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Council President Brian Powers called the May 6, 2013 meeting of Council to order at 7:31 P.M. Visiting the meeting were five members of the St. Edward’s wrestling team who went to the state finals this year. They began the meeting by leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Following the Pledge, the first order of business was a communication from Councilman Shawn Juris (Ward III) regarding the St. Edward’s wrestling team. He asked Council to take the time to recognize and congratulate St. Ed's on their successful season as they are coming away from another Ohio State Championship. Councilman Juris highlighted the students’ individual hard work and dedication as well as their ability to work as a team under the guidance of Coach Urbas.

The WSC Champion Lakewood Tennis Team. They have now won 3 of their past 4 league titles.

The Lakewood Tennis team finished off their finest year in the past half a century by beating Rocky River 3-2 and claiming the West Shore Conference Title outright in their first year in the league. Seniors Chris Brinich and Dan Mezin won in straight sets at second the third singles, respectively. The second doubles team of senior Matt Carlson and junior Colin Levis dominated from start to finish in their straight set win. The Rangers finished unbeaten in the WSC and completed their regular season with a 13-4 record.

It’s time for an evening filled with DJ entertainment, open bar drinks, appetizers and fantastic raffle baskets, all while helping our furry friends! The Citizens Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter (CCLAS) is sponsoring its ninth annual ‘Hair of the Dog’ Happy Hour and Silent Auction on Thursday, May 23.

As always, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the animals in the community of Lakewood and allow us to continue our low-cost spay and neuter program. 

Here are the detail you need to know to be a part of this awesome event!

• When: Thursday, May 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
• Where: Around the Corner, 18616 Detroit Ave, Lakewood
• Admission: $25 per person (includes open bar and appetizers)

The City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA are excited to once again host the popular Meet the Trucks event on Saturday, June 1st from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will be held at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue, and is free and open to the public.  

Several of the trucks and vehicles in the City's fleet will be on hand to explore. They include an aerial truck, dump truck, refuse truck, fire truck, police car, police motorcycle, SWAT vehicles and more. In addition to the trucks, there are many other fun activities to explore! There will be bounce houses, a DJ, raffles, crafts and balloon twisters. Jungle Bob will be presenting two free shows and food will be available. While supplies last, there will be free popcorn and bagels. There will also be drinks, hamburgers, snow cones and more available to purchase.

May 15

Lakewood Historical Society: The Battle of Lake Erie: Birth of a Nation and a City

John D. Cimperman, President of the Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve, commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie, a key turning-point in American history that took place just 60 miles from here. After the United States won its independence, it found itself in a dangerous world without the protection of the Royal Navy. Between 1783 and the conclusion of the War of 1812, American shipping became prey to privateers around the world and close to home. Cimperman recounts our nation’s struggle for survival up until the lasting peace that was struck up between the United States, Canada and England in 1815.

Lakewood Lego® League
For youth in kindergarten through fifth grade (caregivers welcome)

Use LPL’s collection of Lego®Bricks and your own imagination to create fabulous new structures and designs each month. No registration, but numbered tickets will be given out first-come, first-served. One ticket per child. For more information, stop in or call (216) 226-8275, ext. 140.

Sunday, May 19, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the Main Library Activity Room.

Rabbi Enid C. Lader of Beth Israel - West Temple

The traditions of Judaism have deep roots in our national culture. The Lakewood Public Library will be hosting a three-part class for people of all faiths to explore the spirituality, ethics and community through the lens of Judaism for like-minded knowledge-seekers called “Taste of Judaism.” This journey of Jewish learning is sponsored by the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland and the Cleveland Board of Rabbis. Leading “Taste of Judaism” will be Rabbi Enid C. Lader. With her guidance, these classes will serve as an introduction to the Jewish faith and to new friends.

Rabbi Enid and her husband, Harry, have been Lakewoodites for the past thirty years with both their daughters graduating from the Lakewood School system. After studying music therapy and education, Rabbi Enid went for a graduate degree in Judaic Studies. Originally serving as the Director of Congregational Education for Beth Israel- the West Temple for twenty years, she then became Spiritual Leader for Knesseth Israel Temple in Wooster. It was during this time that she started her rabbinic studies. In 2010, Rabbi Enid was ordained from the Academy for Jewish Religion and finished her time in Wooster in 2012. When the rabbi at Beth Israel- The West Temple was retiring, she was asked to assume the rabbinic position there, and started there in August of 2012.

Juggling pins were tossed and caught with great precision by the performers from the St. Ignatius Circus Company.

