In this Issue of: Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

⛈️ Weather: Mostly Sunny - Temps 51-54

 📢 Local Events from Mentor & the Area: MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events!

 📰 Local News: 🥎 Star Power Returns to Eastlake for David Njoku’s Celebrity Softball Game

🛣️ ODOT Backs SR-615/I-90 Interchange Expansion with $12M Investment

 🚎 Laketran, Geauga Transit Offering No-Cost Rides to Polling Locations

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Health & Wellness: 🍇 Boost Your Energy, Focus, and Gut Health with Functional Foods

⚾ Sports: ⚾ Manzardo Walk-Off Homer Ends Guardians’ Skid Against Twins

⚾ Lake Catholic Falls to CVCA After Late-Inning Collapse

⚾ Cardinals Stay Hot, Extend Conference Lead with Strongsville Sweep

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

 📢 Advertise With Us! 

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

👉 Events in Mentor & the Area! Visit MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events
Featured Event for April 30 - May 1

See All the Events
MentorLocalEvents.com/Events

🥎 Star Power Returns to Eastlake for David Njoku’s Celebrity Softball Game

The David Njoku Celebrity Softball Game is set to return to Classic Auto Group Park in Eastlake on Thursday, June 19, bringing together sports stars and fans for an evening of fun and competition.

Gates open at 4:30 p.m., followed by a Home Run Derby at 6 p.m. and the main event — the Celebrity Softball Game — at 7 p.m.

General ticket sales start today, Wednesday, April 30, also at 10 a.m.

Now in its second year under Njoku’s leadership, the event has drawn big names from the sports world. In 2024, Travis Kelce — a Cleveland Heights native — won the Home Run Derby, with other appearances from Myles Garrett, Denzel Ward, Kareem Hunt, and Amari Cooper.

The event continues a tradition established by former hosts including Greg Newsome II, Jarvis Landry, and Joe Haden. Past celebrity participants have included UFC champion Stipe Miocic, NBA star Donovan Mitchell, and former Ohio State standout Ted Ginn Jr.

Further announcements, including the 2025 celebrity lineup, are expected soon.

Read More at wkyc.com

🛣️ ODOT Backs SR-615/I-90 Interchange Expansion with $12M Investment

The Ohio Department of Transportation’s Transportation Review Advisory Council has greenlit significant funding for infrastructure improvements across the state, including a key project in Lake County. A portion of the $319.3 million statewide investment has been earmarked for the expansion of the State Route 615 and Interstate 90 interchange in Mentor.

The $12-million project aims to ease congestion by widening the SR-615 bridge over I-90 and enhancing the interchange’s exit ramps. These upgrades are expected to improve traffic flow and safety for daily commuters and travelers navigating the busy corridor.

ODOT will cover the majority of the project’s cost—about 81%—with the City of Mentor contributing the remaining 19% through a local cash match. Before the project can move forward, the proposed funding package must be approved by the Ohio legislature. Once authorized, officials will begin the design phase, with construction timelines to follow.

Source: cityofmentor.com

🚎 Laketran, Geauga Transit Offering No-Cost Rides to Polling Locations

Lake and Geauga county residents can get free transportation to vote in the May 6 Primary Election. Laketran in Lake County is offering no-cost rides on Local Routes 1-9 and its Dial-a-Ride service for both early voting and Election Day. Riders just need to tell the driver they’re voting; Dial-a-Ride requires reservations at 440-354-6100.

Early voting continues through May 4 at the Lake County Elections Board, 105 Main St., Painesville. There is no in-person voting at the board office on Election Day.

Geauga County voters can use Geauga Transit for free rides to early voting at 470 Center St., Bldg. 6, Chardon, and to polling locations. Reservations can be made by calling 440-754-5555.

Polling places in both counties are open from 6:30 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. on May 6.

For more details, Lake County voters can visit lakecountyohio.gov/boe, and Geauga voters can visit boe.ohio.gov/geauga.

🍇 Boost Your Energy, Focus, and Gut Health with Functional Foods

Functional Foods for Better Health and Longevity

Functional foods are packed with health benefits that go beyond basic nutrition. These foods include adaptogens, nootropics, and probiotics, which are gaining popularity for their ability to boost energy, focus, and gut health.

What Are Functional Foods?

Functional foods are foods that provide health benefits beyond basic nutrition. They can improve bodily functions, help prevent disease, and enhance mental well-being. These foods are ideal for individuals seeking to optimize their physical health and cognitive function.

Why It Matters

Eating with intention means choosing foods that support long-term health. Functional foods nourish the body and mind, helping to improve energy, focus, and mental clarity. By making thoughtful food choices, you’re investing in your well-being for the future.

