Out & About

Finally an event that was shared by all (who were situated near it), free of charge, and attended by every kind of human being regardless of age, gender, color, nationality, ability, religion, clothing, whatever! All were welcome.

I didn’t hear of any protests at this event, at least no anti-eclipse ones. This in itself is a cause for celebration. Apparently we often angry peoples can, when there is a cosmic event, put aside all reference to politics and divisiveness. 

Even those who think science is a conspiracy game didn’t question whether the event would happen. They accepted the science which accurately predicted the timing of the eclipse.

Will the majesty, wonder and spirituality of the total solar eclipse soon be eclipsed by a return to our rancorous dealings with one another?

We,  just specks in the universe, should figure out how to live in peace with one another. That is why we are here.

Jean Brinich is a retired family nurse practitioner, returned to Lakewood in 2015 after a 46 year absence.

Get ready to groove because the Senior Dance Party is back in Lakewood! Save the date for Thursday, February 29th, as we celebrate “A Time to Dance” at the splendidly decorated Cove Community Center.

This year, we’re teaming up with the Division of Aging and H2O (Help to Others) high school students to create an unforgettable evening that bridges generations. Thanks to our sponsors—O’Neill Healthcare, Eliza Jennings, and Haven at Lakewood Senior Living—we’re bringing you a night of dancing in style. Enjoy dinner catered by Karen King Catering, dance to the beats of DJ Michael, and savor sweet treats donated by Despina’s Bakery, Giant Eagle, Gray House Pies, KB Confections, and Sweet Designs Chocolatier.

If you’re 60 years and above, don’t miss out on the fun! Limited seating is available, so buy your tickets now by calling 216-529-5061. Let’s dance the night away together!

Nancy Feighan is Project Specialist II, Department of Human Services, City of Lakewood.

The Lakewood Department of Human Services threw an amazing Halloween celebration at Cove that surpassed all expectations. It included an impressive show of lions, witches, superheroes, and princesses, showcasing an abundance of creativity. We want to thank all the participants, both young and young at heart, for making this event an unforgettable experience.

Girl Scout Troop 70188 built and installed a Little Library at Lincoln Elementary. The project will help the girls earn their Bronze Award, the highest award available to Junior Girl Scouts. Stop by to take a book or leave a book and to see what these girls accomplished. 

Darcy Brosky is the Leader of Troop 70188.

John Uchaker, son of John (Eagle Scout 1988) and Beth Uchaker, and brother to Ava, Eleanor and Jude, attained the rank of Eagle Scout in 2019 and will be honored by his Troop during a celebration to be held in March 2020.

John started his Scouting Career at the age of seven progressing through Cub Scouts earning the ranks of Bobcat, Tiger, Wolf, Bear, Webelos, Arrow of Light and the Catholic Youth religious awards: Light of Christ and Parvuli Dei (Little Children of God). 

For John, the Trail to Eagle continued as he crossed over to Boy Scouts. While a Boy Scout John progressed quickly through the ranks of Scout, Second Class, First Class, Star, and Life. As he enjoyed being a Scout, the path to Eagle took an additional four years. During his years of Scouting, John’s natural leadership ability was enhanced by successfully completing Troop Leadership Training (TLT) and National Youth Leadership Training (NYLT). He later implemented the techniques learned by serving in leadership roles within his Troop including Senior Patrol Leader, Quartermaster, Den Chief, Chaplin Aide and Librarian. He also held the position of Vice Chief, Order of the Arrow, Erielhonan Lodge as well as a member of the lodge’s Ceremony Team.

John served as the Council Junior Popcorn Kernel (2012), Grand Canyon Council and as the Scout Days Scout Ambassador (2013), Grand Canyon Council. The Greater Cleveland Council (Lake Erie Council) invited John to represent the Council on a 2015 Academic Challenge episode, with an on air appearance reading the question “Today’s Boy Scouts can earn Merit Badges in a variety of areas, ranging from computers and nuclear energy to cinematography and what “G”-initialed science, that studies the physical structure of the Earth?” [Answer: Geology]

Jewish Lakewood Alliance will be having a Purim Party with JHUB on March 20, 2019 at 7 p.m. at the new Western Reserve Distillery. 

