Joy of Medina County Magazine April 2022 by Joy of Medina County

GIMME A QUICHE PG. 22 Versatile vegan version

FROM VILLAIN TO TEACHER PG. 29 Video games find avenue of acceptance.

WE GIVE THEM THE BIRD! PG. 30 The Joy bird, that is! Check out our movie reviews.

Going Buggy It started with an adoption, combined with a habit of unusual rescues, and hatched into a business through the courage of a 17-year-old to share a love. Pg. 4 A locally owned, independent publication dedicated to higher standards of journalism

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 3 JOYOFMEDINACOUNTY.COM

Differences are Celebrations of Possibilities by Amy Barnes Cruising through social media one day, my eye was caught by a picture of a Madagascar hissing cockroach and a girl who had written what great pets they make and that she had some for sale. What kept my attention was the girl’s reaction to the grown women who were attacking her with nasty comments for having “pests” as pets. What was striking was the way she responded to each less-than-kind comment with calmness, acceptance, education, and a grace that is uncommon in one so young. At the time, Paris Deeter was only 16 years old. I have always found insects fascinating, and I could not resist the chance to see them up close. We met at her family’s home in Brunswick, and she showed me how to handle the rather amazing creatures. She got one to hiss so I could decide if it were something I could handle. That night, I left with my first four beautifully colored Madagascar hissing cockroaches. I have quickly learned that when I check in with Deeter, I will be coming home with more new friends. I hope that if you have inhibitions toward insects, you can read this month’s feature with an open mind and that you find you are able to celebrate all of the amazing forms in which life exists.

A Joyful Anniversary When readers were first welcomed to the world of Joy, few understood what it was. They openly said they did not believe stories published would be about the heart of the community and nothing about advertisers. Those who were willing to take a chance and spend some of their time reading the magazine quickly learned it was something they wanted to keep doing. Every month, Joy of Medina County Magazine proves how different it is, and it thrives. Being different, after all, is a celebration of possibilities. Growing from a thought to a publication in its fifth year of publication with a digital circulation well past 165,000 and print issues in every Medina County Library has been amazing to see. I stand tall with my “little spark of madness” (as Robin Williams would say) and am so grateful for the magazine’s terrific staff. THANK YOU to all of you who have been in our pages in the feature stories, the columns, the photos, the recipes, the bylines, and the layouts. THANK YOU to our beloved advertisers, who make it possible for everyone to enjoy the magazine for free. Every one of you is amazing, wonderful and an important contributor to the great story that is Medina County and that is proudly recorded for prosperity by Joy of Medina County Magazine. And THANK YOU to all of our wonderful, engaged, loyal readers! I am so excited to see what amazing adventures are ahead!

PUBLISHER Blake House Publishing, LLC EDITOR Amy Barnes ART DIRECTOR Danny Feller PHOTOGRAPHERS Brooklyn Media FlashBang Photography Torre Design CARTOONIST Jerry King CONTRIBUTORS Bob Arnold Kelly Bailey Hunter Barnard Shannon Davis Tyler Hatfield Chris Pickens Michelle Riley Janine Smalley Robert Soroky Kent Von Der Vellen MASCOT Rico Houdini ADVERTISING SALES AND OFFICE 330-461-0589 E-MAIL Joy@BlakeHousePublishing.com WEBSITE JoyOfMedinaCountyMagazine.com Learn more about the staff at Behind The Scenes, JoyofMedinaCountyMagazine.com Open positions are listed on the website at Open Positions.

JOY of MEDINA COUNTY MAGAZINE is published monthly by Blake House Publishing, LLC, 1114 N. Court, #144, Medina, Ohio 44256. It is distributed as an e-edition and in a print edition. Both editions can be found at JoyofMedinaCountyMagazine.com Copyright 2021 by Blake House Publishing, LLC. All rights reserved. Reproduction or use of editorial or pictorial content without written permission from the publisher is strictly prohibited. Any unsolicited materials, manuscripts, artwork, cartoons, or photos will not be returned.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

VEGAN VITTLES

VEGAN VEGGIE QUICHE by Chris Pickens

Versatile dish fits any mealtime.

HEALTH

HEALTHY TRAILS

HOBBY TO CAUSE by Robert Soroky

Adding purpose and passion to pastime

OF MIND AND BODY

WEIGHING WEIGHT CHOICES

4 4

IT STARTED WITH A HUNGRY DRAGON by Amy Barnes

When a local teenager’s aspirations are encouraged, a surprising career begins.

THE READING NOOK

APRIL SHOWERS BRING BLOSSOM by Janine Smalley

News of an impending arrival has everyone guessing!

EASTER EGG HUNTS

How many eggs will you find?

BUSINESS

FROM A TECHNICAL MIND

RED FLAGS

by Tyler Hatfield

What to watch for when buying used tech.

by Kelly Bailey

Picking the best strength-training option

COMMUNITY

GEMS

TURNING HEARTBREAK INTO HELP by Kent Von Der Vellen

When Emmy Garland’s niece died of an overdose, she vowed she would be remembered.

THE JOY OF GREAT SERVICE

Giving recognition to those who go above and beyond

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

JOYFUL LETTER DETECTIVES CLUE BOX

Read the clue, collect the magnifying glass letters, and solve the puzzle!

JOYFUL WORD SEARCH

BUGGING YOU

Join the search for unique pets!

MIRTH AND JOY

by Jerry King

PRICELESS NETWORKING

FUN AND GAMES

THE NETWORKER by Bob Arnold

Strong connections benefit businesses.

THE IN BOX

COMPOUNDING SUCCESS by Shannon Davis

Utilizing technique to improve business loyalty.

HOME AND GARDEN

DIG IT!

PAW PAW APPRECIATION by Michelle Riley

It might not be to everyone’s taste, but it packs nutrition.

BITE ME!

BAKED ARTICHOKES

submitted by Michelle Riley

Somewhat labor-intensive recipe is worth the tasty result.

HISTORY IN THE GAME by Robert Soroky

Video game changes the genre’s reputation.

GETTING REEL

WHAT GOTHAM DESERVES by Robert Soroky

New Batman movie delivers emotional roller coaster.

ROLL ’EM

PONDERING PANDA-MONIUM by Hunter Barnard

Find out what a kid thinks of “Turning Red.”

OH, SNAP!

photos by FlashBang Photography and Torre Design

The beauty of ice and light and making bunnies

LET’S DO IT!

Hopping for fun! On the front and back covers: photos by Brooklyn Media Paris Deeter and Jared

CELEBRATE!

A clickable directory of vetted businesses who bring you Joy!

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

Paris Deeter’s parents have been supportive in her business endeavor and enjoy Madagascar hissing cockroaches, too. Heidi Deeter, mom, holding Karen; Paris Deeter, holding Bean; and Mark Deeter, dad, holding Jared

by Amy Barnes photos by Brooklyn Media

Mark Deeter, after initially being surprised, saw sense in the plan and gave the go-ahead. t is hard to say if this story actually starts “When Paris suggested breeding them, it took me with a hungry dragon or with a love of bugs. by surprise,” said Heidi. While the love of bugs did come first, the hungry While Paris’ parents never expected to be part of bearded dragon is why this story happened, breeding insects, they rolled with it. changing a family and starting a rather unexpected “Our philosophy is to support our kids in whatever career change for a Brunswick teen who was they do,” Heidi said. planning to attend college as a vocal major. At first, the focus when breeding the Dubai Since we have to start somewhere, we will start cockroaches was to feed Hannah, but then Paris with a certain bearded dragon named Hannah, who ended up with surplus cockroaches, and the Deeters was being given up by her owner and needed a new did not want to kill them. It was a natural home. progression to move into selling the surplus. Paris Deeter was 16 years old when she saw Hannah Then, one day, Paris Deeter was in a reptile pet listed. She convinced her parents that Hannah had to store with her father and spotted a Madagascar be a part of their home. hissing cockroach. She asked him if she could have it. It was not long before Paris became impressed with He said, no. The family already had four cats, three not only how much Hannah liked to eat but how dogs, Hannah the bearded dragon, rats, and the expensive it was to support her new friend’s feasts. Dubai cockroaches. That was when Paris figured out that breeding “It was just ’cause she had so much already,” Mark Dubai cockroaches was more economical than said. buying them a few at a time. Her parents, Heidi and He must have known his daughter would not give

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

Bearded dragon Hannah in her enclosure

up. Eventually, Paris did get a Madagascar cockroach she named Vienna, and she set about learning all she could about them and their care. One of the things Paris learned was how to harness the need of springtail arthropods to eat molds and waste and isopods to eat waste making them perfect for cleaning pet enclosures. Although not one she uses, an example of an isopod would be roly poly bugs, also known as pillbugs. By adding arthropods and isopods to animal enclosures, it is a lot cheaper and smells much better than using commercial litters and eliminates the need for cage cleanings, Paris said. It also dovetails with her respect for the importance of the environment and doing things “the right way.” “Paris is a sponge for information,” said Heidi. With the addition of Vienna, Paris fell in love with hissers, discovering they have unique, individual personalities that vary as much as their coloring and markings do. It was not long before she wanted Vienna to have friends and got more hissers. Since she already was breeding Dubai cockroaches, it was a natural progression to start breeding hissers. Unlike the Dubai cockroaches, she sells the hisser

offspring as pets, not food. Heidi admitted that initially she did not see it as an actual business and was not sure there would be a market for the insects. She was in for a surprise; there is a strong market for insects. “Once I determined it was actually a thing, I started researching it,” Heidi said. Between Heidi’s research and the demand for insects, it quickly became apparent that Paris might be on to something. “It’s like a lemonade stand for bugs,” said Heidi. As the family has come to find out, though, as the business has grown, it has become much more complicated than a lemonade stand. Heidi and Mark, as Paris’ parents, have stayed involved in the business to ensure it is set up in the proper way, has a solid foundation and because Paris was only 16 when it became apparent her hobby was becoming a career. There was a zoning issue, so they applied for a zoning variance with the City of Brunswick, since they are running the business from their home, even though they do not have customers coming to their house, like a regular retail business would. continued, Page 6

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

cockroaches with no regard as to how Paris feels about her beloved pets. Overall, though, Paris has had positive experiences with people. She has shown her pets to her virtual French class and is considering taking her pets to her church youth group. “She’s met so many really nice people,” said Heidi. “It’s heartwarming to see how compassionate she is.” Before all of this, Paris was planning to attend Ohio State University and be a vocal major. She attended private school until sixth grade, Brunswick schools until eighth grade, and then switched to online schooling. Heidi said Paris is a very talented singer and Madagascar hissing cockroaches come in a variety of patterns and colors, including Halloween. has a lot of unique interests, but there was On January 20, 2022, the zoning hearing was held one interest in particular that seemed to have an and the Deeters were granted the variance. On irresistible pull for Paris. January 21, 2022, they filed to make Paris’ Insectary Even when Paris was very young, insects fascinated an official business listed with the state. her. Among the early lessons they have learned is that When Paris was in elementary school, she would shipping live insects can result in heartbreak if a play with roly-poly bugs on the playground and call package is accidentally rerouted and the warming them her friends. pack inside the package loses heat too soon, Even when Paris was very resulting in a loss of the entire shipment. They have found, while exploring other species of young, insects fascinated her. insects, that it can be challenging to avoid insects that are illegal to sell, made more difficult because At summer camp, when she was around 8 years old, the Department of Agriculture has no definitive list, Paris created a tiny ant hospital. said Paris. The department also is the issuing body “I would find injured ants on the sidewalk and try to for permits allowing shipping of insects between rehabilitate them by making them little houses out of states and internationally. sticks and leaves. I remember thinking that every ant “It’s just a learning experience,” Heidi said, pointing I saw outside from that moment forward was one of to the 6-inch thick three-ring binder of information the ones I rehabilitated!” she has collected thus far. She also loved collecting cicada shells that are left “My passion is research so this has given me a behind when a cicada molts. hobby,” Heidi said, with a smile, adding that her “I had a huge box of them back when the group that nights are consumed with research. comes every 17 years emerged! Then the shells Heidi works during the day at the Department of started to rot, and I, unfortunately, had to throw Veteran Affairs, and Mark works for PNC Bank. Paris is them away. I loved scaring the other kids at summer a seasonal worker at Castle Noel. camp by putting them on my shirt and chasing While her friends are accepting of her choice of them!” according to Paris. pets, Paris has received a mixed response from One day, when Paris was rushing to catch the people on social media. Some are fascinated by the school bus, she spotted an earthworm stranded on hissers and end up as customers, others chastise her the sidewalk, but she did not have time to stop. or attempt to “educate” her on the proper disposal of When she got on the bus, she texted her mom that continued from Page 5

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

When Hannah suddenly noticed the containers of cockroaches being opened below her enclosure, she made it clear that she would not mind a snack! The Madagascar hissing cockroaches are not fed to her, she is fed super worms and Dubai cockroaches, which do not make good pets.

