Ed Murchison – Virginia Cook Realtors // 9831 Ravensway // $395,000

Outstanding Modernist home designed by an architect for himself.  This home blends into it’s peaceful, wooded lot as if it grew from the earth.  With walls of floor to ceiling windows affording views of the shaded lawn and refreshing pool area, this home is designed for entertaining and is a unique and special property. The home maintains it’s original architectural design elements such as wood ceilings, exposed brick walls, high ceilings, floating built-ins and brick paver flooring that flows from the interior to the exterior poolside patio as specified by the architect.  On the ground floor, there is the main living area with brick fireplace that flows to a covered poolside patio area and is open to the dining room.  Both rooms are surrounded by floor to ceiling windows along two sides.
There is also a second living area that opens to a private courtyard, green house, kitchen with original cabinets featuring counter height windows and an office  that opens to the pool.  The upper level features a large master suite with two  walk-in closets, large master bath with jetted tub and a raised reading nook  providing a tree house effect.  The are two additional bedrooms, a bath, a darkroom and lots of closet space for storage.  Set in a quite, wooded Lake Highlands neighborhood near the lake, this home
offers all the key elements  a good modern home should offer. more details

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When it comes to teeth whitening products, expect the packaging and practically every marketing tool about it to say how great the product is. However, how can you be sure that it will be as effective on your own teeth? You need to be more a little discerning when it comes to choosing such a product, as it doesn’t necessarily come cheap.

So the best way for you to be able to see if the teeth whitening product you’ve been eyeing will be a good fit is to check out the available reviews first. This only takes around an hour of your time so you need not be lazy about it. Make sure that you read up on how long people started experiencing the actual effects of the product and if they’re satisfied with the results. Also, if you can, try to ask those people about their experience too so that you’ll get a better understanding of how the product really is. If five people claim that a product is not good enough then it probably is worth checking out a different brand. There’s no need to stick to something if it won’t produce the results even if it’s the more affordable choice. You’ll only end up wasting more money in the long run.

If you have any questions about how we can take you to a whiter smile, please visit the website! http://greenmountaindentalgroup.com/

For Immediate Release
December 14, 2009

United States Attorney’s Office
District of New Jersey
Contact: (973) 645-2700

Former Lakewood Property Manager Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy to Commit Extortion

TRENTON—Charles Amon, a former property manager in Lakewood, pleaded guilty today to conspiring to commit extortion, admitting he agreed to arrange meetings between Jeffrey Williamson, then a Lakewood Township housing inspector, and a cooperating witness, where at such meetings Williamson accepted a total of $1,500 in corrupt cash payments from the cooperating witness in return for Williamson exercising his future official authority in favor of the cooperating witness, U.S. Attorney Paul J. Fishman announced.

Amon, 33, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Peter G. Sheridan to a one-count criminal Information charging him with conspiracy to commit extortion under color of official right. Judge Sheridan continued Amon’s release on a $25,000 bond pending sentencing, which is scheduled for Feb. 18.

At his plea hearing, Amon, admitted that in April through May of 2007, he arranged meetings between Williamson and the cooperating witness, with the understanding that Williamson would accept corrupt cash payments from the cooperating witness with the understanding that Williamson would then perform favorable inspections on Lakewood properties owned by the cooperating witness. Amon also admitted that he had previously made corrupt cash payments to Williamson to perform lenient housing inspections on Amon’s behalf. Charges against Williamson are pending.

Amon’s guilty plea stems from a two-track undercover FBI investigation into political corruption and international money laundering which resulted in charges against 44 individuals via criminal Complaints on July 23.

Fishman said the political corruption and money laundering investigations are continuing.

The charge to which Amon pleaded guilty carries a maximum statutory penalty of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

In determining an actual sentence, the judge will consult the advisory U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, which recommend sentencing ranges that take into account the severity and characteristics of the offenses, the defendant’s criminal history, if any, and other factors, including acceptance of responsibility. The judge, however, has discretion and is not bound by those guidelines in determining a sentence.

