The Cuyahoga County Board of Elections must employ nearly 6,000 Poll Workers to serve at the polls on Election Day and is currently hiring for the March 6th, 2012 Primary Election.
On April 16, the League of Women Voters-Cuyahoga Area hosted a lively discussion on regionalization among Westlake Mayor Dennis Clough, Lakewood Mayor Mike Summers, Westshore Council of Governments fiscal officer Steve Presley, and 65 citizens, local officials, and safety forces members. This was the second of three LWV voter education forums on regionalization. While the first event explored collaboration with the county, this forum took a close look at collaboration among cities, specifically members of the Westshore Council of Governments (WCOG).
WCOG was formed in 1971 by six communities -- Bay Village, Fairview Park, Lakewood, North Olmsted, Rocky River, and Westlake -- "to foster cooperation between municipalities in all areas of municipal service." Funding for 2013 is $330,000, with 10% shared equally and 90% based on population and valuation.
Residents in Elyria, North Ridgeville, Olmsted Falls, Berea, Middleburg Heights, Parma, Parma Heights, Seven Hills, North Royalton Broadview Heights, Brecksville, Independence, Valley View, Twinsburg, Lorain and other nearby communities that are being affected by the storms we’ve been having since April 2011 should beware of storm chasers out to take advantage of the bad weather.
Graham Veysey (pronounced “VeeZee”), 29, is running for Congress, in the newly–drawn and likely to be hotly contested 9th District. In an unusual race that pits two veteran politicians against one another, Graham has positioned himself as a fresh alternative. Both pro-choice and fiscally moderate, drawn equally to direct political action and new social media, Graham represents a good cross-section of Cleveland’s new “brain gain” cohort – young, idealistic, yet practical people who are anxious to make a difference. I interviewed Graham recently during a sunny afternoon at The Root Café – the type of local small business in Lakewood’s walkable downtown that Graham cites as an example of the emerging new economy.
For the past eight years The Lakewood Family Room has served many purposes in my life and in the health of my family… it has provided healing, given me hope and, ultimately, brought me to a place of happiness in motherhood. The Celebration of the Family Room on Saturday, January 28 was a beautiful tribute to an institution that has supported families in Lakewood for years.
I first discovered the Family Room while suffering from severe postpartum depression after the birth of my son. In those dark days, the simple act of surrounding myself with “normal” mothers provided safety. Although I wasn’t healthy enough to really make friends or share in the social aspect of the program, I recognized how critical it was for me to get out of the house and provide my son with an opportunity to interact with other children. As I took a more active role in my recovery, I used every resource available to become a better mother… including an eight-week parenting class that literally changed my life.
With troublesome financial times ahead, a devolving political system, and an apathetic public, a decline of civic democracy is inevitable. The increasing national debt, the permanent war economy and decreasing political power for the average citizen make the case that a new approach is needed for citizens to reclaim civic democracy. The most sensible approach is through Localism. That means, at the simplest level, dining, shopping, and participating in civic life, locally. Localism has no political ideology or orientation, it is meant to build a more cohesive and sustainable community.
The library, Detroit branch, is, of course, full of books, full of all kinds of books, and CD's and magazines. And I only come to Word process.
On the most beautiful day in recent memory (and my memory, at times, reaches back only a couple of days), I am glued to the screen of computer A3, to Word 2007 and to the Internet. But I do know when I've had enough, and after some time I push myself out of the chair and head out into the coolness of today, the breezy relief near a sweltering summer's end.
The energy in Downtown Lakewood continues to build. Partnerships, collaboration, and volunteer efforts can be credited with the most recent success story: a two-week beautification of City Center Park opposite Rozi’s Wine House on Detroit Avenue. LakewoodAlive volunteers Jeanne Mackay and Sean McGuan spent many hours over a two-week period beautifying the park following a plan that resulted from a collaboration with the City of Lakewood and the Coral Company, owners of Lakewood City Center.
Once again, the Lakewood United Methodist Church (15700 Detroit Ave.) in conjunction with the United Methodist East Ohio Conference, and the American Indian Intertribal Association, is hosting a Christmas feast and party for Greater Cleveland area Native American children and their families.
