Navigate the Complexities of Tax Planning for Lasting Financial Legacy
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 to potentially minimize taxes and extend your family's financial legacy for years to come.
We live in an efficiency and productivity-obsessed age. I admit, I fall into the trap sometimes — the trap of believing the only things worth doing are those for which I can make an exact calculation of the time, effort and investment it will cost me. The things that result in the highest level of control and least amount of uncertainty.
The truth is, that is really a sad and unfulfilling way to go through life.
We must leave some room for exploring, for trying new places and things, for being a beginner, even for getting lost. It is during those unstructured and open-ended times where the space exists for connections to be made, friendships to be fostered and trust to be built.
We hope this issue encourages you to carve out time for exploration and step away from the routine of daily life. Take that trip you’ve been dreaming about. Get lost on a trail or in a good book. Make space for the things that truly matter to you — the ones that too often fall to the bottom of your to-do list.
Let this be your reminder: the world is wide and waiting, and the moments that nourish your spirit are not luxuries — they’re essential. Whether it’s a weekend away or an hour of uninterrupted solitude, give yourself the gift of stepping outside your schedule.
Happy exploring,
EMILY SHEA-OWEN, EDITOR @MEDINACOUNTYLIFESTYLE
July 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, Emily Shea-Owen
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Reset Medical & Wellness Center, Medina County Park District, Roni Leatherman, Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad
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
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.
You can visit our store and shipping is available! free delivery within 10 miles of the ranch WITH orders over 150.00
cfcattleranch.com | CF Ranch: (330) 641-2377 | 6900 Rice Hill Rd, Burbank, OH
THE
Tucked between the rolling trails and winding rivers of Cuyahoga Valley National Park lies something many Northeast Ohioans don’t realize they’ve been missing: a historic railroad adventure. The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad, a private non-profit organization, partners with the national park and runs between the Akron Northside Depot and the Rockside Depot in Independence. The railroad is more than just a ride — it’s a chance to step off the highway and into a slower, more scenic way of seeing the region.
Over the past 50 years, both the national park and the railroad itself have evolved alongside the communities they serve. What began as a way for Clevelanders to visit landmarks such as the historic Hale Farm, the railroad has transformed into a beloved destination that draws visitors and locals alike with its rotating lineup of themed excursions — none more beloved than the North Pole Adventure. This holiday tradition, known for selling out year after year, turns the rail line into a magical winter journey that delights families with storytelling, festive treats and a visit from Santa himself.
A more recent addition to the railroad’s offerings is the Explorer Program (formerly Bike-A-Board). Designed with active adventurers in mind, the program invites riders to hike, bike, walk or kayak one way along Ohio & Erie Canalway Towpath Trail,
then catch the train the other way. Starting at any of their eight depots, guests can chart their own course through the park’s natural beauty, then rest and enjoy the scenic ride home. Simply bring your bikes and kayaks aboard and it becomes a flexible, refreshing way to experience the valley from both trail and track.
Even more intriguing is the creative excursions planned for July and August as the railroad invites guests to step even further into the fun with its Choose Your Adventure series — two themed events that promise two hours of immersive entertainment on the rails. In July, the Tiki Train brings tropical vibes to the valley, with island-inspired décor, music and refreshments. Then in August, the Big Easy Express channels the spirit of New Orleans with jazzy flair and Southern charm. Each railcar is uniquely themed, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Each themed excursion features a variety of events that guests can choose from, but fair warning: seats fill up fast for these limited-time experiences!
in serving the community and creating inclusive opportunities for individuals and families who may not otherwise have access to such experiences. Much of the railroad’s charm and success is thanks to its dedicated volunteers. In fact, most of the fun-filled event nights, from family rides to seasonal celebrations, are made possible by these passionate individuals. Without them, the magic of the railroad simply wouldn’t shine as brightly.
“The Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad plays an active role in advocating for rail safety and sustainable funding across the US.”
