In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

🌨️ Weather: Cloudy - Temps 33-36

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

 🍭 Candy Land Comes Alive with Ohio Wildlife at Penitentiary Glen

 📰 Mentor Public Library to Host Free Digital Literacy Workshops in 2025

 📰 Vacant Property Registration Required in Mentor: What Owners Need to Know

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: The Pet Corner: 🐩 Winter Grooming: How to Protect Your Pet Against the Cold

⭐ Local Business Spotlight: 🏪 Lake Cabinet & Flooring Inc.: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Trust in Mentor

 🏀 Lake Catholic Secures Thrilling Overtime Win at Benedictine

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us!

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Dec 19-20

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

🍭 Candy Land Comes Alive with Ohio Wildlife at Penitentiary Glen

The Penitentiary Glen Reservation in Kirtland is bringing holiday cheer with a wildlife-inspired twist on the classic board game Candy Land. The festive event, Candy Land: It's Wild in Ohio!, offers families an engaging way to discover Ohio’s diverse wildlife in a vibrant and interactive setting.

Running daily through January 1, 2025, the indoor exhibit features themed crafts, scavenger hunts, and hands-on displays that spotlight the natural beauty and unique species of the state. This year’s expanded theme includes a variety of animals beyond the birds showcased in previous years, providing a fresh perspective on Ohio’s colorful wildlife.

Visitors can also enjoy a range of holiday treats and shopping opportunities, including nature-themed gifts at The Nature Store and hot chocolate at the Snowshoe Lodge.

Admission to the event is free, and no registration is required. Guests are welcome from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily at the Penitentiary Glen Reservation, located at 8668 Kirtland-Chardon Road in Kirtland.

For additional details, visit the event’s official page.

📰 Mentor Public Library to Host Free Digital Literacy Workshops in 2025

The Mentor Public Library has been awarded $5,000 from the Public Library Association (PLA) in partnership with AT&T to support digital literacy workshops scheduled for spring 2025.

The free workshops aim to enhance digital skills in the community, covering topics such as internet navigation, cybersecurity, video conferencing, and the use of mobile devices. This initiative is part of the PLA’s Digital Literacy Workshop Incentive, designed to promote foundational digital skills among families and communities.

Mentor Public Library is one of over 130 public libraries across 42 states chosen to host these workshops. The program is funded through a $2.7 million contribution from AT&T and utilizes DigitalLearn training materials.

The DigitalLearn platform provides short, user-friendly videos on various topics, including how to use PCs, Macs, smartphones, email, and social media platforms like Facebook. It also offers tips for staying safe online, including advice on avoiding scams and securing passwords. These resources are freely accessible to the public at DigitalLearn.org.

📰 Vacant Property Registration Required in Mentor: What Owners Need to Know

The City of Mentor emphasizes the importance of maintaining its property and zoning codes to safeguard public health, safety, and community welfare. These regulations establish minimum standards for the upkeep, appearance, and condition of both residential and nonresidential properties, ensuring the city’s continued appeal and preservation of property values.

All vacant residential properties in Mentor must be registered with the city. Under Ordinance 1373, owners are required to register a vacant dwelling within 90 days of its vacancy or 14 days after being notified by the Planning & Development Department.

Certain exemptions to this requirement apply. For instance, homes under active construction or repair with valid permits, properties damaged by fire or severe weather (with approval for a temporary exemption), and homes listed for sale with a licensed real estate broker or by owner are eligible for exemption under specified conditions. The city also conducts exterior inspections of vacant dwellings to ensure compliance with local standards.

To register a vacant dwelling or learn more, residents can use the Mentor Gateway platform or contact the Code Enforcement Supervisor at (440) 974-5740. Detailed information about the registration ordinance and necessary forms is also available on the city’s website.

Read More About Vacant Property Registration

🐩 Winter Grooming: How to Protect Your Pet Against the Cold

As winter tightens its grip, dog owners face unique challenges. The drop in temperature can affect a dog’s coat, skin, and overall comfort, necessitating a shift in grooming routines to accommodate their thicker winter fur, which serves as natural insulation.

Preserving the Winter Coat

It's crucial not to trim or shave your dog’s coat too short during cold months, as they are more vulnerable to the chill. Thick coats, while warm, are prone to tangling and matting, which can irritate the skin. Regular brushing is essential to prevent mats, remove tangles, and distribute natural oils that protect the coat.

Paw Care and Skin Health

Winter's harsh conditions can crack and irritate paw pads. After outdoor excursions, thoroughly clean your dog’s paws to eliminate ice, grit, and salt, and consider applying a protective balm or wax. For particularly sensitive paws, booties offer extra protection against the elements.

The drier air of winter can also dry out your dog’s skin. Incorporate a moisturizing conditioner into their grooming routine and reduce the frequency of baths to maintain essential oils in their coat. When baths are necessary, use lukewarm water and a gentle shampoo, ensuring your dog is fully dry before venturing outside again.

Monitoring Winter Wellness

Be vigilant about your dog’s health during the winter. Check their skin for dryness and signs of irritation, monitor their weight, and look for any behavior suggesting discomfort, such as lethargy or shivering. Early detection can help address issues before they escalate, keeping your furry friend both happy and healthy through the winter months.

