AVON, Ohio -- If you enjoy collecting sports cards or other collectibles such as Pokémon, you are going to want to check out the new Momma Tried Sports Cards store at 35840 Chester Road (next to the Rush Inn), which opened this week.
The business is owned by Avon Lake residents Brian and Gretchen Lonsway. They also own a shop in Sandusky.
At the new store, collectors will find baseball, basketball, football, Garbage Pail Kids, Racing, Star Wars, Tennis, UFC, WWE and Pokémon cards.
“The store offers both vintage cards, along with those found in newer series,” Gretchen said.
“At Momma Tried, people can buy boxes, packs or individual cards, with some costing from a quarter up.”
According to Gretchen, the meaning behind the store’s name is that Brian’s mom would have preferred him to have a career as an engineer vs. running a baseball/sports card shop.
For the record, his mom is very proud of her son.
“We talked about it (opening a shop in Avon) for years and were surprised that there were not any shops in the area,” Gretchen said.
“The closest TOPPS retailer shops are in Strongsville, Fairview (Park) and then Medina. We saw an opportunity to bring sports cards and Pokémon at fair prices to the area.
“In addition to selling cards, we also buy cards.”
Hours of operation are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Mondays through Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturdays and 10 to 4 p.m. Sundays.
Follow Momma Tried Sports Cards on Facebook.
AVON
Restaurant summer break: Don’t be alarmed. In Forno Pizza, 35840 Chester Road, is not permanently closed.
The owners are on their annual summer break. The pizza shop will reopen July 19.
Rezoning request: Property owner Gregg Wasilko recently submitted an application to the city’s Planning Commission to rezone a 2.58-acre parcel of land located on the north side of Detroit Road, near Jaycox Road (across from Martin’s Deli), from R-1 Single-Family Residential to C-1 Neighborhood Business District.
It is unknown at this time what he plans to do with the land.
Tree Commission student member: In an effort to engage the interest of younger residents to become more involved in the community, City Council recently passed an ordinance to establish the creation of a position for a local high school student (minimum age of 16) to become an appointed, non-voting member of the city’s Tree Commission.
The person selected would not be compensated for their role in serving on the commission.
The student member’s term would be for two years.
The other seven members of the commission include the mayor or their nominee (no expiration date), a member of City Council (no expiration date) and five additional members appointed by the mayor.
Each of the five additional members are appointed for a term of five years, except that of the first five members, one shall be appointed for a term of one year.
The commission is currently looking to fill a vacant seat. Applications will be accepted at City Hall, 36080 Chester Road, through July 9.
For more information, go to cityofavon.com.
Library meeting: The next Friends of the Avon Library general meeting will take place at 6:30 p.m. July 9 at the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive.
The active group hosts book sales and volunteers at various programs in support of the library.
Summer concert: The Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Road, is hosting a series of summer concerts this season.
The free concerts are at 6 p.m. every other Thursday. Bring a blanket or chair.
The next concert is July 11, featuring acoustic classics and contemporary rock from Cloud9cle.
Olympic spirits: The Wine Room, 35840 Chester Road, is hosting a Wine for the Win event in support of the Team USA women’s decathlon.
Stop by from 5 to 8 p.m. July 12 to meet Team USA’s Jordan Gray and other female athletes.
Transition to college: Do you know someone heading off to college? The Avon Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, is offering a two-session Transition to College course from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 10-11 for high school seniors.
The course is taught by College Now instructors and is designed to prepare college students for success in higher education.
Topics discussed include the differences between high school and college academics, study skills, support services and how to navigate the college environment.
Students must attend both sessions. Pre-registration is required. Go to LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs.
SAT prep: The Avon Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, is offering a Digital SAT Mini Boot Camp for high school students from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. July 15-16.
Taught by College Now instructors, the course includes a practice test, answer review, basic testing strategies and Digital SAT test preparation materials.
Students must attend both sessions. Pre-registration is required. Go to LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs.
Avon’s got talent: Children and adults are welcome to showcase their talents during Tuesday Talent Days at the Heritage Square Gazebo (corner of Stoney Ridge and Detroit roads), hosted by the Parks and Recreation Department.
Upcoming dates include July 16, July 23 and July 30. Sign in begins at 6:30 p.m., and the shows are from 7 to 8 p.m.
Participants can sing, dance, play an instrument, cheer, read poetry or do whatever talent they want to showcase.
A keyboard and microphone will be available onsite.
In the case of inclement weather, the event will be moved across the street to Avon Isle.
Pre-registration is required. Go to avonrec.activityreg.com.
AVON LAKE
Solar energy: Discount Drug Mart, 33382 Walker Road, just became more environmentally friendly, with the installation of solar panels on the roof of the building.
Additional panels will be added in the future.
The Avon Lake location is the first store to receive the panels.
DiscoveryWorks update: The Avon Lake Public Library recently provided an update on the construction/renovation project with the DiscoveryWorks “lab” classroom, including evaluating layouts in the larger play and learning space, adding a new window and discussions on exhibits that will continue this week as the renovation progresses.
