The Avon Local Schools recently approved an agreement with Westlake-based Westland Heating and Air Conditioning + Plumbing, for the naming rights to the high school stadium, 3075 Stoney Ridge. The agreement also includes Westland making an additional donation to Avon Local Schools Performing Arts program. Mark Wahlberg Chevrolet in Avon currently holds the naming rights and that agreement is set to expire this year. Westland Heating and Air Conditioning + Plumbing will be the stadium’s new name going forward. The company will have the right to have the stadium name on all advertising, media, game programs, signage, game tickets, school website and mentions identifying or promoting the stadium, or stadium events including the following (as included in the agreement): The company’s stadium name will be displayed in signage on the back of the grandstand press box on the home side of the stadium. The design of the panel shall be subject to the approval of the Avon Local School District Superintendent/designee. For purposes of the Agreement, the signs will be deemed as premier signage.The company’s stadium name will be displayed in signage at the home ticket booth entrance of the stadium. The company’s stadium Name will be displayed in signage at the road entrance of the stadium. The signage is dependent upon approval by the City of Avon and its building department who have authority and final jurisdiction over all road signs. The company’s stadium name will be displayed as a logo on the football field in two places on opposite sides of the field (home and visitor), on the sideline approximately between the end zone goal line and the 20-yard line. Initial cost for the season/renaming is $15,000 for rebranding/signage. Additional payments include $25,000 for the next five seasons (through 2028-29) and $5,000 each year for the performing arts program for a total cost of $140,000 and a performing arts donation of $25,000. Sushi coming: A cool new sushi concept is coming to Avon Commons in the former Zoup! space. Funshi Sushi Ramen Boba will feature conveyor belt sushi, bringing an interactive way to enjoy fresh sushi, as well as offering ramen and boba tea, according to the restaurant’s website. Rice bowls are also on the menu, as well as kids meals. An official opening date has not been announced. If you would like to check out what Funshi Sushi Ramen Boba is all about, a location opened this week in Rocky River, 21605 Center Ridge Road (Westwood Town Center). The location features AI-robot servers. For more information, go to funshisushi.com. More donuts: Remember when Avon had three Dunkin Donuts? The location within Circle K on Chester Road closed a few years ago leaving Avon with two. Now we are going to have three again as one is proposed for the land near the Take 5 Car Wash on Center Road (State Route 83). On the Planning Commission’s March 19 meeting agenda is Polaris Engineering, on behalf of BASP LLC, requesting approval of the Final Development Plan for 1,682-sq.-ft. donut and coffee shop at 1200 Center Road. A drive-thru at the location is also on the agenda. Swim club: A virtual informational meeting will take place at 7 p.m. March 25 for families to learn more about the 2025 Avon Eagle Swim Club. Registration for the summer season opens at 8 a.m. April 1. The maximum team limit is 250. Registration ends at 11:59 p.m. May 2. To join the meeting, go to meet.google.com/nwp-iizj-vt, or open Google Meet and enter the following code: nwp-iizj-vto. For more information, go to AvonEagleSwimClub.org. New member: Mayor Bryan Jensen recently announced his appointment of Corey Barnes to the Planning Commission to fill the unexpired term vacated by James Malloy expiring Dec. 31, 2025. Family pool pass sponsorship: Back by popular demand, Avon residents can ‘sponsor’ a nonresident membership to Avon Aquatic Facility for the 2025 summer season. Registration opens at 8 a.m. April 1. Passes are limited. To register, go to Avonrec.activityreg.com. Once your online registration has been verified by a Parks & Rec staff member, the Avon resident will receive an email for next steps. Due to high demand: Friends & Family Pool Memberships are limited and are time sensitive. For more information, go to avonpool.com/900/Friends-Family-Memberships, or call 440-937-6106. Democratic club meeting: The Avon Democratic Club will meet at 6:30 p.m. April 10 at the Avon Branch Library, 37485 Harvest Drive. Guest speaker will be Mayor Bryan Jensen who will discuss the city’s proposed new tax levy. The Avon Democratic Club meets in even-numbered months on the second Thursday at 6:30 p.m. For more information, go to avonohdems.com. Sight Center fundraiser: The annual fundraiser for Cleveland West Shore Delta Gamma, Sips & Dips for Sight, to benefit Cleveland Sight Center and Guiding Eyes Cleveland Puppy Raising Region via the Delta Gamma Foundation, takes place from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. April 10 at Red Tail Golf Club, 4400 Nagel Road. Tickets are $40 in advance and $45 on the week of the event or at the door. The event includes appetizers, Silent Auction and raffles, and a cash bar. Sponsorships are available, contact Susan Elder at susanaelder@gmail.com. To purchase tickets, go to memberplanet.com/campaign/deltagammafoundation/sipsanddips2025. Egg hunt: Open to the public, Avon United Methodist Church, 37711 Detroit Road, will host a free