🏪 Lake Cabinet & Flooring Inc.: A Legacy of Craftsmanship and Trust in Mentor

For nearly 70 years, Lake Cabinet & Flooring Inc. has been a trusted name in home remodeling in Mentor, Ohio. Family-owned and operated since its founding in 1955, the company has earned a reputation for delivering quality craftsmanship, honest service, and a personalized touch. Located at 7354 Mentor Avenue, it is a rare one-stop shop for kitchen and bath renovations, offering everything from design to installation under one roof.

Roots to Renovation: The Evolution of Lake Cabinet & Flooring

The company’s story began with Thomas Gerbic’s grandfather, who initially repaired garage doors and built wooden crates for the grocery and bottling industries. By the late 1950s, he expanded into cabinetry and countertops, adding flooring in the 1960s and carpeting soon after. Over time, the business transitioned from its modest roots to a full-service home remodeling company. Today, under the leadership of Gerbic, the third-generation owner, it remains deeply committed to its founding values.

“My grandfather started the business, but my father really championed the philosophy we still live by today: treat people right, do great work, and offer it at a fair price,” Gerbic says. These principles are central to the company’s operations and are a key reason why it has thrived for so long.

Lake Cabinet & Flooring stands out in the home improvement industry because it eliminates the need for customers to juggle multiple contractors. Everything is handled in-house, from material selection to installation. “Most homeowners aren’t general contractors, and they don’t want to deal with scheduling or ordering materials,” Gerbic explains. “We take care of all of that for them.”

A Commitment to Excellence: Simplifying Home Improvement

The company’s lighthearted motto captures this seamless process: “If you do the two hard parts—picking out selections and paying the bill—we’ll take care of the rest.” Customers appreciate the simplicity and convenience of the arrangement, as well as the peace of mind that comes from working with an experienced, reliable team.

What truly sets the business apart is its workforce. Every team member, except for one apprentice, has over 30 years of experience. More importantly, employees are paid hourly rather than on commission, which Gerbic believes makes all the difference. “Our guys aren’t rushing to get a job done just to move on to the next one,” he says. “Their focus is on doing it right, with attention to every detail.”

This commitment to quality has made Lake Cabinet & Flooring a trusted partner in the community. Customers often return for multiple projects, and many are second- or third-generation clients. “We don’t do gimmicks,” Gerbic says, contrasting his business with larger retailers that rely on flashy sales tactics. “If a manufacturer has a sale, we pass that on to the customer, but we don’t mark things up just to mark them down. We’re straightforward and honest about pricing.”

The company’s size also allows it to offer personalized service that big-box stores simply can’t match. “When you call us, you’re not starting over with someone new every time,” Gerbic explains. “We’re small enough to stay in tune with every project, so customers always feel supported.”

Community Roots and Forward Vision: Lake Cabinet & Flooring's Enduring Impact

Beyond its role as a remodeler, Lake Cabinet & Flooring is deeply connected to the Mentor community. Gerbic and his team frequently support local initiatives, and their work has helped build lasting relationships with customers and fellow businesses alike. “The most rewarding part of this job is seeing the joy we bring to families,” he says. “Knowing we’ve improved their home and made it a place they love is incredibly fulfilling.”

While the company is steeped in tradition, it continues to embrace change. Modern materials like quartz countertops and contemporary design trends are staples of its current offerings. At the same time, Gerbic is exploring ways to expand services, particularly through partnerships with local builders and remodelers. By helping these professionals streamline their projects, the company hopes to make home remodeling even more accessible.

Still, despite its eye on the future, Lake Cabinet & Flooring remains grounded in the values that have guided it for nearly seven decades. “At the end of the day, it’s about treating people right and delivering quality work,” Gerbic says. “That’s what has kept us here for so long, and it’s what will carry us forward.”

For more information, visit www.lakecabinet.com or stop by the showroom at 7354 Mentor Avenue. Business hours are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Thursday from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.; and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

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🏀 Lake Catholic Secures Thrilling Overtime Win at Benedictine

The Lake Catholic boys pulled off a dramatic 74-71 overtime win against Benedictine on Dec. 17, showcasing grit and resilience in a hostile environment. The Cougars overcame multiple deficits, including a late six-point gap in the fourth quarter and a three-point deficit in overtime, to seal the victory.

The game saw its fair share of drama, with heated disputes and bizarre sequences late in the fourth quarter. Key moments included a critical free throw by senior Aiden Webb that sent the game into overtime, and a clutch three-pointer by Stanton Powaski in the final minute of the extra period. Webb later secured the win with a decisive layup.

The high-energy matchup featured standout performances from both teams. Lake Catholic’s Cross Nimmo scored 28 points and grabbed 10 rebounds, while Webb added 16 points. Benedictine’s Noah Wisler delivered a game-high 32 points, including a powerful dunk in overtime.

The back-and-forth battle unfolded in Benedictine’s electric Trueman Fieldhouse, where momentum swung frequently. Despite their efforts, Benedictine couldn’t hold off the Cougars, who improved to 3-1 on the season.

Lake Catholic faces Elyria Catholic next, while Benedictine looks to regroup at the NEO Christmas Classic on Dec. 21.

🤣 Something Funny 🤣