Avon, Ohio
Avon resident Amy (O’Dee) Whalen has always had a passion for home decor. She moved from Fairview Park to Avon five years ago with her four children, husband Sean, and a Maltipoo named Peaches.
Amy Whalen is set to open her new home decor showroom, Seven Sisters Home Market at 34340 Mills Road, Avon.Amy Whalen
“I had some extra items to sell after the move,” she said. “I decided to stage them before selling and they sold quickly. So I decided to continue buying furniture and decor items to sell as fully-styled sets. I staged them in the front room of my house for years and my kids would always laugh that it was a new home every couple weeks.”
Additionally, Sean owns Custom Amish Cabinets, 36765 Detroit Road, Avon.
“Through my travels with him to Amish country, I became acquainted with some Amish furniture makers and started Tafel Home, my custom Amish furniture line that will also be available,” said Amy.
Two months ago she took a leap of faith and rented a large warehouse space at 34340 Mills Road, Avon, to stage her collections and sell items.
“I decided to name it Seven Sisters Home Market because I am one of seven daughters and that has always been a huge part of my identity. I curate quality, trending furniture and decor and sell it for about 50 percent off the retail price. What makes my store unique is that I pre-style sets for easy, instant set up in your home. For example, a set may include a sofa, rug, coffee table, decor, blanket, and art. While I do sell several items individually, the sets come with an added discount.”
Seven Sisters Home Market will celebrate its Grand Opening from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Feb. 22; and from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Feb. 23.
“After that, we will be open one weekend each month,” said Amy. “In between those weekends, we are available by appointment for both the Amish furniture and styled sets.”
For more information and to find out when the shop will be open in the future, follow Seven Sisters Home Market on Facebook.
AVON
Hecks opens: The new Hecks restaurant location is now open at 35546 Detroit Road (former Melt Bar and Grilled space) and it’s beautiful. The space was completely remodeled. The patio is going to be a great spot to gather this summer and enjoy lunch or dinner.
Hours of operation are from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m. weekdays; and from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. on weekends.
As previously reported, a new Original Pancake House is slated to open this summer in the former Hecks space, 35514 Detroit Road.
To make a reservation, go to heckscafe.com.
Upcoming Planning Commission meeting: There is a lot happening in the city, as evident by the Feb. 19 Planning Commission agenda. Meeting begins at 7 p.m. at City Hall, 36080 Chester Road.
Lorain County Metro Parks is requesting a positive recommendation to City Council for the approval of a Special Use Permit to construct a trailhead and a parking lot to service the new trails at 4488 Jaycox Road.
DJH Developers, representing Avon-Nagel LLC, is requesting a positive recommendation to City Council for the rezoning of seven lots for a total of 17.7 acres from R1-Single Family Residential to C4-General Business District to be included on the November 2025 General Election Ballot.
Bramhall Engineering and Star Inc., on behalf of Peter & Co. Jewelers are requesting approval of the Final Development Plan to construct a 5,482-square-foot, two-story jewelry store at 33199 Just Imagine Drive.
I reached out to the owner of Peter & Co. and she did not wish to comment on the potential move from their current location at 32020 Walker Road, Avon Lake. Stay tuned to Short Takes for updates.
Trivia night, Bonsai Show: A free trivia competition takes place from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Feb. 27 at the Miller Nature Preserve, 2739 Center Road. Play individually or as a team. Alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages and snacks will be available for purchase. Pre-registration is required.
The next trivia night will take place April 24.
To register, go to tinyurl.com/MNP-Trivia-Night or call 440-937-0764.
Miller Nature Preserve and Cleveland Bonsai Club are presenting a free Bonsai Silhouette Show from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. March 1 at the Miller Nature Preserve. The show features the intricate artistry of bonsai trees. In their seasonal dormancy, the trees are bare of leaves and the architecture of the trunk and branches are on full display.
Historical Society meeting: The Avon Historical Society will meet at 7 p.m. March 6 at the Avon Olde Town Hall, corner of Detroit and Stoney Ridge roads.
The program for the evening will be, “Our President’s Medical Issues” presented by Westlake resident Thomas Strong. He will trace the health problems that afflicted presidents while they were in office from George Washington to Joe Biden, and in some cases how they impacted history.
The meeting is open to the public. For more information, go to avonhistory.org or call Ralph White, president, at 440-695-8238.
