It's that time of year when many of us are beginning to fertilize our lawns and gardens. What many of us don't think about is how that practice is tied to a yearly water quality issue in Lake Erie. The problem can be seen just a mile off the shores of Bay Village in satellite images.
The first time my morning walk took me down Summit Avenue, I found myself gazing up, up upward at the most magnificent white oak tree I had ever seen. My pace slowed as my heart filled with a sense of wonder and awe. I paused to take in its massive girth and widespread and welcoming branches and then felt a wash of serenity pass over me. I might have said a prayer; instead, I made a wish to the sky and whispered a promise to this glorious monument.
“The oaks and the pines, and their brethren of the wood, have seen so many suns rise and set, so many seasons come and go, and so many generations pass into silence, that we may well wonder what ‘the story of the trees’ would be to us if they had tongues to tell it, or we ears fine enough to understand” – Author Unknown
As I walked the sidewalk so graciously curving around the base, I noted a small plaque stating “This is a Moses Cleaveland Tree. It was standing here as part of the original forest when Moses Cleaveland landed at the Mouth of the Cuyahoga River, July 22, 1796. Let us preserve it as a living memorial to the first settlers of the Western Reserve.”
This was one of 150 native trees over the age of 150 years old selected in 1946 by the Cleveland Museum of Natural History as representative of those standing as noted above. Several hundred trees were nominated around the county and Lakewood is proud to have this noble giant.
Drive or walk down Summit Avenue and make your wish.
Try this when you need some warming comfort food. It's a big pot full but you'll want more than one bowl!
1 med yellow onion, diced
2 med carrots, diced
2 stalks celery, diced
1 parsnip, diced
2 Tbs. italian parsley, minced
2 Tbs. vegetable oil, or butter
The annual Lakewood Old House Fair will be next Saturday, April 27th from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Harding Middle School, located at Madison Ave. and Hilliard Rd.
It is Lakewood’s very own customized home-improvement show. Though hardly showy, this little nonprofit event focuses on the unique needs and care of Lakewood’s older architecture and living spaces. With free admission and a couple hours of your Saturday you will get so much from this one-stop shop.
You get to talk with the actual plumbers, painters, roofers, etc. You can get some free do-it-yourself advice or meet the people behind the business before inviting them to your home for a free estimate. Many of the exhibitors will be holding booth raffle giveaways to help boost your home projects. Exhibitors like the Friends of Lakewood Library Book Sale and Lakewood Garden Center will be selling items for your home and garden needs.
The buzzword for some time now has been "carbon footprint". Companies are measuring it in terms of energy usage, hours of commute, and even flying time. Given that carbon dioxide may be the most ubiquitous element, we are also talking about measuring and capturing ammonia, sulfur dioxide, and methane. However, with all this talk about chemicals, there has been relatively little about water footprints. Have you ever stopped to think about how much water you use everyday?
Think.
Shower. Toilet. Brushing your teeth. Laundry. Dishes. Those are just the basics.
What about washing your car? Washing the dog? Watering your garden?
Historically, water conservation efforts have been uphill battles due to the artificially low price of water. However, with a surging population, global warming, and ever larger quantities of waste, many believe we are approaching “peak water“. We have a finite supply of usable fresh water: Of the earth’s water, only 3% is fresh water and only 1% is drinkable.
Water is most certainly different than oil in the respect that we cannot live without it. Sure, oil has alternatives, yet there is no alternative for water. So, we must implement conservation efforts in every aspect of daily life and business. Many businesses recognize that water is a commodity and are implementing drastic conservation efforts to reduce need and, in turn, costs. As individuals, we can reduce water usage by 50% by doing simple things like installing low-flow faucets and dual flush toilets, repairing leaks, and installing/replacing aerators on sinks.
For more information on calculating your water footprint, check out the One Minute Water Calculator at http://goblue.zerofootprint.net.
If you missed the opportunity to receive cash for your gas-guzzler, this fall you may receive government money for going green with new appliances. The government has set aside about $300 million for states to use to give out rebates of $50 to $200 to buyers of energy-efficient household appliances carrying the federal “Energy Star” seal of approval for efficiency. The allocation to states is based on population, working out roughly to $1 a person per state. Ohio’s allotment would be about $11 million. Steve Schoeny, director of strategic initiatives at the state Department of Development, said that it hasn’t been decided how the rebate money will flow back to consumers. The state’s priorities are helping consumers purchase more energy efficient appliances and give the state’s economy a boost. He noted that appliance maker Whirlpool employs about 10,000 in Ohio.
