The Lakewood Observer

Mayor's Corner: Lakewood City Hall Space Challenges Stem Largely From Growth And Evolution Of Police Department

Meghan George — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

As some of you likely know, the City of Lakewood is currently working to address the longstanding space challenges at City Hall. What some of you might not know is that a large part of this space challenge comes from the growth and evolution of our Lakewood Police Department (LPD) over time. It also involves our effort to better align the amount of working space our police have available to better reflect national industry standards and also what is being provided with peer departments here in Greater Cleveland. Back in 2023, the City of Lakewood engaged Weber Murphy & Fox (WMF), an architecture and design firm, to help us better understand the challenges at City Hall and explore potential solutions. What became even clearer during the ongoing analysis was just how cramped things had become for our police officers. Research conducted by our planning department provided further documentation of this issue.  We are all proud of the excellent police work being done by Chief Fischer and LPD day-in and day-out. When City Hall opened in 1960, the total number of officers was 30 fewer than today. Over the past 65 years, the department has evolved with the times to bring in expertise and capacity focused on SWAT, narcotics, crisis intervention and de-escalation, and many other specialized elements. While this work keeps the people of Lakewood safe, it also has helped cause an unaddressed space crunch for LPD.

FirstEnergy Promises To Try To Deliver Third World Power To Lakewood

Jim O'Bryan — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:17:30 EDT

In a series of letters back and forth between city officials and First Energy Management, First Energy offered Lakewoodites a third world solution: “Rolling brown-outs during peak energy times.” Yep, you heard right, we pay our bills, tolerate their wires, poles, exploding substations and transformers, the thanks we get, at some point or points during the week, they will shut your power off with no warning. But just for a bit, even though your power grid is working fine. You know that weekly food you just put in the fridge? Don’t count on it not spoiling. You know Grandma on oxygen? No problem, she will probably make it. You know those things you need to finish? First Energy said forget it for now. Your fish tank of prized tropical fish? Oh well. Your security lights and cameras? Not an issue according to them. First Energy told our city officials it is hoped that this only lasts until 2027 or so. It should be remembered that FirstEnergy was just fined $20 million a year ago, in connections with charges of “epic utility ripoff that featured more than $61 million in bribes and a $1.3 billion bailout” Marty Schladen, August, 2024.  That’s right, fellow Lakewoodites, while we worked and paid our electric bills through many cost increases, FirstEnergy was scheming to find how to get more of our money through increased taxes and bribes. While they were wining and dining public officials and others in an attempt to get their hands on more public cash and help. They forgot to keep our service updated. They decided your grandpa on life support, or your groceries, just no longer mattered in their bottom line. I would hope our Mayor and Council can get behind a bill that’s going through Barberton City Hall where they were told exactly what we were told. If the power goes out, FirstEnergy pays while making residents whole for the trouble, and any and all losses. It is only fair, and what is right.

Updates On City Of Lakewood Efforts To Push For FirstEnergy Solutions

Meghan George — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

The City of Lakewood continues to push FirstEnergy to address the frequent and severe power outages that have been plaguing Lakewood. As many of you know, on June 27th I sent a letter to the Public Utilities Commission of Ohio (PUCO) in partnership with Councilmen Kazy and Slife of Cleveland to demand action regarding FirstEnergy Corporation’s chronic failure to consistently provide power to Lakewood and Cleveland’s west side over the past year. PUCO is the only governmental entity in Ohio with oversight of public utilities – local government has no direct power over utilities, we can only advocate. I am pleased to report that I received a response from PUCO Chair Jennifer French on July 1st which confirmed that PUCO had launched an official investigation in response to the joint letter. Chair French stated that the PUCO Board Members “share and appreciate the concerns outlined in your letter [and] I take the concerns in your letter very seriously [and] I can assure you that the PUCO is engaged in this important matter and we will follow up.” I have continued to communicate with Chair French by phone and email following her letter to keep apprised of the process. In addition to my direct outreach to PUCO, I have been in direct contact with Governor Mike DeWine’s office to make him aware of the severity of the issue. The Ohio Governor is charged with appointing all members of PUCO, so it is important that Governor DeWine understands FirstEnergy’s failures. I was appreciative that a member of Governor DeWine’s team met with me personally at City Hall last week to discuss this matter.

