DECEMBER, 2005
December 16, 2005
HOLIDAY REFUSE & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Due to the Christmas and New Year's holidays, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Monday, December 26, 2005 or Monday, January 2, 2006. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Tuesday of each week. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on their regular day, and it will be collected either on that day or the day after. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.

In addition, all City of Lakewood offices and the Lakewood Municipal Court will be closed on
Monday, December 26 and Monday, January 2 for the holidays.

For further information, contact the Lakewood Division of Refuse & Recycling at (216) 252-4322.

December 14, 2005
LAKEWOOD NAMED AS AN OFFICIAL OHIO MAIN STREET COMMUNITY

Downtown Ohio, Inc. has announced that the City of Lakewood, through its partner Lakewood Community Progress Incorporated (LCPI), is one of the newest communities to join the Ohio Main Street Program. The ceremony was held in the Statehouse Atrium on Thursday, December 8, 2005. LCPI's Main Street Program will join an elite group of communities dedicated to a comprehensive revitalization strategy that is highly successful.

With support from the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and City of Lakewood, LCPI was selected as an Ohio Main Street Community through a competitive application process. As a result of becoming an official Main Street Community, LCPI will receive intensive training and technical support needed to enhance Downtown Lakewood. The assistance includes volunteer and program manager training, marketing and promotion, business recruitment, market analysis, design, historic preservation and fundraising. The Ohio Main Street Program will also conduct on-site visits to help each community develop its work program and plan for success.

"Lakewood is unique for an inner ring suburb in that it has a true downtown. The Main Street effort will only further facilitate the active redevelopment of our downtown," stated Lakewood Mayor Thomas J. George. Jennifer Hooper, Executive Director for LCPI, added, "We are really excited to officially begin our journey with this project. We have formed a strong partnership and look forward to becoming one of Ohio's most successful Main Street Communities."

The Ohio Main Street Program, administered by Downtown Ohio, Inc., is modeled after the National Trust Main Street Center's comprehensive approach to downtown revitalization. Benefits of this program include renewed vitality of the downtown area along with enhanced economic performance. Today, the Main Street Program has been instituted in 43 states and over 1,787 communities. Nationwide, it has also helped create 231,682 net new jobs and opened 57,470 net new businesses.

LCPI is an independent, private non-profit corporation with a Board that contains representatives from downtown businesses and representatives from the City and the Chamber. In a joint effort, the business community through the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce and the City of Lakewood created LCPI to encourage and support quality planning, economic development, rehabilitation and restoration by fostering public and private partnerships and promoting and celebrating the unique assets of downtown Lakewood. The three entities started the process to become a Main Street Community in March of this year by holding the Downtown Assessment Resource Team (D.A.R.T.) visit at the Beck Center's Armory. The event drew the largest crowd ever for a DART visit. Based on the community response to this D.A.R.T., the partnership moved forward with the application becoming only one of the few communities accepted upon the first application.

Downtown Ohio, Inc., organized in 1989 is a statewide non-profit corporation that encourages the development, redevelopment and improvement of downtowns and neighborhood commercial district areas throughout Ohio. Since 1993, Downtown Ohio, Inc. has received support from the Ohio Department of Development's Office of Housing and Community Partnerships through Training and Technical Assistance grants. Additional supporters of Downtown Ohio, Inc. include the Ohio Historic Preservation Office, National City Bank and Sky Financial.

Joining Lakewood as new members were Millersburg and Port Clinton. Other current Ohio Main Street Programs include: Amherst, Batavia, Bellefontaine, Bowling Green, Cambridge, Canal Fulton, Canal Winchester, Delaware, Elyria, Galion, Greenville, Grove City, Harrison, Kenton, Lancaster, Lima, New Philadelphia, New Richmond, Norwalk, Oberlin, Orrville, Piqua, Ripley, Sandusky, Springfield, Troy, Van Wert, Vermilion, Wellington, Wilmington, Wooster, and Wright-Dunbar (Dayton).

For further information, Tom Jordan, Director of Planning and Development at
(216) 529-6635.

December 9, 2005
KEEP LAKEWOOD BEAUTIFUL RECEIVES PRESIDENT'S CIRCLE AWARD FROM KEEP AMERICA BEAUTIFUL

Keep Lakewood Beautiful has received the 2005 President's Circle Award from the national organization Keep America Beautiful (KAB). This award recognizes the high performance achieved by Keep Lakewood Beautiful in 2005 in meeting KAB standards of excellence.

Keep Lakewood Beautiful has met these standards by attending training sessions, maintaining an active board, conducting an annual litter index, calculating a cost benefit ratio, engaging volunteers to take greater responsibility for their community environment as well as conducting activities in Keep America Beautiful's three core focus areas of litter prevention, waste reduction and beautification and community improvement.

The Keep Lakewood Beautiful organization was created in September of 1982 to promote public interest in the general improvement of the environment of Lakewood. The volunteer board initiates, plans and coordinates programs for litter control, solid waste reduction and beautification.

For further information, contact Barbara McGinty, Keep Lakewood Beautiful Coordinator, at (216) 529-6170.


December 9, 2005
WINTERHURST ICE RINK ANNOUNCES SKATE WITH SANTA AND SPECIAL SKATING SESSIONS FOR HOLIDAY BREAK
WINTERHURST IS NOW ACCEPTING VISA AND MASTERCARD

Winterhurst will have a Skate with Santa session on Saturday, December 17, 2005 from 2:00-4:00 p.m. This family-oriented afternoon will offer skating to a mixture of holiday classics and contemporary music, complimentary candy canes and photos with Santa for a minimal cost.

Winterhurst's regular skating schedule will continue through the holidays. In addition, they will also offer a special holiday schedule as follows:

Monday, December 19 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Tuesday, December 20 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 22 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Friday, December 23 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Sunday, December 25 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Monday, December 26 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Monday, December 26 8:30-10:30 p.m.
Tuesday, December 27 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Wednesday, December 28 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Thursday, December 29 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Friday, December 30 1:00-3:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 1 2:00-4:00 p.m.
Sunday, January 1 8:00-10:00 p.m.
Monday, January 2 1:00-3:00 p.m.

Prices for each session are $3.00 for Lakewood residents and $4.50 for non-residents. Skate rental is $2.00. Winterhurst is now accepting MasterCard and Visa credit cards. Customers can conveniently pay for admission, skate rental, season passes and more with their Visa or MasterCard.

Winterhurst Ice Rink is owned and operated by the City of Lakewood. With a double rink configuration, it is one of the largest and most unique year-round municipal skating facilities in the country. Winterhurst offers public skating, hockey, broomball, speed skating, figure skating, Learn To Skate and Adapted Learn To Skate sessions.

NOVEMBER, 2005

November 23, 2005
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES-DIVISION OF HEALTH TO HOLD ADDITIONAL INFLUENZA VACCINE CLINIC

The Lakewood Department of Human Services-Division of Health will hold an additional influenza vaccine clinic on Saturday, December 3, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Division of Health, 12805 Detroit Avenue.

The influenza immunization is strongly recommended for those age 65 and over as well as those with chronic illness such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease or metabolic disease including diabetes, anemia and other blood disorders. Health care providers and day care workers are also encouraged to get a flu shot.

No appointment is necessary. A suggested donation of $10.00 or Medicare Part B will be accepted.

November 23, 2005
2005 HOLIDAY LIGHTING FESTIVAL AT LAKEWOOD PARK
Free Holiday Band Concert to begin at 1:30 p.m.

Mayor Thomas George invites all Lakewood residents to attend the holiday events taking place on Sunday, December 4, 2005. The festivities will begin with a Holiday Band Concert at 1:30 p.m. at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium. This free concert will feature the Lakewood Hometown Band. The Lakewood Hometown Band will perform its typical all-American Sousa-Style music including some holiday favorites. The Hometown Band has been performing in Lakewood for over 36 years. This concert is sponsored by the City of Lakewood and the Recording Industries Music Performance Trust Fund in cooperation with Local No. 4, American Federation of Musicians.

