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

📰 Local News: 📰 Mentor Launches $680K Sidewalk Safety Improvements

🐦 Mentor Public Library Invites Community to Join Great Backyard Bird Count

📰 Community Job Fair, Career Expo Set for March 6 in Mentor

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Food & Recipes: 💘 2 Valentine’s Desserts That May Cost Less Than a Card

⚾ Sports: 🏀 Mentor Girls End Regular Season 21-1 with Win Over Magnificat

🏀 Katava’s Double-Double Not Enough as Mentor Boys Fall to Brunswick

🤼 Cougars Enter Division III State Duals Seeking First Title Since 1997

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

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

The City of Mentor is preparing to move forward with its Sidewalk Repair and Pedestrian Safety Program in Zone 1F, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at improving walkability and public safety throughout the community.

The project, with an estimated construction cost of $680,000, will focus on repairing and replacing aging sidewalks, addressing uneven pavement, and enhancing pedestrian routes in key areas of Zone 1F. The improvements are designed to create safer pathways for residents, including children walking to school, seniors, and individuals with mobility challenges.

City officials have set a completion deadline of July 31, 2026, ensuring that upgrades will be finished during the peak construction season. The program is part of the city’s broader commitment to maintaining infrastructure, preventing trip hazards, and promoting accessible, pedestrian-friendly neighborhoods.

Work will be carried out according to detailed specifications developed by the city to ensure long-term durability and compliance with safety standards. Once completed, the improvements are expected to enhance neighborhood connectivity and contribute to a safer, more attractive streetscape.

Source: cityofmentor.com

The Mentor Public Library is encouraging residents to take part in the annual Great Backyard Bird Count, set for Friday, Feb. 13, through Monday, Feb. 16. The four-day event invites birders of all ages and experience levels to step outside and help track local bird populations.

Despite winter weather conditions, organizers note that Northeast Ohio remains an active and rewarding place for birdwatching. Mentor Lagoons Nature Preserve and Mentor Marsh alone have recorded more than 260 bird species, both inland and offshore, making the area one of the region’s premier birding destinations.

Participants are asked to visit their favorite birding location during the event, keep a checklist of the birds they see or hear, and submit their observations. Those who take part will be entered into a raffle for a gift card to Backyard Feeding Station.

Organizers recommend dressing warmly and preparing for winter conditions while exploring the outdoors.

Read More at mentorpl.org

The Lake County Board of Developmental Disabilities, in partnership with OhioMeansJobs Lake County and Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities, will host a free Community Job Fair and Career Expo on March 6 from 9 a.m. to noon at Mentor Paradigm. More than 20 employers from multiple industries are expected to participate.

See the Link to the Expo

Valentine’s Day doesn’t have to come with a big price tag to feel special. These two simple desserts are affordable, quick, and perfect for creating a memorable moment at home—whether you’re celebrating with a partner, family member, or just treating yourself.

Few desserts say “Valentine’s Day” quite like chocolate-covered strawberries, and the best part is they can be made for under $10. All you need is fresh strawberries and chocolate chips. Wash and completely dry the strawberries—this step is important so the chocolate sticks properly. Melt the chocolate in the microwave in 20-second intervals, stirring each time. Dip the strawberries, place them on parchment paper, and let them cool for 15–30 minutes. For an extra touch, add sprinkles, crushed nuts, or coconut.
👉 Full recipe: https://www.therisingspoon.com/2021/02/chocolate-covered-strawberries.html

If you’re short on time—or just want a warm dessert without leftovers—a chocolate mug cake is the perfect solution. Costing about $2 per serving, this single-serve treat uses pantry basics like flour, cocoa powder, sugar, milk, and oil. Mix everything in a microwave-safe mug and heat for 60–90 seconds. The result is a soft, rich chocolate cake ready in minutes. Top it with whipped cream, berries, or a scoop of ice cream to make it extra special.
👉 Full recipe: https://www.brit.co/mug-cake-recipes-valentines-day/

These easy desserts prove you don’t need an expensive dinner reservation to celebrate—sometimes the sweetest moments happen right at home.

Followers of Northeast Ohio girls basketball have watched Mentor shine this season, though some questioned how the Cardinals would fare against elite competition.

Over the final week of the regular season, those doubts were erased.

Mentor finished 21-1 with three statement wins, capped by a 62-57 double-overtime road victory over perennial power Magnificat. The Cardinals also defeated Massillon Jackson, 62-37, and completed an undefeated Greater Cleveland Conference run with a 73-49 win at Cleveland Heights.

Against Magnificat in a playoff-like atmosphere, freshman Ashlyn McKinney scored 18 points to lead Mentor, while Gemma Wichman paced the Blue Streaks with 24. After building a 31-18 third-quarter lead, the Cardinals saw Magnificat rally to force overtime.

In the second extra period, Mentor converted all eight free throws to secure the win. Nina Rodriguez scored 14 points, Keira Coleman added 12, and sophomore Hayley McClintock sealed the victory at the line in the closing seconds.

Mentor now turns its attention to the postseason, with the tournament draw set for Feb. 15.

Mentor delivered one of its better offensive outings of the season, but it wasn’t enough in a 99-85 conference loss to Brunswick.

The Cardinals (13-6) buried 14 3-pointers and had four players score in double figures, yet Brunswick — now 17-3 overall and 12-0 in the conference — used a big second half to pull away. The 99 points marked the Blue Devils’ highest scoring output of the season.

Mentor led 22-20 after the first quarter, but Brunswick surged ahead in the second to take a 44-34 halftime advantage. The Cardinals stayed within reach with 24 third-quarter points before Brunswick closed with 30 in the fourth.

Vince Katava paced Mentor with 22 points and 13 rebounds. Sabin added 20, and Sauric scored 18 with six 3-pointers. Mentor shot 11 of 14 from the line and outrebounded Brunswick 28-25.

The Cardinals return home tonight to host Glenville (13-8) at 7:30 p.m.

Second-seeded Lake Catholic will compete in the Division III state duals Feb. 14 at Marion Elgin High School, opening against Miami East. The Cougars, featuring nine ranked wrestlers, are aiming for their first state dual-meet title since 1997 and enter the tournament confident in their consistent lineup and postseason preparation.

Among the top anticipated matchups against seventh-seeded Miami East are:

• Lake freshman Dylan Osolin (#5) vs. Miami East’s Brian Fulton (#18) at 106 pounds;
• Lake junior Chance Wuhr (#4) vs. Miami East’s Jacob Eichorn (11th) at 113 pounds; and
• Lake’s Ethan Preseren (#11) vs. Miami East’s Lucas Shore (#10) at 126.

The Cougars’ other ranked wrestlers are Timmy Mazur (third at 132), Tyler Ineman (second at 138), Giovanni Magistrelli (eighth at 144), Tommy Slack (fourth at 150), Ben Mitchell (12th at 175) and Danny Zmorowski (first at 215).

This dog is great with color… ha!