In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

⛅ Weather: Mostly Sunny, Possible Stray Shower / Storm - Temps 87-90

 🎵 Events: 🎵 Swing Time Big Band Brings the Heat to Lyric Bistro July 29

 📰 Local News:📰 Library Launches Free Computer Classes for All Skill Levels

 📰 Think You’re Immune to Poison Ivy? Think Again

🗓️ Mentor Police Department to Hold Public Auction Saturday August 2

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Real Estate: 💰 Smart (and Risky) Ways to Build a Down Payment Today

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

⚾ Sports:⚾ Royals Beat Guardians 4-1 Behind Cameron’s Calm and Garcia’s Bat

⚾ Favors, Bullpen Shine in Captains’ 1-0 Shutout Over Lansing

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

👉 Event in Mentor Area!
The events page of the website is still down. Sorry for the inconvenience.
Featured Event for Jul 28-29

🎵 Swing Time Big Band Brings the Heat to Lyric Bistro July 29

Swing Time Big Band Returns to Lyric Bistro for Another Electrifying Night of Jazz

Swing Time Big Band is back at Fairport Harbor’s beloved Lyric Bistro for their monthly residency, bringing timeless big band energy and classic swing rhythms to the lakeside stage.

Join the band and featured vocalist Dianne Palmer on Monday, July 29 at 7:30 PM for an unforgettable evening of toe-tapping tunes, smooth vocals, and musical nostalgia. From Count Basie to Duke Ellington, it’s a night filled with some of the greatest music ever written.

The atmosphere is warm, the vibe is lively, and the best part? No cover charge—just bring your friends, family, and neighbors for a swinging good time. As the band likes to say: it don’t mean a thing if it ain’t got that swing!

📰 Library Launches Free August Computer Classes for All Skill Levels

Mentor Public Library to Offer Free Computer Classes This August

Mentor Public Library will host six free computer classes in August at its Lake Branch, designed to help residents improve their tech skills. Covering Microsoft Word, Excel, Facebook, and basic computer use, these sessions are open to the public with required registration.

Class Schedule:

• Getting the Most out of Facebook – Aug. 5 at 10 a.m.
  Learn about privacy settings, events, and Facebook Marketplace. Bring login credentials.

• Excel 1 – Aug. 5 at 2 p.m.
  Learn spreadsheet basics, simple formulas, formatting, and how to save and print documents. Prior Word experience recommended.

• Word 1 – Aug. 5 at 6:30 p.m.
  A beginner class introducing Microsoft Word for document creation. No experience needed.

• Basic Computers and Internet Searching – Aug. 6 at 10 a.m.
  Covers fundamental computer use and internet search techniques. Requires basic typing and mouse skills.

• Excel 2 – Aug. 6 at 2 p.m.
  Teaches formulas and functions, error-checking, managing rows and columns, and advanced print settings.

• Word 2 – Aug. 6 at 6:30 p.m.
  Offers advanced Word tools, including document formatting, spell check, thesaurus, and layout adjustments.

All classes take place at the Lake Branch (5642 Andrews Road, Mentor-on-the-Lake). Registration opens two weeks before each class and is available at www.mentorpl.org or by calling 440-257-2512.

The library also provides access to free online tutorials through LinkedIn Learning, covering Microsoft software and more. These can be accessed anytime via the library’s website.

📰 Think You’re Immune to Poison Ivy? Think Again

If you've never reacted to poison ivy, oak, or sumac, that doesn't mean you're immune. Dermatologists warn that urushiol allergies can develop over time, especially with repeated exposure or age-related skin changes.

These plants, part of the Anacardiaceae family, produce urushiol, a resin that causes rhus dermatitis, an itchy, blistering rash. While some people don’t react initially, sensitivity often increases with age, says dermatologist Dr. Lauren Ploch.

Some individuals learn this the hard way—handling plants without protection for years, only to suddenly break out in severe rashes after exposure. Cases have been reported from gardening or unknowingly cutting poison ivy.

Urushiol isn’t just found in these plants—it’s also present in mango trees, cashew fruit, and Peruvian pepper trees. While the nuts from cashews and pistachios are typically safe, people highly sensitive to urushiol should avoid contact with raw parts of these plants.

To minimize risk, wear protective clothing while gardening or hiking. If a rash develops, don’t scratch, as this can spread the irritant. Seek medical care if symptoms worsen.

Immunity can fade, and allergies can develop. When it comes to urushiol, prevention is your best defense.

Read/See More: fox8.com

🗓️ Mentor Police Department to Hold Public Auction Saturday August 2

City of Mentor to Host Public Auction on August 2

The City of Mentor and the Mentor Police Department will hold a public auction on Saturday, August 2, 2025, beginning at 10:00 AM. The event will take place at 8500 Civic Center Boulevard, behind the Police Department.

A wide range of unclaimed property, recovered evidence, and surplus city-owned items will be available for purchase. Items include bicycles, tools, electronics, clothing, personal care products, and various miscellaneous goods. All items will be sold “as is.”

Those wishing to participate may register and view auction items beginning at 9:00 AM. A valid photo ID is required for registration. Payment will be accepted in cash, by credit card, or with a personal check accompanied by valid identification.

The auction will be conducted in accordance with Ohio Revised Code 2933.41 and will be led by auctioneer Gene Mattingly.

💰 Smart (and Risky) Ways to Build a Down Payment in Today’s Market

Creative Ways Homebuyers Are Finding the Elusive Down Payment

For many prospective homeowners, especially younger generations, saving for a down payment remains a major obstacle. With home prices climbing faster than wages, traditional saving methods often fall short. A recent Redfin survey reveals how Millennials and Gen Z are finding resourceful workarounds.

