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LETTER FROM THE PRESIDENT 8, 9 ACTIVITY PAGE 14 RIDE BRACELETS 16 S P O N S O R S 6 M A P 4
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K I D S D A Y S C H E D U L E BLOSSOM MUSIC FEST
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A D I N D E X HOT AIR BALLOONS 45-49 JAYCEES AWARDS 38-41
Letter from the President
Greeting to Friends, Residents and Visitors of the Greater Chagrin Valley!
It is my privilege and honor, on behalf of the Chagrin Valley Jaycees Charitable Foundation, the Board of Directors and our 230 members to welcome you to the 65th Blossom Time 2023! The festival is an annual gathering to celebrate and appreciate our Veterans, Active Military Personnel, the communities we call home, and The U.S.A. This year's theme is "Blossom Time, Old School Fun Since 1956,” with the images being impressions of the classic board games that we grew up with. Here's a rundown of the weekend: Blossom Time will officially begin on Thursday, May 25th, at 5:30 pm when the park opens for rides. The Carnival rides will be running (weather permitting) beginning Friday at 2:00 p.m. through 10:30 p.m., Saturday and Sunday 10:30 a.m. through 10:30 p.m. Thursday will also begin the Music Fest presented by Berkshire Hathaway with Tom Evanchuck at 8:30. The Music Fest continues Friday night through Sunday; Karaoke is the fun for Friday night beginning at 8:30. Saturday at 8:00 the Jack Fords will appear, and the Music Fest is finished-off in style on Sunday at 6:00 with the Armstrong Bearcat Band. (All times are p.m.). On Thursday at sunset, the 32nd Annual Balloon Glow will delight audiences at Chagrin Falls High School. Please gather with friends and family to watch the balloons light up the sky with colors to music in a way I've only ever seen here in Chagrin Falls. All balloon activity, of course, is weather dependent.
Updates for all events will be posted on the Chagrin Valley Jaycees' Facebook Page and website, www.cvjc.org.
On Saturday and Sunday, the triangle will be filled with food trucks, thanks to Superior Beverage! "The Taste of Chagrin" will be open from 10 am until 9 pm in Triangle Park in the center of town. Food trucks, unique fine foods, and beverage vendors will all be there.
Sunday will be the busiest part of the weekend. It will begin with the 45th Annual Blossom Time Run, sponsored by Lyndall Insurance. Veteran runners already know that our course is primarily uphill, and you can see the finish line for most of the last mile! We have shorter races for kids, senior citizens, and people who like to walk the course. Commencing at 2:00 is the community favorite Blossom Time Parade sponsored this year by Ganley Chevy of Aurora and Chagrin Home Improvement. This year we are honoring South Russell Village’s 100th Anniversary. The Parade runs down Washington Street from the Chagrin Falls High School and ends at Triangle Park. For our Jaycee families, special thanks to the MBA Team Howard Hanna (Mary Beth Wolfe, Anne Harmody and Becky Hamid) for our first Blossom Time Parade Pavilion. Our focus is to have the most fun while emphasizing the safety of everyone who visits. As always, we have the full support of our local police and fire departments. When you see them, please extend a hand and thank them for all their hard work keeping our neighborhoods safe throughout the year. I would like to personally thank our wonderful sponsors for their support. You will see them throughout this digital program. Please thank them for supporting the Chagrin Valley Jaycees' Charitable Mission. Last but not least, I must thank our extraordinary team of Jaycees volunteers. They take time out of their busy schedules to help put this festival together and bring it to the Chagrin Valley.
On behalf of The Chagrin Valley Jaycees Charitable Organization, I wish everyone a great, safe Memorial Day Weekend. I look forward to seeing everyone!
John Liber, Chagrin Valley Jaycees President
Public Service Announcement
The Board of Directors and Blossom Time Chairman are constantly looking for ways to improve the Blossom Time festival. This year, there are so many things to tell you about, we decided to send it out to the public in advance as a public service announcement.
SAFETY REMINDER Each year, the Jaycees meet with the Village Officials, before and after the event, to discuss the event and look for ways to ensure the safety of all attendees. One area of emphasis is crowd control at the parade. The parade is exciting for children and they may not realize the danger of running in the street. Parents – it is your responsibility to ensure your children are not running into the street and stay back at the curb.
ALL-WEEKEND RIDE BRACELET The Jaycees will offer an All-Weekend ride bracelet again this year for $95, which will be good for every session, all weekend long. These can be purchased online at the CVJCs website: cvjc.org. By purchasing your wristbands online prior to the event, you will be able to avoid the long lines at the ticket booths and pick up your pre-purchased wristbands at the Jaycee booth located at the Big Top tent entrance. Wristbands purchased at the festival will be $100. BLOSSOM TIME POSTER Back by popular demand, GIVE! Chagrin and the Valley Art Center conducted a contest to create a commemorative 2023 Blossom Time poster. The winning submission will be available for sale in the Jaycee booth or online at cvjc.org. There will even be limited-edition prints, signed and numbered by the winning artist! What a great way to commemorate a class reunion or special year!
