The Lakewood Observer

NATURE'S BIN TO EXPAND VOCATIONAL TRAINING PROGRAMS WITH BUILDING PURCHASE Cornucopia to purchase McDonald's Building on Sloane Avenue

Mary Johnson — Mon, 14 May 2012 10:32:05 EDT

Lakewood, OH -Cornucopia, Inc., a northeast Ohio nonprofit that provides vocational training for people with disabilities and the owner/operator of Nature's Bin, a full service natural foods market in Lakewood, announces that they have entered into the final stages of negotiations for the purchase and redevelopment of the McDonald's building on Sloane Avenue in Lakewood.

"This is an exciting time as we add additional space to expand our training program capacity, food services and catering," stated Scott Duennes, Executive Director of Cornucopia/Nature's Bin. "It has always been part of our long-term vision to stay and grow in our local community."

Lakewood's Gifted Program: Gem Of Lakewood's District Enables Children To Thrive

by Megan McKinley-Nagel, Margaret Cooney, Betsy Voinovich, Discovery parents — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

Ms. Bluemel's class gathers around to help split open a coconut during their study of edible plant life.

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Lakewood Schools' Gifted and Talented program, called the Discovery Program in elementary school has this as its mission statement: Our mission, through the support of the total learning community, is to serve and meet the needs of academically talented students by nurturing their affective and cognitive development. In doing so, we hope to enhance their potential for life-long learning and maximize their productive contributions to the communities in which they will live.

Lakewood's program is rare and special in that it is a self-contained group of students in a class. In these times of budget cuts, Superintendent Patterson has made it clear that he understands the communities' wish to maintain this program. In order to share what the experience is like with parents wondering about the program, several parents offer their insights:

Community Vision Begins To Come Into Focus

Margaret Brinich — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

Nearly 20 years since the last formal Community Vision plan, various stakeholders within City Hall including City Council, Mayor Summers and the Planning Commission began preparing back in January of 2012 for the formulation of a new vision for Lakewood's future by first re-evaluating the 1993 plan.

Superintendent To Present Budget Cuts

Christine Gordillo — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

Superintendent Jeffrey W. Patterson will present the Lakewood City Schools’ financial plan to balance the district budget at the May 21 Board of Education meeting to be held at 7 p.m. at Horace Mann Elementary School.

Detroit Avenue Merchants Enterprises Kicks Off With Snack N' Shuffle

Debra O'Bryan — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

A new merchant association is being formed in Lakewood. The Detroit Avenue Merchants Enterprises or D.A.M.Es. Any business from the west to the east ends of Detroit Avenue are invited to join in. Their goal is to increase exposure and sales for members while giving back to the community. One of their ideas is a monthly "Lakewood Shuffle". At each location, shoppers will receive a raffle ticket just for visiting, additional tickets available for any purchase or donation made during their visit for a monthly drawing of a prize donated by one of the participating businesses.

The inaugural event, the "Snack N' Shuffle, is being held Saturday, May 19th from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m., each participating D.A.M.Es. shop will have free appetizers and snacks. Rumors of chocolate covered strawberries at one of the locations...yum. The stores involved in this kick off event are: The Reiki Room, 1394 Cranford, behind Sweet Designs; Just 4 Girls, 15612 Detroit; A Friends Secret, 16506 Detroit; The Designer Consignor, 17118 Detroit; Vintage Faire Antiques, 17106 Detroit; Geppetto's / Johnny Malloys, 17103 Detroit; The Willow Room, Trinity Lutheran Church, 16400 Detroit; and Create A Cake, 17114 Detroit Avenue. Look for the silver and gold balloons outside of each location.

University Of Akron Recieves Lakewood City Council Resolution

Suzanne Metelko — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

Lakewood City Council presented the University of Akron with a resolution congratulating UA on its success and thanking the University for investing in the community of Lakewood. Receiving the resolution for UA is Provost Mike Sherman. Council Vice President Mary Louise Madigan presented the resolution. Also in the picture are Lakewood City Council members Ryan Nowlin, Shawn Juris, Monique Smith, David Anderson, Tom Bullock, as well as Mayor Michael Summers, UAL Director Suzanne Metelko, UAL executive committee members Gary Fix, Lou McMahon, and Dru Siley.