Meet John Noran Lakewood’s Latest Centenarian

Jim O'Bryan — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:17:30 EDT

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I received a tip that one of our fellow Lakewoodites was turning 100. I went to visit our latest centenarian,  James Noran, age 99 and 320 days old. Mr Noran was residing at O’Neill Healthcare Lakewood this past year, just a stone’s throw from his current Lakewood home on Manor Park. As I reached out to shake Mr. Noran’s hand, I was taken aback by the strength and steadiness. Looking into his eyes, I could see the years, but also a bright spark that comes with life. With Lakewood being the big tiny town that it is, I probably know one of the kids or grandkids. So I took these rare minutes to speak with someone who had seen so many things invented, and then become obsolete. The first thing he wanted me to understand was that he had helped get tennis courts at Lakewood High. This was in part due to his love of tennis and his personal success on the courts in college. His house is the only one I know of with a full size clay court in the backyard! The other fact he kept coming back to was that 238 times he had legit brushes with death. I chuckled and said, “BS.” He smiled and started in: "Well there was the time I was in a cathedral in France during the war, and a bomb..." As we continued speaking of his 100 years, he would stop, smile and say, “Then there was the time I fell asleep and woke up with a poisonous snake next to my head where I was sleeping..." I said, “Ok, that’s 2, maybe.” He would talk of his family and life at O’Neills then suddenly say, “Then there was the time in the war...” I would say that’s 3, then 4, then 5.

Rest In Peace, God Speed Danny McCarthy

Jim O'Bryan — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 20:35:25 EDT

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It is with a heavy heart that I inform our readers and fellow Observers of the passing of Dan McCarthy, publisher of the Parma Observer. Dan died from a heart attack suffered while riding his bike on the way to the Parma Independence Day parade. He was only 64. I first met Danny as a kid. His grandmother lived at the end of our street and we bonded way back then. Many years later, as we shared a passion for music, we would run into each other at concerts and venues around town. One day, around 25 years ago, Dan walked into our offices selling copiers. Friendship rekindled. His sales stops would turn into hours of conversation about any and every topic. The man was a wealth of knowledge of Cleveland history and life in general. Years later, after seeing the Lakewood Observer flourish, Dan wanted to start one in Parma. No one knew Parma, Seven Hills, and Parma Heights like Dan did, and I can assure you, no one loved his city more. That was over 15 years ago. It was a perfect fit. Dan enjoyed giving kudos and a voice to his fellow residents. What made Dan unique was his ability to juggle all sides of discussions in three cities that seemed the same, but were radically different on the ground. Danny was the consummate professional and statesman who saw and sought the best that Parma could be. Our cities will be less without him. One of eight children, Dan is survived by his four sisters, Mary Ellen (Leo) Riley, Carol (Timothy, deceased) Walcheck, Jean (Robert, deceased) Gandee, Lois Malak (Ted Zayda), and his brothers, Martin (Sheila), Joseph, and James P. Jr.  Dan was the proud and beloved father to his daughter Ellyse Patterson.

Bocce At Cove – League 1 Wrap-Up & League 2 Kickoff!

Nancy Feighan — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

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We just wrapped up an exciting first session of Bocce at Cove—congratulations to Bella Bocce Donne for taking home the win! Their teamwork and tosses were top-notch! A big round of applause to the other seven teams as well—their spirit, sportsmanship, and fun energy made League 1 lots of fun from start to finish. To celebrate the season and kick off League 2, we hosted a lively Meet & Greet where new teams enjoyed refreshments, mingled, and caught the final games of the first session. The energy was high, the snacks were tasty, and the camaraderie was strong. Here’s to another great season of friendly competition and fun on the bocce court—let the good times roll!

Lakewood High School Class Of 1947, A Swell Student

Jeff Fritz — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL, 1947 You never know what you might find at the Lakewood Library book sale. I came across a yearbook that's more than three-quarters of a century old. The owner, a girl named Eleanor, was very popular, as evidenced by the 100 autographs that filled every available space on the autograph pages. A full thirty-percent of the signers described her as “swell.” That was apparently the in adjective two years after the war ended. Since then, other words have become more popular such as “groovy” and “awesome.”  Maybe even “boffo,” which I found among a list of synonyms for “swell.” Okay, probably not “boffo.” Eleanor was involved in Red Cross, Latin Club, Violin Club, Public Speaking, and was president of the Friendship Organization.