Key findings show:

• 21% received family gifts

• 20% sold investments

• 18% took second jobs

• 18% moved in with others

• 57% saved from regular paychecks

These strategies show determination, but experts urge caution, noting that some methods may jeopardize long-term financial health or relationships.

Smart Strategies for Down Payments

Down Payment Assistance (DPA):
Thousands of programs nationwide offer grants, forgivable loans, or low-interest financing for qualified buyers. While helpful, many come with trade-offs like higher rates or repayment requirements.

Side Hustles and Second Jobs:
Extra income can accelerate savings, though burnout is a risk. Also, income from a second job may not count toward mortgage eligibility unless it's been consistent for at least two years.

Cash Gifts:
Lenders allow gifts from family, but require proper documentation proving the funds are not loans. Miscommunication or lack of planning can strain relationships.

Crowdfunding:
Online fundraising platforms can help gather contributions for a down payment. However, each donation must be traceable and confirmed as a gift to meet lender requirements.

Living with Family or Roommates:
Temporarily moving in with others or renting out a spare room can significantly cut living expenses, boosting savings. Still, it may require personal sacrifices.

Selling Investments or Borrowing from 401(k):
Liquidating stock or borrowing from retirement savings is possible, but could mean tax consequences and reduced long-term financial growth. If borrowing from a 401(k), the loan must be repaid on time to avoid penalties.

Strategies to Avoid

Experts warn against short-term loans, using credit cards, or investing down payment funds in volatile assets like crypto. Tapping into retirement savings is also discouraged unless no other options exist.

No Down Payment? Consider Alternatives

USDA and VA loans offer zero-down options for eligible buyers—USDA for rural/suburban areas and VA for veterans and service members.

Read More: themortgagereports.com

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

9090 Little Mountain Rd., Kirtland Hills, OH. 44060
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 4,638 Sqft. 6.29 Acre Lot
Sale Price $849,000
Listed by: Andrea Kreuz Brokered by Howard Hanna - Chagrin Falls
Link to Property Listing

6009 Jane Dr., Mentor, OH 44060
4 Beds, 3.5 Baths, 3,718 Sqft. 0.34 Acre Lot
Sale Price $459,900
Listed by: Judie Crockett Brokered by Howard Hanna - Mentor
Link to Property Listing

6672 Reynolds Rd., Mentor OH 44060
4 Beds, 2.5 Baths, 2,600 Sqft., 0.48 Acre Lot
Sale Price $351,900
Listed by: Julie Collins Brokered by Exp Realty, Llc.
Link to Property Listing

7523 Chillicothe Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 3 Baths, 2,032 Sqft., 0.45 Acre Lot
Sale Price $285,000
Listed by: Megan Greenwood Brokered by Homesmart Real Estate Momentum Llc
Link to Property Listing

4868 Belle Meadow Rd., Mentor, OH 44060
3 Beds, 2 Baths, 1,472 Sqft., 0.25 Acre Lot
Sale Price $189,900
Listed by: Lindsey N Allan Brokered by Homesmart Real Estate Momentum Llc
Link to Property Listing

Link to Other Listings in Zip Code 44060

⚾ Royals Beat Guardians 4-1 Behind Cameron’s Calm and Garcia’s Bat

Royals Escape Early Trouble, Top Guardians 4-1

The Kansas City Royals secured a 4-1 win over the Cleveland Guardians on Sunday, taking the series thanks to strong pitching and clutch hitting.

Starter Noah Cameron faced a bases-loaded threat in the first inning but escaped unscathed by retiring three straight batters. From there, he allowed just two more baserunners over five innings, striking out six. The win moved Cameron to 5-4 on the season and lowered his ERA to 2.44. He hasn't lost since June 27.

Maikel Garcia continued his hot streak with a home run—his second in three games—and finished with two RBI. Vinnie Pasquantino and Luke Maile also contributed RBI as Kansas City scored twice in the first and never trailed.

The Royals’ bullpen held Cleveland to just one run over four innings, a solo shot by Gabriel Arias. Carlos Estévez worked around a leadoff double in the ninth for his 27th save.

Guardians starter Joey Cantillo lasted just four innings, giving up three runs on three hits and four walks. Despite previously pitching well in relief against Kansas City, he struggled in his fifth start.

Read More & See Highlights at mlb.com

⚾ Favors, Bullpen Shine in Captains’ 1-0 Shutout Over Lansing

The Lake County Captains edged out the Lansing Lugnuts in a tense 1-0 victory on Sunday, powered by a trio of strong pitching performances and a crucial seventh-inning sacrifice fly.

Starting pitcher Caden Favors delivered a standout outing for the Captains, tossing six scoreless innings while allowing just two hits. His command was precise, issuing no walks and striking out two in one of his best starts of the season.

Reliever Izaak Martinez took over in the seventh and maintained the shutout over 2.1 innings. Despite allowing two walks, he kept Lansing off the scoreboard and earned the win, improving to 4-0 on the year.

The lone run came in the bottom of the seventh, when Nick Mitchell tripled to right field and then scored on a sacrifice fly to left. That brief offensive burst proved enough, as the Captains' bullpen held firm.

Robert Wegielnik entered the game in the ninth to close it out. He struck out one batter in 0.2 innings to notch his fifth save of the season.

Defensively, the Captains executed a key double play in the fifth to prevent Lansing from gaining momentum. In the top of the ninth, with Lansing threatening, the Captains stayed composed, retiring the final batters to seal the narrow win.

Check out the box score and more at milb.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