The Lakewood Observer

Council Considers Improvements To The Basketball Courts In Lakewood Park

Christopher Bindel — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:52 EDT

Council President Brian Powers called the May 6, 2013 meeting of Council to order at 7:31 P.M. Visiting the meeting were five members of the St. Edward’s wrestling team who went to the state finals this year. They began the meeting by leading everyone in the Pledge of Allegiance.

Following the Pledge, the first order of business was a communication from Councilman Shawn Juris (Ward III) regarding the St. Edward’s wrestling team. He asked Council to take the time to recognize and congratulate St. Ed's on their successful season as they are coming away from another Ohio State Championship. Councilman Juris highlighted the students’ individual hard work and dedication as well as their ability to work as a team under the guidance of Coach Urbas.

Boys Tennis Captures WSC Title

Chris Johnson — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:52 EDT

The WSC Champion Lakewood Tennis Team. They have now won 3 of their past 4 league titles.

The Lakewood Tennis team finished off their finest year in the past half a century by beating Rocky River 3-2 and claiming the West Shore Conference Title outright in their first year in the league. Seniors Chris Brinich and Dan Mezin won in straight sets at second the third singles, respectively. The second doubles team of senior Matt Carlson and junior Colin Levis dominated from start to finish in their straight set win. The Rangers finished unbeaten in the WSC and completed their regular season with a 13-4 record.

9th Annual "Hair Of The Dog" Fundraiser

Kate Coghlan — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:53 EDT

It’s time for an evening filled with DJ entertainment, open bar drinks, appetizers and fantastic raffle baskets, all while helping our furry friends! The Citizens Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter (CCLAS) is sponsoring its ninth annual ‘Hair of the Dog’ Happy Hour and Silent Auction on Thursday, May 23.

As always, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the animals in the community of Lakewood and allow us to continue our low-cost spay and neuter program.

Here are the detail you need to know to be a part of this awesome event!

When: Thursday, May 23 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m.
Where: Around the Corner, 18616 Detroit Ave, Lakewood
Admission: $25 per person (includes open bar and appetizers)

8th Annual Meet The Trucks Scheduled For June 1

Julie Derrick — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:52 EDT

The City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Early Childhood PTA are excited to once again host the popular Meet the Trucks event on Saturday, June 1st from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. The event will be held at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue, and is free and open to the public.

Several of the trucks and vehicles in the City's fleet will be on hand to explore. They include an aerial truck, dump truck, refuse truck, fire truck, police car, police motorcycle, SWAT vehicles and more. In addition to the trucks, there are many other fun activities to explore! There will be bounce houses, a DJ, raffles, crafts and balloon twisters. Jungle Bob will be presenting two free shows and food will be available. While supplies last, there will be free popcorn and bagels. There will also be drinks, hamburgers, snow cones and more available to purchase.

Events At Lakewood Public Library

Leana Donofrio-Milovan — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:52 EDT

May 15

Lakewood Historical Society: The Battle of Lake Erie: Birth of a Nation and a City

John D. Cimperman, President of the Early Settlers Association of the Western Reserve, commemorates the Battle of Lake Erie, a key turning-point in American history that took place just 60 miles from here. After the United States won its independence, it found itself in a dangerous world without the protection of the Royal Navy. Between 1783 and the conclusion of the War of 1812, American shipping became prey to privateers around the world and close to home. Cimperman recounts our nation’s struggle for survival up until the lasting peace that was struck up between the United States, Canada and England in 1815.

Children/Youth Events At Lakewood Public Library

Eric Knapp — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:53 EDT

Lakewood Lego® League
For youth in kindergarten through fifth grade (caregivers welcome)

Use LPL’s collection of Lego®Bricks and your own imagination to create fabulous new structures and designs each month. No registration, but numbered tickets will be given out first-come, first-served. One ticket per child. For more information, stop in or call (216) 226-8275, ext. 140.

Sunday, May 19, 6:00 p.m. – 7:30 p.m. in the Main Library Activity Room.

Get A "Taste of Judaism" With Rabbi Enid C. Lader At The Lakewood Public Library

Morgan Maseth — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:53 EDT

The traditions of Judaism have deep roots in our national culture. The Lakewood Public Library will be hosting a three-part class for people of all faiths to explore the spirituality, ethics and community through the lens of Judaism for like-minded knowledge-seekers called “Taste of Judaism.” This journey of Jewish learning is sponsored by the Jewish Education Center of Cleveland and the Cleveland Board of Rabbis. Leading “Taste of Judaism” will be Rabbi Enid C. Lader. With her guidance, these classes will serve as an introduction to the Jewish faith and to new friends.

