Non-profit

May is National Preservation Month and the Lakewood Historical Society is celebrating Lakewood’s architectural treasures with its 3rd annual scavenger hunt. 

The scavenger hunt of 20 architectural features, all found throughout Lakewood, will run between May 12, 2012 and May 22, 2012. The downloadable entry form and list of Lakewood supporters will be posted on the Lakewood Historical Society website www.lakewoodhistory.org on May 12, 2012. Answers will be posted on the website on May 23, 2012. There is no cost to enter the scavenger hunt.

The Lakewood Women's Club announced that it will award a scholarship to Amy Lynn Mahnke, a Lakewood High School senior, to aid in her pursuit of a higher education. Mahnke will be awarded $1500.00 in recognition of her high school accomplishments, and in hopes that she will continue to be a leader both in and out of the classroom.

Mahnke plans on studying nursing, and has been accepted at two area colleges, Ursuline College and Cuyahoga County Community College. She plans to attend Cuyahoga Community College in the fall, and transfer into the nursing program at the University of Akron. She has been studying Medical Office Management in a program offered through the West Shore Career Technical Education District, and volunteering as an administrative medical assistant with Dr. Brian K. Smith, DDS. Mahnke has been active in various school and community activities, including the Medical Office Management Club, Help to Others (H2O), Key Club and the Athletic Training Student Aides, all while maintaining grades that put her on the Distinguished Honor Roll. When not studying, participating in a club-related activity, or volunteering, Mahnke works 15-20 hours a week at a local sandwich shop.

A sell-out crowd of 100 partygoers came out to support North Coast Health Ministry at the fourth annual Junk2Funk benefit at Local Girl Gallery on Friday, April 20, 2012. Attendees sampled appetizers and desserts donated by Lakewood restaurants and had the chance to win artwork, jewelry and other items donated by local artists and craftspeople. 

It’s time for an evening filled with music and comedy, pizza, appetizers, open bar drinks, and fantastic raffle baskets, all while helping our furry friends! And you can be a part of it.

The Citizens Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter (CCLAS) is sponsoring its eighth annual ‘Hair of the Dog’ Happy Hour and Silent Auction on Thursday, May 31st from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Avenue Tap House (18206 Detroit Ave) inLakewood. Once again, dozens of Lakewood and Cleveland-area businesses have generously donated items and services for auction, including tickets to Cleveland sporting events, live shows, restaurants, fitness centers and spa certificates, tons of pet-friendly products and much more! As always, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the animals in the community ofLakewoodand will allow us to fund our low cost spay and neuter program, fostering program, and vet care for the shelter animals in 2012!

ON SUNDAY MAY 20, 2012 The People of Lakewood United Methodist Church and the Citizens of Lakewood Ohio are invited to join together to change lives.  We will join with other United Methodists around the globe to change the world on May 20, 2012. 

Don’t go it alone! Guidestone™ (transforming from Berea Children’s Home and Family Services) has been successfully providing foster care services across Northeast Ohio since 1985. Our Foster Care program offers the support you need – from experienced foster parents to our many types of services and support staff.

Call the Cleveland Foodbank and apply over the phone!

The Cleveland Foodbank understands that times are tough and money is tight for many Northeast Ohioans.  In order to help, the Foodbank started a new benefit outreach program to make the application process quick and easy for over 20 programs, including SNAP (food stamps), prescription benefits, child care vouchers, WIC, medical coverage, and other assistance programs.

Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) is a motor neuron disease, known also as Lou Gehrig ’s disease. This devastating disease affects about 5,600 people in the US each year – that is 15 new cases a day!  The month of May is designated as ALS Awareness Month. Research for this horrific disease continues to need to be funded until a cure is found. Once your world has been affected by this disease, it is never the same.

As a tribute to an incredible woman’s life, ‘Lil MaryAnns Cupcake Campaign for ALS Research was developed. MaryAnn Pappalardo lost her battle with ALS on January 5, 2010. As a vibrant member of her community, MaryAnn served as a member as well as an executive board member of numerous social, cultural, philanthropic, business, and church related organizations in her community. Through her leadership and involvement in these organizations countless others were helped, fed, loved, and befriended.

