A Bill Hixson Christmas: From Lakewood to the White House

For the past three decades the owner of Hixson’s has helped to decorate the most famous home in the country. But he’s still waiting for his one-on-one with President Obama.

Bill Hixson, the owner of Hixson’s, recently returned from his trip to Washington, D.C. where, this year, he decorated Red Room of the White House. It’s a tradition he’s kept for 30 years. Hixson’s met and been photographed with four US presidents, going back to the Reagan Administration. He’s also decorated a number of rooms in the White House. This was Hixson’s third visit to the White House during the Obama Administration. And, he’s still waiting for the opportunity to meet the President — even though Hixson donated a special ornament to feature on President Obama's personal Christmas tree. “I’ve talked to each and every one of the presidents,” Hixson said. “For three years, I have tried to meet (Obama). Next year, I am going to try to …

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Who Had The Best Decked Out House?

See the finalists and vote for the best-decorated home in the country.

Happy New Year from Patch!

It's a new year, and time for new resolutions

Happy New Year! Can you believe it's already 2012? With each new year, many of us out there make new resolutions. Some may argue that you don't need a certain day of the year to decide to make a change, but what better day than today? It's a fresh start right? We want to know what your resolution(s) is/are. Did you decide that it's time to join a gym? Maybe you want to try a new food? Or maybe you want to stay in contact with your family better? Whatever it is, we want to know, so please share with us in the comments section. In the meantime, here are what some of us Patch editors resolved: Megan Rozsa, associate local editor: "I want to start believing in myself more. I'm my own biggest critic and I need to quit sweating the small stuff…

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Lori E. Switaj

12:46 pm on Sunday, January 1, 2012

Happy 2012 Avon Lakers (and all you Clevelanders)! Have a New Year's resolution you'd like to share? Add it in the comments section.   more ›

Last Minute New Year's Ideas for the Planless

Still can't figure out what to do tonight? Here's a short list of happenings around town.

Some people are perfectly content enjoying the comfort of their own couch, drinking a glass of wine and watching the ball drop on Times Square in New York on New Year's Eve. But some people like to party. If you're still looking to party tonight, or to fill a gap in the action, here are a few options to keep up your sleeve:

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Photo Gallery: Choosing the Best Bubbly

Corey Rossen, owner of Rozi's Wine House, gave Lakewood Patch some bubbly suggestions for New Year's Eve.

Correction: This version corrects the spelling of Rozi's Wine and Liquor House owner Corey Rossen. Prosecco, champagne and brut, oh my. With seemingly endless choices for that perfect bubbly to toast new year's well wishes, how can anyone decide which one they will like? Lakewood Patch decided to go to the wise old owl of alcohol in Lakewood, Rozi's Wine & Liquor House. Hey, they've been there 72 years, they must be doing something right. Owner Corey Rossen offered up a few general pointers for the novice champagne drinker:

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Snapshot: Geiger's Enjoys Day After Christmas Shoppers

Chaz Geiger said the Detroit Avenue storefront was busier than normal for Dec. 26.

It's no Black Friday, but it's close. Chaz Geiger, owner of Geiger's Clothing and Sports, said Monday was a busier day after Christmas than usual for the 75-year-old storefront. "We're not just seeing returns, but people are coming in with gift cards, exchanges, maybe they didn't get the right size," he said. "It was a busy day." Geiger said big sellers this year were skiing equipment and cold-weather clothing, and boot sales have been strong all season. "You know, good quality, practical items," he said. Sally DeLong and her 15-year-old son Kyle traveled from Perry, OH for an early birthday gift. "He got his skiing goggles for Christmas, and now he's getting boots for his birthday in a few weeks," Sally said as Kyle slipped each foot into…

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Editor's Notebook

Deck Your House and Win $100,000 for Lakewood Public Schools

Get out the lights and holly — your decorating could mean big cash for our district.

Don’t miss out on this opportunity to win a $100,000 gift to the Lakewood School District. Patch.com is launching a nationwide contest to find the best-dressed home in its Patch communities, and the winner’s school district will receive $100,000, no strings attached. Here’s how the contest works. Beginning on Dec. 8 and continuing through Dec. 26, you can nominate your home by uploading a photo to the contest entry form on the site. During that same time period, you and your neighbors will also be able to vote for your favorite festive home. The winning local entry will be forwarded to a national Patch judge that will select 24 finalists. Each finalist will receive $500 that they can apply to their December electric bill. From Dec. 30 …

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Christmas Church Services in Lakewood

Get the low down on when Lakewood's churches are holding Christmas services this weekend.

Do you celebrate Christmas by going to a candlelight service, a midnight mass or a morning sermon? Lakewood Patch has compiled a list of Christmas Eve and Christmas Day services at a few Lakewood churches, so you when to be where. Did your church not make the list? Tell us in the comments when your church is worshipping this Holiday weekend. Or, better yet, post it to the events calendar.

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Colin McEwen

12:38 pm on Friday, December 23, 2011

You just did! Thanks for sharing.   more ›

Snapshot: Picking the Best Gingerbread House in the City

Panel of judges hits the streets on Thursday to pick the best gingerbread house in Lakewood. There were plenty of good ones to choose from.

As part of Downtown Lakewood's Gingerbread House Tour, a panel of judges hit the streets of Lakewood on Thursday to pick the best one. It wasn't easy. The judges — Mary Anne Crampton, Dan Deagan and Eric Lowrey — had plenty of houses to choose from. Two-dozen to be exact. They selected the Carroll family's gingerbread house "Santa's Sleigh" at Paisley Monkey as the Best in Show. But there were other winners, too. Prizes, donated by Downtown Lakewood Business Alliance, will be awarded on Dec. 22. The gingerbread houses will on display through the Dec. 21. “It’s been fun because people have been going into the shops just to see the gingerbread houses,” said Paula Reed, the chairwoman of Downtown Lakewood. “I think the merchants got a kick …

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