Volume 11, Issue 3, February 3, 2015 Citizens Question...

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Volume 11, Issue 3 , Februar y 3 , 2015

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“ When facts change, I change my mind. What do you do sir?” - Winston Churchill

Kauffman Park Friends Snow Sculpting Contestby Meg Ostrowski

Kauffman Park has some-thing to offer in ALL seasons!

With plenty of snow in the forecast, Kauffman Park Friends is launching their Snow Sculpting Contest again!

We encourage individuals, teams, families, businesses and organizations to join in the fun and share their artistic talents with the community. See the Official Entry Form for details, check the Kauffman

Registration Form inside on page 6

Artists Nominated For Contest’s Best In Show Awardby Christine Gordillo

Lakewood High & West Shore Career-Technical students Jacob Corder and Alex Marek have been selected as two of only five regional student artists to be nominated for a national American Visions Award in the prestigious Scholastic Art & Writing contest. Corder also was awarded a $10,000 per year scholarship for the Cleveland Institute of Art based on his contest submissions.

Each regional program participating in the contest across the country selects the five most outstanding works of art from their Gold Key recipi-ents. These five artists represent the region on the national level as American Vision nominees. A national panel selects one of the nominated works from each

region as the American Vision Award Recipient for 2015.

Corder’s mixed media piece, “Icarus,” was selected and Marek’s film and anima-tion entry, “Catstronaut” (link at end of story) was chosen. In the regional judging in Decem-ber, Corder earned five Gold Keys, the highest honor in the contest and Marek won two.

“Jacob and Alex are excep-tional students and these awards are well deserved. It’s amazing how they can take a class project and elevate it to something far more,” said their Interactive Media instructor Anne McQuay.

To view Marek’s ani-mation video, go to: www.youtube.com/watch?v=nsgD_B1hD0o # sthash.FcJqKsP8.dpuf.

Jacob Corder’s “Icarus.”

Citizens Question Lakewood Hospital Proposal At Community Forum

The 488 seat Mackey Main Stage at Beck Center for the Arts was standing room only the night of Wednesday, January 28, 2015.

by Margaret Brinich Editor, Lakewood Observer

Despite being a cold, blustery night, Lakewoodites packed all 488 of the Mackey Main Stage seats (plus those of us standing in the back) at Beck Center for the Arts on Janu-ary 28th. This was the first in a series of public forums regard-ing the announcement earlier this month that Lakewood Hos-pital will be converted from a full service hospital as it stands today to an outpatient com-munity wellness center model. About the first 90 minutes of the forum included presenta-tions by representatives from the City of Lakewood, namely Mayor Summers, the Cleveland Clinic, the Lakewood Hospi-tal Association, the Lakewood Hospital Foundation, and the consulting firm retained by the Lakewood Hospital Associa-tion, i.e. Subsidium Healthcare.

$150,000,000$140,000,000$130,000,000$120,000,000$110,000,000$100,000,000

$90,000,000$80,000,000$70,000,000$60,000,000$50,000,000$40,000,000$30,000,000$20,000,000$10,000,000

0-$10,000,000-$20,000,000-$30,000,000-$40,000,000-$50,000,000-$60,000,000-$70,000,000-$80,000,000-$90,000,000

-$100,000,000-$110,000,000-$120,000,000-$130,000,000-$140,000,000-$150,000,000

Cleveland Clinic Pays Out, $120 Million Total

Clinic Pays Out, $82 Million to Foundations

Clinic Spends, $36 Million Clinic owned building

City of Lakewood $2 Million Sale of Property

Clinic Spends, $2 Million Purchase of Property

Lakewood HospitalFoundation

Payment To New Foundation$32 Million

Total Money Held By Foundations wil be$107 Million

PotentialLoss from

Losing HospitalTo City Of Lakewood

$150 Million

Potential Losses to Lakewood using a typical multipliers suchas food spent in restaurants, rent, stores, etc. $??? Million!

Park Friends Facebook page for updates and enjoy the park this sea-son whether sculpting, sledding, snowshoe-ing or just strolling through.

LO’s Chart Of Gains & Losses To Each PartyLisa Fry, of Subsidium Healthcare, presented a sam-pling of the results of the study performed over the course of the past two years. She walked the audience through the process starting from when LHA hired her firm, up through the pro-posed letter of intent that caused such a stir earlier in January. Her firm used analyses to vet a wide range of possible solutions to the issues facing Lakewood Hospi-

tal, from sticking with the status quo to a downsized general hos-pital to a specialty hospital to a hybrid outpatient hospital with some inpatient beds to a strictly outpatient campus, to removing ourselves from healthcare alto-gether. Fry indicated that along the way they approached a total of 9 hospital systems, 2 local and 7 national. Despite some initial interest in the Lakewood

Lakewood Hospital Community MeetingWednesday, February 11, 2015 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Lakewood City Hall Auditorium, 12650 Detroit Avenue

continued on page 2

Losses from losing Lakewood Hospital are projections of 10 and 30 years.For more detailed information see City of Lakewood’s Deal With Clinic

http://www.lakewoodobserver.com/forum

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Page 2 The Lakewood Observer Volume 11, Issue 3 February 3, 2015

Celebrating Over 10 Years of Community Discussion at: www.lakewoodobserver.com

LO Calendar

Published biweekly with a current circulation of 10,000+ copies. The paper is made available free of charge and can be found at over 130 business locations within the City of Lakewood and on our website. The views and opinions expressed in this publication do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher and staff. Copyright 2014 • The Lakewood Observer, Inc. All rights reserved. Any reproduction is forbidden without written permission.

The mission of the Lakewood Observer is to attract, articulate, and amplify civic

intelligence and community good will in the city of Lakewood and beyond.

Become an Observer! As a product of citizen journalism, The Lakewood Observer is looking for people, ages 3-100, to get involved in the paper and the city. We are looking for volunteer writers, photographers,

designers, and illustrators to help with the production of the paper. It does not matter if you are a professional or amateur, our editorial staff will be glad to help you through the process.

Register to our website Member Center where you can submit stories, press releases, letters to the editor, photos. No need to register to post online calendar or classified ads.

Upcoming Submission Deadline Publish Date Sunday, February 8, 2015 Tuesday, February 17, 2015 Sunday, February 22, 2015 Tuesday, March 3, 2015

www.lakewoodobserver.com – 216.712.707014900 Detroit Avenue, Suite 205, Lakewood, OH 44107

The Lakewood Observer is powered by AGS’s:

Your Independent Source for Lakewood News & Opinion

ADVISORY BOARD - Kenneth Warren, Steve Davis, Heidi Hilty, Dan Ott, Jeff Endress, Lauren Fine, Steve Ott, Vince Frantz, Margaret Brinich, Betsy Voinovich

EDITORIAL BOARD - Thealexa Becker, Nicole Boose, Margaret Brinich, Vincent O’Keefe, Heather Ramsey, Casey Ryan, Betsy Voinovich, Kenneth Warren

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CONTRIBUTING WRITERS - Christopher Bindel, Ken Brand, Brett Brown, Lisa Calfee, Ingrid Dickson, Bernadette Elston, Marge Foley, Steve Gannis, Christine Gordillo, Jordan Hill, Nina Holliday, John Hueter, Mary Johnson, Irene Joyce, Eric Knapp, Amy Kloss, Joan Miller, Debra O’Bryan, Meg Ostrowski, Jeff Patterson, Lissette Rivera, Elaine Rosenberger, Ryan Salo, Julie Strunk, Michelle Mehaffey Taylor, Beth Bender Thomas, Ken Tomaro, Missy Toms, Georganne Vartorella, and Torey Worron.

PUBLISHER EDITOR IN CHIEF ASSOCIATE EDITOR ADVERTISING Jim O’Bryan Margaret Brinich Betsy Voinovich Maggie Fraley LO.adsales@gmailcom

Saturday, February 7Bloody Valentine, Another “Bent Art Event” 3:00 PM - 9:00 PM

Get your unique Valentines gifts here! An event featuring artists from the Twisted Vendors Network. Cards, art, crafts, jewelry, treats and much more!!! All with that non-traditional touch. For you, your wicked beloved, your ex..... Something crazy for everyone! Vendor list is - Dot! Ink, VisualGrammar216, Good Day Moon Gallery, Salem Octo, Alice Ryken, Poison Ivy Wear, Laura Bock, AlterEgo Design, Hardcore Con-fections, Funky Cold Patina, Smithfits Bazaare Emporium, Shaun Hughes – Darkside Photography, Infinite Cre-ations by JD LLC & Lori Gallagher - Spook Grrrl Bath and Body.

Location:The Five O’Clock Lounge11904 Detroit Ave, LakewoodSunday, February 8Artistic Creations hosts Paint-ing Class at The Root Cafe!2:00 PM - 5:00 PM

We are area artists teaching how to create canvas paintings to students of all skill levels. Our mission is to introduce art to everyone, while providing an envi-ronment that is both entertaining and

educational within a relaxed, no pressure environment. We will be hosting classes on the 2nd Sunday of EVERY month from 2-5PM. See site for the painting of the month. Please call 216-551-3746 to book your spot. Leave a voice-mail with name and number in party. Payment due at class. Payment methods accepted: Cash and Credit card. Class Cost: $30.00 includes instruction and materials (paint, canvas, etc). We hope to see you there! Also, please contact us for private parties!

Location:The Root Cafe15118 Detroit Ave. Lakewood, Ohio

Wednesday, February 11Lakewood Hospital Commu-nity Meeting7:00 PM - 9:00 PMLakewood City Hall Auditorium, 12650 Detroit Avenue

Sunday, February 15A Fine Romance The Love Song Cabaret 7:00 PM

This show was presented to a packed house at Chautauqua Institution, where it was hailed as “stylish and entertaining - a great evening!” It shines a spotlight

on the many faces of love, and whether you’re 25 or 75 makes no difference: That feeling gets you high, it gets you low - and there’s nothing to do but give in! The classic songs include the ultra-romantic “Night and Day,” “All the Things You Are,” “Embraceable You” and “Love Is Here to Stay,” but you’ll also be laughing out loud at “Down With Love,” “Let’s Do It” and “You Irritate Me So.” Featuring Nancy Maier, Fabio Polanco, Bill Rud-man and Sandra Simon

General Tickets: $25TMTP Members: $20Call (216) 245-8687 or visit Musical-

TheaterProject.org

Location:Vosh Lakewood

Tuesday, February 17Fat Tuesday Business After Hours Networking Event 5:30 PM - 7:00 PM

The Lakewood and Rocky River Chambers of Commerce invite you to celebrate Fat Tuesday at our first net-working event of 2015. Enjoy great food from Burntwood Tavern. Cash bar. Bring a friend, and bring plenty of business cards! This event is sponsored by Cox Business.

Location:Burntwood Tavern19304 Detroit Road, Rocky River

West End Tavern presents:

18514 Detroit Avenue, Lakewood, OH 44107phone: 216-521-7684

fax: 216-521-9518

“Sunday Brunch”10 a.m. – 2 p.m.

A 20-Year Lakewood TraditionEggs Benedict • Eggs Sardoux •

Stuffed French Toast • Pot Roast HashOmelets • Fritatas • and more!

featuring our famous"Mega Mimosas"

“SaturdayBloody Mary Bar”

Create Your Own - 11 a.m.

Serving Breakfast/Lunchfeaturing our famous

Gourmet Meatloaf Stack and Savory Pot Roast

Voted Best Hamburger On The Northcoast!

Kiwanis Pizza Bake-Off Winnersby Debra O’Bryan

Over 500 people attended the Kiwanis Pizza Bake-Off in the East Cafeteria at Lakewood High School held January 22nd. The public voted in five categories, with 15 restaurants and pizza shops participating. Congratulations to the winners. A special tip of the hat to our local independent Lakewood owned and operated busi-nesses that excelled in the competition.

