Spotlight on - Solon Chamber of Commerce

cjn.org
july 24, 2015 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS
27
Spotlight on
Solon
A Cleveland Jewish News
Special Section
CJN / LILLIAN MESSNER
•
28
cjn.org
CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | july 24, 2015
Spotlight on Solon
From tiny village, Solon becomes a mecca for Jews
JONAH ROSENBLUM | staff correspondent
[email protected]
Early Solon didn’t seem likely
to become a Northeast Ohio Jewish
hotspot.
In fact, early Solon didn’t seem likely
to draw anyone, resembling a bog more
than a suburban paradise.
“One of the main reasons for the lack
of other settlers was that so much of
the township was either under water, a
swamp, or a bog – what today is termed
wetlands,” according to the Solon
Historical Society’s “Pictorial History
of Solon, Ohio: 1820-1991.”
Historian Nelson P. Bard’s story,
as told in “Pioneers with Web Feet,”
of an early settler’s encounter with a
lost stranger reveals much about early
Solon.
“See here, stranger,” the stranger
told the settler. “I wish you would tell
me which way I ought to go to get out of
this infernal town.”
Wetness heavily influenced Solon’s
early development. The center of
the town was long ignored. The
Presbyterian Church, organized in 1834,
had to be built on pilings four or five
feet above the ground, which reportedly
led to cows sneaking under the building
and interrupting services with their
bellowing.
Somehow from that unlikely start,
Solon etched out a name as one of
Cuyahoga County’s most prosperous
cities.
The city – unlike the county – has
entered into a state of constant growth.
At times, the growth has been rapid,
with Solon’s population more than
doubling in the 1950s. Solon’s businesses
draw an even larger crowd – 38,050
daily, according to the Solon planning
department. Its schools topped the Ohio
Department of Education’s 2014 ValueAdded rankings.
This marked quite the departure
for a sedate village that maintained
fewer than 1,000 residents in 1920. Solon
had long served as a “rural farming
community,” growing wheat, oats,
potatoes and grapes, according to the
city’s master plan. Maple syrup was also
gathered in Solon, as were black salts,
used to make soap.
Despite obstacles, Solon discovered a
certain industriousness that propelled
it forward, according to early settler
Leander Chamberlain in Bard’s history:
“Solon has always paid more heed to
manufacturing, farming and commerce,
while Chagrin Falls has always been
more anxious to promote fairs, circuses,
carnivals and medicine shows.”
Or as Lorenzo Solon Bull, for whom
the town was named, wrote, according
to the “Pictorial History of Solon, Ohio:
1820-1991”:
“All we had was our Lord’s good
health and a disposition to work which
made our wilderness of Solon Bloom
and Blossom like the rose.”
Industry
combined
with
luck
when the Cleveland and Mahoning
railroad line, connecting Cleveland to
Youngstown, cut through Solon in 1857.
The line “encouraged new industries,”
according to the Solon Historical
Society, even as it put a premature end
to the community’s cheese factories,
with milk shipped to Cleveland instead.
By 1878, Main Street, now Bainbridge
Road, featured four general stores, one
drugstore, one tin shop, one hotel, two
blacksmith shops, one shop, one steam
sawmill, five cheese factories, three
churches and a red brick schoolhouse.
Still, the “cultivated community of
almost 800 people” in 1840, according to
the Solon Historical Society, remained
small, with 887 residents reported in the
1920 U.S. Census, until suburbanization
caught on.
“By the 1940s, with improved
transportation available, the concept of
suburban living was beginning to catch
on, and Solon started to see a steady
stream of residents moving in from
Cleveland.”
Rather than rest on its laurels, the
city worked on attracting industry as
well, with the 1970s seeing massive
industrial development.
Bready
Cultimotor,
a
tractor
company, came first, around 1931,
followed by Solon Foundry in 1946, Falls
Industries in 1949 and David Round in
1951.
Longtime mayor Edwin Carter –
buoyed by a 1947 vote from village voters
– helped zone the village in an industryfriendly manner. A 1951 code allowed
for 2,200 acres of land – one-sixth of the
village – to go toward manufacturing.
“By setting aside all that property,
they tried to encourage clean industry
to come in,” said Robert Shimits,
president of the Solon Historical
Society. “We’re not talking asphalt
plants and oil refineries and junk like
CJN / LILLIAN MESSNER
A veterans memorial next to the gazebo in Veterans Memorial Park near Fire Station
No. 2 at SOM Center and Bainbridge roads in Solon displays the names of those who
lost their lives in wars.
that. They’re clean industries. Because
of that, the city prospered.”
Developer Larry Davis, whose
company went on to develop about 70
percent of Solon’s industrial district,
constructed its first industrial park.
The new US 422 helped make it a
success, further connecting Solon with
Cleveland.
“When properties became available,
he took the risk,” Shimits said. “It was a
gamble. He bought up the properties and
they started putting buildings on them,
and when that freeway came through,
then it turned into a gold mine.”
The city’s master plan estimates
15 percent of its land area is zoned
for industrial uses – with more than
250 manufacturing and warehousing
businesses housed in Solon.
Shimits also credited Solon’s schools,
where President James A. Garfield once
taught, for the city’s success.
“School-wise, we have got the top
school, darn near, in the state,” Shimits
said. “When the schools take off, that’s
when everyone wants to live here.”
That everyone included a sizable
Jewish population.
Shimits, a 1979 graduate of Solon
High School, said he could only
remember one Jewish classmate.
That changed as Jewish families
streamed in, including that of Rabbi
Zushe Greenberg, whose Chabad Jewish
Center of Solon sparked further growth.
“(My father-in-law) took me for a tour
of Solon, and I fell in love with the city,”
Greenberg said.
His Chabad house only made it easier
for Jewish families looking at Solon.
“Many families felt much more
comfortable to move to the city,”
Greenberg said.
Currently, 15,300 Jewish people call
Solon and the surrounding southeast
suburbs home, according to a 2011 study
by the Jewish Federation of Cleveland.
The study found Solon and the southeast
suburbs, along with Beachwood and
the East Side suburbs, experienced the
greatest growth in the region, with 44
percent more Jews than in 1996.
Chabad aside, Solon lacks the
institutional power of Beachwood,
where the Jewish Federation of
Cleveland,
the
Mandel
Jewish
Community Center, Jewish day schools
and other key organizations are located.
Still, it remains a very “comfortable”
place for Jews, according to Greenberg.
“The administration was always
supportive of the Jewish causes in
Solon,” Greenberg said. “The people
are very open-minded. It’s a very nice
environment, good people, and I can see
why people come to this place.”
v
•
cjn.org
july 24, 2015 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS
29
Spotlight on Solon
Davis family synonymous with growth of Solon
Jacqueline Mitchell | Staff Reporter
[email protected]
The Davis name has a widespread
presence in the city of Solon. Jeff Davis,
president of Davis Development Group and
Davis Automotive Group, both in Solon,
carries on a family legacy that dates back
to 1964.
Davis’ father, Larry, brought his
headboard upholstery and packaging
companies to Solon in 1964. In 1966, he set
his sights on a new venture and started
the development company. Jeff joined the
family development business with his
father upon graduating college in 1971.
“Our family’s been in Solon a very,
very long time,” said Davis, whose family
belongs to Park Synagogue in Cleveland
Heights and Pepper Pike..
