In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

⛈️ Mentor Weather - Afternoon Showers & T-Storms - Temps 82-83

 🎉 Mentor Live Events - 50+ Live Events. Events Added Daily.

 🎶 Experience Local Tradition: The Great Geauga County Fair Band Performs at Garfield

 🎈 Mentor CityFest Returns: Two Days of Family Fun, Music, and Entertainment Starts Tonight!

 🎸ZOSO: 29 Years of Dominance in the Led Zeppelin Tribute Scene

 📰 New Ohio Laws Target Cell Phones, Teacher Shortage, and Student Privacy

🗺️ ODOT Offers Free Road Maps: A Reliable Backup for Your Road Trip

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Family Fun: 🛣️ Explore Northern Ohio's Fun-Filled Escapes: Safari, Lighthouses, and More

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

🎙️ Want to Spotlight Your Local Business? Apply Here! 

Mentor Live Events
Aug 16

See the details for these events in the link above for Mentor Live Events. New Events Added Daily

See All the Upcoming Events Here at:
Mentor Live Events!
50+ Event Dates and Growing

🎶Experience Local Tradition: The Great Geauga County Fair Band Performs at Garfield

The Great Geauga County Fair Band, established in 1937, holds the unique distinction of being Ohio's only all-volunteer county fair band. Over the decades, this dedicated group has brought joy to audiences through lively performances at parades, park concerts, and various community gatherings. Their repertoire is as diverse as their venues, with twice-daily concerts at The Great Geauga County Fair showcasing marches, show tunes, patriotic pieces, and a variety of musical styles.

The band welcomes musicians aged 15 and older, with rehearsals beginning in April. Throughout the summer, they perform at festivals, parades, homecomings, and other events, culminating in their annual performances at the Fair. Their impressive collection of trophies, a testament to their numerous appearances, is proudly displayed at the Fairgrounds.

The band will play an hour of music from President Garfield's era along with some modern pieces. Guests can enjoy the performance under historic trees, bringing lawn chairs and picnic baskets for a leisurely experience. Alcohol is not permitted at the free event, sponsored by the James A. Garfield Alliance.

See the their website here for more information. City’s Website Here.
See the Facebook Event here.

🎈 Mentor CityFest Returns: Two Days of Family Fun, Music, and Entertainment

Mentor CityFest returns tonight. The event is open from 5pm-11pm! CityFest is two days of family-friendly fun and entertainment. The festival will feature live music, with a Led Zeppelin tribute band ZOSO on Friday and a Pink tribute band on Saturday, both performing at 8:00 PM. The event is open on Saturday from noon - 11pm.

The expanded CityFest Kids Zone will include giant inflatables, bounce houses, a rock wall, a zip line, and a mobile ninja warrior course. Adults can enjoy the Adult Party Patio with a beer trailer and party games. The festival also offers interactive entertainment, strolling performers, and community activities, alongside local businesses and non-profits in the Main Street tent.

With over 20 food vendors, attendees can indulge in a wide variety of festival favorites. The Mentor CityFest Parade kicks off Saturday at 10:00 AM, featuring over 100 groups. The event also includes the CityFest Color Dash & Walk starts on Saturday evening at 6pm, a 2.5-mile run and walk through seven color zones which will leave you festively decorated. See online registration here for the CityFest Color Dash & Walk.

Admission and parking are free, with wristbands available for certain activities. Festival parking will be provided at multiple nearby locations, and handicapped parking will be available at the Mentor Municipal Center.

See All the Details at cityofmentor.com and on the Facebook Event.
See the CityFest 2 Day Agenda Here

🎸ZOSO: 29 Years of Dominance in the Led Zeppelin Tribute Scene

For nearly three decades and more than 4,500 performances, ZOSO has continued to dominate the Led Zeppelin tribute scene, maintaining a reputation for being, as described by The L.A. Times, “head and shoulders above all other Led Zeppelin tributes.” Their success is no mystery.

At the forefront is lead vocalist and ZOSO co-founder Matt Jernigan, who captures the unique qualities of Robert Plant’s iconic voice with precision. From Plant's unmistakable timbre and dynamic range to his raw energy and charisma, Jernigan brings the legendary frontman’s essence to life. His signature corkscrew blonde hair and commanding stage presence only enhance his striking similarity to Plant.

Equally vital to ZOSO’s sound is Adam Sandling, the band’s co-founder and multi-instrumentalist. Sandling mirrors John Paul Jones’ musical prowess by skillfully managing electric bass, keyboards, and mandolin. Thanks to his versatility, ZOSO can perform complex, fully arranged renditions of Zeppelin classics like "Kashmir," "Trampled Under Foot," and "Stairway to Heaven," pieces that would normally require a larger ensemble in other tribute acts.

