It’s time to Discover the Ridge and support local in North Ridgeville.

The annual free event, sponsored by the North Ridgeville Visitors Bureau, takes place from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. May 17 and features 28 participating locations kicking off at The Original Don Mould’s Garden Center, 34837 Lorain Road, and is an opportunity to showcase the businesses in the city, as well as bring the community together.

The day will begin with a Flag Ceremony by the VFW Color Guard at 10 a.m. at the garden center. Also onsite will be food (available for purchase) and vendors, as well as the North Ridgeville Historical Society with memorabilia for sale.

Many of the businesses are offering sales, demonstrations and other fun giveaways. There is also an opportunity to win a big screen television in the Discover the Ridge drawing.

Additional information is on the city’s website, nridgeville.org .

If you have any questions, contact the North Ridgeville Visitors Bureau at 440-327-3737 or go to nrchamber.com .

Jet’s Pizza update: It may appear as if it’s so close to opening, but it’s not. While the paper is off the windows at the 36785 Detroit Road location and several have posted the pizza shop had a beverage delivery recently, the owners are not yet ready to open.

After coming back from vacation I reached out to the owners again for an update as I thought for sure Jet’s was going to open while I was enjoying the Florida sunshine.

The response I received from the owners was this, “Still a few weeks away. We’ll stay in touch. We don’t have an exact grand opening date.”

Holy Trinity School administration changes: A new leadership model was recently announced at Holy Trinity School, 2610 Nagel Road.

For more than a decade, Michael Modzeleski and Kim Kuchta led Holy Trinity together under an unconventional co-principal model. With Kuchta’s upcoming departure to St. Edward High School, Holy Trinity is transitioning to a three-leader administrative structure.

The new leadership team includes: Modzeleski, Head of School; Kevin Kaufhold, Lower School Principal (Preschool–Grade 3); and Anne Flanagan, Upper School Principal (Grades 4–8).

Kaufhold is a former junior high social studies teacher and director of religious education for the Avon Catholic Community.

Flanagan comes to Holy Trinity from Immaculate Conception School in Clintonville, Ohio.

New ownership: The Wine Room, 35840 Chester Road, is under new ownership.

The establishment is now a full bar that also sells a wide assortment of beers, selzers, hard liquor, and of course, wine; as well as an assortment of light appetizers.

Swiftie bowls: Each year advanced ceramic students at BAYarts, 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village, create work for an exhibit they put together themselves under the instruction of Ceramics Department Head Moira Beale.

This year’s theme is the Artful Bowl. Avon resident Tiffany Scherer will be participating in the exhibition where she will be showing her series of Swiftie bowls. The bowls are inspired by the music, videos and fashion of Taylor Swift.

According to Scherer, who was an avid follower of Swift’s Eras Tour, to fill the gap she started making the bowls to keep the Swiftie spirit alive.

“When I’m making them, I always listen to Taylor’s music and incorporate the vibe, themes and colors from her songs into the clay,” she said in an email. “It has been a total blast, and now that I’m finished I wanted to get the word out there so that any other Swifties who are in Eras Tour withdrawal, like me, can come and feel immersed in Swiftie goodness.”

An opening reception for the exhibition is from 5 to 8 p.m. May 9. The show runs May 9-24.

Upcoming library events: Learn from a professional actor from Great Lakes Theater who will lead children (ages 10-18) through an adventure in the classics, teaching sword fighting and recreating epic fight scenes in classic literature at the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, from 4 to 5 p.m. May 13. Pre-registration required.

– Friends of the Avon Library will meet at 6:30 p.m. May 13 at the library. The group hosts book sales and volunteers at various programs in support of the library branch.

Nutrition and Wellness, from 6 to 7 p.m. May 14 at the library. Pre-registration is required.

To register for the programs, go to LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs .

Cashless ballpark: The Lake Erie Crushers are preparing for the upcoming baseball season and recently announced Crushers Stadium will become a cashless facility.

Accepted payment methods include major credit and debit cards (Visa, Mastercard, Discover, American Express), and mobile payments (Apple Pay, Google Pay).

The Crushers will kick off the 2025 season on the road on May 8 against the New York Boulders before returning to Crushers Stadium for the home opener on May 13, against the Florence Y’alls.

