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Gabe's News: First Browns Home Game, Legos And More

(First) Browns home game and the Browns lost. It was really sad. First game of the season and they lose.

I saw that Game On and Plank Road (Tavern) were packed with people. I bet Buffalo Wild Wings would be packed in downtown Cleveland and Westgate and anywhere else Buffalo Wild Wings is (located). Also there are new Lego figure packs for the Lego brand top blox at the Dollar Tree in Lakewood. At Bee Clean Car wash express they have free vacuums if you don't already know. 

Gabe Macdermott, age 8, loves writing and drawing. He loves Lego and reporting the news.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 3:47 PM, 09.18.2019

Starr Gazer

OCTOBER

Aries: Nature is calling The Ram to have a sense of adventure, during this fall month, what better time to take a walk on the wild side into the night, and do a Cemetery Crawl…

Taurus: The Universe is serving Abundance Pie & the Bull is in line to grab a piece, splurge on a red cape for Halloween & show up at that party donning your finest Matador apparel.

Gemini: Beauty is the Twins theme this month, grab that magic wand, conjure up a pumpkin carriage, go to a vintage shop for the perfect gown, your Prince Charming is waiting at the ball.

Cancer: Keywords this month Crab, divine timing, get under that Full Moon, find a Mermaid outfit & do your best rendition of Daryl Hannah in Splashserve up your best witches’ brew.

 

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 3:47 PM, 09.18.2019

Lakewood Medical Building Turns One Hundred Years Old

Lakewood recognizes Century Homes, so this year take a moment to notice this "Century Office Building" too. The Lakewood Medical Building was new construction at Detroit and Westwood 100 years ago, courtesy of Dr. C. Lee Graber, who also founded the city's hospital a dozen years before. Graber practiced medicine at this building until shortly before his death in 1954. Today the former Medical Building is part of the Rosewood Place Development, owned by North Coast Capital Partners.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 3:47 PM, 09.18.2019

11th Annual Zombie And Monster Walk

The 11th Annual Zombie and Monster Walk set off from the Five O'Clock Lounge this past Saturday. Admission was five dollars and two cans of food.  Participants could get their make-up done by professional FX make-up artists for $10 if they wanted to. All proceeds go to the Cleveland Food Bank.

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Volume 15, Issue 18, Posted 3:47 PM, 09.18.2019

Safety Requires A 360 Degree Approach

Public safety and fiscal responsibility should always be top priorities of local government. Without a city that is fundamentally safe, and responsible with its finances, we simply do not have the ability to reinvest in parks, infrastructure, or other needs, because safety is a bedrock necessity of any dynamic community. As a nearly 38-year resident of Lakewood, I am committed to supporting the top-notch personnel we have working to maintain that foundation.

My professional experience in helping CEOs structure their businesses has taught me to look at solutions in a 360 degree manner. From the immediately apparent, by ensuring we reinvest in our shooting range so that our officers remain prepared and well-equipped, to understanding that safety includes making sure our streets are designed for children walking to school as much as for the hard working parent commuting to their job. As a part of this approach, last year I approved the purchase of additional digital speedometers to address speeding on our side streets, however there is definitely more we can do. We need to be active in responding to the changing traffic on Lakewood streets, including bike traffic.

 

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Volume 15, Issue 17, Posted 6:27 PM, 09.04.2019

Use Food To Stay Healthy This Fall

Have you noticed that summer's heat is gradually fading? You step outside during the evening hours and experience a cooler night. When you breath in the cool air, something inside of you knows that the seasons are shifting.

Those summer moments are warm memories now. School will start soon and daylight hours slowly begin to shorten. As nature shifts from late summer to early fall, we too naturally follow the seasonal change. We ease into the change by becoming less active, going to bed earlier, and adjusting the foods we eat.

In preparation for cooler temperatures, we can no longer rely on the summer sun to warm us. Instead, we must being to rely on our own internal heat and those found in food to keep us warm. The theory of foods having temperature (cold, warm, hot, and neutral), and eating seasonally dates back thousands of years. This practice was adapted due to seasonal crop availability. Before refrigeration, canning and pickling were used to preserve foods. 

Now that most foods are available during any season, it’s even more important to choose seasonal foods. When we eat in accordance with the season, our body is able to avoid excess stress and maintain homeostasis. While we shift from late summer to early fall, it is best to enjoy meals that are baked, sautéed, or cooked over several hours. Yes, soup season is in!

 

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Volume 15, Issue 17, Posted 6:27 PM, 09.04.2019

Lakewood Mayor Talking Our Of Both Side Of His Mouth

After lying to Lakewood citizens that Lakewood’s hospital was losing money and had to be shut down when he knew full well that the Clinic had a contractual duty to run the hospital at no loss to the City until 2026, Mayor Summers has now connived the City into another giveaway contract. 

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Volume 15, Issue 16, Posted 3:23 PM, 08.21.2019

City Workers Endorse Meghan George For Mayor

The union which represents nearly half the City of Lakewood’s employees has endorsed Meghan F. George for mayor.

The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME) represents more than 150 public works and administrative employees in Lakewood.

Local 1043 President Mike Satink, who works for the streets department, says that, “Councilwoman George respects the hard work we do every day. All residents of the city can expect that same respect from their mayor, with her leadership.”

