Joy of Medina County Magazine February 2022 by Joy of Medina County

USING SPACE HEATERS? PG. 15 Read this now!

EAT PIE! PG. 19 And get a dose of vitamin C.

FOOD FOR BATTLE PG. 22 Try munching these for an immunity boost.

No Obstacles In Her Way When Linda Randall sets a goal, either get out of her way or help, because there is nothing that she lets stop her. Pg. 4

A locally owned, independent publication dedicated to higher standards of journalism

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

VOLUME 5 NUMBER 1 JOYOFMEDINACOUNTY.COM

Lessons by Amy Barnes When I was very young, my mother shared a couple of lessons on racism that I would never forget. It all started with a children’s rhyme that I was taught by the other kids in the neighborhood. I did not know what all of the words meant, I was 5 years old and had no idea that what I was singing while happily swinging on my swing set was anything more than nonsense words. That is, until my mother came flying out the backdoor, the absolute picture of unleashed rage. “Where did you hear that? Who taught you that? Do you KNOW WHAT YOU ARE SAYING?!?!?!” she yelled at me. I had no idea what was happening, what I had done wrong, what in the world she was so angry about. All I knew was that she was enraged, and I was crying hysterically. Then she realized I truly had no idea what I was saying. It makes me cringe to share the rhyme, to see it in print, I would much rather say it never happened. But part of learning and change happens, not through denial, but through our ability to look the bad, as well as the good, in the face. The rhyme went like this: Eeny, meeny, miny moe, Catch a n----- by the toe, if he hollars, let him go, eeny, meeny, miny moe. My mother explained to me that the “nword” was a terrible word that caused others pain, that it was a very bad word, and that I should never say it again. I was shocked, confused and very upset that I had hurt someone’s feelings. The following Christmas, there was a very special gift for me under the tree. It was a beautiful black baby doll, and it was love at first sight.

She had big brown eyes, a delicate pink smile, curly black hair, and a beautiful dark chocolate skin color. She instantly became my constant companion and favorite toy. All I saw was a beautiful baby doll, and that was what my mother had hoped. All it took was a doll to teach me to love and accept, no matter the skin color. Which is why there were several times during my interview with Linda Randall, our feature story for this month, that I flinched as she related her life story. There were times I was choking back tears as I listened to her relate the racism she lived through. The rejection and doubts all based on the color of her skin. Sometimes it is very hard to be a journalist, being as objective as possible, while taking notes about someone’s story. I am very honored that Randall agreed to sit down with me and open her life’s story to my questions. I realized that I was not as educated as I thought I was. I appreciate the time and openness she offered me so I could learn and, maybe, help some readers of this magazine learn, too. She did not flinch as she shared the attitudes she has faced and the things she has been called, I did. We shared stories of when she was threatened by the KKK and when my family was as well, decades and states apart. Her in Ohio in the 90s because of her color, mine in Oklahoma in the late 70s because of the stories my family’s paper was covering. It was a very odd connection between a Black woman and a white woman, sitting in 2022 and sharing stories. I am grateful to Randall for her courage and willingness to share the triumphs and the frustrations of her life story.

PUBLISHER Blake House Publishing, LLC EDITOR Amy Barnes ART DIRECTOR Danny Feller PHOTOGRAPHERS FlashBang Photography 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 | February 2022

WATCHDOG

MARKETING BETRAYS TRUST by Amy Barnes The Akron Beacon Journal can do better.

BITE ME!

CALIFORNIA LEMON PIE submitted by Dan Hostetler Try a pie recipe that has pleased generations.

HEALTH

21 4

HEALTHY TRAILS

TUNE-UP TIME by Robert Soroky Tune up bikes now and be ready for spring rides.

OF MIND AND BODY

IMMUNE BOOSTING THROUGH FOOD by Kelly Bailey Learn which whole foods give support.

4 13

COMMUNITY

LIONHEARTED LINDA by Amy Barnes Linda Randall’s eyes gleam with memories of challenges well met and goals yet accomplished.

THE JOY OF GREAT SERVICE

THE READING NOOK

GEMS

FOREVER FRIENDS by Janine Smalley Pippin was brokenhearted and lonely when life took a sudden turn.

BUSINESS

by Tyler Hatfield Tips on avoiding space heater fires.

HORSE SENSE by Kent Von Der Vellen Sugar and Sierra let kids lead the way.

ARTS AND ENTERTAINMENT

JOYFUL LETTER DETECTIVES CLUE BOX

MIRTH AND JOY

FROM A TECHNICAL MIND

AMPING UP WATT KNOWLEDGE

Giving recognition to those who go above and beyond.

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

by Jerry King JOYFUL WORD SEARCH

THE NETWORKER

ONE SMART WOMAN

POWER IN LOWER NUMBERS

Find the words that Linda Randall has lived.

by Bob Arnold

ROLL ’EM

Why is it better to make fewer connections?

MAGIC, MYSTERY AND A SEARCH FOR POWER by Hunter Barnard

THE IN BOX

EASY FORMULA FOR SUCCESS by Shannon Davis Formula can simplify understanding.

Bright colors, music add perfect touch.

WEST SIDE DELIVERS by Robert Soroky Third attempt to bring complicated “Dune” to big screens finally succeeds.

HOME AND GARDEN

GETTING REEL

VEGAN VITTLES

GETTING REEL

ARTISAN BREAD AND PASTA BAKE

MOVIE GETS BLEND RIGHT

by Chris Pickens

by Alan Parkhurst

A veganism primer and a couple of dinner delights

The story of immigration, acceptance and loss is winner.

DIG IT!

SALVIA AND MEMORIES

OH, SNAP!

34 39

LET’S DO IT!

by Michelle Riley Fond recollections of February and flowers.

On the front and back covers: photos by Amy Barnes Linda Randall with her dog, Frosty

photos by FlashBang Photography Something unexpected on the edge of the woods, and Harry Potter fans get a clue. Take a peek at what you could be doing!

CELEBRATE! A clickable directory of vetted businesses who bring you Joy!

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

Linda Randall in her domain at her dog training facility, One Smart Dog, 271 W. Greenwich Road, Seville.

photos and story by Amy Barnes

of 1917. One of the village’s founders was Ilya Tolstoy, the son of Leo Tolstoy. he does not think of obstacles and does not As a result, Randall grew up learning Russian, then think of herself as particularly strong or brave. added Latin and French in high school. Dr. Linda Randall looks at life as simply as she got Outside of her family, Randall found few who from here to there, with some annoyances along the believed in her dreams. Instead, she was often way that temporarily slowed down her progress. discouraged from reaching for goals that seemed Randall has no shortage of passion for her life’s perfectly reasonable to her. path, either. “Why not?” became her challenge to others. Growing up in Southbury, Connecticut, as part of Her response to naysayers was to set her jaw, ever the only Black family in town, Randall learned young so slightly lift her chin in the air, and let the fire of that if there was something she wanted in life, she defiance shine in her eyes. She would do it, and they was going to have to be determined enough and had better get out of her way. strong enough to brush aside anyone in her way. She is not the kind of person who takes the time to “It was not easy,” Randall said. make excuses when that time and effort can, instead, The family lived in the Russian Village part of be used to reach her goals. Southbury because the Russians were the only ones Her father worked at asphalt paving and willing to sell them a house, Randall said. The village construction. Her mother was a homemaker during was founded by those fleeing the Russian Revolution

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

Randall’s growing-up years. Neither one had more than a high school education. At 10 years old, Randall had horses and a dog and was competing in shows with her horse. “I was always training something to do something,” she said. “Not because I knew anything, but because I thought it looked interesting.” While she attended high school in Southbury, her brother and sister ended up attending high schools elsewhere. Randall was known for being disruptive in class, telling jokes, and getting thrown out of biology and English classes. She said she was bad in math and got a D in physics. She chuckles wryly, now, about her high school years, admitting, “I have no idea,” why she was disruptive. Randall is not 100 percent sure where her fire of determination comes from either, but suspects it had its beginnings in watching her mother change her life to become a successful businesswoman. Once Randall had graduated from high school and was attending the liberal arts Quaker college Earlham College in Richmond, Indiana, her mother and father divorced. Her mother moved to New York to make a new life for herself. In need of funds and determined to make it on her own, Randall’s mother applied to play on game shows, such as “Match Game.” She won on three shows and, instead of taking the prizes, she took the cash. At that time, stores would put TVs, tuned to popular shows, in their storefront windows to attract shoppers. Randall remembers walking with a friend past a TV store one day while attending college in Indiana. As Randall and her friend passed the store, her friend exclaimed, “Isn’t that your mother on TV?!” It was one of the times her mother was competing on a game show. Randall shakes her head and chuckles, saying that at the time, she had no idea her mom was on TV. After the game shows, Randall’s mother worked for Ophelia DeVore Cosmetics, where she was hired because she had the “right” astrological sign. From there, she joined Avon, but when she saw she would need more experience in order to advance within the business, she went to Cincinnati and worked on gaining the field experience she needed. It worked.