Lakewood’s 2nd City-Wide Street Sale is fast approaching (it will be held from June 23rd to the 25th) and this is a fantastic opportunity to clear the clutter from our beautiful Lakewood homes by making the decision to participate. It could not be easier and there is no cost to sign up, but you must do so by June 1st. Call (216) 521-0655 to register and your address will be added to the list of participating garage sales which will be available on-line. Choose the days and times your sale is open and post red, white, and blue balloons--that’s it! Last year, over 700 people checked the website on the first day of the sale and printed the list to plot their shopping.
The Law Bag
It was a little over a year ago, that I spent some time with Hilary Schickler, the director of LakewoodAlive's Housing outreach program. At that time, I watched her work with a couple of people that had come forward mostly as a last resort to save their homes. We visted some truly miserable pieces of property, spending time with people who were lost in the world of home ownership. This was followed by sitting in the back of Judge Pat Carroll's courtroom watching home owner after homeowner go in front of Judge Carroll, with excuses a plenty, nearly always followed by the same piece of advice from the Judge, "Sir, I do not want to fine you, it accomplishes nothing. Instead of me fining you $700 would it not make more sense to put that same $700 into your house?" While it sounded plain and simple when sitting in the back of the courtroom, you really have to put yourself in the shoes of those standing in front of the Judge to understand the confusion. In their world, everything is falling apart, possibly from layoffs, deaths in the family, divorces, simply not knowing what to do or who to talk to, and of course there is always just being embarrassed over letting it go and now needing help.
Springtime is finally here and a homeowner’s thoughts turn towards…. The Lakewood Old House Fair!
If you haven’t made it to one in the past, please do yourself a favor and join us. It’s a great source of information to help maintain and improve your Lakewood home from Lakewood businesses and experts. And if you’re so inclined, I’ll be glad to share advice and tips on maintaining your trees. You live in Lakewood, so most likely you have a tree or 2 occupying a significant place around your home. Here’s an opportunity to learn more about them.
We are quickly approaching the last frost date and it is time to plan your containers and flower beds for another season of color and enjoyment. Have you been planting the same annuals for the last ten years? Did you lose a tree in one of our storms in the past year, and the new sunlight just won’t allow the old standbys? Are you trying to give your house that extra curb appeal to get it sold quickly? If so, a greater knowledge of annuals can allow for a summer of compliments.
Why is it when you entertain, everyone wants to be in the kitchen with the hostess? Why not? She’s a fantastic cook, it smells so good, it is a cozy atmosphere, and the newly remodeled kitchen is a most enjoyable place to be.
We use two terms when applied to reducing the size of a plant, trimming and pruning. Although they accomplish the same task, they have different tools and applications.
Fragrances make a scent-sational wardrobe accessory. Fragrances can be elegant, casual or nurturing, whether it’s your outfit or your mood you are accessorizing.
Is your old gas-powered lawnmower wheezing and sputtering in its final death throes? If so, consider switching to a quiet and clean electric mower. From basic push models with cords to self-propelled cordless models, there are mowers to fit any budget, from well-known manufacturers like Black and Decker, Toro, Craftsman, Homelite, Earthwise, Neuton, and Worx.
Why mess around with smelly, toxic, possibly carcinogenic gasoline when you can just plug in your mower? Today's rechargeable 36-volt models have enough power to mow one-third of an acre--more than adequate for most homeowners here in Lakewood.
Most families only remodel one or two kitchens in a lifetime, so plan correctly to make it an enjoyable experience. Finding the right products and services for your dream kitchen can be a bit overwhelming. Begin by listing your needs and wants, your likes and dislikes. To make good decisions, you must evaluate your choices.
The next step is to establish a project budget. According to Remodeling Magazine, national averages for a complete kitchen with mid-range selections run from $21,246 for a minor remodel to $56,611 for a major remodel. A general rule of thumb is that the total cost, including cabinets, countertops, wall splash, appliances, floor covering, lighting, electrical updates, and all services is approximately 25% of the value of your home after job completion.