Satink says that straightforward, honest respect is the main object of workers he represents in Lakewood’s streets, refuse, building and other departments. “Respect for fairly bargained contracts, and respect for people,” he says.

A Lakewood employee for 12 years, Satink says that he has gotten to know George very well during her time on city council, and that she has impressed him with her interest in the details of city services and the people who keep them running.

“We have been meeting with any and all candidates” in this year’s local elections, Satink says, but George distinguished herself through months of dialogue about ways the union can help improve local services in the years ahead.

“She’s here for life and loves the city of Lakewood,” Satink says of Meghan George. “In my opinion, Meghan is the right person to lead this diverse city.”

George says she is especially grateful for the endorsement from local city workers.

"Administrations come and go, but the hard-working employees of Lakewood are the backbone our residents rely upon year in, year out, decade after decade. I am deeply appreciative of the support of these hard-working employees.”

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Volume 15, Issue 15, Posted 2:59 PM, 08.07.2019

Supporting Meghan George For Mayor

When Lakewood elects a new mayor, on November 5, Meghan George will have my vote.

I have gotten to know Meghan as a person and as a professional. In my experience, she is an inherently genuine and principled individual. I have seen her embrace tough challenges with strength, and make difficult decisions with poise.

On City Council she uses her knowledge and awareness to make a positive difference for our city. Meghan studies the issues and does what’s right for Lakewood residents.

Meghan appreciates Lakewood’s significant history. She takes a long-term view of development and other proposals, recognizing that today’s decisions need to make sense in years to come. This is the thoughtfulness and maturity we need at City Hall.

I strongly believe Lakewood’s future will be bright if we elect Meghan George as Lakewood’s next mayor.

Claire Vincent

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Volume 15, Issue 15, Posted 2:59 PM, 08.07.2019

Appreciation For Our Nurses And Teachers

A downtown Lakewood massage studio will be offering nurses and teachers half off massages in celebration of both National Nurses Week and Teacher Appreciation Week (both being celebrated May 6-12).

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Volume 15, Issue 9, Posted 8:01 PM, 05.08.2019

Little Free Indoor Libraries

Lakewood has embraced the Little Free Library concept, with at least 20 now scattered around our city. This pair, including one of the city's newest, is found indoors. The Lakewood Policy recently added a Little Free Library to their lobby inside City Hall, at 12650 Detroit Ave. It's actually the second police-themed design among Lakewood's little libraries, however, joining the "Dr. Who" police-box-shaped library inside Fear's Confections at 15208 Madison Ave.

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Volume 15, Issue 3, Posted 3:56 PM, 01.22.2019

LOooooking Back

2006 - LO_2/1- Lakewood Is Ohio’s Newest Main Street - Hospital Ribbon Cutting
Headlines were all about Downtown Lakewood, Ohio. After submitting paperwork and dues, LCPI had been told that we were a “Mainstreet City.” Also was abuzz about the ribbon-cutting at Lakewood Hospital for the new Belle Avenue entrance and waiting area. Bob Seelie was elected to a 5th term as President of Lakewood Council, and continued his updates in the paper. A look at Lakewood Police’s canine Officer Obrock. A hard look at “No Child Left Behind” by Dr. Greanoff. “Young Woman’s Vision for Lakewood Park: ‘A Place To Grow’ A 4 page color spread on one of the most innovative, and cost-effective ideas ever for Lakewood Park. It was discovered the Nicholson House was actually older than Oldest Stone House! Gordon Brumm’s amazing series “Intelligent Design: Skeptical Thoughts about the Skepticism (2)” “Beauty and the Beast” and Verb Ballet covered at Beck Center. Hot Topics On The Deck: 1) First Rockport Square resident by Thomas J. George 2)Status of CitiState Program by Rhonda loje 3) The Eminent Domain Spectator by Mark Timieski

2007 - LO_3/1- City Councilman Edward FitzGerald Announces Race for Mayor
while Mayor George was being announced as the Vice Chair of the National League of Cities. Then Councilman FitzGerald grabbed the headline with his announcement that “Lakewood needed stronger Leadership.” Hogsback Lane repair announced. With the announcement of Dollar Tree coming to Lakewood we take an in-depth look at phenomenon of what it means in Lakewood. LO Photographer Ivor Karabatkovic had just won Scholastic Awards for his photos. LHS Cheerleaders collecting to send cheer to soldiers in Iraq. Lakewood Hospital Newly Renovated Cornary Care Unit examined. Gary Rice looks at Lakewood Treasure Trove of Churches. One of the most infamous cartoons in the LO ran. “Krazy Kenny and the Wrestlin Fools” by Scott MacGregor (Rockport Mircles) and Gary Dumm. Of course people were outraged, not at FB levels but upset. Kenny’s family called from Florida. They had gotten a copy of the cartoon and cried. They couldn’t believe the city of Lakewood still remembered or cared about their brother known to all as “Crazy Kenny.”  


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Volume 15, Issue 2, Posted 5:11 PM, 01.08.2019

Decking The Halls

Lezlee Patten likes to make people happy and see them smile. That's why she puts up an elaborate Christmas display every year at the end of the hall outside her suite at Lakewood's Westerly Apartments.