This event will be held from noon until about 4 p.m. on December 20th at the church. This bring-a-dish event is being held for the second year at the Lakewood church facility. Children will be receiving gifts, along with experiencing the traditions of a Native American cultural celebration.
Throughout spring and summer, the Cuyahoga Soil and Water Conservation District hosts rain barrel workshops around the county. During the one and one half hour session, the Cuyahoga SWCD representative explains the benefits of rain barrel use for individuals and the community, shows participants how to construct a rain barrel, and finally, offers guidance and answers questions as workshop participants work on making their rain barrels. Cuyahoga SWCD provides the materials (55-gallon food-grade plastic barrel, brass spigot, hose barb, downspout diverter and hose, PTFE tape) and the tools (drill, 15/16” drill bit, thread tap). Bringing your own battery-powered drill can speed up the construction process. Workshoppers are typically fully educated and waddling out the door with their arms wrapped around their new rain barrel before the 90 minutes are up.
When I received word that Blog for Family Dinner accepted a post from my blog (http://writeonjana.com), I was ecstatic... and a little shamed. You see, I had fallen into the habit of picking at food while cooking and then serving each child a different mixture of the final meal (to accommodate food allergies and preferences)... never even sitting down to eat from a plate myself. Nice, huh?!
Thankfully, the "call" to represent The Blog for Family Dinner Project motivated me to wake up and smell the spaghetti... I snagged a copy of The Family Dinner: Great Ways to Connect with Your Kids, One Meal at a Time at Lakewood Public Library and got to work implementing some of the strategies for bringing people to the table.
Did you know that play is imperative to your child’s growth and development? Research says that play helps children develop the capacity to understand themselves and others, as well as help them to solve problems, and regulate their own emotions and behavior. On top of all of that, it helps make reading and writing more fun!
Learn Through Play, a program funded through Cuyahoga County's “Help Me Grow” and facilitated by The City of Lakewood, Department of Human Services Early Childhood, provides the perfect environment to play and learn at the same time. It is geared for all stages of children up to age 8. Whether you are a mom, dad, grandparent, or home care provider, Learn Through Play is here as your "classroom." Your child will just be having fun as they discover art, creative play, math, science, language, and stories. But you will be happy knowing that your child is developing strong literacy skills and tools for school success in a friendly and informal setting.
Lakewood High School alumna Zoe Elaine Lukens completed her college career last month with a flourish. On May 17 she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin and the previous evening was admitted to the Wisconsin Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society in an initiation ceremony on campus.
Ms. Lukens majored in Anthropology and minored in African studies and French, having studied a semester in Senegal. She will return to campus this fall for an Honor Semester. A 2005 graduate of Lakewood High, she is the daughter of Thomas and Nancy Lukens of Clifton Blvd. in Lakewood.
I've been hearing rumors that the congressional district of our congressman, Dennis Kucinich, might be phased-out, and that he could be leaving Ohio to represent a newly-created district which may include the city of Lakewood, Washington.
Ever wonder what it would be like to appear in a movie with Jake Gyllenhaal, Rob Lowe or Joe Pesci? One Lakewood woman has had the pleasure of those experiences. Her name is Jean Zarzour, actor of film, stage, television and radio.
Don’t eat carbs, don’t skip breakfast, don’t ingest anything after 6 p.m. With all of the diet advice, tips and tricks available these days, how do you know which ones to follow? Take a look at these top ten diet myths and learn how to separate fact from fiction.
Myth #1: Cut the Carbs – The anti-carb craze has women tossing out bread and pasta from coast to coast. Some are even losing weight. But is no-carb really the best way to go? Carbs are necessary to produce energy, not to mention that carbs provide fiber to aid digestion. And if you’re headed to the gym, you need some healthy carbs (fruit or oatmeal) to fuel your workout.
Myth #2: Don’t Skip Breakfast – While it is important to eat something in the morning, you don’t have to head for the kitchen as soon as you crawl out of bed. Just be sure to eat something within the first two hours of waking up. Yogurt or a piece of fruit will do the trick.