A small family of Madagascar hissing cockroaches

continued, Page 8

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

continued from Page 7

A baby Halloween Madagascar hissing cockroach, eventually it will develop its stripes, but it has several molts to go before that happens.

there was a rescue needed, explained the dire straits of the earthworm and even the exact location. Heidi located and rescued the earthworm. Heidi said she learned a love of all living things from her own mother and then passed it down to Paris. For her 14th birthday, Paris was given a pair of rats. She studied their genetics for three years before recently starting to breed them. She now breeds and sells marble, Siamese, Marten, Himalayan, albino, silvermane, fawn, beige, black, and agouti rats.

Paris is one of the few in Ohio who breeds marble rats. Even the rat enclosures have springtails and isopods in their bases of dirt and coconut fiber, once again eliminating the need for litter and cage cleaning. Paris said the rats love burrowing in the substrate. Landon Deeter, Paris’ younger brother, is not as thrilled as Paris and their parents are with the new venture. Especially with the bugs and rats being in a room so close to his bedroom. “We don’t tell him when we have an escapee,” Paris said, with a huge grin of delight that only a sibling would have. Mesh covers the vents in her room and there is a brush on the bottom of her bedroom door to keep any escapees from making it into the rest of the house, which would make it nearly impossible to locate and capture them. The long-term plan is to add jumping spiders, bearded dragons, geckos (she just gained Wilbur the gecko last November), and more species of insects. Paris is studying Hannah the bearded dragon’s genetics before venturing into breeding her. With her love of genetics study, Paris was very disappointed there were no questions about genetics on the ACT college entrance exam. Recently, Paris started working on breeding jumping spiders, standing by with a small paintbrush

Thaddeus, a pet discoid roach. Paris Deeter plans to get more and breed them as pets and as feeders. She says they are a little more skittish than the hissers but are very friendly.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

Tigerlily is the jumping spider Paris Deeter is trying to find a good mate for. Tigerlily ate her last one.

This fellow was the mate that Tigerlily invited to dinner.

continued, Page 10

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

continued from Page 9

zoology in college. Originally, she was planning to take her business with her, but as quickly as the business has grown, that is quickly becoming infeasible. Heidi, who refers to herself and Mark as the “grandparents” to all of Paris’ offspring of insects and rats, said they will work it out. “We’re prepared to hold down the fort,” Heidi said, as Mark nodded. Heidi even has signed up for a class about insects to prepare to temporarily take over the reins during times Paris is away at college. “There are so many interesting species!” said Heidi, with obvious enthusiasm. Paris Deeter with Tommy, a Marten rat

to push apart the couple in case the female did not accept the male. One of the things Paris finds interesting about the jumping spiders are the little web hammocks they make. “This is just an extension of her respect for all living things,” said Heidi Paris is planning to major in entomology and

To learn more about Paris’ Insectary, go to https://bit.ly/36EwwUM or e-mail Parisinsectary@gmail.com.

Miss Vienna, a black tiger Madagascar hissing cockroach. They hiss by rapidly releasing air from their spiracles, or breathing pores, to intimidate others, to sound an alarm to the colony and as part of the mating ritual.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

A group (herd?) of dairy cow isopods

Springtails also are good for helping to keep an enclosure clean.

continued, Page 12

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

continued from Page 11

A close-up of a Halloween Madagascar hissing cockroach. When cockroaches fight, their antennae will break off, but they will eventually grow back.

A dairy cow isopod, isopods eat cage waste. Paris Deeter adds isopods to each enclosure, making it so little to no cage cleaning is needed.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

Clown isopod

A dairy cow isopod that would like to have a chat!

continued, Page 14

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

continued from Page 13

Hornworm pupae

Magic Potion isopod

Dubai roach

Springtails

Tommy stretches from Paris Deeter’s shoulder to greet Peggy, who is a black Berkshire dumbo. In the background is one of the extensive enclosures with multiple toys for the rats.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

A black silvermane Berkshire dumbo who was recently sold.

Paris Deeter models a favorite shirt while a friend rests on her hand.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

THE READING NOOK

April Showers Bring Blossom photos and story by Janine Smalley

pringtime on the farm is always such an exciting time! The days are getting warmer and longer, which gives all the animals so much more time to play and explore the pastures. There also are so many things going on that the animals are always guessing what could happen next. One day, the farmer could be out there planting seeds in the garden, and the next day she could be picking dandelions to make yummy jelly that was the color of the afternoon sun and tasted just like fresh summer honey, it was so very yummy, mmmmm, mmm, good. Today, though, seemed to be a bit different. The farmer was up super early. When she walked in the barn, Gomer the goat was still snoring, Patsy the pig was curled up under her blanket dreaming of mud puddles, and the geese were curled up in their nests. When the farmer opened the barn door, all the animals looked at her and let out loud sighs and yawns. Stretching their legs, they all got up for an early breakfast. While they were eating their breakfasts, there was a lot of activity around the barn. The farmer and her friends started to rearrange the entire barn. There was straw and hay flying, wood chips being scooped up, and feed containers being moved all around. There was so much hustle and bustle! “Oh, my goodness,” they thought, “What is going on in there?” Toby, being the lazy goat of the bunch, peeked in and saw that there was work to be done. He thought for a moment and then decided to run to the other side of the barn and hide so he would not have to do any work. The others thought about following his lead, but they were all so curious about what was going on they decided to stick around and watch. All of the old bedding was scooped out, thick rubber mats were laid on the floor and fresh pine bedding was laid over therm. The fresh pine smelled so good! Henry took a deep sniff and then let out a big, “Ahhhhh-aaaahhhhhh-ahhhhhhhhhhh-chooooooo!” and sneezed all over the farmer. “That sure was funny!” thought all of the animals in the barn. They were all laughing so hard at Henry; he

always makes everyone laugh so much. “Ok,” the farmer said, as she wiped her glasses and her face clean. “We have a lot of work to do to get ready for your surprise.” Hold on! Surprise? Did someone say surprise? Well, in that case, let’s get to work! Everyone worked hard cleaning and moving things around all morning. When everything calmed down and was in place, they all stood back and looked at the results of their work and smiled. The barn looked so nice and pretty, it was fit for a queen. After everyone shared a tasty lunch, the farmer went out to her truck and hooked up the big horse trailer. The all wondered what could possibly be going in there. One by one, the animals started to make guesses. “A cow!” shouted Toby, who had finally returned after the work was done. “A llama,” bleated Baa the Sheep. “An elephant,” cried Annie, the goat. “AN ELEPHANT?!!” They all laughed. They were so excited to see what was coming to the farm! After the trailer was hooked up, the farmer pulled out of the long drive and headed out. It was only a matter of time before they would learn who their new friend would be. It was getting close to dinner time when the farmer finally pulled into the yard. As she drove down the gravel drive, they all strained their necks to see what was in that trailer. As hard as they tried and as much as they leapt in the air, no one was able to see what was in that trailer. “Gosh, darn!” they thought. They all were wishing the farmer would hurry and open the back of the trailer so they could see. The suspense was driving them crazy. “Here she comes, here she comes!” announced Gomer. But, instead of going over and opening the trailer, she walked into the pasture with her head down and quietly called all the animals over to her.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

They all came running and jumping. When they got close to the farmer, they saw that she was very sad. They were not used to seeing her not smiling, she was always smiling. As a matter of fact, it looked like the farmer may have been crying because her eyes were all red and swollen. The farmer sat down on the ground and the animals all circled around her to listen to what she had to say. She told them that she had brought home a new friend for them, a very special friend. She said they all had to be calm and not to overwhelm the new friend. They had to be nice and share all their delicious snacks and make sure that their new friend knew where her bed, water and food were. Of course, they all quickly agreed. “Who is our new friend?”, asked Baa. The farmer took a deep breath and explained that the new friend that was in the trailer grew up all alone with no friends and no family to love her or to play with her. She was 7 years old and never had played outside. The animals could not even imagine that this was even possible. Now, they knew why the farmer was sad. She felt bad about the life that their new friend had before. It made the animals sad, too. They were not sad for long, though, because they knew how happy their new friend would be with them. They knew that she would always have a place to sleep, good food and fresh water and a ton of friends to play with. Gomer asked what her name was. The farmer told them that her name was going to be Blossom. “Such a pretty name!” they thought. The farmer stood up, told the animals that she would be right back. She reminded them to be calm and to not crowd or overwhelm Blossom. She walked over to the trailer, opened it up and put down the ramp. She climbed up the ramp and

grabbed hold of a long lead and guided Blossom out of the trailer. The animals all gasped at what they saw. They had never before seen ears so bigl Those ears stuck straight up and almost touched the sky, they thought. With a clip-clop, clip-clop, the farmer led the most beautiful grey donkey into the pasture. Trying not to run up to her was such a tough thing! But most of the animals remembered what the farmer had said, so they stood back and waited for her to come and visit them. Of course, Baa had to keep reminding Henry and Gomer to calm down and stay back. Slowly, Blossom made her way around the pasture stopping to sample the hay, drink the fresh water, and stretch her sore, swollen, stiff legs. The first friend she met was Baa the Sheep. They stood together and just smiled like they were long-lost friends. Then it was over to Henry, who Baa told to go out in the sun. Blossom reached her head over and gave Henry a big hug. All of the animals were all smiling, and the farmer was crying tears of joy. “Welcome to your forever home and to your new family, Blossom,” the farmer softly said. The farmer kissed Blossom on the head, gave her a carrot and a hug, and promised her that she would never ever be sad, afraid or alone ever again. Want to meet the animals in the story? They live at author Janine Smalley’s Whispering Acres Farm Animal Sanctuary in Medina. For more information about Whispering Acres, go to https://bit.ly/ 3AxRqha or https://bit.ly/3Byx3lx .To arrange a time to visit, call 440-212-6769. Donations can be made at https://bit.ly/3lwVbiD Whispering Acres is a 501c3 organization.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

