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'Tis the Season

LIFESTYLE LETTER

DECEMBER 2020 PUBLISHER

Joe Violi | joe.violi@lifestylepubs.com EDITOR

Joy and Cheer in Medina County OKAY, SO MAYBE THE HOLIDAY SEASON ISN’T FULL OF JOY AND CHEER THE ENTIRE TIME. There’s a lot to do, and you want everything to be perfect so your family and friends know how loved they are. But take a big breath—we are here to help. This month’s issue includes a selection of thoughtfully-curated articles to get you through the holidays. From a mouth-watering recipe crafted by the wonderful chefs at Thyme2 to holiday decorating tips straight from our friends at Interior Design Studio, we've tried to cover all the bases.

Emily Shea | emily.shea@lifestylepubs.com PUBLICATION DIRECTOR

Martha Doyle | martha.doyle@lifestylepubs.com AD DESIGNER

Evan Deuvall L AYO UT DESIGNER

Dana Rudolph CONTRIBUTING WRITERS

Cindy Coulter, Tamra Schneider, Emily Shea, Thyme2 CONTRIBUTING PHOTOGRAPHERS

Cleveland Ballet, 750ml Wine Boutique and Wine Bar, I.D.E.A. Boutique, Blue Heron Brewery & Event Center, Closet Factory Cleveland, Christin Hume, Main Street Medina, JK Gift Shop, Thyme2

This holiday season is going to be wonderful, and we believe in you. Just remember to find time for yourself too. Your family wants you to be happy and healthy above all else. Happy holidays, Medina County. We can’t wait to see you next year!

CORPORATE TEAM CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt CHIEF SALES OFFICER Matthew Perry CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER DeLand Shore ART DIRECTOR Sara Minor OPERATIONS DIRECTOR Janeane Thompson

Emily Shea, Editor

AD MANAGER Chad Jensen REGIONAL SALES DIRECTOR Eric Williams WEB APPLICATIONS Michael O’Connell

514 W 26TH ST., KANSAS CITY, MO

CityLifestyle.com/MedinaCounty

Proverbs 3:5-6 Medina County Lifestyle™ is published monthly by Lifestyle Publications LLC. It is distributed

ON THE COVER Medina Gazebo PHOTOGRAPHY BY MAIN STREET MEDINA 4

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

via the US Postal Service to some of the Medina County area’s most affluent neighborhoods. Articles and advertisements do not necessarily reflect Lifestyle Publications’ opinions. No portion of this magazine may be reproduced in any form without written consent. Lifestyle Publications does not assume responsibility for statements made by advertisers or editorial contributors. Information in Medina County Lifestyle™ is gathered from sources considered to be reliable, but the accuracy of all information cannot be guaranteed.

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INSIDE THE ISSUE DECEMBER 2020

FEATURES 12 Igloo Dining A Unique and Upscale Experience at Blue Heron Brewery and Event Center

16 Ring in the New Year with Peace and Organization Prioritize and Commit to Staying Organized with Help From Closet Factory Cleveland

26 Thyme2â€™s Macadamia Nut Crusted Grouper A Delectable Recipe for the Holidays or Anytime

30 16

30 Sip and Savor with 750ml Virtual Wine Tastings With a Master Sommelier

DEPARTMENTS 4

Lifestyle Letter

Around Town

Hot Spot

Renovate & Refine

22 Healthy Lifestyle 26 Culinary Creations 30 Food & Wine 34 Parting Thoughts

CityLifestyle.com/MedinaCounty

AROUND TOWN

GERVASI VINEYARD PARTNERSHIP WITH CLEVELAND BALLET In

September,

Gervasi

Vineyard

announced an exciting partnership with the Cleveland Ballet, offering performances by 26 professionally trained dancers from 10 countries from Oct. 8-10 in Gervasi's open-air Pavillion. Two different

ballet

performances

were

featured: The Magic Flute and Sinatra and Provocativo. The shows were a huge success, as people were able to enjoy stunning ballet performances, a housemade dessert and Gervasi wine with peace of mind that proper social distancing measures were being maintained. For more information about Gervarsi, visit GervasiVineyards.com.

