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☕ This Dude is Obsessed With Trash
28 of the best things going on this week | A baked good stand that sells out in minutes
TOGETHER WITH FIRST FEDERAL LAKEWOOD
Good morning, Buzz Nation.
Jodie and I went to the Rocky River Arts Festival on Olde Detroit on Saturday, and there was this one moment that stopped us in our tracks. An artist was hand-sculpting exact clay replicas of people’s homes—each one taking 150 hours. At his price, it worked out to a couple bucks an hour. He wasn’t doing it for the money. He was doing it because he loves the craft.
It reminded me how loaded the Westside is with insanely talented makers who pour their soul into what they do. That’s what makes this place special and why we’ll always keep shining a light on the creativity happening right in our backyard.
Today we’re buzzing on:
A new vision for Olmsted Township
The Stand on Sloane
Trash Fish are cleaning up Northeast Ohio waterways
We hope you have a great week. See you out there!
—The Briggses
TOGETHER WITH FIRST FEDERAL LAKEWOOD
Why Mutuals Matter (Especially Here on the Westside)
When you shop local, your dollars strengthen the community. So why shouldn’t your banking do the same?
That’s what sets First Federal Lakewood apart. They’re not a big-box bank with distant shareholders. They’re a mutual bank—locally owned by the very people who bank here. That means your money never leaves home.
Every dollar you deposit into First Federal Lakewood gets reinvested right back into our neighborhoods. It shows up in helping a family buy their first house in Rocky River, supporting a small business in Lakewood, funding local charities, or stepping up with hands-on help when our neighbors need it most.
For over 90 years, First Federal Lakewood has been woven into the fabric of the Westside. They don’t answer to Wall Street. They answer to you. Their customers are their owners.
So when you bank with First Federal Lakewood, you’re not just opening an account—you’re investing in a stronger, more vibrant community.
Because here, the feeling really is mutual.
COMMUNITY BLEND
New Town Center Vision 📍 Olmsted Township
Courtesy Google Earth
Olmsted Township is moving forward with a streetscape project to transform the Bagley and Stearns intersection into a true town center.
The goal is to create a walkable, pedestrian-friendly hub that improves safety, attracts businesses, and gives residents a stronger sense of community.
As if putt-putt and go karts at Swings-N-Things weren’t enough to bring people together, this project would make this area a formal focal point of the community for years to come.
When completed, the $4–5 million project will feature upgraded crossings, monument signs, decorative paving, and a multiuse path connecting to Olmsted Falls schools.
From Fried Saltines to National Fame 📍 East 4th
Chef Vinnie cosplaying as a Swenson’s Food Runner
Chef Vinnie Cimino built Cordelia as a love letter to the city: Midwest Nice hospitality, walls filled with vintage Cleveland photos, and a menu that flips comfort food on its head. Every dish doubles as a shoutout to local farmers, makers, and the people who give this city its grit and flavor.
Now, Food & Wine just named him one of America’s Best New Chefs—and honestly, it’s about time.
Cimino’s national recognition is putting Cleveland’s food scene firmly on the map.
With destination places coming back to East 4th, it gives me a feeling of comfortable nostalgia, like Jim Thome smacking a home run or cartoons and cereal on a Saturday morning.
Cordelia isn’t trying to be fancy. It’s trying to be Cleveland. And now the rest of the country finally caught on.
CIVIC ISSUES TO SIP ON
Rocky River: City Council is weighing an ordinance to ban “aggressive solicitation,” including threats, blocking paths, repeated requests after refusal, unwanted contact, group solicitation, and loitering near ATMs, entrances, or busy intersections.
Strongsville: City Council voted unanimously to reject a rezoning request for a proposed hotel, siding with nearby residents who opposed the project, leaving developer Trivium disappointed and uncertain about next steps.
Bay Village: The city is hiring a full-time Assistant to the Service Department Director, a Monday–Friday onsite role handling clerical, administrative, and financial work while serving as the department’s key liaison with city staff, council, and residents.
Lakewood: Ballot measure Lakewood 1B passed overwhelmingly, which will allow Rood Food to serve alcohol on Sundays during brunch. Other county measures were voted on during last week’s primary.
COMMUNITY BUZZ
This Dude is Obsessed With Plastic Waste
We recently came across Eddie Olschansky, the man behind Trashfish CLE. His mission to educate about plastic pollution and single-handedly clean up our lakes and rivers is beyond inspirational.
He organizes cleanups and leads group outings to pull plastic pollution all around Northeast Ohio. His hilariously real bio on Instagram says it all, “Litter” ain’t the issue! Quit buying junk made of plastic. Or volunteer in one of our kayaks. What ever.”