The prosecution and defense have agreed that, under the U.S. Sentencing Guidelines, Amon faces a possible sentence of between 10 and 18 months in prison. Parole has been abolished in the federal system. Defendants who are given custodial terms must serve nearly all of that time.

Fishman credited Special Agents of the FBI, under the direction of Special Agent in Charge Weysan Dun, for the investigation leading to today’s guilty plea. The case against Amon is being handled by Assistant U.S. Attorney Dustin Chao of the U.S. Attorney’s Office Special Prosecutions Division in Newark.

Defense Counsel: Paul B. Brickfield, Esq., River Edge

Report Ocean County Corruption to FBI Washington DC

While many parents would shield their children from disturbing news stories (mine will never be that lucky) a 6 year old Kingston, WA boy was so moved by the Lakewood ambush he offered what to him was the biggest sacrifice he could muster.  The story is told through the Christmas letter of a heart broken, but now uplifted member of the Lakewood PD.

…It is hard not to remain bleak and jaded with these events so fresh in our minds. But something happened today, just 20 minutes ago, which made me want to send out a Christmas letter. I’m here at work and was just out in our secure parking lot helping another officer load collection bins into his car to take to a local Lakewood Police Independent Guild fundraiser event. I heard a woman, standing with a boy who couldn’t have been more than 3 or 4 years old, calling, “Excuse me….” through our locked gate. She had apparently been trying to get to our front counter but found no one there, it being Sunday, and had just happened to see us in the parking lot. I walked over to her and saw that the little boy was holding a plastic baggy containing a dollar and some change, and was clutching a well-worn stuffed dinosaur.

The woman told me that her son, AJ, had seen the stories on tv about our 4 slain officers. She said that they had driven to our station all the way from Kingston because her son was so intent on helping the children of these officers. I opened the gate and the boy handed me the plastic baggy containing all the money from his piggybank and a note on which he had written “AJ….From me to Pleec. I Love You.” And then, with tears in his eyes, he handed me his stuffed dinosaur. AJ’s mom explained that he wanted to give the children of the slain officers the most precious thing that he owned, and that was his dinosaur, Bruno. Read the entire letter and full story here.

Meet AJ. 

What would AJ do?

According to the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund,  a cop is killed in the line of duty every 53 hours in the United States.  That is obviously the most tragic aspect to a life in law enforcement, but today’s politically correct, litigious atmosphere has created other unnecessary risks and just plain nuisances.

The Monday morning quarterback who can’t commit to a salad dressing at a restaurant is by far the most obnoxious.  Often masquerading as lawyers and journalists, these impotent bleeding hearts spend hours, days, even weeks second guessing the split second life and death decisions of a public servant.  A lot of police work is routine, but when situations like the following happen without warning things get really serious really fast, and there is no room for error. 

And now, on top of merely having the nerve to go into situations like these, police have to consider the legal aftermath.  My husband had to purchase extra liability insurance in the event of a civil suit.  I wonder if D-Train’s momma worries about me suing her if the unthinkable happens.  Nah, not as long as she keeps her neighborhood community organizer on speed dial.

Donate to the trust for the children of the Lakewood fallen

“Years ago I asked my sister ‘What’s going to happen if something happens to you?’ And she said ‘Tiffany, I want you to know that if anything ever happens that I went out doing what I loved the most’ and I know she meant that…  There was a car in the water and the victims were in there and she took off her belt. The other officer didn’t want to get in at that time and she said ‘Then watch my gun’. She went in that water and even though they weren’t alive, she brought them up,” – Tiffany Ryan, Griswold’s sister

“She was a little ball of fire,” said Matt Brown, a fellow Lakewood officer. “As small as she was, she was one of the biggest cops I knew. She would go into anything, anywhere.”

 ”The fastest way to break up a bar fight was to throw Tina in the middle of it,” said Pamela Battersby, Griswold’s friend

Tina Griswold earned the nickname, “Tinkerbell”, for her 4′11″ frame, but those that knew her describe her as tough as nails, hard working and with a heart of gold. 

