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In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

⛅ Mentor Weather - Cloudy & Blustery with Snow - Temps 33-35

 🎉 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!🌟 

 ❄️ Lake Effect Snow Pummels Northeast Ohio with Up to Two Feet Expected

🌨️ Mentor Police Statement: Winter Driving Tips as Snowstorm Continues

❓ FYI - Winter 2024 For Your Information: City of Mentor Answers Your Questions

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Real Estate: 🏘️ Understanding Mortgage Eligibility: Income Tips for 2025

🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)

 🏀 Donovan Mitchell's Explosive Fourth Quarter Lifts Cavaliers Over Celtics

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Dec 2-5

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 Dillard’s. 

❄️ Lake Effect Snow Pummels Northeast Ohio with Up to Two Feet Expected

Lake Effect Snow Continues to Impact Northeast Ohio Through Next Week

The ongoing lake effect snow is expected to persist in Northeast Ohio, with a shift in winds that brought increased snowfall closer to Cleveland on Sunday. Lake Effect Snow Warnings are now in place for Cuyahoga, Lake, Geauga, and Ashtabula counties until 7 AM Tuesday.

Areas under the warnings could see significant snow accumulation, with higher totals expected further north. Locations in Lake and Ashtabula counties could receive between one and two feet of snow, while other areas under persistent snow squalls may experience locally higher amounts. In contrast, the southern portions of Cuyahoga and Geauga counties are predicted to see much lighter totals, with only a few inches anticipated by Tuesday morning.

Travel disruptions are likely across the region due to the heavy snowfall.

The lake effect snow machine is expected to taper off gradually on Tuesday as winds shift. However, this break will be short-lived. A storm system arriving on Wednesday is predicted to bring widespread snow across Northeast Ohio. Lake effect snow could mix back into the forecast later in the week, suggesting that the wintry weather pattern will continue into the weekend.

See the Full Forecast at channel19.com

🌨️ Mentor Police Statement: Winter Driving Tips as Snowstorm Continues

Mentor Police Department Offers Winter Driving Tips as Snow Continues to Fall

As heavy snow blankets the area, the Mentor Police Department reminds residents to prioritize safety on the roads. Essential workers, including first responders, snowplow drivers, and tow truck operators, are working diligently to keep the community safe and roads passable.

To help drivers navigate winter conditions, the department shared these key tips:

• Stay Home When Possible: Travel only if it’s absolutely necessary.

• Prepare for Emergencies: Keep your gas tank at least half full and carry a winter emergency bag in your vehicle.

• Clear Your Vehicle Thoroughly: Remove all snow and frost from windows, mirrors, and the roof to ensure full visibility.

• Drive Cautiously: Avoid sudden acceleration or braking to prevent skidding.

• Watch for Black Ice: Stick to well-traveled routes to reduce the risk of encountering slippery spots.

• Maintain Safe Distances: Keep at least 2–3 car lengths between your vehicle and others to allow for safe stopping.

• Respect Snowplows: Stay several hundred feet behind snowplows and avoid passing them.

The department extended heartfelt thanks to those working long hours in challenging conditions to ensure public safety and keep the roads clear.

Residents are encouraged to remain vigilant, stay off the roads unless necessary, and follow these precautions to avoid accidents.

Original Facebook Post

❓ FYI - Winter 2024 For Your Information: City of Mentor Answers Your Questions

As the holiday season winds down, the City of Mentor is offering several reminders and updates for residents.

Christmas Tree Recycling: Residents can recycle their live Christmas trees at designated drop-off locations in Mentor parks. These sites include Edward R. Walsh Park (7221 Bellflower Road), Eleanor B. Garfield Park (7967 Mentor Avenue), Donald E. Krueger Park (7556 Chillicothe Road), and Morton Park (9325 Rosemary Lane). Drop-off services are available through January 31, 2025. Please ensure all decorations and plastic bags are removed before disposal.

