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- ☕ Analytical Wins and Pairing Zins
☕ Analytical Wins and Pairing Zins
Plus the Westlake in Bloom Community Beautification Competition is open
Good morning and welcome to a special espresso shot Wednesday edition of The Buzz.
We hope everyone paid their appreciation to the most important person at the Memorial Day cookout… The grillmaster.
Standing over a hot grill so everyone else can eat. Maybe they do it to avoid small talk with the neighbors. Maybe they do it so they can wear the novelty apron gifted to them.
Either way, today’s edition is dedicated to all the Westside BBQ masters.
9-year-old rocks the SATs
Gatsby Night at Forest City Brewing
The Cavs series made us yell every 4-letter word we know
Have a great week!
—The Briggses
🏙️ Community Blend
Toryn Williams of Lakewood scored high enough on the SATs to get into Ohio University. What makes him special?
He's 9.
His mom just wants to find him a tutor.
The Lakewood third-grader sat down at Lakewood High School on May 2nd and walked out with a 1130 — beating the national rolling average of 1037, including above-average marks in both math (590) and reading and writing (540).
Toryn has been obsessed with numbers since toddlerhood — reading before age 2, multiplying and dividing by 3. His mom Sadie, a disabled Navy combat veteran, is equal parts proud and pragmatic: the family is searching for mentors, affordable academic opportunities, and a path that feeds his curiosity without rushing his childhood.
"I just want to nurture that for him," Sadie said.
🗞️ Short Takes
Short Takes on the Westside by Julie Short. We can’t fit everything into the email newsletter so you can find the full column on our website.
Avon
Lunch time: The Orchid Café at the Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Road, is now open for lunch this summer season. Hours are 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Tuesdays -Fridays. The Butterfly House opens June 21.
In other news from the Preserve, free summer outdoor concerts return at 6 p.m. on select Thursday evenings now through August. A complete schedule of Lorain County Metro Parks concerts is available online.
Traffic shift: Interstate 90 westbound, from just west of State Route 83 to just east of State Route 254, has been switched into its new traffic pattern. Westbound traffic is shifted into a crossover pattern. Additional information regarding the construction project is available online.
Avon Lake
Avon Lake power plant, 1967 [Photo credit Cleveland Memory Project]
Moving forward: After hours and hours of discussion, City Council voted (4-3) last week to approve legislation for a lakefront mixed-use overlay district with regards to the redevelopment of the former power plant site on Lake Road.
A list of frequently asked questions (FAQ) regarding the former power plant site is available online.
Uprooting: Paper Crane Botanicals’, 690 Avon Belden Road, owner Bridget Murphy, a 2016 graduate of Bay High School, recently announced on social media that she is closing the two-year-old business June 1.
A storewide sale is underway. Murphy will be hosting a pop-up event with other small business owners this weekend. Follow on Facebook for more details.
Bay Village
Balloon drop: Just in time for graduation season, the Balloon Studio, 660 Dover Center Road (Dover Commons) is now open.
[Credit: Brett Sayles]
Old glory on display: Celebrate the country's 250th birthday by displaying a flag at your home. The Kiwanis Club is offering assistance to residents with mounting your flag and/or providing you with a flag to display. Donations benefit the American Legion Bay Village Post #385.
A form is available online for residents.
North Ridgeville
New director: The city’s chamber of Commerce recently named Amy Hosler as its new executive director. Her civic involvement includes the Historical Society and Corn Festival, among other activities.
Military care packages: In partnership with VFW Post 9871, the Senior Center is collecting names and mailing addresses for active duty service members as part of an upcoming care package effort.
Residents with a loved one currently serving are asked to call submit their information by June 15.
Rocky River
Video series: Now in its second season on Amazon Prime, “Off-Campus” is a series adapted from the bestselling “Off-Campus” book series by author Elle Kennedy and is about a college hockey player and a music major.
Rocky River’s own Emmy St. Pierre (Class of 2018) is a staff writer for the series.
Westlake
Blooming competition: The Westlake in Bloom Community Beautification Competition is open to residents and businesses and celebrates creativity through gardens of all sizes.
Entry forms are available at City Hall, the Recreation Center, Porter Public Library, and local garden centers, or can be downloaded online. The deadline to submit an entry form is 4 p.m. on June 26, with judging scheduled for July 6–10.
Community center honors: The National Council on Aging (NCOA), through its National Institute of Senior Centers, has named the Westlake Community Services’ Bloom, Brush & Bravo program in the café an Honorable Mention in the 2026 Programs of Excellence Awards in the Visibility and Communications category.
Non-profit Spotlight
1422 Hopkins, Lakewood [Credit: Google Maps]
Lindsay Buckingham of WKYC is a Westsider who knows how to pull a heartstring or two. Here is her Heartstrings story of a tragic loss of a historic Lakewood Firestation:
A fire burned it down. Now Lakewood firefighters are rebuilding it — and this time, it's pediatric burn survivors.
