To the Mayor of Sheffield Lake, Ohio

Subject: Kudos!

As one who grew up in Sheffield Lake and who still has ties to that community on the lake, I want to congratulate you and your staff for taking the appropriate steps and measures to gain control over Shoreway Shopping Center. My first job was at the ice cream shop, JoLee's Lil Dipper, that was located next to Pizza Hut. Then Rini Regos (now Giant Eagle) employed me. Both jobs were stepping stones as I continued my education and increased my skills as a worker. As a sophomore in high school, a group of art students and I painted store front windows of the empty stores. On my college application, I listed that endeavor as "community enhancement." I learned valuable lessons from living in a small, hometown environment. While the shopping center was always on the downward slope of decay, I found myself saddened more and more during my visits home over the last decade. If Sheffield Lake could muster up strength and rally with some hometown pride, I am sure that the city can have a renewal. As the property is cleaned up and wisely utilized, it could spark a momentum for other residents to do the same to their own homes. Then Sheffield Lake can become "Paradise," the name my parents have used to describe this bedroom community of fine neighbors. Best wishes for all that you do to improve the community. Be assured that there are several native sons and daughters, living across the United States, who are cheered by these recent events.

Sincerely,

Dawn **(daughter of Robert and Susan * of 809 W* Dr. and alumni of Forestlawn Elementary, Sheffield Middle School and Brookside High School)