RIDE BRACELET/TICKET PRICES - Ride wristbands $25 per session - All weekend pass $95
Please remember that the funds raised from Blossom Time are donated to 30+ worthy organizations throughout the year that directly impact life in the Chagrin Valley.
BLOSSOM TIME RUN: STOP THE BANDITS! The Blossom Time Run has two thousand runners and the number of people who don't register is estimated at 500. Given the entry fee of $30, this is over $15,000 in lost revenue. As previously stated, these proceeds go to support worthy causes in our own community. Additionally, the extra runners can interfere with paying runners who are interested in official race times. Please take the time to register for the race. Your registration will get you a Blossom Time Run T-shirt and a commemorative medal. If you choose to still not register, there will be officials at the starting line asking runners without a numbered bib to move to the back of the race field
Thank you and have a great Memorial Day weekend! - Chagrin Valley Jaycees Blossom Time Committee
Give! Chagrin Valley Women's League, in partnership with the Chagrin Valley Jaycees and the Chagrin Valley Art Center present the winner of the fourth annual Blossom Time Commemorative Poster Contest. Artists of all ages were invited to enter their best depiction of Blossom Time and Chagrin Falls. After going through many wonderful entries, we arrived at a winner:
"The Midway" by Broderick Bebout
Runners-up were Mimi Miller and Pam Spremulli.
The poster will be available for $10 a piece or $20 for a limited edition signed poster. They will be available at the booth near the Jaycees tent and entertainment tent. Thanks to Lyndall Insurance for providing the prizes to our first, second, and third place winners!
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BRACELETS Thursday One Session: 5:30-10:30 $25 Friday All Day Special: 2:00-10:30 $30 Evening Session: 5:00-10:30 $25 Saturday Afternoon Session: 10:30-5:00 $25 Evening Session: 5:00-10:30 $25 Sunday Afternoon Session: 10:30-5:00 $25 Evening Session: 5:00-10:30 $25 Ride bracelets provide "all you can ride fun!"
All Weekend Pass purchase at www.cvjc.org or at the Blossom Time Festival
$95
$100
The park will be closed Monday, May 29 in observance of Memorial Day
/Blossom Queen
Big Top Tent
Big Top Tent
Big Top Tent
Big Top Tent entertainment provided by Berskshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty
ALL DAY
HAVE FUN
BLOSSOM TIME
Big Top Tent entertainment provided by Berskshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty
Big Top Tent
Big Top Tent
Big Top Tent
9:00 PM
Big Top Tent entertainment provided by Berskshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty
10:15 AM
Big Top Tent
Big Top Tent entertainment provided by Berskshire Hathaway Homeservices Professional Realty
BLOSSOM TIME parade On Sunday May 28th, Chagrin Home Improvements, Ganley Chevrolet of Aurora and the Chagrin Valley Jaycees Charitable Foundation will present the annual Blossom Time Parade. This event is traditionally the climax of the Blossom Time Festival. The parade has become one the finest and most colorful parades in Ohio. This celebration was held annually in Chagrin Falls prior to World War II, and was revived by the Jaycees with great success. Bands, floats, fire engines, marching units, antique cars, and clowns from all over the state of Ohio have been among the featured attractions in past years. Previous years parades have charmed an estimated 60,000 people, this year we are expecting an even larger crowd. We the Chagrin Valley Jaycees Charitable Foundation, Ganley Chevrolet of Aurora, and Chagrin Home Improvements would like to welcome everyone to the long-awaited Annual Blossom Time Parade in Chagrin Falls, Ohio!
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JAYCEE SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
Martini Award Winner Clayton Papenfus
The Martini Award is an honor given to a Jaycee at the start of their Jaycee career. It’s given to a Jaycee who is highly active in the organization and is viewed as a potential future leader for the group. Clayton Papenfus came to us from across the sea in South Africa. Moving to Chagrin Falls before the pandemic, Clayton joined the organization and immediately jumped into several roles over the years including website and media design, public relations, Holiday lighting setup and teardown, and much more. Clayton is responsible for our newest annual event, Trucks by the Falls, and has also coordinated the Easter Egg Hunt for a couple years. During his time in the Jaycees, he has supported the Jaycees in various volunteer positions for several events including Blossom Time, the Easter Egg Hunt, Oktubafest, and the Don Lawrence Memorial Golf outing. Clayton has also supported Blossom Time as Manpower Chairman for a couple years. Clayton is more than deserving of this award and we can’t wait to see what else Clayton brings to the Chagrin Valley Jaycees.