BUSINESS: FROM A TECHNICAL MIND

Red Flags by Tyler Hatfield As times and technologies progress, equipment upgrades are needed every few years or so. However, in the current market, items like laptops, phones and even TVs are being sold at premium prices. This has led many to buy used devices from various sources like online resellers and marketplaces and local garage sales. However, the devil is in the details regarding used electronics. It may seem obvious, but the first red flag to look for with used electronics is signs of water exposure and damage. Look for yellowing, stains, peeling stickers, water spots, and rust. While many people are willing to write off signs of water damage if a device is functioning correctly in the moment and is being sold for a reasonable price, it is a dangerous game. Water, the leading cause of corrosion in electronics, typically does not stop spreading without some significant restoration work. Even if the device runs properly when purchased, it may suddenly fail. Another factor to check is age; it is essential to do research. The easiest way to determine the age is to search online for the device's processor and see when it was released. Generally, a red flag here is anything more than five years old. At that age, it has little value as technology continues to change at such a rapid pace that older devices struggle to keep up. The final red flag is on used and opened, or "like new," electronics. Scams on these have become exponentially more common in recent years. Risky sellers will trade out internal components in devices with cheaper replacements to build profits. Unfortunately, these scams can be hard to sniff out, but the best bet is to shop from reputable sources or someone you trust. While the devices usually work at least somewhat, they will function poorly at best. In most cases, buying new is the best option, and many midranged options still exist for reasonable prices. However, if new is not in the budget, try to buy refurbished devices or used items from reliable sources that can be checked and verified through reviews and the Better Business Bureau. Tyler Hatfield has a passion for technology that he would like to someday turn into his own business. He runs a small media group, https://www.hatsmediagroup.com/ , and works on computers on the side. He can be contacted with questions and for recommendations at hatsmediagroup@gmail.com

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

BUSINESS: THE NETWORKER

Priceless Networking by Bob Arnold In one of my networking groups recently, we inducted two new members and two more the next week. I beamed as I guided them through the induction process for I know what awaits them. The value of this turns out to be priceless! Why? When we realize that people need people, the expectation that follows is that we find people who we can gladly help grow and who care for us enough to help us grow. The search starts and we begin realizing this networking stuff really works. We hold out our handshake and keep meeting and hanging out with people. Some we connect with and some we do not, but that is to be expected. Not everyone can be connected. These new members understand this and took the extra step of joining in with a group where they found acceptance and saw real businesses opportunities. An established member, one of the new members and I were talking. I mentioned something about how original it would be to have prescription goggles. Little did I know that it is possible, as the new member confirmed. It suddenly dawned on the new and established member that they could do business together around this concept. That is the magic that can happen within a moment. Relationships are formed, people figure out how to help each other, and they come to a point of trust in each other. When the opportunity comes by to help out, they will make a referral because they will remember the other person. One of the keys to being remembered in these groups is to be active within the group and help create success. This process is golden, and it is one that is ageless. Find local networking groups, go to their meetings a few times and determine if they are a good fit for you. If they are, they will welcome you with open arms, and you will realize that you just opened the door to priceless. Raise your glass to priceless networking! Bob Arnold is the founder of ONward Networking and the international best-selling author of “The Uncanny Power of the Networking Pencil,” which can be purchased at https://amzn.to/2KSy3Xm. More networking tips are available at “Bob’s Pencil Points” blog at http://onwardnetworking.com/ or by contacting Arnold at theNetworkingPencil@gmail.com

BUSINESS: THE IN BOX

Compounding Success by Shannon Davis How much interest can be earned by putting money under a mattress? Of course, we all know the answer. Absolutely none! We all want to make money on our money, but do we understand the significance of compound interest? In a nutshell, compounding is earning interest on initial savings and then reinvesting it to then earn interest on the new total, the original amount plus the new interest. A small amount of money can accumulate to be a much larger amount if nothing is withdrawn. A strategy that leads to much better results, rather than looking back in old age and saying, “If only I had saved $100 per month every month for the past 50 years, I would now have… .” Let us do a little math to understand this concept better. If $100 a month is put under a mattress, that is $1,200 a year, multiplied by 50 years, equals $60,000 in total contributions. A nice savings, right? But if interest is earned on the money and the interest keeps being saved, then the growth is exponential! That $100 per month (at a conservative 8-percent interest) will result in more than $800,000 by the age of 68! Pretty solid savings for minimal effort. The amazing thing about the power of compounding is that it applies to everything. Take your health, for example. To compound a positive attitude, try reminding yourself of what you did right each day, rather than beating yourself up over mistakes. Compound your energy by drinking eight glasses of water each day and eating balanced meals. To compound overall fitness, try walking extra steps every day and, over time, positive results will be seen. How does this apply to business? Much in the same way! The little things add up. � Compliment employees and point out the good things they do, not only the bad. � Write thank-you notes to customers or clients. � Do extra acts of kindness to improve customer service. � Give unexpected gifts of gratitude. Over time, employee loyalty and client satisfaction will compound. Shannon Davis is a financial advisor, entrepreneur and resident of Medina County. She is an advocate for financial literacy and education. Davis can be reached by calling or texting 303-916-3864.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

HOME AND GARDEN: DIG IT!

Paw Paw Appreciation column and photos by Michelle Riley The paw paw is a native tree that blooms in April, is pollinated by insects and bears edible fruit in September. Not only is the fruit edible, but it also is packed with enough vitamins and nutrients that a rogue grove of trees kept the Lewis and Clark expedition alive for two weeks in the early 1800s. During the Great Depression, fruit became very expensive, and the paw paw was a perfect replacement, garnering the nickname “the poor man’s banana.” In Europe, the paw paw is often confused with papaya, but these are not the same fruit. Ohio’s paw paw (Asimina triloba) is native to eastern North America and can be found as far north as southern Canada. Many native tribes, such as the Osage and Shawnee, used the fruit in culinary dishes, as well as in medicinal remedies. Dried bark can be used for kindling, as well as rope making. Leaves were often used to wrap the fruit when cooking in a fire, but the leaves are not edible. The fruit of the paw paw is mushy and soft when it is ripe. Once cut open, the fruit within is custard like and resembles a sweet-mango-and-banana pudding, with a twist. The skin is not edible. Paw paws love to grow in moist, nutrient-rich, well-drained soils. Being monoecious (bearing male and female organs within the same flowers) paw paws need another, unrelated paw paws to pollinate. They are a modest tree, taking pyramidal form with heights up to 20 feet. Fitting nicely on a modest city lot, there may even be one that is a hidden gem tucked away within the untouched native tree line surrounding your property. Admittedly, the paw paw is a love-it-or-leave-it kind of fruit. They are pollinated by insects, mainly of the carrion variety, and the blossoms smell like rotting meat. Some seasons, the flowers bloom before the insects are active, creating a hand-pollinating situation. A tree truly for the brave of heart, the paw paw can be one man’s treasure and another man’s April fools’ joke! Michelle Riley is a local horticulturist, landscape designer, and consultant. She is the founder of the gardening subscription service, https://theplantmall.com/; https:// michellerileyhorticulturist.com ; and https:// neohiogarden.com . She also is the president of All About You Signature Landscape Design, Inc. Riley can be contacted at Info@MichelleRileyHorticulturist.com or by calling 234-6788266.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

HOME AND GARDEN: BITE ME!

HOME AND GARDEN: VEGAN VITTLES

Baked Artichokes

Vegan Veggie Quiche

recipe submitted by Michelle Riley

by Chris Pickens Merriam-Webster defines a quiche as an unsweetened custard pie that usually has a savory filling, such as spinach, mushrooms or ham. Though the history of quiche is generally assumed to be of French origin, it actually originated in Germany around 500 to 1400 or 1500. The word quiche is from the German word “kuchen,” which translates to “cake.” This dish is a very versatile dish because it can be made into a breakfast, brunch or dinner meal. As far as German tradition goes, it can be made into a dessert simply by adding or subtracting a few simple filling ingredients.

This month’s kitchen guest is Michelle Riley, writer of our “Dig It!” column and a local horticulturist, landscape designer, and consultant. She is the founder of the gardening subscription service, https:/ /theplantmall.com/; https://michellerileyhorticulturist.com ; and https://neohiogarden.com, She also is the president of All About You Signature Landscape Design, Inc. Riley can be contacted at Info@MichelleRileyHorticulturist.com or by calling 234-678-8266. She says that while this recipe is rather time consuming, the end result is delicious and worth it. • • • • • •

3 artichokes 1 halved lemon 1 ½ cups Italian breadcrumbs 1 small block mozzarella cheese 1 finely chopped large bunch of parsley Olive oil (or choice of drizzling oil)

Rinse artichokes well, chop off tops to remove spines. Check leaves and trim any tips that still have spines. Discard the spiny leaf tips. Chop the bottom stems back so the artichokes will sit on their bases. Place the artichokes in a large pot of water, cut the lemon in half and add to pot. Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Bring pot of water to a boil, and boil for 20 to 30 minutes. While artichokes are boiling, shred or chop mozzarella cheese into tiny pieces. Remove artichokes from water and cool. Put parsley and mozzarella in big bowl and mix in breadcrumbs. Gently open the cooled artichoke leaves. Use a spoon and gently scrape the base at the center to remove the fuzzy flower parts. The flower parts sit on top of the artichoke heart, so do not dig too deeply or parts of the heart will be removed. Place cooled and cleaned artichokes on a baking sheet. I usually wrap my baking sheet with aluminum foil to ease clean up. Drizzle artichokes well with olive oil. Gently tuck parsley, breadcrumb and cheese mixture inside each artichoke leaf. I find it easier to start from the outside and spiral around, working my way toward the center. This will gradually cause the artichoke to expand like a flower. If the artichoke tends to tip on its side, create a bumper by wrapping aluminum foil around the base to hold the artichoke in place. Once all of the artichokes are stuffed, take any leftover stuffing and sprinkle it across the tops. Drizzle the artichokes generously with the olive oil once again. Place into the preheated oven, bake for 25 to 30 minutes. Remove from oven, and let stand two to three minutes. Enjoy! Want to have your recipe featured in a future issue? Send it with your name, phone number (in case we have questions), the city you live in, and some information about you to: Joy@BlakeHousePublishing.com with “recipe” in the subject line. Recipes MUST be your original recipe or one you have highly modified and thus made your own. By submitting a recipe, you are guaranteeing it is one you have developed or modified and used. This is open to all ages who would like to submit a recipe.