Myth #3: Milk is for Kids – Worries over the fat in dairy may have you running away from milk products. Unfortunately, a lack of dairy means that you’ll also miss out on calcium and Vitamin D, both of which are needed for strong bones and prevention of osteoarthritis. So, instead of ditching dairy altogether, trade in your high-fat milk products for their low-fat counterparts.
Myth #4: Buy Fat-Free – Just because a food claims to be “fat free” doesn’t mean that it’s low in calories. Also, remember that our bodies need fat. The key is to get the right kind of fat. Monounsaturated fats that are found in almonds, olive oil, and avocados can actually help reduce the levels of bad cholesterol in your blood.
Myth # 5: Stay Off the Scale – Sorry, girls, you really do need to weigh yourself to keep tabs on your health. Check-in on a weekly basis to keep track of your progress. And keep in mind that the numbers on the scale aren’t everything. Compare those numbers with how you feel in your clothes and the muscle mass that you build from your workouts.
Myth # 6: Counting Calories is Enough – Sure, nutrition is important, but you’ll never achieve maximum results without adding exercise to the mix. Jazzercise Founder and CEO Judi Sheppard Missett recommends a combination of cardiovascular exercise, which burns calories, alongside strength training, which increases your muscle mass and stokes your metabolism.
Myth # 7: Go Vegetarian – In your pursuit to drop a few pounds, ditching an entire food group may not be the wisest choice. However, if you have decided that going veggie is the right course of action for you, then be sure to keep your diet balanced. By cutting out meat, you’ll need to get iron elsewhere, such as kidney beans, black beans, and baked potatoes.
Myth # 8: Stop Snacking – It’s okay to snack. It’s just not okay to snack on the wrong foods! A piece of fruit or a handful of nuts between meals may actually help you from getting too hungry and diving into the bread basket at dinner.
Myth # 9: Don’t Eat at Night – A late-night steak may give you indigestion, but it won’t destroy your diet. What matters is the number of calories that you eat overall throughout the day.
Myth # 10: Nix the Sweets – It’s okay to have dessert. In fact, eating a small portion of dessert now may actually keep you from downing an entire bag of M & M’s if you’re feeling deprived later.
Does anyone remember the “real” Lakewood Centennial celebration that took place in 1989? Yes, Lakewood achieved a population of 12,000 in 1911 and became a CITY, but the HAMLET of Lakewood was established in 1889. A quick review of Lakewood’s history: In 1805 the Lakewood area was designated as Township 7, Range 14 of the Western Reserve. James Nicholson was the first permanent settler in 1818, and in 1819 the Lakewood and Rocky River area was named Rockport Township.
POSTAGE INCREASE: Starting May 11, 2009 the new price of postage will be 44 cents. This is a two cent rate increase over the current rate. Any questions please contact the USPS Website for further information.
FOREVER STAMPS: There still seems to be some confusion when it comes to the usage of the Forever Stamp. The Forever Stamp is the stamp with the brown Liberty Bell on it. The Forever Stamp will cover the price of whatever the current rate of postage is. For example, if you put a Forever Stamp on a letter and you bought the stamp at the 42 cent rate, when the new price goes into effect, the Forever Stamp will assume the current price of the postage which will be 44 cents. There is no need to add a two cent postage stamp.
FOOD DRIVE: Saturday May 9, 2009, the Post Office is having its annual food drive. Your carriers will be delivering the information cards to your home the week of the food drive. Please place items by the mailboxes so the carriers can easily see them. All donations go to help the Cleveland and surrounding area food banks. The food banks need everyone’s help to get the food levels back up. If everyone just donates one item, it would be a record breaking year!! Thank You in advance.
Jeanine Gergel, director of development at the non-profit North Coast Health Ministry, has seen a spike in patients entering the Detroit Avenue clinic. “In 2008, NCHM served 2,236 unduplicated patients, representing an increase of over 20% from 2007 when we served 1,856 patients. Forty-two percent of our patients are Lakewood residents,” says Gergel.
The signs of spring are all around us: longer days, milder weather, and flowers peeking up through the soft ground. Spring also brings to mind enjoying the outdoors and the beautiful parks in Lakewood.
