Lakewoodalive

LakewoodAlive Announces Return Of Lakewood Summer Meltdown On July 15

The biggest block party in the city is poised to heat up Lakewood this summer once again. The Lakewood Summer Meltdown, sponsored by Melt Bar and Grilled and presented by LakewoodAlive, returns to Downtown Lakewood for its 15th year on Saturday, July 15 from 4 to 10 p.m.

The Summer Meltdown represents one of the region’s most highly anticipated street parties. A summertime celebration of our city’s vibrancy, this free community event draws nearly 15,000 attendees from across Northeast Ohio to the heart of Lakewood each July.

This fixture on our city’s summer calendar takes place on Detroit Avenue in Downtown Lakewood between Marlowe and Arthur Avenues. The Summer Meltdown features a 5K race sponsored by Cleveland Clinic, 1 Mile Family Fun Run and Walk sponsored by Lakewood City Schools Community Recreation and Education Department, street festival, outdoor activities, games, food vendors, beer garden, live music and more.

Now is the time to secure your Meltdown 5k registration and start training! The price for the Meltdown 5K increases on the day of the event, so buy early and save. In the spirit of celebrating the 15th Summer Meltdown, the first 50 sign-ups will be discounted to $20 followed by a pre-sale rate of $30 and day-of $35. These races serve as a fundraiser for LakewoodAlive. 

Families will love the street festival component, which features a variety of local small businesses and nonprofit organizations, many of which offer interactive opportunities. Activities range from the “Water Moose” sprinkler park to fitness activities to a skateboard park.

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Volume 19, Issue 9, Posted 3:10 PM, 05.17.2023

LakewoodAlive’s 2023 Front Porch Concert Series Performers Announced

This Lakewood summer tradition is back, offering nine opportunities to enjoy free, live music in a welcoming Downtown Lakewood environment and new this year, at the Madison Park Pavilion.

LakewoodAlive announces the talented lineup of musical performers for the 2023 Front Porch Concert Series sponsored by Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James. See the schedule below for weekly performers comprising the popular live music program, which takes place each Friday evening (7 p.m.) from June 2 through July 14 on the front steps of Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Avenue) followed by concerts at Madison Park Pavilion (13201 Madison Avenue) on July 21 and July 28.

The 2023 edition of the Front Porch Concert Series will offer something for many musical tastes. From soul and rock to blues and pop, each weekly concert remains family-friendly while delving into diverse musical genres.

“We’re thrilled to announce this year’s fun lineup of performers who represent a diverse spectrum of sounds. New this year, the final two concerts of the season will take place at the Madison Park Pavilion! We’re excited to bring free, live music to this wonderful park in Lakewood’s historic Birdtown neighborhood,” said Ian Andrews, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive. “Live music on Friday nights in the summer are a tradition in Lakewood, and thanks to our sponsors and partners, that tradition lives on.”

The 2023 Front Porch Concert Series comprised of returning acts and new performers alike, kicks off June 2 with a performance by The Day Nites, a soul group fronted by soul legend Arthur “Art” Blakey from the Cleveland 1960’s R&B vocal group “The Hesitations”, supported by members of The Hi-Lites. Jack Ashford of the infamous Funk Brothers of Motown discovered Blakey, who began singing on the street corners of Cleveland. As the vocalist of The Day Nites, Blakey brings his voice to a new audience, conjuring the raw energy and excitement of the gritty soul music that has made him legendary in the Northern Soul dance craze worldwide.

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Volume 19, Issue 9, Posted 12:21 PM, 05.03.2023

LakewoodAlive’s Paint Lakewood Program Kicks Off 2023 Season

A new coat of paint can do wonders for making your home look fresh and beautiful. If your home is in need of an update, a paint job may be more affordable than you think. 

LakewoodAlive’s Housing Outreach Program announces the return of its Paint Lakewood Program for the 2023 season. The Paint Lakewood Program’s primary goal involves revitalizing Lakewood’s neighborhoods, while reducing lead hazards and educating residents on lead safety issues. The Paint Lakewood Program is available to low-to-moderate income residents.

This innovative program in partnership with the City of Lakewood is designed to help make it more affordable for qualified Lakewood homeowners and residents to beautify their homes through exterior whole-home painting, ultimately making their homes safe for their families and the community.

Paint Lakewood will provide a grant of up to $4,500 to qualified Lakewood homeowners and residents for exterior paint, supplies and professional labor costs to paint their home. This program offers a grant on a sliding scale to help reduce the cost of an exterior paint job. 

“We understand that the cost of materials and labor has increased. This program is designed to make the price tag on exterior home painting within reach for hardworking families and individuals,” said Allison Urbanek, LakewoodAlive’s Housing & Internal Operations Director. “Through this program, we hope to remove barriers that prevent a home from being kept in good repair, along with promoting lead-based paint awareness and safety practices.”

