This fully renovated building features updated appliances, HVAC, electrical, and plumbing, all approximately 4 years old. Enjoy a comfortable outdoor seating area for staff, plus a scenic walking path through the surrounding woods. Inside, the warehouse floors are finished with nature stone, and the office area boasts polished concrete floors. The space includes six private office rooms with glass doors and a large open area for 12 staff members in cubicles, highlighted by stunning ceiling lights that create the illusion of an outdoor sky. Don’t miss out on this modern, well-maintained property.
4880 Hills & Dales Rd NW Jackson Township - $1,045,000
MLS #5106144
Celebrating the Ladies
I don’t know about you, but I love any opportunity to recognize the women in my life who make it richer and more beautiful. As the publisher of this magazine, I’m lucky to cross paths with so many inspiring women—sisters in spirit who shape our community with their energy and vision.
With Mother’s Day this month, all eyes are on moms and rightfully so. But it’s not just biological mothers; it’s the mother figures- family, teachers, friends, neighbors who leave a lasting mark. In this issue, we’re celebrating women doing awesome things right here in Canton, pouring into our lives and making themselves unforgettable. Take Maureen Ater, the powerhouse leading Arts In Stark, whose creative drive inspires both her community and the next generation. Then there’s Dyanne Williams, a mosaic artist crafting vibrant beauty—like a kitchen wall that channels Spain’s Gaudí—right from her Canton studio. And don’t miss the Eras Exhibit at the National First Ladies Library & Museum, launching May 6—a stunning look at 250 years of First Ladies’ grit and grace.
These women are movers and shakers, builders and makers—seen and unseen. Their quiet service blesses those around them. Flip through these pages, and you’ll meet some of the best women whose stories remind us why this issue matters.
I hope you’ll take a minute to send a text, make a call, or connect with the women in your life who deserve a shoutout. It’s a small gesture that can brighten their day and remind them they’re valued. Thanks for joining me in celebrating the women who make Canton—and beyond—truly special.
Thanks,
NICOLE CERTO, PUBLISHER
May 2025
PUBLISHER
Nicole Certo | nicole.certo@citylifestyle.com
EDITORIAL COORDINATOR
Sarah Finke | sarah.finke@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITER
Agnes Vale
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
Learn how to start your own publication at citylifestyle.com/franchise.
inside the issue
Raising
Dyanne Williams’ Masterful Mosaics
1-7: Attendees of the Wind Chime Ball held in February to support the Josette Beddell Memorial Foundation. Founded in 2010, the foundation is dedicated to improving the lives of families in Northeast Ohio affected by cancer, recognizing that breast cancer impacts not just the patient, but the entire family—physically, emotionally, and financially. Please visit josettememorial.org
Photography by Meghan Meeker
8-14: Supporters of ArtsinStark kick off $1.4 Million Campaign for the Arts with energy and enthusiasm. 8: Dan Griffiths, Commissioner Regula, Brent and Stefanie Fatzinger 9: Lindsey Zimmerman, Leah Michalos, Chris Lewis 10: ArtsinStark Board members Eric Belden, Jason Haupt and Max Deuble 11: Annie Yoder with ArtsInStark board members Jo and Mike Wheeler 12: President & CEO of ArtsInStark Maureen Ater 13: Executive Director of MassMu Alex Coon 14: 2025 Campaign Chair Joe Schauer
Photography by Heather Lancaster
RAISING ART AND A FAMILY IN STARK COUNTY
Maureen Ater
ARTICLE BY NICOLE CERTO | PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
““The arts give us loud, messy, magical moments— memories that stick.”
Maureen Ater’s life is a vibrant blend of paintbrushes, piano chords, and three daughters who keep her on her toes. As President and CEO of Arts In Stark, she’s shaping Stark County’s creative future, but talk to her for five minutes, and it’s clear: her family—Audrey (15), Grace (13), and Evelyn (9)—is the heartbeat behind it all. “I still pinch myself that I get to be their mom,” she says, her voice catching just a little. “They’re my why.”
Growing up in Stark County, art was her first language. “My parents were artists—mom with her watercolors, both of them throwing pottery,” she recalls, grinning. “Creativity was breakfast, lunch, and dinner.” Museum trips, origami classes at the Massillon Museum (“I can still fold a crane!”), piano at five—it all stuck. That spark carried her through a winding career in marketing and nonprofits, landing her at ArtsInStark. “It’s full-circle,” she says. “Not just a job—it’s who I’ve always been.”