Rabbi Enid and her husband, Harry, have been Lakewoodites for the past thirty years with both their daughters graduating from the Lakewood School system. After studying music therapy and education, Rabbi Enid went for a graduate degree in Judaic Studies. Originally serving as the Director of Congregational Education for Beth Israel- the West Temple for twenty years, she then became Spiritual Leader for Knesseth Israel Temple in Wooster. It was during this time that she started her rabbinic studies. In 2010, Rabbi Enid was ordained from the Academy for Jewish Religion and finished her time in Wooster in 2012. When the rabbi at Beth Israel- The West Temple was retiring, she was asked to assume the rabbinic position there, and started there in August of 2012.

Jugglers Enjoyed By All

Marge Foley — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:53 EDT

Juggling pins were tossed and caught with great precision by the performers from the St. Ignatius Circus Company.

Jugglers from the St. Ignatius Circus Company recently treated an enthusiastic audience at the Lakewood Public Library to a fun-filled program. The entertainers, students at St. Ignatius High School in Cleveland, delighted the crowd with a professional juggling show and some magic tricks. There seemed to be a special “connection” between the performers and the boys and girls in the audience because the children could see that the jugglers are not that much older than they are. Following the performance children were invited to come up and “meet the props” and enjoy a quick “learn to juggle” event with tennis balls.

My Sicily: Life In The Cusp Of The Mediterranean Sea: Meet The Author At LPL

Lisa Calfee — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:53 EDT

If it rhymed it would be a sonnet, if it had a tune it would be a romantic ballad, and although it’s considered a travel guide, "My Sicily: Life in the Cusp of the Mediterranean Sea" remains a love story. That big beautiful island with a thousand scents and colors is the sole object of author Francesca V. Mignosa’s affection in her new book. And good news, this is no tragic romance; Sicily loves her too. To prove it, Mignosa has been named Ambassador of Sicily in the World and has won the Italian Literary Award “Sicilia Mondo 2013.”

Now that the award-winning author is closer to our moody Lake Erie shores than the sun-drenched Mediterranean, Lakewood Public Library is happy to announce she will be the guest speaker at our Meet the Author Series on Friday, May 24 at 7:00 p.m. in the Main Library Auditorium. We hope you can join us for this enjoyable discussion with Francesca V. Mignosa. Copies of her book will be available for sale and signing at the event.

Strokes Of Genius Ends With Art Show

Marge Foley — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:53 EDT

The 2013 spring session of Strokes of Genius at the Lakewood Public Library recently came to a close as participating second, third, and fourth graders proudly showcased their talent at an art show for family and friends.

Each week students learned about the life and work of a different artist and then completed an art project in the style of that artist. Artwork created by Paul Cezanne, Georgia O’Keeffe, Robert and Sonia Delaunay, Michelangelo, Georges Seurat, and Andy Warhol provided the inspiration for the students’ creative efforts. Oil pastels, watercolor paints, clay, tempera, and markers were some of the art mediums used. Each participant took home their creative work, a certificate, and a purple ribbon.

Summer Reading Club 2013 At The Lakewood Library

Julie Strunk — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:53 EDT

Feeling adventurous? Like to discover and uncover? Let’s all dig a little, read a little, and discover a lot!

Something exciting is happening at the library this month. It’s something that returns every summer with a new face and a new name; something that starts small, but grows until by summer’s end thousands of kids are involved. Have you guessed it yet? It’s summer reading club, and this year it’s all about what you may find underground!

Starting on May 20th, children ages birth through fifth grade can sign up to be a part of “Dig Into Reading”. Sixth through twelfth graders have their own reading club, “Beneath the Surface”. Kids will gather stamps and prizes as they go, and a special reward awaits those who complete thirty hours of reading (or thirty books for younger readers) by August 2nd.

Renowned Professor Now Calls Lakewood Home

Anne Shields — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:07:16 EDT

Dr. Paul Kuritz.

Lakewood welcomes highly respected author, playwright and professor Dr. Paul Kuritz to its midst. Dr. Kuritz had taught at Bates College located in Lewiston, Maine since 1978. There he taught acting and directing for the stage and screen. He has directed over one hundred plays throughout the United States, and in 1990 was invited to teach and direct at the National Theater School in Bratislava, Slovakia. He has also directed films, “A New Life” (2008) and “Amy’s Wish” (2012). These films were selected to be shown in Houston, Atlanta, Chicago, and the Gideon’s Flame Christian Film Festival, in Manila, Philippines.

His dramatization of the short story "The Yellow Wallpaper" by Charlotte Perkins Gilman was included in The Best American Short Plays 2001-2002 (Applause, 2006). His most recent work is "The Fiery Serpent: a Christian Theory of Film and Theater." (Pleasant Word, 2007)

Camp Dream Comes True For Future Doctor

Missy Toms — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:53 EDT

Harnold Ramazani has the ambition, the drive and the heart to change the world through medicine. And thanks to five generous Lakewood High School alumni, he is one step closer to his goal.