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Volume 19, Issue 9, Posted 12:21 PM, 05.03.2023

LakewoodAlive Unveils “Knowing Your Home” Schedule For 2023

When it comes to your home, you are never alone. There’s no better time than now to take proper care of this important investment, and LakewoodAlive is here to help you every step of the way.

LakewoodAlive announces the schedule for the 2023 edition of “Knowing Your Home,” a free educational series focused on sustainability and home maintenance best practices empowering homeowners to tackle necessary repairs and improvements. Orchestrated by LakewoodAlive’s Housing Outreach Program, this series is designed to benefit a wide range of residents:

• Those considering a home DIY project
• Those planning to hire a contractor
• Those simply interested in better understanding how their home works

This popular home maintenance program is celebrating a decade of programming. This season features a collection of 13 workshops taking place from April through November led by experts within the industry. These workshops will cover a wide range of topics designed to educate residents regarding improvements and best practices for their homes. The best part? Each workshop is open to the public and free to attend.

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Volume 19, Issue 7, Posted 4:16 PM, 04.05.2023

LakewoodAlive Announces Award Honorees To Be Recognized At “Loving Lakewood: Out Of This World”

Team LakewoodAlive is inviting you on a Space Mission of major importance. LakewoodAlive will host Loving Lakewood: Out Of This World on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Lakewood Masonic Temple. As always, this event, eclipsing all others, will have you over the moon, enjoying force field foods, Big Bang beverages and more meteoric fun than you can fit into an entire solar system. For more information and to buy tickets visit, LakewoodAlive.org/LovingLakewood.

LakewoodAlive proudly announces Jarrell McAlister as the 2023 Founders Award recipient and fellow community members Amy Chodzin, Rob Holland, Emmie Hutchison, Carlos Ramos, Amanda Santa and Danielle Zann as the 2023 Community Leaders award honorees to be recognized during Loving Lakewood: Out Of This World. Each individual will be honored as part of the evening’s festivities in recognition of their exemplary service to LakewoodAlive and the Lakewood community.

Each member of this honoree group has made a long-lasting impact on LakewoodAlive and our community. The Founders Award, recognizing one honoree annually, celebrates individuals who exemplify the vision of LakewoodAlive’s founding members to foster and sustain vibrant and welcoming neighborhoods. Community Leader Award recipients represent LakewoodAlive’s most dedicated volunteers and partners who have supported the organization’s work in the community.

Founders Award

Jarrell McAlister - Founders Award

Jarrell and his wife Andi have been Lakewood residents for 20 years. Jarrell is an innovation consultant and facilitator at Progressive Insurance and enjoys working with non-profits like LakewoodAlive. Prior to Progressive, Jarrell worked as a TV Producer in Chicago and his hometown of Knoxville, Tennessee. Jarrell and Andi have two children, Ellie and Jonah, and love exploring Lakewood and traveling the world.

As LakewoodAlive’s past board president from July 2020 through July 2022, Jarrell led the organization forward through challenges and change. He showed incredible leadership throughout the pandemic and led the organization through multiple strategic plans. Jarrell is supportive in every sense of the word, including volunteering for all of LakewoodAlive’s events and board projects.
“I grew up in a small-business family, so I love that Lakewood is mostly locally owned businesses. It’s a unique community with interesting discoveries around every corner – from quirky stuff in people’s yards to wall murals and cool little shops. We feel lucky to have excellent schools nearby. We have kids at both Lakewood City Schools and Lakewood Catholic Academy and see the great education they are receiving. We also love the community events that bring people together,” reflected McAlister.

Community Leader Award Honorees:

Amy Chodzin – Community Leader Award

Amy is the Assistant Coordinator for H2O – Help to Others, Lakewood’s service-learning program for high school and middle school youth. Amy is an impactful leader who collaborates with LakewoodAlive, to bring amazing youth volunteers to housing outreach projects throughout the summer. She is always looking for creative ways to collaborate and is dedicated to the people and beautification of the community. In addition to the volunteer work she manages with H2O, she also volunteers her time for many LakewoodAlive events throughout the year.

“I love the Lakewood community for its people. There is a bottomless pool of compassion that exists in the hearts of Lakewoodites to ensure their neighbors are safe, the children can thrive and everyone has a voice,” reflected Chodzin.

Rob Holland – Community Leader Award

Rob is an amazing volunteer though LakewoodAlive’s Snow Shoveling Program. He has helped since the reboot of this snow program in the winter of 2020. He is always willing to lend a helping hand. During snowstorms, he assists elderly and disabled residents by clearing their driveways with his snow blower.

“LakewoodAlive is love; understanding, caring, helping, growing. But let’s be real too. I got roped into this business because my kid needed ‘service’ hours on his transcripts,” Holland quipped.