Council Welcomes The University Of Akron To Lakewood

Christopher Bindel — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

Council Vice President Mary Louise Madigan called the May 7, 2012 Council meeting to order at7:31 P.M. She then asked Council to excuse the absence of Council President Brian Powers, who was missing due to a family matter, and they did so.

Councilwoman Madigan (Ward IV) then asked Council to pass a resolution welcoming the University of Akron to Lakewood. She said that the University of Akron Lakewood is just the most recent of Lakewood's community treasures worth celebrating.

Children And Youth Events At Lakewood Public Library

Arlie Matera — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

Monday, May 21-Saturday, August 11

Summer Reading Club
For children ages birth through twelfth grade

Feeling adventurous? Join our Summer Reading Club and read 30 books or for 30 hours over the summer. Visit the Summer Reading Club desk to collect stamps and tickets toward prize drawings.

Children's and Youth Services at Main Library and Madison Branch

Explore The World--Right Here At LPL!

Arlie Matera — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:19 EDT

Feeling adventurous? Our Summer Reading Club is your ticket to see the world! Starting on May 21st, children ages birth through fifth grade can sign up to be a part of “Around the World in 30 Books.” Sixth through twelfth graders have their own reading club, “Get Global—Read.” 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 11th.

A World of Crafts At The Lakewood Public Library

Julie Strunk — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

It’s hot, Hot, HOT! The kids are whining a lot, Lot LOT! “There’s nothing to do! We’re bored!” Take them on an adventure; bring them to the Children’s and Youth Services department of the library. Relax in the air conditioned, bright, activity room and get creative! Drop in for a different craft each week and practice some basic motor skills. Cut, color, paste, and pretend! Make an African mask one week, a Swedish kran the next week! Get creative by making pretend sushi, Venetian masks, wild ponies, and more! Visit us at our Main branch or our Madison branch, Monday through Thursday, anytime between 11:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. A World of Crafts starts on Monday, June 18th and ends on Thursday, July 26th. There is no need to register in advance.

Homebound Delivery Service

Leana Donofrio-Milovan — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:19 EDT

Are you a Lakewood citizen who loves to read or watch movies but you’re unable to come to the library? Did you know that the Lakewood Public Library offers Homebound Delivery Service? If you can’t get to the library because of age or disability, we will deliver and pick up your library materials. You can request books (including large print), magazines, DVDs, VHS tapes, music CDs and audio books.

Lakewood Public Library Board Of Trustees Opening

Leana Donofrio-Milovan — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:19 EDT

The Lakewood Board of Education is accepting applications for appointment to the Lakewood Public Library Board of Trustees for the seven year term commencing September 12, 2012. Additional information concerning the duties and responsibilities of Library Trustees is available at the Library’s Web site: www.lakewoodpubliclibrary.org. Interested candidates should direct a letter of interest and qualifications to the Superintendent of Schools by May 15, 2012:

The Lakewood Library Concludes Another Successful Strokes Of Genius Program!

Julie Strunk — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

From L to R: Gabriel Toledo,Edan Perry, Katherine Skourlis, Mary Skourlis, Josh Patterson, Eden Sutliff, Audrey Warren, Evan Bell, Patrick McCallum, Aidan Bohac, Lillian Germaine Not Shown: Claudia Irwin, Anna Calfee, Grace Calfee

Students in second through fourth grade wrapped up another seven week session of the Strokes of Genius program on Wednesday, May 2, 2012 at 4:30 p.m. Students proudly showcased their talent in an art show for family and friends. A variety of projects were displayed from watercolor paintings of birds in the spirit of John James Audubon, self-portraits in the style of Miro’, story quilts imitating the art of Faith Ringgold, chalk drawings inspired by Julian Beever, and more! Parents applauded as each participant received a special award and purple ribbon.