You've probably been to Lakewood's grandest recycling event. If you haven't, you must come this year! It's the Lakewood Historical Society's 24th annual Sale on the Grounds. It takes place on May 4, 5 & 6 at the historic Nicholson House, 13335 Detroit, and fills not only the house with antiques & collectibles; jewelry, jewelry and more jewelry, vintage linens, china (need a beautiful set for 12, complete with serving pieces?), crystal, pottery and artwork; but as the name implies, the grounds. Each year on the first weekend in May, a gigantic white tent pops up along with the spring flowers, and blooms with every kind of kitchenware imaginable--small appliances and gadgets; dishes and glassware; serving pieces and utensils; as well as small pieces of furniture, craft items, luggage, toys and games; sporting goods, lawn and garden items; tools and electronics; and even a bit of architectural salvage and perennials.

Come to the Sunrise at Sunset Service Auction of the Lakewood Rocky River Sunrise Rotary Club on Friday, May 11 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at  Umerley Hall of the  Rocky River Civic Center. For only $15 you will have a buffet dinner served by Ranger Catering of Lakewood High School, and have an opportunity to bid for the services of members of the American Youth Foundation who are earning money to pay for the AYF Leadership this summer.

Pictured are AYF members, Bryan Patrick, Fran and Tom Gravel along with friend Jake Doerchuk (second from the left) helping a Lakewood resident with yard.

Though Lakewood’s history can be traced back into the mid-1800’s, the city as we know it today really started it’s heyday of development at the turn of the last century. Within 40 years Lakewood was mostly built out. We now find ourselves in the second decade of the 21st century, and all of our beloved Lakewood homes are nearing or have turned 100 years old.  As we enter the 2nd century of housing here in Lakewood, Ohio, we have to ensure our homes can continue to serve us for decades yet to come and keep our community both vibrant and vital.

Come and shop at our semi-annual kid’s resale event on Saturday April 21 at Emerson Elementary School, 13439 Clifton Boulevard from 9 a.m.- 1p.m. Find gently used baby and youth clothing, toys, gear and maternity clothes. Sample the homemade treats at the bake sale along with goodies from Blackbird Bakery and Einstein Brothers’ Bagels and coffee from The Root Café.

Introduced for the first time last year, the Tabletops & Trifles sale is back again by popular demand. On Friday, April 13, from 1:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. and Saturday, April 14th from 10:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m. the historic Nicholson House, 13335 Detroit, recalls its elegant past. Its original owners, James and Betsy Nicholson, were instrumental in the growth of young Lakewood, and with this sale we reminisce about the entertaining they must have done in their home. This specialty sale of the Lakewood Historical Society features the finer things in life from the past and today. Among the names you will recognize are Haviland, Limoge, Noritake, Wedgewood, Belleek, Baldwin, Gorham--items seldom found at these prices.  Vintage china and glassware, graceful vases, lovely candlesticks, polished silver, crisp linens, smart accessories, picture frames and artwork will outfit your table and home. Need to equip your bar? We can help you serve punch, wine, martinis, or ice whatever drinks you desire.

The Covenant’s Bridges to Recovery 5K Run/Walk Benefit Race is being held on Saturday, April 14, 2012. Join in starting at 9 a.m. at Lakewood Park at Belle and Lake Avenue in Lakewood, Ohio. Registration opens at 8:00 a.m. Route includes Lake Avenue, west to Edgewater Drive, loop and return to Lakewood Park. Racers will receive 100% cotton t-shirts, refreshments and food and winners receive medals and jingling jester hats. 

Many of the things we most believe in we can't really see, like Mother Nature, the Tooth Fairy and Santa Claus. You'll be able to see an Easter Bunny at “HOPPY PAWS” on Sunday, March 25th from 1:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Pet’s General Store, 16821 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107. 

"HOPPY PAWS" - PROFESSIONAL POOCH PHOTOS with the Easter Bunny benefits Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park, Inc. 501(c)(3), the non-profit volunteer organization managing the Lakewood Dog Park in conjunction with the City of Lakewood. 