A FAMILY PAINTED IN COLOR
Home is where Maureen’s real masterpiece lives. Her girls are as artsy as she is, each in their own way. “Audrey’s our theater kid, Grace is always sketching, and Evelyn? She’s banging out tunes,” she says, pride dripping from every word. They’re her crew, always up for a play or a concert. “Want to hit the arts? They’re like, ‘YES!’” she laughs. It’s a shared love that ties them together, even when life gets chaotic.
And chaotic it gets. “Balance? Total myth,” she admits, shaking her head. Leading ArtsInStark
means juggling a million things—donors, murals, the iconic Cultural Center—but her kids know she’s all in for them. “No matter how wild it gets, they’re my top priority.” It wasn’t always a given she’d be a mom. “I wasn’t sure I wanted this,” she confesses. “We waited, and when it happened, it was hard— work, volunteering, little ones. But worth it? Oh, yeah.”
One story sums it up: a bucket-list trip to Broadway for The Music Man . “We’re front row, and Hugh Jackman winks at Evelyn,” she says, still tickled. “She’s convinced they’re besties now.” Those moments—loud, messy, magical—are what she lives for. “The arts give us that,” she adds. “Memories that stick.”
ART WITH A PURPOSE
That family energy spills into her work. At ArtsInStark, Maureen’s pushing to make art everyone’s—especially kids’. “Programs like SmARTS get creativity into classrooms,” she explains. “It’s not just fun, it’s how they grow.” She sees it at home, too. Her daughters finding their voices through theater, pencils, and melodies. “I want that for every kid here,” she says.
She’s also big on art’s bigger impact. “It’s not just pretty, it’s jobs, visitors, life downtown,” she says, Mural Fest Canton is her baby: a collab with the City of Canton and others that turned walls into stories. “The artists blew me away,” she says. “Now I see people stopping, snapping pics. That’s community pride right there.”
THE JUGGLE IS REAL
Keeping ArtsInStark humming isn’t easy.
“Money’s the beast,” she sighs. “We’re stewards of this 50-year-old legacy—the Cultural Center, its nine-acre campus and it takes cash.” She’s chasing donors, proving art’s worth, all while raising her girls. Success isn’t just funds, though. “It’s my team thriving, the board buzzing, Stark County feeling alive,” she says. “And coming home to my kids still liking me,” she adds with a smirk.
ROOTS AND RECHARGE
Maureen’s family isn’t just her daughters, it’s the tight circle of grandparents and friends they cherish. “We’re small, so we’re intentional,” she says. Downtime means flea market hunts, “I’m a vintage nut”—or curling up with a podcast. Her girls get it from her: volunteering’s a given. “We don’t just talk about giving back, it’s us,” she says, echoing the community love she learned from Stark County itself.
Her mentor, Maria Heege from United Way, shaped her, too. “My SHE-ro,” she calls her. “She saw something in me I didn’t.” Now,
Maureen’s paying it forward, telling seasoned pros: “Lift up the young ones. It matters.”
SLOW STEPS, BIG DREAMS
“Walk slowly, but not backward,” Maureen says with quiet conviction. More than a personal motto, it’s a guiding principle shaping her life and work. It speaks to patience, persistence, and steady progress. “We’re moving forward—together,” she adds. And when you see her—gently guiding her daughters or passionately spearheading mural fest—you believe her without hesitation.
In Maureen’s world, art isn’t confined to a frame or single performance. It moves through neighborhoods, schools, and public spaces—inviting participation, sparking dialogue, and planting change. For her, art is a powerful tool to bridge generations, heal wounds, and uplift communities in lasting ways. Most of all, it’s meant to be shared— generously and joyfully—with the people who matter most: her family, friends, and the broader community she calls home. One brushstroke at a time, Maureen isn’t just supporting the arts—she’s creating belonging.
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.
FROM MARTHA TO MELANIA
Picture this: Martha Washington stitching a nation together with grace, Dolley Madison saving art from a burning White House, and Eleanor Roosevelt redefining what it means to lead—all under one roof. Starting May 6, 2025, the National First Ladies Library & Museum in Canton, Ohio, is rolling out The Eras Exhibit: 250 Years of First Ladies’ Progress and Power, a dazzling tribute to the women who’ve shaped America alongside their presidential husbands.
THE ERAS EXHIBIT UNVEILS 250 YEARS OF FIRST LADY POWER
ARTICLE BY AGNES VALE PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Running through May 2027, this isn’t your dusty history lesson—it’s a front-row seat to 250 years of grit, glamour, and groundbreaking leadership.