The Lemonade Conference Emotional Contagion and Dogs used as Emotional Support Therapy https://youtu.be/p1yUxXIVdDU

Trauma and Non-trauma Informed Care https://youtu.be/p1yUxXIVdDU

Are You Talkin’ Starbucks to Me? https://youtu.be/X4ni1xLZJ2M

photo by Sama Hosseini

After her time in Cincinnati, Randall’s mother gained the position of Avon’s international manager, where she oversaw such places as West Africa and South America from her home base in New York. Meanwhile, Linda Randall graduated from Earlham College in 1972 with a bachelor’s degree in English literature and a minor in history. She then started teaching English literature at a private Quaker school in Poughkeepsie, New York. Two years later, Randall answered a classified ad in the New York Times that was placed by the Nigerian government for an English teacher at a government girls’ secondary school in Bida, Nigeria. Randall got the job and a three-year contract to teach. But a year later, there was a coup, and all Americans were told to flee the country. Until her time in Nigeria, Randall was undecided what field she wanted to devote her full attention to. She had an interest in journalism, English literature and history. While in Nigeria, however, Randall had the chance to spend time learning about the nomadic herders and the U.S. aid programs designed to help improve herd health. She decided to pursue a veterinarian degree upon her return to the U.S. After figuring out the courses she would need to take to obtain a degree in biology, she headed for Cincinnati because her mother was there, getting her field training. Because courses had to be taken in a particular order and were not always offered at the right time for her at UC, Randall also attended Xavier University. She did not take the last required course to obtain her Bachelor of Science degree because she found it was not needed in order to attend Ohio State University for a doctor of veterinarian medicine degree. continued, Page 6

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

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Play, one of Linda Randall’s border collies, and Randall pause for an eye-to-eye meeting of the minds.

To support herself, she cleaned houses and sold Avon products. She had a grade point average of 4.0 and entered the OSU veterinarian medicine program in 1977 on her first try, even though there was a long waiting list, as there is now. Professors were less than welcoming to her in class. At the time, it was almost unheard of for a Black woman to enter the field of veterinarian medicine. Randall said there was one professor, in particular, who asked her, “What makes you think you can become a vet?” “I don’t know, I want to,” she responded. Anyone trying to discourage her was met with: “Don’t tell me I can’t do this.” Even now, her chin rises in the air and her jaw sets at the memory. She chuckles as she recalls how often teaching assistants would end up asking her for help answering questions when they did not know the answers in class. She graduated with her degree in 1981.

The next challenge was finding a job. Doors were not exactly standing open to her. She watched as classmates got jobs after sending out two or three letters. Randall said she sent out 100 resumes and got no response. Back then, it was a recommended practice to put a photo on a resume. Randall realized her photo was keeping her from getting hired, so she removed it. She was finally offered a position with a veterinary practice, but it was $10,000 less than the average starting salary of $25,000 her classmates were getting. She needed a job, so she accepted the offer. A year later, when she requested a 10-percent raise, she was refused, so she quit. It would be three months before she would find another job. A classmate of hers had a dairy veterinary practice in West Salem. Randall was offered the small animal portion of the practice for a percentage of the fees and $300 per week. Within six months, she was making more than she

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

had been making at the first vet practice. She stayed for nine years, until the practice was sold. Randall decided it was time to start her own practice in Harrisville Township. Her first challenge was in trying to purchase the land for the practice. She was forced to go to court over it “because certain people didn’t want to sell to a ‘n-----‘,” Randall said, adding that was the language used. When it came time for the zoning board to vote on allowing a veterinary practice on the property, they did not have a quorum because a member had decided to take a vacation in Florida, said Randall. That member called from Florida and voted in favor of the zoning for the practice. With the battle won, Randall then walked away and instead built Cloverleaf Animal Hospital at 7777 Greenwich Road in Westfield Center. Randall said the KKK protested the building of her practice with a demonstration march of six people in downtown Lodi. The next three to five years were filled with resistance, and she had to have additional police protection for the practice, Randall said. There was pushback over her pricing for her services. She said people thought that because she was Black and a woman that she should charge less, even though she was board certified in companion animals. She still got business “because I was good at what I did,” she said. While some might have gone into seclusion, hoping the resistance would end, Randall, instead, became involved in the community. She joined the Medina County Leadership Class in 1996, volunteered with the Battered Women’s Shelter, was a Rape Crisis Center call respondent, and a 4-H agility consultant. She got involved with school and library programs that showed kids what veterinarians do. Her presentations included animals such as a 13-foot-long Burmese python that weighed 80 pounds, a tortoise, a woodchuck, and a ferret, among others. Over the years, Randall also served on several boards including on the admissions committee for the Ohio State College of Veterinary Medicine; the board of advisors for the Tri-C Veterinary Technician

Linda Randall gets Play to demonstrate a trick.

Program; board of trustees for Lodi Community Hospital; the African-American Advisory Board for Earlham College; as well as several others. She also served as president of the Ohio Veterinary Medical Board and the Medina County Rape Crisis and continued, Page 8

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

continued from Page 7

Linda Randall clowns with the dog sculpture outside of her training facility.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

Border collie Frosty waits eagerly for the next command.

Battered Women’s Shelter board of trustees. In fall 2019, Randall sold her vet practice and changed her focus to dog training and studying behavior. She had planned to open her dog training facility, One Smart Dog, 271 W. Greenwich Road, Seville, in March 2020, on what turned out to be the week of the COVID-19 shutdown. The opening was delayed until July 2020. Training lessons at the facility are based on positive reinforcement of desired behaviors instead of punishing for unwanted ones. Agility classes also are offered. Part of Randall’s work on studying behavioral science has been not only how it applies to animals, but also to children. She has worked with Ron Stollar, detention superintendent at the Medina County Juvenile Detention Center, on applying positive

reinforcement principles to the children detained there. There is some controversy in taking positive reinforcement training used with animals and using it on humans to change behaviors, Randall said, with people arguing that animals and humans are different. However, she points out that when children end up in juvenile detention, adding more threats to their lives does not work to change behaviors. When positive reinforcement and giving alternatives to bad behavior are offered to kids and dogs, they get “something that always feels good,” Randall said. “Behavior is behavior, no matter the species,” Randall said, adding that non-aversive training is not universal and has to be tailored to each person or animal’s needs. continued, Page 10

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

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In addition to non-aversive training, Randall is studying emotional contagion, which is how the emotional state of humans spreads to animals, such as with emotional support animals. She has been a part of numerous webinars, teaming up with Dr. Kathie Nuerna, a family physician in Connecticut, and Stollar at MCJDC. Webinars cover subjects such as “Kids, Race and Positive Reinforcement,” “Cats are not Small Dogs,” and “Positive Reinforcement to Encourage Non-Violence in a Juvenile Detention Facility.” This month, she is part of “The Lemonade Conference,” so named because of the old adage: When life gives you lemons, make lemonade. The conference addresses the issues of emotional contagion and emotional support animals, trauma and non-trauma informed care, and “Are you talking Starbucks to Me?” which refers to when someone uses words others do not understand. Randall also will be visiting OSU to share ways to decrease trauma.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

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Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

THE READING NOOK

Forever Friends photos and story by Janine Smalley

t was a warm and sunny day at the farm.

None of the animals wanted to be inside on such a beautiful day. Looking around, the animals could be seen happily enjoying their morning while soaking up the warm rays of the sun. The chickens were flapping their wings and cluck, cluck, clucking with delight as they pecked the corn off the ground. Stanley and Walter, known as the turkey boys to all of their friends, were marching around like they owned the entire farm, laughing and chuckling away. The pigs were digging in the mud for any little morsel they could find. Even though the pigs had just finished eating their breakfast, there was always room for some more good snacks in their bellies. They happily spent their days rooting their noses in the soil, pushing it all around, just looking for little crumbs.

Pippin soaks in the sun.

Down the long gravel drive, a trailer was being pulled toward As usual, the goats were up to no good. They were running the barn. Coming from the back of the trailer, Pippin could hear around, leaping and jumping from one of their play-yard toys to what sounded like another goat, and it sounded sad. another. Henry, Gomer and Biscuit, the troublesome trio, were Pippin walked over to the fence and pushed his nose through jumping on top of their houses, grabbing leaves and branches to get a good smell. Yes, he thought, that is another goat, I have from the trees, and doing goat gymnastics for all to see. to meet it and be its friend. Everyone was so happy to be out and enjoying the amazing Out of the back of the trailer walked a small, skinny goat with day. But, as the farmer looked around, someone was missing, a really bad hairdo. He was kind of funny looking, Pippin Pippin the goat was nowhere to be found. thought. But that does not matter, he looks like he might need a Concerned, the farmer started looking all over for him. She friend. looked inside each of the animal’s houses, in the barn and in Pippin heard the farmer talking to the big person who was the shed. But, as much as the farmer looked, Old Man Pippin driving the truck. It sounded like this funny-looking goat was was not in any of them. found all alone and absolutely did need a friend. Then, out of the corner of the farmer’s eye, she spotted him Did the farmer get me a friend? Pippin thought to himself. She standing in the corner, looking out the gate with a sad look in did, she did, she did! He bleated with glee. She did get me a his eyes. All Pippin wanted was a friend, someone to love him friend! and run and play with him. Pippin immediately perked up and went over to the gate to A couple of weeks earlier, Pippin had come to live on the farm, meet his new friend, Billy Ray. after his brother had moved away from where they lived Billy Ray came into the pasture to meet Pippin and all of the together. Pippin was lonely. other animals there. He didn’t feel like he fit in with anyone on the farm. He was He had no idea what to make of the farm, as he had never much older than the other goats, he was much wiser and he seen other animals before. He was nervous and afraid and did didn’t move around as fast. Old Man Pippin just wanted to not know what to do first. enjoy his days in the sun with a friend and have someone to But, no worries, Pippin walked up to Billy Ray and started snuggle with at the end of the day. showing him all around the farmyard. Little did Pippin know that things were about to change. continued, Page 14

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continued from Page 13

Pippin and Billy Ray enjoy a snack.