Emmie Hutchison – Community Leader Award

Emmie is the Coordinator for H2O – Help to Others, Lakewood’s service-learning program for high school and middle school youth. Emmie works with LakewoodAlive to find annual projects that bring together homeowners and residents in need with Lakewood youth. We are grateful to have a partnership with H2O that is truly impactful.

“Lakewood is a community that supports each other. When my kids started in Lakewood City Schools, I still didn’t know many people. Our family was thoroughly welcomed and drawn into participating in school and civic life and we’ve never looked back. Each member of my family has had wonderful opportunities to learn and grow through the schools, programs in the City of Lakewood like the Family Room and H2O, and LakewoodAlive events,” Hutchison reflected.


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Volume 19, Issue 3, Posted 11:49 AM, 02.01.2023

3-2-1 Liftoff! Tickets On Sale Now For “Loving Lakewood: Out Of This World”

Team LakewoodAlive is inviting you on a Space Mission of major importance. Creating a sense of community is the ultimate goal of our mission. If you choose to accept the challenge of creating vibrant and welcoming neighborhoods on Planet Lakewood, you will be transported to a galaxy far, far away to complete this important work.

LakewoodAlive will host Loving Lakewood: Out Of This World on Saturday, February 25, 2023, from 7:30 to 11 p.m. at the Lakewood Masonic Temple. As always, this event, eclipsing all others, will have you over the moon, enjoying force field foods, Big Bang beverages and more meteoric fun than you can fit into an entire solar system.

Tickets for Loving Lakewood: Out Of This World are on sale now, and can be secured at OutOfThisWorldLakewoodAlive.eventbrite.com. For an experience fit for a captain, guests can set their phasers to stun and submit their request to beam up for a VIP experience. A general admission ticket permits guests to cruise this intergalactic experience for the evening.

Proceeds from the evening's festivities will support LakewoodAlive's programming as we strive to foster and sustain vibrant neighborhoods in Lakewood. Much like those who have ventured into infinity and beyond, we at LakewoodAlive strive to utilize inspiration, determination and tireless drive to assist residents and small businesses of Lakewood to make our community welcoming and vibrant for all earthlings.


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Volume 19, Issue 2, Posted 12:31 PM, 01.18.2023

Registration Now Open For LakewoodAlive’s 15th Annual Spooky Pooch Parade

Get ready for a doggone good time! Registration is now open for LakewoodAlive’s 15th Annual Spooky Pooch Parade, a celebration of costumed canines taking place Saturday, October 15 from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Madison Park in Lakewood’s Birdtown Neighborhood.

LakewoodAlive proudly announces Ken Ganley Subaru of Bedford as the Title Sponsor. Spooky Pooch Parade consists of a free-to-attend festival at Madison Park, a parade along Madison Avenue and surrounding streets and an awards presentation. A favorite Halloween tradition for Northeast Ohio dog lovers and their families, this community festival is a one-of-a-kind event in the region, providing a tail-wagging good time for canine and human guests alike. Last year’s Spooky Pooch Parade drew 350 canines and an estimated crowd of 3,000 people.

Pre-registration for the parade is $10 per dog and day-of registration is $15 per dog. Multiple dog discounts are available with pre-registration only. Humans are free. This community event takes place rain or shine, and proceeds from the parade benefit LakewoodAlive, a community-centered nonprofit organization striving to foster and sustain vibrant and welcoming neighborhoods in Lakewood. Register your dog today.

Festivities get underway with the Spooky Pooch Festival beginning at 12:30 p.m. at Madison Park. Enjoy entertainment, kids’ games and dog-related vendors, including rescue groups and other nonprofits offering canine-oriented goods and services. Kids (and all participants) are encouraged to wear Halloween costumes at this family-friendly event.

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Volume 18, Issue 17, Posted 5:29 PM, 09.07.2022

LakewoodAlive Announces a Front Porch Concert Pop-Up on September 8 at Madison Park

LakewoodAlive is excited to announce a Front Porch Concert Pop-Up on Thursday, September 8 from 6;30 to 8 p.m. at Madison Park in Lakewood's Birdtown neighborhood. Bring a blanket or chair and join us for a free, live performance by Madison Cummins followed by Lea Marra & The Dream Catchers in front of the pavilion at Madison Park.

Lea Marra has been writing and performing music since the age of 10. Her inspirations come from nature and her experience with relationships. Lea Marra has advanced her sound with her band The Dream Catchers. The Dream catchers add great musicality to her songs, which include violin, mandolin, banjo, bass, lead guitar, and drums.

Madison Cummins’ style includes influences of folk, classic rock, indie, and alternative music. She has played at assorted venues and events in Akron, Cleveland, and Athens, Ohio. Madison’s debut album, Odd Little Place, was released in 2013. Madison’s sophomore album Antidote was released in July 2020 and recorded with local band Hey Monea.