“For 250 years, First Ladies have been powerful voices for change, resilience, and leadership,” says Patty Dowd Schmitz, President and CEO of the museum. “This exhibit tells their story in a way that has never been done before—through the lens of their enduring impact on American history.” And trust us, it’s a story worth hearing. From the Revolutionary War to the social media
age, these women have been far more than sidelined figures—they’ve excelled as diplomats, advocates, and cultural icons.
Step into the exhibit, and you’re walking through time. You’ll meet Martha Washington, who established the First Lady role with poise and a talent for nation-building. Then there’s Dolley Madison, the War of 1812 MVP who charmed D.C. and saved treasures from a torched White House. Fast-forward to Mary Todd Lincoln, holding it together through Civil War chaos, and Edith Wilson,
“THESE WOMEN REDEFINED LEADERSHIP AND SHAPED A NATION.”
who essentially led when her husband’s health declined during World War I.
“Visitors will walk through history, experiencing firsthand how First Ladies have shaped America through diplomacy, advocacy, and cultural influence,” Schmitz promises. “The Eras Exhibit is a celebration of their vision and strength.”
The journey continues with Eleanor Roosevelt, a 1930s firebrand who amplified human rights, and Jacqueline Kennedy, who transformed the White House into a cultural beacon in the ’60s.
Hillary Clinton shaped policy debates in
the ’90s with her expertise, while Melania Trump redefined the role through her poised independence and unique impact.
“First Ladies have long been at the forefront of shaping our nation’s history,” Schmitz says. “This exhibit not only honors their achievements but also redefines how we view leadership, influence, and progress in America.”
Tucked in downtown Canton, the museum—housed at the First Ladies National Historic Site—is the only place on Earth dedicated solely to these women.
“The National First Ladies Library &
Museum is the only institution in the world solely dedicated to preserving and sharing the stories of America’s First Ladies,” Schmitz explains. “Through education, exhibits, and research, we bring their incredible legacies to life, ensuring their impact on history is never forgotten.” Think artifacts, multimedia magic, and tales that’ll make you rethink the “supporting role” stereotype.
Plan a day trip—tours of the SaxtonMcKinley House (Ida’s Victorian stunner) run at 10 a.m., 12 p.m., and 2 p.m., with exhibit browsing and gift shop stops rounding out two to three hours. Tickets are $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, $5 for kids under 18, and free for tots under 2.
“This exhibit is more than a tribute—it’s a call to recognize and celebrate the many ways First Ladies have defined leadership, championed causes, and shaped the nation’s story for 250 years,” Schmitz says. “As we look toward America’s future, The Eras Exhibit reminds us that the power of leadership knows no bounds.” So, grab your crew and head to FirstLadies.org— because these ladies deserve a spotlight, and you deserve the show.
Thank You for Being Part of Our Story
To
roofsmith restoration
Crafting More Than Roofs in Northeast Ohio
In the summer of 2009, Northeast Ohio was aching. The recession had gutted home construction, leaving skilled tradesmen—guys who could frame a house or shingle a roof blindfolded—high and dry. Mike Farist didn’t just watch it unfold. He started Roofsmith Restoration with a gut feeling: homeowners needed solid roofs, and craftsmen needed a way back in. It kicked off with an Amish crew pounding down the first shingles, and from there, it’s grown into something real—a company that’s as much about people as it is about pitches and peaks.
Roofsmith doesn’t do half-measures. They’re the type to stick it out, whether that’s slugging it out with insurance companies for a frazzled homeowner or locking in that last nail before the sky opens up. One story stands out: Nick, a Roofsmith pro, fought an insurance tangle for months. When it cleared, the crew built a roof that wasn’t just solid, it was a reset. “It’s not just about the house,” the homeowner said. “It’s peace of mind.”
ARTICLE BY AGNES VALE
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
That’s the pulse of Roofsmith’s work. A roof’s not just wood and tar, it’s your shield. Same goes for their window jobs: another client couldn’t stop talking about how the crew swapped out their drafty old panes for sleek, tight replacements that cut the chill and brightened the place up. “They showed up, cleaned up, and left us with something better than we’d hoped,” they said. It’s not loud or showy, it’s real, and that hits different in a quick-fix world.
Inside, Roofsmith feels less like a corporation, more like a crew that’s got your back. The folks swinging hammers, fitting windows, or running numbers aren’t just there for a paycheck—they treat your sagging gutters or foggy glass like it’s their own problem. “We hire people who care,” a long-timer told me, and you sense it. That’s why they’ve stretched beyond roofs into siding, gutters, insulation, and windows that don’t just look good but save you cash on heat while framing the view right.
