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Volume 1, Issue 2, July 12, 2005 HOSPITAL WINS AWARD Increases Organ Donations by Leslie Basalla Wasmer Auditorium. In attendance were administrators, doctors and Saving lives is part of Lakewood Hos- staff from both organizations whose pital’s daily business, but in the last few work made the award possible. WKYC years, the hospital has worked closely Channel 3 health anchor Monica Rob- with LifeBanc, a local organ procure- bins hosted the presentation. ment agency, to preserve even more Robbins began the ceremony by lives through organ donation. asking organ donation recipients in the The two organizations’ efforts audience to stand up. have been successful, and recently, the “Ninety thousand people in the United States Department of Health United States need an organ trans- and Human Services recognized their plant,” Robbins said. “The gap between collaboration, awarding Lakewood supply and demand is a pressing issue. Hospital and LifeBanc with medals of Every day, 17 people die waiting for honor for achieving an organ dona- an organ transplant. We need to raise tion rate of 75 percent or more over 12 awareness about organ and tissue months. donation.” Lakewood Hospital received its The speakers who followed Rob- award at the Organ Donation National bins, including Fred DeGrandis, chief Learning Congress in Pittsburgh on executive officer of Lakewood Hospi- May 19. It was one of only three hos- tal, and Debbie May-Johnson, execu- pitals in Ohio to qualify for the medal. tive director of LifeBanc, stressed On June 29, the hospital celebrated the a similar message, noting a critical award with a special presentation in shortage of organs for transplant and a Left to right, front row: Rev. David Walker, Lynn Larsick, RN, Arthur Dick, M.D., Cheryl O’Malley, RN; back row: Michael Mervart, M.D., Christine Staviscak, RN, Terence Kilroy, M.D., Jack Gustin, CAO need to educate the public about how organ donations can save lives. Those In This Issue who spoke also vowed to continue working together to increase organ Around Lakewood ...... 2 donation, both at Lakewood Hospital and throughout the Cleveland Clinic City Hall Beat ...... 3 Health System, of which Lakewood Lakewood Schools ...... 4 Hospital is part. Lakewood Business ...... 5 “If every hospital employed the practices we use here at Lakewood, Lakewood Library ...... 6 many lives would be saved,” DeGran- Literature & Arts ...... 7–8 dis said, congratulating the organ Minding the Issues ...... 9 procurement teams. “You are the model and you are the best practice.” Fourth of July ...... 10–11 One of the most moving speeches The Buck Stops Here ...... 12 came courtesy of Bruce Weir, whose Slife of Life ...... 14 1989 heart transplant saved his life. Since his operation, Weir has worked Lakewood Eats ...... 15–16 locally as both an activist and advo- Chef Geoff ...... 15 cate for organ donation, extending a supportive ear to those about to Lakewood Gardens ...... 17 undergo transplant surgeries. Recounting his story, he said. “As I lay in my hospital bed, I thought, ‘if I make it though this I am going to do something.’” The ceremony concluded with the presentation of individual certificates to organ procurement and transplant staff at Lakewood Hospital and LifeBanc. Lakewood Mayor Thomas George also issued a pair of proclamations to the A Perfect Fourth of July two organizations, congratulating them Eva sez: on the federal awards and applauding Thousands of Lakewood residents enjoyed a day of fun at Lakewood Park, starting with the Don’t forget to check out my favorite their efforts to increase awareness of traditional parade and ending with a great fireworks display. Perfect summer weather added article on page 20. to the enjoyment. See page 10 for all the highlights. organ donation and save lives.

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Around Lakewood Lakewood Farmers Market Opens July 20

The Lakewood Farmers Market Guest chefs will conduct cooking returns to town Wednesday, July 20, demonstrations, using ingredients 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The Market will chosen from the market’s stands continue on a weekly basis every that day. Learn new recipes for local Wednesday through October 5. produce and get free samples too. Located adjacent to Kauffman The North Union Farmers Park, across from the Main Branch Market (NUFM) operates authentic of the Library, there is plenty of producers-only farmers markets free parking in the lot behind Drug around Northeast Ohio in order to Mart. The market is operated by the educate the public about the benefits North Union Farmers Market. of eating locally grown food. Available will be fresh tomatoes, NUFM is a not-for-profit organi- corn, potatoes, salad greens, exotic zation, co-founded in 1995 by Market mushrooms and other assorted Manager Donita Anderson with the vegetables. Local fruits including opening of the Shaker Square market Everyone loves shopping at Lakewood’s Farmers Market. peaches, berries and apples appear in Cleveland. On the first day there as the season allows. Baked goods, were six farmers who sold out in half 87 regional farmers and many local NUFM, contact: jellies, jams, honey and salsas, an hour. artisans who participate throughout North Union Farmers Market produced by local kitchens, will also From that beginning, NUFM the season and boasts foot traffic of P.O. Box 201074 be available for purchase. Another has expanded to four other markets over 2,000 at the Saturday Shaker Cleveland, OH 44120 favorite item is fresh-cut flowers at in Lakewood, Parma, Olmsted Falls Square location. e-mail: northunionfarmersmarket very reasonable prices. and Westlake. It now includes over For more information about @yahoo.com

The Patriarch of Blade Runners by Kenneth Warren man, Greg Hillow, Tim Mohr, Ron above the rest for another year. Lewis and Les Wilson. With 24 years of watermelon cut-

They came with sharpened blades to On Father’s Day 2005 these com- work, Les Wilson, president of Wilson Your Independent Source for Lakewood Park on Father’s Day morn- mitted individuals were exemplars of a & Son Landscaping, is the patriarch of Lakewood News & Opinion ing. A man looking like Santa Claus deep Lakewood civic tradition. Together, the knife-wielding crew. The LAKEWOOD OBSERVER is pub- wielded a special safety blade given to as members of the Kiwanis Club of “I call him my dad,” says Greg lished bimonthly by Lakewood Observer, him upon retirement by employees at Inc., 14900 Detroit Avenue, Suite 309, Lakewood and its Community Services Hillow. “He called me this morning at Lakewood, OH 44107. City Hall. Like others in the crew, he Committee, they made sure that The 7:30 a.m. and told me to get up and get Copyright 2005 was doing what he had been told to do. Two for the Road event would stay a cut to work.” Lakewood Observer, Inc. The crew took care of kids. Jim O’Bryan, Publisher The crew had a history with the All rights reserved. Any reproduction city, a connection to track, even a spe- is forbidden without express written cial place in the park. permission. The crew had a patriarch who could Become an Observer! EDITOR AND PUBLISHER teach the newbie how to slice, how to Jim O’Bryan The Lakewood Observer is looking for people, ages 18–100, to get offer the cut up without a whimper. involved in the paper and the city. We are looking for volunteer writ- ADVISORY BOARD CONTRIBUTING Watermelons purchased at Tops Kenneth Warren WRITERS ers, photographers, designers, and illustrators to help with the pro- for $6.99 each formed the perfect tar- Stephen Calhoun Susan Adams duction of the paper. It does not matter if you are a professional or Steve Davis Stan Austin get. The knife-wielding crew spread amateur, our editorial staff will be glad to help. D.L. Meckes Kristen Barker slices out on picnic tables and waited Leslie Basalla If you are interested, e-mail to: [email protected] EDITORIAL BOARD Gordon Brumm for runners to enjoy the fruits of their Leslie Basalla or register online at http://lakewoodobserver.com/forum Robert Buckeye labor. Heidi Hilty Stephen Calhoun Only there were no signs telling News releases—If you have information on an event, organization, Kim Senft Paras Matthew Charboneau Kenneth Warren who they were or why their blades were Mike Deneen program or news on anything that has to do with Lakewood, send it to: Jeff Endress flashing on Father’s Day. The service of WEBMASTERS [email protected] 4 Design Don Farris their blades to the good vibes in Lake- Lynn Farris Calendar of Events—To appear on our calendar of events, just Rami Daud wood Park is just that humble. Good Dan Ott Chuck Greanoff send an e-mail to: [email protected] John Guscott publicity is not the point. ADVERTISING Tim Kanak For the past 25 years, the Kiwanis Newsies/Delivery People—The Lakewood Observer is looking Tim Kanak Han Liou Club of Lakewood has been sending a for people that would like to help deliver the newspaper. If inter- Vincent O’Keefe Kelsey Paras ested, e-mail: [email protected] ILLUSTRATION crew of blade runners and watermel- Gary Dumm Tom Powell-Bullock ons to The Two for the Road Race, a We need you to get involved! Laura Dumm Dan Slife fundraiser in Lakewood Park for the Robin Sylvester If you have or know of a story, we want it! PHOTOGRAPHY Ruth Sylvester Lakewood High School cross-country Jeremiah Hull Jill Timieski track team. Rhonda Loje Bob Togliatti Dee Dee McNamee Gold headed Holly Whisman Jim O’Bryan Julie Wiltse up this year’s crew, which included Publisher Bryan Wroten President Don Fox, Immediate Past 216-228-7223 The views and opinions expressed in this President Marie Andrews, John Brink- [email protected] publication do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the publisher and staff.

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You’re proud of your product and/or service. And you want to let everyone provide The Lakewood Observer Online for you to advertise to the entire electronic else know about the benefits of your business. We realize there are many options world. Cutting-edge/insightful/refreshing content makes lakewoodobserver.com to choose from when you’re ready to place an advertisement. Only at the Lakewood the online place where Lakewood citizens express themselves. Observer, however, can you both advertise pride in your business and specific civic So go ahead—advertise, and strut your stuff! pride in the community of Lakewood, Ohio. And as a bonus to your print ad, we Call Tim Kanak at 216-228-7223 for more information and rates.

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City Hall Beat Fireworks, Charter Chatter, and Chocolate River Walls

Lakewood City Council was called or referendum item on the ballot will to order by Vice President Edward be raised to 10 percent of the number FitzGerald at 7:30 p.m. on Tuesday, of votes cast in the gubernatorial elec- July 5, 2005. tion from the current 5 percent of the The day after Independence Day votes cast in the mayoral election. still afforded visions of fireworks blast- In other remaining old business ing in people’s imaginations. Perhaps was the continuation of the debate over you were one of thousands at Lake- extending a smoking ban to bars and wood Park to watch the celebration. restaurants. This issue continues to Many neighbors provided an audio wind its way through the Committee backdrop to the pyrotechnics. On of the Whole. some streets, Paul McCartney’s song In new business, Human Resources “Freedom” provided the perfect accent Director Terry Novak requested coun- to the evening. cil approve a $100 membership fee As you watched the festivities, so Lakewood may join the Cleveland did you imagine that painting of the Southwest Safety Council. This group Founders in Independence Hall in approach allows for reductions in Philadelphia where they debated the Workers’ Compensation premiums. merits of our Declaration of Indepen- In “Corridor Comments” (an dence? So much of our early history exclusive feature of the Lakewood revolves around documents such as the Observer), Novak indicated that Lake- Declaration and the Constitution. wood would save $14,000 in premiums Therefore, it is appropriate that this year alone through this change. at our most local level of government, Council member Ryan Demro the City Charter was the topic of old (Ward 2), in a communication to coun- business. cil, indicated that the Ohio Department Council chose five of the Charter of Transportation tore down an old Review Commission’s proposals for chain-link fence on the south side of action. Lakewood Heights Boulevard border- The first proposal was to change ing Interstate 90. Residents had long the number of unclassified Civil Service ago planted shrubs to hide the fence positions. Under the previous char- and deaden highway noise. ODOT ter, nearly all City Hall positions were ripped those out as well. Photo: Bob Metelko under Civil Service. This effectively Demro wanted council and the reduced or eliminated the mayor’s administration to investigate sound Lakewood’s Mayor and First Lady, Tom and Jane George wave to the large Fourth of ability to direct the work of many top- barriers. Council member Michael July crowd. level administration employees. The Dever (at large) said that his knowl- employees were not responsive to any edge of ODOT’s construction schedule “Mayor for the Day,” winning that one boss. The new proposal increases indicated a five-year wait period before designation in a contest in which her the number of unclassified positions. Lakewood would be in line for any family had entered her. She sat behind The second proposal requires such walls. Mayor Thomas George throughout the council to respond to the Civil Service Council member Patrick Corri- evening’s meeting. Earlier in the day, Commission recommendations on gan (Ward 1) cautioned against any she took full advantage of her tem- setting the mayor’s salary. In a 1990 ref- wall that looked like the ugly chocolate porary position to examine the city’s 2 for 1 erendum, the mayor’s salary was subject milk–colored walls recently erected in departments. Burgers to voter approval in an election. Prior Rocky River. She graciously thanked Mayor to that, the Civil Service Commission Public Works Director Tony Beno George for his enthusiastic support as Mondays would make a salary recommenda- pointed out that Lakewood might have well as the department heads. In the Enjoy Brunches tion to council based on comparable to contribute as much as $1 million per audience, she found proud support on our Patio salaries of other mayors and the cost mile of wall. from her husband, former Council Saturday Sunday of living changes between past salary That communication was referred President Edward M. Graham. She left 11-2:30 9:30 - 2:30 adjustments. Council would then act to the Public Works Committee. to a wide round of applause. Around The Corner on those recommendations within a In public comments which follow 18616-20 Detroit Ave. prescribed period of time. Elizabeth the regular council meeting, Coletta Reported by Lakewood Observer City Lakewood, OH Koululias, the prime citizen activist Graham rose to speak. She had been Council Reporter Stan Austin. 216-521-4413 www.atcafe.com behind that referendum, voiced her displeasure at council’s action. The third proposed change was to give council the power to set water rates and service charges. This rate set- ting power was turned over to voter approval after a 1990 referendum. According to the Charter Review Com- mission, this action limited the city’s ability to maintain a capital improve- ment fund for water line replacement. The commission felt the city had to regain the rate setting power to avoid using general revenue funds for water main replacement. Koululias, who also spearheaded this referendum, again objected. The fourth and fifth items referred to changes in the initiative and refer- endum procedures. The threshold of signatures required to put an initiative

