Short Takes on the Westside

Happy New Year! Cheers to 2026!

As always, the full Short Takes column lives on our blog. If you’re interested, check it out here.

Avon

Moratorium extended: Many in the community joke that the city has too many car washes. City officials recently extended the Temporary Six-Month Moratorium (originally passed on May 28, 2024), which was also extended on Nov. 11, 2024.

The new Temporary Six-Month Moratorium (expired on Dec. 13, 2025) extends to June 23, 2026 and prohibits the future development and construction of any car washes and self-storage facilities.

Wags to Riches: Save the date for the Friendship Animal Protective League’s (APL) annual Wags to Riches Casino Night at 6:30 p.m. March 14 at Tom's Country Place, 3442 Stoney Ridge Road.  

Tickets and sponsorships for the event sell out quickly. Email if you have any questions.

Avon Lake

Awareness program: The Avon Lake Police Department's free Blue Envelope Program is designed to enhance communication between police officers and drivers with disabilities that might require additional accommodations or awareness during traffic stops, such as autism, dementia, physical disabilities, or mental health conditions, according to city officials.

The Blue Envelope contains the driver's important documents, including a copy of the driver’s license, proof of insurance, vehicle registration, and emergency contacts. Communication guidelines to assist both the driver and the police officer are written on the outside of the Blue Envelope.

Having important documents organized and prepared within the Blue Envelope will make traffic stops streamlined for all involved, reduce anxiety, and help police officers better understand and communicate with the driver.

More information regarding the program is available on the city’s website.

Bay Village

Leaf collection: Weather permitting, final leaf collection will continue this week. Collection work begins east with crews working westward. Follow collection progress and updates on the leaf-tracker map available on the city’s website.

Please remember, placing leaves in the street creates safety issues for collection, travel, and parked cars. Please place leaves on the tree lawn (grass will rebound quickly).

Tank project update: The Equalization Tank Project continues at the corner of Wolf and Cahoon roads, including the area where the pump station for the tank will be installed. The installation of the pump station will finalize the underground work of the project.

North Ridgeville

Art honors: North Ridgeville High School (NRHS) recently announced that senior Alaya Wilson has earned an American Vision Award in the 2025 Scholastic Art & Writing Awards for her photograph. Only five awards are given per county and those students receive an automatic advancement to the national level competition.

NRHS students also earned four Gold Keys, eight Silver Keys, and 13 Honorable Mentions awards.

The public is invited to view the county Scholastic Art & Writing Awards exhibit Jan. 12 - Feb. 10 at the Lorain County Community College Stocker Arts Center. 1005 Abbe Road N., Elyria.  An artist's reception will take place from 1 to 3 p.m. Jan. 18.

Rocky River

Gorilla tales: Zoo educator and YouTube creator Larry Flanagan has spent the past three years documenting the lives of the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's gorilla family through his channel Larry's Animal Safari. His videos have been viewed by more than 10,000 subscribers worldwide, sharing uplifting and educational stories about gorillas, orangutans, and other zoo animals.

He will share his findings in a “Meet the Gorillas” presentation at 10:30 a.m. Jan. 8 at the Senior Center, 21014 Hilliard Blvd.

Westlake

Grants awarded: Community West Foundation recently awarded $546,400 in fourth quarter grants to support community service organizations and other nonprofits delivering unique programs serving Cleveland, and western Cuyahoga and Lorain counties.

The total includes $440,000 approved by the Foundation’s Board of Directors, along with an additional $106,400 distributed through the Community Impact Fund, which unites donors to tackle critical issues by pooling contributions.

Every dollar given to the Community Impact Fund goes directly to nonprofit grant recipients, ensuring that donations reach those in need while advancing the Foundation’s mission to illuminate hope and restore dignity.

With these awards, Community West Foundation concludes its 2025 grantmaking, investing a total of $4.6 million to empower local nonprofits and strengthen communities across the area.

Grant recipients

For Those Who Look at the Menu Online Before Dinner

Three-Course Dinner - Never Say Dive, Old Brooklyn | 8 PM
Three-course dinner with cocktail pairings, welcome Champagne and midnight toast, cash bar with complimentary snacks. Dive in

Midwest Fancy NYE - Cordelia, E 4th | Check Resy For Times
"Gussied up bellie up" menu with fancy versions of grandma's favorites including tuna toro crudo and brandade pierogi. Get Fancy

French NYE Dinner - La Ville Lumière, Clifton Blvd | 5/7/9:30 PM
Three seating options from early-bird three-course ($75) to grand 9:30pm seating with five-course menu, open bar, late night pastries from Le Marché Clifton, live entertainment and Veuve Clicquot toast. Almost sold out

NYE 2026 - The Velvet Tango Room, Tremont | Opens 6 PM
Jazz trio in main lounge, crack cocktails and small bites, complimentary midnight toast, Don Phillips performing in holiday hideaway

Let's Glow Crazy '80s Party - Fahrenheit, Public Square | Dinner 4-11 PM, Rooftop party 10 PM
Four-course customizable meal with wagyu carpaccio, miso black cod and espresso martini cheesecake, plus '80s glow party on rooftop with DJ and all-inclusive bar