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Volume 14, Issue 24, Posted 3:48 PM, 12.18.2018

Lakewood's Bridget Lyons Finds The Fire To Succeed At Tri-C

As a kindergarten teacher, Bridget Lyons was quite comfortable with many sets of eyes staring at her as she began a new school year. But her first day at the Cuyahoga Community College (Tri-C®) Fire Training Academy felt different.

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Volume 14, Issue 15, Posted 1:35 PM, 08.07.2018

Food Not Lawns

Food not lawns is a great movement aimed at turning the world into an edible neighborhood to promote sustainability. While I am not personally affiliated with this organization I feel so strongly about this movement that I wanted to raise awareness to our wonderfully diverse city.

Having the ability to grow your own food is something we should all aim to at the very least learn. It is a gift that we can give to our future generations as an extremely practical skillset. There is something to be said for being able to do things yourself. We are seeing less of the traditional “factory farms” and more of the small organic farmers which is fantastic for sustainability and our environmental footprint we are leaving behind. 

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Volume 14, Issue 15, Posted 1:35 PM, 08.07.2018

Where Does It Go? Sewer District Open House Sept. 15

Spending so much time on our “thrones” may sometimes lead our minds to wonder: What happens after the flush? Where does it go? How does all that dirty water get clean? On September 15 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., find out answers to all these questions and more at the Northeast Ohio Regional Sewer District’s Open House and Clean Water Fest.

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Volume 14, Issue 15, Posted 1:35 PM, 08.07.2018

Unjust, Anti-Environmental Fracking Law Should Be Repealed

I’m a longtime resident of the West side of our region. However, I own ancestral land in Southeastern Ohio. For years, my family has been hounded and bullied by the fracking industry. We would tell them that we will never sell or lease our land, and they would continue to pester us. Moreover, they bully us by telling us that once they get enough people who are willing to lease their land, they can “force pool” our land by utilizing O.R.C. 1509.27 to take our mineral rights without our consent. 

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Volume 14, Issue 13, Posted 6:08 PM, 07.03.2018

June 29th Is Bike To Work Day!

June 29th is Bike to Work Day! Come socialize at Bike Lakewood's Hub at the Madison branch of the Lakewood Public Library with some coffee and pastries. The Hub will be running from 7am-9am.

You can either stay here in Lakewood, or head on downtown to our partner Bike Cleveland's big meetup at the Cleveland Bike Rack.

If you would like to ride downtown with a group from Lakewood, Beat Cycles will be leading a Group Commute at 7:15am from the Library location, weather permitting.

The Lakewood Public Library has been sponsoring Bike Lakewood's Bike to Work Day monthly events and we couldn't be happier to continue the relationship!

WEATHER: If it's light rain, we will still hold the event, but pouring rain or thunderstorms will cancel the event.

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Volume 14, Issue 12, Posted 4:18 PM, 06.19.2018

Vintage Fashion Pop-Up In Lakewood

The recently launched Vintage Fashion Pop-Up is taking shopping to a new level. One weekend a month, 4-5 vintage fashion sellers set up a collective shop in Lakewood. Their shop offers a curated selection of affordable vintage finds in a modern boutique environment. 

There is a growing trend towards wearing vintage clothing. It’s an affordable, eco-friendly way to express individuality and embrace new trends. There is a cool factor in having a unique vintage find. Street style bloggers incorporate vintage into their looks. Fashion designers find inspiration in vintage for their new collections. “Marc Jacobs, Cole Haan, Eugenia Kim and Zimmermann have bought pieces from my Etsy shop, Only The Best,” said Heather Sapanos, founder of Vintage Fashion Pop-Up. Costume designers buy vintage as well, even if it’s not a period piece. “Sarah Jessica Parker has worn a couple of my vintage dresses on her HBO show Divorce.”

 

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Volume 14, Issue 12, Posted 4:18 PM, 06.19.2018

Frankfurter Fridays Are Back!

Now in its sixth year, Frankfurter Fridays offer free 100% beef hotdogs and lemonade as well as intergenerational fun activities every other Friday from June 8 through September 14 on the front lawn of the Church of the Ascension, 13216 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood.

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Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 10:43 PM, 06.05.2018

Cat-Lovers Plan June 10 Picnic

Greater Cleveland's cat community is gathering in Lakewood Park, on Sunday, June 10 for a picnic and party from 3 to 8 p.m.

The event is hosted by the "Weirdo Cat Lovers of Cleveland" Facebook group, and promises food, games, prizes and kitties.

Josie Triton, an administrator for the group, says "there might even be a few 'famous' cats from the group there." Mostly, though, "It's really just a party for cat people to hang out and network."

"Anyone is welcome to attend, but we recommend joining the online group first so people can see what we're about," she adds.

"Weirdo Cat Lovers" has evolved considerably since its beginning as simply a place to share cat pictures. Laura Rodriguez-Carbone, a Lakewood resident, says the group has become a support community for cats and cat-owners. Members organize work like rescue, adoption, and fundraising. She adds that "I adopted a cat last week because of the Facebook group."

Many including Rodriguez-Carbone have joined in recent months, and more than 14,000 people are now members. Over 200 have committed to attend the picnic.

The event will temporarily spotlight cat culture in what often seems to be a dog-centric community. Lakewood has a dog park, a pooch parade, a dog swim and even canine controversies. But our city hasn't entirely gone to the dogs, yet.

