Five years, one-hundred and one papers (all of which can be found in their original print online and in a room down the hall from the Lakewood Observer office), countless hours of hard work and for lack of a better description, an unfathomable amount of time and effort dedicated to “observation.”  And for what? What could possibly drive each of these individuals to continually give of themselves and be part of the LO project?

Even before the first issue was published on June 28th, 2005, the idea behind the LO was to use the project as a starting point for citizens looking to do their part for the Lakewood community.  For some people this now means having discussions with their fellow citizens through the online discussion board run by LO, e.g. The Observation Deck. For others, their participation comes in the form of contributing to the paper itself as a writer, photographer, or editor.  The written word carries with it an incredible power and Lakewood sees this first hand every two weeks as a new issue of the paper hits businesses and households across the city. However, these words and images should not, cannot, and do not come about in a vacuum. While the act of putting words down on paper (or on the computer) or selecting a photograph to submit, may very well be a solitary undertaking, everything before and after this creative expression is, by its very nature, immersed in the community setting.

2009 marks the 22nd year that the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce has recognized a member of the community for their outstanding business leadership and civic involvement. Over those 22 years, a veritable Who’s Who of Lakewood business men and women have been honored for their contribution to the community.

We are proud to announce the 2009 Lakewood Business Person of the Year is Mickey Krivosh, the owner of Around the Corner.  Mickey's love for Lakewood is evident in both his professional and personal life.  He exemplifies the qualities the Chamber of Commerce has set forth for this award:  "An individual with a business interest in the community who works to better Lakewood in one or more ways; contributing time and effort in civic, recreational, school and/or church activities." 

Former Councilman Ryan Patrick Demro has announced that he is a candidate for one of the three at-large seats up for grabs on Lakewood City Council this fall.  Demro ran unsuccessfully for mayor last year, but stated he is getting into the race because “...the critical issues facing the City last year are still pressing needs today, and the loss of a seasoned councilman like Michael Dever during these difficult times creates a need for someone who has a demonstrated ability to lead.”  

Lakewood's annual Fourth of July celebration will take place on Saturday, July 4.   The Fourth of July parade is scheduled to step off on at 10:00 a.m. on Lake Avenue at Kenneth Drive and conclude at Lakewood Park.   Lakewood resident Paula Reed will serve as the Grand Marshall for the City’s Fourth of July parade.

WHO: Everyone interested in Lakewood

WHAT: A meet-and-greet

WHEN: Tuesday, July 7th, 2009 from 7:30-9pm

WHERE: Bela Dubby (13321 Madison Ave)

WHY: Here at Lakewood Observer we are undergoing some big changes and this is your chance to come find out how you too can shape the future of the LO by getting involved. Whether it's fo the 1st time or for the 100th time, join us to learn more about the LO project while enjoying coffee, art, and good company, all on us!!!

Council President Michael Dever (At Large) called the June 15, 2009 Council Meeting to order at 7:36 pm. Then, the meeting began with Councilman Michael Summers (Ward III), chair of the Finance Committee, discussing beginning the 2010 budget process. He described in detail the problems that our City has been facing and those that will face us in coming years, due to the weakening of the financial climate in the United States. He brought this to the attention of the Council so that they might realize that more than basic spending cuts are needed to make the budget work and so that this year's budget process might be different from previous years. Looking at the idea of restructuring, he made it clear that not one single leader on Council, or in the Administration, would have the answer and that it was important for them all to collaborate and be open to ideas from the workers and citizens of Lakewood.

Councilman Tom Bullock proposed an ordinance to Lakewood City Council allowing leashed dogs to walk with their responsible owners in all Lakewood Parks at the June 15, 2009 council meeting. The proposed ordinance is in its first reading and has been referred to the Public Works Committee.

The Citizens Committee to Allow Leashed Dogs in Lakewood Parks is asking all residents that support this initiative to encourage your elected officials that it is time to allow leashed dogs in our publicly funded parks. You can find contact information for Council members at www.leasheddogsinlakewoodparks.com or at the main City of Lakewood website. The next council meeting is July 6, 2009 at 7:30 p.m. at city hall.

All events are free and open to the public.

LAKEWOOD PUBLIC LIBRARY WILL BE CLOSED ON SATURDAY, JULY 4.

Mary Evans of GreenSmartGifts is the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce 2009 Outstanding New Member.  Ms. Evans was awarded this honor based on her support of the Chamber and various other civic organizations in town. While her downtown business as a green retailer just celebrated it's one year anniversary, Mary has also been busy dedicating her time, energy, and expertise in all things green to several organizations and projects in the community. For example, Mary started a GreenLakewood coffee hour to bring together Lakewood folks working on sustainability initiatives in order to identify opportunities to collaborate; this group has evolved into "EcoLakewood".  She also worked with H20 to have Lakewood declared an official Earth Hour city and helped coordinate Earth Hour events.

  

The City of Lakewood, Lakewood Soccer Association and LakewoodAlive have collaborated with the Cleveland City Stars professional soccer club for two days of fun for the Lakewood community.  On July 17, 2009 the Lakewood community has been invited to Lakewood Community Night at the Cleveland City Stars match versus the Charleston Battery.   Tickets are available to Lakewood residents for a discounted rate of $6.00 a ticket.  The City Stars play at Middlefield Cheese Stadium in Bedford, Ohio.  Tickets may be purchased online at http://lakewood.clevelandcitystars.com.

City and LakewoodAlive Winners of TeamNEO Economic Impact Award 

The City of Lakewood and LakewoodAlive efforts to attract Wholesome Burger Headquarters to Downtown Lakewood have been recognized with a 2009 Team NEO Economic Impact Award for minority business development.

The award is one of ten Northeast Ohio economic development initiatives honored by Team NEO for having a positive impact on the regional economy.  Awards were selected by Inside Business, a sponsor of the event, and independent local civic leaders and business people.  The award ceremony held on June 2, 2009 featured the best local economic development efforts that helped to retain companies, create jobs, develop new attractions and bring foreign investment to the region in 2008.  Wholesome Burger’s relocation to Lakewood reflects an investment of $2.4 million and a minimum of 10 new jobs in the city. 

