The Lakewood Chamber of Commerce did it again! On Sunday June 1st the Chamber hosted the 5th annual Taste of Lakewood at the Clifton Club. Twenty-two local restaurants participated this year to showcase some of their most popular menu items. From Around the Corner’s wings to Melt’s fried Twinkies there was something for all tastes. The weather was perfect allowing for guests to enjoy outdoor dining on the Club’s beautifully landscaped grounds...

On Tuesday May 13th the Lakewood Kiwanis Club recognized the recipients of their annual scholarship award. There were six winners in all, each receiving $10,000 over the next four years. These outstanding students go through a selection process that begins in early spring. Some of the requirements include an overall grade point average of 3.0 or higher, an interview with the scholarship trustees, and proof of enrollment at an accredited college or university...

Shhhh...It's a surprise! That's what Bob and Kathy Wirtz's eleven children were hoping for last Friday when they held a surprise 60th birthday party for their parents. The pouring rain did nothing to dampen anyone's spirits as they waited for the birthday couple to arrive. How 11 kids plus spouses and friends managed to keep all of this under wraps is beyond me but, they did, as evidenced by the shocked looks on Bob and Kathy's faces...

For those of you who have never had lunch at the Hylander you'll have no idea what this article is about. Those of you who have been there will smile and think "Oh yeah, those guys are always there. " Every Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday ( Tuesday they are all at Kiwanis ) you can find an eclectic group of men from noon until one having lunch together...

A few years ago, while having lunch with my father at Kiwanis I met the publisher of the Lakewood Observer. After a brief conversation of what I liked (and a lot of what I didn’t like about the paper) he invited me to basically “put up or shut up”. So I have finally accepted the challenge. My goal in this column will be to introduce you, the reader, to a lighter, often happier, less complicated side of Lakewood...