People’s Choice Overall Favorite1. Italian Creations2. Pepper’s Italian Restaurant3. Angelo’s

Best Specialty Pizza1. Pepper’s Italian Restaurant2. Italian Creations3. Pizza BoGo

Best Pepperoni Pizza1. Angelo’s

2. Pepper’s Italian Restaurant3. Italian Creations

People’s Choice Best Franchise1. Dewey’s2. Hungry Howies3. Pizza BoGo

Best Franchise Pepperoni1. Donato’s 2. Dewey’s3. Pizza BoGo

Lakewood Hospital Community ForumHospital location, in the end all parties pulled out, except the Cleveland Clinic. Although Fry’s entire PowerPoint study was not yet made available to the pub-lic, the Lakewood City Council has been given a copy of 80-some slides to aide in their decision.

Following the presentations, audi-ence comments were welcomed. For just short of two more hours, taking the forum late into the night, the citi-zens engaged in question and answer sessions with the various representa-tives on stage, told personal stories of their own connections with Lakewood Hospital to the whole audience, and let their opinions be known. From detailed financial questions, such as those offered up by Ward 2 Council-man Sam O’Leary, to heartfelt sagas of life saving encounters of loved ones at Lakewood Hospital, the community is clearly highly engaged on this issue.

At this time, the decision to enter into the new agreement with the Cleve-land Clinic per the proposed letter of

intent lies solely with the members of Lakewood City Council. Without their approval, the Mayor cannot enter into any agreements on this matter.

To see the full video of the January 28th forum, visit www.onelakewood.com. To get your voice on the matter heard, write to your councilperson and Mayor Summers, attend the next com-munity forum on February 11th, or join in the conversation with the LO on the Observation Deck: http://lake-woodobserver.com/forum

continued from page 1

Lakewoodites have fun getting involved, here Heidi Finiff and Christine Cowen look fabulous at the meeting. The next one is February 11, 2015, 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, Lakewood City Hall Audito-rium, 12650 Detroit Avenue.

February 3, 2015 The Lakewood Observer Volume 11, Issue 3 Page 3

Celebrating Over 10 Years of Community Discussion at: www.lakewoodobserver.com Approval Initials Date

Copywriter

CD - Copy

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INSERTION DATE

02.03.15

JOB NUMBER & COMPONENT

5287-03 CCCOMS_2015 LakewoodHosp_9.5x15.25-11

PUBLICATION or MEDIUM

LAKEWOOD OBSERVER

CREATIVE DEPARTMENTClient: Cleveland ClinicDivision: Marketing Project: 2015 Lakewood HospitalFlat Size: 0” x 0”Trim Size: 9.5” x 15.25”Live Area: 0” x 0”Bleed: 0”Line Screen: 85

COLOR: 4 Color BW 2 Color Other

IMAGE: Low Res Hi Res Retouched Purchased Approved Retouched

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1370 W 6th St, 3rd floor Cleveland, OH 44113216.574.9100

Dear West Side Community, We want to share with you an important announcement that was recently made, which proposes a new way to deliver healthcare in the City of Lakewood in the future.

In light of the tremendous changes in healthcare today and in keeping with the City of Lakewood’s goal to be the healthiest city in America, the hospital’s governance groups have proposed a major investment in Lakewood.

This proposal will modernize healthcare and deliver a more sustainable way to meet the long-term healthcare needs of the community.

• Today, you can continue to come to Lakewood Hospital and its emergency department.

• In 2016, a health and wellness campus will be created. The campus will include a family health center and emergency department, which will replace Lakewood Hospital.

• It is our intent to keep Lakewood Hospital open until our transition from inpatient to outpatient care in the fall of 2016.

• It is Cleveland Clinic’s goal to provide every Lakewood Hospital employee with an employment opportunity in our health system or one of our partner organizations.

When complete, Lakewood will have a state-of-the-art facility that meets the 21st century health needs of the community; right where you’ve always looked for it; right in the heart of Lakewood.

Yours in good health,

Cleveland Clinic

5287-03 CCCOMS_2015 LakewoodHosp_9.5x15.25-11.indd 1 1/20/15 9:17 AM



City News

Council Hears Public On Lakewood HospitalCouncil President and Ward IV

Councilwoman, Mary Louise Madigan called the January 20, 2014 meeting of Council to order at 7:38 P.M. Council began the meeting by making a num-ber of appointments to boards and commissions including the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Board of Nuisance Abatement Appeals, and the Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board.

Council then considered an ordi-nance that would update the City’s parking codes, specifically in rela-tion to parking limits for businesses. Beginning the process in August, the discussion as to what changes should be made included Council, the Plan-ning Commission, the Board of Zoning Appeals, the Building Department and several meetings with the public. In her comments Councilwoman Madigan said that the impetus for these changes was the Community Vision which was passed last year. The goal was to align the City’s codes with the Community Vision while at the same time making it simpler, and easier to understand. The new codes includes both minimum and maximum parking for businesses based on on their square footage, as well as intensives for including features such as permeable pavement and landscaping.

Council passed the ordinance.The Council moved up an item on

the agenda since a number of members of the public had signed up to speak on it.

by Christopher Bindel

The item was a letter from Mayor Sum-mers regarding a letter of intent from the Cleveland Clinic, Lakewood Hospital Association, and the Lakewood Hos-pital Foundation regarding the future of Lakewood Hospital. The Cleveland Clinic has announced that it will be closing Lakewood Hospital and tran-sitioning the site into a wellness center which will include out-patient facilities and an emergency room. Councilwoman Madigan wanted to make it clear to the audience that this is just the first step and there is a long way to go. She mentioned that there would be two public hearings plus a number of other official meetings, many of which will be open to the pub-lic, and that they would be keeping the people up to date a long the way.

Councilwoman Madigan also apologized on behalf of the Mayor for his absence. He was invited by Marcy Kaptur to be her guest to the State of the Union address in Washington D.C.

Despite the fact that the auditorium was full of people, only five members of the public were signed up to speak. They all spoke of concern and disap-pointment at the reality of the hospital closing. People also seemed quite disap-pointed at the City’s ability to prevent the situation from happening, blaming

both the Mayor and Council. One indi-vidual said that he and his wife who had lived in Lakewood for 37 years had con-sidered moving a number of years ago but decided to stay in part because there was a hospital nearby. Concern for the loss of the City’s largest employer and the 1.5 million in taxes they bring to the city was also raised. Besides the direct tax impact, there are secondary tax and residents loss to consider. One resident mentioned they were afraid the loss of revenue for the City would eventually impact City services, specifically those of our safety forces. It also seemed to be a general belief that the Clinic system-atically gutted the Hospital of services over the years in order to make it no longer solvent, giving them leverage to close it.

In regards to the Clinic’s plan to buy part of the land from the City, who currently own both the land and the Hospital, one resident said the City should not sell it so that the City can maintain some revenue in the way of rent from the Clinic. There was also concern shown in regards to the new building that will be built:“The Clinic buildings are always glassy, white, and shiny, Lakewood is a brick and mor-tar community, other buildings along

Detroit such as Walgreens and CVS were mandated to blend in with the architecture of the surrounding com-munity,” said a resident.

Council referred the letter to the Committee of the Whole for discussion.

Next, Director of Planning and Development, Dru Siley, submitted an ordinance that will begin the pro-cess and discussion of the City selling the McKinley School site. He said the projected project still has a few more meetings to go through with the Plan-ning Commission and the Architectural Board of Review but the sales agreement puts them another step closer to moving forward with the project.

Council referred the ordinance to the Committee of the Whole.

Director Siley also asked Coun-cil to consider an ordinance to rezone the McKinley School site, which is cur-rently zoned for a school, limiting the current development of the property. The new zoning would open it up to land development.

Council referred the ordinance to the Planning Commission for consid-eration.

Coming to the end of the agenda with no announcements from the Administration or Council, Coun-cil President Madigan adjourned the meeting at 8:32 P.M.

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The Musical Theater Project presents A Fine Romance:

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Doors Open at 5:30Dinner available before or during the show.

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www.musicaltheaterproject.org/a-fine-romance/

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Illuminate A Memory And Light Up A Lifeby Georganne Vartorella, M.D.

Now that Black Friday and the frantic frenzy of December’s online shopping and mall hopping is in our rearview mirrors it’s time to turn our thoughts toward that special Valentine.

This February 14th, “Illumi-nate A Memory” and give a gift that pays it forward. Sponsored by the Lakewood Commission on Aging and the Lakewood Foundation, the “Illu-minate A Memory” program began as an annual project during the Christ-mas holiday. Throughout the season, donors make a $5 contribution in the name of a loved one. An ornamental dove is placed on a holiday tree at one of the Division of Aging Senior Cen-

ters through the month of December. A personalized note is then sent to the individual or the individual’s fam-ily acknowledging the contribution made in their name. All proceeds pro-vide vital resources such as emergency assistance, clothing, transportation and even temporary housing.

There was such a positive response from the donors, honorees and their families, the Commission on Aging has expanded the program. You can “Illu-minate A Memory” at Christmas time or anytime. Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary, wedding or “just because” you want to tell that special someone you love and honor them, donate $5 or more in their name and give a truly

meaningful gift. The Commission on Aging will send a note recognizing the occasion and acknowledging your gen-erosity.

“Illuminate A Memory” this Val-entine’s Day and fill your valentine’s heart with joy and a senior’s with grati-tude. It doesn’t get any sweeter than that.

To Donate:Call the Lakewood Com-

mission on Aging: 216-521-1515 or make checks payable to: The Lakewood Foundation/Illuminate A Memory: 16024 Madison Avenue, Lakewood, Ohio 44107

Please designate the person you wish to honor.



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City News

Diversity Potluck Recap!by Bernadette Elston

The City of Lakewood Commu-nity Relations Advisory Commission would like to extend a warm and very special thanks to all those who braved cold temperatures to join us at the 2015 Diversity Potluck: Change begins with YOU! Get Involved. This exciting and family-friendly event occurred on Jan-uary 22, 2015 at the Women’s Pavilion in Lakewood Park. Don’t fret if you missed it – we have other great events on the immediate horizon.

This year’s theme was all about building a stronger city and encourag-ing a deep sense of community through civic participation. There are fantastic organizations in every corner of the city that can benefit from each of our experiences, skills, and imagination. Visit http://www.onelakewood.com/VolunteerLakewood/VolunteerOppor-tunities.aspx for a list of some of the opportunities that exist in the area! Also, consider ‘liking’ the Commu-nity Relations Advisory Commission on facebook to stay current with even

Council Person Cindy Marx, State Representative Nickie Antonio, and Council Presi-dent Mary Louise Madigan acknowledge Nahida Farunia for a job well done.

more awesome events occurring in the city.

We were so pleased to have the opportunity to welcome State Repre-

sentative Nickie Antonio (D), Council Person Cindy Marx who talked about civic participation and helped us thank commission alums as well as recently retiring members April Stoltz, Nahida Farunia, Karen Kuramoto, and Dan Saracina. It has been a pleasure and an honor to serve with each of you, and although your presence will be missed, we are so excited to see how you will continue to contribute to our beloved city and beyond. Council President Mary Louise Madigan was also pres-ent, as well as Emma Petrie- Barcelona

from Lakewood School Board.As is usual for the Diversity

Potluck, we feasted and dined on scrumptious dishes provided by some of Lakewood’s premier restaurants as well as some of the city’s best home chefs. This event would not have been possible without these generous dona-tions; so, we would like to send another special thanks to the following fantastic restaurants: Angelo’s Pizza, Deagan’s Kitchen, Cerino’s, Thai Kitchen, Bar-roco, Nature’s Bin, Aladdins, Cozumel, The Root Café, Falafel Express, India Garden, and Giant Eagle. One dish was as unique and delicious as the next! It was a fun evening!

