In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

⛅ Mentor Weather - Cloudy, Windy, Snow - Temps 29-31

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

⭐ Local Business Spotlight: Del Monti’s Italian Treats

❄️ Nearly Two Feet of Snow Hits Ashtabula County Amid Snow Warnings

 📰 Snow Delays Yard Waste Collection for Waste Management Customers

🌨️ Mentor Declares Snow Emergency: Parking Ban in Effect

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Food & Recipes: 🍗 Still Got Some Turkey? Stretch the Holiday Feast: Fun Ideas for Turkey Leftovers

 🏀 Cavaliers Fall to Hawks for Second Time in Three Days Despite Garland’s 29

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📰 Advertise with Mentor Local Buzz

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Nov 30

Complete list of events and all the details in the link above “Mentor Live Events”. New Events Added Daily.

See All the Upcoming Events Here at:
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50+ Event Dates

🍪 Del Monti’s Italian Treats: A Family Legacy Sweetening Mentor’s Great Lakes Mall

With fresh pizzelles, imported Italian flavors, and a passion for community, this family-run cafe has become a local treasure.

On a chilly November morning, the aroma of freshly made pizzelles fills the air at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, Ohio. Inside Del Monti’s Italian Treats, co-owners Barry Sneed and Anthony Del Monti exchange a laugh as they brew a fresh pot of Italian coffee and arrange the day’s display of handmade Pizzolis—a unique twist on traditional cannoli. This inventive creation features delicate vanilla pizzelle cookies, rolled and filled with a variety of flavorful fillings crafted from their own pudding-and-icing recipes.

The cozy cafe, nestled in the bustling mall, has quickly become a go-to spot for locals craving an authentic taste of Italy.  “Every treat here has a story,” says Sneed, gesturing to rows of delicious trays featuring a variety of flavors of Italian Pizzelle Cookies. “We’re not just selling desserts—we’re sharing a bit of our family and our heritage.”

Building a Dream from Scratch

Del Monti’s Italian Treats opened its doors in April 2023, but the journey began years earlier at local farmer’s markets. Anthony Del Monti, a Mentor native, spent years living out west before returning to Ohio to pursue his lifelong dream of owning an Italian dessert shop.

“I wanted to bring the flavors I grew up with back home,” says Del Monti. “This town has always been a part of who I am, and I knew it was the perfect place to make this dream happen.”

Sneed, a longtime friend, partnered with Del Monti to turn that vision into a reality. For two years, the duo sold their treats at farmer’s markets and even ran a cart during holiday seasons in the mall. “Those early days taught us a lot,” Sneed recalls. “We learned what people loved, and we built relationships with local vendors who now supply many of our ingredients.”

Today, Del Monti’s offers a wide range of Italian-inspired sweets, from rich gelato and traditional pizzelles to savory rolls and Italian floats. Many items are made in-house, while others are sourced from local farmers or imported directly from Italy.

What Sets Them Apart

In a market crowded with chain eateries, Del Monti’s stands out for its personal touch. Every pizzelle is made fresh on-site, and the staff—mostly family members—pride themselves on warm, attentive customer service.

“We want every person who walks through our door to feel like part of the family,” says Sneed. “Whether they’re here for a quick espresso or a party platter for a special event, we go the extra mile to make it memorable.”

The shop’s commitment to quality and authenticity has not gone unnoticed.

A Heart for the Community

Beyond serving up Italian delicacies, Del Monti’s has embedded itself in the local community. For the second year in a row, the cafe is sponsoring The Wonderful World of Nutcrackers, a sprawling exhibit featuring nearly 1,300 nutcrackers from Sneed’s personal collection. Free to the public, the display encourages donations to Little Annie's Hope Train, a nonprofit supporting the homeless in Lake and Cuyahoga Counties.

“Last year, we raised $1,200 for the cause,” says Sneed. “This year, we’re hoping to do even more.”

Del Monti’s also regularly donates gift baskets for local fundraisers, supporting both mall-wide events and broader community initiatives. “We’ve been incredibly blessed, and giving back is our way of saying thank you,” says Del Monti.

Looking Ahead

As the cafe’s popularity continues to grow, Sneed and Del Monti are already dreaming bigger. “We’re considering opening a second location once I retire from teaching this year,” Sneed reveals. “There’s so much potential to bring what we do to other parts of Ohio.”

For now, though, the focus remains on perfecting their craft and connecting with their customers. “We’re proud to be part of this community,” says Del Monti. “This is more than a business—it’s our way of sharing joy, one treat at a time.”

A Sweet Haven in Mentor

From its signature pizzelles to its heartwarming community efforts, Del Monti’s Italian Treats has carved out a unique space in Mentor. For locals and visitors alike, it’s a reminder of the power of passion, family, and a good cannoli to bring people together.

“Life’s sweeter when you share it,” says Sneed with a smile. “And we’re just getting started.”

Visit Del Monti’s Italian Treats inside the Great Lakes Mall, not far from Dillards. 

