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📰 Ohio's Expanded Sales Tax Holiday, Willoughby ArtsFest Saturday

Issue #203

In this Mentor Local Buzz Issue…

⛅ Mentor Weather - Sunny, Some Clouds. Cooler, Less Humid- Temps 72-74

🎉Mentor Live Events - 60+ Live Events and Growing!

💰 Shop Tax-Free: Ohio’s Expanded Sales Tax Holiday: July 30 to…

📰 Free Workshop: Financial Literacy and Medicare Options for Seniors

📰 Ohio Welcomes Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill with Four New Sites

🎨 2024 Willoughby ArtsFest Promises a Day of Art, Music, and Community Fun

🐈‍⬛ Special Section: The Pet Corner: 🛟 Fire Departments Save Injured Dog from Rough Saddle Mountain Hike

⚾ Cleveland’s David Fry and Emmanuel Clase Lead AL to All-Star Win

🤔 Trivia Question

🤣 Something Funny

Sunny, Some Clouds. Cooler, Less Humid- Temps 72-74

See the details for these events in the link above for Mentor Live Events

See All the Upcoming Events Here at:
Mentor Live Events!
60+ Event Dates and Growing

💰 Shop Tax-Free from July 30 to August 8: Ohio’s Expanded Sales Tax Holiday

Ohioans have enjoyed nearly a decade of tax-free weekends, but the 2024 Ohio sales tax holiday promises even greater savings. This year’s event will run from 12 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30, to 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, August 8, providing a longer period for shoppers to take advantage of tax exemptions on a wider range of items.

Traditionally held over the first weekend of August, the sales tax holiday has been a relief for back-to-school shoppers, applying to clothing priced at $75 or less and school supplies priced at $20 or less. However, this year’s holiday period offers even more substantial benefits. The price limits on tax-exempt items have been raised significantly, with eligible items now capped at $500.

The tax exemption applies item by item, with no limit on the total purchase amount. Internet sales also qualify if the purchase is made and accepted for immediate shipment during the exemption period.

Exceptions to the tax holiday include:

  • Alcoholic beverages

  • Marijuana products

  • Motor vehicles

  • Services normally subject to sales tax

  • Tobacco and vapor products

  • Watercraft or outboard motors requiring a title

For more details, visit the Ohio Department of Taxation website.

Read More at Ohio.gov or YahooNews

📰 Free Workshop on Financial Literacy and Medicare Options for Seniors

Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren, in partnership with Medical Mutual, is organizing a series of educational presentations focused on financial literacy, current tax reduction legislation, and Medicare options. These sessions are set to take place at senior centers and libraries across Lake County.

The presentations aim to help seniors understand key topics such as identity theft prevention, financial literacy and budgeting, saving on county water and sewer bills, and exploring available Medicare options. The sessions will also include a question-and-answer segment to address specific concerns. Attendees will be provided with food and a $15 gas card, courtesy of Medical Mutual.

Senior centers, libraries, non-profits, and churches interested in scheduling a free presentation for 2024-25 are encouraged to contact Treasurer Zuren or Chief of Staff Sherri Falkenberg at 440-350-2540 for more information.

Dates, locations and times are coming soon!

📰 Ohio Welcomes Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill with Four New Sites

Naf Naf Grill - Independence, Ohio

Naf Naf Middle Eastern Grill has signed a development agreement to open four new units in Ohio, further expanding its presence in the Midwest. The deal, led by Dhruv Patel along with partners Pratik Patel and Viral Patel of Company LAXMI6714, aims to leverage their extensive experience in the hospitality and restaurant industry to grow Naf Naf’s footprint in the region. The Patels also manage other brands including Wayback Burgers, Barrio Taco, and Country Inn and Suites by Radisson.

One of the four planned locations is already operational in Independence, Ohio. The additional three sites are slated to open in Cuyahoga and Lake counties by 2027. This expansion is part of a broader initiative by Naf Naf to open five more locations by the end of 2024, bringing the total number of units under development to 25.

Since starting its franchising efforts in 2019, Naf Naf has opened 39 locations across 13 states. The Ohio expansion follows a recent partnership with Love’s Travel Stops, which includes new outlets in California, Virginia, and Tennessee by the end of 2024. Additionally, Naf Naf announced plans to open its first location in Charlotte, North Carolina, earlier this year.