The Community Relations Advi-sory Commission is “Charged to advise, educate, and promote com-munity relations. The mission of the Commission is to foster participa-tion in the community; to encourage and promote respectful conversations and collaborative efforts among and between residents and city officials; and to promote equity, respect, and diversity within the city.” Participa-tion on the commission is voluntary and contingent upon appointment by the city mayor and the city council. There are currently seats available. The commission currently sponsors three annual events including the Diversity Potluck, Welcome to Lakewood Meet and Greet, and the Community Con-versation.

Volunteer Safety Inspectors Needed

by Ryan SaloMeet Andy, he is one of many

residents of Lakewood that require the use of safe sidewalks during the winter. Andy was dodging busy traffic while riding his electronic wheelchair on Detoit Ave when I met him. He said he is forced to danger-ously drive in the street, because it is impossible to use the sidewalks in many parts of the city. The city has an ordinance requiring business own-ers to clear their sidewalks, but they are not obeying it. This ordinance is not being enforced by city officials as well as it should be.

I have started a campaign of call-ing business owners that have not cleared their sidewalks after a snowfall and thankfully have been getting good results.

Andy, one of many residents of Lakewood put in harm’s way by business owners who fail to comply with a city ordinance requiring them to clear their sidewalks after a snowfall.

I am looking for some volun-teers willing to call business owners in Lakewood that aren’t clearing their sidewalks. We are simply reminding them about the city ordinance and the importance of keeping the sidewalk clear for people like Andy. I will pro-vide names and numbers or you can be part of the team that goes out and finds businesses out of compliance. The businesses that don’t respond pos-itively to our calls will be reported to city hall with pictures documenting their failure to comply.

If you are interested in taking a few moments after every snowfall to help people like Andy, please call me at 216-288-9163 or email me at [email protected].

Together we can help make this walkable city safe for everyone.



Thursday, February 5Religion and Science with Michael Miller, Ph.D.: A Fundamental Opposition?

Are science and religion fundamentally opposed to one another? Is there empirical evi-dence for (or against) God’s existence? Is the theory of Intelligent Design a genuine rival to evolutionary theory? In this free and open course from The Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program at Case Western Reserve University, we will consider each of these ques-tions and examine the historical and political context in which they have been debated. In this first meeting, we will reflect on the cultural roles played by religion and science. Should religious belief be based on empirical evidence and reasoned argument? Or does such an approach simply miss the point of religious practice altogether?

7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium

Saturday, February 7 Lakewood Public Cinema: “8 ½” (1963) Directed by Federico Fellini

Guido, a world famous film director, is trying to relax after his last film became another big hit. But he can’t get a moment’s peace with his old collaborators, ghosts of his previous films, constantly pestering him for more work. The genius wrestles with his conscience, but is unable to come up with any new ideas. As his mind wanders, he begins to retreat into fantasies and memories of all the women he has loved and left. In the end, Fellini turns his writer’s block into one of his greatest triumphs—a surrealistic slice of autobiography filled with warm feelings and good laughs. Italian with English subtitles.


Sunday, February 8 Sunday with the Friends: Two Poets: Joe Toner and Dan Rourke

The pounding snow is driving you bananas, and the cold is threatening to snap your bones. So why not slam down a hot chocolate, get to the Library and warm yourself with laughter and poetry? For Joe Toner and Dan Rourke, poetry is the noblest of human endeav-ors—part vaudeville act, part existential probe into the reasons a grown man might be addicted to peanut butter. Come savor their luxuriant reflections on language and gaze upon the last two people in the world without smart phones. Winner of a 2014 CPAC award, Dan Rourke has performed his poetry for twenty-five years in the Cleveland area. Joe Toner also taught English at St. Ignatius High School and now teaches at Rocky River High School.


Thursday, February 12Religion and Science with Michael Miller, Ph.D.: God’s Existence: Arguments for and Against

Is there empirical evidence for (or against) God’s existence? Is the theory of Intelligent Design a genuine rival to evolutionary theory? What do modern biology and neuroscience imply about the nature of the human mind, the soul, or the prospect of life after death? In this free and open course from The Laura and Alvin Siegal Lifelong Learning Program at Case Western Reserve University, we will examine a number of influential attempts to argue for and against the existence of God. Along the way, we will be forced to reflect on the fol-lowing question: Just what is the nature of this alleged being whose existence is in question? That is, what would an entity have to be like in order to count as God?


Lakewood Public Library

LPL Children/Youth Events

compiled by Eric KnappThursdays, February 5 – 26Quick-Lit Challenge: For students in sixth through twelfth grade

Join us for a fast paced whirlwind of hilarious creativity where you will have one hour to create and/or illustrate a story. There’s a new theme, a new tale and a new challenge each week! Registration is required.

4:30 p.m. – 5:30 p.m. in the Main Library Activity Room.

Saturday, February 14Tail Waggin’ Tutors: For school-age children

Bone up on your reading skills by reading to a dog. Drop in for a one-to-one session with one of our dogs and owners that have been certified through Therapy Dogs International.

11:00 a.m. – 12:30 p.m. in the Main Library Multipurpose Room.

Family Weekend WondersMake the Library a part of your family weekend time with programs featuring stories,

activities, music and crafts. These free programs are offered every weekend throughout the year at both the Main Library and Madison Branch. No registration is needed. Check out our website (www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.org/youth) for times and upcoming themes.

Main Library Activity Room and Madison Branch Auditorium

Saturdays & SundaysWeekends With Wee Ones: For families with children under 2 years old

Spend a part of your family weekend time clapping your hands, tapping your feet, sing-ing nursery rhymes and, of course, sharing books. We will provide materials and ideas for those wishing to continue the fun at home. Programs are offered every weekend throughout the year and there is no need to register in advance.

Madison Branch Children’s and Youth ServicesSaturdays at 11:30 a.m. and Sundays at 3:30 p.m.

compiled by Elaine Rosenberger

LPL Calendar Of EventsSaturday, February 14Lakewood Public Cinema: “Notorious” (1946) Directed by Alfred Hitchcock

According to biographer Donald Spoto, this was Hitchcock’s first attempt to create a seri-ous love story. G-man Cary Grant loves Ingrid Bergman, the daughter of a suspected spy, but he asks her to sleep with Claude Rains in order to get the dirt on a Nazi plot. If you call that a love story, then Happy Valentine’s Day from Alfred Hitchcock! What the spies are after is Ura-nium-235, an isotope that can be used to make an atom bomb. When Hitchcock was shopping around the treatment for this story in 1944, none of the studio bosses knew anything about uranium or atomic bombs. But the FBI did. They were wondering why Hitchcock and his screenwriter, Ben Hecht, were meeting with scientists to discuss nuclear fission. He was under surveillance for several months. But at least he got a great movie out of it. Professor Terry Meehan concludes his series Hitchcock Goes to War, introducing each film with rare clips and original documentaries followed by audience reaction and a lively discussion.


Sunday, February 15 Sunday with the Friends: Jonathan Hooper

Jonathan Hooper is a nice young man with an old soul who we imagine would fit right in at a 1940s New Orleans piano bar. This classically trained vocalist can croon a tune that will transport you back to the golden age of American music, but his true love since age five has always been the piano. Back in his hometown he’s ready to entertain you with some of his favorite music, combining the solo jazz piano of Bill Evans, Art Tatum and others with the timeless crooning of Frank Sinatra. Who knows, there may even be a few jokes!

2:00 p.m. in the Main Library Multipurpose Room

Monday, February 16Holiday: Presidents’ Day – Library Open all day

Tuesday, February 17Ancestry – Library Edition

How far back would you like to trace your family tree? Genealogist Deborah Abbott will show you how to unlock the secrets held by census reports, military records, birth certificates and death notices in this hands-on workshop. Unravel your history with professional results.

6:00 p.m. in the Main Library Learning Lab

Kauffman Park Friends Snow Sculpting Contest Guidelines:

Contest is open to all Lakewood residents, businesses and organizations, except those who have entered any professional snow sculpting competition.

Sculptures must be made by hand without the aid of power tools.

Sculptures must be at least 30” high.

Props are allowed but must not make up more than 20% of the visible surface of a sculpture and are the responsibility of the artist.

Internal supports are allowed.

Water soluble color is allowed.

How to Enter:

Submit a photo of your sculpture with artist(s) included and Kauffman Park in the background along with a completed entry form by March 15th to: [email protected]

Deadline may be extended due to snowfall.

(Check the Kauffman Park Friends Facebook page for updates.)

Prizes:

The first (10) artists to submit their entry will receive a gift card for a FREE cup of coffee, tea or cocoa at The Root Café.

Each artist with a qualifying entry will be entered into a raffle for great local prizes.

Awards will be presented to the BEST sculptures in each category as judged by local artists.

Questions:

Contact Kauffman Park Friends through Facebook or at [email protected].

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Joe Toner And Dan Rourke:

Two Poets Who Really Want You To Come To Their Showby Lisa Calfee

They don’t ask for much. Joe Toner and Dan Rourke just want you to come to their poetry reading on Sunday,

February 8 at 2 p.m. at the Lakewood Public Library.

To that end, Joe Toner has com-posed an invitation that is heartfelt

in both feeling and expression to per-suade you. Feel free to be moved by what follows:

Good Citizens of Cuyahoga County and the Hinterlands Beyond:

Come relieve the soul-searing bore-dom between Super Bowl Sunday and Valentine’s Day/Sports Illustrated Swim-suit edition with poetry on February 8th. Fanciful, mellifluous poetry. Weepy, deli-cate poetry. Poetry that inspires the heart and tickles the small intestine. Poetry that prompted National Geographic to say about Dan Rourke and Joe Toner: “These two poets are the giant squids of the post-mod-ern, pre-natal, cage-free poetry movement: mysterious, frightening, towering, and, like calamari, excellent with dried parsley.”

Since the show is free, you have nothing to lose except time--which you can regain when the clocks are set back. This show is suitable for all ages, espe-cially people with existential confusion, metaphysical longings, and webbed feet.

Sincerely, Joe TonerIf you still aren’t convinced to

attend this special Sunday with The Friends program (and we find that very hard to believe) Dan Rourke has crafted an invitation to remove even the slight-est hesitation you may still be feeling:

To Anyone with a Portable Sense of Humor and an Itch to make some Noise in a Library:

Mushrooms: Godsend or the devil’s detritus? Where will that foul ball land? In a world of purchasable devices, what does it mean to be left to one’s own devices? What would it be like to be reincarnated as a sneeze? Just what is lacking in the words catheter, China, and celibacy?

Reading from my collection of poems, Catch Me, and my being-revised-as-we-speak new novel, Fair Hooker Never Let Me Down, I will not only ponder such questions and more, but even answer most of them and more. Unless you are saddened that my color-blindness makes me dress pathetically, I guarantee that you will leave this poetry reading (my half, at least—one never safely can vouch for Joe Toner) smil-ing and not depressed. You’re invited.

Dan RourkeAnd there we have it. Two very

good reasons to join us in the Main Auditorium of the Lakewood Public Library at 15425 Detroit Avenue on Sunday, February 8 at 2 p.m. for the poetry of Joe Toner and Dan Rourke.

Notice: The views and opinions of Joe Toner and Dan Rourke do not neces-sarily reflect the views of the Lakewood Public Library.

Jazz Pianist To Perform Live At Lakewood Libraryby Amy Kloss

Ease your cold-weather blues with some live music this month as jazz pia-nist and vocalist Jonathan Hooper heats up the Multipurpose Room on Febru-ary 15 at 2 p.m. Hooper will perform at Lakewood Public Library’s Sunday with the Friends Concert Series with a mix of jazz standards, and possibly a few tunes from Billy Joel, Ray Charles or Elton John.

