2023 HOMETOWN HEROES
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Firefighter of the Year is Firefighter Donald Balog.
Don started is Career as a part-time firefighter with the Mentor Fire Department
where he spent his first six years.
Don has just hit his anniversary date last week marking 24 years with the City of
Beachwood as a Firefighter/Paramedic.
Don is also an original member of the Beachwood Fire Department Honor Guard
and is the Current team leader of the Honor Guard. During his time with the
Honor Guard he has attended the services for fallen firefighters at Emmitsburg,
Maryland at the National Fire Academy.
He represented the City of Beachwood at the Memorial Services in Washington
DC for the 343 Fallen FDNY firefighters that where killed in the terrorist attacks on
9/11.
And Don was part of the Honor Guard that traveled to Colorado to Honor our own
Fallen Member Michael Palumbo at the International Association of Firefighters
memorial.
Don was also one of the original Members of the Hilltech Rescue team. That
rescue team covered 7 cities or villages in the Hillcrest area. Don Also served as
the Teams Commander and worked with The team leader of the HASRT to begin a
several year process to merge the two East Side teams to improve response and
services. In my opinion this team is one of the premier technical rescue teams in
the Eastern United States and covers over 30 Communities. Don is actively a
member/team leader and has served for over 23 years.
Don is completing his training to become a state certified Instructor and is also
part of our new Fire Instructor group that plans and implements the training of
our Firefighters.
Don is someone our members looks up to and has been an informal leader within
our department and is very deserving of the recognition.
MILITARY HEROES
Jim Frolking and Joe Sarakaitis
Jim Frolking, WWII Fighter Pilot, 98 years young, enlisted in the Army right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He shared his experiences at Normandy Beach as well as his 51 successful missions. On his 52nd mission, he watched his plane spiral and crash as he ejected from the cockpit. Luckily, he was rescued by a Dutch family that hid him in their house from the Germans. His story is one filled with courage.
Don started is Career as a part-time firefighter with the Mentor Fire Department
where he spent his first six years.
Don has just hit his anniversary date last week marking 24 years with the City of
Beachwood as a Firefighter/Paramedic.
Don is also an original member of the Beachwood Fire Department Honor Guard
and is the Current team leader of the Honor Guard. During his time with the
Honor Guard he has attended the services for fallen firefighters at Emmitsburg,
Maryland at the National Fire Academy.
He represented the City of Beachwood at the Memorial Services in Washington
DC for the 343 Fallen FDNY firefighters that where killed in the terrorist attacks on
9/11.
And Don was part of the Honor Guard that traveled to Colorado to Honor our own
Fallen Member Michael Palumbo at the International Association of Firefighters
memorial.
Don was also one of the original Members of the Hilltech Rescue team. That
rescue team covered 7 cities or villages in the Hillcrest area. Don Also served as
the Teams Commander and worked with The team leader of the HASRT to begin a
several year process to merge the two East Side teams to improve response and
services. In my opinion this team is one of the premier technical rescue teams in
the Eastern United States and covers over 30 Communities. Don is actively a
member/team leader and has served for over 23 years.
Don is completing his training to become a state certified Instructor and is also
part of our new Fire Instructor group that plans and implements the training of
our Firefighters.
Don is someone our members looks up to and has been an informal leader within
our department and is very deserving of the recognition.
MILITARY HEROES
Jim Frolking and Joe Sarakaitis
Jim Frolking, WWII Fighter Pilot, 98 years young, enlisted in the Army right after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. He shared his experiences at Normandy Beach as well as his 51 successful missions. On his 52nd mission, he watched his plane spiral and crash as he ejected from the cockpit. Luckily, he was rescued by a Dutch family that hid him in their house from the Germans. His story is one filled with courage.
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POLICE HERO
The Beachwood Police Department would like to nominate Ptl. David Miller as a Hometown Hero. Ptl. Miller exemplifies the definition of "Protect and Serve." As a proud veteran of the United States Army he defended our great country. He is equally as devoted to serving and protecting the citizens, workers, and visitors of the City of Beachwood. Ptl. Miller is well respected by his peers and supervisors. He is goal-driven and possesses a confidence that inspires those around him. Recently, Ptl. Miller expressed his desire to become a Field Training Officer (FTO) and will become one this month. This will allow Ptl. Miller to train and help new officers joining the department.