THE CHRISTMAS GROOVE GOES VIRTUAL The Christmas Groove, Northeast Ohio's annual benefit concert series, will go virtual for the first time in its history. This year, the benefit concert will be held live and online via YouTube and 8

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

Facebook on Friday, Dec. 4, at 7 p.m. The one-hour online extravaganza will feature your favorite singers and musicians as well as many of the things that make the Christmas Groove loved and cherished in our community. To get notifications for the show and watch it live, simply follow Christmas Groove on YouTube and Facebook. Visit ChristmasGroove.org for more information and to donate.

ESSENTIAL OILS BASICS CLASS WITH JUST BREATH WELLNESS Just Breath Wellness invites you to learn the history, integrity and processes behind Young Living Essential Oils on Dec. 3, at 6 p.m. They will talk about why and how to start your family on this journey toward a natural lifestyle and answer all the questions you may have about the transition. This class is taught inside their adult salt room and you will enjoy a 45-minute salt session as they teach. Seats are limited, so please call and reserve your spot at 330.723.3388. The class cost is $10.

SHOPPING FROM HOME FOR THE HOLIDAYS WITH I.D.E.A. This holiday season, I.D.E.A. Boutique is offering customers the opportunity to shop online (in addition to in-store). Owner, Elizabeth

McComsey,

has

opened her online shop so that people can purchase gifts comfortably from their home and reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19. She has CONTINUED >

CityLifestyle.com/MedinaCounty

AROUND TOWN

also made it a priority to offer curbside pickup, a flat shipping rate of $5 and free delivery for residents within the city limits of Medina. Customers can also call the shop to place an order and will receive 10% off the purchase price. For more information,

visit IdeaOnlineCatalog.com

or call 330.529.9988.

Would you like to get in touch with us? We would love to hear from you! Contact

CityLifestyle.com/

MedinaCounty using the Get In Touch link and let us know what you think. 10

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

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HOT SPOT

A UNIQUE AND UPSCALE EXPERIENCE AT BLUE HERON BREWERY AND EVENT CENTER

Igloo Dining ARTICLE EMILY SHEA | PHOTOGRAPHY BLUE HERON RESTAURANT AND EVENT CENTER

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

BLUE HERON BREWERY AND EVENT CENTER IS BRINGING BACK ITS MARVELOUS DINING EXPERIENCE THAT IS LIKE NONE OTHER: DINING IN HEATED IGLOOS. Reminiscent of something you may find in Iceland or Norway, Blue Heron’s igloo dining is an upscale yet whimsical affair. The heated igloo domes each seat eight to 10 guests, and offer the perfect outdoor, socially-distanced experience in the cold months. Blue Heron debuted these igloos last season, offering five igloos for guests to enjoy in 2019. They were such a hit, that they bought five more for 2020. The igloos feature Blue Heron’s top-of-the-line, full-service dining, including Blue Heron brews and all of their most popular menu items such as THE Blue Heron Burger and the Filet Mignon Medallion Sliders. In lieu of a holiday party, the igloos are the perfect way to celebrate with friends, family or your team from work. Rates for the igloos vary by the day of the week. Weekend igloo rentals are $50 for two hours with a $250 food and beverage minimum. Weekday igloo rentals are $25 for two hours with a $125 food and beverage minimum. For more information and to make a booking, visit BlueHeronMedina.com. As always, Blue Heron’s exemplary indoor dining is also available. Additionally, Blue Heron’s grand 6,000-squarefoot event center ballroom can be reserved for holiday parties, corporate events and more. The ballroom seats up to 350 guests and offers endless opportunities for unique decor and table arrangements. For more information about Blue Heron’s event space, visit BlueHeronMedina.com/Events.

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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) » Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) Child Psychiatry » Couples & Group Therapy » Spravato Treatment Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS)

Mental Health and Addiction Services Since 1994, the Charak Center has been restoring hope and healing to our patients in Medina County. Our team of trained mental health professionals can help guide you to wellness and recovery. We offer confidential, same day telemedicine or walk-in appointments, and at home pharmacy delivery. Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 5:30pm.

