WALK THE WESTSIDE

Well, that was a fun way to spend a Saturday! Jodie and I started at the Rock Hall at 8 AM energized, excited, and a bit nervous. We ended the day at Veterans Memorial Park, haggard and sore, but spirits high, watching the sunset surrounded by teens taking Homecoming photos.

Let’s look at the final numbers from the walk. 6 hours and 30 minutes of total walking time. Just a shade over 45,000 steps. 8 bathroom breaks. 1 complaint. (Lake Ave in LoCo needs sidewalks!)

But here’s the real story: Buzz Nation showed up.

Over 120 of you donated a total of $6,940 for City Dogs and Laura’s Home Women’s Crisis Center.

We’ll be cutting those checks this week—and trust us, it’s the best part of this whole crazy idea.

Check out Instagram this week to see the impact your donations have made to these amazing organizations.

Here are some of the highlights from the day:

1. There was a charity walk at the Science Center with tons of people, a band, and food trucks…we pretended they were all there for us.

2. Downtown on a Sunday morning without a Browns game is a peaceful place.

3. The Detroit Superior Bridge gave us some stunning views and a photo opp.

4. Brewnuts is such a lively community hub. We fueled up on coffee and gave away 12 donuts to unsuspecting people. Shoutout to the lady in a white Tesla who said “Hell Yeah!” to a stranger asking if they wanted a candy apple donut.

5. Lake Ave from Edgewater through Lakewood is one of the most picturesque places in the city.

6. The tall Coors Light at The Around the Corner patio hit different. Thanks to my Dad and Lisa for coming out to support.

7. Big love to Noosh and Dee Dee, who survived Croc blisters and bird poop.

8. The new Bradstreet’s Landing Pier looks amazing. We wanted to stop but were in a groove. Thanks to Jeff, Genine, Alan, Freddy, Nick, Mia, and Dom for stopping and giving us some much-needed moral support.

9. To Jodie’s family—thank you for the life-saving Fragapane’s sandwiches when Chatty’s was closed. Thanks, Toniann, Gip, Jon, Dave, Jenny, Drew, Mila, and Leo, for the motivation for the final leg!

10. And Veterans Memorial Park? Absolute gem. We’d never been before, but watching the sunset there, surrounded by homecoming teens, was the perfect ending to a long, unforgettable day.

A big thank you to Marty Uhle and the Community West Foundation as well as Catherine Hanson, Anthony Mushaben, Steve Pfriem, Mary M, Madalyn Koz, Stephanie Washlock, Veronika Walter, Jeana Coughlin, Ken Kane, Craig Martin, Nora McCool, Seamus Malley, Cle Social Club, Laura Parke, Hot Karl Jastromb, Amanda Pfriem, Joan Kuhn, David Gipson, KC LaCross, Greg Merz, Ellie Peterson, Melissa Wypasek, Dave Stokley, Devin Weir, Robert Zuber, Nick Prochazka, Kevin Day, Rachel Lynch, Libby Goetz, Nick Bendzuck, Rick Gunnell, Collin Kane, Reece Pavlovich, John Dailey, Kacie Mauro, Molly McCool, Claire Garmon, Bridget Adcock, Shay Fishbaugh, Gerard Daher and Speedeon Data, Erica Dieleman, John David Corr, and Donna Wood.

The question now—what’s next?

METROPARKS

Boo at the Zoo Is Back 📍 Zoo

Got a pint-sized ghost or goblin at home? Cleveland Metroparks Zoo's Boo at the Zoo is calling your name. From now through October 26 (Thursdays–Sundays, 5-9 p.m.), the Zoo transforms into Halloween headquarters with all the treats and zero scares.

Here's what's waiting for you:

• Trick-or-treating at a dozen+ candy stations on Wayside Furniture Way

• Monster Mash Dance Party

• Boomerang train rides

• Meet-and-greets with costumed characters

• Plus, the first 1,000 guests each day snag a trick-or-treat bag

Zoo members pay just $20 per person online in advance ($22 day-of), and kids under 2 are no cost.

We'll see you there—costumes highly encouraged! 🎃

Something’s Fishy 📍 Rivergate Park

Lake Sturgeon Fest was this past Saturday, where the Metroparks released 1,500 juvenile lake sturgeon into the Cuyahoga River by Merwin’s Wharf.

Congrats to Jack for making me laugh out loud with this comment.

COMMUNITY BLEND

👻 Skeletons, LEGO, and a Whole Lotta Heart 📍 Olmsted Falls

If you’re cruising down River Road in Olmsted Falls this October, don’t be alarmed if you spot a homemade 13.5-foot LEGO skeleton giving you the side-eye. That’s just local Halloween legend Alan Perkins doing what he does best—building spooky magic that would make even Tim Burton jealous.

This year’s setup includes a giant pumpkin, eerie cemetery, and enough creepy-cool details to make you slow down for a second look (and maybe a third). But it’s not just for thrills—Perkins’ display raises donations for the Skeletons for St. Jude program, turning fright into hope for families in need.

Coyotes are Back and Police are Issuing Warnings 📍 Bay Village

These clever scavengers have learned to thrive in suburban life, drawn to a steady diet of rodents, rabbits, and the occasional overturned trash can. With gray coats, black-tipped tails, and those unmistakable yellow eyes, coyotes are most active in spring and fall when they’re raising pups or scouting new territory.

Pet owners should keep small animals close and never leave them unattended outdoors. While coyotes have become a natural part of our ecosystem, any that appear sick, aggressive, or unusually bold should be reported to Bay Village Police at 440-871-1234.

In short: keep an eye on your pets, secure your garbage, and remember — we’re living alongside some wild neighbors who’ve learned to adapt.

RESTAURANT NEWS

Jaja is coming back 📍 Ohio City

After last year’s car crash forced Jaja and Pioneer to close, a new team from Minneapolis called JJJ Hospitality has taken over to reimagine the entire space.

Pioneer is being replaced by Le Burger 4304, an upscale-but-approachable burger joint known for its wagyu patties, truffle aioli, and triple-cooked fries that locals in Minneapolis swear by.

Meanwhile, Jaja will soon reopen under a new chef with a revamped menu, keeping its dramatic décor but adding a sharper culinary focus — a delicious comeback story for one of Cleveland’s boldest dining spots.

Pachamama Kitchen is Closing📍Lakewood

After 2½ years of bringing South American–French fusion flair to Rocky River, Pachamama Kitchen & Garden is closing its doors, according to an Instagram post.

Chef-owner Rosario Galaz created one of those rare spots that felt equal parts cozy and worldly. Westsiders couldn’t say enough good things about Rosario and her modern cuisine.

It’s never easy to say goodbye to a neighborhood gem, but we’re grateful for the flavor, warmth, and heart Rosario poured into every plate. Come by for the final dinner service on Oct. 11.