Cuyahoga Velvet 12-10-09

By: Kathy Peterson
Date: 12/08/2009
I n November, the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce had a huge turnout to hear guest speaker Larry Marrow and enjoy the lavish digs at the Crown Plaza Hotel along with Joe Bucci’s delicious food. Many remembered Larry as “The Duker” on WIXY, a big station in the 70s. Larry heads up his own marketing conglomerate these days and is a motivational speaker. Everyone loved going down memory lane.

Speaking of radio personalities, our very own Jaudan, the Wake Up To Makeup queen who holds court at Docere Medical and Aesthetic Center, was interviewed late last summer on “Kelly & Co,” a talk show on WKH 1420 Sunday mornings that focuses on women’s issues. Wonder if Oprah tuned in?? We loved it.

Remember Maria Flynn of Classics Designer Resale Shop? She closed the shop last year because of health issues but did not take much time to recoup. Maria took on the promotions job for Parma’s Ukrainian Village. St. Josephat Cathedral hosted an opening ceremony and dedication in September with a huge festival from noon to 8 p.m.
Parma is the first city to dedicate an ethnic neighborhood. There are over 50,000 Ukrainians living in Parma. The two-mile stretch of the village is on State Road, between Tuxedo Avenue and Grantwood, where butcher shops, green grocers, churches and a credit union are located.

The revitalized storefronts and banners are amazing. Channel 3’s Dick Russ was the festival MC. Other special guests included Dean DePiero, mayor of Parma; Jack Marschall, the dedication MC; and former Browns player Bob Golic. People literally partied in the streets eating, drinking and dancing. Big congrats to Maria Flynn for pulling this off.

The historic Public Square in Medina is the new home of the Potomac Bead Company, owned and operated by beaders extraordinaire Sherri Grandy and Bert White. A great addition to the retail mix on the square, Potomac Bead Shop is filled with beads, crystals, glass and gemstones from around the world. There will be classes, birthday parties, showers and holiday events. Tell Sherri, Mimi sent you.

Candidate for Strongsville’s Ward Three Larry Frawley and his new bride, Alice, hosted a fundraiser at J. Bella last month for Mike Dovilla who is running for state representative. Congresswoman Nan Baker, District 16 and a Mimi fan, showed up to lend her support to Mike, along with Robert Tenney, Parma; Gloria and Tom George, Rocky River; Matt Long, Berea; Jean Baker, Middleburg Heights; Dianah and Tom Kwiatkows, Berea; Mary Grace Gaberell and Libby Chapin, from Strongsville; Jim Heilmeier and son, Greg, from Akron; and our good friend Dale Finley, former mayor of Strongsville.

Large act of kindness award goes to J. Murdock Excavating for helping Broadview Heights resident Steven Tamis hang his department store-sized red bow on his house. It seems the bow is much too heavy for anything Steven could think of, so he made the call and J. Murdock came to his rescue. Lets all remember that when we need an excavator.

National Inclusion Week was celebrated in September at Catans, in Strongsville, and was hosted by The Freckle Book Club to promote the inclusion of children with special needs. Nothing works like gluing, stringing and painting to get kids to interact.

Congratulations to Brian and Tanya Hrouda, of Brecksville, for their beautiful son, Aidan Brian, born on Saturday, November 21, weighing in at 8-pounds, 10-ounces. Aunty Kathy, of Lakewood, has been fielding calls from football coaches for days. Aidan is the first great grandchild of Frances Hrouda, of Seven Hills. The entire Hrouda family is on cloud nine.

Kathy Peterson may be reached at Kathy@MimiVanderhaven.com. Photos of the events can be found at Mimivanderhaven.com/kathysphotos.