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- 📰 Local Family Loses Child, Mentor City Council Meeting, Travel
📰 Local Family Loses Child, Mentor City Council Meeting, Travel
Issue #349
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In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…
🌨️ Weather - Possible Wintry Mix in AM then Cloudy/Rainy - Temps 41-43
🎉 Mentor Live Events - 50+ Live Events. Events Added Daily
📰 Community Rallies for Family After Tragic Loss of 8-Month-Old Oakley Vargo
🗓️ Mentor City Council to Address Legal Case in December 17 Session
🤼♂️ Mentor Wrestling Teams Host Fundraiser for Local Families in Need
⭐ Local Business Spotlight: Knock Off’s Grub & Pub: Reviving a Legacy of House-Made Comfort and Community
👨👩👧👦 Special Section: Travel & Discovery: 🛣️ Top 12 Indoor Attractions in Ohio for Families on Cold Snowy Days
🏀 Nina Rodriguez Shines as Lady Cardinals Defeat Euclid 56-35
🏀 Lake Catholic Boys Win Two Straight, Coach Vespa Earns 100th Win
🏀 Cougar Girls Win Overtime Thriller Against Holy Name
🤔 Trivia Question
🤣 Something Funny
Possible Wintry Mix in AM then Cloudy/Rainy - Temps 41-43
👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Dec 15
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
📰 Community Rallies for Family After Tragic Loss of 8-Month-Old Oakley Vargo
The parents of 8-month-old Oakley Vargo are overwhelmed with gratitude for the community’s support after her sudden passing. More than $40,000 has been raised to help the grieving family during this heartbreaking time.
Oakley, described as a joyful baby with a smile that lit up the room, brought happiness to everyone she met. On Thanksgiving Day, her parents noticed she wasn’t herself. What started as mild concern quickly escalated, and a hospital visit revealed that her liver was failing. Despite offers from family members to donate portions of their livers, her condition worsened too rapidly for a transplant. Within 72 hours, her parents had to say goodbye.
The cause of Oakley’s illness remains unknown, leaving her parents longing for answers. They hope understanding her condition might one day help others.
In her final days, A Special Wish Foundation created a treasured moment by decorating her hospital room for Christmas, offering the family a precious memory. Through their grief, her parents are comforted by the love Oakley shared in her short life, inspiring everyone who knew her.
WATCH or Read the Full Story at Cleveland19.com
🗓️ Mentor City Council to Address Legal Case in December 17 Session
The Mentor City Council has announced a special meeting scheduled for December 17, 2024, at 5:00 p.m. in the Council Chambers. The meeting will begin with standard protocols, including a call to order by Council President Sean P. Blake, the Pledge of Allegiance, and roll call of council members.
The primary agenda item is an executive session to discuss legal matters concerning a case filed in the Northern District of Ohio (Case No. 1:24cv02090). This session will take place privately with counsel to address the matter in detail.
The meeting is expected to adjourn following the executive session. The next regular council meeting is slated for January 7, 2025, at 7:00 p.m.
Source: cityofmentor.com
🤼♂️ Mentor Wrestling Teams Host Fundraiser for Local Families in Need
Mentor High School’s wrestling teams are coming together to support local families facing serious illnesses. The teams will host a fundraising event featuring admissions, a 50/50 raffle, a bake sale, and an auction basket donated by Raising Cane’s. All proceeds will directly benefit families in the community dealing with health challenges. This cash-only event promises an evening of exciting matches and charitable contributions.
The event kicks off at 5 p.m. with the Mentor High girls' team taking on Normandy on the stage. The Mentor High boys’ team will follow at 6 p.m. as they face Trinity. Attendees are encouraged to bring cash and come out to enjoy the matches while supporting a worthy cause.
🍗 Knock Off’s Grub & Pub: Reviving a Legacy of House-Made Comfort and Community
Len and Dee Merriman return to their roots with scratch-made meals, live entertainment, and a vision for a more connected Willoughby.
On a busy corner of Lakeshore Boulevard, Knock Off’s Grub & Pub is bringing fresh energy to the local dining scene. Reopened in 2024 by owners Len and Dee Merriman, the restaurant combines house-made comfort food with a focus on community, entertainment, and old-fashioned hospitality.
For the Merrimans, Knock Off’s is more than a business—it’s a homecoming. Over a decade ago, they owned a popular restaurant in the very same space, running it for 13 years before moving on. But the pull to return was strong. “This end of town just doesn’t have enough dining choices,” Len Merriman said. “We wanted to change that and show people what real, fresh cooking looks like.”
Fresh, Handcrafted Delights: Discover Knock Off’s Signature Menu
That commitment to quality is evident in every dish. Knock Off’s menu highlights homemade items like slow-roasted pot roast, scratch-made soups, and hand-breaded chicken. “A lot of restaurants buy frozen, but we take the time to make everything here,” Len explained. “When people come in, they deserve food that’s made right, not just reheated.”
Signature offerings like Lake perch, all-you-can-eat crab, and the exclusive “Jumbo Whole Wing” are already earning the restaurant a loyal following. Even appetizers get the handcrafted touch, with favorites like jalapeño cheese egg rolls and house-made spinach dip drawing rave reviews.
More Than a Meal: Knock Off's Community Spirit and Entertainment Hub
Knock Off’s also stands out as an entertainment destination. With live music, karaoke nights, trivia, bingo, and a Queen of Hearts drawing every Tuesday, there’s always something happening. The Queen of Hearts event even supports local nonprofits, with a portion of the pot donated to two community organizations.