Immerse yourself in all things herbal on Saturday, October 8th, 2011 at the Western Reserve Herb Society’s 66th Annual Herb Fair. This one day event held at the Cleveland Botanical Garden (the “Garden”), 11030 East Blvd., Cleveland, Ohio from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. features unique and exquisitely handcrafted culinary and decorative herbal products. Parking at the Garden will be free with a $20 Herb Fair purchase.
Identify Reason For Failure
Many homeowners are faced with the common problem of paint failure on their older home. Help with painting issues is one of the services most requested of the Cleveland Restoration Society’s technical staff. Paint can fail for a variety of reasons and sometimes seems to fail without any reason at all! The first step in addressing a paint problem is to pinpoint the underlying reason for the failure. Here are some types of failures, their typical causes, and solutions:
Cracking & flaking - Older, brittle paint with many layers. Solution: Removal of the failing paint down to bare wood or a sound surface.
Alligatoring - Age; It is a sign of old thick paint that has lost its flexibility. Solution: Same as above.
Blistering or Wrinkling - Painting in inadequate conditions such as intense sun or moisture. Solution: Remove the failing paint & avoid inadequate conditions.
Peeling - Excessive moisture or applying paint to wood that has not been primed. Solution: Same as above
Perhaps you’ve noticed that some of the lawns of Lakewood homes are quietly disappearing. In their place are an interesting mixture of groundcovers, prairie flowers, trees, shrubs, and evergreens. I admire these passionate gardeners with enough guts to go grassless and was excited to meet one Lakewood family who has permanently put their lawnmower to rest.
Upon entering Sean and Hope McGuan’s landscape, the first thing I realized, besides the obvious fact that there was not a blade of grass in sight, was the sense of tranquility and comfort amid the flora and fauna.
Although the yard includes a compost bin, rain barrel and other sustainable features, the benefit of having less lawn and an anchor of native plants is the focus of this visit.
When questioned about why he chose to eliminate his lawn about seven years ago, Sean McGuan points out the environmental benefits, such as requiring much less water and fertilizer, being very low maintenance, and being attractive to wildlife. While Sean is not a native plant purist, he pointed out that he has not included any invasive species.
Sean possesses a wealth of knowledge about prairie plants and plant history and folklore, much of it gained at Holden Arboretum's library while he was a teacher-in-residence there. His passion while showing me his favorite plants and touting their many virtues made it clear that this is a true labor of love.
Running Serviceberry, which I learned has edible berries that taste much like blueberries, is used as a foundation plant. A Sugar Maple tree and an asymmetrically shaped Jack Pine were planted in the front yard and help block the view of Lakewood Hospital across the street. Bar Harbor Juniper, Virginia Sweetspire, Wild Senna, Native Rhododendrons, Blue Star, and native grasses including Little Blue Stem, are just a few of the plants garnering his enthusiasm.
An enormous ancient oak tree sits on the back property line and is attractive to an array of wildlife. An inviting hammock is stationed under its shade, surrounded by naturalized plantings. Wildlife, including an owl, hawks, Goldfinches, winter Wrens, and Chickadees, have discovered this little paradise. Meanwhile, Sean is hoping to attract Cedar Waxwings with Eastern Redcedar, a type of Juniper.
The southern side of the house has become Hope McGuan’s vegetable garden. It includes big Brussels sprouts and huge, healthy, heavy-bearing Roma tomatoes that Hope uses to make spaghetti sauce, which she freezes.
Like many gardeners, Sean’s plans for his garden are always evolving. In the future, he envisions a rooftop garden of succulents on top of his garage.
Sean ended our tour by saying that he would like to see more people moving their landscape border more than five feet from their home’s foundation and choosing beneficial plants.
I left with a gift of homemade spaghetti sauce and a "Must Have" list of native plants, wishing I had more time to discuss the merits of each and every plant in this ecologically aware landscape.
And you did it! With that thought in mind before we can have a well-organized life, we need to back up this equation to find out how we get so cluttered. Because some of our quaint, charming homes can be tight on closet space, we need a different strategy. Let’s take a step back and not think of where to put new items, but work hard on clearing out old, broken, and outdated things that we no longer use or need. Once you start this new philosophy, you’ll reap the benefits immediately. Guaranteed.
