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Ward 2 Councilman Tom Bullock said today he is running for Council at Large in order to serve the entire community as their “problem-solving neighborhood ambassador.”
 
“I love Ward 2 and I’m tremendously proud to represent it,” said Bullock. “But of course the entire City of Lakewood is wonderful, and since there is an opportunity to serve not just my immediate neighborhood, but the entire community, I am stepping forward to do so.”
 
Bullock said he has been interested in the opportunity to serve all neighborhoods across the city since the beginning of the year but held off on a decision to run out of respect for incumbent colleagues, until receiving recent confirmation that a retirement can be expected.
 
This November, Lakewood voters will choose the new occupants of all three Council at Large seats. The offices of mayor, four ward councilpersons, and municipal judge are not up for election until 2015.
 

LakewoodAlive's Housing Education Series presents "Painting Your Home: Technique and Color," a presentation by Michael Fleenor of the Cleveland Restoration Society.

This program will examine different types of paint failure, highlights what to look for when hiring a painting contractor, reviews historic color schemes and provides tips on selecting and placing appropriate colors on older homes.

Join us at the University of Akron, Lakewood Campus on Saturday, June 15 at 10:30 am. This event is free and open to the public. Free parking will also be available in the rear lot. 

Details on the full series are available at: www.tackk.com/LAHousingEducationSeries

"At least I didn't pay too much for this book."

Summer is finally here! Time to hit the beach and soak up some rays… But wait. You don’t want to take that Library book to the beach do you? What if it gets wet? Or gets ice cream all over it? Or starts to smell like cocoa butter?

Once again, the Friends of Lakewood Public Library are saving the day. The volunteer group that supports so many wonderful things at Lakewood Public Library will be hosting their Summer $3.00 Bag of Books Sale on Saturday, June 15 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the basement of the Main Library. That’s right! You can purchase a whole bag of romances, mysteries, thrillers and more for just three dollars—and nothing is stopping you from buying more than one bag. The best part is that, once you finish up that inexpensive Grisham, you can make room in your beach tote by tossing it to a pelican or other large seabird—or donate it back to the Friends. The good times never have to stop.

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The Lakewood Earth and Food (LEAF) Community will be returning for another visit to Lakewood's own Bay Branch Farm for this month's educational event. The tour will take place on Wednesday, June 19th at 7 p.m.

Bay Branch Farm is an urban market garden in Lakewood, Ohio whose mission is to grow high-quality food in a sustainable manner, honoring the soil, the environment, and the people in our community.

Owners Eric Stoffer and Annabel Khouri began gardening in their own backyard before expanding to a vacant lot in the Birdtown neighborhood in 2009. Now they are regular participants in the Saturday Lakewood Farmer's Market and LEAF Nights and have their own version of a CSA program called A La Farm Carte, where members make a down payment in advance, then choose what they like from the crops available throughout the season.

Lakewood Reads is Lakewood High School's effort to get the whole community involved in celebrating literacy by reading a book together. All LHS students will be reading Outliers: The Story of Success by Malcolm Gladwell, as part of their summer reading requirements. LHS is asking the community to join in.

This is the third year of Lakewood Reads and each year a different department selects the book. Peter Petto and Bob Sedlak of the Math Department explain why their department chose this book: Outliers is the story of success. Author Malcolm Gladwell takes a careful look at people who are tremendously successful in a variety of fields such as sports, music, and business. And then asks the question: Why? What do they have in common? And what is different among them? He explores a variety of possible explanations using numbers and statistics and logic in a story that is fascinating and dramatic, arousing readers' curiosity.

The June 3, 2013 Council meeting was called to order at 7:33 P.M. by Council President Brian Powers. The first order of business was to discuss a report from the Committee of the Whole regarding the resolution to allow the city to spend $25,000 on consultant services for Lakewood Park lakefront improvements. The city has about $300,000 left over from projects it did in Lakewood Park about 10 years ago. The money was not spent due to plans that fell through and cannot be resurrected. However since the money was appropriated for the plan that can no longer happen the city held on to the money while they figured out if it could be used on other projects. It has now become clear that the money can be used on a different project, provided it is still a Lakewood Park lakefront improvement project.

State Rep. Nickie J. Antonio

Chair Young, Vice Chair Duffey, Ranking Member Hagan and members of the Commerce, Labor and Technology committee: I am honored to present sponsor testimony with joint sponsor Representative McGregor regarding House Bill 163, The Equal Housing and Employment Act. This legislation is the same in both language and intent to the final version of HB 176, which passed the House in the 128th General Assembly but languished in the Senate.

The Equal Housing and Employment Act (“EHEA”) or HB 163, adds “sexual orientation” and “gender identity” to the categories of those protected by Ohio’s laws prohibiting discrimination in housing, employment, and public accommodations. Existing law defines “unlawful discriminatory practice” as discrimination on the basis of the race, color, religion, age, sex, familial status, marital status, military status, national origin, ancestry, or disability of an employee; an applicant for employment, for membership, for the purchase, lease, or financing of housing accommodations, or for credit; a person seeking access to a place of public accommodation; or any appropriate person as specified in the laws. 