Billy Ray

Pippin showed Billy Ray where all of the good treats, the fresh hay, the water buckets, the best places to lay in the sun, and some nice trees to lay under for shade were. Billy Ray wondered how he got so lucky to be in such an amazing new home and to find a new best friend. Now, Pippin and Billy Ray spend all of their days and nights together on the farm. They share the best nap spots, enjoy meals together and share the most delicious goat cookies in the universe. They go for walks around the farmyard and look for the freshest leaves and dandelions to eat. Pippin knows that dandelions are Billy Ray’s favorite snack, so he makes sure to show him where all of the good spots to eat them are. In turn, Billy Ray saves all of the yummy banana chips the farmer gives them for Pippin. Day after day, the farmer watches Pippin and Billy Ray through the farmhouse window and smiles, knowing that the instant best friends will be friends for life. 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 | February 2022

BUSINESS: FROM A TECHNICAL MIND

BUSINESS: THE NETWORKER

Amping Up Watt Knowledge

Power in Lower Numbers

by Tyler Hatfield

by Bob Arnold

As cold weather starts amping up, it is a good time to take a look at the technological side of keeping warm and fire safety. Many people use portable space heaters to provide additional warmth throughout their living spaces. While portable heaters have built-in safety features, that does not make them perfect. To understand how to operate these heaters safely, it helps to understand the basics of electricity. In North America, the power grid works on a dual-phase 120volt system that can fluctuate slightly, depending on load. In simpler terms, wall outlets provide 120 volts to anything plugged into them. Voltage is like the pressure of water flowing through a pipe: the more voltage, the more pressure in the system. Everything plugged in will use that voltage at a certain number of amps, depending on how much power it needs. Amps are like the width of the pipe, with larger pipes capable of carrying more water. Amps also are what a circuit breaker regulates, usually at either 15- or 20-amp loads for homes. Circuit breakers are an essential part of safety as they help to ensure that the wiring in walls does not carry too much of a load and overheats. If too much water is pushed through too small a pipe, the pipe may burst. In this case, the breakers act as regulators that shut off excessive loads to prevent overheating. However, this is where the first issue arises. Extension cords often are rated for 3 to 9 amps. Because of this, they can be heavily overloaded without tripping the circuit breaker. Most portable space heaters are rated for 1500 watts, regardless of size or supposed capacity of the heater. To determine how many watts a breaker can handle, take the breaker’s amps and multiply by 120 (the voltage of the system). A 15-amp breaker would be 15 multiplied by 120, equaling 1800 watts. This means that a circuit with a small portable heater cannot handle much else. Using that same formula, an 8-amp extension cord can carry 960 watts. If a 1500-watt heater were plugged into that extension cord, the cord could easily overheat and start a fire. One reason extension cords are not recommended for use with space heaters. Misuse of extension cords and similar products cause approximately 50 percent of U.S. house fires, based on National Fire Protection Agency research. For more safety tips, go to https://bit.ly/3qcSMMz

Once upon a time, there was a networker who thought he knew exactly what he was doing and looked forward to all of the positive results from networking. This networker attended a networking event hosted by his local chamber and proceeded around the room, passing a business card to each person in the room. When finished, he looked around the room and felt a definite satisfaction with his efforts. “Surely, this will bring some clients my way!” he said to himself. Over the next month, as he expectantly waited for calls from the 108 cards handed out; there were none. At the same event, another networker made sure to meet five new people and started conversations with each one. This networker asked questions of each of the five and made sure to get the business card of each one. The networker also set up a coffee time with two of the new meets. By the end of the next month, he had met with the two, plus one more. One of the five became a promising prospect. Two of the five had needs he could help fill. Three months later, this second networker had helped three people, met with four people and had one strong prospect from the five people he had met. The first networker still had no calls and realized he had none of the cards of those at the event. What is the lesson? Pushing a card into someone's hand is not effective networking. Asking questions and meeting outside of the event is. People do business with people, and people who push cards into other people’s hands do not come across as people; they come across as irritating. No one wants to do business with an irritating person. We tend to think volume is the key to success; it is not, quality is. Be a quality networker and engage with five new people at your next networking event. You will be glad you did!

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

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

If you treat your employees like gold, they will treat your customers like gold.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

BUSINESS: THE IN BOX

four years!

Easy Formula for Success

Ultimately, every percentage point counts and every doubling matters when looking at how your money works for you.

by Shannon Davis The start of the new year is a good time to consider future goals, make projections about personal and business finances, and to consider these questions: What revenue will I bring in? What expenses do I have? How have I planned for financial growth? One of the simplest concepts that will help plan for future financial growth is the Rule of 72. The Rule of 72 is a mental math shortcut to calculate how long it takes money to double. The formula is: 72 divided by the interest rate earned equals how long it takes for your money to double For example, 72 /1 percent = 72 years. Therefore, putting $1,000 into an account that earns 1-percent annual interest, will yield $2,000 in 72 years! But what if that same $1,000 earned 8 percent annually (72/8 percent)? Would it not be exhilarating to see that $1,000 double in nine years? The Rule of 72 also applies (in a negative way) to credit cards. Think about it. Credit card companies charge an average interest rate of approximately 18 percent, so that means if $1,000 is charged to a credit card and only the minimum is paid, the debt would double in approximately

Banks, on average, pay 0.09-percent interest. So, if funds are sitting in a bank, they will double approximately every 800 years at that rate! For that reason, the rule of 72 and the following questions might lead you to pursue your financial goals more effectively and realistically: � What type of higher interest accounts still provide adequate safety? � Can I finance or refinance my car or mortgage with a lower interest rate? � Will the financial institution managing my money earn more interest than I do? � What do I need to change to ensure my money doubles fast enough for me to reach my savings goals? Contact your financial professional to discuss solutions that work for you. 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 | February 2022

HOME AND GARDEN: VEGAN VITTLES

Artisan Bread and Pasta Bake by Chris Pickens Some very common questions I get asked on a regular basis, usually from an open-minded non-vegan, include ones such as, “What exactly is veganism, anyway?” or “Where do you get your protein?” and “What do you eat?” A vegan does not consume any product that originates from animals. If it had a mommy, it is not vegan. All food has protein in it, and any of the recipes I cook can satisfy even the most carnivorous person. I have learned any recipe can be “veganized,” though it would be very easy to overlook certain ingredients as even being vegan. Keep your eyes peeled for upcoming columns, which will include angel food cake and enchiladas. Remember, food is fuel and food is medicine. Homemade Artisan Bread � 3 cups flour � 2 teaspoons salt � ½ teaspoon active dry yeast � 1 ½ cup warm water Mix warm water and yeast. Let sit for 10 minutes. Mix salt into flour. Add water-yeast mixture to flour and salt. Mix well. Cover with towel and let rise, anywhere from eight to 24 hours. Once dough has risen, preheat oven to 450 degrees. After oven is preheated, place a large, empty baking pan in the oven to get the pan nice and hot. After 10 minutes, coat dough with flour and carefully place in hot pan. Place lid on pan. Bake until lightly browned, approximately 20 to 30 minutes, then remove lid and bake until done, approximately 15 to 20 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a sharp knife through the middle of loaf.

Pasta Bake � 16 ounces pasta � 2 cups tomato sauce � 1 teaspoon garlic powder � 1 teaspoon onion powder � 1 teaspoon black pepper � 1 teaspoon parsley � 1 teaspoon basil � 1 teaspoon oregano � ¼ cup nutritional yeast flakes � 2 tablespoons ground flax seed � 8 ounces vegan shredded mozzarella cheese For the pasta, I prefer penne rigate, but any pasta works well. While pasta cooks, preheat oven to 375 degrees. Mix spices into sauce, or substitute marinara sauce for the tomato sauce and spices. If choosing to use marinara sauce, however, keep an eye out for added sugar because that is not vegan unless the jar says organic or vegan. Once pasta is cooked and drained, toss with sauce. Line 8 x 11 baking dish with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Pour pasta and sauce into baking dish and top with shredded cheese. Bake for 15 minutes, if cheese is not melted, bake for an additional five to 10 minutes, checking every five minutes. 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.

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Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

HOME AND GARDEN: DIG IT!

