News Releases
 
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 
FOR OFFICIAL INFORMATION CONTACT:
City of Lakewood, OH 
Community Relations Office 
(216) 529-6652 or 6650  

May 6, 2008
LAKEWOOD START–A–HEART COMMITTEE TO OFFER
HEARTSAVER AED COURSE

The Lakewood Start-A-Heart Committee is offering the Heartsaver AED Course on Wednesday, May 14, 2008 from 6:00 to 9:00 p.m. at Fire Station #1, 14601 Madison Avenue.

The Heartsaver AED Course teaches the basic techniques of adult CPR and how to use an Automatic External Defibrillator (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 scope of this course does not include infant (0-12 months) CPR technique.
The cost for the class is $20.00. It must be paid in advance and is non-refundable. To register, call (216) 227-2481.  Books are also available to purchase prior to or at the class for $12 each.

The Lakewood Start-A-Heart Committee was formed in conjunction with the Lakewood Hospital Association to expand the current 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 directs the expansion and future implementation of the AED Public Access Program, determines 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 engages in fundraising efforts to help support the future financial needs of the program.

May 6, 2008
LAKEWOOD TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL EMS WEEK MAY 18 – 24

The City of Lakewood will celebrate Emergency Medical Services Week from May 18-24, 2008 in conjunction with the national celebration.  EMS Week celebrates EMS providers who serve their communities to not only save lives, but to educate the public in areas of injury prevention and healthy living.  This year’s theme, “Your Life is Our Mission” exemplifies the excellent services provided every day, under any circumstances, by Lakewood emergency medical personnel.

To celebrate EMS Week, paramedics and emergency medical technicians from the Lakewood Fire Department are focusing on the importance of healthy living.  During the week, they will distribute literature throughout the community when they respond to emergency calls, and give tips on healthy eating and exercise.  Adults will receive handy blood pressure record keepers that can be kept in a purse or wallet, and children will get Junior Paramedic stickers, pencils, EMT plastic helmets, educational activity books, and temporary tattoos.

For more information on EMS Week, call Lakewood Fire Administration at 216-529-6656.

April 29, 2008
ANNUAL FIRE HYDRANT TESTING BEGINS MAY 5th

The City of Lakewood Division of Fire’s annual fire hydrant testing program begins Monday, May 5, 2008.  Testing will be done on Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays throughout the month of May.  Annual hydrant flushing is necessary to assure proper hydrant operations during fire emergencies.

The testing may cause temporary discoloration of the water supply and residents should check the color of their water before washing clothes to guard against discoloring fabrics.  After a few hours, the sediment will settle and the water should run clear again.  While the water may appear unsightly, discoloration is due to the release of built-up mineral deposits present in all water mains.

Residents with questions about the fire hydrant testing may call    529-6607 after 9:00 a.m. on weekdays.

April 21, 2008
MEDIA ADVISORY
LAKEWOOD ATTACKS CRIME
MAYOR EDWARD FITZGERALD TO ANNOUNCE 2008 LAW ENFORCEMENT INITIATIVE ON APRIL 23RD

Mayor Edward FitzGerald and Police Chief Timothy J. Malley will unveil the 2008 Law Enforcement Initiative on Wednesday, April 23, 2008 at 7:00 PM in the Lakewood City Hall Auditorium, 12650 Detroit Avenue. This plan will detail the steps being taken in 2008 to reduce crime in Lakewood. The public and media are invited to attend.

April 18, 2008
MAYOR FITZGERALD TO DELIVER ANNUAL STATE OF CITY ADDRESS

 Lakewood Mayor Edward FitzGerald will present the 2008 State of the City address on Monday, April 28, 2008 at 7:00 PM at the Garfield Middle School Cafetorium, 13114 Detroit Avenue.

Mayor FitzGerald is serving his first term as Mayor of the City of Lakewood.  His State of City Address will focus of the City’s successes and achievements during his first 100 days and the opportunities and challenges in the year 2008 and beyond.

This event is sponsored by the Lakewood Chamber of Commerce, LakewoodAlive, Lakewood Community Progress Incorporated, Kiwanis Club of Lakewood and Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary Club

April 9, 2008
H20 SUMMER SERVICE CAMP APPLICATIONS ARE NOW AVAILABLE

The Lakewood Department of Human Services-Division of Youth H20 “Help to Others” Summer Service Camp is now accepting applications on for Summer Camp. Applications are available online at www.onelakewood.com/human_youth_main.html. Printed applications are available at the Lakewood Division of Youth, the Lakewood Public Library and the Lakewood Recreation Department. The deadline for entering the lottery-style registration is 5:00 p.m. on Friday, May 2, 2008.

During the two-week camp session, Lakewood residents entering grades 6-9 spend the morning performing activities at various service sites and the afternoon is spent on game time and team building activities. Trained high school students act as service mentors for the younger participants. These skilled counselors supervise, instruct, motivate and empower their teams of five to six campers through a rich variety of hands on activities and learning experiences.

H2O is a program of the Lakewood Department of Human Services Division of Youth in partnership with Lakewood City Schools. Under the direction of staff from the Division of Youth, H2O programs are intended to build and strengthen the confidence and resources of Lakewood’s young residents through service projects.

