Welcome to the City of Seven Hills, Ohio
VII Hills Hall of Fame
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2021 RESIDENTS OF THE MONTH
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I have been a Seven Hills resident since 2015. Being a newbie to the area, it was difficult to meet new people. I started looking into Seven Hills Facebook groups, and I quickly recognized a need for a group that was more inclusive and less heavily-moderated and biased, so that residents could really express their opinions and openly discuss matters concerning their city – thus, Seven Hills Chatter was born. Residents were really receptive, and since then we have steadily been forming our own “online world” centered directly around our community, creating sub-groups of SH Chatter. As of today, our (online) community includes: Seven Hills Politics Uncensored, Seven Hills Sells (OH), and Seven Hills Shares (OH). We have also recently started Seven Hills Local (OH), which is a place for all Seven Hills Businesses and those on the cusp of Seven Hills, to promote and advertise so that residents can look in one central location for all things available/going on in Seven Hills and support local – we encourage all Seven Hills businesses to join and promote themselves! Seven Hills Shares (OH) is the second most active group (within the SH Chatter sub-groups); it is based on the concept of the Buy Nothing pages, but our own version directly aimed at our residents. It really enforces the concept that “one person’s trash is another person’s treasure” - residents are able to post (or request) items and everything listed is completely free. In a time when things have been difficult for so many, I feel like it has helped bring people together and if it has brightened even one person’s day, then mission accomplished.
In my “spare” time, I also run a non-profit rescue, Ruff House Animal Rescue. The pandemic has deeply affected the operation of non-profit groups due to lack of donations and events, so it has been a very slow time unfortunately. We are hoping to be able to team up with some local sponsors (shameless plug: email me at sarah@rhar.org if you would like to be involved!) to host a (socially distanced) low cost care clinic within the community to offer vaccinations, microchips, and heartworm testing. We know that the pandemic has financially hurt so many, and we want to be able to ease the burden of pet owners trying to make sure their pets remain healthy during uncertain times when finances might be stretched to the max.
FEBRUARY 2021 - SARAH LANG
MARCH 2021 - CAROL KWIATKOWSKI
Carol Kwiatkowski was born and raised in Parma. Her senior year she moved to Seven Hills with her parents and siblings. Seven Hills was not just a city to her but it was a place she called home. She loved it so much that she decided to get married and raise a family in the beautiful city. While raising her family she became the owner of Maryann Candies.
Maryann Candies was originally located at East 131st and Miles in Cleveland’s Corlett neighborhood. In 1947, Maryann Candies relocated to historic downtown Brecksville, Ohio where it has remained a staple of the city, providing delightful treats for generations of residents. Originally a loyal customer and then employee, Seven Hill’s resident Carol Kwiatkowski became the owner in 1987. Carol kept all of the originalowner’s recipes and added a few favorites of her own. Simple display cases and glass jars line the shelves with colorful treats like gummies, hand dipped nuts/raisins/pretzels, homemadefudge, old fashioned nutmallow, chocolate caramel turtles, and peanut butter dainties. Walking into the store, you are greeted with treats piled high on tables themed for the appropriate holiday. The smell of candy and rich chocolate overwhelms the senses in a comforting way.
The family feel of the shop does not compare to a chain chocolate maker or kiosk at the mall, its warmth has kept people coming back for generations. With support from her husband Ron, her three children, and now grandchildren; Carol tries new ideas each year and will always make custom chocolate treats to fulfill any customers’ needs (weddings, birthday parties, baby showers, etc.) That's part of the small shop appeal which Carol provides with her ever present smile.
In addition to the charm of Maryann Candies, Carol’s' community involvement and "behind-the-scenes" kindness also deserves recognition. She is always there to give back, whether it be donations, sample trays or raffle baskets. Maryann Candies participates annually in support of city and school functions along with providing candy for community events,like the Brecksville-Broadview Heights Halloween Party and Mother’s Club. Carol alongside her daughter Holly, support fundraising efforts for numerous local charities including: Autism Society of Greater Cleveland and their annual Chili Cook Off, Cornerstone of Hope, and Allison Rose Foundation. Recognition must also be given to Carol for her endlesssupport of events at numerous local churches including St.Columbkille, St. Basil the Great, St. Michael’s, Holy Name, Trinity, Padua, and St. Joseph’s Catholic Byzantine Church.
