TOGETHER WITH STEVE MCINTOSH STATE FARM

Let me ask you two important questions.

1. When was the last time you sat down with your Insurance Agent for an annual policy review?

2. Do you know what your liability limits are and why they are important?

If you answered “I have no idea” to either of these, it might be time for a change.

Before becoming the Westside’s go-to guy for insurance, Steve spent nearly a decade as an Assistant Cuyahoga County Prosecutor. Now he's bringing that same dedication to protecting our community by ensuring you and your loved ones are covered when the unthinkable happens.

Here's why I'm personally a fan: When Steve's team reviewed my insurance policies, they did something that caught me off guard. He told me I was adequately covered. No scare tactics, no pressure, just straight talk.

Here is some of what they offer:

• 🏡 Home & Auto Insurance

• 👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Life Insurance

• 🏥 Short & Long Term Disability

When was the last time you had someone take a fresh look at your coverage? If you're drawing a blank, maybe it's time to give Steve's team a ring.

Or Call 👉 (440) 888-8866

Because let's be real, insurance might not be exciting, but having someone trustworthy in your corner is priceless.

WALK THE WESTSIDE

The Official List of Westside Charities to Choose From

Thank you so much to the 500 Westsiders who have encouraged us to Walk the Westside and voted for and/or nominated a charity!

Here is the official list of charities (with a short description) you will be able to vote on:

• LakewoodAlive - Seeking to foster and sustain vibrant neighborhoods

• The Gathering Place West - Support center for residents impacted by cancer

• Wigs for Kids - Provides hairpieces to children with medically related hair loss

• Good Neighbor Thrift - Donation-based thrift with proceeds going to charity

• Prayers From Maria - Children’s Cancer Foundation

• Drink Local Drink Tap - Mission to solve global water equity through local education

• Shanerock - Supports families affected by pediatric cancer

• Gigi’s Playhouse - No-cost programs for individuals with Down syndrome

• Laura’s Home - Help women and children in crisis

• City Dogs - Animal adoption and foster center

Voting will start next Tuesday and go until Friday!

COMMUNITY BLEND

🎬 The Buzz on Ohio’s Hollywood Moment

Ohio’s tax incentives are rolling out the red carpet — and Northeast Ohio is cashing in. Here’s what’s coming to our backyard:

🎭 Theatre

Hell’s Kitchen (Cleveland)
Alicia Keys’ life story meets her greatest hits. Think 1990s New York, soulful ballads, and a semi-autobiographical spin. Awarded $1M to bring this Broadway-level show to Ohio.

Spamalot (Cleveland)
Grab your coconuts, Monty Python fans. This Tony-winning musical comedy (with songs like Always Look on the Bright Side of Life) also scored $1M in tax credits to make Cleveland part of its kingdom.

📺 TV & Film

The Guest List (Lorain)
A glamorous wedding… until it turns into a murder mystery. Adapted from the bestselling thriller by Lucy Foley, this one got $3M in credits and is shooting right in Lorain. Think Agatha Christie with a modern twist.

Spain Thief (Cleveland)
Working title, massive scale. Awarded a jaw-dropping $10M, this feature film is being billed as a “Superman-level boom” for Cleveland’s economy. Details are hush-hush, but the spend (and the hype) are huge.

Why It Matters:

Big shows = big money. Productions like these pump millions into local hotels, restaurants, set crews, and small businesses. Ohio isn’t just a pit stop anymore — it’s becoming a legit stage and screen destination.

METROPARKS

The Zoo Welcomes Long-legged Friend 📍 Cleveland Metroparks Zoo

An adorable baby giraffe was born on August 15, and we are hoof-stomping proud this little guy calls Cleveland home.

He was born with long legs, a strong heart, and now… the eternal burden of cheering for a team that treats winning like a rare endangered species.

The calf, born to mama Tuli, marks a major win for global giraffe conservation and helps save these glorious creatures from extinction.

He’s staying behind the scenes for now to bond with mom, but soon you'll be able to meet him, help name him, and support giraffe conservation.

Metroparks Approve Riverfront Plan 📍 Flats

Cleveland Metroparks has its eye on more than just trails and trees. They have big visions to breathe new life into the historic Columbus Road Peninsula across from the exciting Irishtown Bend project.

They’re teaming up with Ceres + LaPine Development, a local hotel developer + real estate firm duo, to restore about 15 parcels along the river. With the help of historic tax credits, this could become a mixed-use space that blends Cleveland’s industrial past with a modern riverfront future.

It’s exciting to think that in a few years, when Irishtown Bend Park opens across the river, you’ll be able to enjoy the skyline with history standing tall beside it.

🧠 TRIVIA

LOCAL BUSINESS

Battr Expands on Westside 📍 Lakewood

Battr is the Tremont spot for gelato, bubble waffles, and crepe cones that look like they would make Guy Fieri’s frosted-tipped head explode. Big news! They‘re opening a second location right next to Rozi’s Wine House this fall.

Their menu reads like pure temptation: a crème brûlée crepe cone, cookie butter fosters… the kind of stuff that makes your tongue roll out of your mouth like you’re in a cartoon.

Props to Cleveland entrepreneurs Issa Elkhatib and Mo Mansour for giving us another reason to ruin our diets. Good thing we have a 20-mile walk coming up…we’re gonna need it!

BUZZSTRIP