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- ☕ Something delicious is happening in Lakewood
☕ Something delicious is happening in Lakewood
A few stories that made us smile this week
Good morning, Buzz Nation!
The countdown to Christmas is creeping closer, even if we haven’t made it to Thanksgiving yet (my favorite holiday). And it got me thinking about the most Cleveland things you can give the people you care about.
Like Bertman’s Stadium Mustard for anyone serious about condiments. Cleveland Kraut for the friend who thinks probiotics can erase a weekend of poor choices. Or a pound of Lake Erie rock salt for the entire Browns organization.
Either I’m getting hungry writing this, or Cleveland just really knows how to do food right. Probably both.
Here’s what caught our eye on the Westside this week:
Thai Thai is feeding the neighborhood
Bessie the Trashmonster
Village Rose Deli is now open in Bay
We hope you have a great weekend. See you out there!
—The Briggses
Together With Steve McIntosh State Farm
Most of us only think about insurance when something goes wrong — which is the worst time to find gaps in a policy.
Two quick questions:
• Do you know your liability limits?
• When was your last coverage review?
If you hesitated, you’re not alone — and a fresh look could make a big difference.
Steve and his team cheering on The Browns
Before becoming the Westside’s go-to insurance advisor, Steve spent nearly a decade as an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor. That background shows up in how he works: patient, thorough, and focused on protecting people.
When his team reviewed my own policies, they surprised me by saying I was already in good shape. No pressure, no scare tactics. Simply honest guidance.
Here’s where his team can help:
Home & auto
Life insurance
Short- & long-term disability
If it’s been a while since someone walked you through your coverage, Steve’s team is an easy place to start.
Or Call 👉 (440) 888-8866
*To feed our cats Carl and Birdie, we sometimes partner with sponsors. Your support means the world to us.
Community Blend
Thai Thai-meless generosity 📍 Lakewood
For the second time this month, Thai Thai in Lakewood is dishing out 350 free bowls of ramen to anyone who wants one. No catch. No fine print. Just noodles, broth, and big community vibes.
Thai Thai is becoming THE Westside spot famous for Bangkok-style street food, lines out the door, and the occasional pop-up dance party.
After the first giveaway, owner Kiwi Wongpeng shared a message that pretty much sums up why this city loves her: “Thank you to everyone who helped me feed the community. When it feels like the world is falling apart we got each other.”
In a way, Thai Thai’s ramen nights is the type of feel-good stories why we started the Buzz in the first place. It’s something we need more of — neighbors grabbing bowls together, people donating to pay it forward, and regulars cheering on a small business owner who keeps giving back.
As a certified nerd and person with a weird brain, writing this out had me thinking about how much distance 350 bowls of ramen noodle could cover…
If you stretched out every noodle from Thai Thai’s 350 free bowls of ramen, how far would they reach? |
One correct Westsider will win a gift card to Thai Thai.
So if you needed a sign to support a local restaurant doing big-hearted things, this is it.
And Kiwi’s right: we always have each other. It’s even better when there are noodles involved.
Going Green
Turning Cleveland’s Plastic Problem Into Purpose 📍 Flats
If you’ve ever spotted a lone kayaker hauling junk out of the Cuyahoga in rain, shine, or sideways Cleveland snow — that’s Eddie Olschansky, aka TrashFishCLE. His mission? Raise awareness about plastic pollution on our iconic waterways by removing it one bottle, wrapper, and rogue flip-flop at a time.
Eddie’s collected so much trash that he teamed up with local puppet artist Ian Petroni to build Bessie, a giant Lake Erie Trash Monster made entirely from debris pulled from the river. Part sculpture, part statement, Bessie is proof that what ends up in our waterways doesn’t just vanish — it becomes part of our story.
At The Buzz, we love to say “You can just do things.” And Eddie is exactly what that looks like: one person deciding to make a difference… then actually doing it.
Here’s to the locals who roll up their sleeves (or paddle jackets) and make the Westside a cleaner, better place.
Arts and Culture
Beck Center Art Treasures 2025 📍 Lakewood
The Beck Center for the Arts is celebrating local creativity this holiday season with its Art Treasures 2025 exhibition. This show and sale will feature a variety of works by local artists, providing a great opportunity to find unique holiday gifts.
There will be an opening reception on Friday, Dec 5, 6–7:30 PM to meet the artists and celebrate creativity in our community.
The event is a wonderful way to support the local arts community and enjoy the season.
Westside Native Helps Middle School Girls Through Photography 📍 Cleveland
A Lakewood native is back home—and she’s using her Hollywood experience to lift up the next generation of Cleveland girls.
Holly Fulger, a former actress turned founder of True Beauty Discovery, has teamed up with the Boys & Girls Club in Slavic Village to help middle-school girls tell their stories through photography. The project teaches confidence, creativity, and what it means to define your own beauty—something many of us wish we’d learned a little earlier in life.
