A Season of Gratitude
As Thanksgiving approaches, it’s natural to pause and think about what we’re grateful for. This season always reminds me to slow down, be present, and really appreciate the people and little moments that bring joy.
Lately, I’ve found myself especially thankful for the everyday things — laughing with family, snuggling with my two puppies, quiet mornings with coffee and being part of this amazing community in Medina County.
In this month’s issue, we’re celebrating the spirit of togetherness — highlighting stories of gathering, giving back to the community and the incredible people and businesses that make Medina County feel like home. We’re so grateful for our advertising partners who make this publication possible, and for you — our readers — who give it purpose.
As we head into the holidays, I hope you find joy in the simple things, meaningful connections and moments that truly matter.
Wishing you and your loved ones a happy, peaceful Thanksgiving season,
November 2025
PUBLISHER
Joe Violi | joe.violi@citylifestyle.com
EDITOR
Emily Shea-Owen | emily.shea@citylifestyle.com
PUBLICATION DIRECTOR
Martha Doyle | martha.doyle@citylifestyle.com
ACCOUNT MANAGER
John Wallencheck | john.wallencheck@citylifestyle.com
CONTRIBUTING WRITERS
Dr. Kayla Schaefer, JK Gifts, Emily Shea-Owen
CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS
Balance Foot and Ankle, JK Gifts, Via Roma Event Center & Ristorante
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
GRATEFUL FOR those WHO SHOP local
“When
share ours with you.” - Julie McNabb and Katie Heinz At JK Gift Shop, we are grateful for every person who chooses to support local businesses like ours in Wooster and Medina. Whether you pop in for a quick gift, take the time to browse our new arrivals or simply stop to say hello, you are helping create something special. Local shopping isn’t just about the products. It’s about the connections, the conversations, and the community we build together.
When you spend money at a small business, that money stays close to home. It helps create jobs in the community, strengthens local opportunities and allows family-owned and operated businesses, like ours, to give back to the people we care about. That can mean supporting local charities, hosting community events or simply creating welcoming spaces where people can gather and feel at home. The impact of your purchase goes far beyond the register.
As we move into a season centered on gratitude, we want to share a few of our favorite customer-loved finds. These are the items that our regulars ask about, give and bring home to enjoy.
Celebrating Community, Connection and the Joy of Shopping Small
ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY BY JK GIFTS
One of our new best sellers this year is the Fountain Candle, which includes a convenient remote. We currently have a gorgeous maple leaf version in stock, which brings a soft bubbling sound and peaceful glow to any space. It’s been a go-to for interior design and thoughtful gifting. The Framed Map of Medina wall hanging is another community favorite, ideal for people who have cherished memories of this wonderful town.
Our “Shop Local” Totes have also been a hit. They’re functional, eco-friendly and send a message we all care about. The Ohio-Shaped Cutting Board is another standout, combining local pride with everyday practicality. It makes an excellent gift for new homeowners or anyone who loves hosting with a touch of Ohio charm.
This time of year brings out a love for cozy details and thoughtful hosting pieces, which we have plenty of in stock! Our Grateful Pumpkin Pillow is a neutral, seasonal staple, perfect for couches, benches or guest room chairs. We also have various fall dinner napkins, perfect for holiday gatherings and get-togethers. Add in our Thankful Trivet and the Mud Pie “Give Thanks” Tidbit Plates, and you’ve got a beautifully curated tabletop that feels just right for autumn celebrations.
We invite you to stop by one of our two locations. We’ll be styling our front window and table with these local finds and more. Whether you’re shopping for a gift or simply stopping by to browse for yourself, please know how much your support means to us. Shopping local is a powerful way to show your support. From our JK Gift Shop family to yours, thank you for keeping the heart of our local communities strong.
SAVOR LA DOLCE VITA at Via Roma
WHERE ITALIAN ELEGANCE MEETS NORTHEAST OHIO CHARM
ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA-OWEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY VIA ROMA EVENT CENTER & RISTORANTE
Step into the heart of Italy without ever leaving Northeast Ohio. Via Roma Event Center & Ristorante is redefining modern Italian dining with house-made pastas, artfully crafted dishes and a warm, welcoming ambiance. Whether you’re planning a romantic evening, a lively family gathering or cocktails with friends, this local favorite offers more than just a meal — it delivers an experience. With an extensive wine list, signature cocktails and a menu that blends tradition with innovation, Via Roma invites you to indulge in the true spirit of Italian hospitality and flavor.
