Chippewa Stone is a family owned and operated company specializing in Granite, Quartzite, Marble & Quartz. Our team is here to help from design to fabrication and installation. Our belief is to offer quality craftsmanship along with excellent service.
Dear Reader,
I hope this letter finds you in high spirits and full of creative energy.
Today, I want to take a moment to celebrate and explore the fascinating world of style. Style is not limited to the clothes we wear or the way we adorn ourselves; it encompasses every aspect of our lives. From the way we decorate our homes to the music we listen to, from the books we read to the way we carry ourselves in conversations, style permeates every facet of our existence. It is the thread that weaves together the tapestry of our lives.
Style is deeply personal. And it evolves as we celebrate our quirks, our passions and our desires. Style is a form of self-expression that communicates who we are, how we perceive the world and what we value. In this way, style becomes a powerful tool for connection, as it enables us to find common ground with others who share our aesthetic sensibilities.
As individuals, we have the freedom to embrace established styles, blend them together or forge entirely new paths, becoming trendsetters ourselves. We hope this issue inspires you to forge new paths or perhaps explore familiar ones. There is so much here in Medina County to uplift our spirits and ignite creativity.
In these pages, you’ll find articles about local style as it relates to home décor and interior design, landscaping and floral design. Happy reading!
Until next month,
September 2024
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
Swiss Country Lawn and Crafts, LuxeHome Furnishing, JTS Landscaping, Ashley Rae Photography, Nicole B. Photography LLC, Chippewa Stone, Shannon Swank
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER Steven Schowengerdt
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER Matthew Perry
EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR OF HR Janeane Thompson
AD DESIGNER Evan Deuvall
LAYOUT DESIGNER Adam Finley
SEPTEMBER MARKS OVER THREE DECADES
FOR THIS FAMILY-OWNED BUSINESS
ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA-OWEN PHOTOGRAPHY BY SWISS COUNTRY LAWN AND CRAFTS
This month, Swiss Country Lawn and Crafts is celebrating 35 years of business. To commemorate the remarkable milestone, we’re taking a look back at the family-owned business’s humble beginnings and sharing how you can continue to support their success.
In 1989, the Mast family opened Swiss Country when they began selling lawn furniture in their front lawn. The family’s first trailer load sold in one weekend and the resounding success inspired the Mast family to continue selling furniture. Over the years, the Mast family’s dedication and hard work earned them continued success, resulting in the expansion to Swiss Country’s current home into its beautiful 6,200-square-foot showroom in Sugar Creek.
While the business’s original weekend sale consisted of lawn furniture built in Lancaster, PA, today they are happy to provide quality lawn furniture made by their Amish friends in Holmes County. In addition to that handcrafted lawn furniture, Swiss Country offers poly furniture from Luxcraft. Made with recycled plastic jugs, stainless steel screws and a lifetime warranty, this durable furniture will enhance any space in your backyard. Luxcraft products include chairs, rockers, tables of all sizes, swings and more.
Because the Swiss Country team understands that everyone needs that perfect structure to beautify their backyard space, they also offer gazebos, pavilions, pergolas and playground sets. With the right structure and the right furniture, your backyard space can become a space that the entire family enjoys.
Most of these lawn furniture and outdoor home products are located outside of Swiss Country, so you can immediately begin browsing their selection upon your arrival. Step inside their shop to
view seasonal displays, a large variety of candles, botanicals, clocks and numerous décor items. The Swiss Country team spends countless hours arranging displays to reflect both trending and traditional décor, providing both timeless and contemporary products. Further, Swiss Country is always changing and revamping these décor displays to best reflect the time of year. Whether it’s spring, summer, fall or winter, they do their best to provide quality décor that will enhance your home and create a space that is warm and inviting for all.
Some of their fall displays feature wall art, vases and baskets laden with pumpkins, autumn candles galore, tableware adorned with the warm hues of the season, faux greenery and florals, gourmet food items that emphasize the hearty flavors of fall and Thanksgivinginspired goods to prepare your home for the season of feeling thankful. You can also find clocks of all kinds — from vintage-inspired timepieces to those embellished with Swarovski crystals — Potpourri, wind chimes and gifts for babies and children.
Between Swiss Country’s vast selection of home décor and outdoor living products, there’s something for everyone to find at the family-owned and operated business. Plus, since Swiss Country is commemorating its 35th anniversary this month, they will be hosting a celebration bash on Friday, Sept. 13 and Saturday, Sept. 14. The two-day event will include fantastic deals and product specials, live music, food trucks and more.
Visit Swiss Country at 2131 State Route 39, Sugarcreek. They are open Monday through Saturday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. You can learn more about the Mast family and view online catalogs of Swiss Country’s offerings at SwissCountryLawn.com
“The Swiss Country team spends countless hours arranging displays to reflect both trending and traditional décor, providing both timeless and contemporary products.”