On Thursday, March 22 at 1:00 p.m. in the Lakewood Women’s Pavilion, Kathleen Vogtsberger of the The Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center (DVCAC) in Cleveland will be addressing the Lakewood Family Collaborative about DVCAC’s new program for teen and young adult victims of intimate partner violence. Last year, DVCAC was awarded a grant from the Office on Violence Against Women to provide intervention services to victims ages 13 to 24-years-old. This grant was made available in-part because of Ohio’s House Bill 10.

Local Girl Gallery and stART Neo have joined forces to bring back Junk2Funk, the season’s funkiest event, featuring local artists’ and designers’ work created from repurposed materials, to benefit North Coast Health Ministry, the west side’s free medical clinic for the low-income uninsured.

On Saturday, February 25, local Human Rights activists gathered at Magnificat High School to deepen their knowledge of and commitment to the shared belief in the dignity of every person on the planet. The 12th Annual Social Justice Teach-In sponsored by the InterReligious Task Force on Central America (IRTF) featured workshops on militarism in Central America, recent developments in Fair Trade organizations and local justice issues that focused on imprisonment, gender relationships and labels that are used to define groups of people.

Spring is coming. So is spring cleaning. Buy a table at Lakewood Early Childhood PTA’s Bargain Baby Bonanza and make some money from all the kids' stuff clogging your closets.

Don’t miss this opportunity to sell your gently used baby and youth clothing, accessories, toys, furniture, maternity clothes and more and save a fortune by kitting out your kids without paying store prices.

Tables are now available at $20 for members and $25 for non-members. The money you make is yours.

The Spring Bargain Baby Bonanza will be held at Emerson Elementary School at 13439 Clifton Boulevard on Saturday, April 21 2012.

Registration forms and guidleines are available at www.LECPTA.com or email BBB.LECPTA@gmail.com.

The Society of St. Vincent de Paul Diocese of Cleveland has hired John Litten as its new Executive Director. Litten most recently served as Director of Camp Christopher, Catholic Charities Community Services of Summit County since 2005. He previously was employed as Program Coordinator, CYO Camp Christopher.

“The Diocesan Council selected Mr. Litten not only because of his prior excellent management record and recent degree in nonprofit management, but most importantly for his enthusiasm to make a measurable increase in our service delivery to the poor, needy and disadvantaged in the diocese,” noted Bob Reuter, president.

This Valentine’s Day, Cleveland area families gathered at Bela Dubby in Lakewood to make valentines that declared their love for clean air. Afterward, they delivered handmade valentines to Ohio’s US Senators in support of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and new federal clean air standards.

“Some in Congress are working on provisions to block new clean air standards and I want to be sure that Ohio members of Congress don’t take my breath away, but instead support the US EPA and a clean and healthy future for my children,” said Anna Mauser Martinez of Cleveland Heights. She joined her sons at a Valentine Card party to create clean air valentines. “Taking the time to make a handmade valentine was my way of personally reminding our Senators that I, and the many families that I represent, care deeply about clean air and the agencies trying to protect it.” 

Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park organized and hosted a pet food donation drive at Lakewood Dog Park on Feb.5, benefiting My Best Friend’s Bowl (www.MyBestFriendsBowl.com). Judy Towner of MBFB was thrilled. “The final tally was over 1,000 pounds of dog and cat food and that will help us fill a lot of pet bowls.”

The Super BOWL Sunday pet food donation drive scored a huge success! HOORAH!

Plus, it’s a WIN-WIN situation. Not only did all the pet food donated benefit the efforts of My Best Friend’s Bowl, but Ganley Westside Subaru is offering a donation program to benefit Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park too!

For every new or pre-owned vehicle purchased from Laurie Sekeres at Ganley Westside Subaru during the month of February, $100 will be donated to Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park, Inc. 501(3)(c).

Sneakers, sleeping bags and cancer education? It must be the American Cancer Society’s Relay For Life, an overnight event to celebrate survivorship and raise funds to help create a world with less cancer and more birthdays.

Relay For Life brings together teams from local businesses, schools, churches and families for fun, food, music and entertainment, and a night under the stars – all while team members take turns walking or running on a track. Relay For Life begins with a Cancer Survivors Lap and reception to celebrate life. Later in the evening, a Luminaria Ceremony honors those who are battling cancer and remembers those who have lost their fight. The monies raised from this event will go toward the American Cancer Society’s research, education, advocacy and patient service programs.