 

Are you ready for a free, fun, family friendly event?  Well save the date! 071809  Come see what Lakewood has to offer! I recently sat down with Shannon Strachan, LakewoodAlive’s  Marketing & Development Director, to discuss next month’s first annual “STREETWALK.”  LakewoodAlive and Live Well Lakewood present this very special event on Saturday, July 18th, 3 p.m.-8 p.m.  This event is designed to help Lakewood get “in action” as local organizations get the community moving on the street!  Walk, run, jump, climb, skate, board, or bike in Downtown Lakewood, with your friends, family, and neighbors!  Detroit Avenue will be closed to traffic and local merchants will be displaying their wares as part of a two-day Sidewalk Sale on July 17 and July 18 from 11 a.m.-7 p.m.  In addition to your friendly neighborhood merchants being open for business, there will be a variety of activities such as belly dancers, skateboarding, basketball, climbing walls, square dancing, jazzercise, and yoga!  Some of these activities will be demonstrations, but others you can participate in, so wear something comfortable.

Dear Lakewood Observer Readers,

The long alluded to changes to the Lakewood Observer are beginning to take place, and this first one is a major one. Leadership of the Lakewood Observer is passing to Mel Page and Margaret Brinich as Publisher and Editor, respectively.  We wish to share with you, what the Lakewood Observer project means to us and why we have decided to take on this responsibility in the Lakewood community.

For several years now, we have contributed as writers, editors, and organizers around the newspaper and many civically engaged projects connected to the LO.  We count ourselves amongst the many direct beneficiaries of the strong empowerment tool, which we now head, both as independent residents of Lakewood and active leaders within community organizations.  The knowledge gained from these experiences will be critical in our ability to ensure we have the resources, logistical know-how, and critical thought to do the same for any individual striving to do good for this city. 

 

“To different minds, the same world is a hell, and a heaven,” — Ralph Waldo Emerson.

 “Is Adolf Hitler in Hell?”  This is a question that inevitably comes up when I talk to people about God’s grace.  If God is all-loving and all-forgiving, why would the Creator of Heaven and Earth condemn anyone to the fires of Perdition?  Is there even a Hell?

I think there is…and I think there isn’t.  Let me explain before I answer the Hitler query.

Are you ready for a free, fun, family-friendly event?  Well, save the date: Saturday July 18th,  come see what Lakewood has to offer! From 3 - 8 p.m. Lakewood Alive and Live Well Lakewood, along with local merchants and organizations, have teamed up to present the first annual "STREETWALK." Lakewood Alive's Marketing and Development Director Shannon Strahan says the event is designed to get Lakewood citizens "in action" with a variety of activities including walking, running, cycling, skating and skateboarding.

Cottage of Flowers owners and professional partiers John and Tina Russell celebrated the Summer Solstice with friends, family and neighbors on Sunday, June 21st, hosting a Solstice party at their Lakewood residence. In the spirit of the solstice, partiers were challenged to reconstruct Stone Hedge. While the building project was tinted with classic American competitive cheer, Tina Russell and others speculated that the ancient builders of Stone Hedge lacked the proper calibration of mead and imagination necessary to evoke individual artistic expression on each stone arch. The evocative powers of mead on partier creativity are evidenced in the diversity of each stone arch. Note to the reader: the "stones" in the above image are cardboard boxes painted gray. Rumor has it that these boxes were lifted by pagan Boxcutters (the modern, backyard equivalent of the ancient Stonecutters) from local flower shops.

This afternoon I walked into the kitchen to grab the comics out of the Plain Dealer but while I was leafing through the pile, it was the Forum section, oddly enough, that caught my eye. It was a simple, gray picture of the wind turbine downtown. I opened up the page to glance at it and read the title underneath: Can Cleveland Change? I scoffed, thinking to myself ‘How on earth do these people not get it already? Of course Cleveland can change, it’s not like we’re even that bad to begin with. Really. Why do people keep dwelling on this issue in a negative light?’ But then I realized that maybe I was seeing things through a different set of eyes.

Summer break is here and with it brings many greatly anticipated events like swimming, camping, sleeping in, riding roller coasters, and reading. Reading? Yes, it is that time of year when teachers expect you to keep your mind sharp and well informed by reading a few books over the course of what many might consider “vacation” from all things educational. In particular, those students who are entering the sixth, seventh, and eighth grades at Harding and Garfield Middle Schools are required to read at least two books by the beginning of the new school year.

Daphne and Darby were rescued by a wonderful Lakewood resident after weeks out in the cold this past winter.  Daphne had been an elderly woman's pet until she had to move and her family put her out.  Darby befriended Daphne and the two have been inseparable ever since.

I have to admit, I’m frustrated to the point of becoming angry. When I turn on the news, I see politicians doing little but blaming each other, spending money faster than they can print it, and clinging to the idea that the bigger the budget, the stronger the stimulus. It’s getting to the point that I understand what happened to Jack Nicholson’s character in the movie “The Shining”. No matter what I intend to write about, I find myself coming back to repeating the same line over and over again…

You can’t spend your way out of debt. You can’t spend your way out of debt. You can’t spend your way out of debt… All work and no play make Johnny a dull boy.

Well, it's that time of life again for me. Time for a change. I'm planning to retire from column writing for awhile.

My first column for this paper appeared in the May 2nd, 2006 issue, and it concerned my growing up in Lakewood. Since that time, I've written about 80 articles or columns for the Lakewood Observer, and it's been a wild ride indeed. As this is now the 100th issue, I think that it's only appropriate that we pause for reflection.

Do you like locally produced, fresh food?  In addition to the great opportunities to buy local food in Lakewood, your chance to buy food grown even closer to home has arrived. A new urban farm has started in Lakewood, Basil and Beyond, LLC, which grows all natural culinary herbs including several types of basil, oregano, chives, sage, rosemary, cilantro and many others.  Basil and Beyond is operated as a small environmentally sustainable business that uses no synthetic pesticides, fertilizers or herbicides. 

The Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Club and the Lakewood/Rocky River Sunrise Rotary Club will have a parade unit in Lakewood’s Independence Day Parade to benefit North Coast Health Ministry, the West Side’s free clinic for the low-income uninsured. Along the parade route, the Rotarians, their families and friends will collect personal sized soaps, shampoos, toothpaste and toothbrushes, tissues, lotion, razors and other toiletry items for the patients at the clinic.  Gift cards from local merchants and cash cards from area banks will also be accepted.