Since 2020, Ptl. Miller has worked diligently on developing a fitness program for current members of the Beachwood Police Department. In the development of this proposed program, Ptl. Miller contributed many hours of his personal time to make this a reality. His hard work, coupled with the generosity of the Beachwood 100 and City of Beachwood Administration, led to the Beachwood Police Department being outfitted with a brand new weight and cardio fitness gym in 2022. Ptl. Miller is an asset to the Beachwood Police Department and to the citizen of Beachwood.
Since 2020, Ptl. Miller has worked diligently on developing a fitness program for current members of the Beachwood Police Department. In the development of this proposed program, Ptl. Miller contributed many hours of his personal time to make this a reality. His hard work, coupled with the generosity of the Beachwood 100 and City of Beachwood Administration, led to the Beachwood Police Department being outfitted with a brand new weight and cardio fitness gym in 2022. Ptl. Miller is an asset to the Beachwood Police Department and to the citizen of Beachwood.
BEACHWOOD RESIDENT AND HERO
BEACHWOOD 100
Irving Berger is a World War II Survivor. He moved to Beachwood in 1959 and has lived here ever since.
He is one of the original founders of Beachwood 100. Beachwood 100 is a group of caring citizens whose annual tax deductible dues are used solely to create a contingency fund to aid the police and fire safety forces of the City of Beachwood in time of personal emergencies.
Mr. Berger is 97 years young and a hero!
BEACHWOOD 100
Irving Berger is a World War II Survivor. He moved to Beachwood in 1959 and has lived here ever since.
He is one of the original founders of Beachwood 100. Beachwood 100 is a group of caring citizens whose annual tax deductible dues are used solely to create a contingency fund to aid the police and fire safety forces of the City of Beachwood in time of personal emergencies.
Mr. Berger is 97 years young and a hero!
BEACHWOOD RESIDENT AND HERO
CEO OF THE GATHERING PLACE
In December 2020, Michele Seyranian became Chief Executive Officer of The Gathering Place, but her
work with the organization began more than 20 years ago as a participant seeking information for her
then four-year-old daughter, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rare cancer in
children. Since taking the helm of The Gathering Place, Michele has been recognized for her nonprofit
leadership approach by driving organizational change, building partnerships and maintaining strong
relationships with community and philanthropic leaders.
Michele is a seasoned executive in both the private and nonprofit sectors. During her 30-year career in
strategic planning , marketing and business development , most of which was at KeyBank, Michele
served as the Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning, responsible for redefining Key Foundation’s
mission and strategic focus. In 2005, Michele found her real passion to serve the community when she
received her Master of Nonprofit Organizations (MNO) from Weatherhead School of Management at
Case Western Reserve University. For seven years, Michele provided valuable service to Hospice of the
Western Reserve where she was the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer.
As a philanthropic leader, in 1999, Michele helped to form the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
(ABMDR), with headquarters in Los Angeles and laboratory facilities in Yerevan, Armenia in order to help
find a donor for her 4-year-old daughter. Since its inception the organization has registered over 33,000
potential donors worldwide. As a member of the World Marrow Donor Association the ABMDR has
received requests for bone marrow donations from over 40 countries. Michele has also served on the
boards of the Northeast Shores Development Corporation, United Way eCommerce Sub Committee,
Great Lakes Theater, YWCA Greater Cleveland, Mountains of Hope Foundation, Niagara University Board
of Advisors and was an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University. Michele is also a proud
member of the 2015 Leadership Cleveland class.
Michele is a long-time resident of Beachwood, OH and is the proud mother of Alique Topalian, a thriving
PhD Research Scientist at University of Cincinnati.
CEO OF THE GATHERING PLACE
In December 2020, Michele Seyranian became Chief Executive Officer of The Gathering Place, but her
work with the organization began more than 20 years ago as a participant seeking information for her
then four-year-old daughter, who was diagnosed with acute myeloid leukemia (AML), a rare cancer in
children. Since taking the helm of The Gathering Place, Michele has been recognized for her nonprofit
leadership approach by driving organizational change, building partnerships and maintaining strong
relationships with community and philanthropic leaders.
