ORAIN
COUNTY
12 2024 BEST OF LORAIN COUNTY WINNERS
Find out which local hotspots and destinations were voted to the top of the list this year. Plus, get the scoop on dishes to taste, trends to try and other things to keep you in the know.
Departments
4 FROM THE EDITOR
6 COUNTY LINE
Find out how you can celebrate Christmas customs from around the world at Crushers Stadium this December.
8 CATALYST
New buildings will help the Lorain County Fairgrounds become a year-round destination for events and more fun.
10 ARTS & ENTERTAINMENT
Carnie Wilson shares her story of recovery; photos from the Best of Lorain County party.
30 SNAPSHOT
The Lorain Glass Company marks 100 years of making a difference in the community.
Making Life Better
SOME PLACES STAND OUT.
Do you have a favorite restaurant in your neighborhood or one nearby? Is there one that always prepares your favorite dish just the way you like it? Do you have a go-to shopping destination where you can always find the standout accessory that perfects your night out outfit? Or a whimsical boutique that always has just the right gift that makes someone smile?
There are also the places that make life a little easier (a corner dry cleaner?) — and the ones that make it a whole lot more fun (wine tasting or happy hour, anyone?).
Lorain County has got all of these places and so much more. And that is what the annual Best of Lorain County party celebrates. This past
July, we gathered at the Spitzer Conference Center at Lorain County Community College to honor so many of the places that make this a great place to live. Finalists in dozens of categories were on hand to showcase what makes them special — and that included lots of delicious food to sample and goods to peruse.
Attendees voted for their favorites, and the winners are featured in this issue. You’ll find stories about must-visit restaurants, neighborhood hangout locations, local shopping destinations, movers-and-shakers and great places to take the kids, among many others. We hope you use this as a chance to discover a few new favorites.
SINCERELY,
JENNIFER BOWEN SIMA EDITOR, PULSE LORAIN COUNTY’S MAGAZINE
Deck the Halls
Celebrate Christmas customs from around the world at Crushers Stadium this year.
By Linda Feagler
You don’t need a passport to celebrate the joy and magic the holiday season brings in countries near and far.
From November 29 through January 4, Crushers Stadium in Avon will partner with USA Expositions to present the debut of “Christmas Around the World,” an immersive holiday extravaganza filled with live entertainment, food and cultural experiences from almost two-dozen countries. More than 100,000 people from throughout the nation are expected to make the fete part of their seasonal festivities.
“People are used to Christmas light displays they can walk or drive through,” says Lake Erie Crushers
Crushers Stadium a community asset, not only for Avon but for the region throughout the entire year. We believe this festival fits right into accomplishing those goals.”
The fact that the complex is easily accessible off I-90, with plenty of parking and is familiar to the 90,000 cars that pass by it every day on the freeway are also pluses.
“Christmas Around the World” is being produced by Westlakebased USA Expositions, creators of Cleveland’s Oktoberfest at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds — the largest annual outdoor event in Northeast Ohio, which was voted the best festival of its kind by USA Today readers in 2023 — and Dyngus
“Christmas Around the World will be a powerful way for our community to come together.”
– Garry Gibbs
president and Avon Lake resident Vic Gregovits. “This holiday event will be so much more immersive.
“Baseball season is obviously very important to us,” he adds, “but one of our overall missions is to make
Day, held in the Gordon Square Arts District on Easter Monday to celebrate Polish culture.
“It took us three years to research what ‘Christmas Around the World’ should include,” says USA
Expositions president and Avon Lake resident Adam Roggenburk. “I traveled to Europe to learn what holiday events are like there, and visited cities throughout the United States.
“I realized,” he adds,” that I wanted to create an event similar to Cleveland’s Oktoberfest where generations can come together to honor and celebrate their family’s special heritage. It will be a groundbreaking experience, unlike anyone has ever seen in Northeast Ohio.”
Yuletide customs represented at the fete include those practiced in the United States, Canada, Mexico, South America, Australia, New Zealand, the Philippines, Asia, the Middle East, Iceland, Africa, Greece, Italy, Finland, Scandinavia, Spain, France, Ukraine, Poland, Germany, UK, Ireland, Russia — and the North Pole.
“‘Christmas Around the World’ will be a powerful way for our community to come together,” says Garry Gibbs, director of the Lorain County Visitors Bureau, one of the organizations funding the festival. “It will also lead to a huge infusion of economic impact in businesses ranging from hotels to bars and restaurants. People from around the country and beyond will come to experience it.
“I see it,” he adds, “becoming a premier annual tourist attraction.”
Adam Roggenburk, USA Expositions President
Don’t Miss
Heated tents with bands performing music from around the world.
The massive 150-foot high snow tube hill.
An ice putt-putt course dotted with replicas of iconic landmarks, including London’s Big Ben, Italy’s Leaning Tower of Pisa and Egyptian pyramids.
A 50-foot-tall, animated, interactive Christmas tree, one of the largest in the Midwest.
The North Pole Sweet Shop, where kids can fill their bags with treats from around the world.
The largest Glockenspiel in the United States and a favorite attraction at Cleveland’s Oktoberfest, which, during “Christmas Around the World,” will be transformed into the North Pole and feature a stage with live singers and dancers.
The opportunity to have family photos taken with Santa in front of a screen depicting a choice of cultural scenes linked to personal heritage.
Fun for Everyone
New buildings will make the Lorain County Fairgrounds a year-round destination.
By Linda Feagler
For generations dating back to 1846, more than 100,000 people a year have made attendance at the Lorain County Fair an eagerly anticipated summer tradition — which has earned the fete the distinction of being Ohio’s second-largest county fair of its kind.
