The Observation Deck

http://media.lakewoodobserver.com/issue_pdfs/Observer_Vol_09_Issue_25.pdf

WHEW!

Another physical year in the book! Volume 9, Issue 25. LAST OF THE YEAR! It always give me pause and I take time to reflect as I send off the last paper to the printer. A week before we start planning 2014 and many of the subtle changes that we think, or other members of the community think will make this project better for everyone in the community.

A very sobering moment of looking back to those pesky promises and resolutions from 12 months ago. How did I do? How did all of us do? It is almost like some giant game, make resolutions, try to keep resolutions, then see how poorly we did, then make our first resolution each year a promise to do better with resolutions! It makes me laugh and always makes me a little sad. Those resolutions were made with the best intentions of keeping them, and were all designed to make me, or the things I do better, to not keep them is to not get that passing grade in life. Always tough to swallow. But it also offers hope and a chance that next year will be different.

So how did we do on the most important parts of those resolutions? Did we reach out and help those less fortunate? Possibly through Lakewood Community Services Center, on Madison Avenue? Holidays are great for so many, and real tough for so many others. A great way to spend these weeks is taking the time to help others.

Did we take a more active role in our community? Did you take the time to join one of the many civic groups that try to bring a better life, a better understanding to the city we live in and love? LEAF, Lakewood Community Services Center, LakewoodAlive, Pillars, Kiwanis, Rotary and contributing to the Lakewood Observer are all great ways to give something back to the community. In 2014, stop thinking about it and do it! Did you go out and enjoy any of the great events for all in the city put on by these groups? If not stop and think, why not? and make up your mind in 2014 to not just reside in Lakewood but LIVE in Lakewood.

Shop local? Did you? There is always a reason to not shop in Lakewood. Most notably selection and prices I hear most often, but if you want to keep the city whole, and growing in an organic positive way, take the time to shop local, and buy local. Not only will you keep the stores filled with shoppers, but you will help in so many other ways, which all make the city better and stronger.

Which brings me to the project I love more than any other, the Lakewood Observer. Have you signed up and sent in a story or started a photo blog? Why not? It is easy to do, and neither the city nor the Observer Project is complete without your participation. Have you signed up on the Deck, and shared information, photos, your thoughts on a topic, or posted breaking local news? Why not? It's easy, fun, and you get to  help build the long-term narrative of this wonderful community in words, images and even song.

I was once asked to describe the Lakewood Observer Project, and to the surprise of all I did not describe it as a media project. What I did was explain that the Observer was created as a community assessment tool. A way to see who in a city could put up, and who couldn't. A way to see who can play with others, and who because of a variety of issues, cannot step into this marvelous mosh pit of word jazz, and explain an idea, what they are doing at City Hall, or with their charity or school. Simply put, the Observer is blank paper, and electrons, sitting on a virtual table, waiting for YOU to build and construct what you think it should be, what the city should be, and what we can be. Join today, do not let another week pass without claiming your seat at the community table.

After all, all of this was constructed for YOU, with love and respect of hundreds of other Lakewoodites, all looking for answers, or sharing answers. Looking for something to do, or sharing something to do.

I must thank everyone in this ever growing family of Observers. First my wife, who allows and actually enjoys the madness that comes from this project and its deadlines. Margaret Brinich, LO's longest running editor, and Betsy Voinovich LO's most dedicated editor, thank you. Without you this project would fall way short of being as good as it is. Peter Grossetti, Community Outreach Coordinator, your tireless efforts to get people on the Deck and into the paper is appreciated. Sales Reps Maggie Fraley, and Carlos Ramos thank you for keeping the funding flowing that floats this project. But the most important group has to be the readers, the contributors, the volunteers who take the time to send something in, write on the Deck, help with editing, meetings, coffees, etc. You are the lifeblood of this project. And our wonderful understanding advertisers must be the heart of this project, there is not enough thanks you to thank you for the support you have given this project. understanding that one of the best ways to celebrate a community and help it grow, is by providing a voice to the residents and non-profits. THANK YOU ALL!

As always, have a great holiday season whatever you care to celebrate or not.

DAMN I LOVE THIS CITY, because of the residents, not in spite of them.

As always Burning Monkey Festival has been canceled

peace/love


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