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- The Winter Solstice, Warblers, and Walleye
The Winter Solstice, Warblers, and Walleye
Big waves, winter birds, and a few reasons to leave the house
Happy Friday, Westsiders.
I’ve noticed that the less I sleep, the easier I find it to write and the more goofy I tend to be. (just ask, Jodie)
I’m straddling that fine line between delirium and falling asleep at my desk, which has me at optimal performance today. Check in again at 2 p.m. to see if I’m singing that same tune.
You know what always gets me back on track? A stacked Westside weekend.
Today we’re buzzing on:
State grants for new trail
Lake Erie fishing data looks historic
Winter birding fun
We hope you have a great weekend. See you out there!
—The Briggses
Before we get into the main course, here’s something genuinely helpful we think a lot of you will appreciate.
With Help From First Federal Lakewood
Helpful Tools for Real Life
If you’ve ever caught yourself Googling “How much house can I actually afford?” at 11 p.m., you’re not alone. Same goes for digging out of debt, saving for your kid’s college, or just trying to feel more put-together financially.
That’s where First Federal Lakewood comes in.
They just built out a massive library of financial resources to help with all of it. Budgeting. Homebuying. Debt strategies. College savings. Real-life money questions, answered in plain English.
Jodie and I even used one of their life insurance calculators when we got married. It made a confusing decision feel a lot simpler.
And because they’re a mutual bank, this isn’t about selling you something. It’s about helping their community make smarter money moves at every stage of life.
Whether you’re buying your first home, paying off credit cards, or planning ahead for your kids, their resource library is worth a look. Your future self will thank you.
Community Blend
Good catch for Westside anglers 📍 Lake Erie
[Credit: Game & Fish Magazine]
The walleye hatch in Lake Erie’s western basin is the sixth biggest in nearly 40 years — meaning future fish fries are looking real good for us Westsiders. It’s also a big win for the local economy, with fishing tourism reeling in nearly $1.1 billion for Ohio each year.
Yellow perch also had a great year out west (Toledo to Huron), though things weren’t quite as rosy in the central and eastern zones. Translation: if you're fishing near Lorain or Vermilion, you're golden, but if you head east, it's more of a mystery bag.
These trawl surveys help predict how many of these little guys will be catchable by 2027, so we're basically getting a sneak peek at the future dinner menu. Lake Erie’s still living up to its Walleye Capital reputation — and that cooler in your garage might finally earn its keep.
New Nature Trail
Great news for our Westside seniors 📍 Rocky River
The Pirate city just scored $148K in state grant funding to build a walking trail around the Senior Center. That means more chances for walks, chats, and fresh air with friends (or just an excuse to sneak in a few laps before gatherings at the center).
Rep. Bride Rose Sweeney helped secure the funding, calling it an “enduring investment in the Rocky River community,” and we agree — especially if it leads to more outdoor time and fewer "stuck inside watching the weather channel" days.
Bonus: the center already offers everything from art classes to tech help, so this new trail just adds one more reason to drop by. Stay up-to-date by following their Facebook page
Dinner Club Feedback
Wow. The Westside Buzz Community continues to blow us away.
If you missed it, we recently shared a story about Spice Hospitality Group’s Plated Dinner experiences, those one-of-a-kind dining gatherings popping up around town.
We casually floated the idea of a Buzz Dinner Gathering… and 150 of you raised your hands!
So now the fun part begins. Our goal is to create a unique, affordable, and genuinely fun night out that shakes up the usual routine.
More details coming soon. Stay hungry.
🧠 Trivia
I might be a little weird, but extreme weather gets me fired up. This weekend, Lake Erie is expected to be a little choppy, with NOAA forecasting waves up to 18 feet. That’s some of the biggest surf Lake Erie has ever seen — but it’s still not the biggest the Great Lakes can deliver.
How tall were the largest waves ever recorded on the Great Lakes, and which lake produced them? |
Nature
Where are all my Winter Warblers at?