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Lakewood Schools

High School Dress Jay Foran Honored as Code Revised 2005 Ohio Friend of Members of the Student Conduct and Education School Climate Committee, made The National School Public Rela- up of parents, students, community tions Association of Ohio has honored members and school staff members, Jay Foran with the “2005 Friend of presented a plan to the Superintendent Education” award. The organization and members of the Lakewood Board believes Jay deserves this prestigious of Education to address the school cli- award for the sincere devotion to stu- mate and conduct at Lakewood High dents, education and the community School. The Lakewood Board of Edu- of Lakewood that he demonstrates cation approved the plan and adopted a through the countless hours, tireless more clearly defined dress code for stu- energy and positive spirit he brings to dents at Lakewood High School. serving the children, parents and com- The plan also includes a more thor- munity of Lakewood and the Lakewood ough orientation process, Alternative City School District. Education Program, and developing Jay worked hard as a community Good News from our Students and Staff homeroom as a more substantial and leader on the “Designing Our Next 50 The Girls Rugby Team took home the National Plate Championship in Milwaukee recently. meaningful part of the school day. Years Committee,” the facilities plan- Competing against the top 16 teams in the nation, they ended top in their bracket, placing In an effort to focus attention more ning project that earned the coveted ninth in the nation. In the final game, it was senior Luca Bilaver who scored two tries and junior Erin Norton who kicked for penalty points that won the game. “We are all very proud on education, the district will enforce NSPRA Pyramid Award in 2003. He of these girls,” said LHS Principal William Wagner. a revised dress code for the 2005-2006 then worked as one of the leaders of school year. Below is a partial list of the the successful bond issue campaign to general guidelines. Additional guide- fund the facilities plan. of time, and dedication to Lakewood City Works with Schools lines and photos of appropriate shirts This year, Jay is serving on several and Lakewood’s children are invalu- to Save Money and tops can be found at www.lake- committees, including Design, Transi- able to our efforts.” The City of Lakewood is assisting woodcityschools.org. More photos will tion and Coordinating, as the district Jay is deeply devoted to his fam- with the school building project in a also be added. works with the community to begin ily, the community, and the children number of ways, including helping the the process of moving to a system of the Lakewood City School District. district and taxpayers to save money. General Guidelines: with fewer buildings, decommission- He works tirelessly to ensure a quality The city has restructured the • All clothing must be of appropriate ing some schools, and building several school district and community for all cost of building permit fees as part of size and fit neatly. new structures in the first phase of the to enjoy. We are fortunate to have him an Economic Development Incentive facilities plan. in our school community, and we are Package. Mayor Tom George and Lake- • Oversize, saggy, baggy or tight-fit- thrilled that he received this statewide wood City Council worked with the ting clothing will not be permitted. recognition. Congratulations, Jay! school district to develop this program • Low necklines will not be permitted. which will result in $500,000 in savings Clothes 4 Kids Helps for the school facility program. • Tops and bottoms must overlap at Those in Need “We are grateful for the city’s all times, including when arms are H2O (Help to Others) is organiz- ongoing support of our school dis- raised. ing its annual clothing drive again trict, both in working with us to save • No writing or pictures are allowed this year to provide affordable back- taxpayer dollars and the involvement on any clothing. Small logos (no to-school clothing for Lakewood of city staff members throughout the larger than the size of a half dollar) families. Any gently worn infant to facility planning and design process,” are acceptable. adult clothing is greatly appreciated. said Superintendent David Estrop. • Lakewood logos or other “Lakewood Donations may be dropped off at any The city and school district are Jay Foran and family spirit wear” that has been approved Lakewood fire station seven days a working hard to stretch every dollar, by administration is permissible at week from June 13 through July 23. save whenever possible, and deliver any time. Jay developed a video highlighting The Super Sale will be in Lakewood education and services in an efficient the efforts of the schools and commu- High School’s East Cafeteria on July and cost-effective way. • Clothing that is in disrepair, worn nity working together to create a facility 30 from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. “Working together will only ben- out, ripped or contains holes is not master plan for the district. He devotes Clothes aren’t the only items being efit the residents of this community,” permitted. numerous hours to listening to the collected this year. H2O is also ask- said Mayor George. “This measure is • Any material that is sheer or light- community, working side-by-side with ing for gently used school supplies. part of our comprehensive strategy weight enough to be seen through is citizens, teachers, parents and adminis- Anything from markers to pencils to encourage economic development not permitted. trators to help move the plan forward. to scissors can be recycled to make which will benefit the schools as well as Jay also worked with other com- back-to-school kits. These kits will be the community in general.” • Shoes, sandals or boots must be munity members to plan a community distributed to students and families worn. celebration day, “Raise the Roof,” that through Lakewood Christian Service Teacher Named PTA • Hats, bandanas, sweatbands or other celebrated a historic moment in our Center this autumn. Contact H2O for Educator of the Year headwear may not be worn. community’s history in which we are more information at (216) 529-6045. Harding Middle School language embarking on a period of rebuilding, arts and social studies teacher Nancy • Jackets, coats and hooded tops may of change, of renaissance. On Their Way Pommerening earned the Ohio PTA not be worn during the school day Jay also puts his talents to work Four hundred and eighty Lake- District 11 Educator of the Year award. and must be kept in a locker. on additional community-wide proj- wood High School seniors are on Mrs. Pommerening donates her time • Visible body piercing, other than in ects, including his efforts as a charter their way to the next phase of their and creativity to make learning fun and the ears, may not be worn. member of a new organization called lives. Seniors crossed the stage of the challenge her students. “As educators, Civic Auditorium on a beautiful Sun- we are responsible for creating life-long • Unnaturally colored hair, including “LakewoodAlive,” which hopes to build day afternoon to become graduates of learners that are creative and critical but not limited to blue, green, pur- on Lakewood’s assets and strengths to Lakewood High School. These high thinkers,” Mrs. Pommerening said. ple, etc., is not permitted. not only survive as a viable community but thrive. school seniors, now the graduating • Any article of apparel, clothing and/ Jay was raised in Lakewood, spent class of 2005, have a world of opportu- How to Reach Us or accessory that promotes drugs, some time in California, and then nities before them. Have a question about registration? Want to see what is new in the district? alcohol, tobacco, sex, violence, or returned to his roots. Since returning, They are well-prepared academi- Now you have several options for reach- is offensive or degrading is not per- he has worked tirelessly to make our cally for the next steps they choose to ing the Lakewood City School District. mitted. take. We wish them the best as they great community even better and to You can visit our web site at www. move forward and meet the challenges • Anything that may cause a distrac- secure a stable and exciting future for lakewoodcityschools.org. You can also tion to the educational process or is the students of our school district. and opportunities waiting for them. watch us on Cox cable channel 74, call deemed inappropriate by adminis- Superintendent David Estrop says, Congratulations to the class of 2005 our Hotline at 529-4727, or e-mail us at tration is not permitted. “Jay’s hard work, tremendous amount and their families! [email protected]. oh.us

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Lakewood Business Sweetly Designing a Better and Bigger Business by Dan Slife support here is so strong that, when I went back to New York City, I thought Sweet Designs, Lakewood’s unparal- to myself, ‘how could I have lived here.’ leled chocolatier, will soon celebrate its I will not go back.” 10th year in business. In the process, The high quality of Sweet Designs proprietor Ines Rehner has built life- chocolates is more than enough in long relationships and has invested her itself to best the competition. Word- life in the community. of-mouth advertising has built not Ines and her husband relocated to only her local customer base, but now the greater Cleveland area after living Ines sells her products online, sending in New York City for six years. A native chocolates domestically and interna- Croatian, Ines left her homeland at age tionally. “Once people try our choco- 20. Like many immigrants, she settled lates, they want to know where they first in New York City and fell in love were made.” with the area. Experiencing and savoring the “New York City has everything. confections produced a spate of dedi- It still has small shops that make just cated customers who appreciate and about everything, and you don’t have promote Sweet Designs. to walk far to get it. It’s easy because Ines urges Lakewoodites to give of the dense population,” says Rehner. each and every small business a chance. In New York City she found a spirit of She sees Lakewood as a mini New York Photo courtesy of Sweet Designs adventure and experimentation. City with a great potential for redevel- Ines Rehner stands behind a case of her delicious chocolate creations in the new, Moving to the greater Cleveland opment that lies in the restoration of larger store on Detroit Avenue. area, she noticed how different the existing structures and encouragement population was from that of New York. of start-up businesses. dance of modern retail space in backed corporation, and they need to “In New York City they’re more adven- “You have Madison Avenue and Cuyahoga County as a whole. The cost welcome that,” says Rehner. turous, that’s the feel I get.” Ines con- you have Detroit Avenue; make the best of renting or leasing such structures The logic is simple. Lakewood has tinues, “Here, people are skeptical.” out of it by improving these buildings. tends to favor franchise establishments something that other communities She found that, in general, Midwest- We don’t need to build Crocker Park; rather than organic, home-grown busi- don’t. As other communities engage in erners tend to gravitate toward what is we don’t need the West End. When nesses like Sweet Designs. a fight for the newest, most “innova- familiar and “safe.” people from other cities see the unique “Try to start a business in Crocker tive” development project, Lakewood Her first years were difficult. She shops we have here, this will become a Park and see how much your rent will has the opportunity to resurrect a was trying to sell a unique product. destination. If we have more neat shops be over there. Unless it’s a nationally resource none of them can re-create. Many passed by the small storefront on in Lakewood, people will come here owned [chain], you probably can’t even After living in another suburb for Madison, but few stopped in to shop. and spend money that will stay in the touch it. Lakewood offers the oppor- several years, Ines and her husband, “It was so sad in the beginning, community.” tunity for every new businessperson when everybody was flying by and There is currently an overabun- to start without being a big money– (see Sweetly, page 19) nobody wanted to stop. They were all heading to the mall.” It took time and gentle coaxing before the fruits of her labor began to blossom. She didn’t have Pet’s General Store – Happy in Lakewood a play book, just an intense entrepre- neurial spirit and an Old World work by Han Liou Schnupp says. “People see pets as family.” similar in appearance to a flying squir- ethic. This perspective comes naturally rel. Animals like this cultivate curios- Rehner was a novice when she Most people would either give a blank to Schnupp, who has been fascinated ity and spark enthusiasm for pets and began to craft handmade chocolates on stare or write you off as insane if you with animals since he was a young boy. wildlife, he says. the corner of Madison and Woodward. told them you could find serpent star- “Oh, yeah,” he says of his childhood, Schnupp employs three people, “There isn’t a family recipe behind this fish, horseshoe crabs, seahorses and “I was down in the Metroparks all day including his 19-year old son, Jon. In or anything, it’s me. I created it out of live coral in Lakewood. Aquarium afi- long looking for toads, snakes, what- this case, it’s easy to see that the apple not knowing how it had been done the cionados and pet enthusiasts, however, ever I could find.” doesn’t fall far from the tree, as Jon has old way.” Through trial and error she will tell you that one needs only to go Like any small business owner, been helping his father with pets since was able to perfect the chocolate mak- as far as the corner of Madison and however, Schnupp is forced to find cre- he was eight years old. ing process and simultaneously pro- Atkins avenues to see these rare and ative ways to make his store stand out “I’ve been breathing small business duce a distinctive product line. exotic animals in person. from the rest. In an age of one-size-fits- for more than 10 years,” Jon says, twirl- How is such success possible? This Greg Schnupp, owner of Pet’s all mega-retailers, Pet’s General Store is ing an aquarium net in his hand. Both era is one in which corporate products General Store since October 2002, is a diamond in the rough and Schnupp Greg and Jon agree that being in Lake- are pathetically over-marketed, with an expert on aquatic and land ani- puts in 14-hour days to stay competi- wood for the past three years has been little intrinsic value. Like many Lake- mals and has been selling and work- tive. Anyone can go to the national an interesting and enjoyable experi- wood small businesses, Ines delivers ing with pets since 1981. Since taking chain for their pet needs, he says, but ence. “Small businesses help each other highly personalized customer service; ownership, Schnupp has remodeled, as soon as they try his unique products here,” Schnupp says. “And there’s great i.e., she shares meaningful relation- expanded inventory, and most impor- and service, the choice becomes easy. diversity.” ships with her customers. tantly, nurtured good relationships For instance, Schnupp describes Pet’s General Store is just getting She sums this up with a simple with customers that have been coming how the pet food he carries is from started and plans for expansion are comparison between Lakewood and into Pet’s General Store for years under independent companies that produce already in the works. The western wall New York City. “New York is so big that previous owners. human grade pet food, much healthier of the store has been converted into an it has lost that personal touch. People “Sales have doubled,” Schnupp says and ecologically friendly than brands entire saltwater section, and Schnupp are so busy that they don’t have five with a smile of satisfaction. The pri- carried at big box establishments. These says he’s going to continue to build on minutes to spend asking how you’re mary key to his success, he says, is the products, he says, have become very these assets. doing, what you’re all about, and where outstanding service he provides those popular at his store because they are More than anything, Greg is just you are from. They don’t care.” In who enter his store. In fact, Schnupp’s higher quality at a lower price, a combi- happy to be in Lakewood doing what Lakewood, she continues, “when they day includes much more than typi- nation that makes any consumer smile. he does best, introducing people to do finally come into the store they want cal store maintenance. He serves as an However, the most popular attrac- unique animals and helping them give to spend a few minutes with you and animal advisor, diagnosing and solving tions, without a doubt, are the exotic the best care to their pets. they want to know where you’re from, problems like marine parasites, emaci- saltwater fish and rare mammals. One Jon agrees. He summarizes the how long you’ve been here, why you ated snakes that refuse to eat, and litter crowd pleaser he frequently carries is Schnupp business attitude in one sen- are doing this, and how they can help training neurotic cats. the sugar glider, a tree dwelling marsu- tence. “I’ve been doing this for 10 years you. You don’t get that in a big city. The “It’s a very personal business,” pial found in Australia and Indonesia, and I haven’t worked a day in my life.”

