In this Issue of: Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

☔ Weather: Mostly Cloudy, Afternoon Showers & T-Storms -Temps 58-62

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

 📰 Local News: 🪇 Cinco de Mayo: Mexican Victory, American Celebration

 🎶 Mentor’s Top 25 Celebrates Musical Legacy with Alumni Showcase

 📰 Real ID Deadline Nears for Ohioans as May 7 Enforcement Looms

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Real Estate: 🏠401(k) House Down Payment: Risky Shortcut or Smart Strategy?

🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)

⚾ Sports: Guardians Edge Jays After Early Exit From Bibee

 🏀 Pacers Shoot Past Cavs With 19 Threes, Take Series Opener on the Road

 🥍 Mentor Drops to 9-8 After 13-3 Setback Against Strongsville

 🤔 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 May 5

See All the Events
MentorLocalEvents.com/Events

🪇 Cinco de Mayo: Mexican Victory, American Celebration

Cinco de Mayo, celebrated on May 5, marks Mexico’s victory over French forces at the Battle of Puebla in 1862, not the country’s Independence Day, which falls on September 16. The holiday commemorates the day General Ignacio Zaragoza led a mostly Indigenous and mestizo force to defeat the better-equipped French army near Mexico City, despite the French occupation lasting until 1867.

While Puebla honors the date with reenactments and parades, the rest of Mexico gives it little attention. In contrast, Cinco de Mayo has grown in the U.S., especially among Mexican-American communities as a celebration of cultural identity. Cities like Los Angeles and Denver host large festivals with music, dance, and foods like tacos, churros, and mole poblano. Read the Full History at Britannica.com

🎶 Mentor’s Top 25 Celebrates Musical Legacy with Alumni Showcase

Mentor High School’s Top 25 vocal group will take audiences on a musical journey with “The Big Show: Through the Decades”, set for May 17 at 7:00 p.m. and May 18 at 3:00 p.m. at the Mentor High School Fine Arts Center.

This year’s show features a special twist—performances by Top 25 alumni, joining current members in celebrating music across generations. From classic hits to modern favorites, the performance will highlight decades of musical evolution.

Top 25 is known for its strong vocals and energetic choreography, making the annual Big Show a community favorite.

Tickets will be sold at the door for $10 (adults) and $5 (students). The Fine Arts Center is located at 6477 Center Street, Mentor, Ohio.

Don’t miss this celebration of music, talent, and tradition! See flier for the event here

 📰 Real ID Deadline Nears for Ohioans as May 7 Enforcement Looms

Ohioans have until May 7 to obtain a Real ID if they plan to fly domestically or access military bases and certain federal buildings. After that date, a Real ID or passport will be required for TSA clearance.

The Real ID Act of 2005, enacted following the 9/11 Commission’s recommendations, sets federal standards for ID issuance. Ohio has offered Real IDs for the past seven years at no extra cost, but only 56% of residents have one.

To get a Real ID, residents must visit the BMV in person with documents proving name, birthdate, Social Security number, legal presence, and Ohio residency. The BMV recommends using their online document checklist and queuing tool to save time.

BMV offices will have extended Saturday hours until 3 p.m. for the next two weekends to manage the expected rush. WATCH or Read the Full Article from wkyc.com

🏠 401(k) for a House Down Payment: A Risky Shortcut or Smart Strategy?

Borrowing from a 401(k) to purchase a home is legally permitted and can provide a quick cash solution, but it's a decision with long-term consequences. Many first-time homebuyers may be tempted to dip into their retirement savings to fund a down payment or cover closing costs. While it is possible through either a 401(k) loan or an early withdrawal, financial experts caution against it.

A 401(k) loan allows eligible employees to borrow up to 50% of their vested balance or $50,000, whichever is less. These loans are repaid with interest over a typical five-year period and do not incur the 10% early withdrawal penalty. Moreover, because they're not reported to credit bureaus, they won’t affect a borrower’s credit score or, in most cases, their debt-to-income ratio—key factors in mortgage approval. However, there's a significant caveat: if you leave your job, the loan becomes due by your next tax filing deadline. Failure to repay in time results in the balance being taxed as income and penalized.

The second route—an early withdrawal—is far more costly. If taken before age 59½, the withdrawal is subject to a 10% penalty plus income tax. These taxes can significantly reduce the value of the funds withdrawn, and depending on the amount, they could even push the taxpayer into a higher income bracket.

While using a 401(k) might help make a home purchase possible, it often means missing out on years of investment growth and potential employer matching contributions. These missed opportunities can substantially impact long-term retirement savings.

Before tapping into a 401(k), prospective homebuyers are encouraged to explore alternative strategies. These include low- or no-down-payment mortgage options such as FHA, VA, USDA, and conventional 97 loans, many of which require as little as 3% down. Down payment assistance programs also exist nationwide, offering grants or low-interest loans to qualifying buyers.