For further information, contact Celia Dorsch, Department of Human Services-Division of Youth H20 Coordinator, at (216) 529-6870.

March 28, 2008
SPRING FLING SET FOR APRIL 3rd  

The Spring Fling, an intergenerational dance for area seniors and Lakewood High Schools students, will take place on Thursday, April 3, 2008 from 3:30 p.m. to 5:30 p.m. at Garfield Middle School, 13114 Detroit Avenue.  This is an opportunity for residents – young and old – to celebrate spring together. 

This year’s Spring Fling will feature musical groups from Lakewood High School, the Lakewood High School Jazz Band & Workshop Band and musical groups from Garfield School.  Refreshments will be served by Lakewood High’s Ranger Student Catering Program.

The event is sponsored by the Lakewood Department of Human Services-Divisions of Aging and Youth (H20 Program) and the Lakewood Kiwanis Club.

Tickets are $6.00.  All ages are welcome.  For tickets or more information, call the Lakewood Department of Human Services-Division of Aging at (216) 521-1515.

March 28, 2008
LAKEWOOD DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO SPONSOR PARENTING SERIES

The Department of Human Services-Division of Early Childhood will sponsor a free, 8-week parenting series beginning Thursday, April 3, 2008.  The series will be held at the Lakewood Family Room, 17400 Northwood Avenue, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each Thursday through May 22nd.  The series will offer parents of children 0 to eight years of age a chance to learn new ways to manage their own stress, problem solve and give positive attention.  A light meal and child care will be provided.  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/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.

March 28, 2008
H2O TO HOST GUITAR HERO TOURNAMENT TO FIGHT LEUKEMIA

The City of Lakewood youth service organization, Help to Others (H2O) is sponsoring a Guitar Hero Tournament on Saturday, April 19, 2008 from 11:00 AM to 1:00 PM at Lakewood High School, 14100 Franklin Boulevard. This event was originally scheduled for March 8 but was rescheduled due to the weather. All proceeds will benefit the Leukemia/Lymphoma Society. Spectators are asked to donate $1.00 for admission. H2O is selling refreshments at the event.

Lakewood residents in grades 6-12 are eligible to participate. All players will compete using the Guitar Hero II game on a Playstation 2 system. Tournament brackets will be made for 3 levels of play. The entry fee of $6.00 guarantees a minimum of 2 games. Cash prizes will be awarded to the winners. Entry forms are available on the City of Lakewood website - click here - or can be picked up at the Lakewood Division of Youth, 12900 Madison Avenue, Lakewood City Hall, 12650 Detroit Avenue or the Lakewood Community Recreation & Education Department, 1470 Warren Road.

This event is sponsored by the City of Lakewood H20 “Help-to-Others” Youth Volunteer Program with the support from the Lakewood Community Recreation and Education Department.

H2O is a collaborative youth program between the Lakewood Department of Human Services-Division of Youth and the Lakewood City Schools. Under the direction of staff from the Division of Youth, H2O programs are intended to build and strengthen the confidence and resources of Lakewood’s young residents through service projects. The organization is three-tiered, consisting of a High School program, a Middle School program and a Summer Camp program.

For further information contact Celia Dorsch, H2O Coordinator for Lakewood’s Department of Human Services-Division of Youth, at (216) 529-6045.

 

March 13, 2008
LAKEWOOD CERT AND DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO HOLD TRAINING EXERCISE

Lakewood CERT and the Lakewood Department of Human Services will hold an emergency shelter training exercise on Saturday, March 15, 2008 from 8:00 AM to 12:30 PM at Harrison Elementary School, 2080 Quail Avenue. Members of the West Shore CERT will also participate.

The scenario for the training exercise will involve a neighborhood evacuation. CERT members will report to the school at 8:00 am pursuant to the emergency "call out". The CERT trailer will be on hand. The "evacuees" will begin arriving at 9:00 a.m. CERT will set up the shelter and process the evacuees as they arrive.

The Community Emergency Response Team (CERT) program teaches skills so that in the event of an emergency or disaster, residents are prepared to help themselves, their families and neighbors if police, fire and EMS cannot respond immediately. CERT training helps people to think clearly and act appropriately when faced with an emergency. In the event of a disaster or community emergency, preparedness translates into less strain on government and nonprofits that respond and also means that people have the skills to help themselves and possibly save lives until professional responders arrive. CERT members can also support first responders once they are on the scene.

To become a member of CERT, residents must be 18 years or older and pass a background check. Singles, parents and seniors are all encouraged to participate.

For more information about Lakewood CERT, please call Terri Richards, Lakewood CERT Coordinator, at (216) 529-6657.

March 12, 2008
RESIDENTS ASKED TO HELP WITH KEEPING FIRE HYDRANTS CLEAR

The Lakewood Division of Fire is out in full force trying to clear snow away from buried fire hydrants. Residents are being asked to help with the process. If you have a fire hydrant located on your tree lawn, please remove the snow from around the hydrant so the hydrant is visible. In the event of a fire, the precious seconds lost while firefighters are locating and clearing a hydrant could make a difference between life and death.