Beginning next fall, the storied fairgrounds are scheduled to become a popular destination year-round, thanks to the completion of a renovation project that features the construction of a new 67,000-square-foot, exposition center; a 32,500-square-foot covered horse arena; and a 16,000-square-foot cattle barn.
“We’ve been holding a successful fair at the Lorain County Fairgrounds for 178 years, and we’re proud that families from around the world plan their vacations around it,” says John Piwinski, a co-chair of Fairs Forever, a 501(c)(3) funding campaign launched in 2021 that’s seeking donations to upgrade and update the fairgrounds.
“But, he adds, “our fair only operates for one week out of the year, and attendance is weather-dependent. We began brainstorming in 2019 about ways we could utilize our grounds year-round.”
The climate-controlled Exposition Center has been designed with 54,000-square-feet of versatile areas with no pillars that, Piwinski explains, will accommodate special events ranging from trade shows to concerts, volleyball tournaments, rodeos, weddings and corporate gatherings for 2,000 to 3,000 visitors. The space will also include video
walls, a staging kitchen, showers and restrooms.
The competition-sized covered outdoor arena also contains multiple flexible spaces that can be used for horse shows and staging areas for livestock presentations. It is an open
“This project represents everyone coming together for a cause. It will be a huge asset to our community, and a huge win that will benefit the whole county.”
–
David Moore
space, and gates can be set according to the event.
The new cattle barn, which features an expanded wash rack and fitting area, replaces three existing Junior Fair beef buildings.
In 2023, the Ross Family Foundation secured exposition center naming rights with a $4 million donation. The arena will be named after the late Maureen M. Cromling, a second-generation member of the Ross family.
At presstime, the campaign had also received funding from sources that include $1.5 million from the Lorain County Agricultural Society and $1.5 million from the Lorain County Commissioners. Additionally, $4 million was raised by board members and community supporters, and the campaign was approved for funding from HB2 (One-Time Strategic Community Investment Grant Program). The Lorain County Port Authority is providing the loan for the project, and additional donors are being sought.
“We want to give our kids, grandkids and great-grandkids the same opportunities so many of us had growing up — attending the fair and participating in livestock shows,” Piwinski says, “and these new buildings will ensure that will be possible for years to come for future generations.”
“It’s also,” he adds, a “great economic opportunity for the county.”
“The expo center concept is fantastic,” Lorain County Commissioner David J. Moore agrees.
“Right now, the fairgrounds are an asset that can only be used pretty much one week a year and are empty the other 51 weeks of the year. The new buildings will create an environment that can be used despite the temperature outside.”
“This project,” he adds, “represents the partnership of private individuals, members of the Fairs Forever committee, the Lorain County Fair board of directors and the county commissioners. It will be a huge asset to our community, and it will be a generational change and that will benefit the whole county.”
“This project represents everyone coming together for a cause. It will be a huge asset to our community, and a huge win that will benefit the whole county.”
STOCKER BOX OFFICE
For more information and to purchase tickets please visit www.stockerartscenter.com or call the Stocker Arts Center Box Office at 440-366-4040
Stocker Arts Center is located on the campus of Lorain County Community College, 1005 North Abbe Road, Elyria, Ohio 44035
2024-2025 SEASON
• New York Theatre Ballet Saturday, October 12, 2024 - 7:30 p.m.
• Rocky Horror Picture Show – with emcee Barry Bostwick Wednesday, October 16, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.
• Tiempo Libre Saturday, October 26, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.
• Michelle Foster Welcome Home – The Legacy of Carole King Friday, November 1, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.
• Livingston Taylor Saturday, November 9, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.
• Who Brought the Humbug? Tuesday, December 10, 2024 – 7:30 p.m.
• Musical Theater Project: A Christmas Cabaret Friday, December 13, 2024 – 7pm & Saturday, December 14 – 2 p.m.
• Sweet Honey in the Rock Friday, February 7, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
• Ganstagrass Friday, February 21, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
• Marti Gras Madness Terrance Simien and the Zydeco Experience Friday, March 1, 2025 – 7:30pm
• Inlet Dance Theatre What Do You Do With An Idea? Saturday, March 15, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
• Mike Super Magic and Illusion Saturday, March 22, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
• Chris Mann From Gershwin to Gaga: Celebrating the Tony Bennett Songbook Friday, March 28, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
• BritBeat The Immersive Beatles Tribute Band Saturday, April 19, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
• Electric Avenue The Ultimate 80s Tribute Band Saturday, May 3, 2025 – 7:30 p.m.
Shared Experiences
Carnie Wilson will share her story of recovery at the Pearls of Wisdom event.
By Linda Feagler
She’s released seven albums, and her group Wilson Phillips had three No. 1 singles on Billboard’s Hot 100 List, five Grammy nominations and sold more than 13 million singles worldwide.
But there’s one accomplishment that tops the charts for singer and actress Carnie Wilson: 2024 marks the 20th year of her sobriety and recovery from food, drug and alcohol addiction.
On October 24, Wilson will be the keynote speaker at Pearls of Wisdom, The LCADA Way’s Annual Benefit and Recognition Dinner, which will take place at Embassy Suites Rockside in Independence. Since 1981, the nonprofit organization has delivered customized approaches for treatment to men, women and adolescents in Lorain, Erie and Cuyahoga counties and surrounding communities. This year, Pearls of Wisdom is being held in partnership with the Nord Center. In July, the organizations joined forces to form Riveon Mental Health and Recovery.
