Holiday on the Ridge Celebrates the Season

Mayor David Gillock joined with Santa and his elves as the community of North Ridgeville gathered at South Central Park last Saturday for the annual Tree Lighting Ceremony.

The magic of the holiday season came to North Ridgeville throughout the hours of Saturday, Dec. 7, as the 19th annual North Ridgeville Holiday on the Ridge was celebrated throughout the community.

It was a day to enjoy and get to know better all things North Ridgeville! From making new friends, visiting craft shows, to exploring the many businesses and interesting people that make North Ridgeville special, it was a great day, indeed!

: Members of the Faith Baptist Temple celebrated an old-fashioned Christmas with sounds of the season and his-toric garb as part of the weekend’s Holiday on the Ridge celebration. It was a beautiful display of seasonal joy.

: Santa stopped at My Wood Loft where he met with elves Sam and Avery Lambert. He will be back on Dec. 21 from 11-1, so stop by with your camera!

It all started with a great concert kick-off by the North Ridgeville High School Spectrum of Sound Choir at The Northridge Healthcare at 10 a.m. with Christmas Carols, hot chocolate and sweet treats to rev up the holiday spirit.

: The North Ridgeville High Spectrum of Sound sharing the joy of the season.

: Director Sarah Miller

The festivities concluded in grand style at South Central Park at 5 p.m., where retiring Mayor David Gillock presided over his farewell Tree Lighting Ceremony. Well-wishers and holiday celebrants joined in, and Spectrum of Sound even made a joyful repeat performance to the delight of the crowd!

In between, the busy day bought the hustle and bustle of the season to the streets, sidewalks and shops of North Ridgeville.

The Northridge Healthcare at 35990 Westminister Ave. got things off to happy start at 9 a.m. as Heather Zureich and team welcomed guests to their sumptuous hot chocolate and cookie bar! The kick-off open house ran from 9-2 as North Ridgeville High School’s Spectrum of Sound Choir sang Christmas Carols under the enthusiastic direction of conductor Sarah Miller. Guests were welcomed to tour the recently renovated facility and see their advanced therapy gym, including the omni-VR, virtual reality therapy system.

: Heather welcomes you to the Northridge.

: Fueling up with hot chocolate at the Northridge kick-off event.

Also on hand were special friends from The Danbury during the open house. Danbury is opening early 2020, offering Independent Living, Assisted Living and Memory Care. The brand new facility will be located at Lorain and Bagley Roads.

: Rachel Wheeler, Danbury, Marjorie Snyder, North Ridgeville Chamber and Heather Zureich, the Northridge.

: Rachel Wheeler, Danbury Senior Living

The award-winning team at Bistro 83.

Bistro 83 at 36033 Westminister is the winner of four Best of Lorain County awards this year! The team there welcomed guests to an Open House from 11-4. Folks found out first-hand why Bistro 83 took honors for Best Chef – Steve Stadnica, Best Bartender – Jeff Gresko, Best Happy Hour 2019, and Best Appetizers 2019. Bistro 83 is also Cleveland Magazine’s Best of West Family Restaurant winner for 2019.

Bistro 83 offers up-scale dining and an award -winning happy hour menu in a comfortable, laid back atmosphere. I addition to lunch and dinner, Bistro 83 offers a sommelier-selected wine list, and extensive cocktail menu and 14 rotating beer taps. Bistro 83 also has multiple great spaces for parties and events and is now taking reservation for Christmas parties!

O’Neill Healthcare North Ridgeville at 38600 Center Ridge Rd hosted their annual craft show to support our residents. While there, visitors were welcome to take a tour of this 5-Star rated facility and enjoy some cocoa and pastries. Happy Holidays! O’Neill Healthcare North Ridgeville is also a Toys for Tots drop-off spot!

: Jenna Elliot, LNHA, Administrator, and Sheryl Kinser, Activities Director.

: O’Neill Healthcare is a Toys for Tots drop off spot.

: Crafter Lenore Novak with Santa.

: Taking in the treasures at O’Neill Healthcare.