February’s meeting of the Lakewood Family Collaborative on Thursday, February 28, 2012 at the Women’s Pavilion at 1 p.m. will spotlight the Housing Research & Advocacy Center (the Housing Center), a fair housing agency. Mandy Mehlman, Fair Housing Community Educator, will be presenting issues facing the community regarding housing discrimination and services offered by the Housing Center.

The Board of Directors at Lake Erie Nature & Science Center has elected officers to provide leadership and support for the Bay Village nonprofit organization in 2012. Lakewood resident Colleen Lowmiller, Senior Actuarial Consultant at Findley Davies, Inc., has been appointed as President of the Board after serving two terms as Vice President since joining the Board in 2009.

H2O, “Help to Others” will celebrate its twentieth year as a program of the City of Lakewood’s Division of Youth in 2013. It is a program that has grown and blossomed under the leadership of its founder, Celia Dorsch. Effective December 31, 2011 Ceil has retired and it has been a bittersweet farewell for those who worked with her; colleagues in the city, school staff, community leaders, social service agencies – and of course the kids. There have been thousands of kids who have participated in H20 programming and have had the chance to develop as leaders and activists while participating in any or all of the H20 program components.

 Strike up the band! Bring out the 76 Trombones to lead the Big Parade! -- A parade of Lakewood pizzas for the pleasure of customers at the Kiwanis Club’s Pizza Bake-Off, Friday, January 27, from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. in the East Cafeteria of Lakewood High School.

Customers serve themselves small pieces of pizza from each of 16 pizza establishments. This will give the customers a basis for judging the pizzas. If any or all of the pizzas deserve an encore, the customers may go back for all they can eat. In addition, customers will receive free coffee and free tickets for soft drinks.

No one need worry about having to leave during the evening, because each customer will receive a wristband allowing his or her return.

Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park (FLDP), Inc. is a 501(3)(c) non-profit volunteer organization that, in conjunction with the City of Lakewood, manages the Lakewood Dog Park. 

The mission of the Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park is to foster and maintain a safe and friendly atmosphere for dogs and their owners, work together with the surrounding municipalities of Northeastern Ohio to promote positive relationships, and support all aspects of responsible dog ownership.

FLDP supplies the shelters, benches, “clean-up” bags and dispensers, tools, toys, water bowls and seasonal maintenance at the Lakewood Dog Park. The FLDP also maintains the park's web site, Facebook page, email list, in-park bulletin boards and other communication with members and park users. The dog park is owned by the City of Lakewood. 

FLDP 2012 officers were elected on November 30, 2011 and will begin a 1-year term of service on January 1, 2012. They are:

The Cuyahoga County Land Bank has partnered with the International Services Center (ISC) in order to provide housing for refugees settling in Northeast Ohio, starting with a home in Lakewood.

With the help of hundreds of volunteers, Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp. (LCAC) brightened the Thanksgiving holiday for 312 Lakewood families and seniors. “Thanks to a very successful food drive, many helping hands, and beautiful weather, the Thanksgiving food baskets were delivered without any problems” states Jeff Worron, LCAC President. “Let’s hope the Christmas food drive is just as successful!”

In November and December throughout the United States, including here in Lakewood, the Huntington’s Disease Society of America (HDSA) sells amaryllis bulbs which bring joy and hope into homes, offices and stores on cold winter days. Proceeds help support the HDSA programs of research, education and family care.

The amaryllis bulb has long been considered to be one of the most spectacular species for indoor growing. These specially cultivated Dutch bulbs delight with their bright colors and their immense blossoms within 6-8 weeks of planting. Blossoms are bright red, deep pink/white, red/white striped or white. Priced at only ten dollars an amaryllis bulb kit consists of bulb, pot and planting soil. These kits come in colorful boxes in cases of sixteen for a total of $160 and are shipped directly to the buyer without extra shipping cost. Smaller orders of $10 each can be purchased by special arrangement. The well-packaged bulbs make low-cost gifts that keep on giving during the holidays.

Looking for Lakewood Ranger gear for all the fans on your list? Visit the Ranger Shop at Lakewood High School where you'll find apparel and gifts for Rangers of every age.

Parkview Playschool, Inc., a cooperative preschool in Lakewood, has scheduled an Open House on Tuesday, January 24 from 6:30 - 8:00 p.m.