Beyond its scenic rides and themed adventures, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad plays an active role in advocating for rail safety and sustainable funding across the US. Their commitment goes far beyond the tracks — they take pride
Whether you’re reliving childhood memories or discovering the railroad for the first time, the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad offers a timeless experience just waiting to be explored. With deep ties to the community, a strong commitment to accessibility and safety and an ever-growing lineup of creative events, it continues to evolve without losing its roots. There’s truly something for everyone. If you haven’t explored this gem tucked in the heart of Northeast Ohio, now’s the time to
climb aboard and see where the ride takes you.
If you would like more information or are interested in volunteering, please visit Cvsr.org or visit the Customer Service Office located inside Peninsula Depot at 1630 Mill St. W. in Peninsula. Office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA-OWEN
CF
While the verb “explore” is commonly associated with adventure sports, spending time outside and traveling to far-flung corners of the world, we’re excited to utilize it in
healthy lifestyle — physically, emotionally and mentally. This value system guides their day-to-day operations and influences how they care for their animals, land and community.
the context of our local agriculture. Specifically, we’re eager to explore the history and passion behind the Burbank-based ranch, CF Ranch & Cattle Co.
The 280-acre ranch was founded in 2012 by Wayne County chiropractors Dr. Bryce and Dr. Tami Chaffee, who were driven by a shared vision to extend their passion for wellness beyond the walls of their chiropractic clinic. Motivated by a deeper understanding of health, they set out to create a place where nutritious, high-quality food could be raised with the same intentionality and care they give their patients.
As a result, they created CF Ranch & Cattle Co. with the goal of raising hearty, healthy and content Texas longhorn and Wagyu cattle. At the heart of the ranch is a core belief in the importance of achieving a well-rounded,
Dr. Bryce and Dr. Tami thoughtfully manage their cattle’s environment and nutrition, ensuring that each animal benefits from a soy-free diet rich in green grass, natural probiotics, omega-3 fatty acids and essential trace minerals. The probiotics that are included in the cattle’s daily diet are a high grade of Acidophilus. Like humans, if a longhorn’s gut is not healthy, its body as a whole will be more sickly and diseased. Acidophilus helps keep the cattle’s intestinal tract clean, builds antibodies and gives the best opportunity to absorb all nutrients. The Acidophilus also helps guard the cattle’s gut against bacteria and disease that can bring down the quality of their meat. These elements are not only foundational to the vitality of the herd but also contribute to the overall nutritional quality of the beef they produce.
Through this holistic approach, CF Ranch & Cattle Co. not only raises exceptional cattle but also cultivates a philosophy of living well — where every choice supports the long-term health of the individual, the animal and the environment. It reflects a deep respect for the natural ecosystem and a dedication to regenerative, sustainable agriculture. Currently, CF Ranch & Cattle Co. is home to a healthy herd of 15 Texas longhorns and 20 wagyu cows (also known as Japanese Blacks). Some of CF Ranch & Cattle Co.’s most popular products are their ground beef, burger patties, beef snack sticks and pet food. They also offer Texas Longhorn ribeyes, filet mignons, NY strip steaks, round steaks, roasts, shank cross-cuts, sirloin steaks, boneless beef brisket and beef for stew. Their wagyu beef cuts are tomahawk, filet, strip, ribeye, sirloin, spencer or tri-tip roast, jerky, bacon and ground. To see their current inventory and place an order, visit CFCattleRanch.com/our-store. Learn more about CF Ranch & Cattle Co.’s story and the significant history of Texas longhorn cattle at CFCattleRanch. com . Also, check out their Facebook page for updates and information about current deals: Facebook.com/cfcattleranch/.
MEDINA COUNTY PARK DISTRICT CELEBRATES ITS 60TH ANNIVERSARY
PHOTOGRAPHY BY MEDINA COUNTY
PARK DISTRICT AND RONI LEATHERMAN
In 2025, Medina County Park District proudly celebrates 60 years of enhancing the quality of all life through education, conservation and the protection of natural resources. Established on April 19, 1965, the park district has become a beloved community resource, offering residents and visitors access to more than 22 park sites, over 50 trails and a variety of educational programs that inspire people of all ages to connect with nature.