Yellow-rumped Warbler [All About Birds]
Whether you're a seasoned birder or just someone who gets excited spotting a cardinal in your backyard (👋 that’s us), Cleveland winters offer a rare chance to see some truly unique feathered visitors. And now, there's a way to turn that hobby into real scientific help. Enter: the Christmas Bird Count — the longest-running community science bird project in the country, powered by the Audubon Society.
It runs every year from December 14 to January 5, and your sightings help fuel important conservation work all year long.
Willet make you a better birder? Absolutely.
Might you Egret skipping your friend’s birthday brunch to tromp through frozen woods with binoculars? Also yes.
What’s Happening, Westsiders?
Featured Event
👨👩👧👦=Family Friendly
👨👩👧👦 Last Minute Market — 78th Street Studios, Battery Park | 5–9 PM
(Saturday 10 AM–4 PM)
A final chance to shop local and handmade while exploring open artist studios and browsing 50+ makers.
👨👩👧👦 Public Square Cheer Garden — Public Square, Downtown | 5–10 PM
Ice skating, fire pits, and holiday lights turning downtown into peak December mode.
👨👩👧👦 Holiday Market — Screw Factory, Lakewood | 6–10 PM
(Sat 10 AM–6 PM, Sun 10 AM–3 PM)
Resident artists and guest makers fill the Screw Factory for its 8th annual multi-day holiday market.
Feast of Seven Fishes Wine Dinner — Alley Cat Oyster Bar, The Flats | 6 PM
A seven-course seafood dinner honoring an Italian-American holiday tradition. Mangia (slowly)
👨👩👧👦 Light Up the Night Walk — Rocky River Nature Center, North Olmsted | 6–8 PM
A self-guided, luminary-lit winter walk with cocoa, crafts, and nocturnal nature vibes.
Unplugged (MTV Unplugged Tribute) — House of Blues, Downtown | 7 PM
Stripped-down performances of iconic ’90s favorites in true MTV Unplugged style.
Holiday Donut & Beer Pairing — Great Lakes Brewing Co., Ohio City | 7–8:30 PM
Beer-infused donuts paired with GLBC favorites in a guided tasting format. Donut say more
The City Social: Ugly Holiday Sweater Party — Mercury Music Lounge, Lakewood | 7–11 PM
Break out the loudest sweater you own for a night of music and giving back. Gaudy wins.
👨👩👧👦 Cavaliers vs. Chicago Bulls — Rocket Arena, Downtown | 7:30 PM
A Friday night Cavs game that pairs nicely with arena snacks and loud cheering. Let ’em hear it.
Kandy Kane Ball: Behind the Emerald Curtain — Truss, Ohio City | 8 PM–12 AM
A glamorous holiday gala with music and a charitable mission for St. Malachi at its core. Dress accordingly.
Jukebox Breakdown: Emo Night CLE — Mahalls, Lakewood | 11 PM–2 AM
Late-night emo sing-alongs where screaming the lyrics is basically required. It’s not a phase.
Santa Baby Brunch — Twist Social Club, Lakewood | 10 AM–3 PM
Brunch, Christmas décor, and unapologetically festive outfits encouraged.
👨👩👧👦 Hingetown Holiday Hop — Hingetown | 10:30 AM–1 PM
Family-friendly fun mixed with holiday-themed adult activities throughout the neighborhood. Something for everyone.
👨👩👧👦 R.A.K.E.’s HashtagLunchbag: Holiday Edition — Burke Lakefront Airport | 10–11:30 AM
Pack lunches and winter kits with a community-focused group spreading kindness. Bring heart.
Après Ski Day Party — Glamper CLE, The Flats | 12–5 PM
Dress like you’re headed to the lodge, not the lift, and settle in for an afternoon of après energy.
👨👩👧👦 Monsters vs. Laval Rocket — Rocket Arena, Downtown | 4 PM
An afternoon game that still leaves room for Saturday night plans. Double header day.
Mon Chéri: Wine + Vinyl Night — La Cave du Vin, Tremont | 8 PM
French wines and vinyl spins set the mood for a cozy, intimate night in Tremont. Drop the needle
Grinchmas Doggie Brunch — Terrestrial Brewing, Battery Park | 10 AM–4 PM
Who’s a good Grinch? Bring your pup to meet the Grinch and soak up brunch energy for humans and dogs alike.
