Kids and Pets
HEALTH + WELLNESS
CHIROPRACTIC FOR KIDS? YES, IT’S A THING
LIFE + CULTURE
EMPOWERING GIRLS TO LEAD: CONFIDENCE, COURAGE, AND BIG DREAMS
EDUCATION
CENTRAL CATHOLIC’S BELOVED PUP BRIGHTENS EVERY SCHOOL DAY
AUGUST 2025
Paws, Perspectives, and Possibility
This issue is one of my favorites because it celebrates two of the biggest sources of joy in our lives, our kids and our pets.
Whether they’re little ones with wide eyes and wild imaginations, or teens stretching their wings and finding their voice, kids have a way of shaping the world around them. They challenge us, inspire us, and remind us daily of what really matters. Parenting isn’t always easy, but it’s always meaningful, and every stage brings its own kind of beauty.
And right alongside them, our pets are there for it all. They’re the companions who show up for the milestones and the everyday moments, loyal, loving, and endlessly forgiving. There’s something special about the connection between kids and animals, especially as they grow up together. It teaches empathy, responsibility, and how to love with your whole heart.
At every age and stage, both kids and pets need us, and we need them, too. They have a way of grounding us in the present and reminding us what it means to love unconditionally.
This issue is a tribute to the teens pushing boundaries, the toddlers just finding their footing, and the furry family members who keep us all connected.
Thanks for letting us be part of your lives and your stories.
Here’s to growing up—together.
NICOLE CERTO, PUBLISHER @CANTONLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Nicole Certo | nicole.certo@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Sarah Finke | sarah.finke@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHER
Alexa P. Artistry
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Josh Govero
LAYOUT DESIGNER Kelsi Southard
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Marina Campbell
At 63 Corks, every dish tells a story—crafted from locally sourced ingredients and inspired by the rich culinary traditions of Ohio, the Midwest, Appalachia, and the Deep South. Join us for a dining experience where regional flavor meets elevated execution.
city scene
1-7: Guests enjoy “Wine, Women & Shoes” in Canton, Ohio, an annual fundraising event benefiting Cleveland Clinic Mercy Hospital’s cancer services for women. 1: Margaret Botti 2: Dr. Dina Rooney and guest 3: Dr. Elizabeth Russ (right, her Husband, Mark Butterworth (left), Founder of WWS Elaine Honig (center) 4: Lee Ann Thorn & guest 5: Margaret Howley 6: Louise Mahoney & granddaughter 7: Left to rightLamar Sharpe, Toni Andrews, Jamar Williams, Queen Sanders
Photography by Craig James
Furry Friend, Faithful Companion
MEET CENTRAL CATHOLIC’S CANINE MASCOT, FINN
ARTICLE BY KRISTIE CRAMER | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
In a small school setting like Central Catholic, students and staff can build deeper relationships. There’s one staff member who never misses a chance to spread joy— and he does it all on four paws. Meet Finnegan, or “Finn” for short, a lovable Teddy Bear Dog (a Bichon Shih Tzu mix) who belongs to Principal David Oates. Finn has become a beloved member of the school community.
With his fluffy coat, tail wags, and playful personality, he makes the rounds with Mr. Oates nearly every day. Whether he’s greeting students before first period, lounging outside the principal’s office between classes, or riding the elevator to pop into classrooms, Finn has made it his mission to bring smiles.
Finn’s presence at Central Catholic goes beyond casual visits. He’s been known to steal the spotlight at pep rallies, elementary school visits, and even
photo shoots. Finn even made special deliveries—taking school supplies and plenty of puppy kisses to local elementary schools.
When Finn turned one, the school community threw him a birthday party. His “office” (the cozy corner inside Mr. Oates’ office) was decorated, and everyone enjoyed cake during lunch. It reflected just how special Finn has become to the school.
In a world where stress and pressure often define high school life, Finn offers a breath of fresh air—a calming, cheerful presence who reminds everyone to slow down and smile. Multiple students have shared that Finn makes each school day a little brighter, that seeing him has become a highlight to their day. Though he may be small in size, Finn has made a big impact at Central Catholic.
UNPLUG HAVE FUN! &
ARTICLE BY PAM REID | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Summertime is the best time for kids to disconnect and enjoy being outdoors.