March 11, 2008
CITY AND SCHOOLS COOPERATE TO GET KIDS SAFELY TO SCHOOL

When the Lakewood City Schools decided to reopen today, the City of Lakewood and the Lakewood School District joined forces to make sure the children arrived safely. The Police Department had officers give special attention to all the schools and crossings. Police Officers also assisted at three school crossings at Summit/Clifton, Elmwood/Hilliard and W. Clifton/Sloane. The Public Works Department sent crews to ensure that all crosswalks were clear so children could cross safely.

Residents and businesses are urged to do their part and clear the snow from their sidewalks. The large amounts of snow are make it difficult for children trying to go to school, seniors and any pedestrian trying to maneuver the sidewalks covered with snow. Lakewood Codified Ordinance Section 521.06(a) requires every owner or occupant to remove or clear away snow and ice from the sidewalk.

“I want to commend the Lakewood Safety Forces and the Public Works Department for their hard work and dedication in dealing with the snow over the past several days,” stated Mayor Edward FitzGerald. “Their commitment to the City helped to ensure that residents were safe during this intense snow storm.”

March 10, 2008
EMERGENCY SNOW PARKING BAN LIFTED
SNOWED-IN/PLOWED IN CARS WILL BE TICKETED FOR 24-HOUR VIOLATION

Lakewood Mayor Edward FitzGerald, serving as the City’s Public Safety Director, has announced that the Emergency Snow Parking Ban will be lifted at 8:00 a.m. on Monday, March 10, 2008. Residents may go back to parking on all city streets where signs do not prohibit parking.

Residents are reminded that vehicles may not be parked on any street in the City for more than 24 hours without being used in a usual and ordinary manner. The Lakewood Police Department will ticket snowed-in/plowed-in autos on all city streets. Tickets and tow notice will be placed on each vehicle. If the cars are still parked on the street, without being moved, an attempt will be made to notify the registered owner. After the notification attempt is made, the auto will be towed off the street.

Off-Street Parking is available in the Lakewood Municipal Parking Lots located throughout the city.

March 7, 2008
LAKEWOOD DECLARES EMERGENCY SNOW PARKING BAN

Lakewood Mayor Edward FitzGerald, serving as the Director of Public Safety, has issued an emergency snow parking ban in the city per Lakewood Codified Ordinance Section 351.26, effective 6:00 PM on Friday, March 7, 2008. Parking is available in City of Lakewood Municipal Parking lots located throughout the city and at Lakewood Park, 14532 Lake Avenue and Madison Park, 13029 Madison Avenue.

Weather reports indicate snow and ice are expected throughout the weekend.

“An Emergency Snow Ban is being issued for the safety of all of our residents,” stated Mayor FitzGerald.

February 19, 2008
MAYOR FITZGERALD, COUNCILMEMBER SUMMERS AND FINANCE DIRECTOR PAE
TO PARTICIPATE IN LAKEWOODALIVE FORUM, MAKING “CENTS” OF LAKEWOOD’S FINANCES

Mayor FitzGerald, Finance Director Pae and Councilmember Summers will participate in the LakewoodAlive forum, Making "Cents" out of Lakewood's Finances. 

This two-part forum will begin on Tuesday, February 26, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Harrison Elementary School, 2080 Quail Ave. A panel of experts will discuss details and current challenges of municipal finance. Speakers will also directly address Lakewood’s current financial position, challenges and opportunities.

The follow up forum, to be held on Tuesday, April 3, 2008 at 7:00 p.m. at Hayes Elementary School, 16401 Delaware Ave, will focus specifically on Lakewood’s 2008 city budget.

Expert panelists for the February 26 forum include:

Joe Gibbons, a LakewoodAlive founding member, will moderate the forum. The forum is free and advanced registration is not necessary.

LakewoodAlive is a non-partisan citizen group that informs and engages our community about issues that impact economic development and our quality of life. For more information, visit www.lakewoodalive.com

February 4, 2008
WINTERHURST TO HOLD HOLIDAY PIZZA SKATE

Winterhurst Ice Rink will hold a special Pizza Skate from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Monday, February 18, 2008 to celebrate Presidents’ Day. Admission is $4.00 for Lakewood residents and $5.00 for non-residents. Price includes the skating session, one slice of pizza and one can of pop. Skate rental is available for an additional cost.

Advance tickets are on sale at the Winterhurst ticket booth. Pizza and pop is limited to the first 350 people. Coupons and passes will not be honored for this session.

Winterhurst Ice Rink, Northeast Ohio’s Premier 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.

For more information contact Winterhurst Ice Rink at (216) 529-4400.

February 4, 2008
HOLIDAY REFUSE & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Due to the Presidents’ Day holiday, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Monday, February 18, 2008. 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.

January 22, 2008
CERT TRAINING COMING IN FEBRUARY

The City of Lakewood and other West Shore Communities will be offering CERT training to interested residents beginning Saturday, February 2, 2008. The course is approximately 20 hours and will be held on February 2, February 16, March 1 and March 8 from 8:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. A final drill exercise will take place on Saturday, March 29th from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The course will take place at the Westlake Service Facility on Bassett Road. There is no cost for the training and course materials are provided.