Front Porch Concert Pop-Up Schedule:
6:30-7 p.m. – Madison Cummins
7-8 p.m. – Lea Marra & The Dream Catchers

This performance will take place in front of the pavilion at Madison Park. Attendees are encouraged to bring their own chair or blanket.

The following sponsors generously support the Front Porch Concert Series:

Title Sponsor:
Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James

Presenting Sponsor:
Lakewood Public Library, Madison Branch

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Volume 18, Issue 17, Posted 10:32 AM, 08.30.2022

LakewoodAlive Announces Return Of Spooky Pooch Parade On October 15

Get ready for a doggone good time! Spooky Pooch Parade will bring the bark to Madison Park once again. LakewoodAlive’s 15th Annual Spooky Pooch Parade takes place on Saturday, October 15, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Madison Park in Lakewood’s Birdtown neighborhood.

LakewoodAlive’s family-friendly Spooky Pooch Parade consists of a free-to-attend festival at Madison Park, a parade along Madison Avenue and surrounding streets and an awards presentation. A favorite autumn tradition for Northeast Ohio dog lovers, this community festival represents a one-of-a-kind event within the region, providing a tail-wagging good time for canine and human guests alike.

Registration for the parade will open on Wednesday, August 24. Pre-registration is $10 per dog and day-of registration is $15 per dog. Multiple dog discounts are available with pre-registration only. Humans are free. This community event takes place rain or shine, and proceeds from the parade benefit LakewoodAlive, a community centered nonprofit organization.

 

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Volume 18, Issue 16, Posted 7:58 PM, 08.03.2022

LakewoodAlive’s 2022 Front Porch Concert Series Performers Announced

This Lakewood summer tradition is back, offering nine opportunities to enjoy free, live music in a welcoming Downtown Lakewood environment.

LakewoodAlive announces the talented lineup of musical performers for the 2022 Front Porch Concert Series sponsored by Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James.  See the schedule below for weekly performers comprising the popular live music program, which takes place each Friday evening (7 p.m.) from June 3 through July 29 on the front steps of Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Avenue).

The 2022 edition of the Front Porch Concert Series will offer something for many musical tastes.  From reggae to rock to soul and pop, each weekly concert remains family-friendly while delving into diverse musical genres.

“We’re thrilled to be back in person this year with a fun and diverse lineup of performers representing a wide spectrum of sounds. We can’t wait to see folks dancing and singing along with these amazing musicians,” said Ian Andrews, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive. “We’re thankful to the community and to our sponsors for supporting us and encouraging us to bring back this beloved summer series.” 

Now in its 12th year, the 2022 Front Porch Concert Series comprised of returning acts and new performers alike, kicks off June 3 with a performance by Smith Taylor, a talented indie-soul singer-guitarist who does it for love. Smith Taylor looks to lead in advancing the ideas of black sound and creativity, in hopes to inspire thought and self-discovery.

Up nex

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Volume 18, Issue 8, Posted 2:58 PM, 04.20.2022

LakewoodAlive Announces Award Honorees To Be Recognized At “Loving Lakewood: Let’s Make History”

Let your creativity shine! A sense of community is the ultimate work of art. LakewoodAlive will host Loving Lakewood: Let's Make History! on Saturday, May 21, 2022 outdoors at The Sanctuary Museum Courtyard. Guests are cordially invited to socialize with statues, explore artifacts, drink with docents and relish displays all while learning of the cultural and impactful work of LakewoodAlive at this outdoor venue turned museum in Lakewood's historic Birdtown neighborhood.

LakewoodAlive proudly announces Tom Fraser as the 2022 Founders Award recipient and fellow community members Carol Barrett, Bill Craighead, Matt Fish, Judy Gryzbowski, and John Turner as the 2022 Community Leaders award honorees to be recognized during Loving Lakewood: Let's Make History. Each will be honored as part of the evening's festivities in recognition of their exemplary service to LakewoodAlive and the Lakewood community.

This outdoor venue turned museum is expected to sell out, so be sure to act quickly, tickets will go faster than Amelia Earhart’s plane at 10 a.m. on April 5. For more information and to buy tickets visit, LakewoodAlive.org/LovingLakewood.

The Founders Award

Tom Fraser - Founders Award
Tom is the CEO of First Mutual Holding Co., the largest member-owned mutual holding company of its kind in the Midwest, with affiliates that include First Federal Lakewood and First Mutual Bank. A former LakewoodAlive board member, Tom has been central to our incredible partnership with First Federal Lakewood for more than a decade. In 2012, Tom saw the value that LakewoodAlive brought to the community's housing stock and its residents and made a commitment to invest in the Housing Outreach program. When COVID-19 struck, Tom was a key member of a city-wide response that included members of government, institutions, non-profits and schools. The creation of an emergency small business loan - in a matter of days – is a testament to the commitment Tom has to Lakewood, and the ability for this community to rally together.