June 13

Friend’s Preview Book Sale

Thursday, June 13 6p.m. to 9 p.m. in the Lakewood Public Library Friends Book Sale Room

June 13

BOOKED FOR MURDER: Queens of Crime

"The Crime at Black Dudley" by Margery Allingham
The greatest collection of crime-solving, lady detectives from yesterday and today will keep you up late, turning the pages. Unburden yourself once a month and share your sleepless ponderings with this friendly, law-abiding group of mystery lovers. Visit www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.org/bookclubs for more clues and full book descriptions. 

Thursday, June 13 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Meeting Room

Jungle Safari Puppet Show
For the whole family

Enjoy puppets, storytelling and humorous antics with a touch of magic. Free and open to the public.

Friday, June 14, at 3:00 p.m. in the Main Library Multipurpose Room.

The Learning Garden Story Time
For the whole family

Make the Learning Garden a part of your family time with stories, music, and activities about vegetables, fruits, flowers, and good things to eat!

Friday, June 14, at 10:30 a.m. in the Learning Garden right behind the Madison Branch Library.

A small, happy crowd can often be found gathered around the Library’s Lakewood High School yearbook collection. And now, for the first time ever, we want to expand the collection to include St. Edward High School, St. Augustine Academy and any other Lakewood yearbooks from your glory days. But we need your help! We are asking for your donations to add to a collection that has become a treasure here at Lakewood Public Library.

Our yearbooks confirm what we know. Times have changed. Consider our first Lakewood High School yearbook from 1903. The eight graduating students are honored with elegant photographs and personal descriptions like the one describing the lovely Stella Colahan, who was by all accounts, “a quiet, unassuming maiden.” Yes, times have changed.

The summer solstice begins on June 21st this year, but as every parent with school age children knows summer is truly determined by the last day of school. So what are doing to entertain your children this summer? Amid the plans for swim lessons, day camp and trips to Grandma’s, why not make it a point to visit the library? Take us up on our offer of free entertainment and fun. In our line-up of crafts, movies, and registered programs we are also providing live entertainment for the whole family. Our Special Friday Performance series begins this month on the 14th with the Katie Bee and Roger Dodger Jungle Safari Show.

Kathy and Roger Divella will be performing as Katie Bee and Roger Dodger to help us use our imaginations to travel on a jungle safari. On our trip we will meet a few jungle animals. There is Vern a wild and wacky bird. Orie; a very ornery, but adorable orangutan. And last but not least, Peanut, the effervescent elephant. Katie Bee does an excellent job as the puppeteer, while Roger Dodger handles the slapstick comedy and balloon animals with ease. It is a delightful show that will have the kids rolling on the floor with laughter.

Make the Learning Garden a part of your family time with stories, finger plays, and music about vegetables on Fridays June 14, July 12, August 2, and August 23, at 10:30 a.m. This story time will replace the Family Weekend Wonders program, weather permitting, on these dates. There is no need to register in advance. The story time will be held inside the Madison Branch during inclement weather.

The Learning Garden is a garden where families can read, learn and enjoy together and is located behind the Madison Branch. This garden is a collaboration between the Lakewood Public Library, LEAF Community, and the City of Lakewood. The Learning Garden was made possible by a grant from the Institute of Museum and Library Services, and by the State Library of Ohio.

Did your ancestors arrive on the Mayflower? Was your great-grandfather a WWI hero? Unlock the story of your family’s past with one of the Library’s most popular online resources. Ancestry.com, Library Edition can make this tremendous undertaking a little easier by providing access to thousands of records that will help you fill in your family tree. Genealogist Dr. Deborah Abbott will be here on Wednesday, June 19 at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Library Learning Lab to show you the ins and outs of genealogical research using Ancestry.com, Library Edition and other online resources.

Dr. Abbott comes with a vast amount of experience as a genealogist. In addition to being the former president of the Cleveland African-American Genealogical Society, she is an adjunct faculty member at the Institute of Genealogy & Historical Research at Samford University in Alabama. Abbott has presented lectures at many genealogical societies, libraries, schools, and churches throughout Ohio and surrounding states. We asked her to share a little about herself and her studies.

Some of the crafts Summer Readers can make when they come into the Library

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Hey all of you Summer Readers! Escape the heat and come to the Lakewood Library for an hour of self-guided craft time fun. Create a Cicada to commemorate the return of the magicada to Ohio. Make garden markers for the garden you planted in the spring. Cut, color, paste, and pretend to be a garden gnome. Stop in at the Main Branch or Madison Branch anytime, June 10 - August 1st, Monday through Thursdays, 11:30 a.m. – 3:30 p.m. No registration is needed.

Lakewood City Schools is in the middle of a number of major personnel changes due to retirements and professional advancements.