The CERT program teaches skills so that in the event of an emergency or disaster, residents are prepared to help themselves, their families and neighbors if police, fire and EMS cannot respond immediately. CERT training helps people to think clearly and act appropriately when faced with an emergency. In the event of a disaster or community emergency, preparedness translates into less strain on government and nonprofits that respond and also means that people have the skills to help themselves and possibly save lives until professional responders arrive. CERT members can also support first responders once they are on the scene.

Residents must be 18 years or older and pass a background check. Singles, parents and seniors are all encouraged to participate.

For more information or to register, please call Terri Richards, Lakewood CERT Coordinator, at (216) 529-6657 or Dale Kraus, West Shore CERT Coordinator, at (440) 617-4096.

For more information, contact Terri Richards, Lakewood CERT Coordinator, at (216) 529-6657.

January 11, 2008
HOLIDAY REFUSE & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Due to the Martin Luther King Jr. Day holiday, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Monday, January 21, 2008. 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.

Residents are reminded that refuse and recycling should not be placed on the curb or tree lawn until after 6:00 p.m. on the night before your collection day and should be available for collection by 6:30 a.m. on the collection day.

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.

January 11, 2008
WINTERHURST TO HOLD HOLIDAY PIZZA SKATE

Winterhurst Ice Rink will hold a special Pizza Skate from 1:00-3:00 p.m. on Monday, January 21, 2008 to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Admission is $4.00 for Lakewood residents and $5.00 for non-residents. Price includes the skating session, one slice of pizza and one can of pop. Skate rental is available for an additional $2.00/pair.

Advance tickets will be on sale one week in advance at the Winterhurst ticket booth. Pizza and pop is limited to the first 350 people. Coupons and passes will not be honored for this session. Winterhurst Ice Rink, Northeast Ohio’s Premier 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.

For more information contact Winterhurst Ice Rink at (216) 529-4400.

January 10, 2008
WINTERHURST TO CELEBRATE NATIONAL SKATING WEEK
WITH A FREE PUBLIC SKATING SESSION ON JANUARY 16TH

Winterhurst Ice Rink, 14740 Lakewood Heights Boulevard, will celebrate National Skating Week with a free public skating session on Wednesday, January 16, 2008 from 4:00 p.m.-6:00 p.m. Skate rental is available for $2.00/pair.

In addition to the free skating session, class information and registration will be available for figure skating, speed skating, youth hockey, learn-to-skate and adapted learn-to-skate programs.

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.

For further information contact Winterhurst Ice Rink at (216) 529-4400.

January 2, 2008
MAYOR FITZGERALD INAUGURATION CEREMONY SET FOR JANUARY 5

The swearing-in ceremony for Lakewood Mayor Edward FitzGerald will be held on Saturday, January, 5 2008 at 11:00 a.m. at the Masonic Temple, 15300 Detroit Avenue. United States Senator Sherrod Brown will officiate the ceremony. The Lakewood High School Choral Choir will be performing. The public is welcome to attend.

Prior to being elected Mayor last fall, FitzGerald served as a Special Agent with the FBI, was a Prosecutor for Cuyahoga County and served as a Lakewood City Councilman from 1999-2007.

In addition to Mayor FitzGerald, new Council Members Tom Bullock and Mike Summers and re-elected Council Members Kevin Butler and Mary Louise Madigan will also be sworn-in during this ceremony.

December 17, 2007
HOLIDAY REFUSE & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Due to the Christmas and New Year’s holidays, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Tuesday, December 25, 2007 or Tuesday, January 1, 2008. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Monday will have collection on Monday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on Tuesday will have collection on Wednesday. Residents whose refuse is normally collected on 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 Tuesday, December 25 and Tuesday, January 1 for the holidays.

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

December 10, 2007
TRAFFIC PATTERNS TO CHANGE

With Phase II construction about to begin at Lakewood High School (located at the corner of Bunts Road and Franklin Boulevard), both vehicular and pedestrian traffic around the school will change.

One of the changes will involve no longer being able to park in the lot located on the northwest corner of LHS.  Visitor parking will be located in the lot in front of the Civic Auditorium.  New parking has been created north of (immediately behind) the new modular classrooms for students and staff.

With students needing to cross Franklin more frequently to attend classes in the modular units and the main campus, crosswalk times will be handled remotely between classes.  School zone lights will flash and traffic will be slowed to 20 mph.

There will be signs posted to help people know where to turn, etc. and there will be designated areas where parents can safely drop off their children.  Most 11th and 12th graders will still be dropped off at LHS and most 9th and 10th graders will start their day at the modulars.  Lakewood Police Officers are working with school district safety personnel to discuss turning lanes and restrictions during heavy traffic periods.  We encourage everyone to seek alternative routes, in particular during the beginning of the school day and at dismissal time in order to avoid delays.

Phase II involves the complete renovation of the western  ½ of Lakewood High School, and the complete renovation of Horace Mann and Emerson into state of the art elementary schools. 