Salvia and Memories column and photos by Michelle Riley

Salvia Caradonna

Salvia

February, a month adorned in candy hearts, professing love and admiration. Will you be mine? You are loved. For some, a month full of love and butterflies in your belly, for others a month to remember hardened loss. My mother was born in February. When I think of February, she is my first thought. Bittersweet, my mother also lost her own mother in February, exactly at her birthday. How do you celebrate while you mourn? Flowers! My mom’s favorite perennial is the Salvia sp. Particularly Salvia Caradonna or East Friesland. Salvia is available in the spring in many sizes and varieties, with blooming colors ranging from deep purple to pink. They are a summer bloomer and some varieties such as East Friesland will give a second push if they are sheared back following the first bloom. East Friesland can, and will, flop. A flower with lazy posture, in the garden she will lounge around, hogging up more space than expected. Caradonna is a taller, more upright variety with great posture and a decent summer bloom time. It also is the variety I purchased for my mother, in the summer following her mother’s passing, to try to offer the tiniest bright spot. Befitting for February and my mother, she had a groundhog who was living under the gazebo. I learned she had named him Chompers and was feeding him cherry tomatoes and carrots. A groundhog, the villain of the garden. Except in February, on one highly anticipated day, in which it is adored for its ability to see shadows. If you have had a vegetable garden and a groundhog within the vicinity, you know the havoc they can reap. Most would think the groundhog can keep his shadowy self on someone else’s property. Not my mother. As this groundhog is living the high life, his love brought him flowers, so he thought. Groundhogs love Salvia. Chompers did not waste a moment chomping every Salvia plant down to stubs. In his chaos, he brought my mother joy. In February, I think of my mother and am reminded, love comes from the chaos. 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 234678-8266.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

HOME AND GARDEN: WATCHDOG

� There is no explanation of what, exactly a premium issue will contain that is not in the regular, daily paper. I have yet to see Marketing Betrays Trust any issue that is different from the other issues to know it is a by Amy Barnes premium one, and our office gets the paper daily. However, I did When this column began, it was not thought a fellow find that there must have been a premium issue costing at least publication would have to be covered. My disappointment is $4 issued in November because the December payment was great in having to do this, but the marketing game being played moved up by a week. with the Akron Beacon Journal is not worthy of the awardThe next thing that happened was an e-mail that was sent out winning publication. on December 3, 2021. If another company were to play this kind of game, ABJ’s This missive, along with the usual pats on its own back, editorial department would be all over it. At least, I hope they informed subscribers that the December 23, 24 and 25 editions still would. would be combined into a “singular, expanded holiday edition.” It all started last September with a letter from Gannett, signed However, subscribers would still be charged for three issues. by Dave Johnson. I tried several times to get hold of Johnson, ABJ marketing went on to explain that the December 30, 31 but was unable to even get in contact with a human being, and and January 1 editions also would be combined into one messages were not returned. expanded edition. However, once again, subscribers would be The letter was the usual friendly one that is sent out by the charged for three issues, despite receiving one. ABJ marketing department when they are raising the I am all for businesses giving employees days off, but charging subscription price without clearly stating it. They go on and on subscribers for three days of newspapers when only one is about how wonderful they are and how much readers are being delivered? appreciated, then end the letter with a sentence saying how Subscribers should have been able to reasonably expect that $28.60 will be processed at the usual monthly time, an almost these expanded editions would thus be much bigger than a $6 monthly increase. daily paper, even bigger than the Sunday paper. The easiest way Unless paying close attention, it is easy to miss that the price to determine if ABJ kept their word was to weigh the was raised. Understandable that the price has to be raised, but newspapers. when they do it this way, it seems a less-than-upfront way to Without the inserted advertising fliers, the regular daily inform people. Wednesday paper, prior to Christmas, weighed 3 7/8 ounces. This time, however, on the back of the letter, there was The big, expanded three-day issue, delivered on December 23, something more. In small, closely spaced print, there were a weighed in at 6 3/8 ounces. An issue with not even two days’ few notifications. weight. In fact, it did not even match the Sunday paper’s � There would now be “premium” editions that will cost up to weight. The Sunday, December 26, paper was 8 ounces, minus an additional $6 each. the weight of advertising fliers. � The length of a subscription will be shortened to make up for When I moved to Ohio, ABJ was an award-winning paper that the cost of the premium editions. was admired nationally for its dedication to the highest of � The example provided by ABJ explains that if two $2 journalistic principles and its fearless coverage. It won the premium issues are published in a month, that is equal to the Pulitzer Prize four times. $4 weekly charge for the newspaper, so a subscription will be Marketing tactics like this only make a publication look shortened by a week. desperate and untrustworthy, and it colors perception of the � If no premium issues are published, there will be no extra whole paper, including the editorial department. charge. Uh, thanks? The marketing department needs to stop these tactics and � There will not be more than one premium edition each find other ways to increase income before it manages to kill a month. Even one $2 premium issue would shorten a Pulitzer Prize-winning newspaper. subscription by at least 3 days of regular papers. � There is no indication of how to know when these premium issues are going to publish or if they will provide any additional value to subscribers.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022 outdoor drama in New Philadelphia, Ohio. There, he was a stage technician, property manager, pyro technician, and group sales and go-between for office and tech staff. He is married and has one daughter and two granddaughters.

photo by Cristina Anne Costello

HOME AND GARDEN: BITE ME!

California Lemon Pie recipe submitted by Dan Hostetler

Our guest cook this month is a collector of Coca Cola items, Christmas decorations and books. Dan Hostetler, executive director of the Medina County Convention and Visitors Bureau, stopped by the Joy kitchen with a recipe handed down by his grandmother, Esther Hostetler. This is a great time of year for a Vitamin C boost! His favorite part of his job is meeting and talking to people. Hostetler has a Bachelor of Arts in speech and theater from Ohio’s Bluffton University and, prior to coming to Medina, worked at the Akron/Summit Convention and Visitors Bureau in convention sales, tourism sales and as service manager. He also previously worked for the Ohio Outdoor Historical Drama Association, which produces the “Trumpet in the Land”

� � � � � � � � �

1 cup sugar 1 tablespoon butter 1 small lemon, juice and grated rind, zest 1 cup sweetened condensed milk 1 pinch salt 2 egg yolks 2 tablespoons flour 2 egg whites, beaten until stiff 1 unbaked pie shell

Cream sugar and butter together. Add the next five ingredients. Fold in stiffly beaten egg whites. Pour into pie shell and bake at 425 degrees for 15 minutes, then 325 to 350 degrees until done, approximately 30 minutes. Check center of pie for doneness with silver knife. 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.

T h a n k s to a l l o u r f i r e p l ac e d r aw i n g e n t r a n t s ! Ashley from Brunswick “Hi, I’m Ashley, and I won the fireplace drawing. I updated the old wood-burning fireplace that I barely used with this beautiful new top-of-the-line gas insert with firebrick. Then I found out I won the drawing, making it even better.”

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Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

HEALTH: HEALTHY TRAILS

Tune-Up Time by Robert Soroky Any good doctor will tell you the importance of scheduling a yearly physical to keep a body fit and running at top efficiency. Interestingly, an auto mechanic also will give that same advice when it comes to a car. So, if you own a bicycle, it seems logical that your twowheeled friend should get the same tender loving care as your body and car, right? What, exactly, does a bicycle tune-up even look like? Where can you go, how long does it take and when is the best time of year to do one? We will start with the where. I recommend taking your bike to a reputable bike shop as it will have experienced mechanics with the right skills to do the job properly. Shops typically offer different tune-up packages as well. The mechanics should start with a quick overall inspection of the bike to determine what package is the best fit for the bike. As to the what: Base tune-ups typically include things like adjustment of brakes, gear shifters and derailleurs; lubrication of cables; tightening of wheel hubs and bottom brackets; truing of wheels; greasing pivot points; cleaning and lubrication of the chain; tightening pedals and headsets; airing up the tires; and a

general wipe down of the bike. Higher-level tune-ups get into deeper cleaning of the drivetrain, repacking and regreasing of wheel hubs and bottom brackets, and even replacement of shifter and brake cables. Age and use of the bike, as well as frequency of upkeep, are the primary determining factors for tune-up package recommendations. Finally, the when. Do yourself a favor and schedule tune-ups during the off-season, typically November through February. Shops often will run sales or specific tune-up specials during these winter months, and you will most likely get your bike back in a few days. If you procrastinate until spring or summer, do not be surprised if the wait is weeks long for a tune-up. Would you not rather be riding? There is still time to get a bike in for a tune-up. Not only will it save money, but you can be riding on that first nice day of spring! 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.

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Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

HEALTH: OF MIND AND BODY

Immune Boosting Through Food by Kelly Bailey

“If you’ve never heard of a company, it’s still just some random dude.”

“I am questioning my phone’s decisions.”

