Presenters

Kathy Adams is a retired Business and Computer teacher from North Royalton High School. She received her BA and MA from BW. She enjoys working on family genealogy and helping others "research their roots."

Donald C. Auble holds a BA from Baldwin Wallace and an MS from the Scripps School of Journalism, Ohio University. He was a founder and then owner of Jaeger Advertising, a full-service advertising agency, for over 20 years. Don taught marketing and advertising classes as an adjunct professor at Baldwin Wallace for 15 years. He has developed and taught other ILR class: “Explorers of the Pacific Northwest” and "How They Make...MOVIES." Interests include flying, sailing, family and travel.

Bill received a B.A. and M.A. in History and Ph.D. in Family Financial Planning from Texas Tech University and an M.Th. from SMU. He has previously taught this class at Cuyahoga Community College in its Encore program and at ILR-East. His professional teaching career spans more than 40 years. During this time, he has taught students from elementary school to medical school. He served on the faculty of several universities - the University of Wyoming and IUPUI (Indiana U./Purdue U.) and for more than 20 years at the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville. He and his extended family moved to Rocky River in 2018.

Attorney Dan A. Baron focuses his practice in the areas of estate planning and elder law.  Mr. Baron is a member of the Cleveland Metropolitan Bar Association, West Shore Bar Association, Akron Bar Association and Elder Counsel. He is a published author and creator of Dollars and Sense© magazine. Since 2019, Dan has been nominated by his professional peers as “Ohio’s Super Lawyer, Rising Star.” Recently Dan was also voted “Best Lawyer, One to Watch for 2024.”

Vera Bartasavich earned graduate degrees in Health Education and Nutrition Education and is a Master Certified Health Education Specialist (MCHES) focusing on prediabetes and diabetes education. Vera has 30+ years of experience in the food industry. She enjoys presenting health and wellness topics in a variety of settings.

Robin Barto is a Master Martial Arts instructor and a retired Psychotherapist with over 50 years involvement in Chinese arts, including Karate, Tai Chi and Qi Gong. He holds a 7th degree Black Belt in Karate and is certified to teach Tai Chi and Qi Gong.

Gail Berzins graduated from Miami University (Ohio) with a degree in education. She spent 13 years teaching home economics. She has been digital scrapbooking since 2010. She has a passion for helping people preserve and tell their stories for future generations.

Judge Patricia Ann Blackmon served five terms on the Eighth District Court of Appeals in Cuyahoga County, Ohio. Judge Blackmon retired February 10, 2021 after 30 years on the court.

In 2017, she attended the National Judicial College (NJC) Mindfulness for Judges conference, in Sedona Arizona. At the NJC conference she became acquainted with Judge Lee Sinclair, faculty member of the NJC. After Sedona, she was invited to present with Judge Sinclair at the National Judicial Institute and Conclave, Emerging Ethics in Today’s Cases, in April 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. Later that year, she was asked to substitute for Judge Sinclair for the NJC in November of 2018, Mindfulness for Judges. In 2019, she participated in a webcast and a podcast with Judge Sinclair for NJC on Judicial Wellness.

In April and November 2020, Judge Blackmon and other faculty members of the NJC Faculty presented the Mindfulness for Judges classes via Zoom to Judges in the Ukraine.

Since 2012, she has taught a six-week class on Understanding the Court System to senior citizens as part of the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Baldwin Wallace University in Berea, Ohio.

Bill Brauning spent his prior career of 35 years in the field of Education in both direct and supervisory activities. Alongside that, he has been playing music since 1964, playing all styles from Rock, R&B to Jazz and Latin. Bill has toured, recorded and recently composed and arranged his own compositions. For the past 15 years, he has been presenting Pop Culture Programs to local colleges and universities, libraries and senior communities. He focuses on the mediums of Television, Film, Hollywood Musicals and all decades of music. LET’S GET POP CULTURED!