Long, long ago, in a time before technology, children entertained themselves and played endlessly with nothing more than ... wait for it ... their imagination. They played outdoors for hours with friends, balls, jump ropes, buckets, chalk, bicycles, you name it! The level of creativity saw no limits in the minds of these children. While some families have plans for getaway vacations, there are those planning to stay home and scrambling for things their children can do. We’d like to share some ideas that don’t include technology or cost a boat load of money for that matter. The benefits of spending time outdoors and unplugged outweigh complaints about temperature or those annoying creepy crawlers. The added bonus is that many outdoor games secretly teach life skills. Technology is used only to confirm game rules.
Ready or not, it’s time to play! A day - or two or three - full of outdoor games will invoke a trip down memory lane for some adults, or a “this is great” thought for others. In either case, playing these games has tremendous benefits - young people can fully embrace human connection, get a break from the instant gratification associated with technical devices and social media, and enjoy some good wholesome, age-appropriate fun. Many adults admit they played many of their favorite childhood games well into their teen years, and still others say they relish in a good game of dodgeball or tug of war today. This list is not all-inclusive, but it certainly gets the games started!
“READY OR NOT, IT’S TIME TO PLAY!”
CHILDHOOD GAMES
TUG OF WAR - contest between two teams at opposite ends of a rope; each team trying to drag the other across a center line.
SACK RACE - stand in your sack, hold on to the top of your sack and hop as fast as you can to the finish line!
FREEZE TAG - each player freezes when tagged and can be unfrozen only by a player who is not yet frozen. Game ends when all players are frozen.
RED LIGHT GREEN LIGHT - shout “green light” and all players run towards you, shout “yellow light” and they are allowed to walk, but when “red light” is shouted, they must stop and freeze. If player moves at “red light”, they go back to start line.
MUSICAL CHAIRS - walk to music around a group of chairs containing one chair fewer than number of players, and rush to sit down when music stops. The player left standing in each round is eliminated.
KICK THE CAN - find players in their hiding spots and put them in “jail”. Once a player is “jailed” the only way to be freed is for another player to beat the “IT” person to the can and kick it.
DODGEBALL - team sport in which players on two teams try to throw balls and hit opponents, while avoid being hit themselves. Consider water balloons instead of balls on a hot day.
There are more great outdoor games. Get unplugged and get outside!
ARTICLE
A GENTLE BOOST FOR GROWING BODIES
CHILDREN’S CHIROPRACTIC CARE
Hey, parents! You’re doing everything to give your kids a happy healthy lifepacked with lunches, sports practices, bedtime stories. But when your little ones battle constant ear infections, struggles with tummy troubles, or slouches through homework, it’s tough
trained to make kids feel at ease, and the proof is in the giggles-most kids love their visits! Studies, like those in the Journal of Manipulative and Physiological Therapeutics, show parents rave about the results, thrilled with how safe and effective it is.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE IS GENTLE, NATURAL, AND DESIGNED JUST FOR KIDS’ NEEDS.
to know what’s next. If you’re teetering on the edge about trying chiropractic care for your child, let’s clear the air: this isn’t about intense back-cracking.
Pediatric chiropractic is a gentle, natural, and drug -free way of taking care of common childhood woes. Ready to dive in? Here’s why chiropractic could be your family’s new best friend.
Okay, let's bust the myth: Chiropractic for kids is NOT what you see in adult adjustment videos. Think soft touches or light presses-gentle enough to test a peach’s ripeness.
Pediatric chiropractors are pros at working with tiny spines, using gentle techniques tailored for babies, toddlers, and teens. They focus on fixing subluxations (fancy word for misalignments in the spine or joints) that can mess with the nervous system, which is like the body’s control center for everything from sleep to digestion. Chiropractors are specially
WHAT CAN CHIROPRACTIC FIX? A LOT!!
-Ear Infections: Sick of the ear infection merry-go-round? Gentle adjustments can improve ear drainage by gently adjusting the upper neck, cutting down on those pesky infections, per the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics
- Colic and Reflux : Got a fussy baby who won’t settle? Soft spinal adjustments can calm the nervous system, easing colic or reflux, often in just a few visits.
- Constipation: Tummy troubles like constipation can make kids (and parents!) miserable. Adjustments target nerves tied to digestion, helping things move along smoothly.
-Posture and Gowing Pains: Between heavy backpacks and screen slouching, kids’ postures take a hit. Chiropractic straightens things out, easing aches and setting them up for strong growth.
-Sleep and Focus: Troubles sleeping or staying focused? Misalignments can throw off the nervous system. Parents often see kids sleep better and concentrate more after care-huge for those with ADHD-like challenges -Immunity Boost: A tuned-up nervous system helps kids fight off colds faster, keeping them in the game.
