On August 15th, people from many walks of life gathered to recognize Nora Steele’s seventeen year career with H2O “Help to Others” youth volunteer program. The attendees included student members of H2O, fellow co-workers from Lakewood Division of Youth and Lakewood High School, parents of H2O volunteers, and representatives from agencies and organizations served by H2O.
St. Clement Grade School Reunion
Marty and Mary Smith consider themselves lucky and blessed to have found Baby M. Baby M. does not talk yet, but if he could he would probably tell you he considers himself lucky and blessed to have found Marty and Mary Smith. They have been living together as a family for eight months now and any second thoughts or concerns that originally existed have dissipated long ago.
WE DID IT!! It took a little more than 30 days, but now that all the pledges are in, H2O - Help to Others, is officially over its $30,000 “For the Kids” fundraising campaign goal. To date, H2O has raised $31,787 through student fundraisers and donations. H2O couldn’t have done it without awesome support from the community. Donations were received from 194 individuals, businesses, churches and organizations. These dollars will help make H2O’s 2010 programming possible, including this year’s H2O Summer Service Camp. Thank you H2O sponsors!
Once in a while the History Channel really airs a program on history, and I recently watched one that offered a most significant insight. The program was on the fall of the Roman Empire, a subject that elicits comment from various positions on the political spectrum because it seems to offer a lesson for our own times. Social conservatives like to blame the fall on moral laxity. Fiscal conservatives, including no doubt the Me-Party crowd, say the problem was oppressive taxation. The History Channel explanation – which seems to fit the facts much better than any other – is that the Roman Empire fell because it was unable to absorb its immigrants.
Ali Rahimi is a bona fide designer for the stars. A partial client list of Mon Atelier salon includes Reese Witherspoon, Eva Longoria-Parker and Amy Adams, among many others. Rahimi has also dressed gentlemen, such as Eric Mabius, Blair Underwood and William H. Macy. Yet despite such an illustrious portfolio, Rahimi’s attitude toward his clients and his designs is humble and grounded, resonating with the mid-western values of Northeast Ohio, where he attended Virginia Marti College of Art and Design (VMCAD) in Lakewood.
The Cleveland Rock and Roll Hall of Fame has inducted, hosted, and been visited by international music superstars and other luminaries too numerous to count. Everyone from Aretha Franklin to ZZ Top, BB King to U2, Elvis to Madonna – all have had their works celebrated and interpreted at the Hall on the shores of Lake Erie just a few miles from our little suburb of Lakewood. Add to that list the name Cortney Kilbury, a Lakewood resident and artist who recently made her own contribution to those hallowed halls.
Sinagra Park is getting a little bit greener starting in June, thanks to a dedicated team of local urban farmers and farm enthusiasts. The little green space on Detroit Avenue will become home to a new farmers market on Saturdays from 9 a.m. until 1 p.m. The idea began when the city approached another regional market about selling in Lakewood. When that market declined, the mission fell on a group of volunteers.
Amidst the wind and hail, spring has snuck itself upon Lakewood and with it comes rib cook-offs, fresh flowers and best of all, the perfect weather for dressing up. Spring is a time for proms, weddings and garden parties. What better way to usher in a new spring than to attend your special event in style. These looks are can work with any body shape and budget. Whether you are a Wall Flower or an Earth Child, there is something for every style.
Classic
If your hair is never out of place and you pride yourself on never going out of style, then show your elegance with a black and white ensemble accented by a tidy headband and embellished ballet flats. Keep jewelry simple. If texture is what you crave, sequined flesh tones and antique metallics will have you turning heads everywhere you go.
Earth Child
Love mother earth and all her lovely children? Then embrace this eclectic global style. Earth tones in a variety of prints and textures represent your status as an appreciator of culture. Scarf dresses are a great way to create a sense of grace and movement. Piece together accessories of all origins and materials to balance out your look.
Rocker Girl
Black + Leather + Studs = Attitude. This season big shoulders amplify the look even more. To really get the message across, finish off your look with metal chains and boots. If you are just a Rocker In Training, work in this look by incorporating belts, zippers and shoes that echoed the attitude.
The Flirt
Think you have to show a lot of skin to be a flirt? Think again. Draw the eye by subtly enhancing your best features. A dress with a low back is universally flattering. Try to find one with an interesting detail to really call attention to the area. If legs are your asset, then show it! Just make sure the rest of the dress is less revealing. Same goes for decolletage. Fun sunglasses, animal print accessories and wedges show your sense of fun and confidence. And what is sexier than that?