Jugglers from the St. Ignatius Circus Company recently treated an enthusiastic audience at the Lakewood Public Library to a fun-filled program. The entertainers, students at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, delighted the crowd with a professional juggling show and some magic tricks. There seemed to be a special “connection” between the performers and the boys and girls in the audience because the children could see that the jugglers are not that much older than they are. Following the performance children were invited to come up and “meet the props” and enjoy a quick “learn to juggle” event with tennis balls.

Francesca V. Mignosa: Ambassador of Sicily in the World.

If it rhymed it would be a sonnet, if it had a tune it would be a romantic ballad, and although it’s considered a travel guide, "My Sicily: Life in the Cusp of the Mediterranean Sea" remains a love story. That big beautiful island with a thousand scents and colors is the sole object of author Francesca V. Mignosa’s affection in her new book. And good news, this is no tragic romance; Sicily loves her too. To prove it, Mignosa has been named Ambassador of Sicily in the World and has won the Italian Literary Award “Sicilia Mondo 2013.”

Now that the award-winning author is closer to our moody Lake Erie shores than the sun-drenched Mediterranean, Lakewood Public Library is happy to announce she will be the guest speaker at our Meet the Author Series on Friday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium. We hope you can join us for this enjoyable discussion with Francesca V. Mignosa. Copies of her book will be available for sale and signing at the event.

Front Row: L to R: Sam Thomas, Helen Roche, Molly Burke, Emma Murray, Abby Hirsch, Back Row: L to R: Eden Sutliff, Simon Bockbrader, Leo Horvath, Owen Murray, Delaney McCoy, Marcella Orsini, Not Shown: Ava Garrett, Claudia Irwin, Gabriel Toledo.

The 2013 spring session of Strokes of Genius at the Lakewood Public Library recently came to a close as participating second, third, and fourth graders proudly showcased their talent at an art show for family and friends.

Each week students learned about the life and work of a different artist and then completed an art project in the style of that artist. Artwork created by Paul Cezanne, Georgia O’Keeffe, Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Michelangelo, Georges Seurat, and Andy Warhol provided the inspiration for the students’ creative efforts. Oil pastels, watercolor paints, clay, tempera, and markers were some of the art mediums used. Each participant took home their creative work, a certificate, and a purple ribbon.

Feeling adventurous? Like to discover and uncover? Let’s all dig a little, read a little, and discover a lot!

Something exciting is happening at the library this month. It’s something that returns every summer with a new face and a new name; something that starts small, but grows until by summer’s end thousands of kids are involved. Have you guessed it yet? It’s summer reading club, and this year it’s all about what you may find underground!

Starting on May 20th, children ages birth through fifth grade can sign up to be a part of “Dig Into Reading”. Sixth through twelfth graders have their own reading club, “Beneath the Surface”. Kids will gather stamps and prizes as they go, and a special reward awaits those who complete thirty hours of reading (or thirty books for younger readers) by August 2nd.

Dr. Paul Kuritz.

Lakewood welcomes highly respected author, playwright and professor Dr. Paul Kuritz to its midst. Dr. Kuritz had taught at Bates College located in Lewiston, Maine since 1978. There he taught acting and directing for the stage and screen. He has directed over one hundred plays throughout the United States, and in 1990 was invited to teach and direct at the National Theater School in Bratislava, Slovakia. He has also directed films, “A New Life” (2008) and “Amy’s Wish” (2012). These films were selected to be shown in Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, and the Gideon’s Flame Christian Film Festival, in Manila, Philippines.

His dramatization of the short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman was included in The Best American Short Plays 2001-2002 (Applause, 2006). His most recent work is "The Fiery Serpent: a Christian Theory of Film and Theater." (Pleasant Word, 2007) 

Harnold Ramazani and Lakewood High Physics teacher Jennifer Zaremba.

Harnold Ramazani has the ambition, the drive and the heart to change the world through medicine. And thanks to five generous Lakewood High School alumni, he is one step closer to his goal.

Born in Albania, Harnold immigrated to the United States with his family when he was nine months old. Seeking greater opportunity and a better education for their children, Harnold’s parents won a national lottery for the chance to start a new life in America.

From a young age, Harnold’s parents have encouraged him to become a doctor; to help people, to heal people, and to have job security. A car accident on his 10th birthday changed his perspective on life. Since that point, he has never taken life for granted, and his faith in God grows. Now his desire to be a doctor is even more purposeful; it will give him a chance to help people physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Ranger 360, a collaborative program headed by the Lakewood City School District , Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center (DVCAC), Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) and Lakewood Police Department, is holding its first community forum on Wednesday, May 29 at 7p.m. in the Garfield Middle School Cafetorium.