A MODERN TAKE ON TIMELESS TRADITIONS
Via Roma masterfully blends oldworld Italian traditions with contemporary culinary artistry. The result? A menu that feels both comfortingly familiar and refreshingly inventive. House-made pastas, handcrafted sauces and thoughtfully sourced ingredients are just the beginning. From the moment you walk in, you’re greeted with an atmosphere that’s elegant yet relaxed — the kind of place where conversations flow as freely as the wine.
Signature dishes like asiago-stuffed gnocchi, smoked chicken ravioli and a soul-warming pasta pomodoro showcase the kitchen’s dedication to flavor and authenticity. Meanwhile, creative cocktails and an extensive, expertly curated wine list offer the perfect pairing for any dish or occasion.
One must-try is the Sicilian Lemon Drop cocktail, made with Limoncello, Ketel One Citroen vodka, honey, lemon juice and a citrus bubble.
A NEW BRUNCH TRADITION
New this season is Via Roma’s elevated brunch menu, which has already become a local sensation. Whether you’re looking for a leisurely late-morning meal or the perfect way to kick off a weekend celebration, the brunch offerings are as creative as they are delicious.
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Highlights include:
• Mini Quiche Bites: Crisp pastry shells filled with a rich pancetta and pecorino egg custard, topped with pesto aioli
• Short Rib Omelette: Packed with tender short rib, chive cream cheese and melted cheddar — savory, comforting, and satisfying
• Focaccia Breakfast Sandwich: Your choice of bacon or sausage, layered with arugula, tomato and perfectly seasoned eggs, all nestled between slices of housebaked focaccia
Also popular on Via Roma’s brunch menu are their selection of bloody marys. These are the stellar options:
• The Classic Bloody Mary: Watershed Distillery vodka, classic mix, Cholula hot sauce, worcestershire and a Tajínsalt rim
• Ultimate Bloody Mary: a 24-ounce version of the Classic topped with a selection of items from the brunch menu
• Honey Hickory Mary: Watershed Distillery vodka, bacon, local honey, honey hickory seasoning and Liquid Smoke
If bloody marys aren’t your brunch drink of choice, Via Roma also offers classic espresso drinks, an espresso old fashioned, a Limoncello spritz and more.
With an extensive wine list, signature cocktails and a menu that blends tradition with innovation, Via Roma invites you to indulge in the true spirit of Italian hospitality and flavor.
• Pickled Mary: Dill infused Watershed Distillery vodka, pickle brine, classic mix, worcestershire and a Tajín-salt rim
• Hot Mama Mary: Jalapeno garlic infused Watershed Distillery vodka, classic mix, Cholula hot sauce, Red Hot sauce and a chili-salt rim
CELEBRATE THE HOLIDAYS, ITALIAN STYLE
As the holiday season draws near, Via Roma becomes an even more magical destination. Whether you’re hosting an intimate dinner for eight or a grand celebration for up to 300 guests, Via Roma’s versatile event spaces and expert team ensure every occasion is unforgettable.
From corporate holiday parties to milestone birthdays, festive family reunions, bridal showers or even wedding receptions planned for 2026, Via Roma’s special events team takes care of every detail — including custom-designed menus, expertly selected wine pairings, floral arrangements, lighting and décor.
DISCOVER THE GROTTO — A HIDDEN GEM BELOW
Beneath Via Roma lies a hidden treasure: The Grotto, an underground speakeasy and private event space that can accommodate up to 140 guests. It’s one of Northeast Ohio’s bestkept secrets.
Starting in December, The Grotto transforms into a winter wonderland–themed bar, complete with festive lighting, cozy seating and a menu of seasonal cocktails crafted to warm both body and soul. This immersive experience offers guests a unique setting for date nights, holiday parties or simply enjoying the magic of the season with friends.
Even more exciting? Holiday movie nights will be held throughout December, turning The Grotto into a cozy theater-style lounge. The full schedule of screenings will be posted on Via Roma’s website by Thanksgiving, so be sure to check it out and reserve your spot early.
