Medina County, OH September 2023

September in Style

Do you smell that? Fall is in the air, and so too are those cozy autumn styles, from chic vests to leather boots. As such, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style.

Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations — style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.

Style is deeply personal, and it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.

As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in Medina County to uplift our spirits, boost your productivity and ignite your creativity.

What I’ve found, is that the best style is an authentic expression of who you really are. And that’s something no one on earth can duplicate.

Until next month,

EMILY SHEA, EDITOR @MEDINACOUNTYLIFESTYLE

September 2023

PUBLISHER

Joe Violi | joe.violi@citylifestyle.com

EDITOR

Emily Shea | emily.shea@citylifestyle.com

PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Martha Doyle | martha.doyle@citylifestyle.com

CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Erin Baka and Emily Shea

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

A.J. Kraig Landscape and Design, Medina County Senior and Adult Foundation, Chippewa Stone

Corporate Team

CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry

VICE PRESIDENT OF SALES Tiffany Slowinski

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson

DIRECTOR OF FIRST IMPRESSIONS Jennifer Robinson

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR Josh Klein

CONTROLLER Gary Johnson

AD DESIGNER Mary Albers

LAYOUT DESIGNER Kathy Nguyen

Dancing with the Medina Stars

MARK YOUR CALENDAR FOR THIS SPECTACULAR FALL FUNDRAISER

ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEDINA COUNTY SENIOR AND ADULT FOUNDATION

Join the Medina County Senior and Adult Foundation at Weymouth Country Club on November 3 for Dancing with the Medina Stars. This year's spectacular event will feature performances by six local couples as well as dances from two women's dance teams. Additionally, this year's event will be emceed by last year's winners, Rebecca and Joe Byrne.

Why go? Aside from watching some stellar local movers and shakers hit the dance floor, MCSAF is raising money for the Medina County Office for Older Adults and all proceeds from the event will go towards funding its life-changing programs.

MCOOA is Medina county’s provider of services to those ages 60 and over as well as adults ages 18 and over living with a disability. MCOOA operates a center in

Dancing with the Medina Stars 2022

Medina and provides senior coordination services in Brunswick and Wadsworth. Additionally, nutrition and transportation services described in Title III of the Older Americans Act are funded through the office as well as the Western Reserve Area Agency on Aging.

Tickets to attend the event are $75 and additional funds are raised by placing $10 votes per team or couple on the night of the event, or early voting will begin online in October. The team or couple with the most votes is then awarded the Peoples' Choice Award. Additionally, one team or couple will be awarded the Mirror Ball Trophy from the judges for best overall performance.

Here's a look at this year's couples and teams, plus a little bit about them:

• Terry and Debbie Blascak: Terry is a Mortgage Loan Officer at Huntington Bank and Debbie is the secretary in the Medina City Schools communications department.

• Ashley and Fred Krause: This pair is two high school sweethearts who crossed paths on an ice skating rink 15 years ago and have been together ever since. Ashley is the executive director at The Children’s Center of Medina County and Fred is the business developer at Turfscape.

• Kyle Nathnagel and Hannah Ashley: Kyle and Ashley were both born and raised in Northeast Ohio. The pair owns a coffee shop together called Human Bean in Brunswick.

Dancing with the Medina Stars 2022

• Al and Maia Matyas: This is the competition's sole father-daughter pair. Al is the vice president of ambulatory operations and business development at Southwest General and Maia is a family medicine physicians assistant at Southwest General.

• Roseanna and Dave Markiewicz:  Roseanna and Dave have lived in Spencer for over 19 years. Dave is a cement mason and Roseanna is a nurse.

• Lauren Lynne and Colton Kemp: Lauren works at Community Fund Ohio and Colton works as an electrical engineer for Stanley Black & Decker.

• Salsa Chicks Dance Team (Sara Golias, Margarita Basch, and Catherine Wahl): These four ladies come from varying different backgrounds, but are united by dance. The team is excited for the opportunity to compete in Dancing with the Medina Stars.

• Team Dirty Feet (Kimberly Corrigan, Christie Green, Brandy Hughes and Sasha Vilimonovic): These Northeast Ohio ladies also come from varying backgrounds and are excited to hit the dance floor for a good cause.

