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- ☕ Downtown Riverfront Development Ahead of Schedule
☕ Downtown Riverfront Development Ahead of Schedule
Happy Tuesday, Westsiders.
On Friday, Jodie and I did something bold… We left the Westside.
No, not for an international trip — but for the faraway land known as the East Side. (We only had to stop once for snacks.)
Our mission: soup.
Specifically, the kind that warms your stomach and leaves you feeling just a little too full. Word on the street was that Issho Ni Ramen serves the best ramen in Cleveland — and friends, the rumors are true.
We shared the Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen and the Premium Sushi Platter, and honestly? Worth every slurp.
So if you’re feeling adventurous this winter, pack your passport and give Issho Ni a visit.
Today we’re buzzing on:
Lakewood decides Lincoln Elementary’s fate
Trick-or-treat times by city (Avon is being difficult)
October 26, 1974 in Cleveland History
Have a great week!
—The Briggses
SPONSORED BY RONALD P. KOLODZIEJ, D.M.D., M.S.
Lakewood’s Hometown Orthodontist
Dr. Kolodziej and his team at their 1495 Warren Road Office
The Westside Buzz is thrilled to partner with Dr. Ron Kolodziej, Board-Certified Orthodontist. For over 25 years, Dr. K and his family have been proud Lakewood residents, where he has grown a reputable practice and enjoys being involved in the community.
Dr. K is an independent owner of his practice and is not affiliated with any corporate chains. He attributes much of his success to this because it allows him to deliver exceptional results with a very personal touch. It also means that patients get to see the same doctor at every appointment throughout their treatment, which fosters consistent, attentive care from start to finish.
Why so many Westside families choose Dr. Kolodziej:
Convenient Scheduling - Early morning & evening appointments available
Experienced Team - Staff tenure of 3-20 years means familiar faces throughout treatment
Reasonable Prices - No gimmicky coupons or specials because treatment fees are always priced for exceptional value. Even former patients receive lifetime minimum pricing for replacement retainers.
Ready to get started? An in-office visit is the best first step for you or your child.
Call to set up a complimentary consultation: 216-529-8422
DOWNTOWN DEVELOPMENT
Cavs Speed Up Timeline of Riverfront Development 📍 Downtown
Construction crews adding glass to the Global Peak Performance Center [Photo credit: Ray45a, Urban Ohio]
If you haven’t heard, Cavs Owner Dan Gilbert is investing some serious money to restore the heartbeat to Downtown. What started as a 20–30 year vision to re-energize the city’s core has been put on fast-forward thanks to a surge of momentum and fresh investment interest.
“A strong urban core is the strongest form of the heartbeat of a region,” Barlage said. “If the heart is strong, the body will be stronger.”
Two major projects are already underway: the Cleveland Clinic Global Peak Performance Center and the COSM Immersive Venue. Cavs CEO Nic Barlage says the Rock Entertainment Group has seen enough national buzz to shrink the master plan timeline to just 5–10 years — all part of a goal to create a sustainable downtown scene that thrives beyond game nights and concerts.
It’s an ambitious plan, but if anyone can make it happen, it’s Gilbert and his team. After all, they’ve rebuilt more than just rosters before.
COMMUNITY BLEND
The Fate of Lincoln Elementary 📍 Lakewood
[Photo courtesy Conor Morris, Ideastream Public Media]
After months of debate, the Lakewood Board of Education voted 4-1 to turn Lincoln Elementary into an early learning center for the district’s youngest students.
The issue was hotly debated, and many passionate residents showed up to protest the vote
Critics of the consolidation expressed how kids might not be able to safely walk to school anymore, a huge benefit of Lakewood schools.
The change won’t happen until 2027, giving time to plan new boundaries and smooth transitions for families. The center will include before- and after-school care, summer programs, and relocated special education and gifted programs.
While some parents are disappointed, district leaders say the goal is to keep student impact low while creating high-quality learning spaces for everyone.
Edison’s Pub Snatched Up by Hangry Brands 📍 Tremont
No need to freak out, Tremonsters.
Instead of reimagining the bar, like Hangry did with Danny’s on Professor, they’re not messing with what has worked for 40 years.
The plan is to continue to keep the lights on and the beer cold for another 40 years.
WESTSIDE POUR OVER
🍔 Rocket Arena: Swensons is teaming up with the Cavs to bring their legendary Galley Boys, fries, and potato teezers to Rocket Arena this season—plus, if the other team bricks two free throws in a row, fans score free teezers the next day. Let’s Go Cavs
🐶 Lakewood: Lakewood Animal Control hosted a Grand Opening last week to celebrate its new facility located at 12910 Berea Rd.
