- Mentor Local Buzz
- Posts
- 📰 Tickets on Sale Oct 1 - North Pole Adventure; Yorko Makes History
📰 Tickets on Sale Oct 1 - North Pole Adventure; Yorko Makes History
Issue #270

In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…
⛅ Mentor Weather - Most Cloudy - Temps 71-73
🎉 Mentor Live Events - 30+ Live Events. Events Added Daily
🚆 All Aboard the North Pole Adventure! Tickets on Sale October 1
📰 Get Ready for Winter: Join Mentor Community Recreation Center
📰 Lake County Captains' Jen Yorko Makes History
🎸 Mentor Rocks Wraps Up Eighth Spectacular Season
👨👩👧👦 Special Section: 🐩 Finding Comfort: The Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds for Anxiety and Depression
⚾ Ramírez’s Late Homer Lifts Guardians to Victory Over Reds
🏈 Lake Catholic Aims for 6-0 Start Tonight Against Holy Name
🤔 Trivia Question
🤣 Something Funny
👉👉 Put Your Local Business in the Spotlight! Click Here


Most Cloudy - Temps 71-73

Mentor Live Events
Sept 26
See the details for these events in the link above for Mentor Live Events. New Events Added Daily

See All the Upcoming Events Here at:
Mentor Live Events!
30+ Event Dates


🚆 All Aboard the North Pole Adventure! Tickets on Sale October 1

Credit: Adam Matthews/Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad/Facebook
The beloved holiday train ride on the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad is returning this season with a new name: The North Pole Adventure. Formerly known as the Polar Express, this magical journey promises to create cherished family memories and rekindle the holiday spirit for all ages.
Departing from Rockside Station in Independence, passengers will embark on a 90-minute round trip to the "North Pole." The festive experience includes holiday music, merry elves, and letter writing to Santa. Guests will enjoy holiday cookies and hot cocoa, with a special gift for each child.
Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad officials describe the event as "your chance to step into the story and create moments your family will cherish forever."
The North Pole Adventure runs from November 7 to December 21. Tickets go on sale to the general public at 9 a.m. on Tuesday, October 1. CVSR members have early access and can purchase tickets now.
Pricing ranges from $50 to $95, depending on class of service and seating options. To secure your spot on this magical holiday journey, visit the Cuyahoga Valley Scenic Railroad website.
Don't miss this opportunity to immerse yourself in the warmth and joy of the season. The North Pole Adventure promises to be a highlight of your family's holiday celebrations, creating memories that will last a lifetime.
📰 Get Ready for Winter: Join Mentor Community Recreation Center

Mentor Community Recreation Center
As fall settles in and winter approaches, it's the perfect time to consider joining the Mentor Community Recreation Center. This impressive 128,000 square foot facility offers a diverse range of amenities to keep you active and engaged throughout the year.
The center boasts an array of indoor sports facilities, including a soccer field, basketball, tennis, racquetball, and pickleball courts. Golf enthusiasts can enjoy state-of-the-art simulators, while fitness buffs will appreciate the open concept fitness center, cardiovascular and weight training areas, and group exercise rooms.
For those who love swimming, the center features both indoor and outdoor pools, ensuring year-round aquatic activities. Families will find the childcare room and outdoor playground particularly appealing.
Membership options cater to both individuals and families, with plans available for residents and non-residents alike. Flexible payment options include full payment or convenient installment plans.
The center's commitment to providing year-round programs and activities ensures that members always have something exciting to look forward to, regardless of the season.
For those interested in exploring the facility before committing to a membership, single-day admission is available for $10 per person (age restrictions apply).
Located at 6000 Heisley Road, the Mentor Community Recreation Center is your gateway to staying active and healthy throughout the winter months and beyond. For more information on membership rates and terms, visit www.mentorrec.com or call (440) 205-3608.
📰 Lake County Captains' Jen Yorko Makes History
Jen Yorko, General Manager of the Lake County Captains, has become the first female GM to win a Minor League Baseball Championship. Yorko's journey with the High-A Affiliate of the Cleveland Guardians began in 2007 after graduating from Lake Erie College.
Rising through the ranks, Yorko managed various aspects of the organization, including ticket operations, merchandise, and community events. Her dedication led to her promotion to Assistant GM in 2016 and GM in 2019.
"Jen's journey in Minor League Baseball is one of perseverance, hard work, and breaking barriers," the Captains stated. Her leadership culminated in the team's victory in the 2024 season.
Captains President and Owner Alan Miller praised Yorko's impact: "Jen's leadership, dedication, and passion for the team and the community has been instrumental to our success on and off the field."
Yorko expressed gratitude for the championship win in her hometown and acknowledged the support from partners and local authorities. Off the field, she coaches youth sports and supports local charities. The Lake County Captains look forward to continued success under Yorko's trailblazing leadership.
Read More at cleveland19.com
🎸 Mentor Rocks Wraps Up Eighth Spectacular Season