Learn more about the event, how you can support or how to purchase tickets by visiting MCOOA.org

LEARN MORE

ARTICLE BY ERIN BAKA

Style Reigns Supreme

BUILD YOUR DREAM OUTDOOR SPACE WITH A.J. KRAIG LANDSCAPE AND DESIGN

This fall is the time to rethink your backyard space with the help of A.J. Kraig Landscape and Design. Owner Andrew Kraig’s enterprising spirit and dedication to creating custom, high-end boutique projects promise to revolutionize your landscaping and outdoor installation experiences.

Andrew's passion for designing and constructing outdoor spaces blossomed during his formative years, working under the mentorship of Joe Rosa, an esteemed figure in the field. Fueled by this invaluable experience, Andrew pursued his

dream wholeheartedly, supported by his father, who provided the initial investment for his first professional lawn mower. In 2008, Andrew founded his company, driven by his skills and expertise, offering personalized and top-quality landscaping and outdoor installation services that are sure to surpass your expectations.

Andrew understands that each client is unique, with distinct needs and desires when it comes to their outdoor spaces. As such, he approaches every project with a personalized touch, acknowledging that one size does not fit all. For Andrew, the creation and design process is where the magic happens — the part he cherishes the most. It's during this phase that his true passion for designing outdoor spaces comes to life, as he meticulously crafts tailored solutions that resonate with each client's vision.

Since A.J. Kraig is known for boutique outdoor installations that are unique and stylish, Andrew expresses that it’s important not to be afraid of a little color. You would be surprised of the impact that even something small can add.

Andrew says, "Style and function are more of a feeling than a formula when it comes to designing outdoor spaces."

He further explains that while there are design principles and guidelines, the true magic lies in creating an environment that evokes emotions and resonates with the inhabitants. It's about finding the perfect balance between aesthetics and practicality, crafting a space that not only looks visually appealing but also serves the unique needs and desires of those who experience it.

Andrew knows that stylish and luxury go hand-in-hand. The luxury part is what boutique really means when it comes to outdoor spaces. And when you reinvest in your outdoor area, it’s important that it’s done right and with the correct scale and proportion.

When creating outdoor spaces, scale and proportion are crucial elements to ensure harmony with the neighborhood. Properly considering the scale of structures, landscaping and amenities relative to the surrounding properties creates a balanced and cohesive environment, preventing any element from overwhelming or underwhelming the overall landscape. Outdoor spaces featuring elaborate fire pits, a gourmet grill and cooking areas offer the perfect fusion of comfort and entertainment, providing a warm and inviting ambiance for gatherings and relaxation.

In the pursuit of the ultimate boutique outdoor space, style reigns supreme. A fusion of artistic expression and personalized touches, A.J. Kraig’s curated outdoor experience encapsulates the essence of the homeowner's unique taste and lifestyle. From custom inlays and pavers that leave an indelible mark to seamlessly blending scale and proportion to harmonize with the neighborhood, every detail is thoughtfully curated to create a breathtaking oasis.

Plus, A.J. Kraig specializes in custom large format pavers, natural stone such as bluestone, honed sandstone and limestone, as they represent the epitome of personalized luxury and artistic expression in outdoor design. These exquisite features elevate ordinary hardscapes into stunning works of art, transforming outdoor spaces into mesmerizing landscapes that leave a lasting impression.

Learn more about Andrew and his crew by following them on Facebook at Facebook.com/AJKraigLandscaping . Also, visit AJKraigLandscapes.com for more information about their landscaping and hardscaping services.

ARTICLE BY ERIN BAKA

Fall Trends with Bella Sorrellas

Get The Look of the Season With This Local Salon

Nestled in the heart of the Victoria Arcade, Bella Sorrellas Salon and Spa is a boutique beauty destination that captivates clients with its historical charm and enchanting ambiance. This salon is owned by Maria Iannetta-Pokersnik and has been a beloved part of the community for over a decade.

Inspired by their Italian heritage, Maria and her sister Carla, embarked on this entrepreneurial journey, establishing a salon that perfectly embodies their identity as “beautiful sisters" — also the name of the salon in Italian. With 16 years in business and 10 years of success in the arcade, Bella Sorrellas continues to provide a "high-end in a small town" experience, leaving clients feeling pampered and embraced by the warmth of genuine Italian hospitality.

