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PREPARE FOR THEIR FUTURE NAVIGATING COLLEGE SAVINGS

Smart Strategies for Rising Education Costs

It's never too early to plan for the the journey of higher education. Rising college costs demand early planning. Explore practical options like 529 plans, Coverdell ESAs, and more. Don't let the growing costs of education disrupt your own retirement plans.

Start their journey with a strong ﬁnancial foundation. Schedule your complimentary consultation at (330) 473-1060 to explore effective college savings strategies for their educational future

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 2026

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, Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities, B.A. Schrock Financial Group, Emily Shea-Owen

CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

B.A. Schrock Financial Group, Meghan Sahr, The Dog Wizard, Brandon Wierzchowski, Adam Zbydnowski

Corporate Team

CEO Steven Schowengerdt

President Matthew Perry

COO David Stetler

CRO Jamie Pentz

CoS Janeane Thompson

AD DESIGNER Jenna Crawford

LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley

QUALITY CONTROL SPECIALIST Hannah Leimkuhler

is looking. Build unmatched local credibility on the page,

Luca Violi at the 2025 Ohio State Golf Tournament

Photography: Adam Zbydnowski

Play Finds a Home in Medina

DISCOVER OFF THE WAGON TOY STORE’S NEWEST LOCATION.

ARTICLE BY ERIN BAKA PHOTOGRAPHY BY ERIN BAKA AND MEGHAN SAHR

There’s something timeless about stepping into a neighborhood toy store; a place where imagination takes center stage, curiosity is encouraged, and every shelf holds the promise of a new adventure. That sense of wonder recently arrived in the heart of Medina with the opening of Off the Wagon, an independent toy store known for its thoughtfully curated collection of unique toys, games, books, puzzles, and gifts. As the company’s third location, joining its successful stores in Kent and Chagrin Falls, Off the Wagon brings a fresh shopping experience to Medina’s Historic Public Square while embracing the charm and sense of community that make downtown such a special destination.

To learn more about the Medina location, we sat down with Off the Wagon regional manager Meghan Sahr to learn about about the inspiration for the store and what families can discover when they walk through its doors.

TELL US THE STORY BEHIND OFF THE WAGON.

My family comes from a long line of small business owners spanning more than 100 years, so entrepreneurship has always been a part of who we are. We’ve also always been a family that believes in the importance of keeping play alive. Opening a toy store felt like a natural fit — a place where imagination, creativity, and fun could be celebrated every day.

HOW DO YOU CHOOSE THE TOYS AND GAMES YOU CARRY?

Our mantra has always been simple: Is it weird, whimsical, and fun? If it makes us smile, sparks curiosity, or encourages people to play together, it’s something we’ll consider carrying. We look for toys and gifts that are a little different from what you’ll find in big-box stores. We want them to inspire imagination, create lasting memories, and bring joy to kids and adults alike.

WHAT ARE SOME CUSTOMER FAVORITES OR HIDDEN GEMS?

Some of our customer favorites are the items people don’t expect to find! Our DIY miniature house kits have become especially popular with adults looking for a creative and relaxing hobby. We also carry a unique selection of puzzles, an ever-growing collection of plushies, and the wildly popular NeeDoh sensory toys that kids just can’t seem to put down. For those who enjoy a little adventure, our role-playing games continue to attract families and gaming enthusiasts alike.

WHAT HAS THE COMMUNITY’S RESPONSE BEEN SINCE OPENING IN MEDINA?

The response from the Medina community has been incredibly positive. Since opening in December 2025, we’ve been welcomed by both residents and visitors to the area. Because of our location right on the Public Square, many people discover us by chance while strolling through downtown.

From timeless classics to new discoveries, Off the Wagon is creating a space where families can slow down, explore, and rediscover the joy of play together. That mission is at the heart of everything the store does. As Meghan puts it, “In this digital world, our goal is to keep real play alive and at the center of what we do.” Visit Off the Wagon at 101 Public Square in Medina or learn more at OffTheWagonShop.com.