🏈 Greater Cleveland: OHSAA Football First Round Playoff Pairings are live, and some Westside programs have high hopes. St. Eds is ranked #1 and earned a first-round bye, defending Division II state champion Avon is ranked #3 and earned a first-round bye as well. Full slate
🦩 Parma: On a recent trip to Parma, Italy, Nicole Corle couldn’t resist bringing Parma, Ohio, mascot Freddie the Flamingo along for the ride to help promote the city’s bicentennial year in 2026. Parma proud
TODAY(ISH) IN CLEVELAND HISTORY
October 26, 1974, Old Blue Eyes Performs 📍 Richfield
Frank Sinatra, cigarette in hand, for the Richfield Coliseum opening night. [Photo: Tom Marvin]
On October 26, 1974, the Richfield Coliseum opened its doors for the first time. The owner of the Cavs and visionary behind the project, Nick Mileti, wanted to make a splash.
So he called up Old Blue Eyes.
Mileti reportedly paid Sinatra $273,000 for the appearance ($1.7 million in today’s dollars) to come sing in the middle of a corn field to 20,000 adoring Clevelanders.
The lead-up to the event was chaotic, however.
Two weeks before showtime, they were still pouring concrete and hanging drywall. By opening night, fans walked in wearing their best outfits… and walked out with paint smudges on their sleeves. But nobody cared. Sinatra sang, the crowd roared, and Cleveland officially had a new landmark.
For 20 years, the Coliseum was the place. Every major act. Legendary Cavs games. And one unforgettable opening night where Cleveland traded hard hats for tuxedos
HALLOWEEN TRICK OR TREAT TIMES
Get out and enjoy Halloween trick-or-treating safely, Westsiders!
Thursday, Oct. 30:
Avon - 6-7:30 p.m. (Because football means MORE here)
Friday, Oct. 31:
Avon Lake - 6-7:30 p.m.
Bay Village - 6–8 p.m.
Berea - 6-8 p.m.
Cleveland - 6–8 p.m.
Columbia Station - 6–8 p.m.
Elyria - 6-7:30 p.m.
Fairview Park - 6–8 p.m.
Lakewood - 6–8 p.m.
Lorain - 6-7:30 p.m.
Middleburg Heights - 6-8 p.m.
North Olmsted - 6–8 p.m.
North Ridgeville - 6-7:30 p.m.
Oberlin - 6-7:30 p.m.
Parma - 6-8 p.m.
Parma Heights - 6-8 p.m.
Rocky River - 6-8 p.m.
Strongsville - 6–8 p.m.
Sheffield Lake – 6-7:30 p.m.
Sheffield Village – 6-7:30 p.m.
Westlake - 6–8 p.m.
Vermilion - 6-7:30 p.m.
Saturday, Nov. 1:
Olmsted Township and Olmsted Falls:
6-8 p.m.
WHAT’S HAPPENING, WESTSIDERS?
👨👩👧👦=Family Friendly
Wednesday, October 29
The Nightmare Before Christmas 3D in Theater - Phoenix Theatres, Great Northern Mall | Times Vary
Jack Skellington hits the big screen in full 3D. Grab your popcorn, settle in, and relive this spooky classic in a whole new way.
Elite K-911 Pack Walk Costume Contest - Crocker Park, Westlake | 6:30 PM
Who doesn’t love to see dogs dressed up? The march of the paws will start outside of American Greetings, with donations going to local animal shelters.
Spooky Plant Bingo - The Winchester, Lakewood | 7 PM
A plant-inspired bingo night hosted by Boozy Bingo, Variegate Design, and Wonderlust Concepts, with prizes for the winners.
Ghoulish Gals Gala - The Little Meraki Market, Avon | 6-10 PM
An evening of themed cocktails, hands-on crafts, tarot readings, and a costume contest. Entry includes a drink and one project option. Cast your spell
👨👩👧👦 Trick, Treat, & Train! - T3 Performance, Avon | 6-8 PM
Monsters big and small are invited for a night of bounce houses, face painting, games, and prizes. Costumes encouraged.
Thursday, October 30
Halloween Sip-n-Shop - The Sis Kiss, Westlake | 6-8 PM
An evening with TSK jewelry, tarot readings, fresh juice, and fall fashion from The THD Shoppe.
The Salon 2 You ‘Matchas & Manis’ - Heyday Collective, Lakewood | 12 - 3 PM
Sip matcha flights, enjoy a manicure, and unwind with a quick massage inside Heyday Collective’s new space. OPI’s Lincoln Park After Dark Szn
Gilmore Trivia and Bookmarks - Flame & Fable, Lakewood | 7 / 8 PM
Trivia, bookmark making, and coffee bar fun inspired by Gilmore Girls, with two evening time slots to join. Luke’s Diner on Detroit
A Nightmare on 14th Street: Costume Contest & Dance Party - The Elliot, Tremont | 8 PM-12 AM
Dance the night away in The Rosehip Room with DJs, cocktails, and a costume contest featuring creative categories and prizes. 21+ only.