Lakewood Public Library’s “Sunday with the Friends” series is proud to present an intimate acoustic concert with singer/songwriter Alexis Antes on Sunday, July 12 at 2:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium.

Alexis has been performing music all her life. She grew up in Lakewood where she was raised in a creative environment by her mother, Bobbie, who is also an accomplished singer/songwriter and musician. Music was a focal point in her home and Alexis taught herself to play the guitar by the time she was twelve by listening to the radio until her chords matched the ones she heard. At age eighteen, she was the youngest founding member of the Cleveland-based folk-pop group, Odd Girl Out.

Come see rival clubs from the Vintage Base Ball Association battle it out like it was 1899. Be at Lakewood Park at 1p.m. on Sunday, July 12 to witness the unfolding of the epic Western Reserve Challenge.

Our own Cleveland Blues will go up against the Akron Black Stockings and the Chagrin Falls Forest Citys in a rousing triple header. Using rules from the mid-1800s, the hurlers of these nines will send dew drops over the dish, hoping the striker will hit a blooper or an easy stinger so that the rover can easily catch the onion. (For those used to 20th Century baseball lingo: the pitchers of these teams will send pitches over the plate, hoping the batter will hit a weak fly ball or an lazy line drive so that the shortstop can easily catch the ball).

Prepare yourselves, me hearties—on Friday, July 10th, pirates, dragons, and evil villains will descend upon the Lakewood Public Library. But don’t ye be goin’ lily-livered and jelly-legged, these mutineers are only puppets. The Acting Out Touring Company is bringing a special pirate puppet show to the library in honor of this summer’s reading club theme, “Arrgh You Reading?” Acting Out established itself as Ohio’s premier puppet troupe in 1966, and has been entertaining children and families ever since. In addition to numerous school and library visits, the Acting Out puppets have been featured at Cleveland Indians games, the Yankee Peddler Festival, and the Make a Wish Foundation, bringing quality puppet acts to a broad audience.

The Beck Pool at Madison Park opened this weekend as it has for years. However, for the first time, local kids were taken by surprise with the Summer Kickoff Picnic put on by Friends of Madison Park (FOMP). This past Saturday, twenty five adults representing twelve different city services, volunteer organizations, and businesses brought in recreational equipment such as jump ropes, hula hoops, a fast pitch booth, basketball hoop and balls.  There were also bubbles, chalk, and art activities available. All activities were free to play.

June 13, 2009 – Ward 2 Lakewood Councilman Tom Bullock announced today that he is running for state representative in Ohio’s 13th House District to help grow jobs by strengthening state government investments in clean energy industry development and to push for improved transparency, accountability, and ethics among public leaders. Ohio House District 13 includes Lakewood and parts of Cleveland’s West Side.

Lakewood Kiwanis Scholarship Fondation awarded 10 area high school students scholarships of $10,000 each. 

Splish, Splash, your dog needs a bath. 

Does Fido or Daisy need a good scrubbing?  Then you are in luck.  Bring your pooch to Nature’s Bin dog wash.  Nature’s Bin in collaboration with CCLAS (Citizens Committee for a Lakewood Animal Shelter) will host their annual “Dog Days of Summer” Dog Wash on Saturday, July 11th from 10:00 a.m. to 2 p.m.  Proceeds will benefit the Lakewood Animal Shelter.  Prices for the Dog Wash are $10 for small dogs, $15 for medium dogs, and $20 for large dogs.  Dog nail trimming services will also be available.  Owners are asked to bring their own towels and combs.  Please make sure your dog is non-aggressive and up to date on vaccinations.  Complimentary doggie treats will be available for the dogs.  Nature’s Bin will be selling various grilled items and refreshments for the dog's people.  Nature's Bin is located at 18120 Sloane Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107 

H2O Summer Service Camp: 15 years. 60 camp sessions. 540 camp days. 2,500 campers. 90,000 hours of service given to the NE Ohio Community. Activism and leadership's effects on a ‘tween…Priceless!

Lakewood’s H2O (“Help To Others”) Summer Service Camp kicks off another year of camp this week. The camp is a uniquely designed service learning program offered to 11–14 year old residents of Lakewood, Ohio. The mission of H2O Summer Service Camp is to strengthen and enrich Lakewood and the greater Cleveland area by engaging its youth as community builders.  Through H2O Camp, middle school students are encouraged to become “action architects”, designing and implementing solutions to community needs. Using a wide range of daily activities, Lakewood’s middle school youth are exposed to social responsibility and civic learning.  

A survey of sites on Lakewood's main commercial corridors suitable for additional curbside bike parking has been submitted to Lakewood City Council for consideration. The survey was conducted by Tim Liston, an experienced transportation cyclist who commutes daily and logs 4,000 miles annually on his bicycle, and conveyed to Ward 2 Councilman Tom Bullock for analysis and eventual presentation to the City.

“Cyclists want to park as close as possible to where they are going, and want their bikes to be conspicuous, not where someone can tamper with them unseen,” said Liston. “Cyclists also want to park their bikes upright and lock them securely. Pedestrians want bikes out of the way. With quality curbside hitches, everybody wins.” 

Council President Michael Dever (At-Large) called the June 1, 2009 City Council Meeting to order at 7:38 P.M.

The meeting began with Councilwoman Nickie Antonio (At-Large) presenting an ordinance that would make the week of June 15th Dignity of Human Rights and Pride Week in Lakewood. She said “while we strive within our community to respect our differences and oppose discrimination there is still much work to be done towards the goal of achieving civil rights for all citizens.” She wanted to take the time to recognize those who “work together to create a respectful and civil society.” The council approved the measure passing the ordinance.

All events are free and open to the public.

FIVE STAR FILMS
Humoresque (1946) Directed by Jean Negulesco Not Rated
Stars: John Garfield, Joan Crawford, Oscar Levant
Glamour and grand performances define this sumptuous black and white production that boasts a spectacular soundtrack. In hopes of boosting his career, a gifted and ambitious young classical violinist allows himself to be patronized by a rich, alcoholic socialite. The relationship turns romantic. While his career soars, she sours on sharing him with an adoring public. He refuses to be treated like one of her possessions. A showdown ensues.
Saturday, June 20 at 6:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium

“Arrgh” You Reading?

Ahoy me hearties! Bring your lads and lassies to the Children’s and Youth Services Department of Lakewood Public Library for some high-seas hijinks. The department has been transformed into a nautical nest of reading fun for our annual Summer Reading Club, and we are excited to highlight some of this exciting summer fare. 

