Lakewood Public Library Director, Kenneth Warren, a civic fixture in the City since his arrival in 1984 has advised the Board of Trustees of his plans to retire effective July 1, 2009.

Mr. Warren, who oversaw a period of dynamic growth for the Library in both its services and facilities, will be sorely missed. Having worked hand in hand with Ken during an extensive construction and renovation project, I can attest to his devotion to the community. His love of his adopted community goes far beyond his efforts on behalf of the library. While certainly the multiple number one rankings in Hennen’s American Public Library Ratings (HALPR) during his tenure speak volumes as to his efforts as Director, such recognition merely scratches the surface of Lakewood’s true Renaissance man. The civic activities, in which he has been a part, included such diverse interests as being a founding member of the Lakewood Observer and LEAF, past president of the Lakewood Christian Service Center, past president of the Lakewood Kiwanis Club, the Lakewood Scholarship Foundation, as well as past president of the Ohioana Library Association...

Mayor Ed FitzGerald presented a plan to City Council to automate refuse collection in the City as part of the 2009 Budget Hearings focusing on Refuse which took place on November 18, 2008. City Council will consider this plan as they make decisions about the City’s 2009 Budget.

The Green Refuse Initiative proposes to automate the City’s refuse collection system. This system will be more efficient, more economical and more environmentally responsible than the current system. The plan calls for all homes in the City to receive a refuse collection container which the city will provide. Residents will place this container on their tree lawn on their collection day and a refuse truck with a mechanical arm will lift the container off the street, empty it into the truck and return the container to its original position. Collection of recycling and large item collection will remain the same. Cleveland, Akron, Columbus, Cuyahoga Falls, Solon, Beachwood and Bowling Green already use an automated refuse collection system...

his holiday season, avoid crowded parking lots and malls. Direct Sellers of Lakewood will offer a variety of unique and quality products for sale and entertaining demonstrations on Saturday, December 6, 2008, 9 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Beck Center for the Arts. Admission is free, and on-site parking is available. Vendors will donate 50% of their profits from the sale to the Beck Center.

The Dance Alliance of the Beck Center hosts a Holiday High Tea Party on Sunday, December 7 at 1 p.m. and 4 p.m., with a preview on Saturday, December 6 at 7 p.m. in the Beck Center Music-Armory Building. Under the direction of Melanie Szucs, company members from the Beck Center Dance Workshop and selected dancers will perform excerpts from Act II of The Nutcracker, with original choreography by Melanie Szucs.

Grace Lutheran Church will offer a Live Nativity Scene on Saturday, December 20th, from 6 P.M. to 8 P.M. Grace is located at 13030 Madison Avenue directly across the street from Madison Park...

Be a part of the magic this holiday season when downtown Lakewood transforms into an old-fashioned main street during the second annual Light Up Lakewood, from 6 to 8 p.m. Saturday, December 6.

The holiday kickoff and downtown lighting will feature musical entertainment, ice carvings, sleigh rides, refreshments, a visit from Santa and friends, an official holiday lighting ceremony and plenty of good cheer...

Anticipation is growing for this year’s Light Up Lakewood event. Elsewhere in this issue you will see all the wonderful plans that LakewoodAlive volunteers have made for you. It is going to be a night of fun, fun, fun!

Did you miss the West End Halloween Painting Contest or want more info? Go to our website: www.lakewoodchamber.org and you can find out who the winners were and view some great pictures of the event.

Love to write? Know a fourth grader who is has a way with words? The 2nd annual Light Up Lakewood "Why I Love Lakewood" 4th Grade Essay Contest will soon be in full swing. The contest is open to all of Lakewood's 4th graders. Participation forms were sent to students through schools and are also available at Lakewood Library and the Chamber of Commerce. Kids, need some Christmas money? The winner will receive a prize of $100 and will also flip the switch at the Holiday Lighting Ceremony on December 6th during Light Up Lakewood...

The line will be forming before the doors open for Christmas Sale on the Grounds at the Nicholson House. Eager shoppers know the oldest house in Lakewood (1835) is a festive spot to start your holiday shopping.

The sale features our Antiques Room where you'll find a one-of-a-kind gift or sentimental collectible for the person who has everything. Vintage linens, glassware and silver share space with antique ornaments. The other three rooms will be fully stocked with new and nearly-new gift items; tree trimmings, decorations, wrapping paper and anything you need for holiday entertaining...

Inspired by the festive Higbee’s Twigbee shop, young volunteers in the city of Lakewood’s H2O “Help to Others” program are busy as elves creating inexpensive holiday gifts for a Santa shop that will open during this year’s Light Up Lakewood event on Saturday, Dec. 6...