             

December 7, 2007
LAKEWOOD DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN SERVICES TO SPONSOR PARENTING SERIES

The Department of Human Services-Division of Early Childhood will sponsor a free, 8-week parenting series beginning Thursday, January 10, 2008. The series will be held at the Lakewood Family Room, 17400 Northwood Avenue, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. each Thursday through February 28th. The series will offer parents of children 0 to eight years of age a chance to learn new ways to manage their own stress, problem solve and give positive attention. A light meal and child care will be provided. 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/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 the Department of Human Services/Early Childhood at (216) 529-5018.

November 19, 2007
HOLIDAY BAND CONCERT SET FOR DECEMBER 2ND

The 4th annual Lakewood Holiday Band Concert will be held on Sunday, December 2, 2007 at 2:00 p.m. at the Lakewood Civic Auditorium, 14100 Franklin Boulevard. This free concert will feature the Lakewood Hometown Band. The band will perform its typical all-American Sousa-Style music including some holiday favorites. This 45-piece band has been performing in Lakewood for over 40 years.

This concert is sponsored by the City of Lakewood, Lakewood City Schools and the Recording Industries Music Performance Trust Fund in cooperation with Local No. 4, American Federation of Musicians.

November 13, 2007
HOLIDAY REFUSE & RECYCLING COLLECTION SCHEDULE

Due to the Thanksgiving holiday, there will be no refuse or recycling collected on Thursday, November 22, 2007.  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.

Residents are reminded that refuse and recycling should not be placed on the curb or tree lawn until after 6:00 p.m. on the night before your collection day and should be available for collection by 6:30 a.m. on the collection day.

In addition, all Lakewood City offices will be closed on Thursday, November 22 and Friday, November 23 for the Thanksgiving holiday.

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

November 6, 2007
PHOTO – VIDEO OPPORTUNITY
LAKEWOOD TO HONOR VETERANS ON NOVEMBER 11TH AT LAKEWOOD PARK

Mayor Thomas J. George and the Lakewood Veterans Advisory Committee will host the City of Lakewood’s Veterans Day Ceremony on Sunday, November 11, 2007 at 11:00 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. 

This year’s keynote speaker will be Rear Admiral John E. Crowley, Jr.  Rear Admiral Crowley is the Commander of the Ninth Coast Guard District.  He assumed this position on April 18, 2006.  As the operational commander for the Great Lakes region, he leads more than 7,700 regular, reserve, auxiliary and civilian men and women.  Under his direction, Coast Guard personnel provide maritime security over 6,500 miles of shoreline and 1,500 miles of international border and provide the world’s premiere search and rescue, marine safety and environmental protection, maritime law enforcement, aids to navigation and icebreaking services to the region’s citizens.  Rear Admiral Crowley served aboard five cutters – twice on the Great Lakes and twice in command. Rear Admiral Crowley was promoted to flag rank in October 2002 and was assigned as the Judge Advocate General and the Chief Counsel of the U. S. Coast Guard.

There will also be a special presentation to the family of Navy Petty Officer 2nd Class Michael Holtz.  Michael, a Lakewood native and 1994 graduate of Lakewood High School, was killed on the USS Minneapolis St. Paul submarine on December 29, 2006.   Michael and Senior Chief Petty Officer Thomas Higgins were swept from the deck during a fierce winter storm in Plymouth Harbor, England.

Other highlights of this year’s program include performances by the Lakewood High School Band, the “Sunshine Committee” and a 21-gun salute by the Joint Veterans Honor Guard. 

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 1, 2007
YOUTH MASTER PLAN SURVEY RESULTS TO DRIVE THE LAKEWOOD YOUTH COMMISSION INTO ACTION.

Understanding young peoples’ needs from their own perspective is essential to developing an effective youth plan.  In March and April 2007, the Lakewood Youth Master Plan (YMP) Executive Committee conducted an extensive survey of Lakewood youth. The results provided critical information about how they’re doing in school, how they spend their time, how sufficiently active they are, how safe they feel, and much more.  The survey was distributed to just over 800 middle school and high school students in Lakewood. 

Of those surveys completed, forty-seven percent were male, while fifty-two percent were female. The strongest ethnicity to complete the survey was White/Anglo (82%), with most of the completed surveys by English speaking (86%) students.  A strong majority (73%) of those students surveyed have lived in Lakewood for five or more years.

            The most popular hobby for both middle school and high school students were organized athletics (30%). Sixty-six percent of middle school students and fifty-eight percent of high school students would like to see some sort of laser tag/paintball center constructed in Lakewood. This was the only response selected for both middle and high school students where the numbers of those who wanted the activity in Lakewood outnumbered those who did not want it.  Approximately half of the students surveyed leave Lakewood over six times a month for recreation and entertainment. The majority of students felt that 5 to 10 year olds have sufficient activities available to them in Lakewood.   A common assumption about youth was revealed through the surveys.  Most middle and high school students learn about and are influenced to participate in activities by their friends.  Roughly half of middle school students reported both lack of interest and money prevent them from participating in activities while high school students reported primarily lack of interest (56%) with a lack of variety in activities a close second.

Over eighty-percent of both middle and high school students know who to contact for crises, accidents and crimes. The most important service noted by middle school students (75%) was drug and alcohol treatment. High school students (68%) answered that academic services and drug & alcohol treatment were most important to them.  More than half of all middle school students identified four safety areas of concern: theft (61%), gangs (55%), drugs & alcohol (55%), and harassment (54%). High school students only had one category where more than half surveyed agreed it was a safety concern: theft (52%).

