Lakewood is a city where community spirit thrives, long-time friendships are born, and families are raised. From supporting our local schools to honoring the memory and spirit of past alumni, the efforts of leaders and workers in Lakewood supply everything around us. Local organizations like the Lakewood Alumni Association along with the determination of the Lakewood City Council are committed to improving Lakewood. In our city, we can trust that we are constantly improving.
Terry Richards, a dedicated member of the Lakewood Alumni Association for nine years, is passionate about supporting local schools. “We raise money for the schools,” she said, noting that the association’s efforts fund a wide range of educational resources. “People send us donations, and with that money, we fund scholarships for graduating seniors, teaching grants of all levels, music scholarships, and even an instrument rent-to-own program.” These initiatives are how the resources used at local schools are supplied, benefiting both students and educators.
One of the association’s most notable contributions is the Hall of Fame, which is a display of the achievements of past graduates and is located near the school cafeteria. Many citizens in the Lakewood community enjoy attending Lakewood alumni games or sporting events, and they can thank the Lakewood Alumni Association for making those happen.
Mary Sharp, who has been with the association for three years, adds, “We have a dinner every year, and people nominate alumni for distinguished achievements in academics and athletics.” The alumni association’s efforts create lasting connections and celebrate the legacy of Lakewood graduates, ensuring that the community’s history and traditions live on.
In addition to the Alumni Association’s impact, the Lakewood City Council plays a crucial role in the government and developments happening in the city. Cindy Strebig, a long-time council member, has been working towards community improvement since moving to Lakewood 26 years ago. “I was attracted to Lakewood because of its inclusive LGBTQ+ community,” Strebig said. “My wife and I love it here. I used to live in North Ridgeville, but I always knew I would eventually live in Lakewood.”
Strebig’s job is tackling key issues that affect residents of our city. This includes promoting inclusivity and improving infrastructure. One event is the upcoming Transgender Day of Remembrance on Nov. 18th, an event that the city council is organizing to honor transgender individuals and raise awareness about violence within the community. “Sadly, there are so many unnecessary deaths within the transgender community,” Strebig said. The event will take place at the city council meeting on Monday the 18th at 7:30 PM, where everyone is welcome to attend. Strebig encourages the community to attend and show their support, even if they don’t want to speak.
The Lakewood City Council is also working on addressing important infrastructure issues, such as replacing outdated galvanized pipes that still serve some homes and businesses. “We had a presentation last night on the lead and galvanized pipes still connected to people’s houses,” said Strebig. She explains there are approximately 400 pipes that need to be replaced between the public and private properties. But thanks to grants and loans “there will be no cost to homeowners or businesses,” Strebig said. This initiative will ensure that we are following the EPA’s new mandate without burdening residents financially.
Another exciting development for Lakewood is the transformation of the area around Detroit and Marlowe. The community has been wondering when something would be built on the divot in the middle of our city. Strebig shared that the city is beginning to implement plans for a major downtown development project, which includes a new retail space, residential units above the retail, and a new public plaza. “We’re working on our annual budget now, and this development will feature a new plaza where we can put up a Christmas tree and a large parking garage that will also serve the health center across the street.” This project promises to enhance the city’s downtown area, creating a more vibrant and accessible space for residents and visitors.
Melissa Garrett has called the city of Lakewood home since she was five years old. With over 20 years of experience in community relations for the city of Lakewood, Garrett plays a crucial role in organizing some of the city’s biggest events. As the city’s event planner and a main member of the communications team, Garrett organizes popular city events including concerts and movies in the park, the Fourth of July parade, and festivals like Light Up Lakewood, the Lakewood Arts Festival, and the Lakewood Community Festival. Citizens from Lakewood and other cities attend these festivals every year.
In addition to her event planning, Garrett controls the city’s website and ensures residents stay informed. “I maintain the city’s website, and I also help respond to residents’ concerns by directing them to the right people,” Garrett said. “When people ask, ‘What does community relations mean?’ I tell them, ‘It means I connect you with the right person to help with whatever you need.'” Garret’s dedication to the community and her role in building communication between residents and the city makes her an important figure in Lakewood’s vibrant and engaged local culture.
“You know…it’s community,” Garrett said. “I love the people…I love that we have front porches where we can visit our neighbors and get to know people. A lot of communities aren’t like that either. They’re spread apart.” Garrett is one of the many citizens who admire our community.
Together, the efforts of the Lakewood Alumni Association, the Lakewood City Council, and dedicated community members like Strebig and Garrett are shaping our community daily to improve inclusivity, planning our city’s new developments, and ensuring our concerns are valued as citizens. From supporting education and honoring alumni to tackling infrastructure challenges and promoting inclusivity, Lakewood continues to grow as a place where residents come together to build a thriving, supportive environment for everyone.