Carolyn Brown is a wife, mother, grandmother, homemaker and quiltmaker. A Baldwin Wallace graduate, she retired from a career in accounting and now enjoys the increased time she can spend on quilting. She has been quilting for 45 years. She has made more than 100 quilts, 40 or so within just the last two years.

Founded in 1982, Cannon Irish Dance offers Irish Dance instruction for ages 3 through adult, from preschool and toddler classes to a low impact senior exercise program and everything in between. Instructor, Peggy Cannon, began Irish Step Dance in 1970. She won both the Mid-America and North American Championships in 1980-1982. Peggy is a lifelong resident of the Cleveland area and Cannon Irish Dance has offered lessons in the Fairview/North Olmsted area from 1982 through present.

In 2016, Peggy began to offer a low impact exercise program using Irish Dance basics. With all of the health benefits provided by Irish Dance, the class was a perfect fit for seniors to enjoy exercise while they benefit from improved balance, keep their mind sharp by memorizing step patterns and strengthen muscles around the joints. The lively and rhythmic Irish music not only lifts spirits but also makes the class enjoyable and feels less like exercise.

Peggy believes that Irish Dance is for everyone.  Age doesn’t matter. No experience is necessary. Everyone can enjoy and benefit from the health benefits of Irish Dance.

Shannon Caperton, L.Ac, was inspired to become an acupuncturist after witnessing the power of this type of medicine. It improved the health of family members struggling with health issues and who were bereft of relief using standard medical care. She attended graduate school at Pacific College of Oriental Medicine in Chicago, where she earned her Masters in Traditional Chinese Medicine. During her time in Chicago she was privileged to work in underserved communities at the Project Vida clinic in the Little Villages neighborhood on the city’s west side, as well as at Chicago Women's Health Center. In addition to these experiences, she worked extensively in the school’s student clinic, which prepared her for working with a diverse population and gave her the experience to treat a wide variety of disorders. Shannon is nationally certified by the NCCAOM, as well as licensed by the Ohio Medical Board. She lives in Medina, OH and enjoys spending time with her dog and hiking in the Metroparks in her spare time.

Ann Cleary is a National Board Certified teacher in Adolescent and Young Adult Science. She taught 9th grade Earth and Space Science for over 30 years. She hopes to make topics simple and easily understood.

Gary Croy taught both "American Tradition" and "Advanced Placement United States History" at Berea High School. He also served as a faculty consultant for the College Board’s United States History Exam for eleven years. Following his retirement from Berea High School, he taught the U.S. History and European History survey classes at Baldwin Wallace for five years. He is a member of the Berea City School District Distinguished Staff Hall of Fame.

Sean Crum has a Master of Art from Case Western Reserve University (1977) and was an art teacher at North Ridgeville City Schools for 35 years, retiring in 2012. He was the chairman of the Art Department and taught AP Art History in a program he created, as well as authored the curriculum (published by The College Board online in 2005). He is also an artist, printmaker, and musician.

Debbie Darling is a singer and speaker. She has sung with The Tommy Dorsey Band, Peter Duchin and many notable Cleveland musicians and has presented her musical talks all over the country.

Melanie Deutsch, former fiction specialist for the Cuyahoga County Public Library, has a Bachelor of Arts in English and Spanish from Cleveland State University and a Master of Arts in Library Science from Case Western Reserve University. With 27 years experience in public libraries, she has presented workshops for national and state library organizations and has facilitated a local book discussion group for over 20 years. She has presented courses for the ILR on nonfiction books, mysteries and other book related topics.

Joseph (Mike) Dougherty a graduate of Western Kentucky University with a Bachelor of Arts in History and Political Science. He has a Master of Arts in Contracts and Acquisition Management from Florida Institute of Technology and a Master of Arts (equivalent) in Military History from the National Defense University. His military background includes Infantry Officer Basic course, Quartermaster Officer Advanced Course, the Army Command and General Staff College and the War College for Logisticians at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces.