After the concert, the Holiday Lighting Festival will be held from 4:30-7:00 p.m at Lakewood Park. This year's Holiday Lighting Festival will begin at 4:30 p.m. in the Woman's Club Pavilion with a reading of The Polar Express and 'Twas the Night Before Christmas, compliments of the Lakewood Public Library. At 5:00 p.m., guests will be invited outside to join the Lincoln School Choir in holiday songs. At approximately 5:20 p.m., all of the lights at Lakewood Park will be illuminated to welcome the magic of the season.

Santa Claus will arrive at 5:30 p.m., escorted by Lakewood Fire Fighters. Free photos with Santa for children ten and under in the Woman's Club Pavilion, candlelight tours of the Oldest Stone House and songs will round out the afternoon of family fun and festivities.

This event is sponsored by the City of Lakewood, H20, Keep Lakewood Beautiful, Kiwanis Club, Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, Lakewood City Schools, Lakewood Historical Society, and Lakewood Public Library.

For more information contact the Office of Community Relations at 216-529-6650

November 16, 2005
ALL PURPOSE TRAIL COMPLETED AT LAKEWOOD PARK

Mayor Thomas J. George has announced that the construction of the All-Purpose Trail at Lakewood Park is now complete. This asphalt trail around the perimeter of the park will provide runners, walkers and bikers with a smooth surface to exercise while enjoying the beauty of Lakewood Park. The trail, similar to the one throughout the regional Metroparks, has an outer loop, a west loop and an east loop. The outer loop is 1.0 mile and the west and east loop are .5 miles and .65 miles, respectively.

"We are happy to announce the completion of the All-Purpose Trail at Lakewood Park," stated Mayor George. "This trail will be enjoyed by everyone who visits Lakewood Park for many years."

Another ongoing construction project at Lakewood Park is the access ramp to the lakefront. The ramp will provide an ADA-accessible walkway to the new promenade along the lakefront. This project is scheduled to be complete in the spring of 2006.

For more information, contact City Engineer Dennis Albrecht at (216) 529-6804.



November 16, 2005
HOLIDAY REFUSE & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Thursday, November 24, 2005. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Monday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday and Wednesday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on the day before their regular day and it will be collected either on that day or their regular day. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Thursday will have collection on Wednesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.

In addition, all Lakewood City Offices will be closed on Thursday, November 24 and Friday, November 25 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

For further information, contact the Lakewood Division of Refuse & Recycling at (216) 252-4322.

November 15, 2005
LAKEWOOD TO HOLD PUBLIC AUCTION ON DECEMBER 3RD
PUBLIC VEHICLE AUCTION TO BE HELD DECEMBER 2ND

The City of Lakewood will conduct a public auction of surplus, obsolete and unusable equipment and materials and unclaimed or confiscated items from the Division of Police on Saturday, December 3, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to approximately 12:00 p.m. in the Service Garage at Lakewood City Hall, 12650 Detroit Avenue. Buyers can arrive at 8:00 a.m. to view the items. Items to be sold in the auction include bicycles, computer equipment, and office furniture. Payment may be made by cash or certified check.

The City is also holding a Public Vehicle Auction on Friday, December 2, 2005. The auction will be held at the Greater Cleveland Auto Auction located at 5801 Engle Road in Cleveland. Vehicles can be viewed on Thursday, December 1, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. Equipment to be auctioned includes:

6 Ford Crown Victoria Cars
1 GMC Yukon SUV
1 Jeep Cherokee
1 Animal Control Truck
2 Utility Trucks
1 8-1 Passenger Bus
1 20-2 Passenger Bus

For more information on either of these auctions, please contact
(216) 529-6075.


November 7, 2005
LAKEWOOD TO HONOR VETERANS ON NOVEMBER 11TH AT LAKEWOOD PARK

Mayor Thomas J. George will host the City of Lakewood's Veterans Day Ceremony on November 11, 2005 at 11:11 a.m in Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue. Lakewood's annual Veteran's Day observance is a tribute to the men and women who served our country in the armed forces.

Lakewood's Veterans Day program will begin with the Presentation of Colors followed by the singing of the national anthem by Lakewood resident Karen Tettelbach, a veteran of the U.S. Navy, accompanied by the Lakewood High School Band. This year's keynote speaker will be United State Air Force Colonel Michael P. Skomrock. Colonel Skomrock is Chief of Operations of the 200th RED HORSE Squadron at Camp Perry, Ohio. Colonel Skomrock enlisted in the Air Force in 1974 as a Specials Electronics Technician. He was selected for a scholarship to the Ohio State University and was commissioned through the ROTC program in 1980. He has spent the last 24 years in the Civil Engineering career field in various positions within the Active Duty forces, Air Force Reserve and Ohio Air National Guard. He has served two tours in RED HORSE, three tours in the PRIME BEEF units, two headquarters assignments and as an associate professor in the school of Civil Engineering at the Air Force Institute of Technology. He spent 5 months in Afghanistan during 2002 as the RED HORSE detachment Commander.

Other highlights of this year's program include performances by the Lakewood High School Band and the Lakewood High School Choir and a 21-gun salute by Uniformed Color Guard members from VFW Post 10646. "More Than Names," a tape listing 337 Lakewood servicemen and servicewomen who have died while serving in the U.S. military, will be broadcast before and after the ceremony in Lakewood Park.

The Veterans Day Ceremony is free and open to the public. Following the ceremony, coffee and doughnuts will be offered in the Woman's Club Pavilion at Lakewood Park.

November 4, 2005
LAKEWOOD OFFICIALS URGE USE OF BASIC SAFETY PRECAUTIONS

In light of several reported incidents, Superintendent of Schools Dr. David C. Estrop, Mayor Thomas J. George, and Police Chief Timothy J. Malley issued a letter to parents today reminding them to encourage their children to use basic safety precautions when walking. Three incidents have been reported involving female students being frightened by an older, unidentified adult male while the students were walking alone. None of the students were injured. The Lakewood Police Department, with the cooperation of the Lakewood City Schools, is investigating these reports.

As a precaution, the Lakewood Police Department will be giving special attention to schools areas and additional school personnel will be patrolling school areas immediately following the school day. "The safety of our children is our top priority," said Superintendent Estrop. "Even though none of the incidents have occurred at school or on school property, we will be patrolling in and around our schools and emphasizing basic safety techniques to students."

Students and all residents are encouraged to follow these safety strategies:

"2005 FBI crime statistics show Lakewood to be a very safe place, however, we are taking this opportunity to remind parents, students and all Lakewood residents to practice basic safety precautions and report any suspicious activity to the Lakewood Police Department," stated Mayor Thomas J. George.

OCTOBER, 2005

October 21, 2005
HALLOWEEN OBSERVED MONDAY, OCTOBER 31ST
Free High Visibility Tape and Safety Tips Offered

The City of Lakewood will observe Halloween between the hours of
6:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. on Monday, October 31, 2005.

The Lakewood Division of Fire is distributing reflective tape for children's costumes through October 31st at all three Lakewood fire stations between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.

The City also offers these safety tips for parents, residents and drivers:

• Parents should encourage their trick-or-treaters to be especially careful after sunset. If escorting their children, parents should carry a flashlight as an additional safeguard.

•Residents giving out candy and treats can help prevent accidents by reminding children to be especially careful crossing streets and to walk up and down steps, instead of running.

• Halloween night drivers should be especially vigilant. Motorists should drive more cautiously and be prepared to stop.

October 21, 2005
LAKEWOOD ANNOUNCES FALL LEAF COLLECTION SCHEDULE

The City of Lakewood will begin collecting loose leaves on Monday, October 31 and will continue until approximately December 9, weather permitting. Prior to October 31 and after December 9, leaves will be collected only when they are placed in paper yard/leaf bags and set out along with your regular refuse and recycling.