Michele is a seasoned executive in both the private and nonprofit sectors. During her 30-year career in
strategic planning , marketing and business development , most of which was at KeyBank, Michele
served as the Executive Vice President of Strategic Planning, responsible for redefining Key Foundation’s
mission and strategic focus. In 2005, Michele found her real passion to serve the community when she
received her Master of Nonprofit Organizations (MNO) from Weatherhead School of Management at
Case Western Reserve University. For seven years, Michele provided valuable service to Hospice of the
Western Reserve where she was the Chief Marketing & Business Development Officer.
As a philanthropic leader, in 1999, Michele helped to form the Armenian Bone Marrow Donor Registry
(ABMDR), with headquarters in Los Angeles and laboratory facilities in Yerevan, Armenia in order to help
find a donor for her 4-year-old daughter. Since its inception the organization has registered over 33,000
potential donors worldwide. As a member of the World Marrow Donor Association the ABMDR has
received requests for bone marrow donations from over 40 countries. Michele has also served on the
boards of the Northeast Shores Development Corporation, United Way eCommerce Sub Committee,
Great Lakes Theater, YWCA Greater Cleveland, Mountains of Hope Foundation, Niagara University Board
of Advisors and was an adjunct professor at Case Western Reserve University. Michele is also a proud
member of the 2015 Leadership Cleveland class.
Michele is a long-time resident of Beachwood, OH and is the proud mother of Alique Topalian, a thriving
PhD Research Scientist at University of Cincinnati.
TEACHER HERO-Meg Miller
Beachwood School's Crystal Apple Winner, Master Special Education Teacher with the ability to create caring relationships with staff, students and families in Beachwood Schools.
Award Presented by Tony M. Srithai-Principal of Beachwood Middle School
I’ve been chosen to speak about someone who, by her nature, tends to avoid the spotlight. It’s just one more character trait of many that consistently demonstrates her selflessness and humility. As a teacher and Intervention Specialist, Meg Miller’s dedication to her students is unwavering, her kindness, professionalism, and natural ability to always do what’s best for her students, her families, and our school community have earned her numerous accolades.
Ms. Miller won our district’s Crystal Apple Award, given to one educator each year to recognize “educational excellence and an employee’s dedication to children and education.”
Ms. Miller was also the inaugural first recipient of the Beachwood Neurodiversity Family Network’s Neurodiversity Champion Award. This award honors a school staff member’s “ability to help neurodivergent students feel included, understood, connected, and valued.”
The Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio will be recognizing Ms. Miller as a nominee for their annual Excellence in Education Award. This celebrates and honors those educators who have “provided exemplary instruction and creative programming that promotes educational results for students with disabilities.”
Ms. Miller earned all three of these recognitions in this school year alone!
One parent put it best in a message shared with our district: “Meg deeply believes in her students, works to understand them, and then supports them to become the best version of themsles. The love the students have for one another and for Ms. Miller is palpable in her classroom.”
Award Presented by Tony M. Srithai-Principal of Beachwood Middle School
I’ve been chosen to speak about someone who, by her nature, tends to avoid the spotlight. It’s just one more character trait of many that consistently demonstrates her selflessness and humility. As a teacher and Intervention Specialist, Meg Miller’s dedication to her students is unwavering, her kindness, professionalism, and natural ability to always do what’s best for her students, her families, and our school community have earned her numerous accolades.
Ms. Miller won our district’s Crystal Apple Award, given to one educator each year to recognize “educational excellence and an employee’s dedication to children and education.”
Ms. Miller was also the inaugural first recipient of the Beachwood Neurodiversity Family Network’s Neurodiversity Champion Award. This award honors a school staff member’s “ability to help neurodivergent students feel included, understood, connected, and valued.”
The Educational Service Center of Northeast Ohio will be recognizing Ms. Miller as a nominee for their annual Excellence in Education Award. This celebrates and honors those educators who have “provided exemplary instruction and creative programming that promotes educational results for students with disabilities.”
Ms. Miller earned all three of these recognitions in this school year alone!
