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PIVOT POINT
Saturday, October 24, 2020
The Gazette
Coffee in the Valley keeps Covid out Zinn’s Mechanical builds and installs confidence in their business By Sarah Keller, BEAT reporter Throughout most of this year, businesses have come face-toface with many challenges and difficulties due to the Covid-19 pandemic. However, one local family-owned business has taken the opportunity to grow and prosper. Coffee in the Valley is a Valley City family-owned business that opened in the summer of last year. The shop sells all kinds of drinks and pastries, ranging from scones and muffins to mochas and lattes. “This is our business, our passion,” said Stephanie Miller, co-owner of Coffee in the Valley. “I work here to make sure I know my customers. As this is a very young business, I also work here to make sure the business is growing into our dream.” With the new COVID-19 guidelines and regulations, Coffee in the Valley has had to implement many safety precautions to ensure a healthy and Covid-free environment. With this, the cafe had
Coffee in the Valley interior. to decrease their max capacity by removing tables and cancelling larger events as well as using more cleaning products for deep cleaning and sanitizing. Tables, chairs, door handles and counters are sanitized every day and glass barriers were installed to protect both customers and employees. An outdoor patio was recently installed to provide another seating area for their customers. “I love talking and getting to
know our community,” said Miller. “We are continuously growing and I have the opportunity to meet new people all the time.” Coffee in the Valley values customer service, cleanliness and consistency to allow their customers to have a wonderful experience in the shop. Not only that, Coffee in the Valley is eager to support local schools and community events. Miller stated, “As we grow, so will our giving.”
Our Sweet Rose!
101 years old. Just voted and filled the ballot out herself. This is her 21st Presidential Election!
How amazing is that!
• Comfortable & care-free lifestyle • Licensed nurse on duty 24/7 • Medication management • Full-service beauty salon & barber shop • Full housekeeping & laundry • Chapel services & library • Variety of social activities • Family owned & operated
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A Senior Assisted Living Community
891 Marks Road | Brunswick www.PlumCreekSeniorLiving.com
By Aaron Niedermyer, BEAT reporter “HOT or COLD, Never Fear ZINN is Here!” If you have been in Northeast Ohio for some time, chances are you are familiar with this slogan. This is the slogan of Medina’s own Zinn Mechanical. Zinn is an HVAC company located at 1486 Medina Road, Suite 203, in Medina. They Randy Zinn and his crew working service heating, air conditionhard to create air ducts. ing, and boiler systems of all different shapes and sizes from the largest of industrial units to small residential units, and everything in between. “It’s an art and a science” says Randy Zinn who has been running Zinn Mechanical for over thirty years. Zinn Mechanical designs, builds, and installs its own HVAC systems into homes and businesses alike. Because Zinn is able to design and build their own systems in-house, it allows them to do things other companies just simply cannot. For example, they are able to cut out the middleman when it comes to ductwork creation because they can create it all in-house, saving both time and money. “It costs about the same to have our system installed as it does to have someone come to your house and simply drop in a new unit. But with our system, you’ll feel the difference every time you turn the furnace or air conditioner on,” said Zinn. With over 60 happy customers on Google Reviews and an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau, Zinn believes his customers have no reason to fear the turn of the seasons when Zinn Mechanical is just a call away. At Zinn’s it’s the people, not just the machines who make the magic happen. Colleen Sarabi described owning a small business as, “...the most exciting, challenging, and rewarding thing we’ve done.” Sarabi believes most small business owners would surely agree. They would also likely agree that COVID-19 has severely impacted their business over the past several months. Zinn has had to discover new, safe ways to provide HVAC service to customers while keeping employee and customer safety paramount. Zinn prides themselves on their positivity throughout the COVID-19 Pandemic and the services they provide to customers - a well-done job with integrity and honesty. These principles are cornerstones of their business. “We are so grateful for the trust of our customers and for opportunities to serve them in ways beyond heating and air conditioning. We want everyone to know that we have solutions that will help keep you safe in your home, business, and church” said Colleen Sarabi. Now more than ever, small businesses need your help. You can support Zinn by giving them a call and asking about how to improve your indoor air quality, replacing old equipment, or solving airflow issues within your home or business.