“We’ve always been about more than just food,” Dee Merriman said. “Giving back is part of who we are.” That philosophy extends to their plans for a community garden on a nearby vacant lot, where the restaurant hopes to grow fresh produce to use in dishes and share with local families. It’s a natural extension of the Merrimans’ long-standing commitment to service; since 2012, they’ve operated a volunteer-run nonprofit that assists people in need across three counties.
The couple’s passion for food has deep roots. Len began his culinary career at age 14, working at Taco Bell and Bob’s Big Boy. Over the years, he gained experience at restaurants like Chi-Chi’s, where he was a trainer, and fine dining establishments like Pineridge Country Club, where he honed his skills as a chef’s assistant. But owning his own restaurant was always the dream. “Food brings people together,” he said. “Seeing someone enjoy something you’ve made is the best feeling in the world.”
Knock Off’s: Serving Up Culinary Excellence and Community Spirit
Knock Off’s is designed to be a welcoming place for everyone. The kid-friendly restaurant offers both bar seating and a separate dining area, creating a space that feels as inviting for families as it does for groups of friends. Plans to expand the patio to include a covered area will allow guests to enjoy outdoor seating year-round.
The Merrimans have made connecting with the community a priority, offering exclusive deals and updates through their website and social media channels. “We want to stay engaged,” Dee said. “It’s not just about running a restaurant; it’s about being part of something bigger.”
That connection goes beyond their doors. Knock Off’s is planning to increase its involvement in hosting fundraisers and benefits for those in need, with upcoming plans to partner with another nonprofit on a winter wiffle ball challenge in January. “We want this space to be more than just a place to eat,” Len said. “We want it to be a place where the community comes together.”
As Knock Off’s Grub & Pub settles into its second chapter, it’s clear the Merrimans have found the recipe for success: fresh, handcrafted food served with a side of heart. “When you come here, you know the food’s going to be great,” Len said. “But more than that, we hope people feel at home.”
For more information, visit www.knockspub.com or follow them on Facebook and Instagram. Better yet, come and visit Knock Offs Grub & Pub at 38464 Lakeshore Blvd, Willoughby, Ohio 44094.
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🛣️ Top 12 Indoor Attractions in Ohio for Families on Cold Snowy Days
Ohio offers a variety of family-friendly indoor attractions, perfect for combating cabin fever. From interactive museums to lush conservatories, here are 12 engaging destinations for all ages:
Cleveland Museum of Art
Families will love exploring the Armor Room and Egyptian exhibits. General admission is free, making it a budget-friendly outing.LEGOLAND Discovery Center, Columbus
Designed for kids aged 2-10, this attraction features building stations, rides, and 4D movies. Pack a lunch and enjoy hours of creative fun.Columbus Museum of Art
Visit on Sundays for free admission. Kids will love exhibits like “Think Outside of the Brick,” showcasing incredible LEGO creations.Newport Aquarium
Located just across the Ohio River near Cincinnati, highlights include the Shark Bridge and Penguin Palooza. It’s a must-visit for aquatic life enthusiasts.Buckeye Imagination Children’s Museum, Mansfield
This newly updated museum features activities for all ages, including arcade games and interactive play areas.
Numbers 6-12 are Listed in the Link 👉 Read the Full Article yodertoterblog.com
🏀 Nina Rodriguez Shines as Lady Cardinals Defeat Euclid 56-35
The Mentor Cardinals girls’ basketball team secured a decisive 56-35 victory over the Euclid Panthers on Friday night, improving their season record to an impressive 5-1. The game saw standout performances across the board, with Lyla Willis achieving a career-high six rebounds and adding four assists to her stat line. Alex Ferritto recorded a season-high six steals. Nina Rodriguez led the scoring effort with a season-high 24 points, anchoring the Cardinals’ dominant performance.
The Lady Cardinals are set to face the Painesville Riverside Beavers on December 18 as they aim to extend their winning streak.
🏀 Lake Catholic Boys Basketball Wins Two Straight, Coach Vespa Earns 100th Victory
The Lake Catholic Cougars boys’ basketball team earned a hard-fought 80-68 victory over the Holy Name Green Wave Friday night at Cougar Country. Cross Nimmo led the charge with 21 points, while Aiden Webb contributed 19 points to secure the win. This triumph marks the Cougars’ first win of the season. It was also a milestone night for head coach Matt Vespa, who celebrated his 100th career victory.
The Cougars kept the momentum going on Saturday afternoon with a commanding 76-46 win over the Wickliffe Blue Devils at Lake Catholic. Ace Peterlin led the team with 17 points, while Cross Nimmo added 11. With this victory, the Cougars now boast a 2-1 record.
Up next, the Cougars will travel to Cleveland on Tuesday night to face Benedictine, looking to extend their winning streak. Go Cougars!
🏀 Lake Catholic Girls Win Overtime Thriller Against Holy Name
The Lake Catholic Cougars girls’ basketball team pulled off a thrilling overtime victory against the Holy Name Green Wave, edging out their opponents 44-42. The game, held at Cougar Country, showcased an impressive performance by Carmella Sowers, who led all scorers with 13 points. Teammate Avery Budrys Rini contributed another 12 points to secure the Cougars' win.
With this victory, the Lady Cougars remain undefeated with a 5-0 record. Up next, they’ll travel to Eastlake on Monday night to face North, aiming to continue their winning streak. Go Lady Cougars!
