Religion has been another major aspect of her life in Beachwood. Kelner and her family joined Anshe Chesed Fairmount Temple, where she became active with the reform synagogue’s women’s group. She has had two stints as president, heading such philanthropic projects as making lap robes for nursing homes, dolls for abused children and alphabet/number books for visually impaired preschool children at the Cleveland Sight Center. “The Women of Fairmount Temple are working hard to provide additional programming to accommodate women’s changing roles by adding a monthly study group to learn about ‘Women of the Bible’. We are also coordinating two programs with our religious school to benefit the students. We have a great year coming up.” Kelner told us. Kelner’s leadership tenure saw her become a bat mitzvah, which still stands as one of the proudest accomplishments of her adulthood. She studied Hebrew for nine months with a group of like-minded individuals, finally stepping to the bima (pulpit) to culminate the experience. “It was a heart-warming moment,” says Kelner. The lively Beachwood resident tries to make each day one of fulfillment, volunteerism and activity. Kelner usually starts with 20 minutes of stretching or push-ups, sometimes heading to the gym for a morning water-aerobics class. Next is a long walk through the neighborhood with her 5-year-old beagle, Amos, who she rescued from the the Animal Protective League when he was two months old after not having a dog for 10 years. After her walk, which provides opportunities to make friends with several Beachwood neighbors, her day truly begins. Kelner can be found in more meetings than your typical corporate executive, be it helping to coordinate programming for her synagogue’s religious school or finding sponsors for an upcoming arts council event. During the evenings, she may attend another meeting or enjoy a poolside concert at the Beachwood Family Aquatic Center with one of the many friends she’s made over the years. Two of those friends are Phyllis and Joe Kalk, who became close with Kelner as members of the Beachwood Arts Council. The Kalks don’t know where their longtime pal gets her boundless energy, but even after knowing her for decades, they are still impressed by her work ethic and dedication. “She’s a human dynamo,” says Joe. “It takes three of us (at the council) to do the work Ileen does in one day.” When the council struggled after a number of founding members died, it was Kelner who attracted new members and generally kept the operation going. “She was the glue that held the whole thing together,” says Phyllis. “When she takes on a job, she’s totally devoted.” Kelner loves being active, especially when it involves being in the company of others. Companionship was particularly important after her husband died in 2011, and now Kelner is hardly ever home, unless it’s to meet with her sons and five grandchildren or bake cakes and cookies for organizational events. She says, “My continued involvement in all the areas makes me feel good and keeps me in touch with many friends I have and continue to make during this journey.” 2-B-2 Back by Popular Demand! RE YO GIS UR TER TO CHI DA LD Y! An introductory classroom experience for children. Must be 2 years old by September 30, 2014 Adults will participate in 1 1/2 hours of fun and learning with their child. Fairmount Early Childhood Center 24601 Fairmount Blvd. Mondays (12 week session) September 29 - December 15 9:30 - 11 a.m. $200/Resident • $215/Non-Resident Call Director Karen Leeds at 216.292.2344 for more information or to request a registration form. As for the title of “Mrs. Beachwood,” Kelner can live with a nickname that encompasses all of what the community means to her. As for the title of “Mrs. Beachwood,” Kelner can live with a nickname that encompasses all of what the community means to her. “Why not?” she asks. “It’s kept me in touch with all the great people I’ve met.” Sometimes Kelner will field questions from folks who wonder where she gets her energy. Her answer is actually fairly simple: “They ask me how I do it, but I tell them that’s just me,” Kelner explains. “I enjoy life and try to make the most if it.” For the Complex Legal Issues Facing Families Today • Divorce • Dissolution • Child Support • Child Custody • Negotiated Settlements Alice Rickel Associates 3690 Orange Place • Suite 440 • Beachwood Attorneys at Law www.rickelaw.com • 216.831.1434 September 2014 n Beachwood Buzz 7