In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

   ☁️ Mentor Weather - Mostly Cloudy, High around 30

❓ Trivia Question

🗓️ Events - Loads of Events!

 📰 Bloc Digital Sets Foot in the US with Innovative Mentor Ohio Office

 💸 Lifeline's VITA Program: Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying Locals

 📰 Willoughby's Pickles n Pints Leads the Charge in Reviving Annual Sunday Funday Pub Crawl Tradition

🐟 Mentor Chamber of Commerce Announces their Members Lenten Specials - Mmmm!

 🍜 LaMalfa Offering All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Buffet Every Friday

 ❎ Best of Mentor 2024 - 🍰 Who’s the Best Bakery in Mentor?

 🤣🤣 Something Funny

 💡 Business Spotlight - We Want to Spotlight Your Business! Apply 
Are you interested in advertising in our newsletter? Call or email us today at 440-368-8765 / [email protected].

Question: Mentor, Ohio, known for its rich history was officially incorporated as a village before becoming a city. In what year was Mentor officially incorporated as a village, marking its formal establishment in Ohio's Lake County?

Options: 
A) 1797
B) 1855
C) 1890
D) 1963
(Answer Below)

February 16th

• Puerto Rican Cooking @ 3pm in Mentor. More information.

• LaMalfa Seafood Buffet in Mentor - 4-8pm. See website for details

• CATS - The Fine Arts Assoc. in Willoughby. All Fridays & Saturdays Feb 16 - Mar 3, 2024. Visit the Fine Arts Assoc. website for details.

• Mitch Hengst @ Ballantine in Willoughby - 6pm.  More info

• 4LOCOS @ Rider’s Inn in Painesville: 6-10pm. Live music from the 90’s & 2000’s. Alternative Grunge Hard Rock. See website for details.

• Comedy Night @ The Brew in Mentor - 8pm. Mandee McKelvey, one of Thrillist’s Top 50 Undiscovered Comedians. See website.

February 17th

• CATS - Sensory Friendly Performance - The Fine Arts Assoc. in Willoughby 2-4pm. For more information visit this page.

• Friends & Family Self-Defense Class - 6-8pm in Mentor. Take your C.O.B.R.A. training to the next level. See website for more info.

• Pieces of Eight - Featuring the Lakeside Brass 45th Anniversary: 6-11pm in Eastlake.  See website for details.

February 18th

• Chili 5K - Springbrook Gardens Park in Mentor @ 10am Come and run a chilly race and relax with homemade chili afterward to warm you up. More info & Tickets

• Pub Crawl Begins - Beal’s Pickles n Pints in Willoughby. See their website for more information picklesnpints.com

February 21st

• Small Business / Local Artist Marketing/Networking Event in Mentor - Nostalgia Lounge Arcade Bar - 7pm. More Info

February 23rd

• Cleveland Auto Show - I-X Center - Feb 23 through March 3. See this link for additional details.

February 24th

• Mentor Job Fair - 10am at the Mentor Municipal Center. Go to this website cityofmentor.com for more information.

February 25th

Pub Crawl Continues - Choose between Nora’s Public House or The Wild Goose, both in downtown Willoughby.

📰 Bloc Digital Sets Foot in the US with Innovative Mentor Ohio Office

Bloc Digital has officially expanded its operations to the United States, opening a new office in Mentor, Ohio. This strategic decision enhances their global presence and aligns with their innovative use of 3D modeling and immersive technologies. The office, located in the Matchworks Building, represents a blend of historical significance and a modern digital workspace design. They offer a virtual tour that showcases their capabilities their new space on the website below.

This expansion represents a significant step in Bloc Digital's international growth, promising new opportunities for growth and engagement in the US market. Let’s welcome Bloc Digital to the neighborhood!

💸 Lifeline's VITA Program: Free Tax Preparation for Qualifying Locals

Lifeline, Inc., a community action agency, is offering free tax preparation assistance for the 15th consecutive year to residents of Lake and Geauga counties. This service aims to assist low-income families and other individuals in fulfilling their tax obligations, identifying additional credits, and avoiding unnecessary costs. The program is guided by Lifeline’s federal income guidelines and seeks to help those who might be unaware of their eligibility for the Earned Income Credit (EIC), a tax credit for low- to moderate-income workers, which can be particularly beneficial for families with children.

Carrie Dotson, Executive Director of Lifeline, emphasized the importance of this service, especially for those who find themselves in different financial situations than the previous year. The service, managed by IRS-certified volunteers through the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program, is also available to the elderly and disabled. In 14 years, Lifeline volunteers have prepared over 2,415 tax filings, amounting to nearly $3 million in returns, with over 5,400 hours spent in training and preparation.