Davis said some of the most important
lessons his father taught him were business
ethics and a sense of fiscal responsibility.
“I don’t know which is more important,
but they’re both right up there, probably
tied for No. 1,” said Davis. “They go handin-hand. My dad always used to tell me,
‘Son, if you can’t shake somebody’s hand
and look them in the eye, don’t do business
with them.’”
Davis estimates the company has
developed 700 to 800 acres and built 3 1/2
million square feet of space in Solon.
Why Solon?
“It’s what my dad chose,” said Davis,
whose father died in 1999. “He liked
Solon because it was very well planned.
Initially, before the freeway, Solon had a
lot of residential land, and it was laid out
so that the southwest corner of the city
was industrial, and it was separated to
the north by the railroad tracks. And then
the freeway came in in the ‘70s, and that
became the new separation.”
The first park Davis Development Group
built was Solon Industrial Parkway.
“There was nothing here when we
came here,” Davis said. “Then in 1970, we
did Carter Street; we did Davis Industrial
Parkway in the late ‘70s; Bruce Industrial
Parkway we did probably in ‘80, ‘81; and
then we did Parkland Boulevard in ‘85.
Back in the 70s, we used to build 200,000
square feet spec space – just build it and fill
it up.
“We’ve built buildings ranging from
a 10,000-square-foot printing facility for
custom graphics to a 250,000-square-foot
facility for Loctite Corp.”
Also among Davis Development Group’s
prominent buildings in Solon are: a
freezer building being used by Stouffer’s;
Enterprise Parkway, including Solon
Cinemas; and Marc’s grocery store.
In 1984, the development group built
a building for Hillcrest Hospital on SOM
Center Road. Today, that building is
University Hospitals’ Solon medical facility.
In 1985, the company brought Loctite Corp.
to Solon and has built all of its facilities
since. The group was also the original
developer for Uptown Solon.
Most
of
the
buildings
Davis
Development Group has built for its own
account have been multitenant buildings,
which they still own several of in Solon,
said Davis.
“My dad always used to say that he may
sleep in Beachwood, but his life is really
Solon,” said Davis. “The city, over the years,
has been very good to us. Our corporate
offices have always been in Solon. Today,
we’re probably one of the largest retail
employers in the city. With the dealership,
we have 100 people, which is pretty big for
retail. We’ve paid a lot of taxes to the city
over the years, and we’ve brought a lot of
businesses in to Solon over the years. It’s
been a very good relationship.”
Davis Development Group also owns
land outside of Solon, including Ohio
Design Center in Beachwood, a 50,000foot office building in Hudson and
Regal Cinemas in Hudson. In Mayfield
Heights, it owns an office building and the
Materion Corp. world headquarters. Davis
Development Group owns two town center
buildings in Moreland Hills.
In 1990, Davis bought Jaguar Cleveland
in Cleveland Heights, and about two years
CJN / Jacqueline Mitchell
Jeff Davis, president of Davis Development Group and Davis Automotive Group,
stands in the BMW Cleveland showroom in Solon.
later, he bought the land where Uptown
Solon and the dealership are located,
creating Davis Automotive Group.
“It was very important to my father to
get me from Cleveland Heights to Solon,”
said Davis. “Solon was dead center in the
location maps that BMW had developed.
Perfect for the business, perfect for my dad
and myself.”
After a battle with the city for rezoning,
in 1996, the company started construction
on its current Solon location, where it
moved in 1997.
“We’ve been adding ever since,” said
Davis.
Davis Automotive Group consists of
Jaguar Cleveland, BMW Cleveland and
Land Rover Solon and also sells pre-owned
vehicles.
In 1999, the BMW dealership added on
a pre-owned vehicle showroom, and Davis
made an addition to the BMW service
department, redid the car wash, added
an addition on the front of the Jaguar
building, and expanded service. In 2011,
Davis expanded the BMW building, built a
new service reception area and remodeled
the showroom. Two years ago, the Jaguar
building was remodeled with an addition.
Both Davis Development Group and
Davis Automotive Group plan to continue
expanding their presences in Solon, said
Davis.
“As the volume is growing for both
brands that we have, we’ll probably have
to look at more expansion here,” Davis
said. “For other real estate, we are looking
at improving the buildings that are getting
probably 25 to 30 years old to keep them
current and desirable.”
What to do in Solon
July 24 | Home Days from 5 to 10 p.m. in the
front parking lot of Solon Community Park,
6679 SOM Center Road
July 31 | First showing of “A Year with Frog
and Toad,” at 7:30 p.m. at Solon Center for
the Arts, 6315 SOM Center Road
Aug. 6 | Solon Women in Business Wellness
Series Part 2 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Thorncreek
Winery and Gardens, 155 Treat Road, Aurora
Aug. 14 | Party in the Park from 11 a.m. to
1 p.m. at Solon Community Park, 6679 SOM
Center Road
July 25 | Home Days from 2 to10 p.m. in the
front parking lot of Solon Community Park,
6679 SOM Center Road. Parade starts at 1
Aug. 4 | National Night Out from 5 to 9
p.m. at Solon Senior Center parking lot
and ballrooms of Solon Community Center,
35000 Portz Parkway
Aug. 8 | High School Mother/Daughter Book
Discussion from 7:30 to 8:30 p.m. at Solon
branch of the Cuyahoga County Public
Library, 34125 Portz Parkway
Aug. 16 | Fourth annual flea market from
1 to 5 p.m. at Solon Historical Society
Museum, 33975 Bainbridge Road
Aug. 5 | Strawberry Sunday Performance
from 7 to 8 pm at Solon branch of the
Cuyahoga County Public Library, 34125 Portz
Parkway
Opening Reception for “Musicality” from 2
to 4 p.m. at Solon Center for the Arts, 6315
SOM Center Road
July 26 | Home Days from 12:30 to 7:30 p.m.
in the front parking lot of Solon Community
Park, 6679 SOM Center Road
•
July 30 | Fifth Thursday Series – Elevator
Speech Competition from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at
Gardiner Training Room, 31300 Bainbridge Road
Aug. 18 | First day of school
Compiled by Emma Ritz
30
cjn.org
CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | july 24, 2015
Spotlight on Solon
ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT
Business-friendly attitude lets companies dig in for long haul
Jacqueline Mitchell | Staff Reporter
[email protected]
Solon, home to more than
800 businesses, takes a handson approach to economic
development.
“Solon,
historically,
has always been a strong
Dorfman
business community,” said
Eddy Kraus, Solon’s vice
mayor. “I think that’s been
our brand for many years.”
Solon
City
Council
member Robert Pelunis said
that economic development
is a top priority for the city
Kraus
of Solon. Pelunis, chairman
of
Solon’s
planning
commission, has been on
council for 14 years and
serves on the safety and
public properties committee.
“It’s one of our top goals to
bring businesses into the city,
Pelunis
retain businesses in the city
and help the businesses that choose to make
Solon home,” Pelunis said. “We’ve entered
into a lot of agreements with businesses
for job creation grants, tax incentive
programs, growth and revitalization
programs and other types of programs the
city has that help businesses expand or give
businesses benefits for moving into the city,
or (helps them to) hire more employees, or
do whatever we can to help businesses in
Solon.”
