April, 2011

(click photo to enlarge)

LOBC Event at Around the Corner was packed!
Goat Soup is back in stock at India Garden.
School Board President MAtthew Markling has breakfast with Ohio State Senator Michael Skindell.
Steve Hoffert a goverment employee speaks with State Senator Michael Skindell about how Bill 5 will affect his life. Then talk started about State owned and run banks.
The Root Café at night.
Sun comes up on a Sunday morning lighting up the INA Building.
As I round the bend, the sun appears as a massive red ball in the sky.
State Rep Nickie Anotnio speaks to MAtthew Markling the need to tak baby steps with city government.
Collinwood Observer billboard on East 185th
Mary Anne and Byron Crampton
Hogsback Lane in 2005, notice the height of the sign and the land behind it.
Gordon Brumm walks along Hogsback as we talked about the problems of mainting it in 2005.
How it looked in 2005
All of that has fallen away, maybe as much as 6 feet back.
Everything is lying at the bottom of the cliff, in the area that was promised to us as a sledding hill or ski hill. "We will take the land from I-90 and build ski hills in the metro park."
It will cost a lot to fix. The first solid ground is about 150' down!
Good ideas?
The first warm night in Lakewood. 03.10.2011 84 degrees that day, and a wonderful Sunday night sitting on the front porch and enjoying, the night, the view and my life. Lakewood a grand city of old homes with grand porches.
Troop 512's Pinewood Derby Race 03.11.2011
Declan Markling shows off his race car.
As the race fans get seated...
The Pinewood Race Car builders line up.
A look down the track.
The Scout Master's own car, a Scooby Doo theme. Hmmmmmmmmmmmmmm?
Declan gets ready to place his car on the track.
And off they go. Everyone had a great time. I would like to thank Matt Markling and Declan for inviting me. It has been years since I was at a race. Look for more photos from Matt and a story from Alicia Bown and the kids in the next Lakewood Observer.
John Kamkutis turns my camera on Nadhal Eadeh and myself to show just how easy it is to take photos.
We headed out to Collinwood to look at the Collinwood Observer Billboard and talk.
Coming back in to Lakewood we see that Virgina Marti has taken of the Payless Shoe Store, which will open as part of the school in the fall.
Stopped down at Clifton Beach. I wanted to show Nadhal some basketball courts that have never come down.
Spring is coming around
Posy office on Highland Ave. is for sale.
Stopped at The Root Cafe where Nadhal once again talks with Mat Markling about the problems getting people to understand the kids in this town needs something positive to do.
The Centennial Party for Lakewood Chamber of Commerce at the Beck Center.
I walk into the party and the first people I see are Mayor Michael Summers, and Kathy and Steve Ott. Steve is one of the Board Members of AGS/Lakewood Observer.
Ellen Todia, with the Geigers.
As we head into the theater. State Rep Nickie Antonio, State Senator Michael Skindell, and Terry Vincinet from the Chamber prepare for the kick off of awards and presentations.
Michael Skindell tells of his days in Lakewood, and what the Chamber has meant to this city.
A pretty good crowd listens.
Karen Bosworth of Bosworth Cakes wins the award for best cake design! Karen does incredible work, many might remember her cake at Rutabaga Nights. You can taste her work at 2 Dads Diner, I have never tasted better cakes, and damn, they look great too!
Gordon Geiger accepts an award on behalf of Geiger's Clothing for their dedication to the city of Lakewood, and their years in business. Gordon gave a nice little speech thanking everyone for this, and mentioned many of the other long running businesses in Lakewood, "Berry Funeral Homes, Daniels Funeral Home, McGorry, and Summers Rubber, Well Summers is not really in Lakewood but close." Everyone laughed, including the mayor.
Lakewood Poet Laureate Bill Kittel sang a song he wrote just for the event, as Chamber Director Patty Ryan looks on.
Karen Boseworth's winning cake design! It is completely edible.
A venvue' entry into the cake contest.
Another great design
Winner of best amateur cake was Baker Motors! Who would have thought?
As I headed to the door I ran into Sean Brennan, always like seeing Sean. So we stopped with his manager from Brennan's Party center and looked at the catering job both he and the Ranger Catering Staff provided.
Walking out the door, Nickie Antonio stops to check out the goodie bag.
As I head home I see a little police action on Detroit. Lakewood police, always on duty, makes a person feel safe.
