In this Issue of Mentor Local Buzz 🐝

☁️ Weather: Mostly Cloudy w/ Snow Showers <1” - Temps 32-34

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

 📰 Local News: 🕯️December 7, 1941: Honoring the Heroes of Pearl Harbor

 🎄Willoughby Family Wins Big on ‘The Great Christmas Light Fight’

 📰 Mentor is Hiring: Full-Time, Part-Time, and Seasonal Jobs Available Now

 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Travel & Discovery: 🌴 Florida’s Top 5 Underrated Attractions

 🏀 Sports: 🏀 Mayfield Dominates Lake Catholic in Season Opener, 72-57

 🏀 Cleveland Falls to Warrior Reserves Despite Late Rally

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🤣 Something Funny

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

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Featured Event for Dec 7

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🕯️December 7, 1941: Honoring the Heroes of Pearl Harbor

On the quiet Sunday morning of December 7, 1941, peace in the Pacific shattered. Just before 8 a.m., Japanese forces launched a surprise attack on the U.S. naval base at Pearl Harbor, Hawaii. In less than two hours, ships burned, aircraft were destroyed, and more than 2,400 Americans lost their lives.

The date became etched in history when President Franklin D. Roosevelt called it “a date which will live in infamy.” The attack drew the United States into World War II and reshaped the course of the 20th century.

Today, December 7 is set aside as a time of remembrance. We honor the sailors, soldiers, Marines, and civilians who died that morning, as well as the survivors who carried the memories and scars for the rest of their lives.

By pausing to reflect on their sacrifice, we not only remember what was lost at Pearl Harbor, but also recommit ourselves to the values they defended.

🎄Willoughby Family Wins Big on ‘The Great Christmas Light Fight’ with Dazzling Display

A Willoughby family is celebrating a bright win after being crowned champions on the season premiere of ABC’s The Great Christmas Light Fight.

The Lunar family’s home at 38769 Bell Road outshone two other households nationwide, earning them the $50,000 prize for their stunning, synchronized display of over a million lights.

Brad and Candice Lunar, along with daughters Shannan and Kylie, have turned a holiday hobby into a full-blown tradition. Their first large display in 2021 featured 46,000 lights. Today, the project takes over 3,000 hours of work annually.

Working in corporate sales and marketing by day, the couple spent years learning the art of lighting through online tutorials and community support. Brad now mentors others in the craft.

Filming for the show took place in November 2024. Despite exhaustion and last-minute fixes, the display came together just in time. The family found out a month later that they’d won—news they had to keep secret until the episode aired.

The award statue now resides at Candice’s parents’ home nearby. The Lunars said the filming experience was unforgettable, and they’ve stayed close with the crew.

Neighbors and friends played a big role in their journey, many of whom appeared in the episode. For the family, the real joy comes from sharing the display. On busy nights, up to 1,500 cars line their street.

The Lunar Family Lights opens Friday, December 5, and runs Thursdays through Saturdays from 6–9:30 p.m., and Sundays 6–9 p.m.

Each year, the display raises funds for a nonprofit that gives critically ill children and their families free vacations. Visitors can donate online or via QR code at the site.

Read More, See the Video at news5cleveland.com

📰 Mentor is Hiring: Full-Time, Part-Time, and Seasonal Jobs Available Now

The City of Mentor is actively hiring and offering a wide range of employment opportunities for individuals seeking full-time, part-time, or seasonal work. From public service to parks and recreation, the city is looking to expand its team with dedicated individuals ready to serve the community in a rewarding and engaging environment.

With positions opening regularly across various departments, Mentor offers a dynamic workplace for those at any stage in their career. Whether you're looking to begin a new path or take the next step, the city encourages applicants to explore roles that match their interests and skills.

Working for the City of Mentor means more than just a paycheck—it’s an opportunity to contribute to a vibrant, growing community and be part of a team that values service, collaboration, and a strong civic spirit.

To view current job openings and learn more about working for the city, visit www.workformentor.com.

🌴 Florida’s Top 5 Underrated Attractions You Shouldn’t Miss

Skip the crowds and high prices of Florida’s major theme parks — some of the state’s most memorable experiences lie in its lesser-known, quirky, and affordable attractions. From underground springs to retro roadside gems, here are five standout spots that deserve a place on your Florida bucket list.

1. Gatorland – Orlando

Why It’s Special: Known as the “Alligator Capital of the World,” Gatorland is a throwback to classic Florida tourism. Open since 1949, this family-run park features gator shows, a breeding marsh, nature trails, and a zipline soaring over live alligators.