They skip the hype. Their website’s no-nonsense: no pushy pitch, just a vow to keep it simple and strong. It’s landed them an A+ with the Better Business Bureau—not a badge they wave around, but a quiet sign they mean business. They use top-notch stuff, Owens Corning shingles, seamless gutters, energy-smart windows, and a team that sweats the small stuff, whether it’s a little ranch house or a big commercial sprawl.
Roofsmith’s roots run deep in Northeast Ohio dirt. Back in ’09, it was about giving tradesmen a lifeline, and that’s still the deal. They’re the neighbor you buzz when a storm tears tiles loose or your windows whistle in the wind, not some distant call center.
Social media catches them in the thick of it: muddy boots, ladders up against a gray sky, a roof or window job done right. It’s not about flexing, it’s about showing up.
Looking forward, Roofsmith isn’t gunning to be the flashiest, just the best at what they do. Every roof they patch or replace, every window they fit, every siding strip they nail down rebuilds a bit of trust, proof that craftsmanship hasn’t faded out. In a corner of Ohio that’s weathered its share of storms, they’re not just shoring up houses, they’re piecing back pride, one home at a time. And that’s a story worth telling.
ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD | PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES
From Stem To Vase:
TRANSFORMING FLORALS INTO ART
Flowers have a rich history of symbolic meanings. As far back as the 19th century, they were used to convey secret messages. Stories throughout history recount how flowers were used to send hidden messages between people. French publishers began producing flower dictionaries that cataloged the many floral codes that had been gathered over time. Some of these meanings were linked to the flower’s root name, often derived from mythology, while others were drawn from the flowers themselves. The colors, medicinal properties, and even the
Florals and Fruit
Add a burst of color and texture to your floral arrangement by layering fruit around the edges of your vase. To achieve this, place a smaller vase inside a larger one, ensuring the flowers stay contained in the inner vase. Fill the surrounding space with water, then arrange sliced fruit along the vase’s outer sides. For a fresh touch, add ice cubes to keep the fruit looking vibrant longer and to hold them in place. Not only will the flowers’ fragrance fill the air, but the citrus notes from the fruit will add a refreshing scent.
superstitions associated with these flowers all contributed to the creation of this secret language.
In addition to their symbolic significance, flowers bring natural beauty to any interior, enhancing spaces with their color, texture, and mood-boosting qualities. Floral arrangements not only create a cozy atmosphere but also infuse a room with personality, elevating the overall ambiance. There are multiple ways to creatively integrate florals into your home, and whether using fresh or artificial flowers, creative displays can make quite the statement piece.
Hanging Florals
For a dramatic effect, try creating a hanging floral display. Floral cones are available for this style, or you can craft your own for a more personalized, organic look. The contrast between long-stemmed white flowers and a dark wall creates a striking visual impact.
No matter how you choose to display them, flowers are a wonderful addition to any room. They boost mood, improve air quality, spark creativity, and bring a decorative charm to any space.
Flower Frogs
Using a frog to display flowers creates a minimalist yet elegant look that highlights the individuality of each bloom. It helps the stems stay in place. To set it up, place the frog on your chosen display base, whether it’s a vase, bowl, platter, or any container you prefer. Then, simply insert the flower stems by gently pressing them into the prongs. Tip: Flowers with sturdy stems and a lighter top work best in a frog, as delicate blooms tend to lose their shape more quickly.
LUXURY CLOSE TO HOME
ARTICLE BY AGNES CHASE
PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED A GETAWAY TO THE GRAND RESORT
If you’re craving a treat—or want to spoil someone special—The Grand Resort in Warren, Ohio, is calling. Just an hour from Canton, this Northeast gem offers indulgence without the journey. My husband and I recently spent a weekend there, proving luxury is only a short drive away.
We arrived Friday to our Deluxe King Room—a haven of crisp linens, a stocked wine fridge, and spa-scented toiletries that hinted at relaxation. The view of the resort’s grounds felt like a quiet escape. “This is our time,” my husband said, and I agreed, already unwinding.
The Grand Resort knows how to pamper anyone seeking a luxurious retreat. We booked a couples massage at the Grand Spa—50 minutes of bliss that melted stress away. The spa offers facials, mani-pedis, and more; I added a hydrating facial and left glowing. The Roman Bath, a 90-degree outdoor pool open year-round, was a highlight—its warm waters a steamy embrace we didn’t want to leave.