Lakewood High School Principal Bill Wagner will be leaving his position after 10 successful years to become the district’s director of Human Resources, beginning August 1. Wagner accomplished much during his decade at the helm of LHS including being named Ohio Principal of the Year by the Ohio Association of Secondary School Principals and leading the school to Excellent ratings from the state of Ohio the last seven of eight years.

Members of Ron Lewis' sixth-period Government class show off their EverFi financial literacy certificates.

A partnership between First Federal of Lakewood, EverFi and Lakewood High School has helped the schools’ seniors become financially literate and First Federal and EverFi representatives were at LHS in the classroom recently to recognize the students’ new-found financial knowledge.

First Federal has generously signed on to sponsor the EverFi Financial Literacy web-based program for Lakewood City Schools at a cost of $12,000 over the next three years. The sponsorship enables LHS to bring the interactive financial management program to our students at no cost to the district.

“We as a bank knew it was important to bring financial literacy to students because they are future customers and it’s important to educate our students about this topic,” said First Federal Lakewood branch manager Heidi Finiff.

Editor’s Note: Johnny Appleseed will be one of five living history presentations that will be part of Ohio Chautauqua 2013: When Ohio Was the Western Frontier, set for June 25-29 at Lakewood Park. You can hear more about Johnny’s story on Saturday, June 29 at 7 p.m. under the big red and white tent at Lakewood Park. To find out more about the entire slate of Chautauqua events, visit lakewoodhistory.org.

One of Ohio’s most famous legends is Johnny Appleseed’s story. Johnny Appleseed was in fact a real man, whose true name was John Chapman. The story of this farmer who fueled the apple industries of Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Indiana is quite similar to the popular folklore.

Born in 1774 in Massachusetts, John Chapman was the son of Nathaniel Chapman, who was both a farmer and Revolutionary soldier. As a young man, Nathaniel apprenticed John to a local orchard where he absorbed all of his knowledge about apples. When he turned 18, he left Massachusetts for the west side of Pennsylvania.

2013 Scholarship Winners Julie Herman, Peter Schleckman, Alex Northrup and Brittany Pearsall are all smiles after receiving their Lakewood Council of PTAs scholarships.

Lakewood Council of PTAs celebrated its mission, “Every Child, One Voice,” and the end of the 2012-13 school year Thursday, May 23, when it recognized scholarship and award winners and installed officers for the 2013-14 school year.

The Council of PTAs is made up of members of eight school PTA units in Lakewood plus Lakewood Early Childhood PTA. The Council is part of District 11 in the state of Ohio, under the Ohio PTA umbrella organization. The Lakewood Council promotes communication, leadership development and coordinates efforts of the Lakewood PTAs and it provides individual groups with support and assistance as needed. Additionally, it recognizes the excellence achieved by Lakewood City Schools and students through the cooperation of Parents, Teachers and Associated staff in a variety of ways.

Alumni members Julian Ellins (l.) and Renee Blackburn of The Lakewood Project acknowledge audience applause during a Tenth Anniversary Concert held May 25 at the Civic Auditorium. Past and current members of the celebrated Lakwood High School rock orchestra performed onstage together for the one-night only event under the direction of LHS music educator Beth Hankins.

Lakewood City School District wants its staff—and parents of students—to be able to recognize the early warning signs of mental illness in students and refer students for professional help when appropriate.

The school district partnered with Recovery Resources, a Cleveland-based, nonprofit behavioral healthcare organization, to offer two five-hour training sessions in April to school counselors at the city’s public and charter schools aimed at alerting them to the kinds of behaviors that may indicate a child is at risk for mental illness. The training program, held at Hayes Elementary, focused on myths and facts about mental illness, how to distinguish early warning signs of trouble from typical adolescent behavior, and when it is appropriate to refer a student for psychiatric or other professional treatment.

The Lakewood Rangers Varsity Baseball team was not ready for the season to end when it did, but as every team knows only the eventual state champion ends its season on a winning note. The Rangers lost a hard fought District Semi-final game to the Midview Middies bringing their hopes for another day and season to a close.  The Rangers finished with 22 wins and 6 losses.

Notably, three of the Rangers six losses this season were to the same team (Midview) and to the same pitcher (major league draftee Eric Lauer). Midview’s recognition of Lakewood’s team talent and depth led them to pit the Greater Cleveland area’s best pitcher against the Rangers each time they played. 

Children coping with the loss of a loved one experience healing with the support of trained counselors while having fun at Together We Can day camp. Deadline for reservations is July 1. 

For the 15th consecutive year, Hospice of the Western Reserve will host Together We Can, a children’s bereavement day camp, at Red Oak Camp, 9057 Kirtland-Chardon Road in scenic Kirtland. This year’s camp is scheduled for Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, August 6-8, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Space is limited and registration is required by July 1.

Each year, up to 60 campers between the ages of six and 14 who have experienced the death of a loved one spend three days in this beautiful natural setting interacting with other children who have also had someone special die. 