A young man with an old soul, Hooper is a classically trained singer whose vocal interpretations will take you back to the golden age of American music. Beginning at age five, Hooper studied classical piano for 13 years and had three years of classical voice train-ing. But jazz was always calling to him. “From an early age,” he says, “I found myself fascinated with the rhythms of ragtime.”

After he left the Cleveland area to

study graphic design at Flagler College, he continued his independent study of jazz music, eventually becoming an in-house pianist/singer at Rhett’s Piano Bar, a New Orleans-inspired upscale piano bar in historic St. Augustine, Florida. When he returned to the Cleveland area, Hooper took a job at Bay Presbyterian Church, where he works as a graphic designer and vid-eographer, as well as leading worship services through sacred music.

Hooper’s classical training forms the backbone for his jazz, and he plans to entertain the library crowd with solo jazz piano and vocals influenced by jazz greats such as Oscar Peterson, Harry Connick, Jr., Tony Bennett and Frank Sinatra. Join Hooper on February 15th at 2 p.m. as he livens up a Sunday afternoon at the Lakewood Public Library. All pro-grams are free and open to the public.

Read And Grow:1,000 Books Before Kindergarten:A Reading Program For ChildrenFrom Birth To Age 5by Julie Strunk

Be your child’s first and best teacher and help them enter Kindergar-ten ready to read when you sign up to read a thousand books together! Receive a folder, bookmark, and a log sheet for your first 50 books! Come back when you’ve read 100 books and get another reading log! Build your caterpillar circle by circle every time you read 100 books! You may also sign up online and print the reading log yourself! To get started, visit www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.org/youth/ or visit the Children’s and Youth Services desk at the Main or Madison branch for details.

Guess what?1 book per day for 3 years adds up

to 1,095 books!10 books per week for 2 years adds

up to 1,040 books!3 books per day for 1 year adds up

to 1,095 books!

Madelyn Nightingale is a recent finisher of the 1000 Books Before Kindergarten. There are currently 295 children partici-pating in this program!

Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra At The Lakewood Public Libraryby Julie Strunk

Thursday, February 18, 2015 in the Main Library Multipurpose Room

The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra is a full symphonic ensemble comprised of approximately 100 young musicians drawn from 38 communi-ties in 11 counties across Northern Ohio. The Cleveland Orchestra Youth Orchestra (COYO) provides serious young music students of middle-high school age with a unique pre-profes-

sional orchestral training experience.The Lakewood Public Library is

privileged to host a free youth-oriented concert featuring COYO members and their Cleveland Orchestra coaches. Each instrument group will be repre-sented (woodwinds, violins, violas, and cellos) and youth musicians will give a brief description and demonstration of their instruments.

All ages are welcome and no regis-tration is required.

Sharing The Dreamby Marge Foley

These beautiful handmade cards were crafted by students attending a program at the Lakewood Public Library on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. After stories and a song celebrating King’s life and legacy, the participants had fun making a greeting card to warm the hearts of nursing home residents. The cards are being distributed to folks living at O’Neill Healthcare Lakewood. Each child took home a booklet about the life of Dr. King to cut and color, a song sheet, and a bookmark.



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Harrison School Kicks Off

“One School, One Book” Literacy Effortby Christine Gordillo

Students and staff at Harrison Elementary on Thursday joined in the biggest book club in Lakewood as the school rolled out its One School One Book program with quite the fanfare. A kickoff assem-bly to f ill the students in on the fun ahead in reading Jacqueline Davies’ “Lemonade War” included the St. Edward’s Trash Team and the Har-rison Tappers. Kenny Crumpton of Fox 8 helped prime the excite-ment by holding a discussion with a group of students on the joy of reading the day before.

The One School One Book pro-gram is a nationwide movement to get kids excited and interested in reading. The program aims to make reading a community and fam-ily affair. Harrison students and staff will read the book and fami-lies are encouraged to read it as well. Special guests such as Central Office administrators and Harrison D.A.R.E. Officer Acklin have been invited to read it as well.

To keep the energy and excite-ment up as everyone progresses in the book, the school will be offer-ing incentive prizes for students through raff le tickets. Each time a student answers a question about

Fox 8’s Kenny Crumpton came to Harrison to talk about the joy of reading with (from left) Principal Sabrina Crawford, Aja Murray, Prabin Dahal, Savannah Mason and Eva Hinslea-Rak in preparation for the school’s One School, One Book initiative.

a chapter read, he or she receives a ticket for a weekly prize drawing.

Teachers have even solicited

local businesses in the school’s Birdtown neighborhood to get in on the fun. A number of estab-

lishments such as Mahall’s, Taco Tontos and Bi-Rite will have post-ers in their window signaling their participation in the program. If students or their families make a purchase at the business, they will also receive a raff le ticket. Busi-nesses from around Lakewood have generously donated items or cash for the raff le drawings, including $500 from a Lakewood church.

Harrison students won’t be the only ones to take part in One School, One Book. Later this spring the Lincoln and Hayes student bod-ies will get in on the fun with a different book. What a great way to get revved up about reading.

Garfield Highest Scoring In Academic Contestby Christine Gordillo

The Garfield Middle School Aca-demic Challenge Team on January 21 won the monthly St. Ed’s Classroom of Champions competition with a sea-son-leading score of 600 points. Team members Evan Bell, Patrick McCallum, Aidan Bohac, Colin Sabo, Emma Car-

The Garfield Classroom of Champions team (front row from left): Aidan Bohac, Evan Bell, Colin Sabo and Patrick McCallum; (back row): Renee Jones and Emma Carson.

Kindergarten Parent Info Night February 11by Christine Gordillo

The Lakewood City Schools will be hosting a Kindergarten Parent Informa-tion Night for parents of preschoolers interested in learning about the dis-trict’s kindergarten program. The event will take place on Wednesday, February 11, at 6:30 p.m. in the Emerson Elemen-tary Cafetorium. Emerson is located at 13439 Clifton Blvd.

Pam Griebel, the district’s Direc-tor of Teaching & Learning K-12, will host the evening and review what is addressed in the curriculum, how a

typical kindergartener’s day unfolds, what resources are available to Lakewood City Schools students and what the kindergarten registration process is.

Following the formal presentation, parents will be welcome to ask ques-tions about this important milestone in a child and parent’s life. Although the event is geared to parents who are unfamiliar with the district’s kinder-garten program, anyone is welcome to attend. For more information, call 216-529-4203.

Big Chili Cook-Off Kills The Chillby Missy Toms

It may be cold outside, but it’s hot at Around the Corner.

Warm your belly at the 7th Annual Big Chili Cook-Off, Saturday, February 28, 5-7 p.m., in the Around the Corner Warehouse. Tickets are just $10 and include two ounce sam-ples of each chili, a Coors Light, and a vote for the People’s Choice Award. All ages are welcome! Ticket pro-ceeds benefit the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation and Pillars of Lakewood.

Tickets may be purchased at Around the Corner or the Foundation website at www.lakewoodrangers.org/foundation-events/.

Think you, your organization, or

business make the best chili? Enter to win one of two cash prizes: Judges’ and People’s Choice. For an entry applica-tion, visit www.lakewoodrangers.org/foundation-events/.

Since 1984, the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation has distributed more than $3 million in funding for classroom grants, student scholarships, and school ini-tiatives. The Foundation is guided by its mission to provide resources to enrich the educational experiences of the Lakewood City Schools’ 5,400+ students. To learn more about the Lakewood Rangers Education Foun-dation, visit www.lakewoodrangers.org or email [email protected].

son, and Renee Jones did a tremendous job preparing for the competition, said adviser Josh Thornsberry.

The competition covers a large range of topics, from geography, his-tory, science and literature to pop culture and religion. It’s open to teams of 7th and 8th graders from Northeast Ohio schools, and consists of seven

rounds of three teams, each compet-ing to see which top three point-getters will advance to the finals at St. Ed’s in May. As the highest scorer of the com-petition so far, looks like the Garfield team has a solid shot at earning a spot in the championship round.



Lakewood Schools

by Jeff Patterson, Superintendent, Lakewood City Schools

Now that the holiday season is “You’ve Got to Have Heart”

Here, in the month of February it’s all about having heart, so I thought I would focus this month’s column on activities that our public schools in Lakewood undertake to help our com-munity. In all of our schools, we try to go beyond academics to teach life les-sons, with one of those lessons being to provide service to others. We want our students to understand philanthropy and altruism and to experience how it feels to give to the less fortunate. My own life experience is that the more you give, the more you share with oth-ers in need, the more it comes back to you, multiplied exponentially.

Listed below are some of the community service activities that Lakewood High School and Garfield Middle School support. Because of the extent and number of activities our schools undertake within the Lakewood community, next month will focus on Harding Middle School and our elementary schools.

LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOLH2O - Help to Others: This is

a City of Lakewood youth volun-teer service program that enjoys tremendous support from and is in partnership with the Lakewood City Schools. Here is just a sampling of what H2O does:

Delivery of groceries to Lakewood senior in cooperation with the Lakewood Community Services Center (LCSC).

Provide childcare and volunteer services at school events in coopera-tion with school PTA units to allow for increased parent participation.

Volunteer at the Ronald McDon-ald House, Greater Cleveland Foodbank, Medwish International, and the Ohio City Bicycle Co-op.

Coordinate Pumpkin Palooza for 15 years, a fall carnival fundraiser for Lakewood Hunger Relief and part of National Make a Difference Day in October.

“Bikes and Bands” uses a youth music showcase to fund repairs for bicycles donated for Lakewood youth.

Student Council:“Pink Out” Football Game, sell-

ing tee shirts, ribbons, decorating the stadium and collecting donations where members highlight someone involved with the schools who has dealt with breast cancer. Funds raised are donated to a foundation associ-ated with breast cancer.

“Hope for the Holidays” occurs each fall where the junior class orga-nizes a classroom competition to raise money over a week-long period.

All money collected is donated to the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation for their annual food drive. The organization uses 100% of the funds to provide complete Thanksgiving or Christmas meals to 600 Lakewood families.

The “Elf Project” has the senior class dress up like elves selling can-dies and songs to raise money for local youth groups like the Lakewood Hospital Teen Youth Center and Family Resource Center.

“Staff Children’s Christmas Party” offers games, toys, snacks, crafts and Santa to the children of staff members. Parents bring a toy for the children in attendance and one to donate. The donated gifts are taken to the Fairview Pediatric Hospital which was formerly housed in Lakewood.

Key Club:Supplies volunteers and pro-

motes American Red Cross Blood Drive in fall and winter.

Helps Kiwanis with their annual pancake breakfast, doughnut sale, spaghetti dinner, pizza bakeoff and holiday food basket delivery.

Volunteers at various other com-munity events such as Relay to Life.

GARFIELD MIDDLE SCHOOL H2O youth make hot cocoa

packets for crossing guards, treat bags for first responders at the holidays, and crafts for senior citizens.

Students help package and deliver food baskets supporting the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation for annual Thanksgiv-ing and Christmas food drives.

Garfield BRIDGES students prepare Thanksgiving and Christ-mas cards and deliver to Ennis Court residents.

Garfield Music Crew sang the national anthem at a Lake Erie Mon-sters game.

Garfield reaches out to veterans in the community for participation in their Veterans Day assembly.

Garfield BRIDGES class collects

PRESIDENTS DAY CAMPUS VISITATION DAY

★★★★

Monday, Feb. 16, 2015

& learn tourPresidents Day Campus Visitation Day is a great opportunity to:

Explore your academic options and discuss the steps for enrollment and financial aid

Visit any campus and tour our facilities

You can visit us at any of these locations from 10 - 11:30 a.m. or 2 - 3:30 p.m.

