THE Kids & Pets ISSUE
LIFESTYLE LETTER
For the Kids & Pets of Medina County
This issue is especially close to my heart. Children aren’t just the future — they are the heartbeat of our communities right now. Their laughter, curiosity and boundless potential shape the world in ways we can’t always measure.
As parents and caregivers, we devote so much time and love to nurturing their growth, teaching them and investing in their futures. But it’s important to remember that children shape us too — they bring joy, laughter and meaning to our daily lives.
Equally important is the role our pets play in our families. They give us unconditional love and teach us invaluable lessons about empathy, responsibility and companionship. The bond between children and their pets is truly special, creating lasting emotional connections that enrich both their lives.
At the heart of both children and pets is a simple truth — they need us. Our care and attention influence who they become, and in return, they shape who we are. This issue is dedicated to celebrating the children and pets who fill our homes with love and happiness.
I hope this edition encourages you to give a little extra love to the children and pets in your life. They remind us daily of life’s simple joys and the power of unconditional love.
Here’s to our future — our little ones and the pets who make everything brighter. Cheers!
EMILY SHEA-OWEN, EDITOR @MEDINACOUNTYLIFESTYLE
August 2025
PUBLISHER
Joe Violi | joe.violi@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Emily Shea-Owen | emily.shea@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Martha Doyle | martha.doyle@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Erin Baka, Majestic Equine Connections, Dr. Kayla Schaefer, Emily Shea-Owen
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Majestic Equine Connections, Paragon Physical Medicine
Corporate Team
CEO Steven Schowengerdt
COO Matthew Perry
CRO Jamie Pentz
VP OF OPERATIONS Janeane Thompson
VP OF SALES Andrew Leaders
AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Brandy Thomas
Preserving family wealth goes beyond passing down assets—it's about crafting a lasting legacy. Navigating tax complexities is crucial for multi-generational success. As are effective strategies that may minimize taxes and extend your family's financial legacy for years to come.
hope takes flight
Helping Wings Bridges The Distance Between Children and The Critical Care They Need
Imagine learning that your child needs life-saving medical treatment — but it’s located hundreds or even thousands of miles away, in a city you’ve never been to, with specialists you’ve never met. The diagnosis alone is overwhelming, but the next question can be just as paralyzing: How will we get there?
For many families across the country, the cost of travel is a barrier they can’t overcome. That’s where Helping Wings steps in. They’re a compassionate, high-flying organization that bridges the distance between children and the critical care they need, offering free medical flights to those facing some of the toughest journeys of their lives.
Jason Kirschnick, the founder of Helping Wings, knows firsthand the emotional and financial toll that comes with battling serious illness. Having experienced profound loss within his own family, he understands the quiet desperation that can settle over a household when a loved one is fighting for their life. It was at a Beat Childhood Cancer fundraiser in Tampa — an event he and his
ARTICLE BY ERIN BAKA
wife attended out of support for a close friend and their daughter — that the mission truly took flight. As a licensed commercial pilot with ATP certification and access to a team of people who believe in the cause, Jason realized he had the unique tools to make a difference. How could he not? The question became his call to action, and Helping Wings was born from that moment of clarity and compassion.
At its core, Helping Wings exists to erase the miles that separate children from the care they urgently need. By raising funds to cover the full cost of air travel, the organization partners with a network of dedicated volunteer pilots who donate both their time and expertise. Their shared goal is simple but powerful: to make sure no child is denied access to critical medical treatment because of financial hardship or distance. Fueled by compassion and community support, Helping Wings becomes more than a
flight — it becomes a lifeline, ensuring children reach the hospitals, specialists and healing they deserve, exactly when they need it most.
If you’re wondering how to help, the answer is just a click away. By visiting HelpingWings.org , you can make a direct impact through donations, sponsorships or by organizing a local fundraiser. Every contribution, no matter the size, helps fuel another flight, another chance, another story of hope in the making.
As the Helping Wings team shares on the organization’s blog, “Every donation tells a story.” For families navigating the harsh reality of pediatric cancer, that story begins with a flight made possible by someone like you. These nonprofit missions aren’t just about getting from point A to point B — they’re about removing one of the biggest barriers families face when specialized treatment is far from home. Whether it’s a cross-country trip to a
At Paragon Physical Medicine we treat the patient, not the symptom. Our holistic approach to wellness utilizes chiropractic care and integrated medicine. At our clinic, lives are being changed, and health is being restored.