One parent put it best in a message shared with our district: “Meg deeply believes in her students, works to understand them, and then supports them to become the best version of themsles. The love the students have for one another and for Ms. Miller is palpable in her classroom.”
STUDENT HERO-Maya Greller
Student at Beachwood High School with the most community service hours for this year.
Maya will be going to The Ohio State in the Fall.
Written by Meghann Sullivan. Award presented by Aubrey Erkins-Assistant Principal Beachwood High School
Maya Greller has been a standout at Beachwood due to her tenacity, passion, and kindness, which is a winning combination for a student who wants to put herself out there in the world to make a difference. Throughout high school her rigorous course selection has spanned a wide range of subjects from Macroeconomics to Physics to Music Theory, and her leadership on the soccer field earned her the title of Team Captain. Outside of school she is also a leader in the Jewish community, serving as Regional VP of United Synagogue Youth, and participating in the Brandeis Seminary on Jewish Leadership and the Saltzman Youth Panel. Her volunteer work with Gross Schechter Day School, Menorah Park, and B'nai Jeshurun Congregation has amounted to almost 400 documented hours of community service.
Student at Beachwood High School with the most community service hours for this year.
Maya will be going to The Ohio State in the Fall.
Written by Meghann Sullivan. Award presented by Aubrey Erkins-Assistant Principal Beachwood High School
Maya Greller has been a standout at Beachwood due to her tenacity, passion, and kindness, which is a winning combination for a student who wants to put herself out there in the world to make a difference. Throughout high school her rigorous course selection has spanned a wide range of subjects from Macroeconomics to Physics to Music Theory, and her leadership on the soccer field earned her the title of Team Captain. Outside of school she is also a leader in the Jewish community, serving as Regional VP of United Synagogue Youth, and participating in the Brandeis Seminary on Jewish Leadership and the Saltzman Youth Panel. Her volunteer work with Gross Schechter Day School, Menorah Park, and B'nai Jeshurun Congregation has amounted to almost 400 documented hours of community service.
SCHOOL HERO-Mark Parker
Beachwood School's Crystal Apple Winner that is dedicated and takes pride in his work and goes out of his way to make his students smile.
Award Presented by: Ken Veon, Ph. D. - Assistant Superintendent - Beachwood City Schools
I am pleased and honored to present hometown hero Mark Parker, Head
Custodian at Hilltop Elementary School.
The head custodian of an elementary is an essential member of the school
community. They are responsible for ensuring that the school is clean, safe,
and well-maintained for students, teachers, and staff. The head custodian
works tirelessly to keep the school running smoothly, and their efforts
should be recognized and celebrated.
We have many staff members who work hard. They help make sure the
facilities are in good order. We are here talking about Mark Parker because
he exceeds expectations of what a Head Custodian does and significantly
contributes to a positive culture at Hilltop Elementary. In addition to his
regular duties, Mark goes above and beyond to help students, teachers,
and staff.
Not all staff members get the same opportunities to engage with students in
the same way. Mark goes out of his way to get to know all the students and
not just their names; he gets to know them as a person. He makes
students feel welcome and safe, and they love to chat with him about
various topics. When students see him, they get excited. I was told that
students love to be the ones who break down boxes with him. Mark
recognizes if a student is having a hard day and goes out of his way to
make them smile. He is a positive role model to our students.
Mark is a warm-hearted, hard-working, and considerate person. He is
always willing to help in any way that is needed for the success of each
student, the building, and the District. He demonstrates his greatness day
in and day out in the Beachwood City Schools.
Beachwood School's Crystal Apple Winner that is dedicated and takes pride in his work and goes out of his way to make his students smile.
Award Presented by: Ken Veon, Ph. D. - Assistant Superintendent - Beachwood City Schools
I am pleased and honored to present hometown hero Mark Parker, Head
Custodian at Hilltop Elementary School.
The head custodian of an elementary is an essential member of the school
community. They are responsible for ensuring that the school is clean, safe,
and well-maintained for students, teachers, and staff. The head custodian
works tirelessly to keep the school running smoothly, and their efforts
should be recognized and celebrated.
