At the October 20th Lakewood City Council Meeting, Mayor Ed FitzGerald presented his 2008 Housing Initiative to Lakewood City Council. The mayor’s housing working group presented suggestions earlier this year which were incorporated into the comprehensive program.

“The quality of Lakewood’s housing stock is a key factor in its success or failure in the years to come,” state Mayor FitzGerald. “New challenges demand that Lakewood reassess its housing strategy. While Lakewood cannot control national economic downturns or banking policies, it can control its own investment strategies and building code enforcement efforts.”

Mayor’s FitzGerald’s housing initiative takes a two-pronged approach: it encourages investment by homeowners, while streamlining and toughening enforcement measures. It is hoped that this balanced approach will help sustain Lakewood’s housing stock, much of which is now entering its second century.

The following is a summary of the 2008 Lakewood Housing Initiative:

Today, Mayor Ed FitzGerald, Lakewood City Council and the Lakewood Veterans Committee hosted the City of Lakewood's Veterans Day Ceremony. The ceremony took place at the recently renovated Veterans Memorial at Lakewood Park. With a somber mood marking this moment of remembrance, there was not a dry eye in the park. The memorial was rededicated this morning at 10:30 immediately preceding the Veterans Day Ceremony.

The memorial is nearly completed, with construction having been delayed by three days due to the Palin rally last Monday. According to sources, the rally interrupted the renovation work that was scheduled to be completed in time for the ceremony. Despite delays, the new memorial is a stunning addition to Lakewood park, complementing other recently added amenities."I am pleased that we are able to hold our annual Veterans Day Ceremony at the new, beautifully renovated Veterans Memorial," stated Mayor Ed FitzGerald. "This project is a wonderful example of how the City and a community group can work together to accomplish great things."

Photos by Mary Breiner

"It takes a movement to get it. This wasn't just a campaign, this was a movement." That's April Stoltz, lifelong community activist and member of the Lakewood Democratic Club. Though filled with pride and hope for a new dawn in American leadership, Stoltz remains cautious. "The movement has to continue." Indeed, Stoltz and President Elect Barak Obama hold a shared belief in the power of community organizing, the power of a people to remake a nation. Obama's character and charisma have inspired citizens throughout the nation to come together in the creative act of community building...

Lackluster.

That is the one word that could accurately describe the Palin “Road to Victory” rally on Monday.

Attending the rally as press, and therefore unaffiliated with either party, I was anticipating something along the lines of the numerous sound bites readily available on any news feed or mainstream media coverage. Palin's rallies have received so much attention from the press in the past for their rowdy conclusions and high energy level that it was not outlandish for me to assume that the Lakewood rally, while I hoped it would not take on a hateful sentiment, would at least be lively. 

Well, I was wrong.

A dreary Monday morning in Lakewood was spiced up by a last-minute “Road to Victory” campaign stop for the Republican Vice-Presidential nominee, Governor Sarah Palin. What could be called a relatively small and halcyon audience greeted the White House hopeful along with several local Republicans on northeast Ohio tickets. Volunteers were surprised by the size of the turnout, claiming it to be larger than expected, considering only two days notice.

Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute at Lakewood Hospital has opened its new doors to patients.  The Institute, located on the first floor of the hospital, will be home to some of the world’s most advanced treatments for neurological conditions. The Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute first announced its expansion to Lakewood Hospital in August 2007. This new facility will allow the Institute to provide more comprehensive services on Cleveland’s West side.   

“Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute organizes the entire healthcare team around organ and disease systems, rather than individual specialties. Our multidisciplinary approach puts our patients first and at the center of care, which is the driving force behind expanding our services at Lakewood Hospital,” said Michael T. Modic, M.D., F.A.C.R., Chairman, Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute. “I look forward to expanding the institute’s services in the coming year and offering convenient access to patients requiring neurological care.”

For at least the last four school years, each Fall, individual Members of the Lakewood Board of Education have joined Superintendent Dr. David Estrop in visiting each and every school and support department within the Lakewood City School District. At each of these annual visits, the staff at each school has been asked to formally respond to the following:

Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute at Lakewood Hospital opened its new doors to patients on October 30. The Institute, located on the first floor of the hospital, is home to some of the world’s most advanced treatments for neurological conditions.

The Cleveland Clinic Neurological Institute first announced its expansion to Lakewood Hospital in August 2007. This new facility will allow the Institute to provide more comprehensive services on Cleveland’s West side...

In response to our current economic situation, and the number of vacant homes in and around the city, I have decided to forgo my usual financial banter and write about the situation that effects all of us and has raised questions from the people I meet on a daily basis and my current clients. This may be a little dry but I am going to try and reveal some facts of what has happened with our economy and some certainties for the future...

In forty-two years of life I have never cried about a Presidential election until this week. In fact I cried throughout the entire day after Barack Obama was elected president and I haven't cried from joy since my children were born. For weeks before the election I removed myself from the emotions of this election. Firstly, because I realized my emotions were too strong, and secondly, because I was so afraid to get my hopes up. I have been so disheartened and disillusioned by the disintegration of our country...