1-855-4CHARAK (1-855-424-2725) www.charakcenter.org

Accepting New Patients and All Insurance Plans

Elyria 347 Midway Boulevard | Garfield Heights 12395 McCracken Road Mentor 8532 Mentor Avenue | Stow 4161 Bridgewater Parkway | Medina 801 East Washington Street

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

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RENOVATE & REFINE

RING IN THE NEW YEAR WITH

P E AC E A N D O RG A N I Z AT I O N

PRIORITIZE AND COMMIT TO STAYING ORGANIZED WITH HELP FROM CLOSET FACTORY CLEVELAND

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

ARTICLE CINDY COULTER AS WE (FINALLY) BRING 2020 TO A CLOSE, NOW IS A GREAT

PHOTOGRAPHY CLOSET FACTORY CLEVELAND

TIME TO START THINKING ABOUT A FRESH START FOR 2021. Many of you have spent more time in your homes over the last several months than you ever imagined possible. During this time, you may have noticed several unfinished projects. If you were ambitious and took advantage of this time, perhaps you tackled a few of them. Congratulations! Did you clean out those closets? Organize the kitchen junk drawer? Purge old paperwork? No? Don’t worry, you’re not alone. It can be intimidating trying to figure out a game plan to get organized. Where do you begin? Here are some tips to help you plan your strategy for organizing your entire home and bringing some peace to the new year. MAKE A LIST. Start by writing down every area of your home that needs to be organized. This may be a long list! Keep in mind you’re not going to finish everything in one day, one week or even one month. The key here is to simply identify what needs to be accomplished. PRIORITIZE YOUR LIST. Next, look at your list and identify the top one or two areas that need immediate attention. It could be addressing the home office to accommodate parents working from home as well as children attending virtual classes. Or, it may be taming the mudroom that is overtaken by backpacks and sports equipment. Whatever your need, start with the most important area first. BREAK IT DOWN INTO SMALLER TASKS. Beginning with your first priority area, break it down into manageable phases that can be completed in one session. For example, the first step to organizing a mudroom might be to remove all shoes

Laundry doesn’t have to be boring. Let your personality shine through.

and coats that are damaged or that have been outgrown. The next step would be to determine if damaged items can be repaired or if outgrown items are in good enough condition to be donated. DELEGATE. One of the biggest pitfalls people have when it comes to organizing is feeling like they have to do it all themselves. This often results in delaying the project, sometimes indefinitely. Don’t be afraid to ask others to pitch in. Enlist the help of your children or perhaps a friend who loves to organize. A great rule to help decide what can be delegated is, if it takes your personality and skills, do it. If it doesn’t, delegate it.

From sunglasses to ties, Closet Factory can help organize all of your accessories.

TRACK YOUR PROGRESS. A checklist is a great way to keep track of your projects and progress. Crossing off a completed task gives a sense of accomplishment and provides the incentive to keep going. Small tasks add up to completed projects.

CONTINUED >

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RENOVATE & REFINE (CONTINUED)

