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- 📰 Dueling Pianos, FTTB Cleaners Sets the Standard, PB&J Drive, Real Estate
📰 Dueling Pianos, FTTB Cleaners Sets the Standard, PB&J Drive, Real Estate
Issue #343

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In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…
🌦️ Weather - Rain in the Morning - Temps 48-51
🎉 Mentor Live Events - 50+ Live Events. Events Added Daily
⭐ Local Business Spotlight: 🫧 Polishing Every Detail: FTTB Cleaners Sets the Standard for Excellence
🌟 Highlight Your Local Business Free, with the Local Business Spotlight! 🌟
🎹 Mark Your Calendar for an Epic Dueling Pianos Show at Tommy Boy’s
📰 Lake County YMCA Launches PB&J Drive to Help Fight Hunger
🚧 Mentor Seeks Contractors for $2M Civic Center Waterslide Project
🗓️ Mentor Zoning Board to Review Variance Requests on December 10
👨👩👧👦 Special Section: Real Estate: 🏠 From Historic Highs to Potential Lows: The Evolution of Mortgage Rates
🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)
🤔 Trivia Question
🤣 Something Funny


Rain in the Morning - Temps 48-51

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Dec 9-11
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

🫧 Polishing Every Detail: FTTB Cleaners Sets the Standard for Excellence

FTTB Cleaners
For 22 years, this family-owned business has elevated cleaning into a fine art, delivering unmatched care to homes and offices in Northeast Ohio.
On a sunny morning in Kirtland, Beth Allen inspects a chandelier gleaming under a stream of natural light. For Allen, the owner of FTTB Cleaners, this moment reflects the philosophy that has guided her company for 22 years: meticulous attention to detail.
“We’re not just here to clean—we’re here to transform spaces,” said Allen, a 30-year Kirtland resident with a background in business management and customer service. “Whether it’s scrubbing a floor by hand or cleaning ceiling fans, we don’t cut corners. That’s what sets us apart.”
A Local Business with a Deep Commitment to Quality
Founded over two decades ago, FTTB Cleaners offers a comprehensive suite of services, including residential and office cleaning, post-construction cleanup, move-in and move-out cleaning, organizing, and even gutter and window cleaning. In recent years, the company has added specialty services like holiday decorating, packing, and unpacking—efforts aimed at meeting the diverse needs of Lake County residents.
“Our clients don’t just need cleaning; they need trust and expertise,” Allen explained. “Every cleaner undergoes background checks, and we ensure they’re trained to handle everything from delicate surfaces to high-tech products.”
FTTB Cleaners has built a reputation for going beyond the basics. For example, the team specializes in challenging tasks such as chandelier cleaning—a meticulous process that requires knowledge of fragile materials and attention to detail. “We know which products to use on different surfaces, and we clean in ways that protect our clients’ investments,” Allen said.
A Heart for Community Giving
Allen credits FTTB Cleaners’ longevity to her loyal client base and the community, which has supported her business since its inception. In return, she has made it a priority to give back.
Every December, Allen and her team select a local family in need and provide complimentary cleaning services. “We want to take at least one stress off someone’s plate, especially during the holiday season,” she said. “It’s our way of saying thank you and spreading a little kindness.”
This spirit of generosity extends to other aspects of FTTB Cleaners’ work. “When we enter someone’s home, we’re not just there to clean; we’re there to help them feel at ease,” Allen added. “A clean, organized space can change how someone feels.”
Beth Allen: A Journey of Growth and Purpose
Allen didn’t always envision herself as a business owner. But her years in business management and customer service gave her an edge when she decided to start her company. She saw an opportunity to bring something unique to the cleaning industry: personalized service combined with professional-grade results.
“Back then, I noticed a gap. There were plenty of options, but not many were offering detailed, reliable, and consistent cleaning,” Allen said. “I wanted to create a company people could count on.”
For Allen, running FTTB Cleaners has been a deeply rewarding journey. “I’ve built this business from the ground up, and I’m proud of the trust we’ve earned,” she said.
Looking Ahead: A Future Built on Trust
As FTTB Cleaners enters its 23rd year, Allen is preparing to expand the company’s services to include more organizing and decorating projects, along with packing and unpacking services. These new offerings reflect a growing trend: homeowners and businesses are seeking more holistic solutions for managing their spaces.
“We’re constantly evolving to meet our clients’ needs,” Allen said. “Life is busy, and if we can make things easier for people, that’s our goal.”
Looking to the future, Allen remains focused on maintaining the same level of care and quality that has defined her business for over two decades. “It’s about relationships,” she said. “Our clients trust us to take care of their spaces, and that trust means everything to us.”
With its detailed approach, deep community ties, and innovative service offerings, FTTB Cleaners is more than a cleaning company—it’s a cornerstone in the community, making life a little brighter for everyone it serves. Contact us today!
Contact Information
FTTB Cleaners
7621 Euclid Chardon Road Kirtland, OH 44094
Phone: (440) 379-7196
Email: [email protected]
Website: Fttbcleaners.com
🌟Highlight Your Local Business – Free!🌟
Are you a local business looking to connect with your community? Our FREE Local Business Spotlight is here to help! Your feature will be shared across our widely read newsletter (1-3 consecutive issues).
📞 Get Started Today! Space is limited, so don’t miss this chance to shine in front of your local audience. Contact us now!