In today's world, being a great dad is no easy task. Many obstacles - such as a demanding job, divorce, a perceived lack of parenting skills, lack of role models, or not knowing where to turn for advice or help - prevent many fathers from realizing their fullest parenting potential. It doesn't matter what kind of dad you are - whether you are a separated, divorced, widowed, stay-at-home, married, or a working dad, and no matter your race, ethnicity, sexual-orientation or socio-economic background - all dads face the same challenges in parenting and becoming a role model for their children...

The Ohio Department of Insurance is conducting a series of Medicare Check-Up Days in each of Ohio’s 88 counties. They will be held starting in the fall and run until December 31. The Lakewood Public Library, 15425 Detroit Ave. at Arthur Ave., Lakewood, OH will be hosting an event on December 15th, from 10:00 am – 1:00 pm...

On November 24th, Lakewood Early Childhood PTA presents, “Genealogy and Family History – What is it? Is it important to my family? And how do I get started?” Want to work on your family tree, but don't know where to start? Local author, Vicki Vigil, explains where and how to begin your search. She will show examples of documents important to the search and tell us how and where to find them. Vicki will highlight important resources in Greater Cleveland, including on-line resources, and will explain how to fill out a five-generation chart...

A letter has been received from Mary Taylor CPA, Auditor of State, to create a review and independent audit for a whole group of items including; staffing levels, collective bargaining provisions, and leave use in an effort to ensure efficient and effective services.

The "Project" will be handled by the Auditor of State's office, which has to date completed 205 released audits resulting in more than 11,000 recommendations, and more than $1 billion in potential savings...

Lakewood Hospital Midwifery Associates opened its doors in September. Seven certified nurse midwives (CNMs), who have a long history at Lakewood Hospital, are now in one convenient location at the Lakewood Hospital Community Health Center, 1450 Belle Ave, Lakewood. The midwives collectively bring more than 70 years of experience to the practice. Lakewood Hospital has had CNMs on staff since 1991, when the hospital first re-opened its Birthing Center...

Times are tough, but “ART GETS GRITTY IN THE CITY “ Remaining upbeat, a group of artists is pushing onward with their show scheduled for November 16, Sunday, 2-6pm, former Lakewood Screw Factory, S. W. entrance off Bramley, 2nd floor, Nagel Studio..

The students in the Health Careers Technology Program of the West Shore Career/Technology School headquartered at Lakewood High School, teamed up with the Cleveland Clinic Office of Civic Education to become Crime Scene Investigators (CSI) on Wednesday, October 29th. In this case, the “crimes” were committed against the human body and consisted of such things as smoking, poor diet, lack of exercise, etc. Using the new technology capacities at Garfield Middle School (all of Lakewood’s new schools have such capacity), the Health Career Technology program participated via interactive distance learning (a capacity similar to remote two-way TV broadcasts)over the school district’s technology network and conventional phone lines...

The Friends of the Lakewood Public Library, a volunteer organization that first formed in 1980, want to thank their many donors and let everyone know that they are gearing up for yet another sale to the public in November. I recently had the pleasure of sitting down with the Friends’ President of fifteen years, Paul Dimmick, for an update on the newest Friends’ events and plans. The Friends preview sale will be on November 20th, and the ½ off, $3.00 bag sale for the public will be on November 22nd...

What does it take to find a job in 2008? Good contacts, up-to-date skills, flawless resume, excellent interviewing techniques – those are the things that haven’t changed for decades.

What has changed? Most job hunters will now be required to use the internet for job applications and contacting employers. Even job seekers who have never used a computer personally or professionally find that computer skills are necessary to secure a position...

If at any point in the foreseeable future utilizing one of the library's 66 (60 at the Main Branch, 6 at Madison) brand new free to use computers seems like a good idea, then coming into contact with the PC Reservation System is inevitable.

For those used to the old sign in sheet system, the change may be potentially frustrating at first, but the learning curve is tiny and certainly worth the effort. The PCRS (PC Reservation System) streamlines the process for patrons and staff alike. It is fully automated, allows for the option to sit at that computer which is preferable (instead of the library staff making assignments), and allows for more accuracy and fairness determining computer assignments when the room is full...

Are you ready to watch the fur fly? Take a trip to Gay Purr-ee with Duchess, Marie, Berlioz and Toulouse. C’est la vie, what have you got to lose! Enjoy this Disney romp with the whole family presented by the Family Music and More program at the Lakewood Public Library...

At 2:00 p.m. on Halloween, the Saints Cyril & Methodius School parking lot was abuzz with haunts of all grade levels. The third annual “Trunk and Treat Extravaganza” was underway as parents, some with little goblins in tow, doled treats from their car trunks as the costumed students paraded past to fill their bags...