“There’s nothing better than seeing all these kids who have experienced so many different losses come together in a beautiful setting to share stories, learn new ways to handle their grief, and have fun with other kids who understand what they’re going through,” said Karen Hatfield, counseling team leader at the Elisabeth Severance Prentiss Bereavement Center.

The story of young Isaac Monah's escape from the war torn nation of Liberia in 1989 and of his subsequent arrival in America, is in and of itself a story of biblical proportions.

When civil war erupted in Liberia in 1989, the Monah family fled to the Ivory Coast where Isaac worked for a time in the Tai National Forest where he met Scott McGraw who helped him emigrate to America. Isaac settled in Philadelphia, and eventually moved to Cleveland Heights where he began attending Noble Road Presbyterian Church. 

In 2007 Isaac returned to a Liberia still recovering from the wounds of the war, and recognizing that one of the resources unavailable to those living in the Konobo district of Liberia was education, Isaac embarked on a crusade to bring a school to the citizens of the Konobo District of Liberia, the rural area which was his home. Returning to Noble Road, he allied himself with several resourceful church leaders including: Pastor Francis Miller, John Luttermoser, Ted Roos, John Benko and others; together they formed the organization that became known as the Dougbe River Presbyterian School of Liberia or DRPSL.

(l-r):  Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald, John Litten, SVDP Cleveland executive director, and Shannon FitzGerald at SVDP's inaugural gala on May 4.  The benefit generated some $9,000 for a new food pantry.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul (SVDP) Cleveland is planning to open a fifth Ozanam Center food pantry, thanks to proceeds from its inaugural benefit held on May 4 at St. Basil the Great in Brecksville. Some 170 attendees, including dignitaries, clergy members, sponsors and volunteers from the Society’s participating parishes attended the fundraiser, which generated more than $9,000 for Northeast Ohio’s poor. Lakewood residents Cuyahoga County Executive Ed FitzGerald and his wife, Shannon, served as honorary co-chairs of the evening, which also honored SVDP’s many volunteers.

Tom Sutton

Baldwin Wallace University political science professor and Lakewood resident Thomas Sutton has been selected to receive a Fulbright Scholar award that will fund a semester of scholarly work in Ghana.

As a Fulbright grantee, Sutton will spend the January – May 2014 semester teaching three political history courses at Ghana’s University of the Cape Coast. He will also conduct research into the parallels between recent presidential elections in the West African nation and the United States.

“I’ve been told the people in Ghana closely followed the two election cycles here involving President Obama and that they were influenced by his campaign themes, particularly in 2008,” Sutton said.

In his research, Sutton also plans to examine how Ghana deployed a high tech “biometric verification system” to match voter fingerprints at polling stations in the December 2012 national election. “They really leapfrogged over us in the use of technology,” Sutton said.

Circle Works at the Morgan Conservatory

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The Morgan Art of Papermaking Conservatory and Educational Foundation is pleased to present its latest art exhibition, Circle Works: artwork by Amanda Degener, Bridget O’Malley, James Kleiner, and Cave Paper Interns.

The exhibition is on view from June 14-July 25, with an opening reception with artist Amanda Degener scheduled for Friday, June 14, from 7-9 p.m. An exclusive preview for all members of the Morgan will be hosted by Amanda Degener on June 14 from 6-7 p.m., prior to the public opening reception. Become a member and take advantage of this one-on-one opportunity!

As co-founders of Cave Paper Inc. in Minneapolis, Minnesota, Amanda Degener and Bridget O’Malley have been working side by side making and selling handmade paper for almost twenty years. In 2012, former intern James Kleiner joined the Cave family as the first studio assistant. The artists’ aesthetic differences enhance their work collectively as they each approach papermaking and art making in unique ways. The handmade paper artwork in Circle Works is often quite un-paper-like and instead evokes rusted metal, stone, leather and vellum.

Coughing, sneezing, wheezing, runny nose, itchy, watery eyes, hives, eczema, swelling, redness... These are the symptoms of an allergy attack! There are lots of over the counter medications to address these symptoms, but have you ever asked yourself what causes the symptoms to begin with?

Symptoms are your body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong. There are no new processes in the body. When we experience symptoms it is an indication that there is something out of balance, out of sync, or that some bodily function is either overworking or underworking. The question is, “Why?”

As a rule, essential oils bring balance to the human body.

The sense of smell is the only one of the five senses directly linked to the limbic lobe of the brain, the emotional control center. Many emotions emanate from this region such as fear, anger, joy, depression and anxiety. Because the limbic system is directly connected to those parts of the brain that control heart rate, blood pressure, breathing, memory, stress levels and hormone balance, essential oils can have some very profound physiological and psychological effects.

Summer's here! Let's fire up the grill and cook up something tasty.