Offering educational services to three- and four-year-old children, Parkview’s preschool program is unique.

“The difference between a co-op and a traditional preschool comes down to parental involvement,” says Parkview’s Director of fifteen years, Mrs. Patti Finau. “Cooperative preschools are successful because parents can observe and better understand their child’s development, joys and frustrations. Co-ops allow parents be an integral part of their child’s first school experience.”

Christmas Sale on the Grounds always has unique items. Featured are antiques amd collectibles perfect for a one-of-a-kind gift; things that sparkle--a wide variety of ornaments and decorations; greeting cards and gift wrap; nativity sets; linens, serving pieces, cookie plates--everything for holiday entertaining. But this year's sale has a most interesting piece--a 5' tall papier-mache Santa constructed in 1953.

You can spread holiday cheer and make the season a little brighter for homeless cats and dogs. Honor or commemorate your family pet by donating $5 to the CCLAS (Citizens Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter) Angel Tree. We will add an ornament with your furry angel’s name and display it at one of our Angel Tree locations.

 Kauffman Park Friends will be the charity of the week when Jammy Buggars, 15625 Detroit Ave., holds its “Pay it Forward Tuesday” on November  22. Come to Jammy Buggars, one of Lakewood’s newest, most popular eateries, mention Kauffman Park Friends, and 15% of the bill will be donated to the organization.

On a sunny October afternoon, a group of sixth and seventh graders converge on Kauffman Park, the city’s centrally located and only basketball court. The boys ride their bikes from opposite ends of Lakewood to play a game that they love. It’s a common sight these days as the youngsters break away from their video games to break bread over basketball and newly formed friendships. This has been a recurring scene during the summer months. Kids playing, making friendships, and building lifelong relationships with others they may have not otherwise met. This is precisely why the Lakewood Outdoor Basketball Committee (LOBC) lobbied for places for kids to play. “Those of us who have benefited from playing outdoor sports in this city have been positively impacted with lifelong friendships, physical fitness, and a sense of community. This was an important part of my childhood in Lakewood,” states Jordan Tadic, co-founder of LOBC.

Howard Hanna Real Estate Services annual "Choo Choo Chow Chow" fundraising campaign is now in its 23rd year! Last year was a record-breaking year thanks to the efforts of our sales associates, managers, department heads, and staff as they raised the most money the company ever has in its history: $617,221 for Children's Free Care! The money raised in each region stays in the area to help assure needy children will not be denied the best medical care available - whether it is to help those without healthcare pay for medical treatment or for cutting-edge care that insurance may not cover.

 Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp. (LCAC) provides Holiday Food Baskets for 600 needy Lakewood families and seniors each year. Currently, the annual Thanksgiving food drive to fill those baskets is underway at St. Edward High School and several Lakewood City schools. 

Non-perishable cans and boxes can be donated at St. Edward High School, Grant Elementary, Horace Mann Elementary, and Lincoln Elementary schools now through November 17th. Lakewood High School and Harding Middle School have fundraising activities in process to help raise money to pay for perishable food items needed such as turkeys, potatoes, pumpkin pies, and more.

How can you help?

Food donations will be accepted at the schools through Thursday, November 17th. Monetary donations can be made directly to LCAC through the website at www.lcac.info or mailed directly to: LCAC, P.O. Box 771421, Lakewood OH, 44107.

The Far West Center is offering a FREE workshop to anyone in the community interested in gaining more information or having any questions answered about our Help for Mom and Help for Parents Programs!

Now through the end of the year, Lakewood Animal Shelter is offering a crop of beautiful cats, currently in foster care, for a reduced fee of just $20. It’s the best investment you could make toward a happy future with a loving, playful, healthy companion. Can’t you imagine one (or two!) of the following felines fitting right into your household? If so, e-mail the Citizens Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter (CCLAS) today at cclasfoster@yahoo.com for an adoption inquiry form.

Santa Claus doesn't get more real than the professional, real bearded Santa Claus that will be on hand for "SANTA PAWS," the annual pre-holiday fundraising event for Friends of the Lakewood Dog Park. 