Scholarship available: The Avon Garden Club recently announced that the application period for a $1,000 scholarship is now open. The scholarship is available to high school seniors residing in Avon who will be majoring in a course of study aligning with the Avon Garden Club’s mission.
Only persons with proposed academic study in Agriculture, Botany, Forestry, Horticulture, Landscaping, or Natural Resources are eligible for the scholarship. The deadline for applying is March 17.
Applicants are to mail the completed application to the Avon Garden Club Scholarship Committee, P.O. Box 213, Avon, OH 44011. For complete eligibility information and application, interested persons should contact their high school’s guidance counselor or go to avonohiogardenclub.org.
Memory Cafe: A series of dates are available for the Memory Cafe at the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive. It offers a relaxing and comfortable gathering for people living in the early stages of memory loss and their caregivers to connect, socialize and build new support networks.
Upcoming dates include March 4, 11, 18, 25; April 1, 8, 15, 22, 29; and May 6, 13, 20, and May 27. The time is from 6 to 7:30 p.m.
Pre-registration is required, go to LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs.
Shout-out: Avon High School seniors Catherine Biesterfeldt and Danica Voll, along with Avon Middle School student Katie Coffey, recently joined figure skaters from Berea-Midpark, St. Joseph Academy, and Strongsville high schools on behalf of the Westshore B combined high school skating team coached by Avon High School Alum Kaelynn Higgins at the Ohio High School Team Figure Skating Championships.
Westshore B placed Fifth in Production Ensemble, First in Team Maneuvers, and earned the most total team points to be crowned the 2025 Ohio High School State Champions. Congratulations.
AVON LAKE
Democrats Club: The Avon Lake Democrats Club will hold its regular monthly meeting at 7 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Old Firehouse Community Center, 100 Avon Belden Road.
For more information, go to avonlakedemocrats.com.
Ward 1 meeting: Councilman Rob Shahmir is hosting his monthly Ward 1 meeting from 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. Feb. 25 at the Avon Lake Public Library, 32649 Electric Blvd. For more information, email [email protected].
Citizen, Project of the Year: Do you know of a person or project that was noteworthy in 2024? Nominations are currently being accepted for the annual Citizen of the Year and Project of the Year awards.
In 2009, Avon Lake Community Council began sponsoring an event to acknowledge and recognize the great things members of our community are accomplishing. Citizen of the Year honors a volunteer for outstanding achievements in the area of community service, and Project of the Year honors a project that merits community-wide recognition, according to information posted on the city’s website.
Applications for nominees must be submitted by March 31. The Avon Lake Kiwanis Club will host a dinner and awards ceremony in May.
Completed nomination forms can be sent to Martin O’Donnel by mail to 560 Brennans Court, Avon Lake, OH 44012, or email [email protected].
For more information, go to avonlake.org.
CRS Wine Bingo: Avon/ Avon Lake Community Resource Services (CRS) is hosting its inaugural Wine Bingo fundraiser March 13 at the Avon Lake American Legion, 31972 Walker Road.
The fun-filled evening will raise funds for the 36th Annual Charity Ball, supporting CRS’s mission to assist local families in need. Tickets are available for $50 per person, or $300 for a table of six.
Each ticket includes 10 bingo cards, drink tickets (cash bar available as well), and one bingo dauber. Each round wins four bottles of wine. Attendees can also purchase additional game sheets, game sheets for high-end wine and bourbon rounds, and enter exciting raffles. Guests are encouraged to bring their own snacks for the evening.
Doors open at 5:30 p.m., with the event running from 6 to 9 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at AALCRS.org/announcements, or at the door (subject to availability). For more information, contact Sheila Roth at 440-933-5639.
Conservation program for students: Join The Sprout Experience (educational nonprofit) for an international sea turtle and marine conservation program this summer.
The program is designed for teens who want to help protect endangered sea turtles; work hands-on with local conservationists and scientists; learn about marine ecosystems; experience a new culture; and snorkel and scuba dive (no prior experience needed).
The journey will take place in June traveling to the coastlines of Trinidad and Tobago. There are eight to 10 spots available. Leaders of the program are Avon Lake residents Todd and Julie Milkie, who are also middle school teachers in Westlake.
A virtual meeting for more information will take place Feb. 24, go to thesproutexperience.org.
Save the date: Avon Lake residents with a child registered for kindergarten in the fall may register for Safety Town online starting at 9 a.m. March 5.The program is not a requirement to enter kindergarten, but it does provide a wealth of safety information for children.
Teen leaders are also needed for Safety Town. Students ages 13-16 can apply. The deadline is at 4 p.m. May 1.
For more information, go to avonlakeoh.myrec.com.
Boat club membership: The Avon Lake Boat Club is looking for new members. For many years, there has been a waiting list for boat racks, sometimes years long.
The club currently has nine motorboat racks and 18 kayak racks available. Racks are for 14-foot class motor boats. Kayak racks will also accommodate paddle boards. Yearly membership is $250 and includes several social events throughout the season.
For more information, go to avonlakeboatclub.com.
Shout-outs: Congratulations to Lieutenant Alex Giardini on his retirement. He joined the Avon Lake Police Department in 1997, was promoted to sergeant in 2001, and was promoted to lieutenant in 2020. Thank you for your service.
Christ Evangelical Church, 32747 Lake Road, recently celebrated 77 years of worship in the community.
NORTH RIDGEVILLE
Lane closure: The Ohio Department of Transportation’s (ODOT) contractor, Great Lakes Construction, will begin lane restriction on State Route 83 Feb. 24 while work begins on the bridge over State Route 10. Construction is expected to last until November. Drivers can expect one lane traffic and temporary traffic signals.
SeussaPalooza: Celebrate Dr. Seuss’ birthday from 2 to 4 p.m. March 1 at the North Ridgeville Branch Library, 35700 Bainbridge Road.
Pre-registration is required for all attendees, including caregivers, go to LorainPublicLibrary.org/programs.
Theater gala: The Olde Towne Hall Theatre is hosting a Gala fundraiser, featuring music from The Summer of ’65, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. March 14 at the 8820 Event Center, 8820 Bender Road.
For more information, go to oththeatre.com/gala-fundraiser.
Spring Fling, Egg Hunt: The Rotary Club is hosting its annual Spring Fling at 6 p.m. March 22. The event includes cocktails, dinner, and raffles. Cost is $100 per person. For tickets, email [email protected].
Save the date for the club’s annual Egg Hunt which will take at 1 p.m. April 12 (gates open at 12:30 p.m.) at the North Ridgeville High School’s Ranger Stadium, 34600 Bainbridge Road.
Casino night: St. Peter School’s PTU invites the community to its 15th annual Raise Your Paddle Mardi Gras and Casino Night from 6 to 11 p.m. March 1 at the Emerald Event Center, 33040 Just Imagine Drive, Avon.
At this year’s Raise Your Paddle event, the PTU is raising funds to provide a new and updated playground for students to enjoy for years to come.
For more information, go to ryp.schoolauction.net/ryp2025.
Kiddie Kloset tables: Mark your calendars for the North Ridgeville Early Childhood PTA’s annual Spring Kiddie Kloset sale April 5 at the North Ridgeville Academic Center Cafetorium, 34620 Bainbridge Road.
The sale will include baby items, kids clothes, toys, games and maternity wear. There will also be a bake sale and raffle onsite.
If you are interested in purchasing a table to sell your items, registration is now available. Go to nrechpta.org/kiddiekloset.
LORAIN COUNTY
Safety Action Plan: Lorain County Public Health (LCPH) recently finalized the Lorain County Comprehensive Safety Action Plan (CSAP), to prevent serious traffic crashes and deaths and secure future safety funding, according to the press release.
Included in the plans are recommendations for planning and speed studies; traffic calming measures; crossing improvements; on-street bike lanes; railroad monitoring technology; and educational and public awareness campaigns.
Building on over four decades of traffic safety injury prevention through the Safe Communities Coalition, Safe Routes to School efforts, and the countywide car seat program, LCPH received $200,000 in February 2023 from the United States Department of Transportation (DOT) through the Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) program. LCPH partnered with Toole Design, a transportation consulting firm, to develop the CSAP. The team used traffic crash data to identify high-risk areas and studied driver behavior, safe road access, and transportation methods.
In September 2024, LCPH secured $2 million in additional Safe Streets and Roads for All (SS4A) Planning and Demonstration funds.
For more information, go to LorainCountyHealth.com.
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.