Key Functional Foods to Focus On

Adaptogens

Adaptogens are natural herbs or mushrooms that help the body handle stress. Popular options include ashwagandha, rhodiola, and reishi mushrooms.

Nootropics

Nootropics are foods that enhance brain function. Blueberries, turmeric, and lion’s mane mushrooms are great examples of foods that boost cognitive function and memory.

Probiotics

Probiotic foods support gut health, which is essential for digestion and overall well-being. Foods like kimchi, yogurt, and kefir are excellent sources of probiotics.

How to Incorporate Functional Foods

• Whole foods: Include more nuts, beans, beets, and whole grains in your meals for extra nutrition.

• Probiotic-rich foods: Enjoy kimchi, yogurt, kefir, or even probiotic sodas to boost gut health.

• Mushroom coffee or tea: Swap your regular coffee for mushroom-based beverages to reduce caffeine while gaining a sustained energy boost.

Conclusion

Functional foods offer a simple, effective way to improve health and longevity. By incorporating adaptogens, nootropics, and probiotics into your diet, you can enhance mental clarity, energy, and overall well-being, paving the way for a healthier, more balanced life.

⚾ Manzardo Walk-Off Homer Ends Guardians’ Skid Against Twins

The Cleveland Cavaliers stormed into the second round of the NBA playoffs, dismantling the Miami Heat with a commanding 138-83 victory on Monday night in Miami. The 55-point margin marked Cleveland's largest playoff win ever and sealed a first-round sweep that now stands as the most lopsided series in NBA playoff history.

Donovan Mitchell led the way with 22 points, supported by De’Andre Hunter’s 19-point effort. Ty Jerome, Evan Mobley, and Jarrett Allen also made significant contributions, with Allen adding 12 rebounds and six steals to his 14 points. Cleveland’s dominance was relentless, leading by as many as 60 points and outscoring Miami by a staggering 122 points over the four-game series — breaking the previous record set by Denver in 2009.

⚾ Lake Catholic Falls to CVCA After Late-Inning Collapse

The Lake Catholic Cougars boys varsity baseball team suffered a tough loss for the second straight day against Cuyahoga Valley Christian Academy (CVCA), falling 6-4 on Tuesday. After holding a 4-1 lead through five innings, the Cougars saw their advantage slip away in a dramatic seventh inning, during which CVCA rallied for five runs to seal the comeback.

Starting pitcher Patrick Radigan turned in a strong performance for most of the game, lasting 6.1 innings and recording six strikeouts. However, he ran into trouble in the final frame, ultimately surrendering six runs on six hits, including two home runs, along with four walks. Radigan also contributed at the plate, going 2-for-3 with a home run and an RBI.

Brayden Mann added to the Cougars’ offensive efforts with a 2-for-4 performance and two RBIs, while Caden Boyes went 2-for-3 with a double and scored twice. Despite their offensive production, Lake Catholic was hampered by three costly fielding errors that helped fuel CVCA’s late surge.

The loss drops Lake Catholic to 12-2 on the season, with a 4-2 record in conference play. The team aims to bounce back quickly with a home game against Beachwood scheduled for 4:30 p.m. today.

⚾ Cardinals Stay Hot, Extend Conference Lead with Strongsville Sweep

The Mentor Cardinals varsity baseball team secured back-to-back wins over the Strongsville Mustangs in an interconference matchup, claiming a 7-2 victory on Monday and following it up with a 5-0 shutout on Tuesday.

Monday’s game saw the Cardinals jump out to an early lead with three runs in the first inning. Strongsville responded with a run of their own, but Mentor’s pitching remained steady throughout. Pat Collins earned the win on the mound, tossing five strong innings while allowing only three hits and one run.

Mentor’s offense came alive with 11 hits in the game. Jack Vanhimbergen and Tommy Pozsgai each went 2-for-3, with Pozsgai driving in a run. Jake McCartney went 2-for-4 and also contributed an RBI. Josh Wieland and Tyson Cendrowski added doubles, going 1-for-3 and 1-for-4 respectively.

Tuesday’s game was more subdued offensively but equally effective, as Mentor managed to shut out Strongsville 5-0 despite recording just four singles. Vanhimbergen, Will Link, Austin Vanhuss, and McCartney each notched one hit, with Vanhimbergen crossing the plate twice thanks to timely hitting from his teammates.

On the mound, Peter Kennedy delivered a dominant performance, pitching six scoreless innings and allowing only two hits to secure the win.

The pair of victories improves Mentor’s overall record to 13-2, with a perfect 8-0 mark in conference play.

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

This right here!!