🌨️ Weather: Scattered Snow 1” or Less, Brisk - Temps 32-34

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

📰 Local News: 🏭 Spazzolplastica Picks Mentor for U.S. Manufacturing Facility

🏛️ Cook Reappointed as Mentor School Board President; Marchaza Named Vice President

⛵ Mentor Lagoons Marina Opens 2026 Season Deposits for Dock and Rack

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Wellness Wednesday: 🚶🏻 How to Support Your Body (and Your Immune System) All Winter Long

🏈 Sports: 🏈 Browns Head Coach Search Down to Five as McDaniel Heads to L.A.

🏀 Mentor Outlasts Lorain in Gritty GCC Clash Behind Katava’s 26

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Italian Manufacturer Spazzolplastica Chooses Mentor for First U.S. Production Site

The City of Mentor has been selected as the new home for the first U.S. production facility of Spazzolplastica, a prominent Italian manufacturer specializing in wire winding products such as wire basket spools, plastic spools, and drums.

This move not only brings eleven new jobs to the area but also enhances Mentor’s reputation as a hub for advanced manufacturing. Known for its strong industrial base, Mentor is home to nearly 300 manufacturing companies across sectors including aerospace, biomedical, engineering, and polymers.

The decision to establish operations in Mentor reflects the city's growing appeal to international companies seeking a business-friendly environment and access to North American markets. Spazzolplastica's investment was made possible through coordinated efforts among local and regional economic development agencies, including Team NEO, JobsOhio, the Lake County Ohio Port & Economic Development Authority, and the Northeast Ohio Region.

The company will join a dynamic network of manufacturers in Mentor, further cementing the city's status as a leader in innovation and industry.

For more on Spazzolplastica, visit www.spazzolplastica.it. To explore Mentor’s business environment, visit mentormeansbusiness.com.

Mentor School Board Reorganizes Leadership and Welcomes New Members

The Mentor Board of Education began the new year with leadership changes and new appointments during its recent organizational meeting. Maggie Cook, re-elected in November, will continue as board president. She was nominated by fellow board member Lauren Marchaza.

In a role reversal, Cook nominated Marchaza for the position of vice president. Marchaza was selected by a 4-1 board vote, succeeding Virginia Jeschelnig, who recently retired. Board member Rose Ioppolo also sought the vice president seat, nominating herself for the position.

The board also welcomed two newly elected members, Robert Haag and Daniel Hardesty, who were officially sworn in by Mentor Schools CFO William Wade.

A number of appointments to external liaison and committee roles were also made. Hardesty will serve as the district's Legislative Liaison to the Ohio School Boards Association (OSBA), while Ioppolo will serve as the alternate. Haag was named the OSBA Student Achievement Liaison, and Marchaza will continue her volunteer work with the Mentor Schools Foundation.

Superintendent Craig Heath presented upcoming opportunities on district committees, asking Haag and Hardesty to serve on the Curriculum Liaison Committee. Ioppolo was appointed to the School Safety Committee to help guide grant applications and safety initiatives across district facilities.

Mentor Lagoons Marina Now Accepting 2026 Season Deposits

Mentor Lagoons Marina has officially opened its deposit process for returning dock owners and rack storage customers preparing for the 2026 boating season. The deadline to submit deposits is Friday, February 13, 2026.

To secure their spot for the upcoming season, all customers must also submit up-to-date insurance and registration documents for each vessel and golf cart stored at the facility. These documents can be submitted via email.

For assistance or more information, the Lagoons Marina office is available by phone or in person during weekday business hours.

Source: cityofmentor.com

Winter Wellness: How to Take Care of Yourself When It Matters Most

Winter asks more of our bodies than we realize. Shorter days, colder weather, and less movement can quietly wear down immunity—especially for adults and older adults. The good news? Small, consistent habits make a big difference.

Start with sleep. Winter is nature’s cue to slow down. Aim for a regular sleep schedule, even on weekends. Going to bed just 30 minutes earlier can improve immune response and energy levels.

Move daily—even gently. You don’t need intense workouts. Walking, stretching, light strength exercises, or chair yoga help circulation, joint health, and mood. Movement also boosts immune cells that protect against seasonal illness.

Eat warming, nourishing foods. Think soups, stews, roasted vegetables, eggs, beans, healthy fats, and quality protein. These foods support blood sugar balance and keep energy steady. Add herbs and spices like garlic, ginger, turmeric, and cinnamon for natural immune support.

Don’t forget hydration. Cold weather dulls thirst, but dehydration stresses the immune system. Warm water, herbal teas, and broths count—and are easier to sip in winter.

Support immunity naturally. Vitamin D (from sunlight or supplements), magnesium, zinc, and vitamin C can be helpful—especially in winter when sun exposure drops. Quality matters, so choose reputable brands.

One overlooked tip: keep indoor air healthy. Dry winter air irritates sinuses and airways. Using a humidifier and opening windows briefly on mild days can help.

Finally, manage stress. Chronic stress weakens immune defenses. Deep breathing, prayer, quiet time, or simply limiting negative news can protect your health more than you think.

Winter doesn’t have to mean getting sick—it can be a season of steady, intentional care for yourself and the people you love.

Read the Full Article at goodhousekeeping.com

Mike McDaniel Withdraws from Browns Head Coach Search, Takes Chargers OC Role as Browns Narrow Field to Five

Mike McDaniel has pulled out of the Browns’ head coach search to become the Chargers’ offensive coordinator, narrowing Cleveland’s finalists to five. Scheduled for a second interview, McDaniel canceled and chose to work under Jim Harbaugh and QB Justin Herbert in Los Angeles. With McDaniel out, Jim Schwartz remains the only finalist with prior NFL head coaching experience. The Browns now need to interview one more minority or female candidate in person to satisfy the Rooney Rule. Top contenders include both seasoned coaches like Schwartz and Monken, and rising talents Udinski and Scheelhaase.

Mentor Grinds Out Gritty Road Win Over Lorain in GCC Battle

The Greater Cleveland Conference rarely offers an easy win, and Mentor’s Jan. 20 trip to Lorain was no exception. Despite a poor shooting night and a strong push from the one-win Titans, the Cardinals pulled out a hard-earned 82-76 road victory.

Mentor (9-3, 4-2 GCC) shot just 23.5% from three (8-for-34) but forced 27 turnovers to make up the difference. Lorain (1-13), despite its record, showed once again it can compete, jumping out to a 22-18 first-quarter lead behind Jaylen Jackson’s 11 early points. Jackson finished with a career-high 35.

The second quarter swung the game as Mentor capitalized on 11 Lorain turnovers, scoring 26 points to take a 44-34 halftime lead. The Titans fought back in the third with a 15-3 run, cutting the deficit to one, but Mentor held firm.

Senior Tony Katava led the way with 26 points, including 10 in the fourth quarter and a 10-for-13 mark at the line. Sophomore point guard Jack Kennedy added 20, with 14 coming in the second half. Connor Witte chipped in 10 points, and Bernard Gnjatic hit three threes to finish with nine.

Mentor's young roster continues to grow, showing poise in close games. Both teams return to GCC play on Jan. 23, with Mentor hosting Euclid and Lorain visiting Brunswick.

Finally, putting these kids to work. 😃