❄️ Nearly Two Feet of Snow Hits Ashtabula County Amid Snow Warnings

Northeast Ohio's snowbelt regions are grappling with intense lake effect snow, creating treacherous conditions across areas like Ashtabula County, where nearly two feet of snow fell in under 24 hours. Heavy snow squalls continue to significantly reduce visibility, complicating travel. In response, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties remain under a Lake Effect Snow Warning until 10 a.m. Saturday, while northeastern Cuyahoga County is under a Winter Weather Advisory with up to 4 inches of snow expected by Saturday morning.

Steering winds are keeping the snow bands active tonight but are expected to shift southwestward on Saturday, pushing the snowfall closer to the I-90 corridor and Lake Erie. This shift will offer some relief for the hardest-hit areas, with mostly cloudy skies and highs only reaching the upper 20s. However, wind chills in the teens will make outdoor activities frigid.

By Saturday evening, westerly winds are set to return, bringing lake effect snow back to the region throughout the weekend. Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties could see an additional 6+ inches of snow, while other nearby areas may accumulate up to 3 inches by Sunday night. Those traveling through the primary snowbelt should take precautions, including packing emergency supplies.

The snow pattern is expected to persist into early next week, with First Alert Days remaining in place through Tuesday. Temperatures will hover in the low to mid-30s, and areas under prolonged squalls will likely see further accumulation. By midweek, a clipper system will bring additional widespread snow chances through Friday, with lake-enhanced snowfall likely in some areas.

See the Full Forecast at channel19.com

📰 Snow Delays Yard Waste Collection for Waste Management Customers

Snow Impacts Yard Waste Collection in Northeast Ohio

Residents relying on Waste Management for curbside yard waste collection may experience interruptions this week due to snow-covered or frozen materials. The company advises residents to leave their yard waste at the curb for eventual pickup as conditions allow.

For inquiries or updates, residents can contact Waste Management directly at (866) 909-4458 or visit their website at wm.com.

Source: cityofmentor.com

🌨️ Mentor Declares Snow Emergency: Parking Ban in Effect

The City of Mentor has issued a Snow Emergency and Street Parking Ban starting Friday, November 29, 2024, at 6:00 a.m. Crews are working to clear over 500 miles of roads, prioritizing main routes, secondary streets, and cul-de-sacs. Residents are responsible for clearing sidewalks and driveway aprons and keeping fire hydrants accessible. Parking on city streets is prohibited during the emergency, and mailbox damage from snow plows can be reported to Public Works.

See all the details here at cityofmentor.com

 🍗 Still Got Some Turkey? Stretch the Holiday Feast: Fun Ideas for Turkey Leftovers

If the classic Black Friday (and beyond) turkey sandwich isn't cutting it this year, there are plenty of creative ways to transform Thanksgiving leftovers into new culinary adventures. Stretch the holiday flavors while minimizing waste with innovative recipes that breathe life into leftover turkey and sides.

Thanksgiving leftovers can be a treasure trove for versatile meal ideas. Renowned chefs and food experts suggest repurposing leftover turkey and sides into fresh dishes that feel anything but repetitive. Turkey, with its lean protein profile, is a prime candidate for a variety of recipes, such as:

• Turkey and Vegetable Soup or Stew: Use leftover veggies and herbs with stock, or make your own from the turkey carcass for a richer flavor.

• Turkey Tacos: Pair with salsa, avocado, and spices for a zesty twist.

• Turkey Pot Pie: Combine turkey, vegetables, and gravy under a flaky pie crust.

• Breakfast Hash: Mix turkey with sweet potatoes and eggs for a hearty start to the day.

• Turkey Fried Rice: Add chili crisp and a fried egg for a flavorful fusion dish.

While leftovers can create exciting meals, ensuring their safety is essential. Experts recommend storing turkey and other Thanksgiving staples in airtight containers within two hours of serving. Refrigerated turkey lasts up to four days, while frozen leftovers can be enjoyed within two to six months for optimal quality. Always reheat to at least 165°F before serving.

This approach extends to all Thanksgiving dishes, including mashed potatoes, gravy, and mac and cheese, ensuring every bite of your holiday meal remains safe and delicious.

Read More at usatoday.com

🏀 Cavaliers Fall to Hawks for Second Time in Three Days Despite Garland’s 29

The Atlanta Hawks defeated the Cleveland Cavaliers 117-101 in the NBA Cup, showcasing their scoring depth and securing a second victory over Cleveland in three days. De'Andre Hunter led Atlanta’s bench with 23 points, while Trae Young recorded a double-double with 21 points and 11 assists. A dominant third quarter and a strong bench effort proved critical for the Hawks. Cleveland’s Darius Garland scored 29 points, but Donovan Mitchell struggled with just 12 points on poor shooting. The Cavaliers, still holding the NBA’s best record, aim to bounce back against Boston on Sunday.

Read More at espn.com

Source: en.wikipedia.org

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

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