As the leaves change colors and the air turns crisp, consider booking an appointment with the salon to refresh your look and embrace the latest fall hair trends and makeup. This season brings a delightful array of styles and colors that beautifully complement the autumnal atmosphere.

The Bella Sorrellas team knows that true beauty stems from within, radiating through a person's character, kindness and confidence. But when it comes to overall appearance, fashion, hair and makeup play an integral role. This fall, trends are all about embracing denim on denim outfits, sporting casual yet chic blunt haircuts with subtle copper highlights and adorning a makeup look inspired by a layered sunset; all of which can be beautifully executed at Bella Sorrellas.

EQUIPPED WITH LEXUS SAFETY SYSTEM+ 3.0

Lexus Safety System+ 3.0 features a pre-collision system that is designed to help alert you to oncoming cross traffic at an intersection, and technology that can intuitively slow the vehicle when it detects a pedestrian in its path. This suite of class-leading standard active safety equipment is the most comprehensive safety system included in a Lexus.

Maria loves the new hair trend the “Hailey Bieber.” The trendy haircut is inspired by the renowned model herself, and is characterized by its clean lines and textured layers, creating a modern and edgy vibe. To add an extra touch of allure, copper highlights are seamlessly incorporated, adding dimension and warmth to the overall style.

Bella Sorrellas makeup line, created by Maria, offers an array of products that perfectly complement the fall trend. Among the standout products is Luciadlabbra, an exquisite lip gloss that adds a touch of Italian elegance to any look. With its rich formula and stunning range of shades, Luciadlabbra provides a lustrous and glossy finish, enhancing the natural beauty of the lips. For those seeking a fuller pout, Maria's Labbra Carnose lip plumper is a must-try. This innovative formula gently plumps and enhances the lips, giving them a voluptuous and irresistibly kissable appearance. With Bella Sorrellas makeup line, Maria has created the ideal combination of luxury, style and functionality to elevate anyone's fall beauty routine.

Follow Maria and Bella Sorrellas on Instagram at @bellasorrellas_ for a daily dose of makeup artistry, insider tips and the latest trends that Maria's makeup line has to offer. Plus, schedule an appointment by calling 216.780.3120. Booth space is also currently available. Call for more information.

Chippewa Stone is Moving After 16 Years

ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHIPPEWA STONE

Fear not, the family-owned & operated granite company is keeping its current address of 4930 Chippewa Rd. and expanding into the newly renovated space in the same building.

"We have been working on this move over the last few years," say Chippewa Stone owners Oskar and Courtney Gruber. "We acquired additional warehouse and office space allowing us to have the showroom and main office entrance in front of our building. Now, we have more room to add a greater variety of inventory."

What sparked the change, you ask? As mentioned, Oskar and Courtney wanted to showcase a larger

selection of stones. The newly renovated area fosters the ability to display the increased inventory. Along with the extra room, homeowners can also view different applications of the various stones, view updated displays and consider fresh ideas when they start shopping.

This expansion comes 19 years after Oskar and Courtney first opened their home remodeling business. In 2008, the duo decided to move into the exclusive direction of granite design, fabrication and installation. As the business grew, so did the demand for stones like quartzite, marble, soapstone and engineered quartz.

For our readers that are not familiar with Chippewa Stone's design, fabrication and installation services, they cover every step of the selection process when you are getting new kitchen or bathroom countertops. The warehouse inventory includes an extensive selection of stones, from natural to engineered varieties. It is also worth noting that Chippewa Stone acquires its granite, other natural stones, and engineered quartz from local distributors who source the materials from all over the world, with Brazil and India being the top suppliers.

In addition to its impeccable product offerings, Chippewa Stone stands apart from its competitors through its highly personalized service. Courtney says, "We know many of our customers on a first name basis. It is a rewarding feeling to see a member of our team turn an overwhelmed and unsure visitor into a relaxed, informed and confident customer. They are not only confident that they found the perfect stone for their project, but also had a great experience."She continues: "Our staff will get to know [our customers'] likes and dislikes, and filter selections that may not apply to their color scheme rather than just rushing through everything. They listen to customers' concerns, and some

have even made friends along the way. All of our staff members truly appreciate our customer base and enjoy what they do."

