☕The Battle For Xmas On Seabury

Good morning! Welcome to the Westside Buzz. If you are new here, twice weekly you will find a present in your inbox. It’s the gift of fun business and community news. Never politics or crime.

Here’s what we are buzzing about today:

• 🎄Big changes coming to Seabury Avenue this holiday

• 🎬This Cavs season has been a movie

• 🔦Unique business spotlight

Here is what we aren’t buzzing about:

• Fruit Flies. We can’t get rid of them!

Let’s Rock!

—The Briggses

What’s Going On This Week?

Cleveland Metroparks Holiday Shopping Spree

Christmas shopping around the holidays can feel like navigating through a zoo. Frank Costanza even created his own holiday to avoid it.

The Cleveland Metroparks Holiday Shopping Spree is your chance to shop at an actual zoo for a great cause.

Find unique gifts from local artists, photographers, jewelers, beauty suppliers, and more. All proceeds benefit the local chapter of the American Association of Zoo Keepers.

Best of all, visit the primates, apes, fish, and my favorite the 🦥Sloths.

Thursday, November 21st from 6-10 at the Primate, Cats, and Aquatics Building. 4101 Fulton Road.

The Digest

The Battle for Christmas on Seabury Avenue: How Fairview Park Became the Grinch

For the better part of a decade, Seabury Avenue in Fairview Park transformed into a scene straight out of a Hallmark movie: 150,000 twinkling lights, sidewalk arches, and neighbors handing out hot cocoa like it was Willy Wonka’s Christmas Edition.

The cherry on top? Over $23,000 was raised for local charities, spreading good cheer and goodwill throughout the community.

But every great story needs a villain, right? Enter: unruly visitors, parking chaos, and limo buses. Yes, limo buses. However, too much of a good thing always leads to issues. Like when I reach for that third piece of pumpkin pie on Thanksgiving.

After many citizen complaints, the city feels like they need to intervene for the overall safety of its residents.

The Scrooged Plan or the Miracle on Seabury Plan?

This year, the city dropped the hammer:

• No arches or displays in the right-of-way. If it’s not on your property, it’s gone.

• Limo buses and other 10,000-pound vehicles? Banned from Seabury Avenue.

• A nightly light curfew at 11 p.m. Strict bedtime for the lights.

Law Director A. Steven Dever is sending a message: Merry Christmas, but keep it legal. Ya filthy animals. (I added that last part for effect)

What’s Next for Seabury?

The lights will still happen, but the sparkle? Dimmed. Residents are posting "No Trespassing" signs, shortening the display season, and dealing with a watered-down version of what made Seabury Avenue special.

This isn’t just a story about Christmas lights. It’s about what happens when something beloved grows too big for its own good.

The real question: how do you balance community tradition with modern-day reality?

Fairview Park seems to think the answer is cutting the magic in half. But as any good Christmas story reminds us—when the lights dim, the spirit shines brighter. Maybe this isn’t the end of Seabury’s magic. Maybe it’s just intermission.

🚘Westlake Education Foundation Fundraiser

The Westlake Educational Foundation is hosting a car raffle to support various organizations like the PTA, Music Boosters, and others.

Tickets are $25 each or you can enter all 5 of the organization’s raffles for $100.

The grand prize is a 2025 Chevy Malibu courtesy of Serpentini Chevrolet of Westlake.

The drawing will take place on Friday, February, 2025 so get your tickets now!

🎉 30 Years of Moosehead Magic: A New Chapter Begins!

This week, we’re taking a trip down memory lane with Moosehead Saloon in Westlake—celebrating its 30th anniversary and a whole new vibe. 🍔✨

Once a 1900s hardware store, this restaurant has transformed into a go-to for comfort food like beef stroganoff and chicken paprikash—plus crowd favorites like burgers and fresh-fried chips. Now under new ownership, Co-owner Bob Nemo—a longtime customer himself—is committed to keeping the charm alive while Executive Chef Mark Kamitsuka refreshes the menu every few months to delight loyal patrons and newcomers alike.

