Avon Branch Library officials provide construction update: Short Takes on Avon, Avon Lake and North Ridgeville
Avon, Ohio
Things are really starting to take shape at the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive, as work continues on the 16,000-sq-ft addition that is expected to be completed later this year. The project includes renovations and the addition to accommodate a reading garden, drive-up window, expanded meeting rooms, technology upgrades, and a dedicated space for children and youth programming.
Construction continues on the 16,000-sq-ft addition to the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive. Work is expected to be completed later this year.
According to Jennifer Black, director of marketing and public relations for the Lorain Public Library System, lots of progress has been made recently as drywall installation is underway. The site crew also installed the underground storm system. The site crew continues work on storm drains, and the underground retention system has been installed.
The brick layers are also wrapping up the brick on the south half and will be moving onto the north half of the library. The roofers have been installing the metal roof on the south half and from there, they will move onto the north half of the library. Window frames are in and the glass has been installed.
The parking lot recently opened at the Avon Branch has reopened. The book drops have returned to their original location and there is now one curbside pick-up spot available.
“Every day we are excited to see what changed from the day before and look forward to the end of 2022 for sharing the finished space with the public,” said Donna Kelly Sprinkle, Avon Branch Library manager in an email. “In the meantime, we are open and welcome everyone in to see the progress. We have the Summer Reading Program, Grab and Go activity bags and DIY interactive activities for kids each week this summer, so stop in and see us.”
Black also noted the new section may be open as early as July, and the construction will flip to the existing building for renovations of that area.
“The evolution of Avon Branch continues to exceed our expectations,” said Anastasia Diamond-Ortiz, Lorain Public Library System chief executive officer/director, in an email. “For many years, community members expressed their desire for more collections, services, and amenities at their library. We, along with the Avon community, are anticipating great things when the library fully opens later this year. I am particularly excited about the Create Space and our foray into Esports. We will have new technology for the public at Avon that engages community members in new ways and that’s what libraries are about.”
AVON
America’s Race: Check out the new cross country course at Veteran’s Memorial Park, 3701 Veterans Memorial Parkway, during the inaugural 5K event at 8:30 a.m. July 3. Hosted by PeaceRacing.com and the Avon Running Club, the first mile is all pavement, second is shaded nature trail and third mile is trail and grass to the finish. The event is a family-friendly, pre holiday celebration and community give-back in the form of support, scholarships and service. Pending registrations, Stomper (Lake Erie Crushers mascot) and 808 Shave Ice will be at the event. Come for the scenic run, a view of the new extension and development of the park, trails and fishing pier (Eagle Point Park). Cost is $25. To register, go to bit.ly/3QSnJ42.
Democratic fundraiser: The Avon Democratic Club (ADC) is hosting a fundraising event on July 8 at the Lake Erie Crushers game at Mercy Health Stadium, at 2009 Baseball Boulevard. First pitch is at 7:05 p.m. Fireworks follow the game. The ADC mission is to provide information on local issues and events, as well as support Democratic candidates and values. Tickets are $25 each, go to avonohdems.com/events. For more information about the ADC, go to avonohdems.com. To make a donation to ADC’s Act Blue account, go to secure.actblue.com/donate/avon-democratic-club-1.
Golf scramble: The annual Avon Athletic Hall of Fame golf scramble begins with a shotgun start at 8:30 a.m. July 30 at Bob-O-Link Golf Course, 4141 Center Road. Last year over 120 golfers enjoyed a day of golf, fun, food and prizes. The outing supports the Avon Athletic Hall of Fame and Avon athletes, including scholarships. To register, go to eventregisterpro.com/event/avonhalloffame2022. Businesses interested in hole sponsorship or business prize donations, contact Amy Sikora at [email protected].
AVON LAKE
New ownership: Lakeside Nutrition, 426 Avon Belden Road (Towne Center), celebrated new ownership with a ribbon cutting ceremony for its grand re-opening last week. In addition to the juices, fruit smoothies, meal replacement shakes, protein shakes, nutrition bowls, and other options; the location also provides nutrition education courses by certified professionals, on-going body transformation challenges, and 1:1 coaching services.
“We live in a time where the health and wellness of our mind and body are primary concerns,” said new owner Lettoya Soler in a press release. “People everywhere are looking for ways to improve their health, manage their weight, decrease stress, and live a healthy-happy lifestyle.”
