In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

 ☁️ Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Temps 44-46

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

 📰 Local News: 🏢 Mentor City Council Advances Uptown Project, Hears Debate on Short-Term Rentals

 📰 HEAP Winter Crisis Program Returns to Help Keep Local Homes Warm

 🚨 Mentor Man Arrested After Fleeing Scene of Pedestrian Crash

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Wellness Wednesday: 🥬Delicious Ways to Boost Magnesium: 25 Soothing Dinner Recipes

 🏈 Sports: 🏈 Raiders' Struggles in Trenches Set Stage for Browns Bounce?

 🏀 Mentor Boys Embrace Change with Sophomore-Led Roster

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

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🏢 Mentor City Council Advances Uptown Project, Hears Debate on Short-Term Rentals

The Mentor City Council convened on November 18 to address development projects, city services, and hear feedback from local residents. Key actions and announcements include:

• Budget Adjustments Approved: Council passed Ordinance 25-095 to authorize fund transfers and re-advances, including support for the city’s self-insurance fund and grant-related projects.

• Uptown Mentor Project Moves Forward: Ordinance 25-096 was passed, approving the final development plan for Uptown Mentor, a four-story mixed-use building in the Old Village area. The project includes retail space, 45 apartment units, and amenities like a fitness room and conference areas.

• Garfield Park Splash Pad Foundation Bid Approved: Ordinance 25-094 awarded the construction contract to Zerby Construction, despite revised cost estimates due to unexpected soil conditions.

• Upcoming Events:

  • Tree Lighting Ceremony: Tuesday, Dec. 2 at 6 PM, City Hall – with music, Santa’s arrival, hot cocoa, and carriage rides.

  • Wildwood Holiday Boutique: Nov. 30 at Wildwood Cultural Center – 40+ vendors, $2 admission.

• Reminders & Services:

  • Yard waste collection continues through Dec. 12.

  • Winter Recreation Program registration opens Dec. 1 for residents.

  • HEAP energy assistance is now available through Lifeline, Inc.

• Public Comments:

  • Mentor Rotary Club proposed a “Peace Pole” installation at Garfield Park to promote global peace and education.

  • Resident Jeff Jukewitz expressed concern over the city’s recent short-term rental ban, urging council to revisit the decision and consider alternatives like permits and inspections.

The meeting closed after a round of committee reports and no new business.

Read the Full Story at mentorlocalbuzz.com

📰 HEAP Winter Crisis Program Returns to Help Keep Local Homes Warm

Winter Energy Assistance Available for Lake and Geauga County Residents

Ohio’s Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP) Winter Crisis initiative is now open, offering one-time help with heating bills for income-eligible households.

Locally administered by Lifeline, Inc., the program aids those facing utility disconnection, those already disconnected, or those needing to start or transfer service. It also supports homes using bulk fuel with 25% or less in their tanks.

To qualify, a household’s gross income must be at or below 175% of the federal poverty level—$56,262.50 for a family of four.

From November 2024 to March 2025, more than 495 Lake County households received over $140,000 in federal HEAP funds. Statewide, the program helped over 73,000 households last winter.

PUCO-regulated utility customers must enroll in a payment plan, like PIPP, if they have a remaining balance after receiving assistance.

Residents can apply online at energyhelp.ohio.gov or through local providers. Same-day appointments are available for disconnected customers by calling 440-350-9160. To book in advance, call 1-440-381-8230 or visit capappointments.com.

Applicants must bring:

• Recent energy bills

• Proof of income and household members

• Citizenship or residency documentation

• Disability proof, if applicable

For more information, contact Lifeline’s Energy Assistance Office at 440-350-9160 or visit www.lclifeline.org

🚨 Mentor Man Arrested After Fleeing Scene of Pedestrian Crash

A 26-year-old man was arrested in Mentor after allegedly striking a pedestrian and fleeing the scene. The incident occurred outside Kohl’s on Mentor Avenue. Police later found the suspect and vehicle nearby, and the driver appeared intoxicated. He faces multiple charges, including aggravated vehicular assault and OVI. The victim was treated and released from the hospital.

🥬Delicious Ways to Boost Magnesium: 25 Soothing Dinner Recipes

If you're looking to improve your sleep or simply increase your magnesium intake, these dinner recipes offer a tasty and practical solution. Each meal provides at least 64 milligrams of magnesium per serving—roughly 20% of the recommended daily value—making them a smart addition to your weekly menu.