Griswold’s father is a retired Shelton police officer, and her sister, Tiffany Ryan (quoted above) works in the records department at the Spokane Police Department.  She leaves behind widower, Paul, a 2 tour Iraq war veteran.  They would have celebrated their 3rd wedding anniversary on January 28th, it also would have been her 41st birthday.  She is also survived by a 21 year old daughter and a 7 year old son.

Griswold had a 14 year career in law enforcement and was awarded a lifesaving award just this year.  Like something out of a movie, when she was going through training at the beginning of her career her fellow recruits were skeptical of her slight frame.  She eventually won them over.  At the beginning of a push up test she was teased about whether she would be doing girly push ups.  She didn’t.  She did the 30 required and kept going until her naysayers were clapping and cheering her on. Griswold was also known as a good cook and active in the Tea Party movement according to LPIG.

photo credit Lacey Police Department

Donate to the trust for the fallen officers’ children

 ”I could die tomorrow, I’d be happy. I have everything I want.”

Gregory Richards, 42, was the “glass half full guy”.  He leaves behind wife of 18 tears Kelly and their 3 children.  Just like the other fallen Lakewood heroes he was a family man first, cop second.

After a long search the family had finally found a house and community they loved in Graham.  They just moved in about a year ago and had been busy fixing up the yard.  Richards even poured a concrete slab on which to park his cruiser which he kept immaculate. 

Richards was from Lynwood, California.  He learned to play the drums at 8 years old and was currently the drummer for the all police rock band, Locked Down. Richards served in the U.S. Army from 1985-89.  He also got off the shot that wounded Clemmons.

Donate to the trust for the fallen officers’ children

Ronald Owens was a 37 year old, 2nd generation cop and NASCAR fan who also enjoyed dirt bikes.  He leaves behind a 7 year old daughter who will have to be comforted by memories made while the divorced dad spent every spare second he could with her.  He even took her to Disney on Ice recently.  It must take a special little girl to get a cop to Disney on Ice.  He was looking forward to her first basketball season coming up. 

His sister remembers him break dancing on the kitchen floor and singing Barry Manilow songs.

A friend who regularly had coffee with Owens (and Sgt. Renninger) recalled the domestic violence call of a friend that Owens responded to earlier this year.  The friend said Owens spent hours afterward helping the victim fill out paperwork.

Owens will be remembered for his fun-loving, positive attitude, willingness to help, loyalty and dedication to his little girl.

Donate to the trust for the fallen officers’ children

Sgt. Mark Renninger was 39 years old and leaves behind a wife and 3 children.  He was a former Army Ranger and SWAT team trainer.  A super-cop.  Every anecdote from his colleagues exudes respect and awe at his skill during his 13 year law enforcement career.  Personally, he is described as having charisma, a great sense of humor, showing natural leadership skills and most of all dedicated to his family.  

Renninger was from Bethlehem, PA where he has been laid to rest.  He was a star Liberty High School football player and a “constant fixture” at the Bethlehem Girls and Boys Club where he volunteered.

Renninger is survived by his wife, Kim and children, Ashley (15), Allyson (12),and Nicholas (3).  Nicholas will never play catch with his father.  Ashley and Allyson’s weddings will be bittersweet as they are walked down the aisle by someone besides their father. 

family photo

donate to the trust for the fallen officers’ children

Anyone that frequents this blog regularly (what? There could be one person that does) would be doing me a huge favor if they would follow this link and read the post. Times are tough all around and it’s asking a lot, but it’s a worthy cause and I hope you’ll donate a little something if you can. The loss of the Lakewood officers in Washington is a tragedy and I can’t imagine what their children must be feeling as they face this holiday without the parent that was ripped from them. There’s not much we can do to ease their pain, but we can do our part to make sure they have a chance for a bright future in spite of all they’ve lost. Thank you and Happy Holidays.