LakewoodAlive invites all corn hole players or those who just love to have fun to kick off the summer at the 3rd Annual LakewoodAlive Corn Hole Tournament to be held at Around the Corner’s parking lot at the corner of Detroit and Mathews Avenues in Lakewood, OH on June 27, 2009 from Noon to 5:00 p.m.  There will be Corn Hole, Music, Food and Fun.

Included here are Lakewood volunteer and donation opportunities for July, August, September.  If you have some time to give, or donations to provide, you are encouraged to get connected to one of the many local organizations that most interests you and works with your schedule. 

The United States Post Service would like to satisfy more of your package needs.  When shipping packages the Postal Service is as efficient and competitively priced than "other guys".

 

Ken likes to use big words...extraordinarily big words.

Ken has an effervescent love of English vocabulary, drawn from his being surrounded by the great writings of the past and present.

Words are some of the most effective tools available in the transmission of ideas, but it's important to remember that words, like the letters that comprise their substance, are only symbols reflective of elusive and sublime ideas.

Ken always had lots of those words. Except for now.

It's hard sometimes to come up with words when emotions take their place. You see, the present magnificent Lakewood Library and its expansive array of services available to Lakewood residents are due, in no small part, to the ebullient and effusively persuasive talents of Director Ken Warren.

Polysyllabic prose aside, Lakewood Library Director Kenneth Warren is retiring this summer, after twenty-five years at the helm of the Lakewood Public Library system. 

 

Come join the roasting and toasting of our cherished Lakewood Public Library Director, Ken Warren at Sullivan’s Irish Pub on Wednesday, June 24. The celebrating will begin with an Open Mike hour (7-8pm) for tributes, reflections, and appreciation of Ken’s accomplishments in the Lakewood community. From 8-10pm, local musical artists will take their turn to honor Ken by performing for the attendees. Popular Cleveland area band, Cats on Holiday, is one of the groups that will take the stage. Who knows, maybe Ken will jump up on stage too?! Everyone is welcome and there is no cost to attend. 

Cleveland has some pretty devoted documenters. Mark Wade Stone, a producer, director and editor for Storytellers Media Group, is one of them. Storytellers Media Group is a locally operated group that produces Emmy award-winning documentary material.

“We are not the storytellers,” reads the SMG website. “But we are a group that assists people with compelling stories to tell.”

The group consists of Stone, Dave A. Brodowski, the director of photography, and Gary C. Manke, the other producer, editor and director. Stone and Brodowski were working at WVIZ when they decided their job was fun, but there was something else they would really like to do: documentary work.

“It’s not a lot of money but it’s a lot of fun,” Stone said. 

The Lakewood High School Ranger Marching Band has been invited to perform during the pre-game and half-time shows at the Cotton Bowl in Dallas over winter break. To help pay for this trip, band students and parents are organizing a series of fundraisers over the next six months.  As a “Kick-off to the Cotton Bowl,” a bake sale was held at Lakewood High School during finals week.  Other upcoming fundraisers include a car wash on Saturday, June 27 and a combined garage sale/car wash on Saturday, August 15.  Each event is from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. at Lakewood High School at 14100 Franklin Boulevard. 

On a spectacular Sunday afternoon, 418 Lakewood High School seniors received their diplomas in the 161st annual Commencement Ceremony held at the Civic Auditorium on June 7th.
 
With proud family and friends looking on, the seniors welcomed well wishes from their principal, Dr. William Wagner. Also, present at the ceremony were Superintendent David C. Estrop, who told the class of 2009 that, "this was a beginning, not an end," and Board of Education President Edward Favre, who urged the seniors, "to be contributors."

A project that began this winter at Horace Mann Elementary School with sticky, mushy balls of clay culminated on the last day of school with the unveiling of a permanent ceramic installation created by the school’s student body to grace the front entranceway of the refurbished school.

A trio of prestigious scholarships were recently awarded to three graduates of Lakewood High School’s Class of 2009. Valedictorian Christopher Murrett, who will be attending the University of Pittsburgh in the fall to study engineering, was awarded the Robert C. Byrd Honors Scholarship from the Ohio Department of Education. This award recognizes 108 “exceptionally able” high school seniors. The Byrd scholarships are awarded equally across Ohio’s 18 congressional districts and each recipient receives $1,500 per year for up to four years.

Matthew Huffman received a National Merit corporate sponsored schlolarship. Over 270 companies and businesses finance these scholarships for National Merit Finalists who meet their specific criteria. Peter Malonis was awarded a National Merit college-sponsored scholarship by the University of Chicago. About 200 colleges and universities underwrite college-sponsored National Merit Scholarships in each annual competition.  These scholarships are reserved for Finalists who plan to attend a particular college or university. 

Four students of Lakewood High bands were recently selected to perform with the 2009 All Ohio State Fair Band in Columbus Ohio this summer. Chosen to perform at the Ohio State Fair are Nermin Abdic on oboe, Bethany Zettler on trombone, Alex Weiss on bassoon, and Samantha Whitney on bassoon.  These students applied and were recommended by their band director Brian Maskow.  Each were chosen based upon their superior musicianship, contributions to their high school band, and the All Ohio State Fair Band's instrumentation needs.  The All Ohio High School State Fair Band is a select honor band of approximately 200 musicians from all over Ohio and they rehearse and perform at the Ohio State Fair in Columbus.  All expenses are covered for the students. Congratulations to Nermin, Bethany, Alex, and Samantha!

Summer Rec Sports Camps

Lakewood High School Athletic Department

www.lakewoodrecreation.com 

Forget about financially troubled California for a while. Forget about Detroit and the auto industry. And take a step back from any talk of Fannie Mae or Freddie Mac. Let’s just focus on our own state for a minute. I’ve been talking until I’m blue in the face about a simple premise: You cannot spend your way out of debt. Yet, here we go again. Faced with a looming budget deficit, and despite campaign promises to the contrary, our representatives are once again flocking to federal funds and pork barrel spending to fill the gaps in their spending spree.

The Lakewood community, and many communities surrounding Lakewood, came out in droves on Saturday, June 6th for the Fourth Annual "Meet The Trucks" event at Lakewood Park.  This year's event, presented annually by Lakewood Early Childhood PTA (LECPTA) and the City of Lakewood, was a full on community festival with bouncy houses, entertainment by community members, including Emerson Unicycle Club and the St. Edwards High School Trash Talkers, fair food, face painting, and of course, the stars of the day, the trucks.    