According to UCLA Health, "Seventy percent of the immune system is located in the gut, where diverse bacteria is best." While what is eaten affects weight and energy levels throughout the day, you might not realize the extent to which diet affects the immune system. Even though no supplement or food has been proven to cure or prevent disease, it still makes sense that what is put into the body can certainly influence susceptibility to illness. We do not yet have a deep understanding of how the compounds in whole foods work synergistically with each other and with our own biology, but there is evidence that whole foods are best. Science does seem to support the idea that the body is better able to absorb what it is fed when the food comes in the form of a whole food. Rather than running out to buy mega-dose supplements, try getting immune-boosting vitamins and minerals in a tastier way. These are some great immune-boosting foods: � Oranges, kiwi and grapefruit: These fruits are high in vitamin C, which is well-known to boost the immune system and may increase white blood cells. The body does not store vitamin C, so eat citrus fruit every day. � Garlic: This root vegetable's immune-boosting and antiviral properties seem to come from compounds that contain sulfur. Crush up some garlic, mix with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, and add salt, pepper and lemon. Drizzle over wholegrain toast or salad. � Bone broth: Made from chicken, beef and/or fish bones, these broths contain several gut-healing compounds including collagen and L-glutamine. Try making a veggieloaded soup with bone broth as a base. For a bonus, add plenty of garlic, and eat an orange for dessert! 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.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

COMMUNITY

Bringing good people good companies

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

submitted by Shawn Maynard Gibeault I recently had a fairly complicated outpatient surgery on my foot at Medina Hospital. I was nervous because I keep hearing about understaffing in the hospitals. I don't know what their staffing situation was like the day I was there, but I had a great experience. The nurses, surgeon and anesthesiologists were very thorough and never made me feel rushed. I think I got excellent care with a lot of kindness and empathy. A week before my surgery, I was in the emergency room there. They were jammed with no open beds but still figured out a way to get me treated and in and out in a reasonable amount of time with good care. They even told me they were improvising so I wouldn’t be there all night, waiting. I was in so much pain at the time and truly appreciated this. I know healthcare workers are under a lot of strain, and I wanted to give the medical professionals at Medina General a big shout out. Thank you for your care and kindness. I was thrilled to get this care so close to home.

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Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

COMMUNITY: GEMS

Horse Sense by Kent Von Der Vellen Sharon and Bob Alderman, as a nurse and sheriff’s deputy, came in regular contact with children living with trauma and had a strong desire to help them. In 2013, a friend invited them to visit a Massillon nonprofit he was involved with that used horses as therapy animals. Following the visit, the Aldermans decided to do something similar where they lived in Medina County. Having owned horses for most of their lives, the Aldermans already understood their therapeutic nature, so it was a natural fit for them to take their love of horses and create a faith-based horse therapy organization to help children. Bob describes Healing Hoofs as a safe place children can spend supervised time with the horses and receive mentoring. The first 15 minutes, children learn about horses. The next 30 minutes are spent walking, brushing or talking with a horse, depending on what the child wants to do. When a child takes a horse for a walk, Bob said the horse will adjust its pace to the child’s. Sessions end at the stable with the child wiping down, brushing, feeding, and watering the horse.

Healing Hoofs 9033 Guilford Road, Seville, Ohio 44273 330-703-0821 Web address: Date of formation: 01/05/2017 Organization type: 501(c)(3) Description of Organization’s Purpose: To provide a safe and encouraging environment to educate any individual interested in equine care while building hope, strength, joy, independence and learning skills and learning skills to improve the quality of lifeIs 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: 2020 Reporting Start Date: 1/1/2020 Reporting End Date: 12/31/2020 Total Revenue: Total Expenses: Total Program Expenses: Percent of Total Expenses: Total Assets:

They also do any stable cleaning that needs doing. During the session, no outside interferences are allowed, and parents and guardians wait either in the car or on the deck so

help raise funds to build an indoor arena. The next fundraiser is slated for the end of February. For more

the child can connect with the horse. Bob said it is common for

information, go to https://bit.ly/33pWlXd or https://bit.ly/

the child to spend the entire time in the stable, talking to the

3tF5NR5.

horse and brushing it. Children also can develop a connection with the Aldermans.

Kent Von Der Vellen is a 20-year Medina resident. He has been a

They listen if the child wants to talk and encourage children to

volunteer for various youth sports teams, is a member of the

take positive actions, such as doing their homework or being

Medina Lions Club, and, with his wife, Kim, founded the Jakob

kind to a sibling.

F. Von Der Vellen Memorial Foundation. Contact Von Der Vellen

Most children are referred to Healing Hoofs by a Medina

by e-mailing Gems@BlakeHousePublishing.com or by calling

County-area counselor, although they also get some clients

330-421-0863. Learn what other area nonprofits need by visiting

through direct contact.

Giving Hearts under the Help tab at https://

During the summer, as many as 10 children visit weekly.

www.joyofmedinacountymagazine.com/.

During the winter, those numbers are cut in half due to weather. The Aldermans regularly receive calls from their 25 former participants asking if they can visit the horses, Sierra and Sugar. Medina 4-H members also help care for the horses. Club members earn badges, and the Aldermans are helped with the upkeep of the horses and stable. Healing Hoofs holds a couple of fundraisers throughout the year to cover expenses related to the care of the horses and to

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

Want more Joy? Subscribe to our e-edition and get Joy no matter where you go! Use this link https://bit.ly/30duSlB to start your subscription. Want to read Joy in print? Visit Medina County libraries where you can find Joy of Medina County Magazine as an official, cataloged publication in the Periodicals section of the library. Joy also can be found in the Medina Library’s Historic Archives! For more information about Joy of Medina County Magazine, visit our website: https://bit.ly/38WotiH

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

Joyful Word Search Joyful Words Search

ENTERTAINMENT: ROLL ’EM!

Magic, Mystery and a Search for Power

One One Smart Smart Woman Woman S P N E S I O T R O T R C

N I O S H E E P Y S S I N

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DETERMINATION CONNECTICUT DETERMINATION SNAKES CONNECTICUT DISRUPTIVE EDUCATION SNAKES HORSES DISRUPTIVE POSITIVE SHEEP EDUCATION

HORSES POSITIVE SHEEP

MIRTH AND JOY by Jerry King

T A M U H A I T U B S B D

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NEGOTIATIONS FERRET LEADERSHIP

Q Y Y O Y D L A Z V Y N T

D T M C B R Q T G G B Y D

by Hunter Barnard U Movie: “Encanto” Viewed: at home Joy Birds: “Encanto” was the movie I wanted to review this month. It is a really good new movie that I am excited to tell people about. I liked “Encanto” because it had a lot of really fun music in it that was cool to listen to. The characters were interesting, too, and I really liked the way the movie looked. They had lots of bright colors and it was fun to watch. Encanto is about a family that has superpowers, everyone can do something different. There is only one person who does not have any and she is the main character, but it works out OK in the end. The house that the characters all live in is magical, too, but it is starting to crack in places. Mirabel does not have any superpowers, but she is the only one that can see the cracks, so it is up to her to fix them. She gets help from her family, and together they all figure it out. She has a cousin whom the rest of the family does not want to talk to because his power causes problems, but Mirabel does not mind, and she asks him for help. Camilo is able to help Mirabel figure out the mystery of the house, too. It was really nice to see everyone work together. My favorite character in the movie was Luisa. Her superpower is that she is really strong, even though she is a girl. I think super strength would be a really cool superpower to have. “Encanto” was really fun to watch, I will probably watch it again, and I think everyone should watch 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.

Joyful Word Search January 2022 Answer Key for Last Month’s Search Show Time Show N O I T S R E C V P M N O G V Y L L N S UWO D N C I C T O A T E K H M E MW A R L R L S D Y L M V E W W T D Z

A U Y O U N R A O E E Z G D

C D C T H O O B L V R O M I

U D O R S M O S WM P E R O I S I T S E V H A T N S T W

E P D Q P M I R R A E O C X

S W A T Z A P G R N O T U M N N C V R I T L I S W R L S

J L E B Y E B I I B M X D G

C K B S N R E L U T Y Q N Z

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Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

ENTERTAINMENT: GETTING REEL

Movie Gets Blend Right by Robert Soroky Movie: “Dune” Seen: in theater Rating: Since childhood, I have been fascinated with science fiction and grew up loving TV programs like “Star Trek,” “Space: 1999” and “Battlestar Galactica.” As impactful as those shows were to me, the low-budget effects and bizarre storylines made sci-fi a hard sell to the overall masses. Fortunately, a little movie called “Star Wars” turned the genre on its ear, opening the door for these smallscreen galactic tales to get the big-screen treatment they deserved. Enter “Dune.” Written by Frank Herbert in 1965, “Dune” is an adventure set 10,000 years in humanity's future and follows the coming-of-age story of young Paul Atreides. Atreides and his family are sent to planet Arrakis by the galactic emperor to oversee production of the galaxy's most valued commodity, a spice known as melange. The story is full of political intrigue, class warfare and deep religious philosophies. Considered by some to be one of the greatest sci-fi novels ever written, it seemed the perfect candidate for the big screen. Unfortunately, its complicated story, told at a slow, cerebral pace over 800-plus pages, made many believe that Dune was, ultimately, unexciting and unfilmable. This did not stop people from trying. In 1984, director David Lynch tried, but his version was universally panned for its campy approach and dramatic deviations from the novel. In 2000, the Syfy Channel delivered it as a three-part miniseries, which was significantly better, but lacked big-screen grandeur. Enter Denis Villeneuve. A French-Canadian director who received high praise for his crafty sci-fi movies “Arrival” and “Blade Runner 2049,” Villenueve had a passion for “Dune” and had dreamed of making his own movie since reading it as a teenager. In 2021, that dream was finally realized. And man, is it good. One reason his adaptation succeeds is its commitment to the source material. Everything from the otherworldly landscapes and architecture to the uniqueness and scale of ground and space vehicles was in lockstep with Frank Herbert's descriptions. In addition, the cinematography was beautiful, the music hauntingly appropriate, and the all-star cast is on point with their written characters. People unfamiliar with the material will be able to follow the story because Villeneuve effectively weaves in enough backstory, while keeping the narrative moving forward. Some characters and storylines were oddly missing or a bit underdeveloped. As it turns out, Villenueve knew that to do

the material justice, it would take more than one movie to tell the whole story. Smart man. I'm happy to say that there will be a “Dune: Part II,” which was given the green light before “Dune: Part I” finished its run in theaters. 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: GETTING REEL