We have many staff members who work hard. They help make sure the
facilities are in good order. We are here talking about Mark Parker because
he exceeds expectations of what a Head Custodian does and significantly
contributes to a positive culture at Hilltop Elementary. In addition to his
regular duties, Mark goes above and beyond to help students, teachers,
and staff.
Not all staff members get the same opportunities to engage with students in
the same way. Mark goes out of his way to get to know all the students and
not just their names; he gets to know them as a person. He makes
students feel welcome and safe, and they love to chat with him about
various topics. When students see him, they get excited. I was told that
students love to be the ones who break down boxes with him. Mark
recognizes if a student is having a hard day and goes out of his way to
make them smile. He is a positive role model to our students.
Mark is a warm-hearted, hard-working, and considerate person. He is
always willing to help in any way that is needed for the success of each
student, the building, and the District. He demonstrates his greatness day
in and day out in the Beachwood City Schools.
AMAZING VOLUNTEER AT THE MALTZ MUSEUM
OF JEWISH HERITAGE
Erika Gold
Volunteer at the The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage and Holocaust survivor that shares her story with thousands of students, personalizing a childhood under Nazi rule and cautioning the younger generations against the dangers of discrimination, intolerance and hate.
OF JEWISH HERITAGE
Erika Gold
Volunteer at the The Maltz Museum of Jewish Heritage and Holocaust survivor that shares her story with thousands of students, personalizing a childhood under Nazi rule and cautioning the younger generations against the dangers of discrimination, intolerance and hate.
DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC WORKS
Chris Arrietta-Director of Public Works. He has proudly served as a City of Beachwood employee since 1989 and the Public Works Director since 2019. Under his humble leadership, the department has continued to set the standard for snow removal, well-maintained grounds, buildings, vehicles and more. Chris consistently shows appreciation for his staff and their devotion to the city.
Chris Arrietta-Director of Public Works. He has proudly served as a City of Beachwood employee since 1989 and the Public Works Director since 2019. Under his humble leadership, the department has continued to set the standard for snow removal, well-maintained grounds, buildings, vehicles and more. Chris consistently shows appreciation for his staff and their devotion to the city.
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RESIDENT AND HERO
IMPACTS THE LIVES OF AUTISTIC INDIVIDUALS AND THEIR FAMILIES Ilana Hoffer Skoff is the Co-founder and Executive Director of Milestones Autism
Resources, which has been serving Northeast Ohio for over 20 years. Ilana has worked tirelessly to improve the lives of autistic individuals and their families, focusing on education as a means to enrich our entire community. She is a passionate advocate to help autistic individuals and their families reach their full potential by providing practical strategies, resources and innovative programming. Prior to founding Milestones, Ilana worked in the nonprofit field for 20 years, specializing in development, strategic planning, and grant writing. Ilana has built a dedicated team of staff and board members who prioritize diversity, equity, inclusion, and accessibility (DEIA) initiatives to address the disparities experienced by underserved populations. She has also focused on community building, volunteer engagement, and partnership with funders to expand community education for first responders, healthcare workers, and other professionals on how they can better support and interact with the autistic community. Ilana is deeply committed to making personal connections with autistic individuals and families, demonstrating genuine compassion for their lived experiences. She shows that care through her pursuit of a more inclusive world. In addition to her work with Milestones, Ilana has served on the boards of Segula, JFNA Disability Committee, Ratner School, Jewish Education Center of Cleveland, and Mandel Jewish Community Center. Her awards include: Irene Zehman Volunteer Award (JCFC); IDEA Award for Outstanding Advocacy on behalf of the educational progress of children with special needs; Alan R. Schonberg Community Rescuer Award by Project Love; CJN Difference Maker Award; Centerite of Park Synagogue; and Lois and Larry Davis Award from LiveSpecial.com for improving lives through education and advocacy. Ilana is a member of Leadership Cleveland class of 2022 and LC2 of 2023. Ilana earned her bachelor’s degree in political science from University of California, Los Angeles and a master’s degree in public management from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs. Ilana’s extensive experience and expertise have enabled her to make a significant impact on the lives of autistic individuals and their families, as well as the broader Northeast Ohio Community. |