Their photographs will be showcased at 78th Street Studios on November 22, with a portion of the event supporting a new scholarship fund for the girls.
Fundraising
Joseph “J.” Shaver and the entire Shaver family are true Westside warriors. J. was diagnosed at just eight months old with quadriplegic cerebral palsy, intractable epilepsy, and CVI — challenges that would overwhelm even the strongest among us. Since then, he’s pushed through thousands of hours of therapy sessions, specialist appointments, and hospital stays. It’s the kind of journey that leaves a mark on any family.
And yet… J.’s spirit refuses to dim.
Despite everything, he’s known for being bright, goofy, and endlessly energetic — the kind of kid who fills a room with life the moment he’s in it.
Now the Shavers are working toward something that could transform J.’s daily world: a specialized track-and-harness system that would let him zip through his home with freedom and joy. They recently bought a ranch-style house with zero steps, lovingly nicknamed “Mobility Ranch,” and they’re pouring their hearts into making it a place where J. can move, explore, and just be a kid.
If you’d like to support them, you can donate to their Help Hope Live campaign and follow along as Mobility Ranch comes to life.
Westside Pour Over
Ohio City - Bookhouse Brewing turns final page
Detroit-Shoreway - The 1915 Westinghouse Building to be converted into apartments and workforce units.
Bay Village - Now Open, Village Rose Deli.
Lorain - Republic Steel’s parent company, Grupo Simec, is looking at establishing operations in Lorain.
Strongsville - Meijer? I barely know her. The grocery chain is looking to add a location just north of Pearl Road and Boston.
Berea - Catlin Family Confections, now open at 127 West St.
Friday Night Lights
🏈 This Week's Playoff matchups:
Friday, November 21
7:00 PM
St. Eds vs Mentor at Byers Field
Medina Highland vs Avon at Brunswick
Rocky River vs Toledo Central Catholic at Clyde
Let’s go, Westsiders!
What’s Happening, Westsiders?
If you want your event featured, say hello.
👨👩👧👦=Family Friendly
Friday, November 21
👨👩👧👦 Opening Day: Christmas Connection - IX Center, Cleveland |
Holiday makers, festive décor, and seasonal shopping fill the IX Center as Christmas Connection opens for the weekend.
The Salon 2 u: Girlsgiving - Heyday Collective, Lakewood | 3-6 PM
An afternoon of manis, chair massages, and cozy snacks designed as a calm pause before holiday season ramps up. Take a moment
Whiskey Legends Dinner - Hotel Cleveland, Public Square | 6:30-8:30 PM
A five-course dinner inside MAKER paired with Western Reserve Distillers whiskeys for an evening of flavor and storytelling. On the rocks
Mahjong & Martinis - Blair Ritchey, Lakewood | 6-9 PM
A night of martinis and mahjong hosted by Cleveland Social Club in Blair Ritchey’s Lakewood shop. Shuffle in
Cheese, Wine & Chocolate Fest - Gordon Green, Gordon Square | 6-11 PM
Taste a wide range of cheeses, wines, and local chocolate vendors during an evening dedicated to all things rich and indulgent. Our 3 favorite things!
Friendsgiving Wine Dinner - Alley Cat Oyster Bar, The Flats | 4:30-8:30 PM
A coastal-inspired Friendsgiving dinner featuring four seasonal courses paired with selections from Vintage Wines. See the menu
👨👩👧👦 November Third Friday Art Walk - 78th Street Studios, Battery Park | 5-9 PM
Four floors of art, music, and design come alive for Cleveland’s monthly creative showcase, with 60+ studios open and a welcoming, all-ages, pet-friendly vibe.
Cocky’s Friendsgiving - Cocky’s Bagels, The Flats | 7:30-11 PM
Saturday, November 22
👨👩👧👦 Holiday Craft Fair - Our Lady of Angels: Linus Hall, West Park | 9 AM-3 PM
50 booths of handmade items like baked goods, jams & jellies, quilts, and more.
Thanksgiving Floral Centerpiece & Styling Workshop - Table for 2, Ohio City | 6-8 PM
Create a Thanksgiving centerpiece using vintage vessels and seasonal blooms in a hands-on workshop led by Le Jardin Klein and Table for 2. Style the details
👨👩👧👦 BAYarts Holiday Extravaganza - BAYarts, Bay Village | 3-7 PM
The season begins with BAYarts’ holiday shop opening, kids’ crafts, food, a cash bar, and a 6 PM tree lighting… plus carriage rides through the park!
👨👩👧👦 Crocker Park Annual Tree Lighting Ceremony - Crocker Park, Westlake | 4 PM kickoff, 6 PM lighting
Crocker Park lights up the season with performances, family activities, local vendors, and Santa’s arrival to illuminate the 50-foot tree at 6 PM.