Buffalo Chicken Burgers

1 lb. ground chicken breast

1/4 cup crumbled blue cheese

1/4 cup finely chopped onion

1/4 cup finely chopped celery (about 1 stalk)

1 Tbs. hot sauce

1 tsp. salt

1 tsp. freshly ground pepper

Downtown Lakewood will be jamming July 13 at the Fourth Annual Lakewood Summer Meltdown from 4-10 p.m. on Detroit Avenue between Arthur and Marlowe Avenues. Presented by LakewoodAlive and title sponsor Melt Bar & Grilled, the Meltdown is the best of family fun, adult entertainment and healthy living all rolled into a summer festival. 

The former StreetWalk has evolved into the “Healthy Lifestyle Festival” a free, interactive, family-friendly event that encourage families to exercise, eat well, and take advantage of summer weather. “The event combines the best of elements of Lakewood,” said Ian Andrews, LakewoodAlive Executive Director. “This includes enjoying a summer afternoon in a walkable, vibrant Downtown District, engaging families, healthy food and wellness, and entertainment.” The festival will showcase over 40 local vendors ranging from yoga to football, CrossFit to ballet along with the famous Water Moose.

Scott Duennes, Executive Director of Cornucopia/Nature's Bin.

Cornucopia, Inc., a northeast Ohio nonprofit that provides vocational training for people with disabilities and the owner/operator of Nature’s Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood, is pleased to announce that Scott Duennes, its Executive Director, has been named a finalist for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year 2013 Award in Northeast Ohio. The awards program recognizes high-growth entrepreneurs who demonstrate excellence and extraordinary success in such areas as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. The finalists were selected from over 90 nominations by a panel of independent judges. Award winners will be announced at a special gala event on June 27, 2013. Regional award winners go on to compete at the national level.

Gettysburg Battlefield, looking towards Little Round Top. (Photo by Gary Rice)

"...from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion- that we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain- that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom- and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth."   Abraham Lincoln 1863

With these last words of Abraham Lincoln's Gettysburg address, given at the dedication of the Gettysburg National Cemetery on November 19, 1863, and only a scant four months after the bloodiest battle of the Civil War, Lincoln established a goal for a national post-war reconciliation while at the same time acknowledging that the American Civil War was not yet concluded. 

Most people, including a great percentage of our nation's civilian and military leadership, had not envisioned the Civil War to last very long. At the war's first significant battle at Manassas (also called Bull Run), a fair amount of Washington D.C.'s glitterati had even come out to watch the battle with their picnics and carriages while dressed in their Sunday finery. Only when the battle had turned to favor the Confederates did their carriages (and the Union army) race back to Washington D.C. in disarray. 

A landmark of the city's most prominent park is getting a makeover, courtesy of Lakewood-based Neubert Painting. In what is sure to be an exciting display of civic pride, 60-plus volunteers from Neubert Painting will scrape, sand, and paint new life into the Bandstand at the historic and beautiful Lakewood Park. The Bandstand was selected by Neubert Painting as the recipient of its 2012 annual Charity Paint Giveaway. The event was rained out, however, and will take place this June 27.

So you think you may be in the market for a home, but you are overwhelmed. Questions are racing through your head: What do I do first? Where should I start? Is it even the right time? Breathe. Relax. And start to plan...

The first step is to take an honest look at your financials and set a reasonable monthly budget. How much per month can you comfortably commit to your housing payment? Keep in mind that your monthly mortgage will be one payment that includes your principle, interest, and prorated taxes and homeowners' insurance. We'll touch more on this later.

In 2005 then as now Lakewood Board of Education President, Edward Favre, adresses the crowd. Wow just realized we are on our 3rd Superintendent since this photo! Today Superintendent Jeffrey Patterson delivered the news of 7 schools, not 6.

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The signs were up at schools all over town at the end of last week: “Community Meeting, Grant School, Tuesday Night.”  Robo-calls went out: Superintendent Patterson was inviting us to a brief but important meeting at Grant Elementary School. The purpose? An update on the District’s School Construction project, to bring the community up to speed on the latest development in the Master Facilities Plan.

For those of us with kids in the school system, this was a big meeting. Lakewood High School parents wondered when the high school building would be completed, along with Middle School parents whose children will be on their way to high school soon. 

Elementary school parents who have been trying to figure out the best elementary school for their children, given the fact that a 2009 decision put Lakewood as a six-school District, wondered whether the time had come for one of our schools to close.

The May 20, 2013 Council meeting was called to order at 7:32 P.M. by Council President Brian Powers. Skipping ahead in the agenda, the first order of business was the Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board Awards.

Every year the Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board recognizes home and business owners for construction projects that complement the historic integrity of the building. This year marked the 12th year for the awards with nine structures and their owners being recognized. Among the winners were the Baily Building, Spin Bike Shop, The Clifton Club, a home that was originally built by German immigrants with German decorative aspects, and a home originally built for George Steinbrenner (grandfather of the Yankee’s owner).

On Friday, May 24th the Virgina Marti College of Art & Design celebrated the great work of its students at the Annual Student Art Exhibit. Each spring this student showcase features the talents of students from a wide variety of disciplines, ranging from fashion design to interior design to graphic design.