Easter Egg Hunt and Journey to the Cross event from 10:30 a.m. to noon April 12. Families will travel from station to station as they journey their way to the cross, read the Easter story, and have an interactive experience. In the barn there will be crafts, snacks, and the Easter bunny. Middle school production: Avon Middle School’s Drama Club will present the school’s first musical production next month as “Annie Jr.” takes the stage at the Avon Performing Arts Center, 37545 Detroit Road. Show times and dates include 7 p.m. April 11 and 2 p.m. April 12. Tickets are $5 for adults, and $3 for students and seniors. To purchase tickets, go to tinyurl.com/mwah7r8j. Car seat inspection: Did you know that the Avon Lake Fire Department, 32811 Walker Road, offers free car seat installations and inspections to ensure your child is riding safely? To schedule an appointment, call 440-933-8305. Snowman contest: There was enough snow this winter to build lots of snowmen. The Parks and Recreation Department recently announced the Foust Family as winners of the city’s annual Snowman Contest. CRS Gala, news: Avon/Avon Lake Community Resource Services (CRS) is an asset to the community assisting those in need. The 36th Annual Charity Ball, benefitting CRS, will take place from 6:30 to 11:30 p.m. April 5 at the Shipyards Event Center, 500 Shipyard Way, Lorain. The event features an open bar, gourmet sit-down dinner, music, dancing, auctions, and raffles. To purchase tickets, go to e.givesmart.com/events/GBK. - Last month, CRS had the privilege of celebrating Marie Witt’s 90th birthday and retirement from her dedicated volunteer service to CRS. Congratulations. - CRS is in need of pasta sauce (plastic jars or cans please) and all types of toiletries, including shampoo, deodorant (men’s and women’s), toothpaste and toothbrushes, feminine hygiene products, etc. If you are able to donate, please drop off items during our regular business hours, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday - Friday at 33479 Lake Road. Drive down the alley behind the office and ring the doorbell by the CRS sign. Reminder, CRS does not accept clothing, household items or medical supplies. Book sale: Join the Friends of Avon Lake Public Library (ALPL) for their annual Spring Book Sale from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. April 5; and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 6 at the library, 32649 Electric Blvd. All proceeds benefit the Friends of ALPL, which helps to support Library programs, materials, events, and services. For more information, go to alpl.org/friends. Fish fry: American Legion Post 211, 31972 Walker Road, is hosting a Lenten Fish Fry from 4 to 8 p.m. every Friday through April 11 featuring Lake Erie Perch. Summer camps: It’s time to start planning now for the summer and what your kids are going to do. Registration is now open for camps through the Parks and Recreation Department. The camp offers outdoor exploration, weekly field trips, creative projects, and other activities designed to keep kids engaged and active throughout the summer. Cost per child is $280 resident/$305 non-resident per week and $75 is non-refundable. There is a sibling discount of $25 available when purchased in the same transaction (applies to each additional sibling registered in the same session). Base camp and pick-up/drop-off location will now be the Anchor Recreation Facility, 33483 Lake Road. Camp activities will also take place at various satellite locations, including the Ellen Trivanovich Aquatic Center, Avon Lake Public Library, and city parks. For more information, go to avonlakeoh.myrec.com. Shout-outs: Congratulations to Jarrod Nighswander, recently promoted to sergeant with the Avon Lake Police Department. Congratulations to the Avon Lake High School Chorale on earning straight Superior (I) ratings in Class AA at the recent Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) District event at Elyria High School. Way to go Learwood Middle School student Julia Scarvelli, 2025 Middle School Indoor Shot Put State Champion! NORTH RIDGEVILLE School honors: Liberty Elementary School has been recognized as a Governor’s Science of Reading Recognition Program School, a designation awarded by the Ohio Department of Education and Workforce. The honor reflects the school’s dedication to providing high-quality literacy instruction aligned with the Science of Reading. While prek-12 schools, including public, community, and chartered nonpublic schools were all eligible for this recognition, Liberty Elementary was one of 47 schools to earn this award, according to the press release. “We are incredibly proud of our students, teachers, staff, and families for their dedication to literacy excellence,” said Brianne Puleo, principal, in a press release. “This recognition is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our school community in fostering a love for reading and ensuring that every child has the tools to succeed.” The Governor’s Science of Reading Recognition Program sets rigorous criteria that schools must meet to earn this distinction. Liberty Elementary’s achievement highlights its alignment with research-based reading instruction that prioritizes phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. Spring musical: Dive under the sea as the North Ridgeville High School Drama Club presents, “The Little Mermaid,” at the Early Childhood