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In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

⛅ Mentor Weather - Snow - Temps 30-32

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

⭐ Local Business Spotlight: Del Monti’s Italian Treats

 🌟 Highlight Your Local Business FREE, with the Local Business Spotlight!🌟 

❄️ Extended Snowfall Forecast Keeps Northeast Ohio in Winter’s Grip

 🎄 Mentor's Annual Tree Lighting Brings Holiday Cheer December 3rd

☕ Warm Up This Winter on Lake County’s Hot Chocolate Trail

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Travel & Discovery: ❄️ 10 Winter Travel Tips for Stress-Free Flights and Drives

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Dec 1

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:
Mentor Live Events!
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. 

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❄️ Extended Snowfall Forecast Keeps Northeast Ohio in Winter’s Grip

Lake Effect Snow Intensifies in Northeast Ohio with Heavy Accumulations Expected

While the bulk of the lake effect snow has moved over Lake Erie, a wind shift later tonight is poised to bring renewed snow chances to parts of Northeast Ohio on Sunday. Weather officials have expanded Lake Effect Snow Warnings to include Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties, effective through 7 AM Tuesday.

Snowfall amounts could quickly accumulate in areas where snow bands settle. Northern regions within the warning zone are more likely to see significant accumulations, ranging from 6 to 12 inches or more by Tuesday. Some parts of Lake and Ashtabula counties may experience an additional foot or two of snow, with isolated spots seeing even higher totals due to persistent squalls. However, snow accumulation is expected to drop sharply in southern areas of Cuyahoga and Geauga counties, where totals may amount to just a few inches.

By Tuesday afternoon, shifting winds should gradually reduce lake effect snow activity. However, this pause in wintry weather will be short-lived. Another storm system is forecast to bring widespread snow across Northeast Ohio on Wednesday, with lake effect snow likely mixing in later in the week and into the weekend, continuing the region’s wintry trend.

See the Full Forecast at channel19.com

🎄 Mentor's Annual Tree Lighting Brings Holiday Cheer December 3rd

The holiday season is kicking off in Mentor with the annual Community Tree Lighting Ceremony, set for Tuesday, December 3rd, at 6:00 PM. The event will take place at the Mentor Municipal Center, located at 8500 Civic Center Boulevard. Families can enjoy the arrival of Santa Claus in a charming horse-drawn carriage, with festive performances by choirs from Mentor Public Schools adding to the seasonal atmosphere.

Following the lighting of the tree, attendees are invited to a Free Family Skate at the Mentor Ice Arena, offering a delightful way to continue the evening's celebrations. With the possibility of snow, this promises to be a magical event for all ages.

See the Facebook Post from the City of Mentor

☕ Warm Up This Winter on Lake County’s Hot Chocolate Trail

Lake County is embracing the holiday spirit with its new Hot Chocolate Trail, organized by the Lake County Visitors Bureau under its "Tour Lake County" brand. Featuring 11 local cafes and businesses, the trail invites participants to sample unique hot chocolate creations while exploring the festive charm of the area.

To join, participants can download a free digital passport and check in at trail locations. Those who visit at least eight stops will earn a limited-edition #TourLakeCOcoa mug. Running through December 31, the trail builds on the success of the Taco Trail, launched in 2022, which spotlighted family-owned taquerias.

The initiative aims to support local businesses and encourage community exploration during the holiday season. Popular stops include 1922 Coffee and Brew in Painesville, Arabica Coffee House in Downtown Willoughby, and Grand River Cellars in Madison Township.

For details or to download the passport, visit www.tourlakecounty.com/hotchocolatetrail.

❄️ 10 Winter Travel Tips for Stress-Free Flights and Drives

10 Essential Tips for Hassle-Free Winter Travel

As winter sets in, travel becomes a common activity, whether for visiting loved ones or enjoying winter sports. With potential challenges posed by weather and busy schedules, planning ahead can save you a lot of hassle. Here are 10 practical tips to make your winter travel—whether by plane or car—smoother and less stressful.

1. Choose Non-Stop Flights
   Whenever possible, opt for non-stop flights during winter. Avoiding layovers reduces the chance of delays or cancellations due to unpredictable weather.

2. Select Connecting Airports Wisely
   Pay attention to weather trends. In mid-winter, especially during El Niño years, northern airports often have calmer conditions than those in southern states, which may face more storms.

3. Fly Early in the Day
   Morning flights are less likely to be affected by cascading delays. Weather-related disruptions tend to accumulate throughout the day, so an early departure can save time and frustration.

4. Plan for Extra Time
   Allow for delays when planning your trip. Whether it’s airport connections or driving to your destination, giving yourself an additional hour or two can prevent unnecessary stress.

5. Check In Ahead of Time
   To reduce the risk of losing your seat on an overbooked flight, check in online as soon as it becomes available—typically 24 hours before departure.

6. Stay Updated Online
   Follow your airline on social media a few days before your trip. Early updates on potential cancellations or delays give you more time to rebook if necessary.

7. Keep an Emergency Car Kit
   If driving, equip your car with essentials like warm gloves, a blanket, a flashlight, batteries, a water bottle, energy snacks, and materials for traction, such as kitty litter or rock salt.

8. Prepare Your Car for Winter
   Ensure your vehicle is winter-ready by checking tire tread, fluid levels, and functionality of key features like defrosters and hazard lights. Familiarize yourself with your car's winter-driving capabilities.

9. Take Precautions Before Driving
   Clear all snow from your car windows and lights before heading out. Let the defroster run to ensure clear visibility while driving.

10. Adjust Driving Habits
    Drive cautiously in snowy or icy conditions. Slow down, increase the following distance between vehicles, and stay alert for icy patches on bridges and curves.

By following these tips, you can navigate winter travel with greater ease. Here’s hoping for safe and smooth travels for everyone this season!

Read the Full Article Here at almanac.com

Sources: treehugger.com & Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