In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

⛅ Mentor Weather - Clouds & Sun - Temps 67-69

 🎉 Mentor Live Events - 40+ Live Events. Events Added Daily

 🎉 Ravenna Balloon A-Fair Returns: Hot Air Balloons, Parades…

 📰 Browns Face Big Expectations: Can Watson & Top Defense Deliver?

 📰 Emergency Loans Available as Drought Ravages Southeast Ohio

 📰 Ohio Senate Bill Seeks to Legalize Online Gambling, Sparking Debate

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Travel & Discovery: 🐈 Pet-Friendly Vacations: How to Travel Smoothly with Your Furry Friends

 🏈 Lake Catholic Cougars Crush Erie Royals 37-0 in Home Opener

 ⚾ Cleveland Falters as Dodgers Cruise to 7-2 Victory

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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Mentor Live Events
Sep 8

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50+ Event Dates

🎉 Ravenna Balloon A-Fair Returns: Hot Air Balloons, Parades, and Family Fun

The 45th Annual Ravenna Balloon A-Fair is set to take place from September 19th to 22nd, 2024, in the scenic town of Ravenna, Ohio. This popular community event features a vibrant schedule packed with activities for all ages.

Thursday, September 19th kicks off with a Children’s Parade at 6:30 p.m. in downtown Ravenna, with registration starting at 5:30 p.m.

Friday, September 20th begins with a Community Breakfast at 7:00 a.m. at Ravenna VFW (reservations required). The evening festivities start at 5:30 p.m. at Sunbeau Valley Farm, where guests can enjoy a hot air balloon glow, live music from Disco Inferno, inflatables, food vendors, helicopter rides, and more. Admission is $5 per person, and parking is $5 per car.

Saturday, September 21st features the Grand Parade at 9:00 a.m. in downtown Ravenna, followed by a festival with entertainment on three stages, craft vendors, and children’s activities. From 3:00 p.m., Sunbeau Valley Farm will host hot air balloon launches, live music from My Drunkin Uncle and a Journey tribute band, a Jeep show, and fireworks at dusk.

The event concludes on Sunday, September 22nd, with gates opening at 11:00 a.m. at Sunbeau Valley Farm. Activities include hot air balloon launches, live music by Overboard: The Loveboat Band, a car show, and various family-friendly attractions.

Pets, bicycles, and skateboards are prohibited at both downtown Ravenna and Sunbeau Valley Farm for safety reasons.

Link to the website for Ravenna Balloon A-Fair
Link to the Facebook Event Page

📰 Browns Face Big Expectations: Can Watson and Top Defense Deliver?

The Cleveland Browns are gearing up for the 2024 NFL season, with optimism building as the team looks to build on last year’s playoff appearance. After finishing 11-6 despite multiple injuries to key players, the Browns hope to take the next step, starting with their season opener against the Dallas Cowboys today, at Huntington Bank Field in Cleveland.

A major storyline heading into this season revolves around quarterback Deshaun Watson, who is returning after a shoulder injury ended his 2023 campaign early. Watson, who joined the Browns in a controversial trade in 2022, has been under scrutiny due to his off-field legal troubles and inconsistent play. While he has shown flashes of his former Pro Bowl form, Browns fans are eager to see if Watson can lead the team back to the playoffs and live up to his $230 million contract.

The team’s offense also underwent significant changes in the offseason, including the addition of wide receiver Jerry Jeudy and new offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey. Dorsey, a former Browns quarterback, returns to Cleveland after being let go by the Buffalo Bills last season. He brings a track record of developing top-tier quarterbacks and is expected to make adjustments to help Watson and the offense perform at a high level. However, head coach Kevin Stefanski will remain the primary play-caller.

While Watson’s play will be critical, the Browns' defense, anchored by All-Pro defensive end Myles Garrett, is expected to continue its dominance. Cleveland had the league’s top-ranked defense last season, allowing the fewest yards per game, though there is room for improvement, particularly in red zone defense. With most of the defensive core returning and the addition of veteran players like Za'Darius Smith and Quinton Jefferson, the Browns are well-equipped to face a challenging schedule that features elite quarterbacks like Patrick Mahomes, Joe Burrow, and Lamar Jackson.

One area of concern heading into Week 1 is the Browns’ offensive line. Injuries to key tackles, including Jedrick Wills and Jack Conklin, have raised questions about the team’s ability to protect Watson, especially against Dallas’ top edge rusher, Micah Parsons. While both players are practicing, it remains unclear who will start in the critical tackle positions on Sunday.

With high expectations and some key pieces still uncertain, the Browns are ready to kick off a season that could see them contend for a deep playoff run.

Read More at wkyc.com

📰 Emergency Loans Available as Drought Ravages Southeast Ohio

Ohio is currently facing severe drought conditions, with 22 counties declared natural disaster areas by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). The hardest-hit regions are in the southeast, where farmers are suffering significant losses due to the lack of rainfall. This federal designation allows affected farmers, as well as those in 18 neighboring counties, to apply for emergency loans to help recover, including replacing equipment or livestock and refinancing debts.