Over the decades, the park district has emerged as a leader in conservation, successfully acquiring and managing just over 9,000 acres of protected land.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone and are deeply grateful to the residents of Medina County who have supported our mission over the years,” says MCPD Director Nathan Eppink. “This anniversary is not just a celebration of the past 60 years but a commitment to preserving our natural spaces for generations to come.”
To honor this milestone, the park district has planned a series of celebratory events and activities throughout the year, and a number of new park areas and amenities will be opening to the public.
Celebrate MCPD’s 60th anniversary by taking part in the Park Perks Challenge. This is a self-guided adventure where you will need to successfully complete challenges to collect perk points to earn park prizes. Challenge yourself across three categories: Research It , Seek and Find , and See You There — all designed to help you explore and learn about Medina County parks.
Prizes will be awarded at four different levels based on the number of park perk points achieved. The more points you collect, the more prizes you’ll get! Prize value increases with point values. The challenge officially began on April 19 and runs through October 4. Download the form at MedinaCountyParks.com . Hard copies are available at the nature centers or park headquarters.
“This anniversary is not just a celebration of the past 60 years but a commitment to preserving our natural spaces for generations to come.”
—MCPD
HERE’S A GLIMPSE OF SOME EXCITING CAPITAL PROJECTS PLANNED FOR 2025:
RIVENDELL NATURE PRESERVE
Westfield Center and Westfield Township
This 203-acre property was donated to the park district in 2022. Phase 1 of the nature preserve will open September 20 and 21 with parking, trails, restrooms, a fishing pond and more.
Medina Township
Over several years, the Shotwell family donated 25 acres at the corner of Foote and Weymouth roads. Phase 1 of this new entrance to Lake Medina will open in October.
Liverpool Township
MCPD will open its newest park on July 4 in Valley City on land that was recently donated in memory of a young Buckeye High School graduate who passed away unexpectedly last May. The first phase of Zachary A. Weber Riverside Park — the district’s 23rd open area — will include a small parking lot, open-air picnic shelter, seating and great views of the Rocky River as it flows north through Liverpool Township.
Liverpool Township
This will be the second park district site to open in Liverpool Township in 2025. This 104-acre preserve will open by year’s end, featuring a one-mile aggregate loop trail and views of the Rocky River.
“We are incredibly proud to reach this milestone and are deeply grateful to the residents of Medina County who have supported our mission over the years,”
—MCPD DIRECTOR NATHAN EPPINK
Lafayette Township
Phase 1 of public access to the former amusement park property will open this fall. It will feature approximately one mile of aggregate trail, restrooms and a picnic shelter. The trailhead will be built next to a house the park district is leasing to the Chippewa Lake Historical Society, which will establish a small museum there.
As the largest inland natural lake in Ohio, Chippewa Lake is the sparkling blue jewel of Medina County. This 330-acre body of water was formed by natural processes as glaciers receded from the landscape some 14,000 years ago.
It’s easy to see why visitors have been drawn to its shores since the first settlers arrived in the area. The pull of its glassy waters remains strong for anglers, boaters and especially those who need a retreat from the daily grind to be refreshed by the lake breeze and picture-postcard views.
Many who have never heard of Medina County have heard of Chippewa Lake. From 1878 to 1978, it was the site of an amusement park — with rides, a hotel and a ballroom. Some of the great entertainers of the 20th century performed there, including bandleaders Benny Goodman, Glenn Miller and Lawrence Welk. Industrial powerhouses like Firestone, Ohio Edison, Timken and Rubbermaid held company picnics at Chippewa Lake. Famous visitors included Henry Ford and Thomas Edison.
MCPD plans to transform Chippewa Lake and the 93-acre former amusement park property into a regional destination that will, once again, bring people together and create memories.
