🌱 Gift Card Scam Warning + Spring Soccer Season Is Coming Soon

Hey, neighbors! I'm back with your fresh edition of the Avon-Avon Lake Patch newsletter. Let's get this Sunday started off right with a quick dive into everything you need to know about what's happening in town, including updates on:

• Be aware of gift card scams!
• Hit the ground running for spring-season soccer.
• Avon Lake safe!

But first, today's weather:

A snow shower in the p.m.. High: 37 Low: 30.

📈 Interested in reaching our highly engaged readers with targeted messaging that drives proven results for local businesses? I'm looking for business owners and marketers in Avon-Avon Lake who want to build awareness, connect with customers, and increase sales. If that's you, click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories in Avon-Avon Lake today:

1. Lately, there have been so many scams happening it's hard to keep track. The latest scam Avon Lake police are warning residents about is a gift card scam. According to the Police Department Facebook page, police are saying that scammers are creating fake barcodes and sticking them over the top of the existing barcode on gift cards. When people scan the fake barcode, the card's value is immediately transferred to an existing account which then leaves the gift card with a zero balance. Be careful and be aware! (Cleveland 19 News)
2. Do your little one's like to play soccer? There are just a few weeks left for the Saturday winter training sessions at JED Sports in conjunction with North FC. They also have goalie training on Sundays! Hit the ground running for our spring season. Sign up here." (Avon Lake Soccer Organization via Facebook)
3. Great news for Avon Lake, it was recently identified as being the safest U.S. city, which has between 5,000 residents and 50,000 residents, according to federal data in regard to fatal crashes between 2018 and 2023. According to WJW Fox, "[it was discovered] that Avon Lake had a single fatal crash in those five years. With a population of 25,206, that’s also a rate of 0.79 per 100,000 residents." Good job driving safely! (WJW FOX 8 News Cleveland)

Today in Avon-Avon Lake:

• St. Patrick's Day Cupcakes - City of Avon - Parks & Recreation (4:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• FIDO's Companion Rescue Inc.: "Meet Mandie! Mandie is a 4 year old, 50 pound, hound-beagle mix! She’s fully vetted and potty-trained. Mandie is a little shy but thrives with a k9 companion. She loves walks and cuddling. " (FIDO's Companion Rescue Inc. via Facebook)
• Love-A-Stray Dog Division Non-Profit Rescue: "This guy is starting his new life today!! Medicated bath, nail CUT! Treat ear infection. He is going to feel so much better. Oliver is as sweet as can be!" (Love-A-Stray Dog Division Non-Profit Rescue via Facebook)
• FIDO's Companion Rescue Inc.: "Meet Zeus! Zeus is a 2-3 year old German Shepherd mix. He’s 67 pounds, fully vetted, potty-trained and working on crate training. Zeus’s owners had to move out of the country and couldn’t take him." (FIDO's Companion Rescue Inc. via Facebook)
• Avon Lake City Schools: "Congratulations ! #ALexcellence Congratulations Concert Band for earning an EXCELLENT rating!" (Avon Lake City Schools via Facebook)
• Avon Lake Lacrosse Club: "Shooting at home, after practice or off days? Here’s a great routine to help practice with purpose!" (Avon Lake Lacrosse Club via Facebook)

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Featured businesses:

• Absolute Dance Company —
• Add your business here

Featured events:

• A Salon for Mr. Lincoln (March 18)
• Add your event

That's it for today. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Karena Garrity

About me: Journalism is in my veins. I have been a community reporter for the better part of the past 20 years. I love my community and I am honored to be a part of Patch.com. You can reach me at; karena.garrity@patch.com.

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Avon-Avon Lake Patch newsletter? Contact me at karena.garrity@patch.com