She opened Vitality Natural Health and Wellness Center May 15.

It was the former Lakewood Apothecary and is still located at 130 Chautauqua Ave., across from the clock tower. It was owned by Jim Rovegno.

At the time, Dengler, who is a also a licensed massage therapist, said she had been at the apothecary on a field trip for school. She was teaching at Tri State Business Institute in Erie, Pa., and she had a student from the area.

“And so we came here on a school field trip, basically. And I had met Jim at the apothecary. And over the years, he had kept in touch. And he would refer patients to me, and I would call him from time to time asking if he could get something or if he had something for some of my patients. … And last fall, Jim had actually referred a couple of patients to me, and they told me that he was retiring and selling and I contacted him. And that’s how the whole process started,” she said.

The Vitality Natural Health and Wellness Center, located at 130 Chautauqua Ave., Lakewood.

Dengler has two other stores in Meadville, Pa. And Grove City, Pa., and she said Lakewood residents have been very welcoming.

“I love it. It’s a beautiful area. The community is great. The businesses are great. We’ve met some really wonderful people. And they’ve been very, very welcoming to us. And we’re excited to be here,” Dengler said.

At times, Dengler said, it is challenging running three businesses, but she does it because it’s an opportunity for her to educate people and to be able to provide a service to people that may otherwise be difficult for them to get.

The Lakewood location offers a wide range of professional grade nutritional supplements, natural body care and wellness products, essential oils, full spectrum hemp/CBD products and local products including maple syrup, honey, and eggs. In the near future, we will be expanding to add services including naturopathic medicine, health coaching, nutritional therapy, massage therapy, far infrared sauna and ionic detox foot bath., Dengler said.

“I think I can speak for all of Lakewood residents in the excitement with the announcement of the new Vitality Natural Health and Wellness Center, located at 130 Chautauqua Avenue, in front of the clock tower. This new wellness center promises a whole body experience of healing and preventative wellness. The Village of Lakewood encourages all individuals to visit the new center and enjoy a healthy life to the fullest,” Mayor Randy Holcomb said.

Dengler, who also is naturopathic doctor, added that the staff from Lakewood Apothecary including Judy Foster, Jody Sheldon, and Dawn Williams have joined the dynamic team at Vitality Natural Health and Wellness Center. “We are excited to welcome them aboard,” Dengler noted.

“It is great to see a proven business owner such as Melissa Dengler invest in the heart of our Village. Not only will she offer great health focused services, but she has hired staff from the previous apothecary,” said Trustee Ben Troche.

For more information visit vitalityhealthandwellness.com.