R.C. Durkee is a writer, artist and local history speaker. Her debut novel, "Rum Run" was selected for Ohioana and inclusion in the state's library. She lectures local history for college lifelong learning courses, libraries and organizations and was a recurrent program speaker for Case Western Reserve University's STEM program. The sixth generation to be raised on her family’s 190 year old farm, her love of history, nature and rural life are reflected in both her art and writing. She is currently writing a narrative nonfiction set during the Civil War.

Erin C. Eurenius is a Certified Elder Law Attorney through the National Elder Law Foundation. In addition to being an attorney, she is also a certified public accountant. Erin has her own legal practice in Middleburg Heights.

Bert Fassett has a BA and MA from Cleveland State University. He taught in the Lakewood School System for 25 years. In 1994 and 2002 he was named “Educator of the Year.” In 2016 he was selected for the “Lakewood Staff Hall of Fame.” He also coached middle school basketball for 15 years. He has been married for 42 years and has two sons.

"An educator for 20 years, Shannon began her career with a non-profit program advising high school international exchange students studying in the United States. An exchange student herself after high school in Salzburg, Austria and then Leipzig, Germany in college, Shannon understands the challenges, joys and importance of learning foreign languages. She has traveled extensively for business, education and pleasure and has been fortunate to lead student groups traveling in Brazil, Germany and China. She holds a BA from Ohio University in German and International Studies and an MBA from Baldwin Wallace. She currently owns and operates her own gardening business, Dahlia Gypsy Farms."

Carl Fernstrum received his B.A. in Music from Wayne State University and his M.M. in Voice Performance from The University of Akron. Previously, he attended New York University's Tisch School of the Arts Musical Theater Writing Program as a composer. For over 30 years, Carl has served in music ministry for churches in Michigan, New Jersey and Ohio. He is the Director of Worship at Strongsville United Methodist Church. 

Carl has been an instructor at Baldwin Wallace University's ILR Program  and for the City of Westlake where he does presentations on various composers of American Popular Music.

Christopher Gillcrist is Director Emeritus of the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio. He has a BA and MA in History from John Carroll University and is ABD in Social Policy at Case Western Reserve University. Chris served as the National Museum of the Great Lakes’ Executive Director from 1999 to 2023 and led the organization’s growth from its original museum in Vermilion, Ohio to its current location as the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo, Ohio. Prior to joining the Great Lakes Historical Society, he served as Executive Director of the Lake County Historical Society and began his career in higher education as an Associate Professor of History at Notre Dame College of Ohio and Instructor of History at Ursuline College.

Jane Gramlich has been a genealogy and local history librarian at Akron-Summit County Public Library since 2007. She holds an M.A. in History and M.L.I.S. from Kent State University. She has served as Vice President and Program Chair of the Cuyahoga Valley Genealogical Society since 2015 and has been a trustee and newsletter editor for the Ohio Chapter of Palatines to America since 2021. Jane has contributed several articles to genealogical journals such as Ohio Genealogical Society Quarterly, Vermont Genealogy and Cornwall Family History Society Journal.

Barbara Greenberg received a Bachelor of Science - Education from The Ohio State University. She taught junior and senior high school in Columbus and Cleveland, Ohio, and has many years of adult education teaching experience. She received a J.D. degree from Cleveland-Marshall College of Law and is admitted to the Bars of the State of Ohio and the United States Supreme Court.

Suzanne Halstead has an MA in education from Concordia University and a BFA in studio arts and art education from Syracuse University. She is an artist, educator and museum professional, having taught art in public schools, colleges, galleries, studios and museums throughout her career. She has worked extensively in many cultural and museum environments as an educator and exhibits and program developer. Suzanne believes in enabling and empowering others so each may find and explore his or her own creative energies.

Father Harmon was awarded a Master of Divinity from the Asbury Theological Seminary. He also has a Master of Arts degree in Russian History from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor of Arts in History from North Dakota State University. On August 1, 2024, Father Harmon retired as the pastor of St. Matthew Church in North Royalton for 34 years.

