Unique gift will provide a sweet workplace for disabled adults

Cutting the ribbon for the official reopening of Z's Cream & Bean are, from left, Kelly Foote, Ashley Figish, Aaron Walters, Ed Stevens, JP Vandendriesse and Dylan Goodman. (Sam Boyer, special to cleveland.com)

By Sam Boyer, special to cleveland.com

HINCKLEY TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- Astonishing.

That was the reaction of many of those attending the grand reopening of the beloved 13-year-old Z’s Cream & Bean ice cream shop Wednesday (Aug. 23).
It certainly was not the usual ribbon cutting.

Z’s founders Larry and Mary Ann Zirker began thinking about retirement three years ago. But instead of choosing to close the popular ice cream parlor they founded in 2010, the Zirkers began researching how to do something really unexpected for a nonprofit in Medina County.

The result was the donation of their business to Medina Creative Housing, providing another opportunity for people with disabilities to experience meaningful work and inclusion.

While the Zirkers were unable to attend the celebration due to health concerns, they were very much on the minds of those in attendance.

Host of the event Dianne DePasquale-Hagerty, CEO of Medina Creative Housing, said the Zirkers spent a lot of time finding the right organization for their gift.

Medina Creative Housing’s commitment to provide housing opportunities including independent and congregate living, as well as 18 programs to create a meaningful lifestyle for children, youth and adults with disabilities, was determined to be the right recipient.

Z’s now joins the other community work opportunities that include Grande Café & Roastery, Creative Produce, Creative Pet Play, Creative Living Coffee, Creative Therapy Ranch and Creative Property Maintenance.

“The Zirkers made it clear from the very beginning they weren’t looking for public recognition,” DePasquale-Hagerty said. “What an incredible blessing.”

That sentiment was echoed by guest speakers including Ed Stevens, vice president of the board of Medina Creative Housing; Sharon Ray, representing the 66th Ohio House district; Hinckley Township Trustees Jack Swedyk, chairman, and Monique Ascherl, vice chairman; and Medina County Commissioner Colleen Swedyk.

In presenting a certificate from the county commissioners as a tribute to the generosity of the Zirkers, Swedyk noted that she has attended many events, but this was even more exciting in her own hometown.

Ray, also a former Wadsworth council member and county commissioner, said: “What a wonderful gift to the community. It’s such a wonderful Medina County thing to do.”

Anyone who came to Z’s with their children knew that Larry would always hand out gummy bears to the youngsters. DePasquale-Hagerty pulled out two caps -- one for Larry, one for Mary Ann -- imprinted with gummy bears, just to show appreciation.

DePasquale-Hagerty explained that the transfer took place in March. Since then, staff and clients have been learning from Z’s staff, with the help of the Zirkers’ daughter, all about how to follow the family focus on using fresh, local ingredients such as fruit, honey, maple syrup and dairy, never treated with hormones, and offering homemade, hand-churned and hand-packaged ice cream.

She said her clients are very excited to learn and work in the shop, which has added something to the name.

“It is now Z’s Cream & Bean, Creatively Made & Operated. This beloved institution is infused with new life and purpose,” she said.

“Life is sweeter with Z’s ice cream.”

The ribbon cutting drew an enthusiastic round of applause and the crowd was invited inside to enjoy hot dogs and ice cream.