Connecting for Kids is offering a Resource Fair filled with mental health, academic and disability providers from 6 to 8 p.m. March 18 at Lorain County Community College (LCCC) Spitzer Conference Center, 1005 Abbe Road N., Elyria.

The event provides local resources for families with children who are experiencing anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, academic struggles, developmental delays or disabilities.

According to a Health Policy Institute of Ohio December 2024 study , approximately one in four children, ages 3-17, across the country reported one or more mental, emotional, developmental or behavioral problems in 2021 and 2022, according to the press release. In Ohio, that same study reports that a fifth (20%) of middle school students and a third (33%) of high school students in 2023 reported that their mental health was not good most or all of the time.

With more than 70 providers, the free Lorain County Resource Fair offers several options for families looking for help.

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 with a disability awareness pin and bookmark.

Those who have limited time can drive up to the tent in front of the Lorain County Community College (LCCC) Spitzer Conference Center during fair hours to receive a grab & go bag of resources.

The process of finding help for a struggling child can be overwhelming. Parents and caregivers may not know where to start or what resources they need, so Connecting for Kids will have a table at the entrance of the fair staffed by those who can answer questions, narrow down options and point them in the right direction of the service providers that can help. There will also be a quiet area that will allow caregivers to take a break, if needed, according to the press release.

To register, go to connectingforkids.org/lorain-resource-fair , or call/text 440-570-5908.

Sidewalk talk: The city’s Service Committee is hosting a meeting to discuss sidewalks and the city’s sidewalk program at 6:45 p.m. March 10 in Council Chambers at City Hall, 36080 Chester Road. Residents are encouraged to attend to offer input.

Fish fry: As reported in a previous Short Takes , it’s Fish Fry season. Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception Parish , 2680 Stoney Ridge Road, will host a Fish Fry from 4 to 7 p.m. March 21. Dine-In and carry-out are available.

For more information, go to stmaryavon.org .

Republican Club: The Avon-Avon Lake Republican Club next meeting is at 5 p.m. March 13 in Ragan Hall, 1783 Moore Road, and will feature Lorain County Commissioner, Marty Gallagher who will give an update on what’s happening in Lorain County.

Also, Keith Davey, Citizens for Property Tax Reform, will describe the steps in his plans to reverse the rise in property taxes, pass a constitutional amendment with 460,000 signatures, and finally handle the unconstitutional funding of public education. Refreshments will be available. Guest cost is $5.

Boutique closing: It’s sad to hear another local small business is closing. The owners of True Hart Boutique, 36840 Detroit Road (Olde Avon Village) posted on Facebook they have decided to close the shop. The boutique opened in 2021.

The post reads, “I have poured my heart and soul into True Hart and this is not a decision I have taken lightly. I am so proud of the community I have built and all the incredible people I have met throughout these years. A huge thank you to everyone who has supported me along the way. It was all because of you I got to do what I loved for so long. On to the next chapter and one day we will be back. Thank you for following my journey.”

Stop in for sales before the shop officially closes March 15.

For more information, go to truehartboutique.com .

Garden Club meeting: The Avon Garden Club will meet March 18 in the Orchid Room at Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Road. Guest speaker Thomas Becker, OSU Extension Lorain County Agriculture and Natural Resources educator will present, “Integrated Pest Management for Homes and Gardens.”

Doors open at 6:30 p.m. with the free program starting at 7 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.

For more information, go to avonohiogardenclub.org .

Tacos & Tequila Festival: Coming back to Lake Erie Crushers Stadium is the Tacos & Tequila Festival Sept. 27 and General Admission and VIP tickets are currently on sale.

To purchase tickets, go to lakeeriecrushers.com .

Lions Club scholarships: The William H. Bommer Memorial Scholarship was created by members of Avon Lions Club to honor and remember the last charter member of the club for his selfless devotion to Lion-ism and the Avon community.

Bill Bommer, Sr. was an active member of the Avon Lions Club for over 50 years and an outspoken believer in getting involved in making Avon a better place to live for all, according to the press release.

Two $3,000 scholarships will be awarded. To be eligible for scholarship consideration, the applicant must be a current high school senior, a resident of Avon, and an immediate family member and a financial dependent of an Avon Lions Club member in good standing.

All applications must be postmarked on or before April 1.

For more information, go to avonlions.org .

Shout-outs: Congratulations to the St. Mary Saint Mary of the Immaculate Conception School eighth-grade winners of the “Knights of Columbus Catholic Citizenship Essay Contest” recently presented with cash/gift cards by Knight Rudy Breglia of the Father Ragan Knights of Columbus Council #3269 of Avon and Avon Lake.

The students wrote timely essays on “Identifying the Most Important Virtues for Elected Officials.” The Council is hoping that through creative writing, the students have a learning experience that will help them become better citizens who are more connected to their community and their faith, according to the press release.

The winning students include Jack Baird, Clare Freaney, Ava Notarberardino, Ella Saven, Grayson Smith, and Andrew Todd.