The survey results described above, coupled with thoughtful community dialogue, provided the framework for the YMP development.  The YMP process and report are completed and will be used as one of many tools to assist the emerging Lakewood Youth Commission.  New to Lakewood, the Youth Commission will be made up of community members and appointees from the Superintendent and Board of Education, the Mayor and City Council.  The LYC’s mission is to effectively foster successful and well-adjusted youth that are responsible and contributing members of the community.  Look for more to come on this action-oriented group.

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

October 30, 2007
TRAFFIC ALERT
WEST 117TH STREET TO BE CLOSED BETWEEN CLIFTON AND DETROIT FOR RAILROAD REPAIRS

Norfolk Southern will be making repairs to the railroad crossing on West 117th Street beginning November 5, 2007 continuing through November 11, 2007. During this time, West 117th Street will be closed between Detroit and Clifton.

October 29, 2007
LAKEWOOD ANNOUNCES FALL LEAF COLLECTION SCHEDULE

The City of Lakewood will begin collecting loose leaves on Monday, October 29 and will continue until approximately December 7, weather permitting. Prior to October 29 and after December 7, 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 east end of Clifton Boulevard and Lake Avenue and work west until completed. Collection pick-up for these streets is scheduled to begin on October 29 with additional pick-ups beginning November 12 and November 26.

After crews have completed Clifton and Lake, they will collect leaves citywide starting from the west end and working east. Pick-up 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 22 and 23 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 19, 2007
NATIONAL LEAGUE OF CITIES RECOGNIZES LAKEWOOD’S YOUTH PLANNING EFFORTS

The National League of Cities' (NLC) Institute for Youth, Education, and Families has invited the City of Lakewood to participate in the Municipal Leadership to Implement Comprehensive Plans for Children and Youth technical assistance initiative. In May of this year, NLC invited cities and towns that had developed a comprehensive plan or agenda for children and youth to apply for technical assistance in support of efforts to implement the plan. Nationally, the level of city interest and momentum was extraordinary and created an incredibly competitive review process in which six city teams were selected: Charleston, South Carolina, Grand Rapids, Michigan, Lakewood, Ohio, Lexington, Kentucky, Portland, Oregon, and Washington, DC.

"Under the George Administration, Youth and Recreation are a top priority,” said Mayor Thomas J. George. “I am pleased the NLC has recognized Lakewood for its innovative and creative methods to address these important priorities."

In Fall 2005, the City of Lakewood was one of six cities chosen by the NLC to participate in a technical assistance process to develop a comprehensive community plan for youth and families. A Blue Ribbon Task Force designed a framework and engaged key community stakeholders in the plan development process. Through a series of meetings, youth and family surveys as well as community dialogue, the Lakewood Youth Master Plan (YMP) report was completed in September 2007.

The NLC technical assistance will help ensure the next phase of Youth Master Planning is a success. The first step in the YMP implementation plan is the formation and development of the Lakewood Youth Commission (LYC), an organization comprised of both youth and adults. The Commission will provide leadership in advocating, monitoring, evaluating and achieving the goals of the YMP. Chris Karel, YMP Community Chair says, “We’ve spent a lot of time preparing this plan. Now it’s time to act. It’s great that Lakewood was chosen -- the NLC will help us be successful.” Legislation to establish the LYC was introduced to Lakewood City Council on October 15th.

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

October 19, 2007
HALLOWEEN TO BE OBSERVED ON WEDNESDAY, 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 Wednesday, October 31, 2007.

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 18, 2007
LAKEWOOD POLICE JAIL PARKING LOT SHOOTER SUSPECT

The Lakewood Division of Police, with the assistance of the U.S. Marshall’s Office, arrested Francisco L. Rodriguez on a warrant for attempted aggravated murder. Rodriguez is charged in the shooting of Justin Lee on September 25 in a parking lot on Cook Avenue, just off of Detroit Avenue.

Rodriguez is currently being held in Lakewood City Jail.

For more information, contact Police Chief Tim Malley at (216) 529-6749.

October 18, 2007
BANK ROBBERY SUSPECT CAUGHT

On October 15, 2007, the Lakewood and Fairview Park Police arrested Daniel L. Johnson. Johnson is a suspect in the bank robbery which occurred on October 11 at the Fifth Third Bank, 1616 West 117th Street in Lakewood.

After a robbery at a Fairview Park bank on October 15, police received information that Johnson was in a taxicab at Madison and Waterbury. Officers from Lakewood and Fairview Park responded to the area and apprehended Johnson.
Johnson is currently being held in the Fairview Park Jail. He will be turned over to the FBI for federal prosecution.

For further information, contact Police Chief Timothy Malley at (216) 529-6749.

October 16, 2007
MEDIA ADVISORY PRESS CONFERENCE ON CLIFFS DEVELOPMENT PROJECT

WHO: Lakewood Mayor Thomas J. George, Cuyahoga County Commissioners and Foran Montlack Development
WHAT: Press Conference to provide details on agreement reached for Cliffs Development Project, Lakewood’s first new waterfront project in over 40 years.
WHEN: Wednesday, October 17, 2007 at 2:30 p.m.
WHERE: 1350 Sloane Ave. (Near the intersection of Sloane and Detroit)
CONTACT: For further information, contact Planning and Development Director Tom Jordan at (216) 529-6630.