The tax clinics are operational on weekdays Monday - Thursday and on Saturdays, by appointment only, until April 18. They are located at various sites including Lifeline’s offices in Painesville and Newbury, Perry Senior Center, and Wickliffe Family Resource Center. Appointments can be scheduled by calling 2-1-1 or 440-639-4420. Click below or call to see if you qualify.

For More Information: LCLIFELINE.ORG 

📰 Willoughby's Pickles n Pints Leads the Charge in Reviving Annual Sunday Funday Pub Crawl Tradition

Chuck Beal, owner of Pickles n Pints, has revitalized the beloved Sunday Funday Pub Crawl tradition in Willoughby, following the closure of Kirtland City Tavern five years ago. The event kicks off on February 18th at Pickles n Pints and will continue through various local venues, culminating on March 10th. The crawl, which brings together the community and highlights independent restaurants, has been a part of the area's social calendar for over a decade. Beal expects around 425 attendees each Sunday, offering dishes like chicken paprikash over spaetzle. Since opening in 2012, Pickles n Pints has evolved from a bar to a dining destination with a gourmet chef, offering an extensive selection of beers and new seltzers. The pub crawl not only combats the winter doldrums but also fosters new friendships and supports local businesses…

This year's crawl will commence at Pickles n Pints in Willoughby on February 18th, with subsequent events at either Nora’s Public House or The Wild Goose, Ridgewood Kitchen and Spirits, and concluding at Firehouse Grille and Pub, spanning locations from downtown Willoughby to Concord Township and Willoughby Hills through February 25th to March 10th.

Get All the Details Here at The News-Herald

🐟 Mentor Chamber of Commerce Announces their Members Lenten Specials - Mmmm!

Billy's A Cappelli Martini Bar and several other local favorites, including Cater To You and The Spot on Lakeshore, are hosting Fish Fry Fridays, a tradition that promises a delightful seafood experience. Brennan's Fish House is offering a deal on Walleye & Perch Sandwiches with a side of fries for just $9.99 on Fridays, making it a must-visit for fish lovers.

For those looking for a broader menu, the Euclid Fish Company is presenting a special Lenten menu complete with sides and extras, while Food for Thought Catering provides a selection of Lent menu options for those hosting or attending gatherings.

Lavera Party Center is not behind, offering a Friday Fish Fry that caters to both dine-in and take-out customers for $20 per person, ensuring a convenient option for every preference. Ridgewood Kitchen & Spirits and Happy Moose Bar and Grill have also announced special menus for the Lenten season, adding to the diverse offerings.

Verdi's Italian Market adds to the diversity with its fish sandwiches and clam chowder, available on select Fridays. Lastly, Yours Truly Restaurants rounds out the list with its Fish Fry Friday, promising a delicious end to the week.

This curated selection from the Mentor Chamber of Commerce offers something for everyone during Lent, combining traditional seafood fare with unique culinary creations.

See Mentor Area Chamber of Commerce’s post on Facebook. Or click on the links above for specifics for each restaurant/business.

🍜 LaMalfa Offering All-You-Can-Eat Seafood Buffet Every Friday

Seafood enthusiasts are in for a treat at LaMalfa, a premier event venue situated in Mentor, located at 5783 Heisley Rd. For a brief period, LaMalfa is hosting a sumptuous all-you-can-eat seafood buffet every Friday from 4 PM to 8 PM. The buffet boasts an impressive array of seafood delicacies, including fresh salmon, sautéed shrimp, shrimp linguini, stuffed cod, mussels, oysters, clams, clam chowder, seafood salad, calamari, among other tasty options.

The dining experience is priced at $24.50 for adults and a mere $5 for children aged 12 and under. For those with a penchant for crab legs, they are available at an additional cost of $25 per pound.

Tickets Can be Purchased Here: LaMalfa Seafood Buffet

🍰 Who’s the Best Bakery in Mentor?

Click here or on the image above to nominate your favorite bakery as the Best in Mentor 2024. Vote today! Winner to be announced next week.

TRIVIA ANSWER

Answer: B) 1855

Explanation: Mentor was officially incorporated as a village in 1855. This period was significant in Ohio's development, as many communities were establishing more formal governance structures to manage growth and provide services. Mentor's incorporation reflects its development during a time of significant expansion in the United States, particularly in the Midwest. Mentor's history is deeply intertwined with the broader narrative of Ohio's growth and the shaping of the United States during the 19th century.

🤣🤣 Something Funny 🤣🤣