West Side Delivers by Alan Parkhurst Movie: “West Side Story” Seen: in theater Rating:

I could hardly wait for this movie event to happen. The best place to view “West Side Story” is in a movie theater. You do not want to miss a single scene on screen. No matter the size of the television, the screen is small in comparison and just is not the best venue for this fantastic flick. Of course, I knew if Steven Spielberg was doing it, it would be done the right way. And oh, my, was it ever. From the casting to the cinematography to the set design, everyone did a first-rate job. While I am still way too fond of the original, this was such a satisfying two-and-a-half-hour joy and, of course, sorrow. I could find no fault in the dance scenes, in fact, I relished them all. I enjoyed the new role that Rita Moreno has, and it was so nice to see her after she did such a riveting job in the original. What a gift she is at 90! Perhaps you have read that the Puerto Ricans are more accurately portrayed this time? The original version used more makeup than actual heritage. In this new version, the Sharks and Jets looked much more similar to each other. Another little item for us to think about when it comes to considering what really are our differences. I’m predicting awards galore for this movie To think that this was the film debut for Rachel Zegler, who portrayed Maria, is amazing. When watching this movie, have a handkerchief or two on hand, it is a real tearjerker. Alan Parkhurst is a retired professional florist and floral educator who has lived in Medina since moving here as a child in 1962. He and his mother, Sandy, founded the Flower Gallery on Medina Public Square in 1973, a year after he graduated from Medina High School. In 2023, he will be inducted into the MHS Hall of Fame for 2021 in the Arts and Culture category.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

You just never know what will be seen coming out of the woods at Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth!

photos by FlashBang Photography

Some of the tools that were used by the teams to collect clues.

The Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth, hosted a Harry Potter event where children worked in teams to solve puzzles and collect a series of clues that would give them the combination to open a locked box. A team leader was selected for each team to attempt to open the box, which contained additional clues.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

Kasen Wertz takes a moment to consider clues while the rest of his team concentrates. From left are Kohyn Wertz, Jax Carpenter and Kennedy Hewitt.

This team is having fun collecting clues! From left are Giuliana Belford, Ava Belford, Brooke England, Jamie Walter, and Blake England. continued, Page 30

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

continued from Page 29

Hester Dailey, Wadsworth Library Children’s Department associate, serves Harry Potter butter “beer” to patient kids in line (left to right): Michael Varner, Catherine Varner, Victoria Varner, Guiliana Belford, and Ava Belford. Standing to the side of the line is the Verner kids’ dad, who is looking hopeful there might be enough butter beer for a dad, too!

Patiently waiting their turns and watching to see if Matt Wohlwend and Otto Slife have the right combination to open the clue box are team leaders, from left, Rylan Johnson, Aiden Homyk, Jax Carpenter, and Ava Belford.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

Nothing like teamwork and friends! From left, Matt Wohlwend, Luka Wohlwend, Otto Slife, and Eliza Slife

Almost 20 kids attended the Wasworth Library’s Harry Potter event.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

February 2022 Nonprofit Calendar Y Tuesday, February 1

Saturday, February 5

National Serpent Day and Work Naked Day We urge you to remain home if observing the second holiday and gently suggest caution if you have any video meetings today! Create! Tile Art, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Meeting Room A, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. All materials supplied to transform a plain ceramic tile into a piece of art. Ages 12 to 17. Register at https://bit.ly/3nWKxT7

National Shower With a Friend Day Be careful which one you choose, do not want to hurt anyone’s feelings! A Healthy Dose of Nature: Hiking Series, 9 a.m. to 11 a.m., Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park, 4985 Windfall Road, Medina. Vigorous 3- to 5mile hike with naturalist, dress for weather, wear appropriate footwear, bring own water. Ages 10 and up. No registration, free.

Wednesday, February 2

Sunday, February 6

Celebrate National Frozen Yogurt Day by trying to eat frozen yogurt with chopsticks for National Chopsticks Day and you might feel like a lame duck, which will cover observing National Lame Duck Day, too! Winter Orienteering at Allardale, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., The Lodge at Allardale,141 Remsen Road, Medina. Map and compass navigation Thursday, February 3 activity challenging ability to navigate a course of varying land features. Lecture, guided map hike, short orienteering course on own. National Carrot Cake Day If you do not like someone’s carrot cake, All levels, beginner to advanced. Bring compass and safety whistle. you can feed it to the birds and explain you are observing Feed the Dress for weather and wear sturdy shoes with good traction (no cleats). Birds Day! Online pre-registration at https://bit.ly/3HaGOJ6 . Pre-registration fee, Camp Wired: Internet Radio and Music Streaming, 10:30 a.m. to $15. Day-of-event fee, $20. Ages 12 and up. Event may be cancelled due noon, Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. to weather. For more information, go to http://neooc.com/ Learn how to create personalized radio stations, find new music and ORMACO Live at the Library: An Afternoon of Jazz With Celine old favorites, and learn about different music platforms. Register at Opdycke and Dan Bruce, 2 p.m. to 4 p.m., Meeting Rooms A and B, https://bit.ly/3nVMsaD Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Free. Reservations Tween Thursday: Tech Take Apart, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Children’s Activity recommended, go tot https://bit.ly/3KShwSH or by calling 419-853Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Play games, 6016. create crafts, more. Ages 9 to 14. Brunswick Legal Resource Center, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Olive Meyer Monday, February 7 Room, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Court volunteers help those not represented by a lawyer in family court. First Wave all Your Fingers at Your Neighbor Day Please note, it is ALL of come, first served. Masks required. your fingers! Medina Legal Resource Center, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Medina 1907 American Red Cross Blood Drive, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., Cleveland Clinic Room, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway, Medina. Domestic Relations Family Health Center Brunswick, 3574 Center Road, Brunswick. Court volunteers help those not represented by a lawyer in family https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg court. First come, first served. Masks required. Monday Movie Matinee: “Under the Tuscan Sun,” 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. A bitter, Friday, February 4 divorced woman finds romance when renovating a villa in Tuscany. To reserve a space, call Soprema at 330-335-1513. National Thank Your Mailman Day and National Homemade Soup American Red Cross Blood Drive, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Trinity United Day If giving your mailman soup, remember he can accept only Church of Christ, 215 High Street, Wadsworth. https://rcblood.org/ alphabet soup, because it has letters! 32i1sbg American Red Cross Blood Drive, 7 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., Medina Hospital, Problem Solvers: Tall Tales, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 1000 E. Washington Street, Medina. https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg p.m., Meeting Room A, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Baby Footprints, 11 a.m. to noon, Story Hour/Activity Room, Lodi Wadsworth. Children have heard tall tales and believe they are true. Library, 635 Wooster Street, Lodi. Create keepsake footprint. All Participants have 45 minutes to make it to the Tall TaleVention to materials provided. Reservations at https://bit.ly/3Ay30e2 gather evidence that the tall tales are not true. Register for 4 p.m. at Wine and Canvas, 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., Sycamore Room North and South, https://bit.ly/3nUXPiY or 6:30 p.m. at https://bit.ly/3rQsT4L Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Bring own wine, go Paint Like Alma Woodsey Thomas, 5:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Community home with painting by you. Pay $20 supply fee to presenter at event. Rooms A and B, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway, Medina. Learn about Ages 21 and up. Register at https://bit.ly/3nROybu WAITING LIST and be inspired by first African American to have solo exhibit at Play Your Ukulele Day and Groundhog Day A perfect day to play music while watching for the groundhog to peek out.

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

Whitney Museum of American Art and have art made a permanent part of the White House collection. Register at https://bit.ly/3IwEdK0

C Tuesday, February 8 Kite Flying Day Odd time to fly a kite, perhaps created by parents desperate to get cabin-fever-filled kids outside! 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. Coffee and Canvas, 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m., Community Room, Lodi Library, 635 Wooster Street, Lodi. Create an original painting. Pay $20 supply fee to presenter at event. Register at https://bit.ly/3Kzhi2q Gearheads: Circuits, 6 jp.m. to 7 p.m., Medina 1907 Room, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Play with electrical components and learn about circuits. Register at https://bit.ly/3fQTFo5 Alphabet Adventure: T is for Teddy Bear, 6:30 p.m. to 7:15 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Bring teddy bear, read stories, do crafts. Register at https://bit.ly/3IFEFWx

Wednesday, February 9 Hopefully, the pizza you enjoy for National Pizza Day does not cause you to also observe National Toothache Day! Monthly Makers Builders: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through February 13, Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Registered households are provided outdoor space each month to set up displays according to that month’s theme, using any materials that will withstand being outdoors for two weeks. For more information and to register, go to https://bit.ly/3H0tcAm Natural Discoveries Hiking Series, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Counts toward Natural Discoveries award. Ages 7 to adult. For more information about the series, go to https://bit.ly/3rMuiZZ American Red Cross Blood Drive, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., Wadsworth YMCA, 623 School Drive, Wadsworth https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg Buddy Buttons, 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina. Make a button to give to a friend. Grades 6 through 12. Cozy Craft Night, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Seville Library, 45 Center Street, Seville. Decorate a hot chocolate mug and matching coaster. Register at https://bit.ly/3nXS3NM WAITING LIST Locating and Evaluating Health Information Online, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Learn how to find information, get tools for evaluating resources. Register at https://bit.ly/3H0I1Tu Wadsworth Historical Society: Bob Gerberich, 65 Years in Business, 7:30 p.m. to 9 p.m., Meeting Rooms A and B, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Presentation about how Gerberich opened a gas station on college street in 1956 and opened Wadsworth Transmission there in 1964.