In addition to participation in the Weirdo Cat Lovers group and its party, Lakewood's cat subculture has several beloved shop cats to its credit. Cat-lovers and book-lovers recently welcomed the return of Hobbes, at the Bookshop in Lakewood's new home. Customer-facing cats have also been spotted at Lakewood Hardware, the Lakewood Garden Center, and My Vacuum Store, among others.

Feline equality is also the law in Lakewood, in one sense, as animals of all types "shall not be permitted to run at large anywhere within the city limits" according to city guidelines. The picnic's hosts ask that every cat be accompanied by a leash or pet carrier, as well as an ID collar and a disposable litter box.

To read more about the cat lovers picnic, visit tinyurl.com/wcl-lkwd.

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Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 10:43 PM, 06.05.2018

Antonio, Skindell Win Primary Elections

Nickie J. Antonio and Michael J. Skindell will be Democrats' nominees to represent Lakewood in the Ohio General Assembly, following last Tuesday's primary.

Lakewood voters' overwhelming preference for Antonio over Martin Sweeney settled a fight between two state representatives, each seeking a nomination to run for Ohio Senate District 23. In recent weeks the matchup drew repeated notice from local media.

Sweeney closed Tuesday with modest leads in most of the senate district, which includes Lakewood, Parma, and other western suburbs as well as parts of Cleveland. But an outlier result in Lakewood, which voted more than 3-to-1 for Antonio, gave her an overall victory of more than 54%.

At the same time, state Senator Michael J. Skindell defeated Lakewood City Council member Tom Bullock to be Democrats' nominee for Ohio House District 13. Skindell won slightly more than 55%, both in Lakewood and the two Cleveland wards which constitute most of the district.

The result is the second such for Bullock, following a primary loss to Antonio in 2010, when both sought Democrats' nomination for the Ohio House.

Antonio as well as Skindell are now ineligible to run for their current offices, owing to term limits, and both will seek to move between the two chambers of the General Assembly in November.

Each nominee will face a Republican opponent in the November election. Democrats' sizeable voter-registration advantage in each district, however, will favor Antonio's and Skindell's campaigns.

If elected, Antonio will be the first woman to represent the 23rd Senate District, and the first openly gay member of the Ohio Senate.

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Volume 14, Issue 11, Posted 3:09 PM, 05.15.2018

Democrats Vote For Central Committee Members May 8th

Lakewood Democrats may soon be getting a knock on the door or a phone call from a fellow Democrat and neighbor vying for their vote in the upcoming elections for the Cuyahoga County Democratic Party Central Committee. On May 8th, Democrats running for Lakewood Precinct Leader will be on the ballot, and this year, a record number of fresh faces are competing for these elected party positions.

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Volume 14, Issue 9, Posted 9:38 PM, 04.21.2018

I Support Mike Skindell For State Representative

It is my honor and pleasure to support Mike Skindell’s campaign for State Representative. Throughout his political career, as a member of Lakewood City Council and a legislator in the Ohio House and Senate, he has consistently represented my values. Governing is about making choices, and Mike makes choices that benefit all of his constituents, not just the privileged few.

Over the years, Mike’s perspective has brought much needed balance to the Ohio State Legislature. He has clearly demonstrated that often the real cost of tax cuts is cuts to much needed services…monies to address the opioid crisis, monies to support adult and child protective services, funding to schools, local governments, parks, and the environment. He has fought to prevent or reduce cuts to these important programs.

Mike understands how government works and how to navigate the legislative process. His accomplishments, while serving in the minority, is a testament to his skills as a legislator. When I receive advocacy alerts to contact my state legislator, I never need to reach out to Mike because I can rest easy that he will do the right thing.

 

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Volume 14, Issue 8, Posted 3:27 PM, 04.17.2018

Supporting Mike Skindell For State Representative

As Mike Skindell’s campaign for State Representative gains momentum, I wanted to take a minute and state my support and endorsement of his candidacy. I am endorsing Mike for a multitude of reasons. First and foremost, he has clearly demonstrated his commitment and passion for our community.

I have had the pleasure of knowing Mike Skindell for a number of years. I first met Senator Skindell when he was representing the City of Lakewood as an At-Large Councilman back in the late 90s/early 2000s. As a Councilman, Mike worked hard to establish our dog park as well as to preserve the cultural and historical makeup of Lakewood. Following his tenure on Lakewood City Council, Mike continued his service to our district by representing Lakewood and other Westside communities in both the State House and State Senate. During his tenure, Mike was a strong voice and advocate for seniors and working families and has a proven track record of working hard on behalf of his constituents. Most recently, Senator Skindell introduced Senate Bill 260, which would establish an assault weapons ban throughout Ohio.

Mike is one of the most honest and trustworthy people that I have had the pleasure of working with and is dedicated to our community. He has tirelessly worked on behalf of hard working families throughout his elected career. I encourage the residents of Lakewood and surrounding communities to join me and the George family in voting for Michael J. Skindell for State Representative on May 8th.

