Constance Strong was nominated by her daughter, Renee Strong, who describes her mother as a beautiful, loving, kind, sweet, caring and God-fearing woman who is always willing to give of herself and help others. Constance, a cancer survivor, was especially helpful when her granddaughter, Jayla, was diagnosed with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia in 2012. It was devastating to the entire family, and she didn’t miss a beat when it came to helping her family in every way possible. Renee said, “I am so super honored to have such an awesome mother.” Constance, pictured with Megan Turner at Lavish Color Salon, chose to have a manicure, pedicure and makeup. Pearl Polster, nominated by Lois Kaye, chose to take advantage of her makeover prior to a special event, scheduled after this issue of Beachwood Buzz went to the printer. Watch for more information next month. I can’t even begin to know what kind of dedication it takes to stay at the same job for 41 years, a job that she continues to enjoy. I know that her thousands of students would agree with me and my family that she is most deserving of this day of pampering. When Sheila was selected, she was shocked and excited. Beautiful flowers from Gali’s florist were delivered, and the rest of the package fell in place. We had an opportunity to learn more about Sheila while we were at her photo shoot, after her makeover. Sheila loves spending time with her family and visiting her daughter and grandsons in Florida. She shared that her husband of 48 years, Jerry, passed away three years ago. A devout sports fan, Sheila shared her excitement about the Cavs and told us she’s totally devoted to sports, especially football, at her alma mater, Penn State. She also told us that she exercises four to five times per week and loves Top 40 music and concerts. From Farrell, PA, Sheila is grateful for the 69-year friendships she shares with 10 women who have been close since kindergarten. “We get together many times during the year,” she said. “It’s our therapy, I love those girls and they’re a big part of my life now.” She also said she has made a lot of wonderful, close friends here in Cleveland. Forty-one years ago, Sheila went to The Hebrew Academy as a substitute teacher and was only supposed to be there for two weeks. “I cried every night when I came home because I couldn’t control the kids,” she said. “Jerry said, don’t worry, you don’t have to go back after these couple of weeks. Stick it out.” After two weeks, Sheila decided that these kids weren’t going to get the best of her, so she stayed. Throughout her career, she has taught every grade, and has been teaching 4th grade math and social studies for the last 10 years. When asked about retirement plans, she said, “As long as I’m feeling well, I’ll continue working. It keeps me busy and I enjoy it.” This contest, co-sponsored by Beachwood Buzz and Lavish Color Salon, was also made possible because of generous support of Gali's Florist, Bonnie's Goubaud, Moxie/Red the Steakhouse, People Express Worldwide Ground Transportation and Discovery Photo. Special thanks go to everyone who made this package come to life! Sponsor Directory: Lavish Color Salon • www.lavishcolorsalon.com Bonnie’s Goubaud • www.bonniesgoubaud.com Discovery Photo • www.discoveryphotoonline.com Gali’s Florist • galisgardencenter.com People Express Worldwide • peopleexpressworldwide.com Moxie • www.moxietherestaurant.com Red the Steakhouse • www.redthesteakhouse.com July 2015 n Beachwood Buzz 17