JAYCEE SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
Martini Award Winner Tripp Stewart
Tripp, like Clayton, joined this organization a couple years before the pandemic. He has supported the Jaycees in several volunteer roles including Oktubafest, the Chili Brew Off, the Easter Egg Hunt, Blossom Time and the Holiday Lighting Setup and Teardown. Tripp is a new member of the board of directors and is responsible for creative methods of fundraising. He has recently stepped into a couple chairmanship roles as he is currently responsible for the coordination of kids’ day during Blossom Time and supported manpower for the Holiday Lighting Setup. He has also given several hours of support to the planning and execution of the 2023 Chili-Brew Off. Tripp has been an excellent active addition to the Chagrin Valley Jaycees and he will play vital roles in the direction of the organization moving forward.
JAYCEE SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
The Outstanding Jaycee Award goes to a seasoned Jaycee veteran who has completed activities that have aided in organization growth. This year’s Outstanding Jaycee Award was well deserved as the award went to our five-time Blossom Time Chairman Dan Beavers. Dan has celebrated a decorated Jaycee career holding several positions and accomplishments during his time with the group. Dan was on the Board of Directors for 12 years and was the organizations President from 2014 to 2015. Prior to his five-year reign as Blossom Time Chairman, Dan was a Blossom Time Finance chairmen for 8 years and was responsible for the most profitable Blossom Time ever until the record was broken in 2022. Dan also supported the holiday lighting as a volunteer for 15 years, was the Director of the Charitable Foundation Wing of the Jaycees for 3 years and Outstanding Jaycee Award Winner Dan Beavers
was nominated as treasurer for the Foundation Wing for another 3 years. Congratulations Dan on a wonderful Jaycee career and this well-earned Outstanding Jaycee Award.
JAYCEE SERVICE AWARD WINNERS
Distinguished Service Award Winner Molly Gebler This year's DSA honoree, Molly Gebler, is a true community pillar, known for her unwavering commitment and compassionate leadership. As the former Executive Director of the Chagrin Valley Chamber of Commerce, Molly's innovative ideas led to tremendous growth and inspired other chambers to follow her lead. Her dedication extends beyond professional success, with notable charitable efforts like assisting the Bainbridge Area Food for Friends in optimizing their donation process. A team player at heart, Molly not only shines individually but also motivates others to discover their potential and contribute to the community. Her exceptional service and inspiring impact make her a deserving recipient of the DSA award.
Happy Blossom!
We hope you enjoy the family traditions of the 2023 Blossom Time festival brought to you by the Chagrin Valley Jaycees for the past 67 years.
The Chagrin Valley Jaycees support various charities and community projects through enjoyable events like the annual Blossom Time Festival, Chili Brew-Off, and the Don Lawrence Memorial Golf Outing. Beyond financial contributions to organizations such as Chagrin Falls Park Community Center, Santa’s Hideaway Hollow, Meals-on-Wheels, Shop- with-a-Cop, and WomenSafe, we also donate our time and skills to projects like constructing the pavilion at South Russell Village Park and creating a wheelchair-accessible entrance to Riverside Park. As we continue our commitment to the community, we host free, family- focused events like the Annual Lighting of the Greens, Holiday decorations including bunting and flags, the Easter Egg Hunt, and Oktubafest. As we celebrate the first anniversary of our endowment fund, we would love your support as we progress toward our 2023 milestone target. Our goal is to secure the current level of annual support that the Chagrin Valley Jaycees provides to our local community in perpetuity. We ask for your help to ensure a bright future for our charitable recipients. As we look ahead, we remain dedicated to enhancing the lives of those around us and fostering a stronger, more connected community for generations to come. Please consider making a tax-deductible donation at www.cvjc.org to explore how our organization enhances the Chagrin Valley. We are incredibly grateful for the support and generosity of our community members, donors, and past Jaycees who have contributed their time and money to help us achieve our mission. We look forward to a thriving future. Together, with our dedicated membership, we aim to achieve even greater goals and foster a stronger community for all. With the continued backing of our community, we are confident that we can make an even more significant impact in the coming decades.
As we celebrate our successes and honor the memory of past Jaycees, we wish you the happiest Blossom Time.
Most importantly, we express our gratitude this Memorial Day weekend, exemplified by the parade on Monday in honor of our fallen heroes and veterans who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country.