"I love Lakewood as it is my hometown, an original streetcar suburb that continues to evolve and reinvent itself. Over the past century, it has been the gateway for success for immigrants, small business owners and families to launch themselves to success. It seems everyone in Northeast Ohio was born here, lived here, dines here or speaks glowingly of my hometown," said Fraser.


Community Leader Award Honorees:

Carol Barrett – Community Leader Award
Carol is the owner of Carol Lynn Salon Plus (15516 Madison Avenue). A Lakewood graduate and resident, Carol opened her own salon in 2007. In no time, she became a pillar in the community as a board member for the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the Rotary Club of Lakewood and Rocky River Rotary Sunrise. Carol led the Uptown Lakewood Business Alliance for 4 years including through the COVID-19 pandemic. Quick with a smile, Carol's passion is for her clients and her community. Most recently, Carol joined the LakewoodAlive board in 2021.

"I volunteer and support LakewoodAlive because they provide support to small businesses including my own. They are a solid source of information such as loans, grants, and many opportunities for business-to-business networking. LakewoodAlive truly led the business community through the Covid-19 pandemic," Barrett said.

 

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Volume 18, Issue 8, Posted 2:58 PM, 04.20.2022

LakewoodAlive’s Paint Lakewood Program Kicks Off 2022 Season

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for making your home look fresh and sharp. If your home is in need of an update, a fresh paint job may be more affordable than you think.

LakewoodAlive’s Housing Outreach Program announces the return of its Paint Lakewood Program for the 2022 season. The Paint Lakewood Program’s primary goal involves revitalizing Lakewood’s neighborhoods, while reducing lead hazards and educating residents on lead safety issues. The Paint Lakewood Program is available to low-to-moderate income residents.

This innovative program in partnership with the City of Lakewood, is designed to help make it more affordable for qualified Lakewood homeowners and residents to beautify their homes through exterior whole-home painting, ultimately making their homes safe for their families and the community.

Paint Lakewood will provide a grant of up to $4,500 to qualified Lakewood homeowners and residents for exterior paint, supplies and professional labor costs to paint their home. This program offers a grant on a sliding scale to help reduce the cost of an exterior paint job.

“The Paint Lakewood Program is designed to help families tackle this essential home repair by making it more affordable and ultimately more accessible, said Allison Urbanek, LakewoodAlive’s Housing & Internal Operations Director. This program is designed to remove barriers that prevent a home from being kept in good repair along with promoting lead based paint awareness and safety practices.”

 

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Volume 18, Issue 7, Posted 9:33 AM, 04.06.2022

LakewoodAlive To Host “Loving Lakewood: Let’s Make History!” On May 21

Tickets to Fundraising Event at The Sanctuary Museum Courtyard on Sale April 5

Let your creativity shine! A sense of community is the ultimate work of art. That’s why we at LakewoodAlive are inviting you to dress up as your favorite historical character, artist, artwork or favorite ephemera from your most cherished museum in celebration of LakewoodAlive, the local community development organization that is a pillar of the community.

LakewoodAlive will host Loving Lakewood: Let’s Make History! on Saturday, May 21, 2022, from 6:30 to 10 p.m.at The Sanctuary Museum Courtyard.  Guests are cordially invited to socialize with statues, explore artifacts, drink with docents and relish displays all while learning of the cultural and impactful work of LakewoodAlive at this outdoor-venue-turned museum in Lakewood’s historic Birdtown neighborhood.

Tickets for Loving Lakewood: Let’s Make History! will go on sale at 10 a.m. on April 5, and can be secured at LakewoodAlive.org/LovingLakewood.  Guests will make history at this outdoor pop-up museum experience for one evening only at either VIP or General Admission ticket prices. Get ready to enjoy a curated selection of food, drinks, décor and iconic entertainment.

Proceeds will support LakewoodAlive’s programming as we strive to foster and sustain vibrant neighborhoods in Lakewood.  Much like established artists throughout history, we at LakewoodAlive see our community as our canvas, using our inspiration, determination and tireless drive to assist the residents and small businesses of Lakewood, to create our work of art, an even more vibrant and welcoming community.

 

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Volume 18, Issue 4, Posted 8:36 AM, 02.16.2022

Light Up Lakewood 2021 To Spread Holiday Cheer On December 4

LakewoodAlive’s Festive Outdoor Community Event Returns to Downtown Lakewood

The most joyous of Lakewood traditions is returning to Downtown Lakewood for the 15th annual celebration. The spirit of the season will come to life with holiday cheer when Light Up Lakewood 2021 takes place on Saturday, December 4 from 4 to 8 p.m.

Sponsored by First Federal Lakewood and presented by LakewoodAlive, Light Up Lakewood celebrates the season and the richness of our city’s vibrancy.  This free, family-friendly event on Detroit Avenue in Downtown Lakewood features a holiday parade, lighting ceremony, winter fireworks, The Roundstone Beer Garden, Holiday Train, live music, ice carvings, hot chocolate, food trucks, children’s games and more.

