SAFTEY TIP: With spring here already, it is easy to get caught up in the atmosphere of warm sunny days. We let the kids out, the pets run and everyone is out planting, walking, playing, and driving about. Along with all these good things can come some dangers if precautions are not taken. For example, pets and children need to be watched and prevented from straying into the street where motorists, includiing postal delivery vehicles, are traveling...

The Lakewood Observer is looking for energetic, community conscious individuals of all ages who are interested in supporting the volunteer creation of news, views, opinions, human interest and other contributions which illuminate the many facets of culture, arts, business, education, religion, and lifestyle this diverse city has to offer...

First Federal of Lakewood donated $3,800 to the Cleveland Foodbank and $200 to Community Resource Services in Lorain County, as a result of its annual branch-wide checking account promotion. First Federal donated $5 for each checking account opened Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2007. First Federal presented the donation to the Cleveland Foodbank, March 6, 2008, at the Savings & Loan’s Lakewood headquarters...

The Financial Executives International (FEI) Northeast Ohio chapter is pleased to recognize Lakewood native and Baldwin Wallace student Elva Coadari for achieving outstanding academic excellence. The FEI Northeast Ohio Chapter continues to build a partnership with the academic community, particularly those who teach in our region’s business schools, many of whom we count among our members. This award, presented to college business students who are studying finance or accounting, recognizes outstanding scholastic achievement, career objective, proven leadership traits and community service...

The Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District is looking for up to six high school students, with an avid interest in the natural sciences, especially earth science, biology, botany, and environmental studies, who would like to spend a week at the fun and educational Ohio Forestry Association’s Forestry Camp from June 15-20, 2008...

I was inspired to write about the Phoenix Project, when, on Maundy Thursday, the anniversary of the day Jesus held his last Passover, the Project held a Seder to honor that event. Being the only Jew in a new church development of the Presbytery of the Western Reserve, I had a great time seeing my friends enjoy a ritual I had experienced growing up. I learned things about Passover and Judaism and spirituality I had not known, or experienced in quite the same way before...

The Wolstein Center at Cleveland State University was home to the 2008 Democratic Presidential debate last Tuesday, February 28. Issues ranging from economy, war and health care as well as other issues of national significance we covered during the debate. With my press pass in hand, amid LO photographers capturing presidential images at a rapid pace, I sought to bring LO readers clarity on our foggy economic situation...

The presidential campaign of 2008 has left me a little cold and cynical. I follow it, read about it, watched the news and debates, but MY candidates withdrew early. It seems that substance has been lost over style.

 

I’ll admit right now that I am not going to vote Republican, but I have also been quite ambivalent about my remaining Democrat choices...

Curves of Lakewood will be participating in the Curves Food Drive to benefit local food banks. Last year, the Curves Food Drive collected almost 11 million pounds of food for local communities all over the world. This year, Curves has set a goal to collect 15 million pounds to help even more people in need of healthy food...

Slips, trips, and falls. Throughout the winter months, our safety committee is bombarded with calls from customers who did not receiving their mail daily. The first question we ask them is, "Are your steps cleared?". If they are not, carriers are instructed to avoid all hazardous conditions. These procedures will ensure the safety of the carrier. What can you do to help and ensure daily delivery? Although we know it is impossible to keep your steps clear at all times, there are certain things that you can do to help...

The new year marks a new era for the Citizens Committee for a Lakewood Animal Shelter (CCLAS). The organization, which provides volunteer and financial support for the Lakewood Animal Shelter, has elected a new president. Lakewood resident Jennifer Deselits will serve in the role, taking over for former president Catherine Butler...

Everyone in Lakewood certainly remembers the shooting at the Sloane Ave. McDonalds. Shawn Joslin was shot and killed. Shortly after his death, his mother Lisa was diagnosed with lung cancer. The cancer spread to her spine, bone, liver and colon.

Lisa passed away on St. Valentine's day. The family needs help with burial cost.

A fund has been established at National City Bank, Lakewood, Ohio. Donations can be made directly to the Joslin Fund, National City Bank. All donations are greatly appreciated.

No doubt about it: If my son Augie hadn’t been killed in Iraq in 2005, I wouldn’t be running for Congress.

His death forced us to take a closer look at how the political decisions made in Washington, DC affect each of us. The Iraq war/occupation obviously is a “Made in DC” product. Ending it will also have to be decided there – with help from many Americans demanding action...

This year marks the fifth anniversary of “National Wear Red Day.”

The National Institute of Health and the American Heart Association are part of a national campaign aimed at warning women about heart disease – the #1 killer of women. The campaign has adopted the Red Dress as its symbol, serving as a red alert to convey the message that “Heart Disease Doesn’t Care What You Wear,” and to change the perception that it is only a man’s issue.

We have, right here in our own city, a somewhat hidden treasure. She has never wavered in her belief in herself and others. She stands out for me as someone who truly believes in paying it forward. I think you’ll find her story interesting and so, I’d like to shed some light on Litha Macon, owner of Roman Ricci Salon...

Have you heard the news? Mailboxes everywhere may soon be filled with checks from the US Treasury. Yes, you have won the lottery, George W. Bush/US Congress style. The concept is simple – we can purchase our way out of an economic slowdown and make the people in Washington look good. Only our elected officials in DC could spend time coming up with this plan, as they center most of their time on whether Roger Clemens should be sworn in before he testifies...

On Wednesday, January 30, 2007, a couple on Arthur Avenue was awakened at about 1:30am by high winds and a loud crashing sound. They found that a large section of the oak tree in their front yard had fallen. The tree smashed the couple's car which was parked in the driveway.

Jerry Ford never wanted to be president and it showed.

Carter won and we had 20% inflation to show for it. He produced a partial settlement of a 2,000 year old problem and cancelled our Olympic participation over Russia’s invasion of some place called Afghanistan...

Officials at Marietta College have announced the Dean’s High Honors List for the fall 2007 semester. Any full-time Marietta College student completing at least 15 credit hours with a grade point average of 3.50 or higher in a given semester is recognized as a Dean’s High Honors List student for that semester...

For tech geeks like me, Cox Communications' recent announcement of its Extendable Optical Network (EON) is music to our ears. Others will probably scratch their heads and think, "Extendable what?!?"

The boxes that will soon be clustered in front of Lakewood Congregational Church (LCC) aren’t belated Christmas presents – but they do represent a gift to Cleveland area homeless shelters...

On Wednesday, December 12, 2007, the Lakewood Youth Master Plan Committee received the Ohio Department of Education Asset Builder Award of Recognition at the annual Ohio Prevention Education Conference. Dottie Buckon and I accepted the award on behalf of the Lakewood YMP Committee...

In the time it takes to read this story, the 2008 primary process will be completed. No, actually it won’t happen quite that fast, but with Iowa moving their caucuses up to January 3...

I walked into Déja Vu, an eclectic shopping boutique at 14411 Detroit Avenue, a few weeks before Christmas. Since my mother's birthday is the day after the holiday, I considered it great fortune to happen upon this wonderful little shop,...