In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

🌦️ Weather: Chance of Afternoon Showers - Temps 38-41

 🎉 Events: 50+ Live Events. Direct Link to Mentor Live Events

 📰 Local News: 🐿️ Groundhog Day 2025: Everything to Know About Phil

 📰 Get Involved: Mentor Library’s Teen Advisory Board Accepting Members

 📅 Mentor Planning Commission to Meet on February 6

 🚨 South Euclid-Lyndhurst Teacher Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Travel & Discovery: ✈️ Top 5 Family Vacation Spots for 2025: Beaches, Theme Parks & Adventure

 🛂 Need a Passport? Mentor Public Library Has You Covered!

 🏀 Sports: 🏀 Mentor Girls Roll Past Shaker Heights, Sets Sights on Showdown with Strongsville

 🏒 Mentor Dominates Red Division, Beats Rocky River, Ready for Baron Cup I

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us!

👉 Mentor Live Events 👈
Feb 2-3

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

🐿️ Groundhog Day 2025: Everything to Know About Phil’s Forecast

*Above: Class trailer from the movie “Groundhog Day”.

Groundhog Day 2025: What It Means and How to Watch Punxsutawney Phil’s Prediction

As February begins, all eyes turn to Punxsutawney, Pennsylvania, where Punxsutawney Phil, the famous weather-predicting groundhog, will determine whether winter will persist for another six weeks or if an early spring is on the way.

Groundhog Day, observed every February 2, has been a tradition since 1886, with thousands gathering at Gobbler’s Knob to witness Phil’s forecast. If he sees his shadow, it means six more weeks of winter; if not, spring is predicted to arrive early.

What to Expect on Groundhog Day 2025

This year’s event is expected to draw a sold-out crowd, eager to see Phil’s latest prediction. Fans can watch the event live online beginning at 6 a.m. ET on Visit Pennsylvania's website. Phil typically makes his call just after 7 a.m.

Who is Punxsutawney Phil?

Phil is a 139-year-old groundhog (according to legend) who has been predicting the weather since the Grover Cleveland administration. His supposed longevity comes from a secret elixir that grants him seven extra years per sip. He shares his home with his wife, Phyliss, and their twin pups, Sunny and Shadow, born last year.

How Accurate is Phil?

Despite his fame, Phil’s track record isn't the most reliable. According to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA), he has an accuracy rate of just 35% over 135 years. Other groundhogs, like Ohio’s Buckeye Chuck, boast a much higher success rate—around 75%.

Other Weather-Predicting Groundhogs

Phil may be the most well-known, but he's not the only groundhog with a say in winter’s fate. Other notable forecasters include:

• General Beauregard Lee (Georgia)

• Buckeye Chuck (Ohio)

• Staten Island Chuck (New York)

How to Watch Groundhog Day 2025 Live

• Date: Sunday, February 2, 2025

• Time: Livestream begins at 6 a.m. ET, with Phil's prediction expected after 7 a.m.

• Where to Watch: Visit Pennsylvania's official website

Source: USA Today

📰 Get Involved: Mentor Library’s Teen Advisory Board Accepting Members

Mentor Public Library is encouraging local teenagers to join its Teen Advisory Board, where they can help shape teen services, programs, and spaces at the library. Open to students in grades seven through twelve, the board provides an opportunity for teens to share their ideas and get involved.

The next meeting will be held at 6:30 p.m. on February 20 at the library’s Main Branch, located at 8215 Mentor Avenue. Interested participants can sign up online at www.mentorpl.org or by calling 440-255-8811, ext. 1.

📅 Mentor Planning Commission to Meet on February 6

The Municipal Planning Commission will convene on Thursday, February 6, 2025, at 7:00 PM in the council chambers on the third floor of the Mentor Municipal Center.

The meeting is open to the public and will be broadcast live on the Mentor Channel (Spectrum 1024, U-Verse 99) and via the city's app, available on ROKU, Apple, Android, and Fire. For those unable to watch live, rebroadcasts will air multiple times throughout the following week.

Meeting agendas and documentation are available via Google Drive for public review.

🚨 South Euclid-Lyndhurst Teacher Arrested on Child Exploitation Charges

Eric Arnold Schmidt, a South Euclid-Lyndhurst teacher, was arrested on charges involving a minor in nudity-oriented material. Authorities have not released further details but are seeking additional information. If convicted, he faces up to eight years in prison and sex offender registration. The school district placed him on leave, confirming the alleged victim is not a student. Schmidt remains in custody on a $20,000 bond.

✈️ Top 5 Family Vacation Spots for 2025: Beaches, Theme Parks & Adventure

Summary of Top Family Vacation Destinations for 2025

• Central Florida: Universal Epic Universe opens in May; Disney adds new attractions; nearby nature escapes.

• Grand Canyon West: Stunning views, Skywalk, rafting, and helicopter tours.

• Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Snorkeling, whale watching, ATV rides, and pirate ship cruises.

• Jacksonville, Florida: Beaches, wildlife preserves, and family-friendly attractions.

• Belize: Snorkeling, Mayan ruins, and jungle adventures.

Choosing the best family vacation spots for 2025 was no easy task, but after extensive research on new resorts, attractions, and must-see destinations, five locations stood out. Whether your family loves theme parks, nature, beaches, or cultural adventures, these destinations promise unforgettable experiences.

1. Central Florida: The Ultimate Theme Park Getaway

Orlando remains a top family vacation spot, and 2025 is set to be an even bigger year with Universal Epic Universe opening on May 22. The highly anticipated park will feature immersive themed worlds, including Super Nintendo World, the Dark Universe, and a new Harry Potter attraction. Over at Disney, families can enjoy the new nighttime parade "Disney Starlight: Dream the Night Away" and updated rides like Test Track at EPCOT.

For those looking to unwind beyond the parks, Kissimmee and Lake County offer airboat tours, kayaking, and scenic escapes. New hotels, including Universal’s Helios Grand Hotel and Disney’s Island Tower at Polynesian Village Resort, will provide fresh accommodations for visitors.

2. Grand Canyon West: Breathtaking Views and Adventure

Owned and operated by the Hualapai Tribe, Grand Canyon West offers stunning scenery and unique experiences, including the iconic Skywalk—a glass bridge extending 70 feet over the canyon. Families can opt for helicopter tours, river rafting excursions, and guided hikes.

Located just two hours from Las Vegas, visitors can stay overnight at the Cabins at Grand Canyon West or Hualapai Lodge for a more immersive experience.

3. Cabo San Lucas, Mexico: Sun, Sand, and Adventure

Cabo San Lucas is perfect for families looking for year-round sunshine and outdoor adventures. Families can snorkel in Chileno Bay, go whale watching, or cruise on a pirate ship. On land, options include zip-lining, ATV tours, and camel rides on the beach.

For accommodations, the newly opened Four Seasons Resort and Residences Cabo del Sol offers family-friendly pools and activities, while Grand Velas Los Cabos provides an all-inclusive luxury experience.

🛫 We only have the space here to show you the top 3. However, check out all the details in this wonderful article from thepointsguy.com.

🛂 Need a Passport? Mentor Public Library Has You Covered!

The Mentor Public Library (MPL) provides a convenient passport application and photo service at its main branch. Recognized by the U.S. Department of State as an official Passport Acceptance Facility, the library offers residents the opportunity to apply for a passport and have their photos taken in one location.

Due to the popularity of this service, appointments are required. The library recommends scheduling at least a week in advance to secure a spot. Those interested can find additional details on the library’s website.

🏀 Mentor Girls Roll Past Shaker Heights, Sets Sights on Showdown with Strongsville

The Mentor Lady Cardinals cruised to a decisive 66-28 victory over the Shaker Heights Red Raiders in a conference matchup on Friday night. With this win, Mentor improves to 14-5 overall and 7-3 in conference play, currently sitting in third place.

Standout performances included Rodriguez, who contributed across the board with six rebounds, four assists, and five steals. Ferritto led the team in scoring with 14 points while also posting a game-high efficiency rating of +19. Watson added a block to the team's defensive efforts.

Up next, Mentor faces a major test at home against Strongsville on February 4. Strongsville boasts an impressive 17-1 record and remains undefeated in conference play (10-0). With both teams looking to solidify their standings, this matchup promises to be a crucial battle for Mentor as they aim to close the gap in the conference race.

🏒 Mentor Dominates Red Division, Beats Rocky River, Ready for Baron Cup I

The Mentor Cardinals wrapped up an undefeated league season with a crucial victory over Rocky River, securing the top seed for Baron Cup I. Heading into the matchup, Mentor needed one final win to complete a perfect conference campaign, and they delivered. With this victory, the Cardinals solidified their dominance in the Red Division and set themselves up for a strong postseason run.

The Mentor Cardinals ice hockey team secured a dramatic 4-3 overtime victory against the Rocky River Pirates on Friday night. The game was tightly contested, with both teams locked at 1-1 after the first period. Rocky River gained momentum in the second, scoring twice to take a 3-1 lead heading into the final period.

However, Mentor responded with a strong third-period comeback, netting two goals to force overtime. In the extra period, Dominic Trem delivered the game-winning goal, capping off an impressive performance that also included two assists. Nathan Andree, Joe Markey, and AJ Trobenter each found the back of the net, with Trobenter also contributing two assists.

Goaltender Ryan Wilkinson played a crucial role in the victory, stopping 34 of 37 shots to help secure the win. With this victory, Mentor improves to 19-9-2 overall and remains undefeated in conference play (8-0).

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