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- ☕ A Westside Buzz reader shares her Franklin Castle ghost story
☕ A Westside Buzz reader shares her Franklin Castle ghost story
Good morning, Buzz Nation!
Did you hear about the heist at the Louvre in Paris?
Thieves dressed up as workers, used a crane and ladders to steal crown jewels worth a staggering $102 million. The crown of Empress Eugenie was left behind by the crooks, which I imagine didn't go over well at the burglars' headquarters.
We love a good heist story — there's something about the audacity, the planning, the sheer "we're really doing this" energy that's oddly captivating.
The only thing getting stolen around here is 5 minutes of your attention — and unlike those Paris thieves, we promise to share all the treasures we've uncovered on the Westside this week.
Today we’re buzzing on:
Market Garden Pumpkin Fest
Road crew safety awareness
Black River Landing construction begins
We hope you have a great weekend. See you out there!
—The Briggses
TOGETHER WITH FIRST FEDERAL LAKEWOOD
Building Toward Homeownership
If you're hoping to buy a home in the next few years, First Federal Lakewood has a new way to help you save smarter.
Through the state of Ohio, First Federal Lakewood just launched the Ohio Homebuyer Plus Savings program — a savings account that helps you build your down payment faster. You can open one with $500 and earn up to 6.17% APY, which actually keeps pace with rising costs.
And if you've been watching Westside home prices lately, you know that keeping up matters.
First Federal Lakewood is offering it, and they're here to walk you through the details. Whether you're buying your first home or your next one, this could be the boost your savings need to turn "someday" into "soon."
Stop by one of their 15 Westside branches or check out the program online — your future home might be closer than you think.
COMMUNITY BLEND
By the Numbers: 5,000
According to ODOT, that was the number of work zone crashes in 2022, including 21 fatal accidents.
Well, there’s a Westsider who started a new nonprofit in North Ridgeville called Behind the Barrel, and he’s on a mission to keep road construction crews safe.
Matthew Kokal, a longtime construction worker, has seen way too many close calls on the job, and constantly lives with the thought that today might be the day he doesn’t get to come home to see his wife and kids.
His goal is to raise awareness by organizing speaking engagements that detail the dangers that work crews encounter every day.
He says most accidents happen simply because drivers aren’t paying attention — and he wants that to change.
So be extra mindful on the roads where crews are working. Slow down, give them a wave, and let them know how much you value their work and safety. Full story by Rodger Roeser
Reshaping the Environment 📍 Eaton Twp
Lorain County is almost done with one of the biggest environmental projects in its history — restoring a huge stream and wetland area off Route 83 in Eaton Township. This project will help stop flooding in nearby neighborhoods, clean the water before it flows into Lake Erie, and bring back natural habitats for birds, frogs, and other wildlife.
Basically, they’re reshaping an old drainage ditch into a natural stream and building more than 25 acres of wetlands that can hold tons of stormwater. It’s like a giant sponge that protects homes and keeps pollution out of the lake.
It’s a big deal for both Lorain and Cuyahoga Counties because cleaner water upstream means cleaner water for everyone who depends on Lake Erie. Plus, it helps prevent costly flood damage and gives the community a new space for wildlife and nature education.
The digging part is almost finished, and planting native plants and trees will continue through fall 2025. A public viewing area is also being built so people can visit and see the restored wetlands up close.
THE WESTSIDE BUZZ-SAW
The Following is a Chilling First-Hand Account from Westside Buzz Community Member, Daune
Give it up for our graphics department (Jodie & our cat Carl)
The House That Called to Me
It was 1996, and I’d just moved to the area when I took a wrong turn and ended up somewhere unfamiliar.
Nightfall was approaching, and the wind was howling. I was having a hard time finding a driveway to turn around in when I felt a strange feeling.
Not curiosity, not coincidence. An overwhelming urge.
My hands turned the wheel before my mind caught up. I stopped in front of an old house, sagging and silent, a “For Sale” sign hanging crooked in the yard. I was transfixed.
Then I saw her. A pale figure in the upstairs window of the house, still as glass. Watching me.
I felt so strongly that she wanted me to come in.
When I blinked, she was gone. The house, abandoned. Windows boarded.
Later, I sent the address to my realtor, still shaken. She hesitated before answering.
“4308 Franklin Boulevard?” she said.
A pause.
“You mean Franklin Castle?
Sometimes, when I drive by, I swear I can still feel it calling me.
👻 Buzz Nation, your turn:
Do you believe in the supernatural/ghosts/spirits? |
📸 @THEWESTSIDEBUZZ
If you would like your photo featured in The Buzz, send it our way!