Still wondering if it’s worth it? Totally understand it. You might think, “Will my kid just grow out of this?” But the deal is: tiny misalignments now can snowball later, affecting their health down the road. Chiropractic isn’t just about fixing problems-it’s about helping your child’s body work at its best, from playground sprints to school tests. Getting started is a breeze. We will chat about your kid’s health, do a quick check, and make adjustments during their visit. Kids often hop off the table smiling, and you might notice fewer sick days, straighter shoulders, or a happier vibe at home.
Chiropractic is a safe, drug-free way to give your child a health edge. If you’re curious but hesitant, book a consult with us. Ask questions, watch a session, and see the magic for yourself. Your kid deserves to feel their best-chiropractic might just be the gentle spark they need.
Royal Caribbean is a fantastic choice for families because it offers a wide range of family-friendly activities and amenities. They have expansive kids' clubs with immersive spaces for kids of all ages, ensuring the little ones are entertained and engaged throughout the cruise. Now, about Perfect Day at CocoCay in The Bahamas—it's a dream destination for families! This private island offers record-breaking thrills, like the tallest waterslide in North America and the Caribbean’s largest wave pool. Families can also relax at Coco Beach Club, where VIP experiences include the first Overwater Cabanas in The Bahamas. There's something for everyone, from adventure seekers to those who just want to unwind by the beach. If you have more questions or need more details, just let me know!
FROM LEMONADE STANDS to boardrooms
CANTON’S YOUNGEST ENTREPRENEURS ARE DREAMING BIG
ARTICLE BY KAYLA STARTA | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
By age 14, girls’ confidence drops by nearly 30%, a decline during some of the most formative years of their lives. In Canton, Ohio, She Elevates is working to change that. Founded by nationally recognized keynote speaker and women's empowerment coach DeLores Pressley, this nonprofit is dedicated to empowering girls ages 8-15 with the confidence, leadership skills, and entrepreneurial mindset they need to succeed. Through hands-on experiences, programming, and mentorship, She Elevates helps girls see themselves as future CEOs and changemakers.
BUILDING CONFIDENCE YEAR-ROUND: PROGRAMS THAT SHAPE FUTURE LEADERS
She Elevates runs year-round programs to build girls’ confidence and leadership skills. Its flagship offering, the She Elevates Academy, is a free, week-long summer program where girls learn to pitch ideas, manage money, and solve problems through hands-on business experience. Held July 14-19, 2025, at the One Center for Leadership, the Academy remains free thanks to community support. The organization also offers She Elevates Life, a 10-week after-school program focused on reallife skills like communication, financial literacy, and conflict resolution. This spring, it ran at Patrick Elementary and Heritage Christian School.
SPOTLIGHT: LOCAL GIRLS WITH BIG DREAMS
From dog-walking ventures to custom jewelry lines and community service projects, the girls of She Elevates aren’t just dreaming, they’re doing. Each idea is a spark, and through the program’s blend of mentorship and real-world experience, those sparks ignite into powerful transformations.
CONTINUED >
Stacia entered the She Elevates Academy feeling nervous and hesitant to sit with someone new. By the end of the week, she had formed deep, lasting bonds with girls she called “sisters,” peers who believed in her and encouraged her growth. That same week, a once-soft-spoken girl stood tall to pitch her own skincare business, inspired by her dream of becoming a dermatologist. Later, she soaked up career insights from a female executive, gaining confidence with every exchange. These stories reflect what She Elevates does best - empowering girls to believe in themselves, lead boldly, and speak their truth into existence.
WHY IT MATTERS
In many underrepresented communities, girls have limited access to leadership and entrepreneurship programs, areas often missing from school curriculums. Early exposure to these skills builds confidence and sets the stage for future success. “When girls see women who look like them owning businesses and leading with confidence, they begin to believe they can do it too,” says She Elevates Founder DeLores Pressley. “We're not just teaching business. We're changing mindsets and shaping futures.”
Center. The evening will include a red-carpet arrival, dinner and dessert, an awards ceremony honoring women and girls making an impact in the community, and opportunities to support She Elevates programs through an auction and raffle. Proceeds from the event will support programming that helps girls ages 8–14 build confidence, leadership skills, and an entrepreneurial mindset.
HOW YOU CAN SUPPORT THE MOVEMENT
She Elevates relies on the support of a generous and engaged community to keep its programs free and accessible. There are many ways to get involved:
“Every confident leader started as a child with a spark — She Elevates turns those sparks into flames.”