“Over the years, our annual benefit has featured an impressive list of speakers, including Tom Arnold, Judy Collins, Patrick Kennedy, Mariel Hemingway and Dr. Drew Pinsky, who shared their stories about addiction and recovery,” says Joe Matuscak, chief marketing and development officer for Riveon Mental Health and Recovery. “It says a lot about the fact that addiction is a disease that touches everyone in some way.”
Wilson, the daughter of legendary Beach Boys founder Brian Wilson, understands the instrumental role recovery organizations play in saving lives.
“The reason I’m so excited about coming to Ohio is because Riveon also addresses the mental-health aspect of addiction. One of my goals
“Those of us in recovery all come from different backgrounds. Maybe the setting is different, maybe our line of work is different, or we’re rich or poor or famous or not. But we’re all on this never-ending journey together.”
– Carnie Wilson
is to raise awareness about that connection,” she says.
“Those of us in recovery all come from different backgrounds,” Wilson adds. “Maybe the setting is different, maybe our line of work is different, or we’re rich or poor or famous or not. But we’re all on this never-ending journey together. There’s no
graduation. But the prize is balance and serenity that organizations like Riveon help so many of us discover.”
For more information or to buy tickets for Pearls of Wisdom, call 440-989-4919 or go to thelcadaway.org/events
Best of Lorain County
More than 700 guests gathered to enjoy an evening of food, entertainment and fun at this year’s Best of Lorain County, held July 25 at Lorain County Community College. More than 65 Best of Lorain County finalists were on hand to showcase what makes them a Lorain County favorite. Sponsors of the event included the Lorain County Commissioners, Lorain County Chamber, Lorain County Community College, Lorain County JVS and SpaceBound.
Dr. Jeremy Watson and Serena Baker, Watson Wellness
Dean DiLuciano and Amy Bradstock, LCCC Conference & Dining Services
Laura Mould Walker and Steve Mould, The Original Don Mould’s Garden Center and Landscaping
Riley Hayes, Amber Cawley and Shayna Adkins, Cawley’s Confections
Maria Vamospercsi and Tom Vamospercsi, The Avon Brewing Company
Emily Faust and Dick Jacquemotte, Second Harvest Food Bank of North Central Ohio
2024 Winners
Stories by Chrissy Kadleck and Christine Schaffran
Burger
Between the Bun
If gooey, melty goodness is the key to excellence, the PB&J Burger at Between the Bun is the sultan of sandwiches. “When people ask what I recommend and I tell them the PB&J Burger, they’ll say, ‘I was thinking about it, but I don’t know about the peanut butter,’” says Lacia Rutherford, owner along with her husband John Rutherford of the Center Ridge Road establishment that opened in March 2023.
To appreciate the explosion of flavors that blend together for this colossal masterpiece, Rutherford breaks down the ingredients and details each essential layer from the bottom up.
Brioche Bun: A pillowy brioche bun begins the journey with a brush of butter and a toasty trip on a flat griddle that browns it to perfection. Bacon Habanero Jam: Bits of bacon combine with the spiciness of the habanero and the sweetness of the jam to put the pizazz in the PB&J. The bottom bun is
filled with a generous ¼ cup of the jam, which as Rutherford notes, “has a little kick to it, but it’s not overpowering.”
Beef: Always fresh and never frozen, each 1/3-pound pre-pressed burger
EVERY BUN IS CUSTOM BRANDED WITH THE COMPANY LOGO
begins with an 8-minute sizzle on a flat griddle while being peppered to perfection with steak seasoning. For consistency and succulence, an 80/20 beef ratio combines just the right amount of marbling for a flavorful food frenzy.
While all burgers at Between the Bun are cooked to medium-well for safety, Rutherford notes that a “hint of pink” or “no pink” can be requested.
Bacon: Two to three pieces of applewood-smoked thickcut bacon perch
atop the melodious mountain of layers below it to bring out the bacon flavor in the jam.
Peanut Butter: A ¼-cup dollop of good-old creamy peanut butter is slathered onto the top bun. Consider it the “mustard” or “ketchup” of a traditional burger, as it is the condiment that makes the rest of the dish sing. And once it melts, there’s no telling where it might ooze.
Once it is carefully cooked and compiled, the PB&J Burger is crowned with the top of the bun branded with the company logo for an added touch, which customers love, Rutherford notes.
She adds the burger pairs perfectly with the Sweet Potato Wafers because of the savory and sweet marriage between the main dish and the crunchy-coated side dish. And for those who can’t wrap their heads around peanut butter on a burger, get a load of the Hangover Burger. It’s served with a side of maple syrup.
Between the Bun 34445 Center Ridge Road, 440-281-8885, betweenbun. com
Volunteer Summer Deichler, United Way of Greater Lorain County
Working remotely for a tech company as human resources professional left 26-year-old Summer Deichler looking for ways to get involved in the community, network and connect with others outside her home office. After researching nonprofits in the area to find causes that aligned with her personal passions, she has found all of that and more volunteering for United Way of Greater Lorain County, where she now serves on the Board of Directors.
“I’m an only child to a single mom, so we relied on a lot
of different programs and opportunities growing up. And my mom always instilled in me that volunteering is taking care of your own and helping your community to further that community,” says Deichler, a lifelong volunteer who has been with United Way for the last 1.5 years. “It doesn’t have to be this big grand gesture or this huge time commitment, whatever you have and whatever you’re able to give is more than enough, as long as you’re taking care of that community.”
Looking for ways to give back, too? Here are Deichler’s top three suggestions:
Decide whether you want to serve in person or virtually. For Deichler, it was important to serve in person, to make those connections and to be physically involved in her community. But there are plenty of remote ways to volunteer as well.
