WALK THE WESTSIDE

We have some exciting news—no it’s not the announcement of the McDonald’s Monopoly game coming back. You, Buzz Nation, have already raised over $1,000 toward our Walk The Westside fundraiser!

A huge thank-you to early donors — Morgan Miller, Jessica Salazar, Susan Vasu, Diana Shulsky, Kate Hyland, Sharon Carson, Ruth Hartland, Dallas Stark, Riley Meyer, Sue Fox, and Lori Knapp — for stepping up first. You’re leading the way.

But here’s the truth: there are 19,000+ Buzz Nation readers. If every Westsider chipped in just $5, the support for City Dogs of Cleveland and Laura’s Home would be nothing short of incredible.

This is our chance to show what happens when community comes together. Will you join in?

NEW BUSINESS

🥾 LL Bean Sets Opening Date and Plans Festivities 📍 Westlake

L.L.Bean is planting roots in Crocker Park! Opening week runs October 6–11 at 292 Main Street, Westlake (Crocker Park), and it’s going to be a celebration

Expect giveaways, free cider, and donuts with the Bootmobile, and creative events like tote-painting and monogramming to kick off the grand opening.

Ribbon cutting starts Friday morning, with daily surprises like custom Boat & Tote giveaways.

COMMUNITY BLEND

North Coast Rotary Pizza Bake Off 📍 Avon

More than 300 guests filled the Avon High School cafeteria for North Coast Rotary’s annual Great Pizza Bake-Off, where local pizzerias competed for top honors. Attendees sampled a wide variety of slices before casting their votes, keeping the check-in table and serving stations busy throughout the evening.

A highlight of the event was the LCCC FabCab mini-makerspace, which offered hands-on activities for both children and adults.

In the competition results, Dirte Pi won Best Pepperoni, Marco’s earned Best Specialty and the Pro’s Choice award, while the People’s Choice ended in a tie between Marco’s and Master Pizza.

Proceeds from the fundraiser will support youth and community initiatives through North Coast Rotary and partner Hope for B.E.S.T.

Ohio Ends Police Ticket Quotas

Ever felt like you had to watch your speed a little extra at the end of the month? You weren’t alone. Many drivers believed police officers faced pressure to hit ticket quotas.

As of September 30, that’s officially over. A new state law (SB 114) eliminates traffic ticket quotas in Ohio. The bill passed unanimously in both the House and Senate.

The idea behind the change: officers should be focused on keeping communities safe, not generating revenue. As State Sen. Tom Patton of Strongsville put it, “They should not be saddled with the unreasonable burden of generating revenue for bureaucracies through ticket quotas.”

For drivers, that means fewer worries about “end-of-the-month crackdowns” and more confidence that stops are based on safety, not statistics.

MARK YOUR CALENDAR

The World’s Biggest Cat Show is Coming to Cleveland 📍 IX Center

Cat lovers, mark your calendars. The 2025 CFA International Cat Show & Expo is taking over the I-X Center October 11–12.

What’s in store? Picture more than 1,000 pedigreed and adoptable cats on display — competing in rings, lounging in booths, and melting hearts.

Highlights include:

• Performances and breed showcases

• Cat-themed shopping and collectibles

• Educational demos for kids and families

• Meet-and-greets with feline and feline adjacent celebrities like Nathan “the Cat Lady” Kehn and Pudge, the BGSU locker room cat

It’s a weekend full of whiskers, purrs, and photo ops you’ll want proof of. — because who’s going to believe you when you say you met a cat influencer?

Near West Theatre: West Clinton Haunted Walking Tour 📍 Gordon Square

The lanterns are lit and the spirits are stirring… Cleveland’s spookiest tradition returns October 2–4.

Now in its 5th year, West Clinton Historic Haunts takes you on a lantern-lit walking tour through Detroit Shoreway’s historic streets. Along the way, you’ll meet a cast of villainous, vivacious, and hilarious characters who bring Cleveland’s strangest histories and urban legends to life with a mix of fright and delight.

Hosted by the West Clinton Block Club and Near West Theatre, this interactive, mile-long tour blends theater, humor, and just the right amount of spooky. Expect fan-favorite stories alongside chilling new legends, all set against the charm of Gordon Square at night.

Run time: ~60 minutes. Ages 10+ recommended. Tickets $12.

BHHS Professional Realty | collaborative HOME SALES Group

Should You Sell Your Home As-Is or Make Improvements First?

The answer depends on your specific situation and goals. Here's what Westside homeowners need to know:

Any home can sell in any condition when priced correctly. The key is understanding your priorities: maximum profit, quick sale, or minimal hassle.

Consider these factors:

• Your timeline and available budget

• Current market conditions in our area

• Which improvements actually add value (not all improvements do!)

• Financing requirements that affect your buyer pool

The reality: Sometimes a fresh coat of paint is enough. Other times, major updates pay off. Poor-condition properties may require cash buyers, limiting your options.

My recommendation: Get professional guidance on potential sale prices in different conditions before deciding. Once you are clear on your goal, the most important thing is to market the property to the largest number of qualified buyers to maximize your value.

Bottom line: Whether selling as-is or with improvements, the right marketing strategy to reach ALL qualified buyers is what maximizes your return. Let's discuss what works best for your situation.

^{Chris Schlenkerman has helped West Side families navigate these decisions for over 20 years.} 👉 ^{Contact him for a consultation.}

PUBLIC ART

A Bright Spot on Every Corner 📍 Lakewood

Next time you’re stopped at a red light in Lakewood, look a little closer (safely). You might notice that the once-overlooked metal traffic signal boxes have been transformed into colorful works of art.

The project, called Spectacular Vernacular, was created with a $33,000 budget to bring everyday beauty into the places people usually overlook.

In total, 42 traffic boxes across the city were wrapped in vinyl artwork designed by 11 local artists. The designs range from bold geometric patterns to nature-inspired scenes, each reflecting Lakewood’s creativity and character.

Unlike the “It’s Wine O’clock” sign in your aunt’s kitchen, the wraps aren’t just decorative; they’re also durable and weather-resistant, ensuring the art remains vibrant for years. Read the full story by John Benson.