In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

🌥️ Weather: Clouds in AM, Sun in PM - Temp 26-28

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

 📰 Last-Minute Holiday Essentials: Stores Open on Christmas 2024

🌏 Winter’s Arrival: Exploring the Significance of the Winter Solstice

 🚧 Restoration Project Set to Enhance Bellflower and Meadowbrook Ditches

 🍜 Celebrate Christmas Eve with Festive Brunch at The Lounge!

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Travel & Discovery: 🎉 The Great Indoors: Top Cleveland Spots to Escape the Weather

 🏀 Cougar Boys Claw Past Panthers in Thrilling NCC Victory

 🏀 Panthers’ Third-Quarter Push Too Much for Cougar Girls

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us!

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👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Dec 22

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

📰 Last-Minute Holiday Essentials: Stores Open on Christmas 2024

If you find yourself needing a last-minute holiday item or craving a cup of coffee on Christmas Day, you still have a few options, though choices are limited. While most major retailers and grocery stores will close their doors for the holiday, a handful of businesses will remain open with modified hours.

Early Closures on Christmas Eve
Ahead of the holiday, many stores will close early on Christmas Eve, Dec. 24, 2024. For instance, Walmart will shut their doors at 6 p.m., while Aldi will close even earlier at 4 p.m. Shoppers are advised to plan accordingly to avoid last-minute disappointments.

What’s Open on Christmas Day
On Dec. 25, some stores, restaurants, and coffee shops will continue to operate, albeit with limited hours. Key locations that plan to stay open include:

• 7-Eleven: Most locations are open 24/7, including on Christmas, but check specific store hours.

• CVS and Walgreens: While Walgreens’ 24-hour locations will remain open, others will operate on adjusted schedules (9 a.m. to 5 p.m.). CVS stores plan to operate as usual but advise checking hours locally.

• Denny’s and IHOP: Both chains will serve customers throughout Christmas Day, though hours can vary by location.

• Starbucks: Many stores will open, but hours depend on local management.

• Waffle House: Open as usual for 24-hour dining.

Other notable options include Red Lobster, and Dunkin’, all with adjusted hours based on location.

Major Closures on Christmas Day
Despite the few open stores, most large retailers and grocery chains will remain closed. Walmart, Target, Costco, and Giant Eagle locations will not operate on Christmas Day, giving their employees a chance to celebrate the holiday.

For shoppers, planning ahead remains the best strategy during the holiday season to avoid last-minute inconvenience.

See the Full Article at wkyc.com

🌏 Winter’s Arrival: Exploring the Significance of the Winter Solstice

The winter solstice, occurring annually on December 21 or 22, marks the shortest day and longest night in the Northern Hemisphere. This year, it took place yesterday, December 21 at 4:21am. This astronomical phenomenon happens when the Earth's axial tilt is maximally inclined away from the sun, heralding the onset of winter.

This event significantly impacts weather, with the sun at its lowest daily arc leading to the coldest season of the year. Following the solstice, the days gradually begin to lengthen again. Initially, the increase is slight; in the first month after the solstice, we gain back approximately 30 to 60 seconds of daylight each day. By the end of the second month, the pace accelerates, with an average gain of two to three minutes per day. This gradual increase in daylight not only brightens spirits but also marks a slow but steady climb toward spring.

For wildlife, this transition period is crucial. Animals that have adapted to the harsher conditions by hibernating or migrating start responding to the increased daylight as a cue for changes in behavior. Similarly, plants begin to emerge from dormancy as the days grow longer.

Humans, too, adjust their routines—using less artificial lighting and heating as natural light extends into the evening hours. These shifts are subtle reminders of Earth’s relentless orbit around the sun and the rhythm it imposes on all living things.

🚧 Restoration Project Set to Enhance Bellflower and Meadowbrook Ditches

The City of Mentor is accepting sealed bids for the Bellflower/Meadowbrook Ditch Restoration Project, with submissions due by 11:00 AM on January 8, 2025. The $550,000 project includes substantial restoration, with deadlines of June 27, 2025, for major work and October 31, 2025, for final restoration.

Bid specifications, drawings, and related materials can be accessed at bids.ctconsultants.com. A mandatory pre-bid conference will be held online via Microsoft Teams on December 30, 2024, at 12:30 PM.

Documents for bidding are available for purchase through CT Consultants for $150 in hard copy or $45 electronically. Assistance with document access is available by contacting [email protected]

🍜 Celebrate Christmas Eve with Festive Brunch at The Lounge!

Celebrate the holiday spirit with a festive Christmas Eve Brunch at Red, Wine, & Brew. From 11 AM to 3 PM, guests can enjoy the full brunch menu, featuring delicious dishes perfect for the season. Pair your meal with freshly prepared mimosas, bellinis, or Bloody Marys, expertly crafted by the experienced bartending team.

The Lounge will remain open until 7 PM, providing the perfect setting to unwind before Christmas Day. Please note that we will be closed on Christmas Day, so make sure to reserve your spot early for this special holiday gathering.