Crust � 1 tablespoon flaxseed � 3 tablespoons water � 1 cup all-purpose flour � 1 cup almond flour � ½ teaspoon salt � 1 to 2 tablespoons olive oil � 2 to 4 tablespoons water

Preheat oven to 350 degrees. Lightly grease pie pan. Combine flaxseed and water and set aside. Add both flours and salt to the food processor. Slowly drizzle in olive oil. Add flaxseed and water mixture to the food processor. Add water, as needed. Crumble dough into a pie pan, and press mixture into pan. Bake for 12 minutes. While the crust bakes, make the filling. When the crust is done, remove from oven and increase oven heat to 375 degrees. Filling � ½ to 1 tablespoon olive oil � 2 minced garlic cloves � 1 cup chopped mushrooms � 1 cup chopped baby spinach � 14 ounces firm tofu, drained, no need to press out excess liquid � 2 tablespoons almond milk � 2 tablespoons nutritional yeast � ⅓ cup chopped cherry or grape tomatoes Sauté mushrooms and garlic for three to four minutes. Add spinach and cook until the spinach shrinks up. Set aside. Mix together tofu, almond milk, nutritional yeast, and salt. Pour filling into crust. Add tomatoes. Bake for 35 minutes. Let cool for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. Chris Pickens is a certified holistic nutrition coach, a health and wellness coach, a holistic health practitioner, and a holistic health coach. She has been a vegan since 2016. Pickens enjoys sharing her recipes, getting feedback (good or bad) on her recipes, getting requests for future recipes, and sharing information about veganism and why she became vegan. She can be contacted by e-mailing her at momof4chris@gmail.com Please put “The Joy of Medina Attn: Chris” in the subject line.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

HEALTH: HEALTHY TRAILS

Hobby to Cause by Robert Soroky

Whenever I meet someone who has a hobby they are passionate about, I always want to know if it was something passed down from family, an interest they discovered and explored on their own, or did life events steer them toward it? I would like to share my own story about cycling. Like most kids, I rode my bike everywhere. It is how I got to a friend’s house, baseball practice and the record store (yep, just dated myself there). Like most kids, once I was licensed to operate four wheels, two wheels suddenly became passe’ and my bike riding days were few and far between. Then, while in college, I was hit by a car as a pedestrian, and everything changed. As a result of the accident, I suffered extensive damage to my right knee and hamstring. It took four screws, three staples, replacement ligaments, and dozens of sutures to repair everything. After nine hours of surgery, I was happily reassembled. In an ironic twist, one of the first things the doctor did for rehab was put me on a bike. I was suddenly reunited with my childhood activity. This helped to build strength in my leg and maintain range of motion, but it became clear I would need to do this type of rehab for quite some time. That is when I turned therapy into hobby. If I had to do it, then why not have some fun with it, right? I took to riding like a man possessed. Short trips turned into miles and miles of riding. Before long, a sleek, new carbon road bike became my ride of choice. Longer distances and a cool bike still were not enough. I wanted my rides to have purpose. I felt lucky to even be riding again, so I needed a way for both my bike and me to give back. That is when I turned hobby into cause. I started participating in all sorts of charity rides, racking up hundreds of miles and thousands of dollars for fundraising events. I met wonderful people, made new friends and cemented my passion for cycling. Knowing that my bike was helping make a difference in the lives of others made it all that much sweeter. Fast forward to 2022, and I am happy to say that this summer I will be riding in my 27th BikeMS event! I ride for them. Robert Soroky is a lifelong cyclist who regularly participates in long-distance charity rides and is the manager of the Century Cycles Medina location. Contact Soroky at robert@centurycycles.com to suggest column topics, for further information or to chat about bikes.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

HEALTH: OF MIND AND BODY

Weighing Weight Choices by Kelly Bailey

Bringing good people good companies Whether you are looking to fill one position or several, hiring an entry level team member or senior executive, OhioMeansJobs|Medina County has a strategy to meet your immediate needs that will save you time and money. Allow OhioMeansJobs|Medina County to customize and enhance your workforce! Utilize OhioMeansJobs.com to identify top talent and post positions

Individualized support from your business service contact

Maximize On-The-Job training dollars

Facilitating recruitment events

Connect your organization with job-ready candidates

Promote your business at OhioMeansJobs|Medina County sponsored events

A proud partner of the American Job Center network

72 Public Square, 1st Floor Medina, Ohio 44256 (330) 441-5341 Monday - Friday 8:00 AM - 4:30 PM OhioMeansJobs.com/Medina

Which provides the better workout: free weights or machines? The simple answer is that both are beneficial. Any type of resistance training will strengthen muscles, bones and joints and improve balance, coordination and overall health. Machines are great for beginners because they can teach proper form and help with understanding which muscle groups are being worked. This is very helpful for fitness newbies who are learning how to strength train on their own. If machines are the resistance training method of choice, it is important to adjust the machine to fit your body. It also is important to remember that, while machines are generally safe for the masses, they still are not universal. If the machine has been adjusted for fit but the movement feels uncomfortable, it is time to pause the workout and ask for assistance. My personal preference is free weights because they provide a more effective workout in less time. Lifting free weights forces the core to work harder because there is no brace point or fixed plane of motion. All of the tiny stabilizer muscles have to work harder lifting free weights. Additionally, free weights are much more accessible to those working out at home. If you are ready to boost your fitness to the next level and use free weights, keep in mind that safety and form are key. You must be in control of the weight at all times. Slow down and, when in doubt, go lighter! Whether using machines or free weights, it is important to learn form and to have an appropriate lifting plan that fits your needs and abilities, as well as help to achieve the desired goals. A certified personal trainer and certified holistic nutrition coach, Kelly Bailey owns and operates Kelly Bailey Wellness. Find her blog, visit the Food Freedom page, and contact her at https://www.kellybailey.fit/ Following any recommendations are solely at your discretion and responsibility. Consult your medical professional prior to undertaking any suggested diet, lifestyle or exercise change or routine.

RIPPLES

“Don’t dim your light because you are too bright for others. Keep shining!” -Mitzi Ficker Sokolowski

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

ALWAYS

FREE

TECH SUPPORT Our field technician teams are locally based, and our Technical Support Representatives are available 24/7 to assist you. We are always ready to help anytime... at no additional charge to you.

ArmstrongOneWire.com 1.877.277.5711

Keeping Medina connected.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

COMMUNITY: GEMS

Turning Heartbreak Into Help by Kent Von Der Vellen When Elissa “Lissy” M. Garland was born to Emmy Garland’s older sister, Beth Metheney, Emmy was only 14 years old. Lissy and Emmy bonded and became very close friends. They communicated regularly, sometimes even talking at 2 a.m. when neither could sleep. They were even pregnant at the same time. Three months after Lissy gave birth to her son, Malachi, Emmy got a message that Lissy had suddenly died from an overdose. When Emmy arrived, the police and coroner’s office were ready to remove Lissy’s body. Emmy asked for a moment with her, and, in those moments, decided Lissy had to be remembered. Lissy had good grades and was active in high school, Emmy said, adding that Lissy was in the University of Akron accelerated program and was planning to be a nurse. When she was 18, Lissy was diagnosed with Fibromyalgia and prescribed pain medication, said Emmy. The medication started Lissy down a road of addiction, Emmy said, and Lissy started asking people for pain pills. At a party, Lissy was offered heroin, Emmy said, beginning Lissy’s use of harder drugs and stealing to support her habit. It was not long before Lissy was in front of a judge, Emmy said. Lissy’s mom helped to keep her from using drugs and breaking the rules of the court’s diversion program, Emmy said. Lissy stopped using drugs, got a job as a waitress and started planning a return to school to become a substance abuse counselor, said Emmy, adding that Lissy then got pregnant. With the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic shutdowns, court oversight, testing and counseling stopped or were significantly curtailed. In an effort to help Lissy, her grandparents, Pat and Dave Tucker, took her in, moving her into what was essentially a downstairs apartment in their home. A very messy breakup with her boyfriend, the COVID shutdowns and lack of counseling and court oversight, combined with the stresses of being a new mom, were too much for Lissy, Emmy said, and she turned back to drugs. On April 26, 2020, Lissy’s grandparents discovered her body. Her 3-month-old baby was in the next room. After Lissy’s death, Emmy approached a local sober facility to find out how she could help, and it was suggested she do something for the children of addicts. She started collecting Christmas gift donations for the children. Christmas 2020, she was able to give gifts to 53 children. The following Easter, she was able to deliver baskets to 134 children. That was the beginning of Lissy’s Legacy of Love.

Lissy’s Legacy of Love

4311 Pershing, Norton, Ohio 44203 330-604-1118 Web address: Date of formation: 02/19/2021 Organization type: Pending Description of Organization’s Purpose: Helping kids and families that are affected by addiction. Is the organization's registration status current? Yes The financial information below is from the organization’s most recent filing within the on-line system. If the items below are blank, the organization has not yet filed information on-line or they may be exempt from filing an annual report. Reporting Year: Reporting Start Date: Reporting End Date: Total Revenue: Total Expenses: Total Program Expenses: Percent of Total Expenses: Total Assets:

Now, Lissy’s Legacy of Love accepts donations for Easter baskets, Christmas gifts and birthdays for children in Medina, Wayne, Summit, and Stark counties who have had a parent die due to drug use, has a parent incarcerated on a drug-related charge, or has a parent in a drug rehabilitation facility. Applications for help can be made only by a legal guardian, and information is kept confidential. Learn more about Lissy’s Legacy of Love at https://bit.ly/3LdSTiv or at https://bit.ly/3LdA1Af Kent Von Der Vellen is a 20-year Medina resident. He has been a volunteer for various youth sports teams, is a member of the Medina Lions Club, and, with his wife, Kim, founded the Jakob F. Von Der Vellen Memorial Foundation. Contact Von Der Vellen by e-mailing Gems@BlakeHousePublishing.com or by calling 330-421-0863. Learn what other area nonprofits need by visiting Giving Hearts under the Help tab at https:// www.joyofmedinacountymagazine.com/.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

COMMUNITY

Giving kudos to those who are providing great service at area businesses

Waitress Alexa at 17 Public Square restaurant and bar, 17 Public Square, Medina, made Brooklyn Mott and her husband’s night by providing great above-and-beyond service and making them feel very warm and welcomed even though they did not have a reservation. Talyah Fogle is known by many for her cheerful, great service to hungry customers who come past her drivethrough window at Burger King, 994 High Street, Wadsworth,, according to Evamarie Harrison, also of Wadsworth. Fogle also is known for her supportive, encouraging posts on social media.

Has an employee at a local store made your day? Gone that extra mile to help? Send your name, the employee’s name, place of employment, date of occurrence, and what made your experience special to Joy@BlakeHousePublishing.com Recognition limited to those employed within Medina County.

“If you aren’t making anyone nervous, you aren’t doing anything special.”— Leanne Ford

Joyful Word Search

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

Joyful Word Search Bugging You Bugging You

MIRTH AND JOY by Jerry King

S R S P H B A D L R L X O R WW E P E D N J T G

E R G R Y N L L Y R R N

D I N J R G Q N Y A V N

I N C E W S R J C G J D

P G O J U G T S D O Q L

S T C Z Y C A R G N I T

G A K Z O G S N I S D S

N I R S A N I E O P R V

COCKROACHES

I L O D I S I P R E E R

P S A V S R O N G L A S

M M C I L D A I G T D N

U M H Y S Y T P S L T Q

STRIPES

COCKROACHES RESCUE RESCUE JUMPING JUMPING SPIDERSSPIDERS MADAGASCAR MADAGASCAR RATS RATS HISSING HISSING PARIS

STRIPES TIGERS TIGERS HALLOWEEN HALLOWEEN ISOPODS ISOPODS ZONING ZONING DRAGON DRAGON SPRINGTAILS

PARIS

SPRINGTAILS

Answer Key for Last Month’s Search Joyful Word Search

Looking for Love Looking for Love

“Heaven always looks so boring in movies.”

“Well, my hands are dirty now, so I might as well finish my text.”

S E P A R A T E D Y T S E N O H

Z W D Z G N W Z Y G S C M L L I P H S D R N N K J Y R Q T D D V

M D Q L M A Y F O N M Y L M V Y

P K T D M R I B A X V R Y R O M J V W Z G O R P T OW E I R N O J B WQ L Z T N R R N B T M L J

J Y M D N R S S H F D M G B V M

N L R M V E C T E E N M Z N B M

Z E X M I E T E I I J D V Y D X

Z Z C B T R N R D T B D D S J D

Y L B A A S R T B V W B I T V D

G O Y E E A U P U C T N O Z Z K

H R H Y M P E R I R G G B H M D

W R R Y W T V T T L E O N T D R

B X L T S Q Y X E D J D D R L D

J Z E B P D G P R W Q M

G B S R Y M X L L V Y R

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

ENTERTAINMENT: FUN AND GAMES

History in the Game by Robert Soroky It is no secret that video games have been and, in some respects, continue to be viewed as a corrupting influence. As a 56-year-old man, I have learned that life is all about balance and some video games are not only super engaging for adults but extremely educational as well. Enter the world of Assassin’s Creed. In a nutshell, the Assassin’s Creed game series, of which there are currently 12 titles, position the main character in a different historic city at a crucial point in that city’s history.

like the Parthenon, Erechtheion and Propylaia atop the Acropolis, all in their original glory, the design team visited Greece multiple times and spent hundreds of hours on research. Every aspect of Greek life was faithfully reproduced throughout the game so players would see potters, sculptors, vintners, poets, and philosophers engaged in their daily routines The attention to architectural details and portrayals of various daily roles became so popular that school systems approached Ubisoft and asked if the game could be modified for educational purposes.