October 16, 2007

The City of Lakewood, Department of Human Services Family Child Care Home program announces sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Agriculture funded Child and Adult Care Food Program. Meals are served at no separate charge to all eligible participants enrolled for care, and will be provided without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, age, or disability.

To file a discrimination complaint, write USDA, Director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Bldg, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington DC, 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.

For more information, contact Toni Gelsomino of the Division of Early Childhood at  (216) 529-5018.

October 16, 2007
EIGHTH ANNUAL “PUMPKIN PALOOZA” TO BE HELD ON SUNDAY, OCTOBER 28TH

The Lakewood-based youth service organization, Help to Others (H2O), will  co-sponsor the 8th Annual Pumpkin Palooza on Sunday, October 28, 2007 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.

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 is open to the public.  Festivalgoers are asked to bring a non-perishable food item to be donated to Lakewood Christian Service Center and Lakewood Charitable Assistance Corporation.  Tickets may be purchased 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 11, 2007
WINTERHURST TO HOLD RECREATION FAIR ON OCTOBER 21ST

Winterhurst Ice Rink, Northeast Ohio’s Premier Ice Rink, will hold a Recreation Fair and Open House on Sunday, October 21, 2007. This Fair will include a free, public skating session as well as provide an opportunity to learn about all of the classes and activities going on at Winterhurst.

The free skating session will be held from 2:00-4:00 p.m. and is open to all ages. Skate rental is $2.00/pair. Class information and registration will be available for figure skating, speed skating, youth and adult hockey, learn-to-skate and adapted learn-to-skate programs

Winterhurst Ice Rink, located at 14740 Lakewood Heights Boulevard, 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.

For further information contact Winterhurst Ice Rink at (216) 529-4400.

October 11, 2007
CLIFF’S DEVELOPMENT PROJECT MOVING FORWARD

The City of Lakewood, Cuyahoga County and Cleveland Metroparks have reached an agreement on the Cliffs Development. In 2006, the City of Lakewood and Foran Montlack Development announced plans for Lakewood’s first new waterfront project in over 40 years. However, one of the access points to this development traversed the Cleveland Metroparks and Cuyahoga County properties. Concerns were raised regarding competing traffic patterns in these areas.

In an effort to resolve these concerns, all the parties met over the last year and discussed the types of improvements required and their related expenses. The following outlines the agreement which has been reached:

• Cuyahoga County will provide to the City of Lakewood .3944 acres of land.

• The Cleveland Metroparks will provide the City of Lakewood an easement over certain property.

• The City of Lakewood, in cooperation with Lakewood City School District, will provide an additional $250,000 for a new access road.

• The Foran Montlack Development, LLC will pay any additional expense for the new road.

The Cliffs is a residential and marina project that will be located on the former Krumreig Marina site in the Rocky River basin along with two residential parcels on Sloane Avenue. All of the properties are under contract or have already been acquired privately by the developer. There is no eminent domain being utilized for this project.

Foran Montlack Development, LLC has proposed to construct approximately 110,000 square feet with about 40 new units of high-end residential condominiums. The Cliffs project includes three well-designed buildings terraced down into the Rocky River basin providing direct access to the river and scenic views of Lake Erie. Plans also call for an expanded marina on the site. In total, the developer will commit to an overall value in excess of $19 million.

The proposed project will include a $2 million dollar city assistance package in the form of a T.I.F. (Tax Increment Financing). However, there will be no tax abatement at this site.

“I am very pleased that the Cliffs project is moving forward,” stated Mayor George. “This exciting, new development project further lends proof that Lakewood is a great place to live, work and invest.”

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

October 10, 2007
UPDATE ON CITISTAT PROCESS

The City of Lakewood engaged the CitiStat process in August 2005 and implementation began in the first quarter of 2006. The CitiStat process helps to identify issues and create solutions to improve the collection and reporting of data in order to make sound management decisions and improve operations.

The entire effort of CitiStat is keenly focused on helping the City of Lakewood to serve the community in an efficient and effective way. The following are a few of the highlights of the CitiStat process during July to September 2007:

• Ten City Divisions Added to the CitiStat Process
Beginning in November, ten new divisions will be joining the CitiStat process. Human Resources, Streets & Forestry, Youth Services, and Early Childhood will begin making monthly presentations, and this expansion will also include Water Administration, Metering, and Distribution. The Streets & Forestry meetings will include the Divisions of Streets, Forestry, Traffic Signs & Signals, and Parking. The expansion of CitiStat will bring the number of “Stat’ed” divisions up to 19, or almost 60% of all city departments.

Also, beginning in December there will be a standing CitiStat meeting on the 2nd Tuesday of the month for all relevant department and division heads to problem solve and devise implementation strategies based on the City's Mission & Vision, Grow Lakewood Recommendations, as well as other plans and studies such as the Housing Advisory Panel, Youth Master Plan, etc.