Last September, a blaze tore through 1422 Hopkins Avenue — the former Lakewood Fire Station 3, built in 1926 and lovingly maintained by a firefighters' historical association for decades. Six 40-yard dumpsters of damage later, the second floor was gutted entirely.
What followed was a 10-minute conversation that changed everything. Aluminum Cans for Burned Children (ACBC), a Northeast Ohio nonprofit supporting pediatric burn survivors through recycling fundraisers and summer camps, saw an opportunity.
Lakewood firefighters are now volunteering their own time to rebuild the space — which will become a dedicated safe haven for burn survivors to access mental health resources, work on college applications, and just be kids.
The goal is to open by fall 2027.
To donate or find an aluminum can drop-off near you, visit the ACBC.
Sports Corner
The Cavs got swept in the Eastern Conference Finals, but it’s okay — Coach Kenny Atkinson said, “Analytically, we won two out of the first three games”.
Umm…come again?
Here are some things Kenny could have said to the media that would have gone over better with Clevelanders:
I honestly thought Art Modell got a bad rap.
I don’t think Tim Misny has enough billboards up around town.
You guys should just start rooting for the Steelers
In other news, The Guardians are looking good and are looking to continue their winning ways deep into the Summer. Go Gaurds!
Conditions |
|---|
Sunrise: 5:58 AM |
Sunset: 8:50 PM |
Moon Phase: Waxing Gibbous 🌔 |
What’s Happening, Westsiders?
Wednesday, May 27th
CLE Market – Coe Lake - Coe Lake, Berea | 4–8 PM
Local artists, small vendors, lake views, and ice cream trucks all come together for this relaxed outdoor market at Coe Lake. Plan to walk around with an iced coffee and maybe accidentally buy earrings.
Prisoner Wine Company Pairing Dinner - Western Reserve Distillers, Lakewood | 6:30–8:30 PM
A four-course dinner paired with bold Napa wines from The Prisoner Wine Company, featuring everything from shrimp & grits to dark chocolate cake. Only 12 seats means this one leans more intimate dinner party than crowded wine event. Taste responsibly
MAY PLANT BINGO! - The Winchester Music Tavern, Lakewood | 7 PM
Plant bingo takes over The Winchester with prizes, drinks, and a room full of people who are very emotionally invested in houseplants.
Rayna Greenberg -Hilarities, E 4th St. | 7–8:30 PM
The Girls Gotta Eat co-host brings her solo comedy tour to Cleveland with brutally honest dating stories and relationship chaos.
ROOTS PRESENTS: Ray Flanagan celebrates Mississippi John Hurt - Visible Voice Books, Cleveland | 8:30–10:30 PM
Ray Flanagan leads an intimate tribute to blues legend Mississippi John Hurt through live music and storytelling, joined by Hurt’s granddaughter Mary Frances Hurt. Strings & Stories
Thursday, May 28th
Terrapina Tablescape Co.’s Spring Garden Party - Terrapina Tablescape Company, Rocky River | 5–8 PM
Seasonal cocktails, build-your-own bouquets, caviar-topped chicken nuggets, and spring shopping all come together at this cottage-style garden party in Rocky River. Perfect for the those looking for inspo on how to host prettier dinners at home. Bloom & Browse
Pilates in the Park - Solstice Steps, Lakewood Park | 5 PM
A donation-based outdoor Pilates class at Lakewood Park focused on low-impact movement and core strength. Bring a mat and enjoy the lakefront views while your abs quietly suffer. Leg raises by the lake
Euro-Tripping Wine Dinner - Village Rose Deli, Bay Village | 6–8 PM
A three-course dinner paired with wines from across Europe turns Village Rose Deli into a tiny international getaway for the night. Passport not required, strong opinions about wine notes encouraged. Sip Through Europe
Movies in the Park: The Incredibles - Crocker Park, Westlake | Sundown
The summer movie series kicks off with The Incredibles on the lawn at Crocker Park, complete with superhero costumes, lawn chairs, and kids attempting parkour before the movie starts. Grab dinner nearby, then settle in for an outdoor movie night under the stars.
Friday, May 29th
History Happy Hour - Great Lakes Brewing Company, Ohio City | 5:30–7:30 PM
Beer and Cleveland true crime history come together for this month’s History Happy Hour focused on Eliot Ness and the still-unsolved Torso Murders case. Pints & True Crime
Leslie Jones: LIVE! - Hilarities, E 4th St. | 7 & 9:45 PM (Saturday show: 7 & 9:45 PM)
The SNL alum and comedy powerhouse hits Hilarities this weekend with the kind of loud, unpredictable set that usually leaves people cry-laughing.