Welcoming smiles, candy and giving back is what Carol Kwiatkowski is all about!
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APRIL 2021 - DEBRA SUVAK
MAY 2021 - JOSEPH LECZNAR
Joseph Lecznar was born on March 13, 1960 to Joseph and Irene Lecznar at Deaconess Hospital in Cleveland, Ohio. Joe has 2 sisters, Barbara Elias (husband, Robert) and Nancy Benson (husband, Tim) and one brother, Daniel Lecznar (wife, Fran). He attended St. Anthony’s grade school until the 4th grade when he was transferred to Dag Hammarskjold in Parma, Ohio. He attended Hillside Junior High and went on to Normandy High School where he graduated in 1978. While still in high school, Joe had a job working after school at a printing shop downtown called C.J. Peck and Associates, where Joe’s interest in the printing field became apparent. After high school, Joe attended Cuyahoga Community College, where he received an Associate Degree in Graphic Communications, Management and Technology. C.J. Peck the owner of the printing company, was delighted to have Joe on his staff as a Preparation Department Superintendent. He worked his way up the corporate ladder and eventually became a Sales Associate until 1989. He was hired by Graphic Litho Incorporated in June 1989, as an Account Executive. Due to the economic downturn and recession, the company closed their doors on December 31, 2008.
On September 7, 1985 Joe married Caryl (Martin). They have two beautiful children, Joseph (JJ) who married the love of his life Rachelle, and Julie who is married to Michael Wilson. They have one child Connor John who is the light of Joe’s life and he loves being a Dziadzi. They have lived in Seven Hills for 33 years, where they were proud to raise their children, and now watch grandchildren. Joe is a Captain and Fire Prevention Officer on the Seven Hills Fire Department, where he is a loyal servant to the residents of Seven Hills. Joe has been a member of the fire service for 38 years, originally starting on the Newburgh Hts. Fire Department before moving to Seven Hills. Joe is most proud of his many years of service to the residents of both communities. Joe was originally hired by Mayor George Chandick in 1988, when the men responded from home to the station, and onto the resident’s home. He is most proud to have witnessed the transformation to a station that has been manned 24/7. Joe also served as the Director of Disaster Services for 5 years.
Joe is extremely proud of his Polish heritage. He started as a member of the Alliance of Poles now the Polish Roman Catholic Union of America. He became an active member as soon as he was old enough helping at various functions and taking part in the various tournaments. He became a Director in 1986 and was the youngest Director in the history of the Alliance of Poles. After 1 term as Director, Joe set his sights for higher office and became First Vice President. In 1994, he advanced to Executive Vice President. He has served on every committee within the Alliance of Poles organization. He currently is President of Society 2109 in Cleveland Ohio. His entire family are members of the Union of Poles, now the Polish National Alliance. He is also a member of The Cleveland Society of Poles where he has been a member, Vice President, Treasurer, Trustee and President for 2 terms of this fine organization. In 2014, Joe received the Cleveland Society of Poles Good Joe award for his service. In 2005, Joe received the Haller’s award from Polish Army Veterans Post 152. He also served 5 years as Commander. Joe currently is an Honorary Member of the Polish Legion of American Veterans, Post 58 Tremont, and Sons of the American Legion Post 627 in Newburgh Heights. He was inducted as a Knight of Pulaski and was an honoree in 2006. Joe is also a 3rd degree member of the Knights of Columbus, Garfield Heights 4130. Both Joe and his wife Caryl have served as extraordinary ministers at St. Columbkille for many years. They are now both members of St. Casimir and St. Stanislaus, both Polish Parishes in Cleveland Ohio. Family, work ethic, love of country, ethnic background and church is what Joe has passed onto his family members. He is thankful to his parents for instilling those values from an early age.