📲 Secure your table: Reserve here
🍽 Explore the menu: View here

🎉 The Great Indoors: Top Cleveland Spots to Escape the Weather

Northeast Ohioans know how to handle unpredictable weather, whether it’s snow, rain, or freezing winds. If you’re looking to dodge the elements while still enjoying the best the city has to offer, these indoor destinations are guaranteed to keep you entertained.

BOSS PRO-Karting
Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned speed enthusiast, BOSS PRO-Karting in Brookpark offers high-speed thrills on its indoor/outdoor track. With live timing, you can compete for bragging rights or just enjoy the adrenaline rush.

Adrenaline Monkey
This indoor adventure center in Warrensville Heights is packed with activities for all ages, including ninja-style obstacle courses, rock climbing walls, aerial ropes, and even a gaming arcade. It’s the ultimate place for fun and fitness, catering to all skill levels.

Museum of Illusions
Step into a world of wonder at the Museum of Illusions in Downtown Cleveland. Interactive exhibits like the Walk-in Kaleidoscope, Vortex Tunnel, and the Reversed Room make this a perfect spot for families or anyone looking to capture surreal Instagram moments.

Ray’s Indoor Bike Park
Cycling enthusiasts will find their paradise at Ray’s Indoor Bike Park. This no-attitude bike park offers courses for MTB and BMX riders of all skill levels. First-timers can take advantage of special deals, and helmet hair is a badge of honor here.

Pins Mechanical Co.
Located in Ohio City, Pins Mechanical Co. is a fun center that combines games and drinks. Try your hand at bocce, duckpin bowling, pinball, or foosball while enjoying craft beers or cocktails. Families are welcome until 8 p.m., making it a versatile outing.

Pinstripes
A distinctive venue offering both dining and entertainment, complete with upscale bowling lanes, bocce courts, an inviting outdoor patio with a fireplace, exclusive private dining areas, and an elegantly decorated ballroom. Our menu features American contemporary cuisine, skillfully incorporating game and seasonal ingredients into classic yet accessible dishes. Come for lunch, dinner, or Sunday brunch, and don't miss our happy hour with homemade Italian-American fare.

Read About All the Options at thisiscleveland.com

🏀 Cougar Boys Claw Past Panthers in Thrilling NCC Victory

Friday night, the Lake Catholic Cougars boys showcased their grit and determination on Friday night, outlasting the Elyria Catholic Panthers 65-59 in a North Coast Conference matchup at the Coliseum. The victory kept Lake Catholic undefeated in conference play, improving their season record to 4-1 overall and 2-0 in the NCC.

The Cougars seized control early, leveraging a strong second quarter to build a lead that proved crucial in withstanding a spirited comeback attempt by the Panthers. Despite a rocky third quarter, Lake Catholic refused to let Elyria Catholic’s fourth-quarter surge derail their path to victory.

Sophomore standout Aiden Webb led the charge for the Cougars, delivering a game-high 24 points, including a dazzling five 3-pointers that kept Lake Catholic ahead in key moments. Senior Cross Nimmo added 17 points, consistently pressuring the Panthers’ defense. The duo combined for all of the Cougars’ 24 points in the fourth quarter, cementing their pivotal roles in the win.

The Cougars’ defense also stepped up, limiting Elyria Catholic’s early momentum and forcing them into a challenging uphill battle. Although the Panthers briefly claimed a lead in the fourth quarter, Lake Catholic’s poised response, punctuated by Webb’s sharpshooting and Nimmo’s clutch scoring, ensured the Cougars emerged victorious.

Lake Catholic’s balanced offensive contributions included solid efforts from Ace Peterlin, who added eight points, and Jacob Rozman, who chipped in nine, bolstering the team’s depth in the tightly contested matchup.

With this victory, the Cougars solidify their position as a formidable force in the North Coast Conference, setting the tone for the rest of the season with their resilience and teamwork.

🏀 Panthers’ Third-Quarter Push Too Much for Cougar Girls

The Lake Catholic Cougars faced a tough loss on Friday night, falling to Elyria Catholic in a North Coast Conference matchup at the Coliseum. Despite keeping it close in the first half, the Cougars were unable to recover after a dominant third quarter by the Panthers, ultimately losing 45-33.

Lake Catholic started strong defensively and went into halftime trailing by just one point, 21-20. However, the third quarter proved decisive as Elyria Catholic outscored the Cougars 14-2, creating a gap that Lake Catholic couldn’t close.

Offensively, the Cougars were led by Ella Zampedro and Avery Budrys Rini, who each scored nine points. Carmella Sowers also contributed solidly with six points. Despite their efforts, Lake Catholic struggled to find their rhythm against the Panthers’ defensive pressure.

The loss moves Lake Catholic to 6-1 overall and 2-1 in conference play, snapping their undefeated streak this season. The Cougars will look to regroup as they prepare for their next conference game.

Source: sciencefocus.com

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Someone help dad out!!