Eastern | ESS Building, Room 1101 | 4250 Richmond Road, Highland HillsMetropolitan | Student Services Building, Ground Floor | 2900 Community College Ave., ClevelandWestern | Student Services Building | 11000 Pleasant Valley Road, ParmaWestshore | WSHCS Building Atrium | 31001 Clemens Road, WestlakeBrunswick University Center | 3605 Center Road, Brunswick

For more information or to register for Presidents Day Campus Visitation Day, go to: www.tri-c.edu/campusvisitation

Can’t make it? Request an individual tour at www.tri-c.edu/campusvisits

14-4286

continued on page 13

Lincoln Elementary Bricks Saleby Missy Toms

Show your love for Lincoln Elementary School. Buy bricks!

FOR ONE DAY ONLY! Bricks from the original Lincoln Elementary School will be for sale in the Lincoln parking lot, Saturday, February 14, 11 a.m. - 2 p.m. Bricks are $10 each. All pro-ceeds benefit programs in the Lakewood City Schools. No special orders or holds. Credit cards and cash will be accepted. This is your last opportunity to step on the old Lincoln site before construction begins.

Brick sales for Roosevelt and Grant Elementary Schools will be announced in the near future. Visit the Lakewood Rang-ers Education Foundation website for updates: www.lakewoodrangers.org.

Since 1984, the Lakewood Rangers Education Foundation has distributed more than $3 million in funding for classroom grants, student scholarships, and school ini-

photo by Colleen Cronin

tiatives. The Foundation is guided by its mission to provide resources to enrich the educational experiences of the Lakewood City Schools’ 5,400+ students. To learn more about the Lakewood Rangers Education Foun-dation, visit www.lakewoodrangers.org or email [email protected].



Lakewood Schools

Cox Communications Joins Discovery Education And 3M In Search For America’s Top Young Scientistby Lissette Rivera

Everyday life is full of everyday issues and the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge calls on the next generation of great scientists to dream the ideas that will change the way people live for the better.

Discovery Education and 3M are proud to announce the opening of the 17th annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge. Cox Com-munications has joined the search to encourage Ohio’s top young scientists to participate in the nation’s premier science competition for students in grades 5-8. Through the program, students have the once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to work closely with a 3M Scientist Mentor, compete for $25,000, and earn the title of “America’s Top Young Scientist.”

The Challenge rewards students who use their science acumen and innovative thinking to solve these everyday problems. Sahil Doshi, who won last year for his battery cell invention, entered the con-test because he loves science and he wanted to know others who shared similar interests.

“Participating in the Discov-ery Education 3M Young Scientist

Challenge and working alongside my incredible, supportive 3M Scientist Mentor has opened up opportuni-ties that I never had before and has also taught me valuable lessons about using technology and innovation to make a difference in the world,” Doshi said.

“Ideas know no limit, and we are thrilled to support this program and help students push boundaries to explore what is possible. Science and imagination are exactly what 3M uses to solve the world’s every-day problems,” said Jesse Singh, senior vice president for marketing and sales at 3M.

Any student in grades 5-8 can enter the contest by creating a one to two-minute video communicating the science behind a possible solution to an everyday problem.

Video entries will be evaluated based on their creativity, scientific knowledge, persuasiveness and over-all presentation. Ten finalists will then be chosen to participate in an exclu-sive mentorship program where they will work closely with a 3M scientist. During the program, finalists will be challenged to develop an innova-tion that positively impacts them,

their family, their community or the global population. The students will meet virtually with their mentors and will receive additional resources and support from 3M and Discovery Edu-cation. Each finalist will also receive a trip to the 3M Innovation Center in St. Paul, Minn., to compete at the final event in October 2015.

All video entries must be submitted online at www.youngscien-tistchallenge.com no later than April 21, 2015. Videos will not be judged on production skills and may be recorded on cell phones or basic digital cameras.

Since its inception, the Young Scientist Challenge has awarded more than $600,000 in student scholarships and prizes, paired students with world-renowned sci-entists to give them real-world insights and delivered much-needed science resources to millions of stu-dents, teachers and families across the country. Winners have gone on to speak in front of members of Congress, meet the President of the United States, work with the nation’s top scientists and pursue academic careers in science.

continued on page 17

St. Edward Lineman Andrew Turner Commits To Play Football At Lake Erie Collegeby Jordan Hill

St. Edward senior right tackle Andrew Turner has verbally com-mitted to play football at Lake Erie College. Turner started the season at

center before voluntarily making the switch to right tackle mid-season. The move paid off as he was named to the AP Northeast Ohio Lakes All-District 2nd Team. Turner recently announced his decision via his twitter account.

The Storm are getting a diamond in the rough as Turner (6’4, 285 lbs.) committed to Lake Erie College over several division one opportunities. In total Turner had about 10 scholarship offers including Division I FCS offers from schools such as Robert Mor-ris and St. Francis University. He also turned down a number of opportuni-ties to play football at MAC schools

like Eastern Michigan and Kent State. He also was offered a scholarship from Grand Valley State University, the win-ningest program in Division II.

Turner became a leader on an all new offensive line that helped St. Edward win their second Division I state title in school history. Turner was given the challenge of blocking several talented players this season including St. Ignatius All-American and Ohio State commit Dre’Mont Jones. (Jones was held without a sack in the matchup.) Turner will be one of about 15 St. Edward football play-ers to sign his letter of intent on National Signing Day, February 4th.

Andrew Turner hoists the OHSAA division one state championship trophy following St. Edward’s 31-21 win over Wayne High School



Lakewood Is Art

Valentine’s Day SweetArt Show

Beck Center Women’s Board Jazz Brunch Featuring The Doris Long Jazz Ensembleby Beth Bender Thomas

The Women’s Board of Beck Cen-ter for the Arts invites arts supporters to a Jazz Brunch featuring the Doris Long Jazz Ensemble on Sunday, Febru-ary 8 at Vosh, 1414 Riverside Drive in Lakewood.

Doris Long, 85, is a native Cleve-lander and has been a fixture in the Cleveland jazz scene since the 1960s. The legendary vocalist will be joined onstage by pianist Joe Hunter and bassist Dallas Coffey. Vosh will serve brunch and offer a cash bar. This is an excellent opportunity to enjoy great food and great jazz while supporting Beck Center for the Arts.

Tickets are $30 and available for two seatings, 11 a.m. and 1 p.m. To purchase tickets, call Marianne Mona-han at 216-221-9202 or send a check to Women’s Board, c/o Beck Center, 17801 Detroit Ave., Lakewood, OH 44107.

by Ken TomaroValentine’s Day is quickly

approaching and that means one thing! It’s time to show the people you love how much you really care. The Bevy in Birdtown (12112 Madison Avenue, Lakewood) and the Good Day Moon Gallery are hosting the SweetArt Show on Valentine’s Day, Saturday, Febru-ary 14th from 1-5 p.m. For all you last minute shoppers, we are here for you. Several local artists will be on hand to help you pick out the perfect gift for the love in your life. We even have a vendor

selling homemade treats for your furry little four-legged sweetheart. Roses are nice but for the same price of a dozen roses you can purchase a world class piece of art that will last forever.

I know what you’re thinking, “But I don’t have a special someone.” Wrong, because YOU are special! There is nothing in the rule book that says you can’t treat yourself to some-thing nice and let’s face it, you deserve it! Who knows, you may even make a connection at the SweetArt Show but you’ll just have to come by to find out.

To purchase tickets online, visit w w w.beckcenter.org /events /jazz-brunch and click on “Purchase tickets.”



Lakewood Cares

A traditionalBible based

ministryanchored in thelove of God for

ALL people.

12501 Lake Avenue • 216-521-7424 • www.coveumc.org

Join Us!

Regular Hours: 1pm - 4pmTuesdays & Saturdays

Month of February

Worship with us onSundays at 9 AM

Community Meal2nd Saturday of Each Month

Ash Wednesday ServiceFebruary 18 • 7:30 PM

BOGOeverything in store.

EVERY Friday Night6:15 pm • $3

Everyone welcome!

Take Off Pounds Sensibly GroupEvery Tuesday • 6:30 - 7:30 PM

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The Bay Village Women’s Club Foundation

Antiques Show & Antique Quilt Display

Fundraiser atBay High School

29230 Wolf Road$5 Donation

for Scholarship Fund

Sat. Feb. 14 10 am - 5 pmSun. Feb. 15 11 am - 4 pm

Free Appraisals 1-3 pmLimit 1 item each day

Sat. - Jewelry • Sun. - Antiques

www.BayWomensClub.org • 440-334-7539

The Lakewood Women’s Club Invites Female Students And Non Profits To Apply For Our Scholarship And Grant Fundingby Torey Worron

Again this year, The Lakewood Women’s Club (LWC) will support our community through two distinct programs. The first is an annual schol-arship that is awarded to a female high school senior. The second is a grant that supports a local nonprofit orga-nization that will be selected by the members of the LWC through an appli-cation process.

Since 1995 the Lakewood Women’s Club has played an important role in helping fund some of Lakewood’s most vital social services and nonprofits by

awarding over $200,000 in donations and grants. Organizations LWC has supported include The Hugs Founda-tion, The Beck Center, Project H20, The Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation, the Mathews Lending Library as well as many others.

The LWC has also awarded more than $35,000 in scholarship monies to deserving high school seniors who are pursuing higher education. This past year we were happy to support Neelab Abdullah. Neelab is studying Biomedi-cal Engineering and is enrolled as a pre-med student at Baldwin Wallace

College as part of the Honors Program.Lakewood female residents who

attend High School are eligible for the LWC scholarship. Information on how to apply is below. Interested students can also check with their school guid-ance counselor for more information.

Nonprofit organizations who are in need of support are encouraged to submit a grant application. Grants will be distributed twice in the next two year period (May 2016 and May 2017).

Applying for either of our pro-grams is done by completing the application forms found on our web-site at lakewoodwomensclub.com. Once completed they can either be submitted via email to Mary Dodge, Lakewood Women’s Club President at [email protected] or they can be submitted via traditional mail to Lakewood Women’s Club, P.O. Box 771387, Lakewood, Ohio 44107.

The due date for the nonprofit grant application is March 2nd, 2015 and the due date for the scholarship is March 31, 2015.

Funding for these programs comes

from the Lakewood Women’s Club fundraising programs and events. One of our more fun events is our annual Great Pumpkin Fun Run that is held on the last Sunday in October at Lakewood Park. We would like to invite you to join us at this or any of our upcoming social events or general meetings. We welcome the support of those of you that are interested in help-ing us with our mission to give back to our community.

Please note that the grant amounts and the scholarships can vary and are calculated based on the success of our fundraising efforts. So plan to attend the Fun Run in October at Lakewood Park or one of our other events!!!

Please see our calendar of events on our website:www.lakewoodwom-ensclub.com.

If you have any questions contact Mary Dodge, President and Recipient Liaison at [email protected].

Yours in community service,Torey WorronPublicity Chair for the Lakewood

Women Club

February 6 Is $5 Friday At Nature’s Binby Mary Johnson

Nature’s Bin will be hosting its monthly “$5 Friday” on February 6 from 5 – 8 p.m. A five dollar cover at the door includes five wine and food pairings! You’ll also find five dollar deals through-out the store. February is American Heart Month so the food pairings will be all tasty, heart-healthy and vegan!

“Friends have been finding this a great way to kick off their week-end,” commented Rhiannon Blahnik, Nature’s Bin grocery manager. “Each month our $5 Friday has been grow-ing. It’s become a very social evening for everyone!”

The featured wines on February 6 will be Our Daily Red, a California Red Blend; Staccato 2012 Malbec/Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina; Grazioso 2011 organic Torrontes from Argen-tina; Caligiore 2010 Bonarda from

Argentina; and Hunt Country Vine-yards’ Sweet Gus blush table wine from the Finger Lakes.

Nature’s Bin will continue to be open for customers doing their regular shopping during this time as well.

Nature’s Bin hosts “$5 Friday” the first Friday of every month.



