LO_19_17 On The Streets And On Line For Your Enjoyment
Posted: Wed Sep 06, 2023 6:40 pm
This weekend is the Lakewood Community Festival, the annual close of Summer. That along with many other things are covered in this issue by your friends, neighbors, and true civic leaders, people that every two weeks for the past 19 years step and and share their stories and photos. Over the past 19 years all of us, together, have woven an amazing tapestry of the community we love, live and work in, Lakewood, Ohio.
Sadly in this issue we start off with the announcement of City Hall honoring the life of Coletta Graham. Coletta and her husband Ed have been fixtures in Lakewood both in office and behind the scenes. When the Observer first started, someone said to me, “Do you know Coletta Graham?” I answered, “No.” "Well you will!” came the answer. “She not only knows every nut and bolt in city government, she knows everything right down to the oil they use on their hinges, and where to buy it cheaper.” I laughed. Over the past 19 year, Coletta would often call me, especially to let me know when I was doing something wrong. She was firm, and 110% Catholic, and that formed the basis for most of her feelings. After the first couple calls, I hated seeing her name pop up. But by year three of the Observer, around 2007, I started to look forward to her calls. Even when we thought along similar lines, her thoughts on how she got there would amaze me. On July 22nd, Lakewood lost a good one. One of the best.
Today I was on the phone with former Councilman Dan O’Malley. He mentioned her passing, and I said, you know she was Irish. With a chuckle he said, “Yes! At a council meeting she once referred to me as little fascist. After the meeting we were talking and she described her solid Irish background, and we chuckled and moved on.” That sums her up. Way before her time. God Speed.
Another wonderful issue, with more block parties, scholarships up for grabs, things to do, and another winner of the Lakewoodites comic contest. Looking for more backyard and block party photos!
Next issue we will kick off the Lakewood Observer Halloween Contest, with PRIZES GALORE!
You can pick up the Lakewood Observer at over 100 places and businesses around town, or download it here.
https://s3.amazonaws.com/media.lakewood ... sue_17.pdf
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