Education Center, 5490 Mills Road. Show times/dates are 7 p.m. April 4-5; 2 p.m. April 6 (child-friendly show); 7 p.m. April 11-12; and 2 p.m. April 13 (Senior Recognition Night). Cost is $25 for Preferred Seating; $15 for General Admission; and Student Pricing is $10 with a valid NRCS/JVS ID (general seating only - one per ID - ID’s will be checked at the door) To purchase tickets, go to bit.ly/41LkKS8. Safetyville registration: Sponsored by the Police Department, registration for the city’s Safetyville summer program opens April 7 for incoming kindergarteners. The program is not a requirement for attending kindergarten, but does offer helpful safety topics for little learners. The city’s Safetyville village is located in South Central Park across from the library at 35753 Bainbridge Road. If you have additional questions, contact Somer Oliva at 440-490-2017, or via email soliva@nridgeville.org. To register, go to northridgeville.recdesk.com. Corn festival: Planning is underway for the 50th annual Corn Festival taking place Aug 8-10. New to the event this year will be a drone show. For more information, follow the festival on Facebook, or go to nrcornfest.org. North Ridgeville Ranger news: The community is invited to attend a Groundbreaking Ceremony for the North Ridgeville City Schools’ maintenance and transportation facility at 5 p.m. April 1 near the North Ridgeville Academic Center, 34620 Bainbridge Road. –North Ridgeville High School bands recently performed at the Ohio Music Education Association (OMEA) Large Group Ensemble at Mentor High School. The Concert Band received an Excellent (II) rating. The Symphonic Band received a “Superior” rating and will continue to represent and perform at the State Large Group Contest in May at North Royalton High School. - The school’s choirs also performed at the OMEA contest at Mentor High School. A Cappella earned a “Superior” (I) rating and has qualified for State Contest May 2-3 at Revere High School. Treble Singers earned an Excellent rating. – High school art teacher, Dalia Erney, is showcasing her talent in the BAYarts Annual Juried Art Exhibition now through April 5 at 28795 Lake Road, Bay Village. Shout-outs: Congratulations and best wishes to Sergeant Rik Dietz, Badge #49, on his retirement after over 28 years of dedicated service to the community he grew up in. He was sworn in as patrolman in October 1996, and promoted to Sergeant in March 2004. Congratulations to Grace Kingery, 2024 Lorain County Ms. Basketball award winner and North Ridgeville graduate, for leading Ball State University to the Mid-American Conference tournament championship game. The Cardinals defeated the University of Toledo, 65-58 in Cleveland last weekend and earned an automatic bid to the NCAA Women’s College Basketball Tournament. LORAIN COUNTY Rotary speech contest, fundraiser: The North Coast Rotary Club, in partnership with Avon, Avon Lake, and Brookside high schools, recently hosted its 12th Annual Four-Way Test Speech Contest. The contest provides an opportunity for students to showcase their public speaking skills while addressing impactful societal issues. The competition began with North Coast Rotary recognizing the students’ courage and commitment to advocacy, applauding their dedication to using their voices for positive change, according to the press release. Participants delivered compelling speeches on a range of topics, including Religious Freedom in Schools, the Importance of Music in the School Curriculum, Drug Awareness for Teens, Education and the Student Debt Crisis, and the Validity of Standardized Test Scores as Measures of Student Proficiency. A panel of three professional judges evaluated the speeches. Congratulations to Julie Dimacchia, Brookside High School sophomore, First Place; Serafino “Fino” Powers, Avon Lake High School senior, Second Place; Max Wojtus, Avon High School senior, Third Place; and (tie) Anikha Singh, Avon High School senior and Alondra Ortiz, Brookside High School freshman, Fourth Place. Dimacchia will advance to the Rotary District 6600 regional competition next month. All participants were honored with certificates, ribbons, and cash awards. North Coast Rotary is hosting a Sip & Support fundraiser, presented by Cuyahoga Community College, from 5 to 8 p.m. March 29 at the Tri-C Westshore Campus, 31001 Clemens Road, Westlake. The event features samplings of 21 wines from California, Italy, Chile, France, Spain, Washington, and Oregon, showcased at tasting stations arranged by Heidelberg Distributing Company (non-alcoholic wines also available). Cost is $50 (25% of the ticket price is tax-deductible) each pre-sale (March 21), or $60 each if purchased after March 21 or at the door. Pre-sale tickets can be purchased at northcoastrotary.org. Proceeds will benefit youth and community initiatives of the North Coast Rotary. Fireworks shop coming: BJ Alan Company, Inc. operating under the Phantom Fireworks brand name, purchased the Quaker Steak and Lube property, 4900 Transportation Drive, Sheffield Lake, on Feb. 3, according to the property records from the Lorain County Auditor. The price listed is $2.5 million. Quaker Steak closed last year. The opening date for Phantom Fireworks has not been announced. 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. Read Short Takes online at cleveland.com/avon. Follow me on X (Twitter) @jshortavon. Read more from the Sun Sentinel.