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- ☕ Fido's Companion and Levy Results
☕ Fido's Companion and Levy Results
Plus Fairview closer to deciding on service garage location
Happy Friday, Buzz Nation.
Two endangered spotted turtles were just born at the Akron Zoo — and their task? Repopulating their entire species. No pressure.
Meanwhile I forgot to water our hydrangeas this morning. These turtles are making us all look bad.
Today we're buzzing on:
Westside election results
Fido’s Companion is doing amazing work
Avon PD gets serious on e-bikes
No pressure, Buzz Nation. See you Tuesday.
—The Briggses
Before we get into today’s edition, let’s hear from our community partner, Chris Schlenkerman.
Together With Chris Schlenkerman and the Collaborative HOME SALES Group
Lofty Ohio City Goals
1951 W 25th 308, Cleveland
This 2-bedroom, 2-bath Ohio City loft condo has the kind of city-living charm that connects Cleveland’s past with its future.
Set inside the historic Fries & Schuele building, this third-floor unit overlooks W. 25th Street with oversized loft windows that pull in natural light and frame downtown skyline views.
Inside, it has all the good loft details: tall ceilings, exposed ductwork, original wood floors, and that warm, open feel you only really get from a building with some history.
The main living space feels bright and roomy, with plenty of space for a quiet morning coffee, a takeout night on the couch, or a few friends before heading out on W. 25th.
Plant person? Take the video tour to get a feel for the greenery potential.
The kitchen has granite counters, stainless appliances, and bar seating for four, which is perfect for morning coffee, takeout nights, or someone keeping you company while you cook.
Some other details:
Two spacious bedrooms, including a primary suite with walk-in closet and private bath
Second full bathroom, plus private in-suite laundry
Assigned garage parking, secured entry, fitness center, storage locker, and private resident courtyard
2 bed | 2 bath | 1,296 sq ft | $225,000
BHHS Professional Realty, alongside the collaborative HOME SALES Group
*Sponsored Content. To keep TWB fun and no-cost to you, we partner with local businesses
Community Blend
Westside School Levies: Where We Landed
Tuesday's school levies came in with a split ticket across the Westside — some passed, some failed, and each one tells its own story about what neighbors decided they were (and weren't) willing to fund.
Here's the full scorecard:
The Wins:
Olmsted Township Safety — 4 mill safety tax levy for police and fire
Passed 58.6%-41.4%
First increase for police and fire since 2019
$12/month per $100K home value
Lakewood City Schools — 6.9 mill levy for current expenses
Passed 66.2%-33.8%
Kicks in 2027 at about $14/month per $100K home value
Covers teacher wages, educational programming, and safety/security upgrades
Local funding = 60% of the budget, so this was make-or-break
Lorain City Schools — 11 mill levy for current expenses
Passed 51.3%-48.7%
Generates ~$10.7M/year to fund operating costs
District laid off 100+ employees months before election day due to budget crisis
First new-money levy in over a decade
Student supports and programming can return in 2027–28 school year
Avon Lake City Schools — 1.5 mill renewal for permanent improvements
Passed 57.0%-43.0%
5-year renewal (not new money)
The Losses:
Strongsville City Schools — $147.65M bond for construction/renovation
Failed 52.0%-48.0% (close call)
Would have funded three new K–5 schools, Kinsner Elementary renovation, and Muraski preschool updates
Total project valued at $158.1M
Would've cost ~$120/year for a $100K home over 36 years
Parma City School District — 1.75% income tax (additional)
Failed 59.3%-40.7%
Would have applied only to earned income (no Social Security, pensions, disability)
Plan: eliminate three existing property tax levies starting 2028 for property tax relief
Those levies currently generate $9.2M, $15.6M, and $15.7M annually
What it means:
Lakewood and Lorain voters said yes to investing in current operations — keeping teachers, programs, and services running. Strongsville voters said no to a major capital project despite the close margin. Parma voters overwhelmingly rejected an income tax shift, even with the promise of property tax relief down the line.
Zoom out: Westsiders will fund schools, but the ask matters. Operating levies with clear immediate needs (Lakewood, Lorain) passed. A massive 36-year bond (Strongsville) and an income tax experiment (Parma) didn't.
Did your district get it right? |
Animal News
Huxter's Bucket List
This story stopped us cold.
Huxter was found tied to a pole in Cleveland with a massive tumor covering part of his face. The diagnosis came back fast and brutal: fast progressing cancer. But here’s where the story turns from tragedy to hope.