For more information, go to LakeErieCrushers.com.

Press box naming rights: A few months ago, the Avon Local Schools recently approved an agreement with Westlake-based Westland Heating and Air Conditioning + Plumbing , for the naming rights to the high school stadium, 3075 Stoney Ridge Road.

The district also recently approved the naming rights to the press box located at the stadium. The space will now be known as the Daniel Siegfried Family press box.

The donation is in memory of Dan Siegfried, a 2004 Avon High School graduate. He was an athlete and academic scholar. He passed away on Oct. 7, 2023.

An initial donation payment for the 2025-26 season is $50,000 for renovation, new signage, etc. Then for the next five years through 2030, the family will donate $500 to the school district, for a total donation of $52,000 for the naming rights.

The Siegfried Family also offers two $2,500 scholarships (non-renewable) in memory of Dan each year.

Big Top Brew House opens: While I was on vacation last week, a soft opening for the new restaurant in the former Railroad Brewing Company space, 820 Center Road, took place.

Big Top Brew House , by the former Avon Brewing Company Presents ZZ’s Big Top , 35015 Detroit Road, owners, is a larger location and offers more menu items including smash burgers, as well as wings.

Hours are 3 to 10 p.m. Monday-Thursday; 3 to 11 p.m. Fridays; 11 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturdays; and from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sundays.

The kitchen closes one hour before the brewery closes.

Follow on Facebook for specials and menu offerings, go to facebook.com/bigtopbrewingco .

For those of you who missed the news when ZZs closed, a new Mexican restaurant is going into the former ZZ’s space. Work is already taking place to exterior.

The restaurant is owned by the Las Margaritas owners and they confirmed that they plan to keep their original Avon Lake location, 519 Avon Belden Road, as well as the Tacos Del Pueblo Mexican Grill restaurant, 34173 Center Ridge Road in North Ridgeville.

They plan to do some minor remodeling to the ZZ’s space, including paving the parking lot, updating restrooms, and expect to open the new restaurant sometime this summer.

More brewing news: As previously reported in a Short Takes column last year , the space that was formerly home to Railroad Brewing Company (RBC), 1010 Center Road, will have a new brewery occupant.

Brew Naked purchased the space in August 2024 and the owners announced they plan to renovate the space.

Those plans are finally coming to fruition as representatives from Brew Naked LLC, recently submitted plans to the city’s Board of Zoning and Building Appeals (meeting is May 7).

The proposal consists of the demolition of the existing home, construction of a new building and outdoor entertainment.

According to information posted on Facebook, Brew Naked will serve craft alcoholic/non-alcoholic beverages and small bites, as well as offer live music in a spacious dog/family-friendly beer garden.

The brewery is expected to open sometime this year. Follow the progress on their Facebook page .

Garden Club events: The Avon Garden Club will be hosting their Annual Spring Plant Sale from 8 a.m. to noon May 17 at 36744 Detroit Road (behind the Avon Senior Center).

Members will be selling plants from their gardens, with perennials, house plants, and seeds available for purchase. Baked goods will also be available to purchase. Cash or PayPal accepted.

For more information, go to avonohiogardenclub.org .

The Avon Garden Club will be hosting a Dine-to-Donate event at City Barbeque, 35495 Chester Road from 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. May 21.

Mention the Avon Garden Club and 20 percent of your meal’s price will be donated back to the garden club.

Parking lot expansion, construction update: Pickleball players will be happy to hear the city has expanded the pickleball courts parking lot at Avon High School, 37545 Detroit Road, with approximately 40 additional spaces.

Work also continues on the weight room and locker room project in the back of the high school. The progress is on target to be completed before school starts in August.

Shout-outs: The Educational Service Center of Lorain County (ESC) recently hosted the county’s Grades 5–6 Spelling Bee bringing together 47 students from 20 schools across the county.

Congratulations to the top finishers - Maria Nunney, first place, sixth-grader at Holy Trinity School; and Vihaan Laik, second place, fifth-grader at Avon Heritage Elementary School.

–This year’s Franklin B. Walter scholarship honoree, through the ESC, is Avon High School senior Aliya Ali.

