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☕ The Duck Tape Knight of Lakewood
Your 4th of July Weekend Survival Guide & we're co-hosting a charity event
Together With

Happy Independence Day, Buzz Nation!
Unlike your uncle at the family 4th of July party, we never overstay our welcome, and we always bring enough Buzz for everyone.
Today we’re buzzing on:
A Westside student is a finalist for Duck Tape prom
We’re hosting a charity event with Brewnuts
Local theatre needs your help
Have a great long weekend!
—The Briggses

SPONSORED BY RONALD P. KOLODZIEJ, D.M.D., M.S.
Straighter Teeth Start with
Dr. Ron Kolodziej 📍 Lakewood

The Westside Buzz is thrilled to partner with Dr. Ron Kolodziej, Board-Certified Orthodontist.
Here’s what sets Dr. K apart from the rest:
Is a board-certified Orthodontist
He educates his patients, so they can make the best decision possible
Treats children and adults with the latest technology
Most office consultations are complimentary (Call for more details!)
He has over 25 years of experience treating Westsiders in Lakewood
He provides treatment to both kids and adults—I was surprised to learn that he has many families with parents AND their kids in treatment together!
👨🏫 I asked Dr. K to share some things that people might not know about braces, and here's what he had to say:
"The American Association of Orthodontists recommends that all children visit an orthodontist at age 7, and no referral is required. Most parents aren't aware of this.
While many children won't need treatment at that age, I think it is very important for a specialist to evaluate their occlusion (bite) to determine if & when orthodontic treatment should be recommended.
Since some kids need to start treatment prior to their growth spurt to achieve the best result, an early exam provides valuable information for future planning".
Your bite and smile are unique, and an in-office consultation is the best way to get started.
Want your future self to thank you? Give his office a call today for your complimentary consultation: 216-529-8422
MARK YOUR CALENDARS
Cat Enthusiast Happy Meow’r for charity 📍 Brewnuts, Gordon Square

Calling all cat moms, cat dads, and cat enthusiasts—we’re throwing a Happy Meow’r at Brewnuts, and it’s going to be the cat’s meow. 🐱💥

We’re raising money for the incredible Cleveland Community Cat Project, and yes, there will be live, adoptable kitties looking for their forever laps.
Also look forward to:
🍩 Cat-themed donuts (with whiskers)
👕 Meow-worthy merch
😻 Meet Chicken Nugget and Mozzarella Stick, two adoptable kittens found behind a Sheetz
Got a shirt with your cat’s name on it? Wear it. Still carry a printed photo of Mr. Mittens in your wallet since 1997? Bring it. This is your night to let your cat freak flag fly.
Whether you're cat-curious, thinking about fostering, or just here for the chin scratches—come hang out, support a great cause, and mingle with fellow feline fanatics.
See you there, cool cats. 😻 —Team Westside Buzz + Brewnuts

COMMUNITY BLEND
Monday was the first-ever Carl B Stokes Day 📍 Cleveland

The Stokes family at the ceremony honoring Carl Stokes | Photo courtesy Ideastream
Cleveland has officially declared June 30 as Carl B. Stokes Day, honoring the trailblazing leader who, in 1967, became the first Black mayor of a major U.S. city.
Born and raised in Cleveland public housing, Stokes overcame early hardships. He dropped out of high school, served in the Army, then returned to earn his law degree, and then launched a career in politics and public service.
As mayor, he spearheaded the Cleveland: Now! initiative to invest in neglected neighborhoods and became a national voice for environmental justice after the infamous 1969 Cuyahoga River fire, highlighting pollution’s impact on poor and Black communities.
His legacy includes not only political milestones but also a groundbreaking media career, a judicial appointment, and a diplomatic post as U.S. ambassador to Seychelles—cementing his place as a transformative figure in American history.
Westside student named a finalist in Duck Tape Prom 📍 Lakewood

Delano Young modeling his Duck Tape Prom outfit
When most high schoolers are busy cramming for finals or figuring out how to sneak out to Chick-fil-A for lunch, Lakewood’s own duct tape warrior, Delano Young, has been busy knitting chainmail. Yes, you read that right—chainmail, as in medieval armor, but make it fashion.
Determined to one-up his older brother (a past entrant in the Duck Tape prom contest), the recent Lakewood High graduate went full knight mode, crafting an elaborate ensemble complete with Polish cavalry-inspired wings and a flagpole that pays homage to his mom’s Polish heritage. It’s less “promposal,” more “Lord of the Rings meets Hobby Lobby.”