His Instagram videos are equal parts hilarious and eye-opening.
NEW BUSINESS
These Home-baked Goods Sell Out In Minutes 📍 Lakewood
The Stand on Sloane IG
This Lakewood micro-bakery and farm stand is as Westside as it gets. They stock fresh-baked everything bagels, sourdough, ciabatta, kitchen sink cookies, and more.
The catch? These goods sell out fast—so you need to follow them on Instagram and be ready to grab your favorites the moment they drop.
METROPARKS
Fall Events Aplenty in the Metroparks
🚜 Brookside Touch-A-Truck
📅 Sunday, Sept. 21 | ⏰ 10 AM – 2 PM | 📍 Brookside Reservation
Kids (and grown-ups who are still kids at heart) can climb into 50+ big rigs, bulldozers, dump trucks, police cruisers, and more. There’s also a 40-ton sandbox, a trackless train, and costume characters to meet. Bonus: show up here and get $5 off same-day admission to the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
🍂 FallFest at Brecksville Reservation
📅 Sunday, Sept. 28 | ⏰ 11 AM – 4 PM | 📍 Meadows Picnic Area
Step back in time at this 18th-century festival with candle making, folk music, magic shows, and old-school crafts. Food and souvenirs available, plus an on-site shuttle from Brecksville Nature Center. A guaranteed fall vibe check.
🦪 Fall Clambakes at Merwin’s Wharf
📅 Fridays & Saturdays, Oct. 3 – 25 | ⏰ Starting at 4 PM | 📍 Merwin’s Wharf, Flats East Bank
Few things scream Cleveland fall like a clambake on the river. Grab your crew, load up on a seasonal menu, and take in the Cuyahoga views. Reservations required—this one sells out fast.
🍺 Oktoberfest at The Chalet
📅 Saturdays, Oct. 4 & 18 | ⏰ 3 – 7 PM | 📍 The Chalet, Mill Stream Run Reservation
A family-friendly Oktoberfest with live polka, dancing, games, and a Biergarten serving up German-inspired food. Tractor-drawn hayrides roll every half hour ($12 adults, $10 kids, no cost under 2). They’re bringing Munich to Mill Stream Run so wear your lederhosen and practice prosting!
WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?
👨👩👧👦=Family Friendly
Wednesday, September 17th |
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Whiskey and Art: Design Preview of Irishtown Bend Park Sip GLBC brews and whiskey while previewing the design of Irishtown Bend Park. With appetizers, cocktails, and community visioning, it’s a toast to the future of the Cuyahoga. Raise a glass to the bend |
Pickle Bingo In honor of Cleveland Pickle Fest, bingo gets a briny twist. Expect pickle-themed prizes, laughs, and maybe a few surprises. Relish the fun |
Thursday, September 18th |
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Bestie Bingo at Brewnuts Grab your ride-or-die for a night of donuts, drinks, and bingo built on best-friend trivia. From favorite colors to biggest icks, it’s all about knowing your bestie. Bring your BFF |
The She Suite: A Pop-Up Sip & Shop Experience An evening of sips, shopping, and style in Rocky River. The She Suite pop-up blends boutique finds with a touch of glam. Sip, shop, shine |
My Cuzin Funny Standup Showcase |
Friday, September 19th |
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Sunset and Skylines Cart Tour |
Friday Night Frights at Franklin Castle |
Bill Squire Special Taping |
Roast Battle Cleveland Live |
Grand Opening: Leona’s Custom Hats & Jewelry |
Patron Saint Pop-Up Cocktail Event at Bett's Restaurant |
Saturday, September 20th |
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👨👩👧👦 Avon Lake Big Trucks |
Pumkingfest 2025 |
All-Levels Rooftop Yoga at Canopy |
👨👩👧👦 🔁 Tremont Arts & Cultural Festival |
👨👩👧👦 Cleveland Pickle Fest |
Wax & Tracks Fest |
Cleveland Bazaar |
Fall Market |
Sunday, September 21st |
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Drag Brunch & Bingo |
Moon Market |
Jimmy Buffett Brunch |
Morning Meow: Acrylic Painting Class |
The Crawl That Must Not Be Named: Cleveland |
Weather
Tuesday
80 🌡️ 59 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 SE 6-8 mph 🌊 1 to 3 feet
Wednesday
76 🌡️ 56 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 N 6 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Thursday
80 🌡️ 60 | 🌤 | 2% | 💨 NW 5-7 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Friday
76 🌡️ 58 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 NE 5-7 mph 🌊 2 feet building to 3 to 6 feet
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 70ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders.
Until Friday,
—The Briggses
ONE WESTSIDERS REVIEW
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