The goal of Ranger 360 is to design and implement a comprehensive school-based response to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking (SADDVS). Lakewood is one of nine districts in the nation and the only one in Ohio that received federal funding to support a program of this nature and is in position to create a state and even national model as a result.

The Lakewood High School Academic Challenge team will test its factual knowledge against the best in the nation when it travels to Washington, D.C. May 31 - June 2 to compete in the 31st annual National Academic Championship tournament. The team qualified for the national contest as a result of its undefeated regular season victories in its eight-team West Shore league.

"Transversion," the public art piece that graces the front lawn of the Lakewood Public Library on Detroit, no doubt spurs some contemplative thinking by its viewers, as art often does. Calculus, however, is probably not what you think of when looking at the intriguing sculpture. Perhaps a group of former LHS calculus students and a little booklet published by the library will change that.

“Poems and Problems” is a tidy booklet containing, yes, poems and math problems inspired by the Peter Diepenbrock installation. Last school year, AP Calculus teacher Bob Sedlak asked his senior students to study "Transversion" and come up with a solvable math problem related to the piece. The result is a dozen calculus problems interspersed among the poems about "Transversion."  For those of you who may find calculus a tad intimidating, the book also contains a dozen geometry, algebra, trigonometry and probability problems waiting to be solved.

Dan Twardesky (left) and Matt Kerrigan.

Congratulations to West Shore Career-Tech and Lakewood High students, junior Matt Kerrigan, and senior, Dan Twardesky, on their 10th place finish in the national 2013 Cisco NetRiders IT/networking competition on May 3. Over 1,800 students from 36 states and Canada competed.

Kerrigan and Twardesky’s high national finish came on the heels of a first-place finish in the state portion of the competition. They were one of only three Ohio teams to advance to the final round. The final round was a live online event broadcast via Cisco WebEx with audio, video and chat features. In addition to the national recognition gained from their 10th place national finish, Kerrigan and Twardesky each earned a $100 gift card.

2003 Lakewood Project

In 2013, the Lakewood High School orchestra program marks 20 years under the stewardship of Beth Hankins and commemorates the 10th anniversary of the renowned Lakewood Project, one of the first high school rock orchestras in the country. 

Classically trained, Ms. Hankins admits her knowledge of rock music was sorely lacking when she scheduled a field trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a presentation on orchestral rock performance.  She came away from that workshop convinced she had a new way to connect with yet more kids, and threw herself into planning, organizing and recruiting students. 

Members of Horace Mann's Girls on the Run team, along with coaches and parent volunteers, practice for their upcoming 5K in Akron on May 19.

Girls on the Run, a program now in its third year in the district, is helping many of our elementary and middle school girls learn to build strong and healthy lives physically, socially and emotionally. The Girls on the Run program, established 16 years ago, made its debut in the district in 2011 with two schools (Emerson and Harding). Garfield Middle School and Grant and Lincoln Elementaries started their programs last school year, and Horace Mann joined ranks this year, bringing the total number of school participating to six. At the middle school level, the program is called Girls on Track.

Lakewood City Schools recently reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of its students by purchasing 10 AED (automated external defibrillators) units for the district. The AEDs, which have been credited with saving lives when a person on site goes into cardiac arrest, will be installed at all seven elementary schools and both middle schools as well as the Board of Education offices. Lakewood High School and Lakewood City Academy already have AEDs.  

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TRY OUTS COMING! CHECK IT OUT.

If you think your child is ready for the exciting sport of soccer then get ready for this.  Lakewood Soccer Association(LSA) is holding tryouts for its travel program.

BOYS TRAVEL TRYOUTS: May 13th at LHS Stadium

U07-U10       5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

U11-U14        6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

GIRLS TRAVEL TRYOUTS: May 17th at LHS Stadium

U08-U10        5:45 p.m. to 7:00 p.m.

U11-U14        6:45 p.m. to 8:00 p.m.

Senior Brian Hrdlicka hits homerun versus North Ridgeville

The Lakewood Rangers Varsity Baseball team continued their winning ways as they pushed their season record to 18 wins and 4 losses.  Their West Shore Conference (WSC) record stands at 9 wins and 3 losses, good for 2nd place in the conference.

By virtue of their strong record, the Rangers have been seeded second in the district for the upcoming state tournament.  The Ranger squad hopes to parlay both it's experience and talent to go deep into this year’s tournament.  Because of their high seed, the team will enjoy home field advantage for as long as they continue to win in the tournament.