As usual, the highlight of the evening's event was the presentation of the Lakewood Arts Festival Scholarship. This year's $500 award went to graphic design major Jessica Sheneman and was presented by Lakewood Arts Festival Foundation board member Karolyn Isenhart.

While the work on display from all of the students was excellent, Jessica's project outside the classroom setting, serving as the graphic designer for the Virginia Marti College Foundation's "Great Women Entrepreneurs" event set her scholarship application apart. Her role with this event was particularly fitting given Jessica's own ambitions to open her own graphic design firm- she is a budding young female entrepreneur herself!

Council President Brian Powers called the May 6, 2013 meeting of Council to order at 7:31 P.M. Visiting the meeting were five members of the St. Edward’s wrestling team who went to the state finals this year. They began the meeting by leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Following the Pledge, the first order of business was a communication from Councilman Shawn Juris (Ward III) regarding the St. Edward’s wrestling team. He asked Council to take the time to recognize and congratulate St. Ed's on their successful season as they are coming away from another Ohio State Championship. Councilman Juris highlighted the students’ individual hard work and dedication as well as their ability to work as a team under the guidance of Coach Urbas.

The WSC Champion Lakewood Tennis Team. They have now won 3 of their past 4 league titles.

The Lakewood Tennis team finished off their finest year in the past half a century by beating Rocky River 3-2 and claiming the West Shore Conference Title outright in their first year in the league. Seniors Chris Brinich and Dan Mezin won in straight sets at second the third singles, respectively. The second doubles team of senior Matt Carlson and junior Colin Levis dominated from start to finish in their straight set win. The Rangers finished unbeaten in the WSC and completed their regular season with a 13-4 record.

It’s time for an evening filled with DJ entertainment, open bar drinks, appetizers and fantastic raffle baskets, all while helping our furry friends! The Citizens Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter (CCLAS) is sponsoring its ninth annual ‘Hair of the Dog’ Happy Hour and Silent Auction on Thursday, May 23.

As always, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the animals in the community of Lakewood and allow us to continue our low-cost spay and neuter program. 

Here are the detail you need to know to be a part of this awesome event!

• When: Thursday, May 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Where: Around the Corner, 18616 Detroit Ave, Lakewood
• Admission: $25 per person (includes open bar and appetizers)

The City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA are excited to once again host the popular Meet the Trucks event on Saturday, June 1st from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will be held at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue, and is free and open to the public.  

Several of the trucks and vehicles in the City's fleet will be on hand to explore. They include an aerial truck, dump truck, refuse truck, fire truck, police car, police motorcycle, SWAT vehicles and more. In addition to the trucks, there are many other fun activities to explore! There will be bounce houses, a DJ, raffles, crafts and balloon twisters. Jungle Bob will be presenting two free shows and food will be available. While supplies last, there will be free popcorn and bagels. There will also be drinks, hamburgers, snow cones and more available to purchase.

May 15

Lakewood Historical Society: The Battle of Lake Erie: Birth of a Nation and a City

John D. Cimperman, President of the Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve, commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie, a key turning-point in American history that took place just 60 miles from here. After the United States won its independence, it found itself in a dangerous world without the protection of the Royal Navy. Between 1783 and the conclusion of the War of 1812, American shipping became prey to privateers around the world and close to home. Cimperman recounts our nation’s struggle for survival up until the lasting peace that was struck up between the United States, Canada and England in 1815.

Lakewood Lego® League
For youth in kindergarten through fifth grade (caregivers welcome)

Use LPL’s collection of Lego®Bricks and your own imagination to create fabulous new structures and designs each month. No registration, but numbered tickets will be given out first-come, first-served. One ticket per child. For more information, stop in or call (216) 226-8275, ext. 140.

Sunday, May 19, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the Main Library Activity Room.

Rabbi Enid C. Lader of Beth Israel - West Temple

The traditions of Judaism have deep roots in our national culture. The Lakewood Public Library will be hosting a three-part class for people of all faiths to explore the spirituality, ethics and community through the lens of Judaism for like-minded knowledge-seekers called “Taste of Judaism.” This journey of Jewish learning is sponsored by the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland and the Cleveland Board of Rabbis. Leading “Taste of Judaism” will be Rabbi Enid C. Lader. With her guidance, these classes will serve as an introduction to the Jewish faith and to new friends.

Rabbi Enid and her husband, Harry, have been Lakewoodites for the past thirty years with both their daughters graduating from the Lakewood School system. After studying music therapy and education, Rabbi Enid went for a graduate degree in Judaic Studies. Originally serving as the Director of Congregational Education for Beth Israel- the West Temple for twenty years, she then became Spiritual Leader for Knesseth Israel Temple in Wooster. It was during this time that she started her rabbinic studies. In 2010, Rabbi Enid was ordained from the Academy for Jewish Religion and finished her time in Wooster in 2012. When the rabbi at Beth Israel- The West Temple was retiring, she was asked to assume the rabbinic position there, and started there in August of 2012.

Juggling pins were tossed and caught with great precision by the performers from the St. Ignatius Circus Company.