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Lakewood Library

What’s Going On perhaps you’ll consider checking out computer access to specialty databases The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, The Buf- Despite soaring temperatures, the “Booked for Murder”—a book club provided by the Ohio Public Library falo News, and The Indianapolis Star. Lakewood Public Library brings you a for lovers of murder, mystery and may- Information Network (OPLIN). Newspaper Source from EBSCO- host of informative, rhythmic and/or hem. This month, the gang is reading Our 35-mm microfilm archive has host contains more than 200 national, soothing programs smack dab in the Haunted Ground by Erin Hart, wherein many local titles to assist your search. regional and international newspapers. middle of the summer. The air-condi- farmers cutting turf in a peat bog make Whether you are looking for a recent Many of the newspapers offer full text tioning is purring along on high and a grisly discovery. If you haven’t read Plain Dealer article or an older Cleve- access, including The Boston Globe, we’ve applied a healthy coat of zinc this book, don’t worry. We have plenty land Press piece, the microfilm archive The New York Daily News, The San Jose oxide to the most sensitive areas of our of copies available for checkout. And can help. Our local newspaper col- Mercury News, The Toronto Star, The collection. if you have read it, then stop on by the lection has the following coverage of Times (London), The Christian Science Best of all, the price is certainly Trustees’ Room on Thursday, July 28 selected titles: Monitor, and USA Today. right. That’s right, it’s all free. Which at 7 p.m. and we’ll share our thoughts. Plain Dealer: 1968–present Newspaper Source provides selec- means more lemonade money for you Just don’t tell the cops! Lakewood Sun Post: 9/27/1917– ted full text for nearly 30 national and when you enjoy summer entertain- Music will once again fill the Main 12/25/1919; 3/23/23–present international newspapers, including ment at the Lakewood Public Library. Library Auditorium on Sunday, July 31 Cleveland Press: 1970–6/17/82 USA Today, The Christian Science Mon- On Sunday, July 10 at 2 p.m. in the at 2 p.m.—this time with an exotic New York Times: 1968–present itor, The Washington Post, The Times Main Library Auditorium, The Friends twist. The Friends of Lakewood Pub- Wall Street Journal: 1969–present (London), The Toronto Star, etc. The of the Lakewood Public Library pres- lic Library proudly present: “Passport Whether you are at home or at one database also contains selected full text ent “An All-American Sunday” with Project.” Dancers, poets and musicians of the Lakewood Public Libraries, you for more than 200 regional newspa- Bob and Shelly Orlandi. This husband- will gather around Jeremy Bleich per- can use the Internet to access newspa- pers, including The Boston Globe, The and-wife team will play well-known forming on the oud, an Arabic ancestor per articles through the OPLIN data- Chicago Tribune, The Detroit Free Press, songs from across the spectrum of of the modern guitar. bases Ohio Newspapers (Newsbank) The Miami Herald, The New York Daily American music. For more information on these and Newspaper Source (EBSCOhost). News, The San Jose Mercury News, etc. Mid-month, we’ll change gears and other upcoming programs, visit Newsbank allows you to search In addition, full text television and for “Your Historic House” on Tues- our interactive, online calendar at many Ohio newspapers at one time. radio news transcripts are provided day, July 19 at 7 p.m., also in the Main www.lkwdpl.org/calendar or call 226- Available newspapers titles include from CBS News, FOX News, NPR, etc. Library Auditorium. There you can 8275 ext. 127. Cleveland Plain Dealer, Akron Beacon Visit our home page www.lkwdpl. learn about your home’s past and its Journal, Toledo Blade, Cincinnati Post, org and click on the OPLIN Data- place in Lakewood history. Lakewood Library How-to: Cincinnati Enquirer, and Dayton Daily bases link. The remote access page will Historical Society Director Mazie Searching for News. appear, then choose Lakewood Public Adams and Trustee Mary Gagen will Newspaper Articles If you need to broaden your search Library from the drop down list and provide everyone with a step-by-step Looking for a newspaper article? to include national newspapers, News- enter your library card number. guide for investigating the story of Come to the Lakewood Public Library bank also can search prominent news- their home. and utilize our varied resources. The papers such as The Los Angeles Times, For further information, contact John But what about the books? Yes, we library has several newspaper and mag- The Washington Post, The Miami Her- Guscott, Manager, Electronic Services, still have books at the library. If you azine titles in our 35-mm microfilm ald, The Chicago Tribune, The Detroit Lakewood Public Library, 216-226-8275 specifically like mystery books, then archive. In our technology lab we offer Free Press, The Philadelphia Inquirer, ext. 113.

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Literature

Michael Hogan Interview Man Out of Time (One bright lawyer, one brilliant mistake) by Ruth Sylvester and Robin Sylvester just an outward symbol of “this is what do a lot of things, but at a very shal- pened to you, thinking that everybody you do to join us.” low level. This guy is definitely on the had these experiences, and only then do Michael Hogan is a writer currently liv- [Man Out of Time is also the title fringe. He has no visible characteristics you find out that some of these expe- ing in Lakewood. The nameless hero in of an Elvis Costello song. Hogan chose that would place him on the fringe, but riences were extreme, and that they his wonderfully written first novel is an this title partly because he’s a big fan he is definitely on the fringe. He is too weren’t normal. And you get a glimpse up-and-coming lawyer in a prestigious of Costello, and it’s one of his favorite sensitive. He sees too much. He hates of the damage that alcoholism can do New York City law firm in the 1970s. songs. One of the lines seemed to sum too much, he loves too much, and yet to a family, to good people. They were Everything should be great for a young up the book’s subject, “You drink your- he doesn’t have that internal energy not bad people, but they were awful man in his situation, but the protago- self insensitive and hate yourself in the … he has nothing to stand on … he drunks. When you mix booze and reli- nist can’t help but feel that he is in the morning.”] can’t choose to leave the tribe that he gion, it’s a combustible combination. wrong place at the wrong time. It was RS/RS: There is one character who belongs to. RS/RS: Michael, who are some of easy enough to wear the right suits and shows up briefly in the beginning of He has to know that he’s utterly, the writers that have influenced you make it to the job, but playing by the the book, a woman in a wheelchair that totally kicked out of the tribe that he and what are you currently reading? firm’s rules wasn’t quite so simple. the main character meets at a party. was never even let into before he can MH: Actually three writers come RS/RS: Michael, first tell us a lit- She seemed to be very significant and even think twice about forming a life to mind: Raymond Carver, Ernest tle about your book, Man Out of Time, she’s witty and sarcastic and very like- for himself. Her physical disability is Hemingway and Leo Tolstoy. James and what inspired you to write it? able, but he lets her go. What did she an outward expression of something Joyce was important to me also. Now I MH: Man Out of Time was really represent in this novel? different. His disability is more inter- mostly read mysteries and art history. the first attempt to write a story that MH: She represents his inability to nal and not as visible, except maybe got past 67 pages. I had written many complete anything, really. He’s unable when he drinks too much. Hogan has also written screenplays in short stories, but I never seemed to to stay with anything longer than his You really start to question what’s Los Angeles, and he is currently working get beyond page 67. I wanted to write current state of sobriety or drunken- “normal” and what’s “not normal.” on a second novel. You can find his book about my experiences at law school, life ness allow him to. I mean, years later you go to a shrink at Border’s Bookstore in paperback. We as a lawyer, New York City, and about Really, what drunks do is that they and you tell him these things that hap- look forward to his next venture. being young. I always wanted to write a book that has a sort of dual timeline, like a dual- ity of interest, where you have one story Book Review: Man Out of Time going on and then, all of a sudden, you Michael Hogan. Delta. 2003. 306 pp. six of his little refracted eyes suspended you became this dark little stone that focus in on these hard nuggets of expe- $11.95 pb. like pebbles of peppercorn in the lenses resided somewhere deep behind your rience insofar as they tend to impel and of his glasses.” He even derides the heart … from deep down in the small- structure how we then behave in our by Vincent O’Keefe secretaries in the firm for their pre- est, most precious place where you normal day-to-day world. tensions: “… some people think it’s a hid and protected your true self, you What I wanted to show was that Michael Hogan’s Man Out of Time special thing to have a secretary who watched them dispassionately, view- this person’s experiences in his youth tells the story of a young lawyer fresh has an accent … which is why so many ing them from the distance of another didn’t necessarily excuse his behavior from law school starting his first job at executive secretaries have this affected reality, withdrawn, so that the person in his life later on, but you get an idea a high-powered Manhattan practice. British accent, which isn’t British at all, who took it was no longer you, but took where it came from. The promise that this scenario holds but is a cross between Masterpiece The- it for you.” [There are flashback scenes to for him, however, quickly degenerates atre and overbite.” Not surprisingly, the In addition to his vicious sarcasm childhood events, some very painful, through a series of misadventures and narrator frequently complains that so and second-person narration of pain- that allow the reader to share these personal problems. Perhaps Hogan’s many people are “phony,” a word remi- ful memories, the third and most detri- experiences. These scenes are artfully finest achievement in the book is the niscent of Holden Caulfield’s narration mental coping mechanism the narrator set in a different script, and they pull first-person narrator’s distinctive voice. of The Catcher in the Rye. uses is alcohol. Hangovers and nausea the story into something that’s more The unnamed protagonist’s mixture of In the beginning of the novel, the pervade the narrative, particularly in meaningful than a mere glimpse into insight, sarcasm and humor is quite narrator’s biting humor serves to make the early stages. Such alcohol abuse the life of a failing lawyer who doesn’t striking. readers laugh. While some of it is mean- serves to distance him further from play by the rules. In these sections we The narrator’s wit is most fre- spirited, the humor is entertaining. potential friends at work and from for- get into the heart of the character.] quently displayed when he pokes But as the novel progresses, it becomes mer friends at law school. Adding to MH: You grow up in a family and, through the facades and pettiness of clear that the narrator’s savagery also his troubles is an important incident at depending upon the success or the his law firm via comical descriptions functions as a coping mechanism, or work in which he accidentally offends a failure of that family to provide a safe, of its key players. He notices the shal- distancing device, for his traumatic senior associate named Mark Stillman. nurturing and caring environment, it lowness of the environment upon first past as the child of alcoholic parents. According to the narrator, he determines whether you’re going to meeting a higher-up. Most of the narrator’s story is told makes an “ill-timed comment” that is seek a family elsewhere. There is sib- “I think: This is a guy who’s used chronologically in present tense and not “meant to be funny,” but it is mis- ling rivalry, parental and peer pres- to introductions. He takes my hand, focuses on his first two months at the interpreted as ridiculing Stillman in sure revealed in these sections of the and his body lets loose with about a new job. But embedded within the front of the beautiful secretary Still- book. million alpha waves smoothing the main narrative are five brief vignettes man is trying to impress. Stillman takes RS/RS: There was almost some- area with this enforced calm as he that describe important, painful mem- revenge on the narrator by sabotaging thing “tribal” in the way that everybody speaks in a low, FM-DJ molasses voice. ories from the narrator’s earlier years. his work, a deed so elaborate it ends up had to wear the right clothes, carry the … He sizes me up, and, after he takes These memories involve being humili- jeopardizing the narrator’s job. Because right briefcase, and drink enough cof- whatever he wants from the introduc- ated by drunken parents, bullied by much of the novel’s second half revolves fee to stave off yet another hangover. tion, he returns to [his friend].” Upon classmates, and subjected to his moth- around this conflict, it is surprising Could you elaborate on that? meeting another senior associate, the er’s slow death. that the incident is not described in MH: Back in ’70s Manhattan, they narrator detects more posturing: “He’s Significantly, the vignettes are more detail. Hogan misses the oppor- were very concerned that your fashion a short guy with thin lips and reptil- narrated in past tense and in second- tunity to capitalize on the immediacy harkened back to club school days, and ian eyes. His suit is padded about the person, as if a type of split personal- that present-tense narration can effec- Brooks Brothers worked because it was shoulders and tapered at the waist; it ity developed to gain more distance tively achieve. On the other hand, per- safe. The classic look was safe. It was looks a little like Joan Crawford’s suits from the memories. Such distance is haps the narrator’s vagueness is meant sort of a sign of breeding and stability. from the forties. … He tries to smile conveyed poignantly in the vignette to underscore how inoffensive he con- On the one hand I embraced it in deference to some auto-response of describing his parents’ drunken criti- sidered his comment. because I figured that I could learn office etiquette, but it would have been cism when he was younger: “It went on The last sections of the novel focus these rules as well as anybody and it better if he hadn’t.” for hours, and by about three o’clock on the narrator’s frantic attempts to made it easy. It was only years later, The narrator’s satirical descrip- you started to get tired and you discov- find an important document that Still- after other experiences in life, that I tions gradually become absurd, as when ered that you could survive the whole man claims is missing from a closing began to hold the whole sort of “tribe he describes an overly ambitious new thing if you just grew small inside (see Book Review, page 19) mentality” in disdain. The clothes were associate: “… he watches me with all yourself so that the person that was

