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- ☕ Let's shake off our post-Thanksgiving hangover
☕ Let's shake off our post-Thanksgiving hangover
Good morning, Buzz Nation! Jodie and I hope you had a great Thanksgiving surrounded by friends, family, and maybe a little too much tryptophan.
We spent the long weekend moving, which somehow felt harder than moving across state lines. A thousand tiny trips back and forth… and every time, we forgot something we were positive we’d already packed.
The low point? Sitting down for dinner after a long day and realizing we had packed zero silverware. I suggested eating with our hands. Jodie suggested making another trip. You already know who won that vote.
Once I came back with actual forks, I was reminded why civilized society invented utensils in the first place.
Here’s what we’re buzzing on today:
Wandering Lantern kids’ bookstore opens
Avon Lake CRS lending a hand
What exactly is a seiche?
A fundraiser for Jamaica
Have a great week,
—The Briggses
COMMUNITY BLEND
Vanishing Shoreline & a Canadian Shipwreck 📍 Rocky River
CBC News Windsor
If you caught that wild TikTok from Rocky River Beach last week, you probably did a double-take. Lake Erie had backed up farther than I did when my uncle brought up his colonoscopy at Thanksgiving.
What you witnessed was a lake seiche (pronounced SAY-sh), a rare but powerful phenomenon where strong west-to-east winds shove water toward Buffalo like Mother Nature herself is swiping left on us. The result? A sudden drop in water levels along the Westside — exposing lakebed that’s usually 10–20 feet underwater.
Elizabeth’s TikTok shows you how it felt eerie and fascinating all at once, giving us a chance to see things that are normally reserved for the eyes of Perch and Walleye.
But it wasn’t just happening in Rocky River…
Across the lake in Kingsville, Ontario, the same winds pulled water back far enough to uncover something wild: a shipwreck.
Local diver Matt Vermette spotted it just a few hundred yards from shore. No wetsuit needed — it was fully exposed. He grabbed some incredible footage and posted it in the “Ship Junkies” Facebook group. Historians believe the wreck could be the Demming or the Overton, both lost before 1900 and hidden beneath the surface ever since.
A ghost of Great Lakes history, briefly revealed by a windy afternoon.
We learned something new this weekend — and honestly? That’s what we love about living here. On the Westside, the ordinary can become extraordinary when you’re paying attention. So here’s to windy days, curious neighbors, and the surprises our shoreline still has in store.
Short Takes on the Westside
Remember that the full Short Takes column can be found on our blog.
Bay Village
Park restoration: The city’s Recreation and Park Improvements Committee recently passed a resolution authorizing the filing of an application to the Ohio Lake Erie Commission (OLEC) for financial assistance from the Lake Erie Community Grant Program for the Cahoon Park Aquatic and Riparian Restoration components of the Cahoon Memorial Park Lakefront Restoration.
Avon
Republican club meeting: Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club will meet at 5 p.m. Dec. 11 in Ragan Hall (1783 Moore Road). Guest speakers will be Ohio Secretary of State Frank LaRose and Lake County Treasurer Michael Zuren. Refreshments will be available.
Class of 2026: Avon High School has moved the date for Commencement to May 26 to accommodate the greatest number of seniors as participants. The previous date fell directly on a State level track and field competition that is likely to affect a number of student athletes.
Avon Lake
Walk this way: City officials are proposing to fill in gaps in the existing sidewalk network on both the north and south sides of Lake Road and install pedestrian hybrid beacons (PHB) at Miller Road Park (Beachpark Tower Driveway) and west of the State Route 83 intersection.
Traffic on Lake Road will be maintained during construction. Construction is expected to begin in the spring of 2027 and last approximately six months.
*Westside Buzz approved! If you followed us on our Walk The Westside 20-mile charity walk, our biggest issue was the lack of sidewalks on Lake Rd once we hit Avon Lake.
Making spirits bright: Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services (CRS) is at again this holiday season with several initiatives to assist those in need.
Here are two of the programs:
Santa's Workshop - Family gift giving
Be a Santa to a Senior - Seniors will receive gift bags with gourmet food items
Themed family baskets - Board games, bathroom accessories and other fun items are availble for families.