The Lakewood fallen have been laid to rest.  Maurice Clemmons body is cold, while his soul smolders.  News coverage is shifting to cover things like the war on Christmas, Tiger Woods’ sex life and the questionable placement of Michelle Obama’s belts.  Before we all get back to business as usual, I’d like to do my small part to help the three surviving spouses and nine children left damaged in ways they will never fully recover from, yet left with no choice but to find a way to carry on.

This week I’m devoting all my posts to honoring law enforcement, giving the general public a glimpse into what it means to be a cop on and off duty,  the unique challenges that face a law enforcement family and most importantly, aiding the grieving.

My strategy?  Guilt mongering.  I’ve been told I’m pretty good at.  I’m hoping my fellow bloggers will join me in encouraging giving before this news story fades away.  I’m not tracking hits on my blog this week.  I’m tracking hits on that link in the top right corner.  I know money is tight right now.  We can’t afford to cut a huge check right now, so our family has committed to giving a smaller amount every paycheck.  I’ll be leaving that link up for a year.  Every little bit helps.  Money can’t heal a broken heart, but it can relieve some stress for the surviving parents.   

 The Lakewood Police Independent Guild has set up a trust for the children of Sgt. Mark Renninger, Ofc. Tina Griswold, Ofc. Ronald Owens and Ofc. Greg Richards.  Since the LPIG is managed through member dues, 100% of donations will go into a trust for the children.  The guild stresses that they are not soliciting donations through telephone or email.  Unfortunately, some scammers have tried to exploit the situation.  However, there are some businesses legitimately soliciting donations.

I’ve read a lot of comments on blogs regarding why fallen police get so much fanfare compared with our fallen military.  I see their point, but I’m really not interested in arguing about which deaths are more tragic right now.  If that aspect really bothers someone they might consider the huge number of law enforcement officers which are former military.  

I’m also closing comments.  Comment by giving.

Afterthought: I haven’t forgotten Seattle’s Ofc. Tim Brenton who was murdered on Halloween.  Shortly after the Lakewood shooting his widow requested that all further donations to them be redirected to the survivors of the Lakewood fallen.

Wystone’s was reviewed in Westword.  We have re-posted the review below, or you can click here to see the post in Westword.

Sugar High: Wystone’s African rooibos carrot cake

Liz Kellermeyer

Tea and cake together is a no-brainer, but what about tea in cake? At Wystone’s World Tea Cafe, 7323 West Alaska Drive, it’s not just the cakes that are baked with a hit of tea leaves, but almost all their fare. From Lapsang Souchong smoked tea-infused chicken to black tea-roasted potatoes, executive chef Mark Kalix has created a menu that takes advantage of the 150 varieties of loose leaf teas he has at his fingertips. But while the lunch menu looked tempting, it was dessert that called our name. Enter the African rooibos carrot cake.

“The challenge with using teas in food,” says Kalix, “is keeping the tea from over-steeping and turning bitter and tannic.” To avoid this, he developed cooking methods tailored to specific types of tea. The carrot cake, for example, is made with African red rooibos, a caffeine-free herbal tea that’s high in antioxidants and naturally sweet. Kalix uses Caramel Rooibos, a specialty blend, to infuse the cake, though the tea is only visible as burgundy flecks throughout the white cream cheese frosting.

This is not a dessert for those who prefer their carrot cakes unmarred by textural additions. It’s dense, moist and hefty. The three layers are crammed with fruit and nuts; walnuts are featured heavily, with pineapple and coconut also making an appearance alongside the carrot slivers. Tangy with a mellow sweetness, the frosting is thick — almost the consistency of butter. But the tea flavor we were expecting, never came. Kalix credits the tea with adding moisture to the cake and bestowing an “unmistakable roundness to the flavor that’s lacking if it’s left without the tea infusion.” We can’t deny the moistness of the cake or the balance of flavors, so we’ll count this as a tea win.

