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- 📰 Top Outdoor Dining Spots for 2025, Mentor's Shiels Breaks Records
📰 Top Outdoor Dining Spots for 2025, Mentor's Shiels Breaks Records
Issue #524
In this Issue of: Mentor Local Buzz 🐝
☔ Weather: Rain, Possible PM T-Storm - Temps 67-71
📢 Local Events from Mentor & the Area: MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events!
📰 Local News: 🌅 Lake County’s Top Spots for Al Fresco Dining, Music, and Scenic Views
🚨 Drive-By Shooting in Painesville Leaves Two Injured, Police Investigating
🎨 Ohio Department of Natural Resources Unveils Youth Contest
👨👩👧👦 Real Estate: 🏠 New Home Buyers in 2025 Have More Help Than Ever With Down Payment Costs
🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)
⚾ Sports: ⚾ Guardians Escape Sweep with Late-Inning Rally to Beat Astros 4-2
🏃♂️Mentor's Aidan Shiels Breaks Records with State Runner-Up Finish in 800 Meters
🤔 Trivia Question
🤣 Something Funny
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Rain, Possible PM T-Storm - Temps 67-71
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👉 Events in Mentor & the Area! Visit MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events
Featured Event for Jun 9
See All the Events
MentorLocalEvents.com/Events
Mentor Owned Business - Click Above
🌅 Lake County’s Top Spots for Al Fresco Dining, Music, and Scenic Views
When the sun finally shows up in Northeast Ohio, locals make the most of it—and one of the best ways to enjoy the season is dining outdoors. From sunny coffee spots to vineyard views and live music, Lake County offers plenty of patio-perfect places for every taste and mood.
Here’s a streamlined guide to help you explore some of the best outdoor dining spots this summer, categorized for easy browsing and complete with direct links to each location:
🎶 Patios with Live Music & Social Vibes
Looking for a place to enjoy food, fresh air, and live tunes? Try these vibrant outdoor venues:
Chagrin River Tavern – Riverfront dining with entertainment
Day Dream Farm Winery – Wine and weekend music
Debonne Vineyards – Large patio with regular live acts
Grand River Cellars – A favorite for food, wine, and events
Joey’s Italian Grille – Madison – Italian eats and good vibes
Longo’s Pizza & Authentic Italian – Family-run patio spot
Redhawk Grille – Known for its festive patio and great menu
Red Wine & Brew – Drinks, fire pits, and live events
Tricky Tortoise Brewing Co. – Craft beer and patio lounging
🌞 Why Patio Season Matters
Outdoor dining is more than just a meal—it’s an experience. Whether you're meeting friends for lunch, enjoying a romantic evening, or catching a live band under string lights, eating outside helps you savor the season. With so many excellent options across Lake County, there’s no reason to dine indoors this summer.
Click below for MORE great outdoor dining options in Lake County - such as peaceful settings at local vineyards and also casual dining, coffee or sweet treats!
🚨 Drive-By Shooting in Painesville Leaves Two Injured, Police Investigating
A Saturday evening in downtown Painesville took a terrifying turn when gunfire erupted in what witnesses described as a drive-by shooting near the intersection of North State Street and Erie Street.
The Painesville Police Department confirmed that multiple shots were fired from a black vehicle targeting another car in the area. Witnesses reported hearing a barrage of gunfire, estimating at least 50 shots rang out around 8 p.m. The shooting occurred just as local residents were enjoying a nearby music event.
Two individuals were injured in the incident and transported to a nearby hospital. Their conditions have not been released. The suspect vehicle fled the scene, and as of now, no arrests have been announced.
Although the incident unfolded during a public gathering, authorities confirmed it was unrelated to the nearby Spring Block Party. Police responded swiftly to the scene, arriving within minutes of the initial 911 calls. No ongoing threat to the community has been identified, according to officials.
The investigation into the shooting remains active, and police are working to determine the identities of those involved and a potential motive.
WATCH the story or Read the Original Article at fox8.com
🎨 Ohio Department of Natural Resources Unveils Youth Contest
Students Invited to Compete for Unique Field Trip Experiences
In honor of the America 250-Ohio celebration, ODNR is offering students in grades 3 through 12 a chance to win an exclusive outdoor field trip through its America 250 Field Trip Competition. Participants can choose to submit either a piece of artwork or a short essay reflecting on how Ohio’s natural resources have influenced their lives. One winner will be selected in each of six categories—three for art and three for writing, divided by grade level. Winners will be rewarded with a unique outdoor adventure hosted by ODNR staff. Entries are accepted online through July 4 at ohiodnr.gov/artcontest250.