REWARD SUCCESS. Anyone who has ever gone on a diet knows the incentive of a cheat day. The same can be applied to organizing your home. Once an area is completely organized, treat yourself with a new outfit or some new colored bins for the next project – or maybe a hot fudge sundae! MAKE A COMMITMENT TO STAY ORGANIZED. Without a bit of maintenance, all of your hard work can disappear very quickly. Create a plan to maintain your newfound organization by assessing your spaces periodically to prevent them from returning to their former chaos. This could be a simple as taking a few minutes each week to file paperwork or changing out seasonal clothing in your closets every couple of months. Once you begin, you will discover how fulfilling organization can be. Maintain that momentum to work your way through your whole list of projects. RULES OF THUMB. No matter which area you are organizing, there are a few rules of thumb that may help: + Start organizing by separating items into three categories: Keep, donate and discard. Keep anything you currently use. Donate items you no longer use that are in good condition. Discard anything stained, damaged or otherwise unusable. + Use the two-year rule. Donate or discard items you haven’t used or worn in the last two years. Here’s a trick to help you determine which clothing items are in your regular rotation: when hanging up clean clothes, turn the hanger backwards. Soon you will be able to quickly identify which items have not been worn recently. Those are good candidates for the donate bin. + Replace it, don’t add to it. When you buy something new, remove something old. If you practice this, it will also help curb impulse buying. + Make your new mantra: a place for everything, and everything in its place. Don’t fall back into old habits of just shoving things in random spaces. It really does reduce stress when you can easily find what you are looking for. + Start small and do a little at a time. Like any good habit, organization is an ongoing process. Still not sure where to begin? Call Closet Factory. Closet Factory develops solutions tailored to your needs. We design, manufacture and install custom closets, home offices, mudrooms, garages, pantries, entertainment centers, wall beds and more! Our designers are experts in organization and space planning. We can help you establish the groundwork for becoming and staying organized.

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

e m o c l e W H ome

Building Quality Wood Doors For Over 35 Years CUSTOM WORK • ENTRY DOORS • INTERIOR DOORS • MOULDINGS LOUVERED PRODUCTS • RADIUS TOP DOOR AND WINDOWS • INSTALLATION COMMERCIAL PROJECTS TRUE DIVIDED LITE • WINDOWS • SPECIALTY MILLWORK

Bent Nail Architectural Millwork is a manufacturer of custom solid hardwood millwork. We specialize in unique designs as well as renovations requiring Let us help create a plan for

new woodwork to match

you. Call 216.362.4660 or

existing woodwork.

visit ClosetFactory.com to schedule a free in-home or virtual design consultation.

830 BANK STREET LODI | OHIO

330-948-4500 | BENTNAILMILLWORK.COM CityLifestyle.com/MedinaCounty

AFTER HOURS FAMILY MEDICINE

Where caring and value meet your schedule CLINIC HOURS:

Monday - Friday

Saturday

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10:00am - 2:00pm

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Wellness Exams Chronic Illness Preventative Care Flu Shots

18 East Main Street Seville, Ohio 44273 //

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

 (330) 975-4255

www.afterhoursfamilymedicine.com

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HEALTHY LIFESTYLE

HOW TO COLD & FLU-PROOF YOUR HOME FINALLY, HERE WE ARE, WINTER SEASON IS IN FULL SWING AND WE THINK WE CAN SPEAK FOR EVERY-

CHANGE YOUR AIR FILTER When your air filter is not replaced as often as it should

ONE WHEN WE SAY THAT 2020 HAS BEEN A VERY

be, it can get clogged by a buildup of the very same con-

LONG YEAR. We are in the home stretch now, and as

taminants it was designed to prevent. The clog can create

exciting as this is, unfortunately, along with shimmering

a barrier that inhibits airflow, creating major issues for your

snowfall and festive light displays come winter’s much less

HVAC system. The health concerns begin when the poorly

welcome sidekick: flu season.

maintained and clogged filter is unable to trap those parti-

Due to the current nationwide pandemic, we are all very,

cles and contaminants and is thus forced to send them back

very well-practiced in the art of self and surface sanitation.

into the air that your family breathes. The frequency at which

But did you know there are also measures you can take

you should change a filter depends on if you have pets or

inside your home that can help protect you and your family

if someone in your home suffers from allergies or asthma.

from viral invaders? We’ve made a quick and easy-to-follow

On average most manufacturers recommend basic filters be

list of some key steps to help cold and flu-proof your home.

changed every 60 to 90 days and 4-inch media filters are recommended to be changed every six months to a year. HUMIDIFY YOUR HOME

ARTICLE TAMRA SCHNEIDER

We’ve all felt it – that tickle in your throat that won’t go away, the stuffy nose you have every morning when you wake up or the occasional zap when you touch a light switch or doorknob. The funny thing about winter’s dry, leech-like air, is that it will pull moisture from just about anything, and that includes you. After it has absorbed the moisture produced by your body, dry skin isn’t the only thing it leaves you vulnerable to. Dry air aggravates respiratory issues, dries out your nasal passages and makes you more susceptible to catching colds CONTINUED >