But you don't have to take it from us, or even Courtney. Here are two testimonials from happy clients:

"I can’t say enough good things about our experience. The measure and install were completed very quickly. Everyone from the sales staff to the install guy, John, are professional and knowledgeable. The workmanship is top- notch! We will be going to Chippewa Stone for all of our other projects!" - John L.

"Absolutely love my granite! The [employees] were friendly and very helpful. They helped me pick out the perfect granite for my kitchen and it is beautiful. The installers were very professional and did a beautiful job, the one seam is undetectable. I am very happy with my experience with Chippewa Stone. I would highly recommend Chippewa Stone to anyone that is looking for granite or solid surface products. They are the best!" - Diane G.

If you are interested in learning more about Chippewa Stone, visit MyChippewaStone.com . Also, be sure to check out the showroom at 4930 Chippewa Rd. to view the impressive selection of granite, engineered quartz and other natural stones.

“Our staff will get to know [our customers’] likes and dislikes, and filter selections that may not apply to their color scheme rather than just rushing through everything. They listen to customers’ concerns, and some have even made friends along the way. All of our staff members truly appreciate our customer base and enjoy what they do.”

THE little BLACK DRESS

ARTICLE BY ANGELA BROOCKERD PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES STYLIST: AMANI SKALACKI

Most of us can say we have that one staple black dress that can be worn at any occasion, and the classic look is not only popular but is elegant and timeless. It is the dress in our closet that can be accessorized to fit the event and often is the dress we go back to time and again. It is one of the most versatile items we own, never goes out of style and looks good on anyone. But how did this classic look originate?

Prior to the 1920’s, black was reserved for funeral wear, but when Coco Channel made the bold move to print a short, black dress on the cover of Vogue in 1926, all of that changed. The popularity of the black dress skyrocketed, and it became one of the most influential pieces of clothing. Chanel transported fashion from tight corsets and bustles to straightlined silhouettes. Because of its affordability, black remained a popular choice during The Great Depression. The black dress had another boom in popularity when “Breakfast at Tiffany’s’’ debuted, and Audrey Hepburn showcased her iconic black dress with long, black gloves. Today, people accessorize the black dress to fit any occasion.

We enlisted the help of stylist, Amani Skalacki, to show us how versatile the little black dress can be.

THE POPULARITY OF THE BLACK DRESS SKYROCKETED and IT BECAME ONE

OF THE MOST influential PIECES OF CLOTHING.

COCO CHANNEL MADE THE BOLD MOVE TO PRINT A SHORT, BLACK DRESS ON THE COVER OF VOGUE IN 1926

“We usually think of the little black dress as a piece you wear to an event. However, because black is so flattering on all body types and skin tones, women have multiple black dresses from casual to evening,” Amani says. “I selected this collection of dresses to show the versatility of the black dress and to give women some new ideas of how to wear the evening gown with a train on a night out with her girlfriends or the traditional summer strappy maxi dress while running errands in cooler temperatures.”

Although black is a timeless, classic look, that doesn’t mean it goes without personality. You can make it your own style by accessorizing to infuse new life into a dress that you already own.

“A sequin dress can be dressed up with heels, or that same dress can be transformed into a casual outfit with the addition of tennis shoes and an oversized blazer or a denim jacket. Transform that strappy dress you have been wearing all summer into an outfit that is perfect for chilly fall temperatures. Add a narrow scarf, a leather jacket and sandals or a tall pointy boot, and you have a whole new look for an evening out,” Amani adds.

If you have a dress in the back of your closet that you haven’t worn in years, don’t be afraid to dust it off and give it new life. “Take that evening gown you wore years ago to a tailor for a little transformation. Turn it into a high low dress-top that can be worn out with girlfriends or on a date night. Pair the top with leather leggings, ankle boots, a chunky belt and some statement jewelry, and now you have a piece that pushes the boundaries of the little black dress.”

Are you looking for the best cut or style of dress that works best for your body type? Amani provided this simple guide:

HOURGLASS FIGURE:

• V-necklines

• Cinched-in waistlines

• Tailored/fitted dresses

PEAR OR TRIANGLE

FIGURE:

• Tailored dresses

• Off the shoulder

ATHLETIC FIGURE:

• Embellished

• Ruffles

• Empire waist

• Volume is your friend

APPLE FIGURE:

• Drop waist

• A-line

The dress that all body types can’t go wrong with is a wrap dress of any length.

