Connecting for Kids Resource Fair supports families, children: Short Takes on Avon, Avon Lake and North Ridgeville

Lorain County, Ohio

March is Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month and the ideal time for families to attend the annual Connecting for Kids (CFK) Resource Fair from 6 to 8 p.m. March 12 at the Lorain County Community College (LCCC) Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 Abbe Road North, Elyria. New this year will be a sensory area that will allow attendees to take a break, if needed.

The annual free Connecting for Kids (CFK) Resource Fair takes place from 6 to 8 p.m. March 12 at the Lorain County Community College (LCCC) Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 Abbe Road North, Elyria.Connecting for Kids

With the Ohio General Assembly’s recent passage of bills requiring all public school students in grades Kindergarten through third-grade be screened for dyslexia this school year, families of children identified as at-risk will find a number of options for reading tutors, academic help and alternative schools at the fair, according to information provided in the press release. Attendees will also find numerous resources for those experiencing anxiety, depression and behavioral problems.

The resource fair brings awareness to the many providers in the community who offer help to those struggling with attention issues and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), learning disabilities, autism spectrum disorders (ASD) and other developmental concerns. According to information from the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention) submitted by CFK representatives, developmental disabilities affect approximately one in six children (17%) aged 3–17 years.

The free fair features more than 65 local providers including therapists, mental health professionals, funding sources, transition services, adapted summer camps and more for those 0-22 years old. Participants can visit with representatives from a variety of organizations to discuss services and explore program options.

Families who pre-register and attend the in-person event will be entered to win a $100 Amazon gift card. In addition, the first 100 families who stop by the Connecting for Kids table at the fair will receive a free stuffed animal courtesy of Wild Republic, along with a disability awareness pin and bookmark.

A drive-up tent option is available in front of the Spitzer Conference Center during fair hours for families to receive a grab-and-go bag.

Platinum sponsors for the event include Kenneth A. De Luca, Ph.D. & Associates, Inc., Lorain County Children and Families First Council, Lorain County Joint Vocational School (JVS), and Murray Ridge Center.

For a complete list of participants and to register for either the in-person resource fair or to reserve a grab-and-go bag, go to connectingforkids.org/lorain-resource-fair, or call/text 440-570-5908.

AVON

Topgolf confirmed: Last week I wrote that Topgolf is likely coming to Avon and noted that I would provide an update. The news is now official after representatives presented at the city’s Planning Commission meeting Feb. 21. Topgolf is coming to Avon on Chester Road on the land next to the retail building that houses Ashley Furniture.

The outdoor entertainment complex will be a truncated version of the Topgolf facility many are used to visiting. According to Pam Fechter, Avon’s planning and economic development coordinator, the Avon location is a new prototype that is more family-oriented and less corporate focused.

“The Avon Topgolf will be a two-story building with 60 bays; and includes a restaurant, bar and outdoor patio,” Fechter wrote in an email. “They expect 200-250 employees and roughly 150 construction jobs. Anticipated opening in 2025.”

Easter Bunny Breakfast and egg hunt: Tickets go on sale at 9 a.m. Feb. 28 for the annual Breakfast and Egg Hunt, sponsored by the French Creek Foundation. The event takes place at 9 a.m. (egg hunt at 10:30 a.m.) March 23 at Avon Middle School, 3445 Long Road. The breakfast includes pancakes, sausage, and beverages. Following breakfast, kids can enjoy activities and visit with the Easter Bunny.

Cost is $15 for adults and children 9 and over; and $10 for children 2-8 years old (under 2-years-old are free). Purchase tickets (cash or check only) at the State Farm – Marci Barrett Insurance Agent location, 35682 Detroit Road.

A coloring contest is also available for kids. For more information and to download the contest form, go to frenchcreekfoundation.com/easter.

Bunny Brunch: Tickets are now available online for the Bunny Brunch at the Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Road. The event is from 11:30 a.m. to 1:30 p.m. March 23 and includes lunch (pasta bar, chicken fingers, and mac and cheese), activities, visit with the Easter Bunny and entrance to the Conservatory. Cost is $15 per person. To register, go to loraincountymetroparks.com, click “programs,” and search the program catalog for the event.

Medical equipment: Avon residents can borrow donated medical equipment from the Senior Center, 36784 Detroit Road, on a short-term, temporary basis while recuperating from surgery or an injury. A security/damage deposit per item is required. Wheelchairs, transport chairs and rollators require a $100 deposit, and all other equipment is $40. Deposits are refunded after equipment is returned in the same condition as when it was loaned. Items kept longer than three months forfeit security deposit. Residents must call the Senior Center at 440-934-2417 to check inventory. No drop-ins will be accepted. For those outside of Avon, Neighborhood Alliance offers medical equipment rental for Lorain County residents. Call 440-233-8768 for more information.