Those who still prefer to use retirement funds might consider a Roth IRA instead. Withdrawals of contributions (but not earnings) can be made tax-free, and Roth IRAs aren’t tied to employment, offering more flexibility if circumstances change.

Ultimately, while accessing 401(k) funds to buy a home is possible, it’s often a decision best made in consultation with a financial advisor. For many, preserving retirement savings may be a smarter move in the long run.

Read the Full Article at themortgagereports.com

🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)

8085 King Memorial Rd., Kirtland Hills, OH. 44060
5 Beds, 5.5 Baths, 7,288 Sqft. 5.7 Acre Lot
Sale Price $1,390,000
Listed by: Mark and Denise Zervos Brokered by Platinum Real Estate
Link to Property Listing

7101 Reynolds Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
Multi-Family Home
3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, ???? Sqft. 2.17 Acre Lot
Sale Price $625,000
Listed by: Karen Schultz Brokered by Homesmart Real Estate Momentum Llc
Link to Property Listing

5505 E. Heisley Rd., Mentor OH 44060
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 3,588 Sqft., 0.50 Acre Lot
Sale Price $449,000
Listed by: Jerry Quade Brokered by Redfin Real Estate Corp.
Link to Property Listing

9557 Hoose Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1 Bath, 1,196 Sqft. 1.08 Acre Lot
Sale Price $329,900
Listed by: Jonathan Kubischta Brokered by Homesmart Real Estate Momentum Llc
Link to Property Listing

4903 Marigold Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1 Bath, ???? Sqft. 7,148 Sqft. Lot
Sale Price $189,900
Listed by: Michael Kaim, Agent Brokered by Real Brokerage Technologies, Inc.
Link to Property Listing

Link to Other Listings in Zip Code 44060

⚾ Guardians Edge Jays After Early Exit From Bibee and Late Drama in the Ninth

Tanner Bibee pitched five innings before exiting with leg cramps, but the Cleveland Guardians held on to beat the Toronto Blue Jays 5-4 on Sunday.

Bibee allowed five hits and three runs (two earned) before showing discomfort warming up for the sixth. Tim Herrin, Cade Smith, and Hunter Gaddis covered the next innings, with Gaddis stranding two runners in the eighth.

Gabriel Arias led Cleveland’s offense with three hits and two RBIs, including a two-run single. Daniel Schneemann added an RBI single, and Carlos Santana drew a bases-loaded walk in the ninth.

Toronto answered with a Vladimir Guerrero Jr. sacrifice fly, but Emmanuel Clase stranded the tying run at third for his seventh save. Blue Jays starter Bowden Francis gave up four runs in 4 1/3 innings. José Ramírez returned from an ankle injury but went 0-for-4 with a walk. The Guardians visit the Nationals next, while the Blue Jays face the Angels Tuesday.

Read the Full Article at cbssports.com

🏀 Pacers Shoot Past Cavs With 19 Threes, Take Series Opener on the Road

The Indiana Pacers upset the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers 121-112 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference semifinals Sunday night, led by Tyrese Haliburton’s late-game heroics. Haliburton had 22 points and 13 assists, hitting a key 3-pointer to spark a 15-4 run and later blocking a Max Strus shot that led to a layup and a 10-point lead.

Andrew Nembhard added a playoff-best 23 points and hit five of Indiana’s 19 three-pointers. The Pacers shot 19 of 36 from deep, while the Cavs struggled at 9 of 38 despite their strong regular-season numbers.

Donovan Mitchell scored 33 points, surpassing Michael Jordan’s record with his eighth straight 30-point series opener. Evan Mobley had 20 points and 10 rebounds, but Cleveland’s short fourth-quarter lead didn’t last.

Indiana saw its 12-point third-quarter lead slip briefly before Haliburton’s three regained control. All five Pacers starters hit double figures, with Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam each scoring 17. Game 2 is Tuesday night. More at espn.com

🥍 Mentor Drops to 9-8 After 13-3 Setback Against Strongsville

The Mentor Cardinals varsity girls lacrosse team fell 13-3 to the Strongsville Mustangs in non-conference play Saturday. Despite the loss, a few Cardinals delivered standout efforts.

Mentor's three goals came from Ava Lee, Abby Harps, and Ella Predina. Lee and Harps each scored on their only shot, while Predina added one on two attempts. Predina also led defensively with seven ground balls, six turnovers, and a 50% draw control rate (6 of 12).

In goal, sophomore Sammy McGinnis made eight saves on 21 shots but allowed 13 goals under consistent Strongsville pressure. Now 9-8 overall and 1-4 in conference, Mentor hosts winless Aurora (0-15) tonight at 6 p.m.

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