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- ☕ The Day Football Was Born
☕ The Day Football Was Born
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Good morning, Westsiders.
This week is an exciting time for parents and kids alike. Almost all of the Westside kids are headed back to classrooms, returning from summer vacation like the Steelhead Trout migrating from Lake Erie to the Rocky River.
For kids, it’s all about fresh outfits, early alarms, and pretending to listen to teachers. For parents? It’s a reminder that peace and quiet is the most underrated luxury on Earth.
We hope everyone thoroughly enjoyed Summer break!
Today we’re buzzing on:
🚶♀️ Walking the Westside for Charity
🦋 Building a mini nature preserve in your yard
🏈 Today in Northeast Ohio history
We hope you have a great week. See you out there!
—The Briggses
THE WESTSIDE BUZZ COMMUNITY
Jodie and I are blown away by the responses to the seemingly dumb question. “Should we spend a day and walk the entirety of the Westside?”
262 of you voted. 84% said do it. A bunch of you even said, “I’ll come and join.” So now…it’s officially happening.
Here’s the rough game plan: Jodie and I will trek 20 miles—from the Rock Hall to Avon Point—making a few pit stops along the way.
📈 The mission: raise $10,000 for a Westside charity. We’ll publish the route ahead of time so you can join us for a leg (or the whole crazy thing), and we’ll have a live donation tracker so you can cheer us on from your couch.
📅 Target date: First Saturday in October
And don’t worry, everyone, we heard your feedback loud and clear:
Wait until it cools down (check)
Hydrate (yep, Mom)
Ride a bike instead (nice try)
“I’d love to walk too” (let’s go!)
Here’s where we need your help, Buzz Nation!
Which charity should we donate to? Our goal is to find an impactful, Westside-focused charity that has deep roots on our side of town.
Choose one below or nominate your own by selecting other and submitting your nomination.
This is simply to gather a list. We will then put it up to a final community vote to decide.
Here is a list of non-profits we came up with.Click on one or select other to nominate your own |
COMMUNITY BLEND
SportsVille Doubles Down, Golfers Win Big 📍 North Ridgeville
While most golf ranges are being bulldozed for condos, SportsVille in North Ridgeville is doubling down. They just invested in 20 more Toptracer bays (40 total now), making it the biggest tech-powered golf spot around.
Located at 37500 Center Ridge Road, this place isn’t just about hitting balls—it’s leagues, leaderboards, and a legit community hub where practice meets play. With Topgolf moving into Avon soon, SportsVille’s move is a bet that they won’t just survive, but thrive.
Want to Build a Thriving Ecosystem in Your Yard? 📍 Lakewood
If you can relate to this meme, then this article is for you
Are you interested in learning how gardening with native plants can transform your yard into a buzzing, fluttering habitat for pollinators, birds, and more? Dave Tomashefski, co-owner of Meadow City Native Plant Nursery, will share the secrets behind the plant–wildlife connection and show you how to create a garden that’s not just beautiful, but alive with nature.
When: Wednesday, August 20, at 7 PM
Where: Lakewood Public Library, Main Library Auditorium
WESTSIDE POUROVER
☕ Westlake: On Saturday, we grabbed some famous Lehman’s donuts and pastries, and the ladies behind the counter were absolutely busting their butts. They told us they are short-staffed and are looking for baristas. They are offering competitive pay and uncapped tips. Interested? Send them an email.
🏁 Strongsville: Browns star Myles Garrett was clocked doing 100 mph in a 60 mph zone in the southwest suburbs. On Sundays, that kind of speed makes him unstoppable — but behind the wheel, it just makes him a repeat offender. Let’s hope he saves the bursts of acceleration for chasing quarterbacks, not dodging speeding tickets.
🚤 Huron: Harbor Point Marina on the shores of Lake Erie is set for auction on September 25th. The property spans almost 4 acres, has 65 boat slips, and plenty of indoor racking space.
🎆 North Olmsted: The North Olmsted Homecoming and Fireworks Celebration will be a one-day event held at Great Northern Mall on August 23rd. Start at the Taste of NO at 2 PM, check out the car show, watch the parade at 4, listen to the FM Project at 6, and then take in the fireworks at 9.
NEW RESTAURANT
Cassa Kitchen Hits the Ground Running 📍 Rocky River
Cassa Kitchen, a beloved fast-casual Moroccan and Mediterranean restaurant, has officially reopened in Rocky River as of August 7. Known for its vibrant flavors, make-your-own bowls, and chef-driven dishes like chicken shawarma and Charmoula shrimp, this spot brings something rare to the West Side: authentic Moroccan cuisine that’s both healthy and a good value.
After building a loyal following in Downtown Cleveland with college students and professionals, Cassa Kitchen is now serving the same fresh ingredients and warm hospitality in a new neighborhood.
Whether you're looking for a quick lunch, a flavorful dinner, or catering, the Google reviews say that a trip to Cassa Kitchen is worth a drive from anywhere on the Westside.
TODAY IN CLEVELAND HISTORY
The Day Modern Football Was Born
Most people think the NFL was born in big cities like New York or Chicago. Wrong. The foundation of the league actually formed in a Canton auto showroom on August 20th, 1920, when a handful of Ohio teams got together and made it official.
They even tapped Jim Thorpe, Olympic gold medalist and all-around sports legend, as the first president to give the league credibility. What’s wild is that the NFL, now a billion-dollar machine with Super Bowl halftime shows and Taylor Swift cameos, traces its roots back to small-town Ohio grit and a bunch of dudes huddled in a car dealership.