Jugglers from the St. Ignatius Circus Company recently treated an enthusiastic audience at the Lakewood Public Library to a fun-filled program. The entertainers, students at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, delighted the crowd with a professional juggling show and some magic tricks. There seemed to be a special “connection” between the performers and the boys and girls in the audience because the children could see that the jugglers are not that much older than they are. Following the performance children were invited to come up and “meet the props” and enjoy a quick “learn to juggle” event with tennis balls.

Francesca V. Mignosa: Ambassador of Sicily in the World.

If it rhymed it would be a sonnet, if it had a tune it would be a romantic ballad, and although it’s considered a travel guide, "My Sicily: Life in the Cusp of the Mediterranean Sea" remains a love story. That big beautiful island with a thousand scents and colors is the sole object of author Francesca V. Mignosa’s affection in her new book. And good news, this is no tragic romance; Sicily loves her too. To prove it, Mignosa has been named Ambassador of Sicily in the World and has won the Italian Literary Award “Sicilia Mondo 2013.”

Now that the award-winning author is closer to our moody Lake Erie shores than the sun-drenched Mediterranean, Lakewood Public Library is happy to announce she will be the guest speaker at our Meet the Author Series on Friday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium. We hope you can join us for this enjoyable discussion with Francesca V. Mignosa. Copies of her book will be available for sale and signing at the event.

Front Row: L to R: Sam Thomas, Helen Roche, Molly Burke, Emma Murray, Abby Hirsch, Back Row: L to R: Eden Sutliff, Simon Bockbrader, Leo Horvath, Owen Murray, Delaney McCoy, Marcella Orsini, Not Shown: Ava Garrett, Claudia Irwin, Gabriel Toledo.

The 2013 spring session of Strokes of Genius at the Lakewood Public Library recently came to a close as participating second, third, and fourth graders proudly showcased their talent at an art show for family and friends.

Each week students learned about the life and work of a different artist and then completed an art project in the style of that artist. Artwork created by Paul Cezanne, Georgia O’Keeffe, Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Michelangelo, Georges Seurat, and Andy Warhol provided the inspiration for the students’ creative efforts. Oil pastels, watercolor paints, clay, tempera, and markers were some of the art mediums used. Each participant took home their creative work, a certificate, and a purple ribbon.

Feeling adventurous? Like to discover and uncover? Let’s all dig a little, read a little, and discover a lot!

Something exciting is happening at the library this month. It’s something that returns every summer with a new face and a new name; something that starts small, but grows until by summer’s end thousands of kids are involved. Have you guessed it yet? It’s summer reading club, and this year it’s all about what you may find underground!

Starting on May 20th, children ages birth through fifth grade can sign up to be a part of “Dig Into Reading”. Sixth through twelfth graders have their own reading club, “Beneath the Surface”. Kids will gather stamps and prizes as they go, and a special reward awaits those who complete thirty hours of reading (or thirty books for younger readers) by August 2nd.

Dr. Paul Kuritz.

Lakewood welcomes highly respected author, playwright and professor Dr. Paul Kuritz to its midst. Dr. Kuritz had taught at Bates College located in Lewiston, Maine since 1978. There he taught acting and directing for the stage and screen. He has directed over one hundred plays throughout the United States, and in 1990 was invited to teach and direct at the National Theater School in Bratislava, Slovakia. He has also directed films, “A New Life” (2008) and “Amy’s Wish” (2012). These films were selected to be shown in Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, and the Gideon’s Flame Christian Film Festival, in Manila, Philippines.

His dramatization of the short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman was included in The Best American Short Plays 2001-2002 (Applause, 2006). His most recent work is "The Fiery Serpent: a Christian Theory of Film and Theater." (Pleasant Word, 2007) 

Harnold Ramazani and Lakewood High Physics teacher Jennifer Zaremba.

Harnold Ramazani has the ambition, the drive and the heart to change the world through medicine. And thanks to five generous Lakewood High School alumni, he is one step closer to his goal.

Born in Albania, Harnold immigrated to the United States with his family when he was nine months old. Seeking greater opportunity and a better education for their children, Harnold’s parents won a national lottery for the chance to start a new life in America.

From a young age, Harnold’s parents have encouraged him to become a doctor; to help people, to heal people, and to have job security. A car accident on his 10th birthday changed his perspective on life. Since that point, he has never taken life for granted, and his faith in God grows. Now his desire to be a doctor is even more purposeful; it will give him a chance to help people physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Ranger 360, a collaborative program headed by the Lakewood City School District , Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center (DVCAC), Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) and Lakewood Police Department, is holding its first community forum on Wednesday, May 29 at 7p.m. in the Garfield Middle School Cafetorium.

The goal of Ranger 360 is to design and implement a comprehensive school-based response to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking (SADDVS). Lakewood is one of nine districts in the nation and the only one in Ohio that received federal funding to support a program of this nature and is in position to create a state and even national model as a result.