To find joy in volunteerism, you have to do work that's worth it to you, that excites you and energizes you, and it has to drive your personal passion forward, she says. “I'm very passionate about equity, so I recognize that we don’t all start or come from the same place or with the same resources. That's why I really committed to United Way and their ability to provide those resources,” she says. “I worked on projects like the Little Free Libraries that are providing books and are helping children learn to read; creating kindergarten readiness activities so that children in our county are more prepared to start school; and providing free tax prep assistance to low-income individuals and families to assist in addressing the imbalances and filling the gaps.”
Continue to show up and be proud of your contributions. “Big, small, they all matter, and they’re all really important to furthering the missions of these organizations and to bettering our community,” she says. “Use your voice to advocate for change. Use the skills that you have to advance the mission of the organization, and be passionate in all that you do.”
United Way of Lorain County 642 Broadway Ave., Lorain, 440-277-6530, uwloraincounty.org
Coffee Cawley's Confections
Veteran and woman-owned, Cawley’s Confections is a coffee bar and small batch bakery with a super sweet heart, freshly relocated inside the LaGrange IGA. Owner Amber Cawley, an Army combat medic for six years, opened the caffeinated con cept three years ago and says the new location offers indoor and outdoor seating and encourages customers to “sip and shop local.”
Serving Cleveland roasted Rising Star Coffee, Cawley says the most popular daily coffee drink is a Caramel Cheesecake Mocha, but the one everyone begs for all yearlong is the “Hello, Gourdgeous,” which is a Caramel Pumpkin Spice Latte.
“We use real pumpkin, cinnamon and a blend of other things that we keep it a secret,” says Cawley. “Pair that with the apple spice scone or one of the pumpkin spice cookies, or any of the assorted fudgy brownies or Danishes in our bakery case, and it’s fall perfection!” Offering a discount for first responders and military, Cawley’s “pay-itforward board” has grabbed the attention and pulled at the heartstrings of many patrons. It’s a board filled with items that were purchased by employees or members of the community. so anybody can walk in and get something for free.
Cawley's Confections 540 North Center St., LaGrange, 440-355-9920, cawleysconfections.com
More than half the menu offerings at the bustling Bistro 83 are centered around seafood. From its incredibly popular lobster tails (they sell about 300 a week at cost for $14) to entrees with scallops, salmon or branzino, it’s no wonder why this North Ridgeville establishment reeled in the win for Best Seafood.
General Manager Tony Martorello credits his extremely talented staff, adding that he is meticulous about sourcing the best and highest quality seafood, with an
Seafood Bistro 83
emphasis on local whenever possible.
“Beyond that, the reason that our food wins a lot of awards is because I like layers of flavor and texture,” he says.
Let’s deconstruct the layers of Bistro 83’s best-selling Shrimp Pesto Pasta:
Pasta: Made fresh by local Ohio City Pasta, this dish features a new-to-many noodle called Twisteti, a spiral about the length of rigatoni but a quarter of size.
“I’m Italian and I’ve never even seen it before,” he says. “So immediately you’d get a different texture than you’ve ever had on pasta. We always like to add a uniqueness to dishes and introduce people to new things.”
Pesto: Made in house from fresh basil, garlic, extra virgin olive oil and Parmesan.
“It’s herby and garlicky but we keep the pine nuts out of it so
that way it appeals to more people and we avoid allergies.”
Heavy cream: Pesto is combined with a bit of heavy cream to add creaminess to the final sauce.
Shrimp: Five large prawns (16/20 count, peeled, deveined and tail off raw) that are sauteed in butter.
Asparagus: Bite-size pieces are sauteed in butter with the shrimp to give the dish an added texture and crunch.
Yellow tomatoes: Roasted to a delicious sweetness and tossed in the sauce for color and added flavor.
Once all together, the Shrimp Pesto Pasta is topped with shaved Parmesan, an Italian staple that adds salt and flavor.
Bistro 83 36033 Westminister Ave., North Ridgeville, 440-353-2828, bistro83.com
FIVE LARGE PRAWNS
SHINE IN THIS BISTRO 83 BEST SELLER
“Golfers have to be strategic with their first two shots to have a chance to get par,” referring to Grey Hawk's notorious hole No. 7.
— Mark Schuckman
Golf Course
Grey Hawk Golf Course
This award-winning,18-hole championship golf course celebrates its 20th anniversary in 2024. Open seven days a week and offering some of the most unique and challenging golf experiences in the county, this premier public course and complex also boasts a full-service practice facility, a Pro shop, a sports bar style restaurant with 12 beers on a tap and stocked bar, and the wellknown golf pro Rick Montgomery who offers lessons, training and leads
a popular youth program every summer for kids between the ages of 8-17. While the course’s signature hole is No. 11 — one of the only island greens in Lorain County — it is also home to one, if not the, most difficult hole in the area: No. 7. This par 5, dog-leg left hole is flanked by a lake on the left and woods on the right. Golfers have to be strategic with their first two shots to have a chance to get par, says General Manager Mark Schuckman.
Greyhawk Golf Course
665 U.S. Grant St., LaGrange, 440-355-4844, greyhawkgolf.com
Day Spa Beauty Spot Med
The team at Beauty Spot Med Spa is fun, the services are customized and the experience is affordable. Because Danielle Counts isn’t in the business of throwing skin care products at clients to make money. From your face down to your feet, the Advanced Licensed Aesthetician personalizes each regiment to not only address a better complexion, but provide an overall health audit.