• CitiStat Website Now Live
The CitiStat website went online during the month of September. This website provides a description of the program, a history of the process, quarterly updates, and the ability to view the involved department’s monthly presentation. Access to the CitiStat website is available at: www.ci.lakewood.oh.us/citistat.html

• Updated Code Enforcement Software Implementation
The HTE Code Enforcement Module provides the City better opportunities in terms of cross-departmental coordination of the various code enforcement issues that may arise. This system also provides enhanced compliance monitoring and reporting capabilities. Currently, management within Housing & Building has been trained on using the HTE Code Enforcement Module, and other departments such as Health, Refuse, Fire and Water, are to follow. Also, individual training of staff will occur before implementation occurs. The system is expected to go begin use in late October.

• Fleet Management Inventory Recovery & Efficiency Gains
The Division of Fleet Management has been cataloging and bar coding its parts on hand since January. This has resulted in over 2,000 parts cataloged and valued at approximately $125,480. The Division has also identified obsolete or duplicative parts that have been returned to vendors for over $6,800 in credits. Outfitting of new police vehicles took the Division of Fleet less than 8 weeks in 2007, as compared to over 18 months in 2006. The Division of Fleet Management has also made savings by doing jobs in-house instead of outsourcing including $11,000 saved by installing equipment on the Fire Department Air Cylinder vehicle.

For any questions about the City of Lakewood CitiStat Process, please contact Ed Favre at (216) 529-6602 or Jennifer Pae at (216) 529-6092.

October 8, 2007
SCHOOL GUARD CROSSING CHANGES TO BEGIN OCTOBER 15TH

In consultation with the Lakewood Board of Education, the Lakewood Police Department will make the following changes to school guard assignments effective Monday, October 15, 2007. School guards will be reassigned from the intersections of Hilliard and McKinley and Alger and Delaware to new crossings at Woodward and Hilliard and Woodward and Madison.

Prior to the start of the school year, representatives from the Lakewood Police Department and the Lakewood Board of Education met to discuss the school district boundaries and the placement of school guards due to the new boundaries created by the opening of the new elementary schools. After the beginning of the school year, the Police Department did an internal survey of our school guards to gauge their effective and proper placement.

When the original crossing guard assignments were made, it was unknown that several families had chosen to open enroll their students at Hayes Elementary School, causing children to be crossing at Woodward and Madison and Woodward and Hilliard. The families of these students have made requests for additional school guards at these intersections and the Lakewood Police Department, in cooperation with the Lakewood School Board, has responded to their requests.

On an annual and continuing basis the City of Lakewood, the Lakewood Police Department and the Lakewood Board of Education meet to discuss mutual concerns, interagency cooperation, and how we can all work together and most efficiently to address the concerns of Lakewood residents. Whenever a matter or concern is brought to our attention of any of our entities, we meet cooperatively to work out solutions that have the most impact for all concerns.

“The Lakewood Police Department remains committed to creating a safe environment for all of the residents of our City and will continue to look for ways to best serve the interests and needs of the community with the assets available,” stated Police Chief Timothy J. Malley.

For more information, contact Police Chief Tim Malley at (216) 529-6749.

October 1, 2007 
STATE OF OHIO RELEASES 2006 CITY OF LAKEWOOD COMPREHENSIVE ANNUAL FINANCIAL REPORT 

On September 25, 2007, the State of Ohio Office of the Auditor released the City of Lakewood’s Comprehensive Annual Financial Report (CAFR) and fiscal audit for the year ended December 31, 2006.  This report includes the financial results of operations for all of the City’s activities during fiscal year 2006. 

The Office of the Auditor of State’s staff spent hundreds of hours in a very thorough review of every detail of the City’s finances that began in February of this year. The City of Lakewood received an unqualified audit opinion, which means the Auditor of State has no reservations concerning the financial statements presented. Therefore, no deficiencies were found in the financial statements or the accounting standards employed.  

The 2006 CAFR reflects not only the City’s continued commitment towards sound fiscal management and excellence in financial reporting, but also presents interesting demographic and economic statistical data. This will mark the 25th consecutive year that the City of Lakewood will have received the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting. 

The City was also notified this week that it has received the Government Finance Officers Association (GFOA)'s Distinguished Budget Presentation Award for its 2007 budget document. This is the 3rd year for the Distinguished Budget Presentation Award from the GFOA, and Lakewood is one of only ten suburban municipalities in Ohio that can boast of the honor of receiving both awards. 

The Distinguished Budget Award represents a significant achievement by the City of Lakewood.  It reflects the commitment of the governing body and staff to meeting the highest principles of governmental budgeting.  In order to receive the budget award, the City had to satisfy nationally recognized guidelines for effective budget presentation.   

The Government Finance Officers Association is a nonprofit professional association service 16,800 government finance professionals throughout North America.  The GFOA's Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting and the Distinguished Budget Presentation Awards Programs are the only national awards programs in financial reporting and governmental budgeting. 

The 2006 CAFR and the 2007 Comprehensive Budget are available at the Division of Finance webpage: http://www.ci.lakewood.oh.us/citydept_finance.html. 

For more information, contact Finance Director Jennifer Pae at (216) 529-6092

 City of Lakewood