Lakewood Cares

1381 Bunts RoadLakewood(440) 228-7650ONeillHC.com

Celebrate National Assisted Living Week with us!

We’re perfect again in the Assisted Living Survey

O’Neill Healthcare Lakewood again has been certified as being deficiency-free by the Ohio Department of Health. We’re proud that we’ve achieved this high rating each year since 2008. We provide services and amenities with the comforts of home in our well-appointed Assisted Living suites.

Services & Amenities offered at O’Neill Healthcare include:

• Well-appointed apartments with a kitchenette and free WiFi• Easily accessible bathroom• Furnished respite suite available for short-term stays• Nursing supervision & nurse aide support 24 hours a day • 3 delicious meals and snacks served every day

Congratulations to Our “Perfect” Assisted Living Staff!

LakewoodAlive Honors Volunteers At Annual Volunteer Breakfastby Ken Brand

LakewoodAlive, a volunteer-driven organization, held its annual volun-teer appreciation breakfast on January 23, 2015 at the Women’s Pavilion in Lakewood Park. The event, attended by 50 volunteers, board members and staff, recognized the more than 750 volun-teers that help the non-profit economic/community development organiza-tion fulfill its mission to strengthen the local economy and improve Lakewood’s quality of life. The dedication and pas-sion of the organization’s volunteers was recognized by board president Bryan de Boer when he said, “You are what makes Lakewood a better place to live and call home.”

Several volunteers were honored at the event for their exemplary service to the organization and the community.

LakewoodAlive thanks both Jay Foran and Paula Reed for their service on the LakewoodAlive Alive Board of Directors as their terms have concluded. Jay was a founding member of Lake-

woodAlive and served as Community Engagement Chairman and Board Sec-retary. Paula, “Mrs. Lakewood,” served as the Downtown Lakewood Chair-woman and is the current vice president of the Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance, a program of LakewoodAlive.

Volunteer Champion Awards were given to the following individuals:

Mary Bond was the 2014 Light Up Lakewood Chair, an event that drew nearly 10,000 people

Cross Point Church volunteers Josiah Sutton & Reid Phifer assisted with five housing projects in 2014

Michael & Tina Dolatowski were volunteers for the Lakewood Wine & Craft Beer Festival

Rob Donaldson has completed sev-eral significant LakewoodAlive Design Committee projects

Cindy Friedmann and her crew at Dependable Painting donated a full-house exterior paint job

Gordon Geiger served as Lakewood

LakewoodAlive Executive Director Ian Andrews (Left), The Laskey Service Award Winner Carl Orban (middle), President of the LakewoodAlive Board of Directors Bryan deBoer (Right)

Wine & Craft Beer Festival ChairmanMosaic Leader Kevin Phipps and

his volunteers completed a summer-long, full-house exterior paint job

Dana Paul provided construction management for the Housing Volunteer Committee

Chris Vance has recruited musi-cians and volunteers for the Front Porch

Concert Series for four yearsA special award is given out each

year to a top LakewoodAlive volunteer for excellence in service. The Laskey Service Award was named for Tim Laskey, a founding member of Lake-woodAlive. The 2014 Laskey Service Award recipient is Carl Orban. Carl has volunteered with LakewoodAlive since 2013 and has been an incredible cham-pion of LakewoodAlive, the Housing Outreach Program and the Housing Outreach Volunteer Committee. Carl has helped elevate the program to new heights including project coordination during The Cleveland Orchestra Resi-dency’s PORCHestra events. He and his wife have also volunteered for the Lakewood Wine & Craft Beer Festival. Lakewood is lucky to have the Orban family here and the organization is humbled by all that Carl does.

PaintingGutter Cleaning $70-$75

Drywall, PlasteringElectrical/Plumbing

Window RepairPorch/Steps RepairGarage Door RepairGarage Door Repair

Deck/Home PressureWashing

Handy Man Services

personal hygiene items & toiletries for the less fortunate and donates them to LCSC.

As mentioned earlier, H2O assumes a huge role within our high school and mid-dle school communities. These volunteer experiences highlight the caring and generous spirits of our teen-aged youth. Students participating grow in their awareness of the needs of others and their capacity to help. The variety of service

Patterson’s Perspectivelearning opportunities is a fundamen-tal part of the H2O experience, showing teens the opportunities to affect change in large ways, but also through simple acts of kindness. While a great deal of emphasis is placed on the impact of involvement on the youth who participate, there are also tremendous benefits to our wonderful community. H2O epitomizes the philan-thropic spirit and altruistic attitude we are trying to instill within our youth.

continued from page 9



Wellness Watch

15203 Detroit Ave, Lakewood440-759-1991

www.themindbodysanctuary.com

Calendar of Events

Meditation Classes (no experience necessary)Saturdays • 10:30am - 12pm

Acupressure for Stress Relief Part 1

2/14, 2/21 or 2/28 • $45

Acupressure for Stress Relief Part 2

2/15, 2/22 or 3/1 • $45

R&RR E I K I S T U D I O

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intuitive readings, guided meditations and more.

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Psychologist (PSY#7140)Adult Psychotherapy

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Cynthia K. Kessler, Ph.D.

15522 Madison Avenue, Lakewood • 440-720-HEAL

Solutions for Body, Mind, and Souloffering

REIKI, TUNING FORKS, INTUITIVE READINGS, IONIC DETOX & MORE!

Free CwG discussion group 4th Tuesday of every month.

Lakewood’s Geriatric Massage Specialists

14701 Detroit Ave., Suite 595 Lakewood, Ohio 44107

[email protected]

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Introducing new ZYTO™ technology!

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Lakewood Soccer Association: Saturday Soccer Spring Registration!by John Hueter

The registration deadline is com-ing up soon for the spring season of Lakewood Soccer Association’s Satur-day Soccer program.

The deadline is Monday; Febru-ary 23rd. Registration cost is $55 for the spring season. LSA still will take registra-tions after the February 23rd deadline, but they are subject to a $10 late fee.

There are a few ways to sign up. Visit the “Saturday” page of LSA’s website, www.lakewood-soccer.com, and you can sign up with a credit card online. You also can print a registra-tion form from the website and mail it to us, or you can stop at the Madison Branch of the Lakewood Public Library from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m. on Satur-day, February 7th and 21st, to register in person. Payments at the in-person registration must be made by check or

Saturday Soccer Player: Camryn Perkins

cash.LSA’s eight-week season of games

starts Saturday, March 28th. Games are played at Memorial Field in the Metroparks on Saturday mornings at four time slots: 8:30 a.m., 9:45 a.m., 11 a.m. and noon. Schedules are posted on the website about a week before the season begins.

Registration is open to players age 4-14. Nearly 600 kids of all ability lev-els played on 45 co-ed teams, coached by parent volunteers, during the spring season. LSA has run a recreational soc-cer program for more than 30 years.

For those who register for the spring season, team assignments will be emailed to them during the week of March 16. Team practices and

league-wide footskills - U5 and U6 FUNdamentals with Coach Joe Julian, and U7-U14 footskills with Coach Attila Nagy - will begin the week of March 23rd.

If you have questions, please call Saturday Soccer commissioner Scott Suttell at 216-926-8702.



Business News

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Awardees Chosen By Colleagues And Site Selectors

Lakewood’s Jay Foran Named One Of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developersby Nina Holliday

Consultant Connect, a consulting agency that bridges the gap between economic developers and site consul-tants, named Jay Foran, senior vice president, business attraction for Team NEO, one of the North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers. The pro-fessionals selected for the list were nominated by their colleagues in both the economic development industry and the site consultant community for excellent practices, innovation and success in building the communities they serve.

“Being selected for this list is a great honor,” said Foran. “Economic development is a team sport that requires many talented and dedicated players. Being recognized by peers and site selection professionals for the work we do to advance Northeast Ohio’s economy is truly gratifying.”

Foran and his team, in partner-ship with local economic development organizations, JobsOhio and the state of Ohio, have assisted in the attraction of companies such as Alexander Mann,

Jay Foran, Team NEO Sr. Vice President, Business Attraction

Ambaflex, Borgers, Exterran, Nestle USA, Steel Warehouse, Valerus and more. He has been with the organiza-tion since 2007.

“The list of North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers was devel-oped as a way to acknowledge the work of these 50 economic development

leaders and elevate the conversation around best practices in the industry,” said Ron Kitchens, managing partner of Consultant Connect. “Each leader named is absolutely deserving of this recognition for the work they do every day to build their communities.”

Along with the honor of being rec-ognized as a top performing economic developer, Foran also will be featured on a podcast that will share his insights and experiences in Northeast Ohio as well as what makes the region unique and attractive for business opportuni-ties.

For more information about North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers or to subscribe to the weekly podcast, visit http://consultantconnect.org/category/econdev-podcast/. The pod-cast series is also available via iTunes by searching “From The Ground Up: North America’s Top 50 Economic Developers.”

“Meat” Us At El Carniceroby Ingrid Dickson & Irene Joyce

As we have previously stated, the Taster Twins have what we call “deli-cate” taste buds, generally eschewing anything that is touted as “spicy” or “zesty” or “tangy.” So it was with a bit of trepidation that we ventured into El Carnicero on Detroit Road. This meat-lover’s modern Mexican res-taurant/bar is surprisingly spacious, brightly decorated with a plethora of Lucha Libre Mexican Wrestling

masks which sightlessly welcome diners into the creative, casual space. The staff was gracious and exceedingly patient, making us feel comfortable and getting us familiar with the lay of the land.

On the menu, we started with a guacamole sampler, on which we chose a traditional avocado, a goat cheese with tomato and chile pob-lano, and a pickled corn with crab and chile chipotle. All three were absolutely scrumptious: creamy and yes, a little bit spicy in the most tan-talizing way!

Our server explained that we had a choice of either tamales or taquitos with these tempting options: coffee and ancho braised beef brisket, Mexi-can style pork sausage, negro modelo braised lamb shoulder, adobo braised wild boar, roasted turkey con mole and cashew, citrus stewed pork, slow cooked duck leg confit, curried cau-lif lower, sweet Thai chile and garlic

glazed mahi mahi, roasted beets and spinach with goat cheese and more. We felt compelled to provide this rel-atively long list because each choice is more interesting than the last, even for you non-carnivores out there!

Each of us and our husbands ordered something different, enabling us to taste each other’s food. What a pleasure it was exploring the various f lavors and combinations and none of us went hungry because the portions were generous. No patron will ever go thirsty either, with the extensive selection of specialty mar-garitas, cervezas, craft brews, and tequilas. Can’t decide? Try a margar-ita sampler!

The food, the atmosphere, and the hipster vibe are the antithesis of boring. This inspired and inspiring place is a treat for the tongue and a feast for the eyes. The Taster Twins say “Andale” and make your way to El Carnicero!

Mahall’s To Follow Up Successful ‘90s Partyby David Budin

Mahall’s 20 Lanes (13200 Madi-son Ave., Lakewood) will present the second iteration of its ’90s-themed music event “Groove Is in the Heart” on Friday, February 13. This follow-up to the wildly successful similar event held in early December is titled “Groove Is in the Heart: A Valentine’s Dance Party.” Cattitude Vintage is hosting the event, for which admis-sion is only $2.

Music will be provided by three local DJs: MC Uster (Marcia Custer), DJ White Rims (Darryl Dickerson) and

WRUW’s Rachel H.Mahall’s will be creating special

‘90s-themed cocktails for the evening, named for famous ‘90s couples. Vin-tage clothing, focusing on ‘90s styles, will be on sale by Cattitude Vintage throughout the event, in Cattitude’s dedicated space in Mahall’s.

For more information, contact: Mahall’s at 216-521-3280; or [email protected].



AS YOUR BUSINESS EVOLVES, SO SHOULD YOUR PHONE SYSTEM.