“In this digital world, our goal is to keep real play alive and at the center of what we do.”

Where Tails Wag, Kids Play, and Great Roofs Last.

At Walsh Residential Roofing, family is at the heart of everything we do- including our four-legged team members! We know your home is where life’s biggest moments happen, and it deserves a roof that is built to protect everyone under it. Our family is committed to treating your home like it’s our own. Give us a “wuff,” and let’s make sure your family- and every fury friend- stays safe, comfortable, and covered for years to come.

The Power of Enrichment

HOW MENTAL STIMULATION CREATES CALMER, HAPPIER, BETTER-BEHAVED DOGS.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY THE DOG WIZARD

Chewing the chair leg. Barking out the window. Pacing. Shredding paper. Digging holes in the yard. Destroying couch cushions. Trashcan diving. Stealing food off the counter. Compulsive fetch. Eating shoes. Chasing the cat.

What do you do when your sweet dog has become a terrorist in your home? You’ve probably heard people say, “Give your dog a job.” But what does that actually mean?

In the wild, canines spend a significant portion of their day hunting and foraging for food. That instinct doesn’t disappear just because our dogs eat from a bowl. Many of the frustrating behaviors we see at home are often driven by those natural instincts and their powerful prey drive.

So how do we successfully do this without them destroying the house? The answer is canine enrichment. It provides the mental stimulation dogs need while giving them healthy outlets for their natural behaviors. When those instincts are met in productive ways, dogs experience less stress, settle more easily, and are better able to relax and remain calm.

You can find plenty of puzzle toys and enrichment games online, but there’s one problem: after just a few sessions, most dogs have mastered the challenge. Once they know the game, it often loses its enrichment value.

That’s why it’s so important to have a variety of simple DIY enrichment activities you can rotate to keep your dog’s mind engaged. These are some of our favorites.

HUNTING FOR DINNER

When dogs get to hunt for their food, they’re satisfying their natural prey drive. One of our favorite enrichment activities here at The Dog Wizard is the ball pit. We scatter each dog’s breakfast throughout a kiddie pool filled with plastic balls and let them dive in to sniff, search, and forage for every bite.

Think of it as a giant snuffle mat—and it’s a concept you can easily recreate at home. Fill a box or storage bin with your pup’s favorite toys, then sprinkle their dinner throughout. As they dig through the toys and sniff out each piece of kibble, they’re getting a mentally challenging workout that taps into their natural instincts.

LICK IT!

One activity that really calms a dog’s brain is licking. Using household items, you can make engaging licking activities at home. Flip a muffin tin and line the cracks with peanut butter or Easy Cheese, then sprinkle in their kibble. Let them figure out how to get their snout in there and get the food out by licking.

SNIFFING WALKS

Take your pup on a loose leash walk where they take the lead and can sniff to their heart’s content. It helps them gain confidence when they can explore and set the pace. The sniffing engages their brain and satisfies their desire to hunt for food.

To replicate the activity at home, hide treats around the house and take your dog for an inside walk. Or, bring rocks and sticks into your home so they can sniff and smell all the new scents.

At The Dog Wizard in Medina, we’re doing more than teaching obedience or addressing behavioral challenges — we’re helping dogs live happier, healthier lives. That’s why canine enrichment is an important part of our training philosophy.

If you’re looking for a better-behaved dog, you can feel confident knowing we’ll address every aspect of your dog’s behavior—not just training commands, but also the mental stimulation they need to thrive. By incorporating enrichment into our programs, we help create calmer, more confident, and more fulfilled dogs. Learn more and contact us now at TheDogWizard.com/locations/us/oh/medina.

“Canine enrichment provides the mental stimulation dogs need while giving them healthy outlets for their natural behaviors.”