Contact Mindy at 440-933-5639 or [email protected].
Want to donate?
The deadline to donate unwrapped items is Dec. 6.
Visit the CRS website for more information or access the CRS Amazon wishlist.
Sounds of the season: The TrueNorth Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of Richard Fortney, will present their Christmas Concert at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 20 at Avon Lake Presbyterian Church, 32340 Electric Blvd. The concert is open to all, and there will be a free will offering to help offset costs.
North Ridgeville
Council seat: Ward 1 Councilwoman Holly Swenk is accepting the elected At-Large position on the North Ridgeville City Council for the 2026-2029 term and will resign her Ward 1 seat, effective at the close of business on Dec. 31.
Interested in civil service? You must be a resident of Ward 1 and a registered voter. Send a cover letter and resume by Dec 11.
Geek Squad: Need tech help with your Kindle, iPad, tablet, or email? Book a 45-minute one-on-one appointment for tech help from 1 to 3 p.m. Dec. 15 at the North Ridgeville Branch Library. Call 440-327-8326.
Rocky River
Holiday party: The community is invited to celebrate the Holidays with the Rocky River Chamber of Commerce during its annual Holiday Party from 6 to 9 p.m. Dec. 11 at the Don Umerley Civic Center, 21016 Hilliard Blvd.
To register, go to rockyriverchamber.com.
Westlake
The Garden Club wreath
Wreath donation: The Westlake Garden Club recently presented a whimsical ‘Alice in Wonderland’ wreath to Cathy DuBois, librarian at the Dover Intermediate School library.
The imaginative wreath had previously been featured at the Cleveland Botanical Garden’s Frost Winter Event, where children’s literature themes were showcased in creative floral displays. Inspired by Lewis Carroll’s timeless tale, the wreath includes playful motifs such as teacups, pocket watches, playing cards, and vibrant floral accents.
Breakfast with Santa: Kids can visit with Santa, take photos, create festive crafts, and write letters while families enjoy pancakes together from 9 to 10 a.m. Dec. 13 at the Recreation Center.
Registration is required, with a maximum of 100 participants. More information
Mark Your Calendars
Packy Malley’s Fundraiser for Jamaica 📍 Olmsted Township
Join the community for a good cause at Packy Malley’s fundraiser for Jamaica on Saturday, December 20th, from 4-10 PM at the West Side Irish American Club. Listen to iconic local music acts like Carlos Jones, while sampling JoJo Carloni’s Italian creations. The goal of the evening is to raise funds for the hurricane-ravaged parts of the Caribbean nation.
Support Local
The Wandering Lantern 📍 Lakewood
15729 Madison Ave, Lakewood
Parents, good news: there’s finally a place to take your kids that isn’t Target or grandparents’ house, where everything is antique breakable. The Wandering Lantern, Lakewood’s brand-new children’s bookstore and indoor play space, officially opened on Small Business Saturday — and it’s already a game-changer.
Right at Madison & Hilliard, this whimsical spot somehow gets kids excited about reading and burns energy. They’re rolling out a fun lineup: Saturday Story Times (ages 0–5, 6–10), a Family Classics series (ages 6–12), and a “Build Your Own Mouse Mansion” workshop your kid will talk about for weeks.
Follow them on Instagram for updates and their upcoming event calendar.
Flower Child Vintage Reopens 📍 Lakewood
Big news for anyone who loves vintage treasure hunts or simply enjoys walking into a store and saying, “My grandma definitely had that.” Flower Child has officially packed up after 25 years and moved into a massive new home at 1360 W. 117th St., reopening on November 5th.
How massive? Try 12,000 square feet of retro furniture, funky décor, and “I didn’t need this, but I absolutely need this” finds. The new space has better accessibility, actual parking (a Lakewood miracle), and room for even more vendors, outdoor markets, and community fundraisers.
Owner Joe Valenti has created a warm, quirky, holiday-ready hub that already feels like the kind of place you wander into for five minutes and somehow emerge from an hour later with a life-sized Oscar the Grouch.
What’s Happenin’, Westsiders?
