The Observation Deck

With people coming and going it is hard to get a true group photo, but here is a try. Families having fun for great causes.

About four years ago I ran into man that had so much energy, so positive and so much fun that it was infectious. That man's name was Harlan Radford a retired teacher now dedicated to raising funds and awareness for everything from safety to town, to expensive equipment for both Lakewood and Rocky River Fire Department. One of his events, and that for the Rotary is Swim-A-Thon.

This year's Swim-A-Thon benefited Gigi’s Playhouse in Lakewood, the Rocky River Assistance Program, and of course Lakewood and Rocky River Fire Departments. The concept is easy. A resident gets people to sponsor them for each lap they do. The people come in do laps, and drop off the check, listen to music, talk, and or get a free breakfast all helping four great organizations.

Lakewood Fire Department demonstrated saving people in the water with their special watercraft. In the past it was interesting. This year it became the thing to do, as many kids and adults were saved, and got to play in the boat.

An example, here Lakewoodite Bill Murman does his laps. While you might remember Bill because of his family’s Murmans Grocery store Chain in the 50s and 60s. But he is better known as Mr. Mary Kay Cabot, as he is married to Lakewoodite, sports reporter legend, who is in the Journalism Hall of Fame, Mary Kay Cabot.

Here are some photos from the morning, follow the link at the end and see all of the photos.


Rocky River Chief Aaron Lenart, Rocky River Mayor Pamela E. Bobst, Lakewood Fire Chief Ryan Fairbanks, and Harlan Radford.


Second from left Lakewood's Gigi's Playhouse CEO Lizz Maxwell, with her husband Nick and Board Co-President Zack Blau and Harlan.


Bill Murman getting his laps in.


Lakewood Fire Captains Jim Chaky and Bernie Nypaver get in the boat to show rescue techniques. Both are members of the Westshore Swift Rescue Team.


Off to save the first swimmer.


Wait I know that rescued swimmer! It's Lakewood Police Officer Kristen Chengery!


Then everyone piled in.


The prize this year for the rally was a giant rubber duck. Here Mayor Bobst pulls the lucky number.


The girls on the right won the duck, then immediately gave it to the girl on the left, in a beautiful act of kindness.


After the drawing we returned to the food and music. Aiden Lehy played all morning. His entertainment was worth waking up early for. Check out his website "ilovethat4umusic.com" and music.


He was so good people were making videos of the show including Mayor Bobst!

Harlan, Lakewood/Rocky River Rotary, and everyone that was there, thanks for a great time see you next year.

You can see all the photos at: https://lakewoodobserver.com/photoblogs ... athon-2025

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