Thursday, February 10 National Umbrella Day Monthly Makers Builders: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through February 13, Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Registered households are provided outdoor space each month to set up displays according to that month’s theme, using any materials that will withstand being outdoors for two weeks. For more information and to register, go to https://bit.ly/3H0tcAm Camp Wired: A Mapping We Will Go, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Learn how to use Google maps, MapQuest and Rand McNally online. Should you purchase a GPS or use an app. Register at https://bit.ly/3fQV1zb American Red Cross Blood Drive, 3 p.m. to 8 p.m., St. Ambrose Church, 929 Pearl Road, Brunswick https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg

Medina 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturdays through March 12 Inside Richardson Farms 6984 Lafayette Road, Medina 9 a.m. to noon Saturday, February 12 and 26 Local produce, eggs, pastries, etc. Inside Boyert’s Greenhouse and Farm 7171 Wooster Pike, Medina More information at https://bit.ly/3FLORuC

photo by Tejas Prajapati

Tween Thursday: Duct Tape Island Escape, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Stranded on a desert island with only a roll of duct tape for survival. What would you build to survive? Register at https://bit.ly/3fWpOdG History of the Romance Novel, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Community Room, Lodi Library, 635 Wooster Street, Lodi. How the romance novel shaped views of femininity, masculinity and love. Adult Winter Reading event. Register at https://bit.ly/3FXgGAk Chair Yoga, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sycamore Room North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Register at https://bit.ly/3As7JOl Larry Doby and Cleveland Baseball, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Community Rooms A and B, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Sponsored by the Western Reserve Historical Society. Learn about Doby the second African American player in major league baseball. Register at https://bit.ly/3fZUBGs Valentine’s Party, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Meeting Rooms A and B, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Games, craft, story, card making, heart relay race, sort hearts by color, stack candy hearts, more! Cards will be made to share with local nursing homes. Ages 3 to 10. Register at https://bit.ly/3KJOKTV

Friday, February 11 National Make a Friend Day and National Latte Day We think you can figure out how to combine celebrating both! Monthly Makers Builders: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through February 13, Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Registered households are provided outdoor space each month to set up displays according to that month’s theme, using any materials that will withstand being outdoors for two weeks. For more information and to register, go to https://bit.ly/3H0tcAm The Pigeon Wants a Story, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. to noon, Community Room B, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Celebrate Mo Willem’s birthday at a story time or drop in all day for special activities. Register for 10:30 a.m. at https://bit.ly/3r05Sgg and 11:30 a.m. at https://bit.ly/3nXYjoK Bluegrass Jam and Dinner, 5:30 p.m. till ?, Lafayette United Methodist Church, 6201 Lafayette Road, Medina. Kitchen opens at 5:30 p.m., music starts at 7 p.m. Donation admission $3, dinner is additional

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

donation request. Bring favorite dessert to share. Bluegrass/country bands welcome, arrive early to be scheduled.

Saturday, February 12 Enjoy Plum Pudding Day, but eat carefully, it also is National Lost Penny Day. Uh oh. Monthly Makers Builders: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., through February 13, Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Registered households are provided outdoor space each month to set up displays according to that month’s theme, using any materials that will withstand being outdoors for two weeks. For more information and to register, go to https://bit.ly/3H0tcAm American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Hinckley Fire Old Station, 1410 Ridge Road, Hinckley. https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg One Community, Many Stories Launch Party, 10 a.m. to noon, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Variety of activities: 10:30 a.m. to noon, be an honorary librarian and enjoy several activities; 10:30 a.m. comedy juggling show, story time, tour of resources; 11 a.m. second tour of resources; 11:15 a.m. comedy juggling show, 11:30 a.m. drop-in story time and tour of resources, noon is the drawing for party favors, winners need not be present. 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. Awesome Opossum, noon to 5 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center, 1473 Parschen Boulevard, Brunswick. Learn how opossums are beneficial, interesting and cute. All ages.

Sweetheart Night Hike, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park, 4985 Windfall Road, Medina. Also Sunday, February 13. Dress for weather for naturalist-led stroll. Meet at lower parking lot, near playground. Register at https://bit.ly/3fQUNIc

A Sunday, February 13 World Radio Day Monthly Makers Builders: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., last day to install, Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Registered households are provided outdoor space each month to set up displays according to that month’s theme, using any materials that will withstand being outdoors for two weeks. For more information and to register, go to https://bit.ly/3H0tcAm Awesome Opossum, noon to 5 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center, 1473 Parschen Boulevard, Brunswick. Learn how opossums are beneficial, interesting and cute. All ages. ORMACO Songs of Love: Steve Greenman, 2 p.m., virtual. Violinist/ vocalist performance of songs from East European folk music traditions, Russian romances, Hungarian sentimental melodies, and Yiddish love songs. Live stream at https://bit.ly/3KEuSSi For more information, call 419-853-6016 K-9 Kapers, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Chippewa Inlet Trail South, Chippewa Road west of Lake Road. Socialize dogs while hiking. Dogs must be on 8-foot non-retractable leash. Bring towel for muddy feet and water bowl for dog. All ages, children must have accompanying adult. Free. No registration. Current COVID precautions will be taken.

Sweetheart Night Hike, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park, 4985 Windfall Road, Medina. Dress for weather for naturalist-led stroll. Meet at lower parking lot, near playground. Register at https://bit.ly/3fQUNIc

Monday, February 14 Valentine’s Day and National Organ Donor Day Two ways you can give your heart away! Volunteer Income Tax Assistance, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Community Room, Lodi Library, 635 Wooster Street, Lodi. Sponsored by United Way of Summit and Medina County. Helping those with income less

than $60,000. Must make appointment by calling 211 or by going to https://bit.ly/3rGuXw4 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: 3D Printer Demo, 1:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m., Family History and Learning Center, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. See a demonstration of how to use new equipment in the Makerspace. Register at https://bit.ly/3IydoVD Art in the Afternoon: Greek Vases, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Learn about Greek pottery, make paper vase using scratch art. Ages 5 to 12. No registration required Be My ValenSLIME, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Seville Library. Games, snacks, create ValenSLIME. Register at https://bit.ly/3ArBFdm WAITING LIST

Tuesday, February 15 National Gumdrop Day Also known as Keeping Your Dentist Busy Day! Monthly Makers: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail. Terrific Trees for Families, 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Hands-on outdoor activities led by naturalist. Dress for weather. All ages. Register at https://bit.ly/3AB11Wb 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 Beginning Beekeeping, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Fee $85 single, $100 family, includes book, more. Observation only, no charge. Register at https://bit.ly/3485Fi7 Magnets, Motors and Mayhem, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sycamore Rooms North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Make motors, create technological destruction, learn magnet tricks. Grades 6 through 12. Register at https://bit.ly/3qTXtep Author Visit: Kaia Alderson, 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., virtual. Historical fiction author with passion for finding hidden figures in African American women’s history. Link will be sent after registering at https://bit.ly/3nSieVN

Wednesday, February 16 National Do a Grouch a Favor Day This is a warmup for tomorrow’s holiday! Monthly Makers: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail. Self-Love Letters, 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina. Grades 6 through 12. A different way to celebrate Valentine's Day, write a love letter to yourself to boost self-esteem and praise your individuality. Chocoholics Unite, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Community Room, Lodi Library, 635 Wooster Street, Lodi. Games and trivia. Register at https://bit.ly/3r09LSo Bullet Journaling 101, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Meeting Room A, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Learn bullet journaling basics, set one up. Materials provided. Register at https://bit.ly/3Ashn3e

Thursday, February 17 National Random Acts of Kindness Day Watch how surprised recipients are! Monthly Makers: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail. Camp Wired: Facebook, 10:30 a.m. to noon, Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Learn how to do a variety of

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022 things on Facebook, depending on class interest. Bring questions. Register at https://bit.ly/32zF7pS American Red Cross Blood Drive, 1 p.m. to 7 p.m., Brunswick United Methodist Church, 1395 Pearl Road, Brunswick. https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg Tween Thursday: Mysteries of Your Brain, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Ages 9 to 14. Register at https://bit.ly/3fT7nGK Constellation Art, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Sycamore Rooms North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Learn about constellations, create art. Grades 6 through 12. Register at https://bit.ly/3rQWMBO Explorastory: “Ballad of Valentine,” 6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Make craft, read story, experiment with candy hearts, Valentine scavenger hunt, more. Register at https://bit.ly/3KIsUQU Interviewing Skills, Tips and Resources, 7 p.m. to 8 p.m., Meeting Room B, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Learn interviewing skills, common questions to expect, resources available. Register at https://bit.ly/3fSySjJ

Friday, February 18 National Battery Day Can you list all of the different kinds of batteries? Monthly Makers: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Mark Church, 1330 N. Carpenter Street, Brunswick. https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg 28th Annual Ice Festival: Speed Carving Contests, 5:30 p.m., 6 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.; Fire and Ice Tower lighting, 7 p.m., Public Square, Medina.

