http://media.lakewoodobserver.com/issue_pdfs/Observer_Vol_09_Issue_02.pdf
One of the real pleasures I have had since starting this project is working with young talent people from Lakewood and all over and helping them find their groove and their first big break in writing, photography, illustration, and even business.
Working with them and pairing them up with talent from the other end of the spectrum-- the retirement years. All together we have had great success in catapulting them into college or even careers before their time.
Last year was no exception, one of the standouts was Tyler Wick, a person that appeared at my door and said, "Help me get into something I love, photography." So I threw him in on the deep-end with a couple gigs that were more work then pleasure and he shined.
Then we had some meetings with people like Paul Teply, photographer for the Cleveland Press for 35 years, to learn some of the secrets. Then we took him on the road with us covering political events.
While many think this is easy, it is not for a young photographer. To be pulled out of the pool at a moment's notice and thrown in with pros and presidential candidates is very unnerving. What if you miss the shot!
Tyler has responded and grown as good as the best of them--making a point of not missing "the shot" from being side-tracked elsewhere. I am sure we all remember his photos of the various events this summer.
Well this weekend he was thrown into the deeeeeeeep end when he was chosen to cover the Inaugural Ball. Well like the pro he now is, his images are spectacular and featured in this issue of the Observer and will be online in their entirety later this week. Great job Tyler.
We also are officially introducing our new Associate Editor in charge of Community Outreach, Peter Grossetti. Peter is another proven talent that has come onboard to help motivate Lakewoodites to get involved and tell their stories. That discussion, communication and sharing are some of the best things that can happen in a community.
Also joining the staff is author and graphologist Betty Rozakis, who will be bringing her skills of understanding people through their handwriting to the Observer. This is yet another tool we are employing to better understand the community and some of the key players so start practicing your handwriting!
This is leading off to another wonderful year of serving Lakewood, the residents, the businesses, the non-profits, helping the city to never stop learning about their community and the future of this great town.
Please enjoy this issue of the Observer as much as we did putting it together and PLEASE take the time to stop by the Lakewood Observer website and get involved, it is very easy to submit stories, photos, images, questions, reviews, story ideas and join in the grand Lakewood Discussion on the Deck.
Thank you all for your support, let's make 2013 the best it can be for Lakewood, and the Lakewood Observer.
James C. O'Bryan
Publisher
Lakewood Observer, Inc.