--Avon High School and Avon Middle School winter guard teams participated in the Ohio Indoor Performance Association (OIPA) competition at Springfield High School in Holland, Ohio.

This was the middle school’s first competition. The high school team placed first and the middle school team placed third in their respective categories. Congratulations.

Radon detectors available: Concerned about possible radon levels in your home? The Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd., has an easy-to-use digital radon detector available to borrow that displays the average daily, weekly, and long-term concentrations on an LCD screen. For more information, go to alpl.org .

Pool passes: Summer will be here before you know it. Pool passes are currently available for the Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center, 32850 Electric Blvd.

For more information, go to avonlake.org/parksrec/aquatics .

Re-opening: A ribbon cutting ceremony will take place at 11 a.m. March 14 at Element LABS, 33465 Lake Road. The shop sells all-natural, handmade bath and body products. The shop sustained significant damage after the Dec. 19 final implosion of the Avon Lake Power Plant.

Pre-spring concert: Avon Lake Presbyterian Church, 32340 Electric Blvd., will be hosting the TrueNorth Pre-spring Concert of Light at 7:30 p.m. March 15. This is a non-ticketed performance, a love offering will be taken to help defray concert expenses.

The TrueNorth Chorale and Chamber Orchestra, under the direction of founder and artistic director Rick Fortney, will be joined by actors Maryann Nagel Violand and Greg Violand serving as narrators.

Shout-out: Thank you to Eastview Elementary School for answering the call for cereal donations for Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services (CRS). The school donated over 320 cereal boxes.

Before taking the cereal boxes to CRS, the staff carefully lined the boxes down the hallway for a domino drop .

State of the city, schools: If you were unable to attend the annual State of North Ridgeville that took place Feb. 25, it is available on the city’s website.

Fish fry: The popular VFW Post 9871, 6805 Lear Nagle Road, is happening again this year from 4 to 7 p.m. on all Fridays during Lent, including Good Friday. The public is welcome. The event is drive-thru only (members served in the Canteen). For more information, call 440-327-4068.

Spa opens: Modern Massage & Spa, 35439 Center Ridge Road, recently opened in the same building as Pulp Juice and Smoothie Bar.

Virtual job fair: The North Ridgeville City Schools are hosting a Virtual Job Fair from 3:30 to 6:30 p.m. March 13. This is your chance to connect with district staff in quick 20-minute sessions and ask questions. Spots are limited.

To register, go to bit.ly/3D4crH L.

St. Patrick’s Day lunch: Regular Wednesday lunch at the Senior Center, 7327 Avon Belden Road, March 12 begins at 11:30 a.m. to accommodate entertainment from the Cleveland Police Pipes and Drums bagpipe music. Lunch costs $5.

To register, call 440-490-2056.

Easter Bunny breakfast: Tickets are now available to the Lions Club Breakfast with Easter Bunny event from 8 to 11 a.m. April 12 at the North Ridgeville Academic Center, 34620 Bainbridge Road.

Cost is $10 per person, $8 for seniors and children under the age of five are free. Breakfast includes scrambled eggs, sausage, and all-you-can-eat pancakes.

To purchase tickets, go to lionsclubofnr.square.site .

Can collection: The North Ridgeville Fire Department is collecting aluminum cans for burned children. Known as ACBC, the program was founded by Cleveland firefighters. North Ridgeville firefighters have been involved for over 25 years.

Funds from the collection provide fire safety education and support pediatric burn survivors’ camps.

The North Ridgeville Fire Department has a trailer available at the back of the staff parking lot at Fire Station #1, 7000 Ranger Way, where you can drop off donations.

Communications plan: City officials have recently created a Communications Plan to lay the foundation for success by better informing the public, serving the communication needs of staff, fostering positive engagement and creating meaningful connections, according to information included in the city’s monthly newsletter. The plan defines opportunities and actions for the city to improve internal communication and collaboration and strengthen the way North Ridgeville shares information with the community.

To review the plan, go to nridgeville.org/Downloads/Communications_Plan_2025.pdf .

Columbariums available: In addition to gravesites available for purchase at Fields, Ridgeville and Sugar Ridge cemeteries, the city now has an alternative cemetery service.

Columbariums have been installed at Fields Cemetery, 34100 Lorain Road. Residents and non-residents may purchase a compartment, known as a niche, for storage of cremation urns. A cemetery niche may have up to two cremains.

The cost for interment is $600, plus the cost of engraving for residents; and $800, plus the cost of engraving for non-residents. The second Right of Interment is $200.

Shout-out: Congratulations to Magnificat High School seniors Chloe Pisanelli (Avon) and Abigail Zbiegien (Avon Lake) on being named Finalists in the National Merit Scholarship Program.

If you have news/information or a story idea you’d like to share or a ‘shout-out’, please send an email to [email protected]. Read Short Takes online at cleveland.com/avon. Follow me on X (Twitter) @jshortavon.