Featured Event
Love-a-Stray and Paws by the Lake collaborate on the 15th annual Pet Photos with Santa Extravaganza. This must-attend event is like Disneyland for your pet, which won’t cost a paw and a leg.
👨👩👧👦=Family Friendly
Wednesday, December 3rd
Mention It All: Bravo Watch Party — Mahall’s, Lakewood | 7 PM
Vanderpump Rules + Real Housewives of Salt Lake City on the big screen. Expect themed cocktails, shotskis, Bravo games, and plenty of armchair opinions.
Girl’s Night Out: Holiday Porch Pot Class — Dean’s Greenhouse, Westlake | 6–8 PM
Build a festive porch pot for the season during this hands-on night out at Dean’s Greenhouse. Bring snacks, friends, and your favorite sip while you craft a custom holiday planter. Greenery for the girls!
Holiday Wine Down — Lago East Bank, The Flats | 6–9 PM
Sip, stroll, and support local makers at Lago’s annual holiday hangout with wine, complimentary light bites, giveaways, and local vendors.
A Very Merry Marketplace & A Festivus for the Rest of Us — The Elliot, Tremont | 6–11 PM
The Elliot launches its holiday pop-up, The Good Tidings Bar, with a split-night celebration: a vendor-filled Merry Marketplace upstairs (6–10 PM) and a Festivus bash downstairs (7–11 PM). Expect local makers, holiday cocktails, flash tattoos, DJ Terkalerk, and an ugly sweater moment. “Welcome, newcomers”
Thursday, December 4th
Holly Market — Magnificat High School, Rocky River | 5–9 PM
An evening of holiday shopping with local artisans, festive treats, and a raffle lineup that includes a Woodhouse Spa card and a Holly Jolly gift card tree.
Holiday Market at Village Project Market — Bay Village | 5–9 PM
A cozy night of shopping with local vendors, seasonal snacks, and holiday finds — all at the Village Project’s community-focused market.
RAIN: A Beatles Christmas Tribute — Playhouse Square, Downtown | 8 PM
A festive twist on Beatles classics as RAIN blends holiday favorites with the songs everyone knows by heart.
The Great Holiday Pour — Little Meraki Market, Avon | 6:30–8:30 PM
Sixty bottles. Unlimited pours. Seasonal bites. Plus a station to help you style your wine gifts for the holidays. Pours and Presents
Friday, December 5th
French Creek Theatre Presents: Merrily We Roll Along — Sheffield Village | 7:30 PM
*Runs this weekend and next. Stephen Sondheim's Broadway hit takes the stage at this community theater production. Dream big
MIX: Snow Globe — Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland | 6 PM–12 AM
A global music–inspired winter party with DJs, a live brass quintet, holiday photo ops, and themed food + drink in the museum atrium. Let it snow
👨👩👧👦 Bavarian Christkindlmarkt (Runs til Sunday) — Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds, Berea | 5–7 PM
Open-air booths, German-inspired food, and handmade goods bring a classic European market vibe to Northeast Ohio. Frohe Festtage!
Krampus Fest: Ugly Sweater Party — Hofbräuhaus, Downtown | 7 PM–12 AM
Krampus, stein-holding contests, live music, and an ugly-sweater showdown at this annual holiday bash.
Candlelight Wine Walk — Olde Avon Village, Avon | 6–9 PM
Back for it’s 7th year, take a twinkling stroll through Olde Avon Village with vino and local vendors.
👨👩👧👦 Public Square Cheer Garden — Public Square, Downtown | 5–10 PM
Fire pits, warm drinks, skating, and the Illuminate CLE light show glowing every half hour all evening.
House in the Heights: Cleveland Vintage Boutique Market (Runs til Sunday) — 3800 Lakeside Ave E., Cleveland | 5–8 PM
Vintage clothing, décor, jewelry, and furniture curated by 13 vendors for an early-evening treasure hunt.
👨👩👧👦 Little Italy Holiday ArtWalk (Runs til Sunday) — Little Italy, Mayfield Rd | 5–7 PM
Take out your passport, we are going to Italy the east side! Wander galleries, meet artists, and explore the Murray Hill Schoolhouse’s special holiday exhibits during this neighborhood tradition.