Peggy Weil Dorfman, Solon’s economic
development manager, said businesses
choose to locate in Solon for several reasons,
including easy access to freeways and a well
educated, high-income population.
“We have beautiful industrial areas,”
said Dorfman. “We offer excellent city
services. And we have a government here
that is very pro-business. All of the mayors
and council people that have served over
the years understand how important our
businesses are to the community.”
Kraus said that strong workforce,
schools, police and fire services also appeal
to prospective businesses.
Dorfman said this year has been
busier than ever in terms of economic
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One of the busier intersections in Northeast Ohio is at Routes 43 and 91 in downtown
Solon.
development.
“We’ve had a busy year so far with a
lot of new businesses,” said Dorfman.
“Economic development is thriving.”
In 2014, an international flooring
company, Tarkett USA, brought 140 jobs to
Solon. Cosmax, a cosmetic company, came
to Solon from South Korea and took over
one of the city’s largest vacant buildings
when L’Oreal moved out.
This year has ushered in a new Planet
Fitness, the grand opening of the locally
owned Paco’s Tacos Tequila and a newly
renovated Jim Alesci’s Place. The industrial
district saw an expansion of Great Lakes
Cold Storage and a new cabinetry and
appliance company called Partners Home
Supply.
Dorfman listed the following as some
of Solon’s longest-serving companies:
Swagelok Co., Nestle USA, Erico
International
Corp.,
Amresco
Inc.,
Kennametal Inc., Keithley Instruments Inc.
and King Nut Co.
“That’s just a handful of some of the
larger companies that have been here for
many, many years,” said Dorfman. “They
have grown here and contributed to the
city through their involvement with the
chamber of commerce. They provide jobs
for our own residents as well as people
who live outside of Solon. We are always
grateful for the companies that are here and
try to make Solon a good environment for
them to carry on their businesses, and we
also welcome new businesses of all sizes.”
Kraus said council’s No. 1 goal is to make
sure the city retains all businesses it has.
“We work with the business community
daily, because they rely on the community
and they rely on the city to make sure that
they’re afforded opportunities to stay in the
community and grow in the community,”
he said.
According to Pelunis, this year the city
has signed agreements with some of the
larger companies in Solon, such as Nestle,
as well as smaller businesses.
“We work with businesses that have
thousands of employees and businesses
with 10 or 15 employees,” said Pelunis.
Solon has developed some of its
own incentive programs for businesses.
Programs available to businesses in
Solon include a job creation tax grant,
which rewards employers for hiring new
employees, and a growth and revitalization
incentive program that reimburses
businesses for remodeling and storefront
renovations.
“We try to help those that are inclined,
especially with the older buildings, because
you always want to be able to retrofit
buildings for new uses, and we want to
make sure that the spaces fit the new
technology and new enterprises,” Kraus
said of the latter program.
Dorfman said Solon has received more
applications for its incentive programs so
far this year that it usually does in a full
year.
“The city takes a very active role with
business owners,” Pelunis said.
Business owners are provided with a
directory of city hall employees who can
assist them with a variety of issues. The
directory also includes a list of loans,
grants and tax credits available at the city,
state and federal levels.
“If we don’t give businesses the tools to
succeed, they’re not going to want to be in
Solon, and they’re not going to be able to
expand in Solon,” Pelunis said.
•
cjn.org
july 24, 2015 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS
Spotlight on Solon
CJN / LILLIAN MESSNER
A Giant Eagle Market District, with an expanded kosher food area, anchors Solon Village at
SOM Center and Aurora roads.
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Solon, a suburb that boasts nearly 24,000
residents, has three major shopping centers
within minutes of each other, as well as
an uncommon way to support the local
economy.
“Our busiest and largest shopping
center is Solon Village,” said Peggy Weil
Dorfman, Solon’s economic director. “The
vacancy rate is extremely low. Part of the
reason this shopping center is doing so well
now is because of the renovations. ECHO
(Realty) came in and totally modernized
the shopping center, which made a world
of difference. It’s now extremely populated
and you see cars all over the place.”
The city’s major shopping centers are
the Mid-America Management Corp.’s
Solon Square Shopping Center, ECHO
Realty’s Solon Village and DDR Corp.’s
Uptown Solon.
Having major shopping centers within
miles of each other might create an overload
of competition, but Dorfman said there’s a
sufficient amount of consumers in Solon to
support all three.
“Each shopping center has a different
mix of tenants,” said Dorfman. “Our
population is around 24,000 people. So there
are already a lot of people here, and that’s
without really factoring in our daytime
population drawn by our large business
district. There are many more people
who come into the city to patronize these
businesses.”
Solon Village plaza is at SOM Center and
Aurora roads and a few minutes away on
Aurora is Solon Square Shopping Center.
“Solon Square Shopping Center is a
neighborhood community center and
it’s been there for quite some time,” said
Stephen Fein, property manager at Mid•
America. “Recently, the tenants that have
come into our shopping center that we’re
extremely excited about are Planet Fitness,
D&R Bagels and Very Berry Smoothie.
“Business has been going very well with
these latest additions,” Fein said. “The
traffic has picked up since these businesses
have moved in, and we’re very pleased with
the results.”
Uptown Solon at Kruse Drive and
Bainbridge Road is a two-minute drive from
Solon Square.
“Uptown Solon appeals to valueconscious shoppers who prioritize quality
merchandise at a reasonable price,” said
Brandon Glenn, communications manager
at DDR Corp. “The shopping center is
97-percent leased with just one vacancy,
which illustrates the strong tenant demand
we have seen from retailers interested in
leasing space in the asset. Dress Barn is
among the more recent tenants to open a
store in Uptown Solon, having opened in
August 2014.
“Additionally, among the more recent
developments at Uptown Solon has been
the backfilling of space formerly occupied
by Borders, with new stores for Ulta Beauty
and Petco,” Glenn said. These additions
strengthened the merchandise mix, he
added.
“The center is occupied by a strong mix
of hard- and soft-goods retailers that cater
to this type of shopper, including Old Navy,
Bed Bath & Beyond and Pier 1 Imports,”
Glenn said.
Another shopping center in Solon
is Shoppes of Solon North at Miles and
Brainard roads, next to Miles Farmers
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CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | july 24, 2015
Jewish students at Miami University are…
• Building Relationships
• Creating Partnerships
• Exploring New Opportunities
• Networking
• Supporting Israel
• Becoming Tomorrows’ Leaders
• Impacting the World
• Celebrating Jewish Life
Spotlight on Solon
DINING
Menu options quickly filling up
with bevy of new restaurants
JONAH ROSENBLUM | staff correspondent
[email protected]
We are a community of 1000 Jewish students, the central address for Jewish
life at Miami, a place where all students feel at home, and a vital partner with
the University. We are...
Ph: 513-523-5190
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“As a native (of Japan), I fully enjoyed
Shinano, because it is one of the few
authentic Japanese (restaurants) in the
area.”
The Yelp reviewer had a point.
The Philadelphia Roll, a JapaneseAmerican mainstay, crackled with
unusual flavor, as delightfully sharp
salmon
counteracted
melt-in-yourmouth cream cheese.
None of this would be surprising at a
restaurant in Cleveland, recently named
the seventh-best food city in America by
Travel + Leisure.
But Solon?