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Arts Maks Velo: Albanian Artist Comes to Lakewood by Kenneth Warren joy and sorrow, feelings that resonated powerfully with the Albanian com- Lakewood celebrated the achievement of munity and their Lakewood neighbors Maks Velo, an internationally acclaimed touched by the artist’s gifts. Albanian artist, who visited Lakewood Velo’s art captures the dynamics Public Library on Sunday, June 12, to of the human figure negotiating a pro- discuss and present his paintings. found balancing act. In fact, his col- With a brilliant portfolio of nearly orful images are sometimes inspired one hundred works, Velo spoke in Eng- from circus life, where the high wire is lish and Albanian about his art and life the reference point. His more somber to a crowded auditorium filled with images are inspired from the primitive proud Albanians and delighted Lake- labor expended at construction sites. wood neighbors. Velo’s paintings capture the life Relishing freedom in good com- stream of movement in Albanian his- pany, which included Councilman tory. Mother Teresa, a daughter of Dennis Dunn, Library Board Vice Albania, is the subject of a series of President Nancy Seibert and novel- images, which are published in book ist Michael Hogan, Velo, one of Alba- form. As artist, poet and critic, Velo nia’s most prominent dissident artists, has published nine books. explained how Albanian folk tradition An architect by training, Velo is informs his modern approach to art. especially attuned to the process of set- During the communist regime of tlement wherein the human figure lifts Enver Hoxha, Velo’s modernist ten- planks into the air and sink stakes into dency led tragically enough to the the ground. destruction of three hundred paint- Velo remarked that French critics ings, sculptures and collectibles, and to believe that the primitive dimension of his imprisonment. his work owes a debt to Africa. “That’s Throughout the hour-long pre- not true,” he said. “I have never been sentation of artworks created since the to Africa.” With an evident pleasure in early 1990s, Velo circled his paintings the next moment’s inspiring contra- with a joyful sway. In doing so, he cap- diction flashing in mind, he continued tured the essentials of a freedom dance to qualify his previous statement, “But with figures in Balkan space, which it is true. The art of the primitive opens were now opening eyes in Lakewood’s to one space.” imagination. Velo’s art advances a profoundly In his paintings, Velo often places moving sense that the bones and sock- primitive Balkan figures, steeped in ets of the human figure in action across rich historical subtexts, in a somewhat the Balkans have become energetic Maks Velo’s “Making Pizza” bouncy abstract space. Velo’s appealing points of consciousness and color that, combination of abstract and primitive now free, will compel commemoration vernaculars conveyed deep feelings of and honor from Albania to America. Rosavelt’s Rollercoaster by Matthew Charboneau the Cleveland area—essentially bring- Romancing the Bone ing the band’s practical existence to an This week, Clevelanders will get one end on their own terms. by Stephen Calhoun veracious. It romances the bone, cap- last chance to savor the rambunctious Throughout its career Rosavelt has tures the perilous and fragile and resil- roots-rock live show of Cleveland- released and distributed recordings on Walking through the backyard garden ient and sturdy assembly of life’s raw based band Rosavelt as they headline a both local and national labels, played of a newfound connection, I noticed, stuff in images austere and primal and CD release party at 9 p.m. Friday, July unfathomable numbers of gigs, toured plugged into fetid mud and moss, ani- ancient. Velo reduces his vision into 15, at the Beachland Ballroom and Tav- Alaska, the west coast and Europe. The mal skulls and other bones. The owner captures so stark that they come across ern in Cleveland’s Collinwood area. band even played two political rallies of the garden whispered that “some like great strikes of flint against stone. The show is being billed as “an evening for 2004 presidential candidate John might find this peculiar,” but I simply Some of these sparks, as Velo made with Rosavelt” and will celebrate the Kerry (that noise you just heard was the thought to myself, “it is of a piece” as clear, are “40,000 years old.” band’s fourth and final release titled collective longing sigh of thousands of a smile broke across my inner plane. The equivalent in effect are the cave “Goodbye Rollercoaster.” Democratic readers). I mused to myself about the toss of a paintings of Lascaux, Chauvet-Pont- The release of a new album should Often lumped in with the femur at the beginning of 2001: A Space d’Arc, Altamira, Pribaikalje. Beyond be a joyous event for any band. This “roots-rock” and “alternative-coun- Odyssey, and, next, thought of the olden, before archaic, the precedent is evening may be tinged with nostal- try” movements in American music, archaic pre-Gautama Bone Religion. recovered again by the alloys of Velo’s gic melancholy. Amid recent lineup Rosavelt’s sonic and stylistic influences More pieces fell, each drawn out by an sense, a sensibility hard-fired in the changes and the impending relocation run the gamut from the trashy yet lov- encounter a short 30 minutes before primitive kilns of his life as creative per- of member Miles Loretta to Los Ange- able abandon of early Replacements with the art and person of Albanian son, philosopher, dissident, gardener of les, the band has collectively decided to albums to the clever musicality and Maks Velo in the basement hall of the freedom. make this upcoming show their profes- arrangements of R.E.M. in its indepen- Lakewood Public Library. What puts the skull in the mud? sional swan song. dent heyday. Velo’s art travels with the artist. What naturalism is so honest? I imag- Going forward, Chris Allen, gui- Allen and the band are reticent to This is its first paradox, because Velo’s ine it’s the way the act of recovery hap- tarist/singer/main songwriter and accept the erroneously homogenous expressiveness means to travel at the pens when it is stripped completely founding member, plans to continue tag of “alt-country” though, noting same time it recovers the olden bones of artifice. An act both of baring and with a solo project. Currently he is that any discernible twang of a gui- of Albania, bones found in their soul bearing; it is so much so, that only the working on an album with producer tar or drawl of a vocal line are more a place. As it was standing amidst the bones remain, alive via their trans- Don Dixon, best known for producing result of a Midwestern upbringing than backyard garden (itself a Lakewood mission, cutting in their honesty and and influencing some of R.E.M.’s finest any conscious effort to emulate coun- soul place) in a spot a world away from integrity. Each work that Velo showed, early albums. try-flavored acts such as Uncle Tupelo all those gardens of fine artifice, the with almost an alien modesty, spoke As closure of sorts, Rosavelt’s new or Wilco (to whom Rosavelt has been observer’s sense of Velo’s work is that it surely of other space and time odys- CD will only be available locally and favorably compared throughout their has always been there! seys, through eons, landing one after through their website. Allen and the career). Like this true garden, like all true another—after a long toss—on an easel band made a conscious decision not to gardens, Velo’s naturalism is intensely in a library basement on Lakewood. distribute this final recording beyond (see Rollercoaster, page 19)

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Minding the Issues

by Gordon Brumm What I Know and Think I Know About Social Security (Part 1) Rarely if ever has a subject of public ings would be multiplied by three. • be realistic, that is, responsive to the ernment of which he is chief execu- importance been so obscured by dem- Second, monthly benefits after factual situation and the purpose(s) tive—and shows the ultra-extremes to agoguery, endlessly recycled rheto- retirement are indexed to the cost of of the system. which he will go in hyping the “crisis” ric, and misplaced emphasis as Social living, expressed in the Consumer Before going on to consider how of Social Security. More on this later. Security and its problems. But, after Price Index (CPI), which has risen less these requirements might be met, I some modest research and a great deal slowly than average wages. want to look at a widespread but totally The Solutions of thought, I may have broken through This double type of indexing makes erroneous opinion, namely: “The Social To resolve the Social Security the smoke and mirrors. sense, for when a person is working she Security trust fund is nothing but worthless problem, there are a number of pos- To begin, we must understand that is an earner, and credit for her earning IOUs because the government has already sible solutions (other than Bush’s pro- the Social Security system performs two should not be degraded by wage infla- spent the money for other things.” posals). Here are my top five: functions. It is a social insurance pro- tion. But when the worker has become The Social Security trust fund, 1. Raise the earnings ceiling. As gram, and it is a redistributive program. a retiree and is receiving benefits, she is by law, is invested in U.S. government mentioned above, earnings subject to The social insurance part is pretty a consumer, and the value of the bene- bonds. In this the trust fund is no dif- the Social Security tax are capped at much self-explanatory. All workers fits she receives should not be degraded ferent from individual, corporate or $90,000 currently. A change upward who are covered by the program pay by price inflation. foreign-government investors. Money would bring in more revenue and make premiums in the form of social secu- received for these bonds is used by the the benefit schedule more progressive. rity taxes. These payments go into the The Problem government for other needs—after all, 2. Raise the retirement age (i.e., Social Security trust fund, which by As we all know, the Social Secu- why would it want to sell securities if it the age at which workers can claim law is invested in government securi- rity system has a problem (a solvency didn’t need the money? Will the gov- full benefits). This change is already in ties. Out of this trust fund they receive gap, as I will call it). Somewhere down ernment default on these securities, i.e., progress—the retirement age will grad- monthly benefit checks upon retire- the road it will run out of money, renege on its “full faith and credit?” Of ually rise until it reaches 67 in 2027. But ment (or in case of disability or a few because there will be more and more course not. Where will it get the money it could be raised faster. This would be other situations which are not the cen- retirees taking money out while fewer to redeem these bonds? From the same a realistic policy change, responding to ter of debate). and fewer workers put money in, and place it gets the money to redeem any the overall increase in life expectancy To say that Social Security is redis- because retirees are living longer. other government securities. Whatever as well as advances in health care that tributive means that those at the lower All this has been belabored long difficulty arises from the Social Securi- allow those in their 60s and older to end of the income scale get proportion- and hard, and I’m not going to belabor ties trust fund is merely part of the over- lead a more active life. ately more than those at the middle or it any more, except to note the two cru- all problem of the government’s debt. 3. Reduce benefits slightly at the upper end. This is accomplished by cial dates: In 2018, it is predicted, the Bush has been the poster boy for top of the schedule. The benefits could means of a progressive benefit formula, outgo in benefits will begin to exceed the claim of worthlessness. In a speech be reduced slightly and high-income through which those who have earned the inflow from taxes, and the trust at the Bureau of Public Debt in Park- recipients would hardly notice. the least get a greater percentage of fund will have to be drawn down. In ersburg, W.Va., on April 5, he stood 4. Raise the income tax on Social their earnings in benefits. 2041 the trust fund will be empty. (But in front of a filing cabinet containing Security benefits. At present, benefits Specifically, benefits are calculated these are only approximations, based Social Security bonds and said, “There are subject to the federal income tax in this way: When a worker retires, the on a number of imponderables such as is no trust fund—just IOUs that I saw according to a breathtakingly complex system goes through a complex pro- the exact demographics and the state of firsthand.” At a press conference on formula. The formula could be changed cess to compute his “Averaged Indexed the economy.) April 28, he talked about the pay-as- to bring in more revenue, and the addi- Monthly Earnings,” or AIME. The Thus the question that has brought you-go feature of the Social Security tional revenue could be funneled into AIME reflects, roughly, the amount Social Security to public attention: system and said, “And all that’s left the Social Security system. earned over a lifetime and therefore How to close the solvency gap. This is behind is the cabinets full of IOUs.” 5. Revise the Consumer Price the amount contributed to the system. the one need on which everyone agrees, (Apparently he did not use the word Index downward. The CPI governs From this AIME amount, the worker’s but I suggest that we should also meet “worthless,” but in saying “There is increases in benefits. Some economists initial benefit is calculated according the following requirements: no trust fund” he clearly implied that complain that, as now formulated, it to a formula that yields a greater per- • preserve the social insurance aspect the bonds were worthless, and some of is an overestimation of the true cost centage for smaller earnings. Currently so that the system continues to his partisans must have used the term of living. Revising the CPI downward the formula is: 90 percent of the first receive widespread support from the because it appears constantly in news would mean a decrease in benefits, but $627 of AIME, plus 32 percent of the public, articles on the subject.) it would be a bow to realism. next $3,152, plus 15 percent of every- • continue to provide an adequate Bush’s claim is astounding—he thing over that. safety net for those at the bottom, is impugning the integrity of the gov- (see Social Security, page 19) But the progressivism holds only up to a point, namely the earnings cap, which is currently $90,000 per year. Beyond that figure, earnings are not taxed for Social Security. These two aspects of the system— social insurance and redistribution— fit together to make the system stronger and better suited for its purpose of ensuring every retiree a decent living. The largest benefits, relative to income, go to those with the largest need, but every worker has a stake in the system, thus ensuring strong support. The term “indexed” means that the benefit amount is adjusted to economic conditions. This takes two forms. First, the worker’s earnings through the years are indexed to the average wage increase, with her initial benefit based on that. For example, suppose the worker retired in 2000 and her first earning-year was 1965, and suppose that the average wage in 2000 was three times that in 1965. Then her 1965 earn-

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Lakewood Observer Looks Back at The Fourth of July by Bryan Wroten

For those Lake Avenue residents who decided to sleep late Monday, the sounds of marching bands, bagpipes, honking horns, and children yelling for candy probably woke them. The city’s Fourth of July celebra- tion kicked off to its usual start with the parade down to Lakewood Park. Local businesses, organizations and school groups marched through town, passing out candy, DARE cups, and library fine exemptions. There were no empty picnic tables near the pavilions at the park, all filled by families grilling and barbecuing, sending the smell of charcoal and burg- ers through the air. Those who couldn’t find a picnic table settled down under the shade of trees.