🎹 Mark Your Calendar for an Epic Dueling Pianos Show at Tommy Boy’s

Get ready for a night of high-energy entertainment as Tommy Boy’s Pub in Mentor, Ohio, brings back the excitement of dueling pianos! This unforgettable event is scheduled for December 20th, from 8 PM to midnight, featuring skilled pianists performing your favorite songs in an engaging, interactive showdown.
Guests are encouraged to sing along and soak up the lively atmosphere, making it a perfect outing for friends and music lovers alike. Seating in the back room is available by reservation—contact Greg or Mary via phone or message to secure your spot. Bar seating will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis.
While there is no admission charge, party sizes, arrival times, and other details are subject to limits, so be sure to confirm your plans in advance. Don’t miss this chance to enjoy an electrifying evening of live music, great vibes, and plenty of fun at Tommy Boy’s Pub!
See the Facebook Event
📰 Lake County YMCA Launches Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive to Help Fight Hunger

Photo by Giorgio Trovato on Unsplash
The Lake County YMCA is hosting its annual Peanut Butter and Jelly Drive to combat hunger in the community. Donations of peanut butter and jelly can be dropped off at Y branches in Willoughby, Painesville, and Madison throughout December. Contributions will benefit local food pantries, addressing food insecurity for families and seniors. Donations are accepted until December 30, and contributors receive a complimentary one-day YMCA guest pass.
Full Article News-Herald
🚧 Mentor Seeks Contractors for $2M Civic Center Waterslide Project
The City of Mentor has announced an open call for sealed proposals for the installation of a waterslide at the Civic Center Recreation facility. Interested contractors are encouraged to submit their bids to the Purchasing Department, located at 8500 Civic Center Boulevard, by 11:30 a.m. on December 20, 2024. Proposals will be opened and reviewed immediately after the submission deadline.
The project, estimated at $2,000,000, has a scheduled completion date of May 23, 2025. Contractors must adhere to the project’s specifications and utilize the provided forms for submission. Bid packages are available at the Purchasing Office for a nominal printing fee. Potential bidders should monitor the City’s website for any updates or addenda related to the project.
🗓️ Mentor Zoning Board to Review Variance Requests on December 10
The Mentor Board of Building and Zoning Appeals will meet on December 10 to address various zoning requests, including a large detached garage, a taller privacy fence on a corner lot, and a reduced front setback for a home addition. The meeting will take place at 7:00 PM in the Council Chambers.
Get all the Details at cityofmentor.com

🏠 From Historic Highs to Potential Lows: The Evolution of Mortgage Rates
The past few years have brought challenges for prospective homebuyers as rising mortgage rates and soaring home prices stretched affordability to its limits. As we approach 2025, many are eager to know if a more favorable lending environment is on the horizon or if rates will continue to hover at historically high levels. While predicting market movements is challenging, examining historical mortgage rate trends provides valuable insights and a glimpse of hope for buyers and homeowners alike.
Despite a slight relief from the Federal Reserve's 25-basis-point rate cut in November 2024, mortgage rates have remained around 6.7%, well above their historic lows. However, with inflation showing signs of moderation, optimism is growing that rates may gradually decline in 2025.
Historical Context: The Story Behind the Numbers
Mortgage rates, while high today, remain close to their long-term average of 7.73%, according to Freddie Mac’s data spanning from 1971 to 2024. This perspective is critical for understanding the current landscape. Rates have ranged from an all-time high of 16.63% in 1981 to a record low of 2.65% in 2021. The fluctuations highlight the dramatic impact of economic conditions, Federal Reserve policies, and global events.
Recent Trends and the Road Ahead
The COVID-19 pandemic brought an unprecedented drop in rates, with 2021 marking a historic low. However, as the economy recovered, rates surged, reaching over 7% in late 2022—a trend largely attributed to inflationary pressures and the Federal Reserve's aggressive rate hikes. In 2023 and 2024, rates stabilized somewhat, averaging around 6.7%. Two Federal Reserve rate cuts in late 2024 have sparked cautious optimism, with forecasts suggesting rates could dip further in 2025, possibly landing between 5.5% and 6.0%.
Key Takeaways for Borrowers
While average rates provide useful benchmarks, individual borrowers often qualify for more competitive terms based on factors such as credit scores, down payments, and loan types. Personalized mortgage rates can be significantly lower than industry averages, emphasizing the importance of tailored financial planning. Furthermore, even in a high-rate environment, refinancing opportunities can arise if rates drop substantially, offering long-term savings for homeowners.
Ultimately potential buyers should focus on their financial readiness. As history shows, rates can fluctuate unexpectedly, and flexibility remains a key advantage.
Read More at themortgagereports.com
🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)
8322 Brodie Blvd., Mentor, OH. 44060
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 3,033 Sqft. 7,789 Sqft. Lot
Sale Price $435,000
Listed by: Timothy M. McMahon Brokered by Pwg Real Estate, Llc.
Link to Property Listing
6443 Chase Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,753 Sqft., 0.29 Acre Lot
Sale Price $321,000
Listed by: Monica Lockett Brokered by Divvy Brokerage LLC
Link to Property Listing
7466 Carole Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 3 Baths, 2,043 Sqft., 0.28 Acre Lot
Sale Price $294,900
Listed by: Monica Lockett Brokered by Divvy Brokerage LLC
Link to Property Listing
8334 Fairfax Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1.5 Baths, 1,280 Sqft. 0.31 Acre Lot
Sale Price $290,000
Listed by: Joe Vaccaro Brokered by EXP Realty, LLC.
Link to Property Listing
5485 Wilson Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1 Bath, 1,840 Sqft. 0.51 Acre Lot
Sale Price $195,900
Listed by: Steve Baird Brokered by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty
Link to Property Listing
Link to Other Listings in Zip Code 44060