For more information on the renovation and support opportunities, go to alpl.org/discovery.
Environmentally speaking: Join Tristan Radar, Ohio program director at Solar United Neighbors, for everything you need to know to get started with solar energy.
The program is at 7 p.m. July 9 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd. To register, go to alpl.org.
This program is part of a year-long environmental series, presented in partnership with the Avon Lake Public Library and Avon Lake’s Environmental Affairs Advisory Board (EAAB).
It addresses the environmental concerns of Avon Lake’s residents, expressed via the EAAB survey.
Each session focuses on a different topic, presented by experts who will educate as well as provide tools and resources for making an impact in our community.
Blood drive: A Vitalant Blood Drive will take place from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturday (July 6) at the Old Firehouse Community Center, 100 Avon Belden Road.
Please eat before you donate, and bring a photo ID and a list of any medication.
Appointments are preferred. Go to vitalant.org and search with Blood Drive Code U0041.
Library concerts: The Victor Samalot Duo (Latin music) will perform an outdoor concert at 7 p.m. July 9 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd.
The POP Rocks Kids concert series continues with Chad Hoffman performing at 10:30 a.m. July 12 at the library.
The concerts are free and open to the public. Bring a chair or blanket.
Outdoor market: UR Home Décor and More, 680 Moore Road, is hosting an Outdoor Summer Market from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. July 13.
Shop in the parking lot, where multiple vendors will be selling their own merchandise.
Duck fun: The fourth annual Ducks-n-Donuts Derby will take place at 8:30 a.m. July 13 at the Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center, 32850 Electric Blvd.
Winners from each qualifying heat will earn a spot in the championship race.
Championship racers will have a chance to swim away with a 2025 pool season pass.
Participants do not need to be present to win, and you do not need to have a pool membership to attend.
Donuts will be provided at the event (while supplies last).
Deadline to register is noon July 5. Ducks will not be available for purchase at the event.
For more information, go to avonlakeoh.myrec.com.
Museum tours: The Avon Lake Historical Society is hosting tours of the Peter Miller House, 33740 Lake Road, from 1 to 4 p.m. July 14, Aug. 11 and Sept. 15.
Kudos to the city for supporting the recent installation of the new shake shingle roof and gutters on the historic home.
Party in the park: Enjoy music from the 4 To Go Band during the city’s next Party in the Park, from 6 to 8 p.m. July 14 at Miller Road Park, 33760 Lake Road.
The concert is free. Yard games will be available, and Desperados Quesadillas and Smooth Rider food trucks will have food available for purchase.
Chairs, blankets, food and non-alcoholic drinks are welcome. Dogs must be on leashes.
There is no smoking or vaping in the park.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Grants: Mayor Kevin Corcoran recently announced that the city will be receiving state funding for two upcoming capital projects.
The city was awarded $700,000 toward the Cypress Avenue Extension Project, which will extend the roadway from Lear Nagle Road through to Lorain Road in North Olmsted.
This will open up the area for economic development opportunities, according to information from the city’s monthly newsletter.
A second grant for $500,000 was awarded for the Root Road Park Improvements Project, which will help to fund parking, stormwater management, landscaping and other enhancements to the community park.
Dementia education series: The city was recently named a Dementia-Friendly Community.
As part of ongoing efforts to educate and inform the community, education and resource information sessions are being held throughout the year.
The goal is to help everyone in the community understand how dementia impacts individuals and families and what you can do to make a difference.
The next session is from 6 to 7 p.m. July 10 at the Senior Center, 7327 Avon Belden Road. For more information, call 440-490-2056.
Temporary restaurant closure: Nino’s Restaurant, 32652 Center Ridge Road, recently posted on Facebook that the restaurant will be closed the week of July 15-22 for renovations.
The post reads: “Thank you for your patience! We have to have our lobby floor resurfaced. It is a week-long process and, unfortunately, there is no other way into our establishment. Thank you for your support!”
Theater production: The shows must go on. Even without a permanent home, the Olde Towne Hall Theatre continues to offer shows for the public.
The next youth show is a double feature with Disney’s “101 Dalmatians Kids” and “Mean Girls Jr.” at 7 p.m. July 11-13 and July 19-20 and 1 p.m. July 20 at the North Ridgeville Academic Center, 34620 Bainbridge Road.
Your ticket is good for both shows. To purchase tickets, go to othtnr.ludus.com.
Coffee chat: The next Coffee & Conversation with Mayor Kevin Corcoran will take place from 6 to 7 p.m. July 16 at City Hall, 7307 Avon Belden Road.
Bounce houses: The Big Bounce America is returning to Victory Park Ohio, 7777 Victory Lane, on July 20.
There are several different sessions available for toddlers, juniors, bigger kids and adults only.
To purchase tickets, go to bit.ly/4ezhsG9.
If you have news/information or a story idea you’d like to share or a ‘shout-out’, please send an email tojshortavon@aol.com. Read Short Takes online atcleveland.com/avon. Follow me on X (Twitter)@jshortavon.
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