In this Issue of: Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

🌥️ Weather: Few Flurries in Morning, Sun & Clouds - Temps 37-38

THE EVENTS PAGE LINK HAS NOW BEEN FIXED

 🎉 Events: NEW EVENTS PAGE. MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events! Check it out.

 📰 Local News: 🏃‍♂️ Father-Son Team Takes Top Honors at 2025 Big Footer 5K in Lake County

🏊‍♀️ Mentor Recreation Rolls Out 1,200+ Programs for Summer 2025

 🥩 Free Cheesesteaks for a Year? New Mentor Eatery Offers Big Opening Day

 📰 Mentor’s 2025 Hometown Heroes Banner Program Fully Booked

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Special Section: Health & Wellness: 🥕 More Than Just Veggies and Exercise: Why Social Connection is Vital to Your Health

 🥎 Sports: 🥎 Lady Cardinals Overpowered by Defending Champs in Opener

 🏀 Even Without Mitchell, Cavs Control Game in Portland

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us! 

Contact Mentor Local Buzz - [email protected] - 440-256-6115

👉Events in Mentor & the Surrounding Area!
Visit MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events
Sampling of Events for March 25-26

THE EVENTS PAGE LINK HAS NOW BEEN FIXED

See All the Upcoming Events Here at:
MentorLocalEvents.com/Events
65+ Events / 100+ Dates

🏃‍♂️ Father-Son Team Takes Top Honors at 2025 Big Footer 5K in Lake County

Father-Son Duo Leads the Pack at 2025 Big Footer 5K in Lake County

A spirited blend of fun, fitness, and community support took over Lake County during the 2025 Special Olympics Big Footer 5K, where a father-son duo crossed the finish line in a heartwarming one-two finish. Josh and Isaac Bogner claimed the top two spots overall, showcasing not just their athleticism but their commitment to a cause close to many hearts.

Held annually, the Big Footer 5K is more than just a race— participants gather to raise awareness for individuals with developmental disabilities, supported by organizations like Ashley's Moon Shadow Support Services and Special Olympics Ohio. This year’s event once again brought together runners, walkers, and community members who believe in building a more inclusive, healthy, and connected community.

Adding to the charm of the day was the presence of the event’s namesake—Big Foot himself—bringing smiles, selfies, and a sense of adventure to the festivities. Whether running for time or simply enjoying the scenic course, every participant contributed to the uplifting energy that defines the Big Footer 5K.

Beyond the race results, the event continues to grow as a platform for advocacy, community engagement, and the celebration of all abilities. With local groups like GCXC Racing Cleveland helping bring it to life, the race highlights how communities can come together in support of shared values and healthier lifestyles.

See all the images here on Facebook

🏊‍♀️ Mentor Recreation Rolls Out 1,200+ Programs for Summer 2025

Mentor Recreation Offers 1,200+ Ways to Play This Summer

Whether you’re looking to get active, explore the outdoors, or try something completely new, Mentor Recreation has something for everyone this summer—over 1,200 programs, to be exact!

From fitness classes and art workshops to kayaking tours, golf instruction, hockey leagues, day camps, and senior trips, the department offers year-round fun for all ages and interests. It’s all part of the city’s commitment to building a vibrant, connected community through recreation.

The Mentor Recreation Summer 2025 Program Guide will begin arriving on residents' doorsteps this week, but for those eager to plan ahead, the full guide is already available online for download.

Registration for summer programs opens April 7, 2025, for Mentor residents and members. Non-residents and non-members can register starting April 8, 2025.

With so many choices, there's never been a better time to jump in and play in Mentor.

Download the Mentor Recreation Summer 2025 Program Guide.

 🥩 Free Cheesesteaks for a Year? New Mentor Eatery Offers Big Opening Day Giveaway

Mentor’s east side is about to get a serious taste of Philly.

Steaks and Hoagies, known for their authentic cheesesteaks served “from Philly to the Land,” is opening a brand-new location at 9229 Mentor Avenue, and they’re kicking things off with a sizzling promotion. On Friday, April 4 at 10:30 a.m., the first 100 guests in line will win free cheesesteaks for an entire year.

The excitement won’t stop there. All weekend long, customers can enter to win additional prizes—including a 65-inch TV—as the shop celebrates its grand opening in a big way.

Known for hearty sandwiches, bold flavors, and a Philly-inspired vibe, Steaks and Hoagies has built a loyal following in Northeast Ohio. This new Mentor location aims to deliver the same signature taste with a side of fun, giveaways, and community connection.

Guests are encouraged to arrive early, as only the first 100 people in line will receive the free cheesesteaks offer. A purchase is required to claim the reward.

For more details, visit www.steaksandhoagies.com.