Experts say the local food scene
is exploding, with Shinano’s serving
as a single star in a constellation of
restaurants highlighting the city to
Cleveland’s east. New stars have been
popping up, including Paco’s Tacos
Taquila, which Bret Adams opened just
down the street from his Burntwood
Tavern’s Solon location.
“We’re still on our honeymoon,”
Adams said. “The jury’s still out even
though we’re really excited about the
amount of guests that have come out to
support us.”
While exciting, Paco’s Tacos is not
alone.
Peggy
Weil
Dorfman,
Solon’s
economic development manager, said
the city has seen 21 new restaurants or
related establishments (like ice cream
shops and coffee shops) since 2011. While
some of those were one restaurant
replacing another, 21 still marks a “very
high number,” according to Dorfman.
Among the new restaurants were
Harvest Kitchen & Lounge and Swirl
Wine Bar, both opened in 2011; Antonio’s
Real Italian Pizza, opened in 2013; and
Nobu Tei and Paco’s Tacos, opened this
year – in addition to numerous chains.
The
city
now
has
59
food
establishments, 28 of which are locally
owned. That includes multiple Chinese
places in Hunan Solon and Imperial
Wok, multiple Mexican restaurants in
Paco’s Tacos and Senorita Bonita’s and
multiple sushi bars in Akira, Imperial
Wok, Nobu Tei and Shinano’s.
“It certainly is a nice array of
offerings to the Solon community,”
Dorfman said. “Basically whatever
anybody that lives or works in Solon has
a taste for, it’s here.”
For Adams, Solon was a natural
choice, given that his wife, Michelle,
grew up in the city and given that the
couple now lives in Moreland Hills. He
said Solon once carried a poor reputation
among restaurateurs, perhaps due to the
closing of Cooker Bar & Grille and Max
& Erma’s, but the success of Burntwood
Tavern’s Solon location, the highestgrossing of its five current locations,
demonstrated otherwise.
“Solon’s our backyard, so to speak, so
to launch a new concept that we see as a
potential growth vehicle in our backyard
was just the moon and the stars aligned,
and it just made great sense,” Adams
said.
Shirley Cheng, who has owned
Imperial Wok along with her husband,
Chee, for more than 27 years, agreed that
“Solon dining is great,” although she
also said that’s nothing new.
“It’s always been vibrant,” Cheng
said.
Indeed, many of Solon’s restaurants
go back, including Jimmy Daddona’s
Fine Italian Restaurant in 1999, Chicago
Deli & Grill in 1982, D & R Bagels in 1994,
Hunan of Solon in 1999 and Akira in 1999.
That’s hardly surprising.
Ever since Solon’s population grew
by 146.4 percent in the 1950s, it has been
a regional hotspot. While the city has
about 24,000 residents, it has more than
38,000 people flooding in every day – and
those workers need lunch.
“We have a lot of people that patronize
Solon restaurants because we have a lot
of people that come into the city every
day to work here,” Dorfman said.
Key local players like Nestle, which
makes its Lean Cuisine and Stouffers
frozen meals in Solon, and Swagelok
drive people to local restaurants.
“It’s huge,” Adams said. “Those play a
big part in our success.”
Still, Dorfman said that while she
has no numbers to prove it, she believes
that the increase in offerings has led
to more people coming to Solon for the
restaurants alone.
“Even though there’s a handful of
ethnic restaurants, I still think Solon
is underserved,” Adams said. “I think
there’s an opportunity for more great
restaurants.”
•
Solon Ad_Teen Mag2
cjn.org
3/9/09
11:0
julyMag2
24, 20153/9/09
| CLEVELAND
JEWISH
Solon Ad_Teen
11:09
AM NEWS
Page33
1
Spotlight on Solon
Solon Ad_Teen Mag2
3/9/09
Solon Ad_Teen Mag2
3/9/09
11:09 AM
Page 1
Did you
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ED WITTENBERG | STAFF REPORTER
[email protected]
The primary focus of Solon Chabad is children,
said Rabbi Zushe Greenberg, the synagogue’s spiritual
leader.
“We are concerned with the next generation of
Jewish people, and therefore we will do everything to
engage as many Jewish children in Jewish activities as
we can,” he said.
Greenberg said that’s always been the case for Solon
Chabad, now the only Jewish congregation in Solon –
just as it was when it was launched 24 years ago in the
former home of Greenberg and his wife, Miriam. The
shul moved to its current building at 5570 Harper Road
in Solon in 2004.
“I tell parents they’re here just to bring the child,”
Greenberg said with a smile. “That’s the entrance ticket.
“The parents know we’re not here to change (the
children). We want the child to have a positive emotional
connection to Judaism. It should be in his heart; he
should love it.”
Miriam Greenberg, the synagogue’s Hebrew school
director and activity coordinator, said one can hear the
sound of children’s voices in the building seven days a
week.
“We have kids here every day for preschool, Sunday
school, camp, services or programs,” Zushe Greenberg
said. “It’s a true 24-7.”
With children and working parents in mind,
Solon Chabad started a program last September for
elementary school students called After Care. Miriam
Greenberg described it as a camp-style, after-school
program.
“A lot of families were telling us how much their
children love camp,” she said. “They would say that
their children didn’t like going to after-care programs
after school every day, and camp is something that’s fun.
“So we created this program. (The Solon School
District) will bus the students here after school, and
we have camp counselors who lead them in different
activities. It’s not a baby-sitting service; it’s a minicamp, and the kids are enjoying activities.”
Miriam Greenberg said some children take part in
the program because both parents work, and others
participate “just because it’s fun.” Parents must pick
up their children by 6 p.m.
“The best part,” she
said, “is the parents will
come pick up a child and
say, ‘Hey, I’m early today
Specializing
– aren’t you excited?’ And
the kids say, ‘What? I don’t
want to leave.’ I’ve seen
kids crying because they
don’t want to leave.
“That’s my goal. I don’t
want them to feel like
an orthodontic
evaluation by age 7.
CJN / LILLIAN MESSNER
Children entering kindergarten show Rabbi Zushe
Greenberg their glow sticks as they take part in Camp
Gan Izzy, one of many programs for children at Solon
Chabad.
their parents don’t have time. I want them to know it’s a
wonderful place to be and to enjoy themselves.”
The After Care program has been added to Solon
Chabad’s preschool as well, Miriam Greenberg said.
Zushe Greenberg said Solon Chabad – formally
and legally known as Chabad Jewish Center of Solon
– serves more than 500 families in various ways. No
membership dues are required, but people can pay for
membership if they choose to.
“You don’t have to belong here to join one of the
programs,” he said.
Although Greenberg is an Orthodox rabbi, only
about 1 percent of the 500-plus families that participate
are Orthodox, Miriam Greenberg said.
“People are often very surprised to hear that,” she
said. “We have the most diverse community. Labels
don’t really matter. It’s about welcoming everyone.”
It all ties in with the Chabad philosophy – that “every
Jew is equally important in the eyes of G-d,” Zushe
Greenberg said.
“That’s what it’s all about,” he said. “Nobody is more
important than the other, and we cannot afford to lose
one Jew.
“Judaism is not what you believe. Judaism is who
you are.”
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cjn.org
CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | july 24, 2015
Spotlight on Solon
REAL ESTATE
Housing options, schools, city services add to ease of living
Lillian messner | Irving I. Stone Editorial Intern
[email protected]
The city of Solon has become a wonderful community,
according to Robert Gallmann, a Solon resident and a Solon
Realtor for the Gallmann Group.