Yard Waste Collection: The final week for 2024 yard waste collection is scheduled from December 9-13. Residents should plan accordingly to ensure timely pickup.

Holiday Office Closures: Mentor City Offices will be closed on Wednesday, December 25, 2024, for Christmas Day and on Wednesday, January 1, 2025, for New Year’s Day.

Snow Emergency Parking Restrictions: During a Snow Emergency, which is defined as an accumulation of snow, sleet, hail, or ice on roadways, parking is prohibited on all city streets. Stay updated on Snow Emergency alerts via cityofmentor.com, Facebook, and Twitter.

Winter Safety Reminder: With numerous ponds, Lake Erie, and the Lagoons in the area, Mentor officials are urging residents to avoid walking on ice. The city emphasizes that "no ice is safe ice" and warns of the dangers posed by frozen water bodies.

Emergency Alerts: The Lake County WENS system offers weather warnings, traffic updates, and Mentor-specific community information. Residents can register for emergency alerts via landline, cell phone, text, or email at lakeohioalert.com.

See Several Other FYIs Answered at cityofmentor.com

🏘️ Understanding Mortgage Eligibility: Income Tips for 2025

When it comes to securing a mortgage, there's no fixed minimum income requirement. Instead, lenders focus on whether your earnings, combined with other qualifications, allow you to afford the loan amount you’re requesting. Meeting these requirements depends on several key factors, including consistent income, a manageable debt-to-income (DTI) ratio, and a steady financial history.

Key Mortgage Income Criteria

Lenders evaluate the following to determine eligibility:

1. Debt-to-Income Ratio (DTI): Ideally, your DTI should be 43% or lower. This measures your monthly debt obligations against your gross income.

2. Income Stability: A steady income over at least two years is required, with proof that it’s likely to continue for three more years.

3. Variety of Income Sources: Traditional salaries, commissions, bonuses, self-employment income, retirement benefits, and even alimony or child support may qualify, provided they meet specific guidelines.

There’s a lot more great information in the original article that we don’t have space to show here. Please click the link here to read themortgagereports.com.

🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)

7880 Overton Dr., Mentor, OH. 44060 (Condo)
3 Beds, 2.5+ Baths, 2,206 Sqft.
Sale Price $369,900
Listed by: Jacklyn Grgurich Brokered by Homesmart Real Estate Momentum Llc
Link to Property Listing

7942 Bellflower Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,460 Sqft., 0.35 Acre Lot
Sale Price $318,900
Listed by: David J. Huntington
Link to Property Listing

5497 Heather Hill Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Baths, ???? Sqft., 0.44 Acre Lot
Sale Price $290,000
Listed by: Denise A. Quiggle Brokered by McDowell Real Estate
Link to Property Listing

7391 Truman Ct., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1.5 Baths, 1,528 Sqft. 0.31 Acre Lot
Sale Price $259,900
Listed by: Eric Gulley Brokered by Howard Hanna - Cleveland Heights
Link to Property Listing

4841 Marigold Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,032 Sqft. 0.25 Acre Lot
Sale Price $114,900
Listed by: Paul Paratto Brokered by Howard Hanna - Willoughby
Link to Property Listing

Link to Other Listings in Mentor or Zip Code 44060

🏀 Donovan Mitchell's Explosive Fourth Quarter Lifts Cavaliers Over Celtics, 115-111

Donovan Mitchell's 35-point effort, including 20 in a dominant fourth quarter, led the Cleveland Cavaliers to a 115-111 comeback victory over the Boston Celtics, ending their seven-game winning streak. Mitchell's heroics turned a 12-point deficit into a crucial win, with support from Darius Garland’s 22 points. Boston, missing two starters, was led by Jayson Tatum’s 33 points but faltered in the closing moments. The Cavaliers capitalized on a late error by the Celtics to secure the victory.

Sources: treehugger.com & Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