Cleveland became my home when my family relocated here from Minneapolis while I was in high school. My family transferred out of state when I was in college at Cleveland State University. Again, I found myself “relocating” around Northeast Ohio: Fairview Park, Cleveland Heights, Mayfield Heights, downtown Cleveland, Lakewood, Westlake, Avon, and currently Rocky River.

My husband, Tom and I, raised four children in Avon and downsized to a lovely neighborhood in Rocky River. We enjoy being close to the lake and the walkability of this community as well as the closeness to downtown, the Metroparks, and University Circle. Our children and family live in different areas of the country, so we plan vacations and trips to spend time together.

I have been active in many volunteer positions, including board positions for nonprofits, animal shelters including fostering dogs, environmental organizations, tutoring/fundraising for a literacy program, and working with horses and children for the Therapeutic Riding Program at the Rocky River Stables. I also work in a seasonal staff position for the Cleveland International Film Festival and volunteered for 8 years prior.

I love to read and have been in a book club for 20+ years. I enjoy Iyengar yoga; movies; traveling; hiking; snowshoeing and cross-country skiing; and live music. I am amazed at our choices of food in and around Cleveland. From the many specialty shops to restaurants, the options are endless.

We are members of the Cleveland Museum of Art, season ticket holders to the Playhouse Square Broadway series, and many other organizations over the years. Cleveland is home and in our retirement future, we will continue to keep it as our “home base.”