Coach Mike Ribar commented, “Our program has come a long way fast.  Just over three years ago our win-loss record was nearly the reverse.  While this improvement is a testament to my coaches and the support of the Lakewood Schools and Lakewood Recreation administrations, it is even more a reflection of the hard work and preparation the boys have put forth.  Without their (and their parents) buy into our baseball philosophy and system we simply would not have improved at the rate that we have.”

On the 200th anniversary of the Battle of Lake Erie, it’s fitting to remember Commodore Oliver Hazard Perry’s most famous quote: “We have met the enemy and they are ours; two ships, two brigs, one schooner and one sloop.”

Perry will be among five people giving first-person historical characterizations during Ohio Chautauqua 2013: "When Ohio Was the Western Frontier," at Lakewood Park, June 25-29.

Ohio Chautauqua is a traveling show that presents history in a compelling form that people of all ages will love. Lakewood is the first of five stops in the state for the event; the scholars-in-residence will interact with the public as themselves and as their chosen historical figures.

MedWorks will partner with North Coast Health Ministry to host a one-day primary care clinic on Saturday, June 8, 2013 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. The clinic will take place at North Coast Health Ministry, 16110 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, Ohio 44107. Appointments can be made by calling the MedWorks Appointment Line at 216-201-9325. Walk–in patients will also be accepted between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m.

The clinic will feature about 30 health care professionals and lay volunteers who will provide a broad range of primary care services. Services will include physical exams, wellness checks, lab tests and a small pharmacy. Each patient will also have the opportunity to meet with a social worker to help schedule follow-up appointments through North Coast Health Ministry and other providers for which they qualify. All services will be provided free of charge.

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Over 150 supporters turned out for North Cast Health Ministry’s first-ever Gospel Brunch at Vosh Lakewood on Sunday, April 21, 2013. The joyous voices of Greater Cleveland gospel groups “One Voice” and “The Tralalas” rang from the rafters. Both groups donated their time and talents to benefit North Coast Health Ministry, the Lakewood-based charitable health center serving the low-income uninsured.

Barton Senior Center will hold its 7th Annual Wine and Cheese fundraiser on Thursday, May 23 from 5:00-8:00 p.m. Over 130 attended last year’s event and this one promises to be even bigger and better. This indoor/outdoor event will be held in Barton Center’s beautifully landscaped outdoor Courtyard and in the adjacent indoor Rotunda. Festivities will include wine, heavy hors d’oeuvres, grilled specialties served by Chef Kevin from Kevin’s Café and terrific silent auction items.

On Sunday May 19, 2013, 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 19, 2013.

Change the World is a movement to connect United Methodists in service with simple acts of kindness to build community locally and to fight malaria globally.

Lakewood United Methodist Church will participate by joining with the Lakewood Department of Aging and Lakewood Alive to go to homes around our community and do light repairs, yard work such as mow lawns, clean and prune flowerbeds and plant flowers.

Over $40,000 from the Lakewood-Rocky River Rotary Foundation will be used to provide scholarships, recognize student achievement, purchase dictionaries, and fund grant requests made by Lakewood and Rocky River community organizations.

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Beck Center for the Arts invites its neighbors and the community to attend BeckFest, a free family-friendly event on Sunday, May 19, 2013 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. throughout the Beck Center campus. Participants will enjoy art activities, cycling themed artwork, Zumba, yoga, food trucks, and stunt cycling performances by 216Bike; as well as musical entertainment on the Red Stage featuring Jerry Popiel, Chris Hatton, Fireside, The Madison Crawl, and Revolution Brass Band.

Cycling enthusiasts may also ride in the second annual Bike for Beck, a fundraiser to benefit the arts education programs at Beck Center. Cyclists choose from 12-, 15- or 60-mile routes through the scenic Cleveland Metroparks with snack and water stops along the way. Rider registration and the bike tour begin at 8 a.m. until 10 a.m. at Beck Center. A $40 registration fee includes a Bike for Beck t-shirt and rider packet. For more information visit bikeforbeck.org.  

If you haven’t heard of Chris Vance and Vance Music Studios, you probably don’t get out much. In recent years, he and his students have been everywhere, from the Front Porch Lakewood library concerts to all-student shows at local clubs like the Winchester and the Phantasy. Chris himself, who by all accounts is “a smokin’ bass player,” (both electric and upright) can be found in his own jazz combo at Vosh on Lakewood’s west end, to gigs where he fits right in on the bass without missing a beat with longstanding blues greats, The Numbers Band.

Coal miners critique a coworker's painting in The Pitmen Painters at Beck Center. (Photo: Kathy Sandham)

Beck Center for the Arts proudly presents "The Pitmen Painters," May 31 through July 7, 2013 in the intimate Studio Theater. Show times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3 p.m. Sundays. Tickets are now on sale.

