Happy Pizzaween: celebrating Medina’s generosity, candy success and Halloween food favorites

Halloween is my wife’s favorite time of year because of the creativity involved. We’re always happy to hand out candy to anyone who braves our haunted home and says, “Trick or treat!” We prefer to give the treats rather than receive the tricks. Last year’s offerings included Malley’s bars and freeze-dried candy from Medina’s own Uncle Crunch.

It’s been one year since I introduced readers to Lena Wilson, founder and owner of Uncle Crunch, and her rapidly growing freeze-dried candy business. Since then, she’s seen remarkable success. “I can’t believe it’s been a year,” Wilson said. “I was a nominee for Entrepreneur of the Year at the MCEDC awards last night. I didn’t take home a glass trophy with Uncle Crunch on it, but it was surreal attending as a nominee because I went last year and was so inspired by our businesses here in Medina County.”

Wilson added, “We just launched in an additional 96 Giant Eagle locations earlier this week, bringing our total close to 200 stores ranging from Northeast Ohio to Pennsylvania, Illinois and Indiana, including our partnership with Malley’s.” Uncle Crunch also offers fundraising opportunities for local schools and organizations.

You know what’s almost as popular as candy on Halloween? Pizza. When Halloween falls on a Friday, it’s a double win — Friday nights are pizza nights, and Halloween is the biggest pizza-ordering holiday of the year.

This Halloween, the biggest pizza Friday of the year, I’d like to thank Medina’s own pizza chain, Romeo’s, for its generosity to the community. Romeo’s Pizza was founded in 2001 in Medina with the purpose of creating great-tasting pizza that connects people with their communities. The company now has more than 40 Ohio locations and six out-of-state.

My shout-out goes to Drew Peloza, owner of the Medina location and Romeo’s OT. At last Saturday’s third annual Medina Odd Fellows Halloween Bash — a fundraiser benefiting more than 40 Medina charities — Peloza donated more than 800 slices of pizza and 1,000 wings, just as he has for each of the past three years. He doesn’t ask for recognition, but donates to help great causes. Each year, he contributes nearly $20,000 worth of food to local groups. Want to help Drew? Preorder your pizzas — it’s Friday, and it’s Halloween.

Chef Ryan Marino and Corkscrew Saloon deserve similar recognition. Corkscrew’s donations to the annual Halloween Bash began last year, with more than $3,000 worth of food to help the Medina Odd Fellows raise even more for charity. This year, Marino even donated 16 pounds of ribeye steak for my Italian beef, which was served at the party.

Stephanie Vidra, owner of Perfectly Planned by Stef, has donated to the party for the past two years, and her food is outstanding. She runs her business single-handedly, offering desserts, charcuterie, grazing tables and light catering for any special event. She’s truly a one-stop shop. Contact her on Facebook at “Perfectly Planned by Stef.”

Thanks to all of Medina’s generous people, businesses and restaurants that support great causes like the Medina Odd Fellows and other charities with events designed to help those in need.

As always, eat fresh, dine local and be happy.