We accept a wide variety of health insurance plans as well as self-pay patients offering discounted wellness payment plans.
CHIROPRACTIC CARE | INTEGRATED MEDICINE HEALTH AND WELLNESS | AESTHETICS HEALTH ANIMAL CHIROPRACTIC
Dr Tami loves seeing patients of all ages but has a passion for pregnant moms, babies and children. Her 31 years of practice has given her experience to navigate even the most difficult cases.
Dr Bryce specializes in clinical investigation and proper diagnosis of underlying factors of chronic neck and back pain. His medical team is highly trained in conditions that can respond to Regenerative Medicine, including PRP and Stem Cell Therapy, which has proven to be very successful for healing and reducing pain and inflammation of almost any spinal and joint condition. Don’t
top cancer center or a short regional flight for follow-up care, the support you provide delivers more than transportation — it delivers hope.
For parents already overwhelmed by medical bills, time off work and emotional exhaustion, a no-cost flight can feel like a miracle. Your donation could be the reason a child reaches a clinical trial, receives a vital surgery or makes it in time for chemotherapy. And if you’re looking for a way to get involved beyond giving, sponsoring a flight or hosting a community fundraiser can be a powerful way to give back.
Jason is quick to emphasize that Helping Wings is about more than just the flight. They’re about responding to a growing crisis in pediatric cancer care. As he puts it, these missions are a frontline response to a system stretched too thin, where families are often left to navigate life-threatening diagnoses with too few resources and too little time.
“There’s a quiet emergency happening,” says the team at Helping Wings. “It’s not just about getting a child to a hospital — it’s about confronting the harsh reality that access to care is still unequal. The right treatment might exist, but it’s often out of reach for families who don’t have the means to get there.”
Helping Wings steps into that gap with urgency and compassion. Their flights aren’t just a service — they’re a solution, a bridge to care that would otherwise remain unavail able. Every flight is a response to something much bigger than dis tance. It’s a way of saying alone to families who feel forgotten in the chaos of the healthcare maze.
In a world where timing can mean everything, Helping Wings ensures that no child’s chance at survival is grounded by circumstance. With every takeoff, they carry not just passengers — but hope, healing and the unwavering belief that distance should never determine destiny.
Donate at HelpingWings.org request a flight for a child. Reach out to jason@helpingwings.org more information.
ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA-OWEN
AMERICAN FAMILY INSURANCE OFFERS CUSTOMIZABLE INSURANCE PLANS TO KEEP YOUR PETS HEALTHY AND PROTECTED
SAFEGUARD YOUR PET
“PET
We take steps to protect the things that matter most — our homes, cars, health and even our lives. So why not extend that same care to our beloved pets? Our furry companions are more than just animals — they’re family. Pet insurance offers a safety net, much like health
This includes:
• Breed-specific, congenital and genetic conditions like hip dysplasia, allergies and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
• Cancer related testing and treatment
• Dental illnesses up to $1,000 a year
INSURANCE OFFERS
A SAFETY
NET,
MUCH
LIKE HEALTH INSURANCE DOES FOR US.”
insurance does for us. It helps cover or reimburse the cost of unexpected veterinary bills, from emergency treatments and surgeries to diagnostic tests and alternative therapies.
So how does it work? It starts with finding a plan that is best suited for your budget and your pet’s needs. Medina’s American Family Insurance offers pet insurance through Embrace, an award-winning company that makes it easier for dog and cat lovers to go beyond basic care and give their companions the treatment they deserve. Coverage options are completely customizable with flexible deductibles, co-pays and annual limits.
One of Embrace’s most popular plans is full coverage — it covers all accidents, illnesses and conditions.