Attendees are invited to stroll Lakewood's downtown district and visit local shops and restaurants while taking in the sights and sounds of one of Northeast Ohio's largest holiday celebrations. Light Up Lakewood serves as a marquee event for the entire region.

 

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Volume 17, Issue 21, Posted 3:04 PM, 11.03.2021

14th Annual Spooky Pooch Parade Brings Bark To Madison Park On October 16

It won’t be long until Birdtown goes to the dogs.  LakewoodAlive’s 14th Annual Spooky Pooch Parade takes place on Saturday, October 16, from 12:30 to 3:30 p.m. at Madison Park.

Sponsored by Discount Drug Mart, the family-friendly Spooky Pooch Parade consists of a free-to-attend festival in Madison Park, a parade through Lakewood’s Birdtown neighborhood and an awards presentation. The parade takes place on the streets surrounding the park and leaves on Athens Avenue. A favorite autumn tradition for Northeast Ohio dog lovers, this community festival represents a one-of-a-kind event within the region, providing a tail-wagging good time for canine and human guests alike.

Pre-registration for the parade is $10 per dog and day-of registration is $15 per dog. Pre-registration ends on October 15at noon. Multiple dog discounts are available with pre-registration only.  Humans are free.  This community event takes place rain or shine, and proceeds from the parade benefit LakewoodAlive, a nonprofit community development organization. 

 

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Volume 17, Issue 20, Posted 4:59 PM, 10.06.2021

My Arrival In Mozambique, Africa

Hello People! My name is Fernanda. You may have seen me around town or read my story in the previous issue of The Lakewood Observer. In that story, I left my familiar family and my comfortable life in Chile in order to experience a different culture and to learn about people by living with them the way they live. This was an idea that I got from some documentaries that I watched as a child in Chile.

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Volume 17, Issue 19, Posted 3:04 PM, 11.03.2021

LakewoodAlive To Host A Virtual Community Conversation On May 26 Celebrating Historic Preservation Month

LakewoodAlive announces it will host a community conversation entitled “Historic Preservation: Embracing the Past to Invest in the Future” from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 26 via Zoom. This conversation will offer insightful dialogue about how we can celebrate our historic building stock, take steps to preserve what we have and leverage resources to breathe new life into these buildings’ second century.

Often called a Streetcar Suburb, Lakewood’s historic roots run deep from Native American trails to farms to plank roads. While the streetcars are long gone, much of our history is visible today in our homes and businesses. How can we work to ensure that these beautiful buildings remain viable and central to the unique sense of place Lakewood celebrates?

The community is invited to attend this free conversation as LakewoodAlive seeks to discuss how communities that celebrate historic preservation stand apart from others and how preservation can be an economic driver for the future. The discussion will delve into the two recently established national historic districts in Lakewood (Downtown and Clifton Park South) and what that means for those neighborhoods while exploring the desire and importance of seeking new historic districts in our pre-war historic community.

 

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Volume 17, Issue 10, Posted 11:40 AM, 05.19.2021

Registration Now Open for 2021 Summer Meltdown Hybrid 5K & Family Fun Run

Ready, sweat, go! Registration is now open for LakewoodAlive’s Hybrid Summer Meltdown 5K and 1 Mile Family Fun Run & Walk with an in-person race on Sunday, July 25 and a virtual race taking place July 10 through 23.

In an effort to ensure comfort and safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, Lakewood Summer Meltdown sponsored by Melt Bar and Grilled will be orchestrated as a hybrid event with a virtual and in person race, to ensure that all participants have the opportunity to continue this long-held Lakewood summer tradition. The Hybrid Meltdown 5K serves as a fundraiser for LakewoodAlive, a community centered non-profit organization.

VIRTUAL OPTION: Run anywhere and support LakewoodAlive! Complete the race at your convenience anytime between July 10 and July 23, by running through your neighborhood, favorite park or using a treadmill and recording your time on our event page.

 

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Volume 17, Issue 10, Posted 11:40 AM, 05.19.2021

LakewoodAlive’s 2021 Virtual Front Porch Concert Series Performers Announced

Research shows that music can be a powerful healing tool, helping us to make memories, build community, and collectively elevating our spirits. Right now, in the midst of a period in which the need for social bonding is perhaps greater than ever, we’re excited to bring the community together through live music.

LakewoodAlive announces its 2021 Front Porch Concert Series sponsored by Bentley Wealth Management of Raymond James will feature nine live musical performances hosted virtually via LakewoodAlive’s Facebook page each Friday evening at 7 p.m. from June 4 through July 30.

Now in its 11th year, the popular music series is staying virtual to ensure health and safety during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, yet LakewoodAlive remains committed to enhancing Lakewood’s sense of community by offering free weekly concerts that families and all music lovers can enjoy. 