Upcoming Events At Lakewood Public Library

Lisa Calfee — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

Meet The Author- Poet's Night with readings by Cora McCann Liderbach, Stephanie Ginese, Dar Montonaro, Haylee Schwenk and Michelle Tackla Wallace  Wednesday, July 16, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.in the Main Library Auditorium  Enrich your Wednesday night with poetic reflections from five local writers.   Presentation- British Royal ScandalsPart II with Julie Koenig  Wednesday, July 23, 2025 at 7:00 p.m.in the Main Library Auditorium   Julie Koenig from Royally Amused spills the tea on scandals that have rocked the British monarchy.  Literary Cleveland Presents:  Write Now: Poetry Writing Group instructed by Jenna Martinez

Lakewood Summer Meltdown Returns Saturday, July 19 For A Sizzling 17th Year

Ava Olic — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

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One of Northeast Ohio’s most beloved summer traditions is back and better than ever. The <a href="https://lakewoodalive.org/r/lakewood-summer-meltdown-2025/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">17th Annual Lakewood Summer Meltdown</a>, presented by <a href="https://lakewoodalive.org/" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">LakewoodAlive</a> and sponsored by <a href="https://www.cox.com/residential/home.html" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">Cox</a>, will transform the heart of Downtown Lakewood into a bustling hub of energy and celebration on Saturday, July 19 from 4 to 10 PM.

Lakewood Arts Festival

Katherine Isenhart — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

For one breezy summer day, Detroit Avenue from Belle to Arthur on Saturday, August 2, 2025, 10am-6pm, becomes a creative oasis and brings artists of all disciplines together with 15,000 collectors and art lovers. The juried festival hosts over 175 regional and national artists displaying painting, prints, photography, art glass, ceramics, sculpture, jewelry and more. Fine art prints and painting selections include works by Eileen Dorsey capturing meditative forests of light and color, emphasizing our connection to nature, Emily Haggard our “Best of Show 2024” offers abstract acrylic paintings of dreamy botanicals. Akron native Rich Cihlar stencils and spray paints intricate layers and shadows on founds objects like skateboards. Fine print artists are represented by the hand carved and hand colored Lino block prints of Micki Mencin and the illustrative whimsy of Brian Andrew Jasinski of Grey Cardigan. Returning to the festival this year will be Billy Ritter featuring handmade ceramics, crafted from stoneware and porcelain and Yumiko Goto offering one-of-a-kind ceramics vessels, featuring delicate petals, seeds and buds, finished with her custom pastel glazes. Kathy Oda, glass artist from South Carolina creates large scale sculptures by layering glass to create glowing multi-dimensional installations.

Christmas In July Sale

Gina DeSantis — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

Nationally renowned ceramic artist Gina DeSantis is hosting a one night in person sale of her artwork. Gina has been part of the Screw Factory Artists since 2008. Her work has been featured in over 400 retailers across the country including Uncommon Goods and Anthropologie. Most recently her work has been featured in Food & Wine Magazine. In order to do some "summer cleaning" she is bringing back a sale she hasn't hosted in over a decade. Customers are invited to shop sale items for individual purchase or fill a bag for $100. Rules apply so please visit her site for details. Full priced work will also be available for purchase. Shoppers can also check out her membership studio during the event. The membership space provides 24/7 studio access for a monthly fee for ceramics hobbyists and artists. This space is perfect if you do not have the space or money to invest in equipment such as kilns, wheels or glazes. This space does have a membership application and limited spaces opening September 1st. To apply visit https://www.ginadesantisceramics.com/pages/membership-studio When: Friday, July 25th from 6pm-10pm Where: Studio C323, 13000 Athens Ave in Lakewood, OH 44017 Contact: Gina DeSantis ginadesantisceramics@gmail.com/440.785.5409 For more information visit: www.ginadesantisceramics.com

Building Tennis Back Up In Lakewood

Coach A.J. Baumwell — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

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When I moved into Lakewood in 2018 it was a goal of mine to get my children interested in one of my childhood passions, tennis. I was fortunate enough to play on a state winning high school team back in Pittsburgh, PA where I was raised. During my undergrad at Penn State, I combined my passion for working with kids and teaching to become PTR (Professional Tennis Registry) certified to teach/coach tennis. I was excited about the number of tennis courts Lakewood had to offer but unfortunately it seemed that one would need to travel outside of Lakewood to find beginner classes. With the initial goal of starting some grassroots beginner classes I developed a great partnership with the Lakewood Recreation Department. However, since starting my 1-hour classes a few years back with the Rec, I saw the need/demand for a more intensive youth program to really help kids learn the fundamentals of the game. This past month I launched my first ever Lakewood Youth Tennis camp the week of June 23rd (which just happened to be the hottest week of the year). From 9a - 12p Monday through Friday, I was joined by a few helpers (including two Lakewood High tennis athletes) to focus on proper grips, footwork, forehands/backhands, volleys/overheads, serves and an understanding of how tennis is scored. The camp even featured a demonstration of two college level tennis players from Case Western who visited to show off their amazing hitting capabilities. A big thank you to Lakewood's own Geiger's for pitching in t-shirts for everyone.