Backpack Journalists wrote the articles in Pivot Point The Beat Reporters are student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program is sponsored by Scene75 (www.scene75.com), Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, Baskets Galore, Danbury Senior Living, Medina County Women’s Endowment Fund, Medina County Community Fund, Brunswick University Center, Brunswick Eagles 3505, 100+ Women Who Care Medina, and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to www.thebeat22.com to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit. com to view videos produced by the students.
The Gazette
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Let us help you breath easier and stay healthy in your home! Talk to us about ways to kill viruses in the air and on surfaces.
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PIVOT POINT
Saturday, October 24, 2020
CHAT with Medina County Library to prevent COVID boredom By Rosie Till, BEAT reporter Have you run out of things to do in quarantine? Watched all your favorite (and not-so-favorite) TV shows and movies? Are you out of video games? Read all the books you own? The Medina County District Library (MCDL) has everything you need to cure boredom, while keeping you protected and safe. With new programs, and COVIDfriendly old ones, MCDL is fun for everyone. Tina Sabol, MCDL’s Community Engagement Manager, has been busy preparing the library for events during COVID-19. Sabol’s department is in charge of promoting the MCDL events. “Before the pandemic, our most effective promotional tool was our quarterly newsletter, The Library Live,” she explained. “Now, everything is month to month, including our newsletter.” Sabol’s department is now using Zoom, YouTube and other social media to promote new programs such as Anytime Lockers, Curbside Service, and CHAT. Anytime Lockers is a program where library patrons can pick up items that they already put a hold on and are ready to be picked up. Additionally, patrons can call or mail the library and have staff pick up requests from the shelves and put those in one’s locker as well. Held items can be picked up from the locker anytime within 24 hours. “Curbside Service works a lot
MCDL’s new curbside service program; MCDL keeps everyone safe by requiring state mandated wearing of a mask inside all library buildings like the lockers,” commented Sabol. With Curbside, you pull into a designated area, call the library, and a staff member will bring your items and put them in your trunk or backseat. Another service MCDL offers is the CHAT service for reference questions from 10 AM to 3 PM, Monday through Friday. When library staff is unavailable, CHAT directs the user to a webpage that allows you to email the staff. All patrons and staff must wear a mask per state mandate and highly-touched places are cleaned frequently. Special procedures have been put in place to ensure proper social distancing at all MCDL locations. “We LOVE what we do and every month I read reports from
managers highlighting amazing stories happening within our buildings,” Sabol said. When a need arises in the community MCDL does the best they can to help. Due to the pandemic, there has been a huge loss in jobs. Currently, MCDL is launching virtual job search events and helping with resume writing and more, adapting to help the community as much as they can. “I always encourage people to check the library website, mcdl. info, and just click around for 10 minutes,” said Sabol. “You’ll be amazed what you find.” So, if you’re bored, don’t forget the MCDL is waiting to welcome back old friends and is excited to meet new ones.
The Gazette
Finding a runner’s heaven in Brunswick
By Abigail Karim, BEAT reporter Heights Running Co. is a full-service running specialty store. It is located in Brunswick Town Center, between Giant Eagle and Home Depot. The store is relatively new as it opened in July of 2019. What makes Heights Running Co. stand out is its affordable name-brand running gear at very competitive prices. On a normal day, the store’s items are priced twenty to fifty percent less than its competitors. In addition to selling running shoes, Heights Running Co. sells fitness apparel, nutritional and injury prevention items, watches, and compression socks. The owner of the store, John Hayes, stated, “I decided to open the store because it was a passion of mine. I was a very avid runner… and after college I wanted to stay active so I got into running. I started entering in races and mar-
athons.” Hayes got the chance to open a running store, and took the opportunity. In the beginning of March, when everything shut down due to the coronavirus, the company stayed closed for a month and a half. As a result, Running Heights Co. missed out on track season. This is usually when all the high-school and middle school runners purchase running gear. Hayes’ company is committed to runners in the area. “We believe that it is important in a market and society fueled by technology and the internet that the local brick and mortar small businesses are still a very valuable and useful asset that cannot be matched in the online world,” Hayes stated. If you would like to learn more about the company, visit their website at http://heightsrunningco. com/, or visit their store at 1439 Town Center Blvd in Brunswick.