She plans to study biology and neuroscience at John Carroll University and become a doctor. Her HIV/AIDS research earned state recognition, and she’s served the community through volunteering at the Avon Cleveland Clinic since 2021.

Power plant: According to information from city officials, Lake Road, in front of the old power plant, had to be closed May 2, due to an unexpected and potentially hazardous condition at the site.

Relatively weak sections of the building facade began to fall from the front of the administration building during demolition activities at the rear of the building. For safety reasons, the decision was made to remove the weakened facade sections from the front of the building.

The building remains stable and demolition will continue, as planned and on schedule.

The City of Avon Lake, ALERG, and the Avon Lake Historical Society are committed to saving as many artifacts from the building as possible, and will continue to evaluate removal while ensuring the safety of the community and contractors, according to city officials.

Deer control survey: Residents are encouraged to complete the annual Deer Control Survey to help assist in tracking deer issues. The survey is open online until June 30. Go to avonlake.org .

Musical performance: The Cleveland Pops Orchestra Chorus is coming to St. Joseph Catholic Church, 32929 Lake Road, at 7:30 p.m. May 10.

Admission is free. Donations will be accepted at the event.

Bike rodeo: Registration is now open for the annual Randy Knilans Memorial Avon Lake Bike Rodeo. The city, along with the Avon Lake Police Department , Marty’s Cycle Center and Bike Cleveland are hosting the free educational event from 10 a.m. to noon May 17 at the Avon Lake High School (north parking lot), 175 Avon Belden Road, for children ages 5-12. To register, go to avonlakeoh.myrec.com .

Also, the week of May 19 is the Avon Lake City Schools’ annual Bike Week, when all elementary schools, Troy and Learwood students are encouraged to ride their bikes to and from school to promote physical activity.

Drivers are reminded to use extreme caution when traveling around town during Bike Week. Slow down, stay off your phones and watch out for slow/stopped traffic.

Ambassador program: The Avon Lake Public Library (ALPL) recently announced the launch of its new DiscoveryWorks Ambassador volunteer program.

According to library officials, ambassador volunteers offer a special opportunity to enhance the visitor experiences through exhibit interpretation, sharing the library’s story, and fostering a more in-depth appreciation for DiscoveryWorks’ programs, services, and activities.

The library is looking for both adult and teen volunteers. There are a variety of needs, including activities such as helping with craft kits, scanning documents, event help, energy bike demonstrations for DiscoveryWorks, Friends of ALPL, and opportunities.

To sign up, go to alpl.org/volunteer .

Donations needed: Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services (CRS) is currently in need of jelly/jam (plastic jars please) and all types of toiletries, including shampoo, deodorant (men’s and women’s), toothpaste and toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, etc.

While you are out shopping this week, please consider adding these items to your shopping list. CRS accepts donations during regular business hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday - Friday. Drive down the alley behind the office and ring the doorbell by the CRS sign.

Reminder, CRS does not accept clothing, household items or medical supplies.

Community Shred Day: Gather up your sensitive documents and take them to the Community Shred Day event from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17 at the Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center, 32850 Electric Blvd.

There will be two trucks at the event. Habitat for Humanity will also be present to collect household items. Habitat for Humanity accepts all kinds of furniture, kitchenware/appliances, tools, electric fixtures/plumbing, landscaping items, etc. They do not accept beds, paint, or clothing. All items should be usable/clean, etc.

Each household may bring up to five standard size copy paper boxes or five grocery-sized bags of personal, confidential documents.

For more information, go to www.avonlake.org .

Shout-outs: Congratulations to Olivia and Sophia Panciu for placing second in the Ohio History Day 2025 State Contest. This summer, they will represent Ohio in the National Contest held at the University of Maryland in College Park.

– The Avon Lake City Schools Foundation recently distributed Gold Star balloons to 16 teachers throughout the district. The Foundation funded 11 grants totaling over $15,000.

The grants assist staff with programs that extend the learning opportunities for students throughout the district.

Mexican restaurant opens: Tavo’s Tacos Mexican Grill recently opened in the former site of Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe, 33137 Center Ridge Road.

The space has been completely remodeled and looks amazing. Guests can build their own bowls, tacos, and burritos. Breakfast options are also available. The owners are still waiting on the liquor permit, and hope to begin serving margaritas and other spirits within the next few weeks.