Known for its excellent school district, Solon also offers
“fantastic” city services and a great location with all the
desired amenities, Gallmann said.
“As people move out, new, typically younger families
move in because we have such great schools, Gallmann said.
“This is the main draw for buyers.”
According to Gallmann, the average selling price of a
home in Solon is $305,265 this year, down from $310,835 in
2014.
Gallmann, who has sold homes in Solon for almost 20
years, said buyers want a house in move-in condition, both
mechanically and cosmetically. He said buyers are putting
all their money into the house and don’t have enough for
improvements.
CJN / LILLIAN MESSNER
A neatly landscaped entryway adorns the Signature of
Solon gated community on Aurora Road.
Matthew Levy, MD
Orthopedic Surgery
• Total Joint Replacement Surgery
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• Total Disc Replacement
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Comprehensive
spine and
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close to home.
Conveniently located
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Spine and Orthopedic
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To make
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112
Solon,
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44139
Solon, Ohio 44139
A Ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System
A Ministry of the Sisters of Charity Health System
Gallmann also noted that younger buyers aren’t as
hands-on as older ones and do not want to do much work
themselves. This means sellers are making the house ready
for occupancy and as up-to-date as possible. Do-it-yourself
information on the Internet and on television shows have
contributed to the trend.
The Internet has also affected the process of selling
homes. Gallmann said that using online real estate websites
is the easiest way to reach buyers. He added that due to
the Solon buyer demographic, virtually all buyers use the
Internet in their home search.
Sharon Friedman is a broker associate for Berkshire
Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty and a Solon
resident for five years. After moving from Moreland Hills,
Friedman bought one of her listings.
“At first, I wasn’t that engaged in the community since so
much of my life and business revolved around the Chagrin
corridor,” she said. “As time went on, Solon has continued to
develop more retail and commercial development.”
Friedman said the market has improved in the last year
in terms of a slight increase in property values, but there is
a lack of inventory in many parts of the city. She also noted
that the southern part became increasingly popular with
better access to highways after Route 91 was widened.
Friedman markets Solon homes in local publications and
on various real estate websites. She also uses many direct
mail campaigns.
While the average price of a Solon home is in the $300,000
range, there are homes that cost less and ones that cost more.
“You can buy a starter home on some of the main
roads or on the ‘ABC’ Streets in the low- to mid- hundred
thousands and up,” Friedman said. “Some of the higher-end
subdivisions such as Signature of Solon, (with) a golf course
and gated community, range to well over $1 million.”
Friedman said Solon has also been receptive to other
concepts, such as cluster homes and apartment complexes.
Like Gallmann, Friedman cited Solon’s schools and city
services such as “a fabulous rec center with indoor and
outdoor pools and a great senior center” as lures to prospective
homebuyers. She also noted “relatively reasonable property
taxes due to the strong commercial and industrial base.”
“All of this has made Solon an all-around community
with something for everyone,” Friedman said. “First-time
buyers, empty nesters, move-up buyers and seniors – you can
buy your first home here and stay for life.”
•
cjn.org
july 24, 2015 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS
Spotlight on Solon
SOLON HOME DAYS
Food, fun, festivities to
mark annual extravaganza
EMMA RITZ | Special to the CJN
The annual Solon Home Days kicks off at 5 p.m. July 24
at Solon Community Park with a jungle theme expected to
draw thousands from Solon and surrounding areas.
Tracy Sullivan, manager of the Solon Center for the
Arts, said there will be “a petting zoo, variety show, pony
rides, magicians and animal shows,” in addition to games
and more than a dozen rides. A beer and wine garden
returns for the second year.
Houses of worship, businesses and food will be featured
at some of the 45 booths, and there will be contests as well.
A parade will start at 1 p.m. July 25.
“Arrive early in order to get a good spot,” Sullivan
suggested.
Several bands are also scheduled to perform, ranging
from rock, to Caribbean, pop and country.
Sullivan said this promises to be a great community
event and encourages families to come out and enjoy
themselves.
Emma Ritz will be a senior this fall at Hawken School in
Chester Township.
What: Solon Home Days
When: 5-10 p.m. July 24, 2-10 p.m. July 25, 12:30-7:30
p.m. July 26
Where: Front parking lot of Solon Community Park,
6679 SOM Center Road
NOW OPEN AND SEEING NEW PATIENTS
SCHEDULE A VISIT TODAY! 440-528-1399
Dr. Beard was born and raised in the greater Cleveland area and graduated dental school from Case Western
Reserve University. After dental school, she completed her pediatric specialist training at Rainbow Babies
and Children’s Hospital, where she focused on the unique aspects of children’s oral health including: child
psychology, dental growth and development, sedation, hospital dentistry, interceptive orthodontics, and
behavior management. Dr.Beard focuses on the individual needs of each child to create and maintain healthy
smiles and healthy kids. She currently provides specialized care for infants, children, and teens in a warm and
compassionate environment and is dedicated to walking alongside families in establishing healthy habits.
SolonPediatricDentistry.com | 34501 Aurora Road, Suite 305, Solon
10 Largest employers IN SOLON
Company
The Shoppes
of
Solon North
Employees
1. Swagelok Co.
3,023
2. Nestle Prepared Foods Co.
2,000
3. ERICO International Corp.
507
4. CVS Caremark
500
5. National Enterprise Systems 500
6. Cleveland Clinic-Solon Contact Center 425
7. Arrow Electronics / Power & Signal Group 330
8. MRI Software LLC 328
9. Giant Eagle Market District 325
10. InterDesign, Inc. 312
Source: City of Solon, 2014
The Help You Need, When You Need It
long-term care,
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35
KeyBank
Honey Hut Ice Cream
Edward Jones - Financial Advisor
Western Reserve Wines
Village Flowers
Subway
Michael W. Hayes Jewelers
Trio Hair Studio
Diamond Nails & Spa
The Turning Point - Dance & Fitness
Young Chefs Academy
Shinano - Sushi Bar & Japanese Cuisine
Anytime Fitness
28500 Miles Road | Solon, OH 44139
Southeast Corner of Brainard & Miles Road
For leasing opportunities, contact AZ Management at 216-831-9110
36
cjn.org
CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | july 24, 2015
Spotlight on Solon
Solon Center for the Arts
becomes cultural magnet
SUSAN A. DRUCKER | Special to the CJN
Many consider Solon Center for the Arts,
in the heart of Solon, to be one of the gems
of the community. The center, in its 13th
year, is bustling this summer with music,
theater, art and dance camps as well as
classes, workshops, productions and private
lessons. What makes SCA so special to the
Drucker
community are the many opportunities it
offers individuals of all ages to participate in the arts.
From students as young as 3 to seasoned senior citizens,
SCA has something for everyone.
The annual intergenerational production from SCA
is an exciting program that provides an opportunity
for individuals of all ages to collaborate in a theatrical
production. It also gives members of the same family the
chance to interact on stage. This year, a father and son;
mother and daughter; mother, son and daughter; and
cousins will be seen performing together in the same
production. Although not all the participants are related,
many use the intergenerational show as a vehicle to get
them back on stage and involved in the arts while meeting
new people.