👨👩👧👦 Light Up The Park - Veteran’s Memorial Park, Avon Lake | 2:30-6:30 PM
A family-friendly afternoon with a light parade, live reindeer, holiday characters, crafts, carolers, and the park lighting at 6 PM.
Sunday, November 23
Happy Dog Holiday Market - Happy Dog, Gordon Square | 12-6 PM
A holiday market featuring handmade goods, prints, plants, apparel, books, portraits, and tunes from DJ Guilty Pleasures.
Petals and Paint: A Seasonal Centerpiece Workshop - Evangeline & Co, Ohio City | 1-3 PM
Paint a custom vase with Ruthie Lane Art, then build a seasonal floral centerpiece with Evangeline & Co for a creative pre-holiday night out. Let it bloom
Fall Queens & Mimosa Dreams Drag Brunch - BrewDog, The Flats | 12-3 PM
A fall-themed drag brunch with lively performances, brunch plates, and plenty of mimosas at BrewDog Cleveland.
Friendsgiving BINGO - Laughing Bomb Brewery & Vineyard, Avon Lake | 3-5 PM
Celebrate the season with bingo, fall bites, and wine at Laughing Bomb’s Friendsgiving gathering.
107.3 AltCle Vintage Fest - Globe Iron, The Flats | 10 AM-4 PM
Vintage vendors take over Globe Iron with clothing, vinyl, and throwback finds from local curators across the city.
Thanksgiving Cookie Decorating Class - Wyne Tasting Bar, Gordon Square | 3-4:30 PM
Decorate a dozen fall-themed cookies with step-by-step guidance from Gartman Model Bakery’s Brittany. Iced out
Oyster Shucking - Old School Pizza & Wings, Rocky River | 3 PM
A Sunday oyster shucking afternoon with our friends from Sierra Nevada, fresh pours, giveaways, and plenty of shell-cracking fun.
🎷 Live Entertainment
Friday
Haley Mae Campbell | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6PM
Whitechapel Bodysnatcher, Angelmaker, Disembodied Tyrant | Globe Iron, Flats 6 PM
Carole King Tribute by Home Again | Music Box SC, Flats 7:30 PM
EMBLEM3 – The Fever Dream Tour w/ Lakedrive | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM
Country Redford | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Magic Dick of The J. Geils Band | Music Box CH, Flats 8
PM
Liz Hogg | Strange Harbor | Nick Charles | Coda, 8 PM
John Klayman's ReedRush Featuring Howie Smith | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 8 PM
Bufflehead | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM
Southbound Country | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Jazz Jam Session | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 10 PM
Matt Whataguy | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Til Death Do Us Part: Beetlejuice Dance Party | Mahall’s, Lakewood 10 PM
Saturday
Gutter Gals: A Dauber Divas Bingo Drag Lunch | Mahall’s, Lakewood 11 AM
Dave Hinrich | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 6:30 PM
Alexis Julia: Songwriter Event | Front Street Social, Berea 7 PM
Vedo: Afterdark, The Epitome Tour | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Boy Band Rewind: 2010's Boy Band Dance Party | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Yung Gravy: Voluptuous Voyage Tour | House of Blues, Cleveland 7 PM
They Might Be Giants | Globe Iron, Flats 7 PM
Tom Petty: Heartbreakers Beach Party Film | Rock Hall, Cleveland 7 PM
Barry Manilow Extravaganza with Daybreak | Music Box CH, Flats 7 PM
Motown & More with Nitebridge | Music Box SC, Flats 7:30 PM
Bethany Joy "Slow Burn" Album Release | The Bop
Stop, Cleveland 7:30 PM
Wig Doubt x The Mannequins x Calico x Cool Party | Coda, 8 PM
In The Heartland with Danny Powers | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Creedence The Tribute | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM
Dark Wave Dance Cave – Pajama Party! | The Winchester, Lakewood 9 PM
Follow the Sun | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Matt Whataguy | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Sunday
Blues Brunch with Travis Haddix Blues Band | Music Box SC, Flats 12 PM
Eagles Tribute Brunch with Out Of Eden | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM
Esoteria | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
Brett Dennen – Art Is Life | Music Box CH, Flats 7 PM
EMP Trio Featuring Chris Coles | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
Brother Dusty & ratplay | The Winchester, Lakewood 7 PM
Weather
Friday
53 🌡️ 46 | 🌧 | 30% | 💨 SW 7-10 mph 🌊 1 to 3 feet
Saturday
46 🌡️ 33 | 🌤 | 7% | 💨 N 7-10 mph 🌊 2 to 4, subsiding to 1 to 3 feet
Sunday
52 🌡️ 37 | 🌤 | 6% | 💨 SW 8-14 mph 🌊 3 to 6, subsiding to 1 to 3 feet
Monday
52 🌡️ 42 | 🌤🌧 | 60% | 💨 SW 5-7 mph 🌊 1 to 3 feet
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 57ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders. Make someone smile this weekend.
See you out there,
—The Briggses