Through an open-world format, players experience places like Jerusalem and Damascus at the height of the Crusades, Venice

In response, and starting with Assassin’s Creed: Origins which is set in Ancient Egypt, Ubisoft created a free add-on called The Discovery Tour.

and Rome during the Renaissance, the Caribbean during the golden age of piracy, Paris struggling through the French Revolution, and London in the 1900s. Even ancient Egypt and Greece are included.

The tour allows students and gamers to play in explore mode and is loaded with dozens of guided tours narrated by historians and museum curators.

What makes these games so special is the painstaking detail and historical accuracy that the developer, Ubisoft, brings to each title.

Thanks to their efforts, I probably learned more about the ancient Egyptian and Greek worlds through Assassin’s Creed then I ever did in school and had way more fun doing so!

For example, Assassin’s Creed: Odyssey is set in ancient Robert Soroky is an avid reader and sci-fi fan. He also is a Greece during the Peloponnesian War. Players complete various lifelong cyclist who regularly participates in long-distance missions while exploring cities like Athens, Sparta, Korith, and charity rides and is the manager of the Century Cycles Medina several Greek islands like Mykonos, Samos, Naxos, and Crete. location. Contact Soroky at robert@centurycycles.com to In order to recreate these historic locations and major temples suggest column topics.

Parthenon on the Acropolis

Erechtheion on the Acropolis

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

ENTERTAINMENT: GETTING REEL

What Gotham Deserves by Robert Soroky Movie: “The Batman” Seen: in theater Rating: Batman has been lurking in the shadows of pop culture for more than 80 years. Created by artist Bob Cane and writer Bill Finger, he made his first appearance in Detective Comics #27 in May 1939. Since then, the Caped Crusader, pitted against a rogue's gallery of criminals like the Joker, Penguin, Riddler, and Catwoman, has continued to thrill with his crime-stopping adventures in Gotham City’s back alleys. Why the love affair with this masked vigilante? In the world of superheroes, he is the most grounded and is devoid of special powers. He also is an emotionally complex character, having witnessed the brutal murder of his parents as a child. With only family butler Alfred Pennyworth to guide him, Wayne struggles to cope with a desire for retribution and a world that took so much from him. To me, Batman is all about tone. In 2008, Christopher Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” was the first to truly break the comic barrier and create believable, if not downright disturbing, heroes and villains that eerily mirrored reality. Now, Matt Reeves’ “The Batman” has taken that tone and pushed it even deeper into our psyche. Set two years into Batman’s crime-fighting career and in a noir “Blade Runner”-ish Gotham City, “The Batman,” drives home Wayne’s struggle to separate the vigilante from the millionaire playboy. Robert Pattinson, in the title role, sinks perfectly into this persona, playing a confident and foreboding Batman against a more helpless and somewhat defeated Wayne, all while taking on an underworld that is tearing his city apart. Then there is Paul Dano as the very disturbed Riddler. Although Dano’s performance rivals Heath Ledger’s Joker in Nolan’s “The Dark Knight” and was effectively creepy, there are a few slightly overacted scenes. The supporting cast of Commissioner Gordon (Jeffrey Wright), Catwoman/Selina Kyle (Zoe Kravitz), Oswald Cobblepot/The Penguin (Colin Farrell), and Alfred Pennyworth (Andy Serkis) brings new twists and turns to these established characters and their origins, keeping the story fresh and engaging. Even the story of Wayne’s parents has a twist. Michael Giacchino’s haunting score was one of movie’s best elements, hands down. It brilliantly guided viewers through the story’s range of emotions, creating dread, fear, anger,

shock, and excitement in lockstep with the action. Even in quiet moments, subtle music ques heighten the visual experience to create an edge-of-your-seat feel for three hours. This is the Batman movie Gotham deserves. Robert Soroky is a lover of science fiction and a lifelong cyclist who regularly participates in long-distance charity rides and is the manager of the Century Cycles Medina location. Contact Soroky at robert@centurycycles.com to chat about science fiction or bikes, he loves to hear from readers!

ENTERTAINMENT: ROLL ’EM!

Pondering Panda-monium by Hunter Barnard Movie: “Turning Red” W Viewed: at home Rating: This month, for my movie review, I watched “Turning Red.” I was excited to see it because I think red pandas are really cool. The movie is about a girl named Mei. When Mei gets really upset or angry or sad, she turns into a big red panda. It was pretty funny when Mei changes the first time and then realizes she has turned into a red panda. I really like her character a lot. Mei tries to hide what is happening from her parents, but, of course, they find out. That is when they tell her that all of the girls in Mei's family can transform into red pandas. They tell her that they are going to have to take away that power for her to be normal. Mei does not really like that idea, though. Her friends find out about how she turns into a red panda, and they actually think it is pretty cool. I really liked that part of the movie because her friends like her no matter what, and it helps her like herself a little bit more, too. I thought this movie was really fun and it made me laugh a lot. Mei is definitely my favorite character. I thought the end of the movie was a little sad at first, but it definitely got better and ended on a happy note. Those are my favorite kinds of movies! I thought this movie was very good, and everyone should try to see it! Hunter Barnard is an energetic 8-year-old who is a former Brunswick resident who now attends Berea City Schools and likes to share his opinion. He is assisted in writing his column by his mother, Jessica Rapenchuk.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

People enjoyed sunshine and ice sculptures at the Medina Ice Festival in Uptown Park, Medina, February 18 through 21, 2022. Elegant Ice Creations, festival organizer, said it is the largest ice festival in northeast Ohio. The festival was sponsored by Serpentini Chevrolet Medina, the City of Medina, PJ Marley’s, Main Street Medina, and Frito-Lay. photos by Torre Design

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

Hava Grigsby

Zane Grigsby

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

Otto Slife and Eliza Slife

Louis Lyren

Tzeitel Grigsby

Kids were getting ready for spring by trying their hand at creating bunny art using a variety of materials at Wadsworth Public Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. photos by FlashBang Photography

Gemma Lyren, left, and Kaimook Lyren

Lucy Pal and Alaina Pal

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

April 2022 Nonprofit Calendar L

Fish Frys

Saturday, April 2

International Children’s Book Day, National Ferret Day, and National Peanut Butter and Jelly Day Don’t know about you, but we see some really hysterical possibilities here! A Healthy Dose of Nature: Hiking Series, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Plum Creek Park South, 2500 Plum Creek Parkway, Brunswick Hills. Vigorous 3- to 5-mile hike with naturalist, dress for weather, wear appropriate footwear, bring own water. Ages 10 and up. No registration, free. Ohio Division of Wildlife: Hunter Education Course, 9:30 a.m. to Every Friday through April 8 4 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Fish Dinner, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Colette Catholic Church, 330 Required course for all first-time hunting license buyers. Do NOT W. 130th Street, Brunswick. Carryout orders must be picked up by BRING FIREARMS. One-hour lunch break, no lunch provided. 6:30 p.m. For menu and prices, go to https://bit.ly/36Bn2tb Ages 10 and up. Register at https://bit.ly/3qqHWST Comedy Juggling, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11:15 a.m. to 11:45 a.m., Sycamore Rooms North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Every Friday through April 15: Center Road, Brunswick. International gold medalist Matt Jergens Fish Dinner, 4:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., St. Ambrose Catholic Parish, performs. 929 Pearl Road, Brunswick. Meals start at $12.50. For more Trivia Night, 5 p.m. doors open, 6 p.m. dinner, 7 p.m. contest prices and menu, go to https://bit.ly/3iowcMc begins, Medina Eagles Hall, 696 Lafayette Road, Medina. Benefits Medina County Historical Society. Teams of one to eight people compete for prize. Cash bar, raffles. Cost is $40 per person. April 8 Registration closed on March 26. Call 330-722-1341 or e-mail Bluegrass Jam and Lenten Fish Fry Dinner, 5:30 p.m. till 10 mchs@zoominternet.net for more information. p.m., Lafayette United Methodist Church, 6201 Lafayette Road, Gilligan’s Island: The Musical, 7:30 p.m., Haddad Theater, Medina. Kitchen opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 7 p.m., music Medina County Administration Building, 144 N. Broadway, Medina. starts at 7 p.m. Donation admission $3, dinner is additional $9. Also, April 8, 9, 10. Presented by Medina County Show Biz. Tickets are adults, $15; senior citizens and students, $12 available at Bluegrass/country bands welcome, arrive early to be scheduled. Buehler’s or online at https://bit.ly/3CValoQ For more information, Annual Seedling and Native Plant Sale is being conducted call 330-722-5776. through the Medina County Soil and Water Conservation District. Seedling orders are due by April 1, 2022 at https://bit.ly/3syp3gP Sunday, April 3 Order native plants by May 9, 2022 at https://bit.ly/3Jpizbc National Find a Rainbow Day and then get Kermit to sing for you! https://bit.ly/3wr7UZY American Red Cross Blood Drive, 8 a.m. to noon, Litchfield Friday, April 1 Township Fire Station, 9487 Norwalk Road, Litchfield. https:// International Fun at Work Day rcblood.org/32i1sbg American Red Cross Blood Drive, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Medina Brewery Collectibles Show, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Blue Heron Hospital, 1000 E. Washington Street, Medina. https://rcblood.org/ Brewery Event Center, 3227 Blue Heron Trace, Medina. Traveling 32i1sbg history museum about beer. Appraisers and buyers will be American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. available. Raffle, giveaways, food and beverage available for Mark Church, 1330 N. Carpenter Street, Brunswick. https:// purchase. No admission charge. For more information, call Pat, rcblood.org/32i1sbg 216-548-8542. Macaroni-and-Cheese Drive, 10 a.m., all Medina County District John Smart House Tour, 1 p.m. to 4 p.m., John Smart House Library locations. Support Feeding Medina County by donating non- Museum, 206 N. Elmwood Avenue, Medina. Benefits the Medina expired boxes of macaroni and cheese or by donating at https:// County Historical Society. Docents posted throughout to answer bit.ly/3CWtk2m questions. Admission is $4 for society members and senior citizens; Flora Fridays, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Hubbard Valley Park, 8600 $5 for adults; $3 for ages 7 to 18; younger than 7 years old, no Hubbard Valley Road, Seville. Casual after-work walk among spring charge, with hand-holding adult. Call 330-722-1341 or e-mail wildflowers. Notebook, pencil and wildflower guide are suggested. mchs@zoominternet.net for more information. Ages 10 and up. Gilligan’s Island: The Musical, 2 p.m., Haddad Theater, Medina Gilligan’s Island: The Musical, 7:30 p.m., Haddad Theater, County Administration Building, 144 N. Broadway, Medina. Also, Medina County Administration Building, 144 N. Broadway, Medina. April 8, 9, 10. Presented by Medina County Show Biz. Tickets are Also, April 8, 9, 10. Presented by Medina County Show Biz. Tickets adults, $15; senior citizens and students, $12 available at Buehler’s are adults, $15; senior citizens and students, $12 available at or online at https://bit.ly/3CValoQ For more information, call 330Buehler’s or online at https://bit.ly/3CValoQ For more information, 722-5776. call 330-722-5776. ORMACO Live at the Library: Bob Frank and the Poetry of the Blues, 2 p.m., Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Featuring the lyricism and poetry of the blues. Songs by variety of artists performed. Free but reservations recommended since space

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

is limited. Reservations at https://bit.ly/3N2MWGV or call 419-8536016.