Due to the excessive amount of leaves on Clifton Boulevard and Lake Avenue, these streets will be collected separately. Collection crews will start working at the end end of Clifton Boulevard and Lake Avenue and work west until completed. Collections dates for these streets are October 31 and November 1; November 14 and 15; and November 28 and 29.

After crews have completed Clifton and Lake, they will collect leaves citywide starting from the west end and work east beginning approximately November 2, November 16 and November 30. Starting dates are weather and equipment dependent.

In order to make the leaf collection process as effective as possible, the City asks residents to please rake leaves onto tree lawns as close to the curb as possible. Raking leaves into the street will slow the collection process and may cause basement flooding.

There will be no leaf collection on November 24 and 25 due to the Thanksgiving holiday. If you have any questions, please call (216) 529-6810 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday.

For further information, contact the Division of Streets & Forestry, at (216) 529-6810.

October 21, 2005
SIXTH ANNUAL "PUMPKIN PALOOZA" TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 30

The Lakewood-based youth service organization, Help to Others (H2O), will co-sponsor the 6th Annual Pumpkin Palooza on Sunday, October 30, 2005 from 1:00-4:00 p.m. at Lakewood High School, 14100 Franklin Avenue. All proceeds will benefit the Lakewood Christian Service Center and the Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation. Pumpkin Palooza is also presented by the City of Lakewood's Department of Human Services, Lakewood City Schools, Lakewood Hospital, Lakewood Public Library, Lakewood non-profit and civic organizations, LHS Student Organizations and Lakewood Early Childhood Professionals.

The sixth annual Pumpkin Palooza serves as the culmination of a citywide pumpkin-decorating challenge as well as a celebration of "Make A Difference Day" in Lakewood and will involve other Lakewood-based civic groups. "The Great Pumpkin Patch" will be filled with decorated pumpkins donated by various artists and organizations. Festivalgoers will have the opportunity to participate in a pumpkin raffle to win their favorite pumpkin. The "Harvest Moon Café" will feature pizza, baked goods and beverages. In "Autumn Adventureland, there will be crafts, carnival games and a costume parade at 2:00 p.m. There will also be scary and not-so-scary storytelling in "Sleepy Hollow."

Pumpkin Palooza's major business sponsors include Larsen Architects, Hinkley Lighting, Fairchild Chevrolet, First Federal of Lakewood and Regency Construction Services.

Pumpkin Palooza is open to the public. Festivalgoers may purchase tickets for food, beverages, the pumpkin raffle and the various activities. Tickets will be priced at 25¢ each. Admission to Pumpkin Palooza is free.

For more information contact Ceil Dorsh, H2O Coordinator for Lakewood's Department of Human Services/Division of Youth at (216) 529-6870.

October 17, 2005
LAKEWOOD START-A-HEART COMMITTEE TO OFFER HEARTSAVER AED COURSE

The Lakewood Start-A-Heart Committee will be offering the Heartsaver AED Course on a monthly basis. The course will be offered from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Fire Station #1, 14601 Madison Avenue, on the following dates:

 • Wednesday, November 9, 2005
 • Wednesday, January 11, 2006
 • Wednesday, February 8, 2006
 • Wednesday, March 8, 2006
 • Wednesday, April 12, 2006
 • Wednesday, May 10, 2006

The Heartsaver AED Course teaches the basic techniques of adult CPR and how to use an AED. Students also learn about using barrier devices in CPR and giving first aid for choking. The course teaches how to recognize the signs of four major emergencies: heart attack, stroke, cardiac arrest and foreign-body airway obstruction.

The cost of the course is $20.00. Registration forms can be picked up at Lakewood City Hall or Fire Station #1 or can be found on the City News page of the City of Lakewood website. To register by phone, please call (216) 227-2481.

The Lakewood Start-A-Heart Committee was formed in conjunction with the Lakewood Hospital Association to expand the current Automated External Defibrillator (AED) program within the City of Lakewood. In 2005, Lakewood Hospital Association generously contributed $25,000 toward the purchase of additional AEDs, supplies and training. The Start-A-Heart Committee will direct the expansion and future implementation of the AED Public Access Program, determine the purchase and placement of the AEDs within the City, the purchase and distribution of supplies for the AED Program and training related to the use and operation of the AEDs. The Committee will also engage in fundraising efforts to help support the future financial needs of the program.

October 17, 2005
CITY AND CHAMBER COMPLETE SURVEY OF LAKEWOOD BUSINESSES

The City of Lakewood's Planning and Development Department working with the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce recently completed the first survey of Lakewood's businesses. Through this business survey, both entities hoped to gain a better understanding of the strengths and weaknesses of the business climate to provide a framework to better design and deliver City services.

"I am happy the City chose to work with us on this survey so that we are able to have a better understanding of the concerns of Lakewood's business community. We look forward to working together to address these concerns," said Julius Skerlan, President of the Chamber of Commerce. Utilizing its own records and information provided by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, the Planning Department sent out 990 surveys hoping to provide one to every business establishment operating within the City's boundaries. Nearly one in four business owners returned the completed survey creating a very strong response.


"Overall, the survey revealed good news for Lakewood's Business Community," said Dryck Bennett, Assistant Director of Planning and Development. Of those responding, 88% indicated that they expected a profit this year. Only two respondents indicated that they expected to close their doors and a surprisingly small percentage (5%) expected a loss this year.

This overall profitability is good news for Lakewood's workers in the coming year. The majority (67%) of the City's employers will not make changes to their work force. However, 28% indicated that they would increase employment in some form. Only 3% indicated that they planned to lay-off employees and not replace them.

The Business Survey made several recommendations. The survey confirmed long standing notions that small business remains the backbone of Lakewood's economy. For this reason, the City needs to create a program better targeted at small business similar to the County Mural Loan Program aimed at providing financial assistance with renovating the interior and exterior of mixed-use structures.

Nearly two-thirds of respondents were unaware of the City's current Economic Development Fund Assistance Program and the Commercial Revitalization Program. The City needs to better promote its programs and will be sending information concerning its programs to each recipient who claimed not to be aware of the Department's offerings.

The complete report on the Business Survey can be found on the City's Website (Click here.)

For further information, contact Dryck Bennett, Assistant Director of Planning and Development, at (216) 529-6634.

October 5, 2005
LAKEWOOD REMINDS RESIDENTS ABOUT LAWN SIGNS ON TREE LAWNS AND PUBLIC RIGHT-OF-WAY

The City of Lakewood reminds all property owners that signs, decorations, banners and other displays are prohibited on tree lawns and in the public right-of-way. Pursuant to Lakewood Codified Ordinance 1105.04 (b)(2)(A), employees of the Department of Public Works are empowered to remove any violating materials. Although in most cases at residences, they will try to move the signs back across the sidewalk onto the property owners' front lawn.

The origin of the prohibition is the City's ownership of the tree lawn and the public right-of-way, but there are also aesthetic and public safety considerations. First, the City should not be made to appear to take sides in any contests or displays. The use of public property, paid for and maintained by all taxpayers, should only be used for proper public purposes. Second, at intersections, but even to some extent at all driveways, temporary signs or displays can obstruct the view for motor vehicles exiting or entering. The "Brake 4 Kids" signs are an authorized exception to the prohibition, because the school children safety program has been specifically approved by the City, is non-partisan and promotes the slowing down of all motor vehicles for the safety of our school age pedestrians

All Lakewood citizens are encouraged to express themselves and exercise their First Amendment rights to display support for the candidates, teams, or issues of their choice. However, the City of Lakewood will be a better and more beautiful place if everyone keeps their signs and displays off the tree lawns and public right-of-way. It is the job of the Public Works employees to make that true by enforcing the ordinance that prohibits signs on tree lawns. The City appreciates our residents' cooperation.