A boy giggled in his squirt gun Photo: Kit Hoffert fight with his mother while a daughter tried pushing her father on a swing in Tim Kanak, Stan Austin and Mark Timieski (robot) lead Lakewood Observer’s Newsies and members of the Lakewood Motoring the playground. Society and The Choppers down Lake Road. Lakewood Observer is proud to be part of the Madison Village Car Kulture Show, By evening, the park quickly filled August 13, in Madison Village. for the fireworks. Families played catch in the baseball field near the Oldest Stone House. Kids skated in an unused tennis court, feet away from the empty skate park. The line from the conces- sion stand near the pool lost to the lines for the bathrooms. Young teens met in groups to talk and gossip near the playground while older teens gath- ered and played volleyball on the other side of the park. The Lakewood Project performed again this year, ditching their usual black shirts for a more festive red, white and blue. They entertained listeners until the lights dimmed at 10 p.m. The fireworks evoked a few “ahhhs” Photo: Jeremiah Hull from the crowd, accompanied by the Photo: Bob Metelko occasional car alarm. Although mostly quiet through the show, the audience What seemed to be hundreds of kids and their parents represented the Catholic Academy. General Grant (Ken Bach) rode in style. jumped to its feet in applause following the grand finale. The day ended as it had started: a parade of slow moving vehicles and people walking with lawn chairs and blankets. Photo: Rhonda Loje Photo: Bob Metelko

Lakewood Motoring Society members Steve Hoffert and Super Hank ride in front of The Choppers’ Ruth and Jerry Koenigsmark in Sen. George Voinovich rode along. their beautiful tangerine, flaked, streamlined baby—a 1959 Ford Thunderbird—with The Krazy Kops in hot pursuit.

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Lakewood Rangerettes were something to cheer about. Photo: Jeremiah Hull

The Veterans (above) and Color Guard (below) helped us remember what the Fourth of July is all about. Photo: Jeremiah Hull Photo: Bob Metelko

Dennis Kucinich knows Lakewood is the best place to spend your Fourth of July. Photo: Bob Metelko

Little Miss Fourth of July waves her flag at the new Lakewood police car. Photo: Jeremiah Hull

St. James Cub Scout Troop 36 gets ready for the parade. Staff Photo Photo: Jeremiah Hull Photo: Rhonda Loje

Patrick Hoffert, a part of Taft’s Unicycle Bob Togliatti in his 1959 VW Panel Truck. Club, speeds past. Tom Metzner was dressed to the nines.

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The Buck Stops Here

by Robert Buckeye Jean Amery. On Aging (Indiana). If any- may suggest that anyone with a cam- wants her to send to his publisher, and you look out from “Desolation Row” one is patronized more than children, era can also be a filmmaker. Tarnation, a tape, “Music for You,” his Christmas (1965), it is Ensor’s painting, Christ’s it is the elderly. At least children grow his autobiography, stitched together present. It is not the holiday Morvern Entry into Brussels (1888), that you up. Retirement is a life sentence, with out of home videos, scrapbook photo- anticipated, and it is one she needs to see. Everyone is accounted for: the no time off for good behavior. With so graphs, audiocassette diaries, answering escape. At the last moment, Morvern blind commissioner, Dr. Filter, a jeal- much stacked against them, the old are machine tapes, favorite songs, clips puts her name as author on the title ous monk, the fortune telling lady, the expected, nevertheless, to age with dig- from movies and television, shot foot- page before she sends the book to the Good Samaritan, insurance men. If nity. Death is the only end, and if that age of interviews, was put together publisher, then takes her boyfriend’s the Ensor painting is, as Greil Marcus means at some point they (we) must using iMovie editing software for $218. bankcard, Christmas tape and a girl characterizes it, “an unanswerable last accept it—the death that is in them If Tarnation is a home movie, it is also friend for a vacation in Spain. They word,” Dylan’s song, recorded a little (us)—Amery argues that revolt is the a movie about home, or what passes arrive at a Club Med from hell, and more than a week after he was booed only answer. So much has been taken for it. Caouette films and narrates his the two girls soon split for the Span- at the Newport Folk Festival for going away, lost, gone that one needs to rebel life growing up gay in Texas, the insti- ish countryside. Camus for teenagers, electric, is his answer. In the Ensor even more just to live, though it will not tutionalization of his mother, and his Ramsay calls the Alan Warner that is painting, thousands crowd into Brus- last. One may be considered eccentric, reunion with her in New York, where he the source for the film. It is one more sels to celebrate Mardi Gras, and Christ foolish, even crazy, but drastic cir- now lives. “Caouette has said he suffers road movie in a genre that has, of late, is among them, though he has nothing cumstances require drastic responses. from depersonalization disorder,” Stu- been the province of women from Mes- to celebrate. “They’re selling postcards “They are not heroes,” Amery says of art Klawans writes, “which leaves him sidor, Butterfly Kiss, Thelma and Louise, of the hanging,” Dylan says. Nat Hent- the old, “just whoever they may be: just experiencing his own life as if he were Baise-Moi. The novel hits it big, and off asked Dylan in an interview what he as heroic as every whoever that ages watching a movie.” Not everyone can Morvern escapes the supermarket and would do if he were President. “I would and will die.” make a movie of the movie we watch. her dreary small town. Throughout immediately rewrite ‘The Star-Span- Nelly Arcan. Whore (Grove). Not Laura Kipnis. Against Love (Pan- the vignette “Music for You” has been gled Banner,’” he answers, “and little since Kathe Koja’s Skin have we had theon). “Falling in love,” Kipnis writes, her defense against the world. It can be schoolchildren, instead of memorizing writing so powerful. Language careen- “is the nearest most of us come to “Music for Us” if we but listen. Ramsay ‘America the Beautiful,’ would have to ing headlong down a one-way street glimpsing utopia in our lifetimes.” is currently at work on a film version of memorize ‘Desolation Row.’” against the right-of-way. Arcan is in a Why is it, then, that so many of us fall Alice Sebold’s novel The Lovely Bones. Eliot Weinberger. 9/12: New York graduate program at UQAM, but pays in love more than once? That the uto- Alice Sebold. Lucky (Little Brown). After (Prickly Paradigm). Weinberger, the bills through prostitution. (The pia we chase has become a dystopia? Sebold’s memoir of her own rape, who lives a mile north of the World extent to which the teacher prostitutes “If love is the latest form of alienated which became the basis for her best- Trade Center, writes of his reactions himself in schools goes unspoken in the labor,” Kipnis asks, “would rereading selling novel, The Lovely Bones. Lucky is the day after, three weeks, four weeks, academy.) Her thesis is on Daniel Paul Capital as a marriage manual be the how the police describe her rape, sug- a year and 16 months later. His first Schreiber, who Freud famously put most appropriate response?” Desire gesting it could have been much worse. response is of the neighborhood New under his microscope. Arcan puts men is a rush, and we need that rush in a “I was now on the other side of some- York became afterwards, “the sense under hers. The book should come with society that lets the air out, but if desire thing they could not understand,” she of community, the common human- advisory warnings, although parental goes, and after that, love, working at it writes of her family, friends and teach- ity” the attacks generated. Half of New guidance is not advised. “It isn’t your doesn’t bring it back. We may seek it ers. “That officer lived on my planet.” York’s inhabitants he notes were born problem,” she writes, “if I see the world elsewhere, with, Kipnis says, “indus- If The Lovely Bones convinces us that in another country, and “we are now from my mother’s bed.” Of course, she trial-strength guilt.” A study of fidelity everything will be okay—“We’re here,” experiencing what the rest of the world knows her father occupies the same and betrayal. A study of the individual Susie’s ghost says at the end of the has known too often.” His analysis of bed. She loves her mother, but cannot and the place society decrees for him. book, “all the time. You can talk to us what happened that day and what fol- be like her. She despises her father, but Kipnis calls herself an anti-feminist and think about us. It doesn’t have to lowed leads him to conclude that we cannot escape him. Men take the hit, feminist. be sad or scary.”—Lucky tells us that are the world’s largest Banana Republic but so does Arcan. It’s complicated and Lynne Ramsay. Morvern Callar everything is not okay. Rape says we and “have suffered the first coup d’etat it is not just Arcan’s problem, but ours (video). Morvern (Samantha Morton) are never anything more than flesh. in its history.” Weinberger, who is the as well. returns from work as a supermar- Sebold will never be at home in the translator of Paz and Borges and writes Jonathan Caouette. Tarnation. ket stacker to discover her boyfriend world again. It is scary. of poetry as well as anyone, can only The letter to the editor, Walter Benja- lying dead under the blinking lights of The Superhuman Crew. Paint- say in the face of America today, “We min notes, convinced everyone he was the Christmas tree. He has left a sui- ing by James Ensor. Lyric by Bob no longer have the words to even think a writer. The example of Caouette’s film cide note, his bank card, the novel he Dylan (J. Paul Getty Museum). When about what is happening.”

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Cars Around Lakewood Lewis Steams Past Chitty Chitty Bang Bang by Jim O’Bryan What’s making that noise?” My brother-in-law pulled back the At Easter dinner, Lakewood resident wooden floor while my wife grabbed a Phil Lewis looked over the table and fire extinguisher. Lewis climbed out the said, “I hear you like old cars. What’s front and exclaimed, “We blew the top your oldest?” Always happy to talk off the boiler!” I felt for Lewis, but was cars, I replied it was a 1958 BMW. glad it wasn’t a fire, as the extinguisher The response was a snort and “…that’s turned out to be a propane tank. almost new! I have one from 1911, and Before long Lewis and my brother- one from 1906, and a newer Ford from in-law looked up, told us to hop back 1932.” With that his wife, Pat, smiled in, and off we went for a short ride. and said, “Go on, tell him about them.” It was incredible. I have been in and What followed was a car junkie’s owned some of the wildest cars in the dream: an airplane hangar filled with world, from a 1933 Bugatti, to a Peu- exotics that included a 1932 Ford Pha- geot Pro Rally Car, to a Rolls Royce, eton, 1918 Model 750 Stanley Tour- to a 2004 Ferrari Challenge Stradale. ing Sedan, and an extraordinarily rare Nothing, I repeat nothing, compared 1906 Stanley Steamer Racer. I could to that experience. hardly believe my ears. The next words Lewis bled off the steam with such Staff Photo Mr. Lewis uttered were a dream come force and heat we were obligated to true, “when it get warmer, come on stand 20 feet back. The smile would not Phil Lewis’s 1906 Stanley Steamer Racer was the first car to go 120 mph and was out, and we’ll take them for a ride.” leave my face; it was truly a once-in-a- purchased out from under “Tonight Show” host Jay Leno. On June 25, I was in my backyard, lifetime escapade. working on a car getting nowhere, Back at the hangar, my brother-in- when the call came. “I got the car run- law, an avid pilot, took me on a tour of ning, get out here.” I grabbed the wife, some of Lewis’s other “toys,” including jumped into the car, and blasted to the an Aerostar 700 twin-engine airplane. airport. As we approached the hangar, The Steamer’s dash was a challenge, but a beautiful robin’s egg blue Stanley the dash of the 700 really was completely Steamer was coming down the road, mind-boggling. When we returned to making a big turn. Lewis looked over the other hangar, Lewis looked up with and said, “Do you want a ride? Well, a grin and asked, “Ready for a ride in come on, follow me.” The car seemed the Phaeton?” magical, spewing steam and discharg- Off we went, flying down country ing noises unbeknown to any auto. We roads, with Lewis working the clutch gaped in awe as the car pulled away. and knobs, even turning the headlights At the hangar, Lewis pulled in next on to burn off a little voltage. A very to my brother-in-law’s 1922 Hot Rod smooth ride for the passengers, but and olive green 1932 Ford. Over in the again, we were overwhelmed by every- corner I savored my first look at the 1906 thing Lewis had to do to keep the Pha- Racer with its hood up and massive eton running. boiler caked in asbestos. It was long, on Back in the hangar, our gracious tall narrow tires, and I had to remind host reviewed the experience, complete Staff Photo myself that this monstrosity was the with the history of the Stanley Motor first car able to race at 120 mph. Company. After holding court for a Lewis bleeds off the pressure from the Stanley Steamer. “Well, come on, let’s go for a ride,” half hour, he sheepishly picked up his Lewis said. I eagerly opened the back cell phone, called his better half, and door for my wife and then climbed into offered to be home for dinner. the front. At 78 years young, his energy level As Lewis worked the knobs, levers is enviable, his mechanical ability and brakes, all you could hear was great, his enthusiasm contagious. We clanging—the sound of a Steamer. left one of Lakewood’s finest tinker- Except for the zany din, the ride was ing in the hangar and headed home. As incredibly smooth. We were sailing we pulled out of the airport, all I could down the road, when all of a sudden, think of was the ride he promised in BANG! The car shuddered, and Lewis the Racer. But that will be another day slowed down. “Pickel, open the floor. and another story.

