Random Snaps

July 4th, 1969, started out like many other Fourth of July holidays on our stretch of the North Coast. Parents, children, and volunteer groups prepared to march in parades, made their last minute picnic preparations, and coordinated with their friends as to where to meet that evening down at Lakewood Park for the lakeside fireworks display.

At the same time, protesters across the country were preparing to express their displeasure at America's involvement in Vietnam. What had begun as a fairly non-violent exercise in peaceful protest in the mid-sixties, had degenerated into an ugly, no-holds-barred confrontational situation all over the nation. Lakewood had avoided much of the ugliness that had marred these protests in other cities, but officials were understandably wary of potential civil disobedience or violence, particularly on public patriotic holidays.

Unfortunately, the entire city was certainly not expecting the type of violence that would arrive at around 7 p.m. that evening.

Metro! on Madison at 15220 Madison Ave. will wrap gifts for FREE on Mondays with their beautiful bows and baubles and eco-friendly Lakewood Observer paper.

As I reach in to the mailbox each day, I come away with the same stack of catalogs, junk mail and the few paper bills I still receive monthly. The one thing conspicuously absent this year is the Christmas card. Each year I look forward to seeing the family updates, the smiling photos of growing children of college roommates and reading the recaps of the many trials and turmoil that friends and relatives have overcome throughout the preceding year.

I met Muffin and his lovely human the other day while strolling along Detroit Avenue. I always enjoy meeting my fellow Lakewoodites and their animals. And from what I've observed Lakewoodites love their animals - and afterall, Lakewood even has its own dog park! Researchers and experts agree that unless someone has allergies or is terrified of animals, pets are good for our health - both physically and psychologically. A pet can help prevent loneliness by providing unconditional love and companionship. Walking the dog helps people with dogs get regular exercise - and all of us can benefit from more exercise! Furthermore, research has demonstrated that pets can reduce stress and blood pressure in owners, increase longevity in people who have had heart attacks, and even help people with Alzheimer's disease relax and eat better! Not only does an apple a day help keep the doctor away; it appears that our furry or feathered friends can also help!

Kim Yanoshik is a Lakewood resident who often wanders around town with a camera slung around her neck snapping photographs of whatever strikes her fancy. In June 2008, Kim joined a loose group of photographers around the world who post a photo a day of the town where they live as part of City Daily Photo (citydailyphoto.com). Each day Kim posts a photo taken in Lakewood on lakewooddailysnap.blogspot.com of the people, places, and things of Lakewood which capture her eye. Recently, the Lakewood Observer approached Kim and asked her if she would share her quirky eye with the readers of our paper. You can catch Kim's Lakewood Daily Snaps @ http://lakewooddailysnap.blogspot.com/

Mr. Andy of the Lakewood Library reads Aliza, Tasha, and Andrew a story during one of the last sessions of the Winter Shake, Rattle and Roll children's program at the Madison Branch. Registration is currently going on for the Spring programs which run March 9th through April 30th. The library sponsors an array of programs for children and their parent or caregiver, these programs include: Just Baby 'N Me (for babies aged 9-24 months); Toddler Treats (ages 2-3 1/2 years); Storylore (ages 3 1/2 years and up): Shake, Rattle and Roll (ages 2-6); and Pajama Party (ages 2-6). To register visit the library website at http://lkwdpl.org, drop in at either branch, or call 216.226.8275. See you at the library!

You may have noticed that Lakewood's Firefighters have been extra busy these days. In addition to their normal duties of fighting fires, conducting medical rescue and fire safety education, the fire fighters have been hard at work fighting snow. With so much snow blanketing the town, fire hydrants have become buried and difficult to locate; so, the fire fighters have taken out their shovels and are making sure the hydrants are accessible. I imagine this activity falls within the purview of "hazard abatement" - another charge of the Lakewood Fire Department. Proper Planning Prevents Poor Performance... a maxim to live by, especially in the fire fighting and fire prevention business!  Thanks guys for keeping us safe!

Lakewood residents love decorating their homes and businesses for the holidays. Along with bight glittery holiday lights, this year we are seeing a tremendous increase of inflatable inhabitants. This home on Carabel Avenue is just one of the many Lakewood homes who have taken on the task of the care and 'feeding' of these seasonal residents. Feeding entails just a bit of electricity to maintain an air supply.

Kim Yanoshik is a Lakewood resident who often wanders around town with a camera slung around her neck snapping photographs of whatever strikes her fancy. In June 2008, Kim joined a loose group of photographers around the world who post a photo a day of the town where they live as part of City Daily Photo (citydailyphoto.com). Each day Kim posts a photo taken in Lakewood on lakewooddailysnap.blogspot.com of the people, places, and things of Lakewood which capture her eye. Recently, the Lakewood Observer approached Kim and asked her if she would share her quirky eye with the readers of our paper. You can catch Kim's Lakewood Daily Snaps @ http://lakewooddailysnap.blogspot.com/