Community Police Academy: The Avon Lake Police Department is hosting a Community Police Academy ‘designed to give the public a working knowledge of the Avon Lake Police Department’. The program will be held for 10 consecutive Wednesday nights from 6:30 to 9 p.m. beginning Sept. 7. Each session will cover separate areas of the department’s operations including firearms, communications, patrol, and evidence collection. Instruction will consist of lectures, demonstrations and student participation.
According to information from the department, the main goal of the Community Police Academy is to provide information to the public that will increase the rapport between the citizens and the officers of the Avon Lake Police Department. The hope is that the graduates of the academy will utilize the knowledge gained through the program to assist the police department in its goals of providing a safe community for the citizens of Avon Lake.”
The academy is open to adults ages 21 and over. The participants will be required to complete an application form and are subject to a background investigation. All participants are expected to attend all sessions of the program.
Applications are available at the Avon Lake Police Department, 32855 Walker Road, or can be emailed to you by calling 440-930-4116. For more information, contact Sgt. Ron Cantleberry or Rachel Burson at 440-930-4116, or email [email protected]. Deadline to register is July 29.
Kids concert: Enjoy the sounds of summer during a free concert from Island Troy at 10:30 a.m. July 1 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd. Bring a blanket or chair. In case of inclement weather, the concert will move to the library’s Waugaman Gallery.
Summer youth group: Students grades 8-12 are invited to join the You Belong summer youth group that meets from 6 to 7:30 p.m. every Monday now through Aug. 8 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd. You Belong is an all-inclusive – no matter the students’ abilities, ethnicity, or individualized thoughts. The program was created several years ago to ‘improve the sense of belonging and safety experienced by students,’ according to the Mental Health, Addiction and Recovery Services Board (MHARS) of Lorain County. The idea was born out of wanting every student to feel like they are part of a family consisting of student peers.
Wine event fundraiser: The Avon Lake Friends of The Parks is hosting the first annual wine event, Summer In Italy, from 6 to 9 p.m. July 30 at the Folger Home, 32770 Lake Road. Food will be provided by Gitta’s Table, and Hayden Grove will perform. All proceeds benefit the beautification of Avon Lake parks. Tickets are $85 per person and include four wines from Italy (presented by Michael Selzer of Private Reserve Wines), appetizers, buffet dinner, and dessert (provided by Amalu Home Bakery). If you buy four or more tickets, you get a free chance at a wine pull. Tickets will be given at the event. To purchase tickets, go to Eventbrite.com (space is limited).
Big Trucks save the date: The popular free Big Trucks event is from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sept. 17 (rain or shine) at the Safety Center, 32855 Walker Road. Food trucks onsite include Cheesy Dave’s, Pastativo, Heavy G’s, Samurai Dynasty, Kona Ice, Cleveland Cookie Dough Co. Children 18 and under can earn a $3 off coupon for use at any of the food trucks onsite by completing a Big Trucks Passport at the event.
College graduate: Taylor Elizabeth Lasker-Hubert received a bachelor of science in biology, with a psychology minor, from Clarkson University.
Dean’s list: Emma Konn was named to the Dean’s list at Miami University Regionals (enrolled in less than 12 graded credit hours).
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Counseling services: Kenneth A. DeLuca and Associates recently moved office locations from 35888 Center Ridge Road to 6401 Jaycox Road. The practice offers physiological, counseling and educational services. DeLuca, an Avon resident, founded the practice in 1985. Over the years, through the dedication of countless therapists and associates, the business grew due to the desire to assist individuals/families in need. The new location is owned by Dr. Cate Brandon. What makes the grand opening of the new location even more notable is that DeLuca battled a severe case of COVID-19 and was hospitalized for 90 days during the height of the pandemic. He is doing well now and is grateful for the support of family, friends, and the community. For more information, go to kendelucainc.org.
Summer concert series: Enjoy the sounds of Jul Big Green (pop/rock music) from 6 to 8 p.m. July 10 at the South Central Park Gazebo, 7565 Avon Belden Road. The final concert of the series is from 6 to 8 p.m. July 24 and features Rubix Cubed (80′s Music).
College graduate: Joshua Mundell received an undergraduate degree in computer engineering from Cedarville University.
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