🎨 2024 Willoughby ArtsFest Promises a Day of Art, Music, and Community Fun

2024 Willoughby ArtsFest

The 2024 Willoughby ArtsFest, in collaboration with American Family Insurance as the platinum partner, is set to take place on July 20 from 10am to 5pm. Presented by Lake Erie Distillery, Olympus Aerospace, Raw Roofing Solutions, and University Hospitals, this year's festival promises to be an exciting day filled with art, music, and entertainment. Partnering with The City of Willoughby and Tour Lake County OH, the event features over 140 juried artists showcasing their work.

Visitors can enjoy musical performances by the Cleveland Breakfast Club at the Kilbourne Family Entertainment Gazebo. The Kid’s Studio, sponsored by Cleveland Clinic, will offer creative activities for children. Attendees can also participate in a 50/50 raffle and explore the auction tent presented by Universal Windows Direct.

The festival will be held in the picturesque and historic Downtown Willoughby, with numerous sponsor tents and vendors adding to the vibrant atmosphere. This is a perfect opportunity to enjoy a summer day filled with culture, community, and fun.

🛟 Fire Departments Save Injured Dog from Rough Saddle Mountain Hike

Courtesy: Cannon Beach RFPD

New images from the Cannon Beach Rural Fire Protection District showcase the rescue of a Great Pyrenees that injured its paws while hiking on Saddle Mountain.

On Friday, July 12, the 160-pound dog was hiking the trail with its owners when it abruptly stopped walking. Upon inspection, the owners discovered that the dog's paws were raw and cut from the trail.

Rescue crews from Cannon Beach RFPD, Hamlet Volunteer Fire Department,Gearhart Volunteer Fire Department, and Seaside Fire and Rescue were called to assist in carrying the dog down the mountain using a stretcher.

Cannon Beach RFPD noted in a Facebook post that while dogs are permitted on the Saddle Mountain trail as long as they are leashed, the trail is not very dog-friendly. The trail's surface is covered with welded wire fencing, intended to enhance traction and stability, but many wires have sharp points that can injure pets.

They warned that walking on such rough terrain can be very harsh on dogs and recommended that owners equip their pets with booties for hikes on Saddle Mountain or similar trails. They also advised gradually increasing a dog's exposure to rough surfaces to build up their paw toughness, similar to how humans develop calluses. This preparation is especially important for frequent hikers to prevent injuries during outdoor activities.

Read the Full Story at wkyc.com

⚾ Cleveland’s David Fry and Emmanuel Clase Lead AL to All-Star Comeback Win

Emmanuel Clase, known for his composure in high-pressure situations, delivered another stellar performance in his second career All-Star Game appearance the other night. The Guardians closer secured his second All-Star Game save, helping the American League achieve a 5-3 comeback victory against the National League on Tuesday in Arlington, Texas.

Following an impressive All-Star debut in 2022 where he struck out three batters, Clase needed just 13 pitches to retire the side this time. He struck out Pete Alonso, induced a grounder from Elly De La Cruz, and after a swinging bunt from Jackson Merrill, finished by striking out Brian Reynolds on three pitches.

Clase's save was a highlight among five Cleveland All-Stars' contributions. David Fry's RBI single in the third inning tied the score at 3-3, initiating the AL's rally of five consecutive runs after Shohei Ohtani's three-run home run for the NL.

Boston’s Jarren Duran earned the All-Star MVP award with a decisive two-run home run in the fifth inning, marking the AL’s tenth win in the last eleven matchups against the NL.

David Fry, making his All-Star debut as a designated hitter, shared a special moment with his family in attendance. His third-inning single off Logan Webb scored Juan Soto, contributing to the AL’s rally. Fry expressed his joy in having the game in his home state, making the experience even more memorable.

Josh Naylor, although grounding out in his sole at-bat, had an impactful defensive play. Replacing Vladimir Guerrero at first base, Naylor started a double play after fielding a hit from Freddie Freeman. Despite a close call, a review confirmed Naylor's play, alleviating fans’ concerns considering his previous ankle injury.

Steven Kwan, Cleveland’s first leadoff batter in an All-Star Game since 2000, faced Pirates rookie Paul Skenes in a highly anticipated at-bat. Kwan later drew a walk and scored on Soto’s single. He highlighted the importance of his family’s support, sharing that their presence made the event special for him.

José Ramírez, the most experienced Cleveland All-Star, played until the fifth inning, lining out and striking out in his two at-bats. Known for his All-Star performances.

Read More at cleveland.com

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