“Between Swiss Country’s vast selection of home décor and outdoor living products, there’s something for everyone to find at the family-owned and operated business.”
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ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA-OWEN | PHOTOGRAPHY BY CHIPPEWA STONE
After the successful expansion into a newly renovated space in 2023, Chippewa Stone retains one of the best and most extensive selections of granite and natural stones in northeast Ohio. The expansion features an indoor slab and remnant area that is over 30,000 square feet and state-of-the-art equipment, allowing the family-owned and operated granite company to enhance customer satisfaction.
“This move was years in the making,” say Chippewa Stone owners Oskar and Courtney Gruber. “We acquired additional indoor slab warehouse and office space in our original building, allowing us to add a greater variety of inventory.”
What sparked the change, you ask? Oskar and Courtney wanted to showcase a larger selection of stones. The newly renovated area fosters the ability to display the increased inventory. Along with the extra room, homeowners can also view different applications of the various stones, view updated displays and consider fresh ideas when they start shopping.
With the expansion, it’s important to note that Chippewa Stone’s dedication to its foundational values of excellent customer service and craftsmanship have not changed. If anything, the company’s expansion only further supports these values.
Courtney says, “We still value the same principles and we take pride in offering a beautiful selection with a quality installation at an affordable price.”
For our readers who are not familiar with Chippewa Stone’s design, fabrication and installation services, the company covers every step of the selection process when you are purchasing new kitchen or bathroom countertops. The warehouse inventory includes an extensive selection of stones, from natural to engineered varieties.
In addition to its impeccable product offerings, Chippewa Stone stands apart from its competitors through its highly personalized service. Courtney says, “We know many of our customers on a first name basis. It is a rewarding feeling to see a member of our team turn an overwhelmed and unsure visitor into a relaxed, informed and confident customer. They are not only confident that they found the perfect stone for their project, but also had a great experience.”
She continues: “Our staff will get to know [our customers’] likes and dislikes, and filter selections that may not apply to their color scheme rather than just rushing through everything. They listen to customers’ concerns, and some have even made friends along the way. All of our staff members truly appreciate our customer base and enjoy what they do.”
Please visit MyChippewaStone.com to learn more about Chippewa Stone and their products. To view the impressive selection of granite, engineered quartz and other natural stones, the showroom and warehouse is located at 4930 Chippewa Rd. in Medina.
CONTINUED >
“We take pride in offering a beautiful selection of stones.”
LuxeHome Furnishing Creates Contemporary, Functional Furniture Using Age-Old Techniques
Local resident Peter Mapp has spent more than seven years as Metro Lexus' Vice President, but it's his dedication to the community that has made him a staple in Medina. His philanthropic efforts are focused on cancer research and support for cancer patients.
Peter actively raises funds for cancer research through VeloSano, a charitable organization dedicated to accelerating cancer research. Additionally, he sponsors various programs that assist individuals undergoing cancer treatments, providing much-needed support and resources.
Peter also has a soft spot for animals. From donating funds to secure a service dog for a child to hosting pet adoptions at the dealership and caring for his own dogs at home, Peter's compassion for animals is evident.
He understands the importance of surrounding himself with good people, which is why he has the utmost confidence in the team he has put together at Metro Lexus. Like Peter, they carry forward the mission to give back and create a lasting legacy in their individual communities.
Peter Mapp's dedication to his profession and his community makes him a true beacon of inspiration. His efforts in raising funds for cancer research, supporting those in need, and his love for animals showcase his compassionate and altruistic nature.
item is designed with a keen eye for detail and handcrafted using the finest materials to ensure lasting durability and beauty,” says Kyle Rufener, LuxeHome Furnishing’s sales and marketing manager.
LuxeHome Furnishing takes immense pride in using only the finest wood stains on their solid oak, cherry and walnut pieces. Their commitment to quality ensures that each piece not only showcases the natural beauty of the wood but also offers exceptional durability. The wood finish is specially formulated to be heat resistant and virtually scratch resistant, providing a long-lasting finish that can withstand the rigors of everyday use.
To complement their exquisite furniture, LuxeHome Furnishing collaborates with local
artists to provide a curated selection of home décor that adds the perfect finishing touch to any space. The collection includes stunning photography, intricate ceramics and other artisanal pieces that reflect current trends while celebrating the unique talents of our local community. These handcrafted accents are carefully chosen to enhance the aesthetic appeal of your home, ensuring that every detail contributes to a cohesive and stylish environment. By integrating local artistry with high-quality furniture, LuxeHome Furnishing offers a truly comprehensive and trend-forward approach to home décor.