“It has been amazing to see these actors, of all ages
and experience levels, learn from one another and grow
as an ensemble,” said Christine A. Madden, theater
department coordinator. “It’s a very rewarding experience
for everyone involved.”
Allison St. John directs this year’s production, Robert and
Willie Reale’s “A Year With Frog and Toad,” with musical
direction by Zachary Kanter and choreography by Christine
A. Madden and Jessica Uguccini. The talented ensemble
includes Dennis Castiglione, Giovanni Castiglione, Reina
Cunningham, Karah Henderson, Alexandra Hopkins, Gabby
Hruby, Allie Hunter, Logan Jancsurak, Camilla Jones,
Dina Karalnik, Mira Kirby, Julianne Kuchcinski, Matthew
Kuchcinski, Sarah Kuchcinski, Julia Mayer, Patrick
Moughan, Tyler Murray, William Rose, Kamryn Taylor,
Rachel Torgov and Regan Utrup.
Performances of “A Year With Frog and Toad” will be
held at 7:30 p.m. July 31 and Aug. 1, and at 2 p.m. Aug. 2
in the SCA theater, 6315 SOM Center Road. This timeless
classic, based on the book by Arnold Lobel, tells the tale
of two best friends, Frog and Toad. These two hilarious
characters, although very different from each other, learn
many life lessons throughout the year while respecting and
celebrating their differences along the way. This musical,
written with young audiences in mind, is an excellent
introduction to the theater for families and kids of all ages.
Tickets at $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors
can be purchased at SCA or through solonarts.org.
For more information about the intergenerational
production or classes at SCA, call 440-337-1400 or visit
solonarts.org.
Susan A. Drucker has been mayor of Solon since 2009.
SO
LD
SO
LD
Looking to buy or sell in Solon?
Ask SOLON Resident/Homeowner
Sharon Friedman.
Pepper Pike 5 BR., 6.2 Ba.
Amazing, one owner, builders own home. Southern
exposure in rear, feels like a vacation oasis! Custom
kitchen w/granite, stainless appliances. Fabulous great
room with floor to ceiling windows overlooking colored
concrete patio with built-in gas grill & trellis! Custom
hardwood floors w/quarry tile inlay thru out 1st floor.
Hot tub, fitness room, loft, incredible lower level ideal
for golf/batting/basketball. MBR suite has his & her
baths. $859,900
To contact Sharon:
Solon Chamber
of Commerce resource
for 500 businesses
Jennifer Natale | Special to the CJN
The Solon Chamber of Commerce
is a premier and active chamber
in an award-winning city, reaching
more than 500 businesses with
a combined 19,000 employees,
representing industrial, commercial,
retail, professional and home-based
Natale
businesses.
The chamber is an important resource for advocacy,
information and marketing exposure to enhance the
economic success of member businesses and the
collective strength of the region. Our mission is to
serve as advocates for the business community by
supporting and fostering vibrant economic growth.
Our tagline is “Empowering, Educating & Engaging
Business.”
• Empower – The Solon chamber challenges our
SOLON on page 37
Cuts N Curls to mark 9th anniversary
Cuts N Curls is celebrating its ninth anniversary
from noon to 2 p.m. Aug. 15 with free ice cream.
The store is at 6025 Kruse Drive in Solon.
PE
ND
IN
G
PE
ND
IN
G
SOLON 4 BR., 3.1 BA.
THE PRESERVE!” Spacious, 2 story, center hall Colonial
on 3/4 acre level setting with scenic woods at rear of
property. Huge new Maple Kitchen with island and
breakfast area, granite counters and ceramic floor. Master
Bedroom has vaulted ceiling, glamour bath, large walk
in closet plus bonus room ideal for office or fitness use.
Amazing lower level with 4 rooms and full bath! Sauna
and Theatre Room too! Front porch and covered porch in
rear leads to beautiful stone and paver patio. $469,900
SOLON 4 BR., 2.1 Ba.
Fabulous Spacious Home in a beautiful suburban
setting. Formal Living room and Dining room with
natural hardwood floors, office/bonus room, laundry
room. Completely remodeled kitchen features granite
counter-tops, ceramic floors, stainless steel appliances.
Family room features two story vaulted ceiling. Backyard
features multi level deck, swimming pool, hot tub, dining
areas and plenty of room to relax. $349,900
SOLON 4 BR., 3.0 Ba.
Fabulous value for 4 bedroom colonial on 1/2 acre prime,
cul-de-sac setting! Family room & den on 1st! Newer
kitchen w/granite counters! Neutral decor, spacious
rooms, front porch and patio! Newer appliances too!
Award winning Solon schools. $229,900
SOLON 4 BR., 2.1 Ba.
Fantastic split in the heart of Solon! Many recent
updates including Kitchen remodel in April 2015 with
stunning cabinetry and granite counters, and stainless
appliances with gas range. Vaulted living room and
dining room! Spacious, open floor plan! 3 bedrooms up,
1 on first floor. Family room with fireplace & bar, leads to
deck with wooded setting. $285,000
Bainbridge 4 BR., 3.2 Ba.
Canyon Lakes custom built Colonial on prime, almost
an acre, wooded cul-de-sac setting. Kitchen with raised
panel cabinetry, granite counters and island, all stainless
appliances.Vaulted ceiling in family room with wet
bar! Handsome library with coffered ceiling and french
doors! Elegant crown moldings and detail throughout!
Wonderful, finished lower level with half bath, pool
table and tons of storage. Deck, four-car heated garage.
$525,000
Pepper Pike 4 BR., 3.1 Ba.
Best buy in Pepper Pike for this unique, custom built
home designed by “Buccieri”! Fabulous galley kitchen
with double ovens. Almost 3 story great room with
spectacular views in every season! Master suite with
sitting room/office, glamour bath with whirlpool tub.
Private 2 room suite with kitchenette and private
entrance. Newer roof. Incredible walk-out lower level
with family room, 2 bedrooms, extra room and bath!
$499,900
Cleveland Heights 6 BR., 4.1 Ba.
Beautiful center hall colonial in the heart of highly sought
after Euclid Golf Historic District. Architectural details
include leaded glass foyer, window seats and french doors.
Spacious master bedroom with en suite updated master
bath. Updated kitchen appliances and bathrooms and first
floor laundry. Gorgeous hardwood floors, central air, and
fenced-in backyard with lovely patio for entertaining. Two
gas fireplaces add to the historic ambiance of the home,
including an elegant family room. $525,000
Gates Mills 3 BR., 2.1 Ba.
Exceptional Brick Ranch (with dormer on 2nd) on a
spectacular, wooded 5 acre setting. Lovely Oak Kitchen
with center island, Tappan downdraft cooktop, double
ovens, some newer appliances and a Breakfast room
with bay window. Huge Living room and Dining room.
Formal main rooms with bay windows. A fabulous family
room has a wall of built-ins and leads to the deck. Ample
bedrooms, quality abounds. $350,000
“Sell” phone: 216-338-3233
[email protected]
www.sharonfriedmanhomes.com
•
cjn.org
july 24, 2015 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS
Spotlight on Solon
Solon means business and much more
PEGGY WEIL DORFMAN | Special to the CJN
As the city of Solon’s advertising
slogan proclaims, “When it gets down
to business, Solon gets it.” Solon’s
reputation as an economic development
leader in Northeast Ohio dates back to the
1950s, when city leaders first recognized
the importance of a solid business base
Dorfman
to the welfare of the community. All
successive administrations and city councils have
championed economic development.