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OpinionLetter To The Editor

Lakewood Hospital Can And Should Be Savedby Steve Gannis

Lakewood Mayor Mike Sum-mers, who is a Lakewood Hospital trustee, announced with Cleveland Clinic CEO Dr. Toby Cosgove on January 15, that both men plan to close Lakewood Hospital and replace it with an emergency room and out-patient medical services. Lakewood owns the hospital, used to run it, then leased it to Cleveland Clinic from 1997 to 2026. A big mistake that gave selfish, conniving Cleve-land Clinic power over Lakewood Hospital. Cleveland Clinic and Lakewood hospital trustees, includ-ing Summers and Lakewood Councilmen Tom Bullock and Mary Louise Madigan escaped account-ability for the hospital losing money since 2005, about nine years after it was leased to Cleveland Clinic. Many Lakewood Hospital trustees don’t live in Lakewood. Summers and city council, which can oppose Summers’ plan and stop the closing by refusing to vote to close it, should stop rushing to close it, and wait ten years to consider.

They are doing what Cleveland Clinic wants in this matter, not what is best for Lakewood. Cleve-land Clinic has been diminishing Lakewood Hospital by eliminating

services for years, as if a deliberate plan to cause its demise, shifting some medical services to its com-peting Fairview Hospital - while building a new hospital in Avon. Of course less patients will go to Lakewood Hospital due to Cleveland Clinic trying to ruin it, as an excuse to close it. Are the Mayor and city council blind to all this? Or in the pocket of Cleveland Clinic? Indif-ferent? Or what? The current lease prohibits Cleveland Clinic from eliminating any medical services at Lakewood Hospital. But it appears that the Mayor and city council let Cleveland Clinic violate the lease by ignoring the elimination of certain medical services, including the pain management clinic a few months ago. A Lakewood friend told me that Cleveland Clinic has been recently telling some doctors who want to do surgery at Lakewood Hospital, to do it instead at Fairview Hospital. Cleveland Clinic chose to strengthen its Fairview Hospital while reduc-ing and then eliminating Lakewood Hospital, which competes with Fair-view Hospital. They do not care that many Lakewood residents who do not drive need Lakewood Hospital, not a distant hospital.

The January 22 weekly news-

paper Sun Post-Herald front page reports Lakewood will lose one and a half million dollars a year due to clos-ing Lakewood Hospital; the million dollar annual lease and $500,000 annually in lost income tax from Hospital employees.

The January 20 Lakewood Observer long front page article sup-porting Mayor Summers’ intent to close Lakewood Hospital was writ-ten by Colin McEwen, who did not identify himself as a paid publicity and news agent for Mayor Summers and City Council - which explains why he supports the Mayor’s desire to eliminate the hospital. Who can you trust? Not city hall politicians or Cleveland Clinic. Are the Mayor and city council dumping the hospi-

tal because they don’t want the work of running the hospital again? City council weeks ago voted itself a 30% raise. Maybe some or all of them should be removed from office in a recall election as the city charter describes, including the Mayor. That should get their attention.

To save Lakewood Hospital phone and email the Mayor and city council members at city hall 216-521-7580 and onelakewood.com Concerned people can attend a meeting to save Lakewood Hospital February 14 Saturday 4:30 p.m. in the Lakewood Public Library, first f loor multi-purpose room, 15425 Detroit. Call 216-221-0228 for more information or to help save the hos-pital.

Letter To The Editor

Fanby Brett Brown

Originating from a city that is known for its sports is something to brag about. Chicago is a sports city, having had the taste of a championship many times over, thanks to the world-famous Bulls. Anyone who is affiliated with me knows that I love my Chicago sports, no matter the season, no matter the record, I will always pledge alle-giance to the Bulls, Bears, Blackhawks and beyond.

Having lived in Cleveland for the past six years, hearing about a losing sea-son has pretty much become part of the vernacular. The departure of LeBron James in 2010 to the bandwagon-ry of the Miami Heat left a depressed morale, and the championship attitude diminished. I reveled in this, in fact, I even chuckled a time or two. I could finally brag to these Clevelanders about what a winning team feels like (and then Derrick Rose hap-pened, but that’s a different story). For a long time, I disliked Cleveland sports, and the more I immersed myself in the sports world, I began to feel sympathy for Cleve-landers. I have to admit, I could be pretty hard on Cleveland. The words “I dislike Cleveland” became a household statement for me. However, the more I watched the city grow, I began to grow with it.

From the start, I didn’t like the sports here. I disliked it. I disliked going to a sports memorabilia store and seeing a Browns jersey. I liked other teams (except

for Cleveland), and it is worth men-tioning that I am a die-hard Pittsburgh Steelers fan. Then this happened, I had an epiphany. I began to comment on the news posts about the Cleveland Browns. “Oh, the Browns traded Trent Richard-son to the Colts, what a shame,” “Oh, Joe Haden is one of my favorite players, but I don’t like the Browns.” And then, it finally came: the day I would almost regret, but it felt like a huge weight had been lifted off of my chest. I finally said it, albeit, hesitatingly, “I kind of like the Browns.” The words pierced my tongue like the sting of a thousand needles. I had finally admitted what I had been trying to escape for six years.

But I had to applaud Cleveland fans; they really love their teams. I came to appreciate the dedication of the Browns fans; I had extreme admiration for them. Even during the time when I couldn’t stand the team, I admired the Browns fans. I was caught up in trying to com-pare Cleveland to Chicago, to make up for my homesickness. But I began to admire this city and its dedicated citi-zens. I started to like the players (Brian Hoyer and Joe Haden are my favorites). I began to immerse myself in Browns news in a more positive manner, becom-ing one with the fans. Although the Browns have had a lackluster success, fans still pour into First Energy Stadium to cheer on their team. It reminded me of the dedication of Bears fans, albeit, with-out all of the added craziness. Although it’ll take me a while to even begin to like the Cavs and Indians, I will always have a special place in my heart for the Browns, and the dedication of their fans. Although, this has been a rather dull sea-son, the Browns still manage to pack the house. As much as I hate to admit it, and I really hate to admit it, I like the Browns. There, I said it.

Brett T. Brown, author/illustra-tor of “Haley’s Comet” is a senior at Lakewood High School.

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Celebrating Over 10 Years of Community Discussion at: www.lakewoodobserver.com continued on next page

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Lakewood LivingPreparing Your Home For The Spring Market - Part I

Get Rid Of The Elephant When Sellingby Michelle Mehaffey Taylor

We all have an Elephant in our homes. We may even have names for them like “Pet odor” or “Red vel-vet wallpaper.” My Elephant is “90’s Bathroom” it has forest green and mauve walls, large green tile, and cherry cabinets with gold hardware – a huge embarrassment. These are issues that we have learned to live with or have turned a blind eye to in our crazy, busy lives. What does a Homeowner do when they need to sell their home? If you’re still pay-ing off Christmas and dreading the approaching tax season, stick with the absolute essentials. Focusing on small to no-cost improvements is the best place to start in tackling your Elephant.

Front Door: This is the first impression of your home. While the snow is still on the ground it is hard

to make any improvements to the outside. Until the snow melts, scrub your front door and entry lights. Make sure they are free of debris, leaves and cobwebs. The locks should be easy to open with a key. Sweep your porch areas and clear away any trash or unsightly outdoor furniture. Add a new welcome mat and wreath for a splash of color.

Focus on the architectural details: Buyers love Lakewood for many reasons, one of those being the character our homes have to offer. Make sure these elements are in the best condition – repair or replace if necessary. Polish all of your hardwood details from the crown moldings to the built-ins. Make sure all lead and stained glass doors or windows sparkle. Other items such as original door handles and hardware are in good working order.

Let the light in: It’s amazing to me how much natural light dirty windows block. Give your home and instant lift and spend an afternoon cleaning all of your windows inside and out. Don’t forget the sills and dust the blinds while you’re at it. People love the idea of living in a bright and airy home. Make sure all light fix-tures have the highest wattage bulb safely allowed. Consider updating out of date light fixtures and ceil-ing fans. There is a wide selection of affordable fixtures available.

What’s beneath your feet?: A high percentage of Buyers desire hardwood f loors and original is even better. If your carpeting is in bad shape, consider pulling it up and showing off the hardwood under-neath. Minimally, sweep, clean and polish your f loors. If they need some repairs, or need to be redone, do some research before tackling this project or hire a professional.

The heart of the home: A Kitchen can make or break the sale of a house. Improvements can signifi-cantly increase your market value. If you’re not able to do a remodel, start by removing all non-essential clutter. This means all objects not used on a weekly basis: cookware; utensils; dinnerware; glasses/mugs; counter-

top appliances; pantry items. Make counter and cabinets look as spacious as possible. Clear off your refrigera-tor. Fix or replace the dripping faucet. A big bang for your buck is to replace cabinet and drawer pulls.

Bath: Like the Kitchen, bath-rooms are a big seller for Buyers. When on a budget, cleaning goes a long way in this space. Remove all toiletries within view. The vanity should be a no-clutter zone. Other items on the to-do list include: clean the grout; remove rust stains; apply fresh caulk; update cabinet pulls; toilet paper holder and towel racks; replace faucets; and install a low-f lush toilet. Even buying a new toilet seat can make a difference. A new shower curtain is the finishing touch.

Above ALL else, the most impor-tant Elephant to eliminate is clutter. De-clutter every room, closet, base-ment, nook and crannyof your house. My rule of thumb is if you have not used it, worn it, looked at it or seen it in the past year, get rid of it. Most of us don’t realize that our clutter can equal the size of an Elephant! Remember less is more, and can go a long way when preparing your home for sale on a budget.“This one-of-a-kind program and

partnership between Discovery Edu-cation and 3M has inspired thousands of students across the country, giving them the valuable opportunity to hone the critical skills they need for col-lege and career success,” said Godfrey Rangasammy, PreK-12 Science Cur-riculum Supervisor at Prince George’s County Public Schools in Maryland. “The Young Scientist Challenge not only encourages our next generation

to solve the challenges of tomorrow, but this competition also highlights the incredible possibilities for today’s young minds to develop breakthrough creations that will change the future and revolutionize the way we live our lives every day.”

For more information on the Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge, including submission guidelines, tips from previous winners and complete rules, please visit: www.youngscien-tistchallenge.com.

Cox Communications Joins Discovery Education, 3M In Search For America’s Top Young Scientistcontinued from page 10

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RTA’s 55 Ridden By Two Of RTA’s Harshest Criticsby Jim O’Bryan

We have seen the increase in signs on Clifton thanks to RTA and the now infamous 55 Bus Line. The increase in signage was so bad, everyone noticed, everyone thought it was terrible. Only the smallest handful of people, thought, oh, they’re just being safe, or not abusive.

One of the more outspoken peo-ple against the signs was West Clifton resident and long-time Observer, Ryan Salo. And it was Ryan Salo who called shortly before Christmas asking, “Do you want to ride the 55 with me?”

I said sure, but was a little curious as to why. Usually people ask me along if they’re going to a bad neighborhood, or if we will encounter “trouble” of one kind or another. After walking Slavic Village at 2 am for a story on squatters, address-ing known criminals in the back of the parks, etc., riding the 55 seemed tame.

Long-time viewers of the Deck know that Ryan and I are polar oppo-site on most things political, religious, lifestyles well-- nearly anything. At the same time, Ryan has brought a lot of insight to the Deck, and I have found when you talk with Ryan he has a quiet, friendly unassuming nature, that is far different from his posts. What we share is our love of Lakewood, Ohio.

We both grew up here, genera-tions apart. Ryan’s father was one of my friends in school. We have both watched Lakewood grow and change. We both know first-hand that Lakewood has ALWAYS BEEN a top-tier city in the region with great schools, a great library, great police and fire, and people - people that are just wonderful in their diversity, their beliefs, their lifestyles, economic situations. I have long maintained, there are no normal people in Lakewood, and therein lies the beauty of the city. Like a living breathing “King of Hearts.”