For Those Still (Barely) Standing at Midnight

Murder on the Dance Floor: Masquerade Party - Mahall's & The Roxy, Lakewood | 8 PM
Roaring 20s masquerade with three different vibes: Lost Decades Hall (80s/90s), New Millennium Ballroom (Y2K+), Hidden Basement Lounge (60s/70s grooves)

 Y2K New Year's Eve - All Saints Public House, Battery Park | 8 PM
1999-themed party with 90s/early 2000s dress code, DJ playing era music, TV shows on every screen, open upstairs bar, special menu and complimentary party favorites. Throw it back

Emo Masquerade Ball - The Winchester Music Tavern, Lakewood | 9 PM
Emo spin on classic masquerade ball with Champagne toast at midnight

The Lodge @ Mosaic - Mosaic Brewing Company, Tremont | 8 PM
Après ski mountain experience with ski gear/cozy cabin dress code, all-you-can-eat hors d'oeuvres and pizza. Buzz Pick

Hollywood Glam NYE - The Ivy, W. 6th St. | Doors 9 PM
Hollywood glam celebration with hors d'oeuvres, Champagne toast and specialty cocktails

NYE Celebration - Windows on the River, The Flats | 8 PM
Cleveland's biggest all-inclusive party with skyline views, open bar, appetizers, DJs, roaming saxophonist, silent disco, Tricky Dick & the Coverups, after-hours Greater Cleveland Aquarium access, midnight balloon drop.

NYE: Midnight Under the Big Top - Metropolitan at The 9, Downtown | 8 PM
Ring in the new year under the big top with elevated food and cocktails, live entertainment, and a circus-inspired night inside one of downtown’s most glamorous spaces.

New Year’s Eve / Brian and Steve’s Bday - Common Ground Coffee, West Park | 7 PM - 2 AM
Hang out at Cleveland’s late-night coffee shop located in the heart of Kamm’s Corners.

Fire & Ice NYE Bash - The Aviator, Cleveland | 8 PM
All-night open bar, chef-curated food stations, dessert spread, late-night snacks, dueling pianos from The Cleveland Keys, DJ, and fire performance.

Studio 54 NYE - Good Night John Boy, The Flats | 9 PM
Disco-driven celebration with high-energy beats, shimmering style, midnight champagne toast, dancing under the mirror ball.

NYE Party - Bourbon Street Barrel Room, Tremont | 9:30 PM
10th annual New Orleans-style bash with unlimited drinks, live DJ, thousands of beads, midnight champagne toast, buffet of NOLA dishes including jambalaya, po'boys, hush puppies and Mardi Gras Hand Grenades.

For Those Who Would Rather Watch

NYE Dinner & Show - Dante Next Door & CODA, Tremont | Dinner 7-9 PM, Show 10pm
Three-course dinner followed by live music from Thicarus at CODA

Cavs vs. Phoenix Suns - Rocket Arena, Downtown | 3:30 PM
The Cavs are off to a rough start on the court this year, but the entertainment is always top-notch and family-friendly. Interested in going? Grab a ticket and you’ll get a Cavalanche winter beanie as well!

NYE With John Heffron - Hilarities, E 4th | 5/7:30/10:15 PM
Ring in the new year with stand-up from John Heffron, known for sharp, relatable comedy that lands whether you’re with friends, family, or just escaping the countdown chaos.

New Year’s Eve Night Performances — Music Box Supper Club, The Flats | Evening
The celebration continues with a 7:30 PM Crosby, Stills, Nash & Young tribute, followed by a 9 PM Jukebox NYE show with The Sunrise Jones.

For Those Who Can’t Get a Babysitter

Noon Year's Eve - Malley's Chocolates, Lakewood & North Olmsted (Sold Out) | 12 PM
Celebrate New Year's at noon with child's sundae, games with prizes, candy samples, party horns and hats, and a balloon drop.

Noon Year's Eve - Tower City Center Skylight Park, Downtown | 10am-1 PM
Family-friendly celebration with balloon drop at noon, face painters, balloon twisters, characters, sock skating rink, dance party.

Lady Caroline Noon Year's Eve & NYE Party - Lady Caroline, The Flats | 12 PM & 10pm party (21+)
Two celebrations on Lake Erie waters with hors d'oeuvres, entertainment and sparkling juice/champagne toast.

Noon Year’s Eve Live Performances — Music Box Supper Club, The Flats | 12 PM
Kick off the day with back-to-back Noon Year’s Eve shows featuring Motown & More and a Steely Dan tribute

Noon Year's Eve - Great Lakes Brewing Co., Ohio City | 10 AM- 6 PM
Noon countdown, Specialty food and cocktail menu with special countdown and beer tapping at noon, Secret Cellar Christmas Bar open.

For Those Looking For Something Unique

30th Anniversary of The Wylie Walleye Drop, Port Clinton | 6-12 PM
Join thousands of fish fans as they celebrate the 30th year in the Walleye capital of the world. Live music, 50/50 raffle, fireworks, and a VIP section.

Sloppy Bob’s Pierogi Drop, Parma | 8-12 PM
Come watch a 5-foot pierogi descend onto the roof of Sloppy Bob’s in the most Parma celebration possible. Come for food trucks, fun, and fireworks at the stroke of midnight. Parma Proud