“At The Dog Wizard in Medina, we’re doing more than teaching obedience or addressing behavioral challenges — we’re helping dogs live happier, healthier lives.”

CELEBRATING Medina County’s GREATEST Athletes

The Medina County Sports Hall of Fame and All-Gazette teams honor generations of athletic excellence.

ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA-OWEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY BRANDON WIERZCHOWSKI AND ADAM ZBYDNOWSKI

Championship moments may fade with time, but the accomplishments of Medina County’s standout athletes continue to inspire generations. Since 1985, the Medina County Sports Hall of Fame has served as a lasting tribute to the men and women whose dedication, talent, and perseverance have left a mark on local sports history.

Established through a partnership between the Medina Breakfast Kiwanis Club and The Gazette, the Hall of Fame honors amateur and professional athletes with strong ties to Medina County. To be eligible, athletes must have excelled in competition, graduated from high school at least 10 years prior to induction, and lived in Medina County for a minimum of five years. Past inductees include Matt Tifft, a graduate of Highland, former NASCAR driver, and current dirt track racer; Sherry Gifford Martin, a Medina graduate, former Malone University volleyball player, and Cleveland Volleyball Club coach; and Luke Relay, a Wadsworth graduate and current MLB outfielder and first baseman with the Seattle Mariners.

In addition to the Hall of Fame honorees, each year, outstanding student athletes are awarded places on The Gazette’s prestigious All-Gazette teams, which highlight top performers across a variety of sports. These teams celebrate not only athletic achievement but also the dedication, discipline, and sportsmanship displayed by local students throughout the year.

This year, over 400 people gathered at the Galaxy Restaurant on June 25 to welcome six new Hall of Fame inductees and celebrate the All-Gazette team athletes.

This year’s Hall of Fame inductees included Brunswick graduate and basketball player Pat Forsythe, Wadsworth graduate and former basketball-volleyball player Jodi (Johnson) Phillips, Brunswick graduate and former golf state champion Kelly (Moskal) Smith, Wadsworth graduate and former wrestling state champion Noah Baughman, and Medina graduate and former NBA player Jon Teske.

SOME OF THIS YEAR’S ALL-GAZETTE TEAMS INCLUDED:

Girl’s Cross Country Team

• MVP – Maggie Gerschutz (Wadsworth)

• Alexis Warnement (Medina)

• Olivia Keough (Highland)

• Addison Joffre (Medina)

• Ella Dolgowicz (Wadsworth)

• Natalie Buzard (Wadsworth)

• Katie Schuler (Highland)

• Coach of the Year – Zach

Humrichouser (Wadsworth) Boy’s Cross Country Team

• MVP –Caleb Neville (Cloverleaf)

• Tommy Strippy (Brunswick)

• Joey D’Aurelio (Medina)

• Dimitry Pshonyak (Buckeye)

• Logan Forbes (Cloverleaf)

• Ty Racin (Wadsworth)

• Conner Rhein (Black River)

• Coach of the Year – Renee Harden (Buckeye)

Girl’s Golf Team

• MVP – Elizabeth Coleman (Highland)

• Mirabella Shelton (Highland)

• Quinn Malarkey (Cloverleaf)

• Ellie Gonzalez-Ribble (Brunswick)

• Emma Gonzalez-Ribble (Brunswick)

• Coach of the Year – Mary Becker (Highland) Boy’s Golf Team

• MVP – Trent Riedel (Medina)

• Luca Violi (Buckeye)

• Cam Stafford (Medina)

• Hayden Hoyt (Highland)

• Declan West (Medina)

• Michael Fahey (Wadsworth)

• Coach of the Year – Bob Miller (Buckeye) Girl’s Soccer Team

• MVP – Grace Shondel (Highland)

• Vanessa Zufall (Highland)

• Emma McTigue (Medina)

• Julia King (Buckeye)

• Avalynn Price (Highland)

• Caitlyn Taylor (Medina)

• Hailey Trzaska (Highland)