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

All Weather Heating & Cooling Team

CityLifestyle.com/MedinaCounty

HEALHTY LIFESTYLE (CONTINUED)

and viruses. To combat this conundrum, consider investing in a whole-home humidifier. A humidifier will work in conjunction with your home’s heating system to not only make your indoor air feel warmer but to also deliver the right amount of moisture into your air stream to keep you and your family healthier all season long. Ideal indoor humidity ranges from 35-50% and can be measured with the use of a hygrometer. PURIFY YOUR AIR Modern air purifiers are capable of purging up to 99% of airborne pollutants and particles. I think we can all agree those numbers are impressive, but how do they work? The iWave air purification system works together with your HVAC system to clean and purify your indoor air as it passes through your home’s ductwork. Allergens and contaminants such as dust, dirt, pet dander, pollen and other particles in the micron size range are captured by your home’s air filtration system, while viruses, bacteria and other airborne and surface contaminants such as staph, MRSA, strep, E. coli and SARSCoV-2 (Covid-19) are inactivated with a reduction rate of up to 99.4%. As we all know very well at this point, flu season and viruses are no joke. Take these steps to provide your home with the best possible indoor air quality. It will give you and your family peace of mind, not to mention it could quite literally help you breathe easier all season long. With over 20 years in business, All Weather Heating & Cooling is a four-time Carrier Presidential

Winner.

Visit

AllWeatherHeatingCooling.net

Award

for

more information.

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

FULL-SERVICE REMODELING & DESIGN

KITCHENS & BATHS • GRANITE & QUARTZ • CABINETRY • TILE & FLOORING

2462 PEARL RD. MEDINA, OH 44256 330.225.6000 • ARCHITECTURALJUSTICE.COM CityLifestyle.com/MedinaCounty

CULINARY CREATIONS

T hy me2â€™s Mac ada mia Nut Cr usted Grouper ARTICLE AND PHOTOGRAPHY THYME2

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

i n g re d ient s BLACK CHINESE RICE + 2 cups black rice + 5 cups chicken stock + 2 tablespoons butter + salt and pepper, to taste BEURRE BLANC + 2 tablespoons shallots, sliced + ¼ cup dry white wine + ¼ cup cider vinegar + 2 bay leaves + 6 black peppercorns + 4 sprigs of fresh thyme + 1/3 cup heavy cream + 2 sticks (8 ounces) unsalted butter, diced and cold BLOOD ORANGE REDUCTION + 2 cups blood orange juice + ½ cup honey + blood orange segments GROUPER + 4 6-ounce portions black grouper + 3 egg whites + 8 ounces ground macadamia nuts

d i rec t ion s 1. PREPARE RICE. Place rice and chicken broth in a large pot, cover and bring to a boil. Reduce heat and simmer. Cook until rice is tender; about 15 minutes. Finish with butter, salt and pepper. 2. PREPARE BEURRE BLANC. Add all ingredients except cream and butter to a medium saucepot and reduce by 75% (almost dry). Add cream and reduce until thick and bubbles form. On low heat, slowly add butter and whisk in until all butter has been incorporated. Hold in a warm area until serving. 3. PREPARE BLOOD ORANGE REDUCTION. Place juice and honey in a small saucepot and reduce until a thick syrup forms. Cool and reserve. 4. PREPARE GROUPER. Dip one side of grouper in egg whites, then place the same side in nuts until there is just enough to coat. Next, place grouper nut side down in medium saute pan with vegetable oil. Place pan in an oven that is heated to 375 degrees and cook until nuts are golden brown. Flip and continue to cook until grouper is cooked all the way through; about 12 minutes.

CityLifestyle.com/MedinaCounty

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

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FOOD & WINE

S i p a n d Sav o r

ARTICLE EMILY SHEA

WITH 750ML

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

TWENTY-TWENTY HAS PROVEN TO BE A YEAR

Lynsey Curren, 750ml’s general manager, explains

OF IMMENSE CHALLENGE, BUT MORE IMPOR-

that the Virtual Wine Tastings even have themes.