The Lakewood Hospital medical staff has named its 2008 Physician of the Year. This year’s honor was shared among the four outstanding house surgeons, Romeo B. Bruno M.D., Arturo H. Diaz M.D., Hippocrates P. Tabora M.D., and Reynaldo T. Zabala M.D.

Based on exceptional criteria, members of the Lakewood Hospital medical staff nominated their peers for this award. The honor is awarded to a physician who has exhibited high professional standards; is a physician role model who is respected by both peers and colleagues; who believes that the welfare of patients is of the utmost importance; and who has dedicated his practice to the Lakewood Hospital community.

The Lakewood Historical Society is now accepting orders for our very popular wreath sale. The wreath and calendar sale is one of the largest and most important fundraisers for the Lakewood Historical Society. Wreaths are $30 each and calendars are $10.00. You can order them online at www.lakewoodhistorymuseumstore.com or by calling 216 221-7343. The order deadline for wreaths is November 17, 2008...

How would you describe a person who, through adoption, has changed the lives of not just one, but two young men? What would possess a single 38-year-old middle school science teacher to embark on an emotional journey to fatherhood and family life?

I first met Drew Goddard in September 2007 in the midst of selling hot dogs, candy, and nachos while volunteering for the LHS Athletic Boosters in the concession stand at the Lakewood High School Football Stadium. I was struck by his kind, genuine personality and sense of humor. One week later and back behind the concession counter, Drew and I talked more about our children. I learned that he had a son Devin, who, at that time, was an 8th grader at Garfield Middle School. Devin played football and basketball and was looking forward to running middle school track in the spring. Something in Drew’s eyes sparkled as he spoke about his son. It seemed different than the typical “macho-ness” of a proud father. That evening I was introduced to Devin when he stopped up to check in with his dad. Like his father, he had a beautiful smile and warm demeanor. ..

These days, as our fingers fly over these ubiquitous computer keyboards, it's hard to realize that not too long ago the pen and the pencil were the principal vehicles of communication in this world. Then, the typewriters came along, and personal writing instruments began to bow to technology. After WWII, the ink pen was improved with ball-point, and later, gel technology- but by the 1980's, computers were eclipsing the pens and typewriters, running them off the map. Nowadays, those small hand-held text-messaging devices and electric memo pads would seem to make handwriting virtually obsolete...

Over the past few years many companies have been using less manpower and more automation. The main reason given is cutting costs. The Post Office is no different. Currently at least 70% of all letter mail is computer generated. Within the next few years, magazines and other mail pieces will be processed the same way, leaving very little mail for the carrier to sort in the mornings. This can be both beneficial and detrimental. This is beneficial because a greater number of mail pieces can be processed in a shorter period of time, saving costs. However, it is is detrimental because mistakes cannot be caught and corrected since it is not being handled by clerks or carriers...

Most students want to learn how to rock out, and they want to do it as soon as possible. Games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero are testaments to that. But one school is turning that yearning into a reality for kids ages nine to 18 who are serious about rocking out on stage...

It is almost time for the beginning of what Americans tend to call the "holiday season", when traditional holidays like Thanksgiving and Christmas are celebrated. Thanksgiving, that Thursday in November when we all celebrate the harvest season, or, more likely nowadays, whatever it is we feel thankful for, is nigh. Unfortunately, Thanksgiving meals of today are a great deal more stressful for our environment than the celebration upon which they are based...

With all the bad news about the economy, now can be the right time to tackle those de-cluttering projects that have been on your mind. That old clutter could be money in your pocket! Extra cash from your unwanted stuff can help make ends meet or pay for a well-deserved night our after all of your efforts to cut-back, and after-all, Christmas shopping time is just around the corner...

Westside Yoga Studio located at 17100 Detroit Ave in Lakewood is offering a special 2 hour workshop with Janee Kuta Liano, Raw Food Chef and Cleanse/Detox Expert on Saturday November 15th from 2-4 PM. Learn how to turn raw foods into delicious culinary creations this holiday season. Surprise your friends and family with dishes sure to please the most stubborn of palates...

Lakewood native Eric Smith has been serving in Iraq since May. Major Smith is stationed at Forward Operating Base McHenry, near Kirkuk.

A’salaam aleukum.” Hello.“A’salaam aleukum,” the portly sheikh replied. “Issa ra’id Smith, bejeishi Amerikani.” I’m Major Smith from the American Army. The sheikh burst loose with a three minute welcome speech, unaware that I had just exhausted my Arabic vocabulary. I waved my hand, smiled, and fired off my last word, “mudjerd.” Interpreter. He laughed when he realized that his welcome had been received in spirit, but not understood. He reached out, grabbed my hand, and walked me to the city council room, still speaking a mile a minute, while I nodded politely...

The Cuyahoga County Board of Health is offering free home inspections and repairs to eligible Lakewood residents looking to remove lead hazards from their homes. Up to $10,000 in grant assistance is available to income qualified homeowners and tenants who have children ages 5 and under. Those children must reside or spend significant time in the home.