Their recipe for success? Food, service, and consistency (with a side of nostalgia). If you’re in Westlake, swing by to see how they’re making history with every plate.

P.S. A warm plate of chicken paprikash and a glass of wine? Sounds like the perfect plan. 🥂

🏈Friday Night Lights Recap

Avon Dominates 41-10, Eyes Rematch With Highland

The lights were comfortably bright for QB Nolan Good as the dual threat rushed for 102 yards and threw for 180. The three touchdowns for Good would have been enough to take down Wadsworth, who only mustered 10 points.

The regional finals will be held on Friday, November 22nd at Ely Stadium in Elyria between a rematch of undefeated Highland and Avon. The Eagles took down the Hornets last year in the playoffs and look to do the same thing this year. Good luck Eagles!

Highland Hands Anthony Wayne It’s First Loss 38-14

What should have been an exciting game was over before it started. Highland blanked AW in the second quarter to take a 31-7 lead. They never looked back and cruised to stay undefeated.

🏀 NBA Hoops

🔥Cavs on Fire: Tonight’s Game is a Must-Watch!

If you haven’t been paying attention to the Cleveland Cavs, it’s time to grab your favorite game-time snack and tune in. They’re the hottest team in professional sports right now—15 wins, zero losses, and a whole lot of heart.

But tonight? Tonight is different.

The Cavs head to Boston to face the Celtics—the team that knocked us out of the playoffs last year. And these aren’t just any Celtics—they’re the defending champs. NBA games in November don’t usually feel this intense, but this one is personal.

The game starts at 7 PM on TNT. So pour yourself a glass of wine, and watch the Cavs show Boston what Cleveland is made of. Let’s go, Cavs! 🏀

P.S. “Let ‘Em Know!”

Wedding Party Photo Bomb

Imagine it’s your wedding day and you are getting your bridal party together at the iconic Cleveland Museum of Art. You’ve been standing forever and you can’t wait to get to the cocktail hour.

This unsuspecting wedding party had some special friends show up and “photo bomb” their special day.

The Cavs unveiled their special City Edition jerseys inspired by the Cleveland Museum of Art. I was at the game last night and the Cavs production team did an amazing job blending sports and art.

🐸Cavs Frog

If you have seen some buzz about a giant green frog being the Cavs impromptu mascot, you might think you took too many adult gummies.

The origin of this viral sensation can be traced back to this meme on October 30th.

It was posted by the @CleveOrLeave team and featured someone in a dancing frog costume with the caption, “When the Cavs are 4-0”

Since then, its popularity has grown with every Cavs win. He even made an appearance on the court to celebrate with the players!

Now that you are in on the joke, you will be the coolest Cavs fan at your Thanksgiving dinner this year.

Today In Cleveland History

Celebrate Ohio’s Newest Holiday

This November 19th, Ohio will celebrate James A. Garfield Day for the first time, honoring his legacy as a champion of education, civil service reform, and resilience. His story reminds us of the power of perseverance and the impact one life can have—even one cut far too short.

From humble beginnings in a frontier log cabin, Garfield became a teacher, abolitionist, Civil War general, and U.S. President. Known for his intellect and drive, he pioneered the "front porch" campaign-style from his Mentor home, hosted thousands of visitors, and even started the first presidential library.

Perhaps the real secret to his success was his lifetime love of learning and a dash of Ohio grit 💪.

📸Photo from around town @TheWestsideBuzz

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🔦Unique Business Spotlight

✨ Business Spotlight: Willow Run Market ✨

Nestled in the heart of Lakewood at 13437 Detroit Avenue, Willow Run Market is a creative haven for DIY enthusiasts and artisans alike.

Owned by Jennifer Lipster, this specialty shop is renowned for transforming furniture into stunning, one-of-a-kind pieces. Whether you’re looking for custom barn quilts, beautifully painted finishes, or tools to upcycle your own treasures, Willow Run Market has you covered.