In business since 2020, the spa currently located on Center Ridge Road provides Botox, enzyme dermaplaning, LED red light therapy, facials, hair removal via sugaring and so much more.
Those who arrive sans makeup are meant to feel right at home among the technicians who sometimes do the same. “But we still look cute,” Counts is sure to note. Looking for a service to try? Anyone can benefit from lounging in the Salt Room, a 10-by-12 oasis with zero-gravity chairs, muted lighting and a calming ambiance. Known as halotherapy, the process involves breathing in pharmaceutical-grade Himalayan salt particles that are dispersed into the air by a generator to aid with skin issues, allergies, respiratory ailments, colds and sinus conditions.
“You’re completely relaxed and truly breathing in good health,” Counts says.
Things We Love Shopping Around LOCO
Jeweler:
Peter & Co. Jewelers
If diamonds are a girl’s best friend, then Peter & Co. Jewelers is your wingman. They can help you find the right gem, bauble or soonto-be treasured piece for the occasion.
32020 Walker Rd, Avon Lake, OH 44012, 440-933-4871, peterjewelers.com
Gift Boutique:
Over the Moon Gifts
The moments matter — and so do the gifts you choose to celebrate them. A fun array of finds help your (and their) personality shine.
410 Broadway, Lorain, OH 44052, 440-597-8659, overthemoongiftsllc.com
Bookstore:
Ben Franklin / Mindfair Books
This historic store feels like a destination unto itself. Find your escape while you peruse books, games, local goods, eclectic wares and more.
13 W College St, Oberlin, OH 44074, 440-774-5711, benfranklinoberlin.com
A man and his pickup truck launched the legacy of The Original Don Mould’s Garden Center on Lorain Road. The family-owned, full-service nursery stocks everything needed to build a tasteful landscape. And guests are greeted with a heaping dose of premium customer service.
For those looking for inspiration on what to plant in Lorain County’s stubbornly hard clay, Store Manager Laura Mould-Walker points to plants that provide color and interest year-round.
The Original Don Mould's Garden Center and Landscaping 34837 Lorain Road, North Ridgeville, 440-327-3407, facebook.com/donmouldsplantation
Clothing Boutique:
The Mermaid's Tale
Fashion is supposed to be fun — and that’s what they are about here. See for yourself while choosing the perfect accessory or closet necessity to suit your style.
201 Church St, Amherst, OH 44001, 440-988-7826, mermaidstale.net
3 plants that provide year-round interest and color:
1
ARONIA: This low-maintenance shrub is known for fragrant white flowers in spring, brilliant red and purple foliage in fall, and berries that persist well into the winter.
“It’s like getting three shrubs in one,” MouldWalker notes.
2
HYDRANGEA: With endless varieties to choose from, it begins blooming midsummer and perpetuates its beauty until frost. From the burst of white in spring to hues of pink in summer to deep, rich burgundy tones by fall, it’s a stunner year-round.
3
FLAME THROWER RED BUD: This tree’s fiery orange-red leaves in the spring and warm yellow and apricot shades later in the season add personality to any landscape.
Learning Center
LCCC Children’s Learning Center
A model early childhood program for children 18 months to 12 years old, LCCC’s Children’s Learning Center’s mission is to provide care for LCCC and University Partnership students enrolled in semester courses or completing educational business on campus, LCCC faculty and staff and then the community. But what really makes this center stand out is the quality of care it provides and that the center’s teachers have, at a minimum, an associate degree in early childhood education or related field.
“We have very little turnover, so we have staff that have been here for over 30 years and that are very dedicated to providing a safe, secure learning environment for all of our children,” says Katie Noles, administrative teacher, program and operations at the center.
Here are three great tools to use to engage with young learners and get them to talk about their feelings, put names to their emotions and learn skills for self-regulation, all of which are key focuses at the center:
Senior living is an invitation to embrace an active lifestyle. At Rose Senior Living, the options to participate and make daily decisions are as personalized as the programs and amenities. No matter what stage of life, the sprawling grounds offer independent living, assisted living and memory-care assisted living arrangements at its Health Campus Boulevard location in Avon. Whether it’s fitness one craves or a tailgating party before the Sunday football game, there’s no shortage of activities to keep residents buzzing and beaming while they socialize as much or as little as they choose. And with transportation provided within a 10-mile radius, a mundane shopping trip turns into a social event as friends ride together on the complimentary shuttle bus. There is also a town car available.
STRICTLY NO ELEPHANTS, a book by Lisa Mantchev, a great read aloud title for parents and kids to share and discuss.
FILL A BUCKET: A Guide to Daily Happiness for Young Children, by Carol McCloud and Katherine Martin, to teach them how to experience the joy of giving and receiving.
REGULARLY TALK WITH YOUR CHILD about how they are feeling, using feeling charts, and have them expand on why they feel a certain way. Those are a jumping off point to discuss different feelings and emotions. 1 2 3
LCCC Children's Learning Center 1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, 440-366-4038, lorainccc.edu/kids
“There’s so many different ways for residents to interact with each other,” says Carol Morris, sales and marketing director. “It's fun to see people come here and how they grow and engage and make new friends.”
And for those concerned about maintaining relationships with old friends don’t worry — the facility is pet friendly — so no fur babies are left behind.
Home Remodeler
Remodel Me Today Caterer LCCC Conference & Dining Services
From kitchen and bathroom remodels to transforming a ranch into a colonial, there’s no job Brian Pauley’s design/build team at Remodel Me Today can’t tackle.
The Bagley Road establishment, which has been in business since 2000, serves as a one-stop shop for clients to consult with designers and pick out materials.