Monday, April 4 National Walk Around Things Day Did you know if a bunny hops in circles around you it is saying it loves you? Monday Movie Matinee: “Respect,” 1 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Meeting Rooms A and B, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Co-sponsored by Soprema Senior Center. The story of Aretha Franklin’s life. To reserve a space, call Soprema at 330-335-1513. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Trinity United Church of Christ, 215 High Street, Wadsworth. https://rcblood.org/ 32i1sbg Understanding DNA Matches, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Four-week class. For those who have already taken a DNA test and are trying to understand the results. Includes mini-lectures, group discussion, homework. COVID restrictions followed. Register at https://bit.ly/ 3txBc7J

Tuesday, April 5 National Dandelion Day Legend has it that Mr. A.I. Root of Medina used to walk around Medina with pockets full of dandelion seeds that he would toss as he walked so that his bees would have food in the spring. Whether the legend is true or not, it is true that bees depend on early spring flowers and the cheeky dandelion is one of them. Knitting and Crocheting Circle, 10 a.m. to noon., Hickory Room, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Beginners welcome. Making Warm Up Medina County donations. Book Readers’ Bonanza, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Hickory Room, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. For middle graders (Grades 6 to 8) who love to read: crafts, games, and books to take home. Register at https://bit.ly/3D0O3SO Green Cleaning, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Community Room, Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolf Road. Learn how to replace toxic cleaners with ones made from household ingredients. COVID restrictions followed. Register at https://bit.ly/3D4Mwvd Author Visit: Joe Lansdale, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., virtual. Best-selling author of more than 50 books, including Hap and Leonard series. He has written numerous screen and teleplays, including Batman the Animated Series. He was designated a World Horror Grandmaster. Link will be sent after registering at https://bit.ly/ 3N8WcJA

Wednesday, April 6

Brunswick 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. Sundays, June 12 through October 2 Produce, consumables and crafts July 24: Christmas in July September 11: Butterfly release October 2: Canine Costume Contest Heritage Farm, 4613 Laurel Road, Brunswick Call 330-441-0292 for more information. Medina 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, May 7 through October 29 Produce, consumables, crafts, knife sharpening Cornerstone Chapel photo by Tejas Prajapati 3939 Granger Road, Medina Enter lot from Weymouth Road Vendor registration information at https://bit.ly/3MQSaFJ 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays, May 14 through October 15 Produce and consumables Medina Public Square Vendor registration information at https://bit.ly/3vLZY2W Seville 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, May 28 through September 24 Produce, consumables and crafts Gazebo at Maria Stanhope Park, 73 W. Main Street, Seville Vendor registration information at https://bit.ly/3I5Az9l

National Food Faces Day https://bit.ly/3D20z4E Click the link to see some great examples! Discovery Drop-In: Feathers, Fur, Scales, and Skin, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Meet reptile and amphibian animal ambassadors, explore display of pelts and artifacts. Naturalist on hand. All ages. Natural Discoveries Hiking Series, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Hubbard Valley Park, 8600 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville. Counts toward Natural Discoveries award. Ages 7 to adult. For more information, go to https://bit.ly/3egtk1S Mindfulness Meditation, 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina. Learn how to de-stress through guided meditation. Grades 6 to 12. Henna Party, 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Community Room, Highland Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Medina. Make crafts and decorate handshaped cookies while listening to Bollywood music. Register at https://bit.ly/3iu4jlO British Invasion, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Seville Library, 45 Center Street, Seville. Music historian Chris Hartlaub shares information about music and events that led to pop culture explosion in the 60s. Register at https://bit.ly/3ugg9Wl

Camp Wired: Just Snip It!, 10 a.m. to noon, Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Learn how to use Snipping Tool to change photos. Brunswick Legal Resource Center, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Olive Meyer Room, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Court volunteers help those not represented by a lawyer in family court. First come, first served. Masks required. Eco-Friendly Spray, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Community Room, Highland Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Medina. Learn how to make sanitizing spray to use on counters. Register at https://bit.ly/ 3wu2v4H

Thursday, April 7

Friday, April 8

National No Housework Day We won’t tell if you celebrate this one every day! Guided Autobiography, 10 a.m. to noon, Median County Office for Older Adults, 246 Northland Drive, Medina. First meeting, meets every Thursday for 10 weeks. Get help writing your life story. Free, materials provided. Limited to 10 people. For more information, email jakiousis@medinaco.com. To register, call 330-725-9177.

Zoo Lover’s Day A rather lively song about an animal you won’t see at the zoo: https://bit.ly/3CUfdL8 Then the story continues: https://bit.ly/3JpsEFk Stroller Parking Lot Workout, 9:30 a.m. to 10 a.m., Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Workout with your child in stroller. Cancelled if bad weather. Register at https://bit.ly/3iqwvGg

Wadsworth 9 a.m. to noon Saturdays, June 11 through September 24 Produce, consumables and crafts Central Intermediate School, 151 Main Street, Wadsworth Vendor registration information at https://bit.ly/3r8trRd

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

A list of art shows in Medina County. To have a show listed, send the information to joy@blakehousepublishing.com at least two months in advance. There is no such thing as too early, but there is too late. Teen Juried Art Competition and Scholarship Show Through April 10, 2022 B. Smith Gallery Third Floor, Medina Library 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina

Sunday, April 10

St. Ambrose Student Art Show April 18 through 24, 2022 Artwork by St. Ambrose School students Brunswick Library 3649 Center Road, Brunswick Brunswick Student Art Show April 25 through May 15, 2022 Artwork by Buckeye students Brunswick Library 3649 Center Road, Brunswick Buckeye Student Art Show April 25 through May 7, 2022 Artwork by Buckeye School students Buckeye Library 6625 Wolff Road, Medina The Art of Viktor Schreckengost April 2 through April 30, 2022 Pottery, paintings, prints Highland Library 4160 Ridge Road, Medina

International Fest, 10 a.m., Sycamore Rooms North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Story, animal show, drum/dance workshop, Irish dance performance, crafts, guessing jars, artwork, more. All ages. Tales and Tails, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Therapy dogs visit the children’s area to be read to. Fossils, noon to 5 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center, 1473 Parschen Boulevard, Brunswick. Variety of real plant and animal fossils on display, as old as 350,000 million years old. Activities and learn how fossils are formed. All ages. Gilligan’s Island: The Musical, 7:30 p.m., Haddad Theater, Medina County Administration Building, 144 N. Broadway, Medina. Presented by Medina County Show Biz. Tickets are adults, $15; senior citizens and students, $12 available at Buehler’s or online at https://bit.ly/3CValoQ For more information, call 330-722-5776.

Favorable Places April 18 through May 15, 2022 Acrylic and mixed-media by Therese Kramer B. Smith Gallery Third Floor, Medina Library 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina

Flora Fridays, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Hubbard Valley Park, 8600 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville. Casual after-work walk among spring wildflowers. Notebook, pencil and wildflower guide are suggested. Ages 10 and up. Bluegrass Jam and Lenten Fish Fry Dinner, 5:30 p.m. till 10 p.m., Lafayette United Methodist Church, 6201 Lafayette Road, Medina. Kitchen opens at 5:30 p.m. and closes at 7 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. Donation admission $3, dinner is additional $9. Bluegrass/ country bands welcome, arrive early to be scheduled. Buckeye Baseball Softball Youth League Night at the Races Fundraiser, 5:30 p.m. to 10 p.m., St. Martins of Tours Catholic Church, 1800 Station Road, Valley City. Dinner starts 6 p.m., races start afterward. Raffles. Tickets are $35 per person, seating is limited. Reservations and sponsorship information are available at https://bit.ly/3ug90Ft Gilligan’s Island: The Musical, 7:30 p.m., Haddad Theater, Medina County Administration Building, 144 N. Broadway, Medina. Presented by Medina County Show Biz. Tickets are adults, $15; senior citizens and students, $12 available at Buehler’s or online at https://bit.ly/3CValoQ For more information, call 330-722-5776.

Saturday, April 9 National Unicorn Day 89th Annual Series of Spring Bird Walks, 7:30 a.m., main parking lot, River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Watch migrating birds return or travel to breeding grounds. Walk led by experienced birders every Saturday through May 14. All ages. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hinckley Fire Old Station, 1410 Ridge Road, Hinckley. https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg

National Farm Animals Day Want to visit some? https://bit.ly/ 3KQINDY Fossils, noon to 5 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center, 1473 Parschen Boulevard, Brunswick. Variety of real plant and animal fossils on display, as old as 350,000 million years old. Activities and learn how fossils are formed. All ages. Gilligan’s Island: The Musical, 2 p.m., Haddad Theater, Medina County Administration Building, 144 N. Broadway, Medina. Last showing. Presented by Medina County Show Biz. Tickets are adults, $15; senior citizens and students, $12 available at Buehler’s or online at https://bit.ly/3CValoQ For more information, call 330722-5776. Greeting Card and History Exhibit, Weymouth Preservation Society, 3314 Myers Road, Medina. Cards, photos, artifacts from the 19th and early 20th centuries on display. ORMACO Scott Marshall: A Little Bit of Country, 2 p.m., virtual at https://bit.ly/3KVfrEG Free, donations gratefully accepted.

Monday, April 11 National Eight-Track Tape Day Never did understand how those big, bulky boxes were a cool thing! American Red Cross Blood Drive, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Cleveland Clinic Family Health Center Brunswick, 3574 Center Road, Brunswick. https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg American Red Cross Blood Drive, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Medina Fire Station 1, 300 W. Reagan Parkway, Medina https://rcblood.org/ 32i1sbg Makerspace Mondays: VHS and Camcorder Transfer, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Family History and Learning Center, second floor, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Demonstration of how to use new equipment. Register at https://bit.ly/3IADln8 WAITING LIST Art in the Afternoon: Egg Art, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Make egg art using variety of techniques: watercolor resist painting, tooling foil and markers, tissue-paper collage, black glue and markers. No registration required. Monday Night Intrigue: American Fire, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Meeting Room A, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Multiple nights of arson puts people on edge in Virginia. Register at https:// bit.ly/3D78uxE

Tuesday, April 12 National Library Workers’ Day We love librarians! They make sure this magazine and lot of other great published materials are on their magazine racks, ready for you to enjoy! Senior Strides, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Lake Medina, 3733 Granger Road, Medina. Meet in Granger Road parking lot. For senior citizens aged 55 and older. Aim is to build a support system for those who would like to hike but do not have anyone to hike with. Casual 1- to 2-mile walk led by park volunteer. Dress for weather and wear appropriate footwear. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 1 p.m. to 6 p.m., Our Saviour Lutheran Church, 1605 Center Road, Hinckley. https://rcblood.org/ 32i1sbg Create! Fingerprint Art, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Meeting Room A, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Create

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022 fingerprint art on canvas with an upgrade. Register at https://bit.ly/ 3JCD0Sk Native Plant Gardening, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Lodi Library, 635 Wooster Street, Wooster. Learn how to incorporate native plants into garden landscape. Free. Gearheads: Metal Image Transfer, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Learn how to transfer photos onto metal sheets. Register at https://bit.ly/ 3IwWma0 TALL Tales: Create Your Own, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Community Room, Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina. Learn about famous tall tales, create and illustrate your own. Grades 3 to 5. Register at https://bit.ly/3uke1wH The Power of Vision, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sycamore Rooms North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Get blueprint for how to turn your dream into reality, learn essential keys for focusing on your goal. Alphabet Adventure: K is for Kitten, 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Kitten sees a full moon and thinks it is a bowl of milk. Red story, make kitten crafts, make the letter K out of dough, play with yarn balls like kitten, play a game and race to the moon. Register at https://bit.ly/3tv6HPu Countryside Presentation, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Meeting Room A, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Created in 1999 to help Cuyahoga Valley National Park conserve the valley’s rural character despite industrialization. Learn what Countryside does and how they help with historic preservation, sustainable agriculture, and food equity. Register at https://bit.ly/3D1IH9X

Wadsworth Area Historical Society: History of the Buckingham Family of Wadsworth, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Meeting Rooms A and B, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth.

