The Observation Deck

Standing ovation to Mel Page and her crew for putting together another great Old House
Fair. The exhibitors thought the turn out was even better than last year.



John Palmer of PlanetCare Landscape Services said, "I love this show, each year I get one or
two good contracts and lots of other inquiries." Which really underlines how important the
work Mel does. "Whew, I did not sleep worry about weather, and who will be there." Mel
Page mentioned where I saw her at 8am getting things together. I had been working with
her for the last three days almost non-stop.


Glen Palmer of Lakewood Hardware talks with Mel Page director of the Old House Fair.

I personally love the Old House Fair for a the same reasons I love the Lakewood Observer.
Lakewood businesses helping Lakewood residents to gain knowledge and share information
with friends neighbors and even competitors.

Glen Palmer of Lakewood Hardware and a key figure in the Old House Fair told me, "While it
is hard seeing jobs going to Beyond Basic. I make a good living off of fixing screens and
window. But as he buys most of his supplies at Lakewood Hardware I have learned together
we can make a better impact then alone." This is both the key to the Old House Fair, but
also the city of Lakewood, and our survival in the years to come.

The City was well represented, as was Madison Avenue, whose MAMA group is one of the
reasons the show does so well and is on Madison. Matt Gaydos, or Gardens by Gaydos
looks forward to the event every and has a real understanding. "Sure there are other Landscapers
at the show, but that is good for all of. Let people go from booth to booth asking the same
questions and compare the answers. How can that be bad for anyone?"


Matt Gaydos of Garden by Gaydos.

Ed Favre, who is running for mayor, said, "This is what Lakewood needs, more independent
groups working to make this city better. I have to think it is better to have this kind of
grassroots support, and businesses working with businesses than to constantly look for
support and guidance from Lakewood City Hall."


Ed Favre speaks with Beyond Basics owner about windows.

This year the food came from Tommy's Pizza which is quickly becoming a success. When
they moved in I had a chance to speak with the owner, and he said, "I know everyone loves
Angelos Pizza. Well let them see and taste what we do, and then either we make it or not." Well these are the wise words of a store owner that knows he has good food! His
chicken, Pizza, Ribs, Sandwiches have become a huge favorite, and even Angelo long time
fans have said, "Damn good pizza and food, the pizza is even good on day 2!"


Lakewood Gardens


Missy Limkemann and son.


Councilman for Ward 1 David Anderson talks paint with Allure Painting.


LEAF with LO editor, Heather Ramsy and Rob Burgoyne

I am very proud of the work Mel and Charlie Page do on this event, and the entire city loves
the show and the Pages for this effort.

Can't wait till next year!


As I leave I am reminded that the fun never ends in Lakewood!

More photos online at: http://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs/jim-obryan/april-2011


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We had a great time. I got some spinach seeds from LEAF along with some expert advice on how to take care of the plants, and set up a free painting and style consultation for next week with a paint store on Madison. My daughter enjoyed the free lollipops, cookies, and a coloring book called "Lucky the Ladybug, Ohio's First Lady of Litter Prevention." She also loved the garden displays, some of which Jim has pictured above.

It was great to see everybody there, making new connections and new friends while figuring our how to fix up our old houses.

Betsy Voinovich

Jim O'Bryan wrote:This year the food came from Tommy's Pizza which is quickly becoming a success. When they moved in I had a chance to speak with the owner, and he said, "I know everyone loves Angelos Pizza. Well let them see and taste what we do, and then either we make it or not." Well these are the wise words of a store owner that knows he has good food! His chicken, Pizza, Ribs, Sandwiches have become a huge favorite, and even Angelo long time fans have said, "Damn good pizza and food, the pizza is even good on day 2!"

I had a couple slices of Tommy's pizza during my lunch break today...outstanding pizza! Went to Mullen's after the wrapping up the house fair and ordered Tommy's for dinner. A huge box of chicken, jo-jo's and a slab of ribs for $20. Can't beat that deal. They have definitely earned a new customer today

Jim O'Bryan wrote:I am very proud of the work Mel and Charlie Page do on this event, and the entire city loves the show and the Pages for this effort.

Can't wait till next year!

All I do is show up and do what my wife tells me to do! All the credit goes to Mel and Glenn Palmer

Why is there a "Lakewood Alive" sticker on a school vehicle? Is "Lakewood Alive" part of the government or is the government part of Lakewood Alive. Judging from the way this city throws our money at it I would say the latter.

This was a great event. I had a blast, my kids were even having a good time and they enjoyed it. My kids were also so excited to meet Mr. Jim O'Bryan. They both love the Observer and read it all the time, and they were just beaming when they met him.

I can't wait till next year. I was teasing Mel that I was going to set up a little display, and I can be the part of the "Hey I will ruin your house with my 'job' go see those people over there to help you fix it!!"

Glen as always was so nice and even gave me some good business advice. Can't wait till next year.

Gladys and I had a great time, despite getting caught in the rain and hail. It was very worth while as we learned a few things about home improvement. Congrats on another great event.

Steve Hoffert wrote:Is "Lakewood Alive" part of the government or is the government part of Lakewood Alive.

I met our newest councilperson, Dave Anderson, at yesterday's event. We talked about LakewoodAlive, city government/services and residents' general unease of overlap and confusion about the relationship. We agreed that Lakewood being the size city that it is, with a relatively small group of engaged residents/organizations, this is something that we should be able to sort out. I say the sooner the better, we've got a lot of work to do to keep Lakewood headed in the right direction, we could do without the distraction.

Steve Hoffert wrote:Why is there a "Lakewood Alive" sticker on a school vehicle?

Steve,

Good question. I have never seen that before. I relayed your question to the Administration - in the context of why any non-school related organization would have stickers on school owned vehicles. I will let you know the answer.

Matt

Thank you for recognizing my part in this event. I love being able to offer my talent and time towards this important community service. I had a blast yesterday.

Quickly, I will just add that I would have never taken this endeavor on if it wasn't for the support, encouragement, and resources of:

Charlie Page and Shari Page
Madison Ave. Merchant Assoc.
The Lakewood Observer
Lakewood Schools Community Recreation & Education Department


There are so many more volunteers, businesses, and organizations that could be recognized for their part as well. And all 50 exhibitors put their share of effort into this. And all the residents of our community's old homes who attended were just as important.

I'll have a photoblog put together under my LO photoblogs by Tuesday.

Thanks, Mel

Looks like a great event... I'm suprised I missed that this was happening. Keep up the good work!

Matthew John Markling wrote:

Steve Hoffert wrote:Why is there a "Lakewood Alive" sticker on a school vehicle?

Steve,

Good question. I have never seen that before. I relayed your question to the Administration - in the context of why any non-school related organization would have stickers on school owned vehicles. I will let you know the answer.

Matt

Steve,

The Administration reports that it is unaware as to how any non-school related organization would have stickers placed on school owned vehicles. The Administration further reports that such stickers are being removed.

Matt

I'm bummed I already had plans on Saturday so I couldn't make it to the show. Looks like it was a great success, I'll have to make sure I can attend next year.

I sure am sorry I had to miss the fair this year. I was out of town for my Nieces wedding. Remember if you are having issues concerning basement waterproofing, there is no cost to have me out to provide an estimate. I look forward to next years show.

Steve
http://www.integritywaterproofing.com