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Volume 17, Issue 9, Posted 12:23 PM, 05.05.2021

LakewoodAlive Unveils "Knowing Your Home" Schedule For 2021

Tackling a home improvement project doesn't need to feel intimidating. This virtual workshop series is designed to educate and inform first-time or long-time owners and anyone in-between. The series, focused on best sustainability and home maintenance practices hopes to empower residents to tackle necessary repairs and improvements.

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Volume 17, Issue 7, Posted 7:32 PM, 04.07.2021

LakewoodAlive’s Paint Lakewood Program Kicks Off 2021 Season

A fresh coat of paint can do wonders for making your home look fresh and sharp. If your home is in need of an update, a fresh paint job may be more affordable than you think.

LakewoodAlive’s Housing Outreach Program announces the return of its Paint Lakewood Program for the 2021 season. The Paint Lakewood Program’s primary goal involves revitalizing Lakewood’s neighborhoods, while reducing lead hazards and educating residents on lead safety issues. The Paint Lakewood Program is available to low-to-moderate income residents.

This innovative program is designed to help make it more affordable for qualified Lakewood homeowners and residents to beautify their homes through exterior whole-home painting, ultimately making their homes safe for their families and the community.

Paint Lakewood will provide a grant of up to $4,500 to qualified Lakewood homeowners and residents for exterior paint, supplies and professional labor costs to paint their home. The program has been designed to offer a grant on a sliding scale to help reduce the cost of an exterior paint job.

 

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Volume 17, Issue 7, Posted 7:32 PM, 04.07.2021

Tickets Are On Sale Now For Loving Lakewood: Life's A Beach

Calling all Beach Bums- it's time to join LakewoodAlive for a radical, virtual event filled with sand, waves and good clean fun! LakewoodAlive will host Loving Lakewood: Life's a Beach on Saturday, February 27 from 7-8:30 p.m. via Zoom.

Guests are invited to break out beach apparel and plan for a whale of a time as we do all we can to connect with one another in a safe way. Dress up in your favorite beach attire and drift away to a warm and beachy place during the Loving Lakewood: Life's A Beach event.

Tickets for Life's a Beach can be secured at LakewoodAlive.org/LovingLakewood.

A $50 ticket will provide you with an exclusive link to the virtual event and your choice of a delicious meal prepared by Karen King Catering. Meal options range from grilled Cajun shrimp skewer, beef brisket, pulled pork to a vegan black bean burger meal. Add on a six-pack of Platform's Haze Jude or Palesner or select a refreshing bottle of wine and make it a complete night with the option of personal delivery service right to your front porch.

While enjoying your meal and beverage, tune in as we recognize some of our top volunteers, catch up with friends in private breakout rooms, join us for mobile bidding during our live auction, take a chance with the 50/50 raffle and hear live music.

Proceeds will support LakewoodAlive's programming as we strive to foster and sustain vibrant neighborhoods in Lakewood. While we won't be able to be together in person, we are still stoked to hang-ten with our friends and supporters. It will be a whale of a goodtime at this fin-tastic celebration of Community, Connectivity and Perseverance. After all, Life's a Beach!

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Volume 17, Issue 2, Posted 3:43 PM, 01.20.2021

Downtown Lakewood Officially Listed In National Register Of Historic Places

LakewoodAlive and the City of Lakewood are proud to announce that downtown Lakewood has been listed in the National Register of Historic Places.

The 105 buildings in the Lakewood Downtown Historic District trace Lakewood's development from a thriving agricultural community through its development as a streetcar era suburb, as well as the reinvestment projects in downtown during the 1960s and early 1970s.

The district includes an area from just west of Bunts Road to midway between Hall and Ethel Avenues, Warren Road from Detroit Avenue to almost Franklin Boulevard, and a number of apartment buildings located adjacent to Detroit Avenue on side streets. Visit lakewoodalive.org/downtown-lakewood-historic-district/ to see a district map and additional information.

"We are thrilled to announce the completion of the Downtown Lakewood Historic District project which has been in the works since 2016 when the Ohio Historic Preservation Office Staff visited to determine if a district was viable," said LakewoodAlive Executive Director Ian Andrews. "This listing now unlocks state and federal historic tax credits for building owners in an effort to further support investment in our historic commercial building stock."

Owners of income producing buildings constructed in the early 1970s or earlier in the historic district are now eligible to use the federal historic tax credit program, which provides a credit equal to 20% of rehabilitation costs. In addition, the buildings are also eligible to compete for a 25% of rehabilitation tax credit through the Ohio Historic Preservation Tax Credit program.