Doug Hedrick has been a registered Professional Engineer and Surveyor for over 40 years. His career as a Project Engineer has been in both the private and public sectors. He first began as a Project Manager for Roadway Services/Federal Express and managed the construction of multi-million dollar distribution facilities throughout the Eastern and Southern United States. Doug then switched to the public sector as the Construction Engineer for the Ohio Turnpike Commission. Doug was responsible for construction oversight for the Third Lane Widening program, the modernization of the Toll Plazas and Service Plazas and was ultimately promoted to the position of Chief Engineer. He managed the Ohio Turnpike during the Ohio Governor’s billion dollar Infrastructure Program. Doug finished his career as the Vice President of Greenman Pedersen Inc.’s Ohio operations. Doug developed GPI’s operation to the premiere construction services provider to both the Ohio Department of Transportation and the Ohio Turnpike Commission. During his tenure, GPI was selected by ODOT as the lead engineer for both Cleveland Innerbelt Bridge projects, the Valley View Bridge expansion and the new State Route 8 bridge in Akron.

Cheri Homaee’s art career spans fifty years as a painter, a photographer and an art instructor. Her photography has been published and exhibited throughout the East Coast, with many of her works in private collections. She has won several national and international juried competitions. Cheri has taught drawing / pottery / colored pencils / photography at Brecksville Center for the Arts at the Busy Bee for over ten years.

Douglas Horne graduated from The Ohio State University in 1974. He served with the U.S. Navy in various capacities for 20 years. From 1995-1998, he held a critical position on the the staff of the JFK Assassination Records Review Board, where he headed the military records team. Doug also worked for the U. S. Holocaust Memorial Museum from 1998-2001 and completed his 40 years of Federal Service with the State Department, retiring in 2016.

Doug Imhoff earned both a BA and MBA at Baldwin Wallace University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and Certified Financial Planner (CPF) and worked as an internal auditor in various management positions for several companies in the Cleveland area. In addition, he has a lifelong interest in American and World history, government and politics.

Nancy Jirousek retired from Baldwin Wallace University as the Senior Director of Transfer and Military Services in 2024 and also served as the liaison to ILR. She and her husband Dennis began their love of bourbon more than 30 years ago and have visited the Kentucky Bourbon Trail and Bourbon Festival numerous times, well before bourbon became the sensation it is today. Dennis is a retired financial planner providing the “color commentary” for this course, sharing many adventures from their bourbon experience.

Lude Kemock is a licensed real estate broker in Ohio and has been practicing real estate for over 45 years. He has taught real estate at several Northeast Ohio colleges for over 30 years and recently retired from his final position as National Director of Transitions and Implementation at Coldwell Banker Real Estate Corporate Office in Madison, New Jersey, where he worked for over 30 years previously as a Manager, National Trainer, Business Consultant and Innovator of marketing and training tools. He is currently Associate Broker at Coldwell Banker Schmidt Realty in Westlake.

John Kipp is certified as an armed private security officer by the Ohio Peace Officer Training Commission and has taught courses on personal safety for 15 years. He is also an Ohio Peace Officer Training Administration range safety officer and has served as an instructor and consultant.

British-born Julie Koenig is a keen observer and lifelong student of the British monarchy. She offers fascinating insights that go beyond the usual headlines and media coverage. She is well-versed in the colorful history, traditions and scandals of the British monarchy.

Mary Ruth Kolk has been presenting classes on how to reverse Type 2 diabetes for over twenty years. In 2002 she was determined to help her husband, Dick, who had struggled with Type 2 diabetes for over 25 years. At 280 pounds, with severe neuropathy, sleep apnea and a range of medications, Dick’s health was rapidly declining. His blood sugars were uncontrolled, and he endured nightly hypoglycemic episodes.

In 2003 she developed a personalized program for Dick. Within three months, he was off insulin, and in a year, his neuropathy and other health issues significantly improved. He lost 120 pounds and regained hi mobility and vitality, completing two 5K races. Dick eliminated medications: insulin, pain, statins and diuretics and saw dramatic improvements in his sleep, mood and overall health.