Def Leggend
The Mentor Rocks summer concert series concluded its eighth season at the Mentor Civic Amphitheater, drawing over 100,000 music enthusiasts. Headlined by national recording artists LeAnn Rimes, Maddie & Tae, and Finger Eleven, the event solidified its status as a premier summer attraction.
The City of Mentor extends heartfelt thanks to the 2024 sponsors, including title sponsor Prosperity Haven and presenting sponsors Meijer and Cleveland Clinic. Additional support came from various local businesses and organizations, as well as grant funding from Tour Lake County and NOPEC.
The success of Mentor Rocks relied heavily on the dedication of city employees, volunteers, and the Community Arts Commission. Their tireless efforts ensured a seamless experience for attendees week after week.
Most importantly, the city thanks all who supported the event through attendance and purchases. The entertainment is funded entirely through sponsorships, beverage sales, and food vendor participation fees. This support enables the city to attract top-tier talent while keeping the event free for all.
As the curtain falls on this year's series, planning for the 2025 schedule is already underway. Music lovers can look forward to the announcement of next year's lineup during the State of the City address in February.
The City of Mentor invites everyone to join them again next summer for another unforgettable season of Mentor Rocks, where community spirit and great music come together under the stars.
Source: cityofmentor.com
🐩 Finding Comfort: The Best Emotional Support Dog Breeds for Anxiety and Depression
Millions of Americans face the daily challenges of anxiety and depression, and while medication can offer relief, sometimes a bit more comfort is needed. This is where an emotional support dog (ESD) can make all the difference, providing both companionship and a soothing presence.
What Is an Emotional Support Dog?
An emotional support dog is a type of emotional support animal (ESA) that offers comfort to individuals with mental health conditions. Unlike service animals, which are trained for specific tasks, or therapy dogs, which help others in therapeutic settings, emotional support dogs primarily assist their owners by providing emotional stability and companionship.
To qualify for an ESA, you’ll need to have a diagnosed mental health condition and consult a licensed mental health professional to obtain an ESA letter. This can be done conveniently online through specialized platforms.
How Can Emotional Support Dogs Help?
Emotional support dogs offer comfort and stability to those dealing with anxiety or depression. They’re known for their ability to help soothe panic attacks by providing physical contact and offering a sense of safety. Simply having a dog around can lift spirits, reduce feelings of loneliness, and help manage symptoms in stressful or overwhelming situations.
While emotional support animals can accompany owners in some public spaces, it’s important to ensure you have the proper authorization for such outings.
Top 5 Emotional Support Dog Breeds for Anxiety and Depression
If you’re considering an emotional support dog, certain breeds are particularly well-suited to providing comfort and assistance. Here’s a look at five of the best breeds that can help alleviate anxiety and depression:
Labrador Retriever
Labrador Retrievers are an excellent choice for emotional support, known for their friendly and easygoing nature. They’re intelligent, easy to train, and can perform deep pressure therapy (DPT) due to their size. While they’re medium to large-sized dogs, they’re relatively low-energy and can adapt to smaller living spaces, though you should be prepared for their higher maintenance needs.Poodle
Poodles are smart, intuitive, and come in various sizes, making them adaptable to different living environments. They’re quick to pick up on their owner’s emotional state and provide comfort. Their curly coats require regular grooming, but their affectionate personality makes them a great match for people experiencing anxiety or depression.Golden Retriever
Golden Retrievers are known for their joyful and energetic demeanor. Their playfulness and high energy can be particularly beneficial for those struggling with depression, as they encourage activity and engagement. However, they require plenty of attention and exercise, which may be a challenge if you have limited time or space.
See 2 additional breeds that can help anxiety and depression at fitbark.com
⚾ Ramírez’s Late Homer Lifts Guardians to Victory Over Reds
José Ramírez powered the Cleveland Guardians to a 5-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds with a decisive three-run homer in the eighth inning on Wednesday night. This victory comes after Cleveland's pitchers delivered a flawless performance, retiring the first 18 batters.
Ramírez's 38th home run of the season was a standout moment, driving in Steven Kwan and Angel Martínez with two outs against Reds pitcher Emilio Pagán. The All-Star third baseman had an impressive night, contributing a double, a triple, and scoring twice. His season stats now boast 115 RBIs and 40 stolen bases.
Cleveland has secured a first-round bye in the playoffs and remains in contention for the top seed in the American League, just one game behind the New York Yankees with three games left in the regular season.
The Guardians showcased seven different pitchers, with Hunter Gaddis earning the win, and Emmanuel Clase recorded his 47th save of the season, a new franchise record. Clase also leads the major leagues in saves, tied with Ryan Helsley of the St. Louis Cardinals. Cincinnati finally broke through in the seventh inning with TJ Friedl's bunt single, ending Cleveland's perfect game bid. A throwing error by Andrés Giménez allowed Friedl to score, bringing the Reds within a run. In the eighth, Jake Fraley crossed home plate after a mishandled single by center fielder Lane Thomas, tying the game at 2-2.
However, Ramírez's eighth-inning homer quickly restored Cleveland's lead. Andrew Walters made MLB history by matching the record for consecutive hitless appearances to start a career with his eighth straight game. Cleveland's Steven Kwan returned from injury in style, hitting a leadoff home run in his first game back and adding another run with Josh Naylor's RBI single in the fourth.
Guardians Manager Stephen Vogt announced that Tanner Bibee and Matthew Boyd will start in the ALDS, skipping their final regular-season appearances.
Read more and WATCH highlights at espn.com
🏈 Lake Catholic Aims for 6-0 Start Tonight Against Holy Name’s Resilient Green Wave

