In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

 🌞 Weather: Mostly Sunny - Temps 54-57

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

 📰 Local News: 🛍️ Mentor Nonprofit Opens Thrift Store Offering Second Chances

 📰 Laketran Offers Free Local Rides as SNAP Suspension Hits Lake County

☕ Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail Returns: More Stops and Sweeter Rewards

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travel & Discovery: 🏖️ Winter in Daytona Beach: Sunshine, Savings, and Space to Explore

 🏈 Sports: 🏈 Sayin’s 4 TDs Help No. 1 Ohio State Pull Away from Penn State

 🏈 Scotty Fox Jr. Leads Mountaineers to First Ranked Victory Since 2021

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

👉 Events in Mentor & the Area! Visit
MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events
Featured Event for Nov 2

See All the Events
MentorLocalBuzz.com/Events

🛍️ Mentor Nonprofit Opens Thrift Store Offering Second Chances

A long-time Mentor nonprofit is expanding its mission to help mothers and children in crisis by opening a new thrift store that offers job training and life-skills support.

Hannah’s Home, which has served Lake County for over 25 years, recently launched Hannah’s Harbor — a secondhand store that doubles as a job training site. Participants gain retail experience in organizing, pricing, customer service, and merchandising while preparing to re-enter the workforce.

To address common employment barriers, the program includes an in-home daycare, with plans for a larger facility underway. On Tuesdays, moms also take part in life-skills classes covering financial literacy, relationships, and personal development.

The store’s name reflects the nonprofit’s mission of providing a safe, stable environment. Its tagline, “Anchored in Second Chances,” highlights both its social impact and sustainability through donated goods.

Hannah’s Home gained national attention in 2021 on a special nonprofit edition of Shark Tank, receiving a $10,000 prize and sparking over $130,000 in community donations.

Hannah’s Harbor is open Thursday through Saturday. Store details are at Hannah’s Harbor’s website.

📰 Laketran Offers Free Local Rides as SNAP Suspension Hits Lake County

As the federal government suspends SNAP benefits starting November 1, Laketran is stepping up to support Lake County residents by offering free rides on all Local Routes. The fare freeze aims to ensure that transportation doesn’t become a barrier to accessing food during this critical period.

Roughly 17,000 Lake County residents — including 6,200 children and 2,510 seniors — are expected to be impacted by the loss of food assistance. In response, Laketran’s Local Routes will continue connecting riders to more than 30 food pantries and 11 Fresh Food Produce Distributions scheduled throughout November.

A recent study revealed that 60% of Laketran riders have household incomes under $40,000, many of whom fall into the ALICE category — individuals who are working but still struggle to meet basic needs.

In addition to fare-free Local Route service, seniors aged 60 and older can access free door-to-door Dial-a-Ride transportation through Laketran’s Seniors on the GO program, a partnership with the Lake County Board of Commissioners Senior Services. The program provides rides to grocery stores, food pantries, senior centers, and essential destinations. Seniors can schedule rides by calling 440-354-6100, and residents can also contact Lifeline’s 2-1-1 hotline for help finding food resources near Laketran stops.

Full Article at cityofmentor.com

☕ Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail Returns: More Stops and Sweeter Rewards

Lake County’s Hot Chocolate Trail Returns with More Stops and Sweet Surprises

Following last year’s successful debut, the Lake County Hot Chocolate Trail is back for a second season — and it’s bigger, sweeter, and more flavorful than before.

Organized by Tour Lake County, the trail invites residents and visitors to explore 17 participating coffee shops, cafes, and restaurants across the county, each serving up its own creative twist on the classic holiday drink. That’s up from 11 stops in 2024, with this year’s route stretching from Wickliffe to Madison Township.

From rich Turkish hot chocolate at Blu Bee Café to a cold cocoa ice cream at Fairport Harbor Creamery, each location offers a cozy seasonal experience with unique flavors. New trail participants include recently opened spots like Monarca Ice Cream and Coffee, Halcyon Ledges, Blu Bee Café, and Señor Masa, opening soon in Mentor.

Participants can join the fun by downloading a free digital passport on their phones. At each stop, they can scan a QR code to earn 100 to 120 points per visit. Those who collect 1,000 points will earn a limited-edition TourLakeCOcoa mug featuring an exclusive design for 2025.

Tour Lake County describes the trail as a “tasty way to explore Lake County” and a chance to enjoy the festive charm of small towns during the holiday season. The trail runs through February 14, giving cocoa lovers plenty of time to sip their way through the region.

For more details and to download the passport, visit www.tourlakecounty.com/hotchocolatetrail.

🏖️ Winter in Daytona Beach: Sunshine, Savings, and Space to Explore

Why Winter Is a Perfect Time to Visit Daytona Beach

Daytona Beach might be best known for its summer appeal, but winter brings its own quiet charm. With mild temperatures, fewer crowds, and plenty of activities still going strong, it's an ideal off-season escape. Here are five standout reasons to consider visiting during the winter months.