• Athena Craig (Wadsworth)

• Sydney Atkinson (Medina)

• Hannah Hopek (Cloverleaf)

• Carlie Gunkelman (Buckeye)

• Charlotte Diegidio (Buckeye)

• Coach of the Year – Peter Byrnes (Buckeye) Boy’s Soccer Team

• MVP – Bennett Werthmuller (Medina)

• Owen Beskid (Brunswick)

• Jackson Harvey (Medina)

• Eli Hyde (Brunswick)

• Vincent Gambaccini (Wadsworth)

• Justin Lazzaretti (Wadsworth)

• Tyler Bradbury (Brunswick)

• Brody Gannon (Medina)

• Isaiah Kurtz (Cloverleaf)

• Carson Kwiatkowski (Highland)

• Victor Lazar (Brunswick)

• Cooper Kordura (Medina)

• Coach of the Year – Doug Coreno (Medina)

In addition to the above, the following sports were recognized at the banquet: tennis, bowling, basketball, softball, volleyball, swimming and diving, gymnastics, track and field, lacrosse, wrestling, baseball, and football.

Special Olympic athletes Josh Frye and Pam Wilson were also honored at the event.

More than a celebration of past accomplishments, the Medina County Sports Hall of Fame and The Gazette’s All-Gazette teams help preserve the county’s rich athletic tradition while inspiring the next generation of competitors. By honoring both legendary athletes and today’s rising stars, these recognitions reinforce the values of hard work, perseverance, teamwork, and sportsmanship that define Medina County athletics. As each new class of inductees and All-Gazette honorees is celebrated, their achievements become part of a legacy that will continue to motivate young athletes for years to come. Learn more at MedinaSportsHOF.org.

Student Spotlight: Luca Violi

2026 All-County Boy’s Golf Team

Luca graduated from Buckeye High School in May and is attending Walsh University this fall to continue his education and golf career. A first-time All-Gazette honoree, he was the only boys golfer in Medina County and the first golfer in Buckeye history to qualify for the D1 state championship.

Buckeyes boys golf coach Bob Miller said of Luca to The Gazette: “Luca is a talented golfer, but better yet a stellar student. What trumps all of that is Luca is an phenomenal person. He has a bright future and a lot of great opportunities ahead of him.”

Luca Violi and Bob Miller

start early, save smart

Learn smart strategies for building your child’s college fund.

The cost of a college education keeps climbing, and for many families, the price tag of higher education can feel overwhelming — especially when you’re balancing daily expenses, retirement savings, and everything else life requires.

Here’s the good news: you don’t have to have it all figured out on day one. What matters most is starting. The earlier you begin setting money aside, the more time your savings have to grow. At B.A. Schrock Financial Group, we believe a clear, personalized plan is the foundation of any smart financial strategy — and that includes your child’s future.

529 PLANS: A CORNERSTONE OF COLLEGE SAVINGS

The 529 plan is one of the most widely used college savings tools for good reason. These state-sponsored accounts offer several advantages:

Tax-advantaged growth. Contributions grow tax-deferred, and withdrawals for qualified expenses — tuition, books, room and board, technology — are federal tax-free.

State-level incentives. Ohio residents may be eligible for state tax deductions on contributions to Ohio’s 529 College Advantage program.

Flexibility and control. The account owner keeps control of the funds and can change the beneficiary if your child’s plans shift.

Generous contribution limits. Most 529 plans allow for substantial savings over time, giving you room to grow as your financial situation evolves.

ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY

B.A. SCHROCK FINANCIAL GROUP

COVERDELL ESAS: BUILT FOR FLEXIBILITY

A Coverdell Education Savings Account (ESA) offers similar tax advantages to a 529 but with added versatility — funds can be used for K-12 expenses as well as college. If private school or other pre-college education costs are part of your picture, this is worth exploring. Annual contributions are capped at $2,000 per beneficiary. Other Strategies to Consider 529s and Coverdell ESAs are popular starting points, but they’re not your only options:

Roth IRA contributions. While primarily a retirement account, a Roth IRA allows contributions (not earnings) to be withdrawn penalty-free for education expenses — a useful dual-purpose tool.