She is passionate about helping others beat diabetes. In addition to her teaching at numerous Senior Citizen centers, she also presented her program at Humana Health, as well as for private corporations. In 2011, she was invited to speak at The Ohio State School of Medicine, was featured on Channel 3 news and also received an award for 5 years presenting at Parma City School Adult Learning programs.

Mary Ruth’s resume also includes President of the Institute for Learning in Retirement at Baldwin Wallace University from 2020 - 2022, President of Jack ’n Jill Nursery School, President of LIVE Multimedia, V.P. of Cleveland Ad Association, producer of the DVD set “How We Beat Diabetes.” She is a former member of Toastmasters and the Cleveland Coach Federation.

Is an Historical Interpreter with Cleveland Metroparks (since 2007), a part- time Guest Engagement Specialist with Great Lakes Science Center (since 2002), as well as on the Steamship William G. Mather Museum (since 2003). From mid-May through mid- October, he can be found leading the two-hour Cuyahoga “River By Boat” programs on Cle2 – the 17-passenger Cleveland Metroparks excursion vessel.

Michael Laurenty is a retired United States Navy veteran and currently teaches courses in College Composition and Graphic Novels in the English Department at Cleveland State University. He is a playwright, author, musician, avid game player and ardent Lego builder. He is also a Doctor of Naturopathy, has earned an MFA in creative writing and is a Licensed Massage Therapist.

Scott Longert is a graduate of the Ohio State University and has his M.A. in American History from Cleveland State University. He is the author of six books on Cleveland baseball history and has appeared on television, radio and several baseball documentaries.

Judy MacKeigan received her BA and MA in History from Cleveland State University. She has had the honor and privilege of serving as Historian and Archives Manager for Cleveland Metroparks since 2010. Judy was lead author and chief content editor on The Hundred Year Trail: A Centennial Celebration of Cleveland Metroparks.

Tom Marini worked at University of Michigan Ross School of Business as a Business Research Librarian, William and Mary University as an Associate Director of their McLeod Business School Library,  Director at University of Virginia, Darden Business School Library. He also worked with the Secretary of Defense  Executive Fellows' Program in which he taught classes to senior military officers who would then go to work for various participating companies for a year. For a while, he did some contracting on the side with various military companies. He also did a threat analysis on a variety of subjects with concentrations on the Middle-East and Asymmetrical Warfare with various terrorist groups. From 2009-2010, he was a Fullbright Scholar in Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, and Uzbekistan.

Mel Maurer has a Bachelor of Science from John Carroll University. His education includes many historical symposia focused on Abraham Lincoln. He is past president and historian of the Cleveland Civil War Roundtable and has appeared in several of its plays. He is a lifetime member of the Lincoln Forum. For 43 years he was Manager of Administrative Quality and Distribution for the Boston Weatherhead Division of Dana Corporation. In retirement he is a writer, speaker and actor.

Kaetlyn McCafferty is a local Cleveland artist and Irish language instructor who received her Bachelor's degree from the Cleveland Institute of Art. Over the last 15 years she has spent time visiting and studying in Irish speaking regions, including combining her interests in both art and the Irish language while living as the Artist in Residence on the Aran Islands. Helping others learn Irish and supporting the language’s community of speakers and learners alike is one of her greatest passions. She has previously taught Irish at the West Side Irish American Club, PJ McIntyre’s “Speak Irish Cleveland” group, and in extra-curricular sessions at Baldwin Wallace.

Pam McConnell graduated from Bowling Green State University with a BS in Elementary Education.  For over 35 years, she taught fifth grade students with a few years of third graders.  Her interest in education led her to take classes from ILR when she retired.  Prior to her current role as the Curriculum Chairman, she was the Social Committee Chairman for eight years.