Wednesday, August 15 offers an opportunity to enjoy fine dining and support a worthy cause as Lakewood’s Sarita A Restaurant will donate 25% of meal tabs and 40% of wine-bottle purchases to West Shore Meals on Wheels (WSMoW). Diners will also have an opportunity to win a $100 gift card donated by Sarita.

In an age of mass-produced goods, a handmade gift means more than ever. Maybe this season finds you up to your ears in sawdust or knitting up cozy surprises for loved ones. Not a maker yourself, but still want to give handmade? Home for the Holidays pop-up boutique has got your back.

What do a diamond necklace, clay beads, petrified wood tables and healing crystals all have in common? Mother Earth has spent millions of years creating these exquisite items that will be on display when GemStreet USA Show & Sale comes to Northeast Ohio September 23-25 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds.

“We like to tell people when they walk through the door to start exploring, get inspired, and be dazzled,” says show producer Jane Strieter Smith, a Lakewood resident. “You’ll find fine jewelers, talented artists and knowledgeable collectors who search the world over for the earth's most cherished gems, minerals and fossils. Lots of bling, along with unearthed fossils and even some cosmic dust from meteorites falling from the skies over Argentina, will be featured at the three-day show.”

Artists and collectors will feature custom-made jewelry, distinctive beads, stunning gems, and rare minerals and fossils. Plus, see the latest fall jewelry trends that incorporate gold, silver, copper, gemstones, pearls, diamonds, intricate beadwork and wire wrapping. And if you want to make your own jewelry, you will also find an array of beading supplies, tools and educational materials.  

Show hours are Friday and Saturday 10 a.m.-6 p.m.; and Sunday 11 a.m.-5 p.m. Tickets are $7 general admission, (free for children under 12 years old). Ticket is good all weekend. For more information on GemStreet USA, contact its organizer, Jane Strieter-Smith at 216-521-GEMS (4367) or visit www.gemstreetusa.com. The Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds is located at 164 Eastland Road, Berea, OH 44017 (show entrance is on Bagley Road).

I have noticed something today I have never seen before on the Lake - a few large brown film-looking spots close to the shoreline. The picture above was taken from the backyard of 11820 Edgewater Dr.

Life can often be seen as one long roadtrip filled with many freeways, construction sites, and potholes!

Sometimes, we are in a season where everything is moving at a “highway” pace. Whenever you are going through a transition, such as planning a wedding, going to college, or having a baby, things can seem to just fly by if you’re not too careful. Reaching the end destination too quickly could lead you to missing the experience of it altogether. When riding the freeway of life, you must remember to enjoy the ride.

Then you have those construction sites in your life. These seasons are when you simply “work on yourself.” You know what I’m talking about: those seasons of dieting and workout plans, or the season of academia. These seasons are filled with constructive moves that will help define a “better quality” of you for seasons to come. That is, if you stick it out, and keep your eye on the road. This is a critical zone, and lack of careful driving could lead to some ugly results. When driving through the construction in life, you must remember to stay focused.

While residents in Russia are canvassing the ground looking for pieces of the meteorite that exploded over the skies last week, Northeast Ohioans can see firsthand a meteorite that fell in Argentina four to six thousand years ago at the GemStreet USA Show & Sale March 8 to 10 at the Cuyahoga County Fairgrounds in Berea.

Gail Strieter, show organizer and owner of the Soaring Crystal, will showcase this meteorite, along with other crystals, minerals, gems, beads and jewelry. She will be joined by several dozen other jewelry artists and exhibitors from the east coast to Hawaii who will be showcasing their one-of-a-kind finds.

City Sidewalks, busy sidewalks

Dressed in holiday style

In the air

There’s a feeling of Christmas

Children laughing

People passing

Meeting smile after smile

Christmas is a time to celebrate. Concerts, parties, even shopping turns into an event during the holidays. And nobody does it better than the Lakewood community. People come from all over the Cleveland area to join in Lakewood’s merriment. "They sure know how to put on a party," said Sharon Schreiner, a Brecksville resident who attended Lakewood’s Chocolate Walk and plans to be back for the holidays in Lakewood.