The Lakewood High School Academic Challenge team will test its factual knowledge against the best in the nation when it travels to Washington, D.C. May 31 - June 2 to compete in the 31st annual National Academic Championship tournament. The team qualified for the national contest as a result of its undefeated regular season victories in its eight-team West Shore league.

"Transversion," the public art piece that graces the front lawn of the Lakewood Public Library on Detroit, no doubt spurs some contemplative thinking by its viewers, as art often does. Calculus, however, is probably not what you think of when looking at the intriguing sculpture. Perhaps a group of former LHS calculus students and a little booklet published by the library will change that.

“Poems and Problems” is a tidy booklet containing, yes, poems and math problems inspired by the Peter Diepenbrock installation. Last school year, AP Calculus teacher Bob Sedlak asked his senior students to study "Transversion" and come up with a solvable math problem related to the piece. The result is a dozen calculus problems interspersed among the poems about "Transversion."  For those of you who may find calculus a tad intimidating, the book also contains a dozen geometry, algebra, trigonometry and probability problems waiting to be solved.

Dan Twardesky (left) and Matt Kerrigan.

Congratulations to West Shore Career-Tech and Lakewood High students, junior Matt Kerrigan, and senior, Dan Twardesky, on their 10th place finish in the national 2013 Cisco NetRiders IT/networking competition on May 3. Over 1,800 students from 36 states and Canada competed.

Kerrigan and Twardesky’s high national finish came on the heels of a first-place finish in the state portion of the competition. They were one of only three Ohio teams to advance to the final round. The final round was a live online event broadcast via Cisco WebEx with audio, video and chat features. In addition to the national recognition gained from their 10th place national finish, Kerrigan and Twardesky each earned a $100 gift card.

2003 Lakewood Project

In 2013, the Lakewood High School orchestra program marks 20 years under the stewardship of Beth Hankins and commemorates the 10th anniversary of the renowned Lakewood Project, one of the first high school rock orchestras in the country. 

Classically trained, Ms. Hankins admits her knowledge of rock music was sorely lacking when she scheduled a field trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a presentation on orchestral rock performance.  She came away from that workshop convinced she had a new way to connect with yet more kids, and threw herself into planning, organizing and recruiting students. 

Members of Horace Mann's Girls on the Run team, along with coaches and parent volunteers, practice for their upcoming 5K in Akron on May 19.

Girls on the Run, a program now in its third year in the district, is helping many of our elementary and middle school girls learn to build strong and healthy lives physically, socially and emotionally. The Girls on the Run program, established 16 years ago, made its debut in the district in 2011 with two schools (Emerson and Harding). Garfield Middle School and Grant and Lincoln Elementaries started their programs last school year, and Horace Mann joined ranks this year, bringing the total number of school participating to six. At the middle school level, the program is called Girls on Track.

Lakewood City Schools recently reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of its students by purchasing 10 AED (automated external defibrillators) units for the district. The AEDs, which have been credited with saving lives when a person on site goes into cardiac arrest, will be installed at all seven elementary schools and both middle schools as well as the Board of Education offices. Lakewood High School and Lakewood City Academy already have AEDs.  

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TRY OUTS COMING! CHECK IT OUT.

If you think your child is ready for the exciting sport of soccer then get ready for this.  Lakewood Soccer Association(LSA) is holding tryouts for its travel program.

BOYS TRAVEL TRYOUTS: May 13th at LHS Stadium

U07-U10       5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

U11-U14        6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

GIRLS TRAVEL TRYOUTS: May 17th at LHS Stadium

U08-U10        5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

U11-U14        6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Senior Brian Hrdlicka hits homerun versus North Ridgeville

The Lakewood Rangers Varsity Baseball team continued their winning ways as they pushed their season record to 18 wins and 4 losses.  Their West Shore Conference (WSC) record stands at 9 wins and 3 losses, good for 2nd place in the conference.

By virtue of their strong record, the Rangers have been seeded second in the district for the upcoming state tournament.  The Ranger squad hopes to parlay both it's experience and talent to go deep into this year’s tournament.  Because of their high seed, the team will enjoy home field advantage for as long as they continue to win in the tournament.

Coach Mike Ribar commented, “Our program has come a long way fast.  Just over three years ago our win-loss record was nearly the reverse.  While this improvement is a testament to my coaches and the support of the Lakewood Schools and Lakewood Recreation administrations, it is even more a reflection of the hard work and preparation the boys have put forth.  Without their (and their parents) buy into our baseball philosophy and system we simply would not have improved at the rate that we have.”

On the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, it’s fitting to remember Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s most famous quote: “We have met the enemy and they are ours; two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop.”

Perry will be among five people giving first-person historical characterizations during Ohio Chautauqua 2013: "When Ohio Was the Western Frontier," at Lakewood Park, June 25-29.

Ohio Chautauqua is a traveling show that presents history in a compelling form that people of all ages will love. Lakewood is the first of five stops in the state for the event; the scholars-in-residence will interact with the public as themselves and as their chosen historical figures.