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Rocky River Senior Center 37th Annual Craft Show
📍 Rocky River Senior Center
📅 November 7–8, 2025
If you love fall, handmade crafts, or quilts that deserve their own room in your home, this is for you.
The 37th Annual Harvest Holiday Craft & Quilt Show is back, and it’s going to have 124 unique quilts, local makers (including an alpaca farm 🦙), and live music from Cleveland favorite Alex Bevan. Plus, the Senior Center just wrapped up renovations, so you’ll be among the first to see the new digs.
With 2,000+ visitors expected, it’s basically the Super Bowl of crafts—minus the yelling at referees.
NEW BUILDING
Construction Begins at Black River Landing 📍 Lorain
[Photo courtesy of The Chronicle]
Construction is officially moving ahead at Black River Landing in Lorain, where crews are laying the foundation for a brand-new amphitheater.
The $11 million project will bring a permanent stage roof, better seating, and improved views for concertgoers — a major upgrade to one of Lorain’s most popular riverfront spots.
When it’s finished in May 2026, the site will be ready to host bigger, better concerts and community events right on the Black River.
WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?
Featured Event
Starts at noon
Market Garden Brewery is going full pumpkin this Saturday. Like, aggressively pumpkin.
Think mini pumpkin cocktails, themed fall drinks, face painting, and pumpkin painting.
Fan of pumpkin beers? How about a Pumpkin Giant Double IPA, Maple Barrel Aged Franklin Castle, and a Pumpkin Firkin Franklin Castle (spoOoOoky).
Plus, pours of beer from an authentic firkin. What the firkin heck is that?
In traditional British brewing, a firkin is used to hold and serve cask-conditioned beer. How much beer does a firkin hold?(US Gallons) |
👨👩👧👦=Family Friendly
Friday, October 24
Off The Clock Comedy CoHatch, Ohio City | 8 PM
Its okay to laugh at these people, in fact, it is encouraged. Off-the-clock
Keys to the Crypt: Cleveland Keys Halloween Party The Elliot, Tremont | 7 - 11 PM
Unlock a night of cryptic fun at the spookiest Halloween dueling pianos party—words we never thought we’d string together, yet here we are. Request for Thriller
Fall Art Show Screw Factory, Lakewood | 6 - 10 PM
Fall for art (literally) at the Screw Factory’s annual show, where creativity and cozy vibes collide.
John Mulaney: Mister Whatever Playhouse Square, Downtown | 7 PM
The man, the myth, the one I might have a hall-pass on my husband with is back in town.
Saturday, October 25
Bluey & Bingo Halloween Spooktacular Truck Park, Lakewood | 9 AM - 12 PM
Bring the kids for costumes, treats, face painting, and meet-and-greets all included. Bingo
Friends Of City Dogs: 10th Annual Pumpkin Carving Event Forest City Brewery, Ohio City | 3 - 5 PM
Pumpkins, pints, and supporting pups… what more could you want? Barks & brews
Tricks & Treats: Fall Festival Crocker Park, Westlake | 12 - 3 pm
Elyria USBC 35th Annual Senior Singles Bowling Tournament: Cookies 10 Pin, Elyria | 10 AM
Men’s and Woman’s single senior’s 50 and up are invited to come get your roll on. Strike
Secret Society Comedy Late Night Heart of Gold, Ohio City | 11:30 PM
An intimate comedy show featuring local stand-ups, and nationally recognized acts. Go on giggle
The 5th Annual Eyes Wide Shut Masquerade Party Fahrenheit, Cleveland | 8 PM
A formal night of music, drinks, and dancing during DJ Steph Floss’ 10th Annual Charity Weekend. Mask up
The Prologue Dinner Party Bartleby, West 25th | 5:30 & 8 PM
A six-course menu blending Japanese and Italian flavors with local Ohio ingredients. Menu
Lakewood Boos & Booze Halloween Bar Crawl ATC, Lakewood | 4 PM
Crawl through 5 Lakewood spooky watering holes, dance and compete in a costume contest. Boos
Sunday, October 26
Reformers & Refreshments Ab & Flow Pilates Studio, Lakewood | 12:30 - 2:30 PM
Join the Cleveland Health and Social Club for an afternoon of Pilates and socializing. Stretch
👨👩👧👦Trick-or-Treating in the Cemetery Monroe Street Cemetery, W 25th | 3 - 6 PM
Meet costumed actors dressed to kill who will share stories and treats.