On a summer walk for summer reading with my friend Aidan, I had the pleasure of meeting a woman named Donna Witmer, the owner of the loved and local GreenSmartGifts. The funny thing is, we just happened to walk into her store that morning, but she instantly connected with Aidan and me. On my most recent walks across Lakewood, Mrs. Witmer was a key individual amongst the people I talked to. Every chance I got, whether it was a few free walks with some friends, or the mandatory Detroit walk, I went into her store and was greeted by her happily surprised and welcoming self.

I was well into my afternoon walk when I noticed a destruction taking place on the corner of Detroit and Arthur that took my breath away.

Can you handle the heat? Why not put yourself up to the challenge at the second annual Lakewood Summer Meltdown 5K on Saturday, July 23, 2011. Come race on a flat, fast course through the beautiful, scenic streets of Lakewood. I ran in the inaugural race last summer and can attest to what a relaxed and fun race it is. I had a great time with friends at the race and post-race party last year and decided to get more involved as both a runner and a volunteer this year. The race is a unique way to experience Lakewood’s charm as well as a chance to meet some fellow runners in the area.

Eaters of Lakewood welcomed their 14th event at Plank Road Tavern on Saturday, March 19th. Plank Road Tavern occupies the former spot of The Riviera Bar on Lauderdale and Detroit. Upon walking in to Plank Road, you're greeted by a cozy and simplistic atmosphere. There's a long bar across the side, easy to approach for an after work beer or a quick bite, plenty of high top tables, a classic aluminum ceiling, and a built in fireplace against a bright red wall where two people can dine intimately. Everywhere you look at Plank Road there are different groups of people enjoying the food and drink. Whether you are looking for a date spot, a place to eat with your family, or come after work, Plank Road is welcoming for everyone.

Longtime Lakewood resident Shellie Sedlak is a passionate champion of her West Side lifestyle. A native of New York City, Shellie shows her affection for her adopted hometown in a variety of ways. Among other community activities, Shellie has been a long time participant in Keep Lakewood Beautiful; she won the Governor’s Award in 1993 for helping to start the City of Lakewood and Lakewood Hospital recycling programs. Like any good New Yorker, Shellie also appreciates Lakewood’s density, walkability, historic architecture, and mix of retail.

Five Guys Burgers and Fries has been a part of Lakewood for the last year. You can always count on a friendly greeting from a smiling crew member when you enter the store located at 15012 Detroit Avenue. Now, for the convenience of our customers we have opened the rear entrance which can be accessed from the public parking lot located between Gladys and Cook. The rear entrance has been enhanced with additional lighting and a security camera for everyone's safety. This entrance will be open seven days a week between the hours or 11:00am and 8:00pm. After 8:00pm it is requested the customers continue to use the front entrance. Stop in soon and enjoy our #1 nationally rated burger and hand cut fries. We look forward to seeing you!

Eater's of Lakewood celebrated the end of it's 1st year at Waterbury Coach House. The food was great, as always the company was welcoming, and a great Jazz group accompanied the evening. Eaters of Lakewood had a great first year visiting old Lakewood favorites like Peppers Italian Restaurant, Angelo's Pizza, and Sullivan's, and new additions like Deagan's Kitchen. Eaters of Lakewood has some new events in store for 2011, like Brunch Sunday's, Take Out Roundups, Bakery visits, the watermelon eating contest at the Lakewood Streetwalk, and more! Eaters of Lakewood would like to thank Dewey's Pizza, Bela Dubby, Melt Bar and Grilled, Natures Bin, and the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce for their support and contributions this past year. EOL's next event will be a Brunch Sunday event at Two Dad's Diner on Sunday, January 23rd, from 10am-2pm. Keep checking the Eaters of Lakewood Facebook page for info and news!

Not resting after their successful Lakewood Rocks 4 Music City event this past September, Twin Engine the Band set their sights on Christmas. They entered the studio and began writing, arranging and preparing an original Christmas musical event: A Night in Bethlehem.

The story, narrated by Kimberly Buehner and Gary Cavano, is set to an original score arranged by Twin Engine. The show opens with an electrifying version of O Holy Night, then onto a rockin’ version of Mary Did You Know?. Music continues with dynamic guitar riffs, captivating leads from the electric violin, and forceful sounds from guest vocalist Ashley Rudd and Annie on keyboards.