When it comes to increasing the average home value, Pauley points to three projects that deliver on fashion and functionality.
KITCHEN: Painting perimeter cabinets white or light gray and using a stain or other accent color on the island “gives you a really dynamic look in the kitchen,” Pauley says.
MASTER BATHROOM: Whether a steam room or a sauna, a freestanding tub or his-and-her vanities, the money you invest will be returned “if you’re positioned to stay put for at least five years,” he adds.
BASEMENT: Adding a rec room, bar, home office or even a bedroom will pay dividends over the long haul. “Anytime you’re able to add more square footage of living space to the home, you’re doing a great improvement to the value,” he notes.
Remodel Me Today
25564 Bagley Road, Olmsted Falls, 440-249-7665, remodelmetoday.com
Hosting about 2,000 meetings and events each year, Lorain County Community College Conference and Dining Services is the go-to for community galas, weddings, conferences and business meetings accommodating groups as small as two people to more than 350.
Planners can choose from a standard catering menu or request custom items, says Dean Johnson, director of Conference & Dining Services. Whatever the event, or price point, the goal is to select a menu that offers complementary flavors from start to finish. Johnson says one of his favorite appetizers is an antipasti skewer, with cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, salami,
and mozzarella and a balsamic glaze. “They’re fresh, easy to eat, and it kind of prepares your palate for the dishes to come,” he says. For a main dish, he loves their lemon, rosemary grilled chicken breast that comes with cucumber yogurt sauce and a side of sauteed mixed vegetables (zucchini squash, carrots and peppers), and some fan favorite garlic mashed potatoes. For dessert? Many clients choose mini dessert displays, giving an assortment of sweets to each table. “We now offer lemon cheesecake bars that have a graham cracker crust and fresh whipped cream that offer a sweet ending without being overly heavy.”
Here are two tips Johnson shares for hosting your own great event:
START WITH MAKING A LIST OF EVERYTHING THAT YOU'RE GOING TO NEED TO FACILITATE YOUR VISION. Think themes, menus, linens, chafing dishes, etc. “There’s always something that will go wrong. It's just a matter of checking all your boxes to make sure that you have enough time to react to it,” he says.
1 2
PRESENTATION MATTERS. Make sure that visually the room is set, but also that each course is visually appealing and coordinates with the others in terms of color and style. Also be mindful of the common dietary restrictions and make sure to offer alternatives if needed.
LCCC Conference & Dining Services
1005 N. Abbe Road, Elyria, 440-366-4100, lorainccc.edu/spitzer
Who is Eligible for the PACE Program?
• 55 Years and Older
• Live in Cuyahoga & Lorain Counties
• Meet Level of Care
• Live Safely in the Community
PACE provides the following services:
• Primary Care physician
• Medical Specialist
• Prescription Medication
• Medical Clinic
• Transportation
• Durable Medical Equipment (Canes, Walkers, Wheel Chairs, Hospital Bed, Commodes, Shower Bench) Live At Home. Your Goal. Our Priority! The PACE model of care includes a specialized trained team of medical professionals that works together to coordinate your medical and socialization needs. PACE gives you peace of mind while you live at home.
• Adult Activity Center
• Home Health Care Meals
• Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy
• Dental, Vision, and Hearing
• Home Care Nurse
• Social Services
• Respite Care
PASTA AND SAUCES ARE PREPPED ALL DAY FROM SCRATCH
Antica Italian Kitchen + Bar
The sister restaurant of Heck’s Cafe, Antica Italian Kitchen + Bar opened its casual fine dining concept next door where every menu item is “absolutely 110% scratch”, says owner Fadi Daoud. Open daily for lunch and dinner, with a special brunch menu on the weekends, Daoud says, “We are prepping all day long from our sauces to the focaccia to the pastas.” An extensive wine list and craft cocktails with an Italian twist complement the menu that offers all the classics and plenty of innovative dishes you will be immediately craving again after the last bite.
Here are three don’t miss best sellers and favorites of both staff and patrons:
1
SPAGHETTI AND MEATBALLS.
The ultimate Italian comfort food, this is a must order. It all starts with Pomodoro sauce simmered with imported tomatoes (with just the right acidity and texture) and herbs, garlic and olive oil, atop perfectly cooked spaghetti noodles with Kobe beef oven-braised meatballs. “The beauty of Italian kitchens are that the recipes are simple, made from 2, 3, 4 different ingredients, but using the right ingredients is what makes a big difference," Daoud says.
$25
2
CHICKEN PARMESAN
“PIZZA.” One of Antica’s specialty dishes, it’s a pizza that is made from ground white chicken that is breaded and fried, layered with pomodoro sauce, fresh mozzarella and basil, with small arugula salad. “So it’s a traditional chicken parmesan, but it’s made into a pizza shape,” he says.
$39
3
SPICY RIGATONI WITH BURRATA. Another favorite, this sauce is a combination of the classic Pomodoro sauce with vodka, cream and a pinch of spice.
“So someone who doesn't like spicy can still eat it and enjoy it,” he says. Adding in a side of burrata adds extra creaminess to it that melts in between the sauce and rigatoni noodles.