Solon’s industrial districts contain 16,946,000 square
feet of manufacturing, warehouse and office space.
The city’s commercial districts contain an additional
2,326,000 square feet of commercial and office space.
Although much of Solon’s land has been developed,
city officials promote redevelopment and continue
to encourage new businesses to join the 800-plus
businesses already located in our attractive industrial,
office and commercial districts and well-maintained
buildings.
To encourage an influx of new companies, Solon
works closely with industrial realtors and economic
development specialists to find the right real estate
fit for prospective businesses. Listings of available
industrial, office and commercial space are posted on
the city’s website and can be tailored to companies’
specific requirements.
Meeting the needs of existing businesses is equally
important. Serving as the city’s ambassadors, Solon
Chamber of Commerce volunteers visit business
executives and relay questions and problems to city
Solon from page 36
members to think outside the box in the businesses
through our many programs, events and opportunities.
• Educate – Our numerous professional
development opportunities help our members learn
from experts and their peers. Luncheon programs
feature prominent local speakers and presentations.
Our special morning seminars and peer connection
groups focus on specific topics that drive results. Our
scholarship fund helps deserving students pay tuition
costs.
• Engage – Events, committees, networking and
access are just a few of the ways members get more
involved, more plugged in and more recognized in the
business community.
The Western Reserve Safety Council is the
chamber’s newest endeavor. Through participation
in the WRSC, our members learn best practices
from industry pros and their peers and may qualify
for workers’ compensation discounts, grants and
education programs from the Ohio Bureau of Workers’
Compensation.
Shop Solon First was established to help our retail
members stay strong and attract new customers.
This free service allows Solon businesses to post
information, sales and other discounts on the Shop
Solon First website at no charge. It’s a great way
for our retailers to drive business and for Solon
•
officials for follow-up. The Leader-to-Leader Program
fosters relationships between corporate leaders and
city officials through tours of business facilities. The
result of this attention is evident in the number of
existing businesses that choose to remain in Solon
when they move up to larger facilities.
Financial incentives are an important tool in
attracting and retaining companies. The judicious
use of the Job Creation Grant Program encourages
the growth of existing and new businesses while
increasing city revenues. Solon’s Growth and
Revitalization Incentive Program assists property
owners of older, vacant properties to invest in
improvements that will increase the marketability and
attractiveness of industrial and commercial buildings.
Solon business executives, employees and residents
enjoy many amenities that a financially solid
community can provide. Its sound financial footing
and planning have enabled the city to take on several
infrastructure projects that address major needs far
into the future while providing excellent city services,
superior public schools, diverse recreational and
cultural offerings, convenient shopping, desirable
neighborhoods, attractive business districts and a safe
environment.
Ongoing communication and cooperation among
city officials, business executives, employees,
residents, school officials, developers, the real estate
community and regional economic development
organizations will always be a priority in maintaining
Solon’s healthy economy.
Peggy Weil Dorfman is economic development
manager for the city of Solon.
consumers to patronize them.
Our partnership with Council of Smaller
Enterprises provides significantly discounted COSE
membership to Solon chamber members and access
to COSE’s wealth of programs, events and benefits.
Joint membership also delivers discounts through
group purchasing, such as energy programs and office
supplies, and a stronger, unified voice on local, state
and federal government issues.
There also are two signature Solon chamber/
community events. The Solon Chamber Golf Outing
Sept. 11 will be a day of great golf, networking, food
and fun for all. The Taste of Solon Nov. 8 will feature
culinary delights from local restaurants, celebrity
judges and auction items.
We also feature more programs and benefits for
members: telemedicine, business after five events,
Solon women in business, Solon HR roundtable,
Solon young professionals, discounts, promotion and
connection groups.
When you join the Solon chamber, all the employees
of your organization also become members and may
participate in all chamber activities and benefits. It’s
just one more way your investment helps to empower,
educate and engage.
For more information, call 440-248-5080 or visit
solonchamber.com.
Jennifer Natale is president/CEO of the Solon
Chamber of Commerce.
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cjn.org
CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | july 24, 2015
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Solon, a suburb on Cleveland’s East Side, provides its
residents with some of the most prestigious educational
and business opportunities in Ohio, according to Peggy
Weil Dorfman, the city’s economic development manager.
“Solon is a destination because of everything it
offers its residents,” Dorfman said. “Solon offers the
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whole package – a strong education system, excellent
city services, pro-business government, various housing
opportunities and a variety of recreational programs.”
Solon is part of Northeast Ohio’s Cleveland-AkronCanton metropolitan area, the 15th-largest such area
in the United States. It has about 24,000 residents and
offers some 60 restaurants that provide a culturally
diverse dining experience.
Solon Center for the Arts offers classes in theater,
art, dance, private music lessons, gallery exhibitions,
monthly family events, as well as theatrical and
orchestral performances.
“Our recreational opportunities are so diversified,”
Dorfman said. “There are all kinds of programming for
all ages and abilities. With so many options available,
there’s something in Solon for everybody.”
Solon is nothing short of fitness facilities for
everyone, such as Anytime Fitness, Cross Fit Nexus,
Curves, Fitness Serve, Planet Fitness and Title Boxing.
Solon Fire Rescue has a good reputation as a provider
of emergency medical services and is well established in
the EMS community.
“The Solon Fire Department and police department
provide outstanding services to the community, both
residential and business,” Dorfman said.
The Solon School District was recently named tops in
Northeast Ohio and the third best in the state.
“Another reason people are clearly attracted to Solon
is because of the excellent school system,” Dorfman said.
“Having the top-ranked school district in Northeast Ohio
certainly makes the city a destination.”
Solon has nine city parks that cover more than 500
acres. City-owned Grantwood Golf Course sits on 366
acres. Solon also has a 20,000-square-foot library branch
of the Cuyahoga County Public Library system and five
miles of dedicated bicycle lanes. There are nearly 10
miles of multipurpose paths in Solon. Solon also boasts
a 92,500-square-foot community center.
Solon has five clubs: the Rotary Club of Solon, the
Solon Civic Club, the Solon Italian Club, the Solon
Women’s Club and the Kiwanis Club of Solon.
Hawthorne Valley Golf Club, designed by Donald
Ross, offers golfers a well-mainted 18 holes on the
privately owned course.
The Solon Chamber of Commerce project, Shop
Solon First, is a combination of locally independent
businesses, citizens and organizations that works to
promote the community.
Solon has four shopping centers within miles of each
other: Solon Village, Solon Square Shopping Center,
Uptown Solon and the Shoppes of Solon North.
Solon also offers travelers four hotels: Hampton Inn,
Homewood Suites, Solon Motel and Springhill Suites.
Solon Senior Center serves as the nucleus for health,
fitness, socialization and lifelong learning programming,
as well as the administration of supportive services.
“We want to do everything in our power to make
sure that our residents and our daytime business
residents have the services that they need,” Dorfman
said. “Whether that’s options in restaurants, banking
opportunities, or just shopping for consumer goods,
clearly Solon needs these businesses to provide those
services. If we can successfully do that, it’s a win for
everybody living in the community.”