Councilwoman – Meghan F. George

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Volume 14, Issue 8, Posted 12:07 PM, 04.03.2018

Packed House For Cordray - Kucinich Q&A

A capacity crowd of well over 100 attended the Lakewood Democratic Club's March meeting, to hear from candidates for governor Richard Cordray and Dennis Kucinich. Both took questions from the audience after opening remarks, as did candidates for Ohio House and Senate. Topics ranged from gun safety to public schools to single-payer healthcare.

The club expects to host a third candidate for governor, Bill O'Neill, at its next meeting on April 26. State senator Joe Schiavoni, also running for governor, addressed the January meeting.

 

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Volume 14, Issue 7, Posted 12:07 PM, 04.03.2018

Say Yes To Issue 1 And Fair Congressional Districts On May 8

After a half-century of effort, Ohio has the chance to kick gerrymandering out of our state for good—and Lakewood has played an important part.

On May 8 we can pass Issue 1 to reform the system for drawing congressional districts, and stop partisan abuse of redistricting.

Drawing biased “gerrymandered” districts, named for the early Massachussetts Governor Elbridge Gerry, dates back to the United States’ earliest days. But the impact of gerrymandering has grown extreme in the 21st century, as mapping software and big data have allowed a party in power to pack more of the minority party’s voters into ever fewer districts.

Against this backdrop, reform efforts in Ohio have found a new urgency. Following decades of attempts by the League of Women Voters and other good-government advocates, Ohio approved a ballot measure to change statehouse-district rules in 2015.

The League took encouragement from voters’ overwhelming approval of that measure, and began calling for similar reform to congressional redistricting. Yet the statehouse’s Republican leadership, which had supported the 2015 reform, argued for delaying any further action.

When a Fair Districts petition drive collected more than 200,000 signatures entirely through volunteer effort, statehouse leadership had second thoughts. A combination of grassroots pressure and persistence within the legislature then produced a genuine, bipartisan agreement on Issue 1.

In both cases Lakewood has contributed. Early in the petition drive, one Fair Districts volunteer said unofficially that “Lakewood is basically carrying Cuyahoga County on this.”

In the General Assembly, Lakewood’s state Representative Nickie Antonio and state Senator Mike Skindell lent support to the grassroots campaign. Sen Skindell sharply criticized one proposed bill, which failed to meet most of activists’ criteria for meaningful reform. Unswerving support for the Fair Districts goals by Skindell, Antonio and other Democrats eventually earned major concessions from legislative leaders.

The bipartisan agreement which resulted will end the old, anything-goes potential for partisan gerrymandering. Starting after the 2020 census, new maps will require substantial support from minority-party legislators.

Issue 1 includes additional positive reforms as well. It will add transparency to the process. It will sharply reduce the silly-string districts like our own, which extends all the way from Lakewood to Toledo. It will, ultimately, make government more accountable to voters.

Everyone in Lakewood who signed petitions or helped circulate them shares in the credit for getting this far. The long campaign for fair districts in Ohio can end in success—if Issue 1 passes.

Please help make sure it does! Vote Yes on Issue 1 in the primary election this May 8.

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Volume 14, Issue 6, Posted 7:14 PM, 03.20.2018

Swim-a-Thon To Benefit Two Organizations

Special Spaces and scholarships for the new aquatic therapy program at the Cleveland Clinic Children's Center for Autism in Rocky River will be the beneficiaries of support from the eighth annual Swim-a-Thon on March 4 at the Rocky River Recreation Center indoor pools from 7:30 to 9:30 a.m.

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Volume 14, Issue 5, Posted 9:40 PM, 03.06.2018

Senators Skindell And Tavares Introduce Assault Weapons Ban

This past week, Senator Michael Skindell (D–Lakewood) and Senator Charleta B. Tavares (D-Columbus) introduced Senate Bill 260, which would establish an assault weapons ban throughout Ohio.  

The legislation specifically makes it a felony of the fifth degree for possessing or acquiring an assault weapon. Under the bill, an “assault weapon” is an automatic firearm or semi-automatic firearm capable of accepting a detachable magazine with the capacity of accepting ten or more cartridges and a semi-automatic firearm with a fixed magazine with the capacity of accepting ten or more cartridges. The legislation models Senate Bill 18 introduced in 2013 and co-sponsored by Senators Skindell and Tavares.

“The recent, sorrowful events in Florida and Nevada and so many more places teach us why it is important to ban weapons that are meant for waging war,” said Senator Skindell. “While we cannot stop every act of suffering inflicted upon the public, it is our responsibility to limit access to these assault weapons. Until better national standards are enacted to regulate the sale of these dangerous assault weapons, Ohio should have its own regulations to protect the public.”

“Assault weapons were designed to be used by trained members of the military to kill people. These weapons, unfortunately, are killing innocent children and adults by people who want to murder, maim and terrorize large masses of people in public spaces,” stated Senator Tavares. 

Once banned under federal law between 1994 and 2004, assault weapons are now easy to obtain. Research has demonstrated that during the national ban period the number of attacks and deaths fell significantly compared to the previous ten years. (Rampage Nation, 2016, Klevares, Louis, University of Massachusetts at Boston.) After the assault weapon ban ended in 2004, the number of attacks and deaths shot up.

The legislation will also require the Office of the Ohio Attorney General to manage a registration database, through which it shall issue permits for the purchase of firearms and track the purchase of firearms and ammunition. In addition, it will require Ohio retailers to report all sales of firearms and ammunition to the Attorney General.