You’d be remiss if you went to Wystone’s and didn’t try some of the their teas straight up. We paired the carrot cake with the Butter Truffles black tea, which intrigued us because the description likened the flavor to licking a bowl of butter cookie dough. Included, among other things in this blend, are pistachios, coriander and peppercorns. It’s a perfect pairing with the cake, with the buttery undertones of the tea marrying well with the cake’s darker caramel notes. Plus, how fun is this tea pot?

Liz Kellermeyer

An hourglass dictates the steeping time. Once ready, placing the pot on a mug releases the brewed tea.

The shop recently added a party room, so if you’re looking to tea it up for a special occasion, they’re currently taking reservations for the rest of 2009 and 2010.

African Rooibos Carrot Cake $6.00
Butter Truffles tea, pot $4.25

Thank you to all of you who were able to make it, even with all of the crazy weather. We still did manage to get out and run, but we stayed in the driveway so not to get hit by skidding cars. A great effort was given by everyone, especially those that this was their 1st official WOD! Thanks for stopping by Katie, Susan, Ryan, & Lisa. Hope we see all of you more often in the gym! This workout was designed by CrossFit No Limits for the fallen officers of the Lakewood police department, Sergeant Mark Renninger, Officers Tina Griswold, Greg Richards, and Ronnie Owens.. Thanks for that all that donated, this money will be greatly appreciated by the families affected. If anyone still wants to donate money I will be sending it in on Tuesday, so make sure I get by then or I can give you information to donate yourself. Checks should be made out to the Fallen Officers Fund. I am very thankful for the entire CrossFit community, we are a great group and this event shows that we can come together as a group for a cause. CrossFit Gyms statewide and beyond: Rainier (Puyallup) Lynnwood, SnoRidge(Snoqualmie), Monroe, and 509 (Spokane), Bulldog CF in Chicago, CF All In (Lake Steven) Fort Vancouver, WestSound(Port Orchard), and SnoValley, and I’m sure there are some not mentioned.

WOD:

800m Run
23 Burpee Pull Ups (*Mark)
101 Box Jumps (*Tina)
400m Run Backwards
121 Push Ups (*Ronnie)
135 Situps (*Greg)
800m Run
9 Ground to overhead (Number of kids left behind)

*Badge Number

One another note!

Congratulation Jo on your 1st box jump!

That’s you in that Picture!

Carlos Monasterios tiene el mejor record de encuentros ganados …
El lanzador de los Bravos de Margarita, Carlos Monasterios, es el lider del departamento de encuentros ganados en la temporada con cinco.

Se quitaron la espinita en casa : Noticiero Digital
… de tolerar seis carreras e igual numero de incogibles en apenas 0.2 entradas de labor, siendo esta su apertura mas corta en lo que a su carrera en Venezuela se refiere. Carlos Monasterios sumo su septimo laurel de la temporada. …

Mets Draft Carlos Monasterios : Mets Today
Mets Draft Carlos Monasterios. Carlos_Monasterio. Big news this morning: the Mets took pitcher Carlos Monasterios in the Rule 5 draft. Dont worry, youre not supposed to have heard of him. The fun part is they plucked him from the …

Breaking News: Mets Trade Carlos Monasterios : Mets Today
Breaking News: Mets Trade Carlos Monasterios. Carlos_Monasterio. Cancel that jersey order! The Mets have traded their first-round Rule 5 Pick Carlos Monasterios to the Los Angeles Dodgers for cash considerations. …

Carlos Monasterios,2009 Rule 5 Draft Results
Carlos Monasterios,2009 Rule 5 Draft Results thumbnail. Full Story And Original Content.Thnewspk.comCarlos Monasterios,2009 Rule 5 Draft Results:Big news this morning: the Mets took pitcher Carlos Monasterios in the Rule 5 draft. …

Carlos Monasterios,2009 Rule 5 Draft Results | TheNewsPk
Carlos Monasterios,2009 Rule 5 Draft Results:Big news this morning: the Mets took pitcher Carlos Monasterios in the Rule 5 draft.