My Wood Loft at 39097 Center Ridge Road carries the area’s largest selection of reclaimed barn materials taken right from the barns here in Northern Ohio. They have on-hand a vast selection of barn siding, hand hewn and rough sawn beams, windows, barn doors and super-cool barn finds. They also have a great retail store filled with custom made tables, doors and unique handmade holiday gifts. All items are made with the same local barn materials you will find in their reclaimed lumber yard. SANTA was there on December 7 and will be back on December 21 from 11-1. Bring your camera! Hours are Tuesday- Friday 12pm to 5pm and Saturday 9 am to 2 pm. 440-322-1342

: Super cool finds at My Wood Loft this Christmas Season.

: June and Jim Yost with Tori Lambert, Owner, My Wood Loft.

First Congregational Church at 36363 Center Ridge Rd hosted a craft show and unique shopping experience with a large variety of handmade, homemade crafts on two floors. After shopping, shoppers visited the cafe where home cooked meals rule… mouthwatering chicken noodle soup and great shopping… what a great day of hometown fun!

: Happy greeters and artists at the First Congregational Church craft show.

North Ridgeville Historical Society Museum at 36119 Center Ridge Road is a treasure-trove of local history. Visit the museum to view local artifacts and special displays of Christmas items from the past, lovingly displayed to honor and preserve North Ridgeville’s history. Unique souvenir gifts, including books about North Ridgeville’s history, early maps and collectible medallions depicting 13 historic locations throughout the city are housed there. Free admission.

: North Ridgeville Historical Society Jeff Montgomery, Dan Plocica, Bill Noll and Kathy Bly, welcomed Holiday on the Ridge visitors to their community treasure-house of North Ridgeville history.

: Ken Buescher, Buescher Hardware family, and the model of the long-time family store.

LaSchelle Williams, Petals from a Black Rose, North Ridgeville Senior Center Craft Show.

North Ridgeville Senior Center at 7327 Avon Beldon Road. Holidays are made cheerful at the North Ridgeville Senior Center Craft Show. Many stopped in to get those special gifts for family or friends to make it a Happy Holiday. The kitchen was open for hearty and delicious food.

St. Peter Parish – Kitt Hall at 35777 Center Ridge Road hosted its 39th annual Christmas Crafters Bazaar by St. Peter’s PTU with over 90 new and seasoned crafters, all with handmade items including doll clothes, woodworking, florals, photos, paintings, jewelry and more. Raffles, door prizes and concessions. Fantastic baked goods and 8th graders earning funds for their Washington trip. A packed house!

: Fundraising for the 8th grade Washington trip at St. Peter Parish.

: Joe Hartman, Scroll Saw artist, and his one-of-a-kind Holiday Suit!

North Ridgeville Library 35700 Bainbridge Road. Families were invited to stop by the library to enjoy a variety of “Polar Express” inspired activities. Between 10-3, members of the North Coast Division of the National Model Railroaders Association shared some of their favorite model trains. Harpist Cecilia McKay performed a variety of holiday and traditional music from 3:30 to 4:30 pm before the annual tree lighting at the park. Complimentary hot chocolate and cookies were offered during the musical performance.

: Steve Kaplan, Chuck Klein, Jennifer Winkler (North Ridgeville Library Branch Manager), Gary Schaefer and Don Glass, National Model Railroad Association Mid-Central Region Div. 4.

: Jennifer Winkler, North Ridgeville Library Branch Manager, Lorain Public Library System with kids crafts.

Kiwanis/Key Club Pancake Breakfast N. Ridgeville High School, 34600 Bainbridge Road Piping hot pancakes, scrambled eggs, sausage and more were on the menu from 8-noon! Children could “make and take” their own holiday crafts, and have a photo taken with Santa. Proceeds to North Ridgeville High School Key Club and in support of a family in need.

The River Church of God 6000 Lear Nagle Road The 38th annual “Hollydays Craft Show” offered a great variety of crafters and vendors with jewelry, wreaths, bakery, wood, gift baskets, candles and more. Biscuits and gravy for breakfast; hot dogs and homemade vegetable and potato soup for lunch. Free admission. What more could you want?

North Ridgeville Ranger High Tech Academy 5580 Lear Nagle Road The 9-4 Open House offered a look inside a “school” like you have never known. There were also craft and vendor tables selling their items, PLUS buy/design/laser-cut custom ornaments. Students entertained with their band and choir magic.