Written by Tony Award-winning author Lee Hall, "The Pitmen Painters" is inspired by a book by William Feaver about the Ashington Group, a group of Northern England coal miners who took an art appreciation class and became overnight art-world sensations. Like Hall’s acclaimed film and musical Billy Elliot, this script tells another inspiring story about the way the arts can change lives and examines the lives a group of ordinary men who did extraordinary things. Heralded in London’s West End and on Broadway, "The Pitmen Painters“ was described by Variety as "a feel-good, make that a feel-great hit…inspirational…heartbreakingly funny.” For more information about the Ashington Group, visit http://www.ashingtongroup.co.uk/home.html.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce that the 10th Annual Taste of Lakewood will be held on Sunday, June 2nd, 2013. This gala event, highlighting many of Lakewood’s outstanding restaurants and food purveyors, will be held from 4:00–7:00 p.m. at the Lake Erie Building, Templar Industrial Park (commonly known as The Screw Factory), 13000 Athens Avenue in Lakewood.

Part 1 of 2: Layering Tax Efficient Investment Tools might be a valuable strategy for portions of your wealth as we look into the future. There are a variety of tools that can lead to some sort of tax efficiency such as: IRAs, Roth IRAs, Roth Conversions, Tax-Free Municipal Bonds, Annuities, and Life Insurance. There is not a tax crystal ball to tell advisors and CPAs what the income tax structure will look like 10 years, 5 years, or even two years from now. What we do know is that we are currently at historically low tax rates and government debt continues to increase. A case can be made that potential tax increases in the future are a strong possibility. With that thought in mind, here are some strategies that in some cases can create tax flexibility in the future.

IRA’s, Pro: During your working years you might be in a position to set some excess money away for retirement. IRA’s as well as other retirement plans offered through your employer allow you to set that excess money in a place where you won’t pay tax on the contribution until you take it out. Although the initial tax deferral is a nice benefit, the real power comes from the compounding effect on the growth of the IRA. By compounding effect I mean the interest on the principal plus interest on the tax deferred growth. 

Cortney Kilbury, a Lakewood resident since 2003, was recently named Inside Business Magazine’s Athena Award winner for 2013. The Athena Award is given annually to one individual each from Cleveland and Akron (among other cities national and international) who has attained and embodies the highest level of professional excellence in their profession, has devoted time and energy to improve the quality of life for others in their community, and actively assists women in realizing their leadership potential. Ms Kilbury received her award at Inside Business’s Athena Awards dinner on May 2.

“I’m really honored to have won,” Kilbury said. “Some pretty amazing people have won this award, and to be mentioned with them is really humbling to me.”

Gary's dear mom, Betty Rice (photo by Gary Rice)

The 20th century may well have been marked by some of the greatest disputes known to humanity, but one holiday, created at the dawn of that century, enjoys universal support around the world. That holiday, of course, is Mother's Day.

Although days honoring motherhood have possibly been known in the world since time immemorial, the first known American commemoration occurred in 1908 through the efforts of one Anna Jarvis. Jarvis had wanted to honor her own mother, who had worked in the areas of sanitation and assistance for wounded Civil War soldiers. Anna's mother had organized "Mother's Day Work Clubs" for those purposes back then. Ironically, in her later years Anna Jarvis reportedly disapproved of the commercialization of the holiday.

Julia Millman at Greater Pittsburgh Community food Bank

A typical college class consists of lectures, quizzes, exams, and lots of homework. And while that classroom drudgery is necessary and rewarding, Julia Millman, a 2009 graduate of Lakewood High School, is enrolled in a much more hands-on and unique class called Projects in Marketing 

The class has organized into a working marketing agency, called ProsInMotion, and is working with Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank to take a significant bite out of hunger.

According to Julia, “I used to think food banks were small time operations run out of someone’s garage, but after a visit to the Greater Pittsburgh Community Food Bank my outlook changed completely.”  

Feeding over 120,000 people in the Pittsburgh area each month, the Food Bank is a the largest food assistance agency in southwestern Pennsylvania. After learning how many people--children, seniors and working families-- go hungry in this area, ProsInMotion decided it wanted to take action against hunger and encourage the rest of the Pitt campus to get involved as well.

Experienced hen keepers, agriculture education specialists, and realtors, all answered audience questions.