September 30, 2005
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO SPONSOR PARENTING SERIES

The Department of Human Services-Division of Early Childhood will sponsor an 8-week parenting series beginning Saturday, October 1, 2005. The series will be held at the Lakewood Family Room, 17400 Northwood Avenue, from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each Saturday through November 19th. The series will offer parents of children ages birth to eight years a chance to learn new ways to manage their own stress, deal with problem behaviors and give positive attention. A light meal and childcare will be provided. There are still spaces available for this series. Call (216) 529-5018 for reservations.

This series is being offered as part of the Greater Cleveland Family Support Consortium which is a collaboration of the Lakewood Department of Human Services-Division of Early Childhood, the Heights Parents Center and the Shaker Family Center. The purpose of the Consortium is to promote and coordinate Family Support initiatives that strengthen and build community.

For further information, contact Toni Gelsominio, Division of Early Childhood Coordinator, at (216) 529-5018.

September 30, 2005
LAKEWOOD HONORS FALLEN FIREFIGHTERS IN ANNUAL MEMORIAL CEREMONY ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 9TH

Mayor Thomas J. George, Lakewood City Council and the City of Lakewood's Division of Fire will honor firefighters who have died in the line of duty at the Fallen Firefighter Memorial Ceremony on Sunday, October 9, 2005 at 12:00 p.m. at Fire Station No. 1, 14601 Madison Avenue. All on-duty fire personnel will gather with fire apparatus at the site of the Firefighter's Memorial in front of the station. Following the ceremony, there will be a Fire Open House including a tour of the Fire Station and the Fire Museum in Station No. 1 from 12:30 - 1:00 p.m.

"We are so very grateful that these individuals put their lives on the line for us every day, and we appreciate the opportunity to thank them and honor them and at our City's annual ceremony," said Mayor George.

Lakewood's annual Fallen Firefighter Memorial ceremony marks the beginning of National Fire Prevention Week from October 10-14, 2005. Since 1925, the City of Lakewood has joined other towns and cities across the nation in observing National Fire Prevention Week during the anniversary of the Great Chicago Fire. Throughout Lakewood's history, four firefighters have died in the line of duty; Captain S.W. Morrison in 1947, C.E. Hausler in 1948, J.F. Rafferty in 1949, and Chief C.A. Delaney in 1954.

In other activities intended to educate the public about fire safety, the Fire Prevention Bureau will visit elementary schools to give safety talks and demonstrate firefighting equipment. The 2005 Fire Prevention Week theme is "Use Candles With Care: When You Go Out, Blow Out!"

The Division of Fire is also conducting its yearly Junior Fire Chief essay contest for fifth grade students, and will distribute free high-visibility tape for children's Halloween costumes starting October 17th between 10:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. at all three Lakewood fire stations. Firefighters will also visit 50-80 senior households on October 29th and replace smoke detector batteries as part of the national "Change Your Clock, Change Your Batteries" campaign.

September 23, 2005
LAKEWOOD HOSTS INCIDENT MANAGEMENT SEMINAR AS PART OF DOMESTIC PREPAREDNESS PROGRAM

The City of Lakewood recently hosted a seminar for a federally-funded program on Homeland Security. The Department of Homeland Security's Office of Domestic Preparedness program is designed to assist communities in recognizing and preparing for potential threats within their cities. Representatives from Bay Village, Fairview Park, North Olmsted, Rocky River, and Westlake joined with Lakewood employees in attending the seminar given by the Texas A&M Engineering Extension Service.

The 24-hour course highlights the special challenges faced by senior-level incident management personnel in dealing with a Chemical, Biological, Radioactive Nuclear or Explosive (CBRNE) incident or terrorist incident. The course focuses on applying the "all-hazards" command and management structure found in the National Incident Management Systems (NIMS) to the unique requirements necessary for responding to a CBRNE or terrorist incident. Participants receive training in:

• Identifying and assessing a CBRNE or terrorist incident;
• Planning for and initiating a unified command using NIMS command and management structures;
• Defining the operating characteristics, interactive management components and organizational structure of supporting incident management entities at the Federal, State, local, tribal and regional levels;
• Identifying the public information systems available to communicate timely and accurate information to the public during a crisis or emergency situation.

"We certainly believe that it is important to make every effort to keep our citizens as safe as possible," said Lakewood Mayor Thomas J. George. "The fact that we were able to obtain this specialized training from a federally funded program is also important in these times where fiscal responsibility weighs in on nearly every decision."

For more information, contact CERT Coordinator Kevin Galvin at (216) 529-6657.

September 22, 2005
NORFOLK SOUTHERN RAILROAD TO UPGRADE ALL RAILROAD CROSSINGS IN LAKEWOOD

Norfolk Southern Corporation began upgrading the City's railroad crossings on Monday, September 19, 2005. They will be upgrading all 28 crossings in the City of Lakewood beginning at the eastern end of the City and continuing west. They will be replacing the track, crossing and sidewalk on each street.

Norfolk Southern plans to work on four streets at a time, weather permitting. The first four streets to be worked on are Hird, Fry, Beach and Cove Avenues. When Hird Avenue is complete, they will then begin work on Thoreau Avenue and continue working on four streets at a time from east to west. Signs will be posted advising motorists that the road will be closed at the railroad crossing during construction.

"We are happy to see Norfolk and Southern investing in our community with these railroad crossing improvements," stated Mayor Thomas J. George.

September 22, 2005
DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO SPONSOR INFLUENZA VACCINE (FLU SHOT) PROGRAM

The Lakewood Department of Human Services-Divisions of Health and Aging will sponsor an Influenza Vaccine Program during the months of October and November. Influenza vaccine will be available for those age 65 and older, children ages 6-23 months, women who will be pregnant during flu season, and anyone with a chronic medical condition such as asthma, heart disease, kidney disease, lung disease, cancer or a metabolic condition like diabetes.

The Lakewood Department of Human Services-Division of Health will be offering immunizations on the following dates:

• Monday, October 24, 2005
   9:30 a.m.-11:00 a.m.
   Fedor Manor, 12400 Madison Avenue

• Thursday, October 27, 2005
   1:00-2:30 p.m.
   Lakeshore Towers, 12506 Edgewater Drive

• Thursday, November 3, 2005
   1:00-4:00 p.m.
   Woman's Club Pavilion, Lakewood Park

• Thursday, November 10, 2005
   2:00-5:00 p.m.
   Woman's Club Pavilion, Lakewood Park

Reservations are required for all clinics. Beginning October 3rd, individuals may call (216) 521-1198 between 8:30 a.m.-4:30 p.m., Monday through Friday for a reservation. The fee for an Influenza vaccine is $10.00 for Lakewood residents and $15.00 for non-residents. The fees for a Pneumococcal vaccine are $25.00 for Lakewood residents and $30.00 for non-residents. Any person with Medicare Part B should present his/her card at the clinic. Appointments for children can be made by contacting the Lakewood Division of Health at 529-7690.

September 20, 2005
ATM MACHINE INSTALLED AT LAKEWOOD CITY HALL

A National City Bank Automated Teller Machine (ATM) has been installed at Lakewood City Hall, 12650 Detroit Avenue, for the convenience of the patrons and employees within the building. The ATM is conveniently located in the lobby on the first floor of City Hall.

"Mary Pat Ezersky, an employee of our Division of Housing & Building, came to us with the idea of installing an ATM in City Hall for the convenience of our customers," stated Mayor Thomas J. George. "We pursued the idea and now everyone who is in the building has the convenience of utilizing it. We saw a need and addressed it as a customer service issue."

The ATM, while providing a great service, can also be profitable for the City in the long-run if enough transactions are incurred. The hope is that there will be enough transactions to support an ATM and possibly generate revenue for the City, similar to the City of Cleveland's success with placing ATMs at Cleveland Hopkins Airport.