Dining stood out, too. The Wine Cellar and Lounge offered 24 wines on tap; we sipped Cabernet by the fireplace, paired with truffle fries thanks to the staff’s spot-on tips. The Chophouse served a melt-in-your-mouth filet mignon with warm service, while breakfast at The Atrium—croissants and coffee—felt like a slow, perfect start.
The resort’s year-round charm shines. The indoor pool was a cozy dip, and while golf courses tempt in summer, we opted for a yoga class in the fitness center. Tennis, pickleball, and a rec center add variety, but we loved strolling the grounds, picturing them in every season.
“The Grand Resort pampers with luxury just an hour away.”
—AGNES CHASE
Back in Canton, just 50 miles away, we felt refreshed. The Grand Resort is close enough for a whim, yet feels worlds apart. Book at thegrandresort.com for a massage, a wine night, or a Roman Bath soak—treat him, her, or yourself to luxury that’s restorative and right nearby. The best escapes don’t need a map, just a quick drive to feel grand any time of year.
ART IN PIECES
Dyanne Williams’ Masterful Mosaics
ARTICLE BY NICOLE CERTO PHOTOGRAPHY PROVIDED
Dyanne Williams’ Canton home is an artist’s haven, flooded with light and framed by stunning original woodwork. I visited her there, stepping into a space alive with her mosaics and others’ art—a world so perfectly hers. As an art lover myself, I felt right at home. Her Frenchie, Mango, greeted me with a wag, as warm as she was.
She’d just completed a public art piece for ArtsWA in Washington, installed in early April. I saw it up close. It was stunning, bold, a triumph. When I asked about her favorite projects, she lit up. One standout: a fireplace mosaic for the Newmans. “The desert glass is iridescent, abstract—subtle yet beautiful. It’s simple but intricate,” she said. Even dearer to her is the Zimmermans’ kitchen wall, inspired by their Spain trip. “They craved bright colors, not neutrals, and that was a thrill,” she explained.
Lindsay Zimmerman, who collaborated with Dyanne on that kitchen backsplash, raves about the experience. “Dyanne Williams truly brought our vision to life in a more vibrant and beautiful way than we ever imagined,” she says. After returning
from a summer in Spain, inspired by Gaudí’s masterful, colorful art nouveau and modernism, the Zimmermans craved a bold, artistic tile backsplash for their new all-white kitchen. “We went on a tile search and found nothing we felt bold or artistic enough,” Lindsay recalls. A friend suggested Dyanne, whose nationwide mosaics they’d admired. “We met with Dyanne, and she immediately captured our vision! We selected colors together, and she sent over a sketch. She created the masterpiece in her studio over many months, then installed it in sections. Her extreme attention to detail—every piece of glass—is truly unbelievable. She’s one of the most talented artists I’ve ever worked with!” Lindsay adds, “Every time we look at that mosaic, it brings us joy. What a gift to have such talent locally!”
Opposite Left Top: Zimmerman's Kitchen Backsplash
Opposite Left Bottom: Copper-II
Opposite Right Bottom: Copper-I
Above: The Newman's Fireplace
Dyanne’s also a teaching artist with ArtsinStark’s SmArts, guiding preschoolers. “They’re little sponges,” she laughed. “Watching them grow over 25 weeks is magic.” She uses mosaics to spark joy, sneaking in math and geometry as they piece together shapes—25 sessions of chaos turning into focus. “It’s about making learning click,” she said, her problem-solving passion shining through. Through camps and workshops, she’s helped shape Canton’s next generation of artists with her hands-on style.
Her art spans homes and businesses—kitchen backsplashes, garden walls, corporate pieces. She thrives on collaboration, turning clients’ stories into glass and tile, from vivid hues to soft abstracts. Available for commissions, she crafts each work from her home studio, a private space where inspiration flows. Her pieces blend texture and light, echoing nature’s cracked geodes or rippling water, offering beauty that lasts. “It’s unbelievable to have local artists who bring our artistic dreams to life,” Lindsay says, a sentiment Dyanne’s work inspires time and again.
Explore her world and commission your own at dyannewilliamsmosaics. com. Dyanne Williams turns visions into mosaics with Canton heart.
Top : Grammar of Ornament
Right: Jade Mosaic Bottom: Cycles
Whether you ’ re looking to immerse yourself in a rich culture, hop on a tour, enjoy a little comfort food or find your bliss away from the everyday, you’ll find what you are looking for here in Ohio Amish Country.
Living Life Simply, Holmes County & Beyond.
VisitAmishCountry.com | 330-674-3975
For
Relax. Rejuvenate. Reimagine the best version of you.