Still, the 55? Why on earth would I get on a bus!? Buses are nasty things filled with nasty people going nasty places. The

last time I was on the bus, 8-years-ago it was 1am, I feared having too many drinks to drive and climbed on the Detroit Bus, as I made my way onto the bus, with incorrect change, paying a full $5 for a drunken one-way ride. The first thing I noticed was the litter. Oh wait, that’s a Lakewood Observer all over! Better pick that up, OH GOD what is on it?! I gath-ered the paper together while stumbling and rolling around, finally managed to clean up the mess, which I had indirectly caused, when suddenly, I was at my stop. Walking the block home in the cool eve-ning air was a great refresher which was good for clearing the head.

Anyway, I digress. Ryan, sure I’ll go, sounds like fun.

So Tuesday, December 30th we agreed to meet at Blackbird Bakery, and climb on the 55. Now while this is not really a good test of the bus shelters, it was a great way to start the morning, and you can get on a 55 right in front. So we grabbed our coffees, and headed out to catch the bus.

As we got on the NEW BUS we were greeted by a very pleasant driver, who worked us through how to pay. It’s funny how real bus riders pass through the doors and into the bus without effort. Newbies like us fumble with bills, combi-nations, who would pay, who would hold coffee, etc. Through it all the bus driver

waited, smiled, and helped us with math. We paid and went to the back of the bus.

If you have not been on one of the new extended buses, it is definitely weird. What is not apparent from the outside is the seating is theateresque. The farther back you go, the higher the seats. CLEAN, my god were they clean. Now they are new buses, but the bright green seats with an occasional CSU logo on the seats made one think, nice, CSU, comfortable, CSU, downtown, CSU, timely, CSU, lunch, CSU.

Somewhere near Highland Avenue we picked up Eric Pate, a young man with a skateboard. He got on the bus and walked to the very back, plugged in his ear phones, and relaxed. So Ryan asked him, “Do you ride the bus often?” He answered with a story about whenever his girlfriend doesn’t give him a ride he does, so once or twice a week. We asked, “Do you like it?” He smiled and said he loved it. Quick, easy to get on and off. He was headed to the kitchen where the soup for “Souper Market” is made. Ahhh food, something Ryan and I agree on. We mentioned how good the soup is at the Souper Market, and he told us about the fresh ingredients, how talented the kitchen is, and that his favorite was the corn chowder as he is a vegetarian. We asked how he gets the rest of the way to work and he said, skateboard or bus depending on weather.

We asked about signage in Lakewood and he said it did seem excessive. Then I asked him to pose asleep like a homeless person for the story and he said, “Sure!”

The bus ride was smooth and fast. Before we knew it we had cleared Lakewood and were headed downtown. It was great, here at peak rush hour, fly-ing down a pretty empty Shoreway, with a 98% empty double bus. We counted 7 riders the entire time. In the blink of an eye, we were pulling into the Stephanie Tubbs Jones, Memorial Bus Turn-A-Round, and the end of our ride!

We stopped to talk with the bus driver, who has driven for RTA for some time, loves working for RTA, and loves driving the new buses. She stopped the bus, put it in park, and stayed in her seat as we took a selfie with her. She was the perfect driver and RTA representative. Always nice, positive, and very safe.

As we got off into a totally empty RTA station, we walked up to the only sign of life there, the RTA Transit Police. As Ryan spoke with the officer, I wandered around, amazed at just how big, and just how empty it had all been.

Kind of a shame, as the ride, and the bus, were a complete pleasure.

As I walked up to the police car, the officer got out, and we had a chance to speak with him. Ryan asked, “Can you write tickets to illegally parked cars in bus lanes?” His answer was, “In Cleveland yes, Lakewood no, well until they get their county ticket books, then he can write a county parking ticket in Lakewood.”

Hmmmmmmm, so I asked the question we all want to know the answer to, “I am driving 80mph on I-90, and I see a policeman ahead and slow down, as I creep up alongside I see it is a RTA Transit, if I speed back up, can you write me a ticket?” The answer was a depressing, “YES. Well, yes if you are in Cleveland.” Damn, all those times I slowed down, I guess I am glad.

One of the things that jumped out at me during this ride was the total lack of people, at the bus stops, on the bus, and even the beautiful Stephanie Tubbs Jones

Ryan relaxes in the big, clean, empty double long bus as we take off on the 55 towards downtown Cleveland.

continued on next page

Ryan spends some time speaking with an RTA Police Officer. It was here we found out about the new county tickets RTA Officers can issue anywhere in the county!

After putting the bus in park, keeping her foot on the brake, the bus driver allows us a selfie. She was a great RTA representative.

Memorial Bus Turn-A-Round Station. There was one empty bus, one lonely Transit Police Officer in his car, Ryan and I, and that was about it. Seemed odd to us that the so much effort was made in getting the buses downtown, and there was no one on them.

I know RTA releases numbers on bus riders and the Mayor of Lakewood put the number at over 75% of the city that relies on RTA at some point. Well, that could be true, but on this day at prime rush hour, unless everyone left Lakewood, the num-bers are much less. Still overall, it was a great experience which leads one to won-der, why more people don’t take the bus?

Well I turned to Ryan and said, “How about some breakfast?” With a smile he said, “Sure where?” I said let’s walk back to Public Square and eat some place along the way. And off we went, not realizing that we were walking into Cleveland’s desert, a.k.a. The Euclid Corridor.

The changes to Euclid Avenue since I was a kid are stark, very stark. Euclid used to be alive with mom and pop stores from Public Square to University Circle. Little places with rotting mansions every now and then left over from Cleveland’s Golden Age of the 1880s-1920’s. Mam-moth mansions owned by Smith, inventor of the arc lamp, Rockefeller, Case, and others whose names are still with us today. And in-between would be the bars: Sterling, The Library, Wine and Roses, and great places to eat like Hatton’s, Hot Sauce Williams, etc. Little dinettes and restaurants in the various arcades. NOW, empty buildings, or large non-profits and strangely no place to eat - and one reason

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Eric Pate, regular rider and great guy, pretends he is a bum sleeping on the bus for my photo-op. He said it was “very uncomfortable.”

continued from previous page

The Old Arcade, I have always loved this place. Festive decor, but empty.

could be NO PEOPLE!In our walk from East 23rd to

Downtown at 9:30am on a Tues-day morning, we only saw 31 people. Hardly the renaissance that one can build a return to the golden age on.

So along the way, we walked into the Old Arcade to see what was there. In the old days there were at least six restaurants in there from Tea House Noodles to John the Waiter’s, both with Lakewood con-nections. We walked around the gorgeous but empty main floor, and finally ran into

a security guard, and we asked, “Where is a good place to eat around here?” He suggested we go across the street to the Coloniel Arcade. “I think there is a place over there,” he said. So we went across the street and back a block, walked through the arcade and saw nothing that would remind me of a restaurant to get breakfast at. So we continued to Public Square.

As we walked past what used to be the Cadillac Lounge, I stopped and looked around. WOW, empty and so anti-human it was shocking. How did we end up with this, a mall that attracted thousands now completely empty with the exception of people waiting for buses or to transfer to other lines.

Back in the day, House of Nuts was on the corner of the alley between May Company and May Company, and the air would be filled with the great aroma of roasting nuts from the time you got off the rapid, to the time you got past Woolworth’s.

I realize times are a changing, but this move from people-friendly to non-profit friendly was disturbing. From welcoming all to making sure indi-

gents and others never loitered around, the area has become too controlled, too sterile, too uninviting. Just terrible.

Ryan is looking at me like I’m some old man reminiscing about what was, instead of focusing on the future and the now. You could tell he was desperate to say, “Are you going to start crying old man?” But he did not. Instead he said, “Have you ever been to the casino?”

I mentioned to Ryan that I have never been at Cleveland’s jewel, The Horseshoe Casino. With a smile he said, “I have a hunch that they have a buffet! Let’s go.” So with a slight change in trajectory we were

walking into Higbees, err the Horseshoe Casino for fun, gam-bling, and breakfast.

Now I have been to many a casino buffet and found them to be an odd mix of pretty food that tasted terrible or nasty food that at least filled you up. My favorite would be the “All You Can Eat Las Vegas Shrimp Cocktail” that when it is delivered you realize that it is more like Shrimp Jam, with shrimps so small they turn into a grayish sludge topped with red sauce of some kind. For the most part, they are just close enough to food that you stop gambling, and then immediately go back to gambling. Oh well, in the desert called Downtown Cleveland, even a soda cracker is appreciated.

So we enter the big, beau-tiful Horseshoe casino and the first thing I notice is that there is no one in there! WOW, I mean that is probably a good thing as it was 10:30am, but at the same time, real casinos are packed around the clock.

After walking through the entire ground floor and seeing no one but dealers standing at black jack table after black jack table, we went upstairs where there were slots. Slots are gen-erally considerd the entry level gambling device. You don’t need to know odds, math, rules or even

manners, you just sit in front placing coin after coin into the machines, pulling the levers and watching again and again to see just how lucky you are. I am thinking casinos probably make more on slots than anything else. Well on the second floor in the slots area at least there were a couple grandmothers getting lucky.

We then ended up at the poker tables, many tables but only two oper-ating, but both filled with about 16 gamblers. As I have developed a fas-cination for poker, you could tell the players hated people looking over their shoulders, so we moved on.

Traveling downstairs to the buffet, a massive area filled with hot table after hot table, mostly empty and with only four people sitting in the breakfast sec-tion. So we wandered over to the set up for breakfast, where they had sausage, eggs, pastries, cereal - hot and cold, fruit, and waffles, pancakes, and french toast. So I grabbed a little of everything, except the missing fruit, and sat down.

Ryan, being the pro at the table had found the omelette bar, and directed

me towards it. When I got there it was right next to the cooks, and they were the most lively thing I had seen all day. Anxious to make us the perfect omelette, and they had the patter of a card dealer, sharp, insightful, funny, and dedicated to making us happy. Great guys and a great omelette. The rest of the food was inedible, but the omelette, perfect. Well, perfect considering the other food we had acquired.

As we left the casino, Uncle Ryan promised me he would bring me back for a real gambling experience. I asked if being a newbie would be a problem, and he assured me, “Jim I will make sure you are OK, we will just make sure everyone at the table knows you are a newbie, so they can go easy on you.” I love it when friends help friends.

So back out to Euclid, and it was now down to a bus every 30 minutes, so I suggested we walk towards Lakewood until we saw a bus coming. Well, we walked down Ontario, another place complete dug up with “new stuff.” Then down Lakeside, past West 3rd and nearly to my old apartment on West 9th, the scene of much craziness in the Bradley Building in 1978!

Well if we walked any further we would have been on the Shoreway, and while I was up for it, Ryan was hoping to return to his wife and children, and thought it was not a “great” idea.

So we waited, and while we waited we talked to a man waiting for the bus, and we asked him, “How do you feel about the bus and more importantly the 55 Line?” With a huge smile, he told us how he had been taking it for years to and from work, and that he was headed home. All he has noticed is cleaner buses,

faster routes, and a better experience. As the bus approached and we

climbed on it, again the driver was an absolute pleasure to deal with. Even though I was a much confused new-bie, he took the time to explain four times how I put my day pass into the machine. He even called me back when I left it in there to go sit down.

Ryan and I headed to the back, as our new friend sat in the front. We reflected on the day, and just how clean and quick the 55 was. We had a great morning, but the only thing truly great were the bus rides, everything else was totally depressing. Even the ride back was empty, but smooth, quiet and quick.

We both agreed, the 55 Bus was a great addition to the Lakewood scene, but we also agreed, the sheer number of signs was troubling and destructive to the homey feel of Lakewood, totally trashing Clifton, one of the nice streets in town.

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