Several businesses in the Sun Sentinel coverage area (Avon, Avon Lake and North Ridgeville) are among the best in the area, according to votes cast during the annual Best of Lorain County awards from Lorain County's Pulse Magazine, a Great Lake Publishing publication.
After receiving dozens of nominations in a variety of categories, finalists were announced earlier in the summer and gathered during a special celebration at Lorain County Community College in July. During the event, more than 700 attendees voted for their favorites and the winners were recently announced in the magazine's October issue.
Congratulations to the winners listed below. Remember to shop local and support businesses in your community.
Best Desserts: Kelsey Elizabeth Cakes, Avon, Avon Lake (location now closed)
Best Personal Trainer: Linda Lavalle - Fitness Center at UH Avon Health Center, Avon
Halloween festival: The French Creek YMCA's 12th annual Halloween Festival takes place from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 26 at 2010 Recreation Lane. Cost is $10 per family (open to the community) and pre-registration is required. Costumes are encouraged and the event includes games, pumpkin painting, refreshments, inflatable obstacle course, and other fun activities. For more information, go to bit.ly/4f2ba1b.
Upcoming library events: Beginner Spanish for kids ages 4-8 takes place from 4 to 4:30 p.m. Nov. 1 at the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive. Additional activities include games, crafts, and songs.
Learn what diabetes is, how it progresses, and what lifestyle changes you can make to reduce your risk during a Diabetes Self Care presentation from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Nov. 6 at the library.
Pre-registration is required for the programs, go to LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs.
The Friends Book Sale takes place from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 9 at the library. The sale is open to the public and includes books and DVDs for all ages. Suggested donation is $1 per item.
Historical Society meeting, program: The monthly meeting for the Avon Historical Society features a program entitled, "A Grateful Nation Thanks You: The US Coast Guard and Temporary Reserves on the Great Lakes in WWII, 1942-1945'' featuring guest speaker, Christopher Gillcrist, director emeritus of the National Museum of the Great Lakes in Toledo.
The meeting is at 7 p.m. Nov. 7 at the Avon Olde Town Hall, corner of Detroit and Stoney Ridge Roads.
For more information, go to avonhistory.org.
Holiday craft show: One of the largest church craft shows in the area is looking for vendors for the holiday season. The 49th Annual Christmas in the Barn Craft Show is Dec 7 at Avon United Methodist Church. Vendor tables are currently available, email [email protected].
AVON LAKE
New officer: Congratulations to Jacob Zuzek recently sworn in as a member of the Police Department. He is currently attending the Cleveland Heights Police Academy and will graduate in December.
Halloween fun: Come dressed in costume for the Trunk-or-Treat and Costume Contest from 3 to 5 p.m. Oct. 27 at Avon Lake United Church of Christ, 32801 Electric Blvd.
Donations needed: Avon/ Avon Lake Community Resources Services (CRS) is in need of toilet paper donations. Drop off during regular business hours from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday - Friday at 33479 Lake Road.
Youth basketball: Youth Basketball Registration is now open through the city's Parks and Recreation Department. Divisions available include grades 1-2 boys and girls, 3-4 boys, 3-5 girls, 5-6 boys, 6-8 girls, and 7-8 boys. Grades 1-2 practice 30 minutes before their 30-minute game, grades 3-4 practice one day a week, and grades 5 and up practice two times a week at the coaches discretion. Volunteer coaches are also needed to run the program.
Deadline to register is Nov. 11. Go to avonlakerec.com.
Haunt the House voting: Voting is underway for the Haunt the House contest. You may vote for your top three once per email address. The top three winners will be announced Nov. 1 and prizes will be awarded from Parker's Grille & Tavern, Old School Pizza & Wings by Parker's, EarthWise Pet Avon Lake, Romeo's Pizza, and Dirte Pi.
To vote, go to tinyurl.com/5j7m5pk9.
Leaf pick up: Curbside leaf collection, provided by the Public Works Department, is underway through December (weather permitting).
City workers will not pick up yard waste generated by professional tree contractors and landscapers. Leaves should be placed on the tree lawn area, not in the street or sidewalks. Remember to keep catch basins clear of debris to reduce flooding during heavy rains. Leaf piles should only contain leaves. Leaves and branches should be separated as they are collected with different equipment and branches are harmful to the leaf equipment.
For more information, go to avonlake.org/city-services/leaf-pick-up.
Ward meeting: Ward 1 Councilman Rob Shahmir continues his meetings with residents. Come out from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Oct. 29 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Boulevard. The monthly meetings will give residents of Ward 1 the opportunity to discuss concerns and work together to develop action plans. For more information, email [email protected].
Concert, food truck applications: The city's Parks and Recreation Department is already planning for the 2025 summer concert season. Solos, duos, trios and full bands can apply. Deadline is Dec. 15.
For more information, go to forms.gle/Lvn97ih2wSD4HX7D7. If you have questions, email [email protected].
Food truck vendors can also apply for next year. Go to forms.gle/Avxa44CHXP4y9pb68.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Bridge opening: During his weekly Facebook update, Mayor Kevin Corcoran announced the reopening of Bagley Road Bridge that goes over the Ohio Turnpike. The Ohio Department of Transportation (ODOT) and its contractor have been working on the bridge for the past several months. It will open Oct. 25.
Thank you cards: Stop in during regular business hours at the North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road, and show appreciation for our military by creating a thank you card for Veterans. Cards will be collected through November and will be delivered to the North Ridgeville VFW and other local veterans.
Kiddie Kloset: The North Ridgeville Early Childhood PTAs Fall Kiddie Kloset is Nov. 2 at the North Ridgeville Academic Center, 34620 Bainbridge Road. Early bird admission is $5 from 7:30 to 9 a.m. Admission is $2 from 9 a.m. to noon. Shop for gently used baby and kids items.
Home occupations: Did you know that the city requires homeowners that operate a business out of their house to obtain a home occupation permit? Examples of home occupations include professional offices for accountants and attorneys; personal services such as tailors and barbers; or instructional services in music or art.
No permit is required to work remotely for your employer. Home occupations are regulated to ensure that business activities do not negatively impact surrounding residential properties.
Craft show: The 10th annual Lorain County Community College Give Thanks Craft & Vendor Show features more than 75 vendors with holiday gifts and decor. The event takes place from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Nov. 9-10 at 1005 Abbe Road North, Elyria. Admission is free for both days.
Vocational open house: Learn more about the Lorain County Joint Vocational School (JVS) during an Open House from noon to 3 p.m. Nov. 24 at 15181 State Route 58, Oberlin. To register, go to ow.ly/CVGQ50TG0iG.