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☕ Hats Off to Purple Hearts
We breakdown our Walk the Westside Charity Fundrasier | 37 fun events this weekend
Good morning, Buzz Nation.
On September 27, 1986, Cleveland decided to release 1.5 million balloons into the sky because, well, what could possibly go wrong? Spoiler alert: everything.
The balloons came right back down, clogged the airport, confused search and rescue teams, and turned our city into the world's most expensive confetti explosion.
Moral of the story: Reading The Westside Buzz is always a good decision.
Today we’re buzzing on:
Walk the Westside Plans Are Set
Hats Off to a New Lakewood Business
Purple Heart Homes Gives to Veterans
We hope you have a great weekend. See you out there!
—The Briggses

WALK THE WESTSIDE
The day is almost upon us. Jodie and I are dreading so excited to be walking 20 miles in one day for charity from The Rock Hall to Veterans’ Memorial Park in Avon Lake on Saturday, October 4.
We have set up the GoFundMe. Proceeds will be distributed evenly between two charities.
You—our loyal Westside Buzz reader—chose to raise money for Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center and City Dogs of Cleveland.
Here is where you come in. Let’s raise a bunch of money for these amazing charities!
If you donate and choose to make your donation public, we will include your name in the October 7th edition of the Buzz as our sincerest thank you.
NEW BUSINESS
🎩 Leona’s Custom Hats Rides Into Town 📍 Lakewood

Leona’s Custom Hats opened last Friday at 15210 Madison Ave, and trust us—it’s more than just another shop, it’s an experience. We stepped inside and were greeted with bourbon, charcuterie, good vibes, and rows of western-chic hats waiting to be shaped.
Shay and Brad are bringing true premium hat-making to the Westside with custom sizing, branding, fit, and style. The process of creating your one-of-a-kind hat is a sensory experience.
Steam helps shape, accessories add flair, and the sizzle of branding makes it yours.
I’ll be honest—I’ve never thought I looked good in hats. But Leona’s will ease any worry, and won’t let you walk out with a hat that doesn’t suit you. You’ll leave looking like a rockstar, loving your new look.
Whether you’re a cowboy at heart or just want to elevate your style, make the trip and let Leona’s craft your signature hat.
COMMUNITY BLEND
Veteran Receives New Roof Through Community Partnership 📍 Avon

Representatives from Owens Corning, Purple Heart Homes [Courtesy Rodger Roeser]
John Giles, a U.S. Army veteran from Avon, recently received a brand-new roof thanks to the generosity of Franciscus Roofing, Owens Corning, and Purple Heart Homes.
The project was coordinated by Purple Heart Homes’ Northeast Ohio chapter, led by John Keating, whose mission is to help service-connected disabled and aging veterans live safely and independently.
If you know a veteran who could benefit from this kind of support, Purple Heart Homes encourages you to reach out. Together, the community can ensure more veterans like John Giles receive the recognition—and care—they deserve.

BUZZSTRIP

WESTSIDE POUROVER
Cleveland: The speed limit on Lake Avenue—from the West Shoreway through Lakewood’s border—will drop from 35 to 30 mph, part of Cleveland’s push to make this heavily traveled stretch safer for motorists and pedestrians alike.
Avon Lake: Citizens are on alert after a Sept. 16 chemical spill from Lubrizol leaked into Powdermaker Creek just blocks from Lake Erie, prompting cleanup efforts by the city, Ohio EPA, and U.S. Coast Guard to protect local waterways.
Lakewood: The 100-year-old Webb Hall Apartments is for sale, featuring 37 apartments that reflect the building’s historic architecture.
ADOPTABLE PETS OF THE WEEK
Storm Would Like Your Attention

Photo courtesy of Friends of Lorain County Dog Kennel
For 146 days, Storm has been patiently waiting behind shelter doors, dreaming of the simple things: a soft bed, a gentle hand, and a family to call his own.
At about 3 years old and 60 pounds, this mixed-breed sweetheart is the definition of a cuddle buddy.
He’s a staff favorite thanks to his bubbly personality; he loves head pats, curling up for snuggles, or trotting happily beside you on a walk.
If you or someone you know is searching for a loyal friend who wants nothing more than to love and be loved, look no further than Storm.
Need some cuteness in your life?

