Short Takes on the Westside, December 2: Cahoon Park Restoration, Avon Lake CRS, RR Chamber holiday party and more

Short Takes

Bay Village

New deli: After months of renovations to the former Bay Provisions (328 Bassett Road), Village Rose Deli is now open. Offerings include an espresso bar, breakfast sandwiches, pastries, beer/wine (to go) and retail items. For more information, follow on Facebook.

Park restoration: The city’s Recreation and Park Improvements Committee recently passed a resolution authorizing the filing of an application to the Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC) for financial assistance from the Lake Erie Community Grant Program for the Cahoon Park Aquatic and Riparian Restoration components of the Cahoon Memorial Park Lakefront Restoration.

The proposed project includes the restoration of Cahoon Creek, creation of in-water and coastal habitat, and implementation of stormwater best practices. The improvement will provide significant ecological benefits and aligns with the goals of the Lake Erie Community Grant Program, including the implementation of designs partially funded by OLEC's Lake Erie Protection Fund.

Avon

Republican club meeting: Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club will meet at 5 p.m. Dec. 11 in Ragan Hall (1783 Moore Road). Guest speakers will be Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren. Refreshments will be available. Guest cost is $5.

Dangerous toys: Revisit childhood favorites that were deemed dangerous; leading to injuries, recalls and even the creation of child safety organizations during a presentation from 10:30 a.m. to noon Dec. 18 at the Avon Branch Library. Also learn the top five most dangerous toys on the market today. To register, go to LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs.

Halloween event moving: Christmas may be coming, but it’s never too early to plan for Halloween 2026. The popular Haunted Garage Sale & Hearse Cruise-in from the Haunt Club that stopped traffic for hours in Avon this past summer, is moving to the Ross Expo Center at the Lorain County Fairgrounds.

The 11th annual event takes place Aug. 1 in Wellington.

Class of 2026: Avon High School has moved the date for Commencement to May 26 to accommodate the greatest number of seniors as participants. The previous date fell directly on a State level track and field competition that is likely to affect a number of student athletes.

Avon Lake

Walk this way: City officials are proposing to fill in gaps in the existing sidewalk network on both the north and south sides of Lake Road and install pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHB) at Miller Road Park (Beachpark Tower Driveway) and west of the State Route 83 intersection.

Traffic on Lake Road will be maintained during construction. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2027 and last approximately six months.

To facilitate construction activities, the project will require approximately 0.22 acres of permanent right-of-way from Miller Road Park, approximately 0.06 acres of permanent right-of-way from Veterans’ Memorial Park, and approximately 0.07 acres of permanent right-of-way from Bleser Park. The portion of the public sidewalk along Miller Road Park and Veterans’ Memorial Park within the construction limits will not be accessible during sidewalk, ADA ramp construction, and the installation of the PHB. Access to Miller Road Park, Veterans’ Memorial Park, and Bleser Park will be maintained during construction.

Comments concerning the permanent acquisition of property from the parks or the project in general may be sent by mail to Jonathan Liskovec, Public Works Director, City of Avon Lake, 750 Avon Belden Road, Avon Lake, OH, 44012.

Making spirits bright: Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services (CRS) is at again this holiday season with several initiatives to assist those in need.

Santa's Workshop is a place where moms and dads will be able to choose toys, coats, PJs and family baskets for their kids ages 17 and under.

CRS has an Amazon Wish List with many of the items that are available to client families at Santa's Workshop. Click here to access the wish list and have the items delivered directly to Santa's Workshop.

Themed baskets that include items such as family board games, new bathroom accessories, new kitchen towels/appliances, a baking basket, a movie night basket, etc., are also available for families.

The deadline to donate unwrapped items is Dec. 6.

CRS senior clients will receive a gift bag filled with special items such as gourmet cookies, tea, coffee, hand lotion, and so much more through the Be a Santa to A Senior program. Donations (unwrapped) should be dropped off at the CRS office during regular business hours Monday – Friday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Deadline to donate to this program is Dec. 5. Questions can be directed to Mindy at 440-933-5639 or mpenn@aalcrs.org.

If you would like to donate to any of these initiatives, please contact CRS at 440-933-5639 or go to the CRS website for more information.

Sounds of the season: The TrueNorth Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Richard Fortney, will present their Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at Avon Lake Presbyterian Church, 32340 Electric Blvd. The concert is open to all, and there will be a free will offering to help offset costs.

North Ridgeville

Council seat: Ward 1 Councilwoman Holly Swenk is accepting the elected At-Large position on the North Ridgeville City Council for the 2026-2029 term and will resign her Ward 1 seat, effective at the close of business on Dec. 31.

According to the city’s charter, vacancies in City Council shall be filled for the unexpired term by an appointment made by a majority vote of all remaining members of Council. The appointment will be made within 30 days after the next regular meeting following receipt of official notification of the vacancy. If Council fails to fill the vacancy within the 30 day period, the Mayor will make the appointment.

Interested parties, who must be a resident of Ward 1 in the City of North Ridgeville and a registered voter for at least one year prior to appointment, should send a cover letter and resume to the Clerk of Council’s Office via email at councilclerks@nridgeville.org by Dec. 11.

Geek squad: Need tech help with your Kindle, iPad,tablet, or email? Book a 45-minute one-on-one appointment for tech help from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at the North Ridgeville Branch Library. Call 440-327-8326.

Rocky River

Schools chat: Join district Superintendent Adham Schirg for coffee and conversation at 9 a.m. Dec. 3 at Erie Island Coffee, 19300 Detroit Road.

Holiday party: The community is invited to celebrate the Holidays with the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce during its annual Holiday Party from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Don Umerley Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd.

Tickets are $50 (member/non member), and $55 on the night of the event.

Enjoy a night filled with raffle baskets with prizes, open bar, appetizers, dinner, desserts, games, music, and pictures with Santa.

To register, go to rockyriverchamber.com.

Westlake

Wreath donation: The Westlake Garden Club recently presented a whimsical ‘Alice in Wonderland’ wreath to Cathy DuBois, librarian at the Dover Intermediate School library.

The imaginative wreath had previously been featured at the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Frost Winter Event, where children’s literature themes were showcased in creative floral displays. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale, the wreath includes playful motifs such as teacups, pocket watches, playing cards, and vibrant floral accents.

Breakfast with Santa: Kids can visit with Santa, take photos, create festive crafts, and write letters while families enjoy pancakes together from 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Recreation Center.

Registration is required with a maximum of 100 participants. Tickets are $25 for adults, and $20 for children ages 3 to 17, while little ones under 2 attend free, but must be registered. For more information.