Sushi School — Sora, The Flats | 12–2 PM
Learn sushi-making techniques and enjoy your creations with a welcome mimosa. Roll with it.
Winterloo on Waterloo — Waterloo Arts District | 12–8 PM
A full day of music across the district, ending with a holiday spectacular. Local legends.
🎷 Live Entertainment
Friday
Truss and Elbow Room | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6PM
Unplugged - A Tribute To MTV Unplugged | House of Blues, Cleveland 7 PM
The Nutcracker Cleveland Ballet | Connor Palace, Playhouse 7 PM
Xmas Pajama Party | The Local, Strongsville 7PM
Only By Torchlight | Front Street Social, Berea 7 PM
Jamey Haddad Quartet Night 2 | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
The American Misfits Comedy Tour | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 7:30 PM
Frankie Scinta – The Showman | Music Box CH, Flats 7:30 PM
Steely Dan Night W/ The FM Project | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM
Santana Tribute by Evil Ways Band | Music Box SC, Flats 8 PM
Poison Whiskey | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM
Foundation Room Presents Thicarus | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 9 PM
Old Skool | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Discofox | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Jukebox Breakdown AKA Emo Night Cle | Mahall’s, Lakewood 11PM
Saturday
Gutter Gals: A Dauber Divas Bingo Drag Lunch | Mahall’s, Lakewood 11AM
The Nutcracker Cleveland Ballet | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1 PM & 7 PM
The American Misfits Comedy Tour | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 2 PM & 8 PM
Dave Hinrich | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 6:30 PM
A Night of Magic with David McCreary | Music Box SC, Flats 7 PM
People in The Daytime | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7 PM
Club 2K: An All Out 2010's Dance Party | Mahall’s, Lakewood 7PM
Hubb's Groove: 7pm Gospel Show | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
Allman Brothers Tribute by Revival ABB | Music Box CH, Flats 8 PM
Trailer Park Ninjas | The Local, Strongsville 8 PM
Higher | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM
Faction | Time Warp Bar, Westlake 9 PM
Dark Wave Dance Cave – 4 Year Anniversary | The Winchester, Lakewood 9 PM
Discofox | Welcome to the Farm, Flats 10 PM
Late Night: Secret Society Comedy in the Apartment | Mahall’s, Lakewood 11 PM
Sunday
Donation-Based Christmas Wrapping | The Winchester, Lakewood 10 AM
Sassy’s Sunday Funday 9th Annual Onesie Drag Brunch & Sing Along!| The Winchester,
Lakewood 12:30 PM
The Nutcracker Cleveland Ballet | Connor Palace, Playhouse 1 PM & 6 PM
The American Misfits Comedy Tour | Hanna Theatre, Playhouse 2 PM
Elvis Brunch ~ Blue Christmas | Music Box CH, Flats 12 PM
Holiday Drag Brunch with Veranda L’Ni & Friends | Music Box SC, Flats 12 PM
Dead Bundy | Mahall’s, Lakewood 6 PM
Apostle Jones Presents The 3rd Annual "A Holiday Special" 21 | Globe Iron, Flats 6:30 PM
Theron Brown Quintet | The Bop Stop, Cleveland 7 PM
State of Being, Brian Alan Hager, & Daisypusher | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM
Weather
Friday
30 🌡️ 20 | 🌨💨 | 30% | 💨 W 23-28 mph 🌊 10 to 14 feet, occasionally 18 feet!
Saturday
42 🌡️ 24 | 🌤 | 20% | 💨 S 11-16 mph 🌊 3 to 5 feet, building to 4 to 7
Sunday
29 🌡️ 20 | 🌤 | 10% | 💨 W 15-18 mph 🌊 6 to 10 feet, occasionally 13 feet
Monday
35 🌡️ 30 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 SW 5-9 mph 🌊 1 to 3 feet
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 38ºF
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 Tuesday,
—The Briggses