This pioneer experiment in citizen journalism and community interaction is currently expanding out to a bunch of other communities.
A decade ago, at least according to my recollection, Lakewood was highly divided and the public, marginalized- by a serious disconnect that we had between ourselves. A serious lack of effective inter- and intra- neighborhood communication had everything to do with that.
Sure, then as now, you had your "haves and your have nots", your "business interests" and your "residential interests"...Those dynamics were, are, and shall ever be. The thing is, with the vehicle of communication provided by this paper and this 'Deck, those factions started to interact in incredibly positive ways, and the things that began to happen in this town were historic.
Let's face it- Everybody's looking at Lakewood with amazement these days!
I'd also like to simply make the point here that I've never received dime one from Jimmy or this Project. This is simply a free, open, and honest opinion on my part, when I say that I believe that this Lakewood Observer Project has been the single greatest driving factor in Lakewood's renaissance!
Communication works.
There are many other groups and individuals who share in the renewal of our City, but for now, I'll just say "Happy Anniversary, Lakewood Observer Project!"
Oh yeah, and thanks for everything!
Back to the banjo!