On Wednesday, November 26, the Lakewood Ministerial Association will co-host “Be Thankful” an ecumenical celebration with special musical guests, Scott Troyer and Katie Nelson - - - two new voices in the realm of contemporary Christian music, who are currently touring through the northeast United States.

The service will begin at 7 pm, with a seasonal reception preceding the service at 6:15 pm. Location: The Lakewood Baptist Church (14321 Detroit Avenue; corner of Detroit and Lincoln Avenues)...

If you’ve never had a chance to catch the jazz duo Sugarcoat, consider dropping by the Lakewood Public Library Sunday, December 7, for an hour of great music to ease you into the hectic holiday season.

Sugarcoat is made up of keyboard player Chris Hanna and vocalist Kelly Wright. They cover such classics as “Route 66,” “Fly me to the Moon,” “Don’t get Around Much Anymore,” and “Cry Me a River,” as well as some favorites like “Moondance” and “Fever.”

The opening of the newly renovated Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at Lakewood Hospital marks the completion of a three-year critical care construction project, which includes the Coronary Care Unit, Neuro Integrated Care Unit and now, the Intensive Care Unit.

The entire $7 million critical care investment, totaling approximately 25,000 square feet, promotes a comfortable, healing environment for patients who require the specialized care that the critical care areas provide.

The new 11-bed ICU, which serves the needs of the most critically ill patients, received numerous improvements, including technological and comfort upgrades offering a more state-of-the-art setting. The extensive renovations allow the hospital staff to care for patients in a more efficient manner...

The Northern Ohio Area Chambers of Commerce (NOACC) awarded their Bright Stars for 2008 on Thursday, October 30th, at their semi-annual board meeting at Pickwick and Frolic’s Hilarities 4th St Theatre.

The Bright Star from the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce is Carol Leigh Mason, Independent Sales Director for Mary Kay Cosmetics. The nomination was a result of Carol’s continuous support of the Lakewood Chamber and her active role in membership, economic development and public safety. ..

On Monday, November 10, 2008, Garfield Middle School hosted the 12th annual Veteran’s Day Breakfast and Recognition Program. The Garfield staff and students, with the assistance of H2O, Garfield Civics Club, and the Garfield PTSA, welcomed nearly fifty veterans with an opening breakfast. During breakfast the veterans had an opportunity to share stories with each other and with Civics Club members. The PTSA provided a wonderful breakfast for these ever so deserving veterans...

As Indian Summer faded, the residents of St. Charles and Onondaga Avenues were blessed with one last burst of great weather for their Annual Block Party. Food, coupled with fun activities for the kids made it a night to remember. There were candy relays, parachute games, and a scarecrow making event. Meanwhile the adults enjoyed fun conversations about the new block watch, new neighbors, careers, and family lives. Neighbors have high expectations for the next gathering.

Dear Goddess Blessed,

 

Walking into your store is like taking the time to give myself a big hug! Whenever I feel that I am tapped out and I get that tired look on my face, I know it’s time for a little nurturing of the mind, spirit, and body. I am grateful your store is right down the street to help me do that. Thank you for your book selection especially geared towards women for reference and inspiration. Particularly, Christian Northrup’s books about women’s health issues have been a godsend...

Lakewood is well known for its small businesses that embody personality, charm, and that small town feeling that Lakewoodites and out-of-towners are drawn to. In difficult times economically for the nation, with businesses small and large closing in every town and big city, small businesses continue to pop up in Lakewood. Cereal bars, Green gifts, party places, consignment, high-end gifts and more have emerged on Detroit in the last few months. Madison has produced lit-up stunning windows to replace empty storefronts, from gorgeous Vintage/Antiques to new Salons, party place, gift shops, high-end consignment, spa body products, and more, to add to the plethora of good eateries, pubs, and eclectic mom and pop businesses. One newer business, Beshe Bath and Body, at Madison Ave (pronounced Bayshay) opened doors in October to a small shop overflowing with aromatherapy for all the senses and a charm that resonates the wholesome side of Lakewood...

Though many are unaware of its existence, there is another sort of holiday coming up (though, depending on when you have picked up this issue, it may also just have passed): Buy Nothing Day. Though its origins lie in Canada and the day is most heavily promoted through Adbusters magazine, a Canadian social-activist and anti-consumerist publication, it has developed into an international movement, with participants in more than 50 countries. In the US, Buy Nothing Day is slated for the day after Thanksgiving, which in recent times has been labeled "Black Friday," the day when hordes of consumers rush out to malls to purchase goods at steep discounts. For the rest of the world, which generally lacks such a day, it is the Saturday afterwards...