A Night At Cheese School October 2025 - Astoria, Gordon Square | 6:30-8:30 PM
Explore the world of cheese in Astoria’s speakeasy dining room with guided tastings, discussions, and drink pairings from the bar. Say Cheese
👨👩👧👦 Bob Ross's Birthday Paint Night - Pop Life, Old Brooklyn | 5-7 PM
A relaxed painting class inspired by Bob Ross, complete with materials, mocktails, and plenty of happy little vibes.
Friday, October 31
Mahall's Halloween Party: Club Carnival - Mahall’s, Lakewood | 8 PM
Mahall’s turns into a neon carnival with multiple themed rooms, costumed dancing, and late-night surprises across the lanes and bars. Spooky!
Halloween Psychic Fair - Oktober’s, Lakewood | 12-6 PM
Readers will be on site all afternoon, along with a charity raffle; costumes are welcome.
Boos & Views: Halloween - Bar 32, Hilton Downtown | 7 PM-12 AM
Halloween on the rooftop 32 floors up, with skyline views, a DJ, themed bites, and a costume contest for guests 21+.
History Happy Hours ‘Season of the Witch’ - Great Lakes Brewing Co., Ohio City | 5:30 PM
The brewery’s monthly talk series looks at the history and lore of witchcraft, with pints and seasonal pairings available during the program.
Tito’s Halloween Bash - Georgetown Vosh, Lakewood | 8-12 PM
The party’s on at Georgetown Vosh with spooky cocktails, a live DJ, and a costume contest.
Halloweenie! - Happy Dog, Gordon Square | 4-8 PM
Happy Dog turns into a mini Halloween market where local artists, tarot readers, and costumed guests fill the space with festive chaos.
Saturday, November 1
November Brunch Bingo - Lago East Bank, The Flats | 10:30 AM
A morning of bingo and bottomless mimosas returns to the Flats for Lago’s monthly brunch event.
Boo-Dog Adult Trick’r’Treating - BrewDog, The Flats | 6-8 PM
Adults take over trick-or-treating at BrewDog with themed beer stations, costumes, and a few playful surprises along the way.
Designer Bag B-I-N-G-O Boozy Adult Game Night - Little Birdie Wine Nest, Parma | 6:30 PM
Sip, laugh, and play through a round of bingo with designer bags up for grabs and sangria on the side. Details
Barrel Aged Bash 5.0 - Butcher and the Brewer, E 4th St. | 12-4 PM
A showcase of Cleveland brewers, aged barrels, and bold flavors fills E 4th with the spirit of Beer Week. On tap
Manic Pixie Dream Market ‘Tim Burton Day’ - Ingenuity Cleveland, Cleveland | 11 AM-5 PM
A whimsical makers market filled with local artists, vintage finds, and themed photo ops celebrating all things Burton.
Leather Wallet Workshop - The White Moon Soap Co., Lakewood | 4 PM
Learn leather crafting basics in a relaxed setting and make a custom wallet to take home. Create & carry
Sunday, November 2
Hi & Dry Clambake - Hi & Dry, Tremont | 12:30 - 4 PM
Clams, chowder, and live music from Emma Nicholas make for a classic Sunday on the patio. Let’s feast
Pop. Pour. Play - Little Meraki Market, Avon | 11 AM
A sparkling Sunday with brunch bites, wine tastings, and trivia focused on all things bubbly. Keep it fizzy
👨👩👧👦 LASKA Lakewood Community Market: Haunted Carnival - Mike’s Barber Shop, Lakewood | 11 AM-7 PM
Local vendors, costumes, games, and live music turn Madison Avenue into a Halloween street fair.
Whiskey Legends Dinner - Western Reserve Distillers, Lakewood | 2:30-5:30 PM
A five-course dinner by Chef Scott Popovic pairs each dish with whiskeys from Kentucky, Ohio, and Scotland. From barrel to table
Frankie Valli & the Four Seasons: The Last Encores - Playhouse Square, Downtown | 7:30 PM
The legendary frontman brings decades of hits to the stage for one final Cleveland performance.
Weather
Tuesday
58 🌡️ 40 | 🌤 | 0% | 💨 E 14 mph 🌊 3 to 6 feet
Wednesday
56 🌡️ 45 | 🌤🌧 | 30% | 💨 E 13-17 mph 🌊 5 to 8 feet, occasionally 10 feet
Thursday
52 🌡️ 43 | 🌧 | 90% | 💨 E 13-20 mph 🌊 7 to 11 feet, occasionally 14 feet
Friday
53 🌡️ 43 | 🌧 | 70% | 💨 W 16-20 mph 🌊 8 to 12 feet, occasionally 15 feet
💧🌡️ Water temperature = 63ºF
That’s it for today, Westsiders. Talk to you on Halloween.
Until Friday,
—The Briggses