I am running for the Lakewood Board of Education because I believe my resourcefulness, passion, and range of experience combine for a fresh approach that would serve the homeowners, students and community well. The Lakewood City Schools fully prepared me for my career and for life in general. I can think of no better way to return my gratitude than to help ensure that the traditional exemplary education continues for all of children.
After graduating from Lakewood High School in 1995, I earned a BA from St. Mary's College of Maryland in 1999, where I majored in economics, public policy history, and political science. I subsequently earned an MA from Cleveland State University in 2003, in urban studies with a concentration in economic development. I attribute my collegiate success to the superior preparation in writing and analytical skills gained from our schools.
What a wonderful week this has been for Lakewood.
The older I get, the more I realize in life what a continuum that the concept of "time" really is. With the prestigious Ohio Chautauqua event that transpired in Lakewood this past week, we were transported vicariously into another moment in historical time, and yet, was it REALLY another moment in time, or is time, indeed, timeless?
If you were there on Saturday or Sunday evening, you saw me, for example, playing my late uncle's ancient antique banjo, made in England, many, MANY years ago. I learned somewhere that the factory that built that banjo was destroyed by bombs during WWII, and yet in many ways, the company that created it, (as well as my uncle's passion for playing it) lives on in me, with what I did with that instrument in leading songs for the hundreds of people who were in attendance on those evenings.
Steve Martin 18, of Boy Scout Troop 82 was honored at a special Eagle Scout ceremony Saturday, April 25th at Our Lady of Angels Church.
Throughout the last few months, the students of Calvary Community School have been working with a playwright to create an evening of entertainment and fun. The students have helped to write, choreograph and star in their own production. It is a one of a kind event and the entire community is invited to attend.
Cost: Free
Where: Calvary Community School & United Methodist Church
When: Friday, February 20th at 7pm
Please call 216-221-4324 for more information. www.calvarycommunityschool.com
Keynesian economics is a macroeconomic theory based on the ideas of 20th-century British economist John Maynard Keynes. This theory suggests that adjusting tax rates and government spending are the best ways to stimulate the demand for goods and services in the economy. According to Keynes, you can stimulate the economy by cutting taxes and so, in theory, people will buy more stuff which helps get the economy going and creates jobs. Or, alternatively, government spending can stimulate aggregate demand and so create jobs. (Unlike the current chairperson of the Republican National Committee, Keynes did not recognize a distinction between “work” and “job”).
An interesting question is what stimulates the economy more?—tax cuts or additional government expenditures? This question has recently been addressed by Moody’s Analytics, a part of Moody’s Corporation. Moody’s is probably best known for its investor service which is a credit rating agency. To be a big credit rating agency you have to be designated as a Nationally Recognized Statistical Rating Organization, one of the few organizations recognized by the Security and Exchange Commission to assign ratings for regulatory purposes.
Recently Moody’s published its estimates of how much stimulus you get for a buck. How much does $1 of across-the-board tax cuts stimulate the economy? ($1.03); How much does $1 of spending on infrastructure stimulate the economy? ($1.59) How much does $1 spent on extending unemployment insurance stimulate the economy? ($1.64) How much does $1 spent on making Bush tax cuts permanent? ($0.29) or make Bush dividend and capital gains tax cuts permanent? ($0.37) Temporary increase in food stamps? ($1.73); aid to states? ($1.36) And the favorite of the conservative Heritage Foundation, “accelerated depreciation?” ($0.27).*
So in summary, according to the nationally respected and non-political Moody’s, an increase in food stamps is 68% more stimulative than an across-the-board tax cut and almost 500% more than extending the Bush tax cuts. I like the infrastructure option. While this is only about 450% more stimulative than extending the Bush tax cuts, rather than 500%, you actually get some infrastructure—in the spirit of the inner belt bridge being a good thing. The infrastructure question leads us to consider: Should we just consider short-term stimulus or should we think more long-term? Perhaps Keynesian economics is different from Viagra: is longer than 4 hours actually a good thing? Some suggest (again not Keynes) that $1 spent on tax cuts is not actually spending as tax cuts imply we are “keeping our own money.” But seldom in the same breath do we hear “it’s our own road, school, military, or financial system.” Such words might be too socialist—or too patriotic.
