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Cleveland Buzzes with Browns Pride, Mentor Boys Basketball Win at Buzzer

Issue #003

In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

 🗓️ LOTS OF EVENTS in today’s issue

 🔬 New Insights: Why Most New Year's Resolutions Fail by April

 🔨 Eastern Lake County's Multi-Faceted Approach to Addressing Staffing Shortages

 🏀 Discover Lake County’s Professional Basketball Team

 🏀 Mentor's Dramatic Victory: A Last-Second Layup Seals the Win at Arby's Classic

 🏈 Cleveland Browns Secure Playoff Spot, City Buzzes with Anticipation

 🏈 Cleveland Browns’ Garrett Reveals Heartache Amidst Playoff Joy

 

December 30th

December 31st

January 5th

January 7th

🔬 New Insights: Why Most New Year's Resolutions Fail by April

A recent Forbes Health/One Poll survey has brought to light a concerning trend among Americans regarding New Year's resolutions. Despite the optimism and commitment that marks the start of every new year, over half of Americans tend to abandon their resolutions within the first three months. This phenomenon raises questions about the effectiveness of these annual promises and the factors contributing to their premature end.

Researchers from Ohio State University's Fisher College of Business have identified key reasons for the high failure rate of these resolutions. They point to the gap between resolutions made out of tradition and those stemming from a genuine need for change. The study emphasizes the importance of anticipating obstacles, setting achievable goals, and implementing accountability measures to increase the likelihood of success.

🔨 Eastern Lake County's Multi-Faceted Approach to Addressing Staffing Shortages

In Eastern Lake County, businesses continue to face staffing challenges, with help wanted signs prevalent across various sectors. To address this, the Eastern Lake County Chamber of Commerce, in collaboration with other local chambers and Ohio Means Jobs Lake County, is taking proactive steps. They've organized events like a job fair at Mentor High School and the Think Manufacturing Career Expo, drawing over 500 students to explore over 40 manufacturing companies. These initiatives aim to educate high school students about the evolving nature of jobs, particularly in manufacturing, and prepare them for future employment.

In a related effort, the University Circle Police Department has launched the Police Ambassador program. This initiative, conceptualized by Police Chief Tom Wetzel, partners with organizations like HELP Foundation, Inc. and Magnolia Clubhouse to create meaningful job opportunities, particularly for people with mental or developmental disabilities. The program involves part-time work, assisting in various police operations and community policing events. It aims to foster inclusivity and provide valuable work experience to its participants.

The HELP Foundation, a provider of services for those with intellectual and developmental disabilities, plays a crucial role in these employment initiatives. They focus on vocational training and employment services, aiming to integrate individuals with disabilities into the workforce. This approach emphasizes skill-building, reducing barriers to employment, and ensuring fair compensation.

Read More by William Tilton and Marah Morrison at the News-Herald

🏀 Discover Lake County’s Professional Basketball Team

Did you know that Lake County has a professional basketball team? The Burning River Buckets are an ABA League basketball team based right here on the north coast. The team plays their home games at the Mentor Athletic Complex at Mentor High School. They currently have a 3-4 record and sit in third place of the ABA’s Central Blue Division. However, you may not know they are the defending national champions of the ABA. That’s right… back in the 2022-23 season, the Burning River Buckets won the title. If you’re interested in more information, check out the website for the Burning River Buckets.

For ticket information, please click here.

🏀 Mentor's Dramatic Victory: A Last-Second Layup Seals the Win at Arby's Classic

In a nail-biting finish at the Arby's Classic basketball tournament, Mentor High School's senior, Matt Biddell, delivered a stunning buzzer-beating layup to clinch a 96-95 victory over George Wythe High School. This thrilling win, secured on December 28, propelled Mentor into the semifinals of this prestigious event in Tennessee, setting them up for a clash against Kell High School from Georgia on December 29.

Mentor's journey to this climactic moment was fraught with challenges. Trailing 93-89 with just 40 seconds left on the clock, Mentor turned the game around with crucial baskets from Kobe Frasure-Azzano and Ian Ioppolo, snatching the lead. However, George Wythe fought back, regaining the lead with only 4.9 seconds to go thanks to a tip-in by Ty Campbell.

In a decisive moment, Coach Bob Krizancic orchestrated a masterful play during a timeout. Matt Biddell, after initially inbounding the ball, received it back, dashed up the court, and executed a perfect layup as time expired. This play not only showcased Biddell's skill but also demonstrated the team's ability to perform under pressure, especially in a packed arena with thousands of spectators.

The game was a rollercoaster from the start, with both teams showcasing their scoring prowess. Mentor, despite early foul troubles and having to frequently adjust their lineup, managed to stay competitive. Particularly noteworthy was Ian Ioppolo's 32-point contribution, primarily from inside play, diverging from his usual three-point shooting. Kobe Frasure-Azzano also shone brightly, especially in the crucial fourth quarter, contributing significantly to Mentor's interior game.

This victory not only highlights Mentor's resilience and tactical prowess but also sets the stage for their next challenge in the tournament.

🏈 Cleveland Browns Secure Playoff Spot, City Buzzes with Anticipation

Cleveland Browns fans are reveling in the excitement following their team's playoff berth, secured after a victorious game against the New York Jets. The city is abuzz with anticipation, though the Browns' opponent in the playoffs remains unknown. This success has sparked a surge of optimism among both players and fans, many of whom believe this could be the year for a deeper playoff run.

Cornerback Denzel Ward encapsulated the team's high spirits, emphasizing the need to build on this momentum and bring more victories to Cleveland. Fans are equally enthusiastic, with many eager to acquire new Browns merchandise to commemorate their playoff journey. One fan, Dylan Gardner, expressed a desire to add a Super Bowl championship shirt to his collection, highlighting the heightened expectations among the Browns faithful.

The Browns' team shop and local businesses like GV Art are gearing up to meet the demand for playoff merchandise. Fans like Becky Shaffer are excited about the team's prospects, noting a class of players not seen since the days of Bernie Kosar. Todd McCullough mentioned creating a custom Flacco jersey to remember the significant game.

The possibility of the Browns clinching the AFC North title and securing the No.1 seed in the AFC adds to the fervor. However, this outcome hinges on the Baltimore Ravens losing their upcoming games against Miami and Pittsburgh, coupled with a Browns win against Cincinnati. Browns home tickets are already being listed on resale sites in anticipation of potentially hosting playoff games.

Mark Klang, President of AmazingTickets.com, pointed out that if Baltimore beats Miami, the earliest the Browns could host a game would be in the divisional round. In that scenario, there's even a chance for the Browns to host two games, adding to the excitement and speculation among the fans.

🏈 Cleveland Browns’ Garrett Reveals Heartache Amidst Playoff Joy

Garrett recently revealed a more somber aspect of his life. Despite the Browns' recent playoff-clinching victory over the New York Jets, Garrett wasn’t all smiles during his interaction with sports reporters. He shared a deeply personal grief: the unexpected loss of his uncle, who passed away following a medical procedure on Christmas Day. This loss, just days before the Thursday night game, weighed heavily on Garrett, causing daily headaches and emotional turmoil.

Read More by Paul Kiska at Fox 8 News

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