Discover the elegance and craftsmanship of LuxeHome Furnishing for yourself. Whether you’re looking to furnish a new home or add a statement piece to your existing décor, they offer a range of options that cater to all tastes and styles. Plus, their knowledgeable staff will guide you through every step of the process, from selecting the perfect piece to custom designing furniture that fits your unique style and space.
Whether you’re looking to furnish a cozy cottage or a grand estate, LuxeHome Furnishing has the perfect pieces to elevate your home’s interior. Experience firsthand the elegance and quality that define their handcrafted furniture and discover how their locally designed creations can transform your living space into a haven of comfort and style.
Learn more by visiting https://luxehomefurnishing. com/ or by calling 330.271.8900 and asking for Kyle.
JTS LANDSCAPING CAN HELP TRANSFORM YOUR OUTDOOR SPACE
ARTICLE BY ERIN BAKA
PHOTOGRAPHY BY
JTS LANDSCAPING
As autumn approaches and the holiday season nears, it’s the perfect time to reintroduce JTS Landscaping as they celebrate 30 years of outstanding service in Seville and the surrounding areas. With a keen eye for seasonal transformation, JTS Landscaping specializes in enhancing outdoor spaces to reflect the vibrant colors of fall and the festive spirit of the holidays.
“With
Imagine your garden adorned with brilliant fall foliage, expertly designed lighting displays and cozy hardscapes like patios and fire pits that invite warmth and gatherings. JTS Landscaping is renowned for creating personalized outdoor environments that cater to your unique preferences and lifestyle, whether for residential or commercial properties. Their extensive range of services includes intricate lighting designs to illuminate your home beautifully during the holiday season, tranquil water features,and robust hardscapes such as retaining walls.
Have you ever daydreamed about having the perfect outdoor lighting for your home without the hassle of doing it yourself? Imagine no more ladders, no risky light hanging and no stress. With JTS Landscaping, you can achieve that dreamy, beautifully lit outdoor space effortlessly. They take care of everything, from design to installation, ensuring your property shines brightly and safely. Whether it’s for the cozy glow of autumn evenings or the festive sparkle of holiday lights, they can make your lighting fantasies into reality, all while you sit back and enjoy the view.
Moreover, JTS Landscaping utilizes the latest in innovative lighting solutions that
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transform with the seasons. Imagine your outdoor space glowing in festive orange and purple hues for fall, transitioning to cheerful red and green lights for the holidays and then dazzling with red, white and blue for July celebrations. These state-ofthe-art lighting systems are designed to adapt seamlessly to any occasion, bringing a dynamic and vibrant ambiance to your home year-round. With JTS Landscaping, you can enjoy a stunning, seasonally appropriate lighting display that enhances your property’s charm and festive spirit without any of the hassle. Of course, classical warm lighting is always available and provides a timeless elegance that suits any season. Whether it’s casting a cozy glow during fall evenings, creating a welcoming atmosphere for holiday gatherings or adding a touch of sophistication to your summer nights, warm lighting enhances the beauty and comfort of your outdoor
space year-round. With JTS Landscaping, you can effortlessly achieve the perfect lighting ambiance, no matter the time of year, ensuring your property looks inviting and enchanting in every season.
Once you’ve selected the perfect lighting, let JTS Landscaping handle the rest and you can enjoy the season. Their expert team will design and create a complete outdoor experience, bringing your vision to life with stunning porch pots, vibrant winter berries and rich fall foliage. Every detail is carefully curated to ensure your outdoor space is both beautiful and cohesive, reflecting the season’s best features. Trust JTS to transform your home’s exterior into a breathtaking display that captures the essence of each season, enhancing both its charm and curb appeal.
Visit JTSLandscaping.com or call 330.769.1878 for more information.
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LEARN ABOUT LOCAL FLORAL DESIGN COMPANY BLANC SLATE
ARTICLE BY EMILY SHEA-OWEN
PHOTOGRAPHY BY ASHLEY RAE PHOTOGRAPHY, NICOLE B. PHOTOGRAPHY LLC, AND SHANNON SWANK
No magazine issue dedicated to all things style would be complete without tapping into the world of floral design. That’s why, we are excited to present this interview with Shannon Swank, the owner and lead floral designer at Blanc Slate. Learn more about Shannon and her full-service floral design company below.
WHAT IS YOUR BACKGROUND IN FLORAL DESIGN?
I have been working in the floral industry for over 30 years. As a child, I was involved in a junior garden club that was led by Charlene Thornhill, a very kind and talented individual. By the time I turned 13, she had taught me a passion for floral design and I began entering designs into the Great Darke County Fair. At 17, I began working at a local flower shop and continued to work for various flower shops while obtaining my college degree in business from Baldwin Wallace in 1998. At 18, I became a certified floral designer from the David-Curtis School of Floral Design.