 

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Volume 14, Issue 5, Posted 9:40 PM, 03.06.2018

Michael Rendon Campaigns For Cuyahoga County Court Of Common Pleas

My name is Michael Rendon and I am campaigning for the General Division of the Cuyahoga County Court of Common Pleas in the May 8th primary. With less than 90 days until Election Day, I am writing to respectfully introduce myself to the Lakewood community, explain why I am the most experienced, committed and qualified candidate to represent you on the bench, and ask for your support. I have spent my life and career focused on family, service, justice, and our community. 

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Volume 14, Issue 5, Posted 9:40 PM, 03.06.2018

Goodkind: A New Neighborhood Cafe On Madison

I stopped in at Goodkind Coffee for the first time the other day. Located in a storefront at 15526 Madison Avenue, the place impressed me enough to write the poem below. Kudos to friendly barista Kevin who answered my questions about the store and intuitively asked if I needed some cold water after I’d finished my cup of coffee.

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Volume 14, Issue 4, Posted 4:45 PM, 02.06.2018

Thank You, Lakewood

Now that the election is over, I wanted to express my heartfelt thank you to the residents of Lakewood for the great honor and responsibility of electing me to serve as a member of Lakewood City Council. This has been a very tedious election season and I am extremely grateful to family, friends and loyal supports who generously contributed their time and energy over the past year. Many thanks to everyone that came out to vote in November.

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Volume 14, Issue 2, Posted 9:51 PM, 01.23.2018

More Little Free Libraries

Lakewood now has at least 11 Little Free Libraries. Resident Matt Kuhns found these two in November, in addition to the nine located earlier this year and featured in the Observer in June.

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Volume 13, Issue 22, Posted 5:56 PM, 11.21.2017

Senator Skindell Introduces Legislation To Create The Prescription Drug Assistance Program For Seniors, Disabled Ohioans And Veterans

This past week Senator Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) introduced Senate Bill 215 to create the Ohio Rx Plan to help many Ohioans obtain the medications they need. The Ohio Rx Plan would benefit seniors, the disabled, veterans and Bronze Plan enrollees under the Affordable Health Care Act.
 
“Many Ohioans are struggling to pay out-of-pocket costs for insurance premiums, deductibles and co-pays to acquire needed medications,” Senator Skindell said. “Passage of this legislation will result in Ohio joining a number of states providing prescription drug assistance to seniors and others who need help obtaining their medications.”
 
According to research by the National Conference of State Legislatures, in 2016 more than a dozen states offered State Pharmaceutical Assistance Program (SPAPs) that "wrap-around" or add to the Part D benefits, including drugs bought by Medicare patients during the so-called "donut hole" spending category (http://www.ncsl.org/research/health/medicare-prescription-drug-tools.aspx).  
 
In 2016, 1,030,738 Ohioans were enrolled in a Medicare Stand Alone Prescription Drug Plan (Part D) and 661,324 were enrolled in a Medicare Advantage Plan (Part C) with prescription drug coverage, according to Healthpocket, a consumer health information company. Using data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, HealthPocket also found that:

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Volume 13, Issue 20, Posted 12:05 PM, 10.17.2017

Fourth Of July In Lakewood, Ohio

On the July 4, 2017, a dream came true. I experienced what a national holiday could be like. In Germany, my country, October 3 is not a day filled with celebration and events. It's not a day where everyone hangs up a large German flag. And it's not a day that makes us Germans feel like a proud community. To be honest, all of these things would see very strange to me, although that doesn’t mean that I would like to try some of them. However, I can't imagine having a day like this in my home country.

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Volume 13, Issue 19, Posted 9:25 PM, 09.19.2017

Senator Skindell Introduces Bill To Reinvigorate Wind Industry In Ohio

Senator Michael Skindell (D–Lakewood) recently introduced Senate Bill 184, which would return wind farm setback standards to what they previously were before the passage of House Bill 483 in 2014. 
 
The standard established in House Bill 483 was inserted in the bill at the last minute and had no public hearings.  The legislation more than doubled the distance wind turbines have to be from “the nearest, habitable, residential structure.”  The change significantly reduced the number of turbines that could be placed in a wind project.
 
“Current restrictive setback standards have created a barrier to wind development in Ohio,” said Senator Skindell. “Since 2014, our state has seen a sharp decline in the number of new wind farm applications. Because of such stringent standards, we have lagged behind neighboring states, losing out on local economic development and jobs for our communities. Ohio should be embracing the renewable energy industry and securing clean energy for our future.”
 
Senator Skindell’s bill would simply measure the setback distance from the nearest habitable residential structure rather than the property line.
 
Many of the biggest companies such as Google, Amazon, and Facebook have made renewable energy a priority when looking for places to expand. In 2016, a representative from Amazon, John Stephenson, testified to the House Public Utilities Committee that the current requirements “have significantly diminished the attractiveness to further investments in wind generation in Ohio.”

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Volume 13, Issue 17, Posted 12:35 PM, 09.06.2017

Candidate For City Council Meghan George Hosting Fundraiser In September

Meghan F. George, candidate for Lakewood City Council At-Large, will hold a fundraising event on Wednesday, September 13, 2017 at Merry Arts, 15607 Detroit Ave. The event is from 5 to 7 p.m., cost $30. Everyone is welcome to meet the candidate and renew old friendships and make new ones.