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Bouncing Balls Slife of Life Experiential Martial Arts by Dan Slife by Stephen Calhoun ness. The only hard part is extracting the necessary 120 seconds every day. “The phenomenological world is not the Do this for two minutes every day, do bringing to explicit expression of a pre- it for 30 days. See what results from Observing Planet Lakewood existing being, but the laying down of giving up 60 minutes to this over the This summer Lakewoodites walk- experience will allow all of us to gain being. Philosophy is not the reflection of course of a month. ing, biking and hanging out on our a better understanding of what our a pre-existing truth, but, like art, the act 2. Ball-Bouncing city streets should take notice. The city really is and how we could trans- of bringing truth into being.” Buy nine rubber balls and be sure Lakewood Observer is listening to the form it. —Maurice Merleau Ponty to test them. They must be bouncy community voice at ground level. The possibilities for civic innova- enough to bounce right We’re patrolling the streets of Lake- tion lie within the imaginations of the It is the case, and sadly so, that back into your hands. This wood to capture the pulse of our body politic. In Darwinian terms, our the larger portion of child’s exercise requires five min- community. ability to transform as a municipality play is stripped from the adult utes three times a week. What does the Observer want in an age of job scarcity and a widening over the course of their matu- Also, you’ll need to find two to know? We’re out to discover each income gap will depend on both the ration. We wander through neighbors to join you. Yes, person’s story, why you are here, what adaptation and variation of the expe- the world as adults and we they can be your roommates might retain you, your experiences rience and knowledge in our midst. miss a lot. Fortunately, with if need be! as citizen, and what you’d like to see Through sharing our experiences and a modest commitment of time there Pick a time and stand at the end happen. By tapping into this diverse knowledge as citizens we can become are any number of awareness-soften- of your front walk and, with your two universe of personal stories, we hope to a City of Citizens engaged in strategic ing calisthenics grown-ups may do to companions, bounce the balls for five understand and articulate more fully long-term planning. recover childlike capabilities. minutes. It is almost a sure bounce that the city we love. Can a city of 55,000-plus, packed 1. Block Walking after several weeks of doing this other The Lakewood Observer is working densely into six square miles of civic Pick a block, any block. You’ll have persons will want to join you. This to fulfill its mission of a civic jour- space, collectively develop a voice of to start as a beginner, but your walking is what the other balls are for. If you nalism that is wholly receptive and resistance to the forces that might dif- chops will be recovered quickly. This approach this with any discipline at all, participatory. Tell us your story—we’re fuse its assets and dilute its character? exercise requires about 120 seconds over the course of several months, you listening. If you think we can, watch for the Lake- every day. may find most of your block has joined On every block and in every wood Observer socio-anthropological Start from a stop and walk the the bounce. (If you need more balls, go neighborhood there are individuals assessment team this summer and tell block slowly. Name what is perceived: buy ’em!) Enjoy what results. who have something to teach us about us your story. We’re listening. And bet- “sidewalk slab,” “window,” “futon,” the city and ourselves. Highlighting ter yet, join in the discussion at www. “sign,” “person,” “slab,” “smile,” “win- Stephen Calhoun is principal of square- these perspectives on the Lakewood lakewoodobserver.com/forum. dow,” “door.” You get the idea. Do this ONE: experiential toolmakers. He is once a day for several weeks and soon a theorist, researcher and facilitator of enough the naming will drop away. Let adult transformational learning (www. the block become your train of aware- squareone-learning.com). Letters

JOHNNY MALLOY’S More Parking Woes In your newspaper, you asked about parking problems. SPORTS PUB I live near Richland and Madison, by the Richland Cafe and across the street from Lakewood High School. Parking here can be a nightmare. Bar patrons take 17103 Detroit Ave. up street parking, leaving no room for residents of the apartment buildings to park. Lakewood, Ohio We literally watch out our windows and race each other to spots when a bar patron Phone: 216-529-1400 • Fax: 216-529-8403 leaves. Even when there is just metered parking available, the meter maids come early in the morning, making it difficult for those of us who work second- or third- W E E K LY SPECIALS: IT’S ALL GOOD!! shift jobs. I have paid hundreds to the city in parking meter tickets, and even had JM’S DINE-IN ONLY • NO DOGGIE BAGS my car towed once because of them. Bar patrons are not always sensitive to our on-street parking either. Many MON TUES WED THUR drunk patrons have hit on-street parked cars before. Many drunk patrons have $3 Menu $4 Menu urinated on our cars. Once, we found a sofa that presumably was on the lawn for $2 Menu Burger pickup was placed, literally, on top of our car, as some sort of prank. All Day & All Day & Night! All Day & When there is a football game or an event at the football stadium, the problem All Nite All Nite 2 for 1 All Nite is multiplied a hundredfold. I have often had to park down by Franklin and Wyan- dotte during football season. This is especially frustrating when carrying groceries or Burgers!! CALZONE – Medium Pizza or something of the like. I cannot even bring things into the house without receiv- BreadStix 2 for 1 or 1 topping w/up to 3 toppings ing a ticket from the cops that are out and about during these times to ticket illegal Small or Appetizers!! or parkers! I get very angry when I cannot even park in the vicinity where I live! How 15 WINGS (excludes Combo Platter) or 20 WINGS is this fair? Cheese or Cheesy BreadStix Jello Shot s Some apartment residents have more than one vehicle. Once they are lucky Pizza or or “Ladies Ni ght” Any Burger 4 Chicken Fingers of your choice enough to get a non-meter parking spot, they will tie that spot up for months, mov- 10 Wings or sponsored by ing one vehicle to the spot to reserve it for their other vehicle, leaving none of the or 1 Small Pepperoni Gina’s Salon & Wigs or 4 Riblets PIZZA 8 Riblets other residents a fair chance to park there. Parking issues have become so frustrating and annoying, that we are consider- FRI FAT GUY WEEKENDS ing moving. It is such a shame, because we love where we live. T h a n k New G u i n e s s SAT SUN Lunch Menu —Melissa Nelson Jello Shots Jello Shots Items!! It’s Friday! 25-cent Wings 25-cent Wings Guiness Pints $2–23oz Drafts $2–23oz Drafts Buffalo Bud, Bud Lite, Bud, Bud Lite, ������������������ Chicken �������������������� & Irish Bombs Michelob Ultra, Michelob Ultra, Wrap $4.99 ����������� $4 until 9pm Miller Lite Miller Lite ������������������ ------��������� BEST PA RT Y (until 9pm) (until 9pm) �������������������� ������������������������ Patty Melt ����������������������� $4 Burger $4 Burger � NITE AT $4.99 ����������������� ������������� M A L LOY’ S ! ! $5 Large – 3 Single $5 Large – 3 Single Topping Pizza Topping Pizza with $7.99 All-You-Can-Eat Sides $6.99 DJ & Dancing ��������������� RIBLETS 5–8pm LADIES NIGHT

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Lakewood Eats Tango Anyone? Lakewood’s Cozy Cantina by Kristen Barker and Bob Togliatti

El Tango Taqueria is a delightful eat- ery located at 14224 Madison Ave. Take a seat in the festive cantina and munch on fresh chips and salsa while you sip homemade vanilla-lemonade. Your taste buds will thank you. The fare served at El Tango is fresh, colorful, original and delicious. Start with one of the homemade soups, fresh daily. Some of our favorites are Chicken Lime Tortilla, Portuguese Garlic, and Spanish Roasted Tomato. The daily specials are noteworthy. Our star pick is Pollo Alma, a Guate- malan cinnamon-honey chicken dish served with rice and fresh vegetables. The Quesadilla Grande is another fine choice, chock full of carrots, potatoes, onions, cheese, your choice of meat, and a hint of cinnamon. We recom- mend Cuban Key Lime Pie, Jalapeño Apple Pie with vanilla cream (subtle hints of jalapeño), or Chocolate Rum Cake for the perfect finish to a charm- ing meal. El Tango opened in 1999. The owner, Antonio Carafelli, spent much Antonio Carafelli and sous-chef Tauland Dano. of his life out west and those experi- ences shaped and influenced Carafelli’s and affordability of the city. His right- but now plays an essential role in creat- the cashier and your food will be deliv- talent for Southwestern-Mexican style hand man and sous-chef, Tauland ing many of the innovative recipes. ered to your table. For carryout orders cooking. He was drawn to Lakewood Dano, came to Lakewood from Alba- El Tango’s cozy cantina seats approx- and information on daily specials, call to open his eighth successful restau- nia five years ago. Dano had no prior imately 30 people, with tables that seat 216-226-9999. Business hours are Mon- rant because of the high population experience cooking Mexican cuisine, six comfortably. Place your order with day through Saturday, 11 a.m. to 10 p.m. Chef Geoff

by Jeff Endress Culinary Recollections We are very fortunate here in Lake- you chose was the best, thinking, “well, day and you were a member of the club, cess bred a desire for bigger and better, wood as far as the current restaurant next time I’ll get the cherry Jell-O it was free! Clark’s begat the Blue Fox, and hence Friends begat L’Escargot near scene goes. Beyond the usual array of mold.” which begat another eatery before the Great Northern Mall (which is now an pizza places (a topic we’ll return to at It was always important to finish building was converted to a CVS. Olive Garden), and Friends became the a later date), we have a wonderful vari- your meal, because you wouldn’t want As I grew a bit older, with more Lakewood Hospital resale shop. ety of dining opportunities beyond the to miss the wonderful homemade cakes sophisticated tastes and an adventur- It has been suggested that some- standard franchises found in places and pies (à la mode please). ous palate, there was Friends. I think times our memories are artificially like Westlake, à la Applebee’s, Outback, I remember seeing people in suits my fondest memories lie there. In the enhanced over time. I suppose it is pos- and the like. and ties—people who actually weren’t 1980s there were people who actually sible that the spaghetti at Clark’s was From the buffalo wings at Around wearing baseball caps! And those who traveled from the East Side, crossed the bland, the Escargot Salade at Friends the Corner and burgers at the West did wear a hat politely removed it while Cuyahoga, to dine at Friends. Small too rich, and the apple pie at Miller’s End Tavern to the more upscale menus they dined. Miller’s has been gone for and intimate at the corner of Mar- no different than what you get from the of 3 Birds, Players and Swingos, along some time, fallen victim to a fire and lowe and Detroit, it was a welcoming freezer case. Perhaps it’s possible, but with the view at Pier W, Tina’s kibee, replaced by a Hollywood Video store. place—sort of like “Cheers” with a in my mind and memory, that sticky and Aladdin’s hummus, there are some Then there was Clark’s at West Michelin rating. bun still makes my mouth water. really fine food experiences within 117th and Clifton. At one time, the If there exists a genesis of Lake- walking distance. But I remember a management of Clark’s ran a number wood fine dining, I believe it lies here. Kitchen Gadget Contest time when the choices were fewer, but of successful restaurants about town. We would now refer to the cuisine as the memories more meaningful. It was my place of choice for a birth- Continental, though I always thought Growing up in Lakewood, it just day celebration. After all, I was a mem- of it as French. It was special without wasn’t Mother’s Day without dinner at ber of the Clark’s birthday club. So, in presumption. I loved the wonderful Miller’s Restaurant. It wasn’t anything addition to that beautiful piece of roast scents of those magnificent sauces, the particularly fancy, but my mouth still beef with mashed potatoes and mush- artful presentation of the dishes, and waters whenever I think about their room gravy, I could get a side of spa- the opportunity to be adventurous, not sticky buns. Don’t bother with the ghetti with a meat sauce that was thick to mention the cozy dark booth with tenderloin tips on noodles or chicken and had just the right amount of spice, a server who knew you well enough to paprikash—just bring me a basket of plus a dish of fresh parmesan cheese. ask after the family. those hot, fresh sticky buns. And, if all that wasn’t enough, after I think Friends was my first “spe- Waitresses would bring around your special birthday dessert, there was cial” restaurant. Although, at the time, a salad tray with (it seemed) dozens the trip to the treasure chest. I always places like Sammy’s in the Flats (now The first five people to guess what this is win a Lakewood Observer T-shirt, and a $5 of choices. There was molded Jell-O, went for the rubber band–powered, gone) were where you went to be seen, off coupon from The Reagle Beagle. Send tossed salad, Waldorf salad, fruit salad, string-pulled helicopter. And, wonder Friends was where you went to be at to: Culinary Contest, PO Box 770274, Lake- and you always wondered if the one of wonders, because it was your birth- ease. Alas, as sometimes happens, suc- wood, OH 44107.