Trend Spotter
Being a trend spotter is hard work. Reward yourself by indulging in the amazing colors now available in apparel and makeup. Think fun, colorful and loud. Try mixing 2 to 3 bright eye shadows or grab a dress that resembles Joseph’s amazing technicolor dream coat. Just remember to tone down the other aspects of your look or else the other party goers will mistake you for a time traveler from the 80’s.
Wall Flower
The sweetest trend of the season is soft, bouncy, and floral. Think chiffons, organza and tulle for texture; pastels for color; and country flowers for patterns. This innocent and ethereal look will keep you from ever blending into the wall. Accessories should be kept at a minimum lest they distract. Flesh tone shoes complement and elongate the figure. If you are not a girly-girl, join in the fun by pinning flowers (better if they’re real!) into a loose updo or tousled waves.
Wrap Up
The looks for this spring are endless and there are a number of great trends to be discovered. The key to a great look is to wear at least one item that really catches the eye. And always make sure to balance your look so you are not overpowered by your clothes. Wear it with a sense of adventure and a sense of confidence and you will be admired.
If you are in the market for high end items, you might look to former Virginia Marti student, Ali Rahimi's line Mon Atelier out in LA. But if you don't have the bank account to join A-list Hollywood celebrities in donning Rahimi's gowns to major award shows, not to worry. Looking great does not have to break the bank and Lakewood offers a variety of value conscious options. Try Lion and Blue or Local Girl Gallery for one of a kind jewelry. Or see what gems can be found at The Eclectic Mixx or Haute Stuff. Of course, if you are really creative venture into Virginia Marti College of Art and Design to check out their designer discount fabrics, or even sign up for a class!
Some ideas include: The Designer Consigner; Cerny Shoes; Lion and Blue; Torry's Threads; Dots; Cosmic Collectables; Deja Vu; Local Girl Gallery; Geiger's Clothing and Sports; The Mission Boutique; Chain Link Addiction; Payless; Virginia Marti; Green Smart Gifts; Jo-Ann Fabrics; The Eclectic Mixx
Composite bondings and porcelain veneers can alter the shape and color of teeth to help cover permanently stained, poorly shaped, or slightly crooked teeth. Bondings are typically completed in one appointment, whereas porcelain veneers usually require multiple appointments spread out over a couple of weeks. Recent advances in dental materials often make it possible for these treatments to be completed with little or no preparation of the tooth prior to their application.
What a great day in Lakewood it was, as the leashed dog walking pilot in Lakewood Park and Kaufman Park began on April 10th. The citizens support committee was there with their dogs inspecting the clean up stations, ensuring that they were stuffed with pick up bags and talking to residents. There were plenty of happy and orderly dog walkers that came out as well, with leashes attached and bags in their pockets. Joggers were using the path along with dog walkers and cyclists and everyone was pleased with the look and feel of a new dog friendly Lakewood. Visitors from out of state and neighboring cities were also enjoying the park with their dogs, commenting that now they would not hesitate to consider buying a home in Lakewood or establishing their business here.
Lakewood has lost a hero in the sense of definition one. Not lost to the next dimension, but lost from our youth and downtrodden families eager for hope here in Lakewood. Jim Muth was one of the first two staff hired 30+ years ago. According to those he worked with, he “hit the ground running, creating an agency which would provide services and programs that would help kids overcome obstacles and enable them to be all that they could be.” The Division of Youth has been transformed many times in those years, from “Lakewood Youth Services” to “Youth Office”, “Family to Family”, etc. But with every name change, Jim remained a constant, leaving his mark on every aspect of every program/service that has been developed and on the lives of so many, according to his colleagues.
The first project H2O members are helping with is the “Warm Up America” campaign. This campaign, sponsored locally by Pat Catan’s, involves making afghan blankets from 7”x9” knitted or crocheted squares collected by Pat Catan’s Craft store on Berea Rd. H2O middle and high school members are helping by sewing the donated squares together.
Emma Razum, a middle school leader with H2O who assisted the kids from Garfield as they pieced the collected squares together commented, “The kids were really excited to work on the project by giving back and helping in any way that they could.” She continued by saying, “It was the favorite part of their day."
In the Spring of 2009, after collecting hundreds of signatures of support, a group of concerned Lakewood residents formed the Citizens Committee to Allow Leashed Dogs in Lakewood Parks. The Citizens Committee has been working with Lakewood City Council in the development of a new ordinance that would allow families and individuals with dogs to utilize the paved paths within Lakewood city parks while protecting the cleanliness and order of our city parks.
I was always a big fan of comic books, and I lived for the Saturday morning cartoon superheroes. Back before all the cable stations fulfilled every kids desire for 24 hour, 7 day a week access to animated action, suspense and thrilling feats of bravery and heroism, I would look forward to my once weekly chance to see my own personal heroes take action. Thirty years later, that sense of wonder and awe was re-awakened, as this past weekend, I not only got to see a person fight the good fight I got to spend time with them in person.
Forty six years ago, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. made his "I have a dream" speech in Washington D.C. On Monday, January 18th, Lakewood students from several area high schools were invited to carry on the dream during a day of service with H2O. We volunteered at the Ronald McDonald House and at sites all over Lakewood. At St. James Childcare, Ronald McDonald House and Lakewood Hospital Childcare, students cleaned and sanitized toys. Those at the Hospice of the Western Reserve made books to help patients with dementia. At the Crestmont Nursing Facility, students helped make bookmarks that were to be donated to the Lakewood Public Library. Students were a huge help at the Lakewood Public Library by sprucing up the library and alphabetizing books. At Lakewood Alive, students made Valentines cards for the soldiers overseas. After the volunteering, students went back to the Women's Pavilion for a luncheon. There we met up with Lakewood High's Race and Diversity Club, who presented a short film about Martin Luther King Jr.'s legacy.
The sidewalks clear,
no winter here;
no tricky footwork needed
on this walk through the 'Wood.
So grateful, I,
my heart breathes a sigh,
"Thank you, my neighbors,
how precious you are, how good."
Here at the Lakewood Observer, we leave the editorializing up to the community. We want the content to come from you, so we tend to just stay behind the scenes to make sure there is a paper every two weeks. The LO is designed to be a tool of community empowerment and our goal is to help anyone in the community to get their words into print. The paper exists to serve and inform Lakewoodites about their community- a noble cause to be sure (or at least we think so). But on Thursday, January 21st, 2010, an event transpired that threatens to alter the face of media across the country, a change so enormous, I can not even begin to understate the importance of civic journalism as we attempt to preserve some semblance of our democracy. This is not just a shameless plug to entice you to share your stories with the community by writing for the paper (although, I do highly encourage you to do so). Rather, I write to argue that we have hit a serious roadblock on the path to a more just, open, truly representative political process in this country and that you hold the key to defending and overcoming the newly unleashed, legalized version of corporately funded politicians with financially driven policy agendas.
Noah had nothing on the youth of Lakewood Presbyterian Church. It did take them the better part of a year, but they came up with a whole ark of animals to be delivered to families in need via the Heifer Project. Each animal will raise the family’s standard of living and offspring will be given to other families, benefiting the entire community.
At a press conference on December 17th, 2009, Mayor Ed FitzGerald announced his candidacy for the newly formed position of County Executive for Cuyahoga County. With his family beside him, FitzGerald spoke of the problems of the past saying, "At precisely the time when we needed our county government to be at its best, it's most dynamic, it's most innovative, it's most effective, it has been paralyzed by the worst public corruption scandal in our county's history." The tone turned to the promise of the future, as he continued, "As County Executive, I will use this combined experience in law enforcement and as a chief executive to overhaul county government and restore the people's confidence that county government can be operated with integrity, will provide the services it must to those in need, and act as a catalyst so that the economy of Cuyahoga County embraces the shift to the new economic growth sectors in medicine, biotechnology, clean and green energy, and arts and culture."
Headquarters for the Ed FitzGerald County Executive 2010 campaign can be found at 1836 West 25th Street, Cleveland, OH 44113, near the West Side Market.
It was just another day in the heart of Greater Cleveland’s thriving scientific research community, but for a group of Lakewood Catholic Academy sixth graders, it may have been a life changer.
The City's youth volunteer program, H2O – Help to Others, held its first annual "Trees and Trimmings" event and it was a huge success! We sent out flyers in holiday food baskets that were delivered to Lakewood homes at Thanksgiving and we had 17 families contact H2O hoping their names would be drawn to win a Christmas tree because they didn’t have one. The responses came from all kinds of families and we were worried that we would not have enough trees.
This economy is taking a toll on small business owners across the country. Yet amazingly, the number of new business start-ups and franchise ownership remains strong. With limited job options and an unprecedented string of downsizings and layoffs, displaced workers are choosing self-employment in an effort to take charge of their career. Small business owners and aspiring entrepreneurs simply cannot afford to fail.
In a new book by Diane Helbig, small business owners learn how to effectively sell their product or service to ensure they will succeed in any economy. In her book, Lemonade Stand Simple: Accelerate Your Small Business Growth, Helbig teaches small business owners, franchisees or anyone considering starting up a business how to avoid the pitfalls so many business owners make.Local businesses can adjust to their specific market. Tina Dolatowski, owner of Lion and Blue, works to track down an item a customer requests. When she knows something is in demand in Lakewood, she adds it to her stock.