The store carries top-notch products like Fusion Mineral Paint, General Finishes, and Iron Orchid Designs (IOD), making it a go-to destination for creative minds. Plus, you can also explore their unique finds at their booth at The Blue Barn Shops in North Ridgeville.

🎄This Weekend 11/23rd, 12 pm-3 pm: Create a Custom Christmas Centerpiece!

Join Willow Run Market for an interactive Holiday Centerpiece Workshop where you’ll learn painting and distressing techniques, use IOD stamps, and design your own festive centerpiece, complete with LED candles. Perfect for gifting or keeping, all materials and instructions are included. Price is $45 per ticket, seats limited!

Stop by, shop, and create something unforgettable this holiday season! 🎁

🎷Live Entertainment Schedule

Tuesday, November 19th

W.A.S.P. | Agora Theatre 7 PM

Some Like it Hot | Connor Palace 7:30 PM

Wednesday, November 20th

Animals As Leaders: Joy Of Motion X Tour | House of Blues 7 PM

Cavs vs. Pelicans | RoMoFiHo 7:30 PM

Some Like it Hot | Connor Palace 7:30 PM

Thursday, November 21st

Folk Around and Find Out | The Foundry 6:30

Luke Grimes | House of Blues 7 PM

Some Like it Hot | Connor Palace 7:30 PM

Browns vs. Steelers | Huntington Bank Field 8:15 PM

Friday, November 22nd

An Evening With John Stewart | KeyBank State Theatre 8 PM

Some Like it Hot | Connor Palace 7:30 PM

📈Mark Your Calendars

Jimmy Buffet Brunch

If you like Eggs Benedict and Jimmy Buffet, Music Box Supper Club is hosting a musical brunch on Sunday, November 24th. Tickets are $12 in advance and $18 day of.

Crocker Park Tree Lighting

Saturday, November 23rd, will be the Crocker Park tree lighting. The block party starts at 4 PM with Santa lighting the tree at 7 PM. Stick around to get photos with Santa.

Public Square Tree Lighting

The event of the Winter as far as Downtown is concerned is the WinterLand Tree Lighting Ceremony. Live music, food, and fireworks culminate with the lighting of the tree at 6 PM. Come kick off the holiday season on November, 30th at 4 PM.

TAYLOR FEST 2024 - Brewnuts Version

In years past, Brewnuts goes nuts for Taylor Swift’s birthday with Taylor inspired donuts, drinks and more. This year they are devoting an entire weekend to share the holidays with Swifties across northeast Ohio. December 13th-15th at Brewnuts.

Forest City Brewing Swing Dance

Swing on down to Forest City Brewery on Wednesday, November 20th at 7 PM to practice your moves. Free to the public, the event is hosted by Swing Island and the DJ will be playing tunes for you to dance the Charleston and the Lindy Hop.

Rocky River Aquatic Foundation Alumni Meet

Dust off your swim caps for the 4th annual alumni swim meet on Wednesday, November 27th at 6 PM. Afterward, join your fellow alumni at Old River Tap & Social for heavy apps and hang time. Sign up here

Weather

Tuesday

62 🌡️ 49 | ☔ | 90% | 💨 SE 9-15 mph | 🌊 1 to 3 feet (15 to 20 knots)

Wednesday

58 🌡️ 35 | ☔>❄ | 90% | 💨 W 5 to 14 | 🌊 1 to 2 feet building to 4 to 7 (10-30 knots)

Thursday

39 🌡️ 37 | ☔/❄ | 90% | 💨 W 8-14 mph | 🌊 4 to 7 feet (30 knots)

💧🌡️ Water temperature = 55ºF

Temperature readings are Friday forecasts for Lake Erie off Cleveland

Have a great week everybody! If you have made it this far, please drop us a note if you are enjoying The Westside Buzz. What do you like? What would you change?

Best,

The Briggses