ASAP Rocky Tickets - Rocket Arena, Downtown | 7:30 PM
A$AP Rocky brings heavy beats, high-energy visuals, and full arena rap-show chaos to downtown Cleveland for one massive Friday night concert.
Happy Endings x Lake Affect Studios - Lake Affect Studios, Cleveland | 10 PM–2 AM
House, funk, amapiano, hip hop, and late-night dance-floor energy take over Lake Affect Studios for this monthly Happy Endings party featuring guest DJs Corey Grand and Poizon. Lake Affect After Dark
Saturday, May 30th
22nd Annual Woof Walk: A New Leash on Life - Edgewater Park, Cleveland | 8 AM–12 PM
Dogs, lakefront walks, vendors, music, and fundraising for the Northeast Ohio SPCA take over Edgewater for this annual Woof Walk. Cleveland’s happiest morning for both people and golden retrievers. Walk For The Dogs
13th Annual 4 Miles 4 Water - Old River Road, The Flats | 8:30 AM
Walk, run, or even plog your way through this annual clean-water fundraiser supporting local water initiatives in Cleveland. Dogs, strollers, and community energy are all welcome. Run For Clean Water
Springtime in Avon Craft & Vendor Show - Residence Inn at the Emerald Event Center, Avon | 9 AM–2 PM
Rows of local vendors, handmade goods, snacks, jewelry, home décor, and spring shopping energy fill the Emerald Event Center for this massive craft show.
Children’s Fairway Fun Day - Pin High Bay Village, Bay Village | 9 AM–12 PM
Kids can tackle a themed golf course, meet characters, grab balloon animals, and get face paint while parents attempt to relax nearby with coffee and specialty drinks.
Family Fun Day
Tats for CATS | Booze & Tiny Tattoos - Little Birdie Wine Nest, Parma | 10 AM
Tiny cat-themed tattoos, boozy coffee drinks, earrings, and fundraising for the Parma Animal Shelter all collide at this wildly specific and deeply committed cat-lover event. Tiny Tats For Cats
Ghost Market: Garden Party! - Blue Jay Retail, Ohio City | 11 AM–3 PM
Ghost Market returns with a spring-themed pop-up packed with local artists, plants, florals, home goods, jewelry, and garden finds from more than a dozen small businesses.
Stroll The Garden
Cleveland Vintage Boutique Market - 3800 Lakeside Ave E, Cleveland | 11 AM–4 PM (Runs through Sunday)
Vintage clothing, handmade finds, and curated vendors fill this two-day boutique market near the lakefront. Make sure to get a Matcha when you walk in, they were amazing last time! Antique Hunting Professionals
SOIL & SUDS VIII + A.I.D. Plant Sale - Forest City Brewery, Cleveland | 11 AM–4 PM
Plants, beer, raffles, demos, and a community plant swap all collide at this annual Forest City Brewery gathering. Great for those people day’s revolve around watering schedules. Plants & Pints
Smokin’ Rock n’ Roll presents “Rock The Lot”! - Smokin’ Rock n’ Roll, Bay Village | 2–8 PM
Live music, BBQ, ice cream, vendors, and parking-lot concert energy kick off the season at Smokin’ Rock n’ Roll. Loud guitars and smoked meat are doing the heavy lifting here.
Sunday, May 31st
The Wellness Collective Farmers Market - Great Lakes Health & Wellness, Westlake | 9 AM–1 PM
A wellness-focused farmers market bringing together local produce, holistic services, herbal products, handmade goods, and mindful-living vendors all in one space. Think farmers market meets self-care Sunday.
LÁSKA STREET FESTIVAL - Lakewood Dental Group, Lakewood | 11 AM–7 PM
Live music, food trucks, local artists, face painting, vintage shopping, and community-market energy take over the parking lot on Detroit for this all-day Lakewood street festival.
Rare Scotch Whisky Tasting Experience - The Whiskey Bar & Grill, Cleveland | 3–5 PM
Rare single malts and guided pours take over The Whiskey Bar for this Scotch tasting experience built for both longtime whisky fans and curious newcomers. Scotch Sunday
Reggae Sundays: Carlos Jones & The PLUS Band - Music Box Supper Club, Downtown | 4 PM
Carlos Jones & The PLUS Band soundtrack Sunday afternoon with reggae classics, live music, and strong patio-season energy by the water. Reggae By The River
Weather
Wednesday
82 🌡️ 62 | 🌧️🌤️ | 30% | 💨 NW 5 mph 🌊 2 or less
Thursday
74 🌡️ 57 | 🌤️ | 20% | 💨 N 5-7 mph 🌊 2 or less
Friday
78 🌡️ 60 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 NW 5 mph 🌊 1-2
Saturday
76 🌡️ 60 | 🌤️ | 0% | 💨 N 8-13 mph 🌊 1-2
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 54ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders. Short week. Short week. Short week.
Cheers,
—The Briggses