Born in Albania, Harnold immigrated to the United States with his family when he was nine months old. Seeking greater opportunity and a better education for their children, Harnold’s parents won a national lottery for the chance to start a new life in America.

From a young age, Harnold’s parents have encouraged him to become a doctor; to help people, to heal people, and to have job security. A car accident on his 10th birthday changed his perspective on life. Since that point, he has never taken life for granted, and his faith in God grows. Now his desire to be a doctor is even more purposeful; it will give him a chance to help people physically, emotionally, and mentally.

Ranger 360 Forum To Address Teen Dating Violence, Sexual Assault

Christine Gordillo — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:52 EDT

Ranger 360, a collaborative program headed by the Lakewood City School District , Domestic Violence & Child Advocacy Center (DVCAC), Cleveland Rape Crisis Center (CRCC) and Lakewood Police Department, is holding its first community forum on Wednesday, May 29 at 7p.m. in the Garfield Middle School Cafetorium.

The goal of Ranger 360 is to design and implement a comprehensive school-based response to sexual assault, dating violence, domestic violence and stalking (SADDVS). Lakewood is one of nine districts in the nation and the only one in Ohio that received federal funding to support a program of this nature and is in position to create a state and even national model as a result.

LHS Academic Challenge Team Headed To Nationals

Christine Gordillo — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:52 EDT

The Lakewood High School Academic Challenge team will test its factual knowledge against the best in the nation when it travels to Washington, D.C. May 31 - June 2 to compete in the 31st annual National Academic Championship tournament. The team qualified for the national contest as a result of its undefeated regular season victories in its eight-team West Shore league.

When Art And Calculus Collide

Christine Gordillo — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:52 EDT

"Transversion," the public art piece that graces the front lawn of the Lakewood Public Library on Detroit, no doubt spurs some contemplative thinking by its viewers, as art often does. Calculus, however, is probably not what you think of when looking at the intriguing sculpture. Perhaps a group of former LHS calculus students and a little booklet published by the library will change that.

“Poems and Problems” is a tidy booklet containing, yes, poems and math problems inspired by the Peter Diepenbrock installation. Last school year, AP Calculus teacher Bob Sedlak asked his senior students to study "Transversion" and come up with a solvable math problem related to the piece. The result is a dozen calculus problems interspersed among the poems about "Transversion." For those of you who may find calculus a tad intimidating, the book also contains a dozen geometry, algebra, trigonometry and probability problems waiting to be solved.

West Shore Pair Place 1st In State, 10th In Nation In IT Competition

Christine Gordillo — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:52 EDT

Congratulations to West Shore Career-Tech and Lakewood High students, junior Matt Kerrigan, and senior, Dan Twardesky, on their 10th place finish in the national 2013 Cisco NetRiders IT/networking competition on May 3. Over 1,800 students from 36 states and Canada competed.

Kerrigan and Twardesky’s high national finish came on the heels of a first-place finish in the state portion of the competition. They were one of only three Ohio teams to advance to the final round. The final round was a live online event broadcast via Cisco WebEx with audio, video and chat features. In addition to the national recognition gained from their 10th place national finish, Kerrigan and Twardesky each earned a $100 gift card.

And The Beat Goes On

Paula Reed — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:52 EDT

In 2013, the Lakewood High School orchestra program marks 20 years under the stewardship of Beth Hankins and commemorates the 10th anniversary of the renowned Lakewood Project, one of the first high school rock orchestras in the country.

Classically trained, Ms. Hankins admits her knowledge of rock music was sorely lacking when she scheduled a field trip to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for a presentation on orchestral rock performance. She came away from that workshop convinced she had a new way to connect with yet more kids, and threw herself into planning, organizing and recruiting students.

Girls On The Run Program Goes Beyond Fitness

Christine Gordillo — Tue, 14 May 2013 22:52:52 EDT

Members of Horace Mann's Girls on the Run team, along with coaches and parent volunteers, practice for their upcoming 5K in Akron on May 19.

Girls on the Run, a program now in its third year in the district, is helping many of our elementary and middle school girls learn to build strong and healthy lives physically, socially and emotionally. The Girls on the Run program, established 16 years ago, made its debut in the district in 2011 with two schools (Emerson and Harding). Garfield Middle School and Grant and Lincoln Elementaries started their programs last school year, and Horace Mann joined ranks this year, bringing the total number of school participating to six. At the middle school level, the program is called Girls on Track.

District Buys 10 AEDs

Christine Gordillo — Tue, 14 May 2013 23:07:16 EDT

Lakewood City Schools recently reaffirmed its commitment to the safety and well-being of its students by purchasing 10 AED (automated external defibrillators) units for the district. The AEDs, which have been credited with saving lives when a person on site goes into cardiac arrest, will be installed at all seven elementary schools and both middle schools as well as the Board of Education offices. Lakewood High School and Lakewood City Academy already have AEDs.