So as Browns season kicks off this year, just remember: Northeast Ohio didn’t just join the NFL story—we wrote the first chapter.
WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?
Featured Event
What’s New at NUIQ: Facial Balancing with Restylane
Wednesday, August 20th | 5 - 7 PM
NüIQ Wellness Lounge & Med Spa invites you to experience the artistry of facial balancing in a live Restylane® demo and insider Q&A at no cost.
If you’ve been curious about filler, tomorrow is your chance to see the process up close, ask questions in a comfortable, no-pressure setting, and take advantage of rare VIP pricing.
Reminder: All Buzzer’s get $100 off a service if you are a new customer! When you call to book, ask about The Westside Buzz discount!
👨👩👧👦 = Family Friendly
Wednesday, August 20th |
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Pilates in the Land |
👨👩👧👦 Public Square Concert Series – Theron Brown Live Cleveland pianist Theron Brown brings a mix of gospel, jazz, and soul to this week’s concert on the Square. Bring a chair, grab a drink, and enjoy live music against the backdrop of downtown’s skyline. |
Charcuterie and Wine Night |
Thursday, August 21st |
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COhatch Ohio City’s 4th Anniversary Block Party Four years, one awesome neighborhood. Celebrate COhatch’s birthday with a daytime block party featuring local vendors, coworking, and a chance to connect with the community. Stop by and see what the buzz is all about. RSVP |
Back to School Trivia Night Sharpen your pencils and your wit for a back-to-school themed trivia night. Teams of 4 compete for prizes including wine, beer, and a pair of Adam Sandler tickets to his upcoming tour in October! |
👨👩👧👦 LCMP Summer Concert Series: The Lonesome Bones |
Friday, August 22nd |
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party 4 u: a Charli XCX Dance Party Charli XCX takes over the dance floor…well, at least her anthems do. DJ French Tip spins hyperpop hits, brat-worthy bangers, and all the alt-pop you need for a summer night out. Event info |
👨👩👧👦 Sara & the Eddies Live at BAYarts Catch Sara & the Eddies covering classic rock favorites from the Grateful Dead to Janis Joplin inside BAYarts’ newly renovated Sullivan Family Auditorium. A night of timeless tunes, community, and summer energy by the lake. Rock the Bay |
The Black Keys – “No Rain, No Flowers” Tour Lonely Boys, unite! The Akron duo is back on home turf. The Black Keys bring their gritty blues-rock to Blossom, with Gary Clark Jr. opening. It’s a show probably worth the parking/traffic nightmare. |
Saturday, August 23rd |
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👨👩👧👦 Cleveland Water Lantern Festival Watch thousands of lanterns drift across Coe Lake in a night of light, music, food, and community. It’s an evening built on love, hope, and connection. Light it up |
Oktoberfest Wiener Dog Race & Steinhoist Contest From speedy dachshunds to steins held high, Lakewood Truck Park is turning up the Oktoberfest spirit. Cheer on the pups in the afternoon, then test your strength in the evening for bragging rights and prizes. |
Hell on Hogsback 2025 How many times can you conquer one of Cleveland’s steepest climbs in a day? This brutal 1.1-mile loop tests grit and endurance while raising funds for cancer patients in need. Push your limits, climb for a cause, and #endureforcancer |
5k Fun Run x Market Garden Brewery Run, jog, or stroll a 5k course that starts and ends at Market Garden, then toast your finish with a local craft brew. With live music, games, and plenty of energy, it’s the kind of workout that pairs perfectly with a pint. More info |
Bike Cleveland Fundo Cleveland’s favorite community ride is back with 10, 30, and 60-mile routes along trails, roads, and parkways. With rest stops, support crews, and food trucks at the finish, it’s designed for whether you’re out for a cruise or pushing for a challenge. Get spinning! |
Preseason: LA Rams Vs. Browns |
Shop & Sip Rooftop Market Browse handmade goods and unique finds while soaking in the skyline at one of Cleveland’s best rooftops. Add in spritz samples and sunshine, and you’ve got a weekend market worth lingering over. Details here |
👨👩👧👦 Barbie Truck Tour Life in plastic is fantastic, especially when the Barbie Truck rolls into town. Shop exclusive merch, strike a pose, and step into the pinkest pop-up of the summer. Let’s go Barbie! |
👨👩👧👦 Avon Lake Beer Fest Raise a glass by the lake with local brews, live music, and food to match the views. This family-friendly fest also supports the Avon Lake Athletic Boosters, so every pour helps a good cause. Cheers! |
Sunday, August 24th |
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Drag Brunch Make a reservation to see some of the most talented drag performers do their thing while diving into one of the best brunches on West 25th. |
Riverfest Music Festival |
👨👩👧👦 2025 Kauffman Tot Fest Little ones take over the park for an afternoon of music, art, play zones, and frozen treats designed for kids 7 and under. With community partners leading the fun, this no-cost fest is a perfect family outing in Lakewood. Learn more |
Weather
Tuesday
84 🌡️ 69 | 🌤⚡ | 50% | 💨 SW 6 mph 🌊 2 feet or less
Wednesday
81 🌡️ 67 | ⛈ | 30% | 💨 SE 6-9 mph 🌊 1 to 3 feet, building to 2 to 4 feet
Thursday
79 🌡️ 65 | 🌤 | 13% | 💨 NE 7-14 mph 🌊 2 to 4 feet, subsiding to 1 to 3 feet
Friday
82 🌡️ 67 | 🌤 | 3% | 💨 E 5-7 mph 🌊 2 feet or less
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 73ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders. Share today’s email with someone who has Browns season tickets.
Until Friday,
—The Briggses