Wow. It’s been so long since this whole election process started that I hardly know what to do with myself now that it’s over. Now that we no longer have to sort through tons of political junk mail, now that our phones have stopped being assaulted with automated messages, and now that the focus of the entire nation is no longer on our state, now what do we do? Well, just like after every other general election, we get back to taking care of ourselves, resigned in the knowledge that we’re not likely to see or hear from any of those politicians until the next election cycle...

Just let it happen, please.

That is the philosophy that Gudrun, who moved to Lakewood in August, lives by. After growing up in Brooklyn, New York and living in such varied locations as St. Louis, Connecticut, and California, it might seem surprising that she chose this location to finally settle down.

There were two major factors that contributed to Gudrun's move from Connecticut to Lakewood, Ohio. The first was the new YMCA. “I swim everyday,” said Gudrun, who at age 80, stands stately with a short salt and pepper bob cut and bright blue eyes. “And there are wonderful people at the Y.”

On the first Saturday evening of the month contra dancing is going on here in the heart of Lakewood. Contra dancing takes place at college campuses and urban and rural communities nationwide. Every age finds enjoyment and exercise from the traditional American community dance. It stems from the 17th century English Country Dance and the music is mostly traditional Irish, English, and Scottish jigs and reels. The band, Mud In Yer Eye, currently consists of about forty musicians from all over Northeast Ohio...

With a provocative title and a formidable touring career to live up to, Mifune is set to release “Time is Watching Us Bleed”, on November 28th, their second album since their formation in 2005. The eight piece group with a self-described afro-electronique sound that combines multiple genres made a name for themselves touring not only in the Cleveland area, but on the east coast and down south as well...

Early in his new memoir, Still Alive! A Temporary Condition, Lakewood native Herbert Gold asks the intriguing question: “Where are the flower folks now?” At age eighty-four, Gold is uniquely positioned to address that question, since he has long been a chronicler of the Beat Generation. In fact, Allen Ginsberg and Jack Kerouac were his classmates at Columbia University in the 1940s.

Gold has enjoyed a lengthy and distinguished writing career, having published a large variety of novels, short stories, essays, and journalism. Although he was raised in Lakewood, he lived in New York City, Paris, and Haiti (among other places) before settling in California. Over the past five decades he has become synonymous with the San Francisco literary scene...

I was really looking forward to experiencing a show in Beck Center's Studio Theater for the first time. The studio theater, or black box theater, is very small and as the name suggests it is painted entirely black. There are few if any props and lighting is minimal. Black box theaters were created in the 1960’s and 1970’s when experimental amateur theater groups were looking for low cost spaces to present their avant-garde pursuits. The audience sits so close to the actors it feels as if you can speak directly to them and that they can speak to you, and that actually happened when I went to see Talking Heads 2...

Lakewood’s growing profile as an art destination has received yet another shot in the arm with the opening of the Galleria D’Arte, a new gallery located in the heart of Lakewood and featuring the works of several local artists.

The owner of this new gallery is Theresa Busser, a longtime Lakewood entrepreneur and former owner and proprietor of the Merry Arts Pub and Grille which is across the street from the gallery...

Lakewood Public Library’s role-playing game for youth in grades five through eight which focused on campaigning and winning an election concluded on Friday, November 14. Teams of students transformed librarians into candidates for the fictitious office of President of the United Streets of Lakewood. More information, including video of the speeches and debate, is available at http://www.lkwdpl.org/youth/election.html.

The following is an article written by our high-school media correspondents, Mathias Hansen and Spencer Paul:

My name is Nick Novak and I am a Boy Scout Eagle Candidate from Troop 435. While working on my Bicycling Merit Badge I read an article about the “Bicycle Man of Balad” (a major who repaired bicycles for airmen in Iraq...see article here.

Westside Yoga Studio located at 17100 Detroit Ave in Cleveland offers Kids Yoga Workshops Beginning Dec 6th with Erin Esposito Peron Certified Yoga Instructor. Saturday Dec 6th from 2:30-3:30 PM $15.00 per child pre-registerd, $20.00 at the door.

Yoga for Kidsy School Ages 5-12. This energetic class explores yoga poses, breathing exercises and relaxation techniques while conveying lessons in self-expression, body image, social skills and positive thinking. Partner poses and cooperative yoga games inspire positive peer interactions and loads of fun!

*Lakewood native Eric Smith has been serving in Iraq since May. Major Smith is stationed at Forward Operating Base McHenry, near Kirkuk.*

“Pass me up a bottle of water.” The gunner reached down from his perch halfway out of the top of the MRAP while keeping one hand on the machine gun he was using to provide cover for our vehicle. Matt, our interpreter, who was sitting closest to the cooler in the back of the vehicle, handed him a bottle...