Joyce Carol Oates writes fiction and non-fiction, plays, poems, and essays. She writes and publishes often, and her books are critically well received. Why should anyone looking for a good book choose Oates? She offers a wide variety of literary treats – collections of short stories for those whose lives permit only small windows of time for reading and sweeping family sagas for those less time-challenged. Most of all, though, Oates writes about people, struggling and imperfect, successful and failing, just like us. She writes with a clear, unflinching eye about the best and the worst in human nature, and I must offer the caveat that her subject matter can be disturbing – she does not shy away from raw realism. 

If truth is truly stranger than fiction, shouldn’t it be funnier too? Three gifted writers with a penchant for the absurd have topped our reading lists by stripping the mundane from everyday life and leaving the good stuff. You can find them all at the Lakewood Public Library.

 

Lakewood, OH—Warmer weather ushers in the party season for Clevelanders, and what better way to celebrate the season than the Beck Center for the Arts Spring Fling! Summer Socials! 2009, June through July 2009. This collection of unique and art-focused events is held in some of the west side’s most fabulous homes and hosted by devoted fans of the Beck. All proceeds benefit the Beck Center’s professional theater and arts education program. 

The City of Lakewood is pleased to announce the 2009 schedule for its Summer Band Concert Series.  A long time Lakewood tradition, the concerts are held at the Bandstand in Lakewood Park, located on Lake Erie at Belle and Lake Avenues.  The free concerts begin at 7:00 p.m.

Fran Hayhurst Bott, Lakewood High Class of 1966 (or thereabouts), your brother Phil is looking for you.

Fran married Hank Bott after high school.

She worked at Gregory's Originals Hair Salon on Detroit as a receptionist.

Her brother Phil, who she has not seen in more than 20 years, would love to re-connect.

Call Karen (Phil's caregiver) at (216) 973-2633 if you can help. 

A number of Northeast Ohio Local Chambers of Commerce are pleased to announce a travel tour for Chamber members and guests to China in April, 2010.

Kathy Berkshire, President of the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce believes this trip will also support collaboration among its attendees right here at home. “A trip of this type is a great opportunity to bring small business leaders from across our region together to not only experience a unique culture and business environment, but also to create relationships with each other that will further collaboration right here in our own region—whether those that go on the trip decide to do business internationally or not.”  

The Cleveland Blues Base Ball Club will host the Mansfield Independent Base Ball Club at the Old Stone House Field Base Ball Grounds in Lakewood Park on Saturday, June 20, 2009, from 2:00- 3:30 p.m.  Both clubs are vintage base ball teams that play by the rules of 1867 and use period uniforms and equipment.

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009 7:00 - 10:00 p.m.

Dr. Alan Cole and wife Marilyn Rees Cole grew up in Lakewood during the 1940s around the corner from each other. In reflecting on their lifetimes and love for each other, Dr. and Mrs. Cole remember fondly how Lakewood Public Library’s Summer Reading Club inspired children to realize powers of achievement, concentration, conversation, imagination and intellect.  

The City is beginning a park donation program called Dana’s Legacy. This program is designed to allow people to purchase items for the parks in the name of loved ones. The program was thought up by Judy Frankel who sought a way to memorialize her daughter Dana Rolland. She wanted a place where she could go to honor her daughter’s spirit and memory. At 2 p.m. on June 6 (after Meet the Trucks) she will get her wish as a bench down by the lake becomes the first dedication though this program, made in honor of her daughter Dana.

All are welcome at a farewell open house to honor Dr. David Estrop, Superintendent of the Lakewood City Schools from 2004-2009.  The reception will be held at the Beck Center for the Arts on Thursday, June 4th from 4-6 pm.  There will be formal farewell remarks at 5:30 pm.  Refreshments will be provided and there will be a cash bar.

Mary Louise Madigan (Ward IV), Council Vice-President, called the May 18, 2009 City Council Meeting to order at 7:33 pm.

Bring history to life by giving tours of the Oldest Stone House museum.  Recently designated Lakewood's first Landmark, the Oldest Stone House museum accurately interprets the everyday life in Rockport Township (now Lakewood) during the 19th century. The museum is operated by the Lakewood Historical Society.

The Cleveland Restoration Society and the American Institute of Architects, Cleveland recently honored the City of Lakewood, the Lakewood Historical Society and Downtown Lakewood (part of LakewoodAlive) with a 2009 Preservation Award.  The Preservation Awards recognize projects that have contributed significantly to improving the quality of life in Greater Cleveland through the preservation of our historic architectural resources.  These three groups have worked together to increase awareness of Lakewood’s heritage and promote the preservation of our community’s history. 

Lakewood High School alumna Zoe Elaine Lukens completed her college career last month with a flourish. On May 17 she graduated Summa Cum Laude from Beloit College in Beloit, Wisconsin and the previous evening was admitted to the Wisconsin Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa Honor Society in an initiation ceremony on campus.

Ms. Lukens majored in Anthropology and minored in African studies and French, having studied a semester in Senegal. She will return to campus this fall for an Honor Semester. A 2005 graduate of Lakewood High, she is the daughter of Thomas and Nancy Lukens of Clifton Blvd. in Lakewood.

Fans of murder, mystery and mayhem, take note. While you may be too old to participate in the library’s summer reading club, it is the perfect time of year to start attending Booked for Murder, our monthly mystery book discussion. In this month’s selection, The Overlook by Michael Connelly, veteran detective Harry Bosch takes on a murder case that may be part of a larger terrorist plot to threaten the city of Los Angeles, in a riveting, suspense-driven adventure that will keep you guessing with bated breath until the final chapter. Join us Thursday June 11 at 7 pm in the Main Library Meeting Room for Booked for Murder.

Originally published in sixteen installments in The New York Times, Connelly eventually rewrote and expanded some sections to make this work an entire novel. The Overlook is the thirteenth book in the Hieronymus Bosch series. Physicist Dr. Stanley Kent is found murdered in the trunk of his car on a Mulholland Drive overlook. That’s bad enough but this doctor also had known access to a deadly radioactive substance, which was stolen from a women’s clinic at the demand of masked criminals. When the possibility of a more sinister and larger scale terrorist plot emerges, the FBI and the department of Homeland Security try to usurp the case from Bosch. Keeping things interesting, Bosch’s former flame Rachel Walling comes on to the scene as an FBI agent. Bosch is determined to keep the case for himself. This mystery is an explosion of fast-paced action, as Bosch and his new partner Ignacio Ferras work quickly to solve the case and discover the truth.

