashes as eye makeup, which they unsuccessfully attempted to remove. As her co-star Roddy McDowall later recalled, “They learned she had no mascara on. She has a double set of eyelashes. Now, who has double eyelashes except a girl who was absolutely born to be on the big screen?” Advanced Eye Care Centers of Cleveland 6595 Brecksville Road • Independence • 216-520-2045