A joke for probably thirteen people…
He estimates he spent 135 hours on the project. Meanwhile, I spent most of high school watching Seinfeld and not doing my homework.
Honestly, when you watch the video of him describing how much time he put into it, it might be even more impressive than Cleveland going over 50 years without setting the Cuyahoga on fire.
$15,000 is on the line, so vote for Delano! You’ve made the Westside proud!
LOCAL THEATRE
Community theatre needs you 📍 Amherst

Photo from Christine Gigliotti
🎭 Ever dreamed of directing a play? Workshop Players Theatre in Amherst is looking for directors for its 78th season—and they’re accepting submissions through August 1!
This all-volunteer theater-in-the-round offers a unique directing challenge: intimate blocking, limited sets, and an audience just inches away from the action.
Directors can pitch up to five comedies, dramas, or small musicals (including holiday-themed shows), and those selected will help shape next season’s lineup. Email submissions to [email protected].
Volunteer theatre opportunities 📍 Gordon Square

Near West Theatre is gearing up for Hadestown: Teen Edition (July 18–August 3), and they’re looking for awesome volunteers to help make the magic happen.
Whether you're pouring popcorn at concessions or greeting guests at the box office, there’s a role for everyone who wants to be part of the show on or off stage.
It’s a great way to give back, meet cool people, and support young performers in one of the West Side’s most beloved theaters. 🎶
Click HERE for more information
📸@THEWESTSIDEBUZZ
Still looking for your last-minute 4th of July fireworks plans? We got you!
Jodie put together this handy Westside City fireworks schedule.
If you’re not following us on Instagram yet, we’re almost at 10,000!
Be a dear and click on the photo above to follow us.

🧠 TRIVIA
It’s the 4th of July—prime time for grilling and chilling. But when the Guardians are struggling, fans turn out in droves for one thing: Dollar Dog Night. What’s the record number of hot dogs consumed during a single Dollar Dog Night at Progressive Field? |
The Buzz Strip

For more of Patrick’s work, check out GeyserArt.com and follow him on Instagram: @GeyserArt.
WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?
👨👩👧👦=Family Friendly
Friday, July 4th |
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👨👩👧👦 Grindstone Festival |
👨👩👧👦 4th of July Light up the Lake |
4th of July Fireworks & Dancing on Goodtime III |
Detroit Tigers at Cleveland Guardians |
Cleveland July 4th Rooftop Party |
Official Cleveland July 4th Bar Crawl |
Saturday, July 5th |
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Neon Moon - 90’s Country Dance Party |
Sip, Shop, & Save Pets |
Ariel Rooftop Jazz at Sunset |
All-Levels Rooftop Yoga at Canopy |
Brewdog Cornhole Tournament |
Sunday, July 6th |
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The After Brunch Soirée |
Cleveland Bazaar in Market Square |
Make & Take Crochet Class |
Yoga & Beer |
👨👩👧👦 July Family Day |
🎷 Live Entertainment
Friday
Motown & More with Nitebridge | Music Box SC, Flats 7 PM
The Music of Michael Stanley Band by In The Heartland | Music Box CH, Flats 7 PM
Santa Carla Sosial | Backstage Bar, Westpark 8:30 PM
Live & Local Music featuring Bridge The Gap | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Saturday
Kuarantine - Non Make-Up KISS Kover Band! | Mercury Music Lounge, 7:30 PM
HAMILTON | Keybank State Theatre, Playhouse 1:30 & 7:30 PM
Creedence Clearwater Revival Tribute by Bayou County | Music Box SC, Flats 7:30 PM
Classic Rock Rewind by The Baldassarre Orchestra | Music Box CH, Flats 8 PM
Lilieae, Slow Groove Kings, & Cellophane Jane | The Winchester, Lakewood 8 PM
Live & Local Music featuring Teddy Snyder | House of Blues, Cleveland 9 PM
Sunday
Reggae Sundays: Ras Khalifa | Music Box SC, Flats 4 PM
HAMILTON | Keybank State Theatre, Playhouse 1 & 7 PM
CSNY Tribute Brunch with Long Time Gone | Music Box SC, Flats 12 PM
Weather
Friday 🎆
84 🌡️ 71 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 NE 5-7 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Saturday
90 🌡️ 73 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 SW 7 mph 🌊 1 foot or less
Sunday
91 🌡️ 74 | 🌤 | 20% | 💨 SW 7-11 mph 🌊 1 to 2 feet
Monday
84 🌡️ 69 | ⛈ | 40% | 💨 NW 7-11 mph 🌊 1 to 2 feet
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 67ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders. Do us a huge favor and send this email to someone who is a grill master. I’m talking waking up in the middle of the night to smoke a brisket for 8 hours.
Have a great long weekend!
—The Briggses
One Westsider’s Review

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