National City Bank (NCB) was the only financial institution to respond to the City's Request for Proposal for an ATM. The three-year contract between the City of Lakewood and NCB provides the ATM at virtually no cost to the City. NCB is responsible for the cost of the machine and all maintenance of the machine. The only thing the City provides is electricity.

September 19, 2005
KEEP LAKEWOOD BEAUTIFUL TO HOLD LEAF HUMUS & PANSY SALE ON OCTOBER 1ST

Keep Lakewood Beautiful will hold a Leaf Humus and Pansy Sale on Saturday, October 1, 2005 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Old Stone House Parking Lot at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue. Leaf Humus will be pre-bagged and sold for $2.00/bushel. Winter hardy Pansies will be available for $12.00 per flat of 36. To pre-order pansies in a particular color, pick up an order form at City Hall or the Lakewood Public Library or visit the City of Lakewood website at www.ci.lakewoodoh.us. The rain date for this event will be Saturday, October 8.

Keep Lakewood Beautiful is a non-profit organization. Proceeds from this sale will support the Adopt-A-Spot Beautification Program, the Student Gardening Program and the Beautiful Home and Business Award Program. For further information, call (216) 529-6170.

For more information, contact Barbara McGinty, KLB Coordinator, at (216) 529-6170.

September 6, 2005
CITY OFFICIALS MET WITH FIRST ENERGY REGARDING RECENT POWER OUTAGES

Mayor Thomas J. George, Council President Robert M. Seelie and members of the city administration met with The Illuminating Company to discuss the recent power outages in the City of Lakewood. First Energy plans to install two new substations in the southeastern portion of the city over the next two years. In the meantime, they are putting in a mobile substation and installing overhead lines to serve as back-ups in the event there is a power outage.

"We are pleased with the progress we made during our meeting with The Illuminating Company," stated Mayor George. "They have been responsive to our concerns and have promised improvements to our infrastructure system."

"Our primary concern is the residents of this community," stated Council President Bob Seelie. "We have asked First Energy to be proactive in identifying the electricity needs of this community and ensuring that those needs are met."

The Illuminating Company advises that the best way residents can help when they are experiencing a power outage is to contact The Illuminating Company's toll free automated outage reporting line at 1-888-544-4877. According to First Energy, having the exact address of a power outage can make it easier to isolate the problem.

September 2, 2005
LAKEWOOD COMMUNITY FESTIVAL SET FOR SATURDAY, SEPTEMBER 10TH AT MADISON PARK

The 18th annual Lakewood Community Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2005 at Madison Park, 13029 Madison Avenue. The festival celebrates community, cultural heritage and families. It is a day of fun and activities for everyone.

The festival will begin at a fast pace with the 5K "Kielbasa Run" at 9:00 a.m. and the ½ mile Children's Fun Run at 10:00 a.m. At 11:00 a.m., there will be a Flag Raising Ceremony by various military organizations. Entertainment will include the Italian Choral Group, Billy Kaye Strolling Musician, Ronnie Fiorentino, Bob and Shelly Orlandi and more.

Craft and game booths, pony rides, children's games, the NASA Bus and the Lake Erie Nature Center will be part of the festivities, as well as a variety of delectable foods including stuffed cabbage, cabbage and noodles, kielbasa and sauerkraut, pizza, Chinese and Vietnamese cuisine and other dishes. An assortment of traditional ethnic baked goods and other desserts will be available.

The festival, sponsored by the Lakewood Community Festival, Inc. and the City of Lakewood, is traditionally the last event of the summer. Proceeds from the festival will be donated to various local organizations. In the event of rain, the festival will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2005.

For further information, contact the Office of Community Relations at (216) 529-6650.

August 30, 2005
LAKEWOOD MAYOR THOMAS J. GEORGE AND COUNCILWOMAN MARY LOUISE MADIGAN TO HOLD PRESS CONFERENCE WEDNESDAY REGARDING NEW SECURITY MEASURES

Mayor Thomas J. George along with Councilwoman Mary Louise Madigan will hold a press conference on Wednesday, August 31, 2005 at 11:00 a.m. at Madison Park, 13029 Madison Avenue, to announce the new security cameras being installed throughout the city's parks.

August 26, 2005
HOLIDAY REFUSE & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Due to the Labor Day holiday, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Monday, September 5, 2005. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Tuesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on their regular day, and it will be collected either on that day or the day after. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.
In addition, all Lakewood City offices and the Lakewood Municipal Court will be closed for the holiday.

For further information, contact the Lakewood Division of Refuse & Recycling at (216) 252-4322.

August 11, 2005
DIRECTOR OF HUMAN SERVICES DOTTIE BUCKON RECEIVES 2005 DISTINGUISHED WOMEN IN HEALTHCARE AWARD

Lakewood Director of Human Services Dottie Buckon is the recipient of a 2005 Distinguished Women in Heathcare Award presented by The Visiting Nurse Association Healthcare Partners of Ohio. Buckon received the award in the advocacy category for her public health work in identifying needs and affecting change for long term solutions. One such project that Buckon was privileged to work with many other community leaders to establish was the creation of the Lakewood Hospital Teen Health Center which is located on the corner of Madison and Westwood Avenues. She was one of 13 women honored at a dinner and presentation on June 16 for their commitment to quality healthcare in Greater Cleveland.

Based upon a 1998 community needs assessment Buckon conducted in collaboration with Lakewood Hospital Community Nurse Manager Susan Grimberg, Lakewood leaders identified four primary health issues to address that included mental health in an action plan called Project H.E.A.L. (Health Emerging Around Lakewood). According to Buckon, "Lakewood has a long history of strong civic volunteerism and advocacy. Our residents wrap their arms around issues and work to develop and implement solutions that create a stronger community. Establishment of the Lakewood Hospital Teen Center is a primary example of a need identified namely the mental and physical health of our adolescents, and an action taken to address the need."

Director Buckon has over twenty-nine years of professional and managerial experience in the areas of nursing, public health and human services. She joined the Lakewood Department of Human Services/Division of Health as Assistant Director in 1993 and became Director of the Department in 2003. A former Lakewood Hospital Intensive Care Unit Clinical Nurse Manager, Ms. Buckon holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Nursing from the University of South Florida and a Masters Degree in Business - Health Care Administration from Cleveland State University.

August 10, 2005
LAKEWOOD SUPPORTS THE CLEVELAND DEFENSE INDUSTRY ALLIANCE

Mayor Thomas J. George and Lakewood City Council showed support for the Cleveland Defense Industry Alliance by signing a resolution urging the United States Base Closure and Realignment Commission to retain 1,028 federal defense jobs at the Cleveland Defense Finance and Accounting Service (DFAS) in downtown Cleveland. Earlier this year, the United States Department of Defense (DOD) recommended that that these Cleveland jobs be relocated to other cities. The citizen-based Cleveland Defense Industry Alliance has been working with community partners, including the City of Lakewood, to reverse the DOD's proposal before the Base Realignment and Closure Commission forwards its recommendations to President Bush in September.

"The Cleveland DFAS is currently the fourth largest federal employer in Greater Cleveland, with a $65 million annual payroll. These jobs are vital to the health of Northeast Ohio, and significantly enrich the ranks of our professional workforce," stated Lakewood Planning and Development Director Thomas Jordan. "The loss of these jobs could cost Greater Cleveland's economy an estimated $128 million, further eroding our regional and state tax base and endangering money for vital services, such as police and fire protection throughout Northeast Ohio."

The Cleveland DFAS office is the world center for Navy payroll services and personnel data management as well as the Reserve Pay Center of Excellence, distributing $101 billion and serving 2,745,000 military and civilian personnel, retirees and annuitants in 2003.

For further information, contact Planning and Development Director Thomas Jordan at (216) 529-6630.