 

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Volume 16, Issue 24, Posted 12:59 PM, 01.06.2021

Light Up Lakewood: Reimagined To Spread Virtual Holiday Cheer

LakewoodAlive has creatively reimagined the most joyous of Lakewood traditions — this year, we will be virtually connecting the community to safely bring the spirit of this beloved event to life. Light Up Lakewood is back for a 14th consecutive year, help us to #LiftUpLakewood with holiday cheer when Light Up Lakewood 2020 takes place virtually from Saturday, December 12 through Sunday, December 20.

Sponsored by First Federal Lakewood and presented by LakewoodAlive, Light Up Lakewood celebrates the season and the richness of our city’s vibrancy. This virtual, family-friendly event will feature nine days of Lakewood holiday traditions that premier daily on Facebook and Instagram beginning December 12. The virtual event will kick off with our Lighting Ceremony that begins with a mini-parade featuring Light Up Lakewood celebrities including Santa, Grinch, and Buddy the Elf.

”Light Up Lakewood is such a fun celebration of the season and we wanted to do our best to keep the celebration alive, in a safe way,” said LakewoodAlive Executive Director Ian Andrews. “We are thrilled to bring you nine days of videos featuring some of our favorite traditions of the event and hope it brings the community together during this uncertain time.”

Schedule of Virtual Events for Light Up Lakewood Reimagined:
Video content will premiere daily at 7 p.m. on Facebook and Instagram.

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Volume 16, Issue 23, Posted 11:39 AM, 11.18.2020

A Digital Dog Day Delight: 2020 Virtual Spooky Pooch Parade Highlight

It was a crisp, picture-perfect autumn day, and although we weren’t able to gather together at Kauffman Park, we were happy to see the creativity and enthusiasm of Spooky Pooch endure through these times. It was, indeed, a digital dog day delight.

On Saturday morning, October 17, the original day of our annual parade, we premiered our 2020 Spooky Pooch Parade Video announcing the Best in Show, 12 lucky dogs that will be featured on our 2021 wall calendar, and heart warming honorable mentions that made our 13th Annual Spooky Pooch Celebration memorable for all who participated. The votes and comments for Best in Show flooded in on Facebook and Instagram, after two days, we tallied over 1600 votes. 

Sponsored by Ganley Subaru and presented by LakewoodAlive, the Spooky Pooch Parade featured mutts and purebreds, lap dogs and large canines, and a wide assortment of clever costumes adorned by both humans and their furry friends. The 12 lucky dogs that will be featured on our calendar were selected by a panel of judges, with the winner of Best in Show which was chosen through public through voting, receiving one year’s worth of free dog food courtesy of Pet’s General Store.

The level of creativity expressed in this year’s array of costumes truly brought a smile to our faces. Costumes included many fictional favorites such as Oscar the Grouch (a dog painted green jumping out of a garbage can, of course), Mickey Mouse (and his cohort of friends), Baby Yoda (as adorable as the one on the big screen) and many more. 

 

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Volume 16, Issue 21, Posted 8:02 PM, 11.04.2020

Hot Dog! LakewoodAlive’s 13th Annual Spooky Pooch Parade Going Virtual

It’s been said that when times get ruff, dogs serve as the ultimate source of comfort. In that case, we want to make a safe celebration of costumed canines paw-sible for all.

In an effort to ensure health and safety during the COVID-19 pandemic, LakewoodAlive announces the 13th Annual Spooky Pooch Parade sponsored by Ganley Subaru will be held virtually, with 12 lucky winners having their dogs highlighted in LakewoodAlive’s 2021 calendar and one grand prize “Best In Show” winner being determined by public voting.

“We are pleased to be able to adapt our Spooky Pooch Parade into a virtual format and continue this long-held fall tradition safely during this unprecedented time,” said Ian Andrews, Executive Director of LakewoodAlive. “This family-friendly community event will certainly look different this year, without having 350 canines and 3,000 people filling Kauffman Park, yet its ability to offer community members joy and comfort will endure. We hope you and your family enjoy participating, and we appreciate your support of LakewoodAlive. Now get those creative costume juices flowing!”

 

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Volume 16, Issue 18, Posted 5:22 PM, 09.16.2020

LakewoodAlive To Host “Embracing Diversity” Community Forum On May 23

The benefits arising from societal diversity are well-documented. Research shows being exposed to people who are different from us broadens our horizons, enhances our creativity and even makes us happier. But how exactly can we succeed with cultivating a more diverse community in Lakewood?

LakewoodAlive, a nonprofit community development organization, announces it will host a community forum – entitled Embracing Diversity: Fostering Equity and Inclusion in Lakewood – from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Wednesday, May 23, at Lakewood Public Library (15425 Detroit Avenue in Downtown Lakewood).  Co-hosted by the Lakewood Community Relations Advisory Commission, this community conversation will offer insightful dialogue regarding how we as Lakewoodites can further our commitment to embracing and celebrating diversity within our city.

 

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Volume 14, Issue 9, Posted 12:39 PM, 05.01.2018