The drought has persisted for over eight consecutive weeks, with applications for relief available until April 28, 2025. In Columbus, this summer has been the third driest since 1879, and nearly 43% of Ohio is experiencing severe drought, with parts of Athens and Meigs counties reaching unprecedented "Exceptional Drought" status. Rain is expected in central Ohio soon, potentially offering some relief.

📰 Ohio Senate Bill Seeks to Legalize Online Gambling, Sparking Debate

Ohio's Senate Bill 312 proposes legalizing online gambling, expanding the state’s gaming options. While Senator Niraj Antani advocates for regulating existing illegal iGaming practices, opponents like David Corey of the Bowling Centers Association fear it will hurt brick-and-mortar businesses, similar to the effect of online sports betting. The bill introduces a 15% tax rate and is not expected to be reviewed until November.

Read the Full Story at fox8.com

🐈 Pet-Friendly Vacations: How to Travel Smoothly with Your Furry Friends

Bringing your pet along on vacation can make for a fun and memorable trip, but it also requires careful planning to ensure a smooth experience for both you and your furry friend. Here’s how to make traveling with pets easier, from finding pet-friendly destinations to understanding airline policies and packing the essentials.

Pet-Friendly Destinations

Choosing the right destination is key when traveling with pets. Many places in the U.S. and abroad are known for being pet-friendly. Consider cities like Asheville, NC, or Portland, OR, where parks, pet-friendly accommodations, and outdoor dining options abound. National parks, such as Acadia or the Grand Canyon, also offer pet-friendly trails and lodging. Websites like BringFido.com can help you search for destinations that welcome pets, ensuring your furry companion will have as much fun as you do.

Airline Policies

If you plan to fly, it's important to research airline policies regarding pets. Most airlines allow small pets in the cabin, provided they fit in a carrier under the seat in front of you. Larger pets may need to travel in the cargo hold. Some airlines require a health certificate from your vet, while others have restrictions on certain breeds or weather conditions, so check before booking. Also, remember to make your pet’s reservation early, as airlines often have a limit on the number of pets allowed on each flight.

Packing Essentials

To make your trip as smooth as possible, create a checklist of everything your pet will need. Essentials include:

• A sturdy carrier or crate

• Collapsible food and water bowls

• Enough food and treats for the trip

• A leash, harness, and collar with ID tags

• Pet waste bags and cleaning supplies

• Medications and a basic first-aid kit

• Your pet’s favorite toy or blanket to provide comfort

It’s also a good idea to pack copies of your pet’s health records and contact information for local veterinarians at your destination in case of emergencies.

Final Thoughts

Traveling with pets can be an enjoyable experience with the right preparation. By choosing pet-friendly destinations, understanding airline policies, and packing thoughtfully, you can ensure that your next vacation is just as fun for your pet as it is for you. Safe travels!

🏈 Lake Catholic Cougars Crush Erie Royals 37-0 in Dominating Home Opener

The Lake Catholic Cougars delivered a commanding performance in their home opener against the Erie Royals, securing a 37-0 shutout on Saturday night. Lake Catholic jumped to an early lead with a 2-yard touchdown by Jimmy Gibbons in the first quarter. By halftime, the Cougars extended their advantage to 21-0, thanks to a 20-yard touchdown pass from quarterback Frankie Trinetti to tight end Cross Nimmo, who showed remarkable effort to push across the goal line.

In the second half, Lake Catholic's dominance continued. Gibbons broke away for a 64-yard touchdown run, followed by an 8-yard touchdown pass from Trinetti to Ace Peterlin, widening the gap to 35-0. The final points came from a defensive safety in the fourth quarter, cementing the Cougars' 37-0 victory.

With this win, Lake Catholic improves to 3-0 for the season, a testament to their stifling defense, which has allowed only seven points across three games while forcing multiple turnovers.

⚾ Cleveland Falters as Dodgers Cruise to 7-2 Victory

The Los Angeles Dodgers surged to an early lead with a six-run first inning, highlighted by Andy Pages' two-run home run, as they defeated the Cleveland Guardians 7-2 in Saturday’s interleague showdown. Mookie Betts also contributed with a solo homer, helping the Dodgers extend their lead in the NL West to five games. Cleveland's Lane Thomas responded with a two-run shot in the second inning, but the Guardians couldn't close the gap, leaving 10 runners on base and going hitless in key scoring opportunities.

Cleveland starter Gavin Williams struggled, failing to complete the first inning after allowing five runs on two hits and three walks. Brent Honeywell, the final of seven Dodgers pitchers, earned the win for Los Angeles. Betts continued his hot streak, homering for the 16th time this season and boosting his September batting average to .450.

Despite Thomas’ efforts, the Guardians fell to 3-2 on their current road trip, with their lead in the AL Central shrinking to 3 1/2 games.

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🤣 Something Funny 🤣

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