AVON LAKE

Train show: Representatives from the National Model Railroad Association Mid-Central Region Division 4 are bringing back the annual HO Scale Model Railroad Train Display for the “Cleveland, Sandusky and Southern Railroad” exhibit at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd. The event takes place from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. March 2; and from 1 to 4 p.m. March 3. The emphasis on this display is to let people see and learn about the different elements of the hobby, running the trains, what railroads the group likes to model, how they do scenery, the modern electronics of model railroading, how to make a model train run well. The group will also have several mini-model train walk-up clinics near the model railroad exhibit.

Bakery moving: Susan Zeyer, owner of Susan’s Sugar & Spice, 32824 Walker Road, announced on Facebook that she is moving the shop back to Midway Mall in Elyria. The post reads, “Yes, it’s true. We are indeed moving! If you have placed a special order with us, we will still fulfill them, and specialty orders will also continue to be taken. 2023 was a rough year. The decision has been made to relocate back to Midway Mall. We are very excited about the changes that are to come to the area, especially the mall itself. We greatly appreciate the community of Avon Lake, and we hope you’ll continue to support Susan’s Sugar and Spice during this new season of life. Thank you to every single one of you who bought something, shared a review, interacted on social media, came out to events we attended and so much more. The bakery will officially close its doors, Thursday, February 29, but we would still like to see our valued customers for the next week! We do not have a set opening date for our new location. Please stay tuned for updates.”

In 2013 Zeyer, a former Spanish teacher, started Susan’s Sugar & Spice out of her home, and after a three-year break, opened a brick-and-mortar store in Midway Mall, according to information posted on the shop’s website. In November 2022, she relocated to the current location in Avon Lake.

Ward meetings: Residents of Wards 3 and 4 can hear from their council representatives and other city officials from 7 to 9 p.m. March 13 at Troy Intermediate School, 237 Belmar Boulevard.

Safety Town registration: Families with a child entering Kindergarten in the fall can register for Safety Town beginning at 9 a.m. March 4. Safety Town is not a requirement for Kindergarten, but it does educate children on a variety of safety topics and techniques that can be utilized in real life situations. Safety Town takes place in the summer at Westview Elementary School, 155 Moore Road. Cost is $60 per child. Student volunteers (ages 13-16) are also needed for the summer. For more information and to register, go to avon lake oh.myrec.com.

NORTH RIDGEVILLE

Bullfrog’s Sports Cafe fire update: The restaurant owners posted a message on Facebook Feb. 24 regarding the fire on Jan. 19, it reads, “After a VERY long 35 days we are able to make a somewhat happy post- The scene was finally released back to us and the investigation is complete. Demo will hopefully start next week and though we still have a long road ahead of us this is a huge step in the right direction. We thank each and everyone of you for the outpouring of love and support. Let’s get this bar done asap. Looking forward to the day we can serve you all again”.

Art council scholarships: The North Ridgeville Arts Council is offering two scholarships (each worth $1,500) to a 2024 graduating high school senior attending college with plans to study some form of the arts. The first scholarship, “The Artistic Endeavor Award” will be for a graduate of North Ridgeville High School. The second scholarship, “Arts Scholarship Award” will be offered to a graduate of any other accredited high school (must be a North Ridgeville resident).

According to information submitted from the arts council, the awards will be granted to a deserving senior who has a good academic record and who displays a devotion and dedication to the enhancement of the arts. Areas of the arts considered include: photography, architecture, music, dance, creative writing, theater, fashion, any visual art, film making, digital art, or teaching of the arts. All applicants must complete an application form, be recommended by a teacher, and submit a written personal narrative explaining their high school accomplishments, who/what influenced them, and the importance of the fine arts area they have chosen.

Scholarship applications will be available Feb. 26 on the arts council’s website, go to Ridgevilleartscouncil.wordpress.com. Applications can also be picked up at the high school guidance offices. Deadline to apply is March 19. For more information call 440-327-5396 or email millscards@aol.com.

Blood pressure checks: The Senior Center, 7327 Avon Belden Road, offers blood pressure checks on the first Wednesday of every month from 10:30 to 11:45 a.m. Remember to bring your blood pressure logs or cards to the Senior Center. The next check will take place March 6.

Coffee chat: Join Mayor Kevin Corcoran for his monthly Coffee & Conversation from 6 to 7 p.m. March 5 at City Hall, 7307 Avon Belden Road.

Republican Club meeting: The North Ridgeville Republican Club will meet March 14 at Between The Bun, 34445 Center Ridge Road. Mayor Kevin Corcoran will be the guest speaker. Seating will begin at 6:30 p.m. and the meeting will start at 7 p.m.

College graduate: Nina Baker graduated from Coastal Carolina University.

LORAIN COUNTY

Fish fry: The Lenten season is here. Check out the Fish Fry at St. Thomas the Apostle Church, 719 Harris Road, Sheffield Lake, serving from 4 to 7 p.m. on Fridays through March 22. Dinner options include perch, shrimp, cod, walleye and pierogies. Takeout orders are available, call 440-949-8491. Credit cards are accepted. Stations of the Cross will also take place at 4 p.m. on Fridays during Lent.

If you have news/information or a story idea you’d like to share or a ‘shout-out’, please send an email to jshortavon@aol.com. Follow me on X (Twitter) @jshortavon

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