August 8, 2005
LAKEWOOD CONTINUES PRECAUTIONS AGAINST WEST NILE VIRUS

As the City of Lakewood Department of Human Services, Division of Health, continues to conduct its aggressive West Nile Virus prevention program, which includes diligent mosquito monitoring, the Ohio Department of Health confirmed two pools of mosquitoes submitted by the Lakewood Division of Health tested positive for West Nile Virus. The mosquitoes were identified as culex, this species primarily bites birds, not humans. Lakewood has no reported human or bird cases at this time.

"The Division of Health will intensify prevention efforts by adding CDC light traps and we will continue our aggressive larviciding, continue to monitor catch basins and continue to respond to citizen reports regarding neighborhood mosquito breeding conditions, " said Dottie Buckon, Director of Human Services. Buckon also reports that the number of mosquitoes trapped is very low throughout the City.

The following suggestions can help reduce the risk of exposure to mosquito borne illnesses:
Eliminate opportunities for mosquitoes to grow:
• Remove containers, tires and children's toys that may hold standing water.
• Clean rain gutters and downspouts.
• Clean and chlorinate swimming pools and hot tubs. Keep covered when not in use.
• Change water in birdbaths and wading pools at least once a week.
• Provide tight-fitting lids on all containers.
• Properly maintain ornamental ponds and fountains.
• Eliminate any standing water that collects on your property.
• Remind or help neighbors to eliminate breeding sites on their properties.
• Larvicide sewer drains.

"Over-the-counter larvicide products can be purchased at local hardware stores, garden centers and nurseries and should be used according to package directions," said Dottie Buckon, Human Services Director.

Take personal precautions to avoid mosquitoes:
¨ Make sure that doors and windows have tight-fitting screens and repair or replace any damaged screens.
¨ Avoid going outside at dawn and dusk when mosquitoes bite
¨ Wear light colored clothing and cover arms and legs when possible.
¨ Use mosquito repellants wisely.

Residents are directed to call the Lakewood Animal Shelter at 216.529.5020 to report dead birds and the Lakewood Division of Health to report potential mosquito breeding areas at 216.529.7690.

For more information regarding this release please call Dottie Buckon, Director of Human Services at 216.529.6687.

JULY, 2005

July 29, 2005
LAKEWOOD TO COLLABORATE WITH THE CITY OF CLEVELAND TO REPAIR FISCHER ROAD

Lakewood Mayor Tom George today announced that the City of Lakewood is planning to collaborate with the City of Cleveland to repair the brick surface on Fischer Road from West 159th Street to Rocky River Drive. Utility excavations left the brick surface of Fischer Road inundated with concrete patches. The road is being repaired to restore it to its original condition. This project will cost approximately $178,382 with Lakewood paying approximately $50,527. Lakewood Public Works Director Tony Beno will request City Council to appropriate the funds for the project at the September 6th council meeting. The project is expected to begin this fall. This is just another example of the collaborative efforts the City of Lakewood has recently undertaken.

"We are happy to be working together with the City of Cleveland to repair Fischer Road", stated Mayor George. "This is just one of the many street projects occuring this year as part of our expanded street repair program.

For more information, contact Lakewood Director of Public Works Tony Beno at (216) 529-6803.

July 25, 2005
DIVISION OF REFUSE & RECYCLING FACILITY OFFERING EXPANDED SUMMER HOURS

The Division of Refuse & Recycling Facility, 12920 Berea Road, has expanded its hours for the summer. The Facility is open from 7:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. on Saturdays for refuse and recycling. These expanded hours will be in effect until Saturday, October 29, 2005.
The Saturday hours and weekday hours after 3:00 p.m. are limited to the drop-off of refuse and recycling by Lakewood residents in their personal vehicles. No contractors or refuse haulers will be permitted during the extended hours. Identification showing proof of Lakewood residence is required.

For more information, contact the Division of Refuse and Recycling at (216) 252-4322.

July 19, 2005
LAKEWOOD FARMERS MARKET OPENS WEDNESDAY, JULY 20TH

The Lakewood Farmer's Market opens for its seventh great season on Wednesday, July 20th at 11:00 a.m. at the Arthur Avenue Extension (north of Detroit Avenue by Kaufmann Park). The Farmer's Market will offer again this year, locally grown produce along with freshly baked breads and pastries, artisans and craftspeople who help to create a festive market atmosphere for the Lakewood community. The Market will operate every Wednesday through October 5th between 11:00 a.m. and 3:00 pm.

The Farmer's Market is operated by the North Union Farmer's Market in collaboration with the City of Lakewood and features vendors who grow their own produce on small, family-owned farms. Organizers expect up to 15 vendors at each Wednesday's market.

The North Union Farmer's Market is a not-for-profit organization incorporated in 1995 dedicated to supporting family farms in northeast Ohio, providing urban people access to fresh, locally grown produce and creating a wholesome family activity that builds community.

JUNE, 2005

June 24, 2005
LAKEWOOD TO COMMEMORATE BATTLE OF GETTYSBURG

The City of Lakewood will commemorate the Battle of Gettysburg, which took place between July 1-3, 1863, on Friday, July 1, 2005 at 7:00 p.m. in the Lakewood City Hall Auditorium, 12650 Detroit Avenue. The evening will include introductory comments from Mayor Thomas J. George regarding the Battle of Gettysburg, a Mayor's Friday Night Flick with a Civil War movie and a visit from some Civil War re-enactors including Bedford's Mayor Dan Pocek who will be attending the commemoration as a Confederate soldier.

"We are pleased to kick-off the Fourth of July weekend with a commemoration of the Battle of Gettyburg," stated Mayor George. "It should be a fun evening of learning and remembering an important part of American history."

June 23, 2005
LAKEWOOD CELEBRATES THE FOURTH OF JULY:
PARADE AT 10:00 A.M., BAND CONCERT AT 7:00 P.M. AND FIREWORKS IN LAKEWOOD PARK AT DUSK

Lakewood Mayor Thomas J. George today announced that newly formed Lakewood Catholic Academy will serve as Grand Marshall for the City's Fourth of July parade. The parade is scheduled to step off on Monday, July 4, 2005 at 10:00 a.m. on Lake Avenue at Kenneth Drive and conclude at Lakewood Park.

Lakewood Catholic Academy, enrolling its first class in the fall of 2005, combines the best traditions of its distinguished founding Lakewood Catholic schools: St. Clement, St. James, and St. Luke. Located on the lakefront on the grounds of the Sisters of Charity of St. Augustine, Lakewood Catholic Academy will provide a comprehensive, values-based education to students of all faiths and from several communities in Greater Cleveland. "The Fourth of July community celebration is a wonderful opportunity to mark the beginning of this learning institution which will provide education for hundreds of elementary school children," said Mayor George.

Joining in the parade will be musical favorites, the Lakewood High School Ranger Marching Band, St. Edward High School Band, the Lochaber and Red Hackle Pipe Bands. Casey Coleman will join City Council President Bob Seelie as they announce the parade participants.

After the parade, festivities will continue in Lakewood Park with games, food, activities and information provided by several of Lakewood's not-for-profit organizations. At 7:00 p.m., the Lakewood Project, Lakewood High School's Youth Rock Orchestra, will perform at the Bandstand at Lakewood Park. The Fourth of July festivities will conclude with Lakewood annual fireworks extravaganza at approximately 9:45-10:00 p.m.

For further information contact the Office of Community Relations at (216) 529-6650.

June 17, 2005
CITY OF LAKEWOOD AND LAKEWOOD HOSPITAL WORK TOGETHER AND EXPAND "START A HEART"

The City of Lakewood and Lakewood Hospital have announced the expansion of the Lakewood Start-A-Heart program, a citywide effort initiated in 2001 to treat sudden cardiac arrest victims and to improve the community response to such emergencies. Larry Mroz, Fire Chief, Lakewood Division of Fire made the announcement.