[Photo courtesy A New Leash on Life Rescue]
Petunia might have put on the performance of the year in her photo shoot with A New Leash on Life.
A good samaritan picked her up all alone in the middle of the road. Can you imagine?!
She is just 6 weeks old and will be ready for adoption soon.
BY THE NUMBERS
17%
That would be the increase in total attendance in 2025 compared to 2024 for the Lake Erie Crushers. The new ownership group seems to be hustling like Jose Ramirez legging out a double.

No, this is not AI
The surge comes courtesy of the new ownership group, led by Len Komoroski (yep, the former Cavs CEO).
Their vision? Transform Mercy Health Stadium into a year-round entertainment hub—packed with promo nights, concerts, community events, and plenty of reasons to swing by even when there’s no baseball on the diamond.
And so far, that hustle is paying dividends. The Crushers aren’t just climbing the Frontier League standings, they’re climbing the attendance charts too. They currently rank 7th of 18 teams in 2025 attendance.
WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?
👨👩👧👦=Family Friendly
Friday, September 26th |
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Chunky Knit Blanket “Sip & Snuggle” Workshop |
📅 September Open Studios |
📅IngenuityFest 2025: Forging the Future |
Saturday, September 27th |
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Ohio Wine & Beer Show |
👨👩👧👦 Outdoor Fall Market on the Ridge Antiques, vintage finds, handmade goods, and cozy fall décor fill the Blue Barn lawn for this family-friendly market. With food vendors, door prizes, and plenty of treasures, it’s a seasonal shopping tradition. |
📅👨👩👧👦 Johnny Appleseed Festival Caramel apples, cider donuts, pumpkin village, and America’s longest slide? Mapleside’s 52nd Johnny Appleseed Festival has it all. Pick your own apples, catch live entertainment, and spend a fall weekend packed with family fun. Apple-solutely |
Tacos & Tequila Festival Street tacos, craft margaritas, lucha libre, a chihuahua beauty pageant, and a throwback hip-hop lineup featuring Lil Jon, Fat Joe, Ginuwine, Twista, and more. It’s the ultimate day-to-night fiesta. Get low |
Flight Cleveland Clambake Chef David Kocab teams up with BassaBassa, a Cent’s Pizza concept, for Flight’s annual clambake. Expect a dozen clams with creative fall sides, chorizo, and wine pairings in one of Gordon Square’s coziest wine bars. Crack into it |
Food Truck Challenge Twenty food trucks face off with celebrity judges and your vote deciding the People’s Choice winner. Add live music and a hungry crowd, and it’s a food lover’s dream afternoon. |
👨👩👧👦Westside Flea Browse 100+ vendors of handmade goods, vintage finds, art, and more at this community market. With food trucks, live music, and family activities, it’s a full day of shopping local. |
Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras |
Sunday, September 28th |
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Fleetwood Mac Tribute Brunch with Rumors Ohio Start your Sunday with Stevie, Lindsey, and Christine (well… the next best thing). Rumors Ohio brings Fleetwood Mac’s hits to brunch, complete with Bloody Mary specials and that one song you’ll be humming all week. Play Silver Springs!!! |
Sip & Shop Market Wander the vineyard with a glass in hand at John Christ’s summer market. Shop handmade goods and fresh-cut flowers, then refuel with brunch (10–2) or lunch specials after. |
Island Beats Pink Mamas Zumba® Master Class Dance for a cause at this high-energy Zumba® Master Class supporting breast cancer awareness. Island Beats teams up with instructors from Ohio and Florida to bring the heat, honor survivors, and move together in strength. Get grooving |
🎷 Live Entertainment
Friday
Butch Armstrong & The Bearcats | Whiskey Island 7 PM
Comedy Night Presented by The Standard Comedy Company | Coda, 7 PM
Emma Nicholas | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 7 PM
Nicotine Dolls Wic Whitney | Globe, Iron 7 PM
Mustard Mountain Moving Company | Front Street Social, Berea 7 PM
Willi Carlisle with Special Guest The Lowest Pair | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Beatles Night with Revolution Pie | Music Box CH, Flats 7:30 PM
