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- 📰 Hyperlocal Marketplace at the Mall, Best Travel Times
📰 Hyperlocal Marketplace at the Mall, Best Travel Times
Issue #358

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In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…
🌥️ Weather: Cloudy - Temps 38-40
🎉 Mentor Live Events - 50+ Live Events. Events Added Daily
🎄 Merry Christmas from Mentor Local Buzz
📰 Mentor Police Spread Holiday Cheer at Vitalia Christmas Party
🛍️ New Marketplace at Great Lakes Mall Showcases 15 Local Vendors
🛣️ ODOT Shares Best Travel Times for Ohio Holiday Rush
👨👩👧👦 Special Section: Event Showcase: ⛸️ TODAY: Holiday Cheer Takes Over United Skates with a Festive Character Celebration
🏀 Peterlin and Webb Lead Cougars Past Trinity in 69-57 Matchup
🤔 Trivia Question
🤣 Something Funny
🌟Highlight Your Local Business – Free!🌟
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📞 Get Started Today! Space is limited, so don’t miss this chance to shine in front of your local audience. Contact us now!


Cloudy - Temps 38-40

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Dec 24-26
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


📰 Mentor Police Spread Holiday Cheer at Vitalia Christmas Party

Mentor Police Department
The Mentor Police Department expressed gratitude to Vitalia Senior Living for hosting them at a heartwarming Christmas celebration. Officers Trusty and Elf Radar enjoyed the chance to connect with residents, spreading holiday cheer and sharing smiles during the festive gathering. The event highlighted the strong bond between the police department and the local community, fostering goodwill and seasonal joy. The Mentor Police Department extended warm holiday wishes to all at Vitalia Senior Living, thanking them for their hospitality and wishing them a Merry Christmas and a joyous holiday season.
🛍️ New Marketplace at Great Lakes Mall Showcases 15 Local Vendors
Local Vendors Unite for Hyperlocal Marketplace at Great Lakes Mall
In a creative reimagining of retail spaces, a group of 15 small business owners has transformed a former clothing store at Great Lakes Mall in Mentor, Ohio, into a bustling marketplace, aptly named Oliver’s Emporium. Located in the Dillard's wing, the emporium offers a diverse array of handmade goods and unique holiday gifts, embodying the spirit of community and collaboration.
The vendors, many of whom met during fairs and festivals, joined forces to bring their talents to a shared retail space. The marketplace offers a variety of products, from made-from-scratch cookies and personalized jewelry to handcrafted soaps, 3D signs, vintage cookware, plants, and more. The goal is to provide shoppers with a one-stop holiday shopping experience while supporting local entrepreneurs.
The founders of Oliver’s Emporium, Sarah Benedum of Union Creek Soap Company and Stefany Belt, saw this as an opportunity to create a semi-permanent space for small businesses, eliminating the challenges of setting up outdoor markets during Ohio's cold months. The emporium is named after Belt’s son, serving as a symbol of inspiration for the endeavor.
By pooling resources and sharing rent, the vendors have achieved a cost-effective way to gain exposure in a prominent retail environment. Time-sharing staffing responsibilities further streamlines their operations, allowing the businesses to thrive while managing the demands of a physical retail space.
This hyperlocal approach reflects broader trends in retail, where malls are evolving to focus on unique, community-driven experiences. With Ohio ranked among the top states for small business growth, ventures like Oliver’s Emporium underscore the benefits of collaboration and creativity in entrepreneurship.
🛣️ ODOT Shares Best Travel Times for Ohio Holiday Rush

(AP Photo/Tony Dejak, File)
ODOT Recommends Optimal Travel Times for Holiday Rush
As the holiday season ramps up, travel projections indicate record-breaking movement across Ohio and the nation. AAA estimates over 119.3 million Americans will journey at least 50 miles from home between Christmas and New Year's, with Ohio alone accounting for 4.9 million travelers. This marks a 2.9% increase from last year and surpasses pre-pandemic travel levels.
Of those traveling in Ohio, the majority—4.47 million—plan to drive, while approximately 279,000 will fly. In light of this surge, the Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) has released suggested travel times for six metropolitan areas across the state, helping drivers plan their trips to avoid peak congestion.
By following ODOT's recommendations, holiday travelers can navigate the busy season with greater ease, ensuring a smoother and safer journey to their destinations.
Source: Spectrum News



⛸️ Holiday Cheer Takes Over United Skates with a Festive Character Celebration

United Skates in Wickliffe is hosting a festive extravaganza this Christmas Eve with their "Holiday Character Explosion" event! Families and kids are invited to celebrate the season with a day packed full of fun, laughter, and holiday cheer on Tuesday, December 24, from 10:00 AM to 2:00 PM.
Admission is $15 per person, with an additional $6 for skate rental. Non-skating adults can join the festivities for $6. For an added holiday bonus, attendees can purchase Santa's Glow Bag, which includes a 20-credit game card, a glow stick, and a glow ring, all for just $5.
While Santa will be busy preparing for his big night, he’s sent some of his friends to spread the holiday magic! Guests will be able to meet an array of popular characters, including elves, cheerful snowmen, and beloved animated icons. Expect to see Gingy, Rudolph, Olaf, the Grinch, and others bringing their holiday charm to the rink.
The event promises games, music, dancing, and food, making it the perfect way to kick off Christmas festivities. Capture special memories with your favorite characters, dance to Christmas tunes, and soak in the joy of the season! Tickets must be purchased in advance, so don’t miss your chance to join this magical holiday celebration.

🏀 Peterlin and Webb Lead Cougars Past Trinity in 69-57 Matchup
Mentor’s Lake Catholic Cougars boys' varsity basketball team secured a commanding 69-57 victory over the Garfield Heights Trinity Trojans in a non-conference clash. Leading the charge was Ace Peterlin, who tallied a game-high 20 points, including 10 from the free-throw line, while contributing across the board with 3 rebounds, 5 assists, a block, and a steal. Aiden Webb also delivered an impressive performance, adding 16 points, 6 rebounds, 2 assists, and 4 steals to the Cougars' tally. Frankie Trinetti made a significant impact with 14 points, 6 rebounds, 6 steals, 3 assists, and a block, while Cross Nimmo fortified the defense with 4 blocks and 6 rebounds.
The Cougars improved their record to 5-1 overall, including a 1-0 mark in conference play. Meanwhile, the Trojans dropped to 2-3. The Cougars will look to build on their momentum in their next game, a home matchup against Kenston on December 30.