With the return of the holiday season, Via Roma is the perfect place to celebrate. From intimate gatherings of eight to grand celebrations for up to 300 guests, they offer the perfect setting for every occasion. Whether you’re planning a large corporate holiday party, a festive family get-together or you’re thinking ahead to a wedding in 2026, their expert special events team can bring your vision to life. Every detail — from custom menus and wine pairings to floral arrangements and décor — is thoughtfully tailored to create a one-of-a-kind experience.
Whether you’re stopping by for brunch, planning an unforgettable event, or simply craving authentic Italian cuisine in an inspired setting, Via Roma Event Center & Ristorante offers more than a meal — it offers a taste of Italy, served with heart and soul. Make a reservation at ViaRomaCLE.com.
The Grotto’s holiday makeover in 2024.
Every Step:
Serving the Medina Community Serving the Medina Community Gratitude in
ARTICLE BY DR. KAYLA SCHAEFER, DPM, AACFAS
The arrival of November invites us to pause and reflect on gratitude. For me and my team at Balance Foot and Ankle, gratitude isn’t just a seasonal sentiment — it’s something we strive to express daily in the way we care for patients and support the community we call home. This season, with Thanksgiving around the corner, I’ve been reflecting on what it means to give back and why I am so thankful for our community.
The Candlelight Walk has quickly become one of my favorite traditions. For many years, Main Street Medina has transformed our historic square into a winter wonderland and a spirit of joy that brings families together year after year. It’s the kind of event that makes Medina special: small-town charm paired with a strong sense of togetherness.
For the past two years, my team and I have been honored to sponsor the warming station during the Candlelight Walk. Standing at the station, monitoring the bonfire and greeting families,
neighbors and friends, I’ve seen firsthand how important community connections are.
As a podiatrist and foot and ankle surgeon, I am grateful every day for the trust patients place in me. Helping someone walk comfortably again, heal from an injury or return to the activities they love is a privilege I never take for granted. What makes practicing medicine in Medina truly special is the relationships that grow over time. Those relationships are a gift, and this season reminds me how thankful I am for them.
Gratitude also extends to my colleagues and partners who make our work possible. Medicine is rarely a solo effort. Behind every successful patient outcome is a network of staff, specialists and local partners who care just as deeply. I am proud to work alongside a team that not only shows up for our patients, but also for the community at large. Together, we’ve made it a priority to support local events, volunteer our time and invest in our community.
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Dr. Kayla Schaefer
The Candlelight Walk is a reminder of gratitude in action. Instead of gathering around the table, we gather in the square. Instead of sharing plates, we share smiles and holiday cheer. Both traditions remind us that gratitude isn’t just something we feel — it’s something we practice by showing up, lending a hand and spending time with the people who matter most.
This November, I invite you to pause and consider what you are grateful for. Whether it’s family, health, friendships or community traditions like the Candlelight Walk, gratitude has a way of multiplying when it’s shared. From all of us at Balance Foot and Ankle, thank you for allowing us to be part of your lives and your community. We look forward to serving you — and celebrating with you — for many years to come.
“We’ve made it a priority to support local events, volunteer our time and invest in our community.”
Ben Schrock of B.A. Schrock Wealth Management has been ranked #231 on AdvisorHub’s 2025 “Advisors to Watch” list – RIAs. Based in Wadsworth, OH, Ben and his team help clients achieve clarity and confidence through personalized, long-term financial planning.
H O P E
Begins with YOU A SEASON TO
The holidays have a way of calling us back to what matters most—faith, family, compassion, and the quiet but powerful act of giving. As lights go up and calendars fill, there are still many who sit in silence, carrying burdens too heavy to bear alone. But what if this season, you could be the spark that changes everything for someone else?
The founders of City Lifestyle, through their private foundation, are once again launching its annual Christmas Giving Campaign—a heartfelt effort to seek out and support individuals and families who have quietly fallen through the cracks. The mission is simple: to bring light, dignity, and hope to those who need it most.
Since its beginning just four years ago, this initiative has grown from a humble idea into a life-changing movement. Last Christmas alone, more than 200 families across the country received unexpected support—financial relief, but also something even more powerful.
“We don’t just send checks,” says Steven Schowengerdt, CEO and founder of City Lifestyle. “We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
Together with City Lifestyle President Matthew Perry, Steven has helped shape this into a tradition that goes far beyond charity. “This is about community,” Matthew adds. “We believe we’ve been blessed, so now we get to be a blessing.”