Today there is a substantial amount of information on how to de-clutter. It’s the new buzz word. We have become a society who likes to buy, buy, buy. Did you catch the Sunday newspaper ads? What about all the commercials that are having the best sale ever? We can never have enough stuff. Besides it’s fun to buy and get a really great deal. But what happens when you keep bringing in new things but somehow nothing is going out? Instead of having one of something, we have multiples. The word - P U R G E - should become your BFF as well as your TRASH DAY. I encourage you to write them both down on a piece of paper and hang them around your house in several locations. This is the start of changing your behavior slowly, but surely.
The 5th annual Lakewood Old House Fair will be Saturday, April 27th, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Harding Middle School as usual. It serves as a home-improvement informational one-stop shop of about fifty-five businesses and services. Exhibitors must pledge to support and educate residents on goods and services that respect the integrity and maintain the quality of Lakewood's older housing. Most of the exhibitors are Lakewood businesses and/or Lakewood residents themselves. Therefore, they not only have professional experience with older homes but share an interest in maintaining the quality of our neighborhoods.
This event is steered by a small team of Lakewood resident volunteers. However, it could not be brought to the community free of charge without the resources of private and nonprofit devoted partners: Lakewood City Schools Community Recreation and Education Department, The Lakewood Observer, and Lakewood Hardware. Stay tuned to future Lakewood Observer newspapers and online for more details.
Are you a home-improvement or home-related business or service? For more exhibitor information visit Lakewood Hardware at 16608 Madison Ave., Lakewood, Ohio; www.lakewoodhardware.com; or by phone at 216-226-8822.
For those of you with oak trees on your property, be on the lookout for Oak Wilt, a pathogen (fungus) that attacks oak trees. It looks to be on the move here in Northeast Ohio. I diagnosed and treated a number of oaks last year. Oak Wilt is caused by Ceratocystis fagacearum, a fungus lethal to Oaks (Quercus sp.). The disease is most serious to members of the Red Oak family, including red oak, scarlet oak, black oak, and pin oak. Members of the White Oak family, including white oak, swamp white oak, and burr oak, are generally not as susceptible, they just die slower. Identifying the difference between the two families is fairly simple. Leaves with pointed 'lobes' are from the Red Oak Family, rounded lobes are from the White Oak family.
Researchers tend to believe that once oaks become infected with the Oak Wilt fungus, there is little that can be done to save the infected trees. Hence, efforts should be directed toward saving non-infected trees.
The 4th annual Lakewood Old House Fair will be this Saturday, May 5, from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Harding Middle School. Whether you rent or own, large or small, this show is designed for Lakewood residents to be a one-stop shop to help care for and enjoy your living spaces. This local event is put on by Lakewood residents, businesses, and nonprofits with a mission to positively and proactively serve the needs of Lakewood’s older housing. There will be fifty local businesses and nonprofit exhibitors who are experienced and knowledgeable in their trades. Because many of the exhibitors are Lakewood residents themselves they have a deep respect for the unique needs and quality of older homes.
Economic conditions have caused many homeowners to tackle maintenance and repair jobs on their own when they might once have called in a professional. But, however strong your home improvement skills, there are still times you might need a quality contractor to perform work that is beyond your expertise. How do you go about hiring the right contractor for the job? Here are some simple tips that will help you find the right professional—or even a capable semi-pro!
Ask a Friend
Hiring a relative, friend or neighbor might prove to be a win-win situation: You will receive the satisfaction of providing someone with temporary work, and they might feel happy to help. Moreover, this will likely prove less expensive than hiring a contractor for the job.
Be forewarned, however, that while this might sound like a fantastic idea, hiring a friend could cost you much more than you expect, both in time and money. Your personal connection might just put you at the bottom of the to-do list—you’d never fire a friend, right? For the same reason, the job might take much longer and cost more than expected. Also consider that if things go sour with a hired contractor, you never have to see him again. A friend or family member’s shoddy work—and the aftermath—could make for awkward get-togethers and unpleasant holidays. The question you have to ask yourself is: “If this does not go well, how might it affect our relationship?”
"The ordinary arts we practice every day at home are of more importance to the soul than their simplicity might suggest." ~ Thomas Moore
Although I often dread thankless daily household tasks like laundry and dishes, completing such chores is uniquely grounding.
Clutter has the power to level me, leaving me emotionally and physically drained. On the flip side, tackling huge cleaning efforts (like my growing mound of outgrown and unneeded "baby" stuff) gives me the motivation to start other organizational projects that offer a sense of accomplishment.