• Orthopedic conditions like osteosarcoma and broken bones
• Preventable conditions like parvo and parasites
• Chronic conditions like arthritis
• Diagnostic testing for illnesses and conditions
• Emergency care
• Hospitalization and surgery (with the exception of spay/neuter surgery)
• Rehabilitation treatments like acupuncture
• Specialist care
• Prescription drugs (must opt in) Full coverage pet insurance is Embrace’s most comprehensive plan, but it isn’t the only option. Basic pet insurance and dental insurance are also available — all of which can be
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100% tailored to your needs. Deductible options range from $100 to $2,500 and reimbursement is either 80% or 90%.
Once you’ve selected your plan, getting reimbursed is simple. Just visit the vet, pay for the services, and submit the bill to Embrace. Based on your chosen coverage, your eligible reimbursement will be processed and sent to you quickly — making it easy to focus on your pet’s care, not the paperwork.
To get started, contact Thomas Muntean of the Medina-based American Family Insurance at tmuntean@amfam. com or 330.721.7716. By working with Thomas, you’ll receive additional cost savings on a coverage plan. Additionally, as a trusted provider, he is able to offer personalized support, making it easier and more affordable to protect your furry family members.
To discover even more coverage options from licensed insurance agent Thomas Muntean and American Family Insurance, visit AmFam.com/agents/ ohio/medina/thomas-muntean
twinoaksbarns
toaksbarns
HEALING THROUGH HORSES
Majestic Equine Connections Makes a Lasting Difference, One Stride at a Time
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAJESTIC EQUINE CONNECTIONS
Majestic Equine Connections is a non-profit organization located just minutes south of Medina Square on Route 3. Our mission is to empower individuals with disabilities through therapeutic horsemanship while creating a welcoming, inclusive space for the entire community.
“Horses are intelligent, curious and incredibly therapeutic.”
We serve participants ages four and up, including older adults. Our programs rely on the support of compassionate volunteers who generously give 1–2 hours per week. Volunteer roles include walking beside riders, leading horses and assisting with barn chores. All volunteers receive proper training and are placed on a consistent weekly schedule.
In January 2024, we were honored to be chosen by 100+ Women Who Care in Medina for financial support — a recognition that deeply affirms our work. We are also grateful for funding from The Visiting Place Foundation and a one-time Ohio grant to support our horse barn and arena improvements.
Our annual fundraiser, “A Fun Time for a Cause,” hosted at The Galaxy, raised an incredible $20,500
this year. This success would not have been possible without the leadership and dedication of our fundraising coordinator, Jennie Thewlis.
Majestic Equine Executive Director Jennifer Stankiewicz says: “Horses are intriguing in every way. I have been teaching and overseeing therapeutic horsemanship programs for over 20 years and sometimes I am still amazed how horses motivate, heal hearts and grasp what we are trying to accomplish. Horses are intelligent, curious and incredibly therapeutic. Over the years, I have witnessed children speaking for the first time and an individual’s muscles gaining the strength they need to do more at home or work. In order to achieve progress, consistency of attendance is vital to gain equestrian skills, mental, and physical strength.”
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Looking to the future, we’re excited to expand our programming to meet the evolving needs of our community. Currently, we offer:
• Adaptive Horseback Riding
• Majestic Horse Spin Club
• Barn Buddies
• Scout merit badge programs (in partnership with The Caring Corral)
• A collaborative program with The Ohio State University Extension
We provide both one-on-one and group adaptive riding lessons because we understand that every rider learns differently — some thrive in group settings, others with individualized support.
As we continue to grow, we’re exploring a relocation opportunity in collaboration with the Medina County Park District, which would allow us to expand into agriculture-based programming and develop new offerings such as equine mental health counseling and a veterans trail riding program.
We deeply value both in-kind and financial contributions. While grant funding is vital, it takes time — and our horses still need daily care, including hay, grain, supplements and veterinary support. We rely on the generosity of individuals and businesses to sustain our mission. Your support helps provide care for our horses and life-changing programs for individuals with disabilities. Here’s how you can help:
• Sponsor a horse: Help cover the yearly care costs for one of our therapy horses. A full-year sponsorship is $5,500. As a thank-you, your name or business will be proudly displayed on a plaque in our barn.
• Sponsor a scholarship: Every dollar makes a difference in ensuring more families can access our services.
• Make a one-time donation: Send your desired amount to Majestic Equine Connections, Inc., 7460 Wooster Pike Rd., Seville, Ohio 44273.