*Source: Zandi, Mark, 2009, The Economic Impact of the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act http://www.Economy.Com/Mark-Zandi/Documents/Economic_Stimulus_House_Plan_012109.Pdf, (Moody's Economy.com)
John Goodell is an assistant professor of finance at the University of Akron.
He is expressing his views in a personal capacity
The abundance of August is here! Remember that rough, wet spring we had? Neither do we, now that the market is bursting with fresh produce like sweet corn, heirloom tomatoes, zesty peppers, crisp greens, wholesome squash, juicy melons and so much more! One fruit that is really thriving this time of year: PEACHES! Peaches are low in calories and high in fiber, vitamin A and vitamin C. Peaches can be clingstone (the flesh sticks to the stone) or freestone (the stone is easily separated from the flesh). Freestone peaches are great for canning and cooking because they are easily sliced from the stone. Buster Woolf from Woolf Farms and Sally Smith from Smith’s Fruit Farm will be at the market and are on hand to help you pick out the best variety for preparing your peaches. Try this recipe for an easy peach cobbler:
Are you tired of receiving the advertisement inserts in your mail box each week?
I am a professional editor/writer/journalist, with significant team-oriented management experience and familiarity with print and online communications. I have been involved in initiatives related to the parks, and have experience with businesses, including entrepreneurs and retailers. After living in Lakewood for 27 years, I am excited about the direction the City is heading in now, although I know the future holds economic, safety and infrastructure challenges. Through creativity and fostering community involvement, I look forward to helping the City meet those challenges.
Many of us have seen the ‘patters’, the ‘thumpers’ and the melon ‘knockers’ standing in the produce section with puzzled and worried faces. While wondering if they will hear the magical sound of ripeness, as they listen for the echo from the watermelon’s inner deliciousness. What if our hearing is bad? How do you know you’ve got a good one?
When asked to respond to Barack Obama’s assumption of the presidency, members of the predominantly Black congregation of Aldersgate United Methodist Church in Warrensville, Ohio subscribed unanimously to the realization of King’s prophecy.
Rabbits are very different from dogs and cats and do not make good pets for children. Many rabbits, chicks and ducklings bought as ‘impulse gifts’ end up unwanted or mistreated. Some are “set free” after the novelty wears off and end up dying of starvation or are killed by predators. These domesticated animals are not equipped to live in the wild. Thousands end up in shelters every year where most are euthanized. In Alabama, selling or giving away baby rabbits is illegal. The bunny law (Code of Alabama, Title 3, Section 3-1-15) also prohibits the sale of chicks and ducklings.
As we all know, Girl Scout cookie time has come and gone. This year calls for some special recognition. For the last two years, Lakewood Brownie Troop 415 has sent cookies to a U.S. unit fighting in Afghanistan. These third grade girls collected donations and raised money to buy cookies to send to troops defending our country. This year the cookies were sent to the United States Marine Corps and the 2nd Recon Battalion Alpha Company 1st Platoon stationed with Corporal Dana Peters. Every box contained a handmade card with good wishes to the Marine and their unit. The girls wanted to send wishes from home to thank the soldiers and let them know we are thinking of them. Thank you to all who donated. I am sure the kind thoughts and delicious cookies were enjoyed and appreciated overseas!
In a perfect world, people could live harmoniously with one another, the weather would be beautiful day after day, and every community would have a park dedicated to the play and exercise of man’s best friend. Fortunately, the city of Lakewood can boast that it does have such a park, which is used year-round by residents of Lakewood, Rocky River, and many other surrounding communities.
Field Commander Lakewood High School Marching Band - Lakewood High School Graduate Class of 1987 - Senior Master Sergeant Jerald Carlton, U.S. Air Force Retired July 24, 2009
As a lifelong Lakewoodite, homeowner and active community participant, I believe I would bring many positive attributes to an already well-rounded City Council.