Terry Meehan earned a BBA in marketing from Cleveland State University and an MA in literature and film from Kent State University. He teaches film appreciation at Lorain County Community College and at several adult education programs, including the Cleveland Film Society. At Chautauqua Institution, he has presented the Movies of Alfred Hitchcock and Early Western Films. He also curates and presents a monthly film series.

Sue Ann Miller earned a BS in Clothing & Textiles and Home Economics from The Ohio State University. After a 14 year career in retail management at The May Company, she began her teaching career at Parma City Schools and then Berea City Schools. Sue Ann taught Family & Consumer Science classes. After earning her Masters of Educational Technology at BW, she taught computer classes (Grades 5-12) and then served in the role of the district instructional technology coach at Berea until she retired in 2020. Sue Ann is a Google Education Certified Trainer and teaches adult education classes at Polaris Career Center.

Mello began meditating twenty years ago.  He has taught meditation to relax or support life transformation.  He believes that we are all here for a higher purpose and should use our time to learn and grow.  He is a student of a Himalayan / Yoga Master and Certified Meditation Instructor.

Edward Napoleon is an adjunct instructor in BW’s Math and Computer Science Dept. He has over 35 years of Information Technology and Information Security experience. He retired from EY as a lead Principal in Ernst & Young’s Global Information Security practice.

Edward received a Bachelor’s degree from Baldwin Wallace University (College) in 1975 and a Master of Science degree from Cleveland State University.

Edward is a Certified Information Systems Security Professional (CISSP) and a Certified Information Security Manager (CISM). He is also a graduate of the FBI’s citizen’s academy.

Edward is a native of Cleveland. He enjoys photography, cooking and teaching adult Sunday school. He is married and has two daughters and two granddaughters.

Marcia Nauts has a BS in Education from Ohio University (Athens, Ohio); an MA from the University of Michigan (Ann Arbor, Michigan); taught Latin for 36 years in Toledo Public Schools at Bowsher High School and then for 4 years at St. Ursula Academy (Toledo, Ohio).

Gerry Nemeth earned degrees in Electronic Engineering Technology from Tri-C and CSU. He previously worked in the electronics industry for several major corporations. He is currently employed at Tri-C and LCCC as a Math Instructor.

Ken Neuzil earned a Bachelor of Arts and Master of Arts degree from Kent State University. He taught social studies at the high school level for 38 years, specializing in world history. For several years he taught a class on Eastern cultures and was asked to create a course and develop the curriculum for a class in Great Religions and A History of Ethics, which is still being taught at the high school. After retiring in 2004, Ken taught a graduate-level class on literacy for Walsh University offered through Communicate Institute.

Neil Oblonsky is a Cleveland native and an OSU graduate. He wrote for TV shows in Columbus. He's been a comedian since 1979, earning upwards of $499, so living comfortably. He graduated from Second City in 2002. He has acted at Playhouse Square and in theaters across Cleveland.

Patrick O'Connor is an Emeritus Professor, now retired from Kent State University College of Education. Patrick does a lot of writing and enjoys biking and kayaking with his wife, Sue. He considers himself semi-retired and keeps busy with small consulting projects, does some teaching and writes a monthly Blog for Boomer and Beyond.

Patrick O’Leary earned a MS in environmental biology and built the Science Dept. facilities and curriculum at Walsh Jesuit HS (Cuyahoga Falls, OH). He was a wilderness guide in the Colorado Rockies for 20 years. O’Leary is an international management consultant specializing in conflict resolution, leadership development and coaching small group effectiveness. He is co-author of an original textbook on personality theory (Enneagram) that has been published in seven languages. He was a member of the Jesuit Order of Catholic priests for 30 years.

Brian A. Pavlac is a Professor Emeritus of History from King's College in Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.  He has written Witch Hunts in the Western World and other articles and books on European history.  He currently resides in Berea.

As a wife, mother of 3 sons and an avid sewist, quilter and bag maker, I am enthusiastic about sharing my knowledge with others. My interest in sewing was sparked by my grandmother during my childhood. Professionally, I spent 50 years with Tops markets including opening the Berea Tops store as store manager and culminating with my role as Director of Customer Service in Buffalo New York. During my time there I formed many relationships with fellow fabric enthusiasts and had the opportunity to teach quilting and bag making at several local quilt stores. Now retired and residing back in the Cleveland area, I look forward to partnering with the ILR program and hope to meet many interesting and talented people who share my creative passions.

Beryl Prusinoski has a BA in Mathematics from CWRU and an MS in statistics from Purdue. She worked in the chemical industry for more than forty years.

Upon retirement, Beryl adapted her interests in science and history to delivering adult education classes. She has taught classes with ILR since 2017 and also delivers individual lectures for local civic groups. Her especial interest is probing the history and science within topics such as holidays, colors, food and plants.

Education: formal and informal - Tri-C West, Cleveland State, Cleveland Institute of Art.

Private Seminars in Art, Philosophy and Comparative Religion. Ojai, CA, Chicago University, Dr. Jenine Mill.

Presently teaching at Strongsville Community Center (25 years) with emphasis on composition, color theory, design and a touch of art history in a non-competitive format. Students use techniques of glazing, scumbling, dry brush, impasto, palette knife and many other techniques (smoodging).

Developed annual “Art in Our Lives” art exhibit for 25 years until Covid. Ehrnfelt Community Center, Strongsville, OH. This became an annual Community Event.

Congressional Achievement Award in Art awarded at the Inauguration of President Jimmy Carter in 1981.

Private Art Studio @ Woodbury School, Shaker Hts., OH (7 yrs).

Colette Roach is a retired special education team member in the Berea City School system and a former Pre-K teacher. Her degree is in Early Childhood Ed. as well as a post-degree program in Art Therapy through Ursuline College. She taught Pre-K before working with all ages in special ed. Colette was also a part time cake decorator at a local Dairy Queen for 24 years. She has designed and implemented several different art projects with children as well as her own individual pursuits. Designing mandalas and the use of color became an artistic outlet for the students and herself - a creative way of expression in a simple, relaxing, personal art form that she enjoys sharing with others.

Scott Ross is currently a Berea resident where his wife is a faculty member at Baldwin Wallace University.  He is retired from a 31 year Federal Aviation Administration career.  He is a proud BW graduate, with a degree in History, Russian specialization.  Scott also is a certified pilot and holds Master Mariner credentials.

Beverly Sadowski earned a BA in History and Psychology and an MA in Education from Baldwin Wallace University. She taught in the Berea City Schools until her retirement in 2014. Bev continues to speak on the Kennedy presidency and both the JFK and RFK assassinations to a myriad of educational and professional organizations, libraries and private groups throughout the Cleveland Metropolitan area. She recently was a featured speaker at Johnson City Community College in Kansas City, Kansas (April,2024) and Dallas (November,2024), at conferences sponsored by the JFK Historical Group in collaboration with Project JFK.

Pat Scanlan received a Ph.D. degree from the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Modern Chinese History. He has visited China on numerous occasions. He also has spent some years in countries contiguous to China.

David Scavuzzo received a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from the University of Akron and a Master of Divinity from Ashland Theological Seminary. He has served the United Methodist Church for 33 years. His current position is senior pastor at Strongsville United Methodist Church.

Judi Slack received her Bachelor's degree from Iowa State University and Master's degree in Education from Cleveland State University. Her early career days were as a psychiatric social worker. The remaining years of her career were spent as an elementary school teacher and then as an administrator. She has taught education courses at Cleveland State, University of Akron and Notre Dame. Tea has been a lifelong passion and she has four different certificates from the World Tea Academy:  Tea Specialist, Tea Professional, Tea Sommelier, Tea Health Expert.

Ted Smith is a graduate of Baldwin Wallace. His interests and research are in traditional Chinese medicine, history, current events, science and theology. In his personal quest for balance, he has done considerable independent research into various spiritual, historical and sociological practices in an effort to see what has worked for and against humanity’s quest for balance.