Custodial accounts (UTMA/UGMA). These let you gift assets to a minor for future education use, though with fewer tax advantages than dedicated education savings accounts.

Taxable investment accounts. For families who’ve already maximized other vehicles, taxable accounts offer flexibility with no restrictions on how funds are used.

BUILD A PLAN THAT WORKS FOR YOUR WHOLE FINANCIAL PICTURE

There’s no one-size-fits-all answer here. The right approach depends on your timeline, risk tolerance, savings goals, and how college funding fits alongside retirement and other priorities. That’s where we come in. We help families build college savings strategies that work in harmony with their broader financial plan. Give us a call 330.473.1060 or send us an email at Info@baschrock-fg.com to learn more and get started.

B.A. Schrock Financial Group

131 College St. Wadsworth, OH 44281

Investment Advisor Representatives offer advisory services through BA Schrock Wealth Management, Inc. (BASWM), a registered investment advisor. Insurance is offered through BA Schrock Financial Group, Inc. (BASFG), an insurance company. BASWM and BASFG are affiliated and share common ownership.

Information presented is for educational purposes only and is not intended to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investing involves risk, including the potential loss of principle. No investment strategy can guarantee a profit or protect against loss in periods of declining values.

Information expressed does not consider your specific situation or objectives and is not intended as recommendations appropriate for any individual. Readers are encouraged to seek advice from a qualified tax, legal, or investment advisor to determine whether any information presented may be suitable for their specific situation.

As with other investments, there are generally fees and expenses associated with participation in a 529 plan. Investments in 529s involve investment risks. You should consider your financial needs, goals, and risk tolerance prior to investing. The official disclosure statement and applicable prospectus, which contain this and other information about the investment options, and underlying investments, can be obtained by contacting your financial professional. You should read these materials carefully before investing.

Understanding Childhood Developmental Milestones

These are three things all new parents should know about developmental milestones.

If you’re a new parent, chances are you’ve Googled, “When should my baby start talking?” or wondered, “Is this normal?” You’re not alone. Here’s what every parent should know.

1. Milestones Aren’t a Race

Developmental milestones are more than first steps and first words. As children grow, they’re also learning how to connect, communicate, think, explore, and react to the world. That’s why developmental milestones are grouped into four main skill areas:

1. Social and emotional: smiling, playing peek-a-boo, or showing affection.

2. Language and communication: babbling, saying words like “mama,” and following simple directions.

3. Cognitive: stacking blocks, solving simple puzzles, or recognizing colors.

4. Physical: rolling over, crawling, walking, or using a spoon.

You’ll hear a lot about what babies “should” be doing by certain ages. Try not to stress — these are just general guidelines, not strict deadlines.

2. Delays Can Be Helpful Clues

You don’t need to be an expert to notice how your child is developing. Just watching everyday interactions can tell many things. If your child isn’t babbling, responding to their name, making eye contact, pointing to objects, or meeting other milestones, it doesn’t automatically mean something is wrong. It simply means it might be time to ask a few more questions and talk with your pediatrician.

3. Early Help Makes a Difference

If your child does need extra help, getting it early can make a big difference. Support can build a child’s communication skills, confidence, and independence to get back on track. Remember, you’re not expected to figure everything out on your own. It’s okay to ask for help.

Have Questions?

The Medina County Board of Developmental Disabilities is the community resource responsible for helping young parents by connecting, coordinating, and funding services for people of all ages with developmental delays and differences. Call 330.725.7751 or visit MCBDD.org for more information.

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

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.

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It’s Time to Break the Cycle.

TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

ON MARRIAGE, KIDS, AND THE COMEDY OF REAL LIFE

Trey Kennedy makes a living finding comedy in regular life. Marriage. Toddlers. Yoga pants. The Thursday-night scramble between school dropoffs, soccer practice, and whatever has to be done by morning. Twelve years in, it shows: millions of followers across every platform, three stand-up specials, a sold-out Relatable Tour, and a style of humor fans send each other captioned, “Are you watching me?” He delivers the kind of comedy that travels because everyone’s living some version of it.

Katie, his wife of six years, is a former biomedical engineer who also built a modeling career. She’s now raising their kids and co-hosting Correct Opinions alongside Trey — the show where the two of them swap takes on marriage, parenting, and whatever came up that week.

Trey has been at this longer than people realize. An Edmond, Oklahoma kid who grew up playing basketball described himself as a “shy kid who never thought he’d be an entertainer.” He started making videos while attending Oklahoma State University. After building millions of followers on Vine before the platform shut down, he gave himself six months on Instagram and Facebook to see whether he could rebuild from zero. He did. Stand-up soon followed. His first special, Are You For Real?, streams on YouTube; the second, Grow Up, on Amazon Prime; the third, built around the Relatable Tour, wrapped earlier this year. “I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now,” he says. A slow climb, made one bit at a time.

ARTICLE BY KALI KASPRZYK PHOTOGRAPHY BY JANIE JONES

“I’ve been trying to be funny every week for like twelve years now.”

Most of what Trey writes lately starts in his own kitchen. Thomas is three and a half, and he is, in his father’s words, “a movie.” He narrates his own life from the moment his eyes open and mispronounces words in ways his parents now repeat to each other because no one else would believe them. His younger sister, Eva, is what Katie calls “the calm one.” With a third now in the mix, the Kennedys are officially outnumbered.

After six years of marriage, Trey and Katie have learned that the partnership runs best when it gets its own time on the calendar. So once a week, they leave the kids with a sitter and go out for coffee. “You need a system,” Katie says. “It’s about taking time to look each other in the eye. Not the kids. Not the cameras. Just each other.”

The same instinct shapes the work. Most of Trey’s trial and error happens onstage or on Instagram, but the first read is always Katie’s. “There’s only been one time ever I’ve had to be like, ‘you’re not doing that,’” she says. The rest of the time, she just laughs first.

FEATURING TREY & KATIE KENNEDY

Trey and Katie talk about marriage, parenting, and the moments that don’t make the Instagram feed.

Watch or listen to the full conversation wherever you get your podcasts.

HAIR & MAKEUP BY MIKAYLA CRANE

AUGUST 2026

A SELECTION OF UPCOMING LOCAL EVENTS

AUGUST 3RD – 9TH

180th Medina County Fair

Medina County Fair, 720 W. Smith Rd. 8:00 AM

Don’t miss livestock exhibitions, art, crafts, photography, antiques, free entertainment, nightly grandstand shows, food, rides, and fun at this year’s Medina County Fair. Learn more about each day’s lineup, ticket prices, and more at MedinaOhioFair.com.

AUGUST 8TH

Music at The Lodge: Art Mastin & Jackson Boling

The Lodge at Allardale | 2:00 PM

At this free, family-friendly event, Art Mastin and Jackson Boling will blend classic covers and original tracks to deliver a rich performance defined by guitar work and vocal harmonies. No pre-registration is required.

AUGUST 9TH

Affair on the Square

Medina Uptown Park | 11:00 AM

Stroll through the beautiful historic square while browsing through the more than 170 booths of handmade crafts and vintage finds. Stop by the food trucks for a bite, and enjoy the live entertainment.

AUGUST 15TH

Vintage Fest

The Common Ground | 10:00 AM

Shop dozens of fun vendors at this fun and family-friendly vintage event. Then, sip your favorite cocktail at Pickleback’s Bar & Lounge (also located in The Common Ground). Learn more and see the full event lineup at TheCommongroundWHS.com