And cleaning isn't the only "chore" with meditative qualities. Baking, scrapbooking, knitting, canning and sewing also have unique power to calm the spirit.
If someone had given you $100,000.00 on your 18th birthday, no strings attached, what would you have done with the money? Would you have spent part of it on your college education, then saved the remaining money for a down payment on a house? More likely you would have thought “I’m rich!” Then you would have spent the money on essentials like a new fully loaded car, a vacation, new clothes, electronics, lifetime backstage passes to Dave Matthews concerts, etc., before realizing that $100,000.00 doesn’t get you quite as much as you thought.
In my continuing series on estate planning, I want to address one of the greatest misconceptions that people have: trusts are only for the very wealthy. Not only can a properly executed and funded trust make the administration of your estate easier when you pass away, but it can ensure that your children are provided for until they are truly adults.
Dear Editor,
Stroll down Lake Avenue at 12037 Lake Ave. Lakewood, Ohio and do notice the bright and vibrant organic vegetable garden crowned with beautiful flowers. It is a treasure to behold on a warm summer day.
Sit in one of our lawn chairs with a tall refreshing ice-cold lemonade...and...here you are for all purposes in the country!
Vicki Aaron and Linda O'Malley and others, have started this garden to foster community and to demonstrate how easy it is to bring beauty anywhere you live.
Our council woman Mary Louise Madigan drove by (on her bike) and was wonderfully surprised and delighted by what she did see.
Rows and rows of lush tomato plants, squash, peppers, onions, herbs, lettuce and would you believe catnip!
All this made possible by the generosity of "Mr. Tire" who allowed us to use their land to plant. All this growing under beautiful oak trees...coming soon will be a pumpkin patch.
Is anything impossible to God who can make green trees with black trunks, cast blue shadows on white snow... followed by summer gardens... and pumpkin patches.
Marcia Creagan Coleman
Lakewood, Ohio
Having been born and raised in Lakewood, I have always appreciated the City of Trees! However, now that many of those beautiful oaks, maples, sycamores and yes, a few elms have grown old, we are sadly forced to have them cut down. It seems that almost every day you can hear the sound of the chain saws and chippers on any Lakewood street.
We were faced with that very decision this summer when our 200 year old pin oak was declared a hazard and we made arrangements to have it removed. My husband, Jeff, and the four kids and I were saddened to be losing an old friend who sheltered our front porch, was leaned upon by many a child counted to ten during a game of hide-and-seek and was often bruised by a soup can during a riotous game of kick-the-can.
How to best save those memories? Having attended a chain saw carving festival in Pennsylvania a few years ago, I made it my mission to find a carver who would come to Lakewood and make the tree stump into something permanent. After searching the net, Pat and Jack from Sugar Ridge Carving in Kidron, Ohio, arrived to carve the stump into a tree with a wind-spirit face. We are happy to say that it is now complete and is a source of interest for all who pass by. But more than that, it allows us to still enjoy our oak. Maybe this is our small way of "going green," saving part of our natural heritage of old trees.
For anyone interested in seeing the carving, just drive by on Fischer Rd. Don't honk or even say anything...just enjoy!
House Tour
Tickets are on sale now for only $15 each for the rare opportunity to tour seven of Lakewood’s most beautiful historically or architecturally significant homes. This year’s tour will include: an award-winning stucco Arts & Crafts with a formal French garden; a stately brick center hall colonial; a classic Greek Revival; a vernacular Victorian with Arts & Crafts elements; a southern-inspired cottage situated in a lush garden paradise; a sophisticated lakefront with spectacular views; and Lakewood’s oldest home, the Nicholson House, which is operated by the Lakewood Historical Society.
The “Come Home To Lakewood” House Tour will be Sunday, September 12, 2010 from 1 to 6 p.m. In its 10th year, this biennial house tour is always highly anticipated by not only Lakewood residents, but from home and garden admirers from all over Northeast Ohio. Purchase your tickets soon as the tour typically sells out. Tickets can be purchased from the following:
Are you gearing up for that big home improvement project or continuing the never ending process on your Lakewood home? Have you been putting off that repair because you’re not sure whom to call or you need advice on how to do it yourself? Maybe you’d love to get some ideas for that outdated kitchen or bathroom. Wouldn’t it be nice if all of Lakewood’s resources that help with planning or servicing home-related projects could be gathered at one easy event?