📰 Mentor’s 2025 Hometown Heroes Banner Program Fully Booked

Mentor’s Hometown Heroes Banner Program will return in 2025 to honor local military service members. All banner spots have now been filled. Displays will run from Memorial Day through Veterans Day along Civic Center Boulevard and Munson Road. Pickup begins November 15. For 2026 notifications, contact [email protected].

🥕 More Than Just Veggies and Exercise: Why Social Connection is Vital to Your Health

Most of us know the basics of self-care: eat healthy, stay active, and get plenty of sleep. But there’s one essential ingredient that often gets overlooked—social connection. In fact, building strong social ties may be just as important as quitting smoking or managing blood pressure when it comes to protecting our health.

A landmark study found that a lack of social connection can be more harmful to your health than obesity, smoking, or high blood pressure. On the flip side, those who are socially connected experience a host of physical and emotional benefits:

• A 50% increased chance of living longer

• A stronger immune system

• Faster recovery from illness

• Reduced levels of anxiety and depression

• Higher self-esteem and greater empathy

Research even suggests that strong social bonds may help extend your life. People who feel connected tend to be more trusting and cooperative—qualities that attract more positive interactions and build a powerful feedback loop of well-being.

But just as connection heals, isolation can harm. People with low social connection face greater risks of anxiety, depression, and even antisocial behavior, which often deepens the cycle of isolation. One influential study showed that lacking social ties can predict disease and early death more reliably than traditional risk factors like physical inactivity or smoking.

Unfortunately, loneliness is on the rise. A major sociological survey revealed a dramatic decline in close connections among Americans: in 1985, the most common number of close confidants was three; by 2004, it had dropped to zero. Over 25% of respondents said they had no one to confide in—meaning one in four people may be navigating life without a close friend.

While these statistics may sound alarming, there's good news: what matters most is not the number of friends you have, but how connected you feel. Someone with one or two deeply meaningful relationships may feel more connected than someone surrounded by acquaintances. In other words, it’s about quality, not quantity.

So go ahead—eat your greens, exercise, and get a good night’s sleep. But don’t forget to call a friend, share a laugh, or simply sit with someone you trust. It could be the healthiest thing you do today.

See the Full Article with Helpful Infographics at ccare.stanford.edu

🥎 Lady Cardinals Overpowered by Defending Champs in Season Opener

Lady Cardinals Fall to Defending State Champs in Season Opener

The Mentor Lady Cardinals kicked off their 2025 softball season on the road Tuesday, taking on a powerhouse in the Austintown-Fitch Falcons. The game proved to be a tough test, as Mentor fell 11-1 to the defending state champions, continuing a four-game losing streak in the matchup.

Despite the loss, the Cardinals showed signs of promise at the plate. Four players tallied hits in the game, including Maddie Beam-Jones, who went 1-for-2 and scored the team’s only run.

Austintown-Fitch, riding high off last season’s success, extended their impressive win streak to 21 games. The victory also pushed their early-season record to 2-0, reinforcing their reputation as one of the top teams in the state.

Mentor now looks to regroup as they prepare for another road challenge, traveling to face South Range on Thursday at 5:00 p.m. Meanwhile, Austintown-Fitch will return home for a matchup against Lake on Friday, also at 5:00 p.m.

🏀 Even Without Mitchell, Cavs Control Game in Portland

The Cleveland Cavaliers wrapped up their west coast swing in style Tuesday night, taking care of business in Portland with a commanding 122–111 win over the Trail Blazers at the Moda Center. The Cavs led from start to finish in a game that, while entertaining, never truly felt in doubt—especially once Darius Garland took over down the stretch.

Even without All-Star guard Donovan Mitchell, Cleveland’s depth and poise were on full display. Garland was sensational in the fourth quarter, orchestrating the offense and hitting timely shots to put the game out of reach. His veteran leadership and shot-making steadied the Cavs during every Blazers push.

Cleveland’s offensive execution was simply too much for Portland to handle. The Cavs shot an impressive 54.5% from the field (48-of-88) and knocked down 11-of-25 from beyond the arc. Their crisp ball movement and shot selection kept Portland’s defense scrambling all night.

While Portland got a strong showing from rookie Donovan Clingan—who posted 18 points, 12 rebounds, and a handful of other solid contributions—it wasn’t enough to overcome Cleveland’s firepower. The Trail Blazers shot just 39.6% from the field and left crucial points at the line, going 14-of-22 on free throws.

What made the win even more impressive? It came in the middle of a brutal travel stretch for the Cavs, who haven’t played back-to-back games in the same city in nearly a month. Yet they showed why they’re one of the Eastern Conference’s most dangerous teams—professional, polished, and ready to win regardless of circumstances.

Read the Full Article at Blazersedge.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

I’m getting a ticket? Do you know who my father is?