Firstar Precision Corporation: Machining and 3D modeling By Skylar Horn, BEAT reporter David Tenny is President of Firstar Precision Corporation, who is partnered with Precision CNC Machining. CNC stands for Computer Numerical Control. CNC is the automated control of machining tools and 3D printers by means of a computer. A CNC machine processes a piece of material to meet specifications by following a coded, programmed instruction and without a manual operator directly controlling the machining operation. Firstar Precision Corporation first opened in March of 2000 in North Royalton. It has since moved to larger facilities in Brunswick. Firstar Precision Corporation works to make 3D-printed tools for companies. The corporation supports Sparton Medical Systems Inc, Stanley Tools, Bettcher Industries Inc, Portescape, Aimco, and Exsurco Medical. Firstar is proud to be the certified supplier of machined parts in the new NeuroStar® TMS Therapy® device. They also work with NASA by making Memory Alloys.
Tenny originally worked with Jack Horstman and Joe Tako to create Firstar Precision Corporation. While Horstman has since retired and Tako has passed away, Tenny continues his involvement with Firstar with Jack West as Vice President. To learn more about Firstar, contact Tenny at dtenny@ firstarcnc.com and West at jwest@firstarcnc.com. Firstar Precision Corporation’s website is https://www.firstarcnc. com. Skylar Horn, a 9th grader at Brunswick High School, is one of over fifty student “backpack journalists” (grades 6-12) in the award-winning BEAT Video Program. The program is sponsored by Scene75 (www.scene75.com), Plum Creek Assisted Living Community, Baskets Galore, Danbury Senior Living, Medina County Women’s Endowment Fund, Medina County Community Fund, Brunswick University Center, Brunswick Eagles 3505, 100+ Women Who Care Medina, and the Brunswick Rotary Club. Go to www.
The Firstar Precision Corporation team in front of the Firstar Precision Corporation building. thebeat22.com to learn more about the Program, or visit https://thebeat.viebit.com to view videos produced by the students.
The Gazette
Saturday, October 24, 2020
Looking For Your Favorite Farmers Market Vendors?
Holiday Market 11/21 • 9-4pm Gourmet Food & Holiday Shopping See Website for details.
Shop all of the locally grown and produced items you love from the vendors you’ve come to know and trust! We are excited to share our new location with you, and look forward to seeing you there! Free and convenient customer parking is available next door Follow us on Facebook to stay up-to-date on news and events!