Every story begins with a nomination. Often, it’s a neighbor, coworker, friend, or teacher—someone who’s been quietly carrying too much for too long. One past recipient, after receiving unexpected support during a time of deep personal struggle, wrote:
SCAN TO NOMINATE
“We send a message: You are seen. You are loved. And you are not forgotten.”
“Beyond the very practical solution of receiving funds to fix my car, this thing you guys worked together to do is bigger than that. I carry the Christmas card you sent in my purse. When things get really hard, I pull it out and remember what it felt like to be seen. That card represents hope— that change for the better is possible. I’m not sure how many people get to carry hope around in their purse. But I do.”
Another wrote in after her husband was diagnosed with aggressive brain cancer and unable to work:
“This support has blessed our family not only financially, but emotionally and spiritually as we trust God to meet our needs throughout this difficult time. Thank you to our anonymous friend and to your foundation. What a joy and gift to be part of God’s family!”
Each year brings countless stories like these—real lives touched by simple acts of kindness. Some use the funds to pay overdue bills, others to afford groceries, medication, or repairs. But no matter the circumstance, the impact is the same: hope is restored.
This season, you have the opportunity to be part of that. The campaign is now open to nominations—completely confidential and prayerfully considered. Whether it’s someone battling illness, facing unemployment, or just in need of a helping hand, you can bring them a moment of grace that will ripple far beyond Christmas morning.
“Knowing my mom was chosen filled my heart with indescribable joy,” said another past recipient. “Your generosity doesn’t just brighten her life; it inspires hope and faith in all of us. It enables her to stay in her home and get back on her feet.”
Nominations are open from November 1st to December 5th, 2025. To submit someone you know, simply scan the QR code or visit @CityLifestyle on Instagram, where you’ll find the nomination form in the bio.
This holiday season, let’s give more than gifts. Let’s give each other the gift of being seen. Because sometimes, the smallest gesture becomes someone’s greatest miracle.
To nominate someone in need, visit: KingdomBuildingFoundation.org or scan the QR code.
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
COME HOME TO LEXUS OF CLEVELAND
At Lexus of Cleveland, we invite you to rediscover what it means to arrive in style. Whether you’re visiting loved ones for the holidays or simply enjoying the scenic roads of Medina, make this season unforgettable behind the wheel of a Lexus. Come home to craftsmanship. Come home to care. Come home to Lexus of Cleveland.
To discover for yourself what Experience Amazing at Lexus of Cleveland really means, connect with VP and fellow Medina resident, Peter Mapp!
Art Fest featuring artisan goods and handcrafted holiday gifts inspired by nature. Expect to find everything from one-of-a-kind paintings to unique stained glass pieces. The festival is free to attend.
NOVEMBER 9TH
Amy Glick: Jigs, Gigs, Gigues, and Giggles – Violin Fun with Dance Music
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 this lighthearted and informative concert lead by solo violinist Amy Glick of the Akron Symphony Orchestra. Tickets are free — reserve your seat at ORMACO.org
NOVEMBER 12TH
An Evening of Wine, Celebration and Music: ORMACO’s 15th Anniversary Annual Dinner
Blue Heron Ballroom | 6:00 PM
Celebrate ORMACO’s 15th anniversary with this event featuring a splendid buffet and live music by talented singer-songwriter Jerry Popiel. Tickets are $65 and can be purchased at ORMACO.org
Since
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7864 Broadview Road Parma, OH 44134
www.NeptuneSociety.com
New Moon Stroll
River Styx Park | 5:00 PM
An MCPD naturalist will lead this early evening hike to search for local wildlife in the shadows. The program is free to attend and registration is not required.
NOVEMBER 27TH
Thanksgiving Buffet
The Oaks Lakeside Restaurant at Chippewa Lake | 10:30 AM
Enjoy a delicious Thanksgiving meal with beautiful views of Chippewa Lake. The buffet will feature all of the holiday’s signature flavors. Reservations are $65 for ages 12 and up, $25 for ages six to 11 and free for kids five and younger. Make your reservation at TheOaksLakeside.com or by calling 330.769.2601.
NOVEMBER 29TH – 30TH
The Common Ground’s Three-Year Anniversary and Small Business
Saturday Celebration
The Common Ground | 10:00 AM
Join The Common Ground for a weekend of celebrations and holiday shopping. The two-day event will commemorate The Common Ground’s third birthday and feature Small Business Saturday deals, as well as live music, pop-up local vendors, and cocktails.