--The Chagrin Valley Jaycees Board of Directors
DIAMOND GIRL Pilot: Ken Kus, Auburn, Ohio
Blue, white, red diamond patterns Aerostar RX 8, 90,000 cu ft
Ken is a local pilot who has logged over 400 hours as Pilot in Command. He was the 2000 NOBPA Rookie of the Year and won the NOBPA Club Championship in 2003 & 2008, helped by a win here in 2008. He also enjoyed participating in the BFA Longjump Competition in 2003 & 2004, flying at altitudes up to 12,500 ft and covering 188 miles in 4 hours. Ken is self-employed and works as a service contractor in the northern Ohio area.
With the retirement of Craig Lucas this year, Ken has taken over as Balloonmeister.
SILVER WINGS
Pilot: Luke Russell, Auburn Township, Ohio
Blue with multiple colored stripes and numerous silver birds Kubicek AX 8, 90,000 cu. ft. Luke received his pilot's license in August of 2006. Since then, he has flown in a number of balloon events across America both on his own and as a Re/Max pilot. He has also flown in Mexico. Luke owns and operates the Falcon’s Nest balloon repair station in Auburn Township. He is also the area sales representative for Kubicek Balloons based in the Czech Republic. He has over 300 hours as Pilot-in- Command.
NEW HORIZONS
Pilot: Jim Makowski, Troy Township., Ohio
Purple with a fan of colors up one side and down the other Aerostar 105,000 cu ft
Jim became interested in ballooning in 1990, the year he moved to Bainbridge Township. That Memorial Day weekend the Blossom Time balloons flew over his home several times. He started crewing for Bill Cloninger in 1999 and in 2007 trained for his pilot’s license in the Heber Valley at the Balloon School in Park City, UT. One of his most memorable flying experiences is the beauty of that valley at 2000 feet. Other memorable experiences include flying at the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 2010, 2012, 2014 & 2021 with 500 other balloons. He has also flown in a number of events around Ohio as well as in other states. He has flown in Temecula, CA and the desert area around Ocotillo Wells, CA. Part of his joy in ballooning is being able to share his sport with others.
ADVENTUROUS SPIRIT
Pilot: Eugene Kenyo, Streetsboro, Ohio
Zig-zag pattern of red, yellow, green, royal and navy blue Balloonworks AX7, 77,000 cu ft Eugene is back at the Blossom Time Balloon Festival again. He got his start in ballooning in 1991 when he began crewing for local pilots, Terry Wasson & Craig Lucas. He began lessons and received his private pilot license in 2001. His crew consists of his wife Lauren, daughters Kate and Brooke, and friends Tim White, Mark and Jane Shaw, and Christine Sajen. This year Eugene has his new balloon, and it’s a beauty.
REMAX
Pilot: Mike Lorentz, Hartville, Ohio
Red, white, and blue with RE/MAX logo Aerostar AX 8, 90,000 cu. ft.
Mike has been an avid balloon enthusiast most of his life. He finally took the leap to become a private pilot in 2017 and earned his commercial certificate in 2020. He has been active in the Northeast Ohio Balloon Pilots Association by helping with programs and the annual safety seminar. As the Hartville Fire Chief, Mike’s focus is on safety and education, both within the department and in the ballooning community. He also assists at the Falcon’s Nest balloon repair station and is a Re/Max pilot. Mike has flown in many places around Ohio and a few other states, as well as the Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta in 2021. He is currently a member of the BFA and a FAA Safety Team member.
CHECKERED PAST
Pilot: Russell Wells, Seville, Ohio
Black, yellow and green checkered, Aerostar AX 8
Russ trained under Ken Myers and received his pilot’s license in 2015. In the past he has attended several events in Ohio, including Ashland, Canton, Coshocton, Findlay, Ravenna, and Wadsworth. He has also flown at the events in Newcastle, PA and Albequerque, NM.
Russ’ uncle, John Wells, is also a pilot. His crew are Shelly Blaschak and Mike Perko.
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In 2015 a Blossom Time Parade Beaver's Cup was created to commend the efforts of the resident’s along the parade route that celebrate/decorate their homes and lawns during the Blossom Time Parade. Award Winners have included: 2015 “Super Heroes” Tom and Sally Florkiewicz of 230 East Washington 2016 “Wild Wild West” Jeff and Katie Grabner of 395 East Washington 2017 “Welcome to the Jungle, the Adventure Continues” John and Christine Thome of 120 East Washington 2018 “Once upon a time, making Dreams Come True” John and Christine Thome of 120 East Washington 2019 “Past, Present, and Future – "175 years still Strong” Diana and Palmer DePetro of 206 East Washington 2022 "An American Classic since 1956" Rose Kilpatrick + Family, 315 E.Washington St. Blossom Time Parade Beavers Cup
winner to come
27th
28th
Chardon Office: 440. 285.2242 Cleveland Office: 216.255.5431 www.tddlaw.com John Liber - Principal - jliber@tddlaw.com
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