"We are grateful to Lakewood Hospital for their generosity in funding the expansion of Start-A-Heart," said Chief Mroz. "Because of their support, we will be able to increase the availability and use of automated external defibrillators within our City." Ten new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) will be purchased and placed at various locations within the City, including police vehicles which are often first responders to emergency medical situations.

An AED is a small, lightweight device used to assess a person's heart rhythm. If necessary, it administers an electric shock to restore a normal rhythm in victims of sudden cardiac arrest (SCA). The City of Lakewood currently has 17 AEDs in place. More than 300 targeted individuals including public and private school personnel, city employees, Board of Recreation employees, the Lakewood YMCA personnel and Office on Aging employees received AED and cardiopulmonary resuscitation training when the program began four years ago.

"Providing emergency medical treatment to our community is one of our top priorities," said Chief Mroz. "By installing these devices in high-traffic areas throughout Lakewood, they will be accessible to trained public safety and citizen responders. Lives will be saved."

Mroz said he was discussing the success of the City's AED Public Access Program with Jack Gustin, chief administrative officer of Lakewood Hospital, at a recent meeting. Chief Mroz commented the program could be even more successful if the city had more AEDs and more people were trained to use them. Gustin immediately offered the hospital's support to expand the program.

"It our privilege to continue to partner with the City on this initiative. It helps protect our community and the visitors to Lakewood with AEDs, which deliver potentially lifesaving cardiac therapy," said Gustin.

Sudden cardiac arrest, a leading cause of death among men and women, will strike more than 250,000 Americans this year. The cause of SCA is not well understood and its onset is unpredictable. It simply means that the heart stops pumping effectively. Without treatment, the victim will die. Defibrillation is a highly effective means of restoring the victim's regular heart rhythm. For each minute that passes without defibrillation, chance of survival decrease by 7 to 10 percent.

"For the best chances of survival, the victim must be defibrillated within four minutes of cardiac arrest," said Gustin, who was one of the hospital's first paramedics in 1974 and later was appointed EMS Director. "Making AEDs more accessible and training people to use an AED is the key to improving survival rates. Lakewood Hospital is committed to making that happen."

"I'm proud to support the expansion of this life-saving program," said Fred DeGrandis, chief executive officer of the Cleveland Health System - Western Region and president of Lakewood Hospital. "This is a great example of how the city and the hospital can work together to improve the health of the community."

Mayor Thomas J. George introduced legislation at the June 6 regularly scheduled Lakewood City Council meeting to establish a Start-A-Heart oversight committee. The committee will direct the expansion and future implementation of the AED Public Access Program, determine the purchase and placement of the AEDs within the City, the purchase and distribution of supplies for the AED Program and training related to the use and operation of the AEDs. The Committee will also engage in fundraising efforts to help support the future financial needs of the program.

"We are pleased to be collaborating with Lakewood Hospital to expand the Start-A-Heart program," said Mayor Thomas J. George. "It's a great partnership."

Founded in 1907, Lakewood Hospital is a 400-bed acute care, community-oriented hospital, which offers a wide range of health services and education programs for women, men and children. Each year, Lakewood Hospital provides high-quality and innovative patient care for more than 130,000 patients. In 1997, Lakewood Hospital became part of the Cleveland Clinic Health System, a partnership between the Cleveland Clinic Foundation and nine community hospitals.

June 13, 2005
CITY ANNOUNCES 2005 SUNDAY EVENING BAND CONCERT SCHEDULE

The City of Lakewood is pleased to announce the 2005 summer schedule for the Sunday Evening Band Concert Series. A long time Lakewood tradition, the concerts are held at the Bandstand in Lakewood Park, located on the lake at Belle and Lake Avenues. The band concerts begin at 7:00 p.m.

For further information contact the Office of Community Relations, at (216) 529-6650.

June 9, 2005
THE CITY OF LAKEWOOD AMONG SIX CITIES NATIONWIDE SELECTED FOR PROJECT TO HELP MUNICIPAL LEADERS SUPPORT AND ENGAGE PARENTS OF YOUNG CHILDREN

The National League of Cities (NLC) has selected the City of Lakewood as one of six cities nationwide to receive technical assistance in developing long-term, strategic action plans that promotes initiatives to support parents of young children in their communities.

The City of Lakewood was chosen to participate in Cities Supporting Parents of Young Children project because of its involvement in NLC's 2005 City Leadership Academy on Cities Supporting Parents of Young Children and its high level of commitment to dedicating the time and resources necessary to make this project successful.

With support from the Freddie Mac Foundation, Annie E. Casey Foundation, and the David and Lucile Packard Foundation, NLC's Institute for Youth, Education, and Families (YEF Institute) will provide the technical assistance for the project.

"Municipal leaders can play a vital role in supporting parents of young children. This project will help city officials to take concrete steps that will enhance parent support in the community," said Clifford Johnson, executive director of the YEF Institute.

"This is an exciting opportunity for the City of Lakewood to move forward with a project that has been a vision of many community leaders and residents, that is to make family support programs available at the neighborhood level reducing access barriers such as transportation", according to Dottie Buckon, Human Services Director. "The National League of Cities will provide an additional level of expertise available from a national perspective." The door for this technical assistance was opened to Lakewood because of, the Department's Division of Early Childhood Program Manager Toni Gelsomino's participation in the NLC's Early Childhood Leadership Academy.

The selected cities include Fort Worth, Texas; Bryan, Texas; Lakewood, Ohio; Charleston, South Carolina; Enfield, Connecticut.; and Longmont, Colorado.

The selected cities will create and adopt strong, outcome-oriented parent support plans for their communities that address at least two of the following four major strands of parent support: communication campaigns, initiatives to connect families with early childhood resources, programs to engage and empower parents, and efforts to establish or expand family-friendly workplace policies.

The City of Lakewood is committed to supporting young children and their families. The Division of Early Childhood and the Lakewood Family Room have been serving the Lakewood community for over ten years. Establishing a Family Room East will support and enhance a parent's engagement in all aspects of their young child's development and well being by providing opportunities to play and learn together in welcoming, supportive and stimulating environments in their own backyard. It will also encourage enthusiasm for learning more about ways to support their child's healthy growth and development. Early Childhood's vision is strong children, strong families, strong communities.

Each city will receive individual assistance from YEF Institute staff and access to related resources and expertise through conference calls, sharing of materials, and networking opportunities.

Strengthening America through stronger cities, towns, and villages, the National League of Cities is the oldest and largest national organization for American cities. NLC serves as a resource and advocate for 18,000 cities, towns, and villages, which collectively serve 225 million people. Visit www.nlc.org.

For more information, contact Dottie Buckon, Director of the Department of Human Services at (216) 529-6687.

June 3, 2005
LAKEWOOD TO PROMOTE BIKE AND SKATER SAFETY DURING HELMET SATURDAY ON JUNE 11TH

The City of Lakewood will hold its fifth annual Helmet Saturday on June 11, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. in the Lakewood City Hall Garage, located at 12650 Detroit Avenue. This free event will promote bicycle and skateboard safety. Children of all ages and their parents will be able to review bike and skateboard safety tips and purchase quality bike and multi-purpose skateboard helmets for $6-8. Helmet fitting, bike registration, activities and refreshments will be offered. There will be a free bike raffle and Spin Bike Shop of Lakewood will offer a bike repair station.
This event is sponsored by the Lakewood Department of Human Services-Division of Health, the Lakewood Division of Police, Lakewood Hospital, Ohio District Kiwanis Foundation, Wyeth and Spin Bike Shop.

For further information contact Sue Becker of the Lakewood Division of Health at (216) 529-7694.

BACK TO TOP

MAY, 2005

May 19, 2005
COMMITTEE FOR A GREENER LAKEWOOD TO CO-SPONSOR HOME IMPROVEMENT SERIES

The Committee for a Greener Lakewood will co-sponsor with the Cleveland Green Building Coalition, a home improvement series called "Greening Your Home" beginning Thursday, May 26, 2005.

