Community Blend

Malley’s Refresh: Cleveland Has Thoughts 📍 Lakewood

A look at the new Malley’s mural and refreshed look:

Malley’s Chocolates just gave its iconic Lakewood ice cream parlor a major refresh for the brand’s 90th anniversary — and Westsiders have feelings.

For decades, this spot was pure whimsy: the garden mural, the playful chaos, the “am I in Alice in Wonderland or have I had too many chocolate pretzels?” energy. So when the new look debuted, some folks reacted like Michael Corleone whispering:

But is this a case of Clevelanders simply defending nostalgia… or did Malley’s smooth out too much of the magic?

Here’s what changed:

• A new Candyland-inspired mural by local artist Lisa Quine, replacing the classic garden scene. She even added a floral arch as a nod to the original.

• Revamped bathrooms with funky ice-cream wallpaper and modern tile — honestly, not a bad upgrade for anyone who’s ever left with sticky sundae fingers.

• A few new menu additions, including Dirty Sodas.

• A refreshed, more modern feel aimed at accommodating celebrations and larger groups.

And here’s what stayed:

• The pink booths

• The soda shop barstools

• The bright marquee

• The overall “Malley’s pink glow” we grew up with

New president Megan Gillum (the first non-Malley to ever lead the company) says the goal wasn’t to erase the past — just to make room for the next generation of Malley’s memories.

Still… some locals feel like the refresh lost a little of that quirky, storybook charm.

It was a good weekend to be a Westside football fan.

Avon Eagles, Division II

Avon is flying high after a 36–19 win over Highland. The turning point: Lance Dawson blocking a fourth-quarter field goal that Nathan Peters scooped up and returned 70 yards for a touchdown. Quiante Smith powered the offense with 175 rushing yards as the Eagles improved to 12–1. Next up: Walsh Jesuit.

St. Edward Eagles, Division I

St. Ed’s handled previously undefeated Mentor 27–7 in a statement win. Brandon White became the program’s all-time leading rusher after piling up 178 yards and three touchdowns. Makhi Boone sealed the night with a 45-yard pick-six. The defending champs (now 11–2) take on undefeated Olentangy Orange next.

Cleveland Browns, NFL

The Browns went to Vegas and cashed in with a 24–10 win—thanks to a defense that treated the Raiders like a stress ball (ten sacks!) and a steady debut from QB Shedeur Sanders.

And somehow, in a franchise that has gone through more starting QBs in the last three decades than most of us floss, Sanders did the impossible: he became the first Browns quarterback since 1995 to win his NFL debut. Before Sunday, the Browns were 0–16 in those games.

Short Takes

Happy Thanksgiving! Remember that the full Short Takes column can be found on our blog.

Bay Village

Fire station renovations: Progress continues on plans for renovations of the city’s fire station, which was built in 1972. Architectural plans have been completed, and final costs are being calculated for review and approval by city officials and City Council.

The interior and exterior of the building will be completely renovated. Crew quarters, training areas, and storage on the north end of the building will be rebuilt along with adding a small addition to the southwest end of the building. These improvements will bring the station up to 2025 standards of safety and excellence for our firefighter-paramedics. Renderings of the completed station are shown below.

Avon

Children’s book: Inspired by her own dogs, “Murphy and Malla: Snow Day Shenanigans,” written by Avon native Rachel R. Kreeger, is a cozy tale of friendship and offers gentle lessons about kindness and cooperation.

The book is perfect for bedtime or classroom story time, and will make a great Christmas gift. It’s available on Amazon.

New league: The United Soccer League recently announced that Lorain County will be home to a new USL League Two club next year that will play at ForeFront Field, home of the Lake Erie Crushers.

The organization began an online voting campaign, allowing fans to choose between four options for the club’s future name, logo, and colors.

Julie always provides a wealth of information. It’s almost too much! Check out more about the candlelight walk, tree lighting, holiday pop-up, and more in the full version on the blog.

Avon Lake

Eagle cameras: There is a new pair of eagles in the nest at Redwood Elementary School. The Ohio Department of Natural Resources found a period of dormant activity for a team to install new cabling for the cameras perched over the nest.

Special thanks to Lescher Tree Care for donating their time and services to run the necessary infrastructure and reinstall the cameras, all funded from Eagle Calendar sales.