Burn some ghoulish calories and warm up your Halloween costume Sunday, October 30 at the 7th annual Great Pumpkin Fun Run & 5K Race at Lakewood Park.

The Phoenix Project is a four-year-old new church development of the Presbyterian Church. The church has recently moved from 13351 Madison Avenue to 13613 Detroit Avenue. With a presence on Detroit, the Project hopes to bring its same brand of all-inclusive community outreach to a greater audience. I asked Phoenix Project founder Reverend Meredith White-Zeager about the church and its work in Lakewood.

The Lakewood Animal Shelter has reduced its prices on spayed/neuter cats or kittens. The fees will be reduced to only $15.00 for three weeks only beginning September 13th through September 30, 2011. Each cat or kitten is spayed or neutered, has received initial vaccination, deworming, and flea treatment, and comes with an ID tag collar and a cardboard carrier to go home in!

If you have a K-9 on the end of a leash, everywhere you go these days the fire hydrant buzz is about the Spooky Pooch Parade. 

The Spooky Pooch Parade is the Largest Halloween Dog Parade from coast to coast.

Redheaded Lisa leaned through the drive through window at a Rocky River restaurant and excitedly declared, “I’ve already stopped at Pet People for Lily’s Spooky Pooch Parade costume.” 

Lily, a demur dachshund, is destined to be a festooned bumble bee on Saturday, October 15, 2011 when the parade steps off from 1347 St. Charles Avenue (St. Charles Green)in Lakewood at 2:00pm. 

Jersey is a beautiful long-haired male tuxedo, about 2-years-old. He loves being pet and will even roll over for you to get his belly! His long fur makes him look bigger than he actually is, he's surprisingly light! Jersey is already neutered, has received an initial vaccination, and has been treated with Advantage, so he's ready to go home with you! Jersey, a staff favorite at the Lakewood Animal Shelter, is now available for adoption through CCLAS' foster care program. Interested in meeting Jersey, email CCLASfoster@yahoo.com.

LakewoodAlive’s Main Street™ program will host Heritage Ohio and more than thirty Ohio Main Street directors for a two-day Small Business Marketing Seminar. The event will take place at Lakewood Public Library Main Branch on September 14, 2011 from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. (includes lunch). Lakewood business owners may take advantage of LakewoodAlive’s membership with Heritage Ohio and enjoy a low cost of $15.00 for the seminar. A networking session will be held the following day at the library from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

Pedestrian/motor vehicle incidents are a problem, with more than 80 kids being hit by cars in the U.S. every day. Lakewood Early Childhood PTA (LECPTA) is sponsoring its ninth consecutive year with our annual speed awareness program titled Brake 4 Kids™. This program aims to remind drivers to slow down now that school has resumed, by asking residents and businesses (especially those near schools) to post Brake 4 Kids™ tree lawn signs. The City of Lakewood has seen a reduced number of pedestrian/motor vehicle injuries since the inception of Brake 4 Kids™. We believe the Brake 4 Kids™ signs have contributed significantly to this decrease.

The Living Miracles, a peer support and empowerment center, is a neighbor to Lakewood you may not know about. A service for mentally ill folks run completely by other mental health consumers (thus the term “peer support”), it is located at 1581 W. 117th Street (just north of Madison Avenue across from Aldi’s).

If you could build a community from scratch what would your community look like?  Who would be the members of your community and what would you provide for them? 

These were the questions posed to the members of the Lakewood Family Collaborative at their June meeting.  Members were divided into several groups and given wooden building blocks to represent the “building blocks” of a community. As you can imagine, many types of communities were created. 

However, as each group shared their vision with each other it became clear that all of the groups created communities where all of the stakeholders were represented equally. The activity brought forth dialogue about how communities have the potential to be stronger when members of the community work toward acceptance of one another through building relationships. 

Would you know how to help your family and neighbors in the event of a disaster or emergency? The Westshore Regional Community Emergency Response Team (WSC) is offering free classes on topics such as disaster preparedness, basic injury assessment and medical treatment, search and rescue procedures, fire suppression, disaster psychology, and much more. The 20-hour adult FEMA course is conducted by local safety professionals. Westshore residents who are US citizens, successfully complete training and pass a background check are eligible for team membership. 