Rozi’s gift baskets have a wide range of contents including wine, beer, fruit, cheese, and gourmet foods. Items can be added or deleted to the baskets at your request, to ensure your recipient is receiving the ideal gift for them.
While you’re getting out your decorations, why not join H2O in the holiday spirit by sharing with others? Thanks for helping H2O give the gift of “Trees & Trimmings” to as many neighbors in need as possible!
Ask any Cleveland West Road Runners Club (CWWRC) member who gathers at wintry dusk on Thursdays at Lakewood Park what the group is about, and he or she will likely tell you it’s a social club built by people who love to run.
Lakewood resident John Paull, a Cleveland West member since 1995, put it this way: “I’ve met some of my best friends through the club. You can’t beat it!”
Built from scratch by a few friends training for a marathon, Cleveland West has segued into an enduring social organization whose members embrace walking, running and racing at all levels.The club’s origin hails back to the mid-1970s when Jess Bell, former chief executive officer of Lakewood-based Bonne Bell Inc.; Steve Gladis, a now-retired Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) agent; and a few others ran in the Rocky River Metropark on Saturday mornings. The group decided to train for the Heartwatchers Marathon, a 26.2-mile course that extended from Bowling Green State University to the University of Toledo.
Gladis, who had run with an early-morning group while stationed with the FBI in Monterey, CA, set the 7:30 a.m. Saturday run meeting time – the same ritual Cleveland West runners adhere to today.
Celebrate the holiday season with a beautiful, handcrafted wreath! Each twenty-four inch wreath is adorned with a red and silver bow and three glittering snowflakes. The wreaths will bring long-lasting pleasure throughout the holiday season. Sales support the educational mission of the Lakewood Historical Society.
Order your wreath by November 27 by calling 216-221-7343 or visiting www.lakewoodmuseumstore.com. Wreaths can also be purchased, while supplies last, at the Skate House in Lakewood Park on Wednesday, Dec 2 and Thursday, December 3.
The never-ending battle over the Lakewood Dog Park has once again reared its ugly head. For those of you who thought the lawsuit had gone away, it hasn’t. For those of you who do not know about the fight, allow me to bring you up to date.
At the end of the evening on November 3rd, 2009, Lakewood’s general election results bring together a largely familiar cast of characters in Lakewood politics. The one outlier of the day, Monique Smith, will hold one of three At-Large City Council seats, beating out former Ward 2 council person, Ryan Patrick Demro in a closely contested race. Smith will be join Nickie Antonio and Brian Powers, both of whom retain their current seats on council, with Antonio coming in as the top vote getter of the six candidates. Coming up short were the remaining three candidates Ryan Patrick Demro, Daniel Shields, and newcomer Jared Shapiro; each candidate received 5229, 3789, and 1984 votes, respectively. At large council seats are held for four years and, unlike ward specific council members, serve the entire geographic area of the City of Lakewood.
On October 4th, former Cleveland Cliffs Captain and Lakewood resident, "Heavy Weather" Harry Anderson, celebrated his 100th birthday at a gala bash private party at the Inland Seas Maritime Museum in Vermilion, Ohio. On hand were many well-wishers, as well as the extended Anderson family.
Excessive sugar intake can lead to a host of health problems like heart disease, diabetes and obesity, to name a few. Clevelanders are no exception as we lead the state in diabetes Type II, especially as it pertains to overweight diabetics.
As reported on September 29 by Harlon Spector of the Plain Dealer, the staggering daily intake of added sugar is almost one-half cup per person.
For Halloween, one local personal trainer and family fitness specialist is teaching families a way to incorporate some extra calorie-burning instead of excess candy eating. She is holding a family workout with pumpkins on Saturday, October 24 from 10 a.m. - 11 a.m.
Named the “Training by Liz Family Pumpkin Workout,” Liz Donnelly, owner of Training by Liz and herself a single mother of three, will lead parents and kids in exercises using pumpkins. Donnelly says she is eager to get families moving and having fun together. “It’s time for families to discard the notion that sugar consumption is the purpose of Halloween. If we ever are to combat obesity, weak immune systems and inactivity, why not make family fitness part of this holiday?” remarks Donnelly.
The event will take place at the Lakewood Congregational Church on Saturday, October 24 from 10-11 a.m. Families are asked to bring their own pumpkins or purchase them on-site. After the pumpkin workout, kids will be able to make their own craft with their pumpkins. Families pay $5 to attend and can contact info@trainingbyliz.com or 440-623-0957 to register.
