In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

🌨️ Weather - Mostly Cloudy - Temps 42-45

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

⭐ Local Business Spotlight: Knock Off’s Grub & Pub: Reviving a Legacy of House-Made Comfort and Community

 🌟 Highlight Your Local Business – Free! 🌟

 📰 Storm Debris Pickup Resumes Today in Mentor After Snow Delay

 🚨 Drug Bust: Two Painesville Men Arrested in Routine Traffic Stop

❄️ Winter Solstice 2024: The Shortest Day of the Year Saturday

❤️‍🩹 Lake County Residents Invited to Share Health Concerns in New Survey

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: The Home Front: 🏘️ Common Winter HVAC Problems and Expert Tips to Stay Warm

 🏒 Cardinals Look to Rebound After 1-2 Weekend Performance

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us!

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Dec 17

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

🍗 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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📰 Storm Debris Pickup Resumes Today in Mentor After Snow Delay

The City of Mentor's Public Works Department resumed storm debris pickup yesterday, December 16, 2024, after temporarily suspending services due to recent snowfall. Residents are reminded to bring debris to the curb for collection. To ensure smooth operations, limbs must be no larger than 6 inches in diameter and no longer than 8 feet.

Public Works staff appreciate residents' patience as snow and ice removal remains a top priority. Those with questions or who wish to be added to the pickup list can contact the department by emailing [email protected] and including their address.

🚨 Drug Bust: Two Painesville Men Arrested in Routine Traffic Stop

Two Painesville men face serious drug and weapons charges after a traffic stop on December 11. Lake County Sheriff's deputies pulled the vehicle over for multiple traffic violations near Route 2 and Route 44. When deputies approached, they detected a strong marijuana odor. Initially, both the driver, 32-year-old Jerome Jackson, and passenger, 31-year-old Giovanni Gibson, denied having weapons. However, during separate searches, deputies found loaded handguns on both individuals.

A further investigation revealed a substantial drug cache, including approximately 21 grams of crack cocaine, 16 grams of cocaine, 3.5 grams of heroin, and 25 grams of psilocybin mushrooms. Additional evidence such as digital scales and baggies suggested drug distribution intent. Jackson was charged with multiple felony drug and weapons offenses, while Gibson faces felony and misdemeanor weapons-related charges. Both were taken into custody following the traffic stop.

❄️ Winter Solstice 2024: The Shortest Day of the Year

On Saturday, Dec. 21, 2024, the winter solstice will mark the official start of winter for the Northern Hemisphere. This astronomical event represents the moment when the sun reaches its lowest noontime point in the sky for the year.

During the solstice, occurring at 4:20 a.m. Eastern Time, the northern half of Earth will be tilted farthest away from the sun. This results in less than 12 hours of daylight for regions north of the equator, creating the shortest day and longest night of 2024.

Interestingly, while many believe the solstice spans an entire day, it actually occurs in a single moment. Simultaneously, the Southern Hemisphere will experience its summer solstice, enjoying more than 12 hours of daylight.

After this point, days will gradually lengthen, offering hope for those anticipating more sunlight. The summer solstice in June will bring the year's longest day.

It's worth noting that meteorological winter begins on Dec. 1, differing from the astronomical winter. Astronomical seasons are determined by Earth's tilt and sun's alignment, while meteorological seasons are based on annual temperature cycles.

Read the Full Article at wkyc.com

❤️‍🩹 Lake County Residents Invited to Share Health Concerns in New Survey

The Lake County General Health District (LCGHD) and University Hospitals are conducting the 2025 Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) to identify health priorities like mental health, substance use, and food access.

Residents 18+ can take a 15-minute anonymous survey in English or Spanish online at www.lcghd.org/lake-county-health-needs-assessment-plan/ or request hard copies at LCGHD offices in Mentor. The survey is open until December 31, 2024.

Results, combined with focus groups and data, will help improve local health outcomes. Organizations can assist by contacting 440-350-2543.

Source: cityofmentor.com

🏘️ Common Winter HVAC Problems and Expert Tips to Stay Warm

As the holiday cheer fades and January’s chill sets in, homeowners brace for colder days and potential HVAC troubles. Freezing temperatures can strain heating systems, but knowing common issues and solutions can help keep your home cozy this winter.

1. Frozen Pipes or Coils
Frozen water in pipes can cause costly damage by bursting lines or coils. If you suspect frozen pipes, shut off the water source and call a professional. To prevent freezing:

• Keep your thermostat above 60°F

• Open cabinets to let heat reach pipes

• Drain outdoor water lines and shut off spigots

• Allow faucets to drip slowly

2. Uneven Airflow
Rooms varying in temperature are a frequent winter concern. Start by:

• Replacing dirty air filters

• Ensuring vents aren’t blocked by furniture
  If problems persist, it may indicate blocked fans, vent obstructions, or blower motor issues. Professional help can quickly restore comfort.

3. Thermostat Malfunctions
Poor airflow may stem from faulty wiring or a dirty thermostat. Clean, recalibrate, or upgrade to a programmable thermostat for improved efficiency and savings. If unsure, consult a professional.

4. Pilot Light Problems
Gas or propane systems rely on a pilot light. If it flickers or won’t light, the issue could be a dirty sensor. Clean carefully or call for professional servicing to ensure proper function.

5. Carbon Monoxide Concerns
CO detectors are vital for gas-heated homes. Replace low batteries promptly if chirping occurs. If the alarm sounds with four beeps, leave immediately and contact emergency services.

6. Heat Pump Troubles
Heat pumps may struggle with winter conditions. Issues like frozen coils, blocked outdoor units, or low refrigerant often require professional attention. Regularly check and clean air filters for smoother operation.

Keep your HVAC system in top shape this winter! For repairs, maintenance, or advice on energy-saving upgrades, contact ARS/Rescue Rooter for expert support.

🏒 Cardinals Look to Rebound After 1-2 Weekend Performance

The Mentor Cardinals boys ice hockey team wrapped up a three-game stretch from December 13 to December 15, winning one and losing two, bringing their season record to 9-6-1.

In their opening game on December 13, Mentor secured a 4-1 victory over Padua Franciscan. Jake Mackey led the way for the Cardinals with two goals and one assist, while Dominic Trem and Nick Biondolillo each contributed a goal and an assist. Goalkeeper Ryan Wilkinson delivered a stellar performance, stopping 31 of 32 shots on goal to earn the win.

The following day, Mentor fell to Walsh Jesuit 3-1. A.J. Trobenter scored the lone goal for the Cardinals, and despite the loss, Ryan Wilkinson had a solid outing, saving 27 of 30 shots on goal.

On December 15, Mentor suffered a narrow 4-3 defeat against Shaker Heights. The Cardinals started strong, jumping to a 2-0 lead after the first period, but couldn’t hold off Shaker Heights. A.J. Trobenter stood out again, tallying two goals and one assist, while Jake Mackey added a goal. Wilkinson took the loss in net but managed 29 saves on 33 shots.

The Cardinals look to bounce back when they face the Benedictine Bengals on December 21.

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