Saturday, December 6th
👨👩👧👦 Christmas by the Lake Craft Show — Avon Lake High School | 9 AM–4 PM
120+ handmade vendors fill the high school for a one-day craft show supporting ALHS students through the PTA.
Cleveland Bazaar — Lake Affect Studios, E 25th | 10 AM–6 PM
Shop 75+ makers and open artist studios throughout the building during this seasonal east side market.
Jingle Bell Jive: Bunts to Birdtown — Lakewood | 12–8 PM
A holiday shop-and-stamp crawl with raffle entries for purchases, plus photos with Krampus at Oktober’s.
9th Annual 12 Bars of Christmas Crawl — Dive Bar, W 6th | 12–8 PM
A Warehouse District crawl featuring themed outfits, festive drink stops, and holiday energy all afternoon.
👨👩👧👦 BAYarts Santa Shop — BAYarts, Bay Village | 12-3 PM
Kids shop for handmade gifts with help from BAYarts’ “elves,” with cocoa and complimentary gift wrap. Not another hammer for dad
👨👩👧👦 Jack Frost Festival of Lights — Downtown Berea | 5–8 PM
A tree lighting, holiday parade, drone show, and family activities around Coe Lake launch Berea’s holiday season.
👨👩👧👦 2025 Light Up Lakewood — Downtown Lakewood | 4–8 PM
Downtown transforms into a holiday street festival with live entertainment, a family fun zone, the holiday parade at 5 PM, and a lighting ceremony at 6:30 PM in City Center Park. Enjoy the holiday market, seasonal bites, visits with Santa, roaming characters, and a beer garden for adults.
Flannel & Finery: Ingenuity’s 2025 Holiday Fling — Ingenuity Cleveland, E 55th | 7 PM
A cozy, creative evening featuring performances, hands-on demos, holiday treats, and the full Ingenuity crew. Not-so-fancy!
Designer Bag Bingo: Adult Game Night — Little Birdie Wine Nest, Parma | 6:30 PM
A holiday edition of Birdie’s signature bingo night with designer bag prizes and seasonal sangria. Purses please!
Sunday, December 7th
👨👩👧👦 Christmas Pajama Brunch — Georgetown Vosh, Lakewood | 9 AM–1:30 PM
A cozy, come-as-you-are brunch with holiday flavors and festive pajamas encouraged.
👨👩👧👦 Breakfast with Santa — Alley Cat Oyster Bar, The Flats | 9 AM-12 PM
A waterfront breakfast buffet with cookie decorating, a cocoa bar, and photos with Santa and Mrs. Claus.
👨👩👧👦 Westside Flea Holiday Market — West Side Irish American Club, Olmsted Falls | 10 AM–4 PM
A holiday market with live music, free activities, and a seasonal charity collection.
Pet Photos with Santa & The Grinch — Paws By The Lake Pet Resort, Avon Lake | 11 AM–3 PM
A pet-friendly holiday photo event featuring both Santa and The Grinch.
2025 Holiday Spectacular — Flight Cleveland, Gordon Square | 2–6:30 PM
A two-session tasting with 40+ wines selected for holiday sipping, poured by industry favorites. Cheers!
A Charlie Brown Holiday Tribute — Music Box Supper Club, The Flats | 5 PM
The Cliff Habian Trio performs Vince Guaraldi’s beloved Peanuts score live. Not a bad little tree
Weather
Tuesday
36 🌡️ 23 | 🌨 | 80% | 💨 N 6-11 mph 🌊 1 to 3 feet
Wednesday
35 🌡️ 23 | 🌤🌨 | 80% | 💨 SW 10-16 mph 🌊 6 to 10 feet, occasionally 13 feet
Thursday
29 🌡️ 14 | 🌨 | 20% | 💨 W 15 mph 🌊 4 to 7 feet, subsiding to 1 to 3 feet
Friday
32 🌡️ 24 | 🌤 | 5% | 💨 SW 7-11 mph 🌊 2 to 4 feet, building to 3 to 6 feet
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 46ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders. Do us a huge favor and send this email to someone who bikes to work even in the winter.
Until Friday,
—The Briggses