Christmas craft/vendor show: Shop local vendors for the perfect gift this holiday season at the Christmas by the Lake sponsored by Avon Lake High School PTA from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Dec. 6 at Avon Lake High School, 175 Avon Belden Road. Admission is $3.

North Ridgeville

Holiday on the Ridge: Kick off for the annual Holiday on the Ridge begins at 8:30 a.m. Dec. 6 at the Kiwanis Pancake Breakfast at North Ridgeville Academic Center, 34620 Bainbridge Road.

There are 28 participating locations, including craft shows, business open houses, special events, and the annual Christmas Tree Lighting Ceremony at South Central Park from 4 to 6 p.m. The event is sponsored by the North Ridgeville Visitors Bureau. For a full list of activities, click here.

Magical lights: Immerse yourself in the wonder of the season with Magic of Lights Wonderland Walk, a new reimagined walk-through experience at Victory Park Ohio, 7777 Victory Lane. Stroll through a festive display of holiday scenes, characters, and digital animations. More information.

Rocky River

Take a trip under the sea: There is still time to join Ariel and her friends for a trip under the sea during Magnificat High School’s production of “The Little Mermaid.” Upcoming shows include 7 p.m. Nov. 28; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Nov. 29; and 2 p.m. Nov. 30. To purchase tickets, click here.

Police academy: The Rocky River Police Department will host its next Citizen Police Academy beginning Jan. 6 and continuing for 12 consecutive Tuesdays through March 24, concluding with a graduation ceremony.

Westlake

Dementia friendly: The city has been welcomed into the Dementia Friendly America network. "Dementia Friendly Westlake" unites the city, Westlake Porter Library, Westlake Community Services Center, The Carolyn L. Farrell Foundation for Brain Health, and the city’s police and fire departments to create a more supportive community for residents living with dementia and their care partners. The goal is ensuring dementia is met with understanding rather than fear.

By the Numbers

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Since I graduated from college and decided to build my life in Cleveland (gulp, 15 years ago), it has felt like Cleveland has been on a steady upward trend. In that time, the city has felt like it has been on a remarkable upswing—new places to live, a fuller skyline, and restaurants multiplying faster than summer fruit flies in our kitchen.

But it has been mostly anecdotal. Well, here might be some solid proof.

For the first time ever, Cleveland might just be winning the battle for young talent, which has often been the knock on our beloved city.

Greater Cleveland just hit a 51% retention rate for the Class of 2024, meaning more than half of local college grads are choosing to stay here rather than dart off to NYC or Chicago. That’s up from 47% in 2020 — which translates to 1,200 more young professionals sticking around every year. Huge.

Why does it matter?

Because one of Cleveland’s biggest growth challenges has been people. We’ve got jobs, we’ve got companies hiring, we’ve got the lowest unemployment in the region — we just needed to keep the students who already love it here.

Together With Ronald P. Kolodziej, D.M.D., M.S.

Lakewood’s Hometown Orthodontist

Quick note from a Westside partner who helps keep this newsletter free.

Board-certified orthodontist Dr. Ron Kolodziej has practiced orthodontics in Lakewood for over 25 years. His independently owned practice offers continuity of care—patients see him and only him throughout treatment.

What families should know:

• Morning and evening appointments accommodate different schedules

• Long-tenured staff (3-20 years) provide consistent support

• Transparent pricing without promotional gimmicks

An in-office consultation helps determine if orthodontic treatment is right for you or your child.

Feel free to visit his website.

Set up a complimentary consultation: 216-529-8422

Westside Pour Over

Cleveland - The Corps of Engineers completes repairs to the deteriorated Cleveland West Pier. The federally funded project is vital to maintain our shipping industry and is a popular walking and fishing spot.

Westlake - Outdoor retailer Orvis is closing their Crocker Park location. If you need fly fishing gear to catch some Steelhead, the Woodmere location will be the only Cleveland location left.

Strongsville - Emily Weir, a PE teacher at Kinsner Elementary, was voted the 2025 Young Professional of the Year by the OAHPERD. Congratulations, Emily!

Adopt

Winston is a teddy bear / hound mix who loves to snuggle.

Danni is a professional baker who needs a forever lap to make biscuits on.

The 2026 Cleveland APL pet calendar is here! Order yours today to support.