In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

🌥️ Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Temps 47-51

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

 🎉 Celebrate New Year’s Eve at LaMalfa’s 60th Diamond Anniversary Bash

 📰 Ohio Supreme Court Reverses $650M Opioid Settlement

 🎁 Holiday Gift Return Deadlines: What You Need to Know

🗓️ National Fruitcake Day: A Slice of Holiday History

 📢 Local Business Spotlight: Digging Dogs in Painesville Township

🗝️ Lake County Captains Receive Prestigious "Key to the County" for Championship Victory

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us!

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Dec 27

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

🎉 Celebrate New Year’s Eve at LaMalfa’s 60th Diamond Anniversary Bash

Ring in 2024 with elegance and excitement at the LaMalfa Diamond 60th Anniversary New Year’s Eve event, hosted at the Wingate by Wyndham at LaMalfa. This grand celebration promises an unforgettable night of live music, dancing, and exquisite dining as we mark six decades of excellence. With a sophisticated atmosphere and top-tier entertainment, it’s the perfect way to welcome the New Year.

Guests will enjoy an expansive buffet. Entertainment includes the lively Intense Band from 9 PM to 1 AM, following a musical ambiance provided by Sound Track Music from 6 PM to 9 PM. A formal dress code adds to the evening’s sophistication, and a cash bar will be available for beverages.

Limited to just 150 tickets, this exclusive event is sure to sell out quickly. Don’t miss your chance to celebrate the New Year in style at this milestone celebration.

For More Event Details and Tickets, Click Here

📰 Ohio Supreme Court Reverses $650M Opioid Settlement Against Pharmacy Giants

The Ohio Supreme Court has reversed a $650 million judgment against pharmacy chains CVS, Walgreens, and Walmart in a landmark case tied to the opioid epidemic. The court ruled that Ohio law prohibits public nuisance claims based on product sales, nullifying a federal court's 2022 decision in favor of Lake and Trumbull counties. These counties had argued that the pharmacies’ business practices contributed to the crisis by failing to monitor suspicious opioid prescription patterns.

Central to the ruling was the Ohio Product Liability Act, amended in 2007, which limits lawsuits stemming from product sales. The court majority, led by Justice Joseph Deters, emphasized that addressing the opioid epidemic requires legislative action, not judicial intervention. While acknowledging the severity of the crisis, the court concluded that the claims made by the counties did not align with the legal framework established under state law.

The decision starkly contrasts with the earlier federal court ruling, which found the pharmacies liable for fueling the epidemic and awarded the settlement to fund prevention and recovery efforts. The Supreme Court’s judgment, however, has drawn a clear legal boundary, reinforcing the limitations of public nuisance claims in this context.

For Lake and Trumbull counties, the ruling is a major setback. Communities in these areas continue to grapple with the devastating effects of opioid addiction, including rising overdose deaths and strained public health systems. Local officials had hoped the settlement would finance crucial programs to combat the crisis and aid recovery.

The case underscores broader debates over accountability for the opioid epidemic, which has claimed hundreds of thousands of lives nationwide. Critics argue that corporations involved in manufacturing, distributing, and selling opioids profited while ignoring mounting evidence of harm. Supporters of the pharmacies counter that they adhered to legal regulations and that responsibility lies with prescribing doctors and regulatory agencies.

This ruling is one of many in a wave of litigation against entities linked to the opioid crisis. Some cases have led to significant settlements, while others, like this one, have faltered due to legal restrictions. The Ohio Supreme Court’s decision highlights the challenges of addressing a multifaceted public health emergency through existing legal frameworks.

As communities continue to seek justice and solutions, advocates stress the need for legislative and policy changes to prevent future harm. Despite this legal setback, the urgency to combat the opioid epidemic remains high, with a focus on recovery, prevention, and systemic reform.

Read the Full Article at legalreader.com

🎁 Holiday Gift Return Deadlines: What You Need to Know

As the holiday season winds down, shoppers looking to return unwanted gifts should note the return deadlines set by major retailers. To make the process more convenient, several stores have extended their return windows. Here's a quick guide to help you navigate the policies for top retailers:

• Amazon: Return policies vary depending on the item. Shoppers should verify return details for specific products or consult the seller.

• Best Buy: Returns for holiday purchases are accepted until January 14. However, decorations must be returned within 15 days of purchase.

• Macy’s: Holiday items are eligible for returns until January 31.

• Target: While the general return policy is 90 days, electronics purchased during the holiday season have a 30-day window, and Apple and Beats products must be returned within 14 days.

• Walmart: Most holiday purchases made between October 1 and December 31 can be returned until January 31 or within 90 days of purchase.

Tips for Hassle-Free Returns

Consumer experts recommend having a physical ID and all receipts when initiating a return. To avoid misplacing paper receipts, request an emailed version at checkout. Additionally, unopened packages and tags still attached to items can simplify the return process.

By adhering to these policies and best practices, you can ensure a smoother experience when returning holiday gifts this season.