Saturday, February 19 National Chocolate Mint Day Yum!! 28th Annual Ice Festival Ice Sculpture Garden, Public Square, Medina. Monthly Makers: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail. Coffee With the Birds, 10 a.m. to 11 a.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Return of the Great Backyard Bird Count. Casual hike to observe winter birds with coffee warm-up upon return. All ages. Great Backyard Bird Count, 10:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., Story Hour/ Activity Room, Lodi Library, 635 Wooster Street, Lodi. Learn about local birds, make colorful bird, count birds. Register at https://bit.ly/3qVO7yW Art in Action, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Talk with local artists, learn their techniques. Create some art. Awesome Opossum, noon to 5 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center, 1473 Parschen Boulevard, Brunswick. Learn how opossums are beneficial, interesting and cute. All ages.

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.

Paintings and Purses: A Collection of the Past, Present and Future Through February 28, 2022 Highland Library 4160 Ridge Road, Medina 18th Annual Aquarius Exhibition Medina County Art League members exhibit two works each. Through March 6, 2022 B. Smith Gallery Third Floor, Medina Library 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina Self-Guided Natural Discoveries Hiking Series: Small Mammals, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Buckeye Woods Park, 6335 Wedgewood Road, Medina. Meet near large picnic shelter. Counts toward Natural Discoveries award. Ages 7 and up. For more information about the series, go to https://bit.ly/3rMuiZZ

Monday, February 21 Card Reading Day A great day to choose cards to send “just because.” The Lincoln Challenge, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Sycamore Rooms North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Make a Lincoln hat, construct a log cabin. Grades kindergarten through 12. Register at https://bit.ly/3IBju80 Afternoon at the Cinema: Classic Edition, 1 p.m. to 3 p.m., Sycamore Room North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Practical Dreamer: William Stinchcomb and the Creation of Cleveland Metroparks, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Sycamore Rooms North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Learn about the founder of the Cleveland Metroparks System. Register at https://bit.ly/3tY7nxI

F Tuesday, February 22

For the Love of Mike Day Learn history of this day and the February 20 holiday: https://bit.ly/3ImO8Sf Monthly Makers: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Sunday, February 20 Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail. Hoodie-Hoo Day Fun story about celebrating this and the February 22 Knitting and Crocheting Circle, 10 a.m. to noon., Hickory Room, holiday is at https://bit.ly/3rzLCBh Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Beginners welcome. 28th Annual Ice Festival Ice Sculpture Garden, Public Square, Medina. Making Warm Up Medina County donations. Awesome Opossum, noon to 5 p.m., Susan Hambley Nature Center, Beginning Beekeeping, 6 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., Medina Library, 210 S. 1473 Parschen Boulevard, Brunswick. Learn how opossums are Broadway Street, Medina. Fee $85 single, $100 family, includes book, beneficial, interesting and cute. All ages. more. Observation only, no charge. Register at https://bit.ly/3485Fi7 Monthly Makers: Butterflies, noon to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Otaku Tuesdays, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Medina Room, Medina Library, Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. A discussion of all things anime, for creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail. Grades 6 through 12. Do geekcrafts, learn about Japanese culture, cosplay welcome! Register at https://bit.ly/3KRzYuC

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 2022

Wednesday, February 23 National Dog Biscuit Day Monthly Makers: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Root Candles, 640 Liberty Street, Medina. https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg Open Craft Day, 2:15 p.m. to 3:30 p.m., Buckeye Library, 6625 Wolff Road, Medina. Supplies provided to make own creation. Grades 6 through 12.

Thursday, February 24 National Chili Day and National Tortilla Chip Day Sounds like it is a day for taco salad! Monthly Makers: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail. Camp Wired: Websites That Will Change Your Life, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., Medina Room, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Exploring websites, there will be a handout to complete. Car Day, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Community Rooms A and B, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Vroom in for transportation play. Ohio Means Jobs Workshop, 11 a.m. to noon, Medina Computer Lab, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. How to be active on LinkedIn and attract more recruiters will be covered. Register at https://bit.ly/3fWZZKO Tween Thursday: Yarn Painting, 4 p.m. to 5 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Ages 9 to 14. Successful Self-Publishing With Tony Agnesi, 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., Meeting Rooms A and B, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Avoiding pitfalls, mistakes and understand the publishing process, as well as marketing, reviews, sales, and more. Register at https://bit.ly/32xtUpM

Friday, February 25 Ready? Observe Skip the Straw Day and enjoy your National Clam Chowder Day (too hard to suck chowder through a straw anyway!), polishing it off with National Chocolate-Covered Nut Day. Monthly Makers: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., Medina Community Recreation Center, 855 Weymouth Road, Medina. https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg

Saturday, February 26 An interesting day! National Tell a Fairy Tale Day and World Sword Swallowers Day Hospice of the Western Reserve Warehouse Sale, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m., Hospice of the Western Reserve Headquarters, 17876 St. Clair Avenue, Cleveland. Proceeds benefit local Hospice. Donations needed for the sale. For more information, call 800-707-8922 or go to https://bit.ly/3nUBkei Monthly Makers: Butterflies, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., St. Mark Church, 1330 N. Carpenter Street, Brunswick. https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg Hot Chocolate STEAM, 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., Sycamore Rooms North and South, Brunswick Library, 3649 Center Road, Brunswick. Cocoa experiments. Grades 3 through 5. Register at https://bit.ly/3KJ0i9U Do Kangaroos Really Kickbox? 10:30 a.m. to 11 a.m., virtual. Hosted by Medina Library. Meet some macro pods, learn about kangaroos and wallabies. Link sent after registering at https://bit.ly/3rNONWb

Underground Railroad in Medina County, 1 p.m., Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway, Medina. Hosted by the Medina County Historical Society. Program focuses on the Medina County Underground Railroad stations, the role of abolitionists, and the African American population. Free. COVID protocols apply. Harry Potter Trivia, 3 p.m. to 4 p.m., Seville Library, 45 Center Street, Seville. Wear your house colors, compete to win the House Cup. Need to bring phone, tablet, or device to play through Kahoot. Register at https://bit.ly/3u2NZ2F Beer Tasting, 5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Community Room, Highland Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Medina. Sample beers with the Wadsworth Brewing Company. Register at https://bit.ly/3IzLkRP FULL

Sunday, February 27 No Brainer Day Keep an eye out for anyone celebrating this day! ORMACO Jazz Brunch and Fundraiser, 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., Pickle Mama’s Market and Eatery, 7249 Wooster Pike Road, Seville. Benefits ORMACO programs. Featuring Barbara Knight, hosted by Christopher D. Hofer. Drinks, brunch, auction items, desserts, music. Attendance is limited. $45 per person. For reservations, go to https://bit.ly/335nRsy or call 419-853-6016. Monthly Makers: Butterflies, noon to 5 p.m., Oenslager Nature Center, 6100 Ridge Road, Wadsworth. Through February 27. View creative installations by area residents along Monthly Maker Trail.

Monday, February 28 National Public Sleeping Day This time of year, there are probably plenty of volunteers to observe this holiday! Although, we are not sure if it means to sleep in public or for the public to sleep. American Red Cross Blood Drive, 2 p.m. to 7 p.m., First Congregational Church, 114 Church Street, Lodi. https://rcblood.org/32i1sbg Torn Paper Collage, 6 p.m. to 7 p.m., Community Room, Highland Library, 4160 Ridge Road, Medina. Tear paper, use pieces to make picture. Register at https://bit.ly/35nANuT Sensory Friendly Story Time, 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m., Children’s Activity Room, Wadsworth Library, 132 Broad Street, Wadsworth. Designed for children on the autism spectrum or with sensory integration challenges and their families and caregivers. Register at https://bit.ly/3FZD8J9 hjj Beginning African American Genealogy, 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Community Rooms A and B, Medina Library, 210 S. Broadway Street, Medina. Learn the steps in African American research, resources, strategies. Register at https://bit.ly/3ABUTNp

Joy of Medina County Magazine | February 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

Personal Trainer

My Personal Trainer

Photographer

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

Spa

Wallace Home Furnishings

Botara Euro Spa

883 N. Court Street, Medina Contact: Richard Wallace

620 Ridgewood Crossing Drive, Suite E, Akron Phone: 330-576-3059 Website: https://botara.com/

Owner

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

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

Joy of Medina County Magazine February 2022

Articles inside

The In Box: Easy Formula to Calculate Success

Networker: Power in Lower Numbers

Mirth and Joy by Jerry King

From a Technical Mind: Why Space Heaters Cause Fires

The Reading Nook: Forever Friends

Lionhearted Linda

One Voice: Lessons