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More than 70 Lakewood residents recently gathered at a public forum held on Sunday April 28th, 2013 at Lakewood Public Library. Attendees heard a proposed ordinance presented by the Hens In Lakewood, to legalize a limited number of small backyard hen flocks for personal, non-commercial use. Hens in Lakewood, presented in-depth research and a detailed outline for the proposed ordinance. Speakers at the forum included experienced hen keepers, agriculture education specialists, and realtors, all of whom answered audience questions.

Currently ordinance 505.01 prohibits hens in the City of Lakewood. The mission of the Hens in Lakewood is to propose a new ordinance creating a city based application and approval process that would issue revocable permits to a limited number of residents to raise hens with in the city limits of Lakewood. The ordinance if passed would initially allow twelve Lakewood households to raise between one and eight hens. After the initial three years the total number of people allowed to own hens would be thirty-six out of fifty-two thousand Lakewood residents. These approved residents would be required to get training, submit a quality site plan, and be subject to demonstrate the ability to maintain a clean, odor-free, and humane site.

Maggie Parks, a Cranford Avenue resident and Hen Hopeful

Happy spring from the Hens in Lakewood Committee! We are highlighting another fine Lakewood "hen hopeful" so that Lakewood neighbors can learn about who wants hens and why. Here is another wonderful Lakewood native sharing her point of view on the popular issue of responsible hen-keeping in Lakewood.

What street do you live on? Cranford Ave.

How long have you lived in Lakewood? I grew up in Lakewood and moved back in 2011.

Why do you choose to live in Lakewood? I live in Lakewood for a few reasons. I grew up here and loved it, and I still think Lakewood has the best features compared to the rest of the west side suburbs. I like that Lakewood is socioeconomically and culturally diverse, and that nearly everything I need is biking distance. Also, I've got a big backyard for gardening and wonderful neighbors.

The Lakewood Kiwanis Breakfast on May 19 will be at new location this year- Lakewood Catholic Academy.

What season is Lakewood Kiwanis season? It’s a trick question: Kiwanis offers a different fund-raising event every season. Spring, specifically the balmy but exhilarating month of May, belongs to the French Toast and Pancake Breakfast.

Although this event has been presented unchanged for many years, it will take place at a new location this year, namely, Lakewood Catholic Academy, 14808 Lake Avenue, just to the west of Lakewood park. The day is Sunday, May 19. The time is 8:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m.

It's May 7th, and the Lakewood Real Estate Market remains active with single family homes in demand. Currently there are only 96 homes for sale in the market. So where could we use more inventory? I'll  tell you in a moment...

Currently there are 65 homes under contract.  The breakdown:

• 35% under $100,000
• 35% between $100 - $150,000
• 17% between $150 - $200,000
• 12% over $200,000

Year to date 119 homes have sold and transferred. The breakdown:

• 44% under $100,000
• 28% between $100 - $150,000
• 17% between $150 - $200,000
• 11% over $200,000

Roses are awesome plants with many rewards for their owners: rose plantings last for many years and are beautiful, fragrant and available in a myriad of colors.
 
With so many varieties, choosing one can be a little thorny! Seven different types of rose bushes are available. Hybrid tea are single stem beauties, like what you would see at a florist. Floribundas are bushy shrubs with flowers on every stem instead of just one. Grandifloras are single stem roses with multiple flowers. Climbers are more aggressive and, with a little help, can be trained over an arbor or on a trellis or fence. Miniatures are hardy little plants that do well in containers or small spaces. Tree roses are typically grafted onto a stem and resemble a lollipop and can be quite stunning. Last, but certainly not least, are the shrub and groundcover roses. These low-maintenance shrubs come in many colors and are blooming machines. Mine actually bloomed through mid-December this past year and were covered with flowers.

A crowd gathers the first night to celebrate the good news.

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On the afternoon of 5.05.2013 three women that had been missing for more than ten years were found alive, having been kept prisoners in a nondescript house at 2207 Seymour Ave. Five houses from the West 25th St. Exit of I-90, and five houses from Scranton Avenue. Literally on the line between the fashionable Ohio City and Tremont communities of Cleveland.

The women, in order of abduction, Michele Knight, who went missing in 2002 at the age of 20, Amanda Berry age 17 at the time of abduction in 2003, and Gina DeJesus age 16 at the time of abduction in 2004, were found-- Michelle and Gina still chained up in a soundproof basement.

Lakewood Historical Society's Sale on the Grounds celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Its impetus was the acquisition of the Nicholson House, Lakewood's oldest structure, built in 1835. After the death in 1947 of Josephine Nicholson, the last family member to occupy the house, the property passed from the Nicholson family's ownership. It was divided into four rental units, and was tenant occupied until August of 1988. In 1985 the house was saved from possible demolition when it was purchased by the Lakewood Historical Society and the City of Lakewood.