Fido’s Companion steps up
Instead of focusing on the heartbreak (and there's plenty of it), Fido's Companion — a Westside-based rescue — stepped up to give Huxter what he never had: love, comfort, adventures, cheeseburgers, sunshine, cuddles, and a bucket list worth living for.
Even though he never had the bare necessities in his life, his spirit remains unbroken.
But they need Buzz Nation's help building it.
What Huxter needs:
Pup cups and patios
Parks, beaches, car rides with the windows down
Special treats and dog-friendly adventures
Donations to cover his care and make every day count
Fido's isn't asking for a miracle — they want to give a good boy a happy end to his story.
How to help:
Donations go directly to Huxter's care and bucket list adventures. Every dollar helps this boy get the love he should've had all along.
More about Fido’s Companion
Fido’s is a 501(c)3 that specializes in their palliative care program where currently 27 other dogs who have issues ranging from seizures to kidney issues, and cancer live with fosters and have all their medical bills covered. What an amazing gift to the community!
Westside Pour Over
Cleveland - Cleveland's first women's soccer team — the Cleveland Astra — will kick off in 2028 at a planned $50M stadium in the South Gateway District, joining the men's Forest City Cleveland team as part of a push to finally bring professional women's soccer infrastructure to a city that's never had it. (Mark Oprea @ The Scene)
Avon. Police are reminding residents that e-bikes, scooters, and electric dirt bikes all follow different rules — Class 1-3 e-bikes are street and sidewalk legal (motor off on sidewalks), but electric dirt bikes are off-road only and require licensing for riders 16+.
Fairview Park - City Council's finance committee meets tonight to review environmental and traffic studies for the proposed $990K service garage relocation to Mastick Road — a plan that's sparked a 26-citizen class action lawsuit and resident outrage over the process, with a final vote scheduled for May 18.
Buzzstrip
Pat Geyser, the immensely talented artist who makes the weekly Buzzstrips, does incredible watercolor paintings.
What’s Happening, Westsiders?
Friday, May 8
Free Stamp Friday - Willard Park, Downtown | 11:30 AM - 1:30 PM
Grab lunch from a variety of local food trucks while enjoying live music next to the Free Stamp.
Spring Fling Walkabout Tremont – Tremont (Professor Ave + surrounding streets) | 5–9 PM
Walkabout season is back with galleries, shops, bars, and pop-ups all staying open late, plus a free tree giveaway starting at 3 PM to kick things off early. The neighborhood shows up for this one. Plan your stroll
TOP 8: 2000s Emo + Pop Dance Party – Mahall’s, Lakewood | 10 PM–12 AM
MySpace-era chaos in the best way—emo anthems and pop hits mashed together from MCR to Kesha, with plenty of reasons to hit the dance floor. Dress like it’s your default pic.
Red Velvet Whoopie Pies Baking Class – Annie’s Signature Sweets, Berea | 6–9 PM
A hands-on class where you’ll make red velvet whoopie pies from scratch and leave with a full batch to take home. Bake the batch
Wine & Cheesecake Tasting -The Wine Room & Tavern, Avon | 7-11 PM
Four wines paired with four Messy Apron mini cheesecakes, plus a DJ taking requests while you work your way through both. Treat yourself
Saturday, May 9
Strong as a Mother: Mat Pilates Event – Truss Event Venue, Ohio City | 9 AM–1 PM
A music-driven mat Pilates class with skyline views, followed by a vendor market, mimosa, and a stacked lineup of wellness extras. More of a full morning plan than just a workout. Stretch it out
5th Annual Spring into Summer Craft & Vendor Show – Rocky River Memorial Hall | 9 AM–2 PM
Dozens of local vendors under one roof with everything from candles to home decor to last-minute Mother’s Day finds.
Old Brooklyn Greenhouse Spring Fest – Old Brooklyn Greenhouse, Old Brooklyn | 10 AM–4 PM
Plants, local vendors, and an easy excuse to spend a few hours outside browsing and picking things up you didn’t plan on buying.
Mom & Me Charm Bar Workshop – CLE GLO, Lakewood | 11 AM–1 PM
Build custom charm pieces together from a massive mix of vintage + new, with coffee drinks, mimosas, and a little sparkle thrown in for good measure. Charm your own way
Ear Piercing Party with Stargazer Fine Jewelry – Porterfi Showroom, Rocky River | 11 AM-5 PM
Book a 15-minute slot with professional piercers for a fresh lobe (or more), using needle piercings and 14k gold jewelry from Stargazer. Add-ons available during your appointment, plus in-store earrings on sale if you’re already planning your next one. Pick your piercing
Picket & Petals: Petite Garden Workshop – Willow Run Market, Lakewood | 11 AM/2 PM
Create a small hanging garden piece with layered florals and a slightly vintage, cottage-style finish. A relaxed, hands-on workshop that leans more crafty than complicated. Make your piece
Mother’s Day Herb Garden Workshop – Lakewood Truck Park | 3–5 PM
Build your own herb garden from scratch—fresh, useful, and something you’ll actually keep alive (hopefully). A hands-on option for gifting or keeping. Plant your herbs
Zach Bryan – Huntington Bank Field, Downtown | 7–10 PM
Zach Bryan takes over the stadium with Dijon and J.R. Carroll joining the lineup. Is he a bit polarizing? Sure. Talented? Also yes—and the crowd will be loud either way.
Sunday, May 10
2nd Sunday Builders: Mother’s Day Toolbox Workshop – Rebuilders Xchange, Cleveland | 10 AM–12 PM
Build a reclaimed wood toolbox from scratch—measure, cut, assemble, and leave with something sturdy enough for tools but nice enough to gift. No experience needed, just a willingness to try it. Build your own
Mother’s Day Brunch: Dolly Parton Tribute – Music Box Supper Club | 12 PM
A Dolly-filled brunch with live hits, table seating, and just the right amount of rhinestone energy for Mother’s Day. Grab a table
Conditions |
|---|
Sunrise: 6:15 AM |
Sunset: 8:31 PM |
Moon Phase: Waning Gibbous 🌖 |
🎷 Live Entertainment
Friday
Mal Blum | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
Buckethead | House of Blues, Cleveland 6:30 PM
Jay Sparrow | Front Street Social, Berea 7 PM
Hathaway Brown Solo Voice Showcase | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
The Outsiders | Connor Palace, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Santana Tribute by Evil Ways Band | Music Box SC, Flats 7:30 PM
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - APT. 2B | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Andrew McManus | Gormley's Pub, Rocky River 8 PM
Drag Nights Bite Me Edition | Coda, 8 PM
The Brokes – Strokes Tribute | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM
Big in Japan & Breakfast Club | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Driving Rain | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Martin McDaniel | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Top 8: An All Out 2000's Emo and Pop Dance Party | Mahall’s, Lakewood 10 PM
Saturday
Rock n' Country Fan Day | Rock Hall, Cleveland 10 AM
Zach Bryan Pre + Post Concert Party | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 11 AM
Meyer Pavich | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 1 PM
The Outsiders | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1:30 & 7:30 PM
Matt Whataguy | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 3 PM
Dave Hinrich | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 6:30 PM
Rickshaw Billie's Burger Patrol | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - APT. 2B | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 1:30 & 7:30 PM
Dueling Pianos with Cleveland Keys! | Music Box CH, Flats 7:30 PM
Hopper & Custy | Gormley's Pub, Rocky River 8 PM
Mac Demarco | Agora Theatre, Cleveland 8 PM
Sunny Sweeney | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM
The Engine Room (Cleveland Jazz Orchestra Trio) | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
Ozzmosis | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Faction | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Martin McDaniel | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10:30 PM
Sunday
Cleveland Jazz Orchestra with Helen Welch Concert Hall Doo | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM
Sassy Sascha’s Bingo! Drag Brunch | The Winchester, Lakewood 12:30 PM
The Outsiders | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1 & 6:30 PM
Ms. Holmes & Ms. Watson - APT. 2B | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 3 PM
Corrosion Of conformity | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6:30 PM
Pub Choir | Globe Iron, Flats 6:30 PM
Blvck Hippie | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Chris Duarte | The Winchester, Lakewood 7 PM
Bill Nace & Dana Jessen Presented by New Ghosts | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
Weather
Friday
63 🌡️ 51 | ⛅ | 30% | 💨 W 8-10 mph
Saturday
71 🌡️ 52 | 🌧️ | 50% | 💨 SW 8-11 mph
Sunday
60 🌡️ 47 | ⛅ | 20% | 💨 N 5-8 mph
Monday
59 🌡️ 45 | 🌧️ | 10% | 💨 N 7-11 mph
That’s it for today, Westsiders.
Have a great weekend,
—The Briggses