Thursday, April 14

National Look Up at the Sky Day See how many will join you! Easter Egg Craft, 10:30 a.m., Medina County Office for Older Adults, 246 Northland Drive, Medina. Limited space. For details, call Jenny Kiousis, 330-725-9177. Woodland Health Day of Service, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Help pull aggressive garlic mustard weed from sensitive habitat. Bring work gloves, dress for outdoors. Ages 7 and up. Register at https://bit.ly/3qtIM1b Tween Thursday: Peeps Diorama, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Use marshmallow Peeps, props, craft supplies to create story. Register at https://bit.ly/3IrokE5 Lucky Star Jar, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Story Hour/Activity Room, Lodi Library, 635 Wooster Street, Lodi. Relax and fold origami stars to fill your own lucky star jar. Register at https://bit.ly/36E5P1Y Forest Therapy Walk, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park, 4985 Windfall Road, Medina. Relaxed sensory experience forest therapy walk. Goal is to sense, embody, appreciate relationship with natural world. Led by Jason of Whisper Shifter. Ages 5 and up. Register at https://bit.ly/3ucl3Du Japanese Book Binding, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Learn how to utilize Japanese binding techniques like hemp leaf, tortoise shell, more. FULL Savvy Seniors: Scam Avoidance, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Meeting Room A, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Better Business Bureau representative presents information, tips, and Wednesday, April 13 Ynaadteilobnbaalrsc…Oops! We meant, it’s National Scrabble more to educate senior citizens on how to avoid scams. Chair Yoga, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sycamore Rooms North and Day Ask An Attorney, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Office for Older Adults, 246 South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Northland Drive, Medina. Answers to elder law questions. Must Friday, April 15 schedule 20-minute appointment by calling 330-723-9514. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wadsworth Rubber Eraser Day Go ahead! Erase something! Or you can carve an eraser into a wonderful gift! YMCA, 623 School Drive, Wadsworth https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg Upcycled Planters, 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Buckeye Library, 6625 Woodland Health Day of Service, 10 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hubbard Wolff Road, Medina. Transform something old into something new, Valley Park, 8600 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville. Help pull aggressive garlic mustard weed from sensitive habitat. Bring work choose seeds to plant. Grades 6 through 12. Fly Fishing, 6:30 p.m. to 8 p.m., Community Room, Highland gloves, dress for outdoors. Ages 7 and up. Register at https://bit.ly/ Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Medina. Learn history, gear, local 3L75Tqg species, tips, and tricks for fly fishing. Register at https://bit.ly/ American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Medina Community Recreation Center, 855 Weymouth Road, Medina. 37LS2Hr ORMACO Live Encore Matt Harmon: Songs of the Human https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg Condition, 6:30 p.m., Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Flora Fridays, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Hubbard Valley Park, 8600 Medina. Songs about the human condition, search for love, Hubbard Valley Road, Seville. Casual after-work walk among spring blessings of a good dog, more. Free but reservations recommended wildflowers. Notebook, pencil and wildflower guide are suggested. since space is limited. Reservations at https://bit.ly/3N2MWGV or Ages 10 and up. call 419-853-6016

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

Monday, April 18

A A list of runs and walks that benefit area non-profit organizations. To have your run listed, send the information to joy@blakehousepublishing.com at least two months in advance. There is no such thing as too early, but there is too late. Sunday, April 24 through Sunday, May 22 Healthy Kids Running Series: Brunswick, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Heritage Farm, 4613 Laurel Road, Brunswick. Each run has a variety of distances. For fees, registration and more information, go to https://bit.ly/3tWhiCi Sunday, April 24 through Sunday, June 5 Healthy Kids Running Series: Medina, 3:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m., Cobblestone Park, 4765 Cobblestone Drive, Medina. Each run has a variety of distances. For fees, registration and more information, go to https://bit.ly/lbMp1l Friday, May 6 Run 4 Fun, first run starts at 7 p.m., Medina High School, 777 E. Union Street, Medina. Runs include Kids’ Half-Mile run run, 1mile run/walk, 5k run. Benefits Medina City Schools Foundation. For fees and registration, go to https://bit.ly/3tdy28Z Saturday, May 7 Craig Bailey Memorial 5k Race and 1-mile Fun Run, 9 a.m. to noon, Buckeye School Track and Soccer Complex, 3044 Columbia Road, Medina. For more information and registration, go to https://bit.ly/3lbX508

National Columnists’ Day YAAAAYYY to all of this magazine’s columnists! Celebrate by sending a message to your favorite Joy of Medina County Magazine columnist at Joy@BlakeHousePublishing.com and we’ll make sure they get it! Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail.

Tuesday, April 19 National Garlic Day and National Hanging Out Day Well, you might hang out together but probably not too close! Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. Knitting and Crocheting Circle, 10 a.m. to noon., Hickory Room, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Beginners welcome. Making Warm Up Medina County donations. Movie Day: “King Richard,” noon to 2 p.m., Medina County Office for Older Adults, 246 Northland Drive, Medina. Movie stars Will Smith. Call Jenny Kiousis, 330-723_9514. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 1 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., The Chapel Wadsworth Campus, 1391 State Road, Wadsworth https:// rcblood.org/32i1sbg Sustainable Crafts and Facts for Earth Day, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Community Room, Highland Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Medina. Decorate canvas bag, make sustainable crafts, learn about carbon footprints. Register at https://bit.ly/3Jx6Lnu Book Readers’ Bonanza, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Hickory Room, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. For middle graders (Grades 6 to 8) who love to read: crafts, games, and books to take home. Register at https://bit.ly/36DIVbk Herb Gardening for Everyone, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Seville Library, 45 Center Street, Seville. Learn how to plant an herb garden from as small as a windowsill planter to out in an existing garden. Register at https://bit.ly/36fMjt8

Wednesday, April 20

National Look-alike Day I saw someone who looks just like you! Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. Decoupage Tiles, 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina. Create photo tile or coaster with recycled magazines and books. Grades 6 to 12. Data Backups, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Learn the importance of Saturday, April 16 backing up data and how to do it. Register at https://bit.ly/3iuXuAp National Wear Your Pajamas to Work Day and National Reveal Medicare 101: Navigating the Medicare Maze, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., the Genius Within Day Not too sure if these two are Meeting Room A, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, complementary or contradictory! Wadsworth. Learn about Parts A, B, C, supplements and plans. Owl Pellet Dissection, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Seville Library, 45 Register at https://bit.ly/3IK8gOd Center Street, Seville. Learn about owls, their environments, and what they eat. Identify bones and other things. Kindergarten Thursday, April 21 through 8th grade. Register at https://bit.ly/3iuNZkU National High Five Day Give out random high fives today and let Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 others know you think they are doing great! River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 89th Annual Series of Spring Bird Walks, 7:30 a.m., main parking River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. lot, River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Watch Camp Wired: Managing Your Digital Footprint, 10 a.m. to noon, migrating birds return or travel to breeding grounds. Walk led by Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. experienced birders every Saturday through May 14. All ages. Learn how to protect your privacy, manage online information, K-9 Kapers10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Hubbard Valley Park, 8600 Hubbard more. Valle Road, Seville. Socialize dogs while hiking. Dogs must be on Tween Thursday: DIY Blind Bags, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Children’s 8-foot non-retractable leash. Bring towel for muddy feet and water Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. bowl for dog. All ages, children must have accompanying adult. Register at https://bit.ly/3L3OZsq Free. Puppy Training Tips, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Community Room, Highland Fossils, noon to 5 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center, 1473 Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Medina. Tips to get puppies to stop Parschen Boulevard, Brunswick. Variety of real plant and animal barking, peeing and running away. fossils on display, as old as 350,000 million years old. Activities and Balancing Your Garden With Annual and Perennials, 6:30 p.m. learn how fossils are formed. All ages. to 7:30 p.m., Sycamore Rooms North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Learn the differences between Sunday, April 17 flower types and how they affect the look of your yard. National Bat Appreciation Day A song and dance with a certain Mark Twain and the Frog that Jump-Started His Career, 6:30 count to help us celebrate! https://bit.ly/3KWbXBL p.m., Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina. Presented by Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 Valley City Community Group as prelude to the 61st Valley City Frog River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. Jump Festival (July 24). Performed by Mark Twain scholar and Libraries closed for Easter. actor Mark Dawidziak. Registration required, limited to 100 people. Register at https://bit.ly/3tSUzqH Saturday, May 28 Medina Half Marathon, half marathon run/walk, half-marathon competitive walk, 5k. Virtual options available. Packet pickup will be May 27. Further details pending. Registration and fees at https://bit.ly/3lbX508 For more information, go to https://bit.ly/ 3i5OWzZ

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022 Explorastory: “Goodnight, Goodnight, Construction Site,” 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Make bulldozer craft, read story, play fill the dump truck and caution cone game, more. Register at https:// bit.ly/3IqSaZu Local Author: Mary Biddinger, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Meeting Room A, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Author will read from recent work, including new poems.

Friday, April 22 National Jelly Bean Day Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. Parents Night Out, 5:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Medina Community Recreation Center, 855 Weymouth Road, Medina. Nerf party. Cost for members, $15 per child; non-members, $20 per child. Tickets at https://bit.ly/3J8eus6 One Community, Many Stories Robin Ha, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Medina Performing Arts Center, 851 Weymouth Road, Medina. Free, open to all. Ha grew up reading and drawing comics, at age 14 she moved to the U.S. from Korea. Her book, “Almost American Girl,” shares her experience as the only Asian girl in her Southern community. Book sales and signing after presentation.

Saturday, April 23 National Take a Chance Day and National Picnic Day Go ahead, take a chance and invite someone special on a picnic! Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. 89th Annual Series of Spring Bird Walks, 7:30 a.m., main parking lot, River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Watch migrating birds return or travel to breeding grounds. Walk led by experienced birders every Saturday through May 14. All ages.