Follow Tavo’s Tacos on Facebook and Instagram.

Police Department news: Congratulations and welcome to David Belt, Spencer Collins and Nathan Herbster, who were recently sworn in as the newest members of the North Ridgeville Police Department.

The department also announced several promotions including Gregory Petek to Captain. Officers promoted to lieutenant include Matthew Gorski, Kevin Phillips and Brian Barens.

Officers receiving promotion to sergeant include John Zingale, Charles Callicoat, Damir Kuduzovic, Ryan Jones and Ian Wilkshire.

The Police Department is also joining law enforcement agencies nationwide for the “Click It or Ticket” campaign, running May 19 through June 1.

The seat belt enforcement effort coincides with the Memorial Day holiday and aims to remind drivers and passengers that seat belts save lives.

Upcoming tent permits requirements: Did you know that large tents and other temporary structures are governed by the Ohio Building Code (OBC)? To ensure public safety, the city is implementing a new permit process to ensure temporary tents used for special events comply with the OBC.

The requirements will apply to all tents greater than 400-sq.-ft. Exemptions include tents used exclusively for recreational camping and tents having a maximum size of 700-sq.-ft. that are open on all sides.

Permits will be required for tents installed as of May 27, after Memorial Day. The updates are designed to align with state building and fire codes, while helping ensure the safety of our community, according to city officials.

Additional guidance and permit forms will be available on the city’s website prior to May 27. For more information, go to nridgeville.org .

Coffee chat: Join Mayor Kevin Corcoran for his monthly Coffee and Conversation from 8:30 to 9:30 a.m. May 14 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 7307 Avon Belden Road.

Joining the mayor will be Brenda Lett from the North Ridgeville Garden Club. She will share insights into the club’s efforts and give attendees an update on the upcoming plant sale taking place from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 17 at South Central Park Pavilion No. 1, 7565 Avon Belden Road.

Shout-outs: Congratulations to Liberty Elementary School second-grader Amelia Cassidy. She submitted artwork for the Keep Lorain County Beautiful billboard contest.

Out of 765 entries, her design was selected as one of the three to be created into a billboard. You can see her artwork when driving to downtown Elyria on West Avenue near Lake Avenue.

– Thank you to the North Ridgeville Fishing Club for preparing for the recent Fishing Derby. They donated more than a dozen Zebco 202 fishing reels and maintained nearly 40 rods and reels for the event.

The club also has an event co-sponsored with the Rotary Club May 9 with special education students from North Ridgeville City Schools where they offer 1:1 support.

The 35-plus-year-old club teaches children the values and fun of fishing.

The Fishing Club is always welcoming new members. For more information, follow the club on Facebook or email .

– Congratulations to Firefighter/Paramedic Gary Chase on his retirement after 34 years of dedicated service to North Ridgeville. He was a recent recipient of the Life Saver Award for his actions on two different occasions last year that resulted in saving a life.

He has also been a member of both the Swift Water Rescue and Dive Rescue Specialized Response Teams for many years.

Mother’s Day Buffet: St. Thomas Church, 715 Harris Road, Sheffield Lake, is hosting a Mother’s Day Brunch fundraiser from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. May 11.

Brunch includes scrambled eggs, sausage, biscuits and gravy, homefries, pancakes, coffee, and orange drink.

Cost is $15 for adults and $8 for children 8-years-old and under.

Beautiful day: Communities throughout Lorain County will be participating in the annual Keep Lorain County Beautiful Cleanup Day. It’s an opportunity for groups and individuals to beautify the area after a long harsh winter.

Residents are encouraged to pitch in and clean up around your neighborhoods.

New waterfront restaurant: With our close proximity to Lake Erie, it’s disappointing that there are not more restaurants on or near the water.

A new restaurant is opening in the former Jackalope, also known as Erie Steak & Seafood Co., waterfront location at 301 Lakeside Ave., Lorain.

Sweet Pork Wilson’s will celebrate its grand opening from 4 to 7 p.m. May 17.

For more information, go to sweetporkwilsons.com .

Happy Mother’s Day!

If you have news/information or a story idea you’d like to share or a ‘shout-out’, please send an email to [email protected]. Follow me on Twitter @jshortavon .

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