You have probably been spending way too much time reading in the sun. Cool off inside the library and discuss a good book. As always programs at the Lakewood Public Library are free and open to the public. Next month’s Booked for Murder will be meeting on July 9 to discuss The Shape of Water, a bestselling Italian mystery by Andrea Camilleri, where Inspector Montalbano investigates the murder of a high ranking politician found in a very compromising position and eats a lot of good food.

The Barton Community Center will hold its Barter and Buy Bonanza on Saturday, June 6 from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m.  Over two dozen vendors will be selling new and used household items, including Tupperware and Mary Kay products.  In addition, Barton Center’s craft and resale shops will be open.  The Snack Bar will serve lunch (hot dogs, pizza, potato salad, and deserts) from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m.  Barton Center is located on the ground floor of the Westerly Apartments at 14300 Detroit Ave.

Pocahontas or "Tess" as she likes to be called, was found as a stray in a West side neighborhood and helped out by a Good Samaritan until PAWS was able to foster this loving cat right here in Lakewood.  We don't know how this sweet, friendly, front declawed girl could have wound up on the streets but we are sure she is going to make someone a perfect pet.  She adjusted to her new foster home after only a day and now is looking for love. 

*EDITOR: PLEASE NOTE

Like the great pioneers of yore, Mrs. Maureen Marshall has blazed many trails in her profession. “Settling” in Lakewood Schools 35 years ago, she has been guiding students and forging new paths ever since. She’s about ready to load up the wagon train and head on to new adventures but not before offering up an authentic Amish-built log cabin that has resided in her classroom for the past ten years.

In Lakewood there is a beautiful, caring and intelligent woman, who has been selflessly helping immigrants and politicians alike connect to a creative and inclusive vision of a city’s multi-cultural dance. The woman inviting all to dance in service to the Lakewood life stream is, of course, Anila Nicklos.

All events are free and open to the public.

MEET THE AUTHOR:
Open Borders—America Invaded: A Trilogy by Richard D. Ondo
True sportsmen know that Lake Erie fishing and boating can be dangerous. But who would ever expect a boat filled with terrorists to land in Northern Ohio? Novelist Richard Ondo has recently completed his terrorism trilogy with The Lore of Lake Erie, a dangerous mix of love, violence, mystery and the supernatural. He’ll be on hand to answer your questions and sign copies of his books which will be on sale at the event.
Thursday, June 4 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium

After being released from Lakewood Hospital this past March, I was still extremely weak. I could barely walk and couldn't get myself in and out of bed.

I haven’t always lived well.

A former smoker, I used to begin and end my day with a Marlboro Light, celebrate with too many adult beverages, and indulge in way too many take-out pizzas and Peanut Butter Parfaits. (No offense DQ.)

March  2009 Month End Real Estate Statistics  

Single Family Closed                                             20

“Will I pay more if I use a Buyer’s Agent when purchasing a home?”

What a great time to buy a home! Not only is it spring, the traditional buying time, but there’s such good inventory, low interest rates and the $8000 tax credit for first time buyers. And the simple answer to this common question is “No”- in the vast majority of cases a Buyer has no out of pocket cost for the services of Realtor when purchasing a home. 

Perhaps you've heard of the recent tale about that great single lady from Scotland who surprised judges at a recent contest with her outstanding singing talent? She came on stage, simply dressed and without pretensions, and captivated the world with those talents in spite of people's preconceptions and the numerous adversities in her life.

First Federal of Lakewood donated $3,500 to the Cleveland Foodbank for its annual branch-wide checking account promotion.  First Federal donated $5 for each checking account opened Sept. 1 – Dec. 31, 2008.

The year is 1774. Private Zeih of His Majesty’s 64th Regiment of Foot will take time out from his busy schedule of pushing around colonials and stamping out newly flowering Liberty to share his thoughts on life in the British Army. On Sunday, June 7 at 2:00 p.m., he’ll visit the anachronistic Lakewood Public Library Main Auditorium to expound upon the details of his lobster red uniform, explain his equipment piece-by-piece, demonstrate weapons and discuss battle tactics. He may even shed some light on the origins of odd phrases like “Don’t let the cat out of the bag!”

May is National Fitness Month. And if there was ever a time to leave our couch potato culture behind and get moving, it’s now. Our children’s lives are depending on it!

The obesity epidemic is wreaking havoc on our children’s health. Obesity rates have doubled among children in the past 20 years, and tripled in teens. At the current time, a whopping one-third of American children are overweight, and one-fifth are clinically obese.

"These tough times are trying, but this is when giving matters most."      

Beck Center would like to thank the community for its recent overwhelming support. On March 31, we sent an urgent appeal to the community to secure much needed short-term funds, and you responded loud and clear! In just one month, we received $151,295 from more than 800 donors, which exceeded our goal of $150,000!

A cabin in the woods. The Book of the Dead. Zombies. Aggressive trees. Sexy college students. A wayward hand. Lots of catchy show tunes. Beck Center presents the Cleveland premiere of Evil Dead: The Musical in the Studio Theater now through June 14. Sam Raimi’s cult classic 1980s films are brought to life in this campy show. Show times are 8:00 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 3:00 p.m. Sundays.  During spring break, five college students break into an abandoned cabin in the woods and unleash evil spirits. All hell breaks loose, and the fun soon ensues with zombies…and show tunes! Written by George Reinblatt, with music by Frank Cipolla, Christopher Bond, Melissa Morris, and George Reinblatt, Evil Dead: The Musical delights with such tunes as “What the F*** Was That,” “Bit Part Demon,” “All the Men in My Life Keep Getting Killed by Candarian Demons,” and the Rocky Horror Picture Show-inspired “Do the Necronomicon.”