This series will take place at Lakewood High School, 14100 Franklin Boulevard, Room 119 from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. The cost is $20 per session or $100 to register for the whole series. To register contact Melanie Kintner of the Cleveland Green Building Coalition at (216) 961-8850 x203 or via e-mail.

The series will be presented by Jim LaRue, Residential Consultant for the Cleveland Green Building Coalition. Mr. LaRue helps contractors, builders, developers and homeowners grow their capacity to do sustainable building in the Greater Cleveland area.

Lakewood residents who are interested in attending all seven sessions may be eligible to receive a refund of their $100 registration fee. The first 20 Lakewood residents to register for the series, complete the Lakewood Resident Greening Your Home Series Scholarship form and attend the Greening Your Home Series in its entirety will receive a scholarship refund of $100.00. For more information on the Lakewood Resident Greening your Home Series Scholarship or to receive an application please contact Aldryk Bennett, City of Lakewood, Assistant Planning Director at 216-529-6634 or via e-mail.

The Committee for a Greener Lakewood is a citizen volunteer committee established in 2004 to make recommendations to Lakewood City Council and the Administration on opportunities presented by green design and other environmental issues. It's mission is to aid in the implementation of policies and practices that will decrease the ecological footprint of the City while encouraging positive environmental actions by the city and its residents towards a more sustainable community.

For more information, contact Aldryck Bennett, Assistant Director of the Department of Planning and Development, at (216) 529-6634.

May 18, 2005
HOLIDAY REFUSE & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Due to the Memorial Day holiday, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Monday, May 30, 2005. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Tuesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday should have their refuse and recyclables available for collection on their regular day, and it will be collected either on that day or the day after. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Friday will have collection on Friday.

In addition, all Lakewood City offices and the Lakewood Municipal Court will be closed for the holiday.

For further information, contact the Lakewood Division of Refuse & Recycling at (216) 252-4322.

May 18, 2005
HISTORIC PRESERVATION AWARDS PRESENTED AT MAY 16th LAKEWOOD CITY COUNCIL MEETING

The City of Lakewood and the Lakewood Heritage Advisory Board presented Historic Preservation Awards to ten homeowners and businesses at the Lakewood City Council meeting on Monday, May 16, 2005. The Historic Preservation Awards Program was instituted to honor exemplary projects that have contributed to improving the quality of life in the City of Lakewood through the preservation of our historical architectural resources.

This program recognizes both residential and commercial property owners and publicizes the preservation, rehabilitation, adaptive use and sustained maintenance of historically and architecturally significant properties in Lakewood. The 2005 winners are:

Preservation Award for Rehabilitation
Mr. and Mrs. Courtney Smith

Preservation Award for Historic Rehabilitation
Mr. Bernard Hoefsmit and Ms. Shay Fitzgerald

Preservation Award for a Sympathetic Addition
Mr. & Mrs. Robert Sweeney
Ms. Patricia Oliver

Preservation Award for a Sympathetic Addition for Accessibility
Mr. Tom O'Doughterty, President of the Clifton Club

Preservation Honor Award
Mr. & Mrs. Charles Truett

Preservation Award for New Porch Construction
Mr. & Mrs. Kenneth Haber

Preservation Award for Sustained Maintenance
Dr. Richard H. Parks and the congregation of Lakewood United Methodist Church

Preservation Award for Commercial Revitalization
Mr. Nick Asimakis of the Hylander Restaurant
Mr. Frederick Katona for 13002-04 Madison Avenue

For further information, contact Dryck Bennett, Assistant Director of the Department of Planning and Development, at (216) 529-6634.

May 17, 2005
LAKEWOOD COMMUNITY FESTIVAL BOOTH APPLICATIONS AVAILABLE

Booth applications for the 18th Annual Lakewood Community Festival are available. Organizations interested in reserving a booth at the festival can pick up an application at Lakewood City Hall, 12650 Detroit Avenue, or can call (216) 529-6650 to have an application mailed. Applications must be returned by July 22, 2005.

The Community Festival is scheduled for Saturday, September 10, 2005 from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at Madison Park. The festival celebrates community, families and cultural heritage. It is a day of food, fun and activities for everyone.

This festival, sponsored by the Lakewood Community Festival, Inc. and the City of Lakewood, is traditionally the last event of the summer. Proceeds from the festival will be donated to various local organizations. In the event of rain, the festival will be held on Saturday, September 17, 2005.

For further information contact Melissa Garrett at (216) 529-6650.

May 9, 2005
LAKEWOOD TO HOLD PREDATORY LENDING WORKSHOP

The City of Lakewood will hold a predatory lending workshop on Saturday, May 14, 2005 from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. in the Lakewood City Hall Auditorium, 12650 Detroit Avenue. This is a free workshop for Lakewood residents to learn how to protect their home if they are considering purchasing a home, refinancing a home, taking out a home equity loan or financing home improvements. This one-hour presentation will provide the basics about protection from predatory lenders before signing on the dotted line.

This workshop is being presented by The Housing Advocates, Inc. To reserve a space, please call (216) 391-5444 x117.

For more information, contact Gerry Murphy, of the Division of Community Development, at (216) 529-5933.

May 9, 2005
LAKEWOOD TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL EMS WEEK MAY 15-21st

Lakewood will celebrate National EMS Week May 15-21st. EMS Week honors the approximately 750,000 Emergency Medical Services providers nationwide who deliver lifesaving emergency care and the outstanding achievements of Lakewood's EMS providers.
This year's National EMS theme, EMS: Ready, Responsive and Reliable, reminds us that EMS is ready because it is available anywhere and anytime. It is responsive to all kinds of medical emergencies despite weather conditions or hazards. In addition, EMS is reliable, serving the public with well-trained professionals.
In conjunction with EMS Week, the Lakewood Division of Fire will host demonstrations of the Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) units. These demonstrations will be held on May 17, 18, and 19 from 7:00 - 8:30 p.m. at Fire Station #1, 14601 Madison Avenue. There are currently seventeen AED units strategically located throughout the City of Lakewood.

May 6, 2005
LAKEWOOD SKATE PARK GRAND OPENING SET FOR MAY 13TH

Mayor Thomas J. George, Lakewood City Council and the Lakewood Skaters Association invite you to attend the Grand Opening of the Lakewood Skate Park on Friday, May 13, 2005 at 4:30 p.m. at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue. The park was designed by the Public Square Group with the landscape architecture firm of Brandstetter Carroll Zofcin. The Grand Opening will include a ribbon-cutting, a skateboard demonstration by the PSG Team, an open skate and a skateboard product raffle. This long-awaited park, the project took 8 years to complete, is the area's first sustainable skate park. It will support the sport and art of skateboarding for many years.

The first professionally designed skate park for skateboarding in Northeast Ohio, this new addition to Lakewood Park recreates elements found in the urban landscape (benches, banks, curbs, planters) that have been challenging to both advanced and beginner skaters. Constructed of concrete with brick and steel accents and edging, this park is built to last. Attracting a wide range of ages and skill levels helps foster and maintain the healthy skateboarding scene while integrating with the rest of the community.

"The Lakewood Skate Park is the first of its kind in Northeast Ohio," stated Mayor Thomas J. George. "We hope that skaters for generations to come can enjoy this fabulous park."

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April 20, 2005
LAKEWOOD DESIGNATED BY NATIONAL ARBOR DAY FOUNDATION AS "TREE CITY U.S.A." FOR 28TH YEAR

The City of Lakewood was presented its 28th "Tree City U.S.A." award at a ceremony on Tuesday, April 19, 2005 at the Signature of Solon in Solon, Ohio. The awards presentation by the Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Forestry honored the 49 Northeast Ohio Tree City Award recipients.

As the longest standing Tree City U.S.A. award recipient in Northeast Ohio, Lakewood has consistently met the national standards required in order to be honored with this prestigious award.