The first Sale on the Grounds included items left behind by tenants, as well as pieces and parts added to the house over the years that were being removed for the restoration. The proceeds from the sale were used to help fund the work.

Proceeds from Sale on the Grounds still support the Nicholson House, and the programming provided by the historical society. The society also maintains archives and a library, the Oldest Stone House museum, and offers services to Lakewood residents.

Plan on joining Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur, and your neighbors, at a Seniors Town Hall Meeting at the Lawther Senior Center in Lakewood. There is currently much heated discussion about the future of Social Security, Medicare and other assistance programs of vital importance to seniors. Congresswoman Kaptur is in town to gain further insight into how these programs impact the lives of our most vulnerable neighbors, family members and friends. We all need to speak up on behalf of our vulnerable older neighbors.

Westlake mayor Dennis Clough and Lakewood mayor Mike Summers respond to questions at the second regionalization forum held at Dwyer Community Center on April 16.

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.

Norfolk Southern Railway has announced the tours of two steam locomotives on its lines this year as part of its 21st Century Steam Program. One will be coming through Lakewood on Mother’s Day, May 12. It is Nickel Plate Road #765, a 2-8-4 Berkshire steam locomotive that is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The 2-8-4 designation of a Berkshire-type locomotive indicates it has 2 pony or leading wheels, 8 large driving wheels, and 4 trailing wheels.  Standing 15 feet tall, the Berkshire is capable of speeds over 60 mph.

When Cleveland gets some positive press, like being named the second coolest city in the Midwest by MSN, it doesn’t take the region’s foodies and writers by surprise. They have been leading the charge to defend Cleveland pride all along.

Visiting Lakewood back-to-back are local editors/writers Richey Piiparinen and Anne Trubek with their book Rust Belt Chic, and Maria Isabella, author of In the Kitchen with Cleveland’s Favorite Chefs. Both books highlight Cleveland’s major talents and help define a region re-emerging as a unique and delicious place to call home.

Lakewood City Council is seeking an enthusiastic volunteer to serve on the Board of Nuisance Abatement Appeals. Applicants must be residents of Lakewood, have the desire, and the availability to serve their community.

In 2008 the City adopted a rigorous process for remediating issues of noise, litter, disorderly conduct, and matters of health and safety, among other issues related to quality of life. The City may declare a residential or commercial property a “nuisance” if the property owner fails to attend to these matters. The role of the Board of Nuisance Abatement Appeals is to decide resident appeals in determining whether the declaration of nuisance should be upheld. The Board meets annually and within 15 days of receiving an appeal.

The meeting of Lakewood City Council was held on April 15th. It was preceded by an ad hoc meeting held for the purpose of reducing the number of committees that have continued to grow through the years, some of which no longer serve any purpose.

• A Tree Task Force has just been established. It’s purpose is to study and advise municipal officials, and the public recommending action on items involving trees on public and private and public land in Lakewood. It will be disbanded after 12 months.

• The Lakewood Youth Committee has been inactive for a long time, and is not required by the City Charter. Its function could be fulfilled by other agencies.

May 4

Lakewood Public Cinema

Moonrise Kingdom (2012)                            Directed by Wes Anderson              Rated PG-13

All the world sings of love, then stands stubbornly in the way. On an idyllic island of the coast of New England, two twelve year-olds open their hearts and run away from home to start a new life together. A conspiracy of adults, including Bruce Willis, Edward Norton, Bill Murray and Frances McDormand, follows with mixed emotions. Director Wes Anderson ventures into the world of nature beyond his perfect sets for magical results.

Saturday, May 4 at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium

Meet the Author: Stephanie S. Tolan

Free and open to the public

Meet the author of "Surviving the Applewhites" (Newberry Honor Book, 2003) and "Applewhites at Wit’s End," two books about growing up in an imaginative, home-school family struggling with the outside world. Tolan was born in Ohio. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event. No registration necessary.

Tuesday, May 14, at 7:00 P.M. in the Main Library Auditorium.

Author Stephanie S. Tolan will visit the Lakewood Public Library on May 14th at 7 p.m.

I am a confirmed book geek. I could pass a well-known athlete on the street without recognition, but if Lemony Snicket were walking down Detroit Avenue I would elbow my grandmother out of my way to get his autograph. Yeah, I am a book geek. I would easily walk around Leonardo DiCaprio, if Cinda Williams Chima was standing behind him. I’ve met several authors through the years that I have worked for the library. Each time it is like I was a kid on Christmas morning opening gifts. I am so excited I can’t sleep the night before, and I am up well before the sun. I am so fascinated to meet someone who has created another world that I get to visit for a few hours. I am so thrilled to listen to someone whose words have resonated in my life. Words that have sometimes made me laugh and sometimes made me cry, sometimes all in the same chapter. I am so happy to be able to help the readers of Lakewood have the same experience.

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On the evening of April 23, Knit & Lit book club members Gail Eaton (current leader), Kathy Dumont, Liz Eberly and Mary Beth Zeni handed out free books as part of the World Book Night, a world-wide organization promoting reading for young and old. Passing out free books in public for one evening of the year, is the method of enlightenment of future readers. Knit & Lit book club functions as a part of the Lakewood Public Library and meets monthly. This year, Lakewood Public Library agreed to be a ‘pick up’ point for the local ‘givers’ who participated in this yearly event. A reception was held for the fifteen givers at the library as an appreciation of their dedication to this organization. The library hopes that as word spreads, more people will participate as givers worldwide. The WBN website, www.WBN.org will have next year’s sign up around November.

In October of 2009, the entire nation was shocked by a SWAT team's grisly discovery of eleven bodies in the Imperial Avenue home of Anthony Sowell. Cleveland-based journalist Robert Sberna dared to go down the rabbit hole of the mind of a serial killer with thorough research, interviews with experts and a burning desire to understand how such a horrific crime could have occurred. Join Sberna as he shares his insights on this case at the Lakewood Public Library.

Children who visit the library are welcome to spend time in the Computer Connections Room.

What happened 14,211 times last year? Patrons of the Lakewood Public Library viewed “TumbleBooks.” TumbleBooks is an interactive, read-aloud website that offers a wide variety of animated, talking picture books. This website is simple enough for young children to use independently. When a particular e-book is activated, the text is highlighted as it is being read aloud to the listener. Pictures from the stories colorfully appear on the screen. There are also tests and activities associated with the books.

Nathan Harris.

Two notable personnel moves were approved at the Lakewood Board of Education’s April 15 meeting. Among the many human resources actions normally undertaken, the Board approved the appointment of Harding Middle School Band Director Nathan Harris as Lakewood High School Band Director beginning with the 2013-2014 school year and also accepted the retirement of Athletic Director Bob Thayer, effective Sept. 6, 2013. Harris will replace retiring Lakewood High Band Director Brian Maskow, who has been with the district for 30 years.

Harris joined the district this school year, replacing longtime Harding Band Director Brian Griebel. At the high school, he will be responsible for three curricular bands: Concert Band, Symphonic Band and Wind Ensemble; and four extracurricular bands - Lakewood Ranger Marching Band, Jazz Band, Jazz Workshop and Pep Band. Harris served as Assistant Band Director for the Marching Band this school year.

Music theme.

Lakewood High School is one of 50 schools from across the country named finalists in Vans Custom Culture art competition that includes a grand prize of $50,000 for the winning high school’s art department.

The contest was created by Vans to inspire high school students across the United States to embrace their creativity and draw attention to the importance of art as an integral part of our schools’ focus in the face of shrinking budgets. The contest started off with 1,500 schools and is now down to the top 50 from five different regions. LHS is one of 10 schools selected in the Northeast Region, which includes 16 states.

The contest entails creating a custom shoe design for four pairs of blank white canvas Vans, each adhering to one of the contest’s four themes: art, music, local flavor and action sports.

A nationwide voting contest will determine the winner, who will receive $50,000. The top five vote-getters will be invited to New York City for an awards ceremony. Runners-up will also receive money for their art departments.

The verdict is in! Harding Mock Trial team had a great day at the Ohio Judiciary Center in Columbus on April 11. The Harding Mock Trial Defense and Prosecuting Teams won three out of a possible four awards for Best Witnesses and Best Attorney and were awarded an “Outstanding” rating overall, the second-highest rating.

Earning Best witnesses were Henry Bish and Alex Schwarz. Elizabeth Pearlman won Best Attorney as a defense lawyer in the first trial.

West Shore Career-Tech Auto Tech students Tim Figueira, and Mark Gruber, both seniors, have qualified to compete in the AAA/Ford  Auto Skills Student Competition on May 10 at Owens Community College in Toledo. Auto Skills is sponsored by AAA and Ford Motor Company to encourage students to pursue careers as automotive service technicians.

Students first qualify for the competition by taking an online written exam. Gruber and Figueira were the top two scorers. The 10 top scoring teams from across Ohio move on to the “hands-on” finals where teams are given new Ford vehicles which are uniformly “bugged” with identical malfunctions to diagnose and repair.