Visit their webpage at zosoontour.com

📰 New Ohio Laws Target Cell Phones, Teacher Shortage, and Student Privacy

As Ohio students prepare to return to school this month, several new laws will impact the educational landscape, addressing technology, teacher certification, student privacy, and religious expression.

One of the most significant changes is the implementation of House Bill 250, signed by Governor Mike DeWine. This law requires schools to develop policies limiting cell phone use during school hours, aiming to reduce distractions and bullying. Schools must adopt these policies by July 1, 2025, with flexibility to tailor their approach, though some districts, like Parma, have already banned phones in classrooms. Students with health needs or Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) can still use their phones under certain conditions.

To address the ongoing teacher shortage, Senate Bill 168 makes it easier for individuals with advanced degrees to enter the profession. Those holding a Master’s degree can now obtain an educator’s license after passing a subject exam, while people with a Bachelor’s degree have alternative pathways to become school administrators or superintendents. The law also supports programs like the Grow Your Own Teacher initiative, which offers scholarships to future educators who commit to teaching in high-need schools.

Student privacy is also a focus with Senate Bill 29, which limits the surveillance of students using school-issued devices. The law restricts schools and software vendors from accessing students' data or remotely controlling devices, except in cases of safety or legal necessity. Parents must be informed if their child's data is accessed.

Finally, House Bill 214, known as the Religious Expression Days (R.E.D.) Act, allows K-12 students up to three excused absences for religious or spiritual reasons. Schools must adopt policies ensuring that students are not required to justify their beliefs or face discrimination for taking these days.

WATCH or Read More at fox8.com

🗺️ ODOT Offers Free Road Maps: A Reliable Backup for Your Road Trip

If you're planning a late summer road trip around Ohio, don't forget to pick up your free state road map, provided by the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT). ODOT is currently distributing 1.4 million copies of the newly updated Ohio state road map, featuring the latest information on road changes, routes, and points of interest. This marks the first update in at least four years.

While digital navigation apps are popular, ODOT Director Jack Marchbanks emphasizes that paper maps still serve an important purpose as online resources can go offline, and cell service can fail. It’s smart to have a back-up paper map in your car. Whether you're exploring Ohio's parks, planning a business trip, or simply charting a route, the new state map is a reliable companion.

The map also offers convenient information on Ohio's 76 state parks, fun facts about the state, and contact details for the Ohio State Highway Patrol. However, it doesn't include instructions on the classic challenge of folding it back up!

You can get your copy of the 2024 Ohio state road map at any highway rest area or request one via ODOT's website. A digital version is also available online.

Get Your Free Copy From ODOT Today!

🛣️ Explore Northern Ohio's Fun-Filled Escapes: Safari, Lighthouses, and More

Northern Ohio is packed with an array of fun activities that suit all types of travelers. From outdoor adventures to cultural stops, here are more experiences to add to your itinerary:

Lake Erie Islands: Besides Put-in-Bay, the Lake Erie Islands have several hidden gems worth exploring. Kelleys Island, for example, is home to the Glacial Grooves, one of the world’s largest accessible examples of glacier movement. The island is also known for its wineries, bike paths, and serene beach areas, perfect for a relaxing day in nature.

Marblehead Lighthouse State Park: As one of the oldest continuously operating lighthouses on the Great Lakes, Marblehead Lighthouse is a great spot for history buffs and photographers. Climb to the top for sweeping views of Lake Erie, or explore the charming nearby towns, which offer quaint shops, dining, and scenic walking paths.

African Safari Wildlife Park: Located in Port Clinton, this drive-through wildlife park offers a safari adventure where you can see and even feed exotic animals from the comfort of your car. It’s a family-friendly option that brings you up close with giraffes, zebras, bison, and more.

Pro Football Hall of Fame: Sports fans will want to stop by Canton to visit the Pro Football Hall of Fame. This massive museum celebrates the legends of the game with interactive exhibits, memorabilia, and historical highlights. Football enthusiasts will enjoy reliving the sport’s greatest moments and learning about its icons.

Geneva-on-the-Lake: This charming lakeside town has been a favorite summer spot for decades. Geneva-on-the-Lake is perfect for those who love a classic, retro experience with arcades, mini-golf, and food stands lining the strip. For wine lovers, the area’s wineries offer tastings and scenic views, making it a relaxing retreat.

Amish Country: Head to Holmes County to experience Ohio’s Amish Country, where life moves at a slower pace. Take a scenic drive through the countryside, visit artisanal shops, and savor homemade Amish baked goods, cheeses, and other delicacies.

From island retreats to wildlife encounters, Northern Ohio is full of exciting and diverse activities for every traveler.

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

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