STRONGSVILLE CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

83rd Annual

HOMECOMING

FESTIVAL

July 23 - 26, 2025

Celebrating 83 Years of Strongsville Homecoming!

This summer marks the 83rd anniversary of the Strongsville Homecoming Festival, proudly presented by the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce. What began as a simple community gathering has grown into a beloved tradition—and it's all thanks to the dedication and hard work of our incredible volunteers.

A heartfelt thank you goes out to the entire Homecoming Committee, our tireless tent managers, and the many volunteers who generously give their time to make this four-day celebration a success. Their commitment is what makes this event so special year after year.

We also extend our sincere gratitude to our generous sponsors. Their support plays a vital role in bringing this festival to life and ensuring it remains a family-friendly event for everyone to enjoy. Please take a moment to recognize these businesses and organizations—and support them whenever you can.

This year’s festivities kick off on Wednesday, July 23rd at 3:00 PM and run through Saturday night, July 26th, culminating with the spectacular “Hometown Pride” fireworks display. The best place to catch the show? Right from the Commons!

The Strongsville Homecoming Festival is a celebration of community spirit, shared memories, and good old-fashioned fun. It’s the perfect chance to reconnect with friends, neighbors, and family. So come out, join the fun, and show your “Hometown Pride” as we celebrate together.

I can’t wait to see you all on the Commons!

Tom Burichin

Homecoming Chairman

A Note From

MAYOR PERCIAK

I’m proud to once again recognize the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce as the host sponsor of our annual Homecoming Festival. Their continued commitment to our community is deeply appreciated, and I extend heartfelt thanks to the Homecoming Committee and the Chamber’s Board of Trustees for their outstanding dedication and service.

A special note of gratitude goes to Chairman Tom Burichin for his leadership and countless hours of effort in bringing this beloved tradition to life.

To all of our generous sponsors and the many volunteers who give their time and energy—thank you. Your support helps create an event that truly showcases the spirit and pride of Strongsville. Because of you, our city continues to shine.

Best wishes,

Mayor Thomas P. Perciak

HOMECOMING -- 50/50 RAFFLE

LARGEST 50/50 RAFFLE IN NORTHEAST OHIO!

Be sure to visit the 50/50 raffle tent at the 82nd Annual Homecoming Festival to purchase your 50/50 raffle tickets.

Tickets are $5.00 each or

5 tickets for $20.00

There's always a big winner, and this year,

it could be YOU!!

Thank You to our Generous Homecoming Sponsors!

Achievement Centers /

Camp Cheerful

Aerni Dental

Albert Einstein Academy

Andros Gagliani Eye

Center

Arslanian Brothers

Ashleigh Clark Interiors

Beetles Plumbing Solutions

Bennetts Bar & Pizzeria

Brian Spring-Councilman

at Large

Bullseye Activewear

Butcher Elder Law

Camp Bow Wow

CBRE

CertaPro Painters

ComForCare Home Care

Countryside Landscape

CQ Printing

Crossroads Elite

Gymnastics

Culver's

Edward Jones - Brian

Kljun

El Taco Macho

Everlawn LLC

Farmers National Bank

Fire 45

First Evangelical Lutheran

Church

First Federal Lakewood

Fox Fire Inc.

Gene W. Mark

Generations Senior Living

Gino's

Goldfish Swim School

HealthSource of

Strongsville

Jardine Funeral Home

Jarus, Ed & Sherry

J Bella

Kalinich Fence Company Kaminski for Strongsville

Kemper House Strongsville

Kiplinger & Co., CPA's

Kiwanis Club of

Strongsville

Koler Financial Group

LLK Greenhouse Solutions

Longhorn Steakhouse

Maslyk Landscaping

Master Pizza

Merit Dental-Strongsville

Midwest Transatlantic

Lines, Inc.

Mimi's Magazine

Neil F. Sika OD, Inc.

OC Federal Credit Union

Paul Davis Restoration

PSE Credit Union, Inc.

RA Kalfas Construction

Sarah Adult Day Care

Center

Schonhut Landscape

Services

School of Rock

Sgt. Clean Car Wash

Small Miracles Animal

Hospital

State Farm - Jerod Scheetz

State Farm - Tom Burichin

Strongsville Branch Library

& Friends

Strongsville City Schools

Strongsville DQ Grill &

Chill

Strongsville Firefighters-

Local 2882

Strongsville Historical

Society

Strongsville License

Bureau

Strongsville Marathon-

I-71 & I-82

Strongsville Montessori

Strongsville Optimist Club

Strongsville Police

Foundation

Strongsville Soccer Club

Strongsville United

Methodist Church

Sts. Joseph & John School

The Goddard School

The Learning Experience of

Strongsville

The Local Bar

The Ehrnfelt Family

The Maloney Family

Trillium Creek

Dermatology

Triv's Restaurant & Lounge

Tutu School Strongsville

United States Air Force

Vago Insurance Agency

Waldheger-Coyne-A Legal

Professional Assoc.

