In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

  ☁️ Weather: Mostly Cloudy - Temps 50-52

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

 📰 Local News: 📰 Mentor Athletic Director Jeff Cassella Retires After 35 Years

 🚨 Mentor Man Sentenced After Guilty Pleas in Child Exploitation Investigation

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Mentor Library Launches Festive “Surf’s Up, Santa!” Escape Room for Families

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 The Event Spotlight: 🛼 Skate Back to the 80s at United Skates Wickliffe’s Retro Adult Night

 🏈 Sports: 🏈 St. Edward and Mentor Set for Another Classic in Regional Final Showdown

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

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📰 Mentor Athletic Director Jeff Cassella Retires After 35 Years of Service

After 35 years of service to Mentor Schools, Jeff Cassella is stepping down, closing a distinguished career that left a lasting mark on the district’s athletic program.

Cassella began his journey as an athletic trainer before moving into the role of athletic director, a position he’s held for the past 18 years. Throughout his tenure, he quietly worked behind the scenes, ensuring student-athletes had the support they needed both on and off the field.

Though not one to seek recognition, Cassella was honored earlier this season with a surprise on-field tribute from the Mentor football team. Joined by his wife, daughter, and granddaughter, the moment highlighted the deep appreciation the community has for his decades of dedication.

His approach to leadership focused on supporting coaches the way coaches support their athletes — a philosophy that earned respect across the district. Mentor football coach Matt Gray credited Cassella with giving him his start and described him as a pillar not only in Mentor but throughout Ohio athletics.

As the Cardinals prepare for yet another postseason showdown against St. Edward in the Division I, Region 1 finals, Cassella is soaking in his final Friday nights on the sideline — a place that’s been a constant in his career. He plans to stay connected to the program and the community that has become his home.

Cassella, who raised his family in Mentor, says the school's motto — “Once a Cardinal, always a Cardinal” — will continue to ring true long after his final day on the job.

Read More at spectrumnews1.com

🚨 Mentor Man Sentenced After Guilty Pleas in Child Exploitation Investigation

A Mentor man has been sentenced to 10 years in prison after police determined he inappropriately touched a 12‑year‑old boy and possessed illegal images involving juveniles. Following his arrest and a forensic review of his cellphone, he pleaded guilty to gross sexual imposition and two additional felony charges. He will also serve five years of post‑release control.

Read More or Watch at channel19.com

📰 Mentor Library Launches Festive “Surf’s Up, Santa!” Escape Room for Families

This December, the Mentor Public Library is once again inviting families to test their puzzle-solving skills in a festive escape room experience at the Main Branch.

The Children’s Department will transform its story-time room into a holiday-themed escape room titled “Surf’s Up, Santa!” Designed for kids ages 5 to 12 and their parents or guardians, the escape room offers 45 minutes of interactive, family-friendly fun.

Groups of three or more are encouraged to register, with sign-ups opening on November 24. Space is limited, and advance registration is required. Families can secure their spot by visiting www.mentorpl.org or calling the Children’s Department at 440-255-8811 ext. 3.

While the escape room takes over the story-time space, regular story times will still be held throughout December in one of the library’s meeting rooms. For a complete schedule of programs, families can check the library’s website or pick up a copy of the monthly Cover to Cover newsletter.

🛼 Skate Back to the 80s at United Skates Wickliffe’s Retro Adult Night

Wickliffe Roller Rink to Host 80s-Themed Adult Night of Skating and Music

United Skates of America in Wickliffe is bringing the neon glow and retro vibes back for one night only with a special 80s-themed Adult Night this Friday, November 21st. From 9:30 p.m. to midnight, the roller rink will transform into a nostalgic dance party, welcoming guests 18 and older to relive the bold fashion and energetic music that defined the decade.

Attendees can expect a high-energy playlist filled with classics from the likes of Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, and Cyndi Lauper, setting the perfect backdrop for a night of skating and dancing. With colorful neon lights, throwback games, themed contests, and giveaways, the rink promises a full-on retro experience.

Participants are encouraged to go all-in on 80s fashion — think leg warmers, leather jackets, shoulder pads, and big hair — to match the event’s electric atmosphere. Admission is $12, with skate rentals available for an additional $6. A valid ID is required for entry.

The event offers a unique opportunity for adults to take over the rink, show off their moves, and soak in the spirit of the 1980s — all while enjoying a fun, energetic night out with friends.

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🏈 St. Edward and Mentor Set for Another Classic in Regional Final Showdown

Two powerhouse programs will collide once again as top-seeded St. Edward (10-2) faces undefeated Mentor (12-0) in the OHSAA Division I, Region 1 final Friday night at Byers Field in Parma starting at 7pm.

These teams began the year with a preseason scrimmage, where the Eagles scored three quick touchdowns and looked dominant. While that game didn’t count, it set the tone for both teams’ seasons — and hinted at the challenge ahead for the Cardinals.

St. Edward has cruised through the playoffs, defeating Berea-Midpark and Toledo Whitmer by wide margins. Running back Brandon White, a Kent State commit, has been unstoppable, racking up 367 rushing yards and six touchdowns across the two wins. He’s closing in on the school’s all-time rushing record and already owns the scoring record. Wideout Zach Hackleman and quarterback Jonny Evanchick have also contributed, while the offensive line — led by Ohio State-bound Mason Wilhelm — has paved the way for success on both sides of the ball.

Mentor, meanwhile, is riding the momentum of a thrilling 25-24 comeback over Canton McKinley. Quarterback Brogan Jones threw the go-ahead touchdown with 20 seconds left and then sealed the win with a two-point conversion run. He’s approaching 2,000 passing yards this season, with top target Justen Hodge just shy of 1,000 receiving yards. The Cardinals played without injured running back Jackson Farley last week but adapted with a group effort in the backfield.

This is the 11th playoff meeting between the two programs, and the ninth time they’ve faced off since 2017. St. Edward has won the last four matchups, including last year’s 13-7 regional final. Mentor last beat the Eagles in 2019, doing so twice that season.

Both teams feature elite talent up front, including future Ohio State linemen in Wilhelm and Mentor’s Landry Brede. The winner of this clash advances to the state semifinals, keeping championship dreams alive.

The Mentor vs. St. Edward playoff game will be televised on Spectrum News 1 and streamed on the Spectrum News App. For those who do not have cable, additional streaming options are available through the Spectrum News website and OHSAA.tv. 

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Babies hate haircuts. haha