www.FarmersMarketofMedina.com
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PIVOT POINT
The Gazette
COVID-19 brings a new and improved Bunker Hill Golf Course By Anderson Mitchell, BEAT reporter COVID-19 has not been kind to many local businesses, including Bunker Hill Golf Course in Medina. Earlier this year, Bunker Hill was forced to stop all indoor activities, including indoor golf, Easter and Mother’s Day buffets. Over $100,000 in revenue was lost through the cancellation of these events. When the pandemic hit, Bunker Hill’s golf season was just starting to ramp up. As a result, they had to cancel all golf outings and other events. Chad Gibson, Bunker Hill’s General Manager, was not afraid to admit he was very nervous to see what was going to happen next. In order to survive the pandemic, Bunker Hill made the decision to pivot. First, they made several improvements to their business, including a redo of their building’s interior. Then, they invested more than a half of a million dollars into improving their golf course. This included $100,000 towards landscaping, and creating six more concrete paths for the golf carts. “Our goal was to come out on top, after the pandemic” said Gibson. Once businesses were allowed to open up again, Bunker Hill had to take many precautions. Golf carts hosted a challenge. They now could only allow one person per cart per social distancing guidelines. When wanting to play golf, the customer would have to wait every other tee time. A normal tee time at Bunker Hill is 9 minutes, so now the customer had to wait 18 minutes. Now that restrictions have been eased, Bunker Hill can offer their original services again. The waiting between tee times has decreased, and they are now able to sit 10 people at a table 6 feet apart. Additionally, Bunker Hill can now serve food and drinks once again. When COVID-19 first hit, Bunker Hill was scared for the future of their business. Today, however, they are experiencing one of their best years ever. They even gained more customers, including families who bring their children with them to do something fun and safe outside. “This is one of the best states we have been in,” said Gibson. Bunker Hill was able to overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and be ready Golfers putt on the greens of Bunker Hill golf course. to tee up some long overdue golf games.
Danbury Senior Living brings out the person in personalized senior care By Matthew Kovach, BEAT reporter At the beginning of the pandemic, every business was required to adapt COVID-19 friendly policies to keep their customers safe. However, when your business is somebody’s home, it makes that process a lot harder. Danbury Senior Living in Brunswick specializes in keeping their residents safe on a daily basis - even before COVID. Restrictions from the Ohio Governor’s office have prevented senior living and nursing home residents from visiting with family and enforced social distancing guidelines within each building. “It’s certainly been a challenge,” said Danbury Executive Director, Pamela Haney. Haney assumed her role of Danbury’s Executive Director from Deb Lougheed, who recently retired. In order to keep residents protected, Danbury has instituted social distancing, canceled monthly events, limited visitors to outdoor visits, and modified meal plans to provide more in-room dining or well-distanced dining in the café, pub and cafeteria areas. However, Danbury’s real challenge has been keeping residents engaged. For a short time at the beginning of the pandemic, residents were confined to their in room living space, which restricted their ability to socialize with other residents and participate in games like Bingo. To entertain residents, craft kits were sent to every room. “You need to be able to pivot on a moment’s notice and adapt to change from day-to-day,” stressed Haney. Before joining the Danbury team, Haney worked as a hotel manager. She changed industries because she wanted to “do something with purpose”. At Danbury, Haney feels she can get to know each resident on a “one
The outside of Brunswick Danbury Senior Living. to one basis,” which was a quality she found lacking in the hotel industry as visitors come and go. As Executive Director, Haney is in charge of surveying every facet of assisted living. Haney’s workload usually includes making sure departments are keeping up with day-to-day tasks, as well as training new employees. Everything from “kitchen to clinic,” Haney says. As she settled into her new role at Danbury, Haney has been getting to know every resident on a personal level, as she had hoped. “The feeling of family makes you feel like you want to work,” she explained. While the residents of Danbury have limited interaction with their loved ones, Haney hopes the staff of Danbury can fill some of that void in the meantime, while also working hard to keep residents safe. Recently, senior living facilities were given the
go-ahead from Ohio Governor Mike DeWine to allow indoor visits. Prior to the announcement, Danbury hosted a series of outdoor visits with no more than two family members six feet from each resident and wearing masks for safety as the orders required. Residents and visitors sat on opposite ends of a patio table and were allowed an hour of visitation each week. Now that indoor visits are available, one visitor may enter the building after being safety-checked for fever temperature and answering questions regarding symptoms and exposure to COVID. Each visit is thirty minutes. Meanwhile, Danbury keeps residents engaged with weekly Bingo games, mock Jeopardy, holiday-themed crafts and activities, along with the opportunities for residents to write letters to their family members. Overall, Haney values “safety, security, and family. Those are key.” “People need to know they’re not alone,” she added. “We’re here to look out for their well-being at all times. When we at Danbury say we care, we really do. We live our mission statement.” In the past, Danbury has hosted many events open to the community from Oktoberfest dinners, Trick- or-Treat nights to visits with Santa and the Easter bunny. These events raised money for charities and attracted family and friends from the community to engage in activities with residents. Haney hopes to one day resume these activities, but for now is looking for ways to engage the community online while COVID persists. Danbury is investigating a way to host events like their Festival of Trees online for the enjoyment of their residence, family members and the community alike.