Westwood Place Senior

Living

Zacharyasz Jr. for City

Council

CHAMBER SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAM

The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce awarded scholarships to 15 Strongsville area students at the annual Scholarship Luncheon on May 21st. The scholarships are funded by the proceeds from the Holiday Dance sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce.

We offer our congratulations and very best wishes to the 2025 Scholarship Recipients!

The 2025 Scholarship Recipients

Yarian Amparo - Florida Gulf Coast University

Nathan Gradisher - The Ohio State University

Jackson Griffin - The Ohio State University

Peyton Kaufhold - Slippery Rock University

Emily Majernik - Baldwin Wallace University

Brianna Morreale - John Carroll University

Madeline Morris - University of Dayton

Anna Painter - University of Dayton

John Pappandreas - University of Illinois

Jillian Schraibman - Malone University

Haylee Smith - Miami University of Ohio

Colin Southworth - The Ohio State University

Luka Stepanovich - Miami University of Ohio

Owen Weiss - Ohio Northern University

Matthew Wilkison - The Ohio State University

Christian Zaripheh - Kent State University

The Chamber also presented a special scholarship award to the student who best exemplifies a spirit of service and involvement to the community. The award is named for Honorary Lifetime Chamber Trustee Michael Kalinich Sr, who has given a lifetime of service to our community.

2025 Michael Kalinich Sr.

Community Service Scholarship

Haylee Smith - Miami University of Ohio

______________________________________________

2025 Strongsville Graduates

Entering the Military Upon Graduation

At the luncheon, the following students were recognized and thanked for their commitment to service in a branch of the Armed Forces upon graduation:

Logan P. Crow - U.S. Army

Joanna C. Flynn - Ohio Army National Guard

Mia Krawulski - Ohio Army National Guard

Ethan Kupetz - Ohio Army National Guard

Joseph T. Polomsky - U.S. Air Force

Michael S.Walters - U.S. Army

Thank you to each of these individuals for for your commitment to serve our country!

IN MEMORIAM

In Memoriam

Michael D. Kalinich Sr.

The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce mourns the passing of Michael D. Kalinich Sr., a devoted Trustee, past President, and steadfast leader whose contributions shaped the very fabric of our community. A true pillar of Strongsville, Michael brought vision, strength, and compassion to everything he touched—from his family business to civic institutions like Southwest General Hospital and the Strongsville Chamber of Commerce. Mike served for many years as the Co-Chairman for the Strongsville Chamber Scholarship Dance and the Strongsville Homecoming Festival, an event for which he held a special passion. His deep love for his family was matched only by his commitment to his hometown, which he proudly helped define as the “Crossroads of the Nation.” Michael’s legacy of service, leadership, and generosity will continue to inspire us all. A special scholarship, The Michael Kalinich Sr. Community Service Scholarship, is awarded annually by the Chamber to a graduating senior who best exemplifies the spirit of community service personified by Mr. Kalinich. We extend our deepest sympathies to the entire Kalinich family.

In Memoriam

Robert A. "Bob" Kalfas

The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce honors the memory of Robert “Bob” Alan Kalfas, a longtime Chamber of Commerce Trustee, past President, and dedicated leader whose generous spirit and deep commitment helped shape our community. Bob was not only a successful business owner and the proud founder of R.A. Kalfas Construction, but also a passionate advocate for service, giving his time and talents to numerous local organizations, including coaching for CYO Football, and serving as a long-time board member of the Sts Joseph and John Athletic Booster Club. Bob firmly believed in giving back to the community that meant so much to him. His devotion to his family was evident in everything he did, and his legacy of kindness, integrity, and civic leadership will continue to inspire all who knew him. Bob lived life to the fullest and brought joy and high energy to everything he touched. We extend our heartfelt condolences to his wife Andrea and the entire Kalfas family.

NEW MEMBERS

WELCOME NEW MEMBERS

The following businesses and individuals have joined the Chamber since the publication of our last newsletter. We are grateful for their interest and support. Our Chamber encourages all of our members to patronize other member businesses whenever possible. To obtain contact information for any of the new Chamber members click on the name below, or visit the Chamber Member Directory on the Chamber website: www.strongsvillechamber.com.

RIBBON CUTTING CEREMONIES

HealthSource Strongsville

Boot Barn

StretchLab Strongsville

The Little Gym

Tutu School Strongsville

Another Broken Egg Cafe

Let the Chamber help promote the opening (or re-opening) of your business with a Ribbon Cutting Ceremony! For more information, please call the Chamber office at 440.238.3366.

BUSINESS AFTER HOURS

SouthPark Mall’s Business After Hours Event

Delivers a Night to Remember

On Thursday, May 22nd, SouthPark Mall once again proved why its Business After Hours event is a perennial favorite. Held at the vibrant Hooley Pub & Kitchen, the evening brought together a fantastic crowd for an unforgettable mix of fun and networking.