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🏠 New Home Buyers in 2025 Have More Help Than Ever With Down Payment Costs
Saving for a down payment is one of the biggest challenges for new home buyers. Fortunately, over 2,000 down payment assistance (DPA) programs across the U.S. are available in 2025, offering financial help through grants, forgivable loans, and deferred payment options. These programs—usually run by local or state governments and nonprofits—can also help cover closing costs.
Who Qualifies?
DPA programs are mostly geared toward first-time buyers, including those who haven’t owned a home in the past three years. Common eligibility criteria include:
Low to moderate income
Buying a primary residence
Meeting local price limits
Using an approved mortgage and lender
Purchasing in a designated “target area” for potential added benefits
Types of DPA
There are four main kinds of down payment assistance:
Grants – No repayment needed
Second Mortgages – Paid monthly with your main loan
Deferred Loans – Repayment only when you move or refinance
Forgivable Loans – Waived after a set period of residency
Many are interest-free or have low rates. Forgivable loans are especially appealing, allowing buyers to build equity while avoiding long-term debt if they stay in the home.
How to Find the Right Program
DPA programs differ by location. Check resources from HUD or your state housing authority, or search for local programs using “[your city/county] down payment assistance.”
Partnering with the Right Lender
Some lenders specialize in DPA-friendly mortgages. Top options in 2024 included Rocket Mortgage, loanDepot, Veterans United, New American Funding, and Sage Home Loans—all offering tools to simplify the process.
Read about all the details here at themortgagereports.com.
🏘️ Featured New Home Listings for Sale in Mentor, Ohio (44060)
6111 Brownstone Ct., Mentor, OH. 44060
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, ???? Sqft. 0.51 Acre Lot
Sale Price $539,000
Listed by: Steve Baird Brokered by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Professional Realty
Link to Property Listing
8222 Starburst Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,542 Sqft. 0.34 Acre Lot
Sale Price $444,007
Listed by: Robert Amos Brokered by Keller Williams Grt Cleve Ne
Link to Property Listing
8526 Hoyt Ct., Mentor OH 44060
3 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,418 Sqft., 8,860 Sqft. Lot
Sale Price $345,000
Listed by: Lisa Sisko Brokered by Keller Williams Greater Metropolitan Realty
Link to Property Listing
8600 Forestview Ave., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 1.5 Baths, 1,540 Sqft. 0.38 Acre Lot
Sale Price $289,900
Listed by: Denise A. Quiggle Brokered by McDowell Real Estate
Link to Property Listing
6131 Tall Oaks Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 1 Baths, 1,425 Sqft. 0.29 Acre Lot
Sale Price $235,000
Listed by: Lori Cerutti, The Cerutti Team Brokered by McDowell Real Estate
Link to Property Listing
Link to Other Listings in Zip Code 44060
⚾ Guardians Escape Sweep with Late-Inning Rally to Beat Astros 4-2
crucial throwing error by Houston pitcher Steven Okert in the seventh inning opened the door for the Cleveland Guardians to secure a 4-2 win over the Astros on Sunday afternoon, halting a potential sweep and snapping a rocky stretch of games.
With the game tied at 2-2, Nolan Jones advanced from second base and scored when Okert misfired on a routine throw after fielding a bunt from Will Wilson. The errant throw sailed past first base, allowing Bo Naylor to take third. Moments later, Steven Kwan lifted a sacrifice fly to bring Naylor home, giving Cleveland a two-run lead they held the rest of the way.
The Astros had leveled the score in the top of the seventh when Cam Smith delivered a two-run double off Tanner Bibee, who had been in control through much of the game. Bibee allowed just two hits over 6 1/3 innings, striking out six with no walks before the late-inning rally ended his day.
Cade Smith came on in relief and was flawless, retiring all five batters he faced and striking out three to earn the win. Emmanuel Clase pitched a scoreless ninth to notch his 14th save of the season.
Offensively, Bo Naylor led the Guardians with three hits, including a two-run homer in the second inning off Houston’s Brandon Walter, who made a spot start after being recalled from Triple-A. José Ramírez extended his on-base streak to 34 games, the longest by a Guardian since 2013.
See the Full Story and Highlights at espn.com
🏃♂️Mentor's Aidan Shiels Breaks Records with State Runner-Up Finish in 800 Meters
At the 2025 OHSAA Boys Division I State Track and Field Championships, senior Aidan Shiels delivered a standout performance in the 800-meter run. Representing Mentor High School, Shiels claimed second place in the state finals, capping off his season with a historic run. His time not only earned him the runner-up title but also shattered both the school and area records in the event.
Standing proudly on the podium, Shiels showcased the culmination of months of dedication and training, pushing the limits of his personal best on the biggest stage of his high school career. His achievement marks a milestone for Mentor Athletics and adds his name to the record books as one of the fastest middle-distance runners in the region’s history.
X.com Post Source