Fire crews get a call on 3.11.2011
Dog Park on 3.10.2011
OK then
Sunset 03.11.2011
Sunset 03.11.2011
This afternoon LOBC meet with neighbors and concerned parties about noise and complaints at the courts. One of the more outspoken resident has been complaining for 6 years. Here Nadhal Eadeh (LOBC), School Board Member Ed Favre, School Board President, Stephanie Toole (LOBC), Councilman from Ward 2 Tom Bullock discuss ideas that would allow the courts to stay here, and Tom agrees with LOBC move into other areas of the city as they were in the past.
While the adults talk of the future of the courts for kids. The kids inside are learning basketball skills, team work, working an dplaying with others, and getting off their asses and moving to stay fit. It was a good night, most stayed until nearly 8pm to talk about courts LOBC, coming elections and Ward 2 concerns.
Mel Page director of the Old House Fair checks everything before the start.
Bill Gaydos walks in with Roger Bialack, laughing about Home Fairs of the past, then looked at a full room, and entered the new Old House Fair.
There was a good crowd all day. As in years past the flow was not so heavy you could not stop and get answers to questions but large enough to understand and see the impact the show makes on Old Home owners in Lakewood.
LEAF - Lakewood Earth and Food Community was showing people how to start seeds, and then you could take them home in planters made of old newspaper.
Councilman from Ward 1 David Anderson talked to Allure Painting about the various things they offer. David owns rental units and is very interested in what can help all of Lakewood.
Another shot half way through the day of the constant crowd.
Ed Favre, mayoral candidate, talks with Beyond Basics about windows, and how he is doing since opening on Madison Ave.
Lakewood Gardens had a great set up and were busy all day. The owners have told me many times how they can feel the love from the people in Lakewood, and are looking for a home in the city.
School Board President Matthew Markling with his friend Grant stop by Slife Heating and Cooling.
Matt Gaydos of Garden by Gaydos.
Missy Limkerman of All Dogs Heaven, stops for a quick photo with her son. Missy husband was one of the exhibitor.
Councilwoman for Ward 4, MAry Louise Madigan talks with Michael Fleenor from Cleveland Restoration. Michael is very active in Lakewood and retaining old homes in Lakewood.
Christina McCallum signs up for one of the many prizes.
Pets General Store.
Glen Palmer of Lakewood Hardware chats with Mel Page about how good the turnout is.
Leaving the Lakewood Recreation Van reminds us, how much fun we had!
Avenue Tap House
Cleveland Sunday at Sunset
Duck swiming
Coffe with Ed favre at the Root on Saturday
Goose coming in for a landing
Another great moon on Sunday
A run into Cleveland finds this at W25th St exit.
A good turnout at the Old House Fair
Hey there little buddy.
St. James
Still not used to seeing no activity at St. James on a Sunday, or for that matter, Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday too.
Avenue Taphpuse was alive at night.
During the day, the dancing figures are still dancing.
Part of Hixson's Easter Egg display, now these are some scary eggs.
What Metroparks have branded the Hoggsback Owls, as shot 04.08.2011. Most of these photos are shot with a 1000mm lens. It is very bad to get to close or disturb them. If the mother flies away they could get too cold even in their advance age. Also if people get around the trees, racoons will associate the smell of humans with food, climb the tree and possibly harm the babies.
What Metroparks have branded the Hoggsback Owls, as shot 04.09.2011 sunset. Most of these photos are shot with a 1000mm lens. It is very bad to get to close or disturb them. If the mother flies away they could get too cold even in their advance age. Also if people get around the trees, racoons will associate the smell of humans with food, climb the tree and possibly harm the babies.
What Metroparks have branded the Hoggsback Owls, as shot 04.10.2011 sunset. Most of these photos are shot with a 1000mm lens. It is very bad to get to close or disturb them. If the mother flies away they could get too cold even in their advance age. Also if people get around the trees, racoons will associate the smell of humans with food, climb the tree and possibly harm the babies.
What Metroparks have branded the Hoggsback Owls, as shot 04.12.2011 sunset. Most of these photos are shot with a 1000mm lens. It is very bad to get to close or disturb them. If the mother flies away they could get too cold even in their advance age. Also if people get around the trees, racoons will associate the smell of humans with food, climb the tree and possibly harm the babies.
What Metroparks have branded the Hoggsback Owls, as shot 04.14.2011 sunset. Most of these photos are shot with a 1000mm lens. It is very bad to get to close or disturb them. If the mother flies away they could get too cold even in their advance age. Also if people get around the trees, racoons will associate the smell of humans with food, climb the tree and possibly harm the babies.
What Metroparks have branded the Hoggsback Owls, as shot 04.15.2011 sunset. Most of these photos are shot with a 1000mm lens. It is very bad to get to close or disturb them. If the mother flies away they could get too cold even in their advance age. Also if people get around the trees, racoons will associate the smell of humans with food, climb the tree and possibly harm the babies.
What Metroparks have branded the Hoggsback Owls, as shot 04.16.2011 sunset. Most of these photos are shot with a 1000mm lens. It is very bad to get to close or disturb them. If the mother flies away they could get too cold even in their advance age. Also if people get around the trees, racoons will associate the smell of humans with food, climb the tree and possibly harm the babies.
What Metroparks have branded the Hoggsback Owls, as shot 04.16.2011 sunset. Most of these photos are shot with a 1000mm lens. It is very bad to get to close or disturb them. If the mother flies away they could get too cold even in their advance age. Also if people get around the trees, racoons will associate the smell of humans with food, climb the tree and possibly harm the babies.
What Metroparks have branded the Hoggsback Owls, as shot 04.16.2011 sunset. Most of these photos are shot with a 1000mm lens. It is very bad to get to close or disturb them. If the mother flies away they could get too cold even in their advance age. Also if people get around the trees, racoons will associate the smell of humans with food, climb the tree and possibly harm the babies.
A shot of two of the three babies. What Metroparks have branded the Hoggsback Owls, as shot 04.17.2011 sunset. Most of these photos are shot with a 1000mm lens. It is very bad to get to close or disturb them. If the mother flies away they could get too cold even in their advance age. Also if people get around the trees, racoons will associate the smell of humans with food, climb the tree and possibly harm the babies.
What Metroparks have branded the Hoggsback Owls, as shot 04.18.2011 sunset. Most of these photos are shot with a 1000mm lens. It is very bad to get to close or disturb them. If the mother flies away they could get too cold even in their advance age. Also if people get around the trees, racoons will associate the smell of humans with food, climb the tree and possibly harm the babies.
Like good little soldiers.
Malleys' Banner
America's newest micro car, the 2011 Fiat 600. Back again for bothe the 600 and Fiat in America.
Owl and baby 04.23.2011
Owl and baby 04.23.2011
Downtown Lakewood, Easter Sunday
Fire under a train stopped at French and Andrews Lane. Steve Davis walked out of Drug Mart, and say large flames and the train stopped. When he got there people from the train were working to contain the fire. Lakewood Fire Department arrived, and quickly put out the flames. Photos by Steve Davis 04.24.2011
Fire under a train stopped at French and Andrews Lane. Steve Davis walked out of Drug Mart, and say large flames and the train stopped. When he got there people from the train were working to contain the fire. Lakewood Fire Department arrived, and quickly put out the flames. Photos by Steve Davis 04.24.2011
Fire under a train stopped at French and Andrews Lane. Steve Davis walked out of Drug Mart, and say large flames and the train stopped. When he got there people from the train were working to contain the fire. Lakewood Fire Department arrived, and quickly put out the flames. Photos by Steve Davis 04.24.2011
Fire under a train stopped at French and Andrews Lane. Steve Davis walked out of Drug Mart, and say large flames and the train stopped. When he got there people from the train were working to contain the fire. Lakewood Fire Department arrived, and quickly put out the flames. Photos by Steve Davis 04.24.2011
Fire under a train stopped at French and Andrews Lane. Steve Davis walked out of Drug Mart, and say large flames and the train stopped. When he got there people from the train were working to contain the fire. Lakewood Fire Department arrived, and quickly put out the flames. Photos by Steve Davis 04.24.2011
Canda Goose off her nest long enough to chase me away! Did not know she was on a nest. Boy to they get nasty!
I guess the Royal Wedding is catching on, as these girls try on their crowns.
Dan Morgan from Straight Shooter Studios and now Keep Lakewood Beautiful gets things ready for volunteers coming to clean up Lakewood Park.
Getting Lakewood ready for our Earth Day.