The Observation Deck

Last night i once again had the pleasure of being invited by friend and LO photographer, Ivor Karabatkovic and the PTA to watch the presentation of the Reflections Awards. this contest put on by the National PTA awards excellence in the Arts, music, painting, drawing, writing, photography and music.

Ivor was once again one of the big winners, and we are very proud of him, and all the students, teachers, and PTA members that make this program so much fun. Many of us believe the arts are a very important part of a city's and a person's life.

Judges this year were; Linda Goik, Phyllis Fannin, Majorie Hildebrandt, Kristen Cliffel, and Michael Gill. You really picked some nice projects.



The entire group at the end of the night.

More photos online later today, with full story to follow.


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Congratulations Ivor!

more reflections more in photo gallery.



Head of Lakewood PTA Barb Marquis and Dr. David Estrop superintendent for Lakewood Schools gets down to the winner's level. This always brings a smile. When asked why, "This is their night to shine. I think they deserve a hearty congratulations from us on there level." I agree.



Councilman Ed Fitzgerald, School Board members Linda Beebe and Deb Sweeney, Lakewood PTA director Barb Marquis, and Dr. David Estrop turn to see one Ivor Karabatkovic's winning photos.


Ivor Karabatkovic receives a high five from Mayor Tom George, while Dr. David Estrop and Barb Marquis look on. The mayor has purchased many of Ivor's photos for City Hall and his office.

More coming online and in print.


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Congratulations Ivor!

Thanks for all the kind words!

I'm glad to have had the chance to be a part of this ceremony the past two years. It's a great program and I encourage every parent to get their children more involved with any form of art. whether dance, drawing, ceramics, music, photography, writing, they are all just another alternative to watching tv and the garbage you see on MTV and so on.

nowadays, a lot of families don't spend enough time together and that's a shame. I encourage parents to have arts and crafts with their kids once a month, or make birthday cards for grandma or grandpa or uncle joe. It's a small step, but it's a fun time for the kids. Plus, you get to spend valuable time with your children which won't always be there once they get older.

Start them off young, and most important show them that it can be fun! there's nothing in the world that could replace spending time with your children because they all drift away into their own futures sooner than you'd like.




on another note. A mother of a friend of mine came up to me after the reception last night (her daughter's drawing won an award) and said "you know my daughters drawing that won? that was actually one of your photos where she got her inspiration from."

i believe it was this photo:


"my favorite place is lakewood stadium"


that was my highlight of the night.

and of course I grabbed a bite at the La Pita Express.

I gotta be dead honest, I haven't had a better meal to eat from a restaurant in my entire life. I'll be back there again today!

That was my other highlight!

Ivor-- You've received a great compliment, someone else using your art as a take off point.

Congrats!

Stan

All of the students that won awards that night.


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