TANTLY, A YEAR THAT HAS SHOWN US THE

Some of the past themes have been Napa Cabernet

IMPORTANCE OF COMMUNITY. In late March,

vs. Sonoma Cabernet, Pinot Palozza, Rose All Day

when the governor of Ohio announced that all bars

and National Red Wine Day.

and restaurants would close and that a stay-at-home-

Although 750ml’s two locations in Akron in

order would go into effect, 750ml Wine Boutique and

Brecksville have reopened, the Virtual Wine

Wine Bar’s owner, Lauren Carpeta, knew she wanted

Tastings have remained extremely popular. But in

to find a way to stay connected to her customers. In

addition to the virtual tastings, 750ml offers a vast

a conversation with Ohio’s only Master Sommelier,

retail wine selection, in-store wine events and even

and friend of 750ml, Larry O’Brien, they discussed the

a wine club membership. When they were allowed

idea of hosting Virtual Wine Tastings. The idea quickly

to reopen, they also introduced curbside pickup as

blossomed and on Friday, April 3, 750ml hosted Larry

well as carry out of their delicious food and bever-

O’Brien for their first Virtual Wine Tasting.

age menu that includes a selection of red, white and

From there, the Virtual Wine Tastings took off, and soon were being held every Friday at 6 p.m. to

sparkling wines as well as rustic flatbreads, small plates, paninis, desserts and more.

a group of 30-40 couples. The tastings remained weekly until the end of May, when 750ml changed their occurrence to once or twice a month. Today,

For

they are held two or three times a month, with two

750mlWines.com. Two of their upcoming Virtual

currently planned for the month of December.

Wine Tastings will be on Dec. 4 and Dec. 18, the lat-

information

about

750

ml,

visit

“If you love wines and the ability to join your

ter of which will be 750ml’s year-end wrap-up, cel-

friends from the comfort of your kitchen or liv-

ebrating new friendships that have formed through-

ing room, you’ll love the virtual option,” says

out the year. Information about these upcoming

Larry. “The diversity of events is limited only by

tastings can be found on 750 ml’s Facebook page at

the imagination of the presenter.”

Facebook.com/750mlwines. CityLifestyle.com/MedinaCounty

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020

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PARTING THOUGHTS

SHOP FOR THE BEST GIFT EVER ANYWHERE, ANYTIME

INTRODUCING JK GIFT SHOP'S NEW ONLINE STORE

ARTICLE EMILY SHEA | PHOTOGRAPHY JK GIFT SHOP

THROUGHOUT 2020, JULIE MCNABB AND KATIE HEINZ, OWNERS OF JK GIFT SHOP, EXPERIENCED WHAT ALL BUSINESS OWNERS HAVE NIGHTMARES ABOUT – CLOSING THEIR DOORS FOR AN UNKNOWN AMOUNT OF TIME DUE TO CIRCUMSTANCES OUT OF THEIR CONTROL. Instead of sulking and wishing for happier days during this tumultuous time, they began planning something bigger for their store. Their goal was simple: provide a safe and easy way for clients to get the “best gift ever,” even if and when the retail locations in Medina and Wooster closed. After months of uncertainties and countless ups and downs, the team at JK Gifts has found the solution –ShopJKGifts.com – an online store that is open 24/7 and offers nationwide shipping as well as local pick up. Katie Heinz and Julie McNabb

The online selection is complete with each and every product that is available instore, including the same gift categories and vendors you know and love. Such products include their witty bar and serving ware from Nora Fleming, Happy Everything products and more. Plus, new items will be continually added, including seasonal products. Additionally, JK Gifts is offering discounted local delivery as a way to thank their local customers for supporting them during these difficult times. Owner Julie McNabb says, “It truly means a lot to us that our community has been there for us when we needed them. This is just a little way for us to recognize their continued support.” For more information about JK Gifts and to shop online, visit ShopJKGifts.com.

Medina County Lifestyle | December 2020