St. Edwards Robotics Team Photo

Arlie Matera — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:19 EDT

A student from the St. Edwards Robotics team demonstrates his creation for an eager LPL audience.

Events At Lakewood Public Library

Leana Donofrio-Milovan — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:19 EDT

May 16

Lakewood Historical Society

Meet the Author: Out and About with Winsor French by Jim Wood

The uncloseted Winsor French was one of the most faithfully read columnists in the history of Cleveland journalism. For more than forty years he covered the jazz beat and cafe society of the 1920s and 1930s and the local "Jolly Set" of the postwar years. Jim Wood, author of Out and About with Winsor French, will discuss the fabulous personal and public persona of this groundbreaking newspaperman. Books will be available for sale and signing at the event.

Wallace Coleman: A True Master

Michael Dirse — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:19 EDT

When Wallace Coleman performed last year at the Lakewood Public Library, I had only been told by many of his mastery and skill. Nothing prepared me for the moment Wallace took the stage. With grace and ease, as natural as a conversation with your best friend, he played a note on the harmonica. And then another, as if words from some other place that only he and I knew deep in our souls were being spoken. But then I realized everyone in the room was feeling the same sense of intimacy, and together we were all bearing witness to a world of beauty and sadness that made you aware of simple joy. Curious what the blues are really about when a true artist speaks.

Girls On The Run Program Hits Its Stride In District

Christine Gordillo — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

Lincoln Elementary's Girls on the Run members warm up for their weekly run.
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A program called Girls on the Run is helping girls around the district learn to build strong and healthy lives physically, socially and emotionally. The Girls on the Run program, which has been around for 15 years, made its debut in the District last school year at Emerson Elementary School and Harding Middle School (where it is called Girls on Track) and this year has expanded to Garfield Middle School (in the fall) and Grant and Lincoln elementaries.

Former Harrison Student Shows Gratitude In Big Way

Christine Gordillo — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

John Carroll and former Harrison student Najam Hassan works with a current Harrison student during "Boler Community Day" that Hassan helped organize.
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John Carroll senior Najam Hassan remembers fondly his years at Harrison Elementary, which were also his first years here in America as a young Pakistani immigrant with his family. “Everyone welcomed me really well, it was like being part of a family,” Hassan said. “It’s where I learned to speak the language.”

All these years later, Hassan found a way to show his gratitude to his former school and teachers who helped shape him into the successful and determined young man he has become. He brought a crew of fellow John Carroll students back to his old school to volunteer as part of the university’s “Boler Community Day” on April 27.

Full House Turns Out For North Coast Health Ministry's Junk2Funk Benefit

Jeanine Gergel — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

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A sell-out crowd of 100 partygoers came out to support North Coast Health Ministry at the fourth annual Junk2Funk benefit at Local Girl Gallery on Friday, April 20, 2012. Attendees sampled appetizers and desserts donated by Lakewood restaurants and had the chance to win artwork, jewelry and other items donated by local artists and craftspeople.

"Hair of the Dog" Happy Hour And Silent Auction

Helene Gaidelis — Tue, 15 May 2012 21:26:18 EDT

Bruno adopted from the Lakewood Animal Shelter

It’s time for an evening filled with music and comedy, pizza, appetizers, open bar drinks, and fantastic raffle baskets, all while helping our furry friends! And you can be a part of it.

The Citizens Committee for the Lakewood Animal Shelter (CCLAS) is sponsoring its eighth annual ‘Hair of the Dog’ Happy Hour and Silent Auction on Thursday, May 31st from 5:30 – 8:00 p.m. at the Avenue Tap House (18206 Detroit Ave) inLakewood. Once again, dozens of Lakewood and Cleveland-area businesses have generously donated items and services for auction, including tickets to Cleveland sporting events, live shows, restaurants, fitness centers and spa certificates, tons of pet-friendly products and much more! As always, 100% of the proceeds will benefit the animals in the community ofLakewoodand will allow us to fund our low cost spay and neuter program, fostering program, and vet care for the shelter animals in 2012!