Together with First Federal Lakewood

Where does your money go at night?

Every dollar you park in a savings account goes to work at night. At big national banks, it clocks in somewhere you'll never see.

First Federal Lakewood keeps it closer to home. Your deposit might help fund a Westlake business owner finally expanding into a bigger space, or a couple buying their first house in Gordon Square.

Opening an Uplift Savings Account takes under ten minutes online so you can sleep soundly while your money gets to work.

Why First Federal Lakewood?

• The rates are solid. 2.02% APY* up to $49,999, 2.53% APY from $50K to $99,999.

• Your money does double duty. FFL is a mutual bank — deposits fund local mortgages, small business loans, and community organizations on the Westside.

• It's simple to start. Just $50 to open, no minimums, no surprise fees.

Ready to stop procrastinating on your savings goals? Open an account online or swing by any of FFL’s branches.

Don’t put future you on hold.

_{*Interest rates and Annual Percentage Yield (APY) are subject to change. Fees could reduce earnings. Rates accurate as of 9/1/2026. All rates and terms are subject to change without notice.}

🗞️ Short Takes

This week’s Short Takes is stuffed with Westside news. Read the full column here ⬇️
—Julie Short

Avon

Nelly Belly update: As with most construction projects and new builds, unexpected delays happen. As first reported here last year, Nelly Belly is taking over the space formerly occupied by Railroad Brewing Company at 1010 Center Road.

The owners were hoping to be open Labor Day weekend, but unfortunately, there are just too many small delays.

The owners did share a charming story update. They ordered a wood fired brick oven that ended up being dropped from the fork lift when they were loading for shipping. They had to have another one custom manufactured with a six-week turn around. They had to go ahead and start on some of the kitchen build out, but switched to a double door entry so the oven could fit into the building.

The new oven will be one of the biggest ovens in Northeast Ohio. It was delivered and forklifted off the semi, only to discover the forklift needed to lift the 6,000-lb. oven was too big to fit into the building. The owners had numerous equipment companies come out to measure and figure out how to get it in the building. Then a building inspector for the City of Avon Water Department came out and said his future son-in-law might be able to help with the company he worked for. He arrived and said, "Nelly Belly?! You are catering my wedding next weekend with your food truck!" He eventually got it moved in.

An opening date is still not finalized as work continues on the space.  

Kids Kloset: The annual Avon Early Childhood PTA’s Kids Kloset resale event is from 7 to 11 a.m. Sept. 19 at Avon Middle School, 3445 Long Road.

Avon Lake

‍Spilling the tea: Move over coffee shops…there’s a new beverage in town as tea is taking over. Harmony Blends is a new destination for loose-leaf tea, honey, olive oil, chocolates, tea ware, and other gift items. The new business will be located at 690 Avon Belden Road. An opening date has not been announced.

Book sale: The Friends of the Avon Lake Public Library Book Sale takes place from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12; and from noon to 4 p.m. Sept. 13 at the library, 32649 Electric Blvd. Cash, checks and credit cards are accepted.

Bay Village

Potato Bar fundraiser: September is National Potato Month and the Senior Center is celebrating with a Potato Bar with all fixings at 11:30 a.m. Sept. 25, 300 Bryson Lane. Cost is $5 in person /$6 online. This event is sponsored by Nivalis, Homewatch Caregivers, Howard Hanna, and Amada Senior Care.

North Ridgeville

Revolution experience: The Nathan Perry Chapter of the National Society Daughters of the American Revolution is opening the American Revolution Experience Sept. 15 at the North Ridgeville Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road. The pop-up exhibition includes display panels and interactive digital kiosks that use storytelling, illustration, technology and artifacts and primary accounts to connect modern audiences with the people and places that shaped the birth of America.

The exhibit will run through Sept. 24 and is available for viewing during normal library hours.  

Rocky River

Arts festival: The city’s Fall Arts Festival will take place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sept. 12 at Olde Detroit Shopping (Old River Road) area. The free event features local artists, live music, and area merchants. Proceeds benefit the Rocky River Parks and Recreation Foundation.

Centennial party: Kensington Intermediate School is inviting the community, alumni and families to share in its 100th year celebration. A party will take place from 5 to 8 p.m. Sept. 22 at the school, 20140 Lake Road. The event will include food trucks, treats, time capsule, art project, and several special guests.

Westlake

Food truck challenge: Cleveland's most popular food trucks will go head-to-head for top honors in a variety of categories, with winners selected by a panel of both judges and event guests during the annual Food Truck Challenge from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sept. 26 at Crocker Park.

The event also includes live music provided by The Scenic Route, kid-friendly activities, and more than 20 food trucks onsite.

New businesses: Exclusive Men’s Salon, 25075 Center Ridge Road, recently opened offering haircuts for men and boys. To book an appointment, call 216-413-6557.

Westshore Chamber of Commerce will host a ribbon cutting at 11 a.m. Sept. 23 for Eyes on Dover, 2650 Dover Center Road. The new facility offers eye exams for adults and children.

New Businesses coming to Westlake here