Green Smart Gifts is located in a typical unassuming Lakewood storefront between Belle and Marlowe on Detroit Rd., but owner Mary Evans is proving that with the right mission, and a lot of hard work, even a small business endeavor can accomplish big things here in Lakewood. A transplant from Buffalo to the Cleveland area due to a job transfer, Mary ended up in Lakewood almost by accident. “I had three weeks to find a place and was looking to downsize my life. Friends mentioned that there were lots of places to rent in Lakewood and so here I am,” said the now four year Lakewood resident. 

For the 26th year, the Lakewood City Schools honored the middle schools’ and high school’s highest academic achievers in the annual Celebration of Excellence event held May 11 at the Civic Auditorium. More than 200 students representing Garfield and Harding middle schools and Lakewood High School were recognized at the event for achieving a GPA this year of 4.0 or above. The high school’s five National Merit Finalists as well as a SemiFinalist and Commended Scholars were also recognized along with recipients of Lakewood Alumni Foundation scholarships and the Lakewood Leadership Team scholarship recipient. The choice of colleges and majors among the seniors was as impressive as the evening’s music performed by the LHS Chamber Orchestra.

With prom and graduation season under way, the Drug-Free Action Alliance has asked the Lakewood City Schools to share the following with our community: 

Lakewood teachers have been raising money to buy books for first graders for the past 6 years. On National Teacher’s Day, May 5th, the Lakewood Teachers Association distributed books to every first grader in the district. The idea is to “contribute to the culture of literacy,” says Jane Blackie, Chair of the English Department at the High School. Teachers throughout the district recognized the book program by wearing buttons that read, "A Book For Every Child." Students were excited to add to these new books to their own home libraries.  Isabelle Cooper from Harrison said, "I love Magic Tree House!  It is a great book. Thank you!"  Billy Rogers summed it up for all of us, "I like books a lot!"  We do too Billy.  Enjoy.

-The Lakewood Teachers Association

The May 4, 2009, Council meeting was called to order at 7:32 P.M. by Council President Michael Dever. The meeting began with a series of ordinances to recognize six individuals, thanking them for their service on the Citizens Advisory Committee. Those individuals were Gary Rice, Colleen Clark-Sutton, Emily Jarratt, Suzanne McCarty, Maria Parke and Paul Wasserbauer. 

The month of May marks the introduction of two original musical compositions honoring Lakewood High School and Lakewood Catholic Academy.

Robert Rice, (former Lakewood Schools music teacher) and son Gary have completed these works, and they are being introduced at the respective concerts for the two schools.

The Lakewood High School March was presented at the school's concert on the evening of May 12th at the Civic Auditorium. The Lakewood Catholic Academy March will debut the following week at their two concerts. (one during the school day, and the other on the 20th, in the evening)

Other musical works for concert band, completed and presented by the Rices, have included "The Garfield March" for Lakewood's new middle school, a march for Parma School District's Hillside Middle School, and an original march for the All-Ohio State Fair Band. Robert Rice also wrote "The Harding March" years ago for the Lakewood school where he spent the bulk of his career. That march was reintroduced to the new Harding School in 2007

Maria is an older kitty, about 4 or 5 years old. She was rescued from the outdoors with her kittens, and once they were weaned she was a foster mom to other orphaned kittens.  She is a very affectionate sweet girl who would sit in your lap and cuddle all day if you let her. We don't know what she went through before we found her, but x-rays show that she once had a broken jaw that caused permanent damage to her sinus cavities. This causes her to have more drainage than most cats do, and makes her a little more prone to sinus infections ( which are easily cured with antibiotics ).  If you are willing to provide Maria with the extra TLC she needs, she will reward you with so much love and companionship--she'll be the best friend you ever had! She gets along great with other cats, in fact she would love a feline playmate!  If you're interested in providing Maria with her forever home, please contact the Public Animal Welfare Society at 440-442-PAWS or visit www.pawsohio.org.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is pleased to announce the sixth annual Taste of Lakewood.  This gala event will highlight the many fine restaurants we have in Lakewood.  This year’s Taste will be held on Sunday, May 31st from 4:00 – 7:00 p.m. at the beautiful Clifton Club located at 17884 Lake Road in Lakewood.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is very proud of the variety and quality of restaurants in our city and the Taste of Lakewood is a great way to show them off!

This year we have more restaurants than ever, resulting in a wide variety of food to please everyone’s palate.  There will also be great raffles for gift certificates from popular Lakewood Restaurants. Great food, beautiful surroundings, and fabulous prizes!  What a perfect way to spend a Sunday afternoon!

Tickets are $25 and available at the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce (16017 Detroit Avenue), Nature’s Bin (18120 Sloane Avenue) and Phoenix Coffee (15108 Detroit Avenue); or order by phone at 216-226-2900. The Taste of Lakewood typically sells out so please don’t hesitate. Parking is limited at the Clifton Club so it is recommended that you take advantage of the free parking available at Horace Mann Elementary School located at 1215 W. Clifton Blvd. (enter the parking lot of Webb Road).  A shuttle service is provided courtesy of Lakewood Senior Health Campus.

The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is committed to advancing the commercial, industrial, and professional interests of the community of Lakewood.  The Taste of Lakewood is the perfect vehicle to showcase our restaurants.  Our many sponsors help to make the event special.  Please remember all of our sponsors the next time you are shopping, dining, or in need of the services they offer.

Visit our website, www.lakewoodchamber.org, to learn of the other events we plan throughout the year.      

“Shall a levy renewing an existing levy be imposed by the city school district for the purpose of providing for the emergency requirements of the district in the sum of $1,850,000?”  This was part of the language that appeared on the ballots in Warrensville Heights back on May 5th.  An initiative that passed with over 60% approval. Similarly, the City of Parma had a decision on their ballot, yet the voters there said “NO!” by a resounding 2-1 margin. And I think I know why. Frankly, they probably came to the conclusion; why vote for a tax levy now, when the government just passed a huge tax levy, albeit without our individual vote, just a couple of weeks ago? 

Downtown Lakewood is a LakewoodAlive initiative dedicated to the revitalization of Lakewood’s primary commercial district using the National Trust for Historic Preservation’s Main Street template.  Lakewood is one of only 38 communities in Ohio selected to participate in this program, which is administered by Heritage Ohio.     

Spares for Care, a bowling benefit for North Coast Health Ministry, the West Side’s free clinic for the low-income uninsured, will be held Friday, June 5, 2009, from 7 to 11 p.m. at Mahall’s 20 Lanes in Lakewood.  The evening will include two hours of lane time per guest, shoe rental, billiards, pizza, wings, 50/50 raffles, a DJ, karaoke, and a cash bar.  

Were you ever a patient at North Coast Health Ministry? If so, would you be willing to share your impressions of your experience at North Coast Health Ministry? 

 Lakewood Early Childhood PTA will hold the 4th annual Meet the Trucks event at Lakewood Park June 6, 2009. This family event will be held from 10:00am – 2:00pm.   Parents won’t want to miss this opportunity to let their children explore the giant trucks that they are so naturally fascinated by. Trucks on display will include fire trucks, garbage trucks, Cushman scooters, loaders, an ambulance, and much more.  Kids can touch them, hear them and even honk the horns!  Jungle Bob will share his talents at 11am AND 12:30pm. The Burning River Roller Derby Girls will perform at the skate park at noon. The Cleveland APL will be on hand with cats and dogs in need of good homes and ready to adopt. Plus, there will be a bounce house, crafts, face painting, balloon artists, a d.j. and much more for the kids to enjoy.  In addition, Live Well Lakewood will be selling bicycle helmets for kids for $7.00 each.  Bring the entire family to this wonderful community event and bring smiles to the faces of your children. Admission is free and the experience had by children of all ages is priceless. Donatos will be selling pizza by the slice for $1.00.  Additional refreshments including soda and hamburgers will also be available. Enjoy lunch at the park with the entertainment built right in! The Lakewood Early Childhood PTA is part of the local, state and national PTA. It is not affiliated with any one school, but instead, strives to promote the welfare of children and families throughout the Lakewood community. For more information about this event or the LECPTA, go to www.lecpta.com. A special thanks to this year’s event co-sponsors: Lakewood Hospital, Donatos Pizza and Training by Liz (Gold Sponsors), Cliff Tower's Marathon and The Kiwanis Club of Lakewood (Silver Sponsors). 

The Barton Community Center will hold its 3rd Annual Wine and Cheese fundraiser on Thursday, May 21 from 5:00-8:00 p.m.  Over 100 attended last year’s event and this one promises to be even bigger and better.  This indoor/outdoor event is entitled “In Bloom” and will be held in Barton Center’s beautifully landscaped outdoor Courtyard, and in the adjacent indoor Rotunda and Greenhouse.  Festivities will include wine, hors d’oeuvres, entertainment and a top-hat raffle for gift baskets filled with terrific items.   

Isaiah 61:1-2

In April the Chidren's and Youth Services Department presented

• 73 weekday Story Times to 1,265 children and parents/caregivers.
• 27 Family Weekend Wonders (story time and craft) to 492 children and parents/caregivers.
• outreach programs to 112 preschool and elementary school classrooms with an attendance of 1,923 children and teachers.

Lakewood Public Library welcomes one and all to come and hear Clevelander Judy Strauss play the music of one of the country’s first popular composers, Stephen Foster, on the newly renovated Steinway grand piano at 2 p.m. on May 31 in the Main Library Multi-Purpose Room.

All events are free and open to the public.

Author Richard D. Ondo will discuss his suspense novel, The Lore of Lake Erie, in the auditorium at Lakewood Public Library on Thursday June 4 at 7 p.m. The book is part three in a series of books which deal with what could happen if terrorists tried to attack the United States by way of Fairport Harbor. The other two books in Ondo’s terrorism trilogy are Terror by Invasion and A Third Cell in America which deals with a terrorist attack at the nuclear power plant in Perry, Ohio.

Ondo says that “while traveling around Middle America I found border security to be lax. I waged a campaign to improve Great Lakes security by writing terrorist novels.” He poses the question, “Who is monitoring the ships and boats that pass across Lake Erie? “ He feels that the United States is extremely vulnerable on the south shore of the lake and suggests that it makes sense to have protection in place along the northern shoreline to prevent a major terrorist act against our nuclear power plants and fresh water supply. The Lore of Lake Erie is a love story and a mystery rolled into one and features FBI informant and novice bounty hunter Richard Stern and FBI agent Monica Micovich.

Ondo is a U.S. Navy veteran of the Vietnam conflict. He made two Western Pacific trips aboard the USS Enterprise during that time. He is the former president of the Fairport Harbor Port Authority, and he now owns Ondo Electric Service, in Fairport Harbor, Ohio. Ondo is also member of the Minutemen Project, dedicated to protecting America’s borders.

As the city prepares to make the change to automated trash collection, with new cans being delivered across the city, you're probably wondering what to do with your old trash can(s). Though many ideas hinge on being able to get it pretty clean, and some involve a bit of elbow grease, they're still worth a try to keep all that plastic out of a landfill. If your trash can is plastic, and is labelled with a recycle symbol and a #1-7, or is made of a recyclable metal, consider dropping it off at the recycling center. If not, or if you would rather make use of it further, try these ideas:

Adolescents…whether you are one, love one, or work with one there is bound to be turmoil. Undulating adolescent behavior has forever confounded teens, their parents and other caring adults in their lives.

How do we know what is normal teenage angst? How do we recognize behaviors that should raise giant red flags?

OK Gary, what in the world is this column about?

Lakewood United Methodist Church and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children® host a Family Fun Safety Night to commemorate National Missing Children’s Day 

WHAT: First proclaimed by former President Ronald Reagan in 1983 as National Missing Children’s Day, May 25th serves as an annual reminder to the nation to renew efforts to reunite missing children with their families, remember those who are still missing and make child protection a national priority. 

POSTAGE INCREASE:  Starting May 11, 2009 the new price of postage will be 44 cents.  This is a two cent rate increase over the current rate. Any questions please contact the USPS Website for further information. 

FOREVER STAMPS:  There still seems to be some confusion when it comes to the usage of the Forever Stamp.  The Forever Stamp is the stamp with the brown Liberty Bell on it.  The Forever Stamp will cover the price of whatever the current rate of postage is.  For example, if you put a Forever Stamp on a letter and you bought the stamp at the 42 cent rate, when the new price goes into effect, the Forever Stamp will assume the current price of the postage which will be 44 cents.  There is no need to add a two cent postage stamp.

FOOD DRIVE: Saturday May 9, 2009, the Post Office is having its annual food drive.  Your carriers will be delivering the information cards to your home the week of the food drive.  Please place items by the mailboxes so the carriers can easily see them.  All donations go to help the Cleveland and surrounding area food banks.