• Volunteer: Contact Jennifer at 440-668-8364 or email majesticequineconnections@gmail.com
• Donate supplies: We gratefully accept horse tack and supplies, Centerra gift cards, Tractor Supply gift cards and more.
Learn more and make a donation online at MajesticEquineConnectionsInc.org
Thank you for being part of our journey. Together, we’re making a lasting difference — one stride at a time.
Integrated Wellness Starts at Paragon Physical Medicine
ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA-OWEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY PARAGON PHYSICAL MEDICINE
Dr. Bryce Chaffee
Dr. Tami Chaffee
Don’t let pain hold you back from living the life you deserve. Paragon Physical Medicine is here to help. Located in Wooster, this full-service chiropractic clinic offers cutting-edge techniques and a comprehensive approach to care through integrated medicine services. Whether you’re recovering from an injury, managing chronic pain or seeking to improve your overall wellness, their team combines expert knowledge with personalized treatment plans to support your journey to better health and mobility.
Paragon is owned and operated by Northeastern Ohio practitioners Dr. Bryce Chaffee and Dr. Tami Chaffee. With decades of combined experience, the duo are recognized leaders in the fields of integrated and physical medicine. Their approach blends advanced diagnostics, holistic therapies and personalized care plans designed to treat the whole person — not just their symptoms. Their unwavering commitment to patient-centered care has made Paragon a trusted resource for those seeking lasting health solutions through a unique blend of modern medical science and natural, integrative therapies.
Chiropractic care is one of the cornerstone services at Paragon. This patient-centered, non-invasive care focuses on the spine, muscles, joints and nervous system to support overall health and mobility. Paragon offers a comprehensive range of chiropractic treatments, including spinal adjustments, corrective therapies, posture rehabilitation, acupuncture, shockwave therapy and the innovative COREscore exam, which evaluates how the body and nervous system respond to stress. Drs. Bryce and Tami tailor their techniques to each individual, drawing from a variety of proven methods such as the Diversified Chiropractic Technique and the Webster Technique to ensure effective, personalized care.
One of the unique aspects of Paragon is that their chiropractic care extends beyond adults — they also treat children and animals. Paragon provides specialized chiropractic treatments for cows, horses and dogs, focusing on maintaining and improving the health of the neuro-musculo system.
“At Paragon Physical Medicine, healing goes far beyond temporary relief — it’s about restoring and supporting balance, function and quality of life.”
Auricular therapy is another specialized treatment available at Paragon. This technique involves stimulating specific points on the ear to help restore balance and address dysfunction throughout the body. Commonly used to manage pain, relieve stress and enhance overall well-being, auricular therapy serves as a valuable component of Paragon’s integrative approach to health care.
Drs. Bryce and Tami take their integrative approach to the next level by offering a wide range of additional services at Paragon. These include platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatments, weight loss programs, acupuncture, detoxification and nutrition programs, hormone therapy, orthotics, joint and trigger point injections, aesthetic services and stem cell therapy.
Stem cell therapy is a groundbreaking, non-surgical treatment that helps regenerate damaged tissues in joints like the knees, hips, shoulders and spine. Using the body’s own healing cells, this therapy reduces pain, improves mobility and speeds recovery from arthritis, injuries and degeneration. It’s a safe, natural solution to avoid surgery and get back to living pain-free.
At Paragon, healing goes far beyond temporary relief — it’s about restoring and supporting balance, function and quality of life. Through their integrative, patient-focused approach, Drs. Bryce and Tami have created a trusted destination for individuals and families seeking effective, natural and science-backed solutions for pain and wellness. With a broad range of services, Paragon empowers patients to take control of their health and move forward with confidence. To learn more about Paragon and schedule an appointment, visit ParagonPhysMed.com or call 330.426.0159.
Also, check out CF Ranch & Cattle Co., Dr. Bryce and Tami’s longhorn cattle ranch located in Northeast Ohio. The ranch plays a key role in supporting Paragon’s nutrition programs and reflects their commitment to integrative medicine and whole-body wellness. Learn more at CFCattleRanch.com
LONG COVID ANXIETY PTSD
Our Neuro Sympathetic Reset (NSR) is a 20-minute outpatient procedure that effectively resets the sympathetic nervous system to its unstuck, prestress or pre-trauma state. The healing journey begins the moment the nerves are RESET.