•
cjn.org
july 24, 2015 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS
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The Starbucks store in the Solon Village Shopping
Center may lose its permit for a drive-thru if it can’t
find ways to control traffic backup, according to city
officials.
During a safety and public properties committee
meeting June 10, Solon Councilman William Russo
announced that the city has received multiple
complaints in regard to the number of cars waiting in
the drive-thru at Starbucks, which opened in December
2012. The complaints stated that a large number of
vehicles waiting in the drive-thru have caused other
cars to be partially blocked in the shopping center and
traffic has been backed up onto Aurora Road.
Rob Frankland, director of planning and community
development for Solon, reportedly sent an email to
Starbucks representatives and to ECHO Realty, the
plaza developer, indicating that Starbucks’ permit for a
drive-thru could be revoked since the store is causing
traffic concerns.
Police Chief Christopher Paul Viland added that
anytime there are blocked entrances, the police and fire
departments are unable to navigate their emergency
vehicles through the shopping center, which poses a
safety threat.
Mark Jacob, regional director of Starbucks for the
North Central Ohio Region, said adjustments were
made internally and externally in December 2014 that
reduced the wait time for customers in line at the drivethru by nine seconds. Jacob said the Solon store serves
about 6,500 customers each week and that he does not
want to relocate or lose the drive-thru permit.
Phillip Bishop, vice president of engineering at
ECHO Realty, questioned if some of the traffic backup
was due to roadwork being done along SOM Center
Road. He stated that he will work with Starbucks
representatives, Frankland and the Solon planning
department to see what can be done to speed up the
process of customers purchasing items at the drivethru.
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cjn.org
CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS | july 24, 2015
Spotlight on Solon
CJN / Jacqueline Mitchell
Jan and Dorothy Sedlak are shown in a showroom at Sedlak Interiors in Solon.
Sedlak Interiors celebrates
26th year in Solon
Jacqueline Mitchell | Staff Reporter
[email protected]
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Family-run Sedlak Interiors has been
a Cleveland mainstay since 1947, and
this year, the furnishing and home decor
business celebrates its 26th anniversary in
Solon.
John P. Sedlak created the family
business 68 years ago, selling a selection of
jewelry and appliances out of his garage in
South Euclid. As his business – and family –
grew, he opened his first store on Woodland
Avenue near Shaker Square in Cleveland.
Over the years, the business expanded into
the largest furniture store of its kind in
Ohio, and in 1989, Sedlak Interiors moved
to its current location in Solon – an old
factory converted into a 142,000-square-foot
showroom and warehouse.
Though John died in 2013, the business
is still very much a family affair. John’s
wife, Dorothy, manages it with three of
her five children, Jeff, Jan and Jack, and
grandchild, Charles.
“It was very hard to get into Solon when
we first started because it was not zoned
for retail,” said Jan. “We had to go on the
ballot and be voted to be here … but now
that we’re here, people realize that we’re an
asset to the community of Solon.”
The store is decorated with personal
touches, such as flowers from Dorothy’s
garden and walls mounted with fish that
John caught over the years. John’s legacy
is also reflected in the store’s philosophy on
quality and value.
“My dad always believed in quality,”
said Jan.
Sedlak’s expansive showroom, named
the “Street of Dreams,” is designed to look
like a street front and features 27 galleries
with different types of furniture and decor,
including rooms dedicated to grandfather
clocks, mattresses, recliners, bedroom sets,
outdoor furniture, rugs, carpeting and
more. The store carries items from over 650
manufacturers around the world.
“You name it, we sell it,” Jan said.
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•
cjn.org
july 24, 2015 | CLEVELAND JEWISH NEWS
41
Spotlight on Solon
Quality runs deep in Solon schools
JOE REGANO | Special to the CJN
A look inside the Solon schools shows
the promise and accomplishments of
Solon students. Their achievement and
opportunities for engagement are key
reasons so many families choose to live in
Solon.
With a focused commitment to
Regano
continuous quality improvement and
meeting the needs of every child every day, the district
is dedicated to providing all students with a rigorous
and comprehensive academic experience, balanced
with extensive opportunities in activities, athletics and
the arts.
Accountability is important, and Solon schools is
one of Ohio’s top school districts every year as graded
by the Ohio Department of Education. Again this
year, the district earned A’s for student achievement
and overall student progress on the Ohio School
Report Card, ranking No. 1 in Northeast Ohio and
No. 3 statewide. The achievement of Solon students
continues to climb as measured by the state and
independent indicators. Solon High School earned
a gold medal and the highest Ohio S.T.E.M. schools
ranking in the U.S. News & World Report “Best High
Schools” ratings this year.
Such high student achievement levels do not
happen by chance. They are a clear reflection of the
Solon schools’ mission accomplished through shared
accountability by all district stakeholders to do
whatever is necessary to meet students’ needs.
Solon teachers have worked hard to align our Solon
curriculum to the new rigorous academic content
standards while simultaneously embracing and
implementing research-based best teaching practices
in their classrooms.
The roots of a quality education program run deep,
and our students also excel outside the classroom. In
Solon, the three A’s – academics, arts/activities and
athletics – share emphasis.
At the end of their tenure in the Solon schools, our
graduates have accomplished much more than just
the minimum requirements for graduation. In their
own ways, students distinguish themselves and leave
their mark on the district academically, athletically,
musically, and through many other commitments to
extracurricular activities and the community at large.
For example, the Solon High School class of
2015 counted among its members 16 National Merit
finalists, one semifinalist, 21 commended scholars
and two national achievement scholars. This class is
aggressively pursuing its education at many of the
REGANO on page 42
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REGANO from page 41
nation’s most prestigious colleges and
universities and collectively received
more than $4 million in scholarships.
Throughout the year, Solon’s
academic teams, such as Future
Problem Solvers, Academic Challenge,
speech and debate, Science Olympiad,
chess, mock trial and Model U.N., all saw
successes at regional, state and national
tournaments. In fact, the Solon Middle
School Science Olympiad team won its
seventh national championship in the
last eight years. Additionally, many
students participate in the high school’s
lab link program conducting worldclass research at University Hospitals,
Cleveland Clinic and Case Western
Reserve University, among others.
Music and art are important
components of our educational
program. Solon music programs – from
the award-winning show choir, Music
In Motion, to the outstanding marching
band, orchestra and vocal ensembles –
dazzle every year. And drama students
shine on the Solon High School stage,
this year delivering a string of showstoppers with “Noises Off,” “One-Act
Plays” and “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.”
On the playing fields, the Solon
Comet teams had exciting seasons,
including an Ohio High School Athletic
Association Division I Final Four
appearance by the girls’ basketball team.
After showcasing their talents in
competitions, many students received
state and national awards in art,
business and computer science, foreign
language and writing.
Developing a sense of community
and philanthropy is also emphasized
in Solon. Students, with support from
our PTAs, from elementary age through
the high school, conduct food, clothing,
school supply and toy drives as well
as collecting monetary donations for
charitable organizations and those in
need.
This is just a sampling of the
breadth and depth of our Solon
students’ accomplishments. Their
potential is nurtured through the
strong partnerships and collaborations
among staff, families, the community
and the students themselves. The sound
foundation they receive here in Solon
lays the groundwork for their bright
futures.
Joseph Regano is superintendent of
the Solon School District.
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•