Magnesium plays a key role in muscle function, mood regulation, and sleep quality. Whether you’re aiming to reduce stress or just want a more restful night, these recipes bring both nutrition and comfort to the table. From hearty pastas to protein-rich skillets and cozy soups, there’s something to satisfy every craving—without sacrificing health benefits. Here’s a sample of what’s cooking:

• Creamy Sun-Dried Tomato & Kale Pasta Bake: Whole-wheat rotini, kale, and sun-dried tomatoes come together in a creamy, spiced sauce topped with bubbling mozzarella for a wholesome, family-friendly bake.

• High-Protein Balsamic Chicken Orzo: A skillet dinner with lean chicken, tender vegetables, and orzo, finished with balsamic and chives for brightness—and minimal cleanup.

• Chickpea Casserole with Spinach & Feta: A comforting, one-dish meal blending chickpeas, spinach, and rice with herbs, feta, and lemon for a balanced vegetarian option.

• Loaded Broccoli & Chicken Soup: Combining the flavors of a baked potato with the nutrition of chicken and broccoli, this creamy soup is both filling and soothing.

• High-Protein Lemon Chicken & Rice Skillet: A zesty, one-pan meal featuring chicken, greens, and rice—all infused with fresh lemon for a bright, protein-packed dinner.

There are plenty of plant-based options too, like Spanakopita-Inspired Skillet Beans, 20-Minute Black Bean Soup, and Chickpea Grain Bowls that are rich in fiber and essential nutrients.

Whether you’re preparing for a good night’s sleep or simply want more satisfying, nutrient-rich meals, these 25 magnesium-boosting dinners deliver both flavor and function. See link for Magnesium-Rich Dinners.

🏈 Raiders' Struggles in the Trenches Set Stage for Browns Bounce-Back?

After a disappointing loss to the Jets in Week 10, the Cleveland Browns can't take any opponent lightly — not even a Las Vegas Raiders team that's also enduring a tough season. But in Week 12, the Browns appear to be catching a break.

Both Cleveland and Las Vegas enter this matchup amid multi-game losing streaks, each slipping further in the standings and closer to higher draft picks in 2026. However, on paper, the Raiders might offer the Browns an ideal opportunity to regroup, particularly on both sides of the line of scrimmage.

Las Vegas shocked many with a Week 1 win over the surging New England Patriots and a narrow victory against the lowly Tennessee Titans in Week 6. Outside of those games, their offense has sputtered. Under new offensive coordinator Chip Kelly, the Raiders have put up some of the lowest scoring totals in the league — including outings where they scored just 0, 6, 7, and 9 points.

Protection issues have plagued the Raiders' offensive line all season. Two promising young linemen, both third-round picks, haven’t even seen meaningful snaps due to performance concerns. That sets the stage for Cleveland’s defensive front, led by Myles Garrett, to wreak havoc in the trenches.

On the other side of the ball, the Raiders' defensive line has underwhelmed despite having one of the NFL’s premier pass rushers in Maxx Crosby. Las Vegas ranks near the bottom in quarterback pressure rate, which could finally give Browns quarterback Shedeur Sanders the time he needs to find a rhythm — something that’s eluded him when facing heavy pressure.

While recent stumbles — particularly the loss to the Jets — have erased any notion of a guaranteed win, the Raiders could offer just the right matchup for the Browns to regain their footing and push forward with some confidence.

Read More at dawgsbynature.com

🏀 Mentor Boys Embrace Change with Sophomore-Led Roster and Signature Tempo

Mentor boys basketball enters the 2025-26 season with a young roster and a familiar high-tempo style. Following a 15-8 season and early playoff exit, the Cardinals return just two seniors and lean heavily on a skilled sophomore class led by point guard Jack Kennedy and captain Tommy Pavicic.

Senior forward Tony Katava, at 6-foot-7, is the team’s top returning rebounder but also a proven shooter with 35 three-pointers last season. While he’s more comfortable beyond the arc, Krizancic sees tempo as the equalizer when it comes to battling on the boards.

With GCC matchups and non-league tests like Glenville and the Hall of Fame tournament on the horizon, developing confidence and cohesion early is essential.

Coach Bob Krizancic remains focused on speed and pressure defense, aiming to build team chemistry quickly as the season opens Dec. 5 against Lorain.

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Wait… am I seeing double??!! This is great!