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PIVOT POINT
Baskets Galore blossoms during COVID-19 By BEAT Video Program Medina County businesses, both large and small, have been impacted by the uncertainty created by COVID-19. One business that has actually created a niche during this time is Brunswick’s Baskets Galore. Since 2003, Baskets Galore has excelled by creating “good feelings with gifts” for both walk-in customers and large corporations. When businesses were shuttered in the spring due to COVID-19, walk-in traffic was eliminated. How would this business survive and thrive? “Fortunately, we were blessed by loyal customers who stayed connected with us online,” explained Deborah Wasylko, Baskets Galore owner. “In fact, many new customers reached out to us online. I can’t tell you how much that meant to us.” Additionally, large corporations discovered the need to give small gifts and virtual snack boxes to connect with clients and employees of whom they couldn’t see in-person due to COVID-19. “We offered a variety of low-cost touch gifts, virtual snack boxes and coffee break boxes to companies to help them engage,
acknowledge, and recharge their clients and employees,” said Wasylko. “And, we personalized these gifts with custom notecards and branded ribbon to add that special touch. They are very popular. We plan on offering “event in a box” gifts throughout this holiday season as an alternative to employee and client luncheons that may be cancelled due to COVID-19. As a result, Baskets Galore has grown to the level where it felt comfortable in taking the next step. In July, it purchased an existing building on Pearl Road in Brunswick, which will double the space of its current location. Renovations to the building will be completed in early 2021. “My family and I love both Brunswick and Medina County,” said Wasylko. “Our hope is that, with our new location, we will be able to continue to offer good feelings to both our current and new friends for many years to come.” Baskets Galore is currently located at 1434 Town Center Blvd, Brunswick Ohio (in the Home Depot/Giant Eagle Plaza). Contact them at (330) 220-0088 or visit their website at www. basketsgaloregifts.com
Saturday, October 24, 2020
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One Lucky Dog Bakery’s tail wagging treats By Zoe Cortes, BEAT reporter It was Stacy Sutphen’s love of making treats for her dogs at home which evolved into baking treats for all dogs at One Lucky Dog Bakery, located at 45 Public Square in Medina. “I do a lot of reading and I am passionate about good nutrition so my dogs can live long healthy lives,” stated Sutphen. The treat flavors always stay the same, but a few new flavors are added every year. Some of the most popular treat flavors are Monkey Bones, Dragon’s Breath, Pumpkin Spice, and the meat flavored treats. Sutphen also sells her dog treats at the Medina City Farmer’s Market, where she has a table every weekend. Like most local businesses, COVID-19 has been rough for Sutphen. One Lucky Dog Bakery has been open throughout the pandemic. They had curbside pickup before COVID-19, so that helped them adapt to COVID rules in the beginning. Sutphen stated that, while business was slow at the beginning of the pandemic, it is now starting to pick up again. Sutphen frequently disinfects highly-touched surfaces and requires her employees and customers to wear masks. Sutphen has 5 Scottish Deerhounds. Their names are Fergus, Glenda, Tegen, Quill, and Rocket. Fergus currently writes a blog on the One Lucky Dog website. Fergus took over the blog from Finn who has since passed away. The blog covers everything from a dog’s health to toys and treats, all written from the dog’s perspective. Sutphen said that “dogs have a sense of humor more than people do.” Check out the bakery when you get a chance, They also carry collars, leashes, toys, grooming products, and natural remedies for things like skin and coat issues, digestive problems, and more.
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Saturday, October 24, 2020
The Gazette