Liz Donnelly is the Owner and Personal Trainer, Family Fitness Specialist for Training by Liz, LLC and can be reached for comment at info@trainingbyliz.com. She also runs a family fitness blog at http://FamilyFitnessGuru.com. Liz is a proud member of the International Youth Conditioning Association, National Association of Professional Women, Lakewood Early Childhood PTA, Holistic Moms Network and Junior Women’s Club of Lakewood.
THE VOTER’S GUIDE 2009
Cool weather, changing leaves, earlier nights, this could only mean one thing, Pumpkin Palooza is on its way!
That’s right, the 10th annual Pumpkin Palooza will be held on Sunday, October 25th from 1-4pm! This awesome fall celebration takes place at Lakewood High School, in the L Room, East Gym and East Cafeteria. Come prepared for a hauntingly good time!
Pumpkin Palooza features indoor carnival games, kid’s crafts, a “Haunted Hallway,” a crawl through maze, and much more. Almost all games and activities are only 1 ticket, or 25 cents. Make sure you and your kids are dressed appropriately for the costume parade! It’s a free event and tons of fun for everyone! Spooky fun stories in “Sleepy Hollow” are also free. The Horace Mann Elementary School Choir is scheduled to give a special Halloween performance at 1:15 in the E. Gym, so don’t be late!
There are green gems throughout the City of Lakewood. I discovered one when a friend introduced me to Lilly Murphy. While Lilly herself is a gem, in this case I am talking about her backyard. The yard is a model of sustainability, including a flower garden, compost herb garden, goldfish pond, compost pile and triple rain barrel system!
There are times when going to a football game is about more than the game. When you stop to think about it, there is an incredible amount of “stuff” that’s involved in this quintessential American rite, the Friday night football game at Lakewood High School. You think about all the kids who are putting everything they have on the line. Not only the players on the gridiron, but the musicians, cheering squad, and all the other kids who help out. You think about the other team as well, strangers in a strange land, mustering their best to look sharp and win the night. There are little kids who dream of being out there some day, and big kids who wish they had stuck it out last year, perhaps vowing to try again next year. And of course there are parents and grandparents, aunts, uncles, and cousins, brothers and sisters, neighbors and friends, all hoping, praying even, for victory, and that perhaps the evening breeze will somehow float the band’s music just right over them. In their faces you see the joy – and struggle - of providing all they can for their kids to prevail, to overcome the odds, to succeed. There is wonder, a little panic, awe, and thankfulness for a game well played, a performance well done. On Friday nights you get to see how a community works. Coaches, teachers, fans and followers, parents and whole families encouraging and teaching perseverance, goal setting, resilience, teamwork, hard work, self awareness, and courage – you get to experience all of it on Friday nights at Ranger stadium.
As long-time residents, my husband Henry Hilow and I stood to lower our overwhelming utility bills by 30%-50% after performing a Home Diagnostic Test and following through with insulation and weatherization steps. After living for 8 years in a sweet little home on Lakeland, we took a chance 15 years ago when we moved to the “money pit” on the east end of town. Since then, we have raised five children in this sprawling mansion and along with family and friends have celebrated life in this wonderful home and never looked back, until now.
Weissman, a survivor of the Holocaust, escaped from Vienna, Austria to the Netherlands in 1939. With the help of a family that removed her from danger, she avoided arrest and acted as a courier in the Dutch Resistance until the end of the Nazi occupation. Her book tells the story of the courageous and compassionate Dutch citizens who helped her and her sister, Ruth, avoid deportation to the death camps. They endured years of separation from their parents and each other before the family was eventually reunited. After World War II, Weissman moved to the United States where she has devoted her life to working with nonprofit organizations.
H2O Summer Service camp wrapped up its summer season with a bountiful harvest. 200 Lakewood middle school youth spent part of their summer learning that helping others is rewarding and fun. Over 4,000 hours of service were given to the Lakewood community and greater Cleveland area. The successful results of the camp are seen through the increased self-confidence in the youth and the ownership to “make a difference” in their community.
Support your local economy, eat wings.
Lakewood, Oh, Aug 7, 2009: Few can argue the merits of supporting a local economy when all that is asked is that you visit a bar, eat wings, and have a drink. For the 4th year running, Lakewood’s favorite establishments are pulling together to answer the question, “who has the best wings in Lakewood?” On Saturday, August 22nd from 1pm to 7pm, those who have purchased a VIP pass can stop into any participating location and receive a basket of 6 wings. Each basket will include 3 buffalo style and 3 open flavored wings. These two sauces will be chosen by the establishment to be entered into the competition. At 7 o’clock our guests will cast their ballots to vote for their favorites. Starting this year, the public will also have the opportunity to write a brief review describing what they liked best.