- Attend or sponsor the 2025 She Elevates Gala on Thursday, October 9, 2025 from 5:30–8:00 PM at the Kent State Stark Conference Center
- Donate to help fund programs and scholarships for girls in your community
- Sign up to mentor or volunteer and share your experience and expertise
UPCOMING EVENT: SHE ELEVATES 2025 GALA & AWARDS
She Elevates is excited to be hosting its Annual Gala & Awards, taking place on October 9, 2025, from 5:30–8:00 PM at the Kent State Stark Conference
To learn more about the above programs and events, visit http://www.sheelevates.org . Every CEO, every changemaker, and every confident leader started as a child with a spark. At She Elevates, we're fanning those sparks into flames of ambition, courage, and purpose. Because when you invest in a girl, you're investing in a future of possibility - for her, for Canton, and for the world.
ARTICLE BY BAILEY HALL | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
BIRTHDAY PARTY DIY DOG
THROW A PAWSOME BIRTHDAY PARTY FOR YOUR FURRY FRIEND
DIY PARTY FAVORS FOR DOGS
Create delightful DIY party favors for your dog guests by filling small bags or boxes with goodies. Include a tennis ball for playtime fun and a selection of treats for them to enjoy. You can also add a small toy or chew for variety. These favors ensure that every pup goes home happy and tired from all the play and treats.
TREAT STATION FOR OWNERS
Keep the human guests happy with a creative Treat Station for Owners. Use brand new, clean dog food bowls as serving dishes for snacks like chips, pretzels, and candies. Arrange the bowls on a table with a festive tablecloth and some dog-themed decorations. Label each bowl with fun names like “Puppy Chow” for trail mix or “Doggie Biscuits” for cookies.
HOW TO MAKE A DOG BIRTHDAY CAKE
A birthday party isn’t complete without a cake, even for dogs! To make a dog-friendly birthday cake, start with ingredients like peanut butter, bananas, and carrots. Mix 1 cup of flour, 1/4 cup of rolled oats, 1 teaspoon of baking powder, and a pinch of cinnamon in one bowl. In another bowl, blend 1/4 cup of unsweetened applesauce, 1/4 cup of peanut butter, 1 mashed banana, and 1/2 cup of grated carrots. Combine the wet and dry ingredients, then pour the batter into a greased cake pan. Bake at 350°F for 25-30 minutes. Let it cool, then frost with a mixture of Greek yogurt and peanut butter. Decorate with dog treats and serve to your excited pup!
OLSEN’S JUNK REMOVAL
WHISKING UP CONFIDENCE
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD
BY JANIE JONES
PHOTOGRAPHY
There’s something truly special about inviting your child into the kitchen—not just for the cookies or cupcakes, but for the confidence, creativity, and connection that come with it. Cooking with your children isn’t just a fun way to pass the time; it’s an opportunity to build lifelong skills and memories that stick.
Sure, teaching a young child how to crack an egg or measure flour can test your patience—but hang in there. With a little trial and a fair amount of error, they’ll start to develop the fine motor skills that allow them to prep a recipe all on their own one day. The best part? They’ll gain confidence along the way, one scoop, stir, and sprinkle at a time.
Why Cooking with Kids is More Than Just Making Meals
Cooking together also taps into something a little magical—memory. The smell of cookies baking or chili simmering on the stove can instantly transport us back to childhood. That’s not just nostalgia talking—science backs it up. Our sense of smell is closely tied to autobiographical memory, especially memories formed early in life. So those sweet, savory scents? They’re more powerful than you might think.
The key is to start simple. Let your toddler play with mixing bowls, spoons, and measuring cups. These little moments of pretend play actually help build the fine motor skills needed for real kitchen tasks. Begin with small jobs—scooping flour, flattening cookie dough with a rolling pin—and gradually add more steps as your child becomes more confident.
It won’t be perfect. The flour might fly, the sugar might spill, and the measurements might be slightly off—and that’s okay. Embrace the mess, stay patient, and focus on the fun. A dash of encouragement and a sprinkle of praise go a long way in keeping your little chef engaged and excited.
Over time, you’ll see the magic unfold: a child who’s not only learning how to cook but also growing more independent, capable, and proud of what they’ve created. And who knows? Maybe one day, they’ll pass those same recipes—and memories—on to their own kids.
ANIMAL Crackers
Ingredients:
• 1 cup and 2 tablespoons white flour
• 1/4 teaspoon baking soda
• 1/2 cup oatmeal
• 4 tablespoons honey
• 1/2 teaspoon vanilla
• 4 tablespoons buttermilk
• 1/2 teaspoon almond extract
• 1/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 cup whole wheat flour
• 1/4 cup unsalted butter, room temperature
• Optional: add 1/4 teaspoon nutmeg or cinnamon
Steps:
1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
EMBRACE THE MESS, STAY PATIENT, AND FOCUS ON THE FUN.