What sets me apart from other applicants for this seat is my broad knowledge of the city’s finances. I was part of the bond finance group with outside legal counsel for the three years that the firm was bond counsel for the city. In that time I was able to study the budgets, finances and projections of the city, assist with drafting Bond Resolutions and Annual Information Statements and work with current city councilors and administration. I have an intimate understanding of municipal finance matters, which, in this time of fiscal oversight and general economic unrest, is imperative.
We Are Ohio.
Lakewood author John Tidyman hesitates when asked to describe his new book, “Gimme Rewrite, Sweetheart: Tales from the Last Glory Days of Cleveland Newspapers (Gray & Co., Publishers, 254 pp., $24.95).”
“The book is many things,” he said. “Maybe first it’s an informal, oral history of Cleveland newspapering in the ‘50s, ‘60s, and ‘70s. It’s both eulogy and celebration. Also, Gimme Rewrite is a collection of first-person stories from the people who reported, photographed, and edited at the Cleveland Press and the Plain Dealer.”
And what stories these men and women tell!
A chimpanzee answering the City Desk phone at the Press and then typing. A Plain Dealer chief police reporter promising to beat the tar out of a Cleveland police detective who had threatened one of his reporters. Big Jaw Jackson and Johnny Pot, two fictional characters brought to life by a bored but creative Plain Dealer police reporter. A Press columnist fired for drinking whose next job was selling toilet seat covers in the basement of May’s Department Store. A Plain Dealer sportswriter landing the first punch on Sudden Sam McDowell’s jaw.
Specializing in hair, skin waxing and natural nails since 2005. Dramatics Hair Salon is the oldest and most trusted privately owned salon in Downtown Lakewood. Our location has been a salon for over 40 years. Only changing owners three times. In our busy life styles, it's nice to go somewhere that remind us that taking time for ourselves is a necessity not a privilege. Looking good makes you feel good and it doesn't have to cost an arm and a leg.
On Friday evening, July 31, Lakewood Hospital will host its fourth annual Starry Night, a patron benefit presented by Signature Sponsor, Regency Construction Services, Inc. The event will be held under the starlit tents on Belle Avenue from 7 to 11 p.m. A VIP Reception will be held from 6 to 7 p.m. for those purchasing tickets at sponsorship levels and will include participative activities. Proceeds from Starry Night will benefit two worthwhile causes – Lakewood Hospital Diabetes and Endocrine Center and the Lakewood Arts Festival Scholarship Fund. Each year, Starry Night shines a little brighter with this year’s event featuring music from The Bottom Line Band with dancing under the stars, gourmet cuisine, and live and silent auctions of local artists’ interpretations of the theme, Summer Nights…Under the Stars. New this year will feature a wine cork raffle for the opportunity to win a delicious and unique bottle of wine or other fabulous packages. News Anchor and Senior Health Correspondent Monica Robins of WKYC-TV3 will emcee the event. “Once again, I am looking forward to Starry Night,” said Jack Gustin, President of Lakewood Hospital. “Having an opportunity to spend a summer evening with friends and colleagues, all while raising money for two important causes, makes Starry Night the premier event to attend this summer,” continued Gustin.
When a child runs away or is taken away, the impact spreads beyond the immediate family. People outside the family think of the mother and father first. These strangers have a word of sympathy for the parents and for a brief fleeting moment thoughts such as, “I wonder how I would feel.” They may even go home and hug their child or children for no apparent reason. The forgotten ones are the missing child’s siblings, grandparents, aunt, uncles and even cousins. The child’s disappearance has a wide-reaching effect, not only on the family, but extending to the community as well.
Join Puma Yoga as it celebrates its one-year anniversary on Saturday, August 8: all classes will be FREE that day to say thank-you to those who already practice at the studio and to encourage those who are interested in checking the studio out to stop by for a class or two! During the celebration, enjoy complimentary healthy snacks, enter drawings to win prizes, and much more!
Thank you for your wonderful column Erika!
I want to relate my biking story. In December of 2009 two events changed the course of my life. The first was a visit to my doctor. I had just turned 40, was out of shape, overweight and feeling lousy. He told me to change my diet and get some exercise (in particular he said 30 minutes of elevated heart rate). I said that's great but I don't have the time to exercise due to a busy work and home life. A few days later my old pickup truck broke down and it wasn't worth the repairs it needed. I gave it to Click n' Clack, the Tappet brothers.