$26
FOOD
Best Restaurant
Strip Steakhouse, Avon
Best Fine Dining
Strip Steakhouse, Avon
Best Casual Dining
Avon Brewing Company, Avon
Best Patio
Avon Brewing Company, Avon
Best Steak
Strip Steakhouse, Avon
Best Seafood
Bistro 83, North Ridgeville
Best Burger
Between the Bun, North Ridgeville
Best Pizza
Lorenzo's Pizzeria, Oberlin
Best Wings
ZZ's Big Top, Avon
Best Sushi
Fujiyama, Avon
Best Italian
Antica Italian Kitchen + Bar, Avon
Best Asian
Jin House, Amherst
Best Latin
El Kefon, Lorain
Best Healthy Menu (Restaurant)
Best Ribs
Uncle Bo's Slow-nLow BBQ, Elyria
Best Burrito
WINNERS 2024
Best View Lorain Brewing Company and Event Center, Lorain
Aladdin's Eatery, Oberlin
Best Bar Food
Wolfey's Bistro & Pub, Elyria See
Fiesta Jalapenos, North Ridgeville
Best Cheap Eats
Hot Dog Heaven, Amherst
Best Sunday Brunch
The Feve, Oberlin
Best Family Dining
Blue Sky Restaurant, Amherst
Best Appetizers
Bistro 83, North Ridgeville
Best Sandwich
The Feve, Oberlin
Best Deli Fligner’s Market, Lorain
Best Bakery Kiedrowski's Bakery, Amherst
ENTERTAINMENT
Best Fish Fry American Slovak Club, Lorain
Best Caterer
LCCC Conference & Dining Services, Elyria
Best Winery John Christ Winery, Avon Lake
Best Sports Bar Dawg House Bar & Grill, Elyria
Best Happy Hour Speak of the Devil, Lorain
Best Brewery Avon Brewing Company, Avon
Best Live Music Venue
Black River Landing, Lorain
Best Theater Stocker Arts Center, Elyria
Best Golf Course Grey Hawk Golf Club, LaGrange
Best Local Festival
North Ridgeville Corn Festival, North Ridgeville
Best Charitable Event
Blessing HouseRock-a-Bye Ball, Elyria
HEALTH
Best Fitness Center
Fitness Center at UH Avon Health Center, Avon
Best Fitness Trail French Creek Reservation, Amherst
Best Yoga Studio Cultivate Yoga, Avon
Best Healthy Food Selection (Retail)
Doc Watson's Market, Amherst
Best Senior Living
Rose Senior Living, Avon
SHOPPING
Best Shopping Area Avon Commons, Avon
Best Gift Boutique Over the Moon Gifts, Lorain
Best Clothing Boutique The Mermaid's Tale, Amherst
Best Gallery
Beth K. Stocker Art Gallery, Elyria
Best Jeweler Peter & Co. Jewelers, Avon Lake
Best Florist
Elegant Designs in Bloom, Wellington
Best Garden Center
The Original Don Mould's, North Ridgeville
Best Bookstore
Ben Franklin | MindFair Books, Oberlin
Best Pet Boutique
Grateful Dog Bakery, North Ridgeville
Best Farmers Market
Vermilion Farm Market, Vermilion
Best Wine Shop Giuseppe's Wine Cellar, Amherst
Best Beer Selection Minotti's Wine & Spirits, Avon
SERVICES
Best Day Spa Beauty Spot Med Spa, North Ridgeville
Best Mani Pedi The Barn Salon and Spa, LaGrange
Best Home Builder
Dale Yost Construction, Elyria
Best Home Remodeler Remodel Me Today, Olmsted Falls
Best Landscaper The Original Don Mould's, North Ridgeville
Best Dry Cleaner Ridge Cleaners, Multiple Locations
Best Car Wash Rainforest Car Wash, Avon
CHILDREN
Best Gymnastics
Ten Point 0 Gymnastics, North Ridgeville
Best Dance Studio
BDD Dance Studio, Lagrange
Best Learning Center
LCCC Children's Learning Center, Elyria
Best Music
Instruction
Rock Town Music Academy, Lorain
PEOPLE
Best Local Volunteer Summer Deichler - United Way of Lorain County, Lorain
Best Board Member
Denise ShaferBlessing House, Elyria
Best Chef
Dean DilucianoLCCC Conference & Dining Services, Elyria
Best Bartender
Jeff GreskoBistro 83, North Ridgeville
Best Personal Trainer
Linda LavalleFitness Center at UH Avon Health Center, Avon
Best Master
Stylist
Jess McKnightSage Salon, North Ridgeville
Best Chiropractor Dr. Jeremy Watson - Watson Wellness, Amherst
A & I Health Solutions LLC
American Patriot Title
Andrea Repko, Realtor
Applause International
AVAIRY Solutions
Bank of America
Beacon Building Products
Beckett Thermal Solutions
Black Tip LLC DBA Bee Valve/ Cabletek/Pioneer Products/Plastic Enterprises
Blue Falls Car Wash
Blue Technologies
Brewed Awakening Amherst
Champs GPO
Chapin Custom Molding
City of Sheffield Lake
Cooper’s Hawk Winery & Restaurant
D. L. Page, LLC
Dooley Gembala McLaughlin Pecora
DRYUNOW INC
Girl Scouts of North East Ohio
Gotcha Covered of Avon
HealthMarkets Insurance - Annika Peterson Agency
Helical LIne Products
HubSearch LLC
INFINITE HELPING HANDS LLC
Jersey Mike’s Subs - Avon
Kas Filippova with eXp Commercial
Lake Pointe Health Center
Lazear Capital Partners
Legacy Home Finance
Lorain County Prosecutor’s Office
Lorain Ohio KartPlex
Lorain Tool Enterprises
Louis Gallo, Independent CPR Instructor, LPN
MAGNET: The Manufacturing Advocacy and Growth Network
Magnolia Meadows by Perrino Lifestyles of Sheffield Village, LLC
Marcantonio Management, LLC
MERIT REAL ESTATE LLC
NAMI LORAIN COUNTY
Nathan Perry Chapter, Daughters of the American Revolution (NSDAR)
Nirvana
Nothing Bundt Cakes - Amherst
Panda Express
Paradygm Construction
Pathways Counseling and Growth Center
Phoenix Theatres Great Northern Mall
PREMIER BANK
Serenity Restoration LLC
Short Action Customs, LLC
Stata Productions
Steel City High School
Tap That Mobile Bar
The Bodnar Printing Company
The Phillips Company
The River IOP, LLC
Tittle & Perlmuter
Trio Concrete and Construction, Inc.