The Notebook | Connor Palace, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Life Of Agony – 30 Years of Ugly | The Winchester, Lakewood 7:30 PM
Sunday In The Park with George | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Bridge The Gap | Tony K’s, Berea 8 PM
Carolyn Wonderland | Music Box SC, Flats 8 PM
Dave Frank | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
Grundge DNA | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM
Breakfast Club | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Live & Local Featuring Brent Kirby | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Whisky Bound | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Saturday
Sunday In The Park with George | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 1:30 PM
The Notebook | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1:30 PM
OSU Watch Party | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 3:30PM
Kublai Khan TX | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
Home is Where | The Roxy Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
Dave Hinrich | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 6:30 PM
Symphony X Sonata Arctica | Globe, Iron 7 PM
Tea Bags | Whiskey Island 7 PM
Tom Sandoval & The Most Extras | House of Blues, Cleveland 7 PM
The Notebook | Connor Palace, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Sunday In The Park with George | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Ramblewood x Chris Lugo | Coda, 8 PM
Nathan Paul, Life's Notes | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
Tiny Hands Band | Tony K’s, Berea 8 PM
Higher CREED Tribute + Drown Smashing Pumpkins Tribute | The Winchester, Lakewood 8:30 PM
Live & Local Featuring Dan Pyne | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Sky's The Limit | Backstage Bar, Westpark 9 PM
Spazmatics | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Whisky Bound | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Heavy Emo Night: KKTX After Party | Mahall’s, Lakewood 11 PM
Sunday
Browns Game Day Experience | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 9 AM
Bluegrass Brunch Whiskey Drinks & Sweaty Already String Band | The Winchester, Lakewood 12 PM
Gypsy Swing Brunch | Music Box SC, Flats 12 PM
Fleetwood Mac Tribute Brunch with Rumours | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM
Evil Ways | Whiskey Island 2 PM
Sunday In The Park with George | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 3 PM
Irish Trad Music Session | Gormley's Pub, Rocky River 5 PM
Bass Drum of Death | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
Coco Montoya | Music Box CH, Flats 7 PM
Goodspeed You! Black Emperor RA Washington | Globe, Iron 7 PM
Randie Shane Presents "Jerome Kern: Not THAT Cute" | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
FRIDAY NIGHT LIGHTS

🏈 This Week's Games:
Friday, September 26
4:00 PM
John Hay at Lincoln West (0-1)
Glenville at John Marshall (1-4)
7:00 PM
Bay Village (3-2) at Westlake (2-3)
North Olmsted (1-4) at Lakewood (3-2)
Normandy at Rocky River (4-1)
Avon (4-1) at Berea-Midpark
Elyria at Avon Lake (4-1)
North Ridgeville (4-1) at Midview
Olmsted Falls (3-2) at Steele
Trinity at Fairview (3-2)
Saturday, September 27 - 1:00 PM
Bishop McNamara at St. Edward (4-1)
Enjoy the games!
Weather
Friday
73 🌡️ 56 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 NW 5-7 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Saturday
75 🌡️ 57 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 W 5 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Sunday
76 🌡️ 58 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 N 5-7 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Monday
76 🌡️ 60 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 E 5-9 mph 🌊 2 feet or less
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 69ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders. If you’ve made it this far in today’s newsletter, please reply to this email with your plans for the weekend. We would love to know what you have going on!
Until Friday,
—The Briggses