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Lakewood Eats

Beyond the Farmers Market Building the Case for Regional Agriculture by Holly Whisman stant supply of food. As farmland on the outskirts of the city and in sur- A farmers market is an asset in any rounding counties gives way to sub- community. Lakewood is no exception, urban housing and shopping centers, and the Wednesday afternoon North the region loses some of its capacity for Union market is not to be missed. The feeding its residents. In times of ris- abundant variety and colorful selec- ing fuel costs, threats to public safety, tions draw shoppers from all walks and global instability, our choices as of life, while providing area farmers a society have left us vulnerable and a direct link to the community they dependent on faraway food sources. serve. Beyond the enjoyment of spend- The security of our food supply is at ing time on a summer afternoon sam- the mercy of an industry that does not pling local peaches or organic honey have a vested interest in the well-being and picking up some groceries, market of our region. participants have the opportunity to By contrast, family farmers are make a positive impact on our regional small business owners making a contri- economy and local community. bution to the local economy. According The concept of “food miles” is a to the Center for Farmland Preserva- growing concern for those involved in tion, a nonprofit based in Peninsula, Staff Photo food issues. The farther a food has to Ohio, “Privately owned agricultural travel before reaching the plate of the land generates more in tax revenue Fresh from the farmer’s field to your table. consumer, the more food miles it is said than it requires in related services. to have acquired. The significance of The community services that have to The good news for those trying to the CSA, farmers markets and sales to measuring food miles stems from the be provided to new residential devel- eat fresh is that the summer months local businesses, and we want to be able overall effect our food choices have on opment include police and fire pro- in Northern Ohio provide abundant to make a living at farming. It takes a fossil fuel consumption, resulting from tection, water and sewer services, and produce. Our climate provides all the lot of time, but it’s worth it to create a both transportation and refrigeration, educational costs. Cost of community right elements for a widely varied and community around the food … and to and therefore on the economy and the services (COCS) studies have high- lengthy growing season, and local share big meals with friends.” environment. lighted the fact that farmland demands farmers give the community an oppor- One drawback to the CSA model Food that is highly processed, far less in community services than it tunity to make the most of the season. is the seemingly cost-prohibitive ini- after being shipped to multiple facili- pays in yearly taxes.” Community supported agricul- tial investment. Many farmers offering ties and warehouses, accumulates high In addition to being an economic ture (CSA) takes the beneficial aspects CSA shares are willing to accommodate mileage. On the other hand, food that asset, small-scale farming operations of the farmers market to the next level. members with a flexible payment plan, is locally produced and minimally pro- are more likely than large, corporate CSAs are formed when farmers ask and some CSAs offer a reduction in cessed, such as the food one can find farms to practice sustainable methods, members of the community to invest fees for members willing to volunteer at the North Union Farmers Markets, such as organic or biodynamic farm- in their efforts, in turn providing those on the farm or help with distribution. is said to be low in food miles, since it ing. Small family farms often market families or individuals with farm-fresh Other programs are being developed was produced, and will mostly likely be their products directly to the consumer goods throughout the season. to help those most needing this type consumed, in Northern Ohio. through farmers markets, cooperatives CSA members buy shares in the of access to fresh foods—low-income In a time a when globalized trade or roadside stands. By purchasing food farmers’ season, providing their busi- urban residents. has opened up markets and standard- directly from the producer, consum- ness with an infusion of capital, and This year marks the first season ized food production, items from ers eliminate the big business of food, limiting the risk and uncertainty the nonprofit organization City Fresh, around the world can be available vir- while supporting a family owned and inherent in farming. Members are a project launched by Northeast Ohio tually anywhere. Obviously, this conve- operated enterprise that is inherently rewarded for their support with the Foodshed Network with the coop- nience does not come without a price. interconnected with the future of our freshest foods available, ranging from eration of many local businesses and The hidden costs of mass-marketed community. produce to organic, free-range eggs, national organizations, is operating in food products include a negative impact In addition to the economic meats and prepared foods, depending Cleveland. With plans to expand to a on the regional economy and dimin- aspects, shoppers can take advantage on the farm. Because many benefits can second westside neighborhood next ished food security for those living in of the health benefits of eating sea- accrue to both members and farmers, year, City Fresh is coordinating a CSA the region. sonal, locally grown foods. Some nutri- CSAs continue to grow in popularity. by organizing area farmers and offer- Arguably, any population needs ents are less stable than others, such as Amy and Chris Sheffield operate ing CSA shares to area residents on a to be able to provide its citizens with vitamin C and particular B vitamins. Trout Lily organic farm in Ashland, sliding scale based on income. an adequate food supply. As city dwell- These vitamins begin to diminish as Ohio, and are offering 18 CSA shares City Fresh is working with area ers, we tend to be disconnected from soon as produce is harvested. Anyone this year. When asked about their rea- restaurants and grocers to increase our food sources, both physically and who has experienced the difference sons for getting involved in commu- their offerings of locally produced mentally. Food security is an impor- between a fresh vine-ripened tomato nity-oriented agriculture, Amy, who foods, thereby attempting to keep more tant urban issue, however, and densely and the average grocery store variety also works with nonprofit food secu- food dollars in the regional economy. populated communities require a con- can attest to the value of freshness. rity organizations, is quick to empha- City Fresh is tackling urban nutrition size the social importance of food. concerns with educational programs “Doing the CSA was really important about cooking with and using fresh to us,” she says. “We’re very commu- ingredients. In addition, City Fresh nity minded. We want to know who’s is organizing community gardens to eating our food, and to cultivate rela- help supply neighborhoods with fresh tionships. A close-knit community has foods and in some cases entrepreneur- always been important in our lives, so ial pursuits. we want to keep it local.” Maurice Small, the Food Center Chris, fresh from the field, is too Coordinator for City Fresh, energetically hot and dehydrated to comment, and spreads his knowledge for growing food defers to Amy. “It’s exhausting,” she and his passion for building strong food- continues, “but we feel responsible to centered communities throughout the be different from [larger farms] where Cleveland area. “There’s no experience not as much attention is paid to qual- like gardening,” Maurice proclaims. Staff Photo ity. It’s been a big learning experience “You have to be at the grass roots, for us. As young farmers we have to Fresh, organic, affordable vegetables are just one of the benefits of regional agriculture. be willing to be creative, to combine (see Market, page 19)

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Lakewood Gardens

Lakewood Garden of the Month: Herb and Renewal by Jill Timieski, Garden Editor Other garden areas in the back- yard include a pond, complete with This month I introduce you to Silvia many water plants, frogs and gold fish. Spotts Weber, someone who shows her Beyond the pond, farther back in the love of Lakewood through gardening. yard, irises are the dominant plant. To Silvia takes care of her own spectacular the right of the pond is a grove of lilacs garden with the help of her husband, that have survived for many years. Gerry, and mom, Margaret Spotts, as Silvia is kind enough to share well as several other spots of greenery advice on how to get the most out of around town. your plants. She uses a mixture of cow She tends to the Adopt-a-Spot gar- manure, peat moss, sand, leaf humus, den in front of the Drug Mart near the topsoil and Osmocote in plant con- Photo: Jill Timieski library, works on the Lakewood Garden tainers. The Osmocote helps retain Club’s Pocket Park next to The Place to moisture in the soil. The fertilizers she Be Deli, and donated the planters and uses are organic. Reminiscent of a New Orleans garden. plants that are in front of the busi- Silvia also composts. In fact, the nesses on Madison Avenue between Webers keep three compost bins: one for was neglecting the plot and Silvia could Wyandotte and Bunts. fresh scraps, one to cook, and one from not bear to look at this eyesore, so she That is a lot of gardening. That is which to take out soil. When she puts a took it upon herself to transform the also a lot of love for the people of Lake- plant into the ground, it goes in with a eyesore into a new garden. wood. Although her work provides mixture of Osmocote and compost. Lakewood is certainly richer personal satisfaction, Silvia under- Our biggest challenge in North- and more beautiful for having a good stands that by planting and caring east Ohio is the soil. Silvia has worked neighbor and loving citizen like Silvia for these gardens, she is giving others hard to introduce rich organic material Weber. Remember to stop and admire some beauty where there would only into the soil and reduce the amount of the gardens and planters when you are be concrete. She says that a beautiful, clay with which the plants have to deal. out and about, and thank Silvia if you well-maintained green space is a gift to It has certainly paid off. see her. the neighborhood, and the peace and Take a drive down Madison and For additional information about beauty of it can affect people in pro- admire the lovely planters in front of the Webers’ home garden, check out the found ways. She is often touched by Weber Architecture, Angelo’s Pizza, Fall 2004 edition of “Garden, Deck & the gratitude of a neighbor who walks V&S Die & Mold and Wink’s Barber Landscape,” a special interest publica- by her house and has his or her spirits Shop—all provided by Silvia. tion from Better Homes and Gardens. lifted or someone who uses the pocket The offices of Weber Architecture Photo: Jill Timieski park to unwind. were formerly in the building across To reach this reporter, e-mail: ILoveLake It took a great deal of prepara- the street from Drug Mart. The city [email protected] One of the many planters in the yard. tion to achieve a lush landscape in the Webers’ yard. Before they began plant- ing, they removed a layer of our notori- ously bad clay soil from the top of the yard and replaced it with good topsoil. This was a critical step. Silvia included a fountain in her garden because it reminded her of one she had seen in New Orleans. The side yard is filled with hostas, hydrangea, astilbe, clematis vines and other vari- ous plantings. A section of the backyard is a potager, a French term meaning “kitchen garden.” Silvia was inspired to create hers by a contest the Cleve- land Botanical Garden sponsored in 2002. There are, however, big differences between a potager and a standard veg- etable garden. The potager is meant to provide herbs, vegetables and flow- ers for the table all year around rather than an abundance of vegetables for canning during the summer. A potager Photo: Jill Timieski is also laid out with style rather than in straight rows of plantings. A statue of a cat oversees the back corner of the garden.

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Rangers’ Diamond Hits Homerun as Braves Look On by Tim Kanak and passed on that information. “Reg- gie did a tremendous job. This field is An opportunity to play major league unbelievable. We are definitely doing baseball does not come around very this here again next year,” he said. often. Well, okay, maybe just once a There were about 20 players from year. The Atlanta Braves came to town surrounding communities, but a few of scouting area kids to continue their the hometown boys also showed up to organization’s storied success—the play. Matt Pickens, 17, a Rangers ball- kind of winning that merits 13 division player, said, “This is a great way for titles in a row. guys to gauge their skills against older Nearly 200 kids showed up, from players and see where they’re at.” as far away as New York and as close Former Rangers and current East- as down the street here in Lakewood, ern Michigan player Eric Pelot, 19, ranging in age from 14 to 29. Six scouts shared his view of the warm recep- from the Braves held the tryout. The tion his hometown stadium received, From left to right: Rick Benefield, Sherard Clinkscales, Reggie Sanders, Scott Marks, Braves’ supervisory scout, Sherard “Obviously the Braves heard about our Emmit Carney and Rob McKinley are all scouts from the Atlanta Braves. Clinkscales, directed the tryout along facility and its new Astroturf playing with his associate scouts, Reggie Sand- surface. It shows off our community, out process. Not only can you evaluate a legitimate shot at getting signed to ers, Rob McKinley, Emmit Carney, especially with such a nice field. It their other skills, but once they hit, we a contract. If they are too young, we Rick Benefield and Scott Marks. makes the city and school look good. can get a better feel for where they may will just watch them as they progress.” When asked how many kids have To get this kind of attention is pretty fit in.” Sanders, a former Cleveland Heights a real shot, Clinkscales said, “Out of awesome.” Sanders put his spin on the day, standout, spoke of the Rangers’ home these guys, you may have only two or After testing all their skills, Clink- “These tryouts give kids something field with affection. “It is a state-of-the- three with true major league ability, scales had about 11 players stay to to look forward to and see what we art facility. I’ve seen maybe one or two but the star today was this field; it’s hit batting practice. None of the oth- look for in major league prospects. It fields close to this at the high school beautiful.” Clinkscales went on to say ers received that chance. Clinkscales can also give them an idea where they and college level.” that scout Reggie Sanders found out explained that “Getting the chance to are as far as their game goes. If you At the end of the day all the scouts about the field from living in the area see them hit is the last step in the try- can impress us, then you could have were in agreement, they will be back.