What Makes It Underrated: It’s often overlooked in favor of the big-name theme parks, but Gatorland offers a full day of fun for a fraction of the cost—especially for Florida residents. Its quirky, self-aware humor and retro charm make it a one-of-a-kind stop.

2. Devil’s Den Prehistoric Spring – Williston

Why It’s Special: Hidden beneath a grassy pasture in North Florida, this underground spring glows with electric-blue water and maintains a constant 72°F. Fossils from the Pleistocene era are embedded in the cavern walls, visible to snorkelers and divers.

What Makes It Underrated: Few expect to find a surreal swimming experience like this in the middle of a field. Affordable, unforgettable, and photogenic, Devil’s Den is a literal hidden gem.

3. Weeki Wachee Springs State Park – Weeki Wachee

Why It’s Special: Famous for its live mermaid shows performed in a submerged theater, Weeki Wachee also features Buccaneer Bay—Florida’s only spring-fed water park—with slides, sandy beaches, and kayaking adventures along the crystal-clear river.

What Makes It Underrated: Often dismissed as a vintage oddity, this park offers real value. For under $15, you get access to unique shows and spring-fed water fun without the theme park price tag.

4. Florida Caverns State Park – Marianna

Why It’s Special: A surprise to many, this state park in the Panhandle features guided tours through stunning dry caves—complete with stalactites, stalagmites, and dramatic lighting that rivals anything underground elsewhere in the U.S.

What Makes It Underrated: Most don’t associate Florida with caves, so it often flies under the radar. But it’s one of the most unique natural attractions in the state—and it's far more impressive than visitors expect.

5. Venetian Pool – Coral Gables

Why It’s Special: Built from a coral rock quarry in 1924, this historic swimming pool looks like something from a Mediterranean resort. It’s spring-fed, surrounded by waterfalls and palm trees, and listed on the National Register of Historic Places.

What Makes It Underrated: Just minutes from Miami’s bustle, this serene oasis is a beautiful (and affordable) alternative to South Beach. For under $20, you can swim in history—minus the sand and high prices.

✨ Final Thoughts

From diving into ancient springs to swimming in Italian-inspired luxury, these five underrated Florida attractions offer history, charm, and adventure without the sky-high costs or crowds of the mega-parks. Whether you're a local or planning your next road trip, these hidden gems are well worth the detour.

Watch the Full Video Above for the Full List of 10.

🏀 Mayfield Dominates Lake Catholic in Season Opener, 72-57

Lake Catholic Falls to Mayfield in Season Opener at Home

Lake Catholic's boys basketball team had a tough start to their season as the Mayfield Wildcats handed them a 72-57 defeat on their home court Friday night. The Cougars were unable to seize momentum or make up for last year's loss to the Wildcats, who had also beaten them in a close matchup in December 2024.

Mayfield controlled the game from the opening tip, never relinquishing the lead. The standout performance of the night came from Izzy Austin, who delivered a dominant showing with 30 points and 14 rebounds, setting a personal record for boards. Austin was lethal from long range, sinking four of his six three-point attempts. Supporting the effort was teammate Aarav Ganore, who added 22 points on 10-for-17 shooting.

The win marked Mayfield’s first of the season, improving their record to 1-2.

Looking ahead, Lake Catholic is set to face North on Wednesday at 7:00 p.m.

🏀 Cleveland Falls to Warrior Reserves Despite Late Rally

Cavaliers Fall to Shorthanded Warriors, 99–94

The Cleveland Cavaliers came up short Saturday night, falling 99–94 to a depleted Golden State Warriors squad. Despite missing stars Steph Curry, Jimmy Butler, and Draymond Green, the Warriors outpaced a sluggish Cavs team playing their eighth game in 14 days and the second night of a back-to-back.

Cleveland's offense faltered again. After showing promise attacking the rim the night before, they struggled to finish — converting just 42.9% at the basket — and went cold from three, shooting 10-for-42 (23.8%).

Golden State led by 13 with five minutes to go, but the Cavs mounted a late 14-4 run. Darius Garland had a chance to tie from the line with 21 seconds left but missed one of two. After a Warriors free throw, Donovan Mitchell’s potential game-tying three with four seconds left missed the mark.

Mitchell led the Cavs with 29 points, while Garland added 17 but continued to struggle from deep. Evan Mobley posted 18 points and 10 rebounds.

Golden State got contributions from all 10 active players, with Pat Spencer leading the way with 19 points and seven assists.

Cleveland now looks ahead to a lighter stretch, playing just twice in the next week. They’ll face the Washington Wizards on Friday.

Read More, See Highlights at fearthesword.com

Source: Google

🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Funny Dog Moments… cracks me up!