“We are thrilled that this special place, which is such an important part of the cultural history of Northeast Ohio and treasured in the memories of so many people, will be open for the public to enjoy once again,” Nathan D. Eppink says. “The park district will preserve the remnants of the ferris wheel and other historical relics that remain on the property, which provide an opportunity for interpretive panels and programs that celebrate the site’s iconic past.”
The master plan includes several phases of improvements that will take place over the next ten years. Amenities include hiking trails, an amphitheater, observation platforms, an ADA kayak launch and picnic pavilion.
In addition to its cultural significance, Chippewa Lake and its wetlands are key components of a vast watershed that impacts the quality of life for many adjacent communities. The park district has conducted several H2Ohio-funded stream and wetland restoration projects that help reduce flooding, sedimentation and pollution from storm water runoff — protecting residential property and enhancing the health of the lake for recreation and wildlife.
Visit MedinaCountyParks.com and ChippewaLakeOhio.com for additional information.
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BY MICHAEL LOUWERS,
It’s not uncommon for patients to tell me, “I’ve tried everything — therapy, medication, even lifestyle changes — but I still don’t feel like myself.” As a physician, that’s a red flag that we may be missing something upstream: the state of the nervous system itself.
Many chronic mental health challenges, like anxiety, PTSD, depression and even certain physical conditions, are closely tied to dysregulation of the nervous system. When the sympathetic nervous system, responsible for our fight-or-flight response, remains chronically overactivated, the body can stay stuck in survival mode. Over time, this state can feel like a background alarm that never turns off.
That’s where a lesser-known yet highly promising treatment comes in — stellate ganglion block, or SGB. Originally developed for pain and circulatory disorders, SGB is now showing powerful results for mental health conditions tied to trauma, anxiety, or chronic stress.
At Reset Medical & Wellness Center in Strongsville, we use an optimized form of SGB known as the Neuro Sympathetic Reset (NSR). This outpatient procedure takes about 20 minutes and involves injecting a local anesthetic near a bundle of nerves in the neck known as the stellate ganglion. This reset can calm the overactive sympathetic system, allowing the parasympathetic system, often described as “rest and digest,” to re-engage.
Patients often report immediate shifts: their racing thoughts slow, their hypervigilance lessens, a sense of calm takes over and they often find they can respond to stressors in a more resilient and regulated way. In short, they finally feel like themselves again.
In addition to SGB, we offer IV ketamine infusions, known for their fast-acting antidepressant effects, especially in
treatment-resistant cases. To address the physical tension and pain that often accompany mental health struggles, we provide trigger point injections and therapeutic Botox for myofascial pain, migraines, and TMJ — common physical expressions of emotional distress.
While NSR isn’t a cure-all, it’s a proven powerful tool, particularly for individuals who haven’t responded to traditional treatments. It’s most effective when paired with continued emotional support, coaching or counseling, as the calmer nervous system can better integrate healing.
We encourage patients to explore our comprehensive range of treatments to restore balance and offer hope and healing to mind and body. Learn more and complete a free assessment at TheResetCenter.com
Don’t let pain stop you from life. Begin your journey to optimal health today.
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.
JULY 5TH
Medina’s Uptown Park | 7:00 PM Ohio Regional Music Arts and Cultural Outreach (ORMACO) continues its summer Jazz under the Stars concert series with a performance featuring Eric Everett on drums, Nancy Redd on vocals and flute, Duncan Crooks on piano, Lenny Gray on bass and Hichem Ferrah on guitar. Bring your blankets and lawn chairs to watch the free outdoor show.
JULY 10TH
Brunswick Library | 6:30 PM Medina County Soil & Water will lead this program about how to maintain a healthy habitat for yourself and our wild communities, like birds and pollinators, to enjoy.
JULY 13TH
Wadsworth Public Library | 2:00 PM
ORMACO and the Wadsworth Public Library continue Live at the Library concert series with this performance of Parisian “gypsy jazz.” It’s free to attend, but we recommend reserving your spot in advance at ORMACO.org