A Night In Bethlehem is a delightful tale for the young and young at heart: the story of the birth of Jesus. The story takes place after the birth of Jesus, as a young boy named Jacob anxiously awaits his time to talk with Joseph. He’s waited all day for Joseph to explain how this came to be, from the angels to the kings and how they arrived in Bethlehem.

The Beck Center for the Arts has eye-catching new signage overlooking its rear entrance thanks to the help of Eagle Scout candidate Scott Legeza and a multitude of volunteers. Students, patrons, and visitors are now greeted with the center’s name in bold silver lettering against a brilliant red background. Legeza coordinated this renovation at the Beck Center for his Eagle Scout project. The new signage was unveiled in mid October.

The Beck Center is ready to roll out the red carpet for the 3rd Annual Mayor’s Charity Ball, hosted by Lakewood Mayor Ed FitzGerald on Saturday, November 13 from 7 to 11 p.m. at the Beck Center for the Arts, 17801 Detroit Avenue in Lakewood. All proceeds from this event support the quality theater and arts education programs at the Beck Center.

Greetings Fellow Lakewoodites:

We all mourned the passing of Barnacle Bills (as you may remember, the restaurant on Detroit). And again the loss of Crazy Rita’s and then Cleat’s.

Rising like a Phoenix from the ashes, I am pleased to announce the rebirth of the Restaurant industry in the accursed Barnacle Bill’s Lakewood location. Deagan’s Kitchen and Bar is located in the heart of downtown Lakewood at 14810 Detroit Road in the space once inhabited by Barnacle Bills.

Eaters of Lakewood welcomed Pepper's Restaurant as their 9th event on Saturday, September 25th. Pepper's Restaurant is a neighborhood corner family Italian restaurant. Pepper's Restaurant has been open on the corner of Ridgewood and Detroit since 1999, and was bought by Bob Buck on Christmas Eve, 2008. Bob and his wife run the restaurant together in a high energy fashion, stopping to flirtatiously smile to one another while making sure that everyone is taken care of. The restaurant itself is the size of one Lakewood storefront with 12-15 tables, plus a side patio along Ridgewood with 4 tables, lattice, and twinkle lights. The décor seems a little cheesy, but it creates a home-like atmosphere. You feel as if grandma is making spaghetti and meatballs in the kitchen while you laugh and share wine with family and friends. All that the Lakewood Eaters heard coming from the tables of Pepper's were laughter and “mmm”'s.

Happy 5 year Anniversary to FITNESS EDGE. Owner, Marty Velasco offers many new program options for every level of fitness … Happy 2 Year Anniversary to PUMA YOGA offering beginner classes through advanced, yoga for kids and even Mom & baby classes! … Speaking of kids, it was already time for the New Teacher’s Luncheon held by the CHAMBER OF COMMERCE where each of the 15 new teachers in Lakewood received a gift donated by our local businesses … THE HEIRLOOM HOME will be opening soon in the building at the SW corner of West Clifton and Detroit.  This building owner’s dream is to open a shop that will accept household donations for resale and then donate 100% of the profits to scholarships for children’s classes in the arts.  Watch for more details soon! … Starting in September also watch for more Business and Chamber news when The LO starts our new LAKEWOOD BUSINESS PAGE  … 

RTA will offer extra Waterfront Line service on Saturday, Aug. 7, when the Browns host their annual Family Day at 1 p.m. at Browns Stadium.

The Doghouse 2 in Lakewood is celebrating their first year anniversary, in addition to 5 years in their popular Cleveland Heights location. Owners, Larry and Addie Gipson are Chicago natives, but have found a new home in Northeast Ohio as they see many new faces as well as a growing number of regulars. The Doghouse was recognized this year with the WECO Fund, Inc. 2010 Impact Award for new businesses. All of their food is cooked to order, and the selection  is tremendous. You can even 'design' your own but the top 3 favorites & most unique sandwiches are:

Attending the Lakewood Chamber meetings is always enjoyable and last week, Nate Kelley, from the city, shared quite a bit of ‘new news’… The construction of the beautiful new social security building, and other projects throughout the city including… Robeks’ smoothies opened in the beautifully restored Bailey Building. Coming soon is Jimmy Johns and Moe’s… Statistics show city store front vacancies are going down and when out for a walk, it’s obvious that walking traffic is going up!… Have you walked to the Library front porch concerts on Friday nights?… Some other activities to try before the summer’s over include Kick Martial Arts, owned by Bruce Gornley and Timothy Holmes. Your kids might enjoy trying kids’ kickboxing, taekwondo, or Brazilian kickboxing in August. Of course, Kick has ongoing kids’ and adult classes, too. (They were guest instructors at the Live Well Lakewood’s Wellness Challenge)... Have you tried the new Dunkin’ Donuts (especially their vanilla coffee) or their neighbor, Nunzio’s Pizza?  Owner, Nunzio Traina is celebrating 2 Anniversaries this summer! First, congratulations on 20 years in business. Second, a happy 2 year anniversary at his Lakewood location. Nunzio’s first pizzeria is in Lorain, followed by his second in Old Brooklyn. His latest addition is at the Akron University campus... Although this is a tough economy, successful businesses grow because of hard work and local support. New businesses open in cities that have the vision to create a climate that welcomes them. So, as always, please think globally, shop locally and celebrate Lakewood along with our many business neighbors!

Saturday, July 17th marks the beginning of Lakewood’s annual Street Walk festival. The event, which spans seven blocks on Detriot Avenue, will go from 3 to 8pm and feature over 36 separate booths and events. One such booth will be operated by members of The Eaters of Lakewood.

The BIG EVENT this month was “The Taste of Lakewood” presented by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood Hospital and 13 other local sponsors. (Photos in this issue!) Tickets were sold out again this year as 22 restaurants shared delicious tastes of their best recipes. 2010 Event Newcomers are Root Café (not just a coffee shop -try vegan or other healthy “goodies”), Beck Café (homemade soups, good food and a patio at the Beck Center), Greek Village Grille (great gyros), The Gathering Kitchen (group cooking classes and more), and Cozumel (Mexican cuisine opening soon on Detroit and Ethel)... Another ‘newer’ business, Eclectic Mixx, is recognizing its first year as a fun ‘mixx’ of antiques, collectibles, plus funky and traditional décor accessories. Owner, Bill Brenner, expanded his store with a move to central Lakewood and plans to open a second shop in Avon… BGE Technology just celebrated 40 years in the business of caring and customer service. They meet your technology needs with reasonable prices and a commitment to customer service that the ‘big box’ stores simply can’t compete with!… Owner of It’s a Party, Barbara Pennington, retired from a long career in health care, thinking that life without working sounded good, until she tried it! Then she looked into opening her own party center business and said it took “a lot of faith” (she invested her retirement savings in it!). After 35 years of living in and loving Lakewood, her positivity and work ethic have led to celebrating her new business’s 2 year anniversary!... We have a smorgasbord of interesting people and unique businesses in Lakewood; so why not think globally, shop locally and take your own taste of Lakewood by enjoying the many flavors in your neighborhood?

8 bits of business in print and online… take a ‘byte’ and taste Lakewood!

Get Active! There is much new to do this year at STREETWALK 2010. Try belly dancing, play 4-Square, test wall climbing skills, run a 5K race, and compete in a tug-o-war for the ultimate challenge against the Lakewood Firefighter Combat Challenge Team. Or, maybe you would prefer to eat great food, listen to music, and watch the Burning River Roller Girls roller-derby demo or the skate boarders try out the Red Bull ramps and jumps. There is definitely something for everyone.

The April Eaters of Lakewood meeting proved to be the most successful to date as Lakewood’s Route 6 Café played host to over 30 EOL members in addition to their usual Saturday night crowd. The event took place on April 24th and from 5 to 9pm the Route 6 staff saw quite a bit of traffic.

Business Bits & BytesA bit is a small increment of computer data used in sets of 8 to create a byte. Here’s some bits of info in print and online. Please take a 'byte' and taste our community. Have you visited these 8 local businesses, yet?