Read the Full Article at Fox8.com

🗓️ National Fruitcake Day: A Slice of Holiday History

Each year on December 27th, fruitcake enthusiasts across the United States mark National Fruitcake Day, a time to honor the iconic and often divisive holiday treat. Crafted from candied or dried fruits, nuts, spices, and occasionally infused with spirits, the fruitcake has stood the test of time as a holiday staple.

The fruitcake's history stretches back to ancient Rome, where early recipes included ingredients like pomegranate seeds, pine nuts, and raisins blended into barley mash. During the Middle Ages, the addition of honey, spices, and preserved fruits refined the dish. By the 16th century, two developments made fruitcake more accessible: the widespread availability of sugar from the American colonies and the discovery that sugar could preserve fruits, leading to an abundance of candied fruit.

Fruitcakes are celebrated differently around the globe, with variations depending on regional ingredients and customs. In the United States, fruitcakes became a common mail-order item by 1913 and are often sold by charities as fundraisers. While most commercial fruitcakes in America omit alcohol, traditional recipes sometimes include brandy or liqueurs, with bakers claiming that aging the cakes in brandy-soaked linens enhances their flavor.

The phrase “nutty as a fruitcake,” coined in 1935, humorously referenced the excess nuts used in some Southern fruitcakes, thanks to an abundance of affordable nuts in the region. Today, fruitcakes remain a symbol of holiday cheer, with quality versions offering rich, complex flavors that belie their reputation as a joke in popular culture.

How to Celebrate National Fruitcake Day
Share a cherished fruitcake recipe or an amusing anecdote about this enduring treat. Hosting a fruitcake tasting or gifting a homemade version are festive ways to mark the occasion. Don’t forget to share your celebration online with #NationalFruitcakeDay.

In the heart of Painesville Township, Ohio, there's a haven for canine companions and their human counterparts that stands out for its commitment to kindness and community. Digging Dog Training Center, a fixture in the area for over two decades, offers more than just dog training; it provides a journey into understanding and deepening the bond between people and their pets.

At the helm of this center is Elizabeth Richards, a Certified Professional Dog Trainer (CPDT-KSA) with over twenty years of experience in nurturing and shaping the behavior of dogs of all ages and breeds. Her philosophy is simple yet profound: training should be a positive, enriching experience for both the dog and the owner.

What sets Digging Dog Training Center apart is its emphasis on positive reinforcement techniques. This method, which rewards good behavior rather than punishing the bad, aligns with the latest in animal behavioral science. It's a no-brainer why their approach has resonated with the community for so long – it's all about building trust and understanding between dogs and their owners.

One of the most touching aspects of Digging Dog Training Center's mission is its collaboration with Veteran Canine Connection (VCC). This non-profit organization is dedicated to helping veterans, providing them with companion dog training at no cost. It's a testament to the center's commitment to not only pets but also to those who have served our country, recognizing the healing and comforting power of a well-trained canine companion.

The center's group sessions, which are as friendly and inclusive as they come, begin every six weeks, with the next session slated for the week of February 12th. This regular schedule offers plenty of opportunities for community members to join in and experience the joy of training their dogs in a supportive, group setting.

Digging Dog Training Center, located near the Painesville Township and Mentor border, isn't just a place to teach your dog new tricks. It's a community hub where lasting relationships are formed, and the bond between humans and their canine companions is celebrated and strengthened.

For those interested in learning more or joining a session, you can reach out via email at [email protected], call at 440-255-3500, or visit their website at www.diggingdogs.biz. It's a journey worth taking for every dog owner who believes in the power of positive training and the unmatched value of a loyal, well-trained companion by their side.

Digging Dog Training Center 1890 Mentor Ave Painesville, OH 44077

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Are you a local business looking to connect with your community? Our FREE Local Business Spotlight is here to help! Your feature will be shared across our widely read newsletter (1-3 consecutive issues).

📞 Get Started Today! Space is limited, so don’t miss this chance to shine in front of your local audience. Contact us now!

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🗝️ Lake County Captains Receive Prestigious "Key to the County" for Championship Victory

The Lake County Captains have been honored with the second-ever "Key to Lake County" following their impressive victory as the 2024 Midwest League Champions. The award, which serves as Lake County's highest honor, recognizes exceptional contributions to the community and requires unanimous approval from the county commissioners.

The Captains, a High-A affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians, earned the accolade after securing a 77-53 season record and clinching their second franchise championship with a decisive 9-4 victory over the Wisconsin Timber Rattlers in September. Their achievement marks their first league title since 2010.

The Key to the County program was recently introduced by Lake County commissioners as a way to celebrate extraordinary accomplishments within the community. The board commended the Captains for their resilience, particularly after losing 13 players throughout the season, and their embodiment of teamwork and determination.

The Captains' success extends beyond the championship. The team was named the "2024 Minor League Baseball Team of the Year" by Baseball America, and General Manager Jen Yorko earned the distinction of High-A Executive of the Year. Yorko, the first female GM to lead a team to a MiLB championship, has driven significant growth in attendance and social media engagement for the Captains.

Yorko expressed gratitude for the recognition, emphasizing the importance of the team's connection to the community and their fans. She also looked ahead to the upcoming season, inviting supporters to celebrate on Opening Night at Classic Auto Group Park on April 8.

Read More at lakecountyohio.gov

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