Lakewood Historical Society Wreath Sale --- Celebrate the holiday season by displaying a beautiful, handcrafted 30" mixed greenery wreath adorned by artificial snow-covered eucalyptus and red berries. The wreath and red ribbon with gold trim were crafted in the USA. Proceeds benefit the programs and projects of the Lakewood Historical Society and support the operation of the Oldest Stone House Museum and The Nicholson House.
Place your order NOW online at www.lakewoodmuseumstore.com or call 216-780-2222 (please enter area code). Price per wreath is $35 ($17.50 tax deduction per wreath). Fresh wreaths will be ready for pick up Wednesday, November 28, from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Thursday, November 29, from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Lakewood Historical Society has been serving our community since 1952 when a few determined residents recognized that Lakewood needed an organization for the purpose of collecting, preserving and interpreting the history of Lakewood, Ohio. Now about 500 members strong, among the Society’s accomplishments are: maintaining the Oldest Stone House Museum and Nicholson House; a photographic collection of over 14,000 images; award winning school programs; special events and public programs; and historical research.
Late afternoon sun washes across the deep salmon-colored bricks and green shutters of the Georgian colonial in a watercolor painting that hangs above Gary Richard’s fireplace. The home depicted in the painting is the very house in which it hangs—the 97-year old home on Lake Ave. near 116th St. that Richards has lovingly restored over the last decade.
The way we decorate our dwelling has changed over the years. We used to think of our homes as our worth and although that value may still hold true for some, style, function and personal identity play an important role as well. I think we’d all agree that Lakewood is like no other place in the Cleveland area. Same goes for the people here. It’s the perfect place to express your personal identity.
Neubert Painting is a residential painting contractor located in Lakewood. We’ve been in business since 1975 and part of our mission as a company is to give back to our community. That’s why we started our Charity Paint Giveaway in the summer of 2008. Each year we ask the community to nominate a worthy homeowner or charitable organization that is in need of a paint job, but truly cannot afford it.
Many Northeast Ohio homes that were built in the 60s, 70s and 80s were finished with aluminum siding. Homeowners were led to believe that the exteriors of their homes would be “maintenance free.” If you own a home that was built in that era, or if you own a home that was resided during that time, you have no doubt realized that this is not the case. Because of exposure to the sun, most aluminum siding begins to become “chalky” and fades after about 15 years. Once this happens, the original baked-on enamel coating washes off with heavy rain.
Spring is upon us and summer will soon be here. As you awake from your winter slumber and find yourself outdoors, it may be a good time to inspect the exterior of your house and garage. You might find that winter has not been kind to your home’s exterior. A careful survey of your home might tell you it’s time to paint. What should you look for?
For 24 years, the Keep Lakewood Beautiful organization has been recruiting volunteers to aid the City of Lakewood with maintaining green spaces within our community. We have grown the program from seven Adopt a Spots in 1986 to the current 59. We are looking for a few interested new gardeners.
Have you had work done to your home?
The “Come Home to Lakewood” tour will be Sunday, September 9, from 1 to 6 pm. In its 11th year, this event is highly anticipated by not only Lakewood residents but home and garden admirers from all over Northeast Ohio. The house tour weekend festivities are the Lakewood Historical Society’s largest fundraiser and are only held every other year. Tickets are only $20 and offer the rare opportunity to view eight of Lakewood’s most beautiful historically or architecturally significant structures. This year’s tour includes:
It’s that time of year when we all start thinking about our gardens, planting schedules, and spring clean-up. Well…almost all of us. For me, it is the time of year to start thinking about bringing the outdoors in and adding it to the décor.
Keep Lakewood Beautiful (KLB), Lakewood's volunteer board that initiates, plans and coordinates programs for litter prevention, solid waste reduction, recycling and green space beautification, has extended its deadline for nominations for the Beautiful Home Awards to September 1, 2012. First Federal of Lakewood has agreed to sponsor the awards breakfast again this year and KLB is in talks with a few Lakewood businesses to donate more prizes.
We feel that the Beautiful Home Awards already provide a nice incentive for home owners and residents to nominate beautiful homes, but the new prizes will surely take the competition up a notch!