Historical Lectures At Church Of The Ascension Feature Lakewood’s French, Andrews, And Hutchinson Families

Corky Thacker — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

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Mia Hutchinson Soosai, a descendant, will discuss “The French and Andrews Family in Lakewood History” on Wed., July 23 at 5:30 p.m. in Ascension Hall, second floor of Church of the Ascension, an Episcopal Church located at 13216 Detroit Avenue. Their large family-run farm was known in Rockport and later Lakewood for the production of fruit and specialized flowers. After the death of her Civil War veteran husband, Virginia French Andrews, with the help of her sons, kept the farm going. Several Lakewood streets bear these family names, and land that was donated by the family to the city created Andrews Field, which the city renamed Kauffman Park.  Jeff Hutchinson and Jennifer Cauffield will discuss the prominent Lakewood Hutchinson family, which built freighters and were known in Cleveland Society for their successful endeavors. Their family home was one of the great estates lost to time in Lakewood. Smaller homes, designed by Clarence Mack, still stand on the Hutchinson estate on Edgewater Drive. Pictures, old family films and stories will be shared in the nave of the church on Fri., July 25 at 5:30 p.m.

A Bloom With A View: Lakewood’s 4th Annual GardenWalk Beckons

Melissa Kress — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

The countdown is on! In just a few days, Lakewood will be in full bloom for the 4th Annual GardenWalk Lakewood, happening Saturday, July 19, from 10 AM to 4 PM. This free, self-guided garden tour is your passport to a day of discovery, where you’ll stroll through vibrant yards, meet fellow plant lovers, and soak up the creativity of our community’s most passionate gardeners. Here’s how you can join the fun: Tour the gardens Bring your friends, your family, or just your curiosity. It’s a perfect day to explore. Maps and routes are available on <a title="GardenWalkLakewood.org" href="https://www.gardenwalklakewood.org/2024-gardenwalk-maps">GardenWalkLakewood.org</a>. Join our Social Media Scavenger Hunt While you explore the 4th Annual GardenWalk Lakewood, snap photos of the items listed on our social media accounts and share them on Facebook or Instagram with @gardenwalklakewood or #GWLKWD. Each tagged post = 1 entry! The GWL Scavenger Hunt runs from July 19 at 10 AM to July 20 at 11:59 PM EDT. Five winners will be chosen at random and notified via private message.

Meet Me At Cove: Jean Smith, “Sweet” On Gardening

Nancy Feighan — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

Jean Smith, née Sweet, fell for Cove’s Community Garden the moment she heard about it after a slow flow chair yoga class last year. She instantly knew, “That’s where I’ll be next season.” Now she’s happily tending her raised bed and connecting with fellow gardeners—including one whose son went to school with hers. A Cleveland native who spent childhood weekends with cousins in Lakewood on Cranford Avenue, Jean always had a soft spot for the city. In 1985, she made it her permanent home. This year, her Lakewood house will be featured on the Lakewood Garden Club Walk—an honor rooted in family tradition. Gardening runs deep in Jean’s family. Both her grandmothers were avid gardeners who passed down natural, time-tested tips she still uses today: <ul> <li>Hand-weeding is best—gentle and effective.</li> <li>Keep ants away by mixing crushed eggshells with cinnamon and sprinkling around the plant base.</li> <li>Deter squirrels, rabbits, and chipmunks with red pepper flakes.</li> <li>Welcome the helpers—spiders eat aphids, worms enrich the soil.</li> <li>Cherish legacy plants—Jean still grows her grandmother’s “Seven Sisters” red rose, now thriving in Lakewood for 40 years.</li> <li></li> </ul>

How To Keep Your Family Safe Around Water This Summer

Angela Townsend — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

After weeks of waiting, summer in Northeast Ohio arrived in full force. And even though our hottest days might be behind us, there’s still plenty of summer fun left to squeeze in before the start of school. Water play can be one of the best parts of summer. It’s incredibly attractive to children, especially toddlers. Children love to explore. But water also comes with risks. Drowning is the leading cause of death for children under 4 years old in the United States. It can happen within seconds or minutes, with no screaming or a lot of splashing. Drowning is silent and fast, and not always at a pool. A hike near an open body of water can quickly turn deadly. That’s why it is important that you play it safe when it comes to water, whether it’s in a private or community pool, the Cleveland Metroparks beaches, or streams and lakes. Constant supervision around water is non-negotiable. Be especially alert when:

Lakewood Public Library Children’s And Youth Services Programs

Jeffrey Siebert — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

Color Our World Summer Reading Club  For all children and youth from birth up to those entering Twelfth grade. Read for fun and rewards. Participants will be entered into weekly drawings for prizes and gift cards. Readers can check in online or in person. Come to the library and check in halfway through and receive a reward. All finishers select a new book to keep.  Friday, May 9, 2025 through Monday, August 11, 2025  Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color  For the whole family. Join Science Heroes on the Adventure of the Missing Color. Along the way, the audience helps the performer conduct exciting science experiments that bring this story to life. Experiment with chemical reactions, air pressure, physical explosions and more. Don’t miss this exciting and interactive STEM learning adventure. No registrationrequired.  Friday, July 18, 2025 at 3:00p.m. in the Main library Multipurpose Room   Bricks and Books     For all children and youth from birth up to those entering Twelfth grade. Read for fun and rewards. Participants will be entered into weekly drawings for prizes and gift cards. Readers can check in online or in person. Come to the library and check in halfway through and receive a reward. All finishers select a new book to keep.  Friday, May 9, 2025 through Monday, August 11, 2025  Science Heroes: Adventure of the Missing Color  For the whole family. Join Science Heroes on the Adventure of the Missing Color. Along the way, the audience helps the performer conduct exciting science experiments that bring this story to life. Experiment with chemical reactions, air pressure, physical explosions and more. Don’t miss this exciting and interactive STEM learning adventure. No registrationrequired.  Friday, July 18, 2025 at 3:00p.m. in the Main library Multipurpose Room   Bricks and Books

LREF Class Of 1961 Legacy Scholarship Winner: Ava Cuffari

Christine Gordillo — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

Ava Cuffari is a true standout—athlete, scholar, leader, and compassionate volunteer. With a passion for helping others and a drive that never quits, Ava exemplifies what it means to be a Lakewood Ranger. She plans to study Biology on the pre-med track and has already been recognized with the Governor’s Scholarship and a Rotary Speech Contest award. Ava is a captain on the varsity cross country, basketball, and track teams—balancing her busy athletic schedule with academic excellence, earning Distinguished Honor Roll and holding the highest GPA across all three teams. Her commitment extends well beyond the classroom and field. As Co-Visionary for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society’s Student Visionaries campaign, Ava is leading 40 teams in a massive fundraising effort, aiming to raise $50,000 in just seven weeks. Her leadership, event planning, and relentless determination have already brought the team more than halfway to their goal. In addition to over 200 hours with LLS, Ava has volunteered with Special Olympics, H2O programs, youth sports camps, and even served as a camp counselor for Ohio Heritage Camp. Whether helping young athletes, delivering groceries to nursing homes, or leading community events, Ava’s spirit of service shines brightly.

Great Schools, Great Community

Todd Phillips — Wed, 16 Jul 2025 14:59:09 EDT

Lakewood is thriving.This community has long been a wonderful, diverse place, and it will continue to be so if we take care of Lakewood and each other. Most people reading this will already know about the many fantastic attributes Lakewood has to offer. If you don’t, come check it out.  It’s an incredible place to visit, live, and raise a family. One cornerstone of any community is a quality education system. Successful schools require many things; among them are great students, enthusiastic and committed teachers, safe and functional facilities, and staff and administrators who support all stakeholders. I am confident and pleased to say that Lakewood has these characteristics covered overwhelmingly. Is there one characteristic that is more critical than others? For me, it is undeniably yes. It’s the community. Parents and community members who are engaged in a school system ensure that strengths are reinforced and deficiencies are improved. A dynamic community and defined process for growth empowers student education and development that is conducted in a manner consistent with the needs and desires of the community. I feel very fortunate to say that Lakewood demonstrates those attributes. The staff and school board agree. The mission statement of the Lakewood City Schools is the following: In partnership with our families and community, Lakewood City Schools will develop responsible citizens, who are critical and creative thinkers, committed to life-long learning, invested in a diverse society, and prepared for technological and global opportunities. It’s the teachers, staff, and school board’s duty to consider and connect the community with every aspect of their daily actions.  So, what happens if that goes astray and community engagement is lacking or is disjointed? A less connected and involved community might let things slide, might let things pass with the hope that our elected representatives or someone else will make things better.

Lakewoodites Perform At Innovative Theatre Festival

Sarah Bene — Wed, 09 Jul 2025 11:21:44 EDT

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Another year of the <a href="https://www.borderlightcle.org/">BorderLight Theatre Festival</a> is here. BorderLight is an annual celebration of arts, culture, humanity, and all things “fringe.” Located in Playhouse Square, this year’s festival will run July 16th-19th and feature a plethora of performances, including live plays, dances, circus acts, puppetry, stand-up comedy, music artists, and more.