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Short Takes on the Westside, December 23: New LoCo Soccer Team name unveiling, Shop with a cop, and more...
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Short Takes on the Westside
Happy Holidays!
Avon
Prepare to stop: Please be advised that a new traffic light has been installed at Detroit and Long roads and became fully operational Dec. 22. Drivers and pedestrians are encouraged to use extra caution when driving or walking in the area, stay alert for changing traffic patterns, and obey all posted signs.
Soccer brand unveiling: Get ready to cheer on the Leviathan next summer as the name and logo won the public vote for the new Lorain County USL2 soccer team coming to ForeFront Field (formerly named Crushers Stadium). League representatives, Crushers owners, city officials, sponsors, guests, and community members recently gathered at Cameo Pizza (inside T3 Performance adjacent to the stadium), for the official announcement and unveiling.
Leviathan is a sea serpent demon noted in theology and mythology.
Racks, repair station added: Through a generous “Healthy Places” grant from Lorain County Public Health, the city has installed new bikes racks at Eagle Point Park, Heritage Square Gazebo, Centennial Road entrance at the Traxler Family Arboretum, and the Every Child’s Playground.
If you need a quick bike repair or air in your tires, a new bike repair stand is now located at Heritage Square (corner of Detroit and Stoney Ridge roads).
Iced over: The owners of 808 Shaved Ice posted recently on social media that their Fairview Park 808 will not reopen in 2026.
Fairview was the first 808 location, opening in 2017. No single reason for the closure was given, but the owners did note that, like nearly all small businesses, they face challenges that force them to make difficult decisions.
The Avon and Strongsville locations will not be affected by the news. The owners also mentioned that they are open to partnerships in Fairview Park or Rocky River with area businesses that could allow 808 to operate seasonally from shared space or their mobile units.
There are plans in the works to bring a new 808 location to Northeast Ohio next summer. Negotiations are currently taking place and the owners hope to post more details in the coming weeks / months.
Noon Year’s Eve: Families can ring in the New Year a little earlier during the annual Noon Year's Eve celebration at the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, from 11:30 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. Dec. 31.
Crushing it: The Lake Erie Crushers have extended the contract for field manager Jared Lemieux into the 2027 season.
Lemieux joined the Crushers in 2023, and in 2024 he led the franchise to its first playoff appearance in five years.
He became the first manager in Lake Erie Crushers history to make the playoffs in back-to-back seasons. He was also inducted into the Maine Baseball Hall of Fame in 2024.
The Lake Erie Crushers will open their 17th season at newly named ForeFront Field on May 8 in a playoff rematch against the Schaumburg Boomers. For information on season ticket memberships visit lakeeriecrushers.com.
School safety: The Avon Local Schools recently added an additional School Resource Officer (SRO) in the district bringing the total now to four SRO’s dedicated to protecting and serving the school community.
Officer Brett Bangas brings more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, having served with the Lorain Police Department, as a federal agent, and most recently as a deputy with the Lorain County Sheriff's Office, to the school district and will be working at the Avon Early Learning Center and Avon East Elementary School.
He recently retired from federal service and also had the privilege of serving our nation as a Chief Petty Officer and Master at Arms in the United States Navy Reserves, which included multiple deployments overseas.
Avon Lake
New job: In the Dec. 15 edition of Short Takes I mentioned that a change in leadership is taking place at Avon Lake High School (ALHS) as assistant principal Adam Slabodnick will be the new principal effective Jan. 5.
It was mentioned that current principal Mike May recently accepted a position in another school district, but the district was not mentioned in the Avon Lake Superintendent’s online newsletter. May has been principal at ALHS since 2020.
We now know that May was recently approved for an administrative role as the new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Facilitator at Bedford High School.
As part of the district’s continued cost cutting initiatives, Avon Lake High School will not be replacing Slabodnick’s assistant principal role and will now have only two assistant principals (Dr. Brad Cocco and Maria Gingo).
Pick your favorite: It’s time to hop in the car, turn on the holiday tunes, and take a festive drive around the city to check out the entries in the city’s Deck the House contest.
Vote for your favorite display now through Jan. 4. One vote per email address. To select your favorite, click here.
New Year’s Eve celebration: American Legion Post 211, 31972 Walker Road, is hosting a New Year's Eve party that is open to the public. Doors open at 5:30 p.m. Appetizers and a cash bar will be available at that time. A buffet dinner, prepared by Avon Lake's own Big M Restaurant, begins at 6 p.m. Live music and dancing is from 7 to 10 p.m.
Have no fear Buckeye fans, the football game will be on television.
Tickets are $45 per person and are available at the Post’s onsite canteen from noon to 10 p.m. daily.
For more information, call: 440-933-8695 or 440-610-1112.
Shout-outs: Commander Mike Schrull and the Legionnaires of Avon Lake American Legion Post 211 recently presented a $5,000 donation check to honor the bravery and sacrifice of the three Lorain Police officers and their families affected by last summer’s tragic ambush and shooting. With this contribution, combined with donations from the Post 211 American Legion Auxiliary, Sons of American Legion, and Riders, each officer and the wife of Officer Phillip Wagner received a total of $10,000 in support.
Another organization in the community making a difference is the Avon Lake Historical Society. For the fourth consecutive year, the group provided a hot Christmas lunch for the city employees including members of the Avon Lake Police Department, Fire Department, Public Works, and City Administration.
This year’s lunch once again represented a collaborative community effort between the Avon Lake Historical Society and Jake’s on the Lake, a local restaurant known for its commitment to Avon Lake and its residents.
In conjunction with its Feed the City efforts, the Avon Lake Historical Society also recognizes outstanding community partners whose generosity and civic spirit help shape Avon Lake’s story. Earlier this year, Jake’s on the Lake was recognized for supporting Feed the City and its continued commitment to serving the community and earned the History Maker Award.
The 2026 History Maker Award was awarded to Northern Hammerworks, whose ongoing support of the Avon Lake Historical Society and numerous local civic and nonprofit organizations has made a lasting impact.
Bay Village
Fairytale fundraiser: Get ready for a night of enchantment and magical memories at the Anniversary Gala for the Fairytale Foundation, a non-profit founded by Bay High School alum Stephanie Jordan, from 5 to 8:30 p.m. Dec. 27 at the Cleveland Yacht Club, 200 Yacht Club Drive, Rocky River.
This year, the Fairytale Foundation is celebrating 10 years of service in Northeast Ohio. The organization currently has 60 active volunteers, ages 14-22, from Bay Village and the surrounding communities. The volunteers perform at Wish Visits, private birthdays, and public celebrations (Bay Days) to help bring a little magic to the community.
The Gala event begins with character photo ops and light appetizers. A buffet dinner will follow with a cash bar (2 drinks complementary with ticket). A silent auction, dancing and other activities are also included.
Tickets are $150 per person. To support the magic, click here.
Citizen, project of the year: Do you know of a resident that goes above and beyond for the community? Or a project that has impacted the city?
The Bay Village Community Council (BVCC) has opened the nomination period for the 2026 Citizen and Project of the Year honors. The deadline to submit nominations is Jan. 9.
Citizen of the Year nominees, either individual or couple, must be Bay Village residents that have provided significant community service without monetary reward. Special projects will be considered for Project of the Year based on community impact and the involvement of volunteers and organizations.
Nomination forms are available at Bay Village City Hall, Dwyer Community/Senior Center, the Bay Village Library Branch or online. Completed forms may be submitted via email to Tara Wendell or mailed in/dropped off to Bay Village City Hall marked to the attention of "Community Council Nomination".
For more information about the Bay Village Community Council or the Citizen of the Year/Project of the Year awards, email Tara Wendell.
Artwork on display: Bay Village Schools Superintendent Scot Prebles has turned a corner of the Bay Village Board of Education office into an art gallery, featuring artwork chosen for the Superintendent’s Choice Art Awards.
The art was chosen from the recent Fall District Art Show. The artwork was revealed, and the students and their teachers were recognized during a recent Board of Education meeting.
Prebles selects art from the district’s four K-12 buildings. The art will be displayed outside of his office for one year. New pieces will again be selected in the fall of 2026.
State of the Schools: If you missed Bay Village City School District's "State of the District” event last month, you can watch the entire video via this link. You do not need a Screencastify account, nor do you need to log in to Screencastify, to view the video.
The presentation highlights the district’s strategic plan, celebrates student and staff achievements, and shares updates regarding academics, facilities,and other district happenings. I encourage you to take the time to watch. Stay informed about what’s happening in the schools whether you have a student in the district or not.
North Ridgeville
City Council appointment: Lifelong resident Kate Rogerson was recently appointed to the vacant Ward 1 City Council seat (replacing Holly Swenk who is now serving as a Council-At-Large representative). The 2005 graduate of North Ridgeville High School is involved in many activities and organizations in the community.
She is the daughter of the late Dennis Boose who served on City Council (Ward 2) prior to his passing in 2023.
Blood drive: Give the gift that keeps on giving by making an appointment to give blood during the American Red Cross Blood Drive from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 26 at the North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road.
Appointments are needed and can be scheduled online at RedCrossBlood.org or by calling 1-800-RED CROSS.
Niko’s closing: After nearly two years in business, Niko’s Gyros To-Go, 34167 Center Ridge Road, will close Dec. 31. The owners posted on social media that the lease is up and they have made the ‘difficult decision not to renew it.’
They also noted that they are ‘actively exploring opportunities to expand into a new location.’ A location is currently planned for Brunswick.
All gift cards purchased may still be used at our Broadview Heights location.
Noon Year’s Eve: Ring in 2026 with music, dancing and a special countdown for a ball drop at noon for families to celebrate Noon Year's Eve from 11 a.m. to noon Dec. 31 at the North Ridgeville Branch Library.
Rocky River
New Year’s resolution: Kick off a better you for the New Year by attending the community-wide free Health and Wellness Fair at the Rocky River Recreation Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd., from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Jan. 3.
The event is designed to promote health, fitness, and family togetherness; and features activities and resources for all ages including fitness demonstrations, wellness booths, kids' activities, and activities.
Chili cook-off: Do you have the best chili recipe? Consider entering the Senior Center’s 9th Annual Chili Cook-off set to take place at noon Jan. 16.
Chili tasting includes small servings of homemade recipes. Registration is free and open to all interested chefs. Chili must be your own homemade recipe (store bought chili is strictly prohibited) and quantity must fill a six-quart crock pot to ensure enough for samples and judging.
Advance tickets sales to sample the delicious recipes are $10 for residents, and $11 non-residents. Proceeds benefit services, programs and activities at the Rocky River Senior Center. Deadline to purchase tickets Jan. 9.
If you are interested in making chili for the event, there is a sign up sheet at the front desk, 21014 Hilliard Blvd., or call 440-333-6660.
Westlake
Solar power: Cuyahoga County officials recently gathered at the home of new solar homeowner Robert Button to celebrate the 500th installation of solar panels through the county’s Residential Solar Co-op program.
Since 2016, the county has worked with national nonprofit Solar United Neighbors to educate homeowners about solar energy and help them through the installation process.
The 500 installations represent 3.6 megawatts of clean energy. More importantly, this work is projected to save these families more than $19 million on energy costs over the next 25 years, according to the press release.
Public hearings: City officials recently held two public hearings (Dec. 18) for proposed projects. The first was an ordinance for a Conditional Use Permit application from Elemental Wellness to operate a biohacking business at 977-B Bassett Road in an exclusive Industrial District. The Planning Commission reviewed and recommended approval of the application.
The second was an ordinance proposing a text amendment to the Zoning Code that would add "Salon" as a conditional use in Office Laboratory districts. The application was submitted by Joy Beauty Salon, and the Planning Commission recommended approval.
Shout-out: The Westlake Educational Foundation has awarded $22,570 in grants to enhance educational opportunities within the schools. Funds will provide equipment for the high school’s Sensory room, enhancements to the outdoor classroom space at the middle school, transformations in the middle and intermediate schools’ libraries, flexible seating options at the intermediate school, and a STEM experience at the elementary school.