The Ropolitans | NY Mets Baseball Blog: Mets select Carlos …
With the 7th pick in the Rule 5 Draft, the Mets selected RHP Carlos Monasterios, 23-years-old from the Phillies Triple-A roster. Monasterios went to the Phillies from the Yankees in the Bobby Abreu trade. He made eight starts last year, …

Carlos Monasterios milb, rule 5 draft, 2009 rule 5 draft, mets …
NY Mets select Philadelphia Phillies prospect Carlos Monasterios in Rule 5 draft, then trade him to Los Angeles Dodgers INDIANAPOLIS — The Mets selected.

Carlos Monasterios To Mets, John Raynor To Pirates | The Composed …
Carlos Monasterios was drafted by the Mets from the Philadelphia Phillies, while the Pittsburgh Pirates announced they have selected outfielder John Raynor in the latest result of the 2009 Rule 5 draft. Monasterios is a 23-year-old …

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Lakewood, Ohio

Lakewood, Ohio. The third largest city in Cuyahoga, not EXACTLY Cleveland, but close enough. Home to many things, and many people. Just to list a few:  Aladdin’s Eatery, Malley’s Chocolates, Dennis Kucinich (hah..), the highest concentration of vegetarians and vegans, The Beck Center for the Arts, and of course, last but not least homosexuals.

I have nothing against gay men, I see them everyday, as I live on the border of Cleveland and Lakewood. There is a gay bar right down the street from my house next to one of my favorite bars, Now That’s Class. It is ironically called The Hawk. Every so often men drift from the Hawk over to Now That’s Class to mingle with the young people whom hang out there. We all just seem used to it I suppose, rarely is anyone phased by their presence.

However, I’d say just about every person who has visited Lakewood, or heard about it has heard of it being full of gay men. “Oh, they’re everywhere, doing it everywhere, blah blah blah.” False. There is quite a substantial gay community in Lakewood, however they do not parade around as if they’re owed something, and they certainly aren’t “doing it” on the sidewalk in the open. Or maybe they are and I’ve just been oblivious to this…

I personally enjoy being around gay guys. As awkward as that may sound. They’re just so sassy and fun and dramatic I love it. I recall going to My Friends restaurant which just so happens to be down the street from my house now and I was sitting at a table next to a couple of cross dressers. They had to be some of the funniest people I’ve ever met. But that’s besides the point.

So, I suppose unless you live in the area you’ll always hear about the homosexuals that live in Lakewood, but in reality, they’re no more present then most other people. If you ever see one, say hi! They don’t bite.

A Slain Lakewood Police Officer,  Sergeant Mark Renninger
arrived at the Philadelphia airport on Wednesday. A memorial service is set for Friday. Two other Lakewood police officers had Private burials on Wednesday in Seattle.

There was a procession to Sea-Tac airport in Seattle and a special honor Guard stayed with Mark Renninger in The Funeral Home all night Wednesday.

Authorities said Renninger, a former Army Ranger and nationally known SWAT trainer, and his fellow officers were targeted by Maurice Clemmons in a crowded coffee shop as they prepared for their shifts. Two days later, on Dec. 1, Clemmons was killed by a Seattle patrolman after being found near a broken-down vehicle on the side of a road.

For Friday’s ceremony at Stabler Arena in Bethlehem, notices were sent to police departments across the country and city police are helping coordinate visiting police departments from throughout Pennsylvania plus New York, New Jersey, Delaware and Virginia.-via www.chicagotribune.com

Funeral Industry|Funeral Blog by Your Funeral Guy

1. What car delivered the most satisfaction this year? Probably a Lexus, or a Prius, right? The answer may surprise you.

2. Snohomish County, just north of Seattle, takes aim at the latest menace to society: bikini baristas.

3. Papa John’s, which is donating all profits from pizzas sold yesterday and today to the families of the four police officers who were gunned down near Tacoma last month, is so overwhelmed with business that all but three of its 20 Seattle-area stores have stopped taking orders. I love the community response, but this left us scrambling for other dinner plans.