Guests enjoyed refreshing drinks, a delicious spread of appetizers, live music, raffle prizes, and the kind of easygoing camaraderie that makes these events so special.

A big thank you to SouthPark Mall and Hooley Pub & Kitchen for hosting yet another memorable evening filled with energy, connection, and community spirit!

2025 CHAMBER GOLF OUTING

** Registration is OPEN & Filling up Fast **

Don't Delay, Register Your Foursome Today!

** Sponsorship Opportunities Still Available! **

CLICK HERE FOR PRINTABLE REGISTRATION FORM

BUSINESS LUNCHEONS

UPCOMING

CHAMBER EVENTS

SEPTEMBER BUSINESS LUNCHEON

"Get to Know Your School Board, City Council

& Candidates"

______________________________________

When: Tues., September 16th

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

OCTOBER BUSINESS LUNCHEON

"The Story of Goodwill"

Mark Trew, COO of Goodwill of Greater CLE and East Central Ohio

______________________________________

When: Tues., October 14th

Time: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm

Join Our Team – Part-Time Office Assistant

Are you passionate about supporting your local business community? The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce is looking for a dynamic, motivated and detail-oriented Part-Time Office Assistant to help keep our organization running smoothly and make a real impact in our city.

Why Work With Us?

You’ll be part of a small, friendly team dedicated to helping our local economy thrive. This is a great opportunity for someone who wants meaningful part-time work and enjoys connecting with others.

About the Role:

As a key member of our team, you’ll play an important role in the daily operations of the Chamber. This includes administrative support, event planning and execution, creating marketing content, and providing admin and bookkeeping support. No two days are the same—and your work will directly support local businesses and community growth.

What We’re Looking For:

· 1–2 years of office or administrative experience

· Strong communication and customer service skills

· Organized, proactive, and able to juggle multiple tasks

· A team player who takes pride in their work and their community

Responsibilities Include:

· Supporting daily administrative tasks and front-office duties

· Assisting with the planning and execution of Chamber events

· Creating and scheduling marketing materials (social media, email,

print)

· Providing general support with bookkeeping and record-keeping

To Apply:

Please send your resume and a brief cover letter to assistant@strongsvillechamber.com. We can’t wait to meet you!

NOACC

Northern Ohio Area

Chamber of Commerce

Providing Savings for Businesses on Everyday Expenses –

Every Day!

Through Your Local Chamber of Commerce Membership

Superior Business Benefits

for Chamber Members

The Strongsville Chamber of Commerce is a long-standing and proud member of the Northern Ohio Area Chamber of Commerce (NOACC), an alliance of over 140 Chambers of Commerce in Northern Ohio. Through NOACC, The Strongsville Chamber can provide tangible benefits to our members, including access to discounts on Group Health Insurance, Workers Comp, Shipping & Freight, and savings on other programs for your business.

Click HERE to learn more

CHAMBER TRUSTEES

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Richard C. Baldin, Retired, Ladders Unlimited & Supply, Inc.

*Tom Burichin - State Farm - Homecoming Chairman

Jim Carbone - Cuyahoga County Sheriff's Department

Mike Catan - Square 22

Walter Ehrnfelt III, Esq. - Waldheger Coyne, A Legal Professional Association

Gregg Finkler - Retired, HW&Co. CPAs & Advisors - Treasurer

Matt Finkler - Hertvik Insurance Group, Scholarship Dance Co-Chairperson

Colleen Flowers - Consultant

Jessica Frenchik - Strongsville City Schools - President

Gordon Glissman - Countryside, Inc.

Charles Goss - City of Strongsville - Past President

Chuck Hollingsworth - Westfield Bank - Past President

George Jardine - Jardine Funeral Home

Ed Jarus - Retired, UPS

Cortney Kalfas - R.A. Kalfas Construction, Scholarship Dance Co-Chairperson

Jim Kaminski - Retired, Kellogg's - Vice President

Scott Maloney - PNC

Paul Matula - Advantage Insulation Distributors

Bob McGrath - Sweeties Olympia Treats

Thomas P. Perciak - Mayor, City of Strongsville

Brent Painter - Director of Economic Development, City of Strongsville

Thomas W. Rakowsky - Retired, Ohio Lottery Commission - Luncheon Chairman

*Neil F. Sika O.D. - Neil F. Sika, O.D., Inc. - Golf Outing Chairman

Brittany Swan - Kaman & Cusimano, LLC

Spenser Vago - Vago Insurance Agency

Laura Wolfe-Housum-Strongsville City Schools Board of Education

Anthony Zacharyasz Jr. - Kalinich Fence Co.

*Denotes Honorary Lifetime Trustee

STRONGSVILLE

CHAMBER OF COMMERCE

Amy T. Ferree, Executive Director info@strongsvillechamber.com

Marty Stewart, Assistant

assistant@strongsvillechamber.com

18829 Royalton Road,

Strongsville, OH 44136

440.238.3366 www.strongsvillechamber.com

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