PhotoBlogs by Gary Rice
A good time was had by all concerned when the musicians who attend the monthly jam sessions at the Canalway Visitors Center played at a "coffeehouse" event held for the public at the beautiful Canalway Visitors Center, located by the Ohio and Erie Canal and Cuyahoga River near Cleveland's historic industrial flats. My dad, Robert Rice and I (in cowboy hats) always enjoy helping out with these great occasions. Thanks to Tom for snapping the action shots of Dad and me!
On July 17th, "The Flip Side", a terrific and eclectic local musical group, performed at Lakewood's own Winchester Music Hall.
Since 2002 The Winchester has been one of the Cleveland area's premier live music venues.
Here are some photos of "The Flip Side's"live performance.
For more information on The Winchester's upcoming attractions, go to www.thewinchester.net. You can learn more about "The Flip Side" at www.heartheflipside.com.
All photos property of Gary Rice.
Last night, after a stellar weekend commencing Friday at the Rock Hall, Lakewood High's Class of 1970 concluded their 40th anniversary celebration at Lakewood's Around the Corner restaurant, with a reunion of the famous and fabulous HAZE rock band. Current band mates included bassist Rick Wager, drummer Declan Simon, guitarist Paul Robinson, and guitarist John Brite, and they thrilled the crowd! The band had played for the class back in 1970, as well. What a night for all concerned!!! (Dig the utterly cool "LHS" spelled out on Paul's three guitar pickup covers!
(All photos by Gary Rice)
After St. James Church's Sunday Mass yesterday, I took some pictures around the church's interior. From the statue of the Blessed Virgin, to the intimate confessional, to the stool that Father John sometimes used for his homilies...memories abound in the hearts of Lakewoodites who will always remember this sacred place.
Here are six photos reflecting what Lakewood either has lost, or may lose soon. I decided to post at this time (12-23-09) because the building formerly housing Lakewood Christian Church was being demolished today, and I thought of the people and places around here... not that long ago...
On November 11th, at 11 a.m. at Lakewood Park, area veterans, along with their friends and families, gathered to honor all veterans. The well attended event was followed by a social hour in the Womens' Pavilion.
Lakewood Senior Health Center Hosts Council-at-large Candidate Forum On Wednesday, October 7th, 2009, all six candidates for Lakewood's Council-at-large positions were present at the Lakewood Senior Health Center. Three openings are to be filled as a result of the election in November. Present were (left to right) Brian Powers, Jared K. Shapiro, Ryan Patrick Demro, Lakewood Senior Health Care Administrator Jason Coe, Daniel E. Shields, Monique Smith, and Nickie J. Antonio. Each was warmly received by an attentive audience. Each candidate was allotted five minutes' presentation time; after which, a question and answer period was provided. Photo-Property of Gary Rice
On October 6th, Lakewood Republicans held a candidates' forum at the Lakewood Public Library. In attendance were Republican candidates Ryan Patrick Demro and Jared K. Shapiro, along with Democratic candidate Daniel E. Shields. After each candidate presented a 5 minute introduction, there were questions fielded from the audience. The question and answer session was moderated by Tim Carroll.
The 13th Annual American Music Masters event was held from Nov 10-15 at the Rock Hall and around town. The event was sponsored by the Hall, as well as by CWRU, Gibson Guitars, Playhouse Square, the Ohio Humanities Council, and the Cuyahoga County Public Library. Here are some shots of the event. Photos property of Gary Rice
On Monday, November 3rd, Republican Vice-Presidential Candidate Sarah Palin arrived at Lakewood Park to speak. Governor Palin was accompanied by her husband, and Ohio Senator George Voinovich. Photos by Bob and Gary Rice
Sharing time with one's loved ones is special indeed. Dad and I just came back from the Metroparks with some photos of winter's waning days. Hopefully, you will share in our experience together as these photos of Lakewood and near-Lakewood reveal the beauty of late winter. Photos taken 2-27-08.
All photos private property of the photographer- usage requires permission.
On January 31, 2008, the Ohio Democratic Presidential Straw Poll was held at the Lakewood Masonic Temple. Sponsored by a number of Democratic groups and individuals, Barack Obama won the vote count by a wide margin over second place winner Hillary Clinton. A straw poll is considered an unofficial barometer of the mood of Democrats in Ohio as of this date. The Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Lakewood's own Tom Bullock, with Lakewood also being well represented by Mayor Ed Fitzgerald. Congressman and recent Democratic presidential candidate Dennis Kucinich was also in attendance and spoke to an enthusiastic audience. Other candidates for office and their supporters shared the podium and gave their remarks as well.
Lakewood Observer columnist Gary Rice opened the event with the "Star Spangled Banner" on his musical saw.
Entertainment was provided by Lakewood's own Gary and Linda Cavano husband and wife vocal duo.
Observers and friends gather at the Lakewood Observer Party to benefit the Lakewood Christian Service Center
Dateline: Today, January 5th, 2008 Former Lakewood councilman-at-large, Ed Fitzgerald, was sworn in as the new mayor of Lakewood.
Tom Bullock, Kevin Butler, and Mary Louise Madigan were also to be sworn in as city council members.
United States Senator from Ohio, Sherrod Brown, was to officiate at the swearing-in activities.
Here are some photos from the event.
All photos are property of Gary R, Rice
I decided to take a drive with my camera today, and take some shots of a few of the many things going on in Lakewood nowadays under the leadership of Mayor Tom George, and of course, with the help of Ed and the rest of the city council, the school board, and the many involved and interested citizens of our community. When we think of our new library, schools, and the many construction projects and public works developments presently going on, I have to say that I'm glad to be a Lakewoodite, and I hope that you all are too!
Former Harding Band, Orchestra, and Choir Director Robert R. Rice was honored on Thursday, May 17th, at the school's concert.
Mr. Rice received a Proclamation naming the day "Robert Rice Day" in Lakewood from Mayor Thomas George's office, as well as receiving a congressional recognition from Congressman Dennis Kucinich's office.
Rice wrote "The Harding March" for the school years ago. Present Harding Band Director Brian Griebel, invited Mr. Rice back to direct the tune.
It was a night of memories.
It was accompanied by a chorus, and the audience was then invited to sing along.
Over the years, I've had the opportunity to play my banjo for quite a few different people. Here are a few shots of me and my banjo through the years.
All of us change as we go through life. Hopefully, you will enjoy this whimsical journey through my own musical decades.