4. Perez Hilton gets bitch-slapped.

5. Speaking of bitch-slapping, have you been weighing the Barnes & Noble Nook versus Amazon’s Kindle? The New York Times’ tech maven David Pogue opines: “Every one of the Nook’s vaunted distinctions comes fraught with buzz kill footnotes.”

UPDATE: Other reviewers pile on:

Here’s The Wall Street Journal’s Walt Mossberg: “My recommendation on the Nook is to wait, even if you prefer its features to the Kindle’s. It’s not fully baked yet.”

Here’s the AP: “I’ve been trying Barnes & Noble Inc.’s $259 Nook for a few days, and I’m not eager to prolong the acquaintance.”

The Memorial Service and Procession in Washington State for the slain Lakewood Police officers may have been the Largest in Washington State History.

The tributes and speeches were truly moving for those gunned downed simply because they were Police Officers.

The Governor of Washington State had called the funeral the darkest day in law enforcement history in the State of Washington.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE PICTURES AND VIDEO

The Funeral procession took 3 and a half hours longer than expected. so the Service did not get started on time.

Snippet from the Boston Herald
TACOMA, Wash. — Moving tributes to the four slain Lakewood, Wash., police officers were delivered by co-workers, friends and their children at Tuesday’s memorial service at the Tacoma Dome.

Austin Richards, the 16-year-old son of Greg Richards, said his father viewed his job as an honor despite the stresses inherent to law enforcement work.

“He didn’t become more hardened or angry, just more thankful,” Richards said. “I guess you could say he didn’t see the point in anger.”-via news.bostonherald.com

Funeral Industry|Funeral Blog by Your Funeral Guy

Procession Memorial  pic from flickr under the creative commons license from

tacomamama’s photostream

The Seattle 911 Blog has some great coverage and a link to view/download the Fallen Officer Memorial program from the funeral services held on Dec 8th 2009.

The full memorial service is also linked from the blog ablove if you wish to take a video look.

Lakewood Police Chief Brett Farrar gave the remark that describes best what officers do, in times of unimaginable loss. Sadly, SBPD officers have faced this challenge too many times. Yet it is a part of what we do. Chief Farrar:

“There’s been a lot said about how law enforcement would react to this,” Farrar said. “We’re going to strap our gear on, we’re going to go back out there, and we’re going to protect our people. We’re going to protect our citizens. We’re going to protect our children.”

Next time you see an officer, please take a moment to thank them if you appreciate their service and dedication. Especially with 2009 being such a violent, deadly year for Law Enforcement Officers nationwide.

“When an officer is killed, its not just an agency that loses an officer, but an entire nation” - ODMP.org

Today four Lakewood, WA police officers were laid to rest.  Their commitment to duty, honor and community must not be forgotten.

A memorial fund has been established for the children of these fallen officers.  More information about the fund here: http://www.lpig.us/.  I have 8 Utah Office of Tourism 2010 calendars left and am offering them for sale, with 100% of the proceeds being donated to this fund.  My image of the Three Gossips in Arches NP is the August photo.  I am accepting donations for the calendars, which retail for $11.00, in any amount.

If you would like to honor these fallen officers by purchasing a calendar please email me and I will provide you with a link to my PayPal account or an address to which you may send a check.

Please keep these officers, their families, their friends and all the men and women who choose to serve in law enforcement in your thoughts.

Before you’re tempted to say screw it about holiday shopping, well….go ahead and say Screw It! (Don’t you love it, I’m being all edgy here! haha)

The artist and crafter lineup for the Cleveland Handmade Market has finally been listed, and along with the regular artists who will be hosting open studios in the Screw Factory (The Lake Erie Buiding at Templar Industrial Park) this event is NOT to be missed. May I repeat, NOT to be missed.

Yes, I am exhibiting my work at this event (including my recently unveiled photography, in addition to my modern nature jewelry) yet I’d be completely excited to hit the event to shop regardless. In fact, don’t buy everything before I get a chance to check it out as well.

This is the largest Cleveland Handmade show to date, and should have something for everyone.

Find more information at Cleveland Handmade

Want to spread the word? You can print flyers HERE