Fall Trick-Or-Treat Sip & Shop John Christ Winery, Avon Lake | 11 AM - 4 PM
👨👩👧👦 Get the gang together for some fun at this family-friendly Sip & Shop supporting GiGi’s Playhouse CLE ❤️
Ghost Market: Halloween Edition Dahlia Coffee, W114th, Cleveland | 9 AM - 3 PM
Boo-tique shopping meets caffeine buzz, support local!
Sierra Nevada Annual Oyster Fest Buckeye Beer Engine, Lakewood | 10 AM - Supplies last
Crack open a cold one (and a few shells) at one of our favorite Lakewood’s fall traditions.
The Cavs Home Opener Rocket Arena, Downtown | 6 pm
🎷 Live Entertainment
Friday
Nekrogoblikon | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
Leisure Bay Ledges | Globe, Iron 7 PM
Koyo | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
ABACAB – The Music of Genesis | Music Box CH, Flats 7:30 PM
Dial M For Murder | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Hell's Kitchen | KeyBank State Theatre, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Marvin Gaye Tribute by The Reid Project | Music Box SC, Flats 8 PM
Hightop Hangover | Libcor | The Yikes | Coda, 8 PM
Tricky Dick and the Coverups | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Stephen Philip Harvey Jazz Orchestra | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
John Mulaney: Mister Whatever | Connor Palace, Playhouse 8 PM
Higher | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM
Trailer Park Ninjas | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
The Derek Lersch Band | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Saturday
Gutter Gals: A Dauber Divas Bingo Drag Lunch | Mahall’s, Lakewood 11 AM
Like Moths to Flames | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
A Sense of Purpose | The Winchester, Lakewood 7 PM
John Mulaney: Mister Whatever | Connor Palace, Playhouse 7 PM
Hell's Kitchen | Keybank State Theatre, Playhouse 1:30 & 7:30 PM
Dial M For Murder | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 1:30 & 7:30 PM
Rrriot! x Blue Envy x Cellophane Jane x Verarose | Coda, 8 PM
Old Skool | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Blue Lunch Special Guest: Tim Longfellow and Jerry DeVivo | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
Rutherford Country | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM
Faction | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Dark Wave Dance Cave Presents: Goth-O-Ween | The Winchester, Lakewood 9 PM
Spooky Jukey: Halloween Emo Night | Mahall’s, Lakewood 9 PM
The Derek Lersch Band | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Sunday
Browns Game Day Experience | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 9 AM
Linda Ronstadt Brunch | Music Box SC, Flats 12 PM
Dial M For Murder | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 3 PM
Halloween Drag Brunch with Veranda L’Ni & Friends | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM
Celebrating Lightfoot with Eric Elison| Music Box SC, Flats 5 PM
Irish Trad Music Session | Gormley's Pub, Rocky River 5 PM
Texas Hippie Coalition | The Winchester, Lakewood 6:30 PM
Hell's Kitchen | KeyBank State Theatre, Playhouse 1 & 6:30 PM
Matte Blue | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
John Mulaney: Mister Whatever | Connor Palace, Playhouse 7 PM
Purity Ring yuniVERSE | Globe Iron, Flats 7 PM
Stand Atlantic | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Florist | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS
🏈 This Week's Games:
Thursday, October 23
3:00 PM
John Marshall (2-7) vs. John F. Kennedy
Friday, October 24
3:30 PM
Rhodes (7-2) at Glenville
7:00 PM
Westlake (3-6) at North Olmsted (3-6)
#5 Avon (8-1) at Elyria (0-9)
#1 St. Edward (8-1) at #2 Archbishop Hoban (7-1)
Lakewood (4-5) at #19 Buckeye (9-0)
Rocky River (7-2) at Bay Village (6-3)
Clarkson North at. St. Ignatius (1-8)
Berea-Midpark (5-4) at Avon Lake (3-6)
#20 North Ridgeville (8-1) at #22 Olmsted Falls (6-3)
Strongsville (7-2) at Brunswick (5-4)
Fairview (7-2) at Cabell Midland
Enjoy the games!
Weather
Friday
51 🌡️ 43 | 🌧 | 40% | 💨 NW 11-14 mph 🌊 3-6 feet
Saturday
54 🌡️ 40 | 🌤 | 20% | 💨 W 3-6 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Sunday
57 🌡️ 41 | 🌤 | 7% | 💨 E 8-10 mph 🌊 1-3 feet
Monday
57 🌡️ 41 | 🌤 | 3% | E W 7-10 mph 🌊 2-4 feet, building to 3-6 feet
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 63ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders.
Until Friday,
—The Briggses
ONE WESTSIDERS REVIEW
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