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Volume 13, Issue 17, Posted 12:35 PM, 09.06.2017

Local And National Endorsements Praise Tristan Rader For City Council

Local groups, national organizations and regular people alike are endorsing Tristan Rader’s candidacy for Lakewood City Council At-large.

AFSCME Council 8 became one of Rader’s first official endorsements, in July. AFSCME represents nonprofit and public employees, including correctional officers, school employees and health care workers.

Rader has emphasized the importance of high-quality public services, and says the endorsement by AFSCME is a welcome vote of confidence. “Instead of privatizing important services with poor accountability, we need to have proven, union professionals doing work we can count on,” he says. “AFSCME represents people who keep our communities running, and I’m honored by their support.”

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Volume 13, Issue 17, Posted 12:35 PM, 09.06.2017

Gerrymandering: A Threat To Representative Democracy

The 19th century brought us President Abraham Lincoln, suffragist Elizabeth Cady Stanton, philosopher Henry David Thoreau, abolitionist Harriet Tubman, and artist James Whistler - people who positively contributed to the world in which we live today.

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Volume 13, Issue 16, Posted 12:35 PM, 07.18.2017

Get Involved, With Action Together Lakewood Area

Volunteer, grassroots activism is on a rebound in 2017. In big and small communities, ordinary people are taking on the challenge to "think globally, act locally." Figuring out how to do so has required a lot of improvisation.

Action Together Lakewood Area is a good example. The group has sponsored educational programs, community events and political advocacy projects; it holds meetings and has social media accounts. Despite which the structure of the group remains a bit loose, says Lakewood resident Sara Ridley.

Ridley founded Action Together Lakewood Area, essentially. Along with Sarah Kepple, she's now leading ATLA. But she didn't really plan on either role. After last November's election, members of the "Pantsuit Nation" Facebook group began forming local networks which eventually adopted the "Action Together" theme. As Ridley notes, even regional groups would have been too large "because 2,000 people couldn't meet" for an effective discussion.

So she posted a simple question: Does anyone in Lakewood want to meet? "I was expecting maybe 20 people," she recalls.

Instead more than 150 replies followed. When the group first met in December, at Lakewood's library, they talked for more than two hours.

The library's no-beverages policy made it something of an ordeal, an example Ridley cites when explaining how everything has been a learning process. "I think there was an assumption that I knew what I was doing," she says. People began asking her permission to pursue this or that idea; usually "I said yes, go!"

The loose approach has worked out, so far. Other Action Together groups describe themselves as a network of people, more than an organization, and Action Together Lakewood Area has readily played a supporting role in events and campaigns. Its members are active in collecting signatures for a redistricting reform measure promoted by the League of Women Voters, for example.

But Action Together Lakewood Area has found its own rhythm, also, balancing education and activism. Meetings tend to focus on learning, with a well-attended April event on refugees and immigration being one of ATLA's highlights so far.

Getting informed helps with outreach, Ridley says, whether calling a Senator's office or sharing information with the public. In June, the group took up stations outside of Lakewood's and other local libraries, alerting people to proposed cuts to library funding. Along with related efforts nationwide, public pressure succeeded in preventing most of the cuts.

In July, the group held a picnic to recharge. (Even there, several members were busy circulating redistricting petitions, or talking with passersby about pending healthcare legislation.) After looking back over Action Together Lakewood Area's first several months, Ridley briefly discussed possible future activities. Overall, though, she said that the group will remain flexible in trying to accommodate anyone who wants to get more involved. She had recently heard from a woman, for example, who wanted to know if Ridley had ideas for how she might remain active while recovering from recent hip surgery.

The answer was definitely "Yes." Which likely sums up the core mission of Action Together Lakewood Area: there is no fixed format or program, but if you want to help make a difference, ATLA will help you find a way.

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Volume 13, Issue 15, Posted 5:08 PM, 08.01.2017

LECPTA's Fall Baby & Big Kid Resale Event Is Quickly Approaching

The Lakewood Early Childhood PTA (LECPTA) is once again planning its popular children's resale of gently used children's clothing (sizes newborn to 10), furniture, toys and other items. The Baby Bargain Bonanza (BBB) is planned for Saturday, September 9th at Garfield Middle School, which is located at 13114 Detroit Ave. in Lakewood. The sale is open to the public and will run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. Admission is $5 from 8:30 a.m. until 9:30 a.m. and just $1 from 9:30 a.m. until 12:00 p.m.

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Volume 13, Issue 15, Posted 5:08 PM, 08.01.2017

Senator Michael Skindell Comments On State Budget Vote

Last week, State Senator Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood) voted “No” on Amended Substitute House Bill 49, known as the state’s biennial operating budget. Among many concerns, Senator Skindell cited the disinvestment in people and communities and the continuation of tax loopholes for corporations and the wealthy as areas where the bill fell short.
 
“The evidence is clear that there is no Ohio miracle but rather an Ohio calamity,” said Senator Skindell. “The LLC tax loophole created in 2013 and expanded in 2015 has created a massive fiscal hole. This year alone, the budget hole stands at $840 million dollars, and is apparently growing. Ohio's finances are shrinking. The current imbalance is comparable to the imbalance we faced earlier this decade, largely caused by the 2005 tax giveaway.”
 
During the budget debate, Senator Skindell advocated for greater state investment in need-based financial aid for college students, quality childcare programs, K-12 education, public transportation and senior programs like Meals-On-Wheels. Senator Skindell noted that past disinvestment in higher education has made Ohio one of the most costly places for students to go to college. He also expressed concern that many schools in the 23rd Senate District would experience a cut in state funding under the budget bill.
 
Continuing cuts and diversions from local government funding also prevented Senator Skindell from supporting House Bill 49.
 
“Recent state budgets have not provided the Local Government Fund with the stable and predictable funding source they need to be able to provide critical services to their communities,” said Senator Skindell. “State action has resulted in extraordinary cuts to the revenues collected by our counties, cities, and townships. Meanwhile, the ability of county and city officials to pay for services with locally raised taxes have been hampered.
 
“In the simplest of terms, the budget we are asked to vote on today offers short-sighted, short-term solutions for long-term problems, such as the lack of meaningful investment in working families, lack of meaningful investment in our communities, and lack of meaningful investment to increase the opportunities of all Ohioans. Once more, the wealthy and big business will fare far better than working families under this budget.”
 
The bill will now move to Conference Committee to reconcile the differences between the House and the Senate.

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Volume 13, Issue 13, Posted 3:03 PM, 07.05.2017

Town Halls Come To Lakewood

All of Lakewood is invited to a series of Town Hall meetings, beginning June 10.

City Council At-large candidate Tristan Rader says the events will focus on learning what is important to Lakewood citizens. “I’m interested in an open discussion on the issues,” he explains, “I'm dedicated to not just listening to people but to getting more people involved.”

Each Town Hall will open with brief introductory remarks, with progressive activist and former state Senator Nina Turner planning to address the Ward 4 Town Hall on July 8. Rader says Turner is an inspiring advocate for the kind of citizen-led change he wants to encourage, and that he’s honored to welcome her to Lakewood.

As pleased as he is about Turner, Rader emphasizes that local community is the Town Halls’ true centerpiece. “Elected officials and candidates get many opportunities to share our ideas and concerns,” he says. “I want to give other people a platform.”

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Volume 13, Issue 11, Posted 12:39 PM, 06.06.2017

Senator Skindell Casts Vote To Certify Congressional Redistricting Ballot Issue

On May 30, 2017 State Senator Michael J. Skindell (D-Lakewood), in his role as a member of the State Ballot Board, voted to certify a proposed constitutional amendment to change Ohio’s system of drawing congressional districts. The vote, which was unanimous, means the group backing the proposal can begin collecting signatures to place the issue on the ballot next year.
 
“The gerrymandering of our state’s congressional districts creates more partisanship that undermines our ability to find common ground on issues affecting Ohioans on a daily basis,” said Senator Skindell, who made the motion for the board to certify the ballot issue. “I am pleased Ohio voters are a step closer to having the opportunity to decide if it is the right time to make reforms.”
 
The proposal is modeled after a ballot issue voters approved in 2015 that changed the process of drawing Ohio’s state legislative districts. That plan created a seven-member bipartisan commission made up of legislators and statewide elected officials, and set new guidelines for drawing maps to limit gerrymandering.
 
The group pushing for the congressional redistricting ballot issue will need to collect 305,591 valid signatures of registered voters from at least 44 of Ohio’s 88 counties to qualify for the ballot.

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Volume 13, Issue 11, Posted 12:39 PM, 06.06.2017

Ohio House Pushes Unfinished, Unbalanced State Budget Off On Senate

Before new state economic indicators came out, the Ohio House today passed a version of the state’s two-year budget, House Bill (HB) 49, that remains hundreds of millions of dollars out of balance, if not more. The vote comes a little more than two weeks after Gov. Kasich and GOP legislative leaders announced they would need to cut close to $1 billion from the bill to maintain a stable, balanced budget. Still, the final version of House Bill 49 approved largely along party lines today fell over $400 million short of being a balanced budget bill by that standard.

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Volume 13, Issue 10, Posted 3:01 PM, 05.16.2017

Refugee Resettlement Challenges And How To Help Locally

The life of a refugee involves tremendous difficulties, which misunderstandings and ignorance only make worse. Lakewood resident Kerissa MacKay helps address these challenges, as a local program coordinator for the U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants (USCRI). On May 25, MacKay will speak about her work, refugees’ lives, and ways that all of us can help.

MacKay will explore resettlement in the U.S. during a presentation to the Lakewood Democratic Club. She will relate some of the struggles and personal experiences of refugees, before and after resettlement. Her presentation will provide insight into

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Volume 13, Issue 10, Posted 3:01 PM, 05.16.2017

Rose Iron Works - Hidden Cleveland Gem

Overlook Park Neighborhood Association had the wonderful opportunity of taking a field trip of sorts to Rose Iron Works on E. 43rd St. in Cleveland. For over 100 years, Rose Iron Works, a family business, has been known for exceptional quality decorative metalwork. Together with industrial metalworking (started during the Depression to make ends meet), their products range from traditional to Art Deco and Contemporary styles. 

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Volume 13, Issue 9, Posted 4:19 PM, 05.02.2017