American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Mark Church, 1330 N. Carpenter Street, Brunswick. https:// rcblood.org/32i1sbg Earth Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Buffalo Creek Retreat, Medina. Hosted by Medina Raptor Center. Medina County 26th Annual Earth Day Festival, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville. Earthfriendly exhibits, activities, food, more. Additional parking available at Hubbard Valley Park, 8600 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville. With shuttle service provided. All ages. Earth Day Tree Planting, 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., Hubbard Valley Park, 8600 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville. Help plant trees in reforestation project. Bring gloves, shovel. Ages 7 and up. Children must be accompanied by adult. Register at https://bit.ly/351Mesc Family Fishing Derby, 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., Buffalo Creek Retreat, 8708 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville. Parent-child teams. Bring rod, reel, bait. Very limited number of fishing poles and bait available. In conjunction with Earth Day. All ages. Free. Must register on site to win prizes. Giving in Style Fashion Show and Brunch, 11 a.m., Weymouth Country Club, 3946 Weymouth Road, Medina. Benefits the Medina County Senior and Adult Foundation. Admission is $50 per person. For tickets, VIP runway tables and sponsorships, go to https://bit.ly/ 3pZZRPQ For more information or to buy tickets directly, e-mail givingstylemedina@gmail.com or call 330-723-9514. Writing for TV, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., virtual. Hosted by Medina Library. Live interview with TV writer Justin Kohlas who works for “NCIS: Los Angeles.” Get link after registering at https://bit.ly/36fPvF8 Medina County Ducks Unlimited Dinner, 5 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Galaxy Banquet Center, 201 Park Center Drive, Wadsworth. Dinner, raffles, live and silent auctions, sponsorships. Tickets, $85 each or $125 per couple. For more information, contact Richard at 330-2422313. Medina Beer Fest, 5:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., Foundry Social Warehouse, 333 Foundry Street, Medina. Tickets include beer tasting, food ticket and commemorative mini pilsner glass. Raffles. Tickets are $14 for designated driver, $40 general admission, $60 VIP. Additional fee charged per ticket. Tickets available at https:// bit.ly/3IceF4s

Sunday, April 24 World Pinhole Photography Day https://bit.ly/3qhyhxG

E A list of golf outings that benefit area non-profit organizations. To have your golf outing listed, send the information to joy@BlakeHousePublishing.com at least two months in advance. There is no such thing as too early, but there is too late. Contact the hosting golf course for pricing, registration and sponsorships.

Address Guide: Bunker Hill Golf Course 3060 Pearl Road, Medina 330-722-4174 or 216-469-9241 Rawiga Golf and Swim Club 10353 Rawiga Road, Seville 330-336-8809 Saturday, April 2 Fundraiser for Liam 2 p.m. to 9 p.m. Benefits: Liam’s fight against rare SGPL1 Bunker Hill Golf Course Saturday, April 23 Jim McGill Memorial Golf Outing 7:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Benefits: Jim McGill’s widow and son Bunker Hill Golf Course Sunday, May 15 Mark Borsz Memorial Golf Outing 1 p.m. to 8 p.m. Bunker Hill Golf Course Sunday, May 22 Collin Cares Golf Outing 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Benefits: Collin Cares Cure Cancer Foundation Bunker Hill Golf Course Friday, June 3 PLAST Golf Outing 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Benefits: Humanitarian crisis in Ukraine Bunker Hill Golf Course Sunday, June 5 Mimi and Chadly 17th Annual American Cancer Society Golf Outing 11 a.m. Benefits: American Cancer Society Bunker Hill Golf Course Saturday, June 25 Love INC Medina Fundraiser Golf Outing 7:30 a.m. Benefits: Love Inc. Bunker Hill Golf Course Monday, August 8 Wadsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Golf Outing 9 a.m. Benefits: Wadsworth Area Chamber of Commerce Rawiga Golf Club Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Nature’s Recyclers, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., parking lot, Plum Creek Park South, 2390 Plum Creek Parkway, Brunswick Hills. Learn about nature’s recyclers. Counts toward Natural Discoveries award. Ages 7 to adult. For more information about the series, go to https://bit.ly/3rMuiZZ

Monday, April 25 National Hug a Plumber Day You might want to give a pre-hug warning, a sudden, random hug might cause a few exclamations and a broken pipe or two!

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. Mindful Mondays, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Sycamore Room South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Program can include anything from tai chi and meditation to journaling and yoga. Register at https://bit.ly/3D1H6kk American Red Cross Blood Drive, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., First Congregational Church, 114 Church Street, Lodi. https:// rcblood.org/32i1sbg

Tuesday, April 26 National Help a Horse Day Not sure what a horse needs help with, but ask one and see! Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. Bridges Out of Poverty, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Community Rooms A and B, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Learn about living in poverty, build skill sets to serve under-resourced communities, use self-discovery to reflect on poverty and its causes. Presented by Community Action Wayne/Medina and the Medina Diversity Project. Register at https://bit.ly/3Nfjcqv Air Fryer Class, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sycamore Rooms North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Learn air fryer use basics, the variety of cooking techniques, recipes demonstrated for attendees to sample. Register at https://bit.ly/ 36Gl62j WAITING LIST Otaku Tuesdays, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Medina Room, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. A discussion of all things anime, for Grades 6 through 12. Do geekcrafts, learn about Japanese culture, cosplay welcome! Let’s Celebrate: National Pretzel Day, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Enjoy a story, play pretzel trivia and math games, make salt-dough pretzels, become a pretzel, and more. Register at https:/ /bit.ly/3ul0Dbv

Ohio Means Jobs Workshop, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Tips on handling job interviews and get access to tools. Register by noon, April 27, at https://bit.ly/3iqYLZx Pajama Story Time and Stuffed Animal Sleepover, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Seville Library, 45 Center Street, Seville. Wear pajamas, bring stuffed animal. After story time, leave stuffed friend overnight at library. Photos will be taken to show sleepover shenanigans. Forest Therapy Walk, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park, 4985 Windfall Road, Medina. Relaxed sensory experience forest therapy walk. Goal is to sense, embody, appreciate relationship with natural world. Led by Jason of Whisper Shifter. Ages 5 and up. Register at https://bit.ly/3D4pN2f Ghosts and Legends, 7 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., virtual. Hosted by Medina Library. Explore the unusual and the unexplained with adventurer Jeff Belanger. Get link after registration at https://bit.ly/ 3qtwt4L Medina High School Spring Band Concert, 7 p.m. to 10 p.m., Main Stage, Medina Performing Arts Center, 851 Weymouth Road, Medina.

Friday, April 29 National Zipper Day which can lead to also observing International Dance Day, if your zipper gets stuck! Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. MCHD Community Vaccine Clinic, 2 p.m. to 5 p.m., Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Holy Martyrs Church, 3100 S. Weymouth Road, Medina. https://rcblood.org/ 32i1sbg Flora Fridays, 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m., Hubbard Valley Park, 8600 Hubbard Valley Road, Seville. Casual after-work walk among spring wildflowers. Notebook, pencil and wildflower guide are suggested. Ages 10 and up.

Wednesday, April 27

Saturday, April 30

And then you can tell what happened when you tried to help a horse yesterday as part of National Tell a Story Day! Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Root Candles, 640 Liberty Street, Medina. https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg Woodland Health Day of Service, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Buckeye Woods Park, 6335 Wedgewood Road, Medina. Help pull aggressive garlic mustard weed from sensitive habitat. Bring work gloves, dress for outdoors. Ages 7 and up. Register at https://bit.ly/ 36BzSHK Ping Pong Fun, 2:15 p.m. to 3:15 p.m., Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina. Grades 6 through 12. Join in a ping-pong tournament. Prom! Make and Take Corsage/Boutonniere, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Community Room, Highland Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Medina. For those attending prom or students’ parents. Register at https://bit.ly/ 3IEicZy Johnstown Christian School Tour Choir and Handbell Choir Concert, 6:30 p.m., Homerville Grace Brethren Church, 8992 Firestone Road, Homerville. For more information, contact George Swain, 419-982-9492.

National Honesty Day and National Kiss of Hope Day Much easier to have hope and kisses if there is honesty! Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. 89th Annual Series of Spring Bird Walks, 7:30 a.m., main parking lot, River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Watch migrating birds return or travel to breeding grounds. Walk led by experienced birders every Saturday through May 14. All ages. Medina County Historical Society Yard Sale, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., McDowell Phillips House, 205 S. Prospect Street, Medina. No early birds. Rain date, May 1. For more information, call 330-722-4409 or e-mail mchs@zoominternet.net Basket Weaving 101: Spring Door Hanger, 9:30 a.m. to noon, Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. No experience necessary, class led by expert basket makers. Ages 14 and up. Materials provided. Pay $20 fee at the door. Register by April 15 by calling Emily at 573-694-4126. Woodland Health Day of Service, 10 a.m. to noon, Allardale Park, 401 Remsen Road, Medina. Help pull aggressive garlic mustard weed from sensitive habitat. Bring work gloves, dress for outdoors. Ages 7 and up. Register at https://bit.ly/3wul6h0 Sandra McCracken Concert, 7 p.m., Harvest Presbyterian Church, 1095 E. Reagan Parkway, Medina. Singer and songwriter McCracken performs her gospel songs and encourages singing along. For more information, contact Layne at 330-723-0770.

Thursday, April 28 National Superhero Day Who is your superhero? Self-Guided Bird Walk, 6 a.m. to 9 p.m., River Styx Park, 8200 River Styx Road, Wadsworth. Follow signs along trail. Camp Wired: The Roaring 20s Webquest, 10 a.m. to noon, Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Using the internet to answer series of questions for practice in locating data on the internet. Problem Solvers: Paint Puzzler, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. or 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Meeting Room A, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. You need to put finishing touches on your entry for the big Spring Showcase but the art teacher is out and the supplies are locked away. There are clues to solve the puzzle, get to your art supplies and complete your masterpiece in time! Register for the 4 p.m. session at https://bit.ly/3irQ4On , 6:30 p.m. session at https:// bit.ly/3qu2da9

Joy of Medina County Magazine | April 2022

Celebrate!

Joy of Medina County Magazine thanks and celebrates these great companies who believe in community and make it possible for readers to enjoy this magazine for free. Please thank the following companies for bringing Joy to you!

Cable, Internet, Phone

Job Services

Armstrong

Ohio Means Jobs

1141 Lafayette Road, Medina Contact: Sam Pietrangelo Community Marketing Manager Phone: 330-722-3141 Website: https://armstrongonewire.com/

72 Public Square, First Floor, Medina 330-441-5341 Website: https://medinacountyworks.com/

Dentist

3733 Stonegate Drive, Medina Phone: 330-723-3009 20930 Drake Road, Strongsville Phone: 440-878-9000 104 High Street, Wadsworth Phone: 419-685-4917 Website: https://bit.ly/3IHWqo4

Landry Family Dentistry 5076 Park Avenue West, Seville Contact: Dr. Joseph G. Landry II Phone: 330-769-4470 Website: www.LandryFamilyDentistry.com

Fireplaces, Hot Tubs, Grills

The Place

2377 Medina Road, Medina Contact: Andrea Reedy Phone: 330-239-4000 Website: https://www.yourplace4.com/

Furniture

Wallace Home Furnishings 883 N. Court Street, Medina Contact: Richard Wallace

Personal Trainer

My Personal Trainer

Photographer

Brooklyn Media Phone: 440-382-6254 Website: http://www.brooklynmediallc.com/

FlashBang Photography/ Videography Phone: 440-263-4502 Website: https://www.flashbangfoto.com/

Owner

Torre Design

Phone: 330-723-3006 Website: https://bit.ly/30hZFl1

Phone: 304-553-2893 Website: torredesigncontact@gmail.com

Insurance

Thomas Muntean Agency/ American Family Insurance 451 W. Liberty Street, Medina Contact: Thomas Muntean 330-721-7716 Website: https://bit.ly/2ZtscEb

Want to join these great companies in sponsoring the best publication in Medina County? Contact Amy Barnes, Joy@BlakeHousePublishing.com, 330-461-0589. photo by: Mike Enerio

Scan code for free digital subscription!

Joy of Medina County Magazine 1114 N. Court, #144, Medina, Ohio 44256 E-mail: joy@blakehousepublishing.com Website: JoyOfMedinaCountyMagazine.com Phone: 330-461-0589