Capsule Crash Lands in Ireland – Space in Transition by Leslie Basalla sey and A Clockwork Orange to an Irish has been installed, and much of the old pub. Posters in the windows announce décor has been removed. Among regular patrons at Capsule, the upcoming transformation, through Under Nugent’s management, the Madison Village’s retro-futuristic bar, which Capsule will become the Nugent bar will open at 2:30 p.m. daily. He said rumors that the high-concept hangout Tabhairne. With its Irish-Gaelic name he expects the kitchen will be up and was about to be sold began circulating and a conspicuous leprechaun logo, the running in about two months. “The early this year. An impending takeover new bar seems poised to be the polar food will be bar basics,” he said. “If by an unknown buyer was a regular opposite of its predecessor. customers want a full meal, they can topic of conversation among frequent New owner Eric Nugent said he go next door to Sullivan’s.” customers. Owner Cathryn Sunday planned some very ambitious changes Nugent was also quick to distance acknowledged the rumor, but would for the space, but added that he expects the Tabhairne from its super-authentic neither confirm nor deny speculations. the bar’s new identity will pay off. “I Irish neighbor. It’s not really going to Even employees were kept in the dark. plan to get the spaceship look out,” be an Irish-theme bar,” he said. “The On May 3, it seemed the gig was Nugent said. “I’m going to put in gran- name is really the only Irish thing, I’m finally up. The bar’s fiercely loyal ite countertops, mahogany chairs and going to try to make it the most eclectic Tuesday night crowd filled the orange a hardwood floor. We’re going to put place in Lakewood.” vinyl-upholstered stools and crowded some deeper colors up on the walls to Since the change of hands, Nugent New owner Eric Nugent charts a course the floor, hoisting glasses, dancing and warm the place up. … I’ve been renovat- has started to fulfill that mission by for change. laughing, as DJ Ben Vendetta spun his ing houses for 10 years, so this doesn’t booking diverse musical entertain- usual mix of Britpop, garage rock and seem like such a massive undertaking ment, from rock and reggae bands to the end, have contributed to the bar’s whatever else struck his fancy. It was a to me,” he added. hip-hop DJs. He said the bar has been demise, Proffer noted. Nugent seemed celebration, tinged with sadness, as the Some of the changes are already busy, but admitted that with the reno- to agree. group who called the bar home several visible. The orange stools are gone. The vation and redesign just beginning, the “I think that whole thing is dying. nights a week faced the task of looking two Macs in the back where custom- new concept is taking time to catch on. It’s been played out,” he said. “We’re for a new gathering place. ers checked e-mail have disappeared. It was Capsule’s unusual, slightly definitely going to get away from the The next night, however, Cap- A new, computerized jukebox featur- upscale atmosphere, in a city filled retro look, and make the place a little sule was still in business, and the next ing a touch screen and 130,000 songs with corner taverns, that might, in more sophisticated.” night, and the one after that. It went on until the following Tuesday, May 10. It came as a great surprise to If you’re satisfied with everyone when new owners took over only 40%-60% payoffs the space the next day. Even employ- ees were caught off guard. “I didn’t GOOD LUCK! find out about it until literally an hour AT before I thought I was supposed to THE start my shift,” bartender Eric Kolt- now said. “Cathryn called me and told Our odds are twice as good me not to come in because the bar was as any scratch-off games. sold.” Arabella Proffer, Capsule’s bar WE USUALLY PAY OUR manager, was not informed of the sale CUSTOMERS 80% OR MORE! until Thursday. She had booked a band 1391 W. 110th Street • Cleveland to play for Saturday and was forced to (216) 521-7387 Daily 4-10pm (closed Sundays) cancel the show on short notice. All proceeds benefit Place A Pet Foundation, As quickly as the new owners the area’s largest no-kill animal shelter. moved in, a new crowd did too. The changes promise to continue apace, as the bar is transformed from a space-age lounge inspired by 2001: A Space Odys-

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Spilled Ink

Market continued from page 16 Rollercoaster continued from page 8 with all income levels, all mentalities, locally grown and produced foods to When it comes to our guys in poetry achieved by Dylan on seminal all age groups. You have to reach each area school lunch programs. According Rosavelt, the alt-country label is truly a albums such as “Highway 61 Revis- level of society. And you can become to the Wisconsin Homegrown Lunch misnomer. Musically, the band owes as ited.” It is reckless musical abandon like the worm, burrowing through program, “Farm-to-school projects sup- much to prototypical noisy American acting as a backdrop for autobiograph- the happiness of the garden,” Maurice port and promote local and sustainable bands such as Hüsker Dü as it does to ical storytelling. betrays his adoration of the benefits of agriculture in the short term, through Hank Williams or Johnny Cash. While The group’s ties to Lakewood are composting, brew-waste and vermicul- direct purchases, and in the long term, Allen and company enjoy and admire numerous—Allen was born and raised ture. In addition, he suggests “utilizing through education of the next genera- these two country music legends, they in Lakewood, drummer Loretta is a the [formerly] industrial areas along tion of consumers.” are quick to point out that Rosavelt recent convert to our fair community, Lakewood’s borders,” to develop gar- Programs such as Wisconsin has always been a back-to-basics rock and former bassist Keith Hanna comes dening projects. Homegrown Lunch, the Food Systems band, weaned on healthy doses of Bob from a very large Lakewood family. Family and community gardens Project in Berkeley, Calif., and other Dylan, The Clash, Carl Perkins and Keith and keyboardist brother Chris offer a tangible way for people to get farm-to-school initiatives provide a Bruce Springsteen. have played prominent roles in the involved with local food issues. The model for educators, parents, school The less-is-more aesthetic of the local music scene over the last dozen- importance of individual gardens administrators and others wishing to band is evident in its straightforward plus years. should not be overlooked. In addition bring the discussion of sustainability and passionate vocal delivery. Tom When asked how Lakewood has to providing food, gardens can spawn and community development into the Petty-esque guitar lines chime and influenced him as a person and musi- community involvement, bring neigh- classroom and lunchroom. then alternate with rough and bullying cian over the years, Allen points out bors together, and reconnect urban res- Lakewood is a community at a chords atop a stripped-down meat- the strong sense of community among idents with their natural surroundings. crossroads. As we consciously con- and-potatoes rhythm section. friends and family. He noted the mix- Lakewood is a community of many sider the progress we’d like to achieve, Rosavelt is a lesson in musical ture of metropolitan and bohemian gardens, and by strengthening existing food should play a significant role in economy. There are no wasted musical culture with the small-town feel that networks, the city can promote local our blueprint for establishing and parts or meandering vocals to detract exists in Lakewood. food production as a component of our maintaining a sustainable inner-ring from the well-crafted frameworks of development toward a sustainable 21st community. Since food is essential to Chris Allen’s songs. An Evening with Rosavelt: 9 p.m., Fri- century economy. our survival, every day brings a new In that sense they approach the day, July 15th. Beachland Ballroom and Some Lakewood residents view opportunity to make a positive impact brilliant balance between rag-tag musi- Tavern, 15711 Waterloo Rd., Cleveland, gardening as a sort of backyard revolu- on our regional economy and general cal delivery and through-composed 216-383-1124. tion in which any of us can take part. well-being. Northern Ohio’s farmers Others have discussed the potential of and Lakewood’s community gardeners rooftop gardening and planting fruit provide the key to moving beyond the Social Security trees such as apple, pear or peach to farmers market. continued from page 9 provide fresh fruit during the summer These changes are superficial: tem.) They would also meet the other months. These are potentially useful They don’t touch the basic nature of requirements I’ve listed above. ideas aligned with the goal of attaining the system, but only adjust its present As to the exact combination of food security. Sweetly features. Furthermore, they are flex- changes, that is for the Congress to Around the country, progressive continued from page 5 ible: The adjustments can be expanded decide. My point is this: The Social communities are developing school- or contracted in the future, as experi- Security problem can be solved through based programs that provide educa- John, settled where they felt most at ence corrects initial estimates. modest and superficial changes such tional opportunities as well as fresh, home. “We left Westlake and moved to Lakewood,” Ines says giggling. “Our No one change would eliminate the as these. We don’t need basic, system- whole lives are here. That’s why I want to solvency gap, but by all accounts some wrenching changes such as private see it improving.” She points to expan- combination would do so. (And, if nec- accounts. Book Review sions at the YMCA and library as signs essary, other similar changes could be Bush, as we know, has put forth a introduced, such as bringing local and proposal for private accounts. This is continued from page 7 of civic health. “They definitely need to put their life into the library, because if state government workers into the sys- what I will take up next issue. binder for a high-stakes deal. Curiously, there are brains, there’s a future.” the narrator’s account of his plight at Ines advocates programs of sup- the firm is often less compelling than port for small business owners who are the plights in his personal life. willing to purchase storefront proper- One reason, it seems, is that even ties and “put their lives into these build- though he works at a prestigious Man- ings.” She says, “Being from Europe, I’ve hattan firm, he is not highly driven to always believed in taking care of what OPEN DAILY AT 12PM 16918 Detroit Ave. succeed as a lawyer. He states repeat- you have or own and cherish that.” edly that he never really loved law but Living in “the ownership society,” SERVING LUNCH FRIDAY 216.228.1340 went to law school to please his parents. we are fortunate to have an owner like Factor in his alcohol abuse and sarcas- Ines. She purchased the building into tic demeanor, and the nameless narra- which Sweet Designs has recently relo- tor seems an aimless drifter on a ship cated. Customers can find Sweet Designs aiming full steam ahead. He seems to on the north side of Detroit Avenue, lie somewhere between hero and anti- between Westlake and Cranford. hero. Indeed, he says of himself: “I Ines urges potential entrepreneurs ������������������ know I’m half-phony.” not to be discouraged by the start-up Overall, Hogan’s Man Out of Time “hump,” advising that “after a couple features a memorable narrator who of years my location didn’t matter any- captures the nature of life for many more.” 20-somethings. This review will stop Loyal customer Greg Shaughnessy short of revealing a few surprise twists attests to this fact, saying, “no matter at the novel’s end, but the reader can where you go we’ll follow you.” That be assured that some hope does emerge kind of commitment cements the bond for the narrator. between small business proprietor and Most poignant is the level of inti- customer. macy he finally achieves with his father, Can we amplify this phenom- which is directly reflected in the tone of enon? Lakewood has the retail space. the narration: “I put my arms around An army of do-it-yourself restoration him, and I hold him. … I hold him artists could transform our empty hard. Enough time has passed that we retail space—just take a look at Sweet can do this now.” Design’s new building and you’ll agree.

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Animals Around Lakewood County’s Best Dog Park Breeds Diversity by Mike Deneen A citizen’s group was formed in early 2002 to build support for the project. Lakewood Dog Park, one of Lakewood’s Co-chairs Brittany O’Conner, Whitney most popular locations, recently turned Callahan and Shelly Gould-Burgess led two years old on June 27. Designed efforts to collect hundreds of signa- as a place for dogs to enjoy, it is often tures from citizens. their owners that get the most pleasure The group’s founding members from visiting the park. The park brings were united in their belief that a dog together people and pets from all walks park would enhance Lakewood’s liv- of life, and provides a welcome retreat ability for all residents, as evidenced in from the hectic pace of modern living. other communities nationwide. Coun- The people that use the park are as cilman Denis Dunn and State Repre- diverse as their four-legged compan- sentative Mike Skindell also worked ions: young adults and senior citizens, very hard on the project during its blue collar and white collar, conser- formative stages and were instrumen- vatives and liberals. They come to the tal in bringing the issue to the city’s park to give their dogs a chance to attention. run free and play with other dogs in a After much deliberation over the secure, fenced environment. However, location, the fall of 2002 brought agree- it never takes long for park visitors to ment from the city to allow the con- strike up conversations with their fel- struction of the dog park at its current low dog lovers. After all, nothing breaks site near the Water Treatment Plant in the ice between strangers like the play- the Metroparks valley. The city also ful antics of their dogs. agreed to contribute in-kind services Bringing people together is noth- to the project; however, the dog park ing new for the dog park. During the group was responsible for raising funds height of the West End controversy, a for the park’s construction. Among the tumultuous and divisive time in Lake- expenses would be establishing fenc- wood’s history, the community man- ing, seeding grass, and installing a aged to set aside its differences and water fountain. They raised $15,000, rally around the park’s construction. and the park opened on June 27, 2003. Bob Sheppard takes a break in the shade with Beatrice and Jack.

The community has remained unteers perform routine maintenance highly involved with the dog park. such as refilling the waste bag stations. The citizens’ group, now Friends of the FLDP also informs the public on dog Lakewood Dog Park (FLDP), worked park etiquette and safety via its website with Mayor George’s administration to and appearances at local events. renovate the park in spring 2004. The Lakewood’s success with the dog park’s original grass surface, which park has inspired other northeast Ohio quickly turned to mud, was replaced communities to follow its lead. Bruns- with a special gravel material through- wick opened a dog park in 2004 and out most of the park, providing a Cleveland opened its first dog park in cleaner surface for the dogs. The reno- June 2005. Communities such as West- vation was a success, as the Lakewood lake and Oberlin are also exploring the Dog Park was named “Best in Cleve- idea. land” by Scene magazine in 2004. For more information about the Members of FLDP continue to dog park, including park rules and support the park. They raise money directions, please visit the Friends of for maintenance and upkeep, as well as the Lakewood Dog Park website at provide waste bags for park users. Vol- www.lakewooddogpark.com. Tim Dundr loves using the park for socializing dogs and working with them.

The Protein In Lakewood’s Backyard by Kelsey Paras masses seen in the summer months are here to mate. Once they have mated Ever wonder about those small swarm- and the eggs are laid, adult midges die. ing summer insects? They are midges Despite their bad rap, midges are and belong to the family Chironomi- an important part of the food chain. dae. Both larvae and adults are a favor- Although they resemble irritating ite summer treat for many freshwater mosquitoes, these six-legged wonders fish, as well as early morning swim- do not bite. In fact, the only time they mers. These insects sometimes confuse eat is during their four-week aquatic outdoor pools for lakes and ponds, larval stage. A female midge lays her thus accumulating in our Foster and eggs in the water. The white larvae, Madison pools. At 5:45 a.m. it is not which emerge, eat decomposing veg- uncommon for Lakewood Recreation etation on the bottom of the lake or Swim Team diehards to consume a lit- pond. After the larval stage, an imma- tle extra protein. ture midge becomes a pupa. From this Their life span is short, but midges form, the larvae are transformed into make their presence known through adult midges. the sheer volume of specimens which Midges hatch on the surface of the inhabit Lakewood. Just remember, water and this is when they are most they do not cause any harm to humans, commonly viewed. They live only long so the best thing to do is sit back and enough to reproduce. The swarming enjoy nature.

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