Aaron Spears earned a Bachelor’s degree in Film History from Wright State University and a Master’s in Library Science from Kent State University. He has spent 13 years managing the Cedar Lee Theater, six years on the Selection Committee for the Cleveland International Film Festival and the past 30 years watching every film he could get his eyes on.

Pat Stropko-O’Leary has 60 years of emergency room and hospice nursing that includes 23 years as a hospice administrator. She holds an MBA - Health Care Administration, Baldwin Wallace; a B.S. in Health Care Administration; and Registered Nurse certification.

JoAnn Tanke earned a Bachelor of Arts in Education at Otterbein College and studied for a Master of Science degree in family therapy at the University of Akron. She taught French and Home Economics in the Maple Heights and Berea School Systems for 31 years in grades 6-12. She has traveled with and led student trips to Europe several times.

Walter Topp is a writer who has published articles on local and military history. He has also worked as a newspaper reporter, technical writer, U.S. Navy officer, police officer and emergency management director. He holds an M.S. from the U.S. Army War College and an M.P.A. from Cleveland State University.

Beth is a retired registered nurse with 35 years of experience in healthcare leadership and graduate nursing education. For 15 years, Beth taught undergraduate and graduate courses in communication, conflict management and leadership development at Indiana University School of Nursing. She holds a master’s degree in nursing administration from Indiana University and a doctorate in adult education from Walden University. Beth has extensive experience in leading programs founded on the principles and practices of effective communication and has given numerous presentations on giving and receiving feedback, constructive criticism, assertiveness and mindfulness in managing conflict. She strives to help others understand the role of self-awareness and humility in communication.

Mike Walczak has examined and studied major league baseball for more than 30 years. He was a contributor to the Bill James' Major League Baseball Project Scoresheet statistical database and was an advisor to the Society for American Baseball Research administration. Since 1994 Mike has been the Director of Trusts and Estates for Baldwin Wallace University. He has a BA from Albion College, an MEd from Cleveland State University and JD from John Marshall College of Law.

Known as “the city that lights and hauls the world,” Schenectady, New York, was where I was born. My parents wrenched me out of this environment when I was young and moved me to Cuyahoga Falls, Ohio. I floundered through school until I landed at Kent State University, graduated with an MA and started my first professional job at the Plain Dealer. Today, I am a retired teacher and an avid reader and writer.

Linda Witkowski holds a Master of Arts degree in modern language and literature from Case Western Reserve University where she did several years of fellowship teaching. She is recently retired, having spent 50 years in the computer technology field, witnessing the emergence of this fascinating industry. She has also performed at area theaters for countless years, more recently working with ‘Women in History’ and the Downtown Cleveland Historic Gateway Walking Tour program “Take a Hike.”

Lisa Wittman has been teaching yoga for over 20 years. She is certified as an E-RYT-500, Therapeutic Yoga, Yoga Therapist and Children’s Yoga. Lisa worked as a paraprofessional for children with special needs and noticed the effect yoga and movement provided.  During her training she was able to participate in Chair Yoga at Assisted Living facilities, Nursing Homes and Senior Centers.  Her approach to Yoga and movement is lighthearted and fun. Her motto:   “There is always something you can do to make yourself feel better!”

Betty Zak received Bachelor of Science and Master of Arts degrees. She has been a college educator for over 30 years serving as lead faculty and area chair, adjunct professor and presenter/lecturer at conferences at the Cleveland Museum of Art, a 2017 Emmy nominated production and numerous other events. Some of her distinctions are: YWCA Woman of Professional Excellence Award, Outstanding Faculty Award, Recipient of 2015 Scholar of the Year Award and 2016 Lead Faculty/Area Chair Award.

Michael Zawatsky received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, summa cum laude, from The Ohio State University.  He earned the designation of Chartered Retirement Planning Counselor and Chartered Retirement Plans Specialist from the College for Financial Planning. He is also a Certified Financial Educator and is president of the Lake Erie Chapter of the Society for Financial Awareness.