WHEN DID YOU OPEN BLANC SLATE? HOW DID IT COME TO BE?
Blanc Slate operated under the name Swank Floral Creations for 16 years. In January 2021, I rebranded the business to Blanc Slate and re-established it as my full-time business. This was a major milestone in my life.
WHAT KINDS OF FLORAL DESIGN SERVICES DO YOU OFFER?
Through Blanc Slate, my team and I offer specialty designs that differ from those of your average flower shop. We design for events such as weddings, baby showers, bridal showers, celebration of life services, graduations, anniversary parties, corporate events and fundraisers. Our new design studio is now located in Valley City at 6677 Center Rd. Unit D.
I am very blessed to be doing what I love.
DO YOU OFFER EVENT RENTALS AS WELL?
We offer many rentals such as beautiful wisteria for multiple hanging options around dance floors or large spaces, fabric for draping, wedding arches, candles, mirrors, a champagne wall, floral chandeliers, vases and more.
WHAT ADVICE DO YOU HAVE FOR PEOPLE THAT ARE CREATING A FLORAL BUDGET FOR AN UPCOMING SPECIAL EVENT?
When creating a floral budget, keep in mind that the flowers are the finishing touch. Create a wish list of what is most important to you and see what you can rent to save money.
WHAT ARE SOME OF THE MORE POPULAR ARRANGEMENTS AND DESIGNS YOU’VE BEEN MAKING THIS YEAR?
A very popular look this year has been a classic white wedding with romantic and whimsical touches. Also, creating dimensional table designs has been big; we do this by layering bud vases, candles and greens on tables. Finally, hanging floral installations are definitely a trend that is a showstopper and creates an event to remember.
WHAT DO YOU LOVE ABOUT BEING A FLORAL DESIGNER?
It is very rewarding to use my God-given talent to bring smiles to people’s faces. I am very blessed to be doing what I love.
IF YOU WERE TO CRAFT A BOUQUET USING ONLY FLOWERS THAT REPRESENT YOUR PERSONALITY, WHAT FLOWERS WOULD YOU CHOOSE AND WHY?
A bouquet of flowers that represents my personality would consist of chrysanthemums (for positive energy), pink roses (for care and compassion) and yellow tulips (for laughter and making people smile).
WHO’S YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION?
My biggest inspiration growing up was Colin Cowie. He was and still is a famous designer. He was named the number one wedding planner by American Vogue and does a lot of celebrity weddings.
WHAT FLOWER DO YOU THINK BEST REPRESENTS MEDINA COUNTY AND WHY?
I think the sunflower represents Medina County best because it is a symbol of faith and is believed to represent loyalty, friendship and longevity.
Learn more about Blanc Slate and contact Shannon about the floral design services she can provide for your upcoming event at BlancSlateFloral.com or by calling 330.416.2147. Also, see more of Blanc Slate’s beautiful creations by following them on Instagram at @ABlancSlate
SEPTEMBER 2024
SEPTEMBER 8TH
Tunnel to Towers 5K Run & Walk
Medina Public Square | 8:00 AM
This 11th annual event will honor all first responders, military service members and service veterans and bring awareness to the Tunnel to Towers Foundation. The race is family-friendly and all fitness levels are welcome. Learn more and sign up at RunSignUp.com/Race/OH/Medina/ TunneltoTowers5KRunWalkMedina.
SEPTEMBER 8TH
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 Don Goodman and QS Jazz/ Qwik Sil-ver with a performance that will explore, through a range of musical styles, songs of societal injustice, specific events and war protest. Learn more at Ormaco.org .
SEPTEMBER 9TH
Brunswick Middle School Auditorium | 6:30 PM
Listen to this American romance novelist discuss her latest release, “Just For the Summer.” Space is extremely limited and registration is required. Visit MCDL.info for more information and to save your seat.
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SEPTEMBER 14TH
Flea Fest: Summer Market Series
The Common Ground | 10:00 AM
Head to this multi-use merchant and maker space for a community market featuring over 100 local vendors, live music, food trucks, cocktails and vintage art. The market will welcome the return of autumn with fall decor.
SEPTEMBER 28TH
Westfield Fire and Rescue Association Golf Outing
Bunker Hill Golf Course | 1:00 PM
Golfers are invited to take part in this community event to raise funds for Westfield Fire and Rescue Association. Day-of registration is $150 for golfers and $45 for the dinner only.
SEPTEMBER 28TH
Medina Fall Festival
Medina Public Square | 10:00 AM
Kick off fall with this family-friendly festival featuring face painting, balloon animals, carnival games, pumpkin painting, food vendors and more.
TIME TO SAY The IPL