University Hospitals Urgent Care - Amherst
Veterans Who Care
Cinemas Cobblestone
AMERICAN SLOVAK CLUB
2915 Broadway Lorain, Ohio 44055 440-245-5146
The Lorain club has been hosting its fish fry every Friday night yearround as a way to bring a sense of nostalgia back to many people in the community. It’s not just any fish on the menu at the American Slovak Club’s fish fry — it’s local, Lake Erie perch and walleye, covered in homemade breading and fried to a golden, delicious crisp. It’s all homemade by some of the ladies who first started working here back in the ’50s, ’60s and ’70s.
Blessing House is the proud 3x winner of Best Charitable Event in Lorain County. This year, we are Rolling Out The Red Carpet for our 20th Annual Rock-A-Bye Ball on November 9th at Tom’s Country Place in Avon. We would love to have you join us for a magical night of food, fun and dancing that supports the children and families we serve. Tickets go on sale October 1st. Blessing House is a Children’s Crisis Care Center that serves as a safety net for families in crisis.
BEN FRANKLIN & MINDFAIR BOOKS
13 W College St. Oberlin, Ohio 44074 440-774-5711 benfranklinoberlin.com/ mindfair
Mon-Sat 10am-6pm // Sun 11am-5pm
MindFair Books is a new and used trade bookstore with a focus on fiction, literature, poetry, social sciences, and arts. Enjoy 10-25% discounts on new books, plus thousands of used and rare titles for academic and general readers or collectors.
lorainccc.edu
Established in 1963, Lorain County Community College is the first community college in Ohio with a permanent campus. LCCC has served 50% of Lorain County families and more than 46,000 have earned a degree. LCCC is one of the most affordable colleges in the nation and more than 90% of graduates live and work in Northeast Ohio.
Since opening its doors in 2013, the award-winning Bistro 83’s knowledgable and well-trained staff has strived to make every customer’s dining experience a special one. Located on the border of North Ridgeville and Avon, Bistro 83 wantsits guests to experience upscale dining in a laid back, comfortable atmosphere.
Thank you for making us the best
can now provide you with an even better handcrafted shopping selection. We look forward to seeing you.
Our process begins with your vision. The most stunning home transformations in Northeast Ohio are brought to life by Remodel Me Today. What defines your personal style? What inspires your design choices? Our expert design team and skilled craftsmen collaborate with you to create a space that reflects individuality, blending sophistication with functionality in a way that surpasses expectations.
RIDGE CLEANERS
Ridge Cleaners provides expert garment care and tailoring. A family owned and operated business since 1946, their home and corporate pick-up and delivery service is a convenient concierge for today’s professionals.
Independent living assisted living and memory care in a loving setting, Rose Senior Living Avon provides maintenance-free living at its best within the warm, welcoming feeling of home. From first-class amenities to services designed around your preferences, you’ll love life here.
ORAIN
Shining Light
Lorain
MGlass Company marks 100 years of community impact.
any of the people and places Lorain residents loved and lived in vanished in a heartbeat shortly after 5 p.m. on June 28, 1924, when the deadliest tornado in Ohio’s history devastated the city. Within five minutes, buildings and homes were turned to rubble, thousands were injured and 78 lives were lost.
“Downtown Lorain was pretty much wiped out,” says Scott Kosman, who leads the family business. “Streets were filled with glass and in order to rebuild just about everyone needed their doors and windows repaired.”
The story of that shattering day remains etched in the Kosman family history. At the time, Scott’s grandfather, Anthony Kosman, was a 26-year-old, stained-glass installer in Cleveland, who’d left school in the sixth grade to help support his family. After witnessing the tornado’s destruction, the artisan knew he wanted to help those affected pick up the pieces.
It was that dedication and his meticulous attention to detail that led the elder Kosman to found the Lorain Glass Company later that year. Over the years, the company — which is celebrating its centennial this year — has become one of the largest and oldest glazing houses in Ohio.
With the onset of World War II, the firm grew and branched out into installing auto glass. During the 1950s, Lorain Glass patented and launched a Glasshopper mobile repair service that remains on the job today, made up of a fleet of fully equipped workshop vans.
Savvy marketing and continued growth led to the formation of Lakeland Glass Co. in 1984 as a subsidiary to enhance the expanding business. Scott’s son Alex is the first of the fourth generation to carry the tradition forward.
Today, the company is an ardent supporter of the city of Lorain, Lorain city schools and the Lorain Chamber of Commerce.
Of all the high-rise office buildings, replacement glass jobs and custom mirrors the company has crafted, there’s one project that clearly means the most: In the aftermath of the tornado, Anthony Kosman replaced the stained-glass windows in Lorain’s St. Mary’s Church that had been destroyed. They continue to remain a beacon of light for generations of parishioners.
“Glass is such a staple in our lives,” Kosman says. “It lets in the light, and is everywhere from display cases to picture windows to see what’s in front of you to patio doors that let you see your backyard.
“It truly serves,” he adds, “as a reflection of our world.” — Linda Feagler
