Cuyahoga Velvet Cushion 3-4-10

By: Kathy Peterson
Date: 03/02/2010
The City Mission, one of the oldest non-profit social service organizations in the City of Cleveland, proudly celebrates its 100th anniversary this year. The group held an open house event on Wednesday, February 3, for staff, friends and media, kicking off the year’s major activities surrounding the anniversary.

Dedicated to providing help and hope to all people in need, The City Mission will commemorate its centennial year throughout 2010 with a series of special events and activities to honor the organization’s history and continuing work, culminating in the “Celebration of Hope” event to be held at the Wolstein Center on Saturday, October 2. For event schedules and more information, visit www.TheCityMission.org.

Local artist Tony Adam Ovicz, who has been creating replicas of famous buildings and statues out of scrap materials for over 30 years, had a one-man show at the Brookpark Recreation Center. The holiday show was particularly fun for the kids who enjoyed Tony’s Cinderella castle, coach and horses, which became a gift for a neighbor.

Tony’s collection includes Brookpark City Hall and Recreation Center, the White House, the Capitol, the Rock ‘n Roll Hall of Fame and Museum, the Golden Gate bridge, and many more famous landmarks. You may call Tony for a commission of your own, at 216-362-6336.

Alexis Terranova, of Brunswick, donated her hair to Locks of Love, an organization that makes wigs for cancer victims. The amazing thing is that Alexis is a 13-year-old honor student at Visintainer Middle School, in Brunswick. With her little sister, Morgan, Alexis has made this sacrifice to help others. Both Alexis and Morgan (who is about to be a donor for the second time) found a way to help.

Lots of good things are happening in Brunswick, including the opening of Brunswick Prep Academy, at 3824 Center Road, behind Flowerama. The grand opening, on Friday, February 26, was a huge success, with Brunswick’s vice mayor, Vince Carl, and economic development director, Tim Smith, officiating the ribbon cutting and a tour of the new school. The academy caters to children 18 months to school age. Owners and educators Katrina Muzingo and Stephanie Roksandich welcome you to a second open house on Saturday, March 13, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m.

Another Bruswick star, Angelica Malkug, who attends Memorial Elementary, had a late entry Valentine Card to the Brunswick Art Works Valentine “Design-A-Card Contest.” Angelica’s beautiful card was held up in the mail and missed the deadline. All of us at Mimi give Angelica a shout out for her “I Love You in All Seasons” card design effort. Good job Angelica.

Melissa and Richard Malone, of Strongsville, welcomed a baby girl, Ryleigh Jae Malone, on Wednesday, December 30. Not only did Ryleigh save her daddy a boatload on his taxes but she was also conveniently born at home, weighing in at a healthy 9-pounds, 1-ounce, and, of course, has become an amazing addition to the Malone family. Congratulations!

Speaking of amazing kids. Aubrey Restifo, of Strongsville, attends Bennington College, in Vermont. Aubrey, a violinist extraordinaire, is a member of the Sage City Symphony. Aubrey and her orchestra were the guests of the University of Dublin last year and are looking forward to spending this semester in Tokyo. All this exposure is great for Aubrey, whose major is international relations. Mother Leslie, of Timberridge Back and Neck Clinic, in North Royalton, is in heaven whether visiting her talented daughter in Vermont, Dublin or Tokyo.

Sandy Shaker, owner of Restyle Resale, in North Royalton, loves to throw parties at her lovely boutique. In February, friends gathered for wine and great food while viewing the new spring line of Premier Designs jewelry. All guest received a 15% discount on the new line. Sandy is extending the 15% discount for all who drop by the shop on 130th at Albion until the end of March.

Two very successful fundraisers this season were the Angel House Holiday Party and Skate for Life. Carol Dombros claimed an SRO crowd at her party, getting Angel House closer and closer to its goal of refurbishing the barn for arts and spiritual endeavors. Parker Pennington Productions, which held the Skate for Life benefit at USA Iceland, raised over $25,000 for muscular dystrophy.

Our own Rosalee Walters, Strongsville Historical Society, must be very proud of her son, Mike Walters, a landscape designer. Mike, with his wonderfully talented crew at Connelly Landscape, of Avon, won blue ribbons at the Great Big Home and Garden Expo, held February 6-14.

The blue ribbon win was in two categories: Peer Group and Best Tree, which was determined by a group of judges from the Holden Arboretum. 

Also creating quite a stir at the expo was Dave Anderson, of Strongsville, who introduced his faux slate rock steps that weigh in at only 100-pounds each and create a dramatic stone look. Dave’s stone steps will be handled exclusively by Valley City Builders. We are so proud of Dave and Mike. Congratulations!
Spring is really coming!

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