Amish craftsmanship at its best! Apple creek roofing strives for customer service and satisfaction. Our employees are professional and pride themselves in high quality workmanship and clean up of all debris and nails. Apple creek roofing specializes in residential re-roofs , seamless gutters and leafguard.

events

A curated selection of the most intriguing upcoming events in our area.

SEPTEMBER 10TH

Tunnel to Towers Run & Walk

MEDINA SQUARE | 8:00 AM

Honor those who lost their lives on September 11, 2001 at this family-friendly event. Register to run/ walk, donate or become a volunteer by visiting  RunSignUp.com/Race/ OH/Medina/TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkMedina .

SEPTEMBER 10TH

Bruce: Music of the Beatles

WADSWORTH PUBLIC LIBRARY

| 2:00 PM

Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach and the Wadsworth Public Library continue their Sunday Live at the Library concerts with this showcase of solo guitar arrangements of familiar Beatles tunes. The program is free, but reservations are recommended by registering at Ormaco.org or by calling 419.853.6016.

SEPTEMBER 13TH

Engage Virtual Range’s Girls’ Night with High & Low Winery + Bistro

HIGH & LOW WINERY + BISTRO

| 6:00 PM

Take part in a 90-minute session with Engage Virtual Range’s interactive virtual shooting range before enjoying dinner and drinks with High & Low Winery + Bistro. Tickets are $59 and can be purchased at EngageVirtualRange.com .

SEPTEMBER 16TH

Weymouth Day Lawn Sale

WEYMOUTH PRESERVATION

SOCIETY | 10:00 AM

Browse or take part in this community lawn sale while experiencing Weymouth Preservation Society’s museum and vintage children’s outdoor games. Learn more at WeymouthPreservationSociety.com

SEPTEMBER 19TH

Mindy McGinnis Author

Visit and Book Discussion

BUCKEYE LIBRARY | 6:00 PM

Mindy McGinnis is an Edgar Award-winning author who writes thriller, historical, post-apocalyptic, mystery, fantasy, and contemporary novels. At this author visit with the Medina County District Library, Mindy will discuss her latest novel, “A Long Stretch of Bad Days.” Book sales and signing to follow. Register to attend at Mcdl.Info.

SEPTEMBER 28TH

Book Club Celebration

MEDINA LIBRARY | 6:30 PM

Are you interested in joining one of Medina County District Library’s book clubs but don’t know where to start? Attend this event to learn more about the different book clubs that MCDL has to offer and meet each clubs’ leader. Current book club members are also welcome to attend.

Want to be featured?

Get in touch by heading over to our landing page to connect: CityLifestyle.com/MedinaCounty

INGREDIENTS

• 1 1/2 oz- Cucumber & dragon fruit gin

• 3/4oz- Toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum

• 1/2oz- Lime juice

• Topped with ginger beer

• Hawaiian black lava salt & black sesame

GARNISH

• Small paint brush

• Simple syrup

• Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with a pinch of black sesame

The Magic Dragon

Make a Statement With This Stylish Cocktail

INSTRUCTIONS

Infused Gin: Infuse 1 whole peeled and cut cucumber in gin for a week. Strain the cucumbers out. Add 1 tablespoon of organic dragonfruit powder and mix very well with a whisk. To make the syrup, toast 1/2 cup of black sesame at 350 for 10 minutes. Take it out and let it cool. In a mortar and pestle, grind the toasted black sesame, but not too fine. Add the sesame into one bottle of John D. Taylor’s Velvet Falernum. Let that set for about 2 to 3 days and use cheese cloth to strain out the fine bits of sesame. Juice one fresh lime and strain to remove the pulp.

Cocktail: Paint a strip of simple syrup down a Collins glass. Take a spoon full of Hawaiian black lava salt mixed with black sesame and layer that down where the painted simple syrup was placed. In a shaker tin combine: 1 1/2oz cucumber dragon fruit gin, 3/4oz toasted black sesame Velvet Falernum, and 1/2oz lime juice and shake that up!  Fill the painted glass with ice (I use crushed ice) and strain over the ice. Top with your favorite ginger beer (my choice is fever tree ginger beer).

ARTICLE BY MATSUMOTO MARI

PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES