Short Takes on the Westside, January 20:

Avon

New businesses coming: New year, new list of businesses coming to the city including another Mexican restaurant. Cilantro Taqueria is coming to the space formerly occupied by Anytime Fitness at 35516 Detroit Road behind Mitchell’s Ice Cream. This will be the seventh location for the restaurant in the Cleveland area. Additional westside locations include Lakewood and North Olmsted.

According to the restaurant’s owners, what sets Cilantro Taqueria apart from other Mexican restaurants is the "quality of the food, fresh salsas, commitment to genuine customer service; and a fast-casual model that focuses on quality, consistency, and strong community connections."

The owners are hoping to open in late March or early April hopefully in time to celebrate Cinco de Mayo.

Other new businesses coming include Balance Pilates in Nagel Crossings, 33420 Just Imagine Drive; Degree Wellness, 35840 Chester Road (former McConnell Meats space); Pizza 216, 37040 Detroit Road (former Avon Brewing Company location); QuickMed Urgent Care, 36000 Detroit Road (next to Tide Dry Cleaners); and Gerber Collision & Glass, 1530 Moore Road.

Safety grant: The Avon Local School district was awarded $18,985 from the Attorney General. The grant will allow the district to acquire safety materials, tools and training that supports both students, staff and community members. Possible safety materials may include cameras, access controls, communication tools and training for best practices, and vulnerability scanning.

Democrats meeting: Join the Avon Democratic Club (ADC) for a meeting at 6:30 p.m. Feb. 12 at the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive.  

Democratic Candidate for Ohio Secretary of State Bryan Hambley will be guest speaker and the ADC will hold elections for their leadership. To learn more about the ADC, click here.

Galentine’s Day: Grab your girls and come out for a night of self-care, shopping, and celebration at True Hart Boutique, 2540 Stoney Ridge Road, and Whimsy Willow, 2536 Stoney Ridge Road, from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Feb. 5.

Your ticket includes champagne, sweet treats, hand massages, and a special surprise take-home gift—the perfect way to unwind while enjoying a fun night out.

Cost is $14.86 (includes online fees). QR Code is available on Facebook.

Dinosaur invasion: Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Road, is currently closed due to routine maintenance. When it opens Feb. 1, it will be invaded by dinosaurs. The Conservatory is currently being transformed into a prehistoric paradise. Visitors will be able to explore life-size dinosaur replicas, artifacts, and hands-on activities.

The dinosaur exhibit runs Feb. 1–Mar. 1 and is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily. Admission is $4 admission. It’s free for Conservatory members and children ages 2 and under.  

Happy retirement: After more than 11 years of dedicated service to the city, Rose Seigman, Mayor Bryan Jensen’s administrative assistant, recently retired.

The new contact in the mayor’s office is Donna Zalesky.

Avon Lake

Democrats meeting: The Avon Lake Democrats Club will meet at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd. The meeting will focus on plans and goals for this midterm election year. Find information on the Avon Lake Democrats online.

Snowman contest: Do you wanna build a snowman for a chance to win a prize?

The city’s annual Snowman Contest is back. Get outside, get creative, and show us your best frosty friend.

To enter, simply snap a photo of your snowman and email it, along with your family name, to ALREC@AvonLake.org.

The contest is open now through March 1, so you’ll have plenty of chances to build a snowman as we’ve had plenty of snow already this winter season.

Possible tax increase: City Council members are discussing the possibility of placing a levy on the ballot for an additional 0.40% income tax (five years) to provide funds for the purpose of maintaining, repairing and improving city streets  and city bridges; installing traffic signals, as well as acquiring vehicles and equipment for city departments.  

It is also Council’s intent to cease collection (if the levy passes) of the existing 1.5-mill (value) property tax levy for the purpose of police, fire, street maintenance and parks and recreation services, commencing with tax year 2026 (collection year 2027), until its expiration in tax year 2029 (collection year 2030).

Bay Village

District finances: Emily Cundiff has been named Interim Treasurer for the Bay Village City Schools until a permanent successor is appointed by the Board of Education. With nearly 20 years of experience in governmental school finance, she brings a strong foundation in public education budgeting, reporting and financial operations to her current role as deputy director of CONNECT (technology center).

Snowy run: The annual Snowball Run & Walk is a cool community event to raise money for Bay schools athletes and teams. This year’s event takes place at 9 a.m. Feb. 7 at Bay High School, 29230 Wolf Road.

Registration is available online.

Concert canceled: BAYarts recently announced the scheduled Blues DeVille Jan. 23 concert has been postponed. A new date has not been posted.

SOUPer Bowl: The BAYarts SOUPer Bowl raises funds for the Karen Ryel Ceramic Arts & Education Center. Each ticket includes a one-of-a-kind handmade bowl created by BAYarts faculty and students and the opportunity to sample amazing soups made by local makers and chefs. All ages are welcome to attend the Feb. 7 event which takes place from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. at BAYarts, 28795 Lake Road.

Soup makers are still needed for the event.  Whether you’re a professional chef, a home-kitchen pro, or have a beloved family recipe to share, you can compete for the coveted BAYarts SOUPer Bowl prize. Contact Linda@bayarts.net for more information.

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North Ridgeville

‍Chicken Paprikash fundraiser: In a new twist for the new year, the Senior Center is swapping out spaghetti for chicken Paprikash, the perfect comfort food for winter weather.

The fundraiser takes place from 5 to 7 p.m. Jan. 23 at the Senior Center, 7327 Avon Belden Road. The event is supported by the Rotary Club of North Ridgeville.

Cost is $8 for adults, $7 for seniors, and $5 for children 10 and under. Soda and desserts are available for $1 each. Dine-in or carry-out is available.

‍Winter fun: The 2026 Winter Program Guide for North Ridgeville Parks and Recreation is now available and registration is open. The guide covers programming from January through April and is packed with activities for all ages. Click here to explore the guide or visit the city’s website to browse and register for your favorite activities.

‍Shout-out: Culver’s, KLT Insurance and Wink Properties were recently recognized by the North Ridgeville Chamber of Commerce for their commitment to giving back, supporting nonprofits and strengthening the local economy.

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Rocky River

‍Library grant: The Rocky River Public Library has received a Library Services and Technology Act (LSTA) Conservation and Preservation Grant from the State Library of Ohio.

The grant will fund the restoration of multiple pieces in the Cowan Pottery Museum collection. After their restoration, the pieces and documentation of the restoration process will be on display in an upcoming 2026 exhibit.

The Cowan Pottery Museum will have three of its flower frog figurines restored over the course of the next six months.

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Westlake

‍Digital presentation: The Westlake Council of PTAs are sponsoring a special screening of the documentary film "Screenagers" at 7 p.m. Jan. 27 in the Westlake High School Performing Arts Center (PAC), 27830 Hilliard Blvd.

Guests will learn about the challenges that school-aged children, parents and educators are facing in today’s digital world, and discover practical strategies to help support children's mental health and well-being.

The event is for parents and guardians of students in grade K-6. Register here.

Winter market: Shop the indoor North Union Farmers Market at Crocker Park, 9 Main Street (former Bar Louie space) from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. every Saturday from now until March 28.

Also at Crocker Park, sports fashion and footwear retailer JD Sports recently opened in the former Apple storefront location.

It’s showtime: Escape the winter blues and come out to see “Maytag Virgin” at Clague Playhouse, 1371 Clague Road, Jan. 30 through Feb. 22.

Shows are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Fridays, and Saturdays; and 2 p.m. on Sundays

Talk-backs with the director and cast are following the shows Jan. 31, Feb. 8, and Feb. 14.

“Maytag Virgin” tells the tale of a classic love story by southern regionalist Audrey Cefaly, “Maytag Virgin” follows Alabama school teacher Lizzy Nash and her new neighbor, Jack Key, over the years following the tragic death of Lizzy's husband.  The play explores the ideas of inertia and self-enlightenment, and the bridge between the two.

Tickets can be purchased online, or by calling the box office at 440-331-0403 (box office hours are 1 to 6 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays, and on show dates for one hour before curtain time).

‍Brick orders: Get yours now as April 1 is the final deadline to place a brick order for the Friends of Westlake Porter Public Library Pavilion walkway.

Bricks are $125 and tax-deductible. The installation will be in the summer. Here is the link to order.

Shout-out: Thank you to the Westlake Town Criers who worked with Columbia Gas of Cleveland to obtain a grant of $5,000 for the police public donation fund.  The funds will be used to help pay for continued public outreach initiatives. Westlake Town Criers.

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