St. Julie Billiart Parish at 5500 Lear Nagle Road Everyone’s favorite vendors and crafters were back this year for homemade items such as knitted & quilted goods, holiday items, jewelry, artwork, purses, ceramics, paper crafts, painted items, local honey, candy, clothes, candles and more. Over 70 tables of bakery, wood crafted items, soaps, dog items, and baby items. The kitchen will be selling homemade chili, hot dogs, noodles & cabbage, cookies and drinks hot and cold. Great community fun!

: Welcome to the St. Julie Billiart Parish holiday craft show.

: Find that perfect gift at Blue Barn Shops.

Blue Barn Shops & House 33094/33060 Center Ridge Rd The place to find painted furniture and collectibles as well as rustic and new items. Add to your interior decor or find that perfect gift. Talented designers have fun and innovative displays for your shopping pleasure. The coffee pot is always on!

Junk Monkey 6387 Lear Nagle Road is your high priority stop on your gift shopping journey! Selling affordable quality used goods, while creating a buyer & seller community. Owned and operated by a young North Ridgeville born entrepreneur. Come support our local economy, shop used goods to save the environment, and find some awesome savings on things you would otherwise have to buy retail! Open daily 10-6 p.m. Closed Monday.

: Awesome savings at Junk Monkey for Christmas.

: Rick Smith, Heat Exchange, welcomed visitors to this premier Hearth & Patio Shoppe located in North Ridgeville.

Heat Exchange Hearth & Patio Shoppe 34205 Lorain Road Since 1980, Heat Exchange has serviced the community with fireplaces, wood burning stoves, patio furniture, gifts and more. They have the largest display of grills in the state of Ohio along with a huge selection of rubs, sauces, smoking woods and accessories. Come on in and fund some great deals on holiday gifts!

Faith Baptist Temple 34361 Lorain Road It was an old-fashioned Christmas at this amazing125 year old landmark church building with people dressed in historic costumes, performing live Christmas music. Decorated trees throughout the charming church create a special nostalgia of decorated trees.

: Pastor James and Denise Barta, Faith Baptist Temple/Fields Corner Landmark, North Ridgeville and congregation.

: Don Moulds Garden Center Christmas headquarters.

Don Moulds Garden Center 34837 Lorain Road offers a great selection of live and fresh cut trees, fresh roping, Christmas plants, and gifts for the garden! Gift Certificates for those spring flowers, too! This year they are collecting donations for Veterans of Sandusky. mouldsplantation.com

Holy Love Ministries

Sugar Ridge Baptist Church 36600 Sugar Ridge Rd Vendors, food and the true spirit of Christmas were celebrated with a wide variety of crafts and bakery. To satisfy the munchies, guests also enjoyed a variety of sandwiches and Italian wedding soup.

Holy Love Ministries 37137 Butternut Ridge All were welcome to come and see over 100 acres of shrines. Join us in our welcome center for a brief video, cookies, refreshments and then visit our gift shop to register for an additional drawing.

Poppee’s Popcorn Jenny’s Snack Shop, 38727 Taylor Parkway Great specials on gifts for your family, friends and co-workers. Since the 1950s, the McGuire Family has been creating their own delicious brand of popcorn. They began by selling popcorn balls and special-recipe caramel corn in their Poppee’s Popcorn shop in Lakewood and later expanded by selling popcorn in movie theaters and to private and wholesale customers. The owners were so committed to a quality product that they actually popped and delivered the popcorn themselves!

Great gifts at Poppee’s Popcorn Jenny’s Snack Shop.

In the 70s, thanks to the success of Poppee’s Popcorn, the family opened Jenny’s Popcorn. Today, Jenny’s popcorn products and gift items are sold to the public nationwide online and in Jenny’s Snack Shop in North Ridgeville. Customer favorites include Cheese Corn, Peanut Caramel Corn and Caramel Dittos. Jenny’s prides itself on great customer and vendor relationships and continues to provide the fantastic snacks that consumers have come to expect from the various Poppee’s Popcorn products. Stop in to sample our delicious popcorn today! Mon – Fri 8 am-5 pm and Saturdays in December 9 am-noon.