A Podiatrist’s Tips to Keep Kids Injury-Free
ARTICLE BY DR. KAYLA
With the start of school comes the excitement of fall sports. It also brings a higher risk of injury for young athletes. Foot and ankle injuries are especially common, and the good news is many are preventable with the right preparation.
Before the season kicks off, encourage your child to gradually build their activity level through safe, age-appropriate conditioning. This includes bodyweight strength training, agility drills and balance work — especially focused on the core and lower legs — to support healthy movement patterns and reduce strain on the feet and ankles.
It’s also essential to invest in properly fitting, sport-specific shoes. Make sure footwear is in good condition and designed for the activity — skip the hand-me-downs, which often lack adequate support and can increase the risk of overuse injuries.
“Encourage
Always ease into new sports or higher levels of activity. A sudden spike in training is one of the leading causes of injuries in youth athletes, as it overwhelms muscles, tendons, and joints that haven’t had time to adapt.
Dynamic warm-ups before practices and games are key. Focus on ankle mobility, calf flexibility and balance to prepare the body and prevent injury. Post-activity stretching is equally important — it helps reduce tightness and supports recovery and long-term flexibility.
Finally, teach kids to listen to their bodies. Pain is not just “part of the game” — it’s a signal that something may be wrong. When in doubt, early evaluation by a foot and ankle specialist can prevent small problems from becoming season-ending injuries.
A proactive approach keeps kids strong, confident and doing what they love — pain-free.
your child to gradually build their activity level through safe, age-appropriate conditioning”
SCHAEFER OF BALANCE FOOT & ANKLE WELLNESS CENTER
AUGUST 2ND
Starry, Starry Nights
Letha House Lodge (West) | 9:00 PM
View deep-sky objects, planets and the moon up close using the Cuyahoga Astronomical Association’s telescopes. The observatory will be open for public viewing, and members will be available to answer your questions. The event is free and pre-registration is not required. Learn more at MedinaCountyParks.com.
AUGUST 8TH
Outback Ray’s Animal Show
Medina Library | 10:30 AM
Meet Outback Ray and his amazing animal friends in this free, family-friendly show. Pre-registration is not required to attend.
AUGUST 9TH
PaperPie Book Fair
Oenslager Nature Center | 10:00 AM
PaperPie offers a wide variety of unique, interactive and educational books and activities for ages infant through middle-school. For every purchase made, the nature center earns 50% of those sales back in free books! Learn more at MedinaCountyParks.com.
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AUGUST 10TH
Cliff Habian Trio
Wadsworth Public Library | 2:00 PM
Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) and the Wadsworth Public Library continue their Live at the Library concert series with three of Northeast Ohio’s finest jazz musicians: Cliff Habian on piano, Jeff Slater on upright bass and Eric Everett on drums. Learn more and register for a free seat at Ormaco.org
AUGUST 15TH
Gruca White Ensemble
John Streeter Garden Amphitheater 6:30 PM
ORMACO and the Friends of the Secrest Arboretum continue their summer Music at the Arboretum concert series with a program by classical guitarist Robert Gruca and flutist Linda White. Expect to hear music from multiple cultures and genres. Reserve your seat for free at Ormaco.org
AUGUST 24TH
Natural Discoveries
Hiking Series: Bats
Carolyn Ludwig Mugrage Park 3:00 PM
Bats are scary, ugly and dangerous, right? Of course not. Discover the truth about Ohio’s furry flying mammals on this hike with the Medina County Parks District. It’s free to attend and no pre-registration is required.
We pride ourselves in raising hormone and soy free Wagyu beef. Wagyu is a treasure trove of nutrients including protein, iron, B12 trace minerals and much more. It contains a high proportion of omega-3 and omega six which are essential for heart health and can contribute to overall wellness. Due to its rich flavor and tenderness, smaller portions can be incredibly satisfying, allowing diners to enjoy high-quality beef with potentially fewer calories.
Wagyu Beef Wagyu Beef
