In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

☁️ Mentor Weather - Windy with Periods of Rain - Temps 50-53

 📰 Lake County Warns Veterans Against Paying for Free DD214 Forms

 🎣 Ohio's Young Fishing Prodigy and His Record-Setting Catch

 📰 Ease Your Budget: Lake County's New Monthly Tax Payment Option

 🏡 Special Section: The Home Front 🌱Embrace Spring in Northeast Ohio: Transform Your Yard with Native Plants

 🎉 EVENT SHOWCASE 🐰Mentor's Garfield Historic Site Announces Festive Easter Monday Egg Roll

 🤔 Trivia Question

 🎉 Events and Entertainment

 🤣 Something Funny

📰Lake County Warns Veterans Against Paying for Free DD214 Forms

In a crucial advisory, Lake County Recorder Becky Lynch, in collaboration with the Ohio Recorders’ Association (ORA), is alerting veterans about predatory practices that target them for profits. An Arizona-based company, DD214 Direct, is under scrutiny for marketing services to Ohio veterans, offering copies of their DD214 forms for a substantial fee of $79 to $99. While not illegal, this business practice is deemed unnecessary, as veterans have access to these documents for free through official channels.

Veterans are encouraged to procure their DD214 forms without cost from their local Veteran’s Service Commission or county recorder's office. This vital document is a gateway to a range of benefits, including VA loans, disability compensation, and healthcare savings. Despite these free options, the ORA has noted an influx of paid DD214 forms from DD214 Direct, accompanied by limited Power of Attorney, at various recorders' offices in Ohio, indicating that veterans are paying for services that should be cost-free.

To combat this issue and protect veterans from financial exploitation, the ORA is actively raising awareness about these deceptive practices. They are also exploring legislative measures to regulate such companies and ensure transparency about the availability of free services.

Veterans in need of their DD214 can visit the National Archives website or utilize the Standard Form-180 to request their records via mail or fax. For further guidance or support, veterans are encouraged to reach out to Lake County Recorder Becky Lynch’s office (440-350-2510) or the Lake County Veterans Service Commission (440-350-2567).

Mair or Fax Standard Form-180 to:
National Personnel Records Center
1 Archives Drive
St Louis, MO 63138
FAX: 314-801-9195

Read More at cityofmentor.com

🎣Ohio's Young Fishing Prodigy and His Record-Setting Catch

In an inspiring display of sportsmanship and youthful achievement, 13-year-old Sam Spataro from Mentor-on-the-Lake, Lake County, Ohio, made headlines with his extraordinary catch at the Mentor Lagoons. While angling in this renowned spot, known for its connection to Lake Erie and as a haven for small-boat enthusiasts, Sam reeled in a northern pike measuring an impressive 45 inches.

The event, which unfolded on March 8, saw Sam alongside his brother Luca and an experienced angler friend, capturing this memorable moment in photos. Upholding his commendable practice of catch and release, Sam returned the majestic fish to its natural habitat, possibly foregoing a state record but earning admiration for his respect for wildlife and the angling community.

The Story’s Source is Outdoornews.com

📰Ease Your Budget: Lake County's New Monthly Tax Payment Option

Michael Zuren, Lake County Treasurer, has unveiled a 12-month property tax prepayment plan to aid residents in managing their tax payments more effectively. The plan, which includes automated monthly withdrawals and a set of payment coupons, is designed to help taxpayers budget their expenses by spreading tax payments across the year. The payment amounts are based on prior year's assessments and are adjusted according to actual tax calculations, with support available for any questions or concerns.

More Details Here

🌱Embrace Spring in Northeast Ohio: Transform Your Yard with Native Plants

With the arrival of spring in Northeast Ohio, the landscape transforms as flowers bloom and greenery flourishes, prompting many homeowners to focus on their garden aesthetics. This season, consider the manifold benefits of incorporating native plants into your yard design. Native species like the Blue Flag Iris not only adapt seamlessly to our region's unique soil and climate conditions but also offer a vibrant touch with their striking blue blooms.

Opting for native plants over non-native varieties or traditional turf grass can significantly reduce maintenance costs. These plants are naturally attuned to Northeast Ohio's soil, eliminating the need for excessive fertilization and watering. Furthermore, the expansive root networks of native species enhance soil drainage, reduce compaction, and promote healthier plant communities. These roots are crucial during heavy rainfalls, improving water absorption and reducing stormwater runoff, thereby aiding in community flood prevention.

Additionally, native plants exhibit greater resilience against the increasingly unpredictable weather patterns in our region, making them a sustainable choice for local gardens. To inspire homeowners to embrace native vegetation, the Chagrin River Watershed Partners (CRWP) offers a plethora of resources. Moreover, the Lake Erie Stormwater Stewards Rebate Program incentivizes the installation of rain gardens and rain barrels, further supporting the region's ecological health and stormwater management.

Interested residents can avail of rebates on a first-come, first-served basis, with details and conditions available on the CRWP website.

Read More at cityofmentor.com

🐰Mentor's Garfield Historic Site Announces Festive Easter Monday
Egg Roll

The James A. Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor will host an Easter Monday Egg Roll event on April 1 from 1 to 3 p.m., coinciding with the White House's Easter event. Featuring activities, games, crafts, and historical tours, the event promises a day of fun and education for families. Highlights include appearances by the Easter Bunny, Skipper, and entertainment acts. The event is free and outdoors, dependent on favorable weather.

Read About all the Details at NPS.gov

👉👉 The Correct Answer with Further Details
Is Found Here in this Link 👈👈

Have an event to add? Let us know at [email protected]

March 26th

• EASTER EGG HUNT - Tiny Tot’s Storytime at Wildwood Culture Center in Mentor - 10am - INFO

March 27th

• Attention Veterans! Special Presentation “PACT Act information” at the American Legion 214/VFW 1500 on 38295 Pelton Road Willoughby @ 5pm. Do you have medical issues that have occurred that might be service connected? You may be entitled to benefits you did not know you had.

March 27th

• Backcountry Skills Series: Trip Planning - 6:30-8:30pm. Learn to backpack like a pro! North Chagrin Nature Center in Willoughby Hills - INFO

March 29th

• Seafood Buffet at LaMalfa in Mentor @ 4pm - INFO

March 30th

• Underwater Easter Egg Hunt @ Mentor Community Recreation Center - 10am - 4pm - INFO - Help Scuba Bunny Find all the Eggs!
  Ages 11-15 (10am-11am), Ages 6-10 (11am-12pm), Ages 3-5 (12pm-1pm), and Ages 6-10 (1pm-2pm)

• Easter Egg Hunt @ Kirtland Christian Fellowship @ 10am-12pm. FREE Event. - INFO

• 22nd Annual Kids Easter Egg Hunt @ Shops by the Lake in Painesville. FREE Event. Starts at 10am - INFO

March 31st

• Easter Brunch at LaMalfa in Mentor - 10am - INFO

• Easter Brunch at Billy’s - A Cappelli Martini Bar in Mentor - 11:30am - INFO

April 1st

• Easter Monday Egg Roll 2024 - James A Garfield National Historic Site in Mentor - from 1-3pm. - INFO

 🤣 Something Funny 🤣

Become a Mentor Local Buzz Sponsor

Are you a locally-owned business that would like to become a Mentor Local Buzz sponsor? Sponsorships can include:

• Hero or section banners

• Special section exclusive sponsors

• Logo

• Video

• Spotlight Directory

• and more…

Reach out to us at [email protected]
Phone# 440-368-8765