2. Put the oatmeal in a blender or food processor and pulse for about a minute, until it’s reduced to a rough powder. Add the ground oatmeal to the whole wheat and 1/2 cup of the white flour, baking soda and salt to the bowl of an electric mixer affixed with a paddle attachment, and turn on to mix. Add butter and blend on medium speed until the butter has been incorporated and the mix looks a little like wet sand. Add the buttermilk, vanilla, honey and almond extract and blend. If the dough looks too wet to roll, add the remaining flour 1/4 cup at a time until the dough forms a ball and pulls away from the sides of the blender.
3. Turn the dough out onto a piece of plastic wrap and flatten into a disc. Cover completely and chill in the fridge for at least one hour, up to overnight.
4. When ready to bake, preheat the oven to 400 degrees and place dough on a lightly floured surface (using the remaining 2 tablespoons of flour). Roll out until 1/8 inch thick. Cut out with desired cookie cutters and bake for five to seven minutes, based on your preference. Five minutes will get you a softer cracker, while seven will get you a crisp cracker.
Enjoy!
This magazine is how Nicole redefined success.
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Canton Lifestyle
Published by Nicole Loved by Canton
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AUGUST 8TH
events
A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS
Chloe’s Classic Car Show with DJ Smooth
Chloe's Diner 112 1st Street Northeast Massillon, OH | 5:00 PM
Chloe’s Classic Car Show with DJ Smooth takes place on Friday weekly. The event runs from 5:00 PM to 8:00 PM behind Chloe’s Diner. DJ Smooth will play music throughout the evening. Attendees can view a collection of vintage cars.
AUGUST 9TH
Massillon Fun Fest
Downtown Massillon | 10:00 AM
The annual Massillon Fun Fest returns in 2025! Make your way to Downtown Massillon for a day of family friendly fun. This FREE event offers: Kids games and activities | Prices and giveaways | Live performances
AUGUST 12TH
Lifesize Board Game Cafe
Stark Library Perry Sippo Banch | 5:30 PM
Let's Connect 4 family game night. It's like a board game café…but with a Twister! Bring the family for a night of life-size, classic board games. Register today or you'll be SORRY!
AUGUST 15TH
Monster Bash at the Palace Theater
Palace Theater in Canton | 3:00 PM
Creepy Classics and the Canton Palace Theatre invite you to Monster Bash: The Ghost Film Festival, happening August 15–16, 2025, inside the famously haunted Palace Theatre! Get ready for a weekend packed with spine-tingling classics—eight iconic ghost and haunted house films shown on the big screen in this historic movie palace. Enjoy vintage horror, shop spooky vendors, and fun prizes!
AUGUST 16TH
BAR B*Q MKT at North Canton Main Street Festival
North Canton Main Street | 10:00 AM
The beloved Sweet + Spicy event is back for its 5th year on August 16, 2025! Join us at the heart of North Canton’s Main Street Festival for a flavorful celebration featuring BBQ-inspired bites, local foodie vendors, craft brews, food trucks, a live DJ, and more. It’s the ultimate summer gathering for outdoor enthusiasts and barbecue lovers alike!
AUGUST 23RD
Great Trail Arts & Crafts Festival
Great Trail Festival Fairgrounds 6331 Canton Rd NW Malvern, OH | 10:00 AM
The Great Trail Festival is a vibrant annual event that honors American folk traditions, blending contemporary and country-style craftsmanship. Guests are invited to explore and enjoy this one-of-a-kind celebration of creativity.. At the heart of the festival are skilled artisans showcasing unique, high-quality work that reflects their passion and talent. Held Aug. 23, 24, 30 & 31 and Sept. 1st.
AUGUST 2025 Want to be featured?
CENTRAL CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL
Serving families since 1905
The Central Catholic Difference
A school built on FAITH
More than a school, a FAMILY
Small classes create PERSONAL CONNECTIONS
Emphasis on service encourages ENGAGED CITIZENS
Outstanding student organizations instill LEADERSHIP
Academic excellence fosters 100% GRADUATION RATES
$3 Million in Scholarships & Tuition Assistance
Awarded to families each year to attend CCHS.
We work with families to craft an affordable tuition package.
100% of Crusader Families are Eligible
Every family can receive a scholarship, discount , or grant. All families are eligible for an EdChoice Scholarship. SCHEDULE A