Lake Catholic will face Holy Name in a nonconference football matchup tonight, Thursday, Sept. 26, at 7 p.m., hosted at Serpentini Stadium in North Royalton. Both teams are looking for a crucial win, with Lake Catholic boasting a perfect 5-0 record and Holy Name at 2-2.
Although this game is nonconference for now, it will become a North Coast Conference rivalry next season when the new league begins full play. This matchup carries extra weight for Lake Catholic, currently ranked second in Division IV, Region 13. A victory here would significantly enhance their playoff positioning. Last week, the Cougars secured a 34-20 win over Kenston, highlighted by DJ Sears' late-game touchdown. Sears, a versatile player who has scored eight touchdowns this season, can line up in multiple positions, including tight end, running back, and defense.
Quarterback Frankie Trinetti leads Lake Catholic's offense with 915 passing yards and nine touchdowns this season, while wide receiver Ace Peterlin has made 24 receptions for 396 yards. Jimmy Gibbons contributes on both sides of the ball, rushing for 373 yards and leading the team defensively with six tackles for loss (TFLs). Notably, Kenston was the first team this season to score more than seven points against Lake Catholic's defense, so the Cougars are expected to respond with a strong defensive performance.
Holy Name, ranked 14th in Division III, Region 10, sees this game as a pivotal opportunity to improve their playoff outlook. In their last game two weeks ago, Holy Name fell 24-7 to Madison, with quarterback Connor Jamison throwing for 144 yards and three interceptions. Xavier Rodriguez provided the lone touchdown with a 71-yard rushing effort. A win against the undefeated Lake Catholic would be a major boost to Holy Name’s postseason chances.

What is the Name for a Baby Kangaroo? |
🤣 Something Funny 🤣