With funding from United Way of Greater Cleveland, Lakewood Community Services Center is about to launch its first-ever food delivery program to the four senior living complexes in Lakewood. “We pay careful attention to our service statistics,” said Executive Director Trish Rooney. “We saw an upward year over year trend in overall senior numbers, but a reduction in the number of seniors coming to the Center from the Westerly, the South Westerly, Fedor Manor and Lakeshore Towers. We attributed this to two factors: our move from Marlowe put us out of easy walking distance from two of the buildings; and the discontinuation of the RTA Circulator made getting to and from the Center almost impossible for seniors without their own cars.”  With these service statistics and data indicating that most if not all residents live on a fixed income, LCSC talked with the building managers at each apartment to measure interest in a delivery program. The enthusiasm was unanimous. The buildings' service coordinators shared stories of residents who often found themselves very short of food by the end of the month after their monthly Social Security income was expended.

Meet and greet some adoptable greyhounds while tasting some wine at The Furry Nation pet store, 15800 Detroit Avenue, on Tuesday, August 30 from 5 to 8 p.m. The wine will be provided by The Furry Nation, and Erie Shore Greyhound Adoption of Ohio (ESGAO.org) will bring the greyhounds, who recently arrived from Alabama.

This is the first event for ESGAO, an all-volunteer group made up of highly experienced greyhound owners and adoption workers from the Greater Cleveland area. Most of the hounds are between three and four years old, except for Annie who is nine and now lives in a foster home in Lakewood. It is also double-points day for the pet store’s loyalty program.

“We make a living by what we get, we make a life by what we give,” said Sir Winston Churchill, and oh, how those words ring true to this day.

On Tuesday August 9, LakewoodAlive and Lakewood New Life Church spent a day with Cranford residents to help beautify the exterior of their homes. A total of eight volunteers worked from 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. and reached out to six homeowners. Porches were stained and painted, gutters were cleaned, lawns were mowed, weeds were pulled, mulch was laid, and windows were scraped. Equally important as the physical improvements made that day was the bond two local organizations made with the Cranford block. 

Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation (LCAC) made their Lakewood Arts Festival debut this year with a booth featuring information about how we serve families here in Lakewood as well a cut out of a turkey that allowed people to have their picture taken as a turkey. Over 100 attendees participated in the Turkey Shoot photo opportunity. To see some of the fun photos and learn more about our organization, please visit our website www.lcac.info.

The LCAC (better known as “the food drive people”) is a 25-year-old organization known throughout Lakewood for the food baskets that are delivered to 600 needy families and seniors over the Thanksgiving and Christmas holidays. Each recipient gets all the makings for a complete holiday meal - a 10 pound turkey and all the fixin’s, as well as a week’s supply of food staples. “We just try to make the holidays a little bit brighter for those in need,” explains Dave Rothhaas, Board Member and 20-plus year veteran of the organization.

Twenty-five years of providing health care to the uninsured will be celebrated in grand style as North Coast Health Ministry (NCHM) hosts this year’s Silver Celebration gala auction and dinner on Thursday, September 1, 2011, from 6:30 to 9:30 p.m. at Westwood Country Club in Rocky River.

The evening will feature cocktails, dinner and dessert, a live auction and raffles, including a drawing for a Disney Cruise for four or a $4,000 American Express travel voucher – winner’s choice. Drawing winner need not be present. Those interested can enter the Disney Cruise raffle via the following link:http://www.nchealthministry.org/cruise. The Disney Cruise raffle is being sponsored by Fairview and Lakewood hospitals.

When I first joined the LECPTA 4 years ago, I did it because I thought, “Well that’s just what good moms do.” I always had the stereotypical idea in my head that these were the moms that stayed at home, cooked 3 meals a day (really cooked, cereal doesn’t count), kept perfectly clean homes and spent every other second of their day interacting with their children. How did I- who believes that cereal is great for dinner-fit in with these people?

Once again, CCLAS will be participating in the Lakewood Arts Festival by hosting a Bake Sale on August 6 from 10 am to 6 pm. This year we will be partnering with the Citizen Committee for Leashed Dogs in Lakewood Parks. They will lend their baking skills and provide volunteer support at our booth.

We are looking for delicious donations to sell at our booth! If you can donate, here’s a few guideline and suggestions: