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On a seasonal chilly November morning, these amazing #RangerNation players chose generosity and gratitude for the Lakewood community by participating in the LCAC Thanksgiving meal distribution event. Lots of turkeys with all the trimmings were delivered to families in need right here in Lakewood!
 
Thank you Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation for all you do!!

Amazing update! LCAC estimates that the food distributed today was in excess of 75k lbs!!!! Thats truly inspiring!

Lakewood continues to be rightly known as one of Ohio’s and even the country’s most pedestrian and bike friendly cities. We have a long history of being a highly walkable and bikable community, a place where those who prioritize these qualities – everyone from families with young children walking to school to those seeking an active lifestyle on foot and cycle – can find a home. The City of Lakewood is currently partnering with Cuyahoga County and The City of Rocky River to create an additional public asset on the Lake-Clifton Corridor across the Rocky River valley that will further enhance safety and enjoyment for walkers, runners, and cyclists.

The project includes a 1.25-mile segment of road and bridge from Webb Road in Lakewood to Linda Street in Rocky River. When finished, it will create a dedicated and separated shared use path for pedestrians and cyclists on this entire span, introducing Lakewood’s first trail fully separated from car traffic outside of the Metroparks. This will greatly increase safety while also offering walkers, runners and cyclists an opportunity to enjoy the vistas of Lake Erie and the Rocky River valley as they cross the bridge. The project is also intended to further address stormwater capacity in line with our overall Integrated Wet Weather Improvement Plan (IWWIP) and it will include new tree plantings to address our tree plan and overall environmental goals.

The project will be achieved by repurposing existing westbound lanes into the shared-use path and repurposing existing eastbound lanes into one eastbound lane and one westbound lane. Situating the shared use path on the northern portion of the project will allow better views for those using it. The plan will also add a mid-block crossing at Forest Road and a roundabout at the Lake Road intersection, both of which will help calm traffic and improve overall safety and access.

Film: "A Christmas Story" (1983) (94 minutes)  Presented by Sue Stewart, author of "My Christmas Story Story" 

Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. Main Library Auditorium 

Filmed in Cleveland, the hilarious adventures of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) and his Christmas dream of a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun have become a holiday favorite, along with the House from A Christmas Story Museum on West 11th Street. Presenter Sue Stewart was growing up on the street while the movie was being filmed and will share a few recollections from her book, "My Christmas Story Story" before the show. Books will be available for sale and signing.  

Film: "After Stonewall" (1999) Presented by Tom Stebel 

Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 6:00 p.m.Main Library Auditorium 

After Stonewall, the sequel to Before Stonewall, chronicles the history of lesbian and gay life from the riots at Stonewall to the end of the century. Narrated by Melissa Etheridge, it captures the hard work, struggles, tragic defeats and exciting victories experienced during this time, and it explores how AIDS dramatically changed the direction of the movement. Presented by Tom Stebel from the LGBT Community Center of Greater Cleveland. 

Meet The Author:  "Family of Choice: Raising Each Other" by Corky Thacker 

Wednesday, December 18, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Main Library Auditorium 

"Family of Choice: Raising Each Other" draws on the author’s three decades of experience in the recovery community as well as her interest in roses and vintage homes (the first garden she created was featured in This Old House magazine). Books will be available for sale and signing at the event. 

Film: "A Cloud Never Dies" (2022) Directed by Max Pugh 

Spa day vibes: Eliza, Tina, and Stephanie are ready to relax and refresh.

Thanks to a generous grant from the Healthy Lakewood Foundation, three seniors from Lakewood’s Division of Aging enjoyed a special day at Mario’s International Spa. For two of them, it was their first spa experience.

The day began with a choice of steam baths, followed by rejuvenating massages and a delicious lunch. The pampering continued with manicures and pedicures, leaving all three participants feeling refreshed and revitalized.

After a lifetime of hard work and caring for others, this special day was a well-deserved treat.

“Spending the day at Mario’s Spa was a true delight—relaxing in the whirlpool, enjoying a massage, delicious lunch, and a perfect mani-pedi. The historic 1800s house made it even more special. I’m so glad I chose a spa day for my bucket wish!"

-Eliza

“My day began with a relaxing sauna, followed by a soothing massage. After enjoying a delicious meal, I had my first pedicure, made even better by a great conversation with the manicurist. For the next three days, I felt like I was walking on air. Thank you to the Healthy Lakewood Foundation for this unforgettable experience—it made me spectacularly happy.”

-Tina

The Healthy Lakewood Foundation (HLF) Board of Directors awarded $104,800 in Neighborhood Opportunity grants at its November Board meeting.

The HLF Board awarded these grants to twenty-one local organizations for community-based projects that support community building and engagement through innovation and learning. These projects support meaningful work at the hyperlocal level in Lakewood. This funding seeks to address the social determinants of health and the conditions of our community that impact our health and well-being.

Awarded Neighborhood Opportunity Grants include:

• $4,000 to Empower Sports for sports league programming and participation for students with a disability/disabilities.
• $4,500 to College Now Greater Cleveland, for a series of college planning workshops for high school students and their parents, from FAFSA prep to college transition and more.

Three Arches Foundation, a community-focused grant making foundation, announced $2 million in funding toward grants to twenty-two local nonprofit organizations working to address barriers to health care. Each grant reflects the Foundation’s priority focus on equitable access to behavioral and physical health care faced by communities and populations most impacted by health disparities.

This year’s grants address a diversity of needs accomplished through the expansion of existing programs and services, funding of new initiatives, and support of general operations. “These grants reflect a multitude of approaches that strengthen important systems of support in our communities in order to meet the respective needs of those who often face challenges in accessing essential health care,” shared Kristin Broadbent, president and CEO of the Foundation. “From partnering with organizations that embrace a culturally centered care approach to funding programs that utilize trauma-informed care to promote healing, to supporting preventive and wrap-around behavioral health services, this work is designed to boost health equity.”

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On November 1, 2024, Judge Tess Neff of the Lakewood Municipal Court held a special session in her courtroom, complete with attorneys, witnesses, and a jury. Playing these roles were a group of 3rd grade students from Lincoln Elementary school, invited into the courtroom by Judge Neff as part of the students’ larger visit to City Hall.

The students sat in the gallery while Judge Neff gave an overview of the judicial process, after which they were invited into the well of the court, the area of the courtroom where judicial proceedings occur. A student volunteer sat in the witness stand and was “sworn in” by Judge Neff. The witness was questioned by a student attorney under the watchful scrutiny of the student jury, seated in the jury box.

Some students were then given the opportunity to occupy the top seat in the court room – Judge Neff’s bench – and bang the Judge’s gavel. Although generally employed to establish order in the court, in this case it resulted in a cacophony of enthusiastic banging thanks to the mini-gavel pencils Judge Neff had provided to each of the students.

Once order had been restored, it was Judge Neff’s turn to be questioned by the students. Dressed in her black judicial robe, the Judge addressed questions such as “Is this the Supreme Court?” to “Is there a jail here?”

With the students’ questioning concluded, and a full docket of hearings about to commence, Judge Neff dismissed the students to continue their tour of City Hall, including meeting with Mayor Meghan George!

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Valerie Carmen Martin, a vibrant and adventurous spirit, was to be featured in the upcoming "Meet Me at Cove" series, where we hoped to share her incredible story. Unfortunately, Valerie passed away before we could submit her profile, but we still want to honor her memory and the remarkable life she led.

A resident of Lakewood since 2003, Valerie was known for her passion for life, her adventurous nature, and her infectious enthusiasm. Born in Cleveland, Valerie spent much of her childhood moving with her family as her father worked for various radio stations, eventually settling back in northeast Ohio. Her father’s career as an engineer at WGAR and later as Chief Engineer for WEWS Channel 5’s transmitter introduced her to a world of storytelling and technical expertise that would shape her own path.

Valerie’s love for adventure began at an early age, inspired by her mother’s thrilling story of flying in a Piper Cub. Determined to follow in her footsteps, Valerie took her first flying lesson in 1967 with no prior experience, armed only with a $5 coupon from Flying Magazine. Despite nerves and challenging winds, Valerie quickly found her place in the cockpit, developing a deep passion for flying. She excelled in steep bank turns—often pushing beyond the FAA’s standard 30-degree limit to 50 degrees—showing a natural talent for the sport.

In 1968, Valerie completed her first solo flight, and by 1969, she had earned her private pilot’s license. In 1973, she achieved her commercial pilot’s license, a remarkable accomplishment during a time when very few women pursued aviation. Valerie financed her flight training with personal loans, as she was unable to secure traditional loans, often flying until the money ran out, then pausing until the loan was paid off. Her perseverance and dedication were a testament to her passion and determination.

Tho

Family turmoil can be difficult to manage, and a custody battle can add even more strain. If your case goes before the court, it’s important to understand what to expect.

The most common custody cases involve both parents, and the court’s primary goal is to create a parenting plan focused on the child’s best interests. Generally, there are two types of plans: residential parenting and shared parenting.

Several roles or responsibilities may be assigned by the court (or agreed upon by both parents). For instance, the designation of "residential parent" can sometimes be limited to decisions like choosing the child’s school district. In other cases, it may include broader rights, such as making choices about healthcare and extracurricular activities.

“Something less than a 50/50 split is considered shared parenting time, and that's more typical,” explains Andrea Gonzalez-Burton, Senior Attorney in the Family Law Practice Group at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland.

The court determines the appropriate custody plan by considering multiple factors beyond Ohio law alone. Input from child advocates, mental health professionals, psychologists, and parents is carefully weighed. Often, a thorough review of the family’s background is essential to ensure the child’s safety and well-being.

As Lakewood lights up this year, we know our residents already have, or are ready to. Some of the best displays in the region can be found in our hometown.

As a thank you to some of the hardworking homeowners who brave the elements to give their neighbors a festive display, we once again launch our Holiday Decorating Contest for 2024!

We will be offering prizes for the 8 best holiday decorated homes that are nominated and voted on by Lakewood residents. We will also offer a prize for the home whose decorations best exemplify or project a message of PEACE ON EARTH. From a simple natural display, to the over the top, see it from space effects, everyone is welcome to participate.

The nomination process starts today, December 4th, and runs through the 18th.

Just go to our homepage: lakewoodobserver.com and click on Daily Question on the right hand side of the page. A person must nominate at least 3 homes. List only addresses with house number and street. If no house number is provided it will not be counted. You may enter every day, but PLEASE ONLY NOMINATE A HOME ONCE. As soon as it's nominated, it's in the contest. We will happily go out and photograph all nominated homes. Nominations will only be accepted through December 17th.

Congratulations to the 10 Harding Middle School students who had their artwork selected for display in the entryway of the main branch of Lakewood Public Library! The art of Braydon Raycher, Lily Swift, Chloe Scharfield, Fiona Forni, Lillian Gingerich, Caitlyn Fegely, Myroslav Pasternak, T'Honest Holloway and Rio Blaze will be on display for two weeks beginning Dec. 5.

As a small Lakewood landlord, certified public accountant and spouse of a local business owner, I have grown to appreciate Lakewood where locally owned businesses thrive, there is a strong sense of community and people are not judged by the thickness of their wallet. The city’s funding of the downtown development is contrary to these values. It will benefit the well-off while emptying the wallets of existing homeowners through the illusion that it will create affordable housing.

For the non-accountants who would prefer a root canal over an accounting lesson, please bear with me as the fleecing of existing homeowners is in the details.

Lakewood will provide funding for constructing the downtown development through Tax Increment Financing (TIF). To do this, Lakewood will sell municipal bonds. These bonds are typically purchased by wealthy individuals (bondholders) as the interest paid on the bonds are exempt from taxes. After Wall Street takes its fees for underwriting and marketing, the remaining proceeds are loaned to the developer to pay for construction costs. To repay the bondholders, part of the real estate taxes on the downtown development will go to the bondholders instead of Lakewood schools for the next 15 years. In exchange for the taxpayer provided funding, the developer will rent about 80 apartments to those with lower incomes, creating “affordable housing.”

To summarize this convoluted process, the developer gets a loan that is paid back by diverting real estate taxes, while homeowners must pay their mortgages out of their own pocket and their real estate taxes in full.

Come see "A Christmas Story" on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Main Library Auditorium and meet Ralphie's real life neighbor.

Filmed in Cleveland, the hilarious adventures of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) and his Christmas dream of a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun have become a local holiday favorite, along with the House from A Christmas Story Museum on West 11th Street.

Come see "A Christmas Story" on Sunday, December 8, 2024 at 2:00 p.m. at Main Library Auditorium and meet Ralphie's real life neighbor.

Filmed in Cleveland, the hilarious adventures of nine-year-old Ralphie Parker (Peter Billingsley) and his Christmas dream of a Red Ryder Range 200 Shot BB gun have become a local holiday favorite, along with the House from A Christmas Story Museum on West 11th Street.

Presenter Sue Stewart was growing up on the street while the movie was being filmed and will share a few recollections from her book, "My Christmas Story Story" before the show. Books will be available for sale and signing.

Congratulations to our Ranger student athletes who have been recognized by the CLE West Conference for their outstanding efforts during the fall 2024 season.

1st Team:

Cheerleading: Claire Noelker, Jana Peterson
Cross Country: Porter Gilliland
Football: Jackson Comer, Avery Holt,
Golf: Justin Lacquement
Soccer: Isaac Craciun, Riley Forster, Quincy Zvomuya
Volleyball: Layla Smith

2nd Team:
Cheerleading: Kenla Hamilton
Cross Country: Mae Mohar, Quinn Sutliff
Football: Malachai Davis, Riley Verderber
Golf: Aidan Smith
Soccer: Camden Fegley, Helen Fraunfelder, Seth Hammersmith
Volleyball: Stella Ziegler

Honorable Mention:
Cross Country: James Babson, Connor Coleman, Anna Daso, Josie Kavc
Football: Jaylen Chappell, Tyrese Gatling, Nick Hart
Golf: Logan Ellis, Chris Hanna-Kotula
Soccer: Alexandra Adamov, Bukuru Bafukamire, Butoto Bafukamire, Luella Darr, Emily Lajack, Nora Lipka, Sarah McGinley, Gabby Ripley, Louis Van Der Kuil
Volleyball: Erin Boyer, Audrey McNulty

Congratulations to all!

LHS sophomore Emma Gjergji and her family.

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Thanks to Lakewood High School History Club sophomore Emma Gjergji and her family--father, mother and aunt--40 plus students and staff were treated to an informative, engaging presentation on the history and culture of Albania.
 
Not only did we learn about Albania's historic journey to independence/sovereignty, we also explored unique and fascinating elements of Albanian language, national identity, religion and culture.
 
Emma and her father Eduart created and delivered the slide show, and mother Marcela and aunt Mirela Shyte provided many additional insights and fabulous Albanian food.

Given the presence of so many wonderful Albanian families in our community, it was great to have Kyle Baker (City Council) and Nora Katzenberger (School Board) on hand today. Their presence signals the accepting, vibrant character of our town.
 
The world has many times come to Lakewood, and we are immeasurably better for it. The Gjergji's were great teachers today, bringing Albania to life in our magical 44107.
 

Freshman Ari Hueter led the Lakewood Girls to a hard fought 38-32 win over Bay.

NOVEMBER 26: RANGERS VS BAY 

Freshman Ari Hueter was a great closer tonight, scoring 7 of her game-high 16 points in the last five minutes to lead the Lakewood Girls to a hard fought 38-32 win over Bay. Sophomore point-guard Charleigh Doxley scored 10, including a key floater that stemmed the Rockets late momentum, and hit 2 free throws to seal it. The Ranger showed mental toughness after surrendering an 8 point lead early in the 4th quarter.

Senior Madison Comer paced the Lakewood attack early, scoring all her 7 points in the 1st quarter. Off the bench, sophomore Maeve Andrews (4 points) and junior Addison Garrett (1point) provided scoring, rebounds and ball handling. Seniors Elizabeth Doup and Ava Cuffari did not score, but chipped in with rebounds, steals and hustle plays. Ari and Charleigh led the way, but in this nail-biter, stout team defense--every rebound, steel and possession of loose ball--was decisive.

Congratulations to the Bay Rockets for their strong showing, and congratulations to Coach Work and her entire squad on a well-earned team victory tonight at our fabulous East Gym. Long Live Lakewood.

Zenia and Maher Milad, refugees in Zawaida, central Gaza.

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Winter has a way of humbling us, especially in Northeast Ohio, where the Lake Effect reminds us of our shared humanity. While it may lay dormant during the rest of the year, this collective compassion is unmistakable in the cold - strangers hold doors as others hurry in and drivers yield the right of way on icy streets. From inspiring food drives to supporting local businesses, the spirit of the season nourishes a collective sense of gratitude and generosity.

This year especially, as we give thanks for all we have, we’d be remiss not to expand our mutual compassion beyond our borders, here in the Greater Cleveland area and beyond. 2024 has been a turbulent year with biting truths and magnified disparities both in America and abroad, but none quite so stark as Israel’s military onslaught in Gaza. Funded in large part by U.S. tax-payer dollars, the attempted extermination of the Palestinians is the culmination of decades of dehumanization.

As Americans, our nation’s foreign policies produce conflicts like these that yield millions of refugees in Gaza and across the world. As such, we would do well to recognize that rather than ‘collateral damage’ these are individuals just like us with the same international human right to self determination. 

Family Weekend Wonders 

Looking for weekend entertainment for the whole family? Look no further! Drop in to the Library's special weekend story time. Your whole family will enjoy these programs full of enthusiastic stories, engaging activities, entertaining music and clever crafts. Family Weekend Wonders Drop-In Story Time is offered every weekend throughout the year and features a different theme each week to keep things engaging. No registration is required. 

Main Library- Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.  

Madison Branch- Fridays at 10:30 a.m. 

Bricks and Books  

For students in Kindergarten through Fifth Grade. In this hands-on experience, kids will use Lego building bricks, gears, and figures to design and construct amazing structures and imaginative creations. Alongside their building, we will be exploring the library's extensive collection of Lego-themed books, offering inspiration, challenges, and stories for all levels. No registration required. 

ARIES: The New Moon lands in Ram’s house of long-distance travel, so have yourself a Merry Little Xmas somewhere hot. The more heat, the better for our Ram, Feliz Navidad anyone?

TAURUS: The Bull is having the most Wonderful Time of the Year this Christmas; the New Moon landed in your 8th house of other people’s resources, an inheritance, or the Lotto perhaps.

GEMINI: The Twins are having double the pleasure, double the fun this Christmas in the relationship house. Did someone see Mommy kissing Santa Claus under the mistletoe?

CANCER: The Crab will be looking for ways to trim not only the tree but the waistline as well; with that New Moon on your house of health, try some Rocking Around the Christmas Tree.

LEO: The Lion/Lioness is hot to trot in the Jungle this Christmas, that New Moon is lighting up your house of romance like a forest fire, All they Want for Christmas is You, baby you, Roar!

VIRGO: Virgo, you might want to get a head start on sprucing up your abode this Christmas; the New Moon is shining on home & heart, get ready to Deck the Halls with the family around.

Holiday treasurers await!

Kick off your holiday shopping with the event that offers the best bargains of all—Lakewood Historical Society’s annual Holiday Sale on the Grounds. The Nicholson House (13335 Detroit Ave) will be filled to bursting with everything you need for holiday celebrations the first weekend in December.

Lakewood Historical Society’s Holiday Sale on the Grounds has become a tradition, featuring antiques & collectibles perfect for one-of-a-kind gifts; gleaming silver, sparkling crystal and heirloom china for setting a festive table; barware; serving pieces; cookie tins and plates—everything you need for holiday entertaining. There are beautiful vintage and contemporary ornaments, nativity sets, wreaths, garlands, indoor and outdoor decorations. You’ll also find new gift wrap and ribbon, greeting cards and candles.

You have four opportunities to shop at the Sale, so you can also fit in all the other activities of Light Up Lakewood. This no-cost public sale is open Thursday, December 5th, 9:00 a.m. - 3:00 p.m.; Friday, December 6th; 4:00-7:00; Saturday, December 7th, 9:00-3:00. Sunday, December 8, noon - 3:00 p.m. is your final chance, and offers the best bargains, as merchandise is half-price, excluding items in the Top Shelf Room. But don’t wait till Sunday to buy that item you really want—it could be gone!

All proceeds from Holiday Sale on the Grounds benefit the programs and properties of the Lakewood Historical Society.

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Now, this is the way to rake in the goodness! Teams of amazing volunteers from H2O - Help To Others and St. Edward High School gathered to rake leaves for our senior citizens, and the results were heartwarming. A big thank you to the Lakewood Ohio Division of Aging for coordinating this wonderful effort.

Over 30 youth volunteers came together to rake the yards of 26 older residents, creating a beautiful community connection. The sweet interactions between the kids and seniors were truly special—both groups shared smiles, stories, and appreciation for one another. What a fantastic example of kindness and teamwork in action!

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Our fourth- and fifth-grade STEM students are diving into the creative world of stop motion animation, and we can't wait to see the magic they bring to life!

With software funded by a grant from the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation, they've spent the last two weeks brainstorming plot ideas, selecting materials, and crafting detailed plans and beginning to film their mini-movies.

Stay tuned for the premieres of their finished products! 

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Harrison Elementary was abuzz with excitement this past Saturday as it proudly hosted one of five area Thanksgiving events sponsored by Local Legends Foundation in collaboration with Molina Healthcare.
 
Legends and Molina provided turkey donations for the school community. The Harrison Family Engagement Committee tied the event to its annual Turkey Trot fundraiser (to a local food bank) and a community lunch that was served by the Harrison staff as a way to thank the Harrison families for their support.

Volunteers fill bags with perishable food like turkeys, potatoes and fresh bread on Nov. 23 as part of LCAC's Thanksgiving Food Drive. 

With the help of hundreds of Lakewood community members, Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation delivered non-perishable and perishable bags filled with Thanksgiving fixings to 300 Lakewood residences. 

This was part of LCAC’s Thanksgiving Food Drive, which took place the weekend before Thanksgiving. 

On Nov. 22, volunteers came in the morning to sort all the non-perishable food within an hour. Later that night, more volunteers came to bag the non-perishable food into 300 bags, taking less than an hour. 

On Nov. 23, volunteers came to bag all of the perishable foods, such as turkeys and pies, and were off to deliver them to Lakewood residences. 

Now, with the Thanksgiving Food Drive over, LCAC is already back in full swing to prepare for its Christmas Food Drive which will take place at the Lakewood Masonic Temple, at 15300 Detroit Ave., over two days.  

On Dec. 13 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., non-perishable food donations will be sorted. Later that evening, LCAC members and volunteers will gather from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to bag non-perishable food. 

On Dec. 14 from 9 a.m. to noon, LCAC members and volunteers will bag perishable food and then hand deliver both non-perishable and perishable bags filled with food fixings to the community. 

LCAC will need volunteers of all ages to sort food items, bag over 300 bags of food, and deliver them to the community. 

Since 1935, First Federal Lakewood has been a steward of our community. Our prominent headquarters and branch, located at the corner of Detroit and Warren Roads, is a downtown Lakewood landmark. We recently decided to sell part of our Lakewood Headquarters building complex to Co-Hatch, a membership-based company providing work and event spaces. We are excited to be a part of adding coworking and community gathering spaces to our hometown.

We are confident we have engaged the right partners to honor our historic real estate and use the property appropriately to enhance our hometown. Although you may see future changes to the portion of the building we sold, customers and community members will not notice any change in their in-person interactions with us.

To further deepen our commitment to our employees and customers, we are also undergoing a renovation in the portion of the building we still own. This part of the project will bring to life significantly improved office and workspaces for our team members. Creating a flexible workspace that evolves with the workforce makes First Federal Lakewood better positioned to meet the needs of our employees, customers and neighbors.

Please join me in sharing our enthusiasm for this positive change. Be assured that our longevity and dedication to the Lakewood community remains as strong as ever. We are proud of our place in Lakewood’s development and intend to remain at the community forefront well into the future. This dedication is what sets us apart and has made First Federal Lakewood THE community bank for nearly 90 years.

Thank you,

Tim Phillips

President & CEO

First Federal Lakewood

The Lakewood Music Boosters is excited to announce “Brunch with Santa” in conjunction with “Light Up Lakewood” on December 7, 2024. This event will be held at Lakewood High School from 11:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The morning will feature a variety of festivities, including performances by Lakewood City Schools music groups (grades Pre-K through 12), photos with Santa, make-and-take arts and crafts, and a delicious brunch. Proceeds from the event will benefit the Lakewood Fine Arts Department (Music and Art).

Event Highlights

• â—�  Performances: The event kicks off with a special performance by the Lakewood High School Music Department, showcasing combined numbers from their “Sounds of the Seasons” concert in the Lakewood Civic Auditorium.

• â—�  Brunch: Enjoy a delightful menu featuring various pancakes, a choice of pork bacon, sausage or chicken sausage, pastries, fruit, coffee, tea, orange juice, and water.

• â—�  Activities: Attendees can also participate in make-and-take arts and crafts, games, capture memories with Santa, and a bake sale. (Games and bake sale will cost extra) Sponsored by H2O, Lakewood HIgh School National Honor Society, Lakewood High School National Art Honor Society, and Tri M Music Honor Society.

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The Harding 6th grade math teachers and students today accomplished another successful Math Symposium - the department’s fourth annual! 

The symposium is the culmination of eight weeks of work by the students. Pushing outside their comfort zone, teams of students interviewed 46 local business owners in person to discover how each business relies on math principles to be successful. Students then organized and designed posters to show what they learned.

Dear Neighbors,

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Congratulations to the winners of our 2024 Beautiful Home Awards Contest! The following six households, representing each of City of Lakewood, Ohio - Municipal Government's original school districts, were recently honored for their eye-catching landscapings and well-maintained properties: 1481 Clarence, 1232 Edwards, 17703 Hilliard, 16103 Lake, 1461 Marlowe, and 2222 Wyandotte! We are truly grateful to have a community of such beautiful homes!

We’re thrilled to introduce you to the remarkable Margaret Ford-Taylor and her daughter, Terri Taylor, a dynamic mother-daughter duo at Cove Community Center.

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This Lakewood tradition is returning to Downtown Lakewood for the 18th annual celebration. The spirit of the season will come to life with holiday cheer when Light Up Lakewood 2024 takes place on Saturday, December 7 from 4 to 8 p.m.

The fall season presents us with a time to begin looking forward to the next year and continue planning for the future. At the City of Lakewood, fall means budget season and another opportunity to align community services, needs, and priorities with our finite public resources. As always, when working with our departmental directors and finance team to develop Lakewood’s annual budget, financial accountability and wise stewardship of your tax dollars serve as our north star in Lakewood City Hall.

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On November 6th, Jamie Klimek passed away at 73. Jamie was a guitarist, singer, and songwriter in the bands Mirrors and The Styrenes and one of the originators of protopunk in Cleveland. Mirrors first started in the early 70s and were one of the first wave of bands that could be called “punk” in Cleveland (and maybe the world), along with contemporaries like the electric eels and Rocket From The Tombs. Jamie was already semi-known in the music scene by the time Mirrors started for attending (and taping) The Velvet Underground’s 1968 shows at La Cave. In 1975, some of Mirrors morphed into The Styrenes (also known as Poli Styrene Jass Band, Styrene Money, The George Money Band, etc.) and continued into the 80s. By the end of that decade, a reformed Mirrors were also playing shows and released an album, “Another Nail In The Coffin,” in 1991. Appearances from the group were limited after that, but Jamie put together a new lineup of Mirrors in 2008 that played several shows through 2017.

At the core of Mirrors’ sound was The Velvet Underground meets The Troggs, but at the same time it had its own unique twist, sometimes psychedelic, sometimes pop, sometimes both, that made Mirrors sound like both and neither. Nobody had Jamie’s guitar playing--though many since have tried--nor his occasionally haunting, occasionally ridiculous vocals, nor his lyrics, which could be anything from introspective musings to some of the most lascivious things ever written. 

I met Jamie when I was 13, right around the time that Mirrors were the local headliner at Studio-A-Rama. Their performance that night still ranks as one of the best shows I’ve ever seen: it was a mix of the most recent lineup (Tom Fallon, Dave Franduto, Tom Madej) and the original group (Craig Bell, Jim Crook, Paul Marotta) with Jamie front and center. Yes, that is seven people onstage, four of them on guitar (a total of 30 strings, since Tom was playing a 12-string). It was fantastic. I did a lengthy interview with Jamie around this time, which will someday see the light of day. In addition to lending me his copies of some of his own releases so I could burn them to my computer (for research purposes, of course) he also gave me a stack of other CDs he thought I needed to listen to: The Troggs, Syd Barrett, “A Woofer In Tweeter’s Clothing,” almost every Kinks album (which he annotated in Sharpie right on the CD booklets so I knew which tracks to look out for, including three marked with three stars for “so good you can only listen occasionally lest your head explode”: “Shangri-La,” “Days,” and “Sweet Lady Genevieve”), and, mysteriously enough, two reunion albums The Knack did in 90s/early 2000s (Jamie wasn’t a fan of their initial run, but he loved “Serious Fun” and “Normal As The Next Guy” for whatever reason. Jamie also may have been the world’s biggest Shoes fan, so perhaps that explains it.). He called a week later to ask if I’d listened to any of it and was very pleased that I said I was especially digging “The Madcap Laughs.” 

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Thanks to a generous grant from the Healthy Lakewood Foundation, Lakewood’s Division of Aging kicked off the first of three Bucket Wish adventures with a thrilling trip to a Cleveland Browns game! On October 20th, ten lucky seniors took their seats at a packed Huntington Bank Field for the highly anticipated Browns vs. Bengals showdown. The atmosphere was electric as fans cheered for the return of the man himself, Nick Chubb, and rocked out to a halftime performance by Foreigner, just hours after their induction into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame!

Despite a tough loss (Bengals 21 - Browns 14), spirits were high as the group enjoyed perfect sunny weather and a smooth experience, thanks to their amazing Browns liaison, Joshua. The day was filled with laughter, great company, and plenty of excitement!

“I had an awesome time at the game, even though the Browns didn’t win. The halftime show with Foreigner was the bomb! I can check that off my bucket list now. Thanks for the gift of the game and some spending money!”
— Trish

“I had a great time seeing everything from way up high in the stadium. Watching Nick Chubb back in action, cheering for the Browns, and even spotting rock stars' planes flying over the stadium was a real treat. Thank you to everyone who made it happen!”
— Johnnie

Educator Spotlight honorees Maria Salzer and Tom Hagenbaugh with Board of Education President Michael J. Callahan.

Congratulations to our Lakewood City Schools November Educator Spotlight honorees: Garfield Middle School teacher Tom Hagenbaugh and Hayes Elementary Family Resource Coordinator Maria Salzer! 

TOM HAGENBAUGH  

Garfield Middle School teacher Tom Hagenbaugh, who began his career in the finance industry, fairly quickly realized his passion lay elsewhere. Inspired in part by his mother, a special education paraprofessional, and his best friend and sister, who has special needs, Tom returned to school to get his masters in special education. Both he and we are so glad he did!

Working to be the best teacher he can be is what drives Tom. “Every night I think about how I can do better and make sure my students are growing every day,” he says.

To accomplish that Tom employs his Vision of a Lakewood Educator competencies. Working in the BRIDGES classroom at Garfield, Tom’s empathy is most notable.

“Tom provides the safest and most caring environment,” says his nominator, Mark Mitchell. Adds his second nominator, Erica O’Grady: “(Tom)  makes a point to know his students and takes the time to make each of them feel special every single day.”

He is also a great communicator and collaborator, always seeking out his colleagues’ points of view to make sure he has considered all possible options when a problem presents itself. 

Do you know of an older Lakewood resident that would like to hear about the latest news of the District and enjoy a delicious breakfast? Our senior citizen holiday breakfast is one of our favorite traditions! Join Lakewood City Schools for a Holiday Breakfast for our senior citizens on December 13, 9 am at Grant Elementary School, 1470 Victoria Avenue. Enter the parking lot off of Elmwood Ave. Please RSVP by December 4 to 216-529-4074 or christine.gordillo@lakewoodcityschools.org. Call now to RSVP as seats are limited.

Lakewood Presbyterian Church will be holding its annual Christmas pageant on December 22nd during the 10 am worship service. Make Room focuses our attention on the busy Little Town Inn. The Angel Nole will show us what can happen when we are too focused on the hustle and the bustle to make room for our savior.

Contact Aliyah Kennedy (akennedy@lakewoodpresbyterian.org) if your child would like to participate as soon as possible and we will "Make Room." 

We want to help everyone have a special and meaningful Christmas. Please join us as the youth and children share their talents and gifts this special season.

Cindy Dugan has been a Lakewood resident for the past 6 years and has visited with family and enjoyed time in the community for 50 years.

Join us at Lakewood Presbyterian Church for story time with St. Nick. Santa will visit with children and families from 2-4 pm on December 7th, 2024. During this time, Santa will read a story with each group of children, then your child can take pictures with and tell their Christmas wishes to Mr. Claus. This event is free and treats and refreshments will be available as well as a few simple crafts to commemorate the season. Please register through our Facebook event, the QR code or sign up with Aliyah Kennedy (akennedy@lakewoodpresbyterian.org) so that we know how many to expect. This is a perfect event to attend right before the parade at Light Up Lakewood! We hope to see you soon. Merry Christmas!

For more than 30 years, Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corp. has provided holiday food baskets for hundreds of Lakewood families and senior citizens. 

As the weather changes and the holiday season approaches, LCAC is getting ready for its Thanksgiving Food Drive to serve Lakewood residents in need. 

This neighborhood tradition is only possible with the support of the entire community. 

The LCAC Thanksgiving Food Drive will take place at the Lakewood Masonic Temple, at 15300 Detroit Ave., over two days.  

On Nov. 22 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., non-perishable food donations will be sorted. Later that evening, LCAC members and volunteers will gather from 6 to 7:30 p.m. to bag non-perishable food. 

On Nov. 23 from 9 a.m. to noon, LCAC members and volunteers will bag perishable food and then hand deliver both non-perishable and perishable bags filled with Thanksgiving fixings to the community. 

The artists at the Screw Factory will be opening their doors on Saturday, November 30th for Small Business Saturday. This event focuses on the studio artists who will be showcasing a wide variety of work in ceramics, jewelry, glass, prints, paintings, mosaics and more. The building houses over 40 artist studios and that number is growing thanks to expansion efforts in the last year. 
 
Small Business Saturday has become an important day to show appreciation for the small businesses that are the backbone of our nation's economy. The day brings money back into our local economies, promotes vibrant and diverse communities, and celebrates the important role of small businesses. Come see what the buzz is about and support some of the best artists in the Cleveland area. 
 
Check back as the event draws near for more info on what artists will be participating! Visit https://www.screwfactoryartists.org/ to learn more
 
The details:
Saturday, November 30th, 10am-6pm
Screw Factory
13000 Athens Ave.
Lakewood, OH 44107
Free Admission
Free Parking

Celebrate the season with joyful tunes and holiday cheer! The Lake Erie Wind Quintet invites you to their holiday concert, Rudolph the Red-Nosed Clarinetist, featuring festive favorites and delightful arrangements that will warm your heart. Join us on Sunday, December 1st at 4:00 PM at Lakewood Presbyterian Church, 14502 Detroit Ave in Lakewood, Ohio.

This family-friendly performance promises holiday classics, music for reflection, and a musical journey perfect for getting into the spirit of the season. Gather your loved ones, don your favorite holiday sweaters, and come enjoy an afternoon of merry music-making. Free admission, donations are accepted.

For more information, please contact Brandyn Metzko at 440.332.7763 or visit our website at http://lakeeriewindquintet.com 

The 2nd Annual Finding Lakewood Scavenger Hunt, sponsored by the Lakewood Commission on Aging, was a HUGE success! 10 winners uncovered all 18 of Lakewood’s hidden gems! “I saw parts of Lakewood I never noticed before” and “I really got to know Lakewood” were just a couple of things we heard from participants. And the prizes? Out of this world! This fun-filled fundraising event supports seniors in Lakewood and is quickly becoming a community favorite. We can't wait for next year’s 3rd Annual Scavenger Hunt! Big thanks to the local businesses that donated prizes!

We’re getting a jump on the spirit of giving this year with our Giving Tree at Cove. Here’s how you can help families and seniors in need:

• Pick a tag from the tree
• Shop for gifts like clothing, treats, or household items
• Bring gifts unwrapped to Cove by Monday, December 16

Your generosity will help make the season brighter for our neighbors in need!

‭We are writing to inform you of important updates regarding the monitoring of student devices following the passage of‬ Ohio Senate Bill 29 (SB29). This legislation introduces new rules about how and when schools can access and‬ monitor school-issued devices/resources, and we want to ensure you are aware of these changes.‬
‭ Key Points:‬
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‬‭ Permissible Monitoring:‬‭ The District may monitor school-issued‬‭ devices for educational purposes, such as‬ instruction, technical support, exam proctoring, and to comply with the Children's Internet Protection Act‬ (CIPA).‬
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‬‭ Other Reasons for Monitoring:‬‭ The District may also‬‭ monitor devices under certain circumstances, including:‬
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‬‭ Judicial warrant‬
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‬‭ Lost or stolen devices‬
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‬‭ Threat to life or safety‬
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‬‭ Compliance with federal or state law‬
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‬‭ Participation in federal or state funding programs‬
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‬‭ Types of Monitoring:‬‭ Monitoring may include location‬‭ tracking, audio/visual recording, and student‬ interactions with the device (keystrokes, web browsing).‬
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‬‭ No New Monitoring Practices:‬‭ The District has NOT implemented any new or changed monitoring services.‬ This notice is a new requirement per SB29. An overview of the Lightspeed web filtering system can be found‬ here‬‭ .‬
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‬‭ Notification Requirements:‬‭ If your child's device‬‭ is accessed, you will receive a notification within 72 hours,‬ explaining the reasons for access, the actions taken, and any safety concerns.‬
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Family Weekend Wonders 

Looking for weekend entertainment for the whole family? Look no further! Drop in to the Library's special weekend story time. Your whole family will enjoy these programs full of enthusiastic stories, engaging activities, entertaining music and clever crafts. Family Weekend Wonders Drop-In Story Time is offered every weekend throughout the year and features a different theme each week to keep things engaging. No registration is required. 

Main Library- Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30 a.m.  

Madison Branch- Fridays at 10:30 a.m. 

Symbols of Autumn Scavenger Hunt 

For Youth of All Ages. Apples! Pumpkins! Hunt throughout the children's area of the Library for signs that depict symbols of autumn. Enter your scavenger hunt sheet into a drawing to win a prize. The scavenger hunt will be ready for hunting at the Main Library and the Madison branch. No registration required. 

October 1- November 30, 2024  

To sign up for any program, register online at lakewoodpubliclibrary.org/youth or call (216) 226-8275, ext. 140. 

The Sounds of St. James Concert Series Presents Blue Water String Quartet; a "Feast of Strings" on November 24, from 4 to 6:30 PM at St. James Church 17514 Detroit Avenue.

I am humbled and profoundly grateful for the trust you have placed in me to serve as your next State Representative. Thank you for your support, your faith in our shared vision, and your commitment to the values that define our community. This victory is not mine alone; it belongs to each and every one of us who believes in building a stronger, fairer, and more sustainable future for Ohio.

Lakewood has always been a city of resilient, engaged, and compassionate people who care deeply about one another and our community. Together, we have made strides toward a clean energy future, supported policies that lift up working families, and fought to ensure everyone has access to affordable healthcare and housing. Now, as we take this movement to the Statehouse, I carry with me the voices, hopes, and dreams of the people who make Lakewood such a remarkable place to call home.

Thank you for allowing me the honor to represent you and to fight for the issues that matter most to our community. I am ready to work tirelessly for you, for Lakewood, and for all Ohioans. Together, we can make the positive, lasting changes we all believe in.

With deepest gratitude,
Tristan Rader
State Representative-Elect,

13th House District

Meet The Author- 14 Gea Lane by Carolyn Anderson 

Wednesday, November 20, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Main Library Auditorium 

In 1964, a magnificent eight-unit apartment building, the finest in the area, named "14 Gea Lane" opened. Interlaced stories of the exclusive list of tenants unfold in a whirlwind of conflict and drama, offering a riveting exploration of resilience and connection.Join Professor Emeritus, Carolyn Anderson, Ph.D., as she discusses the writing process and her latest novel. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event. 

Meet The Author- Alchemy of Emotions: A Black Women’s Workbook for Creating Health, Healing and Happiness by Dr. C. Jackson-Howard 

Wednesday, December 4, 2024 at 7:00 p.m. Main Library Auditorium 

In this session we will delve into the interconnected realms of the soul, spirit, and body to uncover the secrets of a joyful existence through the unique blend of holistic wellness and emotional intelligence that Dr. C. Jackson-Howard brings to her teachings. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event. 

Barbara Steffek-Hill Matinee- The Natural (1984) by BarryLevinson 

Sunday, December 1, 2024 at 2:00 p.m.Main Library Auditorium 

Lakewood Public Cinema- A Christmas Story 

As I write this, I’m sitting outside of Lincoln greeting neighbors coming in to vote. We don’t yet know what the results will be, and by the time you read this, some races may still be too close to call. It is, however; almost certain that Lakewood City Council Member at Large Tristan Rader will be elected State Representative for District 13 and will resign from Council effective December 31, 2024 in order to begin his new position. In this event, the City Charter requires Council to appoint an individual to the remainder of his unexpired term, which ends December 31, 2025. 

Therefore the Council office shall begin accepting applications for the at large position. Per the charter, an applicant must be a registered voter and a resident of the city for at least one year to qualify for consideration. If you are interested in applying, please review the job description posted on the council webpage to consider how your skills, knowledge and experience could be utilized to serve our neighbors and evaluate your capacity for the time commitment of this public-facing role. At Large Councilmembers serve and are elected by residents in all four wards. There are three At-Large Councilmembers, and as one of them, I welcome questions from interested individuals about the role. To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume in PDF format to the Clerk of Council at council@lakewoodoh.gov by November 24th at 11:59pm.

On November 1st, student journalists from The Lakewood Times took a field trip to The City Club of Cleveland for its Friday Forum, which featured a conversation about the state of free speech, news, and access to information in our communities. Afterward, the students enjoyed a tour of @ideastreamneo studios and spent some time with some working journalists to hear their perspectives on the profession. #globalawareness#communication#growthmindset#criticalthinking

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Thank you to all who joined the Lakewood safety forces for ice cream at Malley's on Friday, November 1st.

If you missed this event, join the Neighborhood Officers and Neighborhood Paramedic on Nov. 13 for cookies and cupcakes at KB Confections.

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Last week, Mayor George met with some of Lakewood's Girl Scouts to share the history of women's suffrage in Lakewood, the importance of voting and getting involved, and her personal journey to the Mayor's office. Thank you to the Girl Scouts for hosting!

Our Lakewood Rangers took a step forward this year, doubling their win total (4-6) and winning two big conference games, including a Homecoming thriller over Normandy. Senior Co-Captain Quarterback Avery Holt set multiple school records (passing TD’s, most points in a season, most passing TD’s in a career, most total TD’s in a season, most all purpose yards in a career and season). On his way to 1st team All CWC/2nd team all district honors, Avery also punted for a net 45 yard average and blasted 25 kickoff into the end zone. Yet, for all the completions, tough runs and potent kicks, Avery's greatest legacy is his leadership on the field, in the classroom, in the locker room and in the weight room. Avery is an all-time great Lakewood Ranger.

The Ranger season had so many players contribute, including the "Bigs" on the lines, anchored by 2nd team all-conference senior Malachai Davis, in Coach Polevacik's words--a never leave the field player. Same goes for sophomore Jackson Comer, a two-way 1st team all-conference lineman with a huge upside. Sophomore Drew Potoczak and seniors Chris Mathaois and Ahmed Al Masalmeh were mainstays, while junior Htoo Lweh Wah earned Honorable Mention. Also named Honorable mention were Junior Nick Hart, sophomore Tyrese Gatling and senior Jaylen Chappell, who caught nine touchdown passes and now owns the school records for career receiving yards (1321) and TD passes caught (16).

Two way sophomore Riley Verderber was 2nd team all-conference, caught 5 touchdown passes, and sacked the quarterback 4 times. His fourth down high point catch in the end zone, draped with 2 defenders, was vital to the win over Westlake, and was one of the most memorable and important plays of the season. This was a great moment, as was the endurance test against Kent Roosevelt, when the soaked Rangers prevailed in a relentless rainstorm. The Homecoming win over Normandy, on a picture perfect fall evening, was led by Holt and strong two way performance from junior Jacob Stoll, who started the 2nd quarter comeback with a key interception, arguably the most important single play of the year.

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Meet Davis aka “collar #3541” This 10-month-old kitten should work in a bakery because he loves making biscuits! Watching his little paws knead is the cutest thing. Davis is a happy kitty who enjoys playing and getting chin rubs and back scratches. He is quite the charmer and would be a fun addition to any household. 

Meet Tabbytha aka “collar #3575” This 2-year-old girl is very gentle and sweet. Tabbytha is quite affectionate and is a big fan of chin rubs. She enjoys spending her free time sleeping, purring and cuddling. We think Tabbytha can purr her way into her forever home with her calming nature. 

Visit Davis, Tabbytha, and the other animals at the Lakewood Animal Shelter located at 1299 Metropark Drive, just past the Dog Park. Contact the shelter at (216) 529-5020. 

Lakewood Animal Shelter hours: 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday, closed on Sundays.

The City of Lakewood is seeking volunteers ready to engage with the community and advise their local government.

Opportunities are available on the following Boards and Commissions :

Animal Safety & Welfare Advisory Board: The Animal Safety & Welfare Advisory Board (LASWAB) was established to serve in an advisory capacity to the Mayor and Council on issues related to the health and welfare of humans and animals as they interact in our community. LASWAB is composed of eleven members. Board members include a representative from the Lakewood City Council, the Director of Public Safety or a representative of that office, and nine members who are residents of the City of Lakewood with  some area of expertise in animal behavior, animal safety or other experience that would bring diversity to the membership of the Board.

Anti-Racism Task Force: The Anti-Racism Task Force advises and works with the administration to ensure the value of anti-racism is foundational and unambiguously expressed in all city objectives, such as, safety, housing, education and culture, and community wellness.  The Task Force may consider any subject referred to it for review and advice.

Citizens Advisory Committee: The Citizens Advisory Committee is charged with the responsibility of reviewing and researching Community Development needs and the Consolidated Plan of the City of Lakewood. In this context, the CAC reviews various proposals for federal funds and makes recommendations to the City Council as to what programs would be funded and at what funding levels in a particular year. The CAC members analyze requests for funds in relation to the needs of the community and the amount of funds available. Click here for more information about this commission.

Civil rights icon, activist and author Ruby Bridges will be the featured keynote speaker at The Legal Aid Society of Cleveland’s 119th Annual Meeting on November 25.  The afternoon program and reception will be held at the Hilton Cleveland Downtown at 2pm. 

Ms. Bridges will be delivering her keynote remarks via a conversation with award-winning American broadcast journalist and Legal Aid supporter, Lori Stokes. Ms. Bridges will also receive Legal Aid's highest honor, the Louis Stokes Paragon Award. 

This year’s theme is centered around the words of Legal Aid’s 2011 annual meeting keynote speaker, the late Congressman John Lewis: “Freedom is not a state; it is an act. Freedom is the continuous action we all must take…to create an even more fair, more just society.”

Legal Aid will also honor some of the many staff members that make an impact on its client community. Staff honorees are:

Maria Smith - C. Lyonel Jones Lifetime Achievement Award

Katherine Hollingsworth, Leadership Award

Kimberly Barnett-Mills - Claude E. Clarke Award

Julia Lauritzen - Claude E. Clarke Award

Olivia Pollack - Claude E. Clarke Award

Recently, the City of Lakewood announced the promotion of Ryan Fairbanks to serve as Chief of the Lakewood Fire Department (LFD). Chief Fairbanks has been a longtime and publicly present member of LFD, so many of you already know and appreciate him. But for those of you who have not had the pleasure of meeting him yet, I’d like to introduce you to Chief Fairbanks and explain why Lakewood is lucky to have him step into this new role. The chief is a humble man who prefers to give credit to others, so I wanted to highlight some of what makes him so well suited to lead LFD.

Chief Fairbanks has been with LFD for almost two decades, joining the department as a firefighter paramedic and serving in that role for many years. If you talk to Chief Fairbanks, he will let you know that in many ways, this was his favorite role because he was able to perform frontline service to the people of Lakewood, actively fighting fires and helping those in a medical crisis. But he also realizes that he can offer great value to cultivating the next generation of LFD firefighter paramedics in his new position, and is looking forward to continuing the tradition of excellence we have seen over time in LFD.

As much as his Lakewood career has been stellar, Chief Fairbanks’ background before coming to our city is just as impressive. He has over 27 years of firefighting experience, both professional and volunteer. That includes service with the Bureau of Fire in Dover, Delaware, the Middlefield Fire Department in Geauga County, and the Bath and Copley Township Fire Departments in Summit County. Some of Chief Fairbanks’ earliest experience as a firefighter was in the United States Air Force from 1998 to 2002, including a deployment overseas in Kuwait. He then worked as a Department of Defense civilian firefighter at the Youngstown Air Reserve Station until he joined LFD in 2005.

The Healthy Lakewood Foundation (HLF) seeks new board members. We are prioritizing those with non-profit financial management experience but welcome applications from all interested residents. The ideal candidates will join our diverse board in service to the Lakewood community.

Essential Requirements:

• Must be a Lakewood resident (per bylaws requiring 2/3 resident membership)
• Non-profit financial management background preferred
• Commitment to supporting diverse perspectives in grantmaking

The Foundation believes diversity among its members and partners is a core strength. We actively seek board members who bring varied backgrounds, lived experiences, skills, and knowledge to examine community challenges and opportunities. Our board and staff ensure diversity, equity, and inclusion remain central to governance. 

Support for Service:

• Optional meeting stipend provided
• Reimbursement available for:
  • Travel expenses
  • Caretaking costs
  • Meeting-related expenses

On October 21, Riverbelle members gathered on a beautiful, breezy day at the Lone Sailor Plaza to present Peter Collins, Brigadier General (USMC, Retired) & CEO of the USS Cleveland Legacy Foundation with a donation from Riverbelles. Riverbelles chose this fundraiser as a celebatory countdown to their 50th Anniversary in 2025.  The donation is in support of the commissioning of the USS Cleveland, LCS 31, in 2025 for "Freedom-class littoral combat ship of the United States Navy."

Riverbelles President, Carol Mason of Lakewood, presented the check and was joined by Susan Rothacker, VP; Mary Glassco and Gail Ahlers (Lakewood residents), past presidents; and Marla Shaghaghi, new member.  im Mason, SN, Past District Commander, USPS District 7, and Tom Durfey, WWI Veteran, accompanied the group.  The group was then invited to tour the USS Cod Submarine Memorial. 

To learn more about the USS Cleveland, LC 31 and the recent unveiling of the Lone Sailor Monument, go to www.usscleveland.org.