Thinking about your dream home? You may want to check out this event.
On Saturday April 16, between 1 p.m. and 5 p.m., LakewoodAlive joins with the real estate community to showcase homes for sale in Lakewood. Only seven miles west of downtown Cleveland, Lakewood is an affordable suburb with great schools. In 2010, Lakewood was named by Business Week magazine as “Ohio’s Best Place to Raise Your Kids.” This recognition was based largely on Lakewood’s affordability and numerous community assets, including the “Excellent” rated school district, the expansive city park system and easy access to regional attractions. Additionally, in 2008, This Old House magazine named Lakewood as one of the “Best Places in the Midwest to Buy an Old House.” Over 50,000 people have found their ‘dream’ on one of Lakewood’s tree-lined streets.
The school buildings of Lakewood reflect the changing population of our community over more than 175 years. The demands of the changing demographics of the community led to a building boom in the 1910s and 1920s and to the current restructuring. Throughout Lakewood’s history, the community has always had the best interests of its students in mind when making construction decisions.
Nine years ago a beautiful white persian cat wandered up to our doorstep. She was most likely dumped by her owners who couldn’t keep her so we took her in. Last Thanksgiving we took in two 8 week old Turkish Angora kittens (The Turkish Angora is an ancient breed of cat originating from Turkey. It is thought to be the ancestor of all long-haired cats). We found them crying outside the apartment building next door, we thought they had been dumped and nobody claimed them. We tried to find a home for them but failed so we ended up keeping them.
My new life in America began in 1997. Walking all over Lakewood with my sister and her son became our only entertainment. We came from Tirana, the capital city of Albania, where nearly all the people walked or rode bicycles. The streets were always crowded and everyone was well dressed even for a trip to the grocery store. However, my walks in Lakewood, Ohio became a cultural shock experience.
This summer my family finally gave up on McDonald’s. It shouldn’t have taken this long—we saw Supersize Me when it first came out (seven years ago). We read Fast Food Nation and discussed its horrors with our friends. We’ve known all along that when it came to nutrition, McDonald’s was at the bottom of the barrel. But we thought an occasional foray to the Golden Arches was forgivable. Everything in moderation, right? And we never went without a good excuse. “I was dying for ice cream, but I only had a dollar in my purse.” Or, “A promise of fries on the way home was the only way I could get the kids to go to the store without a tantrum.” It was just a drive thru. A blip in our day. We threw the bag away and forgot we’d ever been.
Money has been a big topic of interest in our home the last couple months. It's just starting to "sink in" financially that my paycheck is no longer part of the equation and the sad state of the U.S. economy is not helping matters.
His favorite was the shitake mushroom puffs on a stick and mine was the Mediterranean stick- or maybe it was the fruit, or maybe the caramel-coated apples and bacon on a stick.
Saturday, February 26, will be a Yogathon to help raise money to send local girl, Alexia Dudeck, to Australia as a student Ambassador as part of the People to People program created by Dwight D. Eisenhower back in 1957.
Lakewood Senor Health Campus’ Assisted Living Building, 1382 Bunts Rd, 4th floor, will be hosting the event, giving room for yoga instrutctors Aryn Youngless (Acenda Yoga/ Rock 'n Roll Yoga), Sarah Perkins (Fire Lotus Yoga), Tina Gonzales (Yoga Bhaga) and Marcia Hudgel (Yoga 101, Open Yoga) to spend 2 hours teaching you invigorating and blissful yoga! Registration begins at 12 pm and the event runs untill 5 pm. The events will include ½ hour of Hatha Yoga followed by, Vinyasa, Power, Slow/Flow Relaxation and finished up with 15 minutes of mindful meditation.
During the yoga event there will be a silent auction and raffle allowing you a chance to win something from Lakewood’s own Local Girl Gallery (16106 Detroit Ave), Dewey’s Pizza (18516 Detroit Ave), Breadsmith (18101 Detroit Ave) and local artist Sophie Nemethy (www.sophienemethy.com) to name just a few.