Has your New Year’s resolution to get healthier become a distant memory? Revive it on April 28th—join Live Well Lakewood’s second annual Wellness Challenge. This year’s program focuses on helping you achieve your personal goals. It’s not a biggest loser competition—in fact, weight loss is part of this program only if it’s appropriate for you. The goal is to help you make lifestyle changes that will enhance your wellness through better nutrition choices, regular exercise and stress management.

Choosing to stay true to this past month’s festivities The Eaters of Lakewood selected Sullivan’s Irish Pub as the third stop in their monthly perusal of Lakewood’s hefty supply of both colorful and popular eateries. Located on the corner of Chesterland and Madison Avenue, Sullivan’s Irish Pub is not your typical themed restaurant. A quick survey of the inside shows the staff really means business, here they eat, live and breathe everything Irish.

Lori Thorrat of Lakewood took home the Gold medal on Sunday, February 28, as Lakewood's 2010 Knit Olympics concluded.

The 2010 Knit Olympics, Lakewood, began February 12. As viewers the world over watched the Olympic torch lighting in Vancouver, BC, twelve intrepid knitters from around northern Ohio began an epic journey of their own.

For their second monthly meeting, The Eaters of Lakewood sank their teeth into Lakewood’s Buckeye Beer Engine, a locally owned restaurant and bar known for their gourmet burgers which perfectly compliment a wide selection of over a hundred different beers (some of which brewed right in their own basement). The Beer Engine prides themselves on their unique and ever-changing draft list, which creates a new dining experience for their patrons on a nightly basis. They are constantly putting new beers on tap, holding special events, beer dinners and glass promotions.

On Saturday, January 23rd the public chapter of the Eaters of Lakewood held their first monthly meeting at 56 West, an area restaurant located at the intersection of Detroit and Westlake Avenue. They came with a similar drive; to eat and eat well. The Eaters of Lakewood was originally a club started in Lakewood High school and has since extended its influence to include a chapter available to the public. Since its inception the club has only met with success so, naturally EOL expanded to not only include the students of LHS but all people of Lakewood. It’s easy to see why EOL membership has been on the increase when you look at the core ideals the group was founded upon: if you like to eat, you’re in. EOL is about food, friends and a good time. Their members scour the city, searching for the places with the best food and atmosphere. Their goal? To keep their friends and neighbors informed on all the best eateries, where they are and what they can hope to find (all while getting in a good bite of course).

With so many young, trendy bars, the Waterbury Coachouse contrasts as one of those neighborhood fixtures that the regulars refer to as the Lakewood Cheers.  Owner, Hoss Ashofteh, prides himself on providing outstanding customer service in a clean, comfortable and welcoming setting. The focus is home cooking and every day has a $5.99 special. As I visited there last week (live music on Wednesdays and Fridays) I randomly asked some of the many customers for their thoughts:

The Lakewood High School Pool is featuring a new schedule of daytime programming, including Adult Swims, to compliment the existing schedule of Open Swims and evening programming.  The Pool features convenient hours, very affordable admission and monthly pass rates, and plenty of close parking.

The Winchester Tavern & Music Hall in Lakewood has been voted the Number One and BEST Live Music Venue in the Cleveland area by the 67,440 voters in the FOX 8 Television Hot List.  The results of the 2009 voting were released a few weeks ago and The Winchester came out on top over the 2008 winner, The House of Blues finishing second! There were thirty seven venues to vote for in the Live Music Venue category.  

If you drive west out of Lakewood along Detroit Ave., there is a sharp right turn just before you cross the bridge into Rocky River, and around that corner on your right hand side is a little bar and café called…Around the Corner.    

     “I was trying to come up with a name for the place when I first got it,” says owner Mickey Krivosh,“ and people kept saying, ‘ya know, it’s right there around the corner,’ or ‘it’s just around the corner,’ so that’s what I decided to call it.”            And if you have lived in Lakewood or the surrounding area at any time in the past 35 years (and are of legal drinking age!), you have probably been to Around the Corner.          

  This September marks Krivosh’s 35th year in business, and to celebrate he is having a larger and longer-than-usual anniversary bash. From Thursday, Sept. 17th until Sunday, Sept. 20, the party will roll on with food and drink specials, contests, live music, and other entertainment.