1. Warm and Sunny Weather
While other parts of the country face winter chills, Daytona Beach stays comfortably mild. Average highs hover between 65 and 72 degrees from December through February. It’s perfect for beach walks, golf outings, and outdoor adventures — with just enough cool in the evenings for a cozy sweater.

2. Winter Travel Deals
This season brings lower rates on accommodations, with options ranging from oceanfront resorts to cozy inns and RV parks. Whether you’re traveling solo or with a group, there are stays to fit every budget — often at a better price than during peak months.

3. Year-Round Outdoor Fun
The area’s 23 miles of beaches remain wide open and less crowded. Outdoor activities like fishing, kayaking, and paddle boarding continue through winter. Nearly 20 golf courses, miles of hiking and biking trails, and several state parks make it easy to stay active and enjoy nature.

4. Arts, Culture & Local History
With fewer visitors, there’s more room to explore cultural spots like the Museum of Arts and Sciences and the Halifax Historical Museum. Downtown areas offer galleries, public art, and creative spaces to discover at your own pace.

5. Outdoor Dining with a View
Mild weather makes patio dining a year-round treat. From seafood by the water to global flavors and local breweries along the Daytona Beach Ale Trail, there’s plenty to savor outdoors.

Whether you’re looking to unwind or explore, Daytona Beach offers a laid-back, sunshine-filled winter experience.

👉 For a more detailed guide: DaytonaBeach.com
See the original FULL article at drifttravel.com

🏈 Sayin’s 4 TDs Help No. 1 Ohio State Pull Away from Penn State

Sayin’s 4 TDs Lead No. 1 Ohio State Over Penn State, 38-14

Julian Sayin strengthened his Heisman case with four touchdown passes as No. 1 Ohio State pulled away in the second half for a 38-14 win over Penn State, improving to 8-0 (5-0 Big Ten).

Sayin completed 20 of 23 passes for 316 yards, his third game this season with 300+ yards, 3+ TDs, no picks, and 85%+ accuracy — a rare feat in FBS history.

Leading 17-14 at halftime, the Buckeyes took over in the third quarter. Sayin hit Carnell Tate for a 57-yard gain to set up a touchdown, then connected with Jeremiah Smith for two second-half scores. Smith’s leaping one-handed catch sealed the win and lit up the stadium.

Tate finished with 124 yards and a touchdown. Smith added 123 yards and two scores, as Ohio State's receivers repeatedly beat Penn State’s secondary.

The Buckeyes’ defense, after allowing its first first-half touchdowns of the season, shut out Penn State after halftime. Denzel Burke added a fourth-quarter interception.

Penn State (3-5, 0-5 Big Ten) got short rushing touchdowns from Kaytron Allen and Nicholas Singleton, but couldn’t match Ohio State’s firepower. QB Ethan Grunkemeyer threw for 148 yards and a pick in his second start.

Former Buckeye DC Jim Knowles, now with Penn State, watched his defense surrender deep plays and four passing touchdowns.

Ohio State heads to Purdue next, still unbeaten — and riding the growing star power of Sayin.

Read More, Watch Highlights at espn.com

🏈 Scotty Fox Jr. Leads Mountaineers to First Ranked Victory Since 2021

Mentor’s Scotty Fox Jr. delivered a breakout performance as West Virginia stunned No. 22 Houston with a 45-35 victory, snapping a five-game losing streak and keeping its bowl hopes alive.

The freshman quarterback accounted for three touchdowns, throwing for 157 yards and rushing for 65 more. He connected on a 24-yard scoring pass and added touchdown runs of 6 and 34 yards, the latter sealing the win in the fourth quarter.

Tied 21-21 at halftime, West Virginia took control in the second half. Fox led a steady offense that gained 246 rushing yards, while the defense forced four Houston turnovers — converted into 17 points. A game-shifting moment came in the third quarter, when Jordan Scruggs returned an interception 80 yards for a touchdown, putting the Mountaineers up by 10.

Diore Hubbard rushed for 108 yards and a touchdown, and Cyncir Bowers added 65 yards and another score. But it was Fox who provided the spark, showing poise and command in just his first season under center.

Houston quarterback Conner Weigman threw for 309 yards and four touchdowns while also rushing for a score, but two interceptions and a lost fumble proved costly. The Cougars (7-2, 4-2) had only committed four turnovers all season before Saturday’s game.

Amare Thomas caught 10 passes for 99 yards and three touchdowns for Houston, but it wasn’t enough to overcome West Virginia’s energy and execution.

The win marks West Virginia’s first victory over a ranked opponent since 2021, and a standout moment in Fox Jr.’s emerging career. Now 3-6 overall, the Mountaineers are still alive in the postseason race — and may have found their quarterback of the future.

Read More, Watch Highlights at espn.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Lawn inflatables Gone Wild!