The Observation Deck

It's been my perception that we have some outstanding contributors to this 'Deck. Some of us are right-wingers, some, lefties, some; Democrats, some; Republicans...some; who knows what?

All of us are interested in Lakewood, or we wouldn't be posting here in the first place.

My proposal here is that we start our own little think tank. My apologies if someone tried this before and I missed it. Rather than getting bogged down with the usual arguments pro and con, why don't we put some ideas out here that might be genuinely beneficial to the good of this city?

Although I'd love to kick this off with a "bring back the ice cream trucks!" outcry, my suggestion was that we establish a certificate and plaque for anyone whose home or storefront will have a 100th birthday this year.
(and for years past, and years to come, as they arrive)

It is my understanding that this proposal is being considered.

What else can we suggest that might make this place better?

We've done well (REAL well ) documenting some of the problems that we face. Now what do you say we come forward with a few citizen-initiated solution suggestions?

How 'bout it Lakewoodites?

Agreed.

I'd like to see a citizen watch group much like at least several hundred cities around the country are doing successfully. For this it takes some volunteers to be willing to enjoy our city, drive around appreciating what we have, visit different locations and while doing so, keep one eyeball open, a cell phone handy and some paper and a writing instrument, for reporting, if necessary, something to the police dept.

I'm willing to organize it, train it, ( especially in what not to do). I think JimOB is still interested in this less talk-more walk project too, so this could be a very easy project to contribute something back to our city.

Anyone else interested?

Mark C.

Can we incorporate the idea of a neighborhood welcome wagon with the neighborhood watch? Then we can build community while looking out for each other.

As I was considering Gary’s Rice’s call for a Think Tank, Kate McCarthy's Welcome Wagon, Stephen Calhoun’s Folk Anthropology, and Sean Wheeler’s concern for the racial divide, I came upon a relevant article in The American Prospect – “Can Block Clubs Block Despair?â€Â

OK.

So far three real "thinking" posts....

How 'bout a few more?

Say, 30 posts...

Say, 300 posts...3000?

Plenty of room here for more cyber ants who want to, strike that, who WILL make a difference, here on our little virtual cyber-ant farm!

After all, wasn't it Harriet Tubman who, responding to a voice in the crowd that she bothered them no more than a flea, responded to the effect that that might be, but the Good Lord willing, she'd keep him scratching?

Make 'em scratch, Lakewoodites!

If others can think, we can too!

No limits for Lakewood here! Keep those positive ideas coming!

3 cheers for the first 3 posters; Mark, Kate and Ken!

Gary--- Im thinkin', I'm thinkin' but my brain ain't woikin'!

you know what I'd like to see?

since it's memorial day and all...

I remember when Cpl. Dan Scherry of Rocky River passed away while serving, and how the whole community of RR put up ribbons at every possible corner, light post, and street sign.

Here in Lakewood you're lucky to find a yellow